tampered | Log;Ongoing/Closed

Log;Ongoing/Closed

When; September 13th, evening
Rating; Mmm. PG for Ken's charming mouth?
Characters;

soulofocean
Summary; Ken's been itching for a challenge, and Aya gives him that while Umi watches the boys spar.
Log;

He was usually a good deal more punctual, but a call to rescue someone from the Underground had unfortunately caused him to be a good fifteen minutes late. Thankfully, the bike cut off a good chunk of walking time, so there wouldn't be too much for Aya to fuss about, if he even said anything. Once the bike was still, he climbed off of it, already dressed for the fight other than the long gloves he already had strapped to his legs. After a quick look around, he pulled off his helmet and crossed over to where his 'opponent' and friend were waiting.

"Sorry! I got a late call."

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Umi was forgotten for a moment as Ken just smiled almost innocently and started walking towards Aya. There's was no mistaking the almost casual tension in his muscles as he moved closer to Aya and even as his nodded an acknowledgment to Umi, his gaze never left Aya.

"You're not gonna start, Aya?"

"That's good, Umi."

And now that Umi was out of the way, Aya's entire stance changed and he had two hands on his sword. His violet eyes focused on his target and the corner of his lip twitched. The start of a smile that just didn't quite come to completion.

"Me? I suppose I can."

And he rushed forward to slash at his friend. Unlike Umi, he didn't bother going easy.

...This wasn't going to be lightweight. Umi could guess that much since far before they started.

Her muscles tensed as even from her little secure spot she felt the readiness about her tingle: almost as if she were indirectly participating in the match herself.

Aya had that trademark agility of his, but Ken certainly looked powerful on his stance. She made a point out of focusing on their every move and inadvertently shut down all sounds and outside distractions around her.

As soon as Aya started his advance the claws slid out with a soft noise and Ken's face went blank as he locked his gaze on that blade. Aya might be quicker, but Ken was stronger. All in all, they were a good match sparring thanks to the differing styles. As soon as Aya was close enough to reach him, he dropped low, a clawed hand reaching to swipe at his knee.

As soon as he could, Aya sprang over Ken, using his momentum to jump rather than trying to dodge back. He landed and was spinning around to face him, automatically slashing low at his side. It was easy to dodge Ken's movements since he knew them so well. And his own movements were deadly and could easily cause serious harm if Ken didn't move out of the way. But, he was trusting him to do just that.

Umi bit her lip as she continued to watch, trying to anticipate each of the contenders' moves as the duel went on. It wasn't an easygoing sparring session: Ken and Aya meant what they were doing. It made her a little restless where she sat, but she trusted their skill and how both respected each other's strength. It was a good idea, to train that hard, that seriously... The City for one wouldn't hold back in what it tossed their way.

There was another half-hearted slash at Aya's legs just before he rolled away from the oncoming strike only to bounce back to his feet and lunge for Aya's arm this time. Most people would find this kind of thing disturbing or hectic, but to Ken, it was just the thing he needed to help him stay centered. Of all the people he knew, he trusted Aya the most, after all.

Spinning around, he barely avoided that lunge. But once he did, he turned to ram his shoulder into Ken's side to throw off his balance. Aya never had learned the proper way to use his sword, had no specific style. Now everything he knew was mostly based on what he'd taught himself.

Twisting again, he made a jab with the hilt of his sword at Ken's stomach.

She thought she winced at that one last assault. These two would have bruises the size of bad news on them when this whole match was finished. Umi'd brought refreshment, yeah. But now she found herself wishing she'd also brought along a first aid kit.

The Water Knight hugged her knees as she pulled them up the bench where she sat and watched harder. This was good practice for her, in a way.

So, if she were the one wielding the sword there, she would...

Ken hit the ground with a soft grunt, but as soon as he did, his hand snapped around to make a grab for Aya's wrist, knowing if he could connect, he might be able to put him down or make him drop the katana. As it was, while he was grabbing, his back arched hard, giving him enough momentum to try to aim a kick at the back of Aya's head.

The katana fell and he backed off quickly. A good thing since he saw a kick fly towards his head a second later. Moving his head out of the way, Aya took several steps back then waited. His sword was on the other side of Ken now but that way fine. He just needed to get around or under him in order to snatch it up again.

It was hard to refrain from shouting Watch out, as things stood -- though Umi wasn't sure for which of the moves it was intended.

Aya was unarmed now. Did that give Ken the upper hand? It seemed reasonable to believe so, but she didn't discard the possibility of the redhead coming up with a swift strategy to get it back at once.

Even after all that, there was still no smile on Ken's face as he rolled back to his feet. His eyes flicked down to Aya's hand and he silently noted that yep, he was unarmed, but he didn't dare glance around for the katana. He knew the moment he looked away from his teammate, he'd end up paying for it. His head tilted a little, then he slowly took a step closer, openly stalking Aya.

So Ken was stalking him now. Very cautiously, he kept his distance, keeping a close eye on his friend as he moved. Then he shifted just once like he was about to dash towards the right before at the very last second, rushing forward straight at Ken. It looked like a suicidal move but Aya was good at those.

Umi's eyes went very wide at that. What was he--? ...But would he get there in time??

It took all Umi's willpower to stay still and wait for the outcome of that move, her fingernails digging unconsciously into her leg's skin.

And Ken was used to seeing them. He didn't fall for the feint, but instead, he met Aya head on, the claws suddenly flashing as he slashed his fists down. This time, he didn't bother to drop down any, knowing Aya wouldn't fall for it.

Aya ducked at the last moment, a couple of his hairs falling as they were cut. Rolling to the ground, he came to his feet beyond Ken. And this time, he had his sword in this hands again. Spinning around, he held his sword in front of him.

The little sound on the back of her throat was almost a cheer, though practically inaudible. She'd known Aya would manage to get around the uneven odds, though he certainly hadn't had it easy! Now Ken would need to double his efforts to rebuild his advantage. A smile came to Umi's face: something like the defiant one she sometimes wore during her own battles. That was something she looked forward to seeing.

This time, it was Ken who pressed the attack, his stance so low that it seemed like his hands were almost dragging the ground as he charged at Aya. he was lost in the fight, not even really remembering that Umi was still there watching.

Aya used his sword to block the attack rather than dodging this time, pressing back despite the fact that Ken was stronger. He couldn't always rely on the fact that he was stronger than him.

...So it would come down to a struggle of strength now? Unless Aya disengaged and attacked from the flank, far as Umi understood. Though that would be a bit too much of an obvious bet. Let's see if Ken allowed for this to go on much longer, or used his own strength to turn the matter to his advantage again.

There was the clatter of metal on metal and another soft grunt from Ken as he tried to push Aya back with the single hand he'd connected with. The other, in a flicker of motion tossed a handful of dirt at Aya's face, intending to blind him. It was a dirty cheat of a move but Ken wasn't exactly an honorable fighter.

Some of the dirt hit his eyes and he wished he had his mask. But he hadn't bothered to put it on for his. Back off instantly, he shook his head to get the dirt out of his face. Damn...he should have seen that one coming.

"What the-?!"

Umi almost jumped off her seat. That... what on earth had that been for?? It was hard to get a grip and not interfere in the match, but Umi pulled it off and sat very still.

She hadn't yet come to terms with this... this making sure they fought like whatever The City or less honorable adversaries would fight. It was hard, for someone who'd been raised with the honor code of fencing stuck firmly on her head, to be okay with it.

Umi wasn't above a couple of tricks when in battle, but a part of herself still felt aggravated at things like that. Give her time. Maybe she'd manage to grow a thicker skin for it. Meanwhile she just scowled, stayed quiet, and looked on, sighing deeply under her breath.

Ken pressed his attack, both hands rising as he aimed to disarm Aya once more. He'd heard Umi and that momentary distraction pulled at his attention for just a fraction of a second but he wouldn't let her muffled protest stop him.

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