Post by Ark Ghiest on Mar 17, 2013 13:52:24 GMT -5
Inner peace. Zen. Being one with the universe. All of these could be labeled as the true purpose of mediation. The body could be trained for years, decades even in order to reach its peak condition. The mind on the other hand was different, it had no true limit. With a thought it could travel the cosmos or solve the simplest of equations all depending on who was wielded it. The deeper one got into mediation the more in touch he could be with his deepest thoughts and emotions. For Ark meditation was a way to focus, to put himself at ease and truly enjoy being at peace.
Being alone was one thing, but even in seclusion there could still be plenty of distractions. Mediation was an escape from the material world and its distractions, a place Ark could feel at ease with the world. The human always took time to slip into such a state before a fight, it helped further sync his body with his mind. Before entering this other place, deep inside his mind, he had asked his Father to wake him from the trance when his match was getting close. Having several hours he was sure it would be plenty of time to perform his ritual, but in the past he had been known to lose track of time while in such a state. The time of the first Semi-final match was getting close, a hand reaching for the young humans shoulder.
A couple of gentle shakes would bring Ark out of his mediation, his lavender eyes slowly sliding open. Still looking straight ahead he would not have to turn to see who it was that was waking him. “Time already?”
“I am afraid so, did you not get as deep as you would have liked?” Owin would look down at his son, understanding why he enjoyed mediating, but never having found a use for it. Ark’s father was a simple man that had worked with his hands for most of his life. He was much more focused on the day-to-day workings of life, unlike his son who was always searching for some greater meaning to his existence.
Rising from his spot on the bed Ark would hop off to land softly on the floor of their room, stretching out his limbs. Even from down this far in the stadium he could hear the announcer over the loud speaker. The words were mumbled of course, but the roar that would answer them back from the assembled crowd lead Ark to believe that the following matches were being played up much more than the rest had been. He supposed it made sense, there were only three matches left in total, including the Championship match. Rolling his shoulders once he would make his way past his father with a nod, ready to head out and start his match.
As he made his way down the hall, his father in tow, Ark couldn’t help but notice how empty the halls seemed today. There were only four fighters left in the tournament so that meant that twenty-eight had already taken their leave, half of those probably not even wanting to stick around to watch the rest of the tournament. Ark had made it a point to not learn the names of those that were still left in the tournament, and had still yet to see a match. The halls were deserted and quiet, but the announcer continued to speak to the crowd, describing the exciting events in the tournament so far. All the hype was something Ark had never enjoyed. He was here simply to test his skills and prove that he could handle himself against a range of opponents. Of course there was prize money and a trophy for the winner of the tournament, but that was all extra for Ark. He only wanted to prove his training and conditioning had not been a waste time. Finally making his way out to the floor he could see the crowd was full of energy, all of them hoping these next to matches would be worthy of elevating the two winners to the final.
The crowd didn’t bother him in the least; in fact there was a particular part of the crowd that he was growing to enjoy. After his father moves past him with a pat on his shoulder Ark would look for Vayle in the crowd, trying to spot the brunette in the section she had been seated in during the last couple of rounds. He had met the woman only a couple of days before and even though they only had short conversations there was something about her that was enticing. Looking over the section his expression would turn to one of minor surprise, seeing the seat she had always been in empty. Glancing around the immediate area he didn’t spot her, hoping that perhaps she was making her way to her seat still. Letting a small frown form on his lips he could only offer a small shrug. Perhaps her brother had lost yesterday, and she had chosen to leave with him or perhaps she was just busy doing something and had indeed not made it to her seat yet. Pushing it from his mind Ark would move over to the side of the arena knowing he was in the first match, but would need to wait until he was called to the platform.
Several more moments would pass by, the crowd starting to settle back in some. As they begin to relax and cheers become the murmurs of mixed conversations the announcer comes back over the speakers. “Ladies and Gentlemen, please bring your attention to the fighting platform. For the past three days you have witnessed some of the best fighters in the region, but now with only two days left, we are getting down to the best of the best. The first of the semi-finals matches promises to be quite a sight. Let’s get our combatants to the platform! Starting on the red side is one of the fastest fighters we have seen, Joshua Gilden.”
Glancing around the floor Ark would look for someone that was either getting to their feet, or heading towards the platform. Turning slowly he would then hear a cheer go up from the crowd. What were they cheering for? Pivoting back towards the platform his questions would be answered, a tall man standing in the ring, dressed in a plain pair of pants, his feet and chest bare. Ark had not seen the man make his way to the platform, but the announcer had labeled him as one of the fastest in the tournament, perhaps he had just been looking the wrong way as the man ran out. Smirking some he would just shake his head, knowing he was next.
”Next, starting on the white side, he has been considered the underdog in both of his previous fights, but has proven his worth, Ark Ghiest!” Ark would pause a second, thinking the word “underdog” over. Again he had not been paying attention to the brackets or other matches, so the fact he wasn’t expected to win his matches was news to him. In the end it really didn’t matter, he had pushed himself to his limits in the previous fights and would do so again. Whistling some the human would walk up the steps to his side of the platform, rolling his neck some as he waits for the match to start.
“Once the fight begins it will continue until a fighter yields or is thrown from the platform. There are no limits on what techniques you might use except that Bukujutsu is not allowed. If you both agree and understand pay your respects to each other and the match will commence”
Dipping into a short bow Ark could see his opponent doing the same before shaking his limbs out. In the previous two fights he had been a little cautious in his approach to his opponent and on both occasions it had worked to their advantage. When the signal sounds for the start of the match he would immediately move forward towards the other fighter, his pace steadily increasing as does. Joshua to his credit would come forward as well, seeming to be intent on getting closer to Ark right from the start.
Mostly dedicated to close combat Ark was fine with the two closing in on each other, especially after the trouble he had with Ishida in the last round. Once closer enough he would pull up just short of Joshua, planting his right foot as his other starts to lift from the ground. Spinning on his grounded foot, putting his back and leg into the kick Ark would bring his leg around in a roundhouse kick aimed for the side of his opponents head. Joshua was not prepared for it, Arks foot slamming right into the side of his head.
At least, that is what appeared to be happening, but instead of hitting anything solid the humans foot would just sail through what he thought was Joshua, the image disappearing just as a fist drives hard into his lower back. With one foot on the ground Ark would start to fall, but manages to tuck his leg back down and stumble away instead. Ever aware of his surroundings he would lash out with a left elbow at the closing fighter, hoping to catch him in the forehead. Again though he had been deceived his elbow hitting nothing and moments later a solid fist slams up into his own abdomen.
Caught off guard by the blow and stunned slightly by the sudden lack of air in his lungs he could do nothing about the blow that then struck him in the side of the head, again staggering him to the side. Not able to hold his balance this time Ark would drop to one knee, his left hand placed on the ground beside him to prevent him from dropping to the floor. Sensing another blow coming he would lift his right arm to block the vicious downward punch that had been aimed for the side of his head he would only feel a moment of relief before Joshua’s foot slams up under his chin.
The force of the blow would snap his head back some, jerking him back up to his feet as he hastily tries to back pedal, tasting blood. He couldn’t keep up with this man, how was he moving so quickly? If not for the blood in his mouth and the fact they were currently opponents he would have asked him. Still on the defensive Ark lifts his arms up in front of him, as a boxer would against an advancing opponent. If only he could get a hold of this man, keep him from moving around him he might have a chance.
Another blow to the stomach, then one to his right shoulder before a hard kick was delivered in to Ark’s left thigh. Each time he tried to counter attack he hit nothing, and left himself open for another strike, and he was starting to suffer for it. Breathing a little heavy he knew he needed a moment to collect himself, but how? His strongest ability required that he actually hit his opponent, something he had so far been unable to do.
Staggering back again, slowly getting pushed back towards the edge of the platform he had created a little distance between the two of them, but there was no doubt that would not last. Which side would he come from, that was the question. Ark however, did not have the answer. Instead he would twist some and pull his right arm back, before driving it down towards the ground. Normally he used a strike like this to deliver his Force Palm technique, his Ki amplifying the power of the blow. Such was not the case today, although he still did channel Ki into his palm. More gathered than normal, forming into what resembled the starts of a range Ki blast, but it would not leave his hand, not until it struck the ground at least. Upon contact with the platform floor he releases the Ki, the energy blasting out in a nova of force around him.
Having been trying to come in at Ark’s side, Joshua would be hit by the blast. It would do no real damage to him, perhaps the force knocking the wind from him some as it sends him backwards through the air to land several yards away. He would recover quickly enough as he rolls backwards and hops to his feet, smirking some. ”And here I thought you had no way to handle my Zenzoken, well played. Still that didn’t really hurt so I do not think it will help you defeat me.”
Ark knew he was right, it had simply been a way to get him to back off for a moment, the added conversation some bonus time for the human to try and think of a plan.
”You are fast; perhaps after this you can explain to me
how that technique of yours works, it is impressive.” Rolling his right shoulder, the one that had taken a rather hard blow, he would start to formulate a plan in his head. Perhaps if he could simply let Joshua strike him, and simply take the blow in order to get a chance to grab a hold of him. Could he use the technique if someone was holding onto him? Time to test that theory out.
”Ha, I doubt that. I worked hard to master Zenzekon and I ain’t just gonna give it away.” With that confident statement Joshua would come again, altering his course some so that he would come in more to Ark’s right. Pulling back his left fist he would again aim for Ark’s stomach, but that of course was a false target. Seeing the tell tale twitch of his opponent ready to try and block the attack he would use his Zenzoken to shift more towards his right, his fist now aimed up high for that right shoulder again.
The slight twitch of his muscles had been on purpose, wanting to make Joshua think that he was going to defend against the attack aimed for his abdomen. The blow would strike his shoulder again, but he had been ready for that, his left arm snapping up to grab tightly onto his opponents right wrist. Smirking some himself Ark would twist and start to drop down some, pulling his surprised opponent down with him. Slamming Joshua down onto his stomach he would then wrench up on his arm while at the same time placing his left knee on the man’s shoulder, pinning him down.
The tournament had two main forms of elimination, being knocked from the platform or through yielding, the third of course being if a competitor could not continue, but in this setting that rarely happened. Knowing his opponent could submit at anytime Ark would have no reserves about pulling back hard on the trapped arm, wrenching it. Normally he was not this type of grappling fighter, but he couldn’t afford to let go of this one. Twisting as he pulls back he could tell he was physically stronger than his opponent, never mind the fact he had a great deal of leverage over him in this position.
Joshua would let out a cry of pain, the pressure on his arm and shoulder no doubt sending spikes of pain across his shoulder blades. Still Ark would not relent as his opponent holds out for a couple of more seconds before yelling out. ”I yield!”
”Joshua Gilden has yielded, the winner of the match, and advancing to the Championship round, Ark Ghiest!” A cheer would go up from the crowd as the official result is announced; those assembled apparently having enjoyed the aggressive match between the two fighters.
As soon as those words were heard Ark would let go, stepping up and away from him. Joshua would roll over onto his back, holding his shoulder some, shaking his head a little in what appeared to be disappointment.
”Damn it…should have expected something like that.” Sitting up some the fighter would try to roll his shoulder a little, wincing some at the tender joint. Letting out a sigh he slumps a little, the pain in his shoulder no doubt starting to fade some now that it was no longer having pressure applied to it.
Ark would offer his hand to the man, having enjoyed the match even though he still tasted a bit of blood in his mouth. Pleased when Joshua actually takes his hand, he would yank him to his feet, taking a glance at the man’s shoulder which didn’t seem to have any serious damage done to it. Giving him a pat on his good shoulder he would head back towards his side of the platform, the match over.
”Good match. As for that technique I plan to do some research on it. I look forward to meeting you again, perhaps next time I will be able to match your speed.” With that Ark hops from the platform and makes his way towards the back, after all, he didn’t want to see the match that was set to follow his. Whoever won it would be his opponent in the championship round.
(PL and Technique – Nova)
(Nova – Channeling Ki into his hand Ark is then able to release it against the ground, sending out a wave of force around his form. Nova is a mostly defensive move that is effective against single opponents or multiple foes since it blasts out in a complete circle around him. Depending how much Ki is put into the attack it can also damage whatever surface it is being used on.)
Being alone was one thing, but even in seclusion there could still be plenty of distractions. Mediation was an escape from the material world and its distractions, a place Ark could feel at ease with the world. The human always took time to slip into such a state before a fight, it helped further sync his body with his mind. Before entering this other place, deep inside his mind, he had asked his Father to wake him from the trance when his match was getting close. Having several hours he was sure it would be plenty of time to perform his ritual, but in the past he had been known to lose track of time while in such a state. The time of the first Semi-final match was getting close, a hand reaching for the young humans shoulder.
A couple of gentle shakes would bring Ark out of his mediation, his lavender eyes slowly sliding open. Still looking straight ahead he would not have to turn to see who it was that was waking him. “Time already?”
“I am afraid so, did you not get as deep as you would have liked?” Owin would look down at his son, understanding why he enjoyed mediating, but never having found a use for it. Ark’s father was a simple man that had worked with his hands for most of his life. He was much more focused on the day-to-day workings of life, unlike his son who was always searching for some greater meaning to his existence.
Rising from his spot on the bed Ark would hop off to land softly on the floor of their room, stretching out his limbs. Even from down this far in the stadium he could hear the announcer over the loud speaker. The words were mumbled of course, but the roar that would answer them back from the assembled crowd lead Ark to believe that the following matches were being played up much more than the rest had been. He supposed it made sense, there were only three matches left in total, including the Championship match. Rolling his shoulders once he would make his way past his father with a nod, ready to head out and start his match.
As he made his way down the hall, his father in tow, Ark couldn’t help but notice how empty the halls seemed today. There were only four fighters left in the tournament so that meant that twenty-eight had already taken their leave, half of those probably not even wanting to stick around to watch the rest of the tournament. Ark had made it a point to not learn the names of those that were still left in the tournament, and had still yet to see a match. The halls were deserted and quiet, but the announcer continued to speak to the crowd, describing the exciting events in the tournament so far. All the hype was something Ark had never enjoyed. He was here simply to test his skills and prove that he could handle himself against a range of opponents. Of course there was prize money and a trophy for the winner of the tournament, but that was all extra for Ark. He only wanted to prove his training and conditioning had not been a waste time. Finally making his way out to the floor he could see the crowd was full of energy, all of them hoping these next to matches would be worthy of elevating the two winners to the final.
The crowd didn’t bother him in the least; in fact there was a particular part of the crowd that he was growing to enjoy. After his father moves past him with a pat on his shoulder Ark would look for Vayle in the crowd, trying to spot the brunette in the section she had been seated in during the last couple of rounds. He had met the woman only a couple of days before and even though they only had short conversations there was something about her that was enticing. Looking over the section his expression would turn to one of minor surprise, seeing the seat she had always been in empty. Glancing around the immediate area he didn’t spot her, hoping that perhaps she was making her way to her seat still. Letting a small frown form on his lips he could only offer a small shrug. Perhaps her brother had lost yesterday, and she had chosen to leave with him or perhaps she was just busy doing something and had indeed not made it to her seat yet. Pushing it from his mind Ark would move over to the side of the arena knowing he was in the first match, but would need to wait until he was called to the platform.
Several more moments would pass by, the crowd starting to settle back in some. As they begin to relax and cheers become the murmurs of mixed conversations the announcer comes back over the speakers. “Ladies and Gentlemen, please bring your attention to the fighting platform. For the past three days you have witnessed some of the best fighters in the region, but now with only two days left, we are getting down to the best of the best. The first of the semi-finals matches promises to be quite a sight. Let’s get our combatants to the platform! Starting on the red side is one of the fastest fighters we have seen, Joshua Gilden.”
Glancing around the floor Ark would look for someone that was either getting to their feet, or heading towards the platform. Turning slowly he would then hear a cheer go up from the crowd. What were they cheering for? Pivoting back towards the platform his questions would be answered, a tall man standing in the ring, dressed in a plain pair of pants, his feet and chest bare. Ark had not seen the man make his way to the platform, but the announcer had labeled him as one of the fastest in the tournament, perhaps he had just been looking the wrong way as the man ran out. Smirking some he would just shake his head, knowing he was next.
”Next, starting on the white side, he has been considered the underdog in both of his previous fights, but has proven his worth, Ark Ghiest!” Ark would pause a second, thinking the word “underdog” over. Again he had not been paying attention to the brackets or other matches, so the fact he wasn’t expected to win his matches was news to him. In the end it really didn’t matter, he had pushed himself to his limits in the previous fights and would do so again. Whistling some the human would walk up the steps to his side of the platform, rolling his neck some as he waits for the match to start.
“Once the fight begins it will continue until a fighter yields or is thrown from the platform. There are no limits on what techniques you might use except that Bukujutsu is not allowed. If you both agree and understand pay your respects to each other and the match will commence”
Dipping into a short bow Ark could see his opponent doing the same before shaking his limbs out. In the previous two fights he had been a little cautious in his approach to his opponent and on both occasions it had worked to their advantage. When the signal sounds for the start of the match he would immediately move forward towards the other fighter, his pace steadily increasing as does. Joshua to his credit would come forward as well, seeming to be intent on getting closer to Ark right from the start.
Mostly dedicated to close combat Ark was fine with the two closing in on each other, especially after the trouble he had with Ishida in the last round. Once closer enough he would pull up just short of Joshua, planting his right foot as his other starts to lift from the ground. Spinning on his grounded foot, putting his back and leg into the kick Ark would bring his leg around in a roundhouse kick aimed for the side of his opponents head. Joshua was not prepared for it, Arks foot slamming right into the side of his head.
At least, that is what appeared to be happening, but instead of hitting anything solid the humans foot would just sail through what he thought was Joshua, the image disappearing just as a fist drives hard into his lower back. With one foot on the ground Ark would start to fall, but manages to tuck his leg back down and stumble away instead. Ever aware of his surroundings he would lash out with a left elbow at the closing fighter, hoping to catch him in the forehead. Again though he had been deceived his elbow hitting nothing and moments later a solid fist slams up into his own abdomen.
Caught off guard by the blow and stunned slightly by the sudden lack of air in his lungs he could do nothing about the blow that then struck him in the side of the head, again staggering him to the side. Not able to hold his balance this time Ark would drop to one knee, his left hand placed on the ground beside him to prevent him from dropping to the floor. Sensing another blow coming he would lift his right arm to block the vicious downward punch that had been aimed for the side of his head he would only feel a moment of relief before Joshua’s foot slams up under his chin.
The force of the blow would snap his head back some, jerking him back up to his feet as he hastily tries to back pedal, tasting blood. He couldn’t keep up with this man, how was he moving so quickly? If not for the blood in his mouth and the fact they were currently opponents he would have asked him. Still on the defensive Ark lifts his arms up in front of him, as a boxer would against an advancing opponent. If only he could get a hold of this man, keep him from moving around him he might have a chance.
Another blow to the stomach, then one to his right shoulder before a hard kick was delivered in to Ark’s left thigh. Each time he tried to counter attack he hit nothing, and left himself open for another strike, and he was starting to suffer for it. Breathing a little heavy he knew he needed a moment to collect himself, but how? His strongest ability required that he actually hit his opponent, something he had so far been unable to do.
Staggering back again, slowly getting pushed back towards the edge of the platform he had created a little distance between the two of them, but there was no doubt that would not last. Which side would he come from, that was the question. Ark however, did not have the answer. Instead he would twist some and pull his right arm back, before driving it down towards the ground. Normally he used a strike like this to deliver his Force Palm technique, his Ki amplifying the power of the blow. Such was not the case today, although he still did channel Ki into his palm. More gathered than normal, forming into what resembled the starts of a range Ki blast, but it would not leave his hand, not until it struck the ground at least. Upon contact with the platform floor he releases the Ki, the energy blasting out in a nova of force around him.
Having been trying to come in at Ark’s side, Joshua would be hit by the blast. It would do no real damage to him, perhaps the force knocking the wind from him some as it sends him backwards through the air to land several yards away. He would recover quickly enough as he rolls backwards and hops to his feet, smirking some. ”And here I thought you had no way to handle my Zenzoken, well played. Still that didn’t really hurt so I do not think it will help you defeat me.”
Ark knew he was right, it had simply been a way to get him to back off for a moment, the added conversation some bonus time for the human to try and think of a plan.
”You are fast; perhaps after this you can explain to me
how that technique of yours works, it is impressive.” Rolling his right shoulder, the one that had taken a rather hard blow, he would start to formulate a plan in his head. Perhaps if he could simply let Joshua strike him, and simply take the blow in order to get a chance to grab a hold of him. Could he use the technique if someone was holding onto him? Time to test that theory out.
”Ha, I doubt that. I worked hard to master Zenzekon and I ain’t just gonna give it away.” With that confident statement Joshua would come again, altering his course some so that he would come in more to Ark’s right. Pulling back his left fist he would again aim for Ark’s stomach, but that of course was a false target. Seeing the tell tale twitch of his opponent ready to try and block the attack he would use his Zenzoken to shift more towards his right, his fist now aimed up high for that right shoulder again.
The slight twitch of his muscles had been on purpose, wanting to make Joshua think that he was going to defend against the attack aimed for his abdomen. The blow would strike his shoulder again, but he had been ready for that, his left arm snapping up to grab tightly onto his opponents right wrist. Smirking some himself Ark would twist and start to drop down some, pulling his surprised opponent down with him. Slamming Joshua down onto his stomach he would then wrench up on his arm while at the same time placing his left knee on the man’s shoulder, pinning him down.
The tournament had two main forms of elimination, being knocked from the platform or through yielding, the third of course being if a competitor could not continue, but in this setting that rarely happened. Knowing his opponent could submit at anytime Ark would have no reserves about pulling back hard on the trapped arm, wrenching it. Normally he was not this type of grappling fighter, but he couldn’t afford to let go of this one. Twisting as he pulls back he could tell he was physically stronger than his opponent, never mind the fact he had a great deal of leverage over him in this position.
Joshua would let out a cry of pain, the pressure on his arm and shoulder no doubt sending spikes of pain across his shoulder blades. Still Ark would not relent as his opponent holds out for a couple of more seconds before yelling out. ”I yield!”
”Joshua Gilden has yielded, the winner of the match, and advancing to the Championship round, Ark Ghiest!” A cheer would go up from the crowd as the official result is announced; those assembled apparently having enjoyed the aggressive match between the two fighters.
As soon as those words were heard Ark would let go, stepping up and away from him. Joshua would roll over onto his back, holding his shoulder some, shaking his head a little in what appeared to be disappointment.
”Damn it…should have expected something like that.” Sitting up some the fighter would try to roll his shoulder a little, wincing some at the tender joint. Letting out a sigh he slumps a little, the pain in his shoulder no doubt starting to fade some now that it was no longer having pressure applied to it.
Ark would offer his hand to the man, having enjoyed the match even though he still tasted a bit of blood in his mouth. Pleased when Joshua actually takes his hand, he would yank him to his feet, taking a glance at the man’s shoulder which didn’t seem to have any serious damage done to it. Giving him a pat on his good shoulder he would head back towards his side of the platform, the match over.
”Good match. As for that technique I plan to do some research on it. I look forward to meeting you again, perhaps next time I will be able to match your speed.” With that Ark hops from the platform and makes his way towards the back, after all, he didn’t want to see the match that was set to follow his. Whoever won it would be his opponent in the championship round.
(PL and Technique – Nova)
(Nova – Channeling Ki into his hand Ark is then able to release it against the ground, sending out a wave of force around his form. Nova is a mostly defensive move that is effective against single opponents or multiple foes since it blasts out in a complete circle around him. Depending how much Ki is put into the attack it can also damage whatever surface it is being used on.)
