Post by Ark Ghiest on Mar 23, 2013 15:45:43 GMT -5
The fifth day of the tournament was finally here, the final day. So far Ark had fought against a range of opponents all showcasing their own set of skills. The first, Bisk Stoutmire, had been a mountain of a man, his broad chest rippling with muscle. Luckily for the human he had been able to stay ahead of the large man, only taking a couple glancing blows that had still possessed enough power to send him stumbling around the ring. Through a little clever planning he had bested the big man, able to knock him from the ring even if he had gone out with him.
His second day had been a bit disappointing though, his opponent having had to withdraw. Of course he held nothing against the individual, but the bye round was disappointing, no glory in winning simply because your opponent could not fight. Thankfully his third round fight proved to be much better, the man known as Ishida Toriyu, quite a handful. Unlike Ark’s first opponent Ishida was skilled in ranged attacks, hoping to bombard his targets with blast from afar. Though he had taken more shorts in the third round than the first Ark had again proven himself the better fighter. Able to get in close to the smaller fighter he had been able to end it quick, vastly outmatching Ishida in close combat.
As the tournament had been winding down the matches were being played up more. Ark’s fourth round fight was no different, the announcer having taken much more time to work up the crowd as he announced the fighters. Joshua Gilden had pushed Ark farther than the previous two fighters, his masterful use of Zenzoken allowing him to land blow after blow, even drawing blood with a vicious kick to Ark’s jaw. Still with insight and some luck he had come out on top, able to get a hold of the other fighter and actually force him to submit. It was not his normal style of fighting, but he would adapt in order to win.
Today was the final day, and instead of announcing the fighters as they had the previous rounds it had been decided they would enter together. Sitting in a waiting room beneath the stands Ark was quite relaxed, leaning back on the couch he had taken up as a seat. The door to the room would suddenly start to open, his pulse quickening some with anticipation of who his opponent might be. His jaw would drop when the other fighter enters the room.
”I thought you were at the tournament to watch your bother fight Vayle?” Ark had spoken with this woman before, but she had been in the stands during that conversation, claiming to be in the stadium to observe her brother in the tournament. If she was truly his opponent now the female had not been completely
honest with him.
”I was, but he lost two rounds ago. I on the other hand remain undefeated.” A smirk forms on her face, knowing she had mislead him a little, but then again she had not lied, only withheld some information from him.
”So it would seem. You could have told me that you were in the tournament as well.” Lavender eyes focus on her, almost accusingly, but there was no true malice behind them. He had no reason to be angry, even if he was still trying to recover from the initial shock of her appearance.
”I didn’t want to ruin anything for you. After every match you head straight back into the stadium so I figured you were trying to avoid seeing the other matches. I figured if you knew I was a competitor you might lag behind to watch, as I have been watching you.”
Ark could only nod some at that, her words held truth. “Well then I shouldn’t be talking with you that much, cannot afford to be distracted in our coming match.” Just as before he could sense she was weaker than him, only about a third of his power , but yet she had made it to the championship match. Either she was hiding something or the deceivingly frail looking female had tricks up her sleeve.
”Good point. We can talk after I win.” There was no respect loss between the two of them, just some playful jesting. Both serious about the coming match as they fall silent waiting to be announced. The silence did not last long, the announcers soon coming over the stadium speakers.
”Ladies and Gentlemen, the final day of the tournament is finally upon us. The next match is the Championship match and the victor shall be labeled as the best youth in the region. We know you have been waiting for this so we will delay it no longer. Would Ark Ghiest and Vayle Scythe please make their way to the platform!”
The two doors across from the one Vayle had just come through would swing open, attendants in the hall opening them wide. Smirking Ark motions for her to take lead, ladies first after all, falling into step just behind her and slightly to the right. It was a grander entrance then he would have liked, the two having to walk down the long hallway and then out into the arena together, all eyes able to watch their approach. Cheers would erupt from the crowd as the two competitors make their way out, both waving to them as they head towards the platform.
Reaching the side of the platform it was time for them to split and walk around to their respective sides, Ark once again on the white side. Tossing Vayle a wink he moves away from her, humming to himself a little as he does, his hands tucked into his pockets. As they move away from each other he glances back once, shaking his head some, still surprised it was her that had made it to the final match. Before he thought she had left the tournament when her brother lost and was disappointed they would not get to speak again. This however, was an even better outcome. Under normal circumstances he would never strike a woman, but in a tournament or sparring match he had no problems with it. To treat her any differently than his previous opponents was outright disrespectful.
Climbing up into his starting square he couldn't help but admire the female across from him. Despite having a lithe frame and delicate features she had out lasted thirty other fighters. That only made her all the more alluring. Flexing his fingers Ark was anxious to start. With a power level so much lower how had she made it so far?
“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”
The two combatants make their way towards each other, each wearing a smirk. There small conversation days before had started a friendship between the two and now they were against each other in a fight. What better way to get acquainted with another then to exchange blows, testing one another's true skills. Many view fighting as a form of dance, some styles even based off of that perception, the opponent seen more as a partner then a rival. Ark felt this match would be more fulfilling then those before it and his excitement only grows as they near each other.
Thinking she was the faster of the two Vayle strikes first, her fist coming around in a vicious right cross. There was no lack of confidence or commitment behind the blow, the female not planning on holding back because of the small bond that had begun to form between the two of them.
Ark saw the attack coming, the male in fact the faster of the two of them. Ducking under the blow his hands reach up to clasp onto her slender forearm. With a twist and pull he would yank Vayle right off her feet, sending the light female flying through the air. He does not move to pursue though, watching as the agile fighter flips some in the air to land deftly on her feet, sliding some from the force of the toss. His hesitance was not because he was going easy on her, but because he believed she was holding back, or at the very least hiding something.
"Come on Vayle, you couldn't have made it this far with moves like that." The small grin on her face would tell him all he needed to know. There was more to her then she was letting on, but she would reveal it in time. Ark had no reason to rush this final match of the tournament. On top of that he really didn't care if he won, although the prize money would be nice, as long as they had a good match.
Again Vayle goes on the offensive, sprinting towards him. Once within range she stops, planting one foot as her other snaps up, aimed for his side. Instead of attempting to block the kick Ark actually lifts his arm, exposing his side. Tightening the muscles the best he can he takes the hit, his arm then snapping back down to wrap around her leg, pinning it to his side.
If she was going to keep holding back he would force her to give it her all. His free hand drives into her stomach, feeling the females abs tighten as they work to absorb the blow. Ark had not held back though and he is able to hear her forced exhale as the blow forces the wind from her lungs. Not done he follows up with a leg sweep, his right coming into take her left out from under her. As she hits the ground with a grunt he would drop her leg while his body twists and bends down, trying to drive his fist into her abdomen once more. With her back against the platform this strike had the potential to do some damage if she did not do something to defend against it.
As his fist descends Ark's eyes do not leave Vayle's fair features so he would not miss the sudden fire in her emerald eyes. To accompany that sudden fire her power spikes, shooting up to over three times what I had been moments before. His strike does not connect as both of her hands rise up, catching his arm around the wrist. Lifting her right leg she sends a solid kick into his gut as she pulls on his arm, sending him right over her head with what is commonly referred to as a monkey flip. It wouldn't really hurt much, besides the initial kick to the stomach, Ark rolling with the toss to hop back to his feet.
"Now that is more like it!" This was her true potential, and now their fight could truly begin. Shaking out his arm he smiles over at her, settling back into his common stance. Taking another reading of her signature it was satisfying to see that she was actually stronger than him, having hidden most of her power until now.
”You sure you can handle me still? I was just trying to get a feel for what you could do.” Vayle presses her fingers together in front of her chest, forming a square with them. Letting out a cry, her purple aura flaring, she would unleash a sudden blast. It started off small enough to fit within her hands, but increases in size as it rockets towards him.
She was apparently serious, taking a shot at him right in the middle of the conversation he had thought they started. Not ready for the attack all he could do was to bring his arms up in front of him, activating his barrier as the blast slams into him. Having braced himself Ark manages to hold his ground, but smoke would be rising off his form afterwards. Lowering his hands there was no surprise on his face as Vayle closes in on him. With a smirk on his face he meets her in the center of the platform.
Unlike the last two times they met Ark would be the one to strike first. Reaching in with his left arm he would try and grab for her arm, but it was more of a feint then anything. When Vayle tucks her arm back to avoid the grab he would send in his real strike, his right fist slamming into her jaw. There was no holding back now, the force of the blow snapping her head to the side as she staggers back a couple of steps. Vayle, however, had the instincts of a fighter, lifting her left hand up, palm facing out. A ball of Ki forms there, only staying in place for a moment before she releases it, right into his surprised face.
Groaning in pain it was now Ark’s turn to stumble away from his opponent, clutching at his face. The blast had been almost point blank, no barrier up to defend against it. Blinded for a couple of seconds he would not be able to defend himself as she recovers, forming the same square shape with her fingers, centered in front of her chest. With the same strange cry she had let out before the wave of energy blasts from in-between her hands, packing enough force to level Ark this time.
Hitting the ground hard he slides some on his back, shaking his head as his vision clears and he tries to focus. Blinking several times he would look up to see Vayle in the air above him, just having hit the apex of her jump. Eyes wide now he could see the Ki swirling around her fist as she drops towards him, he needed to move. Tucking his legs up, he rolls, getting out of the way just as she makes contact. Her fist would still drive hard into the platform, the structure itself cracking and splitting upon impact.
From her crouch the female launches herself at him, a Ki encased fist swinging for him again. Not able to back pedal fast enough to outpace her jump Ark would instead try to meet her blow. Sending in his fist, using his Force Palm technique, he meets her strike head on. The two colliding techniques create a shockwave between their fists that spreads out between them. Again she would try and hit him only to meet his palm, another boom echoing through the arena as the moves cancel each other out.
Breathing a little heavy the two combatants were gradually moving towards the edge of the platform, Ark unlucky enough to be the one with his back to the edge. Even with their energy starting to wane a little any close enough could see the smirks on their faces, the equal fighters testing each other’s limits. The continued impact of their different techniques hitting each other was starting to cause Ark’s arms to tingle some and he could only hope it was doing the same to her.
Knowing he could not keep his back to the edge as it would only be a matter of time before she was able to get a blow past and knock him from the arena he shifts, putting his right side to the edge instead. Since she was still in front of him, his sudden shift now had her left side closest to the edge, the two of them an equal distance from the end of the platform.
Pulling both of her fists back Vayle sends them in at the same time, trying to overpower him with the double armed strike. Not to be outdone he meets those fists with his palms, using his Force Palm technique with each. The shockwave between the two of them was only amplified by the simultaneous impacts, the force of it enough to launch them both backwards. Each of the fighters would travel several yards through the air to land on their back, chests heaving with exhaustion.
Rolling over and getting to all fours he looks over to see her doing the same. Chuckling some to himself as he rises back to his feet the male tries to shake out his tingling arms, turning to face his opponent. ”It seems we are a good match in skill and technique, do you agree?”
”It does….but someone must win.” Both of them were tired, but Vayle sounded a bit worse off. Perhaps that was it, if he could out last her he might be able to win. Not wanting to let her recover too much Ark advances on her.
It was his turn to go on the offensive, sending in regular strikes with his fists and feet. Vayle had the skill to block them and she would, but the female seemed to be slowing. That technique she used must have taken up a lot of her Ki, having to keep it so concentrated around her fists. It was a game of stamina now, one that Ark felt he was slowly winning.
As she tires Ark starts to take his strikes out more, forcing her to block more and more away from her central mass. When he felt that she was open enough he steps in, trying to move quickly so that he might catch her off guard. Moving in close he twists and drives his hip up into her abdomen, drawing a grunt from her. Grabbing up under her arm he would shift and start to lift her, attempting to toss her from the ring. The maneuver would work fine at first, the smaller fighter easy to lift up in the air before he attempts to throw her.
Vayle manages to grab a hold of him through, his throw turning into more of a shove as he goes with her, both of them stumbling towards the edge of the platform. Still holding him she now tries to twist, attempting to spin and toss him off the platform. She was tired though, his stamina having proven to be greater than hers as he plants his feet. Pulling his free arm back he drives it into her chest, using his Force Palm technique yet again. Unlike before it would connect solidly with her chest, as his other hand releases her, the small female launching backwards and landing with a groan on her back, outside of the ring.
”Ladies and Gentlemen we have a winner! The Champion of the Tournament for the Gifted Youth is Ark Ghiest!”
He cared little for the announcement, nor for the cheers erupting from those assembled in the arena. His attention was still on the woman lying outside of the ring. Jumping off the platform Ark would land in front of her, hand extended as he had done to his other opponents. Glad when she clasps it he yanks up, pulling her right up to her feet.
”Great match Vayle. It seems the only thing I have above you is a small amount of stamina.” Ark beams as he looks her straight in the eye, truly having enjoyed their match together. The tournament overall had been an experience, but that last fight alone was worth it in itself.
”I cannot…disagree. Although I do think I almost had you there at the end.” Still breathing heavy it was obvious she needed to catch her breath, but her tone alone conveying that she had enjoyed the match just the same.
”That you did, perhaps the next time we fight the match will go your way. I do hope you would be up for another match in the future, maybe after we have trained more.” Smiling some he steps back from her, watching to make sure she can stand on her own. With her breathing starting to return to normal she seemed to be fine.
”I would like that Ark, but for now we should not ignore the crowd any longer.” She was right of course; their cheering had gotten a little more aggressive as the two fighters had been ignoring them. With a smile still on his face Ark would turn to look out at them, grabbing Vayle’s arm and lifting it up with his own. He may have won, but it was a narrow victory, she deserved just as much praise as he did.
The tournament was finally over and he had won. Even though it was always nice to get recognized for ones skill and earning prize money never hurt, the true reward was the fight itself. For Ark Ghiest the last five days had been one of the best experiences in his short life.
(Zeni!)
His second day had been a bit disappointing though, his opponent having had to withdraw. Of course he held nothing against the individual, but the bye round was disappointing, no glory in winning simply because your opponent could not fight. Thankfully his third round fight proved to be much better, the man known as Ishida Toriyu, quite a handful. Unlike Ark’s first opponent Ishida was skilled in ranged attacks, hoping to bombard his targets with blast from afar. Though he had taken more shorts in the third round than the first Ark had again proven himself the better fighter. Able to get in close to the smaller fighter he had been able to end it quick, vastly outmatching Ishida in close combat.
As the tournament had been winding down the matches were being played up more. Ark’s fourth round fight was no different, the announcer having taken much more time to work up the crowd as he announced the fighters. Joshua Gilden had pushed Ark farther than the previous two fighters, his masterful use of Zenzoken allowing him to land blow after blow, even drawing blood with a vicious kick to Ark’s jaw. Still with insight and some luck he had come out on top, able to get a hold of the other fighter and actually force him to submit. It was not his normal style of fighting, but he would adapt in order to win.
Today was the final day, and instead of announcing the fighters as they had the previous rounds it had been decided they would enter together. Sitting in a waiting room beneath the stands Ark was quite relaxed, leaning back on the couch he had taken up as a seat. The door to the room would suddenly start to open, his pulse quickening some with anticipation of who his opponent might be. His jaw would drop when the other fighter enters the room.
”I thought you were at the tournament to watch your bother fight Vayle?” Ark had spoken with this woman before, but she had been in the stands during that conversation, claiming to be in the stadium to observe her brother in the tournament. If she was truly his opponent now the female had not been completely
honest with him.
”I was, but he lost two rounds ago. I on the other hand remain undefeated.” A smirk forms on her face, knowing she had mislead him a little, but then again she had not lied, only withheld some information from him.
”So it would seem. You could have told me that you were in the tournament as well.” Lavender eyes focus on her, almost accusingly, but there was no true malice behind them. He had no reason to be angry, even if he was still trying to recover from the initial shock of her appearance.
”I didn’t want to ruin anything for you. After every match you head straight back into the stadium so I figured you were trying to avoid seeing the other matches. I figured if you knew I was a competitor you might lag behind to watch, as I have been watching you.”
Ark could only nod some at that, her words held truth. “Well then I shouldn’t be talking with you that much, cannot afford to be distracted in our coming match.” Just as before he could sense she was weaker than him, only about a third of his power , but yet she had made it to the championship match. Either she was hiding something or the deceivingly frail looking female had tricks up her sleeve.
”Good point. We can talk after I win.” There was no respect loss between the two of them, just some playful jesting. Both serious about the coming match as they fall silent waiting to be announced. The silence did not last long, the announcers soon coming over the stadium speakers.
”Ladies and Gentlemen, the final day of the tournament is finally upon us. The next match is the Championship match and the victor shall be labeled as the best youth in the region. We know you have been waiting for this so we will delay it no longer. Would Ark Ghiest and Vayle Scythe please make their way to the platform!”
The two doors across from the one Vayle had just come through would swing open, attendants in the hall opening them wide. Smirking Ark motions for her to take lead, ladies first after all, falling into step just behind her and slightly to the right. It was a grander entrance then he would have liked, the two having to walk down the long hallway and then out into the arena together, all eyes able to watch their approach. Cheers would erupt from the crowd as the two competitors make their way out, both waving to them as they head towards the platform.
Reaching the side of the platform it was time for them to split and walk around to their respective sides, Ark once again on the white side. Tossing Vayle a wink he moves away from her, humming to himself a little as he does, his hands tucked into his pockets. As they move away from each other he glances back once, shaking his head some, still surprised it was her that had made it to the final match. Before he thought she had left the tournament when her brother lost and was disappointed they would not get to speak again. This however, was an even better outcome. Under normal circumstances he would never strike a woman, but in a tournament or sparring match he had no problems with it. To treat her any differently than his previous opponents was outright disrespectful.
Climbing up into his starting square he couldn't help but admire the female across from him. Despite having a lithe frame and delicate features she had out lasted thirty other fighters. That only made her all the more alluring. Flexing his fingers Ark was anxious to start. With a power level so much lower how had she made it so far?
“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”
The two combatants make their way towards each other, each wearing a smirk. There small conversation days before had started a friendship between the two and now they were against each other in a fight. What better way to get acquainted with another then to exchange blows, testing one another's true skills. Many view fighting as a form of dance, some styles even based off of that perception, the opponent seen more as a partner then a rival. Ark felt this match would be more fulfilling then those before it and his excitement only grows as they near each other.
Thinking she was the faster of the two Vayle strikes first, her fist coming around in a vicious right cross. There was no lack of confidence or commitment behind the blow, the female not planning on holding back because of the small bond that had begun to form between the two of them.
Ark saw the attack coming, the male in fact the faster of the two of them. Ducking under the blow his hands reach up to clasp onto her slender forearm. With a twist and pull he would yank Vayle right off her feet, sending the light female flying through the air. He does not move to pursue though, watching as the agile fighter flips some in the air to land deftly on her feet, sliding some from the force of the toss. His hesitance was not because he was going easy on her, but because he believed she was holding back, or at the very least hiding something.
"Come on Vayle, you couldn't have made it this far with moves like that." The small grin on her face would tell him all he needed to know. There was more to her then she was letting on, but she would reveal it in time. Ark had no reason to rush this final match of the tournament. On top of that he really didn't care if he won, although the prize money would be nice, as long as they had a good match.
Again Vayle goes on the offensive, sprinting towards him. Once within range she stops, planting one foot as her other snaps up, aimed for his side. Instead of attempting to block the kick Ark actually lifts his arm, exposing his side. Tightening the muscles the best he can he takes the hit, his arm then snapping back down to wrap around her leg, pinning it to his side.
If she was going to keep holding back he would force her to give it her all. His free hand drives into her stomach, feeling the females abs tighten as they work to absorb the blow. Ark had not held back though and he is able to hear her forced exhale as the blow forces the wind from her lungs. Not done he follows up with a leg sweep, his right coming into take her left out from under her. As she hits the ground with a grunt he would drop her leg while his body twists and bends down, trying to drive his fist into her abdomen once more. With her back against the platform this strike had the potential to do some damage if she did not do something to defend against it.
As his fist descends Ark's eyes do not leave Vayle's fair features so he would not miss the sudden fire in her emerald eyes. To accompany that sudden fire her power spikes, shooting up to over three times what I had been moments before. His strike does not connect as both of her hands rise up, catching his arm around the wrist. Lifting her right leg she sends a solid kick into his gut as she pulls on his arm, sending him right over her head with what is commonly referred to as a monkey flip. It wouldn't really hurt much, besides the initial kick to the stomach, Ark rolling with the toss to hop back to his feet.
"Now that is more like it!" This was her true potential, and now their fight could truly begin. Shaking out his arm he smiles over at her, settling back into his common stance. Taking another reading of her signature it was satisfying to see that she was actually stronger than him, having hidden most of her power until now.
”You sure you can handle me still? I was just trying to get a feel for what you could do.” Vayle presses her fingers together in front of her chest, forming a square with them. Letting out a cry, her purple aura flaring, she would unleash a sudden blast. It started off small enough to fit within her hands, but increases in size as it rockets towards him.
She was apparently serious, taking a shot at him right in the middle of the conversation he had thought they started. Not ready for the attack all he could do was to bring his arms up in front of him, activating his barrier as the blast slams into him. Having braced himself Ark manages to hold his ground, but smoke would be rising off his form afterwards. Lowering his hands there was no surprise on his face as Vayle closes in on him. With a smirk on his face he meets her in the center of the platform.
Unlike the last two times they met Ark would be the one to strike first. Reaching in with his left arm he would try and grab for her arm, but it was more of a feint then anything. When Vayle tucks her arm back to avoid the grab he would send in his real strike, his right fist slamming into her jaw. There was no holding back now, the force of the blow snapping her head to the side as she staggers back a couple of steps. Vayle, however, had the instincts of a fighter, lifting her left hand up, palm facing out. A ball of Ki forms there, only staying in place for a moment before she releases it, right into his surprised face.
Groaning in pain it was now Ark’s turn to stumble away from his opponent, clutching at his face. The blast had been almost point blank, no barrier up to defend against it. Blinded for a couple of seconds he would not be able to defend himself as she recovers, forming the same square shape with her fingers, centered in front of her chest. With the same strange cry she had let out before the wave of energy blasts from in-between her hands, packing enough force to level Ark this time.
Hitting the ground hard he slides some on his back, shaking his head as his vision clears and he tries to focus. Blinking several times he would look up to see Vayle in the air above him, just having hit the apex of her jump. Eyes wide now he could see the Ki swirling around her fist as she drops towards him, he needed to move. Tucking his legs up, he rolls, getting out of the way just as she makes contact. Her fist would still drive hard into the platform, the structure itself cracking and splitting upon impact.
From her crouch the female launches herself at him, a Ki encased fist swinging for him again. Not able to back pedal fast enough to outpace her jump Ark would instead try to meet her blow. Sending in his fist, using his Force Palm technique, he meets her strike head on. The two colliding techniques create a shockwave between their fists that spreads out between them. Again she would try and hit him only to meet his palm, another boom echoing through the arena as the moves cancel each other out.
Breathing a little heavy the two combatants were gradually moving towards the edge of the platform, Ark unlucky enough to be the one with his back to the edge. Even with their energy starting to wane a little any close enough could see the smirks on their faces, the equal fighters testing each other’s limits. The continued impact of their different techniques hitting each other was starting to cause Ark’s arms to tingle some and he could only hope it was doing the same to her.
Knowing he could not keep his back to the edge as it would only be a matter of time before she was able to get a blow past and knock him from the arena he shifts, putting his right side to the edge instead. Since she was still in front of him, his sudden shift now had her left side closest to the edge, the two of them an equal distance from the end of the platform.
Pulling both of her fists back Vayle sends them in at the same time, trying to overpower him with the double armed strike. Not to be outdone he meets those fists with his palms, using his Force Palm technique with each. The shockwave between the two of them was only amplified by the simultaneous impacts, the force of it enough to launch them both backwards. Each of the fighters would travel several yards through the air to land on their back, chests heaving with exhaustion.
Rolling over and getting to all fours he looks over to see her doing the same. Chuckling some to himself as he rises back to his feet the male tries to shake out his tingling arms, turning to face his opponent. ”It seems we are a good match in skill and technique, do you agree?”
”It does….but someone must win.” Both of them were tired, but Vayle sounded a bit worse off. Perhaps that was it, if he could out last her he might be able to win. Not wanting to let her recover too much Ark advances on her.
It was his turn to go on the offensive, sending in regular strikes with his fists and feet. Vayle had the skill to block them and she would, but the female seemed to be slowing. That technique she used must have taken up a lot of her Ki, having to keep it so concentrated around her fists. It was a game of stamina now, one that Ark felt he was slowly winning.
As she tires Ark starts to take his strikes out more, forcing her to block more and more away from her central mass. When he felt that she was open enough he steps in, trying to move quickly so that he might catch her off guard. Moving in close he twists and drives his hip up into her abdomen, drawing a grunt from her. Grabbing up under her arm he would shift and start to lift her, attempting to toss her from the ring. The maneuver would work fine at first, the smaller fighter easy to lift up in the air before he attempts to throw her.
Vayle manages to grab a hold of him through, his throw turning into more of a shove as he goes with her, both of them stumbling towards the edge of the platform. Still holding him she now tries to twist, attempting to spin and toss him off the platform. She was tired though, his stamina having proven to be greater than hers as he plants his feet. Pulling his free arm back he drives it into her chest, using his Force Palm technique yet again. Unlike before it would connect solidly with her chest, as his other hand releases her, the small female launching backwards and landing with a groan on her back, outside of the ring.
”Ladies and Gentlemen we have a winner! The Champion of the Tournament for the Gifted Youth is Ark Ghiest!”
He cared little for the announcement, nor for the cheers erupting from those assembled in the arena. His attention was still on the woman lying outside of the ring. Jumping off the platform Ark would land in front of her, hand extended as he had done to his other opponents. Glad when she clasps it he yanks up, pulling her right up to her feet.
”Great match Vayle. It seems the only thing I have above you is a small amount of stamina.” Ark beams as he looks her straight in the eye, truly having enjoyed their match together. The tournament overall had been an experience, but that last fight alone was worth it in itself.
”I cannot…disagree. Although I do think I almost had you there at the end.” Still breathing heavy it was obvious she needed to catch her breath, but her tone alone conveying that she had enjoyed the match just the same.
”That you did, perhaps the next time we fight the match will go your way. I do hope you would be up for another match in the future, maybe after we have trained more.” Smiling some he steps back from her, watching to make sure she can stand on her own. With her breathing starting to return to normal she seemed to be fine.
”I would like that Ark, but for now we should not ignore the crowd any longer.” She was right of course; their cheering had gotten a little more aggressive as the two fighters had been ignoring them. With a smile still on his face Ark would turn to look out at them, grabbing Vayle’s arm and lifting it up with his own. He may have won, but it was a narrow victory, she deserved just as much praise as he did.
The tournament was finally over and he had won. Even though it was always nice to get recognized for ones skill and earning prize money never hurt, the true reward was the fight itself. For Ark Ghiest the last five days had been one of the best experiences in his short life.
(Zeni!)
