Zeill could sense it-a sudden shift in the dynamic between the two.
Although he had been in control of this fight, the one in dominance. But he sensed a sudden shift in Ery's aura. It seemed to press against him. Not overwhelmingly dominant, but it did make him feel suppressed.
But was he bothered? To an extent, it did bother him. But Ery was no where near strong as the one of the Vedris clan. And as long as it wasn't a suppression that drowned him in complete helplessness, Zeill wasn't afraid.
He tightened his stance, coiled his muscles, kept his sharp gaze at Ery... waiting for him to make a move...This was his first time facing a luminer, at least to his knowledge.
Eyes focusing on any movement by Ery, a bead of sweat started to drip down his temples.
Then it happened...Too sudden.
He couldn't see clearly...Ery was already moving towards him, feet moving in small, swift bursts. By the time he could make out his position, a punch covered his visage...
Reacting to the best of his abilities, Zeill crossed his forearms in front of his face. But, the impact was heavy enough to make him stagger back a few steps.
Before the pain could settle in, his eyes perceived a kick aiming for his guts. Struck in a defenseless position, he tried to move back a bit for lesser impact. But, It hurts. He was hit hard.
Launched backwards, saliva flying out of his mouth, Zeill tumbled and fell down. But he couldn't stay down. Not giving any chances to Ery to take advantage, Zeill pushed himself back with his hands and stood up while trying to maintain some distance.
He didn't even have a chance to catch his breath, as the moment he was back on his feet, his vision was swallowed by an incoming fist.
Though this time, he felt a bit more adapted to the speed. He slid his foot back and tried to move his head to avoid the trajectory of the punch, just enough to come out unscathed.
But speed was no longer the only problem. He was tired.
Huffing for his breath, heart pounding fast, he was constantly looking out for that one opening.
Atleast he understood now, there was indeed a difference in powers. He remembered the words he had once been taught.
"Every path of life is singular. No two paths will ever walk same. So rules which were created to structure our life, might not always hold true to your path. Today what you learn of me, is to fight. I don't fight for wins...Its for survival. So remember this when you fight."
"Fights, that you can win...finish them quick...no need for pretention of mightiness,"
"Fights you deem equal...adapt to their strengths, and push towards weakness, don't pretend, hit...the very first chance you get."
"If it's someone stronger, try to play dirty and escape. If you can not...Take a few hits, but yours must hit the vulnerable spots. Never fall for a show of integrity...unless you like the feel of a broken body."
Until now Zeill took Ery as an equal...But somewhere along the way- after gaining momentum...he had forgotten the very lessons he was taught. After all he wanted the audience to know him, to understand that he was...something special.
But the tables had turned now. He was no longer on the winning side. What he wanted now was simple...A chance, an opening, anything worked.
"I did enjoy dueling you, Zeill."
Ery was rotating his shoulders. He seemed confident, well, he had good reasons to be. Zeill did not break his focus, holding onto his stance.
"I thought you would lose the moment I started to strengthen myself with aether... Not bad huh." Nodding in appreciation Ery lowered his stance.
"So I will let you sh-" before he could finish the sentence, his arms were raised in quick reflex, blocking the incoming blow.
Though the hit landed, it didn't have much of an impact. Ery wanted to push forward, but his step never landed the surface as they were met with a leg sweep. Disbalanced, he tried to hold onto his ground.
But before Ery could hold his balance, an elbow struck his chest, and a vicious knee connected with his groin.
Gritting through the pain, Ery Put all his strength in one blow. He threw a heavy punch towards Zeill.
Zeill did block it, but it left a painful impact on his forearms. Still, grimacing in pain, he again rushed towards Ery.
Seeing Ery on the ground, he wanted to end it quick with a couple more strikes. But before he could reach...his instincts screamed of danger.
He saw the the trembling Ery, was it rage or the kick? Maybe both...He saw the poor guy trembling in anger and pain, as Ery raised his hand with some difficulty, palm facing Zeill.
It gave Zeill a feeling of danger...so much so that he sank his body towards ground and tried to roll off to avoid the direction of that palm. It was purely out of reflex, a reflex honed to deduct danger.
But before he could roll away, he heard a shrill scream.
"Noooo!!"
The next thing Zeill and everyone present witnessed was a flying Ery... Like a canon ball he launched, flying towards the walls of the stands, planting himself in them.
Fortunately, he wasn't competing with light...Though he launched, just before the impact he was able to slow down. Still, the impact was hard, not serious to break his bones...yet more than enough to make him unconscious.
Sounds of gasps started to ripple through the crowd, and the silence that surrounded the arena gave way to sounds of shock, of confusion, of concern, of amazement.
No one quite understood what had happened. Zeill lay down on the ground with his head facing the fallen Ery...he was just as confused.
All he knew, was that the danger was real. But what was it? And how did the man suddenly turn into a flying ragdoll.
But not everyone was as lost and confused. There were some who grapsed onto the situation. The group Zeill was conversing with being amongst them.
"He is an awakened." With narrowed eyes, the blue eyed woman spoke to the group.
"But what was that ability?" Biting her nails Melis asked.
After a few seconds passed...a middle aged man appeared in the arena. Everyone, still shocked, trying to comprehend the situation didn't notice him, until he was by Ery's side.
Sensing their gazes, he spoke in a soft tone. "The duel ends here. He can not fight anymore."
Instructor Hemel.
A murmur ran through the crowd.
Instructor? Zeill looked at the middle aged man. Grey haired, lean...carrying the bulry Ery on his shoulder. It was quite a sight.
"You have good combat awareness." Hemel said, his voice bringing Zeill out of his daze.
"Thanks" Zeill said, still unable to process what had happened.
"That kick...I'll let it slide this time, considering you are a dormant." Hemel added with a small smile..."But don't play dirty in duels."
Saying so, he walked off with Ery slung down his shoulders.
Zeill was still sitting on the ground. He was fine, but a hint of tiredness took over him. Not only his body, but his mind too felt drained.
He made himself stand up with some difficulty and went back the route he came from.
'He had won.' Albeit not the way he wanted.
As he neared the exit, he spotted the guys he had seen in the training hall. One of them placed a hand on his shoulder. Looking at the guy...it was Rael.
He gave Zeill a firm nod and patted his back before heading inside.
Zeill gave out a sigh. Glanced back at the arena he just had a duel in, and moved back towards the training hall.