Anybody need a warm up?

[Fa Zheng]

Does anybody feel like trying to take down one of the lesser known duelists? I wouldn't mind trying to put some supposedly elite duelist in their place...or not. >_>;

[Tenkai]

Oh go on then, I think me and you are probably on equal level or your better than me. I need to brush up a little on my duels, so do you want to do it to the death or just with wooden weapons?

[Fa Zheng]

Ahh, wooden weapons, I guess. It's only a warm up, after all. Thanks for accepting, I'll make the first post a little later!

[Liu Bei]

I'll mod.

[Fa Zheng]

Thanks, Lyle.

Rarely is a day good for a duel. So often, the unchallenged contests of physical prowess result in blood being spilled, lifeblood that might have gone on, driving a man to greater feats. Today, it would not be the case. The weapons of destruction would not be razor-sharp blades, but merely a simple softwood, suitable for a friendly match. Fa Zheng did knew his opponent fairly well, and he was the first to arrive at the appointed destination, where yet another conflict would emerge under the watchful eyes of the lake. It was a quite magnificent setting, capable of bringing a grown man to the brink of warm tears, due to the sheer joy that it invoked in the heart. A small island of unsurpassed beauty, surrounded by a lake that almost managed to put it to shame- a highly regarded place for dueling, study and reflection alike, and the latest visitors to the sacred spot were slightly more famed than most.

Fa Zheng stepped across the wooden bridge, his feet causing the planks to creak in protest, though still holding his weight comfortably. He breathed in the fresh air gratefully, enjoying the sensation of being in such a tranquil environment, veritably bursting with an atmosphere of serenity. He looked out over the crystalline lake, eyes surveying the gently rippling surface, and stopped for a moment, taking in the sight. The calm water lapped at the shore of the small island, unabating, undisturbed, unrelenting. This is how Fa Zheng would have to be in battle- endeavouring to be aggressive, against his natural attitude. It would be a difficult task, but he would sooner discover whether he could do it in a friendly dueling session, rather than when his very life might be on the line. And judging by the whisperings of war that surrounded the land of late, that time might come to pass sooner than he might like. Zheng completed his journey to the ethereal island, turning around and shielding his green eyes against the bright sun, stark in a sky devoid of clouds. Soon, his opponent would undoubtedly arrive, and then they would resume. Zheng unsheathed one of his twin blades, examining the patterns upon it, watching the way the smooth wood shone in the pleasant sunlight, catching the reflections of the water. Could not all places be as this one? He sighed slightly, and sheathed his sword once more, sitting down in the shade of the single large tree upon the island. With only one way onto the island, short of swimming, Zheng could rest, and await his comrade, getting some rest in the process. He gently closed his eyes, and relaxed, letting the gently lapping waters captivate his mind, and ensnare his thoughts.

(Go right ahead Tom. If you want to God-mod me getting up so that we can start, feel absolutely free.)

[Tenkai]

The water seemed to freeze, as the wind itself. The lush green grass stopped swaying, the clouds themselves stood still, wind was of no significance for it too was still and silent. It would be easily noticeable by the young man sitting on the island. Thinking that he was their first, he was sadly mistaken. Holding a wooden weapon, sword shaped, a silver haired warrior stood upon the branches in the tree. Standing there silently for several minutes before speaking in his rather mystical tone. He spoke softly down hoping the still wind would carry his voice to the ears of Zheng.

"Don't get too comfortable..."

With that, Tenkai jumped from the branch a few feet away from Zheng. Time itself seemed to slow with the site of his long silver hair. Looking as if he was gliding the immobile wind, Tenkai landed with his back away from Zheng. Purple robes stayed motionless and then turning his head slowly but not his body, only his right eye was visible to Zheng.

"So...how do you wish to start"

(Don't care too much for god modding, and not one of my best posts either)

[Fa Zheng]

Zheng opened one eye somewhat sleepily, and then smiled to himself as he looked at Tenkai. He climbed to his feet and brushed himself off lightly with slender hands, shaking his hair slightly, back into place. The conditions had died down upon the arrival of Tenkai- the man even seemed to have power over the earth.

"As impressive as ever, my friend. It's good to see here."

He turned to the left, and looked out into the waters. They made quite a pair, Tenkai and Fa Zheng. Both quite contrasting in terms of looks, one with purple robes, the other with a pale green and white combination. One intense, the other relatively relaxed. Which would come out on top? Zheng turned back to Tenkai, who still faced away from him, a wooden shaped sword close at hand, something that would assuredly be dangerous in the hands of a professional, rather than a foolhardy braggart. Fa Zheng knew that Tenkai was certainly one of the former, and not to be taken lightly. The two had agreed that the duel would be fought at full intensity, even with the safety of the softwood weapons, especially crafted. Fa Zheng ducked his head slightly, then raised it again, seeming quite at ease. The wind had died down completely now, the swaying tree no longer moving, after bearing the weight of Tenkai. Don't get too comfortable, he had said- the strategist only smiled again, walking back to the tree, where he could see Tenkai's eye.

"There is...no time like the present."

His words carried easily, seeming quite loud in the stillness, in spite of his quiet tone, and he moved forward with liquid grace, unsheathing his swords and spinning elegantly in the same fluid movement. He spun to his right, knowing that the silvery-haired officer would assuredly see his movement and act accordingly, and so struck towards Tenkai's left shoulder, as he back was turned. Zheng's right blade passed harmlessly by first, before the left aimed for its target.

[Tenkai]

Tenkai closed his eyes as Zheng ran towards him. Attuning his senses, the hearing of Tenkai had become great since the last time they two met. Holding the blade loosely in his hand he opened his eyes when Zheng got closer. Smirking to himself he saw the shadow of the first wooden sword coming towards him. Leaning to the his right and moving his arm in time with the blade motion he successfully dodged it and watched as it passed him. Almost immediately after he gripped his blade with force and smashed his weapon with the next blade that came towards him. Drawing Zhengs weapon in closer towards him, Tenkai glared with eyes of inhuman qualities. Keeping his own guard firm and with only his right hand supporting him it was near enough equal to Zhengs strength and power. Speaking softly and in a mystic tone again.

"It has been a while since we last met...don't disappoint me."

($hit post but I have other things to do as well.)

[Fa Zheng]

Zheng's face stared calmly into Tenkai's, his green eyes almost half lidded as his opponent spoke to him. The strategist nearly always seemed to be relaxed, and though his body was tensed like a snake in a coil, ready to spring, his face was at ease and content with the situation. Tenkai drew him in, again showing the sheer contrast between them- the sheer intensity in Tenkai's face was almost electrifying, his eyes boring into Zheng's, whilst Zheng seemed as though he were still asleep at the tree. It was perhaps these aspects of polar equity that had enable to pair to become such friendly rivals, despite being on opposite sides in a war. Such a healthy rivalry of combat was sometimes difficult to uncover, but theirs was one of mystique and discretion, hence the venue for the day. Deserted, isolated, and quiet- just the way they preferred it. Zheng smiled slightly, and briefly nodded.

"That, is not a possibility. I trust that you will keep to your usual high standards...of course!"

He forcibly broke the deadlock, both of his weapons swinging way away from Tenkai's body, and returning to his chest. Fa Zheng stepped backward once, and took up a defensive guard, both swords diagonally out in front of him. He was fully aware that Tenkai's power was greater than his, and that they were roughly equal in both speed and ability, so the duel would undoubtedly be a tight encounter, as usual. Zheng raised his right blade slightly, bowing to his opponent elegantly, and then taking up his guard again, speaking to the man who was but ten paces hence.

"Would you care to demonstrate your talents, Tenkai?"

His tone was not provocative in the slightest, he simply wanted to take a step back, and guage his opponent before risking himself in a blind attack. It would be foolhardy, though he was now allowed Tenkai the initiative, he felt confident. The wind blew up slightly, ruffling the silvery hair of Tenkai, and the green robes of Fa Zheng, as though awaiting the inevitable explosion of grace and power that would assuredly envelop the island.

[Fa Zheng]

(Uh, this is postponed until Tom gets back. I don't want to call the win by default unless he says so.)