(CLOSED)A Repreve from the Quest

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand descended the man made stairs into the lower section of the quarry, his hands grazing against the reddish earth with each step he made. At the bottom a series of tunnels led from the main working area into mining shafts, most of which had long since been exhausted of its precious ores. As the sun had begun to descend, he sat cross legged in the center of the area and began his training.

First feeling the ground beneath him, he focused on his deep breaths. With each inhale, the ground beneath him rose and with each exhale, it dipped below ever so slightly. It was a simple exercise all Geomancers learned to acquire a basic mastery over their medium.

As he practised his strikes and techniques, letting the earth ebb and flow with his movements he let his mind wander freely, as the simple techniques required little concentration. There was something calming about his training, it let the stresses of his quest for the Sumata melt away somewhat. It had been hard coming up with any real data about the humans from earth as he had yet to meet one in dialogue or combat. He needed a clue to one's whereabouts soon or he'd never gather the data he needed.

Scowling in frustration Seigmand's moves became more rigid, changing from waves to sharp thrusts and fierce blows with the loose rocks around him. His attacks stopped abruptly when a cloaked figure descended quickly from the staircase towards him.

"I trust you have good news." Seigmand said in a harsh tone. "They're getting impatient." The figure approached closer whispering a few words into his ear before leaving as quickly as he had come. Seigmand grinned for a brief second. It would seem his luck had changed, which meant he needed the training more than ever now. He resumed his techniqes, the sky now only leaving a thin line of light on the distant horizon.

[Mark Angelus Fri]

((I'm hoping this is open to all? If not I can take it away.))

Mark: Man harsh world we live in... *A man was sitting behind him, his eyes seemed to glint bright white when the sun hit them.* Why do you work for them?

[Seigmand Dezmar]

(No it's open to any and all, glad to see someone already)

Seigmand turned quickly to face the young man. He was surprised that he had not noticed the warrior till now, which meant he was either very patient, or very good.

"We must all have a purpose in life, and there are those that must guide us to that purpose. What is yours boy?" His hands remained relaxed at his side as he took one step forward. "Do you fear change? I myself fear that we will be locked in this strife forever. Can you change that in any other way besides a complete reset?" Seigmand's eyes grew cold and sharp with the last remark, as if something more than the present situation was on his mind.

Seigmand smiled as he saw the last glint of sunlight vanish from the spikey haired youth's eyes. It was black with night, and only his Geomancy served as his eyes now. Advantage? He'd have to see.

[Mark Angelus Fri]

*Mark put his hands to his side.*

Mark: At first I came to the planet looking for someone... then I was told what the Sumata plans are and I couldn't just stand here watching this world and Earth fall to their hands. *He looked at him with a slight glare.* Why do you want to throw both worlds into chaos?

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"I wish not for chaos, only for the order that will follow it." Seigmand's voice remained calm and still in the face of this foe. "Now leave boy, this is a special place to my people and I will not have you taint it."

The boy looks ready to fight. I have no data, no concept of his personality. Too dangerous to tackle him head on now. Seigmand's eyes hardened, trying to concentrate on the feeling of the youth's weight shifting. He stood with his hands clenched, waiting for what might come next.

[Mark Angelus Fri]

Mark: They do look old... *He started glowing bright white letting two wings come from his back.* But I doubt as old as me...

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"Enough boy, I have no more time for you. My training requires my full attention," Seigmand paused briefly, contemplating something, "unless you would spar with me then?" A clever grin spread across his face for only a moment. "Strictly for practise of course, after all we may only grow stronger with our interactions with others. What do you say?"

With that Seigmand adopted a wide horse-ridding stance, removing the staff from his back and bringing it close to his center. Leaving only his left side facing the young boy, staff in hand, "One question if I may? Are you from the other side of the portal? Are you from Earth?"

[Mark Angelus Fri]

Mark: Yes... a very long time ago that is, things have changed in both worlds... *He closed his eyes as if remembering the past.*

*A smile went across his face two blade appearing into his hand.*

Mark: But if it's a fight you want a fight I can give you. I'll have you know I'm much different then any of the others from Earth that you might have fought.

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand's brow rose as the spikey-haired youth took his stance. His eyes were more adjusted to the pitch blackness, and the faint outline of wings were visible. The light that brought forth his weapons made the two swords glisten brightly for a moment before fading into the dark. Dual swords huh? Okay, be calm. Don't worry about power. The boy will be defensive and try to enter quickly. From above? The wings are a problem. Seigmand tried to work through an intro strategy before the boy struck. He considered himself lucky the boy had only seen his basic Geomancy training attacks. He hoped the youth would underestimate him.

Seigmand took the first initiative, leaving only one hand on his staff he stepped towards his opponent in the distance while thrusting his hand out in a fierce motion. The ground in front spasmed to life with a wave of clay and rock that come towards his foe. His other hand twisted slowly from behind, stirring the earth into a sharp spike ready to strike from below. Seigmand smirked. Go boy, attack me from the air. Use those precious wings of yours.

[Mark Angelus Fri]

*Mark lost him in the darkness for a second so he took a step forward to see a bunch of rocks and clay flying to him, his eyes widened then he dropped his blade grabbing the two robes that was attached to the handle then spinning it cutting the rocks as they flew to him.*

Ah dang, he can use the planet as a weapon. Let's give him a small test to see his speed.

*He didn't move from his position throwing one of the blades right at Seigmand, still holding onto the robe ready to pull back if the blade missed.*

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand watched closely with surprise as sparks broke the darkness with his foe's strikes clashing against the rock wave. Only a shroud of dust remained, blocking Seigmand's view for only a second. Out of the dust a blade lashed out in his direction towards Seigmand's chest, catching him off guard for a split second. With a shift in his stance and an upwards thrust of his hand, the prepared spike rose past his shoulder, parrying the thrown blade off to the left.

Hmm, interesting. He's a reserved fighter, this one's different from the brash ones I've heard of. Crouching deep into his stance, he quickly threw his staff onto his back before tucking both hands by his sides. As if shoving the earth with his own strength, his arms struck out like a lion's jaws. Once again the earth spasmed forwards, this time as a flow of spikes stretching about 6 feet long. With each one that grew, another would flow from its base, creating a path of jagged pillars towards the youth.

As quickly as his hands came forward, he retreated them back to his sheath, drawing out his staff and planting it firmly on the ground. Twisting it firmly against the rock his medium snaked around the staff, leaving one end thick with minerals

Let's see if he'll switch it up. Show me what you've really got. Seigmand thought, his eyes piercing into his foe's.

[Mark Angelus Fri]

So, he's not one with speed... this gives me an advantage...

*Images of the dual between Angelus and Mark showed up in his mind, Angelus was fast and his magic was topnotch plus Angelus was a Sumata so if this guy is a Sumata it would be best not to underestimate him, for what you lack you succeed in another power.*

*He tried to spot if his next move, he saw it when spiked rocks flew at him.*

Crap!

*Mark yelled vanishing from his spot and appearing behind him, he moved so fast you could call it a... flash step. Mark placed a hand on his shoulder touching blood.*

Scratched me a bit... I guess it's time to get even!

*Mark jumped at his back jabbing forward.*

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand was sure he'd caught his foe off guard, but shock hit him when he could not feel any resistance against the spikes. His eyes darted quickly to each side and above, seeing only blank walls and empty sky. Wait... no. He spun around in time to see the glistening steel of twin swords flash towards him. Bringing his staff around to his flank he tried to block the blow. The youth was stronger than expected however, allowing his swords to sink into Seigmand's right arm only a centimeter or two.

Wincing briefly at the pain, Seigmand kept his stance strong and twisted his staff around, hoping to use the weight behind the swords to parry them off to the side. His movements were fluid and the blades left his arm, leaving a scarlet stain on each.

Curses, he's too fast and strong to let him get in close. He fights like a dual weilder would, but he moved into my flank too fast. Time to get that range back.

Seigmand first pivoted, using his momentum to swing the heavy ended staff at his foe's open side only to be knocked aside by a waiting blade. As their weapons clashed, Seigmand took note of each reaction, each counter, looking for a pattern to the boy's style. When Seigmand's latest overhand attack was blocked with both blades he took his chance, using the boy's forceful move to propel Seigmand backwards and out of reach.

"If I'm going to study your style boy, then I shall need your name." Seigmand spoke with respect in his voice. "It seems you're one worth making note of." Seigmand was already planning with the little data he'd gathered, letting loose the staff's bonds for his next attack.

[Mark Angelus Fri]

*Mark didn't really liked giving out his moves to his enemy, although he was also gaining data about his abilities so a name wouldn't hurt.*

Mark: Mark Angelus Fri... *He answered getting back into a fighting stance.* Do you have a name?

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"You may call me Seigmand," His voice remaining cool and calm. "now let me show you what a master strategist can do!" With a heavy stomp of his left foot the earth rippled from the impact, forming perfect circular indentations in the ground seperated by one foot's distance from the next. Twelve of the these flowed forth from the center, leaving Mark inbetween the 6th and 7th ring.

Seigmand changed his stance, entering into a stand-up pose. He pulled his staff back for only a moment before striking out forward in a horizontal sweep. As the staff came around some of the bindings on the segments detached, allowing the staff to sweep out in a 7 foot range, the rock-covered end propelling towards Mark's torso like a heavy mace.