[Tournament Battle] Liu Ke Sephora Vs Manco Hoshizuki

[Horo]

The tournament had truly begun as the reigning Champion stepped onto the 100x100 ft. arena floor. It was made of a light chestnut wood, enchanted to withstand the most ferocious of attacks and levitated 3 ft. from the base of the actual arena floor. Liu Ke stood 5’11”, his body was a near perfect construction of muscle and bone, boasting a meek 3% body fat. Relaxed black eyes greeted the spectators who had come to love his cool under pressure attitude as his body dropped to his knees and then into a bow towards each of the four sides of the arena. He turned towards Manco’s entrance and sat in seiza with his sword before him.

Ajax appeared at the side of the arena and lifted himself onto the floating stage, microphone in hand as he called out to the crowd. “You already know him. You already love him. Nothing more needs to be said, for I give you. Liu Ke Sephora. Liu Ke is privileged with a natural talent for war, but his skills truly came to flower from years of extensive and other worldly training. He is considered the most skilled warrior among the QiLong schools, having gone down in history as the youngest person to ever win a Grand Tournament. His native weapon is the trademark of his school, the katana but this man has no limits to the weapons he can use, having mastered many styles in his short life time.”

Liu Ke remained quiet as Ajax spoke and waited for Manco to enter the stage.

((When Manco enters))

“Now from our other corner is the rash and reckless Manco Hoshizuki. A student of the Academy who proved himself in the prelims yesterday. He has been banned from school multiple times for fighting other students and destroying school property. His main weapons are a pair of hand guns and his trusty sword. How will his luck fair him today you might ask, but only time will tell. Now, let the match begin!”

Liu Ke stood up and slid his saya into his belt. He waited to draw his sword, but stood at the ready. “…” Liu Ke would wait until Manco attacked, he wanted to see if the beast truly had claws.

[Sabata]

One thing slightly held up Ajax' announcement. The practice Manco needed with his new sword. The weapon showed entirely different qualities from that of it's predecessor. Heavier with a slightly broader blade, enough for room for an additional groove. Rather than silk covering the ray skin wrapped around the weapons tang, Manco's fingers were wrapped around crimson tanned hide from some creature. A black finish covered the metal dressings to prevent entropy. In short, the weapon felt entirely different and looked entirely different. The only similarity this sword bore to its predecessor was the curved back of the blade. Even the Saya was different to accommodate the different blade. Broader, the lacquer both colored and textured differently.

Having had the sword for less than 24 hours, Manco was still becoming accustomed to it. It didn't help that rather than two identical revolvers as he had used before the only replacements he could find were two entirely different handguns, both automatics. An AMT Longslide and an AF2011, both variations of the classic M1911. Both were jammed somewhat uncomfortably into his belt. 

It took for a few minutes for Manco to make his entrance. Rather than coming out with his usual nonchalant swagger, Manco made his way to the arena with quick staccato steps. He took a deep gulp and stood across from Liu Ke, a single bead of sweat rolling down his face. He wasn't relaxed enough for his usual "anything goes" strategy. Worse than being blinded by rage was having completely new tools for a very challenging task.

Once it was time to start, Manco tried to muster some of his usual self. "Are you going to sit there all day or do something. Guys like you are always going on about their technique and how it's the best, then you can't put it into practice to prove it. Pathetic." Manco commented, not letting himself be the first to strike. He'd taunt Liu Ke into striking first if needed. He could tell that Liu Ke wasn't simply some idiot who liked tossing about his style without actually being a fighter. He could apply his style and use it properly.

[Horo]

The motion his head made was nearly nonexistent. The most subtle and controlled of nods ever seen on the battlefield. His muscles were relaxed and his eyes lacked the determination one would find in his sister’s eyes. Instead his held an understanding coolness, like a breeze on a summer day that brushes the sweat from hot skin. Manco’s skin. It happened in an instant; Liu Ke was less than a yard from Manco’s chest with his sword drawn and strike complete. On the tip of his blade sat the single blade of sweat that had fallen from Manco’s chin.

“Draw your sword.” Liu Ke’s tone was soft and gentle as he flicked the sweat from his blade and returned it to Manco’s face. His blade was returned to its saya, but his positioning remained the same as before he had moved. Standing, waiting to strike again.

[Sabata]

Liu Ke meant business, that much was clear, nor did he anger easily. Manco couldn't set this one off kilter that much was certain.

"So, you want me to draw, eh?"

What had that guy called the sword he'd dropped off on Manco?

Ushioni no Kimon? It certainly fit the enraged bulls on each side of the square tsuba and the horned ogre on the Kashira.

That sounded right. Well, if you're really the "truly terrifying sword" he said you were, work your magic.

His hands whipped back into his coat, sending the sturdy black cloth fluttering behind him. His hands grasped the sword, his right hand curling around shiny leather colored like blood, his left grabbing the mottled brown lacquer of the saya. A simple squeeze broke the weak seal between the habaki and the saya. The sword left the says as the saya left Manco's belt. The sword immediately made a B-line for Liu Ke's face while the saya was swung with an underhand grip for Liu Ke's ribs.

He's not Mikoto. He had to remind himself. He recognized the family name. Liu Ke's level dwarfed Mikoto, he could tell that much with very little thought. The economy with which he moved lacked belief, as well as the superb technique with which he performed noto. Manco knew that Liu Ke's blade had doomed this simple attack before it had begun. In the moments it occured, Manco wondered what would happen first. Would he feel a sting in his arm countering the saya, would his blade be deflected? First thing to do was to figure out his priority in blocking the attacks. Maybe then he could stand a chance. Unlike usual, Manco was already thinking ahead. No matter what happened, he would reach back into his coat for the AF2011 and see how Liu Ke reacted to two .45 caliber bullets simultaneously at close range.

[Horo]

Manco’s muscles moved in slow motion to him, his eyes at the panicle for people of his species. Liu Ke slid his right foot forward and lifted his right hand to halt Manco’s sword arm at the wrist. His opposite foot lifted into his chest and lowered itself onto the forearm of the saya arm. With Manco’s movement stopped he slowly lifted his body, pressing down on Manco’s arm and raised his knee into Manco’s chest with a light tap to the sternum.

His right hand dropped onto Manco’s shoulder for support as his left placed his hand on his own saya and lifted it up so his hilt could make light contact with Manco’s chin. Liu Ke dropped off of his opponent’s body as the guns were drawn, he slid his saya back to its correct place and began to move through the streams of bullets with ease. When the clips emptied, or Manco stopped shooting, Liu Ke spoke. “I’ve been informed that the one who goes by Manco uses his rage to fight to his limits. I wish to spar with that man, so I will wait for him. Then I will draw my sword.”

Ajax called out to the crowd. “Did you hear that folks!? Liu Ke claims he won’t even draw his sword until he is convinced that Manco is giving it his all! I can’t tell if this is made out of boastfulness or a desire to conserve his energy until he feels a challenge! We’ll just have to wait and see!”

Liu Ke moved forward with empty hands and made a grab for Macno’s left wrist. His goal was to twist it inwards with his left hand, latch into Manco’s armpit with his right bicep and throw Manco over his hip and onto the ground.

[Sabata]

The Saya clattered to the ground as Manco whipped his left hand back for the more unusual of his two guns. A twin-barreled variant of the M1911 that fire two .45 ACP bullets at once. He jammed the gun forward as fast he could and pulled the trigger, then watched as Liu Ke effortlessly dodged them, even at the close range of the shot.

It took very little for Liu Ke's moves to knock Manco flat on his back. The difference in power level was high very, very high.

It didn't take long for Manco to hop back onto his feet, though. Liu Ke's comment however gave him a second to think. He wasn't fighting like he normally was. He was trying to plan, not just attacking and improvising as ideas popped into his head. Acting on impulse. Instinct. Fighting to all his limits.

"You want me to fight to my limits." Manco repeated. If that's what Liu Ke wanted that's what he would get. At that moment Manco laughed. "You want my full fighting potential? Then don't patronize. I want just as much from you. Your sister knows how to fight. Knows how to get everything from it that she wants. Show me that, I'll show you my all!"

Manco immediately disappeared, becoming invisible and rushing forward. He assumed Liu Ke would be smart enough to fight not only with his eyes, but also with his ears. For that reason at the last moment before he reached his opponent, just as he became visible again, he scooted right, then thrust his sword across his own chest at Liu Ke's side. As he moved past him, Manco whipped his left hand over his shoulder to take a blind shot at Liu Ke before spinning around to continue firing, using his previous momentum and the recoil from his pistol to carry him to the edge of the arena closest to Liu Ke's entrance.

[Horo]

Liu Ke’s face finally showed expression as his sister was brought into the conversation. “So you’ve fought that child as well. I see…” His voice trailed off as his chin dropped in thought. Miko was always trying so very hard to gain even a grains worth of improvement. He had always admired that about his sister. “Sodesune. Alright Manco, I’ll come at you with my everything.” Liu Ke placed his hand upon his sword as Manco began to move, but opened his eyes slightly wider when he vanished.

He turned and drew his sword with timing well enough to block both Manco’s slash and first bullet with one motion. For a split second there was a look of fierocity in his eyes, but as he pivoted around his side, following Manco and slicing the bullets in half, it faded and his calm look returned. Liu Ke slowly overtook Manco’s pace and drew in closer. Once he had enough distance he swung, vertically for the barrel of Manco’s gun. The slice was quick and just as it reach its end he turned the blade around and sliced upwards towards Manco’s chest.

Liu Ke was making apparent his style of combat to Manco. His eyes allowed him to track the smallest movements and make corrections to his angles within milliseconds of movement. His striking speed was fast but energy conservative and he always let the sword perform the task, never forced it. Unlike his sister who moved constantly, Liu Ke preferred to use economy of motion and let his opponent come onto him when able.

“Manco, I have a theory of fighting. The one who wins is the one left standing. Honor, pride and duty set aside, the greatest warrior may never win the easiest of battles if he can’t remain standing for them. I have based my style around this principle.” Liu Ke took another step and did a horizontal slash for Manco’s ribs. “My sister however loves the rush, and can’t help but bounce on her feet. She moves and spins. This is what works for her. So I wonder, what truly works for you? Is it the rage you tap into, or something deeper that you can’t describe? I would like to know.” Liu Ke took a hop back and returned his blade to his saya, resuming his original, patient, fighting stance.

[Sabata]

Liu Ke's sword glanced off the metal between the twin barrels of the gun, causing only cosmetic damage to the gun in the form of a scratch. A shame really, Manco had just bought the blade the previous evening. Manco quick twisted his own katana down to deflect Liu Ke's cut with the flat of the blade. Barely. Liu Ke's movements hanged on the fly with no wasted movement, no change in speed.

Liu Ke's style and precision was certainly something to behold. Manco moved out of the way of Liu Ke's cut in his rib, but still received a glance blow. He ignored the the sting from the blow and replied with a thrust aimed just below Liu Ke's sternum . . . just in time for him to hop back to his original position. The damage to his coat was a tad agitating. Somehow it was a relief to know he wouldn't come away unscathed though. Manco enjoyed a challenge to his skill.

Liu Ke - 1
Manco - 0

What Liu Ke said made him wonder. What did he tap into? Anger helped, but that wasn't it. Stein made him angry, but that didn't win him the fight. So what had he tapped into? He got a rush, but not the same thing that Miko did.

Manco holstered his gun and shifted to a two handed grip. He proceeded to charge directly for Liu Ke, readying an attack. He disappeared again, this gain, going diagonal over Liu Ke, aiming a kick for his head as he traveled over him. Manco spun around and cut vertically as he came down to the ground behind Liu Ke.

[Horo]

Manco did it again. His ability made fighting interesting for Liu Ke. Even with the power of the QiLong eye he still couldn’t follow the swordsmen in his movement. Flash, a camera in the crowd hit Liu Ke’s eyes and forced him to squint slightly as Manco reformed and launched his kick. Moving his arms as fast as possible, Liu Ke began to draw his sword, but the kick would arrive before his arm. Tucking his chin in he took the hit to his upper forehead and allowed the force to spin his body around his left foot. His sword arm rose as the flat end of his sword met with Manco’s two handed strike.

The crowd gasped and went wild. They began to chant his name, over and over. Manco. Manco. It had been a long time since Liu Ke had truly been kicked in the face. So long in fact that most had forgotten his agreement. Liu Ke turned his blade so the blunt end faced Manco and flicked to the side, forcing Manco to slide down into Liu Ke’s hand guard before having his entire sword pushed off to Liu Ke’s right. (Not a disarm) Liu Ke replaced his sword into the saya and removed the top of his gi, exposing a hairless chest.

“It was the agreement I made the first time I won a tournament. The next time I was kicked in the face I would lay down my sword for the remainder of the fight.” Liu Ke took his saya from his waist and laid it down atop his gi. “I will honor that promise I made to the Akihito Family.” Liu Ke faced Manco and smiled. “This only means I get to go even harder.” Liu Ke took (Ryu from Street fighter’s) a fighting stance and stood still. “I’m afraid the philosophy I told you about no longer applies.”

Liu Ke short forward and closed the 10 foot gap between himself and Manco within a second. His hands moved to trap Manco’s sword while his right leg rose to give Manco a hard front kick (ball of foot) to the inside of his left thigh. If he could control one of Manco’s wrist for a moment afterwards he would try performing Ippon Seoinage. Otherwise he would improvise.

--
((To see Ippon Seoinage: judoinfo.com/images/animations/blue/ipponseoi.htm ))

[Sabata]

So now they were cheering for him. Had he done something unbelievable or something? Manco was too dumbfounded to go in for another attack before Liu Ke started talking.

The situation struck him. He had been able to do something that hadn't happened since the first time Liu Ke had one the tournament. He laughed.

"It's an honor fighting you if this is the praise I get for simply being to kick you in the face."

He laughed again.

"This fight's about to get more interesting."

In seconds something changed inside of Manco. When Liu Ke trapped his sword, Manco felt a sudden jolt of energy that seemed to pass from the Tsuka up through his arms and into his chest.

His heart started beating rapidly and Liu Ke prepared a kick. His muscles bulged slightly, showing more musculature through his skin. He lurched back with enough force that he simultaneously freed his sword and avoided the kick.

HE fell to the ground. The sound of his own heart beating wildly filled his ears. It felt like it would explode. The grip on his sword tightened. His breathing became ragged. He felt hot and sloughed off his coat, revealing the continued alteration of his muscle mass.

As he finally rose of the ground, the skin on Manco's forehead ruptured as two horns like that of a bull burst out of his head. It was all unspeakably painful. Finally as a last change, his skin now had a slight crimson tint to it.

Manco stood there heaving for a moment before he looked up at Liu Ke and grinned. He felt different. He had no idea what had just happened but he felt extremely powerful now.

[Partial Oni Tranformation, boosted to Level V]

Manco lunged forward, his legs now carrying him farther and faster than before. His guns clattered to the ground behind him, thankfully with their safety still on they didn't misfire. Manco first made a wild diagonal one handed slash, from right to left down. He followed this up with an attempt to drive his fist into Liu Ke's solar plexus. He followed this up with a knee strike, then whipped his head forward in an attempt to headbutt Liu Ke.

This level of strength intoxicated Manco. Every muscle in his body felt marvelous. He felt like he could crush every bone in Liu Ke's body given the chance. In fact he might try.

[Horo]

It was a wild transformation, but the logistics of it weren’t Liu Ke’s concerns. The enhanced ability however mattered to him. Manco was moving substantially faster than before, but his eyes still had not been outmatched. His left arm rose and his palm gently pressed upwards on Manco’s elbow effectively redirecting it inwards. His right hand performed a similar task on Manco’s left uppercut while a V step to Manco’s left combined with a knee check deflected the wild knee strike. Finally his right hand stopped a few inches from his forehead and provided a cushion between Manco’s head and his own.

Liu Ke took action on Manco’s bad position, shooting his right arm between his and Manco’s chest and out past Manco’s right shoulder. His hand took a mantis shape as used his forearm to press on Manco’s neck. Liu Ke slid his hand from between his and Manco’s head and while turning outwards he positioned his arm into Gosha Dori. Liu Ke began to pull up, trying to apply pressure to Manco’s arm and force him onto the ground.

((With Manco’s new strength, there is a 90% chance he is stronger physically stronger than Liu Ke))

[Sabata]

The blows barely fazed Manco, his skin having toughened nearly into steel from his transformation. A wild grin split his face.

As Liu Ke tried to throw Manco down, Manco wrenched his arm away violently to try and set Liu Ke off balance. His left hand then launched forward to strike Liu Ke in the solar plexus with his palm. This was followed by a leg sweep then a Kirioroshi cut.

Manco began to laugh, not the hearty laugh he had let out previously but something undoubtedly unhinged. Sharp, shrill and rapid.

He could feel adrenaline rushing through his body. Regardless of whether or not the cut hit, Manco left the blade buried in the ground and got himself ready to leave this to fists.

(OOC: I think we should switch to a doc for the next post)

[Horo]

((Shorting Liu Ke to Liu for breviary))

’Where did this power come from!? It’s unreal! Monstrous!’ Liu Ke’s body rolled sharply along the ground sending am array of small arena fragments in several directions at rather alarming speeds. Liu came out of the roll, skidding to a halt in a hunched over position. His head was tucked nicely into his chest for protection. His hands were shields, taking the brunt of the attack and sending the pressure through his now shaking limbs.

Liu took his time standing up and giving Manco another look over. ”Such power. You knocked me out of the way of your own attacks.” Liu held up his hands. ”If I hadn’t used both of my hands to block that palm thrust, my insides would have been done for.” The announcer took the moment to relay the situation to the audience.

Taking a deep breath, Liu began to expand his focus and regain his composure. The smell of sweat and skin mixing with concession stand food filled the air. The metallic taste of blood grazed his tongue. His skin was cool and wet, his breaths were deep and calm. The sounds of the audience filled his ears with cheers, boos and unspeakable variants of language. Finally his eyes took in all that they could, lights and colors that many would never experience in their existence, a symphony of beauty that belonged to him.

Then he focused himself upon Manco, all of his senses became mute to the outside world. There was only Liu and Manco. His hands stopped shaking as he retook a fighting stance. The Announcer was just finishing his comment about Manco’s powerful counterattack when Liu began again.

He took up Hoko no Kamae, the bear stance, and lifted his hands slightly above the forehead. It was a stance designed to counterattack opponents who would take advantage of the ‘unguarded body’ His plan was simple, survive the oncoming assault with basic technique. ‘Rushing attack to close the distance, forward sidestep to the same side of Manco’s counter attack, roll torso to defuse power of strike while guarding, gain advantageous position, reach over shoulder and place hand into collar bone, preform low kick to side of knee, replant foot in front of Manco’s body, take wrist with remaining hand and throw over my leg. Chance of Success… negotiable.’

Liu pulled his arms in as he made his move and rushed forward. He readied himself to punch Manco’s throat in case he hadn’t taken the bait and didn’t try a pre-emptive counter arrack his rush.

((We can do a Doc whenever we are both on))

[Sabata]

Manco stood still, intending to simply take Liu Ke’s strike and then counter. Instead, he was met with an unpleasant shock in the form of actual pain from Liu Ke’s strike. A rude awakening indeed.

Manco immediately stepped back, then lurched forward, starting by telegraphing a punch, then swinging his foot at Liu Ke’s ribs.

--------
Liu Ke lifted his hand to parry the punch, but Manco’s sudden turn forced him to pivot and lift his knee to block the kick with his knee. Liu Ke slid to the side from the power of Manco’s kick. He nearly fell over before placing his foot back down to regain balance.

Liu Ke took a deep breath before rushing back towards Manco and launching a high round house for the underside of Manco’s horn, trying to find a new weak spot.

------

Manco started preparing a counter attack once Liu Ke started moving again. He froze as the kick connected with his horn, producing a cracking noise. The broken horn flew up into the air, spinning.

Pain erupted through Manco’s body. He felt a sudden burst of strength, his skin became bright crimson.

[Full Oni Transformation, New Level VI]

He grabbed Liu Ke’s leg with both hands, the twisted around, ripping his arms with the turn to try and sling Liu Ke into a wall.

---------

Liu Ke pulled himself into a ball and using his fingers began to strike Manco’s arms trying to find pressure points, but found that Manco’s skin was too tough. He was flung across the ring and landed with a roll barely gripping the arena and stopping himself from falling out of the arena.

He looked around and thought for a moment. “If i’m to fight you with my full potential... “ Liu Ke’s voice trailed off as he rushed back towards Manco. He lifted his hands to punch but at the final moment dropped into a slid hoping to take Manco’s legs out from under him.

-----

Manco found his balance going off, and managed to twist to sling his foot at the sliding Liu Ke before Manco crashed into the ground. He recovered quickly and slammed his foot down to kick up a massive amount of dust.

His horn came flying down. Manco caught it then immediately flung it at Liu Ke’s previous location in the haze before going into another all out attack.
------
Manco’s foot hit Liu Ke in his already cracked and broken ribs, pushing him over a few feet. Liu Ke winced in pain, opening his eyes to see the horn stab into the ground only inches from Liu Ke’s face. From his grounded position he began to parry all of Manco’s strikes.

Pinned on the ground, Liu Ke waited for a moment where Manco was open and forced a front kick up towards Manco’s solar plexus.

--------
Manco stopped the kick with his palm, but skidded back from the force and found himself almost falling backwards. He regained balance again then rushed for Liu Ke once more, but instead kicked his horn up out of the ground, slinging it in Liu Ke’s direction with his foot. He followed up with a knee strike aimed for Liu Ke’s solar plexus.
-------
Liu Ke used the moment to return to his feet and retake a fighting stance. He knocked the horn away with his foot and pressed his palm against the side of Manco’s knee while forward stepping slightly to the right and launching a palm strike for Manco’s chin with his free hand.

-------
Manco used the momentum from Liu Ke’s press to spin around 360 degrees for another roundhouse kick, he tucked his chin in while he did so, causing Liu Ke’s palm strike to whiff against nothing as Manco spun into the kick.
-------
Liu Ke spun with the round house and wrapped his arms around Manco’s leg. Trying to use Manco’s momentum he pulled back and downward trying to take Manco to the ground and put him in a knee lock.
-----
As Liu Ke caught his leg and began to pull, Manco continued pushing his leg to sling Liu Ke away. He then tore his leg back from Liu Ke and then pounced forward to punch Liu Ke in the face, directly between the eyes.
------
Liu Ke tried to keep his balance and lift his arms to save his face from a painful strike, but his motion was too slow. Liu Ke rolled backwards with stars in his eyes.
-----
Manco took advantage of Liu Ke’s dazed state and started a furious onslaught, each hit intended to knock Liu Ke out of the ring. Or just break every bone in his body so he couldn’t move any more. Each strike was coordinated with furious grunt.
--------
The crowd began to cheer as Manco continued his onslaught. A mixture of Manco supporters and Liu Ke enthusiast cried out for blood. “SWORD SWORD” the voices began to ring out more and more from the masses as Liu Ke was forced back towards the edge of the ring. “SWORD SWORD SWORD” Their voices got louder and louder the closer he got.

Liu Ke had his arms raised in front of his face and his body curled into a ball. He waited and waited until Manco pulled back just slightly too far and at that moment he sprang to the forward left and rolled away from Manco. Back on his feet he dashed across the arena and hopefully out of Manco’s direct range.

The anouncer took the pause for a moment to speak “The crowd cheers for Liu Ke to take up his sword! Or Maybe for Manco to finish him off with one! What will the warriors do!? One thing for sure is that Liu Ke won’t retrieve his sword unless Manco give him the ok. Honor! What a guy!?”
----
Manco dug his feet in and spun around to face the dashing Liu Ke. Manco sprang after him, ripping his sword out of the ground on the way, slinging several large chunks of rubble at Liu Ke in the process. Manco took the sword with both hands, tilting it back for a broad horizontal swing as he gained on Liu Ke.
-----
Liu Ke smiled. He stood up straight with his arms hanging down at his side. His eyes opened wide as Manco came within swinging distance. He tapped lightly on the ground and launched himself into the air and then onto the side of Manco’s blade. He moved forward quickly and launched a thumb strike for the connective tissue between Manco’s arm and shoulder.
---
Manco’s blade caught nothing but air, creating a roaring blast as the air passed through the groove on the sword. Liu Ke’s strike met it’s mark, disabling his right arm. Manco let go of his sword with his right hand, then spun, using the currently dead arm as a whip, then ripping his left arm diagonally for a haphazard one-handed slash.
-----
Liu Ke crouched down and took hold of the back side of the blade. He rode the blade like a surfboard as Manco swung his around like a mechanical bull. Taking the moment to get a good breath in, Liu Ke then released the blade and dropped back down onto the ground behind the sword. He shot his thumb up towards Manco’s left armpit hoping to hit the nerve cluster and cause a great deal of chest pain.
-----
Manco let go of his sword, then squeezed his down on Liu Ke’s thumb. He twisted back to stretch out Liu’s arm. He then jammed his knee up, close to Liu Ke’s elbow, intending to break his arm with the strike.
-----
Liu Ke tried to contract his arm, but Manco’s great strength forced its will upon him. The snapping sound of Liu Ke’s right elbow rang through the arena. Liu Ke winced in pain as he flipped over his broken elbow to round house Manco in the nose.
---
The kick slammed into Manco’s face, forcing him to bend back slightly. The tissue in his shoulder regenerated, and Manco then had both arms back. He grabbed Liu Ke’s leg, then wrenched away with twist, aiming this time to slam Liu Ke into the ground.
---
Liu Ke tucked his head in and once his shoulders touched the ground he pulled his leg with nearly all of his strength to flip Manco over himself and send him onto the floor. Liu ke then pulled his other leg down and tried to slam it into Manco’s nose.
---
Manco landed flat on his back and ended up staring directly at Liu Ke’s heal rapidly approaching. He wound his fist back as much as was possible when one was on the floor, the shot his fist upward to collide with Liu Ke’s heel to try and unbalance him. He proceeded to grab Liu Ke’s legs with both hands, then combined getting up and once more trying to take Liu Ke down into a single action.
-------
Liu Ke flailed through the air like a rag doll as Manco slammed him into the arena face first. His ears rang and head spun as the pain shot through his body. He twisted back and shot a leopard styled punch into Manco’s forearms, trying to get the brute to let him go free. He managed four punches before leaning back due to rib pain.
-----
Manco let go after the first two strikes. The second two only managed to enrage him further. he wedged his foot under Liu Ke’s form while he was leaned back, then ripped his foot up, intending to send Liu Ke flying off like a soccer ball, and hopefully out of the arena.
-----
Liu Ke landed inches away from the edge. He looked up and over at the Manco Monster, single horned and hulking. Liu Ke pushed himself into Sezia and looked to his side where his sword and gi laid. He reached out with his wounded hand and took up the handle. Glaring at it.

The crowd began to cheer as Liu Ke stood up with sword in hand. he slowly began to draw it, but after an inch of the blade was exposed he closed it and set it back down. “I.. can’t go back on a promise...” Liu Ke set his sword back down and looked once again at Manco. “One more time”

Liu Ke rushed forward and stopped inches away from Manco’s body. He waited to counter attack what ever move Manco performed next using his super reflexes.
-----
Manco’s response was immediate as Liu Ke stopped. A Jab to the solar plexus.
---
Liu Ke’s eyes picked up the small movements of Manco’s arm as the jab began. He lifted his floppy left arm up and began to parry using his elbow. His right hand shot with the last remaining strength he had, forward. The knife hand targeting the small space between Manco’s adam's apple and the soft connective like stuff on the outside of the neck. Liu Ke’s intention was to rip out Manco’s spinal cord, triggering the near death magic, and teleporting Manco from the ring.
-----
Manco caught on to the intended strike, tilting his head to the left to avoid the jab, then immediately countering by slamming a fist into Liu Ke’s face with his remaining strength, intending to finish the fight.

Manco’s horn started crumbling, as did the fragments of the broken horn. His skin returned to it’s original hue, his muscles returned to their previous state. He was in an incredible of pain, and incredibly hungry. He couldn’t move, otherwise he’d collapse. So he stood still, frozen, hoping to see Liu Ke fall over backwards.
----
Liu Ke smiled as he was sent flying backwards across the arena. His body rolled and twisted until it eventually fell out of the arena. The announcer began to cheer as did the crowd as Manco was declared the victor over Liu Ke Sephora.

“THE CHAMPION HAS BEEN DEFEATED! LIU KE SEPHORA THE CHAMPION OF EVERY TOURNAMENT HE HAS EVER ENTER HAS BEEN DEFEATED! While the victory was against him without his sword, this is still an amazing feat for the young Manco! Let’s have a word from our victor!”
-----
” . . . food . . . please.”[/color] Manco managed to mutter out before falling flat on his face, exhausted and in considerable pain. Before completely blacking out, he briefly wondered what had happened during the fight, but he couldn’t think very long before he was snoring in the middle of the arena.
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Liu Ke stood up from outside of the arena and slowly walked in picking up his sword and putting his gi back on. He smiled at Manco before returning through the gate he had entered from. The medics used magic to teleport Manco out of the arena and into the hospital.