Fractured

Chapter 18: Bloody Fists and Silver Swords

People underestimate just how dangerous the will to protect can be. There is no telling the reaches in which someone will go to protect what they care about. They'll put everything on the line. Wars are started on the idea of protection. Both sides trying to protect something, their people, their land, an ideal, and they'll butcher each other based on protecting such things. The Will to protect has the ability to bring us together but also has the ability to tear us apart.

Oberon began to pacing towards Rufus his deadly silver aura emitting off him leaving a glowing trail of light behind him. He dragged his rapier along with ground creating a painful scrapping noise as he got closer and closer to Rufus. Rufus was unfazed by his attempts to intimidate him holding his boxing stance waiting Oberon to make a move.

"You come to our home and have the nerve ask our people to risk their lives for the likes of people like you and now you think you actually have a chance of beating us. Just who do you all think are?"Oberon's words were cold but was filled with a noticeable tint of rage which sent shivers down crowds spines but Rufus stood their still unfazed by Oberon's comments and disturbingly quiet.

Oberon suddenly dashed towards Rufus rapidly closing the gap between the two. Rufus locked his arms bracing for the impact of Oberon's blade slamming on top his crimson gauntlets. Oberon forced his blade down on Rufus forcing him to kneel as gave him an enraged stare.

"I'll show just how big the gap is between us!"

Oberon quickly hit Rufus with a forward kick sending him skidding backwards with his arms still locked after taking the impact. Before Rufus had a chance to regain his senses Oberon was already in front of him ready to strike.

Fuck! Rufus thought to himself.

Oberon quickly delivered a rapid flurry of slashing attacks with rapier. Rufus was only dodging his attacks by a slither with each attack unleashing a powerful gust of wind which slammed repeatedly into the barrier. The crowd however paid no attention to the possible chance of the barrier breaking as they cheered on Oberon as had Rufus on the defence.

"You and your people are nothing but filth! You're kind make me sick!" Oberon said matching the ferocity of his endless assault.

Rufus continues dodging his attacks finding opportunity to quickly get behind Oberon readying his fist to finally deliver a final blow. Oberon though quickly spins round slashing the behind him forcing Rufus to deform into his blood form. He quickly reformed and smashes Oberon in the back of the head causing him to stumble forward slightly before regaining back his balance. Oberon stood up straight before snapping his head towards Rufus his eyes burning with silver light.

"You dare touch me!"

Rufus however still refused to respond to Oberon's words keeping his focus purely on the fight. Something which was abnormal for someone like Rufus who was known for always mouthing off but in a situation like this and an opponent such as Oberon it was clear that he had no space to mess around.

Oberon dashed in again with another deadly gust creating slash in which Rufus quickly dodged going into his blood form reforming behind him and hitting him with another powerful punch. The same exchange repeated itself over and over with Rufus just about escaping Oberon's attacks each time and Oberon growing more and more enraged.

The crowd roared with excitement as Rufus displayed his new found combat prowess.

"Hey that Blood kid is going in!"

"These Blood's ain't half bad."

"Come on Oberon show him what's up!"

The Three Claws watch surprised by Rufus' improvement and his lack of quirky remarks. This was a Rufus that they very rarely got to see. So focused, so determined on a set goal. So quiet.