...
Cayci was abruptly yanked backwards and a large, grasping hand just missed her. She was too stunned to show Aerrow her appreciation for yet again saving her ass. As she left his side to advance upon Adrik, she grew angry at herself. She was a Sky Knight, for Atmos' sake, her ass shouldn't need saving!
She channeled her indignation into her fight. Utilizing her strengths, she'd have to stay light on her feet to win. He may have the size and strength on his side, but she was very quick.
Playing the aggressor, Cayci darted past him and ducked down to strike the back of his knees. As he stumbled she struck again and again until he hit the floor.
Adrik sent her a wide grin as he propped himself casually up on one elbow. It was at that moment a nervous realization struck her. He wasn't trying in the least.
"Are you not taking the fight seriously?" She was offended.
His eyebrows lifted. "Fight?" Adrik laughed. "Come now, this isn't a fight."
Cayci gritted her teeth together. "Then let's make it one."
"I'm not sure if you can handle me." He slowly pushed himself to his feet.
She watched warily as Adrik straightened and stretched. "You ready?"
"You're new at this, aren't you?" He asked, hands clasped behind his head. "Rule number one." His hands slid down his back and ripped his sword from its scabbard. Adrik lunged at her. "Never give your opponent an opportunity."
She was forced back, dodging strike after strike. He was unwavering and it didn't take long for her to tire. Cayci sprang off the stage and ducked into the stands. It was only then that she realized the crowd hadn't moved.
She shuffled between feet on her hands and knees. "Aveil," she hissed, searching for her friend. Her breaths were coming out in short, sharp bursts and the cramp in her side throbbed in rhythm with her frantic heartbeat. "Aveil!" Last she'd seen, Aveil had been near the judges' table. Now if she could just figure out where that was...
"Oh, hello." Familiar eyes peeked out at her a row above. "How nice to run into you like this." Aveil sat back on her heels. "You know, I can honestly say that I never thought I'd be crawling around on my knees as a Sky Knight's second-in-command." She shrugged. "Not during my first adventure, at least."
Cayci wasn't thrilled with the reminder. "I know we're not doing well so shut it," she growled before changing topics. "I heard that redhead give the order to his team to clear out the auditorium, why has no one moved?"
"They're hypnotized," Aveil stated bluntly, sending Cayci a pointed look.
She let out a disgruntled sound. "So then why haven't you gotten the crystal from Rica and reversed it?"
"Because that would be smart." A usual line for Aveil when she hadn't thought of something. "I saw how well you were doing with-"
"Why are you down here anyways?" Cayci interrupted Aveil's sarcastic remark.
Aveil muttered something that Cayci didn't quite catch.
"What?"
Still inaudible.
"Speak up!"
"I dropped my crossbow!" Aveil bellowed.
A hush fell over the stadium. Cayci's eyes grew wide with horror as Adrik's sudden laughter reached her ears.
Aveil was full of optimism. "We're going to die."