A/N Sorry for the long wait between chapters, this chapter has been the hardest yet. I have written and rewritten this chapter about 7 or 8 times now. I want to say thank you to the people who messaged me and reminded me that people have been waiting for this chapter so i just want to say thank you for reading and i hope you enjoy.
Chapter Ten
Sitting in the ready room Link smiled as he looked down at his sword. Drumming his fingers once over the metal of the blade he reached down and picked up a cloth from his personal kit. Bringing the cloth back up he checked to see if it was clean, satisfied with what he saw Link began running the cloth along the blade, the familiar ritual calming him down.
As he looked at his reflection in the blade he lost himself to thought, he had fought his first duel at the age of fifteen and ever since he had practiced diligently to become better. Fighting people was much different then fighting Grimm, they were even more unpredictable.
Bringing himself back to the current situation he looked down at his newly cleaned sword, talking in a low hushed voice, Link spoke to his weapon. "It's been a while since we've had a proper fight, I remember when grandma first handed you to me." Link whispered to himself as he ran his fingers along the hilt of the weapon. "The men of the village didn't take me seriously until I wielded you in combat for the first time, after that you helped change my life."
Link had never renamed his blade like many people did when they inherited a sword. Evils Bane had a long history within his family and it seemed presumptuous to rename a blade with such a long heritage. The longsword was long and smooth, the edges of the blade were clean and sharpened. Now finished with his sword he laid it down on his lap, the clean blade reflecting the artificial light of the overhead dust lights.
"It'll be a real fight." Link whispered to his sword, "a real duel."
"Talking to your sword?" Blake had walked in without him realizing it, "damn her for being so quiet." Blushing slightly with embarrassment Link stood up and sheathed the blade, it slid smoothly into the sheath on his back. "It's an old habit, I've wielded her for so long it's hard to feel like the weapon isn't just another extension of myself."
Turning around to face Blake he managed to get his embarrassment under control as she handed him a bottle of water, thanking her for the water he opened the bottle and drank deeply from the cool water. Enjoying the cool metallic tang of the freshly chilled water Link put the bottle down on the bench he had sat on, "thanks." Turning his back to Blake, Link stretched his arms testing the range of motion, now that his shoulder pauldron and cloak were attached to his usual combat attire they restricted his movement slightly.
Reaching up he removed the clip that held the scarf in place, with the pin removed the cloak draped freely down his back, he smiled as it dangled low reaching the back of his calf muscles. As he moved around the long black cloak seemed to absorb light as it draped down his broad back, the soft but .
Leaning up against the cold wall Blake watched as Link went through his exercises. Dropping low he began stretching his legs, Blake watched as he went from stretching to a series of hand to hand combat maneuvers. Feeling confident Link checked the pauldron once again, the range of motion wouldn't hinder him to badly and it also gave him some extra extra protection,with a small confident grin Link turned to face her again.
Walking over to Blake he sat down on the bench next to where she was standing, his long cloak folding underneath him as he sat down. "So are you ready for the fight?" Blake turned to look at him as she sat down next to him a concerned look etched upon her delicate features. Link forgot himself in that moment, smiling at the sentiment. "I'm sure I'll be fine, plus with you In my corner how can I lose?" Unleashing a cocky grin he stood up as the time for the door to open drew nearer.
Hearing movement from behind him Link turned as Blake closed the distance between them, taking a slight step back Link's face flushed red as he felt her long slender arms wrap around him. Blushing in embarrassment Blake hugged him pressing her bright red face up against his green tunic. Wrapping his arms around the smaller woman Link smiled. She was surprisingly gentle and in that moment, she felt so very fragile. In that moment nothing else in the world mattered to him, those few seconds were a precious eternity. "That's for luck, now you better not lose."
Link grinned as she let go ending the embrace, as Blake took a step back the door in front of Link chimed and slowly swung open to show the arena outside. Making his way out the doorway he stopped as he reached the hatch, turning he smiled once more at Blake. "I'll see you after the fight," and like that he was gone.
Walking outside Link quickly evaluated his surroundings. The immediate area around him was a flat grassy plain but surrounding him on either side of the gate was lush forests that continued far into the distance. Hearing the grainy sound of an overhead speaker being activated he headed into the forest.
"The fighters are, Link Kokiri from Beacon and Isaac Koloktos from Sanctum."
Making his way deeper into the forest Link walked quietly, making sure he didn't carelessly step on any fallen branches. Moving silently and taking care not to disrupt the leaves or the undergrowth below him Link stalked through the shadows, his cloak wrapped tightly around him. Making his way through the shadows of the undergrowth Link spied a tall tree up ahead. Moving quickly Link made his way to the base of a large tree, the bark of the tree rustled slightly as Link moved up against the tree.
Checking his surroundings Link looked up at the large tree, it reminded him of the tree that sat in the middle of the village back home. It stood taller than any other tree and cast its shadow over the nearby area. its massive branches brushed the polarized dome. Quickly scaling the tree to just above the treeline he looked out over the large forest, seeing a few large clearings he smiled as he saw movement in the treeline. From his position he couldn't make out much.
Looking down at the area around himself he looked for the easiest way to the field. Seeing a stream that made its way through the clearing Link followed it back to him before making his way back down.
Quietly moving forwards again Link headed in the direction of the stream. As he made his way through the forest and came closer to the stream the trees started thinning out and the sound of water became clearer. Following the stream he stayed close to the tree's as he made his way towards the clearing. Following the stream for a little while he found himself at the edge of the large open clearing, checking the trees around him for signs of recent disturbances besides his own he found nothing.
Turning his attention back to the clearing and the stream his eyes followed the stream as it turned off to the right and headed back into the forest. Crouching in the shadows of a large oak tree Link finally looked out and surveyed the clearing itself. After a moment of searching the opposite treeline he saw his opponent standing off to one side of the open field, his eyes were shut.
His opponent was a large man standing a few inches taller than Link, he wore a suit of well articulated golden armor. Each section of the armor was made of smaller interlocking pieces to allow for full range of movement, small sections of silver highly machined chain mail shone from underneath the metal plates. The armor covered his entire body except for his head which was left bare. His head was completely shaven, not a strand of hair was atop his head.
Looking at his opponents weapons Link looked took stock of his own resources. His opponent carried a pair of throwing axes that attached to his gauntlets by a detachable chain and on his back he carried a great-sword. The blade of the sword was nearly as long as he was tall.
Reaching down Link undid the leather that stopped his revolver from falling out when he was on the move, taking the revolver in his right hand he thumbed off the safety. Taking aim at his opponent Link raised his revolver and slowed his breathing. Stepping out of the shadows of the tree, Link opened fire on his opponent. A triple crack of thunder rolled through the clearing as three bolts of incandescent lightning raced towards Link's opponent.
Hearing the crack of thunder and managing to open his eyes in time Isaac dodged at the last second as the triple burst of lightning bolts roared past him, the shots left a smell of ozone hanging in the air. Now running towards his enemy Link fired again, unleashing another salvo of shots at his opponent. Watching as Isaac took all three shots to the breastplate Link nearly faltered as he charged his opponent. The lightning bolts had smashed into the golden breastplate but they had done nothing but blacken the metal.
Ejecting the spent bullets Link pulled out one of the many speed-loaders he had prepared and reloaded, holstering his pistol Link grabbed his shield and pulled it off of his back. Now only thirty meters from his opponent Link ducked low and rolled as one of the axes came spinning over his head, coming up out of the roll Link continued charging towards his opponent. Hearing a whirling of displaced wind behind him Link instinctively rolled again as the axe whipped back into Isaac's outstretched hand.
Finally getting within striking distance of his opponent Link swung his sword in a wide arc and began a series of aggressive follow up strikes to test his opponent's defense. Weaving in and out of his opponent's guard Link and Isaac circled each other as they tested each other. Smiling Link could feel the thrill racing inside of him.
Coming in low Link attacked his opponent with a flurry of strikes each attack was met by the ringing clash of steel as Isaac's axes raced in to block the vicious attacks. Slicing up and reversing the momentum of his blade Link sliced down hard, before Isaac could block the attack, Link's blade had already sliced through the metal of Isaac's shoulder pauldron.
Taking a step back they circled each other, Link's breathing was slightly heavier from the exertion, taking in a deep breath Link once again charged in. Attacking from above Link shifted his footing bare seconds before the blade struck metal changing the angle of attack. Chopping down the sound of ringing metal sounded out as Isaac managed to block the attack with his axes, with a grunt and an obvious heave of effort Link drove the axes down forcing his opponent into a X-shaped blocking position. Breaking his footing Link kicked out with his boot and caught Isaac in the chest throwing the bigger man back a few steps.
Seeing the opportunity to disengage Link took a few quick steps back and regained his posture, taking a deep breath Link steadied his breathing. Seeing Isaac shake off the kick and come charging towards him he prepared himself to receive the charge, dropping his stance low and steadying his posture. Isaac came barreling forward screaming war cries as his axes crashed against Link's sword and shield. Feeling the hammer-like blow of the axe strikes on his shield Link used his aura to strengthen his arm and fight off the fatigue he could feel building. Feeling his body surge with strength as he burned through his aura Link struck hard against his opponent, his aura empowered strikes coming in faster than they had before. Blocking every strike Isaac could throw at him the fight quickly became a brutal melee of clashing steel.
Ducking low and spinning away Link dodged an axe strike that would have taken off his head had he continued standing where he was just seconds ago. Driving in low once again Link smashed his shield into Isaac's arm briefly knocking the weapon out of his hand. Slicing out with his sword Link felt the satisfying scrape as his sword cut into the metal of Isaac's gauntlet.
Moving away to get back into posture Link winced as Isaac's boot connected with his chest. The chain mail underneath softened the blow enough to stop his ribs from cracking, his chest flared with pain as he felt the air get pushed out of his lungs. Reeling backwards he moved further away from Isaac desperately trying to put a little distance between the two fighters. Wincing Link watched as Isaac approached axes held ready.
Rolling his shoulder and bracing himself Link was barely able to meet the oncoming assault in time. Howling in rage his opponent came barreling in once again. Feeling Isaac's axe smash against his shield Link winced as he realized his mistake. He hadn't had time to properly brace himself. Stumbling backward Link's shield arm went wide as another axe strike threw his arm out, grimacing he felt the slice of his opponents axe as it cut the straps of his shield and grazed the leather of his gauntlets.
Rolling backwards Link came up on his feet, his discarded shield lying a few meters away. Bellowing with a fury that surprised himself, Link charged back in to the fight, his sword now held in a two-handed grip. Discarding all thoughts of conservation Link felt his body grow lighter, his arms grow stronger and his limbs more agile as his body surged with the aura he had been holding in reserve. He moved with inhuman speed slicing and cutting with exact precision.
The ringing of steel became a constant clash as the two warriors fought without regard for their own safety. With a wolfish grin Link struck his opponent again, his sword had broken through Isaac's guard and severed the chain that held the axe to his gauntlet. Spinning as he dodged another attack Link severed the other chain. Dodging a strike to his right Link ducked low to avoid the first strike, seeing the follow-up attack from his left to late he could only slow down the strike as the axe bit into his side.
Feeling a burning sensation where the axe had struck Link looked down at his side for a moment, he instantly knew what had happened. The axe had gotten through his chain mail and sliced into him deep enough to leave a bloody wound, the side of his tunic was already being stained with his blood. Pushing the pain to the back of his mind Link used his aura to staunch the bleeding and numb the pain. Still enhancing his body he could feel the strain as he used up his aura, he was burning through his reserves faster than he had expected. Sweat started to bead down the back of his neck as he struggled to maintain control of his aura and augment himself.
Circling each other the two fighters stared each other down. As Isaac advanced, Link gave up ground keeping the distance between them. Taking a deep breath to steady himself he watched as Isaac discarded his axes and drew out the great-sword strapped to his back. Cursing Link took another step back, clenching his hands down on the hilt of his sword he readied himself.
Staring his opponent in the eyes, Link raised his left hand to the shoulder pauldron that sat perched on his right shoulder. Finding the emeralds that sat recessed in the armor Link smiled as he felt what he needed. All six of them were pulsing with energy. He had stored whatever aura he could spare into the emeralds over the last week. Link grinned as he siphoned energy out of the emeralds draining one of them completely.
Feeling a surge of energy course through his body Link smiled as waves of emerald energy cascaded off of him like steam. The burning pain in his side faded as a new rush of aura helped ease the pain. Cautiously walking forwards Link raised his sword in an informal salute, this would be the last clash of blades.
Raising his great-sword in salute Isaac and Link began walking towards each other, the distance between them closing in a matter of seconds. Link exhaled as he ducked under the fast approaching great-sword and turned his body in a low spin under the lunging blade of his opponent. Coming up from below Link struck Isaac's chin with the hilt of his blade the blow landed with an audible crunch as Isaac's head was forced up from the force of the strike. As his opponent staggered backwards Link followed the strike up with a vicious kick, the aura empowered kick sending Isaac crashing backwards.
Charging in as Isaac struggled to regain his footing and posture, Link swept low hacking at Isaac's thigh plates. Leaving deep grooves in the metal, Link dropped low and spun to the side, slicing out as he finished his maneuver. Turning quickly Isaac managed to block the strike, his great-sword sliding along the length of Link's sword. Disengaging Link dropped low and kicked out tripping Isaac over.
Rushing over to his downed opponent Link rested the tip of his blade on Isaac's neck. Dropping the great-sword he still held clutched in his hand, Isaac signaled his defeat by raising both hands up in the air. After sheathing his sword Link turned to Isaac and offered the fallen man his hand. Looking at the offered hand for a second Isaac grabbed Link's hand and let himself be pulled up. "Good fight," Isaac said as he turned and walked back towards the room where he had entered, only stopping to reach down and pick up his axes aswell as his discarded great-sword.
Ripping a strip of cloth from his tunic Link pressed it over the seeping wound in his side, his aura had held it in check but he'd need medical attention soon. Scooping up his fallen shield and sheathing his sword Link made his way back to the ready room as the crowd roared outside. Walking towards the door it swung open as a medic ran out to the field. Approaching Link he pulled out a medical kit from a satchel that sat slung over his shoulder. As he approached Link waved him off, "It can wait till we get back to the infirmary, I'd rather keep this private."
Sighing the medic complied as he put the medical kit back in his satchel. "Have it your way," moving ahead of Link the medic held the door open for him as they headed for the infirmary. Walking through the ready room Link grabbed a bottle of water and a towel, bringing the bottle up for a drink he sighed in relief as he took a long drink from the water bottle. Link smiled as he started wiping away the sweat that beaded down his neck, throwing the towel in a nearby waste bin as he exited the room. Link followed the medic as the began walking down the hallway that connected to where the teams were waiting, Link looked wistfully down the one his friends were on as they turned down a different hallway.
Holding his side Link made his way into the infirmary. The room was a wide open space, three beds ran along the sides of the room. The back wall was full of cabinets and shelves, each one fully stocked with medical supplies. The walls were all coloured a creamy white and the room smelled of anti-septic.
Walking further into the room the medic guided Link down to one of the beds near the door, "if you can take off your tunic, I'll go get the medical supplies." Nodding Link began the process of unlacing straps and unbuckling the various leather straps that crisscrossed his chest. Once he finished with the straps he peeled off his tunic, chain-mail, and undershirt, sighing in relief he felt some of the tension leave his shoulders as the weight was lifted. Sitting on the bed stripped to the waist Link looked down at his chest, a sad smile gracing his features for a moment before being replaced by a grimace.
Walking back over to Link with the medical supplies in hand, the medic stopped in his tracks. Scars trailed down Link's muscular body, most a series of nicks and cuts that had healed over easily and were now pink and faded. But one in particular caught his attention. A series of ragged claw marks had ravaged his stomach leaving it with a long buckled scar that followed the contours of his abdominal muscles. "Holy.. how did you get that?"
Looking at the medic Link stared him down, "I'd rather not talk about it. Can we get this fixed please." Link motioned indicating his side were the axe had bit into him. "Sorry," breaking out of his stupor the medic walked over to Link.
Looking down at his side Link surveyed the damage the axe had done. Throwing away the rag that he had ripped off his tunic, Link watched as the medic set-up his tools. He had set down his medical kit next to Link and quickly proceeded to clean the wound, he was in the process of clamping the wound shut. "Here we go, I'm about to start stitching." Wincing as he felt the clamps bite down and the first stitch go in, Link looked up at the roof to distract himself.
Thinking of his home, Link let his mind drift as the medic did his work. Losing himself to memories of the past Link barely noticed as the medic finished up, finally paying attention to what the medic was doing Link watched as a compression bandage went over the stitches to help hold everything together as the wound healed. Finally relaxing Link released the aura that had held back the blood and pain. Letting the aura disperse naturally throughout his body, Link leaned back on the bed he was sitting on as fatigue started setting in and the muscles in his arms started to ache from the exertion. Now that he had won the fight for today he wouldn't have to fight until the next day, so he had time to relax and let his muscles recover.
Hearing a radio crackle into life from over on the desk that the medic was now sitting at Link watched as the medic nodded once and stood up. "I've got to go check on someone from the Grimm fights, I'll be back soon so get some rest." Nodding in response to the medic Link shuffled backwards on the bed and rested his head on the pillow behind him. The soft bed comforting him and helping him to relax as the medic raced out of the room.
Looking up at the tiled roof above him Link lay on the bed for a short while before sitting up. Moving to the edge of the bed Link leaned forwards and reached into the belt pouch that lay perched on the nearest chair. Pulling out his scroll he typed out a quick message to Jaune asking him to grab one of the spare shirts from his locker and bring it to the medical room. Sending him the unlock code for his locker Link leaned up against the cold wall behind him. The smooth cool wall felt great on his hot skin, leaning his head against the wall he shut his eyes and enjoyed the sensation. His body was still leaking the excess aura and it rose from him in small wisps of emerald steam.
Hearing a small creek from the door-way Link turned and opened one eye expecting to see the medic returning, instead he saw Blake. Bolting upright and reaching for his shirt Link winced in pain as he stretched the new stitches. Moving through the stinging pain in his side Link sat up.
Blake stood in the doorway staring at Link, the scars that marred his body drew her attention immediately. With a lopsided grin and a laugh that didn't reach his eyes Link wrapped his arms around himself, "shouldn't you knock first?" Blake shook her head, she was still trying to process the image of his bare chest. Getting no response form Blake he sighed as he dropped his arms and let her get a good look.
Small pink scars puckered the flesh of Link's shoulders and chest, most were pink and well healed over, some of the darker scars weren't as clean and showed signs of hasty stitching. Blake stared, scars happened naturally when one fought Grimm, but the scar across Link's abdominal muscles was worse than anything she had seen before. The scarring was tough and buckled, the wound had obviously been slow to heal and hadn't received the proper medical attention it needed.
Walking forwards Blake sat down next to Link on the bed, "does it hurt?" Link stared at Blake for a moment, one eyebrow raised slightly. "Right, that was a silly question," Blake looked away for a moment, her cheeks heating up as she blushed in embarrassment. "Not something anyone likes to look at I'm afraid, It's something i prefer to keep hidden," Link said as he waved his hand over the scars that marred his body. "It's not exactly something i like women to see, I think many of them would run away," Link said with a sad smile that matched his mood.
"I wouldn't," Blake replied quickly, the words were out of her mouth before she realized what she had said. Blushing quickly she looked away from Link as she fidgeted uncomfortably, smiling to himself he looked up at the ceiling, "thanks for not asking about it."
Blake nodded slowly as she managed to regain her composure as the bright red blush faded away, "Whenever you want to talk, you know I'm here," looking back down from the roof to face Blake he smiled. Hearing footsteps from down the hallway Link reached over for his tunic and threw it over himself, hearing a knock on the door Link's smile turned into a grin as he looked over at Blake, "see some people knock."
"Shut it you." Turning back to face the door Blake watched as Jaune walked in with a long black shirt draped over his forearm. Entering the room slowly he briefly smiled as he looked between the two in front of him, "here you go Link," handing him the shirt Link nodded in appreciation. "Could you do me a favor Jaune and turn around," giving Link a quizzical look Jaune nodded and turned around.
Standing up Link let the tunic fall from him, stretching slightly and letting his muscles tense and relax he smiled as Blake blushed slightly before slowly averting her eyes. Slipping on the form-fitting black shirt Link sat back down and relaxed, the pain in his side had slowly subsided to a manageable amount. "Jaune It's okay now, thanks for grabbing the shirt."
"No problem Link," looking between Blake and Link he smiled, "I'll go back and tell Pyrrha your okay, you had us worried for a second there." Turning and walking out of the room Jaune smirked as he did so, knowing that the both of them would appreciate the time, whether they knew it consciously or not.
Watching as Jaune left the room Link reached over and grabbed the leather belts that were draped over a nearby chair along with the rest of his stuff. Pulling them over his shoulders Link began the process of buckling and relacing some of the straps. Grabbing the shoulder pauldron Link clipped it to the belts that went over his shoulder, pulling down one of the straps he made sure it was secure before continuing. Grabbing his Straight Silver from its hiding place underneath his tunic, he ran his hand over the black sheath checking for damage, satisfied with what he saw he slid the weapon into his boot. Turning to Blake he smiled, "so we're both done for the day, want to go drop off our stuff and grab something to eat?"
Adjusting the straps Link smiled as Blake silently nodded, leaning over to pick up his clothes and weapons Link sighed as he looked at his green tunic. Blood had stained the fabric of the cloth and the axe had ripped through a large amount of the fabric and shredded the bottom left of his tunic. Throwing the tunic in the nearest waste bin Link turned as he heard footsteps coming from down the hall, judging by the sound it came from a group of people.
Turning to check if he had left anything on the bed Link heard the door open behind him and a gasp from beside him as Blake jumped off the bed, hearing the dull thump of silenced gunfire he spun around to see Blake slowly fall to the ground, moving quickly Link managed to grab her before she fell, holding her in his arms Link checked to see if she was breathing, satisfied Link slowly lowered Blake to the ground and stood up, as he did so he paused for a second reaching for his revolver.
"Don't."
Seeing the group of men walk in through the door and the weapons pointed in his direction Link stopped but watched their movements cautiously. "Who are you?"
"Nobody you need to know."
The man walked towards him with a pistol held high as a couple other men joined him, a few had tails or large animal ears but they all wore the same uniform. Each one split off to different corners of the room and began raiding medical cabinets while two stood near the doorway and stood guard. They all shared the same mask except for the one that spoke. He wore a black suit and carried a custom ninjato causally in one hand, he was the one aiming the pistol at Link. Moving his hand slowly down to the revolver at his side Link watched as the man looked away for a second, making his move while he had a chance Link managed to unclasp the leather strap on his holster before the man fired again.
Feeling the bullet smash into his shoulder Link stumbled back as he felt his body slowing down and his eyes starting to shut. Tranquilizers. Looking down at the prone form of Blake he felt a rage growing inside of him, letting out a grunt in defiance his aura surged through him. With the help of his aura he began to resist the effects of the tranquilizer. Grunting with effort Link burned through his aura as wisps of emerald energy cascaded from his skin, feeling the impact of another trio of shots his body sagged as the powerful sedative finally overcame him. Dropping to the ground the last thing he saw before everything went black was Blake being hauled out by the man in the half mask.
A/N Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed the chapter i hope to have the next chapter out faster but unfortunately I have started studying for my Diploma so things are getting in the way of my writing. Nevertheless i will try to get the next chapter out faster. Thank you for reading and please R&R it helps keep me going.