Gathering [P/Cain]

[ZERO STONE]

Zero was able to hitch a ride all the way to North Blue, though this was all a misunderstanding and himself being bad with directions. The old man who seemed to speak English was actually foreign not understanding him very well when he asked him to take him to the Grand Line. The old man had dropped him off in North Blue while he slept. Muttering a curse as he was awaken by the screams of civilians. Assuming they were in danger he jumped noticing they were cheering. From afar he could witness the fight between two large man.

Fighting sounds fun!

Running hastily towards the arena noticing the battle between both the giants finish quickly. A man rising from a podium, shorter then average held some machine over his mouth that amplified his voice by much. Using this he began to speak, voice now much louder then before when he was speaking normally.

"CALLING ALL WARRIORS WHO THINK THEY CAN FIGHT, OR THINK THEY CAN WIN! WE NEED TWO MORE COMPETITORS FOR THE FIGHTING COMPETITION! WINNER GETS A SMALL SHIP AS WELL AS 100,000 BERI! LETS GO!"

Scurrying through the group of people, pressing his feet against the earth enough for him to leap high enough to get over the large crowds and land in the center of the arena. Wielding his tonfa's, he awaited his opponent with a grin on his face. Winning this could give him a head start in the life of a pirate.

"I'm in, just tell me who I'm fighting shorty!"

Hopefully his opponent is strong enough to match his power.

[CLYDE HAWKE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,475,true] [atrb=height,380,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #000000; border-top-left-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-topleft:4em; height: 350px; width: 125px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-left: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317]

[atrb=style, background-color: #000000; height: 360px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-right: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317; width: 350px; border-bottom-right-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-bottomright:4em;] remember this feeling, how it feels to be alive Getting to Valkyn Arena was easy enough. There seemed to always be a shuttle ship that moved back and forth from the Arena to the Kingdom, and it seemed like the only ship the young pirate wanna-be could get himself into. The 22-year-old blonde paced down the roads of the small island, full aware of what this place was famous far. Fights. Violence. Gambling. In every road that Cain wandered by, there seemed to be a fight going on, or at least, one that was about to burst out. It was definitely not a dangerous place for the weak. It was a jungle. Kill or be killed. Survival of the strongest. And Cain knew even he was not spared from such a condition. Here, every step he took was a chance at danger. He was clad in a black wifebeater, under his black jacket with the golden linings and shoulder paulders. A pair of cream pants accompanied his attire, with the black leather belt fastening it against his waist, held strong by a silver buckle at the front. Tied onto his belt, at his left waist, was the sheathe of Harpe, with the cap placed in front to cover every part of its unique blade. And finally, to complete his attire, was the pair of leather shoes that had evidently long lost its shine. What was he doing here? Well, weeks now, he had stood by the docks of Lvneel Kingdom, looking for a crew interesting enough for him to stick to, and thus join them in his dreams to witness the world. He cared little for treasure, really. Or glory. All he wanted to do was see what the world could offer him, and he knew that staying in the Kingdom was not going to serve him much. Why a pirate? Well, he valued freedom. And he knew well enough that the Marines lacked the intensity of freedom the man cherished. He was a free bird, and he was going to stay as such. Of course, he was not a pirate yet. Not until he sailed under a Jolly Roger. He came into a road, then, as a loud voice echoed through the air, reaching Cain's ears, prompting him to stop in his tracks and listen. There, he stood, head turned to place his blue eyes upon the source of the sound, as he spoke out, calling all challengers. 100, 000 beri and a small ship to call one's own? Cain's heart leapt. This was definitely something he could made use of. With a smirk, he moved towards the crowd, and as someone accepted the challenge, the blonde stepped out of the circle of spectators, into the made-shift battlefield. "Count me in." you can't break the broken, TAGGED: zero stone NOTES: there you go. made by FLOU of OTE. song is ANTHEM OF THE UNDERDOG, by 12 STONES.

[ZERO STONE]

Finally, there was no more need to wait. A volunteer finally showing his face as he exited from the crowds, who had a sheathed blade with him on his belt. Assuming he was a swordsman, this could be more of a challenge. If had experience with the blade this male was a formidable opponent. Though he couldn't afford to lose, a chance to gain a ship through legitimate means was much more nicer then stealing one. It would aid him in his goal to become Pirate King.

"FINALLY TWO FIGHTERS, A FIGHT TO TRULY SEE WHO DESERVES THE AWARD! NOW THE FIGHT BEGINS! GO!"

Zero was delighted to be able to contest against someone, for the reward it was a nice touch to it. He began to examine his surroundings, anything that would boost his chances of winning by a marigin. Nothing, a clear arena, the man in front of him. Wearing his tattered black robes, a gold and red band pinned on his arm. His weapons were concealed behind the robes, so the man had no idea of what he could have possible brought to the battle. Yet Zero had no idea what this man held as well as his capabilities. They were about fifteen meters away from each other.

"You can go first."

Instead of attacking he let his opponent get first move, as he observed his opponent's visage awaiting any signs of the offensive.

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[CLYDE HAWKE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,475,true] [atrb=height,380,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #000000; border-top-left-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-topleft:4em; height: 350px; width: 125px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-left: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317]

[atrb=style, background-color: #000000; height: 360px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-right: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317; width: 350px; border-bottom-right-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-bottomright:4em;] remember this feeling, how it feels to be alive "You can go first." Strategy, observation, tactics, improvisation. These were factors that made up the non-physical battlefield of the fight. Brawn may be a crucial factor in a battle, but it was not the only weapon, no. A well-placed poke could sometimes do more damage than a wildly thrown punch, and it was a saying that Cain believed in strongly. He knew that strategy was capable enough to overcome any difference in strength. And it was evident then that Zero had his share of experience. By asking Cain to attack first, the blonde was requested to show his cards first. Was Cain going to decline? Maybe. Even he was not foolish enough to charge in at the call of a taunt. He was no mindless brute. He was a swordsman, in every aspect of the word. He stepped forward. So, how was he going to do this? Well, he was going to make use of his resources to their fullest potential. He took another step, and another, before finally breaking into a run. However, he never did the full distance, no. His left hand would snap downwards, grabbing Harpe's grip, but it was all a feint. A distraction. For the real dire movement, though done discreetly through the back-swing of a running arm, he would grab Pearce's hilt, the silver knife being placed strapped onto the back of his waist, hidden from front view. And stopping a good safe distance from Zero with his left foot in the lead, Cain would swing his right hand forward, turning his body leftwards to add into the speed, as he tossed Pearce forward, handle-first. It was an attack, yes, and one that could potentially leave a bruise if not blocked. But in a way, it was a taunt. A call-out. No way was Cain going to go out of his way to fight this man, if he chose not to do the same. you can't break the broken, TAGGED: zero stone NOTES: made by FLOU of OTE. song is ANTHEM OF THE UNDERDOG, by 12 STONES.

[ZERO STONE]

Excitement. Thats how he could describe being able to fight a man of this caliber. Letting the opponent wasn't a sign of arrogance, just a way to no what he was up against, occasionally leading to his demise if fighting someone of superior strength. This is what he wanted to know, a test to see if he could bring out his full potential or not waste any energy at all against anyone unless they requested him to use all of his strength.

Instead of doing something stupid he concentrated on his opponent, all his focus on him, every action and movement made he would know with both his eyes on him. His opponent began slowly before a full run to get closer to him. Until he hand moved towards the hilt of the blade at his waist, Zero gripping harder on his two tonfa's under his cloak in anticipation yet the cloak still concealed his weapons. Until he noticed it was a feint.

The blondes hand going for his back, in combat it wasn't the smartest thing to incorporate two feints, knowing this from his battle experience in the slums. Assuming this, he revealed his two tonfa's by bringing them both out as he noticed the movement of the mans right hand swinging forward, he was throwing something. Whatever he threw it was moving quickly, almost a blur. Instead of dodging it, he would take the attack, or so he thought he would. He would bring one of his tonfa's up quickly in a striking manner, a hook punch though his arm being covered by the tonfa, the tonfa would hit it, hitting it back with much more force then it was thrown with. The force was enough to knock the knife away.

It was his turn to attack.

Going on the offensive was easy, his opponents left leg was out and due to him running in close the distance between them was small (about 3 meters) so he would go into a frontal assault. Closing the space between them in an instant. Once he was right in front of the blonde male he moved in a timed sudden burst of speed leaving an after-image right in front identical to Zero, no differences which was enough to confuse his opponent. Now at the side of the blonde, he swung his tonfa directly towards the rib-cage. In hopes of breaking a few ribs and causing pain, after an attempt of striking he would move back 3 meters to check his opponent's condition and his next actions of retaliation.

[/justify]

[CLYDE HAWKE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,475,true] [atrb=height,380,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #000000; border-top-left-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-topleft:4em; height: 350px; width: 125px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-left: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317]

[atrb=style, background-color: #000000; height: 360px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-right: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317; width: 350px; border-bottom-right-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-bottomright:4em;] remember this feeling, how it feels to be alive The dagger was blocked, as Cain had expected. And thus was revealed the capabilities of his opponent. A pair of tonfas. Short-ranged, blunt and dangerous in capable hands. At least Cain knew he had the superiority in range, but in exchange for that was flexibility. The tonfa was, in the end, a short and easily controlled extension of the arms, with extra capability to inflict blunt damage. Cain would have to be watchful of his opponent's movements. His blue eyes would focus forward, as Zero burst forward towards the blonde. And Cain was more than ready for him. See, that inner swing of the right arm was not simply a throw of the knife, no, but its direction of movement had sent it towards his left. Where Harpe lay. And with his left hand already removing the cap of the sheathe, Cain grabbed the weapon's hilt with his right hand just as Zero came in, appearing in front of him. And thus came Zero's trick. The burst of speed, creating an after-image left behind in his wake. Unfortunately, it was not enough to catch Cain off-guard, no. See, a skill such as that was impressive, but it had its flaws as well. Despite its speed, it was not a teleportation ability. Movement was still involved. Movement from the position of the after-image, to the subsequent position, which would be Cain's left, in this case. And the 22-year-old's blue eyes caught the faint hint of movement towards his left. The after-image may have been a perfect copy, but the movement was something that could not be hidden, and with Cain's trained eye, he caught Zero's speedy movement well enough. And he reacted just as quickly, drawing Harpe from its sheathe as fast as he could, pulling the blade upwards so that it moved up vertically. The resulting position was that Harpe, majority of the blade unsheathed now, was placed between the left side of his body, and Zero. And it caught the blunt force of Zero's attack. With his footing still failing to adjust, the blonde would stagger, stepping out with his right foot to stop himself from falling. As retreated then, Cain refused to allow him to regain that 3 meter space between them, for he would push off with both of his feet just as soon as Zero did, with Harpe now being pulled out of its sheathe hard. Butio Trahe. As long as the weapon was within the sheathe, the skill was made capable, as Cain attacked Zero without pause, never allowing that distance between then to lengthen, as Harpe swung at Zero from the left in a diagonal direction upwards, towards Cain's right, with the force comparable to a cannonball right out of its cannon. Relentless, without pause. Cain was not going to give this man a moment of rest through this fight, no. you can't break the broken, TAGGED: zero NOTES: :3 made by FLOU of OTE. song is ANTHEM OF THE UNDERDOG, by 12 STONES.

[ZERO STONE]

Of course he was expecting some sort of retaliation for his first attack, it wouldn't had been fun. Yet his attack was deadly and swift though this swordsman had an eye, an incredible eye. Quickly bringing his blade between him and the tonfa quickly. What he expected from the efficient swordsman with a 'hawk's' eye.

Yet what surprised him was his intent to begin his own assault that instant Zero attempted to retreat. Nicely done, something he admired. Yet he was going to witness something incredible. His assailant, unsheathing his blade with enough force that sent a pressurized wave of air at his way. Of course this was dangerous and it was something he had to avoid and not take the full brunt of the attack. It was frontal which was more predictable and easier to react to, instead he would move into a side-step in a sudden burst of speed, nothing in his way to move. (No after-images)

Now it was time to end this, or try to end it. He was hesitating in hurting the man, as he seemed like a perfect asset to the crew. Zero stepping back to his former position which was right in front of the swordsman to be right in close now for him to be able to hit him.

Charging in now, his left hand which held one of his tonfa would bash into the wrist that held the sword, he then take a step in following in with his attack. His right hand, his dominant hand that held another tonfa would follow in and would hit him in the gut with all his power and the power he would use to step in with his already massive abnormal strength. He was hoping to end it, and not kill him. Hopefully everything will work out.

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[CLYDE HAWKE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,475,true] [atrb=height,380,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #000000; border-top-left-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-topleft:4em; height: 350px; width: 125px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-left: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317]

[atrb=style, background-color: #000000; height: 360px; border-top: 2px solid #C7A317; border-right: 2px solid #C7A317; border-bottom: 2px solid #C7A317; width: 350px; border-bottom-right-radius:4em; -moz-border-radius-bottomright:4em;] remember this feeling, how it feels to be alive Cain's eyes would widen as the man dodged Cain's attack. Well, he was one fast bugger, wasn't he? Cain's smirk kept its presence, though. It was a clear indication that he thought this battle to be an entertaining one. This young man had certainly proven himself to be a formidable opponent. And Cain was enjoying every moment of it. He twisted his arm, attempting to redirect its course in order to swing the weapon back down. However, Zero's left tonfa would proceed to foil that approach, as he felt his wrist sting hard from the attack, his muscles being numbed enough for the weapon to slip out of his grip, sliding past behind Zero and stabbing into the ground. Cain gritted his teeth. He knew what was coming next. Now that he was disarmed, there was no way of him defending himself. And he was left open for an attack. Was he going to take it just like that? Oh, definitely not. If this was to be the end of this potentially wondrous battle, Cain was not going to go down without having a say in it. He twisted his body rightwards, his arm following the movement as it swung forward from its lowered position. He gritted his teeth, forcing his body to commit to the action as he attempted one final act. No way was Zero going to get this win without getting something back. And then, the tonfa struck at Cain's torso. His whole body would scream, the voice of pain ringing in his head. However, the routine had been completed. His left fist was at its course, and if Zero did seek to strike the tonfa in at full power, without any deviation to its course or momentum, the fist would find its home. After all, minor adjustments would prove to ruin the initial momentum of the attack. His left fist flew in, aimed at Zero's right cheek. Whether it connected or not, Cain would stagger back, bringing his arms to his torso, as he fell on his knees. A direct strike to his gut. He coughed, his saliva splattering all over the ground, as he closed his eyes shut, trying to mentally fight the pain. Perhaps he could recover. Perhaps. He just had to refocus. However, he knew it. If that fist had connected, Zero's recovery could prove to be his victory. If it had not... Well, it would still be his win, of course. In other words... Cain was carrying a slim chance of recovering and getting back in this fight. you can't break the broken, TAGGED: zero stone NOTES: feel free to bring in your win. xD made by FLOU of OTE. song is ANTHEM OF THE UNDERDOG, by 12 STONES.

[ZERO STONE]

Now luckily to be able to hurt Zero Stone wasn't a feat many people could speak of on this world. Yet this man before him was able to do it as well as be in some serious pain. He would have applauded for him but it seemed to embarrassing in front of a crowd witnessing what could be the best fight they had ever seen in this arena which was famed for its deadly battles.

The fist collided with his chin the instant his own tonfa was in contact with his gut, somehow Zero was able to disarm the swordsman yet he struck him in the chin. The force was enough to cause the Captain to stagger back a few steps back but regaining his balance soon after.

Noticing the warrior before him was in much dangerous state, now it was time deal the finishing blow. The crowd around him began to lower there noises until it was completely quiet, the crowd awaiting in anticipation for the Captain's final move. There lust for blood was wanting a death attack. Zero began to approach his opponent, taking each step slowly towards him.

Finally right in front front the blonde swordsman, Zero brought his hand out in a way to aid him, a smile appeared on the Captain's face.

"Why not join my crew, with this ship we can sail the sea's. Join Spiral Arrow?"

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