Chapter 34
The rush was not a typical battle of speed and strength. The rush was designed to force the participants to use every tool at their disposal. Balance, awareness, forethought, creativity, and the usual martial skills one might expect. Lux and Ignis were responsible for the majority of the creation of Spice and Rush. They were only adolescents who had just begun their Iura into the world of Atlas. Both of them, being extremely dedicated to their cause, invented a game to help in training themselves.
The subtle brilliance of the game lay in the limiting factors. One such factor was the small ring around the two warriors which forced a more equal match. No one skill would triumph over another. Strength would be useless without the balance and speed which would be necessary to assist it. If someone such as Ignis were to attempt to overpower his opponent without bothering to sharpen his other traits, he could easily fall outside the boundaries resulting in a loss. In this instance, the boundary simulated difficult terrain.
The other major limiting factor was the absence of weapons and energy. Solis and Luna could easily rely on these two things and never bother to strengthen their other skills. This would eventually result in the loss of overall combat ability for both of them, not to mention the lack of flexibility they would have in their fighting styles. No, that wouldn't do, not for the leader of this group. Lux knew better than to encourage any member of his team to develop such blind spots in their abilities.
The invention of this game would become even more brilliant when one last factor is considered. For the Primis, to train the body is to train the spirit. Their spiritual traits would grow as they developed their physical traits. Over the past twelve years, this game was an effective way to grow without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.
Knowing all of this to be true, Thaddaeus believed himself to have an edge in this battle. He was well-aware of Fira's absence during the invention of this game. He intended to make up for any physical disadvantage he may have against her with his superior understanding of the strategies of Spice and Rush.
The young warrior found himself vexed by the fact that his opponent was every bit as ferocious with her fists as she was with her tongue. He wasn't sure how extensive it was, but Fira definitely had martial arts training.
Fira attacked. Thaddaeus sidestepped. He slid his feet smoothly. He moved efficiently. He threw an elbow, then a knee. He had gained a bit of grace. He deflected her next attack, moving closer. It was time to end the fight. He had gained the better ground. She was too close to the edge of the circle. He dropped lower. Putting his weight behind him, he pushed forward.
He was trying to force her to take just one step backward. Instead, she gracefully used his shoulder as a stepping stone to flip over him. He surged forward, every bit of strength he had trying to stop his momentum. This first rush was beginning to feel more like a dance than a battle. It was a tiresome dance, and it was just as exhausting as a fight with the Damna. They continued to exchange spirited blows, yet neither one gained the upper hand. The exchange felt like an eternity, but finally the Judge stepped in.
Telu raised a small wall of water between them, "Both of you have performed commendably. Take a brief rest. We will forge ahead with the next rush to establish a victor." Thaddaeus was sweating profusely and retreated to catch his breath.
Fira jumped lightly a few times, "Have your muscles warmed themselves, Thibbledy? Are you ready to begin challenging ourselves?" Thaddaeus would later claim that he concealed his reaction of terror at this question. He did not.
Fira was a fireball. The second rush was nothing like the first. She was violent and aggressive. All manner of grace went promptly out the window. Her unfortunate opponent could do nothing but play the role of the defender. He did his best to maintain his composure. He continuously deflected attack after attack in a desperate attempt to eventually find an opening.
He found it. Despite the fact that she was not a large person, the fiery warrior's fighting style was one of power. As he defended, Thaddaeus finally saw his chance for an attack, and it had to be a good one. He was sure he wouldn't get another chance. As he watched her come to the ground with her finishing blow, he made his move. The strategic defender threw his upper body to the side and fell to his back. Just as Fira executed the end of her failed attack, he pushed from the ground with his hands and shoulders. As he pushed himself from the ground, he kicked his opponent backward with both legs using the weight of his entire body.
Fira had enough time to defend with her arms, but she couldn't evade. The majority of the force from his kick had the desired effect. It pushed her. She stumbled back, but she quickly stopped herself. However, looking down, she knew the fight was over. Her boot was covered in spices.
"Very good," Telu said as she walked toward the two warriors. "Succeeding in a round of Spice and Rush is quite commendable indeed. This is the reason for the game; it gives us opposition which inspires us to grow. Now, as we are all aware, in the final rush we do not restrain ourselves. You may use any strength you possess that is not weapon or energy use." She raised a delicate hand in the air, then brought it down, "Commence!"
The two competitors were both clearly exhausted, but it was no mystery which one was more so. Young Thaddaeus still crouched a little on his side of the ring, clearly still trying to catch his breath. His opponent stood confidently across from him with her arms crossed.
"You did well on the last round. I was genuinely impressed. You showed a great deal of cleverness. However, I do not care for cleverness. I desire to see your mettle. What will you do when you are outmatched?" As she spoke, he stood wearily to his feet. She smiled. "No more openings. Let us see who you are."
They resumed their martial arts stances. Although, it didn't mean much. Thaddaeus could only catch a glimpse of her. He only had time to cross his arms in front of him for a feeble defense. Like a flash of fire, Fira shot forward and threw a single, powerful kick aimed at his sternum. The bottom of her boot stamped his arms flat into his chest. The young warrior slid backward, but he stayed standing. His arms fell limply to his sides.
Fira rushed forward again to throw a powerful punch into the side of his face, but she stopped short. The only thing moving to resist her deadly attack was the lad's eyes. She stood next to him in confusion. Holding out her finger, she jabbed him in the forehead. He winced. It almost looked as though it would bring tears to his eyes.
"Are you there?" She asked.
"I'm here," was the pained response, "but.... I can't move."
"Are you broken? You are still standing."
"Oh, you won't knock me down. I'm pretty sure you shattered every bone in my arms, definitely a few ribs, and most probably my spine...but you won't be able knock me down. I promise."
Fira smirked a little and looked down. Thaddaeus was standing directly in front of the boundary of spices. She began laughing uncontrollably. She turned to walk away from him. Exiting the circle, she made her way over to Telu where she stood next to Lux.
Placing her hand on the Judge's shoulder, she made her request. "Will you heal that poor broken fellow?"
Telucani smiled her glorious smile, and began her walk back to the ring. Putting both hands in the air, she called out, "The one to emerge victorious is Thaddaeus!" The crowd cheered until she lowered her hands. They began to glow and appeared to be covered in blue clouds. She held them out and placed them on Thaddaeus' head to heal him.
"That is quite an interesting fellow you have found." Fira said.
Lux smiled and nodded, "In reality, he found us. I was confident that it was no coincidence that he found us when we were so close to reaching you. It seemed impossible that he was so much like you. Reckless, over-confident, and stubborn you both are, but enormously dependable."
She nodded.