Shun got back up, blood dripping from his nose and the sides of his mouth. His gaze met Tico's, fierce with an intense emotion he couldn't describe. Was it anger? Was it desperation? Shun couldn't tell, but Tico met him with an intense glare that felt to pierce him more than any weapon. He let out a weak laugh before getting up on his feet, lowering his stance.
Shun: Lightning Kata, Flashing River.
Shun moved like a blur across the ring, changing directions randomly at the last second before darting directly towards his weapon. A swift kick to the head sent him flying back, Tico putting more weight behind it as Shun flew back, spinning in the air, seeming to move like a feather before he safely planted his feet back on the ground.
Shun: Lightning Kata, Demon Cat.
Shun's thoughts: Tico's bleeding out and he's still being this much of an issue. He's pretty scary when he's driven to the edge.
Shun tapped his toes before using Flash to close the distance between himself and Tico immediately. His arms moved like bullets, throwing a series of spear hands and punches aimed at various points of Tico's body, however, Tico stood his ground, his hands moving swiftly as he pushed away and blocked Shun's every attack. Shun gritted his teeth before pulling away and opening the distance once again.
Shun's thoughts: His reaction speed is good. Maybe since his mind and body are at their limit, he's using everything. Then I should too.
Shun let out a sigh before charging towards Tico at full speed. Tico's arms shot out, only to take a quick punch to the side. He whipped around, throwing out yet another punch, only again for Shun's attack to work around him.
Tico's thoughts: I was reading him just a moment ago. What's up with this speed?!
Shun's thoughts: This is Godspeed.
Shun ran at Tico at full speed, the audience looking in shock as they could swear they heard the sound of an explosion.
Shun: Thunder Kata, Castle Siege.
Tico felt as if he was being hit with several baseball training machines. The punches that Shun delivered were low in power, however, the places they struck and the number of them had begun to leave their mark. Bruises began to build up over Tico's body as he raised his defense, taking on Shun's onslaught.
Zachary: What is this?!
Zenzo: We can't even see Shun in the ring anymore! All that is left are his strikes' impacts!
Kammy: TICO!!
Cero: Who would've known that Shun would have this power in him? I'd say his speed is even on par with the likes of Jason's.
Tico was lost in his mind. His body was being treated like a punching bag, no longer able to hear the roars and cries of the audience. He focused, focused more than he ever had before. He let out one more breath of air before his head shot up. His fist moved out, and to the audience's surprise, landed squarely across Shun's face. Blood shot out of Shun's mouth before he stumbled. Shun's fists were noticeably covered in Tico's blood, Tico's body seeming paler despite all the blood covering it.
Simon: That idiot used Godspeed!
Magnus: He was outplayed! His legs are going to feel the effects of that for the rest of this match!
Shizu: You two are worrying far too much. This match is reaching its end soon. Have faith in Shun, for he's the fastest within the Arachna.
Shun immediately used Dragon's Breath to steady his breathing. The pain was moving up his body from his legs, Godspeed had placed an unbearable burden upon his body. Godspeed is a principle used mainly by true masters of the style. It allows one to truly move like lightning. However, Shun was far from mastering Godspeed. His legs began to feel as heavy as lead, his head drooping as pain enveloped his body to its core. Yet, he smiled. He lifted his head, seeing Tico standing across from him. Both fighters gave each other a smile, thinking the same thing.
The audience stared in shock as Tico and Shun slowly made their way to each other, their movements slow and heavy. Blood followed them as their steps brought them closer to the other. The audience looked on in silence. Kammy and Cero, Zachary and Zenzo, Simon and Magnus. Everyone around the ring stood in silence at the two's final stance. Both fighters pulled back their fists before punching the other across the face. Punch after punch, blood came from the other's face. Their skin slowly turned purple from the impact of the punches. Their resolves refused to let them stop attacking. They refused to lose.
…
Hiroto: You've come a long way with your training, Shun.
Shun: Thanks, old man.
Hiroto: C'mon, show some more respect. Don't think I'm here to grant you the title of master. You're still far from it.
Shun stood up from his chair, bringing a thumb up to his face as he met Hiroto with a smirk.
Shun: You think I plan on stopping? Whatever you plan on telling me, I won't let it affect where I go with the style. I intend to master it, no matter what.
Hiroto let out a laugh before placing a hand on Shun's shoulder. Shun let out a chuckle before the two men came to a stop.
Hiroto: Then win. The Raijin Style allows you to move like lightning. Even when you feel the side effects, don't slow down. That's my only request. Don't lose what makes the Raijin Style powerful.
…
Shun and Tico both exchanged left hooks. Tico's eyes quickly moved before a right hook came from his blind spot. The audience let out a roar as Shun put on a smile.
Shun's thoughts: I plan on being the winner here. So I'll beat you here, Tico!
Tico's thoughts: I plan on winning. This will be my victory!
Both fighters' eyes flared with energy before Shun unleashed a series of rapid punches across Tico's body. For a split moment, a moment so small that no one would have seen it, Tico could no longer move.
Shun's thoughts: Thunder Kata, Emperor's Siege.
Shun immediately dropped low, the world feeling like it was slowing down.
Shun's thoughts: Is this the Esoteric Art you mentioned, old man? The world seems so slow. Mind's Eye, was it? I'll show you just how far I've come.
Shun's body shot upwards, his knee moving with it despite feeling heavier than steel. Shun's body moved higher and higher, and with a loud crack, his knee connected with Tico's chin.
Shun: Thunder Kata, Bolt Strike.
Tico's mind went dark, his arms weakly moving out before eventually dropping. A thud could be heard as his body hit the ground. Shun followed suit, quickly falling back before his back hit the ground.
Zenzo: W-What happens now?
Zachary: Who will be the first to move?!
The two laid on the ground before Shun's arm moved up, his fist clenched before the audience erupted in cheers. Simon and Magnus put an arm around each other as they cheered loudly.
Shun's thoughts: You thought using a weapon made me weak, right? So there you go… I beat you at your own game. The Raijin Style is pretty strong, right?
Cero closed his eyes as Kammy dropped to his knees. The last thing that rang in Tico's ears were…
Zachary: WE HAVE A WINNER!! AND THAT WINNER IS THE ARACHNA'S VERY OWN SHUN RYUJIIIIIIII!!!!
Shun rolled around, slowly picking himself up as paramedics ran into the ring. His vision was blurry and faded.
Paramedic: Allow me to help you.
Shun: Nah… I'm good. I need to go see someone, so don't worry about me.
Shun limply walked past the paramedics and into the ring entrance. His body was heavy, but his mind was settled on one thing.
Shun's thoughts: I need to tell him…