Epee Round 2: Ross vs. Bryze, J.

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when you feel so close to some resolve
you write the words that you're writing for
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Topaz had won her last bout with ease; in fact, it had hardly been a competition at all, she'd just blown the other girl out of the water right from the start. Brooklyn had started drowning right after that first double touch, and after that she'd never resurfaced. Topaz had gotten touch after touch, the adrenaline rush characteristic of competition pulsing through her veins. She loved this feeling, the feeling of winning. And it was comforting, knowing that she hadn't lost her touch. Topaz Ross had emerged victorious. But of course, it had only been the quarterfinals. And now she would face none other than Julian Bryze.

She'd seen on the board shortly after she finished hers that Julian had won his own bout, surprise surprise. She hadn't expected anything different; Julian would never have allowed himself to lose. Just like she hadn't, either. She had to admit, it probably would've been far more dramatic if the two faced each other in the final bout, but she was fully prepared to take what was handed to her without complaint. Kick his ass in the quarterfinals, prove your worth, move on to kick everyone else's ass, too. It was a simple procedure, and the 56th victor would be sure to carry out every part of it. Starting with beating Julian.

She clenched her fingers tight around the grip of her epee as she saluted the platinum blond teenager, then tested her blade against his bell guard with a sly smirk. "Good luck, Bryze." She gave him a nod before lowering her mask so that the mesh covered her face, then waited for the ref's signal. This time she backed up a few feet before lunging forward, luring him in for the kill. Perhaps it would be a better tactic, considering her immediate action in the last bout had resulted in only a double touch, not a point solely for her.

[dice=20]

Her blade made its mark as she lunged, hitting straight into his stomach before he knew what had hit him. She grinned in satisfaction, returning to the starting line, hoping she could follow up on her good fortune. If she could secure a large enough gap, the bout would be hers without question. If.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.
when you feel so close to some resolve
you write the words that you're writing for
.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Julian looked very much like he was trying to intimidate her, which she scoffed at. It wasn't something you attempted on another victor; it worked on anyone else, sure, but not on your compatriots who had tried the same thing time and time again. Apparently it had distracted her enough, though, because a moment later he'd jabbed the epee straight at her chest and she gave a cry of indignation. "I hope you don't mind if it's the last time that happens," she said, smirking sweetly and preparing her next attack.

[dice=20]

.:.:.:.:.:.:.
when you feel so close to some resolve
you write the words that you're writing for
.:.:.:.:.:.:.

She was making good headway, yes, but then again, so was Julian. It was a pretty even match - they kept matching each other hit for hit - but then all the sudden she was able to easily parry one of Julian's attack and just like that, she held her lead. "Good try, but you'll have to do a bit better," she taunted with her signature sly smirk.

[dice=20]

.:.:.:.:.:.:.
when you feel so close to some resolve
you write the words that you're writing for
.:.:.:.:.:.:.

It seemed like Julian was not about to let himself get behind for long, because a moment later after a disgruntled "hmph" he stole another touch on her arm. Topaz's eyes narrowed in indignation; she was so close to beating him she could feel it. She had to keep going. Had to keep fighting. She liked Julian, sure, but winning this match in particular was extremely important to her.

[dice=20]

.:.:.:.:.:.:.
when you feel so close to some resolve
you write the words that you're writing for
.:.:.:.:.:.:.

With a smirk of joy Tope realized that she'd managed to parry his blade once again, following a wonderful touch she scored off of his mask. The taste of victory grew stronger on her tongue; Julian might be younger and fitter, sure, a more recent arena graduate. But she would retain her rightful title of swordsman that she'd established in her Games. Besides, Julian had made a name for himself with his glaive, not with this: every victor had their signature weapon, the one they'd won with. Arbor, Heron, and Lethe, their knives. Ara, her blowgun. Mace, his throwing knives. Julian, his glaive. Sure, Klaus had fought with a sword too, but he hadn't wielded it like she had. Tope was a swordsman through and through.

[dice=20]