Staying Sharp

[Kaalia Pavanos]

The flame-haired woman barely made it to her feet as she was immediately pushed back by [member='Zmej Ren']'s attack. The attack rattled her as Kaalia was airborne, despite it only taking a second. She landed on one knee, quickly getting back up afterwards. Fatigue kicked in- Kaalia wasn't used to drawing from the Dark side for extended periods of time, let alone trained in using it. The young woman started panting as her passion and anger seemed to slip through her fingers. Not like this.

Kaalia took a defensive stance, ready to take the incoming attack. She hoped for the slightest of slipups by the blonde-haired woman in front of her, praying she could land a final strike in the process. It was all or nothing.

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Beads of sweat rolled down the blonde Ren’s forehead, but otherwise she appeared surprisingly energetic, eager to go five rounds with Darth Vader himself. Whether this strange lack of fatigue had to do with the dark side or intense training, it certainly put the disciple’s tenacity on display. Two yellow spotlights moved over the floor, glancing over the red-headed woman who appeared to be in greater struggle. They all fought battles of their own, having personal demons to slay, and Asenath couldn’t help but wonder what sorts of obstacles her sparring partner had to overcome. Very oblivious the nineteen year old used to be a Jedi, Zmej offered a smirk that said everything it needed to her older sister, forming a brief, passing moment of understanding between the two before they returned to the duel.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Even though [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] was back up, Zmej’s intentions were to bring her down again in the same way she had attempted earlier. Instead of trying to pull one of the flame-haired disciple’s legs from under her, the blonde attempted to swiftly yank on both. While dividing her focus presented many dangers, heavy risk also carried the greatest rewards. [/SIZE]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Kaalia stood unsteady and breathed irregularly, the Dark side sucking out whatever energy she had left. It was the price to be paid, and it felt terrible. Feelings of dizziness, fatigue and muscles that seemed to be on fire made it clear this sparring match wouldn't last much longer. There was resolve, the young woman wouldn't surrender, but that was all there was.

Her mental state wasn't much better. The Light screamed out while the Dark simply took. There was no strength to suppress the thoughts, and to Kaalia it felt like her head was splitting open. If she wasn't in combat the former Jedi would've passed out, but she wouldn't allow it. If her opponent wanted to beat her, then her fellow Ren would have to do it herself.

A smirk by [member='Zmej Ren'], which seemed to convey a message of understanding, was followed by a blur, seeing an attack on the legs trying to take them from under the older Ren. There was no airtight way of stopping it; most of her strength was gone. Instead, the redhead was going to make it as painful as possible, sweeping her saber in front of her legs as defense. The last stand.

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]A sweeping, upwards motion of her closed fist was enough to rob the red-haired Ren of her footing and send the tall woman tumbling down the mat once more. It felt good, intoxicating even, wielding so much power and strength in such small gestures. No wonder many found the dark side to be corruptive, unnatural; it offered this and so much more to anyone willing to listen and use their anger to reap from the unlimited well of energy. Zmej Ren bathed in its black waters, overly disciplined to become an enslaved addict, yet too curious to completely ignore the dark side’s calling. Even now, its voice demanded blood, crushing her opponent completely and utterly. Brows furrowed at the sight of Kaalia, sulphur yellow eyes sinking into the fallen form. By this point, it became apparent the spar’s been decided – Zmej only needed to cement that victory, caring little if she had to bring [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] down several more times to prove herself the dominant duelist. No, not crushing her - a simple defeat was more than enough. While her sister’s determination to keep going was admirable, it became a matter of stubborn will rather than ability to keep fighting by now – and thus the trial of skill no longer served the purpose of bettering the two anymore. Taking a deep breath, Zmej extinguished some of that fire burning in her heart, saving the flames for her enemies. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“I think we’re done here, sister.”[/SIZE]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Loud breathing and an attempt to get up was all Kaalia could do. Her sight was blurry, but she didn't want to stop. She didn't speak as the flame-haired woman, extinguised saber in her shaking hand she made it back to her feet before falling down to one knee again, dropping her weapon. Her instinct was telling her to keep going, but her physical form simply had nothing left. Simply staring into empty space, the Ren tried drawing upon *anything* she had left, but there was nothing.

"Why c...an't... I let go..." Kaalia stumbled. As much as she tried embracing the Dark side, the Light held her back, prevented her from progressing. The flame-haired woman couldn't do it on her own. She realized that now. She felt weak, alone. "Why does... why does it... hold me back..." Kaalia didn't expect [member='Zmej Ren'] to understand or sympathize in the slighest, almost forgetting she was right there. With her remaining strength, she very slowly made her way towards the door. The former Jedi didn't look at the blonde, expecting her to just gloat for a while before going her own way.