(1407) The Duel

[Sirith]

It isn't the first Duel Arcane in Faith's life, and she's sure not the last either. As so, she isn't going to gawk at the duelists as if she was some vanilla Initiate fresh from the Supernal Realms.

No, no, she's gonna watch attentively to the details. The Clash of Wills could be almost felt under skin with two Masters; their Swords and Shields of choice, as seen with her eyes open wide, spoke of their minds. The sheer power of the fight makes her shiver.

Subtle, yet brutal. Enlightened violence.

Through Faith's head flies the thought:

I need to get at least as powerful as them to make my goal true.

The Theurge shivers again and looks around. No time for this, better watch if nobody's trying to cheat...

[Key]

Space folds again like origami as Avalon brings her Sword to bear. Its tip appears in a half dozen places around the Challenger, striking at him from impossible angles. It is a desperate move; trying to isolate a Mastigos. Space counters Space; the Shield of Aquinas rippling, resizing, and countering all but a single strike.

The blade pierces his side like a mythical religious figure, and the blood matches the flecks on his chin.

[Samaritan]

Bishop watched the exchange in silence. It was an impressive display of supernal prowess, but that had to be expected, especially since the formal challenge declared both of the two combattants first degree masters.

He briefly considered, what he would have done, given him in the position of Hierarch - at least he tried. But he could not imagine him there. Not now, not ever. Besides the very rare occurance of Guardians in such offices, he had no stomach for politics. It had its uses, making other people do your bidding and have them think, that it was for their own benefit. But it also was tediously inefficient, when stuff needed to get done.

Observing the duel, he was getting the impression, that they were close to a conclusion, and a single thought crossed his mind.

<What a waste...>

[Key]

As her will leaves her, Avalon falls to a knee. She wants, aches to continue. This is her Consilium and she will show it to everyone who spoke ill of her. She would show them all. In reality, Avalon wanted to martyr herself on her own sword. Martyr herself on the truth she believed when she left San Francisco under the guise of an Apostate. Would she make the duel last? Could she? Would she put her very life on the line if it has already been decreed by the Supernal that Aquinas’ will is far stronger than her own?

Avalon knows she has already fallen.

The former Hierarch’s sword disintegrates and falls into nothingness while the roiling sand falls away from her hand. She collapses, the pain and exhaustion wracking her body as she holds herself up by the heels of her palms.

[Star]

As he watched, he realized he'd been mistaken. Aquinas was stronger than he'd thought: more proficient. He thought back to the memory of the challenge. Ah. Okay. He'd been distracted. Very. Distracted.

A wry smile touched his lips as Avalon fell...

...and didn't rise.

A believer? No. Just someone caught up in their own illusions.

Sometimes, it's like that. More real than truth. Until something true happens.

[Teeramus]

Striker watched with anticipation as the two masters faced each other, then with awe as they drew their supernal swords and shields. He didn't understand the magics they were using at all, but he got a feeling of the sheer power of wills battling. Finally Avalon fell and Striker gave the faintest of nods in respect of her gracious defeat. "Bloody good." he said under his breath. Leo would be happy now, and they had a strong Hierarch who had proven his right to lead. Striker didn't know what was to come, but he was looking forward to it.

[Crowley]

Crowley stood stock still as the former Hierarch fell. What did he expect? A death blow? A brutal, atavistic punishment bfitting people who believed in a monomyth rooted in the Bronze Age? A beautiful exile, befitting those who claimed to be both Awake and Enlightened?

A beat. Another.

Crowley suddenly realises he is holding his breath.

[Animus]

Animus watches dispassionately, splitting his attention between the duel and its watchers. He felt awkward, and just a little helpless.

An event of such significance, and yet so little context. Who was Avalon, really? Or Aquinas, for that matter? He knew what people had said, but to know those involved ... yet one more frustration of being denied access to his past.

Regardless, as the former Hierarch slumps to the ground, a decision point is reached. Aquinas had earned the title and associated rights. Further respect would come in time, if he proved himself deserving.