prosecutory | IC INBOX

[Edgeworth steps backward as well, on the alert for Pi's next move. He gives a shake of his head.]

No, I wasn't.

[a slight nod] I would hold back, but then I suppose neither of us would benefit much from the match.

[yet, he only shifts Pure Havoc to cover himself in a complete block, rather than go on the attack again.]

[He lets out a chuckle, and smirks.]

By all means, don't hold back.

[Edgeworth circles, searching for an opening in Pi's defense.]

In that case...

[fair warning is fair! He lunges toward Edgeworth, popping the two blades apart as he does and going back on a furious attack with both of them. The real danger of Pure Havoc is that he can join and disjoin the swords at will, often in the middle of a battery of strikes when his opponent would never see it coming.]

[Edgeworth knows exactly what he's getting into. When Cao Pi lunges, Edgeworth does not expect the two blades to materialize again. Instead of engaging his opponent, he veers away with a completely unintended twirl, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process.

But this time it's his turn to move in with an upward strike.]

[blocking that requires an awkward back-handed twist, and prevents Cao Pi from bringing the second blade into play too quickly. He has to push off and disengage, first, before he can turn and go on the attack again with short slashes.]

[Edgeworth isn't going to try that again. When his opponent disengages, so does he - partly to give his wrists a breather. His last move wasn't easy and now he's paying dearly for it.

He keeps watching for an opening, saber poised at the ready. Any opening.]

[Cao Pi is focused on not giving him such an opening. He falls into a sequence of hits meant to drive his opponent around the room and wear him down, swinging both swords separately and then on a backswing joining them together, only to pull them apart again a few beats later. It's a fluid rhythm, relentless and purposeful, the kind of gambit devised by a man who's been training with the sword for half his life.]

[Edgeworth is forced on the defensive - blocking, parrying, dodging, sidestepping. He's sweating, he has to sometimes make awkward strikes to keep Cao Pi's blades at bay, and whoa man does he really have to think. The gambit is working well, but Edgeworth isn't about to go down just yet. He may not have the same experience but he knows what it's like to fight for his life.]

[that kind of determination impresses Cao Pi, but he's not about to let up and go easy just to let Edgeworth have a moment to strike back. At one point when their swords cross and hold, he smirks over the blades]

You are a fine opponent. I have not enjoyed a fight quite so much in a long time.

[He's panting, and shakes his head in that brief moment.]

T-There are better opponents.

Yet I am not looking for better. I am content with 'fine.'

[he throws off the other sword and spins to bring his second blade around to try to take advantage of it, cutting in low.]

[That maneuver seals Cao Pi's win. Edgeworth tries to slide away from it, but finally trips over his own feet and falls to the side, where he's now staring up at the blade that nearly had him. He drops his saber to the floor with a clang.]

[he knows the gesture of surrender and doesn't even do anything super-smug like jab that sword toward Edgeworth's chin in threat. Cao Pi simply lowers it and straightens up from his attack stance]

Had enough, I take it.

[Edgeworth's lips slowly curl into a smirk as he gets up and retrieves his saber, holding it at his side. That was...well, fun is one way of putting it. But more importantly, he learned quite a bit.]

For now. I concede this match.

[Cao Pi nods once in acceptance and gives the twin blades a little twirl around his wrists before sheathing them]

I meant what I said. I am not in the habit of bestowing pointless flattery on the undeserving. I should be interested to make this a regular exercise.

[Edgeworth sheathes his own saber as well, his smirk ebbing away into a calmer, more gracious smile.

Then he bows.]

I am honored, Lord Cao. I look forward to our future matches.

Tell me, Master Edgeworth. What is your opinion on tea?

[a match like that deserves a drink afterward!]

[CAO PI, YOU JUST SAID THE MAGIC WORD. Edgeworth's smile gradually becomes wider.]

I enjoy it immensely.

[yes good. Good.]

Then, perhaps you would join me. I feel like cooling down with a cup, and as the victor, it would only be right for me to treat.

Of course. You may find yourself treating me more often than myself treating you, however.

[Heh. He chuckles.]

Edited 2016-07-18 14:56 (UTC)

[Well, then! Cao Pi turns to lead the way, knowing of a decent tea stop not far from here - it's not as homey as the ones all the way over in the pleasure district, but the tea is good]

I suppose then you'll have a goal to look forward to - saving me some money.

IC INBOX | cerealia

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]