This is what pain feels like (open)

[Mathew Amtrum]

His chest was bandaged up and pain rippled through his body with every movement.  Not that he was going to let it keep him still.  It had been a while since he'd been hurt like this, but he'd live.  If anything, he needed to move around just to prove that he could still shoulder through it.  As was his lot in life.

Qi use Charging Jade Dragon Qi use 1

[John A. Downing]

"Earth Dragon."

He stared. Fingers were looped into his belt.

"You are hurt. I was not aware this was possible."

Sarcasm.

[Mathew Amtrum]

He grunted.

"It is, but the attack that did it would have left you a fine red mist."

[John A. Downing]

He smirked.

"I believe it, but I did not come here to dick measure. No doubt, you would win such a contest."

He drew his sword.

"Allow me to test myself, if you would."

[Mathew Amtrum]

He'd shrug.

"You might be surprised."

He was fairly average from what he understood. He was no Winklewood, that was for sure.

"Make it quick."

[John A. Downing]

"I'm sure you'll do that for me."

He had no qualms admitting this man was greater than him exponentially. Might as well set the bar. Launching forward, he'd swing a downward slash for Mathews shoulder with his right hand, intent to hurt him any way he could, his blade glowing with power.

SPOILER: Click to show

Cero: John can cause his sword to glow, empowering it with his energy and doing his energy in damage on top of his attack.

Stats:

Attack: 20
Speed: 16
Defense: 10
Perception: 10
Energy: 10

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew would grunt in pain from the movement but he'd lift an arm up to block the blade, letting it bounce off the stone that covered his flesh under his clothing.

OOC: Qi use 2

Stone Skin - Mathew manipulates a thin layer of stone over his body to act as armor. 1/2 energy stat added to his defense.

Defense 104

[John A. Downing]

As he blocked the blade, John's free hand would come up to try and grip Mathews blocking forearm. The younger man would lurch forward and up into a flying knee, intent to smash it into Mathews damaged ribcage.

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew's torso had armor protecting it. But the pain from its movement caused his nostrils to flare as his jaw clenched. Yeah, this was happening. He'd pull the Scorpion into himself, his body armoring up with the Scorpion's carapace. He'd hold his hand out for the man's stomach and fire his laser right at him. Because he made Mathew's pain worse. Fuck him.

OOC: Qi use 3

Stone Skin - Mathew manipulates a thin layer of stone over his body to act as armor. 1/2 energy stat added to his defense.
Def 116

Soul of the Scorpion King: Using the soul of the Scorpion King - Add +12 to all abilities calculations. It gives you access to an ability.

Strike Lazer: the battle armor forms a stinger on a chosen fist to be used for striking. It may also fire a penetrating beam of energy doing 125% dmg and doing 1/4 dmg in disease damage the following post. Lasts 2 posts

Laser strike 110
ongoing damage 27

[John A. Downing]

The laser smashed into his torso, ripping through his clothes like paper and sending him flying backward to smash into the wall, his body blasting through the stone as his skin on his stomach bubbled and burned from the energy and damage. The wind left his lungs, and a sputter of blood flew from his lips. Eyes wide in pain, John gaped, unable to scream, his arms and chest twitching with pain.

[Mathew Amtrum]

With a grunt of effort, Mathew would walk toward the man, not charging another blast. It seemed he didn't need to.

"You have guts."

He could respect that.

"Let's patch you up. No point in you dying before the battle."

And in a rare moment of camaraderie Mathew would hold out his hand for John to take. If he had the strength.

[John A. Downing]

Before he could make his offer, but after he said he had guts, two blades of qi appeared in his hands. One seemed to be made of fire, the other dark as the night. Planting the night-blade hand on the ground, he surged forward, swinging the fire sword and night sword together as a double strike for Mathews midsection.

As he did so, his own stomach would shred from the rush, from the damage, from the twisting of his body as he put his full force behind the attack. His eyes were red, and in them the only thing he could see was her as more blood spattered from his mouth.

SPOILER: Click to show

Cero: John can cause his sword to glow, empowering it with his energy and doing his energy in damage on top of his attack.

Night Divine: The Right sword strikes in swift and precise slashes adding 1/2 his energy stat to his Speed stat for the attack.

Flame Core: The Left sword strikes in explosive energy doing 125% his energy in damage to those caught in the six foot blast radius. (12 blast damage)

Attack: 20
Speed: 21
Defense: 10
Perception: 10
Energy: 10

[Mathew Amtrum]

Ugh. He was ready for this to end. His chest hurt, and he didn't feel like fighting. Especially a fight that was done. He'd hold out his own hand, his dark keyblade would materialize in his hand as he'd slash out for the man's own blades to try and block deflect the dual strike.

OOC: Qi use 4

Locked Blade - Mathew's Heart is fractured due to loss and persona. Only ever staying true to Mathew's needs and goals has created a brutal and jagged broad sword. Adding 1/4th his energy stat to his Attack stat. Should he act without selfish intention the blade will not appear.

Attack 66

[John A. Downing]

As he was blocked his own keyblades would vanish, John ducking under Mathews Arm to leap up inside his guard, his left hand aiming to palm Mathews face and run to the right side, hopefully lifting him to carry him along and smash his face into the ground. His skin cracked and peeled, splitting and sending blood and puss down his navel.

[Mathew Amtrum]

The ground under his feet would shift so that he'd spin away from John while bringing his blade to slam toward his back.

OOC: Qi used 5

Shifting Sands - Mathew can move the ground under his feet giving him a boost to his speed. 1/4 energy stat added to speed.
Locked Blade - Mathew's Heart is fractured due to loss and persona. Only ever staying true to Mathew's needs and goals has created a brutal and jagged broad sword. Adding 1/4th his energy stat to his Attack stat. Should he act without selfish intention the blade will not appear.

Attack 66
Speed 49