freindly duel on the Tsunami [Flashback]

[Luke Lammergeier]

Time Stamp: Day 91 of Fall, 510 AV, Early Morning

Luke could hardly sleep with all the pressure from Kain. He was ordered to duel Eric, the second in command to Captain Alahan. It was a petty cock fight between Kain and the Captain to see who's man was stronger. It was meant to bring the moral up and the men together over a sportsman like competition, Bandits versus Pirates. Luke saw the truth behind it and knew if he lost Kain would personally stripe his back. So the pressure was a little too much to get a good nights rest.

He didn't dream and he didn't feel rested. Sadly waking up tense and irritated. Either way he was about to get his ass handed to him by Kain or Eric. Luke was no push over in a fight but was never over confident either. This Eric could tear him in two or be an easy sweep. Luke could only be prepared to hurt and get hurt. This way he wasn't taken by surprise. When your not expecting to bleed it makes it hurt all the more.

Luke was given his own room with little more than a chest for his stuff and a bed roll with a rough pillow. It was defiantly an upgrade from sleeping with the other disgusting men. He sat up on top of his mat and rested his head on his hands. He woke himself up by cracking his neck back and forth. For a minute or two sitting there staring at the wall. Thinking about every move and trick he had. Mentally preparing himself for the fight.

Eric was shorter than Luke at 5'9 and had a muscular but small build. From his reactions' and reflexes seen Luke could assume he was geared towards speed and skill. Something Andrew had always been able to match Luke with. Andrew had been kind enough to help him with quick opponents. Telling him you didn't need to be ultra quick with your feet to keep them on the defense. Teaching him to attack at all angles with superior power to beat them down and weaken them. Luke needed to be random and every were to win this. Seeing the battle in his mind was another important step.

He had gotten good at seeing each strike with his mind. A thousand scenarios pulsed in his head. Eye's closed he tried to picture a counter to each attack, each possibility needed to be planned. From all his planning and thinking Luke could see one major flaw though. Luke had never been very flexible and in wrestling matches with Vincent he won through sheer size. If Eric was skilled enough then it would become a problem. The best option was to simply get him onto the ground and crush him.

A knock on the wooden door made Luke jolt back into reality. He had to take a second to get his breath back and felt pretty embarrassed.

"Hey boy it's time to kick in teeth." Kain's voice had gravel too it that still scared Luke when he didn't expect it. The small signs of humor in his tone made Luke uneasy. Kain wasn't a happy sort of guy when business was at hand. A duel was a serious matter and for him to joke meant he wasn't too certain Luke would come out on top.

Sighing at the thought he got up from the mat and started to change into his regular cloths. He was pretty prepared for the fight and was ready to crush his opponent or be crushed.

[Luke Lammergeier]

Opening the door and stepping out Luke smiled at Kain. He was extremely nervous with the idea and, Kain could see it. The fighting part was simple almost routine for Luke, it was the idea that if he won or lost things would go wrong. What if winning got Alahan angry and he decided to refuse the partnership? Luke would defiantly get beaten for that, plus if he lost and Kain got disgraced it would be even worse.

The two men started down a hallway towards the stairs that would lead up onto the main deck. The lower decks of the ship served as a sleeping area for the men. A few rooms were available for important guests. Kain got the nicer one right next to Luke's. Andrew and Vincent grudgingly slept on the floor like dogs with the other men.

"Don't be so nervous Luke. Win or loose it doesn't matter to me." Kain gave an almost father like smile and patted him on the shoulder for comfort. Luke couldn't help but remember all the other times he had heard this. Each time Kain and another leader signed a truce or deal he sadistically offered to have a "friendly match" between their second lieutenant and his own. It always seemed to have a good effect on moral. Raising team work between the two groups but one of the fighters got beaten up by his leader in the end. The competition was sick and a hated event for Luke. He decided to accept that he was screwed either way.

"What if Alahan and his men get violent over a loss?" The idea wasn't that far fetched at all. They were sailors and, from what Luke saw of they weren't the most rational people in the world either. Typically relying on superstition and fighting

"You don't need to worry about that. We have the advantage in combat." Kain had his arm around Luke's shoulder as they walked up the stairs. Kain wasn't one for talking so this little conversation was as long as it got most of the time without a solid reason for Kain to go on and talk.

The light was blinding and sharp. Just waking up to walk right into an early morning sun was not pleasant on his eyes, causing him to squint and block the light out with his arm.

When Luke and Kain entered the main deck the whole ship that was gathered above started to cheer and roar. This whole situation was starting to make his stomach uneasy. Not only was he having to fight and possibly get whipped. He had to do it in front of an audience and if Alahan felt embarrassed which was more likely now. There would be a blood bath and even more lashes for Luke. He was starting to feel like a slave more and more each time he had to "fight for the crew". But like a good second in command he was completely willing to defend the honor of his group. This dedication was often shaken by seeing the behavior of the "men". Needless to say they were a little unsophisticated. Morally sound and dedicated but still unpolished.

"Good Luck." Kain slapped Luke on the back one more time and went to stand next to Alahan. He started looking around at all the people together cheering both him and Eric on. Eric looked as worried as Luke, the two exchanged glances before looking around some more, buying time before they were forced to fight.

Eric was shirtless and this gave Luke the impression he needed to be as well. Taking off his cotton shirt he looked for Andrew in the crowd. Like always Andrew was behind and to his right. Shouting to get his attention Andrew had to grab his shoulder. This scared the hell out of the already jumpy Luke. Turning around he saw the ever trusty face of Andrew. Taking his shirt he stepped back from Luke and pointed at Eric.

"Don't look at me to help you stall. The men have been waiting!" Andrew smiled and yelled over the general roar. Luke sighed and turned around. Hating that his friend knew all his tricks.

[Luke Lammergeier]

Luke and Eric both walked towards each other, remaining a couple feet away. Alahan and Kain were up near the tiller, watching down on the whole event. Silent and concentrated they simply stared without an exchange of words. To them this was a serious display of who was a better leader, who could train a better Lieutenant.

There was no announcement or an introduction of the two fighters. There was simply a crowd cheering and two men expected to fight whenever they were ready. Luke stepped up first and walked towards his opponent with clenched fists. Knowing Eric hated this as much as he did, made this almost fun. He liked suffering this stupidity with someone going threw the same thing. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Eric didn't move at all, which was a little odd to Luke. He was bigger and most likely stronger than Eric and yet he didn't even move. Before Luke thought any farther on the matter a fist was smashed into his left cheek. The crowd laughed at the horribly surprised look on Lammergeier

Obviously this was still a competition for Eric, he was not going easy on Luke just to get whipped by Alahan later. The strike took Luke back a bit, he clutched his face with one hand. Trying to put pressure on his throbbing face. The pain emanated all the way through his face, making the left side numb. Eric picked up his leg and aimed a side kick at Luke's temple. He knew the best way for both of them was to end this fight quickly.

Adrenaline and natural instincts kicked in for Luke, dulling the pain down and giving him that extra boost he was familiar with. Ducking below the kick he tackled Eric, catching him mid kick threw him off balance. Weight and strength were defiantly on Luke's side. Eric was knocked to the ground but quickly sprang back up. Never the less everyone cheered on Luke for the tackle. This was going to be a pain in the ass he could already tell.

Both men came towards each other again, Luke took a more crouched position trying to keep his center of gravity. Making it easier to dodge without loosing balance. Eric simply seemed alert and ready. The wealth of confidence and cool headed attitude scared Luke a little. People that came to fast and gave everything they had at first, died quickly. The most skilled people simply took things calm and collected, not caring to show off something they defiantly possessed.

The next couple of seconds were a blur to Luke. A fist struck his chest and chin almost at the same time. Luke did his best to keep focused and block what he was fast enough to see. Striking at all angles Eric kept him on the defense were Luke didn't have the time to strike back.

When Eric threw a knee into his hip. Luke didn't bother blocking taking the full force painfully but, it allowed him the time to wrap his arm around Eric's neck. Putting him in a tight choke hold and forced his head into Luke's chest. Eric began punching the ribs he already hurt but, it was nothing compared to Luke smashing in the top of his head with a fist.

He got three hard hits in before Eric managed to pull down from the head lock and stumbled back. He may have speed and skill but Luke could take a hit and give one. This was a well balanced fight in both of their eyes. One they really, really didn't want to continue in.

[Luke Lammergeier]

Adrenaline masked the pain in his hip and several other lumps already forming from Eric. His opponent was allowed to get his senses back and squared up with Luke again. Kain and Alahan seemed tense as their fighters were at an impasse. This hadn't happened to either leader, they trained their men to win at any cost and they typically did.

Luke decided to take this match to the floor. Where he could use his real advantage of power and weight. He would need to be fast about it. Eric was no sloth and getting close enough meant a sever hit to the skull. Luke got closer and waited for the attacks to roll in. Each strike from Eric was blocked quickly by Luke. He kept his movements short and simple. keeping his arms close to his body to gain more speed. It worked and caused Eric to strike faster, harder and closer than before. The crowds were cheering and rooting as the fight dragged on in this manner. Both contenders locked closely and not gaining ground either way.

Eric was getting tired of this stalemate and wished to just end it. Kicks were met with elbows and punches with fore arms. He was not going to be waited out like this. Eric sent a jab to his right cheek. The second Luke threw up his elbow to block Eric launched a shin into his unprotected ribs with crushing force. Eric was far to close as he kicked Luke. The damage was dealt and Luke yelled in pain but he was given the opportunity he needed.

Grabbing Eric's entire chest was all too easy. With both arms tightly wrapped, he brought them to the floor. Everyone cheered at the idea of a wrestling match, but there wasn't much they didn't cheer for.

When Eric crashed into the deck and realized his mistake. He hadn't anticipated this and it was going to be the reason he was beat. Between the two Luke had the major advantage and knowing that made him want to get the hell off the ground. It was already too late. Luke had one hand keeping him still and the other beginning to smash his face. After one good hit, Luke broke Eric's nose and started to cut and bruise everything else. It was sick but the feeling of finally taking Eric out made him smile. The cartilage breaking and skin ripping as his knuckles tore in gave him intense satisfaction.

[Luke Lammergeier]

The feeling didn't last for long. In his attempt to pin Eric's chest and strike his face. He completely forgot how flexible and skilled he was. Because of this, a strong shin was sent straight int the right side of his head. Tendrils of burning pain rushed threw his head, blurring his vision and making him clutch his face in pain. The force from the hit created a feeling like his brain was completely knocked loose inside his skull.

Still in a crouched position Luke needed to get away from Eric, who already rolled out from under him and got to his feet. Blood was gushing from Eric's broken nose but he wasn't gonna let that stop him. He had a choice of being a good sport to the crew and letting Luke get back up, or ending this pathetic fight for the sake of both men. It wasn't his favorite choice to go with the first option but if he discredited Alahan with his bad conduct. A couple bruises and a bloody nose wasn't anything to what would happen.

When his head cleared up and the pain subsided a bit Luke went toe to toe with Eric again. Their was only an arms length between both men and they held a more boxer like stance this time. One fist was up and near their cheek while the opposite hand was out further to quickly jab the opponent. Their feet were lined up in a similar fashion. The lead hand matched the lead food to give an extra boost in a punch. No matter how Luke tried he couldn't variate too far from this way of fighting. It was simple and familiar to him. The way he could throw down his elbow to block a side kick. Or how he could quickly grab the back of someones neck with his lead hand and slam his other fist into their nose, pulling and pushing with his back hand and lead in unison to make a heavier impact. All of it was so very familiar in this stance.

It was a simple way to fight. Nothing fancy to clutter your movements. It gave Luke the room he needed for his more unpredictable way of fighting. As both men circled each other their lead hands were opposite. So they wouldn't start punching on the same side with the same hand like idiots, instead when one punched the other would be able to block and so forth.

Luke's muscles were starting to burn in his lower back and along his arms. Sweat was beginning to pour down his body and he could already feel deep skin bruises. Various parts of his face were split and the intense adrenaline was keeping him from noticing too much. It was strange how he dealt with pain by seeing the incredible burn as a pleasure almost. The fire under his skin made him feel excited and alive. The way his fists were clenched so tight it felt like his fingers would rip open. Forcing his muscles as they burned inside his body gave him an exhilarated feeling.

After the initial anger and resentment over the match faded it was such a thrill. It was just him and his body seeing how far they could go. How hard they could hit and how bad they could tear his enemy down. The rush was extremely addicting and the source of plenty stupid behavior in the past. It was something Luke had to control in life even though it was such a intense feeling. The power it gave him and the joy of winning was too much for him to handle. He needed to calm down and get back in the game.

It wasn't about breathing calm or settling down into some peaceful state. Rage was like a loose animal and your job was to dominate it. To rip it apart til it bent down to your will. Luke's will power would have to be strong enough to conquer it. His thoughts needed to be tear him away from the joy and pleasure of fury. He needed to fight power with power.

Keeping things in reality was the key. Not letting yourself be taken away into the darkest parts of your mind. If that happened you wouldn't be able to stop til it was far too late, until that adrenaline stopped pumping and you finally realized what you did. His anger never showed itself, it only happened. Just silent thoughts in his mind showing him everything he hungered for. Until he snapped and indulged into his hidden fury.

No matter how much training Kain had put into the young man, it was still hard each and every time. He learned not to allow a single thought to enter that area of his brain. Uncontrolled emotions were an enemy to be feared. Control was his best friend in life. With control he would tame every thought and emotion. With control he would be the ultimate master of his soul. To Luke the power to control himself was as appealing as it got. The only thing more exhilarating than giving into his rage was dominating it.

He quickly started to think about how his body felt. Counting all the sore, bruised and cut areas. Every time his mind slipped onto anger he simply kept thinking. Not even allowing a doubt in his mind to question his resolve. His mind was a powerful thing and something he would be in control of.

With his head crashing back into reality Luke started to look over every little detail on Eric. His nose was split and blood trickled down his mouth and chin. This man was made of stone and showed no signs of pain or exhaustion despite the heavy breathing. They continued to watch and look for weaknesses and soft spots. This fight needed to end and both of them knew it. Luke focused on his muscles and what was the best way to strike.

Short strong punches were Luke's style. He usually just used his shoulders to punch instead of swinging his entire torso and involving wing muscles. Kain taught him to use his arms and shoulders as much as possible and keep his punches close to his body. That way he wouldn't over extend his arms were an opponent could grab it and use his momentum to throw him across the room. Kain was more than happy to demonstrate in brawls.

Luke decided it was a perfect time to cut the silence. Both of them were studying each other and now that he noticed this, he also figured Eric was wide open for a sucker punch in the face while he was distracted. To make the surprise even worse he would feign observation. Luring Eric into a false sense of security that they were doing the same thing and in the end deliver a crippling sneak attack.

It was a great idea that would finally stop this shit once and for all. Because there was no need to beat each other to death to avoid some lashes. Still one hit to the head wouldn't knock this son of a bitch out. He needed more than that, he needed a series of hits in the head. With a flash of brilliance he noticed the ship's mass and started to plan. It wasn't easy keeping his appearance up although. He would have to look at things that were relevant and logical. If Eric just saw his eyes shift around he would know what was up.

This circling thing lasted so long only to give each other the chance to break this match up with a brilliant move. Luke knew this and needed to act fast. He slowly backed away while still moving in the circle pattern. The change was hardly noticeable to the crowd and completely slipped past his opponent but it sent them in the direction Luke wanted.

He was thrilled as the pair slowly went towards the mass. He had to keep scanning Eric and pausing to seem like he was contemplating a move. Eric was still in his deep trace as they reached the ship's mast. The crowd was silent and saturated with anticipation. They surrounded the men but only on the front and back sides of the ship, the side railings were completely open to give them the space they needed. This was the final round and everyone knew it, but no one was more amped or ridged then Kain and Captain Alahan. Their hands were clutching the railing as they stood on the upper deck watching over the fight. Neither men said a word the whole time, this was an intense struggle they couldn't stand to loose. Their honor and respect was at stake here.

Eric walked a foot from the mast and Luke saw the perfect opportunity to strike.

The whole crowd gasped as Luke shot forward and crushed his right fist into Eric's eye brow. Since his right hand wasn't the lead he had to swing his entire upper body and legs in unison to reach the speed he wanted.. Luke made sure to tilt his wrist down and connect his index and middle knuckles first, making a sharp focus point. The blow landed right on target and cut his eye brow. The force knocked his head back and sent him flying into the mast. Luke used the momentum from the punch to quickly lung with his left side to get close enough to Eric.

He used his left hand to grab him by the throat and his right hand to punch him roughly in the ribs. The angle was difficult for Luke to strike. There was hardly any power behind the hits due to the angle of his wrist, this was more for show than anything. Luke pressed his body close to Eric and his mouth near his ear. In between the punches he spoke to where they wouldn't be over heard

“I'm going to throw you over board and you pull me in with you.” There wasn't time for an explanation but Eric was a man that knew fast actions were key. Nothing more was said and the plan was already formed.

[Luke Lammergeier]

Eric shoved Luke away from his body and swung at him. Stumbling back Luke ducked quickly to avoid a fist, the trick was to use your muscles for each movement. You couldn't allow gravity to take the slack in dodging. When Luke was bent over he lifted back up and sent a right hook into Eric's ribs. It kept the fight convincing but fighting back was a slight mistake. When Luke was standing straight again, Eric spun around to deliver a round house kick straight into Luke's chest. It was more or less into his solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him. Luke backed up towards the ships railing.

Eric ran up and threw a fist into his jaw. Tossing his entire body into the punch and had to stumble forward to catch his balance again. Even for a large sturdy guy like Luke this was pretty devastating. With that hit he crashed into the railing and nearly fell over but kept his balance. When he looked up all he caught a glimpse of was another fist coming his way. It was a little towards the left and at a good angle to be caught. Luke was right handed and Eric obviously knew this from fighting him.

Moving his head to the right he quickly missed the hit and forced Eric to crash into his body. With both arms Luke clutched around his lower tightly and began to lift him. Eric was lite and easy to pick up. He tried to falsely push Luke away for the crowd and even punched him in the head a couple times.

This whole fake fighting was really starting to hurt, he had planned on asking the crowd if he should toss Eric into the ocean but not it was too painful to delay. Luke threw the man onto his shoulder and tried dropping him over the edge.

The crowd cheered and hollered now that the end was in sight. They had been rooting the whole time but the anticipation was peaking. Kain's men were yelling and Alahan's were showing their angst. It was easy to see that a dislike could of happened if Luke or Eric won.

Just as planned while Eric was falling over his shoulder he quickly put his arms around his lower chest across to his shoulder. To tight grip and weight of Eric yanked him back and forced both men to fall off the side of the ship.

Luke was never too fond of heights and falling backwards from a good distance wasn't something he was excited about. The sky rushed away from him and Luke was glad the feeling only lasted a second. It was a good thing he didn't think about it or have a choice in the matter or he may of hesitated.

One thing both of them forgot that was with broken lacerated skin the last thing you wanted, was to be submerged in salt water...