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Argyyle bowed once more to Dan, then knelt before the embedded sword. He grasped it in his right hand with his thumb to the guard, then straightened abruptly. To his surprise, the blade slid free easily, the vibration and keen edge combining to allow it to go out as smoothly as it had gone in. Argyyle deactivated the blade, and stood with it held at arms length, edge between he and Dan, point up. He ran his hand along the smooth side of the weapon, careful not to touch the edge. The blade was much heavier than he had anticipated, but not so heavy as to be unusable. Argyyle began a series of movements, the sword passing perilously close to his body many times. The Kata was that of a master of his body and environment. Though it started out imperfect, by the end of the demonstration, Argyyle had mastered the blade and its heft. He ended standing face to face with Danthros once more. Argyyle "sheathed" the blade in his belt, blade facing up in the samurai tradition. He was careful to cut neither his hand nor his belt. Upon completing the impromptu ceremonial display, Argyyle snapped to attention, and bowed a deep bow of respect to Danthros.
Dan bowed back, respectfully never taking his eyes from those of Argyyle. "You have been a most worthy competitor. I would be honored to face you again in combat at any time, should you desire it." Straightening up, Dan waved the droid away, and presented his stun sword to Argyyle in a salute. "I proclaim you Tournament Champion."
Argyyle, the surprise showing through his normally impenetrable mask, took the stun weapon, and saluted Danthros back. "I look forward to defending my title" With that, Argyyle sheathed the stun weapon in his belt as he had the prize sword, bowed once more, then crossed his left foot behind his right, spinning about face in place. Argyyle's back was straight and his step crisp as the Champion exited the Tournament Arena.
Dan nodded to the young man's back, smiling slightly. He would indeed go far... assuming he lived long enough. Dan hoped that the young man's success here would not fill him with too much of a sense of pride, hoped that he would overextend his reach. He was a promising individual... but he was not powerful yet. |
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