Post by Armani on Jul 6, 2011 20:31:40 GMT -5
The sudden clash of metal against metal resounded around Frank of Hearts and Scruffy. Stopped dead in his tracks from his swift attack on the old man, Franks eyes of disbelief followed his own blade down until it met the point of contact with the other metallic surface. A surface belonging to the tempered steel handle owned of a mop owned by the janitor himself.
It had been a rather simple attack by Frank; swift and purposeful, but clearly not as powerful of an attack as the man was capable of. Undoubtedly the man, who was probably a quarter of (if not less than) Scruffy's age, believed that such a straightforward and effortless swing of his blade would be enough to end his victims life. However, now it was clear that he had been mistaken. It had been rather easy to follow the initial movement of the blade, leading Scruffy to be able to place his mop handle where it needed to be in time.
Confounded at how this turned out, if only momentarily the swordsman of the Deck of Cards stared at the old man, confused at how such a feeble looking geriatric could stop such a swipe. With eyes covered, Scruffy looked back at the kid who had attacked him. Never giving up anything more than a small sign of emotion or expression, all Frank received in return was a slightly raised eyebrow that seemed to say, "What did you think you were going to accomplish with such a rudimentary attack?"
In truth, Scruffy always enjoyed the initial surprised that never ceased to come about when he would defend himself or attack the first time. The shock and bewilderment that every man who had faced him in his old age was prone to was certainly a highlight of any battle. And this moment was no exception.
"Scruffy doesn't want to die."
His monotonous, dry and humdrum way of speaking repeated what he had said just moments before to Frank as his grip tightened around his mop handle and with a little bit of power, pushed the young swordsman back and away from himself giving a little bit of room between the two of them.
It was unfortunate for the old man, but there would be no slipping away now without a fight. Staring at him for just a second, Scruffy's mind began to think rapidly, a very impressive feat for a man of his age, where most would have already allowed their mind to begin slipping earlier in life. It was thanks to the constant exercise he had given it. Like any muscle, the brain would soften and deteriorate if not focused daily and given a work out. His love of learning and reading made such exercising easy and convenient. As his mind raced, Scruffy started to dig into archives of his mind that hadn't been touched in decades. Such was the way it worked when he hadn't fought a legitimate swordsman in over twenty years. Yes, he had kept himself in shape and he had practiced daily, but without the experience of an actual battle to keep it fresh in ones mind as well as body, it would take some time for him to probably get everything working properly.
As simple as Scruffy seemingly appeared, he took his chance to counterattack the other swordsman. His legs shuffled a little bit until it showed off a stance that resembled that of a swordsman preparing himself. Such a posture would show Frank that he wasn't dealing with an ordinary old man as a return blow was executed. Scruffy pushed forward with an attack that was about as simple as he seemingly appeared. Just a straightforward dash like Frank's had been, however, Scruffy would test the waters of his opponent with a stronger slash than that which was given to him. The power behind it wasn't anything tremendous or monstrous, yet it would be enough to take care of any normal human being. If Frank of Hearts was what he appeared, it would be easy enough to deflect, avoid or block. If not…well, Scruffy wouldn't complain about an easy victory if it turned out to be one.
As long as there were still pirates from "Star Earring's" crew aboard the Deck of Cards, Scruffy had time to finish the battle and still find a way to stowaway on their ship.
It had been a rather simple attack by Frank; swift and purposeful, but clearly not as powerful of an attack as the man was capable of. Undoubtedly the man, who was probably a quarter of (if not less than) Scruffy's age, believed that such a straightforward and effortless swing of his blade would be enough to end his victims life. However, now it was clear that he had been mistaken. It had been rather easy to follow the initial movement of the blade, leading Scruffy to be able to place his mop handle where it needed to be in time.
Confounded at how this turned out, if only momentarily the swordsman of the Deck of Cards stared at the old man, confused at how such a feeble looking geriatric could stop such a swipe. With eyes covered, Scruffy looked back at the kid who had attacked him. Never giving up anything more than a small sign of emotion or expression, all Frank received in return was a slightly raised eyebrow that seemed to say, "What did you think you were going to accomplish with such a rudimentary attack?"
In truth, Scruffy always enjoyed the initial surprised that never ceased to come about when he would defend himself or attack the first time. The shock and bewilderment that every man who had faced him in his old age was prone to was certainly a highlight of any battle. And this moment was no exception.
"Scruffy doesn't want to die."
His monotonous, dry and humdrum way of speaking repeated what he had said just moments before to Frank as his grip tightened around his mop handle and with a little bit of power, pushed the young swordsman back and away from himself giving a little bit of room between the two of them.
It was unfortunate for the old man, but there would be no slipping away now without a fight. Staring at him for just a second, Scruffy's mind began to think rapidly, a very impressive feat for a man of his age, where most would have already allowed their mind to begin slipping earlier in life. It was thanks to the constant exercise he had given it. Like any muscle, the brain would soften and deteriorate if not focused daily and given a work out. His love of learning and reading made such exercising easy and convenient. As his mind raced, Scruffy started to dig into archives of his mind that hadn't been touched in decades. Such was the way it worked when he hadn't fought a legitimate swordsman in over twenty years. Yes, he had kept himself in shape and he had practiced daily, but without the experience of an actual battle to keep it fresh in ones mind as well as body, it would take some time for him to probably get everything working properly.
As simple as Scruffy seemingly appeared, he took his chance to counterattack the other swordsman. His legs shuffled a little bit until it showed off a stance that resembled that of a swordsman preparing himself. Such a posture would show Frank that he wasn't dealing with an ordinary old man as a return blow was executed. Scruffy pushed forward with an attack that was about as simple as he seemingly appeared. Just a straightforward dash like Frank's had been, however, Scruffy would test the waters of his opponent with a stronger slash than that which was given to him. The power behind it wasn't anything tremendous or monstrous, yet it would be enough to take care of any normal human being. If Frank of Hearts was what he appeared, it would be easy enough to deflect, avoid or block. If not…well, Scruffy wouldn't complain about an easy victory if it turned out to be one.
As long as there were still pirates from "Star Earring's" crew aboard the Deck of Cards, Scruffy had time to finish the battle and still find a way to stowaway on their ship.