With astonishing reflexes, Grant was able to manipulate the blood on the ground that was previously his armor, using it to hamper Maddox's balance and botch his attack. Even worse he was quick enough to grab Maddox's arm, specifically over the small cut the scythe had dealt earlier. [color=ed1c24][i]He is definitely powerful,[/i][/color] Maddox thought, teleporting away before Grant could latch on for too long. He felt something going on with his arm, Grant had certainly messed with the cut. The red-haired mage appeared on the other side of the arena. Already the blood mage was making a run for his weapon. [color=ed1c24]"I have to acknowledge you now,"[/color] Maddox spoke. [color=ed1c24]"You are clearly quite powerful."[/color]

He then appeared directly in front of Grant, just several meters away from his weapon. His hands were already glowing red as he slammed his right palm forward. This was reminiscent of his first attack of the fight, where he was aiming for the man's solar plexus with the intention of robbing him of steady breathing. Only it was a much more powerful strike this time, and Maddox was more desperate to land it. Grant had some kind of plan regarding his blood and the scythe, so Maddox knew he had to do something in order to end the fight before the plan could come to fruition. [color=ed1c24]"But you aren't having it easy."[/color]


As Grant saw Maddox appear in front of him, he grinned. He had gotten some of his blood into Maddox after all, and as Maddox began to attack, he would suddenly feel a burning pain through his entire body. However, Grant wasn't dumb enough to think just that would stop Maddox, and he half-turned sideways so that Maddox wouldn't have a square shot on his chest as he tried to ram the light wizard to knock him back. His opponent would certainly be beginning to numb up from his blood partially blocking crucial arteries from the heart. However, Grant didn't completely block them. He didn't want to kill or permanently disable Maddox, just win the fight. He was being careful, but he was glad for his previous experience in doing this. It was a very effective torture method he had found, even if he ultimately let them keep their limbs.

As Grant used Maddox to stop his momentum, he quickly moved back away before he could attempt a second attack. [color=Crimson]"The body is a hell of a thing. It's surprisingly durable, and is very curious on the inside. I think you'll be glad to know I've studied it thoroughly, and have had [i]many[/i] an opportunity to find out the limits of what I can do to it. Right now, that little bit of blood I got into you just a moment ago, is preventing all of your blood from getting to your limbs. Pretty soon, your entire body will go numb, and you'll collapse on the spot."[/color] Grant had no problem telling Maddox what he was doing now that the mage could not do anything about it, while Grant stood on his toes, ready to react to any last-ditch attack Maddox would have. [Color=Crimson]"Unfortunately, if you stay like that too long it can cause... Problems. So once you collapse, I'll call that my win, and let you get back up. Cool with you? You've got thirty seconds at most."[/color] The Blood mage grinned, confident in his victory now, but he wasn't ready to put his guard down yet. [color=Crimson]"But, I'll give it to you. You almost pushed the number of different people that have beaten me in a fight into the double digits."[/color]


Maddox's eyes widened as his would-be devastating attack flew past its mark. His body tensed up and began going through intense pain, particularly in his limbs, all the while Grant turned his body to avoid the strike. [color=ed1c24][i]He didn't get faster, I got slower,[/i][/color] Maddox noted. Before he could teleport away it was Grant that backed up first. He had good reason, after explaining what was happening to Maddox's body. [color=ed1c24]"I see..."[/color] the red-haired mage affirmed, grabbing his left bicep with his right hand. Grant wasn't talking big, his body was rapidly failing him. Maddox could feel the sensation disappearing from his limbs, as well as a tight pain in his head and chest.

[color=ed1c24]"Twenty-five..."[/color] A smirk played on his lips. [color=ed1c24]"Twenty-four..."[/color] His red eyes moved up to match Grant's gaze, the grin still apparent on his face. [color=ed1c24]"That gives me enough time for one attack."[/color] Much like before, Maddox brought his hands near each other in front of his chest, with their palms facing inwards. Red light began to amass between his hands. [color=ed1c24]"I might lose this match,"[/color] Maddox confessed, his gaze now focused on the spell he was forming. [color=ed1c24]"Grant Vale. You would be the first... [i]human[/i] to bring me to my knees. That's a bit of a scary thought."[/color] By now the light he had gathered was shining intensely, a high-pitched whine was radiating from within.

[color=ed1c24]"You are quite strong, easily one of the most powerful contenders here. I was careless and unprepared. Defeat is only natural for the careless and unprepared. But I guarantee you this..."[/color] Maddox aimed his palms forward, towards Grane. But instead of launching his powerful Light Wave attack at his opponent, he extended his arms upwards and aimed to the sky. The red laser, thicker and more powerful than before, blasted into the sky. Dust and dirt was kicked up around the arena as the beam of red light flew into the sky. [color=ed1c24]"Next time we fight, you will be the one carrying defeat."[/color]

With that Maddox let himself fall backwards. He wasn't unconscious, but Grant's prediction was correct. He couldn't move his arms or legs any longer. With a light thud, Maddox was on his back looking at the sky. The pain in his head was growing more intense, surely a sign he would pass out in a moment if Grant wished him to. [color=ed1c24]"You would've dodged it anyways. I guess... my attitude needs training..."[/color] Even now, a grin appeared on his face. Losing a battle may be humiliating to some. Surely if his opponent was of a lesser caliber, Maddox would be embarrassed too. But this battle gave him a thrill, only shared by his fight with Grane Falo and... [i]him[/i]. [color=ed1c24][i]Forgive me, Jamie. I'll make it up to you.[/i][/color]

Grant began to walk back and forth as Maddox began charging an attack, and he watched the other mage's movements closely as he talked, and he chuckled softly as Maddox complimented him, and he stopped walking and put an arm in front of his eyes as Maddox shot his final attack into the sky instead of at Grant. [color=crimson]"I'm considered the number one of my guild for a reason, but I'll admit, you're a lot tougher than I had anticipated. I'm sure our next fight will be very interesting, now that we know a few of each other's tricks. I generally don't consider the first fight completely accurate to both individual's skills."[/color] He'd chuckle softly as he walked over to his fallen opponent.

After a moment Maddox's limbs would start to regain feeling, though it would cause the obnoxious pins and needles feel all over Maddox's body. Once Grant reached him, he'd have regained basic motor control, and Grant would offer his hand to help him up. The cut on it that had been there at the beginning of the fight would be closed now, and he seemed to have wiped it off on his clothes. [color=Crimson]"Besides, it's good to lose every once and a while. Reminds you you aren't unstoppable. But I have no doubt that the next time we fight the outcome might be in your favor instead of mine. It's rare to go up against a fighter such as tough as yourself, and I think I have to count myself lucky I didn't go up against Damian. If you're not S-Class, and he is, that says volumes about how tough your guild is."[/color] He looked up at the announcer's booth.

[color=Crimson]"But I'm the first human to beat you eh? That sounds like an interesting story."[/color] He'd glance at Maddox before going to scanning to the crowd, waving to his guild and giving them a thumbs up. [color=Crimson]"Oh, and my blood should be out of your system by tomorrow morning. Unless I'm actually capable of donating blood to you, in which case I'll no longer be able to manipulate it anymore in about a week. But I wouldn't worry about it."[/color] While the Blood Mage had looked pretty beat up, most of his injuries would be healed by now. The Blood mage silently thanked his magic for giving him quick recovery times, and if he were to go and kill something about his size he'd only then have to worry about muscle fatigue, the one thing he couldn't get rid of magically, and he had a good bit of it. [/color=Crimson]"Until we fight again."[/color] Once he had helped Maddox up, or had his offer refused and Maddox got up on his own, he'd take his opponent's hand and give it a good solid shake before turning and heading back to his entrance, waving to the crowd as he went.

After Maddox regained control of his limbs and his blood flow was unrestricted he grabbed his left wrist with his right hand and wiggled his left hand a bit to test it. It seemed that there was no lasting damage. It was uncomfortable, but there was nothing wrong with his body now. [color=ed1c24]"Being humbled is a good thing,"[/color] Maddox agreed, accepting Grant's hand and allowing the man to help him to his feet. Once standing, Maddox wiped some dirt off his shirt. [color=ed1c24]"If I didn't take off the jacket it would be dirty and have a cut on the sleeve. I knew it was a good idea."[/color] After chuckling to himself he returned his attention back to Grant.

[color=ed1c24]"Our guild's strength doesn't just come from sheer power,"[/color] Maddox explained, his smile still evident. [color=ed1c24]"But we don't really have a shortage of that either."[/color] The red-haired mage accepted Grant's handshake, giving it a firm grip. Just as the victor turned away, Maddox spoke up again. [color=ed1c24]"I hope you reconsider your opinion of Phoenix Wing."[/color] If he were to turn and look he would see the grin had vanished from Maddox's face. He was all serious. Turning away himself, Maddox gave a quick glance around the arena. Evidently the crowd enjoyed the fight. A display of power was given and the people took a liking. [color=ed1c24][i]The Games are turning out just fine,[/i][/color] Maddox noted to himself, imitating Grant and giving a wave to the crowd. [color=ed1c24][i]They aren't afraid. Despite the lethal magic that was used.[/i][/color]

Maddox vanished from the arena, teleporting back up to Phoenix Wing B's balcony. He looked at his teammates, taking a moment to make eye contact with each and every one of them. His Light Magic was fairly unknown, as well his general capability, so some of his guildmates were probably surprised by the fight. He then looked to the small cut on his left arm. A tiny cut, not even particularly deep. Just barely bleeding. [color=ed1c24][i]But this tiny cut was what it took for Grant to beat me.[/i][/color] A smirk formed on his face as he picked up his leather jacket and put it back on. [color=ed1c24]"Sorry guys, I got a bit careless. But don't worry. I figured out how to beat him, learned from my mistakes. We still have a good chance at victory here."[/color]

[b]Tidius[/b]
[@t2wave]

Tidius sighed heavily, not worried that the door wouldn't hold up, annoyed at the destruction of the lacrima. Tidius slid the hand cuffs into the cuff of his pants, looking for something to help him with this version of Ariel. The only thing nearby was the lacrima fruit from the earlier magic before. 

Not quite willing to risk that, Tidius approached the door as well, willing to do this calmly, but ready to act if need be. [color=0072bc]"I'm not going to let you go, just yet Ariel. So please make this easier, and just stand down"[/color] He said easily, but ready to stop her. 

[b]sasha[/b]\
[@lmpkio]
[@yipeeXD]
Sasha shoook her head, saying [color=6ecff6]"I've never met the exceed, but Lazarus and I have been training outside the guild for a few months"[/color] She said, glancing over to Nolan and company. [color=6ecff6]"and I haven't interacted with him much in anycase"[/color] She was pretty sure though that the Exceed hadn't been in the guild. 

She was about to speak again, when a voice said [color=598527]"Nee-san"[/color], and Sasha froze. The voice was familiar, and not from the more recent reactions with it. Her eyes widened, as she looked about. She shifted closer to Lazarus without thinking, as her eyes went to Time Lord. 

She was scared, terrified on her own memories, terrified of what might happen next.