Hayato tried to press the advantage when she stumbled, but his Skill ran out too quickly. Again she attacked; the openings she left with these wide swings weren't as helpful as they could be, because her speed and strength was so great. A true example of sheer power. Hayato managed to get his sword up, one hand on the hilt and the other along the blade, using both arms to push back as Hazel's sword came down on the middle of his weapon. Still she easily overpowered him, and his wooden sword actually cracked; the Skill she'd used had put even more wallop into that one!

He was knocked to the ground and rolled, feeling the hard impact with the floor nearly knock the wind out of him.

_Is this the power of someone who's been doing Special Assignments? Or...am I just that weak?_

He managed to get up, even though his shoulder was aching now and he was breathing hard. He couldn't give up yet! He charged Hazel head on this time, bringing down his blade. Unlike her his strike was direct, no raising of the arms, just using the bottom hand to pull the handle of the blade while the top hand pushed forward, using leverage and only relying on the strength of the bicep and below. Even with the difference in strength, maybe if he added more power...

"Flash Blade!" Again his sword ignited with black and blue energy, even though sweat broke out along his forehead. Not much MP left...

---

OOC:  Because Hazel's boosted attack is around twice Hayato's defense, I decided to take off 20 points of his HP. Combined with losing 2/3rds of his MP to Skill usage, I've tried to write him as being winded and tired. Players don't always need to be literal with their comparisons; rounding things here and there, and dodging something by the skin of the teeth even if their accuracy is high are okay, and if you can creatively come up with something or write it convincingly that's even better. But in general, I hope this serves as an example for the future. Thanks to Diggerton for the opportunity!