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[img]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/naruto/images/3/3c/Magaki_Shuu.png/revision/latest?cb=20180701214956[/img]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCiAsSLtaXY&ab_channel=ThePrimeCronus](Mood Music)[/url]
[h1][color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b][u]First Blood[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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Auriel heard the voices of the bandits as they approached, and she felt a swell of energy in her. This was to be her first fight since her injury. She was nervous for not just the heroes, but for herself as well. How would be fare after going so long without a fight? Auriel quickly purged the thoughts from her mind. She couldn't doubt herself now, as doubting oneself is the quickest way to fail. Auriel gripped the shaft of her golden spear tight. This wouldn't be like fighting demons and monsters. These were humans, humans with little training. They would be simple enough foes to sharpen her steel, the trouble came in needing to protect the heroes if they'd need it.

Auriel heard the rock impact one of the bandits. She smirked a bit, liking Fer's simple approach to picking a fight. Plus it was a good throw! She could hear the man's obvious anger and the threats being made. His challenge to come out of hiding was met an answer. Auriel wasn't keen on underhanded tactics and ambushing. She would at least pay her enemies the simple respect of seeing their opponent. Auriel stepped out from around the farmhouse, her spear in one hand. Her white wings practically glowed in the light of the rising moon. The golden spear of Archiel gleamed. The bandits stopped in their tracks when they laid eyes on her. Auriel looked over each of them, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Only weaklings steal from the backs of hard working folk. Weaklings and cowards who are undeserving of fairness being dealt unto them. I will give you only one chance, turn away and atone for your sins, or fall here."[/b][/color]

Auriel had a dead serious look in her eyes. A battle hardened one that showed she was serious. The bandits on the other hand could barely hold back their smirks and laughs. One of them pointed at her with a knife, [color=white][i]"I don't think you're reading the situation very well, little bird. There are seven of us, and only one of you. I don't care how good you might think you are, the math doesn't favor your odds."[/i][/color]

Auriel didn't waver. She brought her spear into her other hand and widened her stance, presenting the tip of the long blade toward them. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Very well then. As a Holy Warrior of the Church of the Four, I, Auriel Asher, hereby sentence you to die for your crimes against your fellow man."[/b][/color]

The bandits seemed a bit more serious now that she had adopted a fighting stance. The man heading the small group, certainly not Rayla, scratched the back of his head, then gestured to one of his lackeys. [color=white][i]"Gren, take care of her."[/i][/color]

Gren stepped forward and pulled his hatchet from his belt, [color=white][i]"Easy enough. One pigeon stew coming right up. Stand still, lass. This wont take long."[/i][/color]

Auriel nodded and watched him approach, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"On that, we agree."[/b][/color]

The bandit entered into a ready stance with his hatchet and waited. Auriel wasn't about to wait him out, she took the initiative and lunged forward with her spear. The bandit quickly sidestepped outside of her jab with a grin. Auriel quickly followed up by raising her rear hand further up the shaft of her spear, and swinging out the butt end of her polearm. It landed cleanly with his teeth, knocking a few out in a spurt of blood. The man recoiled with a twist from the blow, then collapsed to the ground after Auriel spun with her momentum and sliced his hamstrings with the blade. The duel was short as the bandit had promised, and he wasn't going to be fighting anymore without any strength in his legs. Auriel pressed the tip of her spear to his throat and looked at the other bandits, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Seems your math is favoring my odds a little more now. If you hope to win, I suggest you use your overwhelming numbers instead of challenging me in single combat."[/b][/color]

Auriel felt her spear get shoved aside by the man on the ground. She looked back down at him, seeing him in mid-swing with his hatchet. Auriel lifted her leg and deflected the edge of his hatchet with her steel greave, causing sparks to fly. She countered with a swift kick to his cheek, knocking him out along with more teeth. Despite her threats of ending their lives, Auriel wasn't about to execute a defeated man. This one would suffer the law. She looked back at the other bandits, seeing them running at her as a group. Now that they were rushing angrily, they wouldn't count on the heroes flanking them, nor would they consider any traps that might've been set by them either.

Auriel readied herself again and yelled, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Cole! Fer! Now!"[/b][/color]
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