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[Astralworks]

Baphomett Killjoy

Clashing of metal filled the air as two weapon-wielding-duelists went back and forth across the open space. Baphomett almost squinted at the intensity of those jabs Vivian sent Yori's way, and could only nod in respect as the latter skillfully evaded and/or countered them. This was good, fast-paced, but good. The answer he received from his weapon-pal made him smile a little, the battle now entering its final stages. Yori, no applause needed, wiped whatever happy thoughts Vivian caught during her near desperately dealt blow with a swift intensity-filled jab of his own. Close, that was most definitely close. If Vivian wasn't aware nor fast enough she'd been a human pin cushion just about now, and judging by Yori's deflected attempts at finishing the job, he could tell the unappreciated genius wasn't quite happy with his work.

Two claps from behind followed the falling of demon weapons in their human forms as Van Hellsing sounded off. During his announcements, Baph found his legs taking him to where Vivian and Sophia was. Stopping just behind her, it was like he ignored all else remotely relating to logic--or personal space, going right for a one armed hug. "All everyone else saw was you getting a rude awakening, but what I got was that epic dodge, well done." If he'd gotten her or not, he stepped off, continuing his short encouragement, and getting a better view of the cut. "Any regrets on taking the offensive?" Yori was in his eyes for a second as he asked Vivian this question, his gaze on the cheering section he'd left behind; especially the duo that originally challenged him, the one called Seren probably annoyed at Hellsing's change of plans.

Now taking off his shirt, he looked at his opponents. Yep, no regrets with his decision, and if the teacher had an issue with his shirtless appearance, then he'd find another way around it because while confident in his dodging ability, he didn't want to waste the handwork of his God-Auntie. Hence the showing of nigh bulging muscles, and white pure skin.

Japanime Danidify Literally Batman The One Eyed Bandit _Line 213

 

[Literally Batman]

Sophia "Soph" Minerva Green
September 16th
Death City, Nevada
DWMA, DWMA Outdoor Platform

One who was closely observing Soph during her meister and Yori's conversation would find that the Demon Umbrella's teeth were clenched tightly. They would also find her hands were curled up into fists, and that her eyes were shooting lasers right through Yori's dense skull. Almost killing her meister was one thing, but adding insult to injury absolutely infuriated Soph. She was itching to transform and absolutely eradicate the gloomy teen when she suddenly saw an arm sweep around her and her meister. The voice of their potential attacker admirer was Baph. Teenage instincts immediately flooded Soph's entire body, her face lighting up with a gentle flush of red blush.

Soph simply enjoyed the moment as Baph spoke with Viv before departing to go do battle in the 4-way duel, removing his shirt in the process. She gazed at the eye candy before her for a couple (ok, more like 15) seconds before diverting her attention to the rest of the duelists. Other than being her (quite obvious, at this point) crush, Baph was also a powerful fighter, and Grace (coupled with the power of Seren) was a formidable meister as well. They were a good team, for sure, but at the same time, Ayame was a capable opponent as well, and-truth be told- Lesta scared the crap out of her. It would be an interesting fight for sure.

Soph walked up next to her partner. "Glad we went first, right?"

Danidify Astralworks S n o w

​

 

[_Line 213]

Grace Amadeus Fugue
DWMA (Classroom) --> DWMA Steps
Interacting with: The One Eyed Bandit , Literally Batman , Astralworks , Japanime , Damafaud , Jean Otus , Jade Emperor , Entity.Eclypse
​

Moments after she had gotten her answer, it was rendered mostly irrelevant. She glanced toward Van Helsing as he announced his change of plans, and did her best to hide a slight smile as Seren began to silently fume. To Grace herself, the change didn't matter all that much; even so, she could still imagine her partner's inner frustration. The real question was how she was going to spar with a weapon like Seren; mock battles were about winning, sure, but they were also about restraint. Though whether Seren's personality showed restraint was up fro debate, a metal ball flying at your head at high speed wasn't exactly the spitting image of moderation.

It was sort of like a puzzle. That would lead to an interesting exercise, Grace figured.

"We'll make it work," Grace replied, watching her partner shift in front of her. The long chain clinked to the ground as Grace caught both ends, the spiked spheres dangling down from each edge. There was just enough room there for Grace to firmly grasp the spheres without having to worry about the spikes, in essence turning the hammers into odd fist-weapons of some sort. Perhaps that would be a good way to start until she figured something else out. She swung the long chain upward, wrapping it around her arm with just enough slack to allow for free movement. Rather than turn her eyes to their chosen duo, however, she instead sized up those they had been set against. Regardless of whether or not the other group was planning on any strategy of their own, Grace needed to know what her counterpoint was.

The weapons were the first part of the puzzle; regardless of how meister matched up to another in terms of skill, some matchups were fated to cause trouble. No matter how quickly one can run, or how much stamina they have, some roads simply lead uphill. As far as Baphomett was concerned, both roads led to a summit, and the only question worth asking was which one was likely steeper. Baphomett's partner was a short, quick weapon, and both of their opponents had range on them for what may as well have been miles. No matter what, he'd have to close the distance, which led to the question of who would be more dangerous at point-blank range.

Her eyes flicked to the spellslinger. Chances were anything she could do at that range--if she could do anything at all--would be just as dangerous for her as it would be for her opponent. It would be a challenge for Baphomett to make it past her veritable hellfire, but if he could, then there was a chance that he could take her down without much issue. Forcing Baphomett into close range against a melee weapon with greater reach than his own would be a disaster; the flamberge duo would have to be the meteor's primary target.

Her thoughts settled for the time being, Grace moved closer to Baphomett, falling into a readier stance upon arrival. "Keep your focus on Gadis. She's a better opponent for you. Watch for attempts at cross-attacks, and Seren and I will keep the other two busy."

 

[Danidify]

Vivian Moore, DWMA stairs
Interacted with: Literally Batman Coriander S n o w Astralworks Mentioned: _Line 213 The One Eyed Bandit
Vivian awaited a handshake, looking forward with a smile only to see Yori's two hands disappearing into his pockets. Was he just... not going to shake it?

Visibly confused by the odd gesture or rather the lack of one, Vivian tilted her head to the side as her stubborn hand remained in the same place. She was still trying to process as to what exactly prevented the other from shaking her hand, considering such a thing had never happened to her before. His somewhat positive words, albeit not the clearest way to compliment, were appreciated, but it made her even more puzzled about the whole handshake. She nodded as a response, unsure of how she was supposed to feel at the moment.

The young Meister's attention shifted at the sound of Mieno speaking up. Vivian always wondered how such a seemingly sweet girl even ended up with.. whatever this hand-shake refusing guy was. Nevertheless, the wavering smile on Viv's face quickly solidified again thanks to her apology. She was apologising for something she had no control over, but it was still well-received.

"It's okay, don't worry about it." she would respond, her tone kind and gentle now that she was talking to the girl. Their little conversation of sorts didn't last long, however, considering Yori managed to leave Vivian baffled yet again, lowering her hand slowly as she admitted defeat.

What was her name again? Really? Was her name really that hard to memorise, or did he just never bother to do so? Vivian couldn't help but chuckle at the situation, turning to glance over at her partner in an attempt to see whether she was the only one that found it very odd. Luckily, it seemed like she wasn't the only one who happened to be just ever so slightly annoyed.

"It's Vivian. Very difficult name to remember, I know." Vivian responded, incapable of not adding that light mockery of sorts at the end.

Seeing the Glaive meister walk away, Vivian was about to do the same when yet another meister popped up. Unlike Mr Yori, this big bulk of a man actually didn't seem afraid of physical touch. In fact, instead of a hand, he gave his entire arm!

Baph's words were really kind, but Vivian wasn't all that fond of the hug in all honesty. It was warm, she had just fought, and she most certainly didn't appreciate being squished against her weapon who was most likely in the midst of freaking out over the literal giant. Then again, Vivian figured Baph had no ill intent, and she wasn't going to complain about someone that was kind to her.

"Thank you very much, Baph." She stated, moderately relieved at the removal of the warm arm around her. Vivian found herself chuckling again when Baph asked whether she regretted her choice to go on the offensive, a question that she did not have to think about very long.

A sneaky smirk formed on her face, Vivian responding to Baph yet again. "All I regret is not hitting him harder." the Meister would have said, her wish to confidently tease quickly being fulfilled in her answer. "Good luck with your fight, by the way." she would say, only finding herself looking away and laughing at the sight of his shirt being removed. Turning to look at her Weapon, Vivian didn't even bother taking the other girl with her to the sidelines, considering she seemed to be keeping herself busy with creepily watching Baph.

Vivian would eventually see Sophie walk back to her, the purple-haired girl holding back several remarks that would surely annoy her weapon. "Most definitely, I'd rather get cut by that glaive again than to get anywhere close to those wrecking balls." She would respond, her eyes aimed directly at Grace and Seren. A double battle sounded like fun, but merely visualizing a fight against some of the participants hurt more than the cut to her side.

 

[Jade Emperor]

Hmm.... Grimm found himself lost In thought, his mind circulating around the thought of engaging combat again. "Hm?" He asked his partner, before smiling. "Oh my dear pet of a Meister... None of them are problems, if you can think your way around them." He shook his head, and answered. Truthfully. "In all seriousness... I'd say we'd have most trouble with the umbrella troup. That'll be... Annoying to get around. I'm sure there's more, buuuut." He shrugged. "I work best under pressure, so you have to wait till we're in battle young blood."

Damien stayed quiet for most of the match, focusing on the battle. Yori... He was relentless. He didn't let up, and attacked with sharp but precise movements. Not only that, he had no mercy. It was... Very inticing. He licked his lips, a strange... Almost sexual look in his eyes? "I wouldn't mind fighting him though..." He said, winking at his Meister. But even more so was Vivian, this was... A bad Match up to say the least. A weapon of that size, and with someone like Yori, sleek and strong, it was probably inevitable. Vivian was stubborn though, instead of staying back she jumped head first into battle, he liked that.

 

[Entity.Eclypse]

Ayame noticed her partners silence and took that as either his sign of confidence or the lacking there of. Regardless she knew that she was prepared for this fight despite the numerous outcomes in which they could fail. "Well regardless... we'll be tested sooner than-" She cut herself off as she noticed the instructor began to speak once more. She had learned the hard way that speaking when your superiors spoke tended to end in less than preferred results, usually a slap on the wrist or a scolding before her peers. He had begun to talk about distrust and disrespect before announcing the next bout of combat that would be coming soon, The arm-blade and hammer duo. But she noticed him pause for a moment, her brow raising in curiosity before the announcement of a four-way fight.

She nodded and calmly walked to the opposing side, facing her opponents calmly despite the fact they all seemed to have their partner with them. Each step forced the zipper on her shirt to clink, a simple sound that seemed to resonate with each inch of movement she created. Cold blue hues moved slowly between each of her opponents, neither was her ideal opponent to fight... but in real battle you weren't allowed to choose who or what you fought. Her eyes turned back to the crowd where her partner had seemingly gone quite earlier, a short sigh allowed itself to escape her lips before she turned back to her opponents. Arms at her side she bowed to them before standing tall once more, if her partner decided not to join her then... well she'd just have to go at it alone.

"I hope that I prove myself a good opponent for you." She spoke clearly, her voice flowing out like frigid spring water among the heated attention that faced them all. She didn't doubt that the audience would be seeking another thrilling spar between them, since it was likely that their adrenaline would be fueling their desire for yet another.

Her peripheral vision allowed for her to watch for her partner... one of her hands remained open and the other clenched into a tightly-knit fist. The already pale skin on her knuckles seemed to go stark white with the force she was clenching.
Mentions/Interactions: Jean Otus Damafaud Jade Emperor _Line 213 The One Eyed Bandit Literally Batman Astralworks Japanime

 

[Damafaud]

Gadis Lestari
Classroom
Scheming; Conversing
Interaction: Jade Emperor , Jean Otus , Entity.Eclypse
Mention: S n o w and Coriander , Danidify and Literally Batman , _Line 213 and The One Eyed Bandit , Japanime and Astralworks ,​

"Young blood?" Lesta didn't know whether she should shout or laugh.

She was just one year younger than Grimm but that was enough to make him a cocky ass. She gave his back a punch.

"Get moving, Grimoire. We're fighting next and this fight will be one annoying bitch."

Killjoy was no problem. Scythe wasn't effective as a weapon due to its irregular shape which exerted more energy than a sword would. She was confident she could fight him in close combat with just Seven. That Grace had a meteor hammer though. And fighting sentient balls of steel was scary. Seriously.

Lesta cracked her knuckles and loosened her shoulder. Regardless of how strong her opponents was, it was still a chance to fight. What could be more exhalerating than climbing a higher peak? She glanced at her other partner this time around, Ayame. Not too bad, not too good in her book. A sword was pretty average as a weapon, but it was also effective in the hand of an expert.

In other word, it depend on how much Ayame was not a screw up.

"Yo. Try getting Killjoy to fight you. Seren's a meteor hammer so you can't even block her properly," Gadis dropped her opinion as soon as she got near. "get ready to shoot a spell as soon as we start. Can't let that meteor hammer flying to the head."

With everything said to Ayame and Grimm, Lesta adjusted her weighted glove before she faced Killjoy and Grace. She was so ready for this.

 

[Jean Otus]

He wasn't going to sugarcoat it. Matthias had stopped listening as soon as everyone had started moving around. His analytical mind trying to pick up on everyone's fighting stance, imagine and plan around fight states, develop endgame strategies, all while he puffed away on his cigarette. Eventually the pinkish haze it produced enveloped his head, but he continued to dwell on everything he'd seen, even as he missed much of the fight happening in front of him. The harder he thought, the more he smoked, and the more the pink cloud grew. Eventually, even the sounds of the sparring going on around him were muffled by the aromatic vapor, which had now consumed everything north of his collarbone. For the time he was in there, he was content, his mind swimming with the aggregate strategic and martial history of nations danced around in his internal monologue.

Matthias was enjoyably lost somewhere between Kojiro and Musashi's techniques when he heard a familiar clinking sound. So near and high pitched that it rung out through his cloud of solitude. Coming back to reality, he realized that his partner was moving without him, and so he followed the clinking, even though he couldn't see her for the first few paces. Matthias slowly left his puffed pink paradise behind, leaving a trail of mist behind him as he went to stand next to Ayame. He still wasn't sure what was going on, but he had long ago decided that if he stuck by Ayame, he'd usually figure things out on the fly, and if not, he'd at least look like a cool guy who sticks by his partner. He copied Ayame's movements with a slight bow, his head still off somewhere, not realizing the situation he was about to find himself in. He looked down at his partner's hand, she was holding it out towards him for some reason. He had always thought of her as a little immature, but needing a hand holding in public was a new level. Had it not been for Ayame's comment, he would have likely just produced another little cloud to daydream in.

Suddenly all the pieces started to come together, the people standing across from them were their opponents, it was their time to fight. Ayame was holding her hand out for him to transform and get into it. Given his partner's attitude, he'd have to take this one seriously, as opposed to relying on an overwhelming advantage. He finished his cigarette in one long pull, swallowing the end of it whole, before sighing out a huge cloud of smoke and embers that surrounded his feet.

"Let's loosen up some, okay partner? Don't tense up under the pressure..." He teased as he shifted into his weapon form, which spiraled through the air before landing in Ayame's palm, leaving a trail of white smoke behind the blade's path. He reached out to her so that only she could hear. "Try to kick up as much of my smoke as possible, we want to dictate the pace of this fight."

Interaction/Mention: Entity.Eclypse Damafaud Jade Emperor _Line 213 The One Eyed Bandit Literally Batman Astralworks Japanime

 

[Japanime]

Tomoki noticed that Baph had taken his shirt off which usually meant it was go time so he walked over next to him and smirked before gently placing his hand on Baph's forearm and his body morphing into his weapon form, radiating azure, on Baph's forearm. After a few seconds the black straps and glossy dark and gold blade formed as the light faded. "Let's do this Baph." He says with a half smirk.

Astralworks Danidify Literally Batman The One Eyed Bandit _Line 213

 

[Jade Emperor]

"Hmph." Damien said, grunting as she punched his back. For such a small girl she had such unforgiving knuckles. "Don't order me around, dumbass. We fight who we fight, you should learn by now to adapt to the enemy. Strongest meister my ass." Although his words were harsh, he abided by her orders and walked towards Killjou

 

[Astralworks]

Baphomett Killjoy

Head up high, Baph came on the set like a lead idol taking in the cheers of their fans. The look on his face wouldn't show it, but he truly was hyped up for a battle, or a beat-down. Whatever it turned out to be. Nonchalantly waving his hand back at Vivian, her best wishes were acknowledged, though her answer to his query got him to flash his teeth for a moment; not at anything or anyone in particular. Partner now walking in on the scene, he endured the bright light of the change; the boy now becoming a beautiful ma--fore-arm machete. "Assassination mode huh,"--Recovering a glance toward his temporary foes, he grinned. "nice choice bud." Demonic eyes peeped back at the attached weapon before narrowing in on the opponents, Grace's words weighing in as he nodded to her conclusions. They had a plan; he and Tomo would attack Gadis, and she and Seren would take care of Ayame.

Shirt still held in his right hand, he accepted Ayame's politeness. "It makes me happy to hear you say that." Baph started, the grip on his treasure a little more than earlier. "Because." Everyone seemed ready, as did his chosen target. "I'm not holding anything back...!" With that declaration the big lad stomped, putting all of his weight upon the front foot before tossing his shirt in a tight arc toward the crowd, and mercilessly leaping in the direction of the opposing meisters right into a mad dash. Step step step step step step! Baph ate three-quarters of that distance between them, dust the only reminder that he didn't literally fly toward the two.

Japanime Danidify Literally Batman Entity.Eclypse _Line 213

 

[_Line 213]

Grace Amadeus Fugue
DWMA (Classroom) --> DWMA Steps
Interacting with: The One Eyed Bandit , Literally Batman , Astralworks , Japanime , Damafaud , Jean Otus , Jade Emperor , Entity.Eclypse
​

Grace let out a quiet sigh as her partner tossed his shirt into the crowd, of all things, and then charged right into the fight. Sure, in an ideal world they would have stuck together for the start of things and then forced the other pair to split in such a way that would give them the advantage, but this wasn't a perfect world, and this fight had to reach a conclusion one way or another.

She shot into action a few moments after Baphomett, lagging behind him on purpose as she assessed the positions the other two were going to take. Unless she wanted to go ahead and take someone's head off in the midst of a friendly spar, swinging was out--unless she trusted herself to be careful in select situations. One such situation was a deterrent; she didn't want to go ahead and break her target's face in, but she could use the nature of her weapon to ward them off from Baphomett and wrangle them into a fight they might not want. Yes; at this point, that was the way to do it. And, unlike her partner, she didn't need to be in her enemy's face to start fighting.

"Seren. We're going to have to do a lot of boxing this time around. I hope you're up for it," she said to her weapon, unslinging a portion of the chain around her right arm as the spiked ball began to whirl through the air. With practiced command, the weaponhead arced downward through the air with terrifying speed, slamming onto the stonework with just enough restraint to avoid damaging the ground.

After all, this was still school property.

The ball and chain's arc brought it down in a straight line between Baphomett and the swordswoman, only to drag back toward Grace as she continued to rush forward. Her left chain replaced the former, adding further delay to Ayame's movements as she attempted to shove herself between the enemy meister and her own partner, her right half once again secured in her grasp as her other chain recoiled. Their was an intensity to her calm demeanor now, eyes slightly flared as she rushed into position and hoped to force Ayame's hand with a quick jab aimed to scrape her side.

 

[Entity.Eclypse]

Ayame had her partner with her now and despite his momentary delay she caught the falling blade with ease. His words held enough truth, if she stayed as tensed up as she was then it more than likely would end in catastrophe for both of them. She glanced to Gadis and her partner for a moment before her attention narrowed in on Grace. Her balled-up hand relinquished it's grip allowing relief to flood into the tensed skin, white knuckles filling once more with blood. Using the moments between their second opponent bolting and her focus she took a few slashed in the air, stirring the air with smoke. As long as she was careful and utilized her plan to the fullest then this could go their way.

To combat Baphomett was now supposedly in her hands, Grace was a force to be reckoned with all the same. But her objective right now was something different, she had her target moving in now. A small nod came to Ayame, "Understood." She need share little more than that in the current state they had, if Matthias wanted them to do something she was certain he would make it known and if Gadis wanted they all she had to do was ask. After she finished this the first of two ends came down at her side, she didn't move but readied herself as the second came in the same pattern. The next attack was the one she had been watching for, and quickly moved around the attack. Keeping her attention held for next of them.

As she evaded the jab she swung her blade, not towards the opponent but just close to them with her full intentions being obscured much alike her true emotions on the matter at hand. More smoke would likely raise from this, she still lacked mastery of activating Matthias when it came to the smoke but this would be enough for a simple spar. That in mind she decided to take the offensive, in a rather strange way, one hand had remained open as if it were preparing for their next move. The other held her partner, and in the following moment she would make her attack. Toward the ground. Slashing in an arching motion she used the force provided to move forward and past that of her current obstacle, almost like an aggressive dodge would work, she maintained enough restraint so that Matthias she wouldn't slash the ground nor any of those around her.

As her form moved closer to the ground she used this force to essentially step into the path of Baphomett and her partner, however rather than stopping herself there she used the ball of her foot to preform a quick spin. Tracing her movement with the blade as she moved, the more smoke the better. That in mind she burst free from the cloud of it with a slash aimed towards the shirtless males left side, her eyes trained upon him without the slightest hint of... anything really. Her gaze seemed to hold something equal to hell itself being frozen over, masking any fury or fear.
Mentions/Interactions: Jean Otus (Matthias), _Line 213 (Grace), The One Eyed Bandit (Seren), Damafaud (Gadis), Jade Emperor (Grimm), Literally Batman (Sophie/Van Helsing), Astralworks (Baph), Japanime (Tomoki), S n o w (Yori), Coriander (Mieno), Danidify (Vivian)

 

[Damafaud]

Gadis Lestari
Steps
Attacking
Interaction: Jade Emperor , Jean Otus and Entity.Eclypse , Japanime and Astralworks , _Line 213 and The One Eyed Bandit
Mention: S n o w and Coriander , Danidify and Literally Batman ,​

Killjoy moved in first with Grace not far behind. Then smokes appeared and she got blind. Fuck.

Lesta stepped backward and ran, attempting to circle behind midway of Killjoy and Grace with Ayame and Matthias blocking the pair. Grimm was nowhere in her sight, thick inside the smoke but he should be preparing one of the spells. Probably a fireball but she wasn't sure. Her knives was a no go since it was an exercise and a well placed attack to the face or sensitive blood vessels could get her into trouble. Last thing she wanted was that and blowing away her cover.

Which left her to fight in close quarter with Seven.

Lesta made a quick rush into the smoke, almost perpendicular to the direction of Killjoy's dash. The floor beneath her vibrated, like something heavy knocked against it. Must be the meteor hammer. Everything was a muddle. She could see figures in the mist, but it was hard to pick the details like the end of ones hand or how an elbow shifted with the mist. Annoying. She still knew where the enemy was, though.

Grace was aiming for Ayame, who was butting head with Killjoy. Going two on one wasn't fair but what fight was ever fair? Lesta jumped into the fray, attempting to hit Grace's right shoulder with a straight from her left hand, which was equipped with Seven, her weighted glove.

 

[Astralworks]

Baphomett Killjoy

A spiky ball soared past the wild-haired boy as he kept his speedy pace. Just then, a cloud of smoke appeared before him, and the target he'd been eyeing since the battle's beginning seemingly disappeared in it. Great, looks like the plan had failed already, or at least that's what he'd have thought if not for his sudden misstep. Ayame was now coming at him, her telling signs invisible as always. Baphomett was going to have to wing this one, though the weight in his right foot said otherwise. Knee bent with intent, the lad took off right where he came in a linear fashion. Fingers stuck together in formation, his hands exchanged positions beside his head with every swing. In short, he left the girl in his dust, the trail of his target now as clear as before. His feeling was right. The only way Gadis could've escaped his sight at first was by sneaking around. Too bad he had the advantage distance-wise.

Running toward his partner he leapt into to the air, simply snapping at the chance to land a fearless dropkick. No way were they going to get away with a sneaky attempt like that. If so, he might've well just given his money away to the smart thieves he hung out with back then. Gadis was going to get it.

_Line 213 Damafaud Entity.Eclypse

 

[_Line 213]

Grace Amadeus Fugue
DWMA (Classroom) --> DWMA Steps
Interacting with: The One Eyed Bandit , Literally Batman , Astralworks , Japanime , Damafaud , Jean Otus , Jade Emperor , Entity.Eclypse
​

The girl clicked her teeth as her chosen opponent managed to slip past her guard. Perhaps she hadn't been aggressive enough, but with a weapon like Seren, could she really afford to be?

The more that she thought about it, the more she realized that in a situation this controlled, she wasn't going to have nearly as much versatility as she would have liked to have for herself and her partner.

"Work within your means," she muttered, eyes narrowed as she flicked her eyes across the battlefield, watching her target escape for a brief moment. Her eyes turned on the smoke billowing from the strange, serpentine blade, widening as if Grace had suddenly struck gold. "Her partner needs range, and a clear battlefield," she stated, seemingly to Seren, before darting forward across the makeshift arena once again. It was counter-intuitive, but a moment of thought made everything fall into place. The key to making sure her strategy was successful was to...

"...Let her attack all she wants!" Grace allowed herself to get a little more reckless, slinging out her hammers with rapid speed, first to get the flamberge meister's attention, and then to force her to swing and parry and blow as much smoke out of her blade as she possibly could. More smoke, more clouds, less to worry about from the other meister and her strange book. Not only that, but with the precision of something like Baphomett's weapon, there would be practically nothing that the spell-slinger could do if her opponent managed to catch her in the midst of the smoke. And, even if she managed to remain at the edge of it all and keep her view clear, that would simply lock Grace and Ayame into a death battle amidst the spreading white.

This is it. This is the way forward.