Itou vs Aramis (DE, PG-13)

Aramis was by no means a martial arts expert, and the blow had taken its toll on him as well. It was not a one-sided headbutt, and he also staggered back when Itou released him, his opponent avoiding further damage to his shoulder. Out of nothing more or less than sheer practice and instinct, Aramis's sword flashed up as a physical barrier, to prevent Itou taking advantage of his weakened state. Fortunately, it seeemed Itou was recovering as well. Aramis gave his head one or two good shakes, and used his free hand to adjust his glasses.

Aramis's fencing guard was lower than usual, aimed at Itou's abdominals rather than his throat, like before. He mentally examined the injuries on both of them. Both of Itou's shoulders were badly injured and he had a moderate cut on his leg, and a smaller cut on the other. The headbutt would be a minor irritant and nothing more. Comparably, Aramis was in much better shape, having taken relatively few blows, besides a few hard knocks to his shadow arm, which could take quite a beating anyways.

Aramis could keep up his defense in this condition. While Itou's mobility wouldn't be hampered too much by his leg wounds, his shoulder injuries would definitely cut the power from his punches. Aramis used fencing footwork to close in on Itou briefly, as he considered his next attack. He was not moving in quickly, but certainly. Thoughts on his next blow whirled through his head at blitzkrieg speeds, but Itou's attacks and reactions would help determine this.

As Itou emerged from Shunpo, he'd have a very unwelcome surprise. Aramis's sword was being thrust, right at his gut. He'd gotten too reliant on Shunpo. Aramis was able to anticipate his attack now. He'd gotten too predictable and now he was going to pay the price for it. As fast as Shunpo was, Aramis had already turned. Itou's reflexes were being used against him, but would also save him. His movement of ducking would cause Aramis's blade to pierce through his injured right shoulder, instead of a potentially finishing move through the belly. Still, this would be a very deep cut. However, Itou's anticipation of Aramis's strike while good, wouldn't allow him to avoid it entirely, as Aramis had already been aiming at a lower target.

As for Itou's attack, Aramis had taken a single step back, when Itou had initiated his Shunpo. This meant that he would be JUST out of range of Itou's kick, while the reach of his sword would ensure that his thrust landed. Aramis then took a second step back, to pull his sword free, simultaneously whipping the tip up, to slice a narrow wound across Itou's cheek. It wasn't deep, but it'd certainly sting. With that thrust, it was extremely unlikely Itou would be able to move his arms anymore. He was now, functionally reliant on using his legs and his legs alone at this point.

Aramis held his sword in an unusually high fencing pose, the tip of the blade pointed at Itou's face, rather than his throat or sternum. He had retreated four steps away from Itou. Four steps separated them. But with Itou's serious wounds, and virtually disabled arms, would he be able to continue? Aramis had no qualms with allowing Itou to dash himself into the void against him. "The matador may be finished, if gored on the bulls' horns, but a bull can be avoided and cut down." He stated.