Alright, I haven't been active here for a while. For one reason, I think I'm suffering from a burnout of sorts. I'm too tired to either read or write. (Though rps are still ok for some reason )

Anyway, here's the first part of the next clash. I'll try to do the actual fight this afternoon, so hold back on the voting if you think you first want to read more. Also, I'm not sure this actually fits into the Clash rules. Seeing the end of this part. I won't spoil it though. So read on.



Clash of the Titans: Final Master Round: Sethyas Velas vs Serene Sarethi.

A swirl of red dust blew around his feet as Sethyas suddenly found himself suspended in midair. With practiced ease, he straightened out and absorbed the force of landing, drawing his Black Hands dagger as he did so.
“Oblivion, again.” He thought and peered around. He knew what was going to come. Yet so far, there was no one to fight yet.

Having made sure he was the only living being in the area, the Dunmer sheathed the dagger and relaxed somewhat and took in his surroundings. Unlike last time, he had materialized on a balcony, presumably the same balcony that had been suspended above the central arena all the time. Although to him, ‘balcony’ was a misnomer. The structure had been built with giants like Mehrunes Dagon in mind, not someone who was on a more mortal scale. To Sethyas, the balcony seemed as large as a canton in Vivec. A gate in the wall behind him led into the structure. There would be plenty of room to manoeuvre here.

A sharp ringing sound drew his attention to the left. Separated by a gap of about five metres and connected by a comparatively small bridge, there was a second balcony, just as large as the first. Now, a shimmering cloud of Magicka erupted over there. Slowly, the Morag Tong slipped his hand back to the dagger at his side as he watched how the cloud coalesced into a person.
“So, my opponent has arrived.” Sethyas thought. When he saw who his opponent was though, his hand froze.

His apparent opponent was a woman. Normally, he had no qualms about it. Man or woman, he’d killed both in the service of Mephala. But this woman was different. This was one he knew, one he respected, one he called master. She had her back turned to him, but he could still recognize her easily. Hand still clutching the hilt of the sheathed dagger, Sethyas walked forwards till he had one foot on the bridge.
“Serene.” He said.

Serene didn’t turn, but merely hung her head slightly. The blade of a Daedric Dai-Katana pierced the balconyfloor, its hilt situated at just the right height for her to draw it. But she made no movement towards it.
“Sethyas. Are you here to kill me?” She asked, though she already knew the answer. Mehrunes Dagon had brought them here, and only one would leave. Sethyas replied with another question.
”Are you reading my mind?” He inquired.
“Only enough to know it is you. Your thoughts, those are only for you to behold.”

Now the Dunmer nodded to himself and felt a small tinge of relief. While he’d gotten used to Serene’s telepathy, it still unnerved him to know that if she so desired, she could unravel his deepest secrets, his feelings, his very soul. All with her mind.
“I see. So you are another of Dagon’s victims.” He noted.
“I don’t want to fight you, Sethyas.” Serene replied.

“You don’t want to fight anyone. I know you.” The Dunmer spoke.
“But…I have no desire to fight either.” He then admitted.
“I have thought about it, during my earlier duels here. If we fight, I doubt there will be any difference between victor and defeated. The victor will simply be forced to fight again and again until death. As Sethyas Velas, I have my responsibilities, obligations to fulfil. I serve Mephala, House Redoran and myself. In that order. Mehrunes Dagon is no Mephala and my House demands of me not to slay a fellow member, even less the actual master of the House.” He added and released his grip on the dagger, letting his hand fall limply to the side.
“I can’t kill you, Serene.”

Serene turned around.
“And I can’t kill you either. Even if personal feelings weren’t against it, the oath of House Redoran binds me as well.” She said. Relief filled her voice now that she knew they were not going to fight. She had not read Sethyas’ mind, so she couldn’t be certain that he was speaking the truth. But the trust she had in him as a friend was proof enough of his intentions.
“I’m surprised Mehrunes Dagon hasn’t shown himself to make his demands known.” She added. Barely had she spoken the words, or countless dark shadows emerged from the gates. Sethyas swore under his breath and drew the Black Hands dagger with a swift motion.
“Apparently, he has decided to make his demands known.” He said louder.

The Dunmer turned around and saw that Daedra were pouring onto his balcony as well.
“You won’t fight against me, Serene. But will you fight with me?” He asked as he jumped onto the bridge. So far, he had only observed Dremora and Scamp. Nothing with ranged capabilities. The bridge could serve as a natural chokepoint. And with numbers against them as much as they were, a chokepoint was the one thing they needed. After a short hesitation, he dropped the bow and quiver of arrows on his back. Dremora were too resilient to take them down with arrows and the Scamps were just as easily dispatched up close.
Serene pulled the sword out of the floor and ran onto the bridge herself.
“Does it look like I have a choice?” She muttered.
“I will fight with you, Sethyas.”




OOC: So yeah, I just couldn't think of a good enough reason to make them fight. Even having an angry Mehrunes Dagon kinda lost its effect after we've used that hook a couple of times already. Oh, and I'm still accepting volunteers for the Telina vs Luper match.

It seems that the poll is a moot point, unless it was mortals vs. Deadra. I voted for Serene anyway, so it's tied up; seeing as she can heal herself and such as well as fight very well.

Well yeah, it is rather wonky. So maybe I should try to change the title. Who will survive longest? (And subsequentally win the 'duel'.)

Anyway, I'm not sure if this fight really worked out, especially since I skimmed over a large part of it. Oh well, it should be a reasonable start.




The Dremora and Scamp lined up at a safe distance. Then one Dremora, apparently the leader although he looked exactly the same as all the others, spoke up.
“You know what your task is, then why do you hesitate? Do you fear Lord Dagon’s anger that little?” The Daedra asked with a snarl. Neither Serene nor Sethyas answered. They merely gripped their weapons slightly tighter and retreated further to the center of the bridge.
“If you have forgotten, I will remind you. You are to shed blood for his pleasure. Fail to please him, and we will make sure blood is shed. Would you rather take on scores of our kin over one of your own?” The Dremora continued.

Neither said a word. For them, the choice had always been clear. They would either fight each other, or battle against an endless tide that would rush at the bridge from both sides. For them, the choice was easy. The Dremora waited for an answer which he would never receive. He observed the two mortals, their eyes that shifted across the ranks of Scamps and Dremora. Finally, he put up his hand.
“I see. Well then, you have chosen. Such loyalty towards your kin, I admit I respect you. However, I shall fulfil my duty to Lord Dagon. Fight, with all you have!” His hand swung down and the Scamps rushed forward. The Dremora however stood motionless were they were, biding their time.

In their mad rush, the critters forgot that the bridge was only so wide and many of them fell to their doom as they were pushed off the side by other Scamps. As it was, the bridge was barely wide enough for three to stand side by side. Serene drew a deep breath as the first wave reached her. Physically, this was easy. All she had to do was swing her blade horizontally to cleave all three Scamps. Mentally however, it was far harder. Even against mindless minions whose only desire was to rend her flesh, she still felt bad about killing them. Still, she forced her feelings aside for the moment and did what she had to. One managed to dodge her blow and was about to strike when it stopped and shrieked. Then, it toppled over, it’s mind destroyed by the far greater power that had forced its way into the Scamp’s soul. The wails of death hammered at Serene’s resolve, but she no longer hesitated. The second line was struck down as soon as either her sword or her mind could reach.

Sethyas, by contrast, found it mentally easy to slay the Scamps. They were little more than rats and he considered them as such. However, he did not carry a weapon large enough to cut a Scamp in half, nor could he direct his thoughts as a weapon. He lunged forward at the one in the middle, catching the charging Scamp off-guard. The dagger pierced its eye, driving through into its brain. The Dunmer kicked the one on the left against the side of its head, sending it hurtling off the bridge to the sandy arena below. Simultaneously, he tore the dagger free and plunged it between the third Scamp’s ribs, into its heart. As two fresh carcasses littered his side of the bridge, he pressed on towards the second trio of opponents while drawing a second knife, a silver one coated with an ancient toxic.

The Dremora’s expression was hidden by the mask he wore, but his eyes gleamed with approval. As Scamp after Scamp was easily dispatched. Slowly, the tide ebbed. Finally, the last Scamp had fallen, one last body on the pile. Sethyas meanwhile had forged forward to the edge of the balcony while Serene had slowly retreated to his side. Now both looked at the leader of the Dremora who still stood as motionless as his brethren.
“You have survived the first challenge, that was unexpected. I offer you my congratulations.” He now said. He noticed they seemed tired, worn out from killing one foe after another.
“I shall give you both a moment of rest to regain your strength. After that, we shall test your power against the finest of Dremora. No tricks, no unfair advantages. One pair of Dremora, one pair at a time.”

Serene lifted her hand.
“No need to delay. Let’s get this over with as soon as possible.” She said as she put a hand on Sethyas’ shoulder. Power flowed from her to him, rejuvenating his muscles, easing the ache in his bones, healing minor wounds. The same renewing force flowed through her, restoring her strength. Sethyas nodded.
“Yes, let’s get this over with. Bring on your best.” He said. Meanwhile, he opened his mind for his friend.

“Serene, I know that you can still hear me if I direct my thoughts at you. These Dremora, their armour is made of the same material as your blade. It will not yield easily to any weapon we have. Aim for the back of the legs, or other openings. On the other hand, magic could bypass that armour easily. Try not to get hit though, they’re brutal. I will have to dodge as well.” He thought.
“I know. We will not be easy prey. There are still some secrets they haven’t learned yet.” Serene replied.
“Knowledge is the key to victory.” Sethyas concurred.

Assassin.

My money's on the healer who has the really big sword! I already said it, but there's no harm in reinforcing my point.

Pshaw, much better to not be hit at all.

I have to go with Sethyas on this one. The fact that he's been in more actual battles definitely helps his cause. He knows how to survive something like this while Serene could collapse under the pressure. Her inexperience will be here downfall. Training can only work for so long.

Oh dear...have to edit this!


Just read both your posts Jackie and I will say one word: AMAZING! Your interpretation of Serene is magnificent, and the twist is just so great! This is a new approach and I can't wait to see the outcome of it!

YAYY Jackie!



edited by minque

Well now, well written. Nice job on the interpretation of both characters! Jack, you definitely have been paying attention to my story, and the subtle little details here and there, flatter me.

Whomever shall truimph in Dagon's Dark ritual, remains to be seen, either way, it's been a bloody good read!

Alright, I'm going to end the voting. So....Sethyas won. (I'm quite surprised by how one-sided this one was.)

Anyway, I'll be working on it in my spare time. In the meantime.
Cloudy wants you to write the Telina vs Marthyn match!

(Just imagine an Uncle sam military recruitment poster)

Ahhh well so she will meet her destiny at last.... Let it be honorable....at least huh! Hmmm I wonder, will Seth really let her die?????

I could maybe write this other match, as I've got some time on my hands, but I've also got frustrating internet access (at the moment--need to see about getting myself some wireless) and I must confess that I don't know the characters in question very well--I'd need to do some research (and get good character sketches from the creators...). But I guess I'm willing, if someone who knows them better can't.

That's great. Luper's info isn't entirely correct anymore though. I've decided to consider 'cursed blood' and 'in service of a fallen god' non-canon, so the history bit is just wrong. Also, current Luper doesn't have the time-bending yet.

Anyway, Tellie hasn't been on in a while, but since I have her info, I'll pm you.

ROFlROFLROFLROFL, I see my jedi mind tricks worked after all, Jacky. I know you meant Luper, but I just couldn't pass up on the novelty..

Oki Mr Cloudy! Ease my pain now please, will you? Let this come to a conclusion....I'm eager to know if Seth is....letting her die!

Ah it seems I was too late to vote. Never mind a great twist you made on an exellent fight.

I can only hope that the end comes soon (though I'm sad Serene has to go )

And well I'm back now, so if somebody wants Telina's stats give me a call *coughpmcough*

We haven't seen that yet.....have we?

Ah yes of course, there is a chance that she will not be killed *crosses fingers*. Anyways I cant wait, this is just nerve wracking to wait for, at least Serene hodls my vote even if it does not make that big a differance.

Ahhh excellent but maybe you vote for a looser? Anyway since Seth and Renie are friends.....the outcome will be uncertain right?

Oh, believe me, I would love to let Serene survive. (Ignoring the fact that all deaths in the Clash aren't real anyway.)

But, if I did that it simply would have gone too far from the Clash's meaning. So the best thing I can do, is make her go out with a bang.



The first pair leaped forward, moving with frightening speed despite their armour, whose sheer mass would crush all but the strongest mortal. The same could be said for their weapons. One carried a Claymore, the other a warhammer whose head was as big as a treestump.

The Claymore swung low and Serene parried, only to find herself unable to fully stop the blow. She slipped sideways over the smooth Ebony floor, bleeding off the remaining strength behind the blow. When the Claymore came in for another swing, she ducked instead. Without encountering any resistance, the Dremora had no choice but to follow the motion of his blade till he could bring it back under this control. For a single moment, he was vulnerable. Serene took advantage and thrust for the barely visible gap between the Dremora’s torso-plates. Yet the Dremora let go of his Claymore and intercepted the Dai-Katana with his gauntlet.

The sharp edge bit into the relatively thin plates protecting the Dremora’s hand and carved into the flesh underneath. Not a single sound escaped the Dremora’s lips, which curled into an angry snarl behind his helmet. He gripped the Dai-Katana and held on despite the deep red blood that flowed from his wound.
“He’s mad!” The thought shot through Serene’s mind. She tried to pull back her katana, but even with one hand, the Dremora was stronger. He clenched his free hand into a fist and pulled back to strike. There was nothing she could do to escape. If she let go of her sword now, she would give him a new weapon to fight with. If she held on, she would take a hit. And she wasn’t sure she could survive that. If he could lock her sword with just one hand, the other hand had to be lethal even without a weapon.

The Dremora took a deep breath. The pain of his wounded hand had begun to distract him. For a moment, his movements faltered. Once again reaching for that split second of vulnerability, Serene changed tactics and pushed the katana deeper with all her might. The blade severed the fingers that tried to hold it back and scratched the cuirass, glancing upwards and digging into an armpit. Surprised, the Dremora gazed at his fingerless hand, and the sword pressing into his shoulder. He completely forgot that he had been about to strike with a fist. Said fist was grabbed by the woman as she muttered a quick chant. Said fist cooled down, all heat being drained from its flesh and blood, turning to ice, then crumbling. In a matter of seconds, the Daedra had lost both his hands.

Yet still he continued to fight. He crouched, forcing the dai-katana to cut through the shoulder. Now with only one arm left and no hands, he aimed to tackle Serene and push her off the ledge.


Sethyas meanwhile had engaged the Dremora wielding the warhammer. He narrowly sidestepped the first blow. Fragments of Ebony exploded from the point of impact. The Dunmer field a sharp sting on a cheek where one such fragment had scratched him. He was appalled at the ferocity of his opponent. Appalled, and somehow, impressed. As he jumped on the warhammer’s shaft and then lunged for the gap in the Dremora’s faceplate, he observed his foe’s method of combat. It had a certain grace to it. Not the grace of a duel between noble’s, not the subtle beauty of that perfect arrow, not the exotic dance of a Khajiiti monk, definitely not the delicateness of a knife hitting a vital artery. But there was grace, the grace of a soldier. An expert in killing whose sole training had been on the battlefield. And that grace was something which pleased the assassin within him.

The Dremora jerked his head to the side to dodge the flicker of silver that had entered his vision. Sethyas had been expecting this and drove up his other dagger as he collided with his opponent. The first dagger only met empty air. The second, a gap in the cuirass. The Second dagger was forcibly wrenched from Sethyas’ hand as it stuck. The assassin jumped back to the edge of the balcony, where he observed the result of his first strike.

He was disappointed. The dagger had vanished up to the hilt beneath the armour, yet at such an angle it was almost vertical. The sections of armour overlapped more than he’d expected. He deduced that this also meant the Dremora was unable to bend, and instead had to crouch in order to perform any low attacks.
“And that…” Sethyas thought as he drew one more dagger, the last he had left. “is a weakness.”

He waited as the Dremora approached. When the Warhammer was raised as the signal for a downward diagonal blow, Sethyas dove forward. Even for a Dremora, the Warhammer’s mass was terrific and he was unable to either respond to the sudden attack or halt his own move, even more so since it came from an angle at which he was vulnerable. A thin blade of silver severed the tendons at one knee and Sethyas sprang back to his feet, now behind the Dremora. The Daedra created another crater in the floor. His legs tried to absorb the recoil, but the wounded knee buckled and the Dremora staggered. His head rocked forward together with the rest of his body as he fought to stop his fall. The back of his skull became exposed as the helmet slipped slightly. This was his most vulnerable moment, the moment which Sethyas exploited. The Dunmer leaped forward as fast as he could, every single muscle in his body moving with the intent to kill.

The dagger that pierced the exposed flesh was not one of silver, nor was it coated in ancient poison. If it had been, the blade most likely would have broken on the bone, and the poison would have failed to reach the brains where it could kill quickly. No, the blade that pierced was one far worse. It was a weapon crafted by the one force known to Sethyas that could dominate Dremora. It was the force of Mehrunes Dagon himself. The Prince’s razor liquefied anything it touched, anything that was considered part of the Dremora’s essence. The skin, the flesh, the blood, the skull, the brains. The effect spread and the Daedra’s whole body turned into a pool that evaporated in a heartbeat.
“In a way, I suppose it is fitting, to be banished by the power of your own lord.”

Sethyas turned to meet his next challenger. As he did so, he caught a movement in the corner of his eye. A severely wounded Dremora was about to tackle Serene and take her down with him to fall to her doom. He also saw that she was too close to the ledge to dodge. Every detail was brought to his attention, analyzed and absorbed within the span of a single heartbeat. There was only one way he could save her. He threw the razor.


There was no way to escape. Serene braced herself, even though she knew that bracing herself against something like that was like trying to hold back an avalanche with her hands. But the hard impact she expected didn’t come. Instead she was showered what felt like boiling water. Her nerves screamed for a moment, but then she was dry again and the pain lifted. She opened her eyes, and saw only the last wisp of smoke that had been the Dremora.

“Pity. That dagger was too useful to sacrifice.” Sethyas said as he stopped beside her.
“But I have no regrets about what I’ve done.” He added.
“I knew you would say that.” Serene replied with a smile. Both watched the ranks of Dremora before them split as the second pair of challengers walked forth.
“Did you read my mind again?” Sethyas asked. He frowned, not because of any suspicions he had regarding his friend, but because he knew how severe their situation was. He had never expected to survive, but as long as he could still fight, he had somehow believed they would. Now though, he felt hopeless, like a fly trying to break the man holding the flyswatter. He had no weapons, and fists could not defeat Dremora.
“No, but that’s just you. I don’t need to read your mind to know.”

The Dunmer forced a confident grin on his face.
“I see. We’ll talk more later, after we get out of here.” He said. Two Dremora stepped out from the pack, both wielding axes. Sethyas’ eyes fled across the arena, searching for something, anything he could use as a weapon. He knew there was still something he could use, but… Serene’s eyes remained fixed.
“I’ll hold both of them for you.” She said, her voice solid.

“Now you did read my mind.” Sethyas bit back his own words before he could form them. He knew what she’d just said. She’d signed her own death sentence. One on one, he had no doubts she could defeat another Dremora, perhaps as much as five, now that she had the experience of her first fight. But against two at a single time, she stood no chance. So instead of saying anything, he ran for the bridge.

The heavy whoosh of an axe cutting through air made his heart tremble. When he heard the clatter of Daedric hitting Daedric, he thought he would lose his resolve, turn back and run to help her. But he had to move on, or they would both be dead. If only he ran faster, then perhaps he would still be on time.

The dull gleam of the Bonemold beckoned to him as he jumped over the pile of dead Scamps. His boots slipped on the bloody surface and he had to slow down, or else he would go right over the edge and fall. He heard a roar of fire behind him and his heart lifted.
“That’s not coming from the Dremora.”

Finally, he’d reached the bow, still lying with the quiver of arrows where he’d discarded it at the very start of this battle. One hand gripped the shaft, the other pulled an arrow out of the quiver and put it on the string.
“I’m going to make it! Just one more second!” He thought and rose up on his feet. Then he heard a scream and his heart felt as if it had stopped.

When he turned, he saw the one sight he’d hoped to avoid. Serene, on her knees, trying to hold close a great wound the axe had carved. She hadn’t gone down without a fight. One Dremora had been reduced to merely a pile of ash and the other was at the brink of death as well. But for every Dremora she could kill, another would step in. And as such, numbers had made all of her victories insignificant.

Sethyas moved with the precision of a machine, sealing all of his emotions for now as he pulled back the string.
“Forgive me, I wasn’t fast enough.” He whispered and let go. The arrow gave Serene an instantly mortal blow.
“All I can do is to grant you a quick death without pain. Forgive me.”

He bend down to draw another arrow from the quiver. As long as he could stand, he vowed to keep fighting and take down as many Dremora as he could.
“I congratulate you! As the winner of your duel with this woman!” The leader of the Dremora suddenly howled. The pair in front stepped back to join the ranks of their brethren. Sethyas ignored the words, but send an arrow into the eye of the Dremora who had cut down his friend. The Daedra had lowered his guard, thinking the battle to be over. That had been his mistake.

Another Dremora was taken down, then another.
“Stop firing! The battle is over!” The leader shouted.
“Not for me!” Sethyas replied and fired a fourth arrow. This arrow failed to hit its mark as the intended target quickly parried with its hands. The leader shrugged.
“Perhaps you think we still need to fight, but I believe otherwise. The woman is dead yet you are alive. Hasn’t that been the intention of this battle from the beginning? One would live, the other would die. So, begone now! Go home, you have earned it!” Sethyas drew a fifth arrow. He would fight on, no matter what. Then, everything turned back and he felt his consciousness fade.

The next thing he felt was a cool breeze. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in the familiar room he’d rented at the Winged Guar in Mournhold.
“Serene. Forgive me, I was too weak to help.”

Wow, a rather fitting end to this finale. Sethyas gives Serene the gift of mercy, I actually wasn't expecting that but it completely makes sense. Great work my friend.

We finally finished one!

That was....touching! Wonderful indeed...I can imagine how Seth felt, giving her the mercy of a quick death...hmmm

Her actions obviously helped Seth to the victory he so deserved...and her last thought may very well had been something like:

You win this for both of us....


So I give a big fat HOORAY for the victor, Sethyas Velas! A man I hold very high..so very high indeed. In fact he's the only one I could think of beating her....

Ehh in fact she had not been able to kill him at all...

WOW...amazing, and I must say it was a fitting end for Serene to die fighting evil daedra.

You really made good work of this and I shall offer my congratulations to Sethyas.

PS:Good luck to Luper when he goes against Telina, I can't wait for that one to come, (this time I think Luper shall will be the winner but we'll see).

Excellent work Jacky to you.

Finally got around to reading this. I have a big smile on my face. This was very, very well written Jack. I should have you give me some pointers on battles and fighting.