Ring Fight

Probably Big Fantasy World >_>

Ring Fight

                Two opponents – great rivals – stand opposite one another on a stony, barren plain. They have come to do battle with one another. The winner will gain glory, knowledge of the superiority, and most importantly: their opponent’s enchanted ring.

                These rings – ancient artefacts of a forgotten age – hold raw magic within them. This magic can be used however the possessor of the ring desires, which allows them to perform a wide range of amazing feats: conjuring fire, or wind; growing plants; demonstrating impossible strength or speed. Possession of more than one ring is rare, but those who possess multiple rings have even more incredible abilities.

Each ring is equal in its power. As such, it is rare that more than one ring falls into the possession of any person at one time – who would dare risk losing such a precious, unbelievably rare treasure? Yet these two are ready to fight, each absolutely confident in their victory.

Those who have come to fight are very different from one another. One has studied all her life – an extended life, the result of using the magic on herself – to gain amazing skill with her ring. She can conjure a spear of fire so sharp that it can pierce any shield; blast lightening with pinpoint accuracy; move her body at incredible speed without damage; and so much more. Furthermore, she is a pretty woman, sweet yet in no way innocent face framed by black curls, body clothed in a dress of the finest black and grey silk.

Her opponent has spent his life helping others. He is younger in years, but older in appearance. He has used his powers only for others: healing the sick; growing food where no food could be grown; aiding when disaster strikes; and many other unheroic, but truly good deeds. He is renowned for his kindness, and his wisdom. His face is weathered; his brown hair has greyed and receded from his forehead. Yet he appears to be amused, as he stands there – a stark contrast to the look of fierce competitiveness on his opponent’s unblemished face.

“Are you sure you wish to do this?” he asks, his voice carrying concern and amusement.

“You are foolish enough to say you can beat me. So foolish as to actually challenge me, with our rings on the line! One such as you, with no skill in battle – why would I refuse?” she replied.

“Very well. I am ready when you are.”

The woman immediately began to use her ring, channelling its power. She felt it begin to form the threads of power she would need for her first attack. But then, suddenly, it stopped.

“What?” she said softly, confused. Looking up from her ring, she saw the man running towards her – he seemed to be summoning no magic at all. No, it was worse – she couldn’t feel any magic at all, from her ring, around her, anywhere.

Her last thought – as the man’s fist slammed into her face – was, No! I cannot be cut off!

                She came to a short while later. Squatting over her, he held his left hand in her face. Her ring had been taken, and placed upon it.

“You’re wondering how someone like me defeated someone like you, correct?” he asked her, lowering his hand.

“No,” she mouthed as she stared at the ring, not in answer.

Continuing anyway, he said, “It’s simple. The rings can be used to suppress nearby magic. We’re out in the middle of nowhere, so the only thing to be suppressed is your ring. The rings are equal in power – so mine was able to fully suppress yours. One punch later, I’m the victor.”

“Please,” she said, sitting up, “Give it back.”

The man rose to his feet and started to walk away. She was too woozy from the punch to stand up and follow, and could only watch as he began to dwindle off into the distance.

After he had reached his horse – a few hundred metres away – she heard him yell, “Perhaps someday! If you deserve it!”