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But Steps Take Caution with a Blade 

Summary:

A fight that seems unmatched. No pronouns were mentioned :D

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Work Text:

A dimly lit, crumbling urban street or perhaps a narrow alley—piles of debris scattered like remnants of past battles. The sky overhead is overcast, gray clouds rolling in as the sound of distant thunder rumbles, reflecting the mood of the battle to come. A small army of 15 opponents stands in front of the lone individual, their eyes burning with determination, weapons drawn, and the air heavy with unspoken tension. Each one is armed differently—swords, knives, even improvised clubs—prepared for what they think will be a quick, overwhelming assault.

You are quite the storm. You stand calmly at the center of it all, your breath steady despite the odds stacked against you. A single saber gleams coldly in your left hand, serving as an extension of yourself—fluid and deadly. Your right hand remains free, fingers flexing slightly as though ready to assist in any necessary way. However, you have consciously chosen to fight with only your left hand, demonstrating both restraint and mastery.

The moment the first opponent rushes forward, the music swells. There's a clang as the initial strike is deflected effortlessly, you use your saber to slice through the air with a precise, almost graceful arc. The opponent stumbles back, disoriented, their weapon knocked from their hand. But they’re not down yet—there’s a second, a third, a dozen more advancing in sync, believing that sheer numbers will overpower this lone warrior.
You move like a shadow. Your body flows from one position to another, a series of well-executed parries and counterattacks. The sabers move like water, smooth but deadly, catching the edge of a sword before sending it spiraling through the air. A spinning motion sends another attacker sprawling across the pavement, a spray of dust rising as they crash to the ground.

You don’t kill. But the damage you inflict is artful. A jab to the side that leaves a deep bruise but no fatal wound. A swipe to an opponent's legs sent them crashing into a nearby pile of debris, an arm hanging uselessly at their side. You don’t leave bodies, you leave broken spirits and a growing sense of dread in the eyes of those who remain standing.

Despite the overwhelming odds, you fight with precision. Each strike is calculated and designed to incapacitate rather than end the fight permanently. It’s the dance of a master. You don’t waste energy. You don’t go for lethal strikes. Every movement is economy of motion, effortlessly dodging blades, a foot sliding back to avoid a strike while bringing the saber up to meet another attacker in a whirlwind of steel.
When multiple foes press in, your footwork becomes a blur. A low sweep of the legs sends two opponents sprawling, a quick turn of the wrist knocks the weapon from another’s grasp. You're moving in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the battle, your left hand slicing with precision and ease. You are not just a weapon but the embodiment of balance, agility, and strength in perfect combination.

As the last few remain standing, gasping for breath, the battle shifts. You begin to move more slowly and deliberately, like a predator toying with its prey. Each strike seems softer now—more controlled. You really don't want to kill these people, just incapacitate them, leave them with a bruise or a broken limb, and send them on their way. The final blows aren’t brutal, just expertly placed to bring an end to the fight with a sense of finality.

A slash to the wrist of one opponent, a non-lethal blow that disarms and disables. A parry and a quick jab to the gut of another—just enough to knock the wind out of them, sending them crumpling to the ground. With every strike, you continue to show restraint, your weapon cutting through the air in a deadly waltz, and yet, you leave your opponents alive. And broken but alive.

The last two stand, eyes wide with fear, realizing the futility of their situation. With a final strike, one of them is disarmed, their weapon sent clattering to the floor. You stand over them (menacingly >:D), breathing lightly, saber still in hand, ready for the next moment but patient enough to allow the defeated foe to retreat.

The opponent’s army is scattered. Their limbs are sore, their pride broken. A few groan in pain, nursing bruises and broken bones, but no one is dead. As you sheath your saber, the adrenaline begins to fade, leaving only the aftermath of the chaos they’ve just walked through. The battle was brutal, but it was also a dance—a perfect blend of grace and power, where your restraint became just as dangerous as their offensive prowess. The music fades into the distance, leaving the quiet aftermath as you walk back towards the ball that you just left.

Notes:

Another one shot I made during class :b This idea came to mind when a song came on (again). The song was Second & Sebring by Of Mice & Men.
So, idk just imagine this song is playing while you read this, I guess.