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Azure, the former Second and a leader of the Ichijin, was seen walking toward the entrance to this canyon hours after Chaos arrived. It seemed to be a twist of fate that brought the two together for another battle. Azure wore inconspicuous traveling clothes. He almost looked like a peasant going to market with his earth-tones and straw hat. He was relatively clean though, so that gave him away.

He tipped his hat up as he passed under the sides of the canyon, the sun blocked by their angle. His golden eyes, like a hawk or cat, peered through the partial gloom to the boulder where an individual sat, fully decked out for battle. The wind kicked up just a tiny bit, but enough to send a tiny dust devil across the distance between them. It dissipated harmlessly as it ran into the boulder. There was silence.

"I have been gone for some time it seems."

Azure noted as his eyes drifted across the many assortments of weapons and tools Chaos seemed to possess.

"You have some new toys."

He said as he took off his straw hat and dropped it to the ground.

"It has also been a long time since I saw you last."

"It does."

Azure replied as he began to take his traditional fighting stance. His left leg slightly in front of the other, his left arm slightly in front of his right. His body slightly turned to the side in order to reduce the hit-space from the front. His short golden hair ruffled in the slight breeze. His eyes slowly moving toward a determined, battle-conscious stare.

Silence again.

Azure stepped back with a tiny scuffle, most likely avoiding the slash by mere inches. Moving the blade from the ground to the head was a little slower than if one slashed from the waist. The whiff of the blade as it sliced through the air was like a song all its own.

Azure's right hand thrusted forward as he scooted back. The wind picked up as his hand came forward. Semi-visible tendrils of air and dust swirled from the outside to around his palm, forming a half-circle barrier of sorts. His gusty punch moved with the intent to collide with Chaos' sword, buffeting it away.

Blood splattered a bit on Azure's left arm as he was sent reeling backward. Azure's defense had shattered with the introduction of Chaos' special gauntlet. A shallow cut had formed on the damaged arm where the sword had grazed it.

Azure was stunned. How was Chaos able to cancel out his attack? Since he had no visible weapons, Azure would have to resort to ranged attacks to counter Chaos' swordplay.

Azure began to draw himself backwards, an inch or so off the ground, as if he were sliding on invisible ice-skates. He was trying to gain a little distance on his foe. Only then would he be safe.

Trying to buy some time, the same gust of wind quickly reformed again around his right hand. Although this time he pitched the sphere forward. The tendrils that made the sphere split up, forming into vine-like apparitions. They careened across the field to strike Chaos, whom was most likely in pursuit. Sharp talons of cyclone winds made to tear flesh and cloth.

Azure glided to a stop and reached out his left hand, catching the scabbard. He looked at it for a moment before drawing the sword with his right. The feint rays of light that came over the side of the canyon caught the metallic blade in its vision, causing it to gleam.

Azure took a little time waving the sword around, getting used to its heft and balance. Satisfied, he sheathed the weapon once more. His stance changed as his feet touched the ground.

This time he was favoring his left side over his right. His left hand was holding the sheath at his waist, while his right hand was poised over the guard. It was a classic Iaijutsu stance.

He was planning on quick drawing his blade. But they were a few meters from each other at this point. There would be no way that his blade would reach Chaos as it was now.

Azure drew the sword with lightning quickness, lashing out in front of him at chest level. Unfortunately, it didn't go far as it collided with Chaos' blade moments after it left the sheath, negating whatever Azure had planned. The impact caused by Chaos' two-handed blow forced Azure back, drawing a trail of dirt as he slid back a foot or two.

Azure dropped the sheath as he gripped the sword handle with his left hand. It made a soft clunking noise as the hollow scabbard tumbled lightly on the ground. With two hands Azure was able to push back with enough force to cancel out the force of Chaos' push, deadlocking them together.

Azure attempted to push back harder, hoping to break the deadlock and put Chaos on the defensive. It was difficult, as their strengths were relatively equal. Only some outside force would swing the outcome one way or another.