Lost Empire Ch. 60

He'd been at a calm peace perhaps two hours when he felt the IMT. Still in a seat position he bowed to all there keeping his head on the floor.

He was suddenly shocked when he heard a voice from the past he never thought he'd hear again. "Masuta Kimon, you are hereby challenged, a fight to utter defeat. Much of your transgressions have been forgiven. Your student has also helped to restore the honor of your family, the clan, your master, and the Jitaku people. Almost all has been forgiven save for one item. Onai has been chosen to administer your punishment since it was her more than any other the injustice was done to. I and the clan will watch this contest, with respect to his Lordship. No death only defeat, combatants prepare your selves!"

Onai nodded as did Dempsy who finally looked up to face Onai. Moving to the middle of the mat they both bowed never taking their eyes off their opponent. They both stood stock still as everyone seemed to be waiting for something.

A noise at the door drew everyone's attention as a Greeson appeared with his ribs taped. Derrick smiled, it had almost taken an act of god to get him released early, and though unknown to Greeson he'd have to return when this was over.

"Ah! It is good to see that your student has come to observe." The older man stated then his face turned hard as he turned to both Onai and Dempsy. "No one may interfere, no one may stop this, begin!"

Dempsy and Onai started out slow throwing a few blows as they got a feel for each other. Just as suddenly both seemed to fade as they began to move far faster. Greeson's head was moving all over the place as he was following them at first. A bright light blinked briefly on the mat as both combatants were suddenly still.

Dempsy was expecting almost anything from Onai. It was no surprise when she did a flash hit, then she tried to catch him with a second that he easily avoided. Stopping he watched as she missed by a few meters

Onai nodded her head to Kimon, so he was taking this as serious as she was. Good she thought, moving faster she was pleased when she doubled her speed he not only matched it he moved even faster catching and ripping the shoulder of her gi. Stopping she looked at the material in Kimon's hand, and then she smiled as she moved in for her own attack only to be rebuffed.

Greeson had seen the move that Onai had tried it reminded him of their fight. Then as they started to move faster he started to lose track of them, then they almost vanished from his sight when they moved. Shaking his head they were well beyond his skill apparently they were going even higher.

They had been at it for two hours now. Neither had a hit yet except for the cloth Dempsy had gotten. There was a sound of a solid impact then Dempsy was flying toward a wall. Cursing himself he landed short looking back at Onai. Walking back he bowed to her as they resumed the contest.

A few minutes later there was another solid impact as Onai was flying backwards. Landing her right arm dangling she growled then bowed to Dempsy. Chopping a spot in her neck she was able to move her arm some, though she feared one of the arm bones was cracked.

As the fight moved into its third hour neither had gotten a clean hit. Dempsy over reached a short move as Onai took the opening catching Dempsy in his upper leg. Limping away Dempsy noticed that her right arm was hanging again. Pinching a spot on his thigh he felt the pain recede. Shaking his head he thought they were going to kill each other at this rate.

Trying to flex her right arm she barely winched as she again chopped a spot on her neck. Smiling at Kimon she was satisfied that he'd kept up with his art. Then a thought came to her, was it possible? He couldn't move that fast now.

Smiling larger she had just decided what punishment she'd subject Kimon to when she was declared the victor. Adjusting she set up for the one move she knew no one could beat.

Dempsy saw her adjust something was up, she had obviously decided that she had a move that could defeat him. Rushing toward him as fast as she could Dempsy almost fell prey to what she was doing as she got in close throwing three rapid hits. Then even faster she threw a second set, astonished when he blocked all three she'd started on a third set when Dempsy whirled out of the way throwing his own set of rapid hits, the second set catching her low in her ribs.

Onai's eyes went wide as she felt the rib break then a second along with it. Dempsy backed away a grimace on his face. Looking at his old master he stated, "Do you declare me victor?"

The older man was about to open his mouth when Onai stated, "No! I can fight still."

"Really?" Dempsy said as he walked to her, and then pushing her forehead with a finger, watched her fall.

"Do you concede defeat?" The older man asked.

"I..." Onai started then groaned from the pain that was starting to spread.

Dempsy leaned down whispering in her ear. Her eyes went wide as she groaned again then she spoke up, "We concede to Masuta Kimon Dempsy."

"Good," Dempsy said as he ran a hand down her back pressing in three places. Bowed to the older man. "Masuta Sakuta may I continue that which I never did with your Daughter? I still have deep feelings for her as I am sure she does for me."

The older man was deep in thought as he thought about the almost violent way that his daughter had argued for Kimon. Yes he had to agree there was no other for her as he was sure there was none other for Kimon.

"Yes Kimon Dempsy, when you both are finally healed you may continue." Then the older man looked at his daughter trying to sit up. "That is if my daughter still shares these feelings with you also. What say you daughter? Shall we continue the joining?"

Hiding her face she took as deep a breath as she could trying to hide her excitement. "Yes father, please continue the joining."

"Good then all is settled." Looking at Dempsy then Onai, Dempsy nodded.

"Celeste transfer Onai to the med bay." Dempsy said then collapsed. Damn he thought I guess she got me with that third set.

"Transfer them both," Dempsy heard Norman say.

Well Derrick thought, that takes care of one situation, even as an invader alarm started to go off.