Well matched

You spring forward, thrusting your blade towards him. Victor blocks with his shield, deflecting your attack and countering with a low, sweeping attack at your legs. You dodge backwards, and he presses the attack, turning his backswing into a chop at your midsection. Once again you back away to avoid his axe, and you thrust at him to discourage another attack. He again catches the blow on his shield, but the move prevents him from seizing the advantage once more.

Warily, the two of you circle, Victor keeping his shield up as you eye each other. You try a few more attacks, only to be rebuffed each time, and forced on the defensive as he counterattacks. Each time you manage to bring it back to a stalemate, and the two of you circle again. Victor’s shield work is impeccable, and although his counters are inelegant just due to the nature of his weapon, you have to admit he’s one of the finest axemen you’ve faced. You find yourself wishing for a second weapon or a shield, just to keep him busy.

He is also your match in speed and strength, but once again, his weapon works against him in predictability. Against a normal opponent, he could probably wear them down until they made a mistake, but your aunt Uzume’s teachings would serve you well here. You’ll never beat him with bladework alone, so you need another strategy. You’ve noticed a pattern of him attacking your legs, especially after you strike high. A plan forms in your mind, risky, but potentially worthwhile.

You slash at his head, an overhand chop that he catches on his shield, though the impact forces him into a crouch. Immediately, he lashes out with his axe, aiming at your shins. Instead of dodging back like you had been, you stamp down on the flat of the swinging blade, driving it into the dirt. Before Victor can react, you lunge forward, driving your other knee into his stomach. Victor staggers, but cannot step back because he keeps his grip on his axe, which your planted foot holds in place.

With your free hand, you deliver a thunderous punch across his jaw. Now he DOES release his axe, as the blow has him reeling. Having him dazed and weaponless, you stalk forward, and attempt to end the fight. However, your next attack is swatted aside with his shield, and he follows up with a punch of his own, striking you in the stomach and sending you staggering back.

Instead of leaping on you and attacking further, he lunges for his axe, which is a mistake. As he reaches down, you regain your senses enough to deliver an elbow to the back of his neck, causing him to sprawl in the dirt. Abandoning his weapon, he attempts to scrabble away from you, but you’re on him in a flash pinning him down with a knee and placing the tip of your sword at his throat.

Victor looks up at you for a moment, then sighs and nods.