Spirited Duel

Hakam Rex walked the empty halls of Waystone Keep. The massive fort-turned-sanctuary was home to an order of warrior-scholars known as the Sages, and Hakam, formally known as the Didact, was their leader. One would assume Hakam made rounds around the Keep, checking on each member of the order. But he already did such task and instead he was searching for his apprentice. Though Hakam did not need to look far, he knew where her hiding spots were. Prior to tonight and week earlier, Hakam’s predecessor, Lux Ruth, died of illness. Before his death, he appointed Hakam as Didact. Hakam had always wanted the role but never under such circumstances. Now, His focus has shifted from teaching his apprentice to rebuilding the order as it has become derelict in Lux’s tender. Seeing as he wouldn’t be able to teach her and focus on the order at the same time, Hakam had his apprentice fill out an application for Beacon Academy. He also attached a letter of recommendation. A few days later, the day Hakam was sworn in as Didact, she received an acceptance letter.

Hakam hope after all the ceremonies that she would rest for her flight tomorrow. But when Hakam checks her bedroom chamber, clothes, Dust, and other assortments were packed but his apprentice was not sleeping. Hakam check every last spot where she would be expect one. A balcony the overlook the central courtyard. As Hakam made his way up the stairwell to the balcony and into the open platform, he saw her. Her back turned towards the sundered moon as hung in the sky. Her yellow-brown robe stood out even while under the moonlight.

“So this where you have been hiding Beige,” Hakam said as he approached.

“Master,” his apprentice – Beige, said, “You were looking for me?”

“Not particular,” he said, resting his arms against the railing,” just wondering why my apprentice is not resting before her voyage.”

“I was unable to sleep.”

“Wariness or anticipation?”

Beige sported a meek smile,” To be honest, the latter.”

“So you came to ask for the moon’s blessing.”

Hakam was referencing to an old creation myth. Ancient people believed the moon shards are it tears. Crying out as mankind struggles desperately against the Grimm. The moon cried, shattering until mankind was able to fight. During those dark days, ancients believe Dust originated from the moon crying and they must pray, asking for its blessing in times of great turmoil.

“Perhaps,” Beige said,” it’s just… this is all too sudden Master. I am leaving and you become the Didact.”

“But that is how fate works Beige. We cannot decide how and why it works. Do not see this as ill will but an opportunity.”

“Yes Master but –“

“Beige,” Hakam turned to face his apprentice,” I have taught you well over the last four years. Now fate has decided to let you free from these stone walls. Hunters, no older than you, are trained and fighting at Beacon. Fate is calling you beyond our quiet little sanctuary and to there, it wants you to join them. Let those who would call friends, your brothers and sisters, guide you.”

In that instance, Hakam words pierce beige’s mind. He was right, this was fate. An opportunity was present right in front her and she allowed her mind to be clouded. Beige bowed before Hakam.

“Forgive me Master,” she said,” I allowed my wariness to cloud my mind and my sense of judgement.”

Hakam laughed lightly,” There’s no need for apologies. It took me some time to adjust to both Didact Ruth’s death and position I now must fulfill.”

The two shared another laugh before Beige looked up at her Master, a head strong look he had seen several times. The look she sported when the council threatens to expel the girl after discovering she had broken curfew on a numerous occasions. She pledged her case with that look and was one of the reasons Hakam took her as an apprentice.

“Better?” he asked.

"Yes." she answered

“Good. Get your rest, your flight will be leaving early in the morning.”

“Master,” she asked,” if this not too much, may I challenge you duel?”

“A duel?” Hakam titled his head,” even at this hour?”

“Yes Master.”

Hakam smiled,” if you believe your skills are up to par. Beige Fae, I accepted your challenge.”

Duels were quite the serious matter for the Sages. Unlike, say a sparring match which limits the amount Dust and technique that can be used, in a duel, no quarters are given, both sides are allowed to use all they have learned. Another requirement that separates a duel for a spar is need of a referee. Both Hakam and Beige knew who ask to be their referee; Beige’s former caretaker and Dust artisan, Artemis Grey. The two contact the fox Faunus in her study. She agrees and trio decide that the duel would take place in Arena 9. Like much of the Keep, Arena 388 was actually an underground ammunition warehouse before the Sages gutted the 10,000 sq. foot space into large fighting arena.

Beige and Hakam stood roughly 15 feet away from each other, weapons in hand. Both took a fighting stance and referee announces the rules.

“Standard rules,” Artemis voice boom,” Three successful hits, the first to score three hits will be determined the winner, and Dust of any kind allowed.”

She raised her hand into the air.

“Are both opponents ready?”

“Yes.” Beige said.

“Yes.” Hakam said.

“Then I, Artemis Grey, match record forty-nine, hereby make this duel official.”

Artemis lowered her hand and before she could look up, two lines of fire scorched the ground. She saw Beige jumped out the flames and her body covered in deep brown, light, she was hit.

“First strike, Hakam!”

Artemis turned to look at Hakam, his weapon, a cane sword with a Nevermore skull shape grip, stood firm. His Aura did not flare like Beige did. Nearly a yard distance divided the two. Beige flick her wrist, a ball of flame screamed the head of staff and rush for Hakam. Hakam stood still and waited. Once the ball only a centimeter from his face, Hakam moved. The ball vanished, Hakam slices it in two, and both halves sent flying elsewhere. Beige replaced the now depleted red crystal with blue one. A series of water jet erupted from the staff, carving into the stone ground. Artemis counted four jet streams. Hakam once again stood still. The jet streams stop, turning into large ragged walls of ice when they near Hakam. Hakam flicked his wrist, the lightning, roared from the sword and struck Beige.

“Second Strike, Hakam!”

Hakam sent off another lightning bolt from his sword. Beige lifted her right hand and glyph appeared in front of her. The lightning hit the glyph, bouncing and hitting the floor. Dust filled area around Beige. Beige stood still and turn once she felt another presences. Beige’s staff connected with Hakam’s sword. She was not sure how he closes the distance between them, but Beige did have time to figure it out. She parried way the blade and lunged towards Hakam. The bladed staff missed as Hakam dance around Beige and swung from her left. Beige turn and blocked. She stepped back and lunged again. Miss. Hakam once again side step and disappeared into the dust cloud. Beige walked in a circle until she heard the sound of the sword hit something, her head.

The dust cloud soon faded, Hakam stood only feet from Beige. The tip of his blade resting on her forehead. There was a wide smile on both of their faces. Artemis counted, thirty seconds. Thirty second fight between master and apprentice.

“Third strike, Hakam,” she said, walking towards the two,” I declare Didact Rex the winner.”

Hakam sheaved his blade and Beige placed the staff on her back. Both bowed.

“You did well,” he said,” my apprentice.”

“As did you,” Beige said,” my master.”

“Now go rest,” he began the long walk back to his chamber,”your flight to Vale will be around eight this morning.”

Beige nodded and once Hakam left, she turns around and hugged Artemis. Artemis smiled and patted Beige’s head.

“Keep safe Little Light.” She said.

“I will.”

The two departed the arena and Beige, she looked back one last time. Next time, she told herself, next time.

Author’s notes:

Much like Ade, Beige trailer is play on her last name since the word fae is variation of the word fairy. Fairies are a type of spirit in case anyone was wondering.