<strong>Aulus amidst a struggle with Ryann</strong><br/><br/>The plan could have gone any smoother.  Originally he had projected to only grasp her armed hand’s wrist.  Not only had it been successful but it also resulted in her dropping the weapon as well, therefore laying the playing field.  To top it off his elbow could feel successful contact with her body.  However, this was only be a minor victory compared to what was in store next.  Having assumed a successful attack Aulus had been left with the idea of throwing her to the sands so to allow him some distance.  Such thoughts though were shortcoming for now it was Ryann’s turn to do some serious damage.  Aulus had exposed his left side of his head to Ryann’s free hand, which gave all the more reason to use it.  The attack was fierce and pulverizing as it smashed into the side of his face, just above the jaw.  How fortunate it had not been lower otherwise she could have knocked a few teeth out or worse.  The attack did cost him his grip towards her as he struggled to stand from the attack combined with the residual effect of the fall from earlier.<br/><br/>Ryann on the other hand didn’t let up. After breaking Aulus’ lock she now was in perfect position to send him off the cliff.  Aulus’ back was now facing the cliffside, and while he still had room, it was dangerous enough just knowing that instant death stood right behind him.  When Ryann had gained enough distance for momentum she unleashed the most basic of ways to knock him over: a kick.  Not just any kick though, but one that designed to focus all the momentum and strength into one attacking, breaking even some that wield shields even.  Aulus knew that he could not avoid this attack and a hit alone would be enough to severely damage him.  Given the distance and the rate speed she ran at (which Aulus has made double note of) he was left with only one chance.  His arms clashed together to create an impression of a shield, his fists resting just below his eyeline  to keep an eye on his attacker, leaving the majority of his arms guarding his chest.  The kick was perfect as it smashed into shield of flesh and bone.  The impact echoed across the Ludus sending a roar to those watching even despite this being a heavy matter.  His body was sent back some distance bringing him about six feet away from the cliffs edge.  His arms twitched in pain at the residual effect of the kick.  His skin was red combined with bruising near the elbow region which would make it difficult for him to bend his arms at the elbow region.  Thankfully his wrists were undamaged so at least he could still fight.  So why did blood soak the sands surrounding him.  Apparently the kick had sent his curled fists backwards smashing his nose/mouth region.  When the shield had broken all Ryann would see is a man still standing tall against her attack.  Eyes were closed, both his mouth and nostrils had been bleeding, even droplets of blood escaped from the wounds on his arms.  Just a fine bounty it was to the gods of this Arena.  It wouldn’t be surprising if Mars himself be turning an eye to his puppet.  Perhaps it was time for his toy to play.<br/><br/>No longer was Aulus simply himself, he now returned to “Aulus” the legionnaire.  His offerings of blood to the Gods was enough to silence his more calm, tranquil version.  Without his more domestic ego no longer being dominate it allowed Aulus to feel more relaxed, but thirsting for a fight.  Moments ago the young lad was breathing as if running from Greece to Rome herself, but now his breathing had slowed down and was now poised, almost timing his breaths. For the first time in a while Ryann would see once more those very eyes that Aulus bared towards her rebelling comrades and even her as well from a far.  Now it became clear why there was fear/intimidation just by his eyes alone.  The pupils were lifeless and sinister like a black wolf without a pack, with blood now drawn.  He did not expose teeth, no he didn’t needed to anything so gruesome or even call out in rage, Aulus was ready to get serious even if just with fists and kicks.  Now it was his turn……His movement was sharp and eye-blinking at times.  One could plot his direction but it would randomly change to a different direction but in the end he focused more of avoiding the direction and distance of the cliff, yet in the end his true destination was now to be ahead of Ryann now.  Aulus wasn’t dumb enough to immediately present himself towards her, chances were she’d go right for the face, so to avoid that he had to immediately change his stance from a standing position to crouching position so to avoid attacks from that region or to confuse her briefly so to set up his attack.  His left hand was poised at right elbow while his right hand was in a flat, open palm position.  In the heat of this fight three words escaped Aulus’ mouth towards the formidable woman.<br/><br/>“Clench your teeth!”<br/><br/>It was short but by the time Ryann could look down his attack was already in motion.  The open palm right hand was meant to strike her below her chin acting both as a moderate strike and lift her body from the ground to finish the success of attacks.  The purpose of his left hand below his right elbow was to anchor the elbow so that it would not falter and collapse during the attack, while the energy and momentum came from him legs while standing up once again amidst the strike.  If the attack was successful enough he could finish with a shoulder in her chest in the form of a shove.  He couldn’t use his arms as freely as he like, and he was too close to use a kick against, so only his body could be his weapon.  The impact would be enough to send her  a few feet back but it would lead her back to the direction of the weapon he had hoped would be lost.<br/>