Training, Here and There (Conner, Ron, Archard, Ricardo, Cedric - R)

[Guest]

Standing on a platform in the middle of the lake, Harry, Ricardo and Ron waited for their templar friends to arrive. Ricardo had invited Archard and Conner and Cedric a seventh year hufflepuff, to a training session. Ricardo had spoken about all of them to Harry and Ron and Harry liked knowing that more Templars existed throughout Hogwarts. He couldn't wait to start and he couldn't wait to laugh a bit since the others would have to swim to get to the platform...

[Cedric Diggory]

Cedric made his way to the lake, as requested by Ricardo, for a little makeshift training session. It was a little different to be going to train with some of the others around campus, and to have training someplace other than the typical place. Be that as it may, Cedric was happy to join his fellow Templar Knights. As he neared the lake, he spotted two others that Ricardo had mentioned were also invited and to, if needed, help them find their way. "Oye!" he called after Conner and Archard, both of which turned to look at the hail that called to them. "Must be Master Diggory," Conner mused to his cousin. Holding up a hand to signal a greeting, they waited for Cedric to catch up, "Cedric Diggory, I presume?" The Hufflepuff gave a nod, "That I am. Conner Raleigh?" Nodding in return, Conner commented, gesturing to Archard, "My cousin, Archard MacMillan. Archard, Cedric Diggory."

Glancing at the water, Conner spotted a platform with three figures a top it. He knew they were meeting three others, aside from themselves and Cedric, for training, and could only diduce that these were the three. Taking a closer look, a small grin toyed with the corner of his mouth as he recognized Ricardo. Yes, these were them. "A swim, it would appear?" he mused quietly as his mind quickly began to think of whether or not he would make the swim or use a bit of magic to keep himself, and potentially, the other two dry in order to reach those waiting.

[Guest]

Nodding his head as a greeting, Archard smiled at Cedric, having also heard about him from Ricardo, since the gryffindor knew more about the templars from Hogwarts than those from the Czech Republic, which was why he had no idea Conner even existed before Arthur brought him to the fortress. "To be honest we could just fuck them over and walk," he grinned whipping out his wand. Parting the water with several gusts of wind, he set a foot on the wet sand. "It's okay, as long as we hold the spell we can walk through," Archard winked back at the other two older boys as he continued to walk his wand always held tight above his head.

[Guest]

Chuckling with a smirk, Conner shook his head at his cousin as he took the idea right out of his head and parted the waters to allow them to walk to the platform. "You really need to get out of my head, Archard. Who knows what you will find in there," he said giving his left shoulder a roll, thankful that they actually wouldn't have to swim. The dislocated shoulder he had received shortly before returning to Wolfclaw in a Templar training misshap was nearly healed, but it did not take to aggrivation to well. Beginning to walk through the sand behind his housemate, Conner motioned to Cedric to follow, which he did. "Be that as it may, good call on your part," he said, giving Archard a playful nudge, careful to not disrupt his focus too much so as to keep the spell in tact.

[Guest]

Chuckling lightly Archard kept his eyes 'on the road' as they walked but still spoke towards his cousin, and loud enough for Cedric their new friend to hear as well, "Wonder who I've been learning from," he teased and soon they reached the place where they could no longer walk. Looking up they saw the platform, and Archard finally turned back, "Gonna need you two to create some sort of stairs of sand, cause I am not getting wet after walking so much," he grinned and tipped his head at his cousin and friend. His eyes lingered for a moment on Conner's shoulder wondering if his cousin was back to full health however he was sure this training session would show...

[Guest]

As the boys reached the end of the walkway that Archard had fashioned for them, Conner looked up to see just how far below this platform they were. "You and me both..." Conner mused as he looked over his shoulder at their new friend. "You up for something that like?" he asked. Cedric, while not minding the potential to take a swim, was actually quite happy that they got to stay dry thus far. "Piece of cake. I'm with you both. Let's stay dry as long as possible..." he answered with a wink. Grinning, Conner nodded and looked back to his cousin. Catching his lingering look at his previously injured shoulder, he gave him a reassuring nod. He understood the flicker of concern he saw in his face. Archard had been there when the accident happened and an injury like that wasn't one that was easily healed. While he felt up to par, this training session would show just what his shoulder could handle...at present...

Moving back to stand side-by-side with Cedric, Conner asked, "Ready?" "Ready," Cedric replied. While Conner held out his right arm, palm down, Cedric drew his wand. Flicking his fingers and hand upwards, stones from beneath the sandy floor rose up creating a large stair-like form. Cedric, picking up on what the Emperor was doing, and surprised at his skill with wandless magic, smiled and gave his wand a flick, bringing sand up to cover them, fashioning a ramp that could easily be walked up to reach the platform. "Nice work," Cedric praised Conner, who nodded his thanks and returned the compliment in a simple look. "Everyone up," Conner said as he gestured for Cedric to lead the way and Archard to go next. Bringing up the rear, the boys headed for the platform.

[Guest]

Climbing up the stairs along with the other boys Archard quickly stepped onto the platform as the water enveloped the stairs that Conner and Cedric had worked to create. Huffing slightly Archard was taken off his feet by Ricardo who grinned, "Arch, Conn-o, Ced," he greeted the three boys and then motioned for the two of them to look at Ron and Harry, two of the newest templars, "Harry and Ron are part of our order, they began training last year," he explained winking at the other boys.

[Guest]

Ron watched as the three others they were meeting made their way to the platform. He knew that the Templar extended all over the world, but to see two from Wolfclaw, even though Ricardo had mentioned that they were going to meet them when he collected them to bring them here, was stunning. He didn't know what to make of them, but was looking forward to this training, even if he and Harry were brand new to the flock.

***

"Hey, Ricky!" Cedric greeted the Gryffindor as Conner tipped his head and grinned in his own greeting of the boy. Smirking as Archard was taken off his feet, he glanced behind them to see the way up they had fashioned was now completely covered by the water from the lake. As Ricardo introduced Ron and Harry, Conner and Cedric both looked them over. "Welcome to the group, mates," Cedric said with a bright smile and gave each a light, friendly slap on the back. Conner was a little more reserved, getting a reading of both of them before nodding in greeting. "Welcome," he said. Even though his voice was dark and the word was simple, his eyes showed a kindness at having two more in the group that were family.

[Guest]

Ricardo nodded at all the greetings and as Harry and Ron were spoken to he smiled brightly. "Alright I have a training exercise for us today, good fellas," he said which made Harry wonder just what his friend was up to. Ricardo then turned around and opened a chest that stood behind him. Taking out two rapiers he handed them to Ron and Harry, since they were being trained in that particular sword first. Then he took out two katanas and gave one to Cedric and kept the other, and then took out two Gladus' swords, giving one to Archard and another one to Connor. Pushing the now empty chest into the bottom of the lake he smirked, "Our task will be to battle and to throw the others off the platform. The winner will win," he laughed and hurled a hand into the air that had three fingers up. They would gradually come down, which meant the countdown had started.

[Cedric Diggory]

Taking the blades offered to them, Cedric and Conner grinned at the idea of this training exercise and prepared to work on throwing their opponent off the platform. Ron, on the other had, was a little unsure. They had only just started working with these blades, and seeing the more advanced blades the others were using made him wonder just how proficient the older boys were. Turning to face Harry, he asked, "Ready, mate?"

"Brilliant!" Cedric said as he prepared to face off against Ricardo. This makeshift training session was already proving to be a great idea for the day.

Eyeing his cousin, Conner got a quick feel for the blade in his hand. It wasn't his own, but it felt good enough. Shifting to another section of the platform, to give everyone ample room, he took his position, ready to face Archard. Happy now that they hadn't swam from the shore to the platform, Conner gave his shoulders a roll, particularly the left one before nodding, signalling he was ready. "We haven't gone head-to-head in a while," he mused as they waited for the count down to start and finish allowing them to have at it.

[Guest]

Holding the hilt of the rapier sword Harry slashed the air once to test the sword's weight. It was quite heavy which meant he had to work on his speed, he had to be fast and furious, the moment someone thrust their swords at him, he needed to already be behind them and swinging his blade on their back. "Everyone, just a tip they are enchanted not to cut or stab so they're like wooden swords, but with the attributes of normal swords. So yes, you can go all out," Ricardo said and reached out for Lon who agreed that his strength would be used so Ricky had the upper hand. Holding his katana, he readied himself for Cedric as the countdown ended.

Grabbing his gladus after hearing what Ricardo had to say, Archard grinned and knew exactly what to do. Since this wasn't really going to harm his cousin in any way, he would have to go for the shoulder, Conner's current weak spot. Swinging his sword in his hands he held it in a reverse hilt and pounced up bringing it down on Conner. Ricardo's katana swung sideways towards Cedric with the intent of hitting his hip whilst he sent a two footed kick headed his way.

Harry finally nodded when the duel started and picked up the rapier sword holding it above his shoulder... "Ready, Ron," he smiled warmly before his expression hardened and he thrust his blade forwards, his movements being as fast as cheetah, one moment he was there the other he wasn't but the blade kept coming for Ron no matter what.

[Cedric Diggory]

Cedric and Conner both grinned as Ricardo mentioned that the blades in this training would cause no harm when it came to their being cut or stabbed. That was good news. As the countdown finished and Ricardo made a swing towards Cedric's hip, along with a kick aimed for his head, Cedric, with grace parried the swing, pushing his opponent's blade away while ducking to dodge the kick. Bringing his leg around he aimed for Ricardo's only planted leg to sweep his feet out from under him. Getting up, Cedric held his katana in both hands, focused on Ricardo and waiting for his next move.

Conner stood ready, both hands on the hilt of his Galdius, even though he only needed one. The grin from his cousin told Conner to be on his game. While the blades they wielded wouldn't do much hard, they could still bring about a nasty blow. That coupled with him not being fully on his game, and Archard knowing that, gave him a vulnerable spot that would need extra protecting. As Archard came for him, Conner put his sword up in a strong block to his attack. Reaching out, he encircled his cousin's waist and turned putting him on his back with a cheeky grin as he moved to slash at him once he got to his feet.

Ron let out a quick sigh as the countdown ended and the session began. Taking a stance with his rapier held at the center of his chest, blade pointed out and free hand extended back, he stood ready for Harry's attack. The first he blocked effectively, as well as the second, but the third, Ron dodged out of the way and delivered a series of blows of his own, ending with a lunge at his friend.

[Guest]

As he saw Cedric slip under his attacks Ricardo smirked knowing that this training belonged to their order, to their organization. It left him proud but he had to focus on the battle: jumping up Cedric's foot passed under his own foot and he landed graciously, only to pounce towards the older boy. Twisting himself in the air he aimed to knee him in the side, and if that failed, he was already extending his leg to hit Cedric in the back of the head. All the while, he waved his arm and thrust his sword towards Ced's chest.

[Cedric Diggory]

Accepting the knee to his side, Cedric actually gripped Ricardo's shin, slowing the blow down enough that the impact was nothing more than a firm push. Shifting his body so Ricardo's leg, at full extension, would only hit air, Cedric, brought his katana down in a quick block, again pushing it away. Once done, he gave Ricardo's leg a shove which would push his entire body backwards, and brought his katana down in a heavy slashing motion, aiming to draw his hit from shoulder to opposite hip. The momentum of the swing allowed him to turn naturally and join it with a high kick to Ricardo's jaw, should it connect.

[Guest]

Before Cedric's katana connected with his body Ricardo twisted his own blocking his attack and in turn allowing him to twist his body away from the other boy's kick. Landing on the platform on one knee, he shoved the katana into the floor and got up once again, and smirked. Picking up the weapon he held its hilt with two hands, and as Cedric began falling back to the platform, he pretended he was about to thrust it but in fact, twisted his body around at extreme speed, a trick thought to him by Sirius, and jumped from the ground trying to hit Cedric...

[Cedric Diggory]

Not having hit Ricardo, Cedric twisted his body to land gracefully on the platform, bending a knee and extending the other back slightly, to absorb the landing. Standing slowly, Cedric let his blade hang at his side in a stance that might seem to make himself open for attacks, but he knew what he was doing. Always on his toes, Cedric first prepared for a thrust, which he thought his opponent would deliver, and quickly, though just in time, shifted his choice to something completely different as Ricardo came at him quickly. Taking a few steps towards Ricardo, Cedric dropped and used his momentum to slide under him, feeling the breeze of him passing by, he was so close. Shifting the way he held his katana to underhand, Cedric rolled to the side and made to stab the bottom of Ricardo's jeans, pinning him to the platform. It was risky and highly tricky due to his opponent's furious speed, but he had trained and mastered this move long ago, so he didn't worry about hitting flesh. This was simply to trap him in his place...

[Guest]

Ricardo's jeans were laced with the tip of Cedric's blade however what perhaps the hufflepuff had not seen coming was that, Ricardo landed on the floor, and twisted himself again doing the same thing however this time the other way around so he was aimed towards Cedric, in a way giving him two choices, lose the challenge or lose the sword.

[Cedric Diggory]

"Damn..." Cedric muttered as Ricardo turned the tables on him and performed the same move only in the opposite direction, heading straight for him. Letting go of his blade, he quickly got out of the way. Once his opponent passed by, Cedric raced after him, snatching the blade from the platform and swinging a powerful blow aimed at Ricardo's back. Knowing the most damage he would do would be to knock the wind out of him and leave a mighty fine bruise, Cedric wasn't concerned with how strong he swung. Breathing heavily, he watched, as if in slow motion his blade coming straight for Ricardo.

[Guest]

Ricardo blocked the other weapon with his own as he twisted his body forcing the sword away from him as he span. Stopping abruptly he turned on his heel and pounced towards the hufflepuff, trying to slash him horizontally, which would only in fact bruise his side, then he side stepped him as he jumped and tried to hit his neck, afterwards, he finally allowed his sword to slash the air down towards Cedric's back.

[Cedric Diggory]

Wincing as Ricardo's first attack connected with his side, he could almost immediately feel the bruising beginning to form where the blade hit. Spinning quickly, Cedric braced his blade up to take the blow from his opponent. When their blades connected, sparks flew as a deafening CLANG of steel on steel rang all round them. Locking their blades in place, Cedric's knees buckled slightly to help absorb the blow. As his muscles trembled slightly under the strength of Ricardo pressing against his blade, he looked into the boy's face and grinned as his chest rose and fell with his quickened breaths. Cedric knew Ricardo was strong, and it seemed, this match was going to go on for forever as they were nearly perfectly matched...

[Guest]

Pushing himself away Ricardo flipped in the air and landed on the platform however landed with the blade, its tip digging into the wood. Placing a foot just a few centimeters away, he dashed towards the hufflepuff before pulling the sword from its prison. Rolling in mid air he stopped when he was above Cedric and thrust his sword towards the other man's neck. Meanwhile, Ricardo hurled a punch with his free hand at his cheek, and a double footed kick at his back.

[Cedric Diggory]

Once free from Ricardo's forceful pushing, Cedric recovered his proper stance, ready for this opponent's next attack. Just before his sword would have connected with his neck, giving him another bruise to add to the one that already made his side ache, he ducked and tumbled out of the way, narrowly escaping both the punch and double kick aimed at him. Getting to his feet quickly, Cedric planted his own sword in the platform just enough to hold it in place while he swung a powerful uppercut to Ricardo's chin followed by a well placed elbow to his back before taking up his blade and ending with a downward slice that would draw a fine diagonal line connecting his left shoulder blade with this right hip.

[Guest]

Nodding inside his head at Lon the wolf took over fully and he moved with a flash, unseen by all the other warriors on the platform. This was what Ricardo liked about his wolf, when they cooperated they were unstoppable. Appearing behind Cedric, Lon growled but not as a warning because by the time his growl reached the man's ear, Cedric would have most likely already have been hit by Lon's clothesline, which if connected completely would send the hufflepuff sailing off the platform. 

A Clothesline 

[Cedric Diggory]

Before he knew it, Ricardo had vanished from in front of him, causing his slash to hit nothing but air. "Damn it, Richardo..." Cedric cursed under his breath. Just as he was correcting his form and turning to ready for a new attack, he caught a hard clip just above his chin that slammed his head back and caused him to topple head over heels before sliding towards the edge of the platform. Unable to stop himself from going over, Cedric slid off the edge and fell into the cold water below. As he surfaced, he spat out the mix of water and blood from the blow and shook his head with a hearty laugh. "You're mine next time, Ricky!" he shouted to his opponent.

[Guest]

Pouncing away from Conner, Archard's attention was drawn to Cedric as Ricardo hurled him from the platform... Godric... Ricardo's turning into a true brute, just like Magnus was, he thought before his eyes returned to his cousin. Gripping the hilt of his gladius, he jumped towards his cousin swinging the sword trying to hit him in the base of his neck, however if Conner moved to the side, Archard would have easier access to his injured shoulder, so it was a win-win.

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