Another Statistic (Open, 1v1)

[BASS GUY~!]

Seven woke with a start, and was unsure what was going on. His hands twitched as he lay on his back, and as usual the numbers rushed into his head and began their calculations, his mind racing and desperately trying to make up for lost time during whatever sleep he had taken.
It was strange and odd, considering Seven didn't recall ever falling asleep, and as he lifted and hand and set it down, he smacked his hand against what seemed to be a something hard and metal, and certainly solid.
/Gah~? What is... What...? Where did this...?/ Seven slowly pushed himself into a seated position, looking to his right and eyeing the strange long rifle. immediately, the schematics of the sniper rifle entered his mind, from the diameter of the barrel to the speed at which he could load a bullet into the bolt-action chamber and fire it. Everything about this weapon and his capability with it was being revealed to him in mere minutes, and looking to his left, after to the searing pain of all those numbers, he suddenly spotted a pistol, and the routine started over again, along with some throwing daggers and a longer, broader blade made of a strange metal.
/Why are these here....?/ he muttered, a little confused, and he quickly got the feeling that he should probably equip them. Growling and grunting under the strain of the heavy armaments, he none the less seemed fine with it, and after getting used to it's bearing on him, he noticed he was still at combat capacity.
/Weapons. So that means there's something dangerous nearby.../ Seven commented out loud, the long rifle held at the ready as he began moving through what seemed to be a desolate wasteland. Grey dust was blowing all around, seeming random at first; but Seven's eyes and mind tracked it, and he realised they were in the eye of some kind of impassable storm, feeling a slight up-draft from beneath him.
/No escape just yet, it seems. This is really not a good situation at all/ as the numbers escaped his lips, he began running, trying to find somewhere he might suitably conceal or at least partially expose himself. He set him self low, and groaned as he hit the ground on his bare stomach, feeling the harsh ground beneath scrape his bare chest a slight.
/Owww~/ he let out, and then looked around, still unsure what to do.

[Raal]

Something red and winged swooped by Seven's head, taking a clumsy, lazy claw swing at him as it passed. Whatever it was, it cackled, soaring higher. It dipped into a slight dive, landing gracefully on the cruel, unyielding ground, not too far from Seven's position. Firebrand folded his arms, having a confident expression on his beaked face. He already saw Seven, and was amused at the sight. The storm that surrounded them would prove useful to Firebrand, as the heavy swirling winds helped him get some air time earlier. Besides, he used it to fight several opponents before this human, so why fix what isn't broken?

"You are my next challenge? Well, come on, let's go! I'll go easy on you, since you stink of human."

[/color]

The gargoyle demon made the "bring it on" gesture, since not many could understand his form of speech. Body language was the universal language after all.[/center][/size]

[BASS GUY~!]

Seven glared at this creature of red, studying it's features; it was a bright crimson color, and easily distinguishable from the storm and the rather dull looking color-scheme of the landscape, and the numbers instantly assessed that he'd be able to see him easier. Those large wings the boy spotted obviously enabled flight, as was proven upon this thing's arrival, and the way it moved was almost like it wanted to fight; it even beckoned him. Claws, powerful muscles, and a face not even the numbers could justify as 'ugly', Seven found himself rather repulsed by the numbers this thing had. His survival rate against such a creature, without knowing enough about it, was only calculated as 6.98%, his silver eyes scanning the creature's own, and his rifle's barrel rising at the creature.

{23080120 11091404 1506 13151419200518 0919 20080919...?}¹ he murmured softly, unsure whether to act or not, numbers calculating every variable, every possibility, every way he could at least stall until the storm was over. As it was, the highest result was running away for now, slinging the rifle over his shoulder using the strap and withdrawing the pistol. He fired shots at this red, winged menace, but only seemed to vaguely aim; he knew that while he was moving, he wouldn't be able to get accurate enough to shoot whatever this was accurately. Hopefully, he thought, this would distract that thing, and Seven wouldn't become another statistic for the death toll in this world.

¹"What kind of monster is this...?"

[Raal]

Firebrand's skill in combat made everything seem slower in his eyes when engaged. He knew the weapon wasn't accurately being used, but his amusement did not waver when bullets whizzed past his head. Occasionally, he had to tuck in his wings for some bullets, and lazily lean away for other bullets. Firebrand kept his smile, and retaliated with a rather large fireball being spat forward.

"Really? Oh I can do this while blindfolded."

He cackled his amusement.

[BASS GUY~!]

Seven gave an exhale of exasperation already as the monster easily dodged them, moving faster than he thought it was capable of. This new factor, however, made his numbers easily settle on a new course, and as he continued to calculate and get some distance from the beast, he noted how quickly the fireball was approaching from behind. He stopped a moment, and then launched himself at a wide angle; landing harshly on the dirt as he once again agitated scratches on his chest.

Climbing back to his feet, the pistol he threw into it's holster as the rifle came back into play, his hands weighing it and he found himself using it something as a shield against fear. He scanned for his opponent, and beside him statistics discovered so far popped up in his head, it's speed and it's agility, reaction times, the intensity and circumference of that fireball, and as he looked back to the fireball, he found it traveled until it was ripped up by the distant storm's wall of wind. He crouched down and held the rifle at the beast, seemingly lining up the shot.
That finger traced on the trigger as the numbers in his head narrowed to '1', the number signalling the moment he would have the least chance to miss. The wind here was rather chaotic, but even so it was calculable, and he found himself pulling the trigger perfectly on time, at just the right angle, just as the wind died around him and his target.

The sound and force of the weapon knocked Seven off his feet; he hadn't expected this much recoil, even after having studied the outward specs, and he tried to trace the bullet, it's projected speed was supersonic and the shock wave broke through from the barrel of the gun with a burst.

Seven climbed to his feet, eager to see if he'd hit his target.

[Raal]

The Red Blaze kept his smile as he literally leaned all the way back, the rifle bullet soaring over him. He heard the gun over the dying winds, and simply ducked backward as a reaction based on what he had heard. That was a really nice try. Firebrand gave the human some credit. If he wasn't a Red Arremer, and already having above-natural senses, he would have been dead on the spot. When the bullet completely zipped by, Firebrand straightened up quickly to get his footing.

He gave Seven a slow, loud golf clap, still keeping his smile, "My turn again!"

When the wind kicked back up, he opened his wings, and rode the winds to great heights. Firebrand unleashed a fire stream, akin to a dragon shooting fire. This flow of flame was accurate, and apparently really hot because it blackened some of the ground!

[BASS GUY~!]

Seven calculated his own weapon's recoil, measured his own physical strength, and suddenly had an idea about close combat; too bad that didn't seem to be an option in this case, flames from above interrupting as the temperature began rapidly accelerating around him, the numbers in his head buzzing and causing him to almost flinch in response.
This wall of flame that raced at him was horrifying, and he was almost frozen, but even with all those numerals rammed harshly it seems that the scientists couldn't erase all of his most vital instincts, including those which forced his body to move. He barely escaped the most serious part of the heat, but he felt his left hand and lower leg burn as he reached down to clutch them, watching as numbers calculated the severity of the burn, the layers of skin now rendered useless, and how weakened overall he would be.

Worse, his survival rate just dropped dramatically, accounting for infection, and suddenly his 6.98% dropped down to 4.32%, and he slowly found his own numeral for hope slowly narrowing on zero; he now began to feel real fear, and he glared up at this beast who'd taken wing. This beast didn't seem to fly on his own, his eyes scanning the beast in flight a few moments as the flames nearby were slowly blown in all directions chaotically, dying down. He slung the heated sniper over his shoulder once more, and withdrew some of those throwing daggers; Seven did not aim them at this red monster of the sky, but in the opposite direction, the wind catching them and taking them up and out of sight. Numbers raced, and Seven withdrew that rifle once more, the knives clutched in his aiming arm, and he crouched down, firing a shot out to the far; a small ding! was heard, but then nothing.

8 pieces of sharp shrapnel now gaining speed rapidly and stealthily, tiny projectiles whirring invisible in the wind, and Seven could mentally predict their paths as he now turned the rifle back on the beast, aiming and firing for it's wings. The shrapnel suddenly erupted from a current to that thing's side just as quick as the bullets as Seven's bullet left the chamber, and he accounted the recoil far greater this time, though still lost his balance and quickly slung it back over his shoulder, beginning to limp away as fast as he could.
Would this new tactic be enough...?
Seven only personally gave it a 12% chance, but he was hopeful at least as he drew the pistol in it's holster.

[Raal]

Firebrand folded his wings in an abrupt drop, spreading them back out on a lower section of the storm. It was another reaction to the rifle shot, but he had inadvertantly avoided the hidden shrapnel, the bits of sharp metal leaving light scratches on his wings. He felt that, and was impressed at the little man. Hmm, perhaps sky combat wasn't the most effective way of having some fun. Well, this was a good test of ground combat. He was a beast in the air, and wasn't a slouch on the ground either. If he was going to play it like that... so be it!

The gargoyle demon make a "come and get me" gesture, then made a face at Seven. He was still toying with him at this point, even though he burned the human good. The human managed to scratch him! That was a bonus on his part.

[BASS GUY~!]

This thing was on the ground once more, and this must mean that his shrapnel had hit him and weakened him, or hit and warned it, or missed and the beast was getting bored. Sadly, it was the latter that seemed most likely at this point, and this forced him to grit his teeth to try and fight back a scream of frustration.

Seven decided that his lab-coat was increasing his wind resistance and he discarded it, using a knife to quickly cut a large strip to bind around his burnt hand, and he would have done his legs if he knew he had time for such leisure. He looked to his leg and then back to the rather bothersome beast in front of him; for flames so hot, it sure acted cold and sadistic. He felt a little annoyed by the hopelessness of it all, feeling helpless despite his near success.

He looked around, and threw the rest of his knives into the wind, once again they were taken up and faded from the view of both man and beast as the human supercomputer began to calculate projected paths; he had enough shrapnel for most escapes this time, but even so there was so much that was uncertain about this beast of the flame. If his calculations for the storm were correct (and they were 97.38% accurate according to his math), he'd be able to use them roughly when he needed to, at least to keep himself save as they whirled about. The storm would likely end before long, and he felt that he might be able to escape once it had allowed for safe passage. Wind blew all over, and his lab coat also took flight it seemed, falling into the harsh walls of the eye of the dust-storm, shredding it ominously.

He took a few shots with the pistol, Seven's careful eyes firing in a pattern to try and predict escape and aim for those, and he also fired twice into the storm, more shrapnel from the flying daggers whirling dangerously about invisibly.

[Raal]

He side-stepped the bullets, suddenly going into a quick rush forward, as well as keeping very low to the ground to make himself a harder target to hit. This abrupt, purposeful surge of power fooled many a fighter. He decided to punch Seven with a right hook to the face instead of claw him using this surge of speed. His amusement was starting to fade off. This fellow relied on underhanded tactics and tricks. Typical human. Not the worthy challenge he was looking for. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

He was also aware of the smell of metal and gunpowder, and kept on his toes at all times. His wings shoved against Seven's arms, popping open to keep the human from shooting at him from point blank. He had fought bandits that used the same ranged weapons that this human had. They weren't anything special.

Firebrand puffed hot, black smoke in Seven's face for good measure.

[BASS GUY~!]

Seven's eyes went wide with panic and then pain, numbers closing so close to Zero he almost felt like he should die right then and there as a clenched fist smashed harshly on his rather soft and somewhat clean face. He was knocked back, half in shock, and half in so much pain that he'd gone numb. The numbers raced, and while he couldn't feel anything, and hear nothing but a ringing in his head he growled for some reason like an animal, feeling that it was probably the best thing to do at the time.

This was all because he'd somehow ended up in this storm, he cursed, all because someone had put him here. Had this beast done this? Had someone merely wanted to test him? The burns to his leg and arm seared into him now, and the white cloth covering that scorched hand was starting to cut in and cause more pain, but he could no longer feel that after a while, the sensation from the punch taking over his whole body; adrenaline racing around through him like a light switch with a current of electricity.

He grabbed the rifle and got to his feet, rushing forward and bringing himself into close combat now; this was where he could test his theory. Eyes wide, he almost looked completely out of it, truly insane, the pistol now out of his hand. He jabbed forward at the beasts head, and pulled the trigger, the sound of the bullet suddenly igniting and escaping from the barrel a deafening and dangerous sound.

{09 041514 20 23011420 2015 040905! 09 23091212 141520 040905!}¹ He screamed right at it's face like a maniac, and it was obvious that half the logic as a human was now lost in this desperate person.

¹"I DON'T WANT TO DIE! I WILL NOT DIE!"

[Raal]

Firebrand simply leaned to another side, moving in much closer without missing a beat. Much like a blowtorch, he released scalding hot fire upon the rifle barrel... effectively melting it shut. He started laughing, using a claw to swat the rifle out of the human's hands. He liked this human. This one actually screamed. Not coherently, but the human still screamed! The rest of them just make short shouts. Not very enticing to a gargoyle DEMON. Demons enjoy it when mortals scream.

The amusement had returned, and Firebrand let the human know with a grin. He still kept a promise not to kill innocent humans, and this one was thrown into this awkward storm just as he was. He still got a kick out of humans screaming for their lives. Firebrand looked him in the eyes, "You are a clever boy. I give you credit for lasting this long. Then again... had I been cruel and unmerciful, you would not have lasted ten seconds. You are lucky."

[BASS GUY~!]

Ding, ding! was heard, two knives obliterated and turned into the small storm of shards that now revealed themselves, travelling so fast they couldn't be seen clearly with the black and grey of the weapons came shooting out of the wall of the eye of this dangerous storm.
They shot out, and Seven's calculations couldn't have been more perfect for timing; sadly the demon had gained ground with him and melted his new favourite weapon. The numbers kept calculating his next moves however, his own fingers coming to scratch at the beasts eyes as he suddenly surged forward with as much strength as he could muster in that instant, hoping that this beast would recoil and fall into the path of those makeshift shuriken.

He punched, and kicked, thrashed forward against the beast, but never lost his balance; he winced as he stepped with his injured foot, and almost felt like screaming when his bandaged fist flew through the air, but he wasn't even sure any was connecting.
Seven knew exactly how far and what angle his dangerous weapons were flying in at, and it was quite low, perfect for monster slashing. Seven stopped thrashing and jumped back instinctively, dropping to the ground regardless of how far he might have managed to get that beast back, if at all.

And the shuriken came and cut anything in their path; one stray one he hadn't accounted for came and slashed across Seven's good leg lightly, blood dripping from the new cut. He let out a clenched sound of pain, swallowed quickly by his desperate need to fight for survival.

[Raal]

Firebrand shoved forward, despite getting lightly tapped by the human. Ehehehe, that tickled! This human was funny! When he leaped back, Firebrand pushed forward, using both his arms to grab his wrists and just hold them up. He did not squeeze, he did not dig, he did not even apply any sort of pressure. The gargoyle demon's claws were unwavering in their grip, but at the same time, surprisingly gentle. They were just firm.

He had noted that this particular human babbled in numbers, and neither of them could understand each other. Firebrand's talking wasn't any better. They were just a compilation of growls, snarls, and other assortments of noises that somehow made sense, at least to anybody else who could translate.

He shook his head "no" at Seven, then proceeded to look around, as if looking for a gap in the storm. Hopefully he'll get the message.

[BASS GUY~!]

Seven's eyes went wide and he stopped struggling now, his pupils becoming more and more focused as he seemed to understand the simple command. He wondered if this monster could be taught to speak as he did, slowly, to try and form a bond with him that might serve as a sort of 'friendship'; though he was independent normally, he still felt alone without anyone understanding him. It would be awfully nice to have him speak and someone respond with more than grunts and strange noises once in a while, or at least comprehend slowly.

Shaking his head, he replied his own version of 'no', stuttering in a slight quiver of fear and confusion as the beast had revealed intelligence. {1-1415?}¹
He repeated the word, shaking his head as if trying to confirm that it understood as he pointed his burned hand at it, then pointed at himself. {7}² he told the beast, wondering if it could even really comprehend him, or was just giving him hope before biting off his head.
Seven appreciated the notion of the latter, even despite the nasty part about his number being reduced to Zero, and his presence becoming another death statistic. To die hopeful, he thought, is far better than dying broken.

At least it seemed the violence was over; and sadly, Seven bitterly accepted he'd been defeated.

¹ "N-No?"
² "7" ( Orange in the text is said slightly less rushed, denoting that the numeral is used as in the number/value, and in this instance to introduce Seven's name.)