The Duel Must Go On!

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Who: Tournament Fighters and those who wish to watch them.
Where: Aries Arena & Televised
Summary: 10/10. A day of shooting and Persona battles.
Warnings: D-D-DUELS!

Cloudy days didn't deteriorate citizens of Hinoto-Ri to flock to the Arena that night. After all, there was a special treat promised to them, tickets at ten dollars off the usual price for a sight yet unseen!

The entire place was filled with cheering spectators and for those who missed out, the usual pay-per-view channels were going to post the entire thing live. Or you could go to your local pub. They had all come to see one thing: and it was to see how these newcomers from otherworlds fared in their favorite sport. In a way it was showing the natural pride to them, and watching how they did at it.

Gambling wasn't allowed publicly. So naturally it flourished underground. Odds today were 1:1, those looking to make a lot of money were simply out of luck. Today was a day for watching. And learning.

For those who had answered the call, prizes had been lined up. At best, it was a demonstration. As long as there was entertainment, the public really didn't care who lost or who won.

From the side ring "Jay Queen" and "Bob Sternhammer", the two ringside announcer, excitedly begin the pre-game talk.

"What a crowd today Jay! You can feel and hear the energy coming right off of 'em!"

"A stadium of Ten Thousand filled to the brim! And this ain't even the Grand Prix!"

"Can't blame 'em. Hell, if I wasn't announcing this, I'd be ringside looking at the newcomers. For those at home watching on Pay-Per-View, we're gonna remind you of the few ground rules."

"Tonight's matches are demonstration only. No returning champions, in fact, if you look to the left there, you'll see Seaside Dragoon waving at the ground. He's last year's reigning champ."

"Man they just love the guy."

"Names are drawn based on known skill. Randomization is under the supervision of the Hinoto-Ri Lotto Society."

"Contestants pick their own Evoker ten minutes before the duel, and are asked to fire a blank shot in the air to insure security before it is scanned. Contestants then are brought into their isolation zones and are kept there until they are ready to be brought up to the ring."

"Turns are taken, each allowed only one command from their Personas."

"As usual, Instant Death Spells are forbidden of usage. You may not kill your opponent. If your opponent is knocked unconscious, they have five seconds to get up. You are only allowed to attack your opponents Persona."

"Oh! Looks like the national anthem's gonna start."

There was some singing, as everyone stood up. After, the shouts became louder and louder, as a single man dressed in a tuxedo walked in, grabbing a futuristic microphone and speaking in it.

"LET'S GET IT ON!"

The crowed cheered, as a series of fireworks tore off into the sky.

"This is Bob live from the Outerworld Demo Tournament! Only on Pay-Per-View!"

[OOC- Minako vs Eikichi & Oersted vs Link will be posted as soon as both parties have submitted their titles and theme music.]

Comments

Minako vs Eikichi

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THE MATCH ITSELF

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"So if I'm reading these notes correctly, one of the combatants met Philemon before."

"Interesting right? Although he didn't seem to happy about it...and his opponent is an Evoker using Persona user herself! What a match!"

"The kind of entertainment that you'll only find on Pay Per View folks!"

"We'll be learning something or two tonight I bet folks!"

As they talked, a few things flashed on the screen.

"Minako Arisato is 17, Gemini and her Arcana is the Fool."

"Not like her brother but who knows what might happen!"

"FROM OUT OF THIS WORLD, OUR FIRST CONTESTANT IS THE RADIANT SMILE THAT SHINES UPON THIS WORLD! GEKKOUKAN'S FIERY WILDCARD!"

As she rose, music filled the coliseum, echoing into the night sky. An image of her was being displayed behind, as her nickname was overlapped in special effects.

"So who do you think has advantage here? Minako has a Evoker technology..."

When she was done being raised from the bottom, the music changed as the machines turned again, as the crowd went into a screaming frenzy.

"AND HER OPPONENT, FROM OUT OF THIS WORLD, THE SO-CALLED DEATH BOSS! HE IS THE PULCHRITUDINOUS HADOPELAGIC ZONE!"

"...I'm almost feeling bad for Mayumi having to say that with a straight face. The hell did that kid even find a name like that?"

"I'm thinking a thesaurus."

"And now he's...moondancing as the stage is being raised up?"

"Eikichi Mishina, although there's a note here that he insists his stage name is Michel. We might be dealing with a band leader from another world! 16, Scorpio and Death. Somehow I'm not surprised. The guy seems to love putting on a show, and the crowd's loving it."

"This will either go down as a brilliant showman, or a complete farce."

"Perhaps both, Jay. Perhaps Both."

Once Eikichi was raised into the air along with the other, the ring around them began to close, forming a metal cage between both, like a long corridor. A team of three healers stood by in the wings.

"If you've just come into this Pay-Per-View special, this is an intergalatic Demonstration matches. The final match for tonight, Gekkoukan's Fiery Wildcard vs The Pulchritudinous Hadopelagic Zone. Titles aside, this promises to be interesting."

"Those new to the sport watching we'd like to remind you that Contestants start close to each other, back faced. After that, they take ten steps, Evokers in the air."

"Reminds you of old American Wild West Duels! Crowd loves to count down until they start."

"After that, it's the first who shoots who goes first."

"CONTESTANTS ARE READY!"

"Haha Look at that, the crowd's so hyped up for this you'd think it was the big names out there."

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

"Here we go!"

[OOC - Eikichi won the coin toss, he goes first.]

[deathboss]

He didn't like Evokers. That was Eikichi's first thought as he was given the 'weapon' and told to fire a blank shot, after which explained what he had to do. Really? How troublesome. He had never needed that before. Calling upon Hades was as natural as breathing by this point, but if the crowd wanted it, that's what he'd give his adoring public.

This Arena was exactly what he had wanted. His dream, to become a popular Visual Kei band, and to preform in front of tens of thousands. This might be for a different type of show, but as he rose up Eikichi breathed in the atmosphere greedily. Worked up the crowd by doing a little moonwalk to accompany his theme music. Next time he'd definitely record something of his own making. How would you like that, spectators? A fighter who made his own theme song!

This place could...no would be the start of his notorious illustrious singing career! If he became famous enough here, they'd swarm to his concerts...the only problem now was to find musicians again. He missed his friends. Twirling the Evoker with one hand, he grinned at Minako, before they were told to be back to back to each other. There was a slight worry about her title...it seemed to clue him of fire and he knew his weaknesses since the start of his own adventures. Regardless, win OR lose, he'd make sure the spectators got a good look on his profile and he'd give them a hell of a show.

"Hoooooo!" That was directed at Minako. The crowd couldn't hear them. "It'll be interesting to fight against you, babe. Hope you're ready for Hades and Michel cause the neither of us want to hold back right now!"

Seriously, it had been a while since his Persona had been this raring to go.

[greatseal]

On the opposite end of the ring, the weight of the Evoker on her hip is familiar and comfortable. It's a different kind of match, fighting another Persona-user and not having her naginata at her disposal, but she's been in far more difficult situations before. Orpheus was her first Persona, and even in his new form she's comfortable with him. He isn't going to let her down tonight. Especially with this opponent.

"Hades, hm?" And the Death Arcana, which meant Mudo skills, most likely. Not that Minako needs to worry about that one. Regardless... she's just as excited as Eikichi, even if she's not as into the show side as he is. As much as she knows it's not really about winning or losing...

...right now, she wants to win.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do, Michel-kun! Let's have a great match!"

[deathboss]

"Hehheh right back at you, chica!" He raised his hands to work up the crowd one last time before they were asked to stand back to back. Man he really towered her, he realized. But size meant nothing! ...he had Jun and Lisa to drill him in that.

Hey Hades? You give em a show too!

Ten...on man it was coming soon...wait how was he supposed to use his gun again. Aim for the head right? Alright, he just had to pick the most dramatic way to do that. His hand tightened on his evoker and he decided right there and then - under the gun.

"ONE!"

Gangster style as he twisted it just enough and fired.

The sensation was different than he was used to. Instead of being a flame of energy bursting out of him, it was like someone had dosed that flame with a few buckets of gasoline. It was stronger than normal calling...but also much more fleeting. Regardless of his own personal feelings, Hades, nearly two and a half times his already high size, was now towered above him. The Ruler of the dead was certainly as flamboyant as the User below him. It raised his skull bouquet into the air.

"I am Hades... King of the underworld who judges the evil and the righteous alike. I am thou... Thou art I... Let us walk this path together...AND LET US CRUSH THY COMPETITION!" Both Hades and Eikichi got into a battle position together.

"HELL YEAH!"

Did Persona talk with other people? He didn't know, but the crowd was eating it up. Maaaan he could do this all day. THIS is what he was talking about and signed up for! Let this place become his stage. Win or Lose, this was going to be Awesome.

"C'mon, babe!" Hades advanced towards his opponent. "Deathbound!" Persona and user spoke at the same time, as Hades used its body weight and bouquet to slam the physical attack into the other.

[greatseal]

As the countdown begins, she calms her breathing and focuses. There's no music, or crowd. Only Orpheus and her and the enemy Persona.

Eikichi may have drama on his side, but if there's one thing Minako has learned over the past year, it's being quick on the draw. Her Evoker fires the instant the countdown ends, bringing the usual sound of shattering glass and rush of blue.

"Come! Orpheus!"

In contrast to the opponent, Orpheus' voice is calm and to the point (and also, oddly feminine?) "I am Orpheus, master of strings..."

It didn't seem right not to answer an introduction. But allowing Eikichi the first move is a different matter. Orpheus makes no motion to dodge, but as the physical charge begins, he strums the lyre.

A wall of fire springs to life across the center of the field, directly in the path of the charging Persona. It's a gamble - Minako has no support to tell her strengths or weaknesses. But Maragion seems more appropriate to halt a a charge than Magarula, and she's not ready to pit physical against physical.

SPECTATOR (OR REACTIONS)

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[roomguarder]

She's pretty sure that moonwalking fool is one of the guys who fell for her prank. The really dramatic one. She figures she would have known that regardless if she recognized his name, given how he's all about theatrics before he participates in a battle of strength of the sort he's likely never done before. Humans are just so...

Whatever. She'll be watching this from the comforts of her own room.

...and maybe rooting for Mr. Dramatic.

[ihaveanannouncement]

Saori should be cheering for her best friend. She's excited to see Minako (and her brother) in the tournament, and see all the cool Persona battling each other.

But that Evoker. "Do they, really need to be guns?"

[canteachyoumore]

"They do not. However, in order to summon a Persona one must feel mortally threatened: that their life is in danger." Theodore had come for Elizabeth and Minato's match earlier, and sticking around to see Minako fight this obviously flamboyant and strange character is another thing he intends to do. He's sure she'll win, however.

Answering questions not directed at anyone in particular also flies his fancy! Especially on the topic of battles, ooh. "It's the one object that many humans think of when they ponder on how they're most likely to die though, is it not?"

[ihaveanannouncement]

"I guess...that's true." There's just a wee bit of sadness in her voice. And hesitation. The answer doesn't make her feel any better. Then Minako...?

The way her cheerful friend quickly adapted to shooting herself with ease compared to her opponent...and the announcer saying she had previous experience with it. Something doesn't settle right in Saori's mind.

[not_that_sasuke]

Sasuke watches intently. He had hoped that by watching two people who seemed to be familiar with the use of Personae, he would be able to understand it as well.

In the end, he still hasn't the faintest clue how he might be able to go about using the one he had supposedly gained upon entering this world. But at the very least, it does explain a lot about how one could do battle with them.

"But how do you summon it without one of those guns...?" He's pretty certain no one would be paying attention to a quiet kid muttering to himself at the end of the row, but there's always a chance...

[themortalhalf]

And a gruff voice comes from just behind him.

"You call it." Shinjiro's just behind him, also sitting at the end of his row, grey eyes watching the match with more interest than his stoic expression cares to betray. "Ain't much different than moving your hand, just needs more concentration and shit."

[not_that_sasuke]

"...Concentration?" That... well, he kind of figured that much. It's such a vague idea, he's having difficulties grasping it. Still, if he can find out anything, it might just help him that much more.

"What kind of concentration? Moving doesn't usually require that kind of effort.

...Assuming you haven't been injured, at least."

AFTER THE MATCH

[deathboss]

It was over? He isn't sure anymore. Eikichi didn't feel as dizzy, and slowly the blackness is fading and the blinding lights of the Colosseum where flooding his eyes. There is a Persona above him, and it looks like a nurse of some sort. Silence in his ears, it builds up to screaming. Thousands of people screaming. Someone has won and he quickly looks over to the display screens, rubbing his eyes.

...That isn't his name.

It isn't that Eikichi was a bad loser, far from it. Scorpios were known to never give up despite everything, and he was like that about a fight as well. But he has to admit that losing in front of so many people is, at the very least, disappointing.

Yet he isn't a sore loser either. He'd given his all and he lost. She had the advantage, and she had employed it well. He looks over to see how Minako was doing and realizes she's up as well. So his attack probably did nothing. Tch.

He finally gets up, ignoring the calls that he's still pretty weak and shouldn't be doing that, and walks over to where she is, extending his hand.

"You fought beautifully and with deadly skill, chica," he tells her grinning. "I'm glad to have fought a match against you."

[greatseal]

Minako's head hurts. Even the Recarm spell wasn't enough to fully eliminate it, and there's a dull ache as the noise of the arena pounds against her ears. But she still hears Eikichi's voice and turns back to him, smiling despite the throbbing. "Mm, same to you, Michel-kun!" She'll keep using his preferred name, even if she knows his real one now. "Although I'm still not sure it's fair to call it more than a draw..."

[deathboss]

"Wait...what'd you mean by that?" he says, just as a replay of the final moments of the battle is displayed behind him.

[greatseal]

She just points at the board. Look for yourself...


...It looks a lot sadder from this angle.

[themortalhalf]

Seeing Minako get knocked unconscious is not and never will be the highlight of his day. It was something he had seen before—you didn't make your way through Tartarus without getting knocked unconscious at least once or twice (those light and dark spells were notorious for that and he regarded them with a certain amount of understandable disdain)—but just because he was used to it didn't mean he liked it.

Didn't like to see anyone go down, but that's the way it was. At least the Hama and Mudo spells were instant. Once you got caught in one of those damn things, you were out. No chance of fighting back, but you were out. Not really much pain involved. Just because you were more resilient with a Persona didn't mean shit didn't hurt. Just meant your body could take more, and coupled with the mental and physical strain, they weren't a walk in the park.

He watches from the stands until the healers arrive and do their work. He can't be down there with her, but he can be up here. When he watches her rise to her feet, she seems all right. And her opponent, cheap of a note as he had ended on, seems to be the same. Not sure he should be walking, but whatever. He was a stubborn ass, apparently. Had shown that by refusing to go down and firing off that last shot when he should have taken the loss. There was something to respect in that, he supposes, having that kind of will, and for a guy with a thing for the color blue and no sense of fashion, he seemed decent, if eccentric. But that guy could do whatever he damn wanted. Shinjiro didn't care. He certainly wasn't here for him.

Now that she's up, though, he'll send a text message her way.

Good job.

It's not completely what he wants to say—you okay?—but rather what should be said first. This was a fight she chose to put herself in. She knew and had accepted the consequences of it. Congratulate first, everything else after. Even if he didn't enjoy much about this—not like Aki would; this sort of thing was made for him—he could at least support her in what she chose to do. And people had pride, didn't they?

[greatseal]

Minako hears the beep of her COMP as she steps out of the arena to mingle back into the crowds. By now the headache is fading out and she thinks she probably won't need medicine for it. She stops out of the path of people walking and opens the message.

It's from Shinji. ...She can read all the other meanings into the phrase, even if he didn't write them there. And so she replies back quickly.

Thanks!

Where are you now?

[ihaveanannouncement]

Guess who is struggling to reach the two stars. This girl! Hey, if you just saw your BFF knocked out, revived, and a winner all in one, you'd want to get to her ASAP. So she shouts, as loud as she can, trying to be heard over everyone else.

"Minako-chan! Minako-chan! Are you alright?!"

[greatseal]

It's hard to hear, but Minako eventually does, and looks out over the crowds to see Saori waving. Minako waves back, and heads over as quickly as she can.

"Hey, Saori-chan! I'm fine!"

[anonymous text]

[roomguarder]

That was disappointing.

[deathboss]

Well wasn't that just so encouraging. He might have felt the sting of that if he hadn't felt he had done all he could have done in that battle. Sometimes the stars didn't align right, or they'd happen to have that attack which had your weakness.

Don't worry, next time the victory is mine.

[roomguarder]

Hopefully next time they won't pit you against someone who can exploit your weakness. That strikes me as unfair.

[ She's...being somewhat encouraging? ]