Von Helson Foyer

"Sakura!"

"Oh my God! It's really her!"

"Where's Athan?"

"Is Kael okay?"

"We want Vahn!"

The screaming throng of people looking for the members of Fracture had swarmed around the sole female member, security and media forming a circle just wide enough for her to press on through the fans.

"Yes, that's right, the first member of Fracture has appeared! This is Sandy Donnohugh with Gaia Action 5 News Team, here to report on the second round of Heaven or Hell!"

The camera swung around, chasing down a red head of hair and stopping just in time to catch the cat-eared reporter stuff a microphone into Sakura's face. "Sakura! A moment of your time. Although you have yet to prove yourself in an actual fight, you've garnered quite a following! Do you have any comments?"

The young woman continued to walk forward, grinning. She did take a quick look at the camera, though. "Yeah. I feel sorry for my opponent. If people think I'm all bark and no bite..." - she briefly took a moment to wave at a fan who had called out her name - "... I'm gonna have to make it extra clear just what I can do." She tried to walk around the catgirl, but found that the reporter's reflexes were incredibly...

... catlike.

"And what about your team? With Kael injured in his last fight, Athan taking a plunge, and the sudden and enigmatic presence of Glacier's Vahn, what can you tell us about --"

"Team?" The crowd came to a grinding halt as Sakura broke her stride. That wicked smile was back. "Don't make me laugh."

Taking advantage of the moment, Sakura made a quick step around the reporter, pushing her way through the crowds to get to the Foyer where she was supposed to be, fans and media chasing after her.

"Um... uh... well, bold words from Fracture's Sakura! It sounds like we'll be seeing her bear her... b-b-b-b-BEAR!!"

"It's a polar bear!"

"Poley! Sign my chest!"

The camera tried to follow Sakura, catching only her back, and a silver something held in her right hand as a screeching voice could be heard.

"I'MSANDYDONNOHUGHANDI'MGETTINGTHEHELLOUTOFHERE!"

A few minutes later, Sakura had managed to find her way to the foyer. "Strange place for a fight," she thought aloud, her words echoing slightly off the walls. Paintings and statues everywhere... still, there had to be something she could do with the place, and it was a hell of a lot better than trying to fight on that damned frozen lake.

As fans and press started to flood into the designated areas, Sakura set up her steel folding chair (property of the Crimson Hawk Hotel), taking a seat on it on the upper level.

"My people."

Shouts of "Fracture" and "Sakura" rose up to her ears.

"I have arrived."

ragingtofu Wrote:

"Strange place for a fight" "You said it."

The door to the mansion's foyer had been thrown open by Fracture's biggest member, a throng of screaming fans threatening to drown out his voice even as he spoke to his teammate. His sword, despite seeing such little action the previous round, was still attached firmly to his back. The weapon was almost as tall as Athan was, and with the six and a half foot man being one of the tallest entrants in the tournament, that spoke volumes. His wounds and scars from surgery on his left bicep were covered by white athletic tape, and whatever remained happened to be concealed by his black "FRACTURE" t-shirt that he picked up at a gift shop due to his previous shirt's unfortunate run in with some fire.

The door would shut of its own accord, leaving only the solid echo of Athan's boots against the marble flooring. It was kind of eerie, all things considered.

"Bit too fancy for my taste. Y'know?"

Athan didn't even bother to walk up to Sakura. Instead he had found some entertainment value in sizing up a display suit of armor. He poked a finger at the sword held by the stand, then straightened up and crossed his hands behind his head before loosing a yawn that would make even Poley jealous.

"So. Whaddaya know about these guys?"

He didn't seem to notice the arrival of the giant...thing that had taken residence in the doorway leading out of the foyer and further into the mansion until he took a second look towards Sakura.

"...Nevermind."

Hands dropped to his sides, Athan didn't have anything further to add to the subject. He simply took up a position near the staircase, waiting for the rest of their 'crew' to arrive so they could get this show on the road.

Slipping nimbly through the throngs of people outside of the mansion, Adaya moved to keep Poley in sight as long as she could. The bear was her beacon. However, as the crowd thickened she gave up the chase and just shoved her way through. Ignoring shouts of protest and return shoves, she moved forward.

Breaking through the front of the crowd she spun on her heels and shoved a finger into the chest of a man. "You lay one more finger on me and you'll be explaining why it's missing to ER technicians. Got it? Good. Have a nice day then." She spun again and moved on to find a viewing spot. She had gathered on her trip through the crowd that three matches would be going on in this location. That made her happy.

She jostled her way to the front line of the spectators area and crossed her arms. Time to wait. Not long hopefully.

This was a battle that any particular team entering Heaven or Hell yearn for. Facing the proclaim team everyone has high hopes of winning were now up against the bizarre Team Nightmare. His movements were slow , yet placid from his nature as he opened the doors into the mansion's foyer . Darious the leader of Team Nightmare suffer alot of damage the last round , yet considering his vicious history of wars he engaged into the only body part that was still semi-injured was the stomach region where Rae's nasty fireball left a second degree burn that required more healing , thus wrapping it up during this matchup.

Scanning the environment as countless reporters and fan ran into his path with the pure desire to meet him up close after the exciting first round he enjoyed , the dark clothed priest wouldn't acknowledge them as his serious yet dark demeaner was present while approaching his comrades of Team Nightmare. Of course he smirk seeinga Korso within this exciting battle. Overwrought from the match about to begin , he lit a cigar before addressing them.

" This is it boys. Time to show them why we're called Team Nightmare." ,he smiled with brutality drawn from his gray pupils as he was truly prepared for combat. The question was did he have to battle once again.

The flap of fabric, even as the frozen air from outside blew in through the open window. A soft thud would be heard as a pair of heavily booted feet landed on the floor, the metal etchings within them gleaming dully in the bits of sunlight that seemed to flicker in.

Standing up, the figure stared forward-- even as the swirl of cloth that seemed to envelope him covered everything except for the lower haft of his legs. The cloak's hood was drawn back...but the facial features were obscured with what appeared to be a guy fawke's mask.

Striding forward, he reached out and yanked open the nearby door, appearing on the upper floor of where the balcony was apparently-- with the foyer area in that regard.

Who was this mysterious player??

Acknowledging the comment of encouragement from the destructive Russian Gruul, because he was persuaded towards causing utter violence yet entertainment of course the vile priest would truly yearn to bestow this thought and bring it into reality. Watching as a mask entity made his appearance into the territory where the fight will occur , Darious was candid but under that cold demeaner he was overwrought upon the current matchup in the Von Helson Manor Foyer.

Extremely eager into engaging into combat with the proclaimed team that was a top favorite in Heaven or Hell, Darious Kaiq whom was the captain of Team Nightmare willing rose up ahead to declare himself the fighter who'll forge some action within the start of the 2nd round.

Standing there he cracked his knuckles, keeping a fierce aura in the atmosphere as he chuckle evily. Impervious towards being convinced by anyone of his actions , he was in the zone as he was vigilant by scanning the fighters and the environment around them. Moving upon the staircase he stood there calmly , smirking as he addressed them.

" I would happily battle you Behemoth but I already gave my parther Ken a chance to challenge you. My forte is causing pain , now to my point. I recall you had another member named Kael , and that mysertous warrior is likely on your team. So will either of my desire targets come forth since I rather not strike another woman and do not feel like repeating it this time. No offense of course , now lets get it on." ,he smiled as he awaited for Fracture to decide their warrior.

Growling lowly she spun and stepped forward, pressing herself against the chest of the man behind her. Her eyes raged wildly and her finger snapped forward to hover an inch from his nose. "My a. My property. Touch me again and..." Her mouth closed mid sentence and she simply smashed her shoulder into the man and walked by. What was the use of threatening him if she wasn't allowed to follow through? Screw this st. She was going to find another fight to watch. The allure of three fights had brought forth a large crowd outside of the manor. The entire male population of the crowd seemed intent of groping the nearest female a** they could find.

The crowd seemed to part before her. No one wanting to stay in her way because A. she was pissed and B. because if she was leaving that meant it would be possible to press that small amount closer to the manor. Quickly she left the area. A polar bear and three fights were no good if you were going to be distracted by grungy men grabbing your posterior. She'd catch it all on T.V. later.

((Alright lets get this on ^^))

Smiling as he made his way down in a good fashion as expected , he analyze the flamberge since not many wielded one within the battles he has seen or engage into , meaning it'll be a new experience to the veteran fighter as this was gonna be entertaining for both fighters. Arid from the corroding atmosphere that plague this area , delighted as he knew the masked figure was no other than the famous Vahn Fah .

Deciding that taking the defensive wasn't going to please him , the dark priest rush between the distance they had , moving half the speed to stay vigilant during his next maneuvers , as he launched them all at once beginning with only 1 blade out like a knife to increase the velocity when thrown. While this occured when he started to run , an echo would be heard as he pronounced his Battle Cry in a particular style that was known.

"DDDAAAARRRIOOUSSSS KKKKAAAIIQQQQ !"

Acknowledging him upon waiting , Darious wasn't gonna reveal any emotions that would suddenly give off that warrior vibe he felt whenever he focus directly into combat. Silence pervaded the territory , smirking with violence for intentions as he calmly stood there. Gripping onto 6 Satanic crosses he would stare at him as he began to activate the destructive Satanism Release state which those who watch his previous fight would know its ability.

The Satanic Crosses are the ominous weapon of pain that the devilous Darious Kaiq personally wields. Being titanium , colored black , and have the satanic cross shape from the 4 corners releases Kris blades from the 4 corner ,each being used for projectile like boomarang attacks yet from the apparent size if only 1 blade from the north unleashes they appear like Sai since they are about the same size altogether. Apparently the number of Crosses are unknown to most , but limited as they are stored within his jacket to be conceal within the battle. The blades are triggered by the Saraki Energy used to unleash them freely within battle so he has the edge on things.

Although being unleashed he activated the other blades , allowing two to soar into different sections in a rapid saw like fury , attacking from the upper , mid , and lower section near the sides to possibly pierce into him. Even avioding them he would have to remember his foe was approaching as well , using this chance to test out his defensive abilities and shed some blood.

: 40 total each weighing only 1 pound with 34 remaining:

Sakari Energy 100,000

7 Sins of Hell Active: 20,000 SE points needed to make active

• [ 4 turns until the 1st Sin is unleashed ] ~

1/17

The masked head seemed to tilt a few degrees to the right, yellowed eyes keeping the Captain of the opposing team in view. It was almost eery, seeing as how no clear emotions could be conveyed through that mask...

"Too much noise." His lips moved behind the mask, speaking softly as a smile started dragging on the ends of his lips.

Yet, apparently his identity was known, with or without it.

His left arm still outstretched, the Fang stayed held out outwards as the sides of his cloak remained parted, showing off the straps of leather and cloth that made up the clothing he wore underneath it all.

The priest had run towards Vahn, shrilling some nonsense.. perhaps an attempt to practice out his death throe.

It was so ugly.

So loud.

VNNNNNNNNNNN

The cry from the Priest to somehow echo out the approach of all incoming (apparently six?) bladed crosses. their approach cutting through the air, even as yellowed eyes from within the masks confines seemed to widen.

One moment, the masked figure was standing there--- and the next

TKSHH TKSSH KRSSHH

crosses were dropping from the air, the faith placed into them as dead as the prayers of a sinner.

It didn't take much to exert tip control of the rapier to its utmost, as the Fang rotated around through the use of the elbow, the weakest portion of the blade knocking aside each 'sai'esque blade of the crosses-- essentially mass parrying them from the air as the masked figure's blade pushed against each incoming blade gently.

Even the whirring saw-like crosses met this same fate-- momentum being redirected as they were sent off to the sides and away from the masked man's presence.

Throughout the motions of his left arm, he had never budged an inch from his spot-- and as the masked figure continually kept the Fang moving, if the priest had continued to run forward, he would have run straight into the 'blender' that was the Fang's movements.

Of course, his opponent wouldn't be that suicidal, especially if he was indeed moving at 'half speed' in order to watch for things.

Yet-- all techniques were not infallible.

There were a few of those crosses that had actually punctured into the body, biting past cloak and leather and digging into actual flesh. One such cross stuck out the side of the figure's right shoulder, and another stuck right out of his right hand, the blade's tip actually having punctured all the way through the hand-- just barely a inch or so away from having struck his face.

"Oh...?" Clenching his right hand shut, he forced the blade up and out even as sent his right arm thrusting to the side, letting the cross go flying to the floor. "This means it's OK now right?

That it's ok to rip you to shreds.. and you won't complain, right?"

The Fawkes mask again tilted out to the side.

2

"Heh. Helluva showman."

--SHNK!

One of the deflected crosses burrowed into the wall no more than a few inches away from Athan's arm, causing his head to snap over and stare at the bladed object next to him.

"And still a son of a b***h."

He cursed beneath his breath, even as he took notice of the wounds Vahn had sustained from the thrown knife-crosses. The wounds weren't extremely serious save the one on the hand, and Vahn's reaction to that particular injury seemed to ease any feelings of doubt Athan might have had.

That wasn't to say that Athan wasn't still on edge. He had his own fight coming up against some guy named 'Ken'. Supposedly that was the eight foot monster not too far down the hallway. If the thing was as tough as it looked, Athan was going to have to set aside his distractions in order to wound the guy.

Seeing as how his opponent resumed moving forward--- the masked figure would take that as a simple yes.

Fingers spreading from his right hand, he let fly several droplets of blood, the wound on his hand bleeding from the puncture even as the ground around him became stained.

FSSSSSHHHH

Bits of arid smoke could be seen rising from where the blood stuck.

Honestly-- there was only so much room in the Manor's foyer, so if the priest had begun running from the main doors-- stopped then resumed running again, albeit this time erratically-- then it was safe to say that he was now within swording range.

The Fawkes mask would show nothing but that pale featureless grin, the yellowed eyes behind the mask narrowed as he moved to the right, the soles of his boots smoking against the ground as he literally slid his way to the side, moving around the Priest. "Teh."

Closer inspection would reveal that the bottoms of his boots apparently were a good inch from touching the actual floor. Since friction was completely negated, this form of movement was faster than actual running, falling into a type of dash.

Getting behind the priest, the mask user would step in, extending out the left arm at the same time as he lunged to send the tip of the Fang into his opponent's left side, aiming to pierce through the jacket as his cloak billowed out in all directions.

3

SKRRRSSSSSSH

"!"

He could feel the resistance a slight second before the actual sound of metal on metal became apparent. He didn't account for the priest actually have that degree of protection...or perhaps a curse.

Of course, since his Fang couldn't bite into the priest, there wouldn't be any point in trying to shove the action further in that it already was. Already in the motions of a retreat, the priest whirled and struck out, catching him fully in the mask.

There was a slight crack

KRIIK

as the mask fractured along the middle from the impact, going across the 'nose' of the mask and ending close to the chin. Since he had been in the middle of retreating, the elbow strike was lessened in force-- but that didn't stop it from stinging any less. "Interesting... but a bit boring if that's all you got."

Flinging his right arm out to the side once more-- he again decorated the floor with his blood.

He stood there, his cloak settling about his form, both arms lowered, staring towards the priest.

4

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

As Vahn would hop skip and step to were he would hold his stare down with DK He would turn his back on Ken.

That was a bad move.

Ken's left and right arms would both grab 3 foot hollow ceramic statutes of Vlad Trapear, or Vlad the Impaler as he was better known, the Dracula. Ken would then hurl both the statutes at the back of either of Vahn's knees. As he did he would lower himself into a three point stance.

As he would duck low his Tail would unleash the last surprise. As it snapped up the tail lossed the statute it held aiming it at Vahn's head.

Effectively the statutes flew in a triangle pattern, one to the lower left of Vahn at his left leg, another towards his right leg, then a third at Vahn's head.

"Hmm...?"

The cant of the masked head, as the sudden noise from behind him reached his ears. Unless the action of manhandling statues was silent-- but then again, it wouldn't be like there were klaxon's going off in the back of his head.

The statues were loosed, and they came hurling towards the masked figure-- who still had his back turned.

KKK--SHSSSSHH

The impact against both legs, caused his knees to buckle, eyes widening beneath the mask as the ceramics shattered into several pieces upon contact-- both with each other as well as with the masked figure. "Teh---!"

Since they were statues of a man, then it would be hard to have each statue individually strike a target, since the masked figure stood straight, and wasn't in a horse stance or something.

The last statue would be just a tad bit late behind the first two-- but it would impact against the masked figure's upper back, shattering over the top of his head, pieces dropping all over the place, even as the masked man dropped to the floor.

"Tch..." There was some bit of time, before a grunt was issued, and the figure pulled himself up out of the pile of pieces and dust. The blunt force was the worst, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been against his legs since the statues had impacted against each other in the process.

The one against his back and head was the one being focused on however, even as blood was seen coming off the side of the back of his head.

"That's a waste of art... your as tasteless as you are boring."

It's a good thing the statues were hollowed out and ceramic. Cheap as hell.. but something he was surprised was in such a stately Manor.

Clenching his right hand, he let more droplets of blood scatter along the floor... it was almost ready.

5

((GTG for now sorry.))

Staying within a composed state , Darious would indeed be impress on the fact he wasn't unconscious yet he shrug that comment upon him. Surely in a battle it can be as physical as mental on the battlefield. The short time of resting was now finished , wishing to engage upon the upper section of the area.

Traveling upon the staircase with such quickness , he was eager on continuing this thrilling battle between them. As he stood on top of the staircase , he faced the right section of the the balcony area. Another factor which made him smile at the moment was his first satanist Sin was unleash so he would be deem with some supernatural abilities as well.

This is the first of the Satanism Release known as Levatura state that bestows Darious with the heighten Five classical senses of Sight , Hearing , Taste , Smell , and Touch.Overall this allows him to possess the characteristics of demonic races , being grace with their senses , thus helping him against supernatural foes , yet doesn't make him capable of defending every maneuver. Standing there he would wait for him to arrive there , wishing to test how they fair in a smaller perimeter.

: 40 total each weighing only 1 pound with 34 remaining:

Sakari Energy 78,000

• [ the 1st Sin is unleashed ] ~

5/17

Although the dark priest was acting gullible from his display of going up above , with the sadomasochistic thoughts that linger within his subconscious he wasn't going to disappoint anyone as he was right near the presense of Fracture. Was he insane ? Likely yet that was what made him a bizarre adversity on the battleground.

Hearing the comments from Vahn , he was smiling as he started to back away moving further away from the sight of his opponent. Backing away for particular reasons he thought for a moment before something suicidal was being plot upon the opponent he was looking forward to face.

Pinpointed at the balcony area he began to rush without any regret or fear , proving to everyone how destructive and hazardous a warrior of his stature could truly be like from such a maneuver tactically planned. As he was charging like literally on a track field , he started to leap from the ground as the height of the jump was frightening and amazing as he soar there with the intentions of striking him from above.

"OH MY GOD !" , someone yelled in a Joey Styles like tone as he flew off the balcony and into the path of the masked Vahn , risking his health as he attempted to tackle him from the air , as he yearn to crash into his enemy.

: 40 total each weighing only 1 pound with 34 remaining:

Sakari Energy 77,700

• [2 turns until 2nd Sin is unleashed ] ~

6/17

As Darious was flying directly upon the ground , because of the position he sensed things weren't going to be alright within this battle. Landing on his back he was certainly in a painful condition , likely fracturing the bones in his body as he was weaken at the moment. As the mask figured pressed his foot upon his back , feeling the boot press onto his jacket . Darious' senses even touch increased from the first sin active , allowing him to be more vigilant on the situation .

Because of the formation of his weaponry , he activated the vile blade of his satanic cross to be unleashed to pop outta his shirt and into an angle as if the attack happen correctly he would feel the blade pierce into his flesh. If successful by making him pause for a moment , he would roll away quickly within his condition , barely escaping as he stood up weakly not acknowledging his words and decided to continue onward even with his whole body bruise from the impact. Removing the satanic blade that linger in his jacket , he grasp it before tossing it with all 4 blades unleash for a quick toss onto the lower section of Vahn to gain his oxygen back , distancing 5 feet away from his foe.

" ******** you ! I won't be down that quickly." ,he said weakly.

: 40 total each weighing only 1 pound with 34 remaining :

Sakari Energy 77,400

• [1 turns until 2nd Sin is unleashed ] ~

7/17

Throwing away his life ? He truly didn't understand the morals he was taught and that warrior code he followed throughout his life. Barely standing his senses detected Vahn about to unleash the powerful blow that would likely end this matchup, yet for such a brutal fighter like himself he would pump the rest of that energy towards striking one more time against his opponent , as the second sin was active upon him.

Representing the second of the Satanism Release state known as Forza , during this form the muscle mass is greatly increased with heighten amount of nutrients within his body and the Sakari energy, resulting in exerting more sheer force within their attack that entersd directly into the status of a Bodybuilder's might , giving him the ability to fiercly give foes a beating. Strangely the sudden increase in strength help him much for a limited time like normal , taking the fearsome attack on the abdomen yet it encourage him through that great pain he suffer by grappling the leg that supported the strike with his automail arm and his right arm grasping the other leg to perform his running double leg takedown.

When moving to strike him to the solid ground , Darious was fading away knowing he would need to attempt an offense before going unconscious altogether.As he was running fiercly with a scary amount of adrenaline pumping him towards his limit while grappling onto his legs , when they were crashing down he decided to surprise him with a maneuver that was rather brutal.

Darious has a widen Scimitar blade that appears from the end of the arm to the wrist where its positioned for combat as his automail was quite mysterious in most terms , though from the angle from this charging he was striking the left kneecap of his opponent as he kept the formation of the takedown clear.

When they landed and if things were going his way , de-activating the blade on his automail arm when approaching a mount on his adversity. Now he started a 10 strike combo to the skull , beginning with the automail for the pattern of the strikes to the left and right , ending the final strike with the automail arm to the temple before his pupils shown he was no longer awake fully KO.

Sakari Energy 72,100

• [ 2nd Sin is unleashed ] ~

8/17

"Eyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauh."

The sound of the emerald-haired young woman and the polar bear at her side yawning in unison seemed to signal a different ending to the fight as the team captain apparently knocked himself out on his feet. She ran the fight over in her mind, thinking of how she'd handle things differently than Vahn.

Had this been a different tournament, she wondered if the captain would be dead by now, or at least breathing through a different hole than he was before. As it stood, though, "I've seen games of shuffleboard that were more exciting than that!"

As it stood, they were going to have to make up some points in their next two fights. If Team Nightmare's goal was to make fights un-exciting, they were doing a great job of it.

So then... who's next... she had to wonder if it was going to be Athan vs. Spider-Man Reject, or if someone else was going to step up so that she could finally get a real fight.

A white line appeared before the spectators watching, damn near Poley the polar bear and Fracture's teammates watching the fight. It was about, ten feet away to the right, before some video camera.

Smack.

Smack.

Cameraman Wrote:

"Something is wrong with the feed, some sort of white line..it's spreading across the image!" The camera man was rather frustrated, wanting to see what happened after the Berserker Rage took affect. Vahn being the champion two years in a row, taking quite a beating, this would be worth recording.

As the white line spread, it broke into an ovular shape of a white glow, and then a blurred image appeared in the center of the shape. It seemed an image of something in the air above Latent, near the Crimson Hawk, and a black blur was against the sides scape of the towering hotel. The black blur became clearer, and larger in the image.

Suddenly, something began stepping out of the oval, as it grew to the height of eight foot, with a six foot span.

A dressy black boot, with loose cloth coming around its ankles from velvet pants, began first followed by the rest. A man in a dark tuxedo, with a crimson interriored cape. Black hair fell loosely behind him, with a rather creepy looking hilt above his right shoulder, made of bone with a pommel of a shrunken skull with two violet gems where the eyes were suppose to be. The blade itself was in a strap that was between the collar and his cape, coming to somewhere outside his left leg with a slight curve.

A Japanese great sword, made of an ivory white, that had an aura of death about it.

"I heard one of my children was here..." Kiyoshi Luo spoke, glancing over his left shoulder at some of the creeped out spectators, "...has Korso been thrown around or bled yet?" He asked as a general question to the weak masses, a cruel smirk 'pon a copper toned youth of a face. Black hues within his eyes, spiraled with the same white glow of energy blurring the image behind him, sparkled and stared down some of the general people.

News Anchor. Wrote:

"No..." She spoke with a sarcastic tone, not impressed by this fancy dressed Gaian, more irritated by that tingling feeling up her spine that he gave. "... just the priest and last year's champion." She pointed towards the scene before them.

"Could you please step out of the way of the camera, and tune down whatever aura thing you got goin'." She asked, demanding, not threatened in the least.

Kiyoshi merely nodded, remembering the rules spectators were made to abide by, and wishing no trouble with the security. He willed control over the living blade in a short battle of wits, having fed it with the blood of his companion, a winged creature from a mixture of creations of old, that would be following out of the oval behind him.

The lord of nightmares, would step to the side, waiting for his queen, and ready to watch his fellow cultist step into the arena of battle. Should Korso win or lose, Kiyoshi Luo would be highly entertained.

Long as no explosions were thrown towards him, like the last time.

"Tch."

Athan was still standing there, his arms crossed in front of his chest. He couldn't help but take his eyes off Vahn through the course of the entire fight, something about watching the Murmillion do battle was putting him on edge, making him restless.

He wanted to hit something, and it was getting harder and harder to resist that urge.

"What's the matter?"

Arms uncrossed, Athan started to head down the staircase. It took all his will power to manage the feat by just taking one step at a time, exerting patience that just wasn't there. He never took his eyes off of Vahn, not even for the arrival of the guy with the huge Japanese sword.

"That girl over there got you achin' to prove yourself?"

A quick nod of his head towards the courtyard where Team Frozen Flame was performing. Not like Athan would have to elaborate too much on that.

"You thinking you might not be strong enough to save her when the time comes?"

Was it baiting? Probably. But for what end? Athan and Vahn were on the same team, so he couldn't have been trying to pick a fight right there when there was supposedly so much at stake.

"Or maybe you an' I aren't that different after all."

So the only other option was that Athan was trying to piss Vahn off for the sake of the next match. Get him to ignore what few wounds he had experienced and take out that burning sensation on whatever poor fool stepped up to the challenge.

"So...which is it. Are ya scared, or are you an animal?"

Without warning, lightning struck and in a flash there was a Time-Traveling Judge standing behind the naysayer in prime SUPLEX position.

"You can't do that, Snake! You'll cause a-"

The two flipped end-over-end suddenly and crashed through a table that had somehow been behind them the whole time despite no one having noticed.

"-TIME PARADOX!"

And in another sudden flash of light, the Time-Traveling Judge was gone; leaving only crushed chips and demolished finger sandwiches in his wake.

Now at the bottom of the stairs, Athan's short exchange with Vahn was cut off as the giant spoke. He turned slightly, just enough so that his left side and part of his torso was now turned towards the man-lizard. Athan turned his head to give a parting look towards Vahn before he responded to the challenge.

"Sorry, bud."

Head turned, Athan's left hand came up, fingers beckoning the enraged beast onward as his hand moved to grab the hilt of his greatsword.

"Alright big boy."

Athan grinned, revealing his pearly whites as his left hand dropped back to his side. He hardly looked as intimdating as his opponent, but there was something raw, something primal in his stance.

"Let's dance."

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

Fight music: The meaning of life-Disturbed

With another roar Ken would let the hammer fall so he was holding only the butt of it, furthering his reach to about 7 ft. He'd start in a controlled run, head straight for Athan, the hammer slightly behind him.

He would close the distance to about 7 ft, people all gasping for air as he did. As Ken would skid to a stop (after the skid the distance would be closed to 5 ft, but he's starting his swing at 7 feet.) His left hand would come up across his body carrying even more of his momentum, the head of the sledge was aimed at Athan's rip cage.

Ken's right arm and tail would float near by so he could defend if he need to, but chances are his intesaty would keep Athan of guard.

[1/17]

The fights were already underway, and the sound of cheering (and booing) had the grounds alive. Another spectator was taken from one fight and added to another one. He needed simply to check on things, make sure nothing was going crazy.

Well... a big kinda beast was there, fighting the biggest of Fracture. Looked like two people Lazenca would've liked to get rough with. One, in the tournament. The other, another time-- fighting Athan here meant he couldn't fight Vahn and that just wasn't gonna happen.

Kael was around, and if eye contact was made, he was given a nod. The same to Sakura, and Vahn if he wasn't picking pieces of cheap vase from his cloak.

themightyjello Wrote:

...leaving only crushed chips and demolished finger sandwiches in his wake.

OH HAY, FOOD. After a little om-nom-nom action, he slunk back to the place he was supposed to be.

"Keh!"

Right arm essentially trapped by both tail and clawed hand, Athan's dominant sword arm wasn't going to be of much use for the time being. Fortunately, with the positioning of his hands having the left lower on the hilt than the right, Athan was able to drop his left hand from the sword and push straight down, armored palm slamming against the scaled hide of Ken's clawed left hand and pushing it down away from his underarm. The effect was moreso misdirection than parry, as clawed fingers bit into his side and drew a pair of thin red lines along his torso.

Time to see how heavy this guy really is.

Athan followed that up by raising a booted right foot and stomping down on Ken's toes, counting on the sharp pain to at least buy him the time to turn his hips and move his left hand up to Ken's right arm. Athan pivoted on his left foot and ducked his torso forward, pulling on Ken's arm with the left while utilizing Ken's grip on his wrist to effectively throw Ken over his shoulder and to the ground in front of him.

The impact would almost assuredly shake the flooring the two stood on, perhaps even going so far as to crack the marble flooring from the force.

[2/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

The throw would work, and hurt. But Come on now Ken was a mob enforcer, and what kinda thug would he be if he couldn't take being thrown around.

As he would began to be rolled off Athan his tail would snap taught around the other man's shoulder. If ken was going down, so was this guy. Ken would use his 400 lbs of leverage to tug on his tail, hopefully bring Athan down with him, weather it was a good 6 ft away or not, if not the tail would hopefully knock Athan of balance, but stil clench his shoulder.

THUD!!

CRACK!!

Those were the sound as the 400 lbs of Ken smacked the marble floor, causing it to crack and chips to go left and right. The crack was from the marble and Ken's rib cage, great more broken ribs. Ken would take in a deep painful breath as he would pull himself up. His tail retracting behind him in fear of being cleaved.

[3/17]

Ken's eyes would dilate as he stepped back, the dilation from feeling the left side of his stomach being spliced entwine. Though the place that was cut only reached about were his belly button should be it, hurt like hell.

As he would crouch in pain slightly his hands would move to the side of him. As they did the first thing Ken would do is fling the statute on his right toward Athatn, Hoping it would take him full in the chest from his swing leaving him exposed.

His left hand felt across the suit of armor on his left, finding a hold of a sword, while not as long, or thick as Athan's it was a sword none the less. His left hand would yank it free, then turn it about, his other hand coming to rest right above his left on the two handed sword.

Sure Ken was bleeding, sure his ribs hurt like hell, but now he had a sword, and with it some hope of stopping the 6'5" man in front of him. Ken would stand at the ready, grip tight on the hilt as he would wait.

[4/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

Ken would see the blow coming, cause well how the hell could you not.

As the blow came in Ken would bring the sword at an odd angle, and even drop to a knee to better accept the blow, his left hand coming to rest against the flat of the blade to better block the sword. As the blow would land Ken would step to the side, turning his blade slightly so the other rested against the wider flat of the blade.

He would step to his left, closer to Athan. As he did his tail would come whipping at the other man's right ankle, trying to knock him off balance, allowing Ken to push Athan's sword away, and close on him once more before having to worry about the larger blade coming crushing down on him.

[5/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

Athan was correct.

Ken would close, bring his sword in a slash as he did, aiming to cut open Athan's back. Ken now had a huge opportunity to do his thing. He would slash with both hands from his right shoulder to his left hip, almost mimicking Athan's earlier strike.

But Ken would fallow through, slashing as he moved he would contune his movement, his slash setting Ken up to basically shoulder check Athan. Ken hoped his shoulder check would both keep Athan off guard, and basically put him into the wall.

[6/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

CRUCH

And with that almost every rib in Ken's body would be broken. The wall behind him starting to crack, but he absorbed most of the blow. Ken would fall to one knee, then his arms as he would try and catch his breath, each one burning. with pain.

He was down, but not out. As he slunk down his tail would jet up at increadble speeds. the Tail was going for Athan's throat. If Athan attempted to Hold Ken up the tail would simply go past Ken's shoulder, the tip aiming to wrap around the man's throat. If Athan let Ken drop, well only his right arm would defend, leaving the Tail a wide opening, and even if grabbed it was simply seeking a hold of something, anything on Athan.

[7/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

Well it wasn't as simple as that.

The ten foot tail wrapped around the arm. Constricting it, crushing down with the force able to lift 1000lbs. even as Ken was lifted into the air there would more then likely be the CRUNCH of armor under the tail's great pressure.

It seemed both combatants were not much longer for this fight. As Ken hit the ground with a weak thud on his back he would wince, as his vision would blur. the tail would contune it's crushing, still seaking a hold around Athan's throat.

[8/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

Ken's eyes were slowly closing. but just then SHINK!!!

Ken's eyes would pop open as the last 3 feet of his tail were sliced off. The pain re awaking the Beast with in him, letting him catch a second wind. As he did his tail would pull back as he would raise, quickly for a man of his size, and in as much pain as he should have been.

His eyes would turn on Athan, red with rage. His jaw would drop as an incredible roar would leave, not that it wasn't there, just that it was so high pitched in rage that it was above the hearing range of a human.

Ken wouldn't be able to do much, even with the second wind, after all his shoulders,ribs,collar bone were all but dust, it would be amazing he could even stand.

So he simply took a step forward and fell toward Athan, opened jawed, aiming to bite down on the man's shoulder. his arms coming forward at the elbows to grasp Athan to make sure he couldn't step away.

[9/17]

From the crashing of the walls to the loud roar of the the monstrous Ken, the event was showing spectacular entertainment to all to see. It was like they were all watching their favorite monster movies all over again, where two giants were fighting against one another to try to overcome their opponent in an epic brawl of pure strength and guts. This event was too much to pass up that on the sidelines, a Japanese film crew were sitting there, filming this action like it was a scene being scripted right before their eyes.

They weren't going to steal this footage and sell it for their own. It would be against the copyrights of Heaven or Hell to do that. But, this was no different from an artist watching animals behaviors to be able to further draw and represent them on their canvas. To this film crew, it was for study and reference purposes for their next big monster action movie. No way were they going to allow the US's Cloverfield to surpass their expertise in the monster field.

"This time for sure!" though Ichigo as he neared the spectators area of another match, believing this to be the one he was looking for. He had already ran into one of them before, only to find out that it had been the fight location for another team. But he couldn't be wrong this time, could he?

"Alright! LET'S GO, URA...mesh...i???"

And again, Ichigo had run into a completely different fight.

"God damnit!" he cursed, "How many matches are they holding in this place?"

Once again, his sudden entrance would draw unwelcome stares by a nearby group of spectators, this time with a few of them audibly telling him to "Shut the ******** up!"

"Yeesh, sorry!"

And again, Ichigo would be off.

Someone in a Blazestar suit scratched her head, thinking over the trick. "She only switched between tricky footing and normal... the chair went 180, not 360." Then she looked up to the chandelier. "Quad heelflip... but she only did one heelflip..."

The femme's companion, also a female, pushed against her. "Omigawd, shut up. It went around her foot, stupid! The board flipped like... 720, and she did the indy headshot kickflip!"

"But what about the tri--"

"Omigawd, shut up!"

[Yusuke Urameshi] Wrote:

Doing a few bends of his legs, he makes sure there's some looseness in them before he heads back out the way he came-

And right into Silver who came flying through the hole from the Courtyard with a jump kick.

"SEIYAH!"

Not quite that dramatic, but hopefully still unexpected.

7

"You're not..."

Athan's right foot slid backward, heel moving until it was solidly against the wall, even as his head shot backwards and slammed into what remained of the wall that Yusuke had just crashed through. In fact, Athan leaning so far backward resulted in what remained of the wall to crumble apart, leaving the crowd in the Foyer a good view of two fights. Silver charging into a shattered wall, and Athan hanging halfway out of it.

"...That..."

Athan's armored hand splayed out, palm now covering the majority of Ken's face as his right foot found purchase on the remains of the wall. The single eye that wasn't covered up by Ken's hand flared wide open, and Athan launched himself off of the wall, the single armored hand clamping its fingers around Ken's face.

"TOUGH!"

Flying forward, Athan pulled Ken's head toward him before pushing straight back in order to slam the back of Ken's skull against the marble flooring. Of course, unable to catch himself with his left arm was a bit of a pain, so almost all of Athan's weight would be coming down on top of Ken as a bonus.

On top of that, if Yusuke and Silver were anywhere near Ken's back, they'd probably be on the receiving end of an eight hundred pound dog pile.

[10/17]

Athan pulled his knees up once he was on top of Ken, not because he was planning on being rolled over, but because he was trying to apply as much pressure onto Ken's torso as possible before bringing the head up and slamming it back into the tile or whatever poor sap happened to be stuck beneath them.

So when the roll came, Athan really only had one course of action. Toes came up, feet pressed against the chest, and Athan released his grip on Ken's head to kick straight out with both legs, effectively launching Ken across the room far faster than Athan could ever hope to by throwing him.

Claws would rake along Athan's face and leave lasting impressions there while the claw that had dug into Athan's side would just be ripped out in perhaps the most gruesome manner possible, leaving a gaping hole where the hand had once been. As for Ken, he'd be sailing towards the same wall that had taken just about as much abuse as it could take. The integrity of the foyer's side was going to become a concern if this kept up much longer.

Athan was up slowly if only because he had to roll over to his good side in order to stand up. But if Ken was still standing, chances were Athan was going to be rushing in towards him.

[11/17]

Gross.

Athan's face was already covered in his own blood, seeing now was beyond a pain in the a**. The fact that blood was being thrown at him just made him hope that the crocodile didn't have AIDS. Adding to an already existing problem wasn't as big of a blow to Athan as Ken would have hoped.

Athan kept running forward, but just as he reached Ken his right hand dropped low.

A closed fist would slam into Ken's chest, forcing the monster up and back before Athan deposited him halfway through a stained glass window, with the torso bending back out into the courtyard and the legs staying inside the foyer. Raising his armored right hand, Athan would smash it down onto the ribcage again and again until Ken either stopped him or stopped moving.

[12/17]

Up Athan went, out the window, and into the courtyard. The elevated nature of the window was going to keep Athan from slamming into the ground until Ken released him to send him flying out into the other arena. Athan would roll forward regardless, taking the majority of the impact on his shoulders and landing on grass pretty much keeping his wounded bits from being even more wounded.

If Ken was going to straighten up on the other side of the window, he would have to turn around.

SURPRISE

As soon as Ken turned around he'd be witness to Athan charging him again, this time getting a running start at the windowsill, Athan planted his foot on the window, came crashing through the glass, and shoved a boot square into Ken's chest, more than likely causing the gator to fall back onto the floor again.

Ken hit the marble, and a lot of Athan's momentum would be transferred back into those ribs. Or what was left of them, anyway.

Athan kept moving forward just after impact, taking a good three or so steps to stop himself before turning around to look at his opponent.

[13/17]

Whoopsee-Daisy.

Athan went up, down, hit the ground hard, and slid on his bad arm halfway across the foyer before coming to a stop. He was up shortly, but seeing Ken just standing there didn't put him in any hurry. He worked his way around the foyer, keeping a decent distance from the croc before picking up his sword from a puddle of Ken's blood.

He hefted the weapon up onto his shoulder and looked at his opponent, just staring him down. Seemed he was going to let him get a good glimpse of that huge weapon, even if Athan was just going to be wielding it with one arm.

Then, methodically, Athan started heading towards Ken, tapping the heavy sword on his shoulder as though it were half its size.

[14/17]

That... was a bad decision.

The confusion below was only growing, people from another team fighting within the foyer, besides the destruction the clash of the titans was causing. One would have thought it might have disturbed someone, all that shaking and movement back and forth.

Fortunately, Kael was right up against a central pillar for support, and had one of the best view's in the house.

Maybe it was all you could do, and you've done well enough. But it shouldn't be hard to believe, that this great slab of steel...

The first fight hadn't garnered him much, but this one was paying off. Kael was curious about Rage's fighting, but he was more intensely interested in seeing just how his other two teammates would fight. Never blinking the whole of the fight, he was getting a good chance to see how Athan fared without his sword. It was how many of his matches went, forcing the collosal weapon away from him to try and garner a fighting chance.

But this time, Athan had been allowed to pick it back up.

...makes all the difference in the world.

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

Ken was on his last leg as well, so he would halt his charge, moving in a circle to focus on Athan.

He would move arm over arm, trying to realign his shoulders as he did, his yellow eyes watching and waiting as he moved. It came down to this huh? Who would attack first, and who would counter attack. Luckly Ken regained his balance on all fours, thanks to his tail, he also shrunk to about half of Athan's hight, giving him another advantage.

[16/17]

Athan's grip on his sword had shifted again. The weapon was now being held so that the point was behind him, and he took two long strides toward Ken. The right foot went first, then came the left. But something seemed off.

What was different was that the left foot actually cocked back in preparation for a kick to the head. A strong boot followed by what could only amount to an opening for Athan to finally finish the fight.

Athan's right hand moved straight up during that time period, the point of the weapon hanging a few feet over the ground. As soon as the kick connected, or didn't connect, Athan thrust that sword straight down towards the back of Ken's right shoulder. The point of the heavy weapon would effectively pin Ken in place just below the collarbone, leaving Athan to simply stand there, staring at the crocodile's back as he held the sword firmly in place.

[16/17]

I am Ripper, I am Slasher...

As soon as Athan moved so did Ken.

Ken would charge in, aiming to tackle Athan at the hip. The kick would land, but so would Ken before the sword would come down. As he would Ken's arms would come about Athan, once again aiming to dig into Athan.

[17/17]

The Judge stood motionless though. The judge wasn't here to interfere unless interference was needed, the judge was here to issue warnings and penalties.

"The time limit is up." The figure would proclaim, "All fighters will clear the area for the next battle or risk penalty."

Judges were a wily bunch. One hand on their cards, the other on the CRUSH YOU button.

Korso had remained rather quiet through out the two fights now however it was clearly his turn.He turned and moved to the fayors wall and slipped the long coat off as he folder it and layed it by the wall and out of the way.As he turned and made his way into the center of the room where the last two fights had taken place the Chimagin was focused.Metal tipped boots,black tight fitting pants,and a black leather vest like armor covered his torso.The mans arms were bare and as he stopped to wait for his opponet he began to unhook the knife like tip of the Daggertail the weapon had been rapped around the leather armored vest.He grasped the metal shaft that was above and below each jagged-bladed link and Un rapped once around his waist and then over his right shoulder.After repeating once more giving him ten feet roughly half the weapons full length.The seven feet extending from Korso left hand was still locked making it appear shorter then it was and more of a wicked sword instead of whip-like.Yet the three foot exending from the bottom of the same hand was unlocked and running behind the man and around the back of the waist.Now ready the chimagin stood stright facing the direction of Team Fracture.As he had moved into position he took notice to the presence of Luo but never look to the crowd nor to the other beings particapting in the tournament.

{I am currently at work so I will be off and on till 7pm.}

"....."

He watched with dulled emotion as the fight continued on. It really shouldn't have, by all rights. He had been truthful when he'd said for Athan to get rid of the eyesore that was his opponent.

He was still pretty much leaned up against the wall, staring down the staircase even as Sakura strikered with her folding chair-- of all things. Then the wall came tumbling down--- and of all things, another fighter came rolling in-- followed shortly by Silver.

The hell---?? He felt his lips stiffen up even as he stared at the spectacle--- before becoming absorbed with his own team's fight once more.

Frozen Flame was fighting practically right next door... this was...a bit awkward if anything. It only meant that she was not too far off.

He stared at his wrist, the FIGHTER counting down the seconds that remained in the match. You a*****e... playing around so much with that overgrown pet---WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

And with the final tick of a digit--- that empty circle flashing--- the clash of titans ends--!!

"Teh." Closing his eyes, he leaned back, lowering his head a bit. In the end, the man had actually managed to halt his opponent... if it had gone on just a bit more... he wondered.

Athan started making his way back up to his teammates, and Vahn just stood there, acting as if nothing had happened. "Pretty ugly, wasn't it?" Athan spoke, apparently oblivious to the state he was in, or just plain stubborn and not caring.

"The only ugly thing here..." Stepping forward, Vahn stood behind Athan, right fist clenched even as he pistoned the arm forward-- his cloak swirling up around from the excess heat as his hand stopped short of actually touching the bigger man. The knuckles snapped forward at that moment however, and the concussive force spiraled out from Vahn's right arm like a needle, effectively getting the swordsman in the spine. "...is you. Get the hell out of the way."

The blow would practically send Athan crashing to his knees, and then falling face forward as his nerves went out of whack. If he continued just ignoring his injuries and moving around like that-- they would get worse than they already were. At least like this, Athan could succumb to sleep and the medical staff could actually treat the big lug.

With that out of the way, he'd step over Athan and stand at the top of the staircase, staring down to the only remaining opposing team member.

"Hey Hey Hey--- you still awake?! Didn't fall asleep did you? Knock yourself out did you?! Spreading both arms out to the side, his Fang still held out in his left hand, his eyebrows furrowed as he grew more and more impatient.

"Looks like it's down to just you pal--- and I'm rarin' to go!"

Vahn was ready to face Korso, for the final round in this fight--- winner takes all apparently.

Korso turned his head to look up at Vahn.He just stared for a few moments before taking a step back with his right foot to bring him to face the staircase.His left arm moved and he rolled his wrist making the locked Daggertail to twirl till it stopped with Vahn standing at the end of the tip daring Vahn."Hollow words from a man who fights when there is no death."Perhaps Vahn wasn't clever enough to understand but Korso believed he was at least bright.However eve if he wasn't the fact that ending a foe was not allowed made any fight meaningless.Yet he the chimagin stands in a very fight he believed pointless for nothing more then knowledge.He was just annoyed by the sound of Vahn's voice but at least that he could fix."Or at least boast about one."

Flutter stepped off of what had become a 'magic' school bus for her. The damned bus never dropped her off where she lived. She was beginning to think that there was something seriously wrong with that driver.

He looked too clean, and plastic.

Like a doll or puppet.

Flutter saw the media crowded around the entrance into the Mansion. She wore a Spectator badge on her arm, so she didn't merit a second glance from them. She slipped inside as Athan was being gathered up by the medics.

He looked beaten up. Which frightened her because he was such a big man, she didn't think that there was anything that could beat him up. She wanted to believe that, after all the other illusions of safety and security in her life had been shattered he had become a constant that she felt that she could count on.

She managed to weave in and around the medics, slipping her hand into Athan's. She leaned in to whisper into his ear.

"I believe in you Athan."

She let herself fall back from the medics crowding in around him. She adjusted the strap on her shoulder of a massive purse/bag. She was here to watch, and hoped that she hadn't crossed any lines by doing what she had done. One look around told her that unless she was fighting or bleeding, she wasn't an immediate focus or concern for anyone.

She stayed close to Athan. Maybe he would need something that she could get for him. Maybe.

Yellowed eyes widened in what at first could be mistaken for surprise....but the truth was it was exhilaration. It had been a long time since he had went up against Theobold and his whip--- and he was even reminded of Walter and the flame coil...

Either way, it was nice to go up against the odd weapon every now and then.

Pushing forward as well-- by the time his opponent's daggertail was already in range--- Vahn would be slightly airborne, having hopped forward. The arch of the chain would slice across it's intended target-- before clashing against the metal that made up his greaves.

Unless each individual link in the daggertail had an edge that could cut through flesh and bone in one fell swoop--- then the slashing damage would be far too shallow to get right at his bones. "Ah--hh!"

He wasn't wearing chainmail pants or had the scales of a dragon sewn into the fabric of his trousers--- so it was safe to say that the cut went through clothing and bit into his skin. The blood spray that followed would confirm it-- splotches coating the parts of the daggertail that had attacked Vahn.

However--- that wasn't the only thing happening. Coming down as he'd been hit, the Fang would be thrusted downward-- the blade's tip stabbing into the marble floor, passing through one of the links in the daggertail as its arch had gone by.

This was essentially an attempt to pin the chains to the floor, even as Vahn ended up atop his own sword, both feet spread out on each quillion for support, staring his opponent down, as both hands gripped onto the pommel of the flammard. "Heh. Interesting weapon."

He tilted his head to the side, yellowed eyes lax. "You smell like someone I once met...long time ago..."

2

The chimagin watched as the blood run loose and as he pulled his left arm back he was abit suprised at Vahn's counter.He'd never experinced but he know it was always a possiblity so hehad a few options.Without taking more then a few moments to make eye contact as he was addressed then a small grin formed."Don't we all?"Vahn wasn't familer to him from his memory but he didn't think more about it.As he finished his reply he lifted off with his left foot in front then the right not close the distance he moved to the right to get out of the direct path of the Sword.

Even if Vahn would be quick enough to draw his blade from the ground the remaining lenth of rought two feet from tip to his blade had kept whiping till looped back.Because most of the weapon was pinned the the rest keep going but it became more of a teatherball as it wrapped or coiled around the blade of Vahn's sword.It wan't a controled coil so it wasn't tight but due to the many jagged-blades twisted around the Sword it'd hold long enough.By the time Vahn would see this coming and as Korso assumed either release the Daggertail or release his sword.

Once Korso was three feet to Vahn's left he bolted towards vahn and once within at least three feet his right knee shot up and as it reached a few inches above the Chimgain's waist his left knee follow and once it reached the same height with his right already descending back to the ground Korso's left foot snapped up preforming a decent jump front snap kick.Which should be level with Vahn's torso around the gut.It took less a minute to move into position because Vahn was moving and he had become close within five feet there wasn't much ground to cover.

Vahn might be wounded it wouldn't take much to pull the blade out of the ground and surely he realized the roughly two to three foot twisted around the blad of Vahn's sword.Easily left this open to go the way Korso had assumed or no doubt some other option the Chimagin never had he time to consider without lossing the offensive.

-2-

The Chimagin felt some satisfaction from landing his snap kick but after witnessing Vahn's fall back he turned his attension to his Daggertail.He would have prefered to unwrap the weapon and free it from the Sword but the reality is its damaged and the last few feet wouldn't be as effective.

Once he turned his attension back to Vahn he aslso took note how quickly he's foe recovered and with a suprising speed with the leg wounds.Korso thought his choice in action was somewhat pointless.Without finishing his thought he acted again and peveted to his right to un wrap another foot from his waist.Yet as he did he took hold inbetween the blades and as his arms flexed calling upon the Chimagin's at least twice that of some of the strongest humans.Korso let out a roar as he pull at the Daggertail from the angle he was at the link pinned by the blade fell under more stess.Within moments of Vahn reaching his sword.The link cracked and then the link gave up due to the damage Vahn had the Daggertail yanked free but as it few back several links became unhooked and flew free somewere behind Korso with enough force to enter the wall or anyone behind him.

As the weapon whipped back Korso reversed his pevet again however this time to the right.As he turned his body the remaining links fall back into position and perhaps somewere around five to six feet now it was still formitable.Using his left arm to move behind his back grasping the links behind him and his right leading the next arch which was more curved then the first strike in a attempted to slash at Vahn as he reached or retrieved his sword from the floor.However due to Vahn's speed and the time it took to snap the Daggertail which was not a easy task without Vahn's Blade clearly passed through a link unsettlingly easy.The chances of hitting Vahn were very slim and was more of a mock defense to discourage Vahn from switching to the offensive.

-3-

The slash on his knee would give out more blood as pressure was applied and he forced the leg to move in time with his thoughts--- not wanting to be held back by such a shallow wound in the first place. Korso freed the remnants of his daggertail, just as Vahn's left hand grabbed onto the Fang's handle.

KK-CHIIING

"Teh---! Come on then!" Growling, he barely managed to raise his Fang up in time to fend off the incoming strike--- the more angled chain arc sparking off the flat of the flammard, even as Vahn was forced to lean back a bit.

He had to interrupt the flow of momentum, if he couldn't prevent total movement to begin with.

And to do that required the one thing Vahn was known for; continuous motion.

Now with his Fang once more, Vahn would step-slide forward, the heat from the soles of his greaves negating friction and giving him a faster rate of travel--- similar to what he had displayed against Korso' Captain in the first round.

SSSSSSSSSHHH

Vahn would strafe his opponent to the right--- before sending out a chopping horizontal swipe with the flat side of his flammard (the length of which would probably catch Korso in the middle of the blade-- close to where the strong edge of the sword was; hilt wise), in order to send the man flying and cause bludgeoning damage.

4

"KRRRUYIIIIAAAH!!" His voice cried out even as he was seen pushing forward-- the sliding turning into actual running at some point.

The 'Sliding' was good every now and then--- but repeated use would reveal it's fatal flaw. It was a double edged sword-- since it was able to bypass friction, a speed increase was granted. Yet-- because there was no friction, stopping on a dime or making accurate turns let along actions while moving, was next to impossible.

All someone had to do was practically sidestep at the right time, and Vahn would end up going past them or something, with no real way of 'braking'.

Hence, the footfalls that would be closing in on Korso, after the horizontal bash.

The Fang still held in his left hand, his right arm stayed a bit in front of him, same level as his face so he could at least put up some form of defense there. He would come within 'swording' distance of Korso-- taking to manuever as needed between the alternating swings of his daggertail.

His objective was to completely destroy all long range capabilities of his opponent, and therefore lure Korso onto Vahn's fighting terms. So far, it was working.

He swung first with a low horizontal sweep-- left to right -- before turning his wrist and using the ensuing momentum to cleave diagonally --- right to left -- at Korso and then ending the chain with a mid-torso horizontal slash--- left back to right.

If Korso used his daggertail for up close impromptu defense again, he'd probably be able to stave off actually getting cut up by Vahn's blade, receiving only blunt damage while the chains would take the worst of it for their master most likely.

The blade of his Fang would now be giving off noticeable waves of heat with each swing, the haze of temperature disturbing the air to make it ripple slightly. The blood previously seen on Korso's daggertail would also begin to smoke, as well as the blood that flowed from the slash on Vahn's knee.

"More! More! MORE MORE MORE!!! COME ON!"

5