RPG World Tournament Chapter 4: Robots in the Skies
Cosmetor: Thanks for all the positive feedback. I still don't own any of these characters. This time it's Team Xeno against the Blue Rogues. But Mallow thinks Vyse is up to something and wants to find out what it is.
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Fei was in the hotel's lounge, painting a picture of a tree. Fina noticed him and sat down next to him. Fina: Hello.
Fei didn't take his eyes off the painting or lose his calm expression.
Fei: Hello, Fina.
Fina: Um... Fei, why did you come here? You don't seem like a fighter.
Fei: I'm not. It's just that, if the Master Hand's Ultimate Item is so powerful, someone here probably wants it to take over the world or something like that. I'm after the Ultimate Item so no one can do that.
Fina: That's very noble of you.
Fei: How about you, Fina?
Fina: My friends and I collect treasures.
Fei: A lot of people here do.
Fina: Like who?
Fei: Mag, for one. He says the Ultimate Item would be a "great treasure to add to his collection".
Fina: Mag seems like my friend Vyse in a lot of ways.
Fei: I noticed. ...If you did get the Item, what would you do with it?
Fina: I hadn't really thought about it.
Fei: So you're more interested in GETTING it than HAVING it, right?
Fina: That's a good way of putting it.
Fei: Who's that cloud-man? Another friend of yours?
Fei used his finger to indicate a person behind Fina. Fina looked over her shoulder and saw Mallow staring at her with curiosity and a hint of anger.
Mallow: I just know one of them is up to something.
Geno: If anyone's up to something, it's Ari.
Mario: I heard Mag talking about getting the Ultmate Item for some secret society or something similar.
Mallow: Bit I saw the shadow go into the Blue Rogues' room!
Geno: Whoever it is must have the technical skill to sabotage my Star Guns.
Mario: Well, I've never seen Ari even look at something mechanical, so that rules him out.
Mallow: The Blue Rogues have an airship, so they must know something about machines.
Mario: Mag had hat big robot hand on his back. It could be him or one of his friends.
Geno: Yes, Mag is the most likely suspect.
Mallow: I still think it was one of Vyse's buddies.
Mario: This is too much thinking. I'm lying down.
Mario rubbed his forehead, sighed, and leaned back in his chair.
Mario: Well, there's your mysterious shadow.
Geno and Mallow looked at Mario quizically. Mario pointed at the ceiling. Geno and Mallow looked up to see Mario pointing at the same creature Mallow had encountered many times before, staring down at them with white pupilless eyes. Before they could get a good look, however, the creature faded into the ceiling.
Mallow: I missed him again!
Geno: Don't worry. There's always a next time.
Mallow: Then I'll get him then! I'll find out who that shadow is if it's the last thing I do!
Mario rolled his eyes.
Mario: We know, Mallow.
Geno: Standing around talking won't help things.
Mallow: You're right. We should talk to people.
Mario: Okay gang, let's split up and look for clues!
Geno: I think "listen" would be a better term.
Mario: Me too, but I always wanted to say that.
After a few minutes of talking, Geno was having absolutely no luck. He approached a man wearing red and blue armor with KM stamped on the front.
Geno: You're Kombat Machine, right?
Kombat Machine: Yep. Geno? I saw your match.
Geno: I'm looking for a strange creature. It looks like a humanoid shadow with white eyes and it can melt into walls. Have you seen something like that?
Kombat: Sorry, but no. The closest thing I've seen was an old man who could turn into a lizard.
Geno: Sorry for bothering you, then.
Kombat: No problem. Hey, would you be interested in joining the Legion of Warriors?
Geno: No thanks. Being a Star Road guardian is a full-time job.
Kombat: Okay then.
Mallow was having even worse luck with most of the people he met.
Ari: No, I don't know anything about evil shadows. I'm sure there are no evil shadows in the hotel. Don't worry about evil shadows at all. Animated shadows don't exist, especially not evil ones.
Zhuzhen: Sounds like a fascinating creature! Unfortunately, I know nothing about it.
Kite: That's a strange event. I'll look into it.
Crono: Those things aren't supposed to show up for another 1300 years!
Mint: Who cares? Certainly not me, if it doesn't get in my way.
Squall: Whatever.
Chocobo: Wark?
Alucard: Such things are of no concern to you.
Mallow eventually gives up and meets back up with Geno and Mario.
Geno: I didn't find out anything. How about you guys?
Mallow: No luck. Mario?
Mario: Some kid named Sora seemed to know something, but he wouldn't give me any details. Sonething about not "meddling".
Geno: In any case, the fight is about to start.
Mallow: Good, I don't want to miss it! I know that the Blue Rogues will pull something!
The stadium wasn't quite as full as it was before, but there were still a lot of spectators. The two teams entered the ring and faced each other.
Master Hand: And here's the second match of the first round of the first tournament! Team Xeno versus the Blue Rogues! They've agreed on special conditions to the fight, but you'll have to wait till the end to find out what they are. Now let's see the fighters! First, Team Xeno.
A dark-skinned man with a brown ponytail wearing a blue-trimmed white short-sleeved shirt, red wristbands, and black pants was shown on the display screen.
Master Hand: This is Fei, a humble painter from the village of Lahan. Despite his unassuming appearance, he is a very strong fighter and has many different chi powers! He has contacted a strange entity called the "Wave Existance" during his adventuring career. What is it? What can it do? Will it do anything? Probably not, but it's still strange!
The display shows an orange-haired, blue-eyed woman wearing a black and white mini-dress with a complex design and black stockings.
Master Hand: Elhaym Van Houten -Elly for short- was a spy working for the nation of Solaris. She first met Fei in a dangerous forest on the opposite side of the battlefield, but ended up joining him and helping him out of the forest. She wields a magic rod and elemental spells in combat.
A man with a short black ponytail is shown on the display wearing glasses, a green shirt and green pants.
Master Hand: Ah, Citan Uzuki. Born Hyuga Ricdeau of Solaris, he retired to a mountain near Lahan to get some peace and quiet and work as a doctor. This didn't last too long, however, as he gotcaught up in Fei's adventures when Fei went to get some medicine from him. His weapon of choice is the sword, and he keeps the team in good health with arcane healing techniques.
Master Hand: And fighting these three fighters will be the Blue Rogues.
The display showed a man with short black hair wearing black pants, light brown boots, a blue jacket and a glass eyepatch over his perfectly normal left eye.
Master Hand: Vyse is the son of the world famous Blue Rogue Captain Dyne. He sails a flying ship through the skies of Arcadia, a world of floating islands with six moons, fighting with twin cutlasses made of moonstone which can draw on the moons' power. He also uses many offensive and defensive sword attacks, and magic based on the Arcadian moons.
Next was a girl with long red pigtails, a very short yellow dress, black shorts, and blue goggles on her forehead.
Master Hand: Aika was orphaned as a young child and grew up in Dyne's crew along with Vyse. As I'm sure one of you is already aware, her weapon of choice is a moonstone boomerang; she is also good at Arcadian moon magic and some very potent fire attacks!
The last person shown was a girl with short blond hair, an ankle length white dress, white stockings, white handless gloves, and a transparent white veil on the back of her head.
Master Hand: Finally, we have Fina, one of the last remaining people of the Silver Moon. She was on a mission to collect six Moon Crystals, powerful moonstones that control incredibly destructive monsters called Gigas. She isn't much for physical fighting, leaving that for her shapeshifting creature Cupil. However, she is a master of Arcadian moon magic and can wield the energy of the Silver Moon to heal her allies and destroy her enemies.
A whirlwind of light engulfed the competitors. When it settled, the battle ring was completely gone. It had been replaced by a strange holographic bubble showing the competitors standing on a large metal flying ship.
Master Hand: This battle will take place on the Delphinus. Falling below the sheet of clouds below the ship is an automatic loss.
Round 1
Match 2
Team Xeno(Fei, Elly Citan from Xenogears)
VERSUS
Blue Rogues(Vyse, Aika, Fina from Skies of Arcadia)
3!
2!
1!
FIGHT!
Fei: Let's get started. I want to finish as quickly as possible.
Vyse: Sorry, but speed isn't high on our list of priorities.
A field of darkness pierced by several small light columns surrounded Vyse and his friends.
Vyse: Pirates of old...
A ghostly legless skeleton dressed in pirate clothes and wielding a cutlass materialized above Vyse.
Vyse: Defend our cause!
The ghost pirate split into three identical pirates. Each one hovered directly above and slightly behind one of the Blue Rogues.
Aika: And that's not all!
The darkness field disappeared, but the ghost pirates remained. Aika then cupped her hands, forming a ball of light between them.
Aika: Haaaaa...
Aika held the ball of light over her head.
Aika:: Delta Shield!
Vyse, Aika and Fina were each encased in a light blue energy globe.
Fina: Now nothing you do will hurt us!
Fei: We'll see about that.
Fei held out his hand and released a small reddish energy ball which flew directly at Vyse. Much to Fei's dismay, however, it dissipated harmlessly when it hit Vyse's protective bubble.
Fei: So magic doesn't work, huh?
Citan: Then maybe this will!
Citan charged at Fina and raised his sword above his head. Fina didn't seem at all scared. When Citan got close enough, he swung his sword downward. This proved futile as well, as the ghost hovering above Fina blocked his slash with its huge cutlass and retaliated with its own sword slash that sent Citan flying back to Fei and Elly.
Vyse: Nice try, but my Skull Shield blocks normal attacks.
Aika: And my Delta Shield blocks magic attacks!
Fina: So nothing you do will hurt us!
The audience was surprised by this turn of events.
Cecil: I hope we don't have to fight him in the next round!
Yuri: That's assuming you make it through this one, of course.
Alice: He does have a point, though. The Blue Rogues seem invincible.
Malapa: Yes, they appear to be invincible. But appearances can be decieving. There's one way to beat them.
Cecil: How could anyone beat them? They're immune to normal AND magical attacks!
Malapa: There is another option. Of course, none of you can do it, so I'm not surprised you didn't think of it. I just hope tha Fei and his friends realize it before the Blue Rogues destroy them. Speaking of which...
Vyse: You can't hurt us, but we can still hurt you!
Fina: Moons! Petrify my enemy!
Fina held out her right arm. The silver bracelet on it transformed into a strange silver creature. It looked like an orb with a face, two fins and a tail. It began to glow with silver light. A symbol made of three crescents formed around Fei, transforming him into a stone statue. Citan and Elly jumped back in surprise.
Citan: Ack! Ryokusho!
Citan produced an aura of yellow light which entered Fei. This restored Fei to his normal, non-petrified state.
Fei: Thanks for restoring me.
Elly: But what good is it? There's no way to attack them.
Fei: Not to worry. I have a plan. Citan, you stay back and heal my injuries. Elly, just keep yourself safe. I'm going to do some fast, weak attacks.
Citan: Hey, I bet I know what you're planning! Good thinking, Fei.
Vyse: So you think you can break through our barrier?
Fina: You won't get a chance!
Fina thrust her hand forward and expelled a huge lightning ray. Elly and Citan jumped away, but Fei was caught in the center of the blast. He had minor injuries when the beam vanished.
Fei: Thanks for giving me a target.
A light from the sky shined down on Fei, healing his wounds. Fei then dashed at Fina and executed a light punch. Fina's ghostly protector blocked it with its giant sword and then slashed vertically at Fei. Fei rolled out of the way and launched a backhand strike at Fina. This, too, was blocked by the pirate ghost, which tried to cut Fei in half horizontally. He quickly jumped onto the ghost's enormous cutlass, then executed an elbow drop aimed at Fina. This time, the ghost simply swatted him away with the sharp side of its sword.
Citan: Sazanami!
Bright yellow lights came from Citan's hand and healed Fei's cut.
Vyse: Nice try, but my ghosts aren't easy to confuse!
Fei: That wasn't my plan, which, by the way, is working perfectly.
Vyse: How about you show us this plan of yours?
Fei: Alright then, I will.
Fei ran toward Vyse and executed a jumping kick. The kick was blocked by Vyse's ghost. Before the ghost could counter, Fei jumped off its sword and did a similar flying kick at Aika with similar results.
Fei: Ha!
Fei backflipped back to his teammates and dramatically posed while standing on their heads.
Malapa: It seems he's found the flaw in their defense.
Fei: You see, I've found the flaw in your defense. Your DeltWHOA!
Fei's companions had collapsed under his weight. They all quickly stood up. Fei continued, slightly embarassed.
Fei: Anyway, Your Delta Shield blocks magic attacks, and Vyse's Skull Shield blocks normal attacks, but there's one thing neither can block. Combo attacks like this! Chikei!
Fei charged up energy and punched the ground, sending a stream of earth spikes at Aika; the attack struck her directly with full force. Fei then flipped into the air.
Fei: Fukei!
Fei launched 13 energy bolts at Aika. Fei finished off with a stronger energy bolt.
Fei: Kakei!
Fei emitted a red energy aura and crashed into Aika like a meteor, releasing powerful fire shockwaves.
Fei: And finally, Suikei!
Fei punched Aika, forming an ice coating around her. He punched her three more times, each time thickening the ice coating, and finished with a fifth punch that shattered it. Aika was thoroughly incapacitated by this series of attacks.
Vyse: Damn! I was hoping you wouldn't spot that!
Fei: I did, and now you can't defend against magic.
Elly: Spell Combo 5?
Citan: Good idea. Suiseii!
Blue lighs danced around Vyse and formed a blue circle.
Elly: Aqua Ice!
A large icicle burst from the ground beneath Vyse. He was significantly damaged, but not greatly.
Vyse: So you can get past our defenses, big deal. We have plenty of other moves.
Fina: Besides, there's no point in attacking us if we don't stay injured. Moons, purify our souls!
The silver moon rose behind Fina. It emitted a powerful aura. A huge field of white flowers bloomed all over the ship, and Aika and Vyse were restored to full health, with no traces of being harmed.
Vyse: Time to go on the offensive!
The three ghost pirates dissipated as Vyse leapt toward Citan. He slashed him four times at incredible speed before leaping into the air and swinging both his cutlasses downward, creating a small explosion when he hit the ground. Vyse leapt back to his group.
Aika: Get ready! Alpha Storm!
Aika held out her boomerang and spun it around at high speeds like a fan blade. This created a flaming wind which blew against Fei, Elly and Citan.
Vyse: You three give up yet?
Citan:(weakly) Dont count us out yet.
Aika: Yeah, right.
Aika spun her boomerang around her. It split into four crescents pointing away from her.
Aika: Lambda Burst!
Aika swung her hands to the ground. The four crescents sank into it, creating a grid of flames that covered the ship. Citan was knocked out, but Fei and Elly were still standing.
Fei: Urgh...
A white light shined down on Fei.
Vyse: You're not getting a chance!
Vyse leapt into the air, surrounded by lightning. He swung his swords, creating a rain of yellow energy balls which easily killed both Fei and Elly.
Master Hand: And it looks like we have a winner! But don't think the battle's over yet, not by a long shot!
Master Hand snapped his fingers. All six competitors were healed back to full health.
Master Hand: Now, do you remember thise special conditions I mentioned? Well, here they come!
Three indistinct shapes appeared far away from the Delphinus. The members of Team Xeno smiled and leapt toward them.
Master Hand: Team Xeno are going to board their Gears and fight the Blue Rogues in the Delphinus. But you don't know much about them, do you? I'll fix that!
The screen displayed a giant humanoid machine which was blue and white and had white metal things sticking out of its back that looked like wings.
Master Hand: This is Fei's gear, the amazing Xenogears. Its power is unparalelled by any other machine known to man. Of course, that's the people of Fei's world.
Next was a sleek, hite, feminine humanoid with what looked like folded airplane wings attached to its head.
Master Hand: Elly's gear is the mighty Vierge, equipped with small beam-shooting satellites called Aerods.
The display showed a military-esque green gear.
Master Hand: Guess who this gear belongs to. That's right, it's Citan's Fenrir! Apart from its above average power, there's not much to say about this gear, or any of them, for that matter.
The screen showed the ship the competitors were fighting on just moments before. It looked like a luxury ship. It had four double-barreled turrets and several cannons on the sides. A large cannon was at the front. The ship looked remarkably like a dolphin.
Master Hand: The Delphinus is the private ship of Enrique, the crown prince of Valua. It is equipped with many moonstone-based weapons, including the Moonstone Cannon on the front. It also has a magical cannon which can charge cannonballs with Arcadian magic spells. Team Xeno's going to have a tough time turning this fight around! Which starts now, by the way.
The three Gears arrived near the ship at that moment.
Vyse: We beat you once, we can beat you again!
Malapa: Don't bet on it.
Fei: I'll make sure you don't.
Xenogears held out his right hand and shot a small energy beam at Delphinus. It left a minor scorch mark on the spot where it hit.
Vyse: I know what you're planning and I won't let you do it! Tactic 1!
Two flaps opened up on top of the Delphinus, exposing holes which shot out torpedoes. The torpedoes flew into the sky.
Fina: I'm ready for phase 2!
The Delphinus' side guns started firing rapidly at Xenogears, which flew around, dodging many of the shots.
Vyse: And here's my contribution!
The side guns still firing, the Delphinus' top cannons turned and fired at Xenogears. At the same time, the torpedoes that were launched earlier hit Xenogears dead on. This caused about as much damage as Fei's energy beam did to the Delphinus.
Yuri: This is going to be a pretty boring fight if neither of them can hurt the other.
Malapa: Actually, you're only half right.
Yuri: Huh? What do you mean?
Malapa: Xenogears' last attack was also its weakest. It's better than the Delphinus in almost every way -strength, speed, defense, magic- it's only disadvantage is healing. Gears are hard to heal. But, that won't matter very much if Vyse can't even hurt him.
Vyse: What!? He was barely hurt at all!
Fei: I'll happily accept your surrender. I don't want to fight longer than I have to.
Vyse: Not a chance!
Citan: Then so be it!
Fenrir floated closer to the ship and swung his sword horizintally, leaving a shallow cut. Elly flew in and attacked the same spot, leaving a smaller dent.
Vyse: I know what you're planning, and it won't work! Plan B!
A blue glow surrounded the ship. It suddenly began to fly much faster, easily gaining distance on Team Xeno. After gaining considerable range, it turned around and pointed straight at them.
Vyse: This is my favorite part!
The cannon on the front of the Delphinus extended itself. Then a smaller portion extended from the tip. The cannon was surrounded by an energy field.
Vyse: Moonstone cannon, fire!
A huge beam of energy launched from the cannon. It hit Xenogears directly, completely surrounding him as it passed. The beam lasted for several seconds. When it faded, Xenogears was significantly but not severely damaged.
Aika: Ha! Take that!
Fei: I just did.
Vyse: Act tough all you want! We can still beat you!
The Delphinus was surrounded by a red glow similar to the blue one.
Fei: Hiding behind shields again, I see.
Vyse: Hey, if you've got it, use it.
Fei: I agree. But it still won't save you.
Xenogears appeared to be concentrating. It thrust its hands out at the Delphinus. A massive beam of light came down from the sky and struck the Delphinus. When it cleared, the Delphinus was almost totally destroyed. There was a bright flash of light, and all four machines were completely restored.
Master Hand: And Team Xeno wins the second part of the fight! Now the score is tied, one to one! How will they finish the match now? ...I've made a decision! There will be a series of one-on-one matches between the two teams: Fei versus Vyse, Elly versus Aika, andCitan versus Fina. The fights ill take place on the Delphinus; other people may not intervene. Now, let's do Citan versus Fina!
Vyse and Aika went into the ship. Citan jumped out ofhis Gear, Fenrir, and landed on the far end of the ship.
Master Hand: 3, 2, 1, begin!
Fina: Um... I don't think I can win. I give up.
Master Hand: Righ, uh, Citan is the winner, I guess. Part 4 is Elly versus Aika.
Citan jumped back to his gear and Elly jumped out of hers. Aika traded places with Fina.
Aika: I'll make this fight just as short!
Aika raised her hands above her head. When she did this, a purple aura engulfed Elly.
Elly: ...!
Aika: Let's see you try your hocus-pocus now!
Elly ran at Aika and started whacking her with her rod. Aika didn't seem to notice.
Aika: You think that little thing is going to save you? Ha!
Aika jumped over Elly's head. When she landed, she held her hands into the air.
Aika: Moons! Give me strength!
Several silver spikes appeared around Elly and impaled her. They disappeared, and she didn't seem to be physically damaged. She did, however, drop dead a moment later, so they must have done something. Back in the stadium, Master Hand snapped its fingers, and Elly was revived.
Master Hand: So Aika defeats Elly.Now the score's 2 to 2. It all comes down to this next match between Fei and Vyse!
Aika switched places with Vyse. Elly jumped back to her Gear while Fei jumped to where she was previously standing.
Fei: I'm glad this battle is ending.
Vyse: Let's finish this.
Master Hand: 10! 9! 8! FIGHT!
Fei: Don't get cocky. This won't be as easy as our first battle. Without Aika's help, you have no defense against my magic.
Vyse: Maybe so, but I never got to use my strongest moves because I was too busy maintaining the Skull Shield. Now I'll show you what I can really do!
Vyse did a series of motions with his swords.
Vyse: Moons, give me strength!
A red aura formed around Vyse and entered into him, increasing his strength and stamina. Vyse repeated the same motions and a blue whirlwind formed at his feet and then dissipated, increasing his speed. He repeated the motions again and shot a lightning beam at Fei, catching him off-guard because Fei was expecting Vyse to use another enhancement spell.
Fei: That was a good move.
Fei used the healing technique he used in the first fight. He then started running toward Vyse.
Vyse: Bring it on!
Vyse held up his cutlasses in a defensive position. Fei brought his right fist back, ready to strike. However, when he reached Vyse, he instead shot an energy blast from his left hand at point-blank range. This caused Vyse to drop his guard in surprise. Fei responded by focusing his energy in his right fist and punching Vyse in the stomach.
Fei: I know not to use normal attacks against you.
Vyse: But how good are you at dodging?
Vyse leaped into the air, surrounded by lightning that appeared around him. A vortex formed in the sky as Vyse reached it. Vyse began to hover in midair, swinging both his cutlasses downward in an X shape. This released a rain of yellow energy bolts. Fei tried to run out from under the blasts, but got struck by one at the edge of the formation.
Fei(thinking): That attack left him vulnerable. I should counter with a chi attack.
Fei focused and raised his arm, pointing it at Vyse. A black circle that resempled a portal to outer space appeared around Vyse, who was suspended in midair. The circle began to absorb energy from its surroundings. It expanded into a sphere that engulfed Vyse and exploded. Vyse then fell to the ground.
Fei: If you don't mind, I'd like to get this over with.
Vyse: Good, because in a few seconds it'll be all over for you. Behold!
Vyse wass surrounded by a massive amount of electric energy. He focused some of it toward Fei, then leapt forward.
Vyse: Pirate's Wrath!
Vyse passed Fei too quickly for anyone to see what he was doing. When he landed, Fei fell apart into four pieces. Master hand snapped, and the six fighters were transported back to the arena, fully healed, while the hologram disappeared.
Master Hand: That makes the Blue Rogues the winners of the match! That sure was epic, wasn't it, folks? And it was only the first round, too! Now I'll list the current standings.
Winners
Team Mario(Mario, Geno, Mallow from Super Mario RPG)
Blue Rogues(Vyse, Aika, Fina from Skies of Arcadia)
Losers
Team Alis(Alis, Odin, Lutz from Phantasy Star)
Team Xeno(Fei, Elly Citan from Xenogears)
Remaining Fighters
Team Launcher(Mag, Linear, Gre from Evolution)
Team Psi(Ness, Paula, Jeff from Earthbound)
Team Disney(Sora, Donald, Goofy from Kingdom Hearts)
Team Crono(Crono, Marle, Lucca from Crono Trigger)
Dragon Knights(Ryu, Nina, Cray from Breath of Fire 4)
The Exorcists(Yuri, Alice, Zhuzhen from Shadow Hearts)
Baron's Heroes(Cecil, Edge, Rosa from Final Fantasy 4)
Warriors of Twilight(Kite, BlackRose, Mistral from .Hack/INFECTION)
Yuna's Guardians(Tidus, Wakka, Yuna from Final Fantasy 10)
Radical Dreamers(Serge, Kid, Guile from Chrono Cross)
Team Junior(Kotemon, Renamon, Patamon from Digimon World 3)
Liberation Army(Tir, Cleo, Pahn from Suikoden)
The ARMs(Ashley, Lilka, Brad from Wild ARMs 2)
Team Lumina(Musashi from Brave Fencer Musashi and Rue, Mint from Threads of Fate)
Team Gobli(Gobli, Mark, Neko from RPG Maker)
Team Valkyrie(Lenneth, Arngrim, Jelanda from Valkyrie Profile)
Team Seru(Vahn, Noa, Gala from Legend of Legaia)
Team Atlamilla(Max, Monica, Steve from Dark Cloud 2)
Magic Knights(Hikaru, Umi, Fuu from Magic Knight Rayearth)
Team Chocobo(Chocobo, Mog, Shiroma from Chocobo's Dungeon 2)
Team Dragoon(Dart, Shana, Lavitz from Legend of Dragoon)
Team Avalanche(Cloud, Barrett, Tifa from Final Fantasy 7)
Team SeeD(Squall, Riona, Quistis from Final Fantasy 8)
Team Stan(Ari, Rosalyn, Kisling from Okage:Shadow King)
Team Arcana(Rooks, Sylph, Teefa from Arcana)
Team Djinn(Isaac, Garet, Mia from Golden Sun)
Legion of Warriors(Kombat Machine, Patriot, Pyro from Electronica)
Team Loners(Benjamin from Final Fantasy Mystic Ques, Alucard from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and Malapa from *classified*)
Master Hand: The next fight will be Team Lumina versus Team Dragoon. Thank you and goodnight.
All of the peoople cleared out of the arena. Several minutes later, in the hallway...
Mallow: See, I knew Vyse summoned the shadow!
Geno: Not really. First of all, you never said it was Vyse. You only said "the Blue Rogues". Second of all, the ghosts Vyse summoned looked nothing like the monster we're chasing.
Mario: Right, but if Vyse can summon ghost pirates, maybe he can summon shadows too.
Mallow: So what now? I say we go and confront him.
Mario: I like that idea.
Geno: Okay. It's the only lead we've got.
So they went off to find Vise. After several minutes of searching, they found him walking through a corridor alone, humming to himself. Geno decided to float over his head and landed in front of Vyse.
Geno: Hello, Vyse.
Vyse: Hi, Geno.
Geno: We've been tracking a being that looks like a living shadow. What do you know about it?
Vyse: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Geno: That's odd, because the first time we saw it, it disappeared into your team's room.
Vyse: Look, I have nothing to do with whatever it is! And who's "we"?
Geno: The rest of Team Mario, of course.
Vyse: Look, I don't have time for this. I need to go somewhere FAST!
Vyse tried to run away from Geno, but his path was blocked by Mario and Mallow.
Geno: There is a way to speed this up a bit. Mallow, try to read Vyse's mind.
Mallow held out his hands and concentrated. After a few seconds, he brought them down.
Mallow: There's nothing about the shadow creature.
Vyse: Okay, then I'm leaving!
Vyse jumped over Geno and ran off.
Mario: Well, now we don't have any clues.
Mallow: Actually, when I checked Vyse's mind, it seemed a lot emptier than it should be. I think something was blocking me.
Mario: So now we have another mystery to solve. Just great. What do we do now?
Geno: We wait. Another clue is bound to show up somewhere. Probably tomorrow.
Mario: I don't think there's any more to do today. All in favor of getting some rest, raise your hands.
Mallow: I would, but I'm too tired.
Mario: Then we rest.
They went back to Team Mario's living area, while Malapa looked on from the shadows.
Malapa(thinking): Man, I really dodged a bullet that time. If they found out about Vyse, they might mess up everything.
Malapa teleported away.
Round 1
Match 3
Team Lumina(Musashi from Brave Fencer Musashi and Rue, Mint from Threads of Fate)
VERSUS
Team Dragoon(Dart, Shana, Lavitz from Legend of Dragoon)
-------
Cosmetor: Wow, that was a long fight! But I just couldn't leave out the gears or the Delphinus, and all the matches seemed to have a logical conclusion. Skull/Delt Shield really does make you almost invincible. I'd like to say again that I'm very open to suggestions.
Cosmetor: Thanks for all the positive feedback. I still don't own any of these characters. This time it's Team Xeno against the Blue Rogues. But Mallow thinks Vyse is up to something and wants to find out what it is.
-------
Fei was in the hotel's lounge, painting a picture of a tree. Fina noticed him and sat down next to him. Fina: Hello.
Fei didn't take his eyes off the painting or lose his calm expression.
Fei: Hello, Fina.
Fina: Um... Fei, why did you come here? You don't seem like a fighter.
Fei: I'm not. It's just that, if the Master Hand's Ultimate Item is so powerful, someone here probably wants it to take over the world or something like that. I'm after the Ultimate Item so no one can do that.
Fina: That's very noble of you.
Fei: How about you, Fina?
Fina: My friends and I collect treasures.
Fei: A lot of people here do.
Fina: Like who?
Fei: Mag, for one. He says the Ultimate Item would be a "great treasure to add to his collection".
Fina: Mag seems like my friend Vyse in a lot of ways.
Fei: I noticed. ...If you did get the Item, what would you do with it?
Fina: I hadn't really thought about it.
Fei: So you're more interested in GETTING it than HAVING it, right?
Fina: That's a good way of putting it.
Fei: Who's that cloud-man? Another friend of yours?
Fei used his finger to indicate a person behind Fina. Fina looked over her shoulder and saw Mallow staring at her with curiosity and a hint of anger.
Mallow: I just know one of them is up to something.
Geno: If anyone's up to something, it's Ari.
Mario: I heard Mag talking about getting the Ultmate Item for some secret society or something similar.
Mallow: Bit I saw the shadow go into the Blue Rogues' room!
Geno: Whoever it is must have the technical skill to sabotage my Star Guns.
Mario: Well, I've never seen Ari even look at something mechanical, so that rules him out.
Mallow: The Blue Rogues have an airship, so they must know something about machines.
Mario: Mag had hat big robot hand on his back. It could be him or one of his friends.
Geno: Yes, Mag is the most likely suspect.
Mallow: I still think it was one of Vyse's buddies.
Mario: This is too much thinking. I'm lying down.
Mario rubbed his forehead, sighed, and leaned back in his chair.
Mario: Well, there's your mysterious shadow.
Geno and Mallow looked at Mario quizically. Mario pointed at the ceiling. Geno and Mallow looked up to see Mario pointing at the same creature Mallow had encountered many times before, staring down at them with white pupilless eyes. Before they could get a good look, however, the creature faded into the ceiling.
Mallow: I missed him again!
Geno: Don't worry. There's always a next time.
Mallow: Then I'll get him then! I'll find out who that shadow is if it's the last thing I do!
Mario rolled his eyes.
Mario: We know, Mallow.
Geno: Standing around talking won't help things.
Mallow: You're right. We should talk to people.
Mario: Okay gang, let's split up and look for clues!
Geno: I think "listen" would be a better term.
Mario: Me too, but I always wanted to say that.
After a few minutes of talking, Geno was having absolutely no luck. He approached a man wearing red and blue armor with KM stamped on the front.
Geno: You're Kombat Machine, right?
Kombat Machine: Yep. Geno? I saw your match.
Geno: I'm looking for a strange creature. It looks like a humanoid shadow with white eyes and it can melt into walls. Have you seen something like that?
Kombat: Sorry, but no. The closest thing I've seen was an old man who could turn into a lizard.
Geno: Sorry for bothering you, then.
Kombat: No problem. Hey, would you be interested in joining the Legion of Warriors?
Geno: No thanks. Being a Star Road guardian is a full-time job.
Kombat: Okay then.
Mallow was having even worse luck with most of the people he met.
Ari: No, I don't know anything about evil shadows. I'm sure there are no evil shadows in the hotel. Don't worry about evil shadows at all. Animated shadows don't exist, especially not evil ones.
Zhuzhen: Sounds like a fascinating creature! Unfortunately, I know nothing about it.
Kite: That's a strange event. I'll look into it.
Crono: Those things aren't supposed to show up for another 1300 years!
Mint: Who cares? Certainly not me, if it doesn't get in my way.
Squall: Whatever.
Chocobo: Wark?
Alucard: Such things are of no concern to you.
Mallow eventually gives up and meets back up with Geno and Mario.
Geno: I didn't find out anything. How about you guys?
Mallow: No luck. Mario?
Mario: Some kid named Sora seemed to know something, but he wouldn't give me any details. Sonething about not "meddling".
Geno: In any case, the fight is about to start.
Mallow: Good, I don't want to miss it! I know that the Blue Rogues will pull something!
The stadium wasn't quite as full as it was before, but there were still a lot of spectators. The two teams entered the ring and faced each other.
Master Hand: And here's the second match of the first round of the first tournament! Team Xeno versus the Blue Rogues! They've agreed on special conditions to the fight, but you'll have to wait till the end to find out what they are. Now let's see the fighters! First, Team Xeno.
A dark-skinned man with a brown ponytail wearing a blue-trimmed white short-sleeved shirt, red wristbands, and black pants was shown on the display screen.
Master Hand: This is Fei, a humble painter from the village of Lahan. Despite his unassuming appearance, he is a very strong fighter and has many different chi powers! He has contacted a strange entity called the "Wave Existance" during his adventuring career. What is it? What can it do? Will it do anything? Probably not, but it's still strange!
The display shows an orange-haired, blue-eyed woman wearing a black and white mini-dress with a complex design and black stockings.
Master Hand: Elhaym Van Houten -Elly for short- was a spy working for the nation of Solaris. She first met Fei in a dangerous forest on the opposite side of the battlefield, but ended up joining him and helping him out of the forest. She wields a magic rod and elemental spells in combat.
A man with a short black ponytail is shown on the display wearing glasses, a green shirt and green pants.
Master Hand: Ah, Citan Uzuki. Born Hyuga Ricdeau of Solaris, he retired to a mountain near Lahan to get some peace and quiet and work as a doctor. This didn't last too long, however, as he gotcaught up in Fei's adventures when Fei went to get some medicine from him. His weapon of choice is the sword, and he keeps the team in good health with arcane healing techniques.
Master Hand: And fighting these three fighters will be the Blue Rogues.
The display showed a man with short black hair wearing black pants, light brown boots, a blue jacket and a glass eyepatch over his perfectly normal left eye.
Master Hand: Vyse is the son of the world famous Blue Rogue Captain Dyne. He sails a flying ship through the skies of Arcadia, a world of floating islands with six moons, fighting with twin cutlasses made of moonstone which can draw on the moons' power. He also uses many offensive and defensive sword attacks, and magic based on the Arcadian moons.
Next was a girl with long red pigtails, a very short yellow dress, black shorts, and blue goggles on her forehead.
Master Hand: Aika was orphaned as a young child and grew up in Dyne's crew along with Vyse. As I'm sure one of you is already aware, her weapon of choice is a moonstone boomerang; she is also good at Arcadian moon magic and some very potent fire attacks!
The last person shown was a girl with short blond hair, an ankle length white dress, white stockings, white handless gloves, and a transparent white veil on the back of her head.
Master Hand: Finally, we have Fina, one of the last remaining people of the Silver Moon. She was on a mission to collect six Moon Crystals, powerful moonstones that control incredibly destructive monsters called Gigas. She isn't much for physical fighting, leaving that for her shapeshifting creature Cupil. However, she is a master of Arcadian moon magic and can wield the energy of the Silver Moon to heal her allies and destroy her enemies.
A whirlwind of light engulfed the competitors. When it settled, the battle ring was completely gone. It had been replaced by a strange holographic bubble showing the competitors standing on a large metal flying ship.
Master Hand: This battle will take place on the Delphinus. Falling below the sheet of clouds below the ship is an automatic loss.
Round 1
Match 2
Team Xeno(Fei, Elly Citan from Xenogears)
VERSUS
Blue Rogues(Vyse, Aika, Fina from Skies of Arcadia)
3!
2!
1!
FIGHT!
Fei: Let's get started. I want to finish as quickly as possible.
Vyse: Sorry, but speed isn't high on our list of priorities.
A field of darkness pierced by several small light columns surrounded Vyse and his friends.
Vyse: Pirates of old...
A ghostly legless skeleton dressed in pirate clothes and wielding a cutlass materialized above Vyse.
Vyse: Defend our cause!
The ghost pirate split into three identical pirates. Each one hovered directly above and slightly behind one of the Blue Rogues.
Aika: And that's not all!
The darkness field disappeared, but the ghost pirates remained. Aika then cupped her hands, forming a ball of light between them.
Aika: Haaaaa...
Aika held the ball of light over her head.
Aika:: Delta Shield!
Vyse, Aika and Fina were each encased in a light blue energy globe.
Fina: Now nothing you do will hurt us!
Fei: We'll see about that.
Fei held out his hand and released a small reddish energy ball which flew directly at Vyse. Much to Fei's dismay, however, it dissipated harmlessly when it hit Vyse's protective bubble.
Fei: So magic doesn't work, huh?
Citan: Then maybe this will!
Citan charged at Fina and raised his sword above his head. Fina didn't seem at all scared. When Citan got close enough, he swung his sword downward. This proved futile as well, as the ghost hovering above Fina blocked his slash with its huge cutlass and retaliated with its own sword slash that sent Citan flying back to Fei and Elly.
Vyse: Nice try, but my Skull Shield blocks normal attacks.
Aika: And my Delta Shield blocks magic attacks!
Fina: So nothing you do will hurt us!
The audience was surprised by this turn of events.
Cecil: I hope we don't have to fight him in the next round!
Yuri: That's assuming you make it through this one, of course.
Alice: He does have a point, though. The Blue Rogues seem invincible.
Malapa: Yes, they appear to be invincible. But appearances can be decieving. There's one way to beat them.
Cecil: How could anyone beat them? They're immune to normal AND magical attacks!
Malapa: There is another option. Of course, none of you can do it, so I'm not surprised you didn't think of it. I just hope tha Fei and his friends realize it before the Blue Rogues destroy them. Speaking of which...
Vyse: You can't hurt us, but we can still hurt you!
Fina: Moons! Petrify my enemy!
Fina held out her right arm. The silver bracelet on it transformed into a strange silver creature. It looked like an orb with a face, two fins and a tail. It began to glow with silver light. A symbol made of three crescents formed around Fei, transforming him into a stone statue. Citan and Elly jumped back in surprise.
Citan: Ack! Ryokusho!
Citan produced an aura of yellow light which entered Fei. This restored Fei to his normal, non-petrified state.
Fei: Thanks for restoring me.
Elly: But what good is it? There's no way to attack them.
Fei: Not to worry. I have a plan. Citan, you stay back and heal my injuries. Elly, just keep yourself safe. I'm going to do some fast, weak attacks.
Citan: Hey, I bet I know what you're planning! Good thinking, Fei.
Vyse: So you think you can break through our barrier?
Fina: You won't get a chance!
Fina thrust her hand forward and expelled a huge lightning ray. Elly and Citan jumped away, but Fei was caught in the center of the blast. He had minor injuries when the beam vanished.
Fei: Thanks for giving me a target.
A light from the sky shined down on Fei, healing his wounds. Fei then dashed at Fina and executed a light punch. Fina's ghostly protector blocked it with its giant sword and then slashed vertically at Fei. Fei rolled out of the way and launched a backhand strike at Fina. This, too, was blocked by the pirate ghost, which tried to cut Fei in half horizontally. He quickly jumped onto the ghost's enormous cutlass, then executed an elbow drop aimed at Fina. This time, the ghost simply swatted him away with the sharp side of its sword.
Citan: Sazanami!
Bright yellow lights came from Citan's hand and healed Fei's cut.
Vyse: Nice try, but my ghosts aren't easy to confuse!
Fei: That wasn't my plan, which, by the way, is working perfectly.
Vyse: How about you show us this plan of yours?
Fei: Alright then, I will.
Fei ran toward Vyse and executed a jumping kick. The kick was blocked by Vyse's ghost. Before the ghost could counter, Fei jumped off its sword and did a similar flying kick at Aika with similar results.
Fei: Ha!
Fei backflipped back to his teammates and dramatically posed while standing on their heads.
Malapa: It seems he's found the flaw in their defense.
Fei: You see, I've found the flaw in your defense. Your DeltWHOA!
Fei's companions had collapsed under his weight. They all quickly stood up. Fei continued, slightly embarassed.
Fei: Anyway, Your Delta Shield blocks magic attacks, and Vyse's Skull Shield blocks normal attacks, but there's one thing neither can block. Combo attacks like this! Chikei!
Fei charged up energy and punched the ground, sending a stream of earth spikes at Aika; the attack struck her directly with full force. Fei then flipped into the air.
Fei: Fukei!
Fei launched 13 energy bolts at Aika. Fei finished off with a stronger energy bolt.
Fei: Kakei!
Fei emitted a red energy aura and crashed into Aika like a meteor, releasing powerful fire shockwaves.
Fei: And finally, Suikei!
Fei punched Aika, forming an ice coating around her. He punched her three more times, each time thickening the ice coating, and finished with a fifth punch that shattered it. Aika was thoroughly incapacitated by this series of attacks.
Vyse: Damn! I was hoping you wouldn't spot that!
Fei: I did, and now you can't defend against magic.
Elly: Spell Combo 5?
Citan: Good idea. Suiseii!
Blue lighs danced around Vyse and formed a blue circle.
Elly: Aqua Ice!
A large icicle burst from the ground beneath Vyse. He was significantly damaged, but not greatly.
Vyse: So you can get past our defenses, big deal. We have plenty of other moves.
Fina: Besides, there's no point in attacking us if we don't stay injured. Moons, purify our souls!
The silver moon rose behind Fina. It emitted a powerful aura. A huge field of white flowers bloomed all over the ship, and Aika and Vyse were restored to full health, with no traces of being harmed.
Vyse: Time to go on the offensive!
The three ghost pirates dissipated as Vyse leapt toward Citan. He slashed him four times at incredible speed before leaping into the air and swinging both his cutlasses downward, creating a small explosion when he hit the ground. Vyse leapt back to his group.
Aika: Get ready! Alpha Storm!
Aika held out her boomerang and spun it around at high speeds like a fan blade. This created a flaming wind which blew against Fei, Elly and Citan.
Vyse: You three give up yet?
Citan:(weakly) Dont count us out yet.
Aika: Yeah, right.
Aika spun her boomerang around her. It split into four crescents pointing away from her.
Aika: Lambda Burst!
Aika swung her hands to the ground. The four crescents sank into it, creating a grid of flames that covered the ship. Citan was knocked out, but Fei and Elly were still standing.
Fei: Urgh...
A white light shined down on Fei.
Vyse: You're not getting a chance!
Vyse leapt into the air, surrounded by lightning. He swung his swords, creating a rain of yellow energy balls which easily killed both Fei and Elly.
Master Hand: And it looks like we have a winner! But don't think the battle's over yet, not by a long shot!
Master Hand snapped his fingers. All six competitors were healed back to full health.
Master Hand: Now, do you remember thise special conditions I mentioned? Well, here they come!
Three indistinct shapes appeared far away from the Delphinus. The members of Team Xeno smiled and leapt toward them.
Master Hand: Team Xeno are going to board their Gears and fight the Blue Rogues in the Delphinus. But you don't know much about them, do you? I'll fix that!
The screen displayed a giant humanoid machine which was blue and white and had white metal things sticking out of its back that looked like wings.
Master Hand: This is Fei's gear, the amazing Xenogears. Its power is unparalelled by any other machine known to man. Of course, that's the people of Fei's world.
Next was a sleek, hite, feminine humanoid with what looked like folded airplane wings attached to its head.
Master Hand: Elly's gear is the mighty Vierge, equipped with small beam-shooting satellites called Aerods.
The display showed a military-esque green gear.
Master Hand: Guess who this gear belongs to. That's right, it's Citan's Fenrir! Apart from its above average power, there's not much to say about this gear, or any of them, for that matter.
The screen showed the ship the competitors were fighting on just moments before. It looked like a luxury ship. It had four double-barreled turrets and several cannons on the sides. A large cannon was at the front. The ship looked remarkably like a dolphin.
Master Hand: The Delphinus is the private ship of Enrique, the crown prince of Valua. It is equipped with many moonstone-based weapons, including the Moonstone Cannon on the front. It also has a magical cannon which can charge cannonballs with Arcadian magic spells. Team Xeno's going to have a tough time turning this fight around! Which starts now, by the way.
The three Gears arrived near the ship at that moment.
Vyse: We beat you once, we can beat you again!
Malapa: Don't bet on it.
Fei: I'll make sure you don't.
Xenogears held out his right hand and shot a small energy beam at Delphinus. It left a minor scorch mark on the spot where it hit.
Vyse: I know what you're planning and I won't let you do it! Tactic 1!
Two flaps opened up on top of the Delphinus, exposing holes which shot out torpedoes. The torpedoes flew into the sky.
Fina: I'm ready for phase 2!
The Delphinus' side guns started firing rapidly at Xenogears, which flew around, dodging many of the shots.
Vyse: And here's my contribution!
The side guns still firing, the Delphinus' top cannons turned and fired at Xenogears. At the same time, the torpedoes that were launched earlier hit Xenogears dead on. This caused about as much damage as Fei's energy beam did to the Delphinus.
Yuri: This is going to be a pretty boring fight if neither of them can hurt the other.
Malapa: Actually, you're only half right.
Yuri: Huh? What do you mean?
Malapa: Xenogears' last attack was also its weakest. It's better than the Delphinus in almost every way -strength, speed, defense, magic- it's only disadvantage is healing. Gears are hard to heal. But, that won't matter very much if Vyse can't even hurt him.
Vyse: What!? He was barely hurt at all!
Fei: I'll happily accept your surrender. I don't want to fight longer than I have to.
Vyse: Not a chance!
Citan: Then so be it!
Fenrir floated closer to the ship and swung his sword horizintally, leaving a shallow cut. Elly flew in and attacked the same spot, leaving a smaller dent.
Vyse: I know what you're planning, and it won't work! Plan B!
A blue glow surrounded the ship. It suddenly began to fly much faster, easily gaining distance on Team Xeno. After gaining considerable range, it turned around and pointed straight at them.
Vyse: This is my favorite part!
The cannon on the front of the Delphinus extended itself. Then a smaller portion extended from the tip. The cannon was surrounded by an energy field.
Vyse: Moonstone cannon, fire!
A huge beam of energy launched from the cannon. It hit Xenogears directly, completely surrounding him as it passed. The beam lasted for several seconds. When it faded, Xenogears was significantly but not severely damaged.
Aika: Ha! Take that!
Fei: I just did.
Vyse: Act tough all you want! We can still beat you!
The Delphinus was surrounded by a red glow similar to the blue one.
Fei: Hiding behind shields again, I see.
Vyse: Hey, if you've got it, use it.
Fei: I agree. But it still won't save you.
Xenogears appeared to be concentrating. It thrust its hands out at the Delphinus. A massive beam of light came down from the sky and struck the Delphinus. When it cleared, the Delphinus was almost totally destroyed. There was a bright flash of light, and all four machines were completely restored.
Master Hand: And Team Xeno wins the second part of the fight! Now the score is tied, one to one! How will they finish the match now? ...I've made a decision! There will be a series of one-on-one matches between the two teams: Fei versus Vyse, Elly versus Aika, andCitan versus Fina. The fights ill take place on the Delphinus; other people may not intervene. Now, let's do Citan versus Fina!
Vyse and Aika went into the ship. Citan jumped out ofhis Gear, Fenrir, and landed on the far end of the ship.
Master Hand: 3, 2, 1, begin!
Fina: Um... I don't think I can win. I give up.
Master Hand: Righ, uh, Citan is the winner, I guess. Part 4 is Elly versus Aika.
Citan jumped back to his gear and Elly jumped out of hers. Aika traded places with Fina.
Aika: I'll make this fight just as short!
Aika raised her hands above her head. When she did this, a purple aura engulfed Elly.
Elly: ...!
Aika: Let's see you try your hocus-pocus now!
Elly ran at Aika and started whacking her with her rod. Aika didn't seem to notice.
Aika: You think that little thing is going to save you? Ha!
Aika jumped over Elly's head. When she landed, she held her hands into the air.
Aika: Moons! Give me strength!
Several silver spikes appeared around Elly and impaled her. They disappeared, and she didn't seem to be physically damaged. She did, however, drop dead a moment later, so they must have done something. Back in the stadium, Master Hand snapped its fingers, and Elly was revived.
Master Hand: So Aika defeats Elly.Now the score's 2 to 2. It all comes down to this next match between Fei and Vyse!
Aika switched places with Vyse. Elly jumped back to her Gear while Fei jumped to where she was previously standing.
Fei: I'm glad this battle is ending.
Vyse: Let's finish this.
Master Hand: 10! 9! 8! FIGHT!
Fei: Don't get cocky. This won't be as easy as our first battle. Without Aika's help, you have no defense against my magic.
Vyse: Maybe so, but I never got to use my strongest moves because I was too busy maintaining the Skull Shield. Now I'll show you what I can really do!
Vyse did a series of motions with his swords.
Vyse: Moons, give me strength!
A red aura formed around Vyse and entered into him, increasing his strength and stamina. Vyse repeated the same motions and a blue whirlwind formed at his feet and then dissipated, increasing his speed. He repeated the motions again and shot a lightning beam at Fei, catching him off-guard because Fei was expecting Vyse to use another enhancement spell.
Fei: That was a good move.
Fei used the healing technique he used in the first fight. He then started running toward Vyse.
Vyse: Bring it on!
Vyse held up his cutlasses in a defensive position. Fei brought his right fist back, ready to strike. However, when he reached Vyse, he instead shot an energy blast from his left hand at point-blank range. This caused Vyse to drop his guard in surprise. Fei responded by focusing his energy in his right fist and punching Vyse in the stomach.
Fei: I know not to use normal attacks against you.
Vyse: But how good are you at dodging?
Vyse leaped into the air, surrounded by lightning that appeared around him. A vortex formed in the sky as Vyse reached it. Vyse began to hover in midair, swinging both his cutlasses downward in an X shape. This released a rain of yellow energy bolts. Fei tried to run out from under the blasts, but got struck by one at the edge of the formation.
Fei(thinking): That attack left him vulnerable. I should counter with a chi attack.
Fei focused and raised his arm, pointing it at Vyse. A black circle that resempled a portal to outer space appeared around Vyse, who was suspended in midair. The circle began to absorb energy from its surroundings. It expanded into a sphere that engulfed Vyse and exploded. Vyse then fell to the ground.
Fei: If you don't mind, I'd like to get this over with.
Vyse: Good, because in a few seconds it'll be all over for you. Behold!
Vyse wass surrounded by a massive amount of electric energy. He focused some of it toward Fei, then leapt forward.
Vyse: Pirate's Wrath!
Vyse passed Fei too quickly for anyone to see what he was doing. When he landed, Fei fell apart into four pieces. Master hand snapped, and the six fighters were transported back to the arena, fully healed, while the hologram disappeared.
Master Hand: That makes the Blue Rogues the winners of the match! That sure was epic, wasn't it, folks? And it was only the first round, too! Now I'll list the current standings.
Winners
Team Mario(Mario, Geno, Mallow from Super Mario RPG)
Blue Rogues(Vyse, Aika, Fina from Skies of Arcadia)
Losers
Team Alis(Alis, Odin, Lutz from Phantasy Star)
Team Xeno(Fei, Elly Citan from Xenogears)
Remaining Fighters
Team Launcher(Mag, Linear, Gre from Evolution)
Team Psi(Ness, Paula, Jeff from Earthbound)
Team Disney(Sora, Donald, Goofy from Kingdom Hearts)
Team Crono(Crono, Marle, Lucca from Crono Trigger)
Dragon Knights(Ryu, Nina, Cray from Breath of Fire 4)
The Exorcists(Yuri, Alice, Zhuzhen from Shadow Hearts)
Baron's Heroes(Cecil, Edge, Rosa from Final Fantasy 4)
Warriors of Twilight(Kite, BlackRose, Mistral from .Hack/INFECTION)
Yuna's Guardians(Tidus, Wakka, Yuna from Final Fantasy 10)
Radical Dreamers(Serge, Kid, Guile from Chrono Cross)
Team Junior(Kotemon, Renamon, Patamon from Digimon World 3)
Liberation Army(Tir, Cleo, Pahn from Suikoden)
The ARMs(Ashley, Lilka, Brad from Wild ARMs 2)
Team Lumina(Musashi from Brave Fencer Musashi and Rue, Mint from Threads of Fate)
Team Gobli(Gobli, Mark, Neko from RPG Maker)
Team Valkyrie(Lenneth, Arngrim, Jelanda from Valkyrie Profile)
Team Seru(Vahn, Noa, Gala from Legend of Legaia)
Team Atlamilla(Max, Monica, Steve from Dark Cloud 2)
Magic Knights(Hikaru, Umi, Fuu from Magic Knight Rayearth)
Team Chocobo(Chocobo, Mog, Shiroma from Chocobo's Dungeon 2)
Team Dragoon(Dart, Shana, Lavitz from Legend of Dragoon)
Team Avalanche(Cloud, Barrett, Tifa from Final Fantasy 7)
Team SeeD(Squall, Riona, Quistis from Final Fantasy 8)
Team Stan(Ari, Rosalyn, Kisling from Okage:Shadow King)
Team Arcana(Rooks, Sylph, Teefa from Arcana)
Team Djinn(Isaac, Garet, Mia from Golden Sun)
Legion of Warriors(Kombat Machine, Patriot, Pyro from Electronica)
Team Loners(Benjamin from Final Fantasy Mystic Ques, Alucard from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and Malapa from *classified*)
Master Hand: The next fight will be Team Lumina versus Team Dragoon. Thank you and goodnight.
All of the peoople cleared out of the arena. Several minutes later, in the hallway...
Mallow: See, I knew Vyse summoned the shadow!
Geno: Not really. First of all, you never said it was Vyse. You only said "the Blue Rogues". Second of all, the ghosts Vyse summoned looked nothing like the monster we're chasing.
Mario: Right, but if Vyse can summon ghost pirates, maybe he can summon shadows too.
Mallow: So what now? I say we go and confront him.
Mario: I like that idea.
Geno: Okay. It's the only lead we've got.
So they went off to find Vise. After several minutes of searching, they found him walking through a corridor alone, humming to himself. Geno decided to float over his head and landed in front of Vyse.
Geno: Hello, Vyse.
Vyse: Hi, Geno.
Geno: We've been tracking a being that looks like a living shadow. What do you know about it?
Vyse: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Geno: That's odd, because the first time we saw it, it disappeared into your team's room.
Vyse: Look, I have nothing to do with whatever it is! And who's "we"?
Geno: The rest of Team Mario, of course.
Vyse: Look, I don't have time for this. I need to go somewhere FAST!
Vyse tried to run away from Geno, but his path was blocked by Mario and Mallow.
Geno: There is a way to speed this up a bit. Mallow, try to read Vyse's mind.
Mallow held out his hands and concentrated. After a few seconds, he brought them down.
Mallow: There's nothing about the shadow creature.
Vyse: Okay, then I'm leaving!
Vyse jumped over Geno and ran off.
Mario: Well, now we don't have any clues.
Mallow: Actually, when I checked Vyse's mind, it seemed a lot emptier than it should be. I think something was blocking me.
Mario: So now we have another mystery to solve. Just great. What do we do now?
Geno: We wait. Another clue is bound to show up somewhere. Probably tomorrow.
Mario: I don't think there's any more to do today. All in favor of getting some rest, raise your hands.
Mallow: I would, but I'm too tired.
Mario: Then we rest.
They went back to Team Mario's living area, while Malapa looked on from the shadows.
Malapa(thinking): Man, I really dodged a bullet that time. If they found out about Vyse, they might mess up everything.
Malapa teleported away.
Round 1
Match 3
Team Lumina(Musashi from Brave Fencer Musashi and Rue, Mint from Threads of Fate)
VERSUS
Team Dragoon(Dart, Shana, Lavitz from Legend of Dragoon)
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Cosmetor: Wow, that was a long fight! But I just couldn't leave out the gears or the Delphinus, and all the matches seemed to have a logical conclusion. Skull/Delt Shield really does make you almost invincible. I'd like to say again that I'm very open to suggestions.
