Les Jeux Mystèrieux: The Mysterious Games
Jeff: Last episode, the group and Quan returned to the temple where Janna lay, unconscious.
Janna: Quan managed to diagnose me, and then administer an antidote! Boy, am I relieved.
Nick: We were really happy, as Janna was the Byakko Celestial Warrior Amefuri, and so we continued our journey. We went to sleep in an expensive inn…
Luna: …and Kutou's soldiers kidnapped me, Tatara and Anne!
Chris: Me, Max and Janna rode after the soldiers, finally finding the carriage.
Kat: After the soldiers got seriously hurt, Anne, Tatara and Subaru were saved.
Anne: So we're continuing our journey south, to find the second-to-last Celestial Warrior.
Max: Hey, this episode name is different as well. Looks like the author made another mistake.
Episode 16: Tatakai no mokuteki (The reason for fighting)
(The group rides south for a few days, happy to have only two more Warriors to find. Finally, Karasuki's scrying announces that they are close to the next Warrior. The next day, the six arrive at what appears to be a large Chinese building The building is white-walled, and is basically four white walls, each about three stories high. The group can't see over the walls, but there does not appear to be an inner complex.)
Amefuri: Is this…right?
Anne: What is this place?
Tatara: And what are either Kat or Jeff doing here?
Tokaki: Well, nothing to do but enter the place.
(The group walks up to the large red gates, which are open. Inside is…strange. There is a road with three floors of shops just inside the walls. These shops seem to enclose some central area. The group is confused, so they decided to go inside. There aren't that many people near the entrance, they're all off to one side. There is a large billboard of sorts inside the gate, which sheds lots of light on the situation.)
Karasuki: "Sailo Battling Arena"?
Subaru: Strange. This whole thing is the ancient Chinese version of the Coliseum?
Tokaki: We have to go watch some battles!
Anne: How are we going to find anybody in here? It's absolutely packed.
Tatara: Wait, does this say what I think it says?
(Tatara points at the lower part of the billboard. It says "Current Guanjun: Toroki.")
Tatara: Doesn't Guanjun mean Champion?
Amefuri: Yeah…but what's so odd about that?
Anne: Toroki! That's the name of a Byakko Celestial Warrior!
Karasuki: Really? Check the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho.
(Anne opens up the scroll. It's not incomprehensible like last time, but rather readable.)
Anne: "The Priestess and the Stars entered Sailo's Battle Arena. They read the sign, which told of the Guanjun; their fellow Star Toroki."
Tokaki: So Toroki is a Celestial Warrior! Heh, their power must be martial. I wanna see them fight…
Tatara: I wonder if it's Kat or Jeff…
Amefuri: Well, we have to get in touch with him/her no matter what.
Subaru: Good idea. I wonder where the Guanjun is staying.
Karasuki: I'll try to scry, even though I'm sure that he's being blocked.
Tokaki: There are a whole lot of people around.
Anne: …you just noticed?
Tokaki: No! We shouldn't let them see Karasuki. It might scare them or something.
Amefuri: You're so considerate. Let's make a circle around him. Nobody will see him.
(Karasuki brings out the mirror, and sets it on the nicely tiled floor. The other five make a circle around him, obscuring him from view. After closing his eyes and sitting down, he begins to chant.)
Karasuki: "In the arena Toroki resides, one of our fellow Stars, show us where he presently lies, for the sake of all!"
All: …(stick out tongues)
(The mirror starts to glow white slowly, being blocked. Karasuki grits his teeth, and his symbol glows brighter. The mirror begins to glow whiter and whiter, until it finally flashes brightly. The billboard is shown, and then the mirror rushes down the hallway. It goes up two flights of stairs, then down the hallway as fast as before, and finally stops in front of an ornate gold door. The mirror darkens, and Karasuki stands up, eyes open.)
Amefuri: That whole scrying thing could get really useful.
Subaru: Oh, yeah, feed Karasuki a treat while you're at it, won't you?
Tatara: I want a treat!
Anne: (ignoring Tatara) All right, now that we know where we're going…let's go!
Tokaki: Brilliant logic, that.
(The six climb the two flights of stairs, pushing through the crowds of people. The second floor is very crowded, making them feel glad that they aren't staying. The third floor is comparatively empty, and very expensive-looking, decoration-wise.)
Karasuki: Ok, this way.
(The group walks down the hallway, slowly, admiring the beautiful murals. They all show different scenes of battles. In one, a man fights another, each wielding a large straight sword. In the next, a woman draws a large bow. There are pictures of fighting with staves, spears, lances, pikes, and some more eastern weapons, such as a sickle blade on a chain, or two handheld weapons that look like a trident's head. And of course, there are lots of murals depicting unarmed combat.)
Subaru: These murals are really well done…
Tatara: It's a shame that they have to all be about violence.
Amefuri: This is Sailo's Battle Arena.
Tokaki: I think they're really cool!
(After walking nearly halfway around the perimeter of the Arena, the murals end, and the group reaches the large golden doors. Two golden-clad guards stand in front of the door)
Anne: Um…hi.
Guard 1: Hello.
Guard 2: State your business!
Karasuki: We wish to speak with the Guanjun.
Guard 2: That is impossible.
Subaru: What do you mean, "impossible"? Is he mute or something?
Guard 1: No, I'm sorry. The Guanjun is not seeing visitors.
Tatara: But we're his friends!
Guard 2: Sure, you and all the other assassins out there.
Amefuri: Wait…assassins?
Guard 1: Yes. Previously, the Guanjun accepted visitors, but then there was an attempt on his life. So now he only shows himself during the actually battling.
Anne: (drawing herself up to her full height) I am the Priestess of Byakko, and I demand to speak to the Guanjun!
Guard 2: I don't care if you're Byakko himself, you're not going to get through to the Guanjun!
Tatara: Why not? She's more important that you are, and her orders should override yours!
Guard 1: I'm very sorry, but we're not going to go against the Guanjun's orders. His safety is our number one priority.
Subaru: Damn you, highly bureaucratic government of ancient China!
Karasuki: But we really need to speak to him!
Guard 2: (chuckling) Well, if you were able to register in today's Battling Tournament, compete successfully AND win all four rounds, then you'd be able to speak to him, because you'd be fighting him. However, that's quite impossible.
Aemfuri: Wait…how would I compete in the tournament?
Guard 1: Well, you'd have to register downstairs. You have a very slim chance of that, because you'd be registering so late.
Amefuri: (amiable) OK, thanks for your time. Come on, people.
All: What??? You're giving up???
Amefuri: (serious) Just come with me.
(The group walks back down the mural hallway, following Amefuri. A ways away, Amefuri stops and faces the group)
Amefuri: All right. At this point, our only hope is for Tokaki to compete in the match.
Subaru: Great. We are so screwed.
Tokaki: Shut up! (to Amefuri) Wait, why do I have to do it?
Amefuri: Come on, this is a martial battling arena. None of us can possibly fight without our chi powers. Plus, you can easily dominate the competition with your teleportation.
Tatara: Actually, she's right. You have a good chance of getting to the final round and talking to Je- Toroki.
Anne: Come on, Tokaki! You can do it!
Tokaki: Well, I don't know…
Karasuki: Help us, Tokaki-Wan Kenobi! You're our only hope!
(Subaru goes SD and punches Karasuki through the wall.)
Anne: Please?
Tokaki: (sighing) Fine. (perking up) This actually might be fun!
Amefuri: Great, now all we have to do is register him!
(The group heads to the second floor, and to the clearly marked "Registration Booth." A woman sits behind the booth, doing paperwork.)
Anne: Good day.
Woman: (looking up) Whadda ya want?
Tokaki: I'd like to register for today's Battling match.
Woman: Don't we all, kid, don't we all.
Tokaki: Can I?
Woman: Gimme a sec, kid! I don't have four arms!
(The woman sifts through her papers, pulling out what appears to be a rankings chart, like those used in basketball. She looks it over.)
Woman: Well…I suppose I could put you in, but it might cost you.
Amefuri: (steel voice) Cost us?
Woman: Come on, hon, I'm not gonna do this for free.
(Amefuri leans over the desk and grabs the woman's shirt.)
Amefuri: (voice at about 15o Kelvin) If you don't give him a spot, I will kill you. And when I am done killing you, I will feed you, piece by piece, to my dog, Fluffy.
All: … holy shit
Woman: (scared) Well…I…
Amefuri: (pulling the woman's shirt harder) Fluffy is a very hungry poodle.
Woman: O…Ok! I'll do it! Just leggo of me!
(Amefuri lets go. The woman, and the rest of the group, exhales very loudly. She backs her chair as far as it will go)
Woman: All right…wha…what's your name?
Tokaki: Tokaki.
Woman: Great, great…all right, "Tokaki", you've been put into the standings. The Battling will begin at one hour after noon, so be in the entrance hallway before that time.
Tokaki: I will! Thanks for making an exception!
Woman: Um…no problem.
(The group walks back downstairs)
Tatara: Amefuri, you're really scary. Have I told you that?
Amefuri: I try.
Karasuki: So, all we have to do is wait for Tokaki to get his ass kic- I mean, wait for him to win the tournament and meet Toroki?
Tatara: Hey, Tokaki needs all the luck he can get.
Subaru: Don't jinx him.
Anne: Please?
*************
(Cult headquarters)
Person 4: Are we actually meeting for a reason today?
Liao: Apparently. Ren seems to have something to report.
Ren: Yes, and it is quite important.
Person 5: Wonderful. Share your news.
Ren: The Byakko Celestial Warrior we captured has arrived in Kutou's capital.
Liao: That is good. Has he put up any resistance?
Person 2: She, actually. Our Void Seals seem to work quite well.
Person 5: It's Senri-e's own power. Of course they would work.
Person 4: So what's going to happen to her?
Ren: The execution will commence in two, maybe three days.
Liao: And how do you know that this plan will work?
Person 2: Think, Liao. That idiot Priestess can't travel from west of Shijuen all the way to the capital in two weeks, much less two days.
Person 5: And yet, that "idiot Priestess" has foiled all of your plans so far.
Liao: Mei, exacerbating these problems will help no one. I believe, finally, that this plan is one that is foolproof. What of the Guanjun?
Ren: I have not received word, but last I heard the Priestess and the Warriors were heading for the Battle Arena.
Person 4: Do you think that they'll find the Celestial Warrior?
Mei (Person 5): Of course. They've found every other one, why wouldn't they find the sixth? He's not hidden or anything.
Person 2: Whose side are you on?
Mei: (emotionless) You should know that by now. My devotion to Senri-e keeps this group together.
Liao: Mei, we do not doubt your dedication. However, your opinions are not…in our best interests.
Mei: But they are true.
Person 2: Be as it may, we must lobby for a quick and public execution for the final Warrior, as the Priestess will surely find some way to thwart our plans.
Ren: I believe that I can convince the Emperor to hold an execution in two days, if I do it personally.
Liao: All right. In that case, we shall adjourn. Hopefully, we will not need to meet again for two days. I expect results.
Person 4: This one might actually work.
Mei: Because we are done, let us pray for success to the great Senri-e.
*************
(It's about fifteen minutes before the tournament, and the group minus Tokaki is sitting on the second floor of the stands. The inner complex is set up remarkably like a stadium, with many rows of white stone benches arranged in a steeply sloping angle down towards the center of the Arena. The Arena's center is a large, grassy area, confined into a circle by the concentric rows of benches. The benches are mostly occupied)
Tatara: (blithely) It's really nice that they have grass growing down on the bottom. It's such a soothing thing to have, what with all the fighting in here.
Subaru: I'm really beginning to think all that flora is having a dumbing effect on you.
Karasuki: No, he hasn't changed a bit.
Anne: (introspective) You think Tokaki has a chance? I mean, it's a non-edged weapon tournament, right? Somebody could just come into the tournament with a huge log, and knock him out of the arena. I'm really worried. And besides, they have to get beaten hard enough to stay down for a minute. That's really dangerous. He could get hurt, or worse!
Amefuri: I'm a bit worried about your mental state, more than Tokaki.
Anne: What? My mental state?
Amefuri: Nevermind.
Subaru: Besides, if he gets hurt, which is doubtable, I can heal him between matches.
Karasuki: Assuming they let us see him.
Subaru: I'm sure Amefuri can talk them into it.
Tatara: Hey, look! The competitors are coming out!
(Out of a doorway at the bottom of the Arena, the group sees a bunch of people walk out. One of them is Tokaki.)
Anne: Wow…that's a lot of people. Does he have to beat them all?
Subaru: Naah. There are four rounds, thus there are only sixteen people. Apparently the winner of those 16 fights the Guanjun in the finals.
Karasuki: These people look…odd.
(Among the people are: a little kid, a short old man, a big fat man, a very tall, gangly woman, a girl in an ornate dress, a girl with ankle-length hair, a big, powerful looking guy…and of course Tokaki.)
Tatara: That's an eclectic group if I ever saw one.
Amefuri: Tokaki should have no trouble.
(Without warning, a loud, booming voice rings out over the crowd. A large man stands on the highest level, yelling at the top of his lungs.)
Announcer Guy: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO THE SATURDAY MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT!
(The crowd roars)
Subaru: He must have such a tough job, without a loudspeaker.
Anne: So it's Saturday…
Announcer Guy: THE FIRST MATCH WILL BE BETWEEN THE MARTIAL ARTS NOVICE JIYUE AND THE CELESTIAL WARRIOR OF BYAKKO TOKAKI!!!!
(The crowd roars)
Tatara: I'm going to go deaf between this guy and the crowd.
Amefuri: GO TOKAKI!!!!
Tatara: And Amefuri.
Subaru: TOKAKI!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
Karasuki: Yay. Tokaki. Whoopee.
(All but two of the participants exit the grassy circle. The two are Tokaki and a girl about a year older than him. The view zooms down to the battlefield.)
Girl: (happily) Hi! My name is Jiyue. It's nice to meet you!
(Jiyue is a little short, with shoulder-length black hair. She's wearing a
simple outfit that seems to make movement easy, and is unarmed. She's also
smiling from ear to ear, and looks like she has a lot of energy.)
Tokaki: Um…hi. I'm Tokaki.
Jiyue: OK! We have to wait until the announcer announces it, but then we can start!
Tokaki: Works for me. This girl can't be a threat in the least.
Jiyue: Oh, and can you go easy on me? I'm not that good.
Tokaki: Sure! In the bag!
Announcer Guy: LET THE FIRST MATCH OF THE FIRST ROUND BEGIN!!!
(Jiyue dashes at Tokaki, fists pulled back, ready to strike. Tokaki sighs, and as Jiyue draws near to him, he sidesteps her easily. Jiyue's momentum keeps her running for a moment, then she stops.)
Jiyue: Aww! Don't do that!
Tokaki: Well, what am I supposed to do? Let you hit me?
Jiyue: Yes!
Tokaki: My god, this girl needs serious help. Fine. I'll let you hit me once, but then it's on. One time won't hurt me enough to knock me out.
Jiyue: Okay!
(Jiyue once again charges at Tokaki. As she punches, Tokaki clenches his stomach muscles, hoping to absorb what weak blow she will throw.)
Jiyue: I win.
(Jiyue's hand comes in contact with Tokaki's stomach, and a force like a concussion hits him in the abs. Tokaki goes flying, hitting the wall on the side of the grassy field with a thwap.)
Amefuri: WHAT THE HELL???
Anne: Tokaki!
Tatara: Wait, why didn't he block her or anything?
Tokaki: Ooh…that girl can hit…but I'm not down yet. She's dead.
(Tokaki lays on the ground for about half a minute, feinting in order to make Jiyue drop her guard. She looks at him, concerned, when his cheek glows white and he disappears. Tokaki reappears in front of her, already rushing towards her. Jiyue's eyes open wide, but not in time. Tokaki lands a quick punch to her solar plexus, then with the other hand punches her in the mouth, and finally executes a quick trip attack. Jiyue hits the ground, hard, and does not get up for the minute allotted.)
Announcer Man: THREE, TWO, ONE, KNOCK OUT!!!! TOKAKI HAS WON THE FIRST MATCH!!!
(The crowd roars, and Tokaki lifts one arm in triumph. Jiyue gets up slowly.)
Jiyue: Wow, you are better than me.
Tokaki: Don't worry; you have the strength if not the technique. Give it some time.
Jiyue: Yeah!
(Jiyue and Tokaki exit the ring. The Announcer man starts screaming the next matchup.)
Tatara: Wow, he won!
Karasuki: That girl wasn't that good. She didn't have a chance.
Amefuri: She was pretty strong, but I didn't worry for a second.
Subaru: Does that kind of strength even exist for real?
Anne: For some reason, her name sounds familiar…
Tatara: So, can we talk to Tokaki between the matches? It'll be a while before he fights again. Like…seven fights.
Karasuki: Great. Boredom looms.
Amefuri: I think that we can go see him, but there isn't that much of a need. It's not like he's hurt or anything.
Anne: It's moral support, and something to do.
Subaru: Or, we could watch the other people fight and find out the competition.
Tatara: Yeah, I guess…maybe you should read the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho to find out if he wins.
Karasuki: Good idea.
Anne: No, I'm not gonna. I'm sure he will, but…
Amefuri: You don't want to hear the bad news from a book.
Anne: Yeah. That's it.
(The group patiently waits out the next seven fights. Only a few people are actually using weapons; the girl in the ornate dress, wielding a staff, wins her match against the tall woman, and a young man with small handheld clubs loses against a very old but skilled man. The people left after the first round aren't all good, but the majority are. Eventually, the break after the first round is announced. The group doesn't move, but waits until the announcer announces Tokaki's second match.)
Announcer Guy: THE FIRST ROUND GOT RID OF EIGHT CONTENDERS! THE SECOND WILL GET RID OF FOUR MORE! THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SECOND ROUND IS THE CELESTIAL WARRIOR TOKAKI AGAINST KID QISHU!
Subaru: Kid Qishu? What kind of name is that?
Amefuri: Well…he looked pretty small last time. Maybe it's because he's a real kid.
Tatara: I don't think people name their kids "Kid" unless they're braindead.
Anne: This match looks easy; all this kid is good at is being fast. Tokaki can win easily.
(Tokaki enters the ring, amid some cheering. Following him is a little boy.)
Tokaki: (turning to face the boy) Um…aren't you a little young for martial arts?
Kid Qishu: Aren't you a little old to beat me?
(Tokaki's eyes open wide, and little plumes of smoke erupt from his nostrils)
Tokaki: Too old to beat this kid? Oooh, I am so going to kick his ass! We'll just have to see, won't we?
Announcer Guy: LET THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SECOND ROUND BEGIN!
(The kid doesn't move, eying Tokaki suspiciously.)
Tokaki: Well, at least he has the brains to size up his opponent. But that won't help him!
(Tokaki's cheek glows as he throws himself into a run. Blinking out of existence, he teleports around the boy, reappearing every few seconds. When he gets close enough, he moves to kick the kid…but he isn't there.)
Kid: You're gonna have to be faster than that.
(The kid is already behind Tokaki!)
Anne: He's fast!
(Tokaki quickly teleports backwards, reappearing behind the kid.)
(The kid is halfway done with his punch before he realizes that Tokaki is no longer there.)
Amefuri: See, no contest.
(The kid turns to see Tokaki standing behind him.)
Tokaki: You're gonna have to be faster than that.
(The kid glares, and jumps at Tokaki, moving incredibly fast.
(Tokaki's eyes widen, and the teleportation takes effect.)
(Tokaki reappears behind him, punching at the back of the kid's head.)
(The kid instinctively ducks under Tokaki's fist and grabs his arm.)
(When Tokaki teleports, the kid goes along with him and wrenches his arm to the side.)
Subaru: Tokaki!!!
(Tokaki grits his teeth and shakes the kid off, sending him flying.)
(Tokaki holds his arm, which hurts as if it were broken. It isn't, as Tokaki can still move it.)
Tatara: (covering eyes) I can't watch…
(The kid slowly gets up and as he starts to turn is hit in the back with a vicious punch. He is thrown back to the ground. Tokaki puts his foot on the kid's back, and presses down for a minute.)
Announcer Guy: THREE, TWO, ONE, KNOCKOUT!!! TOKAKI HAS WON THE MATCH!!!
(Tokaki lets his foot up as the crowd erupts into cheers. The kid pushes himself off the ground slowly.)
Tokaki: I'm too old, am I?
Kid: (standing weakly) If it weren't for that little disappearing bit, I'd have won.
(Tokaki starts to walk away, holding his wounded arm.)
Kid: Hey, wait up! I'm not finished with you!
(Tokaki leaves the arena, followed by Kid Qishu. The group is waiting inside the doorway. Kid Qishu is about to stop to talk, but seeing the group he runs off)
Subaru: Tokaki! You're ok!
Tokaki: (rolling eyes) Well, I'm standing, right?
Karasuki: (snapping finger) Damn, he is ok.
Anne: Let me see your hand.
(Anne hold Tokaki's hand, examining it. Abruptly, she moves it upwards. Tokaki's eyes bug out.)
Anne: Does that hurt?
Tokaki: (in intense pain) YES.
Anne: Well, it's only sprained.
Amefuri: Anne, you'd make a horrible doctor.
Anne: Thanks.
Subaru: Here, I'll fix it.
(Subaru touches Tokaki's arm, and the white glow spreads along his hand. It seems to move back into its normal, healthy position.)
Tatara: Healthful and dandy!
Announcer Guy: KNOCKOUT!!!
(The group looks out from the opening. The very short old man is standing over a strong, well-muscled guy, who is writhing on the ground.)
Karasuki: Whoa…is that guy for real?
Amefuri: I can't believe he's won two matchs!
Subaru: You'd think one of his bones would have broken or something by now.
Anne: Subaru! You're so insensitive!
Subaru: You disagree?
Anne: Well…no…but!
Tokaki: Hmm…I hope I don't have to fight him.
Tatara: Worried you'd lose?
Tokaki: Of course not! I don't like hurting old people, and as a rule, I try to avoid it.
Karasuki: You "try" to avoid it?
Tokaki: Sometimes I just can't help myself.
All:…
(The old man and the downed man pass the group, not giving them a second look. The Announcer Guy starts talking again.)
Tokaki: I'm not going to be up for two more rounds.
Anne: Won't you be up against that old guy?
Tokaki: Not necessarily. They don't really follow any pattern; it's random who'll you're put up against. There are only going to be three people to fight against, though, so there's a one-in-three chance I'll be up against him.
Amefuri: Well, in that case…we'll be going.
Subaru: We don't want to jinx you.
Tatara:…and we want to watch the matches from up high.
Tokaki: (sarcastically) Thanks a bunch.
Karasuki: If you do well next round we might pay you another visit.
*************
(On the highest row of the stands, there is a large room. It is ornately decorated, and has two large windows opening up on the arena. An old man stands at the window)
Old Man: Your friend…Tokaki? He is doing fine, but I doubt he will win this next round.
Masculine voice: (from somewhere in the room) Why do you say that?
Old Man: He is quite skilled, and his power is quite useful, but his technique is sloppy and unrefined. So far he's been lucky to go up against fighters without the skill to thwart him, but by the third round, the weak have been weeded out.
Voice: Who are his opponents?
Old Man: I do not know as of now…there is still one match to be won. But so far, Master Kung and Lifuang have moved up to the third round.
Voice: I see. I doubt that he will be put up against Master Kung, he's not good enough for him. But Lifuang…I can see that happening. It would be most unfortunate. As you said, he would not win against her…but I believe that if he does not fight Master Kung in the third round, and can beat his third opponent, then he has a chance.
Old Man: You are assuming that Master Kung will advance to the fourth round?
Voice: Of course. He's better than I am.
Old Man: I understand…Will it disappoint you if he does not advance to the final round?
Voice: A bit, even though I would not really fight against him. If he does not face me, I will still abdicate. I know what I must do.
Old Man: Yes…that is true. Who will become the Guanjun in your place?
Voice: You may give the position back to Sitao. He seemed to want it far more than I did.
Old Man: Ah, yes…about Sitao…
*************
(The next two battles come and go, with the staff-wielding girl easily dispatching her opponent and then the girl with ankle-length hair winning against her opponent.)
Anne: This could be bad…all three of his opponents are good.
Amefuri: He'll win. None of them have his power, or a way to beat it.
Tatara: Yeah! There's no way he can lose!
Karasuki: Actually…
Announcer Guy: THE THIRD ROUND HAS COME, WITH THE FOUR REMAINING BEING MASTER KUNG, PRINCESS LIFUANG, PRODIGY CHI, AND WARRIOR TOKAKI! THE FIRST MATCH WILL BE BETWEEN STAFF PRINCESS LIFUANG AND CELESTIAL WARRIOR TOKAKI!
Subaru: What is with these names? "Staff Princess?"
Anne: Hush, Tokaki and Lifuang are coming out.
Tatara: Uh-oh…she's the girl with the staff.
(Tokaki and Lifuang enter the arena. Lifuang is dressed in a very fancy dress, and is holding a long wooden staff. The two face each other.)
Lifuang: This should be easy. Get ready to lose.
Tokaki: I don't know what you're trying to pull, with this whole "princess" thing, but you're the one who's going to lose!
(Lifuang smiles in an exceedingly creepy fashion.)
Lifuang: On the contrary. I have seen your tactics and skills, and I know exactly how to beat you.
(Tokaki's eyes widen as the Announcer Guy starts to talk)
Announcer Guy: LET THE MATCH BEGIN!
(The crowd roars as Tokaki and Lifuang face each other. Lifuang holds her staff in her right hand in front of her body, and holds her left hand behind her as she crouches slightly. Tokaki assumes a defensive stance, waiting for the coming attack.)
(Lifuang does not move. Tokaki does not move, waiting for her to attack. This continues for about a minute. Tokaki frowns slightly, and Lifuang jumps forward at him.)
(Tokaki teleports behind her, cheek glowing, but Lifuang has already anticipated it. She turns in midair, and lands facing the opposite way. As Tokaki reappears, she jumps back towards him, quicker than before, staff held high.)
Subaru: Did she…just reverse direction?
(Tokaki's eyes widen as he sees Lifuang flying back at him.)
(There is a loud thwack and Tokaki flies backwards from the force of the blow.)
Amefuri: No. Way.
(Tokaki slowly begins to get up, and as he lifts his head he sees Lifuang running towards him again, staff now held in two hands.)
(Tokaki disappears, appearing as far from Lifuang as possible. She instantly stops, holding her staff in front of her body and looking around for him. Tokaki quickly gets up, despite the pain in his chest, and jumps forward while teleporting.)
(Tokaki appears right behind Lifuang, but she once again is ready for him. Quickly turning, she swings her staff at Tokaki's stomach. Tokaki, however, is also ready. He catches her staff and attempts to twist it out of her grip.)
Tokaki: Nice try, but no.
(Tokaki pushes the staff slowly back towards Lifuang, not letting go. She pushes back, almost as strong.)
Lifuang: Sorry about this.
(Lifuang grunts, and performs a strange flipping motion with her hands. Tokaki feels himself flip head over heels, and lands hard on the ground, face-first. Lifuang presses her staff against a point on his back that makes him writhe.)
Lifuang: Don't move, or I'll press harder.
(Through the pain, Tokaki manages to smile.)
Tokaki: You…forgot…
(Tokaki teleports away from under her staff. Lifuang's eyes widen as Tokaki comes back at her from the front.)
(Tokaki aims a blow at her head, but the top of her staff rises up to block him. Almost simultaneously, Tokaki punches at her midsection. Lifuang thrusts her staff forward, parrying his attack to the stomach while bringing the bottom of the staff up towards his groin.)
(Tokaki, mercifully, teleports to her side and chops to her side, landing a blow. Lifuang grunts, eyes opening as far as they can go, and her grip slackens on her staff. Tokaki, seeing her relative helplessness, ducks down and spins, attempting to trip her.)
(But Lifuang is just feinting.)
(Lifuang's eyes narrow in a grin as she jumps above his trip, and brings her staff down on Tokaki's head, hard.)
(The blow echoes throughout the arena as Tokaki crumples to the ground.)
Tatara: No…did she…just…
Subaru: Tokaki!
Karasuki: Tokaki?!?!?!
Anne: CHRIS!!!!!!!
(Lifuang stands over Tokaki, staff held loosely in one arm.)
Lifuang: Game, set, match.
(Suddenly, Tokaki's arm snakes towards the staff, grabbing it and pulling it out of her hand in one fluid motion. He disappears, leaving Lifuang suddenly unarmed.)
(Lifuang's mouth opens as she realizes that she is no longer holding her staff. Tokaki stands a ways away, holding the staff. Resolutely he holds it in his hands, thrusting it down over his legs. The wood breaks with a loud crack.)
(Lifuang's eyes follow the two pieces of her staff as they fall to the ground. Tokaki teleports next to her, and punches at her solar plexus.)
(Lifuang doesn't even block, just accepts the blow. She falls to the ground, and does not get up.)
Announcer Guy: THREE, TWO, ONE, KNOCKOUT!!! TOKAKI HAS WON HIS THIRD MATCH AND WILL PROCEED TO THE SEMIFINALS!!!
(Tokaki holds his hand out for Lifuang, who is slowly getting up. She doesn't take it, and instead walks over to her now-broken staff.)
(Tokaki watches her, then walks towards the arena's exit. The group is once again there, and Tokaki smiles as he enters.)
Tatara: Tokaki!!! Are you OK???
Tokaki: Yeah, I'm fi…ne…
(Tokaki slumps to the ground.)
Amefuri: Ah, shit. At least he won.
Karasuki: I was quite surprised he did.
Anne: (shaking Tokaki) Tokaki! Tokaki! Wake up!
Subaru: (kneeling next to him and touching his neck) Don't worry, he's breathing. I can probably stop him from breaking any bones or getting a concussion.
(Subaru's chest glows, and the white glow spreads down her arm to Tokaki's whole body. The white glow begins to fade, and when it is gone, Tokaki's eyes open.)
Tokaki: Hi.
Anne: IDIOT! You could have been killed! That girl hit you hard enough to split your skull! (silence) We're all so glad you're alive.
Karasuki: That's debatable.
Tokaki: (standing up) Well, I won this match. What's next?
Subaru: It's that old guy versus…um…
Amefuri: The long-haired girl with the fluid martial arts.
Tatara: I think the girl's going to win.
(Lifuang walks past the group as the old man and the long-haired girl enter the arena.)
Tokaki: (to Lifuang) Oh, hey, good job!
(Lifuang looks at him, glares, and stalks off)
Tokaki: Geez, what's with her?
Tatara: Sore loser?
Karasuki: Or it hurt her more when you broke her staff than anything else.
Announcer Guy: LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!
(The group turns their heads as the long haired-girl flies at the old man. The old man does not move as the girl kicks at him. Instead, the old man jumps nimbly above her leg, landing on top of the joint. There is an audible crack, and the girl screams and crumples to the ground.)
All: ….WHOA.
Amefuri: Did he…just break her knee?
Anne: Oh. No. This is NOT good.
(Before the minute is up, the girls manages to stand up again, but not well. Her knee appears broken.)
Old Man: You shouldn't try to get up. You'll only hurt your knee more.
Girl: I'm…not finished yet!
Old Man: You may not be finished, but you cannot walk. It's important to know when you've lost.
(The girl screams in rage and raises her hands above her head. Propelling herself with her one good leg, she lunges at the old man, poised to punch.)
(The old man dodges facilely to the side, and watches as the girl sails past him. She hits the ground, hard.)
Old Man: It's better that you don't get up now. You'll only hurt yourself more.
(The girl does not move for a minute.)
Announcer Guy: KNOCKOUT!!! MASTER KUNG WILL ADVANCE TO THE SEMI-FINALS, FIGHTING AGAINST TOKAKI! WE WILL TAKE A SHORT, FIVE MINUTE BREAK BEFORE THE SEMI-FINALS!
(The crowd roars as the girl limps off the field. The old man does not move.)
(As the girl passes Tokaki, she looks at him with a pained expression.)
Girl: You…I pity you…
(As she limps off, the group follows her with their eyes)
Karasuki: Well, best give up now.
Tatara: I…don't think fighting this guy is a good idea.
Tokaki: Don't worry, no matter how good he is he can't hit me with teleportation!
Anne: I hope you're right, for your sake.
Amefuri: I could conjure you a shield of force…
Subaru: That's not within the rules. It specifically says "No magic allowed."
Amefuri: Damn. It was such a good idea.
Tokaki: I'll defeat this old fogey by myself!
(Tokaki walks confidently out to the field)
Subaru: This can't end well.
Tatara: I hope he prepared a will…
Anne: If he dies, is it our fault?
(Tokaki approaches the old man. The old man is easily a foot shorter than Tokaki.)
Old Man: My name is Kung. I have waited for the opportunity to fight you.
Tokaki: That's nice.
Master Kung: Politeness and humility are ideal traits in an honorable fighter.
Tokaki: I am humble. Just to those who deserve it.
(The old man's eyes narrow)
Master Kung: I see. You know what they say about the bigger they are.
Tokaki: I'm not the one who's going to do the falling today.
Master Kung: I am quite happy to meet someone who can truly learn from my lesson. Get ready, or you will surely not survive this match.
(Master Kung spreads his legs and holds out his two hands, right hand palm up, the left lower than the right, palm down.)
Announcer: THE SECOND-TO-LAST BATTLE HAS COME! THE MARTIAL ARTS MASTER KUNG WILL FACE THE CELESTIAL WARRIOR TOKAKI! THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH WILL GO ON TO CHALLENGE THE GUANJUN FOR THE BATTLING CHAMPIONSHIP! LET THE MATCH BEGIN!!!
(Tokaki follows Master Kung's example, but his stance is more clearly offensive.)
Master Kung: The first lesson: you must kill your ego in order to become a true martial arts Master.
Tokaki: Ego? I don't even know what that is. Stop talking and lose!
(Tokaki disappears, blinking in and out of existence around Master Kung. The old man does not move, still locked in his stance. Tokaki reappears in front of him, and feints with a fake punch to the chest.)
(The old man does not move.)
Tokaki: What? He recognized that as a feint???
Master Kung: If you are to feint, you must put your whole self into the movement. A half-hearted effort will not convince your opponent that you are truly attacking.
Tokaki: I told you to stop talking!
(Tokaki disappears, and reappears behind Master Kung. He strikes out with a blow to the back, but Master Kung has already pivoted and catches Tokaki's arm, pushing it aside as if it were a tree branch in one's way.)
Subaru: He turned fast enough to block that!!!
(Tokaki glares, and strikes out with the other hand, this time to the head. The old man deflects his blow, and all the lightning-fast attacks after that. The old man sighs and finally pivots 180 degrees, sending Tokaki flying past him.)
Master Kung: Look at you. You can't even touch me, yet you still believe yourself superior.
Tokaki: (turning) Cut the crap! I'm not going to hold back now!
Master Kung: By all means, throw your whole self into your attacks.
(Tokaki screams a battle cry, then teleports to Master Kung's side. He chops at his middle, and as the old man blocks, Tokaki teleports to the other side and aims at Master Kung's face.)
Tatara: Great idea!
(But the old man turns slightly, Tokaki's fist passing his head. Tokaki teleports again, this time kicking high to the old man's head.)
Amefuri: Oh, no. That was bad.
(Instead of following his own example from the last battle, the old man ducks under Tokaki's leg and effortlessly grabs it.)
(With a flick of his wrist, Tokaki goes flying. Before he can hit the ground, he has teleported away.)
Master Kung: Your technique is like to that of an amateur. You do not have enough focus to even aspire to my level of skill.
(Tokaki reappears, still in mid-sprawl. He rolls and stands up, turning again to face Master Kung.)
Tokaki: (annoyed) Don't you ever shut up???
Master Kung: (returning to his stance) You have not yet killed your ego. In a battle, you cannot allow your emotions to rule over you. You must find your inner calm. Only then can you truly fight.
Tokaki: You are so going down!
(Tokaki rushes at the old man, once again chopping at his side. When the old man parries without a thought, Tokaki tries to grab his arm.)
(It doesn't work. The old man slaps his hand to the side, and aims a punch at Tokaki's face.)
(Tokaki tries to block, but the old man snakes past his defenses. Luckily, Tokaki teleports away.)
Tokaki: Missed me!
Master Kung: The second lesson: Do not rely completely on one technique. Although it may be powerful, if it fails you will lose.
Tokaki: It hasn't failed me yet, and it's not about to.
Master Kung: It appears you are not ready to accept my lessons. I will have to teach them to you with my own hands.
Tatara: Oh, no…he's taking the offensive!
(The old man jumps forward with amazing speed, arm outstretched. Tokaki manages to jump to the side, but the old man stops instantly.)
Master Kung: Back blow.
(The old man swings his arms, turning towards Tokaki. He appears to simply touch him, but there is a loud slap and Tokaki is sent flying across the arena.)
Anne: Tokaki!!!!
(Tokaki tries to teleport, but ends up closer to Master Kung and still falling. He hits the ground with a bang. He slowly pushes himself up, to see Master Kung standing above him.)
Master Kung: You have not killed your ego. You have not abandoned your single technique. You have no chance.
Tokaki: Stop lecturing me! I can fight fine by myself!
Master Kung: You obviously cannot. Clear your mind, and the rest will follow.
Tokaki: My mind is clear!
(Tokaki jumps up, throwing himself at the old man.)
(The old man blinks, and jumps backwards, clenching his fists and pulling his arms back.)
Master Kung: Double-Barreled Cannon!
(As Tokaki sails towards him, Master Kung's arms shoot forward, hitting Tokaki on both his shoulders.)
Group: !!!!
(The sound this time is that of a bang. Tokaki stops nearly in midair, falling directly down to the ground.)
Subaru: Oh, god…is he…
(Tokaki lies on the ground, the pain from his chest almost too much to bear. His nose is bleeding, and he can't feel his arms)
Master Kung: This will be your last lesson. Against overwhelming odds, you have not lost until you believe yourself to have lost.
(Tokaki lies on the ground as the seconds tick past.)
Master Kung: Fine. If you neglect this lesson as you have neglected the previous three, then you truly have lost.
(The old man turns around as the Announcer begins counting down.)
Announcer: TEN!!! NINE!!! EIGHT!!!
(Tokaki's eyes open wide, and his cheek bursts into pure white light.)
Annoucer: SEVEN!!! SIX!!! FIVE!!! FOUR!!!
(The old man continues to walk out of the arena.)
Announcer: THREE!!! TWO!!!! O-
(Tokaki stands up, cheek blazing white. The whole crowd inhales a collective gasp. The old man begins to turn…)
(But Tokaki is already next to him, fiercely attacking, blow after blow. The old man starts to block easily, but as Tokaki's ferocity increases his parries become slower and sloppier.)
(Finally, Tokaki draws back his fist and punches the old man straight in the stomach. There sound this time is like that of a sonic boom.)
(The old man kneels to the ground, and then slumps face-first into the grass. Tokaki watches as the minute passes, and the crowd erupts into cheers.)
Announcer: THE SEMI-FINALS ARE OVER, AND IN A MIRACULOUSLY UNPRECEDENTED FINISH, TOKAKI HAS DEFEATED MASTER KUNG!!!
(Tokaki extends his hand to the old man, who takes it.)
Master Kung: Thank you. You may be on the road to learning humility, and of the third lesson.
Tokaki: No, thank you. I…didn't understand what you told me, and…I really don't get it yet. But, just for a moment…my mind cleared. It was like…silence, with only me making noise.
(The old man smiles.)
Master Kung: It seems that you truly have begun to kill your ego. Now, the second lesson…
(Tokaki smiles back.)
Tokaki: I'll work on that. (The old man turns to leave.) Wait! I…did you really want to win? Because, it seems…
(The old man turns back to Tokaki)
Master Kung: Your friend, the other Warrior will be able to answer that. All I can say…is that I am glad I had the honor to pass on some of my wisdom to you.
(The old man leaves the arena, followed by Tokaki.)
Karasuki: What…just happened?
Tokaki: I don't know. It was…a moment of pure thought. Pure action. It just seemed so…right.
Amefuri: The drugs will do that to you.
Subaru: Are you ok? He was kicking your ass!
Tokaki: No…that double-cannon-thingy hurt, but I feel fine now. I don't understand it, really.
Tatara: (happily) I'm just glad you didn't die! You were so outmatched!
Tokaki: (sweatdrop) Thanks. I don't think he wanted to win.
Anne: Now you're going against Toroki? Good luck!
Tokaki: I'm not gonna fight him! …I hope.
Karasuki: Your only hope is talking to him.
Tokaki: I'm not THAT bad!!! I'm just saying, we're both Byakko Celestial Warriors, we shouldn't have to fight!
Amefuri: Don't worry, he's reasonable. He'll negotiate. You don't want to win anyways, do you?
Tokaki: Not really.
Announcer Guy: THE FINAL MATCH HAS COME, WITH A NEW CHALLENGER ARRIVING TO CHALLENGE THE GUANJUN!!!
Tokaki: I'm gonna go. Wish me luck.
Subaru: No amount of luck is enough for you to win.
(Tokaki rolls his eyes and moves out to the arena.)
Announcer Guy: THE CHALLENGER IS THE CELESTIAL WARRIOR TOKAKI!!! AND HERE COMES THE GUANJUN!!!
(Tokaki looks around. He's not here.)
Tokaki: Um…where's Jeff?
(The crowd starts clapping. Tokaki looks around, trying to find the reason for the claps.)
(On the lowest row of seats, 10 feet above the arena, Jeff stands, holding two metal objects. Tokaki gasps as Jeff jumps off the side and gracefully lands.)
Tokaki: Aaah! Jeff!
Toroki (Jeff): It's been a while, hasn't it? Are you ready?
Jeff: Haha, I'm going to kill Chris!
Chris: Will you shut up? I beat the old guy and the girl with the staff didn't I?
Max: Just barely. You wouldn't have beaten Master Kung if he wanted to win.
Anne: I think he's very brave, to have gone up against opponents who clearly were much better than he was.
Chris: Thanks…I think.
Luna: The next episode is called "Chi no nagare ni uzumeru."
Kat: "Buried in the flow of blood"…what a happy name.
Nick: Oh my god! Next episode is Episode 17!!!!
Janna: And…?
Chris: Oh no! NO!!!!!
(Chris and Nick run off, far far away)
Jeff: What's with them?
Kat: I blame the drugs.
AN: Yeah, I made this episode extra-extra long, due to the long time since 15.
As for the challengers, Jiyue is based off Sei from my old Elements story. Lifuang is from the same story, based off the character of Kiromi. Kid Qishu is my own creation, and Master Kung is based off Sha-Wen from Shaman King, right down to the whole "ego" thing and his moves. So it's not a real-ripoff; at least I gave credit! It's a…homage. That's it.
For some reason, I don't think Master Kung's fight came out the way I wanted it to. I think Jiyue's and Lifuang's worked, with Qishu's being OK.
And about Chris and Nick's worries about Episode 17…if you've seen Slayers or read my Slayers fic, you'll understand why Episode 17 worries them so much.