GrimmFall Park Battles

A little name made by those who visit GrimmFall's own park where every now and then, battles were made. Despite appearing normal, the workers of GrimmFalls park are anything but normal. While there are many rumors, there have been sightings of the park workers usually fighting eccentric people or animated things and objects. With all of them, despite not being Huntsmen in the official sense, being capable fighters.

Because of this many individuals go to the park and declare a challenge to them. Fighting Mordecai, Rigby, Skips, and Muscle Man. Bets are made and winners come out with money while losers either go away with a smile or complaining of their loss.

These battles are of course unadvised due to damage, with Park Manager Benson only tolerating them as if the park employees win, the money goes to charity, or usually to repair park equipment. Something two mobians, a bird and raccoon, usually spend their money on if they win.

Regardless, many who train or just wanna fight go to this park for fun.

GrimmFall was certainly an interesting city, to Hazel's eyes at the very least. It reminded him of Vale in many ways, but ever so different. Particularly these Mobians and what he was certain was a robot or two. Funny how this world held so many unaccountable people. Why, he felt like some could even be aliens. Or were they?

Getting rid of such silly thoughts, Hazel entered a store where he then bought a few items inside. Thanks to Watts little virus, he had money to spend and used them on things he knew would be important for what he was about to do.

Pretty soon he got all he needed. Once he was out of the store, he looked rather differently from usual. Wearing a red sweater that covered his body, a blue beanie, a fake brown beard that looked realistic, and hair dye that made him look like a blonde. A disguise just in case he wouldn't get caught. Placing his other clothes in a bag and then discreetly put it in an alley way so he could pick it up later.

He then proceeded to find this GrimmFall park, which he asked a few people for help. It was around twenty minutes, he found his way there. Where he then noticed a small crowd gathered and knew what had to be done. Getting closer, it was there he heard voices and listened to see what was happening at the moment.

While doing so, he decided to take a good look at the park. Admitting silently to himself it was a very nice and beautiful looking park. Green grass well maintained, a tree here and there with enough shade for someone to sit under if they were looking for a quiet day. However this lasted for a mere second before Hazel focused on why he was here. Sure enough there was a crowd gathering and so he set off, walking in its direction. He could already see a few vendors handing out food and saw a single stand where a blue bird creature(Mobian he corrected silently to himself) and a brown furred raccoon Mobian accepting donations.

That must be the money those kids were talking about.

"-so some new guys came. And they're supposed to be tough." He then heard a man told his fellow friend, a young girl who nodded excitedly. Hazel listening in on them.

"Heck yeah. That shark dude looks awesome." She giggled.

"I'm still putting my money on Muscle Man."

"Yeah right." A grown man laughed. "I'm telling ya, Grape Ape will be the winner." Ignoring these people, Hazel moved forward where he then saw a ring in the park where two people were fighting. One of which was a being called a Mobian. A shark one apparently. Having light blue coloring with a fin on his back, but had legs and shorts with a sharp toothy grin on his face with muscular arms.

This must be, if the people were cheering correctly, Jabberjaw.

"Hahaha!" The Mobian Jaberjaw laughed as he stared down his opponent. "Gotta admit, for a land creature you put up a good fight. But no way I'm gonna lose. After all, how else will I impress my girl Shelly."

Looking around Hazel could see white lines drawn into the formation of a large square and two people were already standing inside. In it was the Mobian Jabberjaw, where he saw his opponent. A green skinned...man with greasy brown hair, a grey shirt and brown pants. He had a pig like snout, making Hazel wonder if he was a pig like Faunus as he scarfed down two hotdogs at the same time.

'So these must be the fighters.' They honestly didn't look like much, but neither did Ozpin's pet Qrow. a drunkard who fought well. So Hazel paid close attention to the duo to see if they were just incompetent blowhards, or genuine fighters as these people proclaimed them to be.

"Attention please!"

The crowd was silent as a some gumball looking...thing stepped out into the center of the ring. "Thank you all for coming out and for the donations you have made. I am Benson, the manager of GrimmFall Park. We've already got several lined up to face our resident groundskeeper Mitch Sorrenstein, better known as Muscle Man."

"WHOOOOO!" The so-called Muscle Man took off his shirt and waved it in the air.

While he was muscular he was also sporting a bloated gut, making himself more out to be a slob than an actual muscular man. Hazel was tempted to walk over to the table and just take the donations or just leave but he had stayed a little longer.

"And his first challenger is the Mobian: Jabberjaw!"

The shark Mobian gave a roar, giving an intimidating look as his mouth revealed quite a bit of deadly teeth. If he bit someone, it wouldn't be pretty. Not that the crowd minded, as they cheered as much for him as they did Muscle Man.

"Our judge will be none other than local judge Mightor himself." Benson stated, gesturing to a man wearing a judge's robe and horned mask over his face, sitting down at a table where the donations were placed by the two Mobians.

Hazel saw the box that held the money, and to his surprise there were multiple bills in it. Not just ones and coins like he expected, but twenties and even hundred dollar bills-or technos if he recalls. It seems this battle really was making thousands. Hazel then considered he could slip past the crowd and incapacitate the judge while everyone was focused on the fight.

"And our referee will be our local mechanic: Skips!" Hazel then looked at the next person who was near the donation box, making him pause on taking it.

Skipping into the middle of the ring was white furry creature, likely another Mobian who had a six-pack and radiated a strong presence. Not looking weak at all while calmly looking back and forth between the two contestants. "All right, this will be a clean fight here. Limited use of your Semblance is allowed but no weapons allowed and if I think it's going to cause harm to anyone here I'll stop the match. If you get knocked down and can't get after I count to ten you will be declared the loser of this match. Same goes for whoever gets knocked out of the ring."

"Got it." Jabberjaw laughed.

"Sure bro. Bring it on!" Muscle Man then showed his flabby muscles.

"And," Skips then raised his hand, then flung it down. "Begin."

"Ahhh!" Jabberjaw roared as he rushed at Muscle Man. His feet leaving behind footprints on the ground as he then slammed in Muscle Man. The force behind his momentum actually pushing the green-skinned man back. The crowd cheering already.

"Oh no you don't bro." Muscle Man declared before he positioned his feet properly and then stopped himself just in time from leaving the a grin, he then ruthlessly kicked Jabberjaw in the gut.

"Gah!" The shark Mobian gasped as he felt some air leave him. That was enough time for Muscle Man to push him away, then punch him in the chest. It must have been a good hit two, as Jabberjaw's aura flared a bit from the instant damage.

"Oooooh!" The two Mobians, the bird and raccoon, yell while waving their hands with the other near their mouths. People in the crowd doing the same.

Hazel blinked, but continued watching. Seeing the two battle with their fists, and concluded that while not particularly good with precise movement, the two were certainly strong. As both their punches could be heard and even felt a bit. Muscle Man and Jabberjaw then rushing at one another and punching each other wherever they could.

The face, the jaw, the stomach, the chest, even a few kicks here and there. Looked like neither were using their Semblance, but Hazel supposed it didn't matter. They clearly didn't need it considering the smiling faces both had.

The two kept on fighting one another without letting up. Each punch made their aura flare as they got closer and closer to breaking the others defenses. While there was no finesse in their attacks, Hazel certainly felt these two were strong men, if only a bit too inclined in what appears to be one-upping the other as far as he can tell.

Still, this did give him an idea. As Hazel looked at the box full of these technos, it made him realize there was an easier way to get the money. While stealing it is rather simple, wouldn't winning it be just as easy? While these fighters were decent, Hazel felt he had a good chance at winning. So long as he was careful and didn't put down his guard, he might just win.

"And eat this bro. Have a knuckle sandwich!" Muscle Man then threw one final punch that not only broke Jabberjaw's aura, but sent him flying to the nearest tree which actually broke it.

'Okay. Maybe also take it a bit seriously.' Hazel thought as the crowd roared while the strange judge accepted the victory while people threw more money in the box while others moaned of their defeat.

"We have a winner!" Benson then called out with Muscle Man himself cheering while twirling his shirt while a...ghost(?) cheers alongside him. "Is there anybody else who wishes to challenge Muscle Man?"

It was here many people in the crowd whispered to themselves. Wondering if they should challenge Muscle Man. A few urged their friends to try while others looked reluctant. For a moment it would seem that there would be no contenders to face Muscle Man.

"I'll face him." There a man with a brown beard and a red sweater then came up with his hand raised. Hazel.

"And you are?" Benson asked.

"George." Or George for the time being. No way was he going to reveal his actual identity to them. Best to use an alias for the time being as to not get caught.

"George. I see." Benson gave the man a look-over, having never seen him before. Then again, lots of the annoying people that came and messed up the park were also unknowns until they chased them off. "I can assume you can fight."

"Indeed." 'George' says as he takes a step into the ring. "Here to test my skills, and maybe earn some cash."

"Not exactly the first one here for money." Benson says before putting his hand in front of him. "You got anything to bet on?" Hazel pulled out a wallet he gotten back in town from those thugs and pulled out his betting money. Benson checked the cash and then nodded, putting it in the box. "Okay, looks like things are good. Get ready then."

"Of course." Hazel grunts as he then takes his position, with Muscle Man grinning as he got ready for the next round.

"You all remember the rules from before, right?" Skips asked with both men nodding. "Good. Then the fight begins in three," The two humans looked at one another. The former ready to get this over with, the latter wanting to have fun. "Two," the crowd placed their bets. To see if this newcomer might win, or lose like everybody else. "One...Begin!"

"Show me what you got you red tomato!" Muscle Man laughed as he rushed at Hazel.

"Gladly." Hazel complained as he then ran toward Muscle Man. The two, instead of punching, instead grappled one another in an attempt to push the other back. Much to Hazel's surprise though, despite being much taller than Muscle Man, he could barely push the green man back.

"Oh." Muscle Man grinned as he took short but strong steps, phishing Hazel back with his feet leaving marks on the dirt. "I guess your size just isn't for show."

Clicking his tongue, Hazel then gave a leg swipe on Muscle Man's footing, making Muscle Man tumble a bit. Taking advantage of that, Hazel then swung his elbow into Muscle Man's chest and hit him back. A green aura springing from Muscle Man as he was sent back a bit, but not looking too bad.

If anything, he looked okay.

"Hm." Muscle Man chuckled as he patted his chest. "Not too bad I guess." He then quickly ran at Hazel and threw the first punch, slamming it on Hazels jaw where he was then sent onto the ground. "Eat it tomato!"

As the crowd cheered, Benson walked up to Skips and spoke to him. "So. What do you reckon from this guy?"

"...He's not bad I admit." Skips says as he watches 'George' get up and then throw simple punches that Muscle Man dodges before blocking a punch coming at him. "He's got a good build. A pretty strong aura. Not to mention the type that doesn't just whine when taking one of Mitch's blows."

To prove it, Muscle Man then gave another punch to the face. Though while most people would flinch and try to recover, or just crouch in pain, this man kept on going forcing Muscle Man to dodge here and there. This man didn't have any technique, but used straithforward punches and kicks. Similar to Muscle Man, who also didn't know any martial arts, but was still a formidable person.

"You think George will win then?" Benson asked while grabbing a drink from behind him and sipped it.

"Hard to say." Muscle Man then grabbed George by the arm and spun him until he then slammed him on the ground. "Likely Muscle Man will win, but it won't be easy compared to others."

Truer words indeed. Muscle Man was no Huntsmen, nor did he train to be one. However, he worked out on a decent basis, fought Grimm for fun, and like every other park employee, faced jerks and weirdos who invaded the park. Like a walking video game tv, robots, and hippies. Because of this, he had quite a bit of experience compared to those who only trained but faced little danger. Muscle Man might be a slob, but he's no slouch in battle.

"Hur!" But, this George character was clearly different from other posses who fought him. The way he battled, it was that of someone who also fought before. His blows actually made Muscle Man feel some pain, and he wasn't even letting up on the assault.

After all, little did anybody know, 'George' was someone who battled Grimm, faced Huntsmen in life and death matches, and even battled Ozpin's forces. Hazel was many things, but a weakling he wasn't.

'And yet,' Hazel thought as he was then uppercutted. 'This man just won't go down.' This Muscle Man fought harder than those Huntsmen he killed in Wildpath. It was clear by now that this man was stronger than he expected. He then tried grappling him again, only to find himself still unable to shove him out of the ring.

Hazel grunted as he grappled with Muscle Man who let out a small chuckle. "Whoa, lookie here. You're actually making me work up a sweat here, bro."

Hazel said nothing as he tried to force Muscle Man back but this...man was actually able to match his strength. Deciding that overpowering him wasn't enough Hazel switched to simply attacking, freeing his hands and launching the first punch that would actually hit him properly. The first caught Muscle Man off guard, making him slide back. Hazel didn't stop as he relentlessly attacked but when he tried to hit Muscle Man in the gut...

CRACK!

Hazel grunted, his Semblance kicking in as he actually felt and heard a small crack in his hand. Did he actually feel his bones cracking? He had no time to think as Muscle Man finally retaliated with a punch to the torso, strong enough that Hazel actually staggered back.

This had almost never happened before.

Only a few beings had ever managed to match him in strength during his time as Salem's subordinate and even Ozpin was wary of facing him.

Muscle Man chuckled as he patted his gut. "Not bad, bro. You got a lot of strength. Only Skips has made me work this much before."

With that Muscle Man let out a pig like squeal as he charged, slamming right into Hazel and making him slid back. The muscular member of Salem's cabal had braced himself but he was wary, feeling the force of Muscle Man's strength that was somehow on par with his own.

Maybe even slightly higher.

"Hey, bro." Muscle Man spoke up as he and Hazel wrestled again. "Sorry for getting personal but what exactly is your Semblance?"

"What?" Hazel questioned.

"Can you make yourself stronger? Make you more durable? At least help you recover fast?" Muscle Man listed off.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Hazel grunted, launching a punch. Not telling him that he could regenerate his aura much faster than most. Thus why compared to Muscle Man, who while was still going strong, was sweating a bit more compared to him.

Muscle Man didn't blink as he blocked the incoming fist. "Just need a hint so I can use mine. I wouldn't want to hurt you too bad if I actually use it."

Hazel wasn't expecting that kind of answer. "And why is that?"

"You saw me eating those hot dogs right?" Muscle Man asked, a grin forming on his face. "Wasn't just chowing down just because I was hungry, bro. I got a little something going on with me that makes me eat real bad."

What is he-

Muscle Man broke off the grappling and took a deep breath. "I think I can use it enough to just knock you out of the ring. Just wanted to make sure you had extra protection."

Hazel watched as Muscle Man took a deep breath, watching as his stomach shrank slightly.

"You see, bro. Guys like me, we're really strong and our Semblances have this thing where it can make us even stronger but nothing in life is free, bro. It needs a little juice." Muscle Man said his dark green Aura flared around him. "And with enough juice and Aura I can get a lot more dangerous."

Hazel watched as Muscle Man opened his mouth, seeing something glowing inside his throat. From that mouth came a blast of light that shot straight at Hazel who braced himself, covering his face with both arms. It collided into him like a cannon and sent him flying out of the ring. Hazel grunted as he skidded a few times before coming to a complete halt. Grunting slightly, Hazel's Semblance kept him from feeling any pain as he stood up, seeing the marks made by his crash out of the ring.

"You okay?" Looking up, he saw a boy with blond hair, wearing an orange jacket staring at him with a semi-worried face.

Hazel shook his head as he stood up. "I'm fine."

"The winner is...Muscle Man!" Skips held his arm up, declaring the winner.

Hazel stared at Muscle Man, watching as he took off his shirt and waved it in the air. "Whoo-hoo! You know who else belches out blasts made of energy taken from the food they eat? My Mom!"

The crowd seemed a little confused at the joke but someone laughed as they...floated into the ring. "Good one!"

Hazel was silent as he just looked on. That man's Semblance allowed him to take energy from the food he eats and convert it into blasts he fires from his throat? That was...impressive. A bit gross, but impressive. Either way, it was clear Hazel lost and he could accept that. Clearly not everybody here was as weak as he expected, making him realize that he had to be more careful when facing others. After all, not often he faced someone who could just throw a blast from their mouth like a Manticore

Still...He couldn't just leave empty handed. According to Watts, while he could make a good chunk of re-creating the portal machine, certain parts he just couldn't make just like that. Needing specific equipment and parts to do so.

Luckily, some of them Watts could find online in special sites. Problem, it cost money. Lots and lots of money. Something that Watts couldn't use his new access to the bank to do, since withdrawing that much would instantly peg suspicion on such an act. With that thought in min, Hazel simply began moving out and subtly going to the donation box.

In his pocket, some Dust Crystals. He won't take the box immediately of course. No, all he needed was a good opportunity to take it when everybody was distracted. A tree bursting in flame will certainly get everyone's attention.

"Hey." He then felt a hand grab his shoulder. For a second thinking he might have been caught, his intentions somehow revealed. In his pocket his hand gripped the Dust Crystal a bit harder, before forcing himself to turn around.

"...Yes." He then saw that it is the Gorilla Mobian, Skips.

"You put up a good fight." To his surprise, Skips congratulated him. Clearly not knowing of his plan at all, and giving a small praise to him. "Not a lot of people can give Muscle Man a run for his money. Especially making him use his Semblance. You a Huntsman?"

A Huntsman…?

"Come on Hazel, it won't be so bad." Gretchen Rainart told her brother as she excitedly grabbed her food. "I mean. THE Ozpin asked me himself to join. Me of all people!"

"But you're only fifteen!" Hazel pointed out.

"Oh don't worry." Gretchen smiled, her silver eyes gazing at her brother. "What's the worst that can happen?"

Skips then felt it, a great rage in 'George's' eyes. The look of resentment and hate he saw momentarily in them. But also a great loss. "...I'm...not a Huntsman. Just a simple traveler."

It wasn't even a good lie, and likely George didn't care. Skips, knowing this was a touchy topic, decided to just stop. Meanwhile the man himself just let out a breath and instead looked at the donation box. "You made a lot of money."

Skips turned around, seeing that box of money, George then staring at him. "Yeah. It's a lot, almost over five thousand Technos. People like coming around here to watch these sparring rounds we host. Mayor Sebben gave us full blessing to have them. Really gives everyone to look forward and gives us some exercise."

Benson of course didn't entirely like them since every now and then these fights also got out of hand. Mainly when Mordecai and Rigby got involved, or Muscle Man got too excited and broke something. Luckily, Pops told Benson that if they won the fights, some of the money could be used to help repair park supplies which Benson accepted.

Hazel grunted, already planning to steal the money after he knocked out the Mobian. "Seems rather pointless and even looks like you are exploiting these people for their money."

Just as he clenched his fist Skips replied back. "Hardly pointless if it goes into helping kids."

Hazel stopped, confused by what the mechanic said. "What?"

"These fights we have. We don't keep the money. Not personally anyway. All of it aside from the extra we keep for park supplies goes into charity, especially the orphanage program that was set up a few years ago. You saw a few kids watching, right?" Skips asked.

Hazel did recall some children watching the fights with excited looks on their faces.

"Even with the advancements in technology and the heroes we have there are still a lot of deaths around. From Grimm, to criminals or just plain accidents. Benson and Sebben worked out an idea to help raise a lot of money, using the donations made from watching Muscle Man, me or anyone else stepping into the ring to help support them, give them an education and a chance to go to school." Skips explained. "You think we were doing it all for fun? Muscle Man was the happiest to be helping out and have lots of fun showing off a bit to the crowd while giving those kids a chance for a real future. Any winnings that he gets are just donated to the pile since he doesn't need all the cash, fine with what he's got right now."

"..." It seemed….Hazel judged them a bit too fast. In a way, it was nice to see there were people out there helping out. Granted, he was well aware he was far from being such a good person, but that didn't stop him from feeling anything. 'And yet, look at what I'm about to do.'

Stealing the money for kids, ha. Hazel was well aware that he's no innocent man. He might not be killing people here and now, but taking that money wasn't any better. If only...If only Gretchen can see him now. Undoubtedly she would be disgusted with him, and he couldn't blame her. And yet…

"I see." Hazel nods as he turns to the opposite direction from the donation box and begins walking. "You're a good man." He then takes out a Dust Crystal, a fire one. "I wish you luck." Then, without Skips or anybody noticing, he subtly threw the Dust Crystal toward the nearest tree. The second it landed, it combusted.

BOOM!

"Woah!"

"What the-"

"Fire!"

Everybody turned to the explosion. A few people near it were singed with one taking off her clothes as it was burning. Instantly Benson told the two nearby Mobians Mordecai and Rigby to get the water hose while Muscle Man and those he fought like Jabberjaw began pushing the kids back.

"How in-" Skips eyes widened and he turned around. Where the donation box was gone. Instantly he moved and tried looking around, already getting a good idea who it was. He then felt his feet hit something and looked down. "Oh boy." Where he saw a red sweater, a beanie, and a fake beard with the donation box empty. A disguise. Well that sucked.

A few scenes like the final part with Hazel vs Muscle Man were gratefully provided by Lord Maximus. Also, since we know little of Hazel's sister, I decided to make it that Gretchen was a Silver Eye warrior. Could be wrong in the end, but eh, fanfiction can change anything. Meaning I'm also gonna flesh out Salem's forces and give them backgrounds over time. Where here, there's a reason Gretchen went to Beacon, and you can bet why.

Hope you like it and here's Muscle Man's info:

Name: Mitch Sorrenstein

Alias: Muscle Man

Aura: Dark Green

Semblance: Belching Blast

Description: By eating large amounts of food Muscle Man can convert the energy from the food as it is digested, adding it to his Aura and convert into a concussive blast that matches the fire power of a cannon.

Weapon: None