“Ladies and gentlemen, and citizens of all ages. Welcome to the first match of the first round of this year's New Blood Tournament!”
The announcer's voice boomed over the battle dome. A massive construction with a center circle a hundred yards across and sloped walls filled with seating. There was a dry moat separating the audience from the center and the center itself was filled with rock slabs and debris.
“Today's competitors are from the Virginian side of Progress City. From The West, we have Merlin Greenleaf and Adrian Priest.”
The lights shined down on the duo. They looked calm and ready. Stoic as the small crowd cheered. The rows were barely quarter-filled.
“You know, I was led to believe this event would have more hype to it.” Melvin remarked as he straightened his grass-green coat.
Adrian tsked, “I don't care. It Doesn't matter who watches. It's their loss in the end.”
“Quite.”
The lights flickered over to the other side of the arena. There stood another pairing. A boy in blue combat armor that must have been custom-made for him and a girl in a lacy green dress with patchwork worn throughout. She wore a green hat that marked her as a witch.
“From down south, we have Casey Young and Judy Cajun! Meet in the middle competitors and meet your match.”
The four fighters strided to the center. Casey Young was the first to speak.
“Adrian Priest, I hear about you,” Casey tilted his head down to scan Adrian, “You're a bully and brute, but you're hella tough too.”
“Yeah, well I never even heard of you.” Adrian snorted back, “You must be the bottom of their barrel.”
“Indeed,” Melvin chimed in, “You certainly couldn't have been chosen for your inspiring attire.”
Casey was agape. Judy had to step in, “Appearances can be deceiving. So think twice before testing your hand against us.”
“How bold. You must have a fine pedigree.” Melvin made a show out of bowing out of mockery.
Judy scowled and slammed her staff down, “As a matter of I do. I am Judy Cajun, of the Cajun clan of Georgia. We trace our lineage to the court of King Arthur and have bloodlines to Mount Olympian. We are versed in zymology, herbology, evocation, and con-”
Judy was interrupted by the sound of Adrian faking a loud snore before pretending to awaken, “Oh Sweet Mercy. Sorry about that. It's just you're so boring I thought we were in class.”
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“Oh dear, look at me,” Melvin went wide at a book and pen he had produced from somewhere, “I done went and fell into a trance at your lecturing.”
Melvin slammed the book and pocketed it into his coat, “Well, you certainly have a bright future as everyone's least favorite educator.”
Judy's face went red as she scowled harder at the roar of Adrian’s laughter.
“What are you even laughing at!?” Judy screamed, “As if a hellape like you even know what classes are!”
Melvin mocked gasped, “Oh Sweet Mercy, openly using slurred language like that. I am truly shocked.”
“Yeah, I guess they don't teach respect down in the southside.” Adrian added, the irony hidden well in his tone.
Judy scowled again and seemed ready to fire back, but Casey stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, “Judy, relax. They're just trying to rile us up. Don't let them.”
“Oh, small fry wants to set us straight?” Adrian slammed his fist together, “You’re gonna have to square up mighty high to reach us.”
Casey huffed, “No. Smack talk is beneath me. I rather my actions speak for themselves.”
“How noble.” Melvin sneered.
“Yes.” Casey smirked back, “I don’t expect you understand.”
The announcer came over the PA system again, “Fighters, make nice and return to your starting positions.”
Adrian spat down on the ground as Melvin popped his collar and they turned away. Casey and Judy scowled as they turned and struted back to their position.
Meanwhile, up in the stands a few watchers were gathered together. Most were Adrian’s classmates, including all of Team Four next to Semy as well as Vlad and XK-88.
“Well this is quite the match up.” XK-88 said, “I say the odds are about even.”
“Well you say wrong.” Kevin barked out, “Adrian is winning this easily.”
“If you say so.” XK shrugged, “It's going to be a show at least though.”
“You know something we don't?” Semy asked.
XK nodded, “Casey Young is the son of Dr Young, a friend and colleague to my own father, Dr Scott. The powers he uses are similar to mine, but also fundamentally different. After all, being fully robotic allows me to utilize my flux engine beyond human capacity.”
“What is a flux engine?” Nazuri asked.
“Well simply it's an engine that creates flux energy. And flux energy is…” XK scratched his head before shrugging his shoulders, “I guess you could call it the power of the human soul. The more spirit you have the stronger it is.”
Kevin tsked, “Why is it called flux energy?”
“No clue.”
“Alright then,” Semy pressed forward, “What about the girl in green?”
“Judy Cajun. She is a powerful and accomplished witch.” Runesir answered, “She comes from the Cajun clan of Georgia. While I know not her exact talent, her family is respected for their skill.”
“Neat.” said Semy, “This is lined up to be an interesting brawl.”
“Ladies, gentlemen, and all others! Are you ready!” The announcer asked, “It's time to brawl.”
***READY***
Demonkin Adrian Priest & Fairykin Melvin Greenleaf
Vs
Cyborg Casey Young & Pumpkin Witch Judy Cajun
***FIGHT***