MASKTOURN

The arena stands consist of rows long, stone benches, that aren't too comfortable to sit on. They offer good views of the arena. From the stands, there is no safe way to easily enter the arena.

(edited)

Darcy is here to cheer on Aarni!

Roman is here to be a little weirdo and Asha is here to see if anything exploitable seems to happen during the fights.

Gale is here! Doesn’t look too happy.

Ellie is also here! She looks. Confused and stressed.

Enya's here! She's..definitely looking stressed.

Ace is here and squinting down at the arena. I think he's trying to learn something?

Kal’s here to cheer on and support his Kal Pal. Woo! Evan anxiously arrived to the stands. He stood off to the side, anxiously watching the arena. He didn’t want to be here to be a witness to whatever would happen, but he needed to know what to expect for his own match.

Kenji is here, sitting on one of the benches. His hands balanced on his knees are clenched tight into fists as he stares down into the arena. As soon as he'd heard Aarni's name called he'd raced here, but...he recognized Kallum's too. His chest hurts, and for once he gets why.

Peregrine is awake and here and just here to watch the drama.

Gale’s face paled. That guy just dropped like a stone- alive one moment and gone the next. Their hands balled tight into the fabric of their robes- She had to find a way out of here. She wouldn’t die here. (edited)

Asha had just been watching in mild disinterest the entire time.. She was just happy this wasn't super violent. Unlike the first few fights of the other tournament. .. And that angry man got the totem. She didn't know either of them, so she didn't really care.. But then Naiyta appeared, and.. Surely he just knocked out that man, right? He's.. Asleep? ... He didn't look like he was sleeping. He looked dead. Asha gasped as he sunk to the floor. She could only stare in horror for mere moments before her vision got too cloudy with tears. This was worse. This was so much worse. Unless Naiyta revived them, there was no dungeon to save them from. There was nothing. She sobbed, and buried her face in her hands.

Peregrine could not muster the emotions that the fight was worth. Something deep within him felt hollow. Maybe, to a person better put together, it would have been dread. Naiyta was going to kill them. At least, however, he would keep his wings.

Roman, meanwhile, also really didn't care. He only showed mild interest as Naiyta appeared and did it's work swiftly. ... It was really that quick? That easy for it to kill you? Didn't seem too bad, honestly.. .. but there was a party coming, and it didn't seem he was invited. He'd change that though.

Ah. So that was death. Not like stone or dormancy, simply- death. Ace remained silent, though they grasped at the fabric of their robe a little tighter. [There she was, not too far away in the stands. Would it be them or her?]

2:03 PM

"Ohgh," Ellie quietly gasped, hands flying to cover her mouth. Oh. Oh. That was it? That was it? It was that easy to just. Die here?

That.... was a murder. Darcy didn't know quite how to process it. He knew Aarni- they hadn't been close, but he'd known him. He felt sick just watching it all. They would all die here.

Cautiously, Darcy approached Asha. He remained silent for a good long while, trying to find both words and the strength to say them. Eventually, he settled on a plain statement. "This wasn't what it was like at the other tournament." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Evan covered his eyes fearfully the moment Aarni dropped to the floor. The boy backed up until he hit a wall, and he slid down in, still keeping his eyes covered.

3

2:50 PM

Kal’s enthusiasm and cheer had died down- Funny, died down, not the only thing that died- But now he was quiet, simply staring into the area. God damn.

Enya’s hands fly up to cover her mouth, shock nearly bowling her over at the suddenness of it all. Somehow, the idea of not actually having to kill your opponent directly, of just standing there and watching it happen, was…almost the more nauseating one. Numbly, she follows after the procession. She could barely handle the last fights. How on earth was she supposed to handle these ones?

Kenji had spent the entire fight on edge, fists clenched and leg bouncing anxiously. Every time Aarni seemed to gain ground, something seemed to happen that knocked him back, and the same followed Kallum too. The two of them had hardly even touched each other, and yet— There was a winner. Kallum is presented with victory, and Kenji’s chest tightens, and he knows with a sickening certainty what is going to happen a single moment before it does. It’s awful in every way, more than he could have thought. Something about being so close to death, something about it being someone he knows…. He shoots to his feet as Aarni’s body—Aarni—crumples to the ground, breath more and more frantic as he stands frozen in place, hands shaking violently. There’s nothing he can do— nothing he could do, not even if he tried. He stays like that for almost too long. But a procession is starting, and he’ll be damned if he lets go of his friend without saying goodbye.

"N-no.. it's not.. at all." Asha sobbed. There was no trap door and unknown fate- your fate was sealed the moment you lost.. Unless you could somehow defeat Naiyta in the brief moment they're standing there? That may be their only option.. There was a bit of a delay until she self destructed, if she were to die. She'd be gone, but maybe that blast could save everyone else- minus Kal. She didn't intend on planning her own failure though. "C-can we hug, please..?" Asha asked quietly. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy wasn't the most physically affectionate guy in the world, but he could tell Asha needed this- and maybe he needed it a bit too. "Of course." He nodded, and put an arm around her shoulder. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Lame ass hug. Side hugs were for people with one arm or awkward prom date photos with the parents. Asha wrapped both her arms around his waist and pulled him in closer, where she could rest her head on his shoulder. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy was clearly a little surprised by how Asha pulled him close, but didn't move away. He patted her gently on the back, trying to be reassuring. "I don't know what we're going to do..." He confessed, and then, "I hate not knowing things," @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I-i don't know either.. Th-this is so much worse than I was expecting.." Asha sniffled. By this point, Darcy's sleeve was pretty soaked. "I-if- if Kal wins his fight, and I still have my powers, I-i think everyone here might die with me. Kal can't win." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Seki had watched the fight with their arms tightly crossed and tail swishing. The concept of the fight was interesting, and it had been definitely exciting and interesting to watch, but the inevitable ending in tragedy made his brows furrow deeply. When the boy fell, Seki's fur bristled, and his tail lashed quicker. "Bastard..." they hissed under their breath. Poor guy didn't deserve this. Naiyta was going to pay.

Invo had long since left the remnants of Aarni's shadow. It was easier to travel here using him as transportation, but he quickly found himself scattering to the darkened corners of the stands. He didn't talk to anyone else, too focused on watching the fight from his place. It wasn't what he was expecting at all—The fight. It wasn't even a fight. It was some sort of... event. A spectacle. Aarni and Kallum never even exchanged blows, and yet, at the very end of it, Aarni laid dead. Just hours before, Aarni had helped him out and spoken to him. Now, he'll never do any of that with anyone again. Against his will, Invo frowned and the smallest part of his chest felt heavy. What a useless battle this was. As soon as Aarni and Kallum were taken out of the arena, Invo disappeared.

Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I-i don't know either.. Th-this is so much worse than I was expecting.." Asha sniffled. By this point, Darcy's sleeve was pretty soaked. "I-if- if Kal wins his fight, and I still have my powers, I-i think everyone here might die with me. Kal can't win." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy didn't seem to mind his shirt getting tear-soaked- at least he didn't protest it. He remained silent, but his mind was going a mile a minute- thinking up new possible scenarios and how they'd all inevitably end in his death as quickly as he could. "Asha- I, I don't want to die-" His voice cracked, breaking away the air of maturity he often put over it. "You have to win, Asha. Please." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I'm going to t-try- but.. Kal.. he refused to forefit.. I-i already asked him and he wouldn't consider it.." Asha took in a deep breath that was shaken up with another sob. She said the next part quietly, "B-but put your tracking magic on Kal. Maybe.. Theres a chance it isn't as bad a-as it seems. Maybe it's an illusion. What do the hosts gain b-by just killing us, really? There has to be something more to it.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Maybe- maybe I could convince him otherwise. I don't know. But I can try." Darcy said, then nodded. "I will. I'll try to catch him before the fight and put it on him. Hopefully they're just... faking it and putting the losers in a dungeon again. I don't know what they'd stand to gain from killing us in- such a contrived fashion." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Maybe. If I lose, and I die, I will explode if I still have my powers.. So if that happens, I guess they really do die.. Unless Naiyta revives them or something." Asha sighed. There wouldn't be much to revive, in her case. "I don't understand why any of this has to happen.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy nodded. "Let's... try to avoid you dying. Just in general. Hopefully, your fight won't be for a while, and we'll have more time to plan. Maybe we can even figure out why this is going on." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"I can only hope. My fight was one of the much later ones in the other tournament, technically the last one since me and Juno incapacitated the hosts." Asha said. "Have you learned anything else since earlier?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm..." Darcy would never get used to Asha referring to Yeonaixho as her friend. "Ahh, not really. I mostly just got lost in the Citadel- there's a lot of buildings with nothing in them. And then the fight started." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Mm..." Asha mumbled. "I really should go explore more, but I just get tired so easily. I don't know how much help I'd be way out there." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"That's okay. You should take care of yourself." Darcy reassured. "I really don't know if there's anything useful to even find out there- I just hate sitting around with nothing to do." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Me too. New moms aren't even allowed to leave the house for five weeks and- urgh.. This is not how I wanted to spend it.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I don't think any of us want to be spending our time here..." Darcy sighed. "I'll have to explain to the university why I was gone... if they even believe me." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"What did you say to them the last time you were in a tournament..? Did they believe you then?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I wasn't actually working then- I was still living with my father and getting my doctorate. My father... well, he believed me, even if he didn't like my explanation. And I wasn't abducted that time, I left willingly." Darcy sighed. "I have an actual job to loose now." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Everyone here and most of her friends were so well educated.. It made her feel kind of stupid. "Oh, hah, I also went to the other tournaments willingly. Can't believe I did that now, though. I was kind of desperate for something exciting, and I thought there'd be hot guys there, hah. Didn't even meet my husband there though, just like Kal and Juno.." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm... I went to mine because I had some grand idea about proving myself to my father. That.... did not happen either." Darcy managed a dry laugh. "How did you and your husband meet?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"My first husband was Kaizer, and we worked together ever since we were eight. When we were eighteen and on our wedding night, the village was attacked by raiders and I'm 99% sure Roque was involved, but a lot of people died including him." Asha paused for a moment. "And a different version of the Roman here is my husband now, he's sweet.. and a great father. I really couldn't ask for more from him. We met about seven years ago now at a bar where he was preforming some silly song of his, he was just.. Charming." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Darcy listened to Asha's story, nodding sympathetically. He didn't say anything til she was done, both out of respect and because he didn't really have much to say. Asha seemed to know a lot of different-universe versions of weird men. "I'm sorry about Kaizer- that sounds awful. But I'm glad you were able to find happiness again." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. I still think about him a lot. I think deep down, I just.. might never be fully past him." Asha sighed and closed her eyes. "Do you um.. date at all? Any girlfriends?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I think that's understandable." Darcy hummed. "Ah- no. I'm gay, for one thing, and I've never really dated. There's... something going on between myself and one of my coworkers, Alejandro, but I don't really foresee that going anywhere." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

'Am I the only straight person here again?? Where's Roman, maybe he's still straight..' "Aw, really?? You've never dated? But you're so nice! Any l- guy would be lucky to be with you." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Ah- thank you? I guess I just never really had the time- for the majority of my adult life, I've been pretty preoccupied with my work." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"You gotta go out and party more, that's where all the hot guys are!" Asha said. "All work and no game gets you nowhere." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I'm- not really the party type." Darcy managed another weak laugh. "Besides, my father probably wouldn't approve." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Duuuuuude, it doesn't matter what your dad thinks! You're a whole ass adult man, why do you care what he thinks?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"I care when he, ah, controls my career. Which essentially controls my life. But, uh, it's all okay." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. Darcy, why is your dad also your boss. You gotta get outta there." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"He's not my boss, he just has... connections in my field." Darcy explained. "And it's really going to be okay, he's, uh, not going to be around much longer, anyways." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

".. oh. Huh. Wow that's a lot." Asha said. "Well... sorry for your loss..?" @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Thank you. It's, uh... a complicated situation, but thank you. Sorry to... kill the mood." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"That's alright, I mean, I was never that close with my parents so I don't think it's super depressing." Asha shrugged. "But anyway Darcy, I.. Might get going. I need to get dinner before I head to bed." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm, that sounds like a good idea. I think we're both invited to that feast... but I don't really feel like eating right now. Stay safe out there." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Take it easy, Darcy. And make sure to catch Kal before our fight, if it starts before I see you again." Asha waved before heading off. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"Take it easy, Darcy. And make sure to catch Kal before our fight, if it starts before I see you again." Asha waved before heading off. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Mhm. I'll try to find him." Darcy nodded, and waved goodbye to Asha.

Darcy is here and he's freakinnn outttt

Roman is here, still eating off that plate. He didn't really care who won here... But he knew what would happen if Asha lost. "You better hope Asha wins." Roman hummed. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Ace is here now! He's squinting down at the arena again.

11:48 AM

Ellie is also here and looks much more worried now.

(I have to go to work soon so I am just dropping Ryu here) Ryu is also here, with or without Pere.

Evans here because no, I didn't forget about him ✨

Isi is here and she's not thrilled about it!

If Isi is here then Seki is here too, stuffing more cheese and toast in their mouth agitatedly.

Cansu's here as well

sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi is here and she's not thrilled about it!

Seki stuffed the rest of his food into his mouth and crossed her arms, looking at the currently empty arena. "This is boring", he grumbled. The sand worms had been exciting at least, but now this tension was just irritating, not knowing what was happening with the contestants. "Do you still wanna stay?" he asked Isi.

In the corner, Ellie was nervously bouncing her leg. Both legs. She was clutching onto the sparkler Asha gave her with unnatural frickin' force.

(Ellie my beloved

)

(This fight is a nightmare)

In the silence of the arena, Darcy remembered he had completely forgotten to cast his tracking spell on Kal. Fuck. (edited)

1

(Darcy my beloved

)

Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki stuffed the rest of his food into his mouth and crossed her arms, looking at the currently empty arena. "This is boring", he grumbled. The sand worms had been exciting at least, but now this tension was just irritating, not knowing what was happening with the contestants. "Do you still wanna stay?" he asked Isi.

Isi frowned, then looked at a clearly very-nervous Darcy. "yeah," she began. "my friend over there looks worried and I wanna be here incase something happens, yknow?" She looked nervous herself, but Seki being there seemed to help.

Missed the beginning but Enya and Kenji are both technically here and are both stressing but for the opposite contestant

"Oooo, damn." Roman mumbled as he ate another berry. He stood up and slowly walked over toward the exit.. He didn't quite know how far the blast radius was for the explosion that was bound to happen soon, and he didn't want to get caught in it.

"Fuck. Fuck, I can't watch," Ellie softly groaned, lowering it's head as it began to mutter in broken strings of Greek. Asha. Fuck. Faen. Faen. Faen. Ace hurried to her side, lightly rubbing her shoulders in some attempt to soothe her. He didn't know any of these people.

In the stands, Evan was quiet. He fidgeted as he watched the fight, but at some point, he turned away. It was too sad and painful to watch. Cansu, on the other hand, kept his eyes locked on the moron. His expression was unreadable.

@everyone please roll defense against the blast (dc of 10) and roll d5 damage if you fail

(sweeet caroline)

(FEAR)

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

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# 14
Details:[d20-2 (16)]

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

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# 12
Details:[d20 (12)]

Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

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# -1
Details:[d20-3 (2)]

(bwuh)

(OOF)

(Roman)

(ouch)

kallum

soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

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# 0
Details:[d20-2 (2)]

Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

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# 5
Details:[d5 (5)]

OH MY GOD

(KALLUM)

(OOF)

(ROMANNN)

(is 0 like a crit or do i still roll just d5 for kallum)

(just a d5)

Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

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# 16
Details:[d20 (16)]

Evan def

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

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# 8
Details:[d20+3 (5)]

soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

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# 1
Details:[d5 (1)]

Gab || Armand 🐠|Zhi-Yin 🌬

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# 13
Details:[d20+3 (10)]

(Evan

)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

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# 2
Details:[d5 (2)]

(Evan's at 23 HP)

9:29 PM

Cansu def

(this is a nightmare)

Vanessa | Cansu🐥+Evan🔩+Kal🌟

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# 22
Details:[d20+3 (19)]

DiceParser

# 1
Details:[d5 (1)]

(kallum was fully healed right i'm assuming he was but just imagine if he wasn't)

soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

(kallum was fully healed right i'm assuming he was but just imagine if he wasn't)

(he was lol)

(his single hp wiped out by a woman)

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

(he was lol)

(we should retcon just for the funny /j)

9:30 PM

(anyway. peregrine)

soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

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# 22
Details:[d20+3 (19)]

(+2 not 3 soz 21)

(I come in here to see ppl kill each other and now I'm being punished. Rude. /jk)

9:32 PM

(For the fun of it Levi let's see if you get wrecked)

Barry|Lacey🔦+ Levi🫠

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# 14
Details:[D20+2 (12)]

Darcy lurched back as the blast hit- though, somehow, despite having a front-row seat, he escaped unharmed. He blinked as he got up and tried to focus on the scene before him, but couldn't hear anything over the ringing in his ears. It was Kal standing there, though. Kal was alive. He clutched the dogtags firm in his hand, close to his heart. Kal lived.

As the blast hit, Evan yelped with pain as he felt the scorching heat. His metal had quickly covered his body, not quick enough to block out some damage, but enough to prevent a tremendous amount of harm. The boy kept his hands over his face in an attempt to block out what might've remained of Asha. Cansu's wings simply curled around his body as he watched the explosion. The blast ruffled his feathers slightly and caused his eyes to narrow as he watched Asha vanish from existence. Good. Now she could never blind him again.

"Wooo! Come on do a 'notha one! That was fuckin awesome!" Levi hoot and collared like an immature kid not fully grasping the life or death circumstances. Or more accurately he did, he jusy didn't care. His grin was animalistic, body seemingly ignoring the blast as his blood was pumping through his veins faster than a freight train. Then his smile slowly fell as he saw the fight wad over. Obnoxiously clicking his tongue. What was he, some caged animal bored of the lack of enrichment via bloody brawls?? "Tch. Whatever this funeral thing is it better not be boring."

Well, Roman had had the right idea and attempted to leave.. But Kal had been slightly more eager then expected to let her die. Just as he was getting to the exit the blast went off, slamming him right against the wall. The plate shattered, and some of his bones might have too. He sunk down to the floor, his gaze far off as he laid there in an awkward position.. Uh. He kinda looked a little dead. But he was breathing, with a tremendous amount of effort, every once in a while.

It was a miracle that neither of them had gotten injured from the sudden blast, though they were both very...distressed. One more so than the other, really. "Asha!" Ellie cried out, her ears absolutely ringing like mad as she tried to lunge to her feet. All she could see was dust, bits of debris here and there, red- but Ace had his hands firm on her shoulders, trying his hardest to stop her from looking into the arena. "Asha!" Faen, faen, faen, was this the failsafe? Was this it? Was the explosion the failsafe? "I- hh-" It couldn't be- it- that- Asha won, right? She won, right? "J- Jason! What the hell- what- w-where's Asha?" They were coming up with a plan and everything, they were supposed to get outta here, she has kids back at home, it had to get the photos for her, and- "I," Jason exhales, staring into the dusty arena. Red. "I...think you should stay seated for now."

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

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# 16
Details:[d20+4 (12)]

The fight was interesting, to say the least. Ryu hadn't expected much and honestly, it was on the same level of odd she was used to. There were times where she tensed, mainly when Kal would fumble or miss, but there was a sense of ease when he had confirmed his win. That level of ease faded as Asha was killed. She hadn't expected the Lifebringer to just. Appear. Ryunoske narrowed her eyes, but just as quickly shielded them as the explosion went off. Despite being barely dressed, she avoided getting hit by anything serious. She was more worried about the idiot known as Kal.

Twig | Seki / Aarni

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# 10
Details:[d20+2 (8)]

sketti | Isi 🦌

Isi frowned, then looked at a clearly very-nervous Darcy. "yeah," she began. "my friend over there looks worried and I wanna be here incase something happens, yknow?" She looked nervous herself, but Seki being there seemed to help.

(Barely!) Seki nodded. Sighing, they waited for the fight to end. And what an explosive end it was! The unexpected pressure waves knocked Seki off, but luckily they remained unscathed.

kenji

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

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# 10
Details:[d20+2 (8)]

enya

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

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# 14
Details:[d20-3 (17)]

Isi

sketti | Isi 🦌

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# 16
Details:[d20+2 (14)]

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

The fight was interesting, to say the least. Ryu hadn't expected much and honestly, it was on the same level of odd she was used to. There were times where she tensed, mainly when Kal would fumble or miss, but there was a sense of ease when he had confirmed his win. That level of ease faded as Asha was killed. She hadn't expected the Lifebringer to just. Appear. Ryunoske narrowed her eyes, but just as quickly shielded them as the explosion went off. Despite being barely dressed, she avoided getting hit by anything serious. She was more worried about the idiot known as Kal.

(@soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭 meant to Tag you in this post so if you wanna have Ryu and pere talk a little more they can

)

Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Well, Roman had had the right idea and attempted to leave.. But Kal had been slightly more eager then expected to let her die. Just as he was getting to the exit the blast went off, slamming him right against the wall. The plate shattered, and some of his bones might have too. He sunk down to the floor, his gaze far off as he laid there in an awkward position.. Uh. He kinda looked a little dead. But he was breathing, with a tremendous amount of effort, every once in a while.

If Roman could even notice, a pair of footsteps was approaching him. "Ah... mhm." A familiar voice said over him. Reagan crouched down beside him, and put a hand to his shoulder. "At least you seem alive. Are you doing okay? Conscious? In pain?" @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

The fight was interesting, to say the least. Ryu hadn't expected much and honestly, it was on the same level of odd she was used to. There were times where she tensed, mainly when Kal would fumble or miss, but there was a sense of ease when he had confirmed his win. That level of ease faded as Asha was killed. She hadn't expected the Lifebringer to just. Appear. Ryunoske narrowed her eyes, but just as quickly shielded them as the explosion went off. Despite being barely dressed, she avoided getting hit by anything serious. She was more worried about the idiot known as Kal.

Peregrine had already been behind Ryu, nestled into the back of his shoulder, and then had only ducked further into him to hide from the explosion. "Some people," he mumbled, kissing Ryu's shoulder. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

/self harm ment Ryu let out a small huff and glanced back at Peregrine. "That'll happen to you if you don't take this shit seriously," she commented. "Maybe if you cozy up with the Lifebringer, it'll spare you if you really want to live still... but I'm doubting you have much eagerness in that topic." @soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I won't explode. The last guy didn't," Peregrine replied dryly. "And we'll have to see, won't we? The eternal rest, no?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Roman was only half conscious. His body was there, but his mind was elsewhere. The voice.. Was from someone else. It was dark around him. And his whole body ached. He let out a breathy whimper as Reagan touched him, but said nothing. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Not conscious, apparently. Naiyta would not be happy if its boytoy died randomly on the steps out of the arena stands. Reagan sighed, and carefully turned Roman over and straightened him into a more comfortable position so they could pick him up. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

When Roman was rolled over, it was pretty clear that his right shoulder was shattered from hitting the wall. He just groaned again. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Well, that wasn't good at all! Reagan picked Roman up into a bridal carry, making effort not to jostle or injure his shoulder any more, and carried him out of the arena... @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman had nothing to say on this.

soul | kallum 🔥 + peregrine 🎭

"I won't explode. The last guy didn't," Peregrine replied dryly. "And we'll have to see, won't we? The eternal rest, no?" @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

"Eternal rest is one way to put it," Ryu shrugged and pulled away from Peregrine. "I'm gonna go smoke. Don't follow me," he huffed and walked away from Peregrine before he could say otherwise.

Peregrine watched Ryu go with a sordid chuckle. "Good luck finding a better ashtray than me, darling~" He called after him, waving before he too walked away from the stands. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Darcy and Kyrie are both here to cheer Enya on!

Isi is here to cheer Enya on!

Ace is here to just. Watch. He's not cheering anyone on.

Peregrine is here to watch, and probably to try hit on someone too. Kallum has. Cleaned. He's also here! He recognises Enya but is NOT cheering her on.

2

Lacey is here!

(Ace is silently glad that Ellie isn't here to see this. Man.)

Kyrie is very visibly uncomfortable with all of this and is contemplating leaving.

Lacey watches, clasping her hands in a silent prayer that Enya won't suffer too much longer. Hopefully she'd win, but things were not looking good....

Dropping Kenji in here :3

Roman came here as well, though he figured this wasn't the fight to be on the lookout for.. He kind of just wanted to watch Naiyta.

Ace was also here, sitting on the Far Side of the stands.

6:25 PM

Way too many freaky things are happening today.

(objectively incredibly funny to picture the stands rn. roman and ace avoiding looking at each other and then just. kenji in the middle)

(Both looking away from each other. And Kenji's just chilling. Homeboy is chilling.)

(hes so unchill right now its circled back around to being chill again)

Was this going to be another self destructive death? They did not have it in them to move away now.

Ellie is. Incredibly worried and standing in the stands. She's wringing her hands as she anxiously looks over the arena.

Roman sat over by himself, along with his blood creature, along the far side of the arena. The bowl containing Roque's eyes sat in his lap. He really hoped Kyrie lost, as bad as that sounded...

Enya had taken off running as soon as she’d heard Isi’s name called. They hadn’t even gotten a chance to talk, for fuck’s sake, this couldn’t be happening this soon— She’s not quite panicking just yet, but looks noticeably stressed.

Ace was seated somewhere along the side of the arena as well. He didn't exactly know how to feel about all of this. [Worried? Yes.]

Kenji’s here too I guess. He looks…oddly distressed by the arena combination, but otherwise just mostly apprehensive.

Ryu walked into the arena with a nonchalant strut, glancing around as she noticed a few familiar faces. What the hell was going on with Roman now? Whatever. Ryu didn't care. She went over towards Enya and gently tapped her shoulder. "Glowstone?" Ryu asked in a steady voice. "Are you okay?" @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie is. Incredibly worried and standing in the stands. She's wringing her hands as she anxiously looks over the arena.

Gale stands next to Ellie, gently rubbing her thumb against her shoulder. “..this is so fucked. God..”

Seki made their head here. This would be it now. After this they would see if Naiyta would keep its promise.

11:22 AM

There's auroras in the sky.

Enya tenses, slightly, at the unexpected touch but eases once she sees who it is. “I— I don’t know if I can watch this,” she admits, gaze immediately yanked back to the fight and grip on the edges of her robes tightening as Isi takes off running. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Ryu glanced down as Isi ran and Kyrie entered the field. He wasn't sure who he was rooting for this round. "You might not want to. You know what happens in the end," Ryunoske frowned and wrapped an arm around Enya to comfort her. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

.. Roman looked away from the fight. He wasn't very keen on watching people get burned up, but he felt like he owed it to Kyrie to not entirely ditch. He just wanted to know what he should expect tonight..

“I know, but— That’s why I have to, since—“ She’s cut off by the action down below, and Enya leans forward sharply in surprise, balancing her elbows on her knees as her hands cover her mouth. She can’t smell the burning from here, but it’s all too familiar. “Come on, Isi,” she murmurs under her breath, stomach tightening. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale stands next to Ellie, gently rubbing her thumb against her shoulder. “..this is so fucked. God..”

Ellie didn't say anything, but only clutched at the fabric of her robe. Her free hand clung on, tightly, to Gale's.

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie didn't say anything, but only clutched at the fabric of her robe. Her free hand clung on, tightly, to Gale's.

Gale let out a huge sigh of relief. She won. Kyrie would live. “She- Kyrie did it..” Her relief didn’t help the dread hanging over her- nor the awful feeling as they watched Kyrie’s opponent run for her life. (edited)

Seki watched with a stern expression, arms crossed and tail whipping. When Isi ran into Naiyta, their expression brightened a bit. (edited)

11:35 AM

The auroras swirled in the sky. It almost seemed like they were alive.

.. He did glance up as Isi battered through Naiyta, and stifled a small laugh as it pathetically fell over.

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale let out a huge sigh of relief. She won. Kyrie would live. “She- Kyrie did it..” Her relief didn’t help the dread hanging over her- nor the awful feeling as they watched Kyrie’s opponent run for her life. (edited)

"F-faen, she did it," Ellie quietly gasped, feeling her chest prickle with tightness. Whether it was from the worry of knowing what was next for Kyrie and her rival, she didn't know.

.. okay. Yes, this was awful... He moved his hands over his ears and shook his head.

Ryu's eyes narrowed as she watched the fight. It was over? Just like that? His hold onto Enya tightened a bit as Isi started to fight Naiyta. "Fuck that bitch up, Isi-" @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Seki let out an angry cry, baring his fangs, his fur bristling and tail lashing. Poor kid. At least they didn't give up the fight...

"ISI!" Darcy shouted, and ran as close to the arena as he could. "ISI, NO! ISI!" He fell to his knees and weeped, his grief overtaking him.

The auroras in the sky turned blood red and bright blue. A harsh static rang in the air.

Isi fights back, and for a moment Enya’s able to hope—and then she’s grabbed, and then she’s gone, and Enya’s lunging out of Ryu’s hold and to her feet in horror with a sharp and choked scream as sparks scatter from her clenched fists. “ISI—” @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske (edited)

There was a cacaphony of bird caws before the source of those sounds flew up into the sky in droves, mainly crows but several kinds of birds taking flight and crying into the sky over the arena. The sound would get quieter as they dispersed. Victory to the birds, indeed.

"G-get me out of here, please.." Roman said quietly, still keeping his eyes closed. After a moment of processing, the blood creature obliged and lifted him up. "I-.. I need to get up to th-the acropolis.." The creature said nothing, and walked him outside.

"Enya-" Ryu got up after her, but didn't put her hands on her again. Honestly, Ryu wasn't sure what to do for Enya at this moment. He was glad Kyrie didn't die, but Isi dying was another good lost. "Enya, breathe. Breathe, Enya. We have to move," Ryunoske frowned. This whole stage could light up if Enya didn't get out fast enough. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"F-faen, she did it," Ellie quietly gasped, feeling her chest prickle with tightness. Whether it was from the worry of knowing what was next for Kyrie and her rival, she didn't know.

“..Do you wanna go to the funeral, or- maybe Kyrie…” She sighs again, unsure of what to do.

Ryu’s words at first seem like they go in one ear and out the other—but after a moment or two Enya finally turns to look at him, face completely shell-shocked. The sparks flicker out and die before they reach the floor, and luckily this doesn’t look like the same kind of reaction from after her own fight, but as if on autopilot she’s moving out of the arena. It wouldn’t be hard to guess where she’s going as she beelines to the funeral. @Aj | Invo + Ryunoske

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“..Do you wanna go to the funeral, or- maybe Kyrie…” She sighs again, unsure of what to do.

Ellie exhaled sharply, the wind whistling through the gaps in her teeth. "I- I- um. I don't..." "We should...find Kyrie first," it frowned, grimacing as it watched Naiyta leave. "I don't...we can go to the temple afterwards." They had to find Kyrie before Naiyta did.

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie exhaled sharply, the wind whistling through the gaps in her teeth. "I- I- um. I don't..." "We should...find Kyrie first," it frowned, grimacing as it watched Naiyta leave. "I don't...we can go to the temple afterwards." They had to find Kyrie before Naiyta did.

“Yeah. Let’s- shit, where would she go? Her room, or..” They looked around, trying to see if Kyrie was walking out or anything.

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs (..where would kyrie be, )

(She’s at the funeral and she got got :.3

(DAMN ALREADY. FYUCK)

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

“Yeah. Let’s- shit, where would she go? Her room, or..” They looked around, trying to see if Kyrie was walking out or anything.

Ellie (carefully) leaned over the edge of the stands, an arm lifted to try to avoid the smoke in the air. "I don't...see her anywhere- um- oh, Hells, she won," it softly groans. Relieved. She was so happy that Kyrie won- but so, so terrified for her. "I- uuh. Maybe she got to her room as soon as she left? Or- where do the winners of their fights go afterwards...?"

Gale runs a hand through their hair. “I don’t either- I- I don’t really know if there’s anywhere they’re supposed to go.. but if she didn’t then- she would’ve talked to us, right? Fuck, I don’t know- maybe she is in her room??” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"M-maybe? We should go and check if she's there," Ellie agreed, nodding a bit. "I just hope we can find her before- you know." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

The hand pulls at her hair, frustrated. “Yeah, but- what are- what are we supposed to do?? It’s not like we can stop that thing from doing whatever it wants, it’s- it can kill people by touching them, Ellie! I- shit-” She drops down into the stands, breathing forcefully. “What are we supposed to do??” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Hey, hey," Ellie quietly soothed, shifting to her knees to soothe Gale. "It- hey, um-" "I don't- as awful as it sounds, I don't think w-we can stop them," she carefully said, lifting a hand to settle atop of Gale's hand. While this situation was understandably- terrifyingly stressful, she really didn't want Gale to start hurting themself. "I- t-the best we can do is, y'know- try to comfort Ky before...everything." "I hate Naiyta so much- so much- but we- w-we can't do anything to stop it w-without making stuff worse for Kyrie- and it sucks." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale sits there for a moment, breathing and listening. Their hand pulls down their face as they sigh. “…I just- I hate not being able to do anything. Talking helps but it doesn’t fix anything..” Gale looks out into the remnants of the arena, before looking back at Ellie with a defeated look. “…let’s just find her. It’s- it’s at least something..” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"I know," Ellie softly said, it's hand following Gale's as they lowered it. "I don't...know what it is we can do but just...be there for each other. Mm- it's...better than nothing, though." Her gaze absently trailed to peer into the arena, all smokey and quiet and...still. "...mmhm. Let's find Kyrie- she has to be around somewhere." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Gale looked down to her hand, squeezing it lightly. “Yeah.. better than nothing. We just- just gotta be there for her. It’s something..” Trying to convince herself it was enough. They sigh again, the rising smoke from the arena curling around the air, before engulfing it. Gale stands, still holding Ellie’s hand. “Let’s find her.” @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie gently squeezed back, standing very carefully as well. The smoke was starting to sting. "It's something," she repeated, nodding. "And anything's better than nothin'." It seemed it didn't believe their own words, but what good would feeling hopeless do? The only thing they had was to hope; hope they'd find Kyrie before Naiyta, hope they'd find a way out soon, hope that their fights wouldn't be next- The stands were all but empty now. Crap. "Mm- let's hurry and find Kyrie. W-we should check the dorms first, just in case." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 (should we just jump to the ruins?)

Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie gently squeezed back, standing very carefully as well. The smoke was starting to sting. "It's something," she repeated, nodding. "And anything's better than nothin'." It seemed it didn't believe their own words, but what good would feeling hopeless do? The only thing they had was to hope; hope they'd find Kyrie before Naiyta, hope they'd find a way out soon, hope that their fights wouldn't be next- The stands were all but empty now. Crap. "Mm- let's hurry and find Kyrie. W-we should check the dorms first, just in case." @Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄 (should we just jump to the ruins?)

(Yeaaahhh. We can say they stopped by her room and didn’t see her so they were just looking around)

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

(Yeaaahhh. We can say they stopped by her room and didn’t see her so they were just looking around)

(Yar!! o77

‍♂️ )

Roman was here! He figured this might be the best place to find Darcy... After looking for him all morning. He was rooting for Ace, silently..

It's not like I forgot about Ellie or anything! It's 'cause I'm chugging a coffee and scared witless! Ellie's anxiously standing in the stands, scouring the arena for either Gale or Ace. Faen. Faen. She didn't know what she'd do if- if any of them won- or lost- ohh. She didn't want to think- or see. Or do anything. Faen.

Kyrie was here with Ellie, anxiously watching the arena....

"There- why'.hh. Why's there more...people down there?" Ellie anxiously says, clutching at her robe again. Argh. Sweaty. Her hands were so frickin' sweaty. Hells. "W-where'd they come from? Who are they?" Last fight was- it was different. If Kyrie won, then sure, y-yeah. Isi would have lost, but Kyrie would have won! What about here? Wwhat about this? If Gale- if Ace- ohh.

What a strange fight.

2:24 PM

"Eughhhh- Naiyta!" Roman yelped and looked away, as the two unknown men burst in to flames...

Ellie shouts something incoherent, hands jumping to her face. "Ah- ahgh! What- huh??" Was that fire? W-was? What? Huh? Was that guy on fire?? Both of them were! But in the center room. No. No. No. Yes? Was this good? Oh, Gods. Gods.

"I don't even know what's going onnnnn...." Kyrie buried her face in her hands.

Alright so Seki might be here. Acting a bit strange maybe. A little clumsy and very nervous. Mask on their face. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Naiytaaa.. Stop being so ominous..." Roman mumbled.

Ellie watches, quiet, still. Her hands are quivering.

Kyrie wrapped a wing around Ellie, and offered a hand to her. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

It left a pit in his stomach to watch Naiyta kill people so casually. Especially someone he was.. Was close with? Were they close? Yeah Ace offered him food, and their relationship had improved since the blood dimension fiasco, but.. Why did Ace's fight have to be now? If Darcy and Peregrine's next, why this one now? There were so many people he hadn't known at all here, like that Gale girl, why Ace now? He mumbled something to himself and excused himself from the stands. Darcy wasn't here anyway.

innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie wrapped a wing around Ellie, and offered a hand to her. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie didn't move- not an inch. She just stared and stared, blank, some broken string of words leaving her lips. Gale won. She won. She won. "No," she murmurs. Gale won. Jason's falling- Ace, Jacey, Jason, her best friend- she'd give anything to see him happy, to see him smile, to see him cook shitty eggs for breakfast again. Nathan's gone. Jason's gone. Her girlfriends are here, safe, alive, and- "This isn't real," Ellie softly says. "This- this isn't real." It hurts. It aches.

Kyrie remained by Ellie's side, not knowing what to say. "I'm sorry..." she whispered. "That was... awful." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

"Gale won." She should be happy- she should be so happy, and she is- she i- is. Then why do the tears continue to fall? "Gale, she- she won." And Jason lost. Oh. "This- y-yes- she won- I. A-ah." The glint of his glasses catches it's attention as the attendants arrive, and it's eyes widen. No. They're leaving? They're leaving. "N-no- wait, wait, where're they goin'- where are they going?" Nat's room gathers dust. Jacey tried his best to keep it clean- was she going to have to take care of his room, too? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

3

"They're- uh, probably going to the temple. For the funeral." Kyrie said. "That's- uhm. What they did with my opponent. We can go, if you want to." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Funeral. "Fuck," she sobs. She can't look away- he looks- he looks so small down there. "F-fuck- no, wait, please-" What was she gonna do. What was she going to do- why couldn't they have- have fought different- diff- why- why- "i- i can't- breathe," Ellie gasps, eyes thin as pinpricks. Gale was down there. "ii- i- f-funera- .ha-" Her chest aches. It hurts so bad- it feels so tight and burns and she can't do anything but just sit there, and- aand-

1

4:13 PM

@innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie held onto Ellie, hoping her physical presence would be grounding. Like Ellie's presence would be grounding to her. "Shh... shhh... deep breaths. I'm here. It'll be alright." She led Ellie through a steady breathing pattern, aided by a soft swaying in her embrace. "I'm here. I'm here. If... if you need to cry, just let it out. It's okay." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie buries her face in Kyrie's chest, clutching on tightly to her robe as she sobs- these hiccuppy, rattle noises. It's not real- it just can't be real. Not this- it- ha- It hurt so badly to breathe. Every breath of air she took was another that he would never take again- and- oh- oh, she just couldn't think. She couldn't think- it hurt to think. Her head hurt. Ellie continues to weep into Kyrie, unable to breathe properly. Kyrie's presence was soothing her, ever so slightly, but that aching feeling persisted. It's okay. It's okay. It's- it's not. It... Thirty-seven. They were s'pposed to get outta this together- they promised they'd get outta this together. Mmh. Her girlfriends were safe- they were safe. That was the only shred of hope she had right now, and she clung onto it like a lifeline. She couldn't sink further. She couldn't. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

3

Kyrie held Ellie close, with both her arms and wings, not letting her go til she wanted to leave. She let Ellie grab onto her robe, and made sure she felt secure in her arms. She pressed soft, delicate kisses to Ellie's scalp, just to reassure her she was still there. "I only met Ace once... but he was a really good guy, I could tell that." She said softly. "And... I think he'd want you to keep on living, for him. For him, and for you." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie didn't respond. She just sat there, faintly aware of the feeling of Ky, Kyrie- Ky- pressing kisses to the top of her head. She was here. She was here. She was here- and Gale was too- and they were okay. They were safe. Ah. Kyrie's words, like a flood, seem to crash and hit her straight in the chest. Bhh-. buh. Living. Living- keep on livin'- 'Keep Ellie happy, I suppose.' Stupid, you- you dork, you fucking dummy, you- you- There's some strained noise between a sob and a groan, and she tries desperately to focus on the feeling of Kyrie's touch around her. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie held Ellie as closely as she could. "Shhh.... shhh, I'm here for you. I'm here." She whispered, more to calm Ellie with rhythmic sounds than to quiet her. She kept pressing kisses to Ellie's head, and ran her fingers through its hair. "I'm here for you. And you're here with me." She whispered. "I'm here for you." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

The more Kyrie continued to soothe her, the more her presence truly began to set in. Ellie's sobs didn't subside, though they seemed to be less ragged and strained. It still couldn't find the strength to just stop crying. Here. Ky's here- K-ky's here. Mmh. She's here, and she feels warm 'n gentle, and- and kind, and she doesn't want to leave her touch. She knows she'll fall apart again. She knows she'll unravel again. Her head continues to buzz with noise, words and promises and last messages playing on repeat. His voice (his voice, his voice, it's fading, it's fading already) never quite leaves her ears, and she never wants it to- she doesn't want to forget. Mm- right. She was getting ready to leave the rink. Jason was waitin' at home- they were textin'. Ellie murmurs something, but it's mostly incoherent. It sounds like 'don't leave'- or something else of the sort. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

Kyrie held Ellie close, not minding the tears or it clinging to her. "I'm here for you. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." She reassured, keeping one hand on Ellie's back and another on her head. "We can stay here as long as you want. Let it all out..." She hummed. @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

As long as you want- Ellie's head suddenly jolts up at that, and she narrowly avoids hitting Ky in the chin. "i- n-no- no-" Ellie gasps, something panicked in it's eyes. The tears continue to fall, much faster than before. "k-ky- kyrie, i hh- i have to see- tthem, jace-" Was he gone now? Was he cinders and smoke already? Was hh ,. ough. oh. oh, that wasn't fun. that wasn't a fun thought at all. ougfh. @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"You want to go to the funeral?" Kyrie asked, moving so Ellie wouldn't hit her. She hadn't expected that, but it also made a lot of sense. "If we fly up there, we can probably make it on time. And I can carry you up, if you want." @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

She can walk just fine- she'd be slow, yes, but she can- she can walk. But she'd be slow. She'd miss it. She'd miss him. "p- please," Ellie quietly pleads. Pathetic. God. She's cryin' all over the place. She can't seem to make herself stop. "please." Mm. Maybe Gale would be up there too- would she? Would they be up there? @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"Yeah, of course." Kyrie nodded. She didn't really know how to feel now- but she'd be strong for Ellie. It clearly needed her to be strong. She helped Ellie up, and stood behind her, wrapping her arms under Ellie's and holding her over her chest. "It's gonna be a bit sudden at take off, but I've got you. Ready?" @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Ellie clings onto Kyrie, trying to anchor herself to the feeling of everything around her- Kyrie's arms around her, the weightless feeling of no longer being on the ground. She needs to focus on something. Something. Anything but that. "sorry," she mumbles, and it slips out of her mouth before she realizes it. "m'- m's- sorry." @innsjo | kyrie🪶+ darcy🖋+npcs

"It's all okay. You don't have to apologize for anything." Kyrie reassured. She held Ellie securely, extended out her wings, and took off into the sky.... @Kip | Ace 🏹 / Ellie 📷

Seki is here but my internet is ass so who knows if I can react to stuff.

Kyrie is here and nervous. certainly this fight wont also somehow have fire

Well, this was certainly new. One of the fights that weren't at all threathening. Huh. It reminses Seki of the fancy parties in the Empire. Which made her think of Riki... His wedding... Their dance... Seki sighed, leaning their chin on their hand and their elbow on their knee, not very concentrated on the event.

2

Kallum is also here. Why? I don't know. Where's he been? SonicShrug

1

It took a while for Seki to notice the two were fighting. Or that one was attacking, at least. They frowned, somewhat puzzled, as the other guy was seemingly drawn towards the knife the other one was holding.

12:09 PM

Welp. There was certainly. Emotions, in this fight.

1

Seki grimaced and licked their muzzle. Owch, gah... They shuddered, tail squirming. And then came Naiyta. It was oddly upset that one of the contestants had finished the other one. Sure, they had said they weren't supposed to kill, but wasn't that kind of the point of these fights anyway? To slowly kill off everyone? They stood up, surprised, when Naiyta seemingly was going to kill Darcy as well.

@everyone in the stands please roll def against loud noise. anything above a 10 succeeds, below that please roll d5 damage

Seki's hands flew to cover their ears, and they squeezed their eyes closed. When they opened, there was just a pile of dust where Darcy had been. "No, Darcy, not you too..." she whispered sadly. (edited)

.... Kyrie left after that weird ass fight. yikes.

Seki left too

Against Roman's wishes, Seki is here to witness any atrocities that will occur!

Kyrie is here too for some reason

"Huh." These last two fights sure were a different vibe. But the "kill" in fuck-marry-kill did hint how this one would end too,

Leaving for the airport soon so I may or may not miss the entire fight—but Enya is here. Her knuckles have gone white with how tight she grips the fabric of her clothes, gaze locked on the arena below, and every so often a sharp burst of sparks crackles through the air around her.

Seki cringed and shaded her eyes with her hand, turning away from Roman and Saiytsa. She didn't quite care to see this.

9:38 AM

Seki rn ^

Seki sighed, and shook themself once that part was over. But now they were talking about politics, which was incredibly boring.

Well, now Seki was looking. Oh shit oh shit oh shit.

Live Seki reaction:

Val is here! horrified

she's not having a fun time.

Enya had been able to marginally relax as the ‘fight’ continued, though she still remained on edge. She’s expecting something to go wrong—but she never could have expected this. Ryu falls, and Enya does too, sinking to her knees with a horrified scream as Ryu turns the blade onto herself. Again. And again. Her flames encompass her almost protectively as she hyperventilates, unable to look away from the sight below. It’s so hard to see, she almost misses it, but Ryu looks up to meet her eyes. Enya doubles over on herself as she sobs.

em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya had been able to marginally relax as the ‘fight’ continued, though she still remained on edge. She’s expecting something to go wrong—but she never could have expected this. Ryu falls, and Enya does too, sinking to her knees with a horrified scream as Ryu turns the blade onto herself. Again. And again. Her flames encompass her almost protectively as she hyperventilates, unable to look away from the sight below. It’s so hard to see, she almost misses it, but Ryu looks up to meet her eyes. Enya doubles over on herself as she sobs.

(would you like seki to approach?)

Twig | Seki / Aarni

(would you like seki to approach?)

(go for it :33)

1

Seki sat, with their face in their hands, ears and tail low. Poor Ryu. That was not pretty. Here was hoping it was at least worth it. The screams and flames alerted Seki. There had been loud and sorrowful reactions on these stands before, but this one was especially eye-catching. It seemed hazardous as well, so Seki decided to try and calm the person down. "Hey, hey, deep breaths, buddy, deep breaths", she spoke softly as she rounded the seats to get in front of Enya, but in a safe distance. Seki knelt on a bench on a lower row in front of her and looked at her sadly. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Seki's voice is muffled by the crackle of the blue flames, and even from their distance away they would be able to feel the heat of the fire. It seems centralized around Enya enough due to, luckily, the stands being mostly stone. What isn't muffled by the flames is Enya's sobs, tearing violently out of her chest as she's hunched over on the floor. She's coherent enough to recognize there is someone in front of her, though, and the flames pull in on her tighter, more protectively, as the heat intensifies and her breath comes in sharp gasps. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Shh, shh, darling, you must breathe. Deep breaths. Iiiiin, and oooooout. Try it, c'mon, you can do it", Seki raised her voice a little bit, but kept it gentle, motioning with her hand in a calming manner. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya's trying, she really is, but her eyes close and all she can see behind them is the sight from the arena below, looping over and over again behind her eyelids in a gruesome slideshow. The flames simmer down a little lower as Seki encourages her, but she's clearly torn between trying to reign in her emotions and her powers at the same time. One half-choked inhale after another, and the fire pulses in time with her breathing. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"That's it, there you go... deeep breaths. You can do it. Focus on me. Or focuse on the bench you're sitting on. Just focus on the present moment. Your breathing, my voice, and how the bench feels. Okay? Try to do that for a bit.." Seki continued in a soothing voice. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya uncurls just enough to blindly grope past the tears blocking her vision for the edges of the bench, gripping it tight enough that her nails scratch against the stone. As the flames shrink in on her they grow in intensity--burning much more of a white-hot blue than before. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki lowered their head when the fire became so bright it made their eyes water. "There you go, good job. Focus how it feels; is it rough or smooth? Is there cracks you can feel? You're doing so well, just keep breathing. Easy does it." @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

The flames still surround her, and she's still not able to respond verbally, but at least it's getting easier to hear Seki's words. Enya's fingers splay out against the stone---it's smooth, cracked--warming to her touch but likely already hot to Seki's. She's still crying, but at least it's not quite hyperventilating anymore. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki relaxed slightly, now that the fire hazard didn't seem as wanton. They still stay, trying to help Enya gather herself. "That's it, good job... Take it easy. You're not in a hurry. My name is Seki. You can tell me your name once you feel you can talk, if you want to." @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Some time passes, as Enya’s grief blurs and warps into exhaustion. The flames simmer down, slowly, into embers that pop and crackle quietly around her—though easy enough to avoid—and she manages to choke out through the lingering tears, “I-I’m— Enyya…” @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki lifted their gaze back to Enya when the flames dimmed down. They nodded. "Enya? That's a nice name", Seki said gently, and then quieted down. What now? Normally, they'd offer to take Enya to somewhere safe or help her call someone she trusted, but here? Nowhere was safe, or at least so it felt. What could he even say to Enya to make her feel better? Ryu had clearly been important to her. Once again, Seki wished Riki was here. He was always so good with words. He would have known what to say, what to do. "Is there... anyone you'd like to talk to? Or someone you'd like to be with at this moment?" @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya's gaze drifts to the front wall of the stands, and she has to wrench her gaze away from what lies beyond it to focus on Seki again as a nauseating wave rolls through her stomach. Seki's questions are too hard to think about past her own burning ones. "I-I don't.. Why-- Why w-would she do that?" She chokes out, tears tracking down her cheeks. "I d-don't get it, why-- w-why--" Her voice cracks, failing her once more as she hunches over again. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Who?" Seki frowns in confusion, before their eyes light with understanding. "Oh... Ryu? ...She was controlled. I'm sorry. She didn't do that on purpose, I promise", She said softly. Seki wanted to hug Enya or even just pat her, but it didn't seem quite safe even now. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

It's a relief, but one hardly worth anything. Enya's eyes well up again as she shudders faintly. "C-Controlled? H-How-- That doesn't m-make any sense, it-- I don't--" She sucks in a heavy breath, squeezing her eyes shut, and the last remnants of the flames vanish with a cold, sharp absence of heat. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Shh... It's okay, breathe. Take your time", Seki hummed, and moved to carefully sit next to Enya. "His opponent can control those whose blood they have drank", she explained. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Enya seems to relax--just a fraction, but it's something--with Seki's closer presence. "S-So he-- he just made him d-do all--that?" She whispers, voice trembling. "Just-- J-Just because?" Somehow, that feels even more sickening than her own fight. @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki hummed, and frowned, turning their head away slightly before shaking it. "No, not just because. He wants to save the rest of us. Naiyta told them it would somehow fix things if Roman won his fight. Well... So far no news. But hopefully, we'll hear them in the morning." @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

(SORRY TWIG I FORGOR

) “Naiyta said— What?” The surprise at Seki’s words cuts through her fog and Enya straightens up, a little wobbly. “Y-You mean he— he k— he did th-that—“ Her voice is utterly incredulous even as it shakes. “—because the— the freak of a god who k-kidnapped us said— it said it w-would fix things?” @Twig | Seki / Aarni

(Nw!) Seki nodded, his ears turned back and tail twisting. "Well. Fix something. Something that's apparently wrong in the afterlife here. It's the reason we are here. It has some beef with the other Lifebringer and I don't fully get it, but us dying here has been to solve that something. Roman has been helping because he believes it's our best chance to get out... I don't know. I don' trust Naiyta, but there hasn't been any other options..." Seki sighed, folding his hands and diping his head. @em || enya 💥 + kenji 🌫

Zhi-Yin is here

Roman is here, looking.. Hopeful!

Kyrie is here presumably with Gale

Gale is indeed here!

11:07 AM

Carrion is here for the first time! …they’re sat far from the others, knees to their chest, wings out, and staring fixedly out into the arena.

1

Carrion watched silently. …wasn’t the point of this to fight to the death?? Why was Kenji helping her? Didn’t he want to live? (edited)

Saj | Gale🌪+Carrion🍄

Carrion watched silently. …wasn’t the point of this to fight to the death?? Why was Kenji helping her? Didn’t he want to live? (edited)

If Carrion happened to look at it, his tablet would show a message listed as sent the night before. An address, and a short following message. My husband's name is Jax, and his brother's is Blue. If you ever need anything, when you make it home, they can help. I promise. --Kenji

Clove and Leo are here!

Seki is here and watching solemnly.

Carrion continues to stare, rocking in their seat, hands clenched tightly into their arms. The clay tablet shifts out of the fold he kept it in, snapping their attention to it- and the message for them. Slowly reading, the fear in their chest growing, he looks back to the arena. The knife. He’s not fighting, he’s not going to- Carrion lurches out of their seat, hands falling to catch the edge of the stands as they start to hyperventilate. ”K-Kenji please- p-please don’t-”

1

Guess my guys are here or something but ✌️

1

"Woooo! Go Naiyta!" Roman cheered, unaware of anything.

2

Seki glanced at Roman and cocked an eyebrow.

"Wooo! Yay!" Roman cheered. The day would be saved!

((

)) (edited)

Seki listened to what Naiyta said carefully, eyeing Albanes' form and everyone else on the arena. So that was why all this had happened? Seki frowned and bared her teeth slightly. When it killed Kenji her fur bristled and tail lashed. When Roman cheered, Seki threw a sharp glance at him. "Shut it Roman. An innocent person just died." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Roman kept on cheering, seemingly oblivious to the woes of everyone around him. "What? This was the plan!" Roman smiled. "You can go back home! This is good! Why are you so serious about it?" @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"If it works. Unlike all the previous attempts. Still, show some respect to Kenji's death." @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Carrion snarled at the sight of Naiyta, wheezing and shaking as Kenji fell to his knees before it. The knife slipped into Kenji’s heart and Carrion screamed mournfully, black tears streaming down his face.

1

"It will work, clearly Albanes can't get in the way!" Roman nodded. "It will all be worth it, and then me and Yta can celebrate." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

"Oh? You have plans already?" Seki hummed, disinterested, and turned to watch the events on the arena again. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

"We've had plans, for days.. That we will recreate their ascent to Godhood, I think, or at least made them who hurt them suffer. It'll be a good night to have Naiyta be so happy." @Twig | Seki / Aarni

Seki gave Roman a slow side-eye, "...Mhm..." and turned back to the scene. @Mads | Roman 🥁 Asha 🎆 ? 🪱

Her head was bent, hands clasped together and trembling as she heard the last moments of the fight. Her hair almost entirely green from how she for once since being here she couldn't hide her fear. 'Please. Please. Lead us to the light and stop this. I don't care if you can't before mine but please.' She silently prayed to her patron. Knowing - especially here - it may fall on deaf ears. But she still had to pray. She had to. It was the only thing she knew she could do at this moment. (edited)

2

Carrion sobs through grit teeth- the god within writhing at the Death before them.

1

Seki's ears pressed down as the arena filled with screams.

aarni vs kallum

asha vs kal

enya vs levi

armand vs eremurus

isi vs kyrie

gale vs ace

darcy vs peregrine

ryu vs roman

ellie vs kenji