FAITH vs. RIOU!

<Faith> *Monday fight night was getting geared up now... the bleachers were open to all as usual, and the systems were setting up... and she peeked out of a corner of the tunnel, keeping a large robe
clasped around her, scanning the bleachers anxiously...* ...Do you think they'll get here, Rene?
<Boris sits in the stands as he waits to watch the battle and waits for it to start>
Rene: I'm sure they'll be here soon Faith. *Pats her back* Relax
<Brett's sitting quietly, ready to watch the battle>
<Faith> *She took a deep breath, looking back to smile at him, and then returning her gaze to see whomever would come to see this now... grinning a little* Still think I'm crazy for doing this?
<Zephyr similarly is sitting in the stands, notebook and pen in hand, as is usual. Anubis, generally present for any of Riou's fights, is conspicously absent.>
Rene: Absolutely, but I knew that about you already
<Tamara is also in the stands and not to far from Boris, waiting for the fight to start as she wants to watch how well things go between her friends>
: *The rest of the Silhouettes are seated in the bleachers as well, and Vosa is in the front row with Meg, holding her hand. Riou is not present in the bleachers for obvious reasons*
*Jasper and Issabella are sitting in the front of the bleachers, Izzy wanting to be as close to the action as possible to watch her friend. In about the middle of the stands sits ->
Obsidian and his team, including a very much showing Seijun who is laughing and prodding Saru playfully.*
<Faith> *She grinned a little, adjusting her left glove, more than a bit of a tight fit over the still-present cast... but now...
three weeks of healing and training had done their work, as the thing ended just below her elbow, and she slowly flexed her fingers, testing her grip* Well, it runs in the family, huh?
* With such a high-profile fighter as Riou on the schedule tonight, it's no surprise Song and company are early to catch the fights.
<Molly is also there with Jasper and Izzy. And Tam is actually sitting near them as well>
Rene: *Grins, mussing her cousins hair* I have NO idea what you're talking about
*Team Presti is there in full force despite the events that's transpired as three weeks have already passed since then. They've become closer than ever, especially with Helga*
<Helena> *It was hard to miss her, seeing as the Rhyperior herself took up two rows of seats, and that's when she WASN'T lounging back, taking up more room as she stared boredly* Why are we even here...?
: *Grabbing their seats in the stands below is Team Crossroads...yes, all of them.
: Back from weeks of extensive therapy and finally making her debut out of the hospital in too long a time is Meghan, wheelchair-bound and with braces placed on her neck and back-spines. "So, are we late to the fight?"
<Katie> I think it's just getting started, Meg.
: *Ever since being asked to last weeks fights, Don has gotten kind of addicted to watching these, plus it's his teammate fighting and even tho he's just an alternate, the Houndour still wants to show support*
<Asmira> *She'd receive no answer, as the rest of Team S sat in presence, surprisingly quiet, asides the buzzing of busy wings and a deck of cards being flipped, and Asmira watched on intently* Patience is a virtue, Rhys...
: <Vosa> No, we're just in time, Meg.
Rene: MEG! *Leaves his cousin for just once second to bound over to the Magmar* It's great to see you!! *Is visibly trying to suppress his 'hug instinct'*
<Helena> My ass is a virtue...
*If Riou is on the evening's schedule, you know damn well that Eddie is in the stands. He's even got his obscenely expensive camera at the ready to catch some action shots for the school paper!*
: <Meg> Oh, good. *she looks up as Rene arrives and momentarily flinches ut of fear of him hugging her, but sighs in relief when he holds back* Rene, great to see you too! How've you guys been doing since I was out?
*Team Driller is sitting scattered through out the stands. Jenn and Gabby sit near the front while John watches stoically from the far back. Kody sits a bit behind Team Presti, eyes hidden behind her shades.*
<Faith> *She giggled, peering out ever so slightly after Rene, straightening her hair up a bit... this was one battle she needed to look her best for, not quite ready to reveal herself to any mon asides Rene... almost time...*
Rene: Horrible. But good now that you're back. *Denied a hug, he settles for a peck on the cheek* Maggie ran me ragged in training. I'm SO happy you'll be okay
: <Licorice, as always, is sitting waaay up in the stands, headphones on. Waiting for the fights to start.>
*Ryuen's already typing on his laptop, as if he's writing in his blog about how his friends are starting to return to normalcy...well close to it as possible*
<Will and Sasha are sitting together, waiting for the fight to begin>
: <Meg> That's my little sister for you. Takes a lot after mom...and me, I suppose. *smirk* And yeah, I have too much stuff to do be hold back because of a stupid accident.
: *a hand reaches back to rest on Vosa's* Too many people to come back for, too.
Rene: *Hops from foot to foot, needing to hug! Finally he grabs Flo and gives her the super-deluxe hug he wants to give to Meg* EEEeeee! Meg's BACK!
<Zephyr looks around, slightly agitated at the lack of his team, before brushing a strand of hair from his face, while he waits for the group to begin.>
* From her position in the stands, Johnny offers Will a shy wave.
: *After a short while, Riou comes in through the double doors from one side of the gym, dressed in his usual black suit,-->
*In the center of the ring stands a female Floatzel, most recognize her as the normal Water-type ref, Casey Marine. She wears her red ref shirt. She checks her watch and calls out.* ->
Will the fighters please make their way to the ring? Tonight's match will be between Faith Sumisu and Riou Hotaru!
: <Flo> SMEE! *giggling and hugging back, holding back already-shed tears* Yeh, she's back, mon, she's back!
<Tamara notices Don and the Crossroaders and gives htem both a wave from her spot near her own teammates>
<Will has no problem waving back, happy to see a familiar face>
*Eddie has left his usual seat and is wandering around a bit to get a better vantage point. When he spots Meg, he smiles broadly and aims the camera at her...* Hey Meg! Gimme a smile over here!
: And he seems to be in a rather good mood too, even as he dusts off his sleeves, adjusting them, rolling his shoulders as he looks over at the crowd, and gives a wave*
<Katie> And it's great to have her back too.
: <Don looks up and wiggles his fingers at Tamara.>
: <Nigel> Not a moment too soon, either. I swear, one more of those stretch workouts... <Charla> I dunno, I still like the idea of you being more flexible. <Nigel> *ahem!* <Meg> ...I haven't missed much, I see.
: *Meg gives Tam a heartful wave, another one for Riou as he makes his way to the ring*
: <Tidot> Whoooo! Go Riou! First fight in a long time! <Karon>...I'd tell him to knock her flat...but I'm afraid I'd jynx the fight or something.
: *And of course, a smile for the camera!
Rene: *Sniffles, and rubs at his eyes with his sleeve* You rule Meg....take care. I gotta go help Faith so she hopefully doesn't take your old bed in the hospital
<Faith> *She took a deep gulp of air... still not there... but now, it was time, as the lights fell around her, and she quickly wiped at her face, ready as she'd ever be, as Faith awaited Rene...*
<Vince is in the gym as well watching but rather being in the stands he's off to the side watching from officials side. Credentials have some benefit after all>
: <Meg> Have some faith in....*facepalms* Faith.
Rene: You were in trouble, like three words in there...
*Click! Perfect shot!* Great to see ya again! *He gives Meg a thumbs-up, then turns to get a couple pictures of Riou and Faith before the match starts.*
: <Meg> I know. Anyway, GO. Now. *gestures for Rene to go to his cousin already*
<Zephyr looks thoughtful.> Faith has the type advantage, but when she last battled, she didn't have any moves to take advantage of that fact.. of course, Riou knows no moves to stave off her crippling techniques either..
Rene: *Blinks and turns to the camera* Hope he got my good side. Oh, right! *Hurries over to Faith*
<Faith> *The lights fell one by one, as upbeat music burst to life... perhaps there was comedy in the choice of music 'Bend and Break', but the light took to Faith... or was it?*
*The shape was certainly more Lucario shaped than Vulpix, as a shimmer of the familiar cross pattern showed upon the face, and a set of dreads waved back and forth dramatically, a shining staff in hand!!*
: *Riou sighs, and starts to unbutton his suit, and pulls it off, tossing it to the side, and then starts undoing his white undershirt...hm. Seems he's wearing something underneath?*
: <Charla> WHOO! TAke it all off, baby! <Nigel> Charla! <Charla> What?
: <Meg> ....definitely haven't missed much.
<Tam face palms at Charla's antics>
*Aura pulsed back and forth, sending crackles of energy that illuminated her finally, as Faith stood, her battle costume DEFINITELY having undergone some alterations, slimmed, altered in many a fashion!*
Rene: *Back in Faith's corner, whispering* Hit him hard cousin! *Glares at Riou, seeming to promise a world of hurt if he hurts her too bad*
*Her face was painted with a black cross, and her 'dreads' fell away, revealing the silhouettes as her tails, the girl beaming widely, as she padded forward, no clogs, a set of tight black ankle supports...-*
<Wally> Yeah, honey, take it off! Charla, same wavelength! *He's in the lead of Team Second Chances as they file in late as usual, all five present.* <Wally> Hi Meg, it's so good to have you back!
*-this was as close an emulation of a Lucario Faith could perform, and it seemed tonight was indeed, a very special night for her, as she passed the crystal-mounted staff to Rene, nodding, and moving forward slowly!*
<Boris continues to watch impassively>
*Eddie has to re-take his picture of Riou when Charla's comment makes him giggle too hard... and he nearly forgets to take a picture of Faith when he sees her new look! Whoa!*
<Izzy> Wow, she got that look down well!
Rene: *Holds the staff* You go Faith! Knock Riou on his bony rear end!
: <Meg> Hi Wally! Good to be back1
<Faith> *She grinned a little, but it was a strange grin, a knowing grin... but she gave him it at least* Thanks, Rene... *And in she stood up into the ring, now looking to Riou before her!*
: *Meg then takes that moment to pull herself up from her seat and caaarefully sitting herself down on the seats proper, giving those offering help a "thanks but no thanks" stare.
<Overnia> Hi Meg, how are you? <Abi> Meg, how are you feeling? <Piper> Welcome back, Meg. <Rolf> Yeah, hey. <Wally> People, please, seats, give her space, shoo! *waves his arms*
: *Riou pulls off his white undershirt, revealing that he's wearing some kind of mesh under his uniform, like the wetsuit Jenn likes to wear, only not as tight. It covers most of his torso-->
<Tamara leans in to Molly and Jasper> Well this is new. <Molly> What is that? <Tam> Riou having that much on under his suit. <MOlly> ...I did not need to hear that. <Tam> NOt like that!
: except for the horn on the chest. And there's a logo on the back as well, a pokeball, outlined in white. The mesh itself is black, so it looks like a black Pokeball. This is about-->
*Jasper groans and facepalms.*
: the time most would notice...that Riou didn't come in wearing pants...he's wearing some kind of mesh on as well, on his legs, covering up the thick legfur. These form-fitting pants-->
: stretch down to just above his ankles. Riou rolls his shoulders and arms as he steps into the ring. His music playing seems...something you might hear Karon using: "Pushing The Sky"*
: <Charla> Ooooh, I LIKE the new look. <Nigel> *brow-raised* Not...what I expected at all for him to wear...though I do hope he has a cup under al that.
: <Charla> Naw, he doesn't need that. Boy's a Steel-type ALL over. <Nigel> ..................... <Charla> Baby, I was joking. <Nigel> ...right. Still didn't need to hear that.
Rene: No battler, no battler! (A variant of 'no batter' in baseball)
: <Vosa>...So, I see Riou takes this seriously enough to wear it.
<Eddie> *peering up over his camera at Riou* Wow, must be a pretty special event here if they're both sporting a new look... *click! click!*
<Sid> This is new.
: <Meg> "It"? YOu know of that getup, Vosa?
<Wally> *whistles at Riou* Love the new look, honey!
<Boris doesn't really show much emotion as he sees the outfit and just sits there impsasively>
: *Riou has one odd thing going on his outfit. He has a pair of red bracers on his arms...and another blue set around his ankles* <Vosa> It's something Elizabeth came up with.
<Faith> *She took a slow breath, standing there, she was already motioning her legs into a steady stance, taking in Riou's appearance... she didn't know perhaps what to think,
but anything she needed to consider about it, would have to be part of the battle, as all she could do was wait and see what he would do with this!*
<Zephyr similarly, appears unimpressed by the new outfits. Battling has less to do with how you dress, as long as it doesn't actively interfere with your movement.>
: *Up on the stands...but closer to where Karon and the other Silhouettes are, is CeeGee, doing her usual data-recording shtick. She raises a brow at Riou's oufit and starts tapping away on her laptop.
Rene: You can take him Faith!
<Tam> Looks like he's going in with some training equiment on. <Molly> You think? Does he not take this match seriously? <Tam> Nah, he's taking it seriously. It's all about the pushing himself bit.
: <Karon> Go Riou! Send her...oh to hell with it- SEND THE GIRL PACKING!! *she cheers*
*Casey waits until both fighters are in the ring and looks at them both.* All right kiddies, you both know the rulses so I ain't gonn waste by breath repeating them. YOu both ready?
: *Meg nods and looks at the outfit...hereyes furrowing at the bracers. "Wait, are those...?"
Rene: *Glares at Karon*
<Song> Very interesting... <Demetria> Kinda weird, isn't it?
: *Riou nods*
<Faith> *Did she even need asked? She smiled, nodding slowly to Casey*
<Vince chuckles quietly to himself as he stands in the back a bit watching. He starts to pick his way over towards the medic on duty and starts talking with him a bit>
: <Vosa>...Power and Ankle Bracers. They promote muscle growth...but inhibit the user's speed.
<Faith> *And then there was one more nod, one more bow slowly to Riou... she wouldn't go without offering him that sign of respect, as her eyes began to shimmer, along with the glove's gems*
: <Meg> Wait, is that wise?
: <Vosa> Weight training...cliched? Yes. Effective? Quite.
<Casey> All right then. Both to your marks and come out fighting on my signal.
<Faith> *She took her moment, taking a deep breath* ...The Aura is with me... *She whispered, if only for a second, as her tails flew out, drafting back and forth, tuning themselves,
as her eyes lit the deepest blue, and she nodded, rising up to move back to her corner!*
Rene: *Smiles proudly at Faith, knowing the power of Aura first-hand*
<Faith> *A quick flitted smile to him, just something there... as she then turned on Riou, focusing all her attention upon he, and the referree awaiting now: she had to ready everything she had!*
: <Riou> *nods and raises his hands up, taking on a stance*
<Casey> Guys keep it clean and have fun, dammit. FIGHT!
: *Riou immediately brings his hands together without a word and his body takes on a blue hue immediately covering himself....and then fades almost as quickly as he summoned it*
*Eddie is ready and waiting to get a shot of the first strike... this is already looking to definitely be one for the front page!*
<Faith> *She took her own stance, her Aura Vision burning brightly away, but the stance, Riou would more than recognise, as her palms clasped behind her, and she placed her foot forward: Aura Sphere?
No... just her own tribute to it... but she made no move to rush into this just yet* Riou-sempai... I want to show you the full respect in this battle! Will you return it?
: <Vosa>...Was he going to attack?
*She was waiting for him... his Aura Sphere against her Hidden Power? Would he answer the challenge!?*
Rene: *Leans forward, riveted*
<Zephyr raises an eyebrow, and takes down some notes onto his page, detailing the events and moves transpiring down on the stage.>
: *The Crossroads (and CeeGee) watch the fight with varying levels of interest, a couple looking to be curious about that glow and how Faith will be able to hold her own out there.
: <Riou>....*he silently pulls his hands back, and an orb takes shape in his hands...only...it doesn't glow quite as much as his normal Aura Sphere does...in fact, it's a deeper blue...*
<Jenn> . . .
<Eddie> ...?
<Tam smirks and leans back in her chair> Looks like she finally talked him into it. <Molly> What is that? <Riou> You'll see.
: <Vosa>...Clever.
: <Meg> ...wait....that looks familiar...
<Jasper> . . . <Izzy> Isn't that?
<Tam> Yes, Izzy, it is.
<Faith> *She sensed something immediately, something was different... but there was no time now for arguing, the challenge me!! Her eyes flooded back to normal, draining her Aura supply into
her palms as the light ignited, and from the air, the aura illuminated, being drawn in, spiralling into the ball in her palms, the brilliant blue of her Aura, that she cried out,
flinging the ball forward, bursting to her opponent* Feel the power of Aura!
: <Flo> ...So wut issit? <Nigel> *sigh* Let's see it in action before we can even be certain? <Flo> K...
<Zephyr takes down another note.> Hm, Interesting...
: <Riou> Mizu Hadou! *he flung his arms forward, and the spiralling ball shot from his hands, flying in a straight line, right for Faith's Hidden Power*
: *Meg watches in stunned silence, rubbing at her eyes. "...he knows Water Pulse?!"
<Jenn> So when did he learn that little trick?
<Molly> You are working on that move are you not, Tamara? <Tam nods> Isn't quite as covering for me as it is for him but yeah...Elizabeth's been working with me to customize it up a bit.
<Zephyr nods as he makes a further note.> As I suspected. Not unusual for an aura user to learn that move..
<Eddie> ...no way. When did he pick that one up?
: <Charla> New look AND new moves? <Nigel> Looks like. Come to think of it, I've been far too lax on perfecting next year's moves. <Meg> Well good thing I'm back to help you fix that, Garkirl. <Nigel> Erk.
<Faith> *In an instant, she felt cheated, despaired that he hadn't answered the challenge with his own Aura Sphere, but now, she could only gather her strength, and watch what would happen between the two attacks-
and she braced herself for the impact of them both!*
: *Riou isn't done yet. As soon as the attack left his hands he brought his arms to his side, and crouched down his body slowly glowing, and there was a sudden white flash,-->
: energy bursting around him as he let out a "HA!" (Swords Dance)
<Faith> *She looked beyond the attacks, the attacks hadn't even started flying properly, and already Riou was preparing even more, as the white flash of his swords dance rose, as their attacks hit,
a flash glinted over her glasses too! One that was almost insignificant, but for the burst of strange energy that her eyes unleashed,
a ray of disconcerting light that she aimed upon Riou himself as he exited his own Sword Dance!* (Confuse Ray)
Rene: Go Faith!
<Wally> My goodness, that's intense! <Overnia> Good type coverage, damn nice.
<Zephyr> Ah. A good tactic. Were he do to that to me... Hmm.. Encore...
: *The Water Pulse and Hidden Power collide, and the water vaporizes, turning into steam, which clears quickly....only to show that Riou is standing there, seemingly--->
: unaffected by the Confuse Ray! He smiles and does the same stance from before, letting out another "HA!" as more energy erupts, activating a second Swords Dance!*
: <Vosa>....Did anyone see how he dodged that?
<Eddie> Hang on Vosa, maybe I did... *quickly checks his camera to see if he might've caught a shot of it...* Damn! The attacks overloaded the light sensor when they hit...
<Tam smirks again> Don't always have to dodge something. <Molly just gives Tamara a curious look>
: *CeeGee hrms and shifts her webcam lens in Riou's direction as she types away.
: *Meg just looks to Faith with concern.
: <Riou> *lowers himself into a stance* Junbei dekiteru, Faith-san?
Rene: C'mon Faith....
<Bob> Pssh, why all the Chinese, man?
<Izzy> C'mon, FaithQ
<Zephyr raises an eyebrow.> Hm. Confuse Ray's not supposed to be so easy to evade. Or shake off.... not without outside help anyway..
<Faith> *She gritted her teeth suddenly, she supposed in her own mind, Riou was one far too composed to fall for such a simple tactic... she was moving before she even knew what she was doing,
she didn't seem to have any particular plan of attack, but was it wise to get so close to a powered up Lucario: maybe it was when your mouth erupted with flame!
She brought up the Fire, and seemed about to loosen her Fire Spin here on him!!*
<Zephyr> Perhaps he used the steam like a smokescreen..
<Rolf> What's the big deal? There's a fifty-fifty chance for confusion to take effect. That means there's the same chance it won't, big whoop.
<Zephyr glances to Rolf> Being confused and hurting yourself in the confusion are two different things. There's a one hundred percent chance to become confused with that move.
<Saru> You need to study more, my friend.
<Rolf> And if he's good enough, he's not exactly going to be staggering around the ring while not hurting himself, is he?
: *Riou looks shocked as the spiraling flames suddenly wrap around his body, and suddenly there's a poof of smoke...and where Riou was standing...there's a small, plushie version of himself!*
: <Tidot> Oh, sweet! Haha!
<Rolf> Hah! Or he used a Substitute, how simple!
<Zephyr> Ah. So he has picked up substitute...
<Faith> *THAT was how he'd done it!! She remembered the earlier flash... and gritted her teeth... her earliest defeat... against Pyre... and it was all thanks to this move!*
: <Nigel> ....bloody hate that move. Why'd he have to get that? <Charla> Look at it this way - you won't go comatose for a week if you read that doll's mind. <Nigel> You just HAD to remind me of that.
<Tam> About what I thought.
<Piper> You totally saw that coming, right? <Rolf> Are you kidding? Oldest trick in the book.
<Zephyr> And of course, against partial-trapping moves... only the first strike can land. They cannot trap a person when a substitute is up. Unless the substitute is shattered.
<Faith> *But she was still moving, and she knew EXACTLY how this move played out, still fresh in her mind... she couldn't stop and make herself a target for the Lucario to reappear,
as she kept moving, and SWEPT herself round, flinging out her long tails to smack the plush and aim for the ring post!!! It wasn't a real 'attack', but she had to pile on the damage to this thing and quickly!*
<Eddie> Heh... gonna have to remember that one whenever I get a match with him.
: *Riou reappears outside the flames, his fist glowing as he thrusts his open-hand out at Faith, striking the left side of her chest* Haken! *but it's not a Force Palm...not when Faith's-->
: Aura began siphoning away from her body and into Riou's hand!*
: (Drain Punch)
: <Nigel> ....yet another move I loathe. <Charla> Wait, Drain Punch, why? <Nigel> ...my brother has that. <Flo> *eyerolls*
<Faith> *There! She flung her eyes to him as he emerged, lit the brilliant blue of Aura Vision... she remembered Substitute well... as soon as you TOUCHED the opponent...
she shifted herself, trying to let the punch pass by her - barely - and instead, flung a flat palm towards Riou's chest, awaiting the doll to return!*
<Faith> *Riou had reduced his own speed... and she had worked on her own... for all the battles she'd fought in this ring, she'd fought with a plaster ball and chain to her leg!*
*It was time to see what she could do now after three weeks of training and preparation!*
<Eddie> *part of Riou's strategy finally clicks...* Oh, I get it! Drain Punch to recover what he used up with the Substitute! That's pretty bold of him...
<Zephyr> It won't fully restore him.
<Zephyr> Drain Punch is notoriously weak, and it only recovers about half the damage dealt..
<Zephyr> But that's why he used swords dance..
<Eddie> It might be just enough to tip the odds in his favor though...
<Rolf> Dude, it so doesn't have to. The more Subs he can make, the better.
: *Riou managed to siphon off plenty of Aura, and when her palm struck Riou in the chest, another poof! And the doll took his place yet again! This time Riou ended up several yards away-->
: <Meg> He can only make so many Subs, though. And they'd all be weak to Fire.
<Eddie> ...twice? Wow, that is bold of him to do so early in the match...
: <Nigel> Too risky, mate...she just needs to torch you once and you're down...
: *This time his dreads rise up and his eyes are overcome with a blue hue, as well as his body. His sight is focused entirely on Faith and indeed, she feels a prickling in the back of her mind!*
: (Mind Reader)
*and despite all his musing, the Persian is still clicking away like mad as the fight goes on. He's got an 8GB memory stick and plans to use every bit of it!*
<Zephyr continues to take notes.>
: <Nigel> ..........................................ok, you know what, that's it. TORCH HIS ARSE, FAITH!
: <Meg> Do I want to know? <Charla> Baby? <Nigel> MIND READER. When'd he get bloody MIND READER?!<Meg> *facepalms* My team, ladies and gentlemon.
Rene: What NIGEL said!
<Faith> *Her eyes remained in the same blue... she held her chest... even just a glancing blow was enough for him to drain her Aura? This was going to be hard... but she never thought it would be easy....
she had to measure herself, if she wanted to break this combo... as a glint entered her gloves... and she began to build the Fire within... it seemed... whatever Riou would do... he was being given a free pass to do it!*
*Ryuen's still typing away...if anybody was reading he's still writing a minute-to-minute account of the current fight and specifically: "I dunno who to cheer for...I'm so torn in between the two that's it's made me so cross..."*
: *Riou's eyes are open, and he drops his right hand down in front of him, his other hand grabbing his wrist, and he grits his teeth, and his fist glows blue...then slowly turns to white-->
: a brilliant white....rays of light start shining off his fist! Whatever it is, it's a powerful attack! Riou is really tightening his focus!*
: <Karon> NAIL 'ER RIOU!!
<Eddie> This is not going to be pretty.
<Rolf> What? Punch him, you idiot! <Wally> I thought we were here for Riou's sake... <Rolf> Speak for yourself, these people are idiots!
Rene: Get'im Faith!
Rene: Hit the smarmy bastard already!
<Faith> *She seemed to be doing nothing of the sort of even moving as Riou powered up... she knew what she'd been hit by... and as smoke began to trail from her jaws, maybe they'd see why...
: <Nigel> You're getting too bloody reckless out there, mate! <Meg> *biting at a clawed finger*
<Boris continues to watch impassively, arms crossed over his chest>
as soon as Riou would unleash his focus upon her, the gloves glint would show themselves, as she spread her arms wide, and between the two gems, a line of blue Aura burst wide into a sphere Protecting around her!*
: <Nigel> ...haw! Girl after my own heart! <Charla> Fine, you date Faith, I'll date Riou. *chuckles* <Nigel> --oh, real cute, Charla. *elbows her* <Charla> I know. *elbows back*
: <Meg> Hey, shh! <Both> Sorry. <Flo> *giggling* Good ta 'ave ya back, Meg mon. <Meg> Heh.
<Vince just shakes his head as he watches Nigel and Charla go back and forth, guessing what the two of htem were talking about and grinning as a result>
*Eddie quickly adjusts the camera's light settings so it doesn't overload again when Focus Punch meets Protect... he definitely wants to get this one when it connects*
: *Riou suddenly appears right in front of Faith, as if ignoring the intervening distance, and his fist collides with her shield, the sudden CRACK! of the attack against the barrier causes the air to shake-->
Rene: *Overhearing* No dating my cousin Nigel!
: <Nigel> IT WAS CHARLA'S IDEA!
: Indeed, that Protect was the only thing keeping Faith's body from being smashed by a double Sword Danced Focus Punch. The impact causes Riou to shoot back across the arena on his feet, skidding all the way to the far side*
<Faith> *Of course, there was one more surprise... as the barrier shattered, her eyes were normal hue... she'd already spent considerable Aura upon her shield... and she didn't have an indefinite supply,
as she followed the Lucario with her eyes now, and her smoking maw burst open with the full force Fire Spin she'd been preparing for him and his Substitute!!*
<Molly> Credit to Faith. She has not given up yet at all. <Tam> Nope, which is a good thing. <Molly nods in agreement>
: *the substitute replaces Riou once again, but this time it breaks, shattering into blue Aura sparkles which scatter over the Arena. Luckily, he doesn't get hit. He puts his hands out in front--->
: of him and starts rolling them, as if spinning something in his hand...and slowly a long pole appears, glowing white, the ends shaped like that of a long bone, and he keeps spinning it--->
Rene: C
Rene: C'mon Faith....land a blow on the vulpix and I'll buy you free icecream for a month!
<Jasper> I do not think he said that the right way
<Molly> He is swept up in the emotion, Jasper. He knows what he meant...I hope.
*on the lucario, I'm busy okay?*
<Izzy> Hrrrrrr....
: faster and faster and faster, until it's a blinding shield of light, and then...! Riou vanishes, completely, as if he was never there! Suddenly, he appears behind Faith, his bone-staff-->
: swung downward, as Faith's body comes under the assault of a powerful Bone Rush, made stronger by the furious momentum of a furious Extreme Speed!*
: <Flo> Whoa... <Meg> ...I have a LOT of catching up to do training-wise.
*Eddie just winces, and decides that his own plans for next year's moveset are in need of some serious revision if he's going to keep up with this!*
<Faith> *She was gripping tight to the Arena floor, trying to anchor herself, not only from the blast of her shield having been destroyed, but to keep herself trained on Riou, which,
without her aura vision, was certainly a tough task, when he vanished and reappeared, the staff hitting her back with a great CRACK,
<Tam watches quietly and has gone into observation mode. She's picking things apart as he does the moves and makes some mental notes for herself among potential others>
as she cried out... but tried to bear through it... certainly it was effective, and she needed to move now or lose this in one simple move, as she flung her look to Riou's, she had to lock, she had to gamble,
she had to hope Confuse Ray would work this time before that bone came down on her again and finished her!!*
<Song> He's got some ridiculous power.
<Will> So it would seem.
Rene: Hold on Faith!
<Zephyr's brow is furrowed as he continues to take notes on the fight.>
<Faith> *She was gripping tight to the Arena floor, trying to anchor herself, not only from the blast of her shield having been destroyed, but to keep herself trained on Riou, which,
without her aura vision, was certainly a tough task, but she'd trapped him in the flame... or so she'd thought, not enough Aura to project her Protect...
none to spot his re-entry point, there was only one thing she knew to expect, and that was pain, a lot of it, bracing herself as her body came under fire so many times she didn't even know where she'd been hit!!*
<Faith> *As the Lucario dramatically finished his combination, she was still succumbing to blows... and then, fell...*
<Wally> Ooh, ouchie...
<Tam> That should just about do it. <Molly> Oh dear.
<Jasper> A bit overboard much?
Rene: FAITH!
<Tam> She did ask Riou to give it his all.
<Eddie> Oh boy, that's the end of it right there...
<Overnia> He was definitely prepared for this fight. <Abi> *frowns* Does she even know any fire moves besides Fire Spin? That would've helped a lot...
: <Riou> *twirls his bone with a bit of a flourish, and then it vanishes*
*Rises from his seat and rushes to the edge of the ring, waiting for the ref to officially end it before he goes charging in to see to his cousin*
<Faith> *Her gems glint was blinking on and off... her body shaking, but she was lying there, her face screwed up in pain, she was still with it...
as a leg tried to scrabble strength into getting back up... her head was limp as she tried to rise: but the lone arm pushing her up didn't want to do it, as she tried to look back at Riou...* I guess... know now...
*And then, her body gave up, as she flopped back to the ground again, letting out a weary groan*
<Zephyr> Looks like there wasn't much of a surprise in the outcome.. but I know a bit more of Riou's newer strategies. <he closes his notebook.>
: <Riou>....I know.
: <Nigel> Bloody 'ell, that was brutal. <Meg> ...I'm going to have to have a talk with Faith.
: <Karon> BOOYAH!!
: *CeeGee hmms and shuts off her laptop.
*Casey mutters slightly out the side of her mouth "I said have fun not clobber three weeks to next Monday ya clod." Outloud however.* Faith Sumisu is unable to continu. Match goes to Riou Hotaru!
<Overnia> I agree. <Abi> Eeeee...
<Vince watches it all and waits for the call to go. He stays back by the Medic's table as the Medic heads in to check on Faith>
<Jenn> It's one thing to go all out, it's another go completely overboard with doing so.
Rene: *Rushes the ring* Faith! *Bends down next to Faith, gently cradling her head, glaring at Riou all the while*
: <Riou>...*he keeps his back to Faith, though he knows Rene is there. He doesn't turn to face him, though*
<Eddie> Damn, he's sure gotten more intense... way more intense... *he stands and makes his way down to where Vince is at, scanning through the photos he's taken as he walks*
Rene: *Prooves looks can't kill, because if they could, Riou and his supporters would be DOA*
<Boris continues to sit in the stands with his arms crossed as he doesn't seem to have moved at all during the entire battle>
<The Medic walks over and kneels down next to Faith to check and make sure she has no broken bones. Once that's done he starts to apply the medicine to get her revived back up>
<Song> We have a ways to go. <Demetria> You said. I don't wanna fight him, that's for sure. <Bob> Huh, I could take him. He's all flashy moves and crap. <Song> Don't even think about it.
<Vincent waves to Eddie as he approaches> Sup, brah?
<Faith> *She certainly looked like she'd pushed a few things... luckily for once, it didn't involve her body pushing anything out of her place... as she slowly looked up to Rene*
...Did I really lose THAT badly...? *She feebly grinned*
<Casey> Yeah, kid, ya did.
: <Vosa>...I sense a touch of hypocrisy here.
<Eddie> *looks up from his camera to Vince* Hey big 'mon. Just working on my journalism assignment... kind of a squash match though, wan't it?
Rene: You did great. *Hugs her*
<Wally> *sighs* That was a little depressing. Is anyone else fighting tonight?
: *Meg forces herself to stand so she can sit herself back on her wheelchair. "Vosa, if you don't mind, I need to have a talk with Faith."
<Faith> *Her body might have been revived, but her energy for one hadn't... Aura Vision, Hidden Power, Protect... she hadn't been able to do much, and she grimaced at Rene's hug* Thanks...
: *Riou doesn't turn, he doesn't move. Not for the longest time. Then, he just walks away, out of the arena, and out the double-doors, leaving the gym completely*
<Vince nods at that> Yeah it was. Faith needs to work on her offensive fire power, some. I saw maybe two offensive moves there.
<Faith> ....Mind helping me up? *She asked finally, looking to Riou as he begins to leave, and feels a rush of energy!* Riou!!!
<Overnia> Meg, mind if I tag along?
: <Nigel> The bloody...? <Flo> Wut made 'im leev?
: <Meg> Not at all, Overnia.
Rene: *Helps Faith up* Sure, Faith. Anything
<Eddie> Looks like Riou didn't even give her a chance to get any momentum going. Which is understandable, but... wow.
<Wally> Goodness, I didn't think it was that bad...
<Izzy> *quickly hurries over to Faith.* Faith!
<Tam frowns a bit at that> He didn't want this fight.
<Demetria> ...Sore winner? <Song> Or he's got issues. I wonder...
: <Vosa>...Does the fact that he can hear people berate him about the way the match went ring any bells with anyone?
<Faith> *She suddenly found enough energy in her to stagger to her feet, all that battle paint and costume was certainly falling apart, but she didn't want the Lucario to leave just yet!*
: <Vosa> I mean, she asked for him to fight her in earnest, then you accuse him of overkill.
<Vince watches Riou go quietly> She wanted everything he had and he gave it to her just like she asked.
: <Riou> *he stops at the doors when Faith yells*
* Song stands, eyes on Riou, but waits as he stops.
: *Meg readies herself to wheel herself towards Faith Vosa or no Vosa, until she spots him stopping him. "...?"
<Faith> *She looked to Izzy there, but it was evident she was after Riou for the moment, as she tried to get through the ring... unless he wanted to wait a while for her to come, it seemed he'd have to come over now!*
<Eddie> *nods* Yeah, that is true... he just has a lot more everything than I remembered seeing before.
*Izzy goes to support Faith and help her over to Riou.*
Rene: *Holding Faith up* Hey, maybe you should sit down for a bit....or lay down
: <Riou> *he turns to look at Faith over his shoulder, his expression neutral*
<Vince watches Riou and Faith and let's out a sigh of relief at something> He's been training hard recently. More so than most people realize.
<Faith> *She blinked, looking to Izzy as she helped her down as well, and she laughed to Rene, as he helped too* Well... I'll manage...
: <Karon> And that was 1-on-1? Wanna bet how hardcore it'll get when it's 2-v-2?
<Eddie> *sighs a little and glances down at his camera's screen* Yeah, i guess. All the craziness we've had going on the last couple months makes it hard to tell who's doing what anymore.
<Faith> *Eventually... they'd come before Riou... and her expression did fall a bit, but she nodded slowly, a bow, as much she could manage for him* ...I'm sorry I couldn't give you more of a challenge, Riou.
<Vince smiles and slaps Eddie on the back gently> Don't worry yourself about keeping up. Worry yourself about being happy with how you're doing.
<Faith> ...But I wanted to thank you, for giving me your all... I think I know where the bar is now... *She smiled feebly to him*
Rene: ...Faith, you definitely have a concussion or something
<Izzy> Hush.

(INTERRUPT)

ass-kicking when you graduate made me slack off a little. *he glances over to where Faith and Riou are*
<Faith> *She was still definitely feeling it indeed, but she grinned, slipping an arm out to hold her side, as a tail came up and bopped Rene on the head lightly*
: <Riou>...Don't worry Faith. You were good. If I hadn't trained as hard as I had, this would've been a lot harder for me.
Rene: *Deadpan* Never mind, you're fine cous
<Vince let's out a breath as he watches Faith and Rene and crew> Yeah, lotta people tell me they wanted to send me off with a bang. Or a bruise. Either or.
<Song> ...Heheheh. *grins* <the other three> ?
<???> Lucario-sama?!
<Tam watches quietly from the stands and then blinks as someone exclaims soemthing about Lucario and suddenly Tam has a flashback> Not another one...
: <Riou>....Oh dear Arceus...
: <Meg> Wha...?
: *he palms his face*
<Eddie> ...the hell?
<Sasha turns> ?
*The voice came from the doors now, where Riou would have exited, now stood two tall Ninetales... it was no far guess whose parents they were!*
<Vince> Hmmm? I haven't heard that since Faith first met Riou and Jasper...
<Jasper> *flinches relexively and shrinks down a bit in his seat.*
: <Riou>....*blinks* Um...
*A female, more petit and small blinked upon the group before them, staring straight at Riou in disbelief, certainly pretty, dressed in many a decoration to her shrine robe...*
<Entering the door, carrying her gym bag is Suni, the Monferno>
: <Karon>....Yer kidding, another babe?
*And the male, less decorated so, a plain robe, but a taller figure, a more proud and strong looking creature who looked with no freak-show stare, but gazed upon the Lucario before them...*
: <Tidot> Seriously, what the hell?!
<Faith> *She groaned, as if one defeat wasn't bad enough...* Hi mom... hi dad...
<Eddie> *says nothing, just quickly switches his camera out of preview mode and gets ready to start clicking again*
<Obsidian> This is a bit on the ridiculous side.
Rene: Uncle Lee? Aunt Shu-Li?
* Overnia eyes Suni, stopping in place, but doesn't react otherwise.
<Tam face palms at that> Maybe you should head over and really make it confusing, Jasper. Stand next to the two Lucario already out there.
<Izzy> They're not gonna try pouncing Riou and my brother like you did, are they, Faith?
<Suni> Oh my, lots going on here.
<Jasper> No. Arecus no.
<Lee Sumisu> *Slowly, forward came the taller Ninetales, his hands burrowed into his sleeves as he moves forward...* Faith... who is your friend...?
Rene: *Holds Faith* Did you know they were coming?
<Eddie> Oh man, if Anubis and Rucus were down here too, those two would probably explode...
<Molly giggles a bit at that as she takes Jasper's arm> <Tamara> Makes me glad I'm dating Barry now sometimes.
: <Riou>....*he looks a bit at a loss, then puts his hands together and bows* It is an honor to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Sumisu. Your daughter and I just finished our match.
<Vince chuckles at Eddie> Were you around for when Faith first came about?
<Faith> *No reply to Rene, she fixed him with a 'you're kidding, right' stare, and then just laughed nervously to Izzy before looking back to Riou, and her parents*
Um... Father... this is Riou-sempai... he's my fellow student, with-
*Only Lee Sumisu wasn't looking at Riou*
<Eddie> *to Vince* Oh, I heard about it... I heard...
<Suni quitely walks around the crowd and puts her things down and begins stretches, in prep for some cheerleader exercises, watching the happenings.>
*He walked straight past, his eyes considering downward at the smaller form hidden behind him, as he lowered himself down, to Izzy's level* ...
Rene: ....*confused*
: <Riou>...?
<Izzy> *blinks* Huh?
<Eddie> ... *click, click*
<Faith> ... *She mirrored Rene's look for a second... and looked to her father, then her frozen mother with wide eyes... this wasn't the normal reaction she gave!* Um, dad... what are you doing....?
*In stands Jasper's ears stand straight up.* Bwah?!
<Tamara> Looks like you've got a celebrity in your family, Jasper.
<Suni looks at the crowd and sees Overnia, but otherwise listens to the conversations quitely, doing leg stretches>
: <Nigel> ...well that's new
<Jasper> *looks completely dumbfounded.*
<Lee> *The Ninetales did not seem to register them at all, all attention and all that mattered, was the one little girl before him as he bowed his head to her slowly*
Rene: Um, Uncle Lee? What are you....oh
<Vince> Guess a female Lucario would be more special, huh.
<Zephyr watches the gathering with some interest.> I should probably check on Anubis.. I hope he's not STILL in the training room.
<Izzy> Uhm, wha?
Rene: Oh boy. *Looks at Faith* Didn't you ever tell them about Lucarios being thick on the ground over here?
<Lee> My name is Lee Sumisu, of the Sumisu Shrine... and I believe... we have been looking for you, for a very long time... It is indeed, an honor to be before you.
: <Riou>.....................................
<Eddie> As hard to come by as they are... I guess so, big 'mon.
<Tamara can't help but giggle at what's going on> <Molly> You might want to go down there, Jasper.
: <Riou>...Well, this is certainly new.
*Her mind slipped, as something seemed to seep through finally, a realisation, of what had happened after weeks and weeks of being in the girls presence... and slowly... she took a gulp... following her fathers bow*
: <Tidot>....Imma gunna grab Riou's clothes. *he comes down from the stands*
*As well as her mother's... as she murmured... slowly to Riou....* Riou... would you turn your Aura Vision on Izzy for a moment...?
<Izzy> Wait, huh? Looking for me? *she blinks in total confusion as Faith bows.* WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!
Rene: Um, Izzy? I think my relatives belive you to be some long lost reincarnation of a fabled lucario
: <Riou>...Um...okay...*he blinks and closes his eyes for a moment, raising his hand in Izzy's direction, his dreads rising in a familiar gesture*
<Boris' hand will suddenly come to rest on Riou's shoulder. He seems to have gone through the crowd when everyone was distracted>
<Jasper> *slowly makes his way out of the stands and towards the small group. Looking completely lost.*
<Suni watches with curiosity>
: *Tidot keeps picking up Riou's shirt and stuff, and spies Suni* Oh, hey Suni! You just missed the match. Riou just got done beating Faith!
*Eddie is slowly pacing the sideline now, snapping a picture every now and then. He's just as curious about all this as everyone else is...*
<Suni's attention is broken> He just got done doing what?
: *The Crossroaders make their way over, Meg wheeling herself along as well.
<Faith> ...Rene... I don't think we just think she is... I think she REALLY is... *She murmured slowly*
*Izzy's aura is not the typical blue one would expect. Instead, it is like glass or flowing water, hard to perceive.*
: <Tidot> Faith. He was in a match with Faith. He won, rather handily too.
Rene: ....You're NOT serious, Faith. She, it's.....no way!
<Suni looking puzzled> I didn't now Faith was healthy enough for battling yet. Wasn't she just like in a cast?
: <Tidot> Nope, those came off a while ago. She challenged him a while back.
<Faith> *She gestured him towards Riou... if Rene wouldn't believe a Lucario-worshipping idiot like her...*
: <Tidot> And man, he was intense. Crazy I tell ya! Man, good to see our captain back in full swing!
Rene: *Under normal circumstances would be kicking Tidot in the shin for remarks celebrating his cousin's defeat, but is otherwise occupied*
<Tam> Looks like your future sister in law might be some reincarnated deity thing. <MOlly blushes> Oh hush, Tamara. That is so many years in the future to think about.
<Suni> Hhmm. He seems good at that sort of thing, I guess. Still, good to hear Faith's taking to the ring again.
<Faith> ...Riou? *She asked for emphasis... uneasy to the silence that he was suddenly creating!*
<Sid> I think Izzy's at a loss down there.
: <Riou> *he opens his eyes after a while* Her Aura is different...but I don't think that's an indication she's some reincarnation of an ancient Lucario.
<Suni, pointing over to the crowd> So, what's going on over there?
: <Tidot> I dunno...something about Jasper's little sis being some reincarnated deity
*Eddie's curiosity has gotten the better of him and he's now just behind Rene, giving the Vulpix a gentle nudge to get his attention* Dude, hey... what's all the commotion about up here?
<Izzy> Wha?
<Vince watches quietly for a moment before he makes his way over as well and watches from the back since he's tall enough to>
<Suni> Deity? LIke Arceus, Dialga, or Palkia?
<Lee> *The Ninetales rose up slowly before the girl as Riou made his declaration, and for the first time, noticed the crowd gathering perhaps... and then back to Izzy*
...Tell me, little one.... do you have a relative here whom I may speak to just now?
: <Tidot> I dunno, some ancient Lucario.
<Izzy> Uhm, I'm flattered and all, but I think you have the wrong Lucario. . . <Jasper> I'm her older brother, sir.
<Suni> Hmm, never heard of a lucario deity, in Worship school.
Rene: My relatives are shrinekeepers, waiting for a reincarnation of the ancient Lucario who founded their shrine to return. Now...they think Izzy is it
<Faith> *She looked back herself, as if only registering the crowd just now herself, her father seemingly in the reins of this...*
: <Tidot> Eh, it's the basis of her family's religion. Hell if I know much about this.
: <Nigel> Oh is THAT all. <Meg> Shh.
<Suni, doing a two hand stand, upside down> Lucarios. So "mystical".
<Lee> *The large ninetales bowed slightly to Jasper... at least there were no further declarations of 'Lucario-sama' crying about* I am pleased to meet you...
*Eddie gives Rene a look of disbelief, before looking around at the others.* ...okay, wow. This is definitely different.
But tell me, is there perhaps a place we may go, to speak in private?
: <Tidot> Hey, like I said, I dunno much about it. People worship stranger things.
<Faith> You're telling me! *She looked over to Eddie* Lucario-sama was always supposed to reincarnate as a guy!!
<Suni now doing hand stand push ups> That....umph..true.
Rene: *Cant resist* Maybe, Faith, Lucario sama is like me!
<Jasper> I. . . suppose so. <Izzy> . . . . *bops Rene.*
: <Nigel> ...well, glad I'm an atheist, then.
Rene: Ow! Just kidding Izzy!
<Faith> *A bop he'd receive with her casted arm too, as she yelped... that was DEFINITELY a case of hurts-me-more-than-hurts-you!*
<Eddie> *to Faith* Wow, this must be a red letter day... and hey, Faith? *he smiles* Good job showing everyone a Fire-type's spirit isn't broken that easily.
Rene: Ow, ow! Faith! *Rubs head* That was a joke! Cousin....and why do you keep hitting me with casts that shelter your BROKEN bones?
<Lee> *He gestured an arm slowly, allowing Jasper to lead on, and he would follow... as Su-Lin still frozen finally fought to open the door for them coming, bowing*
<Izzy> Uhm, so should I just stay here or something?
<Suni> We of the chimchar line have our legends too of a great hero Songoku, the great king. I'm named after him, sorta. <Continues push ups>
<Faith> *She grimaced a little, rubbing her cast and looking at Rene* Well... *She swung her look back to her parents and Jasper...*
: <Charla> ...wait, since when are you atheist? I mean, when we went to choir back in Hoenn...
: <Nigel> *sigh* Look, let's just say you were but one of the reasons I'm not fond of my folks and leave it at that. <Charla> Well alright...
Rene: ...*Looks at Nigel* There's always a new layer of bitterness to you we've yet to explore, isn't there?
<Lee> *He looked to Izzy, and his smile was warmer than expected perhaps from his stoic face, as he nodded* You have a right to know what we are discussing... if you will join us?
: <Nigel> You've no idea.
<Izzy> Uhm. . . okay. *She quietly follows after her brother.*
: <Tidot>...Oh. Well, I guess that's like what Faith's family does.
<Faith> *She watched... and sighed... watching the four depart... so much for coming to see her match... she didn't know WHAT to think!!!*
Rene: Faith? You okay? *Rubs her back*
: <Riou>...Aren't you going to follow them, Faith?
<Suni rolls from her hand stand to her feet> I guess. <Arching her back> But still, never heard of this Lucario deity thing. Eh..I guess stranger things and all.
<Faith> *They'd randomly found, chance of all chance, the greatest saviour known to their temple, all right under her own nose...
it should've made her jump for joy... but, she just grinned backward* I'm just a shrine maiden...
: <Riou> So, it's still your family.
<Faith> *And a look to Eddie, she grinned, finally giving him a nod of thanks for his comment*
Rene: Faith? You gonna talk to me or do I have to beat it out of you? *Bops her gently with one of his own tails for a change*
<Eddie> ...not to be rude or anything, but shouldn't Faith be due up for a post-match checkup now? Y'know, mandatory school rule and all...
: <Riou> Oh.
Rene: Good idea, Eddie
<Faith> ...Well... *She wiped at her face, that Lucario battle-mask just wiping her face, looking to Riou, then Rene* This is something my parents have to look into...
<Faith> So I think Eddie has a good idea... *She laughed feebly*
: <Meg> Ah, Faith? One second?
<Suni stands looking at Tidot> So, why did Faith Challenge Riou anyway?
Rene: *Can tell Faith isn't saying all there is to say*
: <Tidot> No clue...guess she wanted to see something in him.
<Faith> *She blinked, looking to the Magmar, even as she was she was certainly a sight to see, as she smiled* Hi Meg! *She cried, if tiredly*
<Faith> Glad to see you getting around again!
Rene: *Nods to Meg as he wraps his arms protectively around Faith's shoulders* Same here Meg
*Eddie gives Faith another smile and a gentle pat on her (hopefully) undamaged shoulder, then stands and addresses Riou.* Man, you've really stepped up your game the last few weeks Riou!
: <Meg> You too! *wheeling herself closer* Hey, I was watching your match. You did pretty well, all things considered.
<Suni> Hmm.
: <Riou> *blushes a bit, and rubs the back of his head, and then notices Boris' hand on his shoulder. He sets his hand over Boris' own.* Well, you know, I did have 3 weeks!
<Suni> Hey, he's an item with Boris now?
: <Tidot> *giggles a bit as he hefts Riou's shirt and suit over his shoulder* Hm? Oh yeah, ever since Riou's birthday.
<Eddie> Yeah, but... wow. Some of that stuff looked like it could be pro-level, to be honest! *he also nods politely to Boris*
<Faith> *She laughed feebly, she was still relying on Rene a bit here, as she looked to Meg, finding it hard to keep eye contact* ...It wasn't really a great match... I ended up rushing into a lot of things...
<Suni> Wow, I thought he and what's his name...Ra?
Rene: Faith, look up at the nice magmar when she's paying you a compliment
: <Riou> *blushes redder*...Well...thank you. I guess it was alright. I felt a little bad...but when Faith said she wanted my all...well, I gave it to her. *he looks down at his bracers*...Still.
: <Tidot> Tamara. Yeah, Vince's sister. They were going out.
: <Meg> Actually I didn't just come to compliment her. I'm offering her the same chance I offered you Rene. Stop on by the gym sometime, Faith? You did good out there, but you need some firepower to back that up with.
<Boris nods to Riou> Was fine battle.
<Suni> And what about that Anubus..Anubis..guy?
Rene: You'd do well to take her up on that cuz. I know I certianly benefited from it
: <Tidot> Huh? What about 'em?
<Faith> *She blinked a little, she looked up, having found it hard to take a compliment from the match, she at least smiled now, nodding* ...I think I'd like that?
<Eddie> Hey, Riou? Folks might talk smack about it, but if that's what she asked then it wouldn't be fair to hold back. In fact, it'd be insulting to her.
<Suni Shrugs> I thought I heard they had something goin'. You know how rumors go around here.
: <Karon> *claps Riou on the other shoulder* Yeah! She wanted it, you gave it to her! Boned her up and down!
Rene: ...Karon, you have two seconds to watch the mouth before I close it
<Ryuen> ...that sounded so wrong on so many levels...kinky!
*Kody groans and facepalms.*
: <Karon> *grins at Rene* Or what? I can't be proud of my captain for defeating someone?
* "Kinky, indeed.." And sauntening in with his hands in his pockets is a familiar bright breen bug. "Yo."
Rene: When it's clear that even HE isn't? And when it's my cousin? HELL yes
: <Meg> Good. Well, Rene, I trust you to bring her with you next t--what's everyone groaning about? <Nigel> *facepalms* Don't ask.
<Katie> Best not to even think about it, Meg.
*And the fui types that in his blog before he hits the post button.* And that as they say, is that.
: <Karon> Browser, look. Grin and bear it. I wouldn't care if she was your sister, I'd still congratulate Riou.
<Kody> Good to see you up beat again, Ryuen.
Rene: There is a diffrence between saying 'congratulations' and going "yeah you gave it to her" and you know it
: <Tidot>...Really? Huh. Well, Riou and Boris are an item now. It was awesome, kissed him right in front of his parents!
<Faith> *She sighed, and just shook her head, she could identify the voice she'd heard now, and she looked past Meg to Nigel, as she grinned*
Thanks for your words of encouragement too by the way!
: <Karon> Oh get over it, Rene.
<Edge> Eh, some tact never hurt, Karon. Hoi. Megs.
: <Riou> Oh, Edge-san!
<Ryuen> I have? Huh...funny...I never noticed... o O (*snrk*)
Rene: Hey Edge. Good advice
<Rene> Really? Well.. Boy, need a score card around here seriously. <Beginings doing some leg kicks)
: <Nigel> --Eh? *looking to Faith* Oh, well....you know.
(SUni, not RENE)
* Edge tromps on over, lazily. "Riou. And good to see you're up and about. Had me worried. So, what's the good word?"
: <Karon> *rolls her eyes* If you were worried about Faith getting hurt, then you shouldn't have watched. I swear you were giving Riou a death glare the whole damn fight!
: <Meg> Hey, Edge! *wheeling around to face him from below* By the way, we still up for that team match?
: <Karon> Only reason he's not proud is because you were giving him crap.
Rene: *Ignoring Karon by this point* Hey Suni. Nice routine
: <Tidot> *shrugs*
<Edge> I wouldn't miss it for the world, Megs. None of us would.
: <Riou>...Edge-san, a question.
* Edge turns to Riou. "Yah?"
: <Meg> Good! I'm holding you to that. *Charla smirks as well*
: <Riou> Would you be willing to fight me...right now?
<Faith> *She nodded to Nigel, at least that was there... and although she looked back to the doors, still exhausted, she could only wonder what was going on now with Izzy and her parents....*
Rene: *Pauses* Riou? I think you have a problem....
<Faith> *And that reminded her... she'd taken quite a beating, hadn't she?* ...Maybe it'd be nice to see the medic now?
*Eddie gives Riou a "WTF?" expression...*
: <Nigel> ....right, I'm going to have to side with Rene here, mate. You need a rest first.
* Edge hurms. "... you look a little roughed-up. Well, your posture says it, just a bit. And I promised you a fight... dunno. You alright?"
Rene: Hmm? Oh, right come on Faith....everyone else around here clearly is getting a galloping case of the crazies
<Jenn> Has he completely lost his mind?
: <Riou> What? I asked for a match with Edge-san...and I'm feeling fine right now. *he slaps his chest a bit to prove it*
: <Flo> He jest came back frum a match!
: <Riou> Actually, I've never felt better.
: <Nigel> .....Riou, mate?
* Edge snickers. "You're a stubborn little bastard, you know that?"
: *Nigel points to Rene. "Stop talking."
Rene: What? We were all thinking it!
<Suni catches Riou's comment> Boy, he's on a roll tonight.
<Faith> ...*She laughed, letting Rene guide her* Considering I didn't even hit him once, I'd say he's fine...?
*Ryuen blinks at Riou, only to look to his teammates and twirl a circle at the side of his head.*
<Eddie> ...Riou, dude. You've been running full throttle AND fired off two Substitutes in a short period of time. I think you oughta cool down a bit.
: <Meg> Agreed. At least wait an hour?
<Kody> Always thought he was a little off but, damn, iron man he is not. Despite him being a steel type.
Rene: I thought that was for swimming
: <Meg> ...Rene, clam it.
: <Riou>...Actually, just one Substitute. And why can't I? An Elixir, and I'm good to go!
Rene: *Looks hurt*
<Suni walks over> Hey Rene, why so glum?
: <Meg> Riou, show respect to Faith and sit down for a while.
* Edge shrugs. "I can wait, I can go, whatever. Just don't push yourself too damn hard, Hotaru. You know I won't hold back."
Rene: Oh, just being told to shut up, clam it, and otherwise get told off for saying my piece, while everyone else gets to say there's. Standard stuff really
: <Riou>...How is disrespectful? I'm feeling fine! Edge-san has been waiting for me to fight him for a while, but Faith asked first. I fought her, and now I can fight him. How is this bad?
<Suni> Why, what's the prob? ANd you saying your piece is something knew. Heh, Sounds like Zap is rubbing off on you.
Rene: ...oh and Riou's become a fight-junkie
<Eddie> Riou. I really hate to be this blunt, but... *he motions to Vince* I don't need a repeat performance of what happened to my bro here.
<Suni looks up at Riou> Fight junkie huh?
<Ryuen> And people wonder why I'm so quiet...
* Edge looks... even. Neither for or against. Even then, he is rolling his shoulders a little.
Rene: He walked up to Edge and said he wanted a match. Right here and now.
: <Meg> One, common courtesy to at least aknowlege that your last opponent was doing her hardest to fight you and--*looking to Edge* ...also that, yes.
<Suni> Well..I'll fight you.
Rene: ....Okay, is everyone here insane?
: <Riou>...If you insist. One hour- *he blinks and looks over at Suni* What?
<Faith> ...Either that, or did I really get a concussion... and this is all a weird dream?
<Edge> ... heh! Hehheh... the memories remain.
<Suni shruging with a eyes closed expression> Well, if you're really wanting some action. Not like you don't owe me one anyway.
: <Meg> Oh for the flames...*facepalms* <Nigel> *arms crossed* Great to be back, isn't it. <Meg> Yeah.
: <Riou>...When did I owe you one?
: <Charla> Ex-CUSE me Suni?
* Edge just smirks, then makes a vague slapping motion.
Rene: ...Must be. They soul just rename this place the Poke-Combat Asylum and get it over with...
<Suni looks over to Charla> Hmm?
: <Charla> You know what. I thought I told you to lay off him!
* Regardless, Edge parks his wide butt down and chills, crossing one leg over the other. "Look, I can do whatever. Just make up your mind."
<Suni> What? He wants a match. If Edge isn't ready, I got nothing to do. Don't you start again.
<Eddie> *glances at Suni and Charla* Oh for Jirachi's sake... do we have to go get security to clear the floor before this turns into a all-out brawl?
Rene: Riou, I think Suni is referring to that, ah, incident on the island? Where you....smacked her?
<Faith> *She just sighed... and Rene would feel a light tap, as she smiled lightly to him* How about we get tojazzfoxrules: the infirmary before it fills up?
* Edge shoots Rene a 'so much for tact' glance.
: <Charla> You know what, that's it. You want a fight, I'll give you one!
*Ryuen peers over from his laptop only to type in something really quick only to close it* If it's gonna get ugly, I'd rather not stick around for it...
: <Charla> And if I win, you back the hell off.
: <Riou>...That was over a month and a half ago. That was done in the heat of the moment. I don't 'owe' you anything, Suni-san.
Rene: *Winces at Edge* Sorry...Good idea, cuz. We'll beat the rush.
<Edge> ... two-on-two?
<Suni looks to Eddie> ANd why is it everyone wants to get a

This is why I want to jon these chats I miss all the news things happening in pca can anyone give me a 411 on the when and where of these things?

They're private chats between a handful of people. They're not open.

Ahh

Awesome of you to load this, Gamma, I never got to see the records for the other two fights afterward!

x3 Hee, in fact... it gives me an idea... ::Brain cogs at work::

That was a great read. Very fun, very interesting. You guys never cease to impress me. :)