Duel:Kasyr & Lanlan vs Mark & Misaki

Part of the Festival of Aramoth Contest.

Frostmaw Arena

Svilfon wanders lazily into the arena with one hand on the side of his head, which feels as if a pack of trolls fighting a pack of ogres with nothing but spears and explosions inside it. He staggers up to his chair, kept always warm by his magic, and slumps into it. There he waits to watch what is to come, with the vain hope it's all a rather quiet, non-bright-lighted affair.

Satoshi is already in her own chair near Svilfon's, half-slumped yet trying to still play the part of 'regal queen'. It's not going well. But few seem to notice or care, as quite a many members of the Frost Giant audience are also nursing the wounds of challenging Drargon's ale. It was a painful morning for all of Frostmaw.

Svilfon mutters to Satoshi, "Next time you hold a drinking contest, do it on the last day of the festival, yeah?" He attempts a smile in the wake of his words.

Satoshi wrinkles her nose at the comment. She doesn't want to host a drinking contest ever again.

Kasyr 's casually seated on the colosseum wall leading into the arena- his feet dangling over the 6'0 clock entrance. As ever, he's garbed in his fur-trimmed trenchcoat, and dramatically waving scarf-but that doesn't mean there isn't a change in the Kensai's habitual choice of accoutrement. Which is to say, the Revenant's currently wearing that snazzy Fez of his, whilst the -very- bristly looking fox-like critter that's in the process of hopping around on his lap is wearing his goggles like some sorta lazy collar.

Raphaline bounds in!

Misaki walks into the colosium, stretching her arms - and her wings. She was wearing her usual - her emerald bodice, which had the strings fixed, her velvet leggings, and black slippers. She had gotten new ones, though, and there was a bandage around her right foot. The only tow other things you would notice were that, for one, her hair was still pink. Misaki was still ticked off about that. And the other, her left wing was missing half of its feathers. She was extremly ticked off about that one. She kept glancing at it, like any minute now that feathers were going to grow back. Behind her was her companion, Satoru. The male humanoid crossbow was wearing his tailcoat, as usual, and was speaking to Misaki about her own attire. "You really should bundle up," he said to her, "it's rather cold here, and with this new event you should--" he was cut short when Misaki turned on him. "I'm fine," she said to him, "I had a few of those warming ale things in the tavern. Besides, I believe Her Majesty has a way to keep combatants warm. All -you- need to really worry about is that hangover of yours." Satoru had grimace at the loudness of Misaki's voice. "You need to concentrate on the battle," she said, "don't forget that."

Satoshi lifts a hand before calling out, "Would our other volunteers please step forward? I will be selecting your teams in a moment."

Svilfon mutters something about not yelling so loud towards Satoshi.

Misaki looks up as Satoshi spoke. She took a few steps forward into the light. She wondered who her partner would be. Satoru was obvious, he was her wapon, but they said she'd be fighting alongside someone else. Satoru sighed, already melting into shadows in order to turn into his weapon form.

Kasyr is still busy being slobbered on by his stalwart companion, Sparky. Which is to say the fox, whose fur seems to be subject to a permanent state of static shock, given the manner it's 'fluffed' outwards.

Raphaline is probably hanging around the stands with Meri, wondering who is the commentator for this? If not, she knows she'd be up for it, and maybe Meri?

Satoshi, as if she's read Raphaline's mind (metagaming, ftw), calls out once more, "Do we have any members of the audience with a tongue silvery enough to commentate of this upcoming match~?" They will, of course, be paid for their services.

Meri is definitely hanging around Raphaline. If Raphaline starts commenting, Meri probably would be inclined to say something back.

Raphaline is among the audience, and bounds up! "Aye, Lady Frost, I'd be happy to do so. With anyone else of course too!"

Satoshi bows her head to Raphaline. "Then the job is yours~. Let's see you make our crowd roar as much as our warriors do!"

Mark walks silently into colosseum, garbed in black as always. Simple, light clothes. Black shirt, pants, boots, cloak, and hood. His cloak is parted for a few moments as he examines his left hand one more time, it was wrapped in bandages, each finger individually wrapped, though that was just the tip of the iceberg as these bandages reach all the way to his shoulder. It wasn't good, but he could still use it, besides it's not as though things would always be in his favor when he must fight. Just then the commanding female voice called out for the volunteers to step forward. Yes, the hand would be a problem, but Mark wasn't about to back out of this challenge because of it. Taking a look around, Mark quickly spots the Avian he'd fought rather recently. Well it'd be a bit ironic if he had to fight alongside her for this fight. Too ironic to happen... right?

Satoshi loves irony. Delicious, delicious irony.

Raphaline is sitting among the stands, a mug of warm ale and her violin resting at her feet. She had left notice for her partner in crime to come, and as it seemed, Meri was there. She nudges the woman playfully, somewhat excited about such things as the duel. And commentating! Well hell's fire, this would be an interesting night!

Mark personally like revenge more, especially when served cold o3o revenge he will not get a serving of this fight D:

Svilfon seems rather interested in those who are stepping forward, his tired gaze beneath the brim of his hat taking them in in turn, before he glances at Raphaline. Fingers form a steeple before his mouth as he leans forward; should be exciting.

Misaki looks up at the sound of footsteps. She sees the human who had taken away her ability to fly. She frowns at him, when she notices the bandages on his arm. Her frown quickly turned into a sadistic smile. "...I'm interested on how you got the bolts out of your arm, but I suppose we shall leave that for another time," she stated, "I look forward to this match." She hoped she would be against him... Oh the irony, if she were to be paired with him instead.

Kasyr just sort of tucks his trenchcoat beneath himself, before he promptly turns so that his back is facing to the arena, and proceeds to fall backwards. It's not so much to fall, so much as to bring himself into an upside-down dangle above the Colliseums six o clock entrance. Sparky, for his part, let's out an excited bark... at least until he realizes he's still dangling in the air. The pups pretty quick to try and scramble up the Kensai, once that fact dawns upon it.

Meri shoots a lopsided grin to Raphaline upon being nudged, looking a bit more nonchalant about the entire affair.

Raphaline clears her throat a bit, "Seems to be some serious faces out there. Either that, or we are seeing the compadres from last night, hungover, waiting to take another good knockin' to the head."

Mark remained solemn, not an ounce of emotion coming to his face as he gives emotionless reply, "I simply plucked them out... like I did your feathers... like I would with a chicken... that runs from a fight..."

Misaki ||Satoru melded into the shadows surrounding him. Then a soft whistle could be heard, and rocketing out of the wall was a large, black metal crossbow. Misaki raised her hand, catching the crossbow in her hand. "Are you alright to fight, Satoru?" Misaki asked the crossbow. "I'll do better than last time," Satoru stated, "Let's roll."

Misaki turns her face to glare at Mark. "...I didn't run," she stated, "it's nearly impossible to fight against a strong opponent with a stupid weapon who can't even rapid fire correctly." Satoru hissed in her hand, but Misaki ignored him, still glaring at Mark.

Meri can't help but roll her eyes at Raphaline, chuckling lowly beneath her breath. "Ya call this serious?"

Mark turns away from the avian at this point, analyzing the surrounding area and the other potential allies or foes. Though he seemed to be ignoring Misaki, he still replied in a rather dry tone, "Bawk... bawk..." he makes no attempt to imitate as chicken as he simply lets the words come out of his mouth.

Kasyr , after giving Sparky a pat, finally draws himself back up into a semi sitting position- if only so he can drop the diminuitive fox on his lap. Which is about the point the Revenant flops right back down in his partially upside-down and dangling position. It's during this time that his gaze flicks across the ground, and he spots a familiar red accoutrement. Something that has him checking his head for a few moments, before it dawns on him. Right, gravity- that would rob him of a Fez, wouldn't it.

Raphaline points toward the two who seemed to be acting like hissing cats, all fluff and tip toed. "See what I mean. Seems like some already have names on their list to eliminate."

Kasyr said to Mark, "Would you two either kill each other or kiss each other? Quand meme."

Lanlan arrives from the North separated from his companion. Though he'd assuredly return from him. Following a crowd he found, he arrives at the arena, "A gathering in the coliseum? It seems the next event's already started." Volunteers, eh? Well he was tired, but...he shoots up his hand anyways, "I volunteer!" Now the crowd moves for him, curious to see who would dare and to allow them to pass. He arrives to tell Satoshi once more, "I volunteer."

Satoshi straightens up now that the four volunteers are present and accounted for. She spends a moment regarding them, not quite able to weigh who is capable of what, with her only knowing Kasyr out of the bunch--she'd seen glimpses of the agility the avian possessed, and determination of the window-smashing fellow. So instead, at seeming random, the kit points firs to Lanlan than to Kasyr, indicating they are to be a team. Which of course leaves Misaki and Mark as partners. Maybe, just maybe, she had spotted the tension between those two, and she isn't quite able to resist the possible entertaining of teammates at odds. This is, after all, a fight that is also meant to be a show for the gathered audience! "Fight, in the honor of Aramoth!"

Misaki whirls on Mark, raising her crossbow and pointing it at him. "Hey!" Satoru said, "Don't let your rage take control again." Misaki glared at Mark with quite a large amount of unadulterated loathing. She then lowered Satoru. "Save your anger for the arena," Satoru finished.

Kasyr said, "Save your kinks for after the fight, Monsieur~"

Xolin enters with a surprisingly calm demeanor when compared to any other time Xolin might be spotted. Well, aside from him cursing and pounding his new scope attachment onto his bolter-rifle-thing. After finding himself a seat he would watch the following battle through said scope so he would not have to use his dragon eyes while in this nobility inspired human form. "Soo...like this? No...this? Damn it!" His words trail off while he tries to get comfortable in a seat.

Meri said to Raphaline, "Oh look. Yer boyfriend wants to play."

Svilfon leans over towards Satoshi and speaks in a quiet, strained voice that drips with amusement at her selection of teams, "I bet you the teaching of one of my spells against one of yours that your husband's team will lose." He grins, somewhat. "Can't have you betting against the king, after all." Svil, it seems, has no reservations about doing such.

Raphaline said to Meri, "He is not my boyfriend." She nudges the woman again, before she notices the teams and exclaims to the crowd. "It seems the two hissing cats have been paired up for the fight! Will they be able to contain their anger, or will the other team have themselves an easy win?"

Satoshi said to Svilfon, "In that case, I'd like you to teach me that light-serpent spell you used on me once~." Of course Satoshi has the fullest faith in Kasyr, she'd never hesitate to bet in his favor. "I think you still owe me a song, too~."

Chakor takes a seat in the vast Colosseum, eager to be the one entertained by fight rather than the one providing th entertainment.

Svilfon hesitates for a moment, before nodding. He supposes now Asorial is dormant he can perhaps cast that particular spell once more. "Agreed. You can teach me to make ice-mice." He grins. "And you still owe me a dragon in a dress.. but.. when my head's not so sore." He tips his hat; the wizard way of sealing a deal.

Meri smirks innocently at Raphaline before turning her attention to the teams. Blue eyes shift from Kasyr and Lanlan to Mark and Misaki, "I dunno. I think yer boyfriend and that fella might have an easy win there if the other team don't get it together. But if I was bettin', I'd put my money on yer boyfriend's team."

Mark just sort of stood there, though he shows nothing, he's rather astonished at how unfortunate the last few days have been. First the kidnapping, then the caber competition, now this? He was paired up with the very person he'd been attempting to upset in order to get an advantage over during the fight? Not only that, he'd earlier injured her and clipper her wing... Needless to say this was unexpected, but he'd need to have a word with lady luck sometime in the future. As for the present, the fight was about to start and unfortunately, he was going up against the man that threw a log maybe six times his size with ease. Too late to turn back now... Mark quickly removed his hood and reposition his cloak to drape over only his left side as he drew his blade. As it was drawn, it rung out, clear and beautiful. The blade continued to vibrate and hum for a number of moments more as it was held in his right hand before the ringing would die down.

Misaki growls, locking a bolt in place. "Calm yourself," Satoru said, "you must focus." Misaki pulled her hair back behind her ears, showing off her earrings; a pair of sapphire blue eyeballs. They had an unnatural gleam to them, as if they they had been coated with wax. "...I know," she said coldly, "you don't have to remind me." She found it rather unfortunate that she had to fight alongside the human she hated so much... and one she had injured, to boot. But she was willing to do anything to win, at this point.

Kasyr & Lanlan vs Mark & Misaki

Duelists: Kasyr & Lanlan vs. Mark & Misaki.
Duel: Traditional 3 posts each, with final defense. Loose 10 minute posting limit.
Stakes: 5k to each member of the winning team, 2 points per participant for the Fight Fest.
Judges: Svilfon, & Satoshi

Round One

Lanlan has almost no time to consider his foes as they're matched up. Them two, he saw them recently both matching bloodstains. And now behold! Turmoil between them even before the fight starts. To Kasyr: "I'm Lanlan, I'll set you up." He backed up away from his foes, and lit up his pipe, and then his bullseye lantern. The lantern very visibly in front of his foes. "I hope you can see well through smoke." Then he exhaled a plume from his pipe; one that never seemed to end, and soon the field was covered in smoke. Everything was cloaked, save the fire of his lantern. He held it and strafed left, away from his ally; and simultaneously crafted an illusive firebolt to resemble his lamp, and similarly this one darted away. With luck they'd be confused and distracted enough. He was far too exhausted to come up with much more than that, so for now it was left to his ally to strike them in their confusion.

Raphaline gives her friend a sidelong look, a smirk crawling across her lips. "Are you actually making that bet darling?" She glances over the teams, curious to see how things might work out. She leans over to Meri and whispers a few words before turning to the crowds. "Anyone have any bets for the fight?"

Raphaline whispered something to Meri.

Meri said to Raphaline, "Shoot, love. I ain't got much to bet. But I'd throw down a hundred gold."

Raphaline chuckles and nods, "Hundred gold, aye? How about, instead of gold, a favor of sorts?"

Mark watched as the smoke from his opponent's lantern began to enveloped the stadium, as it neared, however, Mark simply closed his eyes. His right leg was lifted and the flat of his blade was struck against the heel of his right boot. The blade rung out once more and soon, the shape of the stadium, his opponents, and his ally formed in his mind, there was no use straining his eyes when it was easier to do this. Now he was faced with a dilemma, he assumed his partner couldn't see through the smoke and she used a crossbow. So, rather than place himself in danger of fighting two without help, Mark walked closer to his partner, ready to defend her despite the little quarrel they had earlier. Work was work and play was play, he wasn't going to hold onto a grudge like a child.

Meri said to Raphaline, "Eh...I don't know 'bout that there. Don't rightly like ownin' favors. Ya don't know what sorta favor yer gettin' into. Plus, someone would have to be willin' to bet for team We Hate Each Other. "

Raphaline calls out, "And it seems the fight has begun! What is this, has everything already gone up in smoke, or," She pauses at the sound of the sword ringing, "Seems that the other team is trying to sound their way around to their opponents! Who will make the next move, or are they already on the downs?"

Raphaline said to Meri, "True. Hm. Well, how about drink instead love?"

Meri said to Raphaline, "Dove, I'm always happy to go drinkin' with ya."

Raphaline reaches into her satchel and produces some sort of bottled drink. "Gotcha some whiskey, just for the fight, aye?"

Satoshi's ears give an involuntary twitch at the sound of the sword ringing from within the smoke. Aside from this, the magus sits stockstill, with eyes, ears, and whiskers alert to the scene below.

Meri bats her lashes at Raphaline.

Kasyr responds to Lanlan's introduction with a casual," Gotcha. Name's Kasyr." And then the revenant is simply watching that hazy wall of smoke roll over the arena. It's only when the obscurity grows thick that he draws his legs up, effectively relinquishing his hold on the colloseum wall and sending himself dropping down towards into the arena proper. With only a moment spared to scoop up his fallen Fez, the revenant breaks into an outright dash for where he'd last spotted his opponents- Something which is partially aided by the Kensai's empathy, as he seeks to track down the two through the veritable cloud of irritation that surrounds the pair, with at least one of their locations being outright given away by Marks attempt to rejoin his partner. The very moment the Kensai pick up an outline, he dashes to the side- a pre-emptive defense towards the lass with the crossbow, before he promptly lunges forward. Specifically, the Kensai goes hurtling towards Mark, but not at him- his right arm swiping out to catch him across the throat if he doesn't move. What's worse, is that the moment the Revenant hits the ground, all he needs to do is ram the mithril mesh of his gloves into it- to aid in slowing his momentum, so that he can whirl on his heels and promptly attempt to tackle Mark from behind- with every ounce of the Kensai's supernatural strength, further aggravated by the fact that Kasyr's arms are moving to try and enclose about the fellows torso in an attempt to pin his limbs to his sides.

Misaki grimaces darkly as the arena was covered in smoke. The avian closed her eyes and held her breath, her heart pounding on the adrenaline. At first, everythign was silent. She heard the footsteps of her partner, who she still hated, approaching her. After a few moments, she heard something else - someone dropping in from the sky, perhaps? And running. "Mistress," Satoru murmured. "Shh," she replied. She heard the revenant's movements, clear as day. And she could somewhat guess what he was about to do. She whirled and shot in the direction of Mark - a foolish act! But no - the black metal bolt shattered in midair, transforming into twenty black darts! They moved around Mark's frame and towards Kasyr - and if they were to hit, and embed themselves into his flesh, they would split further into many microscopic blades, cutting into his flesh in all directions, with the intent of immobilizing him. It was then that Misaki finally opened her eyes and spread her wings - she isn't able to fly, but they could be used for another purpose, as well. She started flapping her wings with all of her might, straight at the ground. The wind brought forth by such made the smoke rise into the sky, uncovering everything withing a f-meter radius for the avian - namely, her partner and Kasyr.

Round Two

Raphaline looks to Meri with a grin, "Well it seems as if we've got smoke blowing, dirt throwing, wing spreadin' craziness tonight! Looks as if team we hate each other might be able to work out their problems for round one? But what happens when one goes down, will there be blamed spread around?!" She looks to the Kensai and his fancy foot work. "Darling, I think you made the right bet. The Lady Frost's husband seems to be quite the fella with dancin' feet."

Satoshi chuckles. "You've got that right, sweetie~."

Svilfon shudders at the mention of Kasyr's dancin' feet, but hides it behind a cough.

Lanlan make's certain that the purpose of this fight is entertained too; that one being of entertainment. No fun having a fight end with no one knowing why is there? This is one reason why he quickly and decisively locks the smoke back up in his imagination. Never mind that the large cloud, though mostly lacking in complex detail, was big and the boundaries would realistically be prone to shifting. Too much effort. Compounded when the avian began beating her wings to disperse it. How could he make the affect be equal to her cause? He got a good at the stadium now, he couldn't very well attack Mark anymore, he was too tangled up with his partner, and he definitely couldn't win this on his own. But Misaki was separate from them now, and possibly (hopefully) distracted by her own occupation of trying to kill Kasyr, and formerly dissipating the smoke. My how she must marvel at her power in doing so! Apparently no attention was on him just yet. That of course, was utterly splendiferous. Now he reaches into his satchel, gripping hold of his trusty grappling hook. He hurled it at her, but no one sees it as a grappling hook. Once it leaves the bag, and with his spell, it turns to look like a deadly black cobra. It's flying for Misaki, hissing like the real thing, and as soon as she turns to behold what's the commotion; spitting at her eyes. Then he pulls out his wand and cast a very real firebolt, straight for her midsection. Because even if she knew that snake was a fake, that firebolt would burn her regardless of what she thought of it.

Lanlan dropped 1 grappling hook.

Meri said to Raphaline, "What can I say? Just callin' it like I see it."

Raphaline hoists up her own ale, "Well then cheers to me making friends with someone in bed with lady luck, aye?" She teases, just before catching sight of a...flying snake? Hell's fire! "And it seems he goes from smoke to snakes. Hope Misaki is not afraid of snakes, and deadly ones at that!"

Svilfon suppresses a shudder as he spies what he sees as a snake... the wizard doesn't like snakes.

Satoshi said to Svilfon, "Why's it always gotta be snakes, right?"

Svilfon said to Satoshi, "Tell me about it."

Meri said to Raphaline, "I wish, Muse. I wish. If I was in bed with lady luck, I'd think I wouldn't be so broke all the time."

Raphaline grins, all devilish like. "Well, you better hope she has gotcha for tomorrow. That little dance thing, yea, I am gonna put up for a dance contest for everyone." She chuckles, "Will make for a funny night, no?"

Meri said to Raphaline, "Ya ain't makin' me dance!"

Raphaline pouts all sad like to Meri, "Even if there is gold involved you won't?!"

Meri shifts about. Dancing was not the worst thing that she has ever done for money. Was it worth making a total arse of herself? Maybe. "How much gold we talkin'?"

Raphaline prods the Satoshi with her mind, wandering how much a dancing contest might be worth?

Satoshi shivers. Did someone leave the Psionics on in here? Although a dance contest can comfortably have 6k worth of gold to pass out~.

Raphaline shrugs, and offers up a number. "Probably in the triple digits worth love. Enough to buy yourself drink to drown whatever embarrassment might occur?"

Meri mulls on this a moment before muttering and grumbling something that sounds like 'maybe'.

Mark :: So many things happening at once, and he envision it all in his head thanks to the ring of his blade. The revenant's approach and attack, his partner firing her rain of bolts upon himself and the revenant, and finally the stranger that held his position and threw a grappling hook. His ability to know what was going on didn't change that fact that his partner's attack had flanked and worse, he didn't know whether it was intentional or not. The revenant was most definitely stronger than he and the results would be grim if he was struck by him. Well the bolts seemed like a better choice... and maybe the avian actually knew what she was doing. So Mark decides to dives forwards, heading towards the thrown grappling hook. As he catches the thrown object by the rope, he opens his eyes to find himself what looked like a snake in his left hand. Then, not long after, a ball of fire illuminates what's left of the smoke, but by then it's too late to dodge it and, knowing better, Mark blocks it by pulling on the "snake" , giving a flick of the hand as he brings the animal's head in front of the flames. The bandages on his arm quickly catch fire and singe him, but he's able to remove them before the damage gets serious. Meanwhile the ringing of his blade has not stopped, yet the sound has seemed to have stopped emitting from it, rather it was moving quickly across the stadium in the direction the firebolt had come from. Thanks to the smoke, the only warning would be the sound of the blade's ring rapidly approaching as an unseen blade of sound comes, threatening to cleave the illusionist in half.

Raphaline was quite happy with the maybe she had received, but as the next attack was announced, she gasps. "And now, it looks like someone is in trouble of being split in two! You know, that is taking getting to be in two places at one time to a dangerous place!"

Svilfon can't help but snicker at Raphaline, even as he keeps his eyes on the fight below.

Meri just shakes her head at Raphaline.

Raphaline is quite content that people are snickering and such, she is trying to be overly silly and grandeur about her announcements to the crowd. What would a commentator be if there wasn't a funny bone to rub the magic out of?

Kasyr 's left contending with those bolts well before the smoke has cleared- the only indication of their presence being a plethora of whistling noises, and a number of distortions rippling through the fog cloud. The fact that they rippled out and around mark, before drawing back in his wake just serves as an indicator that shenanigans are afoot. Without a second thought, the Revenant draws his arms up in front his face, whilst his body hunches inwards. What ensues however, is likely not what's expected, as those darts which slam into the Kensai's coat are greeted not just by leather, but a combination of Preklek plating, and mithril mesh- their attempts to puncture the revenant only resulting in a number of faint bruises running up along his torso and arms. ...Well, those that hit his coat. Those that slam into his hands are far more efficient in their goal, as they proceed to rend through flesh with deceptive ease. It's about that point that the smoke begins clearing for the Revenant- and the scent of burnt ozone begins to grow thick in the air. Without warning, the shadows about the vampire seem to thicken and pulse, even as countless sparks begin to materialize in his vicinity- like a swarm of fireflies burning their way into existance. It's about that point that the slivers in the Revenant's hand -ignite-, their attempts at burrowing in further brought to an abrupt end as they're reduced to ashes. With a roar of pain, the Revenant bursts into motion once more- every ounce of unnatural vampiric celerity being tapped into, his footfalls a primal drumbeat that only increases in tempo until he's adjacent to Mark- which is about the point those still flaming hands are sent crashing towards his side- in an effort to send scalding flesh crashing into the man's kidney. Whether or not that initial contact hits home hardly matters to the Revenant however- as it's proximity that was sought, the field of electrical energy that had formed around him briefly flaring out, before it promptly draws in about his hand and discharges. Electricity at it's finest, meant to arc towards Mark and all the metal he's wearing- to scorch through his body, play havoc upon his muscles, and to hopefully carry enough kinetic energy to send him hurtling towards Misaki. Which should leave the Revenant promptly patting his hands off on his coat and cursing, barely paying heed to the altogether disquieting trail of inky blackness which has spread across the arena in his wake.

Misaki snarled softly. She didn't think; whate else was new? And she charged, throwing herself between Mark and Kasyr, raising Satoru to defend herself. The flaming hand of the revenant would end up hitting Misaki's left wing - the one which had been clipped by Mark. Her feathers caught fire, clipping her wing further and causing her to screech like an eagle in her pain. Then Satoru was raised and was hit by the arc of lightning - Satoru's screams could be heard all through the arena. But that wasn't all that was happening. Once the electric attack stopped, Misaki fired one bolt, then another - charged with her opponent's own magic. The two bolts split into fourty darts, and while half of them sailed towards Kasyr, the other half flew around Misaki and Mark, as if daring their opponents to draw near, lest they be cut and electrocuted.

Raphaline seems to be holding her breath as she watches the escalating attacks! And then, it seems, Kasyr is enraged. Lit up like a christmas tree, that is if they roared and then ooze. "And now, the angry christmas tree attacks! With ooze from the melted coal, and blasts that are meant to bring down the angel on the top, and the man set on breaking the ornaments?" She pauses, brows furrowed. "Oh wait! The angel has claws and fangs," She squints, "And spikes? So many tiny arrows! How can her weapon be handling this after the hangover from last night!"

Xolin had been watching the fight thus far with fluctuating interest. His standards might be a bit high, but when he thinks of a fight, he thinks of something flashy;something truly worthy of the Hollow realm denizens! The illusionist fellow was interesting if a little obvious he had been up to something just prior to this event. It takes another illusionist - or one with profound experience with one - to spot another's work so keenly. While his illusions thus far were plain, they were effective nonetheless. The opposing team was...eh, okay, but the one who Xolin kept his scope focused on the most was Kaysr. Now his latest strike was something he was hoping to see from the get-go! A grin crept over his lips and he whispered to himself, "Things are gettin' good now!"

Meri gooses Raphaline and then promptly sneaks off.

Raphaline has effectively been goosed! She is not sure whether to feel violated or loved.

Misaki thinks Raphaline should feel both violated an loved.

Svilfon leans back a little more in his chair as he watches the battle continue, his hands still in front of his face, though now they're lazily stroking his beard. Those who might know him well enough could pick up the sharpness in his gaze... he is hoping he'll get a chance to face these combatants himself in the next few days. He's very much enjoying the varying fighting styles on display, and were he not so dreadfully hung over, would be more than eager to test himself against them.

Round Three

Lanlan curses in his mind his foes resourcefulness; quite a stroke of genius to take sacrifice for his enemy's enemy. The interception didn't bring him down however, he would never do anything without the proper contingencies in order. But how to prepare for this? No notion of what power his foe was possessed of; no reason to expect the deadly sound blade. What luck then that he cast away the smoke. The arc of sound sliced through everything it came to pass, his grappling hook-snake was "killed" and reduced to a molten metal head and rope. Even in the ground there was a fissure resulting from an invisible force, but the echoing and piercing sound made it clear what it was. No time to dodge. He dropped the useless lantern and held the wand in his mouth; gripping instead his orb shield. Not even daring to waste time getting it out of his satchel, he grips the leather outline of the sphere and channels his magic into it. It erupts an invisible force in front of him to take the blow instead. But alas, the feeble limbs he walks on aren't enough to absorb the kinetic force the blade translates into the shield. With all his might he pushes against it, the soles of his boots scraping at the snow covered ground until he's pushed completely into the wall, slamming into it with no cushion but his cloak and his hood. The elf manages to squish away from the two opposing forces, at last dropping the orb and allowing it to be shattered. His turn to attack, but with what? He's more than drained now; he's desperate. He retrieves from his mouth a snapped wand. Worthless. What could he do? Not even hurl a rock in front of him. But in the cloud of dust emitted from wave hitting the wall, they couldn't see what was to become of him. Give them a result. He unclasped his cloak and hurled it into the air in one direction. He only had his forsaken lantern left to work with. It sat their still lit. Did they know he was an illusionist? Probably by now. So they might expect another illusion. He had nothing else to work with. He thrust out his hands and fell to his knees, channeling what little he had saved for one last hurrah. From that lantern grew a mansized blaze that took shape. Man shape. "You've made a mistake, my friend," the illusive elemental says in a hellish voice. "Now pay for it." And the fiery mirage hurls itself at Mark, only to dissipate a moment later

Raphaline feels all alone in her commenting since her partner-in-crime left her with nothing more than a butt squeeze! But alas, she shall continue! She watches the next move and worries for the staggering steps that he takes; as good a fight, there was no need for death. "And it seems fire comes to play along with smoke? What will the illustrious human, Mark, do against two opponents singling him out? And how fair is it, forgetting the lady avian? No need to be gentlemen right now boys!"

Xolin , feeling a bit of kin-ship to the illusionist down there fighting despite the odds, Xolin rubs a vial of elerium powder on his belt contemplating giving it to him upon the end of the match regardless of the victor. Seems that fiery man illusion he cast was just enough to get Xolin's attention.

Satoshi isn't a Frost Giant, and also is physically incapable of shouting, so while the rest of the crowd roars their cheers, the magus opts for putting fingers to her lips and whistling, keen and piercing. Obviously she roots for her husband in this, but the cheer is as much for the rest of the combatants as Kasyr.

Mark :: As soon his invisible blade had accomplished its duties, Mark knew immediately by the abrupt halting of his blade's vibration. It takes a moment for him to lift his heel, and start it once more with a swift swipe. As he does so, the revenant come at Mark with his hands ablaze. Surely the strength of man could break a few ribs on its own, but something told him, he'd get more than a few broken ribs from this attack, yet this would be the only moment Mark had to counter strike. As he was preparing however, the Avian stepped in, suffering the brunt of the revenants attack, but as commendable as such an act was, there was no time for praise or thanks, the revenant was vulnerable and he had to take the chance. It was then what looked like a fire elemental came charging towards Mark, but he simply ignored it. Surely if he had the time to listen, the lack of sound bouncing off the elemental would tell him that it was but an illusion, but at this point it didn't matter. By now Mark had noticed that his other foe was avoiding the direct fight... which, to Mark, meant the largest threat was the man that'd just wrapped his hands about the Avian. Mark quickly side-steps, moving around his currently incapacitated partner, and strikes at the revenant with his blade. While in the back of his mind, Mark expects to be struck by the elemental once he's finished, Mark concentrates all his force on this next attack as he, simultaneously, thrusts his ringing blade and hand forwards, aiming at the revenant's side and aiming to pierce right through his enemy. At near point blank, the sound of the blade's ring shifting is barely heard as the spectral strike comes slightly before the blade. Should the revenant look, perhaps he's see the form of the lance formed of sound as it thrusts forward, just slightly before the blade. Mark means for the lance to cleave through the armor of the revenant to make and opening for his blade that was to come not too far behind. Hopefully the revenant was too busy with Mark's partner to be able to dodge what was meant to be a finishing blow.

Kasyr 's got a few distinct advantages when it comes to Misaki's attempt at point-blank perforation. The first and foremost is their very proximity, as her interception of the strike meant for Mark placed her within arms length- and more importantly, meant that all he needed to was push off and to the side using the hand that had impacted into her wing, effectively taking himself out of the line of fire of her bow, even as she rose it towards him, and also pushing him clear of Mark's actual blade. Which leaves him in a particularily interesting position, given that those very same bolts promptly explode into a cloud of darts- all of which carry that same touch of electrical energy he's so quick to manipulate, and given his closeness to Misaki, and are now hurtling towards him in an attempt to riddle him with more holes than a well-used pincushion. That's advantage Number Two- by the way. Not so much the imminent threat of stabbity-demise, as that ambient energy already contained within the darts, which themselves are homing in towards the revenant, and thus condensing together mid flight. Without delay, the Revenant's already in the process of bounding back, a right arm already covered in flaring electrical energy rising up in front of himself- at which point the tail end of Marks sonic lance shreds neatly through the Kensai's vest and right through his lungs. For just a split second, the revenant would sag against the weapon, as though readying to fall, before his head tilts up and he locks eyes with the man, his thumb and forefinger snapping together, if only to point at the very thick of those oncoming darts with his index. "Zap~" Without a second thought, or a shred of remorse, the Kensai taps into that primal well of energies that rests within himself, channeling it through that pointed finger in the form of an electrical current that seeks out it's brethren energy already laying dormant within that deludge of darts. Without a moment's notice, the revenant's hurled back, wrenched clear of Mark's invisible 'blade' in a gory spray of crimson- with such violence that it sends him crashing into one of the arena ledges with enough force that he crashes through it- sending him smashing up through the various rows of benches. It's that very same force which has been exerted upon those darts, effectively turning them into an array of supercharged projectiles all poised to rip through Mark and Misaki like a shray of shrapnel. Likely, it's going to be fairly distracting, enough so that they won't even notice that large mass of dark energy which has effectively been pulled along with the revenants form. He had, after all, darted -around- Misaki, essentially putting the duo between himself and his shadowy construct. The likes of which was a semi-solid construct forged of his aura...and now in the process of sling-shotting back towards it's owner. ...By virtue of going through them.

Raphaline found everything darting around in a dash! And suddenly, she had this feeling that Meri would be winning the bet! "And Kasyr seems to have taken fighting to the next level! So many moves in one go! He must keep his lady pretty happy!"

Satoshi smirks at Raphaline--while ducking a stray chunk of arena wall hurtling past her. "And that's just him playing around~." Insert shameless eyebrow wiggle here.

Misaki || Did the revenant take her for a fool? "Satoru," the Avian said, whirling the crossbow in her hand, "wake up." "I am awake, Mistress," Satoru's oh-too-calm voice said. The darts shifted targets - that is when one would realize, the manipulation of the metal bolts wasn't Misaki's doing, it was Satoru's! Which would make sense~ The darts turned around - all of them - and shot instead for the illusionist, with the intent to maim and torture. Misaki was about to attack Kasyr when he went through the wall to the benches, but decided against it. Better not get the crowd more into this than they already are. That's when she heard shifting behind her and she turned - just in time for this shadow-thing to slice right through her gut. Misaki gargled, throwing up blood as she was run through. Once the thing was clear of her body, Misaki fell backward onto her back, expression blank with shock. "Mistress!!" Satoru's darts fell halfway to the illusionist as the crossbow transformed back to his humanoid form, bending over his companion. Misaki wasn't dead - but with the blood pooling around her like it was, she would be dead soon, if she didn't find treatment.

Raphaline playfully gasps before breaking into a chuckle. "Only playing Lady Frost, well goodness, I can't imagine when he is being serious and concentrating on what's going on." She gives the other woman a wink.

Svilfon snickers again at Raphaline, without taking his gaze from the battle.

Satoshi gasps with the rest of the crowd at Misaki's sudden ill turn of events. She can't help but point out, however, to Raphaline, "And that... or worse, is what happens when he's -serious-~."

Raphaline gasps as well, hands covering her mouth as her green eyes are wide with fear. She had no words as the woman was being cradled by her familiar. She was no healer, was there one here?

Svilfon winces in sympathy at the growing pool of blood, but otherwise remains motionless.

Xolin , as disrespectful as it might have been whispered to himself whilst snickering, "Now it's a fight!" in response to seeing the woman getting close to death due to blood-loss.

Lanlan has no picture of what's going on out there at all. He's pretty much resigned to waiting out the queen to name the winner by now. Sure he can hear noises, some torn flesh, some scattered sparks. Gruesome fighters to be sure. Luckily, none of it seemed to be directed at him. Maybe they really thought he was dead? In that case, he decided there was time for one last illusion. The unmagical kind. He slumped backwards and decided there's never been a better time for a nap.

Raphaline shakes her head, it seems two were down, one from either side. As the fight seems to be coming to an end, and hopefully healers are rushing out to the field, the bard rises and applauds the fighters.

Winners: Kasyr & Lanlan

Xolin seeing that the fight has reached its apex and is well on its way to a final conclusion, prepares to pull the vial of powder from his belt when he gets the idea, "Nah, better make it two. Silly little illusionist will feel better." As if he's one to talk, however, he's no healer so that's the best he'll do. If he still ain't conscious by that point he just stuff it in one of his pockets with a cheery little note perhaps.

Misaki was literally gasping for air. Everythign around her was turning dark. "Sa... Sato... ru..." she gagged as she spat up more blood. "You're going to be alright, Mistress," Satoru said, gripping Misaki's hand tightly, and turning around, about to yell for a healer... when two ran out onto the field towards the dying Avian. Satoru refused to budge from his companion's side, so the healers were busy doing the best they could with him in the way... making slow progress, but at least she wouldn't die.

Lanlan Comes out of his wall-cave to look around, why's everything stopped? He's informed of his victory while he's revitalized. He's mostly depleted; mind and body, he can still walk. Not yet able to think however. "I won eh? We won." Who's we? No sign of Kasyr. He slugs over to his cloak, dragging it behind him. Then he makes his way over to his opponents. "I don't care which one of you casseroles does it, but one of you two needs to buy me a new wand." He takes one half of the wand and throws it at Mark's head, and then takes the other and throws it at Misaki's. Doubtful he would remember saying this or even how he gets home.

Raphaline makes her way down to Lan, since he was the one she knew and offered him a bit of help. "How about I make sure you get home safe, aye, love?" She offers the crook of her arm and a grin, now that she was up and moving, she probably had more energy to make sure he did get home safe.

Kasyr makes an undignified noise that's not only indecipherable due to not only the sucking chest wound, but also the fact that a portion of his jaw is missing, whilst the rest is dislocated. Having effectively exerted upon himself the same force that had been exerted upon each individual projectile, it was no wonder that his body was a calamitous collection of cuts, contusions and abrasions a-plenty. Really, it was enough to leave him a little bit punch-drunk- so that when he did sit up, it was just to stare dumbly at the after effects of his attack. Well, that, and clutch at his jaw- one part cradling, one part attempting to push it back into place.

Xolin quickly made his way down from the arena seating to catch Lan before exiting. "Yo, napster guy! Get yourself over here, I got somethin' for ya, it'll help your recover!" He calls out to get his attention.

Satoshi offers a congratulatory nod to Lanlan, and a murmur to her guard ensures another pair of healers goes to Misaki and Mark's aid. At some point later this evening, royal guards of Frostmaw will deliver each combatant with their earnings.

Svilfon turns to Satoshi and flashes a brief grin, "Well, looks like I owe you a spell. Fine the faith in your husband's," He winces as he looks briefly at Kasyr, "prowess was. Well done, lady queen. Giants'll be talking about this one for a while." He tips his hat.

Lanlan allows her to take his arm. Allows! Like he could prevent it. "Well aren't you a sight for sore..." He points to himself..."I." Xolin manages to get his attention, he never would've thought himself of Napster guy, but who else was napping? "Oi. Don't I know... that I...could use something like that...right now." Raphaline better make sure he doesn't fall asleep. He sounds like concussion incarnate.

Svilfon thinks Satoshi uses the white slippers when she wants to return to Frostmaw... he also blames that thought on their singing between snowball fights and drinking yesterday.

Satoshi follows Svilfon's gaze and winces as well. Looks like her healing abilities were going to be at work tonight too. The wizard is given a salute, and the stands a hearty wave, before the magus deftly vaults over the wall of the luxury box and hurries over to Kasyr. Along the way, she pauses to scoop up something off the ground. Once there, she kneels down and offers her shoulder for him to brace against, and thus be helped to his feet. "Let's go get you fixed up, hm? Fat lot of good kisses are, if your jaw's busted up~." In Satoshi's other hand is Kasyr's fez, now held out to him.

Kasyr possessed of morbid curiousity, is trying to get a look at Mark- if only to get a glimpse of his handiwork. The revenants trying to discern whether he'd been subjected to the storm of shrapnel (however briefly before Misaki recovered it), or if he'd fallen prey to having a mass of solidified shadow sling-shot into him. Well, at least until Satoshi's stealing his attention. Really, the Kensei looks like a kid in a candy story when she presents him his fez.

Raphaline shakes her head at the obvious try at humor. To Xolin, she holds out her hand, "Here. I think someone got hit in the head a few too many times tonight to keep your gift safe."

Misaki grips Satoru's hand tightly, struggling to breathe, even as the healers worked on her stomach. Her emerald gaze went over to Mark, who was staring off into space. "...hey," she said weakly, "Good fightin', human."

Xolin was pleased that his calls were recognized. How rude it would have been to be ignored! Given the mask he wore it was unlikely he would be recognized in potential interactions later, but that didn't really matter since the guy looked like he was about to pass out anyway. With this in mind he hurried himself over to Lanlan and just quickly put two vials in his best conditioned pocket that was readily available. "Two vials of Elerium for ya! It'll recover your magic. Use one a little later after a nap, and save the other for a pinch." With a brief glance over to Raphaline, he snickers and adds, "And try not to make the girl work too hard, a guys gotta do stuff too." His snickering continues. "Keep practicing those illusions and I'll really be impressed...toodles!" With that he snaps his fingers and simply....vanishes.

Svilfon stands finally and offers a tip of his hat to the combatants, before he makes his way towards the exit. He stops now and then to briefly chat to a giant, mostly about the enjoyable fight they just witnessed, but soon enough the wizard has left the colosseum to wander somewhere quiet and get rid of his sore head. He has plans for the next few days, and intends to sleep off the effects of last night.

Lanlan puzzles for a moment over what was just given to him and by whom. "Just put 'em in here..." He says as he reaches for his recently decimated satchel. "Ya know, Raph. I think that guy's right. I never met him before but I trust him. I think I should take a nap." He sits against the wall and bundles up his cloak to make a pillow. "Here's good." Then he falls over onto his purple cloak, soon he's a-snooze.

Mark :: As the shadowy formation whipped back to its owner's body, it threatens to take an entire chunk off of Mark's right side. Luckily, while exhausted, he wasn't necessarily harmed in that last strike and he's able to throw himself throw backwards and mostly out of the way of the shadowy blade. It leaves a large gash upon his priorly extended right arm, but the thing that was most greatly harmed about this man is his pride, especially as the illusionist throws a portion of his wand, hitting Mark directly on the head. When the healers come to his side, Mark motions for them to help his partner who seemed to have suffered the most from the tournament. He himself hobbles to his feet and takes a few steps towards the avian before he falls flat on the floor, directly next to her. As he lays there, directly beside the Avian, he manages a small chuckle and utters out, "Didn't expect it to go this far... At least you're going to be ok..." his voice weakens near the end as his eyes shut and the man blacks out. A single healer decides to tend to the man as he is no longer conscious to turn him to the avian.

Satoshi places the fez in its proper place, proud atop the kensai's head. There. At least that much has been fixed. "Up we go, you," Satoshi tugs at his sleeve. "I could use the lake waters, if you're wanting me to patch you up proper."

Misaki takes a deep breath, struggling to stay conscious. But Satoru had other plans, it seemed. He pulled a small vial of clear liquid from Misaki's bag, uncorked it, and stuffed it in Misaki's mouth. Misaki fought against drinking for a few seconds, then reluctantly swallowed it. "Sleep, Mistress," Satoru said, "I'll take you to the tavern and get you a bed." Then drink the night away and hit on women without supervision, he thought to himself with a slight smirk.

Kasyr drags himself up into a standing position, something that has him wincing. He wouldn't even be surprised if something was on the verge of breaking- in that brief moment that all that kinetic force had been pressing upon him, he would have happily chosen to be tap-danced on by a dragon instead. ...Unless it was that behemoth brown. To hell with that. "On y va, Madamoiselle." Behind the pair comes an exuberant bark, Sparky having managed to scamper it's way across the arena, and picked across the rubble- all so that it can give a shocking butt of it's head to the back of Satoshi's leg.

Misaki slowly closes her eyes as the healers finish closing her wound. Satoru thanks the healers and directs them towards Mark. Once they do so, Satoru lifts Misaki into his arms and vanishes in a whirl of shadows - headed to the tavern, as he said.

Satoshi yelps as her knee gives out from under her, connecting painfully with the stone seats of the arena. As she stumbles back to her feet, the kit turns to give Sparky a sharp look, but the tiny fox is already gone, having danced up and behind Kasyr. He knows this game too well: headbutt Satoshi, get grabbed by the scruff and stuffed into the nearest small container. Thus, Sparky has taken a pre-emptive strike... that he didn't quite think through, considering Satoshi can see him -through- the gaping hole in Kasyr's chest. All Satoshi says to the revenant then is, "Sorry. Hold still." before she thrusts her hand through that wound, takes hold of Sparky's tail, and yanks him back out the other side. For once in Sparky's energetic and kinetic life, he's immobile. Plastered in blood and revenant bits, shaking all over from the shock of it. Satoshi uses this moment to stuff the fox into her jacket's hood before once more she reaches out to help Kasyr to his feet.

Kasyr sorta winces at the whole display, and can't help but look a bit squeamish at having someone reach inside and through him. The fact that a shell-shocked Sparky is the proverbial rabbit pulled out of this gorey hat is just the icing on the cake. If it was a poison cake. Either way, the Kensai does take Satoshi's hand, his other one now alternating between cupping his jaw, and cupping the hole in his chest.

Satoshi will probably bury Sparky in the sand once they get back to the lake. But most of her forethought is on how best to go about mending Kasyr as she leads him from the arena.