|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 9:22 am
Will remain open until the first round begins, which should be sometime next week.Welcome to the opening ceremonial ball, the first one in the history of the Gaian Tenkaichi Budokai. Before the fighters are thrown into the violent center of the ring, they are first treated to a relaxing evening, where they are treated to a variety of different foods, catering to any tastes. Music of many genres are being performed by a line of bands and orchestras, from classical to even rock for the more upbeat crowd.  There lies a large circular floor in the center of this large hall that is raised two feet off the ground, 50 ft diameter, where dancers can walk up to from four ramps positioned equally from one another and enjoy the music with their partners of choice. The musical bands rest at the west side of the room, where they perform. The high balcony settled at the northern part of this hall is where Midus and his colleagues lie, watching over the entirety of the banquet as they enjoy food and drinks of their own. However, there is a surprise element that has been added to this normal-looking ball... Exhibition FightsOnce in a while, two people are going to disagree with each other. And when two people disagree with each other, they either settle it by words or by fists. And for those who want to settle it in the true fighter style can freely duke it out on the dance floor for a short time. This is known as an exhibition match, and is rather than different from your normal regular fight. Here are the rules:
There can only be one fight happening at a time in the ring. When it does occur, dancers on the floor will leave to give the fighters some space, though there is plenty of space outside the dance floor to converse at.
When two people begin a fight, they each have ten posts before the bouncers will come up and pull them off stage, basically "breaking up the fight." Thus, this is the post limit.
A fight has a two hour time limit. When that limit is reached and neither fighter has reached their post limit yet, or the fight hasn't ended at all, the bouncers will come up and pull them away. Even if a mod isn't here to roleplay this, this must be played out by the participants themselves. Same goes for the post limit.
When in an exhibition match, all rules inside a real match apply the same way they do in this match. That means no killing. Realistically, a lot of fighters aren't going to bring their weapons into a ball, which encourages formal wear, unless they are really use to carrying it around. This doesn't mean you can't bring in weapons. Just consider that you are inside a ballroom, so be wary of what type of attacks and what powers you use. It's more for show than for competitive purposes. No need to go all out yet. There is also a ten second count out rule, as well, if the person is knocked off the dance floor. The flying rule is also in effect. When the person is counted out, they are deemed defeated and the bouncers clear the floor.
Do not harm the spectators. If you do so, even if it was an accident, you will be pulled off the stage, ending the fight. Constant abuse of this rule will have your character banned from the ball for the rest of its duration. This applies inside or outside an exhibition match. There is more leniency when it's against another fighter or someone of fighter-caliber, but if seen as harassment, then you will be penalized as such.
Exhibition matches have no effect on your progress through the tournament.
Everything is considered still going on, even if a fight is occurring. Exhibition matches are mainly entertainment set up by Midus to allow people different forms of enjoyment.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:12 pm
The music: Still foreign to her ears, but not bad. Environment: The floor is trample-land, but above eight feet or so, everything was clear for her. Refreshments: Yes, so she would have the energy. With these positive factors, Esouna could actually unwind and participate in the dancing so encouraged by this reception. Now, gathering so many fighters under one room inevitably wouldn't turn out well, the two-foot fairy predicted, but until something broke out, she could enjoy herself.
With good control of her wings and the dexterity needed to be a fighter, Esouna made her movements fluid. What these movements were, however, didn't match any typical Gaia style--she went off some memory of her species's celebrations, and made it up as she went along. The fairy performed unremarkable twirls and loops in the air, and hovered to and fro. No real pattern: just having fun.
The startup seemed slow, and Esouna wouldn't be surprised if it stayed that way, with grouchy fighters standing off to the side and being too macho to dance instead of punching the walls in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:16 pm
Kichiro's limo was now parked in the parking lot, somewhere far off from the ball and he was talking to Avaline in the backseat. "I'm really sorry about the confusion." The man shook his head, "I know you probably don't get a lot of clients asking you on a date for a ball."
'Probably none in fact,' Kichiro thought to himself, 'but how many blacksmith alchemists with style will you meet in your life? Besides, who better than a blacksmith to invite to a ball at a tournament full of arms and armor.'
Kichiro had his own silly reasons why he'd do such a thing and it was likely Avaline didn't even know that the Japanese Chimagin was such an important leader. The man continued to talk in his light tone of voice, "and we might be a little late getting in there. I have to take care of some things with my Shogunate before I head in."
"Aye boss, dinnae worry about a thang, our boys back at deh base will take care of thah intrudehs." The earthborn called back from the front seat.
"I don't understand why the Gaian police are so interested in our city..." Hiro shook his head, sitting in the row above the couple on the date. "It's not like we bother them, and we bring in a lot of trade."
"It's not fair for the lady to miss out on the opening festivities because of the things I have to take care of..." Kichiro sighed, sincerely apologetic, "If you want, you can go in now and we'll meet you later."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:18 pm
Snap.
James didn't often wear a suit. It was quite a shame for the ladies, the martial artist looked very handsome indeed in his tux suit and pants, at once both blending in and standing out by his sheer force of presence.
"Wow, this is a nice place wg? Lets not stand in the doorway and stare too long, right Seyumi?" he turned around with a smile and held out his hand for his date.
"Don't worry." he'd assure her, if he needed with a laugh and a wink.
"You look great" It was a honest opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:23 pm
Outside in the parking lot.
Avaline cocked her chin sideways, one hand supporting the weight of that dolled up head.
Eyes went from one person to the next, listening carefully on the situation being explained.
"No it's fine..." She had no right, anyway, to be upset. It sounded serious after all. Just the problem here would be that she was going in alone into unchartered territory.
"I'll meet up with you later... Sitting in the car wouldn't do me any good." She said cheerfully, although her eyes seemed a little strained. She felt at a loss. She didn't know if he really would return.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:24 pm
In light of the atmosphere, the vampire had taken it upon himself to add a certain degree of elegance otherwise unfamiliar. Cologne, in this case, was all that was needed. His typical attire already included all the bells and whistles of a modernized, romantic version of nobility - complete with cape and gloves. Altogether he seemed at home in the hushed hustle and bustle of the ballroom environment, though, he did not gravitate to the dance floor and seemed to be a bachelor.
This however, did not concern him.
No, the vampire seemed preoccupied by every twinkling reflection of light in the place. He cast no shadow upon the floor, and when he moved amongst the glasses and other assorted shiny things he smiled to himself for his lack of reflection. It drew curious glances from time to time, but as perplexing as it might have seemed to those around him, he found it truly mesmerizing.
His gloved pointer finger slid down the polished blade of a butter knife, the digit ending matchless, much as he. Though he could distantly feel the smile tugging at his face as he peered down at his finger, he could not see it. He saw only the ceiling above him, and was left to wonder if perhaps there would be a lady of his kind present who would dance upon it with him, immortal and carefree.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:28 pm
It had been a long time since Adaire had been to one of these formal affairs. It had also been a long time since she had been anywhere unarmed. Not only that, she was in a sleek red dress instead of her street clothes. Maybe she had matured a little, but they seemed tacky. Every once in a while it was good to behave more like a lady, right? She looked around, took in the music, and blushed a little. She wasn't really familiar with anyone here. Everything always made her wonder if she had gotten in over her head lately.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:29 pm
"Again, I'm really sorry about thi---" Kichiro was interrupted by more buzzing on an emergency phone under the roof of the limo, with the miniature satelite receptor up top twirling away as reports came in from different fronts. Apparently the Gaian government had made an intelligence push inside New Osaka as the town had started constructing further out from the river with its colonists. Kichiro prided the security of his city above all else, making it a great landing point for other Chimagin to integrate with Gaian society. Even though they couldn't mix racially due to some genetic-dimensional issues, they could mix diplomatically. He just didn't want spies giving away all his secrets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:31 pm
Last minute decisions weren't her forte but she couldn't decline the spontaneity of the venture.
Or perhaps it was more like a motivated political move to build some kind of standing relationship with one of her too-few customers.
Regardless, she was ready for any excitement (or torment) the night would bring.
On that note she smiled and said, "Alright, hope to see you all later then." She pulled out of the back seat and made her way inside.
Avaline stood alone, entering without Kichiro Oda, a picture of simplicity.
Diamond dust was sprinkled over her flaming red hair, catching the light much like the two simple diamond bracelets dangling off one slender wrist. Dust was also spread across sloping shoulders and downwards, the soft globes of cleavage shimmering with glitter.
In pastel shades of indigo her dress fit like a glove; It was as if shiny liquid had been poured from hips down in luscious purples. The top portion cut straight across her torso with no seams and no sleeves. A midnight shade of sheer purple tulle poured over skirts like a hazy mist.
It all pooled nicely at the ankles, following behind in satiny trails.
She was glowing but with a faint smile, both nerve and confidence hidden behind the subtle simper of rosebud lips. Typically if her date couldn't make it she would just call it a night. Perhaps it was Kichiro, over-empowering and with such a strong sense of being, that made her feel like she had something to prove; she was sure there was something of importance about him. That was probably why she was still here.
More so was she concerned with business--she had the distracted air of one dressed for the sake of appearance while her mind was elsewhere.
Eyes were in between admiring what people wore to analyzing the scores of others around her. In her mind she was tailoring every person with weapons she felt suited their physique and style. All she knew was that she was mingling with warriors and perchance someone would be interested in the trade she had to offer.
After all, a brilliant alchemist taking over blacksmith business wasn't such a bad thing to go off of.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:32 pm
Corourke probably fit into the grouchy fighter stereotype, although he wasn't so grouchy tonight.
Somehow, he appeared in the ball, standing along the wall, being his typical wallflower self; a few people cast sideways glances at him, their eyes shining reflections of his own.
While Kichiro came in a limousine, it was as if Corourke had always been standing there, leaning against the wall with his hands in the pockets of his tuxedo pants, his suit the only attire he wore; he carried no weapons or armor. He stared into the "masses," his golden eyes flitting between the upcastes, soaking in handshakes, exchanges, and mannerisms. He recognized KB, the vampire having no shadow.
He blinked slowly and joined the bustle toward the refreshments table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:36 pm
"When did you get a limo? Also, what's with this dress you picked out? It's so flashy..." A feminine voice would say to her date for the evening.
This conversation took place in the back seat of a black Ferrari Limousine. This thing had everything from custom rims, an expensive paint job which gave the limo a metallic black color, and enough liquor in the back to fill up a few tubs. It's sleek design, sporty appearance, and suicide doors made it the ultimate flashy car. Everything about this limo screamed "I'm rich b***h!".
The car came to a stop in front of the building and the suicide door opened with a cool FWOOOSH sound. From inside the limo a long red carpet was pushed out. It rolled and rolled until it got close to the door. The NPC camera men who had come to write about the event were certainly interested in who had the gall to bring their own red carpet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:50 pm
'right Seyumi?' The vampire's eyes narrowed, rime forming instantly on the glasses and eating tools in front of him. The sudden drop in temperature left those around him covered in goosebumps. It was all he could do to pull his essence back into himself, the inexhaustible supply of negative energy at his core pumping out into his limbs like the blood he rarely drank. Abandoning the buffet without apology or explanation, the vampire walked purposefully away from the main entrance. The last thing he wanted was to try and contain himself in the face of the White Mage whose name he'd heard. He expected to feel her presence at any moment, and forcibly subdued his desire to tear her apart in the middle of the crowd. Unlike many of the other fighters, KB had brought the majority of his arsenal with him, though it was impossible to tell. His claws, his fangs, his clothing. These things were expertly disguised weapons, each maintaining their appropriate form as long as he willed them to. At command he could unleash his feral nature upon the unwitting mortals, and he suspected in doing so, he could decimate many before the guards had time to react. Food for thought. Staring up at the ceiling, the vampire stood at the edge of the dancefloor and silently considered the world around him. Sey had asked him questions he could find answers for only through ignorance. It was impossible to explain the nature of a monster to men, least of all those so dissimilar to the vampire. A creature of beauty and purity he was not, nor had been, nor ever would be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:51 pm
Fierach "Don't worry." he'd assure her, if he needed with a laugh and a wink.
"You look great" It was a honest opinion. Taking the offered hand with a flush and holding up the delicate fabric of her dress with the other, Seyumi let James guide her through the ballroom. After the Eredas heir left the Temple of Falis she received the begrudged blessing of her High Priest to spectate the tournament and afterward received a flurry of attention from her fellow clergywomen, each insisting upon her their help for dressing up for the ball. For a woman who was comfortable with having her arm elbow deep inside a man's chest while healing them, the idea of walking in high heels and looking pretty was more daunting to her then healing the worst injuries possible. But after hours of the clerics assurances, skillful tailoring and ingenuity, she looked if not felt ready to attend the banquet. A few inches taller in her high heels, Seyumi swayed like a flower in the wind with each tentative step she took, the gossamer silk of her sky blue dress billowing gently around her on the polished floor. The fabric flowed like clouds around her lithe frame, the colors playing on her imitable affinity to light and the empire cut exaggerating the softness of her curves. The shoulder-less dress caressed the contours of her chest and cinched waist and cupped the platinum medallion that bounced against her sternum like the sky did the sun; the dark hue of the fabric creating a contrast that drew the eye to the sacred symbol at her bosom. When she saw herself in the mirror after the priestesses were done with her she didn't recognize herself. The Sey that she knew didn't have glossy black hair with gentle curls, didn't wear silver and pearl drops in her ears or a light blue and silver hairband that brought out her startlingly silver-gray eyes. The Sey that she knew didn't own a pair of white silk elbow-length gloves or any of the soft eyeshadow that sparkled so enchantingly over her almond shaped eyes. The same thoughts ran through her head when she saw a reflection in a window they passed, a graceful looking woman staring back at her and drawing the surrounding light to her skin as though the element was paying homage to her beauty. A black haired woman on James Eredas's arm. "Ah..." Sey mumbled, looking away from the reflection and up at James. "I wouldn't have looked like this if I dressed myself." She admitted quietly with a flush of her cheeks. Those clerics... Really outdid themselves this time. "You look quite handsome this evening Sir Eredas. Thank you for inviting me." The healer gave him a smile that would pierce even the hardest of hearts before she went back to focusing on walking in her teetering high heels of doom.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:55 pm
Aha. One distant, macho, possibly sexually-repressed participant. Esouna halted herself mid-twirl, looking towards the man with his hands in his tuxedo pants. That demeanor simply wouldn't do. The fairy smiled. Even if she herself was a hardened, constantly-aware brick, she had a personality. That personality wanted freedom right now, not keeping oneself locked in the usual mindset of a Gaian.
Thus, she would zoom towards the refreshments table. The staff wouldn't quite catch the fairy as she scooped up two cupcakes, then flew away. Specifically, to the golden-eyed man. The two-foot tall fairy killed her momentum when a few meters in front of him, gliding to a stop in transition to reverse. Hovering and drifting backwards, matching the man's walk, she would extend one hand to offer Corourke a cupcake--wordlessly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 7:56 pm
"I have many limos. This was just the closest one," he quipped back. "And you know you like it... besides, this is a ball, and I could afford it. Nothing wrong with showing off."
As the red carpet rolled out, he continued to wait, sipping idly at a glass of champagne. It reached the entrance, and he set the fluted glass aside, waiting. From the driver's seat came a woman in what looked to be a formal military outfit, who scanned the area around before tapping on the window to let them know.
"Ready, my darling?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
