FWL Tournament

 

            “Where is he?” Sparow said as he approached the front door to the opera house. The opera house was off the coast, on a little island, only way to get there was by boat.

            “Hold it right there,” New Samurai said, stopping Sparow at the door, “This entrance is only for fighters of the tournament.”

            “I’m entering the tournament, now get out of my way,” Sparow said, not wanting to chat with his former boss.

            “And who is your partner?” New Samurai asked, not wanting to let Sparow in.

            “Right here,” Ruby said as she stepped out of the motorboat that took her and Sparow to this island.

            “Very well,” New Samurai said reluctantly as he let Sparow and ruby pass.

            Sparow entered the opera house and was surprised at the size and elegance of the place.  At the front was the stage, where he assumed the fights were going to be held, surrounded by an empty orchestra pit. Leading off from that were raising rows of seats, stretching as high as the eye can see. At the top were what appeared to be luxury boxes, where a young lady could be seen. The seats were rapidly filling up, but nowhere among the crowd was Silver samurai.

            “If you all have a seat, the Tournament will begin,” A female voice said over the speakers.

            “Emerald,” Ruby said, silently to herself.

            “You say something?” Sparow asked, turning to Ruby.

            “Oh it’s nothing,” Ruby said, almost distracted.

            “The first match of the tournament, will pit White Phantom and Angela,” the voice of New Samurai said over the speakers, as White Phantom and Angela, stepped onto the stage, “Against Sparow and his female companion.”

            “What you got to be kidding me,” Sparow said, not believing he was up first.

            “Hey if you don’t like it traitor, you are free to leave,” New Samurai said over the speaker.

            Sparow looked up and saw New Samurai was up in the luxury box with the lady in the green dress, he glanced at him evilly and reluctantly stepped onto center stage, with Ruby.

            His opponents he knew well. White Phantom was the aging leader of the now evil Heroes. He sported white armor, with a white cape; his face consisted of a long white beard and a scar running down the right side of his face. With him was his once lovely girlfriend Angela. Angela was wearing a white dress, that perhaps fit her during her modeling days but now it was undersized, leaving her looking tacky to say the least. To top it off her once shiny strawberry blond hair was now a tangled mess of dirty blond hair.

            “My first round opponent is nothing but a boy, what a joke,” White Phantom said as he pulled out his sword.

            “And look at that slut for a partner, look at how she is showing off her body, in the bright red armor,” Angela said, as she stared coldly at Ruby.

            “I don’t have time for this,” Sparow said as he gracefully pulled out his sword, “Bring it on, old man,”

            White Phantom charged Sparow.

            “Boys, always have to try to look macho in front of their ladies,” Ruby said, as the she aimed her whip at White Phantom sword hand.

            “Don’t you dare touch my man,” Angela said as she deflected Ruby’s whip with her telepathic powers.

            “You, go away,” Ruby said as the tip of her whip glowed red and she blasted, Angela with a fireball.

            Before Angela had time to react the fireball hit her sending her crashing against the far wall, unconscious.

            “Angela!” White Phantom said taking his eye off of Sparow for a split second.

            “You’re getting old, old man,” Sparow said as he slices White Phantom across the chest, causing White Phantom to collapse.

            “It appears the winners are Sparow and Ruby,” the female voice said over the speakers.

            “Emerald,” Ruby once again said to herself, this time with more anger.

           

            “The next fight is between Green Amber and Jewels,” the voice of New Samurai said, as the competitors stepped onto the stage.

            Green Amber was right you would call a modern day super hero, wearing green and red, with a GA on his chest, dark black hair, and a green mask covering his eyes, he looked very similar to the comic book hero Super Man. But for some unknown reason Green Amber could hardly bee seen anymore, rarely popping up every now and then, and never making a real impact when he does. As for his partner, the southern bell Janne. She was dressed in sturdy gray armor, in her right hand was a sword surrounded by fire, very similar to Silver Samurai’s white fire sword, her dark brown hair was in pony tail running down her back.

            “Versus Sapphire and,” long pause by New Samurai, “say what is this kid’s name anyways?”

            “Got me,” came the response from Emerald.

            Onto the stage stepped Sapphire and Silver Samurai’s son, who was commonly referred simply as ???. They were both dressed in blue ninja outfits, with a blue piece of fabric covering their mouth and nose, they both also had brown haired pony tails, Sapphire’s being slightly longer than ???’s.

            Sparow was just taking his seat with Rub, in the second row when out from the backstage area stepped Silver Samurai to confront his son.

            “There he is,” Sparow yelled, standing up, “Ice-“

            “Cool it,” Ruby said, grabbing Sparow’s arm, stopping him from using his magic, “You get your shot at him later, no need to make a scene now.”

            “I suppose you’re right,” Sparow said, sitting back down.

            “I wonder what Sapphire is doing here,” Ruby said to herself.

            “You know her?” Sparow asked.

            “You could say that,” Ruby said, before quickly changing the subject “But no more questions, the fight is beginning.”

            The fight itself was quick to say the least. As Green Amber tried, quite poorly, to hit ??? with his laser eyes, Sapphire and Janne had a nice little sword fight. Janne was a well trained fencer but Sapphire looked like she was born with a sword in her hand. Frustrated Janne tried a move, very similar to New Samurai’s, and attempted a flame wave. But with a flash of blue from the center of Sapphire’s sword, a gust of wind blow the flames right back at Janne and Green Amber. The fight had ended and Sapphire and ??? won.

 

            Sparow was just helping Ruby back to her seat, after a short bathroom break, when the next fight was announced.

            “Next up, Jewels and Mystic Knight, versus Nightmare and Celes,” New Samurai said over the speakers, before pausing, “Where’s Celes?”

            “Out of my way shrimp,” A lady said, as she pushed down Sparow.

            “Figures,” Sparow said as he got to his feet.

            “What does?”

            “That my mom, would walk right by me, without even realizing who I am,” Sparow said as Celes arrived on the stage, “Come on, we are leaving, I don’t need to see her fight.”

            Sparow and Ruby left their seats to find something else to do during the fight. It wasn’t until much later that Sparow found out his mom, and Nightmare had easily won.

 

“Lets see, next fight is between… well look here, Marina and Rinyn,” New Samurai looks down to look at Marina. “Well Marina, I like to say it’s nice to see you still alive, but since you won’t be after this fight, I save it. Your opponents are Dark Crusader and Evil Angela.”

Dark Crusader and Evil Angela walk to the arena, both wearing simple black outfits, each with swords in hand.  Marina and Rinyn are on the other side of the arena, also with swords in hand.   Marina is wearing a green top, and denim shorts with many little pockets in them, and Rinyn is wearing black and silver armor.

            “Do you know her?” Ruby asked.

            “Vaguely,” Sparow said, thinking back, “She was turned into a vampire, and joined FWL about the time I quit. I believe I heard something about Avatar finding a cure for vampirism and rescued her from FWL.

            “So why do you think she’s here?” Ruby asked.

            “It could be any number of reasons,” Sparow said shrugging, “She could be here to get revenge on FWL for turning her into a vampire, or simply here to kick some butt. Your guess is as good as mine.”

            “She looks strong, I hope we get a chance to take her on,” Ruby said before turning her attention to the fight.

Dark Crusader decides to go first and he charges after Marina, who charges right back, really fast.  She dodges his sword VERY carefully, and blocks another hit with her own sword.  Meanwhile, Rinyn is having no trouble with Evil Angela as far as swordplay goes.   Marina gets a good kick to the leg from Evil Angela, who was trying to distract her long enough to be hit by Dark Crusader’s sword.  No luck.  Marina rolls out of the way just in time, before he hits the ground.  “This isn’t cool… can’t even afford a scratch in this match.”  Things got turned around, and Rinyn was now fighting Dark Crusader as Marina fought Evil Angela. 

            The force of Dark Crusader’s sword, which just cut a hole in the air, throws Rinyn back.    He gets up and charges Dark Crusader.  Dark Crusader is about to get a good slash into Rinyn when a huge ball of water blasts him.  “Don’t you listen to me?  What did I tell you about his sword?”

            “Eh… thanks… sorry…”

            “Your life, not mine.  Pay attention!”

            A soaking wet Dark Crusader is charging at Rinyn, who is ready for him, thanks to Marina.  They go back and forth, Rinyn getting in a few minor scratches, while dodging Dark Crusader’s sword.      

            Meanwhile, Marina and Evil Angela are having at it like a couple of cats.  Angela is throwing chairs and tables with her telekinetic powers, and Marina is pulling ninja stars out of the pockets in her clothing.  Each girl has a good few scratches.  Marina finally gets fed up with the whole thing.  “Celestial Crystal Power!”  She has her nifty transformation scene, and is now Mystic Rain. 

            “Cheater.”

            “You can’t cheat if there aren’t any rules.  Now then…  Rope of Entanglement!”  A long rope appears in her hands, which she thrusts at Evil Angela like a whip, grabbing her around the waist.  She then proceeds to throw her into Dark Crusader, who accidentally cuts Evil Angela’s leg with his sword.  Dark Crusader gets up in enough time to block Rinyn’s attack with another sword blast. 

            “Twin Ice Spears!”  Marina throws first one splash of water, and then two, both of which turn into very sharp ice shards.  One misses, and just as Dark Crusader starts to mock her the other hits him in the leg.  He gets up, leaning on his sword, and Rinyn takes the opportunity to jab his other leg, making him unable to stand.

            “We win!”  Exclaims Rinyn. 

            Marina smiles.

 

            Sparow was just about to exit the bathroom stall, when he heard the bathroom door open, and the all too familiar voices of New Samurai and Bodyguard. He quickly hid back in the bathroom stall, and peeked through the cracks of the door.

            “What do you want boss?” the loyal protector of New Samurai, Bodyguard asked.

            “You’re facing me in the tournament next.” New Samurai said as he took Bodyguard sword from him.

            “What are you doing boss?” Bodyguard asked, a little nervous.

            “Killing you,” New Samurai said with no emotion in his voice.

            “Wait, wait,” Bodyguard said backing up, “It wasn’t me that crashed the FWL computer, it was… umm… Dark Crusader, yeah that’s it, Dark Crusader crashed the computer.”

            “Shut up you dim whit,” New Samurai said harshly as he took a small package out of his pocket, “I’m not really killing you, I’m just going to use this fake blood to make it look like I killed you,” New Samurai said as he opened the package and poured a red liquid substance on the tip of Bodyguard’s sword.

            “Why are you doing that?” Bodyguard questioned.

            “Would you rather me use real blood,” New Samurai said, raising his sword to Bodyguard’s neck.

            “No, of course not,” Bodyguard said in a timid voice.

            “That’s what I thought,” New Samurai said as he lowed the sword. “Now get out of here, and make yourself scarce until the end of the tournament.”

            “Right away boss,” Bodyguard said as he quickly left the bathroom.

            “ That damn bitch Emerald may be cute, and may have saved my life, but there’s no way I’m going to lose my FWL because of her,” New Samurai said to himself before leaving the bathroom.

            “What a joke,” Sparow said, as he exited the bathroom stall a short time later.

            By time Sparow got back to his seat, he heard from Ruby the announcement that New Samurai and Emerald won by default.

 

            “The next fight is Black Shadow and Liz, versus Forgotten One and Leslee,”

            “Say isn’t that Silver Samurai’s brother?” Ruby asked as Forgotten One and Leslee stepped from backstage to face Black Shadow and Liz.

            “You certainly seem to know a lot,” Sparow said.

            “Thanks,” Ruby said blushing.

            “But I still don’t know anything about you,” Sparow said, still trying to learn more about this mysterious woman.

            “The winners are Forgotten One and Leslee,” New Samurai said with anger in his voice.

            “That was quick,” Ruby said, changing the subject.

            “You haven’t answer my question,” Sparow said, a little annoyed.

            “Hey look, Silver Samurai is coming out, his fight must be next,” Ruby said as she pointed to the stage.

            Sparow looked down to see indeed Silver Samurai had stepped onto the stage. Sparow decided to quit asking about Ruby’s past for now and wait to see who Silver Samurai had to fight.

 

            “The next fight is between Silver Samurai and,” New Samurai said, as he stared down at the lone Silver Samurai stepping through the curtain, “It appears you have no partner Silver Samurai, so you…”

            “Not so fast, he has a partner,” a female dressed in a short white button down shirt, short plaid skirt, and knee high socks. In addition her long blond hair was in pigtails.

            “I think that’s his wife Melisa,” Sparow said to Ruby pointing down at the young lady, “Although she looks a lot different than I remember.”

            “What are you doing here?” Silver Samurai asked, not pleased to see Melisa.

            “Avatar told me you needed a partner,” Melisa said with a smile on her face.

            “I would rather go partner less, than be partners with you, we are not a couple anymore, get that through your blond head.” Silver samurai said, annoyed at Melisa.

            “In that case…”

            “Fine, I be your partner,” Silver samurai said, before New Samurai could finish his sentence.

            “Very well your opponents are,”

            “Oh son, I think you deserve a spanking,”

            “Disgruntled Housewife and Fox,”

            “Figures,” Silver Samurai said sourly, staring at his mother.

             Disgruntled Housewife was still wearing the suit of glistening black armor with an equally glistening black sword/ As for Fox his black hair was still cut in a crew cut, he was still wearing the green jump suit, and in his right hand was a powerful looking blaster.

“No come here, so I can give you the spanking you deserve,” Disgruntled Housewife said.

“No one is spanking my man except for me,” Melisa said, stepping in front of Silver Samurai.

“Oh brother,” Silver Samurai said, rolling his eyes.

“Fox, get rid of her,” Disgruntled Housewife ordered.

“You got it mom,” Fox said as he took carefully aim at Melisa.

“Good, I’ve been wanting to try out these Twin Vipers,” Melisa said as she removed what looked like two wooden Billy clubs with a lightning design on them, from the hems of her skirt.

With one fluid motion Melisa blocked the bullet from the gun with her twirling Twin Vipers. A couple of more shot resulted in the same thing. Eventually Fox got frustrated dropped the gun, and charged Melisa. A few quick strikes finished by a blow to the head by the Twin Vipers finished Fox off.

“How dare you harm my son,” Disgruntled Housewife said as she charged Melisa.

Melisa again tried the same attacking procedure with her Twin Vipers on Disgruntled Housewife. But Disgruntled Housewife armor was a lot tougher than Fox’s jump suit, so the blow had no effect. Disgruntled Housewife grabbed Melisa by the neck and lifted her up.

“Now you little slut, will die,” Disgruntled Housewife said as she reared back with her sword arm.

Silver Samurai calmly walked over to Disgruntled Housewife and tapped her on the shoulder before she stroke Melisa, “Hey mom,”

“What is,” Disgruntled Housewife said harshly, turning her head to Silver Samurai.

“Heads up,” Silver Samurai said as he blinded his mom with a white fireball.

Disgruntled Housewife let out a large scream and dropped Melisa to the ground.

“Why you little brat,” Disgruntled Housewife yelled, as she started swinging wildly at Silver Samurai.

 Silver Samurai snickered as he easily walked backwards to avoid Disgruntled Housewife’s blows. It was until Silver Samurai found himself at the edge of the stage.

“Now I got you,” Disgruntled Housewife yelled, as she lunged at Silver Samurai.

Silver Samurai sidestepped Disgruntled Housewife, causing her to fall off the stage and into the orchestra pit.

“Ouch, that’s got to hurt,” Silver Samurai said, staring down at the motionless Disgruntled Housewife.

“The winners are Silver Samurai and Melisa,” new Samurai announced, not pleased at all.

“You know, you and Silver Samurai have something in common,” Ruby said with a coy smile.

“We do not,” Sparow said defiantly.

            “You do too, you both hate your mothers,” Ruby said with a bright smile.

            “We have nothing in common,” Sparow said a lot more defiantly.

            “You just don’t want to admit it,” Ruby said.

            Sparow remained silent.

 

            “What are we doing here?” Blue Knight asked, leaning up to look at New Samurai in the luxury box, “You have no one for us to fight.”

            “Just hold on, Emerald is looking for opponents for you two as we speak,” New Samurai said in a harsh voice.

            Blue Knight didn’t particularly care for this tournament, for his partner or even for the Underworld. This tournament was a joke, just an excuse for New Samurai to show off his power. His partner, Angel was a new recruit to the Underworld. Her attitude was rotten, she hated Blue Knight and the only reason they were fighting here is under orders of Bomb Squad. Which of course bring us to the Underworld. Blue Knight held no allegiance to Bomb Squad or anyone else in the Underworld. He was working there simply to protect his older sister Jewels. Commonly referred to as the Hired Gun in the Underworld, it was no secret there that he was there solely for his sister.

            “Awe it appear we found opponents for Blue Knight and Angel,” New Samurai said from high above, “Rosa and Hawk.”

Blue Knight looked over at his opponents Rosa and Hawk. Hawk was short and stout, just like Blue Knight, his hair was short blond and he wore white chain armor, not the strongest armor in the world, but close to it. As for Rosa, her too also sported blond hair, although Blue Knight could spot dark roots leading him to believe she dyed her hair. She wore a white dress with pink hearts on it; also visible was a shiny red necklace with an emblem of what appeared to be a phoenix. Cute she was, dead she would be in a few short minutes.

“About time,” Blue Knight said, eager to get the fight going.

“Son you take care of blue boy over there, I get the black hearted one,” Rosa said.

“Ok mom,” Hawk said as he pulled out his sword and rushed Blue Knight.

            Angel fluttered up to the sky with her wings, as Blue Knight focused on Hawk.

            “Just stop right there,” Blue Knight said as he turned his sword sideways so the blue orb at the bottom of his sword was facing Hawk, “Blue Energy Bolt!”

            A blue orb of magic jutted from the blue orb on his sword. The blue orb of magic hit Hawk in the chest and deflected right off of his chain mail.

            “Fine, I do this the old fashion way,” Blue Knight said as he turned his sword back to a proper fighting grip.

            The two traded a couple of blows, with Hawk getting the better of the exchange when Hawk’s eyes drifted skywards and he suddenly retreated.

            “Come back here and fight like a man,” Blue Knight yelled.

            These were the last words he was able to say before a large weight fell on top of him, knocking him out cold.

 

It was the second round of the FWL tournament and Sparow stared over at his opponents, the young son of Silver Samurai, ??? and his partner Sapphire.

“Sister!” Sapphire yelled, breaking her silence, “What are you doing here?”

“I must stop her,” Ruby said staring at her sister, “And I won’t let anyone, even you, prevent me from stopping her,”

“I understand,” Sapphire said as she pulled out her sword, “But understand, I won’t go down without a fight.”

            Sparow looked at the two trying to figure out what was going on, but instead of racking his brain trying to figure out a solution he better deal with ???. ??? appeared to be the same age as him, and he was well aware of ??? talents when it came to swordplay. This should be an even fight.

            ??? made the first move as he charged after Sparow. The two traded a couple of blows, neither one of them able to strike the other. Indeed they were evenly matched. It almost seemed like Sparow was fighting a clone of himself.

            Sparow took his eye off ??? for a second to see how Ruby was doing. She was attempted to hit Sapphire with her whip, but no luck, Sapphire was simply too fast for her.

            The split second diversion was enough for Sparow as he responded with a slice down his chest, opening up his old wound.

            “How dare you,” Sparow said, as he spin kicked the sword out of ???’s hand, he then followed it up with his own sword aimed right for ???’s neck, but he stopped himself short.

            ‘I know killing his son would really piss Silver Samurai off, but I only need his blond on the sword and not his son’s’ Sparow thought to himself, before reaching down with his left hand and touching ??? on the shoulder, “Ice-fire!”

            Sparow’s magic immediately froze ??? in place, taking him out of this fight. He then turned his attention to Ruby to help her but found Sapphire already laying face down on the stage.

            “Sparow and Ruby wins,” Emerald said as she peered down at Ruby.

            Ruby mouthed something to Emerald, but Sparow was too far away to hear what it was. Sparow decided not to ask any question knowing woman always gave you the run around.

 

“The next match is between the couple of Celes and Nightmare versus Marina and Rinyn…” New Samurai looks down to see no Celes on the stage, “Ok where is she this time?”

Sparow spotted Celes walking his way down the step and stood up to confront her.

“Sit down,” Ruby said, grabbing Sparow’s arm.

“But…” Sparow said before Ruby pulled him back to his seat.

“If Celes wins this fight you can confront her in the next round,” Ruby said calmly.

“I can’t wait,” Sparow said, relishing the thought of getting revenge on all the years of pain she inflicted on him.

“You can all relax, your champion had arrived,” Celes said arrogantly.

“He he, long time no see, Marina,” Nightmare said searing at Marina

            “Yeah well, never is too soon,” Marina said.

            “Marina, you know this guy?”  Rinyn whispered.

            “We go way back, don’t we, Marina?  By the way, nice outfit.” 

            “I’m a bit stronger than when you saw me last, Nightmare.  In this form, I am Mystic Rain, and I have much, much more power than you would remember.”

            “Enough!  I’m bored with this!”

            “Of course, Celes.  We begin!”

            “Here goes”.   Rinyn mumbled.   He grabbed his sword and was at once glad for his armor.  Celes had been too quick for him, but it was only his arm, which had been protected by a bracer. 

            “Blue Tsunami!”  Marina throws a huge wave of powered blue water toward Nightmare.  He barely dodged the attack.

            “Nightmare Surround!”  Instead of firing at Marina, he threw the attack at Rinyn, knowing that it would throw them off guard.  Celes moved back, and started to laugh.

            “Rinyn!”  Marina surrounded him with water, just as the black bubble surrounded him.   Marina expanded the water around him large enough to protect him, but it was a little too late, as he had already passed out.  The black bubble disappeared, and Marina glared at Nightmare, as Rinyn fell to the ground.  “You did that on purpose!  You knew he couldn’t defend himself against that!”

            “But of course.”  Nightmare gleamed with self-pride.  He glanced at Celes who was snickering, and when he looked back at Marina she was in the middle of an incantation.  “What are you doing now?”

            Marina was floating a couple inches off the ground and whispering her spell.  Shards of ice started to appear around her, along with a lot of steam.  She threw all of it toward Nightmare tried to create a shield but was too late.  He was first cut by the ice shards, and then burned by the hot steam.  He stumbled out of the arena to escape, and fell to the ground unconscious. 

            “What the hell was that?”  Celes was beginning to sound nervous.

            “Ice and steam, what did it look like?”

            “Well then, Black Ice Storm!”  A storm of ice started swirling around Marina, cutting her skin, and pissing her off. 

            “Aqua Hurricane!”   She took out most of the black ice, but came out with quite a few good cuts.  She grabbed Rinyn’s sword and stood ready for Celes, who had her sword ready.  They fought back and forth for a while each getting quite beat up, when Celes got Marina in her side.  Marina fell to the ground holding her stomach. 

            “Stand up.”  Celes said coldly.

            “I- I can’t.  You win.”

“Wimp,” Celes said as she walked back up the stairs.

“Looks like you get your wish,” Ruby said with a smile.

“I guess…” Sparow trailed off, not sure if he was ready for his mom now that he gets the shot at her.

 

“I don’t want your help,” New Samurai said to Emerald.

“What, why?” Emerald questioned.

“You may have gotten me into this mess, but I’m going to get myself out of it,” New Samurai coldly said.

“Fine, you get your way for now,” Emerald said reluctantly.

“Now I will show you why I am and always will be the leader of the most powerful crime organization,” New Samurai said as he teleported down to the stage in a flash of fire.

New Samurai appeared on the stage just as his two opponents Forgotten One and Leslee were stepping through the curtain.

“How nice to see you again Leslee,” Emerald said from high above.

“That voice,” Leslee said quietly, “It couldn’t be!”

“I see you remember who I am, well we can’t have that,” Emerald said as the ground started to rise under the feet of Leslee.

Before Forgotten One had a chance to react, the ground rose up on Leslee and slammed her against the stage wall, knocking her out cold.

“How dare you!” Forgotten One screamed, as he charged New Samurai.

Before New Samurai could react, Forgotten one knocked him first in the gut with his fire rod, then in the face.

“Keep your hand off my man,” Emerald yelled as a huge boulder came flying towards Forgotten One.

Forgotten One backed up a few steps and aimed at the boulder with his fire rod, “Fire Strike!”

The bolt of fire hit the boulder in mid air, causing it to shatter into many tiny pieces.

“I told you, I don’t need your help,” New Samurai yelled up at Emerald.

New Samurai was about to yell at Emerald some more, when out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Forgotten One charging him again.

“Not this time,” New Samurai said as he caught Forgotten One’s Fire Rod in his hand.

Using Forgotten One’s own Fire Rod as a catapult New Samurai flung Forgotten One in onto the opposite stage wall.

“Stay down,” New Samurai yelled, throwing a black fireball at Forgotten One as he attempted to stand up.

The black fireball hit Forgotten One with great force dropping him to the ground face first.

“I told you I didn’t need your help,” New Samurai said once he was sure Forgotten One was down for good.

“We win, that’s all I care about,” Emerald said in response.

 

            “Next fight is between Silver Samurai and Melisa versus Rosa and Hawk,” New Samurai laughs, “This should be good.”

Rosa watched as Melisa walked onto the stage, a big smile on her face. Rosa despised the thought of her and Silver Samurai together.

Rosa pulled out her bow and two arrows, with careful aim she stopped Melisa in her tracks with an arrow just above her right shoulder, catching the fabric of her clothing and nailing her to the wall. A second arrow this time above the left shoulder prevented Melisa from moving all together.

“What the,” Melisa asked, as she struggled to get free.

Rosa then took out a third arrow and pondered where she should place it. She took careful aim at Melisa head, ‘I don’t want to kill her,’ Rosa aimed lower reaching Melisa’s heart ‘I should, but…’ Rosa aimed even lower until she reached Melisa stomach ‘Just a minor flesh wound,’ Rosa aimed lower, right underneath the waistline ‘Perfect.’

“Knock it off Rosa,” Silver Samurai said as walked onto the stage and threw a white fireball at the arrow, incinerating it.

“She deserves it,” Rosa said protesting, “Now are you really going to fight your family?”

“You’re right, I forfeit,” Silver Samurai said as he laid down his sword.

“Sorry, no forfeiting allowed,” New Samurai said with an evil laugh, “so quite being a wimp and go out there and fight.”

“Yeah well, I have a few choice words for you too, but my kids here,” Silver samurai said before turning to his young son Hawk, “Well son come show me what I taught you.”

Hawk pulled out his sword, and slowly walked towards Silver Samurai. He took a few swings at Silver Samurai that couldn’t even hit a fly; Silver Samurai responded by quickly disarming his son, and putting his sword to Hawk’s neck.

‘What is he doing?’ Rosa asked herself.

Silver Samurai backed off long enough for Hawk to pick up his sword. This time Hawk charged Silver Samurai showing off the skills he learned from his father. Hawk was good, but his training was still a long ways off. Hawk did manage to get one shot in, a minor scratch right under Silver Samurai’s right shoulder.

‘Why are they even fighting?’ Rosa asked herself, as she watched two of the most important men of her life fight each other.

Then with a sudden kick by Silver Samurai Hawk came flying back right into Rosa. Rosa could feel herself fly off the stage and into the orchestra pit where her son landed on top of her full force, knocking her out cold.

 

            “Next fight is Sparow and Ruby versus Nightmare and Celes,” New Samurai pauses, seeing no Celes on the stage, “Well let us just all sit her and wait until Celes decides to grace us with her presence.”

Sparow still had butterflies in his stomach, after all it was at the last tournament he was in that his mom betrayed him and turned her back on him. But this time was different Sparow had grown up a lot since then and knew this day would come sooner or later.

Celes arrived on the stage surprisingly quick, and announced her arrival.

“Nice to see you again, mom,” Sparow said sarcastically.

“Like wise,” Celes said returning the sarcasm.

“You and me, let’s leave these other two out of this,” Sparow said as he pulled out his sword.

“Fine by me,” Celes said as she also pulled out her sword, “But how do I know your little girlfriend won’t interfere?”

“I stay out of this… for now,” Ruby said before turning to Nightmare, “What about big boy over there?”

“Never!” Nightmare yelled, “Celes, you may have rescued me from Rainbow City jail but you have been a lousy partner, I will do this…”

“Shut up!” Celes said as she froze her own partner.

Sparow charged Celes, using her momentary distraction to his advantage.  Sparow got in a few good shots, before Celes started to turn things around. Celes caught Sparow at the waistline, tearing apart his outfit and the bandages underneath. Now a wounded Sparow was easy pickens for Celes. Celes was brutal on her son, slashing him numerous times on the chest arms and legs. It wasn’t long until Sparow collapsed, holding his badly bleeding stomach.

“Sparow!” Ruby yelled rushed over to Sparow.

“Freeze,” Celes said as she added Ruby to her ice statue collection.

Celes looked down on her son, and shacked her head with disgust, “You are the same as you always were and always will be, pathetic, useless a waste of human life. I should kill you right now, but that be too good for you. I want you to live with the feeling that you were never good enough to get anything done. I want you to live with the fact that no one loves you and every will. And more importantly I want you to live with the fact that you are nor longer will be my son, you pathetic excuse for human life.”

Celes walked away, confident she had won.

But Sparow would not be beaten so easily. He had come a long way, and he wasn’t going to let it end like this. He would defeat his mom at any cost and go on to fulfill his destiny of killing that evil Silver Samurai.

“Hey mom,” Sparow said weekly from behind Celes.

“I don’t have time to listen to your whining,” Celes said as she turned around, “Black Ice!”

Sparow blocked the black ice with his left arm, freezing it up to the elbow.

“If you want to beat me, you have to kill me,” Sparow said as he managed to get back to his feet.

Sparow charged Celes, this time with a lot more determination. But determination was not going to get him anywhere, he was already injured, and it only took Celes a few moments to disarm him.

Sparow collapsed again, but managed to make a dive for his sword. Celes simply kicked his sword aside and places her sword on Sparow’s neck.

“Since you seem to have a death wish, are there any last words you like to say before I grant it?” Celes said pressing the sword into Sparow’s neck.

“You are forgetting about the one present you ever gave me,” Sparow said as he reached behind him to the hidden dagger his mom gave him to kill Silver Samurai with. He quickly plunged it deep inside of Celes’ stomach.

            “How dare you, that dagger was meant for Silver Samurai,” Celes managed to say before collapsing, lifeless.

            “Don’t worry it will be used on him,” Sparow said as he leaned down and pulled out his dagger. He then turned to Ruby, remembering about her frozen state, but found the ice was already quickly melting around her.

            Ruby thawed herself out and rushed over to Sparow. She touched his frozen left arm to melt the ice, “Are you ok?”

            “You could have helped at any time, couldn’t you?” Sparow asked weakly.

            “Yeah, I could have…” Ruby said nervously.

            “Thank you.”

            “For what?” Ruby asked surprised.

            “For letting me do things by myself.”

 

            “Let me guess, you want no help?” Emerald asked as New Samurai prepared for his fight.

            “You learn quick,” New Samurai said before teleporting onto the stage to face his archrival, Silver Samurai and Melisa.

             “You again?” Silver Samurai asked as he faced his semi final opponent New Samurai.

            “It time to get rid of you once and for all,” New Samurai said, brandishing his black fire sword.

            “I like to see you try,” Silver Samurai said with a hint of cockiness.

            “Hey bitch in the green dress, are you coming down here to fight or what,” Melisa asked, twirling her Twin Vipers.

            Emerald gave no answer, instead closed her eyes as the tip of her staff glowed green. Then without warning the ground around Melisa rose up to form five pillars of rock, trapping Melisa in.

            “I don’t think your female companion going to be much help,” New Samurai said arrogantly.

            “No prob, I don’t need her help anyways,” Silver Samurai said as he motioned for New Samurai to bring it on.

            New Samurai charged Silver Samurai, but had no luck hitting him. Silver Samurai ended up getting in a few good shots before Melisa interrupted the fight.

            “Ground Shake,’ Melisa yelled, pounding one of the Twin vipers to the ground.

            The earth started to shake knocking the pillars of rock down, and the two samurais off their feet.

            “Now come down her and fight you bitch,” Melisa said turning her attention to Emerald, “Viper Strike!”

            A bolt of lighting charged out of one of Melisa’s Twin Vipers and head straight for Emerald. The bolt of lightning grazed Emerald neck, burning her skin.

            “You little slut,” Emerald yelled, as a big crystal of rock formed over her.

With a sudden force the crystal charged Melisa. The crystal hit Melisa in the stomach, and kept on going through her body, impaling her to the wall.

New Samurai looked over at Melisa, hanging lifeless on the rock crystal. He had to admit looking at the girl blood pouring out her body Emerald was just a tad on the evil side, just how he liked it.

New Samurai got to his feet and tried charging Silver Samurai from behind but without even turning around Silver Samurai blasted New Samurai with a white fireball.

“That’s it,” Silver Samurai yelled as he turned to face New Samurai, slumped against a wall, “You are responsible for the deaths of many, including my fathers and it will end today. No more killing! I will end it all right now.”

Silver Samurai closed in on New Samurai for the deathblow, when a storm of dirt, rocks and twigs hit Silver Samurai. Silver Samurai tried to protect himself from the storm, but ended up falling down to the ground.

New Samurai got to his feet and quickly teleported back up to the luxury box, as Emerald made the announcement of their victory.

“I told you I wanted no help,” New Samurai yelled.

“Would you rather me sit her and watch him kill you,” Emerald asked slyly.

“Yes,” New Samurai yelled outrage.

“Men,” Emerald said to herself.

 

“The next fight is for control of FWL. The contest will be between your lovely host and her handsome groom to be, versus Sparow and Ruby,” Emerald said as three of the four fighter arrived on the stage, herself being the fourth staying up in the luxury box.

“Emerald stop this insanity now,” Ruby said staring up at Emerald, “Come home.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sister,” Emerald said as she stared down at Ruby, “Why don’t we let the men play for now, and I deal with you later.”

“For now,” Ruby said, trailing off.

Sparow looked over at Ruby, trying to figure out why she didn’t tell him about Emerald before. But now was no time for questions, he had to deal with his former boss now.

“You may not be the right samurai, but you are just as evil,” Sparow said, as he turned his attention to New Samurai.

“No you are wrong there, traitor,” New Samurai said as he slowly walked over to Sparow and caught him off guard with a fist to the jaw, “I’m the most evil man on the planet!”

Sparow gently touched his mask to find that he was bleeding from the mouth, but nether less he was quick to respond with a spin kick to the face of New Samurai followed by a sword thrust to the sternum that was barely blocked.

“Is that the best you got,” New Samurai arrogantly questioned as he pushed Sparow down to the ground with his left arm.

Sparow was already hurt from his previous fights, and knew it would be no easy task to dethrone New Samurai. But Sparow also knew he was quicker and better with the sword than his opponent, and is he hoped to win, let alone stay alive, he would have to use these assets to his advantage.

Sparow quickly bounced back to his feet, and caught New Samurai off guard with a slash across the chest.

“Not bad,” New Samurai said sarcastically as he swung at Sparow head.

Sparow ducked the shot and responded with fury of kicks to the midsection before circling around to New Samurai backside.

New Samurai who seemed unfazed turned around to face Sparow with a wicked smile on his face, “You can’t hope to win, with them weak kicks, can you?”

Sparow responded with another high kick to New Samurai jaw, but again New Samurai seemed unfazed.

“This is getting tiresome,” New Samurai said with a yawn.

Sparow decided to try a new strategy and clashed swords with New Samurai. New Samurai easily deflected Sparow’s blows, and responded with a few slices to the right arms of Sparow. It almost seemed like he was playing with Sparow.

“Time to finish this little game,” New Samurai said as he threw a black fireball at Sparow, causing him to fly back until hitting the wall, “Black fireball Rain!”

New Samurai raised his fist to the heaven calling for his black fireball to rain down, but Sparow was quick to respond.

“Ice-fire!”

Sparow ice-fire caught New Samurai black fireball sword, causing it to start freezing into ice.

“What the,” New Samurai yelled, throwing his black fire sword across the stage before his hand froze.

Sparow used the momentary distraction to his advantage and charged New Samurai. Just as New Samurai turned to face Sparow, Sparow jumped and nailed New Samurai with a jump kick to the chest. New Samurai slumped to the ground, stunned for the moment.

“You will be the first of two samurais I kill today,” Sparow said as he brunt his sword down onto New Samurai.

Sparow sword didn’t quite reach New Samurai and stopped dead on the staff of Emerald, who had teleported down to save New Samurai.

“I will not let you harm my man,” Emerald said as her staff started to glow a bright green, “I call forth the power of Trinity.”

“No sister, don’t,” Ruby said as she rushed towards Emerald.

Then in a blinding flash of green, New Samurai disappeared, the crowd disappeared, the whole opera house disappeared.

 

To be continued…