Literally Snails

@@TheBreech,@, @, @, 

 

The semi finals will start after a day long rest for the four remaining contestants. The matches have also been changed.

@@Applejack25,@,

"Naturally, I'll take a ten count!" Juri announced. "ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN... EIGHT...!"

 

@,

"A different level?" Imajin questioned. "heh-heh, you talk way too big, little pony! I'M THREE TIMES BIGGER THAN YOU! Come on! Just give me your best shot!"

 

@,@@TheBreech,

(Time for the honorable tournament committee to rustle some Jimmies.) 

 

"Cosmo Shadesteel and Swordpoint have become problems." One of the tournament committee members, a deep throated minotaur, said, "We cannot allow them to face each other in the semi finals. No matter how much we intervene, we would have to allow one of them to proceed."

 

"This is an easy fix, boys." Big Shot said. He typed a few things into his terminal and the digital roster in their private office changed.

 

'Round one: Standoff vs Cosmo Shadesteel

 

Round two: Swordpoint vs Radioactive Tragedy'

 

"See, there was never actually a problem in the first place."

@, "Bloody hell. You probably could, too, but I don't think I want to open that can of worms. Actually..." Red, I know you've been bored out of my skull lately. You want a go at this guy? You're my favourite.

Suddenly, Standoff folded the shovel with some difficulty, and stuck it back in the bag, switching it for a trench knife. "Right, I've been bored lately. Amuse me."

After another long grunt, Imajin transformed his second front leg into a fleshy axe as well. He balanced his body awkwardly on the two blades, then jumped forward and swung down at red with both axes.

 

@

Rainbow smirked. "You think I haven't seen any action? How do you think I got here in the first place? I didn't wish my way out of that cage Omnia put me in. I took a few of them out." She raised her forehooves and waved them back and forth. "But it's not like I had a choice! It was them or me, and I'm not about to go down."

 

@@TheBreech

Swordpoint heard Cosmo's message clearly. "I suppose I shall leave it in his hooves. If my trust in him is misguided... he will suffer." He attempted one final message to Cosmo. I do not trust Rail, and his interest in me is troubling. And as for Crimson... I will not kill those who do not deserve it. Crimson held to his word and fought honorably. If you intend to do the same, you need fear nothing from me. We shall speak more later. He entered the infirmary and laid Crimson on a cot. The nurse pretended not to notice him, although she was definitely shaking. He smirked. "Treat him. I require nothing."

Rail smiled gently. "Then I leave you in capable hooves." He said. He stood up and started to walk away. "You can keep the lighter. Perhaps even give it to your friend. If you ever need my help, I have a habit of always being in convenient places." He disappeared into the crowd.

@

Rainbow eyed Rail cautiously. "I'm gonna tell ya now. I don't trust you. I don't even know who you are." She turned around to see that Cosmo was gone. "So he's already in the semi-finals?" She sighed. "I don't like any of this... but if he's been cursed, then there's really no hope of us living our normal lives again... unless he wins."

 

Turning back to Rail, she smirked. "Well I guess I should thank you... but I could've taken those losers down no problem."

"Do not be so sure." Rail said. He extinguished his cigarette and could no longer light a new one. "Every single Equestrian in this stadium is perfectly willing to kill. Many of them already have."

 

@, Standoff made a small noise, and then nodded. "I see. You're one of those sorts. Well, I doubt you'll live long like that, so I think I'll hurry the process. Hold still." Flipping the shovel so that it was pointing down in his hoof, Standoff walked up to the madpony and swung.

@, Standoff made a small noise, and then nodded. "I see. You're one of those sorts. Well, I doubt you'll live long like that, so I think I'll hurry the process. Hold still." Flipping the shovel so that it was pointing down in his hoof, Standoff walked up to the madpony and swung.

Imajin jumped to the side, landing on his only three remaining hoofs and stumbling to regain his balance. Bones grew back out of his stump and were surrounded again by flesh, regenerating his leg and making a new axe. "Axe Blade Hoof! I can do this all day!"

Wait, so... I'm going up against Cosmo, right? And Standoff will face whoever wins Midnight vs Radio?

look at the bracket on the first page of the OOC. I keep updating that thing and I'm getting the impression that nobody looks it up...

@

Rainbow cocked an eyebrow. "... what? Speak in English, man!" A strange feeling suddenly overtook her, and she felt as if somepony was watching her. She turned around to face the other side of the stands, and among the spectators exiting, she saw a dark blue unicorn staring at her.

 

"Uhhh... would you know who that is?" she asked Rail, pointing to Cosmo.

"It means I'm here to help you." Rail said as plainly as possible in his calm, stoic voice. "Consider yourself a guest in my home."

 

He looked up at Cosmo. "If I'm not mistaken..." He explained. "I believe that is the Stallion that swordpoint will fight in the Semi final round."

@, Standoff rolled and dug the shovel into Imajin's leg before jumping away. Then he had an idea. Hey, remember that time in the sugar mill? Yes, why? Watch this. Backing up to the wall, Standoff started cleaning the shovel on his vest. "Man, this is fun. You do this often?"

Imajin grabbed onto his now injured leg and ripped it clean off. Hot red blood gushed down his sides. "Oh yeah! That's it! Oh, it hurts so good!"

 

 

@

Rainbow caught the lighter deftly. "It... suits you? What's so interesting about me, anyway?"

 

She tucked the lighter behind her wing, not sure what to do with it. "Swordpoint and I... we have a long history. You remember a year ago when those creatures came and killed damn near everyone in Equestria? Yeah, that's when we met." Rainbow could feel the memories rushing back to her. "He was a real jerk back then... until he saw what all of us were willing to do for each other. Watching the members of our group die to save one another... It clicked something in that head of his. He changed, and you've seen how he is now."

 

She glanced at the arena in time to see Swordpoint exiting with Crimson on his back. "What does any of this matter to you? Yeah, Swordpoint and I are... together. Are you gonna try to use me as a hostage like that stupid bitch Omnia did? I promise you I could kick your ass."

 

@, @@TheBreech

Swordpoint moved forward down the hallway to the infirmary when he heard a voice in his head. Cosmo? Ah, that must be Cosmo Shadesteel... the assassin. I've seen him with Luna... Perhaps he will be reasonable. Can you hear me, Cosmo? I... am not skilled in the art of telepathy. If you can hear me, I would appreciate you keeping a close eye on Rainbow Dash. That Rail is not to be trusted. She can handle herself in combat, but if she is overwhelmed, she will stand no chance.

"Of course not. I do not intend to harm you." Rail said. "In fact, my intentions are quite the opposite. Swordpoint is an honored guest, and I his host. I wish for him and all his companions to be spared from the inconveniences this atmosphere provides." (The Rainbow Dash I know might have a problem understanding that last sentence.)

@, Standoff sidestepped and drew a wicked-looking shovel-like implement from his vest. He gave it an easy, almost casual flick and the digging head spun out, locking with the handle. "Yep, I saw it, you don't need to tell me what it is. You don't know it, but you're my favorite sort to fight. You're big and mean and nasty, and you're smart as shoe leather. I needed a break, anyway. Have at ya." Standoff stretched and shifted his grip on the shovel.

Imajin stopped for a moment, then switched back to pure rage. He continued charging until he was within reach of Standoff. "YOU CANNOT FRIGHTEN ME!" Imajin screamed. He brought down the axe strait toward Standoff's spine. His leg was now fully extended. "TAKE THIS!"

@

Standoff stood up quickly and examined the pony. He was obviously drunk, which was goo and bad. Good because he wouldn't be aiming well, and bad because he wouldn't give up. First line of action was to try and defuse the situation. "Don't think I've met you before. Standoff." Red, keep your mouth the hell shut for this one. Okay. This isn't my domain anyway.

(Not drunk, just unintelligent and naive)

 

"I know who you are!" He snapped. "Everypony knows who you are! The name's Imagin, most powerful fighter in all of Equestria and the only fighter who deserves to be in this tournament! Those thick skulls at the tournament committee didn't chose me as one of the sixteen fighters, but I can fix that. I did my homework, and it turns out that if a contestant dies outside of the arena before the semi finals, an alternate is chosen to take his place, and that's gonna be me!" He lifted his hoof and, in a manner similar to Roto's powers, morphed his entire leg into a fleshy axe blade that was as tough as steel. "Axe Blade Hoof!" He yelled. He lifted the axe blade apendage above his head and charged at Standoff.

Standoff sat in the lobby, whistling a tune. He had a good clue who he was up against in the semi-finals, and he had a pretty good idea on what he would do. In fact, he was kind of annoyed with himself that he hadn't done it sooner. It was so simple! Okay, Red, here's what we're gonna do...

A security guard could be heard from outside the lobby. "Hey! You aren't supposed to be here-"

 

'CRASH!' The voice suddenly stopped after a loud banging noise.

 

"Shut the hell up." A deep, meaty voice said. "Better yet, I'll do it for you!"

 

'BASH!'

 

The lobby door then swung open. A huge earth pony was at the door. He was just barely small enough to walk through the door frame, though he had to duck his head. He had a light brown coat and a short, black mane. "Buck the tournament committee!" He yelled. "They chose this runt instead of me? You barely come up to my knees!"

Well, I'm almost entirely certain that Midnight Glow is fucked, so I know who I'm up against in the semi-finals! Lucky I still have a couple tricks up my sleeve...

You have been very patient. I'm sending a special gift to the lobby that should entertain you.

@

(Dammit. I didn't. I'll respond to it now... although it may be weird.)

Rainbow eyed the stallion warily. "Who are you, exactly? You don't look like all the rest of these lowlifes..." She heard a loud smash and wheeled around to see Crimson slam Swordpoint into the ground. "Oh, buck! Get up!" Swordpoint struggled to his hooves.

 

"Augh... that was quite the trick... but I am not out yet."

 

She watched as Swordpoint propelled himself toward Crimson and grabbed him by the midsection. As he rose into the air, her jaw dropped.

 

"After this is over, I could teach you a spell to give you temporary wings. They're powerful enough to carry your weight, although they dissipate after several hours. But for now, flight will elude you."

 

She gasped as Swordpoint dropped Crimson. When he impacted the ground, he lied still. "Whoa... I think he just won..." She quickly turned back to the strange stallion. "So spill it. Who are you, and why did you protect me?"

 

(Aaaand back to the present)

 

Swordpoint glanced at Topaz. "Do not waste my time with flattery." He returned to the ground and landed near Crimson. Swordpoint lifted Crimson's unconscious body and glanced into the stands. He saw Rainbow Dash speaking to Rail, and his eyes narrowed. I suppose it's time to try that audio amplification spell... He closed his eyes and heard a small pop, followed by a clear voice.

 

"... Who are you, and why did you protect me?"

 

Protect...? I do not like this... Once I take Crimson to the infirmary, I must check on her. He carefully lifted Crimson's body onto his back with magic and slowly walked out from the arena, still eyeing Rainbow and Rail cautiously. The booing from the crowd had turned into cheers. Not even a single mention of the word "traitor" came.

"I saved you because it suits me." Rail said. He tossed his lighter to Rainbow Dash. It was small and golden with the initials R.C. engraved into its side. "My daughter is making a fool out of herself." He added. "Tell me how you know Swordpoint. You obviously care for him."

What is that suppost to mean exactly? What do you mean, you looked over both characters? And how can you automatically think he was more likely to win? The only reason he won was becouse he had wings!

To be honest, the whole wings and magic thing did make him a bit more likely to win. Not that it was impossible for you to win. A six percent advantage means it was 47 vs a 53 percent chance. Obviously a very rough estimate.

@, @

Swordpoint landed gracefully beside Crimson's unconscious body. "I am sorry, Crimson. You have fought with honor, and you have my respect." He bowed his head respectfully and stood for a moment in silence.

 

After a short time, he extended his wings and gathered energy. As it swirled around him, he could feel his scrapes and bruises healing.

 

Once the energy had dissipated, he floated back into the air, where he awaited the ref's call.

 

@@Applejack25

(OoC: He replied. This is his post.)

(Did you notice my last post? I expected Rainbow Dash to respond.)

 

Juri lifted her mic to announce the winner, but was immediately pushed away by a wide eyed Topaz who had lept from her announcers box into the arena.

 

"The winner of this intense match up is the, incredibly handsome Swordpoint, who will be one of the last to advance to the Semi Finals!" Topaz said.

 

"Aww! That hurt!" Juri complained. "And could you practice a little subtlety?"

 

Topaz stuck out her tongue playfully.

 

 

 

 

"I... I don't believe it..." Big Shot said. "I lost a buckin' fifty bit bet! Who loses a fifty bit bet!!!???"

Apple and I are currently working out some problems. It will take me some time to respond. I'm sorry.

no prob. I'm a little busy myself.

 

Looks like Swordpoint advances. Crimson put up a hell of a fight, though. If Swordpoint wasn't a pegasus, he likely would have lost.

 

A fine match! Oh, and I have a suggestion for the tournament committee about what to do with that six percent and where to shove it.

The six percent thing was inaccurate on purpose. I looked over both characters, and you were more likely to win.

@, so, the big shot and his guards and Manface the dragon are okay with someone opening an nonexistent door into their private viewing room?

That post made no sense. I didn't even know where you were. If you had explained it better, there would have been a problem.

@

Swordpoint was knocked to the ground from the force of the blow. Rainbow Dash gasped in the stands. "Augh... Well played, Crimson," Swordpoint remarked. He stood again and spat out a mouthful of blood. "I'm nowhere near finished, however. Prepare yourself." He extended his wings and charged full speed at Crimson, using his wings to propel him. As he approached Crimson, Swordpoint swung his forehoof at Crimson's stomach.

 

"Now this is the kind of fight I like!" Topaz said happily. "Just look at those two duking it out! I think I'm a little more excited then I should be! This is a little embarrassing."

 

The griffon, mule and earth pony (the ones that were assaulting Silver Storm earlier) stepped in front of Rainbow Dash, cutting off her view of the fight.

 

"I know you don't belong here." The griffon said.

 

"That way you interfered with the fight really pissed a lot of ponies off. You just aren't safe here." The pony said.

 

"Hold on, now." The mule said. He looked over the mare intently. "She doesn't look half bad. Maybe we can work something out..."

 

"Why don't you three tell me exactly what you're doing." A voice interrupted from behind the three brutes. They turned around quickly as if they were ready to strike, but stopped when they saw who it was. Rail was standing behind them on the stairs. "She's with me. So tell me, what were you three doing."

 

The mule tried to reply, "We were.."

 

"We were just about to leave!" The griffon said. He rushed his two friends past rail and back to their seats.

(I'll start the fight, but Fivefs still has a chance to start the bet.)

 

@,@,

 

"Okay, you two," Juri began, "You know how to do this, win through knockout death or ring out. On my mark... Begin!"

 

"That's the signal!" Topaz said excitedly, leaning off the edge of her table. "I can only hope that at least one of these two perfect bodies won't be completely destroyed!"

@

"...Crimson Grinn is projected to beat Swordpoint by a margin of six percent. We'll have a small bet. I'll only wager fifty on him to win. If Swordpoint wins, you get five hundred."

 

"It seems they like you," Swordpoint whispered to Crimson. "Also, I sensed death just now. Did you feel it? I believe one of the matches may be over."

 

 

Crimson growled angrily, "I would rather lose to you with honor, than beat you with TRICKERY, I don't care what the hell their damn PERCENTS say, whoever wins our fight, will win out of skill, not dirty money, and now that you mention it, yes, I did sense soul pass on to the afterlife, but unlike standoffs kill, this one is not done with hate and malice, but honor and bravery, so we don't have to worry about that, but we may want to get back to the waiting rooms soon, our match is about to start..." said crimson quitely.

 

"Swordpoint and Crimson Grinn, Report to the first arena floor."

 

"Alright, mares and colts, the final match is about to begin!"

 

@@Fivefs, 

 

"So, are you takin' the bet? Money's off once the match starts." Big Shot said smugly. "Last chance before the semi-finals, then the stakes get higher!"

"You have a rule for pulling rules out yer arse? Hmm, I have a new idea," Radio says. She turns to the crowd, "You want killing? Maiming? Death? Destruction?" The answering roar was enough to convince her they did. Instantly, a good portion of the audience fell dead, the atoms in their spinal cords fused with the very bones that protected them. Radio stared grimly out at them, her visor making her look as hard as stone. "I grow weary of this field. Let us begin," she says to her opponent. Horn flashing, a magic missile appeared behind Midnight and spead towards her.

"Well, That's the kind of audience participation you can only expect from the dark tournament!" Topaz said nervously. "And where's the referee? Has she been killed too?"

 

The ref (The one that isn't Juri) was out of sight of the audience. "They don't pay me enough for this." She said. She tossed her microphone away and left the arena.

"Nailed it!" Cosmo shouted at her confession about the illusions. "Also, I agree about your time estimate," Cosmo shouted, then he released Blood Wind and teleported to be in the air mere feet behind Goldre, "You won't last six minutes..." he said softly as he brought Altiar down on her wing, slicing off a considerable number of feathers. Cosmo used his telekinetis to manage his landing and waited for Goldre's reaction.

 

 

Terrorite stuck her tongue out at the ref. She made the other Terrorite and Goldre vanish.

"They were actually illusions," she made a face. 'But this is the real Goldre and Terrorite."

Goldre removed her katana and began randomly waving it in the air out of boredom.

"Oh, and six minutes aren't gonna be six minutes," Terrorite yelled down. "Thew eclipse'll last that long, not us."

 

(Lunar Knight is disqualified. We're going to pretend she was killed in this fight.)

 

"The winner by death is Cosmo Shadesteel!" Juri announced after the fight was finished.

 

(Sorry, Lunar Knight, but you've taken way too long to reply. I need to start cracking down.)

 

 

"Time is relative and given your position you have plenty to spate. You seem familiar, are you a descendant of a survivor from the original club? And as for my offer, before I had considered the committee foolish, but now I better understand the subtle nuances that it affords. So with my collection of rare items and wealth and the connections that the committee has I feel my induction may be mutal beneficial. But perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself, maybe we should simply start with some wagers and enjoying the fights."

"You want to put your money against the Big Shot?" The suited pony asked. "You either got no brains, balls, or both. But okay, you cocky bastard, let's see what you're worth." He allowed Knightfall to step further inside. "Crimson Grinn is projected to beat Swordpoint by a margin of six percent. We'll have a small bet. I'll only wager fifty on him to win. If Swordpoint wins, you get five hundred."

 

 

 

@,

 

Midnight smiled.  Strange,  I haven't smiled in ages, well not in a happy way she thought.  "I don't usually use magic too much.  I'm more of an earth pony than a unicorn" She admitted.  She doesn't usually use it unless absolutely necessary.   "Hmm. I wonder what Rail and Topaz think of this" She said to Radio.

"You two can get back to fighting whenever you feel comfortable." the ref said with more than a little bit of sarcasm. We have a rule against stalling, you know."

@

Swordpoint glared at Standoff. "I bring you a warning. Your senseless killing will not go unpunished... I promise you. And if you truly believe that your grisly actions will win you this tournament, you are wrong." He stepped forward. "Money does not control everything. It cannot subvert the spirit or suppress the heart. I fight for what is right... and you once did, as well. I am aware of your desire to restore your friend, but that does not excuse your actions. What good is there in regaining what you've lost if you lose yourself as well?" He extended his hoof to Standoff. "Renounce this path, before it drags you into the darkness. If you refuse... you would do well to pray that you and I never meet in the ring... or outside this tournament."

"Only if you keep winning." Rail said plainly before relighting his cigarette. He was clearly less emotional than anyone else in his presence.

 

 

 

"It did, did it?" Terrorite said, still there. "Well, here she is!"

Goldre separated from Terrorite.

"Surprised?" they asked. "Well, the answer is simple." They both pointed to the sun.

It was an eclipse.

Goldre separated into another Goldre and Terrorite. All 4 removed their weapons. Each took to the air, high above the arena.

"Can you reach us? We didn't think so..." they chuckled.

"Um... There's a rule against cloning..." the ref said timidly. "What do I do if she doesn't listen? Stopping her isn't my job... is it?"

 

 

 

 

@, 

 

Knightfall grinned, "Hmph, you're not very smart are you?  First, Swordpoint was the winner of my match, Lite Shade fought some weakling.  Also you might not understand it but sssome battle that are much bigger than a little stadium sssquable are being fought on a much larger ssscale, the game of pawns is no interest to me.  Ssecond, I'm the spirit of an ancient Dragon Lord and what are dragons know for?  GREED.  A normal dragon collects a hoard of staggering wealth, I was a Dragon King, what do you think my hoard isss like?  And finally, I'm an old dragon.  I was around when the original Black Black Club started the Dark Tournament, how else would I know of there little groupss name?  I supported them in their activities and we had many lucrative dealings.  I'm wish meet those had the ability to restore the old wayss and establish new mutually beneficial tiesss.  Would your masters be happy if you turned away such an opportunity?"

The door to the committee room opened and the purple suited old stallion was standing in the doorway. "You got my interest." He said. "My time is really expensive, so make it quick."

(I'm reposting this because I'm pretty sure it was ignored...)

 

 

@, @@Applejack25,

 

"Alright, fighters, You may begin!" The ref said, starting the second match.

 

"This is perfect!" An audience member said.

 

"Those two are so evenly matched, they'll be at it for hours!"

 

(Hello? Are you two online?)

(OOC: we're ready to fight and I'm getting excited, please hurry up and start )

Seeing Goldre's graceful entrance cooled Cosmo's anger about Lite enough to regain his composure. He smiled and gave his opponent an up nod. "I hope you aren't planning on me being defensive this time. Bad Dreams and I are connected so killing her would've been an issue, you and I are not. Though I'll gladly accept your surrender, I won't hold back a killing blow if it's necessary," although he could live with doing so, Cosmo didn't want to kill anyone this tournament except Standoff. "The bucker likes decapitations does he... Arh! Focus Cosmo, Golden Dreams is your opponent!"

 

 

Goldre moaned at the mention of her name, but kicked off the cloud full of energy.

'I feel so hyped-up!' she thought.

She spread her wings and sped straight towards the arena, only to stop inches from the floor and land as gently and as gracefully as a butterfly.

"Golden Dreams reporting for duty!" she said. "Terror Night's here, too!"

"Okay fighter's take your stances please!" Juri said. She gave her usual glance at both contestants before she continued. "BEGIN!"

 

 

@,@,  @

Knightfall had found his way to the committee's private seating, several groups of different creatures and ponies stood outside the door, obviously the bodyguards of the committee.

 

Knightfall approached cautiously, these were dangerous warriors and he was still weak and the committee inside was not something to trifle with. "I would like to humbly request an audience with the committee, please inform the Black Black Club that Knightfall will be joining them to watch the remainder of this rounds fights." He stood waiting as a Minotaur turned to speak into an intercom.

"We don't know a Knightfall." It said. "Unless you're referring to the one that was defeated by Lite Shade in the first round. Give us a reason to let you in."

@, Standoff looked into the distance, and then frowned. "There are a few answers to that question. I could say I was responsible, but that's way too obvious. A better answer would be to say she killed herself. She could have gutted me easily, but that isn't it either, is it?" Then he smiled. "I know who killed her. You did. Money runs this contest, and you've shown me you've plenty of that." Standoff leaned forward. "So what's your motivation, eh? Not the goodness of your heart. There isn't any. You're too smart to have bet too heavily on me. So, what is it?"

"Truly I can't tell you. What does anyone here gain? What compels someone to start something like this? What compels others to watch it?" He tapped the side of his head. "We just want to kill. That's what we do. Eat and destroy until nothing is left but piss. And naturally, those without the power to kill have to settle with watching it."