Sunday Morning, October 31st, Ponyville >It was a busy morning in Ponyville: everyone was preparing for the return of Luna for tonight's Nightmare Night celebration. >Nightmare Night: a special day for the 22 humans in Ponyville. >The night the human known as Anon arrived in this world. >The night of the first Fantasia. >The beginning of a great adventure. >And as such, each Arcana was preparing to enjoy this holiday to their full extent. >Or they would be, if not for... Sunday Morning, October 31st, Carousel Boutique "Whaddya mean, you haven't gotten our orders completed, Star?" >A group of masked individuals are surrounding a more tired star-masked man, his posture drooping and his voice dripping with annoyance. "You all ordered the same costumes! You can't go running around looking only like Gilgamesh and Cyrano. No one would be able to tell us apart!" >A cacophony of voices expressed their displeasure. ">doesn't want to look the same" "I wanted the Penis Mech!" "Weren't we gonna do the 101 thing?" "I wanna be a horse!" "Look, I've only got so many Gilgamesh and Cyrano costumes in stock. If you want to have them, you're going to have to compromise." >One Arcana stands on one of Star's tables, much to his chagrin. "You know what we need? A battle royale: winner gets to pick their costume first!" >This idea spreads like wildfire with the other Arcanas, the Boutique echoing with the sounds of war. >Star looks on in exasperation. "Why can't we ever talk about shit normally?" Sunday Morning, October 31st, Twilight's Castle >"I'm sorry, you want to what?" >Twilight and Fluttershy look at the excited men clamoring for her favor, Twilight in particular looking rather surprised. >"You do remember that Fantasia won't allow more than five Persona out at once, right? Do you want Reapers to swarm you again?" "22-Reaper fight!" "Hey, that was fun!" "My leg hurts." >With a sigh, she continues. >"If you're going to do this, we're going to need a structure for it. Two-on-Two fights, with Fluttershy as both referee and your lifeline back." >"Will you do that?" >The Arcanas voice their approval as Fluttershy prepares. >"Okay, let's go then." -------------------------------------------------- Fantasia - Colosseum >The tall, looming pillars of the arena cast shadows across the floor. >The Arcanas begin stretching and finding their partner for the tournament. >"Persona!" >A giant with butterfly wings appears, opening its eye for the non-combatants for Round 1. -------------------------------------------- >"Round one will be Hierophant and Lovers versus Hermit and Temperance." >The two teams shake hands and wish each other good luck, then prepare their weapons and Persona for a grand fight. >The sounds of their fellow Arcanas sound through Argus's speakers, egging the teams and sparking the flame of competition. >"When I say go, the battle will begin." >"Ready..." >Muscles tense. . >"Set..." >Weapons are gripped tight, determination in all their eyes. >"Go!" BATTLE START! >Lovers grins confidently. "I'm faster, so Diarmuid!" >The handsome man tosses his weapons across the field, creating a square around the opposing team. >Diarmuid proceeds to charge at them at impossible speeds, using each weapon to carve up the competition, though missing a blow or two, dealing heavy damage! "It's my turn now. Iscariote!" >The chained sinner screams as a large spike of ice tears through him at Temperance, striking the Arcana in a similar spot and knocking him down! "One More!" >Another spike appears, attempting to finish the job, but barely misses the downed man, striking close enough to touch! "Shit, Temperance! Let me give you a hand!" >Dantalion opens his book and murmurs in 100 voices, cloaking the frigid man in a green veil! >Temperance gets up, fire in his eyes! "My turn. Sophrosyne!" >The large lizard girl flares her frills startingly blue and fires a beam of death with connects with the immobile Iscariote, dealing heavy damage! >"Oh, I almost forgot that each team has one Potion, Candy and Feather for use. Here's the stats:" TEAM 8: Hierophant: 51% HP, 50% SP Lovers: 70% HP, 100% SP TEAM 11: Hermit: 57% HP, 75% SP Temperance: 9% HP, 65% SP "Magical protection, huh? Too bad I don't need to use magic to get you, Temperance! Diarmuid!" >The lance charges at the weakened Temperance, running him through and knocking him out cold! "Looks like this battle is decided. Iscariote!" >The screams of agony as another ice shard tears out of Iscariot are deafening, distracting Hermit long enough to get run through as well. >It seems over, but Hermit crawls up, nearly dead, but not defeated! "Dantalion!" >A green wall of damnd souls charges at the surprised team, knocking Lovers to the floor and hurting Hierophant badly! "Get lost in the maelstrom!" >The wall of souls creates a tornado of epic proportions dragging Team 8 in and throwing them around! >Eventually, the green vortex spits them out, both too ragged to continue. FINISH! >"Team 11 is the winner of Round One. Congratulations!" >Hermit helps Fluttershy patch everyone up and the two teams shake hands. "Damn, we almost had you!" "Good game." >The participants return to the eye as the new combatants enter the field. >"Round two is Emperor and High Priestess vesus Empress and Fortune!" >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! "This seems a little unfair, guys." >Fortune uses his Persona to defend himself, halving all damage. >Empress follows suit, deciding not to comment. "All's fair in war, Fortune! Napoleon!" >The short general lights a cannon and fires, the cannon ball careening in the air towards the defending Fortune... >...Only for it to barely miss. "Really! Two whole years, and I still miss?" "Let me help you with that. Athena!" >A tall woman in shining armor sends an owl that perched on Napoleon's shoulder, increasing all his stats for a time! >"Oh my, this seems to be a bad combination! I hope this doesn't go south for Team 3... Here's the stats:" TEAM 4: Emperor: 100% HP, 80% SP Priestess: 100% HP, 75% SP TEAM 3: Gaea: 100% HP, 100% SP Fortune: 100% HP, 100% SP "Damn it! Guess I've got to bet everything on the offense! Hickok!" >The lone gunman takes aim with his pistol and fires, only to miss by a long shot. "My Persona can't fight, but that doesn't mean I can't!" >Empress charges at Priestess, swinging at the Arcana, only to miss and fall over. "Hah! See how you like missing all the time! Napoleon!" >With more confidence, the general takes aim at the defenseless Fortune and fires! >...Only for it to careen so far off course as to disappear into the void. "..." "..." "..." "..." >"..." >The silence pervades the room as Emperor silently sobs. "Well, buffs can only go so far. Athena!" >Another owl perches itself on Athena, granting it more power! >"Keep going you guys! Hopefully there isn't as many misses this time. Here's the stats:" TEAM 4: Emperor: 100% HP, 60% SP Priestess: 100% HP, 40% SP TEAM 3: Empress: 100% HP, 100% SP Fortune: 80% HP, 100% SP >Sounds of discontent rage from Argus. "Boo!" "REKT." "Get on with it!" "Damn it, come on!" >Fortune shakes his head and aims one more time, and the shot connects, dealing moderate damage against Emperor. >Empress tries once more to strike Athena, only to strike at air. "What's going on?" "I'm feeling it this time. Napoleon!" >A firing squad of aceless soldier line up behind Napoleon and ready their rifles at Team 3. >He pulls out his sword and points it at them, unleashing a barrage of bullets which tear through the undefended team! "Time to bring the real thunder, Athena!" >Storm clouds gather as a large lightning bolt crashes down, blowing up a chunk of the field, but not harming Empress! >"O-oh my, it seems the crowd is restless. I wonder where all this bad luck's coming from? Here's the stats:" TEAM 4: Emperor: 48% HP, 60% SP Priestess: 100% HP, 20% SP TEAM 3: Empress: 66% HP, 100% SP Fortune: 37% HP, 100% SP "THIS IS WHY WE NEVER LET YOU GUYS TAKE ON THE BOSSES." >A tomato flies out of the eye of Argus and critically splatters all over Emperor's face. "Let's try this, then. Persona!" >Hickok's revolver spins in increasing speed, taking aim at Emperor while he's wiping tomato off his face. >The bullet flies, charged in electriciy and connects with Emperor, nearly taking him out! "I'll heal up our wounds! Gaea!" >A beautiful woman with black hair offers a golden fruit to both Team 3 members, eating them and restoring their wounds! "Whoever threw that's gonna get an asskicking!" "That would require you to actually hit me, faggot!" >Emperor silently swears and swings at Empress, connecting in his rage and dealing some damage. "I've got you now, Fortune! Persona!" >Athena charges at Fortune and swings her spear, only for the lucky man to jump out of the way! >"It looks like Team 3's disadvantage is letting up! Will they win against the odds? Here's everyone's stats:" TEAM 4: Emperor: 15% HP, 60% SP Priestess: 80% HP, 20% SP TEAM 3: Empress: 78% HP, 80% SP Fortune: 100% HP, 80% SP >"It looks like Team 3's Defenses went back to normal, and Emperor is no longer strengthened." "I'm feeling lucky, Emperor! Persona!" >Hickok pulls out his gun and fires a bullet right between Emperor's eyes, Emperor muttering something like "damn it" before falling! "You're all alone now, Priestess! Take this!" >Empress jumps at the lone member, taking a good swing at him and bloodying his nose. "I'm not going down without a fight! Athena!" >The warrioress throws her spear, running through Empress and dealing heavy damage! >"This battle looks to be decided! How will Luck smile down now? Here's the stats:" TEAM 4: Emperor: KO Priestess: 35% HP, 20% SP TEAM 3: Empress: 40% HP, 80% SP Fortune: 80% HP, 80% SP >"Priestess's buffs are down, he's no longer powered!" "Let's do this, Empress!" "Yeah!" >Hickok aims his revolver as Empress charges the lone warrior... >And both miss! >"Oh my! This is unexpected!" "Let's be honest Flutterbutt, this is normal by now." >With a gutural scream, Priestess smashes his card, sending a near-fatal lightning bolt through Empress! >"Priestess is like a cornered animal now, but things can go the other way very quickly! Here's the stats:" TEAM 4: Priestess: 35% HP, 0% SP TEAM 4: Empress: 2% HP, 80% SP Fortune: 60% HP, 80% SP "Cornered animal or no, this ends now! Persona!" >Preistess charges at Fortune with reckless abandon as Hickok readies his final shot. >When Priestess leaps at him, the Persona's gun fires, sending him flying and ending the match! FINISH! "Fucking finally!" "I hope their bad luck doesn't rub off..." "Hope you guys are ready for endless slams!" >The injured are healed and the next contestants step into the ring! >"Round 3 is Star and Chariot versus Devil and Moon!" "All this shit because you guys can't act like adults." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! "I'll go first, then! Scheherazade!" >A lithe elven maiden dances around, summoning multiple miniature tornados that strike the opponents for moderate damage. "Time to charge up! Persona!" >Huitzilopochti cries out to the heavens, rapidly growing in size and preparing Chariot for a physical attack! "Star's pretty dangerous with that magic, so let's take some away. Cain!" >The demonic farmer opens his jaw like a snake and draws blue wisps of energy from Star, taking some of his energy away! "Let's give you some protection, Devil. Skinwalker!" >A savage, bestial man throws a wolfskin over Devil, guarding him from the first physical attack that hits him! >"An interesting start! Let's see what they'll do now! Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 100% HP, 65% SP Chariot: 100% HP, 85% SP TEAM 9: Devil: 61% HP, 100% SP Moon: 61% HP, 85% SP "One more time, Scheherazade!" >The dance continues, striking Devil, but missing Moon completely. "Take this! Persona!" >The bird warrior dives at the unprotected Moon, only to miss and crash into a pillar! "Guess Emperor's luck rubbed off. Persona!" >Cain impales himself on his pitchfork, corrupting it with his blood and tossing it right into Star, dealing heavy damage! "Persona!" >Moon strikes his card, Skinwalker throwing two blackened hatchets at Team 7. >Star gets struck once more, but Chariot dives to the side, earning a tsk from Moon. >"Things look like they're heating up! One person on each side is bad wounded, but the game's still in the air! Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 26% HP, 45% SP Chariot: 80% HP, 85% SP TEAM 9: Devil: 22% HP, 80% SP Moon: 61% HP, 65% SP "Let's go all out! Persona!" >Scheherazade calls forth an enormous sandstorm, catching Devil inside and carrying him around the field before tossing him to the floor, unconscious! "This time I'll connect! Huitzilopochtli!" >The blue man dives at Moon once more, kicking him in the gut and dealing heavy damage! "Be consumed by the darkness! Persona!" >Black hatchets begin to fly at Team 7, aimed for their scalps! >Star avoids them with no problem, but Chariot gets struck twice, falling to the floor! "Guess it's just you and me now." >"This looks to be sudden death! Who'll survive and sieze victory? Here's the stats:" Team 7: Star: 26% HP, 15% SP Chariot: KO Team 9: Devil: KO Moon: 29% HP, 65% SP "Wind versus Ice, let's do this!" "Agreed!" "Persona!" "Persona!" >Two storms of wind and cold charge at each other, clashing and spraying ice shards everywhere! >For a moment, the two end in a standstill... >Only for the tornado to burst right through and shred into Moon, taking him out! FINISH! "That was close." "At least you didn't waste an item." >The injured are healed, and the new fighters enter the ring. >"Round 4 is Fool and Hanged Man versus Lust and Death." "Fucking Mary." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! "Hehe, here I go! Baron Samedi!" >The witch doctor grabbed two blue-colored vials and tossed them at Team 10, only for them to shatter harmlessly away. "Why the fuck do I have to work with Mary? Whatever, Persona!" >Icarus kneels down and prostates towards the sky, summoning a strong burning light that burns the opposition badly! "Time to make sure you can't dodge shit, Mary. Coyote!" >A laughing dog emerges from Fool's Shadow spewing out a green fog that seems to make Team 2's bodies more sluggish. "It's charging time, Prometheus!" >A tall man cloaked in red utters a prayer, infusing Hanged Man with more power for the next spell! >"It looks like Team 10 is preparing for a devestating attack! What will Team 2 do now? Here's the stats:" TEAM 10: Fool: 66% HP, 80% SP Hanged Man: 61% HP, 85% SP TEAM 2: Lust: 100% HP, 90% SP Death: 100% HP, 90% SP "Jokes on you, Fool, you only negated the buff! Time to shut Hanged up, Baron!" >A red vial flies towards a surprised Hanged Man, breaking on him and stealing his voice! "It's only fair if I reciprocate your gift, Fool. Icarus!" >The young man pulls out a jar of glue and tosses it into Team 10's direction slowing them down immensely! "Why you little-" >Coyote chases after Lust and Death, only to be just a bit behind them, Death's laughing ringing especially harsh in his ears. >Hanged Man silently tries to punch Lust, only to miss and fall onto the ground! >"Oh no! Hanged Man can't use spells! It looks like it'll probably last a turn or two. Here's the stats:" TEAM 10: Fool: 46% HP, 80% SP Hanged Man: 61% HP, 85% SP TEAM 2: Lust: 100% HP, 70% SP Death: 100% HP, 80% SP "Let's see if I can get a two-for-one! Persona!" >The Baron pulls out another blue vial and tosses it at Fool, who manages to avoid it! "Hope you put on some sunscreen! Persona!" >Once more, Icarus prostrates to the sun, sending fatal beams of light to burn Team 10 badly! "I'll bring you down to our level, Mary! Persona!" >The Coyote cackles louder than Death, demoralizing him and weakening all his traits. >Despite this, however, Hanged Man just can't get a hit to connect the snaky bastard. "Come on, guys, is that the best you've got? I might not even have to bring the slams for this!" >"Even if Death grates on the nerves, there's no arguing the agility of Baron Samedi. Is this the end for Team 10? Here's the stats:" TEAM 10: Fool: 9% HP, 60% SP Hanged Man: 22% HP, 85% SP TEAM 2: Lust: 100% HP, 50% SP Death: 100% HP, 70% SP "IT'S TIME! SLAM THEM ALL! DIE FOR ME!" "Icarus will join too!" "Persona!" "Persona!" >Baron Samedi and Icarus stand across from Fool and Hanged Man, charging beams of dark and light. >The beams reach full power and strike both sides of Team 10, creating a double-whammy KO! FINISH! "Hahaha! You can't slam with the jammest!" "Can't help but feel like I lost something..." "FUCKING MARY!" >The cacophany of angry voices emanating from Argus proclaimed, shaking the foundation. >The injured return as the new champions set foot and prepare for battle. >"Round five is Magician and Judgement versus Sun and Strength." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! "Tonatiuh, bring the sun down on our opponents!" >Sun shatters his card, summoning a man floating on a bronze sun. >Tonatiuh collects light, shining brightly until it fires straight at Team 1! >The beam of concentrated light strikes Magician, burning him badly, but Judgement jumps out of the way! "Guess I'll have to get him. Persona!" >Papinijuwari swings his massive club at Judgement, only to catch it against on of the colosseum pillars, negating his attack and breaking private property. "Razgriz! Answer my call!" >A giant, beautful valkyrie of steel descends from the heavens and unleashes countless missiles onto the field, striking Team 6 with a terrible force! "Tear Sun apart ,Fafnir!" >A furious crimson dragon charges at Sun chomping down on him hard and nearly taking him out! >"Amazing! Morning Star is extremely dangerous, will Team 6 recover? Here's the stats:" Magician: 41% HP, 100% SP Judgement: 100% HP, 60% SP Strength: 44% HP, 100% SP Sun: 6% HP, 80% SP "Damn it, that's a disaster!" "Talk shit get hit, I guess." "Tonatiuh, please hit Judgement!" >Once more, the sun god charges, only to miss the opposing team entirely! "Let me patch you up, Sun!" >Strength pulls out the team Potion and shoves it down Sun's throat, restoring his health. "Finish this off, Razgriz." >The lady of war fires another silo's worth, taking Strength out and gravely injuring Sun! "Get 'im, Fafnir!" >The rampaging dragon bites once more into Sun, leading him back to this predicament! >"Oh no! This looks bad for Team 6! What are they going to do? Here's the stats: TEAM 1: Magician: 21% HP, 100% SP Judgement: 100% HP, 20% SP TEAM 6: Strength: KO Sun: 8% HP, 80% SP "Fucking diceroller. Fine, then, come at me! Tonatiuh!" >The beam of light once again fails to connect, harmlessly flying by. >Razgriz lowers her gun to the defeated Sun and fires... >...Only to miss completely! "What the fuck? "Fafnir, finish this!" >However, even the dragon mage can't seem to land a hit on the final Team 6 member! >What's this? The fight isn't over yet! This could be the perfect chance for a roundabout! Here's the stats:" TEAM 1: Magician: 1% HP, 100% SP Judgement: 80% HP, 20% SP TEAM 6: Sun: 8% HP, 80% SP "Then I've got no time to waste! Fuck winning the whole tournament, I just want to beat you!" >Sun procures the team Feather and uses it to resurrect Strength to full health! "Don't worry, I've got this. Persona!" >Papinijuwari jumps high into the sky, going high and high, as not to even be there. >Then, he begins his descent, building up momentum and ablaze with gravity and determination. >But mostly gravity. >The landing crushes Magician and gravely injures Judgement. "Why you, take this!" >Judgement breaks his card, and Razgriz shoots Sun down, grinning through the pain. >"To think Team 6 would sacrifice their items early to get a win is amazing! Will Strength be able to finish this? Here's the stats:" TEAM 1: Magician: KO Judgement: 9% HP, 20% SP TEAM 2: Strength: 60% HP, 100% SP Sun: KO "Items don't matter if we don't progress. Papinijuwari, do it!" >The cyclops roars ferociously and swings hard, connecting with Judgement and draining his last energy, sending him against the wall. "Fuck yeah! Rules of Nature, motherfucker!" >Everyone gets healed up as the final team out gets a go at one of the winners. >"Round six is Tower and Justice versus Lust and Death." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go! "Wait, you're weak to Dark, Tower? Hahaha, what are you even doing here? Persona!" >A familiar black beam charges and fires into Team 5. >Tower manages to barely dodge, but Justice is caught in the crossfire, dealing heavy damage! "We don't need you to start dodging all over the place. Icarus!" >The Persona throws aothe glue jar at Team 5, lower their agility. "Don't underestimate me, just because I'm weak to you. Lancelot!" >A shining white Knight pull out his runed sword and utters a spell, sending ice shards crashing into Icarus, freezing Lust onto the ground! "I'm not done yet!" >Lancelot charges at the immobile Lust and slices decisively, injuring Lust badly! >"You used this tactic last time. I wonder if it'll help you? Perseus!" >The Greek hero preps his shield and tosses it like a frisbee, knocking into the downed Lust and resurrecting him. >To everyone's surprise it also hits Death, knocking him to the floor! "One More!" >The shield appears to magically return, disorienting Death but missing the newly resurrected Lust. >"Oh my, Death's Physical weakness has seemed to catch up to him! Will this streak of good luck continue? Here's the stats:" TEAM 5: Tower: 80% HP, 80% SP Justice: 35% HP, 100% SP TEAM 2: Lust: 100% HP, 90% SP (Ressurected Once) Death: 19% HP, 90% SP "Shit, Mary's down, guess I gotta carry for now. Icarus!" >Rays of light tear through the arena as Justice and Tower take damage! "Bufudyne!" >More ice shards strike Icarus, freezing Lust once more. "Once more!" >The frost buries Lust, making him unable to fight for a while! "Time to refresh." >Justice downs the team potion while Death slowly gets up and rebalances himself. >"Looks like Death's back on his feet again. This seems close, but things tend to turnabout easily. Here's the stats:" TEAM 5: Tower: 45% HP, 80% SP Justice: 100% HP, 100% SP TEAM 2: Lust: 10% HP, 90% SP (Dizzy) Death: 19% HP, 90% SP "Die For Me! Die For Me!" >Samedi fires another black beam at Team 5, striking both of them... >But Tower is still alive: nearly dead, but Lancelot protected him from the more dangerous effects! "Time to end this! Perseus!" >When Captain America throws his mighty shield... >...it completely misses Mary, but shatters the ice surrounding Lust, taking him out one more time! >"Lust is down once more, and the agility effects have worn off! What will happen now? Here's the stats:" TEAM 5: Tower: 9% HP, 80% SP Justice: 80% HP, 100% SP TEAM 2: Lust: KO Death: 19% HP, 60% SP "Arise once more, Lust!" >The Baron walks up to Lust's frozen body and bonks him on the head, bringing him back! "Ow, you asshole. Persona!" >Icarus prays to the sun, burning Tower, but barely missing Justice! "Deep Freeze!" >Lancelot's eyes glow blue as a powerful blizzard flows through the arena, missing Death but catching Icarus once more! "One more time, Lancelot!" >The frigid air continues, freezing Lust and knocking Death out. "Game Over! Persona!" >Perseus pulls out his sword and leaps at the frozen Lust, shattering him for a final time and ending the round! FINISH! "Oh, darn it. I got so close too. Don't you agree, Lust?" "Don't make me stuff you in the Rape Chamber again." >The Participants heal up and rest as the final round decisions are solidified. >"Round 7 is Empress and Fortune versus Star and Chariot." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" "Looks like the tables have turned! Persona!" >Hickok pulls out his revolver and fires at Star, connecting and dealing heavy damage! >Empress charges at Star as well, but misses, falling down. "Time to take away that wind resistance, Empress. Scheherazade!" >The elven mistress blows a kiss in Empress's direction, reducing his defense towards wind magic! "Huh? Wait, what's going on?" >Conversation erupts in Argus. "I lost to Mary? And he lost as well? Damn it, I was looking at this new porn game." "No way!" "Source?" >"U-um, it seems that the crowd is a bit preoccupied right now, but this looks to be anypony's game! Here's the stats:" TEAM 3: Empress: 100% HP, 100% SP Fortune: 80% HP, 100% SP TEAM 7: Star: 67% HP, 90% SP Chariot: 100% HP, 85% SP "Draw!" >Hickok aims at Star once more and hits a weak point, sending him to the floor! "One more!" >Another shot is fired, but it harmlessly flies by. >Empress blocks, protecting himself from the worst of attacks. "Unleash the storm, Scheherazade!" >A large sandstorm strikes at Empress, scratching into his skin, but not taking him down! "Full Power! Persona!" >Huitzilopochtli dives at Empress kicking him hard, but not as hard as it could have been, thanks to the block. >"Looks like Team 3 has one more turn of their defenses raised. What will they do now? Here's the stats:" TEAM 3: Empress: 52% HP, 100% SP Fortune: 60% HP, 100% SP TEAM 7: Star: 15% HP, 70% SP Chariot: 80% HP, 85% SP "Probably a bad idea to shoot up the costume designer... Eh, fuck it. Persona!" >The gunman's revolver begins to rotate at increasing speeds, until firing an electrified bullet at Star, who avoids it! "Time to patch up, Gaea!" >The goddess wraps Team 3 in comforting vines, restoring their health to full! "Bottom's up!" >Star downs the team potion, restoring him wounds and returning him to full health. "Haa!" >Chariot crushes his card, and Huitzilopochtli cries out once more, increasing his size and preparing for another grand attack! >"Oh my, it looks like there's going to be another clash! Who will make it this time? Here's the stats:" TEAM 3: Empress: 100% HP, 80% SP Fortune: 100% HP, 80% SP TEAM 7: Star: 100% HP, 70% SP Chariot: 80% HP, 70% SP "Gang up on the Dress Man!" >Fortune suddenly runs up and sucker punches Star, knocking him to the ground! >As he lies there, Fortune kicks him in the plexus, knocking him out cold! "That's pretty ruthless, Fortune." >Empress strikes at Chariot, his Persona absorbing much of the blow. "You're wide open! Persona!" >The giant sun warrior charges at Empress nearl flattening him and knocking him out! "You're next, Lucky Boy!" >Another cry increaes his size and strength for his next attack! >"Oh my, it seems Chariot took advantage of being ignored and took out Empress! How will Fortune handle with no healer? Here's the stats:" TEAM 3: Empress: KO Fortune: 100% HP, 80% SP TEAM 7: Star: KO Chariot: 64% HP, 70% SP "Fuck! Wait, I can do this! Persona!" >Hickok's barrel rapidly spins once more firing an electrified bullet into Chariot, digging in deep. "Raagh!" >Huitzilopochtli charges once more, nearly wiping Fortune out by trampling him! >"This looks close! One attack could decide the whole round! Here's the stats:" TEAM 3: Empress: 0% HP, 80% SP Fortune: 28% HP, 60% SP TEAM 7: Star: 0% HP, 70% SP Chariot: 21% HP, 70% SP >Hickok and Huizilopochtli stand against each other, their eyes burning with bloody murder. >Then, the blue god charges at the gunman, determined to settle this! >Hickok readies his gun! >Huitzilopochtli readies his fist! >And the titans collide, causing a storm of dust to fill the room and blur the results. >When it clears, Fortune is on the ground with a bloody nose, and Chariot is watching, smugly satisfied. FINISH! >The injured return to Argus while the next round begins! >"Round 8 is Sun and Strength versus Tower and Justice." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! "Perseus, bring down the thunder!" >The Greek hero pulls out two bolts of lightning and throws them straight at Team 6, missing by a long shot! "Let me try. Persona!" >Lancelot charges at Sun, striking him with his sword for moderate damage. "You guy are pretty hard hitters, so let's defang you. Tonatiuh!" >The sun god glows red, draining Team 6 of their strength under the withering sun! >Strength had been blocking this turn, much to his chagrin. "Damn it, probably could have gotten away with an attack..." >"A solid start for Round 8! How will Team 5 deal with their weakened attacks? Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Sun: 62% HP, 90% SP Strength: 100% HP, 100% SP TEAM 5: Tower: 80% HP, 100% SP Justice: 100% HP, 80% SP "Last one was a fluke! Persona!" >Perseus tosses two more lightning javelins at his opponents, striking both of them in the chest and sending him to the ground! "Once more!" >The barrage continues, missing Sun but paralyzing Strength to the floor! "It'll take more than a strength debuff to stop me!" >Tower runs at Sun, punching him in the face and knocking him to the floor! "Once more! Lancelot!" >The fallen knight attempts to strike at the prone Sun, but is deflected by his Persona, missing entirely! "Burn, baby, burn!" >Gouts of flame spew forth from Tonatiuh's mouth setting Lancelot ablaze and Tower to the floor, rolling. "To a crisp!" >The flames don't let up, sending Tower to the brink and knocking him out! >Strength is half awake at this point. "Someone gimme tha numbah of tha drivah..." >"Oh no! Tower is down, but Team 6 isn't looking too well! Will Justice attack once more or try to help his teammate? Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Sun: 12% HP, 70% SP Strength: 39% HP, 100% SP (Dizzy) TEAM 5: Tower: KO Justice: 100% HP, 40% SP "It's the end, Sun! In the end, I WAS FASTER!" >Perseus readies his shield and tosses it with all his might, striking Sun down and hittng the dizzy Strength hard. >But Strength isn't down! >He weakly climbs up and crushes his card, summoning Papinijuwari who takes a swing at him! >It connects, draining Justice and restoring some of Strength's vitality! "Thanks for the energy, mate." >"Amazing! Papinijuwari's Health Drain is so powerful, it's nearly leveled the playing field! This could be anypony's game! Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Sun: KO Strength: 34% HP, 80% SP TEAM 5: Justice: 57% HP, 40% SP "Dicemaid, please help me! Persona!" >Perseus tosses a single, large lightning javelin at Strength knocking him down once more! "Finish him, Perseus!" >However, the second javelin misses, harmlessly floating away! "This is it, huh? WITNESS ME!" >The cyclops roars once more and swings... >...Only for it to completely miss Justice. >"Oh no! Justice might be out of SP, but his lowered attack is gone and Strength has really low health! What will happen? Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Strength:4% HP, 60% SP TEAM 5: Justice: 57% HP, 0% SP "Brave Blade!" >Justice shield bashes his card, summoning the Greek hero who takes advantage of the lumbering giant's confusion and begins to climb him! >Papinijuwari attempts to shake off the tiny man, but to no avail as he makes his way to the head of the beast. "Are we playing the right game here? I think we're missing something..." >When he reaches the top, Perseus braces himself and stabs down, piercing Papinijuwari's eye! >The cyclops roars in pain, stumbling, then falling down in a large dust cloud! FINISH! "Sorry, dicemaid, I won't ask again." "Man, I survived all that shit just to be taken out like that?" >The injured return as the next round is decided! >"Round 9 is Hermit and Temperance versus Star and Chariot." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! >Chariot and Temperance shield themselves with their Personas, preparing for the storm! "Scheherazade, blast Temperance!" >The elf spins her sword around, creating a miniature vortex that she sends crashing into Temperance! >However, thanks to his blocking, Temperance is still standing. "Let's give you some protection, Temperance. Dantalion!" >The multi-head demon mutters an incantation, covering his ally with a green veil protecting him from one spell! >"An interesting start, to be sure. What will happen next? Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 100% HP, 80% SP Chariot: 100% HP, 100% SP TEAM 11: Hermit: 100% HP, 95% SP Temperance: 72% HP, 100% SP "Time to get rid of your immunity, Hermit! Persona!" >Scheherazade blows a kiss at Hermit, leaving a kiss mark on his face that breaks his wind resistance! "Lemme at 'em!" >Chariot charges at Hermit for the swing, only to miss and almost fall over. "Come, Dantalion!" >His eyes glow green as a wave of screeching souls crash into Chariot, knocking him over! "Once more!" >The wave returns, rushing through Chariot's prone form and leaving him disoriented! "Fire away, Sophrosyne!" >The gargantuan lizard lady charges up her frills, firing a massive blue beam at Star, extremely damaging him! >"Oh my, Team 7's attacks were so devestating! What is Team 11 going to do? Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 47% HP, 70% SP Chariot: 21% HP, 100% SP (Dizzy) TEAM 11: Hermit: 100% HP, 65% SP Temperance: 72% HP, 65% SP "You think you're clever, protecting Temperance like that, but I can use this to my advantage! Persona!" >A giant sandstorm flows towards Temperance, reflecting off his veil and absorbed back into Star's body, recovering most of his health! >Chariot is unable to move, breathless from the last attack. "Shit, forgot about that! Dantalion!" >Another gale of the damned flies towards the incapacitated Chariot, knocking him out cold! "Second volley, Sophrosyne!" >Another charged beam of destruction flies at Star, only to miss entirely! >"Oh my, what a scene: Star's nearly recovered and Temperance's proection is gone! Will be able to carry this one through? Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 97% HP, 40% SP Chariot: KO TEAM 11: Hermit: 100% HP, 55% SP Temperance: 72% HP, 30% SP "It's my turn to shine! Persona!" >Scheherazade dances feverishly, summoning mini-tornados that fly into Team 11, striking Temperance but missing Hermit! >The onslaught continues, leaving Hermit unscathed but knocking Temperance out! "Take this!" >Hermit strikes at Star, but only strikes thin air as he jumps back! >"It looks like the Teams are evenly matched! Who will make it to the finals? Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 97% HP,0% SP TEAM 11: Hermit: 100% HP, 65% SP Temperance: KO "Return to me, Chariot!" >The team feather falls onto Chariot, reviving him once more! "You're cruisin' for a bruisin' Hermit!" >Chariot swings once more at Hermit, connecting and bloodying his nose. >Suddenly, Hermit grips Chariot in a bearhug, immobilizing him! "Not any more than you are, Chariot! Persona!" >A tiny tornado appears underneath Hermit, slowly growing in size and power until it becomes as a maelstrom! >It continues unabated, tearing at Chariot until he can no longer take the damage, and falls once more! >The kiss mark on Hermit rubs off, returning his Wind resistance! >"Amazing! Chariot's Wind Weakness did not prepare him for Hermit landing two spells in a row! Star now only has a Candy left! What will he do now? Her's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 97% HP,0% SP Chariot: KO TEAM 11: Hermit: 73% HP, 35% SP "Shit. No allies, no SP, only one Candy..." >Star smiles at Hermit. "You know what this means, don't you?" >Hermit returns a knowing grin. "Yeah." "Fist fight!" "Fist fight!" >The two rush at each other, apparently forgetting about their Personas, and clash! >Star misses the first punch, while Hermit lands a clean hit on Star! >"Oh my, it seems the combatants have thrown away all concepts of using their Personas! Will this continue? Here's the stats:" TEAM 7: Star: 70% HP,0% SP TEAM 11: Hermit: 73% HP, 45% SP >The two combatants jump back, then charge at each other again, fists raised! "ORAORAORAORAORA!" "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" >Both blows connect, sending Star and Hermit to the ground! "You hit too hard, motherfucker!" "Could say the same to you, shithead." >Regardless of the animosity in their voices, there's a grin on each of their faces. >This was a whole lot more fun then they had thought. "HERMIIIIIIT!" "STAAAAAAR!" >The fighters, nearly defeated, charge one more time, intent on finishing this. >Friend to friend. >Persona to Persona. >Brother to brother. >This fight ended here! "ORA!" "HYA!" >Fist met against fist: Persona against Persona. >For a while, Star faltered, only for Dantalion to start shattering, leading Hermit to cry out in pain and fall! FINISH! "Good fight, man." "Yeah, you too." >The injured return as the finals begin! >"The final round is Tower and Justice versus Star and Chariot!" "I'm gonna laugh if the one person who wanted to talk wins." >"Ready..." >"Set..." >"Go!" BATTLE START! "Come, Scheherazade!" >The elven dancer manages to outspeed Perseus, sending a gale of wind that strikes at Tower with force, but misses Justice! "Power up!" >Huitzilopochtli let's out a cry, psyching Chariot for a physical attack! "Let's go for the double-whammy, Tower!" "Right!" >Team 5 corners Star and sock him good, dealing heavy damage! "Why the fuck is everyone ganging up on me?" "-So now I've figured out it was Lyra in Trixie's performance that took Anon's place!" "Oh my god." "Really?" "This explains everything..." >"Um... The crowd seems distracted with personal revelation right now, but what a devestating attack by Team 5. With only one candy, Team 7's going to have to get creative. Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Star: 45% HP, 80% SP Chariot: 100% HP, 85% SP TEAM 5: Tower: 67% HP, 100% SP Justice: 100% HP, 100% SP "I'm not down yet! Persona!" >A giant sandstorm consumes Tower, sending him flying all over the map! >Eventually, it spits him back to the field, bloodied but not yet broken! "I'm coming for you, Justice!" >The gargantuan warrior charges at Justice, but the smaller Arcana avoids it! "Just a little more, Perseus! Grant me your power!" >The hero leaps at Star, getting a solid hit that almost takes him down! "Never give up, never surrender! Persona!" >His white armor seeming shining without any form of light nearby, Lancelot charges at Star and runs him through, knocking him out. >"I just wanted to talk about this..." comes out of his lips. >"Oh no! Star has been defeated! Chariot has no moves that can hurt Tower! Should he surrender? Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Star: KO Chariot: 80% HP, 85% SP TEAM 5: Tower: 11% HP, 100% SP Justice: 80% HP, 100% SP "Damn it, this battle's unfair as shit! Can I swing Star around?" >"Oh my! You can't do that! Somepony might get hurt!" "JUST!" "I wouldn't piss off Rarara if I were you." "It'll be really cool!" "Could someone please hear me out?" >Chariot lifts up Star above his head, and tosses him at Tower! >Tower attempts to defend himself, but the surprise catches him off-guard and buries him under the poor Star! "Shit, he can do that? Get back up, Tower!" >Justice uses the team Feather to help Tower regain enough strength to lift Star off him. >"Oh dear, Chariot is using Star as a weapon to affect Tower's immunity! I hope this doesn't go too far... Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Star: Tossed Chariot: 100% HP, 85% SP TEAM 5: Tower: 100% HP, 100% SP Justice: 80% HP, 100% SP "Hey, maybe we could toss it back at Char-" "Not if I get it first! Huitzilopochtli!" >The Aztec warrior swiftly grabs the defeated Star and readies him like a club, swinging once more at Tower! >It connects, eliciting grunts of pain and a "Chariot's so fucking dead" from the audience. "Even with your... Improvised weapon, we'll still win!" >Tower runs at Chariot with a raised fist, only to miss and barely keep is footing! "Think fast, Chariot!" >Justice jumps at Chariot and pins him, taking minor damage thanks to his Persona but now vulnerable to attack! "It's time!" "Yeah!" "Persona!" "Persona!" >Perseus and Lancelot waste no time and launch Chariot into the air! >Lancelot keeps the juggle on the ground while Perseus slices away at Huitzilopochtli protecting Chariot! >Suddenly, the slashes increase speed as the flourishes become more and more complex! >As a final move, Team 5's Personas jump above Chariot and knock him down to earth! COMBO ATTACK: Swordplay! >"Amazing, our first Combo attack in the tournament! Anything could happen now! Here's the stats:" TEAM 6: Star: Club Chariot: 34% HP, 85% SP TEAM 5: Tower: 82% HP, 100% SP Justice: 80% HP, 100% SP "I wanna get off Chariot's Wild Ride..." "You know, Chariot, for trusting Star enough, you sure don't listen to him." "Que." "I mean," >Justice lowers his fighting stance. "This is all getting a bit too silly." "This is supposed to be a night where we celebrate the holiday that brought us all together." "But instead, we've been spending who knows how long just beating each other's lights out!" >Chariot stands there, looking at the poor, beaten body of Star, conflicting emotions in him. >Tower joins in, seeing the crack in his facade! "Yeah, Star had a point. We don't need to prove which Arcana is the best, as we work perfectly as a team!" "So just put Star back down, and we'll work this through, together." >Everything goes silent as Chariot mulls over his options. >His eyes light up with understanding, and... >...swings at Tower, missing him and slipping on a frozen puddle he had made previously. >Justice shrugs. "Oh well, it was worth a shot. Guess you like doing things the hard way, huh? Persona!" >Perseus readies one final lightning javelin, tossing it into Chariot! >It connects, delivering enough jolts into Chariot to knock him out cold! FINISH! >The battle was over. >Team 5, Tower and Justice, had made it through all their opponents and were victorious! >"Congratulations, you two!" "THIS WAS RIGGED!" "Fucking finally, we can actally get to ponies." >Everyone gets healed up, and prepares to exit the beaten battlefield. "You know what's bothering me?" "We had like two ponies tops in this whole thing?" "Not really. What I don't get is how we even ha-" >Everyone wakes up. Sunday Afternoon, October 31st, Twilight's Castle >Twilight and Fluttershy greet the eyes of the awakening Arcanas. >But that's not all: the entire room was filled with their loved ones and acquaintances with varying degrees of expressions. >Not to mention the large amounts of popcorn buckets and soda. "Wait, why is everyone here?" >Twilight grins slightly. >"Well, it's not often that we have the chance to see which of our boyfriends can beat up each other." >She looks at Chariot in particular. >"You might want to take that head start." >Visible confusion mars his face when he notices a particularly furious Rarity giving him the death glare. >Chariot bolt out of there, with Rarity chasing after him! >"You come back here, you RUFFIAN!" >Nervous chuckling passes through the Arcanas as Twilight returns her attention towards them. >"It's fine if you guys want to burn some frustrations, but next time try to be a bit more careful, for our sakes." >Begrudging agreement echoes around as Star gets up and dusts his suit off. "Well, seeing as how Tower and Justice won, what do you guys want for your costumes?" >Justice greedily rubs his hands and laughs maniacally. "Huehuehue. Dibs on Cyrano!" "I'll just go with a Lancelot costume. M.A.R.A. might be too much this holiday season." >Justice stops dancing around for a bit and speak up. "Also, since we won, everyone's gotta help Star with the costumes and shit. Probably won't make up for him being tossed around like a flail, but it's a start." >Everyone could see a tear of joy fall from Star's mask as he bear hugged the man. "No homo." "All the homo." "Anyone else getting that feeling that this was just a masturbatory session for Tower and Justice? Seems weird the idea was brought up by Justice of all people..." "Eh, who cares? Not like this shit's canon." >And so, all the Arcanas (including Chariot with a few needles in him), spent the rest of the afternoon helping Star finish up the dresses for Nightmare Night. >And the festivities of such a special night continued until the wee hours of the morning, signalling a new day. >Tower and Justice were egged with great prejudice the next morning. FIN