Tying Knots

[Reno]

".............. Are you pointing your penis at me?"

That is NOT a sentence you want to walk home too.

Roxas eyes twitch as he walked inside the room. "Just wehat in gods name are you two doing?!" He looked behind Demyx and Axel fiercely. He'd hurt them both very very mcuh if they didn;t give him the answer he wanted.

Demyx cowered a bit. Roxas was still kind of scary even after all these years! "Nothing!"


Sora grinned up at Riku. "Sure, i'll just through you in the ring and you can impersonate me!" He joked, kissing Riku on the chin. "We'll spike up your hair, get you some baggy clothes..." he grinned teasingly. "You'll look horrible!" he joked.

He truely was excited though. He hadn;t had a chance to exercise his muscles or polish otu some of his newer techniques since the last adventure - which he spent a good portion of it BEING the bad guy. Besides the tournaments were nothing but good clean fun - no killing allowed; though lots and lots of pain can come out of it. Coruse, he;d be the guy winning the fights so he didn;t need to worry.


Terra chuckled when he saw Ven jump. they all really were exhasuted. He set the book down and tapped over, looking at the computer screen, it was still sdearching for the last member - someone by the name of Saix. It might very well not be finished for hours.

What he was glad about was that Xemnas had come up negative. He really didn;t want to see that baastard ever again - no matter WHAT form he was in. Though revenge might be sweet...

"Alright, let;s get to bed. we can leave the computer on." Terra said.

Aqua stretched her arms above her head. "sounds good." she commented. She had been out and about all day scouting worlds. So far Olyumpus was their best bet.


"of course." He purred. "My plans always work." He turned to look at her. "he's just one boy." He set down the paper, tapping voer to his bookcase where his record files were laid. He pulled one down, flipping through it.

He was a conquester, a fighter and a leech. His name was Hatori Hjimei. He was a lot older then he looked. Ever since he was a name boy living on a dusty planet, he had been enormored by the dark arts of ancient magic. Magic only warlocks were familar with. Only Yen Sid or Merlin would truly recognize him for who he was - an Atterian. One who walks upon the lands and sucks the power of it and its' people dry, empowering himself to greater heights. He knew thousands upon thousands of spells and fighting styles and techniques thanks to his conquests.

"He can not honestly hope to stand up to someone like me."

[Rikugurl]

Axel blinked as he saw Roxas behind Demyx. His eyes grew a bit worried and he shook his head, waving his arms. "Ut....ut.... It's what you think Roxas!"

His pants were all nice and ripped!

Xio looked over the couch and tilted his head. It was already chaotic since Demyx moved here.


Riku blinked and pulled away. "Obviously everyone would know it's me. Especially by the way I hold my keyblade." That was very true. Sora fought like everyone else... but Riku had an odd way of holding his key, up over his shoulder.

He softly pulled the other to their bedroom and smiled as he saw the carbuncle on the bed already. "We need to get a good night sleep huh? Got a big day ahead of you." He smiled softly as he pulled his shirt off and sat on the bed.

A pale hand reached over and pet the green fur. He never thought having a pet was a good idea... but she wasn't bad at all.


Ven nodded as he stood and yawned, turning off four of the five monitors. He shuffled to his and Terra's bedroom and pulled off his shirt, throwing it into the hamper.

The thing he loved about finding new keyblades were the names and the looks of them. Every one was so different... and so unique.


The tall woman frowned as she looked down at the man. She was ridiculously tall.. maybe even taller than Axel. Her high heels could count for that... and her long ears might of given her the tall look too.

The dark skinned woman crossed her arms, her bow on his hip swinging a bit. She was highly intelligent with old myths and lands. She knew how to read people well and was a proud fighter.

"I wouldn't underestimate him Hatori. Many people already have... and they are no more."

[Reno]

Roxas' eye twitched and he gerinned evilly. "Oh i wonder who i should kill first."

"Uh-uh him!" Demyx said pointed to Axel. "I'm the good guy here!" He sent an apolgoectic grin the red-head;s way but he REALLY didnlt want to get beat up by the blonde.


Sora laughed lightly. At the mention of sleeping he smiled. Yeah and he could finally sleep too!

Invidia's eyes opened and she looked around to Riku, then she laid her head back down, going back to bed. Sora smiled, watching them, He knew Riku would love a pet!!

"Hey, can we take Invidia with us?" Sora asked suddenly as he took off his own shirt, throwing it to join Riku's. Axel and Roxas always took Xio everywhere, why couldn't they take Invidia?

The carbuncle's ears twitched at her name.


"good night guys." Aqua said, placing her empty plate in the sink as she and Fuujin retired to their room.

Terra yawned, rubbing his eyes, following Ven into theirs. His eyes hurt from all the reading he had done today - and to think he had only found one mesely keyblade!


"They were weaklings." Hatori said simply, turning to face the other. "Xehanort and his lackeys were fools. Hoenstly, when you have 13 members to go by the law of a war is to all attack at once." He smirked. "but I suppose that works in my favor now. I'll have the keybladers power soon."

He wasn't worried. Sora was strong - he knew that. He COUNTED on that fact. He had watched the boy fight, and was intrigued by his skills both phsyical and magical.

Most improtantly though was his rate of adaption. which was faster then any other human he'd seen yet. That was what truly interested him. that was what he was going to steal above all else. He wanted that rate.

[Rikugurl]

Axel blinked and glared at Demy then looked back at Roxas. "Do you really think I'd show my penis to this nut!? We've already compared sizes a long time ago before you were.... even created!"

He blinked. Well... that probably wasn't the best thing to tell Roxas.

Xio whimpered and pulled his paws over his eyes. That was bad.


Riku blinked and looked up, pulling his pants off and getting under the blanket. "Sure... I don't see why not. Axel said that she had healing power right? Maybe it would be a good idea to bring her."

He laid his head on the pillow and looked at Sora's packed bag. Every time Sora went to those tournaments... something bad always happened. "Sora.... do you think that maybe this is a trap?"


The woman frowned again. "But there was Ansem... and Maleficent. They are also no more and they worked single handedly." She looked up at the night sky, seeing Sora, Donald and Goofy's constellation.

"I honestly think the only person who can destroy Sora is his lover. And with his lover, they seem to be unbeatable. You shouldn't over look the power of love. It's the greatest power in the universe." She spoke quietly.

He amber eyes moved back to the man and sighed. She walked past him towards a building where some people were already staying for the fight tomorrow. "I'll get your bed ready."
The woman was Hatori Hjimei 'Agent' for the fight. With her looks and well spoken English, she was able to bribe any man to do anything she asked.

[Reno]

Demyx looked at Axel, shocked, then waved to him. He was going to miss his red-haired friend. He had always been such a great entertainment.

Roxas' eye twitched again, and he growled. "You're DEAD AXEL!" the blonde charged, and tackled the red head to the floor.


Invidia's ears twitched again. so she was coming along? Great, she would get to see her master fight.

Sora hurried stripped the rest of the way as well, getting under the covers, itnertwining his legs with Riku's. he looked at him, smiling brightly. "You worry too much Riku." He kissed him then.


Hatori scoffed, watching the other leave the room. The pwoer of love? Ha, what a joke. He looked out the window, his eyes clouding over as he remembered a woman with brown hair.

"Hatori... he;s our little boy. our little Terra." the mother said fondly, rocking the newborn in her arms.
Hatori looked down at the squeamish mess. "Tch doesn;t look like much to me."
"Well he has to grow!" The mother said, laughing.


Hatori glanced back at the house, the sounds of his crying two-year old meeting his ears. He merely shook his head... and continued wlaking. He would not be returning.


"Hatori... what are you doing?" the mother whispered, looking up at her husband with wide eyes. His claws were buried in her chest, the crackle of energy being transfered surronding them.
"Mommy?" A voice called from outside the locked door.
"stay away Terra!" The mother called.
"This is the end for you." Hatori whispered, ripping out his claws. There was no blood to mark the wound, no visible scars left behind to show what had been taken.
The mother collasped to the floor. In five days from then she would die, leaving her only child an orphan.



"Love." he muttered again. "Is not real. Not for Atterians." He smirked.

[Rikugurl]

Roxas was able to hear that unmanly scream of his once more as he was slammed into the floor.

Xio peaked through his paws, seeing the horrible scene as his master was screaming bloody murder and tried to get away. He sighed and laid on the couch, ignoring his master's calling. He probably deserved it.


Riku smiled softly as their legs intertwined and blinked at the kiss. He returned the kiss a bit longer and frowned as he pulled away. "I don't know... you should just be cautious in case."

He kissed his lover on the forehead before turning out the lamp. A warm and loving arm brought Sora closer as they cuddled in the darkness.


The woman walked up the stairs and down the hallway to their room. A fighter was walking down her way and blinked, looking at her. What a weird looking......... wow... look at that body...
The woman frowned as her long nails pushed into the man's face without a care. "Take a picture." She stated coldly before unlocking the room.

Once inside their assigned room, she closed the door and sighed. She had a bad feeling about this. Slowly she took off her high heels and walked to a queen sized bed. Hatori didn't like the feel of brand new things... so we pulled the covers up and redid the bed loosely. She puffed the pillows up and made them 100% fluffier.

She pulled off a small head ornament she wore and placed it on the desk. Tight leather clothing followed as she pulled over a silk nightgown.
Sitting on the chair, she crossed her legs and pulled out a brush, slowly brushing her white long hair. Bunny ears folded as the brush ran along them.

She was starting to miss her home... but she was very far away from it... and she... was now Hatori's...

[Reno]

Roxas growled at him, shaking him by his colalr. "you're such a PERVERT!"

Demyx, using his wise brain of his, took this time to high tail it from the room. Better safe then sorry right?


Sora smiled kindly. "I will I promise." Moments later theyw ere shrouded int ehd ark. He hummed apprciatively when he was pulled against the other. "G'night." he whispered softly, cuddling up to the other, shutting his eyes.


Hatori shut his book, smirking. tommorrow was a new day. And he would be it;s supreme ruler.

~~~


"ah the coliseum!" Sora said, stretching his arms way up high to embrace the sun. It had been so long since he had been here last. The last time he had been here it had bene in ruins thanks to a Hydra's attack - but now it was refurbished to it's former glory and ready to accept it's heros again.

Invidia, nose twitching from all the sand and heat, sneezed and hopped onto Sora's shoulders, balancing with ease across the back of his neck. Sora laughed, petting her head. "mind the claws darling." he joked, sparing Riku a wide, wide grin. "this is gonna be fun!" He led Riku forward towards the small room most of the contestants waited in before tournaments. He didn;t get far before he heard a call of his name.

"Sora!"

It was more of a quack really. Sora;s head turned and he grinned. "Donald! Goofy!" He KNEW they;d be here!

He hurried over to his friends, embracing them both. "You guys came to watch?"

Donald smirked. "and to return soemthing to you." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a box. Sora took it, excitedly opening it to find his necklacelaid out inside. it shined like never before - they had polished it?

"wow thanks!" Sora said, taking it out. Invidia jumped from his shoulder and down onto the ground as he snapped the necklace back on sighing happily as the familar weight settled onto his chest.

"Yen Sid had to do quiet a number on it." Donald told him. "It was real ancient magic they used."

Sora blinked curiously. "really?"



From the contestant box, a dark figure leaned against the threshold of the door, red eyes narrowed as he looked out. So... they had discovered the spell. That was a damper on his plans - though not by much. He would be given a much greater chance to see if this sora was who he really wanted.

Within, most of the other contestants milled. The Radiant Garden - and Delshad group was sitting around. His gaze fell away from his prey, towards the blonde and red-head who were asking Hercules if he had had any problems with any 'black-coated men'. Ah the organization was it?

That could work to his advantage. the would suspect them before suspecting him.


Aqua was settled on the top of a roof, her hands placed against cool stone, eyes shut. A faint ripple of her pwoer spread out across the world - undetectable by most if not all. Her powers with water allowed her to feel nearly all parts of a world at once. for some reason Terra couldn't harness this skill even though he was one with earth.

Her magic collided against something, almost like a barrier. She frowned. "There's interference. I can't get any locking on the keyblade." She communicated into the piece. "The God's power is a lot stronger than my own."

"Oh great." Terra grumbled in her ear, still at the base with Ven. "so now what?"

"Well we do it the old-fashioned way. We go savenger hunting. Oh and i felt something interesting. Sora's here... and so is Roxas and Axel." She said back. "I guess we can get to watching the fights and look afterwards?"

[Rikugurl]

Riku yawned as he looked around the dusty place. Sora had said that they had cleaned up... but it was so dusty still! He coughed a bit as he followed Sora into the little waiting room. He blinked as he saw Donald and Goofy rush up and smiled. So Mickey didn't come? That was a shame.

"Really!" The dog continued. "He said he never saw anything like this. It was ancient itself and said you should be careful, Sora." Goofy frowned as he talked. It seemed like they might be in for another adventure... but luckily it wasn't against Riku! Or Sora.


Axel smiled slightly as he got a bright answer from Hercules. He had seen no sign of them whatsoever.
That was great news.

He looked down at Roxas and messed his hair. "Thanks there Herk!" The pyro waved and walked back to the bleachers that everyone else was waiting at.

If the Organization was really still at rest, the might just be a day full of great fighting!


Next to the dark figure, the tall woman stood again with her bow at her side and helmet like ornament on her head. Her amber eyes stretched over the other contestants... who seemed to have an eye for her.

She scoffed and looked away, placing her dark hands on her leather hips. She supposed it was her own fault that she chose to wear reveling clothing... but it was all a part of the act.


Ventus groaned as he head that there was a barrier. Of course there was. He perked up and smiled though when he heard her say that they could watch the fight.
"Alright! Let's go!"

He jumped out of his chair and a computerized portal appeared. His portal was a lot less faded that the others... seeing that his heart was still closed up pretty tightly.
On the computer screen, there was still a search bar for Saix.
He jumped through and feet landed on dusty dirt.

Blue eyes looked up at the sky and he smiled. Walking into the large arena, he looked around, seeing that the seats were all pretty full by now. He stopped though when something bright hit his eye. He looked where it came from and it was Fujin.

"HAHA! Alright! She saved us a spot!"

[Reno]

Mickey was actually hard at work with Yen sid, looking for both the organization and the man who had charmed Sora's necklace. He dobuted they were related - Xehanort, no matter how cunning and evil, didn;t have the resources to cast magic like that. In fact, according to Yen sid NO ONE should be able to. the warlock who could had died out years ago... myesteriously died out.

Sora grinned at his old friends. "don;t worry guys i'm gonna be fine!" He straightened, smiling brightly. "Now all you all go get a seat and root for me!" He turned to Riku, giving him a quick yet loving kiss. "Especally you Ri!"

Invidia made a soft bark, trying to get her master's attention. Sora laughed looking down and pet her. "you too Vi." The carbuncle nuzzled his hand.


Roxas gave a nod and a smile, following after Axel. That was comforting. Maybe this wasn;t so bad after all. Maybe Demyx - and Saix - were a fluke. He took his seat next to Axel, there knees touching. "Well, at least we know they haven't come back here."

He looked around, seeing people all around. He saw Riku coming out towards the stands and waved towards the silverette, trying to get his attention. A familar green pet was following right behind. Of course they would come here - this was Sora's fight.


Hatori chuckled darkly, turning towards her. "Try to look less snappish. It would do you wonders." He looked outwards towards the crowd and his eyes narrowed, catching sight of a familar brunette. Terra. So, he went back to them after all. "Crawling back like a dog." he mumbled under his breath.

What a disappointment.


Terra walked after Ven, the solidity of his portal comforting. Aqua had gotten lost in his just a few days ago. Her pwoers to connect to worlds was weakening drastically and that was going to cause new problems for them. Lots of new ones.

He stepped up beside the other.

Aqua vacated the rooftops, quickly jumping down to the stands. no one seemed to find her behavoir strange - then again everyone was weird here. She walked over to where fuujin was, slipping into the bench next to her. moments later Terra and Ven joined them.


Sora lounged close by to his friends from Radiant, saying excitedly that he couldn't wait to fight them - if they made it that far. Yuffie teasingly hit him over the head - promsiing to see him to the final round.


The crowd quieted as Phil, 'expert' trainer of the famous Hercules, announced the fights would be starting now.

And start they did. the beginning was explosive. Hades Versus Hercules of all people! The battle was firey, and a barrier - made sure the flames stayed inside the arena and didn't reach the crowds outside. The barrier itself was very solid on the inside - but on the outside easy to break by just a simple touch. It was for cases of... well... things like cloud getting eaten up by Cereberus type things.

The battle ended quickly, Hercules the winner, Hades the furious loser.

the next was Sora versus - of all people (or well actually animals) - Cereberus. The sight of the bigm three-headed dog had Invidia shaking with fear. but her master stood strong, just grinning. He said something like, "What, I come here for a fight and I get the easiest opponent?!"

The brunette raced across the large arena as the dog came snapping for him, skilling dodging any fire balls or dark matter the dog had to throw at him. The battle itself? lastered one minute and 30 seconds.

All three heads had been coming for Sora at once, and in a crazy move he jumped up, using phsyical strength alone to push the left and right head away by the noses. The middle however was facing him and snapped forward. It looked like he was going to get eatten!

Sora however jumped forward, locking his keyblade between it;s mouth. The dog clamped it's jaw, and sora went spring upwards. He twirled in midair, keyblade pointed down as he plummeted, smacking it solidly over the dog's head.

Cereberus was out like a light and sora waved his arms to the crowd as they cheered, grinning widely.


Leon versus Yuffie was next. It was an entertaining fight mostly because Yuffie was poofing around teasing Leon every chance she got. 'Oh tooo slow! come on old fart!' or 'come on Leon, losing your 'drive' already? haha!' Where some of the things she said.

The fight ended with her losing of course by a very enraged Leon's hands.


Pete versus Cloud was next. Let's jsut say it ended quickly and badly for one poor cat.


At the end... it was Hatori versus Tifa.

[Rikugurl]

Riku smiled at the kiss and nodded, walking out with Goofy and Donald. They walked along the side when they heard some shouting from above. The silverette looked up, seeing Roxas and Axel waving.
"Come on." He looked down at the duck and dog as he jumped up and joined the other two.

It was odd how they were getting along now. It seemed live everyone they battled had become a friend. Goofy sat alongside Donald and looked around at the huge crowd. "Gwarsh! Look at all them people!"


Axel smiled as he saw Sora's lover and friends join them. "Nice for you to join us!" The pyro grinned and soon laid back a bit into the bleacher. He had some nasty sleeps on the couch.

As for Demy, he was back at... home listening to some music and just... well... catching up with life. He supposed that was a good thing.


Fujin looked over, a bit startled that Aqua had just landed next to her. She smiled though and slightly nuzzled the other before the guys came marching up.

"What the fuck is this!? No popcorn or anything!?" Ventus growled as he sat down next to Aqua. How could he watch a show without popcorn!? Or a damn soda?


The woman just looked down at him and frowned, then out at the arena as she saw a brunette and blonde pass by. That must of been the man Hatori had mentioned.


From afar, the games were extremely entertaining. There were many 'oo' and 'ah's going around the arena along with cheering or boos if someone did a tricky deal.

The fire from Hades excited Axel, making him sit at the end of his chair. Roxas had to pull on his collar to keep him from falling over.

As for Sora, Riku watched closely, seeing him against the huge beast. He blinked as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Riku, we fought Cerberus plenty of times. Sora could beat him with a blind fold!"

The fight with Leon and Yuffie was quite funny, making everyone laugh. Fujin took note of the scar down Leon's face... just like Seifer's.

The battle that Cloud was in was quite a pathetic on. Pete didn't even stand a chance. Not much cheering happened after the battle was one.... it was kind of one sided.


"And last but not least: Hatori versus Tifa!"
Goofy ducked a bit at the mention of Tifa's name. She had quite a temper on her when she was looking for Cloud.

From the pit of the arena, the two contestants walked out onto the dirty field. The shuffling of black boots... and light steps of experienced footwork and elegant steps on high heels.

The crowd went silent as most eyes turned to the man's arm wear.
Axel blinked, rubbing his eyes. "Whoa... is she real!?"
Ventus blinked as he leaned in, squinting his eyes. "Is that a fucking rabbit!?"

Some women had to knock their husbands or boyfriends over the head to stop them from drooling over the dark skinned woman. Her ears twitched as the wind blew though them.
She slowly leaned down to Hatori's ear.
"Good luck..." She said softly before pulling away and made her way passed Tifa. They shared a glare before the unique woman found a place to stand on the outlines.

[Reno]

Hopefully Roxas and Axel didn;t go home to a flooded house. Roxas didn;t much trust the crazy blonde with a bad singing voice. At least he thought it was bad.


Aqua rolled her eyes at Ven. "Tch shut the fuck up Venny-boy."

Terra laughed. "besides we don;t need you getting fat and useless on us, dickweed."


After the last fight of the preliminaries was announced, all eyes were drawn to the woman, rather then the fighter. Well almost all eyes.

"pff, no they're probably fake." Aqua commented with a roll of her eyes. she didn't see what was so great about the woman - all she had was some nice breasts big damn deal. She had RABBIT ears for god's sake!
Terra however, wasn't paying attention to the woman. he was looking at the man, shifting uncomfortably beside Ven. what was it about him that gave him... chills?

Invidia watched the woman curiously, her own rabbit-like ears twitching with curiosity.

Roxas blinked as well. "Well damn..." he said. Though all of his and Sora's travels they ahd never encountered a woman-animal hybrid. It was very... strange looking.

Sora was watching Hatori rather then the woman as well. she had fascinated him of course... but the aura around Hatori had made him keep his distance. He just... didn;t seem safe.

his eyes narrowed - and prayed Tifa was going to be okay.


The barrier came up and Tifa got into a stance. Her eyes were fierce. She was a strong woman with a lot of heart and spirit. She and Sora got along well because they both were optimistic.

Hatori drew no weapon at all. He stood there, his arms crossed easily.

The bell dinked. Tifa went forward, flinging punch and kick after punch and kick and Hatori dodged them all. the ight dragged on, getting longer and longer. Most people, annoyed, turned their heads towards the rabbit-like woman once again. And missed it.

Terra didn;t. his eryes were intent on the man. Sora didn;t either, wanting to get a view of what he might be up against.

Tifa charged, hitting her fists outwards. Her martial artist skills were second to none. Hatori didn't even flinch as he moved his head and his hand smacked against her stomach.

Tifa went flying, hitting the barrier hard. Unconcious upon impact.

Sora;s eyes went wide. "Oh... shit."

[Rikugurl]

Ven growled at the nickname. WHY DID EVERYONE CALL HIM VENNY IT WAS UGLY! He pouted and leaned back a bit, enjoying the sun that came down on them. He wasn't sure... he saw some pretty scanky women before trying to pull off the playboy bunny ears... but for some reason... he felt like they were her own.

Or even if they weren't, she did an excellent job at matching the short fur to her hair color!


Axel shook his head as he looked down at the fighters. He had Roxas and that was all he had his eyes on... Unless Ventus was around anywhere but he would try not to get a nosebleed anytime soon.


The dark skinned woman was exotic to many people. No one had ever seen a... whatever she was before. Her bleached hair was a hard contrast on her brown skin but... it worked somehow. Like Ven had noticed, most fake girls would probably be more ditsy... but this woman wore no fake tail and her face was hard, like a warrior's. She was a real deal.

Her amber eyes watched the fight as it went on. That was the plan it seemed... that he would bore the crowd. She supposed that was the only reason Hatori had spared her life that day... because she was a great distraction. People were more fascinated by her, if not from her sexy clothing then by her race.

And it seemed to work. Hatori wouldn't like a crowd to see how he drained the life out of a person, or how powerful he was. 93% of the crowd was looking at her instead of the finishing blow.


Axel blinked as he saw Tifa go flying. "Whoa! No way!" He frowned, looking at the skilled fighter get blown off her feet so easily.

Ventus gasped too, his eyes wide as the man pushed out a powerful energy.

Riku growled, seeing the one hit K.O. He looked down at Sora and frowned more. "Sora... you sure you'll be ok?"


As the barrier faded, the crowd blinked as the announcement came out.
"Hatori versus Tifa! Hatori wins!"
A small medic started to pull Tifa away.

The rabbit like woman slowly walked over to Hatori, 'strutting her stuff'. She wrapped her arms around the dark man's neck and waved to the crowd that was cheering.

All a show... all a show.

[Reno]

"Shit" Roxas cursed under his breath, looking at tifa;s spiraled form. tifa... NEVER got beaten that easily. she went toe-to-toe with SEPHIROTH. there was just no way. strength like that was unreal!

Terra shuddered and growled. He didn;t like this. not one bit.

Aqua just stared blankly, looking down at Tifa, then back to Hatori. What was that...? pure... power?

Donald shared a concerned look with Goofy. "Boy i hope she;s alright..."

Sora's eyes narrowed determinedly, nodding fiercely to Riku;s question. "Of course!" He looked towards the other, smiling. "i'm gonna be fine kicking HIS ass." He had a feeling... he;d be seeing Hatori in the finals.

Invidia's eyes were narrowed. she didn;t like the power radiating off that man.

Hatori smirked, walking off with the rabbit-like woman. Sora, knowing his fight was next, got up to go to the ring. As he passed the man, hatori hissed, "Don't lose." to him. the brunette's eyes narrowed angrily.


The semi-finals were next. Three fights for the last three fighters. Sora went up again Hercules. It took many tries to fight off the man, his fists rough and bruising but his only blade sharp and unforgiving. The two were practically laughing by the end of it all - Sora being a victor. "And I'M the junoir hero?" he teased.

Then Leon went up against Cloud. The two swordsman danced across the ring, blades creating loud revetabrations. a few gunshots and fire spells came from the scarred man - but the minute Cloud went into his omnislash move Leon knew it was over. Cloud won, but helped his old friend out of the ring. they were still friends.

Finally a coin was tossed to determine who Hatori would get to fight. Sora was heartbroken when Cloud won, but Cloud, looking for vengence, only set out all too happily to kick his ass.

Again that bunny-female walked out. Eyes were still drawn, but the crowd watched more attentively this time. It was nearly twenty minutes in of Hatori dodging insane sword strikes and powerful combos that the crowd's eyes wandered once again.

Cloud was up in the air, slashing downwards - when something dark wrapped around his ankle and sent him flying. he smacked into the ground - both exhastion and the blow to the head knocking him out.

Sora gave an angry shout as Cloud went down.

Cloud was carried away in another strentcher and the finals were announced. Hatori didn't move, merely turned around, making a 'come' motion.

Sora did. He walked into the arena, keyblade in hand. He was going to murder this man!

[Rikugurl]

Goofy nodded as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sure she will."

Unfortunately, Fujin was one of the prospectors who watched the rabbit woman. Not that she was attracted to her... but how unique she was. She could tell that there was something more to her... that she wasn't just this Hatori handbag.

Hatori did present himself to really enjoying the woman... or to flaunt his powers or winnings. It seemed... like she wasn't enjoying this at all.
A frown ran over her face. She might be the key to figuring out this mystery man...

Riku frowned as he saw how sure Sora was. If this guy could take out Cloud in one strike... who knew what he might do to Sora. Everyone was after his keyblader. If anything, he wished that there was no barrier in the last fight... if anything bad happened... he wanted to be there by Sora's side.


Most people did miss the last blast that threw the blonde to the floor and out cold thanks again to the mystery woman... but Axel, Ventus, Fujin, Goofy and Riku saw it... and none of them looked pleased. They knew Sora was next.


As Sora got up and passed, the rabbit woman looked at him walk towards the arena. She frowned as she watched Hatori's cold eyes. Looking around at the audience, her very long bleached hair blew in the wind, wrapping around her bare legs. "Good luck little guy..." She whispered as she slowly walked away, back into the pit.

She walked down the hallway, seeing Tifa and Cloud being treated. Since she had been captured by Hatori, she had seen him kill many people. These two were lucky to escape with their lives... just like her.

[Reno]

Aqua, Terra, Donald, Roxas, and Invidia saw it too and they fact that Sora was next... rang through all their minds. Invidia whimpered lightly, nuzzlign up against riku's leg with worry.

This time the bunnie woman was not in sight. this battle would be for all eyes it seemed.


The barrier shimmered up and around the two opponents.

Anxiety welled in his gut. Sora grimaced at the uncomfortable feeling. He hadn’t been in the arena ring and felt this sort of feeling since… since Sephiroth. And he had every reason to fear him. If he was feeling this again… then that was the worst sort of news his soul and heart could be given.

He looked over the man quietly. Black flattened hair that feel into demonic red eyes. A pointed chin on a sinister face. A tall lanky body that didn’t show much muscle but still radiated power. Something metal and shiny was attached to each hip, coiled up like a snake.

He was screwed.

Sora got in a stance, keyblade at his side. It didn’t matter if he was scared or not – this man had hurt not only Tifa but Cloud and he was pretty sure they hadn’t been the ones this ‘Hatori’ really wanted.

“So, going to run around and let the crowd get distracted again before taking me down?” Sora hissed.

“Oh no of course not.” Hatori answered calmly. “You’re a hero Sora.”

“Your point?”

Hatori smirked, reaching to the side of his hip, where the metal was coiled. “Because,” he began, unlatching the metal. He jerked his wrist and the metal uncoiled like a rope, smacking into the ground noisily, singing as if ready for battle. A whip. “Heroes deserve to die when everyone is watching.”

Sora tensed. Oh fuck. That whip was dangerous. One hit and it would be leaving life-long scars. Not to mention how much it would fucking hurt! He was about ten times more dangerous than Selphie had been with her cute little ‘jump rope’ whip.

Did he mention before how ultimately screwed he was?

The brunette held his ground even as Hatori began to walk forward. “Let’s see if your even worthy of the title ‘hero’.” He flicked the whip hard and Sora jumped back, the metal whip cracking on the ground at the spot he just vacated. Long distance. He had to stay long distance until he got an opening!
Sora continued to back away, pointing his keyblade forward. “Fi-”
“Silence!” Hatori snapped having already seen a few of his spells during his fight with Hercules.

Sora’s mouth shut and he grit his teeth, a white light surrounding him. “The hell? Fi-” His mouth shut again, unable to complete the spell. “Thun-” It happened again. ALL his magic was gone?

“Give it up boy.” Hatori ordered, stalking forward.

Without the ability to call on his magic he couldn’t do his Trinity limit either. He couldn’t use long ranged spells! Sora’s heart raced, pumping in his ears and making him slightly dizzy as his mind went into overdrive. Think, he had to think! Hatori came closer.

Blue eyes looked around the empty ring, and suddenly he took off for its edges, creating as much distance as he could. The cracking of the whip followed his dash, licking near his heels but thankfully not connecting. He didn’t want to imagine what it would do to his muscles.

Sora stayed by the edges, the barrier rippling circles as his shirt tails caught it. Hatori’s eyes followed the movement of nearly red lights before focusing back onto Sora. He backed up until he was at the edge of the barrier to – and then raced along it. Sora watched him, realizing he was getting closer and ran off as well.
They looked like wolves circling each other, red and blue eyes watching each other intently – every little move being noted.
What can I do? In his mind’s eye he saw Hatori minor distraction from the rippling barrier – of course! Eyes reacted quickest to red light!

As obliviously as he could Sora swung his keyblade along the ground, hitting a rock. It flew, smacking into the barrier soundlessly. It rippled red and Hatori looked away.

Gotcha Sora thought triumphantly, suddenly charging forward. He slammed his keyblade into the ground, walls of energy blasting forth and charging the remaining distance to the other male just as Hatori’s sight caught the new flash of light.
Sora’s sight of Hatori was lost – but then something came from his attack, cutting through it like an axe through a tree. Metal glinted and smacked into his hard where his neck and shoulder met. Sora gave a loud cry, hitting the ground, gripping onto where the pain just burned, blood coating his fingers almost instantly.

“Nice try!” Hatori crowed. The whip swung through the air like a vine, curling up like a viper, getting ready for its second strike. “Resourceful but a failure!”

Sora saw the whip and jumped upwards, taking several steps away even as the whip came for him again. He desperately raised his keyblade. Metal on metal screeched throughout the arena, the whip curling around the blade and squeezing as if it were prey.

The red-eyed man smirked, tugging the handle and Sora, unable to go any other way, followed the motion. Hatori’s hand reached down to his hip and quick as lightning tugged off the other coil – a second whip - and it flew through the air. It swung for Sora.
The brunette tugged on his restraints but he couldn’t free himself. Too late. The whip went across his shoulder smacking down his back harshly. Sora screamed, his knees locking, but miraculously he stayed standing. Blood splashed to the floor.

“Give up little boy.” The whip came down again.

Sora looked up his blue eyes furious. He curled his other hand around the hilt of his keyblade, tugging it and the first whip in a protective guard position. Metal screeched again as it wrapped around the rest of the keyblade – and his left arm. Sora hissed, the pain making him see white momentarily but then he took a deep breath and screamed so loud the white aura holding his magic back shattered. “THUNDER!”

Yellow lightning raced across the whips. Hatori let go of both handles, knowing he wasn’t getting them back and jumped away. The electricity sparked off the handles and scorching the ground.
Sora whirled his wrists and both whips went flying to opposite ends of the arena, still sparking with withheld electricity. Blood ran down both arms and his back. “Cure.” Sora murmured, the healing light – if anything else, lessening the pain. He worried somewhat about how much that must of hurt Riku as well.

Hatori chuckled from the other end. "Is that all you got?"


Roxas was on the edge of his seat, gripping at the stone. blood was coating the floor thanks to sora's wounds - though the spell did lessen it somewhat. "We need to stop this fight!" he said suddenly, getting to his feet. Suddenly from behind him yelled in protest but he ignored it as he pushed through the ground looking for Phil or Hercules, one eye still watching the fight.


Sora rushed forward, swinging his keyblade at the weaponless man. Hatori dodged to the side with some graceful footwork. Sora swung down for his legs and he jumped HIGH into the air, his purpose to get to the other side of the arena.

The brunette braced his legs, grateful they hadn;t been injured, and then jumped after him, the long reach of his keyblade catching Hatori's ankle. It was time for a comeback!

Hatori looked down in shock, unable to do anything As sora swung his keyblade - along with him, the metal edges cutting deep into his foot before he was finally flung into the barrier, with harsh enough repuercussions the ripples traveled all the way to the other side. sora stumbled as he landed, Hatori just fell.

No one... in YEARS had ever gotten the upper hand against him not even with as slight a move like that. Hatori, furious, slammed his palms into the ground, energy crackling around his figure. He hissed out a chant, "Dark beings come, find your prey and blood will be shed on the new moon." Let's see how you handle this.

Energy rippled, and a back fog formed at the edges of the ring. Sora looked around just as the fog took shape - demons of all kinds like snakes and warped dragons or ugly boars jumped from them - they weren't solid, still as see-through as the fog they were created from, but each issued a different screech as they charged for him.

Shadows needed to see light.

Panicked, Sora rasied his keyblade high. "wind!" The wisps of magical wind swirled around him, blue and defensive, but though the inital pressure had sent them away, they charged forward again. Sora didn;t give them the chance as he slammed his keyblade down into the ground, roaring, "FIRAGA!"

Flames burst up at his feet, and followed the motions of the wind. It was like a tornado of spiraling flames - a beautiful display; the demons screeched as they met their deaths crashing into the combination attack.

'Don't underestimate him. many have and have fallen.' His pet's words rang through his head. Hatori smirked as he got to his feet. He suddenly understood what she meant. She'd never seen anyone stand up to three cracks of his whip - nor anyone who could double cast quickly enough to actually make combincation attacks alone. He licked his lips, his desire for Sora's power intensifying. He HAD to have it now. something glinting caught his eyesight - and suddenly a flying keyblade was in his face. He ducked, glancing back and saw Ultima smack into the barrier behind him before disppearing - back in it's master's hands.

Sora stood in the hurricane of flames, panting softly. From between the breaks of the flames he could still see Hatori and that smug ass smirk on his face. He flung the keyblade and charged through the flames at the same time, the fire uneffecting him because he was the one to cast it. Ultima hit and came back. Hatori looked back around and Sora slashed.

Red eyes widened and he jumped backwards but too late. The blade went tearing through his chest, his own blood mixing with Sora's onto the arena floor. He gave a yell of anger His hand rasiing, and like to tifa he slammed his palm into the other's chest. Sora was flung backwards, almost by an invisible Sora. His body smacked into the ground, rolled, and smacked into the barrier.

It was like being under a gravity spell. Sora felt his lungs get crushed and his ribs snap together as he flew, barely aware of all the stuff he hit. He laid against the barrier, and for a moment he couldn't breathe. Panic overcame him. Then he started coughing in air quickly, his lungs getting used to working again. Hatori was coming for him, looking surprised that he wasn't automatically unconcious like those before him.

Sora planted his hands on the ground, struggling to his feet, straggling dangerously. His vision was red and he blinked them furiously. Blood was in his eyes. He had smacked his head pretty good if he was bleeding from it. He rasied his keyblade, holding it defensively in front of him. He wasn't done yet.


Terra was tense as he watched the scenes play out. It couldn't have been more than three minutes... but the two were really going at it. When Sora got up again, he knew the other wasn't doing so good. He looked ready to faint. "Fucking hell." He cursed violently.

OOC: 2,000 words all for you my love XD