Come to the Pre-Tournament! For all you thrill seekers out there, this is the tournament to show if you SHOULD go to the annual tourny! The winner gets a huge prize of 500 zeni! You're no weakling, be there! BE THEEERE!" shouted the many advertisers who travelled across a small area of land. It had been a few days since they had gone on their advertising, and today was the day the mini tournament started.

Not many showed up, enough for a small audience, and in fighters, only around twelve people, and as now was time to start, the people hosting had to go through.

"Welcome one welcome all!" shouted the announcer as he began to look into his note book of the fighters. AN alien creature or two, a human, a makyan. And then around six other humans... "Alright.. The first match up... AHem.. V..Vanina! And... Gregory Tim!" he said, awaiting them to step into the arena.

((this is the meet up point friends, all's falls can do and stuff))

Kota was among the audience that sat around the ring, waiting for the fight to begin. He had been participating in watching the Tournaments for a while now and this had been his fourth one! The excitement built within him, whether if it was because it had been against his fathers wishes or if he enjoyed them did not matter, only that the fight was about to begin. Forcing himself to a better seat, Kota quickly rushed down the stair cases to the very edge of the side-bleachers, watching with his up most attention on the fighters that were coming out. They were warriors, yet they lived every day lives like most people.

That brought his hopes up...maybe, he too could be a part of the Tournament, and win the Zeni award! He could feel it in his heart that one day, he would become a fighter of awesome power, just like the very ones that he was watching. But now was not the time to be hoping and wishing. Now was the time to be watching. All eyes gathered on the ring, Kota's watching closest the most of all.

Vanina looked up from her magazine with a surprised look in her eyes. “Oh, I’m up already?” She had hoped that she had more time to ingest more information about this planet and its inhabitants, and maybe even pick up on their fighting techniques to give an edge in the tournament. She thought back to the night before, waking up inside a crashed space pod with no chance of making it back. It was fortunate that the creatures living here weren’t very threatening, not like the humongous giga beasts that roamed the surface of Vanassia. But when she learned of a fighting tournament offering local currency, it seemed like the best bet for survival.

The foreign woman rose to a standing position, walking up to her opponent who had already taken his position in the ring. The man was of average height with well-toned muscle covering his body, and seemed rather confused with what he was seeing. “Oi, is this some sort of joke? You think you can scare me with that costume?” Quite befuddled herself, Vanina scratched the back of her head with one set of arms and stretched with the other. “You mean my armor? This is no costume friend, it’s some of the best equipment in the galaxy! Although I wouldn’t expect primitives like yourself to know that.” Realizing that all of Vanina’s arms were in fact real, Gregory went bug eyed, taken aback by this bizarre display. Before he had time to come up with a witty rebuttal, the announcer started the match, and the two started to size the other up in a stare down.

Within the next moments each fighter had taken their stance. Gregory decided to make the first move, and delivered a flurry of punches. Vanina was able to juke and jive around some while also taking away the force of some by guarding with her arms. When an opening appeared the alien delivered a double right hook, one punch landing on Mr. Tim’s jaw and the other on his chest. They would trade blows for a while, but for every hit Gregory would get in, Vanina would be able to double it. “It’s a sloberknocker folks! Punch after punch! Blow for blow! And this strange woman in the ring seems to be pulling ahead!” Feeling in his gut that the match would end soon, Gregory lunged forward in a last ditch effort for victory, and fearing defeat, Vanina did the same. The two collided in a power struggle, and after a test of might, Mr. Tim fell to the ground stuck in a grapple hold. It only took around a minute of punches to the face for Gregory to tap out, signaling the announcer to call the match. “Winner, Vanina!” Satisfied with her victory, she gave a bow to the stands, and retreated back to her own seat, watching intently for the next round.

Excitement grew in Jinshi's bowels as he peered at his surroundings in the prep room, although the contestant count was only 12 the stances and warm up techniques he observed some from some of them both surprised and amazed him. Jinshi's short bout of journeys leading to this place were quite clam and frankly boring, the Makyan felt a new burst of eagerness and excitement at the very prospect of battling some of those who graced his view now. To his right he spotted a giant of a man with a round stomach lifting weights bigger than some small adults, another contestant a women to his left struck the air with an unusual and swift technique Jinshi had never seen the likes of before.

Hearing a small crowd of cheers, Jinshi followed the source to a stone fighting ring, it's smooth grey surface complimented by the various ornament statues that decorated the facility hosting this small tournament. Finding a comfortable view point, Jinshi watched as the first fight went under way, as the crowd cheered Jinshi analysed every movement and technique used to the best of his ability hoping to see what he could learn. Although the match went for some time, it seemed clear to Jinshi who'd be the winner, the unusual looking person announced as Vanina not only had the advantage of an extra set of arms, it was clear she was trained in a unique technique to use them too! As the fight rolled on Jinshi only became more and more excited, he hoped his opponent is a strong one but most of all, he hoped to learn something that'd make him stronger, win or lose!

When the match came to an end the pale orange skinned Makyan cheered with the crowd from his position on the tall wall separating the preparation area for the fighters and the ring. Growing up Jinshi always loved watching the tournaments on T.V. but regardless of the fact that this wasn't near as big as the annual tournament, watching the event in person was an experience on a different level!

The announcer, awaking from his daze and tiredness, having watched and narrated the intense right, continued on with his work. "That was one beast of a lady folks! And trust me I know beasts, meet my in law!" he shouted into the mic. Hearing the sound of what seemed like a jet or something dashing around the arena, he put it off as just that, a jet.

"Alright! Next up!" shouted the announced stopping and looking down at his notes... "Er.. Seji! Versus! Kaptain Kaaaage!" the announcer shouted quite loudly, Hearing the last name. He seemed almost famous, though he'd never heard of any person. Regardless, the fight was about to begin!

Meanwhile, half of a kilometer from the arena, Dreyar had just finished doing quick sweeps around the around the arena, from the sky, before landing beside Mel and Manetta. "There's this weird chick with four arms, but everybody else looks normal I guess. I mean besides this one makyo I think I saw. The announce-" he would've continued speaking, had Mel not cut in with a loud "Shut it kid." then turning to Manetta. "Easy right? In and out grab the cash and whatnot?" she said, awaiting a response. The blue Namekian sat still, his eyes closed, as he felt up the people of the arenas powers. "Hem... It should be easy, perhaps slight amounts of retaliation.." Manetta said, beginning to walk to the edge of the arena, keeping from boosting his power at all, as it could possibly spook somebody within the arena.

"Yeah! Bustin heads! Gettin cash! This w-" once again, the boy was cut off by Mel, who was in the middle of wrapping her hand in cloth and chords. "Can you just shut the hell up for two seconds?" quite aggrevated by Dreyar's constant talking. "Fine.." he said.

The fight amazed Kota more than anything. An alien with four arms, a brutal battle, and a climatic end! This was everything Kota could have hoped for! Looking around, he began to get a devilish idea in his mind. Walking out of the crowd, Kota would look for the Fighters waiting area, hoping to find a way in so that he could talk to the contestants. It was when he noticed some of the fighters leaving a building that he found the waiting area and sneaked inside.

The contestants caught his eyes with wonder, his eyes watching them with much respect and love. There, much to his joy, was the four armed lady that won the competition! Quickly, he approached her as calmly as he could, and poked her shoulder. "E-Excuse me? You are Vanina, correct? I'm a huge fan of you and your fight! It was awesome!" He said, smiling nervously. Honestly, this was his first time talking to a Tournament fighter, and he was filled with excitement and nervousness. His face began to glow a very light red hue, with a big goofy grin forming on his face, as he held his hands together in order to contain his joy.

Vanina turned to the boy who had tapped her shoulder. He gave off a certain wonderlust that only a child could bare, and so it seemed rather unlikely that he was another contestant. She looked to him rather suspiciously, it could be a façade that Kota was putting on in order to seem unthreatening if he was in fact fighting, but this was all speculation at this point. At face value he appeared to genuinely be interested in Vanina and her bout. “A… fan? It was nothing really. Just a simple strategy to outlast your opponent and outperform. A battle of attrition as it were. I learned all about combat and fighting stratagem back home, and having not only the power, but also the intellect will give you an advantage that could push one to victory.”

Seji watched the events unfold around him, seemingly bored. He seemed deep in thought. He looked up once to see Vanina's ffight, but then looked down. He preoccupied with something or another, some seemingly important thing.

Soon, his own battle began, and he stepped into the ring. He casted a glance at the crowd. Not a lot of people.

Good. Crowds made him nervous. Never knew who might be watching.

Seji looked at his opponent. The man wore Sun Glasses, and was very well cut. He wore a pair of ridiculous basket ball shorts.

"You're about to get Kaged!" The man said, to the cheers of those watching.

"I rather think I won't."

The battle begun, and Seji waited as his foe approached. After a moment, Kage closed the gap and swung his fist. It bounced off of Kage, a bit of blue energy materializing to defend him, leaving the mage unharmed.

Kage threw more punches, undeterred, and Seji put a single hand forward.

"Zinthos," Seji finished.

Kage suddenly flew up, rapidly. Seji then yawned, took a step forward, and said a quick phrase. He raised his left hand, just as Kage fell. The man crashed into the shield, grunting in pain from the fall.

"Jotunka."

A burst of fire flew up, ejecting Kage into the sky again. Seji took a step back, maintaining the the shield above him.

The shield lanced out as Kage fell again, knocking the man upward and aeay. He seemed to fly, slamming into the grass outside the arena.

"Easy money." He shrugged and got off the battle arena, returning to the other fighters.

The announcer stood in awe at the man's ability to knock the other out of the ring without lifting a finger. "By God did y'see that folks? Looks like the only thing getting Kaged is his ego!" he said, a few claps and cheers from the small crowd.. "Ahem... Now then! For the next round! Daishin! Versus!" the announcer paused for a moment, looking around at the small crowd. "Fin 'The Tornado' Henderson!" he added on.

All the while, a certain team continued to walk. Mostly in silence, except for the occasional attempt at a sentence by Dreyar, only to be turned down by a loud "Can you not.", followed by a grunt from Manetta.

Android 12 looked over the contestants. There was the four-armed alien, the magician, the...er.....fan? A Makyan, and some random fighters to and fro. He quickly scanned the boy, the fact that he had a tail was unusual. Was he a.....? 12 searched his data banks. He might be a Saiyan. Well, in any case, he wasn't a fighter. He scanned the magician, and determined his strength wasn't in his fists or body. It was his magic. He might be able to counter that, and any energy that was used against him would be nice. Also, he had an advantage. He couldn't get tired. While his enemy was worn down, potentially from being drained, 12 would possibly be stronger than at the start. That would be nice.

This was by far the one of the odder 'lesser' tournaments Yoyo had ever been to. Going to these sort of events, or hustling idiots in street fights and bars, was the primary way she had been funding her travels about the world and keeping her belly full. While she was confident in her abilities to win lager more lucrative tourneys she was sort of trying to keep a low profile. Family wasn't exactly fond of the idea of her running off to be a wondering martial artist. They hadn't been super fond of the idea of her taking up the family martial arts to begin with. She didn't want to put her name out there, else her father or grandfather may show up to drag her home. Why they could continue to treat her with kid and not like the proper warrior she was.

Anyhow, back to her initial thought. The participant in this tourney were definitely not the normal fair by any stretch. Sure the occasional actual player or odd ball or two had been at the other competitions she had participated in. But for there to be this many odd balls, people showing signs of being above the average martial artist ( or the combination there of ) was highly unusually.

She may actually have to take these fights half seriously if she wanted to take home that prize cash. She really needed some zeni in her pocket, another she didn't want to spend the evening nickel and dimeing thugs in arm wrestling contests at a bar or back alley brawls. A wolfish green spread across her fetchers. Then again, it would be nice to have a challenge again. She began to take deep cleansing breaths and focus on the burning fire of the Ki inside of her. She had her own tricks up her sleeve. With an almost predatory smile, she turned bright eyes to the ring to observe the matches remaining before hers with intense interest.

Aiden listened to her and stood there in silence. Was that really all it took? Just outlasting your opponent? It sounded almost too easy. Then again, he had never been in an actual fight before, so he had no room to really think like that. Either way, he was excited to talk to her. "Yeah, I'm a huge fan. Uhm...if you don't mind, I was wondering where you learned how to fight, hehe. I never really learned how and I've always been interested." He sounded nervous, obvious by the blush growing on his face. He was honestly embarrassed with telling her that he was weak, especially since she was a fighter.

Of course, he still paid attention to the fights, since they grabbed him so easily. In his mind, he began to wonder what kind of fighting he could practice. Would he be using quick and precise strikes or wide and powerful hits? His mind was beginning to go blank with wonder.

Vanina smirked, this behavior from young people was quite common to her. She had many a tale of children parading around the soldiers of the Galactic Army while on leave. Most would find them annoying, but Vanina took it as an opportunity to bolster their spirits and presenting the opportunity for recruitment if they so wished to do so down the line. In the lad's case, he looked old enough to begin training in one of the many boot camps; if Vanina was his age, she would have been moving to Li-Ren.

“Well, when I was just a child on my home-world I moved to the combat city of Li-Ren. Power in that metropolis is only gained by proving that you can match it, meaning that if you wanted something, you had to dual someone for it. I was able to learn the basics of fighting just by watching the many battles that went on in the streets, and what I didn’t know was beaten into me every time I made a mistake. Eventually I found a master that I trained under to refine my hand to hand skills, and he even taught me a thing or two about using these…” Like instinct, Vanina pulled two very large knives that were sheathed on her back. These serrated blades gleamed brightly in the light, and gave the dark blue metal that it was made from a certain radiance and regality. “These are knives made by a very talented smithy named Vanamra. He was brave enough to venture to the surface in order to obtain the Dedronite it took to make these, and he was smart enough to get past the Giga Beasts that plague our open landscapes. These blades are good enough to kill anything that moves, if inserted in the right organ…”

The woman before the boy had seemingly slipped herself into a trance as she twisted and turned the knife in her grip, studying it like one would a book for an exam. It only came to her now that she might have gone a bit overboard with her explanations, and quickly snapped out of what had come over her. Quickly returning the Dedronite blades back to their respective homes, Vanina finished her spiel with one final remark. “After many years in Li-Ren I decided to travel the galaxy and join the PTO’s Galactic Army. I received more training under them, both physically and mentally. You know, combat tactics and the like.”

He had watched the matches so far but it was clear his mind was elsewhere until the very moment the announcer called his name. Daishin moved from the corner he had been standing in and made his way to the arena. The monochrome hared teen didn't hear his opponents name but quite frankly he didn't care for anything other than winning the tournament and getting back to his search. He wasn't entirely confident in his fighting skills but he had been sure a small competition like this one would be a cinch. But now...there were some strange fighters here and they weren't pushovers. "Heh...strange huh? I guess I can't say I'm all that normal now either..." He muttered into his scarf as he stepped into the arena.

'The Tornado' was waiting for him flexing for the crowd and throwing punches around showing off how fast he was. He noticed his opponent step into the square and laughed. "Really, I'm supposed to fight this upstart? He looks like his voice will crack when I hit him! Hahaha!" Daishin just looked at him or rather through him. Tornado wasn't even registering the cocky man. As far as he was concerned he was just another obstacle trying to slow him down. "Are you really that confident? Let's see if you can hit me." The markings on Daishin's face began to glow and his eyes became almost as incandescent. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, now that out fighters have gotten their banter out of the let's begin! Ready, FIGHT!" Tornado started to charge towards Daishin only to stop dead after two steps. Right now he was the only one seeing it but the huge winged presence looming behind his young opponent was daunting. "You're all talk!" When Tornado came back to his senses Daishin was already closing in. This kids fast! But such a forward attack ain't gonna work on The Tornado! The Tornado wasn't an amateur and threw a punch as Daishin moved in. A perfect counter...or so he thought. Daishin was prepared having lured him into a wide and heavy punch increasing his speed just a bit more to move past the swing and under, bringing his knee hard to Tornado's stomach causing him to fold over with strained gasp cut short by a sharp pain in his back as Daishin drove his elbow into it and sent him to the ground. "I-Incredible! With a devastating combination Daishin has taken the with out of The Tornado! I don't think he's getting up after that one folks!" Daishin was sure he could beat this guy but he wasn't cocky and knew that Tornado wasn't done just yet.

"Oh! Looks like The Tornado is still in it!" Just as Daishin thought Tornado stood holding his stomach with an angry sneer. "Alright kid I underestimated you but now you're in for it! Now you got The Tornado spinning!" Tornado started to work some fancy foot work and soon he was spinning wildly, almost exactly like a tornado. "So this is why you call yourself Tornado?" Daishin inquired as he took his stance. Tornado laughed as he spun. "You like it? Using this specific movement of my feet I can spin and have full control of my body! Now you won't even be able to touch me but this time I'll definitely hit you!" His voice warped by the spinning Tornado started to throw rapid punches creating a tornado of fists. "Amazing! The Tornado is pulling out his trump card. What will young Daishin do now!?" Daishin smirked. "I'll admit it's not a bad technique. It'd be hard for most to get past your wall of attacks..." Suddenly he dashed forward and hopped up finding footing within the tornado on one of the fists and using it to jump up even higher, above the whirling barrage. "But I'm not most and I know that eye of the any storm is safe!" Flipping, Daishin dropped down through the middle of the twister and bringing his heel in contact with Tornado's collar bone. Tornado's spinning instantly stopped. Daishin vaulted back off of Tornado's shoulder and was ready to charge forward to end it. When he looked up after landing he saw a fist inches from his face. His eyes widened. Tornado had ignored the pain of his cracked collar bone and rushed to try to and land at least one hit on Daishin. At that moment Daishin hadn't fully gained his balance after landing and had no time to block. "Heh...strange huh? I guess I can't say I'm all that normal now either..." Daishin opened his mouth and all Tornado could hear was a roaring before he felt himself being hit by a wall of pressure, sending him flying out of the ring. Daishin was left in the square panting slightly yet completely still just as the crowd was. "U-Uh, ring out! The Tornado loses! Daishin is the winner!"

As the crowd started to cheer Daishing walked over to Tornado. "What the hell was that?" He groaned. "Hey, sorry if I came off as arrogant. You really surprised me with that last attack. It was fun." Tornado looked up to see Daishin offering him a hand though looking away bashfully. Tornado smiled and took the offer. "You're not so bad kid. Though since you beat me you better win this thing." Daishin just nodded and they shook hands. "Look at that folks. How's that for sportsmanship!" Daishin went back into the waiting and sunk down one of the bench's. I already had to rely on that...I'm still not ready to face that person.

Seji examined the fighters around him. This was certainly an odd collection. The four armed woman, the Makyan, the dragonoid boy. There was also a young boy that Seji could feel some powerful energies coming from. He seemed to have more locked away power than any of them, except perhaps the dragonoid. In truth, it was hard to really get a read on people's potential, even for a Mage.

Seji was mostly disturbed by the android. The obviously artificial life form sent shivers down his spine, as it reminded him of Her.

Seji shook such thoughts away, and watched Daishin's fight. The dragonoid impressed him with his skill, power and sportsmanship. Seji noticed the burst of energy from the boy's mouth, and smirked under his hat.

After the fight, he approached Daishin.

"I've met few Dragonoids. One of my greatest teachers was one of your people," he said quietly, "Though I fear I might be a disappointment to him now. I am Seji, the Ethereal Sage."

He offered a gloved hand to shake.

"Now that these two are settled! Onto the next batch!" the announcer spouted from his seat beside the tournament. Shiftily he looked around, his small body seeming to follow along with every word he spoke. "Jinshi! Versus! Sampson J. Wilt!" he said, noting the odd name, awaiting both opponents. He'd seen some nice fights so far, and was pretty darn hopefull more would arrive with the next one!

Meanwhile. The trio is still walking. The trio still bickers. Will they ever stop?

Find out next time on DBZ

Jinshi shifted his frame to the ring as he looked around at the crowd eyeing him, he was excited that his match was finally up but he felt somewhat vulnerable standing there in the ring. As he peered back at where he had walked from, he kept in mind how eagerly he analyzed the other fighters and how he made mental note of certain techniques. "Okay, I'll only show what I need to!" The Makyan whispered to himself as he watched his opponent enter the stone ring.

Sampson towered over Jinshi both in weight and width, the huge figure was one Jinshi had observed earlier training with massive weights. As Sampson waved at and engaged the crowd Jinshi did some last minute stretches before cracking his knuckles under his thumb one by one. "Makyan huh? I wonder what you'll look like when I crush you into a pancake!" Sampson grinned. This was odd, was it normal for fighters to engage one another like this before a fight? Jinshi stood quite puzzled before humouring the giant with a response of his own. "Well then, I hope you don't eat me big boy!" Jinshi said patting his own stomach with a laugh. A sour look grew on Sampson's face as the comment registered in the giants mind, "I'm going to make you eat those words Makyan!" Sampson responded with a growl. "That's good, it looks like you've already had your fill!" Jinshi responded aptly. 'This is pretty fun! Jinshi thought to himself with a smile. His only response was an angry grunt from the sour faced Sampson.

"LET THE MATCH ... BEEEEGIN!" The announcer shouted charismatically. In an instant Sampson charged at Jinshi with anger in his eyes, clutching his meaty fists Sampson bought his arms down in an arcing smash, Jinshi deftly dodged the slow attack without even taking his stance. Adorning a somewhat disappointed face Jinshi looked over his opponent as he took his fighting stance and motioned Sampson to come at him with one hand. An enraged Sampson charged at Jinshi with his arms wide open, hoping to prevent any escape from the Makyan, however, Jinshi had another idea in mind as he dived feet first into Sampson's charging shin. The impact resonated with a loud 'thud' as Sampson tumbled forward grabbing his shin in pain, luckily the man's immense size prevent him from sliding off of the ring onto the grass, though that did not seem to register to Sampson just yet as the giant held his shin in pain.

Hoping to capitalize on his advantage Jinshi charged at Sampson as he started to collect himself and return to his feet, the Makyan leapt into a powerful drop kick as he sent the huge man tumbling off the ring and into the soft grass bellow. The crowd delivered a swift cheer as Jinshi picked himself up and brushed the dust off his clothes. "What a quick match folks! All thanks to this rounds winner, JINSHI!" The announcer echoed as the crowd cheered. An ecstatic Jinshi waved back at the crowd around him as he thought to himself, "I had to use hardly any of my techniques!"

Before the events of the tournament
---------------

Gelato produced a beaming expression of happiness, his huge lumbering albino form slowly approached the area where the tournament was being held, a slight rumble echoing with each stomp he made, causing him to catch many human(and otherwise) gazes, which seemed obvious, after all, not only was he tall and bulky, but his colour was an odd white and pink pigment, making the dragon out to look rather strange. However with the weather perfect for combat, clean skies and not even the slightest inch of rainfall, The Giras proudly wagged his tail, fixing the mini top hat upon his head, there was no way he was going to let the staring and childish laughing of a select few around him bother him.

He had pre-registered for the tournament by chance, after meeting with one of the registers the night before, and without even questioning what the reward was going to be, the huge dinosaur like creature, merely excited to test his strength against many strong, powerful opponents signed up without even thinking about it, and now was approaching to finally show off what he could do.

Turning around yet another corner, the Giras started to think to himself out loud, wiping his brow, having been walking for several hours since this morning to reach the tournament.

"Y- you'd think they would tell you were it was...! Come on, it's a big tournament, r-right? Wait..."

Gelato frowned comically, as he stared behind him, on instinct, his wings flickered and flapped, Gelato having totally forgot about using his wings to find the tournament, he wasted no time lifting his hulking form off the streets, shooting upward into the sky to find the tournament. Gelato surveyed the land around him, sniffing in the air and trying to use his eyes to find the tournament himself, his senses saw him make landing next to a location where a small tournament was being held, and to his surprise, he found the man who registered him standing outside! How odd he pondered, before he landed, patting the man quickly on the shoulder, which made him swirl around in surprise, yelping also at the surprised heavy pat.

"W- what a- oh! Oh! You're the fighter who wanted to register yesterday right? Well congratulations!"

Gelato raised his left eye muscle, as one would raise an eyebrow, obviously concerned and curious as to his shy, cowardly mannerisms, however, it might have just been how he normally behaved. As to not seem rude, Gelato refused to question him about it , deciding to talk about the tournament, and as he spoke, he put a hand on his chin, proceeding with a pondering expression.

"Thanks I guess.. But where on earth it the tournament? And what are you doing here at this tiny place? Shouldn't we be heading to the real tournament?"

The short human suddenly grew as white as the colour of his own body, and in unison vibrated faster than he's ever seen a person tremble, his mouth twitched, his vision grew wide eyed as he swallowed in haste, as if attempting to swallow some sort of fear, though Gelato was curious as to why, he couldn't have been afraid of himself could he? But before he could speak, the short man finally worked up the courage to say something himself.

"Ahaha.. well.. that's just it... This IS the tournament...!"

A comic yet menacing silenced quickly filled the air, the Giras blinking for several moments, puzzled, confused and slightly furious as to the words that came out of the registerer's mouth, steam flared out of Gelato's snout, causing his human "friend" to surprisingly shift to an even whiter shade! Props to the human, he could have gone into business as a living colour changer based on this technique! Though Gelato had no idea whatsoever as to the true reason, all he could think about was the sheer dissapointment, but instead of lashing out and unleashing a roar of anger like one would expect a giras to do, his words came out low and defeated, with a hint of begging(in a "Aww, come on!" tone).

"What?! Are you kidding me?! I thought you said this would be a grand tournament with tons of fighters and a bajillion Zeni...!"

The human proceeded to take two steps back, but like a copycat, the Giras stepped forward toward him, the giras' wings flopped down, his tail crashed and sulked along the stonefloor. Whilst Gelato moved toward the human, he immediately spoke up, h olding his hands out defensively.

"You wishfully misinterpreted that! I said read the advertisement, but you just signed and stormed away knocking down five tables on your way out of the Inn! C- come on, you'll still join though right? I hear some great competition is going to be here..!"

Gelato flared his nostrils, folding his arms and turned his head away from the human, clearly upset whilst also angry like a child would be, speaking like a brat who didn't get a toy, while his tail slammed down, cracking the stone below him.

"Grr... F- fine... I'l join but only because I want to test my fighting skills! ... Also there's going to be food here right?"

"W- well uhm..."

Gelato immediately shot him a menacing, slow and aggressive glare, a slight growl escaping muzzle, causing the human to immediately change his tone of voice while he spoke up. Which was just as well, Gelato tries to be a nice guy, but if push comes to shove, if small bad occurrences happen one after another, then the nice guy goes away and bad things tent to happen.

"I- I mean s- sure! I'l try and get something for everyone! T- the fighters tent is right there! Feel free to go in and enjoy yourself! I'm sure we'll get a fight for you in no time at all"

As if it was all just a facade, Gelatos' expression suddenly changed to a wide merry smile, expressing this with a respectful nod, the pterodactyl beast's tail lifted while swaying in joy once more, while he proudly stomped toward the fighters tent, heading inside. Gelato soon found a spot in the tent where nobody would disturb him as he immediately sat down and yawned, rubbing his eyes a little tiredly with all the walking and flying worked up not only his hunger but his fatigue, though he was sure they'd be able to find him, even if he was covered which is why he proceeded to take some of the cloth off a piece of the tent, ripping it open and carving a blanket from it, he smiled while draping it over his whole body, leaving only a small sample of his tail visible, Gelato proceeding to rest and relax, to recover for the fight.

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Present time at the tournament.
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Several hours had passed since he napped, over that time other tournament fighters had fought, gelato had yet to be called up to fight himself as proven by his natural wake. Gelato threw the piece of tent off himself, a long, loud, lethargic yawn got the attention of a few fighters in the tent area once the massive dinosaur stood, scratching his sides. Gelato felt great after such a nap, helping to improve his senses whilst helping him gain back some of the energy he lost during his time finding the mini tournament. However there was only one problem, and that was displayed by the sound of his rotund stomach producing a whine of hunger, the dinosaurs desire for food became his goal for the meantime, as his loud stomps echoed, getting louder as he approached what appeared to be the multi-armed woman Vanina with a monkey tailed humanoid named Kota. Interrupting their conversation not only because of his size... or his growling gut or his tremoring stomps, but also by speaking up, as he stood behind Kota, looking down at both of them, though he showed no sign of malevolence, and in fact looked a little shy.

"Excuse me... Uh... Is there any food being given out yet? I just woke up so... I'm a little hungry...! That and I may or may not have forgot to make any food myself so... Heh... Sorry...! Oh! The names Gelato! Uh... nice to make your acquaintance."

The announcer had, with the start of the tourney, been lazily sitting upon his chair, yawning and waiting for something to happen. Though, as of now, with the many battles that had gone over the iron ground where the battles took place.

It began with the four armed lady Vanina, and had come to a battle with a David and Goliath like pairing. It was beginning to really get the announcer, who's name tag stated "JAMES" in all capital letters, stirring up, and jumpy.

A large smile was plastered on James' face as he read the next card. "Yoyo Zhao Ji! Versus! Dave Power!" he said enthusiastically into his microphone, before falling back into his chair, awaiting the two to step into the arena in front of him. He knew he'd likely be shooting back up into the air any minute now, and needed to give himself a quick rest in between.

Meanwhile, Manetta and his small team equipped themselves with long dark robes to hide their face and body. Chances are, people who often attended tournaments, would know who they were. Even Dreyar shut up for this part, as they had finally arrived at the spot. Paying the small entry fee for people watching the tournament, a light 18 Zeni, they strolled in, sitting down on one of the car away seats in the back. They did not speak, they rarely moved, for now they watched over the place, planning for when to jump in and begin their little heist.

With a almost frighteningly animal like growl of eagerness, Yoyo ran forward when her name was called. She was in center of the ring practically before her opponents name had been finished being said. She was bouncing up and down on the balls of her feat, as light as air and more than ready to get started. She continued to wait for her opponent to enter the ring. And she waited...and waited, and waited. A good five minutes passed at there was no movement from any of the entrances form the wing.

She gave the Announcer a confused look and he looked back at her just as unaware of what the hold up was. He stood up from the seat, retrieving the microphone and the tournament notes; making sure he had read the right name or looking to see if there had been any last minute back outs. Sure enough the roster still said 'Yoyo V Power'. He cleared his throat into microphone and said "Uh, Powers? Mr Dave Powers? Your needed at the ring."

"Hold your horses!" came a rather petulant sounding voice.

Yoyo looked to the ring entrance that the voice and came from and did not see the competitor entering from it, rather few young men running out and became to quickly scramble around the ring setting up various forms of equipment. Each of them wore a black T-shirt that said 'Team POWER'. She stopped her enthusiastic bouncing, and stared at the commotion with her head tilted and a puzzled look on her face.

in another minute or two lights were blinking and dancing along the stage, some stock intro rock music was playing over speakers and a smoke machine was filling up the entrances to the arena. A voice came on over the newly set up speakers "He is strong as a mountain, he is a unyielding as the sea, he is as pure as gold. Introducing, the handsome, the masculine, the un-equaled daaaAAAAAVEEEE POWEEEEEEEEEER!"

As the name rang out from the speakers a man emerged from the smoky entrance. He was of a significant height, A good head over Yoyo who was about 5'10'' her self. He had very classically handsome features, a square cleft jaw, well defined cheek bones, ect. As if someone had made the most generic looking man ever out of the various parts of male magazine models. Dressed in a gaudy glittery shirt with matching pants, each with rather long tassels fluttering from the legs and sleeves. His long blond hair flowed behind him as he walked up to the arena, stopping every few steps to pose at the audience, who stared back in awed befuddlement. The only clapping or cheering to be heard was from his group of 'team power' workers.

He disdained the steps into the ring and did a jumping front flip forward up to the arena proper...only to have his foot catch on the tassels of the pants making him slip and fall on his ass. He bit down on a yelp of pain and mumbled a few quick curse words to himself before scrambling back to his feet and posing as if nothing had happened. He then began to pose and shout out a letter that he vaguely looked like he was posing as. "P-O-W-E-R! POWER POWER POWER!" A few flairs went off from the equipment set up on the last 'power' and all the music and lights shut off to a dead silent audience with the clapping and whistling of Dave Powers cronies the only noise.

"Uh...right..." the announcer said quietly "Let the Match BEGIN!"

Yoyo was particularly dumb struck by both the display and the poor luck she had with getting some show-boating buffoon as her opponent.

He noted her face and smirked "Star struck are we little lady? Who can blame you, Not everyone can handle the POWER!" he struck another pose. "This torment is the first stepping stone to my glory. Soon after working my way up the ranks of tournaments and becoming a super star, you'll look at this day as a privilege that you could face such a paragon of manly beauty and talent."

Yoyo simple couldn't find the words to express her complete disgust with this excuse of a combatant. She ground her teeth and felt her anger rising as the dipstick went on.

"Tell you what, since I'd rather not have the bruises of a little lady like you on my consciences, how about you go ahead and forfeit this match and I won't have to hurt you. I'll throw in an autograph and a free power T shirt." He pulled said t out of seemingly nowhere and tossed it at her.

That was Yoyo Zhao Ji's tipping point. She snarled and slashed her hand at the T, faint light dancing around her finger tips as she did. The garment exploded into shreds that fluttered to the ground. "I can't believe with all the interesting talent I've seen around this tourney I get to fight the clown."

Power's face turned red with embarrassment and rage. "No one disrespects the Power Shirt!" He cried rushing forward and began a flurry of blows at Yoyo. She dodged and blocked them all with relatively minimal effort it would seem, her one counter blows flying back. Every strike she sent was aimed at his head though they all seemed to miss. After a few more minutes of that exchange the broke apart. Taking a few steps back from one another.

"Now do you understand my POWER?!?" Dave said. "I won't defeated by just some little girl!"

Yoyo rolled her eyes and held up one of her hands, In the open palm was a long lock of his hair. He blinked and shortly after he looked about the stage and saw locks of his hair were everywhere. He brought his hands to his head to find that his once glorious do was ragged patch work of furious lengths and rough cuts. Even some completely bald spots could be felt beneath his fingers. All those 'missed' hand strikes Yoyo had employed had been her using her tigers claws technique to destroy the mans hair.

"There." she said letting the long blond hair fall between her fingers to the ground "A hair due fitting for a clown."

The man cried out in rage and dashed forward. Yoyo, far swifter than the man, leaped forward and delivered a duel handed palm strike in the manes stomach that stopped him dead in his tracks. He gasped in air with a shocked sound of pain before simply collapsing on the ground. One ten count later and Yoyo was officially victorious. "What a bad joke." she grumbled flexing her fingers still glittering with light from her tiger claws technique, she swiped them at the stand holding up one of the man's speakers with slip as if cut with a sword and collapsed to the ground. She shook out her hand afterward as the light faded from her fingers "Well, at least next round is bound to be far more interesting than that was."