The Rune Arena
7th Summoners Battle Tournament

“Good morning, good morning everyone~! I am Lorita Cateria and I will be your announcer for today. A big, big thank you for joining us here today at The Rune Arena for the Seventh Summoners Battle Tournament!” A beautiful blonde announcer lady spoke energetically from the centre of the battle stage and the crowd went absolutely wild, whether it be due to her clothes (or lack thereof) or just because the event was so prestigious. It wasn’t clear.

“This years tournament is very special. There have been big changes made by the organisers in both the rounds and the rules. Our twelve contestants will not know who they are facing until their battle begins. This means that strategies cannot be made in advanced. So contestants will need to rely on their skills alone when facing the unknown. Isn’t that exciting?! Yeah! Yeah! I think so too~!” If it was possible, the crowd became even more wild as the announcer did her job of hyping them up perfectly.

“But wait, there is more! Round two, will be a surprise round. Unlike round one and its usual single duels, round two will be very different. The twelve contestants will be reduced to six and again they will not know who they are facing. In fact, they wont know who won or who lost in the previous rounds. They will literally be fighting blind until the very last second.” For emphasis, Lorita lowered a bright pink half-mask over her eyes. “Each contestant will be given one of these, which they must wear right up until the moment when the bell sounds for the beginning of their battle. Now for those of you who are curious, these masks have been specially made for each contestant, so there is no chance for peeking.” She waggled her index finger to the audience like a parent would to a naughty child, then took off the mask and threw it off to her left and into the audience.

“Where are our contestants you ask? Well right now they are all currently preparing themselves in their private rooms backstage and might I just say, they are all looking simply delicious~!” With a lick of her quirked lips, Lorita moved to the outside of the battle stage. “Now as always, we need to thank our sponsors…”


Room 01:
Lunetta Rosalyn Obscuras
She had done this before. Two years prior, she was a contestant for the Fifth Summoners Battle Tournament. At eighteen she had just been old enough to be part of it and managed to make it all the way to the final round. However, there was no real winner at the end and the battle finished in a tie. It was a clean battle and the chosen summons were evenly matched. Lunetta, the Spirit Summoner, made a friend and a rival that year, they both yearned to know who the real winner would be if they were to meet in battle again. Maybe they would finally have the chance.

The mirror, that Luna looked into was framed with light globes and quite frankly, unnecessarily bright. Though the light made the tiny purple gems in her black corset stand out, like stars against the night sky. It was a nice break from the totally black skirt which had two layers and was short in the front while long in the back. The front was just short enough that a sliver of creamy skin could be seen where her thigh high stockings ended. Black heeled ankle boots covered her feet and black silk gloves covered her hands and to the middle of her upper arm. It wasn’t something she would normally wear, but such an event called for a little ‘dressing up.’ The only really bad thing was that, Luna was a little worried about what people would think about it. Maybe I should have gotten something lighter, less, well… dark. No, no. It’s fine. Besides, don’t people expect a spirit summoner to wear such clothes? Remember, you are a cool, calm and collected person. Who cares about what people think. Sighing, Luna continued onto putting her pearlescent hair up into a bun and once happy with the way it was sitting, she added a delicate black flower clip.

She was ready. At least as ready as she thought she could be. Now, she just had to wait to be called to her first duel. Taking a seat in a plush lounge, with her half mask in her lap, Luna couldn’t help but admire it. Made of purple silk, it had little diamonds covering the front of it and black lace ribbons would tie it securely to her head. It had not been a requirement in any of the last tournaments and it made her feel a slight sense of foreboding, she just hoped that it was only the nerves.

Make sure your tie's on straight.

"I know."

Don't forget to tie your shoes.

"I won't."

Did you take a shower?

"Yes, ma'am."

The two speaking in the dressing room seems like a fairly odd pair: a boy and, coiled in one corner of the room, a seven-foot-long blue dragon with two pairs of wings...that just happened to be able to speak. Ventus, or Ven, rather, was preparing for his first tournament fight, something he had been looking forward to for a while, now. He had heard stories of people going to these tournaments and becoming famous and wealthy, so, on a whim, he had decided to try his hand at it.

As he finishes adjusting his white tie, he buttons up a blue vest over it and pulls on a black jacket, which he leaves unbuttoned. Turning around, he holds his arms out to his sides and asks, "How do I look, Aura?"

The dragon, Aura, looks at her master for a few moments, scrutinizing his ensemble, before she reaches forward and licks the top of his head, wetting down a lock of his black hair. Better, she says, an amused tone in her voice as Ven wipes his head. "Gee, thanks," he mutters. "Would it have killed you to just tell me?"

No, Aura replies. I just like seeing that look on your face.

Ven sighs, but doesn't let her gentle teasing get to him. Instead, he looks up at the clock hanging off of the wall of his dressing room, watching the second hand tick away. "Almost showtime," he says as he reaches for his mask, which was simply colored sky-blue, the same shade as Aura, with a light green trim and patches of white, making it look like a picture of the sky.

Be careful, little one, Aura says. I sense that there are strong summoners here. If there is too much trouble, don't be afraid to surrender.

Ven looks at Aura, feeling a pleasant warmth spread inside of him, knowing that, even though his mother had passed away years ago, Aura's personality made it seem as if she was still right next to him. Reaching out, he wraps his arms around Aura's neck and says, "I know." Backing up, he says, "You should probably get going. I don't think you'll be able to fit through the door, otherwise."

Aura dips her head and says, Alright. Be careful. Then, in a blue flash, she disappears. Ven takes a deep breath and looks up at the clock, uncharacteristically nervous. He then looks back down at his mask and says, "Let's get this show on the road."

Camil Desverte, the Nature Summoner.

---

It would be a lie to say that Camil wasn't nervous, despite the way he was sitting with a slightly bored look hanging on his face, head propped against the make-up dresser in front of him with his arm. The room he was guided to couldn't be anything more than plain in his standards, with minimal ways to entertain - or perhaps to distract - him while he was waiting to be called to the stage. In some ways he did expect the waiting rooms to be plain; it was a temporary waiting place unneeded of any special care. What he failed to predict was just how long he would have to stay here. seconds seemed like minutes, and he wasn't allowed to wander around, lest disqualified. Of course he could risk a chance and send them off to scout, but he decided it wasn't worth the gamble; knowing what the other contestants looked like and what they were doing in their own standby rooms will only be of use to judge their appearance and light personality. He would have every chance to do exactly that during the main event of the day.

Camil moved his free hand within his vision. Neon green light particles danced upon his palm, trailing down the length of his white sleeve, some of the lights playing hide-and-seek behind the button gaps on the edge of the sleeve where it meets his wrist. The lights traveled down on the dresser, then flew back up, looping around to his shoulders. His eyes followed this movement with little emotion, though his eyes stopped at the reflection of his handsome face against the mirror. There was everything he wanted to see staring back at him; the sharp, clear eyes, each lash on his eyes straight and even; the hair brushed in unison, leaving not a single strand of hair out of place; and most of all, his skin was seemingly clear of freckles, unwanted hair and damages, much like a living porcelain. It was so perfect that part of him felt like it was such a waste he had to cover it with a mask. It is just like putting glasses, he had reasoned with himself earlier. Just like there are people whose appearance are boosted with glasses, this mask will appeal to the audience in its own way.

Camil stood up suddenly, the lights which were resting on his shoulders and the dresser instantly flying up into the air with him. He held the plain white mask in his hands while looking once more at the reflection of his uncovered face. With a careful motion he placed the mask over his face, playing with the material which held it in place. After a small inhaling of breath, he looked at the mirror once more. The mask did compliment his mostly-white attire well, as he had assumed earlier. The black outlines of his suit, as well as the darker clothing under the jacket and vest did leave room for critiques, however it was bearable. He did, however, went down to his luggage next to the dresser. He had co-ordinated and perfected his attire before leaving his place and so he knew there was no room for untidiness but just in case he did bring a limited selection of replacement outfits. It took him almost no time to replace the vermilion tie with a greener one and stood in front of the mirror once again. As if on cue a number of the lights which were hovering in mid-air came to land around the mask like dotted outlines, making intricate patterns of green light. Yes - that was more like it. The masks will most likely be optional once the battle starts, which meant he only had to bear it during the introduction. That much he could allow; he had Phosper, after all, to cast a shade against anything unsightly about him.

Now to wait for the show to begin...

"So, it is my turn to shine..." Nikamaru slowly stated as he put the finishing touches on his battle outfit. It was a complex get up, with lots straps, attachments, and some armor plating. A long sleeved, skin tight, black one piece suit rested against his skin with dark metal boots and leggings protecting his lower body. Black leather straps wrapped around his abdomen with two more straps holding a black leather top the sat on his shoulders. His ribs and the center of his chest are exposed, leaving him vulnerable. Good thing I am agile, Nika chuckled to himself as he touched his side. His attire was topped off with two, detailed leather pauldrons and a black, hooded clock.

"You don't have anything bright in your outfit, sure you wanna do that?" A soft, hiss came from behind Nikamaru. "This was my brothers outfit when he competed... I want to honor him." Checking the mirror that hung in his simple makeup room one last time, Nika turned to face his partner, Salah. "Besides, it pretty much matches with you," pausing as Salah began to glow. The cracks that run all across her body gained a orange/red hew, like lava starting to flow down a volcano. "Show off... no matter. This is my choice... I need to do something for him."

The Tsreo family come from a long line of summoners who take great pride in their ability. Not everyone in the family tree has been a summoner, but at least once a generation someone is chosen. And so when his brother was granted the gift of summoning, he was placed on the highest pedestal. But when his brother lost first round, he was shunned and banished. Shortly after that, Nikamaru was given the gift, a first time two people in the same generation was given it. So, he has taken it upon himself to shine, and bring his big bro back.

"Don't worry about that now, we can deal with that after we win," Salah proudly stated, hoping to boost his spirits. A small grim crept onto his face," Hahaha, thanks Salah. Hey, where is that mask they gave me?" he questioned his summon. "In your bag," she said as Salah pushed the bag toward her master. Sitting on top of the bag was a molten black mask, matching in color with Salah's skin. The detail on the mask was simple, with a gold trim along the outside edge and light fire detail around the chin past of the mask. The upper portion of the mask has a smokey detail to complement the fire detail. "This thing is kinda cool... I might keep it on during the fight too." Nikamaru slipped the mask on and turn toward the dressing mirror. He nodded in approval, "Bro would be proud."

Salah scampered next to him, completing his look in the mirror. "Now, we wait."

Sorry, it posted twice.

Ambrielle stood in front of the mirror, her bare back facing it with her head turned to look at the reflection of the intricate design of the magic marking. The marking upon her back, the one she had been blessed with from birth, the one which she was unaware about its uniqueness until after the first gym class of her third grade, the same marking that she had only come to appreciate seven years ago. She had met her first true friend on that day: Leite, her summon. Up until then she only had maintained cordial friendships, in her mind she had been nothing more than just another unnoticed person. She gently traced the design upon her back with her extended index finger, the tip pressing softly against it, making her shiver from the feel of her cold hand against her warm back. Ambrielle admired the beauty and power of it, the design that accounted for everything and placed them together in harmony, and the raw magickal power it slightly exuded, the Arcana magick.

"Are you just going to stand there and admire something that will always be there?" Her summon Leite, whom she had forgotten was in the room spoke, with a tone that masked the impatience he was feeling. His words however, made his impatience blatant as well as his actions, he kept slithering around.

At the sound of his voice, her finger stopped in place, and she slowly pulled it back from over her head, and put on the purple dress. "Oh yes, because we're in such a rush." Her words had the slightest tinge of sarcasm upon them, enough for Leite to pick up on.

"We will be if you don't hurry up, and I don't want to be late for our fight."

Ambrielle sighed, he was right. She decided she wanted to try a different look for the tournament, so she reached into her drawer and pulled out a hair curler, and began to... curl her hair. The auburn locks of hair fell around the sides of her head and the back, the latter of which reached up to her forearms. She smiled and flicked one of them, giggling faintly as it returned, and she began to twirl it a bit, a habit of hers that automatically happened when she was thinking quite a bit or was transitioning into it. She looked herself over, twirling the lock of hair and adjusting her purple dress. Afterwards, she pulled out some makeup, and applied only the slightest trace upon her face; she never really had much of a liking for it. She preferred brains over beauty, the latter of which she had what she deemed good enough of, yet the former she had plenty.

All that was left was to wait for the person to come and escort her to the arena, since she could not go there on her own, considering she was being forced to wear a mask. It irked her to have to wear this mask, albeit the effect of mysteriousness added to the entire tournament, which she quite approved of. What she didn’t approve of, however, was not having the slightest idea as to who her adversary would be, what they would be capable of, and what she should do. All her life, she had relied on information which she constantly used to formulate plans, to predict the outcome and to get ahead. This mask would be but an ornament and a hindrance, neither of which she particularly cared for.

“I wonder what this will look like on me…” She mused, holding the half mask up, her index finger and thumb rubbing the dark blue silk, squeezing the few purple gems that were on it.

“You’ll know if you put it on.” Leite had continued to wait, slithering around even more now.

She chuckled and shook her head, lowering the mask onto the table, deciding not to put it on until it was time to leave for the match. “Yes, I can totally see what I look like with my eyes covered.”

Feng the Ice Summoner.

As I arrive in this place, I'm expecting to battle worthy opponents other than that I'm just here to kill some time, I fight with my own reasons, I didn't come to this tournament for the rewards but for something that I yearn for, an arousing sensation that I haven't felt for so long. Once more, that sensation will get me craving, I crave for something worth my time, I want to feel that blood pumping rush but of course, I need to control myself and strategize, these contestants need to show what they can do, I'll fight last and save the last dish for me. I'm like a Dragon that devours the tigers and of course, ascending to a Phoenix that forever reincarnate as a Dragon until it evolves.

I watch as how this infrastructure and architectural structures of this world looks like, what a nice place indeed but it will soon be destroyed in the midst of battle, yes, it's Betty wandering around randomly than staying backstage. It is rather obvious to see a contender like me, walk around than prepare backstage. However, I am always prepare, I don't waste my time on petty makeovers,I rather warm myself up to see where everything proceeds, the more I see, the more possibilities. Petty, the concept of life and death is always present, my dragons crave but I refrain, it is the concept of Yin and Yang, Dark and Light, Good and Evil. These summons of mine are like a pain packer, the unforgiving sins shall be devour by dragons as cold as the ice that never melts.

As I wait in the arena, I sat down after wandering around, it is rather boring. Like as if an absolute abyss is spiraling from my absolute grace. No matter, ice that never melts shall freeze its path, a never ending winter sonata that sings its live, bright like fire, living flesh that my dragons shall devour.

Lunetta Rosalyn Obscuras

The soft knock at the door was so quiet that it wasn’t certain if there had been a knock at all. However, the second knock was slightly louder and was perhaps the most daunting sound that Lunetta had ever heard. It was accompanied by male voice which spoke up a few seconds after. “You’re up, Miss Obscuras. Are you ready~?” Her nerves were like butterflies fluttering around in her tummy. Was she ready? Well… no. Not really. A little longer would have been nice, maybe have a little herbal tea. It would have been nice and would have helped calm her down. But nerves were good, especially for situations like these. They kept you on your toes. Kept you ready for the unexpected.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She replied with a sigh and stood up from the couch which she actually found to be quite comfortable. The door slowly opened and the man stepped inside the small room. He had blonde hair, a rather feminine facial structure and dark blue eyes. He was a very familiar man. Lunetta was sure that she had seen him somewhere before, she just couldn’t quite remember…

“Ah! You are-“
“Lorik Cateria.”
“Yes, and you were-“
“The host during the Fifth Summoners Battle Tournament. I am honoured that you remember me~” He bowed with a flourish and straightened with a smile. While most people may have found it annoying that Lorik answered their questions before they could even ask them, Luna took it in stride. It was just his personality, besides, she kind of did walk right into it.

“Of course I remember. You were the one who-“
“Threw you into the crowd and allowed them to carry you and the other winner to the podium. Heh, yeah… sorry about that, I got caught up in the moment.” He laughed, scratching the back of his head in an embarrassed manner. “Anyway, I shall tie that mask on for you and then lead you to the battle ring.”

“Don’t worry about it. No harm done. And yes, please, if I tied it myself it would probably come undone. My hands are shaking pretty badly.” Holding up one hand for him to see it shaking, she used the other hand to lift the mask in place while he went behind her and tied the lace into a secure yet neat bow.

The fit was perfect, she could see nothing but darkness, not even a sliver of light prevailed in the black. Sudden hands on her shoulders made her flinch. It was just Lorik, she knew, but it was unexpected contact and she hadn’t been prepared for it. If Lorik noticed he didn’t say anything about it. “We are going to leave now.” Came the whisper in her ear, to which she could only reply by nodding her head. It was time.

- - -
The hands on her shoulders kept her steady as Lorik led Lunetta. The blindfold was disorientating, she had no idea where she was and she didn’t like it. The sooner it’s off the better. Although, she thought that the idea of a blindfold was rather clever before, it wasn’t until she was wearing it that her opinion changed completely. The blindfold was mean!

Sight had been removed from her, but she could still hear. It started out quiet and warped at first like when you cover your ears to dim noise and the further forward she went, the louder it got. Now finally close enough, Lunetta realised just what the sound was. Cheering, clapping, mystic inspired drum beats and the occasional female voice over a loud speaker. Her walking slowed and her heartbeat picked up as did her breathing. There was no going back, no more time to calm herself. She would be battling with an unknown contestant in less than a minute.

There was a whirring sound, doors where opening and the sound barrier was broken. The noise was now almost deafening. Yes, she had done this whole battle tournament two years ago, but she had forgotten just the amount of loudness that a full Rune Arena could have. People. hundreds of people were here watching.

“Now, the first round rules are just the usual, the contestants know them as do most of you, but for those of you who are only joining us this year I shall go over them.” It was the announcer, Lorita who spoke while Lunetta was lead down the last stretch of tunnel. The audience couldn’t yet see her and over the other side in an opposite tunnel, her opponent would be in the same position.

“Summoners must use all three summons in this round one at a time. Their weakest to their strongest. The summon that wins must carry on to face the opponents next summon. The overall winner will be the summoner with at least one summon undefeated. Special moves are prohibited in this first round, users will be disqualified and banned from all legal tournaments henceforth. Summoners are not to be attacked by summons. If there is a tie you guys in the audience will decide who will move onto the second round.”

Lunetta was pulled to a stop at the same time that the announcer stopped talking. Lorik leaned forward and gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. “There are three steps here.” Came the gentle warning before she was stepping up them, putting one foot and then the other onto each step with a slight pause between each one. Her heart, now thumping painfully in her chest, filled her ears and phased out the other sounds. [i]Who is my opponent? What are their summons and what elemental type will they be?[/] As soon as the battle started Lunetta will only have seconds to figure out all of these questions, to think of a plan of attack.

TBA... ((Will add more when I return from uni, you guys can start your next posts now if you want. Oh, and you can control both Lorita and Lorik in your posts.))