Unreal Anime

[Elario Luminus]

Although he wasn't about to go around talking to these people - Hyne forbid - mainly because Squall didn't talk to people, but he was quite content to watch them and learn their mannerisms; part of his training was that how someone was like outside of combat spoke a lot of what they were like in combat as well. As it were, Seifer was an arrogant fighter, always mocking and insulting his enemies. That Vergil man was hard to read; he kept to himself a lot. The kids, as many of them there were, seemed to have a fair amount of experience in their own ways, and that teal-coloured armoured man Tucker looked like he might faint from fear or something.
'Please don't let him be on my team...'

[Lykaios]

Upon the 'Game Masters' answering of the various questions, and the suggestion to get to know the competition; Seifer's head perked up as if on cue. Something just felt right, about the moment to try and decide who was appropriate, who was an arse, and who was a complete, incompetent loser - Tucker. He holstered his gunblade, and threw his arms up in the air, mocking the general shrug, and dramatising it to new heights. He looked around and said aloud, for the assembled fighters:

"What, so we get to know each other, then beat each other senseless? Because that's worked in the past. Hey, Squall?" and with that, he let out a mocking sneer and it grew into a grin of victory.

-------------

Vergil pursed his lips, limiting his release of expression, but allowing enough to display his displeasure. His twin brother Dante was not even here, so he highly doubted there'd be much in the way of competition in this event. He lowered his arms to his side, Yamato thus stretching behind him and he pondered on what he could be doing right now, instead of wasting his time with these pointless excursions.

He looked up, as the cocky boy spoke - Seifer, wasn't his name? - and almost laughed as he displayed something that obviously passed for cockiness and self-assuredness in the modern human world. What Vergil understood from the exchange, was that he and that Squall boy had some form of history. At their earlier mention of, what was it called? Balamb Garden? They had both mentioned enrolment in the facility. To Vergil, it sounded like they were horticulture students, more than students of combat art.

"You are little more than a insect, and you already act as though you are champion. How would you feel about six months in the Underworld? I don't think you'd last six seconds." he said callously, beating back the urge to laugh indirectly to his face. It was a hard urge to quell...

---------

Alright, so since those game master people had spoken, of the two people to react...one seemed cocky - which Tucker was able to deal with, as he was the same daily - and the other seemed like a complete nut-job. The Underworld? That shit was nuts off the charts! So, Tucker felt concerned for his safety; sure, big deal...he usually did. Particularly with Tex around. But that didn't mean he didn't feel a little bit more comfortable with his own safety, as long as he had access to his battle rifle, some grenades and his sword thingy.

"I'm a lover, not a fighter. If anything; I'm only here for that comedic relief character, that you get in the movies. You know, the one that always pulls out some witty one liners, and then gets hit in the nads...and I hope that doesn't happen right now. Because that was no one liner!"

------------------

It was quite an interesting assortment of people, and Dr. Jackal was feeling overwhelmed with the skill level and bloodlust he was sensing from varying members of the competitors. It was more than enough to get his heart racing already, and they had yet to even draw first blood! He was anxious to begin the event, and start shedding their lifeblood. Or receiving the same himself, as it was something he looked forward to with full satisfaction when received.

"My, my. What an energetic bunch we are here, today. I do hope you provide me with some fun out on the battlefield today! I don't wish to leave dissatisfied..."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Ciel had opened his mouth to speak when he was cut off by Sebastian's morbid laughter. He was obviously thoroughly amused by something one of the other fighters had said. He had his strange smirk on his face, his chin braced against the back of one of his white gloved hands.
"What exactly is so funny, Sebastian?" the young Earl demanded, folding his arms. He cared little for keeping his voice down, not caring if the other combatants heard them.
"Forgive me, My Lord, I simply find our blue-coated friend to be so thoroughly amusing." The butlers cold red gaze was fixed on Vergil.
"So very different to the other Son of Sparda I had the pleasure of encountering once during one of my visits to the depths of hell."
"You know him then?"
"We've not had the pleasure of a formal introduction," Sebastian exclaimed, still holding Vergil's gaze. "However it would be hard for someone like me to have not heard of him, at least in passing... though I suppose he has his father to thank for that more than any personal achievement." The statement and the grin that accompanied it was thoroughly malicious and taunting.
Ciel couldn't help but smirk and roll his eyes at his butler's 'playful' banter with the other contestants.

----------------

Protoman had fallen very silent following the answering of his question, pondering exactly what they would all have to face over the coming days. He straightened from where he leaned, walking right up to Megaman.
"Fret less, rookie," he chastised softly, squeezing his friend's shoulder in an attempt to reassure him. "Go make some friends, you're good at that."
He looked over at a young man and a woman who loitered nervously away from everyone else. They seemed quite close to one another, be detached from everyone else, he seemed to recall them introducing themselves as Syaoran and Princess Sakura.
"Maybe them?"

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

Mega seemed a little nervous and not exactly reassured by his friend's attempts. However, when the man suggested he talk to the two who stood away from everyone else, he briefly hesitated, before he nodded, though he looked up at his friend in a way that suggested he wanted his company. He seemed downright afraid which was unusual considering he was usually only shaken by the paranormal...namely ghosts. He then tentatively went to walk over to the two strangers, a little reassured by their faces -he was one for reading a person's eyes and knowing basically whether they were safe to go near- as their eyes didn't seem hostile or dangerous...so his pace gained a little more confidence, though the way he wrung his hands anxiously suggested he was still a rather nervous. He stopped walking a few steps behind them and after a moment's deliberation, he steeled himself to attempt a greeting.
"um...h-hello?" he called, quietly, to get their attention, waiting until either one of them turned before he continued, though he kept himself more than arm's length from the pair for the time being. Before he spoke again he politely dipped his head in greeting, attempting to illustrate he meant no harm. "...so, uh...wh-what do you suppose these people want with us...? I-I mean it must be more than just fun and games...right?" he asked, once they had acknowledged him, swallowing nervously and shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He probably would have fled by now if he had attempted conversation with any of the more threatening strangers...like the one in the blue cloak or the dark-haired, scar-faced man with the fur collar. He also thought that perhaps the boy with the black-clad butler seemed dodgy...he was stuck-up, that much was clear and he seemed almost amused to be there...he didn't like the feel of them...they didn't seem trustworthy.

Neku had glanced over when he saw a glint of blue in his peripheral, seeing the strange, green-eyed boy attempting to make conversation with someone. Neku took the opportunity to test his player pin to see what he was thinking. He found that it was all very distorted given the absence of the UG, but he could make out some clear thoughts...more to the point emotions or feelings. Fear, confusion, definitely pain...he wondered why, but figured it was better to stay quiet than wonder more. His companion, the red-armoured one, seemed more solemn and his thoughts betrayed nothing but a desire to leave and go home. He decided that was enough for now and shut off the pin, slipping it back in his pocket to simply watch in silence as the boy politely greeted the strange girl and her dark-haired companion...he seemed one of the more friendly of the selection here...the warmth was practically written on his face, he was clearly not the kind to just mindlessly kill for the sake of it. He could imagine it would be hard for such a person to adapt to something like this. In a way he felt lucky; he'd gone through the Reapers' Game...at least he was prepared to attack if need be, for the sake of survival.
Shiki noticed that Neku had been staring, and followed his gaze. She also seemed perplexed by the oddly dressed boy and his ever-silent companion. But she came to the same conclusion as Neku: the younger one -Megaman had he said?- was the gentler of the pair and clearly was afraid, and the older one -Protoman- was the warrior...he seemed prepared, but he vertically-challenged companion didn't seem entirely so. Neku then turned his eyes away, looking around at the others in the group, though his eyes fell upon the man with the fur collar and ceased to wander. He was curious about that one...he seemed different...unnaturally calm and not in the confident, "I'm too cool for all of you" manner, no, he seemed to just plainly be ready. Like him. Had he also experienced something akin to this before, he wondered?

[candle]

"Great, now they want us to 'socialize' with our potentials enemies? What kind of a messed up place is this?" Ed said, his arms crossed and his head slightly turned.
"I wouldn't nescessarily call them our 'potential enemies', since they're in the same situation as we are." Winry pointed out. "None of us choice to be here, after all."
"Still, something just seems suspicious." he said. "The fact that they said our greatest desires will be granted if we win...could it be some kind of trick? What are they really planning?"

The two teenagers, Syaoran and Sakura, for the most part kept their distance from everyone. Syaoran didn't like how he could possibly be separated from Sakura, but unfortunately there wasn't much he could do. There was no known way to get home, until the tournament is over. Just then, someone approached. He seemed nervous, and a little frightened. If remembered correct, it was...Megaman, right? Or something to that effect. "...so, uh...wh-what do you suppose these people want with us...? I-I mean it must be more than just fun and games...right?" he said nervously as he approached them.
"That's what I would like to know," Syaoran replied. "They say we can achieved our greatest desire if we win, so maybe..."
"You're not planning on going through with this, are you?" the princess asked.

"Heh, I wouldn't be shocked if that 'greatest desires granted' is just bait to trap us." said Train, overhearing the three's conversation. "At least the arena won't actually be 'real', but still..."

-----------------------------------------

"Time's up!" Roxy announced. "I hope you've all made 'friends', despite some of them may not be in the end."
She said this with an almost evil grin on her face.
"Alright, it's time for the tournament to begin." Tori said. "Adam, would you do the honors in letting our 'guests' know what teams they'll be participating in?"
"My pleasure," he looked around the room.

"Red Team members are as follows; Edward Elric, Winry Rockbell, Protoman, and LAVERNIUS TUCKER.

Blue Team members are as follows; Train Heartnet, Sebastien Michaelis, Ciel Phantomhive, Megaman

Green Team members are as follows; Syoaran, Princess Sakura, Vergil Sparda, Kuroudo Akabane

And lastly, but not least, Gold Team members are as follows; Squall Leonhart, Seifer Almasy, Neku Sakuraba, Shiki Misaki."

Roxy smirked. "Now boys and girls, here's where THE REAL fun begins! Everyone; exit out the door you came into the hall. Our floating robots will escort you through the crowd of cheering fans, and into the room where we will begin the first arena."
Just then, floating droids appeared, to lead them to their destination. "And if any of you tries to get away, our droids will kill you. Understood? See you in the tournament room."

And so, the game master vanished, for now.

[Elario Luminus]

Squall groaned inwardly and and shook his head slightly at the news that Seifer would be in his team.
'Perfect...I have an arrogant delinquent in my team. And I hope these other two are combat ready. I doubt they've been properly tested...'
He took a few steps backwards towards the door he came through in the first place and turned around mid-step to face the actual direction. As he walked down the hallway, a floating machine buzzed lazily by him, escorting him down the hall. Looking it over, Squall found it had weapons laid over it like a blanket, giving him the impression that whoever built it had no notion of the word "overdone". Ahead, he could hear the roar of the crowd, and he sighed in resignation.

He hated being in the spotlight, and he could tell that this tournament was all about being the one to show off.
"Seifer's going to love this..." he muttered under his breath.

[Lykaios]

Intercepting Squall, Seifer heard his comment as he walked towards the crowded chamber, and stifled a grin. "Come on, Squall. Don't tell me you won't enjoy it too, puberty-boy. It's all fun and games, and what's a little friendly competition?" he chuckled, feigning high amusement. He glanced over his shoulder then, and moved closer to Squall, casually draping an arm around his colleague; his expression suddenly - and astonishingly - serious. Almasy was rarely serious, if ever.

"Serious now; we should watch out for that Vergil guy. As well as - what was it? Ah kah... baan ay? What kinda name is that, anyway? And that Sebastien guy - the kid's butler - seems creepy. Don't let yourself get angry. Save that for the free for all's, okay?" he said quietly to Squall, roughly releasing him and pushing him away; loudly saying: "This competition's in the bag, right puberty-boy?"

---------------------------------------------

Vergil cocked his head to one side and sneered his long, low sneer of malcontent. This tournament was ready to begin, and the crowd was dispersing very quickly to their destinations. He began to walk towards the hall also, noting that his team included the completely defenseless looking Princess, and wondering how she survived the pre-initiation 'test', much less this long. He was also teamed with the black-clad figure named Akabane, who at least seemed content to bloody his hands. Two fighters - including himself - were better than none at all.

"I hope you fools won't get in my way, in there. I have no reason to babysit you." he remarked as he passed the Princess and Syaoran; her escort.

-----------------------------------------

Tucker's eyes widened at the use of his first name. It had taken Church three years to learn his name, and these guys didn't know Tucker from a bar of soap - though it was likely, after this, they'd introduce him to their favourite prison and soap... - so that knowledge threatened his already upheaved calm. Much worse.

"Oh man! Just me? Why the fuck am I on Red Team?? I'm blue! Wait...if this works the same as Blood Gulch; then Red and Blue are the same." he paused, rubbing his helm in confusion, then realising that there was a significant chance that if they were anything like Caboose: he was likely gonna die anyway...

"Oh, fuck me..."

-----------------------------------------------

Akabane was excited that the event was just about to begin, and his team sounded delightful. He had that very evil soul; Vergil on his team, so he was just as likely to attack Dr Jackal, for interference, as he would his enemies. The Princess and her escort were another matter entirely. Instantly; he covered a dash from his position at the rear of the crowd, to where Syaoran and Sakura were situated; and placed a hand on either's shoulder.

"My, my, what a wonderful team I have. Call me Dr Jackal," he smiled his wolfish smile, eyes glistening with malice - indirected, but malice just the same - and he continued; "I'm a Transporter, and I could happily offer you my services to say; get you through this tournament without harm coming to either of you, at the simple cost of my pleasure in this event. This of course, means that I will grant this offer still, in free for all competition, and do my utmost to defend you from the violent competitors we have here. Would that be pleasant deal?" he asked, smile widening.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Protoman groaned when he looked over at those individuals who had been put on his team. One of them was a girl, one of them was a shrimp, and the other was an idiot.
I'm doomed... he thought to himself as he moved to stand beside the two blonds. Though I suppose I should give the midget the benefit of the doubt... Megaman shipped up good for a shrimp after all.
"Alright pipsqueak, blondie and tin-can," Protoman said the moment he reached them, obviously intent on taking charge here. "Watch my back and I'll watch yours, play to your strengths, don't try to be bloody heroes. I think if we follow those rules we can walk out of this with points. Maybe even win. So just focus."
He shot Tucker the darkest of glances from behind his shades. "Got it? Focus."

---------------------------------------------------

Ciel gave a small sigh and folded his arms, looking particularly cranky about his team mates.
"What do we know about these two?" he demanded, looking up at Sebastian, who was good at reading people.
"Well, we have a blue, pacifist child," Sebastian began, pointing to Megaman, "and a... well, a man who seems rather unremarkable save for a set of peculiar eyes."
Ciel gave Sebastian a rather flat look, obviously not impressed in the slightest. "What do we have to WORK with then?"
"I don't know My Lord, perhaps actually conversing with one's team mates might yield better results?" the Butler replied curtly.
The young Earl seemed less than pleased with the idea, folding his arms tightly.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

The moment the teams were called, Megaman felt a horrible sense of dread flood him. Not only was he playing against the large majority of the most fearsome people here -most importantly the tall one in the blue jacket he'd already decided was NOT human and was his biggest fear- but he was on a different team to his best friend...to be completely honest he wasn't scared of fighting him; firstly he knew already no-one really dies here, secondly they often play-fought to better their skills and as such he knew the swordsman's techniques inside out and the man knew his own as well. What he WAS scared of was being on a different team to his friend when surrounded by such horrible foes and being completely on his own...he wasn't sure if he could find anyone he could talk to. He had never been so good at keeping his cool and thinking things through on his own...he had a tendency to just freak out and attack without really planning ahead and at those times someone usually had to come to his rescue. He just hoped that he could find SOMEONE in his team that he could confide in when he needed to talk to someone...he wasn't liking his chances, though. He briefly cast a fearful glance back to his friend, silently wishing the man good luck, before he ducked away to find his team.

He reluctantly said a farewell and offered a "good luck" to the two kids he'd been talking to -Syaoran and Sakura if memory served- before he wandered hesitantly over to his team. He had already looked at them as he approached and had read the three as best he could. The young boy he already felt he may some day come to loathe...he was surrounded by a thick air of dark, he sought revenge for something, that Mega knew, but he wasn't sure what. All he knew was that hate had consumed that boy and he didn't like that look in his eye; he thought this was a child's game he could just play along with and have fun...he was AMUSED by the prospect of death...so far he could see no upsides to the kid and his response towards that was something he found unnervingly close to hatred, and he hated very few people. His butler wasn't MUCH better, but at least he had some favourable qualities that he could assume. He seemed loyal the way he hung close by the child's side and his eyes held something of a calm feel to them; he was not a wild and merciless killer, but the good sides ended there, and as far as Mega could tell he was like the blue-coated man: Not human.
The third he liked far better, though he found it strangely difficult to read him. He was calm, collected, very detached and aloof, perhaps that's why he felt he might become a good friend, since those traits reminded him of Protoman, but the look in his unusual golden eyes seemed trustworthy. He had a sense of good about him that pushed down any doubts Mega might have had about whether or not he could rely on him to help him.

Of them all, none were ESPECIALLY great as he had seen so far, but he couldn't complain, as at least two of them looked capable in a fight and one of those two seemed okay for him to talk to. Having made his observations, he fell into step beside the three to follow the hallway as they had been instructed. "so I guess we're going to have to work together, then..." he commented, quietly, glancing back to Train before he turned to not quite meet Ciel's gaze, though he was definitely making it clear that he was talking to him as well...he at least wanted to make sure he REALLY hated the kid before he went ignoring his existence. "...Not meaning to be rude, but what are you doing in this place? you really don't look like you know how to handle your own in a fight...does your, uh...butler do all the work for you?" he asked, clearly trying to be tactful, but there really wasn't a nice way to ask what he was asking. He'd hesitated on the word butler, since he wasn't so sure the man could really just be called a butler...he felt perhaps he should address this. So he turned to the towering man (under whose massive shadow he rightfully felt intimidated, being of such tiny stature) to address him. "in fact, can I really call you a butler...? You're not like the others here, you're like the one in the blue jacket. What exactly are you?" he asked, expecting the butler to be surprised at his observation.

-------------------------------

Neku was relieved to hear Shiki's name called with his, at least that had gone their way...he glanced over to the strange kid in blue from before, seeing a look of horror on his face, understandably...he'd not been as lucky as them, his friend was on another team to him. Though Neku noted he didn't seem afraid of fighting a friend, so he pulled out his player pin again just to be sure. Sure enough he found the boy seemed more terrified of his other opponents and -surprisingly- his chosen teammates than being on another team to his friend...he decided not to bother prying since he didn't get the kid's logic and left it be, turning to his teammates. Shiki seemed far more open to talking with them and quickly scooted over to introduce herself, firmly believing that a strong understanding amongst a team makes for better performance from all members.
"umm...Hello? I guess we're going to be teammates, now, so why don't we try and get to know each other? We should learn to get along if we want to try and win, after all" she suggested, glancing back at Neku. "right, Neku?" the ever-silent red-head just nodded in reply, meeting first the gaze of the tall one with the fur collar -Squall was it?- then casting his dark blue eyes to meet the somewhat fierce gaze of the blonde -Seifer- his own silent way of getting to know them. Both seemed battle-trained, that he liked, and both seemed intent on victory, again something he could admire. So he decided to grace them with some words, seeming to come to the decision that they were worth his time after all.
"You're Squall Leonheart and Seifer Almasy, right? Let's try and keep our cool and focus on the job, we know what we're doing, you know what you're doing. We keep our eyes on the goal and we can beat those guys." he said, clearly coming to an understanding that neither man seemed too much like the type to socialise and more the type to just get in and kick some ass. "Just don't get in my way and I won't get in yours" Shiki seemed to trust Neku on how to commune with the other two, since he usually didn't talk to just anyone, so she decided he must have a reason to speak to them, so she fell into step beside her friend and simply prepared herself mentally for the trials ahead...to be honest she was terrified, but at least Neku was here.

[candle]

All of the teams were announced, and everyone naturally was looking over to the people they had to be working with.

When Red Team was announced, the one known as Protoman started talking as if he was taking charge. And then he dared refer to Ed as "pipsqueak". As if on que, Edward burst out in anger, yelling in his face, "Who are you calling 'pipsqueak, you sorry excuse for a superhero!"
Winry sighed. 'He's going off the deep end about being called short again...'
"Ed, just calm down..." she told him calmy.
"Why should I? Who does this guy think he is, anyway? I'm not about to start taking order from a guy who looks like a freakish otaku or something!"
Just then, Winry got out her wrench, whacked him in the head, and said in a loud voice "I told you to calm down! This isn't the time to be complaining when our lives might very well be in danger!"
"You didn't have to hit me in the head!"
"Well, you deserved it!"
"No, I didn't!"

And while that bantering was going on, Syaoran and the Princess found themselves on Green Team. Syaoran was relieved to know that they weren't going to be separated. However, the guy they were just talking to ended up being on a different team. He seemed very nervous as he walked away to his team. As he walked away, he wished the two a "good luck". "Ummm...good luck to you, too!" shouted the princess. She kind of felt bad. He seemed like a nice person, and now they were going to have to fight each other. "I don't like this, Syaoran." she told him.
"Neither do I." he replied.
Suddenly, the two were approached by a guy named Akabane. At least, that's how he introduced himself anyway. He began making them in offer; "I'm a Transporter, and I could happily offer you my services to say; get you through this tournament without harm coming to either of you, at the simple cost of my pleasure in this event. This of course, means that I will grant this offer still, in free for all competition, and do my utmost to defend you from the violent competitors we have here. Would that be pleasant deal?"
The princess sort of winced and pulled away. There was something she didn't like about this guy, and Syaoran himself also felt a little tense...especially since he seemed to be frightening the princess. However, that offer...a Transporter? Offering his services? At the price of just letting him have his pleasure? Considering they don't know if they'll ever be reunited with Mokona and the others again, and that they may not even win this tournament, he was actually considering it. However, he had a feeling that this should be viewed with caution. "By pleasure, do you mean for us to stay out of your way?" he asked, looking at Akabane intensely. "You said you'd protect us, and does that mean for us not to do anything? Sure, perhaps it sounded stupid, but in some cases, what Syaoran was doing was actually quite smart; he wanted to make sure he understood anything before he agreed to anything.

As Blue Team was announced, they seemed to gather together. Train twirled his gun, and decided to respond to the comment "So, I guess we'll be working together..."
"Guess so." he replied. "I'm not exactly sure what they're gonna get out of us fighting each other. At least we don't actually have to kill anyone. I'm already trying to atone for all that by making my name as a Sweeper."
He then remembered his dear friend, Saya, who helped lead him on the right path. He wondered what she would say about this tournament.

[Elario Luminus]

Squall had taken the same notes as Seifer had in regards to their adversaries; particularly the three he'd mentioned. As he was pushed away, however, he shot his rival a defiant, yet calm, look.
"It's not a question of whether or not we win, Seifer. If us winning the tournament means the other teams dying - that is, permanently - then I will see to it that we all make it home, wherever that is for us."
Squall knew for certain that no-one here would be willing to die if they could help it.

Whe he heard one of his team-mates addressing him, Squall focused on the one who spoke up. Neku. A kid. Squall suppressed his urge to roll his eyes. What were they thinking, bringing children into the fray? Regardless of that fact, Squall nodded in agreement.
"I can't speak for Seifer, as I'm sure he'll do enough of that on his own, but I would rather be left to myself in combat at the very least."
'Cause I sure don't expect to get solitude outside of it...'[/b]
He reached down and unsheathed his gunblade from his hip, resting it gently on his shoulder as he continued onwards to the cheering crowd.

[Lykaios]

Seifer had let Squall do the talking when the two kids on their team had initiated communication with them. It was only until Squall made the point that he hoped to do his fighting solo, that Almasy decided to say something.
"I'm sorry to be the one pointing this out, puberty-boy; especially considering it was my weakness during our SeeD exam, but what if they score us on team-work? We'd be more successful in team games working as a team. It's not my strong-suit, but I'm ready to give it a go." he said, glancing at the orange haired kid Neku and mini-skirt wearing Shiki.
"We don't neccessarily have to work in each others way. But maybe we should back each other up?" he suggested. "We all want to win our freedom, don't we?"

--------------------------------------------

Vergil disliked everything about this competition. His team, the people in charge, the competition and the people in charge. He despised how these brats could steal him away just to participate in some childish tournament. This was threatening to be interesting, but he was doing his utmost to stay neutral and disinterested.

"As soon as this tournament is over, I'm leaving." he said to himself.

-------------------------

Tucker's team appeared quite lively. And he had a fairly attractive girl on his team, which gave him some eye candy. Sidling up to them, he rested his arm around her shoulders after she beat up on the pip-squeak and - though none could see it behind his visor - gave a cheeky smile.
"Come here often, baby? You could ignore the little guy and gimme some lovin'. I'm the Love Doctor, and I'm a professional, baby." he said flirtaciously.

It was then that the Superhero looking Protoman told him to focus. Looking down at the red-clothed Protoman with his girlishly long hair, Tucker chuckled.
"I'm focussed, Superman. I know when I'm needed. And blondie here needs some love." he responded.

------------------------------------------

Akabane found his new comrades delightful. Syoaran appeared to be concerned about the ins and outs of his contract.
"I don't mean for you to stay out of my way. My offer is for protection. We might not win the tournament, particularly with Dr Demon and his ineptitude at making even polite conversation with his teammates, but I will fight to prevent your defeat in the events; inclusive of free for all. If you fins yourself in danger, I'll take on the opposition for you in your place. Is this not fair?" he responded.

((sorry for the lateness and shortness...had it typed on mums laptop...till I closed mozilla and lost it all.))

[Tifa Lockhart]

Protoman groaned loudly when the short blond went off on his rant and the armour-suited man began his flirtations with the girl.
'Why did I get the team of idiots?' he thought, glancing over at Megaman's team, which seemed far more focused.
"Seriously, leave the girl alone," he demanded of Tucker, his voice still rather calm. He seemed to ignore every insult that had been thrown his way completely. It was very hard to shake his cool.
"If we're going to win this we need to work together. I can't say I've ever been much of a team player, but I know it's called for in a situation like this."
He turned to face the short blond boy who seemed to still be fuming about being called 'short' in any way.
"Ed right?" he clarified. "You seem tougher than these two," he gestured to Tucker and Winry with a thumb. "Do you want to win?"

----------------------------------------

Ciel sniffed indignantly when the boy dressed in blue with the ridiculous helmet asked him why he was there.
"I have about as much knowledge as to why I'm here as you do," he declared in his posh English accent. "Quite frankly I've found it rather boring thus far, I have far more important things I could be doing."

"Quite right, Master," Sebastian replied, pulling out and inspecting a silver pocket-watch. "We should be attending a meeting for the company right about now..." he sighed, putting the watch away. "Now I shall have to reschedule..."
He trailed off then, crimson eyes rising to meet the gaze of the blue-child who'd addressed him directly. The first thing he did was offer a smile. The gesture was both strangely reassuring and alarmingly creepy at the same time.
"It is my job to ensure my Master's safety," he insisted, his voice low. "I'm more than able to pull his weight out there, though my master is certainly not without means to defend himself."
Ciel sniffed as Sebastian looked sideways at him, smirking in amusement.
"As for what I am..." he bowed deeply to Megaman, pressing a hand across his chest as he did so. "I am simply one hell of a butler."
The statement seemed to get some sort of emotional response out of Ciel, he gave the smallest of amused smirks, adjusting his eyepatch a little.
"Your ridiculous flare for the dramatic will grow tiresome one day, Sebastian."
"I highly doubt that," the butler drawled, smirking to himself.

[Yuffie Kisaragi]

Megaman visibly cringed when Sebastian responded as he did, understanding the implications of the statement well enough to be unsure of whether he could trust the butler not to kill him the moment his back was turned...but he seemed more likely to focus on the matter at hand than that, so he decided he'd give the benefit of doubt for now. Not to mention the somehow reassuring yet frightening smile he offered. He then turned back to Ciel again as they emerged into the outside light, seeming to hardly notice the crowds and such, though really it wasn't hard to ignore them when you'd been champion, runner-up or tied victor of all the fighting tournaments that went on within reasonable distance from home. "I'm curious...Ciel Phantomhive, was it?" he checked, seeming to be a little awkward pronouncing the 'v', though his understanding of the letter seemed fine. After all, he usually spoke Japanese, even though he was capable of speaking nearly every language on Earth, thanks to his netnavi programming. "You seem to think this is some sort of game. Something you can just play along with just for fun." he tensed slightly, a fist clenching and then relaxing again in an almost anxious manner. "You do realise just what kind of situation we're in, here, don't you? This is no simple game, your lordship has no meaning here. You're just as much a tool of entertainment as the rest of us." he paused to consider his words, not wishing to be impolite, even if he was being reprimanding at the time. "Don't take this too lightly or you'll get yourself in serious trouble, and I don't care how 'talented' your butler may be, against this many skilled competitors one slip-up could separate you and then you'd be on your own. If you want to stay with your friend you'd best take things seriously, believe me, I learned the hard way" He was half expecting Ciel to scoff and make some remark about how he "couldn't possibly have such experience" but he already had his answer planned if he did. After all, he DID have the experience and he had more than enough capability in combat to prove it.

He just hoped this competition wouldn't get too rough...after all, Lan wasn't here to send him weapons, nor were any of his friends besides Protoman here for him to be able to use his Double-soul ability. That left only one special capability open to him, and it wasn't one he was particularly partial to...in all honesty, he hoped he wouldn't be forced to deal with it at all, certainly not in the team matches...what if he flew into a rage and harmed a team-member? was there a penalty for that? regardless if there was or not, he prayed it wouldn't happen. the LAST thing he wanted was any more bloodshed than necessary, and if THAT happened, who was to say how many competitors he might butcher...just the though sickened him and made him want to find somewhere to hide where it DEFINITELY wouldn't happen. But that would seem cowardly of him, so that was certainly not an option.

To try and shake the thought, he turned to the ever elusive Train, intent on learning a bit more about him before they reached the virtual arena itself. "Your name was Train, yes? you seem awfully calm about all this...are things where you come from not much different or something? You seem to be used to this sort of thing." he asked, changing his pace so that he fell into step a little closer to the young man, so as to speak to him a little easier. He seemed far more comfortable talking to Train than to Ciel and Sebastian...those two creeped him out a little, Train seemed much less menacing.

----------------------------------------------------

Neku nodded at that. "damn straight. I can back you up however you need, but if we're going to make a good team, I'll need you two to keep your eyes open. My psych attacks don't pick and choose, and I don't think it would work too well to our advantage if I accidentally hit one of you." he said as he stepped out into the light outside, surprised to see spectators around him. "oh, fan-freakin'-tastic...we have sick idiots here to watch us beat hell outta each other. That's a nice thought." he groaned, the sarcasm thick in his tone. He then turned back to his other team mates. "you two both work mostly close-range, yeah?" he asked, just to clarify that his assumption was correct.
Shiki followed nervously behind Neku, silently agreeing that the thought of having spectators watching them kill each other was not a comforting one.
"Neku, what do you suppose they're here for?" she asked, nodding to the audience to indicate that was who she meant. Neku offered a confused look at first, seeming to think it was a bit of a stupid question.
"what else? They're here for the carnage. Just as twisted as the Reapers, no doubt. Makes me sick to think someone could find death and violence "amusing"" he replied, grimacing as if to indicate how sickening the thought was.
"that's not what I meant, Neku." Shiki replied, with a slight huff. "I mean do you think they're only here to watch? or...d-do you think they're BETTING on us? gambling over who wins?" she suggested, seeming to despise the idea that someone might bet on their fight like it were a harmless game of poker. That thought seemed to shake even Neku, a little.
"...maybe. Dunno what kind of sick little game they think this is. We aren't here because we wanted to be entertainment for some freaks from another planet or whatever!" he growled irritably. "Hell with this, I just want to go back to Shibuya...I much prefer the damn crowds there to this creepy hole"

[candle]

When Edward witnessed Tucker getting a little too "friendly" with Winry, his anger skyrocketed even more. Leaping in the air, he landed on drop kick, yelling "GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HER, YOU BASTARD!"
Winry sort of blinked in shock, but in the end found it very sweet. "Wow, thanks Edward. Though I could of easily handled it myself if he went too far." she then looked at Edward with a closed-eyes smile. "You almost seemed kinda jealous there..."
"WHAT?!" Although he doesn't admit it, Ed actually does have feelings for Winry, even though he likes to pretend he doesn't. He and his brother Al, as kids, even had a fight on who would get to marry Winry when they grew up!
Suddenly, the Protoman guy who had previous called Ed 'short' had finally addressed him by name, and said that he seemed tougher than these two (Tucker and Winry). "I don't know; Winry is pretty tough for a girl, especially with that wrench in hand." Ed said this as he rubbed the back of his head where she last whacked him. Protoman then went on to say, "Do you want to win?"
"If what they're offering is actually legit. But I don't trust these 'Game Masters'...' It would be nice if the "greatest desires granted" was true, then he would of aquired a way to get his and Al's original bodies back without the use of a Philosopher's Stone. However, one cannot be so sure.

As Akabane went on to describe his "deal" to Syaoran, he looked at him intently and just said "I'll think about it". He wasn't so sure if he could trust this guy, and it seemed his presence made the princess feel a little uneasy. However, it doesn't sound like a bad offer. So he's keeping it in mind, for now...

Train was approached by Meganman once more, saying; "Your name was Train, yes? you seem awfully calm about all this...are things where you come from not much different or something? You seem to be used to this sort of thing."
"It's not like I've ever entered in any arena or tournament," Train replied. "But I have dealt with some pretty shady people. And I'm not so worried since in this arena we won't actually be killing anyone. Guess we just gotta sit back and see what happens."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The crowds cheered excitedly, demanding action, and the three Game Masters appeared on stage with an announcement.

"Our dear and loyal fanbase," said Tori. "We've got a treat for you today!"
"Four teams of four have been established," said Adam. "All ready to fight for the possibility of having their greatest desires granted."
"Heh. But first, we need to see how they all fight on their own." Roxy turned to the challengers, with a devious grin splayed on her lips. "I'm sorry, and after all the time you had with your team mates, you actually won't be fighting together this time. For your first match, it's every man for himself...." she then laughed a little, returning her gave to the audience. "Our challengers will enter the Box Factory arena. Game type; Last Man Standing. Whoever is the last one remaining will be the winner. Each of them will be given 200 HP, all weapons, but no reloads, and they will each have only 5 lives."
Once again, Roxy looked at the challengers. "Good luck. Just enter in through that large door to your right, and you will instantly be transported into the virtual arena. Like I said, no one truly dies, as it's nothing more than a game. Death and the arena are fake, oh, but the pain sure is real."

LAST MAN STANDING - THE BOX FACTORY

This original arena is located in a large factory that produces cardboard boxes. There are lots of machinary, belts, stacks of boxes, even crates...as well as many rooms, and it's about seven stories high. However, the space is a bit tight and compact, and the lighting is eery.

All characters have FIVE lives. One they have died five times, they are automatically kicked out of the arena and switched to spector mode (just watching). The last one alive in the arena is the winner!