...

Alastor's body electricity fades.

I should be able to sense whether or not he tapped into that Oscar power... but no dice. So he chose to sink after all.
Perhaps he realized he was out of his league and chose to give up. I guess being utterly pathetic is hereditary.

Alastor descends slowly, his arms crossed.

Anyway, I know for sure that even an attack like that isn't enough to destroy those trinkets. I'll just grab them from the old man's ashes and move on. Who knows? Maybe I'll bat 3 for 3 and find his dau--
Eh?

From the corner of Alastor's eye, he spots something collapsing on the ground. By the time he looks at it, he sees that the object is his own forearm. A surge of pain rushes from the place where Alastor was slashed. Clutching his wounded side, he instinctively leaps away.

I wanted to let you keep your ridiculous delusion a bit longer. But your vile nature left me no choice.
Next time, I'll sever your legs.
Y-you..!!
You don't get to wear that suprised expression. I sure as hell already made it clear this wasn't a game. If you get caught lacking, then that's your own fault. Not mine.
Shut up..! You just got lucky!

Alastor's remaining arm charges brightly with purple electricity.

It won't happen again!
We'll see about that.

as he rushes for Jet Black again, this time swinging several Thunder Punches his way. Right before each moment of impact, Jet Black accelerates out of range, punishing each whiff with a series of slashing strikes. This further irritates demonic warrior more and more.

Rrgh!

As soon as his next haymaker misses, he twirls and elbows the space next to him, grazing Jet Black, though the swordsman manages to pivot out of harm's way before Alastor can follow up.

How are you doing this!?
....
...as if I didn't already know.

Twice as fast, Alastor dashes again, this time creating a sword and chucking it edge-first at Jet Black, who vanishes right as it nearly makes contact. Alastor immediately flies into the air and sticks his knee out, hitting a reapparing Jet Black in the solar plexus!

Guh...!
VFX powers... I forgot that you have your very own V-Watch as well.

---

---

Alastor strikes again with a Midnight Sting, and proceeds with a successful Thunder Punch, grounding Jet Black.

But it's not enough. I was puzzled at first, but I can anticipate all your actions now. You won't get me with that one again.
(Damn...) Y...you think so?

Jet Black slides back from Alastor's shockwave. Although major amounts of electrical energy was dispersed, Alastor still remains covered in electricity.

(That lightning is strong... ludicrously so. I was able to avoid direct contact with this sword.... but that level of electrical output is too dangerous to take head-on.)
(On top of that... he's layered it and himself with his very own Dou.... meaning he'll get more powerful as this battle goes on. I'll have to strike him down at the first opportunity that arises.)
Like I was saying.... color me impressed, old guy. That last combination of attacks particularly stung a bit.
You know this won't be anywhere near enough, don't you? You should stop screwing around, and come at me seriously.
I don't know what you're talking about. This is serious business to me, and--
Don't bother trying to hide it. I know you're phoning it in with those half-assed moves. Trying to observe before using the Seven Rainbow Oscars, I'll bet.

---

What is it with those "Rainbow Oscars" that are so special? They sound like your everyday McGuffins.
That's what you think, John. In reality, they're overwhelmingly powerful items that even I at a younger age sought out to collect. You wouldn't understand with your shabby acting career.
Take that back.

---

---

Though, up until now, he's been able to exercise control over them whenever necessary. So I've refrain from makin' it a personal matter.
I'm still not sold on this "otherworldy" stuff you're tryna push... but if it's as powerful as you say, this should be a cinch for Black, right?
......
Will?
...Might not be that simple. After all, there's a fatal weak point to using the Oscars' powers. And even so....

---

You wanna avenge Joe by beating me in his place. Wouldn't holding yourself back be an insult to him? Your full strength, I mean.
Shut your wormhole. The real insult is your naive attempt at goading me. How I go about my methods of combat are my answers alone... as I'm sure can be said about you suppressing yourself as well.
Hmph.... you got me. I'm the pot calling Ket Black. But I am looking for a good time here, I at least feel partially justified not starting with everything I've got.

Alastor soars higher into the air.

Anywho.... if you're not gonna give me what I want.... well, then I'll just force you until you have no choice but to. Look around.

As Alastor gestures upwards to the dark swordwielder, Jet Black's eyes widen as he takes in his surroundings. Hundreds of thousands of countless electrical blades surround him in the air.

?!
Time to Sink or Swim!

Each and every blade comes barreling down at Jet Black at the same time. As one comes inches away from gutting him... the dark hero is coated in a white aura.

Tch..

---

i'll get to more things as time goes on dw

Alastor tucks his arms, crossing them deeply, gathering dark energy around himself.

I'm looking forward to seeing you try doing what Joe couldn't. Fat chance, but a little benefit of the doubt never hurt anybody.

Alastor dives, his body spinning as he turns into a horizantal hurricane headed straight in Jet Black's direction.

Hmph.

Jet creates Danger Breaches but to his surprise, Alastor's Hel Vortex absorbs the dark energy beams, getting faster!

!

Jet Black somersaults out of the way, leaving Alastor with a lacking target. Coming out of the attack, Alastor catches the caped fighter as he's in the middle of creating distance, hammering him with an Ultra Violet Kick!

Ngh!! (He's fast...)
Hnh. Is that all you've got to offer?

With a foot buried in Jet Black's stomach, the latter hacks at Alastor with his sword, causing the demonic fighter to move away. With a devious smirk, Alastor summons a blade of his own, as the two skid away from each other. Jet Black sprints and Alastor flies as they both rush toward's another, sparks flying as they clash swords.

Pretty powerful sword you've got there. Maybe I'll add it to my collection once I'm through having fun with you.
Dream on, freak.

The two parry, slash, and thrust several attacks each aimed at the other, though Jet Black perseveres only through technique alone. Alastor repels all of his attacks without effort, attempting to toy with his nemesis. Agitated, Jet Black swings his blade sideways at Alastor, who neatly ducks under, all the while rotating to counter with a spinning backslash!

He hits nothing.

Wh--

Jet Black is gone. Without a moment of hesitation, Alastor immediately hacks from his behind in hopes of catching a successful surprise att--

DAMN!
Alastor is struck by Jet Black, who had caught him with Giga Gungnir from his left.

...Heh. That was a good--

DAMN!
The sword stabs don't stop coming.
DAMN!
DAMN!
DAMN!
DAM--
DAM--
DAMN!
DAMN!

STOP THAT!!!!

A bright purple shockwave blast of electricity emanates from Alastor, knocking Jet Black away!!

---

Soul Curve (Shadow/Swift)- Jet Black automatically teleports to the location of his blade, or vice-versa.


Hel Vortex (Shadow/Wind)- Alastor does a forward dashing (Diving if in midair) spinning attack, consuming himself in dark energy rapidly gaining momentum.
Danger Breach (Shadow/Space)- Jet slashes the air, tearing through space and releasing a dark batch of energy beams that chip away at the user. Cannot be dodged, and quadruples in damage for every successful contact made.
Ultra Violet Kick (Shadow/Swift)- Alastor dives at the opponent (leaping into the air if they aren't in it already), doing a powerful divekick with the power of both the user's and target's inner darkness. Penetrates defenses.
I'M NOT GONNA SUGARCOAT IT - (INSERT INPUT) (Damage)- Stringing together a move or a devestating combination of moves, every attack adds once to a "DAMN! Counter"; The damage of every additional attack is multiplied by the DAMN! count squared. Disappears after getting hit.
Giga Gungnir (Cutter)- Jet Black uses his sword to strike the user with unparalleled balance. Has 100% accuracy and always Critical Hits.

A figure is surrounded by a heap of smoking ashes...

Ugh. All of you are weak... weak, weak, WEAK!
Yikes... it seems at this point, I'm running all out of options.... Maybe that Wario guy and his beanpole stepbrother can give me a proper challenge. I could try that.... Alastor's expression immediately changes as he sports a surprise grin. He tilts his head to the side, avoiding the path of a thin katana blade that tears through air... however...

Found you.

A blur teleports right next to the Katana as it flies past Alastor, roundhouse kicking the archfiend. Alastor reacts within time to catch the surprise attack with his wrist, but slides back from the impact. Once Alastor looks up, he sees that his assailant has already squared up, though his sword is unsheathed.

... ♫ (He's Back) Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links - Z-one Theme ♫

Humored, Alastor folds his arms at Jet Black's arrival, chuckling to himself.

Well, look who came back with the milk... I was right to send Atlas your way. Everyone I've crushed since your boy has been no fun. A real snoozefest.
Then you can try taking me on for size... although, I'm playing for keeps. My kid may very well be dead because of you, and that's not a debt that will go unpunished.
Heh. Sorry, Jet whack, you're out of luck. There's a strict no-refund policy around these parts...
Still, I won't stop you from trying. Give it your all! And when both father and son fall to me... I'll be the one to claim the Seven Oscars you possess.
...So you knew... and you were likely waiting on me to arrive to the Earth to get a chance of them.

Jet Black slowly unsheathes his sword...

No matter. I'll avenge my son's defeat...
You'll join him in hell.

A glint shines at the tip of of Jet Black's blade.

Try me.

Count simply phases through. His properties seem to become holographic in the moment the Shadow Blade should have made contact.

A serious tick does nothing to bother an elephant, much less fell it. All I have to say regarding you is this...
...I couldn't care less with what you've already collected. Feel free to take advantage as per my whim. However... should you try and stop me, so much as even get in the way.... you will regret it massively. "Data."*

I simply wanted to make that clear.

Count is gone.

---

Thrusters boosting him, Scale breezes through the air, still in his armor. He gazes at his own reflection in a built-in mirror propped onto his wrist.

It truly does "suck to be me".... to be the Elite of the Endowed, the Ace of the Adonises, and the Incomparable amongst even the Intellectuals, all simultaneously. If I believed in such childish superstitions, I would call it a curse..
Of course, it's back to mundane routine... toying with that third-rate a while longer would have been more fun. But of course, he had to spoil it by being so insignificant.

The reflection inside Scale's mirror responds to him... somehow...

True enough... honestly, the sight of such inferiority made my pure blood boil.... I lost my composure for a moment. No matter.
Why should I be? I opened up to her. Tried to make amends with her. And like the unsophisticated brute she is, she brushed me aside... to put my advancements to waste... what astonishing sin.

You see as well as I do that her contempt is beginning to fade. Progress is progress all the same. The closer she comes to accepting us, the closer we become to Opera. Naturally, our unrivaled charm will bloom resolution when the time is ripe.

Well said. Only I could have structured such so immaculately.... now, then. Business awaits.

Scale accelerates away, leaving many turbulent winds behind.

---

* don't take this as me telling you to back off OOC lol.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I RISE FROM THE ASHES AT LAST!!! MY ONCE-PER-MONTH QUOTA IS COMPLETE!!!! WRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!! NOW I WILL CLOSE AS MANY LOOSE ENDS AS POSSIBLE!!!!!11!!!11!!!!ONE

---

Bowser lays face-down on the ground. Bowser Jr. tends to his father.

Papa...
....
You'll be okay, Papa... I promise....
Step away from him..

Bowser is confronted by an apprehensive Kamek, shaking his head. His signature wand has been snapped in half on the other side of the wrecked room.

I'd recommend leaving him, young lord... for his sake.
But... he's... after that fight, he could be really hurt! He needs help!
You speak of a man who has bathed in hot lava. A little nap is nothing to him. He'll be fine... At least, that's what I would have liked to say.

Kamek approaches Bowser Jr as he speaks.

Do you know what his boorishness has longed for the most all this time?
. ...

Standoffish to the question, Jr. twiddles his thumbs.

W-well.... yeah? He wanted to kidnap Peach... so they would be together. And be one happy family.
For a time. But as of late, that had changed.
?
You are correct that he it has been his goal to be with the Princess... and, even until now, this has been his objective.... but what's really been driving your father is the very same man he's lost to for so many years.
Mario...

Kamek rests an arm on Bowser Jr.'s shoulder.

It showed in his methods. He was willing to destroy everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom as a last resort. He tried to manipulate Mario by using his memories with the Princess against her.... it's true I assisted these things, but these were his ideas.
Losing in spite of that...

Bowser Jr. looks down at his senior counterpart, dismayed.

Will he be alright?
When his defeat sinks in, we'll only remind him of his failures... it's best to do as I said and give him space for now...

---

Data feels a tap from behind his shoulder.

(Hello! I can indeed verify and say that I indeed do not mind.)

...
(also this post is a placeholder I'll edit this to include plot relevant stuff soon enough)

---

Soul and Flamenco clash. Shockwaves from their collision extend far beyond the distance of their contact, shaking everything within jurisdiction.

I despise everything about you... you have ridiculed me to no end in the past... I will not... LOSE... AGAAIN...!!!!
L-listen, kid... I'm... *grunt*... not sure what practicing you've been tryna do, but it's pointless.... I'm the unstoppable, immovable, objective, force!

The shockwaves become increasingly violent. Rough, seismic waves pass all over the ground, and sonic booms escelate the pressure in the wind. Still, both Soul and Flamenco are locked in place.

(Tch. A battle of wills. I was hoping it wouldn't come down to such a matter... )

Salsa is unmoved by the shockwaves, or by the massive amounts of things sent backwards from such. Still he perks up at something- or someone- warping a distance away from Soul and Flamenco.

(Just a second. What on earth..?)
Damn! I'm too late. The damage she's caused is immense.

Count brushes his coat. He crouches into a racing position.

If you want it done right, I suppose you have to do it yourself...
(Oh, goodie. Now I'm stuck on cleanup duty making sure the boy can fight safely.)
**FWOOSH**
(Fast!)
**ZOOM**

Both Count and Salsa vanish. Not a moment later, they reappear, with Salsa standing in between Count and the fighting duo.

.....you're in my way.
O-old man! What is the mea--

Flamenco's diverted attention gives Soul the perfect opportunity to kick Flamenco forwards, jetting him through several more buildings. Soul storms towards Flamenco yet again.

Tch! Blockheaded boy! Concetrate on your fight!
...
...Understand this. I'm not here for you, I'm not here for your pupil figure. The most I came to do is offer you two a warning.
I'm here for the girl. She has been a public menace for years, assaulted countless citizens of separate areas, thus putting them into the hospital... and has occasionally even resulted in tremendous area damage. She needs to be stopped. And I will not allow you to prevent her from such.

Salsa strokes his beard at Count's comment. He chuckles.

Riveting! What inconvenient timing. Do you think you can wait another five minutes before enacting your objective?
.
I figured as well, I simply wanted to get formalities out of the way.

(Hello! I can indeed verify and say that I indeed do not mind.)

...

---

Opera waits until the smoke clears, tucking Delta's head in to keep him from blindness until it fades.

Ugh... this is the second consecutive time someone has tried to pull this smokebomb stunt on me.
Wh... what happuned? Who was that man?
*sigh* I have not the foggiest. Even I am not quite sure what happened. The only thing I am sure of, however...
...Is I am beginning to get tired of being put through these situations.
Knock 'em down!
No, thank you.

♫ 16_aishuu ♫

Yes... it is becoming more clear... The true heart of the Oliver Clan's greatest progeny. His passion for what is right, and his care for humanity... though those became warped and divided, by combining the two he would restore himself as an entity far beyond his previous sum...

---

....However. it was not in power where these things would manifest... but in the sacrifice he made to protect everyone.

---

1: Hmph. His meddling with mortal affairs caught up with him... thus causing him to perish by it.
2: But... he did resurrect, did he not? Then he has never truly met his end.

...No. He won the battle beyond.

---

---

6: And...? Is there a point the retelling of that which is known? All that remains obvious needs no wprds.

Ah. But these words are the most important of all.... because they lead us... to the moment that divited fate forever.

!?

For you see... Not all events play as you may believe.

---

---

All the hooded characters in the room are shocked. Save the ringleader.

5: This... this never happened.

And why has it never happened?
2: The foretold events are already known! That is why the current landscape has changed!....

Yes... and no. Both are different halves of a moment in time, split separately through thought.

Both are different halves of a moment in time, split separately from thought.

---

---

♫ WOODMAN ♫ (not the RM)

...
...Tch. If this doesn't work, old man...

Flamenco blasts himself a few meters upwards, blasts himself downwards, and takes a deep breath. He somersaults into a position where he is barreling feet first....

And then you'll be like "awww, f!" and I'll be like "f yeah you little fshtstain", and then I'll throw it back just to rub it in, and--"

Soul throws another combination of Size Alterated punches from below. Flamenco parries the first one, and spings off of it, using it's momentum to skid onto the second, skiing down her arm before jumping off yet again, falling further downwards.

...(lead into the next...)

---

---

Flamenco twists through the air, twirling between fists and parrying them all the while. His sharpness and timing increase with every movement, as his manuveures grow more and more refined. His movements grow to the point where he is seemingly able to read Soul with little effort.

YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YA--
Um, time out. I am punching him, right? Or am I just punching the air?

No, Soul, you aren't hitting him. You've been using that same attack for five minutes, but I've yet to see you land one clean-

YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH! YAH!

...And that's why I only speak in third person.

To dodge those attacks with such grace even with multiple ribcage fractures... That child surprises me to no end. The rich tree of training is finally beginning to bear fruit.
Go, boy. Show her your fighting spirit!

Leaping off of giant hook to giant hook, the look in Flamenco's eyes suddenly change.

(I'm within range!)
HRAAAAAAAAAAAGHH!!

Pushing forward with two Fire Streams of greater volume than he has ever created, Flamenco plummets towards Soul at astonishing speeds.

DIIIIIIIIIE!!!!!!!!!
Huh? So he's stil in this thing, is he?
Not a problem!

Soul crouches slightly. The ground she stands on cracks as Soul immediately springs into the skies, meeting the diving Flamenco head on.

I'll beat you at your own game and win this!

Injured, Flamenco hurriedly makes his way to his feet, in time to see Soul, leisurely approaching him in carefree fashion. Somehow, the tail end of her hair seems to float in the hair, meshing well with the frenzied look on her face.

Credit where credit is due... you're a little different than the last times. I don't think you'd have been able to get up after that before... but you're still nothing to me. Get it, runt?
.......Don't be pretentious, disgraceful punk. You could not hope to harm me sufficiently.
Now that's a cute bluff... useless, but cute. Then again, it wouldn't be any fun if you keeled over, either... not that I'd let you off easy after that rear end comment.

Still several yards away from Flamenco, Soul draws back one of her legs, immediately tipping off Flamenco, who prepares himself still for the worst...

Since you care about asses so much, How about I hand you YOURS!?

...as she suddenly thrusts her leg forward, phasing through a Space Orb and becoming humongous as it passes through, colliding with Flamenco, who blocks to the detriment of his wounded ribcage. The force of said leg is enough to push and eventually knock Flamenco away!

Drgh!
Awww, did widdle doggy wose his bite!? Fight back before I get bored!

Before Flamenco can crash through another building wall, he somersaults in the middle of his airbone travel, slowing him down enough for him to touch down on the wall foot first and ricochet off of it, heading straightforward towards Soul. Meanwhile, Salsa still watches the raging battle from above, like he has been since the very beginning.

(The boy is in trouble now... if he continues at this rate, he'll be fighting a losing battle. Though, even still... I cannot help but feel a wave of nostalgia pass over me as I watch.)

---

---

You had better not lose, child. Win, and win and at all costs... for the sake of our clan's honor.

---

Flamenco uses Fire Streams to propel himself in the air, narrowly shaving by a humongous elbow. He instantly proceeds to propel himself into the air in different directions, dodging extremely large Size Alterated attacks from Soul from above!

Hrnnnn....!

Inconceivable! It was my belief that I could match her, but ever since that one attack, she seems able to overpower anything I do! I need more power!... More...

---

---

....

---

Size Alteration (None)- Soul phases an object through a Space Orb, increasing its mass, volume and size as it travels along extensively.
Space Orb (Space/Empty)- Soul creates a sphere devoid of mass that can expand or change shape without restriction, nullifing and absorbing anything it comes into contact with, including Soul herself. All absorbed objects go to a separate plane of reality known as "Limbo". If used in Limbo, it has the opposite effect, but has a quantity and limitation based on that of the parallel reality she was in.

Is this all you've got to show, fireface? I've seen hotter stuff from the North Pole!
When I'm through with you, woman... you'll find the flames of Hell relaxing!!

Undeterred, Soul stares Flamenco down as he, still charging, blasts Fire Stream in her direction, despite her seeming to make no effort to avoid it.

Hell, huh..?
Don't be so sure you're not going there first.
Shut your filthy mouth.

The flames engulf Soul entirely, as she vanishes along with them as they dissipate. Flamenco, however, still keeps a firm guard, suspicious of the area around him.

(How inept... I'm not so foolish that I'll fall for any more of your surprise ambushes. I've seen through your childish strategy before.)

---

---

You'll suffer the price for attempting something so trite!

Flamenco shifts the weight in his body into his right leg. Pouring all momentum into the counterattack, is ankle catches flames as his leg waves around with immense force, turning into a blazing, Red Roundhouse...!.. but only realizing at the last second that Soul is not there.

! (No...! She's not in that direction!?... she goaded me into making this one empty swing! Now I'll never know where she'll come from!)

Flamenco's visual perception is slowed to a halt to match his thoughts...
(I should have wondered why she had used the same failed strategy twice... and I lack time to defend myself! I was played for a fiddle...! All I can do is endure!)

In utmost perfect sync with the tail end of Flamenco's thoughts, the flaming combatant feels a blunt sensation penetrating his ribcage. He can only watch in horror as a fist makes its way into his stomach, sapping the wind from his sails. His preparing for the sudden counterattack makes it seem like ages.

Gh!

*WHAM.*
*WHAM.*
*WHAM.*
*WHAM.*
*WHAM.*

It is only when the pain of the ambush sets in which Flamenco's perception finally speeds up to normal, as he is immediately SLAMMED through several buildings worth of distance with a devastating blow, faster than he can notice he is traveling!

GGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eesh! Even I felt that one... that boy left himself far too open against such a heavy hitter...!

---

And worse than that... at least three of his ribs were probably fractured from that punch. He won't be able to move one of his arms without extensive pain... That girl deliberately chose a vital angle to cause him.

---

The fist Soul use to cause monumental damage is smoldering from the impact. Regardless, she seems not to notice such as she is too distracted by the battle itself.

OH, YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! THAT ONE GOT ME FIRED UP!!! You still alive, kiddo!? You got me in the mood for some FUN!

---

Round Burner (Flame/Missile)- The user throws out an oval-shaped heat-seaking fireball. Gains more speed and power the more distance has been traveled over ground.
Fire Stream (Wind/Flame)- The user sprouts a geyser of flames which can be used as either a vast flamethrower or to modify their own trajectory, with more momentum the greater the volume.
Red Roundhouse (Flame/Impact)- Amplified a powerful flaming aura, the user does a strong roundhouse kick.

Sometimes you act kinda starn on her.
...
Stern. And I must be. It is precisely because I care that I am so critical of her activities.
Is that why you also act mean around Scale?
N-no! That is different! I refuse to let that man string me along so I can become a t-trophy of his!
If... he f-feels the way he acts he does, he can prove it. I will not allow myself be strung along by anyone.

As Opera is finishing her statement, a crack forms, and something shatters through the ceiling, with immense speed collapsing on the ground meters away from them.

That had better not be him. We should stay away from that for our own g--
Wowie!

Opera notices too little too late that Delta is already wandering towards the figure's landing spot. Miffed, she gives in and follows him.

Oh...
I can't feel my arms...

Before Delta can say anything else, he is promptly dragged away by Opera.

How many times am I to remind you about stranger danger before you listen to those reminders?
B-but you said not all strangers are dangers!!
That does not mean you are to trust everything and everyone...
I'm just curious.... cuz Soul always whacks people out before they can say or do stuff at me.
.... (...Perhaps I should give her methods more credit.)

---

Well, then... so it would seem the girl was a level above her previous performance... perhaps I should have gave her more credit. This will be an entertaining scuffle after all.

Soul slaps away a trio of Round Burners which explode into the distance. All the while staring at Flamenco darting towards her, She scoffs proudly, as if to goad him head on, albeit with success found.

Hoisted by hangers and at a loss for additional line of thought., Opera holds two hangers in front of Delta.

What to wear, what to wear... which one do you think fits me better?
Da one on the left!
I see.... I believe I may try that one, then.

Opera walks back, presumably to return the dress not chosen by Delta. In doing such, he speaks to her from behind.

You surprised me! I never knew you were mean and strong like Soul!
I can be, but I would rather not. Not all situations should be solved with the same barbarian methods... and yet, my sister seems bent on such.
Which one of you is stronger?
. . .

To Delta's seeming surprise, Opera seems to ponder the question for a sizable few moments. But then, she shrugs it off.

I... am not sure. We will never fight, anyway, so it matters little in the long run.
....Okie.
Your path is yours to choose... but you should not take interest in the type of thing she does. It is a dangerous thing. You do not need to be strong to be "cool"
But I wanna be tough! Tough like her! Everyone keeps calling me a babby. I'm not!
(Pft.)
Everywhere Soul goes, people is nice to her. And if they're not nice, she makes them nice. I wanna have people be nice to me too!
.......

Head, to shoulders, to body first, Soul bursts from excess rubble, seemingly ruffled to that point. From afar would be Flamenco rushing directly towards her, though she doesn't seem in a rush to engage.

Kid... I was gonna go easy on you, but now you've gone and pissed me the hell off. I'll take my time giving you the ass whooping you deserve.
I'd die sooner than accept mercy from the likes of you! Tramp!

Flamenco lunges at Soul with a razor-sharp knee, which she manages to brush aside, grabbing Flamenco's leg, and then slamming it against the concrete ground.

Hrk...!
That can easily be arranged.

Soul punts Flamenco's recently slammed body into the air, where it crashes into yet another building.

---

Tch. They're at again?... and with no concern for collateral, to boot. I've had enough.
Let me take 'em, boss man. Ain't neither of them up to snuff when they're so focused on one another.

The man looks back at Arpegionne for a moment, and then presumes putting on a coat.

No. I have to be the one to do this, anyway. This is personal. And preparations have been complete.
...
Pshhht. Figures ya say that. Well, Whutever. Do what ya gotta do.
I'm glad you understand, Arpegionne... this time I have no choice but to take the initiative.


Count opens up a lair of gadgetry, eagerly deciding what to equip in his impending arsenal...

♫ Macrochip ♫

Suddenly, you don't seem nearly as confident anymore. Has reality finally set in? Perhaps you at last realize that you were out of your depth?
....Like hell. If you think I'll give up simple as that, you're mistaken.
Ugh. Your type are ridiculous. The ones that persist after a 0% likelihood... and for what? Stoicism? Hope?
Staking your being on such superficial concepts is a fool's errand. The only constant in this world is facts. Here's one: "You stand no chance."
Pride cometh before the fall.

Scale chuckles.

Does pride also cometh before scanning all data on you and not only acquiring the limits of your operating systems but personal information relating you?
Y-you're bluffing! There's no way that you could--!
133.41.664.235.589.81

Lightning strikes right as Scale finishes speaking. The suited opponent seems to be in a shock-like state.

I've contacted your estate owner. I own the block you live on... and I've also scheduled dinner and a movie with your sister. Fine woman.
!!?!?!?!???!

Without warning, the invidual feels a metallic hand on them from behind. Though they can only glance from the corner of their eye, it remains painfully obvious this person is a quite unsatisfied Scale.

Filth like you disgust me. How dare trash like you try to compete with me when you're not even worthy of saying my name. With this pitiful display, you're nowhere near worth my time.
N-no! Don't--!

Scale grabs the person's left arm and jerks it immensely out of place, causing the hitman to scream painfully, though it is drowned out in the rain. The figure swings at Scale, but he is already at the other arm, twisting it as well.

So in return... I'll take a generous six weeks of your time, in return for the six seconds it takes to dismantle you. Now, then... get out of my sight.
BASTAAAAAAAAAARD!

Scale, already holding on to the person's right arm, swings it, along with their right body above his head for a solid ten seconds before throwing it into the sky, creating several sonic booms at the moment of travel and parting the clouds seconds upon release.

Such a disappointment. An unrivaled mind with nothing to test it...

Don't be shyyyy. I don't bite that hard! Come and get it!
DIE!

Jumping off the rooftop, Flamenco dives straight towards Soul in a hazed fury. Soul on the other hand, manages to sidestep the opening swing from Flamenco, and use repeated head movement to avoid a rapid-fire of angry fists.

YOU WON'T DEFEAT ME AGAIN!
Tch. I thought the child would be disciplined enough to exercise patience... but it's clear seeing that girl is making his blood boil. He'll have to learn the hard way.
I don't think I beat you hard enough before... so this time, I think I'll thrash you extra hard to teach you a lesson!

Frustrated, Flamenco angrily spins a backhanded fist towards Soul's vicinity, but she rather casuallybrushes the attempt with her forearm, knocking his arm aside and counterattacking for a devastating knee, doing fracturing damage to a few of Flamenco's ribs, and leaving his freshly exposed face to a powerful slap, turning his head sideways!

Rgh!
(Boring... maybe I'll challenge that old geezer next to him. That guy seems kind of tou==)

!?!?

In a flash at the nick of time, Soul narrowly manages to raise the both of her arms to her head in time to block a fierce, fiery hook, with the momentum to push her back meters away, although as Soul finally ungaurds her face, she still seems rather unscath--

Heh... (So, he's not all talk after all. This could be fun.)
I've surpassed you, battle harlot... all you can do now is walk a destined road paved to defeat!

Soul wipes off the damage done, still not seeming daunted in the slightest. Flamenco's fists clench, as his hands catch on fire.

---

---

Of course... you musn't get my words mistaken. The moment you made up your mind to assault me, you lost.
You're awfully cocky... I don't think you realize what I can do.
Yes. I don't. But more importantly... I realize it doesn't matter what you do.

The figure finally seems the slightly miffed by Scale's resolute hubris. Or perhaps they are irked by his sheer dismissiveness. Either so, it is made subtly clear that they do not appreciate Scale's demeanor... though that much is masked by a scoff of the individual's doing.

Hmph! I suppose actions speak louder than words. We'll see how smug you are when I eviscerate your legs!

The figure fires a sharp, prismatic laser beam of energy towards Scale. However, to their suprise, a blue, holograph-like sphere surrounding Scale halts the oncoming attack, and deflects it away.

What?!
I'll give you a second warning. Throw in the towel. I'm feeling good at the moment, so I'm willing to turn the other cheek.
W-who do you take me for!?

The figure immediately fires away again, this time shooting a nonstop plethora of the same attack. The barrier around Scale deflects them nonstop, and the man standing in the middle of it seems bored of it.

Quite a few of Einstein's ideals are outdated, but he was on to something about repetition and insanity.

The figure in front of Scale is no longer in front of him, but this revelation does absolutely nothing to break his carefree disposition. A swif, rotating stalwart foot from behind him clashes against the barrier, but is repelled by the collision, knocking the figure back.

What on earth!?
I would ask you if you're quite finished, but at this stage, it is no longer my concern. You're finished.
(D-damn... that defense of his is tight.!)
...Don't kid me! I have nothing to worry about when the only thing you've shown yourself capable of is defense!
...Fair enough. I suppose I can reward you for your persistence.
(There's more..!)

Small, minimal pieces of blue nanotechnology can be seen crawling from Scale's legs. Quickly, they accelerate and begin to envelope his body up to his neck, as it finally fully morphs, revealing a donned suit of armor. A bolt of lightning strikes the armored Scale from the clouds above, creating a cackling effect.

Still think I'm only capable of defense?
!!

---

Round Burner (Flame/Missile)- The user throws out an oval-shaped heat-seaking fireball. Gains more speed and power the more distance has been traveled over ground.
Auto-Defensive Anti Barrier (Defense/Anti)- A holigraphic, spherical barrier centered around Scale, generating enough antimatter to deflect and divert all attacks headeed in Scale's direction.

Anti - An Artificial Element. Represents attacks composed with or infused with antimatter. Not to be confused with the type Anti-Omni.

♫ ParagonX9 - Defection ♫

So, you brought a backup goon, huh? Fine by me... just know that's double the dental plan you're paying for.
You're mistaken, artificial one. I've only come to watch my pupil here do battle. He seemed quite obssessed with defeating you, so I figured it would be interesting to see how he'd fare after his training.
....Sheesh... what an irresponsible geezer! you'd really let a kid get his butt whooped a third time!?

From above rapidly descends a Round Burner, and it's trajectory homes directly towards Soul. Said target effortlessly evades it with a mere turning of her neck, as an explosion from the flaming attack erupts behind her. As Soul once again looks up, she finds Flamenco's hand sizzling.

Shut up. Your words are as flat as your rear end... I came to fight. Not to squabble.
Oh?... Well. I am in the mood for a little fun... but don't expect any mercy after that remark.

Soul rotates her right arm around, before cracking her knuckles in trademark confident expression. After making note of the fireball's resistance of rain, she seems undeterred from the massive, untouched flaming aura around Flamenco... who is rather stoic. Next to Flamenco is Salsa, who speaks up.

I think I've taken a liking to you, girl... so I'll give you a word of advice. Swallow your pride and wet your ears. Your elders know best:...
Don't pull your punches like you did before. If you do not take this seriously... there is a great chance you will not survive.
?

Lightning strikes but a moment after Salsa finishes speaking. Flamenco steps up, clearly ready to attack. Soul prepares herself.

This meaningless drivel has gone on long enough. Stand your ground, and prepare for defeat!
Come on, then. I'll put you down like the worthless wannabe you are!