[hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/q0ys2M5.png[/img] [sub][@redbaron1234][/sub][/center][hr][hr] A part of Brooke felt a little bad for leaving that kid behind like that, now that she knew how [i]hospitable[/i] Rio's finest was. And the fact that he was obviously a Nomad. But, Brooke was obviously thinking on her toes, and, sadly, what's done is done. Even as they ran through the streets of Rio, the thought occurred to her to stop running because they look mighty conspicuous out here. But, by then, Margot had decided to take the lead, and had something actually useful to contribute! [quote=@redbaron1234] [color=cyan]"Well that could've gone better. Follow me, I got a cache already set up at the bus station. A change of clothes, disguises, and enough money to rent a room for the night."[/color] [/quote] Brooke widely smiled, following it with a chuckle. "Change of clothes? Disguises? What are you? Some kind of super spy?" She said in jest as she did her best to keep up with Margot's immense speed. Then another thought occurred to her. "Oh, wait! Are you suggesting we have a [i]sleepover?[/i]" She asked with another chuckle. "I haven't had one since I was fourteen! We can paint each other's nails and talk about boys!" She laughed for a moment, before she started tugging at the gym bag over her shoulder. "No need to worry about me, though. I got plenty of changes of clothes here." [quote=@redbaron1234] Turning down an alleyway, she jumped up to one of the few fire escapes in the city. Turning around, she reached down and offered her hand to Brooke. [color=cyan] "Com'on, the cop's will be hard pressed to track us if we stick to the rooftops."[/color] [/quote] Brooke put both hands on her hips as she came to a stop. Part of her knew that she could had parted ways with Margot right here, and went her own way. But, she realized that, since the start of this journey, she made her first ally. As strange as this sword-wielding woman was, she knew that she had a friend in her, and that was something that Brooke shouldn't take lightly. Or for granted. Brooke hopped up to her feet. [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/PDKRxyS.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/91lKpKo.png[/img][/center][hr][hr] This fine day, the arena that had been up for ages, normally dormant as there wasn't much use for the location. However, today, was the day of the Brazilian Fighting Cup, an event known all across the world, that invited fighters from all over the world to compete. Standing in the center of Rio de Janeiro was a gigantic building that looked regal as it came. Constructed out of grey stone blocks, with a shiny metal top that was painted gold. The Rio arena was used for all sorts of events of this nature. The entrance to the arena was marked with vibrantly (and scantily) dressed Samba Dancers. Inside the enormous arena itself was like a stadium. Thousands of seats safely above the fighting grounds beneath them. The arena for the fighters was far from a simple arena square made out of stone. The massive arena had many different "rings" for the Nomads to do combat on. They were more like stages from traditional fighting games. A square arena that was decorated in some sort of theme. One stage was a vibrant forest, while another was a mountain. Having these many stages served as an advantage for the very first round of the tournament. A man stood on the stage in the very center of the arena, a place which many know as the winners bracket. This man dressed very exquisitely wearing a checkered white and black suit, rather messy curly hair, and a large hat. He had a megaphone. "WELCOME LADIES AND GENTLEMEN TO THE BRAZILIAN FIGHTING CUP!" The announce shouted into the megaphone with excitement and personality. "And I am your host, Annnnnnnnndre! And I am pleased to make your acquaintance!" The crowd loudly cheered as Andre put both his hands up in the air with a wide smile. "This is where Martial Artists, and Nomads, from all over come to compete for fame, fortune, and more!" Andre shouted. "First round is going to be preliminaries! Where our fighters eliminate the jobbers before moving up to the main event! You know the drill!" The crowd cheered again, as Andre bowed. "Anyone can compete, but only few can win! To win these matches, all you have to do is knock out the opponent, or remove them from the stage by any means necessary! But, please do stop at killing them, you know our janitors hate us." The crowd laughed as Andre valiantly raised his finger up into the air. "Get ready fighters! The first round begins soon!" [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/YFCJ57q.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/pgOGtMj.png[/img] [i][h1]&[/h1][/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/RSIEFMz.png[/img] [/center][hr][hr] Awwwwww yeah! The Brazilian Fighting Cup! Jaden dreamed of challenging the Cup for that prize, baby! But, Sensei always said that the cup was "a fool's game." Bless his heart, but now that Jaden's his own ninja, looks like he'll be winning it this fine day. Maybe winning the hearts of one of these sexy Samba Dancers, too! Jaden walked into a contestants area. A small platform above the stands in which the fighters get a clear view of the arena, and, boy, it was a lot to take in! Multiple stages! All of which Jaden was going to kill it on. Personally, he was hoping that no assassins or any Japanese patriots would show up, and try to ruin the tournament for him. That'd be a biiiiiitch. Fortunately, it'll only do more to promote his album. But, enough of Jaden being the best! He had to listen to this fuckin' announcer spout the rules. Well, seemed pretty standard. Knock out the opponent, or send their ass flying. Jaden was going to do nothing but perfects. Before they get to the good stuff, they had to get rid of the scrubs. Naturally. Jaden, for one, couldn't wait to see who he gets paired up against. Better be someone good, because jobbers... Eh, jobbers don't suit him! He needs someone big and flashy to defeat. Though, walking into the contestant area were the two people he met last night. Disguised in cloaks, and shit. It made Jaden wonder what the hell they were hiding. Still, many Nomads had someone after them after some kind of bullshit, so he couldn't blame them. He was no different. Since he made friends with them last night, he might as well make conversation. "Heeeeeey!" Jaden loudly said as he approached the two. "Nice fightin' last night!" The Ninja... Justin didn't know what to make of the man just yet. He was a mercenary, that part was obvious. But, he didn't know about the price on their head. If he did, he would had ignored that street rat, Claudio, and went straight for them. Maybe he didn't think they were guilty. He was going to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Oh, thank you." Seven-Seven said with a childlike smile. "You were also excellent out there." "Pfft," Jaden crossed his arms with a cocky smile on his face. "Those guys were just scrubs that follow the leader. See all these people here? They're the [i]real[/i] challenge." "The ki levels here are quite high," Seven-Seven duly noted. "But, I am not worried even in the slightest. After all, we need this money." Jaden raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a robit or something?" He asked. "Ye-" "[i]Andrea's[/i] a cyborg." Justin chimed in, pulling Seven-Seven aside. "That makes sense. Ki sensing is handy, ain't it?" Jaden laughed, not questioning anything. "Oh, yes." Seven-Seven said. "I hope ya'll are prepared to lose," Jaden said as he grabbed his swords. "Because I'm about to kill it." "Is this witty pre-fight banter?" Seven-Seven asked. "Because I believe you are forgetting the part about wit." Justin laughed, and so did Jaden (for different reasons), as he faced the girl he perceived as a cyborg. He took a few steps away as he faced them, "You got jokes, but like I said... I'll be laughing at the end here." Jaden grinned as he leaned up against the wall, crossing his arms. "... That guy's confident." Justin dryly said. "Oh, the vigors of youth, Justin." Seven-Seven said. "Let's focus on ourselves for now." [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1LFeTKm.png[/img] [/center][hr][hr] Unlike the other Nomads of this tale, Sage was not competing in the tournament. Far from it, in fact. They had little interest in wasting their innate talents for fame, or money. Instead, they wanted to gather information. Instead of entering through the special contestant entrance, Sage walked in through the front doors, and took a seat on the stands. Sitting with their legs crossed like a lady, they patiently awaited the beginning of the tournament. They wanted to scout out anyone that could had possible knowledge of the First Light, which they were certain that [i]someone[/i] here had. After all, fighters from all over came to participate in these tournaments, somebody had to be linked to it. As eloquent as Sage looked, their servant, Mikhail, couldn't share the same demeanor as they had a container of popcorn, and a hotdog. Sage's eyes drifted towards him, giving him a look of disapproval, before focusing back on the tournament. [i]Let the game of fools begin.[/i] [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/q0ys2M5.png[/img] [sub][@redbaron1234][/sub][/center][hr][hr] "Shit, Blue! We're late!" Brooke was dragging her new friend Margot along to the contestant area. It was a real miracle the police didn't pursue them! But the problem was that Margot was so paranoid about the cops finding them that they had to take the looooong way. And now, because of that, the fighting has probably already started, and Brooke has missed her chance! As much as Brooke wanted to beat skulls in, she was mostly here to find someone with a style that'd suit her. A style that'd allow her to overcome the weaknesses of the Vanburen style and create the [i]ultimate[/i] style. One with a perfect defense, and a perfect offense! The mere thought made Brooke all tingly inside. But, that was just wishful thinking, at best (Well, it was better than sulking about how unrealistic it was). All she had to do was get the attention of a good enough martial artist. And how will she do that? By hoping someone doesn't defeat the Vanburen style. Brooke ran into the contestant area right when Andre started announcing the rules. So they [i]weren't[/i] that far behind, huh? Well, Brooke had plenty of time to get ready. She was all dressed up in her sparring attire. Which consisted of a gym bra, and shorts. It wasn't the worst outfit compared to some of the other Nomads she had seen, but definitely not modest by her standards. Well, it at least allowed for ease of movement. Letting go of Margot, Brooke turned around and looked at the crowd. "So, what do you think of our competition?" Brooke asked. "Oh! Or better yet, are you ready to see the [i]real[/i] fighting style I'm known for?" Brooke asked again, trying to put on a false bravado as she hid her lack of confidence in her fighting style. "This is going to be great!" [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/usTGUT9.png[/img] [/center][hr][hr] Finally, the tournament. After these years, Brenda never thought that she would ever participate in this. After all the drama and crime the influx of Nomads caused, she never thought that [i]she[/i] would become a Nomad. Things change, obviously. Her brother was out there all alone, doing stupid stuff in the name of martial arts, or whatever stupid Nomads do. Wearing her trademark motorcycle jacket, the tall Amazon walked up to the arena with her gym bag over her shoulder. This was the first time Brenda considered a tournament, but she needed the money, of course. The Samba Dancers were nothing more than a slutty distraction for the tourists to dance with. She shook her head as she scrolled on by. When Brenda stepped through the glass doors of the entrance, she was met with a front desk, that she casually walked up to, and leaned forward. Intimidating the small, and meek, Japanese desk worker. "Yeah, I'm here to sign up to the tournament." "Name?" "Brenda Andrade." "... Brenda, that is a nice name." A man spoke with a thick Indian accent, and made Brenda whip around to see a large Indian man dressed in weird clothes, and raised an eyebrow. "Thanks." Brenda awkwardly said as she shifted her fingers through her afro. "A woman as beautiful as yourself should not be participating in the tournament," The man said as he really close to her. "It would break my old heart if I had to fight you in the tournament." He put his hands on Brenda's shoulders, and almost made her whip around and break his jaw, but that wasn't what sent her over the edge. "You know where you'd really do good, Brenda...?" The man asked, leaning in close. [i]This was.[/i] "... My bed." He whispered in her ear. And that was the last straw. Her fist ignited with a red-hot magma as she whipped around, and punched him square in the chest with all her strength. The man, being a Nomad, was knocked back a few meters. And before he could react, Brenda closed the distance, fists balled, and were surrounded with stone. She did her signature move: the Rock Breaker, with a loud shout as she delivered four lightning fast punches to the man's chest infused with the power of Gaia herself. A quick full body pivot gave way into a powerful uppercut that sent the man flying headfirst into the ceiling. He bashed his head against the ceiling, before falling down. Brenda's right hand was glowing with red-hot magma again. When he came falling down, Brenda dashed forward with her burning fist extended, and punched the man right out the door. He smashed through the doors, and came rolling out as he smashed into a car. Brenda shook her head. Not only did he lay his hands on her, and whisper rapey things in her ear, but he didn't even put up a fight. She grabbed her gym bag as the terrified Secretary said. "M-ma'am! Contestants are not allowed to fight outside the ring!" Brenda looked at her for a moment, before saying, "Oh? Did he sign up?" "N-No." "Then he wasn't a contestant then." Brenda smirked as she carried on through the halls of the arena to the contest stands. She merely found herself a seat as she waited for the party to get started. Competition looked stiff. Too bad she wasn't the type to back down easily.