Team Five & Six Complete

Søren quickly made up his mind to pounce on anyone that made a move. Flash’s method was the perfect escape. No one would get hurt or even worse, killed, and they could all pretend to mosey on back to their tents while actually contacting the relevant authorities about this mess. As a lilywhite pureblood, he had absolute faith in the Ministry to put a stop to things like this, though his confidence in them to do the detection part of their job properly was waning. But he had more immediate dangers to be worried about. He kept his eye trained on the sole boy from the opposing team as he approached, thankfully ignoring Thomas’ jeer and replying to the non-Slytherin girl. It seemed like he was conforming to Flash’s plan. Was he stepping closer for that handshake or-?

After an attempt to distract them, which Søren admittedly fell for, the boy launched his attacks on Flash. Hesitating for a moment, he asked himself if he really wanted to get into it. He could just forfeit to get out of this situation unscarred, but Flash looked adamant and Søren wished he could take some of that initiative for his own use. Launching forward after the boy attempted his moves on Flash, Søren tried hitting him with a basic jab, another punch and then taking a page out of the boy’s book and mimicking his axe kick. The pureblood had never worked, much less fought, a day in his life so any strength or technique he exuded or lacked was his natural ability. Though, after this, he would surely be putting in some work on the martial arts, no matter how much time it took away from his training to be on the Quidditch team.

Action One
Jabbing Alexander Varellion
Action Two
Superman Punching Alexander Varellion
Action Three
Axe Kicking Alexander Varellion

Ability: Charmer
Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 8 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 6 | ArcPower: 2 | Accuracy: 6

Team
Flash Holmwood | Maria Dee | Thomas Lestrange
Opposition
Alexander Varellion | Thora Larkson | Jessica Lester | Astrea Soleil Neptune

»»————————-　♔　————————-««
word count 485 | text colour #274E13
abilities terrible presence
Stamina: 5 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 2 | Wisdom: 8 | ArcPwr: 9 | Accuracy: 9
»»————————-　♔　————————-««

"-ve and thirty-six."

This entire situation was one of imminent disaster. The cheering crowd, jostling themselves in misidentified sadism and unaddressed immorality as they hollered for a show. A show to be given to them by children. Disgusting. Fighting back a scowl, Astrea merely stared out into the wave of people with disdainful eyes as she walked into the ring, emanating a foul sort of grace that only served to convey her own lack of fear. If she got any closer, she knew they would begin to sweat and squirm- there was something to her, something to the family she hailed from, that gifted them with such power. She wanted to see guilt flash in their eyes, she wanted to see them stiffen and wonder if they were truly doing what they believed was right. She could do it, theoretically. She could.

But she didn't. The thought slid from the front of her mind to the back as Flash began to speak, something to his tone that made Astrea wish to echo the thought grimly to the crowd.

The other team were not one to back down it seemed, and Flash's words only made his knowledge of that fact more obvious. To forfeit was to painlessly get out of the fighting- a good idea, except for the fact that the expectation was clearly one-sided. Perhaps Slytherin was more akin to Gryffindor than she believed, caught up in the technicalities of a win and unwilling to let their pride go. Personally, Astrea did not care much about what happened, she was just there for the ride. She needed only to find an exit and share the knowledge. Easier said than done. If they were to lose, they were to lose. If, by some odd reason, they managed to succeed, well that was fantastic. But to forfeit, she at least expected it to be a mutual option. So unless her opponents were to also spurn the idea of fighting like rabid dogs for nothing more than boasting points, she would only be ready to defend and attack if need be. There were no strings tying her down, she would not feel bad if something were to happen.

Unfortunately, it didn't seem that everyone was in the same mind frame. What was once merely talking between their representatives became a scuffle, one in which neither were willing to slow down and realise what they were doing in the long run and prompted another to jump in. Two on one. This was certainly not ideal. And to make things worse, magic didn't work down there- or did it? Surprised, Astrea slipped a hand to hold at her wand from where it was hidden in the sleeve of her dress, merely grasping the instrument as a test. Familiar power ran through the thing, but she hadn't any idea if it could work.

In between a rock and a hard place.

Active Action(s): Watch grimly.
Passive Actions: Talk bad about the crowd.
Team: Alexander V. | Thora L. | Jessica L. // Rivals: Flash H. | Maria D. | Thomas L. | Søren S.

Mod Note

@Søren Silverwood had missed most of the danger and the drama Hogwarts had to offer. Lucky in many regards, it also left him woefully unprepared for this situation. Furthermore, he did not understand the relevance of having an audience with the uncanny youth many knew only by his first name - Vladimir. Reclusive and dangerous, he had earned the ire of several of the students here. They had foolishly attacked him and his friends publicly, solidifying his hold over his assets.

What more did he have to gain?

A whisper heard only by @Maria Dee would send a chill down her spine. "Ever see something in the dead of night waiting?" She had seen something in the dark when the Hufflepuff Common room burned. It was dark, it could have been anything, even her imagination. However in her heart of hearts sjhe knew that she saw something out there. How did the voice know? Did the voice know!

Well, either that or it was an incredibly lucky guess.

@Alexander Varellion has more to gain than most. He was the boy who knew nothing. Not that such in concept made him outstanding next to his cunning peers, but in his case it was literal. The boy had a gap he neeed to fill. From what Victor had just said, it was easy to infer that perhaps Victor or Vladimir knew something of Alexander's truth.

@Flash Holmwood (love that banner) had a plan, he was a passivist, an avoider. They were in an unwinnable situation from his perspective. However, he was separated from his friends and allies, those he could manipulate convince.

”Forfeit.”

What a demand to make. Give up. Quit.

”Miss Astrea, Miss Thora, serve as an example to the others. If you all forfeit now, no one needs to get hurt. I plan to move on. Unscathed, preferably.”

There was a bit of ego in that statement. He could beat them. He was not going to stand down.

"That is the smartest option. But attack me if you must. I shall fight back."

"You say forfeit. Not to both refuse to fight in this mad fight club, but to surrender."

Alexander responded. Semantics really, as long as one of them moved on. The only problem was, Alexander had more to gain than Flash did.

"You speak as if that is the one and only rational option. To surrender to you in your superior wisdom"

A mock bow, the crowd laughed and cheered. This was the sort of show that they wanted to see. Blood and sweat can wait, they had a front row seat to all of this drama.

"Tell us oh wise one. What wisdom do you have that propels you to seek the question? What importance does the question to have, that it is so much more important than you than for any others who might be here?"

What question would Alexander ask? Would he selfishly ask for his own benefit? Did he seek a higher truth?

”The question is useless. The point is to escape.”

Flash claimed. He was just trying to survive. That was not his initial brazen statement, that his team was not going to back down. His team could step down. Nobody had to get hurt.

”Our team is the most physically capable, if you looked at your opponents clearly you might have noticed the same. If you disagree, then attack me all you like. Beat down the person offering the quickest, most painless solution. All I want is to get everyone out of this farce.”

His stance made no sense. Give them the win so that nobody gets hurt. Flash's team was the most capable of victory by some unseen calculation or his personal hubris. The crowd would quiet as the duo began to calm, their collective gaze on the only two doing anything - participating in a verbal exchange. Such drama. Such tense decisions.

"They just want us to suffer don't they ? They wish to see a bunch of kids beat each other up."

Alexander would look at the crowd, there was no remorse in their sadistic faces.

"Well **** them. "

The crowd smiled. Several let out a loud guffaw that seemed contagious. Yes **** them.

"So what ? We shake each other's hands and then I get out of here ?"

“I’d be cautious.”

Maria spoke up.

“We still don’t know anything at this point. Who knows what they have planned?"

Her paranoia was showing. Could there be something more. Something more than a stacked game? Something more than dealing with a group of people known for their cunning rather than their brawn. Well, then there was @Thomas LeStrange. The boy was either an idiot, a Gryffindor or brilliant. At this moment he could have been all three as he strut like the biggest rooster (better than the other term) in the pen. A whistle or two came from the crowd, although the source could not be identified.

He was not there to stand down. He would offer his jaw to Alexander, the boy with the most to gain. A free shot. A few steps closer to his goal by chipping away at the older boy's fortitude.

"Hopefully you're better at throwing punches than you are levitating pillows."

A reference to a pillow fight in their common room. A battle where Thomas again had more enemies than allies. Nodding towards Alexander, Thomas casually lifted a finger to tap against his outstretched jaw.

"First punch is on the house."

Would he regret it? The crowd loved the show. They egged Alexander on. Hit him! Make him regret that! They wanted to see if Thomas' blood ran red.


"I am not going to attack you"

It probably was a trap. Perhaps he had a secret plan he had whispered to the dice gods. Perhaps the dice gods were merely antagonizing him to get his peers against him. Who knows! It did not matter. The boy who disappeared for a year would be ignored by the boy who had forgotten the last two.

"I am not going to attack you"

Maria, another opponent was deserving of more of an answer.

"Yeah. This is a weird situation, and there are probably some powerful forces behind it. "

He was referring to the crowd. Little did he know, he was asking the RIGHT question just then.

"Take a good moment to look at these men and women. Why are they here ? How were so many brought here. What we-"

It was GAME ON. A sucker p-- KICK to Flash Holmwood rather than Thomas. To be fair, Thomas was just as likely to get attacked by his own team mates as he is by his opponents. He could wait, but Thomas was capable of brutality that the others were likely unprepared for.

A flurry of blows.

His leg high into the air, his leg would attempt to come down hard on Flash's shoulder.

Alexander attacks Flash with an axe kick + 4 +8 (-1 from charmer, as defined in Søren's opening fight post) (-1 from calming presence, as defined in Flash's initial posts) Roll: 5
Flash attempts to evade +5 Roll: 5
Hit! -- 69 damage

The tall pre-teen was struck suddenly and without remorse in his shoulder. He would feel the crushing blow. It left him disoriented, it was a dirty move and it would not be the last he suffered. His left him open for Søren's jab. The quiet Slytherin would come to Flash's defense. More than willing to stand down, Alexander made the first move and if Søren had any say in the matter, he would be making the last move. Purebloods are not ones for manual labor or fighting with fists. Such was uncouth. Uncivilized. However, it was the most basic thing in the world. Move your body.

Søren attempts to jab Alexander. +6 +4 Roll: 4
Alexander attempts to evade +9 -4 (axe kick) Roll: 5
Alexander's 10% auto-evasion chance (Evasive Manuevers) 41 (failed)
Hit! (Critical Damage) 322 damage

The problem with lifting one's leg impossibly high over one's head and crashing down onto an opponent at still likely close to eye level is the fact you are are left off-balance. This was all the opportunity Alexander's opponent needed as he gave him a rough jab that would leave Alexander seeing stars. That was not enough to stop Alexander. Alexander would follow-up with a haymaker. He was going to try to knock Flash's lights out before the Slytherin had a chance to find his bearings.

Alexander attempts to strike Flash with a haymaker +8 -4 (-1 from charmer, as defined in Søren's opening fight post) (-1 from calming presence, as defined in Flash's initial posts) Roll: 8
Flash attempts to evade +5 Roll: 5
Miss

Alexander would not land his haymaker, Flash would duck below the sloppy assault. He was nobody's punching bag. Meanwhile, Søren would try to divert Alexander's aggression away from Flash, the ineffective peacemaker. Another blow, a bit more dramatic than the last, his bound into the air and attempted to superman punch Alexander.

Søren attempts to superman punch Alexander. +6 Roll: 8
Alexander attempts to evade +9 Roll: 15
Alexander's 10% auto-evasion chance (Evasive Manuevers) 4 Success
Miss

Alexander would dance back. He was not going to get hit twice, the previous blow still throbbed. A painful reminder that he had more than one opponent in this ring. Alexander would then draw his wand. That short length of cherry wood that could focus his power. Ignore the warnings, that MAGIC WOULD NOT WORK HERE. There was no hiding the fact that he had a wand in his hand in a ring with dozens of witnesses. There was no hiding the fact that the wand he brandished would go through the motions. There was no hiding the fact that he said the incantation, that word of power that finalized the deal.

Critical Failure of FUMOS SPELL. Alexander has -2 accuracy and dodge for 3 rounds. No effect on Flash.

The spell would backfire and smoke would pour out from the wrong end and ensconced poor Alexander. A great cloud of blackened smoke would obfuscate his vision.

Søren would attempt to kick into the cloud of smoke, using the same move Alexander used in opening. His leg lifted uncomfortably high, he would be feeling that stretch in his groin in the morning. His leg would come crashing down at Alexander.

Søren attempts to axe kick Alexander. +6 Roll: 18
Alexander attempts to evade Roll: 9
Alexander's 10% auto-evasion chance (Evasive Manuevers) 44 Failure
Hit - 161 damage

Søren was more of a brawler than he had credited himself for. The charming boy was brutal. He would raise his leg high and crash down onto Alexander's shoulder. Poor @Astrea Soleil Neptune would simply stand back and watch the carnage. Her terrible presence a liability for both teams.

Health: 500 [-483] 13 health remaining



Health: 700 [-69] 631 health remaining

Things were going better than he expected, in that the kid opposite him, seeming to have taken the mantle for speaking for his team, wanted to accept his terms. No one else was speaking up, besides Maria voicing her worry and distrust. That was, until Thomas decided that things were going too smoothly. Flash couldn’t pretend to know what Thomas’ reasons were for doing what he did-- that is, walking up to the opponent mid-forfeit and taunting him, telling him to go ahead and throw a free punch.

No amount of deductive reasoning could lead Flash to the answer… not enough information, as usual. Instead he looked at the sorry shirtless sack beside him, cheekily pointing to his face like the whole thing just amused him. Besides the 7 on his arm, his partial nudity also revealed a trident tattoo and a faint scratch-like scar on his chest. Things he was apparently not trying to hide.

Flash knew next to nothing about him, when a couple of Slytherins had got together to share information about the spider attacks, as well as Victor and Marion’s separate interrogations, Thomas had been lurking in the room, and ducked out as quickly as he had ducked in. Little regard for others, clearly. He had some kind of stark reaction to mentions of the binding mark and Opeila’s vision. At the ball, Flash had not kept track of him, besides to note that he was getting into a fight with Erin Ryan rather than be of use to anyone. What with his date stealing out of Vladimir's bag, it seemed more likely he only ever meant to be of use to himself. Hardly the first Slytherin to do that. Normally, Flash would be happy to let him live his dreary life of solitude undisturbed, but now he was coerced into attempting teamwork with him instead. Like being given a chore to do.

All that to say, Flash didn't understand him. Perhaps he just liked being contrary, liked conflict. Though, motivation was rarely so straight-forward. Either way, Flash would look at him incredulously after stating his offer. An annoyed, put-upon look. Perhaps the teams weren’t random after all. His nearly flawless request for the opponent's submission was crumbling right before his eyes, being picked apart by the filthy hands of a reprobate on his own team.

Before he could say anything to attempt to mitigate the damage, their opponent continued to talk, Flash’s tensed shoulders easing a bit at what seemed like a continuance of their talk of forfeiture, not taking the bait being dangled right in front of him. But alas, Flash was foolish to let his guard down, looking out into the crowd right as a foot came crashing down on his shoulder, making him buckle in alarmed pain.

After that, bodies kicked into motion. Flash had trouble taking it in, especially since the sudden, intense pain was demanding attention instead. Thankfully, it was hardly the worst blow he had ever received, it was lighter than what would pass for rough housing at home. Flash was able to recover his sense quickly, so dodging the inevitable follow-up attack was easy enough. This kid was not a trained fighter, not even an athlete. Flash scrambled out of the way, standing back up right as one of his teammates flew past him, descending upon Flash's assailant like a sword of judgement down from the heavens.

Well... that’s what it seemed like anyway. It was refreshing that someone was supportive of him. Flash’s eyes tracked him as he pummeled the fellow first year, his attacks not perfectly accurate, but far heavier than the one Flash received. It looked pretty painful, Flash was glad the crouching noble, hidden boxer was on his team, and not a surprise he was receiving from the other side. It did make the fight seem about as one-sided as Flash had made it out to be, though with Thomas’ unneeded interjection, it also made it seem like they were flaunting their strength.

Well, he had warned them. Flash was far from a pacifist. If violence was the best option, he would use it. In this case, for instance, he had given them an out. If he was unhappy with having Flash’s team be the victors rather than his, he would have to just deal with it. The truth was, even if his team wasn’t the strongest one, Flash would still try to be the winner. It wasn’t because of Vladimir, or Victor, or his friends and allies on the other teams. He wanted the situation under control. His control.

As their opponent tried to use magic, it backfired famously right into his face, though Flash was a bit surprised anything had triggered at all. Perhaps it was naive of him to assume how exactly ‘no magic works’ translated to real life. He usually relied on his own strength and mind than magic anyway, but that information could be useful. In the moment, it was helping him. He almost felt bad for the kid, it really seemed like the world was against him. He was struggling against something bigger than him, and coming up frustratingly short. He probably wasn’t going to come out of this thing with a very positive view of his peers. Flash couldn’t even tell if he was conscious or not, since he was cloaked in smoke, but he hadn’t heard the telltale thud of a body on the ground.

”That’s enough.” Flash placed a hand on Søren’s shoulder calmly, trying to divert him from the war path. Then, his gaze returned to the remaining opponents. ”Forfeit.”

Flash reiterated his position, shoulder pain aside. He could hardly feel mad for being attacked, except maybe at Thomas.

”Unless you have something else you’d like to share?” Flash glared at Thomas, watching his expression for what this ‘free shot’ he took for him had left him feeling. Pleased? Confused? Indifferent?

Action: Stand in front and talk.

Ability: Calming Presence
Stats: Sta: 7 ★ Eva: 5 ★ Str: 6 ★ Wis: 8 ★ AP: 3 ★ Acc: 6

Teammates: @Thomas Lestrange @Søren Silverwood @Maria Dee
Rivals: @Alexander Varellion @Thora Larkston @Jessica Lester @Astrea Soleil Neptune

Interacts with: @Flash Holmwood Mentions: @Søren Silverwood

Alexander would breath heavily. Swaying a little as he stood there, feeling how his right shoulder was now definitely bruised and he had gotten a strong jab against his head. So strong that he was fairly sure that he saw everything a little vaguely. He was breathing heavily. Not spitting blood out of his mouth but he was certainly hit heavy and hard by the pureblood's punches. He would wipe away a bit of his spit with the back of his hand. He would then look at Flash. A look of sadness and pain on his face, but not regret.

"No, I am sorry but no."

Alex would straighten himself up.
"I can't give up. Just the chance at the question and some clarity is one I must take. Both for myself and someone else. Even if I have close to no chance of winning due to my team." He says glaring back a little who stand inactive at the side.

"It is nothing personal but if I don't take the chance I would curse myself forever. And that pain would be far worse than this. Even if the chance is miniscule."

He would again do a heavy heave and speak agian.
"But before I go to attack one of you again. I just want something to be said."

He would then spit on the sand pit.

"There is something going on here. Something beyond schoolyard revenge."

"Victor and Vladimir, no matter how formidable they are, couldn't have organised this by themselves. Look at the facts."

Alexander would raise his hands and would lift a finger for every fact that was stated
"First this tattoo/mark of sorts. It is very unusual for third years to acquire, though probaply not impossible. But then there is this tent. This underground pitch. and more importantly. The immense crowd that has gathered here and some kind of enchantment which somehow prevents a spell from being successfully cast." As if to emphasize this Alexander coughed due to the smoke cloud surrounding him.

"There are no way a bunch of school kids could organize this. Which means that something else is behind the scenes. Organizing this. Maybe the hags, maybe something else. But there are more powerful forces at work here. Forces to which Vladimir and Victor are probably just tools." Whilst this was going Alexander would stare at where Victor was. Trying to gage the Slytherin's reactions to his words and see what can be gained from it.

"This fight club. I would bet a lot that there is a lot more going on than just organizing a fight for entertainment. There must be something else behind this. Maybe it is a cover-up. I don't know. But to go through all of this effort to organize just a fight club, no, that is not right."

Alexander would then roll his shoulder and let out a saddened sigh.
"I have said my piece. Now let's just finish this off."

Alexander would then turn to Soren, the guy who beat him up. Smile a sad smile.
And then go forwards towards him. Using two jabs to at least do some damage to the guy.

Actions:
- Do an insight check on Victor to try and see if he has any response to what Alexaner's says. Trying to gage if anything he says is specifically right or wrong.
-Jab Søren once
-Jab Søren twice

Free action: Talking
Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers
Remaining health: 13

Stats:
Stamina: 5
Evasion: 9
Strength: 3
Wisdom: 4
Arc Power: 6
Accuracy: 8
Total: 35

The opponent declined to accept the free shot. A disappointing result, but perhaps Thomas’ jaw would be grateful. The curious nature of this choice only magnified as his sights settled on the mediator[Holmwood]. Alexander’s leg rose upward, slicing down Harshly to contact an unsuspecting Flash on his shoulder. An attack that was not warranted but an attack that happened nonetheless. Despite the crowd begging for a follow through of Thomas’ foolish offer, the summoned aggression was aimed at his teammate. Instant repercussions for his attempt to reason with a boy that seemingly took exception to this notion. Not a physical assault, but a verbal one that damaged his pride. Pathetic.

Alexander was not the only one to take exception, his unprovoked attacks led another boy[Soren] who had entered the ring into action. An effective kick&punch combination left Thomas with the impression they were joined by Bruce Lee’s protege. Thomas’ eyes widened in a smirk, half expecting the boy to announce “My name is _____, you killed my father, prepare to die.” The attacks left the crowd hungry for more, and a woozy Alexander stumbling, fighting his breaths, actively trying to maintain his footing.




A familiar voice arrived. As the others in his ring engaged, Thomas began an internal discussion of his own. “Only the beginning.” The choice of spoken words could have been meant for Alexander, but they were most certainly intended for @Vladimir Athanatos. His words were audible for the others to hear, perhaps lost in the midst of Alexander’s deduction, or Flash’s insistence for the boy to stand down. If the others were listening, perhaps they took note of Thomas seemingly talking to himself. “Is this not what you wanted?” The boy was careful not to reveal the nature of this conversation or to whom he was speaking. Masking his answers to Vladimir as a plausible question for Alexander.

“What would you have me do?” Thomas offered his services like a knight to his king. To gain what he wanted, he would become what he needed to. Bending the knee to the will of another in hopes for a taste of answers. His reasons for doing so would become lost with each act, but this is a reality not readily anticipated. The hunger for answers, and for truth. It was enough to overwhelm the shrinking shreds of logic. Was it this willingness to submit that provided an opening for the other boy to enter the recesses of his mind?

As made evident by Alexander’s spell backfiring, the initial announcements held true, magic was not an option. The options were to stand down and retreat, or engage in a battle of the fisticuffs. As Thomas awaited Vlad’s answers, Flash would demand the other boy’s forfeit. Then turning to Thomas with a prickled glare, questioning if Thomas had more antics to display. Thomas would rotate his head to the chanting crowd around him, likely cheering for one of them to finish Alexander off. After a pause, Thomas would elect to delay any physical action, awaiting his overseer’s direction. With a smirk, Thomas eyed Flash once more, a nodding motion towards Alexander. “I would keep your eyes on him if I were you.”

Interactions: @Flash Holmwood @Vladimir Athanatos

Mentions: @Alexander Varellion @Søren Silverwood

At Flash’s second request, the sorry pipsqueak refused again, except this time to his face. At least now he wasn’t trying to pretend to play along. Hopefully no one on his team would blame him for putting him down. He tried to soliloquize, and Flash let him. He obviously needed it, to talk about how unfair the world was, and how no matter what he did, everything was up against him. Flash didn’t know his life, perhaps he had better reason than anyone to try to talk to Vladimir, but it didn’t matter. He was another Slytherin who would rather hurt others than hurt his pride. Flash wasn’t much different, even though he often seemed so endlessly magnanimous. The truth was, if he was in a group that refused to fight with him, he may have gone down swinging himself.

Well, that wouldn’t happen though, Flash was never alone so long as he had a voice to command people with. He may have been with a group of strangers, but that wasn’t a title that would last long. He would be determined to make the group work as a unit, whether it meant taking the hits or looking like he knew exactly what he was doing. People loved someone like Flash, who was willing to take all the responsibility. Willing to make choices.

He said what he felt he had to say before the inevitable sweet embrace of unconsciousness. Vladimir and Victor couldn’t have put on this event themselves, with the crowd, the enchantment, and the marked numbers being something normally beyond the level of someone their age. Teenagers. It was a fair observation, and Flash could admit he didn’t know enough about them to know what they were capable of. Then again, Flash never thought they were working alone. Before earlier that day, he wasn’t even sure Victor was involved at all. He had even tried to ask Vladimir to admit he was innocent, and didn’t wish any harm on anyone. But he didn’t.

Meanwhile, Thomas was talking as though he was replying, such as ‘what would you have me do?’ While he couldn’t gain even a fraction of intention from Thomas’ unaffected expression, he thought he agreed. Despite what this kid thought he figured out about the fight club and how far the rabbit hole went, there was hardly much they could do about it. Well, except maybe what Flash had offered at the very start. The only way to win would have been to all forfeit together at the start. He was a hypocrite if he thought what he was doing would bring him any closer to answers. Delusional.

After Flash checked to make sure Thomas wasn’t going to try to pull anything at the last second, he flipped the concern on its head, telling him where his attention belonged. He was right. A bit embarrassed, Flash turned back around quickly to see the whelp doing a desperation attack on Søren. Flash had allowed far too much talking. Flash had been too lenient, distracted. It was time to change that.

"Back off!"

Action:
1. Use hammer fist on Alexander Varellion
2. If first hit missed, try again
3. None

Reducio

Hammer Fist: A compacted fist is brought down upon the target, usually using the outside area of the fist.

Effect: Attacks 1 target at +0 accuracy for 15 * strength modifier initial damage and 10 * strength modifier damage per round for the next 3 rounds.

Ability: Calming Presence
Stats: Sta: 7 ★ Eva: 5 ★ Str: 6 ★ Wis: 8 ★ AP: 3 ★ Acc: 6

Teammates: @Thomas Lestrange @Søren Silverwood @Maria Dee
Rivals: @Alexander Varellion @Thora Larkston @Jessica Lester @Astrea Soleil Neptune

Group 5
[7] Søren Silverwood - getting punched on by Alexander, 521 health remains
[4] Flash Holmwood - almost punching Alexander
[28] Maria Dee
[32]Thomas LeStrange - having a nice conversation with his boyfriend

Group 6
[33] Alexander Varellion - getting beat up, doing some beating, 13 health remaining; fumos fog around him for another 2 rounds (-2 accuracy and dodge)
[34] Thora Larkson
[35] Jessica Lester
[36] Astrea Soleil Neptune

The girls were probably swooning for bad boy @Thomas LeStrange. Scars were rare in the magical world, one such scar cut across his chest. It had been healed but there was still a silvery line where something had cut into him deeply and roughly. Thomas was one of the few braggarts that could claim he had been sliced open by a hag and had lived to tell the tale. Of course there was another marking, a more purposeful one that Flash had not overlooked - a trident symbol on his upper arm. Well, the 'trident' being the symbol that people would most commonly associate that image in particular with.

Many things come in threes.

@Flash Holmwood just wanted to end this quarrel peacefully. Something that several of Flash's peers would be unwilling to do. Flash suffering an assault for his words of peace, Alexander being taken nearly to the ground in a viscous volley of blows. Flash would try once again, his hand on Søren's shoulder as he tried a final time. ”Forfeit.” His Calming Presence serves as much a threat, a promise of their assured victory as it did a call for peace.

Alexander Varellion was not going to stand down. He couldn't. There were too many questions that needed to be answered. Too much of his life already left blank. There were a number of things that did not match up. The HOW and the WHY being the most notable. HOW did they mark the students, a skill well beyond his third year skill set. HOW did they acquire a tent and a basement. HOW did they cast a charm, use a rune powerful enough to prevent the use of spells? HOW did so many other people find their way down here, what was with this cheering crowd? And of course, with such power. With such opportunity... WHY?

Alexander would watch Victor and see if his words garnered any reaction from him.

Observation: does he notice anything in particular regarding Victor?
Roll: 9 + Wisdom 4
[DC 20]

There was no discernible reaction from the twisted form of what was once a student. It was not that Victor had not heard him. It was not that Alexander was fully wrong. But there were some things the boy could not share.

@Thomas LeStrange was an odd one. He wanted to win, but he did not want the other team to back down. He wanted to fight, but he did not seem to have a cause. He seemed to lack Tharldson's blood-lust, his reasons were his own and a complete mystery to both his opponents and his comrades.



A simple, clear rationale. Very much what one could expect of a Ravenclaw. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Where some seek alliances with others, others physical power, he sought to know.



Was Thomas the sort that would destroy all forms of opposition? The sort that would steadfastly deny the option to battle. A martial combat with fists and feet rather than wands, something easily ameliorated with the wave of a wand. Something that ultimately has no relevance beyond the suffering endured at the time. Of the shame of defeat.

With that Alexander would turn his attention back to @Søren Silverwood. The boy who had pummeled him to near unconsciousness. Everything hurt. His body ached and begged for a respite his will would not give him. Alexander would have to fight. he would have to defeat his adversaries, push through the peril and the pain if he wished to find providence. That would start with Silverwood...

"Back off!"

Flash shouted as he came to the defense of the powerful teammate.

Flash uses hammer fist on @Alexander Varellion
Attack 13 + 6 MISS
Dodge 13 + 9 (evasion) - 2 (fumos)
10% auto-miss chance (Evasive Maneuvers) 98

Alexander was not going to give up. When Flash came for him, he would duck out of the way. Flash's fist would come down from above and hit nothing. The boy would stumble forward. A bit of distance was all he needed, Alexander would side step towards Silverwood, his feet perhaps dancing like a boxer.

Alexander jabs @Søren Silverwood.
Attack 19 +4 (accuracy of attack) + 8 (accuracy) - 1 (charmer) - 2 (fumos)
Evasion 20 + 8 evasion
Results the same (28)
Re-roll: 15, 15 HIT (just barely)
79 damage taken, 521 health remaining

Alexander would hit the boy in the nose, hard. Leaving the youth bleary-eyed as he backed away. Flash was coming for him again. With pure brute strength and the power of anime rage Flash would try to end Alexander's chance to learn the truth, to find answers.

Flash uses hammer fist on @Alexander Varellion
Attack 8 + 6 MISS
Dodge 12 + 9 (evasion) - 2 (fumos)
10% auto-miss chance (Evasive Maneuvers) 80 Failed

And twice, Flash's hands would come crashing down through the air. He would miss Alexander, protected by the invisible force known as plot armor.

Alexander jabs @Søren Silverwood.
Attack 3 + 4 (accuracy of attack) + 8 (accuracy) - 1 (charmer) - 2 (fumos)
Evasion 15 + 8 evasion

Alexander would share in Flash's contagious rash of bad luck. Silverwood was nobody's punching bag, he would dart to the side and Alexander's fist would cut past him. It was a narrow miss, locks of Silverwood's hair would tickle Alexander's knuckles. The boy was on his own, the girls he was paired up with were not interested or willing to fight for the answers he so desperately needed. It would seem as if the odds were more than against him, they were impossible to overcome. Already battered and badly beaten, he would not... could not back down.

Interacts with: @Flash Holmwood
Mentions: @Søren Silverwood

It ached, it hurt, it all hurt so much. Alexander bit his lip as he stood there, taking in a few heavy breaths. Trying to remain mobile, on his feet and aware of his surroundings. Though this was made far harder by the smoke cloud that was surrounding him.

He felt how his consciousness was on the edge, how he swayed on his feet, how it felt like he could fall from a stiff breeze. Yet he could not deny part of the pleasure of being at the edge. Floating at the edge of consciousness as if it was almost a dream, though nightmare would be more accurate describe it. The feeling of adrenaline pulsing through his veins, helping ignore the aching feeling accros his body. Helped him ignored how strained his muscles were and helped him to mange to push through, even when his body wanted to collapse and just lay there on the ground.

Yet he could not give up. Even as the aching feeling of his fist where it had hit Soren remained and pulsed through his arm, he could not give up. There was still so much that could go wrong. He had won this bout but he had to be succesful in the next one, the one after that, the one beyond that and repeat about another 5 times. All of them without being hit.

THe chances of that were negligible, almost non-existent. Yet it was still a chance that he had to take. So Alexander stared towards Flash, his muscles tense as in his mind a sequence of events were laid out. Like a more physical session of chess. After taking a second to examining him Alexander lunged forward once more.

Even as his lungs burnt, and breath rasped in, he could not stop. For if he stopped now he was not sure if he could remain moving. Thus, even though his body strained and screamed, Alexander was deadly silent. A completely focused look on his face as he went towards Flash, rather than Soren this time.

Not retorting to Flash's comment back off. Something which he had not even heard. What with the thumping of blood in his ears. Going towards the diplomat with three quick jabs.

Actions:
- Jab Flash once
-Jab Flash twice
-Jab Flash thrice

Free action: Breathing
Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers
Remaining health: 13

Stats:
Stamina: 5
Evasion: 9
Strength: 3
Wisdom: 4
Arc Power: 6
Accuracy: 8
Total: 35