Match 22829 Selphie Tilmitt vs. Scarlet (FF7)

[JohnnyChany]

THE CRYSTAL NEXUS TOURNAMENT

Match #7

VS.

 

 

RINOA VS. LULU

The cold wind outside the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth hissed across broken stone and pale snowdrifts. Jagged cliffs surrounded the battlefield while the dark mouth of the cavern loomed behind the gathered warriors like the entrance to another world entirely.

The Summoners of the Tides watched with tense anticipation. Yuna stood near the front, hands clasped together anxiously in front of her, beside her, Rikku bounced nervously on her heels while Freya rested both hands atop the shaft of her spear. Lulu herself stood several paces ahead of them all, black fur lining the shoulders of her elaborate gown as dozens of belts and silver ornaments swayed softly with the wind.

Yuffie cupped her hands around her mouth. “Don’t let the goth lady psych you out, Rinoa!”

Tifa sighed. “Yuffie…”

A tiny moogle doll appeared in Lulu’s hand as dark magical energy spiraled around her fingers.

“Firaga.”

A massive inferno erupted across the battlefield.

Rinoa’s eyes widened. “So fast!”

She threw herself sideways as a blazing torrent of fire exploded where she had stood moments earlier. Rinoa skidded across the stone and retaliated immediately. She extended one arm.

“Blizzaga!”

A storm of razor-sharp ice shards screamed toward Lulu. Lulu calmly flicked her wrist. A barrier of water spiraled upward. The ice slammed into the watery shield and detonated harmlessly into glittering frost.

“Your magic is strong,” Lulu admitted. “But unfocused.”

Rinoa frowned. She thrust both hands forward.

“Angelo Cannon!”

Her loyal dog Angelo burst forward in a blur of motion wrapped in magical energy. The projectile attack slammed toward Lulu with explosive force. Lulu stumbled backward.

“What an effective unique attack,” she admitted. “But hardly strong enough to win a battle.”

Dark energy gathered around Lulu again.

“Bio.”

A cloud of poisonous magic exploded around Rinoa. Rinoa coughed violently as green mist clung to her body.

Tifa immediately tensed. “Rinoa!”

“I’m okay!” Rinoa shouted back, though her breathing had become ragged.

Lulu watched carefully. The black mage lifted both arms. Thunder exploded from the sky.

“Thundaga.”

Bolts of lightning crashed downward relentlessly, tearing apart the stone battlefield around Rinoa. Rinoa stumbled through the bombardment desperately trying to evade.

“She’s overwhelming her,” Yuna whispered nervously.

Lulu’s attacks came with terrifying efficiency. Every spell chained seamlessly into the next. Fire. Ice. Thunder. Poison. Darkness. It was not wild magic. It was disciplined annihilation.

Rinoa finally planted her feet. “No… I can’t just keep reacting!”

Magical energy surged around her. A brilliant circle of light formed beneath her feet.

Rinoa extended her arms skyward. “Leviathan!”

The air trembled. A colossal tidal wave manifested overhead before crashing toward Lulu with catastrophic force. Even Lulu’s calm expression was broken. The wave swallowed the battlefield whole. Water exploded everywhere. 

When the torrent finally receded, Lulu remained standing, but barely. Her gown was soaked and torn in places, and one arm trembled slightly from the impact.  She stared at Rinoa thoughtfully.

“This is your true power.”

Suddenly dozens of magical dolls appeared floating around Lulu in a circle.  Lulu’s eyes opened.

“Doublecast.”

The sky darkened.

“Firaga.” A sea of fire erupted. “Blizzaga.” Frozen spears followed immediately after. “Thundaga.” Lightning crashed from above.

The combined magical onslaught tore across the battlefield with horrifying force. Rinoa screamed as the explosion engulfed her entirely.

Tifa took a step forward instinctively. “Rinoa!”

Smoke filled the battlefield. For several seconds, nobody could see anything. Then. a pulse of silver light burst through the darkness.

The smoke cleared. Rinoa floated several feet above the ground. White angelic wings stretched from her back. Her eyes glowed with celestial power. Everyone stared in shock. Even Lulu.

Rinoa slowly looked down at her own hands. “So, this is…”

Yuffie pointed excitedly. “She went full scary mode!”

Quistis smiled faintly with relief. “You can do this, Rinoa.”

“The power you were afraid of,” Cater whispered. “You can control it; it doesn’t have to control you.

Energy spiraled around Rinoa instinctively now. Wild. Immense. Beautiful.

“I…” Rinoa hesitated. “I used to think this power would make people hate me.”

Lulu’s expression softened slightly. “Power itself is neither good nor evil. Only the will guiding it.”

Rinoa nodded slowly. Then her expression hardened with resolve.

“Then I’ll use it to protect people.”

Massive energy exploded outward from her body. “Apocalypse!”

A devastating sphere of cosmic magic roared toward Lulu.

Lulu immediately countered. “Reflect!”

A shimmering magical barrier appeared, but the sheer force of Apocalypse shattered through it.

The explosion consumed the battlefield. Even nearby spectators shielded their eyes from the blinding light. 

When the dust finally settled, Lulu fell to her knees. Her breathing was uneven now. Rinoa landed shakily several yards away, exhausted herself.

The two women stared at one another. Lulu’s face was full of disappointment in herself but not anger.

“I can no longer continue,” she declared. “I lack the strength to stand again.”

Arecia observed them both carefully. “The winner… Rinoa of the Crossfire Hearts.”

The Crossfire Hearts erupted in cheers.

Selphie jumped into the air. “YES!”

Quistis smiled proudly. “You did it.”

Rinoa, however, looked down at Lulu with concern. “Are you okay?”

No need to worry,” Lulu replied.

Despite the dryness of the response, there was warmth beneath it. Yuna and Rikku rushed over immediately to be by Lulu’s side while Deuce approached calmly from behind them, flute in hand.

 

 

CROSSFIRE HEARTS (2-0)

Cater looked absolutely thrilled as she regarded the team she had been entrusted to guide. The energetic cadet practically bounced on her heels.

"Two and zero!" She pointed dramatically at the team. "Two and zero! Do you girls realize how incredible that is?"

Yuffie immediately pointed back. "I know, right?!"

She high fived Cater.

"Crossfire Hearts supremacy!"

Cater grinned. 

"Tifa wins. Rinoa wins." Cater held up two fingers.  "At this rate we're gonna sweep the whole tournament and prove we're the best team they've got!"

Her competitive nature was fully on display.

Rinoa laughed softly. "You're getting ahead of yourself."

"Nope," Cater replied instantly. "I'm getting appropriately confident."

Yuffie threw both fists into the air. "I like appropriately confident!"

Tifa chuckled. "Of course you do."

Cater suddenly spun around. "Alright everybody, follow me!"

Quistis adjusted her glasses. "Where exactly are we going?"

Cater smiled. "It’s a surprise."

Selphie immediately perked up. "Ooh. I love surprises."

"I know," Quistis sighed.

The team began walking. As they moved away from the cavern, reality gradually shifted around them.Rock walls stretched and reformed. Steel catwalks emerged from nowhere. Industrial lighting replaced the cold natural glow of the mountains.

By the time the transformation was complete, they were walking through an enormous metallic facility lined with machinery and weapons-testing equipment. As they continued walking, Yuffie found herself beside Quistis.

The ninja tilted her head. "You know, I've been meaning to ask you something."

Quistis glanced over. "Oh?"

"Magic."

"Magic?"

Yuffie nodded. "How do people in your world use it without materia?"

Quistis smiled slightly.

"In our world, true natural magic belongs primarily to sorceresses,” she explained.

Rinoa instinctively looked away.

Quistis continued. "For everyone else, magic is drawn from natural sources throughout the world."

Yuffie's eyes widened. "You can just take magic?"

"Temporarily,” responded Quistis. "We store it and use it through a system called junctioning."

"And what's a junction?"

"You connect yourself to a Guardian Force."

Confusion spread across Yuffie’s face. "A what now?"

Quistis patiently explained Guardian Forces, magical entities that formed partnerships with warriors and granted them access to powerful abilities and spells. By the end of the explanation Yuffie looked fascinated.

"So, they're basically summons?" she asked.

Quistis paused. "I suppose they would have different names in different worlds. Maybe they're related somehow. Given everything we've seen during this tournament, I wouldn't dismiss the possibility."

Ahead of them, Tifa had fallen into step beside Rinoa.

"How are you holding up?"

Rinoa looked down briefly. "I'm happy."

Tifa smiled. "You should be."

"I won." Rino’s smile weakened slightly. "But..."

Tifa immediately understood. "The mixed feelings about having such destructive power hasn’t dissipated?"

Rinoa looked surprised. "You sound like you get hose too?"

Tifa laughed softly. "More often than I'd like."

Rinoa listened carefully. Tifa's expression became thoughtful.

"When you possess enough power to destroy things, even when that power helps people, it can still be frightening."

Rinoa nodded slowly. "Exactly."

"You start wondering where the line is." Tifa looked at her. “And whether you'll cross it."

Rinoa felt understood for one of the first times since inheriting her sorceress powers. Tifa smiled warmly. 

"If you ever need someone to talk to about that..." She placed a hand on Rinoa's shoulder. "I'm here."

The sorceress looked genuinely touched. "Thank you."

Farther ahead, Selphie marched enthusiastically beside Cater. "I can't wait!"

Cater grinned. "For what?"

"My turn!" Selphie pumped a fist. "Tifa and Rinoa were amazing. And now I get to show everybody what I've got!"

Cater smirked. "Think you're on their level?"

"Of course," Selphie replied.

Cater raised an eyebrow. "No hesitation."

"Should there be?" Selphie laughed. "I may not be an emerging sorceress like Rinoa or a kickass bartender like Tifa. or a genius SeeD instructor like Quistis. or an all-world ninja like Yuffie…."

Yuffie immediately shouted from behind them.  "I like that title!"

Selphie ignored her. "But I bring plenty to the table."

Cater grinned. "Good. I’m glad you feel that way.”

Selphie tilted her head. "Thanks?"

"You remind me of my friend Cinque,” stated Cater.

"The giant mace girl that joined up with Jade’s team?"

Cater nodded. “Yep. When people see her. they see bubbly, they see ditzy.”

Selphie stopped for a moment. “Are you saying you see me as..”

Cater interrupted her. “They underestimate her, and then she caves their skulls in with a giant mace."

Selphie burst out laughing. "That's amazing."

"She's amazing," said Cater. "And you remind me of her."

Selphie's smile returned. "I never back down from a challenge."

Cater looked pleased. "I'm very happy to hear that. Because you're about to face your biggest one."

At that moment, Tifa suddenly stopped walking. Her eyes widened. Yuffie's cheerful demeanor vanished instantly.

"What?" The ninja stared ahead. "No."

The enormous industrial chamber before them finally came into view. Tifa looked uncomfortable.

"I know this place."

Massive weapons platforms. Assembly lines. Heavy mechanical equipment. Shinra logos. The Weapons Development Area.

Yuffie's expression darkened. "I really hate this building."

Cater immediately raised her hands. "Okay, before either of you punches a wall."

"Tempting," Yuffie cut in.

"I know this place brings back bad memories."

Tifa nodded. "It does."

"But this isn't your fight." Cater turned toward Selphie. "It's hers."

Selphie pointed at herself. "Mine?"

Cater grinned. "You're fighting Scarlet."

"WHAT?" Yuffie shouted.

"Who's Scarlet?" asked Selphie.

Tifa and Yuffie exchanged looks.

"Where do we start?"

"She's awful."

"Truly awful."

"Like cartoonishly awful."

"Yuffie..."

"What? It's true."

Selphie looked increasingly concerned. "What did she do?"

Yuffie started counting. "Human experimentation. War profiteering. Corruption. Weapon development. General Shinra evilness."

"She sounds horrifying,” stated Quistis.

A familiar voice to Tifa suddenly answered. "That's because she is."

Tifa froze. Her eyes widened. "No way..."

Two women emerged from a nearby platform. The first had long brown hair tied into a ponytail, a red bandana, bright green eyes, and a cheerful smile that somehow managed to radiate mischief and warmth simultaneously. It was Tifa’s dear friend and member of AVALANCHE, Jessie Rasberry.

The second woman was strikingly different, curvy, and blonde, with sun-kissed skin and goggles hanging around her neck. She wore black gloves, an unzipped yellow crop top jacket with a pink bikini underneath and tiny jean shorts.

Tifa stared. "Jessie..."

The thought to be dead Avalanche member smiled. "Hey Tifa."

The next moment Tifa had crossed the distance between them. She wrapped Jessie in a tight embrace.

"Tifa..." Jessie said softly.

Tifa's voice shook. "I never thought I'd see you again."

Jessie hugged her back. "I know."

For a moment neither woman spoke.

Then Jessie smiled. "I've been watching."

Tifa looked up. "What?"

"From the Lifestream." Jessie tapped Tifa's forehead. "I saw everything."

Tifa's eyes filled with emotion.

Jessie smiled proudly. "You've done amazing."

Tifa couldn't answer.

Meanwhile Yuffie approached. "You must be Jessie."

Jessie laughed. "And you must be Yuffie."

Jessie offered her hand.

Yuffie shook it enthusiastically. "Tifa told me all about you,”

Jessie grinned. "Oh? Hopefully only the flattering stories."

Yuffie smirked. "Mostly."

Jessie laughed. "I'm glad Barrett, Cloud, and Tifa found good friends after I was gone."

Yuffie smiled. Then pointed at Cindy. "So, who is the pinup model dressed like a mechanic?"

“The name’s Cindy. And I am a mechanic,” the blonde woman insisted. “In fact, I’m the finest mechanic Hammerhead has ever produced.”

“Are you here to help us?” asked Quistis.

Jessie shook her head. "Nope. Neither of us are."

Cindy’s warm drawl carried across the room. "We're just here to help build the battlefield."

Cater nodded. 

"That's what makes this version of the Shinra facility different." She gestured around them. "Jessie and Cindy designed the battlefield."

Cindy smiled proudly. "We got turrets, traps, weapons, hazards. and a whole lotta surprises."

"If it were up to me, I'd just rig explosives under Scarlet's feet," stated Jessie

Yuffie immediately approved. "I vote for that."

Jessie sighed. 

"Unfortunately, Arecia and Gentiana insisted on fairness. So, no explosive Scarlet disposal system. But this opportunity let me reconnect with old friends." She glanced over at Cindy. “And make new ones."

Selphie stepped forward. "So, it’s all on me to defeat Scarlet."

Jessie looked her directly in the eye. "I'm not supposed to play favorites. "But I really want you to beat Scarlet into the ground and destroy her stupid Crimson Mare mech."

Selphie laughed nervously. "I'll do my best."

She turned toward Tifa and Yuffie. "You two beat her before?"

Both nodded.

"Yeah. We did. But never individually, not if she is in her mech,” Tifa explained.

Selphie's confidence wavered slightly. "Oh."

Quistis placed her arm around Selphie. "Think of it like fighting one of the larger Galbadian Army mechs."

Selphie considered that, then smiled. “I've beaten those before."

"Exactly."

Selphie's confidence slowly returned. She twirled her pair of nunchucks "Okay. Okay! Let's do this."

 

 

FRACTURED SOVEREIGNS (1-1)

The frozen skyline of the Empire of Niflheim shimmered behind the Fractured Sovereigns as they left the battlefield where Aranea Highwind had earned the team's first victory. Towering steel structures and snow-covered streets slowly faded as the group walked together through the ever-changing corridor between worlds.

For the first time since the tournament had begun, there was a noticeable lightness to the team's mood. Aranea walked near the front, silver hair swaying behind the black-and-crimson armor of the former Commodore of Niflheim's Third Army Corps. She still carried herself with military discipline, but there was undeniable satisfaction in her expression.

Sice matched her stride, with a thinly concealed smile. "You answered every question I had about you today."

Aranea glanced over. "Is that right?"

"You stepped into the biggest fight of your life against another dragoon, and when Fang forced you to raise your level, you did."

Aranea looked forward again. "It wasn't easy. Fang is incredible."

"I know," said Sice. "She's much more than a skilled dragoon. The gods of her world, the Fal'Cie, once branded her with a Focus, a destiny to become Ragnarok, and destroy the world of Cocoon.”

Aranea did not completely understand what Sice meant by branding and focus but it sounded massive and also tragic.

"That's..." She searched for the right word. "...quite a burden to place on one person."

Sice nodded. 

"It is. The Fal'Cie exist in my world as well. They brand people with destinies." She spoke without bitterness, simply stating a fact. "You either fulfill those destinies or suffer for resisting them."

Aranea briefly wondered if Sice or any of the other high school aged girls that were acting as liaisons for Arecia and Gentiana had been similarly branded with a Focus."

Behind them, Beatrix approached. The proud Alexandrian general had recovered from her own defeat, though the memory clearly still lingered.

She gave Aranea a respectful nod. "You fought magnificently."

Aranea returned the gesture. "Thank you."

Beatrix smiled. "And thank you for giving our team another chance."

Aranea looked slightly confused.

"You've restored our hopes after my own failure against General Celes," Beatrix remarked with disappointment.

"There wasn't any failure,” Aranea replied. "Celes earned that victory."

Beatrix smiled appreciatively. 

"Even so..." She placed a gauntleted hand over her chest. "You have my gratitude."

Scarlet rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, honestly."

Everyone looked toward her. The Shinra executive adjusted a strand of her hair with exaggerated elegance.

"So much melodrama. This Fang woman hardly struck me as someone capable of destroying worlds." Scarlet shrugged. "The recruiting standards of these Fal'Cie sound questionable."

Aranea frowned slightly.

"And frankly..." Scarlet looked at Aranea "I highly doubt either of you would last very long against Shinra's finest SOLDIER operatives."

There was silence.

Edea sighed. "You truly aren't much of a team player."

Scarlet smiled smugly. "I prefer excellence over teamwork."

Sice chuckled. "I don't think that's it."

Scarlet glanced over. “Are you calling me a liar?”

"I think you're hiding."

Scarlet laughed. "Excuse me?"

Sice gestured casually toward the rest of the group. "Every single person here has proven themselves in combat. A legendary general capable of taking down entire armies. One of the finest dragoons in any world. A sorceress who displayed power strong enough to bend countries to her will, and a summoner who set the course of history for an entire world for generations and whose very existence became legend."

Sice pointed to each of Beatrix, Aranea, Edea, and Yunalesca as she spoke.

She turned toward Scarlet. "And then there's you. You're the only person on this team, and in this entire tournament field, who isn't already a proven warrior."

The statement lingered.

"I imagine that weighs on you," Sice concluded.

Scarlet laughed dismissively. 

"Please." She waved one hand. "The hosts clearly recognize genius when they see it. My brilliance as an engineer. My intellect. My mastery over weapon development. I am every bit as valuable as any swordswoman or mage."

Behind her, Beatrix quietly closed her eyes. Edea pinched the bridge of her nose. Aranea looked away to hide a smile. Even Yunalesca gave the smallest exhale that might have been amusement. Sice simply shook her head.

Before anyone could answer, the air shimmered. Soft light gathered before them, and Gentiana appeared. Graceful and ethereal, she looked first toward Aranea.  The two women shared a silent glance of recognition that was noticed by both Beatrix and Edea. Then Gentiana looked over to Scarlet.

"The differences between you and those beside you are not measured merely by skill with blade or machine." Gentiana walked slowly among them. "Each soul gathered within this company once stood against heroes because of an inability to see the bigger picture, or because of loyalty to a doomed hope, or because they were burdened beyond her choosing.”

Gentiana faced Scarlet. "And yet each found moments when they stood not merely for themselves but for others. They demonstrated that should the need arise. they could become the heroes they once opposed. All except you."

Scarlet’s confident smirk faltered.

"You almost were not invited,” Gentiana explained. “It was Patty who saw possibility where others saw only ambition. Patty believed that beneath the armor you fashioned for yourself stood a woman shaped by survival. A woman forced to thrive within a harsh world built by powerful men. A woman who devoted her genius toward destruction because destruction was the language rewarded by her world."

Scarlet remained perfectly still but said nothing.

Gentiana continued. "This tournament may offer you something far more precious than victory. A second life." A chance to choose a different path."

Scarlet finally smiled again. Though this time, it felt less convincing.

"I rather like my first life." She lifted her chin proudly. "I became successful. I did what was necessary. And I regret none of it."

Gentiana simply inclined her head. "That is yours to decide."

By now, the frozen streets of Niflheim had disappeared entirely, replaced by steel platforms, assembly cranes, weapons racks, turrets, blast doors, and assembly arms. The immense Weapons Development wing inside Shinra Headquarters surrounded them.

Scarlet stopped walking. Recognition flashed across her face.

"Why are we here?"

Sice answered immediately. "Because we're about to find out If all the things you've done to become successful translate into surviving a fight against a true hero of the Crossfire Hearts."

"It's my match?"

Sice nodded.

Scarlet immediately straightened her posture. "Excellent. I assume I'll have access to the latest Crimson Mare battle mech?"

A voice from within the facility answered before Sice could. "Oh, you'll have it."

Everyone turned. Standing atop a nearby maintenance platform., Jessie Rasberry looked down at Scarlet.

"It wasn't easy getting it ready for someone like you,” Jessie remarked bitterly. “But I made a deal with Arecia, and I always honor my deals.”

Scarlet merely smiled smugly. "I appreciate competent workmanship."

Jessie visibly clenched one fist. Cindy Aurum stood beside her, resting a hand on her hip. The blonde mechanic in the baseball cap offered Jessie an encouraging smile before giving the newcomers a friendly wave.

"Howdy. Welcome to your challenge and the fruit of our labors."

Yunalesca finally broke her silence. The ancient summoner looked toward Scarlet with unreadable golden eyes.

"So, it is finally time to witness what this loud, arrogant mortal is capable of."

Scarlet shot her an offended glare.

Sice laughed. Then looked around at the team "Looks like we're still working on positive reinforcement."

Beatrix couldn't suppress a quiet chuckle. Aranea shook her head with amusement.

Scarlet muttered under her breath. "I'll show all of you."

 

 

SELPHIE VS. SCARLET

The cavernous Weapons Development Wing of the Shinra Building hummed with a constant metallic drone. Massive robotic frames stood in maintenance cradles. Yellow hazard lights swept across polished steel floors while warning sirens periodically chimed in the distance Waiting on opposite sides of the arena stood two very different teams. The Crossfire Hearts clustered together near Jessie and Cindy's newly completed battle arena. Across from them stood the Fractured Sovereigns, Scarlet already admiring the towering machine waiting behind her.

The moment Scarlet's blue eyes settled upon Tifa and Yuffie, a slow, venomous smile crossed her lips.

"Well now," Scarlet purred. "This is nostalgic. I certainly hope my opponent is one of you two."

Her eyes drifted from Tifa to Yuffie. "I still owe you both repayment for humiliating me."

Yuffie's eye twitched and she clenched her fists.

"Repayment?!" She jabbed an accusing finger toward Scarlet. "You're the one who experimented on people! Helped Shinra destroy towns! Built weapons that ruined lives! You're the one who needs to suffer payback!"

Scarlet simply laughed. "Oh my, still spirited I see. I always did enjoy provoking children."

Yuffie took another step. "You!"

Tifa's hand caught Yuffie’s shoulder. "Don't. That isn’t why we are here.”

Yuffie looked ready to explode. "But..”

Tifa smiled softly. "I know."

She turned toward Scarlet.  “Unfortunately for us, neither Yuffie nor I were chosen for this fight.”

Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "No?"

A calm voice drifted across the chamber. “No, they were not."

Gentiana floated gracefully between both assembled teams, her feet never quite touching the steel floor. The temperature dropped several degrees. Snowflakes materialized around her before fading into crystal dust. 

A circle of shimmering blue light expanded through the arena. Moments later, golden glyphs blossomed overhead. Arecia Al-Rashia descended from above. Patty appeared beside her with considerably less elegance, enthusiastically waving both hands.

"Everyone's here!" she exclaimed.  "Perfect!"

Arecia surveyed both teams. Her expression remained composed.

"Welcome to the Eighth Official Match of the Crystal Nexus Tournament This contest presents an intriguing comparison."

Her eyes shifted toward Selphie then Scarlet.

"Both women possess talents that are often overlooked. They work tirelessly. They adapt." They innovate. And despite their accomplishments, they are frequently underestimated,” stated Arecia as she clasped her hands behind her back.  "Sometimes by their enemies. Sometimes even by their own allies."

Both Selphie and Scarlet kept their eyes locked on the host.

Arecia continued. “Today, they fight alone. No companions. No army or mindless grunts. No stronger teammate standing before them. No opportunity to rely upon another's reputation, only themselves. Today. we will discover which overachiever proves superior under the greatest pressure."

Gentiana drifted forward. Her silver eyes settled first upon Selphie then Scarlet.

 "One laughs beneath endless skies., the other smiles beneath smokestacks. One builds friendships with effortless warmth, while the other built walls so high that no warmth could reach. One hides surprising resolve beneath cheer. The other hides uncertainty beneath superiority."

Scarlet's expression barely shifted.

Gentiana continued. "They walk different roads. Yet both sought recognition." Both wished to prove themselves indispensable. Both refused to remain ordinary. The winds that shaped them differed. yet both now stand before destiny, The question is no longer who they were, it is who they choose to become."

Patty clapped excitedly. "Ohhh this one is gonna be GOOD!"

Arecia nodded once.

"This battlefield has also been prepared with deliberate care,” she explained as she gestured around the chamber. "You will not simply overcome one another. You must also survive the arena itself. I understand both competitors appreciate difficult challenges. I did not wish to disappoint."

Arecia turned to the two she had put in charge of crafting the battlefield.

"Cindy."

Cindy Aurum stepped forward, smiling brightly despite the intimidating machinery surrounding them. 

"Howdy Again! So..." She scratched the back of her head. "This was definitely a little different than fixin' the prince’s Regalia at Hammerhead.  We've installed rotating automated gun turrets that activate in patterns."

Panels opened along nearby walls, revealing twin-barreled cannons.

"They fire non-lethal energy rounds, but they'll definitely knock ya off your feet or put some serious dents in your walking armor if you're not careful."

Another section opened and retractable flamethrowers slid into position.

"We also hid explosive pressure mines beneath several floor plates."

Scarlet smiled.

Selphie gulped. "And..."

Cindy pointed upward. “Those ceiling cranes? They'll occasionally move cargo containers across the battlefield." She smiled sheepishly. "Wouldn't wanna be underneath one."

Jessie folded her arms proudly. "We also rigged collapsing catwalks. Laser trip sensors. Magnetic barricades, and plenty of blind corners. It should force both fighters to think instead of simply charging."

Cindy laughed. 

"I learned a whole bunch by putting this together." She looked toward Jessie. "Couldn't have done it without her."

Nearby, Rinoa leaned toward Selphie.

"You've got this."

Selphie smiled confidently. "I know. But I’ve got a lot riding on me right now. The normal pressure of winning for the team, but if I lose, I’m really going to disappoint Yuffie and Tifa, and that Jessie girl.”

Yuffie interjected.  "We won't be upset with you. We'll just be furious at her."

Rinoa smiled. "I don’t think it would matter either way because you are going to win.”

Selphie nodded.  "Right, I’ll just beat Scarlet.”

She spun one of her nunchaku around her finger.

Across the arena, Scarlet strutted confidently toward her machine. Hydraulic locks disengaged with booming metallic clanks. Steam hissed from armored vents. The new Crimson Mare towered over them. Its crimson armor plating gleamed beneath the industrial lights, reinforced with matte-black titanium ribs and angular Shinra engineering. Massive piston-driven legs ended in clawed stabilizers capable of digging into steel flooring. Its right arm ended in a colossal articulated power fist fitted with crushing hydraulic presses capable of pulverizing concrete. The left arm housed an interchangeable weapons system currently equipped with a multi-barrel rotary cannon beneath a retractable flamethrower nozzle. Missile pods rested over both shoulders behind segmented armor shields. Scarlet climbed inside.

Arecia stepped once more into the center of the arena. "The battlefield is prepared. The competitors stand ready. May your resolve exceed your fear. Begin."

Warning sirens erupted. Steel blast doors slammed shut. Turrets powered online. Laser sights swept across the battlefield. Selphie twirled her nunchaku with a determined grin. Scarlet's Crimson Mare lowered into a combat stance as hydraulic pistons roared.

 

 

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Selphie Tilmitt
Read more about Selphie Tilmitt at Wikipedia
Official Site: Square-Enix Links: Selphie Wikipedia page Square: Selphie FF Wiki: Selphie

Scarlet (FF7)
Read more about Scarlet (FF7) at Wikipedia
Official Site: Square Enix Links: Wikipedia

[JohnnyChany]

The Gathering: Preamble Here

Match #1: Here

Match # 2: Here

Match #3 Here

Match #4: Here

Match #5: Here

Match #6: Here

Match #7: Here

[leroypowell3]

Alone I think Selphie looses. He clumsyness will cost her.

[Venom 2009]

Good match.

I'm not sure who would win.

But I'm going to vote for Scarlet, because she looks good in a red outfit and has nice boobs.

[Callisto]

Match Final Results

Member Ratings:
5.00 - Venom 2009
5.00 - Boratz

FPA Calculation:
2 Total Votes cast
10.00 Total Combined Score
10.00 / 2 = 5.00 Final Rating on the match

MATCH SCORE
Selphie Tilmitt: 1
Scarlet (FF7): 5