hadriel_logs | Duel at the Colosseum

[OOC: The Open thread for in-person peanut gallery. There are giant unexpected monsters. See the duel thread for exactly which monsters appear, but you’re guaranteed to see, the three egyptian gods, Three Blue Eyes White Dragons, Black Magician and Black Magician Girl, Kuriboh, and Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon at some point.

This thread is for people who can get to the Colosseum to interact with each other or the monsters. The monsters are holographic, so any attempt to touch them will go straight through. Please feel free to try though.

Atem and Kaiba might yell one liners if they can hear you, but will otherwise be focused on each other.]

Edited 2018-07-06 02:16 (UTC)

Monsters! Biiiig monsters. Caedra keeps an eye on the coliseum from time to time for new arrivals, rather than trying to pay attention to monthly timing, so the presence of towering colorful creatures immediately draws her to investigate. By now, she's accustomed to teleporting to a favored seat inside the old crumbling stone building, up high off the ground from where she can spectate and watch for anyone particularly interesting - or any familiar creatures from home, for that matter. No luck yet on that front, sadly.

And not today, either. In fact, to her surprise, there are no new faces down below today either. Two people in particular seem to be involved in somehow commanding the creatures to do battle...? She can't hear whatever it is they're saying from up here, but she can watch. It's a good show. Almost as good a show as the fighting ring she has proposed, but has never gotten far with actually establishing. Organization is just not something she's that interested in, which is why it hasn't gotten off the ground beyond her suggestions. She'll readily take a giant monster fight to watch without having to do anything. It's almost comforting. Almost like home.

That said, she's also keeping an eye on other spectators as well, should they manage to make their way in. If anyone looks like they understand what's going on, she'll quickly teleport down to ask, "Do you know what's going on? Who are those two, and how are they controlling those creatures?"

And if anyone strays a little too close to where it looks like the monsters are standing or striking, she might even throw a stray bolt of eldritch magic at them, if she thinks the angle the creature is standing at might hide where the actual shot came from. It's much funnier to make people think these creatures are the source of the attack, just to stir things up a little.

Percy came to investigate the ruckus and he's honestly very shocked by the sight. The only thing that's kept him from pulling his gun is the fact that whatever is going on, the monsters seem to be in control, but that doesn't stop him from reaching behind him, keeping a firm hold of Bad News as he stares at the white dragon with a look of hateful scorn, remembering Vorugal's attack on Greyskull. The logic behind whatever is happening, the nature of how intriguing it is that these two men seem to be controlling and summoning them, pales in comparison to that white-hot frustration- a reminder of what's still going on in Exandria while he sits idly here.

It's really for the best Caedra pops in when she does, though it does mean she gets a rifle swung in her direction.

"You should never, ever sneak up on a gunslinger, Caedra. It's a terrible idea." He lowers Bad News, inhaling and calming himself. "I don't know what's going on." He waves at the stadium. "But that one has a white dragon at his beck and call and that shouldn't even be possible."

Edited 2018-07-09 19:50 (UTC)

Caedra puts her hands up in mock surrender but grins at the warning, apparently not at all unnerved by having a gun pointed at her. Surely it's just because she's so naive to them.

"I didn't mean to startle you, there just wasn't an easier way down! So - yes, I was wondering about the dragon too. It's one thing to work with one, but another entirely to shout orders at it like a slave. It really ought to turn around and eat him for that kind of insolence," she observes. And wouldn't that be funny, to have the creatures turn against their handlers? Rather than fighting like trained dogs.

"Do you think they're charmed? And unable to break the spell, perhaps?" This level of control would take immense power, though, Caedra knows that well. A dominated creature doesn't stay dominated for long when it takes this much abuse from its opponent. And charming a dragon? Of that size and presumed age? Not something she expects from what look to be adolescent humans.

He points the gun even further down to the ground, now making it as less dangerous as he it can be without being placed back into its holster on is back. He's still wary that the white dragon will break free of its bonds and start letting loose a volley of ice breath on the city.

He follows her gaze, taking in the two boys- they're younger than he is for gods' sake. And unless they're gods, themselves, there's no way. Absolutely none. But the proof is right here in front of him that something is amiss.

"If that were the case, then I wouldn't be worried about the dragon. I would be worried about them. This seems... like an unusual display of power."

A territorial dispute perhaps? In this place? Well, he's still new here, so perhaps that's normal, but he's relieved that someone more experienced with Hadriel is just as perplexed as he is.

"Precisely. And most here who have that kind of power can't resist flaunting it." She would know, of course. But she also knows about plenty of others here. The lich, the psychopomp, and a handful of wizards. These two have never stepped up to name themselves as anything like the others, and she has never before seen them with dragons or other creatures of any sort.

"Which I suppose must be what they're doing now, but it seems unusual to do so without fanfare, doesn't it? If I could control a dragon, I would want everyone to know. It's much too big a secret to keep."

"Until you get eaten for your hubris." That would be an interesting thing to be in attendance for... right up until the dragon took flight and started eating and murdering more people. Gods, he really does have dragon issues, doesn't he? Thanks for that, Chroma Conclave.

"It might be worth asking about when it's over if they're not both dead." He tears his gaze away from the spectacle and levels it on Caedra. "But... Unrelated to that, I hadn't seen you since I first got, er... Back here. I wanted to speak with you again."

He's still mastering the phones. Forgive him. If he wants to talk to someone, he'll do it in person like a civilized person.

Those two don't look like they're dying just yet, which is a shame. If those creatures break free and kill everyone here, she knows she'll just be reborn instantly - but here, rather than in the Abyss, since she can't get back to it. She would love to see what such an event would do to Hope, who would struggle to revive all of these mortals. Caedra would certainly have no intention of doing anything to assist him to regain his power once depleted.

She smiles up at Percy, at his request. She too still barely uses the phones except to tell people she wants to meet in person. It's not unlike a few simple messaging spells she is familiar with - short conversations are the only ones that work and she much prefers being able to read tone and expression anyway. People are much easier to manipulate when she can judge their reactions.

"Well, then speak away. Although perhaps we ought to step just outside of this arena. We can keep watch from one of the archways should things go awry but at least that way we won't have children shouting over us," she suggests. The place is lined with doorways now that so much of what must have been the original structure has crumbled, and she waves for him to follow as she heads to one nearby.

He gives the children one last look of cautious interest to even get even the barest idea of what they're shouting, but what little he can hear sounds like nonsense that's far more confusing than it is helpful. He gives up on it entirely and follows her lead, content to wait that particular situation out.

"I spoke to Keyleth, and she confirmed what you said before- that I have been here, and there doesn't seem to be any way to restore my memories." He crosses his arms over his chest. "So I have no way to corroborate your claim, but I can't fathom why you would just decide such a thing if I didn't make the offer." Whether under duress or otherwise. He doesn't know. And he can't be sure. But backing down on a deal or a promise goes against his nature.

"You should know that I don't give my plans to anyone. If I build you this weapon and the ammunition, then you will have to keep coming to me if it breaks or if you run out of bullets. And if I should leave again, then... well, I guess you're shit out of luck unless there's someone else here who can do what I can."

A beat, barely longer than inhale of breath. "I don't say this to be cruel, but to be cautious. I don't think you realize quite what you're asking for."

Edited 2018-07-14 23:56 (UTC)

"Of course. No, I know it troubled you deeply then, as it seems to now, but you did agree that it seemed appropriate," she replies with a gracious smile. As if self-conscious, she tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear, then shrugs.

All calculated, of course. Gestures that she knows make these people tend to sympathize, for whatever reason. She has studied them, and knows well how to deceive.

"I don't expect plans, or lessons on any true repairs or construction. Nothing beyond basic use, maintenance, and safety. I'm sure you feel responsible for its use and potential misuse, and I'm - I'm glad, truly, that you take such a weapon so seriously."

"They're dangerous and pose a great threat to the world if left unchecked." And it still hasn't struck him yet that other people have them here, and even if it did... Well, that proves his point, doesn't it? "I've set my own on a course I can't correct. I won't do the same to another."

But gods, it's reassuring that she's so... Understanding. He can't be sure why- anyone else might have pulled a Ripley and pointed out that with the knowledge out there and the necessity of it, he might as well just commit. And perhaps needing, especially so soon after Ripley, someone who gets his line of thinking, even when asking of a great favor from him has a part to play.

With that point made clear, he nods. All right. Then onto the next part. "Have you ever fired anything before? Any sort of bow or crossbow?"

He's so serious about this! It's all she can do to keep from laughing at his earnesty.

"A crossbow! No, I haven't seriously. I've tried with a longbow for fun but I can't say I was ever any good at it," she replies with a slightly self-conscious chuckle. The truth, this time. Why bother when she has magic? Until coming to this place she had never seriously considered the idea that it could be taken away from her.

"That's fair... they're completely different concepts, but it saves you from having to correct how you aim." He is earnest- earnest like a little white-haired puppy dog fussing over a much larger dog because he is incapable of seeing that the big dog is much more capable than it is. Percy's no fool and he's far from naive, but lacking context here and having nothing but promises he doesn't remember, he doesn't know what else to do. Be wary, but kind, and hope it works out.

He nods, awkwardly. "I'll... Keep working on it. I'm working with limited supplies and no proper workshop, but we'll see."

"Oh, of course! It must be difficult, being a craftsman like yourself but not having the necessary tools for the trade. I'm glad my own work as a writer can be performed anywhere I find myself so long as I have quill and parchment."

Ugh, but it will be nice when she has what she wants so she can stop putting on this ridiculous act. It's certainly easy enough to perform but continuing to be so gracious for too much longer will begin to test her patience. Troubling too is that she may be outed to this man before he has time to finish what he is currently so willing to create for her. Perhaps she will be lucky and he will come from one of those worlds that regards her kind as fictional creatures, making it easy for him to accept others' commentary as born from superstition rather than fact and thus able to be ignored.

"I wouldn't have guessed you were a writer." Honestly, Percy wouldn't have guessed much of anything. She has a tiefling's eyes, but no other traits to speak of that would mark her as anything but human. Likely a quirk of some other world.

"Though that begs the question of why you hang around here?" It's a thought that hits him quickly, an idle one, but one that burns his tongue until he speaks it out loud, like some preternatural danger sense that reminds him of how carelessness is his constant downfall. Just a precaution, then. No suspicion, just curiosity. "It's an awfully dangerous place for someone just seeking inspiration."

Edited 2018-07-23 20:53 (UTC)

"A little danger doesn't bother me. It's exciting to watch. And I do know a little magic, like I said, if things get dire."

It grates against her confidence and pride to act as if she's some sort of amateur caster. She has been taught well, by one of the most powerful creatures known to the multiverse and she's usually quite happy to state that, to generate fear and respect in others. But the act is so well worth it if it's going to result in a new weapon to use - and one others likely won't expect from her.

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smoketendrils - 2018-07-24 18:01 (UTC) - Expand

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abyssalarcana - 2018-07-24 21:06 (UTC) - Expand

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smoketendrils - 2018-07-26 14:04 (UTC) - Expand

Okay, so perhaps he had caught the little exchange between Atem and Kaiba on the network, little that he even knew about people here, much less their names. But given the general boredom that had started to set in after Jade had settled in a little, he couldn't help but be intrigued, and therefore drawn to the colosseum as soon as he was able to travel there.

Naturally, the mechanical sound he'd heard prior to the "duel" starting had made it easy to deduce that the monsters on the field weren't real. Just theatrics in order to enrich this odd game, he supposed.

That being said, he can't help but find the monsters impressive, and he's decided to catch a seat located about mid-rise, legs crossed and arms folded as he watches the spectacle unfold.

If anyone takes the seat next to him, Jade will offer a friendly smile and a wave, along with a remark about what's going on--he's shown up about third turn or so, therefore he's already seen some "fireworks" in the duel.

"Well, here I thought that this place was only good for real monsters. I should have come prepared for proper entertainment, these children look lively."

Law, on the other hand, is a bit late. He's got more important things to do on any given day, so he ignored the phone until someone said something about monsters. It's not Door day, the schedule is wrong, so there shouldn't be monsters at the coliseum...

He doesn't panic, though, as he approaches. They have no life signatures, nothing that would ping his haki. It's not until he comes in and stands next to where Jade is that he gets a full read on the situation...and grumps, because it's nothing he needed to drop his research for.

"They're lively, all right," he grouses. "Apparently they have nothing better to do with themselves."

Oh, so there are other sane adults around here. How comforting. His attention shifts to Law and he chuckles a little at the man's words. It's not as if he disagrees. Quite the contrary.

"Children, I find, will often seek out the most curious of distractions to keep them out of doing any work at all. I'm acquainted with some individuals who I could see doing this kind of thing, actually," he comments, shifting his gaze to the next move of the duel with half-interest.

"Are you acquainted with these two, Mr...?"

"Law. Trafalgar Law." Which has to be followed with a huge sigh. "Yeah, more or less. I knew they had a dueling game that was really important to them for some reason, but I had no idea it was this level of useless."

Well, he came all this way, might as well lower himself to a seat and hang around a bit, even if it's just to privately snark over what they're watching. "I doubt it has anything to do with shirking," he cautions. "When you're here long enough, any taste of home becomes something of an obsession."

"I can only imagine," Jade concedes the point. Kids grow bored so easily, and likewise, grow homesick at the slightest provocation. He knows all about that...and is reminded quite quickly of a past experience with a certain bratty noble--the red-haired one, of course.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, at any rate. My name is Jade."

There's no titles, no standing on ceremony despite the fact that he is generally polite. Law doesn't appear to be interested in rigid etiquette of any kind. Truly a relief...

"Useless the game may seem, but the technology behind it is nothing to dismiss. Appropriately utilized, it could be of some benefit. Alas..."

He looks up, peering idly at the rather enormous dragon in plain view. If he gave half a shit about aesthetics, he'd admire the design. Three heads, huh? "Maybe," he concedes with a low-key shrug. "That's not my area of expertise. They're not real, though - I sense no life force other than Atem-ya and his friend. Phantoms, illusions. If that's useful to someone, it won't be me."

Law's only use for technology extends to its medical value, anything beyond that is for engineers, shipwrights, and other more nefarious users. If hologram technology is good for something around here, he won't be the one discovering it.

While Jade would agree just as vaguely that the dragon looks impressive, and that the exchange between the two teens was intriguing...the fact of the matter is that the only truly interesting part of it was the strategy and chain of countermeasures that the two take against each other's moves. That being said...

"It's interesting that you can sense life-force at all. What is your area of expertise, if I may be so bold?"

Jade's no good at making friends. It took a life-changing adventure for him to even make acquaintances..but it wouldn't hurt to familiarize himself with the people here.

It's almost worth the trip he made to watch a children's card game.

Law's fine with not making friends, but sharing skills, he can get behind that. After all, how does one put together the right resources to fulfill plans if you don't know what those resources are?

He smirks very slightly as he casts his gaze sidelong at the new guy. "Sensing life force isn't a matter of expertise. That bit is natural to me. But if you're so curious, I happen to be a doctor, among other things." A great many other things, which he'll dole out as needed.

This is... a thing. It really is a thing. Rey was going to sit back from home and watch this, because god knows there is not nearly as much entertainment as there should be, but when it came to holographic monsters being projected in the Colosseum...

Well, shit, she had to see that. If this is what these two get up to in the Game Room, then she might have to stop by and spectate more often.

It's almost like this venue is being used as it should be, and then it occurs to Rey -- the hosts weren't supposed to be a violent race, right? So what did they use this Colosseum for? For all they knew, it was exactly for shit like this.

Between the theatrics and her mulling over a few theories, Rey misses what Atem did last. She also realizes that she has been slouching this entire time, idly munching on some snacks she had snagged from one of the shops before coming over. Sitting upright, she squints at the match.

"Wait, what does Pot of Greed do?" Rey mutters, mostly to herself.

Duel at the Colosseum

Peanut Gallery - OTA

Caedra | OTA

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Jade Curtiss | ota

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i'm sorrynotsorry for abridged references.