Season 21, Week 1
Jack van Burace
(Wild Arms)
 
The fastest blade in the west is back, and more stylish than ever! With a new look courtesy of Alter Code F, Jack's looking even cooler than ever. He comes into the arena with a bone to pick with Rune, who's noted for his burning hate for swordsmen who explore ruins. But Jack's no wide-eyed, pansy "adventurer": he's a ruthless fighter willing to put it on the line with one powerful attack. Trump Card is perfect for this; it packs an incredible amount of power in a single blow, and it's more than enough to slay the frail Esper in a single attack. Jack fights not only for himself, but for all swordsmen everywhere. He'll make good on the chance he was given.

V

S

The successor of Lutz rises in the arena to prove his mettle once again! And this is a quickdraw match much like in the old western times, against a cowboy to boot. Jack's swordskills will certainly put a dent on Rune, but that alone is not enough: Rune, despite his frailness, can opt for a more defense-oriented setup with two shields to protect against Trump Card. The Dream Chaser's status attacks are too unreliable in a match as quick as this one; all it takes to put down Jack is one use of Negatis. In this fast, deadly match, Rune will prove that a quick draw isn't enough: it takes spell that kills instantly to win, and that's just what he has.


superaielman
Rune smiled in pure satisfaction. There was no way Justin would be able to attend this match and screw things up. He contracted out a dozen villians of known vile repute to harass and annoy the meddling adventuresome young man, with no possible way to trace it back to him. Oh, that foolish girl would suspect, but Feena couldn't do anything without proof. He had even calculated the battle down to a simple formula. Turtling behind his shields, Rune could just withstand the wrath of Jack.. and then, well, what happened to -anyone- who dared enter battle with the sexily perfect Esper?

Defeat, of course.

Glancing at a clock, Rune smirked. Only a couple minutes before his fight. Time to prepare. As usual, Rune ignored his Laconian Staff, in favor of a pair of bright, shining Silver Shields...that weren't in his room. Panicking, Rune looked around for some type of shield. All he found was a couple of old staves, and a handwritten note on his dresser. Rune glanced at the note, wondering if it would shed light on the situation. And lo..

"Dear Rune,

You think I wouldn't figure out who sent half of Middle's bosses after Justin? Nice try, but it's wishful thinking to hope that'll stop him. Speaking of thinking, perhaps you shouldn't broadcast such thoughts in public.. especially when you still owe your yearly dues to the DL Mensa club? I'm a forgiving person, so there's no hard feelings for this latest stunt. I'm so nice, in fact, that I arranged for your debt to be paid off. Of course, I had to pawn your prized shields.. have fun fighting Mr. Burace without them!

Yours truly,

Feena.

PS: Mewtwo sends his regards. Don't try stiffing him again.

Rune went several shales paler. "My.. shields? How am I supposed to win without them?" He had no time to purchase new ones, either. "Guess I'll just have to do my best.."


Rune sighed when he entered the ring. In the front row sat Justin and Feena, chatting and waving to him. Behind them stood the entire Duelling League Mensa club, sans President Mewtwo. "Humilation on top of everything else.." Rune shrugged, and knew he only had one chance at victory. Dropping any pretense of defense, he charged into the ring, and fired off a Legion before Jack had so much as even raised his weapon. Legion burned Jack. Following it up with a Nafoi dropped Jack to the floor, near death. Rune grinned. "That wasn't so hard." The Esper walked over to Feena and Justin, and began taunting. "You steal from me, you try to drive me insane, and you even conspire with my enemies to bring me down. Wait... I was going off to pay that bill when Melbu and Baal attacked!"

To his horror, Rune saw Feena reach into her blouse and pull out a stack Meseta, bound by Rune's notary sigil. Instead of taunting, Feena just laughed and pointed right behind Rune. Spinning on his heels, Rune saw that he hadn't quite finished off the dream chaser. Jack stood on one knee, and had his sword in hand. A ball of energy was spinning towards Rune..

And all was dark.

Jack van Burace: 35
Rune Walsh: 22

Adumbro Deus
The battle soon became one of attrition, Jack's Sword and Techs vs. Rune's magic, round after round of back and forth between the two. Finally, both combatants fell, but after what seemed like an eternity, Jack rose while Rune still lay prone, it was over.