View source for Awards Ceremony 07

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This is a log of the awards ceremony for the champions of the [[Tenkaichi Budoukai]] that began in 2007. The ceremony was held on the Off-site Board. Posts shown below are separated by player, and more than one character may be represented per post.

'''Characters represented:'''

;[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]
:[[Alothin]], [[Inquisitor Ulic|Ulic]]
;[[User:Vraeyda|Vraeyda]]
:[[Kate Letopaxa]]
;[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]
:[[Ciel Deschaine]], [[Hitomi Owaarii]]
;[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]
:[[Koshou]], [[Teraptus Icebreed]]
;[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]
:[[Kinsei Reichi]], [[Kurenai Shijima]] (aliased)
;[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]
:[[Ryokuchuuseki Kojika]] (aliased), [[Ledah Croix]]
;[[User:Landra|Landra]]
:[[Akane Fukumitsu]], [[Kimberly Rauchman]]
;[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]
:[[Adam]], [[Karrak Seorun]]
;[[User:Lampdevil|Pamela]]
:[[Pamela MacNeish]], [[Jean-Paul Bombardier]], [[Lillian Kaider]], [[Tazmire Corwin]]
;Genesis_X
:[[Sylon]]
;[[User:Tiryst|Tiryst]]
:[[Johan Fahst]]

----

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

All over Earth, PADs began to signal a newly-received message, as all participants in this year's Tenkaichi Budoukai were alerted to the awards ceremony that would shortly begin.

Meanwhile, Alothin once more reshaped the primary courtyard of Deius Castle. The grassy courtyard manifested a set of bleachers, as usual, for spectators to observe the pomp and ceremony from. Opposite them, a three-tiered platform rose for the victors to take their places upon... and behind it, a glassy-smooth monolith of some strange black material, impenetratable to even the finest of psionic senses and technological tomfoolery. Past participants would know that from this monolith, Alothin would produce the prizes as the time came for each victor to receive their due.

For now, he stood beside the victory stand, and waited for the arrival of the congregation.

==[[User:Vraeyda|Vraeyda]]==

Oh my Kami!

I got the news, and practically flipped. Okay, so I fell over a desk in Engineering on EIS-4, but still! I was down to Deius fast as I could, and of course the first thing I did was ask what do I wear!? I chose the Strozzi business suit that Gilead bought me, and practically dragged him to the Courtyard.

I take a seat somewhere in the middle. This is just unbelieveable. OH MY KAMI!

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

It was a given that Ciel Deschaine had not expected to win anything in this year's world martial arts tournament. The paladin had expected a repeat of the previous year, in which she had pretty much achieved nothing of notice. And probably embarrassed Professor Kaider. This time around, she had made the jump from the lightweight bracket all the way to the heavyweights, and despite the initial training done with Johnny, her chances had looked so meager. So, her sudden victory over the conjurer Johan Fahst came as a surprise to her most of all. Third place was certainly not first, but it was still something of notice. And, perhaps there was a hint of excitement in the girl nowadays. There was indeed a spark of that old flame that had burned within her during her initial rise to power.

The call came through her PAD. Ciel was a little beside herself, but managed to dress up formally for the event. When she stepped out of the portal within the floating castle, she was accompanied by Johnny, as expected. Soon enough they took their seats for the event, waiting for it to begin.

----

Hitomi Owaarii had fought to win. That had been pretty obvious, considering how often the Saiyan had relied on her transformation to win her battles. But she was a driven warrior, and her eye had been on the promised cash prices offered during the tournament. Not to mention that the nifty items Alothin was reputed to hand out were pretty useful themselves. She had an idea that if such a thing was given to her, it'd give the mercenary an easier time while out performing her numerous contracts. And now, awards ceremony tiemz nao!

The pink-haired Saiyan appeared with a cheerful smile. Anyone that greeted her received an excited yet polite greeting, but she was probably on her own on this one. Woo monnehs.

==[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]==

( Koshou )

Finally, the awards ceremony had begun, and Koshou could not shake the absolutely awkward feeling she was experiencing, as a result. Not only was she placing in the top three for her weight class this year, but she did so only by a sheer technicality; Not only had she lost twice when others had been eliminated for the same, but her final opponent could have easily defeated her ... if he had shown up. The last time they fought, there was literally little left of Koshou after they were done. But, the man had disappeared entirely from the tournament for reasons best discussed out of character. A Human would likely have blessed her lucky stars for such a happenstance, but the Saiyan woman was quite ill at ease.

Her conscience was begging her to decline the placing and to forfeit the prizes intended for her to the next worthy individual, but there was something about the Human atmosphere on Earth, and moreover, in Cardinal, that made her rebel against what her honorable warrior instincts had to say. Plus, nobody was blaming her. There were no elder warriors frowning on her and browbeating her until she submitted to the unspoken code. Even Sylon seemed indifferent on the matter, during the times she'd spoken to him, and he was the closest thing to a traditionalist she'd met on this planet.

So, as she entered the arena alone, looking quite indifferent of the event, she leaned against the understructure of the bleachers, rather than upon them. She didn't want to have to discuss her logic to anyone, as unlikely as that would have been anyway. Her id had grown, and she wanted to feel what it was like, for once in her life, to win.

( Teraptus Icebreed )

Teraptus was there before Alothin even raised the bleachers! Yeah, shut up! He sat in the back and matched everyone's odd stares in his direction with his own indifferent one. He could tell, they were all quietly murmuring amongst one another; things like "Why is that loser here? He certainly isn't winning anything. He should just leave in disgrace."

SHUT UP!

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

Kinsei

Much like Ciel, Kinsei did not have high expectations of his performance in this year's tournament. That he had only lost to Sylon surprised him slightly, but he was not about to doubt his good fortune.

The shaman returned to the castle only at the PAD's prompting. He had spent the last several weeks away from Deius, setting his affairs in order and preparing Takada for his extended absence. Kinsei arrived in the reconfigured courtyard not exactly early, as several people were already present, but he wasn't the last one there, either. He took his place near the other competitors, awaiting the ceremony to begin.

Kurenai

Kurenai, or rather "Shiro" as he was known in public, was one of the first people to arrive after the PAD announcement was broadcast. Not because of any eagerness to see what the prizes were (that level of materialism was beaten out of him at a young age), but because of an ingrained punctuality that one would expect from a contract assassin.

When Ciel arrived, he gravitated towards her and Johnny. Of everyone present, he felt most comfortable talking to the paladin. Deliciously ironic, no?

"Ciel, Johnny," he said, nodding succinctly to each as he approached. "Congratulations on beating Fahst. I only wish I had been able to do the same."

==[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]==

((Ryo))

After the closure of the tournament, Ryo had decided to return home for a time, knowing that the ceremony would take time to prepare. She hadn't attended the last one, though she'd seen it on television and knew there was a bit of downtime between the end of the tourney and the beginning of the ceremony. Once the ceremony had actually been announced, however, she was quick to hop up, poke Akane awake, then skitter into the bedroom to find something to wear.

Just picking a dress was a minor ordeal of sorts; most power-wielders chose bizarre appearances for them even every day, and while Ryo preferred to remain an inconspicuous as possible, she had put on quite a show for the crowds this year. It was tempting to wear the same costume, but even by her own admission it was quite tacky and meant mostly as a matter of fan-service.

Instead, she'd chosen a clean ensemble; a black skirt cut just above the knees clashed neatly with her sky-blue woman's dress shirt. A black tie tab lined itself up neatly with a blazer of the same color, and her long hair was pulled into a neat bun. Akane may have chosen to wear something more traditional, but this would do fine for Ryo.

When she arrived, she mingled, spending a moment to congratulate Shiro in particular. The moment she leaned forward to shake his hand, a sudden familiarity lit in her eyes, memory flashing just briefly to the surface, betrayed by the slight jump in her eyebrows. Tucking the memory away, she smiled, then moved on to congratulate what other winners had shown up. The Saiyan girl was given particular interest, and a bit of a 'girl power' vibe was all but tangible to those near the little congregation; every winner of the lightweight division this year had been a woman.

Once things began to settle down, she would take her seat beside Akane, and though she ached to take her arm in hers, she bit back the excitement she felt. No need to seem like a little girl opening presents on Christmas morning.

((Ledah))

To Ledah, winning the flyweight division didn't feel like much of an accomplishment; he himself hardly did anything other than show up to the matches as appointed, or challenge others to keep Jade off of his back. He couldn't hardly remember any of the faces now swimming around him, though quite a few were turned his way with pensive stares fixed upon them. Not a single defeat, yet here he appeared as nervous as when he'd stepped into the ring for his first match.

Being around so many power-wielders was an intimidating situation for someone who had developed something almost akin to a phobia of them. Before the tournament, Ledah's experience with power-wielders had been limited to atrocities reported in the news. Now he was surrounded by them, seeing them act as nothing more than normal people. Would he be like this, eventually?

He'd come with Jade, and at her insistence, made himself much more 'presentable' for the ceremony. The woman loved dressing up, and he had likewise been wrangled into something sufficiently dressy. He had no piercings in, and his wild hair had been tamed straight and pulled back between his shoulders until it split over the base of his tail.

While others mingled, he clung to Jade's side, unable to mask his nervousness. A few mumbled congratulations were offered whenever someone addressed him directly, but aside from that, he hung as far away from the rest as he could without drawing attention to himself.

==[[User:Landra|Landra]]==

Akane had a hard time sleeping anyway, when the official results came in. But as soon as she was able to fall asleep, there was Ryo prodding her awake to get ready. The kitsune then hopped rightfully out of bed, went to dig through her kimono's to find something more traditional as well as something with a little celebratory flare, before going to put that thing on.

While the years tournament had been one hell of a ride, Akane was glad to see it through, as well as see it come to a close, with her coming in third behind her very own mate, as well as the pink-haired saiyan.

Well, she couldn't complain, after all.

----

While Kim had not placed with any good standing within the middleweights, she was still there, if not for Ciel as well as "Janice." It's the least she could have done for a couple of friends, neh?

==[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]==

[Adam]

The Genome was still at home when the PAD announcement went off signaling the start of the Awards ceremony. Adam smiled slightly. He'd watched previous ceremonies before and one thing he had always wanted to do was be one of the people standing up on the placement pedestals.

He immediately got up from where he was sitting and collected his things. He decided it was time for some more professional dress. He'd been showing up in his Schmidt Dojo training uniform the whole Budoukai, he wanted to show that there was more to himself than the fighting side.

When Adam arrived on the Castle grounds he was wearing a most basic Tuxedo. Black and white with gold cuff links. He greeted anyone who talked to him but more importantly made his way to the bleachers. Climbing up tot he back of the bleachers he took a seat right next to Teraptus. After a few seconds of silence he turned his head to the man. "It takes more guts to fight and loose a hundred times than it does to fight and win. I think many people could learn from you if they give you a chance." He nodded slightly and offered his hand in greeting.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

When my PAD rang to indicate a message, I expected perhaps another match challenge to have finally arrived, not having any prior experience with this tournament. When it announced instead that the tourney was closed and that the awards ceremony would begin shortly, I nodded in comprehension, and carefully chose among my wardrobe. Not my wardrobe of disguises, this time. I decided instead that there was only one outfit I could truly wear -- although I expect that the significance will be missed by the vast majority of those there, due to their unfamiliarity with it. Perhaps Shanji Ushai will attend, though, despite not participating in the tournament.

So it was, shortly thereafter, that a member of the Loyal Shen'ihr Inquisition, garbed in full dress uniform, with all the subtle markings of rank and position, stepped through the portal to Deius Castle. How time changes things.

I take my place in the stands quietly, and await the commencement of the ceremony. I know only a few of the people here, and most of those, even, only as passing acquaintances. I wonder if Meralda or Izlude will present themselves here...

==[[User:Lampdevil|Pamela]]==

+Pamela+

The tournament had come, and the tournament had gone... and that it had gone a bit better than last year was joy enough for her. She had lost many matches, yes, but she had won a few as well. And made some friends, and eaten slightly better food, and gotten to see her fiancee really pull out all the stops.

Though she felt the tiniest twinge of dissapointment that she hadn't managed to place, it was tiny indeed. Microscopic. Momentary. After all, hadn't she entered with no expectation of it? Fair enough, then. Sitting in the stands next to Clive, she smiled and waited patiently for the ceremony to start.

+JP+

Arriving a little later was Jean-Paul Bombardier. He had slept through the message, initially. And then he hadn't bothered to <I>check</i> his messages, while he woke up and did the morning routine and went for a run around the block and met an old friend.... so yes. Late! "Hup! I'm 'ere!" And that would be him, taking the bleacher stairs two at a time before springing wildly across the assembled crowd, before plunking down right beside Pamela with a laugh. "Did I miss anything? ...no? Aaah, <I>good.</i>."

Hey, from this distance, he could spot that Terraptus guy. Mr. No Wins. Hn. Funny that no one was giving <I>him</i> trouble about his lack of so much as a single victory... He wasn't sure if he ought to speak up and demand some abuse, or stay sitting down and hold his tongue.

...yeah, keeping quiet for now wouldn't hurt. The ceremony ought to start soon.

+Lilly+

Ever the ball of enthusiastic energy, Lilly sat in the stands looking perhaps a <i>few</i> degrees more conservative than usual. Though she was certainly a t-shirt and khakis and colorful dye kind of girl, a bit of her proper Kaider upbringing had manifested itself. She had let her dye fade, and washed her tail out. She was now more of a vague lilac color, much closer to her natural creamy white. And she had pulled a little something out of her work wardrobe. If she couldn't make the family proud by placing, then she'd keep up appearances and hold her head high.

+Tazmire+

His elimination from the tournament had been swift and somewhat undignified, but Tazmire had kept a casual eye on the standings. And of course, he was right there in the stands to see the awards ceremony. He considered more than a few of the competitors to be friends, wether casual or close. And besides... he was achingly curious to find out what the prizes would be. At his core, there was a bit of greed, and it would be fun to watch and think 'what if?' in preparation for next year.

So there he sat, wearing his best suit, presenting a composed and professional face to the power-wielding world.

==[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]==

( Teraptus )

Ever clad in sunglasses, the stylized ki fighter noted Adam's arrival beside him, and offered a subtle nod. When he was spoken to, the man shook the hand firmly, and returned to staring straight ahead. In a moment, he decided to quietly and coolly respond.

"I certainly hope they have, or will," he noted. "As for me, my goal here is satisfactorily accomplished, despite mundane appearances. I have gained much from my participation, even if the gains cannot always be measured as a mote of power, skill, or prestige."

==Genesis_X==

Sylon

Sylon was none to pleased about having to keep the pad with him to let him know about the awards ceremony for the Budoukai. The thing beeped a few times and he dug it out of his small bag he had brought to the southern continent with him. Sy eyed it, groaned, and procrastinated to the point where he was indeed the last to show up to this ceremony. He wondered about the castle looking for this court yard when he found a painting of Alothin. Cackling he produced a marker and scribbled out a swirly mustache with pointy goatee, "Geek."

Eventually, he found his way to where the ceremony was taking place. Sy wasn't too surprised to see that he was the last to arrive. He stood there at the entrance way looking around before making his way to where Koshou and Kinsei were standing. Greeting them with a smile and a gruff voiced "Hello." The Saiyan didn't bother climbing up on the winner's podium, instead he elected to sit down and lean against the podium. Sy made small talk with Koshou and Kinsei, while waiting for this whole thing to get starterd.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

+Alothin+

Alothin raised his hands for attention, and his voice was magnified as he spoke so as to be clearly heard by everyone in attendance, without being deafening to anyone.

"Please, take your seats, everyone, and we will begin."

Once the noise had settled down to a dull roar, he continued.

"As is tradition, we will begin with the lightest weight class. Ulic. Kate Letopaxa. Ledah Croix. Come, take your places on the podium, and be recognized for your efforts in the Flyweight Class."

He gestured to the winner's podium, and waited for them to take their places before carrying on, leading the applause as the three came up to their respective positions.

==[[User:Vraeyda|Vraeyda]]==

+Kate Letopaxa+

I am so not ready for this. I mean, come on! I started the tourney with, like, nothing going for me. Seriously and now? Holy crap! So when Alothin calls my name, I'm clinging so hard onto Gilead if he were mortal I'd have broken something. Gilead is given a big kiss, then I'm up. Okay, now don't trip.

Don't trip. Okay I'll just float, that's so better. I float up, and my grin is so wide it'll break my freaking face, but I don't give a damning care.

"Hey, boss!" I wave at Alothin, and I'm pretty sure I saw some guy in the stands chuckling. Y'know, the lightweight armour guy with the big hammer. Yeah, anyhoo, I'm floating right up there and my expression only sours a little when I see Ulic.

''I still owe you a match, Ulic. Congrats for making it this far.''

Still, the fact that I beat him? Vindication, y'know? If only Betsy were here to see this, but who am I kidding, she'd probably be pipin' out some saucy music.

==[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]==

After everyone had settled in, the demihuman and his company floated to a spot comfortably close to the podium; he didn't want to be tripping over everyone else in the bleachers just trying to reach his spot. In hindsight, he kind of wished there had been some kind of rehearsal for this, but then he remembered that'd he'd have forgotten everything he practiced anyway and decided to just pay attention to the current happeneings.

''So that's him, huh?''

Alothin, the owner of the castle and the man who had organized the tournament. Even someone with Ledah's memory could easily recall that face, though this was the first time he'd seen it in person. When the Order mage called the flies up to the podium, he took a quick breath, then exhaled and knocked a bit of imaginary lint off of his pants before standing and making his way up to the front.

He didn't remember Kate or Ulic, but he offered them each a nervous smile and a wave before tipping around to the back of the podium, then climbing up to the top. He didn't feel very comfortable being placed above other people, but after reminding himself that it was just a tournament, and that in a week no one would remember his name, he was able to calm his jittery nerves and turn his attention back to the host of the ceremony.

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

As Alothin asked of his guests to take their seats, Ciel took her own. No doubt that Kurenai sat next to her, and she was flanked on the other side by last year's budokai champion. While the Flyweight first, second, and third place competitors made their way to the stage, the paladin turned to her shinobi friend, speaking in a hushed whisper.

"Thank you. I can assure you it wasn't an easy win."

In fact, if not for Constance's technique, the girl probably wouldn't have been able to best the conjurer. Though she did have her own personal speed to thank, which helped her maintain that momentum necessary to ensure Fahst was knocked out of the match. Because otherwise he would have eventually stomped her with so many demons attacking her from all sides.

"Congratulations to you as well. You have managed to win second place in the Heavyweights, which is no easy feat."

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

+Ulic+

I, too, rise at the call of the tournament's host to take my place on the podium. The least place, perhaps, but ahead of many others who did not place at all.

I smile, at Miss Letopaxa's telepathy. <I>Perhaps I will have time to entertain you after this ceremony... but I intend to depart for D'hennex soon hereafter.</I>

I step up to the third-place position, turn to face the assembled spectators, and await Alothin's further words.

+Alothin+

Once the first trio were in their places, and the crowd had fallen back into silence, Alothin's voice rang out into the remodeled courtyard once again.

"Before I present the prizes to our first champions, I have some few words to say about both the prizes, and our champions.

"It is tradition to give a certain amount of wealth to all those who find their way to the highest places in the tournament. I am not altering that tradition. But this world is an uncertain place. South City shows us that many institutions of finance, once thought impregnable to any thief, can be easily robbed or demolished by a malicious power wielder with sufficient will. It is for this reason that I have directed Empirical Industries to expand a new subsidiary. We have, for a long time, maintained an internal financial system for our employees. Now, I am pleased to announce that the Empirical Bank of Commerce will be opening its first branch in West City very soon. All monetary chits can be drawn there -- if you have another financial institute that you prefer, we will be happy to arrange a transfer of funds for you."

He paused, to let that announcement digest in the minds of those here. Empirical Industries was known for developing technologies at a powered level -- and a bank that was owned and protected by them would be a very difficult nut to crack for any power wielder. After a moment, his voice abruptly cut into the air again.

"But we are not here to discuss financial matters, but to celebrate the efforts of our peers. First, the champions of the Flyweight class." He glanced from Ledah, to Kate, to Ulic. "Some may think me in error, to have sponsored the creation of this fourth bracket, this year. Some will laugh at your accomplishment here -- for what strength do you have beside that of the middleweights? The heavyweights?" He paused for a beat, before continuing. "But they are the fools. You represent the continuing evolution of the wielding of power. As the cream in milk, the best will rise to the top, and soon they will not be laughing. In a year's time, it may well be you, sitting in the stands, watching... and waiting for me to call your name for a much heavier weight class."

"Ulic." He spoke the name of the Shen'ihr who had taken third place. "It seems to be a pattern, the prize that I award to your people." He raised a hand, and drove it into the black monolith that had earlier been erected, retrieving a prize from its insensible innards. To Ulic, he presented a roll of an impossibly thin material. "As I gave to Shanji Ushai, and to Prince Davios before you, so I give you, too, this tattoo to enhance your psionic abilities." In addition, he handed Ulic the small chit that represented the monetary prize.

He let the patter of applause fade before continuing to the next person. "Kate Letopaxa." He smiled. "I am always pleased to be able to present these prizes to someone 'in the family', as it were." He plunged his hand into the monolith again, and this time came out with the usual monetary chit, as well as a sword. It didn't seem particularly impressive, but psions could detect that the blade had only a thin coating of steel, concealing the inner core of Black Iron that would give it its strength. "Congratulations on your placement."

Again he paused for applause, before continuing to the final Flyweight champion. "Ledah Croix." He nodded to the demihuman. "Your powers are certainly one of the most unique sights ever seen at a Tenkaichi Budoukai, and your record of wins is equally impressive. It almost seems unfortunate, that the gift that I must make to you is innocuous in comparison." Yet again he drove his hand into the monolith, this time retrieving Ledah's prize, a small stack of... hair clips. "I believe you will find these... useful."

He stepped aside after delivering the last of the prizes, and gestured at the flyweights.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and other beings -- I give you your flyweight champions." He led the applause, again.

==[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]==

(Koshou)

She craned her neck over to Sylon as she watched, unamused. "Figures, he'd figure a way to make money out of giving it away," she discreetly critiqued, applying polite and muted applause for the winners.

==[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]==

Had Ledah actually been aware of the custom Alothin had made of awarding powerful magical items to the winners of each bracket, he might have been insulted by being offered nothing but a stack of hair-clips while the woman who'd placed second had been given a sword, but there were other factors to consider. Firstly, he had no idea what kind of customs the Order mage adhered to, as he had never followed the Budokai, and secondly, ten million zenny was more money than he'd ever had all at once in his entire life.

With a nervous grin, he accepted both gifts, simply assuming the hair clips to be a sort of 'gag prize,' and accepting them in good humor.

"Thanks," he said, "though I couldn't have, and sure wouldn't have, done it by myself." He blew Jade a kiss, then took a bow as the gathered assembly applauded his accomplishments, alonside the accomplishments of Ulic and Kate. Once they'd had their fill of recognition, he'd hop down off of the podium and make his way quickly back to the stands, glad to have that over and done with.

==[[User:Vraeyda|Vraeyda]]==

My smile? Yeah, it'd light up the face of the moon. Then Ulic talks again, and I actually let a tiny wave of concern pass through the telepathy.

''D'hennex!? Dude, that's brutal. Be careful down there. It's harsh. I'm glad I don't have to go back there.''

It's not like I hate the guy. Ah, but then Alothin comes to me, and I'm all smiles again. Alothin's giving me a sword!? That is so COOL! Oh. my. GOSH, it's a black iron sword. I wonder if Gilead can teach me how to use it. . . 'cause I'm not all with the knowing. Okay, I think I'm just going to float it in my SoI,

"Thank you, Sir! It's good to be in the family."

I wink at Gilead, singing a little victory song in my head. Man, this rocks!

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

+Ulic+

I bow over the filmy roll as I take it, and the monetary chit, from Alothin. My senses detect it to be pure of taint, despite the man giving it to me. I observe as he delivers other prizes to those who placed higher than I. Once all is done, I return to the stands to observe the rest of the ceremony.

+Alothin+

With the flyweights done, Alothin steps forward to address those watching again.

"Normally, after the flyweights, would come the lightweights. However, I have one small matter to take care of, first."

"Teraptus Icebreed. Please join me."

He waited for Teraptus to walk up, and then continued.

"In the course of this tournament, you did not find victory in a single fight, despite fighting literally everyone in your weight class. Your defeat was utter." Alothin's voice was hard and unforgiving, as he spoke of Teraptus' complete incompetence.

"And yet... you fought on. Your display of determination and dedication did not pass unnoticed. Such traits are part of the finest tradition of Earth's defenders, and so for you, too, I have a small prize."

Alothin stepped back towards the monolith, and drew out for Teraptus a small prize and monetary chit, which he passed over. The prize was a small box, three inches by an inch by an inch, with a strap built into it so it could be tied to a person.

"I believe you will find this useful in maintaining that tradition."

==[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]==

( Teraptus )

Though many turned their heads to give Teraptus an odd stare as he was called, he rose obediently and moved, sweeping trenchcoat and all, toward the front. He removed the sunglasses he wore; it was impolite to wear them, now. He endured the harsh criticism that Alothin offered in his typically unflinching and stoic manner, knowing that the owner of the universal conglomerate did not summon him just to humiliate and ridicule him in front of the crowd. Thus, he suffered the dagger-filled glares at his pride as he suffered each individual tournament loss -- unconditionally and indifferently.

He would accept the chit and box with a quiet, especially deep bow, understanding that it was not the place of the loser to make speeches, rewarded in consolation as he may be. The receipt of his gift would likely be met with only a terribly modest golf clap from a few members of the audience, such as Adam. Despite of it, Teraptus would return to his spot in the bleachers, beside the aforementioned genome. A quick, but thorough examination of the prizes he was given ensued.

"Unexpected," he quietly mused aloud to the Heavyweight champion. "...but appreciated, nonetheless."

The items were silently tucked into his coat; further scrutiny would wait until after the awards ceremony had completed. Honor demanded his attention be paid to the remainder of the event.

==[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]==

+Adam+

There was no hiding the pleasant suprise on Adam's face when Teraptus was called up to recieve a consolation prize of sorts. He controlled himself for the most part but when Teraptus took the items unto himself and the people idly applaused for him, Adam was probably the only one who would actually give a full applause for the young man and not just a half assed golf clap.

+Karrak+

Karrak stifled a squeak as she snuck on the scene as if trying to avoid the prying eyes of many people. She had shown up late and was dreadfully embarrassed by it. The blood mage made her way as quietly as she could towards Kate. She eyed the flyweight champions and pouted slightly. "Aww, I missed you guys getting your prizes." She wouldn't miss the rest though!

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

"With that done, we move on to the Lightweights proper." He intoned the names sequentially.

"Akane Fukumitsu."

"Hitomi Owaarii."

"Janice Watts."

"Come and take your places, champions."

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

It was her time to shine, as it were. The pink haired Saiyan stood up, a slight smirk in her expression. It wasn't always that Hitomi Owaarii felt such a moment of pride, but this was a tournament for battle, and she had been declared a champion. Such was a Saiyan's birthright. And even if she had not been raised amongst her brethren, proud Saiyan blood still coursed through her veins.

And so Hitomi approached Alothin with the rest of the champions, taking her place. Shiken had been polished to a bright sheen, and it reflected light at every turn, a beautiful and deadly weapon in its own way. A mixture of technology and the brutal nature that is a heavily sharpened sword. With that slight half-smile/half-smirk still in place, she turned to face the crowd, and to wait and receive her delicious cash monies. And whatever prize the Order Focus had conjured up for her.

==[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]==

Sitting beside the kitsune, Ryo couldn't help the snort that escaped her as Terraptus accepted his prize and returned to the stands. She had learned quite a bit about the spirit of battle, when before she had been concerned only with the mechanics, but even she found it ridiculous that someone who could not win a single match was praised, not ridiculed.

She gave Akane's paw a little squeeze and said, "That's us, joujin."

As she stood, she peered over to the side to relocate Hitomi, then gestured towards the podium with her head, smiling. As they approached their places, she walked arm-in-arm with Akane, seeming almost reluctant to let her go once she elevated herself above the other two who had placed within their division.

Most of all, though, she found amusement in seeing Alothin. She had seen him plenty of times, but never in person. Memories of the one job she had ever undertaken to involve stealing from Empirical Industries flashed through her mind, and the grin widened. It was almost as if she'd run off with a cookie and was now trying to keep a straight face in front of the babysitter.

Given that she'd be the last to be addressed, she'd simply wait patiently, her eyes picking over the crowd.

==[[User:Landra|Landra]]==

Akane was well, in a word, nervous. Even as she walked arm-in-arm with her mate to the awards podium. Then again, the kitsune was not one who was actually used to being in the central spotlight, but this tournament had been plenty of things for her.

All that aside, Akane stood at her spot on the champions podium, waiting with an eager earnest to see what the black monolith of prize awesomeness would have held for her.

==[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]==

Once the trio were in their places, and the applause had died back down, Alothin stepped forward.

"Akane Fukumitsu. You fought well and fought hard in this tournament. You managed to come back from defeat and hand the foremost among the three of you her single loss."

Alothin thrust a hand into the monolith, and retrieved both the usual monetary chit, and her prize: a scroll, tightly bound and sealed with formidable waxen seals, the beating sense of a bound magical power lying within it.

"Do not open this here, but save it for when you are alone. I believe you shall find it most enlightening as you go about your business." When he mentioned being alone, he threw a meaningful flick of his eyes at Janice, to indicate that he meant alone in the fullest sense of the word.

That done, he stepped back. "Congratulations, again."

He crossed the podium, coming to the second place. "Hitomi Owaarii. Your talents with your powers have won you second place, no small feat. For you, too, I have a prize suited to your unique skills."

He drew out of the monolith a small, matte-black block, with a single tiny lever on it, complete with a strap with which to wear it on her belt. And, of course, the fabulous cash monies.

"Congratulations. May you put it to good use."

He paused, then turned to look at Janice Watts. "I have already honoured Teraptus Icebreed for his utter dedication in the face of utter defeat. How can I not honour dedication that provides such victory as this?

"I have spoken with Aethaen, and he agrees that we should award you the Golden Bandage Trophy... for the most damage willfully suffered by a single person."

Alothin reached into the monolith, and withdrew a small trophy, that took the form of a medical doctor, hands raised to high Heaven in exasperation, with a roll of gauze in one hand. The base bore two nameplates in addition to the trophy's title. The first, was a notation for last year's Budoukai, and bore the name of Constance Kaider. The second, for the current tournament, bore the name of Janice Watts.

"This trophy shall remain on display in Deius Castle, that all can see your honour in being among those with the greatest disregard for their own health and safety in the face of the enemy."

"For your actual prize, I have a small thing to offer you." He thrust a hand into the monolith again, rippling its surface like a disturbed lake, and drew forth an amulet with a matching golden chain, along with the usual monetary chit.

"Perhaps it can assist you in remaining whole... or at least in dispatching your foes, if you cannot."

After delivering the prize, Alothin let the trophy hover in the background on an invisible cushion of air, as he stepped back.

"Your Lightweight Champions!"

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

She had come here only for the money. So Hitomi practically beamed when she was given her credit chit. It looked so small and unassuming, but she knew full well what she had in her hands. And it gave her immense satisfaction, too. Still, the other item that Alothin, the very renowned order focus, had given her... well it made her pretty curious. It looked unassuming enough, but the Saiyan had learned enough to know that it was probably something awesome, what she held in her hands. It bore some testing to see what it'd do!

Once the prizes had been given and Alothin presented the Lightweight champions again, the mercenary beamed proudly, before stepping off the podium with her stuff. She had no words to give, for everyone knew that the proud Saiyan race had come and kick some ass in the Lightweights. Not first place, but she was content enough with second.

==[[User:Landra|Landra]]==

After being given the scroll, and the monetary chit, Akane wasn't sure what she wanted to do now. She stared down at the scroll, before giving Ryo a look.

Applause given and what have you, the kitsune stepped down and gave Ryo a glance, shaking her head. Hopefully she would know to at least stay away from her, at least for the time being, until she figured out what this scroll had for her. She'd pool her monies with Ryo, since the kitsune had no real -need- for it. Ryo would make better use of it, hopefully ...

==[[User:Snackycakes|1080i]]==

Ryo held the necklace up, allowing it to catch the midday sun, then looped it over one arm, unsure as to whether or not she wanted to try it on just yet. Perhaps it was meant for later, like the scroll her joujin had been given. She flicked an amused glance at the Order mage as he sent an unspoken warning towards, then bowed her head graciously before waving to the crowd and blowing a kiss to Jade.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

Once the lightweights had settled back down into the audience, Alothin began to speak again.

"The middleweights were hotly contested this year, but three rose to the top, over the competition."

"Koshou Akai."

"Kinsei Reichi."

"Sylon."

"Come forward, take your places, victors."

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

At the call of his name, the Shaman from Takada rose from his place in the bleachers and swiftly made his way through the crowd and down to the three-tiered podium. He was dressed in his finest dark red robe, the hem of which was trimmed with a kind of golden thread in a strange looping pattern. Glossy black dreads were neatly pulled back and tied behind his head. He took his place on the second tier of the winner's stand, beside the saiyans Sylon and Koshou. He said nothing, yet.

==[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]==

( KOSHOU )

It was so odd to hear her real name used in conjunction with her alias, which was rarely used these days anymore as it was. Upon mentioning, though, Sylon and Koshou shot eachother glances briefly before proceeding to the stands with him. She'd also look to Kinsei, as the two of them had at least made some interaction during the course of the tournament. She had a feeling she'd be seeing him again, soon.

Despite standing on the lowest tier of the platform of champions, it was a special kind of thrill that went through her as she turned to face the crowd. She'd made it. She was, officially, a rising star. Decked out in her recently spit-shined Saiyan Army armor-uniform adorned with a small handful of mission stripes and an honoring medal (which she'd chosen not to wear during the actual bouts), she undoubtedly looked the most alien out of the three. There wasn't much she could do with her hair, but it was at least clean and not hanging in front of her face. She put on a stoic face and stood to attention, waiting Alothin's address.

==Genesis_X==

Sylon

He heard his name and so did his children. They erupted with cheers and pats on his shoulders, but their teacher quickly hushed them with a motion of his hands. Rising ti his feet he leisurely made his way to the podium behind Koshou.

Sylon lifted himself onto his spot on the podium and looked back to his kids with a tiny smile, almost hidden in his beard. Crouching a bit, the Saiyan looked to Koshou and Kinsei flashing them the same small smile then laughed. Then, for a moment, he shot a s**t eating grin to Alothin before turning his attention back to his fellow fighters. "How've you guys been?"

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

Once the Middleweights had taken their places, Alothin plunged his hands into the black monolith once again, and withdrew a small cylinder of metal and a monetary chit. The cylinder was capped with a small button, surrounded by warning stripes of red and yellow, and with a clear protective flip-up cover to prevent accidental activation.

"Koshou, sometimes called Akai. Though you perhaps did not expect to find yourself here, remember that the battle does not always go to the strongest, but often to the most diligent."

He handed her the two items he had produced. "My congratulations on your placement."

He led a brief applause for her, and then stepped back to the monolith, extracting another pair of items. A chit, the twin to Koshou's, and a delicate-looking horn of well-polished ivory.

"Kinsei. You have fought not for yourself, but for your people, I know. With that in mind, I award you this on behalf of the people of Takada. May it serve them as well as you have." He handed Kinsei the horn. "But even as I give you that blessing, beware. It has been said that power corrupts. Better let it be said that power attracts the corruptible." He handed Kinsei the chit. "I hope I do not curse your people with this second part of your prize."

He stepped back, after his words of blessing and warning, and again led applause for Kinsei. For a third time, he stepped to the monolith, and drew out two pieces. He stepped towards Sylon.

"You have come a long way since we first met, Sylon, and I have kept an eye on your progress when I could. I believe this gift well-suited to your practices."

He handed the two items to him without further words. One was a chit, of course, but the other was a crystal in a golden setting, with a matching golden chain to allow it to be worn about the neck. The crystal pulsed strongly with ki energy, and as Sylon donned it, the pulse would align and match his own heartbeat.

He stepped back from the trio of champions, and faced the audience. "The Middleweight Champions." He led a final round of applause for the trio.

==[[User:Icebreed|Icebreed]]==

( KOSHOU )

The female of the two Saiyans present watched as the Order Focus produced the items from the monolith. It was creepy, the way he did that. She half wondered if the things she received would have some kind of sticky black goo on them from being yoinked from the block of black. What was actually produced piqued her interest further. If she had to guess what the cylindrical object was, she'd say it was a rather unaesthetically designed control stick to some manner of vessel. Specifically, a heavily armed vessel, judging from the caution striping and the covered button. That was usually the sort of thing you saw associated with missile firing systems. If there had been a key lock on the cover, she would have REALLY been suspicious.

But her attentions were drawn from the gifts when Alothin started talking about her expectations. Woah. He knew? The only person she'd told those thoughts to was ... Katrina. And she was gone. So, one of three things had happened; the first was that Katrina had deemed it fit to try and expose all of Koshou's fears after their breakup, so as to embarass her, the second was that Alothin had somehow managed to hear their private conversation through the mystery of Deius Castle, and the third was that Alothin was one of those freaky mind readers. The second seemed most likely, and the third disturbed her the most -- that Alothin had invaded her mind without her even knowing. How many secrets might he have extracted from unwitting minds while they prowled these halls? In either case, he was correct. So correct, in fact, that the philosophy of battle he proposed seemed to match her own perfectly, and she couldn't help but quietly respond, "Ain't that the damned truth." Though she suddenly felt like she should've just stayed quiet, and hushed herself immediately following.

When she finally took the items, she now forced herself to protocol, ignoring her urges to further examine the items to give a proper and silent bow, straightening up when he returned to the monolith again.

She watched as the shaman and the older Saiyan received their accolades and congratulations, and bowed a second time for the parting applause, before stepping down from her platform and immediately rejoining Sylon, away from the crowd's direct view, so the two of them could comment Saiyanly comment, and scrutinize on their prizes. It was an element of mystery compared to earlier years, when Alothin would actually announce what the prize was. She seemed to recall a few contestants from a year previous gaining spaceships and docking rights on Empirical's solar station. As the monetary chit she'd been given assumedly was just a bit of storage media, it was difficult to even tell how much money she'd been rewarded. She proceeded to produce her PAD, which was already in silent mode for the ceremonies, and tried to hook the chit up to the PAD, intuiting that the shared origins of the technologies would mean they would at least be, to some extent, compatible with eachother. Undoubtedly, she would run into the many ultra-security measures that Empirical had laid into place, but she hoped that with a little determination and ''diligence'', she could at least figure out the balance on her account.

She nearly forgot there was a whole other weight class after hers.

==Genesis_X==

Sylon

Sylon held the money chit in one hand and the necklace in the other. He eye'd the necklace with an odd, curious look. Shrugging, he put it on and immediately felt a hot rush of energy, "Groovie." Giving his body a quick shake he hopped down from the stand and followed Koshou out.

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

Kinsei accepted the horn and the money chit with a deferential nod, tucking both items into the all-concealing folds of his toga-like robe. The details of the account to which the chit would be deposited were already worked out. And the horn? The purpose of it was a mystery for now, but Kinsei could hazard a couple of educated guesses.

"They shall be in the safest of hands, assuredly," Kinsei said. He waited patiently for Sylon to be given his prize, then descended the podium and returned to the stands.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

After the Middleweights had accepted their applause, taken their bows, and departed back to the audience, Alothin raised his voice once again.

"The final weight class. The world's acknowledged strongest. The Heavyweights."

"Ciel Deschaine."

"Kurenai Shijima."

"Adam."

"Come, take your places, the places that are your just due."

==[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]==

Adam's leg had been unconciously bouncing for the last several minutes as the time approached slowly for him to take the stage. He smiled as each of the middle weights were awarded their prize and applauded for each in kind and as they made their seats. It had felt like an eternity for as short a time that they were there so far and as the middle weights took their seat the Genome was visibly nervous and excited.

When Alothin gave the word for the heavy weights to come forth, Adam rose and straightened his suit out. He made his way casually to the front of the place giving a wide grin to both Teraptus Icebreed and William Schmidt. These two people he had strangely enough almost idolized as he made his way through the fights in the heavyweights of the tournament.

Setting foot on the top tier of the place spots he gave a friendly smile and nod to the other two placers of the tournament. He had great respect for both of their great talent and suprising power, especially Shiromaru who had given him the extra focus he needed to push himself to succeed where he nearly failed.

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

She was not accustomed to being in the spotlight. And yet, Ciel had earned and fought her way to the third place position of the world martial arts tournament. She had also been urged to come to the awards ceremony, since she would only be at the aforementioned spotlight for a little while only. In the end, the paladin had agreed.

When her name was called, her hand gave Johnny's a little squeeze. Clearing her throat, the girl stood up, and began to make her way to the front of the ceremony. She tried her best not to look nervous and mousy, but to rather walk with dignity. For the most part it worked, and there seemed to be a growing confidence eking out of her as she made her way to the podium.

Third place... She had honestly not expected to make it here. But now, Ciel Deschaine was staring down an assortment of people that had come for the awards ceremony. Not to mention the millions more that must be staring at her through their televisions at their homes. The thought was daunting. For a moment she blinked her eyes shut, and instead inhaled deeply, calming herself. Those same sharp blue eyes opened... and she waited for her name to be called.

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

Kurenai

Second place. Months ago, when he had actually signed up for the tournament, Kurenai hadn't had high expectations. If anyone had asked him how he thought he'd do, the ex-ninja would simply have said "terrible." But if one had asked him the same question after his first two rounds, he would have had a much sunnier opinion.

And now here he was, second place in the heavyweight division of the most prestigious fighting competition in the world. Wait, scratch that. The most prestigious fighting competition between three worlds. Kurenai had almost forgotten all the Saiyans, and even the Shen'ihr that had come to participate this year.

When Alothin finally called the names for the heavyweights, Kurenai stood slowly. "Welp, that's us," he said to Ciel. The former shinobi followed her down to the podium and took his place on the tier above her.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

Once the trio had taken their places on the podium, Alothin once again thrust his hands into the monolith, before coming to Ciel's side.

"Ciel Deschaine. It has been a unique pleasure to see you succeed. You are a shining light, a testament both to your own faith, and to the good that can come of the right wielding of power. I am most pleased to offer you these tokens of my esteem."

With that short speech, he offered her both a monetary chit, and an ancient-looking tome, leather-bound, and with a heavy leather strap holding it shut. A heavy chain with large links was worked into the binding, allowing it to easily be hung from a belt and carried. While of obvious value, it was also made with the care required of a item to be worn during daily travel and work -- it was not fragile.

"Kurenai Shijima. Out of respect for you, I will say only this. Well done."

He had no need to speak any further. The shinobi would understand the accolade, and to spell it out for all would entail revealing certain secrets better left unsaid. He thrust his hands into the monolith, and again retrieved a pair of items.

"I am most curious as to whether you will actually choose to use this or not, Kurenai. But I trust your own wisdom to decide for you."

With that, he handed him the chit, and the item of which he spoke. It was a scrollcase made of onyx, with a tiny paper tag that bore the seal of Void. Whether it was from the libraries of Yamagakure or not, Alothin would never say.

"Adam. You are now reckoned to be the most powerful of all of your fellow competitors. You are now a defender of the first water, the backbone of defense when Earth is threatened. Congratulations... and consolations."

He thrust his hands into the monolith again, and returned to Adam. He produced the standard monetary chit with one hand, and with the other, delivered to Adam three small pebbles. They looked like rather ordinary little rocks, such as might be found in a schoolyard playground. When they touched Adam's palm, however, he (and only he) would see their true form. They glowed for him, and the universal gray pebbles were replaced by a unique trio, each filled with all the colours of the universe, swirling within their spherical confines.

"Your Heavyweight champions!"

He led the applause for the trio, glad that the final weight class was complete. Now there was only a little more business to be dealt with.

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

"Indeed."

The girl nodded in the shinobi's direction at his words, offering a small smile. Before long, all three Heavyweight champions had settled at their rightful places, waiting for Alothin to present their prizes from the black monolith. As for the paladin... well, she was still feeling nervous. Standing in front of so many people, knowing that millions more were watching... well, it was an imposing thought.

As the Order Focus approached, Ciel reminded herself that this was the first time she had actually been spoken to by Alothin. In fact, this is the closest she had ever seen him. The man didn't appear to be extraordinary, though he did carry himself with an air of utter composure.

"Um, thank you."

The paladin still attempted to keep up her own distinctive composure, trying her best not to look mousy. In fact, she gave the order focus a thankful nod, complete with a smile, as she took the prizes offered to her. Monetary chit, and a leather bound book. The book, of course, interested her more. Her love of reading had apparently reached far and wide... But she didn't thumb through its pages yet. That would have been rude.

With the applause offered, the girl turned to Adam and Kurenai, offering them a beaming smile, applauding in their direction as well. They had both bested her, after all. And, once everything was said and done, with the champions dismissed, Ciel went to sit by Johnny's side again.

==[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]==

Adam watched silently his friends and competitors in the tournament. All had fought greatly. On had beaten him once, the other nearly so. And in the final round, Kurenai could not stand up to the growth that adam had expressed. The Mystic applauded smiling widely as the third and second place winners recieved their prizes. Adam's heart started pounding in his chest as Alothin addressed him, expressing his congratulations.... and consolation?

That might have worrried him a little bit, but not much. After all he was considered one of the worlds strongest now. There was few in this world that could actually kill him let alone actually hurt him. At least on the pedastal right now that's what he felt like. He looked on with mind numbing anxiousness as Alothin reached into the monolith one last time and pulled out two balled fists.

The Genome eyed the hands of the Order Focus as they opened. He smiled slightly at the chit then raised an eyebrow as his eyes wandered to the other hand. Stones. Three stones. Small and grey. He fought and trained his butt off for those months during the Budoukai and he got stones. He was not about to say something though. Of course Alothin knows best.

Taking the stones into his hands and his eyes widen as the stones stones change color suddenly infront of his eyes. The swirling hypnotic visions almost drawing him in before he broke the gaze looking back at the mage. "Thank you." He said quietly and bowed to Alothin then waved to everyone, smiling widely at Kurenai and Ciel. They had done it. The tournament was over... Or was it?

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

Kurenai accepted his awards with little more than a deferential nod and a murmured "thank you." His curiosity as to the contents of the scroll tube was almost overpowering, but he had enough propriety not to twist it open right then and there.

He waited until he and the other heavyweight champions had been dismissed back to the stands. Even then, he still needed the PAD's information on his prize to truly discern it's purpose. The shinobi's eyes flicked down the description and instructions, and his expression slowly shifted to disbelief. Alothin couldn't possibly be serious... could he?

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

Alothin smiled, as the Heavyweight champions returned to their prior places to inspect their prizes and consult their PADs to learn what their new toys portended for them. His smile grew slightly larger as he observed Kurenai's face, in particular. He was pleased with their positive reactions. Another year's tournament, finished well -- and with far fewer complaints than some past years. His promise to Lord Lizardcage remained intact.

"I know you're all anxious to get out of here, the champions most of all -- everyone loves new things. However, I have some additional business, and I hope you'll all indulge me for a few moments more."

He paused, then cleared his throat.

"Rise, for Grand Cardinal Winston the Twelfth." He turned, as the Grand Cardinal, in all his high finery, entered the courtyard, flanked by two well-muscled priests. The fact that the Grand Cardinal was guarded by two priests who were definitely power wielders would not be missed by many here, Alothin was sure. He bowed low, as the Grand Cardinal smiled, and raised a hand in blessing over the crowd who had risen for him, after a moment of surprise and confusion that the mortal leader of Cardinal would be here, amongst an event which was very much for power wielders.

"Thank you. Please, be seated." The Grand Cardinal smiled beatifically over them. "Now that your tournament is complete, I, too, have some awards to make. Alothin, would you kindly read this?" The well-aged man's voice was strong, but he had no objection to making use of a herald from time to time. He offered the antique-style scroll to Alothin.

Alothin broke the seal that held it closed, and unrolled it, to declaim its contents.

"The words and deeds of our children have been carried to us by a mighty wind of many voices, all speaking as one. There are many who willingly give of their lives, even unto the ultimate sacrifice, sometimes beyond, for the betterment of their fellow beings, their country, and creation itself. They are a living example of the ideals of the Kami and of Cardinal.

"In order that they may be recognized, let it be known by all that we do hereby create the Order of the Compass, a chivalric fellowship to recognize those who devote their selves and their strength to the loyal service of Cardinal and of creation.

"Let it be known that these Knights of the Compass shall have the various rights and responsibilities in accordance with their granted rank, and are expected to comport themselves in a manner commensurate to their rank. That they may be recognized, let them be granted unique arms, to be displayed in a chapel dedicated to the purposes of their fellowship.

"Signed under our name and seal, this twenty-seventh day of December, two thousand eight, Grand Cardinal Winston, the Twelfth of that name."

Alothin rolled the scroll back up tightly, and handed it back to the Grand Cardinal. The Grand Cardinal accepted it, and nodded to Alothin. "Please call those candidates who are present."

Alothin offered the Grand Cardinal another bow, and then turned to face the audience once again. Consulting the list of names on the scroll, he summoned those present.

"Candidates for the title of Knight Officer of the Order of the Compass.

"Johan Fahst.

"Kinsei Reichi.

"Candidates for the title of Knight Companion of the Order of the Compass.

"Adam.

"Ciel Deschaine."

Alothin indicated that those called should come before the Grand Cardinal -- no winner's podium, now -- to accept their honour.

==[[User:Tiryst|Tiryst]]==

Having hardly been paying attention to the ceremony at all, instead focusing on his PAD and the scrolling data from a recent experiment that was just conducted at his laboratories, Fahst was quite surprised when he suddenly heard his name called. Looking up from his seat and rising slightly, the conjurer looked quite puzzled as he straightened his tie and the Kamist symbol tie tack upon it, then took up his staff from its place near his seat and began to make his way forward. Fahst had recovered his composure by the time he got to the indicated spot, and he bowed deeply to the Grand Cardinal, followed by nods to Alothin and the other competitors who had been called forward. His eyes were still a little wider than normal, however, as he was still trying to figure out just what the HFIL was going on here.

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

The Grand Cardinal... Ciel Deschaine wasted no time in rising. She cleared her throat, sharp blue eyes intently alight and fixed on Winston the Twelfth, flanked by two wielders of power. The Grand Cardinal seemed so beatific... truly a living testament to Cardinal's benevolent nature, perhaps. Once everyone in the crowd was signaled that they could sit back down, Ciel did so obediently, very much curious, as everyone else, to see just what was going to happen now.

A scroll was handed to Alothin, and she leaned forward a bit, eager to hear just what the Order Mage would have to say. And... it was most interesting, after all. The Order of the Compass, an organization dedicated to the protection of Cardinal and of creation itself. The paladin smiled. Surely, whomsoever ended up in that Order, they would offer a great service to the nation. The girl, herself, already lived a live of knighthood, recognized only by, perhaps, herself and a handful of others. Which was fine with Ciel, given that she didn't live for glory, nor fame. Hers was a life of selfless sacrifice. That she had survived thus far in her service, gained incredible power, and even won a tournament that her teacher made her participate in... those were merely side effects and coincidences. The paladin didn't even accept any endorsement offers, and pretty much avoided the press, not wanting for even a few minutes in the spotlight. At least, not any more than necessary.

When Johan Fahst and Kinsei Reichi were called, Ciel smiled. Kinsei she knew, having met him several times in the past. He was a good man, a shaman protector of his village, and inherently skilled in what he did. Johan Fahst, whose practices the paladin detested with a passion... well, he was not an evil man, as far as she knew. Even if his soul was probably bound for DOOM! for his practices. Nevertheless, he was also exceedingly skilled, and would no doubt make a good knight officer.

Adam was called as well, and that was no surprise. It was when HER name was called that Ciel's eyes widened behind her glasses. She blinked, surprised, but had no time to stammer nor to ask Johnny if it was a joke. They were being called forward. Clearing her throat again, the paladin stood and started heading to stand before the Cardinal beside her fellow chosen knights. She offered them all a nervous smile, before sobering up to face the Grand Cardinal with the utmost poise and respect. She had been raised to be a lady, after all, and in moments such as these was capable of acting like one. Especially against such a prominent figure.

==[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]==

He was almost hypnotized by the swirling colors of the beautiful stones. Thought to everyone else, he'd just look like an idiot staring at a handful of dingy gray rocks. The Genome snapped his head forward as he heard alothin call everyone to stand up. Even though Adam didn't know what for he did it anyway.

Then he saw the elderly man appear. He didn't know who he was at first but the robes gave him an idea after a few seconds. being followed by battle pope times two he watched as the leader of cardinal stopped near alothin. Adam had never seen the Grand Cardinal in person but after a short brainstorm he suddenly put the name to picture and pocketed the stones.

Then they started calling certain people up. Kinsei, the shaman he'd met before. Fahst as well. Johan was the man that had woken him. Also the one who he had to best in the budoukai to proceed to the final match with Kurenai. He knew them on at least a level of acquaintance.

Then they called him and Ciel to the front. Honestly he could have seen Ciel being called up. Even though she was not part of the Kamist religion, the palladin still had an endless passion for protecting innocence and destroying corruption. Something that he wish he had as much of. As he was already standing he gave Teraptus a small smile and made his way to the front. There was no podium but that was ok.

As he reached the front he would eye the two men at the Cardinal's side. He was sure they could easily take him out without breaking a sweat, he said nothing to them though. Bowing low to show his respects he said in a low humble town. "Your Eminence."

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

Kinsei would have been content to simply accept the enchanted horn and his monetary winnings and leave with the rest of the crowd after the final ceremonies had been concluded. But, apparently, the "final" ceremony was still to come. Allow their most gracious host one more indulgence? Of course.

"Rise, for Grand Cardinal Winston the Twelfth."

The shaman's eyes suddenly went quite wide, and his face bore a stark mask of astonishment for several seconds before he realized it. With conscious effort, Kinsei recomposed his countenance and stood with the others. Though his sect of Kamism, Shindo, was always a tiny one (numbering only a couple hundred at its height), the Grand Cardinal was still the de facto head of their religion; the voice of the Kami on this worldly earth. Kinsei had always tried to keep up on the major movements of Kamism at large, but never before had the Grand Cardinal himself deigned to visit the Budoukai tournament. In fact, Kinsei couldn't recall seeing any church officials at any of the previous three tournaments he had attended. So why, now, did the Grand Cardinal himself come?

As Alothin began to read from the patriarch's scroll, things became clearer. The Order of the Compass? Interesting.

And then he began to announce names for the induction to this new Order. First Fahst, which was a little bewildering, though Kinsei admittedly knew pathetically little about the conjuror. His past deeds could very well have earned him that right a hundred times over, despite his methods.

Second... himself? Kinsei again was shocked, though he tried not to let it show (and failed horribly). He moved through the bleachers and approached Alothin and the Cardinal, bowing deeply at the waist to both. The shaman straightened, shifted his robe with a subtle motion, and took his place alongside the Conjuror, Paladin and Genome.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

The Grand Cardinal took a thin ceremonial sword from one of his entourage, and approached Johan Fahst.

"Johan Fahst. While some look askance at your arts, theologians of Kamism recognize the appropriate usage of theurgy. Demons have their place in the spiritual world. Let none doubt Our confidence in you.

"Do you accept the duties and privileges of the rank offered to you? Do you ''swear'' to uphold the honour of this noble order to which you have been invited, and to comport yourself as a true knight of Cardinal?"

"If so, then kneel, and accept the reward your efforts have earned you."

Assuming the conjurer accepted, he would lightly tap each of the man's shoulders once with the naked blade, before handing it back to an assistant, and receiving in exchange a medal of military stylings, depicting in gold a compass rose, the newly struck emblem of the Knight Officers of the Compass. This he would pin to the man's shirt, before continuing.

"And now, rise, ''Sir'' Johan Fahst."

He would bestow a fatherly smile upon the man, and wait to hear any words he had before continuing on to the next of the knight-candidates, accepting the sword from his assistants once again.

==[[User:Tiryst|Tiryst]]==

Despite himself, the conjurer smiled ever so slightly as the Grand Cardinal himself noted the common views of Fahst's particular choice of skills. The smile vanished moments later, however, as the questions began to come. Fahst nodded, answering in a solemn voice.

"I accept, and I so swear."

Kneeling, Fahst bowed his head before the most powerful man in Cardinal, taking a deep breath as he felt the blade touch each shoulder ever so lightly. He raised his head slightly to allow the pin to be fastened to his shirt, the compass rose much more elegant than the Kamist symbol adorning his tie. Standing once more at the Grand Cardinal's command, Fahst merely smiled once more and bowed his head again briefly.

"Thank you," was all the conjurer had to say. No need for anything further, when there was more ceremony to be had for his soon-to-be-fellow Knights. Fahst stepped aside to allow the next candidate to receive the honors of the Grand Cardinal's new order.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

With Fahst duly knighted and dubbed, the Grand Cardinal stopped before the other candidate for the rank of Knight Officer.

"Kinsei Reichi. Your deeds in service to Our people have not gone unnoted. Not merely your devotion to the people of Takada, but your migratory aid to villages of all Our lands. We only hope that you find this token of Our esteem to be thanks enough for your selfless service."

That said, the Grand Cardinal spoke again the traditional request, and readied the sword for the man's acknowledgement.

"Do you accept the duties and privileges of the rank offered to you? Do you ''swear'' to uphold the honour of this noble order to which you have been invited, and to comport yourself as a true knight of Cardinal?"

"If so, then kneel, and accept the reward your efforts have earned you."

Again, assuming Kinsei's acceptance, the Cardinal would tap his shoulders, once each, and then pin a medal to Kinsei's robe, the twin to the one accepted by Johan Fahst.

"And rise, ''Sir'' Kinsei Reichi."

And again, he would bestow a beatific smile upon the newly-created knight, and hear any few words he wished to say before carrying on.

==[[User:Kamin|Kamin]]==

The shaman stood before the Grand Cardinal, silent and stonefaced (no pun intended), speaking only when the great patriarch asked his obligatory questions.

"I accept," Kinsei replied. "And I swear." He knelt, shifting his robe ever so slightly to accommodate the motion. The sword touched his shoulders once, twice, and the Cardinal affixed the pin to the Shaman's robe. He rose as he was bade, bowed once more, and stepped back to allow the next person in line to recieve his (or her) honor. He said nothing, though, merely letting his quiet smile express the gratitude words could not.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

Moving on again, the Grand Cardinal halted before Adam, candidate for the rank of Knight Companion.

"Adam. You have demonstrated your worthy strength admirably in this tournament. Now, We offer you the chance to serve your country even more than you already have, as one of the first Knight Companions of this order.

"Do you accept the duties and privileges of the rank offered to you? Do you ''swear'' to uphold the honour of this noble order to which you have been invited, and to comport yourself as a true knight of Cardinal?"

"If so, then kneel, and accept the reward your efforts have earned you."

Once accepted, the Cardinal would tap his shoulders, right, left, and right again, with the ceremonial blade, before bestowing on him a medal. Like the previous ones, it bore the depicted a compass in gold, but accompanying it was a laurel wreath, mounted to the southern point of the compass and wrapping up and around to not quite meet the northern lance of the compass, the emblem signifying his status as a Knight Companion.

"And rise, ''Sir'' Adam."

With another smile dispensed, he would hear any words the Genome had to say, before moving on to the other Knight Companion candidate.

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

Ciel watched in quiet wonder as the Grand Cardinal approached Fahst, Kinsei, and then Adam. They were all sworn into upholding their new knightly status, and thus knighted as if they were in D'hennex. Taps of the sword on each shoulder, before being awarded their medals. She noted their design, which was indeed beautiful, and was glad for the two Knight Officers and the Knight Companion. But, as the Grant Cardinal approached, the paladin grew nervous little by little. She cleared her throat just as Adam was being given his medal, keeping the sound low, so as to not interrupt.

She knew full well that becoming a member of the Knights of the Compass would mean a lot of things. It would mean that she would be more in the spotlight, than usual. Ciel didn't want to be regarded as a hero or celebrity, nor did she seek any kind of publicity. This event may very well put her at the forefront of things, as people everywhere in Cardinal might already know just who Ciel Deschaine was. On top of this, becoming a member of this organization might cut into her own personal wishes pertaining to her future. Her duties might conflict with her studies, and eventual wish to have a profession as a teacher. And yet, she would throw herself at the Knights of the Compass wholeheartedly. It would mean that she was even more responsible for the lives of the people of Cardinal, and was being recognized as a sworn protector of life. She could not refuse such an opportunity. And so would not turn away from the Grand Cardinal, accepting her new status.

==[[User:Lordarikel|Randy-Mun]]==

Adam was truely suprised by the events of what is going on. The genome was invited into a special order directly headed by the leader of the most expansive religion in the world as well as the most powerful country. The mystic dropped to one knee as the man spoke down to him. His heart beating fast and hard in his heart. Even though he never went to school personally he thought he would relate it to a new kid in school getting let into the cool peoples club.

"I accept and I ''swear''."

His voice was excited, he could not hold the tone of composure even if his body was still as stone as he was knighted. Feeling the blade touch his shoulders he thought that the pride welled up was going to explode from his chest. The Genome stood back up and bowed his head to the Cardinal when beckoned to rise, unable to hide the generous smile upon his face.

Accepting the medal he held it tightly with both hands as if anyone could walk up and take it from him then turned his head slightly as the cardinal moved on to the last Canditate, Ciel.

==[[User:Alothin|Hroefn]]==

The Grand Cardinal stopped in front of the final candidate.

"Ciel Deschaine."

"Your dedication, your fervour, are already legend. Your placement in this tournament speaks of your worthy strength. Though We know you do not count yourself as Kamist, We still see in you the honourable expression of the highest virtues of Our ways."

"Do you accept the duties and privileges of the rank offered to you? Do you swear to uphold the honour of this noble order to which you have been invited, and to comport yourself as a true knight of Cardinal?"

"If so, then kneel, and accept the reward your efforts have earned you."

Again the ritual would be repeated, once Ciel had accepted. The triune dubbing with the ceremonial sword, and the bestowing of the medal, the perfect twin to Adam's, complete with golden compass and laurel wreath.

"And rise, ''Dame'' Ciel Deschaine."

==[[User:Marcus|Marcus Ryder]]==

"Thank you."

She replied, nodding gratefully. Even if Ciel was not a glory-seeker, the praise was momentous, and very much appreciated.

The young woman spoke no more. When asked if she accepted to uphold the ways of the Knights of the Compass, she knelt as bade, and waited. The sword was thrice used to dub her Knight Companion, the medal handed to her, and she rose as Dame Ciel Deschaine. With the smallest of smiles, Ciel nodded once more, and stood with her fellow knights.