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Looking at the tiger make his move, a little grin came across his face. He was gonna see something happen magical wise at least...looking at how they had a small interaction before a deafening roar was let out making the tiger stumble "There we go..magic I knew it." as the tiger was sent back Vince who was leaning against his staff some stood and twisted fast kicking the tiger away from him "Well I guess you did do something useful for me." he spoke towards the tiger before Vince made his way over to Aastha "You are the last lucky contestant...proceed inside at once. Now we can finally get the rules set up and make the matches. Boss is inside his name is Mikhail." turning to the rest of the people in attendance Vince raised his voice "The contestants have been chosen and the tournament will begin in an hour. If you were not chosen then please return to watch the matches...otherwise if you have an issue with the chosen take it up with me..I'll be more then eager to show you the way off the property."

[skipping Mikhail till Aastha gets inside or if Psycho says something]

"Alright." Aastha said, simply, her eyes changing back to indigo."Hmmph. There was no way that guy could've beaten me, anyway..." Aastha turned and stepped inside, keeping her claws out, in case she should need them. She growled softly under her breath.

"This should be interestin'." Aastha whispered.

Arachne shifted her hips and smiled seductively at the great cat when he glanced towards her with his scythe-like eyes. She assumed a more modest position, holding her wrists in front of her and flipping her braids over her shoulders. She waited to see his reactions.

Standing there looking at Arachne, Mikhail watched as she moved to a less defensive stance with a seductive smile on her face. Shaking his head a bit he began to speak "It appears we are only at 5 competitors unless someone is hiding if they are appear now otherwise be labeled a coward." he looked around the room some before he coughed a bit "In any case my name is Mikhail I am hosting this little tournament. Whatever you were outside this mansion is meaningless to me and this tournament. Your status whatever that may be didnt aid in you being part of this nor will it aid you in anyway. Whether you joined this tournament for glory, honor, to test your strength or whatever the case may be, is not important. When a match has been declared both fighters will get an hour to do whatever they wish to prepare themselves...again my mansion and surrounding land is free to use as you see fit to prepare yourself be it meditating, practicing your moves or eating a very large meal." he began to walk towards the stairs and turned around looking at everyone "It is not wise for people to make friends here...for this tournament has only a few rules. 1. Arrive on time for your fights 2. Killing is allowed, those who fear death should leave now for you dont know who you fight will be willing to end your life for a victory 3. if you require a weapon ask a servant to take you to the armory 4. if you are here to assassinate me for some reason be it revenge, an assassination contract or because you despise me do it now...I rather deal with it before the tournament."

turning he began to go up to the stairs "Feel free to wander as I decide the matches...it will take me 20 minutes if that. Return here in that time, if there are any questions ask them now...nothing is off limits question wise."

Aastha breathed in deeply. Her eyes flickered a deep red for a moment. Her bloodlust was building, and when that happened, everyone had better watch out.

"This tournament...is gonna be FUN." she growled, with a grin, her eyes changing to lilac.

Arachne nodded at the cat's words, and wandered about the mansion to find a suitable place to prepare. She found a quaint and peaceful garden, with tall willow trees bending around the edge of a mirror-like pond. She summoned the core of her magic as she sat down crosslegged, retrieving her gorgeous lute from its ivory case. She began a calm sonnet, letting the swirl of magic become part of her being, and creating simple illusionary images around her with the music. She was no brawny and tough warrior, but had been raised by mercenaries, and she understood their strengths and weaknesses. The silver fox knew that to win, she would have to outwit her enemies, and perhaps at the end, slay that dastardly cat himself.

Felis listned intentively to the cat and walked further into the mansion hall with the other competetors. James was still hiding in the closet wondering what he should do. Shoulde he go out there and surely one of them would want to quit then, should he stay hidden and face Felis, or should he try to talk the cat out of having them fight? Maybe the cat would kick both of them out if he did that. James decided to stay hidden from his friend and deal with the problems when they came. He listened carefully to the cat, and decided there was not much he could to to prepare in the twenty minutes given except grab a few potions and practice his moves. Felis had already jogged out the door and saw that most of the crowd had already left, and pushed past the departing furs to reach home and do what he needed to do. It took him a few minutes to eventually reach his home, which was fairly large, but nothing compared to the mansion he just left. James exited from the closet he had been hiding in slowly after Felis had left.

Shade sighed. He had done all the recon he needed anyway. He moved to stand right before Mikhail before dropping his invisibility. "Not thinking to begin without me i hope? That would be terrible." Then, in a lower voice only Mikhail could hear, "I was sent by the Black Hand, and we are watching you. Should you prove worthy, you shall have your chance at you goal." He put enough emphasis on goal to make it stand out.

He then smoothly moved past Mikhail down the stairs into the room, sitting down in a chair.

Jason stood up, and walked around the house. He sighed, and said, "Most of the furs are out there for free living space. I'm here for for a good fight..."

As Mikhail made his way up the stairs he stopped for a second when someone appeared before him..looking right at the person his eyes narrowed a bit "Bout time you appeared..you were in the corner I am sure." as the other spoke of the black hand and how they would give him his chance at his goal he let out a chuckle speaking towards him softly as before Shade went by him "Influencing me with "promises" hopefully you arent doing this to avoid fighting." he grinned before heading up the stairs fully he turned to head off to a chair set up for him, sitting in it looking over the balcony he snapped his fingers as the bunny girl appeared coming out of a door. A new mask upon her face made of porcelain. Black streaks going down from the eyeholes as ruby red paint was on the lips to give appearance of lipstick. Looking at her Mikhail held his hand out as she handed him a leather bound book "Now go...see if they need anything." he began to open the book as the bunny went down the stairs

As she made her way downstairs she wore a tight black leather corset with emerald lacing up the frong of it, it gave her ample clevage as it came down to just her naval. A leather skirt was on her lower half with green lacing on either hip...it came down just below her thighs. Her feet were bare as she was on the bottom floor now she looked around the room "Is there anything people require as they wait? I am here at your service." her voice was soft and gentle like a breeze waiting to see if anyone needed anything. Her hair was brushed back was it was emerald in color with black tips. If one could see into the mask at her eyes one was solid black as the other was emerald in color, her fur was white and black mix though, her right ear being solid black as the left was solid white..her left arm was black with with spots as her right arm was white with black spots. Her legs being white with black spots. Her ears were down showing obedience from her her hands resting in front of her

Outside the crowds were nearly gone fully as Vince was outside still, sitting on the ground with the staff across his shoulders...arms drapped over it as his eyes were closed and his head was down. Finding it a good time to take a short nap the sound of the front door and foot steps made him open his eyes..seeing Felis running by heading out of the gates. Speaking to himself as he sat there "This is gonna be more interesting then I thought."

Felis pushed the large double doors open to his house, and family members were scattered across the luxuriously decorated and designed mansion. Some of members, Trevor's, Greyson's, Felis's, and James's moms rolled their eyes after seeing Felis walk in the door, and stopped their conversation nervously. The mothers sat at a dining room table in the room to the left of the main entrance and far from the spiral stairs down the hall, lined with photos, doors, and decor. Felis hurried past them, hoping they wouldn't ask where he was, but that's exactly what they did. Felis's mother, a skinny, small, tired looking wide eyed carcal looked up from the table and blurted something soft in Spanish, asking where he was. Felis took a few steps back wards so he was in the door way, and said "I was just jogging, staying in shape." in Spanish. James's mother, a large husky with loads of jewelry leaned forward to see Felis better, causing Felis's mother to pull back a little, and squinted at him with an evil look on her face. "In your fine dress pants? You must be crazy! Give then to me so I can wash them!" she said in Spanish. Felis nodded and quickly ran off back to where he was going, the basement. James's mother leaned forward to keep discussing whatever.

Trevor's little sister Tina ran in front of Felis from a doorway, holding a teddy bear, and giggled childishly at him. Felis smiled and knelt down to let the playful little husky, who hugged him instead and nearly nocked him over. "Oh!" Felis chuckled as the husky sent him on his short tail and nuzzled him as he stroked her. The two were rather close, they loved each other a lot. Felis laid back and pet the young one on the head before she giggled one last time and ran of as Greyson's 7 year old brother charged in the hall after Tina, who ran off laughing. He stood back up and fixed his shirt before heading down the basement staircase which was connected to the main staircase like a stare well only a lot nicer. The darkening staircase was lit dimly by torches, and it's stairs we're long and wide, and covered in a red rug with a gold trim that fed into a dark red rugged room filled with shelves. The wooden shelves were filled with all kinds of positions that Felis's father would take to his shop and sell. There were shelves filled with ingredients and alchemist supplies, too. Felis scanned each of the shelves, and found the combat section. He walked down the aisle, and took an Extreme Strength, Extreme Speed, Extreme Stamina, Thick Skinned Pro, and one labeled: 'For The Few' at the very end of the aisle. This potion was for Felis and the few others that used The Voice in combat, which he did sometimes. Felis stuffed them all into a small bag and headed back up the stairs and out the door.

James had fully come out of the closet now and looked around. He closed his eyes for a moment, gritted his teeth a little, and thought about the situation for a moment, nodding to himself slightly.

As James exited the closet the bunny girl at the bottom of the stairs moved gracefully over to him, her steps silent standing right behind him "Excuse me sir..I couldnt help but notice you came out of the closet. Is there anything I may help you find?" her eyes looked around the area taking note there were a few people that decided to go off on their own to prepare for the fights later "The kitchen and other places are much more fascinating then the closet you were just inside." as she looked around the room she took notice of where the female headed, outside to the garden. Everyone seemed accounted for except the one that ran the front door, interesting the people for the tournament all seemed to have magical powers in one way or another. She seemed to be evaluating the fighters for a few seconds as her eyes returned to James awaiting the answer

Mikhail sat reading the leather bound book, it was another volume about necromancing thinking to himself ~So a necromancer can seal the soul of someone into their body upon death making them an undead servant with a soul. Interesting.~ his eyes looked down to the people who were still around taking certain things into account as he made matches in his head "Hmmm..I think I have first round matches made out. Even if I dont know their names."

He shook his head, then sat back down in the chair nearby. He started fiddling with his shirt, and he looked up, and raised his paws, abd ran lightning between them. His face lit up as he looked at ghe lightning. "Nothing's better..." He smiled, then dropped his paws, as they fell on his knees.

James tenses up for a moment, thinking of an excuse, but he got loose and said smoothly "I'm fine. Just this thing that where I fight I not really like enemies to see me and... evaluate me before hand, you know?" he sounded very Spanish saying that. "I am okay for weapons," he said grinning, grabbing the chain in his back. The chain was just like the Ghost Rider chain, extends, whips, catches fire, all the cool stuff, but it didn't feed James. He put a paw on his stomach and clenched it "Any pre-fight meals?" he asked the bunny.

Felis was already well on his way back to the mansion, but took a seat in an alley war and emptied his bag of potions. He popped the cork on a long, narrow, yellow bottle and sniffed the liquid. "Mango..." he said to himself, and slurped the drink down. He drank each and everyone of his potions, and could feel his muscles strengthen, movements quicken, bark strengthen, he was ready. He smashed all the bottles on the floor of the alley, and moved on out.

you know just cause he hasnt announced fights doesnt mean you should not you know interact with stuff, go explore etc etc. Come one guys I know you are there >.> *eyes a few names* XD come on lets bring on the fun

"Of course sir, silly to think you were hiding out of fear or something. A strong looking competitor has no need to hide...but, if you were hiding so people could not judge you sir..why come out when another left the building? A taller man with weird looking ears...as if the tips were on fire, you werent afraid of him were you? Or worried about him seeing you and evaluating you?" she said her eyes looking into James' eyes as he mentioned being ok for weapons she saw the chain in his hand "Oh my that looks dangerous..you seem confident of your ability though...I wish you luck." her ears began to twitch at the mention of a meal bowing herself to him "Oh forgive me sir yes the kitchen is always open...I'll take you there at once please follow me." she began to go past James towards a hallway, in the hallway there were paintings on the wall of Mikhail as well other men "My master has done so much for this town. He even has been given special tasks by the King and Queen themselves, so many respect him."

Getting to the end of the hallway she pushed open the doors revealing a grand dinning hall, a long oak table set out before them with candles set inside silver candle holders, silverware neatly placed at each spot as well plates "My master knew people would get hungry sooner or later and set out places for each of you...sit where you like..even the end of the table. Master sits there all the time." as she spoke out came a few male servants, one being a tall slender buck white furred with a black and white tail, his antlers trimmed to keep from scratching stuff as well look presentable. The other was a very tall and muscular husky with deep blue eyes as they both bowed to James "We are at your service sir...ask for it and it shall be yours."

Vince had went around the house looking at stuff as his ears picked up the sound of music playing in the garden "I see...there is someone in the garden." making his way there he peeked around the corner seeing Ara there playing with a lute...he could feel her magic being used as he walked around the corner he spoke towards her "Are you sure you are a fighter or are you a musician wishing to be a fighter?" he grinned some as he kept his staff over his shoulders with his arms over it "The tournament isnt for the feint of heart...better make sure this is what you want before you face off."

Aastha had kept a fairly low profile upon getting inside, apart from odd mutterings about the tournament and the odd flex of her claws every now and then.

"What approach should my battlin' take, I wonder..." she growled. "Use my magic first...or just my strength?"

"I came out so I could leave," James stated, "Then come back when I'm done with what i need to do. When the cat could leave, I can leave. You seemed to have changed my mind." then, he followed the bunny.  James tilted his head, and examined the husky. He looked familiar to Trevor, but it obviously wasn't him, but he does have an uncle that they say Trevor got his height from. James ignored the thought and said "I need protein, and energy." he said "Meats, fruits, vegetables, you know?"

Giggling some at the comment of her changing his mind she looked at him "I am glad I changed your mind...I look forward to watching your skills in my master's tournament." the bunny moved a hand along her mask before she took hold of a strand of her hair and played with it "Please sit...they will bring you the meal." she went over and pulled out the end chair...her master's chair. " she looked at the two butlers as they heard the orders from the male beginning to bow and take off into the kitchen

The husky returned with a glass setting it down holding up a bottle of red liquid  "Will this do sir? It is some very nice juice. Or would you prefer something else? We have water,  other juice, fresh milk or we could heat some water for a cup of hot tea...we have a large selection to choose from." looking at James he gave a smile the sound of pans could be heard from the kitchen before the smell of steak, fish, and chicken could be smelled in the air "Ahh seems he is making you quiet a selection to choose from sir..sit now sit.."

Giggling some at the comment of her changing his mind she looked at him "I am glad I changed your mind...I look forward to watching your skills in my master's tournament." the bunny moved a hand along her mask before she took hold of a strand of her hair and played with it "Please sit...they will bring you the meal." she went over and pulled out the end chair...her master's chair. " she looked at the two butlers as they heard the orders from the male beginning to bow and take off into the kitchen

The husky returned with a glass setting it down holding up a bottle of red wine "Will this do sir? It is some of our finest red wine. Or would you prefer something else? We have water, juice, fresh milk or we could heat some water for a cup of hot tea...we have a large selection to choose from." looking at James he gave a smile the sound of pans could be heard from the kitchen before the smell of steak, fish, and chicken could be smelled in the air "Ahh seems he is making you quiet a selection to choose from sir..sit now sit.."

*cough, cough* Ahem.  ^

[>.> I cant say red wine?? But I said white wine in my opening posts >.< Does this mean I need to change it to a red liquid of unknown substance, not saying it's liquor but has the same affects?]

shade approached a servant. "Have you a silent room for me?"

James cracked a smile at the bunnies comment, took his seat, and listened to the husky, then said "Excelente, I'll have cup of milk." he said. Milk and water where the only two things he'd ever drink. Mainly because of his habbits to be a fitness freak. He wanted to ask the Bunny the butler's name. If it was Alex, than it would most likely be Trevor's young uncle. He also wanted her name.

Turning around a servant [not naming or describing seeing the three I did are semi-important] he bowed "Of course, when the matches are announced we will come tell you who you face and when." walking down the hall they lead Shade to a room, upon opening it up the room was very large..there was a private bath connected to it. The bed had silk sheets on it along with a large feather pillow. "If you need anything please just ring the bell. It's the rope next to the bed."

Mikhail closed his book setting it aside, he looked down at how it seemed the numbers were dwindling down to just a few left in the main hall. Getting up from his seat he began to move, his eyes resting on the girl who seemed her claws flexed every so often...seems she was eager. His servants took two off to other areas, two were outside. His mind thought about the competitors remembering what they looked like at glances he had been pairing them up in his head to see which ones would be the most interesting..the one who appeared before him on the stairs he was gonna be first in this. Just to see what he was made of he was gonna face that one who ran out the front door. Now then the girl who was stretching her claws...yes she seemed so eager but, if he made her wait perhaps that would make her more of a threat. Watching a match will probably get her blood flowing, so she would face that other who went out into the garden area leaving the last two to face each other. Speaking to himself "This will get me so much closer I can feel it..if not then I have gained entertainment and lost nothing of importance."

The bunny girl smiled as James sat and began to request milk. Taking up a napkin she places it upon the others lap "If you should require my assistance my name is Marie. If you need their assistance the deer his name is Charles and the other his name is Victor he changed it for reasons his own..his name used to be Alex." she began to move around the chair trailing a finger along the chair showing there was not a spec of dust on it. She watched as Victor had come back with a glass and pitcher of milk setting them before James and bowed heading off as Charles came out carrying two platters setting them down before James lifting their lids he showed one had a chicken and pasta dish as the other was Tilapia fillets  baked and topped with alfredo sauce, sauteed red peppers and garlic-cooked shrimp the steak was brought out by Victor set out as well the plate had a baked potato as well some fruit slices "Enjoy."

Arachne chose not to turn to face the brawny warrior. His words taunted her, and she replied with a gentle progression of chords. "So a warrior could not be a musician as well? I am using eye-hand coordination to evaluate and prepare my moves to time perfectly, as well as hit the desired notes according to complicated mathematical patterns. All without an effort. Do not trust everything a first impression tells you." The silver fox draws the magic back into herself, feeling it curl reassuringly in her chest. She finished her simple song with a flourish, and returned her instrument to its elaborate case. The silver fox stood, and turned to walk past Vince. She did not acknowledge him once with her eyes. Instead, she had something she wished to accomplish. The lithe fox wandered into the mansion, ears and eyes alert for the female rabbit slave.