Shorza Triz vs Moonfire Esense

[Rugs]

Today, we have a matchup between friends-to-be Shorza Triz and Moonfire Esense, played by Valcor and Moonfire, respectively

Both are force senstive, with Shorza having a bit of independent training, and Moonfire being a likkle Jedi padawan. Our duo finds themselves in a major arena on the gambling world of Umgul on a rare mistless day.

How will their adventure turn out? Only one way to find out....

Image credit to the original artist

5 Rounds, Shorza goes first.

---

“Heard we got a good one today!” Rush Droma settled into his seat, stuffing credits into his coat pocket. The crowd stirred around him, the air thick with anticipation and the cries of eager onlookers placing last-minute bets before the fights began.

“Yeah, that’s right,” said a large, beady-eyed man. Rush knew him only as Mook, even though they’d been sitting together at the arena for years. Mook, somehow, always seemed to have some kind of scoop on the big fights. Rush surmised today wouldn’t be any different.

“Word on the street is, we got not one, but two Jedi fightin’ today,” the big man said, leaning in close as his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “And, get this — they’re s’posed to be fighin’ each other.”

“Now you’re just foolin’ with me,” Rush said, waving Mook off as he propped his feet up on the railing that circled the arena’s edge. “Ain’t no way two Jedi would do that. Not one, not in all the Correllian hells.” Despite his words, he looked squirmed around, trying to see inside either of the entryways onto the arena floor to catch a glimpse of the contestants. They hadn’t been moved up yet; a few minutes yet remained before the fight was to begin.

“Oh, when have I ever lied to you,” Mook said, crossing his arms indignantly.

“I can think of plenty of ti-“

“Hey now, you not listenin’ to me ain’t the same as me not tellin’ ya the truth.” Mook harrumphed. “Anyway, heard they ain’t but kids anyway. Dunno what kids would be doin in here, but that’s the word, anyway.”

Rush snorted. Kids? In this arena — the grandest, most popular of any on Umgul? Contestants died here, sometimes. “Well,” he started, arms folded across his chest, “if ‘the street’ knows so much, who should I bet on. Not like it’ll do me good, with my bets already placed.”

Mook shrugged, a motion that seemed far more laborous than it should’ve. “Hells if I know,” he said. “Don’t know anythin’ about either of ‘em. There’s a girl and a boy. I put some credits down on the boy.” He shrugged again.

Rush laughed. “Yeah, well, I put some down on the girl. So one of us’ll get a win, eh?” A crooked grin split his bony face, showing crooked teeth.

A horn blared above. Two minutes til the match started that meant. Rush glanced around, watching the crowd pack in as people rushed to their seats.

“Yeah,” Mook said, grinning broadly. “It oughtta be a good one…”

[Valcor]

    "Is this really what I have to wear?" Shorza asked with an air of irritation to the twi'lek helping him get ready for his fight.  Apparently these kinds of matches required form fitting clothing that Shorza just did not take to.  His 'apparel' consisted of a skin tight t-shirt with matching pair of shorts, both covered in what Shorza could only assume were advertisements.  The Twi'lek only smiled and nodded politely as she gestured for the young Zabrak to follow her to the ring.  

    As the pair walked down the dark hallway towards the roaring arena, Shorza felt his fingers begin to tingle as they always had before a fight, a symptom of his excitement.  If the young Zabrak was being honest with himself, he had been waiting a long time for this.  All the minor annoyances, all the whimpering and complaining; Shorza was finally gonna get his chance for a release.  Shorza tried to tell himself that he and Mooney were only doing this for the credits, but deep down, the smoldering hatred that underscored every action the Zabrak took, knew what it wanted.

    The arena was larger than Shorza was expecting, with probably five hundred spectators at least, if not more.  All of this quickly lost Shorza's focus the moment he saw his opponent, Moonfire.  She was as unimposing as ever.  She looked frightened, which only made the Zabrak roll his blue eyes ever so slightly. 'Couldn't she just have forfeited before the match?' the young man thought to himself as he slowly approached the center of the ring, where he assumed the fight was supposed to begin.  As Mooney walked up opposite him, Shorza smirked, "You can still forfeit Mooney."  As he spoke, Shorza flexed his muscles rather obviously, trying his best to intimidate his fellow Padawan in a schoolyard bully kind of way.  Yet despite this, Shorza could tell Moonfire was not going to cower away from this fight, for what reason, Shorza was not sure.

[Moonfire]

"You alright, sweetie?" Cooed the leader of Moonfire's little prep team.

"Huh? Uhh... Yeah, I'm, um, fine." The girl shook her head, eyes distant as she looked up, letting the lady apply the thin dusting of powder to her pale face. What was the point of make up for something like this? Wouldn't it just get messed up anyways? The twiggy human shuffled nervously, feeling awkward and exposed in the outfit they gave her. A tank top, plastered in endorsements and bright splashes of blue and white. Moonfire couldn't quite make out the Huttese, but she was fairly sure she was representing some sort of soft drink.

"You know, if you're having second thoughts its not too late to back out." The make-up girl nodded, her tone only slightly condescending. "They can always get someone else to beat up your little friend."

"N-no. That's-" Moonfire made to protest, but her words were cut off by the appearance of a rather large, gruff looking Rodian with a headset and a datapad. He rattled off something incomphrensible in Rodian and the make up lady only smiled charmingly.

"Alright, sweetie. You're on in two." The twi'lek grinned, tucking a loose piece of Moonfire's long dark hair back into the round bun on the top of her head. "Knock 'em dead."

"T-Thank you," She sputtered out as the Rodian tilted his head, another babble of words, short and crisp. Her bare, wrapped feet felt cold as she plodded through the dark back hallways, the roar of the crowd dulled but more terrifying with every step. The blood pounded in her ears as her heart began to beat in a frenzy. There had to be thousands out there.

Thousands just waiting to watch Shorza beat the tar out of her.

This was necessary though. This fight wasn't about grudges. It was about getting home. They'd been stranded on Umgul for the last three days after a rather spectacular loss in the Droid-fight. It had been Shorza's idea, really. They were on a gambling planet, it only made sense to gamble to get their money back. But rather than risk it all on a stranger, they'd set up the match. Whoever won would get them both back to Coruscant and back to beg Master Balkk's forgiveness. It seemed reasonable enough at the time.

So preoccupied with her thoughts she didn't see Shorza, lead by his own stage manager pop up beside her.

"You can still forfeit Mooney." He sneered, red lips curled up with disgust as he flexed. She winced visibly, hurt by the tone.

"N-no."

The stage manager rambled on again, tilting his head to show their individual entrances. Moonfire took one more glance over at Shorza, biting her lower lip as the anxiety gnawed at her.

"Goodluck, S-shorza." Her tone, while shakey was defiant. She'd show him. She was a Jedi Padawan. She was going to be a knight, a master. She'd show them all, she was a forced to be reckoned with. If she could just get her knees to stop knocking.

The crowd was louder here, just before the entrance. Outside she heard them roar again, an announcer coming down to the center of the ring, microphone in hand.

"Laaaaaaaaaaaaadies and Gentlemen! Space Slug Soda is proud to present your entertainment for tonight!" Called the silver haired human, dressed rather sharply for a man on this scuzzy world. "Tonight we have not one, but two Jedi here to fight for you! But why don't we make this interesting? No lightsabers! Thats right, Umgul! No laser-swords, here~" The announcer winked salaciously, giving a little wave to the scantily clad women that lingered on the edges of the ring, screaming his name.

"Now why don't we introduce your fighters for tonight!" He turned towards Moonfire's entrance and she all but squeaked as the rough hands of the stage manager pushed her forward.

"In the blue corner, coming all the way from Coruscant," A round of boos came from the crowd at the mention of the law-loving Republic world, but announcer only continued dazzling grin all the same. "Clocking in at one hundred and twenty pounds, Moooooooooooooooooonfiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiire!"

Another hard shove, and she was out the door, the crowd screaming and jeering all around as the lights of the arena beamed down at her. She froze for the moment, unsure if she was going to faint or just throw up. With another long gulping breath she stepped forward, marching stiffly towards the center.

She made it halfway there before tripping over her own foot, much to the amusement of the crowd. Wobbling and red faced Moonfire made it the center without falling over, watching as Shorza made his own entrance.

[Rugs]

GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADES

Take your seats. Apples on the desks.

First round scores are kept intentionally low. Gotta have somewhere to go, yadda yadda. Consult my publicist with any complaints.

Ahem...

ROUND 1

Valcor
Effort: 2/5
Fairness: 5/5
Detail: 2/5
Coolness: 1/5
Bonus: 1/2
Comments:

Shorza tried to tell himself that he and Mooney were only doing this for the credits, but deep down, the smoldering hatred that underscored every action the Zabrak took, knew what it wanted.

I really liked that characterization. Bonus point for you. Also Shorza's a jerk xP

Other than that, not much else to say. Pretty standard opening post fare, so nothing to worry about. I am expecting you to bring it as this heats up.

Moonfire
Effort: 3/5
Fairness: 5/5
Detail: 3/5
Coolness: 2/5
Bonus: /2
Comments:

And in this corner, we have poor little Moonfire, who'd probably rather be doing about 2,000 other things than tripping in front of all those people. Good post as always. Keeeeep it up.

Total:

Valcor - 11
Moonfire - 13

Moonfire with a slight early lead. Let's see what Round 2 brings.

[Valcor]

    As Moonfire stumbled out towards the center of the ring, Shorza shot her a mixed look of both curiosity and mild disgust before taunting her once more, "Yeah sure. Good luck mooney."  Slowly, at the instruction of the announcer, Shorza lifted up his fists and touched them against Moonfire's, pushing just a bit harder than he should have.  "Let the match begin!" Rang out through the arena to the cheers of the audience.  

    The moment the words echoed into Shorza's black ears, he was upon his opponent. Shorza had no formal training in hand-to-hand combat, but one did not last long in the criminal underworld without being able to handle themselves in a scuff.  Befitting where he learned to fight, his strikes were aggressive, albeit sloppy and misdirected, not that Shorza expected much punishment for his missteps from his clumsy opponent.  A flurry of blows flew towards the nervous Moonfire as Shorza did his best not to let his anger towards her get the best of him.  This was his fellow padawan after all, and Shorza could not quite justify using his full might against her.  After throwing his first round of punches, Shorza took a short pause to circle around Moonfire, like a kath hound around it's prey.  "So *pant* ready to go cry like you always do? Or perhaps you're gonna trip over yourself again." Shorza said in a cutting tone before sneering wide.  Was Shorza enjoying himself? Perhaps a little more than he should.  

    Something about seeing Moonfire finally get what her smug, entitled, self deserved, just scratched that itch Shorza could never seem to get relieved.  All the times she whined about 'Barely making padawan' or 'how the other kids picked on her' were finally gonna get shoved back down her fat face!  This thought, more than any other, is what kept Shorza smiling despite the severity of the situation.  'Finally she would see what real problems were like!' Shorza thought to himself, silently believing himself to be some kind of equalizer rather than a simple bully that he was.  The more Shorza entertained thoughts of Moonfire being entitled, the angrier Shorza got.  After circling his target almost two full times, Shorza roared, launching a much more aggressive attack.

    Where before, Shorza had held back slightly, now the Zabrak child was putting his puberty given weight into his hits.  They were slower, but Shorza didn't care.  If even one hit landed on Moonfire's stuck up face, Shorza was happy.  As each strike was delivered, Shorza articulated it with an insult.  "See *nngh* Moonfire?!" First swing, "See what it's like out *grah* side the temple?!" Second swig, "Come on Mooney! *yah* Go cry to master balkk! Like you always do!"  This strike was followed by a string of Iridonian words which were surely not kind in the slightest.  After the last swing, Shorza jumped back to give him some distance to voice more of his feelings towards Moonfire.

    "Hear that?!" Shorza said pointing to the roaring audience, "That's the sound of me being better than you!"  Only cruel laughter followed before the sadistic Zabrak continued, "You know why? Because MY life is harder! Because I WORKED for this."  Despite barely speaking a cruel word the entire time, Moonfire's simple presence had incited the unbridled rage of her companion, and it did not seem there was any curbing it now.

[Moonfire]

The lights were so dazzling, the pounding cheers of the crowd so distracting Moonfire didn't even hear the announcement of Shorza. Suddenly, the lanky zabrak was before her, that sneer still plastered across his face as the announcer continued his shpeal, convincing the crowd that these fumbling teenagers would put on a helluva show.

Still dazed the girl barely lifted up her fists, signalling that they were ready to begin and Shorza roughly pounded against them, causing her to move back half a step, his blue eyes meeting hers. Moonfire gulped, a protest caught in her throat. She could still call this off. It was an awful plan, there was no way this would work out, how could she be s-

"S-shorz--"

DING DING

"Let the match begin!" The words were barely out of the human's mouth before Shorza was upon her. The first blow hit hard, tears welling in the girls eyes as she stumbled back. More blows followed, hitting everywhere, pain blossoming with each strike across her shoulder, her side, her arm.

The crowd cheered in appreciation. The eagerness! The gall! This kid has spunk! The world spun for a long second before she was able to get an arm up, blocking a few of the more distracted blows from her face and neck. A single punch, missing wide and nearly spinning the girl around as Shorza pulled away, taking a pause to taunt her.

"So *pant* ready to go cry like you always do? Or perhaps you're gonna trip over yourself again." His voice had that edge to it that cut right to the bone of her insecurities.

A single fist moved up to wipe the trailing tears from her reddened cheeks, holding them up protectively as predator circled prey. And Moonfire was very much the prey right now.

Why was he doing this? She couldn't help but wonder, holding back the sob that threatened to break what little composure she still had. She'd been nothing but kind to him since their introduction, the padawan had tried everything in her power to make friends. She'd be helpful during lessons, pleasant in conversation and attempted to share his interests. In response she'd only be hit with rocks and harsh words and now fists.

Another blow landed, hitting her square in the jaw and causing the girl to tumble back. Shorza launched another flurry of attacks, screaming taunts, insults with every moment. He hated her, he'd never ever pretended different. He hated her because she was weak. Sniveling and sobbing and weak. Each of these thoughts punctuated by another cruel statement and hard blow as her ears rang and her head throbbed.

"Hear that?!That's the sound of me being better than you! You know why? Because MY life is harder! Because I WORKED for this."

"No!" The girl shrieked, using the force to push back, hard. Shoving Shorza away she scrambled back to her feet, tossing a volley of fists into his own smug face. "-I've- worked hard!"

The tears still streamed freely as the girl pushed back again with the force hard, hoping to knock the much larger boy over as she kicked out a skinny leg. "You're just a bully, Shorza!"

[Rugs]

FINE FINE HERE'S YOUR STINKIN GRADE BEFORE Moonfire RUNS ME OVER WITH A BULLDOZER


ROUND 1

Valcor
Effort: 3/5
Fairness: 5/5
Detail: 4/5
Coolness: 4/5
Bonus: /2
Comments:

Much improved. Taking multiple actions can be tricky, but I think you handled it well enough. Helps that it's a friendly duel, so no points docked there. But just something to keep an eye on. Overall, I liked what you have here. Fun to see those frustrations bubbling out onto the surface.


Moonfire
Effort: 3/5
Fairness: 5/5
Detail: 4/5
Coolness: 2/5
Bonus: /2
Comments:

And poor, poor Moonfire. Another strong post, as expected. I'm very much interested to see how she keeps handling all this, while her back's against the wall. Aggressive Mooney? Has that ever happened in the history of ever?

Total:

Valcor - 27
Moonfire - 27

I'm diggin' it, folks. We go to Round 3 knotted at 27

[Valcor]

To say Shorza was unprepared for the resistance would have been a massive understatement.  The young Zabrak had never even seen Moonfire throw a single aggressive strike in her life at anyone.  Even in sparring she was so careful, so delicate with her motions; but this, this was something else entirely.  She had a spark in her eyes, a sternness to her stance.  It was new and Shorza was caught off guard.  When he stepped foot into the arena, he had never had a single doubt in his mind that he could and would beat Mooney in this fight, but that had been when he believed the extent of her abilities to be weakly flailing about.  

    Her first swing caught Shorza square in the jaw, his smugness having caused him to leave his guard down and thus exposed his face.  "What?" He exclaimed in just before the strike landed hard sending the stunned Zabrak straight to the ground.  Even as he was sent hurtling backwards, his eyes were wide and his jaw was dropped.  The impact of her fist had sent the Zabrak back a few feet, landing him hard on his rear.  It did not take long however for the boy to scramble back to standing, only to be treated with another flurry of her punches.  They were hard, harder than any Shorza had received during any of their sparring practices.  "What?!" He exclaimed again in shock and frustration before being treated to a hard hit square in the mouth, sending him stumbling back.

    Shorza took the moment after the impact to wipe the crimson blood flowing from his lacerated lip, the darker liquid drying and staining the back of his hand already red hand.  The boy quickly glanced down to see if he was actually bleeding before furrowing his brow at the sight.  With hate fueling his veins, Shorza looked back up at his fellow padawan, baring his blood stained teeth only to find her lower down than he was expecting, sweeping for his legs.  "What?!?" He roared louder, his voice piercing the thundering voices of the crowd.  He had spent too long judging how hard he had been hit and now he was paying for it.  With no defense, Shorza's legs flew out from under him and he toppled to the ground, hitting his side hard.  Suddenly a soft crack echoed through his ears as he opened his mouth in agony only to choke out a soft cry.  His rib was surely cracked, but that was the least of his worries at the moment, for adding to his mounting pain, came the pointed boot of Mooney, kicking him hard in the ribs, just inches from where he had cracked one, finally breaking it fully with a resounding snap.

    Shorza was not to be beaten so easily however, if Mooney wanted it rough, he'd play her way.  "Okay! No!" He growled angrily, fed up being assaulted without retribution.  When her foot returned for a second strike, Shorza wrapped his arms around it and rolled over onto her foot with his body, pushing her leg back and hopefully driving her to the ground.  No longer with any sympathy for this girl left in him, Shorza pulled back his arm and brought his elbow down with all his might towards her skinny shin, letting out a roar of rage as he did so.  

(Some licenses taken, but were discussed with Moonfire before hand)