05-31-2007, 05:09 PM
?This is it folks! I know some of you have been disappointed in Day Two, but before every storm there must be calm and that storm that has been building is upon us NOW!? Viewers were forced back to their screens as the Dante Stat Sheet began, a daily morning show to build up each day, their curiosity perked. Viewership had been waning but word quickly spread that something major was up and spectators flocked back to their screens. ?We have two COLLOSAL groups about to merge in what promises to make anything in last year?s Abyss seem like hopscotch!? The anchor was human, with traditional slicked back hair and a permanent grin of the news profession. ?For those following the action on the TrackMax Map, sponsored by Northern Fuels, nearly a quarter of this years competitors are about to meet in what promises to shake the island till the Finals! Do not miss a minute of Day Three, or you?ll miss what the whole QUADRANT will be talking about!?
Sovereign Sapan muted the view screen. Even the new Unopposed Ruler of Arlia had a stake in the proceedings of Dante?s Abyss. The man he had fought as Conquest, followed as Yamu, and elevated as Guardian was in one of those two groups about to meet. His planet had always been considered somewhat of a backwater planet, no insectoid had ever even competed in the grandest championship the galaxy had to offer. Arlia was a forgotten corner of the universe. But, this human fought to change that. While Yamu was not an Arlian by blood or looks, he was an Arlian by choice and that meant something to planetary ruler. He did not know exactly how or why, but Yamu winning could only bring good to him and his people. Maybe tourism, maybe just prestige, Sapan did not know what, he just knew that it was good.
The map still blipped, as always, in the corner despite the sound being off, the main picture currently followed a large hellish creature that looked to be composed completely of pink bubble gum. Yamu?s group was five with two blips behind, two blips that were slowly getting further and further distant from the main group.
Kari Nor was watching even more intently then the Arlian noble who was light years away but despite distance she saw the same movement in the blips. She could see what her protector could not, that he was running directly into a wall of eight lights while two of his own slowly faded from behind him. ?No?? her voice was barely above a whisper but grew louder as she continued. ?No..no?NO!...? tears rolled down her face like a rainstorm soaking her shirt collar in seconds.
The hologram Moira rushed over and cradled the girl in her arms, ?Kari, Kari, Kari, what?s wrong precious?? She had been fixing breakfast, only half listing to the morning news program.
The girl had to wipe a string of snot from her nose before her voice was clear enough to be heard. ?Yamu-he?s going to die-he can?t die-mommy and daddy died-now Yamu-why does everyone leave me? Everyone who cares for me goes away!? Her sentences ran together between heaving breaths.
The ship?s captain clutched her closer, not knowing what to say. Telling the girl it was only a fake death just did not seem to cut it.
Jeremy always caught the Stat Sheet before going off to class. He finished his eggs and milk as fast as he could so he would have time to watch. He saw the same thing millions upon millions of people saw coming, and he threw up. He couldn?t bear to see it happen, his hero was marching directly into a trap. He just kneeled there staring at the screen, a piece of his regurgitated breakfast still clinging to his lower lip but he was unable to move.
I didn?t win on the Hill, Yamu?I?m sorry?I lost it for both of us.
The Dante Stat Sheet began to profile the expected participants in the upcoming spectacle and by chance started with Yamu. ?Yamu had become somewhat of a Dark Horse, an unexpected catalyst considering his quick demise last year. But, his drive and determination, as well as good nature have shot him to near the top in several popularity polls. The friendships he has made on the island seem genuine, and his cause as the new Guardian of Arlia has endeared him to the masses. Yet, it seems to be this open heartedness that has placed him in this current predicament. Can this fan favorite survive another day, or will it be another disappointing finish for the man known as Yamu??
A concerned Sapan, a sick Jeremy, and a sobbing Kari all placed heir hands on the screen at the exact same time, over the picture of the bald veiny human that hung over the announcer?s shoulder.
[I]Don?t give up, Yamu. Win for me?
and for Arlia.
so they know I?m right about you!
because I can?t lose you![/ I]
The veiny titan stopped, ?Did anybody just hear that?? Bujin laughed to himself in response while the others just gave him sideways glances. The veiny juggernaut flexed his left hand while he spun his Totem, ?Could of sword I heard my name??
Paragus leaned over, ?Just nerves, Yams. Don?t let it get to you.?
?You?re right, Old Man. Probably just a lack of sleep?? Yamu wondered if he would ever get a chance to tell his Saiya-Jin friend how old he really was.
Jeice and his pet paused a step to get beside him, ?We can sleep when we?re dead! S-man here still hasn?t seen any action!?
Yamu wanted to join in with his friends, but he still did not know if he was a Cause or Effect. It might have seemed like a small distinction to some, but for him it made all the difference. He ran his fingers gently over Kari as if he was massaging the weapon, his Atonement was official now, he would not fall short of the Finals, he would crawl on stumps to get their with Kari in his teeth.
He hoped that would pay the price.
Sovereign Sapan muted the view screen. Even the new Unopposed Ruler of Arlia had a stake in the proceedings of Dante?s Abyss. The man he had fought as Conquest, followed as Yamu, and elevated as Guardian was in one of those two groups about to meet. His planet had always been considered somewhat of a backwater planet, no insectoid had ever even competed in the grandest championship the galaxy had to offer. Arlia was a forgotten corner of the universe. But, this human fought to change that. While Yamu was not an Arlian by blood or looks, he was an Arlian by choice and that meant something to planetary ruler. He did not know exactly how or why, but Yamu winning could only bring good to him and his people. Maybe tourism, maybe just prestige, Sapan did not know what, he just knew that it was good.
The map still blipped, as always, in the corner despite the sound being off, the main picture currently followed a large hellish creature that looked to be composed completely of pink bubble gum. Yamu?s group was five with two blips behind, two blips that were slowly getting further and further distant from the main group.
Kari Nor was watching even more intently then the Arlian noble who was light years away but despite distance she saw the same movement in the blips. She could see what her protector could not, that he was running directly into a wall of eight lights while two of his own slowly faded from behind him. ?No?? her voice was barely above a whisper but grew louder as she continued. ?No..no?NO!...? tears rolled down her face like a rainstorm soaking her shirt collar in seconds.
The hologram Moira rushed over and cradled the girl in her arms, ?Kari, Kari, Kari, what?s wrong precious?? She had been fixing breakfast, only half listing to the morning news program.
The girl had to wipe a string of snot from her nose before her voice was clear enough to be heard. ?Yamu-he?s going to die-he can?t die-mommy and daddy died-now Yamu-why does everyone leave me? Everyone who cares for me goes away!? Her sentences ran together between heaving breaths.
The ship?s captain clutched her closer, not knowing what to say. Telling the girl it was only a fake death just did not seem to cut it.
Jeremy always caught the Stat Sheet before going off to class. He finished his eggs and milk as fast as he could so he would have time to watch. He saw the same thing millions upon millions of people saw coming, and he threw up. He couldn?t bear to see it happen, his hero was marching directly into a trap. He just kneeled there staring at the screen, a piece of his regurgitated breakfast still clinging to his lower lip but he was unable to move.
I didn?t win on the Hill, Yamu?I?m sorry?I lost it for both of us.
The Dante Stat Sheet began to profile the expected participants in the upcoming spectacle and by chance started with Yamu. ?Yamu had become somewhat of a Dark Horse, an unexpected catalyst considering his quick demise last year. But, his drive and determination, as well as good nature have shot him to near the top in several popularity polls. The friendships he has made on the island seem genuine, and his cause as the new Guardian of Arlia has endeared him to the masses. Yet, it seems to be this open heartedness that has placed him in this current predicament. Can this fan favorite survive another day, or will it be another disappointing finish for the man known as Yamu??
A concerned Sapan, a sick Jeremy, and a sobbing Kari all placed heir hands on the screen at the exact same time, over the picture of the bald veiny human that hung over the announcer?s shoulder.
[I]Don?t give up, Yamu. Win for me?
and for Arlia.
so they know I?m right about you!
because I can?t lose you![/ I]
The veiny titan stopped, ?Did anybody just hear that?? Bujin laughed to himself in response while the others just gave him sideways glances. The veiny juggernaut flexed his left hand while he spun his Totem, ?Could of sword I heard my name??
Paragus leaned over, ?Just nerves, Yams. Don?t let it get to you.?
?You?re right, Old Man. Probably just a lack of sleep?? Yamu wondered if he would ever get a chance to tell his Saiya-Jin friend how old he really was.
Jeice and his pet paused a step to get beside him, ?We can sleep when we?re dead! S-man here still hasn?t seen any action!?
Yamu wanted to join in with his friends, but he still did not know if he was a Cause or Effect. It might have seemed like a small distinction to some, but for him it made all the difference. He ran his fingers gently over Kari as if he was massaging the weapon, his Atonement was official now, he would not fall short of the Finals, he would crawl on stumps to get their with Kari in his teeth.
He hoped that would pay the price.
![[Image: Yamusig3copy.jpg]](http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Wyled/Yamusig3copy.jpg)
Dante's Abyss 2007 Runner-Up