Tournament Time! And Some Grilled Spiders

Here we open up this chapter.. with something you wouldn't expect. It's not about the tournament, but a nice outing that was about to happen. At the door of the Dreemurr and Zatsu household would be Frisk wearing some sporty clothing as she waited for someone else to join her seemingly annoyed with how long they were taking which gives an indication on just who this person may be. After several more minutes passed there was Sans who had floated down the stairs and towards the doorway in nothing else but his usual get up. He seemed quite tired, but it mostly seemed to be nothing but a ruse in the eyes of Frisk who just held back laughter at his performance and grabbed his hand taking him out the house. Frisk and Sans would've started to go onto a silent walk for now as Sans dragged himself along beside Frisk. "Couldn't we just use the car Frisk.." "We get more exercise this way! If you keep being so lazy your bones will shrink." Sans would go silent to not have any problems with Frisk for now, besides it wasn't even actually that far he was just being a tad bit bothering on purpose. Sans was quite a jokester even in the way simply acted. Eventually after some more time had passed the two would've ended up at the "Grilled Spiders." Yes it's a particularly odd name, but it's the only name that Muffet and Grillby could think of for their joint business operation. Frisk and Sans now sat at the barstools side by side. Sans picked up a bottle of ketchup and slowly started to just drink it. "Sans don't just drink Ketchup, we came here for real food." "Yeah Sorry, guess you caught me red-handed. Anyways Frisk why did you only bring me out here? We'd usually go with Chara and Asriel." Frisk would promptly reply. "Well Chara had to go out earlier on guard duty with Paps and Undyne, Asriel is uh well I don't know what he's doing. Though I just wanted to spend some 1 on 1 time with you after our last talk you know." Sans would've given a curious eyebrow raise, but unfortunately he had no actual eyebrows to do so. "And why is it Frisky, finally wanting a second date after all these years?" Frisk would quickly shake her head embarrassed though it was also funny to think about. That really wasn't much of a date at all. "N-no nothing like that bonehead. I just am a bit worried about you and I want to be with you more. I'll plan another event for all of us so we can get even closer!" Sans would chuckle as Frisk spoke about this. "Sorry didn't mean to rattle your bones kiddo. Though it's nice to hear that you're really looking out for me and everybody else. You really are an angel from above." Frisk would stop her flusteredness and instead would remain with simply a pleasant smile onto her face now. "Thank you for saying all that Sans, but I don't want some fancy title to be known as an angel. I just want to help everybody because it's the right thing to do and I know it's something I can do. Anyways, why don't we get something now?" Sans would have raised his head with Muffet and Grillby who happened to be there currently coming over. "Fufufu, it has been a while since I have seen y'all around, ya know. So what do you want?" "...It's nice to see you swing around here again especially since Sans has finally paid off his tab." Sans would do a nervous chuckle as that was a pain to finally pay off the tab that had been building up for quite some time. Anyways it was time for two to order. "I'll take some ketchup and a burger please." Frisk would then give hers. "I would like some apple cider, croissants, and uh ramen." Now with their orders placed the two would sit there within the bakery bar. Frisk would poke the back of Sans's skull as he put his head on the counter "Lazybones don't go to sleep now it's still too early for that you know." Sans would raise his head slightly, turning it to look at Frisk now. "Sorry you know what's just happened has got me thinking a bit." Frisk would sigh and reply. "The thing with Shiro and Sora?" "Yeah that." Frisk would have a slightly dim expression for a moment, but it quickly changed back and went into a smile now "Ah I see Sans, but let me tell you this just don't worry about it alright. Everything's gonna turn out alright we're gonna have a fun time at the tournament then we can talk about it okay." Sans puts a thumbs up now "Alright Frisk your charm really puts me at ease, thank you." Frisk would've rubbed the head of Sans now just trying to comfort his thoughts in his mind.

Flash towards another situation…

Back in the lab with Alphys and Gaster now they stood within the completed first multiverse related creation. This being the device Alphys had been working on. This device would allow for one to peer into other universes, universe travel has not been fully established yet. They were both excited to actually use it now with a smile igniting on Alphys's face due to finally completing this project and achieving her dream of exploring the universe. "Alphys, i've already spent my time looking at some, and besides it's your project so you try it out first." Without any further need of instruction or incentive she would activate the machine on herself as her consciousness began to travel elsewhere. The eyes of the scientist would truly be opened as this happened, peering and getting invested into some worlds just slowly gazing some of them over now. She would see things with small changes such as the appearances of them, to completely new appearing worlds in new settings. It was all so fascinating! The information was flooding through her mind and also being transported into files on a computer that she had been hooked up to. Throughout her cast searches throughout the worlds.. she was suddenly stuck on one. A blackness, a void that she couldn't comprehend, what was this? Why couldn't she switch away from it. Although when the consciousness of Alphys blinked suddenly three figures appeared, but she for a second could've sworn she saw a 4th that looked like a skeleton, they seemed like Sans, but their presence was well there was no presence at all yet chilling. And that's when she went on to try and identify the three before her. It seemed to be a man and a woman sitting in two chairs each barely clothed which caused Alphys to internally freak out for a moment especially because of their seemingly divine appearance, but her composure was kept mostly because of the last figure. It was.. toby? How did Toby get here? She could recognize that this was the most similar to her own toby than the others she saw so how was here. "Toby wh-what are you doing here?" And to the surprise of Alphys he responded. "Oh Dr. Alphys? You must surely be confused aren't you. And yes before you say anything I can talk, now don't interrupt for some time alright?" Toby would then bark as a chair appeared below the consciousness of Alphys which sat down. "Now Dr. The Toby you know is an avatar of myself, just as all the other versions of me you've seen, but that one is the original and my most prominent one. I am no normal dog of course as you perceive, but the full details I shall not unveil as to not interfere too much. What was it.. oh yes. I'm proud of you for making such impressive technology truly a prodigy of your kind. Now I'll let them speak, they wish to share this place with one of your intellect, you'll probably find it quite interesting." After saying this the dog would walk away into the abyss before disappearing. The man and the lady would've suddenly spoken now. "Welcome to the void of ideas. As the name implies you can find what this is. This place is home to all ideas in any form. Illogical one's logical ones, real ones, false ones. Everything is here. And we are the protectors of ideas. We stop anyone from entering this place, but also can allow people to see it like you or enter it. We also manage these ideas as some get out of hand and would ruin the balance of the Megaverse, which is what encapsulates the multiple multiverses in our system. Though as a scientist you'd want to figure out more yourself. So we'll leave it as this, do with this as you will." And suddenly Alphys was booted right out of the device and her consciousness came back disconnecting from the machine. Alphys seemed slightly shaky now due to the very confusing and odd situation she just went through. "Dr. Gaster, could you please bring Toby here. I've got some stuff to tell you."

Tournament Day

Descending upon a circular colosseum sound would gradually increase until it exploded, erupting into cheering and chatter that encroached around the serene event. Beautiful trees around to enhance the feeling mostly consisting of the grand pink sakura trees that were greatly looked upon within the culture. Banners were plastered around the area in celebration for the tournament labeled XXth tournament representing what number of tournaments this was. Further below and around the area there were those in trucks and stands using this opportunity to sell out things, some special edition stuff only for this event that would sell off particularly high. Everyone was happy around this showcased just how much people enjoyed this here, but it seemed the tournament wasn't just the circular arena there was a building that stemmed off of it. This building that stemmed off of it was actually related to the tournament event hosting different events. These events were more mentally challenging than physical ones, mostly stemming from creativity. The whole point of this really was to show off the grand creativity that people held and the beauty of it, just how luscious it could be. From simple art to brand new inventions all of it was stunning. As you may expect the less engaging part of the tournament day didn't get as much attention, but it still got a whole lot a chunk from those related to the participants. A resounding ringing would have happened around the arena now as the focus on that spiked up. It then sounded like three clasp and someone then clearing their throat. It was none other than the King Axis standing in a special area for himself and the others who were sitting with him. Subtracting Alphys who was somewhere else in the arena to use this tournament for possible research. Some of the other people in her division were in the extended building to help with the judging. Now after the king had cleared his throat he would have begun to speak. "Welcome everyone to the XXth international tournament. As some of you may know the purpose of this is not simply to display strength, but growth of how far we have come every year in our evolution. We hope to inspire greatness and achievement within everyone with this and for it not to be taken too competitively. I hope for a more together and peaceful world for us all. Though let me stop talking let's get this show on the road." The silence would suddenly be broken as people would erupt into cheers now. A board would show up in the middle of the arena on a floating box. The board would show the tournament brackets, the participants being chosen internationally and a select few from participating countries.

And of course we start off with a bang. "In the first matchup of the first set of combatants… we have Sora Navercroft and Zariel Umbra!" Even though most of the crowd had absolutely no idea who either of the kids were they would all cheer for both of them. Some even have made bets on who would win all for the fun of it. Shiro would seem excited as she heard the name of her best friend being called. She would realize that's why he was not there with them currently as she was quite literally on the edge of her seat leaning forward and looking towards the stadium where everything was about to begin. The others around in the special stands with Shiro did not have quite as much enthusiasm, but were quite excited themselves. Chara would silently whisper to herself in the stands though "You better not lose in the first round Sora, I need that special chocolate." Everyone would slightly turn their heads as Chara had then gone straight up quiet, turning her head and whistling now. Below in the arena Sora stood determined on one side of the arena staring down his opponent Zariel Umbra. The opponent seemed rather tall for a kid as this tournament was for the youngsters. Sporting short black spiky hair with dreary features that let off a sort of gothic feel, in a way similar to Sora's own natural darkness that emanates from his curse, this should be a good fight. And so, the announcer would go on. "Alright kids, the rules are whoever submits, is unable to fight, is non-lethally incapacitated first loses. Make sure not to rough each other too much though of course, got that?" With a nod from both contestants there was then a countdown 3..2..1.. go. The man that was opposing Sora Zariel would speak before moving at all. "Sora, I ask, can you move at the speed of light?" Sora would blink confused. "I- maybe?" And as soon as this was said a sudden darkness shot out at Sora with blazing speeds he could barely perceive it at all with Sora slightly moving his head to the side with the darkness grazing his cheek now as he touched his face feeling a bruise and a tap of blood. Sora's eyes would have narrowed now with him instantly being more focused on this, one wrong move and it would be over! He couldn't emberass himself in front of Shiro and they had to fight at the end of this. Sora would gain as much distance as possible from his opponent with them sending more of those attacks that blazed around at such speeds that were beyond phenomenal. Sora had just been narrowly dodging them still, that's when thoughts rose in his head. "Wait what was that Ms Toriel told us? Right those vows. I can make a temporary vow. In turn for some of my curse power I can increase my speed!" As Sora would internally make this vow the sound of a chain could be heard signaling its success. The opponent of Sora would note something happened, but what? "Whatever you've done won't let you win, just give up." "Sorry pal! I can't give up too soon, but you're tough, a really impressive fighter. His opponent smiled at being called an impressive fighter, but it quickly shifted back to a neutral expression. Sora would get in a seeming running position before blasting off! This was surprisingly surprising even to the opponent before him who sent a barrage of those dark attacks, which Sora now in this new state could avoid with little issue not being grazed anymore it only getting a bit more difficult as he got closer. Once the gap between them was closed as his opponent tried to back away it was already too late. There was a black and red sparkling energy covering the fist of Sora who slammed it into the face of the other kid which actually affected them and pushed them back? Well the energy was actually the energy of Sora's cursed powers infused with the curse of weakening. The curse of weakening could basically circumvent the binding vow partially. The opponent would hold their head, it seemed in pain, and Sora was a bit concerned as he walked towards him. "Are you alright, did I hit you too hard?" Although as Sora did this Zariel would just laugh as his hand suddenly reached out and grasped onto his arm with the soul energy of Zariel flooding into him this was an ability of their soul. From the point of view of Sora, everything was gone and he was in nothing else but a gray void. A feeling of loneliness would sweep over Sora with nobody around… although it was only a few seconds it felt like years as time went on it was so strange. What was going on? That's when he would hear a voice in the gray void. "You don't know what my soul is do you? I hold a soul of absolute loneliness and with this I bear it right onto you." Sora would have come to a realization that what he was feeling, where he was right now it all was not real, but it felt so real to him. And in the next moment it seemed the world had shattered as Sora was punched right in the gut in reality which took him out of the world. Sora stumbled backwards as he was then hit. Sora was now hurt in more ways than one, a feeling of lonesome dread fell into his head making him lack the ability to properly fight giving an off gaze at Zariel. With this Zariel was able to successfully get successive hits on Sora over and over again this was not looking good at all. Seeing this beatdown now happening from the stands those who knew Sora especially well Shiro wouldn't want him to lose. And so a cheer came from them in his support. Sora felt something, a strong soul linked to his jeering for him. There were many people. He wasn't alone. The dreaded feeling would escape his body as he really came back to conciousness just as another blow was about to hit him, and then suddenly his opponent was sent flying. Sora had utilized the ability of his perseverance soul to release all the energy he was hit by right back at his opponent with all of the power of their attacks at once. The vow Sora made did not apply to this since it technically was not his own power resulting in one heavy blow as Sora would gasp for air with himself being quite beat up. With his high durability he was able to PERSEVERE. Sora now made a bit of a snarky response. "Are you done yet huhuhu, because your tricks wont work on me anymore." Zariel would not respond, but he did get back up and stared down Sora surrounding himself in a rather dark enigmatic energy. The feeling of losing made him feel even more lonely, because who cares about a loser? Sinking deeper into that of one's own trait allows for it to grow stronger and in this moment it was at a peak, such an unfortunate soul to be born with is it not? "It's not fair. Why did I have to be born like this? Why do you get to have people around you?" It seemed that Zariel was going on a mental rant except spouting it out verbally as their lonely feelings were exasperated. Sora now for a moment instead of having the look that was a bit silly turned into a rather sad expression. He felt bad for the guy, the way he was thinking and the way he was destined to be. Well, he will just have to change that, but first he has to beat them up! Sora would have ran straight back at him ready to end it for real this time, but during his advance one of his steps on the ground felt odd as he glanced down for a moment seeing darkness suddenly erupt, it was faster than Zariel's previous attacks, way faster! Suddenly Sora exploded into the air as bruises coated his body due to the massive attack. Yet his perseverance never wavered it never would waver. Sora spun around in the air as he was now rather high up there were people that were ready to catch him if he went splat, but he would shout. "Don't worry I got this!" Sora now descended throughout the air with a good idea now with cursed energy flowing throughout his body and focusing towards his hands, but it would be aided by the energy of his soul of perseverance learning to mingle it with his cursed energy to enhance it even more. As he was getting closer to the ground Zariel was ready to assert his victory as one more wave of energy was shot right towards Sora as he smirked. It was all a part of the plan. Sora would make a noise of effort as with the distance between them and his growing speed of perception as a result of his adaptation, he smashed the energy with his fist causing it to go back at Zariel? Yet another crafty use of his curse using a curse of reversing on the attack, but he gave it an extra kick with his own energy and a bit of the energy from the last attack Zariel hit him with. He landed the reversal successfully due to the increased speed from his reversal. Sora would have slowed his descent due to the kickback of the powerful attack, but was still promptly caught and placed down saying he could stand. Now he looked towards the opponent of his with a smile although they were almost knocked out on the ground and walked over to them. "Hey dude, you really were strong I like ya! We should be friends, you know, and you won't have to be alone anymore, yeah?" Zariel would stay silent for a moment and mumbled out with a bit of a happy expression. "Sure why not.." And with that a second jeer would have erupted across the arena in the conclusion of the battle, many being entertained and surprised by it, the kids being quickly taken away to make sure they are a-ok, but hey they are tough. Now we have a couple rounds passing until it is finally time for Shiro to fight! Everyone was extremely excited for this battle of course to see that of the first hybrid in action, especially one that was of royal descent which ironically with how much everyone else cared about that she did not care about that in the least really. And now the announcer would speak again with them both being ready. "Everybody ready? You already know the rules by now so just go!" Shiro and her opponent would both seem fairly excited for the battle as they then stretch their bodies before entering the battle. Shiro would begin to make a slow advance towards them, but her opponent went right on for the attack, grabbing onto a huge chunk of rock from the ground seemingly as big as a boulder! Shiro was surprised by how he did this to that much so easily, less for the fact he could actually pick it up and it seemed he barely applied any pressure. No time for that, it was now coming right towards her. Shiro would have smashed a fist into the rock, but it did not break like she would have expected it to? She was sure she used enough force. Well the rock suddenly smashed into her body putting herself under its weight as she was pushing it off of her, Sam was already there as he touched the rock making it crumble instantly as many tiny pebbles fell on top of her. Shiro tried to put up her hands to stop herself from being hurt and that's when the opponent suddenly came down as they were standing on top of the boulder and slammed their foot into her gut. Shiro suddenly felt the wind coming out of her, in that time Sam bent down on her chest touching the ground below Shiro then jumping away as the ground crumbled below her, basically burying her. It was at this time Shiro realized her opponent's soul although she had a suspicion. This was one of the seven basic souls, integrity. Shiro had to get out of there quickly though if she was gonna do something with this information! And in a sudden concentration the energy of Shiro would explode from her body letting her escape from the hole, luckily the arena was fixed each time or else there would have been too many holes in there. Maybe they should reinforce it for the next rounds. Alas Shiro would know the danger that an integrity soul could have so she would use one of her old strongest moves: a simple flame attack. Pulling back one of her hands and extending another one forward as a strand of flame would stretch between her two hands formulating into that of an arrow. The arrow would suddenly send itself over towards Sam yet the arrow suddenly stopped midway throughout its flight path. Sam was holding out his hands in front of him and the arrow was there just stopped with a snarky smile on his face. "Ya won't win here princess." Shiro would make a grunt of frustration as she realized just the level of mastery they had over integrity, to be able to even control the integrity of the air and increase it to such a high level to completely stop such a powerful arrow! Shiro then reasoned that she would need to utilize a similar strategy to Sora, but hey she should do it her own way, no need for some vow to get faster. The inner workings unseen within Shiro would begin to mix and mash her magic and her soul energy working in tandem to give a sudden boost towards her shooting herself off with flames towards the user of integrity at a grand pace. Sam was a bit surprised with the speed increase themselves, but they couldn't just stare in shock. With the bit of time that he had he would grasp onto the arrow with both hands and tossed it right back at Shiro. Shiro promptly would catch the returned arrow that flew throughout the sky and tossed it downwards into the arena causing a gigantic smoke screen. Although it stopped more than just visual tracking even the soul of Shiro couldn't be sensed with her dashing around inside of it all about. Sam would groan as he had an idea, increasing the integrity of all the smoke in a way that it condenses together. Yet before this could be fully flourished out the foxy girl would come from the air with a powerful axe kick the kick rupturing the balance of the boy followed with a second impact of her fox flames which caused them to slam towards the ground. Shiro landed ontop of the boy and stomped on their chest once more before kicking them away. She would've done a small cackle and licked her lips trying to seem intimidating even though she got beat up the first part of the fight. "Hehehe a fox loves a tough pretty, but I can just smell your fear." The boy recovered his breath and spoke back as Shiro walked towards him. "You really are a funny one Princess. But perhaps that fear is your own? Cause I said I wouldn't lose to myself so I won't." "Well you're gonna be lying to yourself then buddy" Shiro made a quick retort after oh how she liked acting in her silly way. Sam now showed an expression of worry on his face as Shiro grew closer while he stood up. Shiro was ready to ascertain victory, but what she failed to see was that she was walking right into a trap now. Sam wasn't as hurt as he appeared as he suddenly lunged at her grabbing her with all 10 fingers and he made her durability far weaker and sent a simple strong blow that almost absolutely destroyed her having her wheeze, but it was followed with a whole bunch of other ones racking up on her until she just stood where she was stagnant. Shiro could barely think as it felt like she was about to go to sleep. No she couldn't lose not again , not so soon. Was she still a loser? A failure like she was before? Wasn't she supposed to be better than she was? Everyone told her she was destined for greatness, but did she even believe that. No matter what she thought now, no matter what the truth was. Just don't think about it at all, just know you have to win. The thoughts of Shiro fill her with DETERMINATION. In a sort of pseudo awakening Shiro suddenly moves from her stagnant spot surprising everyone, especially Sam. In a blink she was gone nowhere to be seen. Sam would increase the integrity of the air around him just incase she tried to attack him from anywhere, but for what he forgot to consider was the ground. Suddenly sprouting from the ground a raging determined beast shot into him sending him high up into the air. Her hands extended and grabbed onto the legs of her opponent who was in the air and spun around rapidly until she gained enough force to slam them down into unconsciousness. Shiro landed down and would release many breaths of air. "You really were a tough guy Sam. Everyone here really is the best!"