Feral Paw Tournament (Part 5)

 The day of the Tournament to resume has finally arrived. People from all walks of life arrived by the droves, ensuring that they occupied their seating for the upcoming event. Once the audience was packed to the brim with enthusiastic spectators, the Announcer bursts onto the stage as the echo of instruments can be heard playing in the background, gradually getting audible.

 "Welcome one and all~, back again to continue the spectacle that is this tournament~! I hope you're all excited for the series of matches we have for you today, but for any new faces, allow me to present a little recap. Courtesy of our sponsors~ but first, we have a new special guest with us today."

 A figure adorned in a decorative robe walked onto the stage. The long, serpentine tail was all the confirmation needed for the audience to grow silent and stand at attention. In unison, they all bowed in respect before the Announcer went on with the introduction.

 I know you've all been expecting the previous guests for todays matchups, but we took it upon ourselves to spice things up a little and allow more guests to make an appearance and observe the fights. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the second spectator to show up due to unfortunate circumstances, but don't let that sway your enthusiasm as I present to you:

 The SERPENT MAIDEN~!!!" 

 Once the hood came off, the audience roared with intense excitement. Just witnessing the appearance of a Pillar was more than anyone could ever ask for. What was revealed was nothing to shy away from at all either. If it weren't for the strict security protocols, you'll bet that there'll be many wanting to get up close and personal for better or worse rationale.

 The serpent's lengthy tail slithered side to side as she greeted the crowd with a solemn smile, which seemed to boost their enthusiasm dramatically. Of course, this is all despite the reputation she's held. It was common knowledge that this was one serpent you shouldn't mess with unless you really have what it takes and it was sure not going to be a straightforward path.

 Once the commotion eased down, the Announcer cleared their throat, which seemingly got everyone's attention to focus on what they have to say. "Now that I got all of your eyes peeled, I think that all this fawning should also be directed towards our lovely contestants. After all, they're the ones providing us with a spectacle of a show and it would mean alot if those efforts were recognized.

 So without further ado, let's present today's contestants for the semi-finals~!!! I'm sure you all recognize a few more than familiar faces. Out of all the participants we've had, only one new face has made it this far. Once again I welcome you all to the Feral Paw Tournament and may today's matches bring much entertainment~!"

 The audience cheered as the contestants stepped onto the stage. Most of the crowd was chanting Ume's name given she's the current Champion. All the while a few denizens recognized the Dragon Twins with a mixture of boos and applause. Kasumi on the the other hand got the least amount of applause but some continued to praise her with motivational words, encouraging her to do her best in the tournament.

 Amidst the commotion, Gale caught a glimpse of the serpent looking at her with a smile. It was an odd sight, but her attention was taken away once the gongs went off, signaling everyone except for the Announcer to step off the stage.

 "I think it's time to get things rolling folks but first... Let's have a little fun to spice things up a little." As if on cue, a puff of smoke came out from the floor next to them, revealing a container filled with thin sheets of symbolized paper. Most individuals recognize them feral tags, an item mostly used in acts of mysticism and divination.

 With a clap, four papers began to glow, floating out of the container to align themselves in front of the Announcer whilst midair. Ethereal lines were drawn through the air as she waved her hands around in a weaving motion. Everyone gazed with interest and awe as the Announcer began to perform a ceremonial dance.

 Not many knew this, but the Announcer was originally a shrine maiden. Her sways and motions were depicted with a serene grace in contrast to her confident steps. If one were to describe it, the dance was similar to a calm before the storm.

 It was an entrancing performance before everyone got surprised when she suddenly perfomed a swift, but powerful leg-up. The papers that were dancing suddenly stopped in their tracks, growing brighter by the second. A brief pause of silence spread throughout the area until the Announcer stomped down with great exuberance, mimicking the sound of a thunderclap.

 The papers burst into particles, decorating the area around the woman in a showering veil, resembling rain. They continued to swirl around and move with the Announcer as she stepped and twirled across the stage. A mixture of serenity and tenacity made for the perfect mix for an entertaining show, but what shocked the audience more was a second individual joined in on the performance.

 It was none other than the Serpent Maiden herself, who quickly fell into sync with the entertainer. "Heh heh... I thought I recognized you. So this is where you've been. I must say that I'm proud that you still remember the routine after all these years~."

 The Announcer took a brief glimpse and widened her eyes a bit. "It... has been long Lady Shizuko." She remained undeterred in her dance however, showing proof of her diligence to the the craft.

 Musicians soon came out, playing a somber song on their bamboo flutes while the gong players operated between the gongs and taikos. The atmosphere shifted to fill the room with a soothing presence, setting everyone's heart at ease. However, there was a barely noticeable sensation that felt warm.

 In essence, this was proof that their spirits still held light. As the ceremony came to an end, both dancers made a swaying motion, attracting the particles to form into spheres above their heads. A striking pose that consisted of a stomp and a clap was all it took for the spheres to burst at the sound of lightning, dispersing into nothingness.

 Silence took hold for a good minute before everyone within the area stood up and applauded the ladies for their spectacular performance. Shizuko bid her former maiden farewell, retaking her position at the spectator stand. The Announcer grew tense for a moment but quickly shifted back into her showman personality.

 "Sounds to me like you've all certainly enjoyed that little treat. It's only customary to keep you all entertained during this event and with only one more match ahead of us after today to determine who takes the title as Champion, you best believe we'll put our best foot forward. So without further ado, here are the matchups for the semi-finals~!!"

 With that said, four feral tags leaped out of the container taking on a glow that resembled a distinct color in correlation to a particular element. Two moved to one side while the others remained on the opposite end. It was then an ethereal cord connected one tag to another, revealing to the audience a projected image of the individual that each element represented.

"We've got quite the pairings this time around folks. Our lovely Champion herself will be facing off against none other than Rumin~! Will our fiery competitor scorch another victory into the finals or will our chosen heroine take the stand to keep herself in the game~!

 On our next match for today, we have Kasumi pitted against the tempest herself: Gale~!! Our new competitor has done well to make it this far, but can she surpass the raging tempest that is about to deliver a torrential beatdown? You'll find out the answer to this and more soon enough. Let the tournament, COMMENCE!!!

 The gongs went off as the Announcer stepped off the stage, allowing the first round of competitors to take the stage, each on their respective sides. They bowed to each other first before speaking to one another.

 "Talk about a lucky break huh?" Rumin scratched the back of her head, unsure if she was all too confident about the matchup. "Though, it's at least good to know that I'm up against someone familiar eh heh..."

 She seemed nervous about facing such a strong opponent, but Ume had other motives in mind. "Don't sell yourself just yet. I saw your fight with Tang and I'm certain that you can provide a unique challenge for me. May just come out this match the victor if I'm not too careful."

 That seemed to help Rumin to focus her attention. "You're starting to sound like sis more and more. Not sure if I like it but, guess that just means I'll have put my best foot forward."

 Rumin made the first move, using her strong legs to make a powerful leap forward, hoping to use that momentum to swing her right leg into her opponent.