Encore! [Social-ish][spar]

Horatio, as his persona had already taken over, was sitting at a bench at the silver moon inn. With it's garden being temporarily transformed to what appeared to be a make-shift arena. Wooden boards had been erected to designate an area, and benches had been moved to resemble stands. Hell, Horatio even made sure the Inn provided someone going around with snacks. After all, everyone should be capable of witnessing what happens when you defy the self proclaimed yet universally acknowledged ace of the universe. The day was already in full swing with the sun at it's highest point and with the sun raining down it's light upon the few poofy white clouds up in the sky. Ideal circumstances for a spar such as this.

Hell, Horatio even seemed to have trouble remembering how this all started. There were some new members to the guild, and he may or may not have insulted one of them, or their stupid flying cat. How pretentious of them to think such a creature could be above the likes of dug the actual duck, the replacement of dug the rubber duck. How he gained a real duck? Now that's a story for another time. In any case, they certainly weren't fond of such remarks, and after some quick boasting of Horatio truly the fight was on. Horatio was in his usual fancy dandy attire, he even intended to keep wearing his black limited edition collectible Horatio the grand mage top hat. Grabbing his cane and swinging it around he inspected his surroundings thoughtful. Of course the mage of trickery had some cards up his sleeve, but he couldn't help but secretly wonder how cards were going to help him in this situation. Oh well, who knew.

Horatio was sitting on a bench on the opposite side of his opponent. The wooden boards actually obstructed the view of each other, and until the referee gave the signal they actually weren't allowed to enter. After all, this was guild affairs, so someone from the silver moon inn was appointed a referee, someone who knew first aid and was sure to keep them from actually harming each other in ways that would have a lasting effect. Looking down at his feet Horatio had a slight moment of self realization. He was trying to focus on his surroundings, and on himself. Within he could feel his voice of reason, Strange, saying this was a bad idea but there was no turning back now. It was going to happen. As he slowly faded away that very voice he began to slowly come to witness of every detail in his surroundings. Though Horatio himself was sure it was his magical power, Strange knew it were the skills he had honed over many lonely nights, over every moment there was nobody looking at him. They were what made him capable of wearing the black Rose tattoo, the skills that made him a master con artist above all. What he lacked in magical potential, he made up for in wits, speed and sleight of hand. That was his way, and that was how he would proceed.

As he heard the leafs of the trees rustle as the wind passed by, as he heard the buzzing of the bees and the songs sang by the many birds, it became clear. He was ready and prepared to show once and for all why he had claimed the title 'ace of the universe', and why people were to take it seriously. As the referee looked to his side and to his opponents, she signaled with a brief raising of her right hand they were allowed to enter. Both boards were temporarily lowered, and Horatio entered the makeshift arena with what seemed to be a rather casual walk as he stared towards his would be opponent, hoping that his opponent wouldn't chicken out or be too struck with fear to fight.

Zeno stared at the wooden door in anticipation as he waited for the referee's signal to commence the fight which Zeno would never lose, especially since what he said about Tito. Zeno had been overtaken by anger, the never-ending ego of that man could push anyone to the brink, he also insulted Tito and made him sad, he would definitely destroy him, he wasn't gonna give him a chance, the man insulted his best friend and was even cocky enough to call himself the 'ace of the universe' which mad Zeno even more enraged with anger. Ace of the Universe? Not even. I bet Tito could wipe the floor with this guy, but I'll do it instead. Zeno was a little calmed down as he gazed at the beautiful shining sun that shone so bright, giving off sun rays, there was a sun ray that was on Zeno as he anxiously waited for the door to open. Suddenly there was a loud whistle and Zeno instantly broke down the door, shattering it into small pieces that would definitely get caught in your skin if touched and would cause a pretty annoying splinter. Zeno walked in slowly as his hair covered his eyes that were filled with blood lust, the man was lucky that Zeno didn't reveal his eyes, because probably anyone would be at least scared a little bit and become too scared to fight him, he had been training a lot, he would definitely beat this guy, after all, this would be one of his first times at Black Rose since he left Fairy Tail, He was going to join today but was interrupted by this egotistical idiot who though he was the best and that he could get away with teasing Zeno's precious light blue-eyed exceed who he loved very much.

Without hesitation, Zeno charged towards the man with ill intent, before he charged towards the egotistical man, he engulfed his fists with Crimson Flames that would be able to break most of the man's defenses. He yelled the spell's name as charged at the obnoxiously annoying man.

Crimson Flame : Iron Fist!

But before Zeno attacked, he decided to switch up his attack plan as a strategy came to his head, instead of jumping in mindlessly, he actually had a plan. He threw a few heavy punches which he knew could be easily dodged if the man was a speedy mage, he than proceeded to punch the solid ground, roaring his spell that would echo throughout the building.

Crimson : Explosion!

Crimson flame's burst out around him which would definitely deal a lot of damage if it hit the man, but Zeno wasn't done yet, he still wanted to beat the living crap out of the egotistical bastard, he proceeded to use the Crimson Explosion as a distraction so that he could get behind the man that seemingly wanted to get beaten down, as he was behind him, he attempted to grab his back with one hand, and then cry his spell that would definitely finish the egotistical man if it hit.


Crimson Flame : Palm Explosion!


If the hand that would grab the man succeeded at grabbing his back, his palm would suddenly have a burst of Crimson Flames out of it which would send the man flying through the window.

                                                                                                 <> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------<>

HP : 200/200

MP : 75%

Damage :

The punches I sent were about 4 so, Heavy Melee Damage is 15 + Rage 25% which is 10  + Fist 20% is 8 + Chaotica is 10 = 43 damage each punch.

There was no melee damage with this spell since he didn't punch you but instead the ground with this spell, Crimson Explosion is 60 damage so 60 + 10 + 10 + 8 = 88 damage.

Crimson Flame : Palm Explosion also deals 88 damage.

If everything hits, the damage = 348 damage.

Spells Used :

Abilities Used:

Lineage Used:

Horatio wanted to scope out his opponent, start nice and easy and possibly see what kind of tactic he would take, but alas Zeno appeared to be combat ready the moment he stepped into the arena. As the birds had gone quiet and the bees had stopped buzzing Horatio couldn't help but admire the sight before him, a man with a passion seemingly charging towards him. Oh how he wished to be capable of seeing those eyes probably burning with what Horatio assumed to be admiration. His wicked grin showing Horatio couldn't help but realize he really couldn't loose this one, after all Zeno was one of his loyal fans. Disappointing one would be a smudge on his flawless career until now.

Zeno was fast, and the crackling of dirt underneath his feet betrayed exactly how fast. Horatio took a almost jesting combat pose, lowering his arms below his waist but putting his left leg forward. He could feel the tension in his legs build as his assailant grew closer, and when Zeno finally went out and threw four punches Horatio was already four steps away from his previous position. The style at which he did so was taunting to say the least, making small hops backwards as Zeno approached him closer.

Clearly the man was trying to impress him, for he wasn't even hitting Horatio with his spells but rather the ground, how barbaric! Horatio thought as he witnessed the crimson red flames engulfing the ground and expanding towards him and anything else in an area around him. The flames had a certain beauty to them, but Horatio knew their dangers and the dance of death they often resembled. Quickly unbuckling his cape he threw it with as much force as he could, using both wind and premium quality Horatio merchandise to protect him from the uncontrolled flames. Surely they were too dispersed to actually need more of a defensive action. That must have been the weakness thought Strange, however, Horatio only did it because it looked extremely flashy as his cape began to slowly burn in cinder.

Though the in the eyes of Horatio's desperate display of power from Zeno was not quite finished yet. The bold young man tried to outflank him, at which point Horatio began to wonder who he thought was in front of him. Horatio had face many assailants quite like this. He had been thrown through windows by said assailants. And he had learned from those experiences. He had grown more witty and more keen of his surroundings, and with his added agility of a life of sleight of hand it took him no effort to make out his moves. Moving forward rather than backward he grabbed his cape that was still dancing in the flames by the one corner that still had to turn into crimson flames and swung it towards his back. This wouldn't only obstruct the man for the second time, but the burning piece of fabric could hurt as well. This move turned out to be an extremely beautiful display as the cinder of the cape in it's final wake created a scene that seemed like it was choreography.

Hoping to have bested the young man Horatio set a few steps back, daftly stepping between the pieces of ground still glowing red of passion and flames. Twirling his cane and tipping his hat backwards Horatio couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle as he looked at Zeno. ''You didn't REALLY think those moves were worthy of anything else but the showmanship you've just witnessed, did you? I don't think you get it, I am HORATIO, the oracle that can predict the very near future!The unfathomable dancer of flames! You cannot best me with a half heart boy, so I suggest you start to get serious, perhaps even more elaborate with your attacks, because this way even I wouldn't be able to sell this fight to the crowds. But none the less, I applaud you on a good repetition chap''. Horatio's little charade was followed up with three small almost sarcastic sounding claps as he kept pacing backwards in a most demeaning way. In all reality of course his legs were already burning, his back was already screeching and his shoulders were feeling a bit stretched. It really has been too long since he performed a play so physical at this, but none the less he was ready for the second act, twirling his cane and showing his wicked smile.

Zeno was shocked as he saw the man dodge all his attacks, though the man didn't do it without a cost, he would've been extremely exhausted after being able to dodge all the attacks, He's weak but he's strong.. Zeno was confused as the man continued to surprise him, "I'll admit, you're strong, but I'm ending this now!" Zeno praised the man for his feats but would no longer take this fight as 'fun', he was going to take it serious from now, not giving an inch to the man. Zeno was able to figure out that he was probably exhausted due to the fact he hadn't made a counter attack after dodging his attacks, he had probably needed a break after being able to dodge all of Zeno's attacks, but the attacks wouldn't stop now, actually they wouldn't stop until he was onto the ground and couldn't move. Thanks to his spells he was going much faster than usual and would be hard to pinpoint him as he kept moving around, he halted as he began to roar a spell name that wasn't going to be aimed at hurting the man but instead, helping Zeno in attacking.

Crimson Flame : Charge!

He used this spell to enhance his speed so that it would be much harder for the egotistical man to dodge his attacks and be able to react to them like he did before, there was no way Zeno would let Horatio come out of his attacks unscathed this time, he carefully planned his next move in his head, making sure it couldn't be countered if he really put his head to it. "You're going to have trouble now. My speed is far above yours. Let's see if you can pull off that impressive act once again." Zeno taunted Horatio, wanting to hurt him really bad, though he stayed calm so he could easily win this battle, the real question was, can Horatio dodge his attacks again? and how will he? Zeno knew none of these things, but it wouldn't discourage him in even the slightest. He commenced his new strategy and would most likely become a success due to his upgrade in speed, he held his palm out in front of him, facing Horatio as suddenly a red magic circle appeared in front of it.

Crimson Flame : Arrows!

Suddenly six arrows made out of crimson flames rapidly fired from the magic circle towards Horatio, they would be very difficult to dodge considering the amount of arrows there were. As Horatio was occupied with the arrows, Zeno used this opportunity to proceed with his plan, he ran very quickly and swiftly due to how fast he was now, he charged towards the preoccupied man and this time he attempted to punch him in the gut, and once again unleashed the spell he used once before.

Crimson : Explosion! 

This time Zeno had been much faster and had a higher chance of allowing the spell to inflict damage on the target. On the point of impact, the fist would make crimson flames burst onto Horatio which this time would definitely send him out of the glass window if it hit. A smirk arose on Zeno's face as he waiting anxiously to reveal whether the man had been defeated or not, even if his punch did not connect, he would continue to relentlessly attack the man until he could not move, after all, Horatio made the decision of insulting his best friend, and Zeno doesn't take it too well when his friends are insulted or made sad.



HP : 200/200

MP : 65%

Damage : 

Arrows are each half D rank damage but with buffs.. 10 + Rage 10 + Fist 10 = 30 damage each arrow.

Crimson Explosion is 60 + Rage 10 + Fist 8 + Melee damage 10 + Chaotica 10 (cause the punch touched you) = 98 damage

The damage is different for Crimson Explosion because this time it punched you.

If all hits damage = 278 damage.

Spells Used:

Abilities Used:

Lineage Used :

Feeling his muscles a bit sore and soured Horatio knew he couldn't drag this on for long. Thinking deeply within his self presumed genius mind an answer came in as fast as he could say 'horatio is the ace of the universe!'. A counter. That would teach him!. The words spoken by Zeno went completely unnoticed by him as Horatio took his stance among the ashen field he stood on. He made sure to find a piece of ground that wasn't burned to a crisp and found his bearing making sure his balance wouldn't go off when he executed his plans. Man was someone going to be pissed about the garden fields getting damaged like this, but they would surely not dare to give him, the ace of the universe and destroyer of gardens for the sake of battle the blame for what had happened. Come to think of it, he never asked for permission to lend those boards.. or the snacks.. or all the plans that had to make way for his arena in the first place.. ALAS no time for that now!

Then, a red magic circle appeared. Horatio focused on it. There was crackling as the magic circle began to grow with an everlasting intensity that only appeared to fade after it let loose the calamity it had planned on unleashing upon the valiant mage of stage. Small balls seemed to form within the circle, small but intense of crimson flames before transforming their shape into something more aerodynamic. It would have been beautiful. The flames that had formed into something resembling arrows dancing along the winds, ever so graceful yet terrifying in nature. Horatio found himself losing a valuable second to his admiration as he quickly realized the predicament he was in. Such a long range but none the less powerful spell meant there were little tricks or 'magic' as he would call it he could use to simply defuse the situation. Being quick on his feet Horatio, with the sore and sour feeling in his legs tried to desperately hop backwards, left and right as the arrows came, to dodge them. But, as valiant and slightly effective a method it was he found himself simply not agile, quick or rested enough to completely dodge them. The arrows that aimed for him hit the ground close to him as he made his manoeuvre, and for every arrow a splash of flames came over him. It first stung as they merely singed his clothes and burned his sides away, but as the sides of his clothes, his sleeves and the lower parts of his pants burned away he could no longer protect what was underneath them. It was intense, and the admiration he had for the flames earlier had turned into a strong and passionate despair. They weren't beautiful any longer, they were frightening, for he had still many to go and his will to endure quickly began to falter.

Surviving the attack, but just barely, Horatio was given a small moment to pant, to look at his arms and realize once more the damage that had been done. He looked at his flesh, still slightly smolder and turned a blazing red as even the air made sure he realized it was fire in which he had bathed. Seeing his body like that only intensified the pain, but alas, he was given no quarter nor time recuperate. There was no time to say 'ouch' or 'is that all you got', for the only thing he was capable of doing before being hit with a follow up assault was breathing out whatever air was left in his lungs in a hollow almost soundless scream of pain and agony.

And there it was, as his eyes were gazing up at this beautiful calm and serene blue sky, a punch to the gut. There was no more air to let out an 'oof' , only the last moisture mixed with some blood as he bent over the fist. He didn't have the strength nor will left to try and resist the punch. And the punch was hit with what he felt was a sense of hatred. In the mere second between the punch and the next attack Horatio was fortunate enough to have his mind wander off for as long as the next pain would come. What had he done to inspire such hatred. All his life together with Strange were spent in good fortune and to bring said good fortune to others. It was to inspire people to, just like him, become a hero of good. To help your fellow man. He wished to have become a hero of the people, not some crazy wizard people would have doubted to be either impressed or scared about. But at that moment, for the first time in his life, Horatio doubted it. In this one display of power he realized how foolish he must have been, and how weak he was in the face of someone who wielded such power with ill intent. And when that final spark of madness sunk in, once he realized it was all useless from the start, that he had harbored a goal so unreachable that most should have called him mad from the start. This madness, this level of agony he had been pulled down towards, from that very place he couldn't help but smile. But this time it was different. As he stood bent over the fist this wasn't his usual wicked smile. A smile that looked like he was oblivious towards the pains of the world. This was a smile filled with sadness, for it had tears rolling over his cheeks. He didn't want to admit it. He'd be damned if he'd admit it, but his body spoke a different song, with his mouth feeling like the only piece that in his current state would do what he wanted it to do.

Horatio could only close his eyes as he saw the end approaching, and the end was as beautiful as he once thought it would be, though it definitely vastly differed from what he had once imagined. It wasn't on a stage, as he would have put on his final act. It wasn't surrounded by fans, surrounded by those he had inspired. It wasn't to leave behind a legacy none would ever forget, to become immortal not in body, but in spirit. No. It was an end illuminated by that now horrendous crimson light that was slowly glowing up at the fist that had been changed into a palm, being held against his chest. The glow illuminated his face, and made in a rather grim manner sure anyone could see his last expression. The smile, the tears, they all looked dreadful as the shadows were cast upon them by the light that came from below.

As if thunder had struck was the sound that was let loose as the blast had made contact with Horatio's frail body. Smoldering, blackened around the point of impact and hollow at the point black spot where it had hit. Such could be said about what remained of his body. The blast wasn't kind on the placement of his body either. It was abruptly smashed through the makeshift wooden barricade that made the outer edges of the arena. The blast was strong enough to make Horatio's body smash into one of the nearby tree's, which quickly bent over as the impact it took was almost enough to dislodge the tree. Sitting there, against the tree that was now leaning against the nearby wall was Horatio's body, or what was left of it. The moment of impact had left him more than unconscious. He was done for, no more words of trickery and grandeur were or would be spoken, his eyes still closed, almost looking peaceful. Some would call it a dreadful sight, for they knew that Horatio was a man that should never be seen peaceful, never without a plan or a passion within his eyes. Those that knew him as Strange would know better as to see him not on guard. In both cases someone who would know him directly knew that sadly he was no more.

In his final flash Horatio couldn't help but wonder what would happen to his plans, his teammates and his comrades. What they would do without him. He was their goal, someone to look up to. Would they derail without his presence? Would they forget what true greatness felt like? But deep down, Strange had his own premonition. He simply wondered where he had made a mistake, and kept damning his fate, for even now he couldn't become what he had planned to be, what he deep down truly wished to be. And so it ended, the grand life of the Mage of Stage Strange Horatio, left mangled and maimed leaning against a tree, seeming ever so peaceful yet dreadfully damaged.

Zeno smirked as he finally hit the man, but it was soon changed into a sad and scared look, as Horatio had tears and a smile on his face, N-No, This was supposed to be a fun battle, what did I do?! I know he pissed me off but nobody deserves this.. Zeno eyes began to swell up with tears as he saw the lifeless body leaning on the tree, he looked back at his exceed Tito who was hugging his leg, "Zeno, you didn't m-mean it....I'll protect you.." Tito cried as he didn't want his best friend in trouble, suddenly Zeno gently patted his head, as he pushed him away, giving him a tight hug before he did so. I-I was supposed to become the light in the dark, but I killed someone, and all he did was tease my friend. Zeno's tears stopped as he walked towards Horatio so he could fully say sorry and he would turn himself into the magic council. But before he could, he was attacked by a immensely fast woman, though he could, he didn't bother to dodge. "I-It wasn't on purpose.. I was only gonna teach him a lesson about teasing my friends, but I ended up needing a lesson. I am dearly sorry, kill me if you please." Zeno said with no hesitation, hoping that the woman would kill him, though all he was trying to do was have a little fun with the man, not kill him. He was, after all, a hyperactive fur ball who loved to eat and fight all the time and could brighten anyone's day with just his mere appearance, but it had just changed, he was now gloomy and isn't his normal self. If only this woman could see the true Zeno, the loud and hyperactive kid that would eat all the food and then fight everyone to see if he could become the strongest, he would even go as far as battling mages far above his level so he could get stronger than them, though he never defeated them, he never backs out of a fight and he never will. But this woman, she had such beautiful eyes, and Zeno couldn't bare to tell her that this was all an accident, she didn't want her to become more sad than she already was, maybe killing him would make her happier. "L-Leave him alone!" The adorable blue-eyed exceed shouted towards the pink haired beauty, "Zeno is a good person, probably the best person I've ever met in my life and that's what convinced me to become partners with him. I won't let you kill him, if you do, all the times we had, would be for nothing!" Tito cried, prepared for battle even though he would lose, he knew how kindhearted Zeno was and would never let him die, he began to have a flashback from when they were in magnolia.

They were walking through magnolia town, looking for restaurants where they could eat that was really cheap, "Zeno! I smelt one! This way!" Tito shouted in excitement as he lead Zeno to the restaurant, in front of the restaurant was beautifully laid out plants and a bunch of decorations on the front door. They danced in excitement, but were put down as they were told that they didn't have enough money, as a gloomy aura overtook them both as they walked further into the town, a strange girl began to cuddle Tito very tightly not allowing him to breathe, "Ahhhh! She's killing him!" Zeno began to run in circles, not knowing what to do, "Stop p-panicking and help me..." Tito muttered out words before he fainted, "She killed him!?" Zeno shouted before he also fainted.


Tito smiled as he remembered what happened in magnolia, making Zeno realize that though he took someone's life, he can't die until Horatio allows him to die in peace, and the only way to do that, is for Horatio to tell Zeno it was okay, but there was probably no way a dead person could talk to an alive person, "I-I'm sorry but I have something to say before you take my life." Thanks to Tito's words, Zeno was able to fight back, He looked straight towards at Horatio, "You fought bravely, Ace of the Universe." Zeno said as he awaited his fate.

Jiyu worked as hard as she always had which explained why the Ace was not around to prevent something bad from happening in the first place. Most of the time? Kazehime was not even in Rose Garden but instead in some other town on this or that mission, often taking three or four and going to do them all in one sweep over the course of a few days or a week. The wind user was now coming back from her most recent job raid, having entered the town maybe five minutes prior to the commotion she had not been quite close enough to hear it going down in spite of her hyper senses, instead she managed to eavesdrop on a later point of events. What drew her in besides for the situation being directly in her way of getting back to the room she shared with her boyfriend? Was the use of magic, being a high-class mage it was not hard to sense her guild master using a spell and that made her curious she rarely ever knew Izayuki to use magic in the middle of town unless it was important.

"Won't kill who?" the young woman's smooth and soft voice emerged from her pale throat. Jiyu noticed shortly after speaking that it was possible other's expect for Iza might not realize it was her since she had taken on a new shifted form during her last mission. At the moment the inugami had extremely pale purple eyes with no pupil and dark black hair slightly shorter than what she normally had. Yet the canine retained her long, fluffy ebony tail, and her provocative way of dressing her top bascially being no better than some dark mesh fishnet bra top and booty shorts that hugged her hips, no shoes in sight. Looking at her own wrist, the mage considered telling the mages gathered it was her, new jacket ruffling slightly when the wind nudged her. "So just what did I miss?" she decided since it was just a puppy, iza and Horatio in kinda bad shape, she didn't have to tell anyone it was her, should be self explanatory