Orchid began to giggle as she thought over the prize money. "Lethal Force IX......I haven't played that in a long time." Rugburn looked surprised at the bookworm. "Wait, you play Video Games?" he said surprised. "Yes, I do." Orchid said proudly. "I used to be a pro gamer. I actually won national trophies right until dad took me out the league...." "Oh....right." Circuit said in shame, being reminded of the terrible childhood the girl besides him had.
"Still, I think this might be the best way we can help out," Circuit continued, "I mean, the high school's need is greater than ours, really."
Orchid nodded. "To be honest, money doesn't bring me happiness like it would for anyone else. Maybe it was because dad was rich and all, but yet again, I think that this would be for a greater good. I'd rather put the needs of the students first, as it's their future instead of mine" "Wow...that's very wise of you Orchid." Rugburn said happily.
Soon, Sunday would eventually arrive and word quickly spread enough for the tournament. The Canterlot Canterdome was quickly being filled up by eager spectators or competitors. Among the competitors was Orchid, who noticed a face or two back from Crystal Prep. She shivered as she walked along with Circuit, suddenly getting the heebie jeebies as the air around her suddenly turned cold. "Did anyone else feel that? It got cold all of a sudden..." Orchid said, shivering as she tightened her shirt. "On a 84 degree day?" Rugburn looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe it's just nerves. I don't think Circuit's friend is very good at temperature, the one from Australia." Orchid smirked as she nodded, a touch of nerves getting to her. "Y-yeah.....I hope so"
Microphone feedback could be heard throughout the Canterdome, which was packed with players from all over the world, especially from the game's native Japan. The announcer spoke shortly after. "Ladies and gemtlemen... in association with publisher Kitsune Soft, I am honored to welcome you all to this year's Lethal Force IX tournament. I would like to take this time to remind you all of the rules: No banned characters or attacks, no projectile spamming, no cheat codes, and of course, most importantly, display proper sportsmanship and have fun. So without further ado... let the games BEGIN!!" Rugburn patted the two on the back. "Go get 'em, champs." ---- A pair of Japanese individuals dressed in business suits observed the scene from above, so as not to avoid detection. Both of them had a missing finger. "それら。彼らは顧客の逮捕の責任者です。(Them. They are the one's responsible for our client's arrest.)" said one of them as he pointed to Circuit and Orchid. "彼が資金を調達した「Ｐｉｎｋ Ｃｌｏｕｄ」組織は、彼の会社に惜しみなく投資していないと、警察に単なる迷惑だったでしょう。(The "Pink Cloud" organization he funded would have been a mere nuisance to the police if it weren't for our... generous investments in his company.)" The other raised her sunglasses. "見て！女の子！確かに、それは私たちのクライアントの娘になることはできませんか？(Look! The girl! Surely it isn't our client's daughter?)" she said. The man nodded. "そうです。 彼女は脆弱です。機会がまだ存在している間、彼女は方程式から抜け出さなければなりません。(She is. And she is vulnerable. We must remove her from the equation while the opportunity is still present.)" The two walked away from the press box windows and out of the room.
The competition continued to advance onto the semi-final rounds. Surprisingly, the Japanese players were not doing too well after repeatedly losing two conclusive rounds against the Americans. Orchid and Circuit had both advanced onto the Semi-Final rounds as well, although in a shocking upset, the bookworm girl managed to actually obliterate the former Japanese world champion in three straight rounds to her. The announcers and the crowd couldn't believe their eyes, finding that this nobody of a girl had just eliminated a former world champion. Was it bad luck? A fluke? Or was she that damn good. Orchid turned around to Circuit with a huge grin on her face as the crowd went nuts behind her. "Circuit! I think we can do this!"
Just as the game was about to reach the most exciting part, several Japanese men appeared on the stage to the gasp of everyone, while a small gang of other people stood on the stage.Many people in the crowd thought that this was apart of the competition. A middle-aged man dressed in a black suit approached and took the microphone from the announcer, looking at Circuit and pointing at him before speaking in the best English. The game, strangely, was reset and all the progress was cancelled. "Why don't we make this interesting?" The old said in the microphone in his best English. "Restart match. But raise the stakes...." Suddenly, Orchid was taken from her chair and dragged along the stage to the Japanese men, shocking the audience. This wasn't scripted anymore... "Here's new stakes. Prize money will still be optional, but...." The old Yakuza man. "You fight for the freedom of girl. If you win, you keep her and freedom. But if you lose.....we're taking her to Japan."
Circuit gulped as he realized the gravity of the situation. While he was by no means a terrible gamer, he was still nowhere near champion material. He looked at his hands in shock... Orchid's fate rested on his shoulders... he had to win... he could never forgive himself if he lost. "Well, young man... what do you say?" asked the man. Circuit looked up slowly with a determined expression on his face. "I'm in," he said. "If I win, I get the money and the girl. If I lose... she's yours." Orchid smiled from above. She was afraid for her life, but she wasn't giving up hope. The Yakuza member smiled grimly. "Excellent decision," he said. "Now, before we begin... there will be a slight change to the rules. You will not be playing the arcade cabinet. For this match... YOU are the combatant. And you will be facing my associate, Ms. Erika Ishikawa... in a fight to the death." The audience gasped as Circuit's jaw nearly dropped. Nevertheless, despite the risk having just multiplied tenfold, he wasn't going to give up.
Circuit gulped as he shook in place. Physical combat was definitely not his thing, and it was a physical fight to the death, out of all things. His 'opponent' was a rather cute young woman, but also looked like she'd knock him out into next week. Orchid watched, clearly trying to think of the positives of both outcomes. If she had to watch Circuit die, she'd never forgive herself. But she didn't believe that Circuit would go down without a fight. The Japanese woman walked towards Circuit and got into a stance, cracking her fists as she got into a stance. Circuit backed away slightly, only to regain his composure before he had to trust himself to do this.
"Ready to die, boy?" said Erika threateningly. She had a sultry edge to her contralto voice. Circuit assumed his best fighting stance. "What the hell have I gotten myself into..." he said to himself.
Spoiler: Music for Scene Erika immediately ran towards the boy, immediately closing the gap between the two of them as the trained woman raised her firsts and began to swing towards the offensive. But to her shock, Circuit raised his hands and was not only able to stop it, but completely halt her in her tracks. The Japanese girl then spun around and tried to perform a roundhouse kick, but that too was blocked. "N-Nani!?" The girl said in shock, clearly agitated of what she was seeing before backing off. She turned around towards her boss, who hadn't anticipated some random boy to match a trained killer like herself. Circuit was just as surprised as she was, having blocked the attack of the member. Orchid couldn't believe it either, watching from being restrained as Erika grumbled in annoyance. She quickly began to run towards him once again, going to finish him quickly. The audience gasped at what happened next, as Circuit spun himself out the way and quickly, although accidentally, punched her in the stomach as he tried to originally out the way. Erika yelled in pain before dropping to the ground, the back of her head bouncing off from the ground.
Erika stood up slowly, glaring angrily at Circuit. Her face was bruised from the impact with the floor. If looks could kill, she would have won the match. "Why, you little..." She charged at him, but was tossed aside into a nearby arcade cabinet. Erika got up, quicker this time, grabbed Circuit by the back of the neck, and smashed his face into the screen of the cabinet. Circuit screamed in pain as he recieved multiple lacerations to the face, but nevertheless, he backhanded Erika with his fist before pushing himself out of the cabinet.
Erika fell down onto the ground again but quickly rolled back into action, trying to raise her guard. But before she could even react, Circuit violently took her by the neck and slammed her head into the floor as hard as she could. At the same time, he positioned his knees to slam into her ribs as he made contact with her, as a horrifying 'crunch' sound was heard upon the brutal impact. Erika didn't realize this but she was finished. Circuit managed to break two of her ribs, and if she tried to keep going, she could possibly end up with a collapsed lung. She already felt weak and Circuit was about to finish her off, much to the horrified crowd. Erika winced and closed her eyes as she expected the final blow....
"S... stop..." she said weakly, glancing up at Circuit. Circuit lowered his fist. "W-what?" "Please... we'll let the girl go... just spare my life..." Circuit raised an eyebrow. "Can I trust you on that?" he asked. The old man grew impatient. "This is your chance, child! Finish her!" he demanded. Circuit stared at the young woman before him. Her eyes were bloodshot, and he had never seen anyone look so scared in his life. Circuit turned to face the old man. "No," he said with a smirk. "Why not!?" the old man demanded angrily. "It would be dishonorable to kill a surrendering opponent. In some circles that's considered a war crime. In others, it's just plain cruel." Circuit held out his hand to the wounded Erika. "Besides... I think she's suffered enough." The crowd cheered as Erika took his hand, smiling weakly. The old man's rage grew. "WHAT PART OF "BATTLE TO THE DEATH" IS LOST ON YOU, BOY?! KILL HER!!" Erika turned to her boss. "先生、終了してください。(Please sir, stop the match.)" she pleaded in her native tongue, "少年は名誉で戦ったし、彼は自尊心を証明した。私の人生を忘れさせてください。(The boy fought with honor, and he has proven himself merciful. Please, let him spare my life.)" The old man sighed before pausing for a moment. Surely, the boy was not worth any further trouble, and besides, Erika was a very valuable asset. "Ladies and gentlemen... allow me to present... our winner!" The crowd burst into an uproar of cheers as Circuit and Erika bowed to one another. "It was an honor, Breaker-san," said Erika. "Same here, Ms. Ishikawa," Circuit replied, shaking her hand. "Congratulations, young one," said the old man. "As promised, the girl and the cash are yours, for I am a man of my word." Orchid was released at that moment, running down the stairs and towards Circuit, before giving him a massive hug. Circuit blushed and smiled sheepishly as he returned the hug. "Thank you..." said Orchid as she cried into his arms. Circuit patted her on the back. "Shhhh... it's all over now. We did it..." ---- "Crikey mate... that was insane," said Crimson as they talked in Sugarcube Corner that night, "How'd you even survive?" Circuit shrugged as he ate his sandwich; his face still in the process of healing, but completely free of glass. "Speaking as your friend, you were awesome back there!" said Rainbow Dash excitedly. "But speaking as your girlfriend," she added, her face becoming more somber, "I'm just glad you're alive." Circuit blushed. "Thanks, Dash..." "We were all worried about you and Orchie, kiddo," said Rugburn, "I nearly crapped myself when they said you had to fight." Circuit smiled. "I think I handled myself alright. At least the school's getting the money it needs." "Ya did a damn good thing today, sugarcube," said Applejack with a smile, "Lettin' the woman live and all that." "Shame about your scars, dear," noted a very concerned Rarity. "Hey, I don't mind," said Rainbow Dash with a smirk. "That was the most suspenseful thing I've seen in a long time!" said Pinkie Pie, "I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through, and I ran out of popcorn too!" Fluttershy smiled timidly. "I didn't know you had that in you, Circuit." "Thank me for that," explained Rainbow Dash. "I taught him a few of my moves." "Do video game tournaments always turn into hostage crises like that?" asked Sunset worriedly. "Well... not usually, no," replied Twilight sheepishly. Crimson smiled. "Well, all the same... I'm glad that's over." "Guess you could say I... knocked 'em dead," quipped Circuit. Everyone at the table laughed at Circuit's little joke, blissfully unaware that their troubles were far from over...
Spoiler: Music for Scene One Week Later. With the generous amount of money donated by Circuit, the school couldn't thank him enough for his assistance within the rebuilding process. The teachers would make sure that he would receive his reward, which included a much lighter load of homework then usual, and easy exceptions from classes to make sure he had time to heal. However, due to the 'stunt' that was pulled during the tournament, Winter had been getting on his back lately about the Yakuza that attempted to take Orchid. She was doing her job afterall... Lunch time would come about once again, and all his friends would be gathered around the table. Crimson was quietly sitting listening to the girls talking about gossip, but he seemed distracted. Not in a particularly bad way however....his attention focused on a girl several tables away from his....looking right back. Rainbow Dash decided to tease the distracted boy. "Whatcha lookin at tiger?" Crim shook his head and snapped out of it, to which at roughly the same time, the girl he was looking at turned around back to her own friends. "Oh....nothing. It's fine" Rainbow turned around to eye what he was looking at and smirked, having that look in her eye. "Girl troubles? I thought you and Pinkie bro-" The pink haired party girl interupted them. "Well.....we decided that me and Crimmy will just remain friends." She giggled before smirking at Crim. "Unless he happened to find some he really likes~" The girls giggled as Crim's eyes went wide, seemingly sounding annoyed. "I said its fine..." Fluttershy smiled as she seen Circuit approach. "Oh hello, Circuit. How's Orchid been?" she asked. "Is she okay from last week?"
"She's been taking this 'almost got kidnapped' thing pretty well, actually," Circuit replied. But at that moment, a group of men in black business suits walked into the room. "Everyone remain calm," said one of them, "The situation is under control, do not panic." Another approached Twilight and grabbed her from behind, dragging her away. A third did the same thing with Sunset. "What the-- HEY!" Twilight exclaimed. "Miss Sparkle, Miss Shimmer... you're coming with us," said the first man. "And who the hell are y'all supposed to be, anyway?" said Applejack sternly. "We're with B.E.A.R.; the Bureau for Extradimensional Activity Research." The group gasped. It seemed the government knew about what had been happening at CHS the whole time... but why did they choose now to act? "Hey, let 'em go!" said Rainbow Dash angrily, standing up with her fists raised. "I'm afraid we can't do that," said the B.E.A.R. agent, "This is U.S. Government business."
As much as the students gasped at the strange men, they vanished as soon as they arrived. Twilight and Sunset were both taken directly by the collar and dragged out like animals, leaving them struggling as their terrified expressions were the last thing that many students of Canterlot would see. Pinkie Pie suddenly got really really scared. "Guys! I know what they're gonna do to them! They're gonna tear them open and study their bodies!" "And how do you think there are gonna do that?" Applejack told her, looking very uncomfortable. "This is the US government aftera-" "Don't you remember ET!?" Pinkie suddenly panicked, shaking Applejack violently. "The government and the scientists invaded the house and studied ET! And what about ALF!? He died in the last episode because of a cliffhanger and there was never another episode! Those meanies are gonna treat Sunset and Twilight like Aliens and the-" Rarity placed a hand on Pinkie's shoulder. "Calm down Pinkie, they will be okay. If we stick together, we can fix all of this." Pinkie looked at her friend, tears in her eyes. "I really hope so...."
"Actually, I hate to be that guy, but Pinkie has a point," said Circuit, "Sunset is practically an alien, so they'll probably try to find out about her anatomy and stuff." "But that doesn't explain why they took Twilight," noted Crim. "She's just a normal girl from our universe. What could she have to do with Equestria? Unless they were looking for the Equestrian Twilight..." The girls smiled awkwardly, sweating somewhat. Fluttershy raised her hand. "Um... actually..."
