[Coolshaymin]

"Richter, meet me in the Stadium. I wish to fight you in a bit of practice and... to prove that I can still deal with Dracula. I know, the words of Death hold no water, however... My magic is not doing well since that man brought me here. I need a safe environment and... trusted brother to help me rehone my abilities before I head out. I have some things I want to deal with swiftly but this test of strength is important so don't hold back on me because I'm a kid. We both know better than that." This was the contents of a note Maria left Richter before heading out early in the morning with her Guardians.

Maria and her guardians laid out in the Stadium, her owl pet rested on her shoulder, Byakko doing so on the other. Senryu sat down in wait, petting Genbu the black tortoise as Suzaku the Vermillion Cardinal hovered around her. Her full arsenal was here plus two of her spells. She had a bit more reason than she admitted for wanting to fight Richter right now but she'll let that out when the time comes. For now, she just had to wait for him to come.

Maria Renard HP: 130 Shield HP: 40 Appeal: 0

[Therider]

Richter could barely contain the grin as he read the challenge from his beloved sister. A fight together? A test of her abilities? Even her humble admission of needing someone she trusted to hone her skills brought a smile to the face of the Vampire Hunter. Maria Renard, although not related by blood, was more family than any other in this world save his ancestors, and even they seemed more distant a relation. His bond with the young girl protected by Divine Spirits was impressive, and Richter Belmont was one to honor the request of a close family member.

And so they were well met, the Belmont, Vampire Killer dangling from his side, and the young girl, surrounded by her Guardian Spirits. "A crowd as well, Maria? You must be confident in your power returning to you mid-battle." A cocky grin arrived on Richter's face, as he wiped his hands together. "...I will say, your letter felt hollow. I imagine there must be more paper cannot describe that perplexes you, little Maria. Come, then, and let us test the strength of the Belmont Clan!"

And with one swift movement, Richter extended the Vampire Killer, and the whip's head cracked across the floor. Richter kept his eye on Maria, and made a small motion with his free hand. "Though we live in dire times, we are not animals. Ladies first... if there even are any in this fight." Another smirk. Richter may be cracking a joke here and there, but if Maria knew the Belmont at all, she would know and tell he was serious about this.

Richter Belmont HP:150/150 Shield:50/50 Status: Ready to Throw Down Appeal:0

[Coolshaymin]

The young vampire hunter looked to Richter with a smile as her spirits got up from their resting positions. "Of course, have to prove that I can fight as well as my brother, hm?" she stated with a confident smile before opening her eyes. "... Vigilant as always, Richter. Still, let's leave the details for now. Let's demonstrate what two Belmonts can do," she said as she stood ready. "Of course, Mr. Richter. Thank you for your kind offer. I'll reward you with a song," the girl mocked a bit before... actually going to sing as she began a song that would seem to most like a normal melody though Richter would probably better recogonize it as the Vocals for the Hymn Spell, inflicting an attack on his mind from the holy notes.

7Z0f83mbp_1d20+3(Hymn, 18%, targets INT)

The girl finished her song before jumping back and pointing forward, declaring "Senryu!" as the Azure Dragon flew forward and attempted to throw his punch at Richter... Though it seemed to be way off the mark. It was almost like the dragon was not even aiming for Richter completely, more going to draw his attention away from something. What was that though? Maria was still standing from where she landed, firm and waiting for a strike from the fellow Belmont Clan Member. That was unless one noticed there was someone missing since the dragon charged forward. Byakko the cat. Where did that White Tiger go? If Richter did not notice the trick in time, the blue striped cat would be seen retrieving the Ax that he was told to sneak up and retrieve if there was an opening.

p_1d20+3(Senryu on Richter, 22%)

p_1d20+3(Byakko on Richter, if he beats INT from Richter, he will steal Richter's Ax and give it to Maria)

"Alright, Richter, now that the opening act is finished, let's see how an older Vampire Hunter does it~!" Maria joked too, though she was also serious. The audience seemed to admire her tough yet young approach. She would grip the Ax in her hand as Byakko would hand it to her if he managed to grab hold of it.

p_1d20+2

Maria Renard HP:130 Shield HP: 130 Appeal: 0

1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+2

[Therider]

F|lopwnnp_1d20+0 (Richter's INT Check against Maria's Hymn... Dealing the full 18%)

Richter only caught wind of hat his relative was doing after the notes began to be heard. The Hymn Spell! Richter needed to prepare his mind- Ah, but he was too late. The blast was strong, and Richter stepped back, reeling a bit from the powerful blast. The young girl had a strong start... It's almost as if she remembered how much Richter likes the Hymn spell. no time for compliments, however, as the small Dragon Spirit rushed forward for an attack! 

p_1d20+4 (Richter dodging Senryu)
p_1d20 (INT Check for Byakko... Richter loses the Axe.)

Richter sidestepped Senryu, noticing the Dragon had almost no intentions of hitting him. That's when he felt the weight on his waist grow ever lighter. Checking to see Byakko scamper away with his Axe, Richter almost protested. But this was a fight, and despite the underhanded means used to get to this point, one had to say that Maria wasn't holding back.This was not like their first meeting; Richter had to rise to the occasion as well.

Noticing the crowd cheer her on, Richter did not hesitate. "Crafty, as always, Maria. Nw, let's see..." Without warning, Richter flicked his wrist, and a four-ended cross flew out from Richter's side and flung itself at Maria. As the cross flew, so did Richter, moving across the battlefield to close the distance on Maria.

p_1d20+4 (Richter's Cross Attack! Deals 12% damage, since Maria is not undead)

Skidding to a stop, Richter twirled his wrist, the head of the Vampire Killer flaring to life. In a split second, Richter cracked the metal whip hard, and the Vampire Killer swiped at Maria, head aiming to smash into her side. Not content with the first, Richter swung the whip again, and brought the end of the whip back into striking range.

p_1d20+4(Richter's Vampire Killer! Deals 15%)
p_1d20+4(...Also Richter's Vampire Killer!...Also Deals 15%)


Richter, still skidding a bit, used this time to flip back and land, a flashy show of acrobatic prowess. Landing, he faced Maria and grinned. It was good to move like this and test his skill against a close friend. It was almost... Fun?

 p_1d20-1(Appeal roll! The audience appreciates Richter's dexterous show.

Richter Belmont HP:132/150 Shield:50/50 Status: Cross (2) Axe Stolen? Appeal:0

1d20+0·1d20+4·1d20·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20-1

[Coolshaymin]

u65Z9sFPp_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

Maria went to dodge the Cross by jumping over it, however she caught her leg and stumbled forward as she fell face first. She however recovered to her feet with a handstand, showing her agility. She went to front flip over the Vampire Killer but was too slow as she gave a pained wince at the whip striking her before sending her reeling with the second as she struggled to recover. Ouch, she must be out of practice if she let Richter get that many hits in. Still, she got to her feet and though she looked hurt, her expression lightened quickly. "Not bad, Richter. You must of gotten faster over the years if I let you hit me that much. Maybe I need a bit of protection after all. Genbu!" Maria called to her Tortoise which gave a black aura before a black turtle shell materialized over Maria's body as well as a divine black aura. One could mistake the aura for darkness if they did not know it's holy nature is tied to the Black Tortoise, Genbu.

"Oh yeah, Richter, I think this is yours. Here you go!" she called before throwing the ax back at Richter... Not with as much practiced ease as a belmont but still going to hurt if Richter got hit. She did not waste trying to trick Richter up however as she performed her signature spell, Guardian Knuckle, projecting a magic being similar in appearance of her forward, attempting to rapidly punch Richter before ending with a powerful uppercut to send him back away to give the girl some distance.

(Genbu's Protection activated, the next three hits Maria takes does half damage)

p_1d20+3(Ax Return on Richter, 25%)

p_1d20+3(Guardian Knuckle on Richter, 30%)

p_1d20(Appeal Success)

HP:88 Shield HP: 40 Status: Genbu's Protection (3 hits) Cooldowns: Guardian Knuckle (2) Appeal: 18

1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20

[Therider]

dbwwPTqCp_1d20+4 (Richter's failed dodge! He takes 25% damage.)

Richter saw the axe arc, and begin its descent. And yet, despite knowing the danger, Richter didn't move. Maybe it was because he was impressed Maria could even heft the Axe, let alone throw it in a incredible arc. Recoiling back from the axe blow, Richter shook his head and refocused just in time to notice Maria's spirit double approaching to pummel him! Ah the classic Guardian Knuckle. This time, Richter was ready.

(Bubble Shield Activated! At the cost of 10%, Richter absorbs all 30% of Guardian Knuckle's damage)

Blocking the series of jabs and punches, Richter countered the uppercut with a downward elbow smash. As the magic dissipated, Richter noticed his breath was heavy. Was she pushing him farther than he had expected to be pushed? No matter, the Vampire Hunter was ready, and Richter reached for a small vial on his side. Beginning to flank Maria, the vial was tossed and smashed on the ground. As the liquid within spread across the floor, it erupted into flames, and the flames began to course towards Maria. Despite Maria's holy nature, the Holy Water seemed to recognize the arena and it's friendly sparing and adapted slightly to compensate.

p_1d20+4 (Richter's Holy Water! Deals 5%, and has a 100% chance at leaving a Burn status.)

As the flames approached, Richter quickly slid and pushed up over the wall of flames. Landing next to Maria, Richter landed with one foot and swung the leg in air at Maria. "Forgive me for hitting a child, but I'm told all is fair in combat," Richter spoke loud enough for Maria to hear. Landing after his kick, Richter followed up with a open palm strike to her lower chest, and finished his melee approach with a sweep of the legs.

p_1d20+2(Richter's Martial Arts! Comboed for 8%)
p_1d20+2(Richter's Martial Arts! Comboed for 8%)
p_1d20+2(Richter's Martial Arts! Comboed for 8%)

Finally, Richter jumped back, holding onto the Axe recently returned. "You threw well, Maria, but allow me to show you how exactly a Belmont throws!" Richter then chucked the Axe into the air, in a large swooping arc, aimed to land and smash into Maria.

p_1d20+4 (Richter's Axe! Deals 25% damage!)

Richter then placed his hands on his waist and laughed. "Hahaha, this is quite enjoyable, Maria. I'm glad you invited me out."

p_1d20-1 (Richter's appeal roll!)

Richter Belmont HP:107/150 Shield:10/50 Status: Pushing Maria to the limit Cooldown: Cross (1) Axe (2) Appeal:42

1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+2·1d20+2·1d20+2·1d20+4·1d20-1

[Coolshaymin]

The Holy Water was quick and hard for even Maria to dodge as she chose not to try and instead summoned forth a shield made out of stone as the flames burned a bit of Maria's magic but thankfully not her. The shell cracked a bit from the heat and shield spell as well. "Aiming to go easy on me to soften Genbu's protection, huh, Richter? Clever but that would involve touching me to damage it," she teased as she went to evade Richter's Martial Arts.

(Bubble Shielded Holy Water, 13% cost)

4Zi325Eop_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

Maria jumped back from the kick, ducked over the palm strike before backflipping over the sweep at her legs, however this put her directly in the axe's directory. The ax hit the back of her shell armor, putting more cracks in it and weakening the black aura, the sharp force of the ax not hitting Maria but she felt the force as she fell to the groumd. She steadied herself up and dusted off her shell covered dress, breathing a bit heavy herself. They were so evenly matched that this could go either way but when it came to physical endurance, Richter definitely had her beat. Still, that just meant she had to apply even more pressure.

"Nice throw, Richter. Now it's time I put on some pressure of my own! Suzaku, Senryu, let's show Richter our teamwork!" Maria declared as she breathed out, preparing herself as the Vermillion cardinal ignited itself in flames and divebombed towards Richter as Senryu fell in line and attempted to slam his fist into Richter as well. While they tried to keep Richter's attention and keep him from focusing, Maria tried to exploit the gap in his focus and sing Hymn once more, the holy magic song attempting to weaken him even further.

p_1d20+3(Cardinal on Richter, deals 18%)

p_1d20+3(Dragon on Richter, deals 22%)

p_1d20+3(Hymn on Richter, targets INT, 18%)

p_1d20+2(Maria's Appeal, still loving her singing and skill)

Maria Renard HP: 75 Shield HP: 27 Status: Genbu (1) Cooldowns: Guardian Knuckle (1) Appeal: 73

1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+2

[Therider]

Gr|XWI3wp_1d20+4(Richter's failed Cardinal dodge! 18% buddy... come on!)
p_1d20+4(Richter's failed Senryu Dodge! Another 22%... This adds up pal!)

p_1d20(Richter's failed Hymn roll. 18% percent... Geez man did the 10% from the audience really mess you up?)

Richter rubbed his head where the odd block had hit him. Looking around to see if it was another trick set up by Maria, Richter was ambushed by the Cardinal's attack, barely turn as the bird slammed into him to notice the dragon flying right at him! Ah but it was too late to dodge, and Senryu pummeled into Richter's side, the vampire hunter coughing up a tiny bit of blood from the assault. Wiping his face, he heard the notes to the hymn once more and desperately tried to stop the music from messing with his mind; but alas, the notes left their mark and Richter fell to one knee, weakened and bruised.

She was incredibly talent, Richter had to give Maria that. Her talent for combat and defense was unparalleled by most. But a vampire hunter cannot conceded just yet, not while there was still breath in his lungs and strength in his arms. And so Richter arose from his bended knee, whip in hand, and fire in his eyes. But the man seemed weak, and Richter seemed to stumble. Oh, look, he falls forward, face first into the ground and there goes-

Wait... Where did he go? Oh he propelled himself forward with his weak stumbling! Impressive! As the chains of the Vampire Killer dragged behind him, Richter passed Maria, two vials tossed in the air before crashing on the ground and exploding into flames. Both of the Holy Waters dropped, however, were a distraction. Turning with a mid-air jump, Richter pulled back on the chain as hard as he could and swung it forward. This fight was not over... Nay, it was merely beginning for the Belmont!

p_1d20+4 (Richter's Holy Water! Deals 5% and has a 100% chance to Burn!)
p_1d20+4 (Richter's Holy Water! Deals 5% and has a 100% chance to Burn!)
p_1d20+4(Richter's Critical Vampire Killer! Deals 23% damage!)
1d20-1 (Richter's Appeal Roll!)

Richter Belmont HP:39/150 Shield:0/50 Status: Cooldown: Axe (1) Cross (Next Round!) Appeal:0

1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20-1

[Coolshaymin]

YhAnzYBvp_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

p_1d20+3

"Richter?" Maria addressed, noticing her brother fall down. Did she win already? Well, that is what she thought until he burst to his feet and threw down two holy waters to try and trap her. She quickly rolled to the side, through the flames of one, taking the fires onto her, cracking and shattering the Genbu shell before she sprung to her feet, past the Vampire Killer whip attempt. She flashed Richter a smile, knowing he was giving this his all afterall despite this not being a proper battle against Dracula. She sung one last Hymn, the notes this time held an oddly more sinister, perhaps mischievious vibe despite their holy nature. Was the girl hinting at something.

Looking for her last gap, Maria jumped towards Richter and declared and threw forth the spirit of the Guardian Knuckle, apparently having enough time to build it up now. The girl landed as the spirit did it's rapid jab before holding back and then slamming into Richter with an extremely powerful and holy punch if he did not evade. The force was extremely strong and may send him to his knees if it connected... Or the ground more likely.

p_1d20+3(Final Hymn, 18%)

p_1d20+3(Critical Guardian Knuckle 45%)

p_1d20+2(Failure of an Appeal)

"Are you alright, Richter? My magic did not hit you that hard did it?" Maria questioned and teased a bit. Though she still seemed to joke, the force of the attacks would tell she was completely serious about this. She clutched her arm a bit, a bit of her arm and neck seemed singed from the holy water she rolled through. The burns seemed pretty severe actually, extending to her dress. For not being a creature of the night, the holy water definitely seemed to hurt her more than she seemed willing to let on despite Genbu's Protection.

Maria Renard HP: 69 Shield HP: 27 Status: Burned (8) Cooldowns: Guardian Knuckle (2) Appeal: 131

1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+2

[Therider]

nW0nHj8qp_1d20+4 (Richter's failed Knuckle Dodge... Game!)

Richter tired to block out the song, for at least a few notes, before watching the magic duplicate of Maria approach. Taking the rapid jabs, Richter looked up, a trickle of blood trailing down his face, before taking the strong blow to the chest. Suddenly, time felt like it stopped, as Richter had the literal breath knocked out of him and he fell his strength fade, before being propelled back by the unusually strong blow.  Skidding across the ground, Richter dropped to one knee. He had to... keep fighting! To give up was... to show weakness! He had to fight... for Maria...

Looking up to see his sister, Richter smiled, wiping the blood from his mouth. She would understand. In fact, she probably didn't want to push him any further."My apologizes, Maria. It appears I took this challenge less seriously then you. I yield! You claim victory this time, as you have in times before."


Richter struggles to his feet, stumbling for real before extending a hand to the victor."Well done, little sister. You have been a true blessing to my family, in both your skill and intellect. Now... shall we discuss what has been on your mind? There is something you left unwritten."

MARIA WINS!

1d20+4

[Coolshaymin]

Maria watched as Richter was felled but still tried to get the strength to continue on. She couldn't help but smile at how even after that experience of being corrupted by Shaft and several years he was the same Richter she helped slay Dracula. "You sure gave me a fair bit of trouble yourself. I may need some rest before I head out, big bro. That aside, I still have quite a bit of magic to learn. Though I think I may finally be picking up on how to summon a Guardian's Power with my own..." at Richter's mention of her other reason she seemed to ponder it for a moment before patting Richter on the shoulder.

"The other reason was you, Richter. I may be from the past but I know after what happened you seem... confused as much as the Vampire Killer. So, I wanted to get you to fight me with your all. This fight was not just for me, Richter, but for me to help you see that you can still hold a bond to that whip despite the curse taking it's hold. You're a strong person, Richter and I have little doubt Shaft has nothing left over you. You are still my the same brother I remember. Come on, let me bring you home so we can rest. I plan to go hunt out some creatures I've been researching later," Senryu went to help Richter to his legs so that they could leave together.

[Therider]

Richter stood, speechless. This... This was for him? Richter... didn't know that Maria knew of the waning power of the Vampire Killer, and that Richter's thoughts had been to find a worthy successor. Had he told her? Richter could not remember, honestly. Had he really been this confused, this whole time? He knew his purpose was to hunt the night, but had he lost sight of what else was important to him? A small glimmer from the metal whip seemed to answer his question... and at the same time restore a bit of hope in the hunter.

"This fight... was for me to help you see that you can still hold a bond to that whip despite the curse taking hold. I have little doubt... Shaft has nothing left over you."

"You are still the same brother I remember."

And with that, Richter enwrapped his sister in a massive hug. Small tears streamed down the face of the hunter onto the spirit guardian's dress as Richter remembered that inside of this tiny girl, was the sister who convinced Alucard to save him, who never gave up on Richter, who loved him to the end. It is not... appropriate for a trained Belmont to weep openly, for a sign of weakness draws enemies in to prey. But in this moment, with the one person he considered close family whom had left him before... Richter's emotions were overflowing. "As the Pslamist wrote, my cup runneth over. I thank God that in the desperate life of a vampire hunter, that he blessed my life with one as holy as you, Maria Renard-Belmont. Thank you..."

While it wasn't clear who he was thanking in this last bit, it was clear his strength was fading. Senryu's aid was appreciated as Richter stood shakily and reached out a hand to his sister. "Let us return home, Maria. I have insight for you yet..."

*End Presence*