Award Ceremony 06

Once more, the fighting had been completed. One more year's battles done. And now, it was time for honour to be given to those who had shown their mettle and won their way to victory over the bodies of their competitors. All over Cardinal (and a few points beyond), PADs began to buzz, ring, vibrate, and emit a host of other signals indicating a received message, as Alothin once more called all those who had participated together, to look on as the greatest among them was recognized.

The message he had sent out had indicated that the castle's main (and largest) courtyard would be, just as last year, the site for the awards ceremony. The courtyard, normally a more-or-less plain circle of grass with a thin border of flagstones around the edge, had a set of bleachers seamlessly inset into it, on one side, more than sufficient to hold all of this year's competitors. Opposite that was a large black monolith, impervious to all sorts of senses, even a psion's depth of perception.

<insert arrivals here>

So Jade had climbed off her couch long enough to wander up for the cermony to be there when it began. Dressed in one of her favoriate talored suits, the black pin striped suit was acompied with a pink lace top under it. With the jacket done up it left a little bit of a femine apearence to it. Her hair loose and falling to her waist in a blonde mass of waves. She'd land in the courtyard. Having come up by herself rather then taking one of the portals. The last thing she needed was to break one on her way up. Such would be her luck.

Slipping into a seat off to one side she'd tuck her sword beside her. Her legs going under her as she got confortable to watch the other winners first.

Borrowing strength from her beloved tiger, Chadisekhar walked into the courtyard and sat on one of the bottom rows of the bleachers. She was dressed in the best that she had, resplendent with golden jewlery, magical charms, and one spiffy looking sari. She had been fingering her bangles the entire time, her eyes shifting until she saw some of the people she had gotten to know in the process of the Budokai. It brought out a smile. Angling her body closer to Cesto, and Ichigo, a giggle caught in her throat. This was the only place in the universe where a demon could sit beside a holy warrior without fearing for their life. Looking over at Valis, she grinned, waving her congratulations to the chaotic mage that was so genuinely kind.

It had come as somewhat of a shock to Valis, after taking time out for his marriage, his honeymoon, and his personal war in the Ikari clan lands, that he had somehow still managed to place second in his division of the Budoukai. Mystified, in fact, was a very apt description. Nonetheless, he arrived at the appointed time, and in the most formal of traditional finery that he posessed, with even his silvery hair bound back in a tight ponytail with a glimmering golden band. His katana was carried not across his back as per his norm, but tucked into the sash at his side, and peace-bound with a length of crimson silk cord. The young kitsune flashed a merry grin to all present, and stood with his hands folded inside the kimono sleeves of his kamishimo. A small bow and an especially warm smile were aimed to Chadi, the lovely dancer-mage, before he sat between his two lovely brides to observe the festivities.

Tamanegi was dressed in formal kimono with the real, reforged family blades at his side and tethered in peace bonds, and his hair pulled back and braided neatly. This was a time of great pride for him, his eyes gleaming proudly and he performed his actions is how he saw as formality. Walking through the gates of the castle instead of landing in the courtyard and walking with proper stance, he took up his seat with his mother, sister and girlfriend in the first row of the bleachers.

Fahst was present in his typical garb - heavy greatcoat over a shirt-and-tie affair, the golden Kamist symbol tietack flashing slightly more visibly than normal today as he wore the coat open. He sat at the front of the stands, aware of the fact that he would have to probably get up to receive prizes at the Middleweight announcements. He wiped a bit of sweat from his brow with a coat sleeve as he waited for the ceremonies to start.

Keith had arrived earlier in the day, standing in the back of the area in order to watch as the champions of earth gathered together to be pronounced victorious. While most took the opportunity to dress up in expensive and formal wear, the paladin still bore his previous articles of clothing - freshly repaired at the tailor from his battle with Fahst. When it looked as though most of the participants had arrived the holy warrior took a seat himself, again choosing the comforts of a modest section in the back of the stands.

As the last few people arrived for the awards ceremony, Alothin rose out of the ground on a small podium of stone, and beside him arose a three-tiered stand.

"Before I begin handing out this year's awards, I wish to say two words to you all. Thank you for, once again, making this year's competition a fine display of all of your martial skills. It was good to see the strength that Earth's defenders have developed through their sufferings. These powers will only become continually more important -- trouble is ever on the horizon, and we must be on our guard.

"It is for that purpose that I do not, this year, intend to wholly shut down Deius Castle. While the Tenkaichi Budoukai is over, for now, I will continue to host small events throughout the year, until next we all come together. You are all welcome to attend those, as well as to take advantage of Deius Castle's facilities for your own regular sparring -- we have a uniquely safe environment, and with Cardinal's new laws in place, it is best to keep such activities out of sight. Master D'Argente has also agreed to stay on for a time, so his services will also be available in times of need.

"Now, with no further ado... let us begin with this year's Lightweights. Chadisekhar, come and take your place."

<insert responses, Chadi taking her spot on the 3-tiered stand here>

Another deep breath, and Chadisekhar went to stand on the third place spot, shaking her left bangled hand in an attempt to arrest Bhaktora's light growling at the amount of people. The strength of her allies and friends gave her the courage, and restraint to stand without releasing the beast within. When Alothin came by her, the growl changed to a purr, and stayed that way through the rest of the awards ceremony. Giving the deepest most formal bow she knew, Chadisekhar stood poised to accept whatever the mighty Alothin sought fit to gift her.

"I have gone to some trouble this year, to locate prizes suitable to all the victors. Chadisekhar, I know of a certain construction project you have been working on. I am most impressed by how far you have managed to come, on a very small supply of resources. Let us see now what you can do with much, much more." He passed her a small electronic chit, capable of being plugged into a PAD. "I award you the temporary use of a team of Empirical engineers and a brigade of construction robots. As well, this chit will allow you to access a significant sum of money that has been credited to your new account with Empirical. Please build something beautiful -- our world needs to see more of the wonders that can come from people of powered imagination."

<more room for responses, yay!>

Beaming? Yes, she was. She took the chit with both hands, holding it like one would hold the most precious item in the world. Looking up at him in wonder, Chadisekhar conveyed all the appreciation she possibly could, before bowing low one more time.

"Thank you, Master Alothin. I give you my word as a mage, as a denizen of this planet that I will succeed in making something beautiful that will never be forgotten, and always remain open for the useage of the defenders of this planet, as well as the rest of the world."

"Next... Valis T'Sarran. Come, take your place."

Upon being summoned, Valis stood and, with his ever-present flair and energy, vaulted from his seat to land, unruffled, at the base of the bleachers before he strode forward purposefully to take his place upon the stand. As calm an exterior as he may have presented, his tails, as they always did, betrayed his excitement. No longer two, but now FOUR swayed in concert behind him, with a flick here and a wag there. Turning his head slightly, he addressed Chadi with a murmured, "Well done, lady fair. I am honored to stand beside you today."

"Valis T'Sarran... you represent an unusual case. I spent a good deal of time searching for a suitable prize for you, until I realized that the answer was well within my reach, all that time. To you, I gift these anklets." He drew forth from the black monolith a pair of dark metallic anklets, cunningly inscribed with beautiful artisanry -- images of what appear to be many-tailed kitsune dancing. "I believe you will find them most useful. As well, as is traditional, I also grant to you a small sum of money, as a token of recognition of your efforts." He also delivered to Valis a small chit, much like the one he had given Chadisekhar. "Congratulations on your standing, Valis."

Taking the anklets from Alothin, Valis bowed deeply while he folded his hands together and tucked the prize safely away in the pockets that lay within his sleeves. The money, likewise, he accepted and stowed away for later use. The swordsman had, beforehand, had a few words set aside, a flippant quip of the sort he usually dispensed, but the gravity of the moment and the value of this gift to his path had quite stolen the breath from his ever-present humor for a moment or two. By the time he straightened again, he regarded Alothin with a newfound respect and a warm, confident smile. "You understand my path, and I shall not stray from it. Arigato gozaimasu, Alothin-dono." Valis cast his glance toward the audience once he'd spoken, and caught his father's eyes with just a hint of the usual roguish smirk. No words were spoken, but the message was clear nonetheless. Top this, old man.

<you know the drill>

Chadisekhar turned to Valis and bowed with a fond smile, "Congratulations, Valis. It could not have been gifted to a better man"

"Next, and finally, for the lightweights... Constance Kaider, come, and take your place above your competitors."

<misc, and Constance taking her place>

The witch hunter rose from her seat, her paws carefully sweeping their backs against her dress. If she was well-dressed for the norm, her apparel for this event was practically regal by comparison. Green silk cascaded along her frame, frosted at the neck and sleeves with elaborate white lace, and a single ring was fitted to each ring finger. Her pendant, despite its apparent age and wear, was worn in full view of those present, and a band of platinum was clipped to either ear. Her makeup was applied with surgical precision, with a bit of help from a certain psion she was particularly close with, and as she strode down the aisle the soft, ebony ringlets spilling down her shoulders and back bounced with each step.

Her green eyes flitted to Alothin, then to Chadisekhar, then, finally, the kitsune. Each was regarded with a completely different emotion, though her features never once betrayed her feelings; it was all completely within those expressive emerald pools.

She raised herself above her competitors, paws padding softly against the stage as her hands were clasped loosely before her. Without a word, she regarded Alothing with a cool, professional smile as he spoke.

"Constance Kaider." Alothin gave a slight smile. "While I have had to gift ki wielders with powerful items before, never have I needed to seek out an item suited to a witch hunter. Thank you for giving me a challenge." He reached into the black monolith once more, and extracted a gorget, its golden metal glowing brightly with its fine polish. "While this was not originally designed with you in mind, I think you will find it to give you certain benefits in pursuing your goals." He delivered the gorget to Constance's hands, and as she touched the gorget, there was a tiny flash of golden light -- or was that merely the sun reflecting off the gorget as it altered angle? "As well, I have a token gift of money for you, as well." With that, he delivered another of the chits to Constance -- not that, considering her family, she particularly needs it.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and other kind beings, I give you your lightweight champions." He led the applause for them all.

Her padded fingertips eased over the gorget, and an attentive eye would see hers widen ever so slightly as she touched it, then the fractional loss of composure was recovered immediately. The money she accepted with a second gracious smile, though she and Alothin both knew it was more the gesture of the gift that would impact her than the gift itself. As it stood, it’d probably find its way into a collection plate without further delay.

“Par for par,” she said. “You provided me with quite a few challenges as well, these past few months.” The vixen pondered the appropriateness of offering thanks during such an occasion, then simply played it safe with a clearly spoken, “My thanks, Alothin.” As the applause rose, she glanced down to her brother, sisters, and mother. Even her father had come, though not as himself for obvious reasons. One last, warm glance was cast in Ciel’s direction, then she eased down and strode back into her seat, placing the gorget in her lap.

<room for responses and wolf-whistles and stuff here, etc>

Bowing one last time, Chadisekhar held the chit close, removing herself from the podium to sit back down beside her dearest friends. Letting out a thin line of breath, Chadisekhar deflated a bit. Now that it was over, she was eagre to get started on fixing up Sanctuary.

As he descended from his place on the stand, Valis slung an arm around Chadi and chuckled. "I still owe you dinner and tea with my family." Tapping the pocket where his PAD was hidden, he added, "...and if I can assist you in any way whatsoever with your own endeavors, please... never hesitate to call upon me." Parting ways, he wove his way back up to sit between his brides and watch the stronger competitors receive their awards.

Once the cheering had died down, and the three champions had returned to their seats, Alothin began to speak again. "Our middleweight class, this year, was one of the more exciting divisions, in my mind. A tremendous variety of power met and conflicted, and the pure tactical genius of some competitors was a beauty to watch. Victory in this division was hard-won. I can only hope my choice of prizes will do justice to the victors' work."

"Tamanegi Niyama, come, and take your place."

Rising from his set he made his way down into the courtyard. Stepping up onto the third place stand he bowed respectfully to Alothin. This was the first time he was capable of showing respect to the mage, and he had much to be respectful to him for, his placement in the budokai being the least of all.

"Tamanegi, you have displayed an excellence in combat unusual for one so young. I hope that the prize I have crafted for you will only assist you in rising higher in your capacities in defense of our great planet." He drew forth another prize from the monolith -- a Black Iron orb, perhaps a half inch in diameter, with a matching chain. "I believe you will find this useful in keeping a level head, even in the hottest depths of combat." He delivered it into Tamanegi's hands, along with a chit. "Accompanying it is, of course, another small gift of funds, as a congratulatory token for your achievements here."

Upon the placement of the black iron orb and chain being placed into his hands, he lightly fingered the chain before placing it around his right wrist. As the chit was placed in his hand as well he spoke "I will endeavor to always be a guardian force to those who cannot otherwise defend themselves. Thank you." With that said he bowed again respectfully, and stood as the rest of the winners were broached in the same manner.

"Keith Aricin, you have fought well, and found for yourself second place. Come forth, and take your place and your prize."

Hearing his name called, the paladin ceased from his applause for the previous victors and stood to his feet. A short, simple stride found Keith attentive to his second place position, and with a smile and a nod of his head towards Tamanegi he stepped to the slightly raised second place platform.

"You find me in an odd place, sir; I came here not to fight, but to learn and perhaps teach others. But I give you my thanks for this unique honor, as well as thanks to you for hosting such an elaborate affair, as well." Piece spoken, Keith awaited Alothin's announcements and blessing in attentive silence.

"For you, Keith, I spent the largest part of my time. My agents and I have spent the last few weeks combing the continent, searching out hidden caves, unknown battlefields, and chance resting places. With the componnts gathered, I crafted the very basics of what I desired to give you, before taking it to the temple of Luciamo to be appropriately blessed by the patriarch of your order. And now, I grant to you this Helm of Brilliance. May it light your unerring path, paladin." He drew forth from the monolith what seemed to be a battered helm, but when he set it upon Keith's head, there was a mighty flash of golden energies, and it was transformed in the wake. Resting upon Keith's brow was a helmet of clear might, shining with the power of goodness imbued into it by powerful clerics and the numerous recovered holy relics that Alothin and his agents had recovered. After a few moments, it faded away, back to the appearance of a simple helm, its powers sheathed.

After a moment, to allow people's eyes to recover from the brightness, Alothin handed Keith a chit, as well. "Even a paladin must eat, though I am sure you will utilize this temporal power of money for good deeds, rather than yourself. However you choose to use it, I am confident you will do so with your usual wisdom, Keith."

That Keith was impressed with Alothin's words and deeds would be a gross understatement. Who knew that Alothin knew of Luciamo, the secretive order with which Keith and his brother had departed so long ago? What was more, that the mage found relics and bound them together into a holy work was something far beyond Keith's expectations.

"I," he began, stumbling over his words for the first time in many years. The paladin withdrew the helm and set it before him in both arms, studying its plain but sturdy features. The metal was worn and tired, but the power held within it was clearly seen by Keith, who had to blink his eyes closed several time to bide back unwanted tears - home and kin were things of powerful emotion indeed.

"I am very grateful. As I said, it was not my intention to simply succeed, but rather, my hope was to learn from our planet's champions, and see how we might serve one another as allies and teammates when the next great test of our resolve shall come. I never expected anything like this. I am many times blessed by you and those who I had the honor of learning from in this year's competition."

"I pray that we may all fight with such strength and valor in the future, and that the relationships formed will not sour over time but instead grow to form a unity with which we might truly defend this world, for good and for all."

"My thanks to all of you," concluded Keith, tucking the mighty helm under his left arm.

"Now, Johan Fahst. Come forth and take your place as victor of the middleweights."

The conjurer rose, walking unhurriedly to his designated place with the other middleweight victors. His staff tapping a few times against the tiles as he settled himself upon the placement stands, Fahst looked to Alothin, a slight smile upon his lips.

Once Johan was in place, a step above Keith, two above Tamanegi, Alothin withdraw a small ring from the monolith. "We are subtle men, of subtle arts, and so I give you a subtle gift, Johan." He offered the ring up to the demonologist -- a golden band, with a ruby set into it. The ruby glowed with an inner fire, and the golden ring itself seemed constantly warm to the touch. "I believe this will be most useful to you, and perhaps this small token of funds will be, as well. Perhaps this infusion of cash will assist you in your researches." He also handed the infernalist a chit, much like the others.

Fahst slid the ring onto his left ring finger, where a ring with the Kamist circle already sat, noting with a raised eyebrow the heightened temperature of the jewelry. After a moment, he switched the ring to his other hand, apparently not particularly caring for the juxtaposition of the Kamist ring and his new prize. Fahst accepted the chit with a brief nod and a handshake, if Alothin would return it.

"Again, ladies, gentlemen, and other kind beings... your middleweight champions!" Alothin once again led the applause for the trio of victors.

Before returning to his seat he took time to offer shaking hands with both Kieth and Fahst "Congradulations to you both. I couldn't have lost to two better gentlemen. I hope that in the future, I will find myself capable of testing myself against your skills again." And with that whether the gesture was accepted or declined, he returned to his seat with his family.

Fahst shook hands with Tam, his new ring's heat definitely noticeable in the gesture. "Congratulations to the both of you as well," the conjurer replied, before turning to shake Keith's hand as well.

Keith began to applaud both of his companions in the victor's circle, turning from one to the other in the joined celebration. When Tamanegi extended his hand Keith was eager to shake it, offering words of congratulations as well. "You fought well; I have little doubt that you will find yourself one of this world's greatest champions in the days to come. And in that time, I pray you will be strengthened by not only fighting for yourself but for all the people of this planet."

Fahst's handshake was welcomed by the paladin as well, though his demeanor, while of good cheer, fell slightly. "That you are deserving the prize is of no question, demon summoner. You do wield the flames of hell, as well as the denizens of it. But know that it is yet my hope that you will find a greater use for your talents in sorcery than to jeapordize your own soul; freedom from your oppression is there, when you are ready to accept it. And when that day comes you will surely be a beacon of light and knowledge, even strength, far greater than you've known now. This is my constant prayer for you."

The conjurer smiled as Keith spoke to him. "While I might not appreciate your zeal and your particular religion, I most certainly appreciate your prayer. Thank you, Keith." He then returned to his seat in the stands.

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When the applause had died down, and the victors had returned to their seats, there was something of an expectant hush. The gifts so far had been mighty works, but now came the heavyweights. What mighty artifacts would be revealed here?

"This brings us to our last, and most powerful, bracket of competitors. Shanji Ushai. Through your mental capacities, you have proven your worth. While you may 'only' be in third place, that accolade places you in the ranks of the most powerful people on this world. Come, and take your hard-won place."

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Alothin withdrew from the monolith a roll of the thinnest fabric imaginable -- at least, to most people it looked like fabric. In fact, to most people, it looked 2-dimensional, it was so thin. "No doubt you have already guessed what this is, Shanji, as you have seen its lesser cousin many times. This is the Tattoo of Mental Flexibility, the elder cousin of the tattoo that Davios received, last year. Perhaps it will give you the extra edge you may require... in your travels." He handed the roll to Shanji. "As well, as a token of my appreciation for your fighting skills, also accept this gift of funds." He delivered a small chit to Shanji, as well.

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"Jade Boskonovich. Your talents have been amply displayed. Come, take your rightful place."

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Her heels clicking against the ground as she stepped forward when called. Her face set firmly just as she wanted it. As the fact that she was happy to be there, slightly excited even. Though to anyone who knew her well enough. She did not want to be there. She would have been hapy turning on her heel and running for the hills. Being the center of attention wasn't soemthing she enjoyed.

Skipping the cermony would not be an option though. Even if she really had wonted to.

Being that close to the mage made her more then a little uncomfortable as well though. Her hatred for them was something feirce. But there was something about the overally uptight mage in frount of her. The only thught goignthrew her mind while he spoke was to jump him and gnaw on his head. So much so she was eyeing up his ears before she could make a second thought.

"Locating a suitable prize for you was quite difficult, Jade. You possess a formidable weapon, and you have sufficient economic means at your own disposal to achieve your goals. However, I believe I have succeeded in locating something suitable for you." He withdrew from the black monolith a pair of silver bracelets -- though a close examination would reveal that, although the bracelets kept their shape, the silver seemed to be flowing within that shape like mercury. "The function of these bracelets is simple, yet quite effective. I believe you will find them a valuable addition to your fighting form." He smiled, and passed her a chit, as well. "As is tradition, I have also made available to you a small sum of money."

As he spoke Jades hand would softly caress the hilt of the blade at her side. The white and blue of it didn't really match her clothing for the day but she wasn't about to leave home without it. Her head tilting to one side to look at what she was receaving. Jade didn't normally wear jewerly, but when she did it was always silver or white gold. Because of this she was pleased with it.

Accepting the two, the money would be of little concern to her. Not sure what to say other then a soft "Thank you." she would have been pleased with nothing to tell the truth. Or even A holgrapic room like the one James had had in the school would have made her happy. Again she wasn't goign to tell him that, later maybe when she sawinto the purchese of one for herself maybe. "You could have just held still and let me gnaw on you and I'd have been happy." that being said in a very soft voice that he'd likely only hear, smiling as she said it.

She'd step back to take her place.

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"Finally... Johnny Gnash. You have come a tremendous way in a year. You have risen from the ashes like a phoenix, to take the first and foremost place in this competition. Come forth."

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Well, this was it. In the entire year Johnny had been away from this place, he hadn’t felt anywhere near as nervous as he did now for any reason. The grand reopening of the Fox, meeting Miriam again for the first time, coming to know and care for Ciel the way he did… none of that matched what he felt as he tried to will himself out of his seat. Without realizing it, he had taken Ciel’s hand and began to squeeze rather hard, if the fact that she grit her teeth and hissed for him to let go despite the fact that she could crumple iron like toilet paper with it was any indication. Lowering his head in embarrassment, he eased to his paws, then strode down the aisle.

Though his typical mode of dress was quite out of place for a ceremony of this magnitude, he had apparently gone through quite some effort to make it more acceptable given the circumstances. He still wore a kimono loosely over his lithe frame, but it was not tattered and worn. The material seemed almost luminescent, with fiery reds and pinks amalgamating over its design through exquisite floral patterns and beautiful embroidery. As if to maintain the illusion, the Kaider crest was emblazoned across the back, the same crest that had been on the broach Constance wore right now.

Two tachi were tucked in his immaculate obi, both with the cutting edges turned up, displaying their lacquered scabbards and allowing the tassels on their tsuba to sway freely with each step. His face was still littered with piercings, though their did seem to be an overall theme now, and his hair was still died an almost blinding pink, but it was also pulled neatly behind him, flowing nearly to the floor as it parted over the base of his bushy tail.

He cleared his throat nervously, then stepped onto the stage.

"In truth, there is very little I can offer you, Johnny. Most gifts would be dwarfed into practical uselessness by your personal power. Instead, we shall come full circle. I granted to Chadisekhar the use of certain Empirical personnel... and so I do to you, albeit on a much larger scale. I have given them the task of improving the Crazy Fox to become a truly unique experience for all visitors, and they have already designed some truly mind-boggling applications of some of our unique technologies." He offered Johnny a chit. "This contains the contact information for your team, as well as the account information for your funds."

In truth, he was complete before Alothin had even opened his mouth. Gazing down at his competitors, first to Shanji, whom he offered a noticeably nervous smile, then to Jade, whose presence seemed to calm him slightly, his mind became flooded with memories. All of the drama and heartache he’d endured during last year’s competition melted away, lost from his thoughts. Instead, he felt a sort of elation. He’d done it, even if there was still a patch of hollow somewhere in his joy. Cazyn was not there, hadn’t been there. He had been the one Johnny wanted to crush, but all the same, a victory was a victory. In not even showing face, perhaps Cazyn had given Johnny victory in a more decisive manner than a match ever could.

His thoughts returned to the present as he quickly backtracked over what Alothin had said No swords. No tattoos. No weapons, shields, or trinkets that could be used in any such way. Instead, Alothin had given Johnny something that was almost tantamount to a warm embrace.

The Fox was his pride and joy. He spent no fewer than seventy hours a week there, breaking his back to ensure that it remained the hot spot in all of Western Cardinal, if not all of Cardinal. Now, with the backing of the most powerful conglomerate known to man, it would become even better. The chit was taken carefully in a paw, then he brushed over it with his thumb.

“Thanks,” he said, quietly. His mismatched eyes darted back up to the mage, then he cleared his throat. “I… thanks.” A brief pause followed, then he looked back to the gathered crowd. “Uh… if I could just say a few words…”

And again, impulsively, he cleared his throat and pushed a knot down it.

“I just wanted to say that I didn’t get here by myself. A lot of people did a lot of things to help me out… um… a lot, so without keeping you guys forever and a day I just wanted to say thanks to them. I wanna thank my cousin James, who didn’t doubt me even one time. And sorry about the shotgun, that was probably a little overboard…”

A quiet ripple of chuckles coalesced over the crowd, leaving Johnny to scratch nervously behind his head.

“Um… Thanks to my girlfriend Ciel, who was behind me every step of the way. Even when I was being a total blockhead We may not have did a lot in the ring to prepare, but the stuff outside of it can be just as important, and I don’t think I’d be here without her support. So thanks, Angel.”

“Last, but not least… well, I wanna thank a woman who’s a true friend to me, in every sense of the word. I know, without a doubt, that if she hadn’t helped me reach the point I have, I wouldn’t even be standing on this stage. The training every day, the fights we got into, the bickering, the headaches, being tired and feeling dead for four straight months…” He glanced down to Jade, and a grin parted his lips. “I wouldn’t give it back for anything, not even this. You might be a runner-up this year, but I know next year you’ll be standing right here where I am. Thanks babe, for everything.”

He fell quiet one last time, for long enough to signify the end of his speech, then listened with numb ears as Alothin prompted one last round of congratulatory applause, then released his audience.

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"Ladies. Gentlemen. Other kind beings. I give to you the ultimate forces of our Earth, your heavyweight champions!" This time, Alothin had no need to lead the applause, for it started without him, and he merely joined in as he stepped back.

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While the people milled about, Nashi Yamashima stood near the end of the bleachers - and more importantly, near an exit. With her now-toddling daughter cradled in a cloth slung against her chest, the Saiyaness watched the award ceremony with a mute little smile. For the entirety of the ceremony, she was silent, though she did stand a little taller when her star pupil was called to the front to receive his reward. When Jade stepped forward, too, Nashi grinned, but Jade wasn't really the reason she was here.

Nashi waited just long enough to catch Tamanegi as the crowd milled out. Dropping a strong hand on his shoulder, she nodded. "Good job, kid. I'm right proud of you." With that, she turned to go, though she did toss back over her shoulder as she made her way away from the crowd, "...now don't let it go t'yer head."

Eventually, once everyone had departed, the bleachers, the podium and three-tiered stand, and the black monolith, sunk back down into the castle, disappearing without a trace.