The grand and pristine arena stood majestic, its immaculate walls gleaming under the bright lights. Spectacularly designed with sweeping arches and polished floors, exuding elegance and grandeur, inviting spectators to immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere. Each corner of the arena was a testament to architectural brilliance, offering a captivating blend of beauty and purpose, ready to host unforgettable events.
Morgana lounges on her throne as she takes in the splendor of the crowd. The audience comprises a diverse range of mystical creatures, including elves and faeries, as well as humans from the dawn of time to the present.
Morgana then rises from her throne and steps forward for all her subjects and spectators to see.
"Denizens of Magica and mortals of the Earth!" Morgana spoke, her voice carrying power and authority throughout the arena.
"Today, I present a show unlike anything you have ever seen. You will see ideals clash, courage tested, and blood spilled. To the sorceresses, I wish you well in your battles, and may your desires guide you to victory! MAY THE MAGICA MASQUERADE BEGIN!"
Morgana weaves an enchanting vision of a grand tournament, depicting a dazzling bracket filled with the fierce competition of thirty-two powerful sorceresses ready to clash in a spectacular battle of magic and skill. The air is thick with excitement as each contender prepares to showcase their unique spells and strategies in this epic showdown!
Match 1
"Sorceress of the Sword"
Emi Mochizuki
VS
"Sorceress of the Stars"
Leslie Barkley
Match 2
"Sorceress of Frost"
Lena Romanov
VS
"Sorceress of Illusion"
Faida Hakim
Match 3
"Sorceress of Martial Arts"
Li Dongmei
VS
"Sorceress of Light"
Selma Alexandersson
Match 4
"Sorceress of Strength"
Bridget Finley
VS
"Sorceress of Ash"
Kohana Shiba
Match 5
"Sorceress of Metal"
Imara Jasiri
VS
"Sorceress of Gravity"
Imogen Randall
Match 6
"Sorceress of Love"
Cecilia Fagerudd
VS
"Sorceress of Venom"
Daiyu Yiao
Match 7
"Sorceress of Justice"
Jessica Cass
VS
"Sorceress of Greed"
Dorothy Carmicheal
Match 8
"Sorceress of Machines"
Irma Esser
VS
"Sorceress of Lore"
Lucinda Davenport
Match 9
"Sorceress of the Bullet"
Olinia Dmitriev
VS
"Sorceress of the Dance"
Shravya Pallar
Match 10
"Sorceress of the Wild"
Guadalupe Ramos
VS
"Sorceress of Transmutation"
Ly Bướm
Match 11
"Sorceress of the Occult"
Ibuki Kamiya
VS
"Sorceress of the Spirits"
Dakota Raincrow
Match 12
"Sorceress of Storms"
Ingrid Bjornsdottir
VS
"Sorceress of War"
Artemia Varos
Match 13
"Sorceress of Fire"
Roja Martinez
VS
"Sorceress of Earth"
Yim Seo-Leon
Match 14
"Sorceress of Art"
Helgen Von Brecht
VS
"Sorceress of Witches"
Rinshi
Match 15
"Sorceress of the Seas"
Anacaona Havelock
VS
"Sorceress of Puppetry"
Angeline Durands
Match 16
"Sorceress of the Abyss"
Monica Green
VS
"Sorceress of Undeath"
Alice Belle
Upon the reveal of the bracket, the spectators were in awe as they wondered who would win in the tournament of death.
"So many women are participating in this tournament," one spectator says, eyeing the bracket with intrigue.
"And the names as well. This isn't a tournament. It's a war!" a female elf uttered with disbelief.
Beneath the roar of the arena, surrounded by hallways and corridors, are chambers where the sorceresses wait for their turn to fight. At one of the doors is a Torii gate doorframe with the insignia of katanas crossing blades. Inside, Emi paces in her chamber on the polished marble floor, horrified that she will have to fight another human being and possibly take that life or die herself.
"Lady Emi, please settle down. Getting overworked will serve to be a detriment when we go out there and fight your opponent and her Anima," the miniature samurai explained while in a seiza sitting position.
Emi looked incredulous at her Anima and yelled, "Settle down! No, I won't! I'm just a high school student, and now, I'll have to fight another woman who didn't ask to be in this tournament! I should've just not walked into the portal. I...I should've-"
The miniature samurai sighed and gently replied, "Lady Emi, I understand your fears, but remember, you are not alone in this. I am here to stand by your side, guide you, and protect you. Together, we will find a way to face whatever challenges come our way, and perhaps, through this experience, discover strengths you never knew you had."
Emi slowed her pace as she looked at her Anima and muttered, "All I said is that I wanted my parents to let me breathe and lessen my schedule. I don't want to kill or die for something that I could've just talked to my parents! Why...why would Morgana do this?"
"I wish I knew, Lady Emi. I'm a part of you, so I'm in the dark just as you are. But regardless, you must harden your heart, my lady. For with the desire to change one's fate as the reward, it's clear that many of the other sorceresses will hold nothing back," Emi's Anima explained, detailing the urgency of why his master should win.
"I hate that you're right," Emi replied reluctantly. "I'm sorry, but I believe I got your name. Do you have one?"
Her Anima shakes his head, "No. We Animas are part of the sorceresses's souls, so only you can give me a name, my lady?"
"Oh. Okay, then...how about Bushin?" Emi asked.
Bushin nodded with approval as if honored by the name. "Bushin, it is. Together, we will forge our path," he said, a newfound determination in his voice. Emi felt a warmth spread through her chest, realizing that in this strange and perilous world, she was not entirely alone; Bushin was not just a part of her but a steadfast companion who would fight alongside her, no matter the odds.
Then, an elf-like woman with short, hair blue hair, hot pink skin, pupilless sapphire eyes, sparkling translucent wings, and wearing a leather black and maroon dress.
"Emi Mochizuki, yes?" the fairy said with a sweet tone despite Emi and Bushin knowing why she's here. "It's time."
Emi silently gulped before steeling herself to potentially what could be her last day of living.
"Are you ready, Bushin?" Emi asked, trying to sound brave but having a hint of fear.
The mini samurai raises his sitting position and floats beside her.
"Yes, and remember, I'll be with you in this battle."
With a weary sigh, Emi and Bushin leave their chamber and head to the twisted dance of death.
Meanwhile, in another room, sitting on the edge of a plush bench, is a beautiful woman reading an astrology book. The woman is in her mid-30s, with short blonde hair styled in a pixie cut, honey-yellow eyes, star earrings, and a tattoo of Sagittarius on the dorsal side of her right hand. Her outfit consists of a fitted, dark blue turtleneck knit sweater, black slacks, a necklace featuring a marble galaxy design, and black open-toed shoes with a golden buckle.
Inspiring Astrologer and Sorceress of the Stars
Leslie Barkley (Canada)
"Hmmm, this book gives me a sense of peace. Understanding oneself to connect with the celestial bodies," Leslie stated before smiling sagely. "It's such a good book to such those to be the best version of themselves. Wouldn't you agree, Celestio?"
Flowing beside her is a miniature-sized, venerable man with large, luminescent yellow hair styled into a star, a massive handlebar mustache, bushy eyebrows covering his eyes, and wearing robes of the galaxy on display.
"Indeed. As one star dies, a new star is born. Thousands of possibilities to change and grow," Celestio says with a kindly smile.
"Yes, but unfortunately, so many stars will flicker away," Leslie says sadly as she hears the roars of the audience from above. "I wish this doesn't have to be this way."
"I know, my master," Celestio says as he rests his tiny hand on her shoulder. "All we can hope is that whoever your opponent will see sense and won't fight."
"I hope so," Leslie says before she hears loud knocking before a brutish voice utters, "Oi, sorceress! It's showtime."
Leslie sighs as she sets the book on a coffee table before getting up as she and Celestio prepare for battle.
Back at the arena, the audience is elated as the arena dims, and the spotlight shines on a blue cat-like Anima with three eyes. One being orange, the second one being green, and the third of a purple hue. It's also wearing a black tuxedo with a white handkerchief. Levitating near it is a crystalline mic.
"The time is upon us, ladies and gentlemen! The War of the Sorceresses begins!" the Anima announced with a surprisingly deep voice.
Announcer of the Magica Masquerade
Lur
"Now, I am Lur, your announcer for the carnage while about to witness! And with that, match one of the first round begins! Now, entering first is this girl!"
As Lur points its tail to the western garnet and silver-ordained gates, they begin to open, and Emi and Bushin step out into the arena grounds.
"Woah," Emi uttered, taken aback by the massive scale of the arena.
As Emi walks towards the center of the arena, Lur begins to announce Emi's arrival.
"That's right! Entering the battlefield is a student from Seisho High School. This young lady is recognized for her devotion to her parents, her persistent dedication to extracurricular activities, and her commitment to kendo training. However, she yearns to live free and have a simpler life, and now, she will have her chance to run the gauntlet. Ladies and gents, introducing The Sorceress of the Sword! MOCHIZUKI EMI!!!!!!!!!!"
The crowd cheered as Emi stepped to the center of the arena. Emi feels uneasy about how many spectators, both human and creature alike, want to see her kill or get killed.
"Put your mind at ease, Lady Emi," Bushin said, floating aside her to comfort and reassurance.
"R-right!" Emi yelled as she calmed herself while she waited for her opponent.
Seeing Emi is ready, Lur turns his attention to the eastern gates as the announcer exclaims, "Now then, for her opponent, the stargazer emerges!"
As the gates start to open, Leslie emerges while starlight is left in her path with Celestio floating near her.
"Born under the starry night, her love for the heavens started upon her birth. She has studied the shifts of the planets, the alignment of the stars, and the horoscopes of the constellations. Her wish is to reach the stars upon the galaxies! As the astrologer descends, will the stars grant her the means of victory? Please, welcome. The Sorceress of the Stars! LESLIE BARKLEY!!!!!!!!!!!"
The crowd was exhilarating as Leslie reached the center. Within the crowd, Daiyu sits on the stands with her arms sprouting out on the stand behind her and cross-legged.
"Heh, so it's the brat and some quack ass spiritualist starting this thing, huh? This is going to be beautiful," Daiyu snickered while her snake-Anima hissed in glee.
Meanwhile, in the back of the stands, Jessica watched on as she thought herself as she watched Emi, 'Good luck, Emi. I hope you don't die, kid."
Meanwhile, Leslie approached Emi with a generous smile.
"I see you're awfully young to be my opponent, dear. How old are you?" Leslie asked
"Sixteen," Emi replied, her tone edging on kindness and wary.
"I see," Leslie says as she looks at Celestio and then back at Emi. "If I may, Emi. I don't want to hurt you. You have so much of life ahead of you. It's not too late to forfeit. I don't want you to have blood on your hands in the same way I don't want to snuff out your light."
Emi hesitated for a moment, considering Leslie's offer with a mix of gratitude and determination. Her heart raced, but she knew she couldn't back down now, not when so many were watching. "I appreciate your concern, Leslie," Emi replied, her voice steadying, "but I have my own reasons for being here. I can't turn back."
"I want to but...," Emi turns her sight to Morgana on her throne as the goddess glares down at both of the fighters. "I think we both know she would kill us if we forfeit."
"I see," Leslie says, her tone taking a somber tone. "Then, I hope I can make this quick. Celestio, to the stars!"
As Leslie points her finger in the sky, Celestio flies high into the before disbursing into stardust and enveloping Leslie. The audience, along with Jessica and Daiyu, watched in awe as celestial light encased Leslie.
On her throne, Morgana smirks as she muses to herself, "There it is. The perfect armament for a sorceress to come into. The power of one's life is manifested by the bond of both the sorceress and Anima. Vestimenta Magae!"
As the light dissipates, Leslie now dons a tight catsuit that depicts the entirety of a galaxy as it pulses with cosmic flare, her hands and feet glowing with light akin to a red giant that reaches to her forearms and calves, silver bracers with diamonds in a star form on her wrists, a loincloth made of shimmer starlight, a cape that is night itself, and her hair became slicked back with silvery white. Levitating around her are five orbs that ignite to celestial power.
Vestimenta Magae: Sage of Divine Starchildren
The audience erupted into a mixture of gasps and applause, their eyes wide with astonishment at the transformation unfolding before them. Some whispered in admiration, captivated by the ethereal beauty and formidable power Leslie now exuded. Others exchanged anxious glances, fully aware that Emi's challenge had just become even more daunting.
Emi swallowed hard when she witnessed the transformation, but she quickly pushed her nerves aside.
"Okay, Emi. Now is not the time for you to panic. I must...no. I will push through!" Emi declared as she pointed at Leslie. "Bushin, ready my blade!"
On Cue, Bushin's white eyes glow fiercely as sashimono war banners sprout from the ground as she surrounds Emi. Each of the banners has a kanji that reads, "Mochizuki, Family of Boundless Determination."
Then, something slices through the banners, and they are destroyed instantly. Emi stands in the wake with a pink sleeveless kimono with a black yukata underneath, white with orange fringes sode, black finger loop arm sleeves with orange designs of tiger lilies, a white obi waist belt with pink floral frieze with a red uwa-obi around it, a white o-yoroi skirt, black unimori hakama pants tucked around the bottom legs, her black hair now having pink highlights as well as tiger lily at the center of her bow, metallic white shinguards with gold trim, and boots. In her hands is a katana with a pink color edge to her blade and a hilt styled after a tiger lily.
Vestimenta Magae: Onna-Bugeisha of the Tiger Lilies
The crowd gasped once more, their excitement renewed by Emi's stunning transformation. Whispers of awe rippled through the spectators as they marveled at the elegance and ferocity she now embodied. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as everyone eagerly awaited the clash between these two formidable forces.
Emi takes in her new appearance with surprise and wonder.
"Amazing! I can't believe I look like a samurai. Well, more or less. Wait, where's Bushin?"
Suddenly, Bushin's voice answered in Emi's mind, "I'm here, Lady Emi."
"Huh?!" Emi was startled at having her Anima's voice in her head. "What? How?"
"When we committed Vestimenta Magae, our wills infused into each other. Thus, your transformation," Bushin explained.
"I see," Emi stated before focusing on Leslie and getting into a Gedan-no-kamae stance. "Now then, are you ready? Because while I don't want to fight you, I also know I can't die here."
Leslie smirks as she understands that they both understand there's no avoiding this battle. Leslie began to float, with orbs circling around her as if she were the sun to planets.
"I expect nothing less, Mochizuki Emi. Now then, show me if the sword can pierce my heaven!"
With both women ready, Lur preps to announce the start of the first battle.
"Magica Masquerade, Fight One! From Japan, The Sorceress of Sword, Mochizuki Emi! From Canada, The Sorceress of the Stas, Leslie Barkley! Everyone! Are. You. REEEEEEEEEEADY!!!!!!"
The crowd roars with excitement and a hint of blood as they eagerly await the battle commencing now.
"Now, ladies. On your mark. Get set. FIGHT!"
Match One Begins as the Blade Meets the Stars...
Next time: Zodiacs