Match of the Millennium

As the broadcast goes live, NFG commentators Tom and Lou appear on-screen in front of a large electronic display showing the NFG logo. TOM: "Welcome, ladies, gentlemen, and all of our other friends, to the second split of NFG Season One: Mayhem in Metro City! I'm Tom Bradley, and with me is 'Loverboy' Lou Harris! I hope your post-RUMBLE hangovers are starting to wear off! How's yours doing, Lou?" LOU: "Post-RUMBLE? How about post-Midseason Draft? The RUMBLE was crazy, but it's definitely the re-Draft that's left me shook!" TOM: "Well, Lou, I think it suffices to say that we have a lot to talk about and not a lot of time to talk about it!" LOU: "Truth, Tom! Where shall we start?" TOM: "Well, we can start by reminding everyone of the result of the RUMBLE!" As they continue, one of Lucky Chloe's latest music videos for her cover of 'Let's Get Ready to Rumble' by Ant & Dec starts to play on the screen and in the background of the broadcast. The video features clips of the fighters facing off in the Rumble intercut with shots of Lucky Chloe and her backing dancers in boxing gear performing boxing-based choreography. LOU: "Sure thing! Buck was the last man standing, but John Doe shuffled out of the RUMBLE with the most NFG points! Iris also made a huge leap in the standings to third place!" TOM: "And at the bottom of the standings we had Genie, Sarah and Nixie. Also Brian Storm, who's now been deferred to substitute status." LOU: "Damn! I nearly forgot! R.I.P. Brian Storm!" TOM: "R.I.P. Brian Storm, indeed. They say you should never challenge a cowboy to a quickdraw contest, and you should never challenge Hated R to a dance contest." LOU: "Who else would you challenge to a quickdraw contest, Tom? Han Solo?" TOM: "Of course not, Lou. You know he'd shoot first. It's just in his nature." LOU: "And speaking of Hated R, we've got five new prospects to talk about!" TOM: "And new teams!" LOU: "And new matches!" TOM: "So why don't we break down the new prospects while we break down the new matches between the new teams?" LOU: "Which have been broken down. ...And put back together again. It's a segue, get it?" TOM: "I got it. So, let's... break it down!!" (Cue dubstep; continued in next post!)

A new graphic appears on the monitor behind Tom and Lou as the dubstep continues to play. -==TEAM BLAZE==- versus -==TEAM FROST==- HAWKSLEY versus TAMAKI GENIE versus COCO AYALA versus NIXIE BRAUN versus BIG BUFORD LAUREL versus ZARINE TOM: "Alright! You remember the team challenges from round one? Well, they're back! But this time, with new faces! Shall we start by talking Team Blaze, Lou?" LOU: "It seems inevitable, Tom. So, Team Blaze has seen significant shakeups in both the sponsorship and in their roster. Yuri Sakazaki has left the NFG to focus on other pursuits, so we no longer have a Kyokugen representative. Instead, we now have Kongou, a familiar face from Midnight Channel and current World Warrior contestant, and Miss September, who I understand to be a calendar model." TOM: "How do you feel about sponsors doubling up their duties with World Warrior commitments?" LOU: "I think it's exactly the kind of thing that could motivate their trainees, if they balance their commitments well. A real World Warrior contender training you's got to be a boost. On the other hand, I dunno how Kongou's gonna train anybody to be an eleven foot behemoth, but it's still motivational." TOM: "I guess you could say the same about Zog, although he hasn't been too motivational for his fighters historically." LOU: "Well, maybe now that he's got Ayala on his team, he won't be causing so much drama with Frost or with Blaze's only returning fighter. Look, what exactly Blaze's sponsors can teach their prospects might not be obvious, but these are more instinctual fighters, anyway. Keeping up that fiery spirit should be their main focus - and not letting things cool off like that time around. Especially with such an uphill climb in the standings waiting for 'em." TOM: "True - the sponsors at Blaze don't seem to have been very concerned about winning the points race when it came to the draft. Meanwhile, across the card, Frost has had almost as significant a shakeup as Blaze has. Buford is the only returning fighter for Frost this time. Secretary Goldlewis has withdrawn from direct support, and instead they've brought in pro wrestler Angel and esteemed gentleman Slayer." LOU: "I gotta say, if I was gonna get trained by any of these teams, I feel like this is the one I'd want to be on. Juri AND Angel? Be still my heart." TOM: "Of course, offend any of these trainers and that might just be the outcome. Without a presence like Goldlewis on the team, who's going to keep the other elements in check?" LOU: "This prospect lineup seems like they can handle that, though. You've got three of the top four pre-RUMBLE fighters in one team, a -vampire-, and... well, Buford. If the RUMBLE's anything to go by, he's like a cockroach: he can survive anything." -==HAWKSLEY versus TAMAKI==- LOCATION: Metro City - The Dead Squirrel TOM: "We've gotta talk about these two. Hawksley's been blowing up socials - and quite nearly audience members - while Tamaki had an amazing showing in the RUMBLE." LOU: "And they were tied in the standings before the RUMBLE. Hawksley's become the poster child for Team Blaze - a team he openly criticized in his interview post-RUMBLE." TOM: "On the other hand, he seemed to be in better spirits in his broadcast after the draft, and he's going to be fighting in an Irish pub. That's practically a homefield advantage." LOU: "'The Dead Squirrel' doesn't exactly bode well for the woodland creature he's gonna be fighting, either. Tamaki showed in the RUMBLE that she's definitely a never-say-die kinda bake-danuki, though. I actually give her the nod for this one - just barely, mind you." TOM: "A man who's willing to headbutt explosives is a dangerous man to face off with, though. I'm leaning toward Hawksley for this one." (Continued in next post!)

-==GENIE versus COCO==- LOCATION: Metro City - Drippin' Style TOM: "Next, we have a switcheroo. Last time around, Coco was on Blaze and Genie was on Frost. Now, they're facing off on opposite sides of the card." LOU: "You always want to prove your worth in this kinda situation, especially with Genie having been Blaze's first pick despite her place in the standings." TOM: "Not to mention the bad blood that these two will probably have between them after the RUMBLE. They really went at each other in there, verbally and in terms of the fight." LOU: "Yeah, it got pretty nasty - but, on the other hand, I've seen paparazzi shots of these two hanging out at a club with Juri and a Frost intern since then. They've probably buried the hatchet - although I definitely hope not. I love watching two lovely ladies who really have a hate-on for each other go at it." TOM: "I don't think it's appropriate to discuss those videos on broadcast, Lou." LOU: "What? I'm talking about the fights! Discussing those is what we do!" TOM: "O-oh, right. Well, how do you feel about the odds between these two?" LOU: "Well, I'll put it this way, Tom. Genie's a real question mark, but Coco's a period. She's only ever lost one match so far. There's a reason she's still placed highly despite entering the Rumble third. Of course, Genie's scored the fastest knockout of the competition, and that counts for something." TOM: "Indeed. I remain optimistic for a close match, despite Coco's dominant showing so far." LOU: "And I'm optimistic about these gals showin' off the goods for our friends at Drippin' Style!" -==AYALA versus NIXIE==- LOCATION: Metro City - Cabaret Candide TOM: "Two more fighters who are now fighting under new flags for this one in Ayala and Nixie." LOU: "I'm frankly amazed that Nixie fell through the draft like that. It's like they thought that just because she went out first in the RUMBLE, she wasn't still the most dominant fighter in the NFG." TOM: "I think her near-involvement in what could have been termed a terrorist attack may have had something to do with the sponsors' decision to distance themselves from the goblin." LOU: "Oh, yeah. Like that was her fault. She couldn't have accounted for Hawksley's willingness to blow up the front row at the RUMBLE. The man's a lunatic." TOM: "I believe Ayala's latest words on Nixie were that she would be useful as an 'emergency food supply.'" LOU: "Well, this is definitely a test of brute force versus resourcefulness. I wouldn't be surprised if Ayala has experience fighting goblins, though. I think that's what barbarians are known best for." TOM: "Well, if I were a betting man, I'd be putting my money on Nixie continuing her win streak. No offense to Ayala, but you're right - Nixie's completely run the NFG so far." LOU: "In that case, I'll make like Zog and fly a flag for Ayala." (Continued in next post!)

-==BRAUN versus BIG BUFORD==- LOCATION: Abigail's Scrap Metal TOM: "And here we have a chance to discuss one of our newest fighters!" LOU: "Yep! And what better way to put the NFG's new big guy to the test than putting him up against the NFG's old big guy?" TOM: "Based on what I've seen and heard of Braun, he might be looking to unseat Buford in other ways, too." LOU: "He's about as un-Canadian as they come, that's for sure. He'll have a hard time taking the title of 'most hated fighter in the NFG,' though." TOM: "I would have presumed that would go to Hated R by default." LOU: "As for the actual fight? I'd definitely give it to Braun, if it weren't for his so-called curse. Buford showed a huge amount of tenacity in the Rumble, though, and I doubt he's gonna let Braun get the better of him." -==LAUREL versus ZARINE==- LOCATION: Black No. 1 TOM: "And finally we have two more members of the new blood squaring off." LOU: "I think you mean 'old blood,' Tom. Zarine's a centuries-old vampire." TOM: "Oh, I assumed she was an overimaginative cosplayer. Well, that changes up my perceptions of how this match might go." LOU: "That being said, Laurel's got that peppy attitude that all the best vampire slayers have, so I actually think she's got a shot here. It'll be interesting to see how their swordsmanship matches up." TOM: "And what better setting for this showdown than Metro City's premiere goth club? I bet Zarine will be picking up a few fans, if she really is a vampire." LOU: "Let's just hope she doesn't decide to treat herself to an after-fight snack." (Continued in next post!)

A new graphic appears on the monitor behind Tom and Lou as the dubstep changes to electronic dance music. -==TEAM METAL==- versus -==TEAM THUNDER==- JOHN DOE versus BUCK DJAMILA versus JUNKO KENZO versus CHEVY SARAH versus HATED R IRIS versus ICHIKA TOM: "And moving on to our next team matchup, we've got Team Metal versus Team Thunder. Thoughts on Team Metal, Lou?" LOU: "Well, they were winning before the Rumble, and arguably, they're still winning. They're topping the leaderboard in NFG points, they kept a core, they got back one of their star players in John Doe, they now have the NFG's only Magical Girl, and they've added Ultratech to their list of sponsors. The only way I feel like that mighta cost them is if Ultratech's policies concerning 'non-human' fighters have led to the decision not to pick Nixie back up when they had the chance." TOM: "I suppose it's also possible that they just felt she didn't fit their dynamic. We've seen real growth out of the rest of their roster." LOU: "Nixie literally grew several inches overnight! And how do you grow from winning every match? But I digress." TOM: "Only slightly. How about Team Thunder, though? I will say, I was surprised they managed to get back all three of Ichika, Chevy and Buck. The RUMBLE really showed how far they'd come." LOU: "Well, they were the only team that seemed to miss the memo about the teams getting dismantled. Noticed that they were the only team that never went for each other in the ring?" TOM: "The same was true of Frost, too, though, Lou. I think it's great that Team Thunder's remaining trio had such a good rapport." LOU: "Wait, really? Well, I guess it was more obvious in Thunder's case, since most of 'em came in later in the match. Anyway, I will say, I'm excited about Thunder's new pickups in Junko and Hated R, but we can talk more about them when it comes to their matchups." TOM: "I think you're pronouncing it wrong, Lou. It's 'Junko.'" LOU: "What? It sounds the same to me." -==JOHN DOE versus BUCK==- LOCATION: Dank Alley TOM: "Moving along, we'll be having a match between John Doe and Buck right outside of Black No. 1." LOU: "Now, here's two of the bro-est brawlers in the New Fightin' Generation, finally throwing down mano-a-mano. Or possibly mano-a-tentaculo." TOM: "Indeed. One of the most explosive aggressors of the NFG faces off with one of its most diehard defenders." LOU: "I can't see John Doe goin' down easy. We got a taste of this matchup toward the end of the RUMBLE, but now we get the full entree." TOM: "I think that Buck's versatility may give him an edge here, though. And we've noted similarities between Buck and Hawksley before - and with Hawksley the only other fighter to put J.D. down for the count, that gives me hope for Buck's chances." (Continued in next post!)

-==DJAMILA versus JUNKO==- LOCATION: Skywalk Lane (CAFEWALK) LOU: "Now, explain it to me again, Tom. Was it Junko or Junko?" TOM: "It's Junko, Lou. It's not Junko." LOU: "Got it. So, I'm really interested in how this fight plays out, what with it bein' a fight between two non-sighted fighters." TOM: "Oh? I didn't realise that about Junko. Are you sure?" LOU: "Yeah, I'm pretty sure." TOM: "Well, that's one thing my research didn't turn up! Hopefully the Skywalk won't prove to be a hazard for them." LOU: "Skywalkers don't need sight, Tom. They can use the Force." TOM: "I... I can't argue with that logic." -==KENZO versus CHEVY==- LOCATION: Vito's Restaurant (BASEMENT) TOM: "Speaking of Skywalkers, our own Princess Leia will be facing off against a Mandalorian at Vito's!" LOU: "I love a nice, family joint like Vito's restaurant. And it was kind of him to get the basement converted just to host matches for the NFG." TOM: "A real community-minded individual is Vito Bracca. So, these two fighters have had a similar ride through the NFG, but they've never faced off before. How do you feel about the matchup?" LOU: "Well, I'm real curious to see how a guy who uses electricity is gonna do against a gal who has yet to make it through a match without getting soaked. We could really see some sparks fly." TOM: "That's definitely a consideration for the health and safety team. Flooding and electrical issues in a basement? Actually, I'm starting to question this decision." LOU: "Relax, Tom. Nobody in the NFG has died yet. I mean, other than Zarine, but that was centuries ago." TOM: "Indeed. If John Doe can make it through his matches and still be alive, I guess these two should be okay." (Continued in next post!)

-==SARAH versus HATED R==- LOCATION: Baseball Field TOM: "You know, I feel like it's been too long since we've had a professional fight take place in Metro Stadium." LOU: "Well, we had fights on a football field last month or so." TOM: "True enough. Now, I know we both have strong and differing opinions about Hated R, but I will say, a match between two dance fighters is definitely a great way to introduce him." LOU: "It's true. As the man who removed Brian Storm from the NFG, Hated R has a lot to answer for in this match... and I expect him to rise to the occasion!" TOM: "I remain doubtful, Lou. Especially against a genuine fighter who uses their technical dance prowess the way that Sarah does." LOU: "I believe you'll find that Hated R is full of technicalitous prizzowifications, Tom. Ja feel?" TOM: "I've never been this close to resignation." LOU: "And I've probably never been this close to getting fired." -==IRIS versus ICHIKA==- LOCATION: Metro City - Marble Lake (STANDARD) TOM: "And finally, two turbulent fighters who seem to have found their way forward in the latter part of the first split: Iris and Ichika." LOU: "I agree. I think the RUMBLE was a big breakthrough moment for both of these two. I gotta say, I really like that chaos style Iris brings to the table." TOM: "And I admire the consistency and determination of Kasumoto Ichika." LOU: "She's definitely become a poster child for Team Thunder, taking their first pick in the draft once again, but can determination and consistency really stand up to actual freakin' magic?" TOM: "I suppose that depends if the 'actual freakin' magic' can stand up to itself, Lou." LOU: "Fair play. I think both of these two can be their own worst enemies, sometimes." TOM: "I definitely think Djamila was, until very recently, Ichika's worst enemy." LOU: "Before that, it was Genie. Now it's Coco. Next week, it'll probably be Ayala. Anyone whom Ichika's father might find attractive is probably fair game." TOM: "Well, it's a good thing Brian Storm has left the NFG, then." LOU: "True. Who doesn't find him attractive?" TOM: "Well, that's all we have for now, folks. Look out for all of these matches, coming soon!" (Continued in next post!)

Welcome to the new split, doodz! All matches are due for EOD SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH. Make sure to get in touch with your scene partner as soon as possible either by @mail or otherwise! As always, there will be no extensions. If you haven't got your matches started by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH after trying to schedule with your scene partner, or you're having trouble closing out your match in a timely fashion, then get in touch with me. As before, if a match is in progress but isn't finished in time, the result will be counted as a DRAW. If a match hasn't started, it will be considered not to have happened for one reason or another (to be discussed with me) and will not be worth any points. Please note that matches this split are worth 6 NFG points in total! Losses are worth 1 point, Draws are worth 3 points, and Wins are worth 5 points. As always, if you know you won't be able to participate in an upcoming round, contact me to arrange substitutions for the benefit of your team (ICly) and your opponent (OOCly). - Pringer X