Match of the Millennium

The broadcast begins with the NFG logo and theme song, which soon disappear to be replaced by the figures of Tom and Lou looking marginally less [REDACTED] after another week away from [REDACTED] Island. The screen behind the pair is streaming footage of a beautiful crescent-shaped beach as a backdrop. TOM: "Hola, todos! We're back with another week of NFG action coming up for you this time live from Colombia, where our Season One fighters are set to square off on the beautiful beach of Cabo San Juan!" LOU: "And our Season Two fighters will be clashing in their semifinals at the Plaza de Todos in Cartagena, Colombia!" The background shifts to display a modernized former bullfighting arena with concentric rings of stadium-style seating and a large, rectangular stage in place above the dirt-packed floor. TOM: "But before we get into the upcoming round, let's take a look back at what happened in our last round of NFG action for those who missed it!" LOU: "And those who watched, but just love to hear our commentary." Lou makes a heart with his hands at stomach height. TOM: "Indeed - are you heart-ing for the fans, Lou?" LOU: "What? I have a granddaughter. I'm up on these things." TOM: "Of course. Okay, fans, let's start by taking a look back at our play-in match between Ayala and Sarah on Zack Island." LOU: "What? Nobody's been on back on Zack Island. It's half-covered in barely-cooled lava." TOM: "Oh, sorry, I couldn't quite read the teleprompter. The eruption was a shame, too, since Zack Island was known for having the best medical facilities in the world." LOU: "Best medical facilities? It had a nurse's office and no nurse." TOM: "Really? My research told me it had the biggest hospital in the region, Isla Zaca General, also host to the medical drama Factor Fifty." LOU: "We explored the whole island and never found any medical facilities at all." TOM: "Well, actually--" *BROADCAST TEMPORARILY CUT* LOU: "--Anyway, the match happened at Chichen Itza. Ayala took a strong opening lead, though Sarah managed to put up a counter-offense and make it close. In the end, Ayala took the knockout." TOM: "I remember that now, Lou. And it definitely wasn't on Zack Island. I'm not sure where the confusion came from." LOU: "I blame AI. You know they're going to have AI doing our jobs next?" TOM: "I highly doubt that, Lou." (Match link: http://motm.kicks-ass.net/log/idx/0012456.shtml) (Continued in the next post!)

TOM: "Alright, Lou, let's discuss our first quarterfinal match - Henry versus Arisa!" LOU: "Sure thing, Tom!" Highlights of the match in Arena Mexico play on the screen behind Tom and Lou as they continue. TOM: "Well, folks, what an absolute thriller we witnessed! I don't know about you, Lou, but that was one for the books, no question." LOU: "You're tellin' me, Tom. This was a rollercoaster from start to finish. You had Henry out there doing his usual stunt-man magic, pulling off those crazy flips and sword tricks like he was born for the big screen. Then on the other side, you got Arisa - talk about cool under pressure! She mixed it up with that jutsu and paper magic like nobody's business." TOM: "Exactly. I mean, we thought Henry had her on the ropes after that big hit with the shield, right? The chi-fueled Griphon Segreant looked like it was gonna be lights out for Arisa, but the way she blocked it - man, that was something else. A last-second barrier, those ofuda flying in all directions. You could feel the tension in the air!" LOU: "And then Arisa hit him right back with that spear attack, turning Henry's chi against him. I gotta say, it wasn't just a blow, Tom - it was a statement. You saw Henry falter for just a second after that, and the momentum shifted. The Texan was on fire!" TOM: "Absolutely. You gotta respect both of them for pushing themselves to the absolute limit. But when it came down to it, it was Arisa's resilience that won the day. She took a brutal shot to the arm after Henry's last-ditch attempt, but she still kept pushing. That's heart right there." LOU: "No doubt. And you gotta love that ending. Arisa, still a little banged up, offering her hand to Henry like that. I mean, you can't help but respect a fighter who knows how to throw down, but also knows when to show some sportsmanship. Henry, for his part, didn't go down without giving it everything he had." TOM: "Yeah, and Henry's 'Sorry, Dad' as he went down - man, that hit me right in the feels. The kid's heart is in it, but Arisa just had that little bit extra at the end." LOU: "Couldn't agree more. Both of them gave it their all, and in the end, Arisa came out on top. But Henry? He's gonna be one to watch next time, no doubt about it. This was a fight that made you wanna stand up and cheer for both of 'em." TOM: "Couldn't have said it better, Lou. But that's all the time we've got for today, folks. Another incredible showdown, and one we'll be talking about for a long time. Stay tuned, 'cause with the New Fighting Generation, the action never stops!" LOU: "Until next time, Tom. And remember, folks - keep those fists up and your heads down!" TOM: "Wait, are we closing the show? That was just one match." LOU: "I'm just following the teleprompter." TOM: "Wait, why are they teleprompting our match analysis? Are we being micromanaged?" LOU: "I thought that felt weirdly easy. Apparently it's some new tech they're trying out." TOM: "I don't like it, Lou. Let's just have an organic conversation about the next match." LOU: "Yeah, okay, let's try it." (Match link: http://motm.kicks-ass.net/log/idx/0012457.shtml) (Continued in the next post!)

TOM: "Our next match was everybody's favourite knight-aspirant Albert against shapeshifting mayhem machine Max. Or, as we knew her in the ring, El Felino Maximo." The screen changes to show Max in a yellow cape, a bright blue onesie, and a half-mask covering the top of her head like a superheroine facing off against the Faux-Knight wearing real armor and wielding a sword in the wrestling ring of Arena Mexico. LOU: "I'll tell you Tom, I've never seen so much GUTS in one room." TOM: "Thank your stars you went upstairs when the rest of us went downstairs, Lou." LOU: "Yikes. Anyway, considering that it was a big honkin' swordsman against a catgirl, this fight felt oddly symmetrical early on. Dodge for dodge, block for block, staring each other down..." TOM: "Max seemed to get off to a headstart with a clean tackle, but things got rough from there." LOU: "Albert put on another one of those dominant performances we've seen from him, forcing advantages through sheer speed and strength. He's like a freight train. It takes a lot to slow the guy down." TOM: "Germany has been known for its engineering, Lou. And this time, it seems the actual engineering didn't win the day." LOU: "So, now that we've ditched the teleprompter, let's talk about what we really wanna talk about." TOM: "You mean Albert versus Arisa?" LOU: "I mean Albert X Arisa." TOM: "Oh, but Lou! We made a pact not to make everything about possible fighter dating goss after Season One." LOU: "I don't remember that. I thought we just ran out of material to work with." TOM: "Also true. So, what's your spicy take?" LOU: "Well, uhh, I think those kids might be dating. And now, they're gonna have to compete in the semis." TOM: "And is there a third wheel we think might be involved in this love tricycle?" LOU: "Huh? Uhh, I dunno. Well, Tanwen seemed to think Albert was trying to kiss her back in Zack-of-All-Trades." Choppy footage on the screen in the background shows Albert headbutting Tanwen in the middle of a novelty beach hut shop that seems to be both flooding and on fire at the same time somehow. TOM: "Well, that would be spicy - and explain Arisa shooting a rocket at Tanwen." LOU: "Except that happened first. Unless - you think Tanwen was trying to take revenge on Arisa by kissing Albert?" TOM: "Ooohh..." Both Tom and Lou rub their chins thoughtfully for several seconds. TOM: "Yeah, I don't see it." LOU: "Me neither. Next match?" (Match link: http://motm.kicks-ass.net/log/idx/0012458.shtml) (Continued in the next post!)

TOM: "Speaking of Tanwen, I had the pleasure of interviewing her before her fight with Ishida. It provided some great insight into the political direction of Isla Draca." LOU: "I thought it was Atlantis Island." TOM: "I struggle to keep up myself, Lou, but I don't think it'll be official anyway until the rules lawyers have established the island's new federal constitution." LOU: "So, what did she have to say about her opponent?" TOM: "Well, she said she was coming for him and she hoped he didn't have any worms in his apple." The backing screen shows footage of Tanwen baring her teeth at the camera before headbutting it. LOU: "And did he?" TOM: "Quite possibly, Tom." The screen shows Tanwen being given an apple by Ishida and biting into it before spitting flecks of it back at him. LOU: "Wow. Seems like she had some seriously bad blood going on!" TOM: "Actually, they seemed to get along pretty well, if you consider exchanging headbutts as a form of communication and mutual respect. And considering that he is very much about the bass--" The screen shows Ishida and Tanwen exchanging headbutts before the latter knocks the former down and then drops off the ropes backside-first onto his head. LOU: "What if you just consider it wanton aggression?" TOM: "Then it was one of the angriest Chinese takeouts I've ever seen." LOU: "Have you ever been to Genhanten? That's what I'm picturing right now." TOM: "In the end, Tanwen's usual tactic of repeated blows to the head with all available parts of her own anatomy won her the match, but it was her post-match victory dance that won the hearts of the Arena Mexico fans." The screen shows Tanwen shaking her body and pumping her arms wildly as she dances back and forth. LOU: "That explains the new craze my granddaughter wanted me to get in on on KikTok." TOM: "And speaking of KikTok, many fans took to social media platforms to complain after the controversy of our next match." (Match link: http://motm.kicks-ass.net/log/idx/0012454.shtml) (Continued in the next post!)

LOU: "You mean Roxana versus Rodrigo? Why?" TOM: "Mostly because of Rodrigo's new haircut. His hair had its own InstaSlam account, you know." A side-by-side shot on the back screen shows Rodrigo competing before Zack Island and in the match, having gone from luscious locks to a severe buzzcut. LOU: "Oh, jeez, yeah. I thought he'd got a part in a remake of Prison Break. Well, you know, I guess with the island and all..." TOM: "Rodrigo's fans are known to be rather passionate. Oh, and there was the other controversy." LOU: "What? Controversy, in my NFG?" TOM: "In the end, it almost looked as if he'd given up on winning. He then threw away the sword he'd brought to the match and declared that he would never compete in the NFG again." The camera shows an exhausted Rodrigo looking at his sword with a disgusted expression before tossing it out of the ring and collapses into a seated position, head cupped in his hands, and tilted toward his knees. LOU: "Well, that's heavy." TOM: "What do you think it is about the NFG that takes that kind of toll on the fighters?" LOU: "Well, in a word, 'redacted.'" TOM: "'Redacted' certainly seems like a contributing factor. This season ended up being much more gruelling than I think some were prepared for." LOU: "Well, mistakes have been made, Tom, even if I won't say whom by. If he doesn't compete in the NFG again, I hope we'll see more of Rodrigo - and his hair - in the future." TOM: "That leaves Tanwen and Roxana to face off in the other half of the semi-final bracket. We have yet to see these two in action against each other." LOU: "Yeah! Two shape-shifting gals with tails and claws. Reptile versus Scorpion. Wait, did anyone else just get a bit of deja vu?" TOM: "I'm not sure, Lou, but I do have an urge to put on some electronic dance music. Are dragons technically reptiles, though? Is Tanwen specifically a reptile?" LOU: "Tom, I'm an old school wrestler and combat sports analyst. I got no idea how dragon girls work. I really got no idea how scorpion girls work. I just like watching ladies fight." TOM: "Fair enough, Lou, and I think you are indeed correct to call out arthropoid-mammalian hybrids as the more genetically confusing of the archetypes. As for what to expect, I foresee a case of straightforward and sometimes predictable combat style meeting the calculated chaos and misdirection of the scorpion, so I suspect an advantage on Roxana's side." LOU: "On the other hand, brute force did work for Albert when he faced Roxana on Zack Island, and Tanwen's certainly got some of that. Who won in the story of the frog and the scorpion?" TOM: "Frogs aren't reptiles, Lou." LOU: "Maybe dragons aren't either." TOM: "In any event, they both drowned." LOU: "Alright. DKO it is then! I can't wait." (Match link: http://motm.kicks-ass.net/log/idx/0012455.shtml) (Continued in the next post!)

The bracket for the Season 1 fighters comes up on the screen. (https://challonge.com/nfgseason2S1fighterschampionship) TOM: "And now, looking forward to our quarterfinal matches for the returning Season One fighters, we start with our top hayseed -" LOU: *groans and facepalms* TOM: "- versus our bottom seed and something of a wildcard in Ayala." LOU: "Boy, Tom, I remember when these two fought their first match back in the Sunshine City Natural Earth Food store. They were throwing everything at each other! Grapefruits everywhere, thousands of dollars' worth of water damage to the products and structure, quinoa in all the hard-to-reach places..." TOM: "I don't remember the quinoa." LOU: "I've had dreams about that fight, Tom." TOM: "Let's instead focus on the results of that fight and the trajectory afterward. Ayala certainly seemed to push Chevy to the limit back then, as she almost always does. Since then, Chevy's consistently been pushing herself to being one of our top contenders, while Ayala took the first half of this season off from professional fighting." LOU: "Still, that doesn't mean Ayala doesn't keep her teeth sharp. She's already taken out Sarah, and she made it look convincing. Neither of these two gals gives up easy. I don't think anybody else in the competition has the kind of elemental control Chevy does, while Ayala is one of those fighters with all the physicality you want - strength, speed and toughness. The odds say Chevy's got this, but I wouldn't be too surprised by an upset." TOM: "I don't often hear you singing Chevy's praises, Lou." LOU: "I ain't singin', Tom, I'm just tellin' it like it is. You don't get to the top spot in the league without some chops." TOM: "And in the adjacent bracket, we have Coco versus Braun - which has some interesting symmetry, as Coco and Chevy have been best frenemies for some time now, and Braun and Ayala have an affinity that's existed at least since the Blaze days." LOU: "And this'll be the first we've seen Braun and Coco throw down since the NFG started, Tom. " TOM: "Do you think there's a risk that Coco will be too distressed at the potential harm to an animal-like creature?" LOU: "No way. It'll be like Beauty and the Beast, but with kickboxing and claws." TOM: "So you predict that she'll see through his gruff exterior and fall in love with him just in time for him to regain his humanity and save his life?" LOU: "Uhh, no, I just meant there'll be an attractive young lady and a big burly guy kickboxing and clawing each other, and she'll probably try and teach him how to drink tea at some point. Look, I know these two are neck and neck in the standings, but I think anything but a Coco win here is gonna be a major upset." TOM: "Well, if there's going to be a major upset, this is the one I would tend to bet on. These two are close in the standings, Coco's never fought Braun before - and between Braun's proclivity for slashing attacks and Coco's susceptibility to costume damage, she may struggle to keep her focus here." LOU: "Since when has costume damage ever stopped Coco from kicking butt? She's beat Ayala and Buck before, so I reckon she'll continue her tradition of taking down the NFG's primal warriors." TOM: "How primal are firebirds, Lou?" LOU: "Well, that just shows what lengths Braun's going to have to go to to take down Coco in a one-on-one." (Continued in the next post!)

TOM: "Moving further down the bracket, we find Iris and Hawksley facing off. As you may recall, these two were teammates back on the original iteration of Team Blaze in Season One." LOU: "I'm not sure if anyone remembered that, Tom. Apparently they never actually met until they faced off at Metro City's premiere goth club in the second half of the season, and by then they were on different teams." The screen in the background starts playing footage of Iris and Hawksley engaged in fierce battle in Black No. 1. TOM: "Blaze's mismanagement in the first half of Season One was indeed legendary." LOU: "You say that, but they're not the ones who then sent the NFG's resident rainbow-coloured magical girl to a goth club in one of the roughest cities in America." TOM: "Touche. However, I would contend that that was one of the better matches in Metro City." LOU: "Hawksley's got the knack for turning fights into absolute slugfests, even when they involve magical girls. He's also had a lot of heat behind him this season to end up second in the standings. Iris is gonna need to pull some tricks out to take on the Irishman." TOM: "Still, she made it incredibly close the first time they came up against each other. I think that Iris has had more dramatic changes to her style than Hawksley; he's mostly improved on what already works for him, where Iris seems more of an innovator." LOU: "It's a completely different approach, and one I honestly find hard to gauge. Magical girls are more confusing than dragon girls and scorpion girls put together. This match'll definitely a good way to see where their divergent paths have taken them." TOM: "Agreed. And last but not least, we have Kenzo and Buck." LOU: "Man, do these guys ever put on a great match. From the first round in Metro City to the Mediterranean to their tag match on Zack Island, Buckzo always delivers." TOM: "Buckzo?" LOU: "Oh, sorry, that's a term this ninja girl my granddaughter's into on KickTok uses to refer to Buck and Kenzo." TOM: "Is that the ninja girl that keeps shipping NFG fighters?" LOU: "Uh, yeah. My granddaughter's really into all that gossip and romantic theorycrafting stuff." TOM: "Wait, is that the KickTok channel I keep hearing you on whenever you're on coffee breaks?" LOU: "Y-yeah, she keeps sending me links. Look, that ninja has some really interesting ship charts." TOM: "Huh. You'll have to link me to her account. Anyway, this will be the fourth match between Buck and Kenzo, and the third singles match between them. It's a singles tiebreaker, while Buck is up one over Kenzo in total match score after narrowly winning their tag match. Nobody has faced each other as often, and they always appear to be close fights." LOU: "For one of them, it will be the last match of the season. With a friendly rivalry like that, I think you've got the perfect for recipe to leave it all on the table and walk away with your head high, win or lose." TOM: "At the same time, both will want to put a legacy on this season by getting as far as they can - maybe even challenging for the championship itself - so they'll definitely be fighting tooth, nail, tentacle, chain and fan for that spot in the semi-finals." LOU: "Oh, yeah. The real question is, will they remain friends after, or perhaps become something more...?" TOM: "Lou! One of them is dating Chevy and the other -" LOU: "Look, there are several scenarios where those situations don't matter, Tom! I'm telling you, check the vlogs! And Google 'puppy filter!' Anyway, I'm pulling for Kenzo on this one, since that'll keep things the most interesting for the bromantic narrative." TOM: "We'll just have to see, Lou! This is shaping up to be an exciting bracket. For some, new matches; for most, a trip down memory lane. For all, a chance to see how far they've come and how far they'll go. Be sure to tune in or come watch live in Colombia!" (Additional info in next post!)

Greeting, doodz! Tournament time continues! We've now reached the quarterfinals for the Season 1 NFGers and the semifinals for the Season 2 NFGers. All matches need to be completed and submitted by end of day SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND. Please get in touch with your scene partner(s) ASAP. If you haven't started or scheduled your match(es) by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, then let me know by @mail or on Discord. This round's matches will be taking place in Colombia. The Season 1 matches will all be held at Cabo San Juan Beach. This can be accessed by entering stage/use Colombia - Cabo San Juan Beach. The Season 2 matches will be held at the Plaza de Todos. This can be accessed by typing stage/use Colombia - Cartagena - Plaza de Todos. As before, the tournament will be using the same rules as previous NFG tournaments. In the case of DKOs, the player with the higher final health total will be considered the winner. Following this round we will be taking a short break from the tournament for the holidays. The next round will begin on Wednesday January 8th 2025. Feliz Navidad! - Pringer X