Tournament Arc! (Forrest Waldstein vs Bastion Sandstone)

[Forrest Waldstein]

As Forrest entered the arena, he couldn't help but find the rowdy crowd overwhelming. He understood that an event like this would be very lively, so he did his best to drown out the excessive noise. He was interested in seeing how his abilities as a Huntsman have progressed during his time at Beacon. He did his best to ensure he was following all the rules in the pep rally, particularly those revolving around permissible equipment and gear. Unfortunately for him, he could not bring seeds to use Sylvan Anthem on, so using his Semblance required a greater cost to use. He was thankful for the lessons with Professor Copperfield on using Dust, as it was an integral part of a Huntsman's arsenal, and was one of the things the participants were allowed to bring.

It seemed Forrest was early, as his opponent had yet to arrive. All he knew about his opponent was the name, Bastion Sandstone. He never met Bastion before, so trying to imagine how he would fight was difficult.

Bastion Sandstone... I wonder what he's gonna be like... Forrest mused as he awaited the arrival of his opponent.

[Bastion Sandstone]

The constant chatter of the crowds reminded Bastion of the soft wind in Vacuo, shifting sands as it willed with that tiny grainular grating sound. He was a little nervous about a serious fight against another student. Not for his own safety, but for the opponent. His gun shot a huge projectile and if an Aura shield failed at the last moment... It wouldn't be clean. He touched the red bandana at his neck, hoping that he wouldn't make that mistake.

He hadn't met his opponent, Forrest Waldstein, so he had no idea his capabilities or Semblance. Hopefully he wouldn't know Bastion's either. The nature of his Semblance meant that he was dealt a bad hand in fights, but had an ace up his sleeve. He didn't want to have to use his ace, but he'd have to play his cards incredibly well in order to win without it. At the least it meant that if he wasn't ahead in the fight, as long as he could trade blows evenly he'd still come out on top. A waste to use on the first fight, but he'd do it if that's what it came too.

He stepped out of the shadowed ready-room out onto the arena floor. Across the way he spotted Forrest. Well, why wouldn't he be covered in green? And a beautiful looking sword too... Bastion approached him with a smile, hands on his hips. The handle of his weapon, Diplomacy, pressed against the back of his fingers while the two bandoliers acting like belts aroun d his hips carried two different sizes of cartridges, the smaller calibers color-coded. He couldn't bring auxiliary equipment, but he could bring extra of his usual.

Bastion held out a hand to his opponent. "Name's Bastion. Nice to meet ya."

[Forrest Waldstein]

As Bastion walked up to Forrest, he subconsciously yet subtly tried to make himself appear taller. A warm smile made it's way across Forrest's face as Bastion introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm Forrest Waldstein. Likewise, Bastion." Forrest responded with a firm and friendly handshake. However, his friendly demeanor belied a more analytical side to Forrest as he sized up his opponent.

That's a nasty looking revolver he's got... I've got a snowball's chance in hell in winning a fight from afar, so I've got to get up close in personal to have a decent chance of winning. I don't wanna lose this bout, because people would definitely think of me as just another weakling if I did... Forrest processed in his head as he finished the handshake.

"You seem like a nice guy. It's a shame we couldn't meet under less... competitive circumstances..." Forrest added.

[Bastion Sandstone]

Bastion nodded firmly at Forrest's name. That sword on him... It had more weight and striking power than his rapier. And that was it's primary form, which meant he'd probably beat Bastion up close. He'd need to keep him away at all costs.

"Aye. Doesn't mean we can't meat again in a more friendly circumstance. How about loser buys winner some ice cream?"

The announcer got to speaking, telling them to return to their respective sides. "I want mint chocolate chip, by the way." He smiled and flicked his own hat before turning to move back to his corner.

He stood slightly crouched, hand hovering over his holstered revolver as he waited for the signal. As soon as the horn blared he drew and fired all four shots of his largest caliber in quick succession from his hip, left hand pulling the hammer back for even faster firing. With practiced movement He flicked his wrist as soon as fourth bullet was fired, cycling over to his Dust rounds, and fired two more Ice Rounds, deft hands moving to reload his larger .65 caliber rounds in the empty cylinder.

[Forrest Waldstein]

"Sounds good." Forrest agreed to the terms set by Bastion. Ice cream did sound like a nice treat after a bout like this.

Mint chocolate chip? You're a man of taste, Bastion... Forrest thought as he made his way to his side.

Once they were settled in their respective positions, Forrest kept a close eye on Bastion. He figured as much that Bastion would be eager to draw his revolver like a duel at high noon. In fact, that couldn't be closer to the truth right now. Strangely enough, Forrest wasn't itching to reach for his sword. Instead, he stood slightly crouched like Bastion, both his arms outstretched toward his opponent.

I know he's gonna try and shoot me, so I might as well take advantage of the possibility that he wouldn't know my Semblance... Then again, I don't know his, either... Anyway, I have to react fast here... Forrest theorized as the horn blared.

Bastion reached for his revolver, as expected. Fortunately for Forrest, he was fully prepared for a full metal assault. Forrest rapidly channeled his Semblance to create an oak shield several inches thick, a bit taller and a bit wider than Forrest was. The downside being that wood isn't exactly known for being bulletproof, yet it was certainly better than taking the brunt of all the bullets. The bullets cracked and splintered the wood, the crumpled bullets eventually giving way to open air. A few stragglers hit Forrest, but the damage was mostly mitigated by the oak shield.

The flurry of bullets eventually ended, and as the telltale sound of reloading made itself apparent, Forrest lifted the damaged oak shield and threw it at Bastion with all the might his body could muster, practically growling in exertion as he did. With that, Forrest sprinted towards his opponent. Bastion may have had fast hands, but Forrest had fast legs. It would not take long for Forrest to close the gap and enter melee range with the cowpoke.

[Bastion Sandstone]

Of all things, Bastion didn't expect a wooden shield to grow out of the ground. Still, his rounds were nothing to sneeze at and pounded right through it. He hoped the Ice Rounds he shot would slow him down, but it didn't seem to do so. The shield lifted and was thrown at Bastion from across the arena!

The cowboy's deft hands finished loading his larger caliber rounds before he ducked and rolled, the shield slamming into the back wall. That thing was thicker than he had thought! And Forrest had just launched it at him! But the green warrior was on him before he could think any more. The man was fast, he'd have to keep him at a distance!

Knowing the next Dust Round in sequence, he jumped up and put his feet against the arena wall, pointed his gun towards his feet and jumped as he fired. A Cumbustion Round exploded, throwing Bastion to the middle of the arena and away from Forrest, landing on his feet and backflipping to disperse more energy. While in the air he fired another Combustion Round at Forrest, then two Lightning Rounds before flicking back to his larger rounds and pressing the button to extend the slender blade underneath.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Yep, that kinda hurt a little... Forrest thought after he threw the wooden shield. He definitely felt a few microtears occur in his muscles. Needless to say, Forrest is going to be very sore in the morning after that stunt. It seemed Forrest's initial plan of hitting Bastion with the shield had failed. It threw him for a loop at least, so it wasn't a complete failure. Though it seemed that Forrest overestimated his own strength while underestimating Bastion's reaction time, a mistake he would be careful to avoid in the future. Shortly after the damaged shield missed its mark, it withered away into nothingness.

Forrest watched as Bastion practically flew across the arena, using the momentum generated by the explosion from the Combustion round.

Combustion rounds... He loaded his revolver with multiple types of Dust ammunition, aside from the larger caliber bullets. Forrest observed, and decided to make a gamble in that moment while staring down the barrel of Bastion's hand cannon. He didn't have enough time to make it to the wall of the arena, so he created a wooden wall a short distance in front of him. That's when he heard the thunderous boom from behind him. Forrest ran up the wall and leapt backward, using the wooden wall as a springboard as he felt the explosion propel him forward... and at an angle. Not a complete success, but a better outcome than he originally anticipated.

As Forrest flew through the air, somewhat going towards Bastion, he aimed at him once again.

Hold on... This might be a different round... If he loaded two ice rounds, and shot two combustion rounds... This next two might be different... Forrest mused as the two shots rang out. Lightning rounds, headed right for him, and only had the air surrounding him. He couldn't dodge these bullets in midair, so with some quick thinking, Forrest created a thin wall that rose up from the floor between him and the bullets. He didn't have the time or concentration needed to create some better defenses, but at least the wall would divert the lightning to the ground. The bullets penetrated the wall easily, losing the electric charge as it dispersed and descended the throughout the wall and into the floor, releasing a little bit of steam in the process. After the wall did it's job, it also withered away, leaving no trace. These bullets hit Forrest in his left shoulder, and boy did it hurt. Were it not for his Aura, things would have gotten quite messy.

Forrest rolled as he landed, correcting his course to make a beeline towards Bastion. Forrest got close enough for Bastion to switch to the larger rounds and reveal the rapier form of his weapon.

He can still shoot like that, I can't take any chances with those rounds at point blank range! Forrest thought, conjuring up some grasping vines from beside Bastion, which lurched at his right arm and right leg to restrain them. With Bastion's right limbs restrained, Forrest could make his attacks without retaliation, for now at least. Forrest began his swift flurry of attacks with a wide slash to Bastion's left side.

[Bastion Sandstone]

Bastion had fast hands, but this kid was fast with his Semblance! Those walls of wood to disipate the charge was a smart move, steaming and burning the wood before they dissolved. The bullets hit their mark but the stunning effect was lost. This guy was so good at growing these wooden barricades out of the ground, why didn't he just-

Oh, there it was, vines reaching out to grab him. He wasn't fast enough to keep his foot from getting grabbed, but his blade was fast enough and steel sharp enough to cut those coming for his hand. He tried to wrench his foot free but it was locked. And Forrest was one him.

He turned best he could and did his best to defend against the blade, but he had no footwork to rely on and his blade was heavier than Bastion's, carrying more weight and power. He was able to parry and riposte a couple of times, but every block still transfered energy into him, knocking him around. He couldn't point the gun at Forrest, his blade was too quick to push it out of the way. He couldn't even load in a Fire round to blast the vines off his foot, he had no time or stability to reload. He could fire one of his larger rounds to break them, but that would play his Ace card. Better to let him press his advantage and spring it on him, then hit him with everything he got and hope for the best! But he had to get free first, had too!

In desperation and a spark of inspiration, when his blade was pushed to the ground once again he fired. The energy from his .65 caliber rounds was enormous, and a huge shockwave would hit them both as well as throw up a huge amount of sand into both of the faces. Only Bastion was used to sandy environments.

If that gave him a moments reprieve, he'd slash at the vines on his foot, load one special Dust Round into his second cylinder, the last three large rounds at where he thought Forrest would be.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest didn't like sand. It was coarse, rough, irritating, and gets everywhere. Not to mention it reminded him of climates that hindered his Semblance. Bastion definitely handled the sand better than Forrest did. He knew sticking around in melee while practically blind was a bad idea. Forrest leapt back, giving Bastion the breathing room he very much needed. Forrest quickly rubbed his eyes to get the sand out. That's when he heard the vines getting cut. Forrest knew he had to think fast, or he'd end up eating a lead sandwich. Moving forward was a bad idea, as Bastion's hand cannon would shred him to bits. Moving back would be safer, but put him at a disadvantage, since far away is where Bastion wants him to be.

That's when Forrest hatched a plan. As Bastion aimed and fired his three shots, Forrest grew a redwood tree underneath his feet, with a flat top to it. As Forrest ascended, the bullets pierced the redwood tree beneath him. Forrest transformed Grashalm to its repeater form, loading an ice round into the rifle. He leapt forward off the redwood tree as it withered away and fired the bullet, aiming for one of Bastion's feet. The bullet would either hit its mark and freeze a foot, costing Bastion precious mobility, or it would freeze the ground underneath Bastion, making dodging much more difficult due to its slippery nature. Forrest was aware that Bastion had a Dust round in the chamber, but he didn't get a good look at what he exactly put in. It was a gamble he had to risk. Forrest switched Grashalm back into its sword form and readied himself to strike Bastion from above.

[Bastion Sandstone]

Forrest didn't press his attack when Bastion's guard was down. That was a huge gamble he took and it paid off. The shots he took afterward though sent the sound of cracking wood, and a huge whoosh of air blew sand out as a massive tree, bigger than Bastion had ever seen, grew from under the ground. What in the world was this kid's Semblance?!

He took a few steps backward, looking up just as Forrest leapt and fired a round. Bastion changed his footing to back up even more, but the sand under him became a iced in a snap. His boots slipped and he hit the ground, turning to see Forrest fast falling with his sword out. He had no time to load another shot, and at this awkward angle he couldn't reliably hit Forrest. He turned the gun on his chest and pulled the trigger. A purple-black wave shot out around him as he hit himself with a Gravity Dust round. The recoil alone had him bounce up, and with his sudden 0Gness, he quickly floated to his feet and pushed off the icy ground to meet Forrest in a clash of steel.

If he made it past him, he'd take the time in the air to reload his two cylinders with the speed of someone who's done it thousands of times before pointing the gun to the sky. If he shot downwards he'd continue to float upwards, which would be a bad idea for leaving the arena's bounds but also falling once this temporary gravity effect ended. A massive boom once again would rock the arena as he would fly back down to the sandy floor, gun reloaded and Aura almost depleted.

[Forrest Waldstein]

There was a loud clang of steel on steel as Forrest slashed at the floating Bastion. He didn't quite have the time for another swing of the sword though. Forrest rolled as he landed, switching Grashalm back to its repeater form. Seeing a golden opportunity to get some pot shots at Bastion was under the effects of the gravity Dust bullet, Forrest loaded as many bullets as he could as fast as his hands would work. With equal swiftness, Forrest fired Grashalm at Bastion, seamlessly cocking the lever-action handle after every shot.

Come on! Break... his... Aura! Forrest thought, his words in unison with the crack of repeater fire.

Just when Bastion's Aura looked about ready to break, Forrest took one last aim at him, and...

CLICK!

The sound of an empty gun was the last thing Forrest wanted to hear in this moment. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, as Bastion shot directly upward, bringing him down to the ground. In that moment, Forrest conjured thick, gnarled roots to capture Bastion, immobilizing him. He quickly changed Grashalm back to the sword form and charged the helpless Bastion. He swung his sword overhead, connecting with the crown of Bastion's head. Just when Forrest thought he had won, the tables turned in a split second...

[Bastion Sandstone]

Bastion took a round in his chest, his Aura stpping it, before he started twisting in the air to dodge the oncoming fire, spinning in 0G and reloading his firearm. A few more hit him, a couple whizzed by, and one almost took his hat off.

He aimed at the sky and fired, sending him rocketing back to the arena. He made a small crater with the force, and before he could get strength to leap vines and roots wrapped around him. Through the haze of the sand came Forrest with his sword, swinging right for Bastion's head. His eyes went wide. He played the Ace up his sleeve.

In a shine of golden light, the sword was stopped millimeters from Bastion's skin. Bastion and his clothes and gun became coated in the golden light, an unbreakable barrier that allowed Bastion to hold on just a little longer. The vines wrapping his body were severed by the barrier, and Bastion was free.

"His aura is at 1%!" Called one of the announcers. "Isn't the match over?"

"Not quite," Answered the other co-host. "Bastion's Semblance doesn't kick in until the very last of his Aura is spent. He requested that the match not be called until his Semblance ends or his opponent's Aura breaks."

Bastion smiled at Forrest, gritting his teeth before pointing his gun at him. "You're semblance is great. This is mine."

"That's insanely dangerous!"

"These kids are training to fight monsters. Better get used to dangerous then, hm?"

Bastion then retracted his rapier blade. It would only get in the way. He advanced, practically running after Forrest as he shot, punched, kicked and swung his gun as a bat at the other student. He shot Combustion Dust behind him, Ice Dust at his feet, and his larger rounds at Forrest's torso, hoping to at beat his Aura down in a rush before his own Semblance faltered. He only had a few seconds.

Any attack against Bastion wouldn't be dodged or blocked. Instead it would stop against that golden barrier, chipping blades and crumpling bullets.

[Forrest Waldstein]

OH FUCK! Forrest thought as Bastion went on the offensive, his entire body brightly illuminating the area with a golden light. He was too close for comfort, as Forrest couldn't swing Grashalm effectively with how close Bastion was. The bout turned into a vicious brawl in a matter of seconds. Forrest, however, was not particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat. He did his best to try dodging some attacks, but most of Bastion's attacks hit home. Midway through the pummeling, Forrest sensed an opportunity to escape, and without a second thought, he did.

That, however, was only the beginning. The Combustion round Bastion fired blew Forrest forward, followed quickly by an Ice round. Forrest was just able to bring his legs up in time for the Ice round to pass underneath him. Forrest instinctively conjured another wooden shield to hamper the stopping power of the larger caliber of bullets, withering after it did its job. He leapt back, giving some much needed breathing room between them, his green aura visibly damaged at this point but not broken from the unyielding assault.

It was time for Forrest's Ace now. Seeing how his Semblance did nothing to hold him back in this state, he had to fall back on this option. Grashalm was once again transformed into its repeater form, and Forrest loaded a Gravity Dust bullet into it. He aimed at the floor behind Bastion and pulled the trigger.

At the moment of impact, Forrest used his Semblance to make roots holding his feet to the ground. The bullet exploded into gravitational energy, effectively creating a miniature black hole, though not nearly as dangerous. It pulled anything and everything near it to its singularity, and if all went well, this would pull Bastion to the ground and pin him there for the duration of his Semblance.

[Bastion Sandstone]

He had Forrest on the ropes! He pressed his advance, throwing everything he possible had at Forrest! 3 large shots left, 2 left, 1 left, switch to Dust and fire! He was pulling out all the stops. Bastion wasn't very versed in hand-to-hand either beyond bar brawling, but when you didn't have to be worried about getting hit and given a time-crunch, it made it far easier to throw hands.

Forrest's Aura flashed, and this was it! He was about to clutch this one out! He just had to keep going! Forrest pointed his rifle at Bastion and he couldn't care less. He fired and the bullet didn't even hit him! He pointed his gun at Forrest with his last shot and-

Sand and wind blew past him, and suddenly his feet had no traction. He glanced over his shoulder to see the tiny temporary black hole. What in the world?! What kind of Dust round was that?! His whole body was being drawn back to that singularity, same with all the sand in the area. He flipped his body forward, throwing his hand at the sand with all his strength. Sand parted and his arm dug in, grounding him temporarily and keeping him from falling back more. The sands still shifted underneath him, but he was more stable.

He pointed his gun forward with it's last shot, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

It clicked empty. Bastion's eyes widened and he pulled three more times. Click, click, click.

Right, he had used one shot to bring him back down. He had forgotton to count that round. In his surge he had forgotten to be smart about it all. He was all out of bullets, and one arm was grounded, unable to load any more. He tried to think of something, anything! He flipped the gun around in his hands and pulled back to throw it at Forrest, body tensing to get as much force as he could out of his position.

And his Semblance ended, golden particles drifting off and leaving him Aura-less.

A buzzer sounded, and Bastion's arm and gun went to the ground, panting.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest was surprised at the effectiveness of this gravity Dust round. It worked as expected, the miniature black hole acting like, well, a less dangerous miniature black hole. Forrest was briefly worried when Bastion aimed his revolver at him, but remembered he had been counting his shots in the back of his head. His worry completely left when he heard the affirming click of an empty gun.

Woah... That particular gravity round packed a wallop... Thank you, Professor Copperfield... Forrest mused as the effects of the gravity round petered out. Then, the roots holding him in place withered away.

The buzzer sounded, and Forrest stood there, dumbfounded. He had won! He could not believe it! The crowd went wild as the buzzer sounded. Again, Forrest tried ignoring the excessive noise as much as he could, though he swore they were cheering his name. He briefly shook off the euphoric sensation of winning the bout and made his way over to Bastion, stretching out a hand to his exhausted opponent.

"You know what's kinda funny? I also wanted mint chocolate chip." Forrest said to Bastion with a smile, waiting for him to take his hand.

[Bastion Sandstone]

Bastion stayed on his hands and knees even when the plants whithered away. He was so, so close... And he lost on the first fight! He was exaughsted and hurt and embarrassed. The crowd was chanting Forrest's name, and he felt like maybe he should stay down a bit more. After all, he had been beaten.

Until Forrest stretched out his hand. Bastion looked up, squinting his eyes at the sun coming in.

At Forrest's words he couldn't help but smile. He let out a huff and took Forrest's help, getting back to his two feet. "Also Mint Chip, hm? Well then, anytime you want it's yours. For now, I think I'm gonna take a nap... Good fight though, Forrest. You got skills."

And together they stepped off the field, making way for the next fight.