Papuru Star: Coalition Carnage

Chapter 2: The Sound of Victory

Fanfare from what seemed like dozens of horned instruments ushers in the vibrant, blue and gold words 'COALITION CARNAGE' on holoviews across the galaxy. Images of the seventeen planets flash behind the words and a high girly voice can be heard.

Voice
After a decade of anticipation, ten long years of wanting, it's back.

Holoviews show quick images of beings of all races, Tilris, Human, Dagon, Ja'ir, all engaged in battle in diverse, yet sinister looking settings.

Voice
It's the year that brings us together in spirited rivalry, a show of strength of body, and the power of the mind. To the victor, blessings beyond the wildest of dreams. One thousand years in the making, it's the 100th decennial Coalition Carnage Competition!!!

Rhythmic music issues for the viewers at home before the picture fades to black, then replaced by fireworks over the skies of Topaz City. The mountain sized topaz gem appeared to switch colors in time with the balls of fire as they looped through the air accompanied by loud bangs and pops. Trillions of tiny sparks of varying spectrums, brilliant even in the light of day thanks to the shade provided by the sky high crystal, dove and swirled above the streets of packed Dycordians. All over the city, the joyous festivities, the laughter of men and women and children, and the banging of street drums all were caught on the dozens of floating viewscopes scattered about. Amongst the fiery spectacular, a pink tinted female Tilris floated with arm and legs spread. Her feathers were long and luxurious in some spots and near non-existent in others, giving her slight, pink form a bit of sex appeal. On closer inspection, those watching from home noticed she was incorporeal, as if a ghost.

Female Tilris
Happy New Year, my fellow Carnies! My name is Roxy Boss and I'm your host for this year's mega event! Open your hearts, purse your lips and blow me a kiss, oh loving galaxy!

Her holographic form floated down to a few meters above the raucous crowd.

Roxy
Ready for some carnage!?

The crowd does not disappoint in their reply.

Roxy
And I'm sure you're not alone in that statement, just as I'm not alone. Joining me in the coverage as our on-the-scene commentator, coming to us all the way from the sixteenth planet, Coalition Carnage Color Correspondent Ksush, Grodin!

When holoviews switch to the three armed Ksush, he held a five inch microphone from the hand overhead and using his two free arms to push patrons, who were drunk to the point of rowdiness away from his seven foot frame. He stood before rows of wood seatings arranged in the manner of a colosseum of which every seat was full.

Grodin
Don't forget crowd pleasing former host, Roxy. I'm here on Pia partying with some Pian Carnies who hope to see some action up close here at Pia's new geodome, the Stadium.

The six hundred thousand seats encompassed a 36x36 ring of stone with ten meter high pillars in each corner. Atop the pillars sat empty thrones.

Grodin
No longer content on having battles take place on their moon, the Pian now have a front row seat for the battles that make this Competition so great.

Two Pians roared in agreement, slamming their mugs of black glass together, sloshing their beer on Grodin's head. They laugh and slap him on the back. To his credit, Grodin remained professional only managing to throw a quick look of anger at the drunkards before smiling back at the viewscope.

Grodin
Of course, it's late afternoon local time so the alcohol is flowing freely here for this historical event. This will be the first time a Coalition Carnage battle will take place on Pian soil since its conception. The energy here is electric with hopes of a first round match pick. Will the Pians get it? We will have to wait and see.