Irina (freeko)

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"I'm Aura!" The girl introduced herself, smiling cheerfully. "I'm a dark elf. Say, aren't you one of the people that were fighting in that tournament that was on today? Did you win?" She asked, brimming with curiosity. Though as she flipped herself over on the raft, laying down on her stomach and staring at Irina while waiting for an answer, the demon would feel an odd sense of foreboding. Her attitude was friendly and her expression playful, but there seemed to be an undercurrent of something fierce, a glint of eagerness in Aura's eyes. It's like the elf was sizing her up before a fight. It wasn't the kind of battle madness that Nyx had, though, more like a sort of competitive spirit. Still, even if she didn't look hostile, it was probably unwise to dismiss her. There was a fair chance Irina would end up fighting her someday.

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Hello Aura, yes I was in the tournament. The finals were today and I was able to win. I think I am going to be promoted into a new league now from the sounds of it."

Irina could almost feel the spirit of this dark elf. Probably someone that goes on the list of "do not piss off". Though at least for now she certainly seemed friendly enough, Irina would try to get to know her a little better.

"If you don't mind my asking, what league are you in?"

Irina was not really sure where to go with the conversation aside from answering her preivous question, so she would try to see if a question about what league the dark elf was in could strike up a conversation.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Eh, you're the winner? Congratulations!" Aura replied happily. "So you're advancing to level one? Oh, right, you weren't properly told about the levels were you?" The elf paused, thinking. "Well... Levels is what we have here instead of leagues, I mean there's only one League, really, and everyone is a part of it." Irina would likely recall Amanda saying something to that effect, stating she was advancing in rank within the League, rather than moving to a new one. "It's a rough measure of how strong you are. You start at level zero and then advance higher as you improve. I'm level two, by the way." She smiled again. It was an honest, non-threatening smile that didn't seem to fit someone who was supposedly a whole level above Irina in terms of combat strenght.

"We have that instead of leagues to allow matches between people from different levels, either by request or because Medea felt like it." Aura continued to explain. "Sometimes you get a tag team of lower ranked people fighting against a single stronger fighter, or teams with fighters from different levels. That's why boss lady doesn't want to split the League up." Irina would recall participating in a couple of those. "Some people say it's kind of a pointless difference in terms, but I don't care. It's just a name, after all, you can always come up with new ones on the fly, really." The elf flipped herself over again, stretching. "By the way, is it true that Ebihara and Rose were screwing around again during commentary? I've heard they sent Ran in to get them to stop."

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

Irina would be educated by Aura a little better on how the league itself as a whole worked. The tournament was likely a promotion tournament where the winner would be given a raise in their league rank. Almost thinking that whatever went up had to eventually go down, Irina would not really want to know if it was possible or even how it would happen if she were to ever get sent back down in rank again.

As Aura further explained a few things, she divulged that her rank was one higher than Irina's at rank two.

"Well, I wouldn't know much about the ranks myself so I couldn't say. I was a little too focused on my match to really even notice what the announcers were doing. Though knowing Ebihara a little, it would not surprise me in the least if they were up to something silly."

Irina would attempt to somewhat dodge the question about the commentators, as she was in fact a little to busy with her match to even really notice the commentators. It wasn't even until right now that the light bulb went off in her head. There was someone different in the end of the match that had congratulated her.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"I know, right?" Aura laughed at that. "They're always at each other's throats, it's hilarious to watch. Though sometimes it causes problems, too. Like there was that one time they've been competing over who can beat more goblins faster." The elf giggled as she looked up, recalling the memory. "First they've started beating the goblins with other goblins to score points faster, then threw the goblins over the barrier separating them, then broke down the ring and started beating the shit out of each other while the goblins escaped into the audience. That was insane. Also the main reason why monster matches are fought in those pits nowadays." Well, that was probably a little unexpected.

"So anyway, how are you feeling about the League so far?" The elf questioned, looking for an opportunity to engage in some small talk. Meanwhile, out of the corner of her eye Irina would be able to notice Alex, who was no longer swimming around. Rather, he seemed to be talking with a girl - one with a tail and ears that somewhat resembled fins. A mermaid from the looks of it. They were too far to hear what was going on, but from the looks of it the chat was a friendly one.

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

Irina saw Aura as something of a veteran, though with how new she was most everyone was a "veteran" compared to her. It would seem that the commentators in the tournament had some manner of history with each other. After her little story on why monster matches were as they are now, Aura would pose another question toward Irina.

"Hmm, not really sure how to answer that, Aura. I mean there are a bunch of interesting things here, much less the people I have met so far. I mostly just see what they throw at me and try to overcome it. I guess I really never thought about how I felt about it all...

Irina would trail off a bit as she noticed what had to be Alex. He was talking with someone who was presumably female and a mermaid to boot.

"Sorry, I just noticed my prize from the finals was talking to one of the mermaids over there" Irina would go so far as to point him out to Aura.

"He has a little problem with his confidence, though I think it may have set him back that he lost to me. I really did not even think he was going to be my opponent in the finals when I saw how the bracket was drawn. I did tell him that he was not to have sex with anyone while he was here, but I bet you he will anyways." Irina seemed rather almost happy for Alex that he was out and about again. After spilling his bucket nine times in their match, it would be almost worth seeing if he had anything left in him at this point.

"Anyways.. where were we?" Irina would turn her attention back toward Aura. It wasn't like Irina was going to really watch over Alex while they were here, it just was not in her nature to be like that.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

Aura glanced around as Irina pointed Alex out to her, raising one eyebrow. "Eh, not with her I think. That's Nadia, she's kind of an innocent one and rather thick when it comes to seduction so - wait a second." She frowned, squinting. "I remember that guy. He always hangs out with that dryad. You're saying he got to the finals?" She looked back at the demon, an expression of suprise on her face. "Damn. He always looked like a total wuss, but I guess he maybe ain't a lost cause if he could get that far." She sighed. "Man, I used to have him fetch me hamburgers all the time. Well, I can probably still do that, I'm stronger than he is after all, but it's one thing when a guy lets you push him around and another when he stands up for himself. Crushing someone just for that is just bad, you know?"

"Anyway, we were talking about your thoughts about the League." The elf returned to the previous topic. "Don't worry much about that stuff, most people don't think too much about it either. Most of them are in it for the ride, though some got their own reasons. Still, I think you're better than some of the idiots we've got around here." Aura rolled her eyes at that. "Some people really don't think any further than the next fuck. They usually don't last long with attitudes like that, though. Sooner or later they all learn better." She stated that as if it were a fact. "Anyway, I'm sure you'll have a chance to get everything in order now. Level zero is always a bit hectic since it's sort of a test before the higher levels. You'll have more freedom in choosing your fights now and more time to explore the place, so relax. Have fun. That's why we're here, no?"

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Yeah, Lily is the dryad. I beat her in the first round of the tournament. I think he got lucky really, but when I watched him in those matches it was like a weight got lifted off his shoulders when he won in the first round. He won pretty convincingly in the second round too."

Irina would semi defend Alex, though at the same time it was clear that Irina was better than him from the match that they had earlier in the day. At least Irina knew that Alex could stand up for himself, and if he couldn't hopefully she would be around so that the situation would not get out of hand.

"Choosing my fights? There was just usually a board that had a schedule of sorts for me before. Interesting, I guess there are more types of matches than what I had experienced in that level then?"

Irina would reply to the second part of Aura's speech. It would be interesting to see what exactly this new level in the league would have in store for her. Though now that her mind started churning a bit, she had a question for Aura

"Just out of curiosity, if you do not mind, Aura. You said that higher level people would fight multiple lower level people, right? How would something like that work if say Alex and I were to face you? Would we all be in the ring at the same time or would it work differently? I was in a team match where everyone was in the ring at the same time about a week before the tournament, so I guess I am more curious than anything to learn a little more about this place and how it all works."

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Luck's also a part of a fight. And more often than not it's something that's made, not something that happens." Aura shrugged in response. "At least that's how I see it. Though if he pulled it off more than once, and on different days no less, then he's probably improving." She judged. "And yeah, you'll still have some scheduled battles, but you're going to have more free time you can use for yourself. Though most people like to apply to have a fight arranged for them or go look for someone to challenge, since more matches mean more renown and bigger chance of earning something good. If you go lazing around all the time, boss lady will take notice. And she won't be happy."

Humming as she paused to think for a moment, Aura nodded absently as Irina asked her about match types. "Usually you get a decent spread of fights in level zero, but you don't see everything. Underwater matches, certain monsters, or labirynth runs. That last one is kind of a gauntlet with a series of fights, after each battle you choose where to go next. Depending on your luck, you can find monsters, traps, other runners, or prizes. They happen rarely, but they're interesting. Just don't expect them to be fair. Some people luck out and get an easy run, others get to be fucktoys for a greater beast or something like that."

The last series of questions drew a raised eyebrow out of the elf, but she still rallied to give an answer. "Well, depends on the difference in rank. If it was me against someone from level, say, four or five, then I'd be fighting together with another person at the same time. Maybe even two. If it were you against me, though, it'd probably be a regular tag-team vs one fighter. Only one fights, but you can switch a few times." She nodded to herself. "Two on two matches with all people in the ring aren't done often, especially in higher levels. It just becomes a clusterfuck. And hey, learning's fine. It won't hurt to know how things around here are done."

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Well Aura, I thank you for your time. You have been most helpful in allowing me to learn more about this place. I think I am going to get off here though, have fun!"

Aura and her were talking for far longer than Irina had initially thought. As they had completed a full lap around the lazy river. Irina would take this opportunity to get off the raft and see what Alex was getting himself into. Learning alot about how the league as a whole was structured was enlightening to say the least.

Now to see if Alex had passed his test. Irina had "control" over Alex for the day, but even when she defeated Lily and Gren it was more those two that really controlled how the rest of the day went. If nothing else, Irina wanted to spend some more time around Alex. He certainly seemed like someone who would "get around" as it were. Maybe hit up a few water slides, or head back into the previous enclosure and try their hand at those "chicken fights" she had seen on their way into this enclosure.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"You're welcome. Have fun!" Aura waved Irina goodbye as she continued to float on the artificial river while the other girl left to check up on her companion. Looking around for a few minutes, she finally managed to locate Alex, who was floating on top of the water without making any moves, looking as if he was relaxing. When approached, he'd notice Irina making her way to him and would switch to an upright position, comfortably standing in the pool as he apparently drifted over a somewhat shallow part.

"Hey Irina. Having fun, I hope?" He asked with a smile. "I saw you back there on the river earlier, so I figure you've had a rather easygoing time so far. Want to try something more exciting?" He pointed at the slides towering over the pool, long twisting pipes with people sliding down them on a stream of water. A crazy ride, for sure. There was also the wave pool which seemed to be going quite strong, providing those that dared to brave them with a challenge. There was also an opportunity to try her hand at diving from a decent height. Finally, a group of people had apparently produced some balls and were now playing with them, small groups and individuals coming and going as they've entered and left the games being played.

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Hmm, you were in the wave pool before right? Was it any fun? Let's try those slides first!"

Irina would start to let herself go, acting almost like a giddy schoolgirl now just wanting to run from place to place and try everything out. Having some time to simply relax was of great benefit as she felt a little more energized at this point. Since Alex was certainly more familiar with the place in general she would trust that she would not be steered wrong as to which slides were better than the others.

Taking a look over at the wave pool, she would see people of all types trying to stay afloat on top of small boards almost like surfing a wave as they were bombarded with wave after wave from the one end of the pool. The diving did not really interest her all that much, though at some point she would want to take a look at just exactly was going on with the games that were being played by the group that had started to form up.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Alright, alright, just don't rush too much." Alex chuckled at Irina's enthusiasm, guiding her towards the slides. "And yeah, it's fun. I can show you after this." He added, nodding in the direction of the wave pool. As she began to play on the slides, the girl found that trusting him to pick out the best attractions was a good idea. He certainly knew them well and guided her to the most interesting ones. The highest one, a ride that lasted several minutes with twists and turns that left her a little dazed for a while. The fastest one, a short but insane ride that was one of the most intense experiences in Irina's life. There were a couple with special effects like lights, sounds and images, seemingly generated by magic.

Some slides were more relaxed, providing an innocent, almost childish kind of fun, while others were more extreme. Overall, however, she'd find the available selection quite enjoyable. Alex certainly did, looking rather giddy as he guided Irina from slide to slide. He did pick out a couple more difficult slides too, though, which occasionally gave her trouble as she performed slightly less than dignified landings, prompting him to snicker once or twice. He didn't seem to be picking them out on purpose... Probably. It was a little hard to tell. At the very least she wasn't the only one who got unlucky, though, as occasionally she'd get to witness others have an amusing mishap, giving her an opportunity for shadenfreude.

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

As the pair of Irina and Alex reunited, they would run off to the water slides and they would experience a few different ones. One of the longer ones was so twisty and turny that it felt like she was gonna hurl afterward from the sudden jolts. The other extreme being a speed slide that was far faster than anything she had experienced. It was like quite literally being shot from a rocket with how fast it felt like she was moving. A few more not so mundane slides had less extreme imagery that was almost magical in nature it felt like.

A few times at the end of the slides, Irina would end up in less than ideal positions being thrown from her tube a few times. Sometimes one of her breasts would liberate themselves though she was able to correct the mishap before anyone was able to really see, or so she hoped. As she would watch others come to the ends of some of the slides, a few more obvious wardrobe malfunctions would occur allowing Irina to snicker a little under her breath.

With the slides all but exhausted, as they would be able to try each one it was off to the wave pool where Alex had started his time here. Irina on the other hand would be visiting this area for the first time so it was a little awkward not really knowing what to expect. From a distance it just looked like a generator was making waves from one end of the pool and they would dissipate when they reached the other side of the pool. Nevertheless, Irina would give it a go.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

The exact source of the waves seemed to be hidden, built into one of the ends of the pool. Still, it didn't change the fact that whatever it was, it worked pretty damn well. The waves were fairly strong, especially close to the beginning, becoming milder near the end of the pool. There was also a number of boards available that some of the people would try to use to ride the waves, with mixed results. Some were obviously experienced at this and even managed to reach the end of the pool without incident. Others tended to land in the water sooner rather than later. There were also people who enjoyed the waves without a board, playing with them or even challenging themselves to swim against them.

Alex would lead Irina into the pool without a board at first. "You should probably get used to the waves first." He explained. "If you try to surf right from the beginning, you're just going to fall instantly." He seemed to have a point, as Irina would have to struggle a bit at first to get used to the waves as they moved further. The entry point was located near the end of the pool, so the water was relatively calm there, but the closer they got to the other side, the more difficult it was to progress, or even stand her ground. Alex would do his best to coach Irina and help her, showing her his technique for dealing with the obstacle.

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

Irina now at the wave pool, would see why Alex liked it so much. Though it did not seem to be her "cup of tea" as it were. Getting about halfway into the pool, Irina would get knocked off her feet by the sheer force of the waves. Alex would then calm her down with a little friendly advice to try to adapt to them instead of trying to resist them, it was a battle she would not be able to win as it were.

This would let Alex show off a little bit, as he was far more adept at negotiating the waves. It was soon that Irina started to realize it was almost all reliant on her ability to balance herself, not dissimilar to how she would unbalance an opponent that she was able to throw down to the mat in a match. The waves were hitting with a level of force she did not need to resist but simply adapt to and adjust her movements to go with the flow a little better.

This was somewhat enlightening to Irina though Alex may not entirely realize why this was. Choosing not to take much of a risk, she would let Alex have his time to shine and show off for Irina now. After about half an hour the waves would come to an end. The machine that generates the waves seemed to need some time to rest before restarting again.

"So whats left, Alex?"

Irina would make it pretty clear that she was ready to move on to the next thing. Already having done the lazy river, water slides and the wave pool it almost felt like she had touched on everything that this place had to offer. Though she would leave it up to Alex as there had to be something else that she was unaware of still to do.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

With slides, wave pool and the river out of the way, Irina had managed to cover a good number of attractions. Though there were still some she had not yet visited, like the jacuzzi for example. "Well, if you still want to do something around here, we could go visit the outside area and check out the deep pool. Some of the water-dwelling fighters spend a lot of their time there, like elementals or merpeople." Alex explained. "Or we could hit up the sauna, go sweat a bit. It does a body good." He grinned. "Unless you're getting tired of staying in the water. We could go visit the aquarium then, there's one very close to this place. Lots of fish and other creatures to look at there." He suggested. "You can do more than look at some of them, too."

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Hmm, the sauna sounds good. Let's go there next.." Irina figured it was time to wind down a little again. It almost felt like the day was starting to come to a close. Then again it could just be that Irina has been exerting herself throughout the day. Starting with a match then another short training session, Irina had a rough though certainly productive day.

At the water park she was able to rest a bit while learning about the way the league as a whole would function. She would go and expend herself again going through the water part like a wildfire with Alex by her side guiding her around. Wanting to slow it down a little again, Irina would opt to hit up the sauna.

 

[cross_grave]

Re: Irina (freeko)

"Sure thing." Alex nodded, guiding Irina out of the pool and up a set of stairs at the side of the room. As they entered the second floor, the girl would notice a set of several doors made of what looked like darkened glass, with a small pool filled with cool water nearby. She'd recognize the two people inside of it - Shuten and Ibaraki, the pair of Oni from her tag-team bout with Inari. Both of them would greet Irina amicably enough, Shuten being a bit more lazy while Ibaraki a bit more court. From the looks of it, they were relaxing after spending some time in the sauna.

After the exchange of greetings, Alex would lead Irina into one of the rooms beyond the doors. The first thing she'd notice was the heat, which hit her like a tidal wave. Entering, she'd see a square room with wooden walls and floor. Wooden benches were place along each wall, giving the two of them ample space to sit. The middle of the room was occupied with a stove with rocks on top of it. There was a water bucket with a convenient ladle nearby, allowing Irina and Alex to control the humidity by pouring water onto the rocks and letting it evaporate. The air was hot, but not unbearably so, feeling just fine for now. The nekokin would sit down comfortably, though his skin would soon gain a noticeable sheen.

 

[freeko]

Re: Irina (freeko)

Alex would guide Irina into an area she was unaware of. Going up a set of steps, there were sets of doors made from darkened glass. The one room had a few familiar faces in the pair of Oni she had met in a previous match. Exchanging a quick greeting between them, Alex would lead Irina into a room past the darkened doors.

Entering the steam room, Irina would get blasted by a change in the temperature of the room. The room itself was fairly simple in design. A square shaped room with wood benches along three of the four sides allowing them to sit or lay down as the case may be. The middle of the room was dominated by the stove that was the primary cause of the humidity within the room. A water bucket with a ladle was next to it, and that was used to control just how humid the room would get. As more water were added into the stove the room would become more humid.

"If you want to change the temperature of the room feel free, Alex." Was about all Irina cared to say for now, as she noticed Alex almost immediately starting to sweat. The last thing she wanted was for him to pass out from the heat. Spending about half an hour or so within the steam room, that would be it for Irina. She would head into the common area where the pair of Oni were to let her body readjust to a more normal environment before trying to decide how to finish off the rest of the day.