Round 2 Match 16: @artistically-gay vs. @a-walnut
“Poindexter?” Danny frowned at the ghost who was flanked by two security guards. One guard’s uniform had a sparkly sash that read Fantasma-Exspiravit. The other guard’s helmets had Verbally-Situational-Irony bedazzled on the front - that was one of the phighters who’d lost earlier. Was that what losing meant? You had to sell yourself into servitude at the Denny’s?
“Yes, I’m back,” Poindexter grumbled. “But not for the reason you’re probably thinking.”
“I don’t know what we’re thinking, actually,” Tucker said. “So why are you back?”
“Well.” He tugged on his collar. “I did actually get my egg cream, you know. And I saw a bit of this… “Phight” through the window while I did.”
“And?” Danny raised an eyebrow. Poindexter sighed.
“You were right. All the ghosts have actually been swell to each other, given the circumstances.” He frowned. “Though I do have some concerns about their taste in music.”
“You can blame Matsu for that one,” Tali said with a small smile. “So, you want to stay for the last round?”
“I guess,” Poindexter said, though he quickly accepted the open seat. The two left with a nod. “This is a pretty good idea, y’know. Giving these ghosts an outlet to release their aggressions.”
“Pretty swell, huh?” Tali smirked. “Enough of this mushy stuff though, we’ve got a Phight to finish! So on to round sixteen!
“Yet another phighter who’s survived the horrors of the Carnivorous Outskirts and can dance like nobody’s buisiness: Artistically-Gay!”
The Ghostbusters theme began to play from the speakers as this ghost flew into the ring.
“Huh, I’d think a bunch of ghosts would be offended by those movies,” Tucker said.
“And our last phighter of the night, yeeting herself here all the way from the Far Frozen, it’s A-Walnut!”
A-Walnut entered the ring with a few squeaks of her clown horn, disrupting the tempo of the music.
The opponents flew at each other, and Tucker thought they’d finally try for a physical fight for once. He glanced at Poindexter, wondering how the ghost would take it, but he was sitting on the edge of his seat. Maybe it was nice to see someone other than himself get beat up for a change.
But no punches were exchanged. Instead A-Walnut’s clown horn clashed with Artistically-Gay’s Ghostbusters-themed cross. They struck and parried with the short weapons as if they were tiny swords. The clangs rang out in time with the music.
“You’re… a… formidable opponent,” Artistically-Gay grunted as they fought.
“You too,” A-Walnut said with a squeak of the clown horn. It broke Artistically-Gay’s focus, allowing her to sweep his feet out from under him.
“THAT’S RIGHT, GET HIM!” Poindexter shouted. All eyes in the VIP box went to him, and he coughed into his hand. “I mean, let’s keep it clean, folks.”
They all laughed, almost missing the peak of the match: Artistically-Gay caught himself on one knee, then struck with a bolt of energy from his Ghostbusters cross. A-Walnut went flying back, her clown horn squeaking sadly in defeat.
Tali dooted her kazoo for the last time that night.
“A-Walnut is unable to battle! Artistically-Gay wins!”
The crowd whooped and whistled before flying off into the void of the Ghost Zone. At least that was one nice thing about a ghost arena; you didn’t have to fight a crowd to leave.
Tali yawned and stretched. “Another successful Phight, I’d say. Thanks for making it Danny and Tucker. And you too, Poindexter. I’m glad you had a good time.”
“Aww, shucks,” Poindexter blushed.
“That wasn’t something I expected to see,” Tucker said to Danny. “Anyway, you think we can get some food before we go? I forgot to order while we were watching.”
“I guess so. You might not like what’s on the menu, though.”
“You like neon green Shrek cupcakes?” Danny asked.
“Still probably better than your parents’ cooking,” Tucker pointed out.
“Eh, fair enough. Sure, let’s eat.”
“I’ve got to handle some hiring decisions, so I’ll see you two next round!” Tali said with a wave. “And you’re welcome to come back too, Poindexter!”
“What do you know, maybe I will.” He smiled and straightened his bowtie. “See ya on the flipside, folks!”
