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Oooooh... This is an interesting one... Teleportation and swordsmanship against Probability Control... This is definitely an interesting one indeed, and perhaps too close to call.

You have perfectly, and I mean PERFECTLY summed up why I have a love-hate relationship with the 1987 TMNT animated series. Yes, I love it because it introduced me to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I have fond memories of those versions of the characters with the cartoon, the toys, the whole peak that was Turtlemania... But then as I grew up, and discovered who the Turtles truly were as Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird intended with the original black and white comic, and realized that the cartoons overshadowed the original, and had to face being made fun for being a Turtles fan because of the kiddie image which the 1987 toon stagnated the franchise in... Yeah. It's very frustrating and a damn shame, that for thirty seven out out of forty years, TMNT has been stagnated as this kiddie thing-- and Mutant Mayhem did not do the franchise any favors. That's why I am looking forward to the live action Last Ronin movie, because the comic took the world by storm and now we're getting a movie-- and I hope it's a good movie too, and a successful one to where we can get Mirage inspired movies. A good and very interesting breakdown on how this match could turn out! I definitely like the idea of the smoke bomb/roomba combo happening! I might use that! And I'm glad that you pulled out the possibility of Donatello distracting Chun-Li, that's something which people forget about ninjutsu, is that it employs distractions quite a lot to create openings or means of escape!

Learn More About Nightcrawler Read more about Nightcrawler at Wikipedia Official Site: Marvel Comics Links: Wikipedia: Nightcrawler Uncannyxmen.net: Nightcrawler Marvel.com: Nightcrawler Shatterstar Read more about Shatterstar at Wikipedia Official Site: Marvel Entertainment Links: Wikipedia Uncanny X-Men.net Marvel.com

THE XAVIER INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT PART 8 TEAMS AND SET-UP     The respective teams of Forge and Cable watched on intently as the two men shot at each other with pulse rifles. Forge’s Uncanny team of Bishop, Longshot, Dazzler, and Kitty Pryde stood on one side while Cable’s X-Force team of Shatterstar, Warpath, Rictor, and Feral stood on the other. The X-Force team was also joined by longtime member and partner to Cable, Domino. Forge reached for a concussion grenade that Cable knocked away with his telekinesis. As the battle continued, Shatterstar left his team and walked up to Longshot. SHATTERSTAR: I was certain when our teams were paired up that we would have been the representatives, brother. LONGSHOT: Yeah, two warriors who fought for years to survive in the Mojoverse. I can’t think of a better connection I would have with anyone here. Longshot’s eyes looked over to Domino. LONGSHOT: On the other hand. Dazzler followed her teammate’s eyes and elbowed him in the side and teased him. DAZZLER: Now you’re making me want to fight her. Their attention immediately turned back to the fight between Cable and Forge as the sound of Forge’s yells echoed through the Danger Room. The veteran X-Man fell at Cable’s feet, unable to keep up with Cable’s power despite his ingenious weaponry. Cable smirked. COMPUTER VOICE: The winner is Cable. One point for the X-Force team. CABLE: A great skirmish Forge, it was an honor. Forge gasped hard as he struggled to lift himself up. FORGE: Well, there is a reason you were the leader while I was on X-Force. Cable helped his friend up and then adressed his team. CABLE: Alright team let’s move out, we’re done here. There are plenty of potential opponents to scout for the next round. Cable left the Danger Room followed by Domino, Feral, and Warpath. Shatterstar stayed a few moments with his parents, who remained blissfully unaware of their destiny as his parents, until Rictor placed his hand on his back shoulder. RICTOR: You heard Cable, we need to go.’ Shatterstar acknowledged Rictor and followed his friend to the exit.  DAZZLER: Good luck in the fights ahead. Shatterstar twisted his neck back to see her and nodded appreciatively. After his defeat of fellow heavy hitter Strong Guy, Colossus joined back with his teammates Nightcrawler, Storm, Banshee, and Sunfire. COLOSSUS: Not a bad start at all, no? STORM: Not bad at all, hopefully we can keep up the momentum you have given us. The team spent the remainder of the first round trying to think of a time since their original recruitment into the X-Men, that the five of them had been together like this and were unable to come up with a single instance. As the second round started, the conversation naturally turned to what team they might be paired off against next. SUNFIRE: It looks like I won't be fighting next. STORM: What makes you say that? SUNFIRE: Looking at everyone who is here, it seems obvious I will be paired with Roberto, which suits me just fine. We can settle a long standing argument. But we won’t be able to do that this round because the New Mutants are already lined up to face X-Men Blue. STORM: While I think you and Beto would be a fine matchup, I don’t think it is the only possibility for you. BANSHEE: I too wonder who’s in store for me. My first two guesses have already had their matches so I’m back to square one. COLOSSUS: Who were you thinking, comrade? BANSHEE: First I thought of Warren Worthington due to our proclivity for the skies and then maybe Emma Frost because of our connection teaching Generation-X. Those possibilities are gone now. Perhaps I have been paired against someone in Excalibur, a nod to Irish-British tension. NIGHTCRAWLER: Personally, I would love to be our representative should we face off against my former team. I have so much history with Excalibur, I was a founding member. I’m sure Brian would not be opposed to the idea of getting his hands on me to get out some unresolved tension. SUNFIRE: Who would have unresolved tension with you? NIGHTCRAWLER: There were just some misconstrued events, involving his current wife, Meggan, and I… Storm lifted a knowing eyebrow. STORM: Misconstrued, hmmm. NIGHTCRAWLER: Ororo, please, there is no need to litigate the past. There are other possibilities if I was the one to go against Excalibur. I could be paired against my former flame, Cerise. Kurt thought about the very real possibility of fighting his powerhouse Shi'ar ex-girlfriend and the possibility she could take out any lingering frustration over their end of their relationship when she was forced into service by the Shi’ar, out on him. He flinched. NIGHTCRAWLER: On second thought I don’t think I want to fight against my former teammates. STORM: Speaking of teammates, I wouldn’t mind seeing you and Logan go another round. NIGHTCRAWLER: Easy for you to say, Liebchen, you wouldn’t be the one having to avoid his claws. BANSHEE: I think a fight with you and Hank would be fun. A battle of the blue. NIGHTCRAWLER: Now you’re on to something, mein friend. ?: I can answer the question of your opponent, Kurt. It is no one that you have mentioned. Cecilia Reyes approached the International X-Men team. Kurt teleported next to her and kissed her hand. NIGHTCRAWLER: Dr. Reyes, a pleasure as always, fraulein.  CECILIA REYES: If you think flattery is going to get you some advantage, you're barking up the wrong tree. NIGHTCRAWLER: Wouldn’t dream of it. CECILIA REYES: I’m here in a professional capacity. Cecilia regarded Kurt’s swords. CECILIA REYES: When swords are involved, deep cuts are always a consideration. Kurt perked up. NIGHTCRAWLER: A sword fight? CECILIA REYES: You will see soon enough. If you wouldn’t mind teleporting us there to get us there quickly. NIGHTCRAWLER: Certainly. Nightcrawler teleported Cecilia, himself, Storm, Banshee, Colossus, and Sunfire back to the Danger Room where they were awaited by X-Force. The realization hit Nightcrawler almost instantly. NIGHTCRAWLER: A sword fight against Shatterstar? What a great challenge. SHATTERSTAR: I’m also looking forward to this battle. I respect you, Nightcrawler and all that you have done, but you should know that you are outclassed here. Swordplay isn’t a hobby for me. I had to master swordplay to survive the colosseums of Mojoworld as a gladiator and Dr. Reyes isn’t here for me. I have a healing factor and the ability to rearrange my own organs. CECILIA REYES: I am here for whomever needs my assistance. NIGHTCRAWLER: I appreciate your concern, mein friend. But you should know swashbuckling isn’t a hobby for me either. Underestimate the fuzzy elf at your own peril. I have been fighting with swords for decades, I even got to the semifinal of an intergalactic sword fighting tournament against Gamora of the Guardians.  CABLE: Nightcrawler, always with the name drops. RICTOR: I can’t be convinced Shatterstar isn’t the superior swordsman. Feral glared at Nightcrawler. FERAL: Shatterstar can also create his own portals, teleporter! CECILIA REYES: The time for talking is over. Nightcrawler, Shatterstar, please step into the Danger Room. Both men obliged and the Danger Room transformed into a greco roman colosseum. SHATTERSTAR: Hmm, Mojo would approve. NIGHTCRAWLER: Prepare yourself!  

Hope you all enjoy

Learn More About Gambit Read more about Gambit at Wikipedia Official Site: Marvel Comics Links: Wikipedia: Gambit Uncannyxmen.net: Gambit Marvel.com: Gambit Dr. Facilier Read more about Dr. Facilier at Wikipedia Official Site: Disney Links: Wikipedia Wikia Official Site

Chapter 28: A Heist Down in the Bayou   The sweet aroma of beignets came out of different cafes along the French Quarter in New Orleans. Musicians played jazz along the street corners while a great many enjoyed bowls of gumbo in the patios of different restaurants. While the sun was beaming down upon the City on the Bayou and the humidity was as high as ever, it did not stop the countless visitors that roamed around the Big Easy. Local artists displayed their work for all to see while tours were being held around the city. While it was like any other day in the Crescent City, there was something rather different about one of the individuals walking along the paved streets. A tall man in purple suit and large black top hat sauntered past the different shops. His dark brown eyes gazed upon voodoo shops and museums while he walked along the pavement. While he could smell different restaurants offering up boiled crayfish, he could also smell the variety drugs and alcohol in the area. He could hear the ramblings of different street performers and hustlers from all around.    This city was much different than he remembered. It was not the same place that it was when he was dragged away to the other side all those years ago. The Shadow Man stopped upon the outer reaches of Bourbon Street. He watched the countless hordes of men and women barreling through the city. The city was no longer controlled by any one man, but he could see that the greatest power within the Big Easy was still the currency of money. The man in the purple suit reached up to take off the top hat that was covering his head. He stroked his hair back and wiped the sweat from his forehead. All those years ago, his plan to take control of this city was ruined by a princess and a frog. Dr. Facilier would make sure that never happened again. His goals to take control of the Crescent City was only fueled greater during his time spent in the other side. He had much more knowledge now than he did all those years ago.    His eyes looked upon a shop about vampires and then they slowly moved toward a voodoo museum. With a childish grin, the Shadow Man placed his hat back upon his head. He snatched the top of his cane and started walking toward the museum at a brisk pace. Before he was able to enter inside the doors of the museum, he heard the voice of a stranger calling out to him. After glancing over at the man, Dr. Facilier could tell that the man was nothing more than a street hustler. He tried to lay down one of his scams upon the strange man in the purple suit. Dr. Facilier smiled as he leaned in close toward the scam artist. His eyes started to glow into a fiery red as terrifying visions came upon the street hustler. After seeing unspeakable horrors, the street hustler fell back on the pavement. He crawled away as fast as he could. The scam artist quickly rose to his feet and ran as far away from the Shadow Man as he possibly could. Dr. Facilier chuckled while turning his attention back to the door of the voodoo museum.    A gentle chirp from a bell rang once the man in the purple suit opened the door to the museum. While walking into the museum, a strange odor filled his nostrils while his eyes adjusted to the gently lit room. He could see voodoo dolls on display along with bottles filled with strange colored liquids. There were altars lined up with small statues and relics. Withering plants and roots were displayed alongside some of these relics while fragrances burned in small bowls. The Shadow Man scoffed while letting out a small chuckle. Despite the advertisement for this being a voodoo museum, he realized that it was nothing more than a ploy. Another hustle to get tourists off the streets and into the store to drop down some cash. While Dr. Facilier looked over the fake items that filled the room with contempt, he could not help but reflect on what used to be. The city used to have more respect for dark magic, and now it was used as gimmick.    While there was no denying that he had some small ounce of respect for these opportunists, Dr. Facilier was disgusted by these individuals all the same. After his defeat all those years ago by being dragged to the other side, the Shadow Man's hatred of the city's rich and powerful only grew worse during his time in the spirit world. Over the years in the other side, he plotted his escape. Every attempt to return to his world was met with pain and failure. The Ioa spirits punished him with every attempt at escape. Every day since his defeat, the spirits tried their best to shred away what humanity there was left within the Shadow Man. Eventually, Dr. Facilier lost hope in that he would escape from the other side, but his hatred kept its hold on his humanity. As fate would have it; it seemed that just when his last ounce of hope was about to burn away, he found himself back in the world that he once knew.    Despite his escape, he could still feel the power that he once had. Even standing within this shop that was nothing more than a farce, he could feel that connection that he had with the other side. His old rival, Eli La Bouff was all but a distant memory. As for Dr. Facilier, the city had completely forgotten about him. While standing in this museum, he realized that it was the spot that his Emporium once stood. It was unrecognizable now as time moved on from his reign of this area. In fact, it was a completely different building than what it was all those years ago. Facilier realized that after his banishment to the other side, the city must have tried destroying all traces of him. He grinned while looking over the worthless attempts at magical shrines. The Shadow Man soon heard a voice coming from behind a counter. He turned his attention to an older woman with what appeared to be a crown of bones on her head. Facilier could see that they were fake bones that were entwined within this crown.   "Did you hear me?!" The woman snapped. "You have to pay if you want to see my museum!"   "Do I now?" Facilier smiled while approaching the woman. “And what have you given to have such power?” Faciliar said while stretching out his arms.   The lights in the museum started to grow dim while the shadows inside started to move. Facilier's eyes started glowing into a fiery yellow while the fake voodoo dolls started circling around the woman. The woman frantically looked over all that was happening around her. Her mouth dropped open wide as fear started burning within her. She gazed into Facilier's eyes and could see the torment that he endured during his time in the other side. She let out a loud shriek as she fell back against a wall. It seemed as if the walls started shifting and the ceiling rose high above them. Suddenly, there was a horrifying laughter that could be heard from behind the Shadow Man. Facilier turned his heard back to see the outline of a terrifying beast. Facilier recognized this beast as a woman in his past life. He had only come across her a couple of times, but she left a lasting impressing.    "Why are you playing with such filth, Facilier?" Maleficent asked while the room went back to normal.   During the quiet moment between the Mistress of Evil and the Shadow Man, the shop owner took the opportunity to run out of the museum.   "What are you doing here, Maleficent?" Facilier asked while gritting his teeth.   "I thought you would thank me." Maleficent smiled.   "For what?" Facilier asked while throwing up his hands.   "You would still be rotting on the other side if it was not for me." Maleficent chuckled while she circled around the Shadow Man.   "You... You got me out?" Facilier asked.   "I did." Maleficent responded.   "Why? What do you want?" Facilier asked.   "Would you believe me if I told you that I wanted to help an old friend?" Maleficent asked sarcastically.   "Why did you break me out?" Facilier asked with a piercing gaze.   "Recently, I came into the possession of the Books of the Living and of the Dead. There is something else that I am seeking." Maleficent replied as she circled around Facilier.    "What is that?" Facilier asked.   "The bracelet of Anubis." Maleficent replied.   "I do not know anything about that." Facilier replied.   "I know, but you do have vast knowledge of the other side. You have spent much time there. I heard that the bracelet was taken there many years ago." Maleficent replied.   "I don't know what you would want! I can't go back there!" Facilier snapped.   "You have knowledge of the spirit realm. I am sure you can find a way to summon it here and unlock its power for me." Maleficent replied.    "What's in it for me?" Facilier asked with a grin.   "You always wanted this city. I will give it to you with the armies that I have under my command." Maleficent replied.   "What do you have planned with all this power, Mistress?" Facilier asked.   "Like you, I also have friends. My friends and I are planning on changing things forever." Maleficent replied with smile.   "As long as your plans do not involve my city." Facilier smiled.   "Sounds like we have a deal." Maleficent replied.   Deep in the swamp,   Within a raggedy old treehouse on the bayou, a pot of jambalaya was cooking over a fire. Some steam rose over the cooking pot while a lightning bug flew over a counter on the upper wall. A large, elderly woman scurried around the kitchen while she was trying to find the right ingredients for her dish. Her face was covered in wrinkles and dark shades covered her eyes. Critters gathered around as the woman sang for all the visitors that she had. She laughed and danced while the jambalaya heated up. Perched on the eccentric woman's shoulder, a wide-eyed snake known as Juju guided her throughout her home. Both the eccentric woman and her small slithering companion had lived many years in this raggedy old home. Despite the many years since their encounter with Tiana and Naveen, the two continued to thrive in the swamp. Mama Odie reached for a ladle and scooped out some of the cooking jambalaya.   She quickly walked over to a man that was sitting at her table. This man was hunched back in a chair with his feet propped up on the table. He had a grin covering his face while his red eyes looked over the Voodoo Queen of the Bayou. As eccentric as Mama Odie was, the Voodoo Queen stopped in her track. She faced her guest and started pointing her other hand at the man.    With an exasperated tone, she yelled at the man. "Remy, you bes' get your feet off my table!"   "Oh Mama Odie, I meant nothin' by it!" Gambit laughed.   "Now make yourself useful and tell me what I'm missin'!" Mama Odie ordered while shoving the ladle into the mouth of the Ragin' Cajun.   "Perhaps, jus' a couple hard shots of Tabasco and it will be the bee's knees!" Gambit replied while licking lips.   The eccentric old woman laughed as hard as ever as she hurried back to the pot of jambalaya. She grabbed the hot sauce and dripped it into the pot. "That ain't the first time that I heard that!" She continued laughing. Mama Odie then took a deep breath as Juju slithered around her shoulder. "What can I do for you, Remy? It's been a long, long time since you've visited Mama Odie!"    "My cher's birthday is a coming up and Gambit needs to find her the right gift. Thought I'd come visit New Orleans for that, but I couldn't pass up a visit to you, Mama Odie." Gambit smiled while leaning forward.   "Always a heart breaker, Remy!" Mama Odie laughed. "You don't need a perfect gift for your cher! She loves you just the way you are!"    "That maybe Mama Odie but Gambit does not want to be empty handed at her birthday!" Gambit replied.    Mama Odie filled a bowl of her jambalaya for the mutant and sat down in front of him. As the two started eating, she spoke of all the ideas that Remy could do for Rogue. Suddenly, Mama Odie knocked her bowl onto the floor. She felt a darkness fall over her as her breath escaped her lungs. The Voodoo Queen of the Bayou leaned over the table while she started to shake. Gambit jumped to his feet to see what he could do to help her. The eccentric old woman stopped shaking and went quite for a moment. She then turned her head to face the Ragin' Cajun.   "There's somethin' foul in New Orleans! Something' this old woman has not felt in almost a century." Mama Odie said in a grave tone.   "What is it, Mama Odie?" Gambit asked whiling reaching for a glass of water.   "The Shadow Man..." Mama Odie replied while jumping to her feet.    She ran over to her pot and started waving her hands around it. There were strange lights that started to pour out of the pot and fill the room around. Despite the magic the Mama Odie was displaying, Gambit stood quietly as he slowly approached the Voodoo Queen. He was not caught off guard by the power of the old woman as he had seen many strange things in his lifetime. Gambit then saw the image of a man in a large black top hat and a purple suit.   "That's him! The Shadow Man is back as I live and breathe!" Mama Odie proclaimed.   "Who is the Shadow Man?" Gambit asked.   "He was a voodoo man that plagued the streets of New Orleans nearly a hundred years ago. He turned some of my old and dear friends into frogs while tryin' to take over New Orleans! He was then banished to the other side!" Mama Odie exclaimed.   "Other side?" Gambit asked.   "Not a place you want to get caught up in, Remy!" Mama Odie replied as she lost her breath once again. "Oh no! Not, at all!"   "What is it, Mama Odie?" Gambit asked.   "From what my magic is tellin' me, the Shadow Man is trying to unlock a powerful artifact from the other side." Mama Odie gasped while turning to face the mutant. "Oh Remy, will you stop the Shadow Man? Steal that relic from him and get it as far as away from him as possible!"   "Gambit will take care of it. What is this relic?"   "Oh, it is very, very dangerous. Older than most of the pyramids. A bracelet that can command armies of darkness!" Mama Odie replied.   "Gambit will do what needs to be done. When I get back, you bes' have some bread pudding and that gift for my cher!"    "Be careful, Remy, the Shadow Man is crafty and mischievous!" Mama Odie replied.   "Gambit has dealt with his share of crafty and mischievous!" Remy smiled.   Before leaving Mama Odie's house, the Voodoo Queen of the Bayou provided Gambit with a way to track the ancient bracelet. The Ragin' Cajun made his way through the thick and murky swamp. In his younger years, he had ventured out into these swamps on more than one occasion. He knew the routes and the paths to take like the back of his hand. The mutant soon could see the city up ahead. Gambit made his way through the Crescent City and headed down to the French Quarter. He could hear the jazz music playing on the streets and his eyes glanced over the many colorful clothes. Even though, he wanted to hear the musicians play and see the different people in the streets, the Ragin' Cajun had a mission that he had to see through. The magic that Mama Odie provided him with to track the bracelet led him to the water. Gambit saw a steamboat in the bay and smiled. He looked around at all the boats and chuckled. The mutant was able to jump onto a small boat and made his way to the steamboat. He climbed up to the deck and looked around.   Standing inside the steamboat in the murky waters surrounding the Crescent City, Dr. Facilier grinned while looking down upon the golden Bracelet of Anubis. It took all the tricks and dark magic that he could muster to conjure it from the other side. Even though he had the relic in his possession, the bracelet remained closed. He had to find a way to open it so that he could deliver it to the Mistress of Evil. Everything ounce of magic that he unleashed on the bracelet, it would not open. While continuing his attempts, he felt a presence entering onto the steamboat. His grin soon faded as a scowl began to form. The Shadow Man felt another power at work. Facilier gritted his teeth while letting out a groan.    "It can't be." He muttered under his breath. "There is no way that old hag can still be alive."    Facilier reached for a couple jars that he had placed on a desk. He smiled as he recognized one of the jars from so many years ago. The Shadow Man sauntered through the steamboat and soon came face to face with a man in a brown trench coat.   "Hmmm... You must be Remy LeBeau!" Facilier laughed.   "I don't think we've had the pleasure." Gambit replied with a smirk.   "That old hag is still alive after all these years. Huh" Facilier said shaking his head. "And she sent a mutant freak to stop me! There's no stopping me this time!"   "Oh, I am goin' stop you!" Gambit replied.   Facilier smiled as he threw the jar at Gambit. A bright smoke overcame the Ragin' Cajun as his body was transformed into that of a frog.   "Try stopping me now, thief! You're nothing more than a frog!" Facilier laughed as he stormed off.    "What the hell?" Gambit said to himself while looking over his new body.    He then heard the words of Mama Odie in his ear. She warned him of his tricks and his schemes. Despite his predicament, Gambit was going to do whatever it took to stop the Shadow Man and find a way to turn himself back to normal.   **********************************************   Dr. Facilier has turned Gambit into a frog. Gambit can still use his powers to a small extend. Can frog Gambit stop Dr. Facilier from opening the bracelet of Anubis and turn himself back to normal? Or will Dr. Facilier unlock the power of the bracelet.  

I an gonna go with Agent L here!

Great write up man, it shows well how Mikey isn't just the class clown that people assume him to be, but a very legitimate fighter all his own. I like how he stuck to his guns and pressed the offensive, demonstrating his competency and his capabilities as a martial artist, while presenting himself as someone to truly take seriously. The real Mikey, is like how he was in the "Last Ronin", and in spite of his comedic facade, it is a shame that most people don't or can't see that about him. I see what you mean too, in that people are perhaps considering the 1987 cartoon depiction of Michelangelo a bit too much, when thinking of Mikey in general, and that is a shame, as there is more to appreciate about him as a character, but your recap does work well in depicted his approach to battle in a way that is effective and respectful of who Mikey is as a martial artist and character, and in regards to that, I say that you certainly have done a great job.   I think Donatello has a fairly good chance here actually. While Chun-Li is a very aggressive and quick fighter, Donnie's a very resourceful and skilled defensive fighter in his own right. I can see Donnie taking advantage of that and blocking much of her offensive movements with his staff and body, while utilizing his equipment at times to create openings, smoke bomb-roomba combo for example, combined with offensives made when Chun-Li is distracted might work well in providing the opening for some extra hits, ontop of the electric currents ability to do damage when Li gets too close. Utilizing these elements, in addition to his skills, Donnie will certainly put up a decent fight, and based on his experience, I can see him winning here.

Rhinos are bad to the bone irl no doubt. 🦏