The Demon King's Contest 1: Finished!

[Silas Parrish]

The King back-pedaled, and thrust the blunt end of his naginata when there was enough room to do so.
12  

[Chibi Kitsune Warrior]

#13

The butt of the weapon caught her in the face, breaking and bloodying her nose. Her eyes teared up and she could barely make out the blurry form of the Demon King. That was okay, because she didn't need accuracy for her next attack. With a strong wave of her arms, she conjured up a huge whirlwind and sent it at her enemy.  

[Silas Parrish]

The gale carried him off his feet and sent him flying to slam into the wall of the arena, breaking it in a web of cracks. He hit the ground with a thump, and took several second to stand again. Enraged, he roared and sent a torrent of flames whirling toward the Youkai.
14  

[Chibi Kitsune Warrior]

#15

Haruka dove and rolled to the side to dodge the attack, though she could still feel the heat coming from the inferno. She caught up some of the flame from the end of the torrent in another whirlwind and sent it back at the Demon King.  

[Silas Parrish]

Ryuu sidestepped his redirected flames, and slashed at her again from afar, sending an arc of energy at her.
16  

[Chibi Kitsune Warrior]

#17

The wave of energy slammed into Haruka, knocking her from her feet. The battle was beginning to wear her down. It took her a few moments to regain her feet. She circled the King wearily. If there was any hope for her to win, she'd have to pick up the pace now. Rushing fo'ward, she dove at her enemy, sai aimed to pierce the Demon King's flesh.  

[Silas Parrish]

The sai drew a hot fountain of black blood and a scream of pained rage from the King. He slapped weakly at her.
18  

[Chibi Kitsune Warrior]

#19

Haruka blocked with her elbow and stabbed once again with both her sai.  

[Silas Parrish]

Again the King felt metal pierce his skin. He brought up a knee to knock her away.
20  

[Chibi Kitsune Warrior]

((Last defense!))

Haruka pushed past his defense and slammed her sai in him for the final time, shoving back into Gabriele's waiting trap.  

[Silas Parrish]

Gabriele activated her Sprenger, holding the King in place. Ichiro released his hold on the demon's fears, now that he was paralyzed. The Fullbringer allowed himself to lose consciousness then.
"Be careful!" warned Daisuke. "Now that he's unconscious, the power my Bankai gave him will go back to us--and to the King. Get that sword before he breaks free!"
While Gabriele held Ryuu, Klara dashed over to him, seizing the handle of the large sword. She gave it a fierce tug, feeling it beginning to give way.
"Help me!" she called to Haruka. Unseen by his enemies, the Demon King summoned one of his minions. The Togabito Ezekial Dark rose from the dead at his master's command, preparing to aid Ryuu in his escape.  

[Chibi Kitsune Warrior]

Haruka, though thoroughly exhausted, rushed forward, grabbing hold of the sword with Klara. "Quick! Pull!" she exclaimed with a gasp as she tugged hard on the blade. After a few more yanks, the sword slid with a sickening sucking noise from the back of Ryuu. Haruka fell on her butt, but quickly jumped to her feet, holding the sword over her head. She prepared to deliver the final blow.  

[Silas Parrish]

The King snarled and managed to strike out at her with one meaty arm, knocking the ancient nodachi out of her hand. It tumbled end over end, far beyond the reach of Haruka or any of her allies. It was then that everyone noticed the revived Togabito.
"Ezekiel! Bring me that, and you will go free!" called Ryuu. Ezekiel's eyes widened almost comically at the prospect. As he was nearly already in position, he made a mad dash for the sword Klara gasped as she realized that the Togabito was too far away for anyone to intercept the falling weapon. She closed her eyes and heard the harrowing sound of an armored hand clasping the blade.
"Look!" called Gabriele. No one had seen the Hollow enter the ring. Her natural speed had masked her from their sight. Cullingblade held aloft the weapon that could slay the Demon King--her benefactor, who had personally sponsored her entry, along with Vicente's, Ezekiel's, and Hedy's. She walked painfully slowly, clawed toes striking stone loudly with every step, and stopped a few feet away from Haruka.