Match 21355 Tia Durer vs. Caitlyn Kiramman

[JohnnyChany]

THE GUARDAIN CHALLENGE: EPISODE 4

 

PREVIOUS EPISODES: 1, 2, 3

 

The familiar neon-lit stage of the Guardian Challenge flickered to life as the camera panned across the cheering crowd. At center stage stood Peter Quill, clad in his signature red leather jacket. A goofy grin plastered his face as he raised the microphone.

“Welcome back, folks! Somehow, we still haven’t been cancelled, which leads me to believe we might actually be a full-season pickup. What a time to be alive!” 

Peter spun on his heel to face his co-hosts, Gamora and Nebula.

Gamora stood with her hands on her hips and gave him an unimpressed look. “Maybe it’s because we’re teaching people all over the galaxy how to defend themselves, it seems like a worthy cause.”

Nebula smirked. “I was skeptical at first, but I must admit, I do see the value in this now. And I was quite the fan of the explosive display put on by Bomb Queen and Jinx last episode.”

Peter laughed. “Yeah, they definitely racked up the damage. Both on their targets and on the property of their home cities. Which brings us to today’s lesson: you can’t always just blow your problems away. Sometimes, you need precision to help prevent your home from being overrun.” He turned dramatically to the audience. “And that is exactly what we’re going to show you today!”

“As much as I enjoyed last week’s carnage,” Nebula admitted, “I’ve always been impressed by tactical skill.”

Peter gestured toward the large display screen behind them. “Which is why we’ve brought in two of the most skilled snipers in the galaxy: Tia Durer and Caitlyn Kiramman!” 

The screen split and showed combat footage of both women in action.

Gamora stepped forward. “Today’s challenge is a real battlefield scenario. A nearby colony is under siege by Thanos’s Chitauri army. Tia and Caitlyn will be transported to strategic positions to provide cover for the colony and take down as many Chitauri as possible. Whoever eliminates the most enemies while avoiding being eliminated themselves wins.”

“But who are these women who will show off their sniper skills for all to enjoy and learn from,” said Peter. “As always we turn to Drax for the answers.”

The camera cut to Drax. The screen behind him began displayed a similar montage of Tia Durer in action. He clasped his hands behind his back and nodded solemnly.

 “Tia Durer, a skilled marksman of the Mobile Infantry, a part of the Alpha Unit of the United Citizens Federation. She fights not just for victory, but to avenge those lost to the Arachnid menace. She counts every bug she kills, ensuring their numbers match those taken from her hometown including her family by a plasma blast. A practice I deeply respect.”

The footage switched to Caitlyn with a shot of her steady hand guiding her Hextech rifle.

 “Caitlyn Kiramman, Commander of the Piltover Police Department known as Enforcers. Caitlyn is the best shot in all of Piltover and a woman that is driven by justice. Even with her privileged upbringing, Caitlyn was determined to dedicate her life to help the people. Like Tia, many of her actions are also shaped by the loss of a loved one. I must find a time to commiserate with both of these warriors. But first, they must survive the challenge.”

The camera switched back over to Peter.

 “Well, I, for one, am confident that not only will they survive but no doubt will rack up some serious kill points,” he declared. “Speaking of, let’s see what they’ll be using!” 

Peter gestured toward a screen that showed an artillery room where Rocket Racoon stood..Two sniper rifles were displayed on the table before him. He smiled as he looked over them.

“Now, this is my kind of challenge. Tia here? Smart girl. Doesn’t stick to standard-issue gear. This Morita XXX sniper rifle was put together by her parents before their untimely death and is of very high caliber. And Caitlyn’s rifle? This Hextech stuff is wild, it really adds a lot to every shot. Between this and Jinx’s creations in the last episode, I may need to get my paws on some Hextech.” 

 

 

He crossed his arms. “That said, these weapons could use more bells and whistles. They’ll do the job, but where’s the fun?”

“You care too much about style over substance,” Nebula interjected.

Rocket scoffed. “Nothing wrong with a little flare. You should have high standards and demand both!”

Peter sighed as the camera returned to him. “Alright, before this turns into an armory debate, let’s check in with our competitors!”

Mantis appeared on the screen, standing beside Tia. 

“Tia Durer, you have the nickname, Trig. Can you explain it?”

Tia nodded. “It’s short for Trigger, given to me for my quick reflexes and sharp shooting.”

Mantis tilted her head. “Ah, that makes sense, and this scenario you are about to embark on must be familiar to you, yes?”

“Oh yeah. The only difference? This time, I get to shoot at something other than bugs.”

Mantis hesitated, then asked, “So you only hate space bugs, right? You’re not, say... biased against beings who look like bugs?” 

Mantis pointed to herself.

Tia blinked. “That’s absurd. Not all bugs are the same.”

Mantis still seemed uncertain, but she grinned. “Well, good luck! And when the show is over, remind me to introduce you to Sergeant Calhoun. You two would definitely get along. She also hates space bugs.”

The camera then cut to Nikki Gold who bounced excitedly beside Caitlyn. 

“So, like, two competitors from Piltover and Zaun in a row? Crazy! Jinx was totally awesome, by the way. I loved her whole aesthetic. Makes me wanna visit Zaun!”

Caitlyn exhaled audibly. “That... might not be a good idea. You would do well to reconsider who you admire.”

Nikki frowned. “Not a fan. So, I’m guessing Piltover is just stuffy and boring, then?”

Caitlyn tensed. “I wouldn’t say that. You should give Piltover a chance before you judge.”

“Is that why you agreed to come here? To promote Piltover?”

Caitlyn shook her head. “I trained to be an excellent shot. If that training helps people learn to defend themselves from alien invasions, then it was time well spent.”

The camera briefly focused on the crowd, revealing Vi watching with her arms crossed.

Nikki smirked. “Hey, isn’t that your girlfriend over there?”

Caitlyn blushed slightly but maintained her composure. “Why yes, it is.”

“She is a real hottie, I was going to wish you luck, but if you bagged a woman like that, luck must already be on your side,” Nikki observed.

Caitlyn bristled. “This is hardly appropriate discourse”

Nikki shrugged. “Fine, suit yourself. Good luck, Commander Kiramman.”

Caitlyn nodded. The camera split screened and showed both women being handed their rifles and being led to their respective space pods. The crowd roared in anticipation.

 

 

[Callisto]

Learn More About
Tia "Trig" Durer
Read more about Tia "Trig" Durer at Wikipedia
Official Site: Sony Pictures Links: Wikipedia Starship Troopers Wiki Answers

Caitlyn Kiramman
Read more about Caitlyn Kiramman at Wikipedia
Official Site: Riot Games Links: Wikipedia

[Venom 2009]

Oh, wow! After so many years, Tia is in a Match! She gets my vote.

Alos, I went ahead and edited Tia's name in her profile.