Thread: You've got no choice (CottonCandyHaze x RocLobster)

x As much as he liked to stare at Angelus - and imagine him crushing things with his thighs, because that was such a pleasant thought - he'd also like to hear what else the fat man had to say, because while he also liked to add a lot of nonsense, the - Did they still call them editors nowadays? - whatever he was, announcer, had more information to give, and Adiyna would really like to know exactly whom - or what, because they also liked throwing creatures into the mix - the man was fighting. Of course he could just very well see it instead, element of surprise and all that, but that wouldn't be very traditional. Besides, all that yelling was beginning to be annoying anyway. Did they think that the louder they spoke, the more likely of a chance they had for the man to address them personally? His hearing was better than most, but the sound was grating. I present to you... A CYCLOPS! Well that shouldn't be too- Wait, what? Did he just say- A cyclops?! Come on man, that would kill him! Foul! He blinked. Merrill.. You do know he probably didn't choose this, yes? That doesn't bloody matter! This is rigged, rigged I say! Adiyna gave his friend another slow blink, wondering if he should say more or remain silent. This was an entirely new side of Merrill and, while he wanted to discover where it came from and why he hadn't seen it before today, he also didn't want the change to go away, because if she was this excited then it could mean that they would be able to stay longer and possibly see this man fight more than a mere cyclops, that is, if he lived. Fighting the beast wasn't exactly an easy task, and, while he knew a man could fight the creature and live, he hadn't heard stories - or even seen - a human one fight one alone and come out alive or moderately healthy. However, knowing the Moreau's and their immense pride, they possibly have an ace up their sleeve. What, he wasn't entirely certain of, but it had to be there, somewhere. It was an ugly beast, which came to no surprise to anyone in the audience, though there were certainly a number of gasps coming from a large amount of the audience, though he was certain part of that had to due with the creature's impatience with how slowly the gate was rising and it deciding to just charge through into the arena. Perhaps he couldn't rip the thing's head off for killing him, but, damn it, he could poison the thing, somehow, he'd find a way. Adiyna noticed how the warrior below had immediately snapped to attention, rather then try to play off the beast's entrance as something small. Champion's, in his experience, normally liked to try and show off, attempt to make a mockery of the beast before officially addressing the battle. Those very same champions also paid for their insolence, and if they were lucky their lives ended quickly. Sure, some lived, but he found them boorish all the same. This man was different, and when he moved to form his stance, Adiyna noticed a change in his demeanor. This creature got more attention than the audience as a whole, as if everything else he had been doing up until now was simply routine for him, a chore to be done, mechanical even. Facing the beast his movements were smooth, actually alive. What a strange man. The battle began with the charge of the monster, rushing towards the lone figure. For the unprepared this would have been the end, and perhaps even the most seasoned of warriors would have had difficulty getting away with grace, though it appeared as if this one had no trouble, because he seemed to almost disappear. In reality, though, he moved with an almost shocking - to Adiyna anyway, humans were so surprising when they pulled stunts like this - amount of speed, going forward instead of to the side as most would. His attack wasn't so much of an attack as it was something to irritate the monster and delight spectators, but Adiyna found himself impressed all the same, for the action was performed with a seamless finesse most lacked. The rest of the battle was something worth remembering. There was a brief moment of panic where the crowd lost track of the man named Angelus - and Merrill saw fit to try and squeeze the life out of his hand in response -, but he reappeared on the creature where he plunged his blade down into it's head. The cyclops' death was nearly anticlimactic in the way it fell without a sound, save the heavy thud of it's body against the sand, Angelus jumping from his position before it could even touch the ground. The kicker, for Adiyna, had been when the man cut out the dead monster's eye and threw it at the announcer's feet. Damned if he knew why, but the entire thing made him somehow more attractive in the nobleman's eyes. I have to have him. The Moreau's took their champion's exit as a sign to make their own, rising nearly simultaneously from their seats and leaving their balcony-like area. Come along Merrill, we have business to attend to. And he left before he could properly hear her response, and not really caring what she had to say. She'd come when she felt the need, and he didn't really need her for what was about to take place. Doubtless the pair planned on addressing Angelus about the way he took his leave, so they should be somewhere down below, and hopefully he shouldn't find too much trouble finding it. That is to say, it took him more trouble than it should have, having gotten lost about a good three times before he charmed some random guard into leading him to the cells below the building. You know, I'm not supposed to let anyone down here unless they have official business. Adiyna fluttered his eyelashes. Oh I understand completely and I thank you again for being nice enough to lead me here, I really couldn't have made it on my own. Ugh, men really did puff up whenever they felt any semblance of 'pride', it's so odd seeing it actually happen. Well, as a guardsman I know my way around this place rather well. I can hardly imagine it running without me, to be honest, I don't know how they begin to manage on my days off. Oh look, another one that was so convinced they were an integral part of their workplace. Do tell him more about how you single-handedly do everyone's job and how mostly everyone but you shirk their responsibilities, it's quite riveting and it totally isn't something he's heard a thousand times. Thank god they arrived before he could spew more nonsense. Thank you so much for helping me, he gave the man a quick peck on the cheek before approaching the Moreau's who, as expected, were lecturing their champion on his actions. -and if you think that little stunt you pulled will go unpunished then think again, I've half a mind to send you back to the cells and see to it that you rot for the rest of your days. As expected, Lilith Moreau was the one in charge. Um, excuse me, he didn't even flinch when all eyes suddenly turned to him, instead, holding himself higher. I would like to make you two an offer, if you don't mind. Lilith's eyes remained cold as she addressed her 'peer'. Whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait. Don't you have someone to entertain? Ouch, his cold, black heart, not another whore joke, please. I'm certain that now would be a good time to discuss it, actually. I'd like to talk to you about your champion, if you don't mind. What could you possibly- I'd like to buy his deed from you. This caused the woman to blink, surprise overtaking her features for a few moments before settling back into their demeanor from before. And what makes you think we're interested in selling him? To the likes of you remained unspoken, but that was okay, she didn't have to like him to make a transaction. Because as of now, you three will remain the subject for any and all idle gossip for quite some time. After all, your precious champion threw his weapon at the announcer, an innocent man who was only doing his job. She snorted. Please, as if he was ever- Not to mention, he raised a hand to inspect his nails, the fact that he's a mere citizen, one that was nearly killed by a criminal, unprovoked, mind you. Adiyna's gaze traveled back up to meet Lilith's eyes, expression one of complete innocence, some may even say concern, though the real truth lay between the two's history. Lilith was a lot of things, and stupid was not one of them. I don't know about you, but I, personally, wouldn't feel very safe with a man like that in the ring, and more than likely neither would anyone else. Sure, he bulldozed through any protests she may have voiced, one could argue that it adds to the thrill, but to see someone come that close to losing their life sort of makes the idea lose it's appeal. I imagine that Angelus here would be lucky to even see the light of day within, oh, the next few months or so. It took all of his will not to smile. Even if he wasn't particularly fond of the woman, it wouldn't do to have her completely sour with him. It was enough, after all, that she was taking away something of hers. There was silence as Lilith absorbed the information. Finally she sighed. We will negotiate a price tomorrow evening, and not a moment before. He gave a small smile. Of course, shall I bring anything? She thought it over for a moment. Actually, that jam from tea the other month was divine, do you think it would trouble you any to bring more? Of course not. Good bye, Lilith. He nodded to both her and Angelus before turning away and leaving the way he came. If this wasn't the cherry on top of a perfect day, he didn't know what was.