Episode 4 - Bath Buddies

## **Episode Synopsis**

### **Recap**

The team entered into Tikul seeing the beast people who reside in the city. They had a brief encounter with a chameleon who Zippy threatened. They made it to the coliseum and on the way, they noticed hints of the Ammow company around. They got to the coliseum and learnt they needed a mark to get into the competition so they went into an office area, destroyed a person's hopes and dreams and Zippy branded each of them with an emerald tattoo. After getting their marks, they went into the coliseum and were granted entry by the guard and made their way into the steamy locker room of the competitors.

### **Episode Summary**

Zippy walks in and calls out, asking who is the strongest in here. A leonin with a beer gut and a mace comes up and Zippy asks if they have won a tournament and they admittedly say no. Zippy tells them to get on out of here and the leonin sits down defeatedly. A Yuan-ti comes up to Zippy and tells him that the strongest is going to be Apophis. He has survived 6 of these tournaments and most don't survive any. Norman asks if there is a high chance of death and the Yuan-ti tells them it's a 95% chance of death and it's a free for all.

The Yuan-ti explains the rules: essentially they all go in the pit at the same time and they release monsters each round. They need to kill the monsters or survive long enough to advance. The rounds continue with new monsters being released each round. At the end of the round, is everyone left fight each other to find the winner. At the end of each round, remaining competitors have the opportunity to leave if they choose to.

Zippy asks why everyone doesn't just gang up on Apophis and the Yuan-ti is a little taken aback and leans in close to Zippy and says he wishes he didn't say that so loud as he is revealing their plan. Zippy keeps it going, suggesting they should go after Apophis so they can get the strongest out of the way first. The Yuan-ti tells them Apophis has gotten to the final round every time but has always pulled out before the final round. Zippy asks if everyone is in on this plan and they see evryone in the room subtly nodding their heads in agreement for the plan.

Zippy calls out to everyone in the room that today is the day they kill Apophis. They hear, coming down the hall, Apophis calls out asking who said that. Zippy immediately backpedals and says the leonon said did, Norman laughs saying that it was all a joke and Dariun feigns ignorance of even knowing them. The muscular Apophis comes in and he slams the leonin into the lockers. Zippy tells Aphophis he got him as he mouths to the leonin to be strong. The leonin tells Apophis he is sorry and Norman stands in between them and tells Apophis to save it for the competition.

Apophis backs off but tells Norman he doesn’t like being disrespected and wants an apology. Norman understands but tries to calm Apophis down. It doesn't work and Apophis pushes Norman away but he is able to recover incredibly smoothly with a flip and Apophis is actually pretty impressed. Dariun has been watching the situation go down and mostly chuckling to himself but after seeing Norman get pushed, he steps forwards and asks Apophis to calm down. He tries to convince Apophis to refrain from hurting anyone before the competition starts to avoid getting disqualified but Apophis is not convinced and starts choking the leonin, continuing to ask for an apology. Zippy again mouths to the leonin that he can do it.

The leonin gasps through breaths and apologizes and quits the competition. Apophis is pleased and throws the leonin across the floor. He calls out to the room asking if anyone else wanted to kill him. Zippy speaks up and says that the leonin was the only one saying it. Meanwhile, Norman's teal tattoos begin to blacken slightly and some smoke rises as he looks at the leonin then back at Apophis and he tells him to watch himself. Both Zippy and Dariun take note of this. Apophis tells them all he needs a bath and threatens them all as he leaves.

Norman helps the leonin to his feet and the leonin admits he had courage from the small one but he was never the strongest one. Norman tries to encourage the leonin but he is admittedly weak, he struggled to even get out of bed this morning. Norman and Dariun both suggest valuing their life and should leave the competition. The leonin leaves, to pursue a different and less dangerous goal. Norman scans around the room trying to see any blue flower tattoos but can't see anything. He mentions this to Dariun but suggests they be wary of them considering what they saw outside.

Zippy decides to head to the baths and people suggest for him not to go down there. Zippy ignores them and knocks on the bath door. Apophis yells out and asks for him to leave him alone for his bath time. Zippy opens the door and asks if Apophis remembers him form earlier. The room has a wide rectangle bath and he can see the muscular back facing Zippy at the edge of the baths. When he looks around, Zippy notices a ushanka in the corner of the pool and ripples of presumably shaking, invisible person in the water. He also sees a blue bullet pill in Apophis' hand. Zippy can tell that something is eating away at Apophis.

Zippy asks Apophis how he got that strong, considering it is Zippy's first year he is wanting to learn. Zippy leant that Apophis has done well in many of the tournaments and something must make him so strong. Apophis holds the pill in his fist and asks if Zippy is a reporter but Zippy says he is just interested and wants to learn. Apophis opens up and tells Zippy he needs to focus on his diet first and is actually most of the time more important than the exercise. Zippy complains that he has been doing that for years but hasn't been working and there must be another way. Apophis tells Zippy he must be doing it wrong but Zippy is sure there has to be another secret. Apophis decides Zippy needs to get in the bath if he is going to teach him.

Dariun looks around the locker room for something to help heal them before going into the competition. An alligator guard comes in with some face cloths of healing that will help them boost their health and other stats to normal before the fight. They grab one each and ask for his friend in the bath to get one too. They guard goes to the bath and yelled at by Apophis, telling the guard to leave. After the guard leaves, Apophis apologizes to Zippy and throws him a face cloth. Dariun also looks around at the competition while Norman sits down on a bench and checks on the bandages on his limp arm and ties it to his chest like a sling to keep it from getting in the way. He then starts to play a pretend piano on the bench to help soothe him.

Apophis is telling Zippy about his breakfast routine then the juggling with 40 eggs to help with dexterity. Apophis reckons Zippy should write this all down but Zippy tells him he has a good memory and is just hoping Apophis will remember their chat past 20 minutes. Apophis doubts that and he has some sort of mental thing. Zippy says he is the same but takes medication then asks if Apophis does the same. Apophis says no, only fruits and veg. Apophis shares his wisdom on how he memorizes stuff in his brain thing and Zippy is pretty impressed with the 15 things he can keep up there at one time.

Zippy asks if Apophis has ever met king Veal considering he has done so well in the competition many times. Apophis admits he has never met the king but he is his idol. He hopes that if Apophis wins, he can meet his idol and maybe he will take him on as his apprentice and maybe even discover he is the kings long lost son. Zippy enquires as to why Apophis always pulls out just before the final round and Apophis' face changes and he starts swirling the water with his finger, saying this is pretty deep stuff. Zippy puts his hand on Apophis' shoulder and asks for him to tell him about it ask Zippy scrubs his back. Apophis is surprised and excited, but asks them not tell the other guys.

Dariun has talked around and knows there are some pretty decent competitors but mostly everyone is lower levels than them, excluding Apophis who is likely around their level of ability. Dariun sees a small audience around Norman who has been playing a fake piano using thaumaturgy to create the sounds of piano music. The blood lust in the room relaxes and the people in the room come together to jam to the music. Norman finishes off his song and tells everyone in the room they need to bring down the beast in this competition together. The crowd disperses and the people are feeling good and are keen to watch Norman's back in the competition.

Dariun approached Norman and checks in on him, asking if he is feeling okay and will be okay for the competition. Norman asks what he is talking about and Dariun brings up what happened after Apophis pushed him. Norman tries to brush it off but assures Dariun he is okay and appreciates his concern. Dracken speaks up and tells Dariun he reckons this is sketchy and notes that Norman has changed since coming back. Norman heard what Dracken said but keeps his eyes on Dariun pretending he didn’t hear and Dariun knows for sure Norman heard what was said but also pretends nothing happened. Dracken notices the tension and pipes up, talking about how this is the perfect opportunity to train Dariun. Dariun agrees and turns his attention back to Norman and says he won't pry but wants Norman to stay open with him. Norman advises Dariun to stay close to him if things get dicey in the tournament.

Dracken averts the attention back to his training and asks Norman to leave at least one enemy only to Dariun, even if he is struggling. Norman tells Dracken he will only if Dariun wants and Dariun is happy with that. The next condition Dracken sets is that Dariun cannot use weapons. Dariun is pretty shocked but Dracken believes this will help Dariun not rely so much on his items. Dariun agrees.

Zippy is scratching Apophis' back, some dead scales coming off as Apophis continues about what happened the previous six times he has entered. Each year he has made it to this final round but has had to pull out because the people around him figure out his weakness. Apophis asks Zippy not to use this against him and Zippy is quick to tell him he would never. Apophis goes on to explain he is a cold blooded creature and when he gets colder, he gets sleepy. During the tournament he would stay in the light away from the shade to keep warm but people noticed this. Apophis reveals that this time he has an ace up his sleeve and shows Zippy the blue bullet pill.

Zippy gets a little worried but plays it off and asks what it does. Apophis is unsure but has been told it'll keep him warm. Zippy asks if there are any side effects and Apophis gives Zippy another lesson, never read labels. Zippy asks if he will get done for doping but Apophis isn't concern as it will be in his body and everyone does it. Zippy expresses his concern about taking the pill and Apophis appreciates this but wants to get warm. Zippy has an idea and gets some leg warmers from his bag and suggests using them. Apophis isn't too keen due to restriction of his movement. Zippy tells Apophis it's his own choice but isn't taking the pill admitting he is not good enough as he is. Apophis feels this is a good argument. Zippy goes on to say everyone has their weaknesses but they shouldn't change what's inside.

They hear the alligator guard saying two minutes until they start. Zippy tells Apophis he will leave these leg warmers there for him but it is his choice. Zippy hops out of the bath and tells Apophis he will be cheering for him. Apophis tells Zippy he appreciates it and tells him he will think about his choice and tells Zippy he is a real bro.

Zippy reunites with Norman and Dariun and tells them about Apophis and their conversation in the bath. Zippy is really routing for Apophis to win. They agree to try to keep everyone alive and will play it by ear when they are in there. They all jump in line to get into the tournament. They follow the guard to the exit and get into the open, sandy coliseum ring and there are crowds of people cheering. Some of the other competitors nod to Norman and Dracken tells Dariun the training starts now. Zippy looks around for Apophis but can't see him yet. The guard tells them to get out there and the beasts will be released in one minute.

The competitors run into the ring and see some weapons in the ground and the crowd go wild. They see the royal seating area with a leonin wearing a crown and a red gown. A loxadon stands next to them and calls out, welcoming everyone to the tournament of Genala. The loxadon shouts out the favorite to win for this year, from the Python tree, is Apophis. They see slithering out now with a chest plate, helmet and cuffs and showing off their muscles, is Apophis. Zippy spots, above the cuffs are the leg warmers he gave him. The loxadon calls out to release the gorhinos. Three giant ape like rhinos come charging out with red eyes, ready for the first round.

Some people are being charged and flipped by the gorhinos. A female apeling pole vaults onto a back of a gorhino and starts attacking it while Apophis is punching another. The third starts coming straight for the team. Zippy, knowing Dariun's training, tries to cast dominate beast but it is ineffective. Zippy tucks into a ball and rolls behind Dariun. Norman stands in front of the charging gorhino, opens his cape up and asks what's the rush as he casts bane. The gorhino is affected and Norman keeps moving away from the charge. Dariun dives out of the way leaving  Zippy behind in the path of the gorhino. The gorhino flings Zippy up in the air.

Dariun reaches into his bag and pulls out a rope and runs towards the gorhino. He fey steps onto it's back and wraps the rope around its neck. Zippy, still high up in the air, grabs his magic carpet and it catches him from underneath. From high up in the air, he uses call lightning on the gorhino. The sky starts to darken from the clouds, Zippy notices Apophis seeing the shade coming over but he taps the leg warmers and gives him a thumbs up before pummelling his gorhino into the wall of the coliseum. Seeing the lightning from Zippy, Dariun casts absorb element to electrically charge himself.

Norman casts vicious mockery on the gorhino and it reels back from the psychic damage. He calls out to Dariun and gives him a bardic inspiration. After the gorhino fails to buck Dariun off, it tries to roll him off but Dariun runs over its belly and comes back to grab on top of the rope. It's pretty mad and keeps running towards the wall of the coliseum. Dariun, still charged up, times a jump with a buck of the gorhino to jump in the air, activates his planar warrior and comes slamming his supercharged fist into the gorhino. He then stands and elbow drops the head and it falls in the sand from the force of his two hits.

Zippy uses call lightning again and Dariun once again uses his absorb element to absorb the lightning. Zippy takes note of what's going around the coliseum and sees the gorhino the female apeling is riding trampling people. Apophis is still taking on a gorhino solo and Zippy can see a crowd of people starting to form around him. Zippy, on his magic carpet, flies around the perimeter of the coliseum and looks to king Veal, seeing him yawn as this round does not appear to amuse him.

Norman also notices the small crowd coming towards Apophis. He calls out to Zippy, saying he and Dariun have this and asks if Zippy could check of Apophis who is being surrounded. After that, Norman turns back to the grounded gorhino and pulls out his dagger and throws it at it while singing his song and casting psychic blades. The gorhino starts freaking out and roaring as blood starts dripping out of its nose. It picks itself out and it slams it's head into the wall and tries to fling rocks back at Dariun and Norman. They easily dodge away from the rock and it damages itself on the wall. Dariun drops the rope and focuses the electric energy in his left fist and force from planar warrior in his right as he slams his fists down into the gorhino's head. He feels something crack and concave and the gorhino goes limp.

Apophis has dealt with his gorhino and turns around to the crowd who are now drawing their weapons on Apophis. Zippy flies on over and keeps some distance but calls out some words of encouragement. Apophis is excited to see Zippy and tells him to watch as he just destroys the six people who approach him. The final gorhino is down and the loxadon announces the end of round one and the opportunity to leave. Some people start to run to the exit but the window of time to leave is small so some don't make it out before the announcer calls for the second round, a senior flaahgra. A gong is hit and they feel rumbling beneath their feet.

Some of the bodies start to sink into the sand and in the center where a large, viny pilar comes out. The sand is becoming quicksand and they see the pillar's face is a venous fly trap face with a long tongue. Dariun runs across the quick sand but Norman sinks up to his knees in the sand. Zippy is flying around and casts wall of fire and makes it a ring around the plant creature's base. Flames erupt and the vines and tendrils start whipping around and they all notice underneath it's flower head are purple bulges going off it's neck that are sinking in and out of the head. Zippy flies up higher and above the plant beast.

Norman sinks even further down and he points at the flames and creates a symbol of Genala in the flames. The crowd goes wild and Kind Veal even stands up excited. Some people in the arena recall the music and comes over the Norman and pulls him up. Dariun sees Norman still stuck, sprints across the sands and pulls him all the way out. Norman and Dariun start to help out the other two guys who helped Norman.

The vines are whipping out, Dariun and Zippy dodge but Norman and the guy he was helping both get whacked by a vine. Zippy, after the bath and watching Apophis, realizes how far he has to go. Zippy ties the carpet to his ankles and comes over the edge and pulls out the carrot peeler from his backpack and commands the carpet to bring him down the side of the plant. The tendrils are flying everywhere and Zippy descends from the sky as he spirals down and slices through the tendrils causing them to fall off. When he gets to the bottom, the tendrils are gone and he gets a Deep yeah from his teammates. Zippy gets back on his carpet and twirls the carrot peeler in his hand.

Norman sinks down to his knees again. He casts another minor illusion to make the symbol of Genala flicker and change into the symbol of Royce. People are confused, thinking this is the new symbol of Genala. One person in the crowd calls out demon and freaks out. Norman calls out to Dariun and tells him to keep his eyes on the prize and inspires him again. Dariun asks how Dracken feels about the wind fan and he allows it. Dariun pulls it out and uses it to exemplify the fire Zippy had casted.

Some people around the arena have been sunken and others are shooting arrows. Apophis breaks off the horn on the gorhino and throws it to the purple things but misses. The plant creature brings the head down and starts shooting seed bullets at the fighters. Norman pulls out his void cloak and catches a few of the seed bullets while Dariun gets hit with some bullets and sinks down in the sand. Zippy goes up to Apophis and high fives him and he thanks Zippy for the heat of the flames.

Norman asks the person who helped to borrow a knife and Norman throws it using psychic blades once again. It hits and the plant goes wild. Norman sinks down even further. Dariun sprints through the flames, using absorb element as he runs through and the flames circle around him as he punches the plant. He leaves a hole in the plant and an explosion and smoke comes out of the center. The plant becomes unstable and it falls to the ground and through the sand. Norman gets himself out of the sand and regroups. Apophis and Zippy high five and the crowd is cheering.

The loxadon congratulates the survivors and opens up the opportunity to leave. The gates close and there are not many left and the third round is announced but before they can announce it, King Veal speaks up and tells them he wants to spice up the round this year and bring out his prized beast. King Veal tells everyone it's a beast he has raised since a child, an ixalan. They hear a roar and a giant T-rex with a furry back and develish horns comes bursting out. King Veal tells Guinevere to devour those who are not worthy of Genala as it roars to the sky and as they watch suddenly, a spear has gone through its head. The ixalan falls to the ground and they see a black speak in the ground.

The crowd is in shock and they hear buzzing and flapping of wings and a 9 foot tall tarantula hawk bug person has a black sword stinger and it holds it to Kind Veal's neck.  The loxadon tries to attack but is quickly killed by the bug person. The person speaks up, saying King Veal and Genela have kept them locked on that island for too long and the bug decapitates king veal. The head falls into the arena and a swarm of bugs are flying around above them and come down and start killing people in the crowd. The tarantula speaks up again, saying Tikul has a new king and Genala will fall this day.

Three dust clouds appear as beings slam into the ground. Infront of Dariun, with a blue flower on their chest, is a bee with a honeycomb shield and a stinger sword. Staring at Norman is a butterfly person with blue flowers on their wings and a spell book at their side. Out of the final dust is a large dung beetle with a ball of steel on a chain staring at Apophis and Zippy.

## **Quotations**

* Yuan-ti "*We aren't animals here, just beast people.*"

* Apophis "*If anybody else says any shit about me I’ll f\*cking nuggie your skull into your ass! Okay!?*"

* Apophis "*Bless my sacred Genala praising heart to be so generous to someone … so short."*

* Connor "*I want him* [Apophis] *on our crew… I want a giga chad on our ship!*"

* Competitor "*That's why I'm gonna stay in the sand a little longer. I don't want it to show if you know what I mean … I sh\*t myself is what I'm trying to say.*"

* Adam "*DM don’t you dare say don’t you dare!*"
* Seth "*and that's where we end the episode.*"
* Adam "*NO!!!*"

## **Featured Characters**

### **Main Cast**

* Norman D
* Dariun Branch
* Zippy Westborrough

### **Returning Characters**

* Apophis
* Dracken

### **New Characters**

* Yuan-ti competitor
* Leonin competitor
* Loxadon announcer
* King Veal

## **Locations**

* Tikul
* Tournament of Genala Coliseum