Levi, Shadow-Claw

Watching Carter's fight with Isaac went beyond what we expected. I mean, how did he not only heal from that fight, but also managed to come back with new tattoos? My ears lowered, while Cheshire stood there, lightly humming to himself. I missed having Jacky and Midnight here to talk with. Cheshire saw me staring, and turned to give me a warm smile, "What's up kitten?"

I looked away, thankful that my fur kept any shame hidden. "N-nothing sir. I'm just wondering how they fixed him up so fast."

Cheshire nodded slowly, as if considering my question. When talking one on one with him, he always did that, taking longer than needed. It made me feel as if I was supposed to know the answer before I even asked. I sulked a little, my tail swishing behind me while I waited. Cheshire finally shrugged, "As best we can guess, Carter was too damaged for Ace to fix. That, or Ace has limits on how much he can heal someone else or even himself. It also means that their boss isn't too far away if Carter was back here within a couple hours, so you noticed something very important kitten~" He hummed his nickname for me.

My ears flicked, before I looked down. "P-please stop calling me that. I'm not little anymore." I mewed a little at the end which made Cheshire cover his smile, barely able to hold back a laugh. I didn't mean to mew, but it was a habit I had when I was being made fun of.

Cheshire took a couple seconds watching as Ace and Isaac walked through the gate. Though I think it was more for him to stop laughing at me. "You'll always be little to me, I knew you when you were just a tiny little cub after all~ Why, I remember your first days of combat training where you proudly said you'd use nothing but your claws for fighting. Now look at you, best assassin and fighter in your tribe."

If I could blush, it would be all over my face from the embarrassment of those early days of practice. "Cheshire's a bully." I mewed meekly, "Why are you bullying me?"

Cheshire grinned at me, "Because it's just so fun." He let out a light hum, then a small sigh. "Ace is probably going to get Kobe on his side, or that's the intention. Kobe himself can't really make a move to help an unknown gang without seeming weak, or playing favorites. Which means they plan on negotiating, or making a treaty to not attack each other. What do you think the tribute will be, kitten?"

He looked at me with a smug smile, while I huffed. Mister announcer was drawing lots to see who would sit out this set of rounds. Cheshire frowned a little when his name was called, which meant I had to fight soon. Isaac was weakened, and we haven't seen Jordan since his fight with Midnight. Still... I'm not sure if I could fight Ace, people with fire were much harder to deal with if you relied on shadows. Uncle... I mean Cheshire let out a light hum to get my attention. I put my claws on the railing, my tail still swishing behind me. "If they can heal people as well as they do, would they really need a tribute?"

Cheshire raised a brow, holding his chin as if in thought. Finally he nodded, "That's an excellent point actually. They grew because of their healing, so offering to heal Kobe's men would be a logical step, especially if it doesn't cost them anything. Kobe isn't an idiot though, the last thing he'd want is for his men to potentially defect to a different gang, unless he's trying to root out potential traitors. Though given what we saw, it might be better to say that the Fire Starters also have no intention of poaching gang members, unless they are skilled."

"You mean like Jacky, Midnight, and Bo'sun?" I said, while Cheshire nodded to confirm it.

"Yeah, people with names, skill, and talent are who they'd go after. The Mystic might be interested, then there is South-side's butcher. Even the East-side twins might look at them. Though I doubt Ace would go to them since he's more interested in the Tribes." Cheshire grinned again.

My name was drawn, with Jordan's making me scowl. I was going to be the first fight again! Though I couldn't really complain since I kept getting weakened opponents. I barely even had the chance to flex my claws before that blue haired guy yielded. Now I was going to fight Jordan, the Crusher. Cheshire patted my back after catching me looking down. He smiled at me, "You're honestly much better than you give yourself credit for. Why don't you show them what those paws can do kitten."

I let out a small sigh, before nodding. "I'll do my best. My paws are claws now though. Will you stop calling me Kitten if I win?"

Cheshire reeled his head back laughing, "Not a chance!~"

I ran to the cell I needed to be in, using his laugh as a chance to get away. It took a couple of minutes before the gate opened, but I finally stepped out into the Arena for the third time today. I could see Jordan was already there, a single curved dagger in his hand. He appeared to be a little pale, but his eyes still had their pride. He wasn't going to make this easy.

I took my spot, while mister announcer called me the shadow paw. I couldn't really correct him, but after beating Jordan, I might be able to tell them what I wanted to be called. Not what Cheshire told them to call me. Jordan gave me an unsettling grin, before tilting his head back. "Do you know that dark elf from my last fight?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Yeah, we're friends. She taught me how to fight."

Jordan nodded a little, "Good, mind if I grab myself another dagger before we really start fighting?"

"Sure, but don't try anything funny." I said, which made the man chuckle again.

The gong sounded, and he casually strolled towards a dagger. When he picked it up, I felt my hair bristle. A low growl escaping my lips, as I saw he picked up Midnight's dagger. Jordan himself took a stance with both daggers, daring me to come at him. I summoned shadow cats behind the man, and his magic stunned them. He seemed confused when they didn't disappear, but just lowered his head with a smirk as if realizing my talent prevented them from doing that. They couldn't move without magic, but they were real.

Jordan chose to charge at me, noticing the cats staying perfectly still in his shadow, unmoving despite how he charged towards me. It took him much more focus to keep me from using magic, than I had to use to keep the cats there. Jordan watched as I took a stance with him still charging towards me. He threw his curved dagger towards me, only for it to be deflected by my claws. Still it somewhat broke my stance. He jumped, releasing his null magic so he could counter my own attack.

I merely switched places with my half formed shadow cat, the thing flickering for a second while I scraped Jordan's back from behind. The claws I sharpened easily rending his back open. Jordan touched the ground, sliding and facing me while I licked my claw clean. He let out a low whistle using his focus to keep me from even forming another cat in his shadow. "You're a quick one, I'll give you that." He smirked, before picking up the dagger he threw earlier.

I let out a small purr at the complement, it did mean a lot coming from someone like him. "Thanks~ I'd feel better if you didn't try to use my friend's dagger against me though."

Jordan let out a small laugh while the crowd roared his name. "No can do, it's rare for someone to be able to challenge me. I'm taking her dagger so we can fight later. Don't worry, I'll return it to her just fine."

I tilted my head forward, "You just want to train with her later?"

Jordan blinked, "Yeah? Why else would I use her dagger?"

"I thought you were trying to get back at her by beating me with it..." I mewed a little, and Jordan shook his head.

He charged at me again, his daggers hitting the air in front of me while I focused on dodging. "Yeah no, I hit a wall in my training. I need a proper partner to spar with." I could tell he was pulling his attacks, or maybe he was just sluggish?

His skin got paler and I realized something. "You didn't get more blood!?"

Jordan grimaced, before his concentration faltered. Magic was back, and so I had an extra forearm of shadow sprout from the shadows under my bracers. I caught his dagger, much to his surprise, while slamming my pad into his chest. He let out a gasp, jumping back unsteadily. "I wear my scars with pride, at least when they come from a good fight. I honestly didn't think you'd be this adept at fighting." He winced a little, "For that I'm sorry."

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I frowned at him, growling a little. "Just yield, and I'll tell Midnight about you taking her dagger."

He held up his arms, as they shook a little. The crowd went silent as he yielded. They cheered for him regardless, because they did love the man. I stormed away, frustrated that yet another fight was so easy. I didn't really mind it, but now Cheshire was going to keep prodding me. Still, with Isaac weakened from his last fight, the fight with Ace and his pet wasn't going to be an easy one.

Getting back to the room, Cheshire did a small little clap for me. He bullied me when I admitted I didn't know Jordan was still weak, and then we began talking about how we'd fight Ace and Vivi in the final round.

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Isaac, The Drinker

"Welp, it seems that Jordan lost." Gerald spoke with a smile, next to me.

I nodded, "He realized that the talent wouldn't be stopped with his magic. Instead of fighting a fight he knows he's going to lose, he'd rather get healed properly. He didn't go into this fight expecting to win." Certainly not with how little blood he still had in him.

Gerald tilted his head, "Now would be a good time to offer him a refreshment. What do you think?"

I shook my head, "You might as well hold up a sign with an arrow pointing at you. Besides Jordan isn't a big issue among the slaves, Kyle bothered them more and we can wait until later."

Gerald frowned a bit, but nodded. He understood what I was saying at least, and though he could be overzealous, his heart was in the right place. He just needed to temper himself a bit more. "Anyway, I'm sure the time will come. Are you ready for your match Isaac? I can give you some blood roots to try and fix your muscles."

I softly shook my head, "I'll take them later, but even with a working leg I don't expect to win this one. Or, I should say that I'm not supposed to win this fight."

"What do you mean?"

I let out a slow sigh, "From the start we weren't expected to win. It's pointless if we win every Arena contest, and while the talent would be useful, just the display of being able to give it away makes the Minotaur seem more powerful. He doesn't need it, and it won't stop him if someone else has it. Something magic users would kill for, he is giving them an Arena to do just that."

"Not a lot of people have died, you know? We're about average for deaths, if you include that necromancer from the very first round."

"You're right, and I don't think there will be more deaths going forward. The point remains that people wanted the talent, and they did die for it. The audience had fun, the coin is flowing, and the finale is going to be two gangs pitted against each other. If they kill each other then it works better for Kobe anyway. If none of them die, then we still know just what we're dealing with if we make a move on the Tribes as far as Cheshire is concerned. He might hold back, he might not."

Gerald nodded, helping me walk my way to the cell. "Still, how do you plan on fighting like this? You're the last fight of the round, and that last fight wasn't exactly flashy."

I swished my gourd around, taking a long drink from it. "I used to be called Isaac, the Dragon before I joined this gang. Limiting yourself to just one trick with your magic will get you killed. Besides the alcohol helps to numb the pain in my thigh." I laughed a bit, sitting on the bench. "Don't worry about me Gerald, just get those roots ready for when I pass out. I won't use up too much blood."

He nodded, "Of course, I'll get them growing right now, and properly cleaned. Just know that I still need you, okay?"

I smiled gently at the youth, "Of course," I said, mirroring his tone. "We need each other, if we're going to make things better. One last thing before you go. If something does happen, try learning how to use mushrooms. I heard stories about a witch in the swampy woods using them to great effect. Variety in any situation ensures you have the proper tool for what you must do."

Gerald smiled a little, before leaving me alone in my cell. I couldn't fix the muscles with my magic, and I wasn't going to be moving around a lot. So getting enough alcohol in my blood was vital to being flashy this fight. Besides, I was finally going to meet a very promising young man. Someone with enough gall to look Kobe in the eyes and dictate what his gang would give to us as tribute. I am really looking forward to this.

My gate opened, and I half hobbled, half limped, my body feeling bubbly as I kept the majority of the alcohol from my brain to help me focus. My blood burned, as my breath felt like fire already. I could feel the charge building up as I took my spot in the Arena. The crowd looked around nervously, unsure as to how I'll do this. If I had to guess, some were placing bets on whether I'd yield or not. I steadied myself, while waiting for my opponent after the standard introduction was given.

The announcer roared for a new crowd favorite, Ace, the man that took out a champion in one punch. The master of a dangerous monster that could easily crush Jacky and his illusions. The man with fire for fists, and the rising star of the Arena. I felt it was overkill, but he was certainly having fun with it. The crowd roared in excitement as the pair stepped into the Arena. I was facing the man that stared down Kobe himself, in his own Arena and walked away.

As he came closer, I realized something. His blood was unnatural, as he didn't bother moving it. The blood was in a kind of looping cycle where it would pull the very air through his pores. His arms were covered, and already dead. He used magic to move them, but I could feel the heat condensed on his bones. Just how powerful was this young man before me? He wasn't a pyromancer, he was something else entirely. For the first time in a long while, I felt a bit of forgotten fear rising up. This was no mere youth, this was a man that endured hardships and suffering to gain his power. One that religiously devoted himself to honing his focus and being rewarded with power for it.

He was just like Oswald, when I stalked him from the streets years ago. A master of his own body, granted not to the point that old bastard was, but this was someone that would be just like his master. I knew this man by name, his true name. Oswald was dead, and now his apprentice had fled into the Underground with the monster that made waves above. Others might not have paid attention, or even noticed, but whatever their reasons I decided to stay quiet. If only as silent thanks for saving my grandson, and delivering him to me.

The youth smirked, "Hey old man, lost in some memories or something?" His voice held concern, making it clear he didn't want to hurt me.

I smiled back at him, "Why yes, I was." The gong sounded, as neither made a move. I stroked my beard, "I noticed you both tend to fight one at a time. I doubt I can afford to go easy on either of you." I let out a small laugh.

Ace grinned, "That's fine, you hurt one of ours pretty bad. The guy has terrible luck, but I respect you so I'll give you a chance to yield."

The crowd went silent, as I rubbed my thigh. Taking my gourd out, I took another long swing. "I'm afraid I can't yield here, nor do either of us want to kill each other. So, which of you will fight me?"

The monster started to step forward, but Ace put a hand up. This seemed to surprise her, but she took a step back with her arms crossed. Ace himself held his fingers to the blunt he carried on his lips, lighting his fingers on fire to light it. Then reverting the damage in a short burst. The effect was immediate as the smoke hit his lungs and his control over his own body seemed to flare. There was a pale blue smoke coming from the cigarette, making it clear he just took in blue mist. "I will, because I don't like the way you're hands are twitching."

I smiled back at him, the alcohol in my blood making my fingers shake. "You are a sharp one, I'll give you that." I bit my cheeks, coaxing the blood out. "Are you ready?"

Ace rolled his shoulders, "Age before beauty."

"Heh." I mixed blood and alcohol with the air in front of me as I breathed towards the man, a small red mist of my own ignited by the spark that I had stored with my lips. The arc seared my lips where the spark happened, but the blood mist was ignited as I breathed roaring hot fire over the man. He was surprised, but his arms were expelling their own fire as he made a barrier of smoke that kept him safe. He was even taking some of my fire and converted it into his own to store.

I only kept my fire going for a mere two seconds before the alcohol ran out. With the fire gone, I hardened the cooked blood throwing a couple scab bullets at him. My face was mildly burnt, and my mouth was lightly cooked, but I would recover in a couple days. My control, not what it used to be since I had not done this in a few years. The scab bullets caught Ace in his chest, as he was unable to reform his arms to block. The little things cutting into his pecks, trying to bury themselves deeper. Sadly, his chest combusted, turning my scabs and blood to char while he stepped forward, glaring at me, his sunglasses still fine.

"Are you done? Is it my turn?" His voice was low, while he started walking towards me.

I pulled excess blood from my cane, smiling at him while I recovered. "Well there are a few other things I could try, but I'm convinced you'll manage just fine." I offered a hand towards him, "I'm done fighting. I yield!"

Ace had smoke rising off slightly singed clothes, and let out a deep sigh, before smiling back at me. He shook my hand, "You're just lucky you didn't try that shit on her." He pointed a thumb at the monster behind him. "I would have had to kill you."

I felt the weight of his words, the sincerity behind them. The unwavering conviction of a man that would end someone that hurt the one they loved. I lowered my head, "That's fair, but I had to try at least." I lowered my voice a bit more, "I'll talk to you later, Richard." He froze when I said his name, right as he grabbed my hand. I shook it, so no one would know a thing. "Don't worry, your secret is safe, but we should meet here tomorrow morning."

He let go, slowly nodding then smiled. "Sounds like a plan, we're coming here tomorrow anyway. Can I ask why you want to talk though?"

"Well, because I have a hobby of trying to help young men with bright futures. If you feel this old man has some words of wisdom to give you that is."

He rolled his shoulders, making sure the joints were in the proper place. "Sure thing, I enjoy hearing stories, and advice from people that make it to a good old age. I'll see you around, Isaac."

We both did a slight bow while the crowd cheered, going our separate ways. Gerald was there with a few slaves, when I finally allowed the blood pressure to knock me out. That much alcohol left me far too drained, but I know I'll wake up just fine tonight. Still, I needed to know just what that boy was planning. He was too valuable to let die in some meaningless gang war, the things he knows right now could be the second revolution for alchemists. He just needed to live long enough to share what Oswald didn't want to tell the others.