Azera, The Cheshire

The 'fight' between Ace and Isaac only lasted a couple minutes, with most of that owed to the fact that they talked so much. I had expected the old man to have a trick or two up his sleeve, but Ace shrugged the fire off like it was nothing. The real question was why Isaac himself chose to use fire on his opponent. Issac wasn't the type to make a wasted effort, and judging by the fact that Ace had to set his chest on fire something happened.

Levi was sulking a little after I teased her for the last fight, and how she promised to set up a meeting between Jordan and Midnight. That wasn't a big deal, but she didn't have that freedom with Midnight's time. "Hey kitten, did you notice anything during that fight?"

Levi perked up, "Are you still mad at me?"

"Nah, you just have to go with Midnight and make sure nothing happens between the two. I doubt Midnight's the type to hook up with a human just to get that will, but she also isn't the type to outright reject someone who wants to practice or talk weapons."

Levi nodded, "Umm... I'm not sure if I saw it right, but I think I saw Isaac spit blood at Ace and his chest exploded because of that."

I blinked, that was interesting, "Are you certain?" She nodded slowly, while I thought back myself. I couldn't make it out, but Levi's eyesight was better than my own. It would make sense that Ace would ignite his chest if Isaac got his blood inside the man, but his talent was healing with his fire. Which shouldn't have worked while his arms were still smoking. Ace lied about his talent, and I'd have to confirm it during our fight. If that was the case, then the daughter they gave us became much more valuable.

I clapped a hand over my face, for not seeing through such an obvious lie. Levi jumped, "A-are you alright?"

I nodded, smiling a little. "Much better now that you helped me realize what was wrong with their story. Tell me Levi, why would a group of mysterious hunters, in the Underneath, take in a small tribe of monsters?"

Levi groaned, "I hate these kinds of questions. I don't know, because they're weak and controllable? Maybe smart enough to serve?"

I held out a finger, "One point for effort. We have a mystery gang that came out of the Underneath, and are capable of fighting and staying down there right? Yet, Midnight's tribe and the dark elves don't trade tamable monsters. The monster in question is intelligent, and can establish mental connections. I'm willing to accept that they are unique, but that makes them harder to tame. What would your tribe do if they found an intelligent race of monsters, almost dead, and in a place full of extra dangerous monsters?"

Levi tilted her head, "If they were intelligent, maybe try trading with them? If they were dangerous, we'd probably kill them, unless they were very valuable. Even then, our hunters wouldn't be keen on keeping them around."

I nodded, raising another finger. "Exactly, you wouldn't slap a taming ring on it, and fuck the thing. Ace lied about where he found his pet, and how they met. Not only that, but he probably lied about other things that I can't afford to tell you about." There was a knock at the door, as the duo entered the room. What convenient timing. I grinned at them, while Ace smiled back.

"Hey, sorry about coming in uninvited, but well I figured now was as good a time as any to have a small chat." Outside our little room, the Arena had a final show the slaves were putting on to hype up the audience for the main event.

I shook my head, "No, you came at a perfect time actually. See, I've been considering your offer. The one you stated previously, if you can provide the food, I wouldn't mind getting the tribes together. So long as you don't drag us into whatever it is you're planning." Ace seemed a little skeptical.

He coughed into his fist, then smiled. "Wonderful, I'm glad we can work together."

It was a shot in the dark, but I might as well try. I could play this off as a joke either way. With a casual shrug, I playfully shook my head. "I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to your boss." I needed to know just what I was getting into.

Ace stood there for a second his face turning red, his jaw dropping a little. I raised an eyebrow, he could play this off by calling her his mistress. The monster however stepped forward. She spoke our language perfectly, her voice soft but low. "How did you find out?"

I laughed a little, "You just told me, I mean I was piecing it together bit by bit. I do have to travel above ground to collect a majority of our food. Plus a certain monster that started healing the sick and dying above ground, while there was also a gang that did the same? Well I'm ashamed I didn't realize it sooner. I doubt we'd be having this conversation if I couldn't speak freely."

She tilted her head, while the man moved to her side, hesitated then moved to make sure no one entered the room. She lowered her head, "I believe I'm starting to understand the value of making claims without substance. Yes, I am able to sense magic, and my hearing may be the best as far as I am aware. Since we are both aware of what I am, let us speak to each other as leaders."

I let out a deep sigh, while Levi seemed unsure as to what to do next. She settled for standing next to me, flexing her claws. It was heart warming to know she'd face an unknown monster for me. I rubbed her back, "Stand down kitten, I'm afraid you don't stand a chance against a miracle monster."

She looked at me, "Miracle monster? What even is that?"

I rolled my eyes, "A monster that performs miracles, and we don't know what else she can do." Vivi crossed her arms, tapping the elbow. I nodded, "Most importantly, we don't have time to waste. After the show is over, we'll have to fight in the Arena. So, don't be rude, and let me do the talking."

Levi nodded, "Can we trust you?" She looked right at the monster, asking such an innocent question. Of course she was going to say yes, she wanted to use us.

To my surprise she softly shook her head, "I'm afraid not. I am a separate party from yourselves, and I will not hesitate to take advantage of anyone that will give my group a boost."

I raised a brow, while Levi shuddered a little. "Why didn't you lie just now?"

She turned to me, "Would it have honestly helped? If there is no point in lying, then I believe it is better to state the obvious to make certain there are no delusions. If you were in my position you would do whatever you could to take advantage of my party. I'm sure you realize the position you have been put in."

I nodded slowly, "I don't like it one bit. Still the next harvest is just around the corner. There will be more food for everyone to steal, or buy. Though I'm sure you have a plan for that as well?"

Without hesitation she nodded, "I do, I am in control of a vast amount of bugs, with different hives. The daughter we gave you, is but one of many. Each bug has monster blood, and I know where the store rooms are located. I have also been able to follow which goods go where, meaning at any moment I can taint the food with blood to create a famine that spreads the entirety of the Underground. As long as I do it down here, there are no laws that will bring me to justice if I flee back above ground. The fragile alliances you have forged, and the other gangs will all move. This is my ultimatum if you decide to destroy our gang."

"You're insane!" Levi's fur stood on end, letting out the same exact words I wanted to yell. I really wanted her to hold me back, but she was quicker. Which meant it fell to me to stop her.

"Calm down Levi." I gripped her shoulder, glaring at the monster with her arms crossed. I smiled back at her, "That's quite the nasty surprise, but it makes sense. So this isn't about the Tribes then, but the stability of the Underground as a whole. What exactly are your goals here? What is it that you want?"

With that, she seemed to relax. "I want my Hive to be safe, that is all I have ever wanted, and that is why I make my moves. The Princess has forced us to participate in this silly Arena, and the Fiend's Eye has been attacking us from the start. Truly, all I want to do is hunt monsters after my Hive is safe. A Hive which includes different people, and is more than the bugs I control. Peace is preferred, but if I am attacked I feel it is well within my right to retaliate and eliminate all threats. I fully realize I cannot fight the Underground, and the people here. I understand the suffering my actions would bring if I pursued such an option. Most importantly, I do not want to face the consequences of actually doing such. Which is why for the safety and happiness of my Hive, I will only use such a method as a last resort."

I lowered my head, thinking about her words. She sounded genuine, and it was clear she was the miracle monster from above that could heal people. Ace was just a cover so she could use her powers. Everything fit perfectly with the 'drawbacks' of her healing. The incredible hunger, and rapid healing from those I did manage to ask. I had hoped to scout, or outright kidnap this monster just a month ago, but I couldn't find her. Now here we were, and I know killing her would doom the Underground. As far as I knew, she had an order to those bugs to kill themselves, or her children were smart enough to carry on without her.

"You see, this is why I hate being forced to do things Levi. We aren't equals in this discussion, but potential fodder. This is exactly why I hate dealing with things I don't know about, but the fact remains that I have seen a lot of bugs moving around, and those that were killed did have black blood. We can't afford to make a mistake, and so we can only hope for the best. Isn't that right?" I gritted my teeth, waiting for the monster to respond.

She let out a soft sigh, "Honestly, I know how it feels to have a higher power force you to fight for your life. To struggle under something you cannot overcome. It has humbled me, and made me realize that I want to treat others as they treat me. When I am strong enough to kill something like that monster, I will eat every bit of it. Actions will speak louder than any words I could possibly say, but we need to establish trust in order to make any moves. When the Fiend's Eye is no more, and the Tribes are united, we will disappear into the Underneath where I can hunt and grow my Hive. I do not like the Princess, and how powerful she is. Hence, why I only wish to survive and leave this place. Everything in the city is complicated, and even the Underground has traps set."

"Yeah? Well, things don't get better down South. What with the war going on, will you consider the Tribes a part of your Hive after they are united?" It would be for the best if she disappeared for a while, especially since the Princess is clearly involved. I don't like it, but without the Fiend's Eye, some of the smaller gangs will be able to grow without those monsters holding them back. No matter what, the Underground is going to change, and anything is better than death. Still, if the worst does happen we could go to The Raven's town and make a small city, but the population boom would kill a lot of people through starvation.

She softly shook her head, "I do not want to accept so many when I know I cannot protect them properly. Which is why we are joining you by force as Ace so elegantly put it. You have the power to unite the tribes, and we will give you the food to keep them feed. It is an apology for causing this entire situation by eating as much food as we could. Our own numbers soared, but are unsustainable. We caused this famine, that has left your people scraping by. To apologize we are giving you food, our daughter, and a stronger sense of unity among the tribes. All while reclaiming dead-zones so you can expand, while we dig deeper for the next month."

I nodded, letting go of Levi as she fully calmed down. "I'll trust you for now, and the fact that you openly admitted to causing the famine we endured does help. I imagine your numbers will drop quite a bit after your war is over?"

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She nodded, "Indeed, but we will not be too weak to defend ourselves. So, will you aid us and accept our apology? Will you grow strong, and become our allies, or wither and die alongside us?"

"Yeah, I can't say I like how you went about this. I can't say I like being forced to do this, but when faced with a threat like that for such small goals. I feel you're more than likely telling the truth. Which means that I'll swallow every ounce of my pride and help you." There was a brief moment of silence as Levi lowered her head accepting it, the monster mirroring her. I cleared my throat, "Just so we are clear, if you do hurt the Tribes in any way, I will come after you, and I will kill you. We are going to fight you in the Arena to see just how capable you are, and to vent my frustration towards this whole damn situation. If we beat you, then we won't let you join us, but we will sell protection to you."

Vivi considered my words for a second, then nodded. "We will prove our strength to you, and I will consider it a win if you force me to use my true strength. After all this disguise is in place for a reason, I have been holding back this entire time. What do we get when we win?"

I grinned right back at her, "If you win, then I won't retaliate against you for all of this. I'll accept your words, and your promises at face value, since I will give you my trust. Now please leave so I can discuss how to beat you with Kitten here, we'll be seeing you in about ten minutes." Thankfully the monster nodded, before leaving with Ace leading the way.

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Levi Shadow-Claw

I've never seen Cheshire smile like this before. After the monster and Ace left, he just started walking to our cell, two gauntlets appearing out of thin air. One gold with large ruby on the top, the other silver with a sapphire. They were inscribed with runes that I couldn't even begin to guess, but the hands were balled and closed. Three long metal blades coming out from where the knuckles should be. He was upset, and far more angry than I ever saw him.

I swallowed hard, "Couldn't we get the others to help us stop them?"

He let out a small hum, "Who would? Oh, and just so you are aware I need you to distract the monster while I deal with Ace. Your shadows can't do much against someone using fire. I'll try to take the man down, but we can't kill either of them."

"B-because if the monster dies her children might poison everyone?" Cheshire nodded slowly to my question. I looked down, "Won't Jacky help us? What about Midnight? The Bo'sun might even leave them if he knew!" It couldn't be hopeless!

Cheshire slowly shook his head, "Jacky won't because he'd be more concerned with his tribe, and how we ruined the promise. Midnight can't because the monster is giving her everything she could want. We don't even know where Bo'sun is, so we can't exactly use him. Before you say it, Ron wouldn't care since he would get a lot of corpses."

I swallowed hard, "What about the big gangs? W-what if we helped the Fiend's Eye?"

Cheshire let out a small sigh, "Who would believe us before they could act? We were in the same room, and heard what they said. I have trouble believing it, and if they said they wanted to control the Underground I would have called them out. Yet, their goal is to go back into hiding and play in the Underneath where they will hopefully die. You don't tell someone such a stupid goal unless it's true, especially if they are threatening the entire Underground's food supply."

I shook my head, "And the Fiend's Eye?"

Cheshire let out a sigh, "It's a dumb question, if we contact their enemies and work with them, we're back here at the Arena. Trying to kill them without actually killing them. The Fiend's Eye might try even harder to kill them, just because they have an army that doesn't need food, and they can afford to eat black blood. The big gangs will probably survive just fine since they can afford fresh food from above, but I can't steal enough on my own. So, to remove all doubts we're fighting them and hopefully getting our asses kicked despite going all out. We won't kill them, and they won't kill us. We're playing their game, even if I just want to flip the table and stab our opponents."

I nodded, looking down. "I'm... I'm sorry it wasn't someone better here to help you in this fight." I started to tear up, the weight of it all hitting me. Not just my tribe, but everyone in the Underground, the people I don't know. The people I care for, everyone was being threatened because of a monster I had no chance of beating. I couldn't even fight Ace, because his fire would dispel my shadows. I might be the strongest in my tribe, but I was still useless.

Cheshire teleported into a hug, holding me against his chest. "Hey, hey... no crying before battle." He was stroking between my ears, "none of this is your fault, and I'm glad we're fighting together. You saw Jacky's fight, he wasn't able to do anything. Midnight wouldn't help much either, and I doubt Isaac or Jordan could keep themselves from making everything worse. You're perfect for this fight, and I'm glad you're here with me. Come on kitten, where's the pride your tribe?"

I sniffled a little, feeling a bit better. Like a hard day of training passed, and my mother made fish fillets. I hugged Cheshire back, "I'll do my best!"

We spent the next couple minutes just like that, before the gate opened. Walking out into the Arena, I saw the crowd chanting for Cheshire, my battles weren't anything special. They even chanted Ace's name, wanting this fight to be spectacular. They didn't know what was on the line now, this was more than the coin, more than a talent stone. This was a fight to protect more than just the tribes. If we couldn't defeat them here, then we would never be able to stop them.

We stood apart facing each other, while the Announcer was screaming out how exciting this fight would be. The crowd was on their toes with Cheshire bringing out his claws. There were no words, since we already spoke before coming here, not that speaking would matter I guess. Cheshire was right, who would believe us if I started yelling about how these two were going to kill us all. No, the time for words was over. There was only fighting, and action.

The seconds ticked by after the announcer and crowd went silent, my senses pushed to their limit. Ace lit his cigarette with his fingers, and we knew he was using blue haze. The pungent odor hitting my nose like a slap to the face. The gong finally sounded, and the monster rushed at Cheshire, while Ace dropped a glass container on the ground. I moved forward to scratch the monster, my claws scraping against her armor. Cheshire teleported away. My instincts kicked in, and I swapped places with the shadow cat in Cheshire's shadow. "I can't hurt her."

Cheshire clicked his tongue, "Find a way, while I deal with Ace." I noticed the monster was avoiding spikes appearing out of thin air, while Ace charged at Cheshire. He was helping me in my fight. We just needed to push them to their limits, and win.

Every shadow had my cats in them now, the ones on Ace destroyed by his legs flaring up with fire. They did nothing to the monster's armor, but I needed to keep her busy so Cheshire could take down Ace. That's the one thing I had to do, the one thing I must do. I swapped places with the new cat in Ace's shadow, making him jump before swapping places behind the monster as his flames didn't even get the chance to lick my fur. The monster opened her wings to brush me to the side. I clawed at them, getting a clawful of feathers.

She advanced quickly, reaching to grab me. I grew shadow hands from under my bracers, meeting her own hands and jumping over her arms. My knee was aimed at her face, but her jaw opened to reveal very sharp looking teeth. I managed to use more shadow hands to launch me away from her. She reached for me, grabbing a few more shadow hands, but I just let them disappear as I moved further away. She dodged a couple spikes aimed at her mask from Cheshire, by tilting her head back. She really was good at fighting, and I could only hope Cheshire was doing okay.

Still a second of hesitation would mean losing, the spikes meant he was doing well enough against ace that he could afford to help me. If nothing else, my opponent seemed rather keen on keeping her mask on. I ran towards her as she reached down to grab me again. I switched places with the cat behind her, and noticed a kick coming my way. I swapped places with Cheshire's cat, just to see Ace was missing an arm. It was smoking. The monster threw a rock at Cheshire, only for him to redirect it back at herself.

I decided to run to Cheshire's right, around the two fighters to try and keep the monster distracted. Cheshire needed that mask off for some reason, and now I had a target.

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Azera, The Cheshire

This wasn't going well, from the start while we had mobility, the other two were faster than us in terms of reaction. I was able to use small portals for my claws to attack the monster, but it wasn't helpful since I could feel the blades straining even if I tried to strike a joint. That only left the exposed flesh of her neck and jaw open for me to even try drawing blood.

Then there was Ace, the man didn't give two shits about being impaled or cut. The wound would light up with fire and it would be like I never even stabbed him. Even the blood on my blade wouldn't stick, which left me having to use my talent to slice the man's arm off. I wouldn't have been surprised if he grew a new one, but he kicked the thing over to me. I felt something touch my ankle, looking down I saw the severed limb gripping me.

FUCK!

I teleported away as the feeling of burning pain set in. Wincing, I thought he was going to explode it, but it was still where I left it, smoldering and then healing again. I know I severed the nerves, and cleanly cut his arm off. How was he still controlling it. Then the unthinkable happened, the arm propped itself up on its fingers, and jumped with flames shouting behind it. Ace started to charge at me, forcing me closer to the wall. He was completely insane!

I noticed Levi managing to push the monster back at least, but I needed to keep both of them in my sights. Using a portal, I sent Ace's hand flying right into his face, but the man just maneuvered it upwards as the fire behind it died. He reattached the limb with some fire, and flexed it with a smirk, before continuing to run at me. Severing limbs did nothing, stabbing him did nothing. What i wouldn't do for some kind of ice or anything to actually phase this bastard.

I teleported, thankful that all he could do was run at me. My claws would teleport back towards the monster, if we took her down we should be able to deal with Ace. Still they were getting further, and further away, and moving towards the walls. Ace started to charge towards Levi when she emerged next to me again, she was doing surprisingly well given that she was able to avoid being captured. Still this stalemate needed to be tilted into our favor.

Levi ran at the monster again, Ace heading towards her. Levi adjusted her course, running over the small glass ball he dropped when we first started. There was some kind of liquid in there, but thankfully nothing happened when Levi got close. Ace threw a second potion at Vivi, who grabbed it. I used a claw to pierce the glass, shattering it, and the contents. Nothing happened besides the monster frowning. What was the point?

I opened a portal in front of Ace forcing him to run through and towards me again. I teleported away before he could grab me, impaling his guts a few more times. Which still did nothing to him. I couldn't risk attacking his vitals, since I couldn't afford to kill either. New plan, just focus everything on the monster, and ignore Ace by keeping him away from Levi.

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Firefist Ace (Richard Adams)

Mimi was enjoying herself at least, from whatever kind of mind game she was playing. I kept charging at Cheshire, unable to get close. The fire in one arm used up, but now the guy doesn't seem interested in fighting me any longer. Still with one explosive destroyed, and the components mixed with dirt and rendered inert, I had a lot more free focus to use. I was able to better break down the drugs in my veins, and was actively rebuilding them to keep a kind of loop going. It really was a shame that Mimi didn't give me any of her sleeping venom. I could have taken Cheshire out by touching earlier.

Still, I never would have thought I'd be going up against the man I respected so much. The guy I was certain was behind getting up top side, and set me on this path. I never would have dreamed that we would be fighting each other, and I never imagined I could actually hold my own against a big shot. Now here we were, my job complete as I just seemed like some kind of unstoppable fire monster. Still burning my nerves and reconnecting everything hurt so much.

My job was a simple one, if a bit brain dead, I needed to charge and keep their focus. At least until Cheshire got close to the bomb I planted at the start. With all this focus I had, it should be easy enough to break the glass, and launch the liquid at him, staining his clothes. Then it would be game over. Now it was time for the second part of the plan, charge at Levi like a dumb ass until Cheshire feels safe enough to risk being in the center of the Arena again. Judging by how the guy was starting to sweat, he was going to hit his limits soon.

Mimi wasn't having any trouble now that Levi revealed most of her tricks. While she couldn't grab the cat, she was able to force her to run away. Cheshire's blades were an issue but at least I wasn't getting stabbed. Mimi herself was pretending to be pushed back, but she wasn't even getting tired. Whereas Levi had to run a long way every time she went back to Cheshire's shadow. My body wouldn't get tired with my legs and arms pretty much dead from the fire I spread to the limbs to control those cells after cooking them. It was going to suck with a capitol 's' after this fight when Mimi healed me, but I was used to it by now.

A few more charges, and Levi was clearly winded. Cheshire noticed, and teleported closer to the center. That was when my bomb went off. I controlled the explosion perfectly, making sure the glass wouldn't hurt him, while only covering him in liquid explosive. He was surprised, when he felt the splash. Smelling his hand, his eyes went wide, then he smiled again with a laugh this time. "Well played!"

Levi was caught by surprise, Mimi holding her neck, but she went back to Cheshire's shadow, panting. He grabbed her shoulder before she could run again. "We yield!" Before the crowd could boo him, he tossed his shirt away, and I exploded it. Levi swallowed hard, as I saw the man's torso for the first time. Scars littering his stomach, sides, and back. His chest covered with faded dots while he covered it and squirmed, "Stop staring perv!~"

I laughed, while Mimi returned to my side, we did it. We managed to beat Cheshire! I raised a fist into the air while the crowd cheered my fake name. Cheshire whispered something to Levi, and she slowly nodded. The two turning away to probably go home. "Hey Vivi, what did they say?"

She quietly whispered back to me, "These fuckers beat us with a handicap, but I'm not mad. Let's go home kitten, we need to prepare."

I smiled, because I knew he was a man that would keep his word. He lost fair and square, and now he was going to be our ally. All that was left, was to get the fifty gold, celebrate, spend an hour talking to Kobe's men, and then go to the Bar and whatever else Mimi had planned. At least I could take a nap once we got home, and would get to sleep a bit before the actual war tomorrow. So much to do, but I could feel it in my gut, we are going to win!