Ezekiel, the Soulsnatcher

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“Fucking cunt!” Jay didn’t need to hide his annoyance now. He’d made his highest bid and Ezekiel had beaten it.

Jay looked over to table 38. They didn’t even bother looking at the stage anymore, both Ezekiel and Davad were facing him. The same nonchalant expression covered each of their faces, daring to look as if nothing had happened.

Pricks.

“After the auction. After the auction we’re gonna have a chat with them.” Vega growled. Voice low, she said each word individually. Her eyes didn’t stray from Ezekiel as she spoke, and the first embers of orange light crept out of her clenched fists.

Jay dropped back in his chair. He wanted to go over there now, but if even Vega was holding back then he’d follow her lead.

The rest of the auction went by. Jay didn’t pay attention at all. The only things on his mind were the pair of dickheads on table 38.

“…and that does it for tonight. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed your night here at the Moontide auction. We hope you’ll enjoy the rest of your night, wherever it may take you. And last, but by no means least, we hope to see you again next time.”

Jay and Vega immediately stood up. The tables around them must have known they would, because nobody got in their way as they stomped over to table 38. Ezekiel and Davad got up, but they made no moves towards Jay, they waited for him to come.

“What the fuck was that?” Vega beat Jay to the punch. She charged into Ezekiel’s space, stopping mere inches from his face.

He didn’t even look at her. Instead, he calmly stared at Jay, who’d stood a few metres away from the table.

“What the fuck was… what?” Ezekiel said softly. “I did nothing wrong. Maybe you shouldn’t have come to an auction with empty wallets and even emptier skulls.”

He shrugged, face twisting into an evil sneer. He knew what he was doing.

“It would have cost you literally nothing to not be a prick.” Jay took a step closer to the table, Davad made to intercept him, but Jay stopped. “Instead, you spent seven thousand points on a shield you won’t even use. So yeah. What the fuck was that?”

Ezekiel shrugged again, his lip curled into a caricature of oblivious confusion.

“Oh really! I didn’t know you wanted it that much…”

Cunt.

“…You should’ve just asked! I’d be happy to give it to you, but you see, that’s not how things work round here. If you want it, you have to fight for it.”

So that’s what he’s going for.

“Real tough guy aren’t you?” Vega said, finally taking a step back. She waited until Ezekiel looked her way before speaking again. “Challenging someone 800 ranks below you. Bet that feels fucking amazing, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t mean that. No, no that would be far too easy.” Ezekiel walked towards Jay and gestured to Davad. “I’m just looking out for my junior here. You see, he’s been itching for a good fight. I think you’d make a great pair.”

Davad walked closer to Jay, stepping into his personal space until their foreheads were almost touching.

“What do you think?” Davad’s voice was higher and more nasal than Jay expected. It made his attempt at intimidation far less effective.

Jay didn’t even look at his potential opponent. Keeping his eyes trained on Ezekiel.

“What’s the catch? You didn’t need to come all the way over here and act like a cunt all evening just to get a fight. You could’ve just asked. What are you really after?”

Jay only now noticed the crowd forming around the altercation. He spotted Lyra and Akira at the front of the ring of people. Akira had his hand on his sword already and looked one sudden movement away from drawing it. The crowd had a mix of expressions. Some looked invested, some stared without much interest. Others were almost laughing at the whole affair. Two nobodies squaring off while they had big brother and sister there to back them up.

“What a clever cat you are. You’re right! I have something you want, this magnificent shield, and you have something I want. Juryoku.”

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Akira immediately drew his sword and pointed it at Ezekiel. “Fuck you you’ll never have her.” Ezekiel didn’t move a muscle. When Jay looked over to his friend, confused as to what set him off, Akira was almost shaking.

“Juryoku’s my sword. And she’ll stay that way.”

Ezekiel shifted his gaze back to Jay. His arrogant smile just begging Jay to retort.

Two can play that game buddy.

“I don’t know.” Jay stalled, he placed his hand on Davad’s shoulder and deftly pushed him to the side. Davad tried to push back. He couldn’t. Jay walked towards Ezekiel, a cunning smirk washed over his eyes as he noticed the swordsman’s cheek twitch slightly. “It doesn’t seem like a fair trade. Especially since you’re the ones asking for it.”

Jay saw Akira huff a sigh of relief in his periphery.

Don’t act too soon mate.

He kept walking towards Ezekiel and noticed the crowd shift from surprised to intrigued.

“I think you need to add something else. Something to sweeten the deal.”

Jay placed his hand on the hilt of Ezekiel’s sword. Lifting it half an inch out of its scabbard.

“Throw in this bad boy and you’ve got yourself a fight.”

Jay gazed deep into Ezekiel’s eyes, scouring his face for any indication of emotion. He couldn’t see the crowd, but he could hear them all breathe in and hold it there. Akira spluttered behind him, seemingly lost for words.

Knew you were gonna hate that. Sorry.

Ezekiel hesitated. Jay could tell he was doubting himself.

“Oh what, are you scared?” Jay said, raising the pitch of his voice like he was talking to a crying child. He nodded his head back to where Davad still stood. “I know he is.”

Vega laughed. Ezekiel remained still. Jay’s play hadn’t worked on him.

A hand clasped around Jay's shoulder. He let it spin him around. Davad’s face flushed a deep red and his temples pulsed with heated anger.

“Fuck you cocky asshole!” Specks of warm spit flew into Jay's face. He had to push down the urge to punch Davad there and then.

“Yep, definitely scared.” Jay said, this time working the crowd.

Still not looking Davad in the eyes.

“I’m not!” Davad shoved Jay away from him. Jay only moved a foot backwards.

Come on, at least make this a bit challenging.

Jay activated Eye of the storm. Not because he needed to act quickly, but because he needed to look intimidating.

Blue sparks skittered out of his eyes as he turned his focus deep into Davad’s soul.

“Prove it. Put everything you own on the line and I’ll match it. You won’t need shit after I’m done with you.”

This earned the biggest “Ooh” from the crowd. It was about more than just fighting now. Everyone watching knew there was no longer any way to back out with an intact reputation.

Jay had Davad and Ezekiel right where he wanted them.

“Fine.” Davad spat. “As long as the two sword owners are okay with it.”

Akira and Ezekiel stared at each other. One had started the exchange; one was barely involved. Neither had expected to risk their weapons today.

Akira glared at Jay. For a second, Jay thought he might refuse, but he turned back to Ezekiel and nodded.

“Fine.” Said Akira. His white-knuckled fist clenched harder around his sword than Jay had ever seen it before.

“Fine.” Replied Ezekiel.

Vicious hunger washed over Jay, a deep vibration standing all his hairs on end. A gold screen appeared in front of him.

Your next opponent has been announced.

Jay saw Davad’s name below the announcement, just like he saw the Goldenback Gorilla before, but the line underneath came as a surprise.

You will fight in 36 hours.

Jay looked back at Davad, he’d put on a brave mask, but Jay saw right past it.

“See you soon buddy.”

----------------------------------------

“What the fuck Jay?” Akira slumped into the seat of the tram, clutching his sword as if someone was about to take it there and then.

“What do you mean what the fuck?” Jay replied, just as exasperated as his friend, although probably less annoyed. “What was I supposed to do in that situation? Just give up?”

“Uhh… Yes. Bet all your items, that’s fine. Don’t fucking bet mine!”

“I didn’t mean too. Plus, didn’t you see. I managed to renegotiate. After I win, you get another sword! Think of it as my apology.”

Jay’s pitiful attempt at humour fell flat. Akira mumbled something that vaguely sounded like cocky asshole and sank deeper into his seat.

“Jay’s got a point.” Vega said. She’d lost some of her fire from earlier, but still looked on edge. “You can’t back down from something like that, especially in front of all those people. That idiot was clowning him all night and then tried to pull that. He’s lucky I didn’t kill him there and then.”

“I know.” Akira said. “It doesn’t make it any fucking better! Jay you better fucking win this fight.”

“Oh cheers mate, I wasn’t gonna try before but I will now.”

“I’m being fucking serious! Never try that kinda shit again! What the hell gave you the confidence to pull that off?”

Jay noticed Lyra glance at him after Akira asked him the question.

“I watched Davad’s last five fights before the auction started. He’s not bad, but it’s an easy fight.”

Jay watched all three of his friends’ expressions shift. Since coming to the coliseum, he’d mostly been asking questions, eager to learn. This was the first time they’d seen the true fighter inside him.

“You guys didn’t see what I went through over the last couple days. I’m a whole new fighter now. If he was nervous about fighting me before, then he doesn’t stand a chance now.”

“If you say so.” Lyra said cautiously, the first time she’d spoken since before the whole exchange. “How’re you going to prepare? Realistically, you only have tomorrow to do anything.”

“I didn’t spot any glaring weaknesses in the fights I saw. I’ll spend the rest of tonight rewatching to try and find something to exploit. As for tomorrow, do you know anywhere where I could find an archer to spar with? Maybe an open gym or something? I just need someone so that I can familiarise myself with the chasing movements.”

Jay watched both twins think for a moment before sharing a glance and simultaneously responding.

“The Pits.”

“The what?”

“The Pits is the colloquial name for the Pitsanlok Fighting Gym.” Said Lyra.

“It’s the best place to find sparring partners if you’re in E Grade.” Vega added. “Everywhere else is either catered to the higher tiers, or there's not enough good competition. I’m free tomorrow, I’ll go with you so that you can find a better partner.”

“Thanks…What do you mean by find a better partner?”

“Nobody’s lining up to try and fight you Mr.800s. Whereas I’ll be up to my ears with people eager for a chance to test me. If I make it a two for one deal, you’ll get a stronger partner who can better prepare you for the fight.”

Jay thanked Vega again, grateful to have the best fighter in the division backing him up. It made sense to go with her, people always wanted to train with the best.

Jay opened the coliseum system screen and started replaying Davad’s fights. His friends weren’t in a talkative mood, so he might as well fill his time.