Chapter 10: Chapter 9: Calm Before the Show

Above the Fools’ Theater, many waited. Eternal patience for the one man who called all the shots. But on the floating private suite, another form of lust went with smiles and shades. The cylinder disc room even had billiards, a minibar, and an indoor pool. Now laughter accompanied the smiles.

Today’s pastime was a naked bath, twenty women and the man himself. But he never discriminated, bringing in demons, half of his lovers. They chinked their glass, and the lust continued, soft giggles beside him. The pool glowed brighter turquoise, gathering closer.

As usual, the demons rarely asked permission. Loving to experiment, it was perfect on Vincent McLagan, the 20,758th CEO. “Relax, sweety,” one’s eyes lowered, smiling. “I’ll make you feel even better.” Her other hand moved down. “I’m going in….”

Vincent couldn’t even remember how permission sounded. He chuckled, feeling it more. “Damn, girl. Twenty seconds in, and you already found the perfect sp—” His screen rang from a notification. He giddied, fully knowing the prospect. “Great news, ladies!” he stood, sending checks to their accounts. “Go find seats in the colosseum. Our champion’s brewing another victory.”

They all gasped and changed in lightning speed. Now they shouted, “Fuck yeah!”, “Let’s go!” to no end. Runic circles glowed beneath them, and their childhood friends below had equal excitement. Opposites in birth, yet not so much when the spectacle beckoned all.

***

Vincent went up the pool’s stairs, slicking his crown back. By the Gods, Hokori, he grinned toward a folding screen. What exquisite prey you’ve picked on this time. Coming out, a poetic fashion statement to befit gross worth. Unlike the first owners of purple robes and red sashes, a gray tuxedo, blue shirt, and yellow flannel tie underneath.

He primmed himself onto the balcony, a grand speech already in mind. Yet his screen rang again, and it’d been long since his contacts opened. Never to say no to an old friend, he also pressed yes for his guest. Arrays flashed behind him. “Well, well!” he turned. “If it isn’t the king of gambling debts.” He bowed with a smirk.

Harald smiled, bowing next. “Truly wonderful to see you again, Mr. McLagan.”

“Same with you, son. But would you mind introducing me to this fine gentleman here?” He looked behind.

“Oh, yes, indeed.” He backed away, presenting his guest. “Meet Richard Tregajorran. Thirty years old, from a long line of pegasus trainers. Richard. Vincent.”

The two shook hands. Richard knew from the getgo he had many greens to burn. Vincent caressed his chin. “Pegasus trainers, ey? You’re the Minagawas’ chauffeur, ain’tcha?” He pointed, grinning.

“Yes, sir. I am,” he nodded. “Could you please tell me where they are? Are they in any of the seats?”

Vincent chuckled. “Oh, they’re fine. VIPs, after all. Same for Hokori’s pals. Why do you ask, son?”

His lips frowned, heart racing when it shouldn’t. “I… had a long talk with his majesty. Then, I saw it, right in front of me.” The red ‘!’ remained on his screen, never opened. Eyes drowned in regret, he grunted, teeth gritting. “Damn it! I should’ve warned them. But their new life made me so happy.” He sat on a couch, hand over head. “I didn’t want them to turn it down.”

Vincent sat beside him and patted his shoulder. “Don’t blame nobody, son. No one here has any real strength against Hokori, y’know? Besides, we’re running short on delegates. Those in Lacus can’t leave at all, for example. Who knows, maybe this Haruto kid is more compatible than Clovis was.”

Richard sighed. “I sure hope so…” he stood up. “I appreciate the hospitality, sir. But I must go see them.”

“Oh, no, no,” he shook his head. “No need for that, son.”

“B-But sir. I must—”

“Please, I insist. You’re fine here, ain’tcha? That means so are they. Come, let’s place our bets.” Vincent wrapped an arm around his shoulder, walking to a table.

“Bets?” Richard noticed the hologram on top.

Vincent sat at the other end. “You see, son, in my world… you can bet on anything… even massive insects. Humans we usually have, yes. But in reality, anything goes!” He pointed at Harald. “See my friend here? He owes me twenty million, always betting on the wrong people. Then, my champion sends them near death’s door.

“Ergo, my idea of champions far eclipses his, even if it’s the same guy!” Vincent laughed, echoing around his private room. He pulled two holo cards Hokori and Haruto’s photo. Beneath were yes/no prompts, bright red. He chose the obvious. “So, I reckon your bet is the same as Harald’s? Stakes high or low, I don’t mind.”

Richard walked closer in sweat. “S-Sir, I don’t want to join—”

“Four million each on Haruto, please…” the king raised a finger.

“What!” he turned, eyes narrowed.

Vincent grinned. “Hahahahaha! What’re you trying to pull here, Harald? I can’t have people I just met to pay top dollar! I may swim in cash, but I got standards, your majesty.” He smirked and bowed again.

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He shook his head. “Pulling not a string, old friend. I merely feel Hokori will toy with his foe more than any other before. So here’s my bet. If he says, ‘I forfeit the battle,’ Richard and I take the money. How about yours?” He smirked, not helping that he stood two inches more.

The CEO caressed his chin again. “Hmmm… You never change, do ya? Regardless, here’s mine. If Hokori forfeits for any other reason, you’ll cough up the other four million in Richard’s name. I won’t involve him in this.”

Harald chuckled, eyes and mouth closed. “Deal,” he picked Haruto’s card. Hands shaken and bets made, the table’s hologram showed real-time footage of the whole arena. He and Richard sat on the other couch.

“And it’s settled,” Vincent fixed his tie toward the balcony. “Finally, time for the show. I almost yawned back there.” He laughed and snapped his fingers outside. A winged microphone floated down.

***

The spectators killed time via their Every Hub as handheld consoles. But high above, a shadow cast upon all. The announcer’s private suite had its runes dissipate, now visible. They gasped, looking up.

“Holy shit, it’s him!” shouted the delinquent to his friends. “It’s happening!” The main event loomed, screams echoing at 100 dB. Children jumped around from their seats and shrieked louder. The upper class gagged over their expensive liquor. After the long wait, Vincent breathed deep into the microphone:

“Grata domum, mi genus!”

His arms had raised in a V, and one hand for silence. “I’ll repeat myself once more. Welcome home, my kind. Today’s yet another for us to enlighten ourselves on the true meaning of a ‘good fight.’ It’s no better than it is entertaining. And once the red dust settles, our eyes shall open wider!

“Thanks to our worldly omnipresence, our gaze see no difference. Is it a billionaire? A beggar? A suburbian? Nonhuman? Nonliving?

“Wonder not to wonder, my kind. These pinnacles of power can throw blows faster than our minds. In the end, blood is blood, and so are the skulls. Gods or thrones, we care nill. We must instead wonder whose shall spill first and whose shall break last!

“For a mega annum… we stood tall beside our bloodied culture, no matter how many in our nation frowned upon it. So I say: ‘We’re in too deep, my friend! Our hearts had beaten as one before you warred each other!’ I find the irony very filling.

Vincent leaned at the balcony’s railing. “And so… grata domum, mi genus! To the two million, thirty-sixth battle!”

All the crowd stood from their seats aloud at 80 dB.

Runes glowed in Haruto’s room, a curved door shape. Dominique pointed. “That’s your cue, kid. No way outta there until one wins or gives up. If you achieve the impossible, just come back inside.

“We usually transport fighters back where they were. But you and your family will be in your new home. Anyway, best of luck to you.” He gave thumbs up.

Haruto turned, smiling back. “I’m glad I met you, Larry. Best luck to you, too.” He lent a handshake next, and the paramedic complied within seconds.

In the other room, Hokori stretched backward and touched the floor. Aight. Time for the bloodbath.

Engo walked closer from behind. “My apologies, sir Hokori. I’m still confused about why I should—”

“Just hurry and go,” he stretched side to side, “Imma shove him reality way up where the sun don’t shine. And I hope he feels it forever till the end.” He grinned tall, eyes half-closed and head cocked. Somehow, his knuckles cracked more.

Engo sighed. “No idea what you’re saying…” she shook her head, lowered.

Hokori turned, still in his native tongue. “Anyway, nice meetin’ ya, Engo. Good luck!” He waved before her toward the exit.

She sighed again, following in a hunched back. Dear Lords. Lend me all your strength.

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