V2Ch132 New Brute

As the screen came into view, I could see Durt was focused on collecting coins at the final obstacle. His movements were sluggish and unusual.

It seemed as though he was alone until a shadow started to encroach upon him. The winged lizard-man dove at Durt and snagged a sack out of his hands without slowing down, nearly knocking him over in the process. Durt reached out in reaction to the theft. He wasn't fooling the crowd, though. A huge smile revealed some kind of trick up his sleeve.

The lizard-man went straight for the 30 coin door. He slowed down moments before he slammed into it as it failed to open. In a fury, he dumped out the sack. It was filled with rocks, revealing only a single coin. His intentions were clear. He wanted to hurt Durt.

No sooner than a single step back onto the field did he change his tune. The others were catching up, including Ruby at the lead of the pack. The liazrd-man rushed for the one coin door.

Ruby made a B-line for Durt. He threw up a different sack and pointed at the 30 coin door. Ruby caught the sack mid-air and followed Durt's instructions. The moment she got close, the door slammed open with a ferocious speed. As soon as she was through, it closed just as viciously. The screen had no sound. There was an announcer that put into words what was happening. Even so, I could hear the door open and close from here. It was obvious that anyone trying to sneak through would be sorry.

Ruby passed by the outer walls of the twisted halls that made up the ten and one coin paths. She was completely unobstructed. She was in the lead.

...Was...

The lizard-man Emerged through the one coin path. He was worse for the wear but he wasn't out of the running yet. He matched Ruby's speed instantly. He was slightly ahead of her. If she couldn't make up any ground, he would win.

I wasn't about to let the cheat get away with his behavior. I'm sure he is responsible for Durt's condition.

The crowd was getting rowdy. The end was near.

"What's that?"

"Look!"

"Where did they come from?"

A small flock of tiny black birds were about to fly onto the track. The fairies that made up the border of the track tried to scare them away, but they had someplace to be.

For some reason, they had the audacity to make their flight path cross right in front of the lizard-man mere yards from the finish line. The impact caused several people in the crowd to cry out for the helpless little beings.

"Oh no..."

Denifa cried out. She covered her face to save herself from a grizzly sight. I watched in pure amusement. My shadows were reinforced to protect the birds. It should have been like landing in a pillow.

The distraction was successful. Ruby had reached her opponent's position.

The people around me cheered for an exciting finish. Children were ecstatic, friends argued over the winner and others critiqued on the proper flying forms.

I had hoped he would have been slowed down more. It looked like they both crossed at the same time.

The announcer said that there would have to be a discussion with the judges to determine the winner. The possibility of interference could affect the outcome of the winner.

"Those poor birds. I hope your friend wasn't among them..."

"Even if he was, they are stronger than they look. They will be fine. See?"

As Denifa looked at the screen, not one bird was left behind. They all made for the trees and disappeared in the green foliage. As soon as they were out of sight, I released my shadow hold on them.

"Thanks for the help."

I whispered under my breath. Two had retreated from the forest they had just entered. The others kept their hiding spots or moved further in. Either way, I was done with them.

"What was that?"

Denifa heard my thanks.

"I said, thank you for your help. It may not have done anything in the short term but, maybe something will come of it in the long term."

"Oh. I'm always happy to help."

Just then, scratching from the announcer's speakers caught everyone's attention.

"AHEM. The Obstacle Course has concluded. Anyone participating in the Fighting Ring, please Make your way to the fighter pits. Thank you!"

I looked toward my next destination.

"I guess that's me."

"That's right. Are you sure you want to go? It really is dangerous. Almost one-fourth of the contestants died last year. And I..."

"Hmm?"

"N-Nothing. Go get 'em."

She forced a smile. I did the same as I turned and made my way to the Fighting Rings.

I felt bad for her. I think she likes me. On earth, I was always the odd one. No one ever really seemed interested in me. I just kind of accepted it. It's an unusual feeling to be pursued and not want to return the sentiment.

I made my way through some crowds. The streets were busier since the Obstacle Course was over. People were relocating for the next event or finding food after sitting and watching the previous event.

My head was suddenly pushed to my right side. A large beast-man forced his way through. He wasn't as buff as the female troll in the Soup at Skara Magna. He was close though. Thinking back, I wondered if I could truly face her as I am now. Then I wondered if I hadn't already killed her with the mountain...

I followed in his wake as the people around him spread thin to avoid the rude behavior of the brute. He was so full of himself that he didn't see a child on the ground in front oh him. Before he could step on the small fae child with his right boot, I used a shadow to push his left heel forward so as to imitate the sensation of slipping on ice.

He fell backward. Several people moved out of the way. I held out a single hand and caught his full weight on his right shoulder blade.

"Careful now. Don't want to get hurt before the big fight."

Several people around were in awe at how easily someone his size was caught in mid fall. After I righted him, I passed by and noted that he seemed just as awe-struck as our audience.