Chapter 80 - Titans
The stadium eventually calmed down, many returning to their seats after having left due to the horrific event. Thong walked through the halls, having split up from Li and Hugo to look for Joan. Eventually he saw her kneeling in front of a room. A sign sat above the door, reading "Morgue."
Thong's thoughts: They really have a room like this here, huh? I know there are popular assassins among the fighters here, but did they have to make this so clear?
Thong walked closer to Joan, hearing her mumble to herself. A saddened look covered Thong's face, almost feeling like turning away.
Thong's thoughts: I have blood on my hands too, so I'm no better. But the least I can do is console her.
Thong walked over to Joan, reaching a hand out.
Thong: Hey, Jo-
Thong's eyes shot open as he got a better look, seeing Joan's face contorted in anger. She bit down violently on her thumb nail, nothing short of anger filling her face.
Joan: Those goddamn Imperium bastards! I swear, I'll take them down! I won't stand that they're allowed to get away with this murder! I won't!
Thong backed away before running down the hall, bumping into Hugo and Li on his way.
Li: Looks like you're in a rush. Did you see a ghost or something?
Hugo: You're looking real pale, man.
Thong: I think we're better off leaving Joan alone. She might need time to accept what happened herself. Let's just go find some seats for the next match.
Li: I couldn't have said it better myself.
Hugo: I sure could have. But let's get going. Li, you go buy us some snacks.
Li: Why do I have to…
Thong shivered from the thought of Joan's face, walking with both Hugo and Li in hopes to get his mind off of her bloodlusted filled face.
…
Cero walked through the halls, walking past Theodore and Ziyad, who were carrying Daniel away. Kammy moved to the opposing side of them, Cero standing between both parties.
Cero: Had he truly been a "Replicator," this situation may not have come to pass.
Theodore and Ziyad came to a stop, Cero and Kammy continuing to walk.
Theodore: What do you mean, Cero?
Cero: "He" would have ensured that Daniel was dead before this murder had occurred.
Theodore: "He" said something very similar to me before. I appreciate the both of you, but don't you dare threaten those I hold dear.
Cero: You say that so easily, yet you let him take someone who might have been dear to someone else. Consider others before thinking you stand on a higher ground.
Ziyad: And in what position do you believe to be to take such a tone with us?
Cero turned to face Ziyad, Ziyad immediately feeling pressure fill the room. He looked at both Cero and Theodore, Daniel whimpering.
Kammy: H-Hey now! Let's not break into a fight in the hallway! Cero, your match is in a bit, so let's calm the waters before then! And Theodore, here's my card, let's try to settle things more c-calmly over drinks next time!
Ziyad took the card from Kammy in Theodore's stead, Cero turning around and continuing to walk.
Cero: I had no intentions on fighting. I only intend to fight one person outside of the ring, and Theodore is not him.
Cero and Kammy walked away, Theodore turning around, dragging Daniel away with Ziyad following closely behind.
Ziyad: I believe the Queen has already gone to the maids to arrange an apology to Night's close ones.
Theodore: That is good to hear. I just hope that nothing worse comes to pass.
…
Cero and Kammy continue walking forward, watching as Ryan tries to follow closely behind Masked. Masked disappeared around a corner, Ryan coming to a halt and sighing before noticing Cero.
Ryan: So we meet before our match.
Cero: Yes. It was momentarily delayed due to Daniel's reckless actions. More importantly, it appears that Masked has recovered.
Ryan: He sure has, but he seems insistent on refusing to talk with me. I can't even think about why.
Ryan clenched his fist, looking up at Cero.
Ryan: However, the opportunity to fight you helps get my spirits high. I feel bad for Alexander, but this fight opportunity with you eclipses my sadness.
Cero put on a small smirk, Kammy looking in shock as Cero's first change of look. Cero and Ryan seemed like two giants, both with a drive for victory.
Cero: You better meet me with your all, Ryan. Or else you'll leave me disappointed.
Ryan: And you better still be as good as you were. Or hell, even better.
Cero and Ryan departed, making their ways to separate changing rooms as the stadium's tension slowly began to build up once more.
…
Zachary stood solemnly in the center of the ring. The lights remained off with only spotlights on, focusing entirely on Zachary.
Zachary: Despite the great tragedy that has just befallen the ring… NOT EVEN THAT CAN ECLIPSE THE GREAT MATCH THAT WE WILL BE HAVING BEFORE US! THIS IS TRULY A BATTLE BETWEEN TITANS! A BATTLE OF GODS! A BATTLE BETWEEN TWO OF THE ECLIPSE'S OWN TOP TEN FIGHTERS! THEY NEED NO INTRODUCTION, BUT ALLOW ME TO DO THESE VERY HONORS!
The audience roared with excitement, the once grieve-stricken audience now seemed excited as if the previous match had not ended the way it had. Everyone watched this match closely, including every other top ten fighter in attendance.
Jason: Now this is going to be interesting.
Gonzalez: Two of the mightiest men the Eclipse has to offer. I cannot determine who will come out on top.
Theodore: How have these two evolved since their last major fights?
Daniel: …
Masked: …
Moll: These two sure know how to steal the show.
Zachary: NOW ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE THE FIRST ONE TO APPEAR IN THE RING! HE IS NOTHING SHORT OF "GODLY"! HIS LARGE PHYSIQUE AND HIS IMPRESSIVE RECORD MAKE IT SEEM THAT HE WAS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS! HE HAS BEEN DEEMED BY MANY TO BE "THE STRONGEST MAN IN THE WORLD"! WILL THIS HOLD TRUE? COULD THIS BE REALITY? ONLY HE CAN ANSWER! STANDING IN AT 211 CENTIMETERS AND WEIGHING 200 KILOGRAMS, COMING IN WITH 56 WINS AND ONLY 1 LOSS… WELCOME "THE NORSE DOMINATOR" RYAN MAGNIIIIII!!!!!!!
Ryan walked into the ring, his full beard being freshly groomed as he entered the ring with a serious expression. His head just short of reaching the top of the ring entrance. He cracked his fingers as he watched the opposing entrance closely.
Zachary: AND HIS OPPONENT IS SOMEONE CONSIDERED EVEN MORE TERRIFYING! ONCE BEING THE SECOND IN CONTROL OF THE WHOLE ORGANIZATION ONLY TWO YEARS PRIOR, THIS MAN HAS EASILY LEFT HIS MARK! HAVING REACHED THE SEMIFINALS OF THE PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT, HIS SKILLS ARE NO JOKE, AND HIS PHYSIQUE IS NOT LACKING IN THE SLIGHTEST EITHER! STANDING IN AT 200 CENTIMETERS AND WEIGHING 143 KILOGRAMS, COMING IN WITH 243 WINS AND 2 LOSSES… HERE COMES "THE ENDLESS VOID" CERO RAY LAMOOOOOTTAAAAAA!!!!
Cero entered the ring with an equally serious expression. His afro had a slight bounce as he made his way to the center of the ring. His dark green shorts and bandage wrapped hands being the most visible aspects of his combat attire. Zachary stepped back, noticing how both Ryan and Cero towered over him and every fighter previous.
Zachary's thoughts: These guys really are peaks of their own…
Cero and Ryan matched gazes, the audience erupting in a roar of cheers.
Zachary's thoughts: This might truly be the match to take the audience's breath away…