Chapter 129 - Moving Pieces

Daymond stumbled on his footing, pain enveloping his body. Blood ran down his nose and the sides of his mouth. His right eye was swollen and his muscles trembled. It took everything within him not to fall over. Dianshi walked into the ring, placing a hand on Daymond's shoulder.

Dianshi: Since the others are on the third floor, I made sure to stay available. The guards ensured no invader got close to the ring.

Daymond: Thank you, Dianshi.

Paramedics ran into the ring, running to Theodore's side. Dianshi lent his shoulder to Daymond, carrying him out of the ring as large men in black suits formed around them. The paramedics placed Theodore on a stretcher and lifted him up before moving him out of the ring. The chatter did not calm down amongst the audience, several people still cheering loudly. Jason placed a hand on his mask before turning back to the hallway.

Jason: That was a good match. I'm glad I didn't miss it.

Nicholas: Seems like Daymond really isn't someone to scoff at.

Jason: Not at all. But back to what you said before…

Nicholas: That's right. That masked guy is someone we need to watch out for, and the same with Joseph. Both of them are here on the Serpent's behalf.

Jason: Is that all of them?

Nicholas: No, I've met a few others. But from what I learned, there are others here that I don't know about. The Serpent ensure to keep some of their higher-ups hidden, so I can't tell who else is here.

Jason: Well that's concerning. Seeing as how Masked is in the infirmary, you should probably stake out there. Maybe one of the higher-ups will come to find him themselves. Joseph seems like he has something in this tournament, so I'll keep an eye on him if I see him.

Nicholas: Thanks, Jason. Tell Xavier not to overwork himself like last time.

Jason: I'll be sure to tell him. Try not to get yourself caught.

Jason made a peace sign before Nicholas ran away. The red reaper let out a sigh, staring out to the empty hallway.

Jason's thoughts: So the Serpent has some higher-ups here. I wonder if "he" is one of them…

Back up in one of the observation rooms, Yussuf and Simon cling onto each other, cheering in glee.

Yussuf: He won! He really won!

Simon: I knew he could do it! He's the boss after all!

Nupan: You two seem like you should be cheerleaders or something.

Ziyad: A shame. I thought Theodore had every advantage.

Carrie: He totally did! That other guy totally cheated!

Mike: I don't get how he did that… How did he knock out the King after he was knocked off his feet?

Simon: That's because the boss is always prepared for these situations!

Angel: If that's true, why was he getting his ass beat out there for most of the match!

Different members of the Arachna and the Virtus Imperium bickered over the results. Shizu wore a smug smile on her face, turning over to Theresa. The queen had her one visible eye closed.

Theresa: It seems you've won our bet.

Shizu: I fully expected this victory, Miss Queen.

Shizu leaned over, pulling a sign out of a bag that sat beside her seat. The sign read "I Lost To Shizu Nunes." Theresa placed a hand over her mouth, letting out a small giggle.

Theresa: Hiding nothing with the language on the board, I see.

Shizu: It would only be appropriate. Feel free to wear it now.

Theresa grabbed the sign, placing the rope that held it around her neck. Shizu's smile faded as the sign pointed upwards due to the size of Theresa's bosom, the words entirely unreadable.

Shizu's thoughts: Damn you…

The door to the room swung open; Shun, Magnus, Hiroto, and Sudu walked into the room.

Hiroto: Hi hi everyone!

Sudu: Can't you act mature for once?

Yussuf: M-Master?!

Carrie: Hey, that's the guy that bumped into me earlier!

Everyone stared at the four men that entered the room, Hiroto turning to point at Carrie.

Hiroto: And you're the girl that was crying in the hallway!

Carrie: I was not!

Sudu: Yusuke, how are you doing?

Yussuf: Sudu?! I didn't expect to see you here either!

Yussuf ran over to Sudu, grabbing his hands with delight. Simon, Arthur, and Nupan stared at the group. Magnus walked over to them, giving Simon a fist bump.

Magnus: I didn't expect to see you all before my match, but I guess things just turned out that way.

Simon: Even if you're up against Daniel, you better win!

Arthur: We're counting on ya, Magnus.

Angel: That's right, you're fighting Daniel! Haha!

Angel pointed at Magnus, who turned around with an annoyed expression.

Magnus: If it isn't the ninja…

Veronica: It seems you didn't take quite kindly to him.

Simon: God, just that maid being here is annoying me…

Nupan: You know you could just leave, right?

Theresa: If you will excuse me, I need to go check on my husband. I bid you all a farewell.

Theresa bowed, making the words on the sign visible. She stood back up, the words gone once more. Shizu's head dropped as Theresa left the room. Carrie held back her laughter, placing a hand on Mike's shoulder.

Carrie: Pfft… Mike… I don't know if I… pfft… can hold it in…

Mike: Please do, I don't want to watch Theresa's horrifying state again.

Yussuf: So she was the creepy lady on the security cameras! The guy in security showed it to us when we were looking for-

Shun placed a hand over Yussuf's mouth, still holding his scythe in the other.

Shun: You're not supposed to tell anyone.

Yussuf nodded with a muffled response. Mike walked away from Carrie's hold, walking to the door.

Veronica: Where are you going, Mike?

Mike: My friend's match is up next. And he's up against that guy. So I want to talk to him.

Mike pointed his thumb at Shun, who wore a prideful look on his face.

Shun: Yeah, best to advise him to back out. I can't promise I'll go easy.

Mike: You better be the one to watch out, because Thong isn't as weak as he seems.

Hiroto: And neither is Shun. I hope your friend is able to last even a moment against the Raijin Style.

Mike walked out of the room, leaving it with the members of the Arachna and the few of the Imperium.

Angel: I don't want to leave this sweet view…

Carrie: I just got here…

Ziyad: That's simple. Veronica, do you mind staying here with Angel and Carrie? I'll join Theresa in seeing Theodore.

Veronica: Gladly.

Shizu: I need to go see Daymond. Shun, go prepare yourself for your fight.

Shun nodded, then the three left the room. Everyone else found seats, sitting around the room as they waited for the next match.

Yussuf: I can't wait for Shun to move onto the quarterfinals!

Carrie: As if he will. Mike's boyfriend is going to be the one to move forward!

Hiroto: That boy was talking about his boyfriend? Good on him.

Magnus' thoughts: That woman is really good at spreading misinformation, isn't she?

…

Cero stood up, a tense air surrounding him. Tico, Kammy, and Bruna all looked at him as a cold sweat began to form on them.

Tico: Shit…

Bruna: H-H-He's totally angry right n-now…

Kammy: C-Cero, let's calm down now!

Before Cero could get out his next word, the door to the room opened as Mason, Ryan, and Vector all walked in.

Mason: Hey guys!

Tico: Mason?! What are you doing here? I thought you were in the audience.

Bruna: Oh my god… i-it's Ryan…

Ryan: I hope you don't mind us watching the matches along with you all.

Vector: Nothing's better watching with a crowd.

Everyone turned to face Cero, who remained silent. A soft smile formed on his face as he turned to look at Ryan and Vector.

Cero: Gladly. Some company can help take a load off before my match arrives.

Kammy and Bruna let out sighs of relief as Ryan walked over to Cero and placed an arm around him.

Ryan: You better not lose to anyone, because I'll make sure my rematch with you settles it once and for all.

Cero: I'll gladly take that challenge when the day comes.

They all settled in the room, moving chairs and the table to face the screen.

Bruna: I-I've heard of Shun before, b-but who's this n-new guy?

Vector: I'm not that sure either.

Tico: There's nothing to ask. He's up against Shun now, so there's no way he moves forward.

Mason: You are the closest to Shun here, so I don't doubt that.

Cero's thoughts: We'll have to see…