You'll just have to read on, don't'cha? First things first, MIRAI YOU NEED THERAPY. Second, here's the next chapter of On the Rocks. I really do love this story. Already mapped out ending, just need to get there :). Also the tension I noticed hinted between Panther and Leon was due to Panther acting so kindly towards Krystal despite them being enemies in the skies. I've yet to play Command, but I noticed that little bit in Assault.
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Panther had moved over a few barstools, the beer he had gotten before was only halfway empty. The brown bottle only hinted at its content by the thin, nearly black line separating liquid and air.
The feline stole a glance at Leon, whom had 6 or so empty bottles of rum sitting next to him, his mouth on another. The tiniest hints of a smile appeared at the corner of his lip. Perfect…
The feline lifted the beer bottle from in front of him and had one sip. Panther brought himself to his feet, making strides through the crowd to Leon
The light buzz Panther felt was nothing compared to the sea Leon felt as he swam for his thoughts.
The normally honorable feline continued his way to the deceiving lizard. And then as he reached the small corner booth the chameleon sat at alone, he tapped his shoulder.
As the confused lizard turned around, the smile became full on the face of Panther. "Leon, this is for ever betting Krystal would leave me," and with that said, the fist of Panther Caruso connected with the face of Leon Powalski.
At that moment, Leon managed to put most of the drunken feeling aside, his tail lashed out and sent Panther flying backwards landing on an empty table.
As Panther struggled to get on his feet, Leon was already up and his tail was about to slam onto Panther. Panther heard the sound in the air and instinctively rolled over and off the table.
The sound of wood snapping echoed through the room, the table snapped in half. The cheers of spectators could be heard from amongst the room.
Panther managed to get himself to his feet before Leon could get at him again, but Leon had a knife with him now.
As the chameleon charged at the panther, the latter ducked and used the momentum of the former to send the former flying backwards into the wall.
The sound of metal on stone echoed as Leon dropped the knife. Panther planted his foot on it and sent it flying backwards, where Leon couldn't get it.
Off of memory, Panther knew Leon had at least 6 knives on him. This number was simply based off of what he had seen. If this was correct, Leon had 5 left.
Even the slightest bit of honor still ran through the feline's veins, so he allowed the lizard to regain his composure before striking again.
Panther's leg swung out and slammed into Leon's side and sent him barreling into the booth of that table.
The poorly stitched booth gave in and the lizard dropped into the cushioning and support. Panther noticed one of Leon's knives had landed on the top of the booth.
Before he could get it, Leon had wrapped his tail around it, and flung it at the unsuspecting cat.
It struck his shoulder, going at least an inch deep from momentum. A searing pain scorched Panther's system, yet he couldn't have loved it more.
He wrenched the knife straight out of his shoulder, it painted red with his own blood… his life essence. He took a long deep breath and inhaled the smell of flesh.
A sadistic animalistic craze overthrew Panther's senses and thoughts. He lunged at the now standing Leon, grinning.
One clean stroke was all it took; one clean stroke was all Panther gave. The serrated blade was planted in Leon's windpipe.
Panther wrenched it out as the always present crazed look in Leon's eye faded to fear, he first fell to his knees, and then… then his torso went down too.
A small puddle of blood began to form around his body; the cheers that had been present were hushed. The smell of fresh meat still burned Panther's nostrils.
He took his raspy tongue along the flat of the blade, tasting the blood of his adversary, the sweetest most wonderful taste in the world to Panther.
Panther may be winning his battles, but he's still losing the war. This is due to the fact there was no Krystal to kiss him as congratulations.
His thoughts finally returned, as the crazed blood frenzy passed, he finally came to realization on what he had just done.
He cracked a smile as he realized the chameleon was gone… gone forever. His taunts could no longer haunt the dreams; his churlish comments could no longer put him down. Even though Krystal was gone, he had never felt better.
He scanned the surrounding area for his beer, only to see it smashed on the floor nearby. He went up to the counter, the barkeep cracked a smile himself, having been entertained by the fight, and handed a case of beer to Panther in congratulations.
As Panther turned to leave, the barkeep grabbed his arm and brought him close. The raccoon whispered in his ear, "I can make you the best fighter there is. Zoness is having a worldwide fighting competition. Each industry gets 1 representative. You in?"
Panther's low monotone voice made it so he need not whisper, so he simply spoke back, "What do I get if I win?"
"Million credits, this only happens once in a millennia. Be warned, there's some tough competitors out there. You know what; this is a lot to put on you at once. How about I give you a number to call if you make up your mind, just remember, I'm waiting."
A small business card was passed between the two mammals. The raccoon gave a sly smile at Panther, and he nodded back at the raccoon.
As he exited the bar, he took a small glance at the business card he had just received. Dante… that's a new one.
He pocketed the card, not even paying mind to the searing pain in his left shoulder. He had a first aid kit in the wolfen, he'd live.
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Tad bit short and it took forever, but it's done! I didn't have like any time to write this during weekend, which is when I usually write since I have school and soccer practice afterwards. Come time I finish with soccer I'm too tired to focus on writing so I have to put it off. Well anyways, this fight was a tad bit difficult to write, a lot less ways I can describe Leon than Wolf. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. (BTW, my only knowledge on the credits system is from the intro in Command. So if the numbers seem odd, that's why.)