"It can't be."

The sword connected with Diamanta, but she didn't budge. For a moment he thought the device that increased the sword's weight was broken. That wasn't the case as when the sword fell down due to its weigh it shook the ground with a mighty force.

Diamanta took another step forward, again burying her leg in the ground. And in his shocked state he allowed her to continue taking steps towards him. Suddenly when the distance between them was about 5 meters he snapped out of it and ran back towards the wall, but no battle was won by simply running.

"No choice." he said. "I'll have to face you head on. I was shocked because I thought you blocked due to your sheer strength but that can't be true. You must have some trick."

He held his now light sword to the side and swung. Once he had good momentum he increased the weight to 4000 tons.

It was like punching a spaceship. She didn't budge. She was even midstride when she took that hit and didn't lose her balance!

"W-Whatever! I've had tougher opponents." H.T.P. boasted. He wanted to double the sword's weigh for the next strike, but reconsidered. With his limit being 10000 tons, he felt that if he doubled the weight and it didn't budge her, he'd give up right here and now.

"Alright, you asked for it! I'm going all out. Don't cry when I break that hard body of yours." H.T.P. said as he swung his sword, he clicked the button and his sword took on the maximum possible weight. He was no longer guiding it. Momentum had taken that role from him. It would surely hurt her! He knew it! "Take my ultimate move: Hell To Pay: 10000 Ton Direct Strike!"

It connected. Dust was kicked up. She didn't topple but she budged a little. Surely if he hit her a few more times she would,

"Heh, this was a good one. Increasing the weight by 2.5 times from what it was just when I was planning to catch it this time." from the distance he saw the smile on her face. No.

The sword was yanked from his hand. He felt an emptiness. There was nothing to defend him from her. The creature that was holding that 10000 ton sword with one hand. She casually threw it back. One leg unburied followed by the second. She was now properly walking on the stadium.

Towards him.

H.T.P. turned to run away, but upon turning he bumped into the wall before him.

This was it. He looked over his shoulder, at the kindly smiling Diamanta. He would die here. A long career as a top mercenary. A whole life building himself up to be among the best.

Gone.

She grabbed him in a choke hold and her hand approached him. He wouldn't close his eyes like some coward. He resigned himself. He'd die with pride.

"Noogie, noogie. Say uncle and I'll let you go." she started rubbing her knuckles against the top of his head. Not too strongly either. His body went limp, which made her cackle and increase her effort.

Such relief. He did what she asked of him and victory was hers. On his knees he watched as the woman walked towards the stage exit while bouncing joyously and waving at the crowd.

Truly he had misjudged her. Maybe that's what she was trying to teach them by being late that time. Don't jump to conclusions.

H.T.P. chuckled.

"So even an experienced beast like me can learn something from an even bigger beast, eh?"

The announcer lady was giggling behind him mischievously, with her hand against her mouth.

"You'd sound pretty cool if your pants were a little less moist. Interested in a restraining order?"

Pink walked down the hallway that led out of the arena and into the watching booths meant for participants. While heading forward she saw a familiar figure leaning against the wall.

Barr looked at her for a short while and then clapped slowly three times.

"Impressive, very impressive." he praised her with a measure of sarcasm, "Didn't think a tourist could handle merchandise like that but here you are, proving me wrong."

"Well that's what happens when you exercise every day." Pink explained. She looked suspiciously at Barr. That look in his eyes troubled her.

"Wouldn't we all want to be princesses and have the kind of time you have to lead a healthy life," he looked her in the eyes and smiled. "My Diamond."

Pink would've gasped but she had already figured someone would've figured it out by now. This tournament would most likely be over before White could hear and arrive with her soldiers to bring her back.

So this kind of information was mostly useless to him. A look of realization washed over his face and he soon returned to his normal, slightly cocky expression.

"I didn't know you had such respect for the Diamond court. Perhaps we shall invite you to dance with us. One of these days." she offered with a smile.

"Oh, we'll dance plenty, during finals." he said and walked away towards the arena and his opponent. Pink looked over her shoulder at her future opponent and smiled. He seemed like a not terrible guy to be around.

Pearl was, naturally delighted to see her Diamond have so much fun, even if it wasn't really befitting of royalty to let loose like this. Who was she, a Pearl, to question her own Diamond's authority?

So she watched, and smiled, and cheered.

Pink Diamond's turn, unfortunately, came to an end and not soon after the second match began. Pearl had to admit. She was rather interested in the combat techniques shown here. This was a 'best of the best' type of tournament after all.

Perhaps she should've joined.

Oh, that man got defeated already. Serves him right for insulting Pink earlier that day. Pearl got up and clapped.

The red woman, without responding to the announcer's excitement, exited the arena.

She was probably heading for the contestant boot where Pink was. Pearl looked up and saw Pink Diamond looking in her direction. The servant blushed under her master's gaze.

Pearl of course got a smile and a wave, which she returned, albeit more mellow.

The victor, the red woman approached her Diamond. And she seemed to strike up a conversation with Pink Diamond despite Pearl not having seen them interact before.

Strange.

But not too strange.

Pearl watched as the next contestants entered the arena and the medical team took away the other fellow, Barr.

"Hey there Barr." Pink smiled at the man who entered the boot. She tried not to be too cheerful. Keeping things competitive and all that.

"Diamanta." he regarded her with a nod. Why use her fake name?

"Congrats on your win."

"Thanks." Barr smiled kinda evilly. Weird.