As Jason leapt toward Heptarian, the knife in his hand naturally gravitated to Heptarian's throat. At this point, Jason couldn't think of Heptarian as a Lord, or the queen's nephew, or Ariadne's betrothed – he just knew him as the prick that tried to beat a defenseless man in the alleyway into submission. This anger had carried him this far into the fight, and his anger and adrenaline were too far into his bloodstream to hold back now.

But then those eyes – those blue, pleading eyes – the eyes of a man who knew he was about to die. Jason didn't really want to kill him, he literally couldn't afford it – couldn't afford to put the lives of his dear friends Hercules and Pythagoras on the line. No, Heptarian's sudden brush with humility was enough. Jason stood up, throwing down the knife in the sand. He went to find the only eyes he could find in this crowd – Ariadne's. He tried to catch his breath – oh gods, breathing with broken ribs really hurt. His shoulder, spine, and toes started tingling, getting their feeling back, as the adrenaline started to leave his body.

Suddenly, the crowd started booing – he knew Heptarian had gotten up; after all, Heptarian was Heptarian, and was not about to lose a pankration. Jason had one more trick up his sleeve – as soon as he felt the knife at his jawline, he was able to mutter, "Kill me, and they'll hate you forever". See, even as a peasant in this crowd, Jason knew a thing or two about the power of the public. They were there, booing, hissing, and applauding, and whatever they reacted to, the King and Queen would react to more.

Jason knew this, but Heptarian took a minute to realize it. Suddenly, he grabbed Jason's arm, causing him to wince in pain, but signifying victory of both parties to the crowd. Jason didn't hear the knife plunge into the sand, as he was too busy trying to stay upright and breathe. But he was able to hear the cheering of the crowd as they stood there, a moment becoming forever.

Hepatarian was out of breath too: "You're lucky Jason, but luck doesn't last forever" he managed to breathe out with the cheers of the crowd.

Jason heard and respected the threat – it just meant he had to be extra careful, especially around Ariadne – which his heart just couldn't take. Numbly, he went to make his way back to the arena gate and back home.