Among the crowd, I manage to find Kal'tsit.
It is around 20/30 minutes before the duel starts.
I don't speak. I can't right now.
I need to keep my suppressive stance.
Making goofy small talk would slip the mask.
Her eyes eventually found my face, I didn't have to wait that long at all.
Well, me being around 10 cm taller than the average operator also helps if someone is trying to find me.
I nod.
She nods back.
Good. She will follow the plan.
After all, if she doesn't I'm basically dead.
Now, all I have to do is to wait.
Wait for the wolves to arrive and Kal'tsit to arrange the audience.
Which does eventually get done, as people are pushed back into a prepared area for the viewing of the duel.
I planned this for the entire 2 days.
A war is won before it even begins.
I don't know whose quote that is, but I am using it.
This entire event has been calculated, every minute detail, every possibility of failure.
Today is my magnum opus.
I haven't been this confident, since, ever after I came to Terra.
A normal man would be scared, terrified of the prospect of death. A duel that will leave you without life.
But I am no simple lad.
Why fear the results of a RIGGED dice throw?
If you made it so that you would get a 6 every single roll, there is no more reason to ever fear losing while gambling.
Holding this behind my back has started to hurt my hand.
The position itself is very uncomfortable, but, it must be done if I am to win.
SO STOP WHINING.
I have been through much worse, I didn't come this far to die at the hands of 2 Italian sluts.
Chaos is dwindling. Order begins to bloom.
The separation has been completed, the viewers put in place.
Chairs are brought out, the crowd takes its place.
I await standing, hurting, waiting.
I turn around. Look at the crowd.
Many familiar and unfamiliar faces. Looking. Staring.
The pressure is real. As always. No rest.
Clink!
Sounds of clinking, shuffling of gears.
The Arena is shifting to suit the plan.
Kal'tsit is putting in her side of the deal, as usual.
Walls are erected out of empty space, and the landscape transforms.
Buildings shift in form, and walls and pillars swap places.
A street replaces the previously urban combat-styled combat area.
High walls of buildings cover both sides with a long asphalt road in the middle.
Truly mesmerizing, watching matter change form while making it look so simple.
Terra can be beautiful sometimes, if only it wasn't for the things living in it.
Eh, I am about to solve that problem now.
Speaking of problems.
Where the fuck are the ladies?
Is this what they call being fashionably late?
Did I perhaps miss something?
Why are they not here yet?
Why. Why? WHY? WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WH-
There they are.
They walk in from the front door.
A change of focus, the hungry eyes of the crowd, awaiting bloodshed turn the other way, at the 2 dogs.
They are in the clothing that they wear as I saw them in the game and lore.
So they prepared for this seriously, wore their ''Combat Outfits''(?).
I am not gonna question how these count as combat suits, that is for another time. We need to get down to business.
I watch them walk, toward the artificially generated street.
I am standing at the start of the street, my front currently turned towards the audience, an important detail of the design I chose.
They approach. Dedication is all I can feel.
Not anger. Not fear, but pure dedication. On what?
Killing me? Piss babies that couldn't take 2 punches.
They pass by, I don't move.
They only turn their heads at the lost moment while they pass by me. I do the exact same.
Our gazes meet, they may not be able to see my eyes, but it certainly feels like they are staring into them.
A little shiver. Push it back. I am over it.
I am not going to crack. I am prepared.
They break their gaze when they are sufficiently far enough.
I can't hear it, but I can hear the noise.
Lappland said something, which frustrated Texas.
Good. Progress.
Once they get into their starting positions they immediately draw their weapons.
The iconic P-shaped swords reflect the light right into my cornea, and the smaller swords of Texas, perfect for her family's arts...
I feel like a bastard. These people earned this, they trained hard every day, went through countless struggles, and found the courage inside them to fight me.
And now they will die for one simple mistake?
And then I remember my own speech.
Oh right, these people are not actually alive.
How could I forget? What a silly little mistake.
They just want to get this over with, they look eager to slash my face in.
The crowd is silent. Just watching.
Hah. I expected cheers and boos to be flying around.
I guess they are still made to be ''Modern'' people and not barbarians that watch gladiator battles.
Oh wait, they do that, don't they? Haha.
Too bad. I have other plans.
Good gladiators are meant to put on a show are they not?
I finally entirely turn around. My back is now to the audience.
Facing the bloodthirsty savages. Brutal beyond measure.
I need to delay for a bit longer, speak:
''So even after all that, you two remained unfazed and chose to confront me? Hah. Fools. I'll give you one last chance. Surrender right now. Unless you want to end up as mist.''
''If my words weren't enough I was sure the pictures would be to break your spirit. Just what lengths do you plan to go to just to interfere with me and my plans?''
''Frankly, write it down into the history books, I would rather not be fighting here and talk it out, alas, the less civilized among us wish for the rivers to run red.''
I end my short little speech. Guage their reactions.
Texas as usual stays calm and composed. Predicted.
Lappland starts showing cracks. Give her a few more jabs.
''Especially you, white wolfie, I thought you would realize how this would be an unwinnable battle. You act on instinct right?
Do your instincts not tell you this is unwise?''
''What happened to that wild wolf that went around slaughtering everyone, even the ''Allies'' of the one she called a friend?''
A small grin. Eyes, crackling with insanity. Yes. It is working.
I knew they would try their best to remain silent.
They must have realized that engaging in conversation would only lead to their downfall.
I am not stupid either. I will talk and drag on.
'' We could have been buddies Lapp, friends even.
All you had to do was just take the punch and suck it up.''
''What a shame, or it would be. You get to die with your old friend over there. You are truly the biggest winner out of us three.''
Take a mocking tone. A mockery is what riles up a storm.
''I want you to tell me how it feels in your last moments, as you turn into nothing but fine powder, as Texas watches you get deformed into something unrecognizable; I want you to tell me how it feels and, inside your own mind, compare it to what the people you have killed might have felt.''
The fuze is lit. The gunpowder trail is on.
Watch it travel, slowly, on its way to detonate the charges.
A swing, into the air. Sword pointed.
''SHUT UP YOU FREAK! YOU are ACTUALLY crazy.
People call me the mad wolf, however, you MUST be MADDER.''
Much to the visible dismay of Texas, her ''friend'' keeps on going:
''I KNOW you are bluffing. That's ALL you can do. BLUFF.
I simply LET you live and now you think you can defeat ME?''
She laughs.
What an ugly laugh;
Filled with pure insanity. My ears hurt from its sheer vile nature.
''JUST GET ON WITH IT. I CAN'T WAIT TO POKE A HOLE THROUGH YOU!''
This time Texas holds an arm in front of Lappland who was trying to get moving.
Which does stop her. But it is too late.
I have already achieved what I came for.
Also, she figured out the bluffs huh?
Took a while. Must be that onset of insanity that delayed this revelation. It will be fine I think. No one should take her words seriously after I am done tonight.
Now for phase 2.
''And you, you prideful bastard, if it weren't for your outrage we wouldn't be here. You have LITERALLY doomed yourself.
That's all I want you to know. I never liked your personality anyways, and now I have a chance to make you eat shit Tex-ASS.''
''You will be the reason for this new age, so bask in your own righteousness for now, since you will not be able to in a moment.''
''Orrrrrrr-''
I know she won't respond, but we have to push nonetheless.
''I am giving you a final chance.''
''Don't think for a second I am doing this for myself, this is purely a gesture of my good faith-''
I swing at the air with the back of my hand. Emphasizing.
''Let's call it a draw, and we can all go our separate ways, or even reconcile if that is an option.''
''Final offer.''
She doesn't budge. Eh. I tried my luck. I guess it is-
She opened her mouth, wh-
''I don't know who, or what you are, but you are not normal.''
A pause. Why? What are you playi-
''How do you know about our past? How do you have pictures?
There is something inherently wrong. I will find out what it is.''
She then also, proceeds to draw out her sword.
Well. I didn't actually expect a response. The fact that I got one means even greater success.
Managed to crack the rock that is Texas. It is showing.
I clasp my open hand into a fist.
The gloves are starting to get annoying at this point, their texture pisses me off.
''So be it...''
''Go crawl into the ditch of your dead family and stay down there you eye sore. May the Texas family all rot in hell, Amen.''
No reaction. A statue, unrelenting.
Or that is what she is trying to show us.
I know you deep down dipshit, I know who, and what you are.
You are fuming, the flame has been ignited and the smoke is rising, it will cloud you, your mind.
With my empty hand, I point to Dobermann who is walking towards the arena, I guess she was chosen as the overseer of the duel:
''That is all I wanted to say. You may do the honors.''
Relax my body. Breathe in and out. Here goes nothing.
''Let us dance, bitches.''
Didn't mean to mutter that one out loud. Too late.
Dobermann checks both parties. Asks us if we are ready.
Gets her confirmation. This is where the end begins.
Dobermann begins counting down:
''3!''
Final check.
Everything is ready.
Secret weapon hidden behind my back, in the coat.
''2!''
Back turned towards the audience. Remember to never look back.
''1!''
Place your hand on the visor.
It is showtime.
SHE CRACKS HER WHIP WITH A BANG.
''BEGIN!''
SO IT BEGINS.
Immediately Lappland starts running towards me.
Anticipated. Predicted. According to the plan.
Texas. She is beginning to summon her art as she also rushes toward me. She shouts her move out loud.
Thousand of blades materialize out of nothing.
Shit. Bad. However, still predicted. Within error range.
Calculate. Think, fastly.
With their current momentum how much until they get into effective range?
Around 8 seconds for Lappland.
9~ for Texas.
Damn. Probability decrease. Timing needs to be precise.
They started running at different times.
3 seconds have passed. The swords have materialized fully.
Don't launch them just yet. You know you don't want to.
Go on. Just a little bit more. Approach.
SHIT. I FORGOT TO KEEP TRACK.
UHH. 3 seconds for Lappland 4~ for Texas.
Don't panic. You got this.
Grasp your visor.
1 more seco-
NOW.
THROW THE MASK AWAY. PUT ON THAT FACE.
LET THE CURTAIN FALL.
BASK IN THE UNSPEAKABLE HORRORS OF HUMANITY!
...
I was always told that time slows down for humans when one is close to death in their final moments.
...
Guess that was a lie.
Since I watch, watch it all go down:
The visor hits the ground.
Thud.
For a split second, both of their eyes follow the mask, into the ground.
Nothing. They took the bait.
Once they realize that the mask was a distraction they immediately turn their gaze up, and at that moment-
They take a glance.
At the truth:
Staring at the face of humanity:
Fear. Shock. Despair. Horror. Panic. Unease. Terror. Revulsion.
A mix, of utter misery.
Emotions flow. Neurons fire.
They instinctively slow down.
Hesitation. Doubt.
A pause.
...
Just a moment.
A single, minuscule pause out of uncertainty
That is all I have won.
All of this, for but a second of indecision.
...
All I got, and all I need.
My hands moved, as they practiced these movements.
Their eyes followed.
The secret I had been hiding behind me all along, was brought to light.
A stick?
No.
A -
...
BOOM!
A blinding flash...
And then-
A loud noise, resembling thunder.
The modified 870 ROARED to life as it was unearthed, trigger pulled.
The magic of the moment broke.
Time resumed.
...
All hell broke loose:
Lappland positioned her sword infron-
Texas tried to dodge to the le-
The recoil, threw my arm back, a twi-
Texas unleashed her arts, swords com-
Lappland couldn't dodge them all, leg-
The gun flew out of my hands to recoil, back t-
A slashing feel. A sword of light pierced my shoulde-
Lappland got shot in the left leg-
A second sword. To my right arm. AAAA-
Texas got hit in the abdomen, momentu-
A 3rd, to the right leg.
A 4th. Left shoulder
A 5th; Left hand-
Tens of blades made of light zoom past me.
Most miss entirely.
For those that didn't-
They find their target.
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18-
The 19th struck my foot-
I want to shout. The pain.
I can't. Please. Let it end already.
The barrage has stopped...
Body, once a healthy mechanism.
Pierced with light. Damaged.
Pain. Blood.
It flows.
It hurts.
I can barely stand.
Bleeding out.
I need to know.
I need to see.
Hold your eyes open.
Look.
It-
I-
Is that, blood on them?
Ye-Yes. It might be.
I. I need to get my mask. I can't- can't let them see.
I can't walk. The blades of light, embedded, feel heavy.
They hurt. They sting.
Nevertheless. If one can't walk. One must limp.
Slowly.
Painfully.
How am I not unconscious yet?
How am I withstanding the p-pain?
The Fentanyl. I was right to take it.
I am al-always right.
Ahh. The mask.
It is right there.
I need to pick it up.
Bend over.
Chest pain.
Drowning...
Drowning? Wha-
Cough.
No blood. Just spit.
Are no internal organs damaged?
Am-azing.
Slowly, lower yourself.
Grab the visor.
Visor back on.
Turn around.
Body won't move.
Shock? Pain?
Ripped muscles?
TURN.
Turned around.
The audience is just as confused.
G-good.
Turn around again.
The wolves.
Lappland is limping. The leg is bleeding.
Texas is worse. Grasping her abdomen. Blood also flowing.
What ab-about mine?
How has the blood loss not killed me yet?
What am- am I missing?
A green aura.
Arts.
Healing?
Medical workers and operators that were on standby.
They healed us. Why- Why?
They are shouting. As usual. I don't hear them.
Who won? Did I win?
A weight is lifted. The glowsticks in me disappear.
Why did she end her art?
What is the result?
I need to know.
I am so tired, so heavy.
My eyes are barely open.
I see a white mass.
What is that? A- A bed?
It is coming towards me.
I still stand.
I want to speak.
I want to shout.
I want to announce, reaffirm, and confirm my victory.
Victory is all that matters.
I need to know.
TELL ME.
I see Kal'tsit. She was here. Helping the medics.
My hands, my everything is bloody.
The crowd has also gotten up. They walk towards the gun.
Kal'tsit stops them. G-Good.
I think- I think that is good enough.
May-Maybe I should just recover for a bit.
Let-
Let me close my eyes.
A blink.
Becomes two.
Becomes three.
Becomes a zero.
Closed. Shut.
Darkness.
Fading senses.
Contemplating.
Is it worth fighting?
Am I going to die if I stop fighting?
It feels like it would be easier to just stop fighting.
Do I trust the doctors to save me if I stop?
No.
N-No.
I can't even feel anything anymore.
Numb.
But.
I won't give up.
I can't.
Must fight.
Must resist.
I won't die.
I can't die.
I shan't die.
Death.
What a silly concept.