The story has elements of both Dark War storyline and DemonxBunny's Masters of the Multiverse, so all credit goes to both Impact Wrestling and DemonxBunny. I do not own the characters, only the OCs. The story is entirely fictional.
Characters may look and act different than they do in real life. This was done intentionally, and things will change over time in this story, so please be patient.
Rating: M, for violence, coarse language, and mature themes/events that will appear throughout this story. Remember, this is Femslash, so if that's not your thing, you may not like this story.
Pairings: Allie/Rosemary (DemonxBunny), others over time.
Aftermath of the Dark War Chapter 32: Lying on the Record and The Shocking Proposal by Jurassicfatt
Rosemary's Pov, Omni Sports Tournament, Keeril's Tent, Night
The three of us walk up to the guards surrounding Sergeant Keeril's large tent. One of them holds a hand out, but I shove it away. "Assassin-on-guard, let me through!" I yell, staring directly into the soldier's eyes. I snarl. His face turns white and he steps aside, letting Cal, Rebel and I through. We reach the tent, the seal turning on momentarily. "Rosemary, Hive assassin. Open." I hear Sergeant Keeril's voice break the seal and I practically launch myself through the opening. I see Keeril sitting on a chair in front of a desk, with a few soldiers holding spears. Allie is sitting in front of him, a soldier positioned on either side of her. She gets up the second she sees me.
"Rosemary!" I walk up to the desk, the soldiers pointing their spears at me.
"Did they hurt you?"
"No, I'm okay. Rosemary, they're saying I broke into someone's tent. Destroyed private property? Stole things? I've been with Rebel all day. I didn't do any of this."
"I know, Bunny." I try to get closer to her, but a green skinned soldier wielding a club and shield blocks my path.
"Back up!" he barks at me. "Or you'll be getting the brunt of my club."
Rebel stands a few feet away from me, eyes firmly glued on the soldier. I can feel her tension while she stares at him. I turn around and watch her touch the spot where her bruise is. She locks eyes with me, a frown over her face. I turn back to face the soldier "Are you the one who hit my cousin?"
"Yeah. And if you try anything, you'll get one too."
Crunch! I punch the soldier hard in his face, breaking his nose. He drops to the floor, groaning and covering his face with both hands. As he moves them, I see the blood leak down onto his mouth and chin.
"You ever hit my cousin again and I'll break something else!" I turn to look at the Sergeant, his eyebrows raised. "What the hell is going on, Sergeant Keeril?"
"There's been an accusation that your companion broke into one of the racer's tents and damaged one of the wheels on his chariot. The athlete wants compensation for the damage, given he will be performing tomorrow." I can't believe this.
"Who made the accusation?"
"I did." I recognize that voice. Spinning around to face her, I see Allysin Kay, with her green peacock feathers and leather outfit. Her signature pinky is up. Beside her is an orange-skinned demon with flaps for eyes, wearing a gold breastplate and bracers. "Your little friend lied and destroyed this racer's chariot."
"I did not!" Allie argues immediately. "I spent the whole day with Rebel! I wouldn't do something like this!"
"Tell me, how come my cousin was struck by one of your guards? Isn't she allowed, by the rules, to accompany any accused party with their consent?"
"Yes. Article 9 of the guidelines specifically allows that privilege to anyone accused of misconduct." Officer Orelios, the guard who brought us to Cal's tent, chimes in. "This woman," he points to Rebel, "had every right to come with Allie. Officer Tertax is in the wrong, Sergeant."
"We have not the time to debate this, Orelios. Have Tertax brought to a healer. Racer, tell me what happened." Sergeant Keeril says, looking at the racer, as Orelios orders some guards to pick up Tertax from the floor, then follows them out of the tent.
The racer turns to Sergeant Keeril. "I was watering my lizarion mount outside, since they prefer the fresh air, when all of a sudden, I hear a noise. I came to my quarters and found this, along with the side of my tent completely torn open." He reaches behind his back and pulls a wooden chariot wheel, smashed into three pieces, jagged edges showing where it was broken. "My racing javelin is also missing. I demand compensation for my chariot, girl." He points a finger at Allie, but I put myself between the two.
"Do you know for sure it was this woman?" Keeril questions.
"She was a blonde, wearing a pink shirt. I chased after her. She ran quickly, darting around the other racers' tents before I lost her. Ms. Allysin here told me she saw this woman leaving my tent, mallet in hand."
"This is complete bullshit and you know it, Allysin." I assert, looking straight into the girl's eyes. She smirks and looks to Keeril.
"I saw a blonde running with a pink shirt. Only 'the Bunny'", she states mockingly, her hands doing air quotes, "has been seen with such a bright pink garment. Sergeant, your thoughts?"
"Assassin, this is not the only problem. We know she lied upon her arrival. She said she was from Kaduran, but there are no records of her residence. That's an offense under Tournament guidelines."
"She lives with me and L'von T'soti, a vendor. She had no place else before that."
"Warlords?" I nod. "Hm. We must wait for Vivian and Mervin. They will decide the appropriate ruling… and possible punishment."
"Punishment?" Allie asks.
"Over 'Our' dead body." I say through gritted teeth, the voices speaking alongside me. I can feel the amulet burning against my skin, my anger rising by the minute. Allie looks at me, her eyes widening as she realizes what's happening.
"Oh, what's the matter, assassin? Is your companion too soft to deal with the consequences of her actions?"
"The only thing 'soft' will be the food you consume after we knock out your teeth!" I scream, turning around and inching closer to Allysin. Allie puts herself between us.
"Get her away from us!" she screams. One of the guards escorts Allysin and the racer to the other side of the tent. "Rosemary? Rosemary, look at me! Look at me." She cups my face in her hands and I feel my eyes shift down to meet hers. "You need to calm down. The amulet's shining really bright this time, and I know what you'll do if you lose control. It's alright. It's fine. Just breathe, okay? Take a few deep breaths. Can you do that for me?" She then takes a few deep breaths as an example, still holding my face in her palms. I see the concern in her eyes, her gaze never leaving mine. Slowly, I do as she asks, taking a deep breath. Then close my eyes, and take another. A few minutes of deep breathing later, I feel the amulet begin to cool and the voices disappear again. "There. Feel a bit better?"
"Yeah. Thanks Bunny. I just… I don't want them spreading lies about you. And I won't stand for them trying to hurt you." She hugs me comfortingly, wrapping her arms around my midsection and placing her head against my shoulder. I hug her back, enjoying her warmth. I then hear the seal break, as Vivian, Advisor Mervin, and a returning Orelios walk into the tent.
"What in the name of the great Vivian the 16th is going on?" Mervin asks, causing Allysin to role her eyes. "Sergeant Keeril?"
"One of the racers claim that this woman destroyed the wheel of his chariot in his quarters. Ms. Allysin corroborates the story, but the accused denies it, saying she spent the entire day with one of the makeup staff. We know she lied on her residence question, illustrating her deceitfulness."
"But that is not enough for us to assume she would do such a destructive act." Orelios puts forth.
"When did this act take place?" Mervin asks. Sergeant Keeril turns to the racer.
"Around 12:30 pm." The racer says.
"We were at the vendor tents! Allie and I were buying a few drinks. Just some water, given how hot it was." Rebel explains.
"Could you tell us the exact vendor?" Orelios asks. Rebel gives them the name. Officer Orelios checks his atlas for their location, then sends two guards to escort them here. A few moments later, a small green-skinned female demon walks in. When Sergeant Keeril asks her whether she saw Allie and Rebel today, she explains she had sold them a few glasses of water. She says they walked around the vendor tents near her for the next hour, then left. A few more vendors from the area were called in, all explaining the same thing.
"It seems Ms. Allysin was wrong. It is obvious from the number of witnesses who saw her at the vendor tents, that Ms. Allie did not destroy this racer's chariot. It must have been someone else." Orelios explains.
"I fail to understand how they were able to cut through the tent, Mervin. You told me they were all made of Sturvian seed. Is that not the case?" Vivian asks the smaller advisor.
"O-Of course! Absolutely, I made sure of it! The only problem," he pauses, beginning to rub the back of his neck, "is that the binding of this seed is very… rare. Much rarer than the bark itself. To make sure we had enough binding for all the tents, I had to order a lesser quality alternative. If the binding is struck enough times, a hole could be made and stretched large enough for someone to crawl into." Vivian stares daggers through her blindfold at the smaller advisor.
"This is not what I paid for, Mervin. You would be wise to consult me the next time you make an 'alternative' purchase."
"Yes, your Highness." Mervin says, bowing. "Now, there is still this issue involving Ms. Allie lying upon her arrival to the Tournament?" he asks Keeril, who nods. "This cannot be unveiled. If the other patrons were to discover this, it would be a mark of shame on the Tournament for the next year!"
"Hush, Mervin." Vivian scolds him, raising her hand for emphasis. "What is your suggestion, Sergeant?"
"She does not seem dangerous, nor has she done any wrongdoing, despite the earlier accusation. However, it would be best for her to receive a punishment, to prevent this from happening again. Confinement to a specific area may suffice. Given the strict rules of the Tournament, however, it must fall to the hostess to decide appropriate action." Keeril explains. Orelios opens his mouth, but Vivian silences him with her hand. Vivian tells us all to go outside, while she, Mervin, and Keeril discuss the issue. Five minutes later, we are all are brought back in. Cal and Rebel are told to wait near the entrance with the guards, while myself, Allie, Allysin, and the racer are asked to stand in front of Vivian. She slithers up to Allie.
"From the moment you came here, I smelled something peculiar about you, Ms. Allie." she says, causing Allie to freeze up. "While the action you took may seem harmless, it isn't. In the past, lying at a Tournament has caused much bloodshed. Minions have snuck in before, and have allowed beast Warlords to feast on patrons and athletes. Needless violence. I do not want that to happen here." Her face is directly in front of Allie. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
Allie looks at her. "I'm really sorry. I lied, because I didn't want to go into detail about what happened prior to me living with Rosemary in Kaduran." she tells her, looking down.
"I understand your unwillingness to describe whatever horrors you may have encountered with my kind. But I must pass judgement for your actions." Allie nods in understanding. "You, Allie, did not pay for entry. Nor have you earned the right to be here. But you will get your chance. Racer?"
The demon takes a few steps forward. "Yes?"
"You will be compensated. I will have my workers repair your tent and chariot with a new wheel, so that you may compete tomorrow. It will be paid for using a portion of the assassin's pay, approximately 10 days' worth."
"Thank you."
"Now, to you Allie. For your punishment, I give you 2 options. Option 1: you will be escorted back to your quarters, and remain there for the rest of the Tournament. The pay the assassin lost today will not be compensated. Should you leave without escort to any of the vendor areas, you will be forced to leave. Noncompliance will result in corporeal punishment. I am understood?"
"Yes." Allie responds. "What, um, what is the second option?"
"Option 2 is that you 'earn' the right to remain at the arena, by competing in it." Vivian emphasizes. My eyes widen at the suggestion. Vivian continues, slithering around Allie. "In 3 days, there is an open spot in the Tournament, at 2:50 pm. We were originally planning to have a multi-sport event, but the athletes who were scheduled to compete did not show. Therefore, I am in need of a new entertainment and competitors. I am offering you a chance to show us that you are worthy of remaining here."
"What kind of event is it?" Allie asks.
"Yeah, what kind?" I then ask, stepping forward.
"It is simple. It will a best of 3 type event. Three different activities, two of which you must win. If you win, the assassin will be repaid the money she lost. If you choose that option, I will hold a poll tomorrow and let the patrons decide what kind of sporting events they would like to see. Don't worry, I know you are a Realmer, so I will make sure no boulder tossing, beast wrestling, or any sport too dangerous for you will be present. Now, which option will you choose?"
"Um… Do I need to win in order to stay?" Vivian shakes her head.
"No. If you compete in 'all' 3 of the events, I will consider that as recompense. However, the assassin's pay will only be compensated if you win."
"Will I be competing alone?"
"No. You will compete against another Realmer. Your opponent will be chosen by me personally." Allie sits there for a minute, thinking, then looks up and responds.
"Y-you know what? Option 2." I quickly pull her aside.
"What? Allie, are you crazy? You don't even know what kind of sporting events the audience might choose." I tell her, shocked by her choice. I don't like this one bit.
"Rosemary, you've already done too much for me. It's either this, or staying in the tent under house arrest for the next 13 days. And you've been working too hard to only get paid for 4 days." she argues.
"I don't care about the money, Allie! I don't want you getting hurt."
"Please, Rosemary. Let me help you. My lying has done nothing but cause problems for you. I have to at least try and make it right. You're always doing things for me. Maybe it's time I do something for you for a change."
"Allie, I don't know-"
"Please? I promise I won't let myself get hurt too badly. Let me make this right." She stares at me, waiting for a response.
"Are you sure?"
"Uh-huh. Positive."
"And there's no way I can convince you of otherwise?" She shakes her head. I rub my eyes with my hand at her stubbornness. "*Sigh*, Fine. But I'm going to be there, to cheer you on and make sure everything's legit."
"So, option 2, is it?" Vivian questions. Allie nods. She clasps her hands together. "Great. Mervin, I want the poll to have every highest-grossing, Realmer appropriate event listed, for the patrons to choose from." The advisor bows. "Sergeant Keeril?"
"Yes, your highness?" he asks.
"Officer Orelios informed me that one of your men struck a woman without just cause. Reprimand him severely, to ensure your men recognize the rules I have set forth."
"Yes, lord hostess." He clasps his arm to his chest, eyeing Orelios.
"By this time tomorrow, we will have a new event prepared for the Tournament." Vivian remarks.
"Oh, how sweet! The little Realmer will be getting a second chance. I don't understand why I have to stay for this?" Allysin cuts in, with a frustrated tone of voice. Vivian's head turns to look at her.
"Because your friend, the Duchess Chelsea Green, will be Allie's opponent."
"WHAT? WHY DID YOU CALL HER- ARE YOU- What is the matter with you? Why should she compete against her?"
"Because so far, your friend has caused just as much trouble! She did not pay to enter, nor did she earn the right to be here, same as Allie. She arrived alongside you, half-breed. And all she has done is drink copious amounts of alcohol, break priceless vases at the afterparty, and throw up across every inch of the honourable section and promenade." Allysin growls.
"Chelsea doesn't have to compete. There's no law forcing us." Allysin snarkly responds.
"That is true. But I do not have to keep you in the honourable section should you refuse."
"You can't-"
"I can, and I will." Vivian argues, cutting Allysin off. Allysin clenches her hand, her fist shaking.
"*Groan*, Alright, I'll let Chelsea know." Allysin responds with a glare. "What happens when she beats the little loser?" My amulet is starting to heat up again at her words.
"I will allow you and the Duchess to close the Tournament." Allysin's mouth drops.
"But that's, that's even more prestigious than the lighting ceremony!"
"Yes. You and your friend will be the talk of the Realm. No one will question how truly classy you two are. Hell, you may even be voted 2nd sexiest Warlord throughout the land. Behind me, of course. Tehehehe!" Wow, that's quite a proposition. Hold on, did Vivian just say Allysin is a Warlord, too?!
"Okay, we'll do it." Allysin says, then turns to Allie. "You're going down, bitch."
"That's what you think. I don't give up so easily, especially when it comes to helping people I care about." I feel heat rush to my cheeks when she says that.
"We are much more skilled than you think, little Bunny. I can't wait to watch Chelsea mop the floor with you." Allysin smirks, lifts her pinky up and turns on her heels, walking towards the exit.
"Oh, Ms. Allysin Kay?" Vivian suddenly shouts. Allysin turns around. "Should Chelsea lose, she will be banned from purchasing alcohol at any of the vendor tents, and the money repaid to the assassin will be taken from 'you', personally." Allysin's smirk disappears. Her eyes narrow and she grits her teeth, almost fuming at the mouth. She points her pinky higher, opens the entrance flap, and walks out.
"Mervin, prepare the poll. We'll send out the message tomorrow morning. In 3 days, it will the Duchess Chelsea Green vs Allie the Bunny!"
Author's Note: Hey everybody. Hope you're doing good. Another chapter for Aftermath, done and done. Note to self, do not threaten Rosemary or her loved ones (I'm looking at you, Tertax). So it looks like Sergeant Keeril and his men have discovered Allie lied, and she's been accused of destroying someone's racing chariot? The racer and Allysin say they saw a blonde haired woman wearing pink do it. The charges could lead to punishment! Thank goodness Allie knew how to calm down Rosemary- might have led to a bit of an incident if she lost control again. In comes Vivian with a very unorthodox solution: have Allie compete against Chelsea in a best of 3 event, as voted on by the spectators, for the right to stay. Allysin (who Vivian also dropped is another Wardlord!) seems pretty confident about Chelsea's chances. But what 3 challenges will be chosen for Allie and Chelsea to compete in? Find out next time. If you enjoyed this, feel free to leave a review. It's always appreciated. Take care and enjoy your day!