Thong and Mike stared at each other as members of the Virtus Imperium surrounded the two. Mike shifted back as Thong tried to crawl closer.
Mike: What are you doing here?
Before Thong could open his mouth, a knife was quickly brought up to Thong's neck. Thong then noticed as two individuals were already behind him, with him not noticing them prior. The one holding the knife up to Thong's neck was a woman, standing around 165 centimeters tall. She had hair that rested just above her shoulders with the right side-swept behind her ear. She wore a white button-up dress shirt with gold lining, a black suit vest on top with a flag-shaped pin, all-black dress pants, and black heel boots. Despite her heavy attire, her movements were quick.
Mike: Carrie, stop!
Carrie: What's wrong, Mike? This guy was trying to make a move on you, right?
Thong could hear the sound of someone growling behind him. Sweat dripped from Thong's forehead as he realized that his decision to find Mike was far too rash.
Mike: He's a friend of mine, so leave him alone!
Carrie: He could've been lying to you. This business is a dangerous one after all.
???: That's enough, Carrie Miller.
Thong could hear Carrie whisper under her breath.
Carrie: Aw crap, he must be mad to call me by my full name…
???: Mike said he was a friend. I can tell that that man has no intent to harm Mike or anyone here.
Thong felt a strong authority from the voice. Simply listening to the voice made him feel like he should be taking orders from the man. It was a presence as dominating as Daymond, but in a much more gentle tone.
???: Mike, if you wish, he can join us. We have no need to exile friends.
Thong watched as Mike turned around and kneeled towards the crowd of people. Despite all the people, Thong could see a man with long hair walking towards the doors.
Mike: Thank you, my king.
Thong's thoughts: King?!
Mike turned around and looked at Thong. Thong immediately noticed that Carrie and the two presences behind him were no longer there.
Thong's thoughts: So this is the Virtus Imperium. An island nation found in the Pacific Ocean. I remember they were founded around nearly two millennia since my history teacher was obsessed with its success. And the king of that nation is in this very room? No wonder those guys had such tight security…
Mike: I have no idea why you're here, but the king invited you, so walk with us. We're going to congratulate Gonzalez.
Thong: Gonzalez is part of the Imperium?
Mike: He's a member that has trained with the king personally. Not a single member of the Imperium can stand to the king, but Gonzalez was personally recognized as the one that stands second to him.
Thong walked along with Mike as they walked through several halls.
Thong's thoughts: This building is so much larger than what I thought. They must be making enough income to be able to afford all this, huh… Daymond must really know how to keep a business afloat.
Thong noticed that all the people ahead of him had finally come to a stop. Mike continued to walk forward and through the crowd. Thong followed closely behind, moving through the crowd before getting closer and closer to the front. The sight that met him was a man larger than he had expected. A man standing at 194 centimeters tall with long, wavy, black hair that went past his shoulder wearing a black suit with a velvet over the shoulder cape. The man turned around partially, revealing to be wearing a face mask that covered the lower half of his face and seemed to be connected to a piece of clothing underneath the suit. His appearance seemed to demand attention. Thong's eyes were immediately drawn to the man's large build before he spoke.
???: Gonzalez…
Thong was able to shake his eyes off of the man to look at the man sitting on the bench in front of him. Gonzalez tilted his head, his eyes shut as he held his torn blindfold in his hands.
Gonzalez: Your majesty.
???: I said it is fine to call me by my name.
Gonzalez: King Theodore Oneiroi.
Thong looked in shock as Gonzalez got off of the bunch and went on one knee in front of Theodore.
Theodore: This is no time to be kneeling. You did amazingly during your match today! But first. Carrie! Bring me the spare blindfold.
Thong watched as a blur hopped through the audience and beside the king. Carrie placed a black cloth in Theodore's open hand before stepping back.
Carrie: Especially made as you desired. Was a bit annoying to get it in such short notice for the match.
Theodore: It does not matter. Gonzalez, this gift is for you. We know how special your eyes truly are, so continue to keep them in peak condition and well protected.
Theodore stretched his arm out as Gonzalez stood up. Gonzalez took the cloth before quickly wrapping it around his head, a new blindfold befitting the fighter.
Gonzalez: I thank you, Theodore. But I do have a question. Who is that person next to Mike? His scent and presence, I've never sensed them in the kingdom before.
Theodore: Then I'll allow them to explain themselves. You two, come forth.
Thong felt a push forward as he and Mike now stood in front of the crowd and in front of Theodore, Gonzalez, and Carrie.
Carrie: Hey, aren't you the brat? Why are you still sticking around?
Theodore: Carrie Miller, I allowed him to join us. But they will explain for themselves, you hear?
Carrie placed both hands on the sides of her head as she turned away from the king.
Carrie: Aw man, I'm so in trouble, aren't I?
Thong gulped as he stood in front of Theodore, who maintained a gentle yet dominating presence. All Theodore did was stand there and it demanded Thong's full attention. Thong shook his head as he heard Mike cough.
Mike: Sorry, my friend isn't much of a talker, he's rather shy around new people. I cannot really explain why he's here, but he likely came to see the matches. Did you watch them all?
Thong: … I had come after the previous match had ended and only had time to watch Gonzalez.
Theodore left out a hearty laugh before placing a hand on Thong's shoulder.
Theodore: I hope you were impressed with what my nation has to offer. A friend of one of my people is someone that must have a rather interesting story to tell. Just looking at your eyes, I can tell you're a dangerous one.
Thong's thoughts: He can get that much from just a look?!
Theodore: I would continue our conversation, but I do think we have a celebration. Gonzalez has shown his proficiency in yet another match, so let's go out there and enjoy a nice meal.
Thong heard an especially loud stomach grumble come from the crowd behind him, before getting to check, Carrie let out a giggle.
Carrie: Sounds like someone was waiting for that meal to come the entire time, huh?
Theodore joined Carrie, both laughing. The laughter did not last for long, however. Theodore, Gonzalez, Carrie, and Mike all shifted their attention to a nearby speaker.
Thong's thoughts: What's happening?
Thong listened closely as the hallway got quiet. The speaker continued to spew static before it cleared up, with the clearing of a throat being heard on the other end.