Break time–a moment when all fighters in any tournament or competing in consecutive matches were to enjoy resting. This could take on many forms–food, sleep, warmups, a simple stroll or–in Leo's current case–a visit to the showers. Like most showers in a sporting venue, it was generally well kept, but the people who utilised it barely had a shred of decency. What made worse for Leo, was the lack of separation for the sexes. Now, not to confuse him with someone that believed there needed to be some sort of segregation for each sex, but Leo was sworn to an oath. Mostly due to his upbringing in a strict religious home, he made a promise to himself that he wouldn't dare intentionally look upon someone's bare body aside from his own and Hazel's. He'd had the odd accident in his time, but most of those occurred in public changerooms, much like the one he currently sat in… head between his knees.
'Leo, we must wash up and be fresh for our third match,' said Jun's voice from somewhere nearby. 'Come, they provide a beautiful lavender shampoo which we can take home. It is just like at the hotels from your age.'
'Nope, I'm quite alright, Jun.' Leo wiggled a finger, but dared not lift his head, lest he gaze upon other wiggling things.
'Suit yourself. You are putrid after fighting that gassy hellfire pair, is all I have to say.'
Jun's heavy footfall disappeared, leaving Leo's ears open to the chatter around him. Most seemed to be talking about watching the tournament, as they finished up their own matches. So far, it didn't look like anyone Leo was up against was in this room. Or at least nobody he was up against today. Leo took the liberty of smelling himself, as the words of Jun burrowed into his mind. Unsurprisingly, he stunk like rotting meat. That last grotesque fight had taken its toll, and he really needed to be presentable before his next opponents had the chance to make fun of him in a deadly competition.
He decided that if he couldn't handle this large open changeroom, that there had to be a private one. Even just a little stall would do. Blindly retracing his steps out of the room was the best he could manage, with little peeks at the floor to be sure he wasn't about to hit a wall.
'Oi!' A gruff feminine voice nearly burst his ear.
'Sorry!' Leo madly dashed for the exit and escaped into a stone hall. Finally, he could see again. He kept to the wall and followed it around, hoping to find a space he could clean up in peace, but nothing came for some time. He stopped at a crossroad, peering down each option once, twice and once more. This place could do with a few extra information booths. A map would be even better.
'You alright there, young man?' A tall but kindly looking person craned over Leo. With beautiful violet eyes and long dark hair struck with bolts of purple, this person was practically made of obsidian. Their long dark facial features blended ethereally with their form, like some graceful beast from a magical realm. Their height alone made them look like a giraffe had wished to be human, and gotten something strikingly similar to their original stature.
'Uh, yeah… no.' Leo felt heat already rushing through his face. 'I was trying to find a private shower, but it's looking like this place doesn't do that.'
'Bit shy?' the figure asked with a voice like a gentle stream.
'I've just never been a fan of them.'
'Of course, not everyone should be expected to want themselves revealed. I also don't appreciate prying eyes.' They leaned in, as if about to divulge some hot gossip. 'Personally, it's a terrible idea when you have folk from Heaven mixing with people who earned a place in Hell.' They beckoned and nodded stoutly. 'I'll show you the ones I'm personally a fan of.'
Leo wanted to mistrust this person. He'd learned that even the kindest and longest friends were capable of evil, but he was also polite and didn't want to deprive someone of a chance to share something. As they walked, the being's long white and magenta robes swept outwards like the wings of a bird preparing to take flight. With grace in their stride, they asked, 'may I request your name? I am Firosah.' As they bowed gently, a stark realisation hit Leo. He tried to keep it to himself, but he knew the secret would be out by the time his name left his lips.
'Leo, I'm Leo.' He braced, but instead received a gentle smile.
'Your name is quite beautiful, Leo. I appreciate the thought your parents must have put into it.' Firosah gestured to a bend in the path and stopped, their cloak brushing around them and dancing until it settled at their feet. 'Here are the private stalls. Hopefully you can feel refreshed here.'
'Thanks so much!' Leo wasn't sure what to do, so he just bowed to Firosah. They laughed, took his hand and shook it. 'I, uh, hope we can meet again.'
'Young Leo,' they began, 'there is no need to be so awkward. Yes, we may be opponents in our next round, but there isn't a need to fret over being foes now. Let's enjoy the fact that we are acquaintances and worry about confrontation when it matters.' Leo immediately liked this person ten times more. Something in him stirred.
'Firosah.'
'Hm?'
'Do you belong to a group? Like, are you and your partner friends?'
'Not at all. We teamed up for the sake of the matches. She is not one for kindness, sadly.'
'Would you consider joining the House of Power? If I win, of course.'
'You would spare my life?'
'Of course.' Leo scratched his head. Dramatic much? 'I wouldn't want you going back to wherever you came from after making it to bronze.'
'I see.' Firosah bowed this time. 'Then let me make the same promise. If one of us is close to losing, the other will give them a chance to forefeit.' With that, they vanished in a blip of purple light. A small burst of power emanated from where they had stood, and Leo realised that he was right to make that agreement. This next fight may well be tougher than the final could ever be.