"HELLO EVERYBODY THANK YOU all for joining us here on this fine sunny day. My name is JoJo, your colosseum announcer. Joining me is the one and only Brittany."
"Good Meowrning everyone! It's so great to be back. Thanks for having me JoJo."
"You are welcome. Now I'm told we have something big for our main event later today. Brittany what do you think it is?"
"Hard to say JoJo. We've witnessed the current champion Emmy defeat every challenger that stepped in to face him."
"You're absolutely right about that Brittany. Currently the reigning champion has fought four hundred and ninety-nine opponents, defeating them all. And if he wins this one he will tie with the current record of five hundred straight wins, as well as tie for not bleeding ever in his fights."
"Meow-ow! Is that even possible?" Asked Brittany.
"Oh, it's possible, the audience loves it. We have a packed house every time." Replies JoJo.
"What happened to the previous champion? Did they lose and quit after that?" Asked Brittany.
"Nope, after winning her five hundredth fight she announced she was retiring."
"A woman holds the record, that's purr-retty ameowzing. How long ago was this, JoJo?"
"I didn't see a year written down. Just a faded sketch and her win record."
"What did she look like?"
"I believe she was a beast-kin. At least that's what it looked like in the sketch. Her head looked like a jaguars. But enough of that for now. Let's see who's fighting first. Brittany would do us the honor of announcing our first fight."
"You got it. First up are two fighters I know purr-sonally. Make some noise for Lucy and Matsuri. This marks their first time as competitors in the colosseum.
Hyacinth Colosseum
A place where all are welcome to come and test their skills in combat, either friendly, or to the death.
According to records found within, the colosseum was built using tuff bricks and then reinforced with earth magic from dwarven artisans. It is one hundred and fifty meters long by one hundred and twenty meters wide.
No one truly knows why it was built or who owns the colosseum. It has had several managers over the years, none of whom have met the owner. Over time an armory, a forge, a records room, holding cells, an infirmary, and other rooms were added on.
Hyacinth City has come to be a popular tourist destination with the colosseum at its center. Shops, food vendors, bars and other types of businesses surround the colosseum. It's the only city that's managed by: the Adventurers Guild, Mercenary Guild, Merchants Guild, and some of the staff from the colosseum.
****
Eric the current colosseum manager is going over a newly signed contract. Satisfied with its content, he rolls it up and seals it with a wax stamp.
"Wanda, you can put this in the vault."
"Yes sir."
𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑘 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑘
"Enter." Eric calls out.
In walks a man dressed to the nines. Head held high, back straight. An air of confidence as he sits down across from Eric.
"Well, look at you. Clean cut, clean shaved, and it looks like you even bathed. What can I do for you, Fuji?"
"I have some merchandise for..."
"I'm legit now." Interrupts Eric. "Have been for the last three years."
"Yes I'm well aware." Fuji replies. "Like I was saying, I have some merchandise for sale. And I've come to buy something from you to off load said merchandise."
"Buy what?"
"I'm here to buy your list of former clients. More precisely the ones that have a fetish for underage girls."
Before Eric can give a reply his door is thrown open, and in walks someone so tall he needs to duck under the top of the door frame to enter.
"What can I do for you Emmy?"
"The girl out there; the one in chains, I want her."
"That is my property." Declared Fuji. "Make me an offer, and you can have her."
"How about I let you leave here under your own power." Threatens Emmy.
"That's enough Emmy." Eric said in a firm voice. "How much for the girl?"
Fuji pulls out a piece of paper; grabs a quill off Eric's desk, writes something down, and hands it to Eric. Eric reads it, mulling things over.
"Emmy, why the interest in the girl? I've never known you were into that sort of thing."
"It's a personal matter." Replies Emmy not taking his eyes off Fuji.
"In that case I wish to add something to the sales price."
"If it's more money you want."
"No, I'll accept the price I quoted you. What I want is for her to fight one fight in the arena and win of course."
"Fine, she'll fight with me in the main event. Make it happen Eric." Orders Emmy.
"Watch your tone." Warns Eric. "You may be the champion, but I still make the decisions around here."
"Make it happen, or I walk." Counters Emmy.
"Hey Eric, do this for him and I'll cut the price in half." Offers Fuji.
"Fine. Now both of you get out of my office."
"I'm taking the girl with me now."
"Go ahead."
As the two men leave the office, Wanda comes back in.
"Good, you're back. I have a job for you." Eric writes something down and hands it to her; explaining what he wants done.
****
Colosseum Armory.
"Yo Emmy how's it going?"
"Marco, do you have anything to equip this girl with?"
Marco looks the girl over, noting her short hair, bare-feet, tattered clothing, and looking malnourished.
"Seriously?! What for?"
"She's fighting with me. I doubt she has any combat experience, but I still want her to have some protection and a weapon." Emmy, goes on to explain how this situation came about.
"I see— alright I don't have anything in her size armor wise, chainmail could help, maybe a leather helmet, definitely gonna need shoes. As for weapons… oh I actually just got these yesterday. Their previous owner sold them to pay off some of his gambling debt. These are punch daggers. Should be easy enough for a child to handle."
"Why?" Asked the girl in a soft voice.
"You remind me of someone I once knew." Replies Emmy. "She's dead now."
"Thank you for buying me." The girl bows. "I'll do whatever I can for you, master."
"I'm not your master. Names Emmy, and once we win this fight I'll figure out a way for you to return home."
"My name is Riho Takashi."
"Ta…Ta…" Shock overtakes Marco.
"You ok Marco?" Emmy asked, a confused look on his face.
"You dumbass! Do you not recognize her last name?"
"Should I?"
"The Takashi family created these here potions." Marco pulls out a wooden case from beneath the counter.
"Technically grandfather is the sole creator. He… he was teaching papa before he died. That's what my big brother said anyways."
"Emmy, does Eric know who she is?"
"I honestly don't know."
"Listen carefully then. Keep her safe no matter what. I'll have something put together for her before your fight. In the meantime Riho, take these and get a feel for them." Marco hands her the punch daggers.
"Let's head back to my room. There's a training dummy you can use to practice on."
"Get her something to eat as well." Marco yells out as Emmy and Riho head out.
****
"FINALLY! The moment we've all been waiting is here at last." Announces JoJo, not hiding his excitement.
"Meow! I'm excited for this one."
"Joining us is Eric, the manager of the colosseum."
"Are you folks ready for this?"
This question is met with thunderous cheers, clapping, whistling, and foot stomping.
"Meow-ow! They sure are fired up."
"Settle down everyone or you'll miss what Eric has to say."
It doesn't take too long for the crowd to settle down.
"Alright I have not one but two major announcements for the main event."
Eric pauses letting the anticipation build. "I spent a bit of time scouring through all the records we have. Trying to figure out the best way to not only entertain everyone, but to also show off different fighting styles we normally never see unless they come here.
It took some doing, but I was able to pull it off. Ladies and gentlemen for the first time in this colosseum I present four fighters of the Naga Tribes."
The north gate rises and out steps the four contenders.
"Those are Nagas?"
"I've only read about them. This is amazing."
"They look strong."
"Shit! Should I change my bet?"
"Two arms, two legs, they could almost pass for humans."
One of the Nagas raises a green clawed hand to the sky. The audience quiets down. Not wanting to miss what is said.
"My name is Vasuki. I am of the warrior class. I wield the Ice Halberd Cocytus. I look forward to testing my skills in battle this day.
(Character Bio)
Species: Demi-human Reptilian, Gender: Male, Class: Warrior.
Description: Humanoid Snake, Height: 190 cm, Weight: 90.71 kg.
Appearance: Green Scaly Skin, Snake-like Head, Yellow Eyes.
Gear: Light Brown Leather Tassets with Belt, Studded Leather Greaves, and Bracers.
Weapon: Claws, Fangs, Tail, Ice Halberd Cocytus.
"My name is Sheshanaga. I'm a spell castor. Ignis the Red Scepter is my weapon of choice.
(Character Bio)
Species: Demi-human Reptilian, Gender: Male. Class: Spell Castor.
Description: Humanoid Snake, Height: 185 cm, Weight: 86 kg.
Appearance: Red Scaly Skin, Snake-like Head, Yellow Eyes.
Gear: Blue Hooded Cloak.
Weapon: Claws, Fangs, Tail, Ignis the Red Scepter.
"I am Manasa. It's a pleasure to be here."
(Character Bio)
Species: Demi-human Reptilian, Gender: Female.
Description: Humanoid Snake, Height: 183 cm, Weight: 83 kg.
Appearance: White Scaly Skin, Snake-like Head, Yellow Eyes.
Gear: Green Dress with Chemise.
Weapon: Claws, Fangs, Tail.
"I am Takshaha."
(Character Bio)
Species: Demi-Demi-human Reptilian, Gender: Male.
Description: Humanoid Snake, Height: 190 cm, Weight: 100 kg.
Appearance: Black Scaly Skin, Snake-like Head, Yellow Eyes.
Gear: Light Red Leather Single Pauldron and Shoulder Harness Right Side, Studded Leather Greaves, Studded Leather Bracers, Tassets with Belt.
Weapon: Claws, Fangs, Tail.
"And now for the second announcement." Again Eric pauses letting the anticipation build. "For the first time our champion Emmy will have a partner fighting alongside him."
A mixture of shock and excitement spreads throughout the colosseum as the south gate begins to rise.
"Are you nervous?"
"Yes."
"Can I tell you a secret Riho?"
"Not if you're gonna tell me you're nervous too."
"You're the spitting image of your mother." Emmy replies.
"How did you know my mother?"
"I'll tell you after we win this."
"Then let's go kick their fucking asses! Whoo!" Riho shouts, punching the air with her first.
"Heh heh heh of course."
(Character Bio)
Name: Emmy, Age: ? Species: Demi-Human Elephant, Gender: Male.
Job: Gladiator, Class: Tanker, Subclass: Guardian, Rank: C.
Description: Asiatic Elephant, Height: 274 cm, Weight: 904.91 kg.
Appearance: Bald, Black Eyes, Grey Skin.
Gear: Steel Helmet, Segmentata Left Arm Guard, Black Braies, Black Studded War Skirt, Brown Leather Greaves, Black Warrior Sandals.
Weapon: One Tower Steel Shield (RH), One Round Shield W/ A Sharpened Edge (LH), His Fists.
Name: Riho Takashi, Age: 11, Species: Human, Gender: Female.
Description: Height: 131 cm, Weight: 27.66 kg, Slim Build.
Appearance: Green Eyes, Short Red Hair, White Skin.
Gear: Chainmail Shirt with Black Canvas Shirt, Black Leggings, Leather Bracers, Leather Greaves, Light Leather Warrior Headband with a Black Jewel in the center, Black Warrior Sandals.
Weapon: Punch Daggers W/ Sheaths.
Emmy and Riho step out to the cheering of everyone in the colosseum. It doesn't last long when they realize Emmy's partner is a child.
"Is that a child? Why is there a child fighting in the colosseum?"
"Get her out of the colosseum!" Shout several spectators.
"Boo! Get her out of here!"
"Where are her parents?"
"SILENCE!!!" Bellows Takshaha, stepping away from the others.
Unknown to everyone in the colosseum, Takshaha used his Intimidation skill on them. Those with a strong constitution aren't affected by this, on the other hand those with a weak constitution suffer from a variety of effects; from uncontrollable shaking to losing consciousness.
"What gives any of you the right to judge this child? Do any of you have the courage to come down here and take her place?" Challenges Takshaha. "How about you sir, you look like a fighter?"
The man shakes his head no.
"No. Alright how about you, or you, maybe you." Takshaha asks, and is met with vigorous head shakes of no. "So none of you have the fucking balls or backbone to do what this brave warrior is about to do?"
Takshaha lets the question hang there as he walks back to the others.
"Meow-ow! That was an amazing speech."
"That it was Brittany that it was." Agrees JoJo.
"I have goosebumps." Remarks Eric.
"Will your partner be alright?" Asked Manasa.
"She's just unconscious." Replies Emmy. "I trust you'll leave her be?"
"You have my word she'll be left alone until she's fit for combat." Said Vasuki.
Emmy takes his tower shield and slams it into the ground making a barricade for Riho. While his back is turned Takshaha moves in with great speed, jumps onto Emmy's back, and sinks his fangs into Emmy's neck.
"Takshaha has made the first move. He's on the champion's back. And he just sank his fangs into Emmy's neck." Announces JoJo.
With his right hand Emmy reaches around; grabs onto Takshaha's leg, and falls backwards.
"Fire Magic: Pyroportation." Sheshanaga casts his magic, bringing Takshaha to them before being crushed under Emmy's weight.
"Thanks for the save Sheshanaga."
"You want me to heal you?" Offers Manasa.
"Not yet." Takshaha stands; brushes himself off, he grabs both of his fangs, and pulls them out. Takshaha stares in disbelief at the broken fangs in his hands.
"Light Magic: Healing Touch." With a touch of Manasa's hand, new fangs replace the ones that were lost.
"Earth Magic: Earth Wall!" Sheshanaga gets the wall up just as a shield comes flying at them, and lodges in the wall. It stays there for all of three seconds before dislodging and returning to Emmy's left arm.
"His equipment's enchanted." Comments Vasuki.
"Not just his equipment." Remarks Takshaha. "Something's up with his body as well. You all saw what happened to my fangs."
Emmy throws his shield two more times; destroying the wall, scattering the four Nagas. Emmy then charges towards Manasa.
"Ice Magic: Frozen Surface!" Shouts Vasuki, slamming Cocytus into the ground. Ice radiates in all directions; freezing the ground, and almost freezing Emmy in his tracks.
"Fire Magic: Fire Veil of Protection!" Sheshanaga cast a fire spell protecting Vasuki from his own attack.
"Cocytus seems to be a double edge sword, or halberd in this case."
"Yes, it is Eric." Comments JoJo. "Nagas are reptilians, and like all reptilians the cold is their enemy. Whether it's environmental, magic, or enchanted equipment the cold will always be their weakness."
"I'm willing to bet Sheshanaga specializes in fire magic in order to reduce the risk that Cocytus poses." Brittney points out. "Can Emmy overcome these odds against him? It looks like his partner Riho is still out cold."
"Eric, what can you tell us about Riho?" Asks JoJo.
"Not much I'm afraid. I know Emmy took a shine to her for whatever reason, and now she's fighting alongside him."
"Meow-ow! I didn't know Emmy was into… younger girls."
"He's not Brittany. If he was, I wouldn't have allowed this partnership to happen."
"Looks like Vasuki and Takshaha are on the attack."
"Frenzied Claws!" Takshaha begins swiping at Emmy, his claws glowing red.
"Ice Magic: Ice Wave!"
"Fire Magic: Pyroportation!" Sheshanaga casts his spell on Takshaha; teleporting him away just as the ice wave hits Emmy, freezing him in place.
"Is it over?" Asked Manasa.
"Don't know. Takshaha you go right, Sheshanaga, get your strongest fire spell ready. I'll go left." Said Vasuki.
Vasuki and Takshaha slowly advance towards the frozen figure. When they're about a meter away the crowd lets out a loud cheer.
"Shield Bash!"
Vasuki and Takshaha turn around just as Emmy's shield connects with Manasa sending her flying a good distance to the side. All three stare in disbelief.
"Good work Riho. Are you ready for this?"
"Yup. It's time for round two bitchs!" Riho replies from atop of Emmy's shoulders. "Also if you ever meet my brother, don't tell him I've been swearing."
"Seriously?!" Emmy looks up at her in. "You were kidnapped; you're currently in a fight, and you're worried about your brother finding out that you've been using foul language."
"Yuppers."
****
"This is turning into an interesting fight."
"Yes, indeed. Who do you think will win?"
"Hmm… hard to say. However there's something strange about that girl atop of Emmy's shoulders."
"Oh… so there is."
The two women watch from the south gate inside the arena. Undetected as the fighting picks back up.