D.M.A, NO MAN'S ISLAND

The members of the audience were stunned as they stared at the stage, they were probably drawn back to their senses as the young boy walked off the stage without waiting for the referee to announce his win. Deafening cheers rang out.

"AZRAEL, AZRAEL, AZRAEL".

Not every person was ecstatic though, the regulars of the Death Match Arena knew better than to place a bet against Azrael but what about the newbies.

"Mike, don't tell me you betted against Azrael", a VIP asked his cousin who looked like he drank sour milk.

"His opponent was Rigo, goddammit. The giant who won every single match this week, I mean, he has six wins to his name for chrissake. Placed beside that puny brat, he looked like he had a higher chance of winning but the prick lost in one f***ing move", the regular's cousin shouted in anger.

The VIP chuckled as he took a puff from his cigar and exhaled slowly.

"Winning is not about size, if it was, ants won't stand a chance in bringing down an elephant. I might have forgotten to tell you that Azrael has been the ultimate champion for the past fifty five weeks, is it?

"Fifty nine weeks, Mr. Alaric", his Personal Assistant replied in flat voice.

"Oh, this is making it sixty already?"

"You see cousin, I lost count", he took another puff from his cigar, his eyes laced with slyness, much like a snake's.

There was a knock on the door of the private room they were in.

"Your winnings, Sir", a female worker at the Death Match Arena came in and respectfully handed a card to the VIP not daring to meet his eyes. Anyone worthy enough to occupy a private room at the Death Match Arena shouldn't be messed with especially this one. She took her leave immediately.

"Ultimate champion?" "Sixty weeks?" "You forgot?". Mike came to a realization.

"Forgot my ass. You played me", he slammed his palm on the table as his rage exploded. He betted all the money he made from visiting his cousin on this match and he lost everything at once.

A glint passed through Alaric's eyes. He snuffed out the cigar on his cousin's hand.

"Arrgh", a loud mournful scream came out from one of the private rooms but was ignored as people went about their business. The number one rule of this place was don't poke your nose into other's business.

Alaric twisted the cigar butt on Mike's hand.

"Sorry cousin, I thought it was the ashtray but it is also your fault you know, you really shouldn't go about putting your hands where it shouldn't be ", he said while continuing the twisting motion which seemed to be fun for him.

"I'm sorry cousin, I know my mistake please forgive me, if not for anything but for the sake of my mother", Mike begged with snot and tears rolling down his face. He knew he was behaving like a wimp but since he arrived here seven days ago, there's one thing he had seen Alaric do frequently, torture people, and he spoke to them while killing them slowly, just like now.

"This is not fair cousin, state your mistakes when you apologize. I did so earlier, didn't I? Just saying I'm sorry and crying gives off the vibe that I'm bullying you for no reason. Bystanders will think I am the bad guy when in truth I'm really a good person, what do you say?"

"I'm sorry cousin, I shouldn't have killed your cat simply because it scratched me", Mike rephrased his apology, he'll do anything to relieve the excruciating pain the cigar butt was causing and keep his life while at it.

Alaric rolled his eyes

" You killed my cat? Why do I not know about it? Anyway, I'd like to spend more time with you but sadly I have an important appointment to attend".

'Not sad, not sad at all', Mike thought as he waited to be granted amnesty.

"Here's your flight ticket back to America. My regards to Auntie, tell her I'll come visit soon. You'll miss me right?"

"I will", Mike nodded immediately.

'Like hell, I will'.

"Great", Alaric tossed a kerchief to his cousin. "Wipe your face, it's disgusting, you are now a grown up man, behave like one", he finally threw the cigar away and Mike sighed in relief.

"Mike", he called out to his cousin who was currently wishing he had an extra pair of legs so he could get out of this room faster.

Mike turned around in trepidation

"You shouldn't wander out of the safe zone I create for you and your mother, if you do, the waves will swallow you up without spitting out your corpse. You are right about one thing though, your mother's halo covers you, else I'd have killed you a hundred times over for harming my cat and also the deals you made behind my back. This time, I let you get away with a light punishment but next time I might not be so merciful.

"Here's a balm to soothe the burn and get rid of the scar", he threw a bottle over to Mike.

"I won't accompany you out. Safe flight", Alaric waved at Mike with a smile. He chuckled as Mike hurried out of the room.

"Make sure he gets to the airport in one piece".

"Yes boss", three bodyquards bowed and walked out.

"Did I go too hard on him?" Alaric asked his personal assistant.

"Too easy", came the reply.

"Hey, I pay your salary, can you be more generous with the amount of words you use when making a sentence, it never gets past five", Alaric complained.

"I'll do my best, Sir", the assistant replied.

Alaric rolled his eyes after counting the words. Mr. Efficient was doing this on purpose.

"You are no fun at all, let's pay a visit to Lucie", Alaric said as he grabbed his phone.

The slyness in Alaric's eyes was replaced by seriousness as he stared at the WhatsApp group message that was dropped a few hours ago.

'Friday, 2:00pm', it read.

"Inform the pilot to get the private jet ready, we'll take off at the hospital. We leave for Italy in thirty minutes".