{"sf1_id":1752780,"sf2_id":"k1VVNkQ1","title":"King of the Ring Chapter 2: Usurpers","author":"King_Degen","words":30791,"posted_at":"2021-08-15T20:45:48.000Z","tags":["Anon","Boy","Bunny","Couple","Fight","Fighting","Girl","Greentext","HMOFA","Heterosexual","Highschool","Human","Kissing","Rabbit","Young Romance"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1752780-king-of-the-ring-chapter-2-usurpers","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/k1VVNkQ1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/c0/f1/c0f17497-ad69-406b-8e6d-bb1e30216c0d","description":"A foreign mercenary brought forth by a covetous wretch proposes an interesting idea for the Circle. You endeavor to stand with your queen as you fight off usurpers two at a time. By her side you'll face teams of two, find a way to topple a mountain, and deliver some necessary street justice to a whiny shitlord.","content":"\\\u003eYou throw your fist straight into this huge bastard's gut.\n\n\\\u003eLike the twenty times you've hit him before, he takes it and doesn't even flinch.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact, whenever you throw a punch, he pulls his hands to his sides and puffs his torso out, like he's the man o' steel, and you're just a common thug, plinking puny bullets off of him.\n\n\\\u003eWhere the hell did Buffalo Bill here even come from?\n\n\\\u003eHe's damn near an immovable object.\n\n\\\u003eYou've come up against a wall, and he.\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmXCKxwa0k\n\n\\\u003eIs the fucking wall.\n\n\\\u003eYou weave quickly to the side to avoid a heavy jab.\n\n\\\u003eYou know from watching this guy's previous fights today that you had better avoid those punches like they've got plague.\n\n\\\u003eHe literally two or three hit comboed the last three opponents he fought. Which is why you are currently fighting him.\n\n\\\u003eBut every time he won, he didn't look like he enjoyed his win.\n\n\\\u003eLike it was just a matter of fact, or wasn't as exciting as he thought it would be.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone else was excited though.\n\n\\\u003eProbably the one who was the whole reason this guy showed up.\n\n\\\u003eYou were excited, as one should be when new opponents show themselves. But Mirabelle was just as excited as you were.\n\n\\\u003eYou were moments away from begging her to let you fight in place of her.\n\n\\\u003eLuckily, this big ass bison's honor saved your own honor.\n\n\\\u003eHe said he hadn't ever fought a girl before, his momma had taught him not to hit girls, so he would definitely not be at his best, and wouldn't be a proper challenger.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle relented and said you could fight, but warned you like she always does, to not lose.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't intend to lose, but then again, you didn't intend to lose your title to her, yet here you are.\n\n\\\u003eHe went through his three fights to get to the Champ bout all in the same day, so every fight today has been his.\n\n\\\u003eLewis wanted to tell him that most fighters usually only go through one fight a day, but he retaliated with the fact that he wasn't going to be in town for long and wanted to get the full Circle experience before he left.\n\n\\\u003eWhich didn't sound quite true, the way he said it reluctantly, but everyone around decided to allow it, so he blew right through the competition and stepped up.\n\n\\\u003eNow it's up to you to put him down.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a straight kick as hard as you can but he does that big bellied earth stance of his and stops your kick with his solid flesh.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe if you soften up his legs, he'll be less stable.\n\n\\\u003eYou kick him in the shin and-\n\n\\\u003eWell fuck that was a mistake.\n\n\\\u003eIt's like kicking a tree trunk.\n\n\\\u003eWhy is this dude so solid?!\n\n\\\u003eYou've fought big opponents before, but none of them were carved from fucking stone like this guy.\n\n\\\u003eYour only saving grace in this fight is that he's about as slow as Caesar, but without the whole wind up before the giant fist.\n\n\\\u003eYou get in close and throw a hook to his jaw.\n\n\\\u003eThat actually does something, as the behemoth's face actually yields in the direction your punch knocked it.\n\n\\\u003eLadies and gentlemen, the immovable object can be moved.\n\n\\\u003eYou press what you think is an advantage and try to uppercut him.\n\n\\\u003eHowever he looks like he doubles down in his weird stance and his chin completely denies any yield this time.\n\n\\\u003eYou take it back, that lucky punch was just you knocking some pebbles loose from the mountain you're currently in combat with.\n\n\\\u003eYou're actually at a loss, no one else has been this indomitable.\n\n\\\u003eYou try to take a step back to give yourself a bit of distance and think about whatever you can do.\n\n\\\u003eThis bison takes a step back too. Kind of.\n\n\\\u003eHis front leg comes off the ground and he rears back a bit.\n\n\\\u003eHe holds his right hand in his left.\n\n\\\u003eHe kind of looks like he's about to pitch a baseball at you.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then his entire body rockets forward, faster than any living creature his size should move.\n\n\\\u003eHe throws this big step haymaker at you, with even more forward force than the haymakers you throw.\n\n\\\u003eYou should've moved to the side, but you were already moving backward to gain a bit of distance, so you dodged backward.\n\n\\\u003eHowever his range is a lot longer than you expected, it's like his arms grew a foot longer or something.\n\n\\\u003eLuckily he didn't seem to be aiming at your face.\n\n\\\u003eHis punch lands square in your chest, right at the sternum.\n\n\\\u003eBut damn, it hits with so much force it practically lifts you off your feet and launches you back, like getting hit point blank with a shotgun shell.\n\n\\\u003eOh dear lord this dude hits with the strength of like, ten gorillas.\n\n\\\u003eYou fall to your back and scramble to at least get to your feet as you struggle to catch your breath.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone in the Circle is cheering you on, shouting at you to get up.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle's voice is especially loud.\n\n\\\u003eYou will yourself to rise.\n\n\\\u003eYou will not allow this foreign usurper to stride into your land, lay low your home's greatest combatants, and steal your queen's throne.\n\n\\\u003eYou rise back up, the thunderous applause of your allies booming in your ears.\n\n\\\u003eBut through that another sound enters your ears as you stare at your deadly enemy.\n\n\\\u003eHe huffs.\n\n\\\u003eLike he just carried a three-hundred pound bag up ten flights of stairs.\n\n\\\u003eWhat, did that punch exert all his energy or something?\n\n\\\u003eOr was that a huff of disappointment?\n\n\\\u003eLike that punch is about to lay you down and he's upset that all his fights have ended in so few attacks from him?\n\n\\\u003eWho does this Yakkity Yak looking motherfucker think he is.\n\n\\\u003eYou're a bit confused but whatever, you won't let it shake you.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your hands back up, ready to start round 2. Well, round 2 for you.\n\n\\\u003eBut then he does something else that confuses you even further.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks to Lewis, whose trademark mask of boredom is replaced with a controlled awe.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh buddy. I think I'm good here. I'm gonna give up, or whatever.\" the bison says, as he runs his hands through his thick, wild dreadlocks.\n\n\\\u003e...Wat.\n\n\\\u003eThe look on everyone's faces says they're thinking the exact same thing.\n\n\\\u003e\"You uh. You sure, dude?\" Lewis asks with all the confusion of everyone around filling his words. \"I'll be honest, you were doing really well. You wanna just, give up like that?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah.\" he says. \"The idea is cool and all, but I'll be honest, I'm not having as much fun as I thought I would. So I'd hate to actually take the Champ spot or whatever, when I'm not enjoying. Seems kind of like a dick move.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"What the fuck are you doing?!\" a loud, whiny voice cuts through this strange moment.\n\n\\\u003eYou know that voice.\n\n\\\u003eFucking Marty.\n\n\\\u003eMarty was always cheering like a lunatic and laughing like one too whenever this bison guy won a fight.\n\n\\\u003eSo you can only guess Marty's the one who brought him here.\n\n\\\u003eMartini Browning. A.K.A. Marty.\n\n\\\u003e\"Goddammit Kayo, we were right about to fuckin' profit!\" Marty screams. \"Why'd you go and blow it right at the end?!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I wasn't havin' fun I guess.\" the bison, whose name is apparently Kayo, says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Who cares about fun?!\" Marty replies. \"I told you what we coulda had! And we were almost there, goddammit!\"\n\n\\\u003e'We, we', what is this 'we'?\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eWhat the hell did Marty say to this guy to get him to throw down in the Circle?\n\n\\\u003eIf you were to hazard a guess, it was something about being the Champ and the Champion's Right.\n\n\\\u003eMarty likes what being the Champ brings, but doesn't care about anything else.\n\n\\\u003eMarty's a fucking weasel.\n\n\\\u003eLike literally he is, but also in spirit.\n\n\\\u003e\"Get back in there and fuck Anon up!\" Marty screeches.\n\n\\\u003eLewis butts in, \"He uh, technically gave up, so he'd have to win his three again to fight Anon or Mirabelle for the Champ spot, Marty.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"FUCK!\" is Marty's reply as he stomps out of the Circle, throwing a little tantrum.\n\n\\\u003eGod, why do you all even let Marty come?\n\n\\\u003eYou wish you could get him in the Circle so you could knock him around a bit, but he doesn't fight.\n\n\\\u003eHe just tries to get other people to do it so he can use them apparently.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to go talk to Kayo, get his take on what Marty's deal with him was, but as you look over, he's already trotting out of the Circle and down the road.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand there, a bit dumbfounded.\n\n\\\u003eEventually Mirabelle walks over to you, looking just as confused as you feel.\n\n\\\u003eYou resist the current urge to find solace in her lips for a moment, but you do pull her in by the shoulder close to you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Lewis, a bit lost as to what should be done next.\n\n\\\u003eHe catches your gaze.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well uh.\" he says. \"I guess, this is where we're calling it for today? Good fights everyone.\"\n\n\\\u003eEverybody grabs their things and scatter in relative silence.\n\n\\\u003eApart from the occasional remarks of confusion that you would expect.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eWell this was an odd day, you have to admit.\n\n\\\u003eThat Kayo guy was pretty good.\n\n\\\u003eHe wasn't flashy or anything like you are, but he definitely got results.\n\n\\\u003eYou've got questions. Like: where is he from? And: what kind of fighting technique is that?\n\n\\\u003eYou've never seen anyone use their entire torso region as a shield before, but holy shit was it strangely effective. It was like punching stone, for real.\n\n\\\u003eBut the biggest question you have is: why wasn't Kayo having fun?\n\n\\\u003eFor a guy with that impeccable defense and the ability to punch someone into next week with two well placed shots, you're surprised that he wasn't enjoying himself.\n\n\\\u003eHe could've been the Champ for a really long time, if he was local.\n\n\\\u003eWhich is a thought that concerns you.\n\n\\\u003eYou collect your things and trot over to your scooter, Mirabelle right next to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well that. Sure was. An event I guess?\" she says to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah you got that right.\" You say back, \"And whatever the hell it was, it was all Marty's fault.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, who was that?\" she asks. \"I've never seen him around before. Well I've never seen the big guy either, but.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah the big guy, I don't know where he came from, but Marty was the fucking weasel that was screaming his head off. Marty wants to be the Champ, but only because he wants the free shit and discounts that come with being the Champ.\"\n\n\\\u003eMarty doesn't care about the sport, or entertainment, or fun, or glory or anything else that comes with the spirit of the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eHe tried to slide up to you with some propositions when you first became the Champ.\n\n\\\u003eYou more or less told him to get bent.\n\n\\\u003eSo he's kind of got beef with you, but he won't settle it himself.\n\n\\\u003e\"And the big guy just gave up because he wasn't having fun or something?\" Mirabelle questions. \"Guess Marty picked the wrong guy to use huh?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No he picked a great guy.\" you say truthfully. \"If Kayo had more heart, he could've stuck it out until he laid me flat. And honestly hun, he was about one or two more solid punches away from doing just that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh come on now. How are you supposed to be my king if you get knocked out by little taps like that?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Those 'little taps' were equal to like three of your dropkicks!\" you exclaim.\n\n\\\u003e\"... Well that's an exaggeration.\" she shrugs. \"My dropkicks are far superior. Or do you need a reminder?\"\n\n\\\u003enope.jpeg\n\n\\\u003e\"Naah, I'm alright.\" you laugh a little wryly.\n\n\\\u003eYou two are far enough away from the Circle and the the police car that patrols near it that you can put her on the back of your scooter and give her a lift home now.\n\n\\\u003eYou take off toward her house, and one peaceful drive later, basking in the warmth and closeness of her body pressed against yours, you pull up to her house in the Hills.\n\n\\\u003eShe jumps off.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thanks, as always.\" she tells you.\n\n\\\u003e\"You are welcome, as always.\" you tell her.\n\n\\\u003e\"You still gonna come over on Sunday?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Absolutely. I got some things I wanna run by your dad anyway, just in case Kayo does come back. He might have some good ideas.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Mkay.\" she say, punctuating her sentence with a kiss. \"See you then.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yep.\" you reply. \"Love you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Love you too.\" she replies before heading home.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn around and head home yourself, but your mind returns to the events of the Circle today as you ride in silence and solitude.\n\n\\\u003eYour Saturday came and went.\n\n\\\u003eVerne had to help his parents with some things and Mikael had to take his little sister somewhere for the day, so there was no Saturdays for the boys hangout.\n\n\\\u003eYou spent your time playing video games, watching Yewtube and devouring meme content like a bloodstarved beast.\n\n\\\u003eWhich is what you always do on solitary Saturday nights.\n\n\\\u003eMan, you really don't do anything constructive when you're alone, do you?\n\n\\\u003eNot like you do anything constructive when you aren't alone either.\n\n\\\u003eEither way, it's Sunday now, and you are waiting for Mirabelle's dad to get home.\n\n\\\u003eWhile you wait, you're sitting in her living room, throwing back \"healthy snacks\" that Mrs. Dunwick made.\n\n\\\u003eThey were technically something she made for her younger boys, but she offered them to you and Mirabelle too.\n\n\\\u003eAnd hey, you won't say no.\n\n\\\u003eHowever Annabelle is sitting in your lap stealing your snacks so you aren't even getting to eat them.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eBlake is in the living room with you, showing you this anime he's really into.\n\n\\\u003eGogo's Bizarrest Adventures.\n\n\\\u003eYou've seen it before of course. You can't scroll down a thread for two seconds without someone making a Gogo reference, so you decided to watch it a while ago.\n\n\\\u003eBut you said no when he asked if you'd ever seen it and he refused to let you move from your seat until you watched it.\n\n\\\u003eYou weren't sure what the easier option would be, so you figured having him show it to you would be more simple than having him talk to you about it.\n\n\\\u003eBlake even quotes that entire approaching segment right before Deo and Gogo fight each other.\n\n\\\u003eHe's making you watch the anime subbed too, so he just said all those lines in fluent Japanese.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mirabelle and smile a bit.\n\n\\\u003eShe's smiling too, likely struggling to suppress the urge to laugh and call her own little brother a weeb, just like you are.\n\n\\\u003eThe urge dies away as the man of the hour finally arrives.\n\n\\\u003eMan, working on a Sunday, how wild.\n\n\\\u003eBut your dad does the same, so you can understand.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam drops his keys on a table, kicks off his shoes and practically jumps into his recliner.\n\n\\\u003e\"How are ya, Anon?\" he asks with a bit of exhaustion in his voice.\n\n\\\u003eI'm good Mr. Dunwick, how about you?\" you return.\n\n\\\u003e\"Eh, it's no fun getting old, you know how it is.\" he shrugs.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't, but you nod like you do.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam looks to the t.v.\n\n\\\u003e\"Man Blake, you're watching this show again?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon's never seen it!\" Blake exclaims.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam looks over to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"I have never seen it.\" you say with the blankest monotone you can manage.\n\n\\\u003eHe nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"So what're you in the market for today?\" William says. \"Just let me catch my breath for a bit and we can get started.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Great.\" you tell him. \"I'm actually at kind of an impasse and was hoping you could give me some advice.\n\n\\\u003e\"Advice huh?\" He scratches his chin. \"Let's hope it's something I've dealt with before.\"\n\n\\\u003eSome life returns to his face, and he looks over to you, really taking stock of what's going on.\n\n\\\u003eHe sees his youngest daughter, currently eating the last of your snacks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Come to papa, Anna.\" he says to Annabelle as he holds his arms out toward her.\n\n\\\u003eShe stares at him for a bit, then promptly shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003eHe visibly deflates like a gambler who bet everything and lost it all.\n\n\\\u003e\"How could you steal both of my daughters from me Anon?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou look down, then to the right.\n\n\\\u003e\"I have no answers for you, I'm sorry.\" you say truthfully.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmph. Yes. You will be.\" He hits the recliner lever and leans back, chuckling like a movie villain.\n\n\\\u003eWhy's he gotta do that all the time?\n\n\\\u003eYou're in the Dunwick's home gym throwing punches and kicks that William calls out into a punching bag.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a wheel kick that you think comes out pretty good.\n\n\\\u003e\"Do it again. Higher.\" William says.\n\n\\\u003eYou kick again, but not much higher than the last time.\n\n\\\u003e\"Terrible. Mirabelle. Show 'im how it's done.\"\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle jumps up from her seat and walks up to the punching bag.\n\n\\\u003eShe shoulder shunts you out of the way, with that oh so seductively taunting grin on her face.\n\n\\\u003eShe sharply twists her body and delivers a fantastic wheel kick.\n\n\\\u003eThe punching bag is knocked back and sways to and fro from the force she unleashed on it.\n\n\\\u003eShe walks back to her seat.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over to William.\n\n\\\u003e\"Again.\" he instructs.\n\n\\\u003eYou kick.\n\n\\\u003eAnd kick.\n\n\\\u003eAnd kick some more.\n\n\\\u003eYou finally get to a height that William finds acceptable.\n\n\\\u003eHe makes you repeat it a few more times, just to make sure you've got it down.\n\n\\\u003e\"Pretty good. Let's take a break.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Dope.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a seat in the chair next to Mirabelle and take a sip of water.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam pulls up his own chair and sits across from you two.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright.\" he says. \"What was this advice you needed?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay cool. So!\" you start. \"How do you, absolutely obliterate an opponent that's like ten feet tall and six thousand pounds?\n\n\\\u003eWilliam pauses.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks at Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"How hard have they been hitting this poor kid out there?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"Too hard apparently.\" she replies, casting a worried look at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"... Okay maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"Just a bit?\" William and Mirabelle say at the same time.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, a very large exaggeration! But the point of the question is what's important. What's the best way to beat opponents that are like a lot bigger than you?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou pause to wait for his answer, before you remember an important point.\n\n\\\u003e\"Also this big opponent takes every punch or kick you try like you're throwing bags of cotton candy at him.\"\n\n\\\u003eWilliam looks interested when you add that last point.\n\n\\\u003e\"What do you mean, he's just taking everything you throw and chugging along?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No I mean like, he squares up and it's like throwing my fist into a damn brick wall, or kicking oak trees.\" you explain.\n\n\\\u003e\"He does this weird belly block thing and refuses to budge once he does.\" Mirabelle follows up. \"And then once he tires you out, he'll two hit K.O. you with a few solid punches.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Two hits. Wow.\" William looks impressed, and concerned. \"Though what do you mean by 'belly block'? That's not something you would want to block with, normally.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Look. I can't do it like him, but I'll show you.\" you say as you stand up.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn and pose just like Kayo does, arms tucked in a bit , legs spread and bent, torso forced out as far as you can.\n\n\\\u003eYour gut isn't as big as his so it looks a bit jank.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle punch me.\" you say, holding your breath.\n\n\\\u003eNot one to miss a chance at free violence, she jumps up with no hesitation and slugs you as hard as she can right in the solar plexus.\n\n\\\u003eYou sputter like a deflating balloon.\n\n\\\u003eYou crumple to the ground like one too.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam tries to hold back his laughs but he isn't doing well at all.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, so I'm going to assume that's the belly block thing, but without the whole, getting folded thing that Anon did.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, pretty much.\" Mirabelle confirms.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, well uh.\" William starts. He thinks to himself for a while, before saying \"I'll be honest, I've never seen anything like that. It honestly looks like it shouldn't work. Well, it does remind me of some martial arts stances, I guess. But as for just letting yourself get hit, can't compare that to much.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe thinks a bit, before he laughs a bit and says \"Well, there was this stupid internet video with some guy letting people hit him below the belt and not flinching, but I doubt that's what this opponent of yours is going for.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou're finally recovering from Mirabelle's random reminder of who's the boss.\n\n\\\u003eYou sit up, and look to William.\n\n\\\u003e\"So whadda we do?\" you ask him.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well I have a few pointers on taking out larger opponents.\" he says, scratching his chin. \"I've had to teach Mirabelle a lot of it since... Well. But getting through that weird block, if it is as effective as you say, may take some work.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'll take anything you got.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright then.\" he says. \"Let's get to it.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou jump up. \"Oh wait. I have one more question for you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"What's up?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Do you have any idea why someone who seems to be a good fighter would say they weren't enjoying themselves in a fight?\"\n\n\\\u003eWilliam poses a question of his own.\n\n\\\u003e\"Does he fight because he wants to, or because he has to?\"\n\n\\\u003eHuh.\n\n\\\u003eThat's a good question.\n\n\\\u003eHe continues. \"Maybe if he always has to, he wouldn't enjoy it. Maybe there are reasons that bring him to fight, but not enjoy it. Though I think, everyone who participates in the Circle should be fighting for fun and not out of obligation.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course, I think so too.\" you say. \"Maybe he said he wasn't having fun, because Marty basically coaxed him into it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"This the same guy?\" William asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm.\" he says. \"Maybe you'd understand him better if you have a talk with him. See what he's about. Ask him yourself what the problem was.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah. Probably.\" you nod again.\n\n\\\u003eBut that may not be possible. He's from out of town and you have no idea where's he staying.\n\n\\\u003eHe apparently won't be around for long, and it's not like you'll see him at school.\n\n\\\u003eYou damn sure aren't gonna ask Marty, not like he'd tell you anything anyway.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright!\" William claps and turns back toward the punching bag. \"Let's get back to it.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou practice for a while longer and William gives you his giant slaying tips.\n\n\\\u003eBut it's about time to start heading home.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle walks you to the gate and plants her lips on yours like she always does.\n\n\\\u003eAnd like always you wish you didn't have to break away.\n\n\\\u003eYou take off on your way home, replaying William's tips in your head, for lack of practical use at the moment.\n\n\\\u003eBut you probably won't get to use them.\n\n\\\u003eWell there are a few people you can use them on, but you've never had much trouble with them before, so.\n\n\\\u003eBut Kayo probably isn't coming back, so your whole reason to be David is pointless with no Goliath.\n\n\\\u003eBut oh well, you won't let it bother you too much.\n\n\\\u003eYou think about that big wind-up haymaker he threw at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou liked the look of it, right before it almost blasted you into a different time zone.\n\n\\\u003eSince he may not be coming around anymore, maybe you can lawfully acquire it for yourself.\n\n\\\u003eTo the victor goes the spoils, and all that.\n\n\\\u003eThough if video games have taught you anything, it's that the acquisition of someone else's special move should only come once you knock them out at least once.\n\n\\\u003eTwice if they're like a special boss or something.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn a corner on the way back to your house.\n\n\\\u003eYou catch something vaguely familiar out of the corner of your eye.\n\n\\\u003eDark brown and almost black fur.\n\n\\\u003eWild, unruly dreadlocks.\n\n\\\u003eThe absolute unit that is Kayo walks down the road in the same direction you're headed.\n\n\\\u003eDamn, what a stroke of luck.\n\n\\\u003eSome higher power out there has blessed you today.\n\n\\\u003eYou pull over and stop a few feet ahead of him.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey hey, Kayo!\" you shout, a bit louder than necessary considering he is right in front of you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. Hey, ummmm. Anon. Right?\" he says.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't blame him for almost forgetting your name. He met you once and heard your name just as many times.\n\n\\\u003eWhereas you've had him on your mind for a few days.\n\n\\\u003e... No homo or anything.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah man. Hey look.\" you tell him. \"I'll just come right out with it, because I'm curious. You said you weren't having fun during our fight. But you were doing well during the previous three. Any reason why that is?\"\n\n\\\u003eHe chuckles. \"Care that much about the feelings of a dude you don't even know?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou look at him with dead seriousness. \"You came into my Circle and left underwhelmed. I have a right to know.\"\n\n\\\u003eIt's not technically yours anymore. Or ever. But whatever.\n\n\\\u003e\"Damn.\" he says. \"My bad man, I didn't mean to offend.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe's pretty polite for such a bruiser, isn't he?\n\n\\\u003e\"Nah man, I wasn't offended.\" you tell him. \"I just don't want you to go back home and tell your friends something like 'yeah man that thing they do over there in Towngrove? It's whack', and then they think we're pansies over where you're from.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"Haha, don't worry. Where I'm from everyone thinks everyone else is a pansy. Even the people in their own city.\" he says.\n\n\\\u003eHe pauses for a moment, like he's getting ready to tell you his life story.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm from over there on the west coast. Live in a city called San Vanargrand.\"\n\n\\\u003e... Never heard of it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anyway,\" he continues, \"There's a lot of gang garbage out there. Like, idiots our age, dressing up in colors or symbols, making their own gangs, and being nuisances all the time.\"\n\n\\\u003eSo it's already more chaotic than out here.\n\n\\\u003e\"And you know, gang idiots don't play fair, so if you don't wanna be a bloody mess on the side of the road, you learn to fight two or three people at a time. So when I walk with my bros and we get into some shit with some of those idiots, they usually aim for me first, since I'm so.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Swole?\" you offer?\n\n\\\u003e\"I woulda said 'fat', but I appreciate your alternative. But yeah. That's what I've grown with, so that's what I'm used to, I guess.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sooo?\" you begin to pose your question, attempting to piece his information together. \"You prefer to have fights that aren't one on one?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well... Yeah.\" he admits. \"Ya know, when Marty was explaining things, he didn't really give me all the information.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yup, that sounds like Marty.\" you roll your eyes.\n\n\\\u003e\"And he said a few people throw down in the ring. And that there were two people who kind of hold the Champ spot, and that I may have to fight them.\"\n\n\\\u003eWithholding information, and misinformation. Just like that goddamn weasel.\n\n\\\u003e\"So yeah.\" Kayo scratches his head. \"I wasn't expecting like, a mosh pit of people slugging each other. But. Ya know. Like. Maybe doubles?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Doubles?\" you repeat?\n\n\\\u003e\"Like at least a two on two? That would've been cool.\" he clarifies.\n\n\\\u003eDoubles.\n\n\\\u003eTwo on two.\n\n\\\u003eThis new information floods your brain like a tsunami.\n\n\\\u003eThat's the greatest fucking idea you've ever heard!\n\n\\\u003eWhy has no one else thought of this?!\n\n\\\u003eIt took a random bison from the other side of the country to instill this genius within you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Kayo.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"Wassup?\" he responds.\n\n\\\u003e\"When are you going back home?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. Uh.\" he sniffles. \"Next Monday I believe.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You should come back to the Circle tomorrow.\" you say slowly, like you've been possessed by a braindead spirit. \"You might have fun before you go back home.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Man, that Circle must be really important, if you're willing to do something for some outsider who's gonna be gone in a few days.\" he chuckles some more.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, yes. But actually no. I wanna fight you again, cuz it was fun. But like, I don't wanna jump you to do it. That's not really how we settle things out here.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Wait wait wait.\" he says. \"You tellin' me that throwin' punches that weren't workin' and almost gettin' laid out in one hit, was fun to you?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Listen. I was the Champion of that Circle for three years. Almost everyone who fights there, I have fought.\" you stare at him and pour every drop of malice into your voice as you can. \"Sometimes you need new victims.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat gets a hearty laugh out of him.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright man, I'll come through one more time.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Cool man. I'll see you there.\" You jump back onto your scooter and get ready to take off.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh wait!\" you pause.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn around slowly.\n\n\\\u003e\"Make sure you bring Marty with you. If you can.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe tilts his head in confusion.\n\n\\\u003e\"Marty wants to be the Champ but won't fight for it. As an outsider, he was trying to use you to get it. I feel like if he wants to be the Champ, he should have to work for it. Ya feel me?\"\n\n\\\u003eHe gives you a solemn nod of understanding and a sly grin.\n\n\\\u003eExcellent.\n\n\\\u003eYou take off back home.\n\n\\\u003eOh, this coming week is going to be fun.\n\n\\\u003eYou texted your brand new, very unique, very original idea to your friends.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is the first to respond with \"Anon. I love you and I am going to steal you away from your lover.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Whoa, how bromantic.\" Verne follows up with.\n\n\\\u003e\"I didn't know vikings loved their brothers like the Greeks did.\" you send.\n\n\\\u003e\"I love this idea and I must express to you how much I love it.\" Mikael replies.\n\n\\\u003e\"I have to admit, it wasn't initially my idea, I'm just trying to pitch it and hope it works.\" you tell them.\n\n\\\u003e\"Could be cool.\" Lewis finally says. \"You're trying to have it during this coming week?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yup.\" you say. \"It's soon, but people shouldn't take long to be ready.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You gonna have Mirabelle put up the Champ spot?\" Lewis asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"If she's down.\" you say. \"If not, I'll have to think up a new prize.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"If it's doubles, who's gonna get the Champ spot?\" Verne questions.\n\n\\\u003e\"Make the team who got to the end fight each other for it!\" Mikael says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Not a bad idea.\" Lewis replies. \"Today's friend, tomorrow's enemy. I'll start trying to put things together. Lemme know if Mirabelle is cool with the idea and we'll go from there.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright.\" you say. \"Gonna text her now, see what she thinks.\"\n\n\\\u003eVerne, partner with me!\" Mikael sends.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hell. No.\" is Verne's simple reply.\n\n\\\u003eYou close the group chat and text Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, I've got a cool idea for the Circle, but you have to put your title on the line. You in?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe responds. \"I mean, I put it on the line every time I fight, or you fight for me, so I guess I must not have a problem with putting it up.\"\n\n\\\u003eTrue. True indeed.\n\n\\\u003e\"What's up?\" she sends.\n\n\\\u003e\"Doubles tournament.\" is all you send in response.\n\n\\\u003eThere's a pause in her reply.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eA long pause.\n\n\\\u003eYou think she's compiling a strongly worded text that describes how ridiculous that idea is and how much of a dummy you are for even wasting her time with it.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm in.\" she finally sends.\n\n\\\u003eOh. Well never mind.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't you want more information first?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm. In.\" she sends back.\n\n\\\u003eOkay, no further discussion is necessary.\n\n\\\u003e\"Awesome. Love you!\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eShe sends a gif of some old ass cartoon with a robot waddling out of a courthouse with the caption 'shut up baby, i know it'.\n\n\\\u003eYou laugh and switch back to your group chat.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is spamming it with all kinds of hype pictures and telling Verne to partner up with him, to which Verne simply says 'no'.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle's in.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eMikael sends a gif of that Yewtube memelord Krit1cal shouting in jubilation.\n\n\\\u003eYou put your phone on the charger.\n\n\\\u003eMan you're excited.\n\n\\\u003eYou haven't been this excited for the Circle since...\n\n\\\u003eSince Lewis brought up that secret challenger all those months ago.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then you fought Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then you started dating Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eMan, you can't believe that was only like six months ago.\n\n\\\u003eBut a fantastic six months they have been.\n\n\\\u003eYou still get that filling warmth when you see her smile.\n\n\\\u003eYou still get lost in those big blue eyes.\n\n\\\u003eThis is a random time to be reminiscing.\n\n\\\u003eBut it seems to happen whenever Mirabelle passes through your mind while you're alone.\n\n\\\u003eYou wonder if you're going to feel like this forever.\n\n\\\u003eYou sure hope so.\n\n\\\u003eYou get into bed.\n\n\\\u003eDoubles tournament.\n\n\\\u003eThis is gonna be good.\n\n\\\u003eYou spent your free time during school walking around with Lewis pitching your crazy idea and getting people on board with it.\n\n\\\u003eSome people were impressed.\n\n\\\u003eOthers asked why it took so long for this to be a thing.\n\n\\\u003eEven more thought it may not be the best idea, thinking it might get too hectic.\n\n\\\u003eOr that you shouldn't change what the Circle has always been.\n\n\\\u003eYou explained that it wasn't a change, so much as an event, and that the Circle would return to its normal one v. ones right after it was over.\n\n\\\u003eThey accepted that and jumped on board your crazy idea ship.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then the end of the day arrived and you began walking to the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eGrinning like a madman.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle was a bit concerned at how excited you were, but your infectious mood rubbed off on her a bit.\n\n\\\u003eYou wouldn't say she's as pumped as you are, but you can tell she's definitely looking forward to whatever you've put together.\n\n\\\u003eWhen you got to the Circle, you began looking around for Kayo, to see if he actually came.\n\n\\\u003eLuckily a being of his size and stature is hard to miss and he is swiftly located.\n\n\\\u003eAnd located, right next to him, in all his stubby, shifty glory, is one very confused and pissed off\u0026nbsp; Marty.\n\n\\\u003eYou give silent thanks to Kayo for coming through on this. With any luck, things will go exactly as planned.\n\n\\\u003eAll that's left is for Lewis to make the announcement and see how things go.\n\n\\\u003eOnce it looks like everybody who's going to show up has arrived, Lewis moves to the center of the Circle.\n\n\\\u003e\"Welcome everybody.\" he starts off. \"Like always, let's make it a good day. However, before we get into it, we've got something going on that some of you might be interested in.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe looks around, gauging people's reactions as he brings in this new addition to his normal startup.\n\n\\\u003e\"Have you ever been interested in fighting more than one opponent? Do you believe that you could fight better if you had someone backing you up? Do you think that with an ally by your side, you could even defeat the past King and current Queen? Or are you just up for breaking the monotony of the Circle?\"\n\n\\\u003eSome people look interested in what he's saying, a few look surprised.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, lucky for you, an idea was proposed to do just that.\" he continues. \"We're doing something we haven't done before, and starting up a doubles tournament this week. Apologies for the sudden announcement.\"\n\n\\\u003eAt the mention of the actual plan, the Circle's attention is thoroughly snared.\n\n\\\u003eLewis pauses for a moment to give people time to digest his words, before starting up again.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"Some special circumstances have brought this idea before us, so it's happening this very week. Consider it a testing ground for the idea. However, it does still come with the prize you all seek. The Champion title. And while this rule can't be changed, there is technically only one Champ. At the very least, I don't have the authority to change it. There will be an extra prize, devised by our very own Anon to the one who wins the tournament but does not take the crown.\n\n\\\u003e...Hold on. Wait a second.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou were supposed to come up with a prize?\n\n\\\u003eWas that a part of the conversation? Were you just too excited to catch that part?\n\n\\\u003e\"Or, if you aren't content with relinquishing what you worked so hard for, you could always turn on your ally after all is said and done and duel them for it.\" he adds.\n\n\\\u003eYou look around.\n\n\\\u003eMost of the Circle looks about as excited as you think you did when Kayo first proposed the idea to you, so the Champ title and extra prize are probably just icing on this cake.\n\n\\\u003eBasically, he had 'em at doubles tournament, just like you.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's a little rushed, again, we apologize for that.\" he throws out, to anyone still listening. \"But, if your attention and desire to fight as a team of two has been peaked enough to want in, grab a partner and go jot your names down with Sly over there, so we can see how many are participating, get brackets made, and get things started. We're trying to get this tournament done and dusted by Saturday at the latest, so.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe claps his hands twice and points them both over to Sly's table.\n\n\\\u003eIt only takes a few moments before a wave of people break from the Circle to first try and find someone willing to partner with them and then hit Sly's table.\n\n\\\u003eThe Circle has effectively been broken, but through it you once again attempt to spot Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eHe's still standing where you saw him last time, wide eyed and observing his surroundings.\n\n\\\u003eHe catches your gaze.\n\n\\\u003eYou grin and throw your arms up in a shrug.\n\n\\\u003eHe grins back, so you guess the gesture you made will be appreciated.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to his left to see Marty, unmoving and a pissy little scowl on his face.\n\n\\\u003eYou catch Kayo's gaze again and point your eyes at Marty a few times, hoping he catches the gesture.\n\n\\\u003eHe follows your gaze, and in an instant understands what you want him to do.\n\n\\\u003eHe gives you a single nod, then turns to Marty and says something to him.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't catch what he's saying from here.\n\n\\\u003eBut you sure can hear Marty.\n\n\\\u003e\"No no NO! FUCK NO!\" he's screaming.\n\n\\\u003eThat whiny voice is grating on your good mood.\n\n\\\u003eShould've known it wasn't going to be easy.\n\n\\\u003eYou think about what you can say to help it along, but you actually manage to catch a line from Kayo that seems to hit Marty somewhere in the black void that is his heart.\n\n\\\u003e\"Man the fuck up.\" Kayo tells him, leaning down to grasp him by the shoulders.\n\n\\\u003eMarty's eyes are wide.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't hear anything else that Kayo is saying, but whatever else it is seems to stir something in Marty.\n\n\\\u003eThat west coast boy has some kind of way with words if he's managing to persuade Marty that easily.\n\n\\\u003eEventually Marty seems to calm down, and throws his hands up violently like he's done.\n\n\\\u003eHe starts walking toward Sly's table, with Kayo right behind.\n\n\\\u003eKayo gives you a discreet thumbs up as he passes.\n\n\\\u003eIf you weren't determined before, you sure as hell are now.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone shoves you from behind and you have to take a step to keep from falling forward.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to find Mirabelle looking at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Are we signing up or are you just gonna stand there zoning out?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Ha, my bad. Let's go.\"\n\n\\\u003ePeople are forming up at the table, and luckily you had a couple of others to keep things calm and orderly.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk over to the line at Sly's table.\n\n\\\u003eSly is a raccoon who is exactly like her nickname suggests.\n\n\\\u003eHer name is actually Sally, but everyone calls her Sly.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone joked that she sold the extra letters in her name for a profit.\n\n\\\u003eShe is very money motivated.\n\n\\\u003eWhich is probably how she manages to take bets at the Circle and honor them all.\n\n\\\u003eSly is shifty, but not in a bad way.\n\n\\\u003eLike, she's the type of person to call someone cousin and sell them something at a family discount, only for them to find out that what they paid, is the basic market price.\n\n\\\u003eThey got conned, but not detrimentally.\n\n\\\u003eThe line reaches the front pretty quick.\n\n\\\u003eSly hands you a card and you put down Mirabelle's and your name on it before handing it back.\n\n\\\u003ePeople are joining, sign ups are almost done.\n\n\\\u003ePhase one is complete.\n\n\\\u003ePhase two is where it's at.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes a bit longer for everyone who's joining to pair and sign up, but once that's done, the number of participants are counted.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright.\" Lewis says. \"We got quite the turnout already, so it looks like we'll have to split the first round of matches into a few today, and a few tomorrow. If we do it that way, we can be done by Friday.\"\n\n\\\u003eIt pains you that your first ever event like this had to be so rushed, but certain company needed to be included, for several reasons.\n\n\\\u003eSo what must be done, was done.\n\n\\\u003e\"So we're going to draw teams from the name cards we have, that way we can keep things a bit random.\" Lewis explains. \"No working on strategies because you know ahead of time who you're going to be fighting or anything like that.\"\n\n\\\u003eYup, that sounds pretty fair.\n\n\\\u003e\"Also since there'll be a bit more to watch out for I'm going to need a bit of help, so Elodi. If you would.\"\n\n\\\u003eA sophomore who looks like a smaller version of everyone's local librarian walks up to the Circle, opposite the side where Lewis stands.\n\n\\\u003eElodi is going to be the next referee when Lewis is done, she already volunteered to take the place. So she's getting her practice in now.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay great. With that settled, it looks like we're as ready as we'll ever be.\" Lewis says, glancing around. \"Let me welcome you all to the Circle's first ever Double's Tournament. At least I think it's the first.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe hype is growing. People are whooping and hollering, excited to get into it. The spectators excited to witness a whole new activity in the Circle.\n\n\\\u003e\"Let's not waste anymore time, and get right into it.\" Lewis continues, pulling a name card out of a box without looking at it. \"First team stepping up is... Well well. Mirabelle and Anon.\n\n\\\u003eOh damn, already?\n\n\\\u003eYou were hoping to go soon, but you weren't expecting to go first.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe has her trademark taunting smirk on her face.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks up at you, right into your eyes.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back.\n\n\\\u003eNo words need be shared, because they've been said time and time again.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't you dare lose.\"\n\n\\\u003eAnd there is absolutely no way you will.\n\n\\\u003eWith your queen at your side, no usurper will stand before you for long.\n\n\\\u003eYou two step into the Circle to the chorus of cheers from the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw your arms up in the pose you've done a thousand times before, and Mirabelle simply stands, hands on her hips, proud and confident.\n\n\\\u003e\"These two will be going against...\" He grabs another card and reads the names. \"Hm. Benji and Clyde.\"\n\n\\\u003eWell. Two big boys, right out the gate.\n\n\\\u003eBenji Blackrock the bull, and Clyde Bleasdale the horse, step up and into the Circle, giving each other dap as they do.\n\n\\\u003eLook at these barnyard bruisers, thinking they're coordinated already.\n\n\\\u003e\"Which one you want?\" you ask Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm. I'll take tall, dark and long faced.\" she says.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at them both, before you turn back to her and shrug. \"That doesn't help.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'll take Clyde.\" she explains.\n\n\\\u003e\"Kay.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright.\" Lewis says. \"We have quite a few fights we gotta get through, so in the interest of time constraints, and the fact that there would be a lot of smack to talk with two extra opponents in the Circle, we're going to cut straight to the fight. So. Anon and Mirabelle. You ready?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou crack your knuckles, Mirabelle stretches her legs. You look to each other once more, then to Lewis and nod simultaneously.\n\n\\\u003eLewis looks to Elodi, for her to ask the other team.\n\n\\\u003e\"Benji, Clyde. Are you ready?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003eBenji rolls his shoulders, Clyde pops his neck. They both nod to her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then let's.\" Lewis and Elodi say at the same time, bringing their hands up, and holding them in the air, before throwing them straight down. \"Fight!\"\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g45Va0gCwQ4\n\n\\\u003eAs soon as those words come out, Clyde is out the gate, charging at Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eClyde's pretty quick for such a big guy, but you don't worry.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle effortlessly dodges his opening attack and counterattacks with two of her own.\n\n\\\u003eHe's pretty tall so you don't think she's going to have too easy a time landing anything particularly devastating, unless he opens himself up.\n\n\\\u003eBut you have your own opponent to worry about at the moment.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Benji.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab the edge of your flannel shirt, and while it's not red, you bring it up and wave it as best you can like a matador cape.\n\n\\\u003eApparently long ago, men(and women, you think) would fight bulls in the Spanish countries.\n\n\\\u003eLike a Circle itself, but it usually ended in serious injury or death.\n\n\\\u003e\"Toro, motherfucker.\" you goad.\n\n\\\u003eHis simple mind has been effectively baited because he charges you, head down like he plans to spear you.\n\n\\\u003eHe's not actually going to.\n\n\\\u003eNot with those nubs, anyway.\n\n\\\u003eBut it does make you look like you're about to do a dance with death against wrath given flesh.\n\n\\\u003eHowever, unlike those bullfighters of a bygone age, you don't flourish or dodge out of the way in a grandiose fashion.\n\n\\\u003eHe brings his fist up to swing at you, but has too much forward momentum.\n\n\\\u003eYou slip to the side and belt him right across the cheek as he passes you right up.\n\n\\\u003eHe slows himself down and turns his body toward you, following with his fist to increase the momentum of his hook.\n\n\\\u003eYou duck down and lean forward to close the gap, then throw your own fist up into his chin.\n\n\\\u003eYou follow with a straight to the solar plexus.\n\n\\\u003eAt this point you would normally back off a bit to throw some kicks at him while he tries to refill his lungs with air.\n\n\\\u003eBut you want to practice the tips Mr. Dunwick gave you.\n\n\\\u003eSpecifically the first one, which is sticking close.\n\n\\\u003eIf you give a bigger opponent too much room, they'll outrange you because they have more strike distance than you.\n\n\\\u003eIf you stick close as well, they can't hit as hard because there's a sweet spot most punches have after a certain amount of forward momentum that gives them their power.\n\n\\\u003ePunches won't hurt as much.\n\n\\\u003eYou keep up on him, holding your guard up high, and throwing knees into his torso.\n\n\\\u003eHe tries to grab you, probably trying to give you a back-cracking hug, but you angle your leg and kick him in the side of the knee which causes it to buckle and bring him down.\n\n\\\u003eHis hold on you releases and you punch him dead on in the nose.\n\n\\\u003eHe falls onto his back, but he doesn't look done yet.\n\n\\\u003eYou get ready to pile on more hurt but the sound of an impact and a yelp of pain grabs you.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know exactly what happened but Mirabelle comes skidding into your field of vision.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw your gaze toward Clyde, to catch him bringing his leg down.\n\n\\\u003eSo you're guessing he kicked her.\n\n\\\u003eWhich means he managed to make contact with her.\n\n\\\u003eBeing in the Circle means people are bound to get hurt.\n\n\\\u003eAnd as the Champ, she gets into fights often.\n\n\\\u003eShe's fast, but not immune to still getting hit every once in a while.\n\n\\\u003eBut seeing Mirabelle clutching herself in pain as she slowly attempts to rise to her feet while you're in here with her awakens some horrific beast of darkness within you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Let go. Let go of everything.\" it calls out to you.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you willingly heed the call.\n\n\\\u003e...Now that you think of it.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eThis really isn't two separate one on one's.\n\n\\\u003eIt's a two on two, like it was stated.\n\n\\\u003eSo this. Is perfectly within the confines of the game.\n\n\\\u003eYou move. Faster than you think you've ever moved in your life.\n\n\\\u003eYou're also suddenly about a foot off the ground.\n\n\\\u003eYou deliver what is typically referred to as a Superman Punch.\n\n\\\u003eStraight to the side of Clyde's big ass head.\n\n\\\u003eHe was probably so focused on Mirabelle that he didn't notice you coming.\n\n\\\u003eOr maybe you just moved too fast for him to register that you were coming for him.\n\n\\\u003eEither way he takes the full force of that punch.\n\n\\\u003eIt staggers him pretty heavily, he looks like he would've fallen over if he didn't drop to a knee to steady himself.\n\n\\\u003eYou show him that falling over would have been the correct choice.\n\n\\\u003eWith his height significantly lowered, you bring your leg behind you, and deliver the wheel kick you've been practicing and devastate his poor equine skull.\n\n\\\u003eHe almost falls, throwing his hands out to catch him before he hits the dirt.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to lay him out, but the steady thudding of an approaching mass stops you.\n\n\\\u003eWithout even turning around you can tell that Benji is charging you.\n\n\\\u003eIt's like all he knows is how to charge straight ahead.\n\n\\\u003eYou give it one more second before you pivot on your foot to face him and bring one leg up.\n\n\\\u003eYou look like you're about to straight kick him, but that wouldn't do anything against his momentum and size.\n\n\\\u003eYou're taking a page from Mirabelle's book.\n\n\\\u003eWith the first leg up, you kick off with the leg still on the ground, and bring them together.\n\n\\\u003eHe's in the perfect range as you kick both legs out and into his chest in a dropkick, not only stopping his advance but managing to push him backwards a good couple of feet.\n\n\\\u003eYou hit the ground splayed out in essentially a t-pose.\n\n\\\u003eTo establish dominance, even while on the ground!\n\n\\\u003eThe Circle cheers, absolutely enthralled at your display.\n\n\\\u003eYou sit up and look to see how Mirabelle is doing.\n\n\\\u003eShe's back up, but her attention is on you.\n\n\\\u003eShe's wide eyed and very impressed.\n\n\\\u003eShe's got a look on her face that you would compare to what you probably look like whenever Mirabelle does something amazing.\n\n\\\u003eSo now you know what it's like to be looked at with adoration, considering all the times you've looked at her in that way.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand and look to your opponents.\n\n\\\u003eClyde is regaining his composure, although he's clutching the side of his head that you decimated.\n\n\\\u003eBenji sits straight up from his prone position like the Undermaker does on t.v.\n\n\\\u003eStill kicking are they?\n\n\\\u003eThem barnyard boys sure can take a beating.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over to Mirabelle, who has her wind back and looks ready for the next round.\n\n\\\u003eYou guys lay into your opponents once again.\n\n\\\u003eWhen Benji gives you too much space, you switch targets and go throw a few punches at Clyde.\n\n\\\u003eSometimes, while you handle Clyde, Mirabelle will switch up, and keep Benji busy, while you press your advantage on your unsuspecting opponent.\n\n\\\u003eAt one point, you uppercut Clyde and lay him on his back.\n\n\\\u003eElodi comes over to check and see if he's done.\n\n\\\u003eBut you don't wait to hear if he is or not.\n\n\\\u003eYou dash over and hook Benji in the side of his gut.\n\n\\\u003eHe brings his arm up and hooks you with it.\n\n\\\u003eNot like a punch, but with his forearm.\n\n\\\u003eLike a lariat, but with no forward movement.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle takes that chance where he's exposed and hits him with that bunny hop uppercut and when you recover you slide around him and kick him in the back of the knee.\n\n\\\u003eHe tries to force his weight up to keep from falling on to it, but you give him an elbow drop right on the shoulder to bring him down.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle is already setting up and in these moments where you really question if gravity affects rabbits like everyone else, she is in the air delivering a game ending kick to the side of Benji's head.\n\n\\\u003eHis head bobs violently for a moment and then he kind of just collapses, like a robot who's power supply ran out mid motion.\n\n\\\u003eHe falls over, unmoving.\n\n\\\u003eYou circle around him toward Mirabelle to give some space but as you turn back to see what was up with Clyde.\n\n\\\u003eOh. He's right in front of you.\n\n\\\u003eAt least he doesn't charge like his teammate, but you didn't expect him to be so sneaky at his size.\n\n\\\u003eHe's lunging and you try to guard against whatever he's doing.\n\n\\\u003eBut he's kicking out with his foot and you don't guard in time.\n\n\\\u003eHe manages to kick you dead center in the stomach.\n\n\\\u003eYou stay upright, but you slide on the tips of your feet backward.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then collapse to your knees, clutching your stomach.\n\n\\\u003eThe sudden onslaught to your malleable flesh threatens to force a putrid mass of bile from you.\n\n\\\u003eBut you clench and hold it down.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eSweet Mother Mary, if that was the kick that hit Mirabelle earlier, it's a wonder she got back up after that.\n\n\\\u003eYou're ready to lose your lunch and your will to fight.\n\n\\\u003eOxygen is denied to you right now.\n\n\\\u003eAnd standing up is like trying to lift ten tons.\n\n\\\u003eThat was a good move on Clyde's part you admit, it may just take you out and bring it to a one v one.\n\n\\\u003eYou focus your gaze just enough to see Clyde side stepping to you, like he's about to hit you with that special Shaun Mikeals kick and lay you out.\n\n\\\u003eBut before he gets to you, you feel a weight bound onto and straight off of your back.\n\n\\\u003eYour gaze is high enough that you can see a figure launching through the air, tucked into itself like a cannonball.\n\n\\\u003eAlright it's official, rabbits can fly.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe the big ears make them aerodynamic.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle dropkicks Clyde, who was mid step toward you and couldn't dodge it.\n\n\\\u003eShe hits him so hard, he actually rolls backward before coming to a stop and slumping to the ground.\n\n\\\u003eThen she lands on the ground as gracefully as a gold medalist gymnast.\n\n\\\u003eAir is starting to return to your lungs and she walks over to help you up.\n\n\\\u003eYou accept her help humbly and look to your opponents who are both currently taking a nap in the sun.\n\n\\\u003eThe referees look at your unconscious opponents.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon.\" says Lewis.\n\n\\\u003e\"And Mirabelle.\" Elodi follows.\n\n\\\u003e\"Are the winners.\" they both say simultaneously.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd erupts in cheers and excitement.\n\n\\\u003eThe few teams you see standing in their pairs are excited to get their turn.\n\n\\\u003eYou see Mikael jumping and can vaguely hear him shouting something in his viking speak, but of course you don't know what.\n\n\\\u003eYou look and see Kayo, pumping his fists and nodding vigorously.\n\n\\\u003eSo you guess this is what he wanted.\n\n\\\u003eHe'll have fun with this.\n\n\\\u003eHell, you're already having fun with this.\n\n\\\u003eSo at the very least, even if he isn't satisfied, the rest of the regulars here sure look like they will be.\n\n\\\u003eYou're glad this idea was presented to you.\n\n\\\u003eNot bad for something you came up with on the fly.\n\n\\\u003eAfter Clyde and Benji get dragged over to the nurse's station, Hannah and Grace having those two younger nurses in training assist them, there are three more fights.\n\n\\\u003eYou recognize some people, and some you didn't expect to team up with who they did, but as they go on, you're impressed with how well some people work together.\n\n\\\u003eThey take to the two on two idea wholeheartedly, throwing down between opponents, switching targets, or throwing a cheeky attack to one before going back to the opponent they were focused on.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately by the end of the fourth fight for the day, Lewis calls for it to be wrapped up.\n\n\\\u003eSo Kayo didn't get to fight today, and you were hoping to see how well Mikael was going to do.\n\n\\\u003eMikael likes his submissions, so if someone runs over to break him out of it, he won't do too hot. So hopefully his partner will keep that in mind.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk over to Kayo before you get ready to leave, apologizing for his lack of a\u0026nbsp; fight today.\n\n\\\u003e\"Eh. It was all random, right? I'm not too hung up on it.\" he says. \"There's tomorrow. And getting to watch the throwdowns was pretty cool. Gotta thank you for putting this together just for big ol' me.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe brings his fist up and you bump it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hope you get to have that fight you wanted.\" he says as he walks away.\n\n\\\u003eYou also catch Marty walking past you.\n\n\\\u003eHe gives you this accusatory scowl, but you shrug innocently.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to save the best for last, but a part of you hopes the fight with Kayo comes sooner, rather than later, just so you can give Marty what he deserves.\n\n\\\u003eBut those are thoughts for another day.\n\n\\\u003eYou're ready to go home and empty your brain.\n\n\\\u003eThe excitement and euphoria from today are weighing on you.\n\n\\\u003eHowever, you do not neglect to escort your dear queen to her castle.\n\n\\\u003eJust because you are a fighter, does not mean you are not also a lover.\n\n\\\u003eYou take her home, but you don't part ways immediately.\n\n\\\u003eYou guys chat in each other's presence for a while on your new event and how it went.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle had a lot more fun than she thought.\n\n\\\u003eShe said she was impressed with that dropkick you did, even if it was super amatuerish.\n\n\\\u003eYou shrug and tell her she should be honored. Mimicry is supposed to be flattering.\n\n\\\u003eYou then ask her when she learned to fly.\n\n\\\u003eShe said it isn't flying, it's falling with style.\n\n\\\u003eShe also said she had a very handy springboard to get her to that level, giving you a playful jab in the arm.\n\n\\\u003eIt is a school day, and you do have homework that must be done, like it or not.\n\n\\\u003eSo after some(not so) quick sugar you finally decide to take your leave.\n\n\\\u003eThere are four more days of this, and you hope each one is as exciting, if not more so, than the last.\n\n\\\u003eTuesday rolls around and the school day has never been more of an obstacle for the main event that comes after.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone who's participating makes their way to the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eYou spot Kayo again very easily.\n\n\\\u003eAnd once again Marty is here, excellent.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks jittery, nervous and fearful.\n\n\\\u003eLike an innocent civilian placed in front of a firing squad.\n\n\\\u003eKayo probably got him fired up yesterday, but after he's had a day to cool down, he likely understands that he is actually about to step in the Circle for the first time.\n\n\\\u003eAnd that thought has to scare him.\n\n\\\u003eBut it's too late to back out now. If he really wants to be the Champ, he'll have to earn his way today.\n\n\\\u003eAfter the Circle forms up, Lewis and Elodi both do the every day introductions.\n\n\\\u003eElodi puts a bit more energy into it, but that's only because she's just started.\n\n\\\u003eGive it a year, she'll probably have as blank a face and tone as Lewis does.\n\n\\\u003eOnce intros are all done, names get drawn from the box.\n\n\\\u003eSurprisingly, Mikael is up first with his partner Lee Anders, the timber wolf.\n\n\\\u003eYou didn't expect Lee to be Mikael's choice of partner.\n\n\\\u003eBut then again, you don't really know who else Mikael hangs out with besides you guys.\n\n\\\u003eAnd all the girls, but you don't think he's gonna bring one of them to a fight.\n\n\\\u003eMikael and Lee's opponents step up, two humans who look pretty solid. Maybe they play a sport or something.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi ask if everyone is ready.\n\n\\\u003eThey all affirm that they are.\n\n\\\u003eThe fight begins and Lee jumps on the shorter of the two opponents.\n\n\\\u003eLike damn, he's basically mauling this guy with all the punches and kicks he's already landing.\n\n\\\u003eThe taller guy attempts to back his buddy up, he moves to deal with Lee.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately this seemed to be all according to plan as Lee pushes his opponent back and balls himself up on the floor.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eMikael comes diving at the bigger guy from behind and the guy goes tripping over Lee's form.\n\n\\\u003eThe big guy almost faceplants and before he can recover Mikael has him in a headlock on the ground.\n\n\\\u003eWelp, this fight is already over.\n\n\\\u003eWhenever his partner tries to get close enough to help, Lee is already in front of him and pushing him back and out of range to give any assistance.\n\n\\\u003eThe bigger guy puts up a decent struggle, but like always.\n\n\\\u003eOnce someone gets caught in a submission from Mikael, they're already dead.\n\n\\\u003eHe taps out.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then there was one.\n\n\\\u003eSeeing how easily his teammate was slaughtered, the shorter guy's morale definitely drops.\n\n\\\u003eHe tries to fight off Lee for a bit longer, but once Lee gives him a leg sweep into straight punch combo and Mikael dives in for another submission hold, he taps out right away.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi announce them as the winners, and the crowd gives them their props.\n\n\\\u003eOf course many of the girls who are around cheer for Mikael as if he single handedly won this fight on his own.\n\n\\\u003eOf course he sucks it up for a bit, but he walks over and lifts Lee's arm into the air and holds his hand toward him as if presenting a fine specimen.\n\n\\\u003e\"I did not do this alone.\" seems to be what the gesture is implying.\n\n\\\u003eA few girls then add Lee's name to their chants. Probably just to appease Mikael and not for any real feelings of acknowledgement.\n\n\\\u003eBut at least Mikael knows how to share the spotlight.\n\n\\\u003eLee looks a little embarrassed though, but happy.\n\n\\\u003eTwo more fights go on, but while they are interesting and you pay attention to them, just to see how the teams work together, they aren't what you want to see.\n\n\\\u003eAfter they're done, the only teams left are Kayo's team and the team of a puma and a jaguar.\n\n\\\u003eOr is he a cheetah? Maybe a leopard?\n\n\\\u003eIt does get kind of hard to spot the differences between those spotted cats.\n\n\\\u003eHah, spot the difference.\n\n\\\u003eBut if you're not wrong, he's a jaguar.\n\n\\\u003e...Anyway, they're about to fight!\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi ask if everyone is ready.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone affirms but Marty.\n\n\\\u003eMarty is shaking like a leaf in a storm.\n\n\\\u003eYou kind of feel bad for him, but you reassure yourself that he kind of has this coming.\n\n\\\u003eElodi has to ask one more time if he's ready.\n\n\\\u003eMarty takes a deep breath, probably deeper than necessary.\n\n\\\u003eLike he's trying to burst his own lungs in an attempt to avoid the predicament he's in.\n\n\\\u003eThen he lets it out, and nods, with a respectable look of determination on his face.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi call for the fight to begin.\n\n\\\u003eThe jaguar(?) approaches Marty while the puma heads to Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eAnd Marty's look of determination immediately shifts to a primal terror.\n\n\\\u003eHe reflexively backpedals away from his approaching opponent.\n\n\\\u003eBut he retreats too far and is launched a few steps forward by the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks back, obviously having forgotten that he is long passed the point of no return.\n\n\\\u003eHe brings his hands up but he does not look ready for a fight.\n\n\\\u003eLuckily for him, Kayo steps over and throws his weight right into the jaguar, halting his ominous advance toward Marty.\n\n\\\u003eThe jaguar looks at Kayo confused, like Kayo just walked up, slapped him, and continued on his way.\n\n\\\u003eNevertheless it successfully baits him into forgetting about Marty and focusing on Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eBut the puma is still focused on Kayo as well, since he was the initial target.\n\n\\\u003eSo now Kayo is duking it out between both opponents at the same time.\n\n\\\u003eBut he has a look on his face like it's exactly what he wanted.\n\n\\\u003eHe blocks in that spectacular full bellied way that he does before throwing a punch at one of them, then returning to his block stance.\n\n\\\u003eHe's not hitting as hard as he did in his other fights, likely because he doesn't have the time to commit to a full strength strike before he has to go on the defensive again.\n\n\\\u003eBut he's managing to keep both of them occupied, though it looks like neither side is gaining much ground.\n\n\\\u003eHe's not taking much damage you think, but he's not dealing enough with his strikes to win.\n\n\\\u003eHe's also whiffing a bunch because he's against two decently speedy individuals.\n\n\\\u003eBut within his scowl of focus, you think you momentarily catch a grin of enjoyment.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to see if Marty is still cowering in the corner.\n\n\\\u003eBut you're surprised to find that he's on the move.\n\n\\\u003eHe's tiptoeing around the edge of the Circle like some sort of sneak thief.\n\n\\\u003eThen he runs forward and with a screechy battle shriek he lunges and latches on to the back of the jaguar like some sort of gremlin.\n\n\\\u003eIt distracts the jaguar, and while he flails trying to remove Marty, Kayo in one fluid motion, blocks an attack from the puma, then leans back in that baseball pitch and rockets forth with that big haymaker, aimed straight for the jaguar's face.\n\n\\\u003eIt connects with shocking force and the jaguar has to be done.\n\n\\\u003eHe falls straight backward like a freshly sawed down tree.\n\n\\\u003eMarty feels the slow descent and scrambles to remove himself from the timbering log.\n\n\\\u003eHe makes it away before he's flattened underneath.\n\n\\\u003eThe puma looks shocked, but regains his composure and tries to break through Kayo's renewed guard.\n\n\\\u003eMarty is crouched low on the ground, looking excited.\n\n\\\u003eLike it was his move that just felled the jaguar.\n\n\\\u003eHe helped, but not by much, you gotta say.\n\n\\\u003eThe puma steps back, gaining some distance from Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eHe's probably trying to get some time to think.\n\n\\\u003eKayo breaks his stance and walks toward the puma.\n\n\\\u003eAt that point the puma gets ready to rush forward.\n\n\\\u003eBut his legs don't obey.\n\n\\\u003eBecause there's a tiny furry bastard currently latched onto them, holding on for dear life.\n\n\\\u003eMarty doesn't look heavy, the puma could probably lift his legs fine and move with zero problem.\n\n\\\u003eBut it was just so unsuspected (and probably borderline pathetic) a maneuver that he actually just stands there, rooted to the ground.\n\n\\\u003eBefore Kayo reaches him and delivers a final two piece in the form of an uppercut to the jaw with a heavy straight punch to the chest.\n\n\\\u003eThe puma descends in similar fashion, but he's not unconscious like his partner.\n\n\\\u003eNevertheless he gives the signal that states he's done.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi declare Kayo and Marty the winners.\n\n\\\u003eAnd the crowd cheers.\n\n\\\u003eMarty gets up with a look of wonder on his face.\n\n\\\u003eHe's probably understanding for the first time, what it feels like to receive glory in the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eOf course, more likely than not, the crowd is cheering for Kayo, because Kayo did all the work.\n\n\\\u003eBut hey, let Marty feel pride for once in his life.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi brings the first round of the tournament to a close.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone who won will be moving on to the second round.\n\n\\\u003eYou're ready to get back in there.\n\n\\\u003eThe Circle is dismissed and you make your way home with Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eYou discuss with her the possibility of devising a kind of tag team move.\n\n\\\u003eShe asks when you would even be able to practice it.\n\n\\\u003eShe's got you there.\n\n\\\u003eYou tell her you wouldn't need to practice because your minds and hearts are one.\n\n\\\u003eShe tells you you''ve been hanging out with Blake too much.\n\n\\\u003eShe's got you there, again.\n\n\\\u003eYou take her home, and engage in your daily parting ritual, before you make your own way home.\n\n\\\u003eYou woke up feeling pretty good today.\n\n\\\u003eThe school day went pretty well.\n\n\\\u003eYou ended up passing Mirabelle in the halls today during passing period, a rare occurrence.\n\n\\\u003eYou took that a a good sign for the day ahead.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately your classes were in\u0026nbsp; very different directions, so you didn't have time to really enjoy each other's company.\n\n\\\u003eOh well, that's for later.\n\n\\\u003eVerne actually had a bunch of his homework done for once.\n\n\\\u003eThe rest of the day proceeded as normal, and its blessed end has come.\n\n\\\u003eYou and Mirabelle walk for a bit before her friends call out to her.\n\n\\\u003eJane the fox, and Kim the red panda. She introduced you to them a good while ago, and they're good people.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eJane is on the tennis team and Kim is in the art club, so they don't tend to all hang out after school.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you've been stealing all her time otherwise so they really don't hang out any other time.\n\n\\\u003eAnd they were quick to let you know how they felt about it.\n\n\\\u003eHowever you could surmise that it was all playful and in jest.\n\n\\\u003eKind of like how Verne used to act.\n\n\\\u003eAnyway, they're standing with a girl you don't recognize.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe a sophomore, or a junior.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle, this is Marie.\" Jane says.\n\n\\\u003e\"She's in my club.\" Kim follows. \"She said she wanted to ask you something.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh yeah?\" Mirabelle asks. \"What is it?\"\n\n\\\u003eMarie looks shy. Like very shy.\n\n\\\u003eIf she could curl into a ball and cease to exist she probably would have done so long ago.\n\n\\\u003eThrough her long ass bangs that you wonder if she even has vision through, she looks up from the ground to Mirabelle, then quickly at you before casting her gaze down.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon go away, you're scaring the poor girl.\" Jane remarks.\n\n\\\u003e\"What?\" you say. \"I'm just- I'm just standing here.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, but we need you to stand like, over there.\" Kim says, pointing all the way down the hall.\n\n\\\u003eYou have no words, so you look silently to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'll meet you at the Circle, okay?\" she tells you.\n\n\\\u003eYou shrug and nod, then mosey off.\n\n\\\u003eYou meet your friends at your lockers.\n\n\\\u003eMikael watches you approach and stares like he doesn't recognize you.\n\n\\\u003e\"There seems to be a problem.\" he says. \"There's no rabbit attached to your side.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Man we're not fused.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eVerne leans around Mikael. \"Coulda fooled us.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"We don't- ... We aren't- ...\" you started. But you realize that you do spend a lot of time together.\n\n\\\u003eSo he shuts you up.\n\n\\\u003eBut whatever, you've spent a lot of time with these jokers too.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anyway, she's up to something with her friends, so we'll just meet at the Circle.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"She's gonna make it today right?\" Lewis asks. \"Would suck to be disqualified without your partner.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"She'll make it I'm sure.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou all walk toward the Circle together.\n\n\\\u003eAs you do, you got the sneaking suspicion that someone was watching you, but your observations returned no evidence.\n\n\\\u003eYou put it out of your mind.\n\n\\\u003eAnd deal with the hazing your friends are giving you.\n\n\\\u003e\"What is an Anon without a Mirabelle?\" Verne asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"What was Anon before Mirabelle?\" Mikael questions.\n\n\\\u003e\"Is it the same man, or a different entity entirely?\"\n\n\\\u003eThey continue to remark upon your existential form without the presence of your girlfriend.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't do anything about Verne, but you kind of hope Lewis picks you to fight Mikael today.\n\n\\\u003eYou have the desperate desire to knock him around for this silliness.\n\n\\\u003eYou all arrive at the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eA few people see you arrive sans Mirabelle, but they at least don't egg you on about it.\n\n\\\u003eLuckily, there isn't too much time for them to question it as she comes bounding down the road with maddening speed.\n\n\\\u003eShe comes skidding to a perfect stop right next to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Miss me?\" she asks you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh absolutely.\" you reply.\n\n\\\u003eThere's still some time before things get started for the day so you idle together.\n\n\\\u003e\"What was up with that girl your friends brought to you?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm. I'll tell you later.\" is all she says.\n\n\\\u003eWell that's no fun.\n\n\\\u003eEventually Lewis and Elodi step up into the Circle.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hello everyone!\" Elodi starts, still cheery. \"And welcome back to our first ever, probably, Doubles Tournament.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Let's make it another good day today.\" Lewis follows, the antithesis to Elodi's cheer.\n\n\\\u003eWith no beating around the bush, names are drawn.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eFirst up is Kayo and Marty against Caesar the lion and a black furred cat named Brandon.\n\n\\\u003eCaesar and Brandon were your average speed and strength tag team.\n\n\\\u003eBrandon would dish out dozens of punches, then Caesar would come up to knock 'em down when they got gassed from tangoing with Brandon.\n\n\\\u003eHowever that's not what happened this time.\n\n\\\u003eBrandon was fast and managed to get one good, clean hit on Marty.\n\n\\\u003eMarty laid down and refused to move.\n\n\\\u003eHe basically, y'know, played possum.\n\n\\\u003eBut Brandon wasn't having it, he approached him, ready to knock him out for good.\n\n\\\u003eUntil Marty jumped up and started booking it around the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eWhich caused Brandon to instinctively chase after him.\n\n\\\u003eUntil Marty ran towards Kayo and slid between him and Caesar.\n\n\\\u003eWhich put Brandon right up against the titan, who proceeded to knock him right between the eyes with a solid punch and put him to bed.\n\n\\\u003eWhich left Caesar to deal on his own.\n\n\\\u003eCaesar has some good strong punches, he just has some difficulty landing them.\n\n\\\u003eWell on you at least, apparently he can hit enough people that he wins fights to challenge the Champ.\n\n\\\u003eBut Kayo does not dodge at all, so he takes everything on the chin, so to speak.\n\n\\\u003eAnd surprisingly, you can witness the stone stance buckle under the onslaught of the one who proclaims himself your rival.\n\n\\\u003eHe also blocks Kayo's strikes efficiently.\n\n\\\u003eIf this was a one on one, you would think Caesar might actually have a chance at winning.\n\n\\\u003eOf course Marty the distraction was there to make himself known.\n\n\\\u003eHe throws all his weight into a\u0026nbsp; leaping shoulder shunt at Caesar's back.\n\n\\\u003eCaesar barely even registers it.\n\n\\\u003eBut then Marty does it again. And again.\n\n\\\u003eOn the fourth attempt Caesar pivots and catches him out of the air, before tossing him like a potato sack into the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eAs he turns back to Kayo, with his guard up in order to block any surprise attacks, he takes that weird baseball pitching bison punch that Kayo does, right to the plexus.\n\n\\\u003eHe gets the air knocked out of him and doubles over, receiving a huge left hook right after.\n\n\\\u003eCaesar's lights are still on though.\n\n\\\u003eHe's crawling, trying to push himself up.\n\n\\\u003eBut Kayo does something hilariously disrespectful.\n\n\\\u003eHe trots over to Caesar on the ground, and takes a big ol' seat, right on the lion's back.\n\n\\\u003eCaesar struggles for a good ten seconds, but he likely can't breathe at all anymore, so he taps the ground in an effort to be released.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi call the fight and Kayo releases Caesar from that undeserved punishment.\n\n\\\u003eYou'd be more concerned, but watching that was kind of funny.\n\n\\\u003eAnyway, after that Mikael and Lee have their fight against some people you aren't too familiar with and win of course. Then Wayne the hyena and his partner have their fight against some anthros you aren't too familiar with.\n\n\\\u003eWayne's not bad when he isn't laughing his head off and similarly getting it punched off because of it.\n\n\\\u003eSo they win their fight too.\n\n\\\u003eThen it's finally your turn.\n\n\\\u003eYou have to fight Eddie, the kid in the sweat suits with the fancy martial arts kicks, and Jerome, the dance club kid who fights with capoeira.\n\n\\\u003eIt's funny, this is literally a fight for the kids with predominantly kick based combat.\n\n\\\u003eSome song lyrics strangely come to mind, albeit you tweak them a bit.\n\n\\\u003eAll the other kids, with their fancy kicks, better run better run, faster than my bunny.\n\n\\\u003e... You're not creative, that's Verne's thing.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi ask if you are all ready.\n\n\\\u003eYou all nod.\n\n\\\u003eWith affirmation, they give the signal for the fight to begin.\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi-\\_yUD6aiY\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your hand up and point at Eddie.\n\n\\\u003eGive him the chance to test his kicks against yours.\n\n\\\u003eAs if he were on the same wavelength, he points at you too, at roughly the same time.\n\n\\\u003eThis gets a grin out of you both.\n\n\\\u003eJerome's doing his capoeira shuffle thing, waiting for someone to make a move.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle makes the first move, crouching low like a track racer, then taking off toward Jerome.\n\n\\\u003eShe's a lot faster than he expected and he gets a face full of foot for his dulled reaction time.\n\n\\\u003eYou take that as the symbol to close in on Eddie, lest he change his mind and focus on the rabbit that is now dangerously close to the both of them.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a few large steps, and his focus shifts to you enough for him to kick at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your leg up and your arm down to block, then kick out yourself.\n\n\\\u003eHe blocks it in a similar fashion.\n\n\\\u003eSo you two spend some time kicking and blocking each other.\n\n\\\u003eYou take split second glances over to make sure Mirabelle is doing alright.\n\n\\\u003eShe's fine.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact she looks like she's having fun at Jerome's expense.\n\n\\\u003eWhen he kicks high she ducks right under it.\n\n\\\u003eWhen he kicks low she jumps right over it.\n\n\\\u003eLike she's playing jump rope or something with the poor kid's kicks.\n\n\\\u003eWhen she jumps over another leg sweep, she kicks her legs out and dropkicks him.\n\n\\\u003eHe recovers decently though.\n\n\\\u003eSo yeah, she's doing fine for now.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your attention back to Eddie.\n\n\\\u003eKicks you may enjoy, but you don't neglect the fact that you have fists too.\n\n\\\u003eSo after he blocks a kick of yours you bring your weight forward and follow through with\u0026nbsp; a punch to the jaw.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes it and it almost spins him the opposite way.\n\n\\\u003eHowever he turns back and returns a punch of his own.\n\n\\\u003eOf course you expected that, since everyone loves to use that kind of counterattack.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your forearm out to stop his hook dead in its tracks, then lay into his stomach with a punch.\n\n\\\u003eHe doubles over.\n\n\\\u003eIt's time for the win button.\n\n\\\u003eYou push him up and grab him behind the head.\n\n\\\u003eclinch.mov\n\n\\\u003eYou knock him in the side of the head twice to get him to bring his hands up.\n\n\\\u003eHe brings one up while the other is still wrapped around his stomach.\n\n\\\u003eFine with you, you lay into his legs now.\n\n\\\u003eAs you do, you peer over again at the other side of the fight.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle literally looks like she's dancing with Jerome now.\n\n\\\u003eHe's got a rythym and even though he can stop on a dime and alternate his legs, he's stuck to whatever rhythm he's got going on.\n\n\\\u003eAnd once she found it, it was basically GG, he's not hitting her with anything.\n\n\\\u003eSo maybe if she's done playing with her prey, she can help you out here.\n\n\\\u003eYou whistle, hoping to get her attention.\n\n\\\u003eYou see her ears twitch in their pinned back position and she glances over at you, still gracefully dodging Jerome's attacks.\n\n\\\u003eYou send a few big knees into Eddie's gut, then angle yourself toward Mirabelle and Jerome, eyes still trained in her direction.\n\n\\\u003eYou see her break from her dodging rhythm and take a running start toward you.\n\n\\\u003eExactly what you wanted.\n\n\\\u003eAs she takes off you pull on Eddie and throw him in her direction.\n\n\\\u003eAs soon as he's passed you, Mirabelle launches into the air.\n\n\\\u003eHis forward momentum coupled with hers means the dropkick that collides with his chest is doubly devastating.\n\n\\\u003eHe goes from walking forward to immediately backpedaling.\n\n\\\u003eHe backs up all the way into the Circle and they have to catch him as he collapses into them.\n\n\\\u003eElodi goes to check on him.\n\n\\\u003eHe's done she confirms.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle who did not land on her feet this time.\n\n\\\u003eShe's flat on the ground looking up at you.\n\n\\\u003eShe gives you a thumbs up and a smile.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile and go to pick her up.\n\n\\\u003eBut you remember you aren't done.\n\n\\\u003eYou fell for this last time too.\n\n\\\u003eYou catch Jerome in the middle of a cartwheel.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know what he's going for or who he's aiming for so you crouch low, ready to intercept.\n\n\\\u003eHe flips from the cartwheel into a big backflip, likely aiming to crash his foot down on the currently prone Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your arms up and parallel over your head to block his foot as he comes down.\n\n\\\u003eYou block it, but he comes down with a lot more force than you expected and his leg still bops you in the head.\n\n\\\u003eIt wasn't too bad though.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw your weight up and he slips forward off balance.\n\n\\\u003eYou lunge forward and flip him over by the shoulder, keeping him held down with one hand as you throw punch after punch into the side of his face.\n\n\\\u003eHe blocks you as best he can but he's only got the use of one arm at the moment.\n\n\\\u003eSo after a minute of this beating he waves his hand in the air, signaling that he's done.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi pronounce you two the winners.\n\n\\\u003eYou bask in the cheers of the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle walks up to you, smiling.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile at her, this big goofy thing.\n\n\\\u003eShe responds to it by lightly punching you in the arm.\n\n\\\u003eYours was the final fight for today.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi bring it to a close.\n\n\\\u003e\"Congratulations to all of this round's winners!\" Elodi exclaims.\n\n\\\u003e\"We hope to see you all tomorrow for the semi-finals.\" Lewis drones.\n\n\\\u003eYou collect your things with Mirabelle and walk down the road.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk in silence for a bit, allowing a brief tranquility after today's excitement.\n\n\\\u003eBefore Mirabelle breaks it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh yeah, about that thing earlier at school.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh yeah.\" you say, having almost forgotten. \"What was it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That girl Marie, asked if I would be a model for her painting.\"\n\n\\\u003eOh... Is that so?\n\n\\\u003e\"Finally.\" you say as you look to the sky. \"Someone other than me has recognized your beauty.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe chuckles. \"I don't know about all that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"So what did you tell her?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I said I didn't mind, it would just have to be after this week since I had some important things going on.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well that's cool. You have an admirer.\" you say with a grin.\n\n\\\u003eWell. Admirer, you say. That does beg the question.\n\n\\\u003e\"So why do you think she asked you?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe shrugs. \"She said I was pretty.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"See so I was right.\" you tell her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Pretty and beauty are two very different words.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Potato, potato.\" you say, in the exact same form of potato.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's the same word.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Exactly.\" you wink at her.\n\n\\\u003eShe rolls her eyes, but laughs anyway.\n\n\\\u003e\"... So. What kinda painting is it gonna be?\" you ask. \"Cuz if she's trying to paint you like a French girl, there may be problems.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm pretty sure it's not like that.\" Mirabelle assures you. \"You don't have to be worried. Or jealous.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Worried? Jealous? I am neither of those things. Besides, she's another girl, it's not like you-\"\n\n\\\u003eYou don't finish the sentence, because you don't feel the need.\n\n\\\u003eBut you look at Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe's looking at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's not like you-\" you start and stop again, hoping she understands without you bringing the thought to finality.\n\n\\\u003eShe raises an eyebrow.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at the road.\n\n\\\u003eYou're far enough away now.\n\n\\\u003eYou hop on your scooter.\n\n\\\u003e\"Who says I don't?\" assaults your ears.\n\n\\\u003eYou stop dead and look at Mirabelle who is giving you the sauciest, most tauntingly smug grin she's ever given you.\n\n\\\u003eIt sets your heart ablaze and simultaneously makes your blood run cold.\n\n\\\u003eShe's bluffing.\n\n\\\u003e\"Pfft. You're messing with me.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Am I?\" she says, grin still plastered on her face.\n\n\\\u003e\"Y-yes. You are. You have to be.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not.\" She jumps onto the back of your scooter. \"We may never know.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe's just messing with you. you're certain.\n\n\\\u003eYou are very aware of the ways she likes to tease you.\n\n\\\u003eYou take her home.\n\n\\\u003eShe leans up to kiss you and as much as you want to pretend pout at her earlier joke, you love her too much to refuse a taste of her lips.\n\n\\\u003e\"I love you.\" she says in a singsong voice.\n\n\\\u003e\"I love you too.\" you say drily.\n\n\\\u003eYou've gotta figure out a way to tease her back one of these days.\n\n\\\u003eYou watch her walk into her home, and after the door closes you head home yourself.\n\n\\\u003eTomorrow is the semi-final round.\n\n\\\u003eThe numbers are dwindling.\n\n\\\u003eEach of those fights tomorrow could be tough.\n\n\\\u003eYou could get the final boss easily tomorrow.\n\n\\\u003eIt's also likely that you could get Mikael, who you've still yet to fight.\n\n\\\u003eOr Wayne, who is actually a threat when he gets into it.\n\n\\\u003eGuess you'll find out tomorrow.\n\n\\\u003eAnd Thursday arrives after a particularly slow day.\n\n\\\u003eIt's like the closer you get to the finals, the longer the days begin to take before they set you free.\n\n\\\u003eNevertheless, you are here, excitement building.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd also seems excited, ready to see who's about to throw down for the semi-finals.\n\n\\\u003eNo matter who goes up against who, it's bound to be a good show.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi walk up, ready to kick things off, and the crowd gives a cheer as they do so.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright, welcome back once again.\" Lewis says.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's time for the semi-final rounds!\" Elodi exclaims.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd whoops and hollers.\n\n\\\u003eLewis moves his hands in the 'settle down' motion. \"Alright alright. Let's not waste any more time.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe grabs the four cards with the names on them, and shuffles them for a while.\n\n\\\u003eA little longer than necessary.\n\n\\\u003eThen he holds them out for Elodi to pick.\n\n\\\u003eShe grabs one.\n\n\\\u003e\"The first pair is... Mirabelle and Anon!\" she announces.\n\n\\\u003eSo this is it. You feel your heart beating a little faster, waiting for her to announce your opponent.\n\n\\\u003e\"And they will be facing.\" Elodi says as she takes another card.\n\n\\\u003eShe flips it over oh so slowly and stares at it for a long time before saying \"Wayne and Tyrell!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou vocalize your frustration.\n\n\\\u003eThis won't be a bad matchup since they made it to the semi's, but you were really hoping for one of the others.\n\n\\\u003eYou dramatically fall to your knees, crestfallen.\n\n\\\u003e\"Damn, I mean I know we ain't much of a challenge to you Anon.\" Wayne shouts from the other side of the Circle. \"But do you really gotta look so disappointed about who you're fighting. Hurtin' my feelin's over here.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe's smiling and chuckling, so he doesn't look all that hurt.\n\n\\\u003eHe does get a few of the crowd to laugh with him, just to ease his pain.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle gently pats your back in mock consolation.\n\n\\\u003eYou stay on the ground for a bit longer, before you jump back up.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anyway, that means Kayo and Marty will be fighting Mikael and Lee.\" Lewis tells the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eMikael cheers to the heavens, probably for no other reason than to display the opposite reaction to yours.\n\n\\\u003e\"So with that all out of the way, let's get things going!\" Elodi exclaims\n\n\\\u003eShe really does have a lot of boisterous energy. Completely unlike her librarian look.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle, Anon, Wayne, Tyrell, step on up!\" she calls to you all.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you do.\n\n\\\u003eYou're still excited to see what Wayne and Tyrell have.\n\n\\\u003eTyrell is the kid on the football team who fights like a boxer.\n\n\\\u003eWhich makes you think, is he ditching practice to come here?\n\n\\\u003eVerne is ditching his club to spectate, but that's just a club.\n\n\\\u003eShouldn't a team sport be more important?\n\n\\\u003eOh well, you're here to punch, not question his choices of which event is more important.\n\n\\\u003eWayne leans forward, one hand on his waist, the other dropped loosely in front of him, with that big hyena grin on his face.\n\n\\\u003eTyrell cracks his knuckles and pops his neck like a street thug.\n\n\\\u003eTrying to look intimidating.\n\n\\\u003eYou point in their general direction, before dragging your thumb across your neck then throwing it toward the ground in a thumbs down.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle to see if she's going to get in on these pre-fight taunts.\n\n\\\u003eShe's. Not paying attention, doing some quick leg stretches.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe taunting is just a silly thing for the boys.\n\n\\\u003eNow that you think of it, no other girls joined the tourney, did they?\n\n\\\u003eWhich is understandable, not a lot of them fight, and they would have had to go up against a bunch of overhyped dudes.\n\n\\\u003eThe odd woman out is right next to you, and she's got no fear.\n\n\\\u003eYou think about the prospect of an event that's a little more all inclusive.\n\n\\\u003eAs your mind wanders you gaze out into the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eAnd catch the sight of familiar brown fur, nestled between some larger obstacles.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eIs that who you think it is?\n\n\\\u003eYou can't get a good look.\n\n\\\u003eAnd unfortunately you have no time to think about it further as you hear Lewis speak.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle, Anon. Are you ready?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou snap back to the objective at hand.\n\n\\\u003eNo time for distractions.\n\n\\\u003eYou and Mirabelle nod together, then get in your fighting stances.\n\n\\\u003e\"Wayne, Tyrell, are you two ready?\" Elodi asks them.\n\n\\\u003eThey both nod and bring their hands up.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then let's. Fight!\" Lewis and Elodi beckon the start of the round together.\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8LhMaLkDMQ\n\n\\\u003eSurprisingly, you aren't the first one to make a move this time.\n\n\\\u003eWayne is already running up to you, and Tyrell is closing in on Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eYou get ready to block or dodge whatever Wayne's planning to throw.\n\n\\\u003eSo when Tyrell turns on a dime and rushes you too, you're caught off guard.\n\n\\\u003eTyrell throws two quick jabs at you followed by a hook.\n\n\\\u003eYou manage to block it all, but he was aiming high.\n\n\\\u003eSo Wayne manages to catch you with a hook to the side followed by a straight punch to the chest.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle kicks out at Tyrell, but he seemed to be ready for it and dodged backward and out of range of her.\n\n\\\u003eWayne however is still on you, so you throw your fist at him, trying to return a blow for his blow.\n\n\\\u003eHe deflects it with his forearm then shoots a swift uppercut right at your chin.\n\n\\\u003eYou stagger back a few steps, but he follows, not intent on letting you get away.\n\n\\\u003eHe swings at your chest twice more.\n\n\\\u003eYou block the first one but the second one catches you right under the ribs.\n\n\\\u003eThen he pauses.\n\n\\\u003eFor like half a second.\n\n\\\u003eThen he clocks you in the side of the head with a punch you didn't even see coming.\n\n\\\u003eYou almost can't comprehend what happened.\n\n\\\u003eIt's weird, like he just lag switched, in real life.\n\n\\\u003e\\\u003eAs you try to recoup, you try and keep your guard up as best you can.\n\n\\\u003eYou're playing the defensive game now, but you just need a good few moments to find an opening.\n\n\\\u003eYou glance over to see how Mirabelle is faring.\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't seem to be doing much better.\n\n\\\u003eTyrell is fast too, and he's got long reach, so he's basically outranging her at the moment.\n\n\\\u003eHe doesn't seem to be landing anything, but whenever Mirabelle tries to counterattack, she has to move in closer, instead of already being in the range to attack.\n\n\\\u003eWhich lets him anticipate her attack and move out of her smaller range.\n\n\\\u003eWayne is still pressing his advantage on you, hitting you a few times and then pausing.\n\n\\\u003eYou're not sure now if you should attack during those pauses or wait for the next strike to come out so you can try to block or dodge it.\n\n\\\u003eYou test it, by throwing a fist at his face during his pause.\n\n\\\u003eHe blocks it and counterattacks.\n\n\\\u003eYou wait for it again, then try with a knee this time.\n\n\\\u003eHe steps to the side and you have to come forward a bit to catch yourself.\n\n\\\u003eHe retaliates with a clean punch to the nose.\n\n\\\u003eYou backpedal after that surprising attack and hold your nose.\n\n\\\u003eA hand on your back tells you that you have nowhere left to go.\n\n\\\u003eThey luckily don't beat you while you're down but you are pushed forward, losing your balance and coming to a knee on the ground.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't think your nose is broken but you check.\n\n\\\u003eNo blood(yet), no broken feeling, just the ache of a solid blow to it.\n\n\\\u003eWayne looks ready to smack you up some more, since you're still kicking.\n\n\\\u003eBut he snaps his head to the left, like a predator eyeing better prey.\n\n\\\u003eHe better fucking not.\n\n\\\u003eBut he does.\n\n\\\u003eHe changes targets and rushes to back up Tyrell.\n\n\\\u003eSo now they're ganging up on Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand up.\n\n\\\u003eFor a split second your eyes lock with Mirabelle's as she attempts to avoid the honorless heathens jumping her.\n\n\\\u003eThat split second is all that was needed to set the beast inside to howling for blood.\n\n\\\u003eYou rush at Wayne, who is currently angled away from you.\n\n\\\u003eHe hears you coming and pivots, blocking high.\n\n\\\u003eHe probably expected you to do what you did the last time you ran to the rescue of your bunny.\n\n\\\u003eHe did not expect you to throw your shoulder dead into his gut in a spear.\n\n\\\u003e\\\u003eYou almost launched straight into Tyrell but he took some big retreating steps backward, as if you two just spontaneously combusted, and he wanted to be as far away as possible.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over at Mirabelle who is looking at you like you just killed Wayne.\n\n\\\u003eWayne is shriveling like a dead bug in the sunlight.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn your wrath on Tyrell.\n\n\\\u003eYou push yourself up and charge at him.\n\n\\\u003eHe panics, unsure of whether to block or dodge.\n\n\\\u003eYou jump at him.\n\n\\\u003eHe freezes like a(pardon the expression) deer in headlights.\n\n\\\u003eYou latch onto him, perched on his left shoulder, arm swung around his neck.\n\n\\\u003eYou rock your legs back then immediately forward, throwing your weight down to the ground and him with it.\n\n\\\u003eYou slam him into the ground with a DDT.\n\n\\\u003eHe goes limp as he collapses in a semi unconscious heap.\n\n\\\u003eHis only movement is that of his arms coming up to clutch his bruised skull.\n\n\\\u003eYou casually, and a bit angrily, roll him away from you.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand up and look over at Wayne who is recovering and standing up.\n\n\\\u003eYou saunter up to him.\n\n\\\u003eHe notices your approach and raises his hands for defense.\n\n\\\u003eUntil he also raises his gaze.\n\n\\\u003eHe gives you a look that says if his tail were longer, it would be between his legs.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well fu-\" escapes his mouth before you throw your fist into the side of it, with enough force to return him to the ground.\n\n\\\u003eYou kick him in the side to flip him onto his gut, then step over him and unceremoniously drop yourself onto his back.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab at his pants legs then drag them back to grip his ankles.\n\n\\\u003eYou pull straight back with the intent to snap him straight in half.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't even notice he's vigorously tapping out until Lewis shakes you loose.\n\n\\\u003eYou drop his legs and stand up like you were just jolted awake from a trance.\n\n\\\u003eYou blink rapidly, trying to establish where you are, and where you went in the last 30 seconds.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well uh. Mirabelle and Anon are the winners.\" Lewis says.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Tyrell, Elodi is helping him to his feet.\n\n\\\u003eWayne is lying on the ground.\n\n\\\u003e\"My uh. My bad you guys. I think I was a little harsh.\" you say to them both in apology.\n\n\\\u003e\"A little huh?!\" Wayne howls from his place on the ground. \"We really fucked that one up, Ty. Shouldn't have went to focus Mirabelle\"\n\n\\\u003eTyrell walks over to offer a helping hand to his partner. \"Yeah, you right. Thought she was the one to really look out for, her bein' the Champ and all. Didn't expect Anon ta go John Vick on us when we did though.\"\n\n\\\u003eAt this point Mikael walks up to you, pretending to measure you for something.\n\n\\\u003e\"What're you doing?\" you ask him.\n\n\\\u003e\"I think I'm going to get you fitted for a suit of green armor.\" he says with a giant grin. \"You turn into a whole different creature when your bunny is threatened.\"\n\n\\\u003e... You won't completely deny that.\n\n\\\u003e\"That may be true... But fuck you.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe laughs in response before he says \"Also I liked that Boston Crab.\" and then walking away.\n\n\\\u003eOh is that what that submission is actually called? You wouldn't know.\n\n\\\u003eTelevision wrestling has ruined you.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn towards Mirabelle, who is staring right at you.\n\n\\\u003eShe clasps her hands together and places the back of her palm against her cheek.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"My hero.\" she says in a mock fawning tone.\n\n\\\u003eYou aren't sure what to say in this situation.\n\n\\\u003eSo you don't say anything.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eAs you step out of the center of the Circle, Tyrell walks up to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yo good fight, dawg.\" he tells you, bringing his hand up for a shake.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good fight.\" you tell him as you shake his hand. \"Sorry if I got a bit more heated than I should've.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Nah, don't trip. Should expect a dude to get rowdy when his girl's involved.\" he says. \"That's our fault, we just gotta take that L.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Right right. Glad we're all good then.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Actually.\" he says. \"While I gotcha, I wanted to ask a question.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Go for it.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks around, then beckons you as he makes his way through the crowd to the outside of the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back to the center.\n\n\\\u003eLewis and Elodi are calling for Kayo and Mikael's teams.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't want to miss anything, hopefully this doesn't take long.\n\n\\\u003eBut it's not every day that someone comes up with a question just for you.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll at least give him your attention.\n\n\\\u003eYou move toward where he is.\n\n\\\u003eHe's pretty removed from the Circle, so it must be quite the private question.\n\n\\\u003eHowever you're pretty sure a lot of the bystanders would still be able to hear, if they so chose to eavesdrop.\n\n\\\u003e\"What's going on?\" you ask him, with a hint of worry.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah so, I'll just come right out with it.\" he says, looking around a bit for any notice of eavesdroppers. \"What's it like. Y'know, dating an anthro?\"\n\n\\\u003e... Huh?\n\n\\\u003eThat's not the kind of question you expected.\n\n\\\u003eA surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.\n\n\\\u003eHowever you don't really think you have a good answer to give him.\n\n\\\u003eSo you're going to give him an answer, embellish the fuck out of it, and hope it causes him to join the team.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"It's amazing. It's the best thing ever. Mirabelle is fantastic and every day I spend with her is a God given blessing.\"\n\n\\\u003eOkay you may have laid it on a little thick there.\n\n\\\u003eYou thought you were over these spaghetti moments, but there it is again, all over the floor.\n\n\\\u003eHowever Tyrell ignores it, or at least pretends to.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's dope. Is it like, any different than dating a human girl?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well.\" you start, with a hand behind the neck to accentuate your sheepisshness. \"Never actually dated anyone besides Mirabelle, so, can't tell you that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Wha, forreal?\" he says. He looks genuinely shocked.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes.\" you admit. \"I am not like Mikael. I am not just rolling in it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Damn. But like, everything is going fine? No problems out in the streets?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou think for a second.\n\n\\\u003e\"No not really. A few people looked at us like we were crazy when we first started, but nothing beyond and there were very few of them. Same as like, a human guy of this race, dating a girl of another race.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yup, I know that feel, bro.\" he says with a nod. \"And y'all parents were cool?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh absolutely. Her dad was apparently best friends with a human in his younger days, so he was cool. My parents were just. Glad I had a girlfriend, I guess. But it's all fine.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat's cool, that's cool.\" he says, nodding to himself, like he's really processing all the knowledge he's received.\n\n\\\u003e\"... So if I may ask my own question, what made you bring all this up?\" you say to him.\n\n\\\u003eYou get the feeling you know the answer, but it never hurts to confirm.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well. I got my eye on an anthro girl on the cheerleading squad. So, I was thinking, if I asked her out, and she said yeah, I just didn't want there to be no extra complications and shit.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou can understand that.\n\n\\\u003e\"I mean you might not be able to see it.\" he continues. \"But hate is all around us, y'know. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't, y'know, here.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'ma keep it real with you chief. I don't think hate lives here anymore. If it did, I don't think we'd be able to do shit like that.\" You throw a thumb over your shoulder at the Circle. \"And still be able to keep it peaceful.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Damn. I guess you right. Good lookin' out, Anon, I appreciate it, dawg.\" Tyrell holds his fist out and you bump it.\n\n\\\u003e\"No problem dude. Good luck with that girl.\" you tell him before you about face, and push your way back to the front of the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eYou come up to the front and squat down next to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eThe match is underway.\n\n\\\u003e\"What'd I miss?\" you quietly ask her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Lee was fighting Marty until just a moment ago. He caught him, practically threw him at Mikael, and now it's what you see here.\" she says, briefly bringing you up to speed.\n\n\\\u003eKayo is taking on Lee and Mikael is taking on Marty.\n\n\\\u003eAnd by that you mean, Mikael currently has Marty in a guillotine.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know how long he's been in that submission, but you're impressed he hasn't immediately tapped out yet.\n\n\\\u003eOr maybe Mikael is going easy on him.\n\n\\\u003eMarty's actually throwing little jabs into Mikael's sides.\n\n\\\u003eThey definitely aren't doing anything to help.\n\n\\\u003eLee has a good repetition of\u0026nbsp; throwing a few punches then getting out of range of Kayo's strikes.\n\n\\\u003eBut if Kayo tries to go get Mikael off of Marty, he'll dive in and block his advance.\n\n\\\u003eKayo hunkers down and Lee runs up to get his strikes in.\n\n\\\u003eBut Kayo breaks his stone stance and lunges forward.\n\n\\\u003eLee didn't expect that, and tries to stop his forward momentum, only to slide forward.\n\n\\\u003eKayo grabs him.\n\n\\\u003eOr more specfically he hugs him, and lifts him off his feet.\n\n\\\u003eAnd proceeds to squeeze the life out of him.\n\n\\\u003eOh. Well. This is new.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone is just pulling the surprises out today, huh?\n\n\\\u003eLee is kicking his legs, trying in vain to escape.\n\n\\\u003eKayo isn't letting up.\n\n\\\u003eMikael looks over and notices the peril Lee is in, and seems to redouble his effort to get Marty to tap.\n\n\\\u003eBut he looks like he's trying to apply a good amount of force without completely snapping Marty's tiny neck.\n\n\\\u003eMarty tries, but no one gets trapped by the World Serpent and survives.\n\n\\\u003eHe taps out.\n\n\\\u003eA quick shout of \"He's done.\" from Lewis, let's everyone who couldn't see it know.\n\n\\\u003eMikael drops Marty and runs toward Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eAnd Kayo loosens his death hold on Lee.\n\n\\\u003eTo fucking yeet him straight into Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eLee is not a small dude, to lift him would take strength.\n\n\\\u003eTo throw him like a child's doll would take monstrous strength.\n\n\\\u003eWhat the hell are they feeding these boys out there in San Vanargrand?\n\n\\\u003eMikael and Lee hit the ground hard.\n\n\\\u003eThat collision knocked the wind out of Mikael and the fight out of Lee.\n\n\\\u003eHe's rolling over, trying to find a good vantage point to bring himself up.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks like he's having trouble.\n\n\\\u003eAnd Kayo swaggers over confidently, ready to finish him off.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eHe towers over Lee, then brings his arm up and taps his elbow twice.\n\n\\\u003eOh damn.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't believe you're about to watch this timber wolf fucking die.\n\n\\\u003eLee sees the gesture and holds his hand up to prolong his death.\n\n\\\u003e\"Nah nah nah I'm done, have mercy.\" Lee spits out.\n\n\\\u003eThe behemoth heeds his plea for mercy.\n\n\\\u003eHe turns his attention to Mikael, who is back up, but a bit wobbly.\n\n\\\u003eMikael looks at a loss.\n\n\\\u003eHe seems to lack a definite plan, but the viking pride won't let him give up.\n\n\\\u003eThe shouts of the female spectators also give him the energy to perservere.\n\n\\\u003eBut he's likely not getting Kayo in a submission from this nuetral position.\n\n\\\u003eIf Lee had survived, there would've been a better chance.\n\n\\\u003eKayo attacks, and puts Mikael in the defensive game.\n\n\\\u003eHe's trying to wait for Kayo to slip up somewhere, so he can get a submission, or try to.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortuantely, Kayo is pushing him back.\n\n\\\u003eQuite literally.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is backpedaling.\n\n\\\u003e...Right towards you.\n\n\\\u003eIf he comes any closer, he'll be within Circle range.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou slowly stand from your squatted position.\n\n\\\u003eYou hold your hands up, wiggling your fingers like a creep.\n\n\\\u003eThis may cost Mikael some ground, but the oppurtunity is far too good to pass up.\n\n\\\u003eKayo punches Mikael, Mikael blocks it, but the force causes him to take very large steps back to stay upright.\n\n\\\u003eAnd he lands right in your range.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw your hand onto his right shoulder.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey buddy.\" you say to him, right before punching him in the kidney area, then pushing him back into the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is shouting like he just lost his arm.\n\n\\\u003eProbably more from the shock and betrayal than the pain.\n\n\\\u003eBut hey, thems Circle rules, no favorites to be played here.\n\n\\\u003eYou squat back down.\n\n\\\u003eSome of the ladies give offended looks at you.\n\n\\\u003eWorth it.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is taking small steps forward, back toward Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eKayo is reeling back for his signature punch.\n\n\\\u003eAnd here comes the giant fist.\n\n\\\u003eMikael moves however, like the pain was all an illusion, and combat rolls right passed Kayo, arriving close to his back.\n\n\\\u003eThen he springs up and wraps his arms around Kayo's neck in a headlock.\n\n\\\u003eKayo looks surprised, as he should be.\n\n\\\u003eMikael puts the squeeze on him, and even with all his strength, Kayo has difficulty removing Mikael's arms.\n\n\\\u003eYou can see the strain in both their faces.\n\n\\\u003eKayo is flailing, trying to shake Mikael loose.\n\n\\\u003eMikael wraps his legs around Kayo in an effort to remain on.\n\n\\\u003eKayo is faltering, the lack of air is getting him.\n\n\\\u003eHe falls to a knee and Mikael's face goes red from the pressure he's applying.\n\n\\\u003eYou find yourself rising to your feet again.\n\n\\\u003eThis could be it.\n\n\\\u003eMikael could be the one to win.\n\n\\\u003eKayo tries to throw elbows into Mikael, but the Jormungandr refuses to release his prey.\n\n\\\u003e\\\u003eKayo's eyes are drifting.\n\n\\\u003eBoth refs are moving closer, ready to call it if Kayo passes out.\n\n\\\u003eMikael looks ready to pass out himself, but he refuses to give even a smidgen of leeway.\n\n\\\u003eKayo's hands come off of Mikael's arms and plant onto the floor.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks ready to fade.\n\n\\\u003eBut then his eyes shoot open with a renewed fire.\n\n\\\u003eHe regrips Mikael's arms.\n\n\\\u003eThen shoots up from his kneeling position.\n\n\\\u003eHe stands tall.\n\n\\\u003eBefore he falls straight backward.\n\n\\\u003eOh.\n\n\\\u003eOh no.\n\n\\\u003eKayo falls on top of Mikael like a boulder.\n\n\\\u003eHis arms release and Kayo rolls over quickly.\n\n\\\u003eThe refs come over to the pancaked Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eHe's still alive, you think.\n\n\\\u003eHe waves his arms limply, like he's trying to grab hold of the space in front of him.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear Lewis ask if he's done.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't hear an answer, but you see Mikael go limp on the ground.\n\n\\\u003eAw fuck.\n\n\\\u003e\"He's done.\" Lewis confirms. \"Which means Kayo and Marty are the winners.\"\n\n\\\u003eThere's a fusion of different emotions coming from the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eCheers, jeers, tears.\n\n\\\u003eA lot of Mikael's fanclub are torn up, understandably.\n\n\\\u003eYou are too, just a bit.\n\n\\\u003eAt this rate you're never going to get to fight Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eGranted you may have ruined the chance to fight him with your own hand.\n\n\\\u003eStill worth it though.\n\n\\\u003eAfter the crowd settles down, Lewis speaks again.\n\n\\\u003e\"So with our two semi-final teams moving on, we'll see who comes out on top in the Finals tomorrow.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat gets all of the crowd cheering.\n\n\\\u003e\"We'll see all of you here tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion!\" Elodi shouts.\n\n\\\u003e\"With that said, we do still have some time, so if anyone's blood is pumping and they need to blow off some steam, feel free to step in for our everyday one on ones. Of course, no title fights yet.\" Lewis concludes.\n\n\\\u003eYou watch a few people carry Mikael to the nurse's tent.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way over there.\n\n\\\u003eMarty's not here so he must be fine.\n\n\\\u003eLee is laying face down in a cot with some ice on his back.\n\n\\\u003eThey lay Mikael down and he starts coming to.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't want to get in Hannah and Grace's way, so you decide to make it quick.\n\n\\\u003e\"Psst.\" you whisper at him.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks at you poking your head into the tent.\n\n\\\u003eHe wags his finger at you. \"That was a dick move.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry.\" you say. \"It was just the free-est real estate I've ever seen, I had to.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Understandable. \"He says. \"I would've done the same. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to get you back for that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I accept my fate.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe nods. \"Now leave me. These fine ladies are about to feel on my bruised body and I don't want you to witness the terrible things they may do to me now that I can't defend myself.\"\n\n\\\u003eThey chuckle good naturedly.\n\n\\\u003eYou groan.\n\n\\\u003eBut you do notice that Hannah in particular does seem a little excited to get her hands on Mikael, so to speak.\n\n\\\u003eYou step away, quickly.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way, back over to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"You wanna stick around for a while longer, or head home?\" you ask her.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm ready to go.\" she says. \"Get rested and ready for tomorrow.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou go to retrieve your things.\n\n\\\u003eKayo is nearby, buying something to drink.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks over at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou glance at him.\n\n\\\u003eNo words are exchanged.\n\n\\\u003eHe nods slowly.\n\n\\\u003eYou return the nod.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good luck tomorrow\" is the general translation for the gesture.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab your scooter and head off with Mirabelle down the road.\n\n\\\u003e\"What did Tyrell want with you?\" Mirabelle asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou begin to answer honestly, but stop.\n\n\\\u003e\"Apparently his older sister is some kind of fashion designer, and he asked me if I would be interested in helping model her male fashion line.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou glance quickly out of the corner of your eye to see if she buys any of that.\n\n\\\u003e\"Apparently I'm a 'good looking dude'\" you say, with emphasis.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks dead at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"I can't believe he would just lie right to your face like that.\" she says, cracking her trademark smug ass grin.\n\n\\\u003eYou hang your head in shame.\n\n\\\u003e\"So what did he really want?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"He asked me how things have been since I started dating you.\" you tell her. \"He''s got his eye on an anthro girl himself, and was wondering if we had run into any hardships in our relationship, so I did my best to quell his doubts.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh well that's nice. I hope it works out for him.\"\n\n\"I do too.\" you say, nodding.\n\n\\\u003e\"You're about to pioneer human/anthro relationships in Towngrove, look at you.\" she says, playfully punching your arm.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's not true, Mr. Warburton is married to an anthro.\" you inform her.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks surprised. \"Is that true?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sure is. Happily married.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Huh. I never would've thought. Though now that I think about it-\"\n\n\\\u003eShe ruminates on the new informnation you just graced her with for a while.\n\n\\\u003eYou take her home, like always, and seal the final moments of your day together with a kiss.\n\n\\\u003eYou wait for her to reach her house, and once she's inside you take yourself home.\n\n\\\u003eTomorrow is the grand finale.\n\n\\\u003eThe rematch you've been waiting for.\n\n\\\u003eThat you totally didn't ruin Mikael's chance of winning just to have.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll also be able to smack the whiny bitch out of Marty too, so that's an even bigger plus.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't wait for tomorrow.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's finally Friday.\" Lewis says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes. Finally here.\" Verne follows.\n\n\\\u003e\"Friday night.\" You and Mikael conclude.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle looks at you all like you're clowns.\n\n\\\u003eWell you aren't.\n\n\\\u003eYou're actually the entire circus, but that's beside the point.\n\n\\\u003e\"And Anon and Mirabelle are about to go whoop that giant bison's ass!\" Mikael shouts.\n\n\\\u003e\"Whoo!\" you cheer, throwing your fists into the air.\n\n\\\u003e\"Never mind the fact that Anon almost lost the last time they fought?\" Lewis says, ruining your hype.\n\n\\\u003e\"Look!\" you start. \"At the end of the day. He gave up, so I won.\"\n\n\\\u003eWell I don't think you're gonna get that lucky this time.\" Verne says.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, he gave up last time because he wasn't enjoying himself.\" Mirabelle reminds you. \"This time however, he's having fun. And he's really tough. So what're you gonna do if he actually wins?\"\n\n\\\u003eHonestly, you were a little distracted from the possibility of anyone else winning.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, he can't go home with the title, so I guess we'll just have to. Hold a tournament to acquire it, like what happened with Jayce?\" You look up to Lewis, who shrugs.\n\n\\\u003e\"And what if Kayo actually listens to Marty, and like, uses his Champion's Right to give the title to Marty, or something crazy like that? Verne brings up.\n\n\\\u003eThat doesn't sound very likely, but there's a simple answer to that.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then I'll just whoop Marty's ass and take it!\" you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"But what about this whole proxy thing that you and Mirabelle ended up bringing in?\" Mikael asks. \"What if he just starts using proxies to fight for him? And gives them incentive like access to the Right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't think anyone is going to stand against my shotgun knees or her ballistic missile dropkicks.\" you say. \"However! We're going to make sure, that we don't have to deal with that, by winning.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou nod vigorously, convincing yourself of your imminent win.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well alright.\" Lewis shrugs. Let's get going then.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon. Mirabelle.\" Mikael says with a serious tone. \"When you two win. I say, to honor this successful tournament. We celebrate.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou know exactly what he means when he says 'celebrate'.\n\n\\\u003eSiegbrau.\n\n\\\u003e\"Fuck. Yes.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eVerne whoops down the hall.\n\n\\\u003eLewis says, \"Yep, I'm in.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't say anything.\n\n\\\u003e\"Give us your answer, dear heart.\" you goad.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah sure, I'm in.\" she finally accepts.\n\n\\\u003eExcellent.\n\n\\\u003eIt's been a while since your last siegbrau session.\n\n\\\u003eNow you're doubly excited.\n\n\\\u003eYou're filled with the power of love, determination, and the promise of booze.\n\n\\\u003eDefeat is not an option.\n\n\\\u003eYou come up to the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd is coming in and already forming up.\n\n\\\u003eThey're excited to see the final round too.\n\n\\\u003eYou can see Kayo and Marty walking up the road from the way you take to go home.\n\nMarty looks like he's ready to turn around and go straight back the other way. But some strange sense of pride is spurring him onward.\n\n\\\u003eKayo just looks, ready.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Mirabelle.\" you say to her. \"Do you think you'd be able to keep Kayo busy for a minute? I wanna have 'words' with Marty when we start.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Pfft,\" she scoffs. \"I can probably take him out before you're done doing what you need.\"\n\n\\\u003eGod you love that confidence.\n\n\\\u003eThis is it.\n\n\\\u003eNothing else needs to be said.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks to you.\n\n\\\u003eShe smiles.\n\n\\\u003eThat blessed smile soothes you.\n\n\\\u003eIt empowers you.\n\n\\\u003eYou would move mountains to see it.\n\n\\\u003eAnd there is a mountain ahead that must be moved.\n\n\\\u003eKayo and Marty are let into the center, and stand across from you and Mirabelle, ready and waiting.\n\n\\\u003eLewis steps forward.\n\n\\\u003e\"I see no words are needed. However, I have a question to pose to you Kayo. You said before that you weren't too comfortable with fighting women, even though this is a sport-like setting and not done in violence. Will that still pose a problem?\"\n\n\\\u003eKayo looks to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"I've been working on it. Seeing it more as a sport here. There have been a few girls who straight up broke my ankles playing basketball, so I'm trying to use that as the basis for being able to fight.\"\n\n\\\u003eYeah, being able to transition into hitting a lady is the hardest thing in the world.\n\n\\\u003eBut they arrive willingly, the Circle is all inclusive.\n\n\\\u003eEqual rights, equal fights, or something like that.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anyway, all I can say is I'll do my best.\" Kayo says.\n\n\\\u003eLewis nods at his answer.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then let's waste absolutely no time. And get right into it. Mirabelle. Anon. Are you ready?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou both nod.\n\n\\\u003eElodi steps up next. \"Kayo. Marty. Are you two ready?\"\n\n\\\u003eKayo nods, Marty fidgets a bit, pulling his short hair back a little violently before letting go.\n\n\\\u003eHe nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then,\" Lewis and Elodi say together. \"To bring the final round of our Doubles Tournament to an end. Let's. Fight!\"\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob57p68bvO0\n\n\\\u003eYou casually make your way toward Marty.\n\n\\\u003eKayo casually steps in front of him.\n\n\\\u003eHe knows what you want, but he's not going to make getting it easy.\n\n\\\u003eYou continue your advance though.\n\n\\\u003eHe moves into that stance of his.\n\n\\\u003eBut there's a rabbit circling around the edge of the Circle at a wild speed.\n\n\\\u003eAnd as is her signature, she dropkicks him in the side with full force right at the start.\n\n\\\u003eIt actually causes him to lose his balance and take a few recovering steps to the side.\n\n\\\u003eThere it is folks. The unstoppable force that makes immovable objects moveable.\n\n\\\u003eKayo looks shocked that he was actually moved.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle presses forward with a few quick strikes before he can recover and get back into his defense.\n\n\\\u003eYou look down at Marty.\n\n\\\u003eHe stares at you with trepidation.\n\n\\\u003e\"Time to man up, Martini.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eYou can see his jaw clench tighter.\n\n\\\u003eHe brings his hands up.\n\n\\\u003eEven if he knows he wouldn't be able to win this fight, he looks intent to cause you some damage before he drops.\n\n\\\u003eYou move in close.\n\n\\\u003eYou allow him to punch you in the chest once.\n\n\\\u003eJust to get his confidence up.\n\n\\\u003eEverything else, he'll have to earn.\n\n\\\u003eYou swing back with malicious intent.\n\n\\\u003eYou crack across his jaw with so much force he almost does a complete 360.\n\n\\\u003eStill a little loopy, he swings at you.\n\n\\\u003eIt comes nowhere close to you, as you step to the side, and follow with a low kick to his legs.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle and Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eHe's trying to get to you, but whenever he drops his stance to advance, Mirabelle keeps him from going anywhere.\n\n\\\u003eAnd she's far too fast for him to land any punches.\n\n\\\u003eOr maybe he's still got that hesitation, so he won't land anything.\n\n\\\u003eYou come back to focus on Marty, just as he launches at you and grapples onto you like a gremlin.\n\n\\\u003eHe throws punches into the side of your head.\n\n\\\u003eBut this is a worse position for him than it is for you.\n\n\\\u003eBecause his torso is completely exposed.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw punch after punch into both of his sides until he's tenderized like meat on a butcher's table.\n\n\\\u003eHis grip loosens substantially and you pry him off.\n\n\\\u003eThen take a few steps and throw him into the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eThey grab onto him, holding him by the arms.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over at the other fight.\n\n\\\u003eKayo is completely focused on Mirabelle right now, and is attempting to be more offensive than defensive.\n\n\\\u003eYou wind up for a big knee and throw it into Marty's stomach.\n\n\\\u003eHe folds forward, and the Circle releases him.\n\n\\\u003eHe collapses to the floor, and you grab him by his shirt collar and drag him toward the center.\n\n\\\u003eYou flip him over and lean in close, right above him.\n\n\\\u003eHis eyes are shut tight and there's a big grimace of pain on his face.\n\n\\\u003e\"If you can't handle this much Marty, how do you expect to hold the Champ title?\" you ask him.\n\n\\\u003eHe doesn't respond.\n\n\\\u003e\"Cuz people are gonna want to fight you. And if you can't fight you won't stay Champ for long. And you can't think people are going to want to defend you, when you act the way you do. They'll stab you in the back with the quickness.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe still has nothing to say.\n\n\\\u003eWhat the hell are you even talking to him about?\n\n\\\u003eAre you trying to get through to him with this or what?\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you're trying to get him to open up, so that you can understand why he's such a little shit all the time.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over in time to see Kayo lunge to grab Mirabelle and spectacularly whiff.\n\n\\\u003e\"I get it Marty, you've got a shitty situation.\"\n\n\\\u003eMarty lives in the Valley with his mom.\n\n\\\u003eNo dad, apparently, and rumors are that his mom is quite the drinker, which is why his name is Martini.\n\n\\\u003eIf that's true that's pretty rough.\n\n\\\u003e\"But you're carrying your situation with you, and now you've got no love here, cuz all you do is try to fuck other people over.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou think from the movement of his jaw, he's grinding his teeth.\n\n\\\u003e\"So if you just-\" you start.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't get to finish as his fist shoots up and belts across your cheek.\n\n\\\u003e\"Shut the fuck up!\" he shouts, throwing his other fist into your other cheek next.\n\n\\\u003e\"You think you know anything about my 'situation', my life?!\"\n\n\\\u003eHe punches you at every pause in his words, and you take them, mainly because they don't hurt terribly.\n\n\\\u003e\"What do you know?! You live good, you got friends, you got love! You don't know shit about how I live. Fuck you.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe stops swinging and lies back, eyes smoldering with hate.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at him.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e\"You know what.\" you say. \"You're right. I don't know. And I don't really care. All that bullshit I was just spouting, we can forget I ever said any of it. I don't really care about your situation, or how you act about it. You're kind of a bitch, and so I wanted to fuck you up. And I'm gonna.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou glance around.\n\n\\\u003eThe Circle has that air of shock.\n\n\\\u003eKayo and Mirabelle are still fighting, but you can see the focus in their movements is dulled due to the outburst on your side.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back at Marty.\n\n\\\u003eThis may be cruel, violent, sadistic.\n\n\\\u003eBut you really don't like Marty, so you're going to enjoy this.\n\n\\\u003eYou return the hail of blows that he offered you.\n\n\\\u003eLike you did to Jerome, you hold him down with one hand and throw punch after punch to his face.\n\n\\\u003eHe blocks but you don't even bother adjusting your strikes and\u0026nbsp; punch him in his noodle arms until they go slack, then you return to his face.\n\n\\\u003eSo this is what it's like to strike someone with the intent of violence.\n\n\\\u003eYou understand for the first time what it actually means, to hate.\n\n\\\u003eNot hate of a\u0026nbsp; race or species or anything psychotic like that, but hate of a single, awful individual.\n\n\\\u003eIs this contempt even warranted?\n\n\\\u003eDoes Marty deserve it? He's done nothing besides be a dick most of the time, but does he really deserve to get his ass beat so viciously?\n\n\\\u003eMaybe, maybe not.\n\n\\\u003eYou manage to keep enough clarity to stop yourself after his arms fall limply to the side.\n\n\\\u003eThe side of his face is swollen and bruised to hell.\n\n\\\u003eLet's hope this either wisens him up, mellows him out, or keeps him from bringing his negative ass back here.\n\n\\\u003eLewis checks him and quickly has some people carry him out.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath and look over to Kayo and Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eAt some point they stopped their whole fight to watch you bludgeon Marty.\n\n\\\u003eYou stare at Kayo and crack your knuckles.\n\n\\\u003eThe gesture causes you pain.\n\n\\\u003eYou look down and notice you busted them open at some point.\n\n\\\u003eOh well, it won't stop you from running Kayo's fade.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sorry 'bout that.\" you offer to Kayo, and pretty much everyone around. \"That was a special case around here, kind of personal.\"\n\n\\\u003eA few people nod with understanding.\n\n\\\u003eA lot of people don't really like Marty.\n\n\\\u003eKayo shrugs. \"Wasn't really my friend, so. Can't say I'm torn up about it.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe glances from you to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eAnd takes a few big bounding steps in your direction, swinging with a big forward punch.\n\n\\\u003eMuscle memory causes you to duck.\n\n\\\u003eThat's right, there's still a fight, even if it's now a 1v2.\n\n\\\u003eHis knee follows up into you as you duck under his punch.\n\n\\\u003eIt pushes you back a few steps but you're alright.\n\n\\\u003eNow that personal events are out of the way, it's time to return to business.\n\n\\\u003eHow are you going to crumble this mountain?\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe's looking at you too.\n\n\\\u003eGuess you'll just have to figure it out.\n\n\\\u003eYou inch forward. Mirabelle is doing the same.\n\n\\\u003eThen you burst forward and get a quick punch in before Kayo can block.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle does the same but he turns to her and enters his stance.\n\n\\\u003eThat's where it begins.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw back to back punches into his side while he's turned away, hoping to soften him up.\n\n\\\u003eOnce he breaks his stance he'll swing at you then go back to defending.\n\n\\\u003eYou keep in close and focus on dodging, then move in to strike, so that he focuses his defense in your direction.\n\n\\\u003eOnce he's in his stance Mirabelle will land a flurry of blows on his other side.\n\n\\\u003eAnd with her speed, she can hit him a lot more times than you can, even if they don't come out with similar power.\n\n\\\u003eYou repeat this pattern of striking then taking his enmity for a while.\n\n\\\u003eIt's a great defense, you've noticed. But at the end of it, he's still blocking with a vital part of his body, and doing it for prolonged amounts of time will wear down on him.\n\n\\\u003eLike he said, he's basically the tank, but if the mobs beat on the tank enough, eventaully they'll still go down.\n\n\\\u003eYou can see the strain beginning to build on his face.\n\n\\\u003eIf you two keep this up, you might gain a decent advantage on him.\n\n\\\u003eHe breaks his stance while Mirabelle is tenderizing his sides, and reels back for a big punch.\n\n\\\u003eNot the cool one he does, but a big punch nonetheless.\n\n\\\u003eYou fire forward with a haymaker of your own.\n\n\\\u003eYou're faster, so you should be able to hit him and halt it before it comes out.\n\n\\\u003eYou reach him first and deck him right in the face.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately, even though his face yields, he pushes forward and throws his fist into your face in retaliation.\n\n\\\u003eYou step back a few times before your legs give way and you slump to the ground.\n\n\\\u003eAlright, which life hacker decided to give this man hyper armor on top of his regular armor?\n\n\\\u003eIf he's got a full circle command grab, you're just done.\n\n\\\u003eOh wait, he kind of does, doesn't he?\n\n\\\u003eYou aren't done yet, you push yourself onto your elbows.\n\n\\\u003eJust in time to see him coming to game end you, elbow extended.\n\n\\\u003eHe drops but you have the sense to roll sideways and jump to your feet before he has the chance to slaughter you.\n\n\\\u003eHe's on the ground now, recovering from his botched elbow drop.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear a whistle.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe's gained some distance and is posing, low to the ground like a track runner.\n\n\\\u003eUnderstood.\n\n\\\u003eYou crouch down low as well.\n\n\\\u003eAs Kayo rises to his feet, you both run at him in a V formation.\n\n\\\u003eHe barely has time to register the twin assault coming for him before you both jump and dropkick him on opposite sides.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle lands on her feet, you land on your side.\n\n\\\u003eKayo goes backpedaling into the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes a lot of people, but in his dazed moment, they latch onto him like the spectral arms of Death.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand up as quickly as you can.\n\n\\\u003eYou step forward toward him.\n\n\\\u003eAnd in mimicry of his big ass punch, you bring your left foot back, turning your torso almost completely away from where you're going. Your left arm comes horizontal across your chest, and your right arm pulls back.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw your weight back in his direction, and rocket forward with the heaviest haymaker you've ever thrown.\n\n\\\u003eHe sees what you did, a mix of surprise and confusion on his face.\n\n\\\u003eYou slam right into his face with the desire to put this big beast to sleep.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd releases him and he takes a few uneasy steps forward before collapsing to his hands and knees.\n\n\\\u003eHe doesn't look done yet.\n\n\\\u003eSo you're not going to wait for him to recover.\n\n\\\u003eThis is a usurper who must be put down switftly, and without mercy.\n\n\\\u003eYou step up and plant a foot on his back.\n\n\\\u003eWith no buildup however, you bring both feet up and springboard off of his back.\n\n\\\u003eYou twist in a backflip and come crashing down with your knees driving into his back.\n\n\\\u003eThe King's Guillotine descends once again.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand.\n\n\\\u003eHe rolls over and over, coughing and sputtering.\n\n\\\u003eLewis comes to check him and ask if he's done.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mirabele.\n\n\\\u003eShe's breathing a bit heavily.\n\n\\\u003eThe middle of your face is numb.\n\n\\\u003eBut this has to be it.\n\n\\\u003eYou wait for Lewis to say the words that will bring this to an end.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eBut they don't come.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact he returns to his normal standing place.\n\n\\\u003eAnd Kayo, very slowly begins to rise.\n\n\\\u003eThis guy will not quit.\n\n\\\u003eHe's the terminater, here to take your flannel, your shoes, and your scooter.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk up to him, glancing at Mirabelle as you pass.\n\n\\\u003eShe's stepping backward.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a punch at Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes it and throws one back.\n\n\\\u003eYou block it. It doesn't come out with much strength, but this fight has been going for a while so you're losing momentum.\n\n\\\u003eYou punch each other back and forth, he doesn't even use his stance anymore.\n\n\\\u003eYou give him another solid punch to the nose, and he takes a step back.\n\n\\\u003eAnother whistle from behind you catches your attention.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to see Mirabelle, posed like a runner again.\n\n\\\u003eShe throws her head and eyes up to the sky.\n\n\\\u003eShe's going to fly. Or fall with style.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you're the springboard.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn back toward Kayo.\n\n\\\u003eHe's coming back toward you.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a step back now, and squat low.\n\n\\\u003eThe gesture stops him in his tracks.\n\n\\\u003eBut then he notices Mirabelle running at him.\n\n\\\u003eAs she reaches you she bounds up onto your shoulder and you launch yourself up with all the force you can muster.\n\n\\\u003eThen you look up.\n\n\\\u003eShe is. Very high up.\n\n\\\u003eYou look down at Kayo. If he has the sense to dodge, she might hurt herself.\n\n\\\u003eBut he's standing there, awestruck.\n\n\\\u003eLike he's watching an angel descend.\n\n\\\u003eOne of the biblically accurate ones to be precise.\n\n\\\u003eBe not afraid.\n\n\\\u003eShe comes crashing down, driving her feet into his chest region.\n\n\\\u003eHe smashes into the ground, like he was just hit with a meteor from space.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle colllapses to the side, spent of energy.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone is frozen from that display.\n\n\\\u003eYou included.\n\n\\\u003eThat was dope.\n\n\\\u003eElodi at least garners the sense to come to Kayo.\n\n\\\u003e\"Are you done?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003eHe says nothing for a while.\n\n\\\u003eThen answers with a quick \"Yee.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat's it.\n\n\\\u003eYou did it.\n\n\\\u003eYou fucking won!\n\n\\\u003e\"Kayo is done.\" Elodi reveals. \"The winners of the Doubles Tournament are, Mirabelle and Anon!\"\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd cheers.\n\n\\\u003eYou cheer along with them.\n\n\\\u003eGoddamn this was amazing.\n\n\\\u003eYou're filled with a myriad of positive emotions.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle, who is standing up and smiling wide.\n\n\\\u003eYou told her you'd relent with the public displays of affection.\n\n\\\u003eBut this is a good enough reason to ignore that right?\n\n\\\u003eYou walk up to her.\n\n\\\u003eHowever you're caught off guard when she bounds up, launches herself into your arms and kisses you first.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't let your confusion last long as you wrap your arms around her tightly and reciprocate the affection.\n\n\\\u003eNow the crowd is cheering for a reason beside your win.\n\n\\\u003eYou share your passionate embrace for a moment longer before you break.\n\n\\\u003eYou gaze into those beautiful blue eyes.\n\n\\\u003eThe sight of her joy filled smile brings a peace to your aching form.\n\n\\\u003eShe loosens her grip and you set her down.\n\n\\\u003eKayo has picked himself up off the floor.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk over to him.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good fight, Kayo. I hope you had fun.\" you tell him, extending your hand.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes it. \"Good fight, Anon. I sure did, y'all got a good thing goin' out here. It's definitely more fun than what we do back home. Hope that rematch was what you wanted too.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou release his hand and nod.\n\n\\\u003eYou're pleased with the outcome.\n\n\\\u003e\"By the way.\" Kayo says. \"Did you fuckin' punch me with my own damn Buster?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\" you say. \"yes I did. It's mine now.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Uhh. I mean, I guess you won, so to the victor go the spoils and all that. But why?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou shrug. \"I thought it looked cool. You know what they say. 'Monkey see, monkey do'.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe laughs. \"Well alright. Go right ahead and use it.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe checks the time.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm gonna get going. I think my family has plans for us tomorrow, so I''m gonna go sleep this ass beating off. Probably the last I'll see of you, so take care.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"See you around man.\" you say. \"It was cool getting to meet you and knock you around a bit.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Ha, same to you.\" he says, offering a fist that you bump.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eThen he takes off down the road.\n\n\\\u003eDamn you're tired.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou want to collapse right here and now.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well. Congratulations Anon, Mirabelle.\" Lewis says. \"Mirabelle remains the Champion... Or does she? You've both been put through the wringer, but this might be the perfect time to take back what's yours. Here and now.\"\n\n\\\u003eOh shit.\n\n\\\u003eIs this what he meant when he was talking about fighting your partner for the Champ spot?\n\n\\\u003eDirectly after the finals?\n\n\\\u003e... That's kind of devious, you have to admit.\n\n\\\u003eHe's got this villainous smirk on his face.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eShe's staring dead at you, wondering what you're going to say.\n\n\\\u003eShe cocks an eyebrow at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"You really wanna do this?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003eNOPE.png\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head vigorously, continuing to shake as you look over at Lewis.\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course not.\" he says, like he already knew what your answer would be.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good boy.\" Mirabelle says as she walks over and pats your arm.\n\n\\\u003eShe would probably only need one good kick to get you to fold like an omelette anyway.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle goes to sit on her box and you sit down on the ground next to her.\n\n\\\u003eThe other contestants who were knocked out of the tourney earlier and a bunch of the spectators come over to congratulate you two.\n\n\\\u003eAfter that, you two just sit for a while.\n\n\\\u003e\"... That was fun.\" you say idly.\n\n\\\u003e\"... Yep.\" she returns.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad we won.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Me too.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"... Love you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"... Love you too.\"\n\n\\\u003eVerne buys you and Mirabelle drinks with another round of congratulations, which you practically inhale.\n\n\\\u003e\"So what else did we win?\" Mirabelle asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"What?\" you ask in return.\n\n\\\u003e\"Lewis said you had a prize besides the Champ spot for the winner. What is it?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou shrug.\n\n\\\u003e\"You mean you didn't actually have a prize planned out?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head.\n\n\\\u003eShe sighs.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well now I want a prize, so I'm holding you to the promise of a prize.\" she says.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Kay.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003eYou two decide that it's time to get home.\n\n\\\u003eMikael says he'll text you about the celebration and you nod.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk in silence for a while.\n\n\\\u003e\"So Anon.\" Mirabelle says, suddenly breaking the silence. \"You kind of, really put the screws to Marty there.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Yeah.\" is all you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"You think you needed to go that far?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...No.\" Another one word answer.\n\n\\\u003e\"So you understand that you did go a little overboard with that?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yep.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"So it isn't going to happen again, right?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou want to say 'right'.\n\n\\\u003eBut can you?\n\n\\\u003eYou don't think you have anger problems.\n\n\\\u003eNothing like that has happened before in your years at the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eBut you went half ballistic against Wayne and Tyrell when they ganged on Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you were ready to beat on the front of Marty's skull until you reached the back of it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Right?\" Mirabelle says again.\n\n\\\u003e\"I won't go that far again.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good.\" she says, looking appeased. \"I just don't want you to get in any trouble or something if you were to actually irreversibly hurt someone.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou nod.\n\n\\\u003eYou haven't seen any deep wounds or injuries, but you do wonder what would happen if someone did get seriously hurt.\n\n\\\u003eIf it happened enough times, would someone try to put an end to the Circle?\n\n\\\u003eYou won't think about that.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou take Mirabelle home, you smooch her , then watch her slog her way up to her home.\n\n\\\u003eYou head home yourself.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you get back, you immediately jump into the shower, change clothes and collapse onto your bed.\n\n\\\u003eIt's way too early to sleep, but the exhaustion washes over you.\n\n\\\u003eThat was fun.\n\n\\\u003eSo much fun.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eFuck Marty.\n\n\\\u003eMikael texted the group bright and early Saturday morning.\n\n\\\u003eHe said that for such a momentous occasion, just siegbraus wouldn't be enough.\n\n\\\u003eSo he said you should meet up early and have more of a small party.\n\n\\\u003eYou grabbed your Smitch and controllers, setting them in your backpack.\n\n\\\u003eYou went to the supermarket and grabbed a couple of supermarket subs.\n\n\\\u003eThen you went to pick up Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003eYou get to her house and see some of the kids running around.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam is also outside, wiping his car down, shining it or something.\n\n\\\u003eNice BNW.\n\n\\\u003eAren't those really expensive?\n\n\\\u003e... Oh right. Hills.\n\n\\\u003eYou text Mirabelle to let her know you're here.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon!\" some of the kids call.\n\n\\\u003eYou wave.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam notices and puts his task on hold to walk over to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Afternoon, Anon.\" he says.\n\n\\\u003eAfternoon, Mr. Dunwick.\" you respond.\n\n\\\u003e\"You comin' in?\" he asks, motioning to the gate control.\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head. \"Nah, we're heading off.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe nods, then leans up against the gate.\n\n\\\u003e\"I heard about that doubles thing you guys had. Sounds like it was fun.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"It was so much fun.\" you answer.\n\n\\\u003eHe nods, relishing the entertainment vicariously.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's pretty rad. We didn't have anything like that back when I was young. I bet my Blood Brother and I could've won if we did.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou know, that blood brother guy that William always talks about interests you.\n\n\\\u003eYou kind of want to hear more about him.\n\n\\\u003eSo you give voice to your interest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003e\"So who was this-\"\n\n\\\u003eYou're interrupted by a surprise Mirabelle casually pushing her dad out of the way, who was blocking the footpath gate.\n\n\\\u003e\"'Scuse me.\" she says, passing through the gate and hopping on to the back of your scooter.\n\n\\\u003eWilliam laughs. \"Alright, you two have fun. Be safe, don't stay out too late.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe returns toward his car.\n\n\\\u003eYou think you hear him mutter \"Don't drink too much\", but you aren't sure if that was in jest or serious advice.\n\n\\\u003eDoes he know?\n\n\\\u003eYou look back at Mirabelle, who has the same questioning look. But she shrugs and shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003eWell, if she's not going to worry about it, neither will you.\n\n\\\u003eYou pull off and head to the hideaway.\n\n\\\u003eStill standing, still ugly as sin.\n\n\\\u003eThe gang's all here, with cars parked around the back today, since you're here in broad daylight.\n\n\\\u003eIt's abandoned yes, but it may or may not still be considered trespassing, so better to avoid being spotted while it's light out.\n\n\\\u003eWhen you arrive, everything is pretty much all set up.\n\n\\\u003eDrinks and food set up, lawn chairs are brought up.\n\n\\\u003eMikael brought a twenty-something inch t.v(that he surely managed to carry up the ladder effortlessly) for the games and Lewis had a portable power supply to hook up to.\n\n\\\u003eThere's a random wooden box that you use for the stand.\n\n\\\u003eThe Smitch gets hooked up, controllers get passed out.\n\n\\\u003eSandwiches and soda, a bit of music on Verne's phone and mini speaker.\n\n\\\u003eCelebration.\n\n\\\u003eLewis whoops everybody's ass in Smash Bruhs.\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't help that you go for the Skewer every conceivable chance you get.\n\n\\\u003eWhich works some times, or leaves you horribly open at others.\n\n\\\u003eBut you don't care, Space Dragon go brr.\n\n\\\u003eBut Lewis' Captain Falcone is a hurricane of pain. And knees.\n\n\\\u003eOh god the knees.\n\n\\\u003eYou make it a personal goal every match to bully Mirabelle's Sheek.\n\n\\\u003eAnd she is quick to showcase her disapproval upon your innocent arm whenever you take a stock.\n\n\\\u003eEven if everyone else were the ones to get her to kill range.\n\n\\\u003eVerne plays Poc-Man for memes.\n\n\\\u003eMikael plays Snek, because Snek is a chad.\n\n\\\u003eLewis reads you all like books.\n\n\\\u003eEven when you play dangerously off stage.\n\n\\\u003eNo one expects the off stage kills for the sake of hype.\n\n\\\u003eBut Lewis does.\n\n\\\u003eAfter you've had enough of getting dunked by Lewis, you switch over to Mareo Kart.\n\n\\\u003eYou and Mirabelle take turns between each other because one console only allows up to four players.\n\n\\\u003eLewis is still the one to beat here, but everyone else has their positive moments.\n\n\\\u003eYou slide up next with Mareo Party.\n\n\\\u003eBecause apparently you've all grown tired of your friendships.\n\n\\\u003eAnd in an effort to keep each other civil you bring up a silly game you downloaded a while ago.\n\n\\\u003eUltima Chickin Hoarse\n\n\\\u003eHell, this game might be even more spiteful than Mareo Party.\n\n\\\u003eEventually it starts getting late, the sun is setting.\n\n\\\u003eSo the consensus is that the main part of the celebration can begin.\n\n\\\u003eYou come to the edge of the motel and sit down.\n\n\\\u003eMikael grabs five bottles of siegbrau and passes them out, then sits at your left.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle sits to the right of you.\n\n\\\u003eVerne to the right of her and Lewis at the end.\n\n\\\u003eIn almost perfect synchronization, you all pop the caps from your botttles on the lip of the building.\n\n\\\u003e\"To a successful event, to Mirabelle and Anon's win.\" Mikael says. holding his bottle up to the sky.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone follows suit, and after a silent moment you bring the bottle to your lips and take a hearty sip.\n\n\\\u003eLong may the sun shine.\n\n\\\u003eYou all drink, chatting about nothing in particular and making silly jokes, until you're three rounds in.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle is keeping pace with you guys.\n\n\\\u003eYou've taught her well, you villain.\n\n\\\u003eVerne passes out the fourth round.\n\n\\\u003eThis one is drank in relative silence.\n\n\\\u003eUntil Verne says out of nowhere \"I been thinkin'.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone groans.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well fuck you guys too!\" he says. \"I ain't been thinking anything deep, just wondering.\u0026nbsp; What're you all doing after high school?\"\n\n\\\u003eDamn. This talk was bound to come up eventually. You just didn't know when.\n\n\\\u003eBut it is getting closer and closer.\n\n\\\u003eYou just didn't want to think about it, because you knew.\n\n\\\u003eWhen it does come, you'll likely be saying goodbye.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm going to college.\" Lewis speaks first, taking another sip of his beer as he does. \"Tremorton U.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat's a good school, as expected of Lewis.\n\n\\\u003eIt's like two and a half hours away, so he won't be completely gone at least.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm gonna go to college too.\" you say.\n\n\\\u003e\"So am I.\" Mirabelle says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah?\" Verne says. \"I dunno if I wanna go or not. I'm not too good with class, I might just work at my dad's mechanic shop 'til I figure out my game plan.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That''s a waste.\" Lewis says. \"You're creative, you should find something you can do that will allow you to use all that heart and the way with the written word you have.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah but.\" Verne shrugs. \"Like what?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That's what you'll have to look for. I can help, if ya want.\"\n\n\\\u003eVerne chuckles. \"Thanks man.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat's good. Verne isn't book smart like Lewis, but he's got his own kind of intelligence. He shouldn't have to give up just like that.\n\n\\\u003e... Someone hasn't answered yet.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Mikael.\n\n\\\u003e\"What about you?\" you ask him.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm gonna enlist.\" he says, draining the rest of his beer.\n\n\\\u003eSay again?\n\n\\\u003eYou stare at him as if he just told you that he was not actually descended from vikings.\n\n\\\u003e\"But!\" you start. You're gonna have to cut your hair! And your beard! And I dunno what the lady situation is in the military but I don't think there's a lot! There's gotta be something else.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Relax, I don't plan on the active combat branches.\" he assures you. \"I'm going Navy. You know us vikings like boats.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe grins and it disarms you.\n\n\\\u003eYou guess you won't fight him on it.\n\n\\\u003eHe didn't say he \"might\" enlist, he said he's \"going to\", so he must've already thought about and confirmed what it was he wanted to do.\n\n\\\u003e\"Besides,\" he starts again, an even bigger grin on his face. \"People in the military get to travel, so I will get to meet a lot of different ladies. I will expand my worldliness.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou laugh, he's got you there.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your bottle back to your lips and take a sip, before the sound of heavy sniffling makes you pause.\n\n\\\u003eYou look over and Verne is the cause, rubbing his eyes with his sleeves and sniffling.\n\n\\\u003eOh no. No no no.\n\n\\\u003eHe better not.\n\n\\\u003e\"Fuuuck, I'm 'unna miss you guys.\" he says with a warbling sadness.\n\n\\\u003eVerne is too chill to drunk cry, what happened to him?\n\n\\\u003eYou look passed him and see Lewis, turned away from the group.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't hear him, but his back has those slight hiccups that say he is choking back tears.\n\n\\\u003eGoddammit Verne.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle is looking between everyone, hand over her mouth.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at you and tears are pooling in the corners of her eyes.\n\n\\\u003e\"Not you too!\" you cry out.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to your left.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mikael you better not-\"\n\n\\\u003eMikael is a being of singular determination.\n\n\\\u003eHis entire body is rigid and he's staring at the the road like he's trying to get it to combust with his mind.\n\n\\\u003eYou hold your head up to the sky, watching the stars come into existence at the fading of daylight.\n\n\\\u003eYou won't cry, you push yourself to stay strong.\n\n\\\u003eBut Verne is right. One of you will be gone, for who knows how long. The other will be several hours away, but busy as hell.\n\n\\\u003eThat's half the squad already.\n\n\\\u003eIf Verne doens't go to school you won't see him.\n\n\\\u003eAnd even if he does, what if you choose different ones?\n\n\\\u003eWhere's Mirabelle going to go?\n\n\\\u003eIf she goes to a different school than you, like somewhere far away, what would you do?\n\n\\\u003eWould you two have to, brea-\n\n\\\u003eYou kill that thought before those final syllables are manifested..\n\n\\\u003eBut it's too late, the sadness has crept in.\n\n\\\u003eThe alcohol has amplified it.\n\n\\\u003eA few tears fall silently from your eyes.\n\n\\\u003eThis is not a vibe.\n\n\\\u003e\"Goddammit Verne!\" you yell, trying to keep your voice controlled.\n\n\\\u003e\"My baaaaaad!\" he whines.\n\n\\\u003eThis continues for a while.\n\n\\\u003eFuck.\n\n\\\u003eWhat happened.\n\n\\\u003eYou open your eyes.\n\n\\\u003eAt least you think you do.\n\n\\\u003eIt's still very dark.\n\n\\\u003eWhat time is it?\n\n\\\u003eYou wiggle to grab your phone but your right side does not respond.\n\n\\\u003eYour eyes adjust and you find an adorable white rabbit nestled into your side, sleeping peacefully.\n\n\\\u003eThe sight is similar all around you.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is on his gut.\n\n\\\u003eVerne is spread out like a starfish.\n\n\\\u003eLewis sleeps like he was just placed in his coffin, hands folded on his stomach and everything.\n\n\\\u003eYou guys attempted to drown the sad with more booze it looks like.\n\n\\\u003eDoesn't seem to have worked in the way you intended.\n\n\\\u003eAt least everyone is okay. More or less.\n\n\\\u003eYou worm and scoot yourself until you can manage to slide your phone out of your pocket with your left hand.\n\n\\\u003eThat was an ordeal.\n\n\\\u003eThe time is.\n\n\\\u003eOh lord it's almost midnight.\n\n\\\u003eYou think about what to do before a softly playing ringtone and a quick buzz alerts you.\n\n\\\u003eThat's not your phone, yours is in your hand.\n\n\\\u003eSo it's Mirabelle's.\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't look like she's in a state to answer it.\n\n\\\u003eBut at this time it's probably her parents.\n\n\\\u003eNot answering would make them worried.\n\n\\\u003eLet's hope your voice is fine enough to play this off.\n\n\\\u003eYou reach for her phone.\n\n\\\u003eYour hand grazes her butt as you take it from her back pocket.\n\n\\\u003eWhat's up with girls keeping their phone back there, don't they worry about sitting on it?\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't notice the device sounding off her possibly impending doom, but she somehow caught the minor contact of your hand and her posterior.\n\n\\\u003eJudging by the fact that when it happened a small smirk crossed her face and she nudged even closer to you.\n\n\\\u003eOr maybe it was coincidence.\n\n\\\u003e... There are no coincidences.\n\n\\\u003eYou finally free her phone, the bright screen reflecting the word \"Mom\" on it.\n\n\\\u003eHere goes.\n\n\\\u003eYou clear your throat and answer.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hello Mrs. Dunwick.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, Anon? Is that you?\" she says. Are you alright? We didn't expect Mirabelle to still be out this late.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Uhh, yeah. I take the blame for that. We've been here( you neglect to mention where 'here' is) eating and playing games(you neglect to mention the other activity you were engaged in). At some point I guess we all just conked out. I'll be getting Mira home soon, I promise.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou hope that's enough and no further information is required.\n\n\\\u003eThe line is silent for a moment before she says \"Okay. I guess you are young adults, I know you understand the importance of responsibility. Just try to get Mirabelle home quickly okay? If you're with a group it should be okay, but it is getting very late.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I understand.\" you tell her. \"Again, I'm very sorry. I'll have her home soon.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe lets you go and you hang up.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a moment to mentally inspect your current status.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll be fine, you've done this before.\n\n\\\u003eYou gently get Mirabelle to awaken.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes a moment but she's up.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks more sleepy than inebriated, so she should be fine as well.\n\n\\\u003eYou ungently get your friends to wake their asses up.\n\n\\\u003eMikael and Lewis rise with an alertness.\n\n\\\u003eVerne's body refuses.\n\n\\\u003eYou explain the situation and let them know that you have to go.\n\n\\\u003eThey nod and wish you safe travels.\n\n\\\u003eThe trash can stay where the hell it is, but you remember to grab your Smitch.\n\n\\\u003eYou climb down, getting ready to help Mirabelle if needed.\n\n\\\u003eShe gets down fine.\n\n\\\u003eYour foot actually missed a bar on the way down, but you recovered well enough.\n\n\\\u003eAnd if nobody saw it, it didn't actually happen.\n\n\\\u003eYou start your scooter, let Mirabelle on to the back, and take off toward her home.\n\n\\\u003eShe nestles in close to you.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes a very stern berating from your inner gentleman to keep you from taking her straight to your house instead.\n\n\\\u003eConsciously falling asleep next to Mirabelle is guaranteed to bring you the sweetest dreams ever seen.\n\n\\\u003eBut no, you have to take her home, as you promised.\n\n\\\u003eA while later, you arrive in front of her house.\n\n\\\u003eYou let her off.\n\n\\\u003e\"You have a key?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods in the affirmative.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay. Before you go. Just in case, swish with this.\"\n\n\\\u003eFrom your backpack you take a tiny bottle of mouthwash and pour a bit into the cap, before handing it to her.\n\n\\\u003eShe takes it without questioning and does as you ask.\n\n\\\u003eAfter she spits it out and hands the cap back she says \"I used to just get into fights. Now I'm doing things that would be considered illegal. All because of you.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou freeze up. Guilt sets in.\n\n\\\u003eBut she looks at you and grins tauntingly. \"I'm not gonna wait for you if you ever get arrested or something.\"\n\n\\\u003eOh she's just messing with you, like she always does.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well you see. To arrest me, they gotta catch me.\" you tell her.\n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head and turns toward her home.\n\n\\\u003e\"Text me when you get home.\" she says.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod, then watch her go until she is inside.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou head home yourself.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you yourself are home, you shoot Mirabelle a text, then one to your goon squad.\n\n\\\u003eLewis sends the 'okay' hand emoji.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle replies with \"okay good\".\n\n\\\u003e\"Any problems?\" you ask her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Nope. Just shouted out that I was home and went up to my room.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay cool.\" you send her. \"If any problems show up, you have my permission to throw all of us under the bus.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Wasn't going to need your permission, but thanks bud.\" she says.\n\n\\\u003eThat gets a laugh out of you.\n\n\\\u003eShe follows up with \"good night.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou reply the same.\n\n\\\u003eTime to collapse.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou really are going to miss your friends.\n\n\\\u003e... No you won't.\n\n\\\u003eYou won't allow yourself to miss them.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll force these bastards to keep contact if you have to.\n\n\\\u003eThis is the future, there's a million different ways to keep in touch.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou won't let distance erode your friendship.\n\n\\\u003eMikael, Verne, Lewis.\n\n\\\u003eThese are your blood brothers.\n\n\\\u003eYou won't let that brotherhoood die.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you're going to stick with Mirabelle until she gets sick of you.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe there's a way to have her stay with you forevver.\n\n\\\u003e... The easiest way to do that would probably be to marry her, right?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eWhoa whoa whoa, slow down there buckaroo.\n\n\\\u003eYeah you love her, but it's a little soon for the M-word here.\n\n\\\u003eLet's give it a few more years or whatever before you start throwing that around, even mentally.\n\n\\\u003eEntertain that thought after college maybe.\n\n\\\u003eBut if you're just using your imagination here.\n\n\\\u003eThat might not be too bad.\n\n\\\u003eYou drift off to bed with an imaginary future that you kind of hope could one day be reality, flowing through your mind.\n\n\\\u003eBack to your regularly scheduled everyday proceedings.\n\n\\\u003eSunday came and went with no complications.\n\n\\\u003eBut you stayed home for no other reason than you were just tired.\n\n\\\u003eHowever Mirabelle didn't say anything about her dad and brothers ready to run your fade for making her a delinquent or something, so you think you're safe for now.\n\n\\\u003eWith nothing exciting to look forward to, the day slogs on.\n\n\\\u003eBut it's over now and Circle time begins.\n\n\\\u003eYou expected Mirabelle to be making good on her promise to be a model for Marie's painting, but apparently Marie had to go home early so it's not happening today.\n\n\\\u003eOh well, more Mirabelle for you then, you won't complain.\n\n\\\u003eSome everyday fights go on.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately the special event caused you to forget who is close to finishing their streak.\n\n\\\u003eNo one challenges Mirabelle though.\n\n\\\u003eLewis gets ready to call for the next fight, but his ears twitch and he glances toward the disturbance.\n\n\\\u003eSomething's grabbed a few of the anthros attention actually, it causes them all to look in the same direction.\n\n\\\u003eYou try to look yourself, but it's hard to see from where you are.\n\n\\\u003eBut you catch small glimpses.\n\n\\\u003eRed, black, white.\n\n\\\u003eUniforms.\n\n\\\u003eSpecifically, the cheerleader uniforms.\n\n\\\u003eAll the cheerleaders from school are coming this way.\n\n\\\u003eAs they approach, you can see quite a few of the football team too.\n\n\\\u003eWhat's going on with this?\n\n\\\u003eThey approach the Circle and two of them make their way to the center as the rest fill in to the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eThe senior with long blonde hair tied in a braid that reaches her thighs goes up to Lewis.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, you guys mind if we get a round real quick? Elise and I are at odds and the team is split right down the middle on both of our sides. So we need a way to decide what we're going to do.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"We don't mind. The Circle is open to all.\" Lewis says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Great.\" Elise says, cracking her knuckles. She looks to Alison, the blonde girl she's about to fight. \"We'll be doing my routine soon.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Fuck you, my routine is better!\" Alison cries.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eIt's not malicious. In fact she's got a toothy grin on her face.\n\n\\\u003eHer braces almost glint like a predator's fangs in the sunlight.\n\n\\\u003eHow bad will it hurt if she gets punched in the mouth?\n\n\\\u003eAlison is tall, but scrawny.\n\n\\\u003eAnd Elise is a brown bear.\n\n\\\u003eElise is also Jayce's younger sister.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you know she's following in her brother's fight style footsteps.\n\n\\\u003eShe's not as big as her brother, nowhere close.\n\n\\\u003eShe's got a pretty thin, but sporty figure.\n\n\\\u003eBut she's still a bear.\n\n\\\u003eSo you hope Alison here has some good technique to go toe to toe with Elise.\n\n\\\u003eSays the man who has fought bulls, lions, and now bison.\n\n\\\u003eThey stand across from each other.\n\n\\\u003eThe smack talk segment gets pretty heated.\n\n\\\u003eThey've both got some good lines.\n\n\\\u003eBut the fight. Ooh boy.\n\n\\\u003eWhen Lewis says \"fight\", they fight.\n\n\\\u003eAlison has really good kicks.\n\n\\\u003eShe'd be right at home hanging out with Eddie and Jerome.\n\n\\\u003eSweeping kicks, flying side kicks.\n\n\\\u003eShe throws two 540 kicks in a row, that was kinda cool.\n\n\\\u003eBut Elise.\n\n\\\u003eElise is just like Jayce.\n\n\\\u003eWatching Jayce win is really what got you inspired to join the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eWatching him be as cocky and showboaty as he was is what inspired you to do the same.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you kind of feel that inspiration again watching his sister emulate his style.\n\n\\\u003eWhen she slingshots Alison into the Circle to have them throw her back like the rebound off of the ropes, then follows up with a clothesline.\n\n\\\u003eWhen she hooks her arm behind Alison's head and underneath her leg, throwing herself and her opponent backward for a Fisherman Suplex.\n\n\\\u003eWhen she grabs her in what looks like a guillotine, only for her to bring her hand up in a kind of \"witness me\" gesture, then hook it under her neck with a spin as she falls into a flawless Twist o' Fate.\n\n\\\u003eIt kind of makes you upset that you never got to fight Jayce.\n\n\\\u003eYou think he'd be out of the age range by now. But if he ever comes back, maybe you can get the Circle to bend the rules a bit.\n\n\\\u003eJust for one fight.\n\n\\\u003eYou were so engrossed with watching the fight that you didn't notice Mikael had showed up next to you to get a better look until he rested his arm on your shoulder.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at him.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks.\n\n\\\u003eAwestruck?\n\n\\\u003eAmazed?\n\n\\\u003e... Aroused?\n\n\\\u003eIt's hard to tell what this expression is on him.\n\n\\\u003eBut his attention is locked on this fight.\n\n\\\u003eElise hits Alison with a vicious backbreaker.\n\n\\\u003eThen drops her casually, like she didn't just kill another living being.\n\n\\\u003eAlison seems to be okay, you think, Elise didn't actually try to shatter her spine.\n\n\\\u003eBut it does its job, Alison is down.\n\n\\\u003eLewis walks up to check on her and ask if she's done.\n\n\\\u003e\"Nah nah nah!\" Elise shouts.\n\n\\\u003eShe crouches low over Alison and lifts her leg in a wrestling pin.\n\n\\\u003eAlison is clearly done, she isn't fighting back.\n\n\\\u003eShe's probably just letting it happen to be a good sport.\n\n\\\u003eLewis chuckles and crouches low.\n\n\\\u003eHe's not about to throw his hand onto bare concrete though, so he throws it into his other open palm.\n\n\\\u003e\"One. Two. Three. It's over.\" he says. \"Your winner. Is Elise.\"\n\n\\\u003eElise picks herself up and throws her hands to the sky.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd cheers, and the cheerleaders and football players cheer especially loud.\n\n\\\u003e\"My routine.\" Elise says to Alison, as she offers her a hand up.\n\n\\\u003e\"Fine fine, you got me, we'll do yours.\" Alison responds.\n\n\\\u003eStill holding each other's hand, they shake.\n\n\\\u003eGood sportsmanship is important, never forget that.\n\n\\\u003eThey look ready to take off back to the school or wherever they're going.\n\n\\\u003eMikael walks up to Elise.\n\n\\\u003eUh oh, time for Mikael to be Mikael.\n\n\\\u003e\"So you like the Norse Mythos?\" he says.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at him. \"I do. But not because of you or anything.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"So are you the one taking me to the Great Hall when it's my time to go?\" he asks, pointing to her arm..\n\n\\\u003eShe looks down at her arm, then back at Mikael.\n\n\\\u003e\"I just might be. Do you think you're worthy?\" she replies.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at her arm now curiously.\n\n\\\u003eShe has a tattoo.\n\n\\\u003eAnthros with tattoos are pretty rare.\n\n\\\u003eAccording to the infinite welllspring of viking lore that Mikael has imparted onto you all, you believe her tattoo is the symbol of the Valkyrie.\n\n\\\u003eWhich are supposed to be Odin's dope ass daughters who were born to be warrior women or something.\n\n\\\u003eThey also take the chadliest of vikings to Valhalla, but only if they drop dead in thrilling combat.\n\n\\\u003e\"If there's anything I know I deserve, it's a beautiful valkyrie to spirit me to Valhalla.\" he says.\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know. I think you have to prove yourself.\" She gives him a big grin.\n\n\\\u003eKudos to her for not like, turning to mush for just standing within touching distance of him like some of these tho- er uh, lovely women.\n\n\\\u003eAs she says \"prove yourself\", those words seem to resonate with Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eHe turns. Slowly.\n\n\\\u003eAnd faces you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon.\" he says. \"Fight me.\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eHUH?\n\n\\\u003e\"You for real?!\" you blurt out.\n\n\\\u003eThis is what gets him to fight you?\n\n\\\u003eA girl?!\n\n\\\u003eActually that makes total sense, it's Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks to Mirabelle next.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle. Would you be willing to put up your title for my fight with Anon?\" he asks her. \"I want him to fight, holding nothing back. And he will do so if he knows a loss will come at a cost.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks between the two of you.\n\n\\\u003eYou begin to explain that isn't necessary.\n\n\\\u003e\"She doesn't have to do that, I'd fight my hardest even if it isn't-\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm fine with it.\" she butts in.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't you dare lose.\" she says, with a wink.\n\n\\\u003eYou sigh.\n\n\\\u003eSo be it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright then. Let's do it.\" you tell Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand across from each other.\n\n\\\u003eThe female spectators are cheering louder than they ever have.\n\n\\\u003eEven some of the cheerleaders are spelling out his name in traditional cheerleady fashion.\n\n\\\u003eHe's never fought you, so they are likely eager to see how he's going to fuck you up.\n\n\\\u003eWithout warning he pulls off his shirt and tosses it to the side.\n\n\\\u003eCheering intensifies.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone in the crowd might have fainted.\n\n\\\u003eFucking. Mikael.\n\n\\\u003e\"Remove your shirts Anon. We must fight as equals in this hallowed arena.\" he says with complete seriousness.\n\n\\\u003eYou shift your eyes back and forth.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-i don't wanna.\" you say quickly.\n\n\\\u003e\"Do it.\" he says sharply.\n\n\\\u003e\"Fine geez!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou pull your flannel off then roll it up and toss it behind you.\n\n\\\u003eYou hesitate with your t-shirt, but eventually pull that off too.\n\n\\\u003e\"Happy?!\" you shout.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone is silent.\n\n\\\u003eThis is where the crickets would be chirping.\n\n\\\u003e\"Whoo!\" you hear Mirabelle's voice sound off behind you, giving you some boost to your confidence.\n\n\\\u003eLove ya baby.\" you say over your shoulder.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright.\" Lewis says. His bored expression nowhere to be found on his face right now.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks like he's going to take great interest in this fight.\n\n\\\u003eOh wait. That reminds you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look around quickly.\n\n\\\u003e\"Where's Verne?\" you say out loud. \"Is he here?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou don't see him. He might be at his club.\n\n\\\u003eHe has to see this.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mirabelle can you record this? Verne has to see the outcome of this one.\"\n\n\\\u003eMikael and Lewis remember their absent friend and both nod simultaneously.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sure I can do that.\" she says, grabbing her phone.\n\n\\\u003eWait. Record.\n\n\\\u003eOh. Fuck.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't believe you forgot her so easily.\n\n\\\u003eAfter all her constant greetings and conversations.\n\n\\\u003eWhere the hell has Bree gone?!\n\n\\\u003eWas that her you saw during the tournament?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou plant that seed in the back of your mind. You need to look for Bree one of these days.\n\n\\\u003eShe might not have been one of your best friends, but you spent enough time around her to be concerned at her lack of presence.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your focus back to the fight you're about to have for now.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright. What you got to say?\" Lewis asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Nothing but this.\" Mikael says.\n\n\\\u003eMikael prefers to psych himself up rather than bring his opponent down, so at the very least you don't have to worry about him shaming you emotionally before he dislocates your shoulder to impress a woman.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes a deep breath, throws his head to the sky and screams \"Valholl!\" in the deepest viking accent and whatever language that is.\n\n\\\u003eYou've gleaned a few words from Mikael's viking speak that he likes to use.\n\n\\\u003eLike \"berstu\" means \"fight me\" and \"aumingi\" means \"weakling\"\n\n\\\u003eThis may be a tough one, but you think \"Valholl\" means \"Valhalla\".\n\n\\\u003eYou know a viking word too.\n\n\\\u003eApparently it's a conglomeration of events that is supposed to end with the ultimate battle.\n\n\\\u003eYou hope to make this fight, right here, that ultimate battle for Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eYou breathe deep, bring your hands up and shout in as authentic a viking accent as you can muster, \"Ragnarok!\" As if shouting its name will summon the cataclysmic event.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eAlso apparently valkyries are gathering vikings to fight in Ragnarok, so hopefully this links up with whatever he's trying to do with Elise.\n\n\\\u003eYou do not need to wingman for Mikael, he's his own damn wingman.\n\n\\\u003eMikael looks surprised. And impressed.\n\n\\\u003eAnd, maybe joyful that you understand some of his culture?\n\n\\\u003eWhatever.\n\n\\\u003eHe gets into his ready stance and so do you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Alright then.\" Lewis says. \"Anon. You ready?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou nod. You've been ready for this fight for years.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks to Mikael. \"Mikael. You ready?\"\n\n\\\u003eHe nods solemnly.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then let's. Fight!\"\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Um8BFSh4xo\n\n\\\u003eYou and Mikael rotate around the Circle, sizing each other up.\n\n\\\u003eThis isn't a fight you can just throw yourself into.\n\n\\\u003eOne mistake could end it quickly.\n\n\\\u003eMikael seems to be of a similar mindset.\n\n\\\u003eBut staring at each other menacingly won't get you anywhere.\n\n\\\u003eYou halt your rotation and step toward him.\n\n\\\u003eHe gets ready for you to attack.\n\n\\\u003eGotta be quick.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a jab.\n\n\\\u003eHe blocks it.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a few more as you strafe around his side.\n\n\\\u003eYou follow with a right hook, and though he blocks it, the force causes him to take a step back.\n\n\\\u003eYou kick out at him.\n\n\\\u003eBut he's ready and grabs your leg.\n\n\\\u003eHe moves, ready to swing you to the ground.\n\n\\\u003eBut you leap up with the leg that was on the ground and kick out at him as hard as you can.\n\n\\\u003eIt hits him in the ribs and causes him to let go of your leg.\n\n\\\u003eYou hit the ground and get to your feet as quickly as you can.\n\n\\\u003eMikael recovers and throws a few jabs at you, that you block.\n\n\\\u003eYou return a few of your own, then close in to send a knee into him.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes it but once again grabs at your leg.\n\n\\\u003eBut at this range you slam his nose with your elbow and deny that tactic.\n\n\\\u003eAs he lets you go though, he throws a wild uppercut that catches you off guard.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a step back then lunge forward with a haymaker.\n\n\\\u003eHe dodges it, then hooks you.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw the back of your fist into his jaw.\n\n\\\u003eYou two slug each other for a while.\n\n\\\u003eThe cheers of the crowd like war drums in your ears.\n\n\\\u003eYou get a lucky hit on Mikael and tag him in the nose.\n\n\\\u003eYou follow up with a knee that you attempt to drive through his stomach instead of just into.\n\n\\\u003eIt lands and he buckles forward.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately, pain is an illusion to a warrior of this caliber.\n\n\\\u003eAs you brought your hands up to grab him in the clinch, he tackles into you.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't lose your balance and go falling back, but he's forcing you backward.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if this is the beginning of\u0026nbsp; some submission but you don't want to wait and find out.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw your elbows into his back, trying to get him to release.\n\n\\\u003ehe doesn't yield and continues pushing you back.\n\n\\\u003eJudging by how close the cheering is, you're dangerously within Circle range.\n\n\\\u003eYou drop your elbows with even greater force.\n\n\\\u003eHe releases you finally.\n\n\\\u003eBut throws his head up violently and cracks you in the chin.\n\n\\\u003eGoddamn his skull must be made with the same material of Thor's hammer.\n\n\\\u003eYou unconsciously step backward.\n\n\\\u003eAnd receive a hail of blows to your back from the Circle as punishment.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone punched you near the shoulder blade and for some reason it makes your left arm feel limp.\n\n\\\u003eYou get launched back into the fight.\n\n\\\u003eToward Mikael's waiting arms.\n\n\\\u003eReady to do some horrible technique to squeeze the life from your body like the wily serpent he is.\n\n\\\u003eHowever you won't go easily.\n\n\\\u003eYou push yourself forward with the momentum gained from the crowd and ungraacefully barrel into Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eHe didn't expect you to collide with him with that much force and he trips, falling backward.\n\n\\\u003eSo now you're on the ground over him.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw punches at him.\n\n\\\u003eHis arms are free so he can block and return punches.\n\n\\\u003eBut he can't do much in this position you think.\n\n\\\u003eSo it's just another slug fest.\n\n\\\u003eThat is, until he punches you dead center in the face, and it causes you to lean back for a moment.\n\n\\\u003eIn that moment, he's managed to wiggle his legs free from under you.\n\n\\\u003eThen he kicks his right shin underneath your throat, and hooks his left leg behind your head.\n\n\\\u003eHe grabs onto his left ankle.\n\n\\\u003eAnd squeezes.\n\n\\\u003eOh fuck what horrible submission is this?\n\n\\\u003eThis is new, you've never seen him do this one.\n\n\\\u003eYou immediatley try to pry his legs from your throat.\n\n\\\u003eNot happening, they're like a vice.\n\n\\\u003eThe pressure is devastating.\n\n\\\u003eBut it feels like\u0026nbsp; he can give one final clench and pop your whole skull clean off your shoulders this way.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a few punches, trying to find purchase wherever you can and get him to loosen up.\n\n\\\u003eHe locks up tighter in response to your vain struggle.\n\n\\\u003eThe crowd is cheering, louder than ever.\n\n\\\u003eThey see Mikael's win as imminent.\n\n\\\u003eFuck.\n\n\\\u003eThis is it.\n\n\\\u003eIt's already over.\n\n\\\u003eYou know just as well as anyone.\n\n\\\u003eYou've seen it happen dozens of times.\n\n\\\u003eMight as well tap out and take the L.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe Mirabelle will find it in herself to forgive you.\n\n\\\u003eBut she can see as well as anyone.\n\n\\\u003eNo one who ever gets caught by the World Serpent survives.\n\n\\\u003eThe light is fading.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your hand up to tap out before you pass out.\n\n\\\u003eBut you remember.\n\n\\\u003eThat's a lie.\n\n\\\u003eIt happened just last week.\n\n\\\u003eA bison the size of a boulder fell on this snake and crushed him.\n\n\\\u003eYou are no boulder.\n\n\\\u003eBut with any luck, you have the strength to pull this off.\n\n\\\u003eYou bring the hand you were holding up to clasp on his thigh for leverage.\n\n\\\u003eYour other hand locks around the belt of his half-kilt.\n\n\\\u003eYou place your feet underneath you.\n\n\\\u003eYou invite the fires of Ragnarok to invade your mortal shell.\n\n\\\u003eAnd with every last bit of force you can muster, you lift yourself up. And drop back down.\n\n\\\u003eYou basically power bomb'd Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eAs he collides with the ground, his death grip on you loosens and you take the lapse to grab a life affirming breath.\n\n\\\u003eYou escape Hel for another day.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately his hold on your neck returns with force.\n\n\\\u003eBut you've got this now.\n\n\\\u003eAdrenaline and a fire giant's wrath surge through you.\n\n\\\u003eYou lift yourself and him with you once more.\n\n\\\u003eYou reach forward with your right arm and cradle the back of his head.\n\n\\\u003eYou're about to slam down even harder, and no matter how tough his skull may be, you don't want to crack it open on the ground just to get free of this submission.\n\n\\\u003eYou slam down once more and this time the force breaks open his submission.\n\n\\\u003eYou scramble backwards and sit down, free of the Serpent.\n\n\\\u003eYou take some heavy breaths, and try to push the lightheadedness away.\n\n\\\u003eLewis comes up to a limp Mikael and asks if he's done.\n\n\\\u003eYou see him shake his head and flail around a bit in an effort to stand up.\n\n\\\u003eAlright then. If he's still game, then let's play.\n\n\\\u003eThe word of the day is \"disrespect\".\n\n\\\u003eYou stand up before him and take a step closer as you wait for him to stand up.\n\n\\\u003eHe rolled over onto his stomach, so he stood up with his back facing you.\n\n\\\u003eHe turns to face you a bit slowly.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks shocked when he sees you inches away from him.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile.\n\n\\\u003eAnd kick him in the gut.\n\n\\\u003eImmediately after, you force his torso down into about a 90 degree angle and drag him toward you, throwing his head between your legs..\n\n\\\u003eYou grab his arms and hook your arms underneath his elbows.\n\n\\\u003eHe struggles and fights you for a bit, but you manage to get it locked in.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to the crowd on your left. Then to your right.\n\n\\\u003eAll aboard the hype train.\n\n\\\u003eYou offer this facebuster in honor of Jayce, the undefeated Champion of the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eAnd to his sister who follows in his footsteps, even though she doesn't fight in the Circle often.\n\n\\\u003eYou hope she's ready to take this warrior to Valhalla.\n\n\\\u003eYou jump backward onto your knees, pulling Mikael with you and Pedigree him into the dirt.\n\n\\\u003eYou release him and stand up.\n\n\\\u003eHe lies face down,\u0026nbsp; motionless.\n\n\\\u003eHe lifts his arm and flips you off with spite.\n\n\\\u003eLewis walks up. \"Are you done?\"\n\n\\\u003eMikael grunts in the affirmative, still face down on the ground.\n\n\\\u003e\"Then there we have it. Anon wins.\" Lewis says to the crowd.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear cheers, but the boos from the lady portion are overpowering.\n\n\\\u003eYou pay them no mind as you pose in your trademark fashion.\n\n\\\u003eMikael rolls over. His face is bruised and bleeding a bit.\n\n\\\u003eBut he looks. Content.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk over and hold out a hand to help him up.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes it and stands.\n\n\\\u003e\"That. Was an excellent battle.\" he tells you.\n\n\\\u003e\"I agree.\" you reply.\n\n\\\u003eYou release each other's hands before rejoining in the viking handshake.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good fight, Anon.\" Mikael says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good fight, Mikael.\" you respond.\n\n\\\u003eElise walks over and puts her hand on Mikael and your shoulders.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good stuff, the both of you.\" She looks to you. \"Especially that Pedigree. Jayce would be proud.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou\u0026nbsp; grin. \"Gotta keep his legacy alive somehow.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Would've kept it alive even better if, you know, you were still the Champ.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That may be true.\" you start.\n\n\\\u003e\".. But?\" she offers.\n\n\\\u003e\"Nope. Just, that may be true.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe laughs.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay well.\" She looks at Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks back and gives her a smile and a wink.\n\n\\\u003e\"Worthy enough, I guess.\" she grants him.\n\n\\\u003eHe smiles like an actual valkyrie just descended and granted him worth.\n\n\\\u003eShe takes off after that and the sports crowd departs as well.\n\n\\\u003eAs you watch them leave, you catch sight of Tyrell.\n\n\\\u003eHe notices you, and subtly points to the girl walking next to him.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks like a siamese cat.\n\n\\\u003eYou throw a thumbs up at him in approval as he continues on.\n\n\\\u003eYou sit down in front of Mirabelle's seat and lean yourself backward into her.\n\n\\\u003eYou crane your head backward and look up at her.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks down at you and smiles.\n\n\\\u003eYou purse your lips and she rolls her eyes before giving you a quick kiss.\n\n\\\u003eToday was another good day.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou should put your shirt back on.\n\n\\\u003eAfter your fight with Miakel toward the beginning of the week you decided for the thousandth time that you would take it easy on your attacks for the sake of hype.\n\n\\\u003eYou kind of hurt your knees, and lifting and slamming Mikael took a strength that you did not rightly have.\n\n\\\u003eOf course, you've lied to yourself before, this was no different.\n\n\\\u003eMarie began her task of immortalizing your queen upon the canvas.\n\n\\\u003eSo you ended up going to the Circle on your own, or with your friends.\n\n\\\u003eNo need to be clingy and stick around with her while she sits still for hours.\n\n\\\u003eYou can survive without her.\n\n\\\u003eYou just don't want to.\n\n\\\u003eYou showed Verne your fight with Mikael.\n\n\\\u003eHe watched it like the arrival of opposing gods were duking it out.\n\n\\\u003e\"To be honest Anon, I thought Mikael was gonna fuck you up there.\" he told you.\n\n\\\u003eUnderstandable, you thought the same thing honestly.\n\n\\\u003eBeyond that, you did what you normally do over the course of the week.\n\n\\\u003eSchool proceeds as normal.\n\n\\\u003eYou knock a few people out.\n\n\\\u003eNothing really changes without Mirabelle here.\n\n\\\u003eYou kept an eye out for Marty.\n\n\\\u003eHe hasn't shown himself, so maybe he won't be coming back.\n\n\\\u003eThat's fine with you.\n\n\\\u003eYou actively searched for Bree after school.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't see her either.\n\n\\\u003eThe only person you know who she hangs out with is that kangaroo, Rocky.\n\n\\\u003eBut you haven't seen her either.\n\n\\\u003eDid Bree transfer or what?\n\n\\\u003eYou feel like with the way she always talked to you, she would've told you.\n\n\\\u003eBut maybe not, you don't actually understand her too well you guess.\n\n\\\u003eYou give up after a few days of hunting.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eThe end of the week comes.\n\n\\\u003eElise and Alison are back at the Circle.\n\n\\\u003eThey aren't knocking each other out though, just spectating.\n\n\\\u003eMikael is flirting with the both of them, as is his only objective in life.\n\n\\\u003eTyrell\u0026nbsp;came by too, and introduced you to his brand new girlfriend.\n\n\\\u003eYou congratulated him, and wished them both luck in their relationship.\n\n\\\u003eYou also covertly let Tyrell\u0026nbsp;know that if he had any questions about having a relationship with an anthro, the senior science teacher Mr. Warburton could answer most of his questions.\n\n\\\u003eAt about that time, Mirabelle gave you a call.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey. Marie finished her painting. I asked if you could see it and she said it was fine, so if you're interested.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Say less.\" you tell her.\n\n\\\u003eYou bid quick farewells to your nearby friends, grab your things and jump on your scooter.\n\n\\\u003eYou head back to school.\n\n\\\u003eDoors usually get locked after too long, but luckily you made it in without any problems.\n\n\\\u003eYou find the art club room and walk in.\n\n\\\u003eYou make general greetings to the club members.\n\n\\\u003eMost of them are crowded around what you assume is Marie's painting.\n\n\\\u003eMarie looks like she might explode from embarrassment.\n\n\\\u003eHaving people inspect your art is a necessity when being an artist, you think.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle comes up to you as you approach Marie's painting.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a look and.\n\n\\\u003eDamn.\n\n\\\u003e... You don't know what you were expecting.\n\n\\\u003eBut it definitely wasn't this.\n\n\\\u003eIt's a thousand times better than anything you thought you would see.\n\n\\\u003eIt's a full body painting. Mostly.\n\n\\\u003eShe's sat on this fancy looking couch, or love seat, or whatever.\n\n\\\u003eHer legs crossed, her hands in her lap.\n\n\\\u003eShe's looking slightly up and away, as if admiring something out of a window.\n\n\\\u003eWith this gentle, lovely smile on her face.\n\n\\\u003eWow.\n\n\\\u003ePicasho, Da Vinchi, Van Gojh, the legendary Bob Moss.\n\n\\\u003eThe spirits of the world's greatest painters flow through this girl's vessel.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eIt makes it even better that her subject is a goddess given anthro form.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at Mirabelle.\n\n\\\u003e\"So. Look at this painting here, and then try and tell me again that 'pretty' and 'beauty' are two different words.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at the gorgeous rendition of herself, then back to you.\n\n\\\u003eShe shrugs. \"I dunno. I mean, the painting is nice, but. I just don't see it like that I guess.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou sigh.\n\n\\\u003eWhy do girls do this?\n\n\\\u003eThey either eat it up when you tell them they look good, or they completely deny it, like you're trying to convince them that grass is blue.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well. Lucky for me I do see it, then.\" you tell her.\n\n\\\u003eYou gaze deeply into those shimmering azure orbs.\n\n\\\u003eThe presence of other living creatures blink out of existence until only you two are left.\n\n\\\u003eArt imitates life, they say.\n\n\\\u003eIs it any wonder that the reality before you causes the painting you just saw to pale in comparison, then?\n\n\\\u003eA picture is worth a thousand words, they say.\n\n\\\u003eIs it any wonder then, that the model it is based on leaves you speechless?\n\n\\\u003eYou feel the need to express your affection.\n\n\\\u003eYou've effectively forgotten that there are people here.\n\n\\\u003eYou lean in and kiss her.\n\n\\\u003eShe kisses you back.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a small eternity locked in a passionate embrace, you pull back.\n\n\\\u003eThe world returns with your clarity of mind.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you hear the furious scratching of pencils against paper.\n\n\\\u003eYou look around and notice most of the club, even Marie, are vigorously sketching, eager to capture the blessed source material you just offered them.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oops.\" you say under your breath.\n\n\\\u003eAh well. Let them do what they will.\n\n\\\u003eIt's no secret that you love her.\n\n\\\u003eMirabelle is your queen.\n\n\\\u003eYou are her king.\n\n\\\u003eLet the town bear witness to your joint rule, and continue to join each other in merriment as others have begun to.\n\n\\\u003eYour wizened sage of a mentor that is Mr. Warburton will laud you as a hero.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eLong live the king. And the queen.\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOebscm4sLM\n\n~The End\n\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\n\nAuthor's Notes:\n\nAlso known as King of the Ring: the Multiplayer DLC.\n\nI had initially planned to make the doubles thing a part of the first story, as maybe a way for Anon and Mirabelle to build their relationship. But it was getting kind of long for my liking anyway. Then I figured that I had done decently well with their growth. At least that's how I felt.\n\nSo I planned to scrap it. But I didn't actually want it to go to waste. So I fluffed it up a bit and morphed it into it's own chapter.\n\nAnd now here we are. As always, I hope you enjoyed, and let me know how you felt about it.\u0026nbsp;\n\nI will see you on the horizon, my fellow degenerates."}