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>Another day. Another chance to punch some poor idiot until they black out..

>Purely for fun, of course.

>You're headed to the Circle, driving your brand new Doge Challengur.

>If you didn't have a girlfriend by this point, it's ninety-five percent certain this machine would've got you one.

>Luckily you didn't have to wait this long, because you've already got the only woman you'll ever want in your passenger already.

>The Champion of the Circle and your first love, Mirabelle Dunwick.

>It's a good thing you've got her with you because honestly, if you would've had to show up to the Circle and hang out all by your lonesome, you probably wouldn't have had as much fun.

>You're pretty cool with everyone who goes, but that's more of an acquaintanceship than true camaraderie.

>Not like your boys, who have departed for brand new adventures.

>It's been several months since you graduated, and unsurprisngly your friends decided to get started on the rest of their lives immediately.

>Well. Unsurprising in Lewis and Mikael's cases. You expected Verne to be chill about it.

>But after Lewis found him an art school where he could take some kind of creative writing course, he was surprisingly excited about getting started.

>You guys hung out as much as you could before you had to go your seperate ways, and before the final days, you decided to send them off in the only way you knew how.

>With food.

>You pulled out the grill, had your parents load you up with as much food as you could make, and went to town.

>Of course, you didn't neglect to get some not meat stuff for Lewis.

>You didn't invite Mirabelle to that one, because that. That was a day for the boys, and the boys only.

>To celebrate and bid farewell to four long years of brotherhood.

>And then they went on their ways, to college and the military, leaving you behind.

>Of course, you'll be going to college too soon, so it's not like you're the black sheep wasting his life away or anything.

>. . . Not that there's anything wrong with black sheep.

>Anyway, you just wanted to relax for a bit before you get back to work, there's nothing wrong with that.

>So you're on your way to relax in the best way you've got.

>However, before you do that, you're actually on your way back to Towngrove High to pick someone up.

>A highschool freshman who has finally decided that he was ready to take his first trip to the Circle.

>You pull up and park in the loading area at what should be a few minutes after the bell has rung to release the students.

>And in a few moments a familiar dual colored rabbit bounds out of the front doors in similar fashion to his older sister.

>You honk your horn to get his attention and roll the passenger window down to show him who it is.

>He notices and walks over with a motion of excitement that he's trying to control.

>Mirabelle gets out and lets the seat forward to let him in the back.

>He is going to be very uncomfortable back there with his long ass legs.

>"What's up Blake?" you say after he settles in.

>"Hey Anon." he replies.

>Kyle, Andy, and Joey are freshmen too, but they don't seem to want to go to the Circle yet.

>"Not like any of us could get the Champ spot while Mirabelle's there anyway." they said. "And it wouldn't be cool being sized up to the current Champ if we weren't as good so we'll just wait till you two run off to college."

>Blake didn't really care though, he found his fire and is ready to set the battlefield ablaze.

>"Are you excited?" Mirabelle asks after she gets back in.

>"Eh, a little." he says.

>"I'm excited." you say. "This is gonna be good. Can't wait to see what you got."

>And so you take off.

>Of course, now that you have a car, that you now named Rosaria, because those FrumSoff games still hold a special place in your heart, the trip there takes even less time from the school to the Circle.

>You park and get ready to hang around for a bit, while people still funnel in from wherever they're coming from.

>You walk up and Mirabelle takes a seat on her milk carton throne. You stand at her side, and Blake stands next to you.

>Well, it's more like he's slightly bouncing next to you, in anticipation.

>You look around as you watch people showing up, and as you do you happen to catch line of sight on this female lion you've never seen before looking in your direction.

>She looks like she recognized you though, even though you're sure you've never met.

>Well you're about to find out why that is because she starts heading your way.

>You get a good look at her as she approaches, and she looks like the type to ride a Horley in a biker gang or something.

>Black leather jacket, black shirt, dark faded jeans with gashes at the knee, boots.

>She's even got a lip ring pierced into her bottom lip.

>And of course, whenever you think piercings, you think of a particular doe that practically ceased to exist.

>"Hey uh." she starts as she reaches you. "Are you Anon?"

>"Yes I am." you reply. "And are you, from out of town?"

>"Oh uh. Yeah?" she replies curiously.

>"Oh my God I've done it." you say. "People from other towns know me, I'm famous!"

>You revel in a pride you never expected to feel.

>"So, who are you? How'd you hear about me?"

>"Name's Cleo." she starts. "Just moved to town a few days ago with my older brother. And while I was looking for something fun to do today, I ran into this little weasel in front of a convenience store that told me to come this way, and I quote, 'go look for this ugly monkey with an equally ugly flannel shirt named Anon. He's the posterboy for what everyone in this town loves to do', and so here I am."

>You stand still, stunned and slightly wounded. Not only because you are not actually famous, but because you just got dissed so hard your ancestors might be cringing.

>". . . Not to say you're ugly or anything, that's not what I meant." she tells you, attempting to soothe your wounded pride. "I just figured the 'monkey' thing meant a human, and you're the only one here with a flannel shirt, so I just figured it was you. Sorry if that was offensive, I probably shouldn't have said it word for word like that."

>"Nah, it's cool." you say waving it away. "I've got a very good idea on who said it like that, so it's not a big deal. He's kind of a dick."

>"Oh, alright cool." she says.

>"So. I've got another question for you Cleo. What do you think about getting into fights?"

>"Like what? Fistfights?" she asks.

>"Exactly" you say. "See this right here. This is the Circle. And in here we throw down purely for the sake of honor and glory. As much honor and glory as everyday teenagers can give to each other."

>You go through explaining every facet of the Circle that comes to mind. The rules, the fights, the referee, the danger of the mass of bodies that is the Circle itself, and everything else that would seem important.

>"Damn." Cleo says. "So it's like a fight club."

>"Pretty much." you say. "You're free to join if you want, there's no admission or anything. Just step up and punch somebody. Or you can feel free to simply watch if you just want a show."

>"Oh hell yeah, I want in. So I can just fight whoever I want?" she asks.

>"To a degree." you explain. "There are a lot of dudes out here who fight and not as many girls, so you might not have as easy a time getting a same gender bout. But if you're cool with knocking a dude into the dirt, feel free. Just know that uh, he can do the same to you. Equal fights, for everyone. Also don't forget that to fight the Champ you have to win three fights in a row."

>She nods. "Are you the Champ?"

>"Nope." you say. "That would be this one right here." you point to Mirabelle sitting beside you.

>Mirabelle gives a smile and a little wave.

>"Really?" Cleo asks, giving you a look like you're bullshitting her.

>You simply give a serious nod.

>"You have this look, like we're joking," Mirabelle says, with that smirk of hers. "But I've fought and beaten people a lot bigger than me."

>You nod in agreement. "It's true. She absolutely demolished this bison guy a while back."

>"That was the both of us together." she corrects.

>"Well yeah, but you finished him off."

>"Oh you've got group things too?" Cleo asks.

>"Kind of." you say. "That was kind of a spur of the moment thing we threw together but some of us were talking about making them more regular."

>"Okay okay." Cleo says. "So. That weasel guy called you the posterboy for this event, so even if you aren't the Champ. You must be pretty good. So can I fight you?"

>"Well, you can, yes." you say. "But I'll be honest you may not want to."

>"Well why not?" she asks

>"I was Champoion and undefeated for three years straight before Mirabelle came and took it from me. Besides her and the champion who was undefeated for four years before me, I have not lost a fight to anyone else. So what I'm saying is, you may wanna try a beginner course first. Y'know to test the water."

>"What, so you think just because I'm new around here, I can't stack up to you?" she says.

>As you try to explain to Cleo the folly of immediately challengeing the Old King, more people continue to show up, and your eye catches the approach of a familiar adversary.

>Your 'rival' Caesar shows up oozing pride like always.

>You cast your gaze between Caesar and Cleo for a while.

>An idea to escape this predicament, and poke some fun at Caesar prresents itself.

>"Hold that thought." you tell Cleo. "Hey Caesar!"

>Caesar hears your call and finding where you are, approaches.

>"What's up Anon?" he says.

>"Caesar, this is Cleo. Cleo, this is Caesar." you say, introducing them both. "Caesar here is the lion that considers himself my rival. We have fought way too many times"

>"Oh I see." Cleo says, reaching out to shake Caesar's hand, which he reciprocates. "So you're saying I should test myself against your rival to see how I compare, before I try to challenge you?"

>"I didn't say anything of the sort." you reply, with your hands up in false surrender. "But it might be a good idea."

>You look at Caesar and a wicked grin crosses your face before you can get it under control.

>You're sure he doesn't appreciate it considering the way his brow furrows.

>"Caesar, how good is your human history?" you ask him.

>"What? I mean. I passed, so." he answers.

>Not the prideful answer you were expecting.

>"Well. Did you know that a long, long time ago, this emperor named Joolius Caesar, dated this egyptian queen named Cleo Patra?" you ask.

>You look between the two of them before your gaze lands on Caesar again.

>"What a coincidence huh? Take that information how you will." you shrug.

>"I don't like where you're going with this Anon." Caesar says.

>"Yeah man, that's not a very clever way to try and set us up." Cleo adds. "Besides. What kinda crazy guy would be into the girl, who's about to kick his ass?"

>That question shuts you up quickly.

>However Mirabelle heard it clearly and must now engage in her sole purpose for living, which is teasing you.

>"Yeah Anon. What kind of crazy guy would do that, huh?" She nudges her elbow into your side. "Why don't you tell our new friend Cleo what kind of guy that is? Only you would know."

>You remain silent, staring at the clouds in the distant sky.

>Blake is next to you trying desperately to keep from bursting out laughing.

>"Huh. I feel like there's something going on that I should maybe like to know about." Cleo says, attempting to put pieces together.

>"Anon kissed Mirabelle after she fucked him up in a fight and now they're dating." Caesar spills the beans.

>Blake loses it now and lets out a howling laughter that might even put Wayne to shame.

>You stare at Caesar with all the fury of an ancient human who has to kill a lion for a coming of age ceremony or something.

>His response is to grin at you in revenge for the awkward spot you put him in.

>Cleo is staring at you both with eyes wide as dinner plates.

>Yet before she can say anything, a bright and cheery voice grabs everyone's attention.

>"Good afternoon everyone!" Elodi starts, not an ounce of cheer lost to her yet. "Let's make it another good day. So let's waste no time, and get right into it! Who is stepping into the Circle first?"

>You nudge Cleo, to give her the cue.

>She raises her hand. "Over here!" she shouts, taking a step forward. "And I wanna fight this big lug right here." she finishes, gesturing to Caesar.

>"Oh wait hold on, we're actually doing this?" Caesar asks, not actually expecting to have to follow through with your successful bait.

>"Why not? Should be a good time, right?" Cleo asks back. "Unless, what, you're scared or something?"

>"I'm never scared." Caesar remarks quickly.

>"Well c'mon then." she says, making her way to the center of the Circle. She turns and faces Caesar, then beckons with her finger. "Prove that you got some courage from good Ol' Oz."

>Caesar gives you one last look, to which you respond with a goofy grin and a thumbs up. Then he stands opposite Cleo.

>"Okay then." Elodi starts. She looks at Cleo. "Welcome to the Circle, miss. I assume you've had an explanation of the rules already?"

>Cleo nods. "Yep, let's get it started."

>"Alright, we'll do just that. What do you two have to say to each other?"

>"I've never really had to come up with insults before a fight." Cleo starts. "But looking at you, I guess I won't need to. Your face is already the meanest insult out there."

>"Damn!" you heckle from the crowd. Caesar glares at you for a quick second before turning back to Cleo.

>"Yeah well, not for long. Your face is about to be twice as worse as mine after stepping in here with me." Caesar counters.

>"Dude, I could run my entire face through a roll of barbed wire and it still wouldn't be nearly as bad as yours." Cleo returns without missing a beat.

>"Yeah okay. Shouldn't you be leaving soon, I'm sure your Suns of Anarky are looking for you right now." Caesar says.

>Cleo shrugs and rolls her eyes. "I sure hope you fight better than you talk smack, guy. That was just sad."

>"Well okay now, let's move on." Elodi interjects. "Caesar, are you ready?"

>Caesar rolls his neck before throwing his fist into his open palm, then assuming his fighting stance. He nods to Elodi.

>Elodi turns to Cleo. "And are you ready?"

>Cleo however does something you would not normally expect from someone getting ready to fight. She puts her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

>Then, maintaining her balance with her left leg, she brings her right leg up with her knee bent and just about at her stomach height.

>Then she gives a quick "Yep" to Elodi.

>"Okay then." Elodi says, staring curiously at Cleo's assumed fighting stance. "Then let's. Fight!"

>The match starts and. Neither of them move.

>Looks like they're both waiting for the other to do something.

>That is, until Cleo removes a hand from her jacket and brings it to her mouth.

>She lets out a loud and exaggerated yawn, then cocks her head to the side with a look that might be disappointment, or boredom.

>And of course it goads Caesar into action.

>He approaches and rears his arm back for one of his ever constant, calculated Caesar punches.

>But Cleo moves first and lashes her leg out, kicking him right in the side of his torso.

>Then she retracts her leg and returns to that same standing pose.

>Caesar, not learning his lesson, approaches in the same manner, and receives the exact same kick to the side, yet this time she throws her leg the opposite way, and pivots around, before almost coming full circle and throwing a decent straight kick right into the center of his chest.

>Caesar backpedals a bit, and that's when Cleo drops her stance to walk forward toward him, like she's just taking a casual stroll through the park.

>Caesar throws a punch as she approaches, but she sidesteps it and throws her knee into his gut with such force that he buckles forward and looks like he's ready to spit out a lung.

>Then Cleo steps back then kicks her foot up and into Caesar's chin.

>But her leg keeps going up until the sole of her boot is pointing straight at the sky.

>It's like she's doing the splits, but vertically.

>Then she brings her leg down and drives her heel straight into Caesar.

>His head or his shoulder, you aren't sure, but he hits the ground.

>Then Cleo takes a few steps back and resumes her weird Crane style leg up pose.

>Caesar gets up though, but he's got a look in his eye that says he should probably put his pride to the side and stop underestimating people all the time.

>However, finally estimating his opponent does nothing to help him do signifcantly better against her.

>He gets soundly kicked around by this lioness, and knocked to the ground with the quickness.

>The only time he managed to land a hit was when he pulled this sneaky move and went from whiffing a right hook, into a spinning backhand with his left.

>It knocked Cleo to the ground but she recovered quickly.

>And her recovery, was honestly unsettling.

>She laid herself prone, then bent her knees and planted her feet straight onto the ground.

>Then she somehow managed to lift off the ground with her legs and slink straight up as if her spine did not actually exist inside her body.

>A lot of people around the crowd give a disturbed look, but Caesar actually brings his fingers up and places them in the shape of a cross to ward off whatever unholy demon he must be fighting.

>However the action does not deter Cleo and she responds to it by leaping forward into a cartwheel, smacking Caesar with both her feet, before landing, then throwing her foot straight out and making sweet music with Caesar's chin.

>Caesar collapses, and does not get back up this time.

>Elodi walks over to inspect his lack of perseverance and asks if he's done.

>He affirms that he is, to Cleo's dismay.

>"Done already? C'mon." She looks to you. "I thought he was supposed to be good. You said y'all were rivals."

>"Uh, I said he considers himself to be my rival." you tell her. "Whether everyone else here, including me would agree with that statement is a different subject."

>"Man, you played me." she says.

>"No no, I baited you. And you took the bait." you correct.

>"Well, now I'm unsatisfied, I wanna go again."

>You pause, and look at the nearby Caesar, pulling himself off the ground.

>"Damn Caesar, bet you never thought you'd hear a girl say that about you." you tease.

>"Y'know what, Anon?!" Caesar shouts. "I hope you get a really long but insignificant scratch on the side of your car there."

>You gasp like he just cursed your entire family. "You monster."

>He walks away and you turn your attention back to Cleo. "Anyway, you're free to get a new fight tomorow. The usual idea is only one fight a day. So, feel free to challenge me if you want tomorrow, or whatever. That is, if you think you'll be back."

>"Bet." she says. "Seems like a pretty fun pasttime, as long as you don't mind getting roughed up."

>"So." you continue. "You're actually a pretty good fighter. Which is good, you'll fit in real well here. But what I wanna know. Is what the hell that creepy get up move was that you did."

>"Oh that." she says as she scratches behind her head. "Well. I am extremely flexible. And that's all I'm going to say about it right now."

>"Well now I feel like I need more information."

>"Maybe you'll get it. Once you give me the fight that you now owe me." she shrugs.

>"Well I guess you got me." you shrug back.

>"Alright, who would like to step up next?" Elodi calls out.

>"Right here!" answers the call from right next to you.

>Blake walks up, emanating pure excitement.

>And then he turns to face you, and you half expect him to challenge you.

>Luckily (for him), someone else takes the place of his opponent.

>Another freshman it looks like.

>"Well well., look who finally decided to show up." he says.

>"Oh, hey Allen." Blake says. "Yep, I'm finally here."

>"Then let me give you your welcome to the Circle, bud." Allen says, throwing his fist into his palm a few times.

>"Mkay." Blake responds.

>This Allen kid looked a little hyped to beat up on Blake, but judging how Blake seems cool with this matchup, these two must be friends, or at least amicable classmates.

>Which is good, because if some random kid was about to give your unofficial little brother flak, you would have no qualms about putting him in his place.

>"Oh boy, another new arrival." Elodi says, joyful as always. "Welcome to the Circle to you as well."

>Blake returns her greeting with a big ol' smile.

>"So, let's go right ahead, and get into it. What do you two have to say?" Elodi asks.

>"So Blake." Allen starts. "Maybe you should think about trying to find the rest of your color before you think about trying to fight, ya know?"

>You didn't think that was particularly grievous, but Blake apparently thinks differently, because his excited smile drops instantly.

>He rubs his hand against the fur on his cheek right about where the brown fur fades into pure white.

>You even catch him glance in Mirabelle's direction for a split second.

>You look at her too and see her face scrunch in annoyance for a moment before she's back to nuetral.

>Thinking about it, being the only one of his family to be two toned could definitely be an insecurity.

>"Whatever man." Blake says after he recovers. "Why don't you go find summadeez?"

>Allen pauses for a moment, trying to translate the quickly spoken word before he seals his own doom by repeating "Summa deez?"

>"Yeah." Blake says calmly. "Summa deez nuts."

>He stares straight at his friend. And then dabs.

>A lot more guys laugh than they should, proving that guys never truly outgrow their immaturity.

>Even you try and fail to contatin a few chuckles.

>Mirabelle shakes her head at you and seemingly Blake, but you don't care, it was funny.

>Allen however, deflates, does a perfect about face and walks to the edge of the Circle like he's already given up.

>Of course once he actually reaches the end, he about faces again and walks right to where he was standing before.

>"You're a bitch." Allen says, and brings his hands up to fight.

>"Well then." Elodi follows. "I guess you're ready?"

>Allen nods.

>"And are you ready?" she asks Blake.

>"Oh, yeah one sec." he says.

>Then he reaches into his pocket and pulls something out.

>He pops them into his ears, so you're guessing they were earbuds.

>He doesn't pull any devices out to turn music on, so whether it's already on or not, you aren't sure.

>Probably wouldn't be the best idea to bring your devices into the Circle anyway. Nor is it a good idea for his earbuds if he happens to get slugged a little too hard and they manage to dislodge from his ears.

>You thought he just popped them in to keep focused or something, but you look on curiously when he starts bobbing to whatever music he's playing.

>Then he starts swaying left and right a bit and brings his arms up, one placed horizontally against his chest, and the other brought up with his hand posed in front of his face.

>He almost looks like he's about to do that Jon Seena "U can't see me" taunt.

>He looks over at Elodi and gives her a thumbs up., then keeps his gaze mostly in her direction, likely to see her give the signal since he might not be able to hear her.

>She brings her hand up, and throws it straight down, calling for them to fight.

>And so, Blake is currently attempting to take over as posterboy for the next generation of the Circle.

>Through skill, and hype, at the same time.

>Once that fight started, Blake went sicko mode and proceeded to groove crusade all over this poor kid.

>Like literally, Blake is breakdancing while whooping Allen's ass.

>Not like Jerome's capoeira thing, not at all. It's like he took a bunch of martial arts movements, and decided to add some flair to them by throwing breakdancing moves into it.

>He must've pulled this from some anime, no other explanation.

>And Allen here is not having the best time at all trying to fight against this unorthodox style.

>Blake will slide out of the way of a punch and do this fancy shuffle with his feet, and Allen will think that's an attack coming so he'll keep his focus low to get ready to dodge.

>Only to get popped in the mouth for looking the wrong way.

>At some points he simply tries to ignore the feet.

>But you know from a multitude of experience not to ignore a rabbit's legs.

>Allen swings for a few hooks and Blake bends himself straight backward to avoid it, then continues his bend and lashes upward with his foot, kicking Allen in the chin and posing himself in a handstand.

>Then he bends his legs in damn near perfect splits and starts spinning, his legs slamming into Allen, like he just became some sort of buzzsaw.

>Now that move is definitely from an anime, you're sure you've seen it before.

>Then Blake rights himself back up and goes back to his idle breakdance shuffles.

>He doesn't look like he's getting tired either.

>You're sure every martial arts trainer that complains about wasted movements would be having anuerysms right now.

>Eventually, Allen takes a few steps back, but can't keep himself up and falls on his ass.

>He throws his hands up and waves them erratically to get Blake to see that he's done.

>Then Blake stops grooving and throws up this unbelievably cocky shrug, then removes his earbuds, to receive a chorus of cheers and screams of hype.

>"Here is our winner." Elodi says, holding her hands toward Blake. "Whose name is."

>"Blake Dunwick." he responds.

>And when they here his name, a lot of people nod in affirmation, as if the reason he clapped his opponent's cheeks so easily lies in his last name.

>The Dunwicks man, it just doesn't seem fair.

>That was pretty damn cool though, even you have to admit.

>You really want to watch Blake and Jerome throw down after seeing that. Even though you're sure Jerome wouldn't appreciate going against this made up anime style.

>You look at Mirabelle, stunned.

>She's looking at Blake, just as stunned as you are.

>"Did you know he could do this?" you ask her?

>She shakes her head.

>People from the crowd run up and clap Blake on the back, shake him by the shoulders, congratulating him and heaping praise on his dope ass performance.

>And he eats it up.

>His smile is so wide his cheeks are about ready to split open.

>Even Allen walks up and you watch them shake hands.

>Even in the new generation, good sportsmanship is important.

>Then Blake is finally freed from the mass of new fans he made and he walks up to you and his sister.

>"The hell was all that?! you fire before anything else.

>"That's not what Dad taught you." Mirabelle follows.

>"No, I took what Dad taught me, and made it cooler." Blake shrugs.

>You lean forward, attempting to be intimidating. Which doesn't work since he's just about the same height as you.

>"What anime did you get all that from?" you ask.

>"C'mon Anon. I know I like anime and all, but not everything I do has to be centered around it." he says, feigning hurt at your remark.

>"Hmm. I guess you're right." you shrug. "So what video game was it then?"

>He pauses. "Well. You see that's a completely different subject."

>"Uh huh." You turn your nose up and smirk at him.

>"Well anyway." you continue. "Congrats on your first win. May you have many more. Just don't think you're gonna beat me."

>He points to Mirabelle, still sitting in her place as the Champ. "I think that's already been done, chief, I don't think I need to."

>. . . Well, he's got you there.

>And so the fights in the Circle continue for a while longer.

>You get into a fight, to display what you can do, and because watching Cleo and Blake lit a fire in you.

>That fire burned so bright you almost considered challenging Mirabelle just to get the greatest challenge you could.

>But you decided against that.

>You have been challenging her a bit more often, after she told you a while ago that your fights are peak enjoyment for her.

>But of course, try as you might you can't seem to pull a win off.

>Though you do feel like you're getting closer, it always seemed like there was just something missing.

>As if she knew your style about as well as you knew it.

>That's where the adaptability would come into play, where you would try and switch things up to get a jump on her.

>But you still can't seem to push hard enough to find that victory.

>Which is why you figured that you should add something completely new to your repertoire.

>So. You went to your father, Isaac, a Circle goer in his own time, to give you a few new moves to use.

>At some point in his life, as a form of anger management (that you never would have guessed he needed), your Dad started learning Wing Chun as a way to calm his rage, and because he absolutely loves the Ib Man movies.

>So since he's been at home more often, you asked him to impart a bit of his sage wisdom to you when he had time.

>And you've been picking it up pretty quickly, even though you've only been at it for a few months.

>According to him, you're a fast learner, which would make sense considering all the techniques Mirabelle's dad imparted to you that you learned fairly easily.

>But even though you're getting it down pretty well, you still want to give it some more practice before you attempt to surprise Mirabelle in combat with it.

>So you've been holding off on fighting her for a while.

>Anyway, after your fight, that you win easily of course, you have another chat with Cleo, because she doesn't seem done with you yet.

>She asks you about your relationship with Mirabelle, which you are more than happy to answer any questions about.

>She admits that even though she knows people and anthros that get along on mostly friendly terms, she never really expected there to be relationships between them.

>At least, there were none that she noticed back in her hometown.

>But hearing about how well you two get along seemed to be a welcome experience for her.

>And after a while of chatting, it's about time for the Circle to come to an end.

>You say your goodbyes and head to your car.

>Then you take Blake and Mirabelle back home.

>"You wanna go again tomorrow, Blake?" Mirabelle asks him before they get out.

>"Sure do!" he exclaims. "It was fun, I had a good time."

>"Just don't get salty when you lose." you add.

>"Did you get salty when you lost?" he asks.

>"Of course I did." you admit. "Imagine being undefeated for years just to lose to someone you never expected to lose to."

>"Then just don't lose, forehead." he quips.

>You turn completely around in your seat, and glare at him.

>"Outta my car."

>He laughs and shrugs.

>They get out, but Mirabelle peaks back in to leave you with some sweet sugar.

>"See ya tomorrow." you tell her.

>"See ya." she returns.

>And after they have walked into the gate and let themselves in to their front door, you turn around and take yourself home.

>"I'm back." you call out as you enter.

>"Welcome back." returns your call from the living room.

>And like always, there's your dad on the couch, watching movies, snuggling up under a nice, comfy blanket with your mom.

>"How'd it go today?" your dad pulls his attention away from the movie long enough to ask.

>"Pretty good, like always." you answer. "Saw this new girl fight, she was pretty good. Also saw one of Mirabelle's younger brothers fight, and he was pretty good too."

>He nods. "Sounds like it was fun."

>"Sure was."

>"There's food in there if you're hungry." your mom says, pointing toward the kitchen.

>"Cool, thanks." you say, before moving to the bathroom to wash your hands and get yourself whatever glorious meal your mom has prepared.

>You don't have much longer before you'll be taking off to college, so you want to have as much fun with it as you can.

>Let's hope there are many more amazing fights like the ones you saw today and you'll be perfectly content with all you've done by the time it's time to bid farewell.

>And the next day was just about as entertaining as the previous day was.

>Though it came and went kind of quickly.

>No one has any better ways to spend their Friday nights in this town besides knocking each other out, or going to the TIM.

>But small communities are fine, there's more of a kinship here.

>Anyway, you went back to the Circle with Mirabelle and Blake.

>And of course Cleo Hart was waiting there, ready to get it in again.

>And when it was starting time, she wasted no time challenging you.

>Yet though she was pretty good, she was no match for you.

>She relied more on evading strikes, since she for whatever reason, liked to keep her hands tucked into her jacket while she threw primarily kicks.

>So once you found an oppurtunity, you grabbed her in your ever famous Clinch and proceeded to body her.

>She gave up after you threw some knees and tenderized her flanks for a while, but she was a good sport about it and all.

>You chatted with her while you watched Blake breakdance beatdown someone else.

>She came out this way with her brother Liam because he got a job another city over.

>They came to Towngrove because it's apparently a little cheaper here than where he's working, and he liked the area a bit better.

>Cleo wanted to get out of her parents' house so she went with her brother, but she just graduated highschool and isn't sure if she wants to just get a job or continue on to college.

>Her brother's letting her stick around rent free, because he thinks it's best to take the time to really think about what you'd want to commit to, since it will influence the rest of your life.

>Sounds like a chill dude.

>Also, because you had to ask. She told you her freakish flexibility came from her doing ballet as a kid, and then gymnastics up through highschool.

>She took taekwando classes sometime between her ballet phase and her gymnastics phase.

>That was information you never would have expected.

>But it just shows that there are all kinds of people, with all kinds of hobbies.

>Amyway, after Blake B-Boys himself to victory, Mirabelle gets a challenger.

>This scraggly looking jackass. Or uh, donkey. Mule?

>What's the proper name for those guys?

>Anyway, you've seen him hanging out with Freddy recently, so they could be in the same grade.

>That should make him a junior.

>He doesn't have anything fancy going for him, just your everyday streetfighter.

>But he managed to get three in a row, and your focus was on stopping the streaks of more seasoned challengers.

>So he made it to the top.

>Only to be dropkicked right back down.

>Like honestly, Mirabelle kicked him in the chest once to push him back, then followed with a dropkick that folded him like a lawnchair, and that was the end of that.

>And that apparently impressed Cleo just as well.

>So now she looked excited to try her hand against Mirabelle too.

>Good, ignite the embers of her warrior's heart.

>Yet the end came all too quickly, and another day at the Circle came to a close.

>You herded your rabbits back to their burrow, and went off to your home as well.

>However before you departed you didn't neglect to remind Mirabelle to be ready tomorrow, to which she told you she would be.

>Saturday is a very special day for the both of you.

>Some people may argue differently, maybe, but hey.You're young and in love, there's no reason not to celebrate, just because you can.

>And so Saturday came.

>And once it was time to head out, you followed the steps you did exactly one year ago.

>Shower, teeth brushing, mouthwash, all for double the length of normal.

>Button up shirt with black pants, a dab of that smell good stuff.

>You grab all your things, as well as a secret extra item, that you stash in the armrest of your car.

>Unlike last time, you're going to pick Mirabelle up before your date, because so long as you have this mighty chariot, ye shalt not allow thine Queen to walk.

>If it was unclear, it's been one whole year since you started dating Mirabelle, to the day, so you're going out for your one year anniversary.

>Some people might call that cringe, but the people who would, are the people who can't get dates to begin with, so fuck them.

>You're choosing to recreate your first date, by going to the same places you did back then.

>You got the idea from your parents. They recreated their first date every anniversary while they were dating, and then recreate their honeymoon every anniversary while they're married.

>So you take off and arrive at the Dunwick manor minutes later.

>You text Mirabelle and she comes out after a few moments in the same outfit she wore on your first date.

>Still absolutely adorable.

>She gets in, you take off.

>Back down to the shopping center near TIM.

>You find yourself a park and head straight to Carrol's.

>However, unlike your first date, you walk to the diner hand in hand.

>No one said it had to be recreated perfectly.

>You step in, Brandy the waitress catches your entrance.

>And what a coincidence, the booth you sat in the first time was available.

>You two chat about nothing in particular, order the same things you did last time, and you even have Brandy bring you a milkshake.

>You two share it with significantly less embarrassment.

>You don't even get any disapproving looks from any of the other patrons.

>After you pay the check and leave, you take your date to the arcade in the TIM and play games with each other just like last time, competitively first, then cooperatively.

>You have a good time again, but you always have a good time when you're in Mirabelle's company.

>Likewise she of course seemed to enjoy herself as well.

>To finish off, you head to the prize counter.

>You ask if Mirabelle wants another prize.

>And surprisingly she picks something.

>But after she does, she hands it to you.

>"This one is yours." she says.

>You look at it.

>It's a plush of a rabbit, reminiscent of some kind of street justice type of superhero. Hoodie, bandana mask, and a baseball bat.

>Weird, you don't think you've seen any movies, or video games or the like with this character, but it seems. Kind of familiar.

>"Why this?" you ask her.

>"Now we can both have something to remind us of each other." she answers.

>"So you get a king that may or may not vaguely look like me. And I get. . . A rabbit that can very likely kick my ass." you drone, turning the plush this way and that.

>She shrugs. "That''s what you like isn't it?"

>"Fffuck." you mutter.

>She's not wrong but you don't like to admit it!

>And once again as you prepare to depart, the lanky bastard manning the counter hits you with that "okay" hand signal and two clicks of his tongue.

>You make your way back to your car, and take Mirabelle home.

>A simple date, a fulfilling date.

>Once you pull up, you pop open your armrest and hand your mystery box to Mirabelle.

>"For you." you say simply.

>She looks between the box and you for a moment, but you urge her to take and open it.

>"It's honestly probably not your style, but I just wanted to get you something, to thank you."

>"Thank me?" she asks. "For what?"

>"A little over a year ago, you showed up, whooped my ass and somehow got me to fall for you. A year ago on this day, we had our first date. And every day since has been the best days I've ever known. So thank you. For agreeing to go on a date with me, and for choosing to put up with me for an entire year."

>She doesn't say anything back for a while, but she's got this big smile on her face.

>And even though her face is covered with fur, you think you can see her blushing.

>"Well thank you too." she says. "For being interested in me back then. I really am glad I got to be with you."

>Now it's your turn to grin and blush.

>She finally decides to open her gift.

>It's a silver bracelet, with little charms attached to it that show a few of the events that you figured were pretty important in the building of your relationship.

>"This looks expensive." she says.

>"Girl you live in the Hills." you say. "If anything I would probably have to take out a loan from Sly's Uncle to satisfy your tastes."

>"Oh please." she rolls her eyes. "Do I seem like some rich princess?"

>"Absolutely not." you say quickly and decisively.

>She looks ready to slug you in the arm before you say, "You're a Queen. You're my Queen. And I will continue to try and treat you like such until you get sick of me."

>You gaze into those perfect sapphires of hers.

>You lean into each other and share a kiss that reminds you of your (second) first kiss.

>Eventually you break away, and you get out to open her door, like a gentleman.

>You unite your lips one last time, before she heads home.

>You watch until she's safely inside before you make your own way home.

>When you get to your room you set your edgy antihero rabbit plush on your computer desk.

>Mirabelle sure is great..

>Everything just feels so perfect.

>Which obviously means that you're just about due for some turmoil, right?

>Nothing this amazing remains so forever, right?

>Yeah, right.

>There's absolutely no force on this planet or any other that could sunder the blessed union you have with Mirabelle Dunwick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zghmrD5ltY

>Yet of course because you can't get enough of hanging out with her, you went to Mirabelle's house like you normally do on Sundays.

>Even though you don't really need any more practice in perfecting your fighting style. But it's a habit by now.

>You questioned William on if he heard about how Blake was fighting in the arena.

>" I'm not too sure what he's doing." he told you. "But if he's winning, that's all I care about."

>You guess results mainly are what matters most of the time.

>Anyway, after a perfectly calm Sunday, Monday rolls around, and because you have nothing better to do, you went with the Dunwick siblings to the Circle.

>And of course, you see Cleo, ready and waiting.

>Interestingly, she's chatting with Caesar, who has also arrived early.

>Well well well.

>You stride up, ready to do some more taunting. Before somebody intercepts you and nudges you more than a little forcefully.

>"Look who's still hangin' 'round here." this deep, creepy voice says to you.

>You recognize that horrible pitch immediately.

>You turn to look up at a giant behemoth of green scales, and horribly gnarly teeth.

>"Lenny?" you ask, though you don't really need to.

>"How ya been?" Lenny says, putting all his teeth on display in a big grin.

>Lenny Lagrange, an alligator, and an absolute monster.

>He was real fierce during his days in the Circle, but not brutally so.

>He was the guy with true Heel energy.

>He liked to use his size and strength to benefit him more than anyone else.

>He was a big guy back when you were in the same grade. Apparently that was not his peak.

>He also had a decent intimidation factor to him, not only because he looks like he could be somehow related to Godjilla, but because of the creepy aspect to his voice.

>It sounds like it's got this dry raspiness, but also this warbling wetness to it. As if he has gravel and bayou muck trapped in his throat at the same time.

>Lenny here, was the person you had to fight first, during that tournament to become the Champ, all those years ago.

>You were surprised you won, but Lenny at the time was more of a glass cannon, big and strong, but surprisingly soft in the tummy, which you don't think is characteristic of gators, with a chin made of glass itself.

>If he''s still that way though, you don't know.

>But he's here so, maybe you'll get to find out.

>"What are you doing here?" you ask. "Thought you and your family moved farther east for your dad's job."

>"Yep. But they offered Pop a foreman spot at the base nearby, so we're back." he explains. "I just came to help move 'em back in and maybe spend a bit of time 'round the old 'hood before I take off to where I was. Got myself a good thing out there."

>"Oh yeah, that's cool man." you say. "So what brought you this way?"

>"Just wanted to check out the old spot, y'know." he shrugs. "See what new blood's gettin' spilled out here."

>You nod. "I see. Well. Seeing as you're here, why don't you step on in? If I remember correctly, you did want a rematch, but you had to move away before you ever got it."

>"Did say that, huh? You still Champ?" he asks.

>You shake your head.

>"No shit? Who dropped ya?"

>You gesture to Mirabelle, sitting in her Champ's seat.

>He laughs. And laughs. . . And laughs some more.

>"No seriously, who got ya?" he asks again.

>You repeat your gesture in the direction of one white rabbit.

>He stares between you and her, mouth agape.

>He begins laughing, even louder this time.

>It makes you think that's how dragons would sound if they existed and had a sense of humor.

>"I could prolly throw her clean across the arena!" he continues to laugh.

>"You could probably throw a lot of people, Lenny!" you say, patting the cinderblocks he stuffed into his biceps.

>"Well if what you're sayin's true, I don't gotta throw down with you, I should be goin' for her." he says, gazing at Mirabelle like a predator would eye helpless prey.

>He is severely mistaken if he thinks that's gonna be easy pickin's.

>"That is correct." you admit. "But y''know, to get to her, you gotta go through me. And uh, like two other people. Three wins in a row, remember."

>"True." he nods. "But I won't be around for too long, remember. I should grab some easy marks."

>"Oh c'mon dude, is that what you want your comeback to be built on? Easy wins?" You shake your head in disappointment. "Thought you were better than that."

>He looks at you. Dead in your eyes. And wags his finger. "Is that bait?"

>"Course not." you reply quickly.

>"Cuz it seems like bait."

>"Look man." you put your hands up in surrender. "I'm not gonna force you to fight me right now. But. If you win two in a row, I will fight you for your third. Ending streaks is kinda my thing now."

>"Is that so?" he chuckles. "I'm just playin' I ain't gonna pick on no fresh meat. I wanna hunt big game. Like the lion dude over there, what was his name, Cecil?"

>"You mean Caesar?" you correct.

>"Yeah. That should be fun."

>"Just uh. Don't massacre him too hard." you tell Lenny. "He's finally getting some female attention, it would suck if you butcher him and ruin it before he's even had a chance."

>Lenny looks over to Caesar and Cleo, then to you.

>"I'm 'bout to end this man's whole career."

>"Lenny no!" you plead. "Don't do it to him, he needs this!"

>Lenny's no longer listening, he's chuckling to himself like a movie villain.

>Welp, you hope Caesar puts up a good fight.

>You walk over to Mirabelle and Blake.

>"Another friend of yours?" Mirabelle asks.

>"That's Lenny." you explain. "He used to come to the Circle before he moved a few years ago. Guess he's back in town for a while."

>"You gonna fight him?" Blake asks.

>"Nope. He's not interested in me." you shrug. "He's hunting bigger game, he says."

>You're a bit let down, but you're sure you'll get a chance to duke it out with Lenny before he leaves.

>The Circle forms up and Elodi calls for challengers.

>So of course Lenny saunters his way right into the center.

>"Wow, another new arrival. We're just getting all kinds of fresh starts aren't we?" Elodi says, looking pleasently surprised.

>"I ain't new, just ain't been round my hometown for a few years." Lenny corrects. "Joined up a bit before Anon there did, back in the day."

>"Oh I see. I apologize." Elodi says.

>"No worries. Might as well be new wit' how long I been gone. Anyway." Lenny looks to the crowd and finds Caesar. "Ayo, big guy. Come catch these hands." He points in Caesar's direction and beckons him forward.

>"What the hell?" Caesar says. "Why's everyone wanna fight me recently?"

>"You have a very puncheable face, Caesar!" you shout.

>"What did you say this time Anon?!" Caesar shouts back.

>"I didn't say anything, he just doesn't like you!" you return.

>Caesar looks to Lenny, who responds with a shrug and a nod.

>"Goddammit." Caesar huffs as he makes his way into the Circle.

>"Okay then. What do you two have to say?" Elodi asks.

>"If you don't wanna fight, it's cool." Lenny says. "I'm sure I can get ya a ball of yarn to bat around instead."

>"Whatever you overgrown gecko, don't you have some muck to bathe in or something?" Caesar returns.

>"Aww c'mon man, at least try. Someone must notta got his bowl 'a milk this mornin'." Lenny counters, with a chuckle.

>"All that swimming in swamps, sounds like you got a frog stuck in your throat."

>"Ya know, this may not be the best matchup. I'm sure there's a mouse around that's more your speed, yeah?"

>"Hey, is your tail gonna grow back when I tear it off?"

>"Okay, that's plenty said." Elodi interjects. "Now. Are you ready?" she says, looking to Caesar.

>He shrugs, but brings his hands up and nods.

>She repeats the question to Lenny who manages to pop the joints in his fingers by tensing them into a fist, then brings his hands up and nods.

>"Then let's. Fight!" Elodi kicks off the match.

>And Lenny begins to lumber forward.

>Caesar marches forward to meet him in the middle.

>They both reel back for a big opening strike, but Lenny's comes out faster than Caesar's, and hits him so hard he has to backpedal to keep his balance.

>He already looks stunned, but he shakes his head a bit and moves back in.

>Caesar swings for Lenny's jaw, but Lenny simply lifts his head and avoids the swings then counters with a jab to Caesar's face.

>Then Lenny starts swinging both his arms in two piece attacks.

>A right hook, then he'll throw his arm in reverse and do a backhanded swing into a left hook, then another backhanded swing into a right hook.

>It's a very repetitive motion that he continues to repeat. Caesar attempts to block, but it looks like Lenny is swinging with two tons of concrete in his fists, so each hit damn near breaks Caesar's guard and opens him up for the followup strike.

>Caesar attempts to dodge, but if he dodges the first strike, he can't avoid the second in time. And if he blocks the first to try and dodge the second, it knocks him too far off balance to properly dodge, so he'll get slugged.

>Caesar's been effectively put on the defensive, but his defense is faltering.

>Then when it looks like Caesar had no chance of coming back, the onslaught stops.

>Lenny pauses, looks at Caesar, and tilts his chin outward and upward.

>He's giving Caesar a free hit.

>Caesar takes it, and checks Lenny's chin as hard as he can.

>Lenny gets tossed back. But as he turns himself to look back in Caesar's direction, he's grinning and chuckling.

>So, it may be safe to assume that he has since tempered that glass jaw now.

>Caesar looks visibly unsettled, which is understandeable. He's just had to fight monster after monster these past few days.

>Caesar throws himself back to get some breathing room, but Lenny pursues.

>He crouches low and throws himself forward, tackling Caesar, then pushing him forward with all his might into the Circle.

>Caesar's a big guy, so it takes the combined effort of several people in the front row and a few people behind them to muster the strength to toss him back in.

>But when they do , Lenny reels back for a big punch. Caear blocks high trying to guard against it, but at the last moment Lenny pulls his arm lower and slams Caesar in the gut.

>Caear huddles over and heaves like he's about to cough up a hairball.

>Then Lenny leans back and places his left hand on Caesar's shoulder, before he taps his right fist to his chest and holds it skyward like a prized weapon.

>Then he opens his hand and bends his fingers like he's about to claw Caesar.

>That gets a reaction out of you. He better not, Lenny knows better.

>But then he throws his open palm into Caesar's face and forces Caesar to the ground on his back.

>You aren't quite sure what he's doing, but judging by Caesar's kicking and struggling as he attempts to pry the hand loose, he's probably putting the squeeze on his temples.

>Which after a few moments, the struggling slowly fades until Caesar goes limp.

>Caesar's flailing stops and he lays there, unmoving.

>You can't believe Caesar just fucking died.

>Elodi comes up, and manages to turn his head enough to check on him, and she even looks worried for a moment..

>But after checking him and confirming that he's just in an unconscious state, she looks relieved.

>"He is very done." she confirms. "The winner is, um."

>"Lenny Lagrange." he answers, since he hadn't given her his name earlier.

>He stands and rolls his shoulders and neck as the people cheer and clap.

>He walks back over to you and notices the weird stare you're giving him.

>"What?"

>The hell did you do to him?" you ask.

>"Clawhold." he says casually.

>"Clawholds don't normally do that to people!"

>"Does when I do it." he shrugs.

>"I told you to have mercy, why'd you have to kill him?" you say, like you actually witnessed a murder.

>"He ain't dead, you think I never done this before?"

>You shake your head as you peer around Lenny and look to Cleo, who scrunches her face up as she watches a couple of goons carry Caesar to his favorite resting spot, the nurse's station.

>She turns and looks your way, and shakes her head as your eyes meet. All you can offer is a simple shrug.

>A few more fights for the day.

>Blake gets a win, fueled by the cheers of his new fanbase.

>Mirabelle defends her title again.

>The day's winding down, so if you want to get a fight in, you might have to do it next.

>"Alright, we should have the time for one more." Elodi says.

>Just like you thought.

>And like you usually do, you mentally recount which poor fools are close to getting their three in a row so you can put an end to it.

>Elodi calls for the day's last challengers, and as you're about to step up, someone beats you to it.

>"Right here." they say.

>Sounded like a girl, and one you aren't too familiar with.

>Wait. . . Yes you are. You've heard that voice calling your name for several years.

>It can't be.

>But as they make their way through the crowd, and step into the Circle.

>You are. Concerned. Confused.

>Your brain actually hurts for a moment as you try to make sense of what you're seeing.

>Standing in the middle of the Circle, apparently ready to challenge somebody.

>Is Bree Willshire, the doe who used to chat you up every day after school.

>Your number one fan, at least until some point in senior year where she practically disappeared.

>At some point she grew her hair out, and it looks like she got herself a few more piercings in her ears and brow.

>You stare. Because that's all you can think to do.

>It's like seeing a ghost. Or maybe, seeing someone you thought was dead, show up at your party as if nothing even happened.

>She grew her hair to cover one of her eyes, but with the one still visible you can tell, she glances in your direction.

>You continue to stare blankly as Elodi once again expresses her joy at a face she has not seen yet.

>You're asking yourself a dozen questions. Like: why is she here? Where has she been? Why is she fighting? Didn't she say she wasn't into going in the Circle, just watching? What the hell happened to her?

>As you formulate all the questions you want to ask her, but currently can't, she's found an opponent.

>This short, stocky badger girl, who you've seen around but can't accurately remember the name of.

>Wendy, you think, but you could be wrong.

>She was a freshman when you were a senior, so she should be a sophomore now.

>She just started participating in the Circle her sophomore year.

>Bree takes a small hairband and pins the section of her bangs that cover her eye back, so that she can see with both.

>The way her hair hangs backward almost reminds you of a horn.

>You're pretty sure only female reindeer can grow antlers, and Bree is not one. But the sight of the almost horn attempts to brings a chuckle to you. However the look in her eyes shift.

>So it reminds you less of a reindeer horn and more like a demon horn.

>"Okay well. What do you two have to say?" Elodi asks.

>"I'll be honest, I'm not too good at this part so I don't have much to say, can we just skip it?" Bree requests.

>Her voice doesn't sound like it quite used to. Like a joy she used to have died and left her hollow.

>"Lookin' at you, I bet you're not too good at the fighting part either." Wendy goads. "But alright."

>"Well alright then." Elodi accepts. "Then. Are you ready?" she says to Wendy, who nods.

>She repeats the question to Bree, who gives one more split second glance in your direction, and then nods.

>"Then let's. Fight" Elodi says.

>And you watch intensely, you haven't been this invested in how a fight unfolds in a while.

>You watch as Bree brings her guard up in a very familiar stance.

>Wendy stalks around the Circle, sizing up Bree, and Bree does the same, keeping her focus right on Wendy.

>Mirabelle catches the intensity in which you watch this fight.

>"You alright?" she asks, but you're so disconnected that you don't even register that she spoke to you.

>Wendy rushes forward and throws a swing that goes wide.

>Bree dodges and counters with a left jab, that she repeats a few times as she sidesteps around Wendy.

>Then she lifts her leg and kicks Wendy right in the gut.

>Wendy bends but doesn't break. She holds onto her wind and swings wildly, but Bree evades it easily, and begins to lay into Wendy with kicks.

>Very familiar kicks.

>Very kickboxer-esque kicks.

>And she's landing everything easily. Partly because it looks like she's been practicing for quite a while, but also because Wendy damn near refuses to guard.

>She's attacking like a berserker and getting messed up as a result.

>However, despite all the hits she's taking, she soldiers on.

>She swings for a haymaker and Bree dodges. As she does though, it looks like she sticks her leg in Wendy's path, tripping her.

>Wendy doesn't fall at least, but she has to step to catch herself.

>As she turns around to get line of sight on Bree, however, Bree throws her hands up, and around Wendy's neck, locking them together.

>Is she about to...? There's no way.

>Wendy brings her hands up to Bree's, trying to pull them from around her, and Bree reels her leg back.

>And fires it forward, giving Wendy a swift knee to the gut.

>She is.

>Bree throws kicks into Wendy's legs, over and over again, then throws knees into her gut.

>Wendy tries to defend against them, but if she brings her hands down to block her body, Bree will drop half the clinch and throw a few punches to her face, then relock when Wendy brings her hands back up to guard her face.

>In the same style that you like to do to keep your opponent unsteady.

>Wendy looks like she's getting gassed, you can see her guard failing.

>And to finish her off, Bree reels Wendy's head down and throws a knee straight up into her face.

>Then as Wendy looks like she's about to collapse right there anyway, Bree reels back and hits her with a haymaker.

>Same straight punch, same body weight applied, same leg coming off the ground as her fist collides with Wendy's face and turns her lights right out.

>You were shocked before, but now you're dumbstruck.

>Bree just fought like you.

>Like you, right?

>Well there's nothing saying it was like you, you like kickboxing, maybe she just learned the style too?

>Because, she was a fan of yours and wanted to fight like you?

>Which once again returns the question of why she is fighting.

>Elodi comes up to Wendy on the ground, to confirm what everyone could tell.

>"She is done. Our winner here is." She brings her hand up to point to Bree and get her to introduce herself.

>"Oh. Uh, Bree. Willshire." she answers, as she unpins her hair and lets it curtain the side of her face again.

>She looks in your direction, fully though, not with those little glances she'd been doing.

>She grins, and brings her hands up.

>And she poses, for a fraction of a second, so short you almost didn't register it.

>But she posed like you would do whenever you won most of your fights.

>Then when she stops, she shifted her gaze to your side, and her little grin shifted to a gaze of uncharacteristic animosity.

>Once again, for such a short moment in time that you almost didn't notice it.

>Of course, the person to your side here is Mirabelle, planted immovably in her seat.

>You look down, wondering if Mirabelle noticed that glare and what her reaction is, but you find her looking up at you, expression about as confused as you feel right now.

>You share a glance at each other for a moment, before you turn your gaze back to Bree.

>And find she is no longer in the Circle.

>You get a jolt of panic, she had better not be gone!

>You have questions to ask, and you're damn sure gonna ask them!

>You try to push your way to the outside of the Circle to hunt her down, only to get accosted by other Circle goers who had their own things to say.

>"Bro, she kinda fights like you." "Did you train her?" "That was that girl who used to record your fights, yeah? Where's she been?"

>You don't have answers for them, because you don't have your own answers, so you say nothing.

>You force your way to the outside of the Circle and scan the area.

>To find no doe.

>She can't have gotten away that fast right? Maybe she's biding her time in the Circle, trying to hide from you?

>Wait, why even would she want to hide from you in the first place?

>You were friends at one point, right? Until she, stopped coming to talk to you like she used to.

>You still aren't sure why that happened, and you once again think that you did or said something to upset her.

>You're deep in your thoughts, until you get a gentle nudge from behind. You turn to see Miabelle, and even Blake, standing there with worried looks.

>"You okay?" Mirabelle is the first to ask.

>"You didn't look too good when that girl came up to fight." Blake follows. "You know her?"

>You nod slowly, as if telling them that you knew Bree was some sort of grave news.

>Yeah that was Bree." you say. "We. Used to be friends at one point, I guess."

>"Used to be, huh?" Blake repeats. "What'd you do?"

>"Why do you assume I did something?" you ask. "Well I mean, I can't confirm that I didn't do anything, she just, stopped hanging out with me randomly, last year. In fact, it was just about a full year ago, now that I think about it."

>"Exactly one year ago?" Mirabelle asks.

>You take a moment to think, and confirm with a nod. "Yup, last time she spoke to me was, during Jeremy Wheeler's party last year. I don't remember saying anything that would've made her upset with me. Least I don't think I did, so I'm not sure what happened."

>"Well that sucks." Blake says with a shrug. "But, well, maybe you can find out, now that she's apparently decided to come to the Circle. And beat people up using your style."

>"I wouldn't really call it my style. Just cuz I like kickboxing, doesn't mean other people can't like it too." you explain.

>Blake shrugs again, and you answer his shrug with one of your own.

>He's right though. Hopefully you will at the very least, get to ask Bree what the hell happened.

>Try as you may though, you don't catch any sign of her as people break to leave.

>You scanned the area as best you could, but she blended in to the crowd and faded away like a white robed assassin.

>So you gave up, and figured that you would see her again another day.

>You took the Dunwicks home, and spent the rest of your ride in silence, pondering on when Bree could've got so good at fighting, if she was never into getting into the fights.

>Like, you know it's October, and you've heard that spook month makes the goths stronger, but Bree has Punk aesthetic, the same rules don't apply for them. Right?

>Regardless, you got home, and decided to share with your friends over your group chat because you felt like this was info to be shared.

>"I just saw Bree Willshire in the Circle after a year of being MIA." you send.

>Verne is the first to respond, with a meme of a horribly weathered being smoking a cigarette with the caption "haven't heard that name in years".

>Then he adds, "She finally came back to watch more of your fights huh?"

>"No, she was in the Circle. Like she fought." you clarify.

>Verne once again sends another meme, this time that wiggly Vault Boi saying "hold up".

>"Since when does Bree fight?" Verne asks.

>Lewis shows up and voices his concern as well. "That, right there. Since when was Bree a fighter?"

>"I dunno." you say. "She showed up today, punched some girl's lights out, and disappeared into the crowd."

>"Show's up, beats someone down, refuses to elaborate, leaves." Lewis concisely chronicles Bree's events. "What a flex."

>"Here's the real kicker." you add. "She kinda fought like me, even used a clinch and everything."

>"Well I can see that." Verne says. "She was a big fan of yours, you should be glad. Mimicry is flatery and all that."

>"Yeah sure." you say.

>"Well keep us up to date on that." Lewis says. "Kinda curious now to know how that's going to turn out."

>"Will do." you say.

>Shame Mikael didn't pop in to say Mikael things and give his input, but he's probably doing military things and can't get to his phone or whatever.

>Too bad.

>Well, nothing to do but see how this continues to play out. Maybe she'll be back tomorrow.

>You drove a little faster than normal today on your way to the Circle.

>It's not like you expected to see Bree before anyone else had shown up, but a sense of urgency sped you forward today.

>You kept your eyes peeled for any sign of her in the crowd while the matches went on, but of course that was a pointless task.

>You hadn't thrown your lot in to fight today because you were so focused on trying to find her.

>However, when Elodi calls for the last round of the day, that doe makes herself known and steps up to fight.

>You stare intesnely, like you're trying to read her very thoughts. But if she notices that you're trying to bore holes into her skull, she hides it very well, casting no glances in your direction.

>A moment passes as everyone waits for an opponent to challenge Bree, but as no one jumps at it this time, Elodi gets ready to choose someone.

>Until Cleo slides herself to the front.

>Well, this should be good, seeing how Bree does having to fight against a larger opponent.

>Once again Bree opts to skip the smack talk segment, so Cleo does a few quick leg stretches to warm up and gets into her fighting stance.

>Once they're both sufficiently prepared, Elodi asks if they're ready to which they nod, and calls for the fight to start.

>And Bree is the one to start off, stepping up to Cleo.

>Cleo waits for a moment and throws out a kick once Bree gets into range, but Bree ducks completely under it then fires upward with a punch into Cleo's side.

>Cleo tries to bring her leg back and roundhouse, but Bree blocks it with both arms, then pushes forward and tags Cleo in her side again.

>Cleo tries to set herself right but Bree steps in and throws a kick into her shins, which causes Cleo to set her leg down to avoid toppling over.

>Bree throws more kicks to soften Cleo's legs and probably lessen the effectiveness of her attacks.

>Or maybe it's just an easier target because of their difference in height.

>Cleo kicks, Bree defends and counters surprisingly well.

>Cleo looks like she's having trouble staying on her feet. Her knees buckle and she bends down to steady herself.

>Bree moves in to get a clean hit on her face. But Cleo turns the tables, by taking her hands out of her jacket and punching Bree right in the cheek.

>It was a surprisingly hard surprise hit, Bree falls onto her back, but she scrambles back up to a standing position.

>However Cleo pursues and soccer ball kicks Bree and sends her rolling farther toward the edge of the Circle.

>She looks like she's about to kick her again, but Bree rolls on the ground toward Cleo, meeting her before Cleo could throw out her kick.

>Cleo stumbles over Bree and ends up barreling into the Circle. She writhes against the ravenous mass holding her hostage, but they refuse to yield.

>However, Bree doesn't capitalise on their hold, and instead raises herself to a knee.

>Once the mob concludes that Bree isn't going to get her free licks in, they release Cleo, who goes stumbling backward from the group toward Bree.

>You expected Bree to use Cleo's momentum against her somehow, but she ends up crouching lower to the ground, letting Cleo stumble over her and onto the ground.

>That's when Bree seems to use this moment to her advantage. She rushes toward Cleo, who turns over toward her stomach to push herself up off the ground.

>But Bree comes over and quickly yet decisively, plants her foot on Cleo's back.

>She brings her hands up, bends her knees, then springboards herself off of Cleo's back.

>She twists backward in the air and her knees continue to bend until she descends. Ands drives her knees directly into Cleo's unguarded back.

>The crowd groans in mock pain as Cleo exclaims in real pain, but you strangely can't seem to register any of those sounds.

>You stare dumbfounded at the thing you just witnessed happen.

>Bree just used your King's Guillotine.

>... So that's what it looks like from a viewer's perspective.

>Elodi comes to check on Cleo, but Cleo can't even seem to get the words out, writhing in pain as she is.

>Until she eventually rolls onto her side, lets out a long, drawn out "Fuck", then limply collapses.

>Elodi proclaims Bree the winner of the match and a few people help haul Cleo to the tent.

>You can tell a couple of others are glancing intensely between you and Bree, but you can't even see them with all the question mark pings flooding your immediate eyesight.

>That was your move, there's no coincidence about that!

>That just confirms it, Bree really is fighting like you.

>You manage to bring yourself back to clarity long enough to remember your initial idea of questioning her.

>But of course, she's gone again.

>"Goddamit." you mutter to yourself.

>What the hell is the deal with her showing up, beating someone up with your moves, and then hitting the peace sign disappear?

>Nope, not again. That was the last fight of the day, so the Circle should be disbanding any second now.

>You take off toward the outside of it and scan the vicinity.

>No Bree yet, but you won't let her get away this time.

>So you glare like a hitman hunting for his target among the many bodies making their way home.

>But Blake and Mirabelle come up to you, slightly distracting you from your hunt.

>"Did that doe lady do the fancy move that Pete made up with you?" Blake asks.

>"Yes." you say simply.

>"Did you, teach her that? Or something?"

>"No." you reply again.

>"Huh. Well. She must really like you." he says with a grin.

>That breaks you out of your death gaze.

>"What?"

>He shrugs. "Yeah. I mean, I got my moves from a character I like. Our dad did the same thing. And you said your dad did too as well, right? So she must really like the way you fight to want to emulate it. People emulate their icons pretty often."

>Oh." you say as you run your hands through your hair. "I mean I guess. I never thought my fighting style was that iconic."

>"If you were Champ for several years I think that's as good enough a reason to copy you." He punches your arm playfully.

>"Yeah but Mira here beat me, if anything people should be copying her."

>"All I do is dropkick, Anon. There really isn't much to copy with me." she says.

>As you're having this conversation, it occurs to you that your focus has been thoroughly spoiled, and as you look around, you see most of the crowd has dispersed and Bree is nowhere to be found.

>You shake your head and turn to leave, before you catch Cleo coming out of the tent, hunched over and hobbling like an old lady.

>"You gonna be okay, Cleo?" you ask.

>She waves your concerns away. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Didn't expect that little doe to be so good. Or so heavy. They sure do build 'em tough in Towngrove, huh?"

>"Yeah. Apparently." you say, once again surprised at how skilled Bree turned out to be.

>You bid your farewells to Cleo, noticing her walking to and receiving help from a certain rival of yours, you then take the Dunwicks home.

>You'd be fretting over what Bree's got planned, but you can't presume to know her mind, so you opt to not bother with thinking about things with no current answer.

>Though you do have one idea as to what she's doing, though you don't quite know why.

>Well. Perhaps tomorrow will bring some clarity.

>And tomorrow is now today.

>Once again you are waiting for Bree Willshire to mosey on in.

>However, you will not be allowing her to escape this time.

>You've purposely held off on having your own match today for that reason.

>It's not what you would have initially chose to do, but if she shows up today, you're going to challenge her.

>Can't run away from you if you're the one to fight her.

>You'll get your answers one way or another.

>Besides. She's at two wins. And the King of Ruin you still are, so the streak you must end.

>And of course, to bring up the last match, Bree comes forward when Elodi calls for the final combatants.

>You already find yourself drifting forward, ready to enter the Circle and oppose the tiny doe.

>And she seems to notice your approach, because she twitches and betrays a hint of panic in her uncovered eye.

>However. Before you can commit to being her opponent, something latches onto your shirt and keeps you from continuing forward.

>You pause and look back to find Mirabelle is the one holding onto your shirt.

>She stares at you wordlessly, but the gaze emanating from those azure lights makes her intentions fully known.

>She wants to see if Bree will win this next fight. Because if she does, she'll have the three wins needed to challenge the Champ.

>And Mirabelle wants to fight Bree, it seems.

>You want to counter her gaze. If she can't beat you, she can't beat Mirabelle, so that would be a pointless endeavor.

>But you relent and step back, folding your arms and shrugging to noone in particular.

>You do catch what looks like a sigh of relief from Bree, but she quickly rights herself and goes back to avoiding your direction.

>Since you've been denied your master plan, you glance around the crowd to see if anyone else is going to take your place.

>You come eye to eye with Blake, witnessing your call to action being denied.

>He gives you a big ol' grin, like he's ready to laugh at you for being told by his sister that you can't fight.

>You side eye him menacingly, and he cuts it out.

>Blake already had his fight for the day, but you're sure he would've tried to take your place just to mock you.

>Likely Mirabelle would hold him back too though.

>Blake's well on his way to becoming like, the Prince of Ruin or something, so it probably wouldn't be the fairest matchup. Just like fighting against you.

>You turn your attention to the Circle to see Freddy making his way in.

>Freddy, the dude you fought before you graduated. Who went berserk and almost slugged you into the middle of the next week.

>Let's hope he's got that in check now.

>Freddy cracks his knuckles and his neck, then nods to Elodi.

>Once Elodi confirms that they're both ready, she signals the fight to start.

>And Bree is right out of the gate, throwing consecutive blows against Freddy in an attempt to gain the upper hand.

>Freddy defends decently well though, but can't currently land any counter offensive.

>She fights just like you, so if Freddy has been paying attention to your fights and knows your moves, he knows Bree's moves too.

>And she doesn't seem to be the type to be able to adapt and psych people out like you do.

>So all he has to do is find his opening and counter.

>Bree seems to be aiming purely for body shots though.

>Which means she was probably there for that fight where you bloodied his nose and sent him on a rampage, and so she's trying to avoid that situation.

>Which makes you think. If she was there to see that, how long has she really still been coming without you noticing?

>And why did she choose now to finally step in?

>Maybe she never joined herself because when you were the Champ she didn't think she'd have a chance?

>But by that logic, she might have less of a chance now that Mirabelle holds the spot.

>Maybe she's getting ready to go off to college, same as you, and she just wanted to try her hand at actually fighting before she left?

>That could make sense, always a spectator and never a participant might leave some regrets behind.

>But that still doesn't explain her avoiding you.

>So once again, you have no answers to your questions, and the only way you'll get them is by asking the woman herself. Which is as difficult as winning the lottery right now.

>When you bring yourself back to reality and focus on the match, you find Bree's got Freddy in a difficult postition.

>Specifically, she's got him in a clinch, and is firing knees into his stomach.

>But Freddy's more of a powerhouse than his stocky nature reveals, so he manages to push his arms out and force Bree to release her grip on him.

>He steps back to get some breathing room, but at the very last moment, Bree shoots her leg out and sweeps Freddy's ankle.

>So he trips and falls backward.

>And no sooner has his back touched down, than Bree is launching herself forward, with a short hop and her elbow extended.

>The combination of Freddy hitting the ground and Bree hitting him with a well executed elbow drop, knocks the wind out of his sails, tears down the sails, and capsizes his boat, all at once.

>Like seriously, that elbow drop was stunning, you're impressed.

>Elodi comes to check on Freddy, but he manages to give her the signal stating he's done.

>"Bree is the winner." Elodi tells the crowd, and Bree gets her own slew of fans cheering for her victory.

>She seems to soak it in for a moment, until she turns in your direction.

>But. She's not looking at you, not this time.

>Her gaze is hard and focused at your side.

>Glaring one thousand degree daggers into Mirabelle.

>You check Mirabelle's reaction.

>And see a big grin of anticipation etched across her face.

>You glance between Mirabelle and Bree as they stare each other down in wordless conflict for a while, then Bree exits stage left and takes off into the crowd.

>That was, quite the intense look coming from Bree.

>She went right passed praying to a god of war for assistance and jumped into summoning a demon of hatred to invade her body.

>However Mirabelle either missed the tone of that glare, or just doesn't care. She's all smiles and hype right now.

>Of course she is, interesting opponents excite her, same as you.

>Well, it's clear that there's going to be a fight for the Champ spot very soon.

>You just hope Mirabelle doesn't beat on Bree too badly.

>She may fight like you, but she's half your size, she may not be able to take one of those doom dropkicks and come out whole, like you would.

>After you take the Dunwicks home, you decide to send a quick message to your friends to keep them up to date with the situation.

>"So. Bree won three matches in a row back to back. Probably gonna go for the Champ fight soon. Let y'all know how that goes."

>Mikael messages back this time, although he only replies with a single pogchamp emoji and nothing else.

>Nothing from Verne or Lewis though, so maybe they're busy.

>Time to finally find out what the deal is.

>Or so you thought, but Bree didn't show up at all on Thursday.

>After all the buildup too.

>Mirabelle waited and waited and was visibly upset when Bree didn't come to challenge her.

>You were a little let down too, you really thought that was the direction this was going.

>But the Circle proceeded as it does normally. A few fights here, a few fights there.

>Nothing for Mirabelle though.

>A surprisingly uneventful day came and went.

>So now it's Friday, and you're ready to work out some more of the pent up aggression you accumulated from several days worth of missing out on fights.

>And who else but a prime specimen, the hulking bayou behemoth, Lenny, returns to hopefully be the one to sate your bloodlust.

>"Look who's back." you say as he saunters his way up to the front.

>"You know how it is. Had to come see if there were any prime pickin's today." he says.

>You stare at him.

>He glances down at you.

>"I'm right here!" you shout, throwing your arms wide open.

>"Yeah, you are." he comments casually.

>"Fight me, Lenny!"

>"Chill Anon." he says, patting your shoulder with unnecessary force. "We'll get to that eventually. Gotta have my appetizers fore I fill up on the main course."

>You roll your eyes and turn your attention to Mirabelle.

>She is bouncing her leg in unrestrained anticipation, likely hoping that Bree shows up today.

>You don't see what's got her so riled up. Bree is copying you, she's just a smaller copy.

>But Mirabelle likes fighting you, so maybe having a different form of you to fight is an interesting bout to her?

>Anyway, Elodi comes forward and gives her normal introductions, still no current loss of pep and cheer.

>Elodi calls for combatants to step forward.

>And for the first time in who knows how long, no one steps up for a while.

>There's an odd tension, like everyone is waiting for someone else to move first.

>You look at Lenny, who seems to be scanning the crowd for worthy adversaries.

>Blake is jamming to his music, likely trying to hype himself up.

>Circle's kind of lackluster today.

>Ah well, let it fall to you to get people's blood boiling.

>Now who would be a good fit?

>You get ready to step up.

>But someone else beats you to it.

>There she is.

>Bree Willshire.

>Her gaze is hard and fierce. Her body tense and determined.

>She's. Actually wearing the flannel shirt that she usually keeps tied around her waist.

>She's got a jacket on of course, these being the cold months, but that's a detail you notice immediately.

>She doesn't say a word.

>But she stares straight at Mirabelle and beckons her forward with a nod of her head.

>Mirabelle can't jump up fast enough as she practically throws herself into the Circle.

>And the already dead Circle falls away to a dead silence.

>Everyone seems to have gained a collective understanding of the intensity in this moment.

>"W-well." Elodi stammers. "It uh, seems ourt first match of the day is a fight against the Champ! This is sure to be exciting."

>Mirabelle is practically bouncing.

>"Still uh, nothing to say?" Elodi asks Bree. Bree responds with a slow shake of her head, gaze never leaving Mirabelle.

>However, she whispers something. You can't really catch the whole of it, but you do hear the tail end of it and what sounds like "-take what's mine."

>What's that supposed to mean?

>Mirabelle seems to catch it too, by the slight tilt of her head. But she shakes it away.

>"Well. Are you alright with that, Mirabelle?" Elodi asks.

>"Perfectly fine with me." Mirabelle responds.

>"Okay then. If you're both ready."

>They both give nods of assent.

>"Then let's. Fight!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-drnt1AKRfw

>They both lunge at each other in an effort to get the first strike, and end up trading blows to the face.

>Which surprises you, because they both moved so fast you almost didn't catch it.

>That's normal for Mirabelle, but you didn't expect Bree to be that quick too.

>They both recover from their trade, but Mirabelle is first to engage with her offensive.

>She throws speedy punches and swift kicks, yet Bree is just as quick to defend and throws out her own counter swings to which Mirabelle defends.

>Mirabelle seems to be a lot more aggressive in her approach than normal.

>Which could just be a facet of her having an opponent that's closer to her size than most others, so she doesn't have to play as defensively as she would against them.

>But Mirabelle is fast. Deers tend to be a particularly speedy type too, but you're surprised at how well Bree is keeping up with Mirabelle.

>Or is she keeping up?

>Once you look a bit closer, you can kind of see that it's less like she's reacting to Mirabelle's movements, but more like she's anticipating certain movements and moving accordingly.

>As they rotate around the Circle, you catch a glimpse of Bree's eye, darting up and down Mirabelle's person rapidly, like the tiny scanners of a machine analyzing the item before it.

>And then she'll inch toward a certain direction and commit to her dodge or block once she can confirm the attack coming.

>Almost as if she's studied Mirabelle's movements, inch by inch and can predict what she's about to do and deal with it appropriately.

>Blows and blocks are coming out from the both of them, yet the only clean shots landed were the ones at the immediate start.

>It's like watching those movies where the opponents are evenly matched.

>. . . Evenly matched? Bree and Mirabelle?

>That can't be it.

>Maybe Mirabelle's just toying around, having fun for now.

>It doesn't seem like she's struggling, so it can't be an even fight already.

>Two simultaneous right hooks and they both tag each other in the cheek.

>Bree throws out a mid kick but Mirabelle grabs her leg and pulls her to the ground.

>She approaches but Bree recovers and tries a leg sweep.

>Mirabelle jumps over it and kicks her leg out and down as she descends for a jumping axe kick, which catches Bree in the shoulder.

>Bree drops to her hands and knees. But then lashes forward and tries to tackle Mirabelle.

>She sidesteps it and Bree goes charging away, yet not into the danger zone of the Circle.

>She does however, use that gap in distance to right herself and shake off the pain.

>Mirabelle's gaining the advantage though. She decides to push and rushes Bree down to engage again.

>Mirabelle runs forward and plants her feet on the ground, drifting along the floor, before throwing a strong punch with her added forward momentum that catches Bree unaware.

>Mirabelle continues to throw punch after punch and sprinkle in a kick or two.

>Bree dodges and defends, but Mirabelle seems to be catching her right at the edges of her dodge and making contact, or just barely finding some gaps in Bree's defense.

>Mirabelle throws two more punches to the midsection, then lifts her leg high and throws a kick into the side of Bree's head, rattling her skull.

>Bree backpedals for a few steps. And Mirabelle crouches down like she's ready to end this with her signature.

>But Bree pauses. Recovers her balance and all at once throws herself forward with sudden force.

>It catches Mirabelle off guard, but she still brings her arms up to defend.

>Bree throws her hands around Mirabelle though and brings her into a clinch.

>However, Mirabelle catches this and folds herself up into that full block move that she did during your first fight when you tried the clinch.

>Yet Bree doesn't do anything for a moment, just stands there.

>Then inches her head forard and. Whispers something to Mirabelle?

>You can't hear her say anything from this distance and especially not over the roar of the crowd, but Mirabelle's back is toward you, which means Bree is facing your direction.

>And you could definitely at the very least, see her mouth moving, forming words.

>And whatever it is she said, it gets Mirabelle's attention. Her ears launch up against their pinned back position, and her full block stance falters a bit.

>And when Bree sees this, some primordial demonic fire bursts to life in the piercing amethysts that are her eyes.

>Bree pulls her leg back terrifyingly far, and throws her knee into the unguarded stomach of Mirabelle.

>With malicious intent.

>Mirabelle shrivels as it connects, But Bree does not relent.

>She reels back and fires, again and again.

>The ferocity reminds of you of something.

>Yeah, it reminds of you of what you did to Marty. The desire to cave his grimey skull clear in, just because you really don't fucking like him.

>You watch in a mix of horror and anger.

>This is unfair. She said something to Mirabelle during the fight to get this advantage, that's gotta be cheating. Right?

>Well, there's no clear rule that says you can't say anything during fights. But smack talk is usally reserved for the beginning and Bree hasn't had anything to say.

>So was it smack talk? You don't know, but you do know that Mirabelle is currently getting her stomach bludgeoned because of whatever was said.

>Mirabelle's knees are shaking, she looks ready to collapse right there.

>Is there anything you can do?

>You take a deep breath. And shout her name.

>And as you do, she seems to stand a little taller.

>So maybe that put a little fight back into her.

>Unfortunately, it sets the fire in Bree's eyes to a raging inferno.

>Bree releases her clinch on Mirabelle, and lightly pushes her backward, using the same foot hooking motion that she used on Freddy.

>However, she didn't push Mirabelle hard enough to make her hit the ground, just lose her balance.

>Mirabelle stumbles a slight bit, but regains her footing and shakily stands on her feet.

>But. It might have been a saving grace had she not.

>Because as you look at Mirabelle with pride as she stays standing, you glance over to Bree to see her, reeling back.

>Leaning backward with her leg raised, right fist tucked into her left hand.

>And then she jets forward, with unnatural speed, and decks Mirabelle dead center in the chest with your inherited Mountain Buster.

>The force of that punch was unholy, and the sound made when it connected was like smashing a full sandbag with a cinderblock.

>It sends Mirabelle off her feet and skidding on the ground, almost right at your feet.

>You recoil in horror, as if you had to watch behind glass as she was run over by a train.

>She twists and writhes on the ground before you, unable to even eke out cries of pain.

>She clutches her chest in agony.

>You instinctually move to place your hands on her, but stop.

>Slapping the fighters around is fair game, but any deliberate assistance of a fighter will get them disqualified.

>Although. Looking at her squirm on the floor, you're almost sure you know what the verdict will be.

>You look up and around, to see everyone in the crowd staring in shock.

>You look at Elodi, hand over her mouth and holding herself like she also just witnessed murder.

>You whisper Elodi's name twice. Then whistle sharply when she doesn't notice.

>The whistle catches her attention though and she carefully walks over to Mirabelle.

>"Mirabelle? Are you done?" Elodi asks, gently tapping her back.

>Mirabelle says nothing, just now regaining the ability to receive precious oxygen.

>"Are you done, Mirabelle?" Elodi asks again.

>More writhing, more clutching at her chest. Still no words.

>"If you can't confirm that you will continue, I have to assume that you cannot, and therefore call the match."

>And still, not a word is said.

>So Elodi does, what she has to do.

>Elodi turns and addresses the crowd. "Mirabelle cannot continue to fight, so I have to conclude that she is done. Everyone, your winner and new Champion of the Circle. Is Bree Willshire."

>Then she turns to you, and says. "Now take her to the infirmary."

>And you need no other instruction.

>You glance quickly at Blake, as you bend down to gently scoop up Mirabelle.

>He looks like he's halfway between crying and passing out at what he witnessed.

>You gently take Mirabelle in your arms in a bridal carry and carefully but expediently carry her straight through the Circle over to the nurse's station.

>As you do, you pass by Bree, who begins walking passed you to where you just were.

>The Circle opens up to let you through, and as you pass, you cast your gaze back one more time, to see Bree turning around, and slowly planting herself , in the Champ's Seat.

>Watching your retreat the entire time.

>...

>What. The fuck. Just happened?

>Well for now, focus.

>You bring Mirabelle into the nurse's station and set her gently on the cot.

>"Oh, well this doesn't look good." Grace, the tiny fox says as she notices you come in. "What happened?"

>"She got punched really hard dead center in the chest. Like. Really hard." you explain. "Can you, make sure she's alright and everything?"

>"Don't worry, that's why we're here." Hannah, the well endowed cow answers.

>They come over to Mirabelle, and grab a few medical tools.

>They reach over to inspect Mirabelle. And stop, pivoting to see you watching them intensely.

>"Go on, get out." Grace says, shooing you. "Give the girl some privacy."

>". . . I mean. It's not like I haven't seen-" you start, but your inner gentleman forces you to silence yourself for the sake of decency.

>So you throw your hands up and retreat out of the tent, to which they close the flaps behind you.

>Guess you have to wait for a while to make sure she's alright.

>Which means this is the perfect time to get some goddamn answers.

>As is customary with the Circle, the crowd has begun christening their new Champion with a minor festival of sorts.

>Cheering, music and a mosh pit of bodies crowded around.

>Guess there won't be any more fights for the day.

>You force your way through, and head straight for Bree.

>She sees you approach and puts on her best smile. The same smile she would have whenever she would chat with you.

>"Heeey Anon." she says as you approach.

>She says it so casually, like nothing's changed. Like she's still been doing it all this time, and the year she's been gone was more like just a few days of her being absent.

>To be honest, the line sounds so natural in your ears that it almost disarms you. But you deny that comfortable feeling.

>"Oh so we're on speaking terms again, are we?" you ask pointedly.

>"Hm? Why do you say that?" she asks innocently.

>"Considering the fact that we haven't talked in a year. I thought something bad happened to you, or you were mad at me or something." you explain.

>She glances away for a second, and under her breath mutters "I kind of am."

>"What?"

>"Nothing, don't worry about it." she says, returning to her same joyful self that she's always been. "I needed to take some time to myself. To think about some things, and get my mind right. If it makes you feel better, i haven't talked much with Rocky either and she's my best friend."

>You stare at her blankly. For a good long time.

>"I have so many questions for you." you say.

>"And I would be glad to answer them." she responds. "Later though. I am a bit tired after all of that, you know."

>"Yeah sure." you roll your eyes. "You're just gonna take off and disappear again."

>"I won't. That was all just, me trying to keep my intentions a secret. Or something of the sort. I wanted to surprise you. And I think I did. But I promise, I'll gladly answer your questions."

>You fold your arms, unconvinced.

>"Hold on, I have an idea. I already know the first thing I want to use my brand new Champion's Right for." she says as she takes out her phone. "Anon. I'd like your phone number."

>. . . That's a strange request. Using her Right for that of all things.

>But well, you can't really refuse(well you could but that's dishonorable), so in accordance with the Right, you give her your phone number.

>After she saves it in her phone, she stares at it. Silently, unmoving. Before she whispers "I've wanted this for a long time."

>"What?" you say, tilting your head to the side.

>"Nothing! Don't mind me." she says in a panic, remembering that you're satanding right in front of her. "I'll text you. I promise."

>"Right." you say. Then you turn to walk away.

>Gotta go find Blake, who is no longer standing in this area.

>As you walk away, Bree shouts at you, "Hey Anon! I just became Champion of the Circle. Aren't you gonna congratulate me?"

>Good sportsmanship is important. Remember that.

>So you turn around and walk back up to her.

>"Congratulations Bree." you say, and reach your hand out.

>She takes it in her own and shakes your hand, smiling warmly at you.

>You never would've guessed that she had a fire to rival the sun beaming out of her eyes just a few moments ago.

>She holds your hand, and you slide it up and backward until she has no choice but to let go.

>Then you exit the Circle to find Blake.

>On your look around you find Cleo, who asks if Mirabelle is alright.

>You tell her that she's being checked on right now and you'll let her know when you know.

>You find Blake at your car, staring up at a mass of clouds.

>He no longer looks ready to cry or faint, but he does look worried.

>You tell him the same thing you told Cleo, and he nods silently.

>So you stand together and wait in silence for a good few minutes.

>Then you decide to make your way back to the tent.

>This should be long enough of a wait, right?

>You walk back up, and shake the tent flaps.

>"Everything good in here?" you ask.

>They undo the flaps to let you in.

>"She alright?" you ask.

>Hannah looks at you.

>Her stare is almost grave.

>"She has a minor contusion." she says.

>Fear strikes you immediately.

>"A what?!"

>"She has a bruise." Grace clarifies.

>You relax immediately. "Oh. Why didn't you just say that?!"

>"Because I'm a nurse and I want to use medical terrms!" Hannah counters.

>"Well don't use 'em for people that don't know 'em!" you counter back.

>"Anyway." Grace interjects. "She'll be okay. She just needs the normal bruise related treatment. Ice and rest. Maybe a few painkillers."

>"But of course." Hannah says, looking between you and Mirabelle. "No fighting until that's all healed. At least two weeks or longer as needed, just to make completely sure. Wouldn't want to make it worse or anything."

>"Honestly, I'm surprised it isn't worse." Grace says as she sits in her chair and folds her arms. "Looks like she was hit with a decent amount of force, and considering Mirabelle's size and normal rabbit physiology, it could've done some real damage. Good thing you're such a tough one, Mirabelle."

>Mirabelle doesn't reply.

>But Grace is right. Bree hit her with your Mountain Buster, which is one of your tricks for beating opponents that are bigger than you.

>So if Bree has still been watching, she would know that.

>And yet she deliberately used it on an opponent within her similar weight class.

>Once again you think there was something malicious in that.

>"Anyway." Hannah says, breaking you from your mental deductions. "Get her home quick, so she can rest up, alright."

>"Will do." you say.

>You walk up into Mirabelle's line of sight. "Let's get you home, then."

>She'd been staring vacantly at the tent top during your conversation, but as you approach, her gaze shifts to you. And a tinge of worry crosses her face.

>That look worries you in turn, but you keep quiet.

>She's physically hurt, and probably emotionally hurt as well. So you won't say anything unless she does.

>You bridal carry her to your car. On the way, you pass by Cleo and inform her that Mirabelle will be okay.

>You're standing close enough to your car, that the door will unlock just by gripping the handle, so you have Blake unlock the door and get in. Then you set Mirabelle inside.

>You take one more look at the Circle and the revelry going on, before you get in yourself and drive off.

>Most of the ride is spent in silence.

>Until you get closer to the Dunwick's house.

>"Anon."

>You look to Mirabelle, who still has that look of worry on her face.

>"That girl. Bree." she continues. "You said she was your friend right?"

>"Well. Yeah, she was. We didn't really do much, but we talked pretty often during school." you answer.

>"Is that. All she was. Really?" she asks.

>"Yeah?" you say, a bit confused. "Why?"

>"She wasn't, your girlfriend before me, or something?"

>"What? Of course not. She was literally just a friend. Remember, I told you that you were the first girl I'd ever had a crush on. That is irrefutable fact."

>"So there was nothing going on between you two?"

>"Nothing at all." you assure her. "That's a really strange thing to even consider."

>Mirabelle doesn't say anytthing else.

>"Aww wait. Is that what she said to psych you out at the end there?" you ask. "C'mon hun, there's no way you should've let her trick you with that."

>That probably wasn't the thing to say. She probably feels bad enough. No need to pile on that she was just baited into a loss.

>"But." you continue. "I guess that just means you like me so much, that a blatant lie you heard still managed to upset you."

>You reach over and gently rub her shoulder.

>"It'll be alright. Once you heal up, you'll come back and get your throne back. And you won't let her get to you next time."

>You pull up to her house.

>You jump out to help her out.

>"Think you can walk up to your house, or you want me to carry you?" you ask.

>"I'll be alright." she says weakly.

>"You sure?"

>She nods in affirmation.

>Once she's out, Blake gets out.

>He keeps near her to help her up in case she stumbles or anything.

>"Might wanna let your dad know what happened." you tell him.

>He nods.

>"I'll see you later." you say as they walk away.

>You watch them take their time up to their front door.

>But once they're inside, you hop back in your car and head home.

>And of course, once you're home you inform your brothers of this major upset.

>"So. Bree beat Mirabelle and is now the new Champion."

>"Excuse me?" Verne says.

>"How the actual hell did that happen?" Lewis asks.

>"INCONCEIVABLE!" Mikael exclaims.

>"Bro I can't even conceive it, and I watched it happen." you say

>"Who woulda guessed Bree Willshire was Champion material all this time?" Verne ponders.

>"Maybe you would've had a chance, Verne." Mikael says.

>"Naaah." Verne replies.

>"So how'd Mirabelle take the loss?" Lewis asks.

>"Uh. About as well as I did when I lost." you say.

>"Uh oh. "Mikael sends. "Better be careful. Or else Mirabelle will fall in love with Bree, and you'll be screwed."

>"You better fuckin' cease." you tell Mikael.

>So what're y'all gonna do about this?" Verne asks.

>"Get it back duh." you reply. "Mirabelle got a bit beat up, so she's gotta have some rest before she can get back in. But between her and me, one of us will win, and then everything will be right back to how it was before long."

>Lewis sends a thinking emoji. "I get the feeling it won't be that easy. But, what do I know. Good luck man."

>"Bree Willshire, Champion of the Circle." Verne sends. "Just doesn't sound right."

>"You know. If she used your technique, then vicariously, you are the Champ again. Kinda." is Mikael's silver lining.

>"Alright I'm off." you send before you toss your phone on your desk.

>You hope Bree gets back to you, so you can get the answers you crave. You need them more than ever now.

>You get up and ready to face whatever this Saturday morning has for you.

>You grab your phone to send a text to Mirabelle and check on her.

>"Morning. Just checking on you, seeing how you feel." you send.

>She gets back to you pretty quickly.

>"I'm alright. Still kinda hurts but it's not too bad."

>"Alright. How about the other thing?" you ask.

>"What?" she says.

>"The loss." you answer.

>Now it takes her a while to respond.

>"I'm alright."

>"Yeah?" you ask.

>"Mhm." she responds.

>Well, you can't be sure. But something tells you, she's not quite alright.

>But there probably isn't really anything you can do about it. Just gotta let her go through the motions.

>She'll bounce back.

>With not much else to say, you opt to leave her be.

>"Alright, just wanted to check in on you real quick. I'll let you be for now. Talk later."

>She responds with 'kay" and with that you set your phone down.

>Now, what to do for the rest of the day?

>Maybe, cruise the town on your scooter? Just because you have a car doesn't mean you have to let Yulia collect rust.

>You stand up to throw some clothes on, and your phone goes off.

>Maybe Mirabelle had something else to say?

>You grab your phone and it's from a number you don't recognize.

>Could it be...?

>You open the message.

>"Heeey Anon."

>You can practically hear that sentence with acute clarity.

>She even wrote it out with the extra vowel in the same way she speaks it. So weird.

>"Hey Bree." you respond.

>"Already knew it was me, huh? Guess it is kinda obvious, lol. Was thinking we could talk today."

>"Okay, great." you send.

>Fucking finally. Answers.

>"Why don't we meet up somewhere?" she asks.

>... Why.

>"Wasn't the whole reason for getting my number so we could talk over the phone?"

>"No way." she says. "Wanna talk face to face."

>You drag your hand down your face in aggravation.

>"Alright fine. Where, when?"

>"Let's say, TIM, at noon."

>You look at your clock. In about three hours.

>"Alright fine." you send.

>"See ya then." she responds.

>You put your phone back down.

>So you guess there's your plan for the day, made for you.

>You hang around and idle your time until it's about time to meet.

>You get dressed and head downstairs.

>"I'm heading out for a bit." you say as you pass the living room.

>"Get a jacket, it's cold out there." your dad says as you reach the door.

>How cold can it be?

>You open the door and immediately close it.

>Goddamn. You're surprised there's no snow on the ground or something.

>Why is it so cold today? It's not even close to Winter yet.

>You about face and walk back to your room to grab your zip up hoodie.

>That you seem to have outgrown, because it feels kinda small.

>Maybe your flannels and a few t-shirts aren't the best universal protection anymore, you should probably buy a new jacket.

>"Can I borrow one of yours?!" you shout down the stairs.

>"Hall closet!" reaches you from the living room.

>So you check the closet.

>You don't spend much time searching to see what matches, just pick what fits and forge onward.

>You grab one that looks pretty warm.

>Covered in this puffy cotton material around the wrists, neck and lined on the inside, with the outside looking like a leather type material.

>Reminds you of those WW2 jackets you see on t.v and media, but like, without all the patches.

>This'll work.

>You walk downstairs and stop in the living room doorframe.

>"I'm taking this one." you inform your dad.

>He looks over to you.

>"Oh." he says, with a strange somber look on his face. "Forgot that one was up there."

>"This yours?" you ask.

>"Nope. It was my father's." he explains.

>Yikes

>"Was grandpa in the military?" you ask.

>Your dad shrugs. "No idea, honestly."

>Ah, right.

>". . . I'll choose a different one." you say as you turn to go back up the stairs.

>"It's fine. Wear it." he assures you. "Looks good on you. Much better than those damn flannel shirts you always wear."

>You pause. And unzip the jacket, then pull it open to reveal you are in fact, still wearing your flannel.

>He shakes his head, like your choice of attire offends him.

>"Going out with Mirabelle or what?" he asks.

>"No I'm. Meeting a different friend, that I haven't seen in a while." you say, avoiding getting into particulars.

>Though why, you aren't sure. It's not like you're trying to be sneaky.

>... It's not like there's anything to be sneaky about.

>"Well. Alrighty then, have fun." he says, and returns his attention to the t.v.

>You walk out.

>To your car, because like hell you're riding your scooter when it's this cold.

>It is unseasonably chilly. Like even nature is strangely salty at the major upset of the Circle yesterday and has to showcase its disappointment.

>Ah well. You get in your car, and take off toward the TIM.

>You reach it and park.

>You walk right in to get out of the weather outside., but it occurs to you that you didn't exactly confirm where you would be meeting at the TIM.

>You grab your phone to text Bree.

>"Heeey Anon."

>Jesus, she startled you!

>You turn around to find her staring up at you, same pleasant grin and big violet eyes, like always.

>"Did I spook you?" she asks with a taunting tone.

>"Nope." you say quickly.

>"Sure I didn't. Hey, I like your jacket."

>You glance down at the jacket you're wearing. "Thank you, it's apparently my grandpa's."

>"Ooh, vintage." she says, as she reaches out and touches your arm.

>You stand still for a moment. Until she starts running her hand up and down your arm, then you take a step back.

>"So are we here to talk or nah?" you say.

>"Well of course, but. Y'know what's the rush?" she asks.

>"That's the whole reason we're here!"

>"Yeah, but. Once we talk, you're just going to go home. And that seems like a waste."

>"Yeah, well, I didn't really plan to spend my day at the mall, 'yknow. I figured we were just gonna chat for a while then leave."

>"See, that's no good. So you have to stay. I want to spend some time with you."

>... Well. That. Was a thing, that she just said. Kind of odd for her, considering most of the time you ever spent consisted of talking for a few minutes and then going your seperate ways.

>"Well whose fault is it that we haven't had the chance to hang out?" you say with a bit of a taunting smirk.

>You expect her to catch on to your teasing because she's the one who disappeared suddenly. But her pleasant smile fades and she turns away with a slight glare of resent.

>You think you hear her mutter something under her breath. The only word you can reliably catch is "her".

>"What?" you ask, to grab her attention.

>She focuses, and laughs a bit. "Nothing, don't worry, you're right. Anyway. Let me make up for that today. I'm kind of hungry, are you hungry, how about some food?"

>You stare at her. A long, measured, unflinching gaze.

>She doesn't break. Nor bend. She doesn't even waver as you attempt to pierce her shining amethysts with your cutting gaze.

>"I dunno, Bree." you say, scratching your chin.

>"Well I didn't want to have to do this." she starts. "But I'm willing to use my brand new Right to have you stick around, if I must."

>"You would be using it for the second time in as many days. You really shouldn't abuse it, y'know." you warn.

>"Well don't make me and I won't have to." she grins.

>You shrug. "Alright fine. After you then."

>And so you end up following Bree to the food court.

>You guys get lunch, and she ends up paying for your meal. Even though you vehemently attempted to refuse. But her reasoning was that she was the one who called you out here, and if you didn't plan to hang at the mall, then you didn't plan to spend money here either.

>So you begrudgingly allowed her to pay.

>After that, with full bellies, you expected to at least broach the topic of your meeting, but she jumps up and practically drags you deeper into the mall.

>You continue to follow her, as she enters store after store.

>A lot of it is her looking at clothes for herself, and asking your opinion. But when you say it all looks fine, she'll get more in depth and ask what you like better.

>So then you have to make a choice. Which usually means she'll try it on, then ask your opinion again.

>Then she'll transition to picking out clothes for you.

>Unfortunately for her, you have, and will always have a singular style, so nothing really interests you.

>She buys a few things, but has you carry them. Which you don't mind because your inner gentleman approves.

>You half expected her to go into one of those two infamous shops. But she didn't, she skipped right over both of them.

>"I figured you would go into one of those two." you say jokingly as you point them out.

>She looks at you, like you just insulted her, her family, and just about everyone on the planet.

>"Just joking, I'm sorry." you apologize quickly.

>She continues walking, so whether or not you will leave this mall alive remains to be determined.

>"I might get my accessories from there though." she says quietly, but not quietly enough to hide it.

>"Speaking of accessories, I see you updated yours." you say. "Changed your hair up and got some extra piercings, huh?"

>"Oh. Yeah." she says, pinching the edges of her bangs. "I felt like I needed a bit of a change. They say something as small as a change in your hair can give you the confidence you need to do certain things."

>"Oh yeah?" you mumble.

>She sure found some confidence, so it must've worked.

>She laughs. "And as for the piercings, I think I'm addicted."

>"Gonna keep getting more huh?" you comment.

>"Maybe. I have a lot already. Maybe I should stop."

>"What? The few in your ears, your brow, the one in your tongue right? That's not a lot." you say with a shrug. "Could be worse."

>She pauses on your walk. And looks at you. Likewise you stop walking and glance back at her.

>She looks you dead in the eyes. She smiles. And says. "I have a few more than that."

>And her tone of voice when she said that.

>You bring your finger up and open your mouth to comment. But no words come out.

>Which might be for the best. It would probably be a good idea to turn your brain off and delete what you just heard.

>Lest you seek answers to questions you shouldn't be asking.

>When you don't comment, she continues walking, so you once again follow.

>More stores entered and more window shopping.

>A game shop, a comic store, you never would've guessed that Bree passes through these kinds of stores.

>But as you continue on, you remember that in the direction you're walking, you're going to come up on the arcade.

>You check the time, and surprisingly, you've already been here for a good couple of hours.

>So before you get all the way to the end and somehow waste even more time in the arcade or something, you decide that now is as good a time as any.

>"Alright Bree. We've spent a good amount of time already just wandering. I think it's time I got some answers." you say as you stop walking.

>Bree stops a few paces ahead of you, but doesn't turn to meet your gaze.

>"Are you sure? It's still early and the arcade's right there, why don't we play a few games first?"

>"Bree, c'mon, I know stalling when I see it." you huff. "What's the problem, it's not like what you're gonna tell me is gonna kill me or make me hate you, right? I just wanna know what happened to you, and what made you decide to enter the Circle. Simple stuff."

>"That's what you think but. When I explain this stuff. Things really will change between us." she says quietly.

>"What could you possibly have to say that you think would do that?"

>"Well let's just start at the beginning then." she says, finally turning to face you. She steps to the side and sits down at a nearby bench, and you follow.

>"You want to know why I left you alone a year ago, right?" she asks.

>You give a firm nod.

>"It was because of you." she says.

>... wat

>"You. And her." she almost spits that last word out.

>"Her?" you parrot.

>"Mirabelle." she answers.

>You listen intently, because you don't really have a comment to make at the moment.

>"I watched you kiss her during your rematch, and that upset me. And then you started going out with her. And that upset me even more. So I stopped coming to see you." she explains, avoiding your direction.

>"Wait. So. What? You were like. Jealous?" you ask. "Do you-... Bree, do you..."

>She turns to you now, tension and determination on her face. "I like you, Anon. I've had a pretty big crush on you for a while now."

>"... ... Oh." is all that escapes you.

>It's kind of difficult to form proper sentences with all the t.v. static filling your brain.

>"I, um. Had no idea. Bree. I'm... I'm sorry?" you stumble.

>Are you supposed to apologize for this?

>She doesn't reply and you have no idea what to say.

>That's some pretty big information though!

>Bree was crushing on you and you had no damn clue!

>"So. Well then. Why, uh. Why not, y'know, tell me, back then?" you ask.

>"If I were brave enough to do it, I would have." she says. "But I was nervous. And afraid. I didn't know what you would think about going out with a girl like me. And if I had asked and you said 'no', I probably would've been too embarrassed to even talk to you anymore. And I didn't want it to come to that."

>"Ahh." you nod. That's understandable, of course. "But you managed to tell me now."

>"Yeah." she says, gripping the edge of her bangs. "Confidence."

>"Right."

>You both sit in silence for a moment while you attempt to process what you've been told and she gives you the time to think.

>"So. If you were satisfied with just, cutting ties and letting things be, then why'd you come back. And to fight in the Circle no less? You told me you didn't want to fight in it, before."

>"See that's the thing." she sighs. "I wasn't satisfied. I didn't think it was right. Or fair. That she got to be with you, when I had feelings for you first. So at the time the only thing I could think of, was to fight her."

>"Fight her? For like, revenge?" you question.

>"Not quite." She looks up at you, but averts her gaze when she meets your eyes. "Instead of just crying about it, I figured I should do something about it. So I got a gym membership and started toughening up, because I figured you seem to like tough girls."

>You nod a bit, more to yourself than her. Because well, she's not quite wrong. A girl that can throw hands with you, sure. Although a girl who can break diamonds on her abs, might be a bit much.

>You nod at Bree, to allow her to continue.

>"So I thought, you probably fell for Mirabelle, because she managed to beat you in a fight, right? So my idea was, if I go one step further, and beat the girl who beat you, you might, show some interest in me."

>"Well, I have to admit that I was surprised and impressed, yeah." you tell her. "It sure was interesting to see my own techniques being used by someone else."

>She smiles as you grin and nudge her with your elbow.

>"However I don't see what winning in the Circle was supposed to do for you, besides earn you my respect."

>"Well... You see." she starts. Althouigh she has difficulty continuing, so you give her time to form her thoughts. "I. was maybe hoping, that you would..." And she stops.

>You know that kind of pause. That's the pause of someone getting ready to ask for the impossible.

>"Don't you dare suggest that I break up with Mirabelle." you say slowly, and a bit more gravely than you may have intended. "Even if you had feelings for me first, Bree, I'm sorry but I can't-"

>"No!" she interjects, but remembers your public setting. "I wasn't going to say that. I mean, I figured that would be pointless to even consider. I know you like Mirabelle a lot. But."

>You wait for her to continue. When she doesn't you repeat her last word.

>"But...?"

>"But, I was hoping, maybe you could like me too?" she poses, as more of a question than a statement.

>You try to make sense of what she said, but these dots just aren't connecting.

>"What are you suggesting, Bree?" you ask with as much confusion your voice can bring to bear.

>"Maybe you could go out with me too." she says, quickly and decisively.

>... Well there's that t.v. static again. Louder this time.

>You can't compose proper thoughts, you can't keep your vision focused, it takes physical willpower to remain stable.

>You take a deep breath, hold it, and let it out agonizingly slowly.

>"Bree." you say calmly as you look her in the eye. "That's a terrible idea. I'm sorry."

>She returns your gaze, unflinching. Like your rejection didn't phase her.

>"But like, what could you expect?" you continue. "I'm not that kind of guy, I can't do you like that. And like, there's no way Mirabelle would be into that. What kinda girl is just, okay with suddenly sharing their significant other? That only happens in movies. And like, the anime that Blake watches."

>You lean to the side of the bench and rest your head in your hand, trying to think of what else you may need to say to get her to put this silly idea to bed.

>"She doesn't have to know." assaults your ears like gunshots.

>You turn to her, slowly and mechanically.

>"That's even worse!" you shout, public space be damned. "That is an even worse proposition."

>"Am I not your type?" she asks, as if that's the big problem here.

>"It has nothing to do with you being my type or not!" you exclaim. "We actually get along pretty well I think, but that's not the point. The point is, I will die. Mirabelle will notice, if I stopped spending time with her to spend it with you. And once she notices, she'd find out because she's clever. Then, she will kill me."

>You pause to see if she understands. But you continue to reinforce your concern.

>She'll kill me, her brothers will kill me, and then somehow Mikael will hear about it, he will swim off of whatever boat they put him on, and he will kill me, because he doesn't tolerate two-timing surprisingly. So you'll have me! But for a very short amount of time."

>You rub your temples firmly to keep from blowing a gasket. Bree sits there calmly, taking in everything you're saying.

>"Look Bree." you say, after you've calmed down a bit. "I can't quite tell you that I get it. I mean, I had an empty heart for a long time, until a severe dropkick broke the dam and filled it up. I don't know what it's like to have an unrequited love. But I don't think what you're suggesting is the right thing to do about it. I think you're just gonna have to accept it and find someone else."

>"I don't want anyone else, I want you." she says. She looks like she might just cry.

>"I'm sorry. It's just. Not gonna happen."

>She puts her hand on your arm. "There has to be something I can do to make you reconsider."

>You shake your head firmly, words being lost on her.

>Alright, well. Time to get the hell outta here.

>You stand. but she grips your arm before you can take off.

>"Anon. Just give it some thought."

>You look back at her, drained of mental energy.

>She stands up after you, and holds your arm with both hands. "Just, take some time and think about it, please. I know it's odd, and difficult. But I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think it was possible."

>You look into her eye, and besides looking like she's still ready to shed tears, there's a deep, almost pleading desperation in the one you can clearly see.

>:Just, give me a chance. Please."

>You don't know what else to say. What else is there to say?

>"I really do, lov-"

>Ah! Mm!" you cut her off before she can finish that sentence.

>That's a powerful word, one that you can't allow to be spoken.

>A crush and love are very different levels of affection.

>You breathe deeply,gently pull your arm from her grasp and walk away before anything else can be said.

>The static returns in full force as you try to piece together everything that just happened.

>Bree likes you. A lot. And she has for a while. She went to extreme lengths to impress you, to get you to notice her. And now she wants you to date her alongside Mirabelle, or worse, date behind Mirabelle's back?

>Alright, no more brain anymore.

>Thinking comes later. Get home now.

>You reach your car and take off toward home.

>You park and walk in.

>You don't announce yourself as you enter, but your dad still catches your return.

>"How was your hangout? Do anything fun?" he asks. Before he notices the odd expression on your face. "Uh oh, what's wrong?"

>"... It seems. That the girl I went to go talk to today. Actually likes me. So I may have actually been on a date." you say idly.

>Your dad stares at you. He stands and takes off his glasses, approaches you, and places his hands on your shoulders. He inspects every inch of your face.

>"Valerie!" he shouts, and your mom comes running down the stairs.

>"What's wrong?!" she shouts, full of worry.

>"Take a look at our son. This may be the last time you get a good look, his final days approach."

>"Why would you say that?!" you exclaim.

>Your dad turns to you. "Mirabelle is going to kill you."

>"Oh God I know!" you bury your face in your hands.

>" Well what on earth is going on?" your mom asks.

>And you get to explaining what happened today.

>"Hmm." your dad murmurs. "Well what're you going to do?"

>"Nothing." you answer.

>"You have to at least tell Mirabelle." he says.

>"Well yeah of course."

>"Wish I could advise you but. Can't help you with something I've never dealt with. Maybe that friend of yours that's good with girls can help."

>You shrug. Might be best to keep this on the low for a bit, before you decide to tell everyone you know.

>"I'm going to bed." you exhale, devoid of all energy now.

>You go up to your room and throw yourslef into your bed.

>Shit's about to get real chaotic, isn't it?

>You wake up.

>Feeling rather shitty because your mind didn't let you sleep peacefully.

>You're gonna have to have a talk with Mirabelle today.

>Hopefully she won't be mad with what you have to tell her. But it's not like you really did anything wrong at the moment, so things should be okay.

>Right?

>It's about the time you contact her to confirm that you're coming over anyway.

>So you call her up and it takes a bit before she answers.

>"Hey. Morning." she says with a clear lack of energy.

>"Good morning." you reply. "Listen, we gotta chat, so is it cool if I still come over today?"

>"Actually." she starts. "Think I'm just gonna relax, have a bit of alone time. Y'know?"

>"Ahh. Yeah I get it." you say.

>You didn't really feel like hanging out after your loss too, so you understand.

>"What do you need to talk about though?" she asks.

>"Mmm. Probably something we should talk about face to face." you say.

>At least, it seems like a conversation you should have in person.

>"Well. Okay then." she says.

>"Yeah it'll be alright. I'll just wait till you feel better then." you assure her. "Rest up, make sure you follow your nurses' instructions, and I'll talk to you later."

>"Mkay. Later. Love you."

>"... Love you too." you whisper, with a slight hesitation.

>Not that you had any reason to hesitate. But the L-word, made Bree flash through your mind for a second, and it caught you off guard.

>Mirabelle hangs up, so you put your phone down.

>Goddammit, what was Bree thinking trying to rope you into this craziness?!

>How long has she been into you, you wonder?

>You met her around the end of your sophomore year, when she just happened to start talking to you. So if it started then, then about a little over two years.

>And you did not notice for the life of you.

>If you could've guessed, or if she had found the courage to ask you out back then, you wouldn't be dealing with this right... Now.

>But that train of thought derails onto a seperate train of thought.

>If Bree had managed to ask you out way back when, would you be dating her right now?

>The you of today believes no, but that's only because you currently have Mirabelle.

>You sit up in your bed. And assume a meditative posture.

>You clear your mind, and mentally place yourself back in time.

>Before you were dating Mirabelle, before she kicked the dam in your heart open, before you even knew who she was, and the only girl who gave you much attention was Bree Willshire.

>You replay her trademark "Heeey Anon" in your head, but instead of asking if you're going to the Circle today, she asks "Would you go out with me?".

>If she asked that question then, what would your answer be?

>Attempting to be honest with yourself, you think about the answer.

>Bree is pretty attractive, you think, and you get along with her decently well. You don't know about many of her hobbies, but early stages of dating are there to figure out your compatability, right?

>You wouldn't have a reason to turn her down.

>And the fact that she is a deer, doesn't bother you in the slightest, obviously.

>So with all of that information compiled, your answer would be... Yes. It's very possible that if things had worked out, you would be dating Bree right now if things were different.

>So. Completely writing her off just became a bit more difficult now.

>So that means... What? That it actually isn't entirely fair that you're currently dating Mirabelle?

>Life isn't fair, sometimes things don't go your way.

>People miss their chances, Lewis told you that when he was explaining what you should do with your feelings.

>So it's not your fault that she didn't have the confidence to let you know how she felt.

>But is it your fault that you didn't notice how she felt? No way, how could it be?

>You aren't clairvoyant. How would you even begin to know that?

>So what if you turn her down and she does something drastic depending on how stable her heart and mind are afterward?

>You remember reading a reedit post about some random who said this girl he used to hang out with ended up being in love with him and almost offed herself when he got a girlfriend.

>Of course, you think someone said the op just stole that from some dating sim he played.

>But there was another one you read about some girl in Japan actually stabbing a guy she was in love with because he wouldn't go out with her.

>There were news pictures too, so if they weren't ripped from some movie or something, that could be true.

>Bree doesn't seem like a psychopath though.

>... She's not a psychopath, right?

>She's not gonna chop you into bits and scatter them in random boxes or something, will she?

>... Now why does that sound familiar?

>Anyway!

>As she requested, you've done some thinking. And your answer remains as it was.

>There's just no conceivable way you can bring Bree into your relationship, or even consider the alternative that she suggested.

>You nod to yourself to bring your mental tirade to a firm and decisive end.

>Good job, you. Such executive decisions deserve rewards.

>So you get up to throw some clothes on, because you're gonna go buy yourself some snacks from the EZ Mart down the road.

>You open your window to check the weather, and it's not as cold as it was yesterday, but it's still kinda chilly. So you grab the jacket you wore yesterday, and head out.

>"Not going on another date, I hope." your dad comments as you pass the living room.

>"God no. Just gonna go get myself some snacks. You want anything?" you say.

>"I really want, a glass of champagne right now." he answers.

>"Uhhh. I can't help you with that. Not for another two years at least."

>"Just use your fake ID, I know you have one." he says.

>You scrunch your face in a moment of pure bewilderment. "Excuse me? No I don't."

>He pulls his gaze from the t.v. to you. "That's lame, son. I had one at your age."

>The bewilderment only increases, as he stares at you unflinching, and then goes back to the t.v.

>"You're messing with me, right?" you have to ask.

>"Sure I am." he responds.

>Okay well, you walk right out of the house.

>Your own father just told you he was a straight up hoodlum.

>Which, well, you aren't much different technically, but it's still strange that he just came right out and told you that.

>You drive yourself down to the convenience store and walk in.

>"Hey welcome." someone greets you and-

>Hey hold the fuck up, you know that whiny voice!

>You slide around the displays and glare at the cashier counter.

>"Marty?!" you yell.

>Marty looks up from his shitty cell phone to you. "Aw what the fuck?!"

>"Why the hell are you here?!"

>He looks down at himself standing behind the counter. "Bitch I work here!"

>"No one told you you could work at my shop, get out!" you yell as you hook your thumb at the door.

>"Yo, just cuz you used to be the King, doesn't mean you run shit! Especially now, loser!" he yells right back.

>"You live in the Valley, how the hell do you even manage to get up here?" you ask, like the Valley is some distant land unreachable by normal means.

>"The bus, asshole. Not all of us have parents that'll buy 'em a thirty thousand dollar car just cuz we're a good little boy."

>You look out the window to your car. "It was actually twenty-five, but."

>He stares at you, with the most zero fucks given face anyone has ever managed. "Just get your shit and get out."

>"Is everything okay out here, Martini?" the original clerk comes out.

>"Hey April." you say. "We're good, I'm just hazing my good ole buddy, Martini." you chuckle as you say his real name.

>"Oh." she says. "I didn't know you were friends with Anon, Martini."

>"We ain't." He tries to put some bass in his whiny voice.

>"So why's he here April? You runnin' the show now?" you ask.

>"Haha something like that. It really just means I have a buttload more work for just a few extra dollars."

>"Yeah well, you took it. Gotta deal with it." you chuckle.

>You walk around as you grab whatever snacks you're in the mood for, and throw it all on the counter.

>"Ring me up, Martini." you chuckle.

>He does so wordlessly and you pay with a twenty you had in your wallet.

>Damn, what you would give to just have a mass of coins to pay in right this second.

>After he hands you your snacks and change, he mutters under his breath "Now fuckin' bounce."

>But April hears this and gasps in genuine shock. "Martini!"

>"I mean. Anythin' else for ya, sir?"

>"I dunno man." you say, attempting to keep it together. "What happened to customer service with a smile? I dont feel very appreciated for my business."

>He gives this "are you fucking serious" glare, and gives the same look to April.

>But she seems to encourage you getting what you want, so he turns to you and turns the sides of his face up in a horrible weasely grin.

>"Have a good day, sssssshhhitheel."

>"Martini!" April exclaims angrily.

>You can't hold it now, you burst out laughing.

>"Oh man. April don't fire him or anything. I'm gonna have so much fun, whenever I come back in here from now on." you say as you turn to leave.

>But you stop right before the door and turn around.

>"By the way I got a question Marty."

>Goddammit, what now?!" he screeches.

>"Did you send this lioness to come hang out at the Circle?"

>"Oh." He snorts. "Maybe. She looked bored and she seemed like the meathead type, so I figured you'd enjoy havin' another idiot to smack around."

>"Well lookit you, helping to keep the Circle alive. Who woulda thunk?" you laugh.

>He points to the door. "Get yer ass out."

>And so you leave to head home.

>That sure did brighten your mood, a welcome surprise.

>Marty's still a shitlord, but not quite as big of one as he was. Maybe that's the effect of that ass whooping he got. Or maybe it's April's influence, you don't know.

>Anyway, with nothing else to do on this Sunday, you lay around, eating your snacks and perusing the internet for the almighty meme.

>And so Monday comes around as it surely does.

>The weather decided to relax is tundra takeover, so it's back to normal October levels of cold.

>Which means no more use for your grandpa's jacket at the moment.

>You are currently on your way, to pick up Blake. Minus one Mirabelle.

>She didn't feel like coming to the Circle, even just to spectate as she recovered, so you'll be going with just Blake today.

>She said you guys could talk once you dropped Blake off, so that's what you plan to do.

>You pick him up, and he gets to sit in the front, good for him and his long ass legs.

>"Didn't see you yesterday." he says.

>"Yeah, your sister wanted some alone time, so I figured I'd give her some." you tell him. "How is she?"

>"Eh, bummed but alright. Been laying in bed a lot. Dad almost cried when he heard she lost. Was a little spooked too when he heard about her getting hurt. But he knows that it's just how it could be out there."

>"Yeah, I'm sure he gets it. He did get his leg broken there at one point." you nod.

>You make your way to the Circle, park and get out to hang around.

>People are slowly trickling in. But already there and sitting in the Champ's seat, is Bree.

>No use putting things to the side, might as well talk to her.

>I'll be back." you tell Blake. "Gotta go talk to somebody."

>You walk right up to her. But of course, owing to her ancestry, she practically senses you heading right for her and turns to meet you before you can say anything.

>"Heeey Anon." she greets you like always.

>"Hey Bree." you greet her casually.

>"You know, I never ever thought that I would be one of the people to be sitting in this spot." she muses. "I always figured it was going to be you here. Sitting right here, until it was time for you to pass it on."

>"Yeah I thought the same too." you agree. "But it just wasn't meant to be."

>"I liked it better when it was your seat."

>You share a glance for a moment. You open your mouth to speak, but she jumps ahead of you.

>"S-so, um. Did you, happen to give any thought. To what we talked about?"

>Straight to the heart of the matter, right.

>"I-I mean, not that I'm rushing you. I just, was wondering, if you'd had the chance." she says, a bundle of nerves.

>"Yeah. I did, Bree." you say plainly.

>"You did?! Really?" she almost shouts.

>Well shit. The look in her eye. That tiny gleam of hope. The silent prayer that what she's about to hear is a word of acceptance.

>You don't have the stones to break this poor girl's heart. You've apparently already done it once, and that was when you didn't know.

>To knowingly do it, and for the second time at that. That's tragic.

>But tragedy you must bring, so you silence your heart and steel your resolve.

>"I thought honestly about it. I did some deep diving, and came to the conclusion that, if things were different, if Mirabelle hadn't been around, and things went well. It is likely that it could have been you and me."

>The starlight of hope in her eye only gleams brighter.

>You prepare yourself for the death of a star.

>But as a man of science, you know that the deaths of stars are very often violent and chaotic.

>"However, Bree." you continue. "That's not what happened. It's not us, and so it can't be us. I'm sorry, but I just can't in good conscience honor your request."

>"Did- but. Did you, talk to Mirabelle about it? If you do she might-"

>You hold your hand up to stop her right there. "Even if I do, you gotta know the answer is gonna be the same. Like. I don't claim to know a lot about open relationships, or dating multiple people. But I'm pretty sure that's a thing you have to already be predisposed to in order to entertain the idea. Like you have to go in knowing that you'd be willing to share, and that's not what happened. I'm really sorry, I hate to do it to you. But it's not gonna happen."

>She hangs her head. Deeply, heavily. There is nothing left but soul crushing heartbreak.

>But it had to be done. Better this than giving her false hope.

>"I'd uh. Suggest that we can still be friends. But I understand if it's a little dificult to do that and you wanna cut ties or something." you offer, because it's all you can.

>"I'll be okay." she drones.

>She doesn't sound okay, not in the least.

>"It's my own fault. I should have just... Rocky was right, you do miss all of the shots you don't take."

>You expect tears, but strangely none come.

>She lifts her head and sure enough they're on the verge of falling. But she ignites the flame behind her eyes and the tears evaporate.

>She looks up at you and smiles. But it's so fake not even the world's most gullible man would buy it.

>"Of course, I can't lie and say I'm not upset, even though I figured this is how it would turn out." she tells you. "So I hope you don't mind if I act a little selfish and petty for a moment."

>"If you wanna beat me up a bit, I will receive your ire with honor and dignity." you bow your head like a knight of old.

>"I just want to see you fight again." she says. "It's been a long time since I've gotten to watch you from the front row like I used to. So I'd like to be able to see that again."

>"Oh yeah?" you say. "Heh, why not step against me yourself? It might be fun to have a mirror match against my own techniques, and going against your icons is pretty inspiring. I fought Jayce a few months back, and he may have slapped me around a bit, but it was quite the experience."

>She shakes her head. "I could never."

>You shrug. "Alright then. Anyone in particular here you wanna see me knock around?"

>"How about Caesar?" she asks. "That's always a classic."

>"Alright then. One lion for your sacrifice table, to appease the deep magic."

>You head back to Blake and wait around a bit until it's time to for the Circle to start.

>Of course you can't stand around where you used to, considering Bree is now the Champ and you want to give her some space after you just ripped her heart out for the second time.

>However, Elodi comes forward to start today's activity.

>"Hello everyone! It was a bit cold this weekend, but let's hope it didn't do anything to cool your heat of battle!"

>Ooh, clever. Lewis never had fancy lines like that.

>"So let's have another great day, and waste no more time. Who's stepping into the Circle?" she asks.

>You found Caesar in the crowd a little while ago, having a pleasant chat with Cleo. TIme to ruin that.

>You throw your hand up and step forward.

>You pivot and face Caesar's direction. "Caesar get the hell in here."

>He throws his hands up in confusion. "What the hell, why's everyone been bullying me these last few weeks?!"

>"Cuz you deserve to be bullied, now get in here!" you yell.

>He looks to Cleo. Who pats him on the back and then pushes him forward.

>He reluctantly steps forward, but step forward he does.

>"Well okay. Looks like our first fight is set up." Elodi says to the crowd. "So let's get into it. What do you two have to say?"

>As soon as you're about to sling some particularly choice words, Bree, from her seat speaks up.

>"Actually. Before you guys start, can I say something?"

>"Well um. This is a bit irregular." Elodi says with a hint of confusion. "But. I'll allow it, go right ahead."

>Yeah, you're kinda confused but interested as well.

>"Well, Caesar." she starts. "You lose to Anon, kind of a lot right?"

>lmao get bodied

>You can't hold your laughs.

>He looks around embarrassed before he says "I wouldn't say a lot."

>"Caesar the count is like twenty to zero, you wouldn't call that a lot?" you say still laughing.

>"Anyway." Bree continues. "Not just you, but a lot of other people have some difficulty standing up against Anon, right? And it may be a difference in skill, but. Don't you all think that it's a bit unfair that you really seem to have no chance of winning against him? Not to sound rude."

>"Yes, absolutely!'" someone in the crowd shouts.

>"Especially when you work hard to earn your three wins in a row, and he just comes up and ends it in a few quick kicks?" she goes on. "It seems like the only person who can beat him, is Mirabelle. And I just think that's not fair. So! Why don't we, put a limiter on him so to speak, in order to give you guys a fighting chance? Like a handicap?"

>Okay wait hold up.

>You were interested but you don't like where this is going.

>"Bree wait hold on!" you jump in. "That's just how the Circle is. Like Jayce! People who are better are just going to-"

>"Anon shut the fuck up, I'm tryin' to hear what the new Champ has to say!" Caesar chimes in and shuts you down. "Continue, please." he says, giving Bree the floor again.

>"Well how about this?" she poses to the crowd. "What if, whenever Anon challenges you, or you have to fight him when you're paired against him during the random choices, I give him some sort of challenge to deal with, that'll make the fight more difficult for him? Therefore giving you a better chance of actually winning against Anon? Of course, it'll act like a regular win or loss, so it would advance or reset your streak if you win or lose respectively. And would also do the same for him."

>"I love that! That's genius!" Caesar cries out.

>"Yeah! Uh huh! I agree!" comes even more voices from within the crowd.

>"Wait wait wait wait!" you scream. "Don't I get a say in this?! You can't just do this to me!"

>You look to Elodi, the Lady of Rules, to back you up.

>She looks around in a bit of a panic, before she takes a deep breath and clears her throat.

>"Uhhh. Well. If you would like this new rule to be implimented, let's get a show of hands."

>A myriad of hands shoot up from all around the Circle.

>It somehow makes you feel, very small.

>You look around in pure dismay.

>How dare these peasants consign their old king to these foolish challenges?

>They dare bind the hands that blessed them?!

>"Well shit." you mumble to yourself.

>"Sorry Anon." Elodi tells you. "That looks like the majority, so I have to say this is about to be your life from now on."

>"Fuck yeah!" Caesar exclaims. "Go on then Champ, what kinda handicap are you placing on him?"

>"Wait we're enforcing it right now?" you ask.

>"Damn right! Let's go!" Caesar yells some more.

>Geez, he's never been this excited to get to a fight with you.

>"Well, hmm." Bree thinks for a moment. "Let's start with something simple to test it, I guess. How about, Anon has to fight. Without using his legs? By which I mean, no kicks, knees, or other strikes As well as no blocking strikes with the legs. How's that?"

>You shrug. "Nothing that utilizes my legs, huh? I'll take that." You turn your attention to Caesar. "Lest you forget you big dummy. I used to knock you around perfectly well before I ever started using real kicks."

>"Okay. Well. With that out of the way." Elodi says, bringing focus back to the main event. "Do you two still have anything to say?"

>"Not a damn thing." Caesar says, bringing his hands up. "Let's fuckin' do this."

>You do the same, getting into your usual stance, before you pause and shift around a bit, trying to recreate how you used to stand before you started practicing your kickboxing.

>If you kick him, you lose, and you damn sure aren't gonna lose to Caesar.

>This was indeed kind of petty, just like she promised so you take a single glance at Bree before the fight starts.

>The sadness has fled, the hope has died.

>There's only one thing left that you can see in her visible eye, and it's a kind of hollow emptiness.

>She's not even focused ahead, her gaze is off to the side and downcast.

>Bearing witness to her pain seems to wound you as well, but you can't allow it to ruin you.

>It's not your fault, it isn't really hers either. It's just how things ended up.

>"Alright. If you're both ready." Elodi says, bringing her hand up. "Then let's. Fight!"

>And unnaturally, Caesar comes right out attacking aggressively.

>You guess the prospect of finally getting a win on you has hyped him up.

>How misguided he is.

>Because he's still the same old Caesar.

>His strikes are easy to dodge and leave him wide open.

>You avoid his punches and retaliate whenever an opening presents itself. Getting some solid strikes in his exposed torso and even a few chin checks.

>However, a few minutes of this, you figured he should be reeling a bit, since you've beat on him for quite a while.

>Yet he seems to be taking everything you'e throwing and chugging along without losing much momentum.

>So either he's managed to get tougher.

>Or you're losing a bit of your touch.

>That can't be it. But then again. You have fun with your kicks so much that it might be possible that you've neglected keeping your upper arm strength on point.

>And the stuff your dad was teaching you feels more like form and not any real strength training.

>You swing at Caesar's face, but it comes out a bit late, and he manages to step backward out of range of it.

>He kicks his leg out at yours though and catches you in the bend of your knee, so it causes you to buckle a bit.

>However, when you right your posture he comes forward and throws a hook at you which you take right to the jaw.

>It hurts, but not terribly.

>You come forward and throw a few of your own punches after dodging a few of his.

>However you trade your punch to his plexus with his hook to your temple, and he ends up winning that trade.

>You hold your hand over the space he just punched and press down to dull the throbbing.

>He lumbers toward you slowly, and instinct takes you as you begin to raise your leg to throw a side kick at him.

>Of course you can't do that, so you plant your foot back down. Yet he takes that momentary lapse to swing out and hit you right in the flank, which causes you to drop to a knee.

>Goddamn, this is the most Caesar has ever been able to hit you in a single fight.

>You throw yourself up and back before he has the chance to punish you while you're on the ground.

>Unfortunately you didn't gauge how close you were to the edge of the Circle and someone from the crowd gives you an unfriendly boot right back into the center and directly into a giant fist that lands right against your nose.

>You drop to your knees and bring your hands to your face, cradling your nose.

>Is it bleeding? You pull away to find out, no, not at the moment.

>You feel some heavy hands latch on to you and drag you to your feet. Before they throw you with relative ease into a mass of the Circle.

>Two humans latch on to you and hold your arms apart, while Caesar approaches, ready to hit you like a punching bag.

>You once again on instinct, bring your foot up to kick at him, like Mirabelle once did when you threw her into the Circle. But again you cannot.

>So you put your foot back down and tense your muscles for the incoming onslaught.

>He slams his fist into your gut twice, and then finishes with another hook to your jaw.

>Your captors release you and you slump to your knees again.

>Are you... Losing to Caesar?

>You're actually losing a fight to Caesar!

>That actually pisses you off a bit.

>You throw your gaze up at him long enough to see him smiling like a madman.

>Oh that's it.

>You throw yourself up on to your feet, and slug him before he can react, catching him right in the chin.

>You don't allow him the chance to realize what even happened as you throw punch after punch into any part of his body that he leaves exposed.

>You're frustrated now, so you let your frustration fuel the fire in your fists, and unload on him.

>He throws his arms up parallel to each other to block his face and torso, so you attempt to throw hooks around and under the giant tree trunks he's defending with.

>Punching him in the arms is kind of like actually punching tree trunks, but you don't stop.

>You hammer his upper body with a flurry of machine gun blows, ready to put him right to sleep with a good strong haymaker when the chance comes.

>And you see it. His arms start to fall slowly from his blocking stance.

>You lean back with your leg up and arms behind you, ready to clock him with your Mountain Buster.

>And he attempts to counter, by weakly swiping his leg at your leg that's still planted on the ground, to try and trip you.

>What a joke.

>Your frustration peaked, you answer that farce the only way you can.

>"Get that weak shit outta here" your body language practically screams as you kick his weak leg away from you with the bottom of your foot and come jetting forward, blasting him dead center with your Buster.

>He takes several large steps backward and falls flat on the ground.

>You're breathing heavily. Not from exhaustion, but from aggravation.

>You walk up to him, ready to beat on him some more if you need to.

>But as you approach you notice. He's got a big goofy smile on his face.

>The hell is he grinning for?

>He opens his eyes and looks at you, his grin growing even bigger.

>"You used your foot Anon." he says.

>...

>FUCK

>"What, no I-" you start.

>But you did.

>You kicked his leg away with your foot in frustration.

>A simple mistake. But in typical Circle fashion, a man who is angry is a man who makes mistakes.

>"Wait. No hold on wait I-"

>"I fucking WIN!" Caesar stands and bellows to the sky.

>"No I want a do over!" you cry out. "Elodi, gimme a do over!"

>"I'm sorry Anon." she shrugs at you. "But in accordance with the brand new rule, you were given an objective that you failed to comply to. Therefore I have to conclude that Caesar is the winner. By technicality."

>The crowd roars and howls at Elodi's decision and you slump to your knees in utter defeat.

>You lost. To Caesar of all people.

>Never will you recover from this embarrassment.

>Time to become a shut-in, never to see the light of day or touch grass ever again.

>Caesar is over there living it up though, trotting around the Circle in victory.

>You stand up. "Come off it, Caesar. You won on a technicality."

>"A technical win is still a win!" he laughs heartily.

>"Okay, so you won. So now it's twenty and one. You still have a long way to go, bro."

>"Oh don't worry. With this new rule, I think it can be done."

>He's having too much fun with this.

>Whatever. Let him have his one. It's the only one he's ever going to get.

>You walk back over to Blake. He gives you this long look and then shrugs.

>You shrug back.

>You look over at Bree.

>She's looking in your direction. Though with her empty gaze, you aren't sure if she's actually looking at you. Or seeing much of anything at that.

>You have to turn away, the guilt might eat you alive if you look any more.

>You feel your face, which is a bit sore. Caesar sure can hit hard, y'know, when his attacks actually connect.

>Your nose and jaw in particular are sore, maybe you should grab some ice from the tent.

>You tell Blake you'll be back and walk off.

>As you do though, a big heavy hands claps you on the back.

>"Alright, I showed up at the last minute there, but did you actually lose to that big ugly cat?" Lenny asks you.

>"Yeah, by technicality." you say.

>"Technicality? Since when do we have those?"

>"Since today apparently." you inform him.

>He looks confused so you explain.

>"Wow. They need handicaps to win huh? Pussies." he scoffs.

>"Look Lenny, it's different for the alphas like us. The smaller people need every chance they can get sometimes." you whisper mockingly.

>He nods knowingly. "Oh yeah, speakin' of smaller people. 'Sup with you and that rabbit? Carryin' her around and stuff the other day?"

>"Oh that's my girlfriend." you say plainly. "Did I not tell you that?"

>"Uh. Nah." he says blankly.

>"Weird. I tell everybody that."

>"And that's been workin' out for you huh?" he asks.

>You nod.

>"Not bad man. Good to see folks gettin' outta that closed mindset. Not like my old man. 'Don't you dare mess 'round with them pinkskin girls, they'll tan yer hide for a handbag'." He imitates the deep southern drawl of what you assume is his father.

>He shakes his head.

>"I didn't think people really still thought that badly." you muse.

>"Parent to child man, it's taught. And my gramps. Hoo boy. Kinda glad he's gone, if ya don't mind me sayin'."

>Kind of makes you wonder about your own grandfather. And what, or who the fit of anger that claimed his life was directed towards.

>"That's why I'm kickin' rocks and tryin' to bail from home." Lenny continues. "Found myself a dime back where I was stayin' so we're tryna shack up. That's that 'good thing' I was tellin' ya about."

>"Good stuff dude." You nod in respect and bring your fist up. He bumps it.

>"Anyway, just wanted to stick my nose in yer business a bit. I'll let ya go, I'm kinda peckish, so I'ma go find some pickin's to munch on." he says nodding toward the Circle.

>He walks off and you return to getting an ice pack from Hannah and Grace.

>You stick around for a bit and watch a few fights. Lenny wins, Blake wins. No one challenges Bree.

>You kind of wonder how she'll do in her empty hollow state. But also there's the question of, will she fight with the same ferocity that she used to obtain the Champ spot now that her reason for having it is gone?

>You'll just have to see.

>The Circle comes to an end, so it's time to head home.

>You hop in your car with Blake and drive to the Dunwick's place.

>Since you won't be staying long, you upt to just park next to the sidewalk instead of pulling in the driveway.

>You walk through the footpath gate with Blake.

>He opens the door and yells out "I'm home! Anon is with me!" before he waves to you and wanders off.

>The lady of the house pops in from wherever she was. "Oh Anon. Missed you Sunday, so you came today, eh?"

>"Kinda. I'm just here to check on my wounded warrior." you say with a light laugh.

>"Oh? She wasn't hurt too badly, from what I was told. Just a little bruise." she says, wondering if she was told the truth.

>"Not that, Mrs. Dunwick." You hold your hands over your heart. "I mean the wound to her pride."

>"Oh I see." she nods. "Well aren't you just a sweetie? She should be up in her room."

>You nod and make your way up the stairs to Mirabelle's room.

>You knock on her door and after a few short moments she opens it.

>"Why hello." you greet.

>"Hey there." she replies.

>"Still in your jammies huh?"

>She shrugs.. "It's just one of those days."

>"I get it, I've been there."

>She lets you in and crawls back into bed. You sit at the foot of her bed.

>"Well what are you doing over there?" she asks.

>You look to her, not sure what she means.

>She nods to her side, showing that she has made space for you.

>Oh.

>You glance to the open door of her room. But ignore your apprehensions and slide over to lay by her side.

>Lying on your back, looking up at her ceiling.

>You glance down and just so happen to notice that she's wearing the little bracelet you got her.

>"You're wearin' that around the house?" you ask.

>"What I do with the gifts you give me, should be up to me, don't you think?" she shrugs and gives you that taunting grin.

>You nod in acceptance.

>"So what do we need to talk about?" she asks.

>Oh boy here it is.

>"So. Uh. I'm gonna start off by apologizing. Because it seems that the reason you ended up losing your Champ spot is, indirectly kind of my fault." you begin.

>"Well what does that mean?" she asks.

>"Well you see. Umm. It turns out. That, uh Bree has actually had a crush on me for a while now."

>You look at her to check her reaction.

>She stares at you.

>"See that's what I thought." she says quietly, like she finally found the answer she was seeking.

>"You, could tell?" you ask.

>"It seemed a bit obvious, especially at the end there. And when you told me that nothing was going on between you two, it was the only other possibility."

>"Makes sense." you nod. "Yeah, but. I guess the reason she fought you, is because she thought that if she could beat you, it would somehow make me interested in her."

>"Hmmm." she hums. "She should've just went for you then. You like girls who can kick your ass."

>"Look. You are correct. But it's not that simple."

>"Oh yeah?" Why not?" she says.

>"Cuz I have you." you answer. "And I don't want anyone else. That would be foolish of me."

>"Well don't I feel special." she laughs.

>"You should. Because you are.".

>She's taking this well. You expected some jealousy or some anger or something.

>"Yeah." you speak idly. "And she knew how strongly I felt for you, so she. Well she didn't try to ask me to break up with you or anything. But she was so. I don't wanna say desperate, but she wanted to be with me so bad that she wanted me to consider trying to date you both at the same time."

>You shake your head at the ridiculous notion and turn to Mirabelle, who has an eyebrow raised sky high and her attention squarely on you.

>"Oh yeah?" she says. "And what did you say to that?"

>Okay, so she might be a bit angry now. But in the interest of being completely transparent, you have to divulge all present information.

>"I told her no obviously!" you throw it quickly to avoid any semblance of doubt. "I can't even entertain the thought. It just seems wrong to me."

>"Oh yeah?" she says, the essence of tease flowing through her voice. "Having two girlfriends? Most guys would love that wouldn't they?"

>"Well you see. As we have established, I'm not like most guys. The men of the world might praise me, the women of the world might despise me, but I care about how people would see you. And her, I guess. How would they react if they saw me with her on these days, and me with you on these other days? Or both of you on my arms at the same time? That's crazy. Imagine how people would act."

>You look at her again, and the teasing look is gone, replaced with a serious one.

>"Also. I would not like to die. For fear of you, your brothers, and even Mikael finding out about that and coming to hunt me down like a criminal."

>She laughs. "Well I'm glad you have your priorities straight."

>She sits up and leans over to give you a kiss, which you gladly accept.

>"You're not mad or anything, right?" you ask.

>"I don't know. This is the first time I've had to deal with this. I don't feel mad, should I be mad? I don't think there's any real reason to be mad." she says, actually looking like she's wondering if she should be angry or not. "You didn't do anything wrong. And it's not like I can be mad at her for liking you. If anything, I kinda feel bad. I stole that girl's crush."

>"Yeah, I feel bad too, but that's just the way it is." you mumble.

>"Just cuz that's the way it is, doesn't mean it's not mean. It really, wasn't fair to her I guess. Huh. I'm less bummed out about my loss now for some reason."

>"Yeah well regardless of what's right or fair, or how we feel about it, there's not much we can actually do about it, I think."

>Now she turns over on her side and faces you.

>And in a split second, her serious look morphs into the most taunting, most teasing grin she's ever planted on her face.

>"What do you mean? You just said a while ago what we could do."

>What are you talking about?" you ask warily. As if each word spoken could set off a volatile trap.

>"We just have to turn our couple into a triple." she says.

>You stare at her dumbfounded, like she just told you to off yourself with complete sincerity.

>You shake your head. "You're messing with me, right?"

>"Messing with you? When have I ever done that?" she responds.

>"Of course you're messing with me."

>"What makes you think I'm messing with you?"

>I can hear it in your voice." you fold your arms.

>She lifts her free shoulder in a half shrug. "This is how I always talk to you, Anon."

>"Nope, not hearing it." You turn away from her and face her wall.

>She bursts out laughing, having all the fun in the world. She scoots closer to you and rests her chin on your upper arm.

>"I am messing with you. To be honest, I can't really say for sure, but I think I could probably be the jealous type. So it's a good thing you made all these right choices... Or else I might have actually had to kill you."

>You turn your head to look at her, and she's looking right at you. No teasing evident in that face.

>Until she smiles big and wide and pats your arm before rolling back away.

>"Which I'm glad I won't have to do, because I would be lonely without you. I might never find love again if you were gone."

>You chuckle a bit as you return to laying on your back as well.

>"So. The next thing to figure out would be, what to do next." Mirabelle ponders. "If she won the Champ spot to try and get to you, she doesn't really need it or probably even want it anymore. So one of us just has to take it back, and all will be mostly right again."

>"Well. Good luck with that. It might be a bit more difficult for me now. And you, if she decides to add you to it." you say.

>"What's that mean?" she asks.

>So you explain the new handicap rule that was just set up.

>"Wow." she says. "Honestly. That sounds like it could be fun, y'know."

>"You think so?"

>"Definitely. A challenge or two to keep your fights fresh and exciting. Could be a lot of fun, don't you think?"

>You think about it. "Yeah, I can see that. Guess I just didn't see the appeal cuz the first one I had to do was against Caesar and well."

>"You lost to Caesar?" she gasps.

>"On technicality, yes." you deflate as you confirm the worst news you've ever had to tell someone.

>She pats your arm to comfort you. "It's okay. It was just a fluke, you won't let it happen again."

>You nod to her.

>"Anyway. Keep a handle on things until I feel good enough to come back, okay?"

>"Will do." you say giving a small soldier's salute.

>"And don't. Don't let Bree do anything odd to try and mess with you okay?" she warns. "I've only read it in books, so I don't know how real it can be. But I'm told people can sometimes do very crazy things to try and get what they want. Especially when it's like, matters of the heart."

>"I'll be careful." you assure her. "Though she looked pretty defeated when I shut her down. I don't know how crazy she could even get like that."

>After your talk has concluded, it's time to go home.

>Belle invites you to stay for dinner, but you don't want to impose when it wasn't a day that you had planned to come over for, so you politely take your leave.

>You feel a bit better about the whole situation after chatting with Mirabelle about it.

>You still feel bad about Bree, but it is what it is.

>You focus your thoughts on the Circle.

>You could probably beat Bree, and take the Champ spot back, as long as you can manage to circumvent these crazy handicaps.

>But if you think of it like Mirabelle did and consider them a fun bit of extra challenge, it might not be too bad.

>You get home and there's one final thing you need to do.

>Tell the boys of course.

>They're gonna lose it when they hear about this.

>"So homies. Turns out Bree had a crush on me for years now. Wild isn't it?"

>Lewis replies first with "Oh. Finally figured that out huh. Only took two years."

>wat

>Verne pops in next with "Yeah man, even I could tell she had a thing for you."

>"You're shittin' me." you respond.

>"Dude. Did you never hear how she said 'hey' to you? There were like. Three e's in there, that's the telltale sign."

>"Well it would've been nice if you stupid bitches had told me!" you send.

>"tbh I just thought you weren't into her. Like she wasn't your type." Lewis says.

>"What he said." Verne follows.

>These motherfuckers.

>"How'd you find out?" Lewis asks.

>"She told me." you send. "Her whole master plan for fighting in the Circle was to try and get me to either date her alongside Mirabelle, or date her in secret."

>And the gigachad senses this mention of proposed betrayal and pops up out of nowhere. The only thing he says is "Anon. Don't."

>"I ain't." you say. "I already shut it down. I wouldn't dare."

>"Good." he says. And nothing else.

>"Ya feel better for knowing?" Verne asks.

>"Not at all no." you reply. "I would have preferred to remain blissfully ignorant. The knowledge has caused me physical pain."

>He sends an emoji dying of laughter.

>"Anyway. I expected you dummies to fall over yourselves in surprise, but apparently you bastards already knew. So y'know. Fuck you."

>You toss your phone on your desk and lay in bed.

>You look over at your vigilante rabbit plush.

>Time to spend the next few days acclimating to the handicaps you'll be given, in an effort to see if you can take the Champ spot.

>Unfortunately, you did not acclimate very well.

>Well, a lot of the challenges that you got weren't terribly difficult.

>Fight without using kicks. No clinch. No other fancy moves.

>Those are doable.

>But then when you manage to win twice in a row, she'll throw out some crazy one like, fight without throwing any punches with your left hand, don't get hit more than ten times or the worst, win in five minutes or less.

>You always hated time trials.

>So you've been at this for about two weeks and are absolutely no closer than when it started.

>But the lack of consistent victory isn't what irks you. It's the fact that not a single person has challenged Bree since she won.

>What kinda conspiracy is this.

>She still sits there, hollow and empty. But yet she still comes back to sit in the Champ's seat.

>And no one has had the desire to challenge her. Which is odd.

>Mirabelle should be going back any day now, since she should be healed up.

>You needed a reprieve to take your mind off the Circle.

>Luckily it was time to free your skeleton from its flesh vest, because Halloween rolled around.

>Mirabelle's parents had her take little Annabelle trick or treating.

>They dressed her up like Alice from Wunderland.

>They also gave Mirabelle a Queen of Heart costume.

>She looked upset but she dealt with it for her little sister.

>Too bad that means you also had to deal with it as they whipped out a surprise Mad Hadder costume for you.

>You had to suffer for your love.

>Blake went with you guys, dressed as his own thing.

>He was King Kazna from Shummer War.

>It disturbed you that you instantly knew who he was and from what anime.

>It's getting worse, the sickness is spreading.

>Anyway, you had fun.

>Annabelle usually has this vacant poker face, but she had a big adorable smile on that day.

>Some random lady mistook you and Mirabelle for Annabelle's parents somehow.

>Which either means you look older than you are. Or she was messing with you because of the joint costumes.

>Kinda made you happy though, you won't lie.

>Anyway. After Halloween came and went, you went right back to trying to make some people go to sleep, Jeff style.

>It still isn't working out in the best of ways.

>Mirabelle told you to head to the Circle today and she'd meet up with you, so you are here with Blake, currently deep in your mind before the day starts.

>No one's still challenged Bree, and it's becoming concerning.

>"Anon." someone calls.

>What is she doing, paying them off? Nah that's ridiculous.

>"Anoon." they say again.

>Maybe it's just because she looks so damn sad. Who can put the screws to someone so miserable?

>Anon!"

>"Huh what?!" you shout, startled out of your musings.

>Elodi is the one who had been calling you for a while.

>"I've been trying to talk to you." she says.

>"Oh. Sorry, what's up?"

>"Well um. A few people have been asking me. And I didn't know so I figured I'd ask you. When you plan for the next event to be?"

>"Event? What?" you ask.

>"Like the thing you did almost a year ago. That double's tournament? They were wondering when you were going to plan something like that again." she explains.

>"Oh. Why me, I don't have any real control here." you shrug.

>"Well you're the one who organized the first one, so maybe they just expect you to do it again? Maybe it's like a respect thing as well."

>"Hmmm." You actually think about that. "Well, I didn't have anything planned, no. We could always just do another double's tournament, make that like an annual thing."

>"Well. I guess that could work." she nods, though she looks like it's not what she was expecting you to say.

>"What? You got something better?"

>"Oh no, it's not my decision or anything." she says.

>You fold your arms. "You're right. Doing the same thing over may not be too exciting. So let's just ask the crowd what they'd be into."

>You got the idea for a double's tourney from Kayo anyway. You don't come up with the ideas you just pitch them.

>"Okay, that sounds fine." she agrees.

>So after everyone shows up, and Elodi does her introductions, she beckons you forward.

>"Alright you wiley bastards, settle down!" you yell. "I hear most of you are waiting on me to announce some new event for the Circle, for whatever reason. But I'm here to tell you!" you throw your hands up in an exaggerated shrug. "I ain't got shit."

>"Aww booo!" you hear from the crowd.

>And a lot of others voice a similar disappointment.

>"Alright settle down!" you roar.

>After the people calm themselves, you continue.

>"So I'm here to ask you. What would you be interested in having? Gimme your ideas, and if they're good we might just be able to turn it into something."

>You scan the crowd quickly. "Or else we're just gonna have another double's and no one likes repeat performances."

>You wait, as you hear the collective mumbling of people discussing amongst themselves.

>"Come on, just spit something out!" you bark.

>"Like a battle royale!" your almost a younger brother shouts out.

>You point to him. "I like where you're going with that, but it might be a bit too. Chaotic..."

>Hey hold on he's onto something.

>"No. No wait. That's genius. A free for all!"

>You look to Elodi, then back around the crowd.

>"Picture it you dummies! Four combatants enter. No friendships, no allies. Only one person left standing at the end."

>You glance around and see the eyes of a couple people widening in interest and the nods of approval.

>"We have a few seperate rounds, and each winner will move on to the next. Culminating in one final free for all battle, where the best of them will fight. And of course, the prize for that one true victor, would be none other than everyone's coveted desire."

>You hold your hand in Bree's direction. "The title of Champion."

>You wait and gauge the reaction of the crowd.

>And wait. And wait some more.

>Someone towards the back yells out a thunderous "WHOO!" and the entire crowd goes ballistic.

>You look around, nodding fervently at the bloodthirsty monstrosities you have birthed.

>You look to Elodi and make the motion for the airhorn. Which she retrieves and hands to you.

>You let the airhorn blare to calm these madmen and women down.

>"So I take it we're good with this idea?"

>They pretty much all voice their agreement.

>"Excellent. Well thought up Blake, we'll dedicate the tournament to you. We'll call it something crazy like 'Blake's Beatdown Bonanza'. Actually. He needs a more tangible reward."

>You look over at Elodi. "Elodi, you're cute, smooch his face."

>"Wait what?! she shouts, blush flooding her face. "Why me?"

>You turn your head up and glare at her from the corner of your eye. "You dare question your king?"

>You glare for a while and she shrinks under your gaze.

>"We'll come back to this. Anyway. I'll hash the details out, but for the meantime. Hey Sly, you still have a bunch of those name cards from the last event?!"

>"Yes I do!" she shouts. "More than enough I'd say!"

>"Great! Welp. If you're gonna sign up, go sign up." You blare the airhorn one more time, and a mass of bodies scatter and line up at Sly's table.

>You hand the airhorn back to Elodi.

>"D-Do I really have to-" she starts.

>"I was just joking, I'll buy him a snack or something, you don't really have to. I mean unless you want to." you tell her and walk away.

>You stand back toward where the edge of the Circle starts.

>You take a look at Bree, who is looking at you, but with a gaze not as hollow as it has been.

>But you don't know what to say or do about that, so you do nothing.

>Mirabelle arrives after a while, and immediately notices the line of people at Sly's table.

>"Hey, what's going on?" she asks you.

>"Oh my dear." you say. "What would you say to the idea of fighting three other people at the same time, while they are also trying to fight you and each other?"

>"What are you planning?" she asks quickly.

>Free for all tournament." you reply just as quickly.

>She stares at you, blue eyes practically shimmering in adoration.

>"Anon I love you."

>Love you too, baby." you pull her toward you and lay a smooch on her forehead. "Though I gotta be honest, it wasn't my idea per se, Blake brought it up. I just pitched it because I have authority it seems."

>"This is gonna be good. Maybe even better than the double's thing. I'm gonna go sign up, did you already?"

>"Nah, not yet. I'm gonna bring up the rear, like last time. Go right ahead though." you point her towards the line. "Let's just hope we don't get put together in the first round. That'd be embarrassing. For me."

>"You had better not lose until we do get matched up." she says as she runs off.

>You watch the line shrink as people put their names down and come back to reform the Circle.

>Out of the corner of your eye, you watch that giant gator who has made himself known approach you.

>"Anon. Had to let you know that I'll be takin' off soon. So. Y'know if you wanted to get that rematch in today, I'd be down."

>"Aww man you're leaving, Lenny?" you say feigning disappointment. "That's a shame man, but I get it. Gotta finally get back to your girl. It's just a shame you're gonna miss the free for all tournament."

>"... I'm sorry the what?" he asks, confusion plain as day.

>"The free for all tournament." you explain. "It's a new thing we've been doing. Last event was a two on two tournament. This time, we're throwing teams away and going free for all. Shame you gotta go home though."

>He pulls out his phone. "I'm cancellin' my fuckin' flight right now."

>You reach up and pat his shoulder. "Good man I'm sure she'll understand."

>You watch Lenny step lively toward the sign up line. You scan the line to see who's still waiting to sign up.

>And you catch Mirabelle. Talking with Bree.

>Oh God no.

>That can't be about anything good.

>The conversation looks civil enough, but who knows if it'll stay that way.

>Better intervene just in case.

>You start walking over.

>Bree is faccing away from you, but Mirabelle is facing your direction. So she sees you approaching out of the corner of her eye.

>She turns and glares at you with a look so dire it threatens to stop your heart.

>So you about face and walk right back to where you were standing.

>You slav squat and subtly glance around hoping no one saw you cowed into submission.

>So it's not just her brothers that can invoke the eyes of death, she can actually do it too.

>You watch them intently as they converse.

>You don't know what they're talking about. But apparently it's positive.

>At least for Bree, because she's been hunched over and crestfallen ever since you stepped on her heart. But at this point she stands straight up, and by the not so gentle rustling coming from the back of her jacket and waist tied shirt, Mirabelle must have said something nice to her.

>Mirabelle grins, but it's that taunting, challenging grin that she uses so often.

>She turns around and goes back to waiting in line.

>Bree turns and looks at you.

>Her gaze is no longer hollow. Those violet flames are rekindled and blazing.

>Well that's interesting?

>The hell was that about?

>You watch Mirabelle, slightly bouncing up and down in anticipation.

>You're distracted by Blake passing in front of you and standing at your side.

>You bring your fist up to him. "Good job Blake. You just made the Circle like twenty five percent more interesting.

>"Thank you, thank you." he says as he bumps your fist. "I aim to please."

>You wait a bit longer as the line starts to trickle down.

>Mirabelle makes her way back to you.

>"Everything alright over there?" you ask.

>"Everything is just fine." she replies with that grin of hers.

>"Should I be worried?"

>"Of course not." she reaches down and pats your head, smoothing your hair back. "Just don't lose."

>"Oh-kay."

>That's odd. You should probably be worried.

>"Anon!" Sly shouts from her table. "You're the last one, chief, waiting on you!"

>You jump up and hustle over to the table and write your name down.

>You beckon Elodi over. "We'll give it a day or two, just in case anyone who isn't here but is interested can sign up. Get a few people to pass the word around school. No need to rush like last time."

>Elodi and Sly both nod.

>Free for all.

>This is gonna be fun.

>If only Kayo were here for this one, that would be a sight to see.

>Actually.

>You text your group chat.

>"Free for all tournament." you say.

>"Pardon?" Lewis sends.

>"We're having a free for all tournament at the Circle." you clarify.

>"Yooo, that sounds dope." Verne replies.

>"Sounds chaotic." Lewis comments. "Hope Elodi can handle that."

>No reply from Mikael, so he must be busy.

>. . .

>Or so you think, because after the day ends, and you're about to head to bed, he did not neglect to send you several choice viking words detailing his current feelings about the fact that you're having a dope ass tournament without him.

>His fault for getting ready to get on a boat.

>The day has come.

>The heat of battle, as Elodi so eloquently put it is burning fiercely today.

>Which is a good thing, because it's right back to being oddly chilly.

>Nature just can't decide what to do with its weather right now, can it?

>You took a few days to get the word out about the free for all.

>There were a few more sign ups from some more people who don't go to the Circle every day, but were still plently invested in the free for all idea.

>So it's got quite the turnout.

>It's a fresh new start of the week right after school is out, and a lot of people arrived earlier than they ever have.

>All the participants are squirming in anticipation of the event's beginning.

>Luckily they don't have to wait long, because Elodi comes front and center to start it up.

>"Hello everyone!" she starrts. "Thanks to our very own Anon and some worthwhile suggestions from some particpants, we have a brand new event for you. So welcome to our very first Circle Free For All!"

>The crowd cheers louder than they ever have before.

>"Hey!" you cut through their cheers. "That's not the name. Say the name Elodi."

>She looks at you, ready to protest, but you stare her down with all the malice of a tyrant.

>"Welcome to Blake's Beatdown Bonanza." she drones.

>Damn, she really channeled all the soulless emptiness of Lewis with that one.

>You look to Blake with a big grin. He facepalms, but you can see a grin on his face as well.

>"Now, with that bit of silliness out of the way, I hope you're all ready!" she restores her energy and calls out.

>Elodi grabs the box with name cards in them and shuffles them before calling out four names for the first fight.

>Blake is the absolute first name she calls, and you have to believe it's some sort of divine providence.

>"The event is named after you Blake. Don't lose in your own event during the first round." you tell him.

>"Ye of little faith. Don't you know us Dunwick's don't lose?" he counters as he steps in.

>You have a counter to that statement considering the fact that there is currently a small deer in the Champ's seat across from you. But you don't want to psych him out, so you remain silent.

>Looks like Blake is up against a fox, a canine, golden retriever it looks like, and a scrawny human kid.

>The fox and human don't look too tough, but the dog looks like he could do some damage.

>Blake musics up and gets in his groove.

>"Alright. Just like last time, in the interests of time constraints, we're just going to jump right into the fights." Elodi informs. "So if everyone is ready." She glances around to get the nods of confirmation, except for Blake who gives a confident thumbs up after seeing his opponents nod. "Then let's begin the first round of this free for all tournament and. Fight!"

>The fox and the human start things off by rushing each other. Which leaves the dog to come to Blake.

>The dog runs up to Blake and in an awful display of offense and no defense, he throws a wild punch.

>Blake slides to the left and punches him in the cheek.

>The dog throws a punch vertically trying to clock Blake on the dome, but Blake slides to the right then kicks him in the side

>The dog hooks and Blake ducks. Then practically Looigi green missiles the dog by throwing the top of his head into the dog's chin.

>Blake looks fine, the dog steps backward.

>Blake gives some leeway as the dog recovers.

>Too bad he's remembered a little too late that's there's more than one opponent.

>The scrwany kid sees an opportunity and runs forward, throwing a big punch at the dog.

>The dog pivots at the last moment toward the oncoming danger, and catches that punch right in his gut.

>He steps backward and Blake takes a page from his sister's book, coming forward and hitting the dog in the back with a dropkick.

>The dog launches forward and right into the scrawny kid. The fox was approaching to get in on some of that easy money, but stepped back as his original opponent gets flattened under a golden corpse.

>Blake however ran forward, and frontflipped over the bodies on the ground, before throwing his foot out and clocking the fox right on the head with an overhead heel crush.

>It threw the fox right into the dirt where he did not get back up again.

>The scrawny kid managed to throw the dog off of him, to catch a glimpse at the obliteration of that fox's skull.

>He looked at Blake from his vulnerable position on the ground, then to the unconscious dog and the fox writhing in pain.

>Blake seems to remember that he exists and looks back. He takes a few steps toward him but the kid waves his hands seeking mercy and surrenders.

>Elodi looks at this situation a bit stunned, because two opponents just dropped before she could even say they were done, and the third gave up.

>"Blake Dunwick is our first winner." she manages to find enough sense to say though.

>The crowd looks shocked at how quickly Blake just ran through three opponents. But they still clap and cheer for him.

>He removes his earbuds and bows to his adoring public before going to stand next to you.

>"See, when I told you 'just don't lose' all those weeks ago, I meant that." he says.

>You nod to him with an ever growing respect.

>He made that quick and easy. But he's a Dunwick, so the game was of course rigged.

>So of course Blake set the bar for the rest of the event with his first ever free for all win.

>A bunch of challengers began participating in some unspoken challenge by trying to win their round faster than he did.

>But of course, those were a lot of the non constant attendees who weren't really aware that Blake is on a different level.

>So those poor misguided fools dug their own graves when they got matched against the more proven fighters.

>There are also a lot of rounds. With the plan being four rounds a day, the entire first week is about to be comprised of the preliminary fights.

>But that's fine, there's no chance for the excitement to dwindle just yet.

>The first day ends successfully. Though none of the other challengers you're keeping an eye out for had a bout today.

>Mirabelle, Lenny. You aren't sure if Bree signed up. Not like she seems super interested in keeping the Champ spot now.

>But she did seem motivated during those sign ups, so maybe she did.

>Anyway, the second day of the first set of rounds comes through.

>Fighters are called, and you watch their battles with interest, clapping and cheering whenever something interesting happens since you aren't placing your bets on any one individual.

>That is, until the fighters for the next round are called. And going up against each other are Clyde, the horse, a boar quite a bit larger than Gus, and another dog, this one looks like a Husky.

>The last name called is of that gargantuan green-scaled gator, Lenny.

>He walks in slow, back arched, fingers curled like a monster. He looks between his opponents and wipes the back of his palm against his mouth.

>This dude really likes to play up the hungry monster angle.

>Elodi looks around and asks if everyone is ready. Everyone nods.

>She calls for the fight to start, and the boar throws himself toward the dog.

>Which would leave Clyde to contend with Lenny.

>That probably isn't the best idea but Clyde doesn't seem to care, he rushes forward to meet Lenny.

>Lenny does the same, charging at Clyde.

>They meet in the middle and throw their bulks against each other. However Lenny's got more bulk to throw around and Clyde's advance is stopped and pushed back.

>Lenny follows up by throwing his foot dead center at Clyde, with a kick that looked like he was trying to bust down a reinforced door.

>Clyde gets launched back and hits the dirt already and you expect Lenny to follow up on that.

>But he turns his attention completely away from Clyde and walks casually up to the dog and boar duking it out.

>He stands behind the boar, radiating violence. The dog stops and looks up, which causes the boar to stop and turn around.

>You can clearly see the fear permeate his being as he glances up at that reptilian styled reaper.

>Lenny reels back and clocks the boar in the side of the head.

>The boar drops to his hands and knees, only to be treated with a kick to the gut that sends him rolling into the edge of the Circle.

>Wthout missing a beat, Lenny turns on the dog and punches him twice in the chest.

>The dog blocks the first two strikes, but Lenny follows with his backhand into hook combo and catches the dog in the jaw.

>Clyde comes up to hit him with that fancy side kick, but Lenny catches his whole leg, then throws it straight down, disrupting Clyde's balance.

>Lenny grips Clyde's skull with both his hands. And then throws one, two, three powerful knees into his chest, then practically throws him into the ground.

>Clyde hits the deck and manages to huddle and clutch his torso before lying unmoving on his side.

>Lenny stands to his full height and casually rolls his neck. Until he gets a look of surprise when the dog punches him a few times in the back.

>Lenny turns. Slowly, ominously, and faces him.

>Dog shoulda just played dead.

>Which is probably what he's thinking right now as Lenny smiles wickedly and bares all his teeth.

>He throws his hand onto the shoulder of the dog, then pulls him forward and adjusts his hand until it's clasped around his neck.

>Then Lenny heaves, and lifts the poor pooch right into the sky with one hand.

>The dog struggles and kicks at Lenny while trying to pry the death grip from his throat.

>But Lenny chuckles. And you could swear the temperature just dropped another ten degrees.

>Lenny takes his right fist and blasts the dog's exposed stomach twice. Then he sets him back on the ground onto his feet.

>The dog falls right over, no life left to hold him aloft.

>Lenny looks around at the carnage he brought, as a few helpers Elodi brought in are attempting to quickly drag Lenny's victims away to get them out of the match's center after they were pronounced done.

>"... Uh. Lenny Lagrange is the winner." Elodi squeaks out.

>Lenny throws his head back and roars to the sky in triumph. And you honestly think a few of the scales on his back might start glowing or something.

>So he plays up that hungry monster shtick because he, in fact, is one.

>You look around the crowd and see several people silently praying that they never have to get matched up against Lenny in their lifetimes.

>Lenny's fight yesterday was a hard match to follow.

>People had to give Lenny a wide berth on the way out, and are doing the same today. He really shocked everyone with that impressive and kind of terrifying display.

>But the third day has arrived, and you're getting a bit nervous.

>The closer it comes to the end, means the closer it gets to you being matched against Mirabelle in the first round.

>And that would just be no fun.

>Luckily it won't seem to come to that, because Mirabelle gets called to fight.

>She's going against a female maned wolf. Which seems more like a lanky fox than a wolf. Although surprisingly, they're actually not considered either.

>There's an aardwolf guy who looks nervous but excited. Aardwolves are actually related to the hyena family.

>And the last challenger is this strange breed of almost zebra called an okapi. Although they have zebra stripes, they're actually more closely related to giraffes.

>... It's definitely just a product of school learning and scientific coincidence that you know what species of animal family these people are related to.

>Anyway, the okapi was swaying to and fro in this sort of ditzy airheaded way. But once Elodi came up and asked if everyone was ready, she nodded and shifted into murder mode.

>Elodi called for the fight to start and the okapi blitzed past and tackled that unsuspecting aardwolf right to the ground.

>It's always startling to see such ferocity from the herbivores and those who would be considered prey species.

>Anyway, that left the maned wolf to either get involved with those two, or engage Mirabelle.

>Unfortunately, her choice was made for her as Mirabelle bounds forward and jumps up, grabbing the wolf by her shoulders and knocking her off balance.

>The wolf falls backward and Mirabelle tucks her knees, driving them into the chest of the wolf as they hit the ground.

>Mirabelle then rolls forward and is right back on her feet.

>However the wolf fights through her pain and twists on the ground, then sweeps Mirabelle's legs from under her.

>Mirabelle hits the ground and the wolf rolls into her and jumps on top of her before she can recover.

>The wolf throws punch after punch, but Mirabelle defends against most of it.

>Granted the wolf is so offensive that all Mirabelle can do is defend.

>You glance quickly at the other side of the Circle, and that okapi has that aardwolf in an armbar.

>What do you know, another submission user.

>You also think you can hear her slightly giggling to herself as she gets ready to rip that guy's arm right off.

>Back to Mirabelle, she's still pinned under the wolf.

>She tries to wriggle herself forward in an attempt to reel her foot back and kick the wolf off, but the wolf hovers right over her, not allowing it.

>She keeps punching, Mirabelle keeps blocking.

>Mirabelle throws a punch or two, but that lanky broad weaves right out of Mirabelle's range and goes back to swinging.

>You hear a quick "He's done." from Elodi and look up to see the aardwolf already tapping out.

>The okapi stands up and gently dusts off her shirt before she turns to the other side of the fight.

>She could theoretically wait it out and take on whoever is left, but she doesn't seem too interested in that logical thinking.

>She trots over to get involved.

>The wolf glances over her shoulder for a second, but doesn't seem to do anything against the approach of another enemy.

>At least until she twists and throws her arm backward and catches the okapi in the stomach.

>But with her attention divided, Mirabelle manages to slide a leg from beneath the wolf and kick her backward and away.

>Right into the arms of the okapi, who turns the tables by dragging her to the floor and pinning the wolf.

>The wolf throws a punch. The okapi responds by catching her wrist. The wolf tries again and is met with the same tactic.

>The okapi spreads her arms apart, and then throws her head down, headbutting the wolf right across the forehead.

>the wolf cringes and clutches her skull when the okapi releases her arms.

>But quickly has her lack of guard taken advantage of as she's placed in a kneebar.

>You watch the wolf protest and struggle greatly. But after being unable to escape for a few moments, the pain seems too great and she taps out.

>"She's done." Elodi calls, and the okapi releases her hold.

>She rolls over and poses on the ground like she's in a cabin, lying sensually in front of the fire. Before she giggles to herself and stands up.

>Mirabelle stands in awe. And rightfully so, considering the double down this girl just acheived.

>The okapi walks up casually, brings her finger up. And boops Mirabelle's button nose, to get her attention.

>She even says "boop" as she does it.

>Mirabelle shakes her head to recover her focus.

>The okapi waits for Mirabelle to make a move.

>Whenever Mirabelle tiries to strike, the okapi will attempt to block and grab Mirabelle's arm or leg.

>She tries to tackle Mirabelle a few times, but Mirabelle dodges those. During one dodge, she pivoted and kicked the okapi right in the butt, in order to demonstrate that her tactic wasn't working. However she just laughed it off and kept trying to go for the grabs.

>So her only offense seems to be the submissions.

>Mirabelle comes up and throws an obvious straight kick.

>The okapi catches it right out the air.

>But Mirabelle jumps off of her foot that's still grounded and brings it all the way up to kick the okapi right under the chin.

>She releases Mirabelle, takes a good few steps backward and then falls to the ground.

>Mirabelle jumps up and is ready to pursue but.

>"Kay. I'm done." the okapi says. "I got two, that's more than enough for me."

>She stands up and murder mode goes off. Then she trots out of the center of the Circle.

>"Well. Mirabelle Dunwick is the winner." Elodi confirms.

>That was. An event.

>Who knew there were all these bloodthirsty monsters just hiding out?

>You figure Mirabelle's fight might just be the last important one for the day and that you could get ready to focus on your own.

>But Elodi calls for the last fight of the day and who else would it be but Bree?

>Seems she signed up after all.

>She glances at you and Mirabelle briefly as she steps in.

>Bree gets put against that puma and jaguar(cheetah, leopard) from the double's tourney.

>They must actually be friends because they shake hands and wish each other luck as they step in.

>The last opponent is this bighorn ram who's about a foot taller than Bree and real round in the belly.

>He seems to curse his luck as he's put against two big cats and the current Champ.

>He still nods when Elodi asks if he's ready though. As do the the others.

>The fight starts and the two cats share a wordless agreement.

>Then they rush Bree.

>Bree however doesn't move. More because of surprise than confidence it seems.

>They close in, ready to bully her into submission, but. They stop.

>Bree stares right at them with those big, innocent doe eyes of hers.

>The puma and jaguar don't move. Until the puma raises his hand, and suddenly slugs the jaguar right in the jaw.

>The jaguar looks betrayed until the ram shows up and throws himself right into the back of the puma.

>So then the jaguar changes targets and tries to throw a few punches at the ram.

>However he didn't forget that random cheap shot his buddy hit him with and throws a punch or two at the puma as well.

>The ram looks like he just got into a fight for his life as he blocks and counterattacks to the best of his ability.

>So now it's a triple threat match, with Bree standing on the edge, profiting.

>All without throwing a single punch, what a move.

>She makes her way around the edge of the Circle, trying to find a better vantage point.

>The jaguar throws a punch at the ram, but the ram turned his head to face the puma. So the jaguar ended up punching the ram in his horn, and eating the backlash that came with it.

>He takes a few steps backward to shake off the pain.

>Too bad he stepped backwards toward where Bree was waiting.

>She steps up behind him, strafes around his side and kicks him right at the bend of his knee, dropping him down. Then in one fluid motion she reels back and launches forward, cracking him in the jaw with a Mountain Buster.

>That puts him down. He hits the ground flat, tries for a moment to push himself up, but sputters and collapses.

>Elodi quickly assesses him and confirms that he's done.

>Over on the other side, you catch the ram held in a dangerous position.

>His head is between the puma's legs, and you immediately think that the puma is about to facebuster that ram.

>Turns out the ram is in the dominant position here, because he bends his knees and lifts the puma right into the air, with his arms wrapped around his legs.

>The puma flails and wiggles a bit, but suspended in the air as he is, he doesn't seem to feel too safe.

>The ram then bends forward quickly and the puma falls backward, thrown onto the ground, back first.

>Kind of like an altered version of a powerbomb.

>The ram takes a couple steps back, the puma tries to raise himself up. The ram runs forward and leaps over the puma, curling himself like he's about to cannonball into a pool, before falling right on top of him back first and knocking his wind and will to fight right out.

>The ram rolls over. Elodi confirms the puma is also done and her assistants move quickly to retrieve him.

>The ram stands to his feet and looks to Bree who is stood still.

>She gives the ram a little golf clap though.

>He smiles and bows deeply. And uses that deep bow of his to try and fake Bree out, charging straight at her.

>She dodges to the side though and he stops right before he reaches the edge of the Circle.

>He turns and she's right there, reaching her hands out to grab onto him.

>And reminiscent of that time you fought Benji, she grabs him by the horns and yanks down on his head, throwing knees into his mushy face.

>He however, manages to retaliate, throwing punches at her as she devastates his face.

>A knee, a return punch, a knee, a return punch.

>Another knee, and the return punch is too weak to be considered such, so Bree stops.

>Elodi comes up and crouches down, trying to peak up into his eyes.

>She asks if he's done. He doesn't respond but flails his arms like he's trying to grab the space around him.

>She peaks a little closer at his face and after seeing whatever in his eyes that she sees, or doesn't see, she concludes that he's done as well.

>Bree gently releases his horns and the ram slumps into the waitng arms of Elodi's assistants.

>"Bree Willshire is this round's winner." Elodi says to the crowd.

>The people cheer, you clap in congratulations.

>Not a bad fight, not bad at all.

>That was the last fight, so everyone gets ready to head home.

>Something compels you to talk to Bree for a moment.

>You probably shouldn't. But well, she didn't state that she didn't want to be friends anymore or anything. So just a casual chat should be okay, right?

>Maybe you can ask what her and Mirabelle were gabbing about while you're at it.

>You hand Mirabelle your car key and tell her that you have to go talk to Elodi about something real quick.

>She accepts that and walks with Blake to the car.

>After they're gone you quickly step up to Bree.

>"Hey Bree." you say as you reach her.

>She turns toward you with almost alarming speed. "Oh, heee- ah, um. I mean, hey Anon."

>"Didn't expect you to join the tournament. To be honest, you looked a bit, under the weather I guess."

>"Oh." She shrugs and nods. "Yeah, I guess I was a bit down in the dumps. You understand. But I have to defend my Championship, don't I? Besides, I feel. A bit better now."

>"Yeah. You seemed to perk up a bit after you had a talk with Mirabelle?" you prod. "What was that about?"

>"She. She helped me." Bree says. "Gave me a good reason to feel better... And that's all I have to say about that."

>"Well, what did she say that-" you start but.

>"See you later Anon." she cuts you off and walks away.

>Huh.

>Well. Long as she's feeling better, you feel better.

>Seeing her so downtrodden was an ordeal.

>Time to focus on the bigger things. Like your fight.

>Because the wait is driving you mad.

>Too bad the powers that be decided that you weren't mad enough, because it's not until the absolute final round of the first set that your name is called.

>"Finally!" you shout at the peak of your rage as you step into the Circle. "Start the fight! Right now. I crave violence!"

>You're practically seething with wrath as you glance between your opponents.

>Brandon, that black furred cat that partnered with Caesar a while ago. There's also another fox who looks like he stepped out of a cartoon. Squinty eyes, shifty gaze. The last one is that badger chick, Wendy. She doesn't look too thrilled.

>"It's not my fault you didn't get picked until now, blame the cards." Elodi says.

>"Start. The fight." you respond.

>"Fine fine. Is everyone ready?"

>Everyone nods.

>"Then let's. Fight!"

>Your opponents look between each other.

>Then simultaneously, all three gazes snap to you.

>And before you have the chance to guess at their thoughts, all three of them rush you.

>This is. Exactly what you were hoping they would do.

>There will be no mercy. You are more Furious than a Rajong in all of its golden frenzy.

>You stare down Brandon as they run up to you.

>You reel back in preparation for your Mountain Buster right from the get go.

>Since Brandon thinks you're aiming for him he halts his advance.

>Of course, that was just a feint. You plant your foot back down and balance yourself just in time to avoid a punch from the fox.

>You counter his punch with a hook so fierce it spins him and causes him to step away from you.

>Brandon resumes his approach and throws a punch at you now too.

>You catch his hand right out of the air and squeeze like you could shatter every bone in his hand.

>Then you pull him in and lash your fist out, battering him right between the eyes.

>You throw another into his gut, trying to get him to cough up a hairball.

>You drop his hand and grab him by the collar of his shirt, then pull and toss him into the fox, who was just now recovering and making his way back to you.

>The force of Brandon colliding with him causes the fox to backpedal and fall backwards. But Brandon managed to remain upright.

>That's a shame, because as he attempts to keep his balance you clock him right in the cheek with a haymaker full of blood boiled wrath.

>Brandon goes down, out like a light, but you're already setting yourself on the fox.

>He tries to stand back up but you kick him right back down.

>You pin him down with your hand on his chest and another on his leg.

>You kick your legs skyward and suddenly you're basically doing a handstand right over this fox.

>"Wait wait wait please!" he screams out, but you disrespectfully refuse.

>You descend back down and drive your falling knee right into his squishy malleable flank.

>He flips and rolls and squeals like you just stabbed him with a hunting knife.

>He rolls himself right into the edge of the Circle, then tries to crawl between the people standing at the edge.

>So he's obviosuly done too.

>You look around and realize that Wendy never continued her advance.

>You glare at her as she stares in trepidation.

>You sniff the air twice. "Is that. Fear I smell?" you ask with as tyrannical a voice as you can acheive.

>She stands frozen as she casts a quick glance at the two guys you just massacred.

>"Fight. Or kneel. Your king commands." you say, as you open your arms wide, and stick your cheek out. Offering her one free hit.

>She has a look. Like it's not worth it. But no one likes to pass up on freebies. So she musters every last bit of strength she can and belts you across the cheek with a clean hook.

>And imitating Lenny from his fight against Caesar. You grin, and chuckle, as you turn to face her again.

>You bring your hand back to offer your own strike in kind.

>"Nope, never mind I'm sorry, I'm done!" she steps backward and shouts quickly, attempting to be spared your revenge.

>"Well it looks like An-" Elodi starts.

>You bring your hand up to pause her. "No."

>You look at Wendy, and tilt your head questioningly.

>"Well?" you ask.

>She doesn't seem to understand. Until she remembers what you said just a moment earlier.

>She sits on her knees politely.

>"I'm done." she offers.

>You shoo her away like a regal figure tired of his jester.

>"Wish I was born a honey badger." Wendy mutters under her breath. "Hey uh. Elodi, maybe uh. Maybe you should, like let Anon go first next time. Or something. Just a thought."

>She walks away and a few people in the crowd seem to share her final sentiment, as evidenced by the vigorous nodding.

>"He's almost as bad as that gator dude." someone in the crowd says.

>Oh so suddenly you're a monster huh?

>As if you haven't always been this way.

>"Well, regardless. Anon is the final winner of our first set of rounds. Which means next week our winners will be moving up and facing each other now!" Elodi informs the crowd. "We hope to see you all here once again!"

>You walk up to Mirabelle and Blake feeling like a pipe has burst and relieved you of the chaotic pressure of combat that was building within.

>"Geez Anon, you're kind of a bully, huh?" Blake comments.

>"What? Nah." you say. "I just happened to wake up and choose violence today."

>"Isn't choosing violence like, the whole reason you come to the Circle?"

>"Hm. Guess you're right. So I guess I chose ultraviolence then."

>You brush the nonexistent dust from your grandfather's jacket.

>Your grandpa's jacket. Owned by the man who lost his life to wrath.

>...

>The spirit of his blood red rage persists through his garb, and flows now through you!

>Pfft, yeah right, this ain't one of Blake's animes.

>"Let's try and bring that down a bit, maybe." Mirabelle says. "Can't have much fun if you just knock your opponents out in the first thirty seconds."

>"Tell that to Blake." you say, pointing at the breakdancing bruiser.

>You guys get ready to go home. The prelims for the free for all are done. So now the next round will pit all of the first round's winners against each other.

>Things are about to get a bit more difficult, but also a lot more entertaining.

>Once the Dunwicks are dropped off you head back home, and are greeted by your dad.

>"Hey son." he says. "How'd it go today?"

>"Finally got my turn. And I won, of course." you answer.

>"Cool, congrats. Man. Free for all. That sounds fun." he comments idly.

>You nod. "It's cool. You should come watch, no reason you can't."

>He shakes his head. "Nah. That chapter's long closed. Leave it to the new generations."

>You shrug.

>"You don't look too beat up for someone who was just in a free for all." he says looking you up and down.

>"Course not. My contenders weren't the toughest, not to be rude."

>"Hmmm. Sounds like you've got some energy to spare then." he says standing up. "And in my book, that means it's time to train. Might need what you've been learning sooner than you think."

>"Alright sounds good." you say, as you follow him.

>So, it looks like practicing with your dad is the plan for the rest of your night.

>And he's right, it may just come in handy sooner than you know.

>Back at the Circle on Monday, rested and ready to throw down.

>Already time for the semi-finals. Four rounds of this and the final four winners are moving to the end.

>As people are filing in, you head over to Tisha to get yourself a drink.

>"Whadda ya got today, Tisha?" you ask.

>"Since it's been kinda cold, got hot drinks if you're into that. Coffee, tea, cocoa."

>"Ooh, cocoa, hook me up. How much?" You reach for your wallet.

>"First cup's on me." she says, grabbing a cup and filling it from this big jug.

>"Oh? It ain't my birthday." you tell her.

>"Dude, I'm makin' out like a bandit cuz of you and this event." she explains and hands you your cup. "Well you and Blake over there."

>You nod and take a sip.

>Mmm, cocoa.

>"Wait Tisha, how do you normally haul all this stuff down here?" you wonder.

>She hooks a thumb behind her. "Dude, my pickup."

>There's a big ass Furd right behind her, how is this the first time you've noticed.

>"You drive a pickup?" you ask with a slight chuckle.

>"That funny cuz I'm small?" she tilts her head as she asks.

>Might not be the best idea to anger the woman who sells you drinks.

>You sip your cocoa quietly.

>"My aunt drives a big rig for work." she comments.

>Damn now you really have nothing to say.

>Luckily you don't have to stand here awkwardly anymore because Elodi begins the daily introduction.

>You get back into place near your family right as names are called.

>And who would've guessed, you're the first name called this time.

>Coincidence? Not a chance.

>So you step up to stand against Tyrell, along with Lee and even Wayne.

>Tyrell comes up to you before he takes his place though.

>"Yo waddup Anon." He brings his hand out and you shake it.

>"How you been, Tyrell? Everything good?"

>"Yeah yeah, just wanted to say 'wassup' before we got to it." he says.

>"Cool. Well good luck, dude."

>"Yo, well. Look." he lowers his voice a bit. "Y'know, Aria came to watch me. But goin' against you, ain't gonna look too good for me. So like, any chance you can take it easy so I can look good for my girl?"

>You lean back and scan the area until you find that siamese cat that he's dating. You look back at him.

>"Tyrell. You wanna look good, you go do it on that football field." you say, pointing down the road in the direction of the school. "This is my battlefield. You want glory here you gotta earn it. No handouts."

>"Damn. Aight." he hangs his head for a moment, then nods in understanding and goes to take his place.

>"Good luck." you say again.

>"Alright! Is everyone ready?" Elodi asks.

>Everyone nods.

>"Then let's start the first round of our second set for." she looks at you. "Blake's Beatdown Bonanza." she comments emptily.

>You nod happily.

>"Fight!" she yells.

>Disappointingly, everyone does not rush you this time.

>Tyrell charged Wayne of all people. So you shrug and turn your attention to Lee.

>He curses under his breath as he seems to gain your enmity, but still squares up, ready for you.

>You approach him but he throws a few swings at you as you step into range.

>He swings at your face, but you lean backward to avoid it and manage to kick him right in the gut.

>He leans forward a bit and as you bring yourself forward you punch downward and smack him right on the top of his nose.

>He takes a knee, but you reach down and pick him up by his collar, then immediately transition into your clinch.

>But Lee. This motherfucker.

>He takes his arms and threads them between your arms, effectively reversing your clinch.

>Before he can capitalize on his uno reverse card though, you lift your leg and push it forward, kicking him away from you.

>Nobody saw that right?

>You glance around quickly, and just in the nick of time see Wayne abandoning his fight to run toward you.

>You make the assumption that he's heading for you, and assume correctly as he throws a big advancing punch at you.

>You had the foresight to dodge to the side, and kick him right in the back to keep his forward momentum going, so he bounds right into the edge of the Cricle.

>Tyrell takes over and starts boxing up Lee, so now you get to smack Wayne up a bit.

>The Circle flips Wayne around to face you and holds him steady.

>You tsk at Wayne's unfortuante situation. But you take full advantage of it, throwing a fist right into his gut, then landing a fierce uppercut when he doubles over.

>You take a few steps back and bring your leg back.

>The ones holding Wayne push him forward and you throw your leg up and right into the side of his head.

>He hits the ground like a fallen tree, but surprisingly, he's still awake.

>You come up to his head and squat next to him, searching for any fight left in him.

>He raises his hand limply, weakly toward you.

>You rudely smack his hand back down, then stand and take a few steps away.

>You're just filled with big heel energy right now, aren't you?

>Elodi comes over and asks if he's done. He nods once.

>Alright one down.

>You turn to Tyrell and Lee.

>They're trading blows, completely focused on one another.

>Must be a pretty even fight.

>Time to uneven it.

>You step lightly and carefully as you strafe around to Lee's back, trying not to alert him.

>You close the distance, and wait for just a few moments.

>You lunge forward and loop your arms underneath his arms and behind his head in that one hold that used to be named after a wrestling move but has since been ruined by the internet.

>Lee struggles to get out of it, but owing to the sudden influx of villainy that you've attained, you angle your legs and throw knees into his sides.

>At about the same time, Tyrell sems to be infected by your villainy, and proceeds to use Lee's midsection like a punching bag.

>So Lee gets absolutely decimated between the two of you, and can do nothing to defend himself.

>"I give, I'm done!" he shouts. So you finally let him go.

>You take a few steps back to let Lee slink away in defeat as you dust your hands, in the "job well done" fashion.

>Then you turn to face Tyrell. He looks a little gassed, after dealing with Wayne for a bit, and then Lee.

>Guess fighting takes a different kind of stamina than sprinting down a field.

>You however, are still primed and ready to go.

>You spread your arms in the same way you did to Wendy, essentially issuing Tyrell the same choice.

>He raises his hands in his fighting stance. So his choice is made.

>You nod at him, then return to your own fighting stance.

>You both step closer to each other.

>He throws a punch to your face and you take it.

>You return the favor by throwing one at him, and he takes it, but less enthusiastically.

>You both trade solitary blows for a while, until Tyrell seems to find his second wind and picks up the pace.

>You up the tempo as well and match his speed with yours, until you're both slugging each other with reckless abandon.

>This isn't just a fight anymore, it's a battle for dominance. A show of pride and strength. For nothing more than the bestowal of glory.

>Of course, it's not much of a contest, everyone knows you would beat Tyrell six ways from Sunday.

>But as a kindred spirit, you can't help but want to give him some good grace. Show his girl that even if he isn't going to beat you, he at the very least can keep up with you.

>But after a while of this back and forth, he starts faltering a bit.

>Your punches knock more out of him than expected.

>He starts to slink to his knees. But forces himself back up.

>He gets hit again, and drops to both knees, yet once again he rises.

>He refuses to kneel. And so he fights.

>Bruised and a bit bloody, he stands defiantly.

>But he just stands there.

>Elodi comes up to him. "Tyrell. Are you done?"

>He stays silent. But.

>He brings his hands back up.

>Goddamn what a chad.

>He sure earned that glory, you gotta say.

>You feel an overwhelming amount of respect for Tyrell right now.

>You'd let him have this win, if you had a different kind of heart.

>But that would probably be looked at more as pity than respect huh?

>You step closer to him, but he can't even muster the strength to attack you.

>You bring your hand up and pat him on the shoulder.

>"Respect." you say firmly and clearly.

>That word of acknowledgment seems to free him. Like a man cursed with immortality finally being granted the sweet release of death.

>He collapses to the ground and spreads out like a starfish.

>"Well it seems Tyrell is done. So Anon is our winner!" Elodi cries out.

>You watch as Elodi's assistants come to scoop up Tyrell, and even Aria comes over to check on him.

>"Aria. Honor this man." you say to her, as if Tyrell just died gloriously on the field of battle. "He's a good dude. For real."

>You walk away before she says anything, but she looks at Tyrell with a gleam in her eye. Like she's a princess and he's the silver knight slaying dragons to defend her honor.

>You stand next to Blake and Mirabelle.

>"Okay." Blake says. "So you're less of a bully. And more of a sadist."

>... Well. You can't really deny that, you did kind of enjoy these fights a little more than normal.

>"If I'm a sadist, what does that make Lenny?" you ask, pointing to the hulking behemoth across the way.

>Blake thinks. Like he's trying to find an honest answer. "A demon?" he offers.

>... Yeah ou could see that.

>The adrenaline of the fight swiftly fades and you realize that your face is now perfectly sore.

>That blow for blow thing might've been the kind of thing you would do for the final battle, not the semi-final.

>Time for an ice pack.

>The next round arrives, and you are momentarily glad that you already went.

>Lenny strides in against Benji, Caesar, and Jayce's younger sister Elise.

>Big bruisers aplenty.

>Elodi calls for the fight to start. And it seems Lenny is the target of everyone's ire, because everyone suddenly rushes him.

>Of course there's no coordination in their movemets, so everyone's getting in everyone else's way.

>Elise can't pull off any of her fancy moves with bullheaded Benji swinging like a madman.Not like she could manipulate Lenny of all people anyway.

>Lenny reels Caesar in and uses him like a meatshield as Benji throws a big punch. Then Lenny kicks Caesar from behind right into Elise.

>Lenny kicks Benji right in the shin and knocks his foot right from under him. Then as Benji takes a knee, Lenny uses his own knee and slams it into Benji's chin.

>You'd think that'd be more than enough. But to really finish him off, Lenny steps to Benji's side. And lifts his foot like a sumo wrestler before stomping right down on Benji's gut.

>Benji sputters and gasps like a dying fish, and it doesn't take long for Elodi to pronounce him done.

>Elise and Caesar however, have fallen into their own altercation.

>Elise has her legs around Caesar's head, about to pop his skull like a watermelon or something.

>You've seen Mikael do that one before, you think it's called a head scissor lock.

>Lenny could let that play its course. But he is not at all interested in doing that.

>He walks up to them both.

>And as if Lenny is in the mob and Caesar is a man that refuses to pay what he owes, Lenny starts stomping Caesar out.

>That's cold blooded. But well. Lenny's a gator, so it makes sense.

>Elise doesn't even let Caesar go so he can deal with the vicious stomping he's getting.

>So faced with this dual assault, Caesar taps out.

>Elise finally lets go then, and stands up.

>Lenny takes a few steps back to let Caesar scurry away.

>He beckons Elise to come at him. And she does.

>She charges him down and tries to spear him.

>He takes it, but there's small groan and a flash of pain on his face for a moment.

>She tries to push him back, but he's a little too bulky. It's like trying to push a boulder uphill.

>He spreads his arms out wide then drives both his fists into her sides.

>That loosens her grip. He takes that time to grab her arms and pry them from around him.

>He steps back and throws her to the side, she hits the ground but gets up quickly.

>Lenny takes two steps in her direction. leans forward, then pivots on his heel.

>And smacks Elise right across the cheek with his fucking tail.

>Elise stares into the distance and cups her cheek, like she was just hit with the rudest gesture ever conceived by living creatures.

>Lenny grins like he just delivered the rudest gesture ever conceived.

>Elise has some kind of existential crisis right then and there. Then eventually decides that she's done as she throws her hands up and walks away.

>"Um. It seems, Lenny is the winner." Elodi announces, surprised at Elise's sudden and random forfeit.

>Maybe it actually is some kind of rude gesture. Or she could just be upset at the fact that Lenny may be one of the only people able to hit someone with his tail and do damage.

>Either way, he wins and you only slightly regret giving him an invite.

>In the interest of spreading the matches out a bit, you split the semis to seperate days.

>It's the second day and the first match is already underway.

>You're currently watching Bree fight against Eddie, Blake's friend Allen, who you were actually surprised made it this far, and that donkey that you saw fight Mirabelle some time ago named Romero.

>Well, though you're "watching" you aren't totally invested right now.

>Because the fact that those three are in there, means the final round will consist of Mirabelle and Blake having to face each other.

>Mirabelle doesn't seem too put off by this knowledge. And truthfully neither does Blake.

>But. He's got his earbuds in, yet you know for a fact there's no music playing on them. And he's tapping his foot anxiously.

>You lay your hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.

>He looks at you and smiles confidently. Whether that confidence is genuine, you can't really tell.

>Back to the fight though, it looks like Allen is the first to fall, after being put down by Romero, but now Romero is trapped directly between Eddie and Bree.

>It's like they're playing ping pong with him.

>Eddie will kick at Romero, causing Romero to take a step back. Then Bree will throw some particularly strong punches at him, causing him to step forward.

>Then, whether by coincidence or instinct, they both throw big kicks into both of his sides and he crumples like a paper bag.

>He looks done and after a quick check Elodi confirms it.

>Romero is dragged out, leaving Bree and Eddie.

>Eddie wastes no time and throws kicks at Bree.

>She dodges. And dodges, and dodges some more.

>Eddie kicks at her and she dodges, but seems to step over herself and lose her balance.

>Eddie pushes that advantage and winds up for that big axe kick that he loves.

>But it looks like the balance issue was just bait, because as he brings it down, Bree rights herself and catches it right over her shoulder.

>She quickly pulls Eddie forward and sweeps his standing leg, causing him to fall onto his back.

>Then without wasting a moment, she throws herself over him and punishes him with that spectacular elbow drop of hers.

>Seriously those things are majestic.

>And you aren't one to elbow drop, so that has to just be something that Bree enjoys.

>Anyway, she slams into him with enough force for him to shrivel and heave.

>Elodi asks if he's done, and he tries to sit himself up. But can't seem to find the strength.

>So he accepts his defeat.

>"He's done." Elodi calls. "Bree is this round's winner!"

>Gotta give her props, she's really not a bad fighter.

>You look at Blake, who is taking subtle deep breaths.

>"Alright, with that done, it's time for our final matchup for the semi-finals!" Elodi tells the crowd. "Please step up, Mirabelle, Cleo, Blake, and Karliah!"

>You give Blake a quick pat on the back as he steps up.

>You look at his opponents. He's up against all ladies.

>There sure were a lot more female participants this time.

>He might do well against Cleo. And Karliah is that grey wolf that challenged you for the Champ spot long ago.

>She's also the wolf that was grinding on Lee at that party, but that's not important.

>Blake does some stretches to loosen up.

>Then he notices Cleo doing stretches too.

>She grabs her left leg and lifts it straight up, doing one of those standing splits. Then sets her leg down, grabs her other leg and pulls it behind her in another kind of standing split.

>She catches Blake staring, and gives him a cool little shrug.

>Blake drags his hand across his forehead like he's wiping the sweat from his brow.

>He better not get any ideas, he's too young and that's too much woman for him.

>Blake gets into his groove as Elodi checks for readiness.

>She calls the fight to start, and both Blake and Mirabelle zoom.

>Mirabelle launches herself at Karliah and kicks off her first strike of the round with her deadly dropkick.

>Blake heads for Cleo, leaps into the air and kicks his leg at her head.

>Cleo just barely ducks under it. Blake hits the ground and immediately attacks before she can get her bearings.

>You try to keep your attention effectively split between both Dunwicks.

>Mirabelle uses her usual tactic of dodging and counterattacking.

>And Blake throws his mixture of martial arts and breakdance moves that he's altered for combat.

>He backflips and spins, and does handstands while kicking at Cleo.

>He throws his attention to his sister and sees the gap in space that her opponent has created.

>He breaks from his own throwdown and charges Karliah.

>And poor Karliah, takes the second deadly dropkick of the day.

>Dropkicks must be a Dunwick specialty.

>She gets hit so hard the Circle has to catch her.

>Cleo runs up while Blake is on the ground to punish him for the audacity of turning his focus from her.

>But Mirabelle slides in. Literally. She leaps forward and slides across the ground, kicking at Cleo's feet before she reaches Blake.

>So she loses her balance, Blake rolls out of the way and Cleo accidentally shoulder checks Karliah being held by the Circle.

>Girl never stood a chance, she hangs limply in the grip of the people holding her.

>Cleo looks a bit apologetic since she didn't mean to do that. But she gets her mind right and turns to face her other opponents.

>Cleo actually does a pretty decent job of attacking and defending against both Blake and Mirabelle.

>She's got long legs so she outranges Mirabelle, and she can step out of the way of Blake's more dangerous moves.

>Blake takes a step back. Then starts spinning in flares.

>Mirabelle comes up and holds Cleo's attention. Cleo kicks and kicks. Mirabelle dodges and dodges some more.

>Then Blake starts approaching Cleo while still spinning in his flares.

>It looks like he's managing to pick up speed as he does

>Cleo notices him steadily getting closer, and takes a step backward out of range.

>Mirabelle answers that by running right at her.

>Cleo kicks and Mirabelle slides again, passing right under her.

>She spins on her back and kicks out at the bend of Cleo's knee.

>Cleo stumbles and takes a few steps forward but doesn't quite drop down.

>But that stumble was enough for Blake to be in range of whatever he was planning.

>Blake transitions to one single powerful chair flare and as he pops up off the ground he kicks Cleo right in the mouth with the force of a one ton hammer.

>Cleo falls backward and that's the end of her fight.

>Blake stands up and steadies the world around him from that severe amount of spinning.

>Elodi confirms that Cleo is done for and he looks a bit proud. For all of three seconds before Mirabelle locks eyes with him.

>She grins and throws her fist into her hand a few times.

>Blake looks like he's already foreseen the ending of this fight and wants to save himself the time and energy.

>So you wave him down to get his attention. When he notices you, you make the motion of pulling earbuds out of your ears.

>He sees the gesture and does so.

>"Just don't lose, forehead!" you yell at him.

>Those words empower him like you just spoke a ritual chant to grant him peerless strength.

>He smiles big and wide, before he shrugs and throws his earbuds back in.

>Mirabelle looks glad that his fighting spirit is renewed, she casts a quick look over to you and smiles.

>Then she focuses on Blake. She runs forward and kicks. He dodges, then kicks back. She dodges.

>So it's a mass of striking and avoiding each other's strikes for a while.

>Until Blake feints a kick and manages to transition into windmills.

>His foot caught Mirabelle in the chin once, and she took a few steps back.

>Blake manages to pursue, still spinning in those deadly windmills.

>Mirabelle can't seem to find a point of attack. It's like trying to dive through spinning helicopter blades.

>So she walks backward slowly as she stares intensely at him.

>She brings her leg back. And launches it forward, meeting his shin with her own.

>Blake's windmills stop instantly and he fumbles, clutching his shin.

>He's simultaneously laughing while whining in pain.

>He stands up, but that bonked shin gives him some trouble, so he's shaky on his feet.

>Mirabelle however, does not seem to have the same problem.

>She takes one, two, three steps, and launches herself forward.

>Blake knows what's coming and tries to step out of the way, but the weakness in his leg betrays him.

>He takes a Dunwick Dropkick right to the mid and is launched backward. Right into you.

>You catch him before he hits the ground, and gingerly pluck an earbud from his ear.

>"You can do it Blake, don't give up." you encourage him.

>He shakes his head. "I'm done. Good luck with that, Anon."

>Elodi comes up. "Did I hear Blake say he's done?"

>You look at him, he looks at you. You both look at her and nod.

>"I see. Blake is done, so Mirabelle is the winner!" she shouts to the crowd.

>Blake's b-boy fanclub express their profound sadness instantly.

>"Which brings an end to our semi-finals as well." Elodi continues. "Which means we now have our finalists. Best of luck to them during the last round!"

>The crowd whoops and hollers, excited for the final round already.

>You, Mirabelle, Bree, and Lenny.

>Somehow, you kind of figured this is how it would end.

>A few days to let the final combatants rest and recover, and now it's the end of the week.

>The spirits are high, the hype is real.

>Members of the crowd are chanting the names of the people they expect or want to win.

>You wonder how the bets turned out at Sly's table.

>The Circle is already formed up and the final match is ready to begin.

>Everyone's already in the Circle, waiting for Elodi to start the fight.

>You're hamming it up, throwing your fist in the air and beating on your chest like the king of monkeys you claim to be.

>Of course it's all for show, Mirabelle's still going to drop you.

>At the very least, maybe you can take Lenny down.

>You and Lenny are taunting and gesturing rudely to each other.

>Mirabelle and Bree however are of stone faced determination.

>That's a score that needs settlin' it seems.

>Finally Elodi comes up.

>"Welcome everyone, to the final round of our free for all tournament." she says with an almost serious tone.

>"I know we're all excited, so let's waste no time and get into it. Is everyone ready?"

>Everyone nods.

>"Then. Let's. Fight."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk-U8ruIQyA

>The word barely leaves Elodi's mouth before Bree and Mirabelle are rushing to tear each other to shreds.

>You really want to just watch them, but you can't afford to.

>You look over to Lenny to see him watching them. Their single minded focus calling out for him to disrupt.

>He looks to you and says "I'ma have myself an appetizer 'fore I come back to the main course." then begins walking toward Bree and Mirabelle.

>You jump in front of him, blocking his path. "Like hell you are."

>"Alright then. I'll just have my main course first, and take dessert after!" he shouts, bringing his full focus to you.

>You squint at him. "You just call my girlfriend dessert?"

>"Now look, that's not what I mea-"

>You don't allow him to finish as you slip forward and jab him with strength and precision right in his gut.

>It seems to hit him a little harder than you expected because he groans and buckles forward.

>So he's still uncharacteristically soft in the belly, excellent.

>He throws his backhand at you, you block it. Which was a mistake because goddamn this boy hurts.

>Then he starts up with his one two combo, swinging then following into a backhand and another swing.

>Luckily you've gotten pretty good at dodging, so you weave underneath his swings and counter attack during the pause after he lets loose the hook.

>He lifts his leg and tries that big door breaching kick of his. You dodge that easily, and kick him in the gut as hard as you can.

>He steps back a few times and holds his hand over his stomach. But shrugs off the pain and pops the joints in his neck before approaching you.

>He swings down with a double axe handle, you step to the side of it and punch him in his tempered glass jaw.

>He responds by tanking through it and backhanding you again in your own jaw.

>It dazes you long enough for him to grab onto your sides and begin to lift you.

>You retaliate by kicking him in the spot you've been landing your punches for a while now.

>His grip loosens, but before he drops you he flings you backward.

>So you hit the ground in a backward retreat and fall right into the arms of the Circle.

>They don't hold you down, but they do push you right back toward this ravenous monstrosity.

>He throws his giant fist right into your stomach as revenge for all the gut shots you landed.

>You collapse to your knees clutching your gut. He reaches down and picks you up around the back of your neck.

>He holds you still and lets loose his one ton hammer of a fist, decking you dead center in the face.

>You go backpedalling across the entire arena and finally hit the ground face up.

>Your vision is blurry, but you think you landed right between the squabble happening between Bree and Mirabelle. Judging by the blurs of white and brown you see at your sides.

>Then a mass of green approaches from below you.

>Lenny reaches forward and grabs you by your ankle, and begins dragging you to the center of the Circle.

>Your vision clears up just enough for you to see him take a knee, and hold his right hand aloft. Like he did to Caesar.

>He brings it down right over the front of your face and his fingers dig into the sides of your skull, right into your temples.

>Oh shit now you understand how this put Caesar to sleep, it feels like the pressure is about to get your brain to stop working.

>You kick and flail and attempt to throw punches at his squishy belly, but he grabs onto your fist with his free hand.

>So uh. Real shit, Lenny might just take home the win here.

>Is what you think before his grip suddenly releases you and he backs off.

>You catch a flash of white diving into him and knocking him away.

>Too bad her forward momentum stopped right over you and she collapses into your proned form.

>Good thing she doesn't weigh much.

>Bree also attacks Lenny, throwing punches into his gut, because it's the best spot to attack that she can reach.

>Lenny swings at her but she's way too fast for him to hit.

>Mirabelle gets up and joins in the onslaught, throwing punches and leaping kicks whenever she has an opening.

>You sit still for a moment, letting the pain and lightheadedness of haiving your brain squeezed to mush fade away.

>Alright that's enough of that, time to get involved.

>But how, those two kind of took right over.

>Now that you think on it, they kind of came to your defense huh?

>Well that's not the soundest of free for all tactics.

>Lenny does that broad tail sweep again, but Bree ducks right under it and Mirabelle leaps clear over it, before shooting her legs out in her favorite move.

>An idea comes to you.

>While Lenny focuses on Bree and Mirabelle you strafe around to get behind him.

>With his back turned to you, you run up, dive onto his back and grab him in a headlock.

>To fight a big reptile, you gotta be a big reptile. Specifically in this moment, a big ass viking snake.

>You mimic the headlock that Mikael put Kayo in.

>Now let's just hope Lenny doesn't manage to fall back and squish you.

>He swings his body wildly, trying to get you to fall off, but you are locked and ready to squeeze the life from his throat.

>He throws punches behind his head, but can't get them out very well.

>He grips your arms and tries to pry you off.

>However the girls assist by keeping him occupied, punching him now that he's vulnerable.

>And as if giants only know one way to remove pests from their backs, you feel Lenny begin to descend.

>Unlike Mikael at the time though, you didn't wrap his waist with your legs to stay rooted, so you quickly abandon your lock right at the moment where he has to commit to falling.

>You kick off of his back and he hits the ground alone.

>You take one step back. And launch forward into the air, Slamming into his gut in imitation of Bree's magnificent elbow drops.

>Lenny groans and heaves upward, before collapsing flat onto the ground.

>You stand and scan him for any signs of resistance.

>He laughs. And holds his arms over his gut, like laughing causes him pain.

>"Aight. I'm done." he says.

>You huff in exhaustion. You managed to take Lenny down.

>Well. Y'know. With some help.

>You look to the other two combatants.

>Bree's looking at you with recognition. So she could obviously tell that the elbow drop you used was in mimicry of her.

>You smirk and give a tiny shrug.

>But now you're at an impasse.

>You could let them go back to settling their dispute.

>But to honor the avatar of chaos that you had to put a hole through, you opt to follow his process.

>You step forward.

>And throw both your fists at Mirabelle and Bree at the same time.

>They probably didn't expect you to swing at them both, so they both took those punches to the shoulder.

>Was drawing both of their enmity the best idea? Probably not. But it sure is the more fun idea.

>So they both turn to you, ready to mess you up.

>You bring your hands up, and throw yourself into an offensive.

>However, you quickly learn, that this was indeed a terrible idea.

>The problem, is that Mirabelle and Bree both know your fighting style to a perfect T.

>So they dodge you with no problem, and counterattack you effortlessly, because they know when you open yourself up.

>So you're quickly pushed into a losing fight.

>Well.

>Alright then.

>It seems that it's time for your trump card.

>"Forgive me father. But I'll have to go all out, just this once." you whisper to yourself.

>... Okay no seriously, you might wanna stop watching so much anime with Blake.

>You take a deep breath and slowly transition into the wing chun stance your dad taught you.

>True mastery takes years upon years.

>You don't need true mastery right now, just enough to throw your opponents off their game.

>You look to Mirabelle. She's wide eyed and there's a tinge of excitement in her face.

>More of that adaptability she loves so much.

>You look to Bree. She's wide eyed and extremely confused.

>She looks like she's searching every memory she has of you to see if you've ever stood like that in a fight, and comes up empty.

>You grin and attack, throwing small but effective strikes at Bree before she can react.

>They weren't big strikes so she thought she could block, but you slip through and around her blocks and land your hits.

>Before Bree can react to what just happened you switch to Mirabelle and throw strikes at her.

>She instead tries to evade. However you don't leave yourself open enough to follow counterattacks, and you pursue her evasion quickly.

>If they try to attack you parry their punches and throw some of your own. If they try to kick you halt their leg like a beam of metal and unbalance them before throwing your counter.

>Back and forth, back and forth, you alterante between them like you're a real kung fu master.

>Of course any real master would stomp you into dust, but it's good enough for teenagers just dicking around.

>Bree tries to slip you up by throwing a haymaker, but instead of blocking or redirecting this one, you simply pivot out of the way and almost directly behind her.

>Her punch comes forward though, and catches Mirabelle in the mouth.

>So Mirabelle's enmity has shifted targets.

>Now Bree is the one on the chopping block, stuck between Mirabelle and you.

>And once again it's like playing ping pong.

>Mirabelle attacks and pushes Bree backward, but all you do is throw your palms forward and essentially push her forward, keeping Bree from really escaping.

>Bree tries her best to counter. But getting pressured by you and Mirabelle seems to wear her down.

>In one act of desperation, Bree takes a hit and pivots, brings her fist up and throws it at you.

>But it had the speed of a Caesar punch and none of the power so you catch it in your palm mid flight.

>She looks up at you. And once again there are those flameless hollow eyes.

>Her arm goes limp in your grasp so you let it go.

>She wordlessly turns away from the both of you and walks toward the Circle.

>Nothing needs to be said, the Circle opens up and frees her, since it's obvious that she's done.

>You look at Mirabelle who seems apologetic, but only for a few moments.

>She turns back to you.

>You resume your wing chun stance and reengaage.

>You throw punches, she throws punches.

>She surprises you by bouncing up, grabbing you by the shoulders and kicking her legs straight out in some kind of close range grappling dropkick.

>It hurt and you take a moment to compose yourself. But she takes a little longer than normal to get up off the ground.

>So the end is in sight for either of you.

>You don't really have anything yet from what your dad's taught you that you can use to end the game.

>Well there's the one inch punch thing but you haven't really got that one down yet.

>So. It's time to use something else that you learned on your own.

>Blake isn't the only one to get cool moves from video games.

>You grabbed a few from that FrumSoff game about the One-Armed Wolf.

>You step up to Mirabelle and throw more attacks until you can find an opening.

>But your arms are getting heavy, so is your breathing.

>It's gotta be now.

>You reel back and grip your fist in your palm. Then you throw your elbow forward in a jabbing motion.

>She blocks it with her arms, but you put your body weight behind it so it pushes her back a bit.

>You follow up with a palm strike that you aim dead center of her chest. She blocks that too, but only barely.

>Then to finish you step forward and twist your body sideways, bashing her with your shoulder.

>That essentially breaks her guard, and she steps backward, but can't keep her balance.

>Alright there it is.

>You take one step back to prep momentum. Then step forward. You pivot in a circle and leap up.

>As her rear end makes contact with the ground you extend your leg outward, ready to drop it down on her in what was essentially a tornado kick.

>Time seems to slow down. You manage to look her in the eye as you descend.

>Resigned to her fate, her eyes pose a question that you've asked yourself about her many times.

>"When did humans learn to fly?"

>And your leg drops, crashing across her chest like the blade of an axe through a log.

>You shakily stand up and take a few steps back.

>You watch Mirabelle struggle against her pain, then flip onto her side.

>Slowly, slowly, she fights onward and forces herself to rise.

>She stands right back up.

>Oh goddammit.

>Welp, you got nothin' else. Might as well let her deck you and call it here.

>She turns to you. Takes a step forward. Before her legs give under her weight and she collapses to her knees, then faceplants on the ground.

>Not a sound is made.

>Everyone stands still.

>Elodi manages to come forward.

>"M-Mirabelle? Are you. Done?"

>She remains quiet for a while.

>"... Yeah. I'm done." is the muffled answer that comes forth.

>Oh.

>"Mirabelle is done." Elodi says. "Anon. Is the winner of our free for all, and once again, the Champion of the Circle!"

>You actually won.

>The crowd blows your eardrums out as they cheer.

>Elodi's assistants quickly sccop up Mirabelle before the crowd rushes you.

>They shake you, knock you around, and then lift you up on their shoulders.

>You're overcome with emotion.

>But you have the strong urge to pass out right now.

>They cheer you on for what feels like hours.

>They set you down but the congratulations come in waves.

>From participants, spectators.

>Someone hands you a water and you inhale that shit.

>Lenny pushes through to you.

>"Congrats dude." he shakes you by the shoulder, then offers you a handshake.

>You shake it. "That coulda been your win man, for real. You're still kinda soft in the belly though."

>He nods. "Yeah, that wound I got never did heal right."

>Uh wait what, wound?

>"Anyway. Now that it's all over, I really will be catchin' ya around. Can't put off my return trip anymore."

>"Thanks for the fun Lenny." you tell him.

>"I ever come back in time. We have that one on one, I guarantee you I walk away the winner."

>He heads off down the road then.

>You nod.

>Now. There's one important thing you've gotta do.

>Your throne awaits you.

>You part the crowd as you walk over to the Champ's seat.

>Finally. Where you belong once more.

>You get ready to take your place. And.

>"Anon" you hear Mirabelle call from behind you.

>You turn. And. She's with Bree, standing side by side while Bree clutches some ice to her face.

>"We need to talk." Mirabelle adds.

>"Uh. Alright. Let's do it then." you say.

>"Somewhere. Just us." Mirabelle corrects. "Maybe like your friends' old hangout."

>Oh shit, a talk upon sacred land, this is serious.

>"Well. I mean, if we talk there I gotta bring siegbrau, that's just tradtion."

>Mirabelle nods. "Alright then, do it."

>So your first order of business as the recrowned king is to acquire beer!

>But from who?

>A lot of the people you used to have get it for you have long since gone.

>Marty works at a store that sells it. But he's not old enough you think. Also he hates the Circle... And you.

>Luckily the answer to your prayer arrives in all her edgy biker style glory.

>"Good stuff Anon, congrats." Cleo says flanked by her new best friend, Caesar.

>"Hm? Oh thanks." you comment, slightly distracted.

>"Damn. You act like you winning was just a matter of fact or something." she chuckles.

>"Oh no, I'm just thinking about something." you tell her.

>"What about?" Caesar pipes up and asks.

>"I'm trying to figure out, which one of these older goons, would be willing to buy me, a minor, alcohol."

>"Can't believe you're such a criminal Anon." Caesar shakes his head.

>"Come off it Caesar, you go to Jeremy Wheeler's parties."

>"I gotchu dude." Cleo says.

>"Huh?" you ask.

>"I'll get your beer for you. It is beer, right?" she explains.

>"... You're not twenty-one are you?"

>"Nah, but remember I got an older brother who's pretty cool, and buys the stuff for me like, all the time. I'll say it's for me, then come back and hand it off to ya. Think of it as my way to congratulate you for your win."

>"God bless you Cleo. Caesar you better treat this woman right." you give Caesar a mean mug.

>He does not comment, but he and Cleo share a look.

>You go to grab your wallet and give Cleo the money for your dubious actions. She gives you a place to meet her, then takes off.

>First thing you do is take Blake home.

>Bree is riding with you in the back seat, since you're all heading to the same place anyway.

>After Blake is dropped off, the next thing to do is secure a bag of ice.

>You probably don't really need ice, since you won't have a lot to drink, or be spending much time at the hideaway, but tradition states that the entire process must be followed.

>You head to the convenience store you frequent.

>Lucky for you, Marty is still there to make your life better.

>You tease him a bit as you buy your ice, April gets upset whenever he curses at you.

>After that, you head to the spot where Cleo told you to meet her.

>You pull up and there she is.

>She walks up to your car, you roll down the window and she passes your twelve pack into the passenger's window, where Mirabelle takes it.

>"You sure that's all you need, man?" she asks. "You look like you could go through the whole pack on your own."

>"That may be so. But I have two small women with me, they aren't gonna drink much." you answer.

>"Alright then. Have fun."

>She waves you off as you drive down the road.

>You pull up at the hideaway.

>You let Bree and Mirabelle go ahead as you grab the pack and the bag of ice.

>It takes you two trips up and down the ladder, but you get it all up to the top.

>Man how does Mikael carry those ice bags up this ladder so easily?

>Mirabelle sets the beers in the cooler and you pour the ice.

>Then over to the edge of the building you go, beckoning Bree to follow you.

>You sit down. You stare out into the distant expanse for a while.

>"... Um." Bree says.

>You and Mirabelle shush her politely. Then go back to the silence.

>After a while you check the time and nod to Mrirabelle.

>She gets up, grabs three bottles and hands them out before taking her seat again.

>You pop the top like you've done dozens of times before. Mirabelle does the same.

>You look to Bree to find that she has watched your motion intently and recreated it effortlessly.

>Because her biggest strength seems to be copying you.

>Mirabelle looks a little jealous that Bree figured it out first try.

>You raise your bottle to the sky silently, as does Mirabelle. Bree mimics the motion.

>Then you bring the bottle back and take a long sip.

>Damn that's good.

>Bree throws her head back and almost drains the entire bottle.

>Damn girl.

>"Alright. "Mirabelle starts off. "I guess I should start by apologizing, Anon."

>"Hm?" you mumble.

>"Well. I had originally just wanted to talk to Bree. But then when I got to the Circle, you told me about the free for all. And then I started talking to Bree, and I still felt really bad. So. I may have made a deal with her."

>Mhm?" you hum while taking a sip of your drink.

>"So I kind of told her, that if she had managed to win the free for all, or at least make it farther than we did, that I would convince you to date her too."

>You choke and almost waste good siegbrau.

>You cough and pound your chest to clear your airway.

>""What?! Why?!" you shout. "You told me you agreed with me and that I made the right choice and that you would kill me if I hadn't!"

>"Because I spent several nights after you told me being eaten by guilt!" she shouts back. "And then I talked to Bree and she told me that you were her first crush and then I felt even worse! I may be tough on the outside but my heart is frail!"

>"Wait hold on." you comment. " Her 'first'?" You look to Bree. "You didn't tell me that."

>"She shrugs. "I didn't think mentioning you being first or not was going to make much of a difference."

>"Well. Like. That's kind of a big difference." you say.

>"See now you feel even worse don't you?" Mirabelle asks.

>"Yes I do!" you yell. You drain the last of your beer and yeet your bottle into the street in a surge of emotion.

>"See. So it's like, put yourself in her shoes." Mirabelle says.

>You look over to Bree. Then immediately down to her bare hooves.

>A laugh escapes you before you can corral it.

>Mirabelle jabs you in the arm. "Be serious."

>"Okay I'm sorry." you say. You turn to Bree. "I'm sorry."

>She waves it away.

>You stand quickly and retrieve your next round of beers, and pass them out.

>"Continue." you tell Mirabelle.

>"Imagine how you would feel, when you learned that you had a crush on me, if you had suddenly found me kissing some other guy."

>"... Yeah I'd probably be heartbroken and also wanna kill him, so I see your point." you say, as you pop the cap to your beer and take a swig.

>"So I just wanted to make things a little more fair. I figured, if Bree could manage to beat the both of us, or at least get to a point that we failed to get to, that she had the conviction to obtain her desires and deserved the chance to have what she wants." Mirabelle explains. "But I kind of went behind your back to do it so I'm sorry."

>You nod in understanding while you continue to drink.

>"So what do you want me to do?" you ask. "Cuz like I said, this really doesn't seem like the best idea. Seriously, imagine the kind of shit you two would get dating the same guy."

>"It's okay, don't worry about that." Bree says. "I'm just going to do my best to accept the fact that it isn't meant to be. Like, it's really my fault at the end of the day. I had feelings for you Anon, but I didn't act on them. I can't blame Mirabelle for that, and I can't blame you for choosing her. I was just. Y'know, a bit jealous, and upset. But in the end, I'd rather try and find happiness in the fact that you're happy with who you're with, instead of trying to take my own happiness at the cost of stealing it from you and Mirabelle. Plus, we made a deal and I lost. I have to respect the consequences of the deal we made."

>She punctuates her thoughts with a long sip of her beer.

>"These are really good." she comments idly.

>"Bree." Mirabelle says. "I think I'd like it if we could at the very least, become friends."

>Bree looks a bit taken aback. "R-really? You sure?"

>"Of course. As two girls who somehow fell for this goof," she says with another jab at your arm. "I think we might get along well... Also I really like your style."

>Bree inspects herself for a second. "Oh! Well thank you. And. Okay. Being friends might be nice."

>Well that's nice.You think? You finish off the last of your beer. Bree touches your arm, so you look at her.

>"Is it. Okay if we stay friends, Anon?" she asks.

>Those big round violet lights beseech you deeply.

>"Course it is Bree. If you're okay with it, I am more than okay with it."

>She looks happy.

>That's the best look for her. Much better than unbridled rage or hollow vacancy.

>"But you gotta do one thing." you say.

>"Oh? What is it?" she asks.

>You hook your thumb toward the cooler. "More beer. It's your turn to get the next round."

>She laughs, but does as you ask.

>You pop the cap to your next beer and raise this one to the sky.

>"To your valor. To my victory. To our friendship" you dictate.

>The girls raise their bottles as you do and take a drink.

>You're glad that's all resolved, that was too much to deal with.

>"Also Anon." Bree says suddenly. "What the fuck was that?!"

>You almost choke on your goddamn beer for the second time.

>"What was what?" you ask in a slight panic.

>"That martial arts looking thing you started doing at the end of the fight. That was super cool."

>"Oh, the wing chun." you answer.

>"The wing what?" she asks.

>"My father is a legendary wing chun master!" you shout to the sky. "He granted to me his ancient forbidden technique that I may acheive victory against my greatest adversary!"

>"Am I this 'greatest adversary'?" Mirabelle asks.

>You nod. "Yep."

>"I also noticed." Bree adds. "That the elbow drop you finished off Lenny with, happened to closely resemble the one I like to do."

>"Correct. I figure your elbow drop for my entire repertoire of moves was a fair trade, don't you think?" you grin at her.

>"Yup. Definitely fair."

>You all share a laugh as you continue to chat and hang out and finsih off the last of the beer.

>It seems the real victory today was the friends you've made along the way.

>... Okay seriously, no more goddamn anime with Blake.

>Finally, right back where you belong.

>Seated in your throne, crowned as the King once again.

>Of course, Mirabelle is with you and upset that now she has to stand. So she refused to stand, and is now seated in your lap.

>Blake is there, moving to the groove that only he can hear.

>And even Bree is here. Though she has confirmed that she is retiring and returning to being a pure spectator.

>Which you think is kind of a shame, but as long as she's happy with her chocie.

>The weather is once again returning to its comfortable brand of seasonal cold, so you retired your grandpa's jacket back to its dark and dusty tomb.

>At least until Winter arrives. Maybe you'll wear it again.

>You told your friends how the free for all ended up.

>They congratulated you.

>Yup. Feels good to be King.

>At least until Mirabelle takes it back again.

>"Don't get too comfortable there." she told you. "You know I'll be there to take it right back."

>But for the moment she seems to be content with letting you hold on to it for a little while.

>Since you're the Champ, you don't have to follow that handicap rule anymore. Since it would be dumb to make the Champ fight at half his capacity.

>You weren't sure whether to abolish that rule flat out though. It was kind of fun and challenging at times.

>Besides. Your time at the Circle is coming to an end not too long from now.

>Maybe you'll just let it be and continue to have Bree impose challenges for you, since it was her idea.

>Either way. You can't wait for the next person to come challegne you, so you can once again demonstrate the power of a true King.

>You barely duck under the swing of a huge furry fist.

>Your opponent is pretty big, but kinda slow.

>At least that's how he used to be just a few fucking weeks ago!

>He shed his old self and has been reborn as an actually competent competitor.

>He swings with newfound speed and precision, while still managing to retain all that power.

>He even fucking kicks at you, and his kicks are actually formidable.

>And you know exactly where he got those kicks.

>A biker styled lioness who in such a short time seems to have trained him to be better than himself.

>It's just a shame that you continued to grow just like he did, which means even though his skill has improved, he's not much closer to beating you.

>Especially now that you've incorporated your father's techniques into your fighting style, so parrying, deflecting and countering his new attacks are just as easy as dodging and countering his old ones were.

>You even figured out how to do the move that was giving you trouble.

>You place your hand about and inch away from his chest, and fire it forward, hitting him with the infamous one inch punch.

>He folds like a lawn chair and takes some large retreating steps, but he doesn't look done yet.

>That's okay. You've given up on trying to teach him a lesson. He's the definition of insanity, repeating the impossible.

>And you are too, repeatedly slamming him into the dirt time and time again, and hoping he would finally learn.

>You close in and fire those rapid punches into his chest, before smacking him across the jaw with a hook.

>You twist to the side and check him with your entire shoulder, sticking your foot behind his so that he trips and falls to the ground.

>Then you launch yourself into the air and crash into his chest with an expertly crafted elbow drop.

>You've gained techniques from a tiger, a bear, some rabbits, a bison, a giant viking snake, and now a deer. All culminated within the shell of a monkey.

>You're like some horrible chimera.

>Not really. You're just Anon. King of the Circle.

>You stare at your opponent, the lion Caesar, as he struggles for breath.

>You prepare to knock him right back down if he even considers the audacity of standing back up.

>And he has the audacity, because he finds his breath and rises once more.

>So you must put him back down. You take one, two, three steps, and then rocket forward.

>Before he has the chance to register what you're doing you're in the air. And before he can conceive any way to save himself from this incoming assault you blast him in the chest with all the strength your legs can muster, and dropkick him right in the chest.

>He returns to the ground.

>He wiggles and writhes.

>"Are you done?" Elodi asks him.

>He doesn't speak. But he does nod his head.

>"Caesar is done. Anon is the winner!" she yells.

>The crowd cheers, impressed with this new display from Caesar and the way you handled it so well.

>Blake cheers. Mirabelle cheers. And Bree standing next to her cheers as well.

>Mirabelle was right, they are getting along.

>You throw your hands up in the pose you've done a thousand times before. But it just feels so much better to do so when you have your crown again.

>You look at Caesar as he recovers enough to sit up on his elbows, then sit completely up.

>Cleo walks up to him.

>She bends down at almost ninety degrees and plants a big ole smooch right on him.

>The crowd whoops for a different reason now.

>"Whoa whoa hey, Cleo!" you shout. "Where do they do that at?! Since when do the losers get smooches?"

>She looks at you. "That was just a consolation prize. He woulda got something a lot better had he won."

>oh

>Once again the crowd whoops.

>You stand there shaking your head until you feel a hand at your back.

>The hand pulls at your shirt, tugging you backward, but a foot in your leg's path causes you to trip and fall on your ass.

>And then Mirabelle is there in fornt of you

.>You look at her with a bit of confusion but she wordlessly leans forward and gives you a big ole smooch as well.

>Whooping intensifies.

>"Well if that's what I get for winning, what woulda happened if I lost?" you ask.

>"I slug you, duh." she answers quickly as she raises her fist.

>You laugh and look up at her.

>"I love you." you say.

>"I love you too." she responds.

>It sure is good to be king.

>Long live the king.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hv0OG1L1Ag

~The End

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

It's done. It's over. With this last chapter I bring an end to my King of the Ring series. Unless I'm somehow struck with a powerful inspiration that reels me back in. But with the conclusion of a free for all, which was the last big event I wanted to have, I can say that this may just be a good place to leave off at.

However I have to say that I gave myself headaches all over the place with this one. I barely know what I'm doing trying to add romance, who the hell thought it was a good idea for me to show up and add a goddamn love triangle?

Oh wait. It was me. Attempting to reach beyond myself. I guess if you don't try you won't grow.

Anyway, with this being the end, I hope you've all enjoyed everything I had to offer. Though the sun sets across this horizon, it will rise on another, so I hope you'll continue to stick around to give me your attention and support.

As always let me know how you feel, and I will see you around.