Closed [Tall Johnny's] The Pugilist and The Poisoner

[Gad]

39th of Winter, 513AV Tall Johnny's Casino and Cage Fights Two days ago, Gad was almost murdered in this very establishment. A spout a crimson blood splashed at his feet. The young wizard yanked on the metal cage along with the other spectators."GUT HIM! GUT HIM! RIP HIS EYES OUT YOU BASTARD!" The man in the arena looked all too pleased to do just that. The fighter he was on top of spasmed for air as big leathery hands clenched around and collapsed his wind pipe. The dominant fighter giggled- an entirely manly and threatening giggle, but it was still a giggle- as his foe squirmed. Then, he took his thumbs and drove them into the man's eye sockets, until blood poured out. The fight was called, and one man walked away a little richer, and the other a lot blinder. Despite his ruff and tumble run in just forty-eight bells ago, Gad was ready to get back in the action of winning coin off the fools who liked to do this sort of thing. He'd placed a ten golden Miza bet on the man who'd be going out in the next fight. Gad had placed that money on a fighter they called "Bone Skull". When Gad heard it, he rolled his eyes, but he wasn't judging the fighter based on his childish appellation. Mr.Bonehead was a pale man, with clammy looking skin, teeth filed to a point, a tattoo of a skull done over his face, and bones done down his arms and legs. Despite all his posturing, Bone Skull stood at a towering five foot seven. He was on the slim side of athletic, but all that Gad was alright with. From what Gad had gathered Bone Skull was a decent scrapper who knew how to intimidate his enemies. Gad didn't see how; he personally thought the silly tattoos were...well, silly. But, the word on street was the word on the street, and a Sunberther always listened to the Word on the Street. And today, Bone Skull was going up against a relative unknown. Someone by the name of "Roy Kingsfield". Whoever that was supposed to be. If Gad bothered to think about it, he might of remembered where he'd heard the name before, but he was too much invested in his "sure-thing", and his ale. He almost spit it out when he saw Kingsfield over in his corner, getting ready for the fight. He immediately recognized a man of at least superior stature, if not also superior fighting skill. Gad panicked. It would be awhile till the ring was cleaned up from the last few fights. A short intermission would prelude his loosing bet, and Gad would spend the time turning his luck around. But how? He rested his face in his hands, scheming. An awful idea struck him, like pigeon shyke landing on his head. Poison. Gad scanned the area, and found a kid who'd been there watching the fights. He was thin, but didn't look too weak. Gad judged him as a quick runner. Gad jangled some copper Mizas to catch his attention. "Hey punk. C'mere, got some coin for you." The boy was ten or eleven, he looked at Gad suspiciously, but eventually got up and approached him. "Alright, but no butt stuff." "Yeah I-...what? No. No, I want you to run somewhere for me. It's over by Stumble Alley; The Majestic." "I know it." "Good. Sprint over there, and tell Doler to send me over one of his customers." The kid gave a chuckled a raised his brows. "Why'd you say it like that?" "Say what like what?" "You know. Customers." Gad sighed. "Look, just do it you little cretin. Tell him to send over someone who's good and quiet, someone looking for coin. Tell him I'll bring him dinner, later. Do that, and there's more of this for you." Gad moved to toss the coins to the boy, who eagerly cupped his hands to catch them. At the last moment Gad pulled them back and gave the boy an intimidating look. "And be quick about it!" Gad gave the kid his down payment. The boy sprinted off and out the door, and Gad let off a huff of anxiety. The fight would be starting in a little over a bell. *** Nearly that much time had passed when the slender redhead Doler had directed to her next job came through the Casino doors. Gad didn't notice her, except to fleetingly acknowledge her attractiveness. As he watched the door with anticipation his stomach was tying itself in knots at the coin he wasn't prepared to part ways with. He'd since moved to the back of the arena, to make himself easier to spot. With the fight almost starting, Gad's eyes were darting all over the entrance to see when, or if, the kid came back. Finally, a chime or two after the redhead walked in, the boy returned. Gad could see from where he was the boy directing the woman, pointing her to his position. "Mhm. So that must be the one." Gad surmised the obvious. The boy sprinted over to Gad, and the wizard payed him the finder's fee and sent the kid on his way. Gad mad room for the woman to sit. When she was close enough to hear, Gad spoke softly, and bypassed introductions. "Hello. This is perhaps short notice, but time is running out. I have a job for you, it's simple. I need you to poison Kingsfield." Gad pointed to Roy's corner, where he was getting ready to jump into the fray in just a few chimes. "The goal being that he loses the fight. I don't want him dead, but I don't care if that's what happens, and preferably I don't want this coming back to me." Gad nodded at the woman. "So, can you do it?" he whispered. "Name a price."

[Annie Vatlina]

Slowly Annie opened a large drawer and a small hiss came from the wood. Keeping herself a safe distance as she knew and then waited a few minutes until a large triangle scaled head came over the side. If there was one thing she didn't worry about much was the bite, If she was bitten she could concoct a antidote right then and there. Extending her hand she waited until its long pink tickled her palm. Once that fiasco was over it edged its way out of the confinement of the chest and began to slither up her arm. Taking in a deep breath she whispered, " I may need some of your venom. Is that okay? " Of course the snake wasn't going to answer but she took his silence as a chance to move over to a small table. Handling him with a gentle touch she waited until the scale filled serpent went onto the wooden table. Quickly while she had the chance she grabbed a small jar, Placing it on the table Annie grasped the snake between the head and body, Opening his mouth by force and then slipping his thin fangs though a film and released his venom.

Once that was over Annie placed him right back into the drawer and kept her flesh away from his angry eyes. Slowly she made concentrated fungi amalgam then the light scent of mint wafted into her nostrils. Turning her head she hated the smell. Sighing she poured a watery paste around a small dart. Not worrying if the poison would seep out and touch her skin she smoothed around the metal. Placing it down carefully she wiped her fingers on a thin cloth then set it off to the side. Annie knew she had another contract but she was taking her time not wanting to get involved that much. Sweeping her strawberry hair from sticking her pale skin.

Loading the dart into her Bracer she sat back down on a creaky chair and then grasped blade spring into it. It was always a hassle to fit on thing in after the other. Rolling her long sleeve down Annie finally got out the door. Locking it behind her she felt the cold Sunberth wind hit her face. Normally she was quick on her contracts but she drug her boots this time. Annie made her way into Tall Johnny's with a small boy holding her hand sprinted in front of her. Annie walked with swagger, Keeping her head high. Finding herself sitting down next to a brown haired man then said lightly, Keeping her light blue eyes trained on the crowd, "He can't be that hard to take down." Her cockiness was shadowed once he mentioned Kingsfield. Taking in a deep breath she studded him, Taking in the small details. " I don't make any promises, If they offer coin then you better take for the hills. " Taking her eyes off of Kingsfield she glanced around the rabid crowd for wandering eyes and so far found none. Taking in a deep breath she let out, " 13. Take it or leave it. "

[Roy Kingsfield]

Day 39 in Winter of the Year 513 AV

Roy stood on the roof of his parent’s one story apartment, looking out into the night. The intelligent people hurried back into the safety of their homes, as the night walkers as he always referred to them as, came out. It was always dangerous in Sunberth, but at night it was tenfold more treacherous. He could see small groups wandering the alley ways, waiting for unsuspecting prey to make the mistake of walking down the wrong one. Small fires burned, figures huddled around them, trying to stay warm in the icy air.


Roy turned from the edge of the roof and moved to the center, where he had room to move. He began taking deep breathes and shook out his arms and legs, getting the blood flowing. Once he deemed himself ready to begin, he started loosening up, stretching his muscles. As often as he found himself in fights, he needed to be in peak condition. That included flexibility, reflexes and strength.


Roy crossed his left arm over towards his right and held it there for thirty or so ticks, taking deep breathes. Every time he exhaled, he pushed his arm a little farther, until it was tight. He repeated the same process with his other arm. He worked his way down to his legs. Sitting down, Roy put his feet together and slowly eased forward, until his face almost pressed down to his thighs, hands stretching to his toes. He held that pose for about sixty ticks before releasing.


Half a bell passed as he limbered up all of his muscle groups. He wasn’t as flexible as he would have liked to be, but it was a slow process. He’d get there eventually. Roy shifted gears as he finished up his stretches. He normally would continue his aerobic exercises, but he had a fight in less than half a bell.


Roy walked towards the edge of the roof and looked down. A small ledge encircled the building about four feet below the edge. He sat down, leaned sideways and grabbed the edge of the roof, swinging his body down to the ledge. He paused a moment to rotate so he was facing away from the wall, toes hanging off the edge. About five feet away and four feet down, a small window with an overhang was protruding from the wall. Roy leaped from his perch towards the wooden overhang and landed on it awkwardly. He almost toppled off the edge but managed to stabilize himself by hugging the wall. He slowly lowered himself from the overhang and fell the rest of the way to the ground. As he landed, he rolled to absorb the blow.


The young man, dusted his 5’11” frame off and checked for any injuries. Not spotting any damage, he took off at a light jog. He wanted to be ready to fight when he got there. A few days ago he had wandered into a fighting area, eager to let off some steam. The fight had gone exceptionally well and afterwards his fury had been slacked, for the time being. But he wanted more. He had signed up for another fight, keen on getting back in there. Once again, he didn’t know who his opponent was, but it didn’t matter. He was there to win. His eye was slightly colored from a bruise he had earned in his last fight, but otherwise he was unharmed. The other guy had looked a lot worse.


Sooner than he expected, Roy found himself in front of the Tall Johny’s Casino and Fight Club. He stood for a moment to catch his breath, chest heaving and a layer of sweat coating his body. Steam rose off of him as his overheated body was brushed by the icy cold breeze. He pushed the door open and was once again met with the roar of a crowd. Jeering, shouts, celebrations reached from every corner of the room, mostly directed towards the cages. It seemed as if one of the fights was about to be over. He strode over to one of the men behind the tables who organized the fights and discovered his fight was going to start shortly.


It worked for him, he was ready to get in there. A shiver went up his back from the base of his spine as he felt the rush of anticipation. Roy headed towards the Amphitheater and treaded down the stairs towards the pit. The normal bouncer that stood by the gate to let him in was gone. Roy paid no mind and stripped off his shirt. Laying it to one side, he vaguely hoped no one would steal it. His heart had begun to slow down from his run and his adrenaline was starting to pump through his system as he stood gazing blankly through the cage waiting to hear his name called to the cage. In the meantime, he waited.

[Gad]

Everything about this woman oozed competence. The smooth way her petite frame glided through the house of debauchery, like it was so beneath her. Or the way she sat down, and spoke with out even looking at Gad. She analyzed the fighter with a seemingly practiced indifference, and sat just close enough to Gad to speak with him quietly, but not enough to be quickly associated with him. Still, Gad saw the lines between professionalism and arrogance blurring. It was reassuring that she was confident, but he didn't want her cockiness leading to mistakes that could get him caught up. Gad nodded at her estimation of Kingsfield. "Keep in mind he's a young fighter, if he's not in his prime, he will be soon. Looks fit and healthy to me, and he's getting a reputation. I hope you aren't underestimating him; my coin is on the line." He paused and reasoned that he should go with her judgement since he didn't know shyke about poisons in the first place. "Buuut. You're the professional." The wizard shrugged. Gad had been keeping an eye on the cage for awhile, but now he looked at her. He observed the way she held herself, a cross between watchful and skittish. Like some kind of fox, or jackal, he thought. He supposed that was the type this line of work attracted. For a moment it crossed his mind how odd it was. People around here were so afraid of magic, but a poison-crafter could kill you just as quick with probably half the effort. He supposed it didn't matter now though. When Red mentioned that she would give up Gad if it came to coin, he had to accept it. "I can appreciate that. So, no names then, Miss Red. Just call me Mister Green, if you have to call me at all." Once she'd named it, Gad nodded in appreciation of the price. He was afraid he'd have to talk her down but thirteen wasn't that bad. "I'll take it. As an act of good faith, you'll get three for collateral, and the rest when Kingsfield loses." Gad retrieved three shiny round lumps of gold from inside his jacket. The Mizas clinked as he set them in her hand. "You'll find me here, or at the betting tables after the fight." Gad looked down in the ring. Bone Skull was warming up across from Kingsfield, working out the kinks. The fighter held an evil glare on his face, but it- like the tattoos and filed teeth- were just bark. Actually, he probably has a pretty mean bite. But, Gad knew what Gad meant. "Alright Red, show's almost on. I don't care how you do it, whatever you need to do get the job done. Maybe poison in his water, you might be able to snatch one of the waitresses trays from the bar." He nodded in that direction. "Or, if you have some kind of small blade, or needle... Heh, look at me, trying to tell you how to do your job. However you work, is your business. But I want it done quick." Tall Johnny stepped out into the cage, twisting his signature mustache with one hand and holding a large topless and bottomless cone in the other. Johnny placed the narrow end of the cone to his mouth for amplication. "Suuuunbeeerth! Are you ready to see some blood?" Roars.Gad had to hand it to John, the guy knew how to build anticipation. "OF COURSE YOU ARE! And that's what Tall Johnny is gonna give yah! Make sure to grab yourself an ice cold ale from the bar, ladies and gents! A meat pie or a nice, salty pickle." Tall Johnny kissed the tips of his fingers to symbolize how tasty the swill they served in the joint was supposed to be. "And after the fight, don't forget to stop by the card tables and talk about allll the gory details over a nice game of Blush." He pointed his cane to a random man in the crowd. "Hey you, no hiding cards now!" That drew enough laughs. "Now, enough of this ol' windbag, you came here to see some fights!" Johnny directed attention to Bone Skull's corner. "Iiinnnnn this corner, a crowd favorite, the Skull who makes heads roll, the Bone Man with the plan, the guy with really really sharp teeth, BOOoooNNNE SKUUUuuuLLLL." The tatted up rascal roared and hissed, flexed and beat his chest. The introduction got the desired effect. Once the noise died down, Tall Johnny went on to introduce Roy. "And in this corner, weighing in at an impressive one hundred and seventy pounds, a towering six foot ball of pent up aggression- trust me folks, you don't wanna see the mess he left in here the other night-, the up-and-comer who looks to take the crown of all cage fighters, ROY. KINGSFIEEEELLLDDD!" Roy's less eccentric appearance and mundane name didn't earn him the same fanfare Bone Skull got, but the crowd still made a good amount of noise for him. With that, the bell sounded and round one began. Bone Skull wasted no time, he closed the distance and worked to get inside Roy's superior reach, the whole while he bared his teeth and grimaced, drooling freely down his chin. Once he got close, he started swinging. Whatever happened, this fight would at least be interesting.

[Annie Vatlina]

Annie crossed her legs as she listened to him speak. Her blue eyes jumped from Kingsfield over to the where the drinks were being served. One woman who would continuously rush back from table to table looked absolutely tired and out of energy.

She could feel his eyes on her, It would take more for a person to catch a Kelvic when they were not in their animal forum. So far she'd pass as a Human and that's how she'd keep it that way for as long as she could. If she was going to slip something into his water she needed to to it quickly. Annie did this often, Somebody would speak to her but she'd concentrate on something entirely different.

Taking her eyes away from the crowd she took the coin and moved them around in her hand. Shoving the coin in her pocket she turned from the hyped crowd to him and said lightly. " I'll get it done, Don't fret. " Dismissing herself from the conversation she stood up put her soft hand on his face then leaned down to Whispering. " Mister Green? You don't pay? I'll have to kill you. " There was a light smirk on her face as she walked away.

Annie moved lightly, Gliding over to the waitress she said lightly and with slight exaggeration, " Oh you poor thing, Let me take this from you. " It would be hard to say no to somebody as innocent as Annie. Quickly she handed her the tray with two drinks on them. One wafted into her nose as ale and the other was definitely water. She pointed over to Kingsfield. Annie in a way feared to even go over there, He looked of such frustration and didn't lack the will to fight. But this was her job.

As Tall Johnny gave the crowd a reason to be even more money, To waste their time on Kingsfield Annie moved through the crowd, Twisting and turning until she reached him. " Excuse me? Mister Kingfield? " Since Annie had already prepared it in a dart all she needed to do was to get close to him and give her hair a good flip in order to look like shooting the dart was normal. The one thing that was on her side is how short she was. Annie radiated off innocence and a soft feeling. There was a light smile on her face that offered in a scene good luck.

[Roy Kingsfield]

Day 39 of Winter in the Year 513 AV


Roy stood silently, arms held loosely by his sides. He gazed past the metal wires into the cage staring blankly into the distance. Gamblers, drunkards, waitresses, card dealers, thieves, slaves, they all streamed around him, a seething mass of individuals. He had nothing on him, other than the clothes on his back, so he had nothing to worry about as bodies brushed by him, fingers lightly brushing his pockets.


“The little pickpockets are lucky I’m not in a bad mood or I would snap their little fingers for trying to rob me.”


Roy tensed, irritated, as he felt another body bump up against him in a weak attempt to pretend to stumble as their nimble fingers caressed his pockets. He didn’t have the time to deal with them, so he pointedly ignored it.


His stomach clenched as he saw Tall Johny step into the ring, large cone held up to his mouth. The crowd roared with laughter as he introduced the fighters for the main event. Roy had never heard of his opponent but it was obvious the crowd had. The sound the crowd created sent vibrations through Roy’s chest as they responded to the owner’s cry.


“I got lucky last time. My opponent was weak, small and really couldn’t throw a punch. I got out with barely a scratch. I doubt I’ll get that lucky a second time.”


Roy ran a hand through the stubble of his head, unease. His gut began to churn and his nerves began to tingle. He attempted to drown out the rumble of the crowd and zoned in on Johny’s voice.


“Bone Skull…thaaaat doesn’t sound good. Sharp teeth? What the shyke? Am I fighting a man or an animal?”

Roy’s mouth went dry as he listen to the announcer describe his opponent. He tried to focus as he bounced on the balls of his feet, shaking out the nerves. He needed to make sure he kept his guard up, let his foe attack first. He didn’t know what his adversary had but from what the broadcaster said, it sounded like the guy meant business. He was no slave whose owner was trying to make a quick buck.


Roy lifted his fists up in front of his face, his hands half closed. He loosened his body and swayed slightly as he shadow boxed. He exhaled quickly and shook out his legs. He was getting antsy. He needed to get in there before he lost his nerve.


The beast that lurked inside of his chest, shifted. He knew it would never let him leave a fight. He’d die trying rather than run. The anger that resided inside demanded blood. He wasn’t angry now but he knew it was only a matter of time before it flared and he would grow reckless.


A voice, directed towards him, broke him out of his reflection. He snapped his penetrating blue eyes from the cage towards the source of the voice. A small girl…"woman perhaps?" stood in front of him with a server’s tray resting between her hands.


He noticed the two beverages on the platter and realized how parched he was from his run. He nodded, still distracted by the upcoming fight. He spared the server a quick glance before picking up the glass of water, raising it to his lips. He slowly emptied its contents, relishing the cool refreshment take the edge off of his discomfort. A small trickle of water spilled down the sides of his mouth and down his throat, Adam’s apple moving up and down furiously.


He enjoyed the moment of bliss while it lasted because he knew that soon, he would be thrust into a fight and it was going to be a brutal one.

[Gad]

Gad felt the anticipation welling up in his gut. He let out a burp. Nope, just the brews kicking up. The wizard scratched his chin leisurely. He'd cast his lot, drawn his hand, rolled his dice- whatever tired gambling analogy was running through his head. At this point, he figured, wasn't much left for him to do but wait, and watch. He was always a pretty decent watcher. He looked down, and saw Miss Red slip in where the waitress had. Watched as she ever-so sweetly handed Roy his water. Gad grinned, but only with his mouth. His eyes stayed on Roy, then on Red, then moved to Bone Skull, and back to Roy. His mind was mostly empty. As the information from the outside came in, he just let it fall through the windows of his mind. He was looking for any kind of change in Roy's temperament, but so far he looked as he always had. Gad sniffed the air, took in the rank odors of sweaty bodies, blood and sixty-proof vomit. Unsurprisingly, it did little to settle his stomach. Another man might've hoped his little scheme worked out, but Gad never gave much to hope, and always found it to have diminishing returns. So, he did what he did. Watched. He saw Bone Skull dive into the ring, Gad estimated his wild appearance was all a part of a strategy of intimidation. Bone Skull had moved quickly within arm's reach of Roy, and wasted no time sending a low kick aimed at Roy's left knee, accompanied by a mean right hook. Meanwhile Gad spotted Annie and noted her position. Depending on how well her poison worked, he was considering skipping out on payment. He knew she'd threatened to kill him, but this was Sunberth, he was Gad. People threatened to kill him on a daily basis. So far, none had managed to follow through. Something about her foxy features was a little off-putting though and Gad didn't want to have to be paranoid that his next meal might be his last. Again, Gad wondered why the Hai people around here were so afraid of mages with poisoners strolling about. Magic could be used for multiple purposes, but poison was for killing. Swords, he mused, were in the same boat. Considering how quick and easy any amateur with a grudge and a cold hunk of steel could cut you down in the street, it was surprising no one every ran the Sun's Birth out of town. Then again, given the events of the past year or so, something like that might actually have been in the works for all Gad knew.

OOC INFOSince me and Annie mostly only have social interactions with each other to attend to (for now), I figure we can moderate/play Bone Skull as Roy fights him. Whenever Roy does something in the fight, me or Annie could respond as Bone Skull inside our own posts.

[Annie Vatlina]

It was at that moment where Annie felt bad for him, She whispered, " At least It'll be over quickly. " She might as well watch the fight and make sure she got her payment. There was something the rang in her head and told her she didn't get enough poison in him, Why not just get it while he fights? With every With every brutal contact between the two she cringed slightly and considered looking away but she couldn't, Not when her only option was to look up.

There was always the chance that she got it into Bone skull. Annie moved closer to the cage and she looked over to the other side of the cage and there her opportunity was. A disgusting man with half of the brothel around his fat arms, food flying out his mouth and the horrible sound that was laughter. Quickly he met Annie's gaze and gave her a wink, Disgusted she swallowed the disgusting bile that was rising in her throat. Thinking back to her enslaved days Annie gave a light wave and one she almost sat her hand down she activated the trigger on her Blade spring.

A small thin dart went whisking through the air. Annie held her breath and watched it move quickly. As soon as Bone Skull went in after another punch it grazed his skin but it was defiantly not enough to cause any poison to seep into his thick skin, Instead it hit Roy. Lodging itself between is right rib. Now the poison would be quick and more efficiently. Feeling Gad's eyes on her she shook her head and picked up the tray, She couldn't stand to watch.

Slowly she wiped the thick substance off her fingers and smeared it along the inside of the ale, This was her way to steal her coin right out of pockets. Picking up the metal tray she pushed her way through the crowd. Finally she was to his right, found Gad. Speaking over the crowd she said in a light voice, " Mister Green? I have a ale on the house, Would you like it now? "

Slowly she lowered the ale and then took a set, " It wont last long so I'd hurry up with that coin if I were you. "

[Roy Kingsfield]

Day 39 of Winter in the Year 513 AV

Roy stepped into the cage. He swept his eyes across the familiar fifteen by fifteen, dirt covered cage and rolled his neck. He could feel the weight of the crowd’s eyes boring into him as entered. His gaze settled on his opponent as he quickly began formulating a strategy.


“Oh man, those are some hideous tattoos. Who on earth would ever want to do that to himself? It’s not even scary looking, it’s just ridiculous.”


Roy shook his head. “Focus. He’s about the same size as you, but you have the reach. Keep him at a distance. He looks like he’s got some power behind those blows so make sure you don’t allow him to get a direct hit. Stay light on the toes and swift in the punches.”


Roy and Bone Skull locked eyes, the tension was like electricity. The crow could feel it and they buzzed in excitement. Bone Skull leered at Roy, slowly running his tongue over his pointed teeth, trying to intimidate him.


“Okay, so there might be something to the tattoos. That’s pretty creepy.”


Roy lifted his fists and squared off, feet, shoulder width apart, one slightly in front of the other. He bent his knees as he eyed his target, watching for the first strike.


The bell sounded.


Bone Skull leaped forward and lashed out, sending a low kick towards Roy’s left knee. Roy stumbled back, completely surprised. He didn’t think his opponent was going to be so aggressive, he assumed they would test each other but Bone Skull leaped head first into the battle.


Roy barely managed to evade the kick as Bone Skull swung wide, fist aimed for Roy’s face. He raised his arm and deflected the fist to the side. He swiftly jabbed at Bone Skull’s exposed side, connecting with the man’s dense bones.
Bone Skull grunted and leaped forward, trying to tackle Roy to the ground. Roy rolled under his grasp and slammed his knee into his opponent’s chest.


The tattooed man wheezed as the knee connected and he stumbled forward. Roy savagely closed in and balled his fists together, raising them over his head.
He brought them down hard across Bone Skull’s back. The crowd favorite was knocked to his hands and knees. Before Roy could do anymore however, the downed man dove and wrapped his thick arms around Roy’s legs.


Roy crashed to the crowd as Bone Skull tightened his grip. Roy opened both of his fists and slapped the palms of his hands together against his foes ears, smashing them like a cymbal. The man roared as pain shot through his head, momentarily discombobulating him.


Roy wriggled out of the man’s loosened grip and jumped to his feet. Bone Skull staggered to his feet, saliva dripping from his mouth. He charged at Roy, swinging ferociously. Roy staggered back under the rain of blows that descended upon him. He grunted as two got through his defense and smashed into his sides. As he tried to guard himself, his hands lowered an inch too low as he tried to protect his sides.


A fist smashed into his face as Bone Skull took advantage of the momentary lapse in his defense. Roy rocked backwards as the curled hand just missed his nose and slammed into his eye. Light flashed and he was temporarily blinded. Bone Skull rushed forwards and kicked the youth in the stomach.


Roy doubled over in pain as the blow caught him in the gut. Bone Skull grabbed his head and rammed his knee into Roy’s head. Roy barely managed to raise a hand and caught most of the hit but he was thrown backwards. Bone Skull leered at Roy as he lay on the ground. Bone Skull raised his hands in the air, getting the crowd to roar as he mocked his downed opponent.


“Get up, Roy. You are not going to let this petching fool win.”


Roy slowly got up, his sight still slightly blurry. He sprinted across the ring to his adversary and began trading blows with him. Suddenly a sharp pain registered in his adrenaline induced mind from his side.


“What the-“


But before he could chance a look, Bone Skull whipped his head down attempting to head butt him. Roy leaped backwards, dodging the blow. Bone Skull regained his balance from his missed attack and lifted a hand, beckoning Roy over.


Roy took a step forward to accept that challenge but almost fell over. A look of confuse crossed his face as his body seemed to stop responding to his demands. A fog began forming in the corners of his vision and Bone Skull began to disappear from view.


“What the shyke is going on?”

Roy stepped closer, arms starting to drop as his body began to grow numb. His eyes widened as he realized he was starting to lose control of his body. He started to panic as he realized he was losing motor controls. He tried to speak but his tongue slurred in his mouth.


The last thing he saw was Bone Skull stalking towards him and a fist flying towards his face before the world around him went black.

[Gad]

The final fist of fury connected with Roy's face and the contender went down for the count. The bewildered look on his mug as the poison did it's work was almost worth the price of admission. But not quiet. Gad was so eager to get to the betting table to retrieve his dough, he almost popped out of his seat. Then that strawberry hued poisoner came back, toting an amber concoction she called an ale. Gad grinned, but it wasn't because he was looking forward to chugging down the free brew. Does she think I'm stupid? Gad mused with an odd combination of scorn and amusement. He took the cup and smiled a half smile at her. "Thank you missus Red, and don't worry, you'll get your coin soon enough." She sat down to his right. Gad brought the metal mug to his lips but made sure none of the fluid went in his mouth, and he gave a few audible gulps of nothing before wiping his mouth off and sighing from false refreshment. "Mm! That's good, real good. And look! Looks like you did your job, Tall Johnny's coming out now to announce it!" Gad pointed down to the arena, where just that was happening. Also, Bone Skull was giving Roy's limp body a few nasty kicks. "Well folks!" Tall Johnny said as he stepped onto the packed dirt floor, fine leather shoes shining through the dust they'd accrued. A few of his hired help ran in to pull Bones off of Roy and yanked him over to where Johnny was. Johnny grabbed his hand and lifted it up. "In perhaps one of the least climactic throw downs we've seen here in a long, long time -I mean, WOW! That was over really quickly- our winner is returning crowd favorite, BONE SKULL!" Most of the crowd cheered, a few disgruntled bettors who'd taken chances on Roy cursed or tossed their drinks down into the ring. "Well, you know the deal folks, next fight's in two, count 'em, two bells! If you've got coin on the match, you know what to do!" Removing the the cone from his lips, Johnny directed his goons to take Roy and toss him in the alley out back. Gad got up quickly, and then pretended to stumble from grogginess. He dropped the ale all over Red's lap "accidentally". "Aw Hik," he cursed in Benshira "there goes my ale." He shrugged and sighed. Gad knew his acting wasn't particularly good. "Oh well, too bad." He picked up the mug. There was still some residue inside, confirming in his mind what he'd suspected. He looked in it, and raised his eyebrows and turned the side of his lips down in mock surprise. He put in cup right in front of Red's face so she could see what was in it, as if to say "what could that be?". Then he quickly took it and tossed it off into the distance. "Well, no matter. Come on missus Red." He extended a hand for the dainty mercenary to help her self up on. "Let's go get paid." He nodded over his shoulder in the direction of the betting table, where those who'd won were picking up their coin.