Jason was listening to Harklas' plan, liking the idea of having a little fun in this deathtrap. "Sounds like a plan." When the elf walked over and insulted the two of them, Jason squared his shoulders and spoke back. "Just 'cause I'm human, don't mean I ain't goin' down without a fight. I may not last long, but at least I'll have tried." He kept his gaze on the Fighter before turning back to the gargoyle. "Drag them under the bed? Will do." Jason laughed as well, ignoring the insult and the presence of the elf.

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You know you're a country girl when...
You shoot, hunt, ride, rope, drive, mud, and spit better than the boys.

Griffin shrugged as he notice, that other two fighters went back to talking to each other. And since he knew all the other fighters would be in bed by now, Griffin went back to his room. Once he got there he took off the light weight metal armor, and slipped into his bed. For a long night of sleep, witch he would need for tomorrow.

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Percival smiled as he let her past. As he had the information he wanted, he didn't see anything wrong with allowing her to get some sleep. As he retreated to his own living quarters, he glanced back over his shoulder and thanked her, albeit condescendingly. "Madame, I will never understand your choices, but I thank you for being so... cooperative." and he left, not caring about the look he was getting.

As he entered his bedroom, he went over to a panel on the wall and typed in the keycode. "Percival, enemy 28. Jason. Race, Human. Prior occupation, Country Farmhand. Chance of besting Salerous," he paused as he calculated the odds. "zero point six percent." and he closed the recording device, locking it as he did so. striding over to his bed, he began to lie down and drift into dreamland, where, for some reason, he dreamt of Ryder besting him with a stone. he tossed and turned during the night and when he awoke, he was shaken. "A stone? what could it mean? Bested by a STONE?" he had yelled this last word and thrown his hands up in the air. what did it all mean? and why was he so worried? after all, Jason was a human, right? he quickly regained his composure and went to get Salerous so he could watch the fight, unaware of The Snake King's plans of deceit.

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Shoulder Demon: (Looking at controls of train) "Let's see how many times we can wreck this thing before we're all dead."

Shoulder Angel: "Are you crazy?!?!?! you'll get us all killed!!!!!!"

Shoulder Demon: "That's the idea, Moron!"

Ryder's eyes narrowed as Percival stepped to the side, the grin on his face making her skin crawl. She walked past him with her head high, heels clicking on the floor and echoing off of the walls. She stopped cold when he spoke, the words hitting home and causing her heart to skip a beat. She turned her head to glare at him, but her eyes only met the back of his head, he was already walking away to his own quarters. She clenched her fists. "That conniving little.." Ryder muttered between clenched teeth, turning and leaving with a huff. She glanced over at her hawk, nodding at it as it flew away, following Percival silently.

She opened the door to her room and closed it behind her softly, walking over to her table and turning on the lamp. She sat down on her bed and groaned, running her hands through her hair. Percival only knows about the human, she thought. Harklas was still unknown to him... Maybe the Master did have a chance. She stood up and prepared for bed, setting the lock to her room and crawling under the sheets, closing her eyes for sleep. As soon as her head touched the pillow, she was gone, asleep and oblivious to anything going on around her. Dreams of Damien flashed through her mind, making her twitch every now and then, even mumble in her sleep. Yet, for the first time in a while, she was at peace as she slept, the dream not like the others. It was... Happy. And it didn't show his death. But instead the time they spent together. Both of them... Happy.

As the night drew near, Harklas had just begun to notice how empty the dungeons had gotten. The orc and the elf were gone, among others, and the only noises that could be heard throughout the place where the scurrying of rats and a few hushed whispers. He'd spent all his time thinking and talking about his plan, and now he had no time to execute it, and no one to execute it on. It doesn't matter, there's always tomorrow. He yawned before speaking again. "Actually, it's getting quite late. Tomorrow would be better, there would be more victims about. Provided I'm not a nasty stain on the arena floor by then." Harklas let out a small chuckle, not realizing how tired was until now. "Off to bed with me. Don't let me forget, now." He opened the door to his room and shut himself in.

Just like Ryder had said, no bed. Cracks ran along the walls and there was no lighting besides a single torch on the wall. There was a weapons rack though, practically lined with knives and daggers. It was far from living in luxury, but it's boring when everything is just handed to you. Harklas flew up to the corner and perched himself on wall, trying to find a menacing pose so as to get a cheap laugh out of anyone who woke him up. He shut his eyes and turned to stone, unconscious in an instant. He didn't dream that night, unlike most nights. But for Harklas, dreams where a bad thing. He'd rather face his troubles when others where around so he could be distracted, and maybe get some sort of comic relief.

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Jason yawned, he couldn't tell what time it was but he knew it was late. He almost missed what Harklas had said. "Hmm, it is late. I'll see you tomorrow." He watched the gargoyle exit, not moving until the echos of the door closing stopped.

Now that he was alone, Jason yawned again before muttering to himself. "What was I thinking? Me a fighter?" Shaking his head, Jason found his room, if you could even call it that, and shut the door. He slumped against the wall, arms wrapped around his knees. Jason leaned his head against the wall, but before falling asleep, he whispered, "Please, let me get through at least one day." He then closed his eyes and fell into a restless sleep.

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You know you're a country girl when...
You shoot, hunt, ride, rope, drive, mud, and spit better than the boys.

The sunlight streamed into the holding area through the holes in the cheaply made wooden gate. Malkor was equipped with his heavy steel chestplate and greaves, the colossal great sword was sheathed on his back, the hilt easily reaching up past his head. He calmed his thoughts, as he did whenever he had a battle, he couldn't let his thoughts interfere with what had to be done. He emptied his soul of all pity and remorse, and replaced it with a fiery rage that cast a red mist of fury over his mind. Malkor scowled as he lowered the helmet on his head, he hated this rage, but the primal part of him reveled in its release.

He lifted his head up as the stadium announcer had begun to speak. The orc tuned him out as listening to him would lift Malkor out of the fury he needed to do battle. The gates opened and the orc grabbed the hilt of the sword with his right hand as he walked out into the arena. He looked across the arena, his scowl vicious, blood thirsty.His opponent was the gargoyle,so he was going to have to fight a flying opponent, this might be a challenge, but not one he hasn't faced before. He narrowed his eyes at the gargoyle and growled at the creature, his stare cold, deadly.He was no longer a quiet beast, he was nightmarish monster, a natural born killer.

The burning sun blinded him a bit, but not to the extent that he couldn't make out his opponent. It was an orc, wielding one of the largest greatswords he'd ever seen. Harklas couldn't tell if it was the orchid from yesterday, due to the distance and the helm he was wearing, but from the way he carried himself, it didn't seem to be him. Wonderful, he didn't want to fight that one, he seemed decent enough. Hopefully this one would have some humorous in him, Harklas didn't want what could possibly and probably be his final hours to be filled with the stoicism that usually came with the fights he'd witnessed, but you can't change what you can't change. The gates creaked open, his signal to let the fun begin. He made a small noise, trying to contain the laughter.

Harklas zigzagged into the arena grasping three daggers, one in each hand and his tail. He met the orcs gaze as they drew nearer to the center, and returned one of disturbing joy. So this was a fiery one after all! Harklas threw his daggers skyward, ready to put his favorite act on for the crowd. He caught them as they landed effortlessly into his hands, and juggled them according to his namesake. Harklas took the orc's growl as a greeting and responded with his own. He looked up at the orchid and gave a low "Good luuuuuck...!". Whether he dies today, or the orc, the Knife Juggler was going to make the finale grand.

He always was a fan of gallows humorous.

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That morning, Ryder was already up early, unable to sleep in like most her age would do. She had made calls and arranged appointments, always looking to find some new Fighters for her team. If you could even call it that. Eventually her morning rituals had to come to an end, since noon was quickly approaching and the Match was about to begin.

She left her room and strode out into the hallway, the falcon flying low beside her head. She wore a fitted blue dress for the occasion, her scarf white this time. A veiled hat sat upon her head and her heels were shorter, a bright white as well. The falcon wore a bow tie, her own little way to make it more presentable. Together they made their way to the dungeons, Ryder nodding at anyone she passed.

It wasn't soon before she was in the dungeons, passing the gargoyles room and peeking in. It seems he had taken the knives put in there for him. Excellent, she thought. The Knife Juggler will have quite a show to put on for the audience. She was able to smile, feeling just a bit confident in her chances of winning. Things could turn around for the worst, but for the better as well. She then made her way to the human's room, folding her arms and looking at the man sitting there. "Jason. No need to mope about in here. This is the first match you've seen, correct?" She didn't even wait for an answer, going on yet again. "You will be up in the balcony with me, watching. While you're there, you will gather information on how to fight against these creatures. That way you will have NO excuses. Now get up, and look somewhat intimidating. We're heading up and cameras will be watching you and your every move. I have a reputation to uphold, and if you even come close to breaking it, there will be hell to pay."

She turned swiftly and walked out towards the elevators, taking a deep breath and waiting for Jason to be at her side before stepping in. The falcon wasted no time in there, flying it's way out into the Furnace and sending a screech through the air, the crowd roaring at what this meant. Ryder was coming out, and her new fighter would be coming out too.

The elevator slowly climbed, clear so that spectators could look inside. Ryder's fans cheered and hollered, more than she could say about Percival's. She waved and put on a smile, anything to please the crowd. She nodded to Jason as the door opened and they were let into her private balcony, servants there to wait on them. Ryder sat down elegantly in her chair, settling into the cushions and snapping her fingers so that Jason could have a chair as well. Once it was brought up, Ryder relaxed and crossed her legs, keeping her back straight and lips firm. Presentation was everything.

The announcer started to speak, his voice booming. "Welcome ladies and gentleman, to a fight you will not soon forget! We have Percival and his beasts, against Ryder and her newcomers, and no predictions about who will win! That's right folks, this Match is up in the air, it'll be all around town, either one of these beasts could be the winner! On that note, let's invite our Fighters to the ring today!" He pointed to one gate, grinning widely as the door opened. "Here we have Percival's Fighter for the day, the brute, the brawny beast, Goliath!!"

The announcer paused to let the crowd cheer, their roars almost deafening Ryder. She sighed in worry, knowing how strong Malkor was. Harklas would just have to make up for it in speed. The announcer pointed once again, toward's the opposite end of the arena. "And here we have a new Fighter of Ryder's but a familiar face to all, quick with his wings as well as his hands, The Knife Juggler!" The crowd erupted in cheers again, some delighted to see Harklas' fancy knife work. Ryder smiled pleased in the show he gave them. Keep it up, gargoyle, she thought. Don't let Malkor outwit you.

"With no more hesitations or delays, let's get this Match started! Fighters, Fight!" And with that, the bell rang and the Match finally began.

Cameron acted as if it was a regular day, because for her it was. It was the same thing she had grown up with and it was the way she lived her life. She decided to wear black slacks and a nice blouse seeing as she was only viewing the fight.

Cam made her way to where Griffin stayed and without word motioned him to follow. She couldn't even speak to him. She was furious that Gilriffin thought he could dismiss her so easily like he did the other day. Just because she gave a little leeway when it came to her fighters doesn't mean she doesn't own them and it doesn't change that she is there master. She sent Griffin a glare he reserved for the scum on the street.

When Cam came to the elevators up I her private box he tried to remain discreet. She wasn't very fond of the attention being a master gave you. It made you cocky and full of yourself. Thats the moment when the world shows how hateful it really is. When you think you're strong it nocks you down till you're nothing.

Flashes of her dads still body rushed through her mind. She tried blocking them out by it qaa no use. She would always remember the sight of her father crumpled on the ground, weak. She vowed it would never happen again.

As she rose to her box she smiled at the audience and waved like a good master. The audience is key she told herself. She made her way to her chair and sat down before looking over at Griffin.

"You ever disrespect me like you did the other day again, we won't wait for the day you die in the Furnace. Remember you are mine, I own you." She whispers with a cold tone, but she never stops smiling.

Jason stood when he heard heels clicking in the dungeon. He tried to answer her question that she had asked him but she didn't give him a chance. He got in a quick "Yes ma'am" before Ryder swept out of the room expecting him to follow. Cameras? Great. How am I suppose to look intimidating compared to those other fighters? Jason was thinking about this when he stopped beside his Master at an elevator.

Jason stood tall and straight, just like his mama had taught him. When the elevator stopped and they stepped out, Jason was brought a chair placed beside Ryder. He waited until she was seated before sitting himself. He looked out at the crowd, shouting and cheering. It was loud, that's for sure. Jason then looked down at the arena, this was the first time he had seen an arena this big.

The announcer's voice boomed overhead, thundering in Jason's ears. He watched as the orc came out, so Harklas was fighting against him? At least it wasn't him. Jason tried to look strong, sitting beside Ryder, but he couldn't help fidgeting a little.

_________________
You know you're a country girl when...
You shoot, hunt, ride, rope, drive, mud, and spit better than the boys.

Griffin eyed Cameron for a second, then said. "Ya I got it, but why do you think I'll die down there? and not as a old man?" He asked a little to cocky, knowing that might just get him killed. But Cameron should have knew, Griffin likes to push people. See how far he can get with out going over tw edge.


Griffin looked down in the arena, and saw the Orc and the other fighter. He smiled slightly and hoped the Orc lost, orcs were terrible things. They killed everything and anything, they even tried to kill Griffin at one point. that turned out badly for the Orc. So Griffin looked at his 'master' and smiled "I bet you the Orc looses, if he does you got to let me see my family and keep any winnes I get. But if he wins, then I guess I'll let you pick what I have todo." Griffin said, smiling the whole time.

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Salerous walked behind his Master as they approached the elevator that was reserved for Percival and his closest friends. He went over his plan in his head, hardly noticing that his Master was not putting on his usual act of knowing everyhing ahead of time. If he was going to pull this off, he could not make a single mistake, as it could cost him his life. ~nothing can go wrong.~ he kept telling himself as a group of Percival's supporters passed by wishing him good luck. to Salerous' suprise, they were completely ignored.
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Percival was deep in thought as he made his way to the elevator, Salerous in tow. he was so lost in his musings that he didn't even give the usual "thank you" to his supporters when he passed. as he passed Ryder's elevator though, he let out an internal scream. there, standing next to her, was the human she had spoken of. ~She chose another fighter? but she said-~ his thoughts were cut off as the announcer introduced Malkor and Harklas. ~The knife juggler? the stone was the knife juggler?~
Although his composure was that of a confident Master, if you were close enough, you could see beads of sweat forming on his brow. If Malkor lost this fight, Percival knew he would have to disipline both the Orc and himself for falling prey to Ryder's trick, whether she had intended to make a fool of him or not.

_________________
If you RP with me, read This Notification

Shoulder Demon: (Looking at controls of train) "Let's see how many times we can wreck this thing before we're all dead."

Shoulder Angel: "Are you crazy?!?!?! you'll get us all killed!!!!!!"

Shoulder Demon: "That's the idea, Moron!"

Malkor eyed the gargoyle as he tossed the knifes into the sky and caught them with ease, so he was a ranged fighter, that was to be expected. The orcs rage bubbled over as the gargoyle gave him a mock greeting, sarcasm dripping from the creatures voice. "Good luuuuuck...!" Malkor unsheathed the monsterous blade and swung the blade to the side, easily shattering a decent sized rock that had been jutting out of the ground. The orc let loose a roar that echoed off the stands, a roar that thirsted for blood.

Malkor begin charging after the creature, slowly at first but picking up momentum to the point where he was a living locomotive, barreling towards the gargoyle. He let the tip of the blade rest on the ground as he charged, kicking up dust and sand from the stadium floor that formed a large dust cloud behind him. as he came within fifteen feet of the gargoyle he turned his feet to the side and used the momentum to slide forward a few more feet. As he slid he swung his blade upward, kicking up more dust that formed a cloud in front of him. he used his remaining momentum to leap through the cloud of dust and sand, then swinging the blade downward towards the gargoyle, using his falling weight to add to the force of the swing.

Cam turns her head glaring at Griffin with hatred. "There is no bet. You are only a fighter. You don't get to decided what I do. Understand that and life will become much easier!" she snaps shaking with anger. Cam tries to calm down before whispering menacingly.

"I'll make you a deal. You win the next fight and you can see your family. Hell you keep winning they can stay with us." She says and adds a slight smile trying to keep him on my side. Cam watches as the Orc makes the first move.

Griffin smiled and nodded "yea that sounds good, but can I keep the winings too?" He asked smiling a bit, hoping Cameron said yes. But it was a long shoot so went back to watching the, he didn't like what he saw. The Orc seemed to be winning, griffin sighed slightly. Then looked at Cameron "do I have to be? Or can I go train?"

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Ryder observed the orcs first move, nodding in approval. This would be a good lesson to teach to Jason. One of fair and unfair advantages.

"Did you see that?" She asked him, this time waiting for him to respond before going on once more. "That was a very smart move, you see. Harklas has the advantage of wings on his side. But Malkor knew that wings or not, we all need to see. Sending up the cloud masked his attack, and Harklas won't be readily prepared... He'd better not make a fool of me..." She leaned her head on her hand subtly and became lost in her own thoughts, taking the water that was there over the wine that had been placed next to it, and sipping at it. She had indeed noticed Percival's odd behavior and it pleased her.

Sure what she did was a mistake the night before, she could have never planned it. But she had only revealed Jason, not Harklas, the gargoyle. Ryder smirked, feeling pleased with herself. "He's scared, I can tell." She then chuckled to herself, setting down the glass once again and sitting up straight, "Oh this is gonna be good. He'd better be ready to pay me my winnings. Or maybe I could just bargain for one of those beasts of his." She laughed again, sounding almost maniacal. Besting her rival was always a joy. Even if she made it into a... Sick joy.

Harklas watched intently as the orc swung his sword down on the rock, easily shattering it. If that was the case, Harklas wouldn't be able to stand much more than one hit from that thing, even if he was in his stone form. That armor of his didn't look like it would get more than a dent or two from a knife, either. If Harklas where to have any chance of winning, he'd have to either remove the armor, get a precision shot to the face, or think outside the box. Surely this wouldn't be a boring battle. Perhaps the "good luck" was for him too.

Harklas laughed internally as the orc kicked up dust around him with his sword. This one was a fan of tricks as well! Maybe if they weren't out to kill each other, they'd be enjoying a joke or two at someone else's expense? He couldn't see where the orc was coming from, so he tried to open up his ears. His armor must be loud and clunky, but still hard to hear over the cries of the crowd. Harklas did his best to estimate the distance by sound. He rolled out of the way just as the orc, or the armor rather, was getting dangerously close. The sword came down beside him, seemingly pulling him in with a gravity of his own. The surprise caused the gargoyle to stop juggling his knives, which he was about to comment on if the orc could 'give some more warning next time' before he realized giving away his position wound be a foolish move. He might be able to use this little sandstorm to his advantage. As he was close enough to the orc to see him now, he tried throwing one of the knives at his lower shoulder, in hope that there would be some kind of leather strap, before dashing off again. It seems that this would be more of a battle of the mind instead of two dolts swinging sticks at each other, he thought.

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"You fool. For me to give the winnings to you would be stupid. Those winnings support me, my family, and the fighters. And no you cannot leave. Don't you understand why I brought you here? This is better then training. By watching how both the gargoyle and the Orc move you can guess how they were trained. Seeing as most masters use the same trainers most of there fighters move and think the same. You can forsee the attack before they even make it. You see the move the Orc made? It's a common, but affective more among Percivals fighters. The thing that will make this fight intresting is the gargoyles speed compared to the orcs size and power. The gargoyle can very well dodge most attacks but if the Orc is lucky enough to hit the garfoyle, the Orc wins." Cam says watching the fight with intrest and taking small notes.

Griffin sighed a little "fine I'll stay, but I need the money too. You make not money then you need, and I think my family will be more then happy if you give them some." He said while watching the fighters "none of this will help me, I'm a master with a bow and can shoot someone from 1,000 feet away."

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