Aclidia Enter the Arena Conclusion

Thankfully Pello's curse is lost the roar of the crowd as he loses his footing. Falling flat on his back the lizard Pello begins to panic, but it was either fall or injure his leg...which can be just as deadly in a fight to the death or dismemberment.

The maze is a winding, twisting, and turning thing, and heading towards the source of noise isn't always the best way to get to it. As a result, there's a considerable amount of time for the battle to proceed without any further interruptions, the clanging continuing, and more than a few shouts of pain sounding out when one of the gladiators scores a particularly nice hit. Eventually, one beast starts to sound out more than the other, and there's a heavy thud on the sand as someone falls. Again, Gaius stands up, but this time he extends his thumb downwards, signalling that the victor should put his weapon down. Now all is silent except for the ragged breaths of the beast who was nearly killed.

The lizard quickens his pace. He will die of old age by the time he reaches the others at this pace. Pello is almost certain he has come to this interection more than once. He is tempted, oh so tempted, to just climb up the walls and traverse down the tops of them but that would be cheating, and not in a good way. Plus he is reasonably sure that someone would shoot him with an arrow if he tried.

Instead the beast continues down the maze eventually slowing his run to a steady walk. There is no reason to tire himself. He will meet up with his enemy eventually...who ever that is. Occasionally his tail bumps up against the wood as he rounds the corner. He mutters to himself something about blasted beasts and their tight spaces.

The noise Pello makes as he bumps into walls provides a handy little homing beacon for the other beast to track him. Of course, the maze makes this hard, but at the very least he knows which direction to turn in to avoid letting Pello sneak up on him. Now that the fight is in its final stages, the crowd is growing restless, many of them exchanging small wagers on who finds the other first. Finally, the slow walking and the tail bumps allow the last beast to come across the lizard in a long corridor, and with a war cry shouted out in a strange tongue, the Haradic ex-lord charges with his trident, the middle prong bent somewhat, but still sharp enough to go straight through flesh. The distance between the pair of them closes rapidly. Ever closer the ex-lord approaches from behind!

Thank all that is holy for people to announce their position with war cries, thinks Pello as he turns to take a swing at the charging rat. He makes an eep sound when he realizes his blade doesn't have the reach to over come the trident before it impales im in his belly. Instead, almost as reflex the big reptile holds up his foot claw, catching the weapon on the bent prong, between the other two deadly prongs. He is pushed backwards, his other foot claw kicking up sand as Pello is pushed by the oncoming warrior.

The rat snarls as Pello's claws clang against the trident, and he starts to push back, palm on the base so he has leverage and the pole doesn't slip through his paws. He presses back against the lizard. Certainly he's not as strong, but he's got better footing, both footpaws digging into the sand as he shoves forwards, trying to upset Pello's posture and put him on his back. Strangely, the crowd doesn't seem as divided on this battle as the one before. Pello receives most of the crowd's encouragement, and the Haradic ex-lord is steadily booed by the crowd. Clearly his position is not a popular one. The rat decides on a new tactic, twisting his trident to the side and trying to use the weapon as a fulcrum to try and sprain Pello's footclaws.

"Son of a-" Thankfully Pello's curse is lost the roar of the crowd as he loses his footing. Falling flat on his back the lizard Pello begins to panic, but it was either fall or hear the injure his leg...which can be just as deadly in a fight to the death or dismemberment. Hating to use the same move twice he lashes out with his tail towards the rats legs as he strugles to roll over onto his knees, and also kicking with his free leg at the shaft of the trident. Say what you will about monitor lizards...they may be big and brutish but when their backs are too the wall they fight for their life just as savagely as any other beast.

Seeing that his opponent is on his back, the ex-lord presses his attack, stepping forwards and trying to loom over the lizard. The swipe with the tail doesn't catch him off-guard, and in fact it's merely leapt over. The only thing that keeps him from standing on Pello and thrusting down into his flesh is the kick to the shaft of the trident, which knocks the thrust off course and causes the prongs to plant into the sand up to the base. The rat tries to pull the prongs free of the sand, but he loses valuable time in the process. Though the rest of the crowd may be cheering for Pello's effective parry, Gaius and his guards seem content to simply watch, staring down at the show with a look that's more thoughtful than excited.

The lizard decides that he has had enough 'flair' tonight to last for a life time. There is very little a healer can actually do for a beast if they have two metalic spikes jammed into their midriff. Clutching the blade in both hands he slashes downward with as he gets back to his feet, then quickly upward again. The blade is fluid, Pello must admit. It's obviously a blade made for a non gladiator, made to inflict pain and carnage. Glatiators, honorable ones at least, prefure smooth, sharp and deadly blades. It's quicker to put a beast out of their misery. Pello can only imagine what it would be like to have his scales caught by the equivilent of a saw...then again, he can only imagine what it would be like to be impaled so in the end, he guesses he is over thinking the matter.

Though flair tends to drive the crowds wild and ensure the biggest bonuses and most lucrative sponsorships, there's something to be said for a well-executed manuever. To say the blade isn't meant for a gladiator is an understatement. To be more accurate, it's a weapon made for an executioner, made for gruesomeness and pain and meant for someone who feels no need to apologize for the bloodshed he causes. The downward slash is avoided only in the nick of time, and only by letting go of his trident. The second slash, however, hits its mark, cutting the rat straight down his chest and flooring him, though he's still alive, breathing shallowly. The wound is nasty looking, but certainly survivable with some stitching, particularly since the serrated edges didn't do their work, only the sharp edge. For the third time, Gaius stands, and he holds his paw out once more. His thumb extends, and points upwards, a kill order. But instead of simply letting the order stand on his own, Gaius speaks, "Slowly now. I want him executed." Ah, now it makes sense why there should be an assassin and a Haradic lord in the games. Gaius appears to be using these gladiator tournaments as a means of executing enemies without formally having to do so.

The lizard stands in shock, not at the order to put down another beast, /that/ comes with the territory. But to execute a beast like that...Pello is not known for his thinking ability...at least by other beasts. He does however have enough smarts to know that dissobaying the guy in the fancy hat could be a career ending move...and potentially a life ending move. But this...its dishonorable! A defeated warrior deserves a quick end. The lizard thinks on this for a long moment, looking down on the rat. Oles is in the stands chewing on someone eleses hat in anticipation. One wrong move and the big fat fool will get them both killed.

Already the arena hands are starting to take down the partitions of Gaius' maze, moving them off to the side so that the final blow can be seen better. Gaius himself has yet to sit down, though he has dropped his paw... straight onto the hilt of his sword. It's the posture of somebeast who's clearly saying that if the job isn't done soon, he'll simply leap down and do the job himself. Twice, if needs be. Gaius cocks his head towards the lizard, giving one last silent order to execute the Haradic lord as he was told to. Dishonorable? Perhaps, depending on the point of view of the beast giving the orders, and Gaius doesn't give a second thought about the supposed dishonor.

The monitor lizard rubs at his snout. There is one way around this issue. He will regret it in the morning but, its something that will give the audiance their share of blood and keep the lizard alive. The lizard bends down close to the rat as he finishes him off with the blade, whispering to him, "Please forgive me rat...you fought bravily, and honorably..." Now comes the icky part, Pello is a large carniverous lizard, the rat is made out of meat...Oles might forgive him for breaking his diet if this ends up saving their lives...

Well... this certainly is unexpected, but at the very least the death is appropriately disgraceful and violent enough to satisfy Gaius. The imperator sits down and watches the ex-lord being dispatched, one paw on his chin as he waits for the show to be over. The crowd gasps and cheers as the rat is executed, egging the monitor on. When it's all over, the crowd starts to file out of the arena, and the attendants continue to wheel the partitions away and clear out the carcasses, which will most likely be disposed of in some manner of dump or another. Gaius remains for a bit longer, waiting til the rest of the citizens have left.

The pole cat is there at the gates to the pit of the arena. He had almost forgot to do his part and announce how Gaius had sponsored them before the crowd began to file out. He wasn't expecting the monitor to devour an opponent either. "So...does this mean you still want to grab a bite to eat after the game?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. The monitor lizard sticks out his tongue, making a sickened face while clutching at his stomach, "For all that is holy do not start...not unless you want to see me lose my dinner..." Pello is dismayed there is no water handy, "Ugh...then again I still might...for some noble, that rat had one horrible after taste." It's Oles's turn to feel queezy, "I'll make sure to schedule fights with gladiators that meet your pallet then..."

Now that the show is over and the citizens have all filed out, the same fox guard that Gaius sent to speak with Oles before slinks off again towards the manager, almost silent despite his armor, his muzzle wrapped in the same purple cloth as the rest of his clothes, making it a bit more of a challenge to see him as anything other than a mouthpiece and loyal sword to his imperator. "The Triumphant Imperator Gaius of House Concallesco sends his compliments to you for your victory, and would like to give them to you personally in the private box. If you would follow me, I shall escort you two."

The two beasts exchange quick and worried glances. Either the imperator is going to actually congragulate them...or have them horribly punished for not horribly punishing the rat like he wanted...its not something easily refused either...

The polecat and lizard follow obediently. Both look nervous for many reasons. Even the monitor is rubbing his tail with his claws as he walks. It's still sore where he hit the stoat. Part of the problem is also meeting the Imperator while dressed like a costumed savage. "Ok, now remember your accent." Pelos says while he walks, "Really? Is that...is that a good idea?" Pello whimpers. He is also worried about meeting a beast who basically had his enemies executed in the arena. Oles waves off the lizards concerns, "Pffft, please, nobles love the tribal scary lizard accent. Just remember, be on your best behavior or he will probably have us both killed..." Yes...very reassuring.

The guard doesn't get a response, and so he also doesn't move, instead standing perfectly still as he waits for the monitor and the polecat to give him an answer. When it still isn't forthcoming, he speaks up to remind them that some beast is waiting on them to start moving. "If you'd follow me?"

Oles, prepared as he ever will be claps his paws together. "Right. Sorry to keep your master waiting. Please, lead on." The pole cat turns abruptly and slaps the lizards claws, making him stop rubbing his tail, "And remember, big scary lizard!" Pello sighs, rubbing his claws now, "I would like to show you a big scary lizard someday you little rat..." he mumbles under his breath.

Rather than taking the less obvious and sneaky path through the underground portion of the arena, he leads Oles and Pello through the stands where they can be seen easily. The walk is taken in silence, but thankfully it's not a very long one, and when they reach Gaius' box, he stands, giving a slight incline of his head in greeting. /Very/ slight. "Gentlemen, you have my congratulations for a very well-fought match. I hope that my gift was appreciated?"

Oles for once is honest in showing honor to an important figure. Taking a very deep bow the fat polecat exclaims, "A marvalous gift if there ever was one oh sir. We were sure for victory the moment my warrior laid his claws on it." He shoots the lizard a glance, "Isn't that right Razorclaw?" The monitor lizard, who had been standing there awkwardly trying to decide how best to address one of gaius standing jumps to attention, "Oh yez, it vaz mozt appreciated...Razerclaw kill many enemiez wid it." Ah yes, the big scary lizard voice. In the dark, under the right conditions Pello has made more than one beast flee in terror. He doubts this beast though will have suffer such a scare. Honestly Gaius terrifies him a little.

Pello begins to reply when the pole cat leaps before him and replies, "Razorclaw here is a hardened warrior. He comes from the south, from a large tribe of warrior monitors lizards that hunt and feast upon beasts like you or I...well, obviously not you because well, you get the idea. But it took ten! No! Twenty legionaries to capture him and bring him into civilization for your fighting pleasure! He-" Pello plants a claw over the polecat's head, moving him to the side, "Thiz iz Razerclawz firzt match. But iz trained fighter." Pello hates that story.

A sigh from Gaius, not a terribly good sign for someone looking to get in good with one of the nobles of Aclidia. Of course the manager would exaggerate, and he gave up the game the second he changed the number of legionnaires required to take the monitor captive. Not to mention it's a rather confusing story, as Pello doesn't appear to be a slave. Ignoring Oles for a moment, Gaius gestures towards Pello, "Why don't you tell the story of where you came from? The truth, if you don't mind."

The monitor lizard peers down at the ferret, tilting his head to the side he smiles broadly, letting Oles go. "Please forgive my friend. He only wishes the best for me." He also lets the accent go. "And for his pocket book." The pole cat says scornfully. Pello just chuckles and continues, "I assure you that the truth is often much more boring than any story Oles can make up. I am just a simple monitor lizard from a simple fishing village to the south." Giving the ferret a wide shrug the monitor replies again, placing his claws on his hips. "I needed work, and I was good at fighting. So here I am." He lets the sentence linger for a moment until it becomes clear that he isn't going to continue, at least not yet.

So the accent was an act as well? Gaius lets out a brief chortle of a laugh at this little disguise, shaking his head with a genuine smirk. "Well, at least the truth does not sound quite so ridiculous. With the story that your manager concocted, I was about to ask why you weren't in manacles and being led around as a slave should be. Still, you appear a competant enough fighter." Gaius turns his attention back to Oles. "Then you must simply have discovered this monitor once he appeared in Aclidia then. I was about to ask how you learnt that story about the legionnaires when you certainly don't look like a legionnaire." A bit of a cruel smirk. Gaius is poking fun at Oles now, seemingly for lying to him and trying to take him in with such a silly story in the first place.

The fat bellied pole cat holds up his arms, "Ok you caught me, it's mostly a fluff story to make him look nastier and scarier than he really is. But to be fair, you would be surprised at what beasts believe these days." Crossing his arms and leaning to the side he continues, "I found him in a village south of here. The previous beast I had been training got himself gutted in a petty scuffle in a tavern. Idiot fox never did learn to block well. And I was a bit desperate for cash. I found Pello in his home village of monitor lizards." Pello raises a claw, "Very desperate I might add...I think my family was planning to eat him if he couldn't pay for the bill to his inn."

"Right...so anyway long boring story short I found him in some backwater village fighting match and decided to take him under my wing, so to speak."

final pose coming soon...ish