by Joe Fowler
“Are you a spy? Remember, I am on your side. You are kind. I see that. Saul isn’t cruel like most but he isn’t like you. He is decent but not good.” Glass was being truthful. Her thoughts were of the same thing.
“I am not a spy. I thank you for your estimation of me though. It makes me feel better about myself.” Half-truths were almost as bad as the lies now. “Your judgement of Saul is spot on. I would like to consider him a friend. Emelia, Petra, Phoenix, Caleb, and Abel are much the same. Micah is the devious sort. That might be why he doesn’t trust me. Often the liars are the ones who don’t believe others.”
“Are we in danger?” She asked. The fear was eating her from the inside. Her mind was in turmoil.
“Yes. I wish I could tell you differently but I don’t want to lie to you.” I sighed and tried a sad smile for her. “You’ve done well. When this mess is over, I will make sure you are rewarded for your efforts.”
“I will be back if anything important happens.” Glass was growing determined. I saw enough in her to know she would stay true to me over Saul.
“Thank you, Glass. Be careful.”
She smiled and turned invisible. The door opened and shut.
Chapter 19
Emelia and I were announced. Micah greeted us with a tense smile. I looked to see all the other old ones present. Micah led us to join Saul, Flora, Jonas, and Abel.
“…he fell unconscious to the floor. I was stunned. He was dead on his feet even while he held Achilles up by the neck. I have to admit, I was impressed by more than his gifts. His determination was what won that fight.” Abel spoke reverently about my tenth and final fight.
“I heard it was Arria that made him able to find the strength within him. His love for her carried him through.” Emelia laughed lightly. “But that might be the romantic side some woman made up.”
Her comment drew some laughs.
There was tension but it wasn’t as bad as I expected. When I left them a few hours before, they were petrified. I wondered briefly if there was something new to know. I figured Saul would fill me in if there were new information.
“Either way, I would hate to face him.” Jonas shook his head. “Meeting him wasn’t what I expected. I tried not to like him, I really did. I even said a few things I didn’t mean when talking about him later. Titan is good though.”
“I felt the same way. I got to speak to him more than most. It was almost like talking to an old friend.” Emelia smiled. I knew how true her statement was.
“Why were you speaking with him?” Micah asked.
“It came up during a conversation that he was hoping to add the healing gift. One of my fighters has that for her gift. I took him to the training room so he could drink from her.” Emelia seemed to feel defensive.
“Why bother with that gift? What good would that be to him?” Micah persisted.
“His mind was unravelling until Ares healed him. Titan was hoping to do the same for others. What they are saying is truth, Micah. Titan is good. Everyone is afraid of him for the wrong reasons. Or maybe the right reasons. I don’t seem to know any more. He would only kill if it was warranted.” Saul sounded sure of his statement.
“So you’re saying he would kill the ones involved in the extra fights?” Emelia asked.
“If he thought it necessary, yes.” Saul concluded.
“Why are we still talking about him? If he hasn’t started killing everybody, maybe he won’t.” Flora was visibly tired of the subject of me. “I know we were describing the best fights we’ve seen lately but enough is enough.”
“At least you guys weren’t trembling in fear like most do when his name comes up.” I teased. I gave a meaningful look to Saul. “I couldn’t find out a damn thing.”
He nodded.
“It’s the same for the rest of us.” He gave a sideways glance at Micah. “We didn’t expect anything new.”
“No. It seems we are doomed. So be it. I won’t regret anything I’ve done.” Micah sounded upset.
“We aren’t dead yet.” Jonas mumbled.
“We might as well be.” Micah said a bit too loudly.
I noticed Chief’s smile. He seemed to be following our group’s discussion more than his own. They were between ten and fifteen feet away but I was sure he heard some even though we were keeping our voices down.
Well that confirmed some of what was happening. Now to figure out how to keep me and Sweetie from their path.
“Let’s get back to the fights. That was a better discussion. Our impending doom is oddly depressing.” Abel smirked.
“He’s right.” Jonas stated. Then he smiled. “I saw one not too long ago that was hilarious. Two fighters were incorporeal. Neither was brave enough to turn their gift off. They would throw punches and kicks but they didn’t actually land one of them for about five minutes. Everyone in the gallery was laughing.”
I had to admit, that would have been fun to watch.
Other stories were shared. I found myself more and more into the stories of the fights. It took some time for me to realize how much I was enjoying this. It was a group of friends having a good time talking about their mutual interest.
It was getting late when Saul saw me looking around. He could see I was preparing to leave. He pulled me to the side.
“Keep trying. We don’t expect to hear much but anything will help.” Saul gave me a sad look. “Be careful of Micah. He has been known to attack without provocation. I had stopped coming to his events but the need to be with others who’ve taken part in the extra fights won out. I don’t think it was worth it to come here. I won’t again. I made it clear to him that he will not be welcome in trying to join us when we leave here.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything about him since I am the new one to the group. I don’t like him and I’m glad to hear you say those things. I will be careful. Thank you for the warning.” I could tell that was all he wanted to say. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
He smiled and nodded.
I made my farewells for the night and headed back to my suite. Emelia left thirty minutes or so before I did.
I almost called Ghost. Then I almost called Arria. I thought of calling Blur. In the end, I went to bed without making any calls.
I called Emelia as I prepared to walk out the door.
“Hello?”
“I’m going to meet my newbie. You want to come?” I asked.
“Absolutely. I’ll meet you there.”
I walked the halls with my head down. I was wondering how this would end. Which side would I take? If an attack came, I would be fighting the good guys to defend the violators. If I stayed out of it, I would be allowing friends to die. I couldn’t see any good answers.
I was happy to see Emelia already seated. I smiled as I sat beside her. She returned the smile cheerfully.
“Almost fight time!” She continued her act.
“Yep. I’m ready for it tonight. It should help to ease the tension.” I responded in kind.
“I’ll be glad when we leave here. I don’t like Micah. He isn’t like the rest of us. He is just bad.” Sweetie always was fairly observant.
“I know. I feel the same. Saul already told me Micah won’t be joining us when we leave here.” I shared.
“When did he say that?”
“After you left last night. It was right before I left.”
Reptile walked in then. My newbie was sad to see in more ways than one. His gift was day walking. He hung his head as if he would have preferred to be completely dead. He followed Reptile to stand in front of me.
“This is Hector, your new fighter. He doesn’t speak English.”
I made my inspection anyway. I nodded to Reptile after my walk around.
“Take him to the donor room. Tell Jenna her new name is Amazon. Why she wanted that name I’ll never know. Thanks, Reptile.”
“Yes, Darius.” Reptile bowed respectfully and led Hector away.
“You treat your people well. I’ve seen
some old ones abuse their seconds for the fun of it.” Emelia noted.
“Everyone should be treated with respect. It doesn’t hurt me to act nicely and it makes for a better working environment.”
“I guess it does.” Emelia agreed.
We made the trip to the meeting hall without any more talking.
Most were showing their excitement. Micah was more enjoyable to be around. We were all ready for the fights to start. Personally, I was ready because it would mean an earlier departure. The others all loved the fights so much they could forget their worry over the attacks.
“Phoenix and I are much happier these days. With Darius around, we’ve been making a killing on the fights. He is really good at the betting.” Emelia was saying. All of the old ones were in one group. It was close to time to leave.
“I’ve started thinking of betting like he does myself. I’m getting tired of watching you guys have all the success.” Abel commented.
“You all know I could have a bad night, right? Don’t depend on me too much.” I reminded them.
“Darius explained his reasoning to me once. He told me what he watches for when the fighters enter the arena. I’ve been getting better on my own but I will still be betting as he does.” Emelia told them.
“Tell us, please. It always helps to have a strategy.” Saul seemed really interested. I decided to humor them and tell the same lie I told Emelia.
“I read their body language. The fighters know what their gifts are when they enter the ring. Non-fighting gifts or strength gifts will know they are likely to lose so their shoulders will slump or they will seem worried. Speed, illusions, and mind control are the most confident. The middle gifts like invisibility and mind reading show a more determined focus and wariness.” I stopped to smile at them. “It isn’t an exact science.”
“I’ve tried that approach before but was not successful. After watching you win so much, I am going to try again.” Jonas smiled as he spoke.
When it was time, Micah led us to the viewing room. All but Hector looked proud and ready as my fighters stood on display. I gave them a warm smile that didn’t go unnoticed by the other old ones.
We finished the viewing and headed for the crowded arena. I was constantly reminded of how well known vampires were among humans. These crowds ranged from one hundred to five hundred. Tonight looked to be around two hundred and fifty strong.
Phoenix and Emelia took their seats beside me as Micah gave the signal to begin.
“Welcome all! We have a great card in store for you tonight. Let’s have a round of applause for first timers Kelly and Harold.” The fighters entered and took their places. “You will now have five minutes to place your bets.
Kelly had fire and Harold had the electric shock gift. It was a mostly even match.
“She looks more confident. I like the way she is carrying herself.” Phoenix stated.
“Let’s bet on her then.” I suggested. I didn’t care. It was an even match.
We all placed our hundred thousand dollar bets. We then watched as Kelly lost her head to Harold.
“Damn.” Phoenix said, simply.
The next fight had a strength gift versus incorporeal. They looked to me instead of trying to make their own suggestion. I smiled. I placed the bet on the incorporeal fighter. He won.
Hector was announced next. He faced a mind reader. I knew it wouldn’t matter too much. By the way he acted earlier, he might not even put up a fight. I bet the million anyway to keep up my custom with my fighters. I could afford it now. Hector lost quickly. He didn’t fight back. The gallery booed loudly.
It hit me hard. Hector was the first of my fighters to lose. His death was my fault. I didn’t want to be there any longer. I was forcibly reminded of the cruelty I had become a part of during this charade.
I knew we were just getting started as far as the night was concerned. I kept up the act well enough but I hated every moment of it. I made sure to win the next few fights to keep the others happy.
“For our next fight, welcome second rounders Emily and Thomas. Let’s hear it for our fighters!” As they took their places, I saw that Thomas had mind control. “You will now have five minutes to place your bets.”
I knew Jet, Mist, and Amazon knew not to make eye contact until they knew their opponents gift. I wasn’t so sure Emily would. I grew tense. I made the million dollar bet and hoped for the best.
“It is time! Thomas, Emily, please stand and face your opponent…Let the game begin!” The announcer teleported.
I breathed a sigh of relief as Emily took control early with her illusion. Her opponent stumbled around blindly as Emily took shot after shot. Again, Emily drank before taking her opponent’s head. I still didn’t like that.
Amazon beat an invisible vampire. I was proud of her effort. She knew the irony of strength being a weak gift. She tried hard and was showing great skill.
Mist beat a mind reader. She was in trouble at first but came on strong once she began utilizing her gift better.
Jet won quickly and easily.
I was winning too much early on. I knew it. I made sure to lose at least half of the remaining fights after Jet.
Once the last fight was done, we headed for the meeting hall. Chief surprised me by heading straight for me. He had avoided me up until then. More than once I wondered if Feng told him anything about who I really was.
“You took my mind control fighter. I should be mad.” Chief told me with a smile.
“My second rounder has illusions. She is tough.” I said, amiably.
“I am still shocked one of your fighters lost, Darius. I was beginning to bet on your fighters even when they were fighting my own!” Petra laughed.
The others laughed.
“I wonder why some fighters don’t even try. Your newbie mostly let himself lose.” Jonas commented.
“He was depressed when he learned of his situation. When I met him before the fight, I could see this as a possibility.” I did see it but was hoping he would fight. I guessed he couldn’t deal with what I turned him into.
“You do the meet and greet?” Chief sounded surprised.
“Yes. Arria made a great impression on me when I was turned. I knew I would do this for my fighters as an old one. I am trying to keep as good a relationship with them as I can. They are basically a good group.” I stated proudly.
Chief grew quiet then. I saw Saul smile. Micah was showing disgust.
“Arria still does this from what I understand.” Emelia added.
“She always will. Whatever problems we have with the council, Arria is one of the better old ones. She always will be.” Petra declared.
“No one can argue that. I have always admired her standards. She helps those that deserve it and punishes the cruel ones as their crimes warrant.” Jonas surprised me. He clearly meant what he said.
“Darius can attest to that. His first three fighters were all turned illegally.” It took a moment for the group to calm down after Petra spoke. “Not by him of course. Some of Tristan’s employees made vampires on the side.”
“They were allowed to live?” Chief’s shock was both angry and stunned.
“They turned the humans out of love. From what I was told, one of the employees approached Titan and told him what they did. They asked for help to get their newbies into the gauntlet so they could earn their place. The employees knew they might die but came forward so their newbies wouldn’t have to live in fear. Titan told Arria and the council the details and asked for leniency. The council agreed. I hired the employees as well. I was told not to allow contact between them until the newbies won their freedom. I have thought to allow a brief visit but haven’t done it yet.” I felt good sharing this.
“I’ve tried to tell everyone who would listen that the council isn’t heartless. Most old ones are too busy serving their own needs to listen.” Saul said, sadly.
I saw Chief’s face. He was torn. He could see his mistake. I saw his resolve harden and knew o
ur conversation hadn’t moved him enough.
The rest of the night was mostly good natured fun. We made the call to Horace to be added to his card. All but Chief and Micah from this event would be going. When it was time, I headed to my suite to call Arria.
“Hello?” Arria’s voice made my heart hurt. I wanted to be there with her but knew this farce wasn’t over yet.
“I miss you.” I said, simply.
“This won’t last forever. How did the fights go? Any news?” She asked.
“Chief saw some of the goodness of our group but I saw him harden his heart. The attack will come eventually. Most everything went normally though.”
“Where are you guys headed next? We will be sending someone.”
“Horace. I’ve never heard of him but the others spoke highly in his favor.”
“He is alright. I always liked him. He is not one of the violators. He is a strictly by the book type.”
“Good. Micah had me worried. I kept expecting to be attacked by him. Saul even warned me about it.”
“He would know Saul wouldn’t put up with it. Don’t underestimate Saul. He is two thousand years old. He isn’t a danger to you but he commands respect from the other old ones.”
I wanted to ask and decided, why not.
“When the attack comes, which side will I take? I know this group is full of violators and the attackers are known good old ones. The old ones of this group aren’t bad. From what I’ve seen, their main crime is over enjoyment of the fights. Either way, good people will die.”
“I have to side with the good ones that will be attacking although technically, their crimes are worse than the ones involved in the extra fights. The main thing is for you to stay safe. This may sound cold but I wouldn’t care if they all killed each other as long as you survive.” Arria sounded cold but I was touched by her concern.
I wanted to laugh in desperation. Even if I do survive this, will the council succeed in their attempt to kill me? I had the two best equipped vampires trying to stop that from happening but it wasn’t a guarantee.
