by Joe Fowler
During this pause, I saw Saul and Phoenix smiling. They were only happy to hear of my goodness.
Petra looked to be in serious thought. Maybe she was reconsidering her opinion of me. I could hope, anyway.
Flora was still a non-believer. Even with all the evidence in front of her, she refused to truly believe I was good.
Emelia had a sweet smile on her face.
Jonas, Caleb, and Abel were enjoying the telling. Horace just stood there blankly.
“Did you tell Arria? What was her reaction?” Phoenix asked.
“We didn’t tell her at first. She can sometimes act before she thinks things through. That was at the event where the girl cheated in her fight with Titan. I received a call the day after the fight from Arria. She explained how the girl cheated. Titan told her about the signal the announcer gave. Anyway, as Arria was telling me that, she figured it out. You see, the girl that cheated had the same emotional control gift as Arria. Remember, at that time we all still thought Arria had killed Ares. She hung up on me. I had visions of her ripping Titan’s head off. I called her back hoping to stop her. Luckily she listened.” Lorac finished his story with a sly smile at me. I knew the others wouldn’t understand it.
“There is no place for cheating in the arena!” Abel’s outrage was still there even though that fight was months ago.
“I can’t believe anyone would stoop to that. Did you ever figure out who was behind it?” Petra asked.
“It was either Cadoc, Lajos, or Cheng. We doubted it was Cheng since most of his associates wanted to use Titan against the council.” Lorac was showing his distaste for those three. It was evident in his tone.
“Council members! That makes it even worse.” Saul stated.
“That was just one more reason we were happy to set up Cheng the way we did. All that happened at Tristan’s event was so we could catch Cheng in the act.” Lorac informed them.
“Did the cheating have something to do with Cadoc and Lajos’s death?” Petra asked.
“Sort of. We held a council meeting to decide what to do about Titan. It was shown that Lajos hired assassins to kill Titan. That was the reason for his death. Cadoc was even more of a fool. He tried to attack Titan right there in the council chamber. He never made it. Arria killed him before he could get to Titan.” Lorac was smiling at the memory. I knew the real reason behind the humor he felt.
The others didn’t speak. They were too busy envisioning what Lorac told them.
“I still laugh when I think about that illusion. I have to admit, I’ve used your idea to get information since then. One of my employees has the gift of illusion. His isn’t as entertaining though.” Lorac thought to me.
“I’m still surprised I could think well enough to pull it off. I was as nervous as you could be when I walked into that room.”
“I can imagine.”
I bowed out of the conversation a little after that. I didn’t need to hear about my past anymore. Emelia’s inquest spurred more and more talk about me.
I made it to my room and dropped into my chair.
“I was wondering when you would get around to this.” Ghost answered.
“I knew I needed to call. I am so tired of all this. I am starting to look forward to the attack.” I exaggerated but it was looking more appealing to me.
“It will be over in a few days. I’ve got news. Try this one on. The museum is open. The guide is waiting to give the tour.”
It took me a few seconds longer than it would have Ghost.
“Good. If he keeps saving my life, maybe I will live long enough not to need him so much.” I hoped.
Ghost laughed lightly.
“I’d say it will only be two or three more days, tops.”
“Yep. I’ve been thinking the same thing. Did you talk to Lorac?”
“Yes. He was pissed I didn’t tell him Ares was involved. He isn’t pressing as hard now though. At least one good thing came from it.”
“I’ll call if I need to. Everything is winding down now. I might not speak to you again until Feng’s.”
“Yep. This is going to be fun. If you can, try and make sure I am there.”
“You may need Lorac for that.”
“I’ll try. See you then.”
Ghost disconnected.
“Hello?”
“Just two or three more days.”
“You sound ready for it to be over.” Arria noticed.
“I am. I’m so tired of thinking this hard all the time. I want a nice long vacation. Actually, if you would set up an event at home for next week, that would be perfect. We could have a few days of peace and your fighters wouldn’t have to keep sitting idle.”
“That can be arranged. I am going to wait until I know you will be safe though.”
“I received word that things are looking up on that front. It is only one side of the coin though. I will still need to make sure Sweetie and I survive the attack.”
“How is she holding up? She wasn’t the type for something like this.” Arria was right on the money with that statement.
“Better than expected, though she is a nervous wreck right now. She knows the attack is coming. Ares did well in telling her to stick close to Darius. It keeps me from having to convince her of the same thing.”
“Well, do your best to keep her safe. I’m more concerned with you. Don’t get careless or overplay your hand. Coming home to me is the most important thing.”
“I will agree to an extent. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to her. Ares might not let me live with myself either.” I tried to laugh.
“That’s not funny.”
“I know. Try not to worry, Arria. This will be over soon.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
Chapter 22
Emelia was sitting in the lobby room when I entered. She greeted me with a bright smile. It made me smile in return. I could see she was better today than yesterday.
“You look cheerful.” I said, as I took my seat.
“I am. It’s fight night!” She continued her act.
At least she was happier.
“Yep, hopefully this newbie will put up a fight. That was sad. I wasn’t expecting it to affect me that much to have a fighter lose. It was hard to get over.” I admitted.
“It doesn’t get any easier.” This was more Sweetie than Emelia.
“Well, we can hope for the best anyway.”
Reptile walked in with my newbie then. I wanted to laugh. His gift was emotional control. It was rare but very effective.
“This is Sean, your new fighter.” Reptile told me.
I stood and made my walk around. Sean was short and stout. His mind was racing but he seemed to be on top of his fear. I hoped the girls would train him well.
“Welcome to the team, Sean. I hope you survive.” Then to reptile. “Take him to the donor room. Emily’s new name is Mace. Thanks, Reptile.”
I waited until they were gone before I turned back to Emelia.
“I keep putting off having my fighters do this. I like to have them keep training and let Reptile bring the newbie.”
“I had wondered.” Emelia said.
I wanted to laugh. This might have been the first actual mistake Sweetie had made so far. She wasn’t supposed to have been brought for a meet and greet with her old one. Of course, I knew she was one of Arria’s.
We headed for the meeting hall.
Emelia and I ended up talking to Caleb and Abel. I was thankful. These two would concentrate on the fights. There wouldn’t be discussions on the attacks or Titan.
“…illusions. How can you say mind reading is better?” Caleb was asking.
“A mind reader will know the illusions aren’t real. We can see through the opponent’s eyes to know where they are and what they’re planning.” Abel replied.
“Only if the one with illusions doesn’t know how to put up walls. A strength gift can beat a mind reader if he has good enough wall
s around his mind.” Caleb retorted.
“How often does that happen in the arena though? Most of the ones that win their freedom still don’t know how to use the walls.” Abel was persistent.
Emelia and I were laughing. We were enjoying these two old friends arguing. It helped me relax and I could see the same with her.
Horace cut our discussion short when he announced it was time to go to the viewing room. We filed out and followed his peach colored corridors.
I smiled at my fighters as was my custom. Lorac looked to me when my fighters were on the platform.
“You’ve taught them to block mind readers. Well done. I don’t want to do that since it would limit my access to them. It is a good idea though.”
“Amazon only has the strength gift but she beat a mind reader in her second fight. I was very glad I did this for them.”
“Terrible name.”
“She picked it. I’m allowing them to have a say in what their names will be.”
“You are going against all kinds of customs. I have to say I agree with them. Most old ones wouldn’t. I got a kick out of that business with your first fighter. No one ever asked to have them train with another team!”
“It made sense. I think it helped her. Of course, she is the one who has speed so she would have been fine anyway.”
“True.”
I liked having Lorac around. I was doubting him before, still was to a degree, but I liked him from the day I let him know my secret.
I watched as Lorac continued to study the fighters on the platform. He gathered his information for betting that way. He usually won more than most. Those with the gift identifying ability, like me, would always have the advantage though.
We went to the arena to find an unusually quiet crowd. There wasn’t the usual excitement in the air. It was more of a nervous energy.
I looked to Lorac.
“I guess word is spreading. The free vampires must have told some of the humans. They look worried.” I said.
“That would be my guess. It will remain like this until all of this mess is cleared up. Most of the council wants to be more proactive. At least that is what they are saying. I get the feeling they are in favor of the attacks. I am still worried over why they wanted to have one of us present at your events. It counters what they seem to really want.”
“Information would be my guess.”
“You might be right.” Lorac replied as we took our seats.
Phoenix and Emelia took their places beside me. Their excitement was evident. I wondered if I should go all out and win all the bets. Some might lose even if they held the advantage gift-wise. I wondered briefly if I could do it. This might be my last chance to try.
Horace gave the signal.
“Welcome! We have a fantastic card in store for you tonight! For our first fight, welcome first timers Sean and Lorna!” I watched as the fighters took their places on the X marks. “You will have five minutes to place your bets!”
Lorna had invisibility. I mentally shrugged. This fight would depend on how well Sean used his gift. I bet the million on him.
“Seriously? One million?” Lorac was shocked.
“I always bet one million on my fighters, even when I know they will lose. It is the main reason I’ve won so much.”
“How much have you won?”
“A little over twenty million.”
“Well, you’ll never be broke again.”
“It is time! Lorna, Sean, please stand and face your opponent…Let the game begin!” The announcer teleported out of the arena.
Lorna disappeared instantly. I saw Sean concentrate. Everyone waited in anticipation but nothing happened. Sean started walking around the arena looking warily around himself. The crowd was at a cross between laughing and booing. Then Sean stumbled. He felt his way back to Lorna and hit her twice. She became visible then. He took her head.
“What the hell was that?” Lorac asked.
“He has emotional control, like Arria. He must have made her relax. Arria did that to me once and I almost slipped out of the chair I was sitting in. You lose muscle control.”
I heard Lorac’s mental laughter. He was smiling on the outside.
“One thing is for sure, you should always bet on Darius! His fighters always win!” Petra exclaimed. There were several nods of agreement.
“That’s the way I like it!” I said.
The next several fights all went as expected. Phoenix and Emelia were happily winning each fight. I was perfect so far. No losses.
“Weren’t you supposed to lose some to allay suspicion?”
“We will be attacked in a couple of days and this charade will be over. No one will care. I’m going to try and win them all.”
“Not possible! Even for somebody with your gifts.” Lorac was laughing.
It took some time to get to the third level fighters. Mace would be my next one up since Hector lost. I was still perfect on my betting when she was called.
“For our next fight, welcome Turnip and Mace!” The announcer waited for them to take their places. “You will have five minutes to place your bets!”
Turnip? Really? I remembered I was facing Horace for this fight. He named a fighter Turnip? What the hell? His gift was flying. That didn’t explain anything.
I made my million dollar bet.
“Turnip, Mace, please stand and face your opponent…Let the game begin!”
Turnip almost instantly grabbed his ears. Mace was changing her tactics to audible illusions. She hit him repeatedly. It took several shots to make him fall. She was beating a helpless opponent brutally. She took her time hurting him. Then she drank from him before taking his head.
I shut my eyes. Mace was a cruel one. I couldn’t do anything about it. I knew it was common among vampires but I hated to see it. Especially from my own. I cared for them like they were my children in a way.
I tried to push her from my mind as the next fights took place. I kept my winning streak going but my enjoyment was no longer there.
I didn’t perk up until the fourth round when Amazon was called. Strength against strength. Though I knew she might lose, I placed my million dollar bet on her to win.
Amazon had a tough fight. It was a knockdown drag out that brought the crowd to its feet. They went back and forth for some time. It broke my heart when Amazon lost her head. I was touched when her opponent gave her a sincere salute before he returned to his holding area.
“Sorry, Darius.” Emelia said.
“She fought well.” Phoenix added.
“She did fight well. I know it is hard for you still. In a way, it never gets easier.”
“She had a lot of heart. I liked her. It is part of this though. I understand it. I don’t like it but I understand.”
There went my perfect betting night. I didn’t care about that though. Amazon was sweet, strong minded, but sweet. I hated it for Donk.
The next fights came and went. I won them. Phoenix was jumping for joy. Emelia was happy enough. I could see her fear creeping back though. I came into these fights hoping it would serve as a distraction for Sweetie. I could see she was still worried.
“For our next fight, please welcome Mist and Viper!” I watched them take their places. He was poisonous, the injector located in his index fingers. “You will have five minutes to place your bets!”
I bet the million.
Mist used her gift well. She won easily.
I lost two fights before Jet was called. A mind reader beat someone with speed. Everyone was shocked by that. In the other loss, a daywalker beat a vampire gifted with invisibility.
Jet won quickly and easily. Petra gave me another mean look that drew laughter from our group. I was smiling. Jet was my first. She was awesome.
I only lost two other fights. Both were of evenly gifted fighters. In all, I won just shy of nine million dollars.
Once the last fighter won his freedom and was congratulated, we headed for the meeting hall. The group was
trying too hard to be cheerful. We all knew it might be the last event we lived to see. Lorac read what was happening and was sympathetic to our plight. He did his best to alleviate our worries.
Petra made the call to Gregor. He was hosting the next event. From what I heard, he was a middle of the road sort. Neither bad nor good. All but Lorac and Horace from this crowd were added to the card.
I stayed silent through most of it. I would always prefer to watch others instead of joining in the conversations. I was about to take my leave when Saul took me to the side.
“If you hear something, let us know. I know enough to expect the attack over the next few days. It would help if we could narrow down when and where.” Saul sounded sad.
“I will make a few calls but the group that’s doing this is covering their tracks well.”
“I know. It doesn’t hurt to try though.” Saul looked back at our friends and shook his head sadly. “We have to try.”
“I will, Saul.”
I followed protocols and thanked Horace for having me at his event. He seemed genuine in saying he hoped to see me again.
“Good luck, Titan.”
“Thank you, Lorac.” I replied as I made my way out of the meeting hall.
I called and made the arrangements with my pilots and the human contacts. I called Reptile and told him the plans for the next event.
I sat in my chair with my phone still in my hand. I wanted to hear her voice but I knew it would do more harm than good. Still, I almost called.
I knew what I needed to do. It wasn’t going to be among my favorite things. I needed to plan out how I was going to fight.
I went over the list of the main gifts that would come in handy. The multiplying myself might be my best weapon in a fight like I was expecting. I was stronger and faster than most all of the old ones unless they had one older than Gronk. The mind control could be useful. The invisibility, incorporeal, and teleportation would be spotty for this kind of fight.
I saw the problems with each attack but I also found ways I hadn’t thought of before. I began to wonder if I could combine gifts. I knew I could use several separate gifts at the same time but I wondered if I could use them mixed.