Chapter 22: When In Rome

[Calithin Crest]

I eye all of the weapons for what seems to be a very long time then look up at the Priest once I've chosen the one I will use. I am both impressed with his collection and also very grateful to this person for being so helpful.

"I'll take the saber. I cannot be responsible for fancy magic blue super swords. I really can't even handle that."

I feel like no one really thinks I can fight... And in fact I absolutely in no way look like I can fight, nor do I look particularly destructive either. However, the truth is that while I absolutely abhor fighting and find it the greatest of inconveniences-- I have been in fights before and can hold my own.

"I need to stop gambling, is what needs to happen."

I am a little upset with myself. This isn't the first time ridiculous situations have risen out of my bets.

[Archer Aylmer]

I wait for a long time by Freida's door, but when she doesn't answer it I assume she's still asleep. Since I really need to get this done I decide to just run a risk and spray her with the antidote while she sleeps.

I set the tray of food down next to the door and as quietly as possible turn the door knob and step inside her room cautiously. I notice her sleeping figure across the way and walk over very slowly until I'm standing close enough to administer the medicine.

Quickly, I take the spray out, spritz the appropriate amount on her face and then high tail it out of the room as fast as possible. I hear some stirring inside so I close the door again, trying to make the least noises possible, then pick up my tray of food and go downstairs to the living room.

Since I seem to be the only one awake I sit quietly eating the breakfast I prepared and feel pretty content. Tired, and still a little anxious from my mission upstairs, but nonetheless content.

[††Venice "Cephrien" Ashgrove††]

On his way to the Colloseum, Cephrien had stopped by a local store to create his temporary disguise. It didn't take very long. Infact, he was able to sneak in, take clothing and change without even being detected. As he left the store, he left his leather clothing in a dark alleyway where no one would find them. He kept his sword stored away in a dumpster. He would be able to call it up with a portal if he needed it. For now, he kept his guns tucked away into the fur collared jacket he had stolen. When he had finished his diguise, he continued to the colloseum.. At that point, he had noticed Asphodel following him and she had landed on his shoulder when he stopped sprinting and slowed down to a walk. They were in a heavily public area, so he couldn't draw attention to himself.

"For now, I'll just have to put myself into the arena and cause a ruckus. I also have the power to transport others with a portal.. So that will be helpful."

He doesn't try to look at the fairy as he walks through the colloseum and begins to look for a seat. "If things get dangerous. You should fly away."

[Peter "Levitas" Barak]

"There you are." Peter stepped down the last step into the lobby and caught sight of Bambi, apparently just lounging around. "You know you can be tricky to find. I figured you'd be somewhere causing trouble. Good to know your changing your ways."

He had replaced his shirt since yesterday with one he'd bought during the street fair. It was a black t-shirt with a stylized picture of a single Red Leaf leaf on the chest.

[Lehti Itajumala]

"Most definitely, Mr. Dollar. My apologies. But the Book of Manala does say one should be absolutely single minded. However, I do think there's something that could be rather useful to you." Lehti spoke with a shallow light in his voice, enjoying this moment. He spoke into the guard's ear, and a diabolical smile slipped across the normally stoic guard's face. He hustled off with the unchosen swords and returned quickly with two pairs of handguns in his hands. He placed the guns in typical patterns, grip against barrel to for rectangles of each pair, then handed a small bundle of black cloth before hurrying to clear away. Lehti, smiling broadly, turned to Dinari. "I'm rather proud of these." He separated the cloth to reveal to steel clad gloves. "You see, these were made before the beginning of the M calender, so they are in fact contemporary, but they are made of space-age polymers. The steel on these gloves is actually what was a revolutionary discover in those days. You see, it is a special metal that spreads or contracts to amazing lengths at pressures that humans can easily manage without thinning or weakening, but when compressed, as in a punch, it hardens on impact. The gloves can expand up to twelve feet across, so it should keep up with your...interesting ability." He said 'interesting ability' the way someone would say 'that delicious bit of fudge', as if it were something he was looking forward to consuming. "And, if you'll look at their manufacturing stamp, I think you'll be pleased." Lehti turned the right glove so that the stamp on the palm was visible. It read 'Made in USA'. "I have little purpose for them, and I hate to watch a good weapon go unused. Why don't you consider them a gift?"

"Just to be safe, I have two sets of handguns that should be rather easy to wield." He picked up the two smaller, jet black guns, ejecting the clips. "These are the final makes of the Barretta Corporation. They fire nine millimeter rounds which I've customized with hollow-point tips. They're rather versatile handguns, light enough to run with while firing, small enough to make an enemy not notice before you kill them. It packs enough of a punch to do major damage, and it has little to no recoil." He spun the guns on his fingers, demonstrating firing in hundreds of different patterns and directions before, in one fluid motion, snapping the clips back in and settling the weapons back on the table in their rectangle pattern. "Unfortunately, they are designed to be light weapons, so while you improve your speed, it doesn't have the muscle to take out one of genetech's monsters without a bit of 'dodge and fire' drawn out combat." He picked up the larger, gunmetal grey guns, again ejecting the clips. "This is the 42 millimeter R.S. Hectare. As you can see it is a significantly heavier weapon than the Barretta. The Hectare has immense power for a handgun, enough to blow holes in two foot concrete, or in a giant bug. It is, however, as I said, heavier. It is nearly impossible to fire on the run, so you'd better hope you are a good shot. The plus side is that they'll take down pretty much anything you come up against. The minus is they may break your arm in the process." He jerked the gun back as he pulled the trigger, mimicking the recoil. He slid the clips back into place before softly placing the weapons back into their rectangle pattern.

"So, Mr. Dollar. Are you a speed man, or a strongarm?" Lehti was honestly interested. Information about allies was often more important than the same about enemies. Would he be able to trust the man in combat? Was this man the spoiled child many thought he was? Unfortunately, this particular test would be without his supervision. His earpiece beeped, and his hand flew to his ear. Exasperation slipped across his face, disappearing as fast as it came. "My apologies. It seems that no one needs the Chief of Security until there's something interesting for them to rip me away from. If you'll excuse me, the guard will take away anything you don't want. Good evening gentlemen, Ms. Rosenthal." He made a slight bow, as if to equals, then turned and left their company.

When he was out of hearing range, he tapped his earpiece. "I want marksmen with Manala rifle one meter apart over the entirety of the wall. Move spectators if necessary. Draw sabermen from my reserve squad to cover the marksmen against attacks. Oh, and acolyte? When the rebel is taken, I want him marched off in chains between two guardsmen. We'll show the world that Manala is unstoppable and impregnable. Understood? Good." He tapped the earpiece again, turning off the com link. Then he started chuckling. A feather in his cap? No, they'd have to pick a peacock for this one!

[Dinari Dollar]

Dinari puts on the special gloves, but is not sure about the gun. Would that be cheating today? Well, he has nothing against cheating, but, he might have to fight Calithin and wouldn't want to seriously hurt him. They will need a plan about that. The gloves fit like...a glove. As for if he is a strong man or a fast one, Dinari doesn't know, since he really never fights. He was taught some Manala energy techniques because of his privileged status in society, but he has never had to use them. He isn't even sure if he will remember how they work. As he recalls, it takes a lot of time and concentration for him. Well, the Manalists wouldn't let him die. This is all for show anyway.

He leaves the guns with some misgivings, but wouldn't want to have to use them against Calithin. Then, he runs up to his capitalist companion. The Manalist guards take Lucio away, but he will have to fight again later.

"I guess we are up. Maybe we should have a plan. What if we...sort of fake fought each other...like in professional wrestling. Since I...don't really fight...at all." Dinari admits to Calithin as they near the arena together.

"I was offered a gun. Do you think I should have taken it? I took these cool gloves instead. They look so awesome!" He says as he opens and closes his hands.

[Charon Dejardins/Asphodel]

"That sounds like a very good plan. Hopefully no one sees you make a portal. Do you think you can fight the creatures and fighters in the arena?" Asphodel asks Cephrien. She decides to hide in his shirt/jacket pocket so that she isn't seen. She isn't afraid in the least. In fact, she is excited. Cephrien is so brave! She peeks her head out of his pocket to continue the conversation.

"I like your new disguise Cephrien. You look so handsome!" Asphodel chirps. She even blushes, but because she is a pink fairy, it is hardly noticeable. After saying this, she dips his head into the pocket. It is nice and warm there. She can even hear his heart beat. It is comforting to her. She enjoys spending time with people, but she wonders if Charon misses her. She should return to him soon, although, she is having so much fun exploring and meeting new people.
"If there is anything I can do to help you, just let me know!" She says. Her voice is a little muffled since she is in the pocket.

[Kaschei Bessmertny]

"There will be a short intermission now where some of the Blessed will fight. The intermission will be a half hour long, then, we will return to the rebel versus creature fights. There will be five more of those, then, finally fighers who survived the creature fights, if there are others besides Lucio, will be pit against each other." Kaschei announces. He is handed a slip of piece of paper from a priest with the information about the next fight.

"So the next fight will feature Calithin Crest, owner of Crest Mining, and Dinari Dollar, owner of Allmart. They will be working together to fight a Tyrannosaurus Rex created by Genetech." Kaschei explains to the crowd.

Kaschei wonders if any rebels aside from Lucio will survive to the final event. If not, perhaps the Manalists can find an alternate form of entertainment or they will simpy call it a night early. Kaschei also wonders about the elf that showed up earlier during Holy Week. He wonders if they will see him again or if he learned his lesson not to meddle in their affairs.

"If there are any other Blessed who would like to showcase their power, please submit your name by the end of this next fight.."

[Annette Rosenthal]

Annette sits at the edge of her seat in complete excitement. She couldn't have hoped for something better. Seeing Dinari and Calithin fight the large dinosaur will be quite entertaining. She wonders how they will fare. Though, if anything happened to either of them, it would create unwanted chaos in the world. She supposes that Calithin's somewhat inept sister could take over Crest Mining, though, it wouldn't be good for the company. As for Allmart...well, perhaps it really doesn't need Dinari Dollar. He certainly isn't the brightest man in the world. Nevertheless, he is an icon...an icon of an American idiot, but, he still represents something.
She bites her bottom lip and can't wait for the fight to commence. As she watches intensely, she notices the black cat. "You remind me of my cat." She says to the slender cat with shiny, healthy fur. She pets the cat and gives it a grin. "Yes, you are a pretty kitty. Who owns you?" She asks. She looks around and wonders if it is a stray.

[Bonifaz Artz-Lehrer]

Bonifaz spends the day meeting with some scientists at Artz Lehrer Pharmaceuticals. Everything seems in order for the creation of more Cat Flu vaccines. At least everything seems in order until Bonifaz's father, Frederick, stops by to see what is going on. Bonifaz thought that he would be in Berlin, so the surprise visit catches Bonifaz off guard. Now, he must explain his activities to his father, who is of course curious why the company is making more vaccines for a flu that he never had a major outbreak.

"You can never be too prepared..." Bonifaz begins, but, his father doesn't buy it. He is going to have to tell him about the plans.

"Well...father, Null has some plans that involve Cat Flu, so, I am preparing for increased demand of the vaccine. Don't worry, it will be good for business." Bonifaz says with a shrug. He tries to play it off as though it is nothing. His father is aware of Bonifaz's activities and obviously that is a wedge between them.

"You're going to get us in trouble. Whatever it is, if you value your role in this company, you ought to stop it." Frederick threatens. His threats are not to be taken idly. Bonifaz knows this, so he knows he must spin it in a way that pleases his father.

"It involves infecting some socialists with the purpose of spreading the disease to workers involved with the Eyes of God." Bonifaz states honestly. This level of truth makes him feel vulnerable, but he tries not to show it.

"Socialists?" Frederick questions.

"Yes, some from a group called Socialist Revolution." Bonifaz replies. At least he knows that his father's dislike for socialists will make the situation less upsetting to him.

"Next time, you should tell me before you pull anything like this. The company is already on the bad side of the Economic Council and the Manalists. We must tread carefully." Frederick warns. Bonifaz only nods and excuses himself. Frederick knows what he needs to know.

[Armin Lehrer]

"I know that everyone would risk a lot, but, isn't it worth a try. Isn't anything better than this?" Armin asks Jesus. Jesus' wife pours Armin some water and dishes him up some more strips of smeet. Armin takes a few bites of smeet and waits for Jesus to consider what he has said.
"I don't know. At least we are alive. We may work long hours. We may live in fear of the Manalists, but at least we are alive. If we do anything against them, we will be killed. We will be brought to the new prison in Rome." Jesus replies to Armin. Armin can only nod. It is true that most likely any act of rebellion will end in a prison or a forced labor camp, somewhere.
"There are more people in the world than there are Manalist soldiers. More workers then there are prison cells. If enough people..." Armin starts.
"No, the people will no join us. We will be killed. There's no hope." Jesus says firmly. "Let's talk about something else. You are from Germany? What is it like there?" Jesus asks.

Armin feels disappointed, but won't push it any further. Anyway, he feels like he is getting sick. He doesn't have the energy to argue. "It is mostly owned by a pharmaceutical company. It's not much different. Drug laws are a lot less strict in Germany though, but, I never do drugs anyway."

[Bonifaz Artz-Lehrer]

To Archer

The meeting with his father was stressful, but all seemed well. His father is a rebel, but one of another sort. He is a Nazi, which disgusts Bonifaz, but no more than socialists. At least he tells himself that. Since, all ideas are equal, though some have been more dangerous than others. At least his father's political beliefs were helpful today. His father did not seem too upset about infecting the socialists with Cat Flu. So, for now, its business as usual for Bonifaz. Sometimes he forgets that he doesn't have the power that he wishes he had.

He returns home and checks his mail. He sees that at least the socialists cleaned up a little before they departed. All is quiet in the house. It seems that some of his housemates are still sleeping.

Hopefully...not because of the Cat Flu.

To make sure of this, Bonifaz heads upstairs to the room that Archer stays in. He knocks on the door...

[Jumala Keitoleinen]

Keitoleinen watches as Calithin and Dinari near the arena. He also watches Annette interact with the black cat. He starts daydreaming a little. His mind takes him to the past. It goes back thousands of years to a very different world. It was before modern nations that no longer exist, existed. He lived in the land that became known as Finland. The land was populated by small villages of people who lived off of hunting and farming. They were less advanced than the peoples of other parts of Europe. He remembers a time when there were many gods. Things were interesting then, but also more troublesome for him. He couldn't do as he pleased, though even now he knows there are some consequences. There was Akka, Ukko, Mielikki, Hiisi, Ilmatar, Kuu and many others. Then..there was that woman Louhi, a powerful human who the humans called a witch. Some humans went to war with her...and eventually she did get her wish of becoming a goddess.
But that was long ago and everyone involved was killed long ago. Keitoleinen considers this and feels for a moment alone and regretful, but the feeling passes. The world is better with just one god. Anyway, watching these humans and their religion is the best fun he's ever had.

He taps his finger on his knee and forgets about those thoughts so that he can enjoy the fights today.

[Salome Weil]

I remain the hallway where fighers/rebels wait for their turn to fight. The announcer tells us that there will now be a 30 minute intermission. Then, there will be five more fights. I have two rebels ahead of me, then it is my turn to fight. This is of course, very worrisome, but, I try to remain calm. I am encouraged a little by the fact that Lucio survived his fight. Maybe there is some small glimmer of hope. Perhaps I will not be pit against a fierce creature, but maybe a less intimidating one such as his giant mantis experience. I can only hope.

For now, I have a half an hour to wait. If I did perish in the arena, what would I leave behind? Only my failure to organize an anarchist movement...my lack of love....or friendships...my incomplete search for meaning...all of those things. Since it is depressing to think about, I try to focus on the fight that will feature Dinari Dollar and Calithin Crest.

[Malak Al-Dabaran]

"Lucio ACTUALLY won?" Malak asks himself when Lucio manages to defeat the giant mantis. Granted, it wasn't the most fearsome of creatures today, but still, it is quite shocking to him. He has no idea how Lucio pulled it off. But, would he be so lucky later? Malak shakes his head in disbelief. Other members of the audience also seem shocked that the wiry Cuban was able to defeat the insect. Lucio is somewhat...mentally ill. So perhaps that helped with the situation. Malak isn't sure how it would have helped, but maybe it helped Lucio not stress out about the situation. Or, he just got lucky.
Malak sits back and breathes a sigh of relief. He rubs his head, which is still aching. He tells himself that he will get it looked at, but, he never has the time or the money.
He watches the arena with special interest, since he has never seen the Blessed fight in his manner before. He wonders how they will compare to the T Rex.