Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"Thank you." Linoa says. "And my apologies for Muffy's actions."

 

Mortius stays quiet.

"So, uh, Mortius," I say a little nervously, "What about our deal with Abigail and such?"

Mortius seems to stay silent for a while, before extending a hand. A dark red portal opens, and Abigail steps through in a black hooded cloak, the hood down. Abigail stares at the ground blankly, her eyes empty.

"Abigail!" I say happily, running over to Abigail.

Abigail doesn't respond, simply standing where she is looking at the ground. I look to Mortius before nodding, sitting Abigail down at the picnic bench.

"So, are you thinking of coming back to fight Mr. Champion? Hell could really use an experienced fighter like you." Maria says, winking at me.

"I don't think I will be. It was nice while it lasted, but hell isn't really the place for me. I could see if Peridot wants to if he agrees not to be so psycho." I say, shrugging.

"Ugh, him? I don't like him, and I'm pretty sure the crowds don't either. I'd much rather see you fighting." Jennifer says, staring dreamily at me.

"Thanks but no thanks, I'm afraid." I say, Maria and Jennifer looking disappointed.

 

Linoa pipes up.
"His abilities were suppressed. His whole goal is to find someone who can kill him... but of course, I could go for a few rounds, if your colloseum has the durability to handle heavy artillery."

 

"So he goes around killing people to try and get someone to kill him?" Jennifer asks, confused.

 

"He goes around looking for strong challengers and fights them, yes."

 

"Must be pretty dumb if he thinks we're champion fighter material." Maria says.

 

"Oh, he was just trying to find out what suppressed his abilities. If he can't tear reality, his next target is anything nearby that's shootable."

 

"Sounds like a baby with a gun." Maria comments.

 

"Your comments were influencing the crowd. If you have that much influence, then it's possible you were in part responsible for the distortions, even if you weren't."

 

"That's our job, we're the commentators." Jennifer says.

"The crowds love us!" Maria says happily.

"I wonder why..." Stephanie says sarcastically to herself.

 

"Thus, you have power and he thinks that power may be disabling him. Still, I'll consider fighting in the colloseum myself."

 

"Well, yeah, we have power. But we don't have power to disable him." Jennifer says.

"I don't think the colosseum will be very popular for a while. People seemed pretty annoyed at us after Mortius cancelled the match." Maria says.

Mortius simply picks up a tea biscuit, lifting it to his hood before lowering it again, a dry bite in it.

 

"You know, you got the crowds pretty riled up. With Mortius' permission, you might be good for Project Chronoseum over in the Void Palace." Linoa offers, looking at Mortius. "Would you permit them to leave this reality?"

 

"Project what?" Maria asks.

"Maria, this could be our next big break!" Jennifer says enthusiastically.

Mortius nods.

 

"Project Chronoseum - an attempt to make a safe place for everyone to watch battles that would otherwise be impossible or tear realities apart. The idea is a bit complex, but the core is simple - it will be an arena where people can fight against warriors who have died long ago. While deaths will be reversed, it will allow answers to questions like 'will this boastful hero really stand up to his claims that he is stronger than this hero of old times' and more." Linoa explains.

 

"Is it safe? I don't want to almost get blasted like I did back there." Maria asks.

"I would never let harm come you either of you, nor the crowds." Mortius says, his kind words overshadowed by his grim, piercing voice.

 

"I could show you the training room in the Void Palace. It would be working under the same principles..."
Pause.
"But yes, it would be completely safe - even if combatants fight with paradox weapons or cuts in reality."

 

"Jen?" Maria asks.

The succubi talk to each other for a bit, before turning back to everyone else.

"Ok, we'll do it." Maria says happily.

"Yeah, it beats watching gross hell monsters slap each other to death all day anyway," Jennifer says, before looking scared, "Uh, no offence, Mortius."

Mortius waves a skeletal hand nonchalantly, signalling none was taken.

 

"If you wouldn't mind freeing my pet, she could show you around the palace... well, get you to someone who can." Linoa offers.

 

Maria opens Muffy's cage, letting her out.