Boom!
A small cloud of dust rose from the floor, consuming the two fighting figures and partially blocking the sight of the spectators.
However, just by looking through the particles of dust, the outcome of the battle could be seen.
"What an unexpected result." John muttered.
"Do you think so?" Sofya asked.
"You don't?" He looked at her. "Despite having his blood drawn first, he had a certain advantage throughout the rest of the fight. He even held some physical advantage over his opponent." John commented on the points he observed to reach his conclusion.
And as he did so, the dust that had ascended started to disperse.
Over the destroyed concrete and amidst dried and flowing blood, one silhouette stood straight. However, any wind seemed enough to knock him down.
The right side of the vampire's upper body was gone, with organs and bones exposed while his right arm laid by his feet. Blood escaped from the corners of his lips and one eye was unusable.
But still, it was nothing compared to the other.
He laid on the floor, and only his right arm was missing. However, a sword pierced his chest and came out from his back. His skin was grey and veins popped under it, but no blood flowed through them anymore.
At the sight of the warrior on the ground, Sofya sighed. The sharp sound held a tad of resignation. "He was lacking in one crucial aspect, and the winner had it in abundance. You could see the disparity in their eyes. Well, now you can't…" Sofya's eyes fell on the dead, she uncrossed her legs and nodded to pay the minimum respect. "A pity, but I think you were destined to die this way, Mathieu."
When the dust completely dispersed and everyone could clearly see with their own eyes the result of the fight, the emotions reflecting on their eyes showed the true nature of this place.
They weren't worried for the injured or pitied the dead. Instead, euphoria and excitement took over the spectators' hearts, followed by a cacophony of cheers.
"What a love for blood and violence…" John somberly muttered as he experienced such a reaction from the crowd.
Even though this place was not as bad as he expected it to be after listening from Rebekah and Hope, mainly the latter, John still understood where their words came from.
Vampires were a species with roots in humanity, but still, they were different. During their creation, magic overrode many aspects of them, but one that primarily changed how they see and experience the world is none other than blood.
In their lives, blood wasn't only their main sustenance. For vampires, blood was much more. They enjoyed and sought it, they loved its smell amidst the air. They weren't shy from carnage, not the gore that could be the result of their hunt for it.
Among vampires, most could resist the temptation of blood. But just like when humans face their most primal urges and desires and there is not a reason to hide it, they just let out the predatory and savagery instincts in their hearts.
"Well, isn't that expected?" Sofya responded, chuckling softly as she cleared the drops of blood on her lips. "We are a predatory species, a little bit of savagery is expected from us."
"So why are you not screaming as a drunkard in the night as well?"
"Because I have way better restraint over my urges than those youngsters down there." Sofya set her gaze on the grandstands. "I've lived long enough to enjoy more the aspect of fighting in these battles rather than the blood spilled in them."
A pity not every vampire seems to wish to learn some good restraint like her. John thought, resting his head on his hand. "Well, it sure was a good fight. It also took more of my attention than the blood itself."
"Right?" Sofya said, her tone humored. "Unfortunately, that was the last scheduled fight of the night. So, what will you do?
"I am still deciding." John muttered, holding his chin. Well, one of the two reasons I got here is done. I've got plenty of money now, and I was able to use a little more of my mind to get a better hand and results at the game, no matter how chaotically they were since the owner decided to add a touch of magic to them.
John locked his eyes on the center of the arena, where Ambrosios quickly took over the spotlight to announce the end of the duel. But to test myself out physically, I need more than just a few newborn vampires, or I wouldn't sweat as much as a spar against Hope.
"Confirm to me a thought of mine." John turned towards Sofya, getting her attention after a moment of silence. "Customers can ask for duels, right?"
"Yes, they can." Sofya nodded, immediately knowing what the young man was suggesting. "Are you thinking of asking for a fight as well?"
"I feel like moving a little after seeing such a great fight."
"I understand the feeling." Sofya said, looking at the arena. "Unfortunately, I guess you won't have your wish fulfilled here."
Just as Sofya said so, Ambrosios had finished congratulating Guillaume for his victory. He did it even though the latter had long been taken somewhere else for treatment. And after saying it, there seemed to be more he wished to say.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, what a great fight it was! I am sure it ignited our spirits and heated our blood for more of these spectacles. Unfortunately, as you all can see, the great battle has brought great damage to our arena…" He swung his arm around to show the cracks and pits in the floor of the arena.
"For that reason, our manager – Sir Nikos – has decided to close it for the foreseeable future until it is fully repaired. So, even if you wish for a friendly duel against another customer or our hireable fighters, I am sorry to say it must be postponed for a later date. For that, we are deeply sorry and thankful for your comprehension."
With every word from the announcer, John's expression fell more. By the end, his head was thrown backwards, with him staring at the ceiling.
"Sigh… I guess I didn't think of that." John rubbed the forehead of his mask.
Looking at his reaction, Sofya heartily laughed for the first time since they met. "Well, I guess that was… how do youngsters say these days? A bummer for you."
John looked at her through the corner of his eyes. "If you think that's something only young people nowadays say, you are just revealing how old you are to others."
Whoosh!
Quite immediately after saying this, John jumped off the sofa, for a hand was where his head was just a moment ago.
Retreating her hand from the sofa's leather, Sofya smiled coldly at the young man. "Remember, referring to a woman's age, even if you know how old she is, is not a good thing."
"I will keep that in mind." John dusted off his clothes, straightening his posture. "Well, since apparently I can't fight, I will find someone to loan me their money for an undecided amount of time." He said, about to walk away.
But before he did that, Sofya called him out.
"Hey, who said you couldn't fight?" She asked him. I guess that's the opportunity I have been waiting for. Sofya thought, not letting her thoughts reflect on her expression.
Turning around, John changed looks between Sofya and the arena. "Well…"
Slowly, Sofya stood up. "I said you couldn't fight here, but no one is impeding you from fighting somewhere else." Saying that, she walked towards the exit. "I would be leaving after this fight, so you can treat this as a parting gift from me for the decent accompaniment through the night." Sofya said, a smile blooming on her lips.
John narrowed his eyes, skeptical about her intentions. "It sounds too good to be true."
"Everything in life is." She said, not denying his words. "Don't you think it would be interesting if we bet something on the result of the fight? We are in a casino, after all."
A sigh escaped the young man's lips. "You don't give up, don't you?" He asked while following her.
"Only when I feel my reward is not worth the risk." She looked over her shoulder, the bit of her curled lips escaping. "And it seems to me my life is not at any risk. So, why not try?"
Listening to her words, John lowered his head. Am I that unthreatening? He thought. "Ahh… Okay. And, what will I get?"
"What do you want?"
"Hm… I am thinking of something you can offer that I can't buy with the money I got just now." John muttered, holding his chin momentarily.
"As long as it's not something indecent, I will consider it as long as it is within my capabilities." Sofya was going on a path they didn't walk on before, one where no one was present now.
And while he quietly followed her steps, John continued thinking on what he should ask.
He believed in himself in winning against Sofya. If her physical capabilities were similar to those who just fought in the arena, he had some confidence he was stronger than her, but still it would be a very great challenge for him than fighting all the vampires in the school.
So, with this much confidence, he was giving some real thought on what to ask.
Honestly, the most optimal thing I could think now to get from her is information on who specifically is targeting Hope. But, before that… John took his phone out of his pocket and accessed his conversations.
Hey, I need to know one thing. He sent one text, expecting his contact would answer before they reached wherever Sofya was leading him.
Thankfully, the reply didn't take more than a few seconds to reach him.
What do you need to know, my dear Nephew-in-Law? Rebekah asked, her teasing palpable in the words.
Despite the situation, John unconsciously smiled when reading her words. I just came to learn of a piece of information, and as you are Hope's aunt, I am inclined to believe you would know about it. But I need confirmation.
And what is it? She asked.
Strangely, as he typed, John thought it took a lot more time to write such words than how much really passed.
Are you aware of a bounty on Hope's head?
After the text was sent, there was a strange pause after it was shown the message was read. Different from before, some time passed before the notification showing Rebekah was writing appeared.
You must have bonded with some interesting individuals to come to learn about it. She wrote, the change in her tone very perceiveable.
So she knows. John thought, his fingers already moving. You could say that.
Do you know the name of that informant? I need to know who to kill. Rebekah was straight to the point.
For individuals like Rebekah, killing was an action that wouldn't make her flinch or react. Only bits of the sacredness of life remained in her eyes after a thousand years.
But, if Hope's safety was threatened, this little bit remaining would simply vanish. For not only her niece was someone she dearly loved, Hope was a responsibility left by Klaus to her as well. And she be damned if she fails with the brother she lived and loved for a millennium.
The person who shared this information with me is not after Hope, I can guarantee that. John wrote, looking at Sofya's back. I am asking you this because I wanted to know if you are already aware of it and know who is behind it.
Yes, I know about it. She quickly sent it, but she was still writing. As for knowing who is behind it… it's correct to say we don't know all who 'are' behind it. At least that's what we believe from what we learned in the past few months.
Right, she mentioned there were many. John replied. Okay, that was what I wanted to know. I have the chance to add something on what you already know. I will get it and reply to you soon.
What are the dangers? Rebekah quickly asked.
None at all. Only that the person will know of my connections to you, but that barely can be considered a problem. John wrote. It's the least I can do as her boyfriend.
There was a lack of response from Rebekah after the last text. It took enough time John decided to put his phone away.
However, when he was about to shove it into his pocket, his phone vibrated and a new message popped up.
When reading the message, John's lips curled up in joy.
Thank you for this, John. It means a lot. Rebekah wrote, no more text coming after it.
"Who are you talking to?" Sofya asked, having noticed the boy talking with someone through the phone for a long time already.
"Who knows?" John vaguely replied, putting his phone back into his pocket. "I guess the place you are taking me is behind this door." He asked, looking at the metal door Sofya stopped in front.
Who knows? Was what Sofya wished to say. But instead of saying it, she just nodded her head and opened the door in front of her.
Following her past the door, John was welcomed by the sight of sand and cactus going as far as the horizon and brightful stars in the night sky.
With a simple look around, he noticed to have just walked out from a door placed in the wall of a mountain.
However, the figure of the door was disappearing rather quickly, turning into a normal mountain wall with nothing interesting to look at.
Hm… there is a spell set around here. It is enveloping a very wide area. John waved his fingers through the air, feeling the soft touches of magic in it. Also, it seems we are nowhere close to the mansion. I don't hear a single voice or feel any presence nearby.
Watching Sofya walk further ahead, John followed her closely. "Is this where we are gonna part for the night?" Is she aware of the spell set in here? John thought. "Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind fighting anywhere, but aren't you scared of someone spotting us here while moving at inhuman speeds?"
"I am not." Sofya shook her head. "The nearest road is a few miles away from here. As for any establishment or building, it is the same when not considering the casino." She placed her bag atop a stone, using it as a support. "Not to mention this place is secured by a spell."
So she knows. "Is there a spell here?" John played the ignorant persona.
"Did you not notice the door we just came through disappearing?" Sofya asked, removing her high heels while pointing at where they came from. "It is an illusion spell that hides not only that door, but many others on the mountain. It is to guarantee a device or someone does not catch sight of a bunch of vampires running in case we need to evacuate the building quickly through those exits."
"Makes sense." John commented, not trying to prolong the conversation on that topic. "Will you be okay fighting on that dress? I don't doubt your skills, but that kind of garment…"
"You do not need to worry." Sofya said, grabbing the edges of one side of her dress. Then, she pulled both away.
Pss!
The cloth ripped apart and now the dress had two cuts, one on each side.
"Now, I can move freely." Sofya faced John. Contrary to her, John hasn't changed or taken any of his clothes. "Won't you change?"
In response, John removed his shoes and placed them close to the rock Sofya placed her things.
"Ready." He said, stretching himself a little.
"You sure look ready." Sofya smiled at his readiness. "Before we start, don't you wish to tell me what you want from our bet? Even though I am confident in beating that mask out of your face, I still would like to hear what you could possibly want from me."
She sure is confident. "What I want is simple." John took a few steps away from Sofya, putting some distance between them. "The data you have about those who target Hope Mikaelson, I wish for it."
Faced with the request, Sofya smirked. "So you are connected to the Mikaelsons."
"It is more correct to say I am connected to Hope Mikaelson than her family." John corrected her.
"Hm…" Sofya hummed, stepping to the side. "Are you one of those hybrids Klaus created in his last days using her blood?"
I didn't know about that. "I am no hybrid." John shook his head, keeping his surprise hidden.
As for Sofya, she was a little thoughtful. Right now, it seemed many dots connected themselves in her mind, with things making much more sense now.
Since he isn't a hybrid, I've got no reason to fear this fight. His connection to Hope Mikaelson is probably what got himself here in the first place. He must be a young vampire who wants to test himself out. And through the girl, he probably convinced her aunt to get invited to this place. It makes sense since I know the owner was personally turned by Rebekah Mikaelson. I also remember hearing they have a more personal history, and a good one. So… The great figure quickly was put together in Sofya's mind, with her understanding everything.
As Sofya warmed up her blood in anticipation for the fight, she took a deeper look at the young man. So… if he is just a friend of the girl, then does that mean he is just a kid without any great identity?
The idea crossed Sofya's mind, and the more she thought about it, the more she convinced herself she was right.
Well, what a downward way to learn his identity. Sofya thought, almost chuckling at her discovery. So much work only to find out he is a kid wanting to test himself. He probably only asked for the mask to not bring him any trouble later. I guess he at least did one thing right. Little did Sofya know the mask's idea wasn't the boy's.
Looking at the young man, it hasn't even been one second yet since he denied being a hybrid. So now, Sofya was thinking of what to do with this fight.
Well, this fight is now pointless, but… I guess I will honor him with it. Sofya decided. Despite not being interested in who he is anymore, I guess I have to teach him to not pick fights with older members of our species. I will consider it the payment for at least making me realize those two masked figures from the past are Marcel and Rebekah. I am sure I can sell the information of two of the strongest beings in the world visiting Nevada's Matriarch for a good price.
Now, in complete disregard for the situation, Sofya shrugged her shoulders towards the young man's answer. "That's unfortunate, I considered that a very good guess." She said, walking around him.
"A pity, indeed." John smirked, his eyes locked on her all the time. Little did he know that Sofya solved most of his situation just by revealing his connection to Hope to her. "I believe you wouldn't hate me because of my revelation, right? Or were your words from earlier just referring to Hope?"
Silent followed the young man's words, with the wind of the desert interrupting it momentarily.
"I don't hate you." Sofya said, her tone steady. "When Klaus Mikaelson died, my hatred for him and his family did as well."
Looking at her, John had the feeling she was telling the truth. But to further confirm it, he went as far as activating a little of his abilities to get a more definite answer.
Momentarily sensing the emotions coming from Sofya, John smiled humorously. "That's good, I think."
Sofya's lips curled ever so slightly in amusement. "So, what will be the rules of our little spar?"
"Although I am the one who wanted it, you are the one who suggested it. So, you can decide."
Ah… kid. I will properly teach you to not give options to others. "It will be simple." Sofya halted her steps, a sudden shift in her posture. "The fight ends when someone suffers a temporary death. As far as we can see is the ring of the fight and we can make use of everything in it."
"It seems easy enough." John commented, taking a fighting stance as well. "You can start whenever you want."
Sofya couldn't resist anymore and smiled widely. "Okay. So, from this moment forward-"
Boom!
Due to the sudden pressure, the dry sole of the desert broke and Sofya shot herself forward.
In a blink, she was before John, her fingers stretching towards his mask.
"-I will rip off this mask and arrogance from you."
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A/N
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