The fight was getting interesting to say the least. Julian was watching a gargantuan muscle bound man fight a puny pathetic person. The muscle bound man was known to the crowd as 'The Punisher' and from the display he was giving... he could see why.

The Punisher was pounding the poor challenger, despite the fact that the challenger was allowed an assortement of weapons of his choice. The Punisher seemed to be unstoppable and after five minutes...

CLANG! SMASH! WHACK! CRACK! AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!

The fight was over, The Punisher had beaten the poor man senseless. Julian joined the crowd in applause and decided to leave. He had seen enough of people being beaten up for one day.

"Folks, we have one more challenger who has signed up to try his luck against The Punisher," the ringleader shouted to the crowd.
Julian smiled... he felt sorry for the poor sap who had signed up.

"Would Julian Matrez please come to the arena to fight 'The Punisher'."

What? But Julian never signed up for this fight at all... but before he could say anything, the crowd broke into an avalange of applause of whooping. Julian decided to speak to the Ringmaster. He should be able to stop this...

He went to the arena and called the Ringmaster to one side.
"I never signed up," Julian said to the Ringmaster in a whisper...

"No, you didn't but your best friend signed you up saying that you were eager to prove yourself..."
Julian wondered what the heck the Ringmaster was on about, and that's when he saw something which made his blood boil.

The coward was back, the same person who sold Julian the dodgy map and ambushed him with several brigands. He had signed Julian up to the fight knowing that Julian would HAVE to accept. And accept he did, for Julian nodded to the Ringmaster and got ready. He declined weapons and armour, and decided to fight The Punisher bare handed.

The bell rang, and the fight was on!

Shain was in the audience, watching the gruesome battle. His cowl was up, hiding his gray skin and white eyes. The arena smelled of sweat and blood. It was rnak. Peering down into the arena floor, he observed the battle. This was a rather pathetic fight. The only thing that Shain could see that the "Punisher" had was brute strength. On only had to be quick to kill him. Of course, with his wild swinging, that might be difficult. He wondered if there was a way tosign up after the fight had already started. He needed a bit of practice. Shain scowled. That fight would be too easy for practice. Well, he could take the man down a notch. As a matter of fact, a couple, right down to the grave. As the last man went unconscious, Shain heard that there was one more contestant. As the name was called out, someone known as Julian Matrez, he saw a man stop at the exit. Was this man trying to get out of a fight.

Shain watched as the amn conversed with the anouncer for a second. They seemed to be discussing the entry. peering closer, Shain saw a scowl of rage cross the mans face as he looked at someone on the audience. Looking at them as well, Shain noticed that that particular person seemed especialy eager for the fight. As this Julian dclined any weapons or armor and rushed out to face the Punisher, Shain edged down to edge of the pit. This fight might be a little more interesting.

As he was edging down, he noticed the face of the man in the audience. It was one who had tried to employ him once, but did not offer enough gold for Shain to take the job. Did he have a grudge against the man in the ring? He seemed to be extatic that the other was in the ring. Shain began to make his way toward him instead.

-So this is the arena, then...- He huffed as he thought. He didn't want to go through with this, but there was no other way to settle his conflict with his brother. He looked for death and now he was asking for it. This would be settled in the arena. As he entered, some guy was in the way, seeming to stare at someone who was about to enter the arena. He looked between them both and he saw that the man himself was in a dream of sorts, as if he was glad to see this person in there. But that didn't bother him. He was leaning on the register book and he was also in the way.

Grabbing the figure by the scruff of the neck he unhesitantly tossed him across the entrance floor, causing the guy to skid for a metre or so before stopping, a big red mark on the side of his face from where he was rubbing it against the tarmac. "Get out of the way when there's someone behind you, idiot!" Aros shouted ferociously before turning to the figure watching over the book. "Is there a match scheduled between the two Soulfire brothers tonight?"

"Let me check." The figure watching the book nodded, flicking rapidly through the pages and resting his eyes on the lines that mattered. "Yes, it's been arranged to occur after The Punisher has been defeated, but I think you could be in for a long wait."

A huff responded the man's claims as Aros proceeded to take a seat beside some onlooker who quickly cowered at the sight of Aros. This geohound's eyes now spoke of the death and destruction he would bring to his brother tonight for the crimes he commited against his family - the family that exiled him for his actions. Tonight, Igor would pay for his sins with his life, and Aros didn't care if it was by blade or mace, he would not live out this night.

Either that or he would be the one who would perish tonight. Considering this, he opened up his diary and proceeded to write into it once more.

The Punisher came lumbering forward, both of his arms outstretched... as if he was going to bearhug Julian. Julian didn't give him the chance, instead he jumped up and kicked Punisher in the chest. The problem was... it didn't do any visible harm to Punisher.

Instead, Julians leg was grabbed by Punisher and he was thrown to the ground. Julian hit the ground hard and looked at the muscle bound fighter. He was tough, infact... it was as if he felt no pain.

Julian realised that if Punisher felt no pain, then he couldn't win easily. Running forward, Julian launched a barray of punches and kicks which each hit their mark and then finally, to end his attack... he thrusted two fingers into the Punishers stomach.

Nothing.

The Punisher didn't even scream in pain, and that attack to the stomach should have at least taken him down a few pegs. The Punisher swung his arms at Julian, who in turn lifted his arms up to block his head.
WHAM!
Julian was sent sprawling to the ground and almost blacked out. But no, he couldn't lost this fight. He refused...

Julian got up, his legs shaking from all the punishement. But he would continue fighting no matter what!

As Shain edged down to the man, he cought bits of the fight. The Punisher had to be a berserker. He responed to nothing that his opponent threw at him. Now Shain could see why it was such a hard fight to win. One had to disable the man and not rely on pain to help. Or he could simply be killed. Shain wondered if that was an opption. To kill one on the arena. Probably, the way the crowd shouted for it. This was a crude form of entertainment at best. Shaiking his head, Shain continued to make his way toward the man. he noticed as another sat beside him. The orginal target shyed away from the newcomer. Shain could see why. He had death in his eyes. Shain finaly reached the would be employer. "Exuse me sir." the man looked around. When he saw Shains eyes, he froze. No one forgot the intensity behind those whit eyes. Quick as lightning, Shain sat down beside him and nicked him with one of his daggers. It was a deadly weapon, one that could poison with the slightest touch. Even more so deadly that Shan could control the poison by holding the dagger. He let a small dose effect the man. he shivered in apin as he felt death in his veins. "You will answer my questions rat, or die. Did you want me to kill the one in the arena?" The man nodded as fast as he could. Shain sneered. So, the job would have been the fighter, and the man used a giant to carry out his wishes. it distgusted Shain. Not the killing, but the way of doing it. there was no ... thrill in this. The one doing the killing only did it for fun. Snarling silently, he foccused on the dagger. the man gaspeed, then slumped forward in death. Shain didn't give flip about the man in the ring, only that he was going to be killed by someone with no true talent in the art.

Sheathing his dagger, he walked up to the anouncer. "I'm going to sign up, and you are going to let me in that arena right now, or the nine hells will taker you." Shain whispered to the mans back. The man turned indignantly, untill he saw Shain's eye. Nodding slowly, he made the question of armor or weapons. Slowly, Shain laid his two fighting knives at the mans feat, along with his normal dagger. unsheathing his deadly blade, he said, "This will be all. No armor, save my cloak." The anouncer nodded and stepped aside to let Shain pass. As Shain slowly walked in, he heard the anouncer call that another wanted to challenge. Shain thought to his dagger. He would omly use its magic in the most dire need. Until then, it was going to be normal. he saw the Punisher eye him through the fray. Shain smiled. This would be fun.

Enough was enough, rules of not Julian was going to get out of this one alive and there was only one way to do it. Concentrating, he gathered all his energy into both of his hands and began to mutter the ancient words of incantation...

"Qui-Kong-Chi... Power of Elemental Fire"

Julian's hands burst into fire and formed into a medium ball of flame. Julian took aim and threw the ball at The Punisher, and smiled as it found its mark. The Punisher definatley felt that one, he began to shout and scream whilst his hands patted against his chest.

Brilliant, this was exactly what he wanted. The Punisher sank to his knees and lost coniousness. The crowd murmered... was this magic allowed? Julian went over to find the coward to find that he was dead.

Someone had murdered him. But who?

Amtyo sat in the crowd, laughing. He watched the battle with amusement. Does anything happen straight here? He thought. The battle was raging on in the front, but there was something else he saw in the corner of his eye. Another battle!
He shifted his view from the main battle, where Julian Matrez had apparently won, to the other battle. Shain Volgornd was fighting the coward, and it looked like he was fighting to the death. The coward was wheezing. Amtyo watched as Shain Volgornd killed him.
huh? "Guards! Guards!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. "A murderer!"

Julian looked around and saw that people were beginning to panic... not a good thing at all. Looking around, Julian wondered what he should do and decided that he should just leave.

He was about to leave... when suddenly the crowd got up and started to head towards the door, blocking Julian from leaving the area. Great... Julian was stuck here. He needed to find the murderer of that man now and then get out of this hellhole.

Shain watched from the shadows at the very edge as Julian utterly destroyed the Punisher. he had not had a chance to even get out there. He also didn't want to be found by the one calling for a murderer. his shadow dagger was out, just in case anyone saw him. As the mob began to move toward the entrence, Shain felt a pang of dissapointment. He had not had his fight, and now he was stuck in with an arena fighter and someone in the stands calling for a murderer. He saw the fighter Juliun look toward the entrence. he seemed to be peering around the stadium as well. Probably looking for Shain, the muderer. turning around, he saw that his weapons had somehow not been stolen on the rush to get out. letting go of the cloak of darkness, he dashed over to them, belted them on, and drew his knives. He would have to deel with two other people at most.

As Shain heard another call of murderer, he answered. "Yes?" he called out. he watched as he got the attention of both the acuseres. the guards would reach here eventualy; Shain needed to get this over with quick. he began to twirl his knives, readying himself for battle.

Amtyo watched Shain take out a knife, and knew that the next victim would most likely be him. He knew that he had to get out of there, and quick. He ducked through crowds and, after a minute, he was actually lost in the crowd. He figured that was best, and crouched down to rest. In seconds, he was back up and running to the nearest exit. he looked behind him, and saw Shain in the middle of a crowd. He continued to run, not aware what Shain was doing.

He finally made it to the exit, but they had closed it off! They are probably searching for the murderer. Better lie low... Amtyo thought. He ducked down through a crowd.

When Julian looked around at the man who had apparently murdered the coward, he shouted up to the guards...
"The man that has been murdered was nothing more than a common thief, and murderer himself. He lead many people to their death and attempted to do the same to me as well. This crook is the reason why I fought the punisher, despite the fact that I never signed up. He wanted me dead... so I ask the guards to show lieniancy to this person..."
Julian heard the guards talk to each other, deciding on the best course of action...

Shain looked towardthe ring fighter, and was surprised that he asked that Shain would be pardoned for the murder. Shain himself showed little mercy. He lowered his fighting knives and waited for an answer. The guards, looked up and said, 'You may be pardoned." they looked at him for a second. "but you shall pay a fine for taking the law into your own hands. Five gold marks." Shain cursed under his breath. At least they did not know why he had actually killed the man. but he didn't have that much money. Digging into his purse, he tossed them two. "Thats all you're gonna bloody get." he all but snarled at them. their faces turned murderous. "Then we will have to take you." Shain luaghed. "Try me fools." he said. he had missed out on the chance to practice in the arena, but guards would make up for it.

The guards advanced, pulling their swords from scabards. Shain's own weapons reahced the hum he liked as they began to twirl. turniong to Julian he appologized. "Thankyou for your attempt to help. Sorry i must ruin it." With that, he rushed the guards.

Nariwa Kona rushed into the arena entrance, followed by two men who had told him of the happenings inside of the arena as of the last few minutes. One of the ticket scalpers tried to question him, but Kona gave him a look that could blow a boulder into pieces, and he immediatly shut his mouth and turned around so that nobody would see the tears running down his face. Entering the waiting room, he kicked open the door into the main arena, and saw the goings on.

The Arena Gaurd were now after the man in the center, and he looked supsiciously like Shain. Some other person was there too, but he was no concern to Kona at this moment. The crowd now noticed Kona and began to cheer, and others started shouting at him to get rid of the murderer. He ran across the arena, leaving the two men behind him in a swirl of dust.

Reaching the center where the incident was now taking place, Konahomaru saw that it was indeed Shain. "I knew it..." he said to himself through gritted teeth, and the sky above quickly grew darker with storm clouds. Kona wanted to talk first, but it was apprant that Shain had his heart in killing the gaurd.

Running to get inbetween the gaurds and Shain, he drew his katana and raised it to block Shains path, preparing the Sheild of Faith spell as well if necesary.

Normally, Amtyo would never let a murderer go without a proper punishment, but as he watched the scene he decided to change his mind for once. Julian Matrez had said that the coward deserved the murder, and Amtyo believed him. He decided that if Shain would murder a guard, he would definitely be punished for much more than 5 gold marks. Amtyo would have to get in the way. As he ran toward him, he saw another man attempting to stop them.


(OOC Username, you need the spell in your inventory to cast it.)

As Shain reddied his knives, he cuaght a flicker of movement to his side. Suddenly Kona, a very lawful aquantance, was between him and the guards. Shain skidded to a halt. Of all people to jump between him and his enemies, Kona wuld be the last one for Shain to pick. And not becuase of friendlyness. true, he got along fine with the man, but the reason was more to the areia that Kona was stronger than Shain. Much stronger. Shain eyed him carefuly. He had only drawn his katana, but Shain knew he had a lightning blade somewhere on his person; Shain had seen it used. "Well, fancy meeting you here Kona." Shain said cheerfuly, if not with the slightest bit of agitation. He noticed the guards had stopped, though their weapons were still drawn. "Would you mind moving out of the way? I really don't feal like being put in prison, and these gentlemen behind you intend to do so." Shain looked Kona dead in the eye, white meeting white.

Off to the side, Shain caughtr the movement of someone rushing out of the stands, and they seemed to heading to the guards. What perfect luck for Shain. All becuase he killed that bloody man. He had proved his trouble ten times over now. He had better be in one of the nine hells. Or even better, the Abyss it self for ruining Shain's day.

Sighing, Shain looked back toward Kona. How was he to get around this man. He could see through hain's cloak of darkness. too bad Shain couldn't yet cast a Globe of Drarkness. That would be a great help right now. Sheathing one of his knives, he opulled out his shadow dagger. it was one of Shain's newer additions. With but one scratch, it could kill the wounded man by poisoning him. All Shain would have to do was focus on it top release the proper amounts of poison itno the veins. "They won't feel a thing." he said to Kona. Raising it a bit, he nodded toward the dagger. "I'm pretty sure you know what this is."

Amtyo, who was now close to Shain, but still hidden, saw him pull out a dagger. Overhearing the conversation between him and another man, it seemed that the dagger was extremely lethal. Shain could easily kill all men in his way, Amtyo observed. He decided to stay out of Shains sight, as he was the one who called for guards when he saw Shain murder the first man. Shain would probably murder him, too.
He watched the conversation continue...

((Amtyo, my inventory is in a link in my siggy because it is awefully large.))

Kona sighed and then shook his head slightly. Why would Shain do something as stupid as pulling out a Shadow Dagger on him? Didnt he realize how dangerous the weapon was? Sure, Kona had the magic knowledge and the strength to resist and cleanse the spell from his body, but even so, the gaurds behind him did not. "As a Gaurd of Taras, I ordaer the Arena Gaurd to stand down from arresting Shain. I shall take him into my personal custody." Kona said in a loud, concise manner. The gaurds behind him sheathed their weapons, and stepped back a little.

Kona made a slight wink to Shains own white eyes. Hopefully he would catch the hint. Since he knew he had the Detect Motive ability, Kona was confident he would get the hint. But, just in case, in a very subtle manner, he mouthed "I am getting you out of here, but you have alot of explaining to do Shain."

As a gesture of good faith, Kona sheathed his Katana. Of course, he was more than fast enough to re-draw it and block any attack that Shain or anyone else could make. Kona only hoped that Shain would not make a move to force him to use his power on him.

"This day, either I will die, or he dies..."

Even as he wrote those words, all chaos broke loose. Looking up while placing the book back in its sheath he could see the fire engulfing the brute in the arena. But Aros' keen eyes saw another blade among the ignition, one that pierced the gullet of the bulk. As all chaos ran around him Aros stood still, mace on his hip as he drew out his claymore, his partner for so long during his mercenary days. Among the din of chaos he watched the arena floor and saw one other figure there, standing still. It was Igor.

Without delaying he walked up to meet the man that awaited him: Both his brother and his enemy. "Interesting choice of death match, brother. Hope you're ready."

In answer, Igor drew a longsword, infused with toxins that would kill on strike, and brought it firmly to his grip. "Trust me, I have the advantage..."

They stared upon each other, glaring hard upon their forms, waiting for the one or the other to strike. Waiting, perhaps, for someone to urge them on to begin. Even though the one wanted the other dead, even though the one was a murderer and the other a much better swordsman, even though their hatred has existed for so long against each other, they were still brothers. They remembered that now, but it was not going to stop them forever.

The next battle in the arena was ready to begin.

(OOC. Sorry, I did not see the link)

Amtyo stared. The battle was over, and he was watching the new fight start. Amtyo didn't think that the battle should begin just yet. After all, there was a dead man laying at the exit, and the killer of that man was still in the arena, being dragged away. But Amtyo continued watching.

After a while, he saw guards cleaning up the body, and he was not sure where Shain and Kona were. The battle in the pit raged on, and it seemed that the confusion in the crowd was over for that day. Or so he thought.