Announcer: He cupped his stone hands around his mouth. "The next round will begin in exactly fifteen minutes! All contenders must prepare themselves and be familiar with the rules. No healing!"
Star: He turned abruptly and strode into the hallway behind them, breath heavy, one hand gripping his chest. "Dang it..." A faint golden glow flickered across his body as he tried to force back the creeping black energy threading through his veins.
Radna: He followed at a measured pace while Alex remained behind with Sophi. "What is going on with you?"
Star: "Anger and...sadness do not mix well inside me." His jaw tightened. The light around him flared unevenly. In a burst of frustration, he slammed his fist into the wall. The entire structure trembled from the impact.
Radna: He stayed a few steps back, glancing at the cracked stone. "Durable building."
Sophi: She looked over at Star and Radna as they talked, feeling the building shake. She winced while Alex tended to her arm, her skin slowly reforming itself. "F-Fuck, I do not know how he messed me up so bad..." she whimpered. "My body never usually has a problem recovering itself, b-but his touch..." She sniffled softly, shakily rising to her feet and hugging Alex close. "C-Can I go check on Star?"
Alex: He did not take his eyes off her arm, slowly manifesting bandages and wrapping the wound after cleaning it. "No. He will be back. That was incredibly reckless, Sophi."
Sophi: She stepped back, putting distance between herself and Alex, looking up at him as tears welled in her eyes. "I-I did not know I could not heal, why are you fussing at me..." Her voice trembled as she wiped at her cheek, trying to steady her breathing.
Alex: "Because he could have killed you. We are in uncharted territory, surrounded by people we don't know. This is why I always keep you at home..." He tied the bandage a little tighter than usual, his jaw clenched, eyes still fixed on her arm instead of her face.
Sophi: "I-I...mmh..." Her lip quivered into a deep frown before she broke completely, tears spilling down her cheeks. She turned on her heel and ran into the hallway, rushing past Radna and Star without even looking at them. Turning the corner just beyond them, she slumped against the wall and slid down to the floor. She pulled her knees tightly to her chest and buried her face in them, shivering as quiet sobs shook her body, her hair falling forward and covering her face entirely.
Dusk & Dawn: He knelt in front of her, his blindfold tightened over his eyes. "Hello, girl. I noticed you from before. What troubles you?" He extended his hand toward her, palm open.
Sophi: She recognized the voice, but hesitated, unsure if her mind was playing tricks on her. Slowly, she raised her head to look at him and let out a shaky breath when she saw who it was. Fear flickered in her eyes at the man who had just killed her friend, yet she did not pull away. Part of her almost braced for whatever might happen next. "H-Hi..." she whispered, wiping her eyes before carefully wrapping her hand around one of his fingers.
Dusk & Dawn: "What causes your tears to fall on this day? Is it the loss of your comrade? Or is it because of the skeleton man?" He tilted his head slightly, a faint smile forming beneath the blindfold.
Sophi: She whimpered as tears streamed down her face again, praying he could not see them through the blindfold. "Mmmnh...b-both..." she whined, her whole body shivering as she sniffled.
Dusk & Dawn: "He was a decent warrior. I am sorry for your loss, madam. I pray your next warrior is stronger. You are going to need it for your next opponent." He rose slowly, drawing his solar sword to his right.
Alex: He halted at the very tip of the blade. "No fighting outside of the arena...I know the rules."
Sophi: She formed a glowing pink barrier and pushed Alex back with it. "I-If he wants to do something, j-j-just let him..." she whimpered, looking up at Dusk & Dawn and his blade. She lifted her chin, exposing her neck slightly, not breaking eye contact with where his eyes would be beneath the cloth.
Dusk & Dawn: "Stand with your leader, madam. I would send forth one who represents true justice. Your next opponent can crush someone instantly with the power of judgment." He gently patted her on the head. "I pray I do not have to kill you, but I will if you are chosen. I wish you luck, Lady Love." He turned and walked down the hallway toward the enemy side.
Alex: His eyes flickered deep grey for a split second before returning to normal. Without a word, he walked back toward their seats.
Sophi: Despite the warning, his head pat calmed her. She sent a small pulse of pink energy down the hallway, brushing against him briefly like a gentle hand against his back. Then she exhaled and rose to her feet, making her way toward Star.
Without speaking, she stepped in front of him and rose onto her tiptoes, placing a hand on his neck and pulling him closer. She rested her forehead against his and replayed Dusk & Dawn's message directly into his mind.
Star: He closed his eyes slowly, resting his hand on her head. "I see...thank you, Sophi. Radna!"
Radna: "Yes, Star?" He stood nearby, somehow holding a bag of popcorn.
Star: "I know who our champion will be for the next round. If we choose quickly, we may influence who goes next. Contact Uriel."
Radna: "On it!"