The Ranch

Newcomers Tournament p.II (2)

Tih hears the noise from one area rise abruptly before dying down. He turns to see the large screen that previously had the raffle results. It's now showing a live feed of the arena with a birds eye view and personal commentary by the announcer.

A group of new recruits surround the screen and watch in anticipation.

"Look look! Victor already won his fight!? He beat his opponent in two moves!"

"Amazing!"

"Looks like Theodore just finished off his opponent as well. He only took a little longer than Victor!"

"Ah! Abel just took his opponent down as well!"

"Incredible! I wish I was as strong as them!"

"Ha! Don't get your hopes up!" Comments Pierre from a little ways away. Basile is snacking on some chips next to the other.

Earlier, when the others hadn't left to fight yet, all the recruits started surrounding the five aces and pushed them all together. The five ended up forming their own little powerhouse group.

Although the group was fairly amiable, their still strangers to each other, therefore there was still an awkwardness in their interactions and often gaps of silence as no one knew what to say.

The crowd surrounding the ace group continued spouting praises towards the five, trying to gain favor. The five were completely unmoved, only occasionally talking among themselves. As they were strong and young, they all had at least a little childish pride within them. But even if they knew they were the strongest of the new recruits, the other four still looked at Victor with respect, silently acknowledging that he was the strongest of the bunch.

Pierre continues his rant from earlier," Everyone is born with a certain amount of talent, we just have more than the normal person. Ah! But don't think you could accomplish everything we have just by talent alone! Without perseverance and hard work, we would be the same as all of you." Basile side eyes Pierre silently, sticking a churro in his mouth.

Although Pierre's words are incredibly frustrating to listen to, his words make sense. Even though everyone acknowledges Pierre's strength, he's becoming more and more unlikable by the second. In comparison, the crowd recalls the warm fluffy feeling when Theodore was here earlier. Even though the ace group was slightly tense and awkward, a silly smile remained on Theodore's quiet face, warming up the atmosphere.

The first group's fights come to a close and they start returning. The second group trades places with them. Pierre moves to walk into the colosseum, Tih follows.

With a mix of worry and nervousness, Kai reminds Tih," Remember, all you have to do is force them off the stage in any way possible to win!"

In the middle of their walk, Pierre turns around," Why are you following me." Pierre doesnt know Tih is his opponent, in his eyes, Tih is like a stalker that might intent to harm him.

Tih's steps pause as he looks at the redhead in silence. Seeing that he's not going to get an answer, Pierre turns back around and starts walking once again, keeping his guard up.

Once they reach the stage, Pierre realizes," You're Tih?"

Tih nods politely.

"Ah, that makes sense now. Good luck then." Pierre says in an uncharacteristically mild and polite way.  Pierre gets into a fighting stance before realizing what Tih's wearing. "You're wearing that to a fight?" He frowns," Isn't that being a tad too ignorant? It's like the first rule of fighting, to not wear baggy clothes."

Pierre sighs," You're not being serious about this fight, are you. You probably joined a non-combat class and plan to throw the match after watching us five aces. I can't blame you, but still, that'll make it too easy to win. You should thank me for pointing this out. Hurry up and change before the fight starts." Pierre moves back into a relaxed position, waiting for the person in front of him to leave.

Tih listens as the boy in front of him nags about his clothes. He looks down at his dark green hoodie with a white trim, military pants, and military boots and sees nothing wrong.

Pierre sees the kid with his head down, not moving. Thinking that the boy is not taking his advice to heart angers Pierre slightly. Taking it as a sign of disrespect, he says," Fine, I'll pull that stuck-up pride of yours to the floor along with your stick-like body."

Seeing that his words aren't affecting Tih, he gives up on trying to help," Ah, whatever, I'll just try not to use it to my advantage. Just remember, it'll be your fault if those expensive looking clothes tear."

The calm redhead gets into his fighting stance and Tih stands normally. Some curious onlookers are drawn to Tih's weird display.

"Is that kid wearing a hoodie?"

"Is that child an idiot? Everyone knows that baggy clothes will only make it easier to grab ahold of him."

"Some say ignorance is bliss, but in his case it can only result in pain."

"Right? The better the hold, the easier it will be to throw him."

More and more people are drawn to their fight, especially since Pierre is the only person from the five aces in this group.

Instructor Kane and Major Jax, who have had the opportunity to experience Tih in all his glory, chuckle as they listen to people mock Tih for his ignorance.