»A boxing match?« Rogue nodded. »It's kind of a big event around here. People from all over Viar arrive in Port de Chat for it.«
»That sounds awesome,« Annus said between bites. »And you're gonna participate?«
»Yeah. It's a good way to gain some attention, which in return means new adventures.«
»If it's such a big thing, maybe we can get some information there,« Unus chimed in. Annus made a noise of agreement with a mouth full of potatoes.
Port de Chat was a lot more lively than Arrabal. They could hear music as soon as the first houses came into view behind the grassy hills. The city looked like something straight out of a medieval fantasy novel. Houses made out of stone, their rooftops tiled in dark brown and red and grey nestled against each other, barely leaving enough room for the narrow, middy streets.
The whole city seemed to be a living, breathing organism, something that Unus noticed as soon as they passed the city gates. There were people everywhere. Everyone was in motion, going about their daily lives. Wares were sold in makeshift sales booths, and colorful pennant chains swung from one house to the next. They decided to split up. Rouge had to hurry if he wanted to sign up in time, and Unus and Annus wanted to know if one of the travellers had any valuable information.
After it became clear that none of the travellers or merchants could help them, they made their way to the tournament area, which was down by the docks. Salty air rolled up the Rocky shores and gravelly beaches, almost blinding out the smell of fish and other seafood.
Unus and Annus mixed with the crowd surrounding the circular arena. The are at been seperated with a basic wooden fence, and the first fights were already going.
»I think Rouge is next,« Annus said, nodding over to their friend who was already standing on the inner side of the arena, watching the current match. A brutish, muscular guy fought against a slender, hooded man half his size.
The man to their side leaned over. »That's Michael Vésauce,« he explained. »He's like super powerful. I doubt the other guy stands a chance.«
Indeed, it did not look good for the skinny guy. Vésauces punches were as fast as they were well placed, and even Rouge seemed to be worried.
But to the surprise of every watcher, the skinny guy began to dodge. He threw his robe to the side, revealing a colorful, skin tight outfit which. His face was clean of bruises and scratches, despite all the hits he had endured.
With blinding speed, the man leapt into the air, eradicating the size difference to his opponent. His kick connected with Vésauces chin, and he stumbled backwards. The man landed on one foot, and sweeped the other behind Vésauces legs. In a matter of seconds, the battle was decided. The crowd went wild.
»I think my understanding of boxing has been wrong up until now,« Annus said in disbelief. »Do you think Rouge can take him?«
»Rogue is quick,« Unus analyzed. »He should be able to match him in speed and power. But Vésauces punches didn't even leave a scratch on him. That's what I'm worried about.«
Rouge stepped into the ring, calm determination flickering in his eyes. The colorful man flashed a bright grin and dramatically bowed. Rouge subtly returned the greeting.
They began to circle each other, and the ring fell quiet. The first few jabs on each side hit the air, making sure the opponent was worth going all out.
Like an explosion, the first flurry of punches was exchanged. Rouge was pushed back into defense, but managed to avoid most of the attacks. He jumped into the air as the man tried to sweep his legs away, noticing too late that it was a trap. The man grabbed his leg, and pushed him to the side. Rouge reacted with lightning speed. He landed on his feet, rolled off, and returned a low attack in one fluid motion.
As the fight waged on, the tables seemed to turn in Rouges favor. The other man's movements slowed, and he was visibly exhausted. Each of their motions was met with a roar of the crowd.
»As I expected,« Unus yelled to not be drowned out by the noise. »Not a scratch on him.«
»I don't get it,« Annus yelled back. »Rouge got enough hits in to send a bull to sleep. How is that guy still standing?«
The fight stopped. The man raised a hand to the air. »I yield,« he exclaimed, trying to catch his breath. »I yield. Good fight, kiddo.«
Rouge didn't seem to be happy about it, and neither did the crowd. The man went over to Rouge, shook his hand, and said something they couldn't hear through the booing. Then, he turned back to the crowd. »Despite the show I put on, I'm no match for this man.« His voice echoed over the harbor. »I for one cannot wait to see his future battles.« Then, without saying another word, he left the arena.
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In Memoriam - An Unus Annus Fanfiction
Fanfiction365 days. Unus and Annus have one year left until their death. Trapped in strange machine, relentlessly hunted by Blank and Dark, a fight against the clock begins. Will they be able to find their way out, or will their story be lost in the sands of...
