Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 74: Striking kinship

Only 15 minutes had passed since the fight began, and even though both Fleur and Viper looked exhausted, their minds certainly weren't. Fleur was optimistic about her future, whether she won or lost. She had achieved her objective, getting Viper to see eye to eye with her, but still she fought on. Viper on the other hand was extremely disappointed in herself. Could she have been so selfish that she never took notice of Fleur's resolve? She just wasn't sure.

Viper put down her wand for the final part of the fight and picked up a similar sized sword to Fleur. "Haven't used one of these for years, but don't let that bother you. I do in fact know how to use a weapon.", remarked Viper. Fleur was almost certain Viper was trying to throw her off, but still wanted to see what she was planning, "Why now do you decide to switch up your method?", asked the elf girl.

Viper laughed, possibly due to physical exhaustion, but no one in the room knew for sure. "I felt it was only fair to give everything I knew how to do, you've changed Fleur, and in such a small amount of time too.". Viper slashed her sword into Fleur's, their moves were impressive considering the lack of training in recent years. Both women continued to exchange moves, but still no blow.

Fleur's sword came within inches of Viper's side, making Viper's muscles go into spasms. She stopped as she felt pain. "You will not get the better of me, no matter which method you use! You see, this is how it is with you! I take it as a sign of your defeat!" Fleur's sword moved back, but stopped just an inch away from Viper's side. "I will never concede defeat to you, not until we've truly ended this!.", Viper's eyes flashed with determination.

Aster looked out at the two capos fighting, at this rate, one of them was going to pass out from exhaustion, it was just a matter of who dealt the next blow. The boy was immersed in their battle, as were Edward, Vox and Catoria. With their sudden truce, everyone knew there wouldn't be a fatality, but it didn't take away from the excitement of the battle. To Aster, it even increased it, he knew that even though he'd feel the final blow, he was free to live another day.
However, is glance was never taken off the fight, he could see Fleur's rigor, her determination, and he couldn't help but smile.

"It's time to end this; a loss is inevitable.", called out Fleur to her opponent. Viper's arms grew weak, it was obvious her body was blacking out, "I will...not allow that to happen!" Viper's sword fell to the floor, leaving her with only her fists. Fleur made a single slash and Viper fell, but before she could rise, Fleur brought her fist down on Viper's stomach, causing her to let out a howl.

"I surrender!", yells Viper, before she fell to the ground. Fleur was extremely drained, but was just strong enough to let out a final smile before also becoming unconscious. In a flash, Edward ran onto the battlefield and raised up the elf girl's hand, "Fleur Feathering is the victor!", he announced. Catoria, Vox and Aster let out an applause, both competitors deserved it.

"Is Fleur going to be okay?", asked Aster to Catoria next to him. "I believe she will, she and Viper were lucky to come out with minor injuries. They simply passed out with exhaustion, that's all.", she reassured him. Catoria continued, "I'm surprised it was that entertaining if I'm honest, normally duels bore me if there isn't death involved.", remarked the succubus.

"Catoria, why'd you gotta be so morbid all the time?", asked Vox jokingly. Catoria shook him off, "I'd ask why you're so blindly cheerful all the time, but that's rude. Eh, Vox?", she replied. Aster chuckled at the consigliere, "Seems Voxxy doesn't have a comeback.", he mumbled to himself. Suddenly, Edward reappeared on Aster's side of the stands, "What did you say, intruder?", he whispered in Aster's ear. Aster responded to him with complete disrespect to his title, "I'm just saying that Vox was a slow poke, boss. No biggie...".

"You will leave that behaviour in this room, runt, or I will slaughter you publicly at the auction, understand?", Edward says darkly. Aster was taken aback, "Fine, you win.", he shrugs. Vox pulled the black haired boy aside, "Best to remain on Eddie's good side for the time being. He's been stressed as hell since the whole 'anti crime group' became a thing. I can guarantee that he'll come to like you after the auction.", he informs. The thought of the auction gave Aster anxiety, the preparations will start going underway any day now, and he was determined that everything would go smoothly under his watch, even if he was a mere soldier.