(Book 2) Neferpitou and the human Royal Guard

Chapter 26 Spidercat of Yorknew!

Hell's Arena, after 19 hours of battle against Professor Jovesworth

There is nothing like it, facing my mentor at the peak of his power. To be so overwhelmingly outmatched against an opponent who is giving it his all, incredible doesn't even begin to describe what it is like to be in this situation. Not once in the past did I ever think I could go toe-to-toe with him, never mind actually gain a victory over him. All these thoughts and more rush through my head, as I look over to the professor's soon-to-be revived corpse. Looking down at my arm, I check to see if my reckless little 'experiment' would reverse itself while in the arena. Thankfully, it seems to do so, as the crimson pigment of my skin begins to return, and the soft flesh becomes a tough carapace once again. Though the extra extensions I added prior to the fight like the extra arms and the horns are still gone. I should avoid using that vow ever again if at all possible. I just hope I can avoid it when facing Vasilias. Hm, I should also make a point to bring the horns and arms back when I get the chance.

*cough* I hear, even over the roars of the crowd, accompanied by the incoherent shouts of excitement of the announcer. Looking back over, I see Jovesworth back in his owl form, now just dusting himself off. "My my how you've grown, old chum." he says.

"I can't take all the credit. I would never have gotten this far had it not been for you and your teachings. Not to mention the help from Pitou-chan and Pouf." I admit, not letting the victory go to my head.

"Hm, yes, about that actually... A lot of that will go to waste if you use that technique outside of this arena, I can only pray that new hatsu technique you displayed will suffice in the battles to come." he warns.

Nodding, I agree "Don't worry, I have no intention of throwing away the gift they gave me if I can avoid it. "And although I mean't what I said wholeheartedly, I cannot stop the sinking feeling that it is a forgone conclusion at this point.

Jovesworth looks away for a moment, then looks back to me. "I should hope not. Now then, I do suppose it is time we depart, yes? You must be famished by now."

I merely nod in agreement and comment as my stomach rumbles "Hopefully, there is some of Jaws left over from Pitou-chan's meal."

"Right then, fear not my boy, if that shark fellow isn't entirely gone, I did make sure that we scavenged one of the grocery stores for beef jerky and some water bottles for just such an occasion." he announces.

"Heh, always one step ahead of the game, ey professor?"

"I do my best~" he says as he picks up the battle-axe he brought with his wing.

And with that, the two of us leave the arena, with the announcer calling out to us one final time "Hey there, be sure to come back soon for some more blood sport, ya hear?"

We ignore it of course, as we exit the arena and back into the abandoned warehouse with both of our respective weapons slung over our shoulders. When the both of us pass the threshold, the door we used to enter the arena in the first place simply crumbles to dust. Looking around, I see Gon passed out on the floor, snoring. Not too far away, Pitou sits diligently and greets Jovesworth and I with a pleasant smile as we approach. "Welcome back, Allie."

"Hey Pitou-chan. Heard you two had the foresight to bring food and water here. I could really use that right about now." I bluntly tell her.

She frowns a little and gives the sleeping Gon the side-eye. "We did, however SOMEBODY ate all the food when I gave him the bag... A rather sizeable bag might I add."

Stifling a laugh, I then ask "What about Jaws, the shark guy?"

She blinks a couple times, her eyes lighting up in recognition a moment later. "Oh, him. Right, I figured he would work better as a puppet, but feel free to take a nibble out of him if you need it." she tells me, gesturing behind me and Jovesworth. Turning around, the professor and I see a puppeteered Jaws sitting cross legged on the concrete floor with his back to us. "He is quite delectable, I myself had a bite of one of his fins before making him a puppet. I do ask that you leave enough of him behind to be of actual use in combat though." she adds, tossing me a bottle of water.