Papuru Star: Coalition Carnage

Chapter 22: A Canvas for Violence

Topaz City glew brightly in the new night air. Cam-bots capture the panoramic view for those watching from home of the shiny buildings reflecting the fireworks that play over the crowd of thousands. The fireworks gather to compose a roaring Rampage spewing fire with the fiery words: WINNER, then the sweet, yet sultry voice of Roxy Boss filters through holoview sound receptors.

Roxy
We're back here in the beautiful Topaz City, world hub of host planet Dycord, who have been incredibly welcoming to the galaxy. Hope all you carnies out there got those last minute bets in during the ad break, because it's the final battle of the day!

The fireworks image of Rampage is replaced with more fireworks; this time condensing into Avia in a fighting pose, next to a blank faced Koshinataa, arms crossed.

Roxy
It's Superstar Avia vs Superstar Koshinataa closing us out; but where, oh, where will this take place? Only two geodomes left to choose from; one of which, has the Ksushiest of Ksushs on the scene. What's going on over there at the Stadium, Grodin?

Grodin was amongst a rowdy crowd of Pians, microphone in hand. He looked a bit haggard, hair and clothes in disarray and a bandage covered his left cheek.

Grodin
Don't forget, fantastic former host, Roxy. Carnies here are so eager to see a fight in person, rather then the holographic versions streamed here, that actual fights have broken out in the stands. The knights of Biquin have been expelling rabble rousers and are currently keeping the peace-

An argument had started behind him during his broadcast between a man and woman. Another man, obviously the woman's spouse, pushes past her and pulls a sword of fog-glass. The other man does the same and they began aiming profanities and slashes at each other in rapid succession. In the scuffle, both trip over the wife and barrel into Grodin, all three falling off camera. Immediately, men wearing organic looking armor arrive to hustle the troublemakers off. Grodin is shown being forced to leave with them; his pleas of innocence and being a former host, falling on deaf ears.

Roxy
As our favorite Ksush sorts things out, let's get to the picking of the geodome! Will those Pians get a lucky break?

The visual of flickering locals replace the fireworks in the sky. It settles on the Stadium. The Pians see themselves on the hologram and go nuts.

Roxy
And they do! They've been waiting since day one for this, with the bonus being their Superstar will have home field advantage! Let Battle 16 begin!

***

Avia is teleported to one end of the Stadium's fog-glass ring, to a chorus of boos and jeers. She stared daggers at the equally hostile crowd.

Avia (thinking)
Like I give a damn what any of you think.

Her eyes snap to the figure atop the piller north-east of where she stood. His ceremonial armor, grown from specially raised sheleep, shone in the light of the moon. Her father, King Mauve Zareil, returned her stare, unblinking, unapologetic.

Koshinataa
I know what it's like to be shunned by your own people. It sucks, doesn't it?

Avia
I don't care one way or another.

Koshinataa
I don't believe you. Pians hold pride in high regard and Superstars are supposed to be admired by the people they represent. I bet these boos are daggers to the heart.

Avia (thinking)
Not going to feed into what he says, only what he does. I won't have him, these people, or my father dictate my actions. I shape my own future.

PAST

The city called Guicchester had seen its heyday over five hundred years prior, when it was the home of a wealthy merchant. According to legend, this merchant sacrificed his family to the god Chuhah in exchange for financial success and turned the once, small town into a place of prosperity. The people were so enamored with him, they named the newly formed city after him. The legend held weight with Pians, particularly since the death of the merchant, the city slowly went downhill. Present day, it was a quarter of its occupancy, mostly brewers; one of which was why citizens from many towns around spent their free time traveling to the place known for having the best alcohol anywhere in the Biquin kingdom.