Amazon's Coliseum III (ENG)

Chapter 72: Dream Theater

Minerva Arena, The City

The attendees murmured at Ekaterina's revelation; even Chocolate and Dragana were astonished. The Georgian woman, finally, forced a smile that looked more like she'd just heard a bad joke, then looked at the young Croatian with a hint of pity.

—Well... I won't say I'm not... surprised, nor that I'm uninterested in the proposal, but I'd like to hear our dear Dragon's opinion. My dear, is this what you want?

That was, without a doubt, an excellent question. Yes, it was something she desired, that was the answer; but now that it was offered, she felt odd. Perhaps it was because she felt deceived by Ekaterina, who hours earlier had told her she planned to confront and kill Chocolate if she won. Yet, here she was, passing the torch to Dragana; not only that, she was entrusting her with the responsibility of defeating one of the best fighters in the world, if not the best, in a high-stakes match. Nevertheless, she knew this was what she truly wanted, and that she would have to bet something, likely something that would put everything they knew at risk. Whoever won, nothing would be the same. All this flashed through her mind in barely five seconds, before she took the microphone Ekaterina held.

—Yes, I want to fight you, Chocolate.

The crowd reacted with audible surprise, but also with great enthusiasm. While it was true that Dragana was probably no match for the Queen of the Caucasus, people were equally thrilled to see Chocolate fight again; she was already a legend in the Underground fighting circuits back in the day.

For a moment, Chocolate looked at Dragana with a sad smile, but then her gaze seemed to show a kind of empathy and understanding, though gradually her face returned to its usual expression.

—Alright, but before you face me, we need to clarify something. Katyusha, if you want a high-stakes fight, then you must put something in line. What can you offer me if I win?

—That's something not everyone here needs to know, but I, and many people backstage, can give you what you need to be, virtually, untouchable... invincible. People with powerful connections around the world who can protect you from whatever might threaten you, especially now that the situation in the City is difficult. Not only can I offer you these benefits, but also others you know. Many people who "value us" will work for you. And obviously, if you have all that power, then we will belong to you and only to you. Our souls will be yours.

Backstage, many of the girls reacted adversely, sparking a heated discussion and debate. Marissa and Carla, while aware of Dragana's plan to face Chocolate, had no idea it was at the cost of all their lives.

In the Arena, meanwhile...

—Heh, heh... heh, heh, heh, heh... Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! —The Georgian laughed with both mockery and hilarity—. Well, well! And people say I'm Satan. Dragon, I won't tell you what decision to make, but I'll certainly do this if you agree. But Ekaterina, if she says no... will you look for another champion?

—I won't look for one, because I have a Plan B... or rather... I'll revert to Plan A.

—I see... then, dear... what do you decide?

Dragana was now burdened with a new, overwhelming responsibility: the fate of all the girls. And not just that; if she refused, something she could do without major consequences, Ekaterina would be the one to face Chocolate. From that fight, only one would emerge alive, if any did. Although Ekaterina was more likely to defeat Chocolate, Dragana was flooded with memories of her own journey.

She recalled the day she learned her father had died at the hands of that woman known Chocolate; her fighting career in clandestine coliseums and the unspeakable and ignominious experiences she endured in criminal environments followed this. Later, in Croatia, she met someone who became not only her mentor but the closest thing to a father figure she ever had, until he, too, was killed. She remembered her time in Hell's Pit and the tournaments that forged her reputation; finally, she arrived in the City with a singular purpose: to avenge her father's death.