Amazon's Coliseum III (ENG)

Chapter 75: Pink Floyd

Arena Minerva, The City.

—Ladies, gentlemen and others, I'm simply standing here to apologize if you feel that wasn't the performance you expected from me. But I have to admit, I lost to the best... It's been a while since I stepped into the world of underground fighting, where I've seen the best, fought the best, and beaten the best... but the best have also beaten me. Today, I can confidently say there are girls in that locker room who can outclass me, and I just proved that facing Dragana. She's probably one of the best fighters around right now, along with our champion, Katyusha.

Chocolate, still in her fighting costume and with a towel draped over her shoulders, addressed the audience. The crowd remained silent, attentive, some looking eager and a bit anxious.

—Since I'm a woman of my word, I must announce that I'll be handing over my companies, including Eastern Valley Entertainment, to Ekaterina Ushakova, also known as Katyusha; she gave me permission to use her real name, and she'll decide their future. While the girls will choose who manages my businesses, I don't want to push them. So, before I step down as general manager of Eastern Valley Entertainment, I want to invite you to a final event. It'll happen in about three weeks, giving the fighters time to rest, those who fought to recover, and allowing them to deliberate on my companies' direction.

Whispers between the attendees started to ripple; Chocolate kept smiling, though her expression held a touch of melancholy.

—I'm not saying goodbye just yet, as I'd like to do that on that special day. What I can tell you, however, is that it's been an immense pleasure to be part of this great family that is Amazon's Coliseum. But fear not, because I'm confident the Coliseum will be in the best hands. These warriors, who shed blood, sweat, tears, and sacrificed their physical well-being to build this kingdom, will reign over everything around. Trust the girls; they'll do a magnificent job. So, ladies, gentlemen and others, have an excellent night and get ready for the farewell event I've planned for when I eventually depart the Coliseum. Thank you all, and good night!

Everyone applauded Chocolate loudly and at length as she left the cage and headed toward the locker rooms. The respect everyone held for the Georgian woman was undeniable, a clear testament to her work.

In a few seats, several Financial Messiahs watched everything intently. They exchanged glances and nodded before making their exit.

...

Backstage, the girls had initially congratulated Dragana, and euphoria filled the air. Moments later, after seeing Chocolate's speech, the mood quieted. A strange feeling settled over them; it wasn't negative, but they couldn't exactly say they were happy. It was as if they hadn't quite processed what was happening.

—Well... at least you won, right, mi Draguis?

—Yeah...

—What's wrong, Dragana? —Tamaki asked.

—Well, it's mostly about what Chocolate told me out there.

—Maybe she just wanted to get in your head? —Marissa replied.

—Honestly, I feel like Chocolate has no reason to lie to me —Dragana mused.

—If it helps, I just want you to know your past doesn't have to define your future —Aurora interjected—. We don't care who your father was, or what he did; we care about you.

—In that case, we'd have to bother Marichuy as well... well, we do anyway, so...

—Hey! —Marissa stopped Blazer —. Though she's got a point... my dad is... well, you know, but I don't have to follow that family tradition.