Castlevania: Through the Infinite Corridor of Madness

Intermission 6

A break was certainly needed after seeing a universe of the undead attacking a city. Many were feeling cooped up in the theater room, so they wanted to stretch their legs. Some also wanted to spar so they could keep their skills sharp. Dracula decided he wanted to learn more so he casually said that he was going to the Hive. A part of the Observation facility that dealt purely in science. Chemical reactions, fungi, diseases, and creatures that did not exist in their universe, but in others. Dracula wanted to know more about the virus that doomed an entire city to the attack of the undead, as well as mutated abominations.

But the biggest event that most everyone in the dubbed 'arena' section of the station had was the duel between Striga and Willow who chose to fight with their hands instead of weapons as in Striga's own words 'she wished to fight an honorable fight.' Which was why both were put in the octagon ring.

"So let me get this straight. In the future there is a sport centered around mixed martial arts?" Asked Richter who was seated in the stands alongside the other guest.

"Correct. Much like the Olympic games of Ancient Greece, the sport had evolved." VEGA replied.

"And no one dies in these events?" Maria asked.

"Outside of a few recorded fights in which a participant had suffered fatal damage, each fight ends whenever the time is up, or a fighter is knocked unconscious."

"Is that the rules here?" Richter asked.

"Correct. Either opponent must yield or be knocked out." VEGA announced.

"This ought to be good." Trevor said, one of his legs over the other, leaning back against his chair.

Drones were walking the standing holding trays as they announced, "Sodas, food, cigarettes, cigars, peanuts!"

Morana waved over and grabbed one of the cigars as she read the label "Cuba's finest? Huh." Looking towards Richter party she asks "is there going to be a nation called Cuba in the future?"

Richter nodded, "Yes it's part of the Spanish colonies in the Caribbean." He paused as he looked at his friends, "Right?"

Maria and Annette nodded, though Annette had a frown. Remembering Cuba as listed as one of the many colonies that harbored slaves.

Morana looked at Annette and knew that frown all too well, but decided to save her questions for later as with a quick and fancy motion grabbed a match and with her thumb sparked the match to life as she tried the cigar.

With an inhale she blew out a drag before making smoke rings as she enjoyed the taste of the tobacco. "Hmmm, that's pretty smooth." She examined it before turning towards the others. "You should try this, it's rather good and the taste is sweet."

Adrian took the cigar and took a simple drag, only to cough, smoke escaping his mouth. "Oh god, what the hell..." He continued to cough. Greta took the cigar and was about to inhale when a medical droid took it from her.

A medical Droid spoke up, "Smoking is not good for the babies, nor is drinking so please refrain from such things." Greta's face looked as if someone just stabbed her through the heart as Trevor and his grandfather both enjoyed the cigars.

"Ya know, having a business growing tobacco doesn't sound too bad." Trevor said with a thoughtful voice.

"I think alcohol is a good enough business." Sypha said with a frown towards the cigar, seeing it doing more harm than good.

That's when VEGA spoke up, "The match will begin momentarily. May I please have your attention?" When he was sure everyone present was listening, the A.I continued. "Today's match is between Striga of Styria, and Willow Schnee-Tepes. The rules will be, no fighting under the belt, no fighting with the intent to fatally harm one another. The match ends when one yields or is knocked unconscious. Are the rules clear?"