The Golden Throne

Chapter 9:...Or you die

"Ego, body slam! NOW!" Hilbert shouted.

The Emboar leaped high into the air and spread out his arms. Before the poor Hawlucha could even move away, he crashed right on top of it.

"BOO YEAH!" Hilbert shouted, followed by the cheers of the audience.

Ego got up and walked back to his master. "Hawull..." the Hawlucha called out at Ego. Ego turned around curiously and saw that the Hawlucha wasn't done fighting yet. But by the looks of it, the Pokemon was so badly injured, it was having trouble with merely standing up.

Hilbert tapped Ego by the shoulder and shook his head. "Return your Pokemon back to its Pokeball!" He called out to the Hawlucha's trainer. "Before they act up again," he said again in a much lower voice now so that only his opponent could hear. Gratefully, the trainer returned the Hawlucha back to its Pokeball and scurried for the arena's exit. The audience on the other hand, began to boo at Hilbert as usual.

This was the fifth Pokemon Hilbert had spared. Hilbert's 'No Killing' policy had made him the crowd's least favorite challenger but at the same time, his skills in battle provided them with the most spectacular fights. Ramon on the other hand is yet to comment on Hilbert's crusade against the act of finishing his opponents- in fact, Hilbert hasn't seen the man since their first meeting in his office just a few days ago. It didn't matter. His 'contract' with Ramon was almost up. Tomorrow will be the day he was finally allowed to leave.

Back in his room, Hilbert was lying on his bed, watching the blades of the fan spin round and round.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Hilbert got up from his bed and proceeded to open the door. It was one of Ramon's grunts. "The boss wants to have lunch with you in 20 minutes. Don't keep him waiting," and he immediately shut the door at Hilbert's face.

"Hmp," Hilbert grunted. True to fashion, the criminals that ran this place lacked common manners. He washed his face and put on his blue jacket, then headed to the eating area.

When Hilbert finally arrived, he saw the giant man sitting at a table for two. Both their meals were already prepared. Ramon stood up and clapped with a big smile on his face. "There he is! My champion!". This was the first time Hilbert saw him since the other day. Even though Hilbert had clearly broken the arena rules, Ramon seemed unfazed. He smiled, and he greeted Hilbert as though he was a dear friend.

"You did well just now," Ramon congratulated Hilbert as they were having their meal.

"Thanks. You're keeping your end of the bargain. You're releasing me tomorrow," Hilbert growled.

"Wanting to leave so soon?" Ramon asked in a sad voice. Then he laughed and patted Hilbert on the back. Ramon's massive hands made Hilbert's back sore. "I have decided," Ramon said, "to let you out after one more match."

"That wasn't what we agreed on," Hilbert grunted in a low voice.

"Oh but it is. You promised to fight for me until the day of your release. I, on the other hand, can make you fight in my arena as many times as I want before that day."

Hilbert stared at him, dumbfounded. Of course this would happen.

"That is why, tonight, I have arranged a special opponent for you. One that I know you will thoroughly enjoy. Just a regular battle. I will make sure my customers will understand. After that, I will fulfill my end of the bargain,"

"Let's. Just. Get it over with," Hilbert spoke with a growing rage. He didn't want to take part in another battle but what choice did he have? He was so furious, all that held him back was the weakening grip of his common sense.