Unexpected Opponent Enters the Ring

Tyr paced the apartment; his hands tapped the long kitchen table whenever he walked next to it. His stomach growled angrily, lamenting about not having dinner. He glanced at the clock. A few hours passed since she went to talk with Gabin. He pinched the bridge of his nose, worried that the boy got caught up in something serious.

"Where is she?" he muttered under his breath.

After reading that report on her bounty, it only amplified his usual concerns about her. They were still in Marseille and the price on her was small but would be an added worry which they needed to watch out for.

Not wanting to wait any longer, he decided to find out what was holding her up. He quickly grabbed his wool coat and rushed out the door.

****

Hearing Macha's stern voice call him a child caused Gabin to stop speaking. He had never heard her speak like that to anyone before and his conscience weighted down on him. It seemed wrong letting his mother-figure fight for him, but he also did not want to make her angrier at him.

He followed meekly behind her. Although she was small, her presence seemed so large that he felt as if her very being would consume him if he dared to defy her. As he watched her slight frame take confident strides, he wished he could be like her.

They were led to the side where Macha read and signed a contract, stating she would willingly be Gabin's substitute.

It was a longer document and took her a while to read through it. She did not want to sign herself into slavery by accident. Reading contracts was something she learned while working in her world. The fine print and hidden fees would surprise people, and she realized that this world was just as bad with their legal jargon. Unlike Tyr, these people were strangers, and she did not trust them.

In the corner of her vision, she saw Gabin's face twisted with anxiety. He looked like he wanted to cry.

After she turned in the contract, she pulled the young man towards her.

"Come here," she demanded as she drew him into a hug.

She squeezed him until he tapped out. Afterward, she studied the young man who stood before her. His facial hair was coming in little patches, he had a bit of acne, but overall he was going to probably a handsome man.

Macha lifted her arm and ruffled his brownish-black hair playfully.

"I'm sorry," Gabin apologized in a small voice.

Instead of yelling at him, she grinned and shook her head, unable to hide the disappointment that touched the corners of her eyes.

"I'm not angry at you. I expect an explanation later, but I'm disheartened that you did not come to me before doing this. After all these years, I assumed we were closer than that."

She had seen the boy grow up. Now he entered that awkward age where he was not quite a man, but not a quite a child anymore. That thought made her realize that she dismissed him earlier and called him a child. She pursed her lips because she felt bad about her harsh words. Her anger had driven her to say the remark without being mindful of his feelings.

"Look. You aren't a child. I shouldn't have said that. You're becoming a man, but you still have a lot to learn. Life is about learning. It's important to ask your friends for help if you need it. I know you might not view me as a friend, but you can always come to me if you need."

Gabin lowered his chin. He did not want to disappoint her and did not mean to make her upset.

"It isn't that I don't see you as a friend. I think of you and the Captain as sorta parents, but I was sorta ashamed." His hand gripped the seat cushion tightly. "I'll let you know from now on. Sorry."

Hearing him say he would seek out her help made her relieved. She always thought of him as a 'hanai' family, so it was nice to know he did not see her as a stranger. With a smile, she put her finger under his chin and lifted it.

"Chin up. We didn't raise you to be a man who has to apologize so much. Live your life so you don't have to apologize."

****

Tyr followed the crimson light that shone from his ring to the Mercenary Guild's district. He lifted an eyebrow when he found it leading him to the large coliseum.

Cheers shouted into the heavens and he frowned; either they were betting or fighting. Both possibilities were not something he expected Macha to propose, so he could only assume Gabin wanted to come here. He spurred his mount forward and hurried to the entrance.

The Mercenary Guild used these tournaments as a way to scout future talent. They would often pay the contestants an insubstantial amount to participate. They easily made a heavy profit from the betting that took place.

Tonight the stadium appeared to be crowded. This was a great source of entertainment for Marseille and many people came to see the weekly tournaments. Around him, people were drinking and talking in large groups. They took up large areas, forcing the traffic to flow around them.

Tyr pushed past the crowds. He hated being surrounded by so many people and wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.

When he walked into the stadium, his eyes scanned the many faces until and he found Macha standing next to Gabin. She wore her casual clothes that she usually used when they went to visit the orphanage. Whenever they went, she preferred to wear things that she could run around in so she could play with the children.

She raised her arms as she stretched out.

An announcer walked into the ring. His voice was amplified by the loudspeakers that were set up throughout the stadium. He held a wand of lapis lazuli in his hand which he spoke into.

"We have a special treat for you guys tonight. Lady Macha Swat, adopted daughter of Xuanwu Swat, is here tonight! She is the secretary from the Obsidian Dragons and will be fighting tonight! She may seem small, but don't let that fool you. This little firecracker is personally trained by Captain Tyr and sister of Captain Tai Shan."

Tyr's eyes narrowed upon hearing that Macha was going to participate in a match. "What's going on here?" he wondered.

A woman shoved him from behind, "Move it!" she said gruffly, wanting to hurry to her seat.

He turned and gave them an icy glare. Any other complaints were immediately silenced and they continued on, not wanting trouble.

After her introduction, Macha jogged onto the ring. She did not smile but gave the crowd a small bow.

The announcer continued, trying to excite the crowd. "Her opponent is another celebrity! Tonight we are graced with the presence of Lord Magni Rosenkrantz. He is the youngest son of the one and only Rosenkrantz family and an avid fan of our games."

When Tyr saw Magni make his way to the stage, a scowl formed on his face. This was too much of a coincidence. He turned around and left the arena.