A New Sun Rises - Maxical's Adventures, The Truth Behind The Oblivion Crisis Options

[mALX]

*


Chapter 24: The Escape


“The reason they joined separate teams at the Arena was over that girl. They planned to join together. When she joined the Blue team, Agronak marched over and joined the Yellow team thinking Gils would come with him. Instead Gils joined the Blue. Agronak was livid and fought with Gils several times over it. He even threatened to kill Gils in the Blue Bloodworks one day and Owyn banned him for a while.” Andronicus explained.

“Did she like Gils?”

“Yeah, till she met that young boy. Agronak went nuts after that, tried to ruin her. That’s when he pulled that ring trick on her.”

“Agronak was mad? Why? I could understand Gils being upset, but Agronak?”

“Weird, huh? That night Agronak came in the Bloodworks, he was still banned and it was after night lockdown. There was a big fight between him, Gils, and the kid. The boy was the only one standing at the end. Owyn woke and lit a torch just in time to see the kid knock out Agronak.”

“Owyn had to light a torch?”

“He said it was dark as pitch in there, maybe the candles got knocked down in the fight.”

I got a creepy feeling suddenly. The candles…someone tried the Khajiit that night. They’ll climb on you while you sleep in there unless you have someone protecting you. Andronicus may reek, but I wouldn’t be intact without her. I shivered.

“What?”

“Agronak in there? Why? Who’s the kid that knocked him out?”

“Nobody knows why he was there. Owyn can tell you the boy’s name. Only unranked fighter I know is Gils because he has always brought me bottles, even back then. Back then he brought me something else too.”

“Oh dear gods shut up Andronicus! I don’t want to hear another word!”

“Hey, I wasn’t always like you see now. I was beautiful then. Gils let me ride…”

“LALALALALA! I’ve got my hands over my ears and can’t hear you Andronicus! LALALALALA!”

“Don’t knock it. You can’t find better’n a Dunmer in the sack.”

“Andronicus, unless you want me to vomit you will shut up this second!”





***

Andronicus was winding down, her voice sounding sleepy. In the dim light I could see her form stretched out on the mat. She would be asleep soon and I would be alone and scared. I couldn‘t cast my night eye, prison cells deaden your magic so mages can‘t escape. The scratching sound I kept hearing had to be a rat seeking scraps. It wouldn’t find any in this cell, Andronicus had wolfed down both my meal and hers. I would starve before eating the swill here, I swear it had maggots in it.

Dried feces clung to the lip of the ewer, and I was already dancing and holding myself from the need to go. The cell wall was covered in a dark slimy film, the thought of touching it to balance and hover over the ewer nearly made me gag. I could not bring myself to just wet my pants like Andronicus did.

There was a drain in the center of the cell that had clumps of gross looking matter dried around the mouth of it, that would have to do. I carefully pulled the sackcloth pants off so they didn’t touch the floor and held them in my hands rather than lay them on the mat.

Remaining fully standing, I spread my feet wide and balanced over the drain. The relief was tremendous, I was sure I would have burst if I had held it much longer.

As if I had rung a dinner bell footsteps sounded in the corridor as soon as I started peeing. I tried to stop the flow but it would not be held back at that point. I was in that position when the guards stopped in front of the cell.

My first thought was they were taking me to the torture chamber. Andronicus was snoring. Oh dear gods. A trembling started in my legs and my stomach was crowding my throat.

“That’s what that ewer is for, cat. No wonder they call you beasts, using the floor.”

“Even a cat won’t sit on dried feces, you should clean them if you want them used. Besides, this is a drain, not the floor.” I spoke loud trying to wake Andronicus up. It didn’t work.

“Well you can save it till you get outside, we‘re releasing you.”

“If I could stop it, I would have before you came up.” I spoke louder.

Andronicus snorted and half sat up, looking around.

“Wha? What’s going on here?” She pulled herself up and then noticed the two guards in the door. “What’r you staring at? Never seen a cat pee before? You got nothing better to do than stare at us?”

They hooted and taunted through the cell door till I finished. Before I could put my pants back on they opened the cell door. Oh dear gods, this was it then? I scooted to the back of the cell.

“What do you think you’re doing? Leave her alone!“ Andronicus moved faster than I have ever seen her, leaping between me and the guard.

They pushed her back. “Out of the way! We’re taking her out.”

“You get your hands off her! I‘m her guardian, she goes nowhere without me!” Andronicus sounded like a bear growling.

“You ain’t been released. Now step back before I make you.”

“Andronicus!” I got between them. “I couldn’t stand you hurt on my account, I’ll go with them.”

Andronicus set up a loud wail. I hesitated. Should I un-sheath my claws or would that be taken as aggression? I eyed the two burly guards.

“Well come on cat!”

“Andronicus, if you get out and I am not there, get hold of Jack Thompson and tell him about this midnight release.”

“Don’t take her! You leave her alone! Nothing better happen to her! Maaaaxicaaaal!”

Andronicus’s yowls echoed off the stone walls the whole way down the corridor, it hurt my ears and I couldn’t concentrate on how to save myself. The comparison to it and the shrill tongue of banshees that herald your death was made in my mind and clung there, would it be the last sound I heard? Still, it meant a lot that she cared enough to do it. Andronicus acts tough, but inside she is anything but.

It was almost a relief when the heavy metal door sealed the sound off, muting it to silence as we exited that level. They brought me to a chest that held my personal items and the shackles were removed. I felt the magicka flowing down into my arms, the shackles were enchanted to deaden magic too. I turned around, suspicious. How often are prisoners released in the middle of the night? Were they going to try and say I escaped and cut me down from behind?

I had to change in front of them. I turned my back quickly to load a chameleon spell but kept glancing behind me to make sure they weren’t going to attack me. I forced myself to put on the ring from Agronak just in case they did, but I was going straight to the Arcane and ask Hannibal to make me a new one.

As soon as I had the last item of my own on I turned and bugged my eyes, looking behind them as if seeing something and yelled, “NO!” When the guards turned to look I cast the chameleon and ran as fast as I could.

I had lost track of time in that cell, it was pitch dark outside and I had no idea what time it was. Hassiri was standing on the steps near the door. I wasn’t quiet running by him, I glanced back and saw him looking around when the guards came out the door. Their voices trailed behind me, “Where’d she go?” and “She was here a minute ago!“ echoed off the buildings as I darted down the alley.





***

Afraid they would search for me at the Arena, I ran straight to the Arcane. The streets were empty other than gate guards and an occasional patrol. Thinking they would be looking for an escaped prisoner I kept the chameleon on till I was in Hannibal’s quarters. He awoke, sitting up and looking around before I realized and dispelled it.

“Maxical! I said to come any time for healing training, I didn’t mean the middle of the night particularly, but…I guess it is okay.”

“I escaped from prison Hannibal. They torture beast species at night in prisons. They came and took me from my cell just now, I had to run.”

“Did you harm any Legion to get away?”

“No, I pretended I saw something behind them and cast chameleon. Hannibal, Agronak told me that ring was a behest from his mother when he gave it to me, but in that Courier it said he just bought it. He set me up to look like a liar and his intended with that article.”

“I thought you knew that. You read that while you were here.”

“I never read the interview with Ris, I didn’t know it was connected, I never heard of him before. And Agronak said ‘no comment’, I missed that too. The ring is described in detail, Fathis will know it was bought for me by another man. I can’t wear it now. Can you make me another ring? I don‘t have one to give you, but any old brass ring will do. I‘m sorry Hannibal.”

“I understand.“ He opened his jewelry box and dug around. “Drat! Look, this is the only ring I have unchanted.” He held up the exact same ring.

“Oh no, that won’t help me.”

“Hmmm. If you were to give identical rings out to hundreds of people to come see your next fight, people would think Agronak couldn’t comment because it was a promotion. They would know you weren’t engaged then, Fathis included.”

“That is a great idea! Do you mind?”

“Not at all, but I see an angry Orc on the horizon.”

“He will see an angry Khajiit next time he sees me. He lied to me, tricked me to make me look like a liar in front of Fathis. Add to that having me arrested as a thief. The two things Fathis cannot abide. Andronicus said Agronak has done this before to another girl.”

“I pity the Orc if he has your temper up.” He winked at me, then got serious. “You really need that ring, though. I’ll make you a stronger one, should I slip it on your finger in front of the press?”

I grinned at his baiting. “Are you trying to give Hassiri a heart attack? I owe him a big story though, I slipped past him tonight and he knew it.”

“Why don’t you give the rings out at the music festival. Some of your fellow classmates will be playing there, remember the boys that sang at the graduation? They have quite an act going. Magic and music combined. They are very talented, I am hoping they take the prize. They could get you up on stage and say something about your return to the Arena, and you could distribute the rings. Sort of a dual promotion between you and the band. I’ll be at the Merchants with them. You should stop in and see us. I am sure they will remember you. Come early the day of the festival, their act isn‘t till later in the day.”

“Oh they were good! That is a really good idea Hannibal. I would have the crowds in place and all I would need to do would be to give Hassiri a heads-up. Say, on that boxful of rings…could you put some really low fun enchantment on them?”

“Like what?”

“Like when you slide it on it makes you laugh briefly or something like that. My persona is making people laugh.”

“That is a really good idea. A little euphoric burst. I can do that. Meanwhile read this chapter, this is about the disorder you have. The handwritten list is alternative healing methods I will be researching.”


*

[D.Foxy]

Back then he brought me something else too.”

“Oh dear gods shut up Andronicus! I don’t want to hear another word!”

“Hey, I wasn’t always like you see now. I was beautiful then. Gils let me ride…”

“LALALALALA! I’ve got my hands over my ears and can’t hear you Andronicus! LALALALALA!”

“Don’t knock it. You can’t find better’n a Dunmer in the sack.”

“Andronicus, unless you want me to vomit you will shut up this second!”


*FOXY expired in front of, on top of, beside, and behind his computer*

[ureniashtram]

OMG, mALX! A Dunmer and Andronicus? I.. I feel something fierce inside me. I think it's the dreaded 'Cuss-Catius Dementia'!

Doctor: You have approximately two hours before you.. y'know. Any last words, buddy?

Me: Yeah.. (sobs).. It's..

It's good as always, mALX! You sure do know how to make your readers crave for more! Keep 'em coming!

becomes becomes

This post has been edited by ureniashtram: May 19 2010, 07:15 AM

[Acadian]

You certainly bring the uckiness of the prison to life. It was cute when Maxical covered her ears and started 'singing' so she couldn't hear Andronicus.

I like how you addressed disabling imprisoned mages - I have often thought the same thing - some sort of silence aura or enchantment or such.

Nicely done mALX!

[MyCat]

I'm liking this version better than the original. It flows better. And I did like the original.

See, you and Acadian made me sign up for yet another site!

[Destri Melarg]

You have an amazing knack for creating sympathy in even the least sympathetic figures. Andronicus is crude, abrasive, and her lack of personal hygiene borders on the legendary. Yet for all of that she is loyal, kind, and fiercely protective of those placed in her charge. My only question is: Was Gils a replacement for Fathis? Or was he the one that sparked her infatuation? (after all, “You can’t find better’n a Dunmer in the sack.”)

[mALX]

@ Foxy - ROFL !!! Thank you so much Foxy! You ROCK!!

***

@ Ureniashtram - ROFL!! - I love it! Thank you so very much!!!

***

@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian! I was driven to detail the uckiness, just couldn't stop myself, lol. I remember someone wanting me to explain why Traven couldn't escape a prison cell in the original, so thought I would take care of that little item right now, lol.

***

@ MyCat - Yeah!!! You have come over!!! I appreciate your kind words so much on both here and the original story. I am actually supposed to be trying to connect this story somehow with the original, but have been unable to stop writing the Arena (so have bypassed the DB and Mission with Foxy in the original !!!! ARGH!!!! ) Not sure how I am going to do it now, unless I revamp a few other things. I am trying to get it worked out, if I can't then this is just a side story of Maxical's Arena Adventures and I will start another thread with her adventures as an assassin, lol. So glad you are here, and you are greatly appreciated!!

***

@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri!!! Er, I think she was infatuated with Fathis before Gils came to the Arena. Dunmer have a reputation for hyper sexuality (although not sensuality) - so I figured they must become pretty adept as they age, and they age slowly.

I kind of wanted to make that contrast in there, Fathis has the reputation, wealth, title, (and looks better than Gils, although he is older than him), etc. - Gils is just a poor Gladiator at the Arena, aging faster than he should be for his age - but both have the same reputation with women - (and neither of them have any trouble getting a partner at any given time).

[mALX]

*


Chapter 25: The Fuel And The Fire



“Is it like a blocked channel? Can’t you just splice one channel into the other somehow and make it work?� I looked up at Hannibal from the text that detailed my disorder.

“Interesting concept.�

“What is this part about vampires?�

“Some ancient vampires use alternative healing methods. I know one and have made an appointment to talk to him about you.�

“Subject A/JH? I read about him when you confined me up here for my ill deeds.�

Hannibal caught the gleam of mischief in my eyes. “Wicked girl.�

“I didn’t tell anyone, not even Delphine, but the rest of my time here I thought of you as a super hero leading a double life. Mild mannered Dean of the University by day, but at night…tada…he becomes the super research scientist delving through the dark underworld of vampirism to find a cure for the dreaded disease. I even pictured you donning a long white cloak that had magical properties so you could fly out of danger.�

Hannibal was in stitches laughing.

“The advantage of not being your student anymore, I get to see the imps dance in your eyes now.“ I smiled, taking the new ring from him and sliding it on my finger. “Oh, that is much more powerful!�

“Yes, I exceeded limits on it because of your disorder. You will need that extra boost. Now this is the ring I enchanted to give away. Watch this little trick, you will love it!�

He lifted a huge scroll and tapped the ring with it, then tossed the ring on the ground. The ring bounced and then began trembling. Suddenly it was spewing rings like a flower unfolding in fast motion, or maybe a fountain. There were hundreds of them!

“GAAAH! I love it!�

“Get that small crate over there, let’s get these picked up.� Hannibal’s help consisted of sitting in his chair sipping wine and pointing out rings to me. “Look over there, a whole stack you missed under that chair.�

“You’ll be stepping on rings for a year.� I laughed. “Thank you Hannibal. You may have saved me with Fathis.� I gave him a hug and hurried out, balancing the crate awkwardly.





***


As I cut across to the Arena I saw Hassiri from the Courier. No guards were about so I dispelled the chameleon. He hesitated then came up to me, obviously miffed I avoided interviewing with him when I left the jail. He had his pad raised, meaning what I said would be on the record. I reached over and pulled his arm down.

“Would you mind speaking to me off the record for a second Hassiri? I just wanted to apologize to you. Khajiit don’t fare well in prisons, the torture chambers for beasts like me. When they took me from my cell in the middle of the night I was sure that was going to happen, so I went invisible and escaped. I am so sorry, and feel terrible for your time wasted. I want to make it up to you. There is the possibility of an advance story as well, but I am promising you an exclusive. What I’m going to show you is the exclusive, and has to remain top secret until we give you the signal. I want you to be the first to see these, I’ll be passing them out the first day of the music festival. Here, take one for each of your brothers too.�

“This is that ring! The one the Gray Prince gave you! You have a whole crate of them?�

“Yes, it is a promotion we are doing for my return to the Arena and also the debut of a musical group from the Arcane. Possibly why Agronak didn’t feel comfortable commenting, although I’m unsure of his motives. I could not stay to talk to you that day, Fathis saw Agronak give me the ring and misunderstood, I had to catch him. You probably have already figured out that I am promised to Fathis.�

“I had heard something along those lines. Will you give me the exclusive on that when you go public with it?�

“Definitely for the announcement, and you and your brothers will have front row seats reserved for you at the ceremony as well.�

“Thank you.� He relaxed, the irritation abated. “Now tell me about this box of rings.�

“We don’t have all the details worked out yet on this promotion, something like giving a ring to whoever vows to make their wager on me my return match. Agronak picked up a ring from Ris and gave it to me to use as a template. I took it down to the Arcane and had all these made up. They are enchanted, try it on.�

“Tee-hee-hee! That feels good!� He slid it back off. “That is a real ebony band and a real diamond! Do you know how much these are worth?�

“They were over 200 Septims before the enchantment. With it they will be well over 800. Because of their value this can‘t come out beforehand, we could be vulnerable to a robbery. I'd like you to cover the promotion at the festival when we distribute these, if you would.�

“This is some promotion! How can the Blue team afford it?�

"The Arcane is donating it as a dual promotion. Arch Mage Hannibal Traven has been following my progress in the Arena and supervising my injured status. It is to mark my return to the Arena. The second reason is that they are promoting the debut of a group of mages from the Arcane for the music festival. They combine music and magic.�

“Is that the advance story you mentioned?�

“Arch Mage Traven would love the publicity for his mages, I believe he may give you an advance story and an interview with them. I owe you a big one for bypassing you tonight, I know that. I’ll give you the details on the ring promotion as soon as I can. I just want you to know how sorry I am that I had to do that to you.�

“It is the truth about the torture chambers. You were right to be afraid. I have never seen anyone released at night before myself. If it was me in there and they came in the night, I would have run too.�

“Thank you for understanding. Here, take a few extra rings in case you want to give one to someone. I’ll be giving you several passes for my return match as well. I’d be proud to have you and your brothers in my cheering section. Now, if you would like an interview we can get back on the record.� I pushed his pad back up.

Andronicus had taught me a lot since my last botched interview.






******* Hassiri



Hassiri hurried to the office after talking with Maxical. “Stop the presses! We are going to go at that story from another angle.�





******* Agronak


* After The Hearing, thinking back on the past weeks

Maxical’s expression when she was led into the hearing in shackles was Agronak’s first clue he had made a huge mistake. Instead of being terrified or crying she had a cold simmering anger. She couldn’t know…unless Gils told her.

Then the Elders refused to let him drop the charges. At the end of the hearing it was clear things had gone beyond his control. Maxical had not shed one tear, nor even looked like she held any back. Not once had she radiated fear or discomfort at the proceedings, instead she seemed to be controlling them. Nothing had gone as planned.

The door to the Yellow team Bloodworks fell open, the latch shattered. The Pits that usually swarmed him like gnats looked down and turned away. Some of the ranked fighters made comments under their breath. Horski made several loud derogatory comments in her brashy Nordish brogue.

Only one person could be blamed for why everything was going so wrong now…Gils. He had been up to his tricks, putting the pressure on Agronak. Gils was locked in that Bloodworks nightly with her, using that time to further his game with Maxical. History was repeating itself. Agronak’s spy network of Pits had been bringing him plenty of information for weeks. Gils had started bathing at the same time she did, romping and joking with her.

Gils had been getting Andronicus drunk every night, keeping her passed out. Agronak didn’t need the spies for that information. Her smell and the urine soaked mattress proved that. Gils was forcing the game on.


* Before the death of Agronak's mother


Maxical was dumb as a stump, and what she lacked Gils had in abundance. He was smart and tricky, slimy as an eel when he wanted something. Agronak knew he had to get Maxical away from Gils. And that is when the pressure started. That pressure was the catalyst that drove Agronak’s actions when everything started going downhill. It’s what caused everything to go wrong. Gils.

It had all come to a head one night, that was the turning point when Agronak knew he had to act. Agronak had spotted Gils at the Feed Bag and dragged him outside. “What do you think you’re doing Gils? Don’t play me and think to live.� Agronak loomed his huge frame over Gils.

“What makes you think I’ve been playing you? Maybe your Pit Dog spies are lying to you. Did you ever consider they say what you want to hear because you only pay them if they confirm your suspicions?�

“Don’t play your tricks on me Gils, I know them all. I know you well enough to know it‘s the truth.� Agronak slammed the flat of his hand against Gils chest. “Leave her alone Gils. This is my game, now step off!�

“You’re changing the rules Aggie. What gives you the right to threaten me?�

“You think this is a threat? It’s not. Drop it Gils, while you can.�

“What’s the deal Aggie? You breaking your promise to me?�

“I’ll tell you what the [censored] deal is, that [censored] is too dumb to figure out something is supposed to be happening that isn‘t. She’s got Fathis Aren of all people chasing us, making scenes that draw the press. I look like a god coming out on top over a man with his reputation with women. My Box Office is higher than it ever has been. Now back off. You can have anyone, I need this one. Back off or you‘ll regret it.�

“Why get rid of Fathis if he helps you?�

“Because if I have to plaster a sweet smile on my face while she drones on and on about Fathis much more I will strangle someone. Fathis isn‘t needed anymore.�

“What’ll you do, the ring trick? Ris leaves in five days. But, since you say she is so dumb, you could probably give her Hamlof’s crap and she wouldn’t know.� Gils eyes pierced into Agronak’s.

“She wouldn’t know [censored], but Hassiri and Fathis would. It has to be done right.�

“Let me ask you something Aggie…these Pit spies are telling you all this is going on…has she told you anything is? You say she’s dumb, but if it was really going on and she didn’t tell you, wouldn’t that mean you’re being played? You are throwing the gauntlet down here, so shouldn’t you think about that?�

Agronak pinned Gils hard against the wall behind him, crushing him against it with his massive hand in Gils‘ chest. “She doesn’t have the brains to pull one over on me, and neither do you.�

“Well I’m relieved you aren’t spouting love and poetry.�

“Shut up mother [censored].�

“What about me?�

“Here, take twenty Septims and go down to Luther Broads, I don’t give a [censored] what you do.�

“Shove those Septims up your [censored] Aggie.� Gils fist shot out like lightning and knocked the sack into the street. “I’m holding you to your promise. You say you know my tricks, well I know yours too.�

“You going to tell her? Don’t dare do it Gils. You don’t want to see what will happen if you push me too far.�

“I don’t take well to threats Aggie.�

“You won‘t live Gils.�

“You forget who you’re talking to.� Gils pushed off the wall and brushed by Agronak.

The sack had broken when Gils hit it. Agronak was picking the Septims up off the road when the thought suddenly occurred to him that Gils had never actually denied it. He ran after him but was too late. The door to the Bloodworks slammed shut before he could reach it. Agronak punched the door. He had to get Maxical out of that Bloodworks and fast.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 03:34 AM

[D.Foxy]

And just when I thunk she had climbed off the cliff
She hangs me off another, and does it with a riff!

[Acadian]

My head is spinning.

[haute ecole rider]

I echo Acadian!

[Destri Melarg]

Subject A/JH is a deft bit of foreshadowing. The strands of two threads are starting to be drawn together!

I can’t wait to see Aggie’s (great nickname) reaction when he gets wind of Maxical’s ‘ring promotion’. ‘Dumb as a stump’ seems to be a description of Agronak, not Maxical!

[minque]

Ohhh a lot of kitty-sweetness! How I love her, she's just , just...soo special! The scenes from the prison-cell..woah, very well described, so vivid I could just see it.

Sorry for not having commented for a while but RL you know....gah

[Olen]

Awesome, you've really built this up into a frenzy, I can't wait to see it pay off.

Awesome description and even better pacing and plotting. I can't wait for more!

[ureniashtram]

{ A dumbmer (get it? hehe ) lifts a gigantic scroll, taps his laptop, threw it at a Nord and patiently waits. A few minutes later a rumbling, tumbling sound occured. He didn't see it coming. Now, the whole of Phillipines is buried under the bedrock of the sea, thanks to a certain Ashtram and his legion of laptops. }

Two weeks later a Japanese rescue team recovered a corpse with a letter.

It's contents was:

I feel my blooding flowing freely due to my stubborness. I.. I should have listen to Damaren. Anyway, my last words, I hope it leaves it's mark on history, is:

Good job, mALX! That chapter literally blew the roof. If you can see a mushroom cloud rising from the East, that's where my house was.

Lolz!

Another: becomes becomes becomes

This post has been edited by ureniashtram: May 24 2010, 06:06 AM

[mALX]

@ Foxy - I thunk I saw junk in your trunk! Thank you Foxy!

***

@ Acadian - Hauty may have helped everyone out, she suggested I put subtitles over Agronak's sections since they are mostly flashbacks, lol. Sorry everyone. Thank you Acadian!

***

@ Hauty - Thank you so much Hauty! I think everyone will thank you for the great idea of putting subtitles over Agronak's flashbacks so people get an idea of timing - I'm sorry about that, I have to make his role a flashback or it will give away the plot before its time - and I am not very good at doing that. I may need to revamp some but I'm just not up to it right now, too busy! You ROCK Hauty!!!

***

@ Destri - Yeah! You caught that! (both) - the A/JH wasn't supposed to come out till she went to Crowhaven, but I couldn't stand waiting, lol. Thank you so much Destri, and I hope to see my fave avatar soon!

***

@ Minque - Thank you so much Minque!! I didn't want to hold back on the description of that cell, or the difference between Andronicus and Maxical's reactions within it.

***

@ Olen - Thank you very much Olen! My problem in this has been trying to manuever Agronak's plot so not too much shows but enough that the reader can get a taste that he has something coming - my brain can think it up but not put it down in words cohesively. ARGH!

***

@ Ureniashtram - Thank you so much!!! And you're right, the roof is about to come off on it!

[mALX]

*


Chapter 26: Rumble In The Bloodworks


It was still dark when I reached the Arena. I scurried up to Owyn’s office and locked the rings inside his safe, locking the office door behind me when I left. Entering the Bloodworks seemed strange, the door latch had been shattered by the guards when they busted in. The door just pushed open with an eerie creak. There was a sense of something not right in the air as I walked down the steps. The outer room was milling with Pit Dogs, the ones Owyn had rounded up from the prison just days before. It was a relief to see Gils standing there in the middle of the room. I called to him.

Gils turned at the sound of my voice, his face showed something was not right.

“What is it Gils?”

He looked back at the room then back at me. “Where is Owyn?”

“Has he not been released?”

“You’re the first one that has come back.” Gils face looked very tense, a muscle in his jaw was rippling.

I dropped my pack next to my mat and hurried back to the bathing pool, wanting to wash the memories of that filthy prison cell off me. I scrubbed myself almost raw, listening to the sounds coming from the outer room of the Bloodworks. Were they fighting in there? It sounded like shouting.

Something didn’t feel right, and instinctively I put my armor back on and hurried out into the main room. A strong tension filled the air. The door swung shut behind me with a loud bang and suddenly it felt like something snapped. The new Pit Dogs Owyn had picked up from the prison were milling, restless…glances at me that didn’t look right. An undercurrent mirrored from one to the next like lightning cutting a jagged path through them. I could sense the force of it. It was a feeling of danger, tangible implications of thought and intent. Palpable. Where was Gils?

Dormant instincts for self preservation welled up in me, pushing my feet to the corner so no one could flank me. I kicked my shoes off as I moved and my claws unsheathed and extended of their own volition. I was trembling, my eyes widened and my ears pinned to my head. I felt my hackles rising, the fur spiking out stiffly as the blood in my veins thickened and gelled. My tail slapped the walls behind me in a rapid beat.

They surged as a unit, a mob communicating through impulses that could be sensed emanating from them. I saw a very battered Gils charging through them to stand in front of me, trying to push them back. Several had begun taking their pants off. I felt rather than heard a sound rising up from deep within me that could only be the battle cry of my leopard ancestry.

“Look, she’s got her claws out. What are you gonna’ do with those claws, cat?” One of them sneered. He was naked and coming closer.

“Decapitate you, one head or the other.“ I hissed. Everyone hooted. He stepped back some, but then someone pushed him towards me from behind. I shoved him back off, but this time he came back of his own accord. I raised my arm like I was going to swat him and as he looked up at it I kicked, claws extended into his crotch area.

His scream was horrible, it echoed above the raucous taunting of the others and bounced off the stone walls. The others quieted down some and started milling, as if unsure of what to do next.

“Leave me alone and no one gets hurt.” I growled it, trying to sound commanding but I was visibly shaking.

Gils was shoving as many back as he could but more would come. Then he started swinging at them. The tension in the air changed suddenly to an unbridled rage and they began attacking Gils, who had remained in front of me trying to block their attack. I cast my ‘Eye of Khajiit’ and the front line of them nearly climbed over the others to get away.

While we had that break I moved to the side of Gils. He was hurt already. I slid Agronak’s ring off and grabbed his hand while we had a second to breathe. I slid it on Gils’ finger and then pumped it once before the mob started attacking again. He moved beside me so he couldn’t be flanked anymore.

It felt like the waves of attacks would never stop, and that was the last break we got till it was over. I kicked one in the head, digging my claws in and shredding a large chunk out of his scalp. Blood spurted wildly from his head. He reeled around screaming and leaving trails of it everywhere he went.

Head wounds bleed very heavily even when they are just superficial injuries. They are great for psychological warfare, terrorizing both the bleeder and their comrades with the sheer volume of blood flow. Khajiit claws are razor sharp, and can tear a scalp with ease.

“Pump that ring Gils! Pump it!” I yelled it, but I couldn’t tell if he could hear me.

Gils’ fist was like lightning. He was throwing knock-out punches at anyone he could reach. Two more swarmed in. I shredded one’s scalp and face but the other I missed and only lightly clawed his abdomen. He snarled and charged in. Using the wall behind me as leverage I shot my foot out in a twisting kick. My claws caught on his manhood and tore it nearly off.

Another charged and Gils’ fist smashed his eye socket hard enough that the bones could be heard crushing.

There was a turning point then, half the mob got into a blood lust rage and the rest backed off scared. Gils and I fought bare handed. It is against the rules to pull a weapon on another within the Bloodworks itself. If you are attacked you are only allowed to defend yourself using hand to hand. Some of the attackers broke that rule, pulling weapons on us. Gils and I were both cut up pretty badly. When a weapon was dropped we tried to kick it behind us so another couldn‘t pick it up.

Seventeen lay severely wounded at the end. I don’t know how many of those Gils brought down with his fist because the ones whose scalps I tore bled all over so every one of the wounded was covered in blood. It looked like a war had taken place in the Bloodworks, wounded laying everywhere.

The key to the healing fount was with Owyn at the prison. With my claws I was able to keep the fight at a distance, but Gils just had his fists, and had taken the brunt of the damage between the two of us. He was flagging badly. I grabbed his hand and slid my ring on his finger several times to rally him, then pulled him with me to my pack.

“Cover me.” I said, digging down for my healing potion and scrolls. I used Hannibal’s trick to multiply the potion, hitting the enchanted scrolls against the bottle of potion. It causes magic without a spell to cling to the bottle. Then if you gently drop the bottle the magic bounces between the floor and bottle and poof, you have several bottles. I gave them to Gils till he said he was good. Then I started drinking them. I kept making them and dividing them after that, and we tucked them in our pockets for emergencies. The emergency came soon.

Some of the prisoners that gave up had escaped out the broken door but a few found us in the inner area and started the attack again. Some of the wounded ones got back up and attacked as well, but they were weak from their wounds or blood loss. Gils and I had both drank enough healing potion to rally us for the fight. Gils had just knocked one out when we heard the door flapping against the stone wall. Someone was coming slowly. We backed into the corner and I split the last few bottles of healing potion with Gils quickly. He drank one and pocketed the other two. I did the same.





***

Owyn’s face loomed around the corner looking stunned.

“Owyn!” I squealed and ran to him, hugging him nearly to death.

“What in the hell happened in here?” He asked, for once not bellowing. His voice sounding like he may be going into shock.

“It was self defense Owyn, and we only used hand to hand, we didn‘t break any rules.” I called out, nervous.

“Hand to hand…you tore that guys [censored] almost clean off!” Owyn was walking around looking at the wounded.

“It got caught in my claws when I was doing the decapitation on him. I’m sorry Owyn, but they attacked me, I had to defend myself. Gils risked his life protecting me, he only used his fists too. The prisoners used swords on us though, and some escaped.”

Gils stepped forward. “If there is any blame to be laid I’ll take it. I should have got her out of here as soon as she stepped in the door. You should have seen her when they attacked Owyn. She was like a wildcat, ripping and shredding anyone that came close to her. Then she made some healing potions somehow and got us both healed because the fount was locked up. We were in bad shape from the ones that used weapons against us.”

Owyn set up a triage where he determined who needed healing most. The whole time he worked on the attackers he was notating their injuries in his logbook. Gils helped pull men to the fount for Owyn and also helped me clean up the bloody mess.

The chute door slammed and I looked up to see Jack Thompson had come in down the chute and was looking stunned. This was awfully early for him to be here, I wondered if it was over my escaping. I gave him an apologetic look and quickly went to work cleaning the blood while he talked to Owyn.





******* Jack Thompson

It was a relief to see Maxical alive, although she and Gils were both wounded.

“Owyn, have you got everything under control down here? I need to see you as soon as you get finished here.”

Owyn had nodded briefly, continuing to work on a boy that appeared to have lost his appendage. Jack glanced over at Maxical, then at the wounded. There were clawed heads and crotches stretched out as far as the eye could see. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what had occurred.

“Owyn. I have to know if she was harmed in the attack.”

“Hell no she wasn’t! She and Gils did all this fighting them off! I didn‘t get out till this morning.”

“Just the two of them?”

“Yep.”

“I want all the prisoners sent back that were here. I won’t tolerate this kind of thing in the Bloodworks.”

“Some of them escaped. Should I continue healing these? Some of these won’t make it if I don’t.”

“Yes, go ahead. I'll contact the prison to come get them.”

“Say Jack, they kicked in the door last night, can you requisition me a good stout door that can’t be kicked in? And I want a new latch with a different key lock just in case that Agronak had himself one made. He was in the Bloodworks the other night after lockdown. I’m banning him from my Bloodworks, Haki can do what he wants.”

“You got it Owyn. I’ll have a rush put on it.”

Jack caught my eye before leaving and flashed me the Arena sign for victory.


*

[D.Foxy]

*speechless*

[Acadian]

You really emphaisized the Khajiit in Maxical here. Claws, fur, hackles all of it. Very exciting.

[MyCat]

"Owyn had nodded briefly, continuing to work on a boy that appeared to have lost his appendage"
Ouch! Maxical doesn't just kick (another word for donkey) she kicks other parts!

OT: I made a Morrowind mod in 2006 that got away from me like this, what was supposed to be a simple tale of kidnapped wood elves somehow grew into an X rated pot boiler.