It is about 65/span/b>18C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At High and Oakwood/span

“We’re approaching the half hour. I know for sure that I’ve got Jakem, but he needs himself an opponent!” Seraphina calls out, rising up onto her toes on the bench. “Who is brave enough to meet him face to face in the ring?” She turns her dark eyes onto Thomas. “Once we’ve got this settled, we will begin taking the bets!”

Jakem nods over to Sophie as the doll performs some rudimentary kung fu “You see? Motions are right, but the sound’s all off. If you could record the next tim you have sex, that’d be great.”

“I feel like whoever is going to face him needs a shot, to make it fair,” Aeryn’s nose wrinkles as she ponders.

Obadiah raises his hand, “Jakem will likely win but I could be convinced to go against him.”

“Merci beaucoup,” says Noel to someone sweetly, his smile sweet but seductive with that steady eye contact from beneath curled golden lashes, which bat slowly over those hazels before the femboy leans in, resting his head against Kallen’s arm for a time and attempting a compliment himself. “You are more masculine than I expected in person, it is quite nice…”

“I’ll fight Jakem,” Kai calls out, standing up, he stretches his arms and pulls his feet up behind him to stretch his quads.

Sophie glances at Jakem, “Not happening.”

Mercedes snickers over at Jakem and pokes his shoulder, “It’s a shame. I think I left my cheerleader uniform in my bike trunk. But I’ll bet on you all the same.”

Jakem smirks at Sophie “We’ll see.” He says as he stands up. “Though I suppose if I record this fight, I won’t need your sound effects.” He grins at Mercedes “Your bike has a trunk? Nice. Good to see you found something to wear though.”

Seraphina does something on her phone and over some speakers, music begins to play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

“Hold my hoodie?” Kai asks Sophie and yanks his hoodie up and off of himself, offering it to Sophie, it jangles a bit. He tucks his phone into his pocket.

Obadiahsomeone back, “Jake and Kai! Jake and Kai!”

Noel warns OOCly that people will have to ‘join bench’ or another place to emote.

Obadiah steps back, “Jake and Kai! Jake and Kai!”

Sophie holds onto the hoodie and lets out a low whistle.

Wordlessly, Aeryn passes Kai a shot. “Since he had one, for fairness,” she notes after.

Jakem is a bit lacksadaisical as he stands, stretching a bit, though he’s not moving super much, more of a mosey.

“Alright, Obie and Jakem… Actually Kai and Jakem! Obie you and Thomas will take a shot!” Seraphina says to the crowd. “Give it up for Kai and Jakem!”

Kai kicks off his shoes and pulls off his jeans, he glances at Aeryn, he hmms and shrugs, taking a shot.

Jakem watches Kai “Oh, you didn’t tell me the first round was a stripping competition. I woulda bought my feathered boa.” he says accusatorily at Seraphina.

“Merci beaucoup,” says Noel to someone sweetly, his smile sweet but seductive with that steady eye contact from beneath curled golden lashes, which bat slowly over those hazels before the femboy leans in, resting his head against Kallen’s arm for a time and attempting a compliment himself. “You are more masculine than I expected in person, it is quite nice…”

Mercedes squeals and whistles in her seat, raising her hands up to clap for the fighters, “Wooo!” giving her best sitting cheerleader routine.

Kai pads along down the benches to head over to the ring, shadow boxing in his underwears, “Okay, let’s do this,” he says as he bounces on his feet.

Obadiah tips back the shot and makes a face as it slides down.

Seraphina claps her hands together, bouncing with excitement. “If you are betting! Place them with me now. No less than ten dollars!

“Merci beaucoup,” says Noel to Kallen sweetly, his smile sweet but seductive with that steady eye contact from beneath curled golden lashes, which bat slowly over those hazels before the femboy leans in, resting his head against Kallen’s arm for a time and attempting a compliment himself. “You are more masculine than I expected in person, it is quite nice…”

Jakem nods to Kai, and rather than taking a fighting stance, he starts to dance a bit to the music, stripping himself down as he does with a wink cast to Noel. “Bet on me.” he mouths.

“One hundred on Jakem, because why not,” Aeryn nods her head to Seraphina.

Sophie giggles and adds,”Hundred on Kai! Because he’s damn adorable.”

“You are all richer than my academic salary,” Thomas says with humor. He watches. “I think I’ll put ten dollars on Jakem,” he tells Seraphina, eyeing the two of them.

Jakem pulls up his t-shirt, and removes the boots, standing barefoot in jeans and way too much jewelry as he faces off against Kai. His hair is perfect, absolutely perfect despite having a t-shirt pulled over it.

“Hand over the money, please. Hundred ten on Jakem, Hundred on Kai! Any others?” Seraphina says.

Mercedes giggles and shrugs, “I’ll match a hundred on Jakem,” she then winks and snickers in Kai’s direction, “But I’d be happy to lose if it comes to it.”

Two hundred ten on Jakem!” Seraphina whistles out as Mercedes puts her bet in.

“… I am worried I may lose my money again, but I will bet ten dollars on Jakem!” Noel announces, laughing and then opening up one of his many banking apps to send a bit of money over- apparently not a big spender when it comes to gambling.

Kallen raises a brow to Noel, not quite pulling away, yet still mulling over the gesture, “Yeah? Honestly you’d be the first to say that to me. I like to sit somewhere in the middle myself.” He winks back through a smile, “Do you bet?”

Kai’reloads’ his arms with a couple of downward punches and lifts them up to his face, squaring off against Jakem, he’s a bit soft around the middle but has added quite a bit more bulk to his wiry frame, “Nice hair,” he admits and grins as he looks out to the crowd, “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?” he asks and runs and does a handspring, just to show off.

“If you venmo me, please let me know you did! The funds will be split between the final victor and those who bet! So I may have to run to the bank.” Seraphina says. “I’ll give four more minutes for betting.”

Dovie claps.

Noel pouts

Jakem claps at Kai’s antics “I’m adding that to your routine.” he tells the doll with a crooked smile, one hand on his hips. “Thanks, I just woke up like this.” he says as he runs his fingers through the green faux-hawk, after which it springs back into place.

Lifting his chin, he doesn’t do anything too showy, but struts to the center of the ring, his lanky form a display of pale sinew.

Quiet is the arrival of Aishia as she glides into the area with that lost-sheep sort of looking around going on, drawn mostly to the appropriate area of today’s event by virtue of the ruckus of ongoing conversations and hyping-up. Eyes give a quick once-over of the area and some of the faces found in the crowds of people, the nameless locals and the more prominent names, before she settles onto the boxing ring. This, too, gets some curious scrutiny as she knits her brow and furrows thoughts into visible existence in the form of faint wrinkling of the forehead. Though after giving that its ten seconds of studying, the little thing makes for some of the seating provided and settles into a spot there, somewhere her diminuitive size won’t come with a hindrance to playing the spectator, legs crossing at the ankles and hands gathering on her lap.

Thomas tells Noel, “She is someone on MyHaven.”

Dovie examines the shot curiously, sniffing at the brew. “You said Matthew liked this?” she asks.

“Alright folks! The rules are simple. This will be a hand to hand fight, unless you prefer to put on kiddie gloves! We have them!” Seraphina points over to an equipment rack. “You can use multiple styles that you are comfortable and familiar with, and I will allow some supernatural prowess for the excitement of the game!” She pauses as her phone buzzes again. “I got another hundred but I don’t know who that was from or for!”

Dovie winks at Noel.

leans back, relaxing as he watches the fight, occasionally watching his phone. “What was in it?” Obadiah asks Aeryn of the drink he was peer-pressured into shooting.

Aeryn nods to Dovie. “He said it had a little kick, but that it was nice. And we had a lovely conversation after. It even made him leave his wheelchair behind. I guess it’s relaxing.”

Kai interlaces his fingers and thrusts his hands out in front of him as he paces around in a tight little circle, punching at the air, once it sounds like the fight is about to start, he clenches his fists and beats on his chest like King Kong and points at Jakem in challenge.

“Before we start, here’s the bets. Hundred on Kai from Sophie. Hundred on Jakem from Aeryn and Mercedes, Ten from Mister Hale for him, and then a mysterious one-hundred! Going once to tell me or I might just pocket it.” Seraphina winks.

“Absinthe, a bit of black cherry, and just a pinch of atropine. A drop, really,” Aeryn tells Obadiah innocently. “I keep a lot of nightshade, so I figured might as well put it to use.”

“In le middle is fine as well, mon coeur,” Noel assures Kallen, looking up from his lean against the man towards the imminent fight, chewing thoughtfully upon his lower lip before reminding Seraphina, “Don’t forget ten from moi! On Jakem!

Jakem also assumes an amateuring boxing stance, very amateurish. Like he’s never boxed a day in his life, and barely seen it on tv. Maybe a cartoon? Or maybe he’s just copying the leprechaun from some sport’s team’s mascot. Despite this, he gives a cocky grin to Kai and starts to circle.

Kallen scoffs playfully at Noel through a wry grin, “Yeah? It’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone you know.” He teases, tone plenty playful, “Although I’m not sure if this is the place for it…”

“Lets get to it! Give a big roar of appreciation for Kai!” Seraphina says to the crowd, lifting her arms up in order for the people to cheer for the underdog! Then, “And also for Jakem!” She pauses, “I’d say play fair but —” She shrugs.

Emma takes a deep breath, a slow inhale and a slow exhale. The burden is heavy. But what was she to expect from her patron? He had expectations, and she need deliver. Emma walks over to the verdigris-stained statue, looking upwards, musing on whether all politicans were so equally distressed. The shadow catches her eye and she recognizes the form. “Tommy. Tommy Wickshire!” She knows this one, the boy who tried to steal the ring from her the other night. They had all run from the shadows that pursued them at the time, scattered to the winds. She begins to pick up her pace, running after the urchin. “Tommy, stop. Wait!”

Mercedes beams and hops up on her tip-toes, “Go Kai! Break his face!” she shouts suddenly, surprisingly even herself as her hand shoots up to cover her own mouth, “Ahem…”

Dovie crosses her legs as she waits for the match, checking her phone here and there.

Sophie cheers loudly for Kai, “Let’s go baby!”

“Sorry, it was ten from Noel!” Seraphina corrects herself. “Are you two ready?” she asks, still remaining standing, while more music pumps through the speakers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4VCpTZye10&list=PL8cEizEcTvR2OuuHYo4ldDNo7P-jKIdXb

Seraphina nods to Aeryn. “I did!”

As the hoots and hollers erupt from the crowds all around her, Aishia joins in with her own produced whistling, and even a quick whoopin’ of ululation. She straightens her back a little, mostly to add just half an inch of height to her – hopefully it’ll help her not have her field of view blocked by anyone sitting in front of her.

Obadiah starts chanting from the sidelines, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

Dovie/span turns to Obadiah. “Who do you think will win?” she muses.

“Knock him down!” Thomas says, yelling – generally – for blood.

Aeryn looks excited as she nods to Dovie. “I can bring drinks,” she enthuses, before a very analyzing stare is given to the two in the ring.

“I should have asked August to bring some goodies..” Seraphina muses over the rush of the crowd, likely not having needed for it.”

Emma grins as she corners Tommy. She had been underestimated her whole life, and had little chance to show off her more hidden talents. “Yes. Emma Golde. The shadows. You saw them too? I told you to come to my patron for help. Why are you on the streets? It’s not safe.” It’s never safe, these streets, but even moreso now with what’s at stake. “They’re likely looking for you.” No need to explain who they are. “I want more information, Tommy. And I want you off the streets. For your own good,” she adds, more gently.

“Two more shots, if anyone wants them,” Aeryn shrugs a shoulder to Seraphina. “I’d have brought more had I thought about it.”

OOC: Seraphina thinks we may have an issue with rpfight and places. If so, Jakem and Kai may need to move out of the ring to the ‘benches’.

Moving in for a quick feint, the little jab slips fluidly into a grapple as Jakem’s fist opens and he makes a grab for Kai’s arm, his other long, lanky arm extending as he takes a forward thrusting knee to the matt and shoots for a wrestling take down.

The deception accomplishes less than he was hoping though as Kai manages to evade the shot, setting them both up for another clash.

Kai reacts too eagerly to the feint and falls right for Jakem’s grab, he lets out a little yelp as Jakem takes him down to the ground, his bare back smacking against the mat loudly as he hits with a grunt, “Fuck,” he calls out sharply as he tries to ward off the other man.

More music pumps into the crowd through the speakers Seraphina has installed, urging people to get far more rowdy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmtHBMjXLU&list=PL8cEizEcTvR2OuuHYo4ldDNo7P-jKIdXb&index=4

“Jakem!!” Noel cheers happily, clapping his hands together as he laughs, bouncing on his toes with eagerness. “Win me back mon money, you kissable thing! Mon ange!” he cheers as Kai’s back hits the mat, a certain darkness in his eyes as that subtle amount of pain seeps into the air, the effeminate male’s nostrils flaring slightly.

Kai almost growls, his eyes catching the light momentarily as he wrestles with Jakem and struggles against the other man, trying to angle his knee between the other man’s thighs and attempts to bring his knee up right in his jewelry bag while trying to overturn Jakem.

Emma’s/span eyes flicker with pity for a moment. She’s not unaware of the danger, of the stakes. “Trust is a rare thing, I know, Tommy. I know…” Her voice softens. “You may not think it of me by the look of me, but you and I are not so different. We work for forces beyond us and we strive to survive. Help me help you. Tell me about those who went missing, tell me more on what’s going on. Innocent lives are at stake…” She pulls a Legislator’s Seal from her pocket. “If you want payment, then I shall use my abilities of Proscription to ward something for you. Perhaps an unbreakable door in a hiding spot of yours? I was like you, Tommy. With no home, no prospects. My patron saw my talent and gave me a purpose. Let me help you to safety so that you may find yours,” she tells the boy.

“Jakem! Come on!” Thomas says. “Mr. Ashford needs a lesson!” Kai, to be fair, seems to always need a lesson.

“Yes, for my hundred!” Aeryn snickers, watching with avid amusement. “Let the shot guide your movements.”

“Come on, come on,” Thomas says.

Jakem winces as he takes a glancing knee between the legs, expressing his displeasure with a quick headbang to Kai’s forehead, the force of such is sufficient to leave Kai a little golden gift mingled with some red.

“Hah, nice one yah lil’ fishsucker.” he growls, rolling off Kai with the momentum of the kick, and quickly whipping around to face his hopefully prone opponent in preparation to attack from another angle.

Emma commits the details to memory, a frown upon her fair face. “They’re targeted street boys then. Ones who wouldn’t be missed.” She raises her fair head, looking around at the source of the sound of footsteps, hissing to the urchin. “Take my hand, Tommy. We shall flee to a safehouse and I shall perform your ward, you will tell me more when we arrive. When we are safe.” She casts a worried glance around, holding out her hand to Tommy.

Seraphina is still bouncing on the bench, causing it to to wobble with her weight. She hoots and hollars, giving Kai her good cheer! As the two men continue to fight, another song drifts through the crowd with electricity: https://nw.ax/7Xh

Dovie watches with wide eyes, clinging onto Obadiah’s arm.

With Kai scrambling to stand, Jakem doesn’t bother with a proper wrestler’s stance, or even a move, his knuckles of his right hand taking to the floor of the matt, as he does a sprinting charge at Kai, barelling into him with his shoulder should he be standing, or trampling with his large bare feet if he’s still on the ground.

“Damn!” Thomas says, when Jakem’s nose ring comes off in Kai’s figures. “Fuck! HIT HIM BACK!” he yells. He’s got money riding on it, after all.

Famed detective, Reginald Gravenhurst enters the scene and spies Dovie as he stops, pulling his cloak tight about him and watching the scene unfold. “Curious,” he comments to them both but turns his attention to the approaching fog

Sophie lets out a loud whistle, “Watch out for that Jakem rhino!”

Kallen kicks one leg over the other as he watches, “Who did you put money on?” He asks aside to Noel with a playful jab to his side, “Maybe I should have bet, but I didn’t expect Kai to be a scrapper.”

“Interesting reactions,” Aeryn seems almost clinical. “Jakem,” she calls firmly. “I’m going to need you to win, please.”

Obadiah puts his hand on Dovie’s arm but seems somewhat distracted by the fight, perhaps getting ready for his own.

Thomas glances over at Kallen and Noel. “I’ve fought Kai before, several times,” he says. “He didn’t show this spirit then. Apparently something’s put a little fire in him.”

Kai lifts his arms up, one to cover his face and the other his groin as Jakem charges at him, the other man’s nose ring still partially embedded in his cheek, he yelps, “Gaaaah!” as Jakem tramples him, he rolls over onto his stomach, the nose ring tumbling off his face with the force of gravity and pushes himself up to his feet, holding onto his side in pain.

Aeryn’s hands clap. “There we go.”

“That.. should be..” Aishia begins, wincing visibly as a kick to the marbles is delivered, and then quite easily brushed off. Whatever bubbled up as commentary sinks back down the throat, replaced by the silence of a spectator on the edge of their seat.

Emma looks up, her eyes widening in recognition at Obadiah. “You. You’re the one who caught Tommy the other night.” She relaxes, somewhat, still guarded as she glances to the boy. But there’s no time to react, no time to run anymore as those three figures in robed crimson arrive. She steps in front of Tommy, her voice cold as she tells the robed figures. “You’re mistaken. Leave this one alone.” Her eyes blaze with a furious energy.

Kai turns on Jakem as soon as he gets to his feet, he hesitates for a moment, a little scared bit of an expression reflected in his bright hazel eyes, but he ultimately clenches his fists and lets out an, “Aaaaaaaaaaah!” of a battle cry as he charges at Jakem and jumps into the air, pushing out with both feet to try to drop kick Jakem in the stomach.

“Get em!” Seraphina calls out thirstily at Kai. Another song pumps its energy: https://nw.ax/Ix0

Thomas lets out a ‘whoah!’ at the drop kick. “This is some straight up WWF stuff,” he says, showing his age. It’s WWE, to all these kids.

Noel squeaks in shock as Kallen jabs him, his cheeks burning red once more as he reaches out to swat that intrusive finger away with a chuckle. “I bet on my baby Jakem, as punishment to Kai for losing my money betting on him last night!” declares the femboy, his eyes sparkling with amusement, though the sight of Jakem’s likely bloodied nose with that ring now torn free seems to excite him. He draws his lower lip between his teeth as his innate blood is enticed, bubbling up to the surface, delicate fingers brushing against Kallen’s own, knuckle to knuckle, and then fingertip to fingertip.

Reginald Gravenhurst takes a few steps forward to Dovie and Tommy, “Yes but I let him go when that blond man approached.” He squints as the three come forward out of the mist, tightening his grip on his cane

Jakem blinks as Kai leaps at him “Da fuck are you…” he starts seemingly entirely stunned as Kai lands two feet squarely to his stomach, causing him to collapse, gasping for air. “You…” it’s whispered, breathless, lacking the resounding showman’s baritone he typically displays.

Kallen glances back over to Thomas, “Yeah? Do most folk do the whole self-defence-sparring stuff? I’ve never really need it.” He muses before Noel catches his attention. A wry smirk passes along his lips as he teases in a soft tone, “Alright, I totally get why you wanted to come here now.”

Obadiah looks to Thomas, “I suspect our fight will be much more tame.”

“I am going throw water on you, Obie.” Seraphina says to someone, with a big smile. “That’ll be less tame!”

“I am going throw water on you, Obie.” Seraphina says to Obadiah, with a big smile. “That’ll be less tame!”

Jakem manages to snag Kai’s foot as he falls, forcing Kai down to the mat with him. He keeps hold of the fit, then gives Kai a wicked grin. Speechless, his hair lashes out, forming tiny little pinpricks of porcupine green that go straight for the eyes!

“I knew the hair stayed in place too well,” Aeryn snaps her fingers.

Thomas turns to someone. “I am confident,” he murmurs to the man. “I’m not a fighter, Obie.” Is he a lover? “I’m just a lowly scholar with a heavy bag in his attic,” he says. He looks over at Seraphina. “You’d better be betting on me!” he says.

Thomas turns to Obadiah. “I am confident,” he murmurs to the man. “I’m not a fighter, Obie.” Is he a lover? “I’m just a lowly scholar with a heavy bag in his attic,” he says. He looks over at Seraphina. “You’d better be betting on me!” he says.

“Tommy. I want you to run, and hide. And when you are safe, you shall report to my patron. We will keep you well in kind,” Emma promises, her hand moving towards a whip at her side, one with runes carved into the handle, having been engraved with proscription in order to never miss its target. Without warning, she flicks the whip at the three crimson robes in attack.

Kai absolutely slams into the floor, whoofing out air after his showy, violent kick, he wriggles and struggles with Jakem, trying to dislodge his foot but then Jakem goes for him with his hair and he turns his head away and clenches down tight with his eyelids, “Gaaaah nooo!”

Seraphina challenges Thomas with a loft of her brows, “Yeah, or what? Maybe I want to bet on Obie. What’re you going to do about it?” She smirks abit at this. Music changes to something as blood–pumping: https://gx.ax/c0T

Sophie winces, “No the hair.”

“Modesty means you’re hiding something, Professor,” Dovie remarks to Thomas, her eyes still on the fight.

“No idea what you’re talking about, Dovie,” Thomas replies back to Dovie with some sidelong humored twitch of his lips.

Seraphina points at her nose, and then to Dovie.

“Five hundred on Obie,” Aeryn tells Seraphina. “After seeing him play games, I’m awfully confident.” She snickers, turning to Obadiah. “Who are you fighting?”

While Jakem is distracted with prodding at his eyes, Kai writhes beneath the man, struggling like a caged beast, he turns his head to the side and leans forward, too pinned down to do anything with his limbs, there’s a flash of white as he opens his mouth and exposes his perfectly normal teeth and then tries to bite right into Jakem’s shoulder viciously, letting out another growl of rage.

“Me,” Thomas/span tells Aeryn. “A young man like him should take me down in no time.”

“I suspect we are going to see theoretical magic versus practical magic,” Obadiah says to Dovie and Seraphina with a small smirk.

“So you’re saying I should up my bet to a thousand?” Aeryn asks Thomas, fixing her unblinking eyes on him thoughtfully.

“I think I get half of the final pot,” Thomas tells Aeryn.

Obadiah says “Thomas is smarter and more learned than me.“

“I don’t think I’ll actually be voting! Feels weird to me to vote when it’s my event and money is involved. Though, we will have some left over I hope, in order to do another event here!” Seraphina says to Dovie, “But I am torn. Can I vote on both?”

“I’ll leave it at five,” Aeryn decides with a nod of her head.

“Didn’t a famous fighter of sorts once say that he feared most the man who has studied one thing in particular a lot?” wonders Aishia over the ruckus of oofs, oohs, whoops, and ahh’s the crowd keeps pouring out. “Gives the scholar a decent shot, no?”

Reginald Gravenhurst takes a step forward with Dovie and assumes a defensive stance against the red coats

With this question from Seraphina, she nods at Aeryn. The music changes again: https://gx.ax/c0T

“It sucks being politically correct sometimes.” Seraphina says.

Thomas glances to Aishia. “We’ve not met,” he says, his accent all New England brahmin. “Thomas Hale.”

struggles to rise against the ostensibly shorter, but more muscular opponent to no avail. “Shit…” he mumbers as he sees the glint in Kai’s eye, turning his head as to avoid anything happening to his face. His struggling causes a brief mistargeting as Kai’s mouth first finds his long-lobed ear, and wins a prize in the process! A nice shiny 59silver earring.

It’s a momentary distraction as Jakem finds both teeth and the pinpoint of his earring lodging into the flesh of his shoulder. “Yagh!”

“Ai’shia.” Aishia returns with a nod, attention however brought right back to the ring as more jewelry gets dislodged from the fighters.

“Too much jewelry in the ring!” Thomas says. He leans in, his eyes on the fight. “It’s nice to meet you,” he says to Aishia.

“It’s not clothing at least!” Seraphina says to Thomas, stomping her feet on the bench to cause a ruckus: https://sq.ax/7Rb

Kallen shivers softly, “I don’t know how people could be so chill about getting a piercing ripped out. I thought about getting snake bites, and if those got yanked…”

Sophie covers her ear and flinches, touching her own earrings, “Fuck this is ..rough.”

Emma snaps the whip once more, it cracks back to life. Her expression is grim as she surveys the approaching cultists, her eyes upon the glowing pendant of the lead cultist, her wrist snapping another crack of the whip, aiming for the pendant, attempting to lasso it and wrest it away with her whip. “These are no parlor tricks. These wards were hard fought for. I bled for them. I nearly died for them. And you shall see why soon,” she intones grimly.

Jakem starts to roll with Kai, alternating top, bottom, top, bottom as they move across the ring. “Heads I win, Tails you lose.” he growls down to Kai, attempting through pure chance to roll underneath the ring’s ropes to the floor below with Kai beneath him rather than on top.

“It is bad news,” Thomas tells Sophie. “I had an earring in my twenties, and… Ouch.”

“See? I told you, I do not go to boring events, if no splash is made, I will make one!” That being said, as Jakem loses yet another jewel, the incubus goes wild, shouting in delight and clapping his hands for Kai despite having bet on Jakem. “More! Encore! Encore!!” calls out the demon-blooded femboy, one hand reaching down to interlink his fingers with Kallen’s own, attempting to lift his hand in the air as well for the cheering. Noel is joyous, the blood and tearing of flesh enticing him, his hazel eyes wild and glinting with metallic flecks of crimson red.

Thomas chuckles to Dovie. “I’m a little worried it would look like a mid-life crisis,” says the man with the cherry-red Porsche.

Dovie snorts a chuckle at Thomas. “Are you dating someone half your age? If not, then I think you’ll be fine.”

“I rather think not,” Reginald Gravenhurst says bringing his cane down on the nearest cultists head to provide a distraction for Dovie

Kai gets rolled along with Jakem, the silver piercing becoming dislodged at some point, he struggles to get an opening on Jakem, growling and grunting with effort, his lean body dewy with his sweat and dotted with their respective blood, ultimately ending with him pinned under Jakem again.

“Don’t you already drive a Porsche?” Seraphina asks, her eyes on Kai, fully, drawn to the fight and his cut-throat style. https://ft.ax/Op4

Seraphina makes no comment about Thomas dating someone half his age.

“Depends on what you think is boring. As gay as it is, a bottle of wine under the stars is pleenty nice.” Kallen murmurs back to Noel with a waggle of their brow, just enough chat to draw his attention away from the way his fingers were interlinked.@line
His lips part to say something, yet he just shrugs and rolls his eyes, happily raising his hand alongside Noel’s to cheer the victor. “Smooth.” He comments through a wry tone.

“Depends on what you think is boring. As gay as it is, a bottle of wine under the stars is pleenty nice.” Kallen murmurs back to Noel with a waggle of their brow, just enough chat to draw his attention away from the way his fingers were interlinked.

His lips part to say something, yet he just shrugs and rolls his eyes, happily raising his hand alongside Noel’s to cheer the victor. “Smooth.” He comments through a wry tone. -fix

Seemingly on the ropes, literally, Kai pants heavily and turns his head, glancing toward the benches. He sees something there and his his eyes catch the light again, he lets out a feral growl and grabs Jakem by the pointy hair on his head, his fingers bleeding as he yanks and rolls, positioning himself up and atop Jakem, straddling the man, he presses his other forearm into Jakem’s windpipe, hard, his features red and enraged as he tries to choke the man out or, at least, into tapping.

“Shit,” Aeryn/span states flatly. “I’m losing my money, I feel.”

“I think you and me both,” Thomas tells Aeryn, watching Kai and Jakem. “I don’t see a good way out of this.”

Between intoxication and simple exhaustion, Jakem passes out as he’s choked out, laying flat, blood dripping from nose and ear onto the edge of the matt.

There is a flicker of grim satisfaction in Emma’s sapphire eyes as the pendant falls to the ground, shattering. With another flick of her wrist, she sends the whip towards the lead cultist, not with an aim to strike, but with an aim to entrap them, to keep them from fleeing. “Tell me everything,” she insists, turning briefly to nod at Obadiah.

“You can vote on Kai next time,” Seraphina says to Aeryn, in assurance. “He will be fighting Obie, though.” She gives a teasing smile at Thomas.

Mercedes jumps up onto her feet and wails out a cheer, “Rage!” she cries as her amber cat-eyes gleam before she too realize, “Oh wow… That’s a whole hundred down the drain,” she says, resting in place before slowly sitting bad down.

“Hey!” Thomas tells Seraphina.

Thomas starts to get mentally ready for the fight as Kai and Jakem clear the ring.

Dovie rubs Obadiah on the arm. “I believe in you.”

Kai stands up and grins, giving Jakem a little slap to the side of his cheek to rouse him. He thrusts his fists into the air and pounds on his chest again like King Kong before hopping down, heading up to the seats, panting heavily, his wounds starting to slowly seal themselves shut.

Seraphina walks over to the ring, and slips in under the bottom rope. She heads over to Kai and seeks to take his wrist and hold it up. “The victor of this round!!” She calls out, southern softness reaching top limit in volumn, “Lets hear you roar!” https://hq.ax/p0S

Dovie claps and cheers.

Obadiah snaps back to reality and cheers for Kai

Jakem rubs his head, staggering a bit with bleary eyes, then gives a grin to Kai “Good match, maybe I need to dye my hair red for next time.” He comments vaguely before heading towards a few glinting bits of silver and gold that spot the ring to collect them.

“I’m having a creative moment,” Aeryn decides. “I need to run for a few.” She stands, waving before wandering out.

Kai pauses to hold his hand above his head, “Graaaghhh!” he does his best attempt at a roar now that he’s starting to calm down, he grins at Dovie and dips into a bow, “It was a very close match, Jakem’s fucking tough,” he mutters and plops down beside Sophie.

Reginald Gravenhurst tries to pivot from his first blow to knock out the lead cultist with his cane and wiffs

“Mon Dieu, again! Kai, you owe me twenty dollars!” Noel decides, even though that isn’t quite how gambling works, his angelic face twisting up into one of frustration, then relaxing into a sweet, soft pout. He looks up at Kallen, tears lacing his lower lashes, either an excellent actor or truly distraught over ten dollars; it’s far more likely that the former is the case, considering his profession.

“You foolish, mindless dolts,” Emma growls. “I know your kind. You are weak and spineless. And I shall send you where you belong. With that, Emma flicks her wrist again, aiming now to injure. Aiming to silence. Aiming to banish the cultists.

Kai starts to pull on his jeans and pants softly, sweating freely. He stinks a little of his musk, “Uugh… my ass bone hurts,” he complains to Sophie and reaches for his hoodie.

Kallen watches the display with a skewed brow, only for him to roll his eyes and playfully jab Noel’s side again, “I guess the nickname fits in this case.” He comments in a smooth tone before unweaving digits and standing up, “I think I’m gonna head back to my place, I want to get my furniture sorted. I’ll need to be home to make sure I don’t miss the package.”

Reginald Gravenhurst thinks hard as he watches the man, rereading his cane to make another strike if need be, and questions him further, using his renowned skills of investigation. “Tell us about these rings? What to they unlock?”

Jakem wipes a little blood off his face from ear and nose “Shit, I gotta get these piercings back in ‘for they regenerate.” he mutters.

Sophie tugs Kai close for a kiss, “Hell yeah.”

Seraphina holds a hand out to Jakem, “Excellent show! It was neck and neck… literally!”

Kai leans in and kisses Sophie on the lips, grinning a little against her lips.

Jakem nods to Seraphina, rubbing his shoulder “You say something about necking? I will say this is one hell of a hicky. Second worst I’ve had.” he comments as his fingers find the bite mark.

Emma manages to hold herself back, for now, angered by her misses. She glances towards Obadiah. “Do you think there’s anything more we can get from these craven?”

Obadiah stands and starts to get ready for the main event, because nothing screams high entertainment like a librarian and a bar owner duking it out. “Seriously though, Sera, I would be down to do an aquatic event, but that would make thing far too interesting, and unfair, to my opponent.” He winks at Thomas before taking to the ring, rolling out of his coat.

Dovie cheers for Obadiah, “I know you can do it!”

“I have a feeling that our next match will be a little more old-timey boxing, maybe.” Seraphina says, again poking a little at Thomas in good-nature, or perhaps for something a little more.

“I wasn’t able to add a pool here,” Seraphina pouts to Obadiah, “So Mister Hale is safe from your nine tentacles.”

Jakem snickers at Seraphina’s words.

Mercedes looks up with a giggle and winks at Jakem, “Mister Ashford didn’t do too much damage. Not to worry. But you do look like you fended off a vampire.”

Jakem calls to Obadiah “If you’re looking for some underwater action, Stacy’s lonely. You’re welcome to pay her a visit.”

Reginald Gravenhurst brandishes his cane once more but eventually drops it and looks to Dovie, “I think we have enough for now. Let us be better than them and let them go running away, before I send them to Bedlam.”

Jakem nods to Mercedes “I think most of it was skin deep, those heal pretty quick. Which is why I needed to get the jewelry back in.” he comments. “Thanks for checkin’ me out though.” he adds with a wink.

Stepping back into the ring, with a playful roll underneath the last rung of the ring, Seraphina gets a standing position and introduces”

Obadiah winks at Jakem, “What’s her MyHaven? Have her match me!” He looks over to Thomas as he gets ready, moving next to Seraphina

Thomas steps up — murmuring under his breath something, as he goes to step into the center of ring. He looks to Seraphina, then someone, and then drops back, hands up and held loosely.

Thomas steps up — murmuring under his breath something, as he goes to step into the center of ring. He looks to Seraphina, then Obadiah, and then drops back, hands up and held loosely.

“Awh, this is a shame,” Noel tells Kallen, letting the other man steal his hand back with a faint smile up at him, hazel eyes taking in one final glance at orange curls and freckles and green eyes. “Do travel safe, oui? It was nice spending time with you. I think though we did non talk much about ourselves, I know a bit more about you now, mon ami.

Stepping back into the ring, with a playful roll underneath the last rung of the ring, Seraphina gets a standing position and introduces: “This go round will be between a bar owner and a librarian! Place your bets now! I already had five hundred on Obie from Aeryn!

Emma steps back, the bloodlust abating. She rolls up her whip and hooks it back by her side, letting out a long exhale. “You’re right…” she tells Obadiah. “I apologize, battle brings the worst out in me. Emma Golde,” she tells him, by way of introduction. “I thank you for your assistance. There’s quite a bit we’ve stumbled upon here, hmm? What do you make of it?”

Jakem calls to Obadiah “She’s not allowed to have a phone until she’s at least six months old.”

Mercedes raises a hand and sighs, “Fifty on the librarian! I have to recoup my loses!”

Thomas waits, his emerald eyes on Obadiah — ready to move, perhaps, when Seraphina tells the crowd that the fight is on. “No one’s demanding I take my shirt off,” he comments.

Kai gives a two-fingered salute to Sylvia and leans up against Sophie, recuperating from his fight as he watches the next.

“With your mustache, Mister Hale, you should be wearing a striped tank top and boxers I think.” Seraphina says as he stands beside her. “Do I have any other bets for Obie or Thomas?” She nods to Mercedes, “Fifty on Thomas the Tank Hale!”

“It’s coming in nicely, I think,” Thomas comments, reaching up to touch it.

Mercedes beams a smile over at Sylvia, “Miss Vasquez!” before winking and looking back over to the two about to fight, “Just in time for the second bout.”

Dovie giggles. “Thomas the Tank!”

“I will Venmo you another ten, and I will put it on Thomas as well,” Noel informs Seraphina, waving his phone through the air excitedly.

Aishia OOCly apologizes. Work issue

Obadiah strips off his shirt just to be fashionable, but you know, he doesn’t have to. “Ready when you are Thomas!”

“Is this how we’re doing it, then?” Thomas says. “Fine.” His tank top, too, comes off — for good effect, he tosses it into the crowd.

Sylvia answers Mercedes’s smile and wanders over to her. “Hello, Sister! Did I miss the first fight? Who is up next?”, she glances over the crowd before adding in a tone that is as hushed as can be in the bustle. “What was this about betting?”

Dovie wolf whistles as Thomas and Obadiah take their shirts off!

Thomas looks to Seraphina. “Miss Hawke? Give us the signal.” He nods to Obadiah, eyes on him.

Reginald Gravenhurst becomes distracted as he contemplates the facts and figures of the case, leaning heavily on his cane. “Very interesting, Miss Emma. Very interesting indeed. I shall need a moment to puzzle the pieces.”

“We are waiting, Mister Hale, for you to strip.” Seraphina assures, and ducks between the ropes again. “Then, you may commence!”

Mercedes scoots next to Sylvia as she fans herself from all the shirtless tatted men, “Thomas and Obie are up next. I just lost a hundred on Jakem when he fought Kai just a moment ago. It was… particularly brutal,” she says with a chirp of surprise as she thinks back, “But everyone came out mostly unhurt.”

Emma sighs at Obadiah. “I must retire and inform my patron of the events.” She pulls an ivory card from her pocket. “My information, should you need to find me. We should discuss this. Perhaps over a few stiff drinks, later.”

“Most here have tough physiques and can handle it,” Seraphina tells Mercedes, eyes on Obadiah, and Thomas and those tats. Oh those tats! https://wx.ax/d6P

Mercedes turns to Sylvia again with an amused smirk, “Are you game Miss Vasquez? You need money for shopping I thought?” she snickers.

Sylvia furrows her brow and wrinkles her nose right on cue of the fanning. “Mostly unhurt… hmmm… and yes! Who do you think will win this next round? Who is taking the bets?”

“That ten was from me, mon ami, for Thomas!” Noel reminds Seraphina

Seraphina nods aside to Noel, “Got it!” She marks something down on her notepad app.

There’s a move, then: the sort of move that one might expect, from a wizard. Thomas advances on Obadiah, and as he does he speaks some word of power: immediately, blood seems to fill Obadiah’s eyes, clouding them — just enough of some awful incarnadine curtain for the wiry old librarian to come in, low, with a body-blow of a punch just where Obadiah’s ribs hit his stomach. It’s meant to hurt, dancing in for the jab and then dancing out as Obadiah’s vision still runs red.

Mercedes points out Seraphina, “Miss Hawke is taking bets! She owns the place. I just put fifty on Thomas, but I could see it going either way. The fighters have had some surprises this evening.”

Dovie gasps at the fight, looking concerned as she watches her boyfriend tussle with the professor. “Kick his ass!” she calls out encouragingly.

“Fifty?”, Sylvia wonders aloud, gives Mercedes a ponderous look and slides over towards Seraphina, trying to catch her attention by tapping her shoulder. “Miss Hawke? Are you still taking bets? I put one hundred one … Thomas.”

Obadiah gets ready to throw a block against Thomas’s blow but when the blood vessels in his eyes pop he is momentarily blinded, causing him to reach up and rub his face rather than continuing with the block.

wiggles her fingers at Sylvia when she is tapped upon the shoulder and she turns to the woman. “Yes. I can still take bets. One hundred from …” Seraphina pauses. “Sorry, I heard Miss Vasquez, but I don’t know your first name. “You can venmo me unless you have it on you!”

Obadiah regains his vision and chuckles out, declaring, “You overconfident old man!” And with that he throws a jab-cross combination at Thomas

Seraphina takes one final bet from Sylvia as she fusses with her phone, and the notepad app to add the next bet. Music thumps deep in people’s chests: https://sq.ax/w7N

“Sylvia!”, Sylvia answers quickly, already tapping away on her phone. “Hold on… erm… I am going to venmo it, I don’t carry cash right now…”

Kai shakes his head a bit at his phone and squeezes Sophie fondly after he sends a text.

When Obadiah throws at Thomas, the old man steps back. He’s not as quick, perhaps, as Obadiah — but he’s watching him, eyes on him, predicting his movements. He lets the younger man slide by, coming up to return some blow on him as soon as he is able.

“Don’t let the midlife crisis win!” Dovie shouts towards Obadiah.

With blood still crowding Obadiah’s eyes, it’s time for Thomas to exploit his peripheral vision — as he lets the young man’s momentum come by him, Thomas lashes out, hard, with a backhand vist to try to clout Obadiah’s ear. Once again, it’s a blow meant to hurt: he’s trying to drive pain into the young man, trying to provoke him with some, focused effort. He’s not stronger, he’s not tougher, he’s not faster… but perhaps he is meaner.

Obadiah takes the blow to his body like a champ. “Old age and treachery,” he says with a grunt before wincing as he takes a step back to plot his own next move.

Obadiah falls back and squints, betting on Thomas still being intoxicated from the drink from earlier. After a moment the crystal at his neck glows and a flash of prismatic light appears next to him in an attempt to distract the librarian.

Sylvia scoots back to Mercedes’s side and crosses her arms, continuing to watch the fight unfold.

Seraphina stomps her feet against the gym floor, causing it to rumble! “Obie, Obie! You got this! Kick his rear!” Because she might thing he needs it.

There’s a blink — that glimmering crystal catches Thomas’s eye, and if he was about to press another assault on Obadiah, he falters, falling back, unable to see perfectly. Still: he has the foresight to know that Obadiah is going to follow up, so while he’s pressed back, he dances back out of the way, trying to avoid the return blow.

Dovie seems to grow more and more anxious.

Still blinking away from that dazzling light, Thomas hits the ropes, off-balance: but he has words even where his eyes do not suffice. “Freeze,” he commands Obadiah, pouring, predictably, some psychic force into the compulsive force of his words. He doesn’t need to see Obadiah clearly to command him, and what momentary pause that creates gives the librarian an opportunity to bull-rush the man, trying to take him with a flurry of gut punches to push him back against the ropes.

Dovie hisses at Thomas, “That’s cheating!”

Mercedes snickers heartily as she watches the fight with some delight, glancing aside at Dovie for a moment, but not raising her own voice to protest back.

Sophie leans into Kai and watches the fight with her head mild awe.

Seraphina giggles at Aeryn when she returns, and seats herself. “Did you want to still bet on Obie?” she asks, batting her lashes, as poor Obadiah takes his lumps. https://nw.ax/3Cy

Obadiah winces, looking away from Thomas for a moment and twists attempting to catch the bull-rushing librarian with a blow to the back of the head, but he isn’t able to connect, or slow Thomas, causing both of them to be thrown into the wall.

Dovie gasps, turning pale.

Kai rests his cheek against the top of Sophie’s head, smiling a little

“Of course,” Aeryn says, but she raises an eyebrow. “So this is six hundred I’m out, tonight?”

Seraphina rises and moves over to Dovie and sets herself next to her, leaning in to tell her, whispering in a faux whisper, “You get to baby him all back to health, Dovie. But he is certainly fun to watch up there!

“Well, you haven’t paid so, only a hundred so far.” Seraphina tells Aeryn.

“Bet’s a bet, though,” Aeryn shrugs, tapping buttons on her phone.

Obadiah brings his fists down on Thomas’s back while being pinned against the damaged wall. “Why aren’t you stoned! You took the shot, damn it!” He tries to lash out again, if ineffectually, “And you are supposed to be fucking distracted for fucks sake. That spell always works!”

“What shot?” Aeryn asks of Dovie, with a confused expression. “I wasn’t even here, so what did he…” Both brows raise. “My goodness.”

Sophie leans up and gives Kai a kiss, still really proud of him. She looks at the ring, “Is magic allowed?”

“Rules are meant to be broken, who cares,” Kai grins a little at Sophie, kissing her back gently, leaning in to give her forehead a bump with his.

“I never took a shot,” Thomas says to Obadiah with a grunt. “I never took a shot –” It hurts; his ribs ache, hurting hard, as Obadiah’s almost superhuman strength batters the librarian’s decidedly un-superhuman back. “Fuck,” he says, breathing hard, as he tries to bring a knee up just to gain distance.

Seraphina nods to Sophie, “Kai and Jaken used it, too. And I did say that I would allow it. But I think -someone- is using it more advantageously than I suspected people would.

Distance would be great — Thomas would love distance — but he doesn’t have it. What he does have, though, is Obadiah, right close. Pinned agains the wall with him, the librarian takes the only move he has. He headbutts Obadiah, hoping that every bit of pain he has poured into the man is enough to send him lights out.

Jakem looks to Sophie “I was using a fair bit of magic. Not quite that directed, but eh, that’s fae magic for yah.”

“Oh,” Obadiah says, almost feeling bad at his accusation of cheating. When you are fae you are always cheating, so it is always assumed your opponent is trying to cheat harder. It is a whole big thing. That momentary distraction from the flow of the fight is all it takes thought and Thomas’s head drives Obadiah’s nose into his skull, knocking him the fuck out.

Dovie shrieks and rushes to help Reginald Gravenhurst.

Aeryn looks as though she’s going to go wake Reginald Gravenhurst up herself. “Five hundred dollars,” she states with a shake of her head.

Jakem reaches up to touch his ear “Think the ear’s mostly regenerated, yah. Still got a few bite marks, but eh.” he says, rubbing his shoulder.

Thomas leans down as Obadiah slumps, reaching for him. “Good fight,” he tells him, grunting. He’s breathing hard. “Maybe I’m not such an old man after all, am I?”

“Whooo! Good job Hale!” Kai calls to Thomas, laughing when he crunches Obadiah’s face with his forehead.

Reginald Gravenhurst snaps back to reality, oops there goes gravity, as he considers someone and the fog. “I don’t know that I properly introduced myself. I am famed paranormal investigator Reginald Gravenhurst.”

Jakem smirks to Aeryn “You’re just showin’ off how much yah can lose. It’s called glam-bets.” he comments.

“Oh I’m not pressed, But for five hundred I feel that should have been performance boosting at the very least,” Aeryn waves a hand, with a soft ‘tsk’. “But I’m far from the most wealthy.”

Sylvia looks up from her phone, seemingly not having paid attention to the fight at all. “Wait, did Thomas win? How much did I win for that?”

Mercedes hops back up on her feet and claps feverishly, “Oh thank God!” chirps the nun, “Maybe I made my hundred back!” she winces, hopeful.

Sylvia says “How many fights are scheduled for today?“

Jakem tilts his head as he looks out to the ring, commenting to Aeryn “Performance enhancing? I think you might have missed an intermediate step in that process.”

Jakem looks to Sylvia “None of these were scheduled. People just get up and go at it.”

“This is the last for today, but I will be scheduling another fight between Kai and Thomas for another date. Probably within the week…” Seraphina pauses, and starts to try to do that math that she needs to for these two fights. Frowning. Scratching her head. “Ugh… let me have a few to figure this all out!”

“Usually money works,” Aeryn shrugs a shoulder Jakem’s way. “That shot probably didn’t help.”

“Wounded pride,” Obadiah says with a bloody nose, as he stumbles to his feet, sliding his shirt back on, looking more embarrassed than actually hurt. A quick glance to Sophie, Aeryn, and Seraphina and he gives a soft sigh, “Yeah. A sin of pride, the devil cride.”

“Uuuuhhh I surrender!” Kai tells Seraphina as he glances over Thomas’s way, grimacing.

Jakem grins and calls out to Seraphina “Hah, good luck. Nothing harder than doing math while everyone’s clammerin’ at yah for their money.”

Obadiah holds his hand out to Dovie for his vest and coat

Jakem nods to Aeryn “I mean depends on whatcha mean by help. I think it kept that from being a lot more painful.”

Mercedes raises a hand and snickers at Seraphina, are there dollar signs in her eyes? “Take your time Sera! This was an exciting event! Thanks for hosting!”

“Let’s see..there are two others,” Aeryn nods to Jakem. “Don’t ask me what they actually do, I have no idea.”

Thomas looks at Sylvia, smiling. “I don’t think we’ve met, by the way,” he says. “I’m Thomas Hale.” Then he looks at Kai — and there is something amusingly predatory in his look. “I’m looking forward to it, Mr. Ashford. After all, don’t we have a little unfinished business?” He rubs at his forehead, where it was just engaged in some smashing. There’s a wince.

Obadiah chuckles a little to Aeryn, “Well…” He winks at her then and turns to Thomas to hold his knuckles out to fist bump the victor.

“Either way, most of it was venmoed to me so I need an atm!” Seraphina says to Jakem. “If you guys trust me, I’ll get you your payouts via venmo, too. Otherwise, if you can wait here for a few, I’ll have old-timey Mister Hale here give me a ride to an ATM.”

Jakem whistles at Aeryn “Really? How you spice ’em? I mean the special spice, not like chives or what have yah.”

Thomas fist-bumps Obadiah back. “Next time,” he tells him.

“Next time,” Obadiah assure Thomas and then takes Dovie home.

Jakem calls to Seraphina “How much yah need? I can spot yah.”

“Carefully grown plants, generally,” Aeryn tells Jakem. “One of those may help with the pain and whatnot,” she nods to Dovie. “At your own risk of course.”

Jakem nods to Aeryn “Oh, you’re a botanist? Never woulda figured.” he says with a scratch of his cheek.

Kai hmmms and looks to Sophie, “What do you wanna do now?” he asks her, lowering his hand to her lower back to give it a little rub.

“Selectively,” Aeryn notes. “Daytime plants bother me, Elise takes care of those.”

“About…” Seraphina says to Jakem, pausing and recalculating, unsure that she is right. “Three sixty one… or two.”

“I am also not at all certain of what dosage will kill living people, so…” Aeryn gives another shrug. “I should get home, probably for a while.”

Jakem nods to Aeryn “It’s the daytime plants that keep shade plants protected yah know.” he muses idly “Though I suppose that makes your daytime plant Elise eh?”

“It won’t take long to get to the bank. “Some of you did well, given the odds.” Seraphina mentions.

Thomas lets out a little groan. “My head,” he acknowledges, “hurts a little.” He starts to look around. “Does anyone know where my tank top went?” he wonders.

Aeryn nods at Jakem.

Sophie leans into Kai and smiles, “I’ve got a winning boyfriend. I’d say you get to pick.”

With a wave of fingers, Aeryn heads toward the street.

Jakem tosses Seraphina a wad of bills. “I was gonna give that out last night, but folks kept betting wrong.” he grins big.

“How much did I win?” Noel wonders confidently as he rises from his daydream, turning his gaze towards Seraphina, then assessing Thomas from afar, comparing his wounding to the departing Obadiah, then seeming satisfied that he has, indeed, won this round of gambling on violence. “Monsieur Hale, one day I owe you a drink,” he decides with a little amused laugh.

Kai nods at Sophie and stands up, he gives a wave to the people gathered, particularly someone and Thomas and heads out, upnodding Annabelle on his way out, hand in hand with Sophie.

Jakem nods to Annabelle, some blood on his face and shirtless “Hey, you missed Kai’s vengance.”

Kai nods at Sophie and stands up, he gives a wave to the people gathered, particularly Seraphina and Thomas and heads out, upnodding Annabelle on his way out, hand in hand with Sophie.

“You do,” Thomas tells Noel with a smile. “Right now what I need is an advil,” he admits, still looking for his shirt. “Here we go.”

Constance mutters, “Let’s do ibuprofen together. Hardcore.”

Jakem grins to Annabelle “He robbed me. Nose ring, and my earring. With his teeth.”

“So if i am right, then the payout is as thus, Kai ninety nine, Soph, one eighty nine, Merci one hundred fifteen, Noel twenty three, sylvia two thirty one, and Thomas two hundred twenty five.” Seraphina says, seeking to do the payouts.

Seraphina’I’ll venmo you back this.

“I’ll venmo you back this, when I can,” Seraphina says to Jakem.

“I get money?” Kai asks, perking up when Seraphina mentions money, his hazel eyes scanning her way, grinning, he snorts at Jakem and Annabelle, “It wasn’t /that/ bad,” he tells the pair.

“Friggin owwww..?” Annabelle narrows her eyes, glancing back and forth between Kai and Jakem. “Or like, I guess you can uhh.. With piercings..” Lacking the word, she makes a pincer movement with her forefingers in the air like a beetle.

Thomas tells Kai, “We each got half of the pot for winning. The other half is split amongst the folks who bet on us.”

Jakem nods to Seraphina “Yeah, just as long as I get it by Tuesday.” he comments agreeably.

“Sick,” Kai nods a single time at Thomas in understanding, “If you need a kneebreaker, I bet you could rope Connie into it,” he tells Jakem.

Jakem shrugs to Kai “I did a whole big public vengance thing to intimidate people so I wouldn’t have to hire kneebreakers.”

“Turns out,” Thomas says, pleased with himself, “that y’all been underestimating me.” Is Seraphina’s southern access rubbing off with a ‘y’all’?

“Ahhh,” Kai nods to Jakem and tells Sophie, “Guess we’ll stay to get paid,” he grins a little and looks back Jakem’s way, snorting, “Sounds fun.”

Thomas glances to Sylvia. “I’m sorry, in the crowd I didn’t catch your name.”

Mercedes beams, “Beautiful. Thank you so much hun!” she sighs and pockets her money away, looking more relieved than anything else.

Thomas asks Kai with a gleam in his eye, “What do you think? Should Miss Hawke schedule the final round on the lip of a volcano, Mr. Ashford?”

Seraphina doesn’t pay out Thomas right away, probably, though she’ll never say, she did the math wrong. “I’ll get to the ATM on the way home.” She walks over to Thomas, putting her arm around his own. “Thank you all for coming out! I hope that it was a good time. Next time I will have Aeryn bring more drinks. And better speakers for music. I hope everyone had a good time. Even if some where a little more cutthroat than others.”

“Uhhh nooo,” Kai replies to Thomas, “I’m already surrendering.”

Jakem calls to Kai “A proper surrender has to be delivered via messenger in written florid prose.”

Sylvia counts the money off before smiling and putting it into her wallet. “Great… will there be another fight?”

Jakem tilts his head “Though I guess you’re halway there, given your profession.”

Seraphina giggles at kai. “No, no, no. You have to fight Mister Hale in a victor to victor match — I mean come on! Look at him! You have youth and vitality. I have faith in you.” She nods to Sophie, “Don’t you?”

“Fine…” Kai mutters at Seraphina and shakes his head, “Is there like, a grand prize. Or at least a trophy?” he asks Seraphina and leans up against Sophie.

Sophie blinks at Kai and then looks at Thomas, “I dunno if that’s smart..”

“Does he have vitality?” Thomas asks Sophie, emerald eyes dancing. He’s got the thrill of the fight still in him a little.

Sophie looks Thomas over, “He’s got enough of it to go a few rounds.”

Seraphina says “The prize is the friends we make along the way.“

Seraphina winks. “But there will be bets, again. So yes, there will be a final payout.”

“I won’t be holding back this time Professor!” Kai stands up and points overdramatically at Thomas, “When we meet atop the volcano, it’s YOU who will be going down in flames!” he places his fists on his hips and tilts his head back in a horrendous attempt at a villain cackle, “Muahahahahaha!”

Jakem calls out to Seraphina confidently “Don’t worry, Sophie’s in your corner, aintcha Soph? You’ll be a good girlfriend and make sure your boyfriend shows up to his match I bet, cause you got faith in him, and you’re supportive!” he cheers.

Thomas laughs to Kai. “I suspect we’ll be back here,” he says sadly. “But it will be fun, Mr. Ashford,” he says. “I think I need to get an icepack, though,” he admits.

Sophie nods Jakem, “I always got his back!”

Jakem gives Sophie a thumbs up and a firm nod, looking to Annabelle “You see, that’s what a support SO does.”

Annabelle looks up from her phone, deaf to the conversation preceding, following Jakem’s thumb to Sophie. “Good job.” She gives without context.

“Alright,” Thomas says. “I’m heading out,” he says. “See you all,” he tells Jakem, Sophie, Annabelle, Mercedes, Noel, Sylvia, and Constance.

“Come on, lets go get you iced up.” Seraphina says to Thomas. She wiggles her fingers at everyone. “Tah!”

Jakem shrugs to Annabelle “I don’t remember anymore, I was razzing about something though.”

Jakem waves to Seraphina “Don’t forget about my money… Or at the very least, make sure your house is decorated.”