Portside Gambling (Scarlett Nevermore)

Chili was sure he hadn't meant to wind up in the fighting ring when he had arrived at the small hole-in-the-wall underground location in one of the more decrepit parts of Hargeon Town.

Yet here he was at an abandoned warehouse near one of the more destroyed ports where construction was still underway, that was home to a bar for those who partook in the shadier businesses, in a robust-sized ring about to fight to possible death.

He had come to get some information on a local human trafficking ring that was possibly connected to a larger sinister web of activities. However, upon arriving, his informant was nowhere to be found. Figuring he'd give the portly man time to show, Chili had opted to sit at the bar and order a bottle of rum.

Paying the appropriate amount, Chili examined the bottle and chuckled. No wonder it had been pricey, a vintage brand way above the availability of a place like this. "Stolen rum is still rum." Chili amusingly chided himself before taking a nice swig of the fifth.

Time had crawled by as he waited. There was no clock in the run-down makeshift bar slash gambling den. They had all the items of furniture needed to run their operation, and why provide a clock to remind your customers of the outside world.

Chili had been contemplating waiting or leaving. When one of the fight bookies had approached him, flanked by two large bouncers and asked him to follow them to the ring.  Sensing that it was a situation where he wasn't being asked, Chili eyed all three men before giving them a smile and standing to follow them, his rum in hand.

"So, gents, what's all this about," Chili asked as he followed them across the bar side of the warehouse over to the side that the ring was on. No one answered him as they went, which caused Chili to contemplate what had possibly gone wrong.

His informant could have been found out. If that was the case, then they weren't letting him go. Taking him to fight in the ring was probably the least suspicious way to kill him. People died in these underground fights; what would be one more.  

Chili gritted his teeth, he could make a run for it, but that could cause a fight in the warehouse. One that could endanger innocent lives inside and outside, so he'd have to play along until he could think of a way out.

When motioned to walk into the caged-off area of the warehouse that served as the fighting stage Chili didn't hesitate, entering with a polite smile and bowing to the three men who had brought him here.

Once inside, Chili gazed at his surroundings. He was inside a large metallic octagonal cage that seemed to have a good three hundred square foot area of space to move around. Outside the ring was an arrangement of tables and seats for those who wanted to watch the fight and enjoy a beverage or twenty.

Chili was brought back to the present as the announcer read off who would be fighting. Chili felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance as his name was read out. His name shouldn't have been known by anyone other than his informant, and sadly it seemed his suspicion was correct.

As if on cue, the announcer read off his opponent, "Versus our house champion! The man of immense strength and impossible fortitude, Skull!"

Chili's expression was blank as a large caucasian man with slicked back black hair stepped into the cage at the opposite end. Garped in all-black, edgy biker gear complete with sunglasses. The man had a skull painted onto his face on top of everything else.

Even with the glasses, Chili could feel the death stare being sent his way; deciding to ignore it, Chili calmly took another swig of his rum as the announcer continued shouting for everyone to start taking bets before the fight began.

Chili took a deep breath as he felt the magical barrier go up around the cage. Chili wanted the information he sought, so the person chosen to kill him would be a good start. All else failing, he'd at least make some money after winning the fight. Even if the magical energy coming off his opponent was concerning.  

[wc: 728] [total wc: 728]

Scarlett would find herself in an underground gambling den. Surrounded by scum and depravity she took it all in. This was nothing new to Scarlett. She was at home whether she was at a high society gala or a back alley gambling ring. As long as she could have a good time she would make anywhere work. Which is what lead here here today.

She had recently been to a high class gala and met a portly gentleman. She new this man was nothing but scum but that didn't bother her. She had her connections in both the light and the dark. Though truth be told she didn't consider him a contract as of now. She had been asked by on of her light contacts to investigate him, which is the reason she attended the gala in the first place. She needed to meet her and her spies told her he would be there. After her that the rest was history which how she ended up here. Though it was Troublesome, this was just part of the process with these things.

Though the man was making her wait as she sat at the bar the bar tender slided her a whiskey in a crystal glass. She looked at him confused as she spoke. "On the house, a gift from our host, he insists you go enjoy the fight that's about to happen while you wait." She took a sip nodding looking at him. There was no point not doing it.. "who's fighting, and what are there odds?" She asked standing up to go find a seat. The man pointed to a screen. " a new Comer named Chili and or champion Skull, ten to one in skulls favor miss." She looked at the screen for a moment before reaching into her cloths by her right breast and pulling out a billfold. She threw it on the bar walking away. "Thousand jewel on the blonde cutie." She said as she left.

She found her seat sipping her whiskey as she looked down at the metal cage which now had a magical feild around it. Most likely to ensure a "fair" match. Though she was sure it was rigged somehow. She just hoped Chili would overcome it. For now all she could do was watch. As she took a spin of whiskey she smiled. "Good luck kiddo, I got a thousand jewel riding on you."

wc: 404
Total wc: 1,132

Chili let a Cheshire grin spread across his features as the ominous energy from his opponent intensified while the announcer called for final betting. It had been a while since he had a proper fight. It seemed this gentleman was going to give him one. Well, Chili hoped he would, at least.

Once final bets were taken, the starting bell rang, and in an instant, the man began to roar loudly in a gruff, deep voice. As small pulses of energy waves wafted off his form. An aura of white energy surrounded the man, and he quickly began to grow larger. Within seconds the already muscle-bound, six-foot-five, Skull grew an additional two feet.

Chili had to resist the urge to interrupt his powering up. Even if it had only taken Skull a couple of seconds. Chili could have cheap-shotted the man; however, Chili figured, even if he didn't get into a good fight, hopefully, whoever was here on behalf of the traffickers to witness his demise would get the message.

The moment the transformation was done, Skull rushed Chili in a blur of movement as the large man covered the fifteen feet between him and Chili in a few milliseconds. A destructive, quick right hook was sent toward Chili's face.

Chili had planned on simply pivoting out of the way at the last second. However, his instincts flared up at him as he noticed the small shock wave created by the sheer force of the punch. Jumping backward the remaining five feet he had to spare, Chili's back hit the cage, and he narrowly dodged.

"Neat, his punches are powerful enough to pressurize the air around them and send out a shockwave. Making his already big fists cover an even greater surface area." Chili curiously analyzed as he skidded into place, "His clothes also grew with him, custom design. Gotta give compliments to his tailor."

Not missing a beat Skull lunged forward as soon as his attack missed, attempting to deliver a left haymaker. Diving underneath his left arm, Chili rolled to a standing position and pivoted deftly to face Skull. Chili kept his thump shoved into the top of his rum bottle to make sure none spilled out as he went.

For such a big dude, Skull was surprisingly light-footed. Not giving Chili a moment even when he evaded, a blur of attacks was launched against Chili, who in turn avoided every one of them, though it was close. Chili was only slightly faster than Skull, which was what was saving him now.

A minute into the fight. Skull finally gave Chili a break as the man stopped lunging at him. Skull began growling loudly before yelling at Chili, who stood about six feet from him, "Alight, you pesky little rat, no more playing around!"

Simultaneously Skull's muscles bulged even more as they tensed and coiled at the ready to push themselves to the limit.

Chili retorted sardonically, "Do you know how many people have said that exact line?"

Taking the time given to him, Chili did activate his connection to the Abyss. Thus the vibrant orange flame that constantly burned at the center of his forehead shifted color to an onyx black accented by wisps of deep purple.

The moment Chili activated his magic, Skull was in front of him. He was more agile than before, and Chili didn't have time to move as a fist the size of a melon collided with his head.

Chili gritted his teeth as his head was thrust to the side, and while he wasn't thrown off his feet, the shockwave from the punch sent him skidding across the ground, his feet digging a small trench in the concrete as he went.

Gathering himself swiftly, Chili was about to launch a counter when a large palm wrapped around his head. His eyes narrowed as he registered what was happening. Chili growled as he readied himself for what was to come next.

Skull sneered something about how it was too easy, and then he proceeded to yank Chili up by his head, and with all his strength, Skull smashed Chili into the ground.

It was a blur as Chili was hefted into the air and pelted back down into the ground six times repeatedly. The sound of flesh and bone hammer concrete echoed out all the while before Skull stopped and just held what appeared to be the now limp figure of Chili.

Those paying attention would notice two things, Chili's bottle of rum was somehow not even cracked after being slammed into the ground with him, and two, his freaking thumb was still corking it!

The split second the crowd began to cheer for Skull, and the announcer was about to speak up; Chili's left arm hummed to life as dark energy burst from it; the energy formed into a sword-like appendage, a lethal extension of Chili's own limp.

In a blink, Chili swiped his left arm up and severed Skull's right arm at the shoulder. Gasps went out from the crowd as Chili was dropped to his feet, and Skull cried out in pained shock. The floor was quickly painted crimson as the large man roared furiously. However, Skull's shock caused him to leave himself open for a follow-up attack.

With lightning movement, Chili thrust his energy-bladed arm forward, and the blade extended in length. The tip of the dark energy bore a hole through Skull's chest cavity, piercing his heart before jutting out his back.

Skull's arm fell limply to his side as blood spurted from his gaping mouth before the tower of a man fell backward like a mighty oak and crashed to the ground with a loud thud.

Blood streamed down Chili's face as a good-sized gash on his head slowly healed shut. His hair shadowed his now hallowed stare as he inspected himself. His overcoat was ruined, his shirt was ripped and torn in the places where the jagged concrete had cut through, not to mention the blood stains on a white shirt, his left pant leg from the knee down had shredded off, and his shoes were scuffed. All in all, he had come out better than he was expecting.

"That was close. The force of those slams broke bones I haven't broken in ages." Chili amusingly commented to himself as the light returned to his eyes; his flame returned to its usual orange color as he took a drag from his rum.

Silence reigned supreme in the ring for what felt like an age before someone broke the silence with a loud "boo!" Soon the whole audience joined in. The announcer didn't even acknowledge his win, which Chili chuckled at as he stiffly walked over to the exit. His whole body ached from the abuse it had been put through.

Thankfully the magic barrier expelled as he approached. Stepping outside the cage Chili began to contemplate his next move. He was definitely marked for death.

If he left in the condition he was in now before allowing his healing factor time to repair some of the damage, there was the potential for things to end badly. Not to mention someone in this warehouse was connected to the traffickers. If he left, he would have to start all over.

No, for now, he would have to find a place within the warehouse establishment to lay as low as he could and try to uncover who the one spying on him was. To that end, Chili took another sip before heading off to find an empty corner table.

[wc: 1261] [total wc: 2393]

Scarlett watched the battle closely, sipping her drink as the boy she had bet on definitely had some skills. She sipped her drink as for a while he seemed to be holding his own. Though his opponent skull was using a force like magic to make his swings cover a larger area. It was a sound strategy for a big bruiser like him, defiantly making up for his weakness. He was quick and he had a wider range now. She watched Chili dodge them all though, she smirked taking a sip. She was curiouse what he was gonna do to take skull down.

The Chili active his magic, an orange flame appearing by his head making hom more agile, she wondered if this was it but then he got clocked in the head sending him to the ground . She frowned as the crowd cheered. She took a sip as he was lifted up by his head. She knew where this was going. Then he was slammed into the ground face first. The crowd cheered. She gave no reaction though. As she finished her whiskey she noticed something...he was protecting his booze. She smiled chuckling a bit. "Cheeky Kid..."

It was then she saw him make his counter attack as he rose an in a flash he threw his arm up severing Skulls arm. This took even her off gaurd as skull reeled in pain backing up. This arm as coated in energy and with lightning fast movements he stabbed the man right through his chest, causing him to die and fall over. She stared in disveilf, this battered beat up kid won. Then the crowd booed him as he left. Which downed out her cheering. "WOOOO THAT A BOY!" She said as she stood up leaving.

As she got back to the bar she smirked as the bartender looked disgruntled as no words were exchanged as he put her ten thousand Jewels on the bar. The biggest smile was on her face as she took it humming slightly. Nothing made her happier then winning a good bet. As she turned though she spotted him at a corner table. She had to at least thank him. She turned back to the bartender. "Two bottles of your finest rum please~" she hummed throwing the money down on the bar from her winnings. As he set the bottles down she counted out one hundred Jewels worth on cash. "Money Maker Magic: No Insurance~" she said as she threw the bill towards chili's direction before pocketing the rest and grabbing the bottles.

As she walked over the bills she threw would turn a golden color and wisp through the air dancing around people and fly into Chili, starting to current his wounds and fix his bones should he not avoid them. She would then approach his table setting a bottle down on the table. She smiled down at him. "Hello there winner can I sit with you and celebrate our winning together " She said already taking a seat whether he said yes or no incorrigible her bottle taking a big swing. "Ahh that's the good stuff!"

wc:525
Total wc:2,917

Chili will admit he had to stifle a wild swing as a magical golden wisp of energy entangled itself with his form. Upon contact, the gold energy dissipated, absorbing into him, and began its work. Chili recognized the feeling of healing magic. His condition, as he liked to refer to it, would only allow the magical healing to do half of its job. However, the gesture was appreciated by the young mage non less.

His wounds mended slightly before the magic wore off. The spell did cut his projected healing time down by a third. As Chili began to wonder who had cast said spell on him, a woman of rather elegant beauty approached him.

Her words of winnings and such made him raise an eyebrow while a thought ran through his head, "Well, I guess someone had to bet on me."

As the blonde asked for a seat, Chili shrugged, only for her to take a seat while he was mid-shrug.

As the unknown female took a seat, Chili processed what he saw. She appeared to be only a few years older than him, clad in a form-fitting attire that accented her features quite well. Chili cocked an eyebrow, not sure how to respond to the sudden appearance.

He relaxed as she began to drink, her distinctive nature calming his nerves. He knew someone in here was out to kill him, but it wasn't her. In fact, her voice sounded familiar. His wolf-like hearing had caught a cheer of victory when he had killed Skull, though it had been quickly drowned out by the succumbing boos.

Despite all the conflicting thoughts running through Chili's head, he settled on one thing. This woman was not an enemy.

Smiling friendly at her, he spoke, his voice soft and welcoming, " So what does a woman of such prestige want with a ruffian like myself?"

She looked at Chili taking one more swig of the vintage rum. She gave him a small but almost cheeky smile I'm sure I'm enjoying the alcohol and his question of what she wanted with him. She was glad that either way he didn't reject her presence. Not that she would have carried you the way but she decided to humor the man's question. She leaned forward a bit in her chair Looking him in his eyes. " What I want with you is thank you for making me ten thousand jewels richer and to heal some of those bones of yours as a sorta thank you."

She then paused taking another swing of her drink before continuing her vambling. Though she made sure it doesn't sound like she was doing a chore or this was exhausting she was just passing the time at this point. " Really that's all I want with you right now at least, I'm actually here to meet up contact of mine a whale of a man do I have business with. However I'm never not in the mood to make a new friend." She said as she finally stopped talking looking at him before simply saying. "My names Scarlett Nevermore, pleasure to meet you Chili." She said before stopping taking another sway for a drink before giving him the man a chance to talk now she feels like she's been doing all of it so far cause she had.

Though while waiting she didn't wonder what was taking her contact so long to get your. She's sure do get the sense that something wasn't going right. That perhaps something with being set up for her. Shouldn't like to feel like one bit but the alcohol certainly was helping her with the feeling. Plus being around such a strong fighter even as better condition couldn't hurt either. Such treachery was to be expected but still she didn't know what the alchemy would be quite yet. She was content waiting for just a little longer enjoying the company Of her new acquaintance for now.

wc: 349
Total wc:3,850

Chili was cautious as she answered his question, keeping an eye on his surroundings out of his peripheral while keeping his primary focus on his unexpected company.  Chili respectfully listened while she explained her reasons for having chosen to sit at his table. When she got to the bit about the whale of a man and business, he quirked an eyebrow. A few probabilities went through his head as to what that remark meant.

However, he was certain she wasn't a trafficker or some dealer, so odds were she was speaking the truth about being her for a business transaction, though doing one in a location such as this still brought questions to mind.

A nimble smirk of delight did cross his face before returning to neutral when she mentioned the amount she had won from betting on him, he was happy to help even if it hadn't been his goal, and she didn't seem like someone who didn't deserve a win.

Once she was finished introducing herself, Chili cracked a small grin as he spoke, his voice calm and loud enough for only her to hear.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Scarlett. I appreciate the thought. It was generous of you. However, healing spells aren't effective on me. It's a bit of a magical condition." Chili took a gulp from the bottle of rum, which at this point was three-fourths of the way gone, before an amused chuckle left his lips, "Consolation prize, I heal quicker than most."

Taking another drink, Chili decided to satiate his curiosity, even if it meant he might get attacked; asking about certain business affairs in such a place could lead to that after all.

His tone respectful, Chili threw out his inquiry. "Not to overstep, but may I ask what business you are here to conduct?"  

[wc: 304] [total wc: 4,154]

She looked at him as she continued to drink her rum as she asked the nature of his visit with the whale. Frankly it was none of the man's business however it's not as if she cared if it were secret or not. She just thought there was more of a professional courtesy not to blabb out her business to anyone she wasn't directly working with. She's thought about it for a moment debating whether they even say anything to him. Taking one more swig she relented, The man himself looked overly cautious and she wasn't getting any vibes that she shouldn't say anything however she would keep her grief into the minimum. He didn't need to know everything but a little bit of info for him couldn't hurt anything. " Someone I know asked me to look into summer of the whales dealing. So here I am I'm here to meet with him and do exactly that."

She didn't feel like telling him anything about the crimes that her contact had supposedly said he committed. The most heinous one was human trafficking. She had no problem with bad people even extremely bad. She could work with almost anybody unless it affected her other businesses and connections. In this man unfortunately was affecting one of her other connections that upon thinking of the value between them both the whale had lost. So he had to be taken care of importance place. Unfortunately that was just how her mind worked. She paused for another second or two thinking to herself before looking at Chili. " Since you asked about my business I think it's only fair to ask what prints you here. Are you here just to fight, are you here because of some other unsafety business. Or perhaps you have dealings with our host as well..." She said leaning forward a bit of a sly look on her face as she held the bottle. Her face was only a little wet now after all she had almost drinking her entire bottle by now but she was still very much sober just getting a little warm.

wc: 356
Total wc: 4,510

Chili chuckled at the fight comment. Chili threw his fifth back and downed the last amount within before reaching for the bottle she had set down earlier. The empty bottle was placed to his right as the new bottle took its place.

"To be upfront, I wasn't here to participate in a fight, to begin with; there was a bit of a miss understanding on the registry's part; my name somehow ended up on the fighter list." He commented nonchalantly with a shrug, telling a half-truth; he was unwilling to share the real reason his name had ended up on the list, "As for the reason I am here, I just so happen to be here to speak to someone about some business they conduct."

That last sentence was true, in a way. He was here to confront someone about their business. It just wasn't going to be as friendly of a chat as his calm tone implied.

Putting the freshly opened bottle to his lips, Chili took an extended, hefty swig. The alcohol started kicking in finally, as his aches started to dull, and he felt a comforting warmth enter his veins.

He mulled over the situation. His informant had said a man who was unrealistically wide in stature was the main in-between for those seeking to deal with the ring. If Scarlett's whale was, in fact, the same person, then Chili had been blessed with good fortune. Although that also meant the person who had just made an attempt to have him killed was also this so-called whale of a man.

"Now that I think about it, the host of these events does fit the description of the person I was supposed to meet. So it seems we might be here to see the same person." Chili casually commented as he took another drink, "Since that's the case, why don't we pass the time together? A conversation over a few drinks sounds like a good way to pass the time, don't ya think?"

[wc: 335] [total wc: 4,845]