Insanity Isle (Lyzan, Lillian Thorne, Tirgesfu)

[tirgesfu]

Jaymz was seated when Redbread entered with his bowl next to him and water close by. He listened to the instructions carefully knowing by the tone and the look in Redbread’s eyes that the man was sincere. Why does he care if Jaymz lives or dies? Yet, somehow Jaymz knew he did. It was that pull that made Jaymz begin to care.

He stood and slowly moved to the table looking over the offered weapons. Jaymz first went to the medium sword. He touched the flat blade and then took hold of it in his right hand. He clenched his fist around the hilt. In a smooth swing he cut the air in front of him. With a purposeful move he put the blade back on the table. He went next to the ax. In a quicker grab he picked it up and deliberately raised it over his head. He squinted his eyes and held it for a minute up in the air. Slowly he returned it to its place upon the table. On to the dagger he wiggled his fingers around the hilt, the handle. He pushed it forward but not with pretended force. Jaymz put it back down. His hands went over the wooden shield before he picked it up. Fingers lingered over the edges Redbread had mentioned. He took hold of it's handle behind working it onto his hand. He held the shield first tight against his body and then out. He twisted his arm moving it around.

As he held the shield he glanced over to other swords. His eyes shifted quickly back to the ax. He took it. He held them both, tightened his muscles, his arms, legs, neck and middle. Then he released a slow long breath and at the same time relaxed each muscle. He raised his chin focused his eyes toward the door. He was ready. He didn’t need to say so.
Jaymz was still not sure of his role in Redbreads plans or fights. But he knew the man had reason to want his success, whatever they were. In truth Jaymz was not convinced of his skill but he had no doubt of his purpose. Look them in the eye. Forfeit nothing. Kill quickly. Save the other’s pain and provide as little entertainment as possible.

With swift steps he moved to the door and out into the arena. He walked with his head high and his eyes opened to the center of the ring. He did not look up at the stands or the crowd. He did not hear or respond to the noise not even realizing if there were cheers or boos. He stood still even his fingers did not move as they held the ax. Jaymz eyes stayed focused and he waited.

[Lyzan]

Claire

Her blue eyes held the woman's face, studying Saidah's expression as she requested what most had wanted to avoid, including Claire herself. They'd been warned by Redbeard himself not to. But he didn't say they couldn't. The explaination the old man then gave was reasonable enough and was indeed something they'd best not witness. But the determination and the spirit those eyes Saidah bore were simply too strong for Claire to ignore. She was surprised and her tongue seemed caught for speech or to utter words of protest. All she could manage was a nod before she quickly grabbed the woman's hand and led her into the door where Redbeard resides. Without a word, she climbed up the stairs leading up to the old man's working area before entering yet another door and climbed back down another staircase leading into what seemed to be a dark basement.

The room was only litted by more than a dozen of fist-size-holes. With sand beneath their feet and stacks of long stakes bundled together on the other end of the room. It was a compartment behind the arena wall. The holes gave them access close to a front seat view, only without something to sit on. Instead, they'd got to either stand or crouch as they peeked.

"Are you sure you wanted to see this Saidah?" Claire asked in almost a shaky tone. "Are you truly prepared to witness them?" she asked again. "Nothing could be gained from this, Saidah. You'll be consumed with either anger or fear if things didn't turn out well for Jaymz. Or probably both. Can you live with that, Saidah? Seeking revenge in a fight might give you strength to face whoever it was that might strike the man down but it could also cloud your mind. I... I just hope you know what you're asking for, Saidah.. I just hope.. you're prepared.." said Claire before she left the basement.

Through the holes, Saidah was just in time to see Jaymz entering the arena.

~~~

The chains then rattled on the opposite end, raising the gate. From it, a pair of eyes shined within the shadows followed by a puff of heated breath. The sand where the light touched then stirred as if blown away as the unknown warrior took a step closer. A huge furry paw the size of a man's thigh then stomped into view with four long claws jutting out. Wet nose at the height of amn's chest could then be seen before it's snout was exposed. Another step closer to it's prey the creature took before it's identity was made known to both it's opponent and spectators.

Wilder the crowd grew. The jeering for Jaymz subsided as they cheered for their favored fighter. New bets was placed. Siding with what they thought was an obvious winner by default. There was no way the slave could be a match to such a monster.

As if it was embraced by the crowd, "he" stood on his hind legs then, towering over Jaymz by at least twice of his height; growling and sniffing the air at the welcoming gesture. A brown bear was Jaymz opponent this day. However, it didn't seemed to be quite normal. There was something rather peculiar about this creature. His face was tattooed with tribal symbols and the ears were both pierced. An armband too could be seen, made by interwoven roots with a couple of painted feathers and colored shells wrapped somewhere between the bicep and the shoulder.

Bernbar slammed his forefoot back to the ground and approached the man. Stopping at a five feet gap between them. He then roared, bringing the crowd to another uproar as their adrenaline rushed into their veins. Obviously excited. Most of them hadn't expected for such an encounter. Even Redbeard himself started cursing as he watched from the waiting chamber. But that was all the old man could do.

[tirgesfu]

A beast. It was not a man who appeared from the far gate. Jaymz felt his heart skip a beat. He was not sure if it was relief or fear that made the irregular pulse. He would not have to kill a man. And yet he could be swallowed by a monster. No, Jaymz held his shield tighter, this bear will die.

Jaymz studied the paws briefly. But his eyes went to the face seeing the markings and watching the eyes. There was a raw creature behind those eyes and yet Jaymz saw just a tinge of thought. Still Jaymz believed more animal than man. He pulled his shield up to his chest and heard Aaron’s words in his head. “A first strike is as important as ensuring one's life. Thus, when you strike, expect a counter from your enemy and prepare for it so that you'll get them when they come for you.” Even as he heard the sound of Aaron words he raised his ax.

As the beast roared announcing its presence and reacting to the sounds and smells around him Jaymz jumped forward making a roar of his own and chopped his ax down across from his right shoulder to the bear’s front left foot. With force he swung to the huge paw. As soon as the ax hit Jaymz quickly pulled it back and spun to his left away from the bear’s front to the side. Jaymz ran back and away from the animal’s side. He expected the beast to turn toward him swinging around to face him again. Jaymz was not known for speed, strength was his skill, but the huge bear could not move with great agility either. Jaymz would have to attack often, quickly, and then retreat as much as he could. He pulled his shield closer to his body covering as much of his chest and stomach as he could.

Jaymz kept moving around the bear’s side even as the beast spun, but he did not move as fast. He readied his ax for the swing of the monster’s paw hoping to pull back enough to miss the claws. Then he would cut his ax as the paw passed into the bear's arm or shoulder. As he watched the eyes of the bear he heard Aaron again. Focus on taking your opponent down so that you could live another day. Down he needed to take the bear down.

[Lyzan]

As soon as Jaymz launched himself towards the beast, covering the five feet distance between them, Bernbar impulsively reacted. He pushed off the ground, lifting his front legs off and pulling them back to stand on his hind legs. The strike Jaymz made did not strike true but instead managed to slice Bernbar's forearm and went right pass, rendering the man almost off balance given the absence of impact. If the bear was a couple of feet closer, Jaymz's attack might have just gone the way he'd wanted it to. But alas, even for his slow reaction, Bernbar managed to escape what might be a vital damage no matter how thick his limbs were. Nonetheless, first blood was drawn and it was his opponent who'd gotten it.

Surprised by the fearless attempt and the bold charge his opponent had made, the bear stood still for a moment. Simply watching at Jaymz as the man spun to his right and away from him. Most would've trembled at the sight of him. But this man however didn't. He'd not struggled with weakened knees. Nor was he frozen in place by fear. Instead, the man had reacted on the contrary. Showing signs he'd seldom saw in the many men he'd encountered before. Bernbar soon became excited. He growled as he brought his left foot forward. Facing Jaymz and towering over the man with his intimidating height.

Step by step Bernbar got himself closer to Jaymz as the man kept moving around him. Once Jaymz was within his range, the bear then began to deliver his strike. An arm came swinging horizontally towards Jaymz's abdomen. Four lines flashed in its path as the swiping motion came. But Jaymz seemed ready for it as the man countered the strike. The blade from the axe made contact with Bernbar's right arm. Digging into the huge chunk of meat and spraying blood towards the man. Reflexively as pain was registered into the bear's brain, he roared and reacted. The same hand then swiped back. Jaymz's weapon would be stuck momentarily given the reverse motion Bernbar was making.

The backhand would send Jaymz flying into the air over a few yards unless he'd managed to escape the impact. Should the strike land on Jaymz's face, the man would probably be caught in a daze adding to his fall back onto earth. But if the strike were to land on the wooden shield where Jaymz had held it so close to his body, it could've left behind some bruises if not a fractured bone. For what was to defend the man could also destroy the man depending on the force recieved. Naturally, Jaymz elbow would be pressing into his own ribs and that may be the cause to his injury. Or, if Jaymz decided to loosen the hold on the shield, it could've brought danger to the man's arm upon impact.

Whatever the result would be, Bernbar hadn't planned to go easy on the man. He would come after the man with everything he got. It was a matter of life and death and the bear knew not to toy around with the warrior. So Bernbar's eyes followed Jaymz. If the man managed to escape the backhand, his left paw would be ready to deliver. But if the man was sent flying, then Bernbar would react accordingly.

[tirgesfu]

Jaymz tasted the blood from his second swing and felt the warm spray on his face. He had to force himself not to close his eyes even for a second. His ax twisted in his hand as the giant claw swung back at him. Jaymz quickly loosen his fingers on the ax keeping hold but allowing it to move. At the same time he instinctively loosened his grasp of the wooden shield. Not because he knew it would make the hit easier to absorb. It was only a reaction to the change in his hold on the ax. He also leaned away the blow just a bit angling the shield and tucking his head. It was not a thought out move or tactic it was just the reaction of knowing the hit was coming.

Both weapons now had more give. Not that Jaymz noticed as his shield crushed into his chest. He managed to roll back on his heels but he did not step back. Instead he followed the blow around. His left foot and leg spinning as his body moved little because his right foot remained planted. Around Jaymz rotated with the force of the huge bears swing. In a quick circle with his ax following and then gaining force in the swing Jaymz used the power of the bear’s swipe to help propel him. He swung his ax feeling the inside of his chest screaming in pain. His arm was on fire. But all that matter little in Jaymz mind. This was a fight to live.

As Bernbar followed through with his cutting swing, Jaymz twisted all the way around a pivoted circle, and aimed his responding slice to the beast’s side. Jaymz was not skilled enough to know or judge where his ax would land. If he had planned correctly it would land in Bernbar’s side, the softer part of any body and closest to vital organs. If it did, Jaymz would attempt to pull it out quickly and then take his steps back.

If the blow hit, Jaymz would hear the voice of Aaron in his head yelling for him to get ready. There was not time to judge the damage or think about the pain in his chest and with each breath. He gritted his teeth and tried to move around the huge bear again keeping the thing rotating and at the same time Jaymz would try to get behind the huge sharp claws and the roaring teeth. From behind Jaymz hoped his next blow would given.

[Lyzan]

The back of his paw made contact. But instead of seeing his opponent soaring helplessly into the air, Bernbar was surprised with the outcome. The man's angle as he braced himself for impact had somehow saved him. It seemed that the damage Jaymz would've suffered was nothing fatal. Simply perhaps a bad bruise if not at all fractured. Bernbar could only watch as the earthly man spun around on one foot. Swinging the weapon in an arc. Using the momentum of his own backswing to gain both speed and power in the attack. There was not enough time for Bernbar to escape the strike. It'd happened so fast.

Before he could even react, his mind registered intense pain as Jaymz's weapon dug into his left side just below the ribs. He roared impulsively to sustain the pain. Out the axe then came from the front of his belly. The wound was deep and his guts poured out like thick ropes falling out of a sack that's been cut. As Jaymz took his steps back soon after, the bear threw himself forward onto his front paws. Thrusting out his snouts towards the man as he made the land. Jaws wide opened. Aiming for the man's right shoulder. Coming down diagonally to the man's left side. Therefore, should Jaymz dodged left, he would still land a hit somewhere on the right arm or the torso. Should he dodged right though, then the jaws might find Jaymz's neck. For him to dodge back after that earlier retreat would probably tripped himself onto the floor, rendering himself vulnerable to a follow up strike. The distance between them shouldn't have been as far as when Bernbar had stood. It would be close enough as he'd went down onto his fours and Jaymz would've to deal with the threat before he could make himself around the bear.

The landing impact however had spilled more of his intestines onto the battleground. Blood profusely flowed. But it was his anger that'd driven him forward. Determined to bring the man who'd wounded him down. Sub-consciously, Bernbar believed that he could make it out of this alive. Oblivious to his condition for he'd refused to look at himself, he'd countered. Unaware that whatever he would do from now on was never going to change the fact that it was the end for him. The only thing that was in his mind now, was to get even. He's eager to taste his opponent's blood.

[tirgesfu]

Jaymz’s ear rang. The beasts roared for life and for a taste of his attacker. The sound shook Jaymz filling his head as his eyes saw only huge teeth snapping. He tucked his chin and pulled his body to his left trying to get his feet back as the bear lunged forward. Jaymz could not outrun the huge lunge. So he pulled his shield up as he stumbled back.

The foul smell filled Jaymz as the beast’s mouth opened too close. Spit and blood flew on Jaymz’s face. He felt sharp cuts race up his arm as he tripped back. Jaymz roared just as the bear had to help him fight the pain he was sure would come from the teeth that ripped at him. A loud deep growl sounded from Jaymz’s drool covered face. As the bear lumbered forward Jaymz kept his feet stumbling back. But the weight of the advancing snout and the huge head attached caused him to fall backwards. He hit the ground just as the bear’s mouth grabbed at his arm. The fall caused great pain and Jaymz could not tell if the pain was from a bite or the blow of hitting the floor of the arena.

As he just felt the throbbing of the fall, weight crashed onto his legs. Jaymz had managed to get a few feet back but the beast came crashing down. Right after him. On his rear, Jaymz scooted back, back, back, as fast as his arms could pull and his legs could push. Jaymz tried to pull his feet out to get them underneath him again. He could feel the slim and blood gush out over his claves. He could smell the gasses of a cut stomach and emptied bowels. Jaymz could even hear the shallow breaths through the beast's nose.

With the slim of the beast's life spilling out all over him, Jaymz rolled over quickly and pushed himself up. His shield fell from his hand and his ax was limp dangling loose. Jaymz took a few wobbly steps back. Breathing hard, his lungs unable to grab enough air, he waited trying to get ready for another swing but hoping the beast’s fall was his last.

[Lyzan]

Bernbar's eyes seemed to spark at the taste of blood spurting into his mouth. He bit down harder. Wanting so much as to violently shake his head in order to tear the limb away from Jaymz's torso. But alas, his power was draining. The force behind his bite weakened and the energy within his body plummeted far quicker than he'd expected. It was out of his grasp as soon as he'd made contact with the ground below. There was not much weight atop the man's legs either. Not enough to crush the man's bones but just enough to slightly damaged him. As the man scurried himself away from him, Bernbar struggled himself to move forward. To chase after Jaymz. To finish the job and to claim victory. But his body refused to obey. He took a step forward. Still snarling and growling at the man. Repeatedly snapping his jaws with each stride. To his chagrin, no progression was achieved.

Slowly, a change then occured. His jaw dropped. Dangling far away from the snout above. Something round and hairy could be seen in the beast's throat. Furs started to fall from the bear's front. An astounding crackling sound could then be heard as his limbs seemed to break and shortened. The size too began to shrink. No longer as bulky. Gray smoke wafted from the bear's body. His form started to change. Thicker the gray clouds enveloped the bear's entire being and when it soon came to pass, a tall man on his fours was revealed in the place of the bear. Clad in a loincloth and wrapped in a bear's skin. Bernbar was a shape shifter. And he'd entered the arena in the form of a bear to inflict fear into his opponent. He'd obviously failed.

Bernbar looked up and his gaze locked unto that of Jaymz. Blood still dripping from the corners of his mouth on that tattooed face as he crawled forward. A hand reaching out. As if to beg for mercy. The gesture was far too late. He looked down to his gaping belly before he knelt. Subconsciously pulling back the sand covered intestines and stuffing them back into the pouch. Thinking that he could still continue the fight if he did so. His huffed his final breath in that final position. It was over.

And then it happened. The arena roared to life with cheers and appraisals. Jaymz could hear his name being chanted over and over again as they stomped the arena's bench. Dirt and sands showered the woman whose been spectating below the stage. The crowd loved the show. An act of bravery and brilliant display of footwork. They applauded Jaymz. Appreciating the wonderful show he'd put up for them.

Soon, the gate to Redbeard opened and the old man beckoned Jaymz back inside for medical attention.

"Come son.. Hold yourself up a little longer.. Do not waver before these vultures.. Come.."

[tirgesfu]

With rapid breaths and a pounding heart filling his ears, Jaymz stood memorized to see the bear beast slip into a form of a man. Shedding all the fury of the ragging monster fur tumbled, paws feel, and left in tis place was a man. A man on his knees, a man with blood on his face and hands that tried to hold his life inside his spilling body. Jaymz felt his body begin to quiver at the sight.

He didn’t hear the crowd. He could hardly remain standing. His eyes were glued on the shape that changed before him. He wanted to fall onto his own knees. He wanted to ask the man for forgiveness. He wanted to step up and lower his ax down to stop the man’s slow painful drip from life.

But it was Redbeard who reminded him where he was. It was the old man who put a direction into his struggling stand. Trying not to look at all to the crowd or acknowledge the cheers he lowered his head and slowly turned toward the exit. It was only after he walked a few steps that he lifted his head again. He would not retreat before them as if they defeated him. He did not take encouragement in the calls of his name. It would be best if they did not know. But they did. Instead he would make sure he did not encourage them. No he would walk out in a slow deliberate maner showing no pride, no joy and yet no heavy hearted sorrow either. That was for Redbread. He would show some pride for the man who called him back.

Because of that it was not until he stepped inside the room, out of the arena that his legs began to shake. He leaned over, right there and allowed the bile taste from his churning stomach to spread all over the floor. He tried not to let Redbread down but he fell to his knees and as his body emptied. His legs felt crushed. His shoulder screamed in pain. But even more he felt as if he lost. He lost.

As the crowd cheered his name claiming him the victor Jaymz was sure it was the end. He was sure he was lost.

[Lillian Thorne]

Saidah wasn’t certain she breathed the entirety of the fight. From the moment the beast appeared to the end when the crowd erupted in acclaim, she stood frozen her black eyes fixed on the battle. She’d never seen such violence as a spectator and the experience left her with a very bad taste in her mouth. It was horrifying and not even a little bit exciting to her. Each blow and spray of blood twisted her stomach until she was grateful again to have not eaten. She wanted to look away but she couldn’t, she needed to see what her fate would be from the outside. That she had fought beside that man made it somehow more real and the words of that boy still ringing in her ears made it more poignant and more disturbing.

The ropes of intestine spilling over the ground almost did her in but she bit back the nausea and forced herself to watch on. She would see his victory or she would see his death. What she was not prepared to see what the shifting of beast to man. That slithering of flesh into something it wasn’t made her back away from the eye hole just as Redbeard was leading Jaymz away. She shook her head, as if dispelling the sight but over and over that vision came to her, the guts she had spilled flecked with blood. But to see the man scooping them back up and trying vainly to put them back was too much. She bent over and was quietly sick by the doorway of her hiding spot.

She left then, in something of a daze and moved without seeing. She walked up and back along the way that Claire had shown her, past people sparring and people working, still the roars of the crowd filled her ears. Whether it was still for Jaymz or for another match she didn’t know. She kept on walking until she was where she thought Redbeard and Jaymz would come out. She stopped in front of a warrior and asked him in her soft cultured voice,

“Are the injured taken in there?” pointing to a door she recalled from her own battle the day before.

The man nodded and didn’t seem bothered by her inquiry so she walked past him and into the healing room. As her eyes adjusted to the light she spoke,

“How may I help?”