The Savage Brawl [Round 5: Battletopia]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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Konka Rar, as a rule, did not like losing control of a situation.

And this was about the fourth time he had done so since this nonsensical 'game' had begun.

It was beginning to get on his nerves. Or it would, if he still had any.

And yet - ultimately, was not merely being in this game a loss of control? He was here because the Cultivator wanted it, not himself. Even if he were to emerge as the victor of the battle, what was to stop her from summoning him again?

All of his plans had been rendered meaningless in an instant, on the whim of a being he had no idea existed - could never have known existed - until he suddenly found himself called before her.

If not for that woman, he would not have been ambushed and nearly destroyed by Ekelhaft. He would not have been humiliated by Hoss, nearly drowned in a giant's blood, or currently under threat by a god of death.

But he also would not show weakness in forming an alliance.

"This pose might be more threatening if I had organs where either of your blades lay," he commented wryly.

"I could still slice off your head." Ziirphael noted. "Maybe you'd survive that, I don't really know. But even if you did, I bet it wouldn't be pleasant. Especially if your body were left behind in the next round."

"Regardless, there is no need for such dramatics. I share your goal." This was technically true - the lich simply neglected to mention for how long he had shared it.

"Could have fooled me. I've been watching. You've been going after Ekelhaft for most of this round."

"That is because he is unpredictable, hostile, and difficult to destroy. The Cultivator, by comparison is not openly hostile-"

Ziirphael's blades pressed themselves slightly into Konka Rar's bones.

"Maybe not to you," he growled. "But she locked me in this body. I consider that hostile."

Konka Rar appeared unperturbed. Of course, he lacked any facial features that might normally give away a bluff.

"Fine. The point remains, Ekelhaft is very likely to impede us. It must be eliminated before we can concentrate our efforts on opposing the Cultivator. Or do you disagree with that analysis?"

Ziirphael relaxed slightly, and withdrew his blade from Konka's chest. Of course, the one at the lich's throat remained in place.

"No. I agree entirely. But I notice you still haven't agreed to my terms."

"For tactical reasons. I have, at present, forged alliances - admittedly, some more tenuous than others - with every other entrant in this contest save for you and Ekelhaft. Furthermore, it is unlikely I will be allowed to bring this giant with me into the next round, and so we can assume we will only have the opportunity for one kill before our surroundings change in unpredictable ways. And Ekelhaft is the logical target. We have an advantageous position, which may not hold true for future rounds."

There was a pause as Ziirphael considered this.

"I would appreciate it if you removed your other blade," Konka Rar said, sounding irritated. "I do not see how it goes against either of our interests if we simply destroy Ekelhaft now. If you believe this to be a trick, I would point out that it is very unlikely you will be able to threaten the slime creature in the same way."