The Great Belligerency [Round 4: Static]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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He's dead.

Cole had spent relatively little time with Reinhardt, but the swordsman's views on non-humans had been made abundantly clear. His words in the first round had been upsetting enough, but then Cole had seen the consequences.

Cole had seen New Shambhala and been amazed at the variety of intelligent lifeforms. Reinhardt had seen exactly the same city and been disgusted - just because there were nonhumans.

Cole looked down at his neck, staring at the horn hanging on a string. The key to meeting with Anansi, if he could only blow it.

Minotaurus had promised him a weapon in exchange for killing Reinhardt. Cole had met his end of the bargain. He could only hope that the minotaur would fulfill his.

***

Ambrose looked around. A vast jungle surrounded the two of them; the only sign of civilization was the large, ruined temple in front of them. She turned to her partner.

"Is this where I meet your boss, Minnie?"

Minotaurus simply grunted before responding.

"I told you not to call me that. And no. We have to make a quick stop here first. I have to make a payment to someone."

Minotaurus unslung the bazooka from his back.

"It is in here. Unfortunately, my - or rather, our - employer cannot simply retrieve it without drawing unwanted attention. Gods generally prefer to make it difficult to find weapons that can kill them."

"Sounds like fun." Ambrose smiled. "You're not going to tell me I can't come along, are you?"

The minotaur chuckled gruffly.

"I know you better than that, Ambrose Lom. I welcome the company."

They entered the ruin, smiling.