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And then, just like that, after a eulogy for the dead man the stage is once again prepared for the ritual ceremony anew. Much of the same as before but this time it's two young women, similarly disrobed before all and anointed for brutal combat. And same as before these women are very physically impressive, clearly trained in martial arts, and capable of staggering bodily feats of might. Beating each other to a pulp and damaging the stage in the process, until a victor arises from the fight and again to the approval of the crowd, pulverizing her defeated opponent to death and removing her heart.
And worst of all the screams and cries of pain through the whole fight and grotesque aftermath, same as with the first bout.
<span class="mu-g">"So wasteful. Both of the losers could have made for fine inheritors."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"You know how it is sister, people always want a show for the commencement every year."</span>
You're horrified by how accepting of it all your hosts are, while of course the audience enjoy the show. But after the unexpected and shocking first combat, and knowing the nature of these proceedings, you find it... a little easier to watch the second bout this time around. Still having to look away for the most violent and gory parts, but at least able to keep your composure with Ryan and Robin to lean on for support. Perhaps if you saw this spectacle again, and again, you wouldn't mind it all that much eventually. Although the idea of that starts making you feel as sick as you were when getting blood all over yourself.
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<span class="mu-g">"Oh Cat, you really shouldn't drink so much if it makes you like this!"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Don't worry, next time we'll watch out for you."</span>
Hunched over a toilet in one of the fancy bathrooms, Robin holds your hair while Ryan stands by with water to offer. You were at least able to keep your stomach down for the remainder of the ceremony, which after the two bouts of combat was comparatively boring and procedural. Just the head speaker reiterating some ongoing efforts of this group, as well as news updates on apparently important things. Particularly, and what was the tipping point for your nausea, was a disturbing focus and importance placed on the efforts of a particular supervillain who robbed a bank earlier today. Thankfully that's near the conclusion of the ceremony so you can keep up appearances just long enough to be able to leave for the bathroom when everyone else of the audience are getting up from their seats.
<span class="mu-s">"I hope I'm not intruding... is there a problem?"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"N-No, no! Poor girl, she just had too much to drink is all!"</span>
Of course it wasn't really the food or drink that made you sick, even if it didn't help. But things become a lot more frightening when the head of the ceremony comes to join the three of you in the bathroom, with attendants of his own. It seems that despite everything which transpired through the ceremony, your behavior was noticed.
