[Center][color=bc8dbf][h2]Grima[/h2]
Level 4
8/40 EXP

Location: Esaka - The Pools
Wordcount: 787 (+1)[/color][/Center]

With her first victory easily under her belt, Grima walks away from her arena, heading through the streets with a confident stride. While they had managed to surprise her, she had advanced relatively unscathed. Her foe would naturally fall to the next member of the losers bracket… Or perhaps they would win and manage to crawl their way back to face her again. Either way, she would simply smack them back to the dirt where they belonged, as was her right.

“Ah, bravo with your first match! I expected nothing less from you, my lady!”

A voice, one familiar, causes Grima to stop in her tracks, her red eyes flicking to the alleyway next to her… From which emerged a tall, lanky man dressed in a suit, his green hair covered by a hat and eyes seemingly closed, an enthusiastic smile on his face, one hand on his belt and the other holding his hat down for no particular reason.

[color=bc8dbf]“Hazama”[/color] Grima says, a small bit of her usual condescension leaving as she turns to face her ‘benefactor’, [color=bc8dbf]“I had presumed you to be on your ‘business’. You watched my battle against that worm, did you?”[/color]

“Oh indeed, and I’m still on my duty. Work waits for no man, but I simply had to make sure you got through the first round without issue” the man says in a cheerful tone, stepping out and lifting his face towards Grima, “You took a pretty nasty hit back there. I certainly hope

The faux worry from Hazama caused Grima to roll her eyes, giving a dismissive wave of her hand, [color=bc8dbf]“Of course not. A single surprise hit from a worm”[/color] the vessel states, folding her arms, [color=bc8dbf]“... It is good that you arrived here though. I refrained from asking before, but tell me… You are helping me with my goals, of which I have made it clear what I want. But what is it that want from me?”[/color]

The directness of Grima’s question causes Hazama to smile, leaning back and giving a shrug, “Oh, I’m just doing a service. I wish for nothing but to see rising stars reach the shine they deserve!”

That response causes Grima to chuckle slightly, “A nonpartial answer… And one that is a complete lie” the vessel’s eyes immediately narrow, now locked onto Hazama’s closed eyes, [color=bc8dbf]“I know your type, snake. You’re vermin, a trickster whose only focus is on your own success…”[/color] surprisingly, Grima’s tone was not one of anger, rather simply stating a fact. In fact, as she spoke, a small smile formed on her lips, [color=bc8dbf]“So, what is it that you [i]truly[/i] want, Snake? Power? A place at my side once my plans come to fruition? Or is it simply a part of your own plot for domination?”[/color]

Grima’s words had caused Hazama’s smile to fade, a few moments passing as he seemingly thought of how to answer before the smile returned… One far more malicious than before, his eyes opening slightly to reveal a pair of green, serpent-like eyes, “Unfortunately, I am still not at liberty to say. But nevertheless, I can assure you… I am fully invested in your… Resurrection. In fact, it would be rather unfortunate if you weren’t capable of fulfilling your plans. Simply… Consider my assistance a focus for entertainment. I’m of the opinion that this world needs a bit of a shakeup, and you are an individual who can accomplish that.”

Despite still being a noncommittal answer, Grima seemed… Relatively pleased at the response, giving a small nod, [color=bc8dbf]“Very well then. Your entertainment shall be my ascension. It always amuses me to know the reasons why those who follow me are so willing to throw their fellow worms to oblivion.”[/color]

With that, Hazama’s eyes close again, the casual smile returning to his face as he takes a look at his watch, “Ah, unfortunately, it is about time I go back to my duties. The house is still yours, my dear lady” Hazama takes a step back, removing his hat to give a theatrical bow, “I look forward to your further successes… ‘Fell Dragon’.”

Finally, Hazama begins to walk away, heading in the opposite direction of Grima and leaving the vessel to watch him walk off. After a few moments, Grima simply chuckles to herself, turning on her heel and continuing her walk. The Snake was an interesting subject, and she knew well enough to be wary of them. But at the same time, she couldn’t help but be amused by him. 

Regardless, the time had come for her to relax before her next battle.