Author's Note

Hello, I've got a little bit of explaining to do, so I'll just start. You may have noticed I put my other stories on hiatus, that's because this is the second to last chapter for this story. Technically third, since there will be an epilogue. When I work on the finals for stories, I prefer to dedicate my time to the last chapter, as I make them rather lengthy. But don't worry! Because I'm not done with this story, I have much planned. So, all I ask is for you to be patient, because it will take time. Otherwise, enjoy!

Chapter Seven: Meeting Of The Mad.

"Alright! So when’s this party gettin’ started?"

Blake asked bluntly, his obnoxiously cocky tone very present. The room he was in was spacious, made to hold up to ten people; with three currently occupying chairs. Unlike most of the rooms, they made this warmer and much more welcoming. This was where the higher-ups observed the battles within the arena.

They often used the room as a lounge, where people gathered to hold bets. But since this was a test and not a pseudo-gladiator fight, Igneous reserved the room for himself, Discord, and Blake.

Outside the chairs and table, a refrigerator sat near the door containing alcoholic beverages. A white cabinet hung above, filled with snacks, sandwiches, tableware, etc. There was normally only one fight a week, so food would need to be replenished before expiration.

The walls, floor, and roof were all made of dark oak, the same as the chairs and table. Thus, the entire room was a dark brown. The light sources comprised a white lamp on the betting table, some ceiling lights, and the spotlights for the arena. There were two spotlights, both on the other side of a long, metallic glass window. This was used to watch the battles, but the room was nearly pitch black since nothing was currently happening.

Blake was leaning back in a chair, his hands behind his head and his feet propped up on the table. He wore his usual outfit, except now donning the silver necklace with a golden heart. Discord was sitting in a chair on the other side near the glass window, his back facing the wall. He had a laptop in his lap, though wasn’t typing anything. Just focusing on the screen as if he was watching something. Igneous was laying his back against the wall across from Blake, eyes closed in thought and arms crossed.

"Be a little more patient,” Igneous grumbled tiredly, having been days since he slept properly “There’s not much time left, and we can't afford any mistakes. Besides, it's good we have this chance to talk. Things have been distant between us ever since this whole thing started. I understand why, though. Blake You've been busy setting things up with The Apples since they've been angsty. Discord’s been occupying his time fine-tuning the process. And with me engrossed with hunting down our silent friend, it has been an eventful summer."

After this test, he planned to let his cohorts run things for a while; just so he could take a long nap.

"Yeah, it’s been pretty crazy around here, but also really fun!” Blake exclaimed loudly. It was obvious he’d been waiting for this for a long time. But Igneous had waited for much longer.

“Torturing your daughter, dealing with The Apples, trying to find out who the Silent Killer is. Sure, it's aggravating. But it's nice to have something difficult for once!"

"Heh,” the older man scoffed, a slight smirk to his lip. Blake was slightly unnerved by how relaxed Igneous seemed as of late. Discord remained fixated on the screen, but he listened in silence.

“I'd be lying if I said I didn't agree,” Igneous spoke. “Whoever this person is, they've killed dozens of criminals. Some of our guys, others from the Apples. It’s gotten to the point the entire city doubts The N.Y.P.D. They’re elusive, but I appreciate the challenge. After all, it's not like they're a threat to the Syndicate. And as long as they’re not a threat, might as well enjoy it. Opportunities like this are pretty rare."

"These last three months have been very productive,” Discord casually spoke, not tearing his gaze off the computer. “By watching the tapes of Pinkamena in the woods, I was able to figure out the requirements for the met conditions. Mmm, scratch that! It's more like I understand them a little better now. It should help us a lot in the future! Her surprising amount of durability and endurance allowed me to test those limits. Remarkably, she's gone through so much and still has the willpower to continue. It reminds me a lot of you, Igneous."

His statement caused the old man’s grin to widen. Blake's smile also grew, though for a different reason.

"Oh, stop it! You're making me blush!” Blake declared proudly. “I improved that pain tolerance! It took a lot of creativity to last a month, but the results speak for themselves. I doubt anything can really hurt her, minus the transformation. But even then, it doesn't compare to what I did to her. She persists because she wants to see me again! Practically made her my slave."

Igneous narrowed his amber eyes towards the arrogant brit. The mad scientist addressing Blake with a severe expression.

"That’s… not quite true. I think you’re sorely exaggerating your effect on Pinkamena. After examining the tapes, it became apparent she went through traumatic events. Pinkamena went from crying after killing a fish to having a smile on her face while slaughtering three wolves. You might have enhanced her pain tolerance, but I sincerely doubt you’ve done anything else.”

A scowl replaced Blake’s smile as Discord went further into details of his examination.

“And all that willpower? Not because she wants to get back to you. In fact, I don't think she feels anything for you at all. Her sole motivation is revenge against Igneous, not because of some weird ‘master/slave’ relationship you diluted. If she’s ever acting that way, it’s likely to lower your guard, so it’ll be easier to kill you."

Igneous noticed the drastic change in Discord’s voice, like he was livid about something. Though what that implied couldn’t hold a candle to how vividly pissed Blake looked at that moment.

"You fuckin’ questionin’ my job!?" He yelled, earning the doctor’s sigh as he closed the laptop, putting it aside. Then, pushing his glasses closer to his eyes, they glared at each other.

"No, I'm questioning how good you think you are at your job,” Discord corrected. “Yes, you've proven good at manipulation, but this is not that simple. Before you can break and repair someone, recognize where they are, which you failed to do. Because of your inflated ego, you overlooked that fact and didn't bother to consider that maybe your way isn’t the right way. As always, you rush into things like a barbaric mongoloid."

Blake thrust out of his chair and seized Discord by his coat collar. Igneous remained passive as he watched his cohorts become more aggressive.

"That’s a lot of shit you’re spewin’, mate,'' Blake hissed through clenched teeth. “Are you asking to get your teeth kicked in?!”

Discord gave a smug smirk of his own, not even flinching from Blake’s aggression. “No. I’m asking to wager with you. Y’know, put your ‘work’ to the test.”

Blake released his grip as the look of anger on his face now had signs of curiosity.

"You wanna bet? Never pictured you as the type to gamble. Alright, what is it you want?"

"Well, since you’re so confident about Pinkamena, I'm willing to bet she won't pass the test without transforming, which would prove my efforts to offer more results. But, if she gets through it without needing to, then your claim would hold merit."

Igneous was listening intently, albeit more confused than curious. Discord was never a betting man. If there was an outcome he couldn't predict or calculate, he didn't take it. Risk was something he always avoided, so if he was making a bet like this, there must have been something he, or someone else, wanted.

Blake, however, wasn’t deterred, smiling eagerly.

"Alright. I’m game. What happens if your little ‘theory’ ends up correct? What do you win?"

Discord’s smile deepens as he stated, “The locket around your neck.”

Surprise overtook Blake’s face as he cautiously held it into his palm.

"Why? What would you want with this?!"

“And here I thought you weren’t the type to ask questions.” The scientist chuckled slyly. “Not that it’s far more valuable in my hands than yours~.”

Blake snorted. "Alright, fine. And what do I get when I win?"

"Should you win, I'll provide you with all the scientific tools and gadgets you want."

This certainly got Blake excited over the possibilities. In Discord's lab, there were things he used to set the conditions for the transformation. The mercenary had played with a wide variety of torture tools, but Discord made a lot of unique devices. Some were multi purpose; others had functions he couldn't comprehend. Nevertheless, he would kill for a chance to use them, and this wasn't an opportunity he could afford to pass up.

"Alright, Dissy. I’m all in." Black said confidently, stretching his hand out towards the scientist, who shook it to seal the deal. Igneous shook his head with a sigh, trying to figure out why Discord would encourage a one-sided bet like this.

His amber eyes locked onto the necklace around Blake’s neck, frustration bubbling over. Igneous knows he's seen it before, but he couldn’t place where and when.

"Say, Blake. Where did you get tha-"

A ringed sound interrupted the older gentleman, drawing his gaze towards Discord’s pocket. The mad scientist sported a cheerful expression, pulling out a phone. And after a couple of taps, the ringing ceased.

"What’s up, doc?" Blake asked curiously

"Oh, that was just the timer I set earlier."

“Signifying what?”

Before Discord could reply, Igneous spoke up, already having a good idea what the alarm was for.

"Pinkamena's on her way."