[Sadrain]

November 30th, Chicago; Base. 8:40 - 12pm.

"What the fuck," Aiolia thought at Eve's announcement. For the time being, she didn't see much point in such a way of doing things, but Elek seemed to be fine with it, so, she complied without complaining. If these people weren't going to use their powers, just rely on physical strength, agility as well some cunning, it would be rather easy, at least for a while.

Indeed, Elek and Aiolia fared very well, for quite some time. Especially Elek, who maybe used his powers to slightly aid him, but maybe didn't. There was no way to check. Aiolia earned few bruises, but nothing serious. Elek tried to not harm anyone too much, just wear the opponents out a little and then give the finishing blow. Aiolia put more force into it and as she grew more tired, she started using more cunning and 'underhanded' moves. Elek, too, grew harsher on others, as time passed and didn't manage to avoid all the blows anymore. The girl did an obvious mistake of often taking both enemies on at the same time, which asked for more energy - Elek tried to get rid of them one by one, while planning attacks various 'turns' ahead.

Eventually, Aiolia couldn't go anymore. Her chest heaved heavily and all her body hurt, from attacks she hadn't managed to block or avoid. The line was so bitterly close to ending, but, the girl couldn't get up anymore. Someone had kicked her ankle badly and it hurt very much. She had went on fighting for a while after that, but now she was at her limit. Maybe, if this was death and life battle... No! She couldn't give up! With a hiss, Aiolia got up, and even limping, she launched attack at nearest opponents. After a bit of struggle, the other knocked her out cold from behind.

"Aiolia!" Elek yelled, turning his body towards her and barely avoiding a punch in the face. The fact no one took her off the 'battlefield' made him angry - very angry. He knew most people were taken to hospital if something like this happened. Just because Aiolia had some training before... Angry, he knocked out a guy with few punches, and the next opponents had it much harder than before.

Aiolia did wake up, and when she was mercilessly dragged back in the battle, she fought with teeth and claw, quite literally. Elek attempted to get to her, when she ended up on ground again, but people didn't let him. Fiercely, he attacked them, angry that they would treat their comrade so when they both had tried to be gentle with them. Finally, he was done with opponents and went to Aiolia. But she refused any help, and kept on fighting.

Angry, tired, yet strangely energized by anger and the long battling, Elek turned towards Eve. His head hurt, both from physical and mental work, and muscled ached as well. By the time he had beat down the last opponent, Elek truly was tired. But strangely energized. It had been a while he had battled so hard and long. A really long while.

Some of previous battlers had come back to watch the fight and he could sense a feeling of awe from some of them. In a way, he had proven that he was worthy to be their leader, not just because he was wealthy, as it was rumored, and mentally powerful. Some of people who had secretly put him down due to his disability, now were revaluing him.

"So, this is all, Eve?" he asked, coming closer. His pace was slow and posture slightly menacing. But Elek was not threatening her. Not yet. Aiolia, in the mean time, struggled with one of the last pairs, angry but determined.

December 1st, Chicago; Base. 12:30AM

Ryan's eyes cracked open, nearly unwillingly, when he felt someone sit down on his bedside. But when he realized who it was, the man immediately woke up fully. "A-alice? What... what are you doing there? Shouldn't you be sleeping? How can you be here?" He wanted to move up in his pillows a bit, but remembered his arm was hung in a metal holder for now.

When the girl spoke, faint smile spread on his lips. "I am fine, they fixed my arm and doctor is telling me it's going to be better than my old one. It feels a little uncomfortable to lay like this, but that's all." Ryan didn't add that he wasn't feeling strong pain only due to large dose of pain reducing medication that made him sleepy and dull. "But how are you? I've been worried..." The man's voice trailed off, not sure how to put all what he felt in words. He had said so much to her over the time, but this was their first real conversation, which they shouldn't be having, considering Alice's health. Ryan felt a little embarrassed on top of it all. But very, very happy to see her, and that he did tell the girl.