4.29

After their elimination from the tournament, Hunter, Freja, Jimena, and Silas, along with Stick, went back to the hotel room. They flicked on the t.v. and had the tournament play in mute in the background.

“I think we did really well,” said Jimena.

“Yeah. What did Guul say to you before he walked away?” Silas asked.

“He offered for me to go train with him one day. He said when I was ready.” Hunter’s entire insides felt bruised. Every movement hurt.HH

“But that’s what we’ve got Stick for,” said Silas.

“I think you should. Whenever that it, I think you should. You might learn something new.” Stick flicked her gaze at the unfolding action and watched as a giant, floating cauldron quickly won their match.

“What should we do today?” Jimena asked.

“There’ll be a large festival tonight, after the tournament. There always is,” said Stick. “Do whatever you want.”

“That was Grand Hotpot, wasn’t it?” asked Silas.

“Yeah.”

“You ever fought against them?”

“No. This is the first time they’ve ever been in the tournament.”

“What do you think the prize is?” Freja asked.

“Hard to say. It changes every year. Last year it was a bunch of money and a bonus fight against the announcer.”

“Wait, what?” the four of them asked together.

“Yeah, a special match. Only one on one, the winning team picked who they wanted to pit against the announcer. It was one intense match.”

“Who won?” asked Hunter.

“The announcer. Last year’s winning team didn’t participate this year. Said they were off doing some intense training. They’d only return if they were confident, they could beat the announcer in another match.”

“So, what’s his powers?” Silas asked.

“Apart from being a talented martial artist. He’s both strong and fast, faster than me. I’m unsure if he has any powers apart from that. If he does, he’s really subtle in using them.”

“Wow. I’d like to see him fight someday,” said Silas.

The group rested in their hotel room, amusing themselves and watching the tournament unfold.

The last two teams were the Circle of the Shepherds and the team that had Grand Hotpot.

It was an intense fight and it dragged on. Longer than any other fight in the tournament. The elderly elephant looked drained, and the cauldron sat on the slate, no longer floating.

With a final exchange of blows, the elephant won by ring out. The prize was money, and that was it.

“Let’s go to the festival,” said Silas. The five of them left the hotel and made their way to edge of town.

On the end of the leaf that held Twinderbark was a stage. Music played and food was served from different pop-up stands.

Silas and Jimena immediately broke off and grabbed food and Freja stood near Hunter, watching the music.

“If I ever came back to Athena City, do you think I’d be welcomed?”

“Of course, you’re practically a member of Justice Punch now. Come find us, you’ll be right.” Freja gave Hunter a peck on the cheek and watched as the fireworks exploded in a brilliant display of colours.

***

Gauzelle was worn out. She could barely hold her form together as she stood in the throne room with Xera.

“You’re stronger than you seem. You should be proud of that. Michael was right to bring you to me.”

“This sucks.” Gauzelle’s usual penchant for sarcasm had died quickly on her first day with Xera. It took all her effort to keep focused.

Gauzelle and Xera had been diving into mindscapes all day every day. Gauzelle had seen things that sometimes made sense, but other times would send people mad.

“You’re welcome to give up whenever you like. But know this, if you do, you’ll never have help from me again. I don’t care what you do, there’s nothing in it for me.”

“Then why did you agree to do this?”

“Curiosity. I knew Delphine. I couldn’t pass up such a perfect opportunity to learn.”

“What do you owe Michael?” Xera dropped her cool demeanour when Gauzelle said that.

“I owe him nothing.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“If you step out of line ever again, you’ll be kicked out of here. Don’t push it.”

***

Holokai had been out scouting for the night. The creatures had been coming more often now. Salek had called them trash golems.

Despite the warnings of the elderly lizard, Holokai had been actively hunting them down. He didn’t like the idea of these things roaming around, putting his new family in danger.

Holokai had just taken down another three when the sense of danger burned. Something was off.

Holokai hid himself in the shadows and watched as a burly, tattooed woman leapt down from a rooftop and landed with little strain on her body. She sniffed the air and turned and looked right at Holokai, hidden in the shadows.

“Found you.” Holokai watched as her pipe flared and she pulled a sword from her hip. She waved her free hand over the sword, and it started to glow with a sharp red.

“You’re a tricky bugger. But its finally time I take you down.”

“What do you mean?” Holokai slowly stepped out of the shadows. The shark jerked and struck out from his body. It gnashed its teeth and wouldn’t turn away from the woman.

“That thing. She needs to die. Unfortunately, you got caught up in something way beyond you. Sorry kid, but I’ve gotta kill you to kill her.”

“I’m not going down without a fight.” Holokai readied himself and the shark augmented his strength.

“Good. I’ve wanted a fight since coming to this world.” The body of the woman suddenly jerked as a sickening; wet sound echoed through the darkness. Her body was lifted up. She let out a groan of pain and her body went limp.

The shark within Holokai pulled at him and forced his body to run away. He leapt up a building and was gone.

A tall woman stepped out of the shadow. Her skin was scabbed and rotting in places. Her hair thin and a cloak of garbage bags flowed from her body. One arm was a mix of rotting flesh and metal, it looked like a crude lance.

“Its been too long.”