The Five Kings Tournament Begins!

Remi, Anna and Koji had finally made it back inside the coliseum only to find Elaria had won her fight against Herc. Kira had announced the the first round was over and that their would be a short break. "Oh no we missed it?" Remi would hold her head down as she sulked. Biggs had gotten up from his seat and walked up the stairs when he noticed the girls and Koji. "Hey you guys. You just missed Virgil." He'd say. ?"Don't remind me." Remi was clearly upset. "Did he win?" Asked Anna. "Not a single strach on em!" Biggs smiled giving her a thumbs up.

As benkei watched the fight it was over before he could even blink , Elaria has beat herc with a few vines pinning him down in place and a short blow to pressure points on his body. It was almost the same thing benkei had did to go in his fight "hmm guess she takes one from my book but she is very skilled and beautiful" benkei would smack both his cheeks to bring himself out of it. He would mutter to himself " eyes only for the Oracle and her gracious beauty" as he spoke the matches for the day had finally ended and all that was left were the quarterfinals they were told for the intermission they could leave the victory chamber and roam for a while before the next matches. As they said that nir would walk off somewhere but benkei knew exactly where he would be heading "nir I will accompany you,I know where you are going and how you feel". As they walked off benkei would give a glance at jobo "if anything happens to him ,you will be strongly brought to justice".

Nir walked down the corridor. Benkei had eventually caught up to him, letting him know that he knew how he felt. Nir had sighed, turning towards Benkei, ”It’s all my fault Benkei. I should have never let him participate. This would have never happened to him.” He then turned his head forward as they reached the infirmary door. Nir opened the door to see Alexander resting on the bed. The young man had a cast on his arm and was patched up. He was found staring at the ceiling. ”Alexander.....I’m so—“ Before he could finish, Alexander had stopped him, “Don’t! Don’t you dare pity me....I chose to step out onto that platform. It was my decision. So don’t you dare feel bad or even feel like it’s your fault!”

A tear began forming at Alexander’s eye as he turned to face both Benkei and Nir. ”Why didn’t you forfeit Alexander? You could have avoided this?” Nir appeared saddened. “I was once told that once I stepped into that arena, I was a warrior. Am I really a warrior if I don’t fight with all of my heart!?” He’d slide his legs off of the bed, facing the two. “I gave it my all! That’s what a warrior does! Who cares if he broke my arm, or beat me to a bloody pulp, I’m happy I didn’t cave in and give up!!” Tears had strolled down his cheeks as his lips quivered. It was clear that he was trying to retain his tears. Nir had lowered his head, approaching Alexander and kneeling before him. ”I’m sorry Alexander....” The young man lowered his head as well, beginning to cry. “The—The only one....who should be apologizing is my father.....Even with me doing all I could....He still walked out.....To him....To him I’m a failure!!!!” Nir’s eyes widened as he looked up at the sobbing Alexander. Was this what drove him!?

Meanwhile, Van had been walking through the crowds. They were moving about, with some heading to food carts, others just checking out the interior of the colosseum, etc. He found himself coming to the a large line at the Kuku Wing cart. ”I’m not doing this.” He’d mutter to himself. “So what did you think?” Said a female voice from behind. He’d turn around to see that it was Elaria, who wore a bright smile. “What did you think about my fight?” Van had closed his eye, ”You did well. You were, however, going against a brute. All he had was immense strength. Now you’ll find yourself against a foe who has made a fool out of his opponent”

As nir and Benkei reached the infirmary nir had found Alexander in a medical bed healing. Nir had apologized for not doing anything to stop him from being this hurt or even participating in this tournament when he wasn't ready. Alexander had retorted that he didn't care how badly hurt he was or if his bones we're broken,that he went into battle with the heart of a warrior. Benkei was taken back at those words because of how he wanted to stop the fight as well but shinji and Virgil had said those same words " shinji and Virgil said those same exact words about you as I as well wanted to stop the fight " benkei began to beat himself up about it" I did not think this was worth it if you could not hold a sword ever again but I am ashamed for not honoring you as warrior for that I am sorry". Benkei bowed his head in shame as he teared up but then he could hear Alexander not angry with nir or anyone but only with his father for just leaving during the match " we do not choose parents but it is not the means of our birth that defines us but what we do with the life we we're give ". Benkei smiled with a bit of hope " you are the finest warrior I have ever met and I hope to fight you one day when you are stronger!". Benkei looked at nir " nir if you wish to honor him maybe you can use his sword for battle?".

Alexander had placed his hand on Benkei, “Thank you so much Benkei. You know, I’m so glad to have you two as friends. You guys make me forget about the way my father treats me. I’ll continue to work on my skill. I’ll prove myself to him. I know it.” He smiled. Benkei had then mentioned that he would soon want to face him in battle. Alexander was taken back by the comment, widening his eyes. “Whaaaat!? No way! You’re on a whole ‘nother level! I’ve been watching everything from there!” He’d point to the crystal in the room. Those who were in the infirmary were able to watch. “I think Tauran’s been watching too. But he’s been quiet over there.” Alexander spoke of the beastman, who had also been brought to the infirmary. He, however, was behind a curtain further down the room.

Benkei had then mentioned that Nir could use Alexander’s sword, to pay homage. Alexander quickly turned to Nir with a look of excitement. “Wow! Would you be able to do that!?” Nir looked at Benkei, then back to Alexander. ”I believe I could. I don’t see a problem with that.” He smiled, ”Yeah, I’ll do just that. I’ll let Tobias know that I’ll be using your sword.” Alexander had jumped from the bed, raising his good arm. “Yes!!!! I’m so hyped! I can’t wait!!! Give it to him real good!! And you Benkei, you do good against Medna! She managed to take our Dolphy down! So she’s pretty good!”

Back at the food cart. Elaria had seemed very worried. She was doubting her skill against Virgil, who truly proved to be on a whole different level. “Crap! I forgot I’d be facing him next. He reall is something else. I don’t even know how he’s using his magic.” She placed her fingers on her chin. Van had looked down at the ground, ”You’ll have to figure it out yourself. Try and create some distance. You wouldn’t want to get close to him. With some range, you’ll be able to analyze his magic abilities better. The only thing you’ll have to look out for are his arrows.” Elaria nodded, “Yeah! Those things are fast! Thanks for the advice.....Van was it?” Van nodded. “I knew I’d remember. Thanks Van. I’m going to get going. I need to mentally prepare myself. Cheer me on okay?” She’d wink, turning around and walking off. The young man would stand there quietly, watching her.

Benkei smiled as nir considered his offer as well as Alexander excitement but praise of their friendship "Young Alexander do not sell yourself short, I'll have you know I was trained since infancy since I was abandoned at the steps of the temple so all I know is discipline, magic, and fighting as well as limited knowledge from the great archives I studied". Benkei would smile "but all that is useless unless you know how to apply yourself so do not let my power stop you from coming at me with everything you have young lad I acknowledge you and that is all that matters warrior!". Alexander had also wish benkei good luck as he would be fighting medna the woman who beat dolphy "wait I'm fighting that woman? I did not know that hmmmmm I never really fought a woman Before honestly hahaha". His face would turn red and he would scratch the back of his head "she is a well versed close combat specialist especially with that staff like mine but her magic is something that caught me off guard because of her stone warriors" benkei stood there thinking hard "I will be basically fighting 4 people at once and I can use my lighting dragon to increase my speed but if I use it to much I'll burn out and basically powerless for a few till I catch my breath". Benkei turned to nir " I would be willing to take suggestions I have a trump card but I rather save that powerful magic for later on if I make it far ".

Both Nir and Alexander listened intently. Alexander’s eyes had widened. He couldn’t believe that Benkei was abandoned at infancy. “So, you never were able to experience your childhood? Wow.” He seemed saddened. “That sucks. But I’m happy to know that you acknowldege me. Really boosts my morale you know?” Alexander and Nir smiled.

The monk had then moved on to talk about his next opponent. How she was a woman, and how he has never been pitted against a woman. Alexander had chuckled, “Oh man! You’re going to freeze in the arena! She’s very pretty too, so that makes it worse.” Nir smirked, crossing his arms. ”Let’s see if our guy could keep his composure.” He’d pat Benkei on his shoulder. ”And yeah, you’re going to be fighting her and her stone summons. That’ll be quite difficult. I know it’s easier said than done, but you’ll have to go for her. She’s behind the summoning, so don’t waste your time attacking the statues. You’ll just tire yourself up. I’d also save your trump card.” Nir closed his eyes. ”Did you not memorize the bracket? You may potentially fight Virgil.” Alexander was taken aback by how much Nir had told Benkei. “That Virgil guy is pretty good Benkei. If he defeats Elaria, you’ll fight him. That’s if you beat Medna.”

Benkei sighed as Alexander made fun of him and not offered him some advance "I guess I'll you my advance magic than haven't really had time to practice much with it but it will do". He cracked his knuckles and tied his hair up "if the stone warriors give me a issue I'll use some lightning magic on their joints to destroy them so they can't move". He snickered to himself "can't give to much away good friends but you will see what I have in mind". He looked at Alexander "I'll have you know my dear friend women do not scare me and I might not look it but I have some abnormal strength due to all the strength training I did at the temple". He lifted up his pointer finger "it is basically a way of combing human physical strength with a bit of magic!".

Nir smiled, ”Not bad. Not bad. We’ll see what happens Benkei. I’ll take your word for the strength you say you possess, but it can’t be anything on the scale of Enhancers.” He’d then turn to Alexander, ”But we’ll just save the talk for after the tournament. In the arena, we fight like warriors. Isn’t that right Alexander?” The young lad nodded, “That’s right!”

As the both of them laughed, they were able to hear Kira speaking through her mic. ”Only five minutes remain! Fighters should start making their way into the barracks for the quarter-finals!” Nir’d stop laughing and would turn to Benkei. ”Okay, I guess we should start making our way there.” He’d turn back to Alexander, ”We’ll be seeing you Alexander.” He smiled, waving his hand. Alexander would wave as he walked off, “Alright you two! I’ll be cheering for you both!!”

Nir’d leave the infirmary, heading to Tobias to make a special request before the start of his match. Outside in the arena, the crowd had awaited anxiously. Van had made his way back to his seat with a few kebobs in his hands. ”Wait a minute, what the heck is that!? Where are the Kuku wings!?” Kane had questioned. ”The line was too long. You’ll just have to eat these.” He took his seat, passing the kebobs over to Kane.

Benkei sighed from nir words " I am just basic at this point huh my Friend". As they spoke Kira began to make a announcement about being 5 min left until all fighters had to return to the stage "ah well Alexander it is about time we get going, be sure to watch our fights and learn so you can use this as the basis of your further development". Benkei bowed his head and turned to nir "I'll leave you to say bye and see you on the field " he ran off to the tournament grounds

Along with many of the spectators, Remi, Biggs and Anna had returned to their seats. There was however a slight problem. A few spectators had taken their seats. "These were our seats, right?" Biggs had asked the girls. He was holding the snacks they brought back on a tray. There were kebabs as well as kuku wings, takoyaki, rice balls and the drinks. "Yeah these definitely are our seats." Remi would be looking at the row letter as well as for the seat numbers. She would walk over to the two men who had taken their seats. "Excuse but i think those are our seats." The two men had looked to her. They seemed a bit irritated with her. "Buzz of chick!" The one closest to her would say. "Ya move ya feet lose your seat!" The second one would be chuckling as he basically said that they weren't getting their seats back. It was understandable someone would want the seats they had. The were real close to the arena. Remi would get a bit ticked off. "Ok... I'm gonna ask one more time for you twi to get up from our seats." She'd make one more request for the men to move. They would be annoyed. The first man would turn to her and rise up. "YOU'RE NOT GETTIN YOUR SEAT BACK! NOW FUCK OFF!" He was all in Remi's face. He was so close that his spit would get on her from his yelling. Biggs could already see it in Remi's body language. She was pissed! Anna too could tell. She'd turn to Koji, petting him and scratching his neck. The two were nervous for what Remi was about to do. Remi would stick out her hand grabbing at the man's collar and pulled him in close to her. She held her other hand at bay. The man was caught off guard but he was about to retaliate until he was her other hand. There was a fire that surrounded her fist. A nervous sweat broke from the side of the man's face. The other man had jumped from his seat in fear from Remi. "WOAHWOAHWOAH! Take it easy! The seats you can have them! We actually can't stay anyway!" The man was panicking as he talked extremity fast. He would nervously laugh. Remi would let go of the man's collar as he fell into the seat. She'd be giving them a death stare. The scurried from the seats to the isle almost knocking the food over Biggs had on the try but he was able to recover. The men had ran away. "Oh wow, our seats are empty." Remi would smile as she took her seat. Many of the other spectators who had witnessed her in action had created a great distance from her, as they were afraid of her. Biggs would simply sigh jhanging his head as the innocent Anna and Koji went to their seats.

By now the spectators would have returned to their seats. Kira had walked out onto the damaged arena, smiling widely. She’d stop at the center, looking around. ”I can’t believe how fast those fifteen minutes went by!  I hope our fighters had time to rest, because it’s time for the quarter-finals!!” The crowd had cheered loudly. Their energy could be felt throughout Galatia’s entirety. Above, King Palidos had smiled. “She does a good job.” He’d say to the queen. “Yes, she does.” She’d agree. ”Now, I know the first round went by quickly, and didn’t really have any great battles. But here’s where things change! Now, we’ll all be on the edge of our seats!” Kira’d walk a few paces to her right, turning around to face the other side of the audience. ”Especially with our first match! Our one and only Galatian Sword, who managed to best Adofo, will be starting the quarter-finals! He finds himself against a brute who did not show any mercy against Alexander! And even sent him to the infirmary!” The crowd grew louder, with some showing their disappointment with Jobo and his actions. They’d begin booing.

Kira’d gesture for them to calm down with her free hand, ”For those who aren’t too happy with Jobo, do not fret! For Nir has the chance to punish him right here! Right now!! Now! Will our fighters please make their way to the platform, for The Five Kings await you!!!!” The crowd cheered once again. Kira’d walk off of the platform, which opened up. Both Nir and Jobo had walked out, stepping onto the ruined platform. Jobo wore a grin as he raised his arms, “Yeah!!!!!” But he was met with many boos. “AH! Fuck all of you!” He’d turn around to see Nir staring at him. There wasn’t an ounce of any emotion in his face. It was just a cold stare. “Jeez man! Look somewhere else!”

Tobias had walked onto the platform, holding a lone sword this time. The crowd had seemed confused, for they were accustomed to seeing Nir use Lionheart and Faith, his shield and sword respectively. ”What’s this? Nir isn’t using his signature weapons! I wonder what this is about!” Tobias had stopped between the two, looking at them both. “Jobo, you already have your bangles. Nir, you have requested to use the weapon of Alexander. Here you go.” He waved his hand, pushing the sword towards Nir. The young man would gently grab it and would swing it to his side, turning around. ”Thank you Tobias.” He said before walking a few meters away. “What the fuck? Are you actually using that weakling’s weapon? Damn. You really are soft.” Jobo said as he chuckled.

With Tobias walking off, the match was now able to be commenced. Kira would raise her arm, ”Alrighty everyone!!!! It’s time for the quarter-finals to...” She’d swipe down, signaling the horn to be blown. ”...BEGIN!” At the sound of the horn, Nir had turned around to face Jobo!!!!

Benkei had ran as fast as he could to the victory chamber and arrive to see the other fighters waiting "oh I guess I'm the last to make it and maybe nir". As he looked at the crystal he could see Kira getting ready to announce the first fight And it would be nir vs jobo "oh boy this might be a quick one the way nir was looking at him prior to this moment, the judgement is coming". Benkei sat back and watched as Tobias brought them their weapons but nir was using Alexander blade "hmm good one nir, I hope Alexander is watching closely".

Jobo knew exactly what he had been dealing with. He was against The Galatian Sword himself. Holding anything back against him wouldn’t be wise. He’d step forward, quickly slamming the bangles as hard as he possibly could. It had sent quite a powerful shockwave in Nir’s direction. “LET’S DO THIS BASTARD!” The shockwave had made a path of destruction, destroying the tiles. ”Oh my goodness!!!!! Nir may be in trouble!!!!” Nir didn’t move a muscle. He stood there, watching as the shockwave traveled across the arena and reached him. To everyone, it appeared that he had been taken with the shockwave, which reached the wall. A massive cloud of dust had blanketed the arena following the attack. ”Nir didn’t even try to avoid it!!! What was he thinking!?”

The crowd had gasped, with spectators leaning in to see what had happened. As the dust settled though, they could see Nir standing there. At the exact same spot, he had been holding onto the handle of the sword, which was driven into the arena. Everyone cheered loudly. ”What!? The Galatian Sword is still standing everyone!!!!” Jobo’s eyes widened, with him stepping back. “What!? There’s no way!!!!” Nir’d pull the blade from the ground, staring at Jobo. ”This blade is Alexander’s. It is the blade of a warrior who did not give up. Despite every effort you made to break his spirit, he stood here challenging you until he was no longer physically able to face you. With this blade, I shall avenge his defeat.” Nir had glared at Jobo, causing the man to tremble and begin sweating. It was as if there was a pressure being forced on him. “W-What the hell....” Kane had smirked as he watched, rubbing his chin. ”Very interesting.”

In the blink of an eye, Nir had taken off, reaching Jobo in a second!! He’d swing his sword, hitting him directly in the stomach and sending him spinning in mid-air. He had been sent so hard, that he had created a crater once he hit the wall! Upon impact, Jobo had been rendered unconscious. Those above in the stands, leaned over to see Jobo laying in the crater with his eyes rolled back. ”W-WOW!!!!!! I’m not even sure what happened! But it looks to me that Nir is our winner!!!!!!!!” The crowd was stunned for a second. It took a while for them to process what had just occurred. They’d slowly begin clapping until they cheered loudly for Nir, the victor.

The match between Nir and Jobo was over! Actually it wasn’t much of a match at all. Nir handled Jobo rather quickly.

The stage has been set! It is time for the next fight to begin. Shinji versus Greyhawk! Without saying a word Shinji had already taken his steps towards the exit. Virgil would watch as the young blonde warrior made his way. He’d then look to Greyhawk watching his moves after Shinji.

Before Nir could exit the stage, the gateway had opened up with Shinji walking out. Instead of his usual perky self self, he was focused. There was only one thing in mind. Defeating Greyhawk. ”Hey it’s Shinji!” Anna would point him out while holding a kebab and kuku wing. Koji was trying to bite at the wing which was closest to him. ”Something’s off about him.” Biggs would tilt his head wondering. Remi would just be staring.

Nir remained on the platform, watching as the entrance opened. From it walked Shinji, who remained silent and focused. ”Oh wow! We’ve already got the speedy Shinji coming out! The man who managed to defeat a beastman who clearly had an advantage on him! But what’s this? He’s got a demeanor that is much different than earlier!” Nir turned to the side, away from Shinji, beginning to walk to the ramp that had opened for him. The crowd’s cheers accompanied him as he made his way to the victor’s chamber. ”Good luck my friend...” He’d mutter under his breath.

Kira had jumped out of her booth, running over to the arena and facing the crowd. ”Here, Shinji awaits his opponent! The brutal warrior who did not hesitate in dismantling Tauran, the mighty beastman! He is a criminal who does not find any support here! But it doesn’t matter to him, if anything, it drives him! He is Greyhawk!!!!!” The crowd immediately started booing Greyhawk, who slowly walked through the same entrance Shinji did. He remained calm and quiet, his eyes on Shinji the entire time, and vice versa. ”Oh boy, there’s a lot of tension between them!”

Tobias had walked onto the platform, the two small handaxes, and the lance, hovering beside him. “Okay, take your weapons.” He’d say. Greyhawk would quietly take a hold of his axes, glaring at Shinji. ”You two didn’t even let me use our signature saying! Sheesh!” Kira appeared visibly upset as she stormed off the platform. Behind her followed Tobias. They’d enter the booth and would turn around to face the arena. ”Okay!! With both contestants ready, it’s time to begin the second match!!!!” Greyhawk turned around, walking six meters away before turning around. ”BEGIN!!!” Kira called out, signaling the horn to begin the match.

Benkei watched as the fight began with jobo banging his Bangles together creating a shock wave that covered nir and would seem to spell his doom "I said before this fight might be quick". Benkei would smirk as nir seemed unharmed but instead more determined to beat jobo "it's over now". As benkei spoke nir had told jobo about Alexander blade and then speed blitz jobo to the point of appearing right in front of him. Nir swing at jobo with such force he created a massive impact crater sending jobo flying and unconscious once he hit the ground. The fight was called and nir was deemed the victor. Benkei watched as now the real battles would begin. Nir had Began to walk toward the victory chamber as shinji began to walk out onto the field "so that beast is next hmmm interesting".

The match between Shinji and Greyhawk was now underway! The fan were roaring! Virgil inside the chamber with the remaining fighters would be sitting down on the stone wall facing the giant crystal. He'd just watch. Back on the arena floor there was a stare down between Shinji and Greyhawk. There were no words spoken. The cheers would be the only thing heard from the crowd.

Greyhawk inhaled deeply, holding both axes tightly. His gaze would not abandon Shinji, who stood in front of him. The crowd continued to cheer, mainly supporting Shinji. But the noise had been blocked out by Greyhawk. Such a noise would not distract Greyhawk. He’d quickly take off, running towards Shinji. The axes were kept out at Greyhawk’s sides. He’d make a curved path, coming in from Shinji’s left. Once he reached the young warrior, he swung his left axe horizontally, hoping to hit Shinji’s chest.

Above, King Palidos watched. There was an uneasy expression on his face as he looked on from his observatory. Even the Queen, Elsa, seemed worried. “My love...does something trouble you?” King Palidos shook his head before turning to his wife. “Nothing troubles me my dear.” The Oracle turned towards the both of them. She could sense something amiss.

Without a moment sooner, Greyhawk made his move. Shinji would not stand there and take it. Shinji would take his spear with both hands and use it to block the attack from Greyhawk. Shinji had been gritting his teeth as the two weapons had been engaged.

The attack had been parried, but it had only accounted for one axe. With the right axe, Greyhawk had come from overhead, swinginng downwards! It’d be sent towards Shinji’s shoulders. At the same time, he pressed against Shinji’s weapon with the axe in his left hand.

”Greyhawk’s coming down on Shinji with the other axe!!!!” The crowd had watched intently, some gasping in fear of what was going to happen next!

Shinji had took notice of the other ax, coming down for him. He'd let go of the spear and maneuver himself out of harms way. With the ax coming down, he'd deliver multiple strikes to the side of Greyhawk, that were nearly impossible to see. He'd finish off a side kick, pushing Greyhawk away. At the speed Shinji was moving it was like an illusion. He'd still be in a fighter's stance watching Greyhawk.

The axe had come down, missing Shinji as he released his weapon. Once he released it, Greyhawk pulled his left axe, somewhat hooking the spear, and had thrown Shinji’s weapon aside. Unfortunately for Greyhawk, he sustained a few blows to his side, ending with a kick that had sent him a few feet back! He’d slide across the ground, still holding both axes. There was grimmace, as he touched his side.

”What the!? Shinji moved so fast, I could barely see him!!! Did any of you see!?” Kira had looked around, smiling widely. The crowd had cheered on for Shinji, who managed to land the first few blows. Greyhawk stood straight up, shaking off the pain. He’d run towards Shinji, who awaited in a battle stance. When he closed the distance he delivered a cross slash with both axes, hoping to hit Shinji directly on his chest.

"That was quite impressive... landing all those hits." Edge had stood watching the fight, arms folded. He was possibly the only one around, to be able keep up with Shinji's speed. One of the guads had spoken up, "Excuse me Commander but what hits? All we was was the kick that pushed Greyhawk ack." Edge looked a bit annoyed. "HOW CAN YOU FOOLS BE SO HIGHLY RANKED AND YOU CAN'T EVEN TELL HOW MANY HITS HE MADE!!"

The fight would continue with Greyhawk charging in with a cross slash. Shinji was able to avoid this jumping backwards. He'd immediately run at Greyhawk but suddenly, vanishing from sight. He'd reappear at Greyhawk's side throwing a punch to his side.

The cross slash had missed, with Shinji jumping backwards to avoid the attack. Greyhawk, despite missing, did not seem flustered. He remained calm, keeping his eyes on Shinji the entire time. He watched Shinji run towards him, vanishing from sight and coming in from the side with a punch. It’s connect with Greyhawk’s side, but wasn’t strong enough to move him that far.

The moment Shinji connected, Greyhawk had swung back, directing the handle of the axe at Shinji’s face. He managed to eat the punch delivered and used this opportunity to send an attack of his own.

”That guy’s fast. Greyhawk’s going to have trouble tagging him.” Said Kane. Van closed his eye, smirking. ”Hmph.”