Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Dreamers & Legends ❯ Chance of Vengence and the Conspirators of Old ( Chapter 9 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Hey, there it is, lets go!" Nanao said excitedly rushing over to the people sitting behind a table. Aaron, right on her heels was trying to get her under control, to no avail.

"Hey Kitan, what do you think the tournament will be like?" Rebecca said asked nervously.

"I don't know either, I have hardly left my village, let alone traveled this far before" Kitan said truthfully "I presume its a set of sparring matches between two people, but from the gossip around the city the rules have changed. Its like a whole new event."

"Oh" she replied "I haven't been to anything like this either. My village hardly lets any of its people leave, what with the recent increase of bandits" she said.

Kitan thought about what she said. What she said was true. he had seen over the last few years that there was indeed an increase in bandit raidings of villages.

"I don't know anything about the bandits, and I don't care about them. All I care about is defeating, him, th man who killed my friend."

Axel looked over at the two of them "Hey come on, I think they are closing the registration booth. Lets go already." he said signaling them to move along.

They hurried over to the booth and pulled out the necklace.

They responded with a sudden gasp. "Is it possible, could someone have actually beaten those three?"

Axel, Rebecca, and Kitan looked at each other with puzzled looks. It was Axel who spoke first.

"What do you mean by that?! I beat him with ease, and even fair to boot."

"We apologize" one of the people at the booth said "Its just the trio were once known across the plains of Thuron as the Three Blades of Alion. The three of them were mercenaries the king had hired to join his army. They quickly jumped throught the ranks, gaining fame and strenth from the other soldiers. By the time the war had fully engulfed all the land, they had become generals. It was said that on the first day after the war had ended, the king had went on a hunting trip with just those three. An entire band of bandits, numbering in the hundreds had ambushed him. The three of them bravely leaped in to defend his majesty, just the three of them fended off the entire band of bandits."

"Thats an impressive feat" Kitan said.

They nodded and began scribbling something on pieces of parchment.

"Take this, it will tell the match handler who will be paired with who" he then handed each of them one of the parchments.

The five of them continued forward until they came out at the other end. Kitan had never seen such a site in his whole life. There were people with such strange distinctions, people from all shapes and sizes, and all ages as well. He even saw a someone who looked like a man but was actually a woman, when he got a better look at her that is.

"What did you say?!" said someone.

Kitan looked for where the commotion was coming from. He found it. A giant of a man was harassing what looked like a child.

"You heard me you rock for brains! I said that your gonna lose if your matched with me, I have speed" she said taunting the man. She was imitating his speech when he suddenly reached for his weapon, which was an enormous ball and chain. The ball had spikes along the surface while the chain link seemed to be covered with what seemed to be barbed wire. The man seemed to be relying only on his size and strength. He took this opportunity to watch these two, because one of them had to win.

"What are you doing, you know the rules, no fighting before the fight" the child said jumping out of the way as the giant man had attempted to flatten him into the ground.

"I don't care about the rules, your mouth is gonna get you flattened like pancake here and now" he yelled. he then looked at the onlookers that had gathered "and if any of you try and stop me your gonna get someof it as well, for my name isn't 'Earthshaker' Largoth!"

Largoth began twirling the ball above his head with a conter-clockwise spin. The child merely watched, waiting for the man to strike. It seemed like hours had gone by before he struck. As the ball was just swinging past his head he thrust his arm towards the ground in front of him. The force he used caused the ball to strike the earth with such force a cloud of dirt and dust rose and blanketed the fighters. They could only hear the sounds coming from inside the dust cloud, and they were few and faint. When the cloud settled what they saw shocked everyone. The giant man known as Largoth was paralyzed with his arms out in front of him, still holding the handle-hold connected to the chain. His face held an expression of pure shock. It was obvious he thought he would really beat someone with just his strength alone. The child had an arm in the mans stomach. Kitan figured the small fighter easily dodged the attack and threw a punch, using his whole body as his own wrecking ball that was used to strike the man square in his stomach. Kitan felt a little uneasy. minutes later the city gaurd burst throught the cirlce of fighters and tried to move them from the scene.

"Whoa" Rebecca said "I can't believe the kinds of people who are here. I wonder if there are any other women here."

"Why yes, but they are much prettier than you are, darling" a soft voice whispered into her ear from behind her. Rebecca, off gaurd, jumped forward preparing to defend herself.

The woman startled Nanao as well for she had turned so fast you could have sworn she was the creator of the tornados that sprung up around the country side.

"What's with her?"Rebecca said vehemently "I can't believe a woman like that thinks she can just waltz in here and participate in such an honorable tradition? That little--"

"Sshhh, they are announcing the pairings for the qualification matches" Aaron said interrupting her. She shot a look towards him that would have made a bull halt dead in its tracks. Aaron surely felt the stare, because he seemed to be sweating. The horns blew in the distance, the crowd grew silent, and the fighters gathered together to hear who was to be paired. how they would size up their competition.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Honored guests and citizens of Dralgo! I would like to formally declare this years tournament has begun!" The crowd shouted and cheered for there favored fighter, The warriors waved their hands basking in the praise. The announcer held his hands up, once again quieting the crowd.

"I will now begin to match the fighters. Laura versus Hammond. Nathaniel versus Don." It went on for hours. He yelled out the fighters names, and the crowd reacted by cheering for the person they were most likely betting their Tirpins on. The sun was nearing its peak when the announcer finally shouted familiar names.

"Kitan versus Firin" Kitan looked for someone who was searching the fighters. What he saw made his stomach lurch. It was the kid, who took down Largoth with a single punch. I guess I wont be bored, Kitan thought to himself.

"Axel versus Ramath. Aaron versus Toma. Nanao versus Michelle"

It was another few minutes before they announced the groups final companion and who they were fighting.

"Rebecca versus Yolonda" Rebecca did the same as Kitan and searched for her opponent.

"WHAT! I have to fight that whench of a woman?! It's just my luck I am being paired with that..." Rebecca ranted. She was so terrifying she scared some of the other competitors. The announcer yelled a few more matchings drowning her out. After the crowd gave its final cheer, he quieted them down to say something.

"Now that the fighters are paired you have till tomorrow to get ready. May you have luck, and the blessing of God be on your side."

The fighters dispersed and the sparring grounds became deserted.

"Well, lets get a room" Kitan said "We will be lucky if we can though, with so many people turning up for this tournament. Lets meet up at the fountain when the moon is just over those trees" Kitan pointed towards a group of tall trees "no matter if we find a room or not alright?"

They nodded and split up, each going down a street in Dralgo, not knowing that Fates wheel had begun to turn.

* * *

Kitan had chosen the farthest street to the left. As he walked down the street, browsing through the goods of the vendors, he once again was awestruck about how different things were from Kushu. The people, what they did, how they reacted to him, everything. He was passing a building that looked like a pub. When he walked in he saw many of the other competitors drinking and having a good time. He noticed that Largoth was there too, but he wasn't drinking. He was just there. He was about to walk out and continue exploring the city when he heard his name. He turned to see who had said it, but nobody even glanced at him. He turned back around and walked outside. The street had gone from a bustling trading ground to sudden silence. He felt uneasy. He started walking towards a building with a sign that said 'Sleeping Moon' It had a picture with a moon and a sleeping man under the stars.

"Still acting like a child."

He quickly stopped and looked around for who said it, but he found nothing.

"Become stronger...Kitan. Your power will bring my plans...to fruition"

Kitan looked up and saw a figure retreat back on the roof. Hurrying up the side of the building he reached the top of and onto the roof. When he got up there he saw someone that he would never forget.

"Yes, I know that look. You hunger for vengence, for him. Seeing me makes your hatred grow." Kitan could hardly see but it was sounded like the man was...smiling. "If you wish for it that badly, then come at me, I want to feel your anger. It makes me feel alive. That power will be mine!"

Kitan wanted to tear him apart, he wanted to grab him by the throat and pummel him into the ground until he was no more. All his training up till now was about to be put to the test. He drew Hirohira and Byarin, then lunged at him. The man had the gall to laugh at him as he tried to stab him, cut a limb off, and attempt to take the mans head. As he went to stab him in his upper left shoulder the man dodged the blade once again. He's still too fast, I have to try something Kitan told himself. Kitan flung Hirohira at him and as he once again dodged it with that smile still on his face, Kitan jumped at him. It worked, Kitan finally made contact with the man. The blade ad cut his upper left arm and was about to throw a punch with all his might, at the mans face when suddenly all the air in his lungs left his body. With the air, also went his strength. The man removed himself from Kitan's grip, rolled away, and returned to his feet in one fluid motion. Kitan on the other hand lay on the floor. Idon't get it he thought to himself looking up at the man standing in front of him, with that smile still on his face.

"Hmm, you still are not strong enough. My plans will have to wait" He said more to himself than to Kitan. He looked at him then, "I know you want to put a name to my face so I will give you something, the name you will know me by is Ridori, Ridori S'ahael." He leaned down and pulled his head up by his hair, so he could look him in the eye. "Win, win this tournament. Become stronger, then travel towards the sea, I will be waiting for you nearby. That is if I think you are worthy of once again meeting with." He released his hold on Kitan's hair and let his head fall to the floor. Moments later 'Ridori' was gone. Kitan rolled over so he could look at the stars. They were radiating brightly in the night sky, along with the moon which was full tonight.

"Why? Why can't I beat him?! What will it take for me to avenge you, Gnal?" He held up one of his hands and acted like he was reaching for a star. He layed there for quite some time like this until he remembered he was supposed to meet the others at the fountain. He made his way back to the fountain slowly not caring to hurry.

* * *

Axel left down the middle street, thinking he could forget about looking for a room for the night and instead, put some weight in his pouch.

"Hmm this looks like a good place to get some Tirpins" He said to himself. The place had a sign above its door displaying a jolly, plump man in a corner surrounded by other people. All with smiles on their face's, with the bold words 'Dralgos Jolly Corner.' He walked in and spent a few hours building his wealth in gold and silver Tirpins. He walked out of the pub bouncing his bag in his hand.

"Thanks fellas, anytime you wanna give your Tirpins away, just look for me." As he walked back to the fountain he thought about how he was going to use this new found wealth.

"How pathetic you are, giving your loyalty to someone so easily. Your worse than a lost puppy." a voice said. This voice had the softness of a woman, but the hard sharpness of a jagged stone.

"At least this puppy learns where to turn when its been beaten too many times. Now come out and lets see what the hourglass has done to that face of yours."

A woman appeared out of the corner of his left eye. She was enveloped by a large red cloak, so he couldn't see much more of her.

"I paid you to kill the man, instead you take my money and join his entourage? I want what I gave you, my money." she reached out a hand, he quickly moved the pouch of money out of her reach and tied it securely to his waist.

"If you want it your gonna have to get closer than that lady."

"Your trying my patience boy. If you want to challenge me you'll lose more than your money."

"Yeah well I have a hard time of hearing. you know the old saying, 'actions speak louder than words.'"

She smiled. Suddenly she was lunging with an outstretched hand towards not his pouch full of money, but his throat. He moved backwards to avoid what looked like an iron-clad grip. As her hand closed, a small knife erupted from under her coat sleeve. It nicked his throat as he tipped his head to the left. She retracted her hand and just stood there, with that smile.

"I am feeling generous, give me my money...or it'll be more than your throat that I cut."

He felt his neck and saw that the cut wasn't too bad. She was fast,and precise, not a good combonation. He felt the dice in his pocket. He wondered what side would show on top if he were to throw them. Well, he thought to himself, its time to toss the dice. Do I trust the dice and see if I can take her, or do I submit and live to fight another day? He took a breath.

"You must have the tongue of a serpent, cause I give. My pouch can be filled somewhere else." he untied the string and tossed it to the woman. As the bag was in the air, he quickly turned and began to run. She seemed to ignore him because she seemed so focused on the bag. He took a chance and decided to draw a sharp blade he had tucked in his back pocket and flung it so it intercepted the pouch full of gold. Silver and gold Tirpins flew in all directions, but thats not what he was disappointed about. The dagger he threw had missed her. He continued to run back towards the fountain, towards people he could blend into. Every so often he would zig zag just in case she decided to pursue him. Moments later he erupted in the area with the fountain. he looked behind him, nothing. She must have wanted the Tirpins more than his life. Next time though he wont have something to fall back on. He continued to look around to see if any of the others were there yet. Rebecca had just noticed him, because she was waving him over. Thank you dice, he happily thought to himself, lately you've been a blessing, however this could also be a curse...I guess I am just gonna have to see. He smoothed his clothes and joined Rebecca at the fountain.

* * *

"Well? What is the progress of your so called plan?" a woman said. She was annoyed that he would call a meeting at such a crucial time.

"Abidona, my plans, have always been precise. Please do not try to pull me down to your level by thinking of them as anything but foolproof" a mans voice said, with some irritation in his voice.

"Full of foolishness is more like it" Abidona said "You have been in solitude since your first failure. You failed to acquire the Catalyst's power during the Great Divide, then mere weeks ago you discovered the new temple of the Catalyst, and once again you failed.

He winced. He forgot how long her long reach was. She was known as the All Knowing Princess of the Shadows during the Great Divide. She once used her reach for the interests of the once flourishing kingdom of Thirsh, that is before she was exiled for life when she was caught trying to use her contact to assassinate the prior leader of Thirsh. Since then she has kept a close watch on the political going ons in Thirsh, as she waited for her chance to strike and take what she believed was hers.

"On top of that from my sources you ran into the Catalyst here in Dralgo, and let it slip through your fingers" She said putting her hand on her hips. "You haven't contacted myself or Gihan for quite some time, why now."

Before he could respond she held up a finger. "Answer carefully Ridori, I am feeling agitated with just sitting here, when I could be doing something more productive."

He cleared his throat. "Abidona, we are both working together as equals because we want, similar things. You Thirsh, and me Dralgo. We must work more closely together. Also, on the subject of the Catalyst, I admit during the Great Divide I hesitated and unforseen events occured. I have been able to study what happened and I have come to the conclusion that the temple of the Catalyst has not unlocked the full powers within it. I have been slowly trying to speed up the process by returning to the temple and forcing him to become one with the emotions it holds. Only then may we finally achieve our goals."

She pondered what he said for a few moments. He noticed that Gihan had not come to the meeting as he requested. His loss, Ridori thought, I will use this to my advantage.

Are you positive that it has not reached unlocked the full powers within itself?" He nodded "I will think this over some more, When I see Gihan I will inform him of what went on here. Good night Ridori" She said then turned to walk off. She stopped, and turned back to face him. "Do not think to try and control us. We are equals, remember what happened last time" then vanished in the darkness of the night. Shivers ran up his spine and instantly regretted it. memories he had pushed to the most inner recesses of his mind returned to the surfaces. memories involving the events transpiring during the Great Divide. I must speed up the process, if I am to take the powers of the Catalyst and make them my own, and finally finish what I began so long ago...just a little longer.

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