Fight Against Fate: Chapter 3

Roxa was the biggest city in the country, situated on the edge of the ocean. People talked about the wonders that existed on the other side of the great body of water but no one knew for certain and no one dared journey over there. The sprawling metropolis was bigger than any other city in this country.

And smack dab in the middle of it, right off the coast of the sea air were Felix and Alec standing in a snaking line around the registration office. A tall building of stone and wood with no tarps to protect them from the sun they were somewhere in the middle with dozens of people situated behind them and in front. There were discarded tents on the ground though a few people had the decency to pick up and take care of them.

There were venders walking up and down selling water skins and food but Alec had no money. Rather his money was tied to Felix’s waist because he didn’t trust Alec with it. Alec looked at Felix who was taking notes in a worn notepad and wanted to say something.

The line shifted forward one person and Alec groaned at their pace. He watched a man with an axe at his hip walk past and looked almost disheartened at the situation. No one really payed attention to him so he put a hand on Felix’s shoulder.

“Why do we have to stand in line like this?” he whined.

“Because this is the registration line. People not chosen by their provinces have to register and get seeded into brackets,” Felix explained. “The top four get the privilege of being in the tournament proper. But you can’t lose until you get there.”

“Right. I understood that. My real question is, why am I wearing these?!”

He tried to throw his hands at him but his arms slumped down and weighed down by what he was presently wearing now. Around his ankles and wrists were bandages but underneath them were lead blocks. He had about six of them on each arm and each leg.

When they woke up that morning Felix told him that the training was starting now and with this. Alec objected but Felix reminded him of the previous night and he finally conceded and did as he was told. At first, they were nothing but after all the time that had passed they were starting to get annoying and he was feeling the weight. Especially as he walked.

“You’re wearing them because it’s going to help you train.”

“Bull.”

“Not so. It’s a technique used by other coach’s. Weight training during sessions. Except always. Once you take those off you’re going to feel like a new man. Trust me.”

Alec stared at him and tried to show his frustration but it didn’t translate well. Instead he shook his head and started to fold his arms. His arms ached as he did it though and he let them fall to his side frustrated again.

“I do not like this,” he said again.

“Get over it,” Felix closed his notebook and smiled. “You’re going to thank me later.”

They remained in line for the better part of an hour, cycling through many people large and small, all kinds of weapons and fighting styles and genders. Earning the armor of the War God was a way to change your standing in life. It came with status, rank, money and recognition beyond anything that someone could earn naturally. And beyond that it would get ones named etched into the history books forever. Fated or fateless it didn’t matter.

Alec looked around at the people board for the most part. But as he looked he noted that most people were standing by themselves. Some were together talking to one another but what he over heard from them it was talk about how they were going to win the tournament and what they’d do with the fame.

“Hey Felix,” he said tugging on his friend’s sleeve and then groaning trying to keep his arm up there. “Most of these guys look like solo acts?”

“Yeah what of it?” Felix asked glancing back at him.

“No one has a coach?”

Felix shook his head, “People don’t have coach’s most of the time. They’re expensive for starters. And most people don’t trust a coach over their own skill and judgement.”

“What about weasel and oaf from yesterday?”

“They have names Alec.”

“Do you know them?”

Felix pause, “No.”

“Exactly.”

Rolling his eyes Felix continued, “He probably wanted to ride the bigger guys coattails. Get famous by proxy.”

“Is that what you’re doing?” Alec asked.

“Yes. I’m going to get so rich from you and your antics,” he continued walking in the line. “Count your lucky stars that we’ve been friends forever and I have pity on you.”

Alec started to flex and his arms shook but he made it work, “I’m going to be the next Hero of Roxa.”

“You’re going to be the next Hero of Roxa? You’ve been saying that since we were kids.”

“Did you say you’re going to be the next Hero of Roxa?”

Alec and Felix but turned around and stared at a boy no older than them. He had a torn tunic and was clutching a long stick covered in a cloth and tied at the ends. He had heavily tanned skin and hair pulled back into a shoulder length pony tail. It was swept over one of his shoulders. He smiled at the two of them with bright blue eyes.

“Yeah I am. Who’s asking?” Alec asked almost starting to get defensive.

“Sorry I couldn’t hope but over hear. I come from a providence far to the east. It’s been a long journey to get here. The story of the Hero of Roxa is one of my favorites,” he scratched the back of his head. “It’s funny. Ever since my teacher told me it, becoming the next Hero of Roxa is my dream. Even though I’m fateless.”

 Felix’s eyes widened and he glanced at Alec, “Looks like you have a friend.”

“You’re fateless too?” the stranger asked his eyes lighting up.

Alec nodded and smiled at him, “Yeah. Most people only care about this because of what it can do for them. Not what it means. I’m trying to prove that even if I’m fateless-“

“You can still be one of the greatest of all time.”

They grinned faces matching and Alec held out his hand, “I like you. My names Alec.”

He took it and shook it hard, “My names Lee. I hope that we get to cross paths in the tournament.”

They grasped each other’s arms and grinned, “Fate be damned may the best man win.”