Fight Against Fate: Chapter 11

The arena for the tournament was something to beheld. The last chance tournament was like an underground arena that you were invited to, not that you found on your own. But this one was a proper stadium. The stands went dozens of rows deep and high, each one full. There were vendors selling snacks and drinks to those who could pay.

The tournament in the center was a large square arena on a grassy field. There were benches on the edges of the arena with tarp over the top of them to block out the sun which was bright today without a single cloud in the sky. To top it off this arena was near the sea and had a cool ocean side breeze tinged with the smell of the salt.

Assembled were the sixteen participants. Chosen from their countries or won their way there through the tournament. Alec saw Rosa and a woman who looked like her except shorter. He saw Lee and he and Felix walked over to stand beside him. He saw fighters wearing armor and colors that represented their villages, cities and families. Far more diverse than what he’d seen in the last chance tournament.

But more than that he saw Dio. He was wearing his armor proudly and even a cape. His sword was at his hip and his arms were folded. He glanced their way and Alec met his gaze but it turned into a bright grin on his part. Dio raised his eyebrow and then looked away from him focusing his attention elsewhere.

Alec made a face and felt the energy in the crowd. Felt the anticipation of the other assembled fighters and then saw the reason they were there. At the corner of the arena was a stand. Several men and women sat together with one in the center. He wore gold jewelry around his neck, wrists, ankles and forehead. He was at least in his late forties with sun toned skin.

And in front of him was the prize. A mannequin holding the armor. It was a golden armored chest plate with intricate symbols along the chest and shoulders. Vambraces, shin guards, and a helmet with red plume across the top. A red cloak extended off the back that seemed to blow with a wind that wasn’t even facing it. In fact, the entire armor glowed as if the sun shone only on it alone. It was hard to look at directly.

Alec and Lee both stared at it with wide eyes. “That’s the armor of the War God,” Lee said softly. “I’ve only heard the stories but I’ve never actually seen it.”

“Really?” Felix asked. “You could have seen it at any time. In the center the of the city there’s a museum with it entirely on display.”

“What?” Alec looked at him and made a face. “I didn’t know that. You never told me that.”

“Neither did I,” Lee added.

Felix rolled his eyes, “You should have known that much when we got here. It wasn’t exactly hidden information Alec.”

Alec had a smart comment to throw at him but a horn was blown. Silence swept across the tournament and everyone’s eyes went toward the man who sat down beside the armor. He stood slowly and raised his hand to everyone. He spoke and somehow his voice boomed and carried to the entire stadium.

“My name is Ririum, the archon of Roxa. You all have traveled and worked hard to get to this point. Some of you chosen from your homes and others fighting to prove your worth. You have all come here with one goal in mind and that is to earn the right to possess and wear this,” he motioned toward the War God’s armor and it glowed like a torch being lit with gasoline.

“The War God smiles upon you all this day. Fated or not one of you will be his champion by the end of tonight. One of you will done this armor. Let the tournament commence!”

The crowd erupted like a volcano and Alec and Lee both cheered along with them, along with some of the other assembled participants of the tournament. A small man and woman came forward from both sides of the line holding boxes. When they got to the three of them, Alec and Lee stuck their hands into the boxes and then pulled out numbers.

“What are these?” Alec asked turning it over but the woman took the numbers and marked it before doing the same for Lee.

“This will determine your placement in the tournament,” she said and went toward the next fighters.

Alec and Lee looked at each other confused for a second. “What number did you pull?” Lee asked.

“It was a four. What about you?”

“Nine,” Alec shrugged. “Whatever that means.”

Felix squinted as he looked beyond them toward a board. Once the numbers had all been pulled and marked the man and the woman went to the tournament and began to put the numbers against the board reorganizing them slowly and creating the brackets for the tournament. The sixteen of them all marked and put together.

“Oh, it looks like we’re on the opposite side of brackets from one another,” Lee said stroking his chin. “But if I win my first match I will be going against Dio.”

“What?” Alec asked sharply and looked at the other side of the tournament. He frowned hard as Lee nodded. He was torn and it showed on his face but he swallowed and looked toward Lee. “Good luck. Dio’s no slouch.”

“From what you tell me I’d believe that,” Lee frowned but nodded his head. “I will give it my all if I am to battle him.”

“Good luck,” Alec said simply and looked toward the stand as a different man came forward.

“The lots have been drawn. The members of the tournament have been chosen. The first match of the day will be Dio against Leo. If both of you could come to the center of the arena and the other contestants sit and wait we will begin!”

Dio did as he was asked and walked to the great arena leaving his cloak behind him and coming with just a sword at his side and steel armor on his body. Leo was another man, large, , wearing furs who Alec could only assume was the skin of an animal of the same name.

They stood apart from one another, Dio drawing his sword and holding it over his other arm in his stance. But then he pulled a dagger from his hip and held it in his offhand which surprised Alec and Felix both. Leo drew a large great sword from his back and assumed a wide stance ready. The announcer raised his hand and then swiped it down, “Begin!”