Fight Against Fate: Chapter 18

The participants of the tournament stood together in a line before the podium. At least those that were well enough to do so. And in front of them were Felix, Lee, Roxanne, Rosa and Dio. The archon stood before the armor of the War God and Alec knelt in front of him his head down.

“You all came to our capital city of Roxa with the intent to wear the armor of the War God and become His chosen. And only one of you could do that. A fateless defying the odds like the legend of old. Before the Gods I can bestow the armor upon you. Rise Alec.” He did as he was told and stared at the archon confused. But it became very clear what was meant to happen.

The sun above opened and shined down upon them. It shined directly down onto the armor like a beacon and the armor glowed under that light until it was blinding. Alec shielded his eyes but when he lowered his hand things had changed. His eyes widened at the temple he now stood in.

It was huge, held up by dozens of stone pillars. The floor was cracked in places and the air was heavy with heat. He took a step forward and the weight of his step surprised him. Looking down he saw the golden armor on his chest, on his hands and feet. He stopped and looked at the War God’s armor adorned on his body. He didn’t even remember putting it on let alone wearing it now.

“So you’re the new one. My new champion. You don’t look like much. Then again the last one didn’t either and she surprised me.”

Turning around Alec stared at the man coming toward him. Except Alec knew in his soul that wasn’t a man. He was wearing armor not unlike his own. But instead of being gold it was bronze and weathered. Beaten and cracked from years of fighting. His face was hidden in shadow but he had a pair of red eyes smoldering like coals.

He approached slowly and Alec’s eyes widened further. He knew who he was. He knew exactly who this was because the armor told him. He lowered his head and sank to his knees. The War God laughed and it reverberated in Alec’s chest as he continued to walk, passing him. “Go back to your ceremony. I’ll see you again very soon. And then we’ll see what you’re really made of.”

Alec blinked, gasped and turned around to watch Him. But light filled the temple and he threw a hand in front of his face to block it out. When it faded and he opened his eyes he was back in the stadium. The armor stopped shining and his chest was heaving. Alec looked around and it was like no time had passed. He looked at himself and he was wearing his old armor.

Gasping he touched his chest a few times and then looked at the Archon who smiled knowingly at him. “Come forward and place your hand upon the armor. Properly young man.”

Nodding dumbly, he took a few steps forward and did as he asked. The armor glowed once his palm touched it and his hand jerked backwards from sudden heat. And then it was gone. In the place of the armor was a pendent on a golden chain. Shocked and confused Alec picked the pendent up slowly and it was like picking up an ember. So much energy running through it through. So much power.

“The armor is now bonded to you Alec,” the archon said. “When you call upon it. It will come to you. But you will also be called to serve your new role.”

“How will I know when I’m being called?” he asked

“You will know,” the archon said to him and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “The War God will find you.”

And Alec knew what that meant. Knew exactly what that meant. There was a small ceremony for Alec afterwards, with the crowd cheering for him. Alec made sure to boost up Lee and Rosa in the process making sure they got the recognition that he thought they deserved. Once things wrapped up there was time to slip away from the festivities.

“Are you sure you don’t want to get dinner with us?” Felix asked Lee as they stood in front of the arena.

“I am sure. More than anything I need to get some rest. Returning home is going to be a long journey.” He smiled. “I am very glad to have met you both.”

“Same here,” Alec held his hand out to him and Lee took it shaking it hard. “I know we’ll find each other again.”

Lee smiled and nodded, “I surely hope so.”

He leaned against his staff and took a more confident step and then another leaving them. But before they could go far Alec tensed. He looked past Felix and saw Dio. He looked at the two of them, began to pivot away but stopped himself and approached them. When Felix turned around to see him he tensed as well but Dio stopped just in front of Alec.

“Congratulations Alec. You proved many people wrong today. Myself included.”

Alec nodded, “Pretty good for a fateless huh.”

“Yes,” Dio said curtly and met his eyes. “Do you remember that day the oracle came to our village.”

“The day you cut things off with me? How could I forget.”

“Yes. That Oracle came because he saw a prophecy for me. A prophecy that said that in my path was the death of a fateless that I called friend. And it would be at my hand,” Both Alec and Felix’s eyes widened. “Because of that I did all that I could to distance myself from you. To prevent that from happening. But you are the War God’s champion. A fateless no longer. If you can change that fate. Maybe others things can change as well. We’ll meet again Alec.”

Before he could go far though Alec stopped him and held out his arm. Dio looked at it shocked but Alec smiled broadly. Dio stared at his hand and finally closed his eyes laughing. He took Alec’s hand and they squeezed tightly before he left properly.

Once he was gone Felix let out his breath and then looked at Alec warmly, “So.”

“So?”

“Was that just for show or?”

“Was what? Oh,” Alec actually blushed which Felix had never thought he’d see. “Well. I wouldn’t have gotten here with you. Not just from the tournament but even back home. And I wanted to go into my last fight no regrets. And if I didn’t do that I’d have a regret.”

Felix was speechless as he watched Alec look down embarrassed. Wearing the War God’s armor around his neck and having shown the entire capital city what he could do. Reaching forward Felix took his hand and squeezed it tightly. Alec looked at their hands and then at him and smiled all the same finally saying.

“Let’s go home.”