by P. A. Peña
“Will you surrender now?” Virgil asked as he returned to the ground.
Mifune threw down his broken sword. Virgil relaxed, but tensed right back up when Mifune drew his second blade. It was damaged as well, but still functional enough for battle.
“That was quite the attack,” Mifune said through pain-filled breaths. “You managed to overload my armor with ease. That fang is really something.”
“I didn’t use the fang.”
“What?” Mifune said, his eyes growing wide. “You mean to tell me that blast wasn’t boosted by your catalyst?”
Virgil nodded. “I told you I was going to be a disappointment.”
Mifune tightened his grip on his sword and smiled. “You did, didn’t you. In that case, I guess I’ll just have to go for broke.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Virgil replied. “You have no chance to beat me now. Just surrender and we can be done.”
Mifune charged towards Virgil, his sword raised. Virgil closed his fist, and Mifune’s sword burst into flame. He discarded it but reached into another pouch and pulled out a small black sphere, coated in gray lines. Mifune threw the ball at the ground, and a cloud of smoke began pouring out.
Virgil locked his fingers together. “No more sneak attacks.”
A fiery blaze encircled Virgil. It expanded outward and kept going until the flames reached the walls. When the smoke finally cleared, Mifune lay on the ground, face down, barely moving.
Virgil walked over to Mifune and crouched down. “You fought well. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you what you wanted, but if it makes you feel better, you made me use a lot more mana than I intended to.”
Mifune looked up at Virgil. Before he could speak, his head fell, and his eyes closed. The metal wall behind Virgil opened up, and two men rushed in to assist Mifune.
Virgil exhaled. It’s definitely not him, he thought as he exited the arena.
Chapter 25
Virgil returned to the coliseum stands. He moved quickly, all while trying his best to act inconspicuously, as if he weren’t scanning everyone in sight. Olivia was already seated, and Virgil promptly sat down beside her.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
“I’m a little banged up,” he replied. “But it’s nothing. I’m more concerned with the mana I’ve used up.”
Olivia leaned against Virgil, wrapping her arm around his. “Try to relax. Everything’s going to be all right.”
Virgil’s shoulders tensed as he watched the battles unfolding on the holograms. There were only three fights still progressing.
Damn it, he thought. I missed so much.
“How’s the plan progressing?” he asked.
“I lost quickly and effectively,” Olivia replied with a twirl of her finger. “No one should suspect a thing.”
“Great. So, you got a good look at the fights that have already ended then?”
“I did. Sadly, nobody has struck me as a suspect.”
“Same here. Mifune’s a Boy Scout.” Virgil sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “We still have time to weed out the Scarlet Mage. How has the crowd been?”
Olivia let go of Virgil’s arm. “Typical. It seems like everyone’s enjoying themselves.”
“And the kings?”
“The same. They’ve had their eyes glued on the fights. Particularly Aurelia’s.”
Virgil turned his attention to the hologram showing Aurelia and Paisley.
That makes sense, Virgil thought. He scanned Aurelia’s aura and bit the inside of his lip. Keep it together, Aurelia. I know you can do this.
Aurelia stepped back. Her posture was defensive as Paisley pressed forward. The angry brunette threw punch after punch, each strike aimed at Aurelia’s face. Her fists were wrapped in jagged rocks, and a mix of dirt and sweat muddled her skin. Her breathing was slow and cumbersome. Apart from the concerned look on her face, Aurelia was perfectly fine, dodging Paisley’s blows with ease.
Paisley shifted her weight, putting her full force behind her swing. Aurelia stepped out of the way and struck Paisley’s wrist. Paisley’s fist plummeted to the floor, denting the metal.
She looked up at Aurelia, her eye twitching before she got back up and continued her assault. Aurelia took a step back to evade once again. This time however, she tripped over a stone Paisley had conjured behind her. She fell backward, leaving her defenses wide open.
Paisley grinned. It looked like she was fighting back the urge to laugh as she cocked her fist back. Paisley launched her fist at Aurelia, but Aurelia threw her hand up, and a burst of water shot forth. The stream flung Paisley high into the air. She crashed into the ground and sucked in a deep breath as she writhed in pain.
Aurelia’s eyes grew wide and her mouth hung open. She got up in a panic and rushed over to Paisley. A large stone hand shot out of the ground and took hold of Aurelia’s head. The hand flew through the air and pinned her against the wall. Paisley made her way over. Each step she took exuded arrogance.
Aurelia placed her hand on the stone, and a burst of water split it apart from the inside out. She fell to the ground, desperately trying to fill her lungs with air. Paisley cocked her fist back. Her eyes were filled with vicious intent, not a hint of remorse to be seen.
Paisley’s devilish grin turned to terror as she was hoisted into the air. Aurelia had risen to her feet and wrapped her hand around Paisley’s throat. Paisley had no time to react. It looked like she was trying to speak, but her words were cut off by Aurelia’s intensifying grip. Paisley clawed at Aurelia’s hand, desperate to alleviate the pressure crushing her windpipe. Her eyes began to flutter, and her movements became slower.
Aurelia gasped, and she dropped Paisley. To say Paisley was wheezing for air would be an understatement. It seemed oxygen couldn’t fill her lungs fast enough. The wall opened up, and two attendants rushed to her side. Slowly Aurelia walked towards Paisley, holding her hand out, but she shot Aurelia a burning look of contempt that halted her. Aurelia spun around and quickly exited the arena.
“That was intense,” Olivia said.
Virgil nodded. “You have no idea what those two have been through.”
“Apparently not, but we should stay focused on the task at hand.”
Virgil nodded. “Right. We can rule out those two.”
“Really?” Olivia said. “Paisley’s always seemed like a bit of a basket case, and well, you saw what Aurelia just did.”
“Paisley’s insecure and petty. She’s more of a threat to herself than anybody, and Aurelia wouldn’t hurt anyone without cause.”
Olivia scoffed. “Try telling that to Paisley’s windpipe.”
Virgil sighed. “You’re just going to have to trust me on this.” He turned his attention to the remaining battles. His lips pursed as he noticed something peculiar.
“What is it?” Olivia asked.
“Lucious is still fighting.”
“And what’s so interesting about that?”
“You fought him. He may be a massive dick, but he’s a skilled aquamancer.”
“And?” Olivia replied. “I’m afraid I fail to see your point.”
“Well, I would have expected him to have finished his match by now.”
Olivia shook her head. “That’s not a cause for concern. Unless you’re sensing a malicious aura?”
Virgil shrugged. “Not really. I mean, Lucious’s aura is always a little twisted.” He looked closer at Lucious’s opponent. “Hey. I know that guy.”
“You do?”
“Well, sort of. I bumped into him before the start of the third phase.”
“Do you think he could be the Scarlet Mage?”
Virgil chuckled. “God no. I mean, I only spoke with him for a second, but he struck me more as the soft and cuddly type.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Looks can be deceiving, Virgil. We shouldn’t rule him out. Or anyone else for that matter.”
“I know. I’m just saying. I wouldn’t put my money on it.”
&nbs
p; Chapter 26
A loud explosion echoed throughout the coliseum, drawing everyone’s attention to Fynn and Logan’s bout. The two men stood across from each other. They were both panting, almost as if they were racing to see who could catch their breath first. Despite his battered and bruised body, Fynn was smiling ear to ear.
He summoned another dragon and sent it flying towards Logan. However, Logan raised his palm, and caught it with ease. The eyes on his gloves shone bright, and Logan dashed towards Fynn. Fynn retreated backward, but Logan leapt into the air.
Smiling, Fynn raised his palm towards Logan and summoned a swarm of tiny fire dragons. He snapped his fingers, and the dragons darted towards Logan. The eyes on Logan’s gloves began to glow once again as Logan pointed his palm towards the dragons. A downpour of flames released from Logan’s hand, and although the blast had surely come from him, it felt as if Aiden had been the one to release a blistering inferno. Cordellia gasped as she sprung to her feet. She held out her hands towards their arena, covering it in a shimmering blue dome of water.
His eyes were wide and sweat poured down his face as Fynn looked up at the fiery blaze raining down upon him. He threw his hands up, veiling himself in a barrier of fire. The dragons were devoured by the divine flames, and before long, Fynn was engulfed as well.
Logan returned to the smoldering ground below. Had it not been for the barrier Cordellia conjured, the entire coliseum would have been in ruins. Fynn trembled on his knees as smoke trailed off his body. Logan cracked his knuckles as Fynn struggled to get back on his feet. His knees buckled, and it was clear he was approaching his limit. Despite this, Fynn wore a smile on his face and chuckled. He said something, but of course, only he and Logan could hear it. Whatever it was, it raised Logan’s brow. They exchanged words once more, and both men readied their battle stances, each bearing a satisfied grin.
Logan charged towards Fynn, releasing three fiery dragons from his gloves: the culmination of all his battles with the pyromancer. Fynn summoned a multitude of dragons, far outnumbering what Logan had tucked away. With a flick of his wrist, Fynn launched his assault on Logan. The dragons flew through the air, two of Logan’s colliding with two of Fynn’s. The remaining dragon, however, weaved through the chaos, managing to slip within range of Fynn. He braced himself for impact.
However, the dragon dove into the ground just a few feet from him. Fynn took a step back, clearly in shock, his vision obstructed by the explosion swirling in front of him. Logan emerged from the fire, his fist balled, smoke trailing from his charred body. There was no time to dodge. Logan slammed his fist into Fynn’s jaw. Fynn flew backward, the sheer force of the blow drawing blood from his mouth. He slammed into the wall and slumped onto the floor.
Logan stood tall, the flames around him subsiding. As his gloves disappeared, the wall behind him opened up, and two attendants rushed into the arena.
“I knew you could do it,” Virgil said smiling.
“Looks like you’ve loosened up a bit,” Olivia replied.
“I guess. I’m just happy to see them both make it through.”
“Whatever you say. I’m just happy to see you’ve finally relaxed.”
“So am I,” Aurelia said as she took a seat next to Virgil.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Virgil replied. “The tournament is far from over.”
“You really want to win, huh.”
Virgil turned away back towards the holograms. “Yeah,” he replied, his tone low. “It’s all I can think about.”
Olivia nudged Virgil’s arm. “You’re such an overachiever.”
“So,” Aurelia said. “Who’s left fighting?”
Virgil pointed towards the final battle. “Just those two.”
Lucious and the golem were still going strong. Or rather, Lucious was. The golem looked exhausted. Layers of frost coated his body, and cuts plagued nearly every inch of his skin. He could barely keep his left eye open, and the other was swollen shut. Blood soaked his clothes, or at least what was left of them. The golem’s uniform was torn and frayed from the onslaught of attacks he had endured.
“I’m surprised they’re still going at it,” Aurelia said.
Virgil shook his head, clenching his jaw. “Lucious is just toying with him.”
“You think so?” Olivia asked.
“Definitely. There’s no reason why he couldn’t have ended this a long time ago.”
Lucious sent three balls of ice towards the golem. He didn’t bother to dodge it. Or perhaps he tried, but his body was too fatigued to process the maneuver. At any rate, the ice balls crashed into the golem, knocking him onto his back. Slowly, he rolled over, fighting his way onto all fours. Lucious flashed a sinister grin as he summoned another ball of ice, only this one was nearly three times the size of the golem. The ice hovered over him like an anvil tied to a rope. With a snap of his fingers, Lucious sent the ice ball plummeting, crushing the golem under its weight. The wall opened up, and the tournament attendants rushed in.
Virgil’s blood was boiling as he stared at Lucious from the stands. “I’m getting really sick of that asshole.”
“Why are you so worked up?” Olivia asked. “You said it yourself, you don’t even know the golem down there.”
Virgil turned towards Olivia. “That’s beside the point.” His voice was raised and full of frustration. “Lucious thinks that he can just walk around here and do whatever he wants. I’m sick of it.”
“Just ignore him.”
“That’s a lot easier said than done,” Aurelia said. “Virgil isn’t the kind of person to just sit by and let bad things happen to people.”
Virgil looked down at Lucious and they locked eyes. Lucious flashed that twisted grin Virgil had come to loathe. No words needed to be spoken between the two men for each to know just what the other was thinking.
“Aurelia,” Logan said as he approached the group. “How did it go?”
“I did okay,” she answered, her tone low and glum. “I’m moving on to the next round.” Aurelia gasped as she turned to Virgil and Olivia. “I’m so sorry. I forgot to ask how you two did.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” Virgil said, pulling his attention off of Lucious. “I made it on to round two, but Olivia lost.”
Aurelia frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be,” Olivia replied. “I’m just happy to have made it here at all.”
Another siren went off, and the lights in the coliseum went dim. “We have concluded the first round of the tournament,” Roxanne announced. “Here are the next set of matchups. This time around, we’ll be giving you an hour to make it to your designated arenas. Enjoy the extra bit of rest before your next match.”
The group looked up to the holograms. Virgil was slated to battle with Angelica. He couldn’t recall her name, but he definitely remembered her face. She had been among the crowd of people hounding him before the exam had even begun.
Then he noticed: with Paisley’s defeat and Lucious’s victory, Lucious would be Aurelia’s next opponent.
“Damn, girl,” Olivia said. “You just can’t catch a break, huh?”
Aurelia let out a heavy sigh. “Apparently not.”
Logan placed his hand on Aurelia’s head. “Listen,” he began, “if you don’t think you can handle it, you don’t have to fight.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“It’s not worth the risk. If you’re not certain, you should back out now before—”
“Don’t listen to Mr. Grouchy over here,” Virgil interrupted. “As much as I would like to be the one to knock Lucious out of the tournament, I know you got this. Go ahead and show him who’s boss.”
Aurelia opened her mouth to speak, only Logan had beat her to the punch. “Pardon my forwardness, but you are in no position to be giving my sister any kind of advice.”
Virgil groaned. “You know, you and your attitude are really starting to piss me off. I think Aurelia could use a little more love and support from
her older brother instead of you constantly doubting her.”
Logan stepped closer to Virgil. His fists were tight, and his nostrils flared. “You want to say that again?”
“Whoa,” Olivia said, stepping between the two men. “Why don’t we just calm down here for a second?”
“I’m perfectly calm.” Virgil said folding his arms. “It’s Logan who has the problem.”
“I’m just fine,” Logan replied. “You’re the problem here.”
“I’m the problem? You’re the one being a shitty friend ruining everyone’s mood.”
Logan pushed Olivia aside, his face red with anger. “Let’s get one thing straight,” he said, his face mere inches away from Virgil’s. “I’m not your friend. I never was, and I never will be. Every once in a while, my sister takes a liking to some stray. I don’t like it, but it makes her happy, so I deal with it. Sooner or later, though, you all step way beyond your boundaries, and I have to clean up the mess. You’re not special, Virgil. You’re just this month’s lost puppy.”
The group was silent, so much so, you could hear a butterfly beat its wings. Virgil stood, tears ready to burst at a moment’s notice. He trembled as he struggled to keep his composure. His every instinct beckoned him to cock back and slug Logan in his jaw. And yet, he couldn’t find the strength to do so. His mind and heart were overflowing with a raging fury, but what he found most damning was that it wasn’t for Aurelia, or even Logan. It was for himself, and how he could have been so utterly foolish as to think he could ever truly call somebody his friend.