“So this tournament sounds fun.” Lila said as she and Bryson got into the car.

“Meh.” Bryson grunted.

“Meh? Isn’t this a popular annual event that is watched all across the continent and even aired through the Aether to other areas of the kingdom?” Lila said looking quizzically at Bryson.

“Which is why I said meh and not no.” Bryson said as he slowly fastened his seatbelt.

“Seriously? Why are you so uninterested?”

“Because it’s not going to be a completely fair tournament.” Bryson said.

“Wait, why?”

“Father has done these types of things before. It’s rigged, somewhat.”

“How?”

“Well, most of those who came from The Academy are likely going to be paired up with each other. Then Gilles's first few rounds will be relatively easy before facing any of the bigger opponents. By then they would be tired, and he would still be fresh.” Bryson explained casually.

“Huh, so do your parents rig all competitions.”

“Just some.”

“What about your hockey games?”

“Are you kidding? They paired me with Arnott of all people on the first line. You think that counts as rigging in my favour?” Bryson scoffed.

“Oh yeah. He got an own goal last time didn’t he.” Lila recalled. It was such a strange sight to behold. Apparently Arnott just panicked as an opposing team member approached and fired at his own goal in an attempt to keep the puck away from them.

“Yep.” Bryson said as the car door opened again. In climbed Viola and Sable.

“You’re not Reese.” Bryson commented at the intrusion of his siblings.

“Asked him to swap with me. He said yes.” Viola said sweetly.

“I wonder why.” Bryson said sarcastically before looking over to Sable, “Wait. Why are you here then?”

“I wasn’t going to sit in the same car with your guard and your stupid maid.” Sable said with a scowl.

“But Frost is right here.”

“Not yours, Viola’s.”

“Oh come now, Carly is a great conversationalist.” Viola said with a smile.

“I don’t care.”

“Because she isn’t Bryson right?” Viola teased.

“What!” Sable shouted a bit too loudly.

“Of course not! I don’t care for Bryson!” Sable shouted back, before a panicked look appeared on her face glancing at Bryson, “I don’t mean that I hate you Bryson it’s, urgh! Viola!”

Viola happily laughed as the car began to drive. As an angry Sable stared daggers at a highly amused Viola, Bryson slowly turned toward Lila.

“This is hell.” He whispered.

“Hey it could be worse.” She whispered jokingly back.

“True your irritating sister could be here.” Bryson said before sinking down in his seat. I just wanted a quiet trip so I could practice some card tricks.

***

“Hey Bryson!” Lottie beamed waving to him as he debarked from the car.

Bryson could only stare at Lottie dumbfoundedly as Lottie gave him a stupid grin. They were currently standing outside of the stadium in the parking lot where the tournament was taking place. Bryson slowly looked over Lila, eyes wide as he looked for an explanation.

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“Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, she and her friends would be here.” Lila said sheepishly.

“How? The tickets are expensive!”

“Phillip got them.”

“Of course he did.” Bryson said in exasperation, “What about Gilles?”

“What about him?” Lottie asked.

“Yeah, what’s going on between her and Gilles?” Viola asked.

“Something happened in the past. I don’t think it would end up well if he caught you.” Bryson quickly explained away.

“I don’t think that you need to worry about that. He doesn’t remember me at all.” Lila said.

“Yeah, but what if?”

“Aw, it’s sweet that you’re worried about me.” Lottie said kindly.

“You shut up.” Bryson said immediately. Lottie stuck out her tongue in response.

“Look at that Bryson, becoming quite the ladies' man.” Viola joked, earning a glare from Bryson.

“Gilles won’t remember anything about her. I barely remember her when I saw Philip train her.” Sable said.

“You do remember me!” Lottie said happily.

Sable blinked in surprise before her face turned into a scowl, “Shut up.” She said as she headed into the stadium.

“Bye!” Lottie said waving at her. As she did Nico Reese, one of the royal guards assigned to the Coldwaters approached them.

“Hey Lottie.” He greeted.

“Hi Nico!”

Nico then turned to the others, “Lady Viola, Miss Carly is waiting up at the box with everything prepared for you. Miss Lottie, Phillip informed me that your friends have already been seated and are waiting for you. Here are the tickets.” He said as he handed Lottie a ticket.

Bryson glanced over and read the ticket, “Those are good seats.” He commented.

“Yeah! Phillip is the best!” Lottie beamed before running off, “I’m off, see you after the tournament Lila!” She shouted back waving at them.

“I’m already exhausted.” Bryson said as he watched her disappear.

“Well, no point waiting in the parking lot, let’s go.” Viola said.

***

“So what are the exact rules of this tournament?” Lila asked as the group found themselves in the backstage area where all the entrants were preparing. Various competitors were all in the area, some were joined by coaches and trainers, others waited by themselves or had staff helping them.

“Pretty simple actually. Basic physical abilities, no uses of any additional magic.” Bryson replied as he walked by a competitor who was talking to an official.

“Could you define basic?”

“Well, that’s a bit complicated.” Bryson admitted. He wasn’t even absolutely sure what counted as ‘natural’ in a tournament like this, “Basically no spells or magic equipment.”

“But if you can ‘naturally’ rip a mountain from the ground, you can join.”

“Well… yeah. As long it isn’t a temporary spell that you cast on yourself and it's something that you can just do. It’s legal. Not quite sure about those who naturally have fire breath or whatever do.” Bryson said as he pondered the meaning of the rules himself.

“Wait that’s a natural thing?”

“Well non-humans are allowed to join. So a fire-breathing creature might be allowed to join.” Bryson said.

“How likely is that?”

“Very unlikely.” Bryson admitted. Bryson then looked over and Gilles.

“Gilles, you ready.” Bryson greeted.

“Of course, gonna win this whole damn thing.” Gilles said with a confident grin.

“You better do well. The whole family is watching you.” Viola warned.

“Everyone but Gareth.” Gilles said bitterly.

“He’s different. Busy gods knows where.” Viola assured him, “Focus on the tournament.”

“Don’t worry. I have this.” He said as he attached his training broadsword to his belt. As he reached over to grab his simple training shield Bryson gave a small frown. Something was wrong.

All the training weapons being used were enchanted with basic reinforcement enchantments to ensure they didn’t break upon impact. But for the briefest of moments, for barely a flash, Bryson thought he saw something different on the shield. However taking a longer look at the shield he saw nothing.

“What’s got your interest?” Gilles asked, noticing Bryson's stare.

“Oh, just noticed that you put our family crest on it.” Bryson said quickly. Weird, I only looked at the shield for a moment. Didn’t think he would notice.

“Of course, have to represent the family don’t I?” Gilles said with a grin.

“Oh, hey L-lady Viola!” A voice called out behind them.

Turning around they saw Spencer Khan slowly walking over. Offering Viola an awkward smile Viola only raised an eye at him.

“Ah right. You’re participating.” Viola said.

“Who this?” Gilles asked jerking his head at them.

“This is Khan. He helped out for a job a bit back.” Bryson said.

“Spencer Khan, Lord Gilles. I can’t wait to face you, I heard you’re very strong. It’s going to be fun.” He said giving a quick bow and extending a hand.

Gilles looked down at Spencer’s hand with a look one would give when looking at a piece of trash. Looking past Spencer Gilles walked around him.

“I’m off to warm up somewhere that doesn’t have trash just laying about.” He said.

“Good luck.” Bryson called out half-heartedly.

Spencer didn’t seem to mind this cold interaction as he started to talk to Viola.

“You’re here!”

“Yes, to see my brother perform.”

“I’m fighting too!”

“I know.”

“You going to watch?”

“Perhaps.”

“Where are you seated?”

“Up in one of the boxes.”

“Which one?”

“You’ll figure it out.”

“Okay I will. I’m just happy to see you. I’ll dedicate this win to you if I do succeed.” Spencer said beaming with joy.

Viola and Bryson locked eyes for a moment. Realizing that a mischievous grin was growing on Bryson’s face, Viola mouthed out. Don’t you dare.

“That’s great. Do your best. It would be nice to see you in the finals.” Viola said as she walked off. Not before giving Spencer a firm nod of assurance.

Bryson and Lila shared an amused look while Spencer stood there awestruck.

“Good luck.” Bryson said genuinely as he walked off with Lila.