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"Wake up. Jack. Up"
Jack's eyes rolled from the top of his head to the small opening his eyelids were fighting to create. It was pitch-black anyway, so he squashed the gap once again and focused on the cold, moist ground drawing all the heat from his cheek. His breath felt heavier going out than coming in while he contemplated if to try and open his eyes one more time.
"Get up!"
A boot pushed on his shoulder, rolling him on his back. The warmth immediately rushed back to the skin recently kissing the floor. His bushy hair giving him a slight bounce as he tried to see what was going on. He raised his hands together, but not by choice. A sigh escaped.
"We are still tied up. Why did you wake me?" Jack leaned on a shoulder and used his tied hands to gauge his surroundings. Only feeling the cold stone and chilled air, he sat up and stretched his legs forward. "How did you even find me to kick me?"
"I was rolling around for a couple of minutes now. This room is pretty big from what I could tell."
"Ah, well I think I am going back to sleep. Those drugs were strong." Jack yawned while searching for anything nearby to lean on. He accepted that he may have to drag himself to a new spot.
"How can you go back to sleep? We have to get out of here. I have no idea how long it's been. What if...what if they already had the finals and King lost?"
Jack had no idea how far Stella was now from her voice. The oscillating volume didn't make the job easier. "It hasn't been long enough for Ace or Tenny to find us, so I am guessing we didn't. They know we wouldn't miss the match."
"I guess you are right, but we should still try and get out of here. Can you get your hands free?" Jack could barely hear the sound of the fabric's friction from being twist and turned.
"No luck on my side." Jack yawned once again but finished with a chuckle. "I feel like Darke or Jennifer. You would probably Jennifer."
"How are you so calm?"
"I am surprised that you are freaking out. They put us in the dark so we can't really work together. This kingdom is huge, so I am sure they stuck us somewhere no one can hear us, and Tenny will probably burst through the door soon with his smug smile."
"Ugh, I get it. I just don't like the idea of having to be rescued. It sucks. I feel...you know."
"Yea, that sounds exactly like you." Jack finally found something vertical. He ran his hands as far as his span would allow and it was constant contact. A wall or large box or something. "Well, I can give this a try."
A wave of strength coated his soles. He rolled to his back and placed his feet on the surface before stomping as hard as he could. The result was a loud reverb and Jack sliding along the ground until friction stopped him. Surprised he didn't make it to the other side of the room.
"The walls are metal." Jack called, but the sudden gasp next to him made him instinctively twist to protect his chest.
"You scared me." Stella panted. "Ugh. Well, if anyone steps in here then we are taking off okay."
"Yes ma'am."
"So...that blonde one was Adria. She was quite nice wasn't she."
"Don't you think it's pretty chilly in here?"
***
King was up to witness the first hues paint the sky. He quickly got ready and stepped into the hallway, patiently waiting for the next to awaken, with two doors constantly in the corner of his eyes. The silver place risers went to a moustache and mystical duo that looked hurt by the dragon's lack of excitement to see them. The pair was able to convince King to wait for them at the stall instead since they would all go to the arena for his match at 1 together.
A genius idea on their part, but misery for the finalist brooding behind the counter. Constant whispers and praises, and the strange, disappointed comment about not gambling today passed by while gawking at the white hair. Fragrances and cleansing cold air brushed by his nose, failing to sway his sulk. Tana and Tenny tried. Luna shared food and King understood the importance, but it just didn't do the trick. Ophelia even took an attempt at beating some happiness into him. It was only after the morning rush died, and the arrival of a local icon did the yellow find a slighter shimmer.
"Iris, did you see Jack and Ste...Lande and Ed, or what are we calling them?" King turned to the stall.
"I didn't see either of them. Oh thanks." Iris grabbed the breakfast sandwich offered to him and took a seat next to the quickly saddened boy. "Something wrong?"
"I was really excited yesterday, because, you know, and I felt really cool, and strong and I wanted to celebrate with them, but they had to go to that stupid party, and I fell asleep before they came home, and I waited as long as I could, even this morning, I wanted to hear from them but...how were they at the party? Did they have fun?"
"I am really sorry King, but I have no idea. I didn't go to the party on the account of being really beaten up thanks to you."
"I'm sorry." King couldn't remove his eyes from the floor.
"No, I was joking...kind of." Iris chuckled.
"I'm sorry for not seeing that. Sorry for being sorry." This time he turned his head away with his gaze still on the floor. Iris felt the sweat form on the back of his head, turning to Tana or Ace for assistance. The latter giving him a thumbs up of support and mouthing, what Iris guessed was the word, MENTOR, but the unmystical creature on his upper lip made it a difficult task.
Iris decided to let the silence sit a bit longer in hopes that a new topic would present itself, but the long pause wasn't working. What made it worst was the crowd of citizens surrounding the stalls to talk to the former champion and provide sales to the delight of Ace and Soji, and the chagrin of Yuki. His ferocious stare panicked the tournament finalist, but Tenny ensured them that Yuki was just dying to hang out with Iris. The ferocious stare from Luna was exactly what they think it is, as the young one dressed sandwiches like her life depended on it. Before they knew it almost 2 hours had passed since Iris's arrival, and now came the even sulkier expression of a pink haired boy lightly kicking anything laying on the stone walkway.
"Hey guys." The tone made King sound chipper. "Where is Ashe and Ed? I wanted to hang out with them last night at the party, but they totally didn't show. I guess your celebration was awesome. What?"
Zeke startled by the wide yellow eyes begging for clarification of abandonment. "They weren't with us last night. We were sure they stayed at the party until really late."
Zeke's eyes joined the widening. Both gazes shifted to Ace and Tana overhearing the dragon's exasperation. He tried to calm them down. "It is about time we head to the arena anyway. Me and Opti will look around on the way."
"Okay!" A few voices accompanied their readiness.
"Can you stop by the room and grab my jacket too?" Tana looked in front of her to see a visible breath.
"OH MY THREE! Here?" A voice from a customer grabbed their attention, but they were turned to the swarm of people moving towards them, most walking backwards. Others from the crowd flocked to the commotion as whispers and murmurs collectively shook the air.
"Now! Now! Please if you would excuse me! I have to talk to today's finalist." King sat up straight. It wasn't until a collection of armoured individuals parted the mob that an orange haired, smiling man emerged. His expression immediately souring all of theirs. Centurys keeping all customers a large distance away allowed him to walk directly up to the front of the stall and lean on it on a way that looked more uncomfortable than standing. His face distorted slightly when looking at the final sandwiches being packed in the bag by The Little Reaper completely ignoring the commotion. Vincent's eyes locked onto King after, small jumps to Iris next to him. The large grin forming again.
"What do you want?" Iris started.
"Just came to share the update. I am not sure you heard, but Cassidy pulled out of the qualifier. It looks like Titania took a bit too much out of her. So, I came to congratulate you on making it into the Null Tournament, Ren." The man seemed to pause to give everyone time to congratulate the victor, but they chose to spend their silence waiting on a catch.
"That is a common occurrence. What brings the champion down here to tell us? Normally they would announce it in the arena." Iris gave more context. King couldn't help but focus on the crowd hugging a wall of soldiers.
"Well, I needed a crowded place in case you all get a bit hard of hearing." The smile never changed, but it looked a lot more sinister after he finished his sentence. "The legend killer over there is garnering a fan base. Normally I would have no problem until later down the road, but two birds and one stone, so today's show will be the boy versus me. What do you think?"
"I would like that." King's eyes changed before anyone else noticed. The pupils sharp again. Iris felt his chest tighten. There must be more. "I would really like that."
"Nice, we have a show, but I have a strange feeling you don't know your role boy. I have the boy and girl that is missing from this pathetic entourage, and blah blah blah, you lose, they go. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out."
Ophelia, Tana and Tenny looked to Ace. His gaze on empty wood counter and his hand slowly scratching his moustache. Deep grey eyes probably scanning future possibilities and one past promise.
"Okay, we get it," Ophelia said, "we can't say anything, or they get hurt. We hurt you in public and they get hurt and we look bad. You told us just before the match, so we don't have time for anything else. We got it, we will go along with your plan. Right, Ren?" Ace's eyes fall on the freckled warrior.
Stolen story; please report.
King was silent. His eyes sharper, and hand gripping his pants until small tears from slowly emerging claws appeared.
"King," Tana muttered with held breath. The first time she saw his quietness not resulting from being shy. Her own chest thumping with every flashing image of where they could be. How they are.
"Yea, I understand." His words clear and flat. Vincent laughed a short hearty one before standing up straight.
"See, I told you it didn't take a genius. You are The Huntress are you not? You can make it big here in Tells." Vincent turned his head to the close by stall of paused workers. "Red hair. Give me an order of fries, the one with meat and cheese on it."
"We have nothing for you here." Soji's tone spoke King's heart.
"Ha. You sure? One sound from me and you will never have a slow day in Tells again." The man turned and started his stride before any response could be mustered. "I knew there were no geniuses here."
The Centurys filed in behind him and the crowd swarmed like before. Many taking the second-hand option of asking the team about what just happened. Soji and his crew worked at getting them away while a huddle formed behind the stall.
"Ace, let me go." Iris was the first to step up.
"It is okay. They are my—" Ace's words came with a forced smile.
"Brother, they are okay. When we need you then we will need you. For now, let us handle this. You and King can go put on this show and keep an eye out. Tenny can help us search for them."
"Ai Ai!" Tenny nodded.
"Wait. I know where they are," Zeke stepped in, "Ashe and Ed have to be in the event hall. I heard my dad complaining this morning about them clearing out the building. Every worker was sent home from there today on grounds of the finals, but that is unheard of. It has to be there, and the basements are well protected since there is a lot of treasures there. Tyr, or I don't know the names."
"You just going to have to keep up pretty boy, we have no time, but good work. Brother, me and Iris will go. You can have faith in me."
"Me too!" Zeke protested. All eyes falling back on Ace's words to finalise. Luna took a stand for everyone's attention too.
"No Zeke, little one. This isn't a match. Anything can happen in a battle; it is too risky. Ophelia and I are the best option. Ace, please leave this to me. I have a reason to fight." Luna pouted but nodded to the request.
Ace couldn't hold back the small chuckle before placing his hands on his head. "Thinking about it. Those kids got themselves into trouble, and their connections are bringing them out. Sometimes I think I worry for nothing. Come back as soon as possible, let's see if we can allow King to continue being a legend killer."
"Should I go with them for weapons?" Tenny asked. Ace looked to the pair.
"My home is close to the hall. I have what I need there. Enough for Ophelia too." Ace nodded and the two volunteers dashed ahead, while Luna held onto Zeke's collar. They nimbly avoided the crowd they could, but there was still a mass from the recent horde, all celebrating on their way to the finals.
"We might have to take the rooftops. How good is your running, berserker?" Ophelia ducked through the closest empty street she could find.
"I never tried it but lead the way." The end of his sentence came with a flow of green lifting the woman to the nearby roof. Iris felt fire take hold of his calf and replaced his next step with a stomp. The divot from his leap joins in crashing into the tiles, ripping them from their homes. Ophelia paused her run to watch the inelegant landing followed by a tile massacring stumble. "I am learning."
The run starts again. This time he keeps up quite effortlessly over the small gaps between housings. "There was something wrong with Ace back there. Why did you panic instead of him?" Iris asked.
"I gave him a hard time recently, and he gives himself one more than you can imagine. But when I looked at how calm and calculating he looked I panicked. If he started going down the path, something bad might happen. Like he might change into something none of us besides he recognised. I just reacted because I don't want to lose him. I don't want any of them to lose him or each other. All of them have been going through a lot recently, and he looked like one of the worst when I saw him again. He even asked me if I wanted to travel with them to be a mentor. He thinks he is in over his head."
"Teachers are important."
***
"No, the twins' mom left them and stopped being a Treble when they were three. Lyon told me about it." Stella's voice was barely above a whisper. It didn't take much to overcome the sound of darkness.
"But does Ophelia even like him like that? I can't tell with her. There is only one person I know she wants, and well most did too." Jack's words were accompanied by a rhythmic tapping on the metallic walls.
"I thought the same, but Ophy is different when she talked about him recently. She had to catch herself and changed the topic so quickly. I couldn't get her to talk about it anymore."
"Aw. That would be nice if they have each other," Jack purred. Stella immediately responded with an agreeing sound, until the sound of dark silence began to sit too long. "It's so dark. Ace would have died in here." Another agreeing sound came from the girl.
"Jack, you remember when you took my hand to pull me away from danger back at your home. Did you think life would turn out like this at all?" Jack thought the pause was his time to think, but the tone in her voice told him that her second question was what she wanted to ask. "Do you regret it?"
"It might sound funny, but I really never thought about it, so for sure I don't regret it." Jack inhaled what Stella imagined was a deep thought, since the exhale was silent. "I remember the main thought was 'Oh crap, Boras is going to kill me.' Sometimes I used to detour after deliveries or jobs to watch their hunting missions, or if they trained in the fields. Rodriguez, well even Boras was the coolest to me back then. Until I saw you wipe them out. A girl who was dealing with the world of trouble, just effortlessly showed me that the world out there must be cooler. I didn't even realise when I took your hand. It just felt like I needed to, that doing that was what I had to do to be the person I needed to be.
"I do admit that I think about going home and living quietly. That thought has been popping up more recently, but I never thought that I shouldn't have travelled with you and the others. To have met Luna. To have seen a dragon's skull. Fight in a tournament and have thousands call my name. Thanks to taking your hand, I got a lot of questions answered while I was seeing the world."
"Well, this might sound really funny too, but that sounded more like you than you normally do. Thanks for saving me that day, hero. I may be stubborn, but I realise how much that moment saved my life."
Jack didn't know what to say, but he understood that neither of them had to say anything. Memories they just talked about and those they didn't flashed in Jack's head. Not long enough for any level of scrutiny, but enough that emotions from each collected and welled inside his chest. The idea that his friend stuck in this situation and been through it all, was feeling the same way, caused his cheek to reflect his heart. Good thing she couldn't see it.
"Today for those in attendance, and those listening. It is time for the finals of what was a round of qualifiers for the history books."
"Do you hear that?" Jack asked.
"We have a slight change in the works that some of you must have heard of. We do apologise for having to close betting on the match..."
"That is Mo. We must be close to the arena. In the arena?" Jack said.
"Or the event hall." Stella looked to where she hears his voice. "But either way the final is starting. Where are those two?"
"They will be here soon. There is no way they wouldn't check by now." Jack sighed. "He kidnapped us for the match, right? Maybe Ace is just waiting for the match to be over. So, he doesn't have to fight."
"But would they let us go? I don't think he will trust them well enough for that." Stella returned to her normal volume.
"No one would believe us, I am guessi—"
The building shook with a distant crash. It was instantaneously followed by the low steady rumble of what must be hundreds of footsteps moving at once. Undoubtedly towards their saviours. Jack shuffled around and tried to get to his feet, while his bound hands found the nearby wall. Stella listening to the ruffling of clothes and deciding to find her feet as well, but both stunned by the sound of metal creaking.
"The door?" Stella asked. No light indicating such luck, but it only took a second for the metal to creak again.
"Heheheheheahhhahahahaaha..." The muffled laugh came from the same corner they assumed the door was. Armour screeched on each other like it was unfolding something not meant to fit in it. The low laugh not stopping.
"Is he in here with us?" Stella asked.
"Ace better hurry!" Jack moved away from the sound hoping Stella had the same idea.
"It sounded like a lot of them. Even he would take a couple minutes to get here."
"Damn."
***
Ace ran his hand on the stonework making up the dark tunnel. Stone powder falling with his inspection, some deciding to coat his fingers. Tenny was on Tana's shoulders, both looking at the aggravated mind painted on King's face. The ten or so Century soldiers lining the tunnels with them seemed the immediate target of his ire. Luna holding onto his hand only seemed to fuel her own rage.
"We got some good seats to the show this time," Ace said, wiping the stone dust under his eyes leaving a speckled grey streak. Something Tana saw many hunters do with mud or paints.
"I want to beat him badly," King grumbled.
"Well, if you want then I can just go get them, and you can fight as normal. I would prefer not to since I trust Iris and Ophy, but it is your day, King. Just say the word, hopefully it wouldn't hurt his confidence too much if I take over," Ace answered.
"I trust Iris too." King's face twisted to embarrassment in an instant. He chipperly stammered before uttering a defence. "Iris can definitely do it. He is really strong. He will get Jack in no time. I can hold on. I promise."
Tana slapped the back of Ace's head hard enough from specs of stone to dance in the air. "That was sneaky, but I am missing something. King, you like Iris now?"
"Yea. He did and is doing something I might never get to do, and I think it is really cool. I want to be like that someday to. Find a purpose like his, for the people I have." King turned a familiar red.
"King! That is so precious! Okay, we will work towards that." Tana hugged the boy turning him redder when he noticed the all the Century's peering. "But I am still not convinced. Couldn't Tenny have gone as well. Iris sounds great, and I love Ophy, but the more the better am I right. If all of you go then it is over quickly."
"I don't like the feeling in the air." Ace rubbed his palms before blowing on it. "There is something else going on here. The way that special guard has been all morning. The whole idea of blackmail and Vincent said something about two birds. I am worried that someone noticed King yesterday."
Luna turned to King that seemed more surprised than them. Tenny chipped up, "Mystical magic is different. There is some magic that Ace asks me to hide so people don't get curious. People often get scared by what they don't understand, or they try and capture it. King's dark magic is different than mine and even more so than humans."
"Tells is a big place, and we don't know everyone here and what they are capable of," Ace took over again, "Jack and Stella are safer than others since we know where they are, and the enemy assumes we play along. Unless there is a blade to their neck right now, I am not too worried. I rather Tenny here because the place is so crowded. If they try and take King during the match, then I will need Tenny to keep the people safe."
"Is that what you whispered to Zeke before he ran off?" Tana looked stumped.
"Yea, I told him to talk to his dad about anything strange happening. This came together way too fast if they only noticed last night, so it might not involve King at all." Ace looked to the pouting dragon. "What's wrong, King?"
"Should I have not used my powers?" King panicked.
"No, it is okay. Always be you." Ace smiled. "Don't be ashamed of who you are. Remember what Stella told you. You are you, and I am here for you."
"Me too," Tenny chippered.
"Me too." Tana gently took a hold of some white hair. Luna tugged on his hand until he took noticed. A solid shake of her head up and down confirmed her support.
"Now, time for you to get your ass kicked!" Ace raised his hand.
"Yeah! I'm going to get my ass kicked." King jumped to meet the hand with excitement.
***
"Today for those in attendance, and those listening. It is time for the finals of what was a round of qualifiers for the history books," Mo started after King made his way to the centre of the stage, "We have a slight change in the works that some of you must have heard of. We do apologise for having to close betting on the match, but we have a special treat to end this special week.
"Due to Cassidy's forfeit, the champion of the arena, Vincent has decided to have an exhibition match with the finalist Ren. Ren will automatically qualify for the Null Tournament, but we wanted to give you all a show anyway. Give it up for the champion, Vincent Ganes."
The air was decimated with cheers, vibrating enough to make King conscious of his breath. No, it was just hard to breath. The sporadic low rumble fighting his heartbeat while the deafening of his ears caused his eyes to squint slightly.
None of those sensations present in his mind when he looked at the orange haired man make his way on the stone pathway. The black shoulder guard strapped on him caused King's jaw to clench and pupil to contract. He couldn't stop looking at the armour while thinking about the painful expression on a mother's face. That man's sister.
Lost in thought, King didn't realise the snow collecting on his shoulders and dressing the ground. He didn't notice the girl performing her introductory duties had already left the ring. He didn't notice the Century had already made his way to the hourglass.
He did notice the voice on the amplifier.
"Fight!"