[https://img.wattpad.com/fa5821b9f8b50ece636ce0f803ff7b31eb2c4766/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f346375423750716e5275424f32773d3d2d313338363931303630302e313738613230623634646536613763343331363239323639383639382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
They stood outside of the tremendous structure not far behind the arena. When approaching, the hall seemed tiny behind the colossal stadium, but standing before it now made Jack's heart skip a beat. There must be a lot of fancy people in that large fancy building. It was rectangular in shape with stone pillars adorning the front, holding a stone balcony filled with dresses and suits walking, talking and clinking glasses. More stone rectangles were stacked behind the visible banister, and an array of yellow glass rectangles embellished it. Too much light for them to see through. Intimidating.
Jack's eyes bounced between the fancy clothes before falling on the outfits of the team. The tailor was only couple of blocks towards the arena, but the gift of a warm bath before getting ready took them longer than they thought. Mo left in the middle of the process to make it to the party on time, but he really wanted to see Tana first. Jack understood why. Tana hurried to be the first ready so she could assist everyone else. Everyone's reactions were almost identical when they spotted her the first time. She moved from place to place in a silver dress the tailor insisted on. Her eyes. It has to frame her eyes was hid demand. The thin silver straps held a texture portion flowing over her chest but ending in a pattern before her hips. A flowing soft fabric took its place to dress Tana's legs but a high slit to one side made its job difficult with every step she took. Her back was betrayed by the fabric, left to bear the elements, but the front was flourished with sequins, something Jack had the thrill of watching the tailor make adjustments too. It wasn't Jack's craft, but he was mesmerised nonetheless until he got in trouble for not getting ready yet. The tailor also presented the option of make-up for an extra extra bit of token. Mo was happy to provide once again but missed out on seeing the results. A subtle gloss on Tana's lips and an even subtler silver shine above her, already long, eyelashes and her hair tied back with her bangs sweeping away like tapestry.
Ace had finally returned and gifted them an expression that seemed priceless. His eyes tracking the silver dress that blushed when first saw him but was too busy to entertain much longer. The boys were next and got ready in time. All of them dressed in black. Suits fitted to them properly and black shoes to match. It was almost like a uniform besides the little flairs of each. Jack used a thin black elastic band to keep his hair out of his face instead of his usual method. This allowed for Tiger to make an appearance on Jack's black tie instead. Ace combed his hair and used some product to keep it that way, but strands already made an attempt at returning home, so Jack wasn't sure how he would look by the end of the night. His suit fit wonderful, but he insisted on opening his blazer and couple of buttons on his shirt. No tie. Comfortable. The tailor tried to change King's hairstyle, but he wouldn't allow it. It had to be as is. Everything else, he conformed to, blazer, shoes, tie, and even a white rose pinned to his lapel. Tenny was even gifted a white bow tie to accent his mismatched natural suit.
Ophelia was next to finish. Her hair in the same free flow, but her bangs pinned to the side. A black suit was her choice as well, but her jacket was large and hanging on her shoulders like a cape. Her white shirt was more form fitting than the guys with suspenders running through them to a large black pants that flowed from above her hips, directly to the ground. Luna tried to match them as well, but the highlighted silver eyes and quaking bottom lip got her to agree to a poofy black dress with flaring sleeves and silver leggings.
Stella was the final reveal, after the others heard a dispute about her choice, she emerged in a light blue dress flowing to her ankles. She was wrapped in the cloudless sky with it starting from her chest. Her shoulders to arms were only dressed by her ashen hair fall down her back and some falling over her collar bones. Her black onyx earrings were replaced with white pearls, and no hairpin in sight. The folded fabric pulled over the top of stomach, then into her hips. The smooth area started from this point until the rest. White heels held her up.
The same white heels that she cursed after a couple minutes of walking towards the venue. The behaviour seemed to calm King's nerves, but elevated Jack's. He was looking at the scowl on his friend. The light blue above her violet eyes pinched by her eyebrows. Her teeth pressing into the light pink lipstick coating her bottom lip. She will be there with them. She has handled these things before. It will be alright.
"There is normally transport to these things. Who walks the roads when dressed like this!" Stella huffed.
"Sorry I could only take one." Ace's words reinforced with a thumbs up from Luna solidly locked onto his back.
"You could have pulled a cart or something. It's just excuses with you," Stella griped.
"Come on guys! We are already late!" Tana dragged a moustached wagon ahead.
Time for a new experience Jack thought. Feeling a bit more excited following Tana's enthusiasm.
***
The surroundings were magnificent. An immediate gratitude for seeing this alone made the night worth it. White marble tiles held up the massive crowd of guest and staff walking towards goals. No one truly stationary besides those pointing those to their objective. The seams between each piece of stone were minute, and straight as can be as they made their way up the walls. Those took the task of holding magnificent works of art able to steal Jack's breath.
Entire stories painted in between golden frames. People Jack would never know, stood on those walls in grand fashion, immortalised for those given the chance to step into this magnificent landscape. Jack was familiar with paintings already. People had the chance to practice and improve since it didn't require an instrument like the upkeeping of music. Many were decent like Mr. Sam that did the portrait of his mother. However, this was on another level. The time and materials of one would encompass most projects a ledger wouldn't allow for, and this wall contained countless.
A hand grabbed onto his bicep and dragged him forward. He broke his astonishment to see Tana wasn't letting them soak in too much before reaching the party. Her small heel clanking loudly on the ground as a reflection of the effort she put in dragging who she could towards the stairs.
Finally at their destination, Jack couldn't help but look at all the eyes on them. Stares and mumbles caused Jack to quickly place his hand onto Tiger. They must know who they are, the wave of anxiety told him. His darting vision finally focused on a pair's eyes, then another, then a group, they all were looking next to him instead. He turned to see Tana's big smile and fingers pointing at the decorations and Stella indulging her. Jack exhaled. He needed to relax.
He followed Tana's fingers to see the sparkling crystal webs holding little yellow bulbs around them. He followed the flow of the ceiling stopping slowly to see all the other intricately designed lights that illuminated their evening. Each was their own art piece that could have stolen the show at whatever location they could have been in, but here they fought for attention. Fitting. Jack looked over to the wall of glass and focused on the arena bathed in dim moonlight. The hands holding a crescent of light above the kingdom. Home of warriors.
Jack looked around and noticed the stares weren't just for Tana. Ophelia gathered gazes as well. Gazes from scarred men and women. Giants and speedsters, all glancing at each other in between their activities. Laughing, focused, the range of expressions was as varied as the crowd. The clear distinction of the sponsors interested, and the warriors intrigued.
"Ashe!" A voice shook his concentration. He looked over to see pink hair and ecstatic eyes cutting through the crowd, waving his hand in the air.
"Ashe?" Jack asked.
"Long story."
"Oh, there is the pretty boy," Ophelia said.
"Ashe! I am so glad to see you. I am sorry I couldn't walk you home earlier, I really had to deal with some stuff."
"That's okay. Zeke, these are my friends. Ed, Ori, Tyr, Ren and the little fluffy ball is Opti. You met the others."
"Ed!" A voice startled Zeke. Liu appeared behind the pink haired fighter to great Jack with a high five. "Looks like you got to enter the tournament. This is exciting."
"Hey Liu. This is—"
"You must be the mentor." Liu walked over to Ace who greeted her with a smile. "You do seem weird. Ed! Let's go look at the competition."
"Ashe! Let's go! I want to introduce you to some others. My brother is here too." Zeke took Stella by the hand. She tried to refuse, but Jack had already made his way through the crowd holding onto King, and Tenny switch to Luna's head on Ace's back.
"Well, if you are choosing to join me, then I understand our mission," Ace said.
"FOOD!" Tenny and Ace's synchronised yelled drew some eyes and Tana's embarrassment.
"Go!" Luna's yell barely made it to the ears of her transport.
"Wait..." Ace turned to the remaining best friends. "Your plans?"
"I want to go see the band and walk around a bit." Tana pointed.
"I won't let her out of my sight." Ophelia smiled.
***
"I didn't get to ask you if you were coming tonight. Drink?" Zeke asked, while taking two glasses from a passing server. Stella nodded and downed her glass in one. Zeke began speech but it turned to a laugh when he saw her grabbing another two from the ready to move waiter.
"You should have a lot of information. Tell me about the competition." Stella looked around.
"Isn't that what your friend is going to do right now? I want to show you the way around the sponsors. How to get those to lend support if you will be staying in Tells. More importantly, we have certain people to avoid."
"Fine, I can live with that. Do I avoid people like those guys over there." Stella pointed to an aged gentleman. He had a muscular build for that age, but smaller than Arthur Magna, but who could really keep up with a former general Stella thought. Extravagance found a home in his deep blue blazer with gold flower patterns woven throughout the entire shape. His colour matched pants had two gold strips to the side. Nothing screamed more importance than the polished metal cane he clearly didn't need and the large cigar hanging from his mouth. The smoke mixing with his thick brushed back grey mane.
"I wouldn't fully say that. He has always been good to kingdom, but he is a fearsome man indeed. An ex-general named Lance." Zeke pulled a chair for Stella, but she refused. Hearing the man was an ex-general made her feel less intimidated. Like he was somehow a lesser Arthur. "He is practically the face of the arena, and one of the big sponsors too. He retired from organising two years ago and left the kingdom but made a return this year in time for the Null Tournament."
"Oh! The Centurys." Stella twisted her head in excitement. Looking around at the men who screamed of formal training.
"Exactly, they are all strong warriors that used to, or want to serve under him." Zeke pointed to some of them that she already pinned. A small smile when she found out that she was right. Zeke blushed when he noticed it.
Stella's sights locked onto another muscular man approaching Lance. This one wore a more traditional suit. It looked tight on his build, but the man himself looked sturdier than the ex-general, but somehow the size looked like it was meant for him, like he was always that way. The eye catcher came in the form of a green laurel entwined with his shortish orange hair. It flowed from his temple to the other, passing behind his head and it was doing its job well.
He arrived later than them, but the room stopped when he entered. It was subtle, but tension held the air regardless. Not a second after, a lanky branch like figure dressed fully in dulled armour, and a helmet that hid his face behind a cone shape like a beak but far too symmetrical to be found in nature. Two eye slits blackened like the thin long hair that flowed down his back.
"What the hell is that?" Stella gasped.
"Don't overdo it." Zeke walked in front of her. "The one with the crown is the champion of the arena. Vincent Ganes, he would be considered the strongest in Tellacules. His right hand is that armoured man. The Butcher is his moniker, and they are the only ones to be wary of besides sponsors. They hold a lot of influence."
"The Butcher? That's intimidating." Stella couldn't look away from the skeletal frame hovering around the champion.
"You have no idea. Vincent came with him to the Tells around 8 years ago and there were rumours that he came from a Dark Kingdom. In his first year, he chopped of a legend of the arena's arm. He was suspended for 5 years and only made a return to the arena two years ago. He has stuck around Vincent, who has been champion since then."
Stella reached for another glass from a server in motion while Zeke stopped him to place an order. Her eyes focused on the metal and orange like everyone else. It took another glance of orange hovering around The Butcher to break her focus. "Roland!" Stella called and waved. A few turned including the recipient of the call, but the head turn of the champion made her recognise her volume.
Roland ducked and weaved through the crowd, but it was only in the straightaway did Stella notice the force he took with each step and the scowl on his face. Ah, he looks like he always scowls, and she was excited at a chance to give him her name.
"What the hell is your problem?" He stormed up. Stella felt flustered by her confusion, unable to attach voice to her breathes. "Why did you call my name? Why would you do that? Do you know me?"
"I'm sorry. I don't know what I did wrong."
"You sold m—"
"Now, now Roland. That is no way to talk to a girl. Especially one so beautiful. Zeke, it is a pleasure to see you too." Vincent made his way over without them noticing. "Forgive my nephew madam. It looks like my sister didn't teach him well enough. But you have grown quite a bit, how old are you now? 16?"
"18," the boy answered. Stella noticed that there wasn't much delay before The Butcher hovered behind Vincent and Roland. Her eyes being dragged into the black slots in the helmet for a couple seconds before darting her vision all around again. She didn't like the feeling she was getting. Her feet turned inwards, and her spine tried to jump out of her body.
"Oh, you still interested in joining the military? What are you doing in Tells?"
"You know damn well what I came for! I want it back and I want to bring you down!" Roland took a step in his aggression and a quick armoured hand was aimed at his throat. Only the grip of the champion keeping the palm a couple inches away.
"You know this is my home." Vincent released the arm and it returned to normal. A small step towards Roland. "You can't do anything so you might as well leave. If you do something again, then I won't stop him." The champion and his shadow left. Roland looked at Stella and scoffed. No words, but his footsteps spoke to her about the trouble she just caused.
Apparently, a man in a white pinstripe suit and pink hair thought the same. He barely jogged to the two of them. His right eye covered with an eye patch and left leg was bent to avoid strain. The little collection of powder at the bottom of the eye patch felt odd especially the way it blended in with his skin. "Zeke! Are you okay? What did Vincent want with you?"
Zeke pulled away the hands twisting his face around. He looked down and smiled at the new on comer. An elegantly dressed woman was close in tow. Her wavy hair flowed past her back and showed a midnight blue where the light was the most intense. Her rosy cheeks matched her full lips and bright blue eyes felt soft and unlike the rest of her sculpted beauty. "Zeke! What is going on?"
"Ashe, this is my brother Ray, and that is our childhood friend Ishbet, who comes from another family of sponsors in Tells."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Ashe." Ishbet bowed slightly. "That is a wonderful dress you are wearing. You look lovely in that colour."
"I like the colour too," Zeke blurted out. His disappearing freckles brought much delight to his brother and friend.
"Thank you. I was almost deterred from the blue, but I am glad I chose it." Stella took a small glance around and found what she was looking for over her shoulder. Her head snapped back. "You look amazing in that gown."
"She does doesn't she," Ray spoke, "Nice to meet you ma'am."
"You too Ray. I hear you are the trouble in the family." Stella grinned. Zeke blushed. Ray's mouth fell slightly ajar. His sight on Zeke and then the soft eyes of Ishbet turned his expression into a smile.
"Yea you can say that. I am sorry to dash away, but I was in the middle of a conversation and got worried. Vincent isn't someone you should be around, and Zeke knows that. If you will excuse us." Ray and Ishbet retreated.
"Thank The Three that they are gone." Zeke's body was facing her, but his face was looking at the closest chandelier. "Ashe, would you like to dance?"
***
"So the champion just talked to Lande and he won't be fighting in the tournament?" Jack asked.
"But, the tall scary one will be?" King asked.
"Hit the nail on the head boys. The champion won last Null Qualifier. So, he is in. The tall one made it to the finals but lost. It wasn't much of a fight from what I saw. The champion dominated," Liu said.
King took a step behind Jack and slightly ducked his head when the armour and orange-haired man walked from Stella to their direction. Liu tilted her head slightly when looking at King and Jack noticed her mouth framing the start of a question.
"How many Null Qualifiers are there?" Jack was quick.
"Umm. Until there are 20 competitors. Since it runs twice a month it usually finishes just before the last month and the finals are at the end of the year. How can you guys not know this but fight in the tournament?"
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
"Our teacher has a real laid back, 'we will figure it out', kind of attitude." Jack chuckled.
"He said that we would have taken the time to gather information today and tomorrow, but the day was hectic. There is this new lady that knows about it though, so I think we should be fine. I trust Ac...Tyr." King was now away from Jack. The faintest aggression coming from him.
"Who else are we looking out for? You mentioned the twins, Aza and Dia. Jason over there with the woolly jacket, and Titania the Earth Queen."
"Yea, I think the Ice Queen took her nickname from Titania. It must be." Liu looked deep into their nervous eyes for conformation.
"I have a strange feeling that she didn't choose the name." Jack laughed.
"You would be wrong," Liu asserted, "Besides them, there are a lot of faces I don't know, and I only saw a few others fight. The Huntress is deadly, I am not sure if she is here tonight because she always wears a mask. Oh, Max and Romi are two rookies that made a big splash last year." Liu pointed to two men arm wrestling on a table in the corner. A few suits whispering around them. "There is also a legend in the arena named Iris. He has always made it to the semi-finals and was the previous champion."
Jack took a moment to scan the room, trying to guess who the mystery legend might be. His face falling on anyone looking experienced. This exercise formed butterflies in his stomach. He would have to face most of these people in battle. A usual excitement formed, but his mind flashed to the red snow. His heart quaked and hand grabbed the wooden emblem swaying in front of his heart.
"The pink haired boy with your friend over there is a decent fighter as well. Really inexperienced though." Liu guided their views with a finger again. Just this time, Jack followed something else. A chain hanging from the pants pocket of a server walking past Stella. He grabbed Liu's shoulder.
"Look!" he whispered intensely. The server took his tray over to a table that seated a man with a chain attached from the bottom of his left ear to the top. The lack of tension allowed the silver to sway with every minuscule move.
"The chain?" King asked.
"Yea, it is the symbol of the gang from today," Jack said. Liu shook her head with intrigue.
"What do you want to do?" she asked.
"We should follow them, right?" Jack's question barely felt like a question, but King took the opportunity anyway. Jack felt his chest closed in and a flash of red snow entered his mind again. This time with a quick voice. What are you doing? Last time wasn't enough?
"It doesn't have to be. It could just be a fashion piece, right? What would they be doing at a party anyway? Besides, look, Lande is calling us," King said. They looked over to see the ashen hair warrior flagging them down hurriedly, but inconspicuously. Her subtle glances and raised eyebrows screamed impatience. Jack began to move but he noticed the chain earring man was missing. No signs of the server too.
"That is what we should find out." Jack's own argument forced him into an action he is unsure about. It wasn't his business. It could cause them trouble, but others could be in danger. He had to act. He already told King his decision.
He paced his walk to make it to the corridor they must have used. Liu and King right behind him. Hesitation in peaking down the path, but haste in moving onto another one. Step to step they all searched the top floor without going into the rooms. Any open space their eyes could scan was inspected, but nothing.
"I am kind of glad we didn't find them. We would have had to fight right? I am not ready to fight yet." King's voice as soft as ever.
"Don't worry. I am here, and your base is plenty strong. You should believe in yourself more." Jack ruffled his hair. King's face turned red and looked away.
"Him? Plenty strong? Damn your eyes are yellow," Liu said.
"Forget that. What do you think about this? It is way too suspicious for both people with chains to disappear in the middle of a party." Jack scratched just under his eye.
"Yea, you may be right. Something is going on here," Liu said.
***
"This is so good!" Tenny spilled crumbs on Ace's blazer. Another bacon wrapped sausage coming his way.
Luna waved her plate filled with apple pie in front of Ace's eyes. She was now sitting on Ace's shoulders to free up her hands. She couldn't reach foods she wanted but pointing was working for her thus far, even if she had to wait a bit for Tenny's hand to be filled. The little creature found a place on Luna's left leg to complete the trifecta of tableliers. They were the embodiment of hungry as they sampled almost everything on the table already. Ace placed a sausage wrapped in bacon on Luna's flailing plate.
"No," she muttered.
"You don't want it?" Ace tried to look above his forehead but realised the futility quickly. Tenny reached for the sausage on Luna's plate, but she fended the creature off.
"Fine." Tenny pointed for another one. "She wants us to try the apple pie. Hey, Ace I rhymed. I am going to write a song tonight!"
"The apple...pie." Ace grabbed a piece and sent some for Tenny's hand. They both synchronised an unceremonious noise that could only be defined as delicious with the right context clues. "This is so good."
"Mhmm. Today," Luna said.
"Oh this taste like Pie Man's pies. I will definitely check him out one of these days." Ace stuffed his face with the pastry. A hand reached across him and took hold of the bacon sausage pairing. Ace looked over to the fellow tablelier and so did Luna. Both staring at the tall man, just barely shorter than the two of them stacked. "Goof wite?" Ace said as crumbs escaped his chew.
"Mhmm." The man had a soft smile ignoring Ace's vulgarity.
The moustache quickly swallowed to free up space for his voice. "Damn, you are one good looking guy."
The man's eyes opened as much as they could. The pupil centred on Ace, and then Luna, who met the contact with her blank stare while continuing to chew, then it was stolen by the nodding head of the creature that pushed one rounded fluffy thumb in the air. The man's expression softened, and a smile formed. He reached for his plate before looking back at them.
"Thanks friend. I haven't heard that one before." His voice was low and rhythmic. His eyes were small and a rich brown. Not orange or yellow like Jack's or King's but its own shade of golden that suited his dark complexion. His nose was bent towards the middle and returned to a straight before the end. His mouth wide and a small patch of black hair on the bottom of his chin, but no signs that any had ever existed on his head.
"It may not be in the most obvious way, but trust me, you got the looks and definitely the height. Oh, you forgot to try some apple pie. It is amazing."
"Thanks. Do you mind? I just picked up my plate." His small chuckle carried a subtle bass. Ace glanced down to the hand holding the plate. Then to the other sleeve.
"I am so sorry. How did I miss that?" Ace reached over and grabbed a slice of apple pie and plopped it to the side of the man's plate. "It really is that good. It should cost an arm and leg. I guess you only owe the leg."
The man's loud laughter echoed in their corner. The servers and guest around all alerted with most returning to normal. Others looked lost in trying to figure out what just happened. "I never met someone as blatantly easy going as you. That was really bol—"
The man interrupted by Luna placing her hands directly on his head. Ace gasped a little, but the moment of confusion brought a silence that lasted at least a second.
"I am so sorry. This has never happened before. Lun...Lana, your hand's aren't clean." Ace quickly reached for a napkin and spilled a touch of water on it. Luna passing the damp paper over the spot.
"I guess I met two people, that bold tonight." His laugh was infectious. "This is your daughter?"
"Something so."
"Well, it was nice to meet you. My name is Iris."
"Nice to meet you. I am Tyr, this is Lana, and the fluff is Opti."
"Nice to meet you," Tenny said. Iris expressed his surprise, but trying to find confirmation in Luna's black stare just brought a laugh to his face.
"I feel like that matches the personalities I met. I hope to see you again."
"Do you have to leave? What are you going to do?" Ace asked.
"I have a table over there. I am going to have a bite."
"There is no one over there. You eat by yourself?"
"I am sure people will find me, but you are welcome to join me. I would be glad if you did."
"Let them find you here. All the cool ones eat by the serving table. Plus, if these two took a seat I would spend more time as a waiter than talking to you."
The same deep chuckle shook their chests. "I understand. Okay, but I..."
"We got it."
Iris stood tall next to the moustache. They both facing the crowd. Luna was holding her plate while Ace was holding Tenny's and Iris's. Tenny took from his and Luna fed Ace and herself. Iris was in charge of restocking whatever hors d'oeuvres was required. His left hand was effectively quick at retrieval. Their combination drawing eyes from those that dared to get close to them.
"Looks like people are curious about the dream team. Am I right Iris?" Ace laughed but had to dodge the small sandwich Luna was swinging at him.
"I have been to hundreds of these, and I can't say I ever had an experience like this."
"You fighting tomorrow?" Ace asked.
"I am. You?"
"Nah I have some students taking part. They are around here somewhere."
"That is something I am interested in myself. Having students that is...Thank you. I think I am done." Iris smiled. Luna removed the cream puff she placed for him and indulged on his, yet to arrive, regret.
"Tell me your pla...hey Ori. Where is Ophelia." Ace saw his friend making her way through the crowd, looking around as if someone was lost, or someone was after her. "This is our new friend Iris."
"Nice to meet you." She paused and raised her chin until it was almost in line with her neck. "Huh, at least we won't have to give this one a haircut."
"I am amazed you can even see that," Ace said before receiving a kick.
"Nice to meet you, Iris."
"Same to you madam."
"Lande was calling us over for help. I think she wanted to escape her new friend, so Ophelia attempted but is caught now too. I was listening to the band and got a few drinks from the server, but I was too nervous to get some more." Her exhale was sorrowful.
"You are actually nervous?"
"Ugh. I get nervous too. I never been to something so fancy, and I don't want to look bad. I want to go to things like this often, so I have to get it right." Her cheeks puffed with determination.
"Got it. Well then." Ace removed Luna from his shoulders to the surprise of the little one. She stared blankly at him. "Friend, can you look after her a bit."
"Sure. Is it wise to trust someone with your daughter so easily?" Iris's eyebrows showed concern.
"She is more dangerous that most people here. Plus, Opti is around, so I don't have to worry." Ace turned to silver dress and looked at the silver eyes. He extended his hand to her. "Let's get you some practice. Will you dance with me?"
Tana instinctively took his hand. Her face tinged. "No one else is dancing."
"That is fine." Ace walked forward with a stronger grip. "There is a bit of open space around the band. I am sure they will play to suit us if we show them appreciation with our steps. Come on, let's go!" His face turned back with a smile. Tana tried to exhale, but already out of breath.
She couldn't get her mind to focus on their path. Her imagination was too dominant, but he was in the lead through the maze of socialites and competitors, and she believed in the warmth in her palm. An increase in strength caused her to slightly stumble forward. Her body twisting across to face her friend, her feet trying to catch her, but instead a hand took hers for assistance. She was close to him, his eyes finally showing dark grey. He slowly leaned back, slight tension in her fingers told her to follow. Chase the grey eyes. Towards him. To the right. Twist. Towards him. The rhythm found her with the increase in volume. She turned her head to see the band looking at them. Smiles on their faces brought one to hers. She turned back to her partner with her newfound grin and enjoyed his.
"I am surprised Luna stayed with your new friend." Tana felt more comfortable with the pace. She noticed a pink haired man and woman with black ha...dark blue hair started to dance. They exchanged smiles while stepping past each other.
"Yea. That was really unexpected, and she randomly touched his head, like I had no idea what to do."
"No way. We really can't expect anything with these guys huh."
"Tana. Thanks for everything you do for us. I don't say it enough."
"I am amazing aren't I." Tana chuckled; her head fell to Ace's chest. He released a hand and placed his to the middle of her back. Her shoulder blades recoil slightly but returned as she placed more weight onto him. The band slowly finished the tempo to start a slower one. The grin on the string player caught Tana's eyes on this cycle. Her body slowly swaying and turning to now see that a few others shared the space.
"Hey Ace..." Tana closed her eyes. The rhythms of his heart caught her focus more than the lovely piece from the ensemble. Her body gently guided to her next step. "What are you going to do after you all beat Ira?"
"I am not sure. I never really thought about it." Tana felt Ace's body slow down while answering.
"How could you not? If I was you, that would be all I could think about."
"Well, how about you?" Ace asked.
"No fair. I asked you first."
"You really put me on the spot here. I really enjoyed today. Soji's stall, so maybe something similar. Maybe an entire restaurant someday or a tavern." Tana enjoyed hearing him get carried away for the few seconds it lasted. She listened to all of their dreams besides his, Tenny's and Luna's. Luna wasn't for a lack of trying, but she always felt odd to ask Ace. Always had this strange feeling that he would tell her when he was ready.
"I can picture that for sure, and lucky for you, I happen to know a great server."
"What happened to your life of luxury, dream?"
"I'll get it eventually, but I don't mind giving you a hand in the meantime." Tana pulled with all her might to get him to budge. His body only moving closer after he got the message. "I hope we get to spend time after the mission. All of us. I know that is selfish and I know it's unlikely. It is how life works, but after what happened to Noa...I don't want to lose anyone again. Not even them leaving us on another adventure."
"Kyouko, I can't pr—"
"I know I know, just don't say it now. Everyone looks up to you. Even me, so don't say it for now. Not tonight."
"Okay. Thank you for tonight. I am glad we came."
"It is a nice ball. I can really get used to this."
***
Ace was coated in the moon's beauty as it floated above the arena. The stars like tiny embers of the moon, drifting across the entire sky. His hands pressed onto edge of the balcony in the little space he had to himself. Party goers of all kinds moving back and forth, but just out of his area of contemplation. Until a familiar creature appeared in a blink between his arms.
"Tana returned by herself, so I got worried. She looked happy, so I figured it wasn't too bad. What happened?"
"She asked me about the future." Ace looked down, but just off to the side of the creature. The distance in the stare didn't get any closer for the second Tenny waited.
"Ace, I know this is for me. I know it's for them, and I know it's for you, but this is too much. I can't lose you to this. If we need to go back, then we need to go back."
"I want to say it will all be okay. Just tonight made me a bit scared. I will be okay buddy I promise. It might be a bit too much."
"I think you guys forgot something," Iris said approaching them with Luna wrapped around his back. Her eyes had the slimmest glimmer being at a new height.
"What happened to Ori?" Ace asked.
"Two other girls found her and dragged her away, so I came to look for you. Is everything okay?" The large man tried to put down the girl, but her hands refused to loosen. The slight sway back and forth to shake her was futile.
"Yea, just thinking."
"If it's about the tournament, then don't worry. Your students shouldn't get too hurt, and we have amazing doctors." Iris smiled. His face changing slightly by the realisation that prying something apart is much easier with two hands. Ace walked over and snapped The Reaper off and placed her to the ground when she immediately jumped onto the ledge for a seat.
"Yea, that did make me feel better."
"I am telling you. Ray is a fighter. He was hiding injuries and favouring his leg," Stella said walking to them. She was holding two glasses of champagne, but not champagne glasses. The two tall holders filled with golden liquid. Ophelia had two bottles in her hand while Tana gripped her own.
"He has to be the Jester then," Ophelia said, "I fought the Jester in a match a last week and damaged that leg. He was strong, but he never tried. I felt bad that I caught his leg while he was retreating."
"It must be because of Ishbet. He loves her so he is gambling away his money," Stella said.
"Why would that matter?" Jack startled her. Stella almost dropped her glasses but handed it to Tana and Liu instead.
"Why didn't you come when I was calling!" Stella's punch dropped Jack to his knees. King tried to quietly retreat swiftly behind Tana, but Stella caught him by his jacket and ruffled his hair.
"Ah, not the hair. I tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen."
"Snitch." Jack slowly got to his feet. "We had to check something out."
"Ugh. Fine." Stella took her glasses and wet her throat with one. "You know what the ideal of the empire is right? The reason we have villages, kingdoms, and cities?"
"Yea. We all contribute to the top so their creations can better then entire nation. It is like a triangle that overflows," Jack answered.
"Right, well royals or certain families in social standings follow an unspoken rule to embody that as much as they can. This led to the tradition of people marrying villagers of those with lesser ledgers. It is frowned upon to marry someone of that same standing as you because it isn't giving back to those that built them up. It isn't talked about much, but a normal villager is often married and their ledger and life changes," Stella explained.
"I never heard about it," Jack said.
"It's probably because your village isn't next to any kingdoms or cities. It is a thing though, so Ishbet and Ray getting married is frowned upon." Stella drank again to refresh the explanation. "Ray must be betting on fights and trying to lose so he becomes poor, and then Ishbet would marry him."
"You done good to figure that out, but please keep it a secret. Ray is a friend," Iris said to the group arriving to their team member.
"It's none of our business anyway." Stella looked up. "Umm, I don't think we had to pleasure of—"
"That's Iris. A legend of the arena. They call him The Wildflower." Liu's voice was hypnotic, her eyes fixated.
"Are you a fan?" Iris asked. Liu nodded her head, and Stella focused on the hanging sleeve. Legend. That makes sense. Different voices arose with questions and statements. The group all carried away with what their evening entailed. Stella discussed avoiding Zeke and two others. Jack and King found their revenge in laughing at the ashen one. Luna snuck back onto the back of Iris while he wasn't looking. All of the excitement cut slowly.
"Tyr, are you okay?" Tana asked. Eyes turned to the saddened face of Ace. The face they hadn't seen for the day, but all translated in their chest and memories differently. Flashes of green hair in Jack's mind. His reactions to this party would have been insane.
"Brother. You good?" Ophelia asked. Ace looked up, but his eyes shifted to King's golden worries staring at him. Ace reached in and pulled him in. His arms wrapped around his shoulders and worry grew on everyone's mind. King embracing the strange hug.
"Yea. I am fine."
"Not really." Tenny spoke up. "Tyr and I were talking, and we need a new mentor."
A split second of confusion, anger, heartbreak, relief, and apathy washed over different individuals that that heard the words.
"I am not leaving you guys. Tenny made it sound bad. We were talking and I think that another mentor will do us good. Seeing Ophy today made me sure of it. You all are growing faster than I thought, and way grander than any expectation I had. It is hard for me to keep up."
"We can deal with that." Stella sighed. "But you are doing a great job Teach."
"Opti. You really scared us." Jack laughed.
"Tyr made it sound better, but I would have agreed with him leaving." The crew's eyes turned the creature. "I love you guys. I really do, but this is more than that. Tyr has a job, and I can't let anything affect that. That is my job, my purpose. I want everything to work out, but if I had to choose between you all or him, then I would have to choose him."
Tenny's words felt cryptic, but there was this understanding in the creature. The pair always mysterious. The mission always mysterious. Jack knew that Tenny wasn't trying to be harsh by any means. Jack knew the creature the best besides Ace. Always fun loving and kind. Always willing to help, and confident. This was a side that must have come out because of recent actions. Jack knew it could be the wrong line of thinking, but he felt like this was all because of his weakness. He looked to Stella that seemed to be battling with her own version. She probably feels a similar way. Weakness. They need to become stronger so that he can count on them. Jack despised the heat behind his neck and hollowness in his stomach. He hated feeling useless. Strength to help. If there is a villain, no, if there is a problem that is strong, then the hero has to be stronger.
"He is just being dramatic again guys." Ace laughed it off, not a few seconds after the words shocked them. "This is a party, and it is just an idea we are working on. Ed, Ren. Have you guys asked any girls to dance? Or our girls?"
The boys turned red and looked off into different directions. Each admiring the beautifully clear night sky, or the marvellously crafted architecture.
"Lame." Ace scoffed. "May, I have this dance."
Stella listened to the faint notes reaching them. She could work with it. She took his hand and looked deep into his grey eyes. "You got out of the explanation this time moustache. You are lucky that I haven't danced for the night and feel strange not giving it a try."
"You don't have to tell me about my luck, Miss. Thank you for being a part of it. I couldn't ask for better students or friends," Ace said as he picked up the pace. His moves were light. Quick skips on his toes, kept Stella in a constant chase, but her footwork dropped like an anchor for a contrasting flair. Like she was a star and he orbited. Jack definitely found her smile shining, as she enjoyed the dance. He shook his head at an attempt to release the red embarrassment from his cheeks out his ears.
Conversations of all kinds formed in the group while they kept eyes on the dancing pair. Other groups of passing with expressions of disgust or smiles at the happy moment. Some just worried about the range of the footwork, and if they were safe in their social bubble. Jack looked ahead trying to mimic his mentor's footwork. Tana telling him the steps and reminding him of Stella's experience, her expression was happy as she recounted her experience with a guiding rhythm. Liu even turned slightly red after hearing it. Apparently, it was because she shyly waited for a turn after the moustache finished his dance. He happily obliged, but Jack decided to wait until they finished to ask Stella to teach him. He didn't want his clumsiness to interrupt their fun. He didn't want Stella to look bad.
Those chances were washed away when the sea of people rushed inside. Some with hurry, and others with hesitant curiosity, but all drawn towards the wall of glass to get a better look. The crew was no exception as they made their way through many bodies. Jack at the forefront. His mind constantly running on the two chains that got away.
"Cass, Meda. What happened?" Iris asked two friends as they made their way through.
"Someone tried to poison old man Lance," one of the girls mentioned.
"He felt his glass getting warm and he dropped it on a table, and it melted a hole in the cloth. He got really lucky," the other mentioned. It must have been the chains. Jack looked to Liu and King. Their expressions confirmed their similar thoughts.
"It is going to take a lot more than that to catch me." The old man's laugh silence the murmurs. All ears eagerly pointed to the centre of the circle. "Fear not everyone. The Centurys will find whoever did this and bring them to justice. The tournament will go on as usual. We can't let some lowlifes thinking they can scare someone like me, or the great kingdom of Tellacules!"
Cheers followed the elevation in his voice. Jack could see the elation; no it was pride in the faces of the socialites. The admiration in the faces of some warriors. The old man was tough. He reminded Jack of Arthur for some reason.
"Unfortunately, I can't have all good news. The party tonight must come to an end, as we don't know what else the hooligans have done, but the silver lining is that the competitors will be better rested for tomorrow! A day of excitement that we all have come to love. I will see you all there!"
The man retreated but his energy remained in the room. One that didn't match the recent murder attempt. Charisma at its finest, but that could have been dangerous. What if the acid was chilled? Why would they take out the head? Too little information made Jack's mind dart around like a hummingbird. One thing he was sure of.
He had to find Blue soon.