As Kadilac raised the arm of another survivor in the ring, the announcer declared "And there you have it folks, this concludes the first round. With about fifty competitors left it's only gonna get more intense from here on. Since the first round ended so rapidly we will be going into the second round today. Let's take a short break good men, make sure to use the next ten minutes to visit the restrooms and the food stalls. I'll see you later!"
Metsuhai had clear plans for this recess. He was on his way to the hospital wing (one of the referees pointed him to the right direction). I want to check up on Vincent. Just a small glance to make sure he isn't gonna try to hurt himself again. Better he doesn't see me if possible.
Metsuhai took several staircases, going below the ring where only participants and staff were allowed, much deeper than he thought he would. If this keeps up I might miss the beginning of the second round. But soon enough Metsuhai was at his destination. A small compound containing many isolated rooms, separated by wooden doors, most of them open. Some hosted the numerous injured combatants of the competition. Those not empty had tags with names attached to their doors. Doctors were visiting the rooms from time to time. For an underground facility the air here felt rather fresh.
Metsuhai peaked into Vincent's room immediately spotting Niniyo. It was a terrible thing to see. Niniyo was bandaged from head to toe like a mummy. He couldn't move, only his eyes could be seen above the bandages. He couldn't talk. Making strange sounds. When Niniyo noticed Metsuhai he began to cry. It's horrible. Metsuhai approached the destroyed lad without really thinking about it. There was nothing Metsuhai could do for him now.
Vincent who was laying on the other bad in the same room was staring into nothing with an empty gaze, almost like that of a corpse. He was surrounded by four of his friends, all from the Paladins of Clarity. One had short blonde hair and blue eyes. Another was taller, older and with grey hair. The third had black hair slanted sideways and the fourth had plain black hair and bigger build. Vincent looked at Metsuhai for a moment and then shifted back looking into the nothing. His body was fine, considering the circumstances, but his spirit was shuttered into a thousand pieces.
"Isn't that the bastard who took out Vincent senpai?" (Blonde guy)
"Yeah, the sorcerer known as the Mordon-Slayer he shouldn't have come here", answered the grey haired warrior.
"So there is justice in the world after all." The blonde guy had a cruel smile. "Fate has given us a rematch."
"Hey you guys. I fought him fare and square, and a hospital is not the fitting place to settle scores." Metsuhai meant his words. He had not even a bit of desire to cross swords with these radicals.
"The child is afraid." (Blonde guy)
The four thugs were at his throat in no time. Closing in on him with drawn weapons. 'Blonde' had a battle-axe. 'Gray', a spear, 'Big' was armed with a hatchet, and 'Black hair' had a short-sword.
"I didn't want it to come to this, however…"
Metsuhai drew his sword and took his fighting position. The four were slowly closing the distance. If I fight here I'll get disqualified for sure… But soon after Metsuhai took his battle stance fear appeared on their faces. They began backing down. "Yeah, you know what's good for you!"
Ninyo in his bad at the side of the room started trying to move (which was probably quite painful,) and making sounds that reminded a dog crying.
Metsuhai now figured out he is standing in the shadow of someone much bigger and more intimidating than himself. Metsuhai hesitantly turned around and found Ryo right behind his back. Now that Metsuhai had seen Ryo from up close, this was entirely a different experience. Not only Ryo was taller and wider. Not only were his fists the size of small watermelons. He was built like a mountain. A giant of destruction. Towering above Metsuhai, his presence impossible to ignore.
"Hmmm… wrong room." Ryo walked out of the room slowly, clearly having no interest in whatever was happening inside. Metsuhai glanced at the still stunned extremists before rushing after Ryo. He had no intention to be disqualified.
Ryo walked slowly but his steps were big. He nodded to one of the nurses and went out of the hospital wing. Metsuhai walked fast, keeping up, following him.
Ryo stopped. "Why are you following me?"
Metsuhai was about to explain they were simply headed to the same direction but to his own surprise he expressed something entirely different.
"You are a strong fighter, however you were unnecessarily cruel to your opponent in the ring. There is no justification for this. This is not the way for an honorable warrior to act."
"You wouldn't understand even if I told you. Don't stick your nose into my personal affairs."
Ryo started turning away, but Metsuhai didn't want to end things like this.
"Wait, I see we have a very different view in the meaning behind battle. However we must remember that in the end of the day we fight for the same goal. We both came here not just to prove ourselves and defeat the strongest fighters. We are here for the order. Representing it and its just cause with pride. Whether you win or I, the order wins. I will feel no grudge if you will be the one giving the Chaos Stone to the Arisu instead of me."
Ryo clenched his fists. He was furious.
"We are both here because of the Arisu it seems. You are their dog. I have a bloody score to settle with them. We are on opposite sides. When I win, I will destroy the stone of chaos so the Arisu never lay their dirty hands on it. And one day I'll come for them too and there will be no mercy."
"How could you even say such a thing!?" Metsuhai raised his voice, "Some would call your words treason. The Arisu may not be perfect but they at least deserve our respect as the generals keeping the order together in such difficult times."
"You don't know anything. Just a pawn in their service. You insulted me… I can kill you now. But it will be far more satisfying to defeat you when everyone can see. I will destroy you in the ring."
Ryo turned his back to Metsuhai and walked away. Metsuhai turned his back to Ryo, walking to the opposite direction in defiance. This ungrateful…! Metsuhai couldn't even put into words why Ryo made him so angry. His heart was beating hard. Talking about the Arisu like they are villains. This is personal now…
Metsuhai kept walking, forcing himself to calm down. His experience on the battlefield gave him good control over his emotions. Good going Fugughuu. You just earned yourself one more powerful foe... Furthermore when I finally engage him in the ring he will actually try to kill me. The way I estimate our power difference is like me and Vincent, but to the other side. Nevertheless, I will beat you, Ryo!
Wait, where am I? Metsuhai looked around, realizing he walked in an unclear direction. I have to get back up before the second round starts. First, to find the hospital again. Maybe this way?
Metsuhai picked a staircase which seemed more familiar. However it was clearly the wrong one. Metsuhai knew that, when he realized he went further down (in a very circular way) rather than up. I am officially lost. Metsuhai considered going back up but decided not to waste any more time. He wasn't particularly worried though. The chance of him fighting first wasn't very high. Metsuhai closed his eyes, calling forth his inner strength. When he reopened his eyes they were glowing blue. His sight which was now aimed at all directions like a sphere surprisingly had shorter range than expected. The old walls here have some kind of magic in them, limiting my sight. He couldn't see all the way out or even the hospital but he did spot a group of four armed men three stores down. Good enough I guess…
Metsuhai made his way to them. The walls seem to have been even more magical the lower he went. It was weird. "Hold right there!" called out one of the men, who turned out to be Freedom Association guards, "This area is restricted, no one passes."
The glow in Metsuhai's eyes ceased (by his will). "May I know why?"
"These corridors lead to the holding place of the legendary chaos stone. No one is allowed here until the end of the Armageddon Championship. What are you doing here Mordon-Destroyer?"
"Frankly I lost the way and need to return to the ring as soon as possible."
The guard quickly explained the way up. Metsuhai emerged into the crowd just in time to see the culmination of the ongoing first fight. The crowd was cheering and waving their arms and fists in excitement. Makarov the blue robed mage was facing the red-plate armor guy, Kaito. Makarov looked pretty tired but completely unharmed. Kaito on the other hand, was shaking. His armor was covered with ice in many places. The arena, having the form of a stone covered lifeless valley had large, slowly melting pieces of ice and frozen rock. Kaito charged, desperately trying to close the distance (like he did many times) when Makarov's body seemed to have multiplied. In an instant, twelve identical 'Makarov's' were scattered across the ring. Kaito swung his arm (ending with a blade). The sharp metal claws went through Makarovs body, slicing him in half, yet seemed to not cause any damage. The Makarov's began surrounding
"And he does it again, Makarov with his illusions!" the announcer shouted into the microphone, as excited as the crowd. In the ring, the ten Makarovs kept switching places, so thoroughly it was impossible to follow. Every couple of seconds a group of two or three Makarov's jumped through each other, changing positions. "It won't work on me again!" declared Kaito, his armored glove glowing white. Kaito released his blast on the ground, unleashing a wave of dust and rocks to all directions. The dust passed through the illusions, ignoring their existence almost completely. On the other hand, Makarov's solid body was practically covered in dust.
"I have you now!" Kaito charged incredibly fast to Makarov's real body. "Crushing Freezing Beam!" declared simultaneously all the Makarov's, sending an ice-white beam ending with a fist like edge. Kaito ignored three of the beams, knowing they weren't real. The beams passed through him, unaffected by his presence and more importantly not doing anything to him. Kaito struck the beam coming to his front, hitting its edge with his blades. The beam, though powerful, was diverted to the side and created a whole icy hill far away. Just when Kaito was about to strike Makarov himself, an identical icy spell crushed into his back. Kaito was thrown forward, his body twisting in an unnatural way. Then the ice rose, covering him, extending to all directions. "How is this even possible?" declared the announcer, "I have never seen anything like this before!"
I thought one of the Makarov's in the back was also covered with dust. Under pressure, Kaito missed the fact that two of the bodies interacted with the environment and not just one. Though I don't know how. I don't get how it's possible.
Makarov blasted Kaito with one freezing beam after the other (without the fist on the edge). Kaito, who was already covered with ice up to his neck and exhausted couldn't break free not to mention counterattack. The ice kept spreading, a thin sheet even covering Kaito's tormented face. Makarov finished with an especially big icing beam, the ice covering Kaito thickened, taking the last of his strength. He was stuck deep within a small mountain of ice. The referee (Zlovsky) raised both his arms up.
"And the referee has called for a count-down! Ten! Nine! Eight! …" (The announcer)
Good call from the referee. Kaito could die from this and he can't really surrender in this state.
"…Two! One! And we have a winner by TKO. Makarov the ice mage wins again. I wouldn't want to face his devastating magic!"
Makarov aimed his wand to the ice structure, making some sort of motion. The ice began cracking, pieces braking from it, until Kaito fell out. With his feet, knees and hands holding him above the ground, soaked wet with freezing water- his brown hair hanging down, dripping, Kaito took in a large amount of air. Breathing hard and shaking, Kaito struggled to look up, only to find the referee raising Makarov's arm. The arriving medics helped pull Kaito to his feet. When he returned to his seat in the front row, Metsuhai noticed numerous ice burns, visible from beneath his damaged armor.
The names ran across the wide screen really fast. "Hurry up and place your bets, because the next fight is between Kuma…" (For a second the crowd's roar had swallowed whatever the announcer had to say. They still remembered the Furosaki fight, where Kuma managed to outperform a famous old veteran.) "…and the legendary Mordon Destroyer Metsuhai Fughughu!" the crowd was ecstatic.
So it has come to this. My past training partner and good friend is who I have to face…
Metsuhai automatically looked to Lezner's direction. "No advice from me kid, not this time," Lezner stated, "I'm not choosing a side. Kuma is my student too, you know."
Metsuhai simply nodded and headed for the ring. The ring took the shape of a field of dangerous cliffs. Walking carelessly could lead to a five or even ten meter fall. And they had to fight there.
"I have noticed you already placed your bet, Oni-sama," Chizue quietly said, hiding her nervousness, "May I know who did you bet on? You have good eyes when it comes to these fighting events."
"Well, it wasn't a hard pick this time. Metsuhai's skills far exceed anything Kuma has to offer. Furthermore, this fighting stage was the worst thing Kuma could have received. It requires balance. And balance is Kuma's greatest weakness."
Metsuhai looked at Kuma from far. This is the last person I would ever want to fight here. Not because he transformed his fat to hundred and fifty kilos of muscles. Not because his heavy warhammer can shutter bone with ease. It's because I don't want to hurt one of my best friends.
Kadilac let Kuma speak first. Kuma took a deep breath and began.
"Metsuhai, my friend, I have known you from the moment you joined the order. We trained together, we ate together. We share a bond that will never be broken. However, I came here to fight. I know you went easy on your previous opponents. I won't accept the same. If you have even a shred of respect for me, you must go all out, as will I. Don't you dare holding back."
Kuma was serious to death. Metsuhai had never seen him like this.
"Very well. I will show you no mercy."
"You heard it folks, two heavy canons from the order of the sun are about to go at it!" (George)
Kadilac signaled the start of the battle. Metsuhai powered up with a roar-like shout. Aura burning bright white around him, sending ripples through the air. Energy discharged violently and inconsistently in the form of electric currents. Kuma did the same on the other side of the arena, their respective ripples cancelling each other midair. Finally Metsuhai's eyes glowed light-blue.
Kuma charged swinging his hammer in a perfect arc. Metsuhai just stood in place while the battle-raged Kuma was closing in on him, moving away at the last split second. It looked flawless, but Metsuhai slipped right through. "This was a close call," claimed Peterson, "I really thought for a second Metsuhai decided to forfeit the hard way!"
Kuma's second swing went even worse. Metsuhai moved so fast and accurately he seemed to disappear (from Kuma's sightline), leaving a deep cut on Kuma's body. Kuma chased Metsuhai around the ring. Every miss, every exchange ending for Kuma with more narrow deep cuts on his body. His leather armor was in shreds in no time. Metsuhai was just too fast for him or so it seemed. Kuma tried every technique, every move he ever learned, but it always ended with him being cut. It was as if Metsuhai saw through him, like his moves and intentions were all transparent. This wasn't too far from the truth.
…
It was in the last week before the Armageddon Championship. Metsuhai was crossing swords with Tsukiyama while constantly using True Sight (Sorcerer's Eye). His eyes were sore, though not tearful yet (this time, it happened before when using eye techniques for too long). It was then when he finally figured out Tsukiyama's genius plan regarding his true sight. Using it repeatedly for so long helped Metsuhai hone his skill and raised his sight to another knew level. He once again could see more than ever before. But it was more than that. His sight now was focused solely on his opponent, reading his energy patterns, gaining deep understanding of him. Like x-ray vision, nothing could be hidden from those eyes. The energy movement preceded the actual physical movement, practically allowing Metsuhai to gaze into the future. He could predict his opponent's moves.
"Your eyes have gotten stronger. It seems you mastered this technique to an extent. One way to put it is, you are using the second level of True Sight. As you evolve, you'll see further and further into the future. For now, you can see what your opponent does a split second before it actually happens. Doesn't sound like much, but it makes all the difference. I have to warn you though, there are counter-techniques. Don't let this weapon work against you."
"I understand sensei. Thank you very much!"
"It's a really rare ability you have here. Even for you, it took a whole month of sparring, while I made sure to make my energy as easy to read as possible. Most opponents you'll face probably won't ever understand this. Beware of those that do."
…
Kuma broke a large rock with his warhammer, shuttering it to bits. It wasn't a blow from frustration. But a moment ago Metsuhai stood right there. Now he was on a small cliff behind Kuma, his sword covered in blood. A new cut was just formed on Kuma's arm.
Kuma gave chase swinging that hammer. "I don't think a warhammer is the fitting weapon to fight the Mordon Slayer. He is just too fast," George Peterson offered his commentary, "But don't lose hope, thirty-one percent of gamblers. It's enough for Kuma to land one good blow to turn things around."
Metsuhai waited for a moment of a loss of concentration from his opponent and then made his move. Metsuhai appeared to the side of Kuma and used a leg sweep. Kuma lost his balance and fell off the cliff. A ten meter fall down right on his back. Kuma's heavy body connected with a devastating body slam, the hammer falling out of his hands.
"Oh man, that looks painful!" (George)
This should be enough. Kuma must realize by now he can't win. With this fall the damage is serious so giving up here wouldn't make him lose face.
Kuma was forcing himself up, defying the pain. To Metsuhai's surprise he picked up his hammer. I should be merciless now otherwise it will drag on and will be worse. You are bleeding so much already…
Metsuhai charged at Kuma, avoiding the hammer with precise movement that must have seemed really brave or at least confident. This time Metsuhai wasn't using 'hit and run' tactics. He stayed within Kuma's reach, cutting him repeatedly while avoiding the hammer every single time. They fought with great speed and power, while maintaining balance, sharing the same cliff. Considering the situation Kuma defended well. He was getting tired from Metsuhai's incredible pace. Nevertheless, with a low hammer blow he almost hit Metsuhai's knee, forcing him into the air. Metsuhai summersaulted to the very edge of the cliff. Finally an opening! Kuma sent his hammer forward. It was so close, but Metsuhai put the shield up in time. With a sound like thunder Metsuhai fell from the cliff. Unlike Kuma though, Metsuhai managed to land on his feet, avoiding damage. Kuma jumped down after him, screaming with murder in his eyes.
This brave assault looked good to the viewers but didn't pose much of a threat to Metsuhai. He avoided Kuma with ease, taking his fighting stance four meters away as Kuma crushed the stone floor where Metsuhai was just a moment ago. Kuma took his own fighting position, as if the battle just began. As if saying all this damage was nothing. He looked a bit like a tennis player ready for a swing. The two fighters stood, gazing at each other.
"Kuma lost a lot of blood, yet look at that determination!" (George)
So you want me to come to you, Kuma. I could, but since I am being so serious it pains my heart…
"Air-cut," Metsuhai pointed his blade at Kuma and the almost invisible, blade-like dense air current tore through Kuma's flesh before he could react. The second air-cut Kuma blocked on his hammer. And the third. But the forth one got him, tearing through his shoulder. Metsuhai unleashed a whole stream of consecutive air-cuts, leaving Kuma covered with blood from head to toe. Kuma couldn't keep up, coughing blood out of his mouth.
Most of the crowd didn't really understand what's going on, only that the Mordon Destroyer was taking Kuma apart from distance, with some horrifying magic. Lezner looked surprised but otherwise calm and indifferent. Makarov looked with great interest. Marshal wasn't taking his gaze off Metsuhai, studying his style. Kagehiroto looked with satisfaction.
Kuma had enough and desperately charged. Once again Metsuhai outmaneuvered him with ease. Metsuhai appeared behind Kuma's back and with one sharp move cut the tendons on both his legs. To finish things up Metsuhai appeared right in front of Kuma and blown him away with a huge energy beam to the body.
Kuma collapsed. It's over. He fought well, but he cannot keep fighting with his legs destroyed. No one can.
Metsuhai turned his back and started to walk away. Looking at the referee, his eyes back to normal. From behind him Metsuhai heard Kuma speak while spitting more blood, "Turn around so I won't have to attack your back."
Shocked, Metsuhai turned back. Stay down for god's sake!
Kuma was in pain. He was suffering. Yet in spite of the pain he pulled himself back to his feet, wiping the blood off his eyes. He was a mess. His bloody legs shaking with effort. He was walking forward, one step at a time.
"Why are you doing this?!" called out Metsuhai, "You are clearly at the end of your strength. You might never recover. If we continue this any longer you might die damn It!"
Kuma answered, taking a forced breath after every word, having hard time breathing.
"When taking your opponent seriously do you always give him the chance to regain strength while you speak?!"
"What strength you have demonstrated here…" Metsuhai's voice calmed down. "…No one can deny your skill or courage. But continuing is pointless. Live to fight another day. You are an asset to the order. Do you desire honor so badly that you will cast your life away. You have nothing left to fight with"
"You can't understand. You don't know how it's like."
Kuma stumbled, fighting to keep his balance. Metsuhai charged, kicking kuma to the knee. Kuma fell with his face right on Metsuhai's knee. When Kuma woke up Metsuhai was stepping on him, holding his blade at his throat.
With the last of his strength Kuma whispered, "I was dishonored."
The announcer shouted into the microphone (following referee's decision) "a win by submission!"
Metsuhai was pushed to the side. "He is going into shock!" shouted the medic, another one (the one who pushed Metsuhai) drew bandages.
As the army of medics stormed Kuma, Metsuhai shouted "Kuma, stay with me!" but it seemed Metsuhai couldn't reach him in his current state.
Kuma, I had no idea you had such a pain in your past. Why haven't you told me... What have I done!