The Ranch

Newcomers Tournament (1)

Kai pulls Tih by the arm, over to Instructor Henri. Kai states," Instructor Henri? I don't think Tih should participate in the Tournament. He just woke up from a coma and fell off a cliff immediately after. He's in no condition to participate." Kai's reasoning is very logical and would be especially persuading if not for the fact that the victim was right next to him with a healthy appearance.

"Are You Sure? If He Backs Out Of The Tournament, Tih's Future Prospects Will Dim. Are You Willing To Readily Reject This Opportunity?" Instructor Henri neither directly allows or rejects Kai's proposal, instead asking a question.

Kai is forced into silence, not knowing how to answer. After hypothesizing with Sherlock, he's become well aware of how important this tournament is for newbies. It's a hard-to-come-by chance at gaining good reputation and possibilities getting noticed by strong Instructors. The earlier one can get an apprenticeship, if they can get one at all, is an amazing advantage to have as a newbie.

But, it sounds easier than it is. The chances of actually getting an apprenticeship is slim to none. The trick lies in the ability to catch people's attention. Less talented newbies can only lay in the shadows of the more talented and stronger ones. Kai knows for a fact that Tih has that "wow" factor that can shock anyone that sees him fight. There's no doubt that he'll be able to grab everyone's attentions if he shows off his abilities.

But showing off too much also has its downsides. Kai is extremely familiar with the darker side of humanity. Greed, envy, and desire might be the downfall of the naive Tih. The strong people hidden in the shadows might even want to take out this potential threat before it grows to dangerous to handle.

"Are the risks really worth it?" Kai debates in his head.

While Kai mulls over his thoughts, Instructor Henri takes this chance to re-evaluate the child named Tih. Pale skin and brown curly hair that give the child a naive look. A empty, chilling aura that completely devours the naive cuteness of his features. Still blue eyes without a single shred of emotion. Thin. Limbs that look easily snapable. Limbs that wouldn't survive a fall from a cliff.

Instructor Henri squints his eyes in thought, adding on his smile, anyone that looks at him would get shivers down their spine, but Tih stares straight at him and his almost creepy smile.

Tih can tell that both people are in their own world, so he turns his attention to the crowd of people walking through the area. He observes walking patterns, facial features, body structure, the usual.

Someone shouts from within the mess of people," Tih!" Instructor Kane walks out from the crowd," Hey kid, how ya doin? You ready for the tournament?"

Tih shakes his head slightly, while the other two come out of their thoughts. Kai explains," He was just in a coma, so we're not sure he should..." He tapers off at the end, recalling the words of the Instructor.

Instructor notices the two silver stars on the man's chest and politely introduces himself first," Hello Instructor, I'm Instructor Henri. Currently Teaching A Parkour Class. Do You Perhaps Know My Student?"

"Ah, yeah, The name's Kane." Instructor Kane lightly nods and gives a quick greeting before turning his focus on Tih, who just answered "no".

Instructor Kane squats in a comfortable manner, making it so he and Tih are at eye level. His white hair gleams brightly as it reflects the sun. Two pairs of blue eyes look into each other. The instructor asks," Why don't you want to participate? You have the skills to show up everyone in this arena. You don't want to play around with them?"

Tih tilts his head at the word "play". He was wondering if they were "playing" like instructor Kane says, or "fighting" like Kai said earlier.

Assuming the cute head tilt means he's confused, he changes his question," Did you have fun surprising me back when we first met?"

Tih nods.

"Then you can have even more fun if you join the tournament." Instructor Kane chuckles. "All right?"

Tih nods. He liked the "surprise" game he played with Instructor Kane.

"Nice!" He roughly pats Tih on the back as he stands up. The instructor motions Tih over to the sign up board.

Instructor Henri and Kai and left behind, forgotten. They stare at the two's backs in silence.

Instructor Henri raises an eyebrow," Why Did Tih Change His Mind So Quickly?"

Kai stares dazedly at the back of Tih," I... have no idea."

The instructor snaps out of it, he claps his hands together," Well, No Matter. You Better Hurry Along And Sign Up With Your Friend." He leaves to find his students that are participating in the group matches for a pre-game pep talk.

"...Right!" Kai Only now remembers that he still hasn't signed up. He runs to catch up to Tih and Instructor Kane, wondering how they got so close.