The Fox and the Raven

The Final Chapter

"Next match, Kaori Fukumura and Kelile Demeke. Please enter the ring." Setsuko said.

Kaori stepped into the center of the room with Kelile.

"One weapon." Momoe said.

Kaori looked at her once and she nodded, taking her twin katanas off her back and throwing them at their team fighter. Kaori caught them in each hand and adjusted them into his grip. It was relatively difficult since these swords had been custom made to fit Momoe's hands and those were at least half the size of his.

Kelile just stood like a statue holding his spear in one hand. It was black and metal and at least a foot taller than him.

"One." Setsuko said.

Both opponents took their stance.

"Two." Momoe said.

"I will avenge my daughter." Kelile said quietly, staring into Kaori's soul.

"Do your worst." Kaori said, staring right back.

"Three." Setsuko said at last.

Everything moved extremely fast. Luna could barely keep her eyes on either of them. They moved like lightning strikes. 'This is where Denali got their agility from.' She thought proudly, tracking her husband with her eyes.

Kelile had launched at Kaori but he slid to the ground and sliced both katanas criss crossed through the air. Kelile avoided it easily and jumped to the other side of him. He was out of Kaori's line of vision for a moment but he could feel the the man's presence behind him.

Kaori dropped his weapons and turned around quickly, catching Kelile's spear handle with both hands as it was within inches of his stomach. A second slower and he would be dead.

Denali thought their heart would stop watching their father fight who they assumed would be their future father in law. Nayala started waking up.

Nayala felt a warm protective embrace covering her body. It felt safe here wherever this was. She turned her head to the side and up to see her opponent was the one holding her. She froze for a second, not knowing how to react.

"እመቤት ሆይ ፣ ምን ይሰማሻል? (How do you feel, Goddess?)" Denali said. One hand rested on her shoulder while the other rested on her cheek.

The beautiful human was staring right into her eyes. She loved those bright orange flames. They made her heart feel warm and safe for some reason. She had never been so confused with herself in her entire life. She didn't even know their gender or age or...anything really. But yet, she wanted to stay with them.

"My jaw hurts. I think I have a concussion. And I'm pretty sure I broke my ankle." She said calmly, not showing any signs of pain.

"I figured as much. After this match I will take you to the hospital so we can get out of this shit hole..." Denali said casually. They continued to watch the fight and move her dreads carefully behind her shoulder.

"I apologize for pulling your hair. I know it must have been painful but, you did try to break my dick so, I think it was only fair."

Nayala blushed heavily, eyes wide.

"Are you a man?" She asked in an extremely embarrassed voice.