Crossing of the Paths

Book 1: Desert Wind - Chunk 10

The Crossing of the Paths
Second Edition
By MMM/AJ
Part I: Desert Wind

A/N: Good afternoon faithful readers! This chunk is where the tension of Mewtwo's conflict really begins in earnest. We're starting the first steps of his journey to confront his foes, and there's both bittersweetness as well as a big intense action scene. There's some more violence in this chunk too, so just like before I'm going to put a big ol' CONTENT WARNING into the A/N on the bottom of this chunk. If you're sensitive to violence please heed this! Otherwise, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 23: Sav'orq

Disappointment. Bitter, crushing disappointment. That was what Mewtwo felt now as he sat down at the feasting table set up in the central square of Ven'vha. It didn't make sense either, he had won all his matches in the Trials of Magic, he should be happy. He was about to be declared the Rakeshan Champion of Magic. But there was a horrible pall hanging over his head that only grew stronger the more he basked in the celebrations that were unfolding around him. It was a dark cloud of sadness that was caused by his lingering grief for Ruisa and the dread-filled anticipation of leaving Ven'vha and all his friends behind that night. Sunset was fast approaching, bringing with it the stark deadline that Kalana had set for their departure. Mewtwo didn't want to leave these people behind for obvious reasons now, and the fact that he had to hide their plans and miss the chance to say goodbye to people like Ruru and Madiri was gut wrenching. The dread had been a terrible distraction throughout his last few matches and had nearly lost him a couple, but he had somehow managed to pull through. Now he was invited to sit at the feasting table along with the other champions while Chief Lasheera stood up to speak. She clapped her hands loudly to silence the chattering throng and gave a prideful grin.

"Attention! Attention everyone!" Kamilia shouted out.

Most people quieted down, though a few mildly tipsy Vha'an revelers in the back of the crowd laughed and shouted something indistinguishable. Kamilia scowled at them briefly but continued with her speech.

"It is my continued, cherished honor to once again announce the results of this year's Taji Alirha Festival Games. Everyone who participated put on an excellent show just as always, though I think we had some true standouts this year. Since I still have much to do this evening with the other chiefs I will not bore you with any long speeches; instead I will leap right into announcing this year's Champions. First, our Champion of Skill, with 15 victories in the pole jump race, is Nahli Tantari of the Vha'an Tribe!"

The Vha'an woman sitting to Mewtwo's left stood up and bowed to the crowd with a smile. She was tall and thin, rivaling Nereti for height but not nearly as muscular. She had a longbow strapped to her back and wore her hair tied tightly in a bun on the back of her head. Cheers billowed up from all the blue-garbed Vha'an people in the crowd, drowning out all other sounds. The uproar was practically enough to give Mewtwo a headache. Thankfully it only went on for a handful of seconds before Nahli sat down.

"Next, our Champion of Combat with 19 victories, Nereti Teléma of the Vha'an Tribe!" Shouted Kamilia.

Nereti was sitting on Mewtwo's right and she jumped to her feet and struck a victorious pose. The crowd cheered even louder for her, with several people slamming the bases of their spears and staves on the stone of the square. Still smiling, Nereti then shouted out to the crowd.

"Hey, don't damage those weapons in such a frivolous way or I'll have to charge you for your next repairs!"

Laughter tumbled through the crowd in response, causing Nereti's smile to shift to a satisfied smirk as she sat back down.