Boy Meets Ai

Chapter 47

Chapter 47

The crowd was abuzz with anticipation. The semifinals were set to begin in just a few moments. Fanfare played from unseen trumpets as the contestants prepared themselves for the coming battles. Under the tent, everyone would sense the uneasiness among friend and foe alike. Seiko and Oaklee kept their distance from each other. He still wasn't sure of what to say to his companion, unsure if redemption were even possible. Oaklee ignored Seiko and talked with Hendricks who lightly strummed his guitar to the melody of the trumpets. She did her best to avoid making eye contact with him out of fear of conjuring memories from the previous night. Shinobu arrived with more energy than normal, even for her. She was practically bursting at the seams with excitement.

"Sorry for the wait! I had a busy morning." She threw herself down on the linen couch next to Hendricks.

Thomas appeared next to her. He offered a hand to Shinobu. She grasped it tightly and shook it.

"Hope we can have a fun match." He said.

"I cant wait! Don't hold back now, ok? I want everything you got!"

Their fight would go first today, and the samurai was chomping at the bit. She needed a way to get out all her pent-up stress and anger. Images of her parents crossed into her mind, mouths pursed in disapproval and her anger swelled even more.

I'll carve out my own path. I'll show you what my life is gonna look like without you.

While his friends conversed, Seiko fixed his eyes on the ground. The boy stood alone. He felt the overwhelming grief push him further into the ground. He couldn't move if he wanted to. Ogun was also isolated from the group but unlike the ranger, he exuded an air of confidence and certainty. Before long it was time to begin the first match of the semifinals. Gabriel materialized from a pool of light on the stage. His entrance was met with thunderous applause.

"Thank you all for waiting! Our warriors are prepared to go the distance today with your support! Without further ado let us commence the semifinals!"

More cheering threatened to drown out even the archon's booming voice. He called the contestants to the stage.

"Wish me luck!" Shinobu grinned. Her kimono wavering as she gleefully dashed for the stage, strangely though, her friends noticed there was no sword on her hip.

"Um, Hey!" Hendricks tried to call after her, but she didn't turn back.

Thomas also noticed her lack of armor and weaponry. He gave everyone an awkward bow before joining his opponent. As he stepped into the middle of the arena, he gestured for Gabriel's attention.

"Um, I'm sorry but I just want to make sure things are fair." He said. "Shinobu had her armor destroyed in her last fight. Is there any way at all to replace it?"

Gabriel looked down on the healer with a twinkle in his eye.

"I admire your sportsmanship young man but there is no need to worry. She is already well equipped. The kimono she wears is a suitable replacement of the same grade as her dragon king's robe."

Shinobu gave an exaggerated sigh.

"Aww man I wanted to make it a dramatic reveal!"

"My deepest apologies. Let's begin then, shall we?" The combatants made their way to opposite sides of the stage. The archon raised his hand high in the air, waited for each of them to give the signal that they were ready, then

"Fight!" With that he vanished, leaving the two adventurers to face each other.

Aramais took his position in front of Thomas as the healer equipped Zerfallen. The sweet, kind hearted boy was once again replaced with a stoic warrior as the skull encased his face. Any sign of sympathy or goodwill vanished underneath the staunch white bone. Aramais glowed with lightning energy as he approached the samurai. He would take point.