Zephyr: The Elemental Clans

57 - For The World

Xyder Zephyr - POV;

"Ladies and Gentlemen, our esteemed participants from across the world, welcome to Fenix City where Regulus Durmond Fenix has graciously allowed this event to be held as per the request of us higher bodies. Our proceedings today will be brief as we intend only to discuss the schedule, format and basics of our tournament. Please remain silent as we pass around these printed handouts that will be delivered to you by our members of staff."

I sat amongst a number of elemental vessels from the various clans in the stadium of Fenix City which had been temporarily reserved for participants of the Tournament for today's proceedings. An older woman stood on an elevated platform at the centre of the field where a worn microphone and close camera footage was being taken and broadcasted not only on the large stadium screens but on live television from select media sources.

I leaned backwards on my seat as I allowed my mind to drift away to the previous day.

*Flashback Start*

"What are you saying all of a sudden?!" Storm blurted out.

"I'm saying that all things considered, our best option is to fight. As much as I hate him, Seraphim clearly has a reason to protect this land of ours. Evelynn seems to understand this better than the rest of us. Whatever is in that place will more that likely be damning to the world if given to the wrong hands and if that happens then abandoning the fight for the others would probably mean nothing as we'll all meet a horrible fate anyway. It pains me to say this but I will go ahead and compete no matter what happens to our allies," I responded.

My friends stared at me in disbelief, completely dumbfounded by my abrupt change of heart and sudden revelation.

"I will not force any of you to come along," I continued, "but know that I will challenge and win against Blaze even if it means I take them on alone and I won't let the others die."

It was blatantly obvious that the other were filled with conflicting feelings, torn between their duty to the clan and care for their comrades. They remained still in varying positions across the room, each face distorted with pain, anger and torment.

"It seems I will be doing this alone after all. So be it," I muttered as I turned around and walked out through the door frame.

"If the situation is as dire as we are being told and the world depends on Zephyr for its future, then I shall walk along side you," Dagan stated as he raised his head. He stomped his right foot which now lay at shoulder length from his left. With his head held high, chest raised prominantly and his right arm tensed at his side he raised his clenched left fist and with a single swift motion he pounded it against his right pectoral muscle and held it there as his eyes filled with determination. His action came as a surprise as it was no mere succession of flashy movements but instead held a far deeper meaning. He had enacted  the 'Salute of Zephyr', an ancient symbol representing a pledge of an eternal loyalty beyond even death.

The others looked upon him with widened eyes, none able to muster the strength to speak. Eventually a soft voice shattered the silence.

"You have a gracious and giving attitude. That much was made clear to me shortly after we left Zephyr City. The least I could do to repay you is to give you my own aid in return," Disas murmered.

"You have an open mind and give others the benefit of the doubt even when their actions may seem only negative. I felt this first hand. I will show you the same," Sorine stated.

"You are willing to listen to the plight of others and you intend to act upon making the situation better for them. I am willing to listen to the plight you now relay," Celes added.

"You run into danger without a second thought and ensure you can save others even if it means you may be hurt yourself. I shall enter danger for one such as you," Winter sighed.

"You do what you can to keep others' spirits high and give them a sense of belonging. I will do what I can for you.

"You stood at our side for years without question," Storm began.

"Now we shall stand by yours," Satella finished.

"You're my cute little brother. What other reason do I need?" Evie smiled.

One by one everyone in the room emulated Dagan's stance upon finishing their statements.

"Together we stand for the sake of our friends. For the sake of Zephyr. For the sake of the world!" I roared bringing my fist to my chest.

*Flashback End*

"Xyder, wake up!" Evie whispered in my ear as she shook me. I jolted from my sleep and stared her in the eye in a half drowsy state.

"You missed the entire tournament briefing and explanation! Whatever, we have everything and more in these pamphlets so I'll run it through with you later.  Just, don't do that again. It looks bad," she scolded.

"S- sorry," I stuttered.

"I would now like to introduce the representative from our main sponsor of the event. Please welcome Mr. Nero Mendax!" the elderly woman announced as she walked away. The familiar white haired boy entered the stage and bowed before beginning his short speech, "I would like to welcome everyone, on behalf of our company, for complying and participating in this glorious event that we have been more than eager to sponsor. A chance like this is truly rare. To see the formidable Elemental Clans, whom all of us others look up to as the architects responsible for our world's progress, coming together is truly an ecstatic moment and nurtures an ardent desire which bubbles up within us all. In the interest of seeing a quick termination for today's proceedings so that you all may commence your much anticipated preparations let me conclude by saying that I wish everyone good luck and I hope you all know that we look forward to the crowning of our victors! So long for now and have a great, great evening."

"It's unvelievable to see an independent organisation be willing to support an event involving the Elemental Clans though," a blue haired girl stated behind me.

"I know right? Usually outsiders that aren't affiliated with the Clans don't take kindly to us," a guy with a similar shade of hair responded.

* * * *

??? - POV;

"Sir, we have recieved reports and confirmed that the members of the Zephyr Clan were spotted at the tournament debriefing earlier today," I said with a salute.

"Is that so? Those damn buggers just don't know when to quit. Their insistance is beginning to anger me, and I don't deal well with anger," he responded, "Deal with the slaves and send them another warning."

"Yes sir! We are already on it as we speak. One more thing Lord Zegarth. What of Nero? He's been seen moving freely throughout Fenix City," I said.

"Hahahah. Don't worry about him. In in time we shall set our plan in motion. It's inevitable that Nero shall essentially die. Not that his fate matters much. Neither I nor Blaze really cares about what happens to him. His death won't hinder our plans but maybe even boost it," Regulus Zegarth laughed sinisterly.

"The time is nearing!"