Fractured

Chapter 22: Trust

Trust is a difficult thing. It is difficult to earn and it is even more difficult to keep. We constantly seek those that we trust. That we can trust with our belongings, our hearts, our loved ones. If that thing is something we care about with all our heart the chances of someone gaining that trust with said thing is like trying to draw a sword from stone. Yet if that thing is something is something we truly care about, that we truly wish to protect we'll fight as hard as we can to gain that trust, that acceptance. It just leaves the question of how far must one go before we trust them with what we love most?

"The winner is Hala, another point to Lunaris!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as Hala stood above Makya with her crescent spear held at his throat. He himself was covered in even more scars and covered in blood, his hands in the air declaring that he had forfeited the fight. He had the same charming smile on his face as he stared up at Hala on his knees. Hala spun her spear before letting it disappear and offering a hand.

"You fought well."

Makya chuckled and coughed as he took her hand and stood back on his feet.

"Thanks."

The two part ways walking back to their respective stands. Artio with her arm now reattached shot a look of disapproval at Makya.

"What the fuck was that?"

Makya simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled as he sat back down.

"What can I say? She was the better fighter, I'm nothing but a simple Hunter after all."

Artio growled and looked away agitated.

"We both know that's not true."

"You did fine Ayla, I would know from personal experience just how tough Hala is." Ayla said cutting into the conversation.

"However this means that we are now tied with Lunaris. We have to win next fight otherwise all of this will have been for nothing. It's all up to you Agne-" Ayla looked to towards Agnello who was still unconscious from Kuro knocking him out during the fight between Leora and Quamar causing her to let out a sigh.

"Can someone please wake him up?"

Vesper shot up with an excited look on her face as she rubbed her hands together and walked to Agnello.

"I got this."

Vesper readies her palm and raises it to the heavens as the moon glistened off her hand almost making it seemed the heavens had blessed it with almighty strength. In a swift quick and powerful motion her hand swung down smacking Agnello right across the face causing his face to ripple on impact and the sound to echo throughout the entire stadium.

Agnello instantly woke up grabbing onto his cheek and gritting his teeth from the pain.

"OW WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT FOR?"

Vesper simply blew off the steam that came off her hand with a proud look on her face.

"You're up and Makya lost which means we're tied. So we need you to get your ass in gear and win this next fight."

Agnello stood up recovering from the pain of Vesper's almighty smack.

"Damn so Makya lost huh."

Agnello began to walk up to the edge of the stands preparing himself to enter the ring. He looked back at everyone as thoughts about everything they had been through rushed through his head, the attack, their travels, the fight at the Hunter Port Base and all the tournament battles up to this point. He looked up to the side of the stands in the distance where Lucine was standing with Leora who was still passed out. Then one final thought, one final image. The smiling face of his father. With final image he clenched his fist as his eyes became fierce with determination.