Accessory Wars

Chapter 60-Ki

            "Ho-ly shit! Look at this place!" Reagan gaped as we walked along the boardwalk up to the stadium. Saying it was huge was an understatement. Sixty stories of stands and arena platforms with more concession stands than restaurants in the city of Bailey. Jumbo screens projected images from last year's tournament as well as clips of the top fighters from other fights during this year. The building sparkled in the bright sunlight and the sound of music echoed from pounding speakers inside via the open roof. Yes, my friend, it was a retractable roof. The building alone cost over a billion dollars to build, from what I read online, and that's not including money needed for staffing, food, merchandise, security and all the other bells and whistles.

Looking upon the building in person made me feel spoiled.

Due to the tournament's massive draw and size, dozens of ERT lingered about the boardwalk to ensure everyone got inside the building safe. I was sure there were hundreds more inside. Some were already equipped while others kept their Accessories close at hand. Colfry wasn't kidding when he said they were stepping up security. Mondue wasn't sparing any expense for the safety of the spectators.

Our group stuck together as we followed the current of people up to the gates. It took awhile to get up to the doors and we ended up spending extra time in line because of Jay. I stood behind him as they started asking him questions.

"Name?" the man asked, holding Jay's ID card.

"Jay Emerson," Jay replied.

The man frowned. "Full name." Oh? I leaned in closer, eager to hear what Jay would say. Jay's jaw trembled for a moment as he fought back against saying it, however if he wanted to watch the tournament he needed to make the sacrifice. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Jashton Martin Ezekiel Emerson," he said.

I snorted and tried not to bust a gut laughing. He shot me a glare and I tried my best to keep a straight face as I was called up to be screened by the next open ERT member. When I regrouped with my friends, they noticed the goofy look on my face. They asked me what was so funny but I told them to wait. Jay joined us twenty minutes later with a scowl.

"You're so dead," Jay threated me.

I burst out laughing. "What kind of name is Jashton?" I wheezed. His glare darkened as Reagan and Trevor snickered.

"It's the name my mother gave me," Jay snapped.

"What sort of weird name is that?" Mysti asked.

"It's a combination of Jason and Ashton, okay? My mom liked strange names," Jay defended. He whacked me on the shoulder. "It's not that funny!" I didn't stop laughing for another five minutes.

After a round of confusing texts, we found Felisa and Kami waiting for us and we all exchanged hugs. The girls looked ready and determined to kick serious butt, which was a welcoming sight after what happened last time. They both wore spider clips in their hair and their nails painted black with little white spider webs on the rings fingers.

"You guys match," Mysti said with a grin. Kami showed off her nails to Mysti and Kaylee.

"You ready?" Derek asked Felisa.

"About as ready as I can be," she replied with a smile. "I have a lot to look forward to today so my goal is to have fun and make it as far as I can."

"Perfect!" Derek cheered, flashing her a grin.

"We'll be in Section B18 towards the back," I told Felisa. "You probably won't see us but we'll wave."