Chapter Twenty Eight: A Matter Of Opinion

********

"This is taking forever," Katlen whined. "My grandma could have wrapped this up by now."

"Patience," Cameron scolded. The former soldier rubbed his chin in what seemed like anticipation. "Back when I served, powerful magi who fought high level demons could drag the battle on for hours, showing just how vast their stamina was. If Jacro can't do this right away, then there are serious forces at work here."

"I want to see more blood." Halina was looking bored. Humans, never satisfied with the items they're given. "Where is the oozing blood? I want to hear screams."

"Tell that to Ditto, who won't lay down his life." Haggar gave me a stare. "Should have just sent him back to Earth when you had the chance."

"He'd find another way in," Halina responded, giving me chills. "But hey, I appreciate the thought."

"Can we just please acknowledge the fact the Pillar are probably watching, and watch as a child they once spared is now fighting against their more prized weapon. Strange, how things come full circle if you don't think a head." Cameron's sweat was starting to smell. My nostrils were beginning to burn, and I resisted the urge to plug them. "What must be going through their minds?"

I would try to imagine, I really would, yet I'm sure the thoughts of the leaders of Light probably are much more... vague and imposing than my own. Dark and Light, a divide as old as time itself. But this is Light and Death, who's divide is much more subtle. Death lives under Light's gaze even in the most prosperous of times.

Ditto said something about defiance. I yawned in retaliation.

"Waiting for excitement is futile," Triton told me. "Everyone knows sharp minds don't need acts of flare to bring down the house."

"All it takes is one simple poke." I frowned. "Poking and prodding and hoping to get lucky."

"Can someone buy me a pretzel?" Halina asked, her lip trembling. When I was younger, my parents would bring me to the festivities here. I ignored them to play with the weeds, and for not causing trouble, they'd buy me a treat. Why are these memories surfacing now? "Come on I have cash I just want to watch a man get stabbed."

"Don't we all?"

Halina faced me, her eyes clear and quite beautiful. They were so still, like a pool, without the muck of moss. "Just note Ursula I will be putting in my book how the greed of the magi will see a good man perish. And how the love of proving one's superiority is the greatest sin of them all."

I clicked my pen. "Human, what is Earth like?"

"Miserable."

Katlen laughed. "My own thoughts exactly."

"While we're watching," Halina said, kinda too happy, "what's up with the Pillar? What exactly do they control? The entire Light Layer?"

The others sorta gave each other blank stares, as though not wanting to answer but knowing they had no choice. Triton gave them a sigh of relief.

"It's... complicated. Here, on the continent of Jus'ra, and in the ancient city of Uni'ro, the Pillar essentially rule with an iron fist. Uni'ro is about an hour from Kal'en, making this city one of the most important cities on Jus'ra." Both are old, both have roots dating back to the beginnings of the magi. Uni'ro is the capital of the Light, a beacon of hope to all.

All, except Ditto.

Triton went on. "The other continents, some close, some separated by oceans and seas, are also under the Pillar's leadership. But it's not really direct anymore. A Tower or Governor usually oversees many of them."

"Sounds very... unethical."

"How so?"

Halina licked her lips. I ignored her face and focused back on the fight. "Well, not unethical per say. The humans, they believe in democracy. Voting in representatives or whatever. It's our greatest delusion. Democracy." She spat the word like venom. "In reality money is king. Democracy takes a backseat when the dollar sign is threatened. Those who aren't 'voted' in are considered dictators. Tyrants. Monarchs. So I find how you don't really care who's in charge rather, um, amusing."

"Really? We're going to discuss geo-layer-political politics now?" Katlen gave me a bizarre look. "But I guess there's no other time. These two don't seem to be dying anytime soon."

"Which lands once belonged to the Necromancers?"

"The once dark continent of N'volion. That was their heart and home," Triton said.

Where the Tree resides. I touched the edge of my glasses, loosening them slightly. Ditto and Jacro were grappling with each other, faces close and wicked. Though I must admit Ditto's face was a lot easier to gaze upon without that nasty beard. He looked like a real warrior, one with goals and a family. Fighting to save his family. Maybe I should write that story out.

"I wonder if he's been there," Halina mused quietly. "N'volion. If he's been there, what thoughts go through your head then?"

The Golden General and the King of Darkness circled each other now, two wolves wanting the same carcass. The General spoke. "The Dead War saw your kind fall into despair. We buried them in the millions. They leveled cities, destroyed entire populations, and here we stand, victorious. Your actions and words mean nothing."

The Last almost revealed in the cheers. "And you think yours will sting me? Get under my skin? Do not bring up the past with a necromancer, you ignorant fool. We see secrets and death better than any other eye."

"You say 'we'. But there's only one." His shiny foot stirred up loose dirt. "Tell me, when you trembled before the Pillar, was there a 'we'? When you became alone for the first time in history, was there a 'we'? You are truly crazy. So I will relieve you by slicing open your ugly head."

"I find the boasts of big, high-level men tend to be telling the truth most of the time. However, you forget--this is where my blood has been spilt. Look as it drips from my arm to the lonely ground. It represents my fallen necromancers, the blood of my crazy ass. Therefore I am no longer a single person, but now with my fellow dead-raisers." He smiled, letting the aura of everything radiate from his being. "Jacro, in your foolish ignorance, I pardon you. Forgiveness? No, never. When my people return maybe. But this, well, this is me slapping the Pillar with my big fat cock. They seem to believe it takes their beset soldier to defeat me. Stupid! It takes gods! The Necromancer is the barrier you fail to see!"

"Jesus, he really is insane," Halina said.

Jarco growled loud enough for us to hear. "I serve the Light. I have purpose, and principles. Even if I fall, my legacy will live on. Your body will rot with no legacy to speak of."

More white spikes erupted, followed by a purging white fire. Ditto answered with a hand covered in darkness, melting the spikes and avoiding the fire. As their dance continued, I started to notice Ditto picking up a step, moving a little faster. And Jacro was almost hesitant. Was he questioning his position? His immortal purpose? No, that can't be it. The man has worked to hard to get where he is.

"Hey, maybe it's just me, but does the Necromancer's style of swordsmanship and movements seem familiar?" Haggar asked. He played with his beard, tugging at the small braids. "It's really familiar is some way, but I don't know how."

"Agreed. The quick, precise strikes pairing so well with his strength and unnatural magic." Triton's words oozed with awe and despair. I squinted to see better, which is something I've watched others do. Weird, nothing was happening. "An older style, nothing official, but obviously effective."

Like remembering a memory from childhood. Now that I was paying closer attention, it was kinda similar to something I can't quite remember. Don't you find it strange, how we can't bring up memories like files from a desk? Pluck pluck pluck at the paper, read the words, taste the sound of lies.

"Back home we watch a sport called 'football'," Halina said. "Men compete to score points. There's nothing with killing anymore."

The atmosphere changed. The air around Jacro began sparkling with golden embers, taking in oxygen to fuel what I suspect will be a great pyre. Triton laughed. "Oh no."

Every space within the field ignited in bright fire. I closed my eyes, feeling a slight warmth on my face. Nothing, not even the Man Who really cares what he calls himself could have survived that.

XXXX

Oh my God it was hot. The air was literally on fire. Good thing I'm smarter than the average... magi. Using the lifesaver, I created a ball of water coating myself in a thick layer. As fast as the water evaporated I pumped it out trying to keep my body from literally burning to a crisp.

After what seemed like an eternity the fire calmed down and I saw Jacro standing there, eyes raging with fire, pissed I was still alive. The ground was steaming, making it feel as though I'd just stepped out of the shower. Heat radiated from the ground, into my shoes, and made my feet feel toasty warm

I cracked my neck. "Is that all you got?"

Jacro's shoulders sagged. "Just full of tricks aren't you? Where exactly are you learning how to do all this?"

"Huh, now that's a secret." My fist clenched Ever Heart. The sword burned, though not with flame or passion. I licked my dry cracked lips. "I must admit, Magi, you've offered quite the challenge. I think it's safe to say any other normal opponent would be dead by now."

When I defeated Magmaw, I was a mere twenty years old. Barely an adult, much less a responsible one. The demon was a horror greater than anything I've ever face, before or since. Fear is a weapon of choice, because we choose to fear but find ourselves incapabable of forgetting the concept. Letting fear linger, letting it fester, it's almost sex to me.

Inhaling a deep breath, my brain wanted nothing more than to end this.

I went to the general, not thinking real hard about strategy. "The magi once warred with the necromancers on the regular. When the two armies came face to face, both sides knew the death toll would be costly. However, the death raisers laughed since all you did was give us ammunition. No matter who falls, you've already failed."

Jacro ate the words pretty well. He shrugged, ducking as I swung my sword. "The age of darkness has been over for a long time." Our blades locked, and my strength was starting to falter. "What is this weakness of yours? A lone challenger to the light? You are a fool above all others."

I gritted my teeth, trying to push him in any direction. But the general was strong, straining to do the same to me. Purple and gold sparks tickled my face. "Historians will remember this day. Yet Jacro, they will remember the general who couldn't kill the Necromancer with one blow. The reputation of a good man is already ruined."

His features crinkled, and the scar on his lip was wilted from what I assumed was shame. He pushed me off him and a surge of gold energy pulsed from his chest. Like Iron Man, if Iron Man was a huge mother fucker.

My hand glowed with black runes over the crimson one's, to which I created a tiny black hole and absorbed as much of the energy as my weakening body could sustain the spell for. The necromancers knew that power came price. Life-force is a rather good resource to stretch to the limit. Put it all on the line, or not at all.

His cute beam ended, and I marched forward to the sound of drums ringing in my ears. I blocked a fast stroke and managed to get my hand onto Jacro's shield, attempting to turn it to dust. If I could that would shift this entire battle.

No such luck. The metal was too infused with magic.

His fist slapped me on the side of my head, causing me to reel and see double for a second. Taking the blood from my weeping arm, I shot blood bullets, trying to slow him down. But he was a monster, his strength truly worthy of being the Pillar's top dog.

"When I was little, my father took me to a battle field to watch demons perish." His golden weapons glinted in the harsh sunlight. Story time? Now? I am unprepared. "Together I watched him annihilate the weaker ones one by one." Going low, I swiped at his legs, falling on my butt and rolling to avoid a kick. "Why is it the weakest creatures die the easiest?"

"Because they are weak, and we are strong." I threw my blade up, and for the first time I felt something slice. Ever Heart had gone just past his handle and hit wrist, cutting the upper part and ripping skin. He stepped backed, a hush going over the crowd. "Weakness is a virtue to be exploited. We of the tough know this. We of the powerful are use to seeing the weak fall in waves to satisfy our large lust. Look at you, staring at ruby red life. Get the fuck over yourself."

Jacro went from shocked, to angry, to calm in about a second. "I don't consider you strong."

"Then that's where you lose." I charged, black fire streaming from my body. Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can keep going. A mere scratch isn't going to kill the fool. The sweat was flowing freely now, without much thought for my feelings. Sidestepping, his blade went past and I swung into exposed chest, only to be stopped by that fast shield. "Speaking of stories, want to hear the one how I broke the will of a dragon?"

He did not.

Jacro swung and I held up my blade. His force literally moved my feet, dragging up dust and dirt. Taking the opportunity, I touched his sword, but yet again it was too fueled with light and some ancient magi magic for me to rip apart in a few moments.

White flames and golden spikes had me running for my life, like the coward I am. Light, for all it's beautiful flaws, was very dangerous. It's mages could conjure deadly spells which could kill in an instant. I heard a noise I actually haven't heard before. Interesting. I honestly thought I've heard all the noises before.

Spinning, the fire had stopped, and where Jacro stood was now a golden giant. The magi was in the center of a huge avatar, at least ten feet tall. I swallowed what little spit I had.

Again, real talk here, but I can not do that.

The audience was going berserk. Finally, the magi might end it! What a spectacular fight, the necromancer had a good run, but he was outclassed. Outmagicked, by a better idiot than he. I suspect this is what everyone watching is saying right now. Where was the Necromancer? He died not really proving anything! Shame, truly, since he was staring to pull at my heartstrings.

Fine, that's cool I guess. Maybe should've started with that trick but hey, you do you.

Rolling my shoulders, I drew Stonework. The two blades weren't sure how to behave, sorta quivering with anticipation. I crossed my weapons.

"If it's fear the Pillar want, the end goal of all their madness, then may Kam see their souls forgiven."

Because I will not.

Springing forward like a pouncing cat, the heavens above screamed for justice. Justice for a man who can't see clearly. 'Which man?' the clouds ask, looking for a man who meets the qualifications more than the rest. 'The one who trips over a pepple,' the heavens reply. Devious creatures the whole lot.

The avatar, while probably consuming insane amounts of energy, moved faster than I thought. Jacro lumbered towards me swinging the massive jello looking sword. A stream of wind trailed, making it known getting hit would hurt. Activating the demon within me, I kept moving while halting his attack with Ever Heart, the force of air whipping up a cloud of dust. Jacro stubbled before lurching forward slightly. He brought up his weapons in shock.

Not stopping I reached his massive leg and Stonework cut threw it as though it was Christmas butter. He fell to his knees, but I ran to his left side in hopes to take his arm. I jumped, but failed to account for his reach, and watched as his shield spun round. Imagine a fly swatter if you will, beating a poor defenseless fly into submission. He hit me into the stadiums wall, cracking stone. Demon skin might be tough, everything still hurts the same though.

Getting on one knee, a quiet sense washed over me. Not the kind where the hero silenced their surroundings and picked themselves back up to fight. More like an emptiness with no reward. That notion where you've failed, and no matter how hard you tried, you can't get up.

Have I failed? In a manner of speaking, yes. When the leaders of this Layer examine this fight, they'll see my face right now, and see the pain in my eyes. The loss of getting the shit kicked out of him.

I rolled as a foot slammed into my previous spot. Pivoting smoothly, there was a moment's hesitation, then I went between his legs and swiped up into crotch area, creating deep gashes leaking golden aura. He fell and flipping my swords I put them hilt length into his back. The spell began to flicker out, but not before Jacro got in one last kick.

Dodging, his toe nicked me, pushing me to the dirt.

Jacro stood. "It's like watching two old men beat each other."

"Strange. I was thinking the exact same thing."

Never doubt the truth. Readying myself, I locked eyes with the magi. The truth was there, one of us was going to die here and now, walking away with no pride or gain. His scarred lip curved upwards. "Farewell Necromancer."

"Oh, bite me."

********

The end was near. For once, I could smell it. Two beings went in, and one was about to walk out alone and broken. Jacro's golden aura had just fizzled out, weakened by Ditto's swords. I watched as they circled each other for what would certainly be the final time.

It has been quite the day.

"I've seen him use that aura while fighting high level demons," Triton said, almost edging out a smile. "And the man brings it down in minutes. Truly frightening."

Clutching my knee's in eager hope, there was nothing to do now but pray things will turn out okay. I don't pray. There's no point when you've devoted your entire life to science and misery. In this moment though, even a woman with little expectations can find herself staring at the sky.

"Why do we die?" Katlen asked.

"For punishment of sins," Halina answered back, her voice harsh and quick.

"For weary tears wept by our children," Haggar said.

"For the love of the future," Cameron added.

"For the dust dormant on the ground." My own answer. Not original, but a worthy thought in my own opinion.

Triton let the wind speak for him.

"Good guesses. Yet this stupid claim of a fight has left me pondering why death knocks so subtly at times, and loudly crashes at others. What wild laws have we broken to make it so death kisses us with sadness and not love?" Katlen played with her hair. I felt her voice trembling with nerves. "Or is it vice versa and we are merely blind to the truth?"

"The Last would tell you death is for us all," Halina said. I turned at that. She glanced at me, then back to the fight. "Oh, I guess you could call him too imposing. A fair criticism. I myself disagree with him. However if time wishes to continue forward, then we must die for the everlasting march. Death for all, huh? What does sins or tears care when you no longer have the will to move on with your own demise?"

Cameron sat by her uncomfortably, almost doubling his sweat production. It gave me a shudder. Some things we can't control, life and... the word has been said too much. No more, I say, like a young teen with no sense. No more fear of the bad word.

Ditto's leg got a nasty cut, but he still moved towards that finish line. Halina opened her mouth once again. "When I return to Earth, I am greeting my lover with a fiery passion. Because sitting here slowly rotting underneath this colorful sky is driving me to madness."

"Human, you talk to much."

She laughed. "And you are letting too much happen. Intervention isn't just done by the purposeful or heavy-minded. Together we make time march, some more than most, but together... together we sail the stars of empty promises."

Even weeds have a place. Stupid Ursula, you knew this already. Blah blah blah. What is pain without weakness. A nice breeze came and took away the senses which hurt me so. The human, she gave me more to think about. As a nature magi, I feel the world turn slowly, as if it wants to gaze instead of observe.

However, this Layer lets small things wither and perish. Broken things have no use when your vision is clouded. Wrecked with gods destroyed and pushed aside, fearful of stepping out of the shadows. All for one. One for all. Given the Necromancer's persistent attitude, I'm surprised he hasn't waged war sooner.

Jacro seemed to have found a second wave, for he was moving faster than a few minutes ago. Maybe the real threat of dying had inspired him to actually try. Maybe Ditto was really proving what defines a fool after all.

"Halina is it?" Triton spoke up. While her head didn't turn, she smirked in response. The rebel leader huffed out hot air. "Where did he get those swords?"

"How should I know? I'm not his damn caretaker."

"I don't understand. Why is a lone necromancer here in the heart of the Light? Why does he join my cause? Where is his drive and knowledge coming from?" Triton placed his elbows on his knees, head in hands, blonde hair blowing freely. "I am utterly confused."

Halina gave a brief laugh. "Where is the love? You confuse alone with helplessness. I may be a human, but humans are good at one thing: gaining friends. Being alone together is worse off than being together alone. Forged in his wickedness is an empire we can't see."

An empire of death. We've talked about the topic enough to make me never want to speak of it again. Ditto, for his part, seemed to have found a second wave of his own. Purple and brown blurs against a bright, elegant gold. I've never understood this senseless need for conflict. Who do these spectators think they are? My research subject might become lost to me forever, but they don't even care.

Ridiculous. There's no judgement here is there?

And if he wins, then we've witnessed... be careful about the word Halina said. I agree, witness is a brutal word. This bloodlust will not go well if Jacro is struck down.

Ditto for some reason was avoiding using his brown sword -- which looked much like half of a scissor -- favoring his standard weapon. Why is that? Is he not as adept with two hands? Or is there another reason? Avoiding using the weapon up until now, there must be a good reason. Was it in fact more powerful than his Heart?

"Only if this was a point system Necromancer. You'd still lose, but at least you'd get to live." Jacro's laugh honestly was grating. It was filled with an unnatural confidence, something he shouldn't have by this point. But the Last had a grin which was undeserving. He wasn't making any ground now, as clearly wounded and tired as he was. "Any last words?"

A brief silence then I heard. "Do you believe in faith?"

"Yes."

"I don't. Not when I've gotten this far from my own will, and will alone."

My eyes widened. What was it he was implying?

Jacro took it less well. "You're saying..."

Ditto nodded.

I clutched my chest in agony. A fool, we were all played like a sad song deep in the night. He's here because he wanted to be, not for pride or honor or glory. Jacro is here to kill a dangerous foe that had challenged his authority. Not the Man Who Dies for Fun however, who's plans no one could see.

This is a disaster. I've never wanted to escape reality more.

"The plot doesn't get good until the writer decides to make it so," Halina said. "I wonder if you all thought books were written by themselves."

Jacro did a flip despite his armor, bringing his sword down. Ditto managed to parry by twisting his hand in a way that had to be painful, bring the flat of Ever Heart's blade across his back.

"Geez. I was sure he was going to die then," Katlen said.

XXXX

Holy fucking shit! Did you guys see that? I almost got skewered like a fish on a stick! I hadn't been expecting that flip at all, so I'm lucky my reflexes are good. Fuck, I almost died! My heart was racing like mad. He must have been saving a great deal of energy for that little stunt, because it certainly almost paid off.

Shit. Fuck. Holy hell. Truth be told I might have even peed a tiny amount. Getting off my knees and bringing up my arms, I quickly switched my swords, Stonework in my right and Ever Heart in my left. I lashed out, making room to breathe in, praying this wasn't the end yet.

"Tired and bloody, the only way I thought I'd die. Marvelous." Jacro smacked his weapons together to show he could keep going. Brave, if it wasn't so arrogant. "Let's kill each other now."

"I. Am. Trying." Finding the will to carry on, I forced my legs to move step by step, with my brain telling me to run and hide. No, this wasn't the time to feel like hiding from your problems. Now was the time to slaughter said problems.

The Golden General slashed widely, keeping his shield tight to him. I batted away the puny blade and used Stonework to easily slice the top of his shield and across his chest plate. Half of his shield fell off and landed in the dust.

He reeled back, a thin red line blooming along his chest. He looked down at it then up at me. "Impossible."

"Nothing is impossible."

Hesitant, Jacro walked slowly, trying to figure out what to do. I couldn't blame him. Our final moments are now, families will either weep or rejoice, be praising or cursing. For a lone second I closed my eyes, and saw everything I've worked for. My mistakes, my accomplishments, my friends, and the gravestones of my family. I wonder if Jacro will close his eyes, and see the same. Sometimes I wish there was more I've could've done, and somethings I wish I could've taken back.

Jacro spat, and there was a tint of blood. "Fine. It's time. I'm ending this."

I began backing up. "Literally never have I been so happy. Not even after I had sex for the first time."

The air became stifled with magic.

I've never believed in the forces of miracles or chance. I've never believed in the everlasting love granted by a god who watches people curse in their name. Oh, I've never, ever, believed in a just world where the villains die in a fiery blaze of cute vengeance. This is the moment, however, where once, and only once, there were words left unspoken that I wish could be said to those who mattered.

Jacro's being began sparking with gold and white lightning, the smell of fire and pain becoming immeninate. He was playing his end card, the final piece of the puzzle.

I stabbed Stonework into the ground, and placed Ever Heart back into the palm of my right hand. This was it, the Game Changer. I said the spell, and felt a pulsing in my head. A large bead of sweat dripped down my chin as my gaze drifted towards Ever Heart. "Just this once, please help me Executioner."

********

"What's happening?" Halina looked around, confused. "What is he doing?"

"Jacro is using his final spell. The one he created himself, and his most powerful, army destroying spell," Triton said. "Watch as the magic borders of the arena are activated, hoping they are strong enough to hold back his devastation."

Beams shot up from staffs placed around the edge of the arena. A very thin layer of light formed, creating the protection hopefully to keep us from dying. Though since Ditto had no chance of stopping Jacro's attack, I'm sure we'll be alright.

"Tell me about this spell," I asked, wanting to know more. "What is it? What's it look like?"

"A golden conflux, literally so destructive it's made demons run in fear." A crease formed on his forehead. "If he doesn't succeed now, the spell will drain him, and Ditto will easily kill him."

Oh.

"Who cares," Katlen spat. "Both are terrible. The Necromancer a monster, the General a puppet. I've tasted air with less ego. If anything, I will win a few bucks from my bet."

"Yet you betted on Jacro. Clearly, you have no faith," Halina combated with a hint of glee. "But, ironically, neither does he."

It's not my job to understand people. Animals, plants, even the clouds in the sky. But the sentience of a living Hidden is beyond my capacity in most regards. I try, I really do, but some things are just too hard to understand.

"Why not go after him while he's summoning his spell?" Always the one to ask a hard question, Haggar was. Probably my best friend after Cameron, he was a smart man, with plenty of patience to go around. "Something like you described couldn't take quickly to charge up."

This though, felt like a question I could answer. "Shit. Ditto isn't going to do that because he wants to match it."

Is he stupid! He will never get close to Jacro's end game. The moron was going to die a horrible, probably brutal, death that even he doesn't want. I stood in a panic. I will not see my research perish, all because the arrogance of one man is not enough to that of another.

Halina grabbed my shoulder, which I shook off. "There's no interfering. Let them sort this mess out."

Someone is going to end up a mess if nothing is done. Sitting again, only a hopeless buffoon would think everything would work out, like the stories told to children. But unlike adults, children need them to have faith. A faith which can never be taken away.

XXXX

The Game Changer, which was nothing more than a extreme version of my death cloud mixed with necro-lightning sprinkled with the color purple just because I like the color, became ample with power as it swirled around my arm. Ever Heart's runes leaked energy, and I took it as it travelled up my back and into my body.

Jacro's finishing spell, one of the purest light, would be going up against one of the purest death. But, Ditto, light always wins. That's what my mother told me, so it must be true. Yes young one, maybe when facing off an egotistical dark warlock who has nothing to lose. Because when you have nothing to lose you make sloppy mistakes. Yet, am I some egotistical warlock with nothing to lose? No, is what your mother would say.

The spirits danced in my vision. Oh spirits! Stop your bitching and let me work!

We released our spells, and I had to put a foot back to keep from being pushed. My cloud of death was a storm of delicious scents that made me laugh. A show of skills this layer will never witness again. I would be amused, if I wasn't the one who suffered from the absolute distraught of pain and godless affliction we were showing.

The arena filled with our magic. I added more necromancy.

Will it be enough?

********

Both beings unleashed their spells. We all sat back in shock as Jacro's cataclysmic display of light was equally matched by Ditto's horrific cloud of blackness. My mouth hung open as for what felt like hours, but was nothing more than a minute. Neither side budged, neither side moved an inch, gave even a hairs worth of ground. If I wasn't here, watching with my own vision, I would have called this event fake, absolutely unreal.

Lightning shot out from both parties, and I flinched as a bolt struck the arena's shield. What could any of use do beside be dumbfounded? I wished for an answer besides misery. This wasn't fair. He was supposed to have died quickly! Not stand up to the Pillar in any way! They told us there was no enemy they couldn't defeat, no monster which could touch them.

How wrong we were.

"It's ending," Triton said.

I couldn't see either man, for their magic had consumed them. But from the center, the magic began to fizzle until revealing both. They stood there, unwavering. And Jacro fell to his knees, alive but defeated.

"It's over." Halina shook her head. "I will record this day with sadness."

XXXX

I walked up to Jacro slowly, sheathing both my swords. The crowds had gone silent, even the wind had more voice. I reached Jacro on the ground, who was breathing heavy, and spitting up blood. He looked up. "Congratulations."

I said nothing. Picking him up by the neck, it was time to use the finisher.

He didn't struggle, but spoke anyways. "Please. I have a wife and son."

"Then they will watch you die a coward."

The finisher was a life syphoning spell, but not the average one I use. This one was old, and developed by cruel necromancers. It would not only kill, but take the powers of the one syphoned and convert them into your own. I began syphoning his life, draining him like taking a male lover, until he was nothing more than a crisp husk stuck inside a shell.

Tossing aside his body, I picked up his sword. "Hey, can I keep this?"

No answer. Shrugging, I went back to the door I entered in. There was no noise, no one talked at all.

Well, that's not completely true.

As I went across the distraught arena, Halina's laughter broke the empty silence.