Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Change of Winds

XXXX

I stood outside the door to get within the stadium. This is where the fighters wait patiently to partake in this stupid tourney, where they try to see who the best fighters are. Pointless to me, but I signed up for this. I signed up to duel Jacro to the death. Why, I have no idea. He was just so annoying. Babbling on about me being a bad guy. Not new news my guy, nothing I can't conclude myself.

Oh, but then he got so angry. Hidden behind his cool demoner, I admit. He was so bitter, so angry at my defiance. That I of all people refused his orders. Alpha male versus alpha male, the only way to end our little differences. After this though it's back to the grind. The whispers of my presence won't wait on me forever.

Moving side to side, I quickly adjusted my two swords. These battles, once they begin, have no rules. It's a free for all. But there are some limits. Any armor you want to wear, with the restriction of only two weapons. Nothing else. So no satchel this time.

I chose Ever Heart, for that is a given. Also my sword named Stonework for the event. I quickly drew it for an brief inspection. Stonework was in total three and a half feet long, completely made out of one piece of a light brown stone, almost like flint, but in reality I had no idea the material. Single edge, the blade ran down until it came to the hiltless handle, curved outward like a crescent moon, then down to a tip, deadly sharp the entire way. All along the sword, if you looked closely, were etches as well. So barely carved in the stone you'd never notice it.

The good thing about Stonework is that it can cut through anything. As cleanly as a hot knife in butter. Magic, concrete, steel, whatever. No one will remember the sword, because it's not very flashy, though I don't mind. It'll get the job done.

I sheathed it again when I heard footsteps. A large group of magi appeared, all fit and seething with power. Oh, look, old friends.

"I can't believe it. Ditto Night. I heard you were doing this, but I couldn't quite wrap my head around the thought."

"Kai, you dirty bastard. What are you doing here?" I asked, shaking hands with the man. Kai and his team of four were a hero group from Earth. Kai was a tall, broad magi, whose expertise was water and nature. He was the definition of a great leader, whose words inspired anyone to do great things.

"We're participating in the tourney," he said, smiling brightly.

"Long time no see, you piece of shit," Brenda said. Brenda Lore, a magi whose beauty can only be matched by her fire. Hot blooded, curvy, and well taller than me, I always thought she'd do better somewhere not with these clowns. But what do I know. "Are you getting in our way again?"

"Not planning on it, no."

"I heard he's fighting General Jacro to the death," said Yut, almost as slowly as stone. Which made sense since he specialized in stone and strength magic, making him near impossible to kill with direct strikes. Absolutely enormous, the magi made most feel small and weak. I loved him the most. "Not wise."

"No it's not." I turned my attention to one I hadn't seen before. "And who is this?"

The girl couldn't have been more than twenty. She was about my height, with curly brown hair and freckles across her cheeks. I smelled water in her veins, almost ready to burst. She also looked very much like Kai.

"I'm Hen Jor, Kai's daughter." She had a smile that matched her father's, making me believe one day she'd probably take his place. "We haven't met."

"Hen is new to the team," Kai said. "We lost Buo last year to a witch we were called in to stop."

"Damn. I liked Buo. She was the most rational of all you fucks." I sighed wistfully. "Oh well. Glad to meet you Hen. You're about to witness me die."

"I'm betting on Jacro, if it makes you feel better," Kai laughed. "You don't stand a chance. Everyone is betting against you."

"I put one thousand kelos against you," Yut added.

"Vote of confidence. I'm both honored and disappointed." A magi guard was coming over, and I knew it was time to dance. "Sorry fellas, maybe we can talk later. Time to fall to a great man."

The group left, and the magi searched me, making sure I wasn't cheating. I'd be insulted if it wasn't protocol. I don't cheat.....often. I'm pretty good at what I do. Though even the best of men and women are usually afraid of the idea of a cheater. Keeps people on their toes.

After she gave the all clear, the door opened, and I walked into the bright light.

The stadium's noise matched what I suspect something similar to the Super Bowl. Only, here we came to die and hopefully claim we're the better warriors.

Halina would be watching, wondering if she would see the Last Necromancer fall.

I blinked a few more times, and saw my opponent on the opposite side.

********

If one can pull some strings, you can get yourself some shaded seats at the Tourney, to enjoy the battles with the ease of luxury. Not to say luxury is easy, but it sure is much better to live in than a shambling home or with waterless pipes. Money is well deserved....who am I kidding, no, it's usually not deserved, in fact it tends to be dirty in origin. Though I am but a lonely professor with no say in the matter.

We were high up, away from everyone else, under an awning. I was on the end of the bleacher, with Halina on my right, than Katlen, Cameron, and Haggar. The last fight had just finished up, and we waited for Ditto and Jacro to appear. But my attention was across the stadium to the press box where the Board was watching. They probably had bets placed -as did everyone- on Jacro to murder my project in front of this excited crowd.

"This is fun!" Halina said, eating caramel covered nuts. She sipped on a straw quickly afterwards. "Way cooler than anything back on Earth."

"I find it sad and boring," I responded, clicking my pen. "There is no point in pointlessly fighting. It's just a distraction."

"Which is why it's fun." She leaned back, and cracked her neck. Why do people do that? "So, if Jacro is super dangerous, then why is he here and not off generaling?"

"Good question," Haggar said from a few seats down. "Why would the most powerful magi in the land stick around? Arrogance maybe. I bet he'll head back after this."

Cameron wiped at his forehead with a cloth. Even in shade he was sweating, his shirt drenched in his fluids. Maybe I need to suggest some good workout routines I've heard of. Get back into that military shape he was once in.

"Yeah, Ditto told me he was considered the most powerful in the last century for you guys."

Haggar nearly spat out dirt. He coughed violently. "Most powerful is an understatement. He is viewed by many to be a overflowing with light magic. His techniques and abilities have surpassed some claim even those who sit on the Pillar council. I dismiss that notion personally, but he's wiped out entire demon armies with single spells."

"Eh. I guess that's alright."

I wondered if she was nervous. "Are you nervous?"

"What? No, I don't really care if he lives or dies," Halina said. Not even an eye blink. "I get to go home if he dies and finish my book faster. But I am rooting for him."

Valid answer, if I say so myself. Why be involved in a war when you can indulge yourself in your own personal desires and wants. I don't even know why I'm here myself. One of the next two men who walk out into the stadium are going to die. And I'd witness the death of either a great man, or one gone insane.

"And finally, while a late entry, we have the fight of the century here at Kal'en!" The announcer boomed. "The Great General himself, Jacro! And the challenger, the Last Necromancer, Ditto Night!"

The doors opened, and the two men walked out.

Not to say there was an uproar, but I flinched and covered my ears from the screams.

"Say, what's to stop the audience from using their magic?" Halina asked.

"Honor. To see who the best fighter is," Katlen answered. "What is the point of doing this if you're going to die from an angry fan? We've learned to accept the feats set before us."

While they talked, another magi sat to my left. He was big and wearing heavy clothing, despite the heat. I glimpsed at his face. Not hidden, though I doubt you'd notice him in the crowd.

"And so our new ally is about to perish," Triton said. He was either jubilant or indifferent. I couldn't really tell. "Shame, though I wasn't expecting anything else."

The two at the center of everything were stretching, getting ready for the count down to begin. And once it began, anything was fair game, any strategy and tactic, whatever you could muster.

"Why are you here?"

"To see if he has any skill," Triton grunted. "And if he can actually do this."

"Were you two once friends?"

"Friends? In a way." He was clearly thinking about the times before he had abandoned his known world for another. Was it worth it, in his mind. "Rivals I think is a better word. He had no love for me, and I him. But there was mutual respect."

Interesting. If they were not like brothers before, then obviously there was some political differences between the two that made them dislike one another. Was it family name, skills in the way of magic, or who wanted the Pillar's favor more?

In a way, this battle was going to represent the battles of ancient past, where the necromancers and magi stood against one another on the fields of death. But more importantly, I think Triton wants to see Jacro lose, if only to find himself in a better position from his olden days.

"No matter. I suspect death dies today. And we are witnesses to it."

Halina laughed, smooth and loving. "Sure, Mysterious Stranger. Witness is a strong word. Be careful how you use it."

XXXX

Jacro was clearly more equipped than I was. His sword wasn't drawn, but I suspect it was as golden as he. Gold and white armor adorned his body, everything high grade and probably near impossible to penetrate, with a big shield covered in matching guilding. No helmet, which I can respect.

I on the other hand was wearing black cargo pants, and a mere grey long sleeved shirt. Not that I didn't care about my appearance, but where do you find armor last minute?

Nowhere, is the correct answer.

The announcer made us known, and we did our quick minute stretches. I rolled up my sleeves, in preparation for the countdown. During my younger days, my old master used to make me practice writing out spells. Hours and hours at a time. Sometimes in the rain, sometimes blindfolded, sometimes in the rain blindfolded while I was being pelted by rocks.

Five spells is what I would need to possibly win.

"Alright, contestants, the fight starts! Ten!"

Five spells, and I'd have about three seconds to write them out before Jacro moved.

"Nine."

Jacro believed himself a chess player, seeing the board at every stage of the game. And I knew this to be true. Which is why I planned on doing the one thing to beat a chess player: merely follow along until the player misses my hand go for the throat.

"Eight."

Five spells. Oh, I'd use others, like necromancy, but for a game to be won, you must calculate the important pieces. The board only moves when god's are willing to push it. Fear of course what can't be pushed, but I'm never afraid.

"Seven."

Okay, that's clearly a lie. I'm afraid right now. Not from dying, but from being known as the fool that died to Jacro. How embarrassing.

"Six."

I cracked my neck. A turning point, this day is. A distraction, because I can't keep my feet straight on the path. The Sleeping Witch will know my name in true opposition, yet we are some time away for that step. She must be awake with eyes wide open to see.

"Five."

Five spells. Wanna know what they are?

"Four."

The starter.

The assist.

The life saver

The game changer.

The finisher.

"Three."

Jacro drew his shiny sword. Oh, I like that sword. Pretty, elegant, and functional. I hope it pierces my heart swiftly and justly. A good death is really all I want.

"Two."

Ever Heart was in my hand now. My mind primed with magic.

"One."

And here we go.

"Begin!"

I cut my right hand open. Five spells is all the time I had, written out on my left arm. The starter, the assist, the life saver, the game changer, and the finisher. Three point five seconds. My old master would have kicked my ass.

Ducking, Jacro's sword went across the space where my head would have been. Moving left, I deflected another strike, pushing him away from me.

"And this is where you fall Necromancer," Jacro said. I back peddled towards the middle of the stadium, making distance that would for sure close. "Don't make this too hard."

Our swords clashed, Ever Heart creating purple sparks and his white, and I couldn't help but grin. He was good with a blade alright. Maybe this would be fun. Ducking again and spinning, I slashed for his legs, but he jumped and swiped at my face. I blocked, leaping for more space.

Bolts of light forced me to create half a shield, putting me on the defensive. Landing on my feet, I released necro-lightning into his attack and charged, trying and get another feel for his style. Tendrils of light formed from his shield, which lashed out. I cut and parried with a speed trying to match said light.

To which I only was given a fraction of a second to stop white fire from ruining my clothes. Rolling once again, I felt the intense heat of the fire race across my back. On my feet, we connected our swords, strength pushing on each side. Shit, he was fast.

"So far, Necromancer, I'm not impressed," Jacro growled, close up and personal. I dodged a swipe and got close enough to try and pressure his balance. "Where was all that confidence from before?"

He bashed me with his shield. Everyone could hear us talking, the magic of this place amplifying our voices. Will my words be recorded, I wonder?

I found my ground. "Confidence? I'd argue it was more stupidity."

Honestly. The fact I'm still alive is a miracle.

Spikes of his pure white light erupted out of the ground, dividing us and keeping me from doing anything crazy. I sliced and burned everything I could, trying to not get impaled. They kept following, large and thick, like the nights I spent in a fae male prostitution house. Running backwards and not falling over, it was time to use the starter.

Turning the spell on, the symbols on my arm glowed to life. After a quick jump, I smashed the ground below with my arm to break apart the earth. Remember that spell I used back in West City? Broken earth chunks and light shards wrapped around my arm and I shot them out to Jacro. They merged with wandering souls, becoming loud banshees of terror.

The spikes didn't stop though. Leaping onto the nearest one, I weaved between them to get to the general. One thing was certain from this-- Jacro was indeed powerful, indeed clever, and I was probably foolish to accept his challenge. But hey, think of the positives.

This was probably making for great TV.

********

I scratched at my arm, uncomfortable from the sights before me. It had been only a minute, and the two warriors had shown such impressive skill the audience was going crazy. Jacro had just finished creating large spikes to try and kill his foe. Unfortunately, it did not work.

"Come on Ditto, you can do better than that," Halina muttered, leaning with anticipation. "Don't let me down now."

"I thought you didn't care if he lived or died," Katlen remarked.

"I don't. But he gave me a large sum of your money to bet on him winning. The odds are ridiculously stacked against him."

Cameron eyed her, then down at Triton, trying to put his face somewhere. When he said nothing I took that as a sign he was at a lost.

"How interesting." Triton seemed almost in awe, but I didn't know from what. "Jacro is using a considerable amount of his skill and talent. Yet he's not going all out. I can't say the same for the Necromancer, but who knows. While I understand Jacro wanting to feel Ditto out, I also figure he'd want to end it as quickly as possible."

A loud, glass-shattering scream resonated, and I watched three stone-ghouls fly at the general, probably programmed to kill. It truly seemed Ditto had no shortage of spells to draw from. Something I noticed however is when the Necromancer appears to be in a bind, he kinda both hides himself then pounces. As though a turtle waiting to bite down on a fish.

The magi's sword illuminated and a streak of his signature light cut across the ghouls in one swipe, while Ditto jabbed Ever Heart down Jacro's shield. There was something almost familiar about watching Ditto fight. Odd, it was as I'd seen it somewhere before.

Exchanging more blows with their weapons, a bright flash came bursting out of Jacro. Ditto reeled, swinging wildly as though he couldn't see. He screamed, "Mother....that's not cool!"

"We elites know when to play dirty too." The general stepped forward, then moved so fast he was a white and gold blur. He was so incredibly fast, I couldn't imagine anyone being able to match him for speed. "What were you expecting Necromancer?"

"I have a name!" Ditto swiveled, and while it looked liked his eyes were closed, I couldn't tell. He too moved staying just out of the generals reach. "And crowds cheering for my pain. So about like this, yes."

Torrents of almost blinding energy made me look away, missing Jacro's attack and Ditto's response. Click, click. Looking down again when it was over, there was a streak of steaming earth, and the two were dueling once more. How these two had so much energy to last this long is a testimony to their strength. I'd never experienced the....thrill of watching top class Hidden fight to the death. One of these men will die. And I've no idea which. Champions are forged everyday by the little and grand challenges of life. Maybe a champion such as a survivor doesn't need a real audience, but we are indulging in their desires. Maybe this is the destiny for us all, where we die in front of crowds with no glimpse of a future. I shuddered, not from the thought, but from the innocence of life itself.

"Halina, does Ditto have any actual weaknesses?" Cameron asked. He was near drenched in sweat. Not the best day to wear a white shirt. "Because I'd thought he'd be dead by now."

She shrugged. "Well, certainly not judgement. Nor loneliness. And definitely not boldness. However, the cold reality of having to wake up everyday might be it."

"I can relate," Katlen said, pushing back her dark blue hair. "Looking in the mirror makes me want to scrub my face."

We chuckled, mine being the most forced. Ditto released a great deal of black lightning, the storm sending Jacro hiding behind his shield. The beating heat having no effect on their stamina. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Oh, they were scared and worried.

"Jacro's shield, the White Wall, known for being able to withstand literally any and all attacks. There's no way he'll break through it," Triton chimed. I wanted to point out we are witnessing the fight of the millenia for the Light Layer. But sure, an indestructible shield means something.

"At least he'll die," I said. "At last the Necromancer will die."

"Now, I will point out the mistakes of others." Halina sipped on her drink, and I sensed her contentment. "It's believing the Necromancer is what he prefers to be called. Honestly, it doesn't do him justice. Even I can see that."

What?

"Strange. He's fast. Being able to stick up with Jacro was terrible back in sparring. None of us could do it, me being the closest back during training."

Everyone looked at Triton. His focus was on the battle below. I too wondered how a man who's never mentioned his training could truly fight.

XXXX

I pushed my legs back, getting out of the way of a deadly sword swing. Shit, he was so much faster than me naturally. I've been using demon blood in my legs to help, and it was just keeping me on his level. Maybe I should consider a new workout, because whatever I've been doing has been garbage.

Massive missiles of fire and light came streaming down, whistling danger and death. Sprinting, there was nothing to do but spin around and charge the man. Jacro was about a hundred feet away. A dark shield formed over my left arm, and I ran like my life depended on it.

The first missile exploded. My power barely took the shards of light and stone. The second scorched my legs, but not enough to slow me down. Then I was upon Jacro, smacking aside his shield and grabbing his wrist to try to wrench away his sword. Pivoting, I put him between me and his magic.

There was a vibrating sensation coming from the magi. Kicking him, I narrowly avoided his release of light, throwing up more shields to stop the missiles. There was nothing I could do to stop from getting thrown back a dozen feet.

Crashing down hard, I wiped at the sweat dripping down my cheek, squinting from the powerful sun and Swirl. Huh, it sorta looked as though Jacro was building up some magic.

Oh, I guess he is doing something rather meanicingly.

Standing, it was apparent now was the time to use the assist.

The spell on my arm sparked to life, and a nice polished mirror appeared within my hands. Jacro let loose his beam of white, annoyingly blinding light, while I planted my feet in the nick of time. The beam hit the mirror. Yep, you guessed it, the light got reflected back to its owner.

"I call this one the 'Man in the Back the Fuck Off'," I called out. Jacro ended the beam, but I used the remaining stream to chase him, sending him running. "What? Can't handle the spotlight?"

Once the energy was gone, I threw the mirror like a frisbee. It thunked the magi in the head. Laughing, I picked up Ever Heart and went to face my destiny once again. Once, a long time ago, a bounty hunter told me death is destiny. Honestly, I couldn't agree more.

Moving swiftly, I unleashed necro-lightning mimicking a Sith lord, all moody and edgy like. The crowd was eating this shit up. But when would their patience grow thin? When would they start begging for a broken warrior, no matter whose blood it is? A rowdy crowd is nothing to ignore. The power of a crazed mob is nothing to take lightly.

Jacro's fist hit my face, and I tasted a small amount of blood. Turning, my eyes burned with slight anger. "Where's the end you promised Magi? Huh, General of Misery. Where is this extinction you told your masters you'd bring to their palace doors?"

He scowled, even in the midsts of a duel. "I'll bring them your head."

"Oh, fuck, but I forgot my makeup."

Then things turned for a slight worst. The golden magi's sword got past me and sliced my arm. Red liquid welled up, but I didn't stop in my parries and thrusts, trying to get a good strike in. After being near him for this amount of time, I began noticing something about Jacro. He wasn't as young as I'd initially thought. True, he was strong and fast, yet I saw the lines near his eyes.

He also relied on his shield to cover his left side. It was far more defense than offense. Just keep that in mind for now, will you?

The magi's blonde flowing hair blew in the breeze. "Shame, Necromancer, we couldn't meet on the battlefield. I'm actually curious at your true abilities."

"I would use your body to lead my armies." Spitting, I had to duck from losing my scalp. "And mark you as my own."

His kick to my chest knocked the wind out of me.

"Interesting how you have two weapons, and you've only drawn one." He came closer, while I crawled on my knees. Oh, I'm sure the crowd was eating this up. His swirling eyes went dark for a second. "What, am I not worthy of two swords?"

"I haven't decided yet," I whispered. Ever Heart's purple blazed with putrid anger. Finding a smile, I twisted on my knees doing a complete circle, blocking a jab behind my back and getting on two feet. Another new jacket, more pants, probably a shirt--can't I have nice things not be ruined? For once in my life, can't my precious clothes not die! "Now, give me everything you got!"

I rushed forward, roaring. There was a hint of fear and surprise, but he recovered quickly enough. The problem with the magi -- and yes, they have a lot -- is their arrogance is rather self-righteous. I am a magi, therefore I am perfect and special. Who can dare challenge us in our greatness?

They've already forgotten the arrogance of the necromancers. Our arrogance is that we fear nothing, making us ignorant and dangerous. Keeping my legs filled with demon power, I kicked my opponents shield and sent him flying through the air.

"You color eyed freaks never learned." I trailed my sword in the dirt, sending dark magic into the dust. "Sure, your beautiful ideals of what imperialism is has gotten you far. I admit that much. The price my ancestors have paid is beyond blood. Beyond gold and jewels. Yet, you underestimate the weaker sorts. Because if one thing is certain, if one truth is to be in your dull, thick head, it's that the last of the weak become weak no longer. In fact, I'd say they're stronger than even the sturdiest mountain."

A storm of dust and darkness rose behind me, spinning as though a tornado. I've been speaking of arrogance, however when a person looks at the big picture, we rise and fall the same. Tossing a spirit into the tornado, I made a grinning bastard. "Take my head? Not before I take what's rightfully mine."

Jacro finally gave me a wide smile. "Lectures. Some audacity you have."

I sent my ghoul after him, but he dissipated it with a single flare. The insults! Acting as if my great powers meant nothing. Heart beating fast and hands clammy, I dragged my feet back into the fray of battle. Do you hear that? The necromancers of old are laughing at the greatest joke my people used to tell. They are looking down at me in shame, but with excited pupils. Hypocrites, the whole lot.

"Are the Pillar watching?" I cried out while we exchanged blows. "Because if they are, I have a message: I am Ditto Night! But you may call me Defiance!"

Fear the necromancer. But more importantly, fear his words.