Metsuhai was headed out of the ring, when to his surprise he was stopped by two medics. "Fugughuu-sama, let us have a look at you for a moment."
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Though a bit of rest will do no harm."
"It will be just a moment of your time," the medic insisted. Metsuhai stood still while the medics thoroughly examined him from different angles. One of them even aimed a small flashlight at his eyes. The light, bright but not really blinding actually caused Metsuhai physical pain. "You must have a doctor look at your eyes," instructed one of the medics, "As a competitor in the Armageddon Championship you get the doctor's assistance for free, so make good use of it."
"Thank you," Metsuhai parted with the medics. As the grand screen up behind him runs names for the next round, a familiar toxic smoke scent greeted him.
"You did good in the ring, I was impressed. Now go rest," commanded Lezner, "You need to be ready for next round."
I wanted to watch all the fights… But Lezner is right. Resting is part of warfare. Metsuhai sent one last glimpse at Rin, who's moral was shaken, and went underground. Metsuhai thought for a moment and called Chizue. "What's up winner?" She seemed to be in good mood.
"To be honest I need a favor. Could you call me when this third round ends and the fourth begins? I'll be resting until then."
"No problem. I'm not going anywhere."
"Thanks, I owe you one."
Metsuhai entered the hospital wing with a smile on his face. One of the doctors seemed to have expected him. Without a lot of small talk, the doctor proceeded to check his eyes immediately.
"Your eyes have endured tremendous strain. You must not strain them further or you face a serious risk to forever lose the light of day. It is possible it is to late already and permanent damage may have accumulated. I would like for you to stay for further observation, I mean, this could even deteriorate with time."
"Not part of the plan, doctor. I have a championship to win. Besides I know a really good healer back where I am from."
"No one is that good! Listen to the voice of reason. Don't play with your health. You must understand the importance."
Metsuhai nodded but from his expression the doctor understood he wasn't going to change his mind. The doctor sighed. "Be very careful, and whatever you do, don't strain your eyes even more. I mean looking at a TV might be okay, but no energy from the eyes, no sight related techniques and other such games."
"Yes sir, I understand."
Metsuhai left the hospital area, practically collapsing on his bed (in his quarters). Tsukiyama could undo all the damage to my eyes for sure, but I still can't ignore the doctor's warning. What if Tsukiyama disappears in his game of tag with the order and I'm left blind for god know how long. I should keep my health in check. Let's hope my next opponent won't be that powerful. Metsuhai turned to the other side of the bed, his thoughts slowly slipping away. Somewhere between being awake and asleep he pondered how lucky he was to have Tsukiyama as his sensei. He can heal anything, I still don't know how he does it.
…
Metsuhai felt a pleasant sensation on his cheek. He slowly opened his eyes. A perfect beauty lay in bed with him. It was Chizue, and her gentle hand was on his cheek. The blanket covering them both. "Wake up, Metsu. Time approaches."
Before Metsuhai figured out the seriousness of the situation, Chizue pulled him up from the bed. They were both wearing their full battle uniforms and standing on top of the highest mountain. Looking into each over's eyes, the wind in their hair. Chizue began walking towards confused Metsuhai, who opened his arms to embrace her. Then at the very last moment the ground broke. Chizue fell into a dark abyss. Though trying, Metsuhai couldn't catch her in time. She shouted. Within a moment she was gone. Metsuhai heard barons Phaulin's voice, "She now belongs to me!"
Metsuhai went for his sword, but it was gone. The phone rang.
Metsuhai jumped to a seating position in an instant. Covered in cold sweat. His hand on the hilt of his sword. This was just a dream, nothing more, but it felt so real, the presence was so powerful. Wait, now I realize this isn't the first time I had that exact dream before. Could it actually have some meaning? If so, what is the message here? What is the dream trying to tell me? Only now Metsuhai realized that his phone was really ringing, placed near his bed. That's what woke him up.
Metsuhai picked up the phone, accepting the call. "Wake up, Metsu-san. The time for your next fight approaches. The fourth round starts a few minutes from now."
"Ehm…Thanks, Chizue-san. I'll be there soon."
…
There weren't that many combatants still in the competition. Metsuhai counted only eight men, including himself and the two fighting in the ring (looking like a large but shallow pool) at the moment. There was Makarov, with his deception magic, who already won his fight in the fourth round. There was Marshal, as always dressed like a shaolin priest. Of course, there was Ryo, looking at the fight in front of him with very little interest. The other two were formidable warriors as well, but still outclassed (according to Metsuhai's opinion). One was a guy named Gadolius, the only competitor with a body even bigger than Ryo's. Metsuhai didn't pay attention to this big fellow in the beginning, but it seemed this club carrying cave-man had more than just size. The other, Jay, was almost the complete opposite. A short Philippine knife-master, who tore through the competition with his two short knives. Each and every one of them is strong, but I guess if I had to choose who do I want to fight, Gadolius worries me least.
"And it's over! Shahin wins by TKO!"
Metsuhai was slightly surprised from the winner in that equal, bloody fight, but either way Shahin looked like he was run down by a tank, and the only place he was going was the hospital.
The next fight, in the desert ring, was between Ryo and Jay. Will he quit too, like Ryo's previous opponent, to avoid Niniyo's horrible fate? Metsuhai examined the knife-master. He didn't have even a drop of fear in his eyes. He was, however breathing hard from overexcitement.
"I know you are very powerful," admitted Jay, "But I came here to win. I didn't travel all this way just to back away from a fight. My master thinks I'm only his second best student. I came here to prove to my master that I have no competition. Only the first place is good enough for me."
Somewhat surprisingly, Ryo spoke too. "Very noble of you. You won't reach your goal. Consider yourself lucky to be defeated by the one taking first place, close enough."
Jay charged on Ryo with a sharp scream as soon as the referee commenced the fight. The massive halberd sent the excited thin fighter back, almost knocking him off his feet. To Metsuhai's surprise, he wasn't wounded though. He wasn't discouraged either. Jay attempted his assault repeatedly, trying to strike Ryo from various angles and directions. He was incredibly agile. His technique was practically flawless. Those knives could slice even through stone. Yet it always ended the same way: Ryo bashed the halberd at him, sending him flying backwards.
It's only been a minute into the fight. Jay tried every technique, every trick, with no results. He was a bit out of air. Yet, Ryo was standing there like a mountain and didn't even broke a sweat. Jay was franticly thinking of any way out of this. "Your skill with those knives is commendable. Your bravery, facing someone like me isn't a trivial matter as well. No reason for you to be ashamed of your ability. Whatever honor was denied from you, you deserve it. But I had enough playing."
Ryo planted the halberd into the send, letting go of it. He raised his half-open palm up towards the sky. "Holy Armor Manifestation- Right Hand!"
An inconceivable amount of white energy formed around Ryo's right arm. The energy condensed, turning yellow and finally forming a golden glove-like aura. If Metsuhai didn't know otherwise he would have sworn its real gold. Even without true sight, Metsuhai could tell with ease- His energy is completely different now! It's like there is another Ryo in his right hand!
Jay had a worried look on his face for just a moment, before his resolve recovered. Ryo took one step forward, perhaps to adjust his stance. Then, he punched into the air in Jay's general direction. A surge of power swept the ring like a rocket's afterburner. The wave of energy swept the knife- master awey. Flattening him on the barrier protecting the crowd. Even Zlovsky barely avoided the blast in time. The energy storm disappeared as fast as it came. Jay fell down like a torn leaf, not moving.
"Win by knockout!" Declared George, as shocked as anyone else. "It's all over!"
Ryo waved with his right arm a bit, and the glove was gone. Dissipated to nothing. Coming out of nowhere, Ryo tore the microphone out of Zlovsky's hand "No its not!"
"This is as good time as any for all of you in the crowd to know why I am really here…"
Zlovsky looked with desperation at Kadilac, who signaled him to wait. "… My great grandfather was the best blacksmith who ever lived. You are surely familiar with my last name, the same name etched on the inside of every Holy Armor in existence. It's there because my grandfather was the one to create humanity's ultimate trump card against overwhelming odds. Now there are only three holy armors left. You might wonder why so few survived the ages. I mean, have we lost them all? Were they perhaps destroyed in battle? Oh no. Let's ask the culprit personally. Right here, in the first raw, sits a person in possession of one of the three."
Ryo pointed his finger right at Chizue. Chizue's face had no expression, but Metsuhai realized how pale she was. "The Arisu family used us for generations as if there's nothing to it. The Arisu took the armors. Giving excuses and justifications. They refused to return a single one, even when the war with inferno was relatively calm. Now the secret of their forge is lost and the only man who could have made them is gone. They didn't even bother to come to his funeral." Ryo stopped for a second, his hands shaking with rage. "I wonder why Kagehiroto isn't here. Maybe he isn't brave enough to be here and hear this truth. But the Arisu we have here is even worse. Pretending to be a warrior, the holy armor is wasted on her!..."
Suddenly Chizue was surrounded by a small army of bodyguards. She was saying something to them, shaking her head. Metsuhai was too angry to hear. His hand went for his sword.
This…! You. Don't. Know. What. You. Are. Talking. About. This armor saved humanity already during the invasion to Tokyo.
"…When I am going to win the Armageddon Championship, I am going to destroy the legendary chaos stone as an act of ultimate revenge and leave the order, so all will know!!!"
Metsuhai stood up, despite Lezner trying to stop him. Metsuhai was generally a very calculated person, but this made his blood boil. He exploded like a volcano "bastard! Shut up! You know nothing about the Arisu! I am going to kill you!" Metsuhai drew his sword and rushed to the ring. An army of Freedom Association guards, already spread between both men, was forcing him back. Trying to convince him to contain himself. Ryo put his halberd behind his back.
"You've got spunk kid. I'll give you that. Best we settle this in the ring. You show me how angry you are. And I… will show neither mercy nor remorse taking you apart."
Kadilac also stood between both angry men. "Yes! Settle it in the ring. When your round comes. If you've got what it takes, your fight is inevitable."
Metsuhai shoved his sword back to its sheath. As furious as he was, his sense of reason took over. He wasn't going to murder all those people just doing their jobs only to quell his (justified) rage. Metsuhai turned back to his seat. The commotion died down fast, with both Ryo and Chizue taking their usual seats as well. Soon the ring was clear of people, everyone except for Kadilac. Kadilac signaled thumbs up and George understood. "Well, things sure got heated up here in the arena. It seems there is bad blood already between Ryo and Metsuhai. But their hostility will have to be postponed because it is time for the next round!"
Metsuhai felt it in him, knowing already who his next opponent is a moment before it was written on the Grand Screen. "I don't know about you guys, but I have been looking forward for this one," shouted the announcer, "Metsuhai Fugughuu versus Marshal!"
Metsuhai stopped himself from sighing, after all Marshal might misunderstand. It's not like Metsuhai wasn't looking forward to do battle with him, but the timing was far from perfect. He was only almost perfectly rested, which sounds good, but against Marshal almost perfect might not be good enough. It's Ryo he wanted to fight and destroy, his words still echoing in his mind. Also right now he shouldn't use Sorcerer's Eye. Well, with his speed it wouldn't do me much good as it is.
Metsuhai forced himself to clear his mind of all thoughts other than those related to the upcoming fight, like many times before on the battlefield. He opened his eyes, fully concentrated, sharp and battle-ready.
"Keep your confidence," said Lezner, "He isn't armored. You need to land but one good strike and he will bleed and slow down. Unlike a crusher, he will lose blood fast. You have to find that opening somewhere during battle or create one."
Metsuhai started heading over to the rock covered ring where Marshal stood, waiting for his arrival with a perfect poker face. Ok, what Lezner said, keep the confidence, slice him at least once, so I can fight Ryo and punish him on what he said about Chizue… no wait, this is not at all what I'm supposed to think, one fight at a time Fugughuu. But those thoughts kept coming back to Metsuhai, disrupting his ability to concentrate on his current fight. Very soon the bets were made 55/45 in Marshal's favor.
Kadilac pointed the speaker at Metsuhai. After a short consideration Metsuhai shook his head, refusing his right to speak.
"We don't see fights like this every day," commented George, "Both men are top athletes. Both smashed their way through numerous tough opponents. Both invincible. Unfortunately they now have to face each other. By tournament rules only one can come out on top."
Marshal stood in silence and Kadilac gave up trying to hand the speaker to him. Kadilac made his hand gesture, signaling the beginning of the match. However, Metsuhai and Marshal kept standing in place, looking into each other's eyes.
"Why won't they move!" exclaimed George Peterson, "They were supposed to attack each other. Referees do something!" but the referees (including Kadilac) stood silently giving the two warriors time.
Metsuhai took his fighting stance. Marshal remained motionless. Both fighters drilled each other with their gazes. He is so indifferent- looking and thin. If not for his shaved face I could easily meet him on the street, mistaking him for just a usual college student. Metsuhai powered up, his energy burning around him with great power. Metsuhai charged with a sudden burst of speed. His blade made a beautiful arc though only someone with super human senses could possible perceive it entirely. The blade smashed into the rocks, leaving a mark. At first Metsuhai didn't really understand what actually happened. Then it came to him. Marshal was standing centimeters from the blade. He moved a little bit- just enough to avoid the sword. Metsuhai automatically continued his motion with a cut upwards, presuming it will at least force Marshal away. Instead, Marshal somehow managed to grab onto Metsuhai's sword-wielding arm. In a moment, Metsuhai was flung through the air. Before he could do anything, spinning out of control, Marshal's air-kick crushed into his back. Metsuhai fell hard on the ground, rolling, his shield flying out of his hands.
"Tough start for Fugughuu! But knowing his past fights Metsuhai is far from finished." (George)
Metsuhai quickly rose to his feet, his back hurting and well done, since Marshal was on the assault. His devastating fist missing by a thread. Metsuhai jumped back.
I knew this guy is a champion but I didn't think it's gonna be this bad. I thought for sure powering up will lessen the gap significantly. I can keep up with his movement but his ability to react far exceeds my own. His reflexes are on another level. And that one kick, landing on armor felt like being run down by a bus. I can't just swing my sword and hope for better results. I have to remember what Lezner told me. Time to hunt.
Metsuhai sheaved his sword. He is going to use energy, knew Marshal, well I've been trained for such things. He'll be wasting his power.
Metsuhai unleashed a barrage of yellow beams. Each rather small but powerful nevertheless. And there were so many of them.
With Kong-Fu open hand strikes Marshal easily deflected all the beams. With a series of combined powerful blasts they exploded with deafening sound behind his back. Marshal grinned a bit, satisfied from his performance. What Marshal failed to see were the air-cuts hidden behind the second wave of energy attacks. Even Marshal couldn't deflect those razor sharp winds with just his open palms. Marshal was cut- in palms first, then in various parts of his body. Marhsal shouted with pain.
Metsuhai stopped blasting when he ran out of air. This combination attack had the desired result, yet took a toll on him. As the dust began to settle, Marshal was revealed, wiping blood from his cheek. "I expected much from you, but you exceeded all my expectations. But I'm far from done."
I did it. Now I just have to endure long enough. But Marshal knew that too.
Marshal ran towards Metsuhai, closing distance fast. Metsuhai concentrated moving his hand, and the ground beneath Marshal's feet went up. Marshal's charge velocity now sent him into the air, Marshal used a triple flip to rebalance himself, flying high above Metsuhai. As Marshal lands behind him, Metsuhai rushed to turn around. Marshal unleashed a series of fists, hitting every part of Metsuhai's body. Each fist packed with power. In pain, Metsuhai sent his sword, counterattacking, hitting very strongly into the air. Despite Metsuhai's best attempts the damage was unavoidable. Metsuhai's ribs exploded with pain, his nose bleeding. Marshal was relentless, not even letting Metsuhai have a moment to breathe. He pounded the life out of him, using kicks, fists and open handed attacks. Metsuhai couldn't possibly use complicated magic while assaulted but he did managed to generate an energy explosion, blasting everything around him. Marshal was pushed back, practically taking no damage. Metsuhai called the shield to him with his lifting magic. That's all could do before Marshal was on the assault again.
Once again, Marshal was unstoppable, though many sharp blows were stopped on that shield. Metsuhai's sword swings (missing or being deflected) barely slowed Marshal down.
His attack is strong, but more impressive is his ability to avoid my blows like this. His way, using minimal movement really works. I've seen such mastery only applied by one man before- Tsukiyama.
"This far it was all Marshal, though it looks like he is bleeding," commented George, "No one knows how all of this is going to end."
Hang in there Metsuhai, Metsuhai encouraged himself, though my body is in pain and my armor is practically falling apart, he is slowing down. Even if just barely, for now.
No matter how hard Marshal was putting pressure on him, Metsuhai wasn't just taking a beating either. He tried counterattacking with his sword and his energy even compromising his defense for it. So to less experienced onlookers it looked like a very dynamic fight. The truth was in fact, it was almost a one sided beat-down. But Metsuhai knew he must keep fighting back, tiring Marshal further. At least from time to time, forcing him to adjust his movement.
"Disruptor Canon!" Marshal's energy- covered palm smashed into Metsuhai's solar plexus. It wasn't very painful or strong. At first Metsuhai did not understand what happened. Then like circular ripples through his body, Metsuhai felt his strength fading. His body wouldn't obey, at least not like before, small electric shocks appearing here and there.
Marshal slid backwards, tired but satisfied. "I can't yet do this at full capacity even from close range, however, this special energy will disrupt your nerves function. Your energy channels are now all jammed. You will be lucky to be able to stand until you receive serious medical assistance." Marshal was breathing hard as well. The Disrupter Canon was so tiring.
Metsuhai was struggling against his own body, that wouldn't obey. Metsuhai forced his body to keep standing. Then Metsuhai shouted powering himself up more and more.
Marshal was just standing there without understanding. "You can't fight no more. And if you keep powering yourself up like this, you will explode."
"No, you are wrong. I am going to win!" Metsuhai powered his energy more pushing Marshal's energy out of himself though not all of it. Thank you Tsukiyama for those endless lessons on energy control. What I did just now is very similar to my new super-move, which I barely control and won't dare to use just yet.
Metsuhai charged, swinging his sword. Marshal dodged four times, but the fifth swing got him. A direct hit. Blood rushed out of his thin body. "This looks bad!" (George). Marshal pushed Metsuhai back. It wasn't even a blow. Just a shove.
"You pushed me to the corner," admitted Marshal, "I will end this right now, before I can stand no more. Supernova Energy Ball!" Marshal flew up, stretching his arms to the sides. A huge energy ball formed above him. This is your last mistake Marshal, strength is my territory, you're just faster. The yellow-orange ball descended on Metsuhai like a small meteor. Metsuhai threw aside his shield, which was full of craters and cracks, and his sword. He put his hands in front of him, putting to work every muscle in his body. With great effort Metsuhai diverted the super huge energy ball into the sky. The ball crushed his way through the barrier defending the crowd, leaving a large hole (slowly closing) and exploded far above with nuclear-like power. Marshal dropped from the sky like a leaf in the wind, falling on the rocks. Kadilac stopped the fight. It was over.
"Win by knockout!" declared George as the medics rushed in, "What a fight! Metsuhai advances to the semifinals. Unfortunately Shahin is too wounded to fight again, so the four champions, the four very best who are to compete for the first place are: Gadolius the big, raging Ryo, Metsuhai the Mordon-Destroyer and Makarov the master of magic. Oh and here, Zlovsky comes with the match ups."
Zlovsky passed a small note to George. Metsuhai had no idea how he got so fast to the announcer booth. "Tomorrow it all gets decided. Four contenders, only one champion. First Metsuhai and Ryo will settle scores, than Makarov will take on Gadolius, who is even bigger than Ryo. And the winners will go head to head in the finals! One Chaos Stone, three monetary prizes! Bring your goggles and sunglasses cause the eclipse might begin in the middle of a fight, and we don't stop no matter what!"
I knew what I signed up for. Metsuhai looked at Ryo, his gaze hiding great rage. Ryo was also looking right at Metsuhai ominously. Their hostility unmistakable.