Chapter 3: Razu
"Welcome to the great city of Dysiurbs, traveler!" a call shouted to Razu as he passed a marketplace close to the city limits. He kept quiet, moving farther into the accurately-named great city. Razu could see buildings all across the skyline as he approached the city by foot. This setting made Razu feel uncomfortable. He kept calm on the outside though. To be fair, the city folk could have felt the same towards this masked stranger entering their home, though it was too commonplace for it to even matter. He was just another wanderer. The city people didn't question; they kept to their own business.
"Are you here to compete too?" a man asked too close to Razu for him not to hear even with all this background noise. "I didn't think I was going to make it in time, but I'm glad I did." The man kept talking, apparently relieved. He looked exhausted as if he'd been running for quite some time. Though, the thick blue jacket may have helped quicken the results. What event was going on here? "You're not much of a talker. But you certainly have to be a fighter with that get-up. Come on, follow me." The purple-haired man rushed inside the gateway.
Razu, interested enough, followed the man. The gateway itself was quite the sight. That's how Razu even ended up near it. Inside, there was a large desk right away with a big lobby behind filled with fighters. "Are you entering sir? The deadline is up." Razu approached close to the desk and nodded his head. "Name?"
"Razu."
"Alright, that's all the applicants. The brackets will be up soon. You can wait over there." He pointed behind him to the lobby. Razu walked around the desk, looking at the walls posted with advertisements and rulings. According to the limited rules, the winner is deemed either through knockout or ring-out. Killing is forbidden, but it seems ruthless even with that one restriction.
"Attention participants," a voice from above called down into the lobby. "Welcome to the 58th West Regional Tournament. Even with the 372 entrants, we will still be using the sixteen finalists determined by the preliminaries. So step on up to the brackets window and find your arena."
Razu followed the mass of people, staying behind all of them. He didn't want to get deep into the crowd that was forming, which surely would disperse after they move to their arena. It did, but not as fast as he thought. Some groups stayed there, talking rather than moving out of the way, leading to a slower funneling. Razu was the last to read the bracket wall, finding his name in the first match of Arena One.
He was up against someone named Kiran. For now though, he entered into the arenas area. It was a massive room, with a sun roof, keeping very little solid walls around it. Razu found Arena One immediately, as it and Arenas Two, Three, and Four were at the entrance.
"Round One of the Preliminaries will start with the last 232 of you entrants to face off for a spot in Round Two." The voice above declared. With that announcement, a referee took stage on each of the arenas. He announced the first two names that would face off. It was indeed Razu against Kiran.
Razu climbed the stairs to reach the arena ground. As he did, his opponent did so too mirroring his way up. Kiran had spiky jet black hair with an outfit tight enough for fighting, though his pants were fluffier than to be expected. Most notably was his white belt, making him a novice like Razu. His muscle definition said otherwise though, putting Razu on guard.
Kiran pounded his fist into his palm, the fingerless gloves softening the sound slightly. "Let's get this going. I'm going to whoop your ass." The referee signaled the start of the match; it was on.
Kiran rushed at Razu, aiming to directly knock him out in one strike. Razu side stepped though, keeping close to his opponent. Kiran turned to elbow Razu, but this time he ducked under the elbow and pushed Kiran away, setting his distance. Razu wasn't worried about winning right away. He was keeping on the defensive until he found a good time to strike.
Razu's push, however, wasn't enough to separate Kiran from him. Kiran stepped into the ground, pushing in favor of lashing out on Razu. Razu, in short time, got enough guard up to take the blow. He was knocked over where he rolled back onto his feet. He guessed Kiran would keep an assault going, so he was ready for the next blow.
He was truly on defense now, taking blow after blow from Kiran. He was sure glad he got ready for the onslaught, making it a whole lot easier to stay in arena. Razu wasn't sure he could even finish this match in the ring based on his current standing. Sure, his opponent might wear out, but what if he didn't.
Minutes after being pummeled under his own guard, Razu was starting to feel the difference in their body sizes. He was rather slim compared to most of these fighters. On top of that, the crowd was giving their own opinions on the fight, calling Razu out for fighting so poorly. He hadn't been in many fights outside practice with his father.
Razu cleared his mind, attempting to bring Kiran slowly to the ring edge, making him even think he has a chance to knock Razu out with a finishing blow. Razu kept the bait up with the poundings. He wasn't even getting many blocks anymore. It was now or never!
Razu side stepped out of the next attack, actually getting knocked hard across the mask. Razu tumbled to the ring edge, worn out himself. Kiran stepped over him, "Time to finish this. You didn't give much of a challenge, but I do feel better after hitting you so often." Kiran extended his leg back and flung it forward to kick Razu off.
Razu pushed himself off his wooden sword, barely dodging the kick to the face. That would have done him in for sure. He then pushed himself back to where he came, but aiming behind Kiran. Razu landed on his hands, pivoting them right behind Kiran's leg still on the ground. Razu swung. Razu hit.
Due to Kiran's unbalance, he fell forward and landed out of the ring. "And the winner is Razu! Make way for the next two fighters." The announcer asked. Razu picked himself up slowly, and he jumped off the ring to land next to Kiran. He extended his hand to him.
"Good match."
Kiran slapped his hand away. "I'll beat you next time." Kiran stormed off, rather untouched. He disappeared into the crowd. Razu moved into the crowd himself after grabbing his wooden sword. He waited towards the back of the group up against the wall. The next few matches went by. He was looking at them but not necessarily watching. He was thinking more so about what type of person he would face next. Due to the uneven number and bracket style, it could be anyone.
And boy, was it anyone. After Round One concluded quickly, having eight matches per arena, outside a few, Round Two started. The announcer informed everyone of the remaining 256 entrants and for them to revisit the bracket holograms on the walls near each arena so that they could readjust to their new arena. From here, the final sixteen would be determined from the victors of each arena.
Razu moved to Arena Eight. He sat against the wall this time, resting. He was lucky that his earlier match was first, and that he recovered easily. If he wanted any chance, he'd have to end his matches better than taking a beating. "Ring out!" The announcer declared as the winner jumped off the ring quickly after. Razu looked up, surprised by the speed of that match. It was only seconds. "Next up, Aurya and Razu."
Razu was more so surprised by whom his opponent was than the previous match now. Standing before him was a long blue-haired wolf girl, clearly defined by her wolf ears and wolf tail. All her attire consisted of was a grass skirt and a sky blue poncho-looking top. She had to be a Yeoux. Razu heard about the wolf-type from Arai, but he didn't expect to see one here. It was close to home, though.
"I'll knock that mask right off of ya!" she exclaimed, clearly excited to start her match. She set onto all fours right before the referee gave the signal to begin. She charged immediately, aiming to straight tackle Razu. He sidestepped the easy dodge and drew his wooden sword. He knew he'd need this to stand a chance. It was a good thing Razu had experience fighting Yeoux, at least fox-type.
Aurya spun around when she landed, launching herself into a spiral at Razu. He put his sword up for guard, expecting a claw swipe from above. When her forearm landed on the sword, he pushed up to get her off balance. The attack from above was a feign, as her weight was in her body. She landed on Razu, making both of them roll over the arena. Aurya had full control of her roll unlike Razu. She looked as if she used this technique often.
Razu gathered himself quickly. He scanned the arena, taking note of his sword several meters to his side and Aurya at the ready to pounce. She was fast. Before Razu got much movement, she was practically on top of him. He reacted instantly, swiping her legs. She hopped over the attack and pinned Razu. "This is fun," she smirked. Her hand reached out and grabbed Razu's mask.
Razu placed his palms against the arena after seconds of struggling the pin. With all his concentration he pushed himself up. The distance off the floor was more than expected, especially since he launched Aurya off of him in the process. His mask stayed attached. He didn't think she was serious about the mask comment.
So, his sword didn't help him much after all. Now he had to rely on ringing her out just as he'd done last match. With her superior strength and speed, it'd be tough. Razu readied his stance once again, Aurya already had the assault as well. Razu dodged early, barely pushing Aurya to the side. She landed, pivoting and off again for the tackle. Razu had expected as much, already in process of his next dodge. Each strike was closer than the last. Razu only could dodge eight times before she clipped him and grabbed ahold. She pulled herself close, spinning around Razu. She never let go and kept her momentum into her throw, tossing Razu aside. He rolled across the arena halfway. Had the throw been in any other direction, he surely would have fallen off.
This time, Razu rolled himself up to the side, but pushed away from his roll, jumping back to where he started. Aurya missed, not being able to change direction so forcefully twice, so Razu thought. Razu distanced himself with a hop. He was sure he was more tired than his opponent. Here she came, Razu at the ready. He jumped to the side, dodging her, but he knew she was already on her way again. Razu's dodge was full force, however. He landed on his side and swiped his hand across the arena toward Aurya.
He had slid his sword across, landing it perfectly under Aurya's foot. She slipped, falling down onto Razu. He grabbed her and rolled back, throwing her behind him. Near the edge, he threw her well over the distance to ring her out. Due to Razu's position, he couldn't get himself to his feet quickly so when he did, he was wrapped up by Aurya's arms. In shock that she was still in the ring, he gave himself a last push, knowing he was about to be tossed out himself.
Razu's feet were lifted off the floor, getting him airborne. Near the end of the toss, when Aurya was releasing him, Razu jumped off the air. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her off the arena edge and himself back onto the stage. When he landed, he quickly shifted to face her, seeing she was indeed now out of the ring.
"Razu is the winner. Now for the next match!" the announcer let out. Razu spoke to Aurya, telling her good match before turning to run over and grab his sword. He hopped off the arena from where his sword was, walking towards the back of the group of people.
Back to the wall he went to slump against the ground and rest while he could. Even knowing how to battle a Yeoux, she still did a number on pushing him to his limits. Razu was impressed, not only with himself, but at her. The remaining matches seemed as if they went by fast, though he got enough rest.
"Round 3 will begin for Arena 8. Of the remaining eight of you, Jordan and Razu will battle first." Razu rose, walking over to the arena. When he entered the ring though, he was surprised to see whom it was before him.
"Ah, you're from earlier! I was hoping to face off against you. I'm glad you entered the tournament and made it this far, but this will be your last match," Jordan grinned as he cracked his knuckles and neck. Razu got ready himself as well. With that, the referee started the match.
Jordan waited, waving his hand to tell Razu to make the first move. Razu didn't do it immediately, wanting to size up his opponent first. His style of fighting wasn't very offensive either.
Razu ran at Jordan and swung at him the first attack. Razu planned for a counter, thus not going all out and having his counter ready in priority. Surprise to Razu though, Jordan took the shot head on to the face. "I wasn't expecting it to be so weak." Jordan retaliated, a swift punch to Razu's core. Razu couldn't dodge it, but after the hit, he backed up in pain.
Razu was now aware anything close-ranged wouldn't be very possible. There was one option he had as unrefined as it was. Razu shook off the hit as much as he could, and he ran at Jordan. Before reaching Jordan's range, Razu fired a blank punch at him. Jordan slid back heftily. Jordan stepped forward, reaching out and grabbing Razu. He pulled him close and straight into his right hook.
Razu woke up seconds later as he hit the ground, outside the arena. "I was hoping for a better fight." Jordan said as he exited the arena, slightly in tune of disappointment. With that, Razu had been eliminated from the tournament. It was a good experience.
Razu watched as Jordan went into the crowd and the announcer began the next match. Razu stood and headed out of the building. Until next time, he would need to refine his skills.
After traveling far and wide across the lands, Razu found himself deep in the mountains. He survived off the land, while occasionally being rewarded for odd jobs he did for villages he passed. "Razu..." a voice called through the valleys. It was why he followed. "There is a power inside you yet to be tapped. Let me guide you." The voice would rationalize Razu's concern for hearing his name as he came closer to the peaks. His curiosity was peaked. There was no turning back. Something was waiting for him at the top.
Razu lifted himself up over another cliff, pulling himself to the level surface. He was exhausted. Why was he even following this voice that randomly calls to him? It came to him several times that it may be a trap, but he continued on. Even if it were a trap, it would give him experience. He wasn't going to fail at some mountain range. He still had the world to see.
After multiple short breaks to relieve the rock climbing efforts, Razu finally pulled himself over the last ledge. Near the top of the mountain stood a small city. Strangely though, the city was silent. The buildings were strange as well. The structure was inhuman. Razu wasn't sure what was here, but whatever it was, it was gone now.
He trailed through the roads, gazing at the irregular homes and buildings, trying to make something out of it. His journey led him to rise even further upon the ruins, still following the faint voice. "I have much to teach you."
Razu found himself at the end of the path, staring at shrine-like opening. In the middle perched a strange bird creature. It was easily bigger than Razu and human-like in body structure, though it kept wings rather than arms. "Why are you here, human?"
"I have come to learn from you. I am trying to find my way, and this is where the winds have brought me." Razu answered.
"I cannot teach you."
"Then why did you call me here?" Razu pondered. Silence ensued, a stalemate which would continue for some time. The bird never answered, and Razu wanted an answer. He decided to wait until the right time. Razu sat down where he stood, waiting for anything.
Days passed by; the silence continued. Razu's body moaned for nutrition, but he stayed in wait. He was starting to feel the lack of food, his body finally giving in. The bird rose, angered. "Why are you still here?"
"I am awaiting an answer. I was called here by something."
The bird flew forward at Razu, a full dash that would threaten an attack incoming. Razu stayed stationary, more so from the hunger and lack of focus. The bird ceased in front of Razu, blasting him with a gust of wind. "I have no answer for you. But as it stands, I cannot teach you."
"Is this your village?" Razu redirected the conversation. He was curious as to why it was empty. Something must have gone wrong, leaving this one by himself. The bird nodded, backing off Razu with a flap of his wings. Razu stood.
"My people were vanquished. I was left with everything. It is my duty to protect my village."
"What if I helped protect it?" Razu asked after silence. "I can bring this village to the legends. I can carry on for you." Razu wasn't sure why he wanted to be here so badly. All he could think about was that voice. Was he being hypnotized?
The eagleman denied his request with no words. So, Razu drew his sword. "You know why I'm here. Why can't I know?" Razu couldn't stay calm any longer. The only way he felt he could get answers was by a match. He took stance, holding the blade with his left hand.
"You don't want to engage me in battle. It'll be dangerous." He prepared himself for combat. It was defensive to the imminent fight.
"Then let me know."
"I cannot teach you," the bird retorted in a pained way.
Razu dashes forward to hit a slash. His opponent jumped into the air, and flapped his wings to generate wind strong enough to stop Razu in his tracks. Razu swung his right hand upward, slicing the wind enough to get himself through. The bird was surprised, letting him get close enough to hit this time. He blocked the shot with his chest plate, grabbing Razu with his feet. One claw disarming Razu, the other holding him down. With another flap of his wings pointblank, the bird knocked Razu out with a gust.
Razu woke up in a cave, something he noticed right away. When he started moving, he noticed food next to him. His body gravely hungry, Razu removed his mask and started eating the mysterious food. It was a collection of fruits and berries from around the immediate area.
"You can bend the wind." Razu looked over to the bird standing near the entrance. "I still cannot tell you why, but I can guide you. I'm hopeful it will be enough." Razu nodded, accepting the terms. All he needed was a way in.
Time flew by as Razu trained himself in the arts of the wind. Silence was abundant between the two at the peak. Razu didn't even know the name of the being teaching him, or why he won't release any information regarding Razu's arrival. All he knew was his style of fighting with the wind.
"My people use to live wondrous lives. All the way until that tragic day when I was a young warrior. Even though I defeated our enemy, he still took all of them from this world." The bird started to monologue next to Razu after he finished practices. "Our people stood no chance against one of the Demon Lords."
Razu stayed quiet as he continued on, but one question did float around for him. "Why would a Demon Lord be out here?" he finally asked.
"I know not. It could have wanted to test us as we did have a great civilization."
Razu pondered about what he said. To Razu, human civilization was far beyond what he saw here. Either this creature was very old, or he didn't know about the great cities. "How long ago was this?"
"Close to a century. I've lost count after all the decades. And I'm about to expire, that is why I decided to train you and accept your offer for remembering my people."
Razu continued listening, as he informed Razu of his people and himself. He finally revealed his name to be Peak. Peak told Razu his people knew he was a hero when he was born, as he was treated with more respect than the others. When he came of age after his thirty years as a child, he was given a ritual. Marked on his face were the three symbols: the green rings around his ears for the courage of his people, the blue wave of wisdom from his elders, and the red inverted v to represent the highest point in their military, or otherwise power.
As Peak continued, he collapsed just after revealing he returned to the village to find it under attack. Razu assumed the next detail he was about to say was blue as he fell in the sound of that word. Razu hurried to his side, helping him in any way he could.
However, Razu was continually forced back by huge gusts of wind. He kept cutting into them with his own resistance, but he couldn't manage any closer than where he started. Strange symbols started hovering over Peak's body. They were similar to the symbols around the village but seemed more powerful. As it continued, the gusts turned into gales, overpowering Razu and sending him over the cliffside.
He saved his fall by grabbing onto a ledge some ways down. Quickly, Razu lifted himself back to the top. Unfortunately, when he arrived, Razu found Peak was dead. Razu knelt down onto one knee and gave a moment of silence for his temporary teacher. If only he had gotten closer and learned more. What even had happened to him? Razu pondered.
Razu dug a grave for Peak after finding a massive graveyard full of his people. Razu thought he would want that area, in the front of his people, leading them on. As he dug the grave, he was unsure if he was doing it right. He had never experienced death this close before. With no knowledge, he tried his best to give his respects to Peak.
Left with uncertainty of why he was guided to this spot, Razu left the village. On his way out though, he came across a crater. It was definitely a disaster to the village, found right in the middle of the village homes. Perhaps it was due to the Demon Lord. Either way, Razu departed the ghost village with all the info he was given a chance to learn.
North-bound, Razu had explored most of the land of the Hetioniso Peninsula. He was now headed for the icy domain of the neck, where he would be able to continue on to the mainland. Razu enjoyed himself in the snowy fields and forests. He much preferred this neck of the woods to the great cities, which made him uncomfortable.
One day, not very far into the north since Razu had been going at a lower rate of adventure, something interesting came across him while he was camped up still. He wasn't much of a morning person, so midday he usually still was in camp mode. This morning, when Razu came out of his tent, he was shocked fully awake by a blur going past him from left to right. He looked to his right to verify the blur, finding a girl hugging a tree. Snow poured off the tree and all over her.
She popped out the snow like a groundhog, peering over to Razu. "That didn't go how I planned," she laughed. "Howdy, my name's Uliyani!" She pulled herself out the snow and slid down the small mound. She had a nice appearance to her, with the constant smile adding to her flare. Her wavy light blue hair was lengthy and curled for her bang. She wore a pink hooded sweater along with plum pants and snow boots.
"Razu." He returned to her his name. Before Razu could speak again after his pause, she began answering his question before he even asked.
"I'm heading to Dysiurbs, do you happen to know the way?" For the most part, it was just straight to the south. Razu was surprised she didn't have a map on her as well.
"Yea, it's almost straight southbound." Razu pointed in the direction.
"Thank you! Well, I'm heading there to become its superhero. You look like you could be a fantastic sidekick, would you like to join me?"
"The city isn't for me really. Plus I'm heading north myself."
"Aww, come on?" She gave a sweet face, trying to induce Razu. "Got you!" she exclaimed out of nowhere. She had swung her arm up, sending a wall of ice past Razu inches away. He dodged, but realized either her aim was bad or she wasn't trying to hit him.
"Whoa! Hold on miss. I mean no harm. I did happen to overhear you were looking to arrive at Dysirubs though?" Razu turned to the voice, seeing a small blue creature that looked like he was made of rubber or jelly. He had tentacles on his face, covering what would be his mouth. Along with a monkey-like tail, he also had a spiraling antenna off the top back of his head. He was also halfway covered in the ice wall.
"Tell me who you are, you monster," she snarled. Razu was intrigued with her change of personality. Either she was crazy or she knew something about this creature he didn't. He would wait on the side, letting the scenario play out. As long as they didn't bring in his minicamp into their fight.
"Please Miss Uliyani, do not assume I am a monster due to my appearance. If I could change it, I would. It happens quite often I'm called evil or a monster. Now, if you could remove me from this wall of ice, I could get you to Dysiurbs instantly."
Uliyani looked over to Razu. "Do you believe him?" Razu nodded. "I'm sorry mister. I'll only let you go if Razu agrees to join me to Dysiurbs however."
How did Razu get pulled into this? "I will agree then." Razu confirmed. He wasn't going to have the two go at it for him dodging the situation. Plus he could just take a ship out of Dysiurbs this time, and Uliyani would make it to her destination.
Uliyani reversed the ice wall, seemingly melting it into the ground with no water left behind. "I go by the name of Majik." The blue creatured identified as he summoned weird seals, similar to Peak's village. The seals expanded rapidly, engulfing everything around it.
Razu blinked and when he opened his eyes again, they were all in Dysiurbs' outskirts. Even his minicamp came with them. "Here we are: Dysiurbs. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have something to take care of. I will meet you two in the future." Before either of them could retort, he had disappeared with the same symbols.
"Well, here we are. Now to pack up and head out." Razu started gathering his things.
"Wait, you can't leave yet! You were going to help me with my mission, remember?" She gave him her sweet face again.
"I never agreed to anything but to escort you to Dysiurbs." Razu was finishing up his packing. With technology the way it was, it was easy to transport and pack his camping belongings.
"How about a match? If I win, you become my sidekick. And if you win, you can ask me of anything you want." Uliyani winked at Razu, keeping her grin. Razu, interested in the match, took her up on her offer. The two of them readied their stances. Uliyani was first to strike, starting a turning point match for Razu.
"Are you here to compete too?" a man asked too close to Razu for him not to hear even with all this background noise. "I didn't think I was going to make it in time, but I'm glad I did." The man kept talking, apparently relieved. He looked exhausted as if he'd been running for quite some time. Though, the thick blue jacket may have helped quicken the results. What event was going on here? "You're not much of a talker. But you certainly have to be a fighter with that get-up. Come on, follow me." The purple-haired man rushed inside the gateway.
Razu, interested enough, followed the man. The gateway itself was quite the sight. That's how Razu even ended up near it. Inside, there was a large desk right away with a big lobby behind filled with fighters. "Are you entering sir? The deadline is up." Razu approached close to the desk and nodded his head. "Name?"
"Razu."
"Alright, that's all the applicants. The brackets will be up soon. You can wait over there." He pointed behind him to the lobby. Razu walked around the desk, looking at the walls posted with advertisements and rulings. According to the limited rules, the winner is deemed either through knockout or ring-out. Killing is forbidden, but it seems ruthless even with that one restriction.
"Attention participants," a voice from above called down into the lobby. "Welcome to the 58th West Regional Tournament. Even with the 372 entrants, we will still be using the sixteen finalists determined by the preliminaries. So step on up to the brackets window and find your arena."
Razu followed the mass of people, staying behind all of them. He didn't want to get deep into the crowd that was forming, which surely would disperse after they move to their arena. It did, but not as fast as he thought. Some groups stayed there, talking rather than moving out of the way, leading to a slower funneling. Razu was the last to read the bracket wall, finding his name in the first match of Arena One.
He was up against someone named Kiran. For now though, he entered into the arenas area. It was a massive room, with a sun roof, keeping very little solid walls around it. Razu found Arena One immediately, as it and Arenas Two, Three, and Four were at the entrance.
"Round One of the Preliminaries will start with the last 232 of you entrants to face off for a spot in Round Two." The voice above declared. With that announcement, a referee took stage on each of the arenas. He announced the first two names that would face off. It was indeed Razu against Kiran.
Razu climbed the stairs to reach the arena ground. As he did, his opponent did so too mirroring his way up. Kiran had spiky jet black hair with an outfit tight enough for fighting, though his pants were fluffier than to be expected. Most notably was his white belt, making him a novice like Razu. His muscle definition said otherwise though, putting Razu on guard.
Kiran pounded his fist into his palm, the fingerless gloves softening the sound slightly. "Let's get this going. I'm going to whoop your ass." The referee signaled the start of the match; it was on.
Kiran rushed at Razu, aiming to directly knock him out in one strike. Razu side stepped though, keeping close to his opponent. Kiran turned to elbow Razu, but this time he ducked under the elbow and pushed Kiran away, setting his distance. Razu wasn't worried about winning right away. He was keeping on the defensive until he found a good time to strike.
Razu's push, however, wasn't enough to separate Kiran from him. Kiran stepped into the ground, pushing in favor of lashing out on Razu. Razu, in short time, got enough guard up to take the blow. He was knocked over where he rolled back onto his feet. He guessed Kiran would keep an assault going, so he was ready for the next blow.
He was truly on defense now, taking blow after blow from Kiran. He was sure glad he got ready for the onslaught, making it a whole lot easier to stay in arena. Razu wasn't sure he could even finish this match in the ring based on his current standing. Sure, his opponent might wear out, but what if he didn't.
Minutes after being pummeled under his own guard, Razu was starting to feel the difference in their body sizes. He was rather slim compared to most of these fighters. On top of that, the crowd was giving their own opinions on the fight, calling Razu out for fighting so poorly. He hadn't been in many fights outside practice with his father.
Razu cleared his mind, attempting to bring Kiran slowly to the ring edge, making him even think he has a chance to knock Razu out with a finishing blow. Razu kept the bait up with the poundings. He wasn't even getting many blocks anymore. It was now or never!
Razu side stepped out of the next attack, actually getting knocked hard across the mask. Razu tumbled to the ring edge, worn out himself. Kiran stepped over him, "Time to finish this. You didn't give much of a challenge, but I do feel better after hitting you so often." Kiran extended his leg back and flung it forward to kick Razu off.
Razu pushed himself off his wooden sword, barely dodging the kick to the face. That would have done him in for sure. He then pushed himself back to where he came, but aiming behind Kiran. Razu landed on his hands, pivoting them right behind Kiran's leg still on the ground. Razu swung. Razu hit.
Due to Kiran's unbalance, he fell forward and landed out of the ring. "And the winner is Razu! Make way for the next two fighters." The announcer asked. Razu picked himself up slowly, and he jumped off the ring to land next to Kiran. He extended his hand to him.
"Good match."
Kiran slapped his hand away. "I'll beat you next time." Kiran stormed off, rather untouched. He disappeared into the crowd. Razu moved into the crowd himself after grabbing his wooden sword. He waited towards the back of the group up against the wall. The next few matches went by. He was looking at them but not necessarily watching. He was thinking more so about what type of person he would face next. Due to the uneven number and bracket style, it could be anyone.
And boy, was it anyone. After Round One concluded quickly, having eight matches per arena, outside a few, Round Two started. The announcer informed everyone of the remaining 256 entrants and for them to revisit the bracket holograms on the walls near each arena so that they could readjust to their new arena. From here, the final sixteen would be determined from the victors of each arena.
Razu moved to Arena Eight. He sat against the wall this time, resting. He was lucky that his earlier match was first, and that he recovered easily. If he wanted any chance, he'd have to end his matches better than taking a beating. "Ring out!" The announcer declared as the winner jumped off the ring quickly after. Razu looked up, surprised by the speed of that match. It was only seconds. "Next up, Aurya and Razu."
Razu was more so surprised by whom his opponent was than the previous match now. Standing before him was a long blue-haired wolf girl, clearly defined by her wolf ears and wolf tail. All her attire consisted of was a grass skirt and a sky blue poncho-looking top. She had to be a Yeoux. Razu heard about the wolf-type from Arai, but he didn't expect to see one here. It was close to home, though.
"I'll knock that mask right off of ya!" she exclaimed, clearly excited to start her match. She set onto all fours right before the referee gave the signal to begin. She charged immediately, aiming to straight tackle Razu. He sidestepped the easy dodge and drew his wooden sword. He knew he'd need this to stand a chance. It was a good thing Razu had experience fighting Yeoux, at least fox-type.
Aurya spun around when she landed, launching herself into a spiral at Razu. He put his sword up for guard, expecting a claw swipe from above. When her forearm landed on the sword, he pushed up to get her off balance. The attack from above was a feign, as her weight was in her body. She landed on Razu, making both of them roll over the arena. Aurya had full control of her roll unlike Razu. She looked as if she used this technique often.
Razu gathered himself quickly. He scanned the arena, taking note of his sword several meters to his side and Aurya at the ready to pounce. She was fast. Before Razu got much movement, she was practically on top of him. He reacted instantly, swiping her legs. She hopped over the attack and pinned Razu. "This is fun," she smirked. Her hand reached out and grabbed Razu's mask.
Razu placed his palms against the arena after seconds of struggling the pin. With all his concentration he pushed himself up. The distance off the floor was more than expected, especially since he launched Aurya off of him in the process. His mask stayed attached. He didn't think she was serious about the mask comment.
So, his sword didn't help him much after all. Now he had to rely on ringing her out just as he'd done last match. With her superior strength and speed, it'd be tough. Razu readied his stance once again, Aurya already had the assault as well. Razu dodged early, barely pushing Aurya to the side. She landed, pivoting and off again for the tackle. Razu had expected as much, already in process of his next dodge. Each strike was closer than the last. Razu only could dodge eight times before she clipped him and grabbed ahold. She pulled herself close, spinning around Razu. She never let go and kept her momentum into her throw, tossing Razu aside. He rolled across the arena halfway. Had the throw been in any other direction, he surely would have fallen off.
This time, Razu rolled himself up to the side, but pushed away from his roll, jumping back to where he started. Aurya missed, not being able to change direction so forcefully twice, so Razu thought. Razu distanced himself with a hop. He was sure he was more tired than his opponent. Here she came, Razu at the ready. He jumped to the side, dodging her, but he knew she was already on her way again. Razu's dodge was full force, however. He landed on his side and swiped his hand across the arena toward Aurya.
He had slid his sword across, landing it perfectly under Aurya's foot. She slipped, falling down onto Razu. He grabbed her and rolled back, throwing her behind him. Near the edge, he threw her well over the distance to ring her out. Due to Razu's position, he couldn't get himself to his feet quickly so when he did, he was wrapped up by Aurya's arms. In shock that she was still in the ring, he gave himself a last push, knowing he was about to be tossed out himself.
Razu's feet were lifted off the floor, getting him airborne. Near the end of the toss, when Aurya was releasing him, Razu jumped off the air. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her off the arena edge and himself back onto the stage. When he landed, he quickly shifted to face her, seeing she was indeed now out of the ring.
"Razu is the winner. Now for the next match!" the announcer let out. Razu spoke to Aurya, telling her good match before turning to run over and grab his sword. He hopped off the arena from where his sword was, walking towards the back of the group of people.
Back to the wall he went to slump against the ground and rest while he could. Even knowing how to battle a Yeoux, she still did a number on pushing him to his limits. Razu was impressed, not only with himself, but at her. The remaining matches seemed as if they went by fast, though he got enough rest.
"Round 3 will begin for Arena 8. Of the remaining eight of you, Jordan and Razu will battle first." Razu rose, walking over to the arena. When he entered the ring though, he was surprised to see whom it was before him.
"Ah, you're from earlier! I was hoping to face off against you. I'm glad you entered the tournament and made it this far, but this will be your last match," Jordan grinned as he cracked his knuckles and neck. Razu got ready himself as well. With that, the referee started the match.
Jordan waited, waving his hand to tell Razu to make the first move. Razu didn't do it immediately, wanting to size up his opponent first. His style of fighting wasn't very offensive either.
Razu ran at Jordan and swung at him the first attack. Razu planned for a counter, thus not going all out and having his counter ready in priority. Surprise to Razu though, Jordan took the shot head on to the face. "I wasn't expecting it to be so weak." Jordan retaliated, a swift punch to Razu's core. Razu couldn't dodge it, but after the hit, he backed up in pain.
Razu was now aware anything close-ranged wouldn't be very possible. There was one option he had as unrefined as it was. Razu shook off the hit as much as he could, and he ran at Jordan. Before reaching Jordan's range, Razu fired a blank punch at him. Jordan slid back heftily. Jordan stepped forward, reaching out and grabbing Razu. He pulled him close and straight into his right hook.
Razu woke up seconds later as he hit the ground, outside the arena. "I was hoping for a better fight." Jordan said as he exited the arena, slightly in tune of disappointment. With that, Razu had been eliminated from the tournament. It was a good experience.
Razu watched as Jordan went into the crowd and the announcer began the next match. Razu stood and headed out of the building. Until next time, he would need to refine his skills.
After traveling far and wide across the lands, Razu found himself deep in the mountains. He survived off the land, while occasionally being rewarded for odd jobs he did for villages he passed. "Razu..." a voice called through the valleys. It was why he followed. "There is a power inside you yet to be tapped. Let me guide you." The voice would rationalize Razu's concern for hearing his name as he came closer to the peaks. His curiosity was peaked. There was no turning back. Something was waiting for him at the top.
Razu lifted himself up over another cliff, pulling himself to the level surface. He was exhausted. Why was he even following this voice that randomly calls to him? It came to him several times that it may be a trap, but he continued on. Even if it were a trap, it would give him experience. He wasn't going to fail at some mountain range. He still had the world to see.
After multiple short breaks to relieve the rock climbing efforts, Razu finally pulled himself over the last ledge. Near the top of the mountain stood a small city. Strangely though, the city was silent. The buildings were strange as well. The structure was inhuman. Razu wasn't sure what was here, but whatever it was, it was gone now.
He trailed through the roads, gazing at the irregular homes and buildings, trying to make something out of it. His journey led him to rise even further upon the ruins, still following the faint voice. "I have much to teach you."
Razu found himself at the end of the path, staring at shrine-like opening. In the middle perched a strange bird creature. It was easily bigger than Razu and human-like in body structure, though it kept wings rather than arms. "Why are you here, human?"
"I have come to learn from you. I am trying to find my way, and this is where the winds have brought me." Razu answered.
"I cannot teach you."
"Then why did you call me here?" Razu pondered. Silence ensued, a stalemate which would continue for some time. The bird never answered, and Razu wanted an answer. He decided to wait until the right time. Razu sat down where he stood, waiting for anything.
Days passed by; the silence continued. Razu's body moaned for nutrition, but he stayed in wait. He was starting to feel the lack of food, his body finally giving in. The bird rose, angered. "Why are you still here?"
"I am awaiting an answer. I was called here by something."
The bird flew forward at Razu, a full dash that would threaten an attack incoming. Razu stayed stationary, more so from the hunger and lack of focus. The bird ceased in front of Razu, blasting him with a gust of wind. "I have no answer for you. But as it stands, I cannot teach you."
"Is this your village?" Razu redirected the conversation. He was curious as to why it was empty. Something must have gone wrong, leaving this one by himself. The bird nodded, backing off Razu with a flap of his wings. Razu stood.
"My people were vanquished. I was left with everything. It is my duty to protect my village."
"What if I helped protect it?" Razu asked after silence. "I can bring this village to the legends. I can carry on for you." Razu wasn't sure why he wanted to be here so badly. All he could think about was that voice. Was he being hypnotized?
The eagleman denied his request with no words. So, Razu drew his sword. "You know why I'm here. Why can't I know?" Razu couldn't stay calm any longer. The only way he felt he could get answers was by a match. He took stance, holding the blade with his left hand.
"You don't want to engage me in battle. It'll be dangerous." He prepared himself for combat. It was defensive to the imminent fight.
"Then let me know."
"I cannot teach you," the bird retorted in a pained way.
Razu dashes forward to hit a slash. His opponent jumped into the air, and flapped his wings to generate wind strong enough to stop Razu in his tracks. Razu swung his right hand upward, slicing the wind enough to get himself through. The bird was surprised, letting him get close enough to hit this time. He blocked the shot with his chest plate, grabbing Razu with his feet. One claw disarming Razu, the other holding him down. With another flap of his wings pointblank, the bird knocked Razu out with a gust.
Razu woke up in a cave, something he noticed right away. When he started moving, he noticed food next to him. His body gravely hungry, Razu removed his mask and started eating the mysterious food. It was a collection of fruits and berries from around the immediate area.
"You can bend the wind." Razu looked over to the bird standing near the entrance. "I still cannot tell you why, but I can guide you. I'm hopeful it will be enough." Razu nodded, accepting the terms. All he needed was a way in.
Time flew by as Razu trained himself in the arts of the wind. Silence was abundant between the two at the peak. Razu didn't even know the name of the being teaching him, or why he won't release any information regarding Razu's arrival. All he knew was his style of fighting with the wind.
"My people use to live wondrous lives. All the way until that tragic day when I was a young warrior. Even though I defeated our enemy, he still took all of them from this world." The bird started to monologue next to Razu after he finished practices. "Our people stood no chance against one of the Demon Lords."
Razu stayed quiet as he continued on, but one question did float around for him. "Why would a Demon Lord be out here?" he finally asked.
"I know not. It could have wanted to test us as we did have a great civilization."
Razu pondered about what he said. To Razu, human civilization was far beyond what he saw here. Either this creature was very old, or he didn't know about the great cities. "How long ago was this?"
"Close to a century. I've lost count after all the decades. And I'm about to expire, that is why I decided to train you and accept your offer for remembering my people."
Razu continued listening, as he informed Razu of his people and himself. He finally revealed his name to be Peak. Peak told Razu his people knew he was a hero when he was born, as he was treated with more respect than the others. When he came of age after his thirty years as a child, he was given a ritual. Marked on his face were the three symbols: the green rings around his ears for the courage of his people, the blue wave of wisdom from his elders, and the red inverted v to represent the highest point in their military, or otherwise power.
As Peak continued, he collapsed just after revealing he returned to the village to find it under attack. Razu assumed the next detail he was about to say was blue as he fell in the sound of that word. Razu hurried to his side, helping him in any way he could.
However, Razu was continually forced back by huge gusts of wind. He kept cutting into them with his own resistance, but he couldn't manage any closer than where he started. Strange symbols started hovering over Peak's body. They were similar to the symbols around the village but seemed more powerful. As it continued, the gusts turned into gales, overpowering Razu and sending him over the cliffside.
He saved his fall by grabbing onto a ledge some ways down. Quickly, Razu lifted himself back to the top. Unfortunately, when he arrived, Razu found Peak was dead. Razu knelt down onto one knee and gave a moment of silence for his temporary teacher. If only he had gotten closer and learned more. What even had happened to him? Razu pondered.
Razu dug a grave for Peak after finding a massive graveyard full of his people. Razu thought he would want that area, in the front of his people, leading them on. As he dug the grave, he was unsure if he was doing it right. He had never experienced death this close before. With no knowledge, he tried his best to give his respects to Peak.
Left with uncertainty of why he was guided to this spot, Razu left the village. On his way out though, he came across a crater. It was definitely a disaster to the village, found right in the middle of the village homes. Perhaps it was due to the Demon Lord. Either way, Razu departed the ghost village with all the info he was given a chance to learn.
North-bound, Razu had explored most of the land of the Hetioniso Peninsula. He was now headed for the icy domain of the neck, where he would be able to continue on to the mainland. Razu enjoyed himself in the snowy fields and forests. He much preferred this neck of the woods to the great cities, which made him uncomfortable.
One day, not very far into the north since Razu had been going at a lower rate of adventure, something interesting came across him while he was camped up still. He wasn't much of a morning person, so midday he usually still was in camp mode. This morning, when Razu came out of his tent, he was shocked fully awake by a blur going past him from left to right. He looked to his right to verify the blur, finding a girl hugging a tree. Snow poured off the tree and all over her.
She popped out the snow like a groundhog, peering over to Razu. "That didn't go how I planned," she laughed. "Howdy, my name's Uliyani!" She pulled herself out the snow and slid down the small mound. She had a nice appearance to her, with the constant smile adding to her flare. Her wavy light blue hair was lengthy and curled for her bang. She wore a pink hooded sweater along with plum pants and snow boots.
"Razu." He returned to her his name. Before Razu could speak again after his pause, she began answering his question before he even asked.
"I'm heading to Dysiurbs, do you happen to know the way?" For the most part, it was just straight to the south. Razu was surprised she didn't have a map on her as well.
"Yea, it's almost straight southbound." Razu pointed in the direction.
"Thank you! Well, I'm heading there to become its superhero. You look like you could be a fantastic sidekick, would you like to join me?"
"The city isn't for me really. Plus I'm heading north myself."
"Aww, come on?" She gave a sweet face, trying to induce Razu. "Got you!" she exclaimed out of nowhere. She had swung her arm up, sending a wall of ice past Razu inches away. He dodged, but realized either her aim was bad or she wasn't trying to hit him.
"Whoa! Hold on miss. I mean no harm. I did happen to overhear you were looking to arrive at Dysirubs though?" Razu turned to the voice, seeing a small blue creature that looked like he was made of rubber or jelly. He had tentacles on his face, covering what would be his mouth. Along with a monkey-like tail, he also had a spiraling antenna off the top back of his head. He was also halfway covered in the ice wall.
"Tell me who you are, you monster," she snarled. Razu was intrigued with her change of personality. Either she was crazy or she knew something about this creature he didn't. He would wait on the side, letting the scenario play out. As long as they didn't bring in his minicamp into their fight.
"Please Miss Uliyani, do not assume I am a monster due to my appearance. If I could change it, I would. It happens quite often I'm called evil or a monster. Now, if you could remove me from this wall of ice, I could get you to Dysiurbs instantly."
Uliyani looked over to Razu. "Do you believe him?" Razu nodded. "I'm sorry mister. I'll only let you go if Razu agrees to join me to Dysiurbs however."
How did Razu get pulled into this? "I will agree then." Razu confirmed. He wasn't going to have the two go at it for him dodging the situation. Plus he could just take a ship out of Dysiurbs this time, and Uliyani would make it to her destination.
Uliyani reversed the ice wall, seemingly melting it into the ground with no water left behind. "I go by the name of Majik." The blue creatured identified as he summoned weird seals, similar to Peak's village. The seals expanded rapidly, engulfing everything around it.
Razu blinked and when he opened his eyes again, they were all in Dysiurbs' outskirts. Even his minicamp came with them. "Here we are: Dysiurbs. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have something to take care of. I will meet you two in the future." Before either of them could retort, he had disappeared with the same symbols.
"Well, here we are. Now to pack up and head out." Razu started gathering his things.
"Wait, you can't leave yet! You were going to help me with my mission, remember?" She gave him her sweet face again.
"I never agreed to anything but to escort you to Dysiurbs." Razu was finishing up his packing. With technology the way it was, it was easy to transport and pack his camping belongings.
"How about a match? If I win, you become my sidekick. And if you win, you can ask me of anything you want." Uliyani winked at Razu, keeping her grin. Razu, interested in the match, took her up on her offer. The two of them readied their stances. Uliyani was first to strike, starting a turning point match for Razu.