Chapter 110 - Feast
Golden lights filled the night sky, the several buildings that surrounded the main ring looking like world wonders. Audience members and fighters alike interacted at every corner, but the one building that looked the most welcoming was the dining hall. The dining hall was grand, seeming to come directly out from a movie. Further back into the building was another large room where the most powerful people in the world sat. The doors opened on both ends of the room. One side had Daymond and Shizu enter with Dianshi closing the door behind them. The other side revealed Theodore and Theresa in mesmerizing suits, ones fit for a king and queen. They both took their seats at the opposite sides of the long table, the seats filled with world leaders and the heads of massive corporations. The first to stand up was a studious-looking man with glasses and a clean black suit. The CEO of the Micron Technology company, Darsh Nadella.
Darsh: Cheers cheers to the first successful day of the Eclipse Grand Tournament. Who would have ever believed we'd get another one so soon?
A larger, slightly chubbier man sat across from him, wearing a proud look on his face. The CEO of TramZone – a world-famous shipping company – Andy Williams.
Andy: I must agree. Prior to the last one, we had to wait ten whole years. Time is money, Mr. Theraphosa. What brought upon this choice to start another one? And why do you wish to participate yourself? You did see what you did to the previous head, correct?
An elder gentleman raised his hand before Daymond could speak. His white hair reached his shoulders, his white beard hiding the wrinkles of his face. His face seemed to be all business. The elder of the Kaisuto Group, Warrick Kaisuto.
Warrick: He has no need to mention his reasons for fighting or starting a new tournament. What matters is that he brought us all together here. Even world leaders like American President Bipen, Russian President Prubin, as well as many others I'd find hard to name at my age.
Bipen: You're all too kind. I think it's more impressive that the King of the Virtus Imperium himself is fighting.
Bipen turned to Theodore, who sat quietly next to his wife.
Bipen: Theodore Oneiroi and Theresa Oneiroi, I am so happy you could join us. I am so sorry for what happened to your boy.
Andy: That was a ruthless beatdown, but that's part of the game.
Darsh: I had placed bets on Joseph from the start, I wonder which of you guys ended up picking the wrong guy!
One man slammed his hand on the table, his older face showing pride. His suit was a sharp blue, matching his daughter's next to him. The head of the Azufield family, Tolman Azufield.
Tolman: I hardly believe it's table manners to bring up the near-death experience of another's loved one. I believe it's time we give the host of this party room to speak for himself.
Tolman turned to Daymond and nodded. Daymond nodded back, rising to his feet. Everyone straightened out, all eyes on Daymond. Even the presidents and leaders of different countries calmed themselves in his presence.
Daymond: I must thank you all for making the first day of the 8th Eclipse Grand Tournament a large success. While money has changed hands and blood was shed, we've all acknowledged this tournament is not only one of entertainment, but also an exchange of power and status. These tournaments contain the possibility of shaping the entire world. Among us are those that will exchange power and wealth, and others that will fight in these matches. I would like to welcome our special guests who decided to join us today. Mr. Villum Ulrich and Ms. Junko Yagami.
Everyone turned to the tall man with long red hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a black suit with several different red patterns across it. Next to him was a woman with short white hair which wrapped behind her ears, wearing a mesmerizing silver dress. Theodore's attention was immediately drawn to them, sensing something unlike any he had sensed before. Villum and Junko stood up and gave glances all around the room. The first to make a move was Bipen.
Bipen: Mr. Ulrich, I've heard much about you, the man supposedly closest to being the next Dragon Guardian.
Villum: Indeed I am, Mr. President. I was selected by the Dragon himself. He allowed me to one day challenge his spot or have a majority of countries vote for my position to move upward.
Junko: The Guardians are nothing to scoff at. Four warriors chosen to be the valiant protectors of balance of major continents.
Andy: Major continents? These guys sure have a far reach, huh?
Bipen: Without a doubt, they're considered the most influential and powerful people on the planet.
Darsh: Just how far does this reach go?
Junko: The Dragon covers the entirety of the Americas. The Bird covers the entirety of Europe. The Tortoise covers the entirety of Africa. And the Tiger covers the entirety of Asia. Basically, they cover the majority of the world's landmass and are allowed to move freely throughout it.
Warrick: And why have the warriors not joined us here today? Would they not be interested in an event as grand as this?
Daymond: I attempted to get in contact with each. But the Dragon moves only when he wishes, the Tortoise and Tiger are both wanderers and are nearly impossible to contact, and the Bird had his secretary deny me. So I am happy that the Dragon Candidate and the Queen Closest to the Dragon were able to join us here today.
Theodore: I believe this is a great opportunity for us to make pacts over a nice meal, don't you all agree?
Theresa: I believe it would be a lovely idea. Oh, and Bipen, will you give me some of that chocolate chocolate chip you have?
Bipen: Why of course. There's no way I can say no to the king and queen of a war nation.
Prubin: To be able to lead a country that focuses so strongly on strength and military, I would like to renew our treaties immediately.
Theodore: That sounds like a wonderful idea. Daymond, don't you think peace like this would be ideal.
Andy: Ha! I see what you're doing! Preparing him for your match in round two, eh?
Darsh: That's something I can't figure out at all. You two are on a whole 'nother level.
Tolman: You're both warriors of different backgrounds. How will your ideals clash, I wonder.
Daymond and Shizu stared down Theodore and Theresa. A tension brewed as everyone took a seat. Daymond lifted up his filled glass, a sly smile on his face.
Daymond: There is no need for conflict to be brought forward at a table as fine as this. I've prepared the finest chefs I could find for this meal. Without further ado, let us feast.
The night moved forward, eventually coming to an end on the first day of the Eclipse Grand Tournament.
…
Day came, the one day the fighters had off to rest and recover having finally arrived, yet the sounds of fists colliding penetrated the peaceful morning air. Hamadeen threw several quick flicker jabs which Kuro deflected off without much trouble. Kuro then struck with a heavy right hook, sending Hamadeen falling to the ground, sweating.
Hamadeen: Bro, you went harder than you needed to.
Kuro: So what? You too weak to handle that much? I don't even need to push myself to knock you down!
Hamadeen pushed himself back up, entering a high guard as he edged closer and closer to Kuro. Kuro smiled wide before throwing a fast right straight, the punch phasing through Hamadeen. Kuro's eyes opened wide before his head flew back, Hamadeen's arm fully extended. He smiled before noticing Kuro bring his head back, pushing the punch away with just his head.
Kuro: Lucky shot, bitch!
After striking one another for a while, both fighters sat in the grass, covered in their own sweat. Moll and Midori approached the two, Moll placing down two glasses of juice next to them.
Moll: Stay hydrated, kids. Youngins shouldn't be burnin' themselves out, ya hear?
Kuro: Speak normally, ya old fuck!
Hamadeen: I think you need to swear less, bro.
Kuro: What the fuck was that?!
Midori: Calm down, Kuro. I can see that you're quite excited.
Kuro: You better fucking believe it! I've never been more excited!
Joseph: Hey guys.
The four men turned around, watching Joseph walk up to them casually. Moll and Midori exchanged glances before looking back at him. Hamadeen was the first off the ground and in front of Joseph.
Hamadeen: Bro, what was that out there? You almost killed him!
Joseph: Yeah, what about it?
Hamadeen was taken aback, looking at Joseph's confused face and casual acceptance of nearly killing a man. Kuro was the next one up in Joseph's face, annoyance being all he could feel.
Kuro: You think you're able to just kill and get away with it, ya fuck?! That's my job!
Joseph: Sorry, am I hearing that right? From someone who couldn't even kill someone who wasn't even at their best?
Kuro's face flared up in a rage, his muscles tensing before feeling a hand on his chest. He turned to see Hamadeen's face, shaking in disapproval. Kuro scoffed before walking past Moll and Midori.
Moll: He's right, Joseph. You tried to kill Abraham.
Midori: You had the capability of stopping, yet you didn't.
Joseph: I let loose a bit, so what? But who cares about that? I want to introduce you to my business buddies.
Moll: Business buddies?
Walking out from behind a tree, Violet and Tristan stood in front of the crowd. Their faces were relaxed and smug.
Moll: Who are they?
Tristan: Haven't heard of us?
Violet: We're the next heirs of the Kaisuto Group!
Hamadeen: Isn't that a loan shark group?
Violet: Rude!
Tristan: We're not loan sharks. We simply help people get an advance, especially those in need. We work an honest system, you see.
Moll: No matter how you spin it, sounds like what you're doing is quite scummy. I especially can't take those faces of yours seriously.
Joseph: Am I right?
Joseph started laughing, everyone just looking around at one another.
Joseph: Hehe, but yeah. There's something I need to tell you about.
Hamadeen: What would that be?
Joseph: There's someone real dangerous in this tournament. Someone that is trying to kill people no matter what.
Moll: Other than you, who else is there?
Joseph: Someone you quite wouldn't expect. Do you know about that new guy Thong?