Contest

No longer in disguise, Riley led me through the city towards the center of one of the outer districts. He held my hand as he pulled me along while running forward. Most guys gawked as we ran past, thinking we were a female couple. If only they knew.

It didn't take long for the both of us to arrive. Our destination was a large square in the center of the district. Normally, this square is used as a shopping area to buy goods and what not, but today, there is something else happening.

A large crowd, mainly men, had gathered in the large square, preparing for the annual contest that is held once every three months to welcome the changing of the seasons.

When we arrived, most men scoffed at us because of our small and fragile looking forms, but I'm secretly superhuman, and Riley learned how to fight his own way despite his small stature. He always looks like a fifteen year old girl, despite the fact that he's actually twenty-one years and climbing.

When we both signed our names onto the list of those participating, those who were accepting signatures looked at the both of us questioningly, but they eventually just rolled their eyes and went on with their work.

"What should we do while we wait?"

I asked a question, wanting to pass the time before the contest began.

"Ooh, I just got a nice bonus along with my promotion! Wanna get some food?"

"..."

"Is that a no?"

Is that a no? Who do you take me for?

"YES!"

I yelled out my reply for delicious food way louder than I should have, and ended up gathering the attention of all those who were within a ten meter radius. I personally didn't care, but Riley was blushing because of all of the sudden attention. One of his few weaknesses is attention, but when he's absorbed in something like say a contest, he doesn't really notice it until after.

He quickly pulled me away, wanting to escape the attention, and took me towards the edge of the square where food stalls had been setup to feed those who were about to participate and those who were excited to watch. Riley grabbed one of everything on that side of the square, and each bite was like traveling to heaven.

One stall was selling these juicy pieces of meat on a stick, and they were mouth watering! Another stall sold these incredible sweets that just hit the spot! There was even a stall that was selling ice cold lemonade! The owner had water magic, and with that magic he created ice for his delicious lemonade!

"Aw man that was good!"

I couldn't contain my delight after eating all of the delicious treats that had been set out at a relatively cheap price.

"I know! I might have to ask for their recipes to use in my restaurant."

"You know they wouldn't give them to you. If they did, they would lose their customers."

"Yeah, but that won't stop me from trying!"

Yeah, I expected that response. When it comes to food, Riley will do anything to make delicious dishes. His knack for cooking is almost insane.

As I was lost in thought, a loud bell rang throughout the large square, alerting everyone.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! Today, we are holding our annual fighting competition to welcome the coming of Spring!"

Loud cheers erupted throughout the square as everyone got even more excited now that the competition was preparing to begin.

"Remember, don't be a sore loser. If you try and pick a fight outside of the competition, there are guards posted throughout the square that will have you dealt with."

Yeah, I can understand why that warning might be necessary.

"And finally, it is time to announce the award that today's winner will get!"

A silence passed through the crowd as they eagerly anticipated the announcement.

"Today's award will be... One thousand gold coins!"

A cheering even more deafening than the first broke out throughout the crowd, consuming everyone in the area. That many coins is way too much for me. I'll probably just let myself lose at the last round and let my opponent have it.

"Now then, there are four rings here at the center of the plaza. When I call your names, I would like you to step forward and prepare for your first battle!"

He then rattled off eight names, two names per arena, and once everyone had gathered, he paired them up in the rings.

"Now then, let me explain the rules. First and foremost, NO MAGIC! I don't know why I have to tell you all this every time, but the use of magic will result in immediate disqualification. Second, there are two ways to win your fights. The first is to render your opponent unconscious, and the second is to throw them out of the ring. Remember, they don't just have to be outside the ring to be disqualified, they also have to touch the ground outside the ring to be disqualified.

"Now then, let the contest begin!"

With that, fists were thrown forth as everyone in the arenas began to fight as hard as they could to claim victory.

"If I win this, I could improve the cafe..."

Huh? Why do I hear Kelly?

I quickly scanned all around me, searching for the voice that I heard. It took a few moments, but I finally spotted her at the edge of the crowds watching the fights intensely.

"Uh-oh..."