Chapter 41 Royals Vs Commoners

Waiting for the males to return to the field I sat in Helios's lap humming the chant that they had just performed. I couldn't remember all the words to be able to sing it but I wanted to remember as much as I could so I would never forget all the hard work they put into writing that song for me. I don't even know when they had time to sleep in between meeting me and training to be able to write a song in less than three days. Feeling several pairs of eyes on me I looked up, stopping my humming midway through the chant. I glanced around and realized every male in the Royal's Box including Helios was staring at me in a trance.

When my humming stopped it was like the trance they were in was instantly broken. They all looked away sheepishly, nervous that they had been caught staring at me. Helios leaned in and whispered in my ear, "if you are not careful you'll end up putting everyone here under your spell." Seeing the look of horror on my face Helios chuckled, "don't worry I was only momentarily distracted by your voice. If you were in any real danger I would fend them off," he wrapped his arms around me holding me close to show me he was serious. I giggled as he began to tickle me trying to seem like a big and scary monster.

Moments later the participants of the tournament began to file back onto the field. This time they were dressed only in thick white pants and tiny vests that represented their nations. It kind of reminded me of what Aladdin wore in the movies. Those representing Kosea wore blue and white, those from Astranova wore red and white, Uelara wore green and white, and Ruria, yellow vests and white pants. Every male on the field had well defined abs and muscles larger than my whole body. It was amazing to witness so many strong and handsome males all in one place. But upon further inspection I noticed a few familiar faces in the sea of males down below.

I jumped up sprinting to the railing, leaning over the railing I saw Silas, Lucas, Asa, and Arthur among those who were wearing the blue vests with white pants. They were waving at me from below with huge grins on their faces as if to say look at us participating, aren't you proud of us? They never once told me that they would be in the tournament! This can't be happening! My friends were about to fight to the death with thousands of other males! It's not that I wanted to doubt their strength but, if any one of them were to die I would be saddened forever. I suddenly felt hands wrapping around my waist, "careful my love, I can't have you tumbling over the rail on me," he said recalling how Astrid had wanted to just that to his Queen.

Tears streamed down my face, "I pointed to my friends, "you must stop them from participating! I don't want to see them get hurt or worse die. Please you have to stop them." I cried out clutching Helios's robes. Seeing the concern in my eyes he set me back down on my feet and bent down on his knee so that he was level with me and with a serious look on his face, "I cannot stop them, they chose to fight for a chance to protect you at the highest level. For them this is considered the greatest honor to fight. Telling them not to fight would cause great hardship and humiliation for them." This was the dumbest thing I have ever heard. How can they just throw their life away just for a little bit of honor? We're all males really this reckless all for a single female and me no less?

I looked at my friends and then back at Helios. "Can you help me send them a note? I want to send them a message." Helios's face softened, he snapped his fingers and four pieces of paper appeared before him. I quickly told Helios what to write and off my notes went hoping they would reach them in time before the tournament officially started. I bit my nails nervously pacing in front of the railing a moment later I looked up seeing the notes appear in front of them as they took a hold of them and read them. I saw them glance at each other and then looked up at me. With a smile they bowed letting me know that they had gotten my message. Now if they would only follow through with my demands was a whole other story.

"Alright everybody onto the fields it's about time to begin," the tournament master hollered above the commotion in the locker rooms where males everywhere were seen changing into their uniforms. Asa, Silas, Lucas ,and Arthur walked out of the locker room and onto the field together, they were buzzing with adrenaline excited to begin their matches. Once onto the field they could see the Queen sitting on the King's lap giggling merrily. Their hearts softened for a moment enjoying the look of happiness on her face. The buzz of the crowd vibrated the grass under their feet as the came to stop in the center of the field. They all gathered in their groups based on the color of their uniforms.

They were about to get into teams when all of a sudden four identical notes appeared before them. Startled they each took a note and read it, "If at any point during the tournament you have the slightest feeling that you're going to die you must accept defeat. Your life means more to me than your honor or a position as my private guard. You are my friends, I would cry for the rest of my life if you die on me. Promise me you won't die!" After reading my note a tear came to their eyes. They all turned to me and saw me crying hanging over the railing, the King had caught her just in time before she almost tumbled over the railing. Seeing just how concerned she was for their lives their hearts were thoroughly touched.

They all nodded to each other before turning and bowed to her, they will all try their best to win but if all else fails they will accept defeat and live on for the Queen just as she had commanded. They would not be able to bare it in their hearts knowing that she would cry for the rest of her life for them. After acknowledging her message they turned and joined the rest of the males in their group. All eyes were on them, as jealousy surged through the breast of every male present. Those males that had received a message from the Queen must be her favorite, they thought. We must tread lightly around them otherwise we will end up on the Queen's bad side.

Seeing his Queen sigh with relief, he carried her back to their seat, stroking her back to calm her he replied, "you mustn't worry so about males. Your worry for the males is for not. They don't need fussing over like females. A little fight like this would at most put them out for two days, and then they will bounce back up as good as new as if they never got hurt or fought in a death match. Males heal pretty quickly here on their own. They don't need to seek medical attention for their wounds. They can heal on their own. Unlike you my love who would take weeks to heal from a broken bone or a flesh wound." My eyes widened, "is that really true? Do you guys have super healing abilities?" Helios laughed, "I wouldn't call it that but yes something similar along those lines."

I felt everyone's eyes on me again, this time love and adoration flashed in their eyes. They looked almost as if me caring for males was something to cherish. I suddenly felt a little foolish for worrying over my friends. If it was true and they had the ability to heal themselves then Helios was right I shouldn't worry too much. I scooted closer to Helios leaning into his chest. I turned my attention to the males down below. It looked like they were breaking up into teams. Looking closer, it seemed like the males of importance were on one side and the males with shabbier robes were on another side. It felt like this was going to be a match between the Royals and the Commoners.

I saw males that were close friends to Astrid and Orsi that I had seen briefly at Astrid's house standing on one side while Silas and the others were on an opposite team. It almost seemed unfair like they would be at a disadvantage. I remembered how Silas had mentioned that when they came to live on this level they were granted more magic to use. Does this mean my friends were at a disadvantage if it became a fight between the Royals and the Commoners? Did the Royals have more magic than my friends? I sure hope not. I felt uncomfortable about any males that were close to Astrid becoming my private guard. What if they had it out for me? What if it was a ploy to get close to me and they did something? I don't think I want any of them to win.

The squat little male who gave the speech came back out, he announced that the first challenge would be hand to hand combat. He explained that anything goes and the first to fall loses, but the winner also has to obtain a ring that will be hidden somewhere in the stadium. The ones who find a ring will advance to the next round. I was confused because the stadium was nothing more than a dirt field. But all of a sudden my confusion disappeared when the stadium suddenly morphed into a forest, there were trees everywhere with a stream running through the stadium with a waterfall and giant boulders littered here and there. "Alright everyone, on your marks, get set, scatter!" The squat man hollered before flying up an out of the way.

The next instant all the participants including my friends scattered into the woods hiding among the trees. The moved so fast it was hard to keep up. They looked like little blues of color among the shadows of the trees. If not for their vest colors I would not be able to tell who was on what team. They all took their places among the rocks and trees ducking out of sight from their fellow competitors trying to gain the upper hand by using stealth mode or gorilla war fare similar to what Americans used during the American Revolution against the British. All of them hunkered down waiting to see who would make the first move. I waited with anticipation as to what will happen next.

But I was not prepared for what I was about to see, males all over the forest began to morph into their original forms. I saw animal forms and alien monsters of all kinds. I quickly scanned the forest searching for my friends. I quickly located Arthur hiding at the edge of the forest behind a large tree, I saw him transform into an eagle and take to the skies, next was Asa, he morphed into a black tiger sprinting toward his first opponent. Last was Silas and Lucas who looked to be tag teaming, they were hidden among the giant boulders, Lucas transformed into a black panther and Silas into a white tiger. I was utterly shocked, last I had seen Silas and Lucas had different forms much scarier before, now they looked more majestic.

Was this caused by gaining more magic? Did people who have a higher status have a better form when they reverted to their original form? I scanned the forest again spotting Ira's form which looked just as scary the first time I had seen him. He was hovering above the tree line scanning for his first opponent cloaked in a black mist. I gulped seeing all the different transformations, when the squat little man said hand to hand combat I literally thought he meant like a fist fight or all out brawl, but this was on a whole other level with their original forms on full display. This really was a test of strength going up against these formidable forms with claws and fangs instead of with their fists, I shivered at what was to come next.

After having to be so gentle around the Queen the males were finally able to let loose their strength on one another full max. They would not have to hold back their strength in this tournament as they fought with brute force and strength. They wanted to show off their strength in hopes she would notice just how strong they were. She need not worry about them in the slightest. Males were not weak, they had the strength of five thousand humans and then some. They can wave off a bite or punch like it was nothing. But their hearts still melted at the concern their Queen showed in wanting to protect them from this tournament. They didn't want to lose and lose face in front of her.

Asa was the first to engage in his first match, as the king of the jungle he slinked among the trees stalking his first prey, it was a monster form similar to a spider with more legs than a centipede, I shuddered not wanting to get close to that. As soon as Asa and the other creature stepped up to each other a giant square force field surrounded them locking them inside a box. Asa vs Krighton appeared above the box. I heard Asa let loose a spine tingling roar as he charged his opponent head on. It looked like he was going to slam into him but he reared back at the last second baring his claws and scratching the underbelly of the beast. I heard a clicking/screeching sound of agony as green blood splattered the ground below their feet.

I felt sick, even though the blood looked fake it still made me feel queasy, the beast reared it's head before pouncing on Asa, pinchers like that of a beetle appeared chomping down on Asa's neck putting him in a head lock. Just like a cat trying to get away from a bath he used his back legs kicking and clawing at the beast until it released him. Panting Asa circled around the beast trying to find a weak spot on his opponent. Seeing that the beast was blind on his left side Asa went for the attack. Springing in the air he pounced onto of his back sinking his claws into his hard shell and holding on for dear life. The beast shook and flung Asa with all his might trying to throw him off but Asa wasn't having it. He leaned down and bit the beast on the back of his neck and tore off a huge chunk of flesh tossing it aside.

A moment later the beast heaved a huge sigh before collapsing to the ground in defeat. Winner appeared above the box and the four walls of the force field disappeared letting Asa go to find his next opponent. The beast dissolved disappearing off the field. "Is he dead," I turned to Helios my voice shaking. "No he was sent to the infirmary just outside the stadium where Asa will tend to all the injuries after the tournament. I shook my head turning back to the field. I saw Arthur was just wrapping up his match with a snake beast which was an eagles worst enemy. He picked the snake up in his claws and carried him hundreds of feet into the air before dive bombing with him toward the ground and releasing the snake at the last moment as it slammed into the ground with a huge bang.

The force field disappeared around Arther releasing him from his box. A moment later I saw Arthur retrieve a huge metal ring that was hidden inside of the trunk of the tree he was fighting near. Holding the ring in mid air Arthur disappeared off the field. I assumed he must be safe from fighting and will get to advance to the next round. Looking around I saw Silas stalking in the shadows of the boulders for his opponent, it was a huge elephant with ten feet tusks that looked razor sharp. I began to feel worried. An elephant can easily stomp its opponent to death or tear it to shreds with its tusks. I clasped my hands together praying that nothing would happen to Silas. The elephant let out a long trumpet sound rocking the whole stadium. It caused the crowd and the remaining contests to pause in their spot.

The elephant charged first, it ducked its head low trying to spear Silas with its tusks, but Silas dashed out fo the way with lighting speed. He crouched into the corner of his box his ears tucked back anticipating his opponent's next move. The elephant took forever to stop an turn around because of its shear mass. But once turned he stomped his feet shaking the ground and knocking Silas off balance. I felt my seat vibrate under me from the stomping. The elephant charged straight for the corner Silas was cowering in. He was going to pulverize him. I couldn't watch I quickly covered my eyes with my hands, there was a loud bang and then silence.

Afraid of what I was going to see I peeked through my fingers, Silas was flying their the air, he had used the wall as momentum to kick off from and flung himself over the top of the elephant unscathed. He landed like a house cat on all four paws, and quickly turned back to his opponent. He waited for movement but none came. A moment later it showed Silas as the winner and the elephant and the force field disappeared. A giant Boulder had cracked open where the elephant had charged head on into after Silas jumped out of the way, revealing another metal ring. Silas took a hold of it and instantly disappeared off the field. I quickly scanned the field looking for Lucas.

I saw him locked in battle with two opponents. He looked like he was teasing them running at them stopping and running back to his original position. If panthers could talk I would swear Lucas was antagonist them and flaunting and showing off. I smiled shaking my head, Lucas was always the jokester when it came down to it. When Lucas got serious he darted toward the two and jumped on top of one and then the other leaping back and forth leaving claw marks in their backs. It almost seemed like he was dancing on top of them. It I wasn't afraid for his life I'd probably laugh along with him. A moment later he bit down on their necks quickly ending his match. He scooped up the ring that was hidden in the grass and off the field he went.

Asa was having a difficult time finding a ring. He was quickly locked into his third battle. As the doctor of Kosea he wasn't much of a fighter. His looks were ferocious but you could easily tell that the fight was almost gone within him. He was not a fighter, he was a healer at heart. I felt bad that he was fighting to begin with. My heart ached for him hoping he wouldn't get hurt. With his last ounce of strength he lashed out at his opponent but ended up missing. His opponent locked his jaws around his neck about to crunch down, Asa lifted his hand about ready to call for his defeat when he was tossed against the ground. I heard his back crack against the ground. I jumped up panicking, a moment later it showed his opponent won and Asa soon disappeared off the field.

"Is he going to be ok," I turned to Helios tears streaming down my face. I knew males had super healing abilities but the sound his back made hitting the ground didn't sound like he would be able to heal from that so fast. He wrapped his arms around me and brushed the tears from my eyes. He will be ok. We can go check on him if you'd like. I shook my head clutching Helios's robes. I didn't care to finish watching the end of the first match. The rest of my friends had made it through to the second round and were safe. I was more worried about Asa. Helios carried me to the elevator and down we went. We went to the white hospital tent that had been erected for the injured. We entered the tent and scanned the crowd for Asa.

There were so many males present, it was hard to believe how many got injured just to have a chance to be by my side. My heart saddened at everyone who was injured. I quickly spotted Asa laying in one of the cots. Helios carried me over to him. I jumped down out of his arms and ran up to Asa. His eyes were still closed his breathing was shallow. I reached out my hand to wake him but stopped not wanting to hurt him further, my hand hovering above him. I was about to pull my hand back when Asa grabbed my hand, his eyes flying open. "My Queen, I tried my best, but my opponent was stronger than me. I'm sorry I failed you," he couched a dribble of blood leaked from his mouth.

I felt queasy at the sight of his blood, my face turning green. I gulped pushing down my vomit, I saw a bucket of water next to his bed and a couple of towels. I grabbed the towels and got them wet, ringing them out I came over and laid one towel on his forehead. "You are not a failure, you fought bravely, the others all made it to the second round by they only fought in one battle, you had almost completed three. I find that more brave than one match." Asa smiled hearing my kind words trying to cheer him up. "I am glad you didn't die. I will never see you as a failure. You are my friend, and I am happy that you are still here with me," I took the second towel and wiped the blood from his chin.

He struggled sitting up, taking the towel from my hand, "I can handle this. You shouldn't sully your pretty hands for me," he smiled as he finished wiping up the blood. "Don't sit up you're hurt, you should lay back down, I tried to push him back down but he didn't budge. "I'm ok my back is almost healed. In about thirty minutes I should be back to normal you don't have to worry," he patted my head showing me he was fine. I stared at him suspiciously. Taking my hand I flicked his back, he flinched from my touch, "don't try to act tough lay down and get some rest, that's an order," smiling I pushed him back down. This time I felt him give way as he laid back down. "Yes your highness, your wish is my command," he grinned. This was the first time she had given an order and it was for his sake.

"He is fine," Helios growled quietly getting a little jealous of how affectionate I was treating Asa. I smiled sheepishly toward Asa. "I should head back to the tournament, I'll be back to check on you. Until then don't move, I want you to get better." My eyes narrowed making sure he wouldn't move. He gave me a thumbs up as he closed his eyes focusing on his magic energy drawing it from within to heal himself. I took the clean wet towel re-wetted it and brought it back to his forehead. Making sure he was comfortable Helios picked me back up and carried me back to the Royals Box.

The first match was rapping up as soon as we returned. There were only a handful of opponents still left on the field. I just saw Ira finishing his match and he had also retrieved a metal ring as he disappeared off the field and onto the sideline ending the first tournament match.

This concluded the first match and all of my friends minus Asa had moved onto the second round. I was even secretly rooting for Ira as well. Looking at the sidelines it looked like most of the Royals would be advancing to the second round along with my friends. Royals really did seem more superior than commoners. There were about one hundred males that would be advancing to the second round. The second round was going to test everyone's magic abilities. I couldn't wait for this round. The magic that I had seen here was beautiful when Helios performed his shooting star magic and made it rain stars at night above us. I couldn't wait to see the magic the males from other tribes could do.