Chapter 53---The Great Tree Race
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The race was on and the Skirmish had commenced. This was more grandiose than the Kentucky Derby, more epic than fighting to the death, it was simply grander than those things.
This was their future, especially Ryoji and Akina.
As these heroes in training live will be forever shaped by this one event.
The Great Tree Race will break anyone that dares not to be vigilant. Anyone who isn't careful enough will fail in life in general.
And Akina was not going to fail in the race.
Gales formed with every step she took, her strides blew the competition away from her. The ones that weren't prepared were flying in the wind, making Sand who was behind Akina.
Ryoji couldn't exactly see through it, the only way was by flying which he didn't figure out exactly To travel in the air despite his enhanced intelligence. Then, he was able to deduce that Funka was obscuring his vision with her explosive abilities.
"Such a pain! I can't see anything, Berunji?!"
Bet you didn't see that coming, you merc?! Luckily I know how to fly and you don't!
Funka taunts at him in midair, looking at him smugly all because she could do one thing that he couldn't: Propel herself.
"Wish you could fly right now, couldn't you? Well, I got a competition to beat and get that medal! Sorry, but gotta fly!"
This Skirmish change people for the better or worse, huh Iggy? Ryoji asked a mental question to his Heart, Igneus.
"I agree. I don't see the big commotion about this Skirmish thing." Igneus replied inside Ryoji's head rather curiously. "Maybe it's caused by striving to be better now than in the future? I dunno anymore..."
Maybe you're right. Maybe you're wrong. I'm not certain why...But I am rather intrigued by this entire event. I want to see how this will unfold...
While the pink-haired protagonist had no one in front of her besides Jordyn, Lenora was catching up to her
That Akina girl is sure fast... Lenora marveled, there was only fast, and then there was quick...
"AKI is blowing the competition away as she is dodging all the traps!" Chun-Chun Peach announced before realizing her words and what they meant.
Damn that dog... New Glory fumed while keeping a mask of excitement on his face
A man his age knew when there was foul play amid things.
When he saw Enapay win the Skirmish many years ago, there were traps like those present today. They got rid of them and now revive them in these dire times, in ways of entertaining the sheep.
John "Ace" Almásy, known by his hero name "New Glory", could see right through the facade of Surwick. It was time for a drastic change in leadership, and he believed he was well-suited for the job. If I was in charge of the school, I would put all those horrible rumors to rest and sever any criminal ties that Lino established. It is time for my school to become purer than cocaine...
Lenora won the Skirmish last year and the year before, so she was quite experienced in how the Skirmish operated. She knew what was heading in Akina's way should she win the Great Tree Race, and it wasn't pretty.
Maybe I should go to just 200 mph and take over as first place? Nah...Lest it is a newbie to be in the first place. She'll see what'll happen...What happens when you get a first place...
Jordyn Himasaki was on Akina's radar, her biggest obstacle.
Well, the fifteenth biggest obstacle. Right now, Jordyn was levitating a few feet say from her victim.
One look was all that took for Jordyn to lose her shit in front of millions. It was those goldenrod eyes that set her off. It reminded her that Akina was exotic with her natural dusky-rose hair and Jordyn was a generic redhead. Every single time she looked Akina in the eyes, a fire inside her turned into a powerful inferno.
With a simple hand gesture
"KNOW SOME SPACE!!!" Jordyn barked at her victim, pushing her with magic away and making the Ultiman break one of the pathways needed to make progress.
Clinging to a branch, Akina was trying her best to pull herself up as Jordyn kept on going.
"WOW! Such animosity towards the pink-haired Shinobi! What does Jordyn Himasaki have against Aki, the pink-haired Shinobi?" New Glory
What??? Jordyn couldn't think, allowing others to surpass her in the race.
"The whole crowd can see your actions, Himasaki and I have to admit, that's extremely low from a member of the Himasaki clan. Honor higher than the Heavens." Chun-Chun Peach snickered afterward. Yeah right...
"Kids are watching, Peach...You got to watch your tongue. And keep your political views about any particular family out of this. " New Glory quietly warned his ex about the ramifications of her actions
I am not some damn celebrity, Ace...I'm pretty sure you've lost your combat skills...
"AKI seems she can't hold on any longer!" New Glory announced that Akina could barely hold on to the branch, it felt disgusting and snails were coming out of the branch. She hated snails with a passion.
Snails. It had to be snails... She closed her eyes before she felt a hand with the temperature of winter grabbing her, pulling her up and she looked up...It was her fellow shinobi, Takeo Fukuazan.
"With an icy assistant from the Shinobi IZE. What a nice lad, do you think, Peach?"
"I certainly agree, NG! He even made an entire road of ice to make sure his rivals have a chance! That's nice of him!" Peach concurred with her fellow host, enjoying her Cheesecake pleasantly before it was her turn to announce the Patron today.
"This year's Skirmish Festival has many sponsors, but right now we're sponsored by the Cheesecake Factory, Eat the Food."
"Thanks, Takeo-o! I don't know how to thank you enough
He interrupted, "No offense AKI, but there is a race to be finished!" He slid away with his ice faster than her. She couldn't keep up with his ice, since it was ice and she didn't have her snow boots on.
Even Takeo is getting into the Skirmish?! What is UP with that?! Akina couldn't believe her eyes as she saw Cecilia soaring high away from Akina with Beri in her capable arms. "I'm over my limit anyway...Sorry, Akina." Cecilia apologized as she flew with Beri.
If I would, I could, but I can't. I want to put some effort into this whole thing. If I try, then perhaps my asshole of a brother will back off a bit...Cecilia schemed as she left Akina, a girl whom she respects and maybe grew a small crush on, in the dust.
"AKI is struggling to catch up now since Jordyn pushed. There is no one left to help her..." New Glory feigned sorrow for the girl, this was Enapay's apprentice after all. She is after all training under his wing, so there needn't be any sugar-coating.
This is the Hero Life.
There is no easy way if Akina wanted to become a legend...
"Thanks for picking me up, Cece! Jordyn is such a bitch for doing that to Akina!" Beri stated, his feet dangling in the sky.
Flying is allowed as long as one stays on the path, meaning Cecilia cannot fly just up and cut corners like she wanted to.
"Come on, now, simp! Don't be cussing like that. You don't sound right when you say that."
"I'm older than you, you know that, right?" He asked, making her chuckle a slight bit.
"And You thought I wouldn't pick you up? Then how I would get my Valor points by just flying and avoiding people.
There was a shocked "What" that came from Beri's mouth, which made Cecilia shake her head. She began to explain. "Valor points get higher up in the rankings when people will vote on your name. You get these points by saving people, being a good sport, etc. Your name would pop up more on the app they're using. The higher you are, the more your name appears on the app for them to vote. So, if you're in first place in both the race and win the Skirmish overall-"
"Every hero agency would be fighting tooth and nail just to have you. If not, you have no future, then." Beri gasped, interrupting his companion. His mind was blown: All of this joyous game turned out to be a job-hunting mission.
Damnit. So, we're going to the next round based on how you rescue someone? That sounds nuts. Beri was dismayed by this revelation, he thought that this was supposed to be a normal Skirmish Festival, but his innocence was crushed by realizing what they were: This was an auction, and they were just expensive paintings that the rich hung on their walls to impress people. So, we're just expensive paintings to Lino? That's messed up. I wonder how my dad would feel about his work being scrambled by you? He balled up his fists before calming down and thinking more peacefully about their situation.
No. He'll understand why you're doing this and even have a logical conclusion to it all...
Damn, my big brother. I hate it when you're inside my mind... Cecilia thought.
The Pale Rider cackled to himself as he held a large hammer made from ice tightly. His skeletal face rattled ominously to communicate with his dear sister.
You want me to get out of your head? Then release it. Unleash your inner beast. He commanded his baby sister while she was struggling to hold Beri suddenly. It even got Beri disturbed about it, and he wasn't scared of having a gun pointed at his head. "There isn't supposed to be any turbulence when I fly with you, Cece!" Beri hinted at her flying while Eerikki was trying to hijack her mind. Release your true nature: Drop the kid. His orders were terrifying for her---the "do what he says and it'll be all over" feeling.
No. GET out of my head. She was starting to violently shake, almost dropping Beri. He was almost starting to freak out, and there weren't many things that scared him. "Cece...I'm worried now." Beri croaked, this wasn't the first thing she took him under her wings. She was an experienced flier, the air was her second nature, and Eerikki knew that fact. Do you dare to command me? Little girl, we both that you have no power whatsoever. I will always be in your head. ALWAYS. He screamed inside her head.
The Harmaajärvis shared a hive mind of collective thoughts and desires. It drove Cecilia nearly insane having to listen to every one of her siblings' deranged thoughts, and Eerikki's were the worst. She believed his thoughts were so perverted, so disturbing, that she had to run from home.
He was a conqueror whose family ruled Finland and parts of Denmark with a cold hard fist, no Hero from anywhere was to interfere with his plans to make the Harmaajärvis the strongest Heroes of this generation.
And Cecilia didn't want to hurt people anymore: She only wanted to survive...Maybe have a few friends. Maybe two or three friends.
Please...I beg of you, I will talk to you later after this race...Please, Eerikki. I don't want to drop my friend. I'll do anything...But leave him out of this. Cecilia pleaded with her brother.
There was an awkward silence followed by a low growl, eerie enough to send shivers down Cecilia's spine. The Pale Rider backed off and left her head for now.
For now, she was stable enough to soar through the air. Stable enough to continue without many worries.
Beri sighed in relief, he was feeling relaxed again while Cecilia felt anxious about this entire conundrum.
———Meanwhile———
The High Tower in Nuremland had the best view when it came to spectating and up from the tower where he could watch the games, Lino was greeted by Pearline Bishop, the CEO of the mega pharmaceutical company ZiON.
He felt her chilling aura coming from the door.
She greeted as her assistant was there as well, a bumbling sociopath he was. "Greetings, Mr. Saon! I had a feeling you would be here in the first place."
Not her now. Let me enjoy some peace at least...
He couldn't stand Pearline, all because of love.
His son, who he couldn't care less and she loved her daughter and he envied that.
Because even when Sera didn't realize it, Pearline loved her daughter to the utmost.
It was just, sometimes daughters have to learn what their actions have an effect.
"Pearline Bishop. What brings you here into my tower?"
Like mother, like daughter, it was clear where Sera got her angelic charm as Sera was the carbon copy of Pearline—Yet she was nothing like her daughter.
She shared her cloudy long hair to be pale blonde and light blue with a hint of spearmint blue. Her face was quite angular and Pearline shared her daughter's eyes were pink with a turquoise opal in her pupils. Only this time, she always forced a smile wherever she went. Her pink-colored pupils had turmoil and white-collar shenanigans, too all the lawsuits ZiON needs to endure.
She sat down on his couch all prim and proper while one of her servants got her a glass of Chardonnay, Pearline was waiting for Lino's attention. Unlike Ace Almásy, who was but a dangerous man-child who wanted his attention, Pearline Bishop quietly waited for his attention.
"Pearl."
"Yes, Lino?"
"What are you doing here?"
She stretched a bit before sipping on more of her wine. Pearline was always relaxed whenever she met with Lino.
Akina rescues people and watches out for the traps they put down. It seems as if she is also in the loop. Foolish boy...Did you tell your friend about everything? Even when I told you not to do so? He pondered mentally while gazing upon the large tree where he oversaw his apprentice running up the barks.
"My, my, Lino...Such a frown you're making now? Have Skirmishes become so bland even the one who made them has no care about them?"
To be perfectly honest now, he didn't have any care in the world anymore except for his apprentice and his dead wife. Everything he has made or touched or supervised has either turned into ashes or corrupted into something that he does not even recognize anymore.
He did not take heed to her words all the while looking out the window, staring at himself. This kid has made him... feeling unimpressed by himself as if he is not even trying anymore. To see kids partaking in a competition that has roots from evil beginnings and he is the only one who knows about them, what in God's name has he become?
It was maybe that he could not grow old or grow some gray hair that finally made him sour up.
Unluckily for him, the CEO of ZiON patience's was thinning out. "Surely I'm of some importance here."
Lino was quick with his words, putting her down. "Sure you are." He replied sarcastically, his back still turned away from the CEO of Zion. Lino couldn't, it would that she is of some importance.
"What do you mean?"
"The only thing you got going on is nothing except that incredible mind of yours. You couldn't defend yourself physically, you were so weak that even..." Lino stopped in his tracks, he wanted to go on yet; he couldn't say that one name.
That one name that brought him happiness. Kindness.
Her forced smile changed into a relieved face. It was her time to show her teeth, and Pearline knew how to do that.
"My back is so sore from holding the company all in one piece. Everyone there is so useless and old, except this one Frenchman I met three years back. Joseph Vigouroux, Unlike you, the suits that follow are there so they can get a big, fat paycheck. They're old and feeble. Mikael Kresh is in his mid-60s and has to hide his toned body in a buttoned-up shirt. I would kill to have loyal followers who have more than five brain cells. Otherwise, I don't have the powers of a god supporting me." She said with a sly smile.
He remembered she was in Surwick for two years before giving her resignation letter, it was because "it was not in her best interest to attend Surwick." She never had the potential needed to contend with the Class of the Pegasus, so she ended up being in the Class of the Kraken.
"I don't care about what ZiON offers right now. Companies like yours tend to fall, yet Surwick has and will be standing long after the both of us are gone."
Pearline scoffed, knowing that Lino was right about the company. It will fall in the wrong hands and crumble into nothing. Her hands are just strong enough. "I'm resilient. For that, ZiON is resilient. Strong minds triumph over strong bodies, Mr. Saon." She continued while finishing her Chardonnay. "You taught me that, Sir. To be honest, you were much tougher then than you are now."
That little stinger slipped out before she stood and groaned a bit. It was no secret that Lino was getting weaker by the years, everyone wanted Pearline to gather her things and before she left, she told him the news she wanted him to hear.
"Bloodlust'll come to you later this week to speak...more private matters with you. Good day.
She dismissed herself, composing herself before saying her goodbyes in a calming manner.
Now his distraction was gone for today, prompting him into dealing with other private affairs, he chuckled by himself.
Perhaps it is best that you did tell Akina after all...Because I wouldn't in the first place! He thought before bursting out laughing at how Ryoji made the stupidest decision and had not realized it.
—Meanwhile--
Struggling to keep up with the race as now even Dakarai Theron passes as he hitched a ride with Armando, Akina decided that was the last straw.
"Hey hey, when I win this whole thing, maybe we could watch Netflix and play Yahtzee if you're into that type of thing..." Dakarai proposed to Akina, who did not want to go on a date with him.
I'm not dealing with your weird baggage right now, Dak. And I will not go out on a date with you when you ask me like that! Akina thought as she increased her running speed to get the hell away from Dakarai Theron and Armando Ayala, even though the latter had nothing to
"AKI is going at the speed of sound to avoid the Amazing Thief of Zinbad..." Peach muttered the last part before sighing away from the cameras.
"Do I need to say the whole name?" She whispered behind his back and the camera filmed elsewhere.
New Glory wasn't having today with her, seeing how he would rather spend his weekend with his recent girlfriend. Having to spend it with his ex was no doozy. His facial features changed to where a mom was going to lecture her irresponsible child. "So what? Saying those four words is such a mouthful for the Chun-Chun Peach. Get a grip."
She left it alone and pout to no avail. Peach remembered why she broke up with him.
His overinflated ego was a major factor.
Her feet were swelling from running up the branches, and Akina was regretting that she was not wearing the appropriate shoes for such a thing. There was only one solution: Pulse. She needed to unleash her Pulse.
To hell with it, there is only one way that I'm going to win is I kicked it up a notch! If everyone is fighting for this one thing with their all, then maybe I should too?! Akina conspired to stop going easy on this race for a change. If she wanted, she could have won it all under three minutes.
Her hair glowed hot pink from both sides yet again. Her eyes were illuminated with bright optimism.
Akina was ready to give out her second impact on the race.
"What's this? AKI's hair changed colors as she is running through the competition!"
Once again, anyone that didn't run was safe from her trekking. Her rival, Ryoji Kazama was safe traveling on the ground by slapping his tail on the ground to traverse. It was obtuse for the other protagonist, but this method was working, so he wasn't complaining.
Same shit she was doing back during the training exercise...That's her Pulse. That girl is a fangirl. She's even taking the same strides as Enapay did back then!
New Glory deduced mentally as the camera stared directly at him.
She was in the lead once again...Then she came across a boy her age who was far behind.
A boy in the opposite class of hers: He belonged to the Class of the Griffons.
He wore a mask that was eerily similar to a very popular superhero with large eyes but shouldn't be spoken of, except his was pitch black and his costume was camouflaged to be like trees and such. He even carried a gun holster around his torso. A bit that was lanky like a spider, but still strong enough to deliver a well-deserved punch to anyone unlucky.
He was stuck there because of a sprained ankle. He landed on it incorrectly. A Rookie mistake.
Sebastian Coles was his name, frustrated with how he sprained his ankle. Damn it. He thought before looking up to Akina offering him a hand. She was proud in having her hand out to assist him in these dire needs.
"Why are you helping me out? This is a race after all..." The young hero asked as he was pitying himself.
That didn't matter to her, striving to put him back on his feet. "Because why not?" Akina hit him back before Sebastian fell back to the ground as the pain was too much for him. He groans in agony as Akina smiled underneath her scarf. She just wanted to help him more now.
If there is someone in need, why should I need a reason to help people in need?
Because of some stupid app?
Or is it because it's the right thing to do? Akina felt conflicted by all of this deception under the waves of supposed heroism, that what she wanted to do was
She stepped in and grabbed him by the legs and piggybacked him while running atop the branches.
Sebastian introduced himself. "Name's Sebastian Coles, but I gave myself Outsider Spider. I'm in Class C-1, by the way."
"Akina Willoby." Akina spokes in between her heavy breathing, as she wasn't used to piggybacking someone and running up a tree the size of Las Vegas. "That's a cool name. My code name is just AKI. Not a good name if I think about it now."
Sebastian scoffed at her remark, seeing how it was the best name for a Shinobi anyway.
"Right. Shinobi. It does suck that you guys can't have y'all an actual cool name. But your's an exception. Still...Why did you choose the Shinobis when you could've been a Protector yourself? Shinobis is just redundant to a point."
Akina explained briefly while dodging the caltrops left by Ryoji, which was not cool on his part.
"I liked Naruto and ninjas are pretty badass, so I wanted to be one..." She half-heartily told the truth, leaving out her true motivation: Akina joined the Shinobi faction so that her brother wouldn't feel left alone. She would never want to see him in pain.
Sebastian apologized for his honesty.
"Sorry. I'm just dead honest all the time. Lying is not in my system, Akina. Just giving you a heads-up."
This sparked a more personal question within Akina.
"Is there anyone in C-1 that I need to look out for and who's friendly?"
"Of course, Trevor is a racist bastard and Kori is a bitch ass snake in the grass, followed by a couple more. You can trust Noelle, me, and a few more."
"Noelle Adelsdorfer?" Akina asked, she remembered that the girl had a temper that was on even ground with Funka. One time they met and Akina felt that she was put on Noelle's list.
He said while Akina was passing by Kadoku, opening his mouth in amazement. Again she's kicking my ass in something... He smiled, his wings were struggling to keep with her before he finally gave up on it.
Unexpectedly, Akina fell to her knees badly. Her face became one with the branches, she could no longer stand up. Akina was too weak to do so.
Am I out of juice so quickly? She remembered from what Chief Apex told her that they had not much Aether as a Heart-Bond did. I can't be. So close and just to lose. I think I can feel blood dripping down from my nose.
Peach and New Glory became a bit worried for the girl, even feeling some ounce of concern.
Come on, baby... Sheila pleaded to do her daughter to stand up as the cameras zoomed in on her
He managed to stand on his feet finally, witnessing Akina on her stomach. She felt defeated and exhausted and she forced the words to come out of her mouth. "Please, win this for me..." She forced herself.
Hell. You're going to be the winner this time around, not Auruma...Not Berunji...I'm in your debt...That means I have to help you by any means necessary... Sebastian promised himself as he picked Akina up with some effort.
"You helped me out...Now let me help you out."
He told her, wrapping her in a cocoon of webs and placing her inside this self-made catapult that he made from his webs and used some sturdy branches that they were on. If I can slingshot this girl with all my strength...Then maybe she'll use her strength to handle the impact.
He pulled with all his strength and without any warning, Sebastian helped out by releasing Akina up into the sky. She was catapulting to one of the openings that someone in the race create for people far behind.
"Teamwork makes the dream work!" Peach chirped as one could see if New Glory was glowing a good read. I hate you. New Glory muttered to himself while tricking the fans with his seemingly warm smile.
Hell no! You're coming with me too, Sebby! She thought, grabbing his webs that were still attached to his arm. Sebastian had these little tiny, black openings in his wrist where his organic webs came out. He always thought of himself as Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man, only that his webs were stronger than diamonds and he had blonde hair. Would one would theoretically be pulled on his webs that were still inside his wrist, it didn't hurt: it only felt as if someone was tugging on him slightly.
Akina's energy was coming back as she pulled Sebastian with her, all the while flying in the air.
Regis was cruising by, having no care about this race since he was going to win like every other race he has been in.
"Too easy."
He was too close to the finish line, he could almost hear the trumpets playing in his steed.
"Get ready…" Akina said to herself, readying herself
She rolled until the webs broke and her explosive power aligned her through the front of the race.
One little finger flick and yelling "Impact" gave her the last touch before winning it all.
"IN FIRST PLACE and the highest points of valor goes to...AKI!!"
The realization of her being in the first place made her crumble to pieces and broke down in tears
The Duncannons exalted in glory as seeing their daughter in the first place.
Akina couldn't believe that she made it to first place.
"Hi!" Chun-Chun Peach said smiling at her and the camera.
She's really pretty and toned as well. Get it together, Aki! You like Cecilia, so stop trying to switch crushes, and Peach's way older than me!
Her sudden attraction to Chun-Chun Peach made her flustered at once before cooling down.
"Tell me, how does it feel to win first place in the Skirmish today?" Peach asked kindly, she was happy that there was a new winner of the Great Tree Race
Out of nervousness, Akina tried to control her stutter by speaking too fast at once. This was the only way to do this.
"Feelsreallygoodtowinbutthatsprettymuchitnow!" She sputtered to the microphone that Peach held, crickets were chirping as she began to feel she had blown it.
Akina wanted to say how big of a privilege it was to win it all; not to sound like an incompetent, little girl.
The crowd grew silent as she stood there, like a fool. Her anxiety was getting higher before someone started to applaud and thousands applauded her afterward.
This is what cheering feels like... Akina thought, reveling in the cheering of the spectators.
"In second place comes Regis Luxulric, First of His name, Lightbringer of Somnus, the Nomad Prince-
Peach began announcing Regis as the second-place winner. She had a love for Somnus, so New Glory took over before it went too political for the viewers back home.
"Okkkayyy...Just let me take over now, Peach!" He laughed sheepishly as he took over announcing the winner.
More like a sixth of his name...But I'm going to let that slide...Even I'm not convinced that I'm the sixth of my name... Regis doubted the origin of his name before Ryoji appeared before him.
"Third place comes Drakonič! A Heart Bond with fiery abilities!" New Glory revealed the person who won third place.
Jebi ga. I guess I wasn't fast enough to get first place. It is nice to see Akina in the first place...I am content for now... Ryoji thought happily, seeing how his friend was currently on a roll.
He waved at her and Akina reciprocated the gesture by waving excitedly at him.
But this is my time. Your time will come another time.
"Not bad, Raven, you managed to keep up with my speed. Very impressive, you have been." Regis praised Ryoji, but the Heart-Bond didn't wish to talk to the Prince of Somnus.
Ryoji continued to keep his mouth shut, he wished nothing to do anything with Regis as of this moment.
"Not crowing this time around. Your Odin isn't here to keep you silent and tranquil." Regis's back-handed insult went too far for him.
Then Ryoji decided to give an insult Regis will have permanently etched in his mind.
"Arrogance is a terrible thing that the Luxulric family tends to suffer from. Happened to your dear cousin, who died from drinking too much mead. Then your older sister died tragically thinking that she was a divine goddess, only to die from a simple wasp sting. You're still mortal, Regis. So stop pretending that you aren't." Ryoji became quiet once again.
Finally, Regis tasted his own medicine, one who chooses to distance himself from others should maintain that and not be slandering and insulting everyone he meets. He chose to be silent and started at Eerikki Harmaajärvi, who then stared back. He stopped when he realized that the Pale Rider smiled at him eerily.
Thank god Ryoji made it. At least before Lenora Fuentes, at least... Lino thought, sitting on top of his tall lookout.
"Fourth Place comes Auruma!" New Glory announced, he was somewhat disappointed that his favorite made it in fourth place.
Well...This should be very interesting...Not in the first place, a whole competition than the other years...I am looking forward to all of this... This brought a smile to her face, as everything was unpredictable this time around. She was ready to see how every unfolds.
Peach pointed at the last one who made it to the finish line, who was web-slinging from branch to branch until he rolled rather awkwardly.
Sebastian managed to get up on his feet and pumped his arms in the air triumphantly.
"And last but not least, the Outside Spider!!"
Sebastian Coles was able to steal the last spot, where he had almost taken his mask if not for New Glory intervening.
Don't even think about doing that Civil War shit while you're young, kid... New Glory thought while standing around like a misunderstood patriot.
Afterward, everyone came with disappointment in their eyes.
Shit! I didn't come in the first five at all. Funka thought in sorrow, she wasn't fast enough to contend with Lenora and him...It is always him that makes her feel so inferior. If she was born from greatness and she is great, then how come this Heart-Bond getting in the way of her future?
Dakarai took notice of her behavior and wanted to comfort her. "Don't worry, chief. Maybe you'll win it all..."
"...Piss off." She growled at him before realizing he said something genuine to her. Her pink pupils widen with concern about her behavior. "...Wait? Did you just say something not perverted towards me?"
"Yeah, I know when to be myself and when not to be.
Now is not that's that time." He explained his reasoning as Funka felt guilty about lashing at him, even going far as to say sorry to him of all people. "Dak, I apologize for what I just did now...This damn festival is getting to me, it's crazy!" He gently nudged her arm. "No need to apologize for that. Besides, we just getting started in this bitch..."
That BITCH.... Jordyn vented, her rage was a horrible thing to encounter when one was on the receiving end, yet Masaru; stopped her in her tracks.
One thing to torment Akina while no one is looking. To do it on public television is another thing.
"You'll get your chance with her. If she comes
"That's a BIG if, Nagata. Akina is weak."
"Look Jordyn, remember where Funka failed the test: She underestimated her and got molly whopped in the end. Kadoku and Helene were also knocked by her. Three versus one and they couldn't beat her. Being a Heart-Bond can only get you so far, Himasaki." He told her the truth. Masaru was right---There was a shot of Akina winning this entire fight.
Maybe he's right...Maybe she is stronger than me...No, she's not gonna get far in this game... She was defiant in her thoughts, there was no way that Akina Willoby, a thorn in her side for the past 8 years, was going down without a fight now.
"She better brings her A-game with her then, because everybody else will."
"Uh....." Akina was thinking carefully about who she was to choose as her opponent for tomorrow.
Not Ryoji. She thought. She wasn't prepared in fighting him so soon. Not yet, anyway.
Or a long time. I don't think I'll last five seconds with him. He's way stronger than me, and so are Funka and Jordyn... I'm not fighting Cecilia. BIG NO.
Regis? He's on a whole other dimension than I am...
Not Sebastian. He seems cool and it'll be messed up if I challenged him...Maybe...that kid...Kori Gideon.
She pointed out to him, making him smirk under his mask. That was his plan all along...
"It's settled...AKI WILL GO UP AGAINST RECOIL!"
The crowd was getting excited for this fight, which will be the first fight tomorrow.
"Look at that shit! My daughter is number one while yours is number six. Pity..." August rubbed it all over Hiroki's face while the wives were ignoring their husband's antics.
There are only twenty-eight combatants left in the competition.
No laser tag. No battle of chivalry. This was truly a battle of pitting two heroes in training to determine who would be the victor.
None of the competitors understood this except Akina and Ryoji.
They knew that this was a pit for fighting, for blood to be spilled.
In this entire competition, there will be one to be champion.
The first day of the Skirmish always gets the blood pumping, but the next day will truly test everyone.
———Track 53 Ended———
CHARACTER PROFILE:
SURWICK STUDENT: SEBASTIAN COLES (13)
ITSY BITSY SPIDAH
BIRTHDAY: 8/23
HEIGHT: 5'1
LIKES: Cars, Web-Slinging, Spider-Man
DISLIKES: That Spider-Man predated him decades ago, Snitches, Lies
One of the many people in C-1 that wish to interact with C-2, seeing how that class has two Heart-Bonds and they don't.
Doesn't like to lie since lies bring nothing but heartache for those caught up in them. Karma is a bitch, so why does he need to be a bitch to people? Has some attitude but is very loyal to those who give him the respects he deserves.
Would have loved to have Spider-Man as his heroic name, but he wasn't born in the '60s.
Nonetheless, he hopes to be a great Protector when he grows up...Hopefully.
CHARACTER PROFILE:
ZiON: PEARLINE BISHOP (36)
RUTHLESS CEO OF A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY
BIRTHDAY: 6/12
HEIGHT: 5'8
LIKES: Sera, Rising Stocks
DISLIKES: Lino, Mistakes on the Company's behalf
She is the front center of ZiON, it is her company and that fact is undisputed.
Pearline is shrewd in the sense that she can contend with gods and even convince them to join her crusade against god-who-knows-what.
Pearline knows the dirtiest secrets from the corporate side and always has the resources to uncover dirt from anyone that tries to make her and Sera their enemy. That includes anyone within her eyesight and her reach.
Just stay far away during those times when she is working hard.
Bring her coffee on Wednesdays. She works an extremely long time during those days.
Time for some hero names!
Ryoji Kazama: Drakonič
He's a dragon and wanted to sound unique, so he made a hero name using his native Croatian.
Maybe it'll change...Maybe it won't...As long as no one finds out about his true origin.
Funka Berunji: Detonateer
The daughter of Captain Molotov and she inherited his explosive powers, except hers is more detonating her body to reach explosive power
His powers regard him touching an object or anything within a forty-meter radius and igniting to where that said object explodes like explosions in the Michael Bay Transformers movies
Hrishti Khatun: Decibelle
A portmanteau of Decibel and Belle. Can you dig it?
Sanda Machipaku: Shock Value
The Nickname that Funka gave him when Reapers attacked Surwick. He fell in love with that abrasive nickname and probably won't change it when he gets older.
Kadoku Haritoka: Serpenteen
He's still a teen and quite serpentine, so he combined those two words together, and voila!
Kori Gideon: Recoil
It's a secret. Better not spoil the surprise now.
Trevor Hirsch: Stags
He has horns like a stag and got the body of one, so he thought it was the perfect name for him.
Sebastian Coles: The Outsider Spider
It rhymed, so why not?
Ayari Igarashi: Stormcut
Wanted to sound badass or had at least eight letters in her hero name then and had to sound coherent. Or, at least the former.