Blood phased through Hitsu's neck into a ball that floated above Tristram's index finger. Above his other hand floated four other balls of the red liquid. They were smaller than the ones he usually took.
"There we go," Tristram said as the stream of blood stopped, "That should be enough to last me while you are away on your trip."
"Thanks for giving some blood guys," Histsu said as he rubbed his tingling neck.
"Of course," Nox replied also rubbing her neck.
"It's the least we could do," Enai added.
"And we can't let you give too much," Sel added, "We need you one hundred percent for the tournament."
"It doesn't start until tomorrow," Enai said bluntly, "He would have been fine."
"Shut it," Sel said angrily, "It's a solidarity thing."
"Vampires need to eat too," Jinsuke added.
The group squabbled and laughed until Takeshi made his presence known by standing in the doorway to the lounge area.
"Let's get a move on," Takeshi said gruffly, "we don't have all day."
The members of The Voyage quickly killed their antics and made their way to the front door of the Future Veins guildhall.
"Farewell," Tristram said with a low effort wave, the now five balls of blood floating in his other hand, "I'll be watching," he called.
Nox shivered. "I know he's a good guy and all but Tristram really creeps me out sometimes."
"He means it," Takeshi said as he closed the front door behind him, "the tournament is broadcast across the world."
"My family have never watched it before," Nox said, "what about you guys?"
"Nope," Sel responded casually.
"I've never watched it," Enai responded.
"My family was always too busy," Jinsuke replied.
"I watched it every year with Master Takeshi and Juno," Hitsu answered as he petted the cat on his shoulder.
Something about that answer stuck with Nox.
The crew loaded their bags into a large van-sized wooden wagon with a cover over the top. Instead of hooking it up to horses Juno grew to her large size and Hitsu started to attach her to the wagon.
"Is Juno really going to bring us all the way there?" Enai asked with a hint of concern.
"Yeah, she loves to run," Hitsu responded, "and besides, we don't have a vehicle."
"We never needed one before," Takeshi said as he took a seat towards the front of the wagon. It appeared that he would be the "driver" and would guide Juno on their journey. Before long Juno began to walk down the street matching the pace of the cars around her and coming to complete stops at traffic lights. Many people stopped and stared. At first, it seemed they were shocked at the sight of a giant cat but the people in this area were used to the presence of Juno and The Future Veins, specifically Hitsu and Takeshi.
"Good luck," someone called out.
"Show 'em what New Faith is made of," another pedestrian cheered.
"You got this," a child's voice yelled.
As the wagon approached the gate out of town Nox noticed a group of Shadow Slayers that had recently entered the city. They were all grown adults and they appeared to be Hunters based on their attire. Upon seeing the wagon they all stopped and stared with looks of disapproval and hatred. Nox turned her head away with discomfort. This was the first time she had seen the bias held against Heroes. She knew deep down that the respect the Future Veins had built up in the local area of New Faith would not be reciprocated at the tournament.
"Hey Hitsu," Nox said trying to ignore the glares of the passing Hunters, "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Hitsu said.
The other members of The Voyage listened in on the conversation. It was hard not to given everyone's close proximity.
"You said you watch the tournament every year with Master Takeshi," said Nox, "How long have you been with The Future Veins exactly?"
Hitsu thought for a moment before he answered. "Since I was a little kid, 5 or 6 if I had to guess."
"What about your family?" Nox asked.
"They're pretty far away," Hitsu replied casually, "I really should visit them more often."
That seemed like a normal enough answer but Nox couldn't help but notice Takeshi taking a long drink from one of his bottles as everyone continued talking.
...
Three hours later, Juno reached one of the gates on the wall surrounding Sithstopolis. A tension was felt almost immediately as Takeshi showed his papers and explained why they were entering.
"Of course, they can't arrive like normal people," one guard said loud enough to hear as Juno pulled the wagon into the city.
"They want all the attention with a fraction of the work," the other said back.
Sel looked like he wanted to shout something at them but Hitsu placed a hand on his shoulder.
"That won't help anything," Hitsu said with a saddened look on his face, "we're going to hear a lot of that in this city, get used to it."
The ride to the arena that held the tournament was met with less looks of joy and wonder and more of confusion and disdain. The city and its people were clearly not welcoming to the visiting heroes.
They arrived at Sithstopolis Colosseum. A massive arena used for all of the city's biggest and best events. Juno found a parking spot intended for cars and parked the wagon. Before a moment could pass The Future Veins were being greeted by arena employees. They gave them their luggage to be brought to their rooms for the length of the tournament. They hoped that because they were employees of Mr. Yanai nothing bad would happen to their belongings. They certainly wouldn't trust any of the people on the street who greeted them with nothing but glares.
Juno shrunk down to her smaller size and leaped onto Hitsu's shoulder as the group made their way towards the arena entrance. Takeshi showed the invitation to the guards blocking the competitor's entrance who moved quickly and respectfully to allow them access. Nox looked at them as she walked past. She wondered how much of their politeness was forced.
The Voyage members looked around in awe at the massive arena. They were in the first-floor corridor but it felt like they were in a lavish museum. The high ceilings and intricate design stretched as far as the eye could see both left and right. Different groups of slayers filled the area, they walked and talked seemingly unsurprised at the grand hallway. The first floor seemed to be exclusively for invited competitors and one could guess that the visitor entrances led directly to the second floor or higher.
"We better get a move on," Takeshi said snapping The Voyage out of their trances, "the opening ceremony isn't far away and I need to find the headmaster's room.
"You're leaving us alone?" Jinsuke asked.
"Headmasters are allowed to coach teams between events but you guys will be on your own for the most part," Takeshi explained. "Besides, the opening ceremony is very casual. It's just introductions and some missable talk shows."
"You guys go on ahead," Hitsu said as he scanned the area, "Juno is pretty tired after that trip. I'm going to see if I can find some water around here."
"Don't take too long," Takeshi said, "I'll kick your ass if you miss the ceremony."
"Got it," Hitsu said with a wave before jogging off down the corridor.
...
Five minutes later Takeshi had separated from the others and made his way to the headmaster's room. It was a lavish, comfortable, and well-decorated room on the third floor of the Colosseum. One wall was nothing but pristine glass that allowed a crystal clear view of the battleground in the center of the arena. At one end of the room was a bar with a bartender patiently awaiting any drink requests, behind him on the wall a large television. The opposite wall was nothing but a large screen broadcasting the same pre-ceremony talk shows as the television behind the bar. Expensive black furniture filled the rest of the room, the dark colors contrasting the beige floors.
Other headmasters looked in Takeshi's direction when he entered but either due to a lack of respect or a sense of fear from seeing the large man they all looked away before long. Takeshi sighed and started to make his way towards the mostly empty bar. He hoped he could camp out there alone until the ceremony was over. His hope was shattered as a voice spoke from directly behind him.
"Takeshi Shimada," a woman said in a deep teasing tone, "it looks like we have a problem."
Takeshi looked over his shoulder to see who the voice belonged to. It was a tall woman, not much shorter than Takeshi. She had luscious blonde hair that covered one of her rich green eyes with its large curls. Her lips were a deep red with lipstick and a mole adorned her right cheek. She wore an elegant black dress with deep purple detailing and frills.
"Mirai Itsunada," Takeshi said with a sigh, "it's been a while."
...
End of Episode 54