Fanfare from what seemed like dozens of horned instruments ushers in the vibrant, blue and gold words 'COALITION CARNAGE' on holoviews across the galaxy. Images of the seventeen planets flash behind the words and a high girly voice can be heard.
Voice
After a decade of anticipation, ten long years of wanting, it's back.
Holoviews show quick images of beings of all races, Tilris, Human, Dagon, Ja'ir, all engaged in battle in diverse, yet sinister looking settings.
Voice
It's the year that brings us together in spirited rivalry, a show of strength of body, and the power of the mind. To the victor, blessings beyond the wildest of dreams. One thousand years in the making, it's the 100th decennial Coalition Carnage Competition!!!
Rhythmic music issues for the viewers at home before the picture fades to black, then replaced by fireworks over the skies of Topaz City. The mountain sized topaz gem appeared to switch colors in time with the balls of fire as they looped through the air accompanied by loud bangs and pops. Trillions of tiny sparks of varying spectrums, brilliant even in the light of day thanks to the shade provided by the sky high crystal, dove and swirled above the streets of packed Dycordians. All over the city, the joyous festivities, the laughter of men and women and children, and the banging of street drums all were caught on the dozens of floating viewscopes scattered about. Amongst the fiery spectacular, a pink tinted female Tilris floated with arm and legs spread. Her feathers were long and luxurious in some spots and near non-existent in others, giving her slight, pink form a bit of sex appeal. On closer inspection, those watching from home noticed she was incorporeal, as if a ghost.
Female Tilris
Happy New Year, my fellow Carnies! My name is Roxy Boss and I'm your host for this year's mega event! Open your hearts, purse your lips and blow me a kiss, oh loving galaxy!
Her holographic form floated down to a few meters above the raucous crowd.
Roxy
Ready for some carnage!?
The crowd does not disappoint in their reply.
Roxy
And I'm sure you're not alone in that statement, just as I'm not alone. Joining me in the coverage as our on-the-scene commentator, coming to us all the way from the sixteenth planet, Coalition Carnage Color Correspondent Ksush, Grodin!
When holoviews switch to the three armed Ksush, he held a five inch microphone from the hand overhead and using his two free arms to push patrons, who were drunk to the point of rowdiness away from his seven foot frame. He stood before rows of wood seatings arranged in the manner of a colosseum of which every seat was full.
Grodin
Don't forget crowd pleasing former host, Roxy. I'm here on Pia partying with some Pian Carnies who hope to see some action up close here at Pia's new geodome, the Stadium.
The six hundred thousand seats encompassed a 36x36 ring of dark glass with ten meter high pillars in each corner. Atop the pillars sat empty thrones.
Grodin
No longer content on having battles take place on their moon, the Pian now have a front row seat for the battles that make this Competition so great.
Two Pians roared in agreement, slamming their mugs of black glass together, sloshing their beer on Grodin's head. They laugh and slap him on the back. To his credit, Grodin remained professional only managing to throw a quick look of anger at the drunkards before smiling back at the viewscope.
Grodin
Of course, it's late afternoon local time so the alcohol is flowing freely here for this historical event. This will be the first time a Coalition Carnage battle will take place on Pian soil since its conception. The energy here is electric with hopes of a first round match pick. Will the Pians get it? We will have to wait and see.
Roxy
Awesome! The opportunity to have blood and sweat spray directly in front of them has got the Pians hype and I don't blame them.
Roxy's holographic legs stood in a flowing river of lava. In the distance, a volcano sat, black smoke rising into the air.
Roxy
Some of our viewers may remember this place, the Fire Eye. For our viewers too young to remember, the Fire Eye is a moon orbiting the planet closest to the Papuru Star. It's a volcano moon! How awesome is that!?
She jumped in enthusiasm, the lava river never reacting to her presence.
Roxy
Something new for the rest of you carnies out there, the geodomes have a wicked upgrade.
She floats over to a group of Yuni, also drinking, next to a lava bed. Their smooth rock skin reflecting the orange light of the molten kind.
Roxy
Anybody interested in demonstrating the new geodome feature?
Yuni 1
I'll do it, sweet wing.
The Yuni's polished skin was similar to Roxy's hologram in color, yet his face was red indicating his intoxication.
Roxy
Pick up that stone and throw it across the river bed.
Yuni 1
If you go out with me.
Roxy
Anybody want to test the geodome?
Yuni 1
Okay, okay, I got this.
The Yuni took up a stone only slightly bigger then his hand, hauled back as if he were a punchball pitcher, and heaved. The rock made a third of its journey across the lava river before hitting an invisible barrier, stretching it, distorting the landscape beyond to viewers. The stone then snapped back the way it came to nail the Yuni who threw it in the forehead. He did two backflips at the impact before landing on his face. His friends laughter prompted the embarrassed carny to start doing pushups to show he was uninjured.
Roxy
Invisible geodomes that stretch when an object or person comes into contact with it. Imagine a body bouncing off into an outstretched spear! Whoo, the strategies! Let's take a look at more new and returning geodomes.
Along the geodome's unseen surface, a forty foot image of a mega glacier on a frozen lake appeared. The geodome around it kept the snowflakes isolated to the glacier and it's immediate surroundings, giving the illusion it was trapped in a glass bubble.
Roxy
First fire, now ice. Ja'ir's constant contribution, the Whisper Wall. How many frozen Superstar bodies will it produce this year?
The scene switched to a neighborhood of dilapidated buildings shrouded in dust and darkness. Trash littered the area giving the impression of desertion.
Roxy
Another returning geodome. The Superstars better tread lightly here. Many undesirables occupy this place, some of which may not want to be seen on viewscopes. A shot in the back would end a battle real quick. No one is welcome in...the Underbay! Now come on, give me a new one.
The room shown was composed completely out of metal: floor, walls, ceiling. A maroon pyramid floated high center.
Roxy
The Randomizer. I have yet to see this one in action, but rumors seem to indicate that it fits what would come from Prees. I gotta feeling it won't disappoint.
The view paned back to Roxy.
Roxy
And that's not all! During our broadcast, we have experts running in-depth analysis of the Superstars chances of victory, talking to family and friends and go into what it's like being a Superstar after the Competition. We also have a special word from the winner of the 99th Coalition Carnage for this year's crop of Superstars. All this and more as the Opening Ceremony of the 100th Coalition Carnage Competition starts right now with the comedic stylings of the Magic Donkey Brothers!
Roxy's image winked out and reappeared in a spacious and luxurious room with wall to wall thick burgundy carpeting and matching, plush furniture. One wall of the room was made entirely of glass and overlooked the landscape of egg shaped structures. The giant topaz disappeared above the window's view and its vastness made the city appear to be a miniature. The opposite wall in contrast was just one big holoview showing the Magic Donkey Brothers doing their thing. Food and beverages with multi world origins lined another wall arranged in a tasteful manner, or at least it was, with portions of food littering the table and floor along with a few puddles of spelt drinks. The smell of food mixed with the distinct aroma of smoking root would assault the senses of any entering the Papuru Inn super suite, except for Roxy whose hologram body didn't come equipped with olfactory detection. She could, however, see the whiffs of smoke.
Roxy
This is a non smoking room, Superstar Morihilus.
Morihilus stood leaning against the wall next to the food table puffing on the root that was lit on the other end. His dark red skin almost matched the carpeting, but was shining with moisture. His dress would be considered dapper on nearly all civilized cultures, appearing as if going to a formal event. Even the color of the pointed Rapier fish blade at his hip matched his attire.
Morihilus
This is not some common root, you annoying bird, but Shay root, fit for only those of royal blood.
Roxy
Don't care. Put it out.
Morihilus
I will not.
Voice
Smoked fish is a delicacy on my world.
Morihilus
Watch the insolence, buffoon.
The speaker had been reclining in a hover chair sipping from a water bottle, but rose to his over two meter height, stretching his three muscle man arms. He was shirtless, muscles bunched like a bag of well placed marbles. His black and white tights accented his thigh and calf muscles and the sound of his heavy footfalls weren't completely absorbed by the thick carpet as he strode toward Morihilus.
Roxy
This is not the time, Superstar Gorjon.
Gorjon
I wonder how smoked Klugh taste.
Morihilus
You may taste my blade if you like.
Gorjon stood within an arms length of Morihilus and calmly reached out to grab the root from his lips. He then crushed the still lit root in his oversized hand.
Gorjon
I would rather taste your blood, but then, I already have and didn't care for it. I will just spill it instead.
Morihilus eyes grew a deep purple.
Morihilus
That was ten years ago. Have a taste now.
A loud laugh cut threw the suite, drawing all attention to the man sized reptile lounging on a hovering couch before the holoview. The antics of the Magic Donkey Bros. causes another fit of merriment.
Morihilus
Must you guffaw at so high a decibel!
A yellow reptilian eye peered back at them, encased in tough pebble like skin. The eye turned back to the holoview, slow and deliberate, before laughing boisterously yet again. Morihilus suddenly turned to Roxy floating off to one side.
Morihilus
How long must I endure these miscreants? I have important strategies to discuss with my Syncs.
Roxy
The Lords of Continent want all the Superstars here during the speech portion.
Morihilus
To parade us around for the rabble to gawk at us like we were split fish?
Roxy
Don't be vulgar-
Gorjon
I'm bored. How about an exhibition match, fish man.
Morihilus had a hand on his rapier when Roxy floated between them.
Roxy
Save it for the sanctioned battles, boys. Besides, you should show a little modesty for Superstar Narshira's sake.
The woman standing by the entryway shrugged as she popped a piece of fruit into her mouth, her two forehead antenna wriggling slightly with the motion.
Narshira
What modesty? He's already half naked.
Roxy
Yeah, where are your street clothes?
Gorjon
I go everywhere like this. Never know when a fight might break out.
He turned back to Morihilus, the cracking of his knuckles sounding like the fireworks from earlier.
Gorjon
Right, old chum?
Roxy
Don't make me penalize you two. Go to your seperate corners, children.
Narshira
Excuse me, Roxy?
Roxy was still eyeing the two Superstars with annoyance as Gorjon walked back to his seat before turning to the speaker.
Roxy
Hmm? Yes, Superstar Narshira?
Narshira
Do you know Superstar Bram?
Roxy was no longer looking at her or anyone else in the room. She seemed to be distracted by something unseen.
Roxy
Umm...get back with me, okay. I have another situation brewing.
Roxy's floating form condensed, in less time then it takes to blink, to the size of a pinprick and was gone. A second later she was in the reception area of the Assembly Hall. A serve-tek lay in a crumpled wreak to one side while another was rolling in reverse with a metal bracelet in its scoop like appendage. It was fleeing a slim Pian woman who was stalking toward it menacingly.
Roxy
I left instructions for a mortal attendant to usher Superstar Avia when she arrived. My apologies, Superstar Avia. Relax, please, our serve-tek is completely harmless.
Avia
They are abominations. So is that thing it wants me to put on.
Roxy
You will need to put on the omniband, I'm afraid. It will keep track of your vitals for spectators and is necessary for travel between-
Avia
I don't care even a little bit.
Roxy
You agreed to follow the rules and regulations-
Avia
Are you going to put them on me?
Roxy
Hello, incorporeal here, but I will disqualify Pia from the competition. Your fellow Pians will like you even more.
The rigged brow of the Pian seemed to wrinkle up further as she stared at Roxy with dagger eyes. She then stomped to the serve-tek and stretched out her extremely thin right arm on which the serve-tek quickly clamped the metal bracelet to her wrist.
Roxy
See? You're still alive.
Avia's glare would have scared Roxy if she had been flesh and blood at that time. When Avia had stormed off, Roxy went up to the obviously relieved serve-tek.
Roxy
Is everyone here?
Serve-tek 2
No, madam. Superstars Kane, Claude, and The Dawn have yet to arrive. The delegates reported The Dawn had disappeared en route.
Roxy
No matter what, it's always Humans and Dycordians. Always.
***
The screech of death drove The Dawn to her knees and Kane stumbled back against the glow slime covered wall. Claude yelled something and The Dawn's right hand made a motion and the sound ceased. Kane lowered his hands and his mouth was moving but no sound emerged. The Dawn pointed to a small circle she drew in the dust and dirt of the cavern floor. The circle was six inches in diameter and had symbols within. Kane nodded in understanding. Claude pointed toward the mouth of a tunnel and made a walking man motion with his fingers. An old male Ksush using two walking sticks shuffled into the cavern from that tunnel. He held a case in his third hand and the smile on his face grew broader when he noticed The Dawn's circle. A tremor shook the cavern in that instant which they could feel beneath their feet, then the sound of rumbling and shifting stone could be heard.
Fiaster
A Mage Style user. Magic has it's uses but is primarily for the weak, in my experience.
Kane
You look like you've racked up a million experience points, so I will take your word for it.
Claude
What grief do you have with the people of Dycord?
Fiaster
That is not your concern.
Kane
Got anything to do with stolen explosive material?
Fiaster
Hmph. If you must know, in order for the public, including you and yours, to see the truth that the Coalition has hidden from the galaxy, there needs to be a spectacle.
Claude
And blowing up the Tower of Laws, killing a million people would do that?
Fiaster shrugged then moved so fast he became a blur. One second he was eight meters distance, and shuffling like he could barely walk, the next he was three feet before Kane, swinging one of his metal walking sticks in a wide arc. Kane was out of range within that second, but he could hear it buzzing through the air where he just stood. The Ksush matched his movement, right arm drawn back, ready to impale him. A piece of the stone floor rose up to block the cane's tip. The unlikely sword speared through it, but Kane was given just enough milliseconds to avoid instant death. A quick glance at Claude revealed his friend's outstretched hand twist and the stone column veered at a ninety degree angle, ripping the cane from the old man's hand. Fiaster raised that same hand toward an approaching Claude and The Dawn.
The Dawn
Move!
Kane didn't see what attack the two were avoiding, but he felt the air pressure change inside the cavern. No longer Fiaster's main focus, Kane charged the elder Ksush, intent on taking advantage of their age disparity. Yet the elder clapping his right and third hands together rapidly produced numerous sonic booms that filled the cavern with white hot noise to the brain. Kane could feel the noise travel through his feet and up his legs. Rock and dirt began falling from above as the cavern walls shook violently.
Claude
Cave in!
Kane was moving toward the nearest tunnel opening as the above world came to greet the below. Dust caused the slime trails further along the tunnel to dim, giving the scenery an eerie feel. When he finally stopped coughing, he noticed he was alone. Tons of boulders crowded the cavern entryway.
Kane
You better not be in there, Claude.
Claude
I am fine, my friend.
Claude had appeared behind him, startling him into a fighting stance.
Kane
Glad you're alive, but where'd you pop up from?
The Dawn
I'm alive, too, if it matters.
The Human female was suddenly behind him as well, causing Kane to jump and twist, nearly losing his balance. He put a hand to his chest and glared at the two once they both were in eyesight.
Kane
You two can teleport. Good to know. Teach it to me.
Claude
I did not teleport, but was one with the planet.
The Dawn
Your Talent level is too small to teach even rudimentary magics.
Kane
Nice. Anyway, that Boom Sonic is as powerful as I imagined.
The Dawn
You know him?
Kane
What, you never heard of the Soul Master of Sounds? He competed in Coalition Carnage forty years ago and almost won. Can you believe this, Claude? She never heard of Fiaster.
Claude
Neither have I. But then I do not have your extensive knowledge of past Superstars.
The Dawn
So he's the Trust leader?
Kane
Hell if I know. He disappeared however many years ago. I thought he was dead. One thing I know is that he's strong and age doesn't seem to have weakened him much.
Claude
All we know is that the Trust is down here with explosives and must be stopped.
Kane
I'm in. Gonna cost the Dycordian government, though.
Claude
The Web is extensive and easy to get lost. We should hone in on his soul signature before-
The Dawn
I don't need these anchors holding me back. They'll get in the way.
White energy surrounds her body and she flys down the tunnel into the darkness.
Kane
She's starting to annoy me.
Claude
Still should not let her go alone.
Kane
If you weren't here to guilt me I would. Let's go after her.
The two childhood friends race off down the tunnel.
***
Fiaster shuffled slowly in the dimly lit tunnel, his remaining cane clanking softly against the cavern floor.
Fiaster
It's going as planned. Alpha team is approximately ten kilometers east of the Tower and along with Beta and Gamma have the DDF running around these tunnels chasing shadows. And I hear Delta has completed her mission.
He was silent for a moment, the only sound the clack of his cane and scuffling of his boots.
Fiaster
I will tell the teams to withdraw, but I want to hang down here and have a bit of fun. I have three Superstars here playing hero. Look...calm down. I won't kill them. I know how important the Competition is. Just want to see what this generation can do.
***
Kane
Which one?
He and Claude had reached yet another branching path.
Claude
I do not know.
Kane
I thought you were tracking her.
Claude
Not while she is in flight. Both directions have people.
Kane
Fine. I'll go this way.
Claude
Yell if you run into trouble.
Kane
Will do.
The two nod to each other and Kane runs into the tunnel heading north. He had went maybe a dozen meters before he felt the presence. Several presences. And they were aware of him as well judging by the alertness of their spirit. If they were power style users or had high grade technology, they could have been alerted long before he was.
Kane
Challenge accepted.
He felt one of the souls brace for an attack and decided to not make himself such an easy target. Seconds later, beams of death reached for him. He bounced from the floor to the ceiling to each cavern wall in his advance, never becoming predictable. The corridor was thirty feet across with around twenty feet of head space, which may be fine for transporting refugees, but dodging continuous streams of energy made it a hassle. Kane's right wrist glowed with silver energy of his own and he punched toward the source of the lancer beams. The energy around his wrist shot forward, expanding in radius and keeping ahead of him. The assaulting lines bended toward the ring, looking like solid colored rainbows as they were pulled inside.
Mercenary 2
Stop aiming at the circle, ya idiot!
Mercenary 3
I'm not doing it!
When the thugs finally ceased their lancer attack, the ring exploded in a blinding flash exposing the tunnel's dark, moss covered surfaces, several of the half inch glow slugs making their slug errands, and six flailing gunmen. In the briefness of the flash, he could see the farthest gunman held a small box. He knew he only had seconds before their sight returned so increased the output of his Quickening.
Kane
Nap time, gentlemen.
***
Claude had been using his control over the winds to propel him down the tunnel lengths, but eased up when he was around a hundred yards from the nine souls headed his way. He guessed they were another Dycordian Defense Force unit. When he finally intersected with them, he had his hands raised and had been loudly proclaiming his identity. The squad leader held the same look of contempt as most other Guardian caste did these days.
Squad lead 2
Maybe you should have switched to Guardian caste if you were going to get involved this much.
Claude
I am only here to help. My friends and I encountered the suspected leader of this group. He is a Ksush by the name of Fiaster, a former Superstar.
The squad lead looked surprised.
Squad lead 2
Did he reveal anything else?
Claude
Nothing of importance. I do not believe he intends to destroy any of the buildings here or kill anyone.
There was a grumble among the troops and the squad leader's face darkened.
Squad lead 2
Four Mag-factory workers are hospitalized, possibly over a million c-chips in damage, and they sent us a holoview of them proclaiming to blow up landmarks to make a statement. What evidence do you have of your claims?
Claude
Merely a feeling.
Squad lead 2
That does it. Squad, move to the target area and set up a defensive position.
He turned to Claude, his eyes full of venom.
Squad lead 2
Mr. Superstar, you may think you are hot shit, but to me you are nothing but a glory hog. I no longer care what caste you claim, you will not win the competition. Get the hell out of these tunnels before I test your heart, boy.
With that, the squad leader turned and trotted after his men.
***
When The Dawn reached the first huge cavern for miles, she knew he was there waiting for her. The area looked great for ambushes and held at least ten different exit tunnels. She stood floating in the middle of the space, arms folded.
The Dawn
I'm waiting.
She didn't wait long. A screech/whine/high pitch wail amplified to a million decibels filled the cavern. The Dawn's hands immediately go to her ears. She falls to the stone floor, writhing in agony as Fiaster appeared from a tunnel behind her.
Fiaster
Magicians! You rely so much on your spells and curses you forget how to truly fight. Disabling you was simple enough, a Supreme no less. Hah!
The Dawn
I don't use magic as a crutch.
She stood up, turning to him.
The Dawn
I use it as a means to an end. Anyway, you use Soul Style, might as well be magic. Stop the noise, lets go hand to hand. No cheap tricks.
Fiaster's laugh was like the mating call of a tree frog and yet the noise did cease.
Fiaster
Are you sure, youngling? I may have you by at least a hundred years, but that also means experience. And I'm still far stronger and faster.
The Dawn
I'll manage.
Fiaster shrugged, then came in like a rocket, arms spread like a triangle in an attempt to grab her if she tried to dodge. So instead, she took a step forward and delivered a crescent kick to his chin. Blood and teeth sputtered over her head, but before they could even touch her silver bangs she had teleported behind him, planting her knee into his spine. He let out a curse and stomped his foot causing the entire cavern to shake. The Dawn lost her footing, giving Fiaster time to recover.
Fiaster
No magic, huh. I've met human females before, with none being that strong.
The Dawn
Yeah and your old ass can move that fast without soul power. I've heard of Quickening you soul bastards use. Shut up and fight.
This time she charged him, unleashing a flurry of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows so fast she had thrown twenty blows in ten seconds. Fiaster was able to keep up with her barrage, blocking each attack with each of his three arms. He pulled his walking stick from the folds of his clothing and took multiple swipes at her, forcing her to back off. He followed with an overhead smash, but a small gray brick wall was suddenly between her head and the cane. Chips break off as the vibrating walking stick carved gauges into it, then broke it into several pieces before they went flying into Fiaster's body. He was pushed back but still stood on his feet and The Dawn teleported behind him, which he was ready for, slashing at the spot he believed she would reappear. He was ten feet too low, for she was floating above him, and came down like a ton of bricks. He felt her decent and knew he couldn't dodge in time. Her impact landed an inch from his body with a resounding thunk. He countered with a backhanded fist, sending her to crash on the cavern floor.
Fiaster
You almost had me. These old bones would have shattered if not for my Aura Cloak or have you forgotten us soul bastards have that ability too?
A sudden wind gust blew the dust surrounding where The Dawn landed revealing her on her feet with no signs of damage. Without a word, she came in again, a slight smile on her face. The old Ksush, in a smooth fluid motion, met her advance with a Boom Sonic. She once again kicked up dust at her landing twenty meters distant. Fiaster's laugh filled the air for almost half a minute.
The Dawn
Are you done?
Fiaster turned, shocked to see The Dawn behind him.
Fiaster
Impossible. A Boom Sonic at that close a range should have put you down. Maybe there's merit to you after all.
The Dawn
Maybe.
Fiaster
Then it's time I took my leave. Sorry if you die.
He brought his hands up and streams of wavy energy shot from them and into the walls. The energy dispersed on contact, vibrating the very air with a dense hum.
Fiaster
I've only been playing so far. Sound is much more versatile then many would believe. Since we have company coming, I will let you hear my Symphony before I take my leave.
A force slammed into The Dawn's back, propelling her forward into a thin white line of energy that had detached itself from the opposite wall. She managed to dodge but a bone shaking bass had filled the cavern, shaking loose curtains of dust. Another of her magic brick walls appeared to stop one of the thin lines coming from above, leaving a deep gash, before the wall disappeared. She took to the air with a flick of her fingers, just as a wave of wavy energy erupted from the ground. She avoided it as well but more and more of the near invisible attacks were coming from all directions. She teleports to where she remembered seeing Fiaster, but met another wave of sound, cutting her deeply. Another thin line is able to make contact with her back, a spray of blood filling the air. Fiaster stood near a tunnel leading deeper in the Web.
Fiaster
You might have a little talent, no pun intended, but you need stronger magic if you intend to be taken seriously. Goodbye for now, youngling.
The Dawn
Where you going?
Fiaster jerked towards the voice, only to step into a right hook that looked as if it broke several teeth. Arms flaying as he went skipping head over feet across the rocky floor, Fiaster crashed hard against the far wall. The booming sounds and relentless attacks ceased. Dust had made its appearance once again at Fiaster's landing and when it cleared a Dycordian Defense Force officer stood shocked from the near collision at the lip of an adjacent tunnel. More of the DDF stormed in with Claude in the midst of them. He spied the unconscious Fiaster and The Dawn who emerged from the darkness.
The Dawn
You get lost or were you waiting for me to finish up?
She wore a smirk that Claude couldn't help but see as a little malevolent.
Claude
Are you injured?
The Dawn pointed at her conquest.
The Dawn
He thought I was, but illusions are the simplest form of magic. I hear even Earthlings can do 'em. Where's the other one?
Kane
Name's Kane and I'm right here.
Kane had entered from behind her with one of the small metal boxes the gunmen had held. Several lancer weapons came up at the sight.
Soldier 3
Hold it! That's explosive material!
Kane
No it's not.
He opened it to reveal a small device with dials.
Kane
This is all that was in here and doesn't fit with Claude's description of magnite.
The squad leader orders several soldiers to examine it just as he receives a call on his headset.
Soldier 3
It is a device designed to mimic the same radiation signature as magnite.
Squad lead 2
And so were the other two boxes found. We were played.
Fiaster
We never stole a thing.
The wrinkled Ksush wore a pair of cuffs that encased his hands and a bloody smile that went ear to ear. Every weapon in the chamber was now pointing at him.
Fiaster
We just made you look like fools.
Claude
Then what was the point of all this? What did the Trust hope to achieve?
Fiaster
I was kicked from the Trust years ago. Hired a group of mercs to help embarrass the local government and show the Trust they can let me back in. It was working too. Had you running around like the Magic Donkey Brothers.
Squad lead 2
Do you have his soul coal, soldier?
Soldier 4
Yes, sir.
The soldier stepped up with a lump of red coal the size of a toddler's ball. It was dull and unremarkable. The squad leader took it while smiling at Fiaster and hurled it against a wall. It shattered into red crumbs. Fiaster, still smiling, shrugged.
Fiaster
I'm still tougher than you.
Squad lead 2
Let us find out.
Voice
Now, now. Let no man say Dycordians treat prisoners unjustly.
A heavily muscled Dycordian strode into the cavern wearing shining gold armor. At his hip was an exotic looking firearm and strapped to his back was a straight edge sword.
His armor and deep blue skin made him appear as if he painted himself in celebration of the competition. As he passed, the Dycordians present plus Kane bent low at the back, while The Dawn stood arms crossed before her.
Squad lead 2
My apologies, Lord Gilmesh.
Gilmesh
We go by the law, which state all members and former members of the Trust undergo extensive interrogation.
He motioned for two of the soldiers to take Fiaster into custody. The old man started his slow shuffle again, forcing the men to carry him out. They could hear his amusement long after he disappeared down the darkened tunnel. The shiny Dycordian turned to the trio.
Gilmesh
Now, for the reason I am here. The retrieval of three wayward Superstars.
Claude
Our apologies, Lord.
The Dawn
Whose this guy?
Kane
Show some respect. That's the Lord of the Guardian caste.
Gilmesh
It is fine, Kane. Nice to see you again but lord is not a title I like to go by. Call me Gilmesh, lovely visitor, and I am here to escort you to the Assembly Hall. It's time to showcase the stars of the show.
***
Roxy
And now, a special word from the rulers of Dycord and this year's Grand Masters, The Lords of Continent.
Roxy's holoform floated before the million people packed inside the Tower of Laws' open ceiling structure. Descending from Dycord's clear skies and standing on disks that rotate the three around each other, were the Lords of Continent. They held their hands toward the heavens as the disks stopped a hundred feet above the ground. They continued to rotate so they could address the surrounding masses. The mix of Dycordian, Human and other races cheered wildly until the Lords lowered their hands.
Jarrik
On this day, a thousand years ago, a coalition between planets was established and to commemorate the historical event, the leaders of that time created the Coalition Carnage Competition. And we continue this wonderful tradition for each and every one of you. I, Jarrik, Lord of the Govern Caste, can assure you that this will be the greatest Coalition Carnage in history.
A thousand feet away, Kane, Claude, and The Dawn venture around the Assembly Hall's massive entrance corridor. They could hear the distant echoes of the speech mix with the hustle and bustle of the multitude of beings doing whatever job they were born to do. Lining both sides of the sixty meter corridor were statues of races each holding the sigil of their home planet. Over the archway leading to the main hall was a hologram of the Papuru Star in all its glory and beyond were the hundreds of off world delegates who stood watching the Lords of Continent speech via floor to ceiling holograms. As Kane marveled at the scope of the Lords, a serve-tek approached with an armlet on a velvet pillow.
The Dawn
Oh, look at the cute serve-tek. I want one one day.
Kane leaned aside to Claude.
Kane
Does she have multiple personalities or what.
The serve-tek had given each of them an omniband as the first lord was replaced by a second in the speech. Words under his giant holographic form identified him as Yemi, Lord of the Spirit Caste.
Yemi
Coalition Carnage is about more then just entertainment, or the pride of a planet. It is about the spirit of the planets and the various gods of worship that grant the Blessing to the worthy. They smile on us all.
Kane
So why the big rush to get us here?
Claude
I am assuming we will know soon.
As if on cue, their omnibands beeped and energy emitted from it to surround each of them. They then vanished from the Hall, startling those near them. They reappear on the gravdisks above the crowd, where the Tower of Laws ceiling would have been. Claude was two meters to Kane's left and to his right was a one armed Dagon, who stared intently at the crowd. Kane heard a female voice give a small curse before Gilmesh, who floated several meters below them, started speaking.
Gilmesh
Victory or defeat. Superstars bleed and die for glory and the Blessing of their people and planet. We will never forget the sacrifices made by the chosen of the past, future, or present.
The seventeen disks holding the Superstars descended and expanded the radius so each Superstar was only a dozen meters from the silent crowd. The viewers watching from elsewhere would be getting close ups and names on their viewscreens.
Gilmesh
These Superstars will bear the hopes and dreams of each of you and deserve your affection.
The enormous gathering's cheer was loud enough to be heard for miles and lasted a full two minutes. Once it quieted down, Gilmesh resumed.
Gilmesh
Becoming the victor, the Supernova, immortalized ninety nine of your ancestors, one of which has some encouraging words.
Between the Superstars and the audience, four faces of a human with blue tinted eyes appeared. The audience erupts in cheers again prompting one from Kane as well. Claude smiled at the face which seemed to smile back, yet no one noticed The Dawn bristle. The four smiling faces addressed the Superstars.
The Truth
Hey, it's me. The Truth here to offer congratulations to the new crop of Superstars. Get ready for the most extravagant moments of your lives and always remember: the child of the star shines bright even at rise and though it may seem eternal night approaches in its wake, the will of mortals will always usher in a new dawn. Good luck and fear not.
The faces vanish and Kane looked at his friend in puzzlement, who in turn raised an eyebrow at him with a smile. The three Lords raised their arms and spoke in unison.
Lords of Continent
Wisdom, strength, and faith we grant to each of you to the end of time! Coalition Carnage has begun!
The Lords and Superstars ascend out of view and Roxy drops in the screenshot.
Roxy
The first competition begins in one hour so get those last minute bets in.
***
Claude sat cross-legged in an empty corridor of Assembly Hall when Kane walked up.
Claude
What did she say?
Kane
Couldn't find her. Soon as the ceremony was over, she must have teleported somewhere that's not the Assembly Hall.
Claude
Have you seen the match ups?
Kane
Yep. You and I are up first.
Claude
Should prove fun.
Kane
For me at least. I'm going to win.
Claude
We shall soon see.
End chapter