The cylindrical building known as the Tower of Laws stood hundreds of meters over its neighbors, its lack of roofing exposing all inside to the elements. Its stone composition looked weather worn but strong and its padded seating appeared comfortable, to the Dycordians at least. Over a million beings occupied the spiral structure, most of which were Dycordian, surrounding the holoview of their Superstar getting struck by a silver line of light. The once vibrant crowd was now silent except the few humans present who cheered their human counterpart's victory. Avia stood above them all at the edge of where the roof would have connected, her long black hair billowing in the stiff breeze.
Avia (thinking)
So the human wins. Doesn't matter. I can take them both when the time comes.
She turns to the view of the cityscape.
Avia (thinking)
So much metal. No wonder these people are so weak.
She steps into empty air and drops. The wind barely moved her stern features, but her long, pointed ears flapped as the curved roof of Assembly Hall rushed to meet her. Seconds from impact, she activated her Aura Cloak, which absorbed all the impact and left the roof with zero damage. She then starts to run over the roof and makes the incredible leap to the next building with ease.
Avia (thinking)
The designs of their buildings and its layout is kind of artistic. Non-linear, semi-pattern, beautiful like a painting. But tainted by an abominable substance. The Tower is the greatest of all their domiciles and bigger then even Zareil Castle.
Past
The capital city of the kingdom of Zareil, Zareil Castle, was more then just the three kilometer stone structure that housed the royal families, but multiple small towns that encompassed it on all sides. The castle's courtyard held intricate statues of semi-opaque glass depicting past royals. Four sisters of the king's blood sat on the soft grass beneath the castle keep, eating pastries.
Anya
Mom would have loved these.
Child Avia
Really? Did mom really like puffs?
Anya
Sure did. Ate them all the time. Her favorite was joval cream.
Child Avia
That's mine, too!
Pre-teen Zetori
Certainly is. You two even look alike.
Child Avia
Would mom have liked me?
Zella
She would love you, Avia.
Voice
We'll never know...
King Zareil, wearing his royal garb of red and black, his dark eyes staring daggers at his daughters. The four girls met his gaze.
King Zareil
...since you killed her.
Anya
Father! For the very last time, enough of this! You will not-
King Zareil
I will do as I please-
Anya
Not when it comes to Avia! Act like a true father and-
The ground began to shake, cutting her off. The glass statues began to topple, too durable to break. The girls tumbled about as their legs failed to keep them upright. Their father was steady enough in the chaos.
King Zareil
Another quake! Girls, away from the castle!
Avia was screaming and did not hear her father's command. She was stumbling toward the entrance to the keep. A large section of the keep's right wall crumbled down, landing several meters from her. Anya rushes forward and more stones started raining from the keep itself. Anya reaches Avia and uses her momentum to push her away from the keep but trips. Avia is dazed and grips her arm in pain. Her father picks her up and runs as the keep came down. Avia stares at the rubble that almost had her and saw her oldest sister's arm jutting from the stone and mortar. The quake was over seconds later. The two remaining siblings huddled together, crying as they look at their sister's appendage. King Zareil drops Avia where he stood and she lands hard on her rear. She screams in pain, her two older sisters, shocked out of their grief momentarily, rush to her side. Members of the royal guard came then, taking up defense positions. The king motions to the guard captain.
King Zareil
Take the weak one to the faith healers. I will retrieve their sister's body.
The captain nods gravely before issuing orders and Avia's heavily bruised body, shaking with her sobs, is carefully lifted and taken away, her sisters in tow.
Present
Avia's continuous running and jumping of buildings did not go unnoticed. She felt a second soul rushing to join the first one that started following her mere seconds ago.
Avia (thinking)
Does he think he is being sneaky? I slowed down so the moron could keep up. But why is he following me?
She reached the end of the block of buildings and paused to look at her lovely dragonfly, its snoring could be felt vibrating the oval structure. She also felt the two behind her pause as well. She gave them a look her father usually gave her during morning breakfast.
Avia (thinking)
They may be up to perverted stuff. I dare them to try.
She then leaps over the side, this time not needing her Aura Cloak for a safe landing. Her actions did awaken her dragonfly, whose black and yellow pupils diluted at her approach. She put a hand gently on its snout.
Avia
Hey, Zelda Ann. Been getting enough rest?
The big lizard rumbled softly before lifting her head slightly, eyes directed above.
Avia
Don't worry, they're harmless.
She looks up behind her one last time to see a look of fear or wonder on the two men's faces. She snorted, not dissimilar to Zelda Ann's, then entered the dragonfly's open mouth. Zelda Ann's tongue was soft beneath her tough montusk hide boots. She walked inside the throat onto fog glass, which also made up walls and ceiling.
Avia (thinking)
I'm so sorry this was done to you. I swear, once this is over, all of this is coming out.
The next area only held her two Syncs. One was doing pushups, the other reading a book. She ignores them as they do her, walking into a separate chamber. A small wooden box sat on the floor near the far wall. Avia sits cross-legged next to it. With a deep sigh, she opens it. Using two fingers, she picks up the omniband as if it were covered in something unpleasant. She snaps it to her right wrist, closes her eyes, and leans back against the wall.
Past
Teenage Avia sat on the lush violet grass on the southeast side of Zareil Castle. The castle itself was around five hundred yards behind her, and the sawhorse stables were even further to her left. She could barely see the stable hands as specks milling about the six legged sawhorses. The bright grass went on for another thirty feet to her right before dropping off, the burgundy roofs of East Zareil visible in the distance. Before her stood her sisters, each in their respective combat stance at ten paces. They both were breathing hard, sweat soaking their hair and clothes.
Zetori
I think it's time we got serious. Psti-hon-we.
With dramatic flair, Zetori plunged her hand into the ground, up to the wrist. When she pulled it out, she held a wiry length of gray stone. She twirled the twenty five foot whip of stone over her head before sending it toward Zella. The taller woman dodged with practiced ease, only for her younger sibling, with a flick of her arm, sent the whip after her. Zella ducked and rolled as the weapon went sailing overhead, dropping inch sized rocks in passing. The rocks left boulder sized craters where they struck that betrayed their actual weight. Zella's right arm morphed into crystal blue, flowing water, her fist a mini tsunami. Thrusted upward, that fist smashes the whip to pebbles, which drop, minus the heavy weight, to the grassy field. The water from her arm flows forward in a quarter acre sized tidal wave.
Zetori
Erb-faul-wier.
A war club composed of flames appear in her hands and she reared back to swing. What was once a thirty four inch club was suddenly the length of three commoner homes lined in a row. Avia watched in wide eyed fascination as Zetori swung the enormous flame at the rushing waters threatening to engulf her. The magic fire vaporized the raging water, concealing the field in steam. Avia breathed in the hot air, barely making out Zetori's form looking around for her opponent.
Avia (thinking)
Come on, Tori. This is 'El you're fighting, remember? You don't notice that section of steam moving in the wrong direction?
A Zella shaped form approached Zetori's position from the right. Avia then saw Zetori's smirk.
Zetori
Raxai
The horizontal slash of Zetori's arm sent the steam form flying back in a gust of wind. As she tumbled about in mid-air, the steam dissipated. Zella's solid form returns, a stream of flame erupting from her outstretched hands as she dropped, feet first, to the ground. More movements with her invisible weapon and the column of flame is dispersed. So enraptured with the spectacle, Avia lost sight of Zella.
Avia (thinking)
These attacks...they seem pretty severe. They've been careful to avoid damaging me or the landscape too much. But do they want to be Superstar badly enough to kill each other? Or are their techniques not strong enough to do permanent damage?
Avia rose from her sitting position and moved closer to the action. Zella was then above Zetori, descending and surrounded in fire, allowing Zetori time to only look up before crashing into her in a fiery explosion. Avia was thrown off her feet and landed hard on her back. She grunted in pain.
Avia (thinking)
I think my rib is broken. Maybe two. Same type of pain at least.
Avia rose slowly to her feet, eyes on the rising smoke cloud. She could hear them both grunting before they exited the grey cloud from different points, skidding in the grass. Deep groves were left in the ground as they halted their momentum. Zella rushed forward around the smoking crater she created. Zetori made an overhead smash motion. A gash twenty meters in length appeared on the field, throwing clumps of earth with its arrival. Zella had avoided this in her rush down, opting to circle around her sister repeatedly. The air began to frost over around Zetori and her weapon, which turned out to be a battle axe four times her size. Once properly iced over, Zella smashed it with a fist after vaulting over her. Shards of ice imbedded themselves in Zetori's body, one in her shoulder and thigh and she sunk to her knees. Zella stood over her, still in her fighting pose.
Zella
Do you yield?
Zetori
Gif-tink-hgl!
All Avia saw was a flash of light so bright she needed to shield her eyes. She lowered her arm and saw Zella unmoved, Zetori's arm outstretched toward her. She dropped her arm in a huff.
Zetori
I hate Aura Cloaks.
Zella
You used yours earlier.
Zetori
I hate others' Aura Cloaks.
Avia coughs up blood. Both women heard this and turned to look at her briefly before returning to regard each other.
Zella
Do you-
Zetori
I yield. I'm out of Talent anyway.
Zella relaxed and a wave of the hand rapidly melt the ice impaling her sister.
Zella
What the hell was that last spell?
Zetori
A lightning dagger. Can't hold it longer then a second. I'm fine, go check Lil Big.
Zella's Quickening had her next to Avia in a flash. Avia's almost sickly thin frame rocked slightly as she stood upright, a stern expression on her lean features. Zella gingerly felt around her youngest sister's right side.
Zella
Got too close, Lil Big.
Avia
Only happens once every forty years. I wanted a good seat.
Zetori walked up, injuries healing under the slimy wonder mollusks, their antenna moving rapidly.
Zetori
So, have you decided?
Avia
Yes. I will learn Soul Style.
Zetori
What! No! Just because she won!?
Avia
That's not it, Tori.
Zella
Are you sure about this? To be honest, Tori's type of magic might suit you better.
Zetori
Magic weapons are easy to conjure and have moderate Talent cost. Plus, they are easy to wield.
Avia
For someone my size.
Zetori (shrugging)
Unarmed and unarmored combat for you is like a faith healer without a crystal ball. Useless.
Zella
Zetori!
Zetori
Sorry, but I'm not saying anything none of us don't know.
Zella
Then the reason for saying such things is redundant.
Avia
Father said I can choose one of you to teach me your Style. Zella is a much better teacher. We all know it.
Zetori (smiling)
Sensitive much?
Avia
She will not go easy on me.
Zetori
Yeah, right.
King Zareil
As if you are strong enough.
The king strode across the grassy field toward them.
King Zareil
If falling on your ass broke two ribs, how do you plan on surviving the training, let alone what lays beyond the Door? Even Zetori was afraid.
Zetori
Not afraid to admit it either. Not that being reminded every day isn't pissing me off though.
Avia
Soul Style's base abilities will make me stronger.
King Zareil
Ten times your current strength is still weak. Anyway, congratulations, Zella. You are Pia's 99th Superstar.
Zella (weakly)
Hurray.
Avia (thinking)
Why aren't you happier about this? You can show everyone how strong you are. When it's my turn, everybody, father included, will acknowledge my strength.
Present
Roxy
And we're back. The betting block ends in a little over a minute so get those final ballots in. Until then, lets check in with the Ksushest of Ksushs, Coalition Carnage Color Correspondent, Grodin!
Grodin stood in a downpour, his third arm holding an umbrella. The rain was heavy as it pelted him and the dozens of Pians holding hands outside a castle drawbridge and extending around both ends of the siege walls.
Grodin
Don't forget, former host, as well, Roxy. I'm here where dozens of Pian women have surrounded the home of King Zareil of the Coalition. I received word of this protest and came to investigate. Excuse me, ma'am. Why are you protesting?
A woman with one long ear missing and a scar over her rigged brow snarls a reply.
Pian 1
That so-called Superstar is nothing but royal trash! She in no way represents me or anyone else here!
Pian 2
She schemed her way into being Superstar! That role rightfully belonged to someone from Biquin!
Pian 3
We will protest here and Castle Mishoria until she drops from the competition!
Women down the line echo similar statements.
Grodin
What did she do exactly?
Pian 1
That is for Pian ears only. We want the Coalition to disqualify her and replace her with the one who was supposed to be there!
Grodin
And who was-
Cast-bot 1
Mr. Grodin, sir?
Grodin turned sharply at the floating viewscope, a stiff smile on his smooth face.
Grodin
Why are you talking while we are live, cast-bot?
Cast-bot 1
We are no longer live. Miss Roxy cut feed back to her five seconds ago.
***
Music pumped over speakers located throughout the streets of Topaz City as the diverse people shout varies phrases in various languages at the sky. Above, multiple locations slid by like slots in a machine.
Roxy
Now to learn which variable to all bets will be chosen. The variable that can make or break millionaires and Superstars alike! The geodome!
The image that blotted out Dycord's purple tinted skies was that of large steely machinery around which multiple beings worked. The sizes varied, with some machines large enough to allow workers to walk inside. Cheers erupt on the ground.
Roxy
It's the Factory! Mainstay of planet Quil! Will the lives of the workers matter in the slightest to our Superstars? Sometimes they don't! Let's find out!
***
When Avia opened her eyes to see where they dropped her, she grimaced so hard, some viewers thought she had cramps.
Avia (thinking)
Just my luck. The demonic substance is everywhere.
She stood where she was, saw the feline form of a male Coojur use his taloned hands to manipulate a series of levers, tail slowly curving as he worked. A few feet away from him was a Tilris, dark feathers reflecting the lights dozens of feet overhead as he fought to attach a thick tube running from one machine to another. She saw a Human and Dycordian relegate to a datapad as they worked to replace broken components of a machine that housed giant rollers.
Avia (thinking)
I know those Superstars from the first battle are watching. I will show them and the galaxy my strength. I will win. Not that I care if-
A loud shrill drew her attention as well as several of the workers. A complex looking machine producing some type of blue goo had a myriad of silver colored sparks rising behind it. The brightness helped silhouette the Ksush posing on top of the machine.
Gorjon
The most extravagant man in the galaxy has finally arrived. The Galactic Wrestling Association Universal Champion twenty years running and the most electrifying Ksush to ever live. Also star of the hit movie " Third Arm of Death", the one and only-
Worker 1
Who put fireworks on my machine!? Garrin, you're fired!
Garrin
It wasn't me!
Clearing his throat loudly, the Ksush atop the machine stepped off to land with a stern boom. Avia felt his landing through her soles and continued to do so as he stomped his heavily muscled frame toward her. He halted around six feet away and regarded her combat stance with amusement.
Gorjon
As I was saying, I'm the one and only Gorjon. And you look to be sickly, for I have never seen such a slim Pian. Is this some joke?
He looked around at the various workers, none paid him any heed. He held two of his arms in a 'what the hell' gesture. Avia remained in her stance, both hands close to her middle, legs ten inches apart.
Avia (thinking)
He may be a buffoon, but he could prove difficult. He gave 'El a hard time, after all. The shorin stance should suffice for now.
Gorjon
What is wrong with Pia that they keep sending females as their Superstars? Your power style must be hella beast to stand before greatness and not tremble. What is your style?
Avia (thinking)
According to 'El, this guy has multiple abilities, all stolen from other Superstars.
Gorjon
The silent type, eh. That's cool. Couple guys I work with are like that. Guess I gotta force you to show me. You up for that?
Avia (thinking)
Painting a portrait. Beat him in two hits. Current gauge: empty.
He came at her, fist ready to deliver an overcompensating haymaker.
Avia (thinking)
His Quickening is relatively slow. I can think of four courses of action, three of those leaving me open to counter attack. So...
She remained where she stood, ducking under his swing, and quickens back the way he approached. He skidded to a halt immediately, faster then she would have thought, and came again, his back to her. She could see the black iris of his eye as he tracked her whereabouts. The knife-edge chop would have drawn blood had she not rolled to her left. His attack, once again, sailed overhead.
Avia (thinking)
Gauge: one-tenth.
Gorjon was relentless in his assault. Punches, kicks, attempted grabs, she dodged them all. A smile tugged at her lips.
Avia (thinking)
Gauge: one-fourth.
After his latest strike failed to connect, Gorjon stopped, two hands on hips, the third, gesturing as he spoke.
Gorjon
What's the deal? These fans didn't wait a decade to watch us dance around each other. Fight back. Or does my awesome physique give you hesitation? I can see past that smile. You're terrified.
Avia
And you're terrible. Now keep swinging and missing. I'm enjoying the exercise.
He busted out laughter, loud and obnoxious, but genuine as was his smile.
Gorjon
Tell me your Soul Style, small fry? The SRC didn't specify. Only that it was Soul Style: Aura specific.
She remained silent. He stared at her, his smile broadening.
Gorjon
I knew you looked familiar. You're much smaller, but you resemble one of the only two female Pians I have ever fought. You're related to Zella Zareil.
Avia stood to her full height, though he was still feet taller, and returned his hard stare, a sneer just visible beneath the contempt.
Avia
You waste my time. If you plan on talking then I will find someone else here to hit.
Gorjon
Then stop running.
Avia
You're so slow I only dodge out of boredom.
Six words into her sentence, he had closed the gape between them, coming in feet first. She only had time to raise her arms to protect her sternum. The dropkick sent her flying back, but centering her gravity slowed her enough as she hit one of the devil metal machines, knocking a worker from his perch. Another worker scrambled to take his place, but was punched by the first, who then resumed his task, a glare thrown down at her as he did.
Avia (thinking)
Should have guessed he was hiding his true speed. He broke both my forearms. Gauge is half full. Healing will put me back at two twenty-fifths.
She grimaced as her forearms, once bloody and bent at wrong angles, returned to their natural state. Gorjon had been watching rather than press the advantage.
Gorjon
So you can heal yourself quickly. That will be useful in my arsenal. But I suppose I'll have to wear you down a bit. That's how we professional wrestlers like to do it.
His three arms took on a steely tone.
Avia (thinking)
Dear mother! He can cover his body in the horrid substance.
Bright orange flame enveloped his arms next.
Gorjon
I got this from Zella. The flame creation and control, I mean.
He suddenly advanced with a rapid series of punches, the flames leaving bright after-images on the viewscreens of home viewers. She felt the heat of his appendages as they singed her hair and skin with near misses, but her battle garments, magically enhanced for better protection from fire, kept her from serious burns. She continued her ducking and dodging maneuvers, not even bothering to counter strike, though she could have dozens of times.
Avia (thinking)
Gauge is now one-eighth. Not enough to be useful. The fire addition is a slight boost, but he's still trying not to cause permanent harm.
During one of his many openings, Avia zipped a meter before his stunned visage, sticking out her tongue like she used to do behind her father's back. He drew back in shock, a bit over dramatic and threw a line drive punch. When his forward momentum ceased, she was standing on his third flaming arm on one leg, stretching the other to the point her shin reached her forehead. He growled, reaching for her but she had somersaulted several meters away, careful of all the metal contraptions.
Gorjon (menacingly)
Dare make a fool of me.
She felt wind wash over her and braced for some wind based technique. Gorjon was suddenly raising in the air, his black hair whipping about his, now, calm smile. He halted forty feet above the seeming oblivious industrial compound. He inhaled deeply.
Gorjon (yelling)
Ladies and gentlemen of the Papuru Galaxy! Bear witness to my new devastating technique: Tri-fire!
Balls of flames formed around each extended fist, followed by licks of fire linking the three forming a triangle. Avia smiled tightly.
Avia (thinking)
Now we're talking.
The flaming triangle came down fast, but not fast enough to hit. Avia, at least. A machine, freshly abandoned by two workers who kept loose eyes on the battle, was melted in its entirety. A smoking slug of steel was all that remained. The heat drove many of the more vulnerable species of workers away from the tri-fire raining from above. Several more units were destroyed in this fashion as Avia intentionally maneuvered close enough for them to be collateral damage.
Avia (thinking)
I bet my father thinks me weak for running. Fool never understood the artfulness of a strategic retreat.
Past
Avia stood painting on a canvas. Her subject, the memorials of her mother and sister standing sentinel over the grassy field of blooming fragrant daffodils, their purple and red petals making a striking visual that needed to be immortalized. One hand moved with deliberate strokes with a paint brush, the other clutched a silver piece of coal attached to a string from around her neck.
Avia
Well, mom, Anya. It's almost time. Another hour and I will have had this soul stone for one hundred and eleven days. But so you know, I will not use it until I finish your portrait. Another few hours of touch up-
King Zareil
The life of an illustrator agrees with you. A great talent you possess. You should focus on it rather then failing at being Superstar.
He was behind her, ever his royal self. She didn't turn at his sudden appearance but her painting arm did drop to her side. The king strode past her, trampling daffodils in his wake to stand before the two smiling fog glass sculptures.
King Zareil
When Zella approached me with your decision to learn Soul Style, I was hesitant.
Avia
I know. Because I'm weak. Nice talk, dad, but I'm talking to Anya and mom now.
King Zareil
They are dead. One from giving birth, the other from staving death. Both because of you.
Avia
You think I don't know that? You remind me enough.
The king reached a hand to caress his late wife's glass cheek.
King Zareil
I was hesitant because I know you will die and your mother and sister would have wasted their lives saving you. But then I realized I couldn't protect you forever and your death might be the true blessing.
He turned to her. His face was oddly devoid of all emotion, even contempt.
King Zareil
If you live, Zella would ultimately sacrifice herself for you. Zetori as well. Losing three women I love is better then losing four and having just you.
Avia
Losing three women you love? Whose the third?
King Zareil
If you enter the Door, you will die.
With that, he walked back the way he came not speaking another word. She kept her eyes on the painting and her dark mood retreated somewhat. She resumed her artwork, as skillful as before.
Avia (thinking)
You will regret that, dad. Every word.
Present
Avia (thinking)
Gauge two-thirds. I don't care. That is enough.
Gorjon was yelling some nonsense she couldn't here over the den of his tri-fire blasts and that of section leaders screaming at fleeing workers about quotas. His aim was precise, but Avia never stopped moving. The blasts melted more machinery and caused some of the gooey material they produced to blacken and become brittle, like logs in a fire. Fortunately, many workers were able to flee, with only the Yuni workers, eight in all, able to withstand the onslaught. She halted her movement. Gorjon still hovered in place, smiling down at her.
Gorjon
Show me your Soul Style!
He created a tri-fire blast three times the size of his previous ones. Now practically every worker was in flight, unwilling to risk their lives for a hefty payday any longer.
Gorjon (grimly)
Even if I must crush my beloved fans to do it, you will show me.
Avia knelt to a knee, placing a fist against the metal flooring.
Avia (thinking)
The thing about strategic retreats is your opponent assumes you will continue to flee. Watch this, you old bastard. Aura Cloak: on.
Gorjon
I am the greatest of all Ksush. I have confronted and defeated the best wrestlers the galaxy has to offer.
In less time then it takes to blink, Avia was in the air, meeting the oversized blast head on. She was through the fire with a fist in Gorjon's face right in the midst of his promo. The tri-fire dissipated before he hit the floor because he hit the geodome first. The dome stretched five yards prior to rocketing the wrestler through a machine and into the floor. The blue goo started to spray in all directions for several seconds, then putted out. When Gorjon opened his eyes, he was covered in it.
Gorjon
I'm ok! I'm ok! My Aura Cloak saved me! What is this stuff? Glue? Well this can't keep me-
Avia crashed into his skull with the speed of a meteor, her right knee fitting snugly on his chin, fist between his eyes. His one glue free arm dropped as if boneless. Avia stood over him smiling.
Avia
My Soul Style is Violence.
Roxy's ten count was a formality.
Roxy
A vicious ground pound ends the battle with a victory for Superstar Avia!
None of those present acknowledge her declare as they resumed their places of work or started clearing the debris. Avia didn't care.
Avia (thinking)
Gauge: empty. Portrait complete.
End chapter