Chapter 30: Quarter-Finals

Abbie watched the lightning box screen with horror. Near Arturo’s lifeless body sat Josie on her knees and shaking. She was excited for this tournament and the fights between the Beastlings but didn’t expect anything like this to happen. Her medical staff were all whispering among themselves about the horrid situation but as Abbie watched she noticed something peculiar. Moments later she gasped and rolled over to the suite’s bellphone.

“Ms. Abbie.” One of her staff spoke. “Is everything ok? What do you need?”

“I need to reach the ring immediately.” She said as she lifted the plant receiver. 

Once she answered she demanded to be connected with Lester down at the ring. The organizer she spoke to was hesitant at first but Abbie insisted that an innocent person would be disqualified if she didn’t speak to Lester immediately.

🌱🌱🌱

Down at the ring Lester was speaking with the tournament’s medical staff, trying to decide what to do with Arturo’s corpse. A vibration interrupted him as he tapped a light purple shell near his ear and answered a call.

“I got enough going on down here, the Hell do you want-”

“My name’s Abbie, I’m watching from one of the upper suites.”

Lester’s head darted up, looking into the direction of the VIP suite boxes. His demeanor changed when realizing he was most likely speaking to the daughter of an important donor.

“Hi there Abbie.” Lester said sweetly. “I'm sorry if this was too scary, this normally doesn’t happen at the tournament. How about you put mommy or daddy on and-”

“Listen!” Abbie yelled, nearly toppling Lester with her voice. “There’s no blood! No organs either!”

Lester was taken aback for a moment before regaining his composure. “Young lady, I appreciate your concern but please let our team of adults handle-”

“Check Josie! There’s not a drop of blood on her!”

“We know that miss,” Lester replied, finding it harder to stay polite. “Beastlings have strange anatomy and well-”

“Not that strange!” Abbie replied, now flipping through the large book in her lap. “They have animal genes, but it doesn’t change the fact that they have organs and blood. Let the medics look and they’ll see it too!”

Lester bit the inside of his cheek, trying not to swear while glancing up at the VIP Suites. Even if this was some prank by one of the donors he didn’t want to get in trouble for not obliging. He sighed before asking the medics to fulfill Abbie’s request.

They were confused but walked over to examine the body. After a few minutes they rushed over to Lester to confirm Abbie’s theory.

“How the Hell did you know that he had no organs, kid?” Lester said.

“That’s not all.” Abbie said, still looking at the lightning box screen focusing on Arturo’s body. “I imagine he’s actually been dead for a while and he’s controlled by the ants.”

“The ants?” Lester asked as he walked over to the body.

Standing over the body he noticed the ants were now circling Arturo. He tried to flick one of them away but it immediately fell back in line and continued to circle. Lester couldn’t believe his eyes.

Abbie ran her finger across a page describing Haga Beastlings and common abilities they have. “It’s most likely a hive mind. The actual beastling controlling the ants is probably nearby.”

“So you’re saying the Beastling isn’t even in the arena?”

“Yup, and that would mean that they were disqualified before the match even started!”

Lester was silent on the phone for a full minute before disconnecting the call. Once he hung up Abbie continued to watch Lester the best she could. He seemed to now be on another call, a much more heated conversation. He spoke for a few minutes before freezing, taking a moment to compose himself and re-enter the ring with his microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a Tournament of Wishes first. After review from both our medical staff and the committee it has been determined that Arturo was well, not anyone at all. Merely a puppet being controlled by a Haga beastling not even present here at the tournament!”

The crowd spoke amongst themselves while Lester continued to speak.

“So, I am happy to say that the judges have reversed the previous ruling. Josie will no longer be disqualified and will now be moving to the semi-finals for uncovering such a heinous act of cheating!”

Lester grabbed Josie’s arm, who was still in a daze with everything that happened. The crowd cheered, immediately switching back to being on Josie’s side. As Lester helped Josie shuffle back into the waiting area with the other fighters the words of the crowd passed through her mind.

“Good job kid! Those Haga beastlings are filthy cheaters!”

“Of course a HB could figure it out, they’re not dumb brutes like the rest of the fighters!”

“I hope she tears through the rest of them like this!”

The words went into Josie’s ear and out the other. She shuffled through the doors of the waiting room and immediately slumped into Peg’s arms and fell asleep.

She looked down at Josie who lay unconscious in her arms. She smiled softly as her body finally relaxed. Their run in this tournament was far from over and while Josie put up a tough front, it all finally caught up to her. Luckily, one thing they practiced is keeping Kinto active even if Josie fell unconscious as to not out her disguise.

Peg found some blankets she in the waiting room along with a couple old pillows and fashioned Josie a makeshift bed for her to sleep in. As much as she’d wanted to take her to the hotel to be in a proper bed, Peg needed to stick around and watch the other matches so they could build a strategy for the Semi-Finals.

While the organizers worked on cleaning up Arturo’s body and preparing for the next fight Peg got herself situated in her seat with a notebook and pen, ready to take notes. While she sat she noticed that everyone seemed to be staring at her and Josie. They spoke in somewhat of a hushed tone but not enough that Peg couldn’t hear.

Words like ‘special treatment’ and ‘unfair’ were being tossed around. Peg knew deciding to have Josie pretend to be a half-breed would bring some unwanted looks from full breeds but Josie dodging a disqualification, even without it being her fault, put an even bigger target on her back than she expected. There wasn’t much time to dwell on the searing looks as the next two combatants were called out. 

“Alright let’s get onto our next match of the day folks!” Lester announced, bursting with energy trying to set the last fight behind him. “First, a Haga beastling who actually decided to be in the ring today. Hailing to the Seceast Leafland give it up for Nyobi!”

There was a smattering of boos amongst the cheering crowd as a tall, stick-bug beastling walked towards the ring. He had a warm smile and bright eyes and his lanky green arms waved in earnest as he entered the ring.

“And his opponent, a beastling who certainly throws anything but rabbit punches. Give it up for Lunagi!"

The next fighter to walk towards the ring was a tall, white rabbit beastling. He wore a dark colored martial arts gi and the crowd cheered in earnest as he entered the ring. Peg had done a fair bit of research into him and knew that with his experience he’d be one of Josie’s major walls to getting into the finals.

Lester once again reiterated the rules, making extra emphasis on the ones related to death and cheating. The two knocked fists before stepping away from each other. Lester exited the ring and the two immediately lunged at each other.

Peg’s eyes stayed glued to the screen, watching the two of them go at it. Nyobi was quite nimble, swaying and dodging Lunagi’s attacks effortlessly. Lunagi was no slouch however, attacking with an onslaught of rapid punches and kicks to keep Nyobi on his toes. It was an exciting match and the crowd agreed, screaming and yelling their names.

“They say you’re the favorite to win it all, even over last year’s champ. Unfortunately you’ll need to actually hit me to win this thing.” Nyobi taunted.

Lunagi didn’t fall for the teasing and focused on his clinic of strikes. Nyobi continued to dodge but as the minutes passed it was clear his stamina was depleting. Nothing made it clearer than when Lunagi finally landed a blow against Nyobi’s chest, sending him flying across the ring.

“And with just one punch Lunagi nearly ended this fight!” Lester called out with intensity. “Now this is the kind of fighting we expect at this tournament, am I right folks?”

Peg, watching in the waiting room, couldn’t help but pout as she thought Josie’s fight was just as if not more exciting than what was happening in the ring now.

The crowd continued to cheer as Nyobi tried to gather himself after nearly falling out of the ring. Lunagi however stood his ground, fists raised waiting for Nyobi’s next move. Nyobi knelt on one knee, gripping his chest. Blood trickled from his mouth which Peg took note of. It was one punch but it really did a number on him.

“Alright,” Nyobi spoke, wiping his mouth. “I was hoping to save this move but I can’t have you landing another one of those.”

Nyobi raised his right arm, pointing his balled green fist into the sky. As he did his arm thickened but even more peculiar was how it extended. The arm grew longer and longer, until it was high past the crowd seatig and nearly in the sky.

“Look at that folks!” Lester yelled, pointing to the clouds. “Nyobi finally decided to pull out the big guns, or should I say the long guns.”

Nyobi’s extended arm wobbled in the wind as the crowd watched in awe. Lunagi looked up as well, sighing and shaking his head. 

“An impressive feat.” Lunagi spoke, cracking his knuckles. “But I’m well aware that you’re unable to move once you do that. I on the other hand…”

Lunagi intended to flank Nyobi from his side, knocking him out of the ring once and for all. As he tried to move however he realized that he was suffering the same issue he described for Nyobi.

“What’s this?” Lester yelled. “Something seems to have wrapped itself around Lunagi’s feet, he can’t move!”

Lunagi struggled and then noticed that whatever was keeping him from moving was extended from Nyobi’s own feet.

“What are these vines?” Lunagi asked.

“Not vines, roots!” Nyobi corrected with a smirk. “My ability allows me to manipulate my body into any type of stick, tree or even roots that can keep you grounded.”

Lunagi snarled, punching against his bindings but to no avail as more reached out and gripped tighter.

“Now then, time to earn my spot in the Semi-Finals.”

Nyobi grit his teeth as his elongated arm grew thicker and instead of being slender it became thick like the trunk of an oak tree. With one last grunt he swung down his arm, ready to slam onto Lunagi and flatten him. As the massive limb came down Lunagi didn’t panic. Instead he reeled back his fist as the arm swung down on him. As soon as the arm made an impact Lunagi punched it.

Lester along with the crowd gasped in shock when the arm didn’t smash Lunagi into a bloody pulp. Instead it rested on Lunagi’s furry fist. While Lunagi’s face was frozen in a stoic expression, Nyobi’s face contorted as he seemed to be struggling intensely. He soon let out a shriek and his thick arm shattered, scattering in bits all over the ring.

Nyobi doubled over in pain, gripping his now shredded stump of a limb. The pain was so severe that he didn’t notice that his other powers had dissipated as well. Once he did realize it was too late as Lunagi was free and with one swift kick sent Nyobi flying out of the ring and into the wall.

A hush fell across the crowd as Nyobi’s motionless body slid down the wall. Medics rushed over to his body, fresh from carting away Arturo’s. After a few minutes they gave a signal that he was out cold, but still breathing. Lester then flew into the ring, grabbing Lunagi’s fluffy white arm and thrusting it into the air.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of our second match of today Lunagi!”

The crowd cheered, chanting Lunagi’s name repeatedly. Lunagi faced the direction of Nyobi’s body, bowing before turning and exiting the ring. He walked into the waiting room where the others watched, whispering amongst themselves. Peg noticed that instead of murmurs of unfair treatment it was words of fear and being impressed by his victory. Lunagi had no interest in chatting, or even watching the rest of the quarter finals as he swiftly made his way out of the room.

“And our next challenger, representing the Leafland of Var’Beien. A woman who comes with a bit of a kick, give it up for Barby-Ann!”

Peg watched as a tall kangaroo beastling approached the ring. Her thick tail swayed behind her as she wore a heavy coat that seemed too warm for this time of year. Peg also noticed that with her large feet she hopped into the ring instead of walking.

“Now don’t let his appearance fool you, because our next challenger is no chicken. Coming from the mean streets of Megashine City, give it up for Claus!”

The next fighter to enter was a rooster beastling. His legs were long and slender but his feathery barrel chest poked out from his shirt. Peg once again focused on the feet as Claus chose not to wear shoes and instead let his incredibly sharp talons show.

This was another fighter who was on Peg’s radar. In the hierarchy of strength amongst beastlings, Avians are close to the lowest. Their speed is incredible along with their sharp precision but their strength is usually quite lackluster. Similar to Half-Breeds, Avian Beastlings don’t normally make it this far into the tournament but Claus seemed to be the exception.

Lester finished his introductions and with a swing of his hand the fight began. Barby-Ann chose to get the fight started by lunging at Claus. She centered all the energy she could into her feet, rocketing towards him. Claus however was able to dodge swiftly without even pulling a hand from his pockets. Barby-Ann continued to bounce around the ring with her strong legs but no matter how much momentum she built she was unable to land one kick on the nimble Claus.

“So this is what all the hype is about? The Street-Wise rooster just runs from a fight?” Barby-Ann said, growing tired of Claus’ tactics.

“If I didn’t dodge kicks that slow it would be an embarrassment for both of us.” Claus scoffed.

Barby-Ann grit her teeth, bending her knees to rocket towards Claus again. He dodged but instead of moving entirely out of the way, he shifted his body just enough to land a hit on Barby-Ann right in the stomach.

The impact was loud and nearly made Barby-Ann vomit her breakfast. The crowd cheered and Claus’ ‘crew’ back in the waiting room hollered in celebration. Everyone seemed pleased with the attack, except Claus himself.

His feathery fist landed the hit but the moment he did he knew something was wrong. Especially when he tried pulling it back and couldn’t, no matter how hard he tried. Recovering from the hit, Barby-Ann looked at the trapped Claus and smiled.

“I knew I’d catch you eventually.” She grinned, ripping away her coat to reveal a spiral of colors coming from her pouched stomach and swirling around Claus’ arm. “How about we take a little trip?”

Barby-Ann grabbed Claus’ shoulder, pulling him deeper and deeper into the technicolor spiral until he disappeared with a ‘Pop’ into her pouch. Barby-Ann then slipped her own body within the colorful spiral and like an ouroboros twisted into herself until she disappeared as well, leaving the ring empty.

🌱🌱🌱

Claus blinked and found his surroundings had changed. No longer was he standing in a ring made of stone surrounded by thousands of screaming fans. Instead he found himself in a lush green forest, surrounded by trees so tall they blocked the sun.

“This forest is about an hour away from my home.” A woman’s voice spoke behind him.

He turned to see Barby-Ann standing behind him, smiling proudly.

Barby-Ann reached into her pouch  When she pulled her hand back out it was covered in a rainbow tinted liquid. Claus noticed that behind her, one of the trees was covered in a handprint of a similar color.

“My ability is teleportation.” Barby-Ann began to explain. “I just leave a fluid mark and then I can-”

“I don’t need a rundown on your gross stomach magic.” Claus snapped. “Get me back to the tournament now.”

“You’re not going anywhere. I’ll be heading back while you stick around and find a way back home.”

“And what if I crack your skull instead?” Claus asked, clenching his fists.

In response Barby-Ann laughed, leaning against one of the trees. “You misunderstand me Claus. I care very little for this tournament. I have no wishes that won’t already be covered by my benefactor. You see, each person I knock out of this silly tournament I get a nice payday for my hard work.”

Claus could tell this was not a bluff and the whole situation began to frustrate him. Until he thought for a moment and realized something very interesting about his current situation.

“So no one can witness what happens here, correct?”

“Seems you’re finally getting the picture.”

Barby-Ann laughed, believing she now held the upper hand. That was until she looked at Claus face, the eyes in particular. They were no longer annoyed or stern like when she explained her abilities. They burned with a murderous excitement and his beak twisted into a grin.

“What a gift you’ve given me,” Claus hissed, slowly walking towards Barby-Ann. “To keep my secret away from prying eyes.”

🌱🌱🌱

Lester did his best to dodge the trash being thrown at him by the crowd. Barby-Ann and Claus had disappeared for over five minutes and Lester's only option was to stall. No keen-eyed young girl gave him any hints and the tournament committee told him to keep the crowd entertained in hopes one of them returns.

“Please! Do not throw your trash into the ring!” Lester pleaded, buzzing around the garbage slinged in his direction. “Trust me I’m just as mad you that our fighters have-”

A splotch of colors appeared in thin air, like a shimmering puddle of floating oil. The crowd quieted down and all eyes focused on the strange occurrence at the center of the ring. The puddle shook and eventually a hand, Barby-Ann’s hand pushed through. More of her body followed but on her face was a look of pure terror.

“Please! Please someone help me!” she wailed.

When the rest of her body fell from this airborne puddle it was covered in scrapes and gash wounds. One of her legs seemed to be broken but worst of all her left arm had been ripped off, as if bitten by a hungry beast. She gripped the opening tight, trying to stop the bleeding as tears poured down her face.

“Please! Help me! I don’t want to die!” She begged.

The crowds focus on the traumatized, screeching Barby-Ann didn’t last long as moments after her Claus exited the magic puddle. Unlike her, Claus was as calm and collected as when he first entered the ring. He showed no injuries but instead was covered in copious amounts of blood. Presumably Barby-Ann’s.

She turned to see Claus standing above her froze. He looked down at her, hands still buried in his pocket and spoke only two words.

“Say it.”

The phrase snapped Barby-Ann from her trance and she turned to Lester, screaming at the top of her lungs.

“I quit! I quit! I quit! Please! Please help me! I quit!” She begged and blubbered until she stumbled over the side of the ring, scurrying in the direction of the medics who were ready to bandage and take her to the onsite clinic.

Lester and the crowd watched in silence at the display but Claus cleared his throat, grabbing the fly announcer’s attention. Lester attempted to grab Claus' arm, to raise it for winning but he firmly kept it in his pockets. The last thing Lester wanted was to struggle with him so he declared him the winner and quickly ushered him from the ring.

As Claus returned to the waiting room, everyone was silent watching him enter. The sound of Lester’s voice rang through the room, announcing that the tournament would take a brief intermission to clean up the ring before the final Quarter-Finals match.

Claus grabbed his things, which seemed to amount to only one small bag and exited the waiting room the same way Lunagi did. Peg watched as he walked away and the world seemed to move in slow motion. Her eyes couldn’t help but focus on the blood staining his clothes. The fight she watched with Lunagi, while impressive, did not worry her for Josie’s life. She, like everyone else, hadn't a clue what Claus did but she did know one thing. That she could not let whatever happened to Barby-Ann, happen to Josie.

To Be Continued

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