“He’s the worst,” she hissed. “He’s decent in combat, but he’s mastered Dance of the Shadow Demon beyond any Iksana I’ve ever seen. He’s sly, vicious, and deadly.”
Vir knew firsthand just how lethal Dance of the Shadow Demon could be. Especially in this realm where strong shadows abounded.
Maybe I can learn something by watching him, Vir thought, resolving himself to not miss Nor’s matches.
Tara turned to Vir and looked him in the eyes. “If you fight him before I do, make sure you beat him into a pulp.”
“Back at you. But… What gives you so much confidence that I’ll win?” Vir asked, guiding Tara over to the array of appetizers that had been laid out. Even if he might not enjoy the food as much in this formal environment, that didn’t mean he wasn’t at least going to try some.
“You mean other than having the Ravager’s glowing endorsement?” Tara asked, giving Vir a pointed look. “It’s the way you fight. Your confidence. Your moves. It’s almost like they’re made for monsters. I’ve fought others who fight that way.”
“That right?” Vir asked, doing his best to maintain a detached expression as he eyed the food.
“It is. And you know what all those Warriors had in common?”
“I bet you’re about to tell me,” Vir quipped. He really didn’t want Tara poking into his identity, but the demon didn’t seem like she’d let him change the topic easily.
“They had all spent decades of their lives in the Ash. You also claim that title. Yet you’re far too young to have amassed enough experience to fight that way.”
“Well, I’ve always been a fast learner,” Vir said, feeling very done with this topic.
“Nuh, uh. I’m not buying it,” Tara said.
They had just arrived at the array of food, and Vir was reaching out to grab one when he felt a strong tug on his arm.
Were his body not attuned to prana, he might’ve lost his balance. Instead, he deftly moved after Tara, following her lead.
“Unbelievable. The first thing you do is get food?”
“Er, is that considered impolite?”
“At least grant me a dance, first!”
Vir decided discretion was the best course of action here, even as his precious food became more and more distant.
Tara reminded him of Tia in more than a few ways. A bit brutish, but also refined and elegant. Tara’s bloodlust was on another level to Tia’s, however, and where Tia was reckless and immature, Tara seemed to have an awareness about her that only years of experience could bring.
Vir truly wondered at her age. It was almost impossible to tell with demons. She could’ve been eighteen or fifty.
More dancers had fleshed out the floor now, allowing Vir to feel less self-conscious about the act.
Dusting the cobwebs off a skill he hadn’t used in years, Vir fell into the moderately paced dance, allowing Tara to lead. She seemed more than comfortable in that role, which suited Vir just fine. The last thing he wanted was to put his ineptitude on full display.
“So,” Tara said with a devilish look in her eyes. “Back to you. You’re young. I can tell. And yet, you fight like veterans with decades in the Ash. Plus, you’ve got the Ravager’s backing. Your instincts are razor-sharp, and you don’t waste any motions. No ego to your style. Just ruthless and brutally efficient. How?”
Vir sighed. “Yes, I admit I’ve trained extensively in the Ash. I’ve been deep inside it. Surely, you know what that means?”
Tara’s eyebrow raised slightly. “You’ve been deep enough that the time flow aids you. To where the Ash Beasts are strong. I see. So that’s where you picked up your wolf friend.”
Vir had to use every acting skill he had to hide the surprise from his face. “What makes you think he’s an Ash Wolf?” Vir asked.
Tara grinned. “Sure, I imagine most would mistake him for an especially large prana wolf, but again. It’s the way he moves. Like nothing is a threat, and like he owns the place. He’s comfortable being solitary, while most wolves are pack animals. It’s the details.”
“And what about yourself?” Vir asked, attempting to divert the scrutiny back to Tara. “I assume not every Panav is blessed with Yuma’s Embrace. Who are you, really?”
Tara gave Vir a sly grin, but before he had a chance to press her, Raja Thaman appeared on the balcony that overlooked the ballroom, ending the dance and hushing the crowd.
Vir was glad of it. Both because it allowed him to get away from Tara’s prying, and because any longer, and he’d have stepped on her toes, ruining their dance.
The Bairan Raja cleared his throat, which sounded through the whole hall. No doubt due to a voice amplification tablet of some sort.
“Warriors! Well met,” he said, opening his arms and nodding in approval at the gathered crowd.
His greeting was returned by hoots and battle cries as the audience’s refined demeanor slipped.
“This year’s bout promises to be one of the best yet, pitting a fresh batch of promising hopefuls against some of the toughest Warriors of the Realm. And even the return of some living legends!”
Thaman gestured to Cirayus, who stood at the center of a crowd composed mostly of ladies, Vir noticed.
The crowd went wild, and Cirayus waved to acknowledge everyone.
“Yet just because the Ravager has returned,” Thaman shouted over the cheers, “does not mean the crown has been taken! He has been gone. Perhaps the old man is rusty, eh?”
That prompted a round of laughs, and even Thaman couldn’t keep the smirk off his face.
“Now, as for the rules, we have decided to change it up this year. Single elimination to surrender, incapacitation, or eviction from the ring. Chakras are allowed, but use them at your own peril. As always, killing an opponent results in disqualification, lifetime ban from the Tournament, and the possibility of criminal charges.”
“Do people die often in these?” Vir asked Tara.
Tara shrugged. “Sometimes we’ll go several tournaments without a single death. Sometimes we get two in one. You never know. Depends on who’s competing.”
It sounded far more brutal than anything Vir would have expected, but this again was a reflection of Demonic culture. When it came to battle, they never held back.
“This year, we will host a group trial to whittle down the potentials to the final sixteen. Fear not—those of you who don’t make the cut may still participate in the side duels. We have plenty of stages for everyone.”
This time, the applause was more muted. Vir could practically feel the combatants’ determination.
Forget Cirayus, making it to the finals would not be easy. Not with a group this motivated, capable, and experienced.
“Well, as you all know, I have never been one for long speeches,” Thaman continued. “Fight well. Fight with honor. And may the best demon win.”
Thaman pumped a fist into the air, and was echoed by the crowd, who shouted hoots and battle cries.
“This is going to be amazing,” Tara said, her eyes full of expectation. “I gotta admit, I’m looking forward to all the fights. So you better not lose before we duel, yeah?”
“And the same to you,” Vir replied, though he didn’t mean it. He realized then that he actually didn’t want to fight her, if possible. Tara might’ve been a battle junkie, but she seemed nice. He didn’t want any bitter feelings between them. Perhaps it was callous of him, but he hoped she’d lose to someone else.
Tara separated from Vir after Thaman’s speech, mentioning she had a few acquaintances she wished to speak to.
This left Vir free to make his way to the food, but before he got even halfway, he ran into Raja Thaman, coming down from the balcony.
“Ah, a new face!” Thaman said, pretending not to know who he was.
“Raja Thaman,” Vir replied, bowing his head respectfully. “It’s an honor.”
“Is it, now?” Thaman said softly with a small grin. “I expect great things from you, young Vaak. I shall watch your performance intently.”