Tales of Destiny: The Ancient Power
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters.
Chapter 10: Tournament
"You're sure about this?"
Dylan and Shinn were standing in front of a stadium-like arena located just outside a town. There were both muscled and slender ninjas around, some were talking, others were using the practice dummies scattered around for some extra practice. Dylan was feeling uneasy.
Shinn smiled. "Positive bud. Every skilled ninja in these parts signs up for one of these tournaments. You'll see ninjas from Cloud, Rock, and other smaller villages. There are even a few rogues who get in."
"Okay, so how does that help us?"
"Simple. According to my lead, Kiritsu allows his men to participate in them, but only one a tournament. Since there are many scattered around, no one objects."
"So we're gonna find one here?"
"Precisely. We find him, and we'll follow him when he goes home. Plain and simple."
"Sounds like a plan. Let's do this."
Both walked up to a ninja who was at a wooden desk writing things down.
"Can I help you?"
Shinn stepped forward. "We're here for the tournament."
The ninja looked at the two. "No you're not."
Shinn leaned forward. "Maybe I wasn't clear."
The ninja wasn't fazed. "No, seriously. You don't know?"
Dylan and Shinn looked at each other.
"It's a new rule. Ninjas are only allowed into the tournament in 3-man teams. I don't mean you about this, but some ninjas tend to try to bend the rules on team numbers. Don't worry though, you're allowed to enter. Just find another person to join you."
Shinn nodded. "Alright, we'll be right back."
Shinn walked back towards the town. Dylan followed.
"How are we gonna find another person?"
"Don't worry, it shouldn't be a problem. The sign up is until evening, so we've got plenty of time. For right now, let's check the bar."
"Huh?!"
"Something wrong?"
"I'm…underage."
"Oh that. Don't worry, just don't say that you are and you'll be fine."
They walked in. It was a typical movie bar scene from Dylan's point of view. There was arm wrestling in one corner, and a drinking contest in another. Everyone else is busy tuning out everyone else.
Dylan sat down at a table while Shinn stayed up.
"I'm gonna go ask around for a moment. Wait here."
He walked into the mess of people.
Dylan sighed and looked around.
"Hey."
Dylan spun around in his seat.
There, next to him, was a cloaked figure. There was a vibe around him that said "Don't mess with me."
Dylan gulped. "Um…I'm sorry. Do I know you?"
The figure shook his head. "No, you don't."
He sat down next to Dylan.
"But I believe I know you. You are Dylan Mitchell, the Destined, aren't you?"
Dylan jumped. "Wha…?!"
"Take that as a yes. As to how I know, let's just say that rumors abound in places like this, traveling fast. If you listen, you hear many things: local gossip, other lands…"
The figure leaned closer.
"…and you hear about two people needing a third teammate."
Dylan was struck dumb with surprise.
"If you wish, I can fill the position. Do you like the arrangement?"
Dylan got his mouth working again. "I…don't have any problems with it, but Shinn…"
"Your friend over there? Don't worry. After he sees my skills, I don't think he'll disagree."
"So…you're good?"
The figure nodded. "I'm the best." He pulled back his hood, revealing a face that shocked Dylan.
'He…looks almost the same as me!'
The man extended a hand. "You can call me Falcon." (A/N: Before anyone say anything, no it is NOT Captain Falcon. It would be just wrong for my future chapters. Everyone else wouldn't stand a chance.)
"Um…nice to meet you."
The two shook hands.
"Now then, where is this Shinn?"
Dylan was spared from asking that question with Shinn's coming back. He looked ticked.
"You all right Shinn?"
"Those IDIOTS!" fumed Shinn. "Did they really think they could negotiate the bar bill as part of their hiring price?!"
"Well, you seem to have had bad luck." commented Falcon.
"Huh? Who are you?"
"Call me Falcon, and I am your third teammate."
"Huh!?"
"Don't worry. Any doubts you have of my skills won't last very long. I'm the best."
Shinn seemed to size him up. "Alright, but you better not be lying."
"I assure you, my skills are unmatched. Find our opponents and I will prove that to you."
---
The trio of people walked up to the desk.
"There." said Shinn. "Three people. Sign us up."
The ninja nodded. "Alright then. Names please for the record."
"Shinn Tenshi."
"Dylan Mitchell."
"Falcon. Just Falcon."
The ninja nodded, writing. "Alright."
"So…we're in right?" asked Dylan.
The ninja nodded. "You're in. You're cell B. Don't forget."
Shinn nodded. "Alright."
"Go inside and check where you are in the match-ups. Tell the guards who you are and they'll let you in."
Dylan nodded. "Okay! Let's do this!"
The three walked inside.