Disclaimer: All characters copyright of Lego. At some point in future.

Chapter Four: Debates

Lariska ran through the maze of huts. It was night, but not a quiet one. Ran pattered down, rebounding off the roofs and falling onto the ground. Then and again, flashes of lightning would brighten up the place. Lariska didn't trust her eyes alone, though, so the darkness was not worrying for her. Nontheless, one such flash caused her to stiffen in apprehension.

"You are good. I can see why our leader likes you."

The slinky voice came from the shadows by a hut, and out stepped Triglax. Lariska circled him, looking for something to use as a weapon.

"Oh don't worry. I won't touch you. I just want to talk."

"In the middle of the night?"

"I don't sleep."

Lariska nodded. It fitted that the thief of their charm would not lie down quietly. "And what, exactly, do you propose to talk about?"

"Lariska, listen. I know what my master offered you. Employment, right? Well, if you do find yourself in his pay, you will only leave the bases on duty. Therefore, with no base here—"

"He didn't offer me employment."

Thunder rolled. Triglax's face was unreadable. "Intriguing. Given your talents… But who am I to question him?" He put his hand on her shoulder. "Get some sleep."

Lariska shrugged it off. "I'll need it, after talking with you." She ran off. Triglax stared after her.

"Most intriguing…"

---

"Does anyone challenge Chedrik to a test of strength and valor?"

The announcer looked dramatically over the assembled crowd. "Nobody?"

"Give it a rest," said Chedrik. "I don't think anyone would risk their reputation over a game."

"Very well. The match—"

"I challenge." The blue and gold stranger stepped forward, handing his launcher to the yellow one.

The announcer blinked. "Alright. Chedrik versus Ancient. Clear the ring. First person pushed out loses. No weapons, only brute strength. Ready? Begin!"

Chedrik was almost too the edge of the square before he ground in his heels. Ancient did not comment, simply trying to shake him loose. Chedrik, however, managed to use his leverage to slide between the legs of his opponent and stand up. The two whirled around to face each other.

"Nice move," commented ancient, forming a fist. "I would suggest you not underestimate your opponent next time, though."

"Thanks for the tip," replied Chedrik, dodging the swinging arm.

Lariska managed to push her way to the front of the crowd. Triglax appeared out of nowhere standing next to her.

"Interesting. Personally, I'd say Ancient will win in the end, but it will be a frightful battle."

Lariska glared at him. "Chedrik is undefeated."

"Pride goes before the fall. Chedrik is dodging those blows quite well, I'll admit, but Ancient has a few tricks—"

Suddenly, the blue-gold one kicked. Chedrik managed to stop himself at the edge in a handstand, before collapsing and standing back up.

"How clumsy. You would have landed in a springing position, if you hadn't avoided the blow altogether."

"There are not many who could stop themselves like that, Triglax."

"Ah, but you are better then him."

"How's that?"

"Your friend is strong in the arm, but uses his legs only for running. You, on the other hand, are more… evenly distributed." Triglax eyed her form appreciatively.

"Get your eyes off my waist, or it will be the last thing you see."

Triglax looked her in the eye. "Fair enough," he said finally, turning his attention to the battle. Chedrik was behind Ancient and punching at his legs. "That's an interesting strategy, trying to force the knees to lock. Has he forgotten the goal is to push his opponent out of the ring?"

"No," replied Lariska, as Ancient kneeled. "He's just eliminating half the competition."
Triglax chuckled. "Has he forgotten about the tail?"

"Apparently not," Lariska said, as Chedrik dodged the flailing appendage. He caught it on the back swish, and jumped onto Ancient's neck. The blue-gold one keeled over, swatting at Chedrik futilely. He landed inches away from the edge.

"Close. Very close. I don't think that he's going to be able to win."

Ancient pushed himself back up and rolled his shoulders. He swiped at Chedrik and managed to grab him. He threw his captive, but Chedrik managed to hold on to his wrist.

"Don't be too sure," replied Lariska, as her champion dropped to the ground.

Triglax smiled as Chedrik managed to put Ancient overbalance. "I'm not."

"He's your friend. Wouldn't you want him to win?"

Triglax merely smiled as Ancient finally toppled out of the ring. "We're not going to get a base here, are we."

Lariska stared at Triglax. "What?"

"Ah well. You win some, you lose some." Triglax turned to her. "I wonder what conjurer has been doing all this time."

Lariska looked at the half-curious face of Triglax, shocked. Then she ran home.

There, Elurin looked at her, stunned. "What's happened, hero?"

Lariska looked around. Nobody was here.

Lariska looked down. There were clawed footprints on the ground.