Chapter 2- The New Performance Fighter
"I cannot believe this. Don't we have enough of them?" Yami asked.
"Calm down, Yami. So there's a new performance fighter. What's the big deal?" Seth asked.
Yami rolled his eyes. "We have too many of them as it is. Why do we need another one? All they do is fight and hope to gain Father's favor." Yami said.
"What's the harm in watching them, brother? It's not like we have any contact with them unless we want to, and we don't have to." Atemu pointed out.
"Yeah, but we have to sit through and watch them. Besides, Benshin always wins in the end." Yami said.
"Then you'll be in for quite the surprise." Seth said, smirking.
"Why's that?" Yami asked, eyeing his older cousin suspiciously.
"That new performance fighter is supposed to fight Benshin later today." Seth said.
"You have to be kidding." Atemu thought.
"I thought that all performance fighters fought the weakest and worked their way up." Mana said.
All three boys jumped and whirled around to face the younger girl.
"Man, what are you doing here?" Atemu asked.
"Aren't you supposed to be practicing your magic with Mahado right now?" Yami asked.
Mana laughed and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Yeah. I might have ducked out a little early." Mana said.
The three groaned.
"Mana, you know how Mahado gets when you ditch class. He always finds you and you get into even more trouble than before." Yami said.
"I know, but the lesson was boring." Mana said.
"You had better find Mahado and continue with your lesson." Seth said.
"But why?" Mana whined.
"Because if you don't, I will tell Mahado that I saw you the next time I see him." Seth said.
Mana gasped. "You wouldn't?" Mana challenged.
"He would." Atemu and Yami said at the same time.
"Oh, all right. You are no fun, Seth." Mana said before running off.
"You could have given her a break, Seth." Atemu said.
"Not a chance. If I let her off, then others will want me to. I am not going to appear weak to anyone." Seth said.
"Okay. Why is this new performance fighter fighting Benshin. He's the best performance fighter in the palace. He's been the champion for twelve years, and he hasn't had a decent challenge for several years." Yami said.
"Well, that's what I heard. Anyway, the Pharaoh's having several of the weaker performance fighters fight the new one first. If the Pharaoh think that the new fighter is good enough, he'll have him Benshin. It all depends on the Pharaoh." Seth said.
"Benshin won't be fighting today." Yami said.
"Yami, you don't know that for sure." Atemu said.
"Come on, Atemu. No one can beat Benshin in this." Yami said.
Heba stood in the practice chambers with the other performance fighters. Heba had been surprised at the number of performance fighters that were serving the Pharaoh. 'Wonder why the Pharaoh wishes to have another performance fighter when he has so many in service already.' Heba thought.
"Hey! Brat!"
Heba turned to see two large performance fighters coming to him.
"What are you doing in here? This area is for performance fighters only, not lowly slaves." the black haired on sneered.
Heba's eyes narrowed. "The last time I checked, performance fighters are servants to the Pharaoh as well. Even some are slaves. You aren't high in social status." Heba said.
"Watch your mouth, bastard. We're the best here." the brown haired one snarled.
"I was told that Benshin was the best." Heba said.
"Who told you that pack of lies?" the black haired one demanded.
"The priest Eternias." Heba said.
"Benshin's just lucky he has never faced us, or he would have been defeated by now." the black haired one sneered.
Heba was sick of their boasting, and turned to leave. A hand grabbed Heba's shoulder and forced him to turn around.
"Where are you going, bastard? You need to get out of here/" the brown haired one spat.
"I am the new performance fighter, so I have as much right to be here as you do." Heba said calmly.
"A shrimp like you? Eternias has lost his touch." the brown haired one said.
"I'd let him go, Grom."
The three looked to see a man with blonde hair and piercing green eyes looking to them.
"Stay out of this, Benshin. This isn't your concern." the black haired one said.
"Bron, it is when you disobey the rules." Benshin said.
"Since when have we cared about the rules?" Grom asked disrespectfully.
"Then I'll stop you." Benshin said, starting forward.
"No, sir. This isn't your fight." Heba said.
"Then be in pain, brat!" Bron said, bringing back his fist to punch Heba.
Heba wrenched from Bron's grasp and ducked to avoid the punch. Heba charged forward and rammed his elbow into Bron's gut, bringing him to his knees. Heba then punched Bron in the face, knocking him out.
"That's it. You're dead!" Grom shouted.
Heba ducked to avoid Grom's fist before jumped up and kicking Grom in the side of the neck, knocking Grom out instantly.
All the performance fighters saw this and cheered.
"Well, you certainly have skill. Who are you?" Benshin asked, walking up to Heba.
"My name is Heba. I was recently brought here to be a performance fighter." Heba said.
"It is an honor to meet you, Heba. Few have the guts to face Grom and Bron." Benshin said.
"I have never run from a fight, and I don't intend to start now." Heba said.
Nemph came in and said, "What's all this ruckus about?"
All eyes turned to where Heba and Benshin were beside the unconscious Grom and Bron.
"Grom and Bron decided to roughhouse with the new fighter. They attacked him, and he defended himself against them. They are merely unconscious." Benshin said.
"I see. Let's get them out of here." Nemph said.
Several guards removed the unconscious men.
Benshin turned to Heba. "You're the one who impressed Eternias." Benshin said.
"Yes. I am told that I may be fighting you this day." Heba said.
"Yes. If you defeat your other opponents, you will. I can see you will be a worthy opponent should we meet." Benshin said.
"I look forward to the opportunity." Heba said, holding out his hand.
"As do I." Benshin said, grasping Heba's hand as well.
Aknankanon and Eternias were walking down the hall.
"I know that you wanted to have this new performer face Benshin, but he needs to earn that right." Aknankanon said.
"Yes. I understand. Who will he be facing?" Eternias asked.
"There will be three that he will face before Benshin. He will face Trik, Nish, and Cron." Aknankanon answered.
"They are several of the best. It will be a good test of his skills." Eternias said.
"I see it that if this new fighter is able to defeat Trik, Nish, and Cron, then he will have truly earned the right to face Benshin." Aknankanon said.
"I agree. This will be a real test of his skill." Eternias said.
"I pray that your faith in him has not been misplaced." Aknankanon said.
"I know, sir. I am certain that he will be pleasing to you." Eternias said.
"I hope that you are right." Aknankanon said.
Atemu walked up to his brother's door and knocked.
"Go away." Yami growled.
"Yami, get your ass out here now! We have to go!" Atemu ordered.
The door flung open, and Yami glared at his older brother. "What the hell are you talking about?!" Yami said.
"Yami, Father has arranged for us to see the new performance fighter today, and you know that Father cannot sand it when we are late for any reason." Atemu said.
Yami rolled his eyes. "I really don't care about seeing this new performance fighter." Yami said.
"It doesn't matter if you want to see him or not. Father doesn't let us out of this. Now come on." Atemu said.
Yami groaned, but shut his door and followed Atemu down the hall.
"Well, I see that you two are eager to see the new fighter." Seth said as he joined the two.
"Oh, shut up, Seth. I don't give a damn about this new fighter. I'd rather not see him." Yami said.
Atemu sighed. "Yami, you know that it doesn't matter what you want. Father doesn't let us out of these." Atemu said.
"I don't see why it's so all fire important for us to watch them. We're just watching people do what we could easily do." Yami said.
Seth sighed. "You never know. This one might be good." Seth said.
"Come on. A newbie is fighting Trik, Nish, and Cron. There isn't a chance that he is going to beat them, and if by some miracle he manages that feat, he's not going to be able to stop Benshin." Yami said.
"The world is full of surprises." Atemu said.
"Yeah, right. I bet that he wouldn't stand a chance against Benshin." Yami said.
"Would you like to place a little wager on that?" Seth asked.
"Like what?" Yami asked.
Seth smirked. "If this new fighter does win it all, you have act as my personal servant for a week." Seth said.
"Fine. You'll have to do the same if he loses it all." Yami said.
"What about you, Atemu? Do you want in on this?" Seth asked.
"No, thank you. You two can have your pointless bets, but I want nothing to do with them." Atemu said.
"All right. I guess we have a bet then, Yami." Seth said.
"Yeah, and I hope that you are ready to do everything I say." Yami said.
"We'll see." Seth said.
"Just don't let it interfere with your duties." Atemu said.
The three entered the throne room to find that the other Aknankanon, Shimon, and the other priests already in their places.
There were two seats on either side of Aknankanon. Atemu sat on the right of Aknankanon, and Yami sat on the left.
Seth took his place standing alongside the other priests, standing by Mahado.
"Let us begin." Aknankanon commanded.
Heba had changed into the traditional performance fighter clothing. He wore a skirt that reached his shins, but wore no shirt. He also had on sandals. There was gold body paint on him to signify himself as the new fighter.
Heba picked up the gold mask which he was required to wear during the fights. 'I'm not used to hiding my appearance, but this is my new life now, and I have accepted that.' Heba thought, putting the mask into place.
Nemph appeared and said, "Heba, they are ready for you."
Heba nodded and followed Nemph out of the room.
The five fighters were gathered into a small room.
"Heba. Trik. You are the first to perform." Nemph said.
Trik glanced at Heba. "You are going to lose, runt." Trik sneered.
"Trik, do not act pompous. The last performance fighter was made a slave for showing his pompous attitude to the pharaoh." Benshin said.
"Whatever." Trik said.
'Arrogant fool. He doesn't realize the Pharaoh could have him killed.' Heba thought.
The entered the throne room.
Heba didn't look toward the throne because he knew that it was forbidden.
Heba and Trik stood in the middle of the throne room, facing away from each other with their Sais in hand.
"Begin." Aknankanon ordered.
Heba and Trik turned, the fight began.
Trik lashed out with his Sais in rapid succession, but Heba blocked each one with ease. Heba moved to the side and lashed out with his own Sais, causing Trik to back up as he blocked each swipe of the Sai. Trik blocked a Sai and forced Heba back then struck out with his Sai horizontally. Heba jumped up and kicked Trik in the chest causing Trik to stumble backwards. Trik lashed out with Sai once again, but Heba turned to the side and struck up with one Sai, knocking one of Trik's Sais out of his hand. Trik ducked to avoid a Sai and brought his other Sai up to strike at Heba, but Heba twirled out of the way, and kicked out at Trik, hitting him in the face. Trik fell backwards, but stayed on his feet ad lunged at Heba again. Heba moved back, and Trik's Sai hit the floor.
'He's losing patience and his temper. That is his downfall.' Heba thought.
Trik tried to hit Heba again, but Heba merely blocked the Sai with his own and jabbed forward with his other Sai. The Sai almost hit Trik in the face, but he managed to move out of the way in time.
To say that Aknankanon, Atemu, Yami, and the priests were shocked by this display was understatement.
'This is the new performance fighter. He's excellent. Few have ever given Trik such a challenge.' Yami thought.
Eternias hid a smile.
Trik, now angry at how weak he appeared to the court, lashed out with his Sai and tried to strike Heba. Heba ducked and moved forward, ramming himself right into Trik. Trik fell to the ground, losing his other Sai. Heba pointed the Sai at Trik, a gesture that left Trik unable to do anything.
It was then that Trik was replaced with Nish.
'Trik might have been defeated by this runt, but I won't let him get the best of me.' Nish thought.
They were given the order to start.
Nish charged forward and started to strike out with Heba with his Sais. Heba was forced to back up, but he blocked Nish's Sais blow for blow. Nish brought both of his Sais down toward Heba, but Heba blocked the Sais with his own and forced Nish backwards. Nish stumbled and Heba struck out with his Sais, forcing Nish to back up as he blocked. Nish jumped up and tried to kick Heba, but Heba flipped backwards out of the way before he went forward at Nish and lashed out with his Sais. Nish barely managed to block the Sais again. Heba turned and kicked Nish in the stomach, causing him to stumble again. Nish brought a Sai down at Heba, but Heba blocked the Sai again before he could hit him. Heba brought his other Sai out and blocked Nish's other sword halfway. Heba forced Nish's Sais up before he rounded around and kicked Nish in the chest, throwing him backwards. Heba brought his Sais across and knocked them out of Nish's hands before ramming into Nish again, knocking Nish down.
Heba had beaten another of them.
"You certainly found an excellent fighter, Eternias. He might face Benshin this day." Aknankanon said.
"Yes, Pharaoh. I thought you would be pleased with this one." Eternias said.
Cron was brought in to face Heba.
'He gave Trik and Nish a fight. I hope he's good. I want a challenge other than Benshin for once.' Cron thought, not having the arrogant and superior attitude that many of the others had.
Heba and Cron were given the order to begin.
Cron and Heba went at each other, meeting each other's swipe of the Sai blow for blow. Cron brought his Sai across and tried to strike Heba, but Heba jumped backwards out of the way and then went forward at Cron, striking at him with his Sai. Cron blocked the Sai with his own before he tried to strike Heba with his other Sai, which Heba blocked with his other Sai. The two jumped away from each other before they went at each other again, meeting each other move for move.
"Impressive. He'd make a good training partner." Seth said.
"Indeed. Few performance fighters have ever had that kind of skill." Mahado agreed.
Cron brought his Sai down at Heba, but Heba ducked to the ground before springing back up and jabbing at Cron with his Sai. Cron moved out of the way before jabbing at Heba himself, who turned out of the way and went at Cron again. Once more their, Sais met move for move, causing a metallic clank to fill the quiet room. Heba struck up with one of his Sais and knocked one of Cron's Sais out of his hands. Heba brought his other Sai across and knocked Cron's other Sai out of his hand before ramming into Cron, knocking him to the ground. Heba pointed a Sai at him, ending the fight.
"A well fought match, indeed." Aknankanon said. He glanced at Eternias and said, "You certainly did find a good fighter this time."
"Yes. I thought that he would be." Eternias said.
Aknankanon turned his attention back to the battlefield and said, "Bring in Benshin."
Cron left the room.
Benshin entered the room wearing the same thing as Heba although his gold body pain showed that he was an expert performance fighter.
Heba and Benshin stood with their backs to each other.
"Begin!" Aknankanon ordered.
Heba and Benshin turned and started the fight. Benshin used quick, swift movements as he lashed out with his Sais at Heba, but Heba moved with quick, agile movements that allowed him to match Benshin move for move. The sound of the clashing of their Sais filled the throne room. Benshin jumped back and then went forward at Heba, swinging his Sai down at Heba. Heba held his Sai vertically so that he could block Benshin's attack. Heba forced Benshin's Sai back and then jabbed up with his Sai only to have it blocked by Benshin. Benshin turned and kicked Heba in the chest, causing him to stumble back. Heba ducked to the ground as Benshin tried to strike him with Sai, and Heba swung out with his leg, tripping Benshin. Benshin started to fall backwards and pushed up with his hand to regain his footing and held up his Sais to block Heba's as Heba brought his Sais down at Benshin. Benshin pushed him back and jumped up. Heba blocked Benshin's Sais as Benshin swung at him. Once more, the two matched each other move for move as they continued their fight.
The entire court was shocked at the display that they were seeing. Never before had someone been able to match Benshin move for move as Heba was doing, and they were shocked that anyone had the skill to be such a great challenge for Benshin, who had done this all his life.
"Incredible. Benshin's never had a challenge like this." Atemu said.
"Indeed. Benshin has finally found a challenge in this young boy." Aknankanon said.
"This is actually a fight worth watching." Yami stated.
Eternias had a slight smile on his face. 'I knew that Heba was a special person, and I knew that he would not have a problem facing Benshin. Whether he can defeat Benshin, I am not sure of, but I do know that he is one who will be seen by many of the visitors to the palace.' Eternias thought.
Benshin moved to the side out of the path of Heba's Sais and kicked Heba in the stomach, throwing Heba backwards. Benshin kicked Heba in the stomach and threw Heba flat on his back. Benshin brought his Sais down at Heba, but Heba rolled to the side out of the way and jumped up to kicked Benshin in the side. Benshin stumbled before he whirled around to block Heba's Sais as they came at him. Benshin pushed Heba back and brought his Sais down to strike Heba, but Heba used his Sais to block Benshin's. Both jumped back before going at each other again. The sound of their clashing Sais filled the air again.
'Incredible. Such talented fighters.' Isis thought.
'Heba truly is a remarkable fighter. He's as good as many of the palace guards.' Karim thought.
'Eternias and Karim truly found a worthy fighter this time. No one has ever fought so well against Benshin.' Shada, a man with a white robe and only a single ponytail with pale blue eyes who was also a priest, thought.
'Truly one we will see more battles of.' Mahado thought.
'The best fight that we have had in years.' Seth thought.
'I've never seen such a fight before. They are excellent fighter.' Atemu thought.
'Getting this new fighter was not such a bad idea.' Yami thought.
'The best fighter that we have found in years. This one will need to be seen more often with the skill that he is showing.' Aknankanon thought.
Heba and Benshin moved back away from each other. They went back at each other and clashed their Sais again. The two kept clashing their Sais. Both jumped away from each other and then whirled back around, swing their Sais at each other. Both stopped an inch from the other's neck.
The fight had ended in a draw.
That was the fights Heba had to fight to give entertainment to the Pharaoh and his court.
The next chapter will have them all seeing Heba's face, and you'll begin to see Atemu's attraction to Heba.
R&R.