A/N: Evan Bourne graces us in this chapter by playing the part of Isikan, Neijior's best friend who lives in the forest surrounding the Reptilians.

Enjoy!

Chapter 4- The Competition, pt. 4: Combat

"I still can't believe that happened," Kelkiar growled.

"Me either," Neijior said. "But let Imniar stew in his happiness—just this once."

"Makes sense," Kysandior said. "You can bounce back and kick his ass in this next round."

Meanwhile, Ijanios and Imniar sat in his study.

"I am proud of you, Imicha. For once, you didn't make a fool of yourself," Ijanios said.

"That is a first," Imniar muttered. "But you fucking blinded me—I couldn't tell whether I hit Kelkiar with anything or not."

"I am sorry for that," Ijanios said. "But something had to be done to make that bastard lose."

"I'm sure you are," Imniar spat. For someone who had just won an event, he sure was moody.

"What is your reason for being so upset?" Ijanios asked.

"I wanted to win on my own. I know Niarchos came for your advice."

"That he did. All he wanted was for you to win. And you didn't look as if you wanted that to happen," Ijanios explained.

"Niarchos," Imniar began. "Always wants for me to do well. I'm surprised he didn't jump in and try to help me himself."

"He's only trying to help," Ijanios said. "Cut him a little slack."

Imniar sighed. "You're absolutely right."

Meanwhile, Siraena and Niarchos were enjoying their time alone. "God, woman," he roared. "What are you doing to me?"

"What do you mean?" Siraena asked.

"There's something about you that is making me hot," Niarchos replied.

"I always make you hot," Siraena answered.

"That is true. What was I thinking?" Niarchos grinned.

"Anyway," Siraena said. "So you say that Imniar won for once? How'd that happen?"

"Ijanios," Niarchos replied.

"The wizard?" Siraena asked.

"He helped me out, and for that, his only reward was for Imniar to win."

"That was good, I guess."

Niarchos sighed. "I wish he would be serious about that."

"He will, in time," Siraena assured him.

"I hope so," Niarchos groaned.

"Don't worry," Siraena said. "He will be fine. But, let us get some sleep. The next event is tomorrow."

Niarchos reached for a towel. "You may be right."

"I know I'm right," Siraena said, allowing him to dry her off first.

Niarchos sighed. Sometimes Siraena could be so evil, he was left speechless when she spoke to him. Pulling himself out of the tub, he picked her up and carried her over to their bed.

"Mmm," Siraena purred. "Feels so good, darling."

"Hm?" Niarchos asked. "I see you mean me."

"What the hell else would I be talking about?" Siraena giggled.

"I don't know...guess I was too involved to pay attention."

"Let's go to sleep. Seems like you need it."

They fell asleep, sleeping into the long hours of the morning. As they slept, Niarchos held Siraena close to him, his nose buried in the crook of her neck.

The next day was spent by Neijior and Kelkiar sparring with one another. "Getting better, little brother," Kelkiar said.

"That's because I have you to spar with. Imagine if it were anyone else," Neijior said.

"Someone like me?" Isikan asked.

"Probably. When did you come outside? I didn't see you," Kelkiar said.

"Just now. I was talking to Kyi," Isikan replied. "I was trying to see if I could repair a broken bow for him."

Kelkiar began laughing. "You mean the one he broke over Neiji's head when he was mad at him. That was a while back."

"What did you do to him?" Isikan asked.

"Put toad horns in his milk," Kelkiar said.

"That was so wrong," Isikan said. "Why would you have done such a thing?"

"Because he pissed me off," Neijior said.

"Was it Kyi or was it something that Niarchos or Imniar did?" Isikan pressed.

"Niarchos, of course," Kelkiar replied.

"Speaking of the devil, here comes Imniar now," Isikan muttered.

"Isikan," Imniar greeted. "Can you fix my bow as well? I couldn't help but overhear you talking to Kysandior about his."

Isikan took one look at Imniar and laughed. "You're full of shit. When was the last time you spoke to me like that?"

"Right before I nearly broke your arm?" Imniar asked.

"That's right. Which is why I WON'T help you."

"Fuck you," Imniar spat. "I didn't need your help anyway."

"For the last time," Kelkiar said. "That is what Niarchos is for. Go ask him to do you."

Neijior couldn't contain his laughter.

Neither could Isikan.

Both of them burst out laughing. "That was too rich," they said.

"I know," Kelkiar replied. "Let's get me ready for the combat portion of the competition, shall we?"

It was another starry night—and the time for the hand to hand combat came rather quickly.

"Ahem," Niarchos said, clearing his throat. "Tonight's going to be a bit different. Instead of an arrow, it's gonna be me starting the event."

"Gee, I wonder how that's going to happen," Isikan grumbled.

"Isikan, don't think I didn't hear you," Niarchos growled.

Isikan remained silent. "Of course."

"Anyway," Niarchos continued. "Get ready, you two."

Imniar and Kelkiar walked into the center of the crowd. "We're ready."

"Begin!" Niarchos shouted.

Imniar and Kelkiar circled each other, growling as they tried to swipe at each other. "Stay still," they yelled at each other.

"This would be interesting," Ijanios, who had just arrived at the event, muttered.

"Stay away, Ijanios," Kysandior growled.

"I'll stay right here." Ijanios kept a straight face as he spoke.

Somehow, I don't believe that loon, Isikan muttered.

Neither do I, Neijior replied. Kyi, keep an eye on him.

Will do, Kysandior said.

Ijanios watched Kysandior with hate-filled eyes. "I'll find some way to get rid of you," he hissed.

"I'll get rid of you before you do that," Kysandior challenged.

The battle between Kelkiar and Imniar continued. At the moment, Kelkiar was leading.

"Stay still, Kelkiar," Imniar said through gritted teeth.

"Not on your life," Kelkiar replied, tripping Imniar.

"Oh, yeah?" Imniar said, leaping onto his feet.

"Yeah." Kelkiar kicked him in the stomach. "On your life, maybe."

Imniar went to punch Kelkiar in the face, but missed. "Ow," he muttered.

Kelkiar took the time to capitalize. Firmly placing his foot onto Imniar's back, he pressed his face into the ground.

"And your winner," Neijior said, pushing Niarchos out of the way. "Is my brother, Prince Kelkiar!"

The crowd went wild. Kysandior and Isikan shouted with joy.

"That sucks," Niarchos muttered. "What the hell, Ijanios?"

"HOW could I do anything? He watched me like a fucking hawk the entire time," Ijanios shouted.

"Oh, go away!" Niarchos hissed.