Chapter 12
"Second Day"
"Guys, I don't know why but my flower is very sore this morning. Did something happen last night?" Dante whined as she toyed the edge of her leotard, exposing a lot of skin and her privates.
Mika quickly averted his eyes when Lycoris elbowed his side.
"Unless you count yourself being a drunk elf, no. Nothing ever happened." Lycoris said, rolling her eyes but giving Mika a hard glare with the last part, obviously telling him to shut his mouth.
Mika obviously nodded his head profusely, his face turning red upon remembering last night's 'incident'.
The sight of Lycoris moaning and screaming his name in pleasure as he pounded into her is a memory he will never forget.
Still, they are fortunate that Dante didn't wake up to their coupling even though she's just sleeping beside them. It's quite a miracle in itself.
Just shows how drunk the elf was last night.
As of now, these three are currently waiting in the coliseum waiting area's for the qualifying contenders yesterday.
There are currently 20 qualifiers which will fight in one-on-one duels in the arena. This time, killing is forbidden and injuries are must be avoided. As usual, accidents can still happen.
Mika's eyes widen slightly at the memory of last night, only to be snapped back to the present by Lycoris' glare. "Y-Yes... nothing else..." he stammers, feeling a mixture of shame and exhilaration through him. He looks away from Dante, hoping she doesn't notice the blush on his cheeks.
The coliseum waiting area is abuzz with activity as fighters and spectators mill about, preparing for the day's matches. The scent of sweat and blood mingles in the air, heightening Mika's senses. He glances over at Lycoris, her emerald eyes narrowed in determination. She's been training harder than ever since they've arrived, and he has no doubt that she'll perform well today. Suddenly, Dante's name is called to pit.
"That's my cue." Dante said as she hefts her longsword and grabs her tower shield.
Lycoris and Mika followed the green leotard clad elf to watch her fight. Mika's eyes in particular glued on the elf's bouncy ass tightly held in the skimpy attire.
Dante's opponent was a scrawny male human with a bow and a knife. The crowd growled disapprovingly at his lack of honor, but the match had begun. Dante rushed forward, using her tower shield to block and counterattack while trying to close the distance between herself and her opponent. The human was quick on his feet, dodging most of her attacks, but time after time he found himself unable to land any significant blows against her shield.
As the fight continued, Mika couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in his chest. Dante was an amazing fighter, and it was clear that she had been training hard. Her movements were fluid and graceful, despite the bulk of her armor.
"The man will shoot at her leg." Lycoris said out loud as they watched the fight. Mika glances over at Lycoris, then back at the fight, just in time to see the scrawny human draw his bow. "Oh shit!" He exclaims, panic rising in his chest as he realizes what's about to happen. The human aims his arrow at Dante's knee and lets it fly, but she's quick to react. With a graceful motion, she swings her shield upwards, deflecting the arrow harmlessly into the air. The crowd erupts in cheers as Dante presses her advantage, closing the distance between them and delivering a crushing blow with the pommel of her sword. Her opponent crumples to the ground, defeated.
Dante steps back, catching her breath as the crowd roars its approval.
The next match is between Lycoris and a female knight of Feoh.
The crowd is roaring as two beauties are about to fight.
Lycoris, an Eastern beauty, clad in her decent yet still arousing attire. A simple small chest plate covering her chest while exposing her smooth abdomen and small shorts, emphasizing her long legs.
Her opponent meanwhile is much more alluring. Clad in nothing more but a Bikini Armor that exposes a lot of skin, the young knight is a true beauty of sexuality.
Facing each other in the pit, Lycoris held her sabers low, ready to attack. Not far from her the knight stood, her sword drawn ready.
Lycoris eyed her opponent, her chest in particular.
It was bigger than hers.
A spike of anger came to her.
"Not only that elf bimbo is bigger than mine, this bitch too." She muttered as the fight began.
Lycoris lunged forward, her sabers whistling through the air as she aimed for the knight's exposed abdomen. The knight's sword flashed out to meet her, parrying the strike with ease. The impact sent a shockwave up Lycoris' arm, but she ignored the pain and quickly countered with a spinning slash that sent the knight stumbling back.
The crowd roared their approval as the two fighters circled each other, each looking for an opening. Lycoris could feel the heat of the spectators' gazes on her skin, and it only served to fuel her rage. The larger breasts of her opponent glistened with sweat, taunting her. With a growl, she lunged once more, this time aiming higher and hoping to catch the knight off guard.
The female knight immediately blocked the attack and shoved her back with a shoulder. The impact sent Lycoris stumbling back, but she quickly regained her footing. The knight advanced, her sword swinging wildly, intent on pressuring her opponent. Lycoris ducked under a clumsy overhead strike, then spun around her sword, using the momentum to send the knight's blade flying from her grip. The knight screamed in surprise and frustration as she was left defenseless.
Lycoris pressed her advantage, her sabers whirling like a deadly dance. The knight tried to retreat, but there was no escape. With a sudden burst of speed, Lycoris closed the distance between them. The knight raised her arms in defense, but it was too late.
Lycoris already had her blades on her jugular.
The match is hers.
Next match is between Mika and a Black Dog Mercenary, a huge man with large club hefted on his back.
"Oh, look! I'm fighting tiny, Hahahah!" The man laughed as he saw the young man enter the field.
Mika didn't mind, his mindset already going to combat mode.
Up in the stands, a certain pink haired princess recognized Mika.
"Oh! That's Mika!" Prim pointed out.
"Hmmm, so it was him." Claudia hummed in respond while putting a hand over the the eager Princess' shoulder before she falls off the balcony.
"Oh my, I hope he won't get hurt then." The Goddess Celestine said out of worry to the girls' friend.
Down below, the fight began.
With a burst of speed, the Black Dog Mercenary charged towards Mika, his massive club swinging wildly. Mika quickly stepped aside, avoiding the blow by a hair's breadth. The crowd roared in anticipation as the two combatants circled each other. The mercenary grinned, revealing a mouth full of rotting teeth. "Hah! I'll smash you like a bug, boy!" he bellowed.
Mika returned the grin, his heart racing with adrenaline. He knew he had to be fast and precise if he wanted to stand a chance against the giant club. Suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind. As the mercenary swung again, Mika ducked low and rolled under the blow. The club thundered against the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth.
He then unclasped his round shield and threw it towards the man's jaw. The shield spins through the air, connected with the giant mercenary's jaw. It stumbles back from the force, giving Mika a chance to roll to his feet and draw his sword. The crowd roars in surprise and delight, recognizing the skill of his tactics. The Black Dog Mercenary snarls in anger, lashing out with his club as he regains his balance. Mika leaps nimbly aside, ducking beneath another powerful swing.
He lunges forward, pressing his attack. His sword flashes like a silver streak through the air, aiming for the man's feet, driving the steel through it and pinning him to the ground. The Black Dog Mercenary let out a roar of pain and fury as Mika's sword pinned him to the ground. His massive form thrashed about, trying desperately to free himself from the embedded blade. Mika then leaped into the air, lashing out a foot into the man's left temple.
He was knocked out before he even fell to the ground.
The crowd roared their approval as Mika stood tall over the defeated mercenary. He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Looking around, he noticed a familiar face in the stands.
It was Marion, his mentor, giving him a nod of approval.
With a big smile, he tried waving at her but as soon another person passed in front of her, she was gone.
Like a ghost.
Mika felt a pang of disappointment in his chest, but he quickly pushed it aside. There would be other matches, and maybe he'd get a chance to talk to her later. For now, he turned his attention back to the arena.
As the day progressed, the competition thinned in numbers.
Mai, the Mercenary Queen, easily dominated her opponents with her charm and skill in swordplay.
Princess Alicia meanwhile absolutely decimated her opposition, a testament of her training as a knight.
Meanwhile, the rising hero and King of Mercenaries easily fend off his opponents. Especially when his opponents are rather put off in fighting him, leading to some premature surrenders.
Dante and Lycoris meanwhile easily knocked out the subsequent competition, their skill and talent showing off in combat.
Mika meanwhile took the spot as the under dog with his unorthodox swordplay mixed with CQC, brutalizing his opponents, albeit unintentionally.
"I didn't know your friend could be so... Brutal." Claudia said with a frown as she watched Mika's match come to an end by slamming the poor opponents face repeatedly on his knee.
"I'm... Actually surprised myself." Prim replied, her once energetic tone became subdued as the tournament progressed and watching the young she viewed as a friend (albeit in one night only) showed a brutal side of him.
"Hmm..." Celestine said, her face a mix of concern and curiosity. "Perhaps... Maybe it's just the heat of the moment, or the adrenaline rush from battle. Warriors like them need to be prepared for whatever their opponents throw at them. Sometimes... It can make them seem harsher than they truly are."
"Maybe but this is a tournament. Injuries might happen from time to time but it's no reason to brutally beat your opponent, especially spilling blood." Claudia retorted to the Goddess Celestine.
Until finally, Mika faced the famed Vult of the Black Dogs, King of Mercenaries.
"Hoh! So you're the one giving my boys some trouble in the tourney, even gave big Rosso a foot injury." Vult smiled arrogantly as he looked down at his younger opponent.
Mika smiled back nervously, straightening his posture. "I didn't plan for that, sir. It was just a lucky hit." The tension in the air was palpable as they circled each other, sizing up their opponent.
"Even so, it's my duty to get some payback!" With a sinister grin, the mercenary swung his bastard. The huge lump of iron screamed in the air as it sliced towards Mika's midsection.
Mika didn't bother to block, experience already telling him not to and the round shield he had on is too poor in quality to block attacks on such weapons.
So he dodged.
Mika swiftly dodged to the side, feeling the wind from the huge weapon's passage. He countered instantly with a low kick aimed at the mercenary's knee. The Vult's eyes widened in surprise as he tried to adjust his stance, but it was already too late. Mika's kick connected with a resounding thud, sending the Vult stumbling back. He took the opportunity to press his attack, leaping forward and slashing at his opponent's torso with his sword. The Vult barely managed to deflect the strike with his own blade.
'Hmm, his used to blocking and switching stance with that giant sword.' Mika thought as he observed the man's quick defense, noting how he easily switched in a defensive stance.
Vult grinned, sensing the young man's weakness. "Is that all you got, lad?" he taunted. With a swift movement, he feigned an attack to Mika's left before spinning around and swinging his weapon at his right side. Mika barely managed to jump back, avoiding the blow.
He then stepped over the flat side of the sword, using it as a platform to deliver a kick towards Vult's head.
Vult narrowly dodges the kick, but Mika's speed and agility have impressed him. "Hmph, well done," he grunts, readjusting his grip on his massive bastard sword.
"You too." Going low, Mika went to the offensive this time. Dashing towards Vult's position while avoiding his weapon's range.
Vult narrowed his eyes, readying for Mika's assault. As the young mercenary dashed towards him, the veteran mercenary raised his sword in defense, his powerful arms shaking with each impact of Mika's blows. Blow after blow, he tried to open a crack to the older man's defense but it was tight and with the sheer size of Vult's weapon, it was akin to a shield.
Suddenly the mercenary lashed out with a kick.
Mika barely ducked the powerful kick, feeling the air rush past his face. "You're more agile than you look," Vult growled. "But I can work with that." Swinging his sword, Vult pushed back Mika who avoided the attack by stepping back.
What he didn't expect is for the mercenary to discard his weapon and grab his shield arm.
With a huge grin, Vult threw a haymaker at his face.
Mika ducked to avoid the punch but it let him wide open to Vult's follow up, a knee to the gut while still holding his shield arm.
"Gah!" Mika doubled over, gasping for air as the powerful knee sent a wave of pain through his stomach. He tried to catch his breath and steady himself, but it was clear that the older mercenary had him on the defensive. The crowd roared their approval as Vult took control of the match.
Vult then disarmed him by holding his sword arm in a crushing grip, forcing him to let go of the weapon.
With both limbs immobilized, Mika is trapped.
"Got ya!" Vult grinned wildly as he reared his head for a wicked headbutt.
It was an unavoidable attack.
"Heh." Mika smirked.
As Vult reared back his head for the headbutt, Mika's left leg swung backwards, gathering momentum before launching towards Vult's crotch.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" The entire crowd winced in pain. Vult of the Black Dogs doubled over, clutching at his throbbing crotch in pain. His eyes widened in disbelief as the younger mercenary managed to counter his attack with a brutal groin strike. "How dare you!" he growled, trying to regain his composure.
"All is fair in combat, old man." Mika retorted before springing forward. Punches and elbow strikes rained down on Vult.
Face, abdomen, throat and left breast. All of these areas were particularly targeted by Mika.
The crowd gasped as Mika unleashed his brutal assault on the veteran mercenary, using a mix of strikes that few would expect from such a young warrior. Vult of the Black Dogs struggled to defend against the onslaught, his massive frame making it difficult for him to move quickly enough.
Until one punch broke through his guard and planted itself on his gut.
Mika's fist connected with a resounding thud, sending Vult stumbling back several steps. The older mercenary gasped for air, his face contorted in pain. "You... You little bastard!" he wheezed, lifting his head to glare at Mika.
"Yep, that's me." With a final quip, Mika threw one last bone rattling uppercut to Vult's lower jaw.
The veteran mercenary's head snapped back from the force of the blow, his eyes rolling up into his head. He crumpled to the ground with a loud thud, unconscious before he even hit the ground.
Mika is victorious in this round.
Mika stood over the fallen mercenary, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath. Around them, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and jeers. Some praised his skill and cunning, while others condemned his brutality. But Mika didn't care.
He won, that's what really matters.
In the next match, Dante and Lycoris had the misfortune to fight each other.
Naturally, Lycoris lost due to Dante's tight defense and being familiar with Lycoris swordplay.
On the next match, Mai and Alicia faced each other. It was a close fight but Alicia training pulled her through and won.
And then Dante faced Alicia next, which eliminated the blond elf with ease.
Much to Dante's lament.
And so the finals will commence tomorrow between Mika and Alicia.
"Tomorrow is the final day and final round of the tournament. But for tonight, I invite all 20 qualifiers in a ball tonight. To celebrate and rejoice for getting this far off the tournament and make merry." Celestine announced as today's tournament round ends.
Mika nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. He glanced over at Alicia, who was standing nearby, her expression a mixture of concentration and determination. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned away, not wanting to show any weakness or hint at what he might be thinking.
Alicia meanwhile ignored her future opponent. She had seen him fight and has found his brutish way of fighting dishonorable.
She will enjoy crushing him tomorrow.
Separating, they both went to their respective people.
Mika went back to Dante and Lycoris, latter consoling the pouting former.
Alicia meanwhile went to take Prim off the hands of Claudia but instead got invited to join them in tonight's festivities with Celestine.
Tonight, the ballroom of the castle is transformed into a sea of color and movement. The air is thick with the scent of flowers, sweet foods, and wine, as musicians play lively tunes that encourage revelers to dance and mingle. Mika sips at his wine, watching the festivities with a mix of amusement and detachment. He's not much of a party person, preferring to keep his thoughts sharp and focused on tomorrow's match. Still, he can't help but be impressed by the opulence and extravagance of it all. Various warriors, who had lost, are drinking and eating their fill. As the night wears on, Mika finds himself growing increasingly restless. He excuses himself from the table where he's sitting with Dante and Lycoris, saying that he needs some fresh air. Wandering through the ballroom, he finds a quiet corner where he can be alone with his thoughts.
Alicia on the other hand, is enjoying herself. She dances with various people, politely declining any offers to be her partner from men who are notoriously bad dancers and known for their poor hygiene. She spots Mika in the corner, nursing his wine, and smirks. He thinks he can beat her?
But as she walks to confront him, she is beaten to the punch by her younger cousin, Prim.
"Mika!" A tic mark appeared on her head as Prim addressed the hoodlum with such familiarity.
"Oh! Princess!" Mika exclaimed in surprise as the young pink haired princess joined him.
"Well, I'm not a princess yet," Prim corrected him gently, "but I will be there one day. And you must call me 'Prim'." She flashed him a brilliant smile, her emerald eyes sparkling with youthful innocence.
Mika felt a strange sensation in the pit of his stomach.
"I didn't scare you earlier in the tournament right? With all the blood and broken bones I dished out?" "No, not at all!" Prim insisted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "It was just... very different from what I'm used to." She paused, considering her words carefully. "But don't you think it's better to fight fair? To use your skills and strategy, instead of resorting to, well..."
"Unfortunately, real combat isn't like that, Prim." Mika said as he took a small sip of the wine.
"In real combat, nothing really goes to your plan. All you can do is react, adapt and conquer. No fight is ever the same, each one is different from the other. Expect unexpected variables, interference and unlikely scenarios."
"To be a good warrior, you must be able to adapt to your surroundings and conquer." He ended.
"But you can still try to fight fair," Prim protested. "Don't you think that's better? Even if it's harder?"
Mika looked at the young girl, her eyes filled with innocence and sincerity. For a moment, he felt a pang of guilt.
"Life was never fair, Prim." "But we can try to make it fair, can't we?" Prim asked, her voice filled with determination. Her gaze met Mika's, holding his eyes with an unyielding sincerity.
Mika chuckled softly, amused by the girl's naivety. "Maybe someday." Alicia watched Mika's interaction with the young pink haired princess, Prim, with a mixture of amusement and irritation. The way he effortlessly charmed the girl only served to further annoy her. She couldn't help but feel like he was playing some sort of game with her.
Suddenly, a Feoh Knight approached Mika.
"Are you Mika? Prodigy of Marion?" Mika turned to face the newcomer, his expression guarded. "That's me. What can I do for you?"
The Feoh Knight bowed her head slightly. "My name is Saya, and I am a knight of Feoh and I have come bearing news for you."
"Just as of now, we have confirmed that the Knight Marion Welch died defending the kingdom last night. We have only recovered her body today after exterminating the remaining Orcs and Lycans that her scouting party encountered."
"They were wiped out. With me, this is her last will and testament addressed to you." The knight handed him a letter, to which he shakily accepted.
It can't be...
That's not true...
Marion is strong...
How...
Mika's expression darkened as he accepted the letter from the Feoh Knight. His mind raced with disbelief and confusion. It couldn't be true. Marion was strong, she could never have been defeated so easily. But the knight's words left little room for doubt. "I see..." He muttered, barely audible above the noise of the celebration. His thoughts whirled as he tried to process this new information. He glanced up at Saya and forced a nod, his expression solemn. "Thank you for delivering this news. I appreciate it." With the Feoh Knight departed, Mika remains in thought.
He clutches the letter tightly in his hand, not entirely sure if he wants to open it or not. His mind is filled with questions and doubts, and he can't help but feel a deep sense of loss and confusion.
But curiosity won, so he opened it.
Dear Mika, If you're reading this, then I am dead.
"That's not true..." Mika muttered to himself, tears beginning to well up in his eyes. He couldn't accept it. Marion was strong, she couldn't have been defeated so easily. But her words, written in a shaky hand, stared back at him from the letter. He continued reading the rest of it.
Mika felt a lump forming in his throat as he read on. Marion's words were filled with regret, but also with pride and hope for the future. She spoke of her admiration for him, her trust in his abilities to one day become something greater.
She also revealed that he was like a son to her. That she regrets not adopting him in his earlier years.
So don't be sad my child. I leave you behind everything I have.
Don't be sad.
I'm a knight of Feoh, dying in duty is an honor.
Yours truly, Marion Welch
Tears fell on the letter. "Don't be sad..." Mika whispered to himself, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill over. "I won't." He took a deep breath, steadying his voice. "But I will avenge you." Mika looked up from the letter, his expression determined. He wiped away the remaining tears and took another steady breath. With Marion's last words echoing in his mind, he knew what he had to do.
Destroy Olga and erase her existince from the annals of history.
"Mika?"Prim asked in worry as he stood up. Mika looked at the young girl with a newfound resolve in his eyes. "It's alright, Prim," he said softly. "I'll be fine." He paused, considering his words carefully. "And thank you. For reminding me that there's more to fighting than just winning." Mika's interaction with Prim and Marion's letter was a revelation to Mika. He realized
that he had been going about his training all wrong, focusing solely on winning and mastering combat skills without considering the consequences of his actions.
That consequence is Marion's death.
Her death is his mistake, his complacency and arrogance.
He thought himself as invincible but lost sight of others who don't.
Now, his paying the price.
"I need to go now." "Okay..." Prim looked worried, but she knew that whatever it was, Mika would handle it. "Take care of yourself, and if you ever need someone to talk to... well, I'm here for you." Her words were soft, barely audible over the music and laughter, but they carried weight nonetheless.
Mika nodded to her with a tight smile, appreciating the gesture.
Taking his leave, he didn't go to the exit. Except, he went to the balcony.
And jumped, much to the shock of many as the party is held on one of the highest floors of the fortress. Not to mention, the fortress is surrounded with moats filled with crocodiles.
Mika's primal instincts take over as he leaps from the balcony, his body twisting midair to compensate for the sudden movement. The wind whips through his hair as he plummets towards the ground, speed building up with each passing second.
"Freedom Gundam"
In an instant, the cold embrace of the Mobile Suit enveloped him. It's once grey armor gaining its infamous blue and white color.
With a roar, the Freedom Gundam extended its wings and spread them wide, catching the air currents and slowing its descent. The powerful thrusters at its back ignited, propelling it through the air toward the Northern Region.
Where Olga and her forces inhabit.
The people in the fortress can only look in shock at the transformation. Their eyes wide in disbelief.
"What was that?!" Alicia whispered, never seeing something like that before.
A winged knight that can fly? Impossible.
Human flight is impossible yet Mika did it in whatever armor he was wearing.
As the people of the fortress crowded and made a commotion of the flying knight, Mika has only one thought.
Murder.
Olga is about to have a bad time
Oh, Mika now has a Gundam of his own after 1 month timeskip.
To those disappointed by the character's death, remember. This is a Gundam fic, it would be one if there aren't any deaths.