The oppressive weight vanished as suddenly as it had come. I collapsed, gasping for air as sweat dripped from my brow. My legs shook, barely able to support my weight. The room spun, the image of Illaoi wavering before me.
"Rest, outsider. That was but the first trial," her voice echoed through a haze of exhaustion even as Akali and Irelia rushed to my side. Their concerned voices broke through the fog clouding my mind.
"...Ravik? Are you alright?" Irelia's voice was strained, a mix of relief and lingering worry.
"I..." I began, but my voice was little more than a hoarse whisper. Sleep beckoned, a desperate reprieve from the battle that had raged within me. Yet, even as I closed my eyes, I felt a deep unease. The darkness hadn't fully retreated. It was within me, weakened but persistent, a chilling reminder of the power I carried and the fight that was still to come.
My body grew weak, the world swirling around me. I could sense Illaoi by my side, kneeling. Her eyes were gleaming with an unnerving light.
"The tides have turned, outsider," she murmurs. "Seek the bounty hunter. There you may find an answer... or lose yourself in the game that's played. Nagakabouros watches." Her imposing presence left the collapsed restaurant.
Akali and Irelia rush to my side, concern etched on their faces. I wish I could stand, but my soul felt heavy.
Where was I? I stirred, a dull ache throbbing behind my eyes. I felt sluggish, the echoes of my test still clinging to me. As my eyes focused, I noticed immediately that we weren't in the restaurant. It was a room. An inn? Akali and Irelia were perched at a weathered table, their voices a low murmur.
"...might know who this 'bounty hunter' is," Irelia was saying. "Someone with a loose tongue and a gambling debt... A pirate by the name of Graves."
Pirate? Bilgewater? How far did we travel while I was unconscious? I tried to sit up but a wave of dizziness washed over me.
"Easy, outsider," Akali said gently, moving to my side. "That... test of yours took a toll."
Questions filled my mind. What had Illaoi meant by a test? Where were we now? And how did we end up involved with a pirate? Irelia noticed my confusion and explained what had happened after the test. She told me that I collapsed from exhaustion after the encounter with Illaoi. She then told me that she and Akali brought me here to rest. Here being a tavern called 'The Last Drop'.
I looked around the room, trying to get my bearings. The walls were made of rough wood, covered in peeling paint and faded posters.
"Connections with pirates? I didn't figure you were the type." I commented to Irelia. She smiled slightly, but her expression remained guarded.
"It's not something I like to advertise," she replied. "But we need answers, and Graves might be able to provide them. He's... an old friend."
Akali raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. I nodded slowly, processing this new information. It seemed like we were getting closer to our goal. But there was still so much that we didn't know. I was well enough to sit up. We needed to find out where we would find any info on any of the fragments of Yaavin.
"I heard you say bounty hunter. That's what Illaoi said. Any idea who that might be?" I asked as I stood up slowly. Akali shrugged her shoulders while Irelia looked thoughtful for a moment before responding.
"I don't know exactly," she began, "but finding Graves gets us a step closer."
I nodded again as I stretched my arms and legs. My body felt stiff from being in bed for so long, but I was able to move without too much discomfort. Akali looked at me with concern in her eyes.
"Are you sure you're ready to go?" She asked. "You were out for a while."
I smiled at her concern and nodded once more. "Yes," I replied confidently, "let's go find this pirate friend of yours."
Irelia stood but stopped us both. "There's something I need to clarify. Graves isn't a... popular name to throw around. We have to be selective on how we proceed."
"What do you mean?" I asked curiously. Akali frowned slightly as she listened intently as well.
Irelia took a deep breath before responding. "Graves... We fought together once. Not exactly best friends, but he owes us. Using his name could get us a meeting, but if it backfires, we're beholden to a pirate with a volatile temper. There are ways to leverage that, if we're careful... but it's risky."
It was enough that they joined me to find the fragments. But they didn't need to take those types of risk.
"Then let me owe him." I stated. Akali raised an eyebrow at me while Irelia looked surprised by my response.
"What?" Akali asked incredulously.
"You two have done so much for me already," I replied earnestly. "Let me take this risk."
Akali shook her head and sighed as she ran a hand through her hair. "Look, Ravik, I appreciate the sentiment, but this guy isn't someone you want to owe."
Irelia nodded in agreement with Akali. She looked at me intently before speaking again.
"Graves isn't exactly known for his patience or kindness," she said slowly. "If you go down this path, there's no turning back."
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. I knew that what I was proposing could be dangerous, but I also knew that it was necessary if we were going to find the fragments of Yaavin.
"Do we have any choice?" I asked quietly. "We need answers, and Graves might be our best shot at getting them."
Akali sighed and ran a hand through her hair again before nodding slowly. "You're right," she replied reluctantly. "Might be fun watching fragment boy try to convince a pirate to tell us about the bounty hunter." Akali smirked at me as she spoke.
The dingy room in the Bilgewater inn felt a stark contrast to the serenity of Ionia. The sounds of revelry from the tavern below filtered through the floorboards, a cacophony that emphasized the need for their next step.
"That's if we can even find him in this mess," I remarked, taking in the dust motes dancing in the weak light.
Akali snorted. "Speaking of messes, those robes have got to go. They scream 'clueless outsider' even in this dive."
"She's right," Irelia chimed in, her gaze dropping to her attire. "We need to blend in better, but discreetly." She reached into a weathered travel bag she'd kept tucked away.
With a flourish, she produced a bundle of clothing. As I slipped into a rugged coat Irelia handed me, the weight of its patchwork leather felt like different on my shoulders. Putting on the clothes was more than trying to blend in. It was an opportunity to finally do something than hit rock bottom. The room's dim light flickered as Akali and Irelia also changed their appearances, stepping into their new roles for the challenges that awaited us in Bilgewater.
I caught myself staring as Akali adjusted a bandolier of throwing knives, each nestled securely within an individual loop. The array of belts cinched around her waist wasn't just for show; each served a purpose, holding various tools and weapons I couldn't begin to identify.
"Why so many belts?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by the practical yet intimidating array of gear she wore.
Akali glanced down at her attire, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "Each one has its use. You never know what you'll need in the alleyways of Bilgewater," she explained, pulling a small, wickedly sharp dagger from a sheath hidden beneath a belt. "Besides, they're good for throwing off anyone trying to guess where you keep your real weapons."
Irelia, having overheard our exchange, chuckled softly while adjusting the fit of her armored bodice. "It seems Akali believes in being prepared for every possible scenario," she commented, her tone light but approving. Her own outfit was less about concealment and more about mobility, the fabric moving with her as if it were a second skin, designed not to hinder the graceful, flowing movements required by her combat style.
"Preparation meets opportunity," Akali quipped back, meeting Irelia's eyes with a look of shared understanding before turning to me. "You'll learn that quickly here, Ravik. Bilgewater is unforgiving to the unprepared."
"I learned that the moment I had a restaurant full of pistols aimed at me." I replied with a chuckle as I finished adjusting my coat. Akali laughed at my joke as she secured a pair of daggers to her belt, each blade gleaming wickedly in the dim light.
Irelia nodded slowly in agreement, her expression becoming more serious.
"The longer we take, the more victims will fall to the fragments." She reminded us. "We need to find Graves and get the information we need."
Akali sighed and ran a hand through her hair again before responding. "You're right," she replied reluctantly. The easygoing demeanor she'd shown earlier was gone, replaced with a grim determination. I followed the girls out of the room and out of the tavern, and back into the city proper, not feeling the eyes of every shady character I saw.
The streets were bustling with people going about their daily lives, but there was a tension in the air that I couldn't quite place. As we made our way through the crowded streets, I noticed that everyone seemed to be keeping to themselves, avoiding eye contact and speaking in hushed tones. Not attracting attention allowed to gain a small amount of perspective. I could see desperation in some people's faces. And on others were eyes seeking out their next target. It felt like Bilgewater was a powder keg waiting to explode.
Akali and Irelia led us deeper into the heart of Bilgewater, weaving through the crowd with ease. The buildings around us grew more dilapidated and run-down the further we went, and the people became even more wary and guarded. We passed by taverns and shops, all filled with people drinking or gambling away their hard-earned coin. The smell of alcohol and smoke hung thick in the air, mingling with the stench of unwashed bodies and refuse. I leaned in close to the pair.
"How exactly are we supposed to find a notorious criminal, in a city of full criminals?" I asked them. Akali chuckled softly at my question before responding.
"You're right, Ravik, Graves isn't just any criminal; he's a legend," Akali continued, her voice lowering as they moved through the darker alleys. "Which means he's not just feared—he's connected. We need to tap into those connections."
Irelia nodded, pointing towards a less crowded alley. "There's a fighting pit not far from here. Graves is known to frequent it. Fighters and spectators alike are part of the very network we need to infiltrate."
I glanced at Irelia with a slight frown. "How do you know about a place like that here?"
Irelia smiled slightly, the hint of a seasoned strategist in her gaze. "In preparing for our journey, I made it a point to learn about key locations in Bilgewater. Places like fighting pits are where power and information flow freely in cities like this."
As we approached the entrance of the underground arena, the sound of cheering and clashing metal seeped out from beneath a heavy wooden door. The smell of blood and sweat was potent, mixing with the salty sea air.
"We go in under the guise of spectators," Irelia suggested, her voice firm yet low to avoid drawing attention. "Keep your eyes and ears open, and follow my lead."
Inside, the arena was a chaotic swirl of activity. Fighters of all sizes and shapes battled it out in the pits below, while around them, a crowd of onlookers shouted and placed their bets. I noticed a few individuals who seemed less interested in the fights and more in conversation with those around them—likely bookies or informants.
Akali nudged me, her eyes flicking towards a burly man at the far side of the pit. "See that man with the scar across his face? He's known to be one of Graves' close associates. Let's see if we can learn something from him." I carefully took in the man's features. His scar was the first obvious thing. But then there were other things as well. Shen had taught me to take in as much detail as I can to understand my surroundings. His posture told me that he confident, and not afraid of many here.
We made our way through the crowd, our movements calculated and discreet. As we got closer, Irelia's demeanor shifted subtly; the warrior's poise morphed into that of a curious spectator, her gaze intensely focused yet seemingly casual.
Akali leaned against the railing, striking up a conversation with a nearby spectator to blend in. "These fights are something else, aren't they?" she remarked casually, her voice carrying just enough enthusiasm to be convincing.
I watched as the man with the scar glanced their way, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was clear she had piqued his interest. Now it was just a matter of carefully drawing him out without raising suspicion.
"Watch and learn, Ravik," Irelia whispered to me, her eyes not leaving the scarred man. "The dance of information gathering is much like combat; every move must be deliberate."
As the fight in the pit drew to a dramatic close, Irelia saw her chance. She clapped loudly, cheering for the victor, and in doing so, bumped lightly into the man. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry," she said, turning the accident into an opportunity for dialogue. "First time at the pits? This excitement is quite something, isn't it?"
The man grunted, accepting her apology with a nod, and then, surprisingly, he offered a piece of information, baited by her apparent naivety. "If you think this is something, you should see when Graves is in the ring. Brings in a real crowd."
Irelia's eyes flickered briefly to Akali and I, signaling us. We had a lead now. It was only a matter of time before Graves himself showed. The scarred man turned to leave, but not before giving us another piece of information. "Graves will be here soon enough. You might want to place some bets."
Akali grinned, catching on to Irelia's plan. "Sounds like we're in for a real show," she said eagerly. As I looked down to the pit, two fighters were preparing to enter the arena, each armed with a pair of pistols and a sword.
"This is it," Irelia murmured, her eyes fixed on the fighters below. "We need to get closer if we're going to find Graves."
As the fighters entered, I took a double take, each fighter ready to blow the other to smithereens.
"Wouldn't these type of places be bare fist? Having weapons seems... much." I commented as I leaned forward to watch the fight begin.
"Not when there's a crowd of people who bet money on it," Akali replied with a shrug. "It's all about the entertainment."
The crowd erupted into cheers and shouts as the fighters began to circle each other warily, their pistols drawn. They were both skilled fighters, but one was clearly more experienced than the other. As the battle wore on, it became clear that the younger fighter was quickly tiring under the older fighter's assault. Their swords clashed, projectiles being shot, hitting the metal walls with a loud clang. The younger fighter tried his best to keep up, but the older fighter played dirty. He kicked out, tripping the younger man. As he fell, he fired his pistol, hitting him in the chest with a loud crack. The crowd went wild as they watched the younger fighter collapse onto the floor, clutching at his wound. Irelia frowned slightly, her expression unreadable as she watched the fight unfold below us.
"That's not how I expected that to go," she muttered quietly. "The younger one showed promise..." I turned to her, surprised. She didn't seem like someone who would be so invested in something like this.
Akali shrugged again. "He was outmatched from the start," she said matter-of-factly. "You can tell by how they move."
As the fallen fighter was dragged from the pit, a murmur of anticipation threaded through the crowd. I felt the tension, almost tangible, as everyone seemed to wait for something—or someone.
Irelia leaned closer, her voice barely audible over the crowd. "We should split up," she suggested, her gaze scanning the rapidly shifting spectators. "Akali, see if you can gather more from the spectators. Ravik, you're with me. We'll try to get a word with the fighters' handlers. They might know when Graves is expected."
Akali nodded, melting effortlessly into the throng, her demeanor changing to match the excited chatter around her. I followed Irelia, feeling the intensity of her focus as she navigated through the crowd, her eyes sharp and calculating.
We approached a burly man overseeing the fighters, his eyes wary as he watched the preparations for the next bout. Irelia greeted him with a nod, her tone respectful yet confident. "Exciting matches today," she commented, offering a small bag of coins as a bet. "Heard Graves might be showing up. Must be a special occasion."
The handler's eyes flickered at the mention of Graves, the coins in Irelia's hand a clear incentive. He grunted, weighing the bag in his hand before nodding slightly. "Might be. He's got interest in the next fight. Rare that he shows up unless it's worth his time."
"Thank you," Irelia said, her smile polite but her eyes missing nothing. As we moved away, she whispered, "We've got a bit of time then. Let's use it wisely."
We split from the handler, moving towards a less crowded section where we could keep an eye on the entrances. The excitement in the air was building, the next fight promising to be even more brutal than the last.
"Just keep watching," Irelia instructed, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Graves has a reputation. He won't just slip in unnoticed."
As we waited, I couldn't help but think about the gravity of what we were stepping into. Graves was a legend here, his presence alone enough to stir the pot. What would happen when he finally appeared? Would he be the key to unlocking the next piece of the puzzle, or would he bring more chaos into an already turbulent quest?
As the anticipation in the arena built, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to the main entrance as the atmosphere thickened with excitement and fear. The wooden gates creaked open slowly, revealing a figure that commanded immediate attention.
Malcolm Graves, as I heard people around me say in hushed tones, known simply as Graves in the underworld of Bilgewater, stepped into the pit. His presence was magnetic, his demeanor as rugged as the worn leather coat that hung loosely over his broad shoulders. His face was weathered, marked by a life of conflict and cunning; a deep scar ran from his temple to his jaw, a souvenir from a lifetime of brutal engagements. In one hand, he casually twirled a large revolver, a weapon as infamous in Bilgewater as the man who wielded it.
The crowd erupted into cheers and jeers, a mixture of respect and fear palpable in the air as they greeted one of the most notorious figures in the city. The electricity igniting the crowd was frightening. All this energy for one man. Graves scanned the crowd with keen, discerning eyes, his gaze sharp and calculating. From the looks of him, he was not just a fighter; he was a survivor, a man who had turned every misfortune into a step towards his dominance over the chaotic port.
"Today, we have a special occasion," Graves announced, his voice booming across the arena, resonating with a rough edge that silenced the murmurs. "I will choose one of you to face me. Let's see who has the guts to challenge a legend."
His eyes roved over the spectators, each individual momentarily wilting under his gaze before it finally settled on me... Me?! I looked side to side, hoping it was anyone else. I tried to move, but his eyes surely followed. Worst yet, the spectators moved out of the way for him to not lose sight of me.
"You, the quiet one trying to hide," Graves called out, pointing directly at me. The arena followed his finger, all heads turning towards the newcomer. My heart sank as I felt those familiar eyes on me, the weight of the situation pressing down.
Before I could react, the crowd, driven by a blend of excitement, began to chant, began to place their hands on me.
Graves smiled, a dark, menacing expression that promised pain. "In Bilgewater, you don't always get to choose, boy. Fight or be fought," he declared. My eyes searched for Akali or Irelia, hoping against hope they were on their way to save me. But there was nothing but eager faces and hungry eyes. This was my moment; this was my fight.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what was to come. The crowd pushed me forward, towards the pit where Graves stood waiting. I was lifted over the railing and fell down into the pit, hitting the sand hard. The drop knocked the air out of me, but I quickly scrambled back to my feet, my mind racing with thoughts of survival. How could I possibly survive this? Graves was a legend, a man who had survived countless battles and lived to tell about it, or at least that's what I was telling myself. Shen taught me to fight, but to survive, not to the death. The crowd erupted into an uproar, eager to see me torn apart. The girls were easy to spot because they didn't join in the excitement. Their faces were full of concern, but there was nothing they could do now. I had to find a way out of this on my own.
Graves twirled his revolver casually as he watched me struggle to my feet.
"Ain't you something? Fresh faced and not a speck of dust on ya. You must be new around here," he taunted, his voice carrying across the arena with ease. He seemed confident that I wouldn't be much of a challenge for him; after all, I was just some random kid who had stumbled into Bilgewater by accident.
"Tell ya what, kid. I'll give you any weapon you want. I'm sure any crook in here can lend ya one. Not every day you get to throwdown against Malcolm Graves."
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. I couldn't let him intimidate me; I had to stay focused on survival, no matter what happened. He gestured at the crowd around us, many eager to see me torn apart. I looked around, all sorts of weapons in the hands of the spectators, showing me that nearly every single person in this place had one. And all I had was... I reached down and grabbed my mask. The only thing worth anything on me.
I held it out in front of me, my voice shaking slightly as I spoke. "This is my weapon," I declared, hoping that he would accept my choice.
Graves raised an eyebrow at my declaration but nodded slowly.
"Hey, I getcha. I'd be scared out of my mind too if I was facing Malcolm Graves," he taunted, a dark chuckle escaping from his lips. "But don't worry, kid; I'll make it quick."
The crowd erupted into laughter at his taunt, their voices echoing through the arena with a deafening roar. I clutched the mask, remembering something... remembering that it saved me. My darkness. But from where? My thoughts were swiftly interrupted by a fist careening toward my face. I ducked just in time to avoid being knocked out cold, the blow whistling through the air above me. Graves recovered quickly and swung again, this time connecting with my ribs and sending me sprawling onto the sand. My eyes went wide, not expecting the strength this criminal had. I rolled away just in time to avoid another punch, scrambling to my feet as I struggled to catch my breath. This wasn't going well; if I didn't do something soon, Graves would tear me apart without breaking a sweat. He stopped and placed his hands on his hips while shaking his head.
"Stop it, kid. You're embarrassing yourself. Man up and fight back! Put your dukes up and swing! I said I'd make it quick, but damn it, at least make it fun!"
I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I couldn't let him get into my head like that; I had to keep focused on survival.
Survival.
Fight back.
Light in the darkness.
As I clutched the Azakana mask, a gift from Yone meant to protect and empower, it began to pulse with a dark, ominous energy. This wasn't just any mask; it was imbued with the power to consume and transform negative emotions, a potent symbol of my unwavering determination.
"You want me to fight back? Fine. But don't say you didn't ask for it!" My voice rose defiantly as I invoked the mask's power. The air around me seemed to thrum with energy as the runes etched into its surface glowed fiercely, casting unsettling shadows across the arena.
The mask vibrated under the surge of my will, the essence of my will to fight against my darkness. It began transforming, the dark energy shaping into a solid form. Before the eyes of the bewildered crowd and a momentarily stunned Graves, the mask elongated and reshaped into a blade, dark and gleaming with sinister red runes—an Azakana sword.
"Fancy trick, kid," Graves remarked, his tone mixed with amusement and a hint of caution. He adjusted his grip on his revolver, his previous smirk replaced by a focused, calculating look. "Let's see if your blade is as sharp as your spirit."
He fired swiftly, the bullet slicing through the air towards me. Instinctively, I swung the newly formed sword, its dark energy slicing through the bullet's path, deflecting it away with a spark of red energy. The crowd gasped, their earlier jeers turning into murmurs of awe and apprehension.
Rolling to evade another shot, I felt the coarse sand against my skin, hot and gritty. Rising swiftly, I gripped the Azakana sword tightly, its weight familiar yet strange, like an extension of my own resolve. This was no longer a mere fight for survival; it had become a testament to my journey, a clash not only of physical strength but of spiritual fortitude.
Graves fired again, each shot a deadly dance step I countered with swift movements, the blade cutting through each bullet's trajectory. As I closed the distance, the arena's chaotic noise faded into a backdrop, focusing all my senses on the man before me. Graves, a legend of Bilgewater, now faced me not as an unwitting challenger but as a worthy adversary.
With each swing of my sword, each dodge and parry, I felt the power of the Azakana within me, not just defending but empowering, transforming fear into strength. This duel was no longer about proving myself to Graves or the crowd but about affirming the control and power I had gained over my own destiny.
The crowd's roar dimmed to a distant echo as Graves stood across the pit, revolver in hand, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "Come on then, kid. Show me what you got."
I tightened my grip on the Azakana sword, feeling its dark energy pulse in sync with my racing heart. This wasn't just a fight; it was a test of everything I had learned since waking up in Ionia, a clash not just of bodies but of wills.
Graves wasted no time. He raised his gun and fired. I twisted to the side, the bullet zipping past me, its passage a mere whisper against my skin. Sand kicked up where the bullet struck, a stark reminder of how close I had come to failing this test before it had even begun.
"Not bad," Graves called out, his tone mocking. "But you'll have to do better than that."
He fired again, quicker this time. I ducked, feeling the heat of the bullet as it skimmed the top of my head. I rolled forward, closing the distance between us, my sword ready. As I came up, I swung with all my might, aiming for his gun. Graves sidestepped, faster than I expected, and my blade sliced through empty air.
"You're fast," I admitted, panting as I steadied myself for his counterattack.
"And you're not dead yet," he replied with a grin. "Interesting."
Graves lunged forward, surprisingly abandoning his gun for close combat. His move was unexpected, but Shen's training kicked in. I parried with the flat of my sword, redirecting his momentum and twisting away to avoid his powerful grasp.
The crowd cheered, loving the exchange, their cries fueling the intensity of our duel. Graves chuckled, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Not just a pretty face, huh?"
I didn't respond, focusing instead on the fight. Graves was toying with me, testing my limits. I needed to shift the balance, show him that I wasn't just another victim of Bilgewater's cruel games.
As he came at me again, I feinted left then pivoted right, bringing my sword up in a sweeping arc aimed at his midsection. Graves caught the movement at the last second, jumping back, but not fast enough to avoid a shallow cut. The first blood of the fight was mine, and it painted a dark line across his shirt.
"That's going to stain," I quipped, mirroring his earlier mockery.
Graves touched the cut, his expression turning serious. "So, you're not just playing around. Good."
The fight resumed with increased ferocity. Graves seemed to abandon his previous caution, attacking with a series of well-placed punches and kicks that I struggled to block or dodge. Each blow I evaded or absorbed reminded me of my training with Shen, the countless hours spent learning to move, to feel the fight rather than just see it.
I managed to land a few more strikes with my sword, but Graves was relentless. His style was unlike anything I'd trained for; it was chaotic, unpredictable, and brutally effective. As we fought, I realized this wasn't just physical; it was a mental battle, a game of endurance to see who would falter first.
In a particularly close exchange, Graves feinted with his left, drawing my block, and landed a solid punch with his right to my ribs. Pain exploded through my side, and I staggered back, gasping.
"Not so fast now, are you?" he taunted, advancing.
I clutched my side, feeling the warm trickle of blood beneath my fingers. The pain was sharp, grounding. I needed a moment, just a moment to gather myself. But I knew Graves wouldn't give it to me.
Instead of retreating further, I let my instincts take over. As Graves approached for another strike, I spun, using my momentum to enhance my swing. My sword connected with his side, the impact resounding through the blade. Graves grunted, surprised by my sudden counterattack.
We both paused, breathing heavily. Around us, the crowd was silent, waiting to see what would happen next. Graves looked at me, a new respect in his eyes. "You're full of surprises, kid."
"So are you," I managed to say, my breaths shallow. "Didn't expect a fair fight in Bilgewater."
Graves laughed, the sound rough and genuine. "Fair's not in our vocabulary here. But you... you're something else."
We circled each other warily, both aware that the fight could turn with the next move. I knew I couldn't last much longer; the pain in my side was becoming unbearable. I needed to end this, and soon.
As if reading my thoughts, Graves nodded slightly. "Let's finish this, then."
With a yell, I charged, summoning every bit of strength I had left. My sword was a blur as I attacked, not giving him a chance to retaliate. Graves blocked and dodged, but I kept pressing, driving him back step by step.
Finally, with a desperate maneuver, I feinted high and struck low. My blade caught him off-guard, slicing across his thigh. Graves stumbled, wincing as he clutched at the fresh wound.
I went to attack but stopped. Graves stared me down, ready to accept his fate, but I knew better. I didn't come here to win. We came here for information. And right now, I was putting us in a position that would ensure Graves wouldn't give us the time of day. He was bleeding out in front of me. And I had no intention to end his life. The crowd began to boo as I lowered my sword.
"What's this?" Graves questioned as he looked up at me with a look of confusion and anger.
"Get up. I don't end my opponents on their knees." I stated, trying to come up with something tough to say.
"You're going to regret that, kid." Graves said as he stood up slowly, blood dripping from his leg.
I shook my head as I put my sword away. "Maybe, but I'm not here to kill you." I dashed forward, having gotten a rhythm to his attacks. They were chaotic, but he couldn't control his fist once they were out. I followed the momentum of one of his punches and deflected it, using the momentum to flip him onto the ground. I needed to say what I wanted quickly, before his battle lust turned into a desire to end me.
"We need information about the bounty hunter," I said quickly as I pinned him down. The crowd began booing even louder as they realized this wasn't just a fight anymore. "I don't want to win. I just want that info."
Graves struggled against me for a moment before finally relenting. He glared up at me with anger in his eyes. "Fine," he growled through gritted teeth. "But you better not be wasting my time, kid."
I released Graves, stepping back warily in case he tried anything. His glare bore into me, but it turned into a victorious laughter. He pumped his hands into the air.
"This kid's an animal! He's got heart!" Graves exclaimed, turning to the crowd. The crowd erupted into cheers and shouts of excitement, their earlier disappointment forgotten as they celebrated the unexpected conclusion of our duel. I looked over at Akali and Irelia, who both seemed relieved that things had turned out this way. I could tell by the way they were standing, their weapons were in their hands, ready to jump in if anything happened.
Graves chuckled under his breath as he clutched his side, still eyeing me warily. He walked closer to speak.
"Miss Fortune, the Bounty Hunter, you mean? That's who you're tangling with? You've got more guts than sense, kid."
I nodded, steadying my breath, the intensity of the duel still fresh. "We need to speak with her. It's urgent."
Graves took a slow, measured breath, assessing his options as he glanced around at the surrounding crowd, their eyes glued to our exchange. "Sarah keeps a tight ship, more than most around here realize. If you want to find her, she's likely overseeing things from her base near the docks. Look for the warehouse with the red iron doors. Can't miss it — that's her fortress, her safe haven."
"Thanks, Graves," I said, my voice firm despite the throbbing pain from the earlier blows. "Why would you help us?"
Graves snorted, a grim smile touching his lips as he started to turn away. "Let's just say I'm interested to see how this plays out. Miss Fortune might rule the docks, but Bilgewater? It belongs to no one. And every now and then, it's refreshing to throw a little chaos into the mix."
He waved dismissively, signaling the end of our conversation as his men helped him out of the pit. "Just remember, kid, dealing with Miss Fortune can be just as dangerous as any duel in the pits. She's a predator among sharks."
As he limped away, the crowd gradually dispersed, buzzing with excitement and speculation over the fight and its abrupt conclusion. I followed, finding my way back up. Akali and Irelia caught up to me.
Akali and Irelia caught up to me as I climbed back out of the pit. Their expressions were a mix of relief and concern.
"Are you alright?" Irelia asked first, her eyes scanning me for injuries, her warrior instincts assessing my condition before anything else.
"I've been better," I admitted, wincing slightly as I felt the soreness of my ribs where Graves's punch had landed. "But I'll live. We have a lead now."
Akali clapped me on the shoulder, a wry smile flickering across her lips. "You handled yourself well down there. Not many can say they've stood toe-to-toe with Graves and lived to tell the tale."
"Thanks, but it was a close call," I replied, trying to shake off the lingering adrenaline. "He mentioned Miss Fortune's base—warehouse with red iron doors. That's our next stop."
Irelia nodded thoughtfully, her gaze drifting toward the docks visible in the distance. "I see, this complicates things a bit. Approaching Miss Fortune will require careful strategy. She's as cunning as she is dangerous. We need to ensure we're not walking into a trap."
"We also need to consider what we'll say," Akali chimed in. "Miss Fortune isn't one to mince words or waste time. We should get straight to the point, let her know our interests align somehow with hers."
"Wait, you both know Miss Fortune? Illaoi said to look for the bounty hunter. That's her?" I asked. The way they spoke about this person, she sounded just as important as Graves.
"She's one of the most powerful figures in Bilgewater," Irelia explained, her tone serious. "Her influence extends beyond the city itself — she's a force to be reckoned with on the high seas as well."
Akali nodded in agreement. "Miss Fortune has carved out a bloody empire here, but she's also ambitious and cunning. If we can convince her that working together will benefit us both, there's a chance she'll agree to meet."
There was not much I could say to that. We were one step closer to getting what we needed. Miss Fortune had to be the one to know something about the fragments. If not, then we were back to the first step.