"Thanks mom. I know that it's going to be delicious." A small smile forming on his face as he dug in. And with that, he took his supper. "Well it's the only meal that you enjoyed ever since you were little. And for delicious, thanks for that." He could feel that her emphasis lied on the fact that he couldn't taste and yet he portrayed it as something that he would incur.
'Despite this level of knowledge, my body and my mind are as always at polar opposites and I still lack an answer to it.' Lucy went on. "It's good luck for your tournament tomorrow however I wish I could come and watch but I've got work. Sorry sweetie but I assure you that I'll try to get some free time to come and watch you fight."
Her tone downcast. "It's nothing mom. You already do so much and I thank you for it. Family members are usually allowed free of charge to come along with friends so do know that I'll have a spot saved for you." Her face expressing warmth. "That's so thoughtful of you. Well rat up before your dinner gets cold."
And with that, he dug into his meal before going upstairs and taking a refreshing bath. Even though he couldn't feel the freshness that came with it, he knew that it was beneficial to his body regardless and after he was clothed, he managed to check his computer.
After accepting a contract offered and filling in the details, he was able to start making money off his novel. As for Aether Star, he managed to make a few more videos on the game.
...
The sound of a van could be heard close shut in front of a apartment complex. "I'm sorry for saying what I did earlier, I don't know what I was thinking." Juliette mused, her tone laced with concern as she glanced at the back of Cassie.
"It's nothing really and besides, you were just looking out for us and there's nothing wrong with that." Cassie brushed off the incident. Juliette took a glance into Cassie's blue eyes which reflected the stay lights from the world around her.
A mesmerizing sight no doubt. "We'll talk later." Cassie spoke, ready to take her leave. "Don't forget about your promise about you spoiling me." Diana shouted which brought Juliette out of her trance. "Will do but as for now, I'm quite tired so I'll talk to you two tomorrow."
And with that, her figure made her way across the pavement and into the complex behind her. The two waving her off which she reciprocated before she disappeared completely leaving the pair alone in the van.
The sounds of the city was prominent and lively. The sounds of cars shuffling about, the blinding lights that would cover the van at times and the dazzling illumination of the city. In amidst all the chaos and allure, the air in the van was dead silent.
Juliette had her hands glued to the steering wheel, her mind occupied leaving Diana wondering what was running through her head. "So what was the actual reason that made you lash out like that?" Diana asked, her eyes trying to decipher what was going through Juliette's head.
"It was a burst of pure rage is all." Diana's tone became more playful. "Rage? Oh come on Juliette, you don't have to be so jealous of the two. I'm sure that there's someone special for you out there." Diana's face projecting a playful smile.
"Hah! Diana, we both know about Andrew and mind you this, we know that what he expresses isn't genuine so what is the point of kicking off a relationship like that. For how long would it even last before it all came to ruin? It would be better that they just stayed friends."
Diana's eyes shifted from Juliette's hands before landing back to her face. "That is a valid argument and it would be better for them to be comrades however you have to understand where Cassie's coming from." Juliette gave a light sigh, slanking into her seat with her head now on the headrest staring at the roof of the van.
Her hands flopped to her laps as she recalled Cassie's figure. At the beach, despite the warm weather, she was dressed in clothes that concealed most of her arms however what she had noted was the mark around her neck. It was safe to say that there was more to it than that.
"I understand that he went out of his way to save her and organize such an event for her which is commendable however the path that she's taking isn't ideal."
"I know that she doesn't have anyone to talk to and Andrew being the first one to be the first person in her life to open so freely to would make her attach herself to him but... Urrgghh!!!" She slammed her palms onto her face as if in self punishment, covering her face.
"Just give her time Juliette, I'm sure that she'll understand later on but as for now, just let her be. Besides Andrew was the one who came to my aid during my darkest hour and I have you to help me crawl out the pit that I'm in."
Diana's tone now packed with seriousness making Juliette open up her face and lock with her fiery red eyes. "I... how could I be so stupid? I'll apologize to her but how? She's more enclosed with herself unlike you and Andrew."
She felt Diana's hand wrap around her amr bringing it to her thigh. "She's more secluded and needs her space for now but we can apologize later." Diana projected a smile that infected Juliette.
"Very well. Oh and by the way, Andrew told me to inform you that you won't be wasting your ass by seating and doing nothing all day. You'll have a job by the end of the week." Diana broke away from Juliette's contact. "What?! No, I like doing nothing all day. Just playing games and lounging."
"At least I'll make my own money for going out to parties so it won't be all that bad." Her voice ending in murmurs making Juliette unable to hear her last sentence. "It's a shame but you'll have to." Taking in the joy the 'distress' Diana had on her face and with that, she started the van once more before driving to their condo.
...
"My name is Andrew, Andrew Graves." Andrew mused as he looked at the man behind the counter who was on the verge of sleeping, his eyes were barely open. He scrambled in his booth, trying to regain his demeanor before his bloodshot eyes landed on Andrew.
His face seemed puzzled. "Scram you little shit!" His tone filled with annoyance as he positioned himself to douse in the bliss of slumber however Andrew once more jolted him out of his dream land. "I'm here for the tournament. My name should be on your list. The third person actually."
"Wait! Aren't you a little young to be in such a tournament?" The watchman bamboozled as he picked up his list and just as he had said, he was on it. "Wha- They just allow anyone to join these days huh? Walk on in."
A faint buzz could be heard and the electric door that hindered his access was free to use, making him walk in. He was on the back entrance of the stadium which the walls were plastered haphazardly with posters showcasing all kinds of martial experts and their prowress.
Most of them were either way out of date, with some showing signs of wear and tear however he ignored them as he made his way to the center stage to which some of the participants had already arrived. They all took a glance at him, some shifting their attention elsewhere while others had faces of ridicule.
The center stage was now cleared of the small stages that were present earlier and now a huge ring was present. As time went on more people started showing up.
Some had well built physiques, some with abnormally huge bodies that seemed out of shape and others had somewhat thin frames however in contrast to an average man, it could be considered slightly girthier and more potent.
The sharp cladding of heels could be heard however surprised faces popped up in the crowd and shortly after, the figure of a slender and appealing lady came into view. Her jet black hair draping effortlessly behind her back, her striking sharp crimson eyes piercing sharp through them all.
Her skin tone glimmering faintly in a mesmerizing fashion as her red lips cladded well with the suit that she was in. Lustful gazes could be seen cast on her figure however she brushed them aside as she went on with business.
With a short clear of her throat, her voice stern and cold shot through the crowd. "I'll make this quick. My name is Greta and all of you have the lucky chance of showing off your skills at my stadium. I'm sure that all of you are familiar with the rules of the tournament however if you need a reminder, please check your phones."
"I won't take long given all of you have a busy day ahead of you. All you have to do is compete earnestly, any form of cheating or irregularity will result in an automatic disqualification. There will be more eyes the further you progress thus it would be better to be on your best behavior given you never know who might be watching."
"That should be the basics, other than that, there will be bets placed on you that you can place. And with that, I hope that you can all perform to the best of your abilities and I wish you all good luck." And with that, she took her leave without sparing another glance at the crowd.
Faint murmurs could be heard run through the crowd however before they got out of hand, someone else came up in front of them all. His demeanor was more laid back, his attitude calm and easygoing as his eyes landed on his audience.
"I'm sure that all of you have met Miss Greta, the one who runs this stadium. My name is Jasper and I'll be the overseer of the tournament. We're glad that you chose to participate in such an event."
"But let's be real, who would shun away such a prize however that doesn't mean because you didn't win mean that you can't make any money at all. For today, it'll be general rundown as to how the rules will be."
"For those who didn't bother checking, this is how the show will run. It will be based on point awardation which won't depend on how many opponents you fight but rather how skillful you are in your fight. This depends on how fast, how smooth or how well executed and strategized the victory was."
"Thus it won't be over reliant on just bronz but brains as well. As for those who will be eliminated, do know that halfway through the tournament there will be a battle for those wishing to rejoin however your points will have to be among the top to be in it."
"That's the bare gist of it and any form of cheating such as bribery, use of drugs and targeting is forbidden resulting with immediate disqualification among other irregularities. Just play the game smart and it'll be worth your while in the end."
"Of course I'll be receiving some help from my colleagues. Steve Close and Tairus Riley." Jasper mused, his hand gesturing towards the pair that had been seating at the judge seat the entire time. They raised their hands upon mention.
Jasper spoke, his eyes landing on the gents that had their eyes locked onto him. "As for today, we will have the following participants competing. Marcus Blackwell and John Doe."
Jasper mused as he made his way to the judge bench and the aforementioned pair emerged from the sides, presumably the lockers dressed in black short, their torsos exposed and hard looks on their faces.
They made their way to the ring where a referee was waiting for the two. The three judges and the three took a seat simultaneously, their eyes glued to the spectacle that was about to unfold.