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Elseworlds Story: The Lesser Soldier
By: Zorbak the Ebil Moglin Date: March 18, 2022, 6:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
(Elseworlds Story: The Lesser Soldier)
Prologue:
Prologue Theme: Track 12 (
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDhS42wd4gY
)
This story takes us to a universe where the fall of the
Nightfall family never occured. In this universe, the Nightfalls
were never killed by hollows as the other death wraiths managed
to make it in time to save them. This meant that the events that
led to Tarich Nightfall's tragic past never occured. And thanks
to the family surviving, Tarich's younger sister, Tera
Nightfall, would also survive the incident where in universes
like London and Olympus, Tera would be among the ones killed by
hollows. This led to the Nightfalls surviving, and working
alongside the Shadow and Black families, as the Nightfalls would
become one of the more well known families thanks to being very
close friends with a member of the death wraith council as well
as Revon Black who was a potential council candidate.
However, this led to a slightly different outcome for the man
who, in many universes, comes to be known as Kierran Black. In
this universe, Revon Black was too involved with helping train
Tarich and Tera Nightfall, and never encountered Kierran as a
baby. Because of this, Kierran would never come to be adopted by
the Black family. Instead, Kierran would be found by the death
wraiths, and Kierran would be forced on to a lesser family who
would be assigned to take care of Kierran. This would be the
Darkshade family, and they would raise Kierran as best they
could. Kierran wouldn't become Kierran Black, but instead became
Kierran Darkshade. And unlike other universes, this led to
Kierran not becoming a spirit user like in universes like
London, but instead Kierran learned the mana user arts of the
Darkshade family, and trained in mana skills.
In this universe, Kierran Darkshade would be ignored for most of
his life, being considered a lesser death wraith who would
belong to a lesser family. Kierran would eventually be trained
as a warrior, and though he wasn't well known or well liked for
his lesser born stature, Kierran would show that he was a
naturally skilled warrior and would seek to become a lost soul
hunter. This would lead Kierran to trying to build his own lost
soul hunter team, hoping to work his way up in death wraith
society and get recognition for the family who raised him.
Because of his status, Kierran would be passed over by others,
and almost no one would join his team at first, save one person.
Kierran would meet Tera Nightfall, who, after talking to
Kierran, would join Kierran's team currently as its second
member.
However, at the same time Kierran would be trying to form his
team, and another reason why Kierran wasn't able to recruit
anyone, was because of the fact that Tarich Nightfall was also
recruiting his own team, which included big names like Anna
Shadow, Kinei Darkfire (Before the family changed their name to
Nightfire) and a members of the Shadowclaw family. Tarich would
build his team, and many would ignore Kierran in order to follow
the exploits of Tarich, who was seen as the "most promising" new
lost soul hunter.
This is the story following Kierran Darkshade, and part of his
quest to be recognized by the death wraiths.
Main Story Part 1: A Hard Road Ahead
Kierran vs the Warden of the Abyss Fight Theme: Raditz Theme (
HTML https://youtu.be/spIzGjGOlV0
)
Kierran meets Tera Nightfall Flashback Theme: Here to Stay (
HTML https://youtu.be/k6LCykRfXL8
)
Kierran: I won't lose! Not like this! He says angrily as he
ignites with black mana. His teammate, Tera Nightfall, was
laying on the ground, seriously injured by the lost soul known
as Warden of the Abyss, the lost soul that Tera and Kierran had
tried to face down on their own in order to capture it and turn
it over to the Hall of Souls. However, that hadn't gone well, as
Kierran had nearly gotten killed by the Warden. The Warden, in
this universe, hadn't risen to being the highest level of lost
soul yet, and was still avoiding death wraiths to grow in power.
However, after an attack by the Warden, Tera had nearly been
killed as she took an attack meant for Kierran to try and
protect him, and lay seriously injured, unconscious.
As though reacting to Tera's near death, Kierran's anger
awakened a new power within him as he remembered first meeting
Tera, and how Tera had sided with Kierran despite Kierran being
a lesser born death wraith. His new power, a new Black Mana,
seemed to emanate from him like a burning shadow. The Black Mana
was far more powerful than normal mana, and seemed to fuse
Kierran's shadow and deathly nature to his mana use to create a
unique mana. Kierran was glowing with energy as he remembered
when he met Tera.
Flashback:
It was another day that Kierran was trying to recruit people to
build his own team. And like the previous days, he was sitting
alone. He watches as people flock over to Tarich Nightfall, who
was the more popular choice by far. Kierran was sitting in his
own assigned spot with a clipboard, and watches.
After awhile, Tera seemed to come out of nowhere and sat at
Kierran's recruitment area.
Tera: Sorry... I hope you don't mind me sitting here. I need a
break from all the idiots. She says with a sigh.
Kierran: It's fine. He says to her as he watches.
Tera: Recruitment not going well? She says, looking over at him
and seeing no names on his clipboard for recruitment, which
causes Kierran to look down at the clipboard for a moment.
Kierran: No. I knew it wouldn't be easy to recruit people as a
lesser born death wraith. So I was prepared for this to be a
slow process. He then looks back at Tarich's group. But the one
thing I didn't count on... Was that your brother would be
recruiting at the same time.
Tera: Wait... You recognized me?
Kierran: Of course... Tera Nightfall, right? He says as he looks
over to her. I made a point to memorize all the names in the
registry along with faces.
Tera looks at Kierran in surprise. Not that he knew all the
names in the registry, but that he knew her name specifically.
Tera: You're one of the few people outside my family to call me
by name. She says as she looks over at Tarich's group. Normally
people just call me "Tarich's sister" or "The Younger
Nightfall".
Kierran: I know what it's like to not be noticed. It's a
terrible feeling. He says simply.
Tera: It is... She turns to Kierran with a smile. But... It
makes it that much better when you find someone who does notice
you. She says cheerfully before taking his clipboard from him.
Kierran: Hey! What are you doing? He says as he looks over,
noticing she was writing on it. After writing on it, she hands
it back to him. When Kierran looked at it, he realized she had
written her name on his recruitment list as a member of his
team.
Tera: I've decided to join your team. So now you won't be alone.
She says, looking over at him with a smile.
Kierran couldn't help but smile a bit. Kierran: I see... You
know I'm a lesser born right. You won't get noticed as long as
you're around me. He says, trying to be straight forward.
Tera: I know who you are. She smiles. You're not the only one
that memorized all the names in the registry, Kierran Darkshade.
She says to him, surprising Kierran that she would know his
name.
Kierran: I guess not. He says to himself.
Tera: Well... If we're going to get more people... We need
something to get our names out there. She says, thinking.
Kierran: I agree... But how would we do that? I would have gone
soul hunting alone if it wasn't against the rules. He says,
explaining why he wasn't working alone like he wanted to
originally.
Tera has an idea. Tera: That's it! We bag a high level lost
soul! I know there's one that's giving the others a lot of
trouble. They call him the Warden of the Abyss.
Kierran looks over to Tera, with a look of surprised. Keirran:
Wait... I've heard of that guy. He's taken out entire teams! We
can't take him on alone. He says.
However, Tera gets up and grabs Kierran's arm, dragging him
along. Tera: Trust me... We'll be fine. You got me here now, so
together we should be good. After all... I hear you're pretty
skilled at combat, Mr. Reaper. She says, referencing the fact
Kierran was given the title of "Reaper", something that was only
done to those who showed special combat potential. Kierran,
hesitantly, follows Tera as she drags him with her to report
they were taking on the job of finding the lost soul.
End Flashback.
Kierran glowed with black mana as he goes to attack the Warden
with increased power.
Warden: Whoa... Hey, I'm sorry, I was trying to kill you, not
her! He says as Kierran attacks him.
Kierran looks to Tera's shadow, to which the wolf familiars in
her shadow growl slightly to Kierran, acknowledging that they
could tell he was silently telling them to watch after Tera. The
shadow wolves come out of Tera's shadow and stand guard over
her, with one using it's shadows trying to heal Tera's injury,
though it was difficult due to the Abyss energy that was
corrupting her wound.
As Kierran attacks the Warden with his soul sword, his soul
sword seems to resonate, as the Warden's energy starts to
weaken. The Warden uses an Abyss sword
Warden: Wait... What's going on?! What is happening?! He says as
he notices his energy weakening. He then looks to Kierran's
sword. Your weapon... It's negating my power isn't it.
Kierran holds his sword and attacks again, slashing through the
Warden's energy blade and slashing the Warden himself with his
soul blade. Kierran: My soul sword is all about frequency...
Once I find the frequency of something, I can interrupt it.
That's my own special ability. He says as he slashes the Warden.
He then starts slashing again and again, black mana filling his
sword to amplify his attacks. The Warden, barely able to move as
he is slashed, starts to get severely weakened by the constant
strikes from both the soul sword's purifying power, and the
increasing pressure of black mana that seems to be putting
darkness pressure on him and seeming to put enough pressure on
him that the black mana was clearly trying to disable the
Warden.
After some more slashes, the Warden drops to the ground, unable
to move anymore. While he couldn't be destroyed, he was weak
enough that Kierran was getting ready to put the Warden in a
bottle so he could transport the Warden.
Warden: No... This can't happen! I should be stronger than you!
He says as he tries to get up. He then screams as his soul is
absorbed into the bottle that Kierran was using to contain him.
After the Warden was put in the bottle, Kierran puts the cap on
it and then puts it in his pocket.
He then runs over to Tera, as the wolfs look to Kierran, whining
in worry about Tera.
Kierran: I'll get her back. Concentrate on giving her shadow
energy to keep her alive. The shadow wolves all dispel and go
back to Tera's shadow as they focus on giving their darkness
energy to Tera to keep her alive, just as Kierran had instructed
them.
Kierran picks up Tera, carrying her on his back as he rushes
back to the death wraith land where he could get Tera help.
Some time later.
Kierran had been by Tera's bedside since she came out of
intensive care, her wounds now stabilized.
Tera wakes up, and looks over to Kierran. she puts her hand on
her chest, noticing the bandages on her chest. Tera: Wow....
That hit me harder than I thought. She says jokingly, groaning
in pain as she tried to laugh.
Kierran just looks to her. Kierran: I'm sorry... I wasn't strong
enough. I should have been strong enough from the start. How can
I be leader if you have to save me. He says, regretting that she
had nearly gotten herself killed trying to save him.
She puts her hand on his, smiling. Tera: Don't worry. We're
alive. And that's what matters.
Kierran: Yes... But it shouldn't have come to this. You almost
died on our first mission. He says.
Tera: Yeah... But I'm here. Wait... Did we win? She asks him
curiously, not knowing what happened after she lost
consciousness.
Kierran: We did... I turned him in at the soul to the Hall of
Souls, and we got our recognition for beating the Warden. Our
names are getting spread around by people who are talking... He
smiles. Apparently, now they're talking about how "The Sister"
beat the Warden. So we're a step in the right direction.
Tera: Wait... but I didn't... I didn't beat him. She says, not
understanding what Kierran meant.
Kierran: That's the rumor... Apparently the "lesser born" was
too weak, and the Nightfall won the fight. He says with a shrug.
But before Tera can respond angrily that she was going to kick
some ass and set things straight, Tarich walks in, which causes
Kierran to get up, since he knew Tarich would want some time
alone wtih Tera so the two could talk.
Tarich: Tera! You're awake! He says to her as he goes over to
her.
Kierran looks to them for a moment before walking out. He waves
to Tera, letting her spend time with her brother and walks out.
Kierran waited in the hall, leaning against the wall as he
thought. He looks at his hand, where he was creating a ball of
Black Mana. With this power, he hoped that he would be able to
make sure Tera wouldn't be hurt like this again.
After a little while, Tarich comes out of the room and walks
over to Kierran.
Tarich: You realize what a stupid move it was to take on a high
level opponent by yourselves? He says, in a quiet anger.
Kierran: I know... He says with a sigh. He wasn't about to tell
Tarich it was Tera's idea, knowing Tarich wouldn't care, and he
didn't want to put the blame on Tera.
Tarich: I never wanted her on anyone's team but mine. She should
have joined me, and I will be doing everything I can to get her
off your team and on mine. Trying to use my family's name to
boost your own reputation is a slimy move, even for a lesser
born. He says to Kierran.
Kierran's anger gets the better of him as he looks to Tarich,
walking up to him. Kierran: Insult me if you must... I don't
care. He says as he pushes Tarich against a wall, holding his
shirt. But Tera joined me for a reason. And unless you
understand that reason, which you don't, she will never join
your team.
Tarich: And what reason is that? He says, with a glare to
Kierran.
Kierran: That's not my secret to share. He says simply. But if
you want your sister to join you, you need to figure out what
she was after in the first place. That's the only way you'll
have any shot of getting her on your team. He then looks away
from Tarich, looking down. Honestly... I'm almost tempted to let
her join your team. Better for her to be on a powerful team than
with me. He says as he lets Tarich go. He walks over and finds a
spot to sit down.
Tarich was suprised at Kierran's response, particularly that
Kierran was tempted to let her join Tarich. Tarich's expression
changes, as he wasn't glaring quite as menacingly now. Tarich:
Fine... I'll leave it alone for now. But if you EVER bring her
back in this condition again, I WILL kill you.
Kierran looks down. Kierran: And if I do... I'll let you. He
says, still blaming himself for what had happened.
Tarich looks at Tera's room for a moment. Tarich: As long as you
show this care for her... And don't let her get hurt again. We
won't have any issues. I hope. He says to him as he walks away,
heading out.
As he leaves, another person walks in. This time, it was someone
Kierran recognized from the registry, but wasn't someone who
would have known Tera. In fact, it was more someone that Kierran
would have recognized as the person in front of him was a lesser
born, like Kierran.
Man: So... You're Kierran Darkshade right? He says to Kierran.
Kierran: That's right. He says, curiously looking at the man.
Man: My name's Noryn Dusk. He says, holding his hand to shake,
which Kierran does.
Kierran: Noryn... Well, you already know who I am. So. What can
I do for you?
Noryn: Well... I've come to join your team. I was told I'd find
you here. I heard about you guys taking down the Warden and
thought I could join your team
Of course, the idea that someone else would join their team was
something Kierran wasn't expecting, especially so soon after
defeating the Warden.
Kierran: I'm flattered, by why my team? You know you're not
going to be recognized right? I'm just a lesser born.
Noryn: I know. My family is a family of blacksmiths. I joined
the lost soul hunting teams to make money for our family. We're
pretty poor since no one really comes to us for anything. Hard
to be a blacksmith when everyone is going to the higher up
blacksmith families for stuff. He says with a shrug.
Kierran nods, hearing Noryn's story. Kierran: I see... Well,
don't expect recognition on my team. Rumors are going that Tera
is the only efficient member of this team, and I don't expect
that will change.
Noryn chuckles to himself and looks to Kierran with a cheerful
smile. Noryn: Don't worry. I plan to earn my own way. I'll make
sure that they can't just give credit for my accomplishments to
Tera Nightfall. He says to Kierran.
Kierran: None of the other teams would take you, would they? He
says sarcastically.
Noryn: Nope. You're literally my last option. He says jokingly
with a smile.
Though Kierran was worried that Noryn was more emotional than a
normal death wraith, but then again, he had been a little more
emotional since meeting Tera so he wasn't sure what to think
when it came to how much emotion should show through him and his
group. He was more concerned with making sure Noryn didn't end
up getting into trouble for not suppressing his emotions like
everyone else normally does.
Kierran couldn't help but smile, closing his eyes for a moment.
Kierran: I don't have my clipboard, but you're welcome to join
us. I don't think Tera is gonna mind you joining us. You're
already off to a good start. He says, having noticed earlier
that Noryn had called Tera by name rather than just referring to
her as "Tarich Nightfall's sister" like everyone else.
End of Part 1
Main Story Part 2: The Competition
Kierran Darkshade vs Tarich Nightfall Battle Theme: Track 15 (
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuuyE-VcdrI
)
Drakath Theme: Clad in Darkness (
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owj76TnUAsA
)
About a Month Later
First Announcer: And it's time for the next round of the Singles
Combat Tournament! After the... The announcer gets a weaker
voice. disappointing but predictable... He says quietly.
conclusion to the team tournament, maybe we'll see some good
fights in the Singles Combat Tournament!
Second Announcer: That's right! We got a good matchup for this
fight here. On one side, we got the prodigy... The one
everyone's had their eye on. The man with the unique Combat
Analysis talent: Tarich Nightfall! He says, motioning over to
Tarich. The crowd cheers heavily as Tarich smiles. And his
opponent... is the lesser born star who's been rising up the
ranks and was given the title of The Reaper. The man with the
Combat Adaptability talent... Kierran Darkshade! He calls as he
motions over to Kierran who keeps a serious expression as he
holds his sword at his side. The crowd starts boo-ing at
Kierran's mention.
First Announcer: It seems the fighters are ready! He says as he
motions to the ref.
Ref: Non-lethal combat only. Begin! He says as he vanishes in a
burst of shadow.
Tarich and Kierran both rush each other with their soul swords
drawn, clashing as they fight. The two were using just sword
based combat for the moment, with Kierran using his mana to
enhance his combat, while Tarich was using his dark plasma power
to boost himself. The two were mostly analyzing each other and
countering each other.
Every time Kierran tried to blast Tarich with lightning using
his soul sword's lightning manipulation sub-power, Tarich would
counter with his own dark plasma lightning.
Tarich: I've been waiting for this for a while. He says with a
smile as he clashes with Kierran.
Kierran smiles as well. Kierran: As have I... You're gonna make
me famous when I kick your ass.
Tarich chuckles. Tarich: Don't you mean that the other way
around? They're gonna cheer for me to kill a filthy lesser born
like you. He says to Kierran.
From the side, Noryn sighs. Noryn: Damn... You'd think they were
brothers with the way they argue. He says to his opponent. He
was in the waiting box for the next combat match, along with his
opponent, Kitsune Resei.
Kitsune: So you'd think. Maybe in another universe, huh? He
says, adjusting his glasses.
Kierran and Tarich continue to clash blades as they try to
strike each other, moving in bursts of speeds even the other
fighters were having trouble keeping up with. The two were
moving fast and fighting for what seemed like a long time.
Kierran: You're pretty good. A lot better than I was expecting.
He says as he clashes with Tarich again.
Tarich: As are you... But I wanted to see that Black Mana
thing... The one Tera told me about. I want to beat you at your
best. He says to Kierran.
Kierran just smiles. Kierran: Oh I won't need that to win. I can
beat you without it. I'd rather save that for a dangerous enemy
than waste it on you. He says sarcastically.
Tarich just scoffs and jumps back. He angrily fires a wave of
dark plasma, which Kierran is able to sidestep in high speed
movement and avoid. Tarich starts releasing waves of dark
plasma, trying to catch Kierran off guard, but Kierran starts
moving faster thanks to his mana user combat amplification.
Kierran uses his own unique mana user class ability, and becomes
invisible, with both is presence and aura no longer being able
to be sensed.
Tarich, ready for the technique, releases a large wave of dark
plasma, designed to blast Kierran back no matter what angle he
attacked from.
Tarich: So that's why they called you The Reaper? Pathetic! He
says as Kierran becomes visible again after his attack failed.
It was clear his anger at Kierran was getting the better of him.
Kierran: That's not why I'm known as the Reaper... It's just a
bonus. He says calmly as he holds his sword ready again. Unlike
Tarich, who was slowly falling apart in anger, Kierran was calm
and collected, as though the fight had just started.
Tarich scoffs. Tarich: Fine... You don't want to go all out.
Then I'll eliminate you at your weakest! I'm going to enjoy when
the crowd cheers at your defeat! He says as he snaps his
fingers, calling all of his familiars out of his shadow. as they
all manifest behind him. Don't kill him. But rip off all of his
limbs! He says angrily to his familiars.
From the side, Kitsune sighs. Kitsune: He's won... He says with
a chuckle.
Noryn: Not yet, Kierran doesn't give up that easily. He says
with confidence toward Kierran.
Kitsune looks over to Noryn. Kitsune: You misunderstand... I
wasn't saying this fight was over for your friend... Just the
opposite. Your friend just won this fight. He says as he adjusts
his glasses, knowing that Noryn had misunderstood what Kitsune
meant.
Kierran, ready, smiles as he flicks his sword, releasing a wave.
As he does, the shadow familiars that had manifested all dispel
and are forced back into Tarich's shadow when their bodies
dispel thanks to Kierran's frequency manipulation power.
Tarich looks back, in complete shock as he only saw black mist
of what was left of the energy that had made up his familiar's
manifestations.
However, when Tarich looked back at Kierran, Kierran had already
moved behind Tarich, and was holding his sword at Tarich's neck
from Tarich's back, simulating a killing blow by the rules of
the tournament.
Tarich looks at Kierran in shock as Kierran was standing behind
him.
Kierran: THAT is why they gave me the title of Reaper. I can
stay calm and collected and take advantage of my opponents when
they least expect it. You lost this fight the moment you let
your anger get the better of you. He says simply, his eyes calm
and his expression cold.
Ref: Winner by Death Blow! Kierran Darkshade! He yells out. The
crowd boo's Tarich's loss, and Kierran just couldn't help but
smile.
Kierran: As I said... I didn't need to use my Black Mana on you.
He says as he puts his sword away and starts walking to the
stand.
Tarich stood, shocked for a moment that he could lose to
Kierran. But he eventually goes to the stands as well.
First Announcer: Wow! A true underdog story! Kierran Darkshade
is the winner!
Second Announcer: You said it. I can only hope our next match is
as entertaining.
First Announcer: Are you kidding? The next fight is gonna be
over in like 5 seconds. Don't you remember who's fighting?
Second Announcer: Just trying to keep the commentary
interesting, Frank... Jeez. He says with a shrug.
First Announcer: Well... At least it should be a battle of the
minds... Kitsune Resei, the man with the Combat Intelligence, vs
Norin Dusk, the man with the Combat Intuition. Which will win,
instinct or intelligence? He yells excitedly.
After Kierran and Tarich had sat down, with Tarich still upset
that he lost, Kitsune and Noryn walk out onto the arena.
Kierran waves to Noryn, who waves back to him. Kierran: This
will be good.
Tarich: Your friend isn't going to win. He says to Kierran.
Kierran: You said I couldn't win against you either... And look
how that turned out. He says to Tarich.
Tarich: You don't understand... I misjudged your power... But I
have seen how good Kitsune is in a fight. He says, looking as
the announcers call the match to begin. You may have beaten me,
but wager Kitsune could beat me too.
Kierran was a bit surprised, and looks over at Noryn and Kitsune
who were clashing blades. Though Noryn was able to counter
Kitsune, Kitsune seemed to predict all of Noryn's attacks, and
Kitsune seemed to effortlessly dodge.
Kitsune then fires a light beam which pierces through Noryn's
leg, causing him to fall to one knee.
Noryn yells in pain as he falls to one knee. Noryn: Ow... Damn
that hurts! However, he was more suprised about the light beam
that Kitsune fired at him, which also had Kierran surprised.
Kierran: What the hell?! Was that light? Since when can a death
wraith control light?!
Voice: Kitsune is what the death wraiths call, a Mutate. A voice
says to Kierran.
From beside Kierran and Tarich, Drakath Altaire seemed to come
out of nowhere, and was leaned over the railing, watching as
Noryn gets up and tries to attack Kitsune again.
Kierran: A Mutate? He says, not knowing what a Mutate was, but
guessing from the context and the name.
Drakath: That's right. No one knows what causes the emergence of
a Mutate... It's usually common in hybrids, but a full death
wraith Mutate is rare, and many Mutates aren't even genetic
defects. Kitsune is a very rare mutate that has both a light and
dark nature. And he has the highest IQ out of anyone I've ever
met.
Kierran looks over to Drakath. Kierran: Noryn is no idiot. He's
smart too. He says as he looks back, as Noryn was trying to
outsmart Kitsune, but failing as Noryn was hit in the shoulder
by another light beam. It was clear that Kitsune was trying to
disable Noryn by hitting him with light beams to disrupt his
regeneration and hopefully disable him to get the win.
Drakath: I have no doubt your friend is smart, Kierran
Darkshade. But few can match Kitsune, even me. He says as he
watches the fight.
Kierran looks at Drakath. Kierran: And who are you?
Tarich looks to Kierran, surprised. Tarich: Hold on... You don't
know Drakath Altaire?! What kind of rock have you been living
under? Drakath is the captain of the team Kitsune belongs to,
and his superior.
Kierran watches as Noryn tries a last resort attack, but Kitsune
gets behind him and uses a light attack to slash Noryn's back,
causing Noryn to fall to the ground, unable to move his legs.
Drakath: It's over. He says as the match is declared over as
Kitsune puts his blade to Noryn's neck, with Noryn unable to go
anywhere. Disappointing... He says with a sigh to himself as he
watches Kierran runs over to Noryn.
Kierran: Noryn! He says as he helps carry Noryn. He turns to
Kitsune with a glare. Hey! This is supposed to be nonlethal! He
says angrily to Kitsune.
Kitsune looks to Kierran and adjusts his glasses again. Kitsune:
Your friend should recover in the next five minutes. Don't
worry. The light only interrupts his regeneration for a few
minutes. I didn't hit any vitals, and he should recover fully
after five minutes. He says, as he walks away.
Kierran brings Noryn over to the stands, and sits him in a seat
next to where Kierran and Tarich had been sitting.
Second Announcer: Well... That didn't last long...
First Announcer: Oh no... Who could have seen that coming? He
says sarcastically.
Second Announcer: What is wrong with you today, Frank? Jeez. He
says to the other announcer.
From the side, Kierran looks to Noryn in concern, trying to use
his mana to heal Noryn since the tournament was on a short break
before the semi-finals would come up.
Noryn: Sorry, Kierran... I lost. He says with a sigh.
Kierran: Don't worry buddy. I'll beat him for you.
Tarich: You won't win. He says to Kierran again. Kitsune was
skilled enough to beat Anna Shadow... And that alone shows that
he's dangerous.
Noryn: I... I don't know. He says, thinking, obviously not
wanting to share his analysis f Kierran's chances against
Kitsune.
Drakath chuckles. Drakath: Let me tell you how the rest of this
tournament will go, Kierran Darkshade. He says to Kierran, who
looks over at Drakath. You will barely defeat Kitsune in battle,
and you will become stronger from the experience. Then you will
face me after I have defeated your friend, the younger
Nightfall. He says, making Kierran remember that Tera was
supposed to fight Drakath Altaire next after Tera had barely
defeated Anna Shadow. Keirran knew the name, but hadn't seen the
face behind the name. While Kierran had memorized the registry
of potential lost soul hunters, he hadn't looked at the Dark
Spirit Hunter Registry, where Drakath and his team would be
listed. After the semi-finals, you will face me. After you
barely beat Kitsune, you will doubt yourself and begin to wonder
if you can beat me and that will be your downfall. Depending on
your growth facing Kitsune, you may or may not do well against
me, but in the end the result will be the same. At the end of
this tournament, I will be crowned champion... Again. He says to
Kierran.
Noryn just looks at Drakath, shocked, that Drakath not only came
to the same general prediction that he did that Kierran would
beat Kitsune but not Drakath, but more that Drakath was able to
predict such an outcome and predict that his teammate would lose
with Drakath not seeming to care that Kitsune was going to lose
to Kierran.
Drakath, noticing Noryn's shock, looks to him. Drakath: You seem
surprised... Did you really think you were the only one that
could analyze a situation? He asks Noryn curiously. He then
turns to Kierran. I may not be as smart as Kitsune... But you'd
be surprised what you can analyze when you're not blinded by
pride. He says to Kierran, but also to Tarich. Drakath turns to
Kierran. Drakath: But you are not blinded by pride, are you,
Kierran Darkshade? Even in what should have been a battle of
anger at the insults you had to endure from him (Tarich), you
stayed calm and collected. That is your greatest strength, and
why you deserve the title of Reaper bestowed on you. You have
piqued my interest, and I hope to meet you in the final round.
He says to Kierran.
Tarich just sits angrily, quivering in his chair as he just
watches Drakath.
Drakath: Still upset about your loss in the Team Elimination
Tournament, Tarich Nightfall? He says, looking over and noticing
Tarich's anger toward him.
Tarich: We won't lose next time. He says with a glare.
Drakath: Is that so? He asks curiously.
Tarich: That's right. Anna is confident she can win against
Kitsune next time, and Kinei is gonna beat Cole Blacksoul next
time. That just leaves you and me. He says confidently.
Drakath just chuckles to himself. Drakath: I hear that all the
time. And you say nothing right now that makes me think your
team will last longer than 30 seconds... Again. And what do you
think, Kierran Darkshade? Do you think your team can beat mine
the next time I compete? He says to Kierran.
Kierran looks to Tarich and back to Drakath. Kierran: I don't
know honestly... I don't know enough about you or your team to
make a definitive guess on who would win. I only saw Kitsune
Resei in action for about a minute or two, though I'd argue his
light abilities alone make it tough for whoever fights him. And
I haven't seen you in action yet either. Right now, you do have
a numbers advantage on me if you have a full team, whereas I
only have myself, Tera and Noryn. It would depend on how much
information we get on you and how much we prepare for our fight
with you.
Drakath looks to Kierran, appearing satisfied with his response.
Drakath: See... You are not like them, Kierran Darkshade. You
are not blinded by pride or tradition like the other death
wraiths. You see things as they are, and make choices based on
logic rather than letting emotions control you, or letting pride
get in the way. If anyone has a shot of matching me in combat...
You would be the first in a long time. And I am going to
apologize in advance for having to eliminate your friend from
the tournament. He says as he gets up and starts walking away.
Farewell, Kierran Darkshade... I look forward to our fight in
the final round. And if we meet in the team competition in a few
years, I hope you have a more full team to compete with mine. I
honestly wish to see if your friend Noryn can defeat Cole
Blacksoul, and how Young Nightfall would do against Kitsune. He
says as he walks away.
As Drakath walks away, Kierran was completely silent, realizing
that Drakath's armor was making no sound at all, and that not
only was Drakath more powerful than he was expecting, but that
Drakath was just as calm and collected as he was. Kierran had a
bad feeling about fighting Drakath, but knew he would have to.
Kierran: Hold on... Compete in a few years? He says, just
processing what Drakath had said as he walked away as he had
gotten lost in thought.
Tarich: Oh... You didn't know about that? Drakath wins every
competition he and his team are in. His team always wins the
team tournaments, and Drakath himself always wins the single
elimination tournaments. So it was ordered that he's only
allowed to compete once every few years so that they can allow
others to try and compete after people stopped competing for a
while knowing they couldn't beat Drakath. He says quietly,
almost in fear at Drakath.
Kierran thinks for a moment as he turns to Tarich. Kierran: You
fought him... What are Tera's chances of winning? He says,
despite knowing that Tera was likely going to lose.
Tarich: Slim to none. Anna couldn't even beat Kitsune, and Tera
just BARELY beat Anna in the tournament. I'd argue that Tera
might have a chance against Kitsune, but she stands no chance
against Drakath. They say Drakath's armor was forged from some
kind of shadow beast spirit. Not only that, but his combat
talent is Combat Power... One of the most powerful combat
talents. It's said that Drakath killed a full size void dragon
once with his combat talent alone.
Kierran looks down. Kierran: Too bad we can't talk her into
quitting... I'd feel better if she didn't fight that guy. I'm
really scared what he's going to do to her in a fight. He sighs.
I didn't even want to compete... Tera wanted to compete so that
if we won, we could get our names out there and try to build our
reputation. He says to himself.
Tarich chuckles to himself. Tarich: You know... Sometimes I
wonder if you're actually leading, or if Tera is the one leading
your team. He says sarcastically to Kierran.
Noryn: Oh you're not the only one... He says jokingly to Tarich.
Kierran just looked at where Drakath had walked away, wondering
how he was going to win. But he knew that he had to try, as he
couldn't walk away after coming so far in the tournament thus
far. But Kierran's fight against Kitsune and Drakath in the
tournament is a story for another time.
End
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