“You’ve cost my father a lot of money with that act,” Allani said.
She had caught up with Sav after the fight and gave him coordinates to the location she wanted to meet at. She had told him that he didn’t have to come, but Sav knew that it wouldn’t be very wise of him to decline. After all, she was the daughter of the driving force that was the governor.
“I had to show everyone what I was capable of,” Sav replied. “It’s a tournament, isn’t it?”
They had met near an old, almost dry dam, and Sav was instantly drawn back to Yuna. The two planets were so different, yet so similar. All of the technology and money the High State had pumped in couldn’t change the nature of the environment. Same thing went for the people. The weather was unsettling. It was as if it too was waiting for something terrible to happen. The sun was afraid to come out, like a cat would be afraid to jump into the dam in front of them.
“Believe me, if it was anyone else, I wouldn’t even mention it,” Allani crouched down, trying to dip her fingers into the water.
“The guy didn’t seem like anyone important to me,” Sav said, looking at the woman. Something about her attracted him. He found the confidence in her words to be alluring. Her beauty didn’t help either.
“You’re right, he wasn’t. But his father, that’s a completely different story.” She splashed some water around before getting to her feet.
“So, I take it that your father’s pissed off?” Sav asked.
“He is, but not at you,” Allani said, moving a strand of hair out of her eyes. “His father was one of the major sponsors of the tournament. Of course, after his son was killed, he withdrew all funds and left the planet… My father is angry because he warned him that something like this could happen. He’s actually pretty impressed with your performance,” the young woman concluded.
“I see. Is his withdrawal going to affect the progress of the tournament?” Sav asked, noting how the birds around them chirped.
“Well, at first, we thought so, but after the fights yesterday, many new sponsors have shown interest. Dasim’s forfeit will not be felt.” Allani replied.
The colorful leaves that had fallen from the thin branches of the trees rustled under their nimble footsteps. For some unknown reason, the two of them had begun to circle each other, resembling some secret dance of a different species. Sav traced the woman’s steps, while she was waiting for him to look at her. Suddenly, Sav jumped a pace forward and was met by the muzzle of the woman’s gun. He smirked.
“What do you want?” Sav asked.
“I don’t think you’re in a position to ask questions.” Allani quipped, holding the pistol with both hands, steady.
“Is that thing even loaded?”
The woman fired into the air once and resumed her aim at Sav. The loud shot had disturbed the birds hiding in the trees and bushes, and they flew around, causing more leaves to fall down. One landed on the young fighter’s shoulder, and the wind blew it away.
“You’re not gonna tell me I’m holding it wrong this time?” Allani raised an eyebrow. “Hands up!”
“Okay, I’m sure you would’ve killed me by now if that was your intention,” Sav said. “What is it?” He had hoped that she hadn’t called him in just for a simple conversation. The dam was well outside the borders of Tyrium, and Sav had to walk at least what he thought were four kilometers before reaching the assigned location. He’d ordered a cab prior to that. He wasn’t complaining; it was a decent workout. Well, more like a warm-up, Sav thought.
“We’re going to a different location,” Allani revealed. She motioned forward and Sav began walking, trying to figure out how far behind him the woman was judging by the sounds of her footsteps. Sav thought about running off into the woods, but decided against it.
“Will you at least tell me where you’re taking me?” he asked.
“You’ll see when we arrive.”
They walked in silence for what felt like an eternity. The only sounds present were those of nature and the hurried breathing of two people. The heavenly tunes of the flora and fauna with the monotony of their footsteps had hurled Sav into a hallucinatory state. He imagined that the melodies he heard were composed by fairies, who hid deep in the forest. It was their way of welcoming them into their home. Sav rarely allowed himself to fantasize about anything, and he had never expected it to happen in Kybernan. Maybe Allani was his long-lost muse? He laughed inwardly. Fate could be a cruel bitch sometimes. His mind went back to the fairies and an alien feeling took over him. They’d turned from angelic creatures into distorted tech hybrids, cursed with steel and cables. And instead of singing their sweet songs, they screeched in anger, confusion. It felt as if someone were dragging a fork along Sav’s skull, and it took him a hefty amount of self-control not to scream out. Side effects? Sav wondered and shook his wrist.
“Alright, stop right there,” Allani ordered.
They came to a halt in front of a singular storm canal. It looked like a bottomless pit, and the concrete base from which it protruded was covered in black spots and cracks. A caress of Father Time. The opening of the large metal cylinder contrasted with the greenery surrounding it. Even vines had begun to form over the upper ridge, rusty in color, but not because of the flow from the canal. There was no body of water remotely close to them and no signs of dampness came from the dark tunnel. It hadn’t been operational for centuries—a perfect hiding place.
“We hunting monsters?” Sav joked and turned to Allani. The woman hadn’t put her weapon down for a second since their departure from the dam.
She pulled a flashlight from her pocket and threw it at Sav’s feet, keeping her gaze on him. “Come on, let’s go,” she ordered.
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The young fighter sighed deeply and picked up the flashlight from the ground. He clicked once and headed inward along the canal. Allani followed. The bright ball of light revealed their path, and as they continued forward, a few drops of water fell on Sav’s hair. He smoothed it back with his left hand and Allani gripped her gun tighter. She was cautious even of the tiniest movement.
“Make a left here,” she said.
Sav turned to the left and their path was blocked by a dark red, steel door. Freshly painted, from the looks of it. Someone had done a decent job, but even fresh paint couldn''t hide the tear and wear of time.
“Knock three times, wait for three seconds, then do it again.” Allani’s voice instructed from behind.
Sav clenched his fist and did as the woman had told him, then he stepped back. There were quick movements beyond the door and the sound of a lever being pulled. It creaked and the door opened. They were met by a soldier wearing a helmet. He looked like an ordinary fly. He seemed to recognize Allani and calmly moved out of their way.
“Move, Sav,” Allani ordered again.
Several soldiers were walking around the unit, busy with their duties. A hole had been dug on the right side of the room, and the blows of pickaxes echoed in the distance. At the bottom of the place was an exquisitely varnished oak table, and behind it sat a young man with long, dark hair. His nose was exactly like Allani’s, and his eyes carried a harsh, glossy look. Soldier’s eyes, some would call them. A red-headed woman stood over his shoulder, and her gaze hopped from the man to the approaching duo and back.
“I hope you won’t be bringing all of our guests with a gun pointed at their heads.” The man behind the desk spoke, shifting forward on his seat. “Welcome back, little sister.”
“Had to make sure he won’t run away,” Allani answered and went over to the man, wrapping her arms around him in a short hug.
“Who’s our friend here?” Troy asked, pointing at Sav.
“You’re quick with the labels,” Sav replied, jaw clenched. “What the fuck is this supposed to be?”
“Watch your tone!” Phoebe warned before the siblings could open their mouths.
“Oh, you gonna stop me, Riding Hood?” Sav shot back. He wouldn’t let them take the reigns of the conversation that easily.
Troy placed his hand in front of Phoebe before she could step towards Sav. The young fighter knew the type. Their weapons gave them a false sense of security, and he was confident that he could clear the whole room out if they didn’t have them.
“Phoebe, leave us for a minute, will you?” Troy said. It sounded like a request, but the redhead knew she couldn’t push it further. She glared at Sav once more, then left for the hole in the wall.
“Let’s start again, shall we?” Allani began. “Sav, this is my brother, Troy.”
“Yeah, I figured,” Sav said, not being able to hide his irritation. He had foolishly trusted Allani, thinking they would meet up for something different than the Tournament or the High State, only to find himself involved in what seemed like a messy family affair. The situation suited his luck.
“Troy…” Allani paused. “This is Sav. He’s fought in father’s tournament and won his first match… He killed Dasim’s son.”
“Impressive,” Troy noted. “Just the type of man I need.”
“Hold on. What exactly do you need me for?” Sav asked. “I’m not exactly the family counselor type.”
Sav earned a chuckle from Troy, and the governor’s son left his seat, leaning against the table. “Allani’s told me that my father has taken an interest in you.” The young fighter could hear the disgust oozing from Troy’s tone. He continued: “There’s a good chance he’ll call you into his infamous administration facility before your next fight.”
“Ah, I see, you want me to smooth things over for you,” Sav interrupted, mocking.
“Funny, but no. You see, my father’s looking for someone whom he can trust—an outsider. Someone crazy enough to take a bullet for him, and smart enough to tell what gun it came from. You seem just like the type,” Troy explained. His sister had retreated and listened to their conversation from the opposite end of the room.
“You want me to earn his trust, so you can take him down easier.” Sav thought out loud.
“See, Allani? He’s dangerous and smart—a deadly combination in the right hands.” He glanced over at his sister. “Good thing we got to him first, no?”
“Yes, he’s pretty cunning as well,” she said, referring to their first encounter.
“And why exactly should I help you?” Sav asked.
“It’s pretty simple, actually. If you agree to help me, and do your job well, I will appoint you to the highest possible rank in the High State when I inevitably take over the government. Those Eagles are, to put it mildly, useless compared to my squad.”
“Is that it?” Sav wasn’t impressed. Troy was offering him to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
“I‘m not done,” Troy said. “I’ll offer you one more thing that I know you’ll have a hard time refusing.” He paused, took a breath. “If you help me overthrow my father, I will lift all the reparations on Yuna.”
“I thought you didn’t know me,” Sav replied.
“You thought wrong.” Troy shot back, smirking.
“I’m supposed to just take your word for it?”
“Well, that’s all I have for now, but trust me. I am nothing like my father in that regard.”
Time around Sav stopped for a moment. It was as if Troy’s words had rocketed him back into his past. What he promised Sav was more valuable and greater than any rank or amount of money. For the young fighter, it was bigger than life itself. It was an opportunity, finally, after so many years of suffering, to free his people from their quiet desperation. To free them from the sadistic hold of the High State. He trembled, and goosebumps rose all over his skin.
“Okay, I’ll help you. But if you fail to uphold your end of the bargain, I promise you—I’m going to hunt every single one of you down…” Sav finished, almost rasping.
“I love the enthusiasm! We’ll keep in touch. You’re free to stay if you’d like,” Troy offered.
Back outside, in front of the storm canal, Sav hoped with all his being that Padromo would call a meeting. He had to gain his trust. Maybe on his next fight? Sav had been pretty vicious last time. Had he not finished Butch off in a spectacular, gladiator-like fashion? A million things were running through his mind. Leaving Yuna, he had accepted that his path would not be easy, though he had not expected to find himself in the middle of a conspiracy against the government. Not only that, but now he had agreed to become the crucial force behind the whole puppetry.
“You still here?” Allani asked, she stood right behind him.
“Yeah, you’re not gonna point a gun at my head this time?” Sav asked, half-joking.
“No, Mr. Orbona. I’d like to make it up to you…for that.”
“Oh, would you? How can I be sure you won’t take me to see another one of your…acquaintances?” He turned to face her.
“Because we’re going back to my place,” Allani answered, ordering an air-cab from her phone.
“Whoa, you move fast, don’t you?” Sav teased. He noticed the slightest hue of pink appearing on the woman’s cheeks but chose not to say anything.
“I have no problem in letting you walk all the way back over to the city!”
“Fine, fine! I’ll come.”
The day had been filled with twists and unexpected obstacles, and while Sav waited for Allani to bring their cocktails to her terrace, he felt how the course of his life was changing with each decision he made. He held the rubber band of his destiny, and today he had pulled it as hard as he could, avoiding its slap on his skin at the very last moment. The sun had hidden itself beneath the covers of the night, and the new darkness symbolized the uncertainty of the young warrior’s future. He sighed.
“Here they are!” Allani exclaimed, holding a glass in each hand. She had made the same drink Sav had drunk at The Goblet. She sat down, then: “Make a toast!”
“Isn’t that for old people?” Sav joked.
“Come on! Please?” Allani pressed; her glass was already in the air.
“All right…” Sav paused in thought. “To our newly formed friendship.”
“Are we just going to be friends, Sav?”