Tournament

Important Messages

Another day of teaching and instructing left Wiji tired. It wasn’t the kids themselves, they were only two anyways. It was just a whole day was a bit too much. Stupid Liam cavorting somewhere while she was stuck here teaching. It was almost a painful coincidence that he decided to take a vacation as she started her part time job. Well she was done for day and decided to grab a snack in the staff room. Another thing on Wiji’s mind was of course, leaving Raymon Jr. at home. Well maybe when he gets older she’ll be able to enrol him here and keep an eye on him. Her thought bubble was burst by other teachers entering. Many too were chatting about this or that, nothing of importance. Bringing with his entrance, a black cloud, came her father after a few minutes. She was surprise he returned to teach. Maybe he was retiring from active service since he was getting older. Her father patted her on the back.

“Still waiting for Liam?” he asked.

Wiji nodded slowly, wondering what he could have meant by that question.

“Well, it seems he won’t be coming back anytime soon, especially with that bounty on his head and all.”

At first Wiji nodded, but after another second of contemplation her thoughts clicked together inside her head.

“What? What did he do?” she asked, surprised by the thought.

“It seems he broke his parole by breaking into the Gate Archives Bureau then evaded custody by leaving the city. He was last seen in Los Sinistre, which was last night, in the company of a certain Los Sinistre Speed Devil,” her father elaborated.

Wiji had heard the stories before. He continued,

“I know what you’re thinking. Impossible, how could Liam ever associate with such an individual? Well, maybe you haven’t noticed, but he’s actually Master Thief William Leeds.”

“What? He was here all this time and I didn’t even know he had a record!” Wiji exclaimed.

“I was surprised he didn’t return to a life of crime earlier.”

“I suppose you were the one that busted him then.”

“Nope, it was mostly Raymon doing the work. Enough with the chit chat because I actually have something important to tell you.”

SS paused for a moment to choose his words.

“The school is holding the annual tournament in a few weeks. Everyone, including those with a record can participate. Now to get your name splattered across the school, all you have to do is finish in the semi-finals.”

“That sounds like you’re asking me to do a lot and how do people with a record participate anyways,” Wiji asked.

“For criminals, they are granted a temporary pardon during the tournament and get half an hour head start when it’s over. The goal I’ve set isn’t that hard because you compete in a team of two. Winners fight winners. Then again, I only said you had to finish in the semi-finals is because the winner of the tournament hasn’t changed since the first time she participated,” SS replied.

“She?” asked Wiji.

“Yes, she has always been a winner at this tournament. She goes by many different names. The Kamino Knuckleduster is a favourite of mine, but the most popular is simply, Philene the Pugilist. I’ll tell you though, she’s vicious. It’s almost like she has no redeeming personality traits.”

“I didn’t know there was someone out there worse than you,” Wiji joked.

“Again with the jokes, well good luck finding a team mate though, since Jonathan says he’s entering with someone else,” SS said, slightly grumbling.

“What, he’s the only one I can trust!” complained Wiji.

“Wiji, I am deeply hurt by that,” said SS mockingly.

Sai, SS’ cousin overheard the conversation and offered her help,

“Well, you can count on me Wiji.”

“Aunt Sandy?” Wiji asked, half in surprise.

“Well you two get along, I have someone to pick up in a few hours,” SS said parting.

He was ignored.

ULCeR

“Liam, my friend, you a need a ride.”

“Yes, I know, as much as I hate to admit it. You have a stock lying around Keukalov?”

“Nyet, you come with me.”

Liam stepped into the car. Not much has happened since he successfully got Krin out of the city a few days ago. The only problem he had now was the bounty on his head. A regrettable turn of events he had foreseen the day he stepped foot outside of the city. It was but a small price to pay. Igor had floored it and a few minutes later arrived before some sort of tollgate in Los Sinistre’s numerous back alleys. The man sitting in the booth inspected Igor and then raised the barrier allowing passage. This time, Igor sped his ride farther down the ramp and at the end of the tunnel lights flooded the insides of the car. Liam’s sights adjusted to the brightness and here he saw a familiar place. The Under City, as it was called, was a mostly secret underground section of Gate on the right bank. Many of the buildings from Riverside extended further below ground to the Under City and most of the land underneath Los Sinistre housed more people. Farther away were the underground farms that were powered by solar lamps. Coincidentally, the roads running through here made great racing tracks and most of Gate’s street racers got their fix here. Night was falling above ground but the denizens of Under City were well awake. Most of this racing was regulated by the Underground League of Car Racing, shortened to ULCeR and were also the race organisers. They had set up a small area for parking already and the event was getting started as racers and tuners of Gate descended upon it. Igor cruised to a stop at the Speed Demons pavilion. It was his fan club of sorts. Igor and Liam got out and were greeted by some of the older members.

“Hey, it’s Lazy Liam!” one of them exclaimed.

The multitude gave up on what they were doing and rushed in to talk to their next favourite racer. Introductions and old stories were exchanged before Igor silenced them,

“Comrade Liam here needs a car. Any of you want to race him for pinks?”

“I will,” said a fan.

“Good, someone get Liam a car and we get going.”

Arrangements were made and Liam was given a small hatchback to ride in. His opponent was driving a sleeker sports car. The two cars had similar liveries, red and yellow, the two colours of the Los Sinistre Speed Devil.

“First person to circle the city and get back here is the winner,” announced the loud speaker, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”

Liam’s hatch came to life with a small rumble, compared to his opponent’s throaty roar. Igor stepped into view upfront between the cars. He gave the signal by raising his hands and the two racers skidded out of the starting line. The GPS on his car gave out the planned course involving circling back to the front entrance twice, a long route. His opponent and he were still neck and neck as he shifted into fifth gear. Seeing the turn that he was supposed to take, Liam rocketed by it, leaving his opponent confused. He sped along the fields of crops and to his right he could see the other sports car in the distance. It soon peeled off and out of sight.

“Liam, what the hell are you doing?” asked one of the racers through the communication system.

“Taking a shortcut,” he replied coolly.

It was the next turn that leads to the one way exit. Connecting the underworld directly to the fallen highway that circled Gate, it was a significantly shorter exit but also more perilous to take. As he swerved into the turn, he could feel the under steer that was present in front wheel drives. No drifting for him he pined. The next part was going to be tricky. He’d have to maintain constant speed if he were to scale the highway wall. Shifting into sixth, the ride up the twisted ramp sent him flying above the roof tops of Lower Gate. He landed on a small path that soon disappeared as he rode up the side of the highway. To maintain some more grip, he stuck his body out of the left window. Meanwhile his opponent had finally powered up the highway ramp, surprised as he saw Liam ascending in front of him. Liam finally rode over the wall and onto the small path that the fallen highway afforded. He checked his rear view mirror to see that his rival was still far behind. All this effort did not go without notice as he was joined shortly by a chopper bearing the markings of Civilian Onroad Protection. It tracked him as he followed the highway around the city. As he neared the river, he looked ahead and finding more COP vehicles blocking his only exit. It didn’t matter as he jumped the river without taking the exit. COP scrambled to the nearest bridge to intercept him. Liam landed on the rooftop parking of a night club, circling his way down to the street and into a blockade of COP cars. He burst through ignoring the damage. His radio cackled.

“Liam, if you can lose those guys before getting back in one piece, I’d give you my car,” it was the voice of his opponent.

“You sure you want to give it away just like that?” he replied.

He was dashing between vehicles in the Red Light District now, finding the nearest subway entrance and entering the mass transit system. A few determined COP cars followed. The people in the station dodged left and right, trying to avoid the speeding cars. Another bumpy descent and Liam was at the platforms. The train was just leaving and Liam followed it, decreasing his drag with the low pressure zone behind the carriage. His GPS system gave a brief outline of the tunnels and he selected the fastest route across the city. A junction was coming up and all he needed to do was turn right and follow the tunnel into the sewer tunnels. It was much safer than playing chicken with the trains down here. He nudged the tiny hatch and slingshot himself past the carriage. This was where things get a little hairy. There was an oncoming train on his track and it was racing with him to reach the junction. Liam looked around for a nitrous button and found none. He cursed because now he had to cut it real fine. There was only one COP car crazy enough to follow him as he raced around the corner. It was too late and Liam could hear the unfortunate COP take the train. Liam now took his time as he navigated the sewers. He later emerged in the Forum district and proceeded to cross the bridge. Back in Los Sinistre, Liam relaxed a little bit as he descended the same way Igor did earlier that night. He finally slipped his car into neutral at the finishing line. Igor came and opened the door. Liam still gripped the wheel tightly.

“Liam you crazy bastard, you win new car!” shouted Igor.

It was a good thing too, his little hatchback was missing the front bumpers and the rear had been sheared off by subway train’s air pressure. As he got out, the suspension finally collapsed.

“About time too,” Liam remarked, exchanging keys.

Pick Up

Noch awoke like a fish in shock. One moment his eyes were closed, the next, his eyes just opened. The glare of the sun dipping below the cityscape was burning. He sat up on the futon he was lying on and gazed about the room. To his left a window gave out to the city skyline. A small table and chair was where his sister was slumped over snoozing. There was a shelf with various books and dust collectors opposite the desk. He turned around to see a larger window. Down below was some kind of Skate Park with ramps, rails, half pipes and skaters enjoying themselves. Noch got up and found the stairs behind a glass door. It led to another room higher up with a similar window that he could see through. There was another room above it and another one above the one he came out of. The stairs themselves jutted out from the wall, having no railing.

“This is complete and utter bull!” a loud voice came.

It was a woman in a towel on the next floor talking on the phone as she exited the room there. She hung up and Noch tensed as the woman saw him staring at her.

“Oh, you’re awake, like what you see boy?” she asked casually moving up the stairs.

Noch followed her up, inexplicably lured in. She was taking out clothes from a trunk as he entered.

“Your name is Noch right?” she questioned.

“Yes.”

“Are you a Magi?”

“No.”

“Good at melee?”

“No.”

“Then what can you do?” she spun around, with a pistol in her hand aimed at him.

“I know how to hold a gun properly.”

The gun in her hand was held at hip level. At this range, it would most likely hit Noch anyways, but he already knew that. She put the pistol away.

“The name’s Philene Keukalov, looks like you’ll be my partner in this upcoming tournament I plan to participate in,” she finally said.

“Okay?” asked Noch.

Her only reply was a towel thrown straight into Noch’s face. To him it was just a blur then darkness. Quickly removing the wet towel from his face, he saw a fully dressed woman staring back at him.

“What, you were hoping to see me naked boy? Too slow,” she said, “It’s a couples’ tournament, and you’ll be my back up. Here take your pick of guns.”

She beckoned to him. Noch was reluctant to approach and Philene grabbed him and dragged him to the nearby desk with frightening speed. Noch took a while to register what had happened. Philene ignored his bewilderment and took out a bevy of pistols she once used. Noch came to his senses as he saw them laid out before him. He picked up a pistol that had a very large grip.

“This is one big grip, Ms. Keukalov,” he commented.

“Call me Philene, just Philene. Anyways, that one fires assault rifle rounds. It’d break your wrist though,” she said as she gripped his wrist.

“I think I can handle it,” he replied.

She ignored Noch for a bit as she looked at her watch.

“Gotta go kiddo, see you later.”

Philene took a skateboard she had in the room and jumped out the window with it. Noch saw her disappear into the night and went downstairs to lie down and think. Philene was soaring through the air with her skateboard-turned-jetpack on her back. Something had come up in Lower Gate. A COP had found someone standing alone on the highway during an investigation of a street race. It was outside his expertise so he called the right Vigilantes for the job. She was one of them and all further respondents were redirected elsewhere. She had arrived at the sight, almost too late as the unknown woman had already revealed her weapons.

“Easy now miss, we don’t want to do anything too hasty,” said the COP.

The robed and hooded young woman lunged forward aiming to pierce the poor COP’s brain. He didn’t react fast enough and paid for it with his life. Philene nodded in appreciation, an interesting weapon indeed. She’d seen it somewhere before she was sure. Hooking up the skateboard to her belt, she unsheathed her straight katana. In many respects it was a katana, only that it was not curved. A more fitting name would probably be a single edged straight sword, but it wasn’t as catchy and was longer to write down. Philene didn’t think she would need any extra measures so she only rushed the killer with a sprint. She made contact, but not with her intended target. A man had imposed himself between the two combatants.

“Kila, how long can I leave you alone before you actually kill someone?” the man greeted.

“SS!” replied the girl called Kila by the man.

Kila retracted the blades of her weapon and Philene warily lowered hers.

“Sorry for the trouble there Philene, but I do hope you can keep this between us. If you intend to fight her, wait until the tournament then,” he said.

Kila climbed onto SS’ back and he left Philene standing there feeling unsatisfied.

Another Interlude

Back in the Downs District, a nondescript urban residential area, SS arrived home.

“This is your house? I’m disappointed,” frowned the girl on his back.

“Sorry it doesn’t live up to your expectations Kila,” he replied while entering.

SS stepped in and met his daughter, Wiji.

“What is she doing here?” asked Wiji.

“What is she doing here?” echoed Kila.

Both were equally surprised.

“Oh, you two know each other? That saves me from doing introductions,” SS quipped.

“Kila!” exclaimed Jonathan, or Jon, or Kid, whichever name you preferred.

“Big brother!” Kila shouted in response.

This drew in the rest of the crew. Introductions were exchanged and the collective gathered in the dining area for some dinner. All in all it was an uneventful event with much of the usual gossip and chatter. Bellies full, SS broke the brief silence.

“So, what are we doing tonight?”

“Chores,” said Enigma collecting plates.

“Attaché work,” said Nib getting up and heading downstairs.

“Soap opera,” replied Enigma, advancing towards the couch.

“Patrolling,” said Janus leaving after Nib.

“Grooming Drama,” Jonathan said as he went to fetch a brush.

“Porn,” Dante said, slamming his door as he went into his room.

“Was going to go check up on Raymon Jr.-” Wiji started.

“Hold it, why don’t I look after him while you keep our guest entertained?” SS interrupted.

“But I thought you never had any experience with children,” Wiji protested.

“It’s never too late,” he replied.

Wiji stomped off, knowing it was pointless to argue anyways. It was not because she didn’t want him to, due to the fact that he abandoned her as a child, but because she disliked Kila. The day they had stumbled upon Jonathan’s hometown, she was attacked. Once it was broken up, hostilities escalated with pranks and name-calling. It was a miracle she managed any sleep that day. She looked back at SS and Kila who were chatting away.

“She is rather young for your wife,” Kila remarked innocently.

SS let out a hearty chuckle.

“No, she’s my daughter, didn’t you know, she married your brother.”

“Wait a minute, didn’t you tell me your daughter died? That also means Jon didn’t follow mom’s advice to not fool around with her after all?”

SS laughed even harder this time. It was disconcerting to the people around him as they never have seen him laugh often, save maybe Jonathan.

“I guess that answers a lot of questions,” said SS between guffaws.

He calmed down a bit afterwards.

“So, who was that woman earlier?” she asked.

“Oh, that was only Philene Keukalov, one of the more popular Vigilantes.”

“She’ll be in the tournament right?”

“She’s the all-time champ of course she’ll be there.”

“So, on a scale of one to ten, where would you rank her in skill?”

“I would rank her at around a nine or a ten.”

“Where would you be then?” Wiji asked as she rejoined them.

“About a six, maybe seven, but that’s only because I almost died,” replied SS.

“Oh, I also have news from home for you SS,” said Kila, “Krin was abducted and brought to the city. He was rescued by a certain Liam Leeds a few days back. He also says you should tender your resignation soon.”

“So that’s what Liam was up to,” SS said, “Krin’s finally found some one to replace me eh? Here I was thinking I was irreplaceable.”

“No, he just says you’re getting old.”

“Chalk up another one,” said SS to Wiji, laughing again.

Hung on the wall was a small chalkboard that was a sort of petition. SS would resign if enough people that were important to him added their tally/signature to it. So far there were nine which increased to ten with Krin’s addition.

“How’s Ray-Ray then?” he asked once Wiji was done.

“Sleeping, no thanks to you,” she replied.

“Well, maybe I should get some sleep. I have more things to take care of tomorrow,” SS said, yawning.

“What kind of work?” the ever inquisitive Kila asked.

“You know, stuff,” SS said, not having a decent reply at the time.

“That’s right, stuff,” Wiji sighed.

Sideways

She was a beauty. It wasn’t her red and yellow attire so much as the grace and beauty involved with the sleek design of her body. It was as if her every facet was strategically designed and it could only be someone like Liam to appreciate who she truly was. Well that was actually not true, but she was unlike the first one Liam experienced euphoria with. His only wish to take her sideways, into the deep bends and hear her screech as she wore herself out to his exertions. Doing so however, would be doing her a disservice. After all, she was a spanking new car that he just scored from a street race. For now, he’d be content to sit back and enjoy a Coala, slang for Coa Cola, while he waited for Igor to do his rounds. Funny that he thought, the Speed Devil doing rounds. It was almost like tax collection only the people parting with the money were more than willing to give it away and even came back for more. His bubble was burst by incoming news through the usual medium down here, messenger boys,

“Liam, this year’s tournament has been announced. Looks like it’ll be special this year.”

“Oh yeah?” asked Liam in the reclined position of a bucket seat.

“Yeah, it’s a doubles tournament.”

Liam tried not to expel any cola on the interior and stepped out of his car.

“Oh yeah?” he asked again.

“Yeah, you need a partner to participate. Winner gets whatever they want, within reasonable limits of course.”

“The works huh? This’ll be interesting,” Liam half said to himself.

The boy, having delivered his manage, took leave. Liam took another sip before a familiar demon ground to a halt next to him. It was the complete opposite of his car. The wide four eyes and outrageous intake manifold on the hood and to top it all off, fins, were present as the rumbling soon died down. Igor’s car, or Krazny as he affectionately referred to it as, was pure muscle, throwing aerodynamics and technical doodads out the window. If it increased Krazny’s horsepower, torque or handling, it was used. Igor had no time for VTEC or any of that technical stuff that kids put on their cars nowadays. It was all naturally aspirated and running out of an engine Igor had built and maintained for years. Liam was still surprised Igor remained unbeaten to this day. Then again, the legend himself said he rarely raced nowadays. He just settled with operating a small garage for street racers and maintaining a fan club. The rest of the time he spent drinking at the Pit Stop chatting with whoever happened to be in the vicinity. Liam didn’t envy him however as street racing was too much work nowadays. What happened to the good old days where all you had to do was bring in a stock and tear it up in the strip?

“Tonight was good night,” Igor greeted him.

Liam finished the cola and crushed it under his heel.

“To the Pit Stop then?” he asked.

“Da, a fine suggestion comrade Liam,” replied his friend.

Climbing back into his car, Liam adjusted the seats and backed out. Igor meanwhile was announcing his departure with a good old smoke show. Having warmed the tires, Igor cut the brakes and surged forward, kicking up his front wheels. Liam shifted into gear and sped after him, no less slow. Their exit route took them past many of the wider streets of the Under City. By now, most of the pedestrians were off the street so it offered Liam an excuse to do want he wanted. Approaching the corner, he saw Igor shift Krazny into a slide, adding more skid marks to the well used road. Whatever Igor could do, Liam could do, with more style. He cut his gear down to third and jammed the handbrake up and then down in one fluid motion. This was done in to the turn and sent his car into over steer. The rear bucked to get out ahead. To prevent this he spun the wheel the opposite way. This didn’t last long as the next turn approached. He let off the gas a little then revved it up again. His car twisted the other way in response and the steering wheel replied in kind. Snaking through the streets and out of sight of the planned path, Liam indulged in his favourite illegal art form. Igor had slowed down a little as he didn’t see Liam come out of the corner he took. Liam came sliding out front, sticking his thumb up out the side window. Igor just couldn’t resist.

“Show off!” he radioed.

“Said the Devil himself,” replied Liam.

They soon reached a ramp that led to the surface. Another brief cruise and they parked at the Pit Stop, the usual bar that street racers frequent in the metropolis. The bar itself was built of wood and the damage Liam had caused prior existed only in memory. Ordering drinks for themselves as they came in, Liam and Igor sat down at the counter.

“So, how is your first night back?” asked Igor.

“Not bad, I think I’ll be staying this time though,” he replied.

The lights flickered for a bit and the two friends received their drinks.

“You have something to ask of me?” asked Igor, noticing Liam hadn’t touched his drink.

“Yes, I think this’ll be the last big one I’ll be asking of ya,” he replied sipping his drink in turn.

“I am listening.”

“We should take part in the upcoming fight tournament.”

“Afraid to go alone?” asked Igor humorously.

“She will be there as well,” continued Liam unperturbed.

This time, it was Igor who paused before his drink. It was a good idea since the drink was strong and his decision would set the stage for the rest of his days.

Registrar Office

Registration duty was a bore. SS didn’t like it but he had to do it so there were no last minute entries. Much of what he had to do was read the registration form, approve it and send the teams on their way. The day was still young and already did he see some of the weirder characters. The tournament always drew a crowd of hopefuls. Many from the school itself and he knew that at least one of them would make it to the quarter finals. His first surprise of the day came with Liam showing up with a registration form in the company of his supposed team mate.

“So I suppose you want a pardon if you win right?” SS asked as he read.

“That’s about it,” Liam replied with a grin.

“Nothing wrong with that, approved, here you go. The waiting room is down the hall first door on your right.”

“Thanks.”

Another short wait later and a familiar group head towards him. It was the only two teams that he both supported, Wiji and Sai made up one and the other was Kila and Jonathan.

“Ah, my favourite teams, what are you calling yourselves?” he asked.

“We haven’t actually decided on a name, so probably just another school team. Besides, it makes it less suspicious,” replied Sai.

“Jon and I are Team Outland,” Kila chimed in.

Jonathan remained impassive, a way of saying that he was mentally preparing for the battles ahead. Wiji was looking around, checking out the other competitors.

“Well, School Team 6 and Team Outland are good to go. Oh, and Sai, take care of Wiji for me will you?” he said as they parted.

There wasn’t a major queue and SS sent for something to keep him awake. Minutes later, his hands were warmed by a cup of coffee. It was disgusting stuff but if it kept him awake during down time. Midday approached and he was starting to lose it, despite the coffee. A sharp crackle in the air awoke him from his stupor, as well as spilling his drink.

“You know how I hate it when people teleport near me!” he exclaimed.

“So I finally caught the high and mighty SS off-guard?” asked the arrival.

“Don’t get up your hopes Philene Igorovna,” replied SS.

“You should be aware of our relationship before you start using patronymics.”

“Yeah, but I’m everyone’s friend today.”

“Conceded, here’s the registration form for my team,” Phile said handing it over.

SS looked out from behind her, seeing a young man standing staring at his shoes. He didn’t look like a worthy apprentice to SS. Just to make sure he asked,

“You with her?”

He only nodded, rubbing his arm and fidgeting.

“Alright, you have a team name? Wait; let me guess, Philene Has Backup?”

“Very funny SS,” she added, slightly annoyed now, “We’re Team Kamino.”

“Very good then, it’s all done. Right, move along, I gotta close registration now.”

Team Kamino left SS to his thoughts as he packed up the forms and passed them on to a messenger boy. The tournament preliminaries were going to start soon. The top sixteen will pass to the eliminations. He walked past the betting office but stopped short. Looking at the odds, everyone banked it on Team Kamino. He took out some loose change and put his money on Liam’s team, just on a hunch. Liam’s team may have the worst odds, but SS didn’t have much to lose save for a small amount of money. If he won, he’d come out richer than the rest. By now the sounds of the crowd reverberated through the building and this probably meant the first matches were underway. SS quickened his pace to not miss the free entertainment. The preliminaries were always full of surprises, as they always were every year. The round of 16 was quickly determined over the course of the day. As the announcer put it,

“Looks like this year’s doubles format has given us exciting matches. Despite my doubts, it looks like Team Kamino remains undefeated with the pugilist’s team mate being the surprise of the day. However, they face some stiff competition in this school’s former teacher, Liam and his partner, also without a loss. These two are the team to beat as Liam single-handedly swept the floor with everyone in his path! Trailing behind the leaders is School Team 6, Wiji and Sai, and Team Outland with Jonathan Kidelowski and his sister, Kila. These four are likely going to meet each other in the semi-finals if today was any indicator. So place your bet folks, the grand prize is all within reach of these four teams and I want to hear you give it up for them, come on make some noise!”

Semi-finals

SS had missed the quarterfinals. Sure that he was going to receive a good wording on his daughter’s part, he was relieved to find out that the next match would be School Team 6 versus Liam’s Team. Liam’s team consisted of William Leeds, and his ever so mysterious partner. That man had never actually lifted a finger during the fights. Was he an ace up Liam’s sleeve or just another slacker? Regardless, this match pitted the best of the school against the Master Thief himself. The premise itself was simple, the teams fought one battle, anybody who yielded or incapacitated had to leave the fighting area and wait for the conclusion. Wiji and Sai had thought of a plan of action beforehand, they would incapacitate Liam’s team mate immediately then focus on Liam himself. An easy win they thought. Sai was decked with throwing weapons and a short bow, ready to bring old fashioned death to the enemy with flying pieces of sharpened steel. Wiji was carrying her unique custom IR pistols, a gift for her tenth and twenty-first birthdays. Liam appeared unarmed but hidden under his trench coat was a revolver and a machine pistol. As for Liam’s partner, he had nothing but his body and possibly thoughts to defend himself with. The match commenced and Sai wasted no time nocking her bow and letting loose with an arrow. The spectators watched on amazed as Liam’s team mate actually moved and caught the arrow, snapping it like a twig between his fingers.

“You want to have some fun on this round?” asked Liam to his partner.

There was a nod and School Team 6 focussed their full attention to him. Sai loosed more arrows towards the slowly advancing man. Wiji moved into position to flank him. He caught the arrows with surprising speed. His pace quickened.

“Perhaps they know not who I am,” said the once mute man.

From beneath his palms extended a metal rod only slightly longer than his hand. The tips were similar to that of a diamond-headed shank. Wiji opened fire making sure to keep on the move while trying to suppress the advancing man. It was in all vain as the man only turned his palm outward and spun his curious weapon to deflect the projectiles. They struck Wiji before she knew it, and she was floored.

“I am the Los Sinistre Speed Devil and you, are too slow…” he trailed.

He broke into a sprint as Sai discarded her bow for shuriken. They were thinned as much as possible but were no less sharp. Years of mastery had allowed her to fire them as fast as any automatic weapon. The Speed Devil paid no mind, leaping up and using them was stepping stones. To him, time slowed to a crawl as he descended upon the hapless woman pinning her to the ground with his weapon ready to strike.

“…and you will, yield,” he finished.

Sai was already in a position that gave her only one option and she submitted to the superior team.

“There you have it ladies and gents, the dynamic duo of the day. Master Thief William Leeds and the Los Sinistre Speed Devil himself! Give it up for them because they’re going to the finals!” the announcer blared.

This announcement made the last semi-finalists cringe, some more than others, especially Jon and his opponent, Philene, to whom this came as a shock. Their respective teams were competing next and though they breezed through the quarterfinals, this was a different story altogether.

“This next match up is going to be a good one folks. Each team has their veteran and their own rookie. I don’t know about you but the fan favourites, Team Kamino may just take this one home, after all this is last year’s champ I’m talking about! But don’t be too surprised when the brother and sister duo of Team Outland pulls out all the stops for this one!”

The announcer never really shuts up until there was a real match going on. It didn’t matter now as Jon and Kila stepped up to face their opponents. Kila almost rushed forward for a pre-emptive strike.

“Remember, we stick together,” he reminded her.

The match started quite quickly, there was not much blood spilled during the last match. This was a fact that weighed on the combatants. Philene and Noch wasted no time emptying their firearms upon the brother and sister.

“Defensive stance Kila!” Jon shouted.

His sister knelt behind him as he spun his blades to block the incoming bullets and slowly advancing through the storm. Noch and Philene had to reload eventually and it was then that Team Outland took the initiative. Leaping out from behind her brother Kila engaged with her blades at the ready. Jon also dropped his guard and took to the offence with his sister. Although of different height and personality, their style was meant to be used in tandem. Gone was the perpetual twirling of the dervish, replaced by a more disciplined tango. Once Kila had followed through to completion Jon would step in to fill the gap and advance. Philene jumped out of the way of the blades but Noch was not so fortunate. He was trapped by a wall of blades and the edge of the arena. He was easily forced out with a kick. Team Outland’s strategy of focusing on one member was not without flaw. They had left themselves exposed and Phile rolled up and kicked Jon off the platform from behind.

“Just you and me kiddo,” she remarked.

Philene tossed her gun aside, an open challenge. Unsheathing her straight katana, Philene took a good look at the potential in front of her.

“Show me whatcha’ got!”

Kila did not hesitate, her lunge missing as Philene moved out of the arc. Twisting to face her foe, Kila readied another strike. Philene had guessed it. The only weakness such promise held was impatience. Her weapon was also unnecessarily heavy, a disadvantage where speed prevailed. The style was not complete either as these were awkward strikes, just hoping to land on something. Her follow through was perfect though and that needed no rectifying. Philene struck out, swatting aside the clumsy defence that was barely erect. Kila lost grip for a moment but caught herself, aiming another thrust. Philene didn’t wait to end it. There was no more to be seen. She swung her sword down with her right arm, changing to a reverse grip as she took ran along Kila’s lowered weapon and followed through with her own. It was not a deadly slash, just one that cautioned the recipient that it was pointless to continue. Kila collapsed to her knees, seeing her own blood flow from a real wound as she tried to raise her weapon. Philene did not mind persistence, but it sometimes got annoying. The young body could not take much more and Kila soon fell backwards, panting heavily. The fight was over and the medical crew rushed to her. Before Kila could be taken away Philene left her card. They would see each other again.

Final

The day of the final had approached and today’s announcer was being particularly loud.

“This is it! The final battle to decide this year’s champs have arrived. For those of you snoozing through these last two jam-packed days, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Now please turn your attention to Team Kamino, one half of which is Noch Legatha, a surprise partner of last years champ. And when you talk about the champ, you must know she has won them all. Representing the last half of Team Kamino is Philene Igorovna Keukalov!”

The crowd grew wild and with the grand entrances planned for the big names, it was a spectacle. Philene flew wildly into view with her jetpack.

“This year’s challengers are none other that those two speed demons, Master Thief William Leeds and his partner, the Los Sinistre Speed Devil!”

The screech of tires and a crash later sped two sports cars into the building, sliding to a halt just below fighting area. Two figures emerged as the engines and the crowd died down. Liam and Igor stood face to face with Team Kamino with the announcer in between to prevent anything too hasty from happening. Philene spoke out,

“Liam, Noch, both of you, get out of here, it is between him and me.”

Liam eyed Igor quizzically and was going to ask a question. A reply was already given,

“Da, it is important to me.”

“Ladies and gents, it sounds like a challenge to me!” squealed the announcer.

He was working the crowd and they roared their anticipation. Liam took Noch by the shoulder and led him to sit, next to the special guest seats, where SS was sitting.

“Why do you have to sit next to me?” he complained whilst munching a crisp.

“Hey, family history, I shouldn’t get involved,” Liam replied taking a crisp.

“You didn’t answer my question, and get your own damn chips.”

Back on the stage, the announcer backed off onto a portable lift. He ascended the heights and gave the go ahead. Philene discarded her firearm as it was useless to her and opted for her sword. Igor now used both hands’ weapons. It was a good thing that looks couldn’t kill. She wasted no time with theatrics and went straight to business.

“She’s a Magi right?” Noch asked the elder men.

“Yeah, she’s real good at teleporting. Not only that but she uses it to cover small distances in combat. Magi call it flash teleporting or blinking. Travelling at near the speed of light has its benefits,” replied Liam.

“The only drawback is that she can only travel in a straight line,” SS added.

“What about your friend Master Leeds?” Noch asked again.

“It’s Liam. As for Igor, well, he just moves real fast, he only has to contend with the laws of physics but otherwise he is free to move as he pleases.”

“So SS isn’t the best fighter there is?” Noch asked one last question.

“To them, he’s a snail, but on the other hand, he is as tough as nails. That’s why he’s still here, right buddy?” Liam jokingly prodded SS whilst palming more crisps.

“You’re going to get yourself killed one of these days Liam,” SS replied.

Philene reversed her grip and closed the distance with a teleport trying to end it quickly. Bracing her leg and leaping up, Philene took a swipe. Igor had long moved away while she was in transit. He had taken up perch next to the announcer in his elevated platform while Philene looked around for him. Igor didn’t waste anytime either, he preparing to swoop down like a bird of prey. She saw him coming and they met midway. Their weapons met for the first time in years. It was a satisfying ring that Philene used to mask her movement, moving behind Igor to strike him down. Not to be caught unaware Igor spun himself and batted the blow away. The ground was fast approaching. In the air, she held the advantage of appearing anywhere she pleased, but on the ground, his manoeuvrability was superior to her extreme speed. She would counter by only blinking short distances. They had both anticipated meeting again someday to settle the score. By now Igor had cleared himself from the dogfight and retreated moments before Philene’s straight katana would implant itself into the ground. She took time to wrench it free.

“What, you’re not going attack me father?” she asked disappointed.

SS dropped his snack and looked at the impassive Liam incredulously. No one saw the truth coming, except Liam.

“That is not sporting,” he replied shrugging.

Igor wanted it to be finished on even terms, so as to avoid any excuses.

“You are so unlike Krazny,” Philene teased.

“You know better than to insult her.”

It was bait to rouse his anger and had undoubtedly worked. Philene should have known better. They advanced each other, their intents now lethal. The meeting was in the centre. There they stood, staring each other. Igor had caught the thrust with his hand. More blood was dripping onto the floor. It was not only his. She had let her guard down and his weapon had been aimed between the ribs. The blade in his hand stopped biting and in response, he dragged her over his knee. Philene could see the ceiling as she landed and felt the cold steel. Igor had followed through, kneeling as he brought his weapon down on her chest. The silence that followed allowed Igor to collect himself and he started to walk off.

“Why did you spare me father?” came a weak voice that broke the silence.

He tilted his head back looking behind before turning it away swiftly.

“You are no daughter of mine.”

Revelations

Within moments, the screeching tires faded out of earshot. It was the end of this year’s tournament although it felt like a funeral. Medical personnel rushed the stage, tending to the wounded combatant. Nobody had ever seen her lose before, and she was beaten to within an inch of her life. Thankfully, her opponent had spared her life and deliberately missed the heart. Even so, a punctured lung could still bring someone down. She couldn’t be put on a stretcher, lest she suffocate from her own life’s fluid. More blood was coughed up and the medics could only quicken their pace.

“What with the sudden change of heart?” SS asked.

“Letting her live is punishment enough, besides, he doesn’t want to bury his own child,” Liam replied.

SS still didn’t look convinced.

“You don’t have to, I can explain everything for you right here right now if you want.”

“Well, I need to check in on Kila, care to come with me?” SS asked.

Liam caught the drift and nodded.

“What about me?” Noch asked.

“You may want to go with Philene she’s your team mate, right?’ Liam said.

They parted ways. It didn’t take long to notice a trail of erratic skids. Farther along the road, there was a scene of an accident. It was enough to give them pause. On one side of the intersection was a banged up truck. Liam’s gaze followed the trail of destruction and into the side of a building were the remains of a familiar red and yellow sculpture of steel. Traffic was at a stand still as authorities tried to make sense of this mess.

“I’m going to talk to the authorities, see what I can find out,” said SS.

“I see an old friend down there, gonna have a chat with him.”

“You do that. I have to make a call as well.”

The truck owner was apparently distraught after his truck was totalled in the collision while his friend tried to console him.

« Mais qu’est-ce que c’est ça? »

« Monsieur Liam? »

« Oui, c’est moi. Tu peux me raconter ce qui c’est passé? »

« Un idiot endormi au volant. Le feu était vert alors Manu a commencé à avancer. Je lui ai dit de ne pas aller trop vite mais il ne m’écoute jamais. Une autre voiture est arrivée de cette coté et nous l’avons percuté en plein fouet. Il va falloir quelques jours pour la réparée. »

« Putain! Pourquoi c’est toujours a moi que ça arrive? »

« Eh Manu, calme toi merde. Ce n’est qu’un camion. »

« Merci Seb, a plus tard les deux. »

Liam ended the conversation and started to leave. As he turned around, he was met by a hostile face. Liam cursed his luck; it was Civil Onroad Protection.

“William Leeds, you are under arrest!”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” said SS from behind, showing his card.

“Why not sir, we have a warrant-”

“That is now void,” SS finished, “Now I suggest you let him go or I shoot your kneecaps,” SS threatened, his pistol already out.

“Sir, I have not received any information regarding this,” said the COP calmly.

“Dispatch to all officers, the warrant on William Leeds has been withdrawn. Repeat, the warrant on William Leeds has been withdrawn and is null and void.”

“My apologies,” the COP stammered.

SS shot him in the knees anyway.

“Come on, let’s go, and tell me what you found out,” SS said, holstering his gun.

“Igor was more distraught than I thought. He ran a light and got T-boned.”

“Well I was told the ambulance left some time ago,” he added.

A quick jaunt later and they were at Gate General Hospital. The receptionist was asked which room Liam’s friend had been given and they were directed to the sixth floor. They saw Noch as they came out the elevator. He was standing farther down the hall, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, as if waiting. Liam and SS stopped before him and looked at the door. Room number 666 read the sign, as if it wasn’t obvious enough.

“Don’t tell me they’re both in there,” Liam said wearily.

“They shouldn’t be able to kill each other in the state they put themselves in.”

“He can’t probably, but she can, she’s Magi remember?” Liam reminded them.

“So what is up with these two anyways?” SS asked, annoyed now.

“Remember the day you and Raymon finally got me?”

“Yeah, I do, never thought we’d get you too.”

“I guess it all has to do with events back then. For one, Philene grew up with her mom, Krazny. Igor was never really home, he was too busy with work. He and I were buddies back then too, he’d handle package transportation, whilst I acquired and sold the merch to a fence. He’d earn more at night too in the ULCeR. Back then, Igor was much different, quite adventurous, the joker and sociable. So was Philene.”

“Apple from a tree,” SS mused under his breath.

“But it was because Philene was getting involved in the racing scene too that caused Igor alarm and she was forbidden from racing. She would sneak out often, sometimes with boys, to go racing under the name, Kamino. Krazny would sometimes catch her and other times, it was her father that found her on the track and she would be grounded. Philene was affected by the Year Zero event, but she wasn’t aware of it. It all changed on the day they had an argument. That was the day that she killed her mother.”

Fight and Kiss

Jonathan looked out the windows. The storm clouds had already started gathering in the distance. Wiji had been cleared by the medical personnel long ago and went home to rest. On the white bed lay his sister, Kila. The doctor had assured him that it wasn’t a deep wound but it would still leave a scar. The pitter-patter of rain hypnotised him as he stood gazing idly out the window. There was a flash and then thunder rolled in. It was unnerving to those who heard it especially two other men down the hall.

“I suppose in the spur of the moment, she subconsciously used them by accident. I was waiting by the car that morning, so when I saw Philene running out the back, I went in to investigate. Igor had already called the authorities and I suspect you and Raymon were on stake out,” Liam recounted.

“Yep, and that’s when we came in,” SS affirmed.

“Needless to say, she had it coming. The rest you know,” Liam concluded.

“No I don’t, I wasn’t there!” Noch protested.

“Ah yes, I must really apologise for us always forgetting about you,” SS said before continuing, “Well, it took a while for us to get out of our nook and go down to investigate, so we assumed that was when the crime happened. We found a woman dead on the floor with Liam and Igor standing over her talking. Back then, it was shoot first, ask questions later, but they didn’t resist arrest. Liam pleaded guilty to save Igor the trouble. We found nothing that could on Igor and we let him go. Liam was found innocent of the homicide but was guilty on multiple accounts of theft. Since Liam himself didn’t actually commit any violent crimes, he was given the chance to go off on parole and he took at the job at what was then SS’ School of Martial Arts.”

“What’s it being renamed to now?” as Noch.

“Are you always out of the loop, or are you doing this on purpose?” SS asked.

“No, but-”

“Wiji, my daughter, is going to give her name to the school,” SS interrupted.

Thunder rumbled in again. All three had been forgotten that it was raining cats and dogs outside. A few of the hospital staff rushed around the corner and into a room. Another younger man followed, much slower than the rest, panting.

“What’s up doc?” SS asked.

“The male’s vital signs are dropping. Oh and I’m an intern, been running around the place,” replied the young man between his gaping for air.

The intern went in after catching his breath, followed by Liam. Inside, the staffers had crowded around Igor. Philene was probably disturbed from her rest as she opened her eyes and gazed at the scene, then at Liam.

“Hey you can’t be in here!” protested one of the staff.

“I’m one half of the people that matter in his life. The other is lying there,” Liam said, pointing to Philene.

“Fair enough, just don’t get in the way.”

They were checking Igor’s pulse, his reflexes, everything. Liam looked at the ECG machine, the bleeping was slowing. Briskly moving aside as the intern was sent out of the room, he asked one of the staff.

“What’s happening?”

“It was her, she’s tried healing him but he resisted, successfully, however the effort has taken its toll. Should we resurrect him?” one of the white coats explained.

“No,” a weak gasp came.

It was Igor, he had regained some consciousness. The people in the room were slightly startled. Philene looked at her father. He moved his head and looked back into her darker blue eyes.

“I must go my little zaichek.”

Igor blew out his last breath in the form of a kiss before his ECG flat lined. The disturbing bleep was put out with the flick of a switch and a solemn silence descended as everyone filed out with Liam coming out last. No one outside had to ask what had happened, but Liam still said it anyway.

“The Devil is no more.”

Conclusive Interlude

Liam finished teaching today’s lesson and dismissed the class. It has been a week since he returned to teach at Wiji’s School of Martial Arts. It was only a week since the last tournament and still people were talking of the surprise champion of the year. Another group of people talked about a different kind of event. The death of the Los Sinistre Speed Devil was a monumental event for the world of Gate’s street racing. He was finally laid to rest in the Under City, in the parking space that was reserved for him, the same place they parked his wrecked car. Liam remembered the eulogy he delivered. Particularly how Igor Davorevich Keukalov was a good friend and how he wished he could have had one final race with the man himself. Age was catching up, getting all sentimental like this was unlike him. Bursting into the staff room, he was met by the regulars here. Liam took a seat next to SS, the former filching a snack from the latter.

“Will you cut that out?” SS said annoyed.

“At least its better habit that jumping out of windows,” Liam answered, chewing.

“Windows don’t kill people, I do,” SS munched another crisp.

“Fair enough,” Liam remarked.

Wiji came in bearing news.

“Kila’s been gone for almost a week now, it’s troubling,” she spoke.

“Well, I don’t think she can get into much trouble,” SS replied.

“It’s not that,” Wiji said, “And in other news, here.”

She handed him a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” he asked, still eating crisps.

“A restraining order,” said Wiji.

SS nearly choked.

“Go easy on them crisps,” Liam chuckled, handing him some water.

“A restraining order, what for?” SS said, downing the water.

“Tammy says that the next time you shoot a COP in the knees, you better have good reason to do it. You’re not exactly devoid of accountability.”

“He was insolent, and he tried to arrest Liam despite the void arrest warrant.”

“That’s not what I heard and it’s still not a good enough reason, and besides, you should have let him get arrested, serves him right for bailing on us all.”

It was Liam who started choking.

“Go easy on them crisps,” SS returned the favour before continuing, “Hey! You’re right, why didn’t I think of that?”

The ringing from a phone interrupted them and Wiji took the call.

“It’s for you dad,” she said, handing over the hand piece.

“Thanks. Oh hey Lidooha, what can I do for ya?” SS spoke and listened to the reply, “Okay, I’ll meet you at the usual place. Thanks for calling.”

SS hung up, got up and fetched his coat.

“Sorry, gotta take care of IR business, don’t wait up for me,” he said leaving.

SS left out the window with a crash. He had forgotten to open the window again, uncharacteristic of him. Wiji and Liam looked at each other and shrugged, then set about trying to finish more of SS’ chips than the other. By the time they were finished, SS must have been around Riverside. If he wasn’t in such a hurry, he would have noticed Kila walking into one of the buildings. On the upper floors of that specific building laid Philene in a futon. Noch sat down beside her as he helped her feed on a bowl of porridge. Dia was downstairs, enjoying the Skate Park after having discovered the joys of skateboarding.

“You should watch her more carefully. I hear some of the boys are particularly unsavoury,” she told him.

“She’s old enough to use her own judgement,” he said.

“What about you?”

He remained silent as he looked away, unwilling to reply, while the spoon hovered in midair. She sat up and pecked him on the cheek. With that he returned to his senses.

“Um, thank you?”

“No, thank you. You’re such a dear for taking care of me.”

“Just don’t make my life resemble a romantic comedy.”

“Promise,” she replied, winking.

Their moment together was broken by raucous shouts. It sounded like a fight. Their suspicions were confirmed when they saw a young girl being assaulted by various boys. She beat them all back with a stick. Dia watched safely from the edge of a half pipe.

“Noch, can you be a dear and get her?” Philene asked him.

Noch put down the bowl of porridge, which Philene started slurping up as soon as he was outside the room. Descending the concrete stairs, he took out his firearm. When he got close enough to the brawl, he took a warning shot.

“Alright, that’s enough ladies! Break it up!”

The fighting stopped.

“Ah Kila, we’ve been expecting you. Philene is upstairs.”

Kila walked off, whilst all the boys looked at him. In a heartbeat, they surrounded him and he was drowned in their various enquiries.

“So, what’s your relationship with Philene?” asked one.

“You’re always upstairs with her,” remarked another.

“Is she any good in you knows where?” asked one, his hips gyrating.

“For the last time, I work here. Now shut it before I shoot someone again!” Noch shouted.

The crowd dispersed. None of the boys wanted to be emasculated like the last poor chap that didn’t take the threat seriously. It was not so much anger as annoyance to Noch.

“Perverts,” he muttered under his breath.

“So are you sure there’s no chemistry between the two of you?” his sister asked from her perch.

“Dia, not you too,” he whined.

“Just checking,” she giggled.

Dia resumed skateboarding and Noch went upstairs.

“Noch, the just man I need! Wait that sounded wrong. Anyway, Kila will be staying with us and since we only have two rooms, you’ll have to stay in mine. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my apprentice now. Hope that doesn’t bother you.”

“Nope, not at all,” Noch replied after a pause.

So much for that promise she made to him, he thought sighing.

“Look, I like you an all, but you’re still sleeping on the floor. Now be a dear and get some more porridge,” Philene said smiling.