FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

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Chapter 20

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The house was silent, the sound of the torches flickering was the only noise that greeted me, just as it always was. It was a stark contrast to the sounds and noises of the festival. It was a little sad really. I could only imagine what this place was like during it's prime, family members going about their lives, the sound of children laughing. Parties being held for various events and important guests... yes, this house was now just an empty shell, home to but a few.

I made my way to my room, the kitchen was in darkness, Harold was finished for the night and probably gone to bed. Kaldor was probably still at the festival. The festival was fun, a much needed distraction. But now with nothing but silence and my own thoughts my earlier troubles returned to me. I tried to ignore them for now, at least until I could speak to someone, but they scratched relentlessly at the back of my mind.

I entered the family room, the fire was still burning, I made my way across the room to the other door when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I stopped and looked towards the seats in front of the fire, no one was there but I'm sure I saw something move. I turned away again and again I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look again, a little unnerved now.

"Who's there?!" I felt a little foolish for the quiver of fear that could be heard in my voice.

No one responded. This wasn't just my imagination, I saw something! I stormed over to the chairs and yanked them away from the fire. They were empty. I looked around the room but I couldn't see anyone or anything, was I just seeing things? Movement from the corner of my eye again, but when I turned to look there was nothing. What the hell was going on!?

I drew on my nen, allowing it to flood the room, wash over everything and into every nook and cranny. I could now see the room like I had eyes every where, nothing could hide from me, but I still couldn't see anything. Movement behind me, what ever it was was crawling along the wall above the fire, I spun round to face it and it stopped moving. I stared at the wall but I couldn't see anything but the rock that made up the wall. I stared at the spot where the movement had ceased.

It was still there, my nen washing over it, I could make out it's outline, it was small; only a few feet in length and it had a pair of wings. I know it's there but why couldn't I see it? This was really starting to freak me out. My paw moved to where my knife normally would have been, strapped to my right thigh, but I had taken it off to accommodate the pants I was currently wearing. I cursed silently, annoyed at not having a weapon.

"I know you're there!" I growled. "SHOW YOURSELF!"

The small creature made a chirping noise and then suddenly sprung into view, as if coming out of the wall itself, it's scales changed colour and became black, it no longer looked like the wall. It peered at me with its intense amber eyes, almost flicking like fire, it's eyes reminded me of Kaldor's. It chirped cutely at me and pushed off the wall, taking flight and swooped past me. I turned to face it, not wanting to lose sight of the trickster. It flew round the room a couple of times before stopping, hovering mid air a few feet away from me.

Looking at the creature it looked like a small Zangarian, but feral by nature. It chirped at me, the noise was very pleasant and made me doubt that this creature posed any kind of threat. Now that I was able to see it it was actually kinda cute. I chuckled, amused at how much this harmless looking creature had put me on edge. The door opened and Harold walked in. The little dragon creature saw him and chirped loudly before zipping over and wrapping itself round Harold's shoulders.

It didn't flutter it's wings at all, nor did it glide, it just seemed to be able to defy gravity and move through the air at will; it's wings almost for decoration than any real use. What ever this creature was it was magical by nature. What left me more perplexed than it's ability to fly was that Harold seemed to know it, and it him. Harold made an expression that looked like he was laughing, albeit a silent laugh, as the creature nuzzled his neck. Harold stroked the creatures head, evoking a happy chirp from it; it seemed to enjoy that.

Once it seemed to have finished welcoming Harold it flew back over to me. I stepped back away from it, the creature obviously unafraid of me as it flew right up to my face. It chirped once again, and like it had done with Harold, wrapped itself round my shoulders and nuzzled my neck. It tickled and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Hi there." I chuckled, reaching up and stroking it's head like Harold had.

It chirped happily and pushed it's head into my paw as I touched it. It was such a friendly little thing, I wonder what in world it was. I had never seen or heard of anything like it. Harold stood in the doorway smiling, I smiled at him and he waved. I returned the gesture and he gave a big yawn before leaving the way he had come. I must have disturbed him when I had yelled, I felt kinda guilty about that. The small creature standing on my shoulders chirped happily again and nuzzled me some more.

I yawned, I was tired and I had training with Xavier in the morning. I began heading for the door and the creature followed me. Truthfully I didn't mind, he was kind of sweet, his presence also helped to take my mind off everything else.

After undressing I crawled into bed and the creature curled up on the pillow next to me. I petted him for a little while, enjoying the sounds it made. I really hoped this creature was going to stick around, what ever it was.

************

I was woken by a constant scratching sound. I groggily wondered what could be making that noise when I heard a familiar chirp. The noise was enough to rouse me to full consciousness. I looked round the dark room, my eyes slowly adjusting to the lack of light and saw movement in the corner of the room by the chest that belonged to my ancestor; Xerxes Anaris.

The little dragon creature was standing on top of it gently pawing the lid, as if it wanted inside. I got up and went over to it. The creature chirped at me and I stroked it's head, enticing what I could only describe as a purr from it.

"What is it little guy?" I asked. As if it understood me it looked down at the lid of the chest and then back up at me.

I guess it really did want in the chest. Kaldor told me that out of family tradition the chest belonged to me, but I felt uncomfortable about that. I hadn't even opened the chest. He had gotten me a chest of my own but had left this one here. Maybe he thought I would one day open it and take, what essentially was my inheritance.

The creature once again chirped at me, looking up at me with its beautiful amber coloured eyes, I relented. I opened the chest, the creature floated from the chest to my shoulder, and I peered inside. The chest was filled with various items. I lifted a pile of paper that was bound together. The paper was aged and seemed fragile, I had no idea if it was important or not since I couldn't read. I gently placed it aside and lifted a small glass vile with a cork in it, it had a blue liquid inside it that glowed like anglaor* in the darkness of the room. Again I had no idea what it was but I placed it down next to the paper.

The creature chirped and then dived into the chest and gently pawed at a roll of cloth. I lifted the cloth the creature floated up so it was looking over my shoulder. I carefully unrolled the cloth, it was a tapestry similar to some of the ones that hung on the walls of the house. I stared at the picture trying to make it out in the poor light of the room. It was of a dragon, obviously Zangarian, and next to him was a small winged creature with amber eyes... it was this creature here with me.

I looked at the creature suspended in the air next to me and back at the picture several times, there was no mistake. But if this chest belonged to my ancestor, then how old did that make this little creature next to me? No that would be impossible! I placed the tapestry over my bed, promising myself to look later when I had some more light. I returned to the chest and lifted out the next item, it was a large hammer; a smithing hammer. It was heavy, really heavy, and sturdily built.

I put the hammer aside and lifted the next item, it was a cloak. It was a luxurious red cloak with fur that was soft to the touch, and an intricate design in gold. It smelt a little fusty, but seemed to be in excellent condition otherwise. The chest was still half full and my curiosity was getting the better of me. It was fascinating touching history like this, touching parts of my lineage I would never get to know otherwise.

The next thing that caught my eye was a gold wrist guard. I remembered Kaldor telling me how members of the Anaris house would forge their own as a right of passage; as a family of smithies. So Xerxes had made this with his own paws. It was beautiful, I could feel the detail put into it with my paws even if I couldn't see it in the darkness of the room.

I went through the rest of the chest, mostly it was clothing with a few trinkets here and there. But there were a few items which peaked my interest, one of which was the dagger. I could feel the quality of the blade, it had a nice weight to it and was incredibly detailed. I wonder if one day I would be able to make such a piece as this? I thought about keeping it for myself, but no, I wasn't comfortable doing that. I carefully put everything back as I found it, except the knife, paper the tapestry.

The little dragon creature chirped happily at me and settled down on my bed again. Apparently with it's curiosity quenched. But as I stared at it I had to wonder, could that creature be the same one from the tapestry? I would definitely have to ask Kaldor. It was apparent his family has been aware of these creatures for a long time now, so he would have the answers to my questions.

I slipped on a pair of underwear, the feeling of them still felt quite erotic. I put on a new loincloth that I had gotten from Garibaldi's shop yesterday. It was a simple black loincloth. I also grabbed the fur outfit just in case Xavier wanted to take me gliding again, I didn't want to wear that set he had provided last time. It was heavy, itchy and smelt really bad.

As I opened the door to leave the creature chirped and quickly flew onto my shoulders. I made my way towards the kitchen, hoping that Harold had something tasty for breakfast. When I entered the kitchen I found I was the last one to arrive. Kaldor, Harold and Jovani were already here eating.

"Morning." I said catching their attention.

"Good morning Young Master."

"Morning." Kaldor chuckled. "I see you've met Spryte."

"Spryte?" I asked, looking at the little dragon on my shoulder. It chirped happily and nuzzled my neck.

"I think he likes you. I was wondering where he had gotten to." Kaldor commented before eating one of Harold's rolls in a single bite.

"What is he?" I asked.

"Spryte? Well he's a spryte*." He laughed and I pulled a face of confusion. "Not really an original name I grant you, but he seems to like it." Spryte chirped as if to agree with Kaldor.

"Okay... so what's a spryte? I've never heard of them before."

"Oh they are quite rare these days. Magical creatures, no one really knows where they come from, but very friendly and intelligent. They are highly sought after as pets by the rich and powerful, but they aren't pets. Or at least you can't keep one unless they want to stay."

"What do you mean?"

"As I said they are magical creatures, you can't really make them do anything they don't want to do." Kaldor explained. "Spryte here goes for little journeys from time to time, but he always comes back. Some times he can be gone for months at a time. I hadn't realised he was back until I saw him with you."

"I found him in the family room last night, he gave me a bit of a scare. He was hiding, made himself look like the wall."

"You spotted him?" Kaldor asked, his tone laced with curiosity.

It was then that I remembered that I only found him because I had used my nen, more specifically my wind affinity. I didn't want Kaldor to know that I wasn't a fire bender, not yet. But could I get out of this without revealing my secret?

"Oh... uh... kinda." I said lamely.

"I guess he's losing his touch then. Spryte used to be invisible to the naked eye when he was hiding. Me and my sister would spend hours trying to find the little blighter." Spryte chirped happily, almost proud of his skill.

"You have a sister?" I asked, both interested in this nugget of information and happy to try and change the subject.

"I didn't tell you about her?" I shook my head. "She along with many other Zangarians never returned when the wolves sacked Zangar. Last I heard she had moved south past the Dark Forest* and set up a settlement there with others, away from the wolves."

"What's her name?"

"Oh, Maiyuri, but we just called her Mai."

"So what's she like?" I asked taking a seat across from him, Harold handed me a bowl of porridge.

"She's fire cracker, easily a master level fire bender, of course she was never given a rank since females weren't allowed to be warriors."

"Really? What about Kassandra?" Kassandra was the most warrior like female I had ever encountered, and from what I'd heard she often sparred with both the warriors and those in training.

"As I said, 'weren't'. After most of the population left this place after the last war we didn't have the bodies to allow us to defend ourselves properly if we were attacked again. I changed that rule and females were allowed to train and become warriors, something my sister had always wanted." He explained. "Many females learned to fight, to defend themselves and their families, but none choose to become warriors. But knowing they could help to defend themselves and our home should we ever need their help, it is a little reassuring to say the least."

"That's nice." I said, not sure what else to say, but it was definitely a nice sentiment at least. "So uh, I had a few questions about Spryte."

"Sure."

"I was going through that chest in my room, I found a tapestry with a picture that looks like Spryte."

"Ah, so you finally looked in there did you?" Kaldor smiled. "Well I think I can guess your question. Yes, that is the same Spryte sitting on your shoulder."

"But that picture..."

"Yes, was of Xerxes."

"But how is that even possible?"

"Like I said, sprytes* are magical creatures. They are not like us, but Spyrte there has been with our family for over five hundred years I've been told."

I looked at Spyrte and he chirped happily, as if telling me it was all true. It was hard to imagine that this little creature was as old as that, and it was definitely intelligent, I wonder of the amazing stories it could tell of it he could talk.

"So are you going to come and watch the tournaments?" Kaldor asked.

"Oh... maybe after my lessons with Xavier."

"Oh that's right, I forgot to tell you. I needed all master benders full attention for various tasks during the tournament, so your lessons are cancelled for the next two days."

"Oh..." I was a little disappointed, I was hoping to learn to bend fire safely sooner rather than later, I felt like I was beginning to make progress.

"Sorry, I needed them to pick up the slack with all the warriors who wanted to participate. But maybe you can still learn a thing or two from watching the fights. Speaking of which, we had better get going soon. There is a lot to get organised before they begin and not a lot of time."

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I followed Kaldor and Jovani to the arena, but this was not the arena where I had trained with Laguna and the others, it was much larger and a bit off the beat and track. Jovani explained that there were four arenas, one for each of the houses of Zangar and then the main one, where all the tournaments were held. The fighting area alone was at least three times larger than the other one.

The place was a hive of activity and already there were spectators arriving hoping to get good seats. The stands formed a semi circle at one end of the arena, the fighting area was large and the room was lit by a large formation of anglaor* in the ceiling. The area was cast in the pale blue light cast by the anglaor, allowing the spectators a perfect view of the battle field. There were several large formations of rocks, numerous braziers burning proudly spotted around the field as well as a large stream of water flowing across it. It was a perfect battle ground for benders, but today it was not benders who would be fighting, not till tomorrow at least.

I followed Kaldor up to a raised balcony above the main seating area, Callidus was already there, reading a scroll of some sort. He didn't seem to notice us, either that or he didn't care. He only looked up from the scroll when my father sat down on one of the chairs next to him.

"So how is this years line up looking?" Kaldor asked.

"Interesting, we have sixty participants for today and over one hundred for tomorrow."

"Used to be that everyone would participate in the warrior tournament, I guess a lot of them are saving themselves for the bending tournament. I worry that some of them rely on their bending too much."

"I don't think so, there is status to being known as the winner of the bender tournament, more so than the warrior tournament." Callidus countered, turning his attention back to the scroll.

"I suppose."

"So when does the tournament start?" I asked.

"Soon, Kassius and Malnark are organising the entrants in the two chambers." Kaldor said pointing out into the arena. On either side there was a set of large double doors built into the wall. "The tournament is a big deal, and to give everyone a fair chance no one knows who they will be fighting until they step into the arena."

"But they know who they won't be fighting."

"True, but there are numerous rounds, so even if you start off in the same chamber as someone, you may end up facing them in the next rounds." Callidus added. "Some approach the tournaments with brains as well as brawn. While we don't tolerate cheating, mind games and tactics are all part of the course."

"Sounds complicated."

"Well... that is how some approach the tournament." Callidus smirked before glancing at me father. "Others just go with their brawn."

"Hey! Just cause I don't fret over the little stuff doesn't make me any less the warrior!" Kaldor said defensively.

Callidus made an amused noise but didn't say any more, returning his attention to the scroll in his paw. I got the impression this was not the first time these two had had this conversation. But then that was hardly surprising, they probably grew up together, the two sons of the houses of Zangar. I wondered if they were rivals back when they were training, like how Roxis and Tristen were, always nipping at each other and trying to one up the other?

I smiled just thinking about it. I took a seat next to Kaldor, the view was impressive, and I could see the majority of the crowd below. In such a short time the place was already half full, most of the village must have come to see it, but again this place would be able to fit the whole village twice over with room to spare, it was built back during a time when the population was much larger.

It wasn't long before the fights were to begin, I could feel the excitement from the crowd below, looking over the edge of the balcony to see if I could spot anyone I knew. Part of me wanted to be down there, not up here, but at the same time it was nice spending time with Kaldor. After a while I realised that one day it would be me in Kaldor's position. As Kaldor's son I was the heir to the house of Anaris. That thought scared me, for so many others being reliant on the decisions I made. Thankfully I was dragged from my worries when Kaldor began his speech.

"Friends!" Kaldor exclaimed, his arms spread wide as if he was going to embrace the crowd below. Everyone went silent and cast their attention to him. "It is once again time to begin the tournament!" The crowd rallied a collective cheer. "These brave warriors will fight to prove themselves the strongest fighter. There can be only one winner, but make no mistake, each and everyone of them have pledged their lives to protecting us and our way of life! So win or lose they are all heroes and deserve our recognition."

The crowd cheered once again, I watched as they listened to Kaldor, hooked on his every word. They loved him, Kaldor Anaris, Head of the Anaris house, leader of Zangar. But their love was not simply because of his position. No, he had earned their love and respect. I wondered if one day I could earn their respect and admiration like he had?

"It is time for the tournament to begin! Let the first fight commence!"

************

The tournament progressed quickly, many of the fights lasting only a couple of minutes, but each fight was a display of each warriors prowess. While watching I studied them, looking to see how I would fight them. While there were some seriously skilled fighters, some I had doubts I could even come close to beating, none of them were Aceh. None of them were as fast, as precise or as ferocious as I had seen Aceh fight.

Within a few hours we had arrived at the final few fights. The crowd below were still as lively, a buzz with talk over who would win. All of them were seasoned fighters, two of them having won the tournament before. But out of them my money was on Tau'ruc and Mantou, the two former winners. They had won their fights with decisive victories, and now if they won their next fights they would be fighting each other. And what a fight that would be.

"Tau'ruc is looking stronger than ever." Callidus commented as Tau'ruc was stepping out to fight once again.

"Yes, but I wouldn't count out his opponent just yet. I've been watching him, he shows a lot of promise, a real scrapper." Kaldor countered.

"Please, I will give Barnus his due, but he won't beat Tau'ruc."

"Just because he is your cousin." Kaldor smirked.

"No, because it is true. Tau'ruc is the clear favourite to win this year."

"I don't know about that." I piped up, partly I because I wanted in on the conversation rather than just be a sepctator. "I think Mantou can take him."

"Oh really?" Callidus smirked.

I was a little taken aback by the gesture. It was the first time I could remember that he hadn't looked at me with indifference; like I was not something that he had found stuck to the bottom of his foot-paw.

"Then maybe you'd like to make a wager?"

"Sure." I said.

"Ten gold coins says Tau'ruc will win the tournament." Callidus declared, holding out his paw.

I hesitated for a moment. I didn't have that kind of cash! I'm sure Kaldor would quite happily give me that money, but I didn't want him to either. But I had to make a decision. If I backed out know I would look like a coward, and I didn't want to lose face. I glanced at my father who was watching the whole situation play out with an amused look plastered on his face.

"Ten gold says Mantou will win!" I declared taking hold of Callidus's paw; sealing the bet.

Now I could only hope that Tau'ruc didn't win. It didn't matter if Mantou won or lost, so long as Tau'ruc didn't win I wouldn't be hopelessly in debt to Callidus. As we turned our attention back to the arena the fight began.

The two dragons paced in a circle around each other, sizing each other up, both of them were being patient; neither one willing to rush in.

Barnus was the first to strike, in his usual dramatic style, he leapt up and attempted to drive his knee into his opponents muzzle, Tau'ruc weaved out of the way and imediately threw a punch catching Barnus in the side of the muzzle. There was a collective cheer from the crowd as the fight began; almost deafening. Barnus staggered from the blow and had no time to recover as his opponent stuck him again across the muzzle and then in the stomach. Tau'ruc then grappled Barnus, locking him in a headlock from behind.

Barnus wasn't going to go down so easily however. He fought back, twisting his body to create a little space between them so he could elbow his opponent in the side, over and over again until he was forced to release his hold on him.

Barnus gasped for air as Tau'ruc nursed his ribs, this only last a couple of moments before they were both back on the attack. Tau'ruc charged at Barnus, only Barnus was ready for him, leaping off the ground and drop kicked Tau'ruc square in the chest knocking him off his foot-paws.

Tau'ruc was dazed for a moment before he collected his wits enough to get back up, but Barnus was already upon him. Barnus threw several heavy punches, which sent Tau'ruc reeling, before driving his knee into his gut before he leapt up, wrapping his legs around Tau'ruc's neck and seized his arm with both paws. They tumbled to the ground, Tau'ruc trapped in a tight hold.

I stood up in my excitement, matched by that of the crowd below, it looked like I wasn't going to have to worry about losing my bet to Callidus as my fathers favoured contestant was about to win this fight. In just a few short moments Tau'ruc would either give in or be chocked out. I glanced at Callidus and saw a waver in his usual calm demeanour, a note of concern in his eyes.

When I turned my attention back to the fight Barnus still had Tau'ruc held firmly, Tau'ruc stuggling and kicking for all he was worth. I could sense their nen flaring from here, both of them using it make them stronger, faster, they had been using it from the start of the fight but now I could feel the desperation flaring through their nen. No, not their nen, through Tau'ruc's nen. It was so strong now that it nearly suffocated Barnus's. Suddenly I realised just how strong Tau'ruc really was, and it didn't surprise me when I saw him slowly over power Barnus, breaking the hold he had with his legs enough to slip his head free.

He rolled onto his side and began to lay a barrage of blows onto Barnus's head, Barnus relenting and forced to release his hold on Tau'ruc's other arm. Tau'ruc rolled away, clutching at his arm while Barnus just lay on the ground, bloody and beaten. After a few long moments Barnus slowly began to roll on to his knees. However Tau'ruc was already standing, still nursing his left arm, and looked pissed. I heard him yelling but couldn't make out what he was saying. What ever Barnus said in response seemed to not sit well and Tau'ruc responded with a mighty punch to the side of Barnus's head.

Everyone in the arena knew that that was the end to the match, even before Barnus slumped unconscious against the ground. I slumped back into my seat and sulked over Tau'ruc's victory. He was now one step closer to winning this tournament and losing me a fortune to Callidus. Why did I take that bet? After feeling the strength of Tau'ruc's nen I had doubts that he could lose. It was easily twice as strong as any of the other competitors had displayed throughout the tournament. I could only hope that Mantou had been holding back like Tau'ruc had been.

"I told you that Tau'ruc would beat him." Callidus said matter-of-factly to my father.

"He put up a good fight though."

"I'll give him that much." Callidus agreed with a tone of superiority. "I guess we will have to see how your pick does in his next fight then, won't we?" He smirked, casting a glance over his shoulder at me.

Just then any hopes I had for winning seemed to shatter at his confidence, I had a real bad feeling that I was not just about to lose our bet, but my loss was already guaranteed.