Episode 17: Ranking Ceremony Part 4

"I'm going to take you down!" Ven yells as flames engulf his entire body.

The Madrigoat roars and charges at Ven at full speed. Right before the beast makes contact, Ven summons a wall of fire that towers over the beast, but it doesn't stop it. The Madrigoat charges straight through it and lowers its head, attempting to impale Ven with its deadly horns. Ven raises his hands and grabs onto the horns, his arms shaking from the sheer force behind the beast's charge. Using the momentum, he shoots flames from his feet and catapults himself over the Madrigoat. He flips and twists his body before sending a blast of fire toward the beast's neck. The beast roars in pain and shakes its head rapidly. It then swuing its tail toward Ven. Not caught by surprise this time, Ven maneuvers himself in the air to avoid the attack and lands right behind the beast.

He plants his feet, charges another blast, and fires. However, the beast raises its legs in time and avoids Ven's attack. It then kicks backward, aiming for Ven's stomach. He blocks the kick just in the nick of time by crossing his arms, but he is sent flying backward due to the force of the beast's powerful legs.

He skids to a stop. "Okay." Ven huffs and puffs. He lowers his arms and locks eyes with the Madrigoat.

The Madrigoat smacks the ground with its tail and roars. Ven takes a deep breath and takes one step forward. He looks up at the sky.

I don't have a lot of time left.

"This ends NOW!"

Ven lets out a roar of his own and engulfs himself in flames. The Madrigoat stomps its hooves and charges at Ven with its horns lowered. Ven closes his eyes.

Listen... Wait for the right moment, then STRIKE... unexpectedly!

Ven replays the words Nyx has spoken many times during their training sessions.

He opens his eyes just in time to see the Madrigoat coming up on him. Steam escapes from the beast's nostrils.

Ven then crosses his arms, forming an "X."

He uncrosses them and disappears, leaving behind nothing but a wall of smoke. The Madrigoat comes to a screeching halt.

Blast!

The beast is struck on the top of its head by a fireball. It looks upward and sees nothing but a sword of fire waiting above it.

"You're mine," Ven says.

Ven brings the sword down onto the beast, cutting off its head with one clean swoop.

Ven's Room

"I've got to say, Ven, I'm impressed. The ALPHA!" Nyx pats Ven on the shoulder and gives him a cheeky smile. "I was sure you were going to die during this round!"

Ven rolls his eyes. "Well, thanks for the support!"

"I kid! I kid!"

Ven, Nyx, and Kia sit together in Ven's room, enjoying dinner. Fish, rice, and vegetables covered in a savory sauce fill their plates. Nyx and Kia each enjoy a glass of red wine as they relax after the day's events.

"The last round is going to be tough," Kia says, taking a bite of her food. "This is where you really have to show the results of your training. Are you ready?"

Ven nods.

"Be careful of Lox, Ven," Nyx warns. "Merrick is nowhere near his level."

"Nyx is right," Kia adds. "Lox is on a completely different level. I mean...Merrick was formidable himself, though, and..." She touches her jaw. "You did a number on him. Broken jaw. I'm all for violence, but that was a bit much, don't you think?"

Ven looks away.

"Your temper, Ven. You can't let it get the best of you," Nyx says.

Ven sighs. "I know. I don't know what came over me, but I won't lie to you...It felt good."

The room falls silent.

Nyx and Kia exchange a glance. "That is what worries us," Kia says.

Ven looks between them.

"I know, but I don't think I'm truly capable of actually taking someone's life. I can't fathom going that far."

Nyx takes a sip of his drink. "You might be put into a position where you don't have much of a choice."

"I know, but I don't think I could actually take someone's life. I can't imagine crossing that line."

"It's not always a good feeling," Nyx says. "But some people deserve it."

Ven looks at him. "Do you like doing it?"

Nyx bites his bottom lip and thinks for a moment. "Sometimes."

He gestures toward Kia. "I'm not a psycho killer like the crazy one over there." Kia immediately raises her middle finger at him. Nyx smirks. "But I'll do what I need to do if it's for the greater good. The more you do it, the easier it gets. You'll experience that one day."

"I must ask..." Kia changes the subject. "How do you even feel about all of this?" She looks at him with concern. "You've never been put in a situation like this before."

Ven looks down at his food. He twists his mouth, unsure how to answer. "I don't know."

"Are you tired at all?" Nyx asks, taking another sip of his drink.

"No," Ven looks between the two of them. "I don't even think these challenges are all that tough, if I'm being honest."

Nyx cuts his eyes toward Kia.

"What do you mean?" Kia asks carefully, pouring more wine into her glass.

Ven looks at both of them. "I don't feel like I've really been challenged. I don't feel like I've even used any of my power. It feels like a normal training session. But..." He looks down at his hands. "I do feel something... bubbling within me. Just waiting to be truly unleashed, I guess." He tugs at his ears. "It's a bit hard for me to explain."

"Fascinating," Kia says. "Tenari." She exchanges a glance with Nyx, and he nods.

Ven's ears twitch slightly. He notices their concern and smiles.

"I know you two are worried about me, but trust me. Everything is under control." He takes another bite of his food. "I promise. No matter what happens tomorrow, I won't lose control." He pauses and looks around the room. "Where's Enishi, by the way?"

"Meditating," Nyx answers. "He's nervous for you."

"He's like a worried grandparent, I swear." Kia rolls her eyes.

"A lot is riding on your performance tomorrow, Ven," Nyx says, taking another drink. "Ezreal has put a lot of pressure on him. It would be the perfect 'in your face' momentwhen you come out on top of this thing."

Ven smiles. "I know. I won't let him down." He looks at Nyx and Kia.

"Any of you. I promise."

Enishi

"Nish."

Enishi turns and sees Kia walking toward him.

He sits beside the river, staring at the reflection of the moon dancing across the water. The sounds of the forest surround him—the gentle movement of the river and the quiet breeze passing through the trees.

"You okay?"

Enishi nods but doesn't answer.

Kia sits beside him and rests her head against his shoulder. "You're worried about tomorrow."

Enishi lets out a quiet breath. "I know what's coming. And I just don't want to lose anyone." His voice lowers. "Not again."

Kia lifts her head and gently takes his face into her hands. "Hey," She looks directly into his eyes. "It's going to be okay. We've been preparing for this."

Enishi closes his eyes and sighs. "I know....Nyx is excited." A quiet chuckle escapes him.

"I know," Kia looks toward the trees, a grin forming. "And honestly... I can't wait to watch Ezreal squirm."

Enishi laughs softly.

For a moment, everything feels lighter. But then his smile fades. "Let's just hope Ven doesn't lose control."

Kia's expression becomes more serious as she looks toward the sky. "There's something dangerous inside him." A quiet pause passes between them. "But we'll be there."

The two sit quietly beside the river. The forest remains still, and the moon hangs high above the trees, casting silver light across the water.

For a moment, there are no battles. No enemies. No expectations.

Just them.

Kia glances at Enishi. "You know..."

Enishi looks over. "What?"

"You always do this." 

A small smile appears on his face. "Do what?"

"Carry everything by yourself."

Enishi looks back toward the river. "I have to."

"No, "Her voice is gentle but certain. "You've convinced yourself you have to." She reaches for his hand and intertwines her fingers with his. "You spend so much time worrying about everyone else."

"It's my job."

Kia shakes her head. "No," She smiles softly. "That's who you are."

A quiet silence passes between them. Then she rests her forehead against his.

"You know... the moon is really pretty tonight," A small smile appears on her face. "And the night is still young."

Enishi lets out a quiet laugh. "You're something else."

Kia raises an eyebrow. "Unique?"

"Impossible."

They both laugh.

For once, Enishi allows himself to relax. The fear, the guilt, and the memories that had been weighing on him all begin to fade into the background.

"You make it hard to stay serious," Enishi whispers.

Kia watches him for a moment. "You know what I think?"

Enishi glances at her. "What?"

"I think you've spent so much time preparing for the next disaster that you've forgotten what to do when things are actually peaceful."

Enishi raises an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes." She shifts slightly closer, her shoulder brushing against his. "For someone who is always telling everyone else to relax, you're terrible at taking your own advice."

A quiet laugh escapes him. "You make it sound easy."

"It is."

"How?"

Kia looks up at him. "Because you're not alone." The words linger between them. She squeezes his hand. "You carry everyone else's burdens like they're yours. Sometimes you forget that someone wants to help carry yours."

Enishi looks down at their hands."Kia..."

"What?"

A small smile appears on his face. "You always know exactly what to say."

"Of course I do." She grins. "Someone has to keep you from turning into a brooding statue."

Enishi laughs quietly. "There she is."

"Who?"

"The woman who somehow manages to annoy me and make me feel better at the same time."

Kia pretends to look offended. "Annoy you?"

"Constantly."

She leans slightly closer, her smile playful. "And yet, here you are."

"Here I am."

"Interesting."

Enishi looks at her. "What?"

Kia looks back toward the moonlit river. "Nothing. Just thinking that the worrying can wait." Her eyes dart toward his chest.

Enishi watches her, the corners of his mouth perking in up in warning. "Kia..."

She turns back toward him. "For once, Nish..." Her voice softens. "Don't think about tomorrow. Just be here."

The two remain beside the river, their hands intertwined as the moonlight reflects across the water.

For a moment, there are no enemies, no responsibilities, and no fears.

Only peace.

A rare moment they both know they may not get again.

Tomorrow would bring a new challenge.

A new beginning.

And perhaps the end of everything.

But tonight belonged to them.

The Next Morning

The remaining ten competitors stand before Nyx, Kia, Enishi, Ezreal, and the rest of the Masters outside the doors of the training grounds.

They are all dressed in their battlesuits, each one eager and determined to take part in the final challenge. Nyx, Kia, and Enishi stand among them, also wearing their battle gear, while Ezreal and the other Masters stand apart in their elegant white robes.

The atmosphere is tense.

Everyone knows what is at stake.

"Congratulations to all of you who have made it this far," Ezreal says, addressing the competitors. "This is your final challenge. The last three standing will become the future faces of The Tower of The Republic." He pauses, his gaze sweeping across the group. "I hope you all do not disappoint."

"Yes, sir!"

The remaining competitors shout in unison.

Ezreal's eyes briefly move toward Lox. "Do not hold back." A sly smile forms on Lox's face. "Good luck."

Ezreal turns away from the competitors and signals toward the guards standing before the entrance.

The guards immediately move into position.

The massive gates slowly begin to open.

Beyond them lies a newly forged arena, surrounded by thousands of spectators. The other competitors who had already been eliminated sit among the crowd, watching as the final stage begins.

The moment the gates fully open, the audience erupts into a thunderous roar that shakes the entire area.

Ven stands toward the back of the group, taking a deep breath.

He looks ahead at the arena waiting for him. "Here we go," he whispers to himself.

Then he steps forward and walks through the gates.