Be Prepared

--LACHLAN--

The sun was high in the sky, with a slight chill in the breeze. The tournament grounds were packed in a way that I had never seen before. People from all over the world had come which shouldn't be strange in of itself, but people who weren't even competing had come.

Lady Lycan has played the media well. Too well it seems. There must be over a thousand competitors today with quadruple that in the stands, not to mention the rest of the ground supporters.

This was going to be a chaos in a neat little bow.

________

Azouf was pacing the length of the locker room, his robes flowing behind him and Katana hooked to his side.

The blade emitted a soft glow which was the only indication that it was his soul weapon. Outwardly, he appeared calm. His eyes told a completely different story, but that's the way it is for us isn't it? With anyone really. The eyes always told their owner's secrets as long as one knew how to look.

"This is not going to end well."

I snort. Of course it wasn't going to end well. The information for the first round became known to us five minutes ago and what a joke it was.

Azouf growled to himself and stopped abruptly.

The gong had sounded and the meek little messenger was at the door. He must be new, barely 16.

"You are to be summoned soon Heir Lycan."

Azouf gives the boy a nod and the child looks to me.

"I am to lead you to your family in the stands Heir Ibhere."

I sigh inwardly and glance at Azouf. He gives the faintest nod and I reach out to give his shoulder a squeeze.

"You will be fine."

His eyes sharpen with determination, mouth set in a grim line. I reluctantly let go and turn toward the child. He bows and gestures out the door.

"Another will return to prepare you Heir Lycan."

Azouf looks like he barely refrains from snapping at the boy in his stress induced state.

"My family, boy."

The boy in question whipped his head around to meet my eyes before jumping into action.

"Of course! If you would follow me Heir Ibhere."

I give Azouf one last, hopefully, reassuring smile and follow the child out. The halls are dimly lit with no windows to help. They were built to "increase suspense," whatever. Keeping the public's eye away from the challengers and adding to the "shock value."

We wind down eight corridors, up 3 flights of stairs, and across not one, but TWO bridge like structures. Why would bridges be included anyway?

Finally, we make it to my family's section. The boy opens the door and bows, his hand out to direct me into the room. I glance at my family before quickly ruffling the poor child's hair.

He looks up at me in shock and I give him a wink.

"Thank you," I whisper to him and he takes it for the cue it is and leaves, closing the door softly behind him.

And now. We wait.