CONFRONTATION

( Poison King has been activated.

Nullifying Sunderer.

Nullification successful.)

Kojo opened his eyes and sat up, startling a healer who had knelt beside him and was attempting to purge the poison from his body.

" Oh it's a miracle . Atari Kojo has somehow been able to purge Keo's poison from his bidy." Zang said

A small headache was all that remained of the poison that was ravaging his body. He turned and saw a body under a white sheet. He got to his feet and walked over and.

" It seems he's now going to claim something from Leo's corpse. " Zang said floating closer to get a better view.

Kojo raised the earth under the body creating an alter then set the body on it in fire.

He then Raised his right fist and left palm in front of him touching them together then bowed. The fire flared sending sparks flying upward. The crowd was silent in awe of what was happening. Kojo straightened and walked away solemnly.

" My,my. This is a side of Kojo I never thought I'd see. Who knew he could be so sentimental. Well I can't blame him. Keo was a good pawn. If only I'd told her that I was the one who killed her village and delivered her to the Cobra King Sect,then maybe she wouldnt have died a worthless death "

Kojo stopped walking.

"Hm?"

He raised his head looking in Cyranius' direction, a murderous look in his eyes.

Cyranius opened his mouth, surprised that. Kojo had spotted him. Kojo vanished from the arena. Cyranius Quickly pulled out an artifact and teleported away from the roof just in time to avoid an attack from above disappearing at the last moment. Kojo stabbed his sword into the stone.

" He got away" Kii mumered pulling out the sword.

( This is getting serious. Nit only does our enemy have expandable pawns but powerful magic as well. Well need to be careful.)

Kojo looked down at the fire that was slowly dying down in the arena

He remembered a happy moment from Keos memories then one where Keo was crying after witnessing the killing of her family and friends.

" That was a close call" Cyranius said falling into a sitting room.

" Oh Cyranius,nice if you to drop by. Would you fancy A cup of tea." A male voice said in a polished accent. Cyranius turned to see a man in petty coat, his face shrouded by darkness. He was pouring himself a cup of tea.

" You look like you've seen a ghost." He said turning to Cyranius. Cyranius shuddered and took a step back.

" W- well Keo was defeated and Kojo saw me."he stammered.

" Hmm?" The man took a sip of tea." The last time I saw Kojo he was unconscious in the Dukes estate. Perhaps I should go pay him visit again." He took another sip and smiled.

" Philip " King Gorges spoke up." That boy-"

" I'm afraid not , Gorges. He's a valuable asset to the province." Philip said.

" Yes but you can't actually force him to stay here."

" Just like you can't force him to leave"

The two of them glanced at each other.

" I'm the king"Gorges

" I'm going to be his father in law." Philip said with a smirk.

" Well it is true that Adriana is an attractive young lady but no man in his right senses would turn down the opportunity to marry the princes of a -" The king felt a strong pressure pressing down on him. He traced it to Sharone ,Koniko,Lin and Adriana who sat at the otherside smiling.

" - dom" He finished and cleared his throat.

" But why are you all of a sudden talking about marrying off the princess to that commoner. Yes he's strong. The strongest warrior Opal has ever brought fourth but let's be real. It's not like he has a chance to beat Sasha." Konnor Listowell said.

" True" The king said." but still...."

" That comm

"Well,well" Sasha said leaning on one of the entrances to the arena. There was a large sword that was broader and taller than she was wrapped in a cloth leaning next to her.

" Kojo she said" Licking her lips.

Kojo limped through a hallway in the arena. His body ached like hell but he sucked it up.

" Kojo" He turned and saw the girls coming toward him.They all hugged him.

" Huh,what's this?" He said blushing.

" I though you were going to die." Adriana said.

" What I'm not going to die. How could I when I have the four most beautiful women rooting for me.

The looked up at him blushing.

( So you've accepted this)

" Huh?"

Kojo said then withdraw from Thier embrace clearing his throat.

" But are you sure you're alright Kojo?" Sharone asked." I mean the poison "

" Nah am good." The girls were still look at him. Confused he looked down at himself . It was after seeing how battered he was that he realized why the girls where so concerned.

" You know what,let's go to the estate and get you cleaned up." Lin said looking at a wound at his side.

" Can't we eat first" Kojo ried to protest. The girls glared at him and he fell silent allowing himself to be lead away by them.

( Oh,how the mighty have fallen)

" Shut up"

" Hm?"

" It's nothing"

" Well if your that hungry then we can have the the cook working for the duke to make you something" Koniko said.

" Yes his cookings quite good. Not as good as yours though" Sharone said with a smile.

" Still I'ma go have a chat with him." Koji said sinisterly.

" What for?" Lin asked.

" He's trying to steal you guys away from me" The girls fell silent before bursting into laughter.

" These no one who can steal us from you" Sharone said snuggling closer.

Sysia giggled in his head. Kojo then realized Thier interpretation of what he said.

" Wait,I meant trying to steal my clients" Kojo thought.

(They don't even pay you.)

"Not with money"

( What do you...Ooooh I see) Sysia said

" What's that supposed to mean?"

( Oh nothing)

Kojo looked at Koniko Thier eyes met and she quickly looked away, blushing though she glanced at him a couple of times.

Kojo sighed.

" Well,guess it can't be helped."

Just then Axle walked Infront of him.

" Atari Kojo. How I've longed to meat you" He said brushing his hair out of his face

" What,no ew" Kojo said as he and the girls stepped away from him as if he had some kind of disease.Axle blinked,but quickly regained his composure.

" I just came to congratulate The Rising Star of Dio'ri on his most recent victory in the tournament.I must say it was an spectacular performance that showed not only your beautiful appearance and physique"

Kojo wrinkled his nose

" but also your well polished technique and control of Arcana." Axle said smiling.

" The next fight is going to be between me and you. I hope you won't hold anything back like you've been doing " his smile became sinister." After all I'm not going to loose especially to something who's beauty pales in comparison to mine". The atmosphere tensed then returned to normal.

" Now if you'll excuse me Kojo " He bowed. "Ladies" he said then walked away. Koniko fumed but Kojo put a hand in her shoulder and shook his head .

" His time will come. Now let's go eat." Kojo said.

" After you've cleaned up." Sharone said.

" Yes ma'am"