A World Of Decree: And The Seven Laws

After the cheers and applause died down, the announcer pointed out the exits as usual, making a few more obligatory announcements no one really cared about. Rina and Atlas walked out through the lower gates together, and one of the guards gave Rina a warning for rushing onto the stage. She apologized, but the guard said he didn't need one.

As expected, Calvin, Mooks, and the rest were already down at the bottom floor waiting for them. Rina and Atlas's moment in the arena seemed to have been longer than they originally thought.

Calvin was the first Atlas locked eyes with, bringing his already joyful smile even wider. "Calvin!" Atlas forged his tone with excitement.

Calvin walked over smoothly, gripping Atlas's forearm with his own, and squeezing like a true man. "I saw everything." Calvin said in a hard voice, giving Rina a secret smirk. "Atlas, you performed wonderfully. From the first day I met you, and seeing you on this stage now," Calvin let go after the shake. "It amazes me how far you've come."

"I couldn't have done it without your help," Atlas confirmed, "And everyone there to support me," He gave Rina a shy smile, and she happily gave one back.

"MOVE IT! Comin through!" A voice was heard barging through the crowds leaving the Throne. It was a manly, yet somewhat of an annoying voice. Of course, it was Cartuja.

Calvin stepped a foot to the side, and let Cartuja do his thing before anyone got killed.

Cartuja stepped forward, gave a thorough investigation of Atlas's look, glanced at Rina for a moment, and proceeded with a sideways high five to Atlas while edging the tip of his fingers to form more of a 'dap.' "That's me boi, good shit my guy." Cartuja chuckled playfully.

Rina flicked him on the forehead with her finger, which seemed to shut him up and make Atlas laugh in the process. By the time they were done joking around, everyone else came over as well. They gave their support and amazement on Atlas's performance, but their curiosity centered itself around him and Rina.

Laena walked over to Atlas, giving him a deep hug he wasn't expecting. She whispered into his clothes so only he could hear her, "Thank you."

Atlas wasn't sure what she meant, but he gave her a friendly chuckle she was pleased with.

Paris and Faibel stayed silent. Faibel was just being himself, but Paris couldn't help but see how m.a.t.u.r.e Rina has gotten. It bugged her, making her d.e.s.i.r.e to succeed even greater, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. However, it could hinder her performance and maturity all the same. She just needed her moment. A moment she realizes that no matter how hard she pushed herself, others will push her even further.

A few more jokes and laughs were shared, and Calvin led everyone to the wagon. This week was for everyone to relax, and take the week to explore and enjoy the capital. Mooks walked away with Flint, having private discussions only they needed to hear. Alastor congratulated his own Guild on their performance the best he could, but when he asked if they wanted to leave, they denied. Apparently, Gilford and Hendrix now had a team to root for besides themselves, and they were planning on staying till the end to see it.

…

That same night, everyone traveled to the Tavern to celebrate, laugh, and hopefully talk about whatever their heart d.e.s.i.r.ed. It was a time to rejoice, share stories, and possibly meet some new rivals. For some, rivalries were already set in stone, but outside the gates of the Throne, those same rivalries were nothing more than friendsh.i.p.s.

The tavern was not the only one in the capital that served drinks and easily prepared snacks to munch on. However, it seemed like nearly the entire city was cramped into this small hut of tables and stools. Nearly all the competing Guilds were there, along with some that lost in the first stage. Townsfolk, patrons, and even one of the Bureau's men found a seat alongside the crescent table next to the barkeep.

Screams and drunken songs were being thrown around, endless chatter and laughs spilled across the tables, and a shallow melody was being played to keep the place even more lively than it already was.

Luckily, Mooks managed to reserve a table for Endless Sun ahead of time. However, he stayed behind in the inn along with Faibel and Laena. None of them liked loud noises, and there was already plenty happening in the streets. Leo stayed behind as well, but he ventured off with Katie and Caspien to where they were staying, mainly for company, but perhaps more if the scene was right.

In the tavern, Cartuja borrowed an old lute from one of the lousy drunks already playing, joining them while sharing a couple of on-the-house drinks. Teak made his way to Cartuja with his hands shoved inside his pockets. He had a smug look on his face, but so did Cartuja when he saw him.

Cartuja stopped his fingers from sliding across the loose strings on the lute, and stepped aside.

The two of them stared at each other for a few moments, both observing the other with great detail and concentration. Teak reached his right hand out of his pocket, and stretched it towards Cartuja, "It was a good fight… The best I've ever had."

Cartuja hesitated for a moment, but grabbed his hand anyway. "I ain't losin' again." He said with a hard voice, squeezing Teak's hand even harder.

Teak did the same, grinning. "Guess that makes two of us ain't it?" They laughed, ready to enjoy the night as if it were their last.

On the other side of the bar, Calvin sat down with Paris, Atlas and Rina. It seemed odd for only four of them to be there, but it felt right in a way. Calvin ordered a round of drinks, and relaxed in the soft confinement of his seat.

"Tonight!" Calvin started joyfully, "Let's forget about the tournament. Let's forget about the Throne. Tonight, let's celebrate, make friends, and enjoy this beautiful night to our fullest."

"Who exactly are we supposed to make friends with," Paris crossed her hands and huffed at him. "Our enemy?"

"In here, we have no enemies." Calvin gave her a hopeful glance, turning around to what he hoped was the waitress, but it was much more than that.

A girl around the same age as Paris stood over their booth with a soft smile. She had short hair for a girl, just barely reaching past her years. However, it was white, like the layers of snow on a mountaintop. It wouldn't have been much of a distraction if it wasn't for the clothes she was wearing, which were also blurred in white. Bandages covered her entire body from head to toe, having only her hands and face exposed under the tavern lights of golden orange. She wore a long, sleeveless kimono, accompanied by a reddish tint in her eyes. Her voice was soft like a cloud, but deadly as the blade she had holstered along her side.

"Apologies for interrupting," She said quietly, "But I was amazed at your Guild's performance in the first stage." She gave Atlas a seducing look. "That blonde boy gave my dear Draxx a tough time as well, and not many can say that about him." She giggled, suddenly coming to a realization. "Goodness me," She waved her hand across her short hair, "Where are my manners… My name is Celestia Blink, daughter of the great Jaxon Blink, and the current captain of the Golden Eagle." She bowed respectfully.

Calvin instantly scorched up from the table, unsure of how to make his presence seem even close to as cool as hers. His response came out as a simple handshake, "Calvin Pride, co-advisor of Endless Sun, and…" He thought for a second, "Very helpful comrade!" He made sure to keep his identity hidden, but Celestia could see right through him.

"Co-advisor?" Celestia questioned, "Is that lovely Bengal tiger the other?"

Calvin nodded.

"He has a very interesting mark on his c.h.e.s.t," Celestia gave Calvin the same look she gave Paris, "Quiet intriguing isn't it, Calvin Pride, the helpful comrade…"

Calvin gulped, laughing it off awkwardly and getting back to the introductions. "This is Atlas Bright," Calvin motioned, and Atlas gave a friendly wave. "Rina Ambrose, and Paris Kinley."

Celestia looked over at Rina, smiling delightfully, "I witnessed your daring moment running on the stage yesterday. It was beautiful.."

Rina laughed privately, slightly cautious. "Thank you?"

Celestia then shifted her gaze onto Paris, looking deep into her soul. "I haven't seen you in the Throne yet, but I'm happy to meet you, Paris."

Paris felt a chill run down her spine when she said that. Something was off about Celestia, and Paris could tell from just one look into her eyes. "Haven't seen you either." Paris barked at her.

Celestia giggled, "How foolish of me to be so hypocritical." She leaned in, edging her head towards Paris's ear as the world turned black and white for them, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear. "I'm going to kill you, Paris Kinley." She backed away, giggling and giving Calvin an apologetic look he couldn't question, returning into the world along with everyone else.

Paris felt her c.h.e.s.t pounding dreadfully, unable to grasp herself under control. As Celestia left, Paris's heart cooled down, but everyone was looking at her in a confused way.

"Are you, okay?" Rina asked, slightly worried. "Did that girl say something to you?"

"No!" Paris gasped for a large breath of air, "It was nothing." She slouched herself into her seat, gawking back towards Celestia walking away.

The waitress finally came with the drinks, but only Calvin reached for the taste of fresh alcohol. "C'mon!" Calvin cheered, "Grab a pint and drink!"

Paris was the first to agree, grabbing a pint and chugging it down instantly without a second thought to stop her. She needed to relax, and tonight was the best chance she'd get, so nothing stopped her.

Everyone gave her a non-judgemental look, and they all laughed together like a group of long lost friends at a reunion.

Calvin took careful sips of his drink, making sure no foam remained on his partial mustache. He exhaled a relaxing breath of alcohol and gas, and gestured for everyone to follow. "C'mon, we ain't gonna be sitting around all night!"

"Didn't Mooks reserve this table for us?" Atlas chuckled.

"Ahh," Calvin shooed him off, "He won't mind!"

With a few awkward laughs, everyone stood up and followed Calvin to a different table. The music was louder basically anywhere else, but it just made the scene more enjoyable and friendly. Atlas and Rina ended up getting a couple of small sips of freshly brewed beer, but it wasn't enough for them to even feel a thing. It was more for the taste and the social aspect rather than for the high after a storm.

Calvin came over to Teak's table, giving him a dab on the shoulder to grab his attention.

"AYYY!" Teak punched him back, nearly spilling Calvin's drink. "Where ya been ye old man?" He laughed dramatically.

"Old man?" A strong, female voice came from behind him. "This one hell of an old man if I've ever seen one?" The woman observed Calvin like an open book.

Teak gave Calvin a wink, "This be Alexia," Teak leaned in closer, whispering, "She's one hell of a night. But I wouldn't go more than that."

Calvin raised both his eyebrows with inspection, "Is that so?" He gave Alexia a gentleman's grin, able to get all the details he needed from a single glance.

Alexia seemed like the type to get angry at a fly for getting in her way. She wore a pair of very large silver earrings tucked underneath a flow of black and red hair. She wore a loose skirt, underneath a dazzling red cloak covering her back and shining down to her elbows. She was a strong member of the Elemntalist, but also a queen of deception and seduction outside the battlefield.

She gave Atlas a second look as she glanced around the table again, "Boy, what's your name?" She demanded shamelessly.

Atlas scooched around Calvin and gave the entire table a proper presentation. "I'm Atlas. It's a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet all of you!"

Alexia huffed at him, "Thanks," and turned back around to talk with another at the table. Alexia wasn't the type to give praise, but Atlas did save her from the Abyss, so she couldn't just sit by without at least giving a proper thank you.

As Atlas smiled awkwardly, Teak instantly jumped onto his head and gave him a burning knuckle on the top of his head, "There's my little superstar! How ya been?"

Atlas threw him off with a laugh, "Same as always," He quickly fixed his hair back in place, "Just happy to be here…"

"I better face you in the Throne next," Teak gnarled at him, "I need a challenge."

Forthwith, one of the melodies from the music being played broke off, and Cartuja jumped onto Teak out of nowhere. "Whad'ya say big guy?"

Everyone laughed, and the night continued peacefully, and loudly. Paris ended up getting drunk with Calvin. Cartuja and Teak both added to the music, and almost all the Guilds got into a dancing competition without a single winner.

By the time everyone headed back to their inn's, it was already midnight. The moon was fully awakened, glimmering along with the millions of tiny stars in the cloudless sky. The streetlights guided everyone's drunk self back to their bed's, but most of the help came from those who weren't drunk at all.

Atlas guided Calvin to his room, and Rina did the same with Paris. The music died down, and the streets went as quiet as snakes in the grass.

…

As Atlas took off his shirt and got ready for bed in his room, he gave one last look towards the moon above him. There was only one window in his room, but it was big enough to see the entire streetside and the sky above.

The light from the streetlights gave his eyes enough light to adjust to the darkness. The light from the moon made the edges of the furniture stick out smoothly, and gave a feeling of comfort to the room itself. It was soothing, almost too good to be true.

His mind still wondered with crazy possibilities, giving him the realization that it wouldn't be an easy night of sleep. There was just too much on his mind, but luckily, a late knock on his door broke his train of thought instantaneously.

It was a little past midnight, so the knock confused him in an odd way, but as he opened the door, his suspicions came crashing down.

Standing in a pair of loose slippers and a hanging blanket over her shoulders stood Rina. The moon gave detail to every ripple of her eyes, and her lips practically shined in the low light of the streetlights.

"Rina-"

She placed her finger on his lips, silencing him, and moving in closer. She gently locked the door behind him, not allowing Atlas to speak another word.

She dropped the blanket on her shoulders, but her lips were already on his by the time Atlas realized. She pushed him onto the bed, and placed herself onto him like a flower guided by the wind. He could feel every part of her b.a.r.e skin touching against his, and her natural curves found their place on him like a sculpture. Their breaths collided like the sun and the rain, and not a single word needed to be spoken.

This time, there was no need for distractions. No need for concerns. No need for interruptions.

Tonight was their moment, a moment and night they'd never forget.