Battle Between Friends

Kairo barely slept a wink as Genie kept training him hand-combat techniques and evasive maneuvers within a private training ground of the Mage Library.

Some of the snakevines were used as aids for evasive tactics and physical strength testing. Fortunately, they were weaker compared to those in the main jungles and forests.

"We can't fake the fight, use any magic or any auxiliary aid like pills. It's a dishonor to our god. But the more we know each other's fighting styles the better we'll survive the battle." Genie had reminded Kairo, who felt confident on how to handle the situation.

"Can we communicate like we did at the mage training?"

"And disqualify ourselves? No magic means just that."

Kairo stretched his limbs and neck. "Right. Shouldn't be a problem. I've lived without magic for most of my life."

He yelped when Genie's finger flicked his forehead.

"We're not going for a run around the park. The battle is going to be intense. And I won't settle for anything half-hearted. I'll fight you like I'm fighting to the death!"

Kairo inexpressively reconfirmed his intentions. "And I'll knock you to the ground even if you're begging for mercy. You know what I'm like in a life and death fight."

Genie heartily slapped his back with a wide grin. "That's the confidence I'm asking for! Bring out that competitive streak of yours, and we'll both survive this. Don't forget our end goal."

Kairo lapsed into a sober frown, uncertain if what he and Genie were aiming for was possible. "Hey, um, Genie, do you think we can do justice for this battle?"

Genie pensively studied Kairo's obvious concerned expression. He sighed with understanding.

Or course, what they were about to do was more than a match between friends. It was a powerful statement under the eyes of Kretos: one that could redefine their place in the world.

This would have to weigh heavily on Kairo's shoulders, one that shouldn't be his to bear to begin with given his extraterrestrial origins.

Regardless, Kairo took on his role in this political charade with seriousness and understanding: this endearing quality was one Genie cherished. If all demons had the moral compass and honorable nature as him. Genie bitterly chuckled, seeing Kairo a one of a kind oddball. This fact made his physical heart race with a determination to uphold Kairo's honor, and make sure the man's trust in them wasn't broken.

"I trust you Kairo, do you trust me?"

Kairo didn't hesitate with his answer, which had Genie's eyes swell with heartfelt tears and avert his gaze.

"Are you okay Genie?"

Genie swiftly fixed up his emotions, and coolly nodded with his usual flamboyant attitude, which brightened the mood between them. Ensuring Kairo felt more relaxed as they continued training.

They wrapped up their training when dawn broke through the sky. They returned to the villa to prepare for the battle then made their way to the arena.

It was midday when they arrived. Crowds were already waiting for them. Within the throne booth was Lyon, Yanmu and Valerr being attended to by well-dressed servants.

"Again, I'm here to survive another trial." Kairo impassively noted as he gazed about the full stands.

"Not to the death this time. But defeat is a real possibility." Genie crunched his knuckles and approached the center of the pitch first.

Kairo was unfamiliar with the count visors greeting them at the half way line of a different pitch layout. It was a circular area with white, red and black stone, forming a geometric floral-like array within silver and gold lines.

A court visor had Kairo stand on a central circle directly opposite Genie. A spell was cast to block their magic. A protective barrier went up around them to shield their view from the stands.

Kairo wobbled when the floor rose to be three feet in midair.

A statue of a half-naked man with angel wings spread wide at his back and devil horns on his bald head, slowly descended between them: stirring gusts of wind sweeping across the entire arena.

Kairo and Genie stood before the statue and performed a head-to-heart bow and pledge of honor, which had the crowds roaring.

A metal pinwheel appeared in one of the statue's hands. It spun a few rounds then stopped.

"Place your hand on the wheel while thinking of how you want to fight." A court visor advised them.

"We have to decide our battle?" Kairo glanced at Genie.

"If you don't, you'll fight on my terms. Better that way, I can cream you faster." Genie flashed him a cocky smile.

"Dream on." Kairo slammed his hand to the wheel first to give his option.

Genie made complaints about not being first and made a hasty choice.

The court visors left the playing platform. The men stepped back as the pinwheel frantically spun then gradually stopped on a choice.

KO the opponent with polearm weapons in a 30-minute battle.

Genie laughed heartily and nodded with appreciation for Kairo's choice.

"Let's see how good you really are with Zeus." He skillfully caught the halberd that had materialized before him.

Kairo gripped Zeus and slipped into an intense focus with his mind clear on their stakes. He had to do this right for both their sakes.

A countdown clock magically appeared on the side lines, and began ticking.

They rushed for each other with full strikes and heavy swings, countering and seizing opportunities.

Neither were giving ground, fighting as if they were enemies on the battlefield.

When Kairo lost his grip on Zeus, Genie relentlessly increased his attacks with aims to finish him off. He was able to duck and roll to regain his weapon to take advantage of Genie's overconfident swings and counter-block them.

But Genie was able to read Kairo's tells and move to counterattack his slash attacks.

The crowd was in awe of their rapid and focused battle, where no one was giving ground.

The men danced around each other with blows and blocks like they were able to read each other's mind.

Time counted down with no clear winner in sight, but it was clear the men were tiring fast.

Then Genie made a desperate lunge at Kairo, at the same time Kairo made his. They looked shocked when they had stabbed each other in the same spot.

Both exhausted, bleeding and no means for energy regeneration or healing, they gripped their weapons for a final attack.

Everyone sat on the edge of their seat when they made a fierce charge and lunged.

The crowds bellowed with frustration when both men dropped to the floor from side wounds that drained their ability to fight.

"Well done." Genie smiled when he passed out at the same time Kairo did.

The battle was announced as a draw.

Lyon impassively watched his brother and the alien being carried off the stage.

"A draw?" Yanmu sneered from his spot on a sofa. He swallowed a grape. "Well isn't that cute."

Lyon held his composure when he dismissed his guests, promising a later meeting in the throne room. The battle was called to a close.

Hours later when Genie and Kairo had recovered, they were recalled to the throne room. Their reception from nobles in the audience hall was a mixture of scrutiny and conspiracy. The atmosphere was heavier when they stood, bowed, before Lyon's throne. The prince's expression was inscrutable.

"How convenient the battle came to a draw." Yanmu didn't hide his suspicion of foul play and their battle being a ploy.

Lyon scoffed at the accusation. "Convenient? They were stripped of magic before our god. If anything, the gods showed favor when they were able to best each other at the same time. I see it as a blessing, don't you?"

Yanmu began a complaint but stopped when Lyon stood before him. He hadn't even seen the man move. He gulped, feeling intense intimidation and a cosmic force from the man's aura.

"Do you disagree with Our God's favor?" Lyon's eyes glowed as his gaze burned into Yanmu, piercing the depths of his spirit.

"No." Yanmu clenched his fists as he struggled to break free from Lyon's spirit lock.

Lyon sighed as he released his gaze and hold; meticulously stepped back to his throne and said, "You can tell my father when you see him next: my wizard is neither weak nor strong, but he is favored by our god."

Yanmu held his tongue. His mind was a mess and his internal spirit energy network was shaken. To be able to call a draw before Kretos was ridiculous. He couldn't go back with what he had, which was nothing.

"Neutrality." He gritted his teeth and glared at Kairo and Genie with a deep personal despise for them.

"For now, why don't you enjoy the feast and the derby." Lyon smiled, giving a cue for dismissal.

Yanmu bowed and stormed out of the throne room with his entourage.

Lyon's smile fell when he called a private meeting with Genie and Kairo.