The Seekers Reunion (III)

After a few minutes of walking we arrived at the front of a large stadium where we stopped.

"This is where the event will be held" said Corneria turning around to look at us.

"It's pretty big, I guess it would be used for sporting purposes" I wondered aloud.

"As soon as we enter preparations will begin immediately. I hope you're ready"

"Excuse me, but I don't think I agreed at any time" I replied. "We just came to confirm something. Once we finish talking to everyone we will leave"

"The rest of the participants are waiting inside. As soon as you go in, the draw will begin to confirm the order of the matches"

"Hey, I'm talking to you..."

It's no use talking to this woman. She really does things her own way.

"Only those who are going to participate are allowed. Anyone else should refrain from entering"

"I'm telling you I'm not going to participate! What do I have to do to-!?"

"You should pay more attention to the situation"

A new voice came from behind me interrupting my sentence.

No. I remember hearing it a long time ago. Where?

My skin crawled. I slowly turned my head and upon seeing him I immediately remembered.

A dark-attired boy, with long hair for an average man, which was covered with a hood, a sort of shoulder pad with a short purple cloak rested on his right shoulder. In his left hand he held a large scythe that encircled Maria's neck.

"Asriel!" she cried out in a mixture of surprise and fear.

At what moment did he appear behind us? How could he slip away without anyone noticing?

"You! What the hell are you doing here!? Leave Maria out of this!"

"Didn't you hear what the girl explained? Only guests are allowed to enter the tournament, that is, only Object holders. No others are welcome"

When we arrived in this city and they explained the rules to me there was one clear detail that I overlooked.

They said there were 15 and they were waiting for one last person. Just one. So what would happen to Maria?

I got a little carried away with Corneria's relaxed attitude, so I had forgotten to consider who I would be dealing with.

What possible psychopaths or murderers could there be among this group of people? What is certain is that I didn't consider the worst option, that someone like him would be here.

"It's not necessary for her to be here, is it? Let me take care of that, I'll take her somewhere else more... peaceful"

"Damn you!"

What can I do now? If I make one false move I can put her in danger.

"Enough" said Corneria heading towards that guy. "What do you think you're doing? This isn't part of what was stipulated"

"I'm just taking steps to make sure he agrees" he replied and then turned to look at me. "And that's where we're at, enter and win if you want to see her again"

"Hey!"

"Don't lose until you face me, I'll enjoy finding out what your Object can do"

"Asriel!" Maria shouted in desperation.

The man made a movement with his scythe generating a blast of air that entered my eyes and prevented me from seeing. When it was over they had both disappeared.

"Maria!"

I stretched out my hand where it had been without being able to reach her.

"Well-"

"Give me back Maria!" I shouted towards Corneria interrupting her sentence, she just stared at me with her expressionless face.

"His actions have nothing to do with the running of this tournament. I regret to inform you that I do not possess any relationship with him"

"Where did he go!? I'll go rescue her right now!"

"I have no way of knowing where she might be. You must have some idea of what the Objects are capable of, some have abilities capable of altering space-time. Without some kind of detector it is impossible to determine exactly where it came from"

"Damn it... damn it!"

That guy... now he's really crossed the line.

"This is not part of what was planned, it was never considered to have some kind of hostage. Unfortunately I don't think whoever is organizing this is going to do anything about it. The only option I see is to participate and hope he makes good on his promise"

"Aren't you working under his orders?"

"I am only following his instructions to facilitate the running of this event. These come by way of letters, I do not know his face nor have I seen him in person"

"..."

"Anyway. As painful as it is for you, we have to move on"

"... tell me, what's the name of that guy with the scythe?"

"Zeke"

So this is the only option I have left? I can't believe he's stooped so low. I've only met him a couple of times before, never imagined him capable of being a kidnapper.

Take a deep breath, being upset won't do me any good.

"Zeke, wait till I get my hands on you if you so much as touch a hair on her head"

"And what will you do?"

"Not that I have a choice. I'll face him and make him pay"

"All right"

"You're in on this too, aren't you?"

"Indeed. You'll have to beat me to emerge as the winner, I'll be waiting to see how far you can go" she said making a gesture with his hand that showed a bit of pride.

"..."

She may not be very expressive in her face, but she can show it in other ways.

I have not seen what she is capable of doing, nor have the other 2 bodyguards who are here. Likewise I don't know anything about Zeke's weapon. He has already been able to sneak away a couple of times, he also cut me with it and I was in a coma for a few days. There are still the rest of the participants.

I need to prepare for the worst. Whatever happens I must win.

"Again..." after a slight pause the stadium doors opened and Corneria bowed. "Welcome number 16, to the Seekers' tournament"