Chapter 111 - Echoes of the Past

Thong's back slammed against the dirt as Gerald's fist was fully extended out, Li and Hugo panting behind him.

Li's thoughts: This guy is strong. The principles of that punch are just like the one-inch punch, it can easily transfer the power of the strike through the body as if it's meant to ignore a person's natural durability. He's a monster in his own right!

Gerald walked over to Thong, crouching down so he could get a closer look at his tired face.

Gerald: You're slowly getting the hang of it. I saw you use the one-inch punch, so you're not that far off.

Thong's eyes twitched, Gerald noticed a subtle change of color before a fist went flying past his face. He stumbled back as Thong pushed himself back up with his fists clenched, his breathing heavy. He charged forward, Gerald preparing a grab before noticing the way Thong charged at him.

Gerald's thoughts: That's it! That's the Azure King Fist!

Gerald's arms swept past each other to deflect Thong's fist before landing a quick chop to the neck. Thong caught the chop between his head and shoulder which shocked Gerald, Li, and Hugo. Thong's eyes returned to their yellow color as he turned to face Gerald.

Gerald: Now that's what I like to see! You were able to catch my chop, better than those idiots behind us.

Gerald pointed his thumb behind him, hardly recognizing Li and Hugo, but still able to point at them perfectly.

Gerald: You improved pretty well overnight. Well, that's all thanks to your Wing Chun.

Thong: What does that have anything to do with it?

Gerald and Thong separated with Gerald pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his hand. He turned to face Thong with a slightly confused face.

Gerald: I thought characters had pointless knowledge in stuff. Anyway, both of our martial arts share a common ancestor. You probably noticed that many of the moves I know, and showed, share similarities with ones you already know in Wing Chun.

Li: A common ancestor?

Gerald: Exactly, grunt. We're on the path of the future. Both of our martial arts took different paths, but here I am to bring them together again. No need to thank me.

Thong: I don't know if I want to…

…

Doctor A moved her pen quickly across her clipboard as she watched how quickly Quintin's lower half moved with the flowing movements of Yaw-Yan. Each kick and knee seemed to have enough power to take down an elephant. Quintin slammed his foot onto the ground with enough force to crack the concrete.

Quintin: These are perfect, A.

Doctor A: That's Doctor A to you, and yes, I used information that I gathered from your fight with Li, and the other fighters, to heavily improve the legs.

Quintin: Other fighters?

Doctor A: We had a few other kicking specialists, heavy hitters, and speedsters in this tournament. So I used information gathered from those matches to improve them. If everything goes smoothly then you'll even be able to take down Cero with those legs.

Quintin grinned and clapped as he let out a confident laugh. He couldn't help but walk circles around the room as Doctor A watched on.

Quintin: Now I really can't be stopped! I'm untouch-

A knock came from the door which stopped Quintin in his tracks. He raised an eyebrow before walking over to open it.

Quintin: What do you-

His eyes opened wide when he noticed the tall man in a suit of armor standing at the door. Quintin attempted to quickly close the door, but the knight pushed his way in and forced Quintin into a hug.

Lorisian: Oh little nephew! Oh, how I did look f'r thee.

Quintin: Get your hands off of me you old creep!

Quintin placed his hands on Lorisian's helmet to push back as much as he could. Lorisian released his grasp which dropped Quintin to the ground. Doctor A hid her mouth behind her fist as she tried her best not to break out into laughter.

Quintin: Do something to help me!

Lorisian: But thee aren't in any danger, little nephew. I simply wish to bringeth thee back into the family!

Quintin: Listen up, creep! I don't give a flying FUCK about that damn knight family! Chivalry? Knighthood? I don't care! Take your tin can ass back home, and leave me alone!

Lorisian: Little nephew, thee can't disrespect thy family like yond.

Quintin: I don't care! The family is full of idiots, and I won't stand for another moment of it! That legacy can die as a whole for all I care!

Lorisian grew quiet. Quintin was confused by the knight's sudden silence. The metal of his armor creaked as the knight turned around and walked towards the door.

Lorisian: I shall remind thee to respect the family, little nephew.

Lorisian left through the door and slammed it hard enough that it seemed like it was about to fly off its hinges. Doctor A's laughing fit came to a complete stop before looking over at Quintin.

Doctor A: It seems you made him quite mad.

Quintin: I hope I did. I'm going to kick his ass in round two and finally get him to shut up, these legs will let me do it.

Doctor A: Without a doubt.

…

Masked walked through the halls of the main building, seemingly looking for something. Ryan, now wearing a tank top and pants, chased after him. He reached out and grabbed Masked's shoulder. Masked, who seemed prepared to make a turn around the corner, stiffened up.

Ryan: Masked, please. I just want us to talk.

Masked turned as the slits of his mask glowed red. Ryan noticed Masked kick something around the corner, but chose to ignore it.

Ryan: Why have you been so distant recently? You didn't even drink with me last night. Are you okay?

Masked: Is there any concern? I just wasn't in the mood to drink last night.

Ryan: It's more than that. We used to hang out often… But for the last year, you've ignored every attempt I've made to contact you!

Masked brushed Ryan's arm away. Ryan was unable to read the emotion Masked wore on his face. All that met his eyes were the emotionless mask and those glowing red eyes.

Masked: I'm part of something bigger, Ryan. Something you're not capable of understanding. This tournament, this organization, is only a stepping stone for the future.

Ryan: Masked… What are you talking about? I might not understand it now, but we're friends! You should be able to explain it to me…

Masked: You're not part of the future I'm concerned with, Ryan. I'm sorry, but this is where we part ways.

Masked quickly turned the corner. Ryan attempted to follow after him only to be met with an empty hallway. He looked down at his feet in defeat and only just noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He crouched down to touch the spot he had noticed only to feel a sticky, dense liquid. His fingers were coated in red as concern washed over Ryan's face.

Ryan: Masked… What are you part of?

…

A small funeral was held for the many deceased guards and the fighter Alexander Night. Joan, surprisingly, had not arrived at the funeral. Many of the fighters that knew anything about Alexander made their comments. Daymond made a speech regarding the bravery and courage of the deceased guards. After a small comment regarding the disappearance of Nisham, the funeral came to a close. Visitors and fighters returned to their rooms for the night and prepared for the following day.

The day of round two.

Daymond entered his office by himself. Clutching his head, he slammed against the wall. His face warped with pain as something echoed within it.

???: C'mon, use my ability. That's why you stole it, wasn't it?

Daymond: Shut up.

???: Why? Mad that I'm not really dead?

Daymond: You are dead.

Daymond swung his arms down, gritting his teeth as he stared at the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement. He whipped around, seeing no one on the opposite side of the room. Again out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure in his chair. He ran to it, only to see the chair empty.

Daymond: You're dead. Why am I acting like you aren't?

???: Because I'm not.

Daymond froze as a figure formed behind him and walked into his vision. The previous head of the Eclipse, Deacon Desperado, now stood next to Daymond. His face looked crazed as he stared at Daymond who remained facing his desk.

Deacon: You stole my technique, so why don't you use it?

Daymond swung at Deacon, only for Deacon to fade as the fist flew through him.

Daymond: You died by my hands. You are nothing more than a fierce memory. I will show you how much I've surpassed you come tomorrow's match. For I am Daymond Theraphosa, the head of the Arachna and the Eclipse!

The moon shone down on the buildings surrounding Daymond's office. Enough blood had not yet been shed, and the second round of the tournament will prove to be what pushes this notion.

Round two begins in twelve hours.