My Novel so far - Ground Xero

Very rough draft. I've been meaning to get back to this but haven't really found the drive and inspiration I once had. That left when I lost the original notebook. This Document form needs massive rewrites and editing for my own standards. I also need to rewrite up to that 77th page I had in the notebook. (Realistically up to 34 in single spaced 12 point times/)

Prologue

Thalimon Dailzar, tournament champion. He liked the sound of that. Thus he entered the Kellington Warrior’s Tournament. He and his two friends, Mat Carizain and Raven Upshaw traveled three days from their home in Steimand just for the opportunity to join. They had registered earlier that week and were now in the gaggle of people in the center of the open air colosseum with a couple of hundred others waiting to be introduced to the blood hungry crowd.

The Warrior’s Tournament was one of renown in this part of the world, not only because the screening process was a very rigorous one, ensuring that only the strongest and most talented fighters could make the cut, but also because some gave their lives, weapons are not prohibited. Thalimon was amazed that he even made the cut. He had no formal training in the martial arts, as Raven did, and his cunning was sub par, though Mat seemed to have no problems in scheming and knowing just how to make the worst situations bright. He had just been good at manual labor, “I guess...” He thought, “I’m the unbridled strength that comes from chopping wood and doing chores.” He couldn’t help the chuckle that followed.

The tournament was about to be underway so the streets were crowded. The day wasn’t hot but it was warm enough to where the person walking in the opposite direction of the crowd would have been out of place had it not been for the amount of tourist in the city. The figure wore a long dark brown trench coat with the collar turned up and a long brimmed hat of the same color, as if to ensure the blockage of their features. There was also something else strange about this figure, a long dark metal tube with a wooden piece at the end and what looked like a telescope attached. That drew some eyes, but no one questioned the item as the figure made his way to a residence.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the Thirtieth annual Kellington Warriors Tournament!” The announcer shouted in a way that was sure to fire up the crowd, he held an item that was from an age long lost, something called a microphone, that sent the sound of his voice through boxes that amplified and reverberated his voice through the colosseum. “I’m sure you all can’t wait for the tournament to get under way so let’s bring out the competitors for the first fight!”

The sound of the first fight were going on and Thalimon looked about him. His fellow competitors were mostly shorter then he was, and less broad too. “I’m really that big?” he thought and thought about what Raven had told him years before. “You look as if you’re about to tear out my door frame you lummox! Was your father a blacksmith, or did your mother just fall in love with a horse?” At the time he had barely cleared the door frame with his shoulders, and there was about a hand’s distance for his head. He looked to a mirror and noticed he was slightly handsome, brown hair, longer then most but still trimmed, though not combed, his nose was a strong feature but not the biggest, his blue-green eyes had a captivating feature and the rest was fairly unremarkable.

He looked over to Mat, Mat was more the handsome type, his dark hair combed and parted in the center, brown eyes, fair skinned. He seemed like the type the women would fawn over. Then he looked to Raven, Raven looked like the bird which he was named, his dark black hair had a slight sheen, and his dark skin gave a slight off look with the pointed nose he had. Most of him took after his mother but that nose was definitely his father’s, and his dark brown eyes held an inkling of how he was raised. Raven was rich. Why Raven associated with he and Mat, he’d never understand, but he was glad for the fact because Raven was the financier of their trip. Thalimon shook his head and gathered his thoughts. “This has nothing to do with the fights.” He said to himself and prepared for his match.

The figure moved up the stairs of a building that he was seen entering. “This is the perfect stake out. The broken wall is close and with the right opportunity I’ll get the shot I need on that kid. That’ll teach his parents to welch on a debt.” The figure thought and made it to the roof. He walked to the edge of the roof and set the strange device, that he called a rifle, though not many out side the real Ground Xero knew that name, on the ledge overlooking the colosseum.

“When his battles begin...” He said to himself, the voice modulated through a device that helped no one recognize what the figure might or might not be. “I’ll have my shot.”

Thalimon, Raven, and Mat all progressed very quickly through the first rounds of the tournament. The three were taking the spectators, betters, and opponents alike by surprise, and they quickly became crowd favorites. Especially when Thalimon took out the reigning champion of twenty years. Soon the three were in the Semi finals.

Chapter 1: Mat’s struggle

“We welcome you to the fourth day of our tournament!” The announcer said and the crowd cheered with as much enthusiasm as they had the first day, if not more. “You all know that today begins the semifinals, and the two matches ahead have now been randomly generated and betting will begin when the matches are announced, but first I’d like to take the time to introduce the contestants. Would the final four combatants please come to center stage?”

From his perch on the roof The figure saw everything and heard everything, but he could not get a clear shot on his target. They walked out and his target was obscured by a larger man and flanked by two other contestants. They lined up and the announcer immediately covered the target. “Damn!” He exclaimed, but continued to watch.

“First let’s introduce the man who stunned us all by beating the Tournament Champion of Twenty Years! At six feet four inches, and, by the looks of it, weighing more then two hundred and sixty pounds. From Steimand, which we haven’t seen a lot from, but I can guess that they know what they’re doing in these times of peril if they produce three of our semifinalist, Thalimon Dailzar!” Thalimon took the cue and bowed. The audience cheered and the announcer rounded to him, “Can you give us a little insight into yourself?” He asked and shoved the microphone into his face. With a nervous chuckle Thalimon replied, “Not really. I just like what I do.”

“Beautiful words... Next we introduce possibly the most notable fighter I’ve ever had the pleasure of introducing in the semifinals. Student of the great warrior Jonas and heir to the Upshaw fortune. Standing at about six foot even, weighing about two-hundred pounds, Raven Upshaw.” Raven made an elegant bow to the crowd and the announcer simply bowed his head and handed him the microphone. “My family may be wealthy but my wealth comes from my conviction. You should not fear about the quality of your water, my promise to you people here today is that you shall never have to as long as I am alive and able to steer my parent’s company so.” He said and the crowd cheered but they didn’t notice his grimace as he handed the microphone back. “I hate doing commercials for that company...” he muttered.

“Now on to one of the more...flashy fighters in the tournament. He made his way here on narrow victories and comedic stunts. Our last competitor from the town of Steimand and a very talented individual, Though what those talents really are I can’t guess. At five foot nine inches and a very petit weight of one hundred and forty-five pounds, Mat Carizain.” Mat made a foolish imitation of Raven’s bow and gave his most winning smile. “A fool you are to think that you’ll escape this unharmed.” He thought as the announcer turned to him and asked, “So why are you in the tournament?” Mat took hold of the announcer’s hand pulling the microphone and man closer. “Well, I heard it was a good way to make an impression on both the Bellas and Fellas. Fame, women, and money. What all men wish for right?” He said with a laugh and the announcer pulled away with a nervous laugh of his own. Mat came away with the announcer’s gold purse though and the man didn’t notice. “Well, I guess you’re right Mat.”

“Finally we have this man, an excellent archer and a man who’s won many impressive victories in the past. Some to the death. A man of some renown for making it to the finals three years straight only to lose to the former champion. Standing about six foot two inches and weighing in at a lean one hundred and sixty pounds, from Brighton, Lar Marhiz.” The announcer finished, and crowd cheered and as the announcer turned to give the mic to him he walked away.

“Well, there are your Semi Finalists, and here’s the matches for today, up first it’s Lar versus Mat. This will take place in twenty minutes so bet wisely. The match after that will not be a quick one, despite the way the previous matches involving the two fighters were. Raven and Thalimon will square off as the main event for today.” The announcer said as they all returned to the locker area.

“Another chance blown by the code...” The figure said and looked to his watch. “Twenty minutes, a short time and I’ll have my chance.” He thought and resumed watching.

Lar approached the other semifinalists and took a seat near Mat. “You have been very lucky so far, Mat. I hope that you’ll make this an interesting match.” Mat turned to Lar with the grotesque smile of a child caught putting a bug in his sister’s hair. “I’ll make sure you’ll have enough challenge. You just need to be careful not to drop your guard.” He said, and Lar just smiled in return. “Of course. Well, we have some time so how about a drink before the match to show that there’s nothing personal?” Lar asked. “You’ll all be able to share.” Mat agreed, but Thalimon and Raven were in some form of intense meditation, or so it seemed. “I’ll be right back with your drink.” Lar said and walked away, a bit puzzled by Thalimon and Raven, but the plan was now in effect. “I will be champion this year.”

Mat was drinking the drink that Lar had given him, the dimwit thought that it was a good idea to accept a gift from an enemy. “He’ll get what he deserves soon enough.” Raven thought and turned to Thalimon. “The final round came early. I hope that you can make this interesting.” He said and Thalimon looked to Raven with a smirk and said, “I may not have the formal training of an old war hero and many other tutors but don’t forget that we’ve never tried to finish our fights, and I’ve never even tried to beat you.”

Raven just looked at Thalimon after that comment. “Is he really that brash?” He thought, then went to the other room to get mentally and physically prepared for the fight ahead.

It was match time and Mat was walking toward the arena floor. The drink given to him by Lar was tasty, though it had no kick to speak of. His friends didn’t join him in drinking, so he had finished the bottle. He met Lar in the center of the arena and the announcer quickly spoke up. “It’s time for the first semifinal matchup. Lar Marhiz versus Mat Carizain.” The crowd roared with excitement and the announcer shouted in answer, “Without further Ado, let the match Begin!”

Mat took his guard as Lar raised his bow. “Something’s wrong.” Mat thought just as Lar released the first shot. Mat dodged but his body already felt as if he’d been fighting for hours. Lar laughed, “You liked the cocktail, I see.” He said and loosed another arrow. Mat dodged this one too but it was closer then the first. “That was a very special blend of herbs and minerals. It’ll incapacitate your body for an hour but it takes about half an hour to fully take effect, and if...” He loosed another arrow and Mat dodged once more, though this time trying to encroach upon Lar. “you’re more active it’ll circulate faster.so I’ll say you have about three minutes left to live if you give it your all.”

“Bastard!” Mat shouted and ran as fast as he could toward Lar, but Lar remained elusive and continued to shoot, each shot narrowly avoided. Mat drew a knife from his belt and was about to try throwing it at Lar when his legs gave way causing him to fall to the ground. Vision blurry, he propped himself up on one arm and saw a shadow moving toward him.

“Now.” The figure on the roof said and lined up the shot.

Lar stood over Mat and smiled. “So this is where your day ends. Your life ends.” He said and drew back his last arrow.

The figure pulled the trigger. A loud bang and a flash of light were noticeable to those who cared to look. A body hit the ground near the West end of the ring. With that the figure packed up and left town.

“So this is it. I’m finished.” Mat thought as he saw the arrow being drawn. Then there was a warm stream of liquid, He knew it was blood, but he felt no pain. A body fell in front of him, a hole through the head, it was Lar. He looked right and fell off his arm which was no longer able to support his weight. The arrow that had been meant for him was in the dirt next to his hand. Then the scene went black.

Chapter 2: Battle for supremacy

Mat awoke to Thalimon and Raven sitting over him. “Good to see you awake. What happened?” Thalimon asked. “That drink was a sleeping elixir. He thought he would kill me and that he’d be able to beat you guys hands down after that.” Mat replied, his head now felt as if he’d been drinking too much the night before.

“He’d have a tough time with me. I wouldn’t have been put off much by the loss of a thief.” Raven said and gave mat a cross look. “The announcer had it coming. He insulted me and I had to get back somehow.” Mat retorted without thinking then looked around. “How long have I been out?” He asked trying to change the subject. “Two hours.” Thalimon said and then with a smile, “Where’d you learn magic?”

“I didn’t” Mat answered. “I was ready to die when I was down, then I felt the blood and thought it was mine until he fell. Then everything just faded to black.” Raven and Thalimon exchanged a puzzled glance, and quickly got back to business. “Well, the Recess for cleaning should be over and now that you’re awake Thalimon and I can start out battle.” Raven said and turned for the door, stopping just before hand and turning his head back adding, “I won’t hold back. I expect you to do the same Thalimon.” Then left.

Thalimon chuckled. “He can be so serious at times... Well, I’d better not keep him waiting too long. You know how impatient he can be when there’s something he wants to do.” He said and rose to leave. “After this match it’ll be done for the day, they want the combatants to be well rested for tomorrow’s match. Rest while you can, Mat.” He said and left. When they were both gone Mat sat for a bit and pondered his fortune. “What happened that allowed me to live?”

Thalimon stood opposite Raven in the center of the colosseum. The announcer stepped between them and began his spiel, “Ladies and Gentlemen I hope you’re enjoying the show so far, and we appreciate the patience. Our next match is between two of the more talented competitors in the tournament. They’ve decided not to put their lives on the line for this match and opted for the no weapons clause. Seldom seen as it is I’m sure this fight will be entertaining nonetheless. The combatants you know and you know what they’re capable of. So without further ado, Let the match begin!” With that he retreated to a safe distance. Thalimon watched Raven, He chose a formal stance that was fairly new.

“Well, as the old saying goes...” Thalimon said and ran toward Raven, when he finally closed in he tried a wild punch that Raven had no trouble dodging, and a counter blow was quick to follow. Thalimon landed with a heavy thud on the packed dirt of the arena floor and laughed to himself. “Good hit. Now that the first hit is out of the way...” Thalimon said loud enough for Raven to hear as he was rising, though now Raven was on the offensive. A brutal kick to the ribs sent Thalimon tumbling back a few feet, landing on his knees and springing up fairly quickly.

“You weren’t kidding when you said the kid gloves were off,” Thalimon said with a chuckle, “but Terma hits harder then you do.” With that he moved to defend, Raven was indifferent toward the comment. When he got near enough, Raven struck at Thalimon, and Thalimon easily countered. Raven flew back reeling.

“He hits like a mule kicks.” Raven thought and caught just enough of his breath to dodge out of the path of another punch, this time without counter. “My mother combos better then you.” Raven said with a laugh as he got to his feet. “So it seems we’re even enough in lack. Let’s make this next blow interesting. If you knock me out, I’ll pay for everything you and Mat spend this trip, no matter the cost or item. I’ll cover it. If you don’t, you have to be my personal slave for a year and a half.”

He could see Thalimon thinking, “This could take a while.” Raven thought and slowly crept toward Thalimon. but before Raven could reach his opponent Thalimon did something he didn’t expect. “Sure. It’ll be interesting as your personal slave.” Thalimon said with a laugh and took a primitive fighting stance. “The ape accepted? Well, my new slave will have to learn manners first thing.” Raven thought with a smirk. That stance was a dead give away on what he planned to do and Raven already countered it three different ways in his mind before charging.

Raven ran toward Thalimon in the assumption that Thalimon would throw a haymaker to the head. “I may be untrained but I know what you think.” Thalimon thought and smirked before running for Raven. The look of shock was priceless when Thalimon grabbed hold of Raven’s arm and drug him to the ground, though with more force then he intended. Raven’s head bounced off the hard packed dirt in a sickening manner. His eyes rolled back into his head and then shut. Thalimon feared the worst.

Raven still lay on the ground as the announcer ran to Thalimon’s side and shouted, “I expected no less then what I saw just now from the man who beat The Champ in such an expedient manner then to go on to the finals. Thalimon Dailzar has just advanced! You can go pick up your winnings at the nearest betting window.” Thalimon just stood there and watched the medics pull Raven onto a stretcher and carry him off. The scene was mute and slowed down to a crawl. “I almost lost one friend already. Did I just kill the other?” He thought and left the floor.

Chapter three: Final Prep

Raven saw a bright light. His ears were ringing and his head and neck felt as if he’d been hit across the face with a wagon tire. His eyes began to focus and he saw the light overhead. The ceiling was high and steepled and the light hung down by a single sturdy wire. He looked at the walls from there, the look was that of log, though this couldn’t be a log cabin, the houses here were all plank or concrete. Then he noticed the figure to his left. A hulking figure that could only belong to the man who knocked him out cold.

“What do you want Thalimon?” He muttered and tried t turn his head only to find Thalimon holding his head still. “I thought I killed you, when the docs said you were still alive but might have neck injuries I had to make sure you would be fine. I had to know that you’d wake up. I had to say I’m sorry. I had to...” Thalimon said and trailed off. “You had to collect on your bet. You won and I lost, your trip is paid for.” Raven said with a small bit more spite then he meant and Thalimon looked hurt.

“If money means that much You’ll be reimbursed for very single expenditure you’ve made on this trip. I wanted to make sure I hadn’t killed my friend. Though it’s quite clear that my concern was mildly unfounded.” Thalimon said with a tinge of anger in his voice. He turned to leave and Raven laughed slightly. “Reimbursed and unfounded. Big words from you Thalimon, I’m impressed. I’ve taught you something after all.” Thalimon wasn’t amused by this joke and left the room and Raven with it. Raven laid his head back and looked up at the light. His thoughts ran over what went wrong just then.

“Thalimon must be a bit more altruistic then I thought. He was so involved in worry that he didn’t notice I was joking. His loss.”