Spring Break
Chapter 5
By Rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

The fairies from Thryson Kingdom are seen flying over the wall and heading towards a different pavilion camp area. They see other fairies flying to the same destination and other fairies leaving the camp.

They fly among the tents looking for the right one. Once they sense the right tent they fly through an opening in the tent flap. The fairies wait their turn until the man is done talking with one group of fairies in front of him. They see another group of fairies nearby as well.

“So my dear friends, what can you tell me about the Outside Helper from your Kingdom?”

“Her name is Alia; she comes from a world where their gravity is weaker than ours. They have no oceans like we do. Their water is trapped underground. She has a sense of touch to know what is wrong with you physically and mentally.”

“That's an interesting specialty. Thank you fairies from Nevidre Kingdom; you may go.”

The three fairies turn around; they smile and hug the three fairies they see hovering near the tent door and to the left. They all smile back to them. They fly back out and go back the way they came. The next three fairies fly forward to give their news.

“So what can you tell me about your Outside Helper from your Kingdom my dear friends?”

“His name is Tek; he comes from a shrouded world cloaked in clouds. His specialty ... what was it? It was a long phrase. It began with the word bio.”

“It is bio-tech environment systems. I agree it is strange name. He tried to explain it. It has to deal with taking care of the land so that it does not become polluted.”

“The water on their world is in large lakes and swamps. They have no true oceans like us.”

“Very good, thank you very much. Go in peace my dear friends.”

They smile and turn around and see three more fairies hovering there smiling. They hug each other quickly and leave the tent.

“You're next my friends. What can you tell me about your Outside Helper?”

“He is most unusual. First his name is Richard. For being so young he knows a lot about his world. They have oceans like ours, but they have stories on his world of First Ones like ours as well.”

“What, there are First Ones there? Please tell me some more.”

“He relayed some stories from his world that are hard to believe, one of the stories moved Avel to tears. I remember Avel telling us where he and the First Ones came from. Their origin is on his world.”

“Yes, that is right. Avel said they were brought here for safe keeping and to start over while the Maker judged their world again.”

“I see. That is a most interesting story.”

“He also guessed there are sea dragons in our oceans as well.”

“He did? Then he must be very a smart, bright and wanting to learn all he can about his world. I must meet him someday. Is there anything else I should know?”

The three fairies look at each other and nod their heads. One of them speaks up. “Richard has agreed to be a witness tomorrow for King Dryden when he starts the inquiry about the islands out West.”

“Good, I hope he is prepared for anything that might happen.”

“He has Fairy Friend. He even requested a breast and back plate to put under his clothes.”

The man smiles, “He did? I want to thank you very much fairies. You have done well. I see no more fairies behind you waiting to give a report. You may go in peace. See you all again someday.”

The fairies fly forward and hover in front of their friend and fly around his head a few times smiling, laughing and giggling. Then they fly out of the tent continuing the laughing and giggling. “I have to get going. I know exactly which one will receive my message.” The man picks up his satchel and puts it around his shoulder. He walks out the tent and walks quietly out of his pavilion camp. He walks to the next region and sees his goal.

As he walks past several kingdoms he hears some yelling and cheering going on from one of them.

That sounds like a fight in there. I must not waste any time to get this message to him.

I have to remain calm. That fool of a Master Wizard has his spies all around. That's it; walk calmly. Don't make any sudden moves. Walk up to the guard at his post and let him ask the questions.

“Halt.”

I stop and look at the guard.

“What is your business in Thryson Kingdom?”

“I'm here to give a message to Renard.” I open my jacket to show him my wizard in training medallion.

He sees it and nods his head, “Very good, you may enter.”

“Thank you, guard.”

Now walk calmly and not draw any attention. He should look different from the rest of Thryson Kingdom.

The man comes to a stop between some tents and looks around. He should be around here somewhere. Wait a moment. There he is. He is being shown the camp layout. He's going down that row there. There are some other people heading towards him. This is my chance. Thank you, Maker. I better get my package ready.

He takes the object out of his satchel and holds onto it. I have to be quick, that dragon has sensed the mystery already when he arrived today.

The man walks behind a couple of people and let them get some distance. He stops and looks around to make sure he is not being followed.

Good; they're both stepping aside to make room for the other people.

As soon as they walk past them, he continues to look around. Once he sees the coast is clear.

Now!

The man looks directly at the Outside Helper and bumps him. He slips the object into his inside jacket pocket. He whispers into his ear a short phrase and walks quickly to get out.

Great, thank you, Maker. Now I know the message will be sent in time. Fortunately I have our Outside Helper ready for a backup to send the message.

The man leaves quickly the rows of tents and avoids being seen. He stands erect and walks calmly out the Thryson pavilion area and heads back to his own pavilion area.

~~~000~~~

“Sir Chayton, I hear from some of our First Ones that one of our Outside Helpers builds weapons.”

“He does Hikaru. He's in the Eirecann Kingdom. Does that bother you? What a moment. I remember what you told me earlier. You have no respect for someone who uses weapons.”

“That's right, Sir Chayton. I have a mind right now to challenge him to a submission match.”

“I will need to get permission from King Quentin and King Loran. How long do you think this match will take?”

“It should last no more than a quarter-mark. That should be more than enough time to determine his abilities.”

“I agree, Hikaru. That will give us plenty of time before we start gathering for our evening repast. Come let us go to Sir Aridian and begin with the chain of command.”

Sir Chayton escorts Hikaru to Sir Aridian's tent. They see him talking with King Quentin at the moment. They stand nearby until they are done. When they are done with the conversation they turn and greet Hikaru and Sir Chayton.

The all bow their heads quickly and raise them up in respect.

“Greetings, Hikaru and Sir Chayton. Is there something on your minds?”

“Yes, my Lord. I just heard from our First Ones that there's an Outside Helper who designs weapons for his specialty.”

“Yes, we heard that as well. Do you wish to meet him, Hikaru?”

“It is more than that my Lord. I wish to challenge him to a match, one on one. It will be for submission only.”

“I see, I know of your abilities and how you fight with honor. You see someone who uses weapons with no respect.”

“That is right, my King. I wish to test him and some other Outside Helpers to see if they are worthy to be an Outside Helper when it comes to fighting.”

“That is a most unusual request. I will need permission from King Loran.”

“It is a worthy request, my King. If our Outside Helpers find themselves in a fight, we need to know their capabilities.”

“I agree Sir Aridian. How long should the match be Hikaru?”

“It should be about a quarter-mark. You can halt the match at any time.”

“Yes, that should be enough before the evening repast. Come let us go and see for ourselves.”

All four start to walk out of their pavilion area. Some of the people in their kingdom overheard their conversation and decide to follow them to Eirecann Kingdom. There are about twenty people following them, including some dwarves and centaurs.

When they arrive at the guards post in front of Eirecann Kingdom; the guard snaps to attention. “What brings this honor, King Quentin, to visit Eirecann Kingdom?”

“I wish to meet King Loran and his Outside Helper.”

“If you please wait a moment; I will contact my Legion Commander.” He takes out his contact crystal to contact his Legion Commander. The sphere glows blue, soon the image of his Legion Commander appears.”

“What is it, Sir Collin?”

“We have a surprise visit from Tryllion Kingdom. King Quentin is here with his Outside Helper and about twenty people from their kingdom behind them. They wish to meet King Loran and our Outside Helper.”

“I see. They can enter in and meet in the center grounds in front of the pavilion. I will go and tell King Loran of the request.”

The images disappear. “You may enter. You can stand in the central grounds in front of our pavilion area. Our King will be out shortly.”

“Thank you, Sir Collin.”

Sir Collin snaps to attention again. King Quentin enters in with his group and stands in the center grounds. Soon they see King Loran appearing with Sir Paladin by his side and their escort walking behind them. Their Outside Helper stays behind them not in full view.

“What brings this honor, King Quentin? Why bring such a large company for a visit?”

“This is a request from my Outside Helper. Hikaru, go ahead and ask King Loran.”

He bows his head quickly and raises it up. “I have heard that your Outside Helper's specialty is in designing and building weapons.”

“Yes, that is true. Does that bother you?”

“To a degree, yes. My specialty is hand to hand combat. My world views people who use such weapons with no respect because they do not want to involve themselves directly with the fight.”

“I see what you mean, Hikaru. What do you wish to propose?”

“I wish to challenge him to a match, King Loran, to test my abilities and his.”

“Is this true, King Quentin?”

“It is true, King Loran.”

“What are the conditions, Hikaru?”

“The fight should last only one-quarter of a mark. It is a submission match. The victor will be standing over the loser who will be lying on his backside looking up.”

“This is most unusual, King Quentin. Do you agree to the terms Evrat?”

“I accept the terms, my King.” He smiles.

Evrat takes off his jacket and hands it to Sir Hegarth. He smiles back and winks at him, so does Sir Paladin.

“Very well, let's make a circle here in the central area.”

Evrat stays behind his escort and Sir Paladin while everyone gets into a circle of about fifty people. Once everyone is in position; King Loran steps forward.

“This is a submission challenge match between two Outside Helpers; it is a test of their abilities. The victor will be in the superior position while the loser will be on the backside looking up. The time limit is one quarter-mark. You may begin.”

Hikaru steps forward and turns around to remove his jacket and hands it to Sir Chayton. He hears some rumbling of words in the crowd before he turns around.

Sir Chayton whispers and looks a little wide-eyed, “He's different, Hikaru.”

“How so, a man is a man no matter what world he is from.”

“Maybe so, you will find out when you turn around.”

Hikaru turns around and sees his opponent in the middle part of the ring. His mouth hangs open a bit as he sizes him up. Sizing him up is the wrong phrase here.

His arms are shorter than normal, they're the length of his torso. But it's his legs that get his attention. Those legs are long for his body. I didn't expect this. No matter, it is a challenge match anyway. I can see why he uses weapons to fight with because of his short arms. Let's see what he is made of.

The two men bow to each other and rise up and stare each other down.

“What's a matter, Hikaru? Never saw someone like me?”

“No I haven't, Evrat. This will be a challenge none the less.”

“Were talking too much, Hikaru, let's get busy.” He smiles at Hikaru.

“Huh?” Hikaru narrows his eye with a grin as he gets into position. I like his attitude. “Right, let's begin.”

Bets are made quickly among those who are watching.

Evrat gets into his own stance and prepares for the match. They both keep their knees slightly bent forward and in a crouching position. They begin to walk around in a circle facing each other looking for an opening. The crowds around them begin cheering for their favorite fighter. The two get closer together to be within striking distance.

I have to watch out for those legs. That is his reach to get me down fast. Hikaru quickly looks down and back up.

As soon as Hikaru looks down at the legs and back up, Evrat seizes the moment to strike first.

Evrat already has his right foot planted. He swings his left leg around in an upward arc towards Hikaru. Hikaru dodges the swing by ducking and rolling parallel to Evrat's right. Evrat's foot just misses his backside in the roll.

Hikaru stands immediately after the roll. Evrat brings the leg down and resumes the defense position.

The crowd roars some more and cheers, encouraging them to fight on.
“That's fast, Evrat.”

“I know, Hikaru.”

The both smile at each other.

They circle around facing each other again. Both of them have their arms and hands in a defense position to be ready.

Let's how he takes an inside move. Hikaru dives forward and rolls towards Evrat. As soon as he on his feet he springs up.

Evrat sees the move and takes a half step back to get into position.

Hikaru wraps his arms around his legs and lifts Evrat up and tries to tackle him to the ground.

They're both rolling on the grass. Hikaru goes for a submission hold on his legs and doesn't see what Evrat does. Evrat immediately grabs some grass and puts some in his mouth and begins chewing it. He grabs some more grass in both of his hands.

Hikaru positions himself for the hold; he looks at Evrat with a smile.

“I got you.”

“Wrong.”

“Huh....?”

Then Evrat throws the grass in his hands towards Hikaru's face and spits the wad of grass in his mouth towards his eyes.

“What?!”

The wad of grass lands on his eyes like a wet glob and Hikaru loosens the hold on Evrat. That is all the opening Evrat needs.

Evrat slithers through Hikaru's hold like an oiled snake. His knees bend the other way and wrap his legs and feet around Hikaru to reverse the take down. Evrat throws him down with his legs and rolls Hikaru to be underneath him.

“Ugggh... what the....”

The people from Tryllion Kingdom 'gasp' when they see the move. Eirecann Kingdom roars with approval. Soon Tryllion Kingdom starts shouting back to encourage Hikaru.

Now Evrat is on top of him. Evrat then grabs Hikaru's arms and wraps his double jointed arms and hands around him like a constrictor snake.

Hikaru cannot move one inch. He struggles to break free and cannot.

“What the... how....?” He tries to see how he is tied up.

“Any more challenges, Hikaru?” He smiles.

“You win, Evrat.” Hikaru laughs.

Evrat unwinds himself and stands up. He reaches down to bring up Hikaru to stand by him. They both smile at each other and begin laughing. Everybody in the crowd roars with laughter.

“Once I saw those long legs, I knew they were trouble. I didn't count on you being double jointed as well.”

“Thank you, Hikaru.”

“You'll have to excuse me while I wipe this grass off.”

Sir Chayton brings in a towel to wipe his face. They exchange a smile.

“Thank you, Sir Chayton.” Hikaru faces Evrat again. “That is a good distraction tactic with the grass.”

“I used what was available around me.”

“Thank you for that reminder to expect the unexpected. When I heard you designed weapons I figured you let the weapon do the damage.”

“My world was almost on the verge of self destruction because of our weapons. Once we realized that, all of the factions and leaders came to an agreement for no more killing. Now we only make weapons that will disarm the enemy, yet they live. For our own competition we have tournaments that we just displayed here.”

“Has your world sold killing weapons to other star systems?”

“We did in the past, but no more. There was one war lord from another star system who tried to destroy our world once with our own weapon. We immediately disabled it and rendered it useless with one of our own.”

“He learned the lesson the hard way, Evrat.”

“That he did. I take it you want a rematch another day friend?”

“Thank you for the offer, Evrat. I accept the challenge, friend.”

They both start laughing together. The two kingdoms mix among themselves and talk about the match they have just witnessed. Some of them exchange bets that took place on the side.

Both Kings walk up to meet each other. “That was an excellent fight between Evrat and Hikaru.”

“You knew this was going to happen, King Loran?”

“I did, King Quentin. My knights challenged him as well. Evrat won most of the time. Then they started learning how to fight differently once they saw the matches progressed through. Evrat rose to the challenge and starting changing tactics as well.”

“It looks we need to train our knights to expect the unexpected, King Loran. Perhaps we might have some time for more demonstrations before they go home in a few days. Hikaru has taught us plenty so far. I would not mind sharing him with the other Kingdoms.

“Thank you for the offer. We'll see how the days go and see what events present themselves. Just as long as we get them recorded on the crystals for future reference.”

“Good idea, King Loran. Well, it is time for the evening repast. See you at the morning repast in the Grand Castle.”

“See you in the morning, King Quentin.”

They smile as they put hands on each other shoulders and part their ways.

“Come, Tryllion Kingdom. It is time for the evening repast. Pay off your bets quickly. We need to get our strength back and train harder after this week.”

Everybody laughs and wishes each other well. King Quentin leads his kingdom back to their pavilion. Everyone is an excellent mood. There is nothing that will dampen that good feeling.

~~~000~~~

Mean while, elsewhere in another pavilion camp. Men are speaking inside a tent.

“Is everything ready, friend?”

“Yes, all is in place. Soon all of Twainor will change for the better.”

“Yes, we will bring order to this chaos. These Kings and Queens are weak, so are these First Ones. That will change as well. There is no room for them in the new order.”

“Yes, we need strong leadership for this new order.”

“Come it is time for the evening repast. It will be the last peaceful one they will ever have.”

They both walk out of the tent laughing and join the other people streaming to the pavilion in their kingdom.

A butterfly is seen flying from the top of their tent to another tent on the other side of the encampment.