*Ferdinand Hyldar*
Ferdinand analysed the crowd, which had now stood up. Men, women and children of the Rhakri, were cheering for the new entry in the arena, 'The Hollow', Xavier Hallows. A man famed for his blood lust, and insanity on the battlefield, he stood just shy of Ferdinand's height. He was broad, with white hair and wore a red wolf fur cloak over his shoulders. He came from the border regions of the Rhakri and The Varagan Empire, stripped from his home when he was a boy, light skinned and made fight in the pits of Rhakr, since he was able to hold a sword. Ferdinand had never seen a more domineering figure that was not Rhakri, until he met this man.
He is renowned as a demon. Hollow on the inside, from all the death that he has seen. But he still bleeds, Ferdinand thought. He's a physical type mana user, so he'll be more difficult for me. But he shall fail, like all others do. Ferdinand's face reflected his inner thoughts, cold and calculated.
Emperor Quylarok, stood above all others looking down upon his subjects and champions. "Raise the mana shield, I must keep my people safe, should I not". Seemingly half posing the question to Ferdinand. "Incase these two monsters get carried away". Ferdinand watched as mana left four corners of the Colosseum and formed into the blue mana barrier, that would protect the people. "I will not hold you any longer, as I know both of you and your fan's are eager to see this battle unfold. So let it begin".
Ferdinand looked around the arena once more at the anticipating faces. They never did understand how it felt to fight in the arenas everyday, not knowing if it was your last. He didn't care if he had to kill people or creatures, it was the fear of himself dieing that partially scared him. People don't care who live or die, they just want entertainment. So I'll give them a fight to die for. He's strong and fast, but if I can corner him or pin him down, I'll win. It's as simple as that, just don't let him close, he thought. He's just a large rock in my way. A foe that'll die by my power. Nothing more, nothing less, he will be a figure of the past.
Ferdinand prepared his first attack, a burst of mana flowing to his hand. He scrunched his fingers into a fist, before releasing and pointing towards Xavier, who was now prepared to engage. Tens maybe a hundred of light glowing, yellowy golden beams, appeared behind Ferdinand all facing towards Xavier. "Ember's Barrage", the beams disappeared then reappeared, creating massive craters where Xavier once stood.
As the dust settled, and Ferdinand approached the craters, Xavier was nowhere to be seen, he smirked I didn't think he'd die that fast? Only the crowd knew the truth. Xavier had shifted his feet at the last moment and leapt out of the way. Using his mana abilities, slipped past Ferdinand's defences and now stabbed his gold steel blade into Ferdinand's sternum from behind.
Ferdinand coughed up blood. A million things were running through his head. Fuck it, how didn't I perceive him, how did he slip past my defence. The crowd cheered, as they saw the blood drip from Ferdinand. Come on you bastard, move, fucking do something. The next moment Xavier leaped back, the crowd gasped as a golden glow engulfed Ferdinand. "Weavers stitch", the strings that now tide him together, wouldn't solve his problem. The gaping hole in his chest, but it would do for battle.
"Another trick up your sleeve, 'Half-man'", Xavier spat as he snapped at Ferdinand."Five more minutes and you'll be dead, I swear on that". "Come and try so, you red wolf" Ferdinand opened out his arms as the golden glow surrounding him grew stronger. "You're having a mana awakening?" Xavier cocked his eyebrow. "Seems that way, doesn't it fill you with fear, having to face me, a man with the power of an awakened enchanter" he tilted his head towards Xavier "Your move".
The crowd couldn't see the next attack, but Ferdinand could. In less than the blink of an eye Xavier crossed the distance between them and aimed to slice Ferdinand's head off. But Ferdinand was stronger, smarter and not afraid anymore, he knew he would win.
Ferdinand activated his barrier defence just before Xavier's blade could graze his neck. He slowly turned to face Xavier, with a displeased look on his face, "Was that really your best, any man in this Coluseum would have put up a better fight. Your weak and pathetic, just die already. There will never be a need for the weak or the impure. And you are both". Ferdinand pointed his two fingers forward, slicing up with a golden strand of mana, that cut through Xavier. As Xavier struggled, Ferdinand simply kicked him into the wall of the arena. Causing the Coluseum to shake and rock loosen and fall. The barrier waved for a moment, but it held for now. The Rhakri in attendance shuttered in fear, the Coluseum was now silent. I have control, they will bow soon. This new surge of power is not mine, but I except it graciously.
Ferdinand, a voice whispered. It felt like a song on the wind, the dieing flicker of a candle light. I have helped you awaken, Ferdinand. I want what you want. I desire what you desire, I am what you could be. Kill the emperor, claim your throne. And the Rhakri will kneel. No-one will stop you. You seek vengeance, and I have granted you the opportunity for it. So seize it.
Ferdinand levitated off the ground. Xavier did not seem to stir, he could be dead for all Ferdinand knew. He must have ulterior motives, but like I care right now. He reached his arms out again as he flew closer to the barrier. The crowd gasped and stood back, some began to run. Emperor Quylarok even still high above on his throne, rested his elbows on each side and rested his head on his clasped hands, as he leaned forward. Positioning himself with a full view of what was transpiring below. "Guards", the guards followed their emperor's command and moved towards Ferdinand. But Ferdinand flicked his wrist and a golden strand of mana cleaved their heads off with precision. Ferdinand made eye contact with Quylarok, and for the first time he thought he saw fear. Soon, I'll have it, all.
"Aester, is there any other mage in the arena to engage this man", he didn't take his eye's off of Ferdinand, analysing his every move. Aester a woman with long black silky hair down to her ankles, who wore very little clothing, instead covered herself with a magenta cloak and held a sword taller than her frame, sheathed at her side. She was used often by the Emperor, stating she was less fragile. And was the head of the Emperor's House Guard. She was not a Rhakri, instead she was unusually pale and said to have come from north of the Synarthar. The Emperor sat, still relaxed, but held a slight edge to his voice, "Well go kill him yourself then".
Ferdinand moved up through the barrier, causing it to shatter into a million pieces. He shone fiercer and more golden. This power is unmatched and unhuman, it has to be his doing. He thought back to the man in his thoughts. But I won't relinquish it, nor will I stop until I have the throne, only the strong win, and I will rule. "Do not run, or flee any longer, I am Ferdinand Hyldar, 'the Half-man'. But it seems like I am more of a warrior than our emperor, no longer shall a lineage of soft princes run us. Instead we shall be an empire of blood, once more". The Rhakri ran like a horde of dragons, though upon hearing the speech few turned to listen to Ferdinand. He shifted his gaze towards Quylarok, "And that begins with your death emperor".
As if on queue, Aester who had slowly started down from the high box. Sliced the heads off the guards next to Quylarok. The ones remaining faired no better, "Soul Flame Incinerate", she engulfed the four remaining guards in black fire, they burned to ashes. The screams of the men echoed in the background as she seductively approached Quylarok, "Please, I beg of you. You..... You... I won't use you....", his head left his shoulders and it hit the ground with a thud. Red blood covered the throne.
This woman is not with him? Maybe she has heard the voice too, maybe she is the voice. He landed down beside her, examining the scene, he smiled. "Who are you?" , "I've been called many names over the centuries" she said looking up at him, with that wry smile that struck Ferdinand as dumb. "Centuries?" He questioned the legitimacy of that statement. "Yes, are you surprised I look this young?" She twirled around once. "Do you know what is happening?" he asked, still puzzled. "You were talking to my father, Viserion".
Her father, is Viserion. He must be the man in my thoughts. He planned this and knew it would succeed. "Will you take your throne, Ferdinand". She yanked the corpse of Quylarok from it and tossed it over the edge of the box. And she even knows my name. He smiled as he took his seat. It's covered in blood, as it should be.
Aester looked down over the Rhakri. Who now seemed fragile and weak, not a race of war. But a pathetic excuse for a people. "Announce it", Ferdinand waved his hand. A£ Aester projected her voice, "All bleed for the Blood Throne Emperor, Ferdinand Hyldar I".