Rusting Chains

Chapter 4

I looked up to see the platform where I should go. Before the game, we were given a small stick to plant on a pedestal for the opening game. I started to run towards the tower while many followed behind me. I was competing against the other tribal champions, I should be giving my all and 100%!

I leap into the air and land on another pathway.

" I cannot allow anything or anyone to stand in my way!" I leaped to reach another pathway when suddenly I felt a weight on my hands.

I open my eyes to see a beautiful feline in my arms. Her hair was the first feature I took notice of, long, bright, silky, and a color similar to red. Her fair skin warmed my hands as I held her securely. She opened her emerald eyes to meet mine, and at that moment I felt something inside me that I hadn't felt before, my face warmed and my legs started to tremble while my eyes were fixed on her and only her.

Her beauty captivated me at that moment as if the world around us had melted away and the stars in the sky had formed a halo around her.

I was saddened when that moment quickly faded as she used my face as a launch pad.

When I became aware of my surroundings, it was too late. The champion of the Bars Tribe had reached the R point, he had won the first game. I think.

The stick he had used was the stick that the representative of the giraffe tribe was given, how did it end up in the hands of the Bars Tribe representative? We all gathered together as our actions during the game were displayed on a hologram big enough for everyone, including the crowd, to see. The giraffe tribe representative, Lonky, had switched his stick with the Bars tribe representative, Kuga, while they conversed during the first game.

I glanced over to my competitors and again I met the emerald eyes of the beautiful feline. I want to get to know her, I want to know what she's like. I gave her a smile to be friendly, but she turned her head away.

I guess maybe another time...

When the hologram flashed to the feline, I found that her name was Miyo, a very cute but also very rare name. The hologram finally started giving me my introduction and even showed a recorded part where I had held the feline in my arms for only a few moments "In that moment it was just me, her, and the universe." I say happily before it switches to where she used my face as a launch pad (╥‸╥)

Once everything had died down one by one, each of the contestants was called to an interview. When it was finally my turn, I was taken to a different part of the building. I guess it was to one of the higher points, but why would I need to go there?

I kept walking up a flight of stairs I had reached an empty room, aside from windows and curtains there was a long table in the far end of the room with steps that led up to it.

I walked up to the chair when someone had called me from behind. "I hope you weren't waiting long." His light voice is almost always recognizable, even years after our first meeting. "Well, well, if it isn't the Mongk Tribe champion. Nice to meet you again, Gai," he said. Our last meeting was back in my tribe, I remember he wore dark and drapy clothes but now, the peacock standing before me feels like a whole different person.

"You probably don't recognize me since it's been a long time."

"No, I can't forget who my original employer is. Charming Gold, where am I?" I ask. I shuffled where I stood while he sat in the long chair in front of me. "I'd like to get a few things out of the way. Today's game, though being the first and only game today, made me think that you're not up to the task of competing. If it weren't for that giraffe, the winner could've been that barbarian from the Bars tribe. And this is their first competition." He whined and leaned his head on his hand.