Amari Abara
The room was expansive. Large enough to fit a library, but not a book in sight. Instead a platform of lacquered wood rose up in the center of the room. It was in the shape of a barbell. Two large circles on either end with a thinner 5 foot wide path connecting them. Seats were stationed around the stage in raised rows. It was a sparring arena.
Above the whole thing was a glass ball, sealed as far as Amari could tell. Within were a handful of dull blue stones. They looked like smaller versions of the massive stone that sat within the hall they entered, though these lacked the radiant glow. Just dull, dark blue rocks.
Amari knew little of the world of magic, and he wasn't a betting man. But if he was, he would wager good coin that these were the Arcane Catalyst he was looking for.
Off on the side of the room was a group of people. A small child, no older than 12 or 13. A man that looked like he slept in a dream and had dreams of lifting while in it. Opposite this strange pair were five men of various ages and races. But all of them looked the kind of men that would serve Amari back home.
Ruthless. Merciless. Selfish.
And most of all Cowards.
Amari slapped a leonine grin on his face, "Hello my friends. Tell your new friend Amari what is the problem here?"
The group froze, taking in the new comer. The gym rat's eyes filled with hope.
Foolish boy, do not expect a savior. I am a survivor and you are an obstacle.
"Thank god you're here. These brute vant to fight zis child."
Amari cocked his head at the accent. Germanic he thought, but wasn't sure. Maybe Austrian? He cared not. Everyone sounded the same in death.
"Oy mate, just step aside, we don't want to hurt you, just put the kid on the stage and it'll be over quick. We'll go easy on him. Swear on me mom."
"Zat is not happening. Fight me like a man."
"Mate, I don't care how many reps you get in. You're not fighting all of us. Get out the way."
This man, he protects this child.
Amari nodded to himself in approval. They would not be friends, but he could respect that. He recalled when he was a child, men like this had protected him. Village warriors standing in front of him, taking bullets meant for him. He still remembered the smell of their blood before he was shackled to the other children. Iron and sweat still lingered in his nose years later. Amari was content to lay waste to the five men and move on, but he needed a blue rock. He needed to understand.
"Child, explain to your friend Amari why these men wanna fight you."
The kid looked up at him and he saw the fear filling his eyes. Kids had a knack for sensing danger and Amari was 230 pounds of danger.
"There's writing over there. It said the winner gets one of those arcane thingies."
Ahh, Amari understood. He even agreed with the five men. They didn't want to take on this Germanic man. One on one they'd stand little chance. They wanted an easy win over the kid.
Honestly, were Amari a less capable man, he would do the same exact thing. Winners become winners by stepping on losers.
"Ahh, thank you child. I understand now. Well don't worry, you won't be fighting today."
Amari walked over to the group, and they all took a step back. Even though they were all close enough in size to Amari, it was clear that he was not scared of them.
He flashed forward like a snake, his face transforming to a fierce grin, veins bulging on his temples. His hand wrapped around one man's neck like a vice and dragged him towards the ring. With a heave, he tossed the man in the ring. As he did, a transparent blue wall formed around the perimeter. The man inside threw himself against it immediately, but found it unyielding. Amari smiled at that. Good.
He casually climbed into the other side. He passed through the barrier easily, it felt like cold water washing over him. It reminded him of the waters back home, cleansing him of the days necessities.
The man was scratching against the far wall like a trapped animal.
"Stand up. Die on your feet."
The man turned around with wide yes, back pressed against the wall.
"It doesn't say we have to fight to the death, mate."
Amari smiled, and shrugged.
"I don't care."
It wasn't a fight. It was a slaughter. Amari continued bashing the man's face into mush long after the barrier dropped and a single blue rock dropped from the cage.
Amari stood up, blood covering him from chest to thigh. He scooped up the rock, and felt nothing special about it. He tried to place it in the belt and the metal came to life, expanding to absorb the stone before contracting once more, locking it in place. But he wasn't finished. He cast a glance towards the group.
They looked at him as though he was a monster.
Good. It was time this place learned who Amari Abar was.
He took Oya off his back and pointed it at one of the remaining four men.
"You, get in."
"W…what? You already have one. Y-you got it. Just leave me alone, please."
Amari smiled.
"Get in or die where you stand." His finger began pressing down on the trigger.
The man scrambled up into the ring just before Amari erased him. He spared the child a glance. His eyes shone with tears and fear.
This is the world. Learn it well.
The second match was over faster than the first. The man tried to put up a fight but Amari easily dodged his first few blows before burying a knee into his stomach. The air left the man's body in a woosh. He simply wrapped his large arm around the man's head, locking him in a choke. And with a quick jerking motion snapped his neck. Amari put out his hand and caught the blue stone as it dropped.
The other three men had fled soon as this match started, not wanting to be next.
The Germanic man stood his ground though, standing in front of the child.
Their eyes held each other for a long moment before finally Amari smiled.
"What is your name protector?"
"I am Gunther."
Amari walked over to the two still smiling. They both took a step back, the young lad pressed against the wall.
"And you child? What is your name?"
"I'm Leo. Thanks for helping us mister."
Ahh, Leo. Amari liked that. He liked it alot. He took the boys hand in his massive paw and pulled it towards him, dropping the stone in it. "You will not always have men like this to protect you. I want you to grow strong. Use this opportunity. Do not squander it."
Amari turned to leave the room, ready to go find some more stones. The robed men didn't say you only had to collect one.
"Thank you." Gunther called out.
Amari turned to look at him and smiled.
"Your bravery protected you today. The next time we meet, do not confuse me as a friend."