The Three Dark Angels

"I don't know whether I should thank you or kick you upside your face for that." Beasley turned to her husband with a smile. "You know what though, since I'm in a good mood, I'll just thank you for the support instead." She said, taking his hand as he leaned in and kissed her lips.

"So, what exactly are you feeling now that you're standing here with the tournament only a couple of hours away?"

"...you know...I guess I feel...ready. I just want to get this started, and to see what happens. There's no point in worrying about it, I'll either win or lose, though I would like to win."

Marcus sighed and shook his head. "It's not fair. I'm pretty good at keeping my calm in heavy situations, yet I'm still jealous of your determination and calm."

Beasley shrugged with a smile. "That's what you get being raised in a Dragoon family." Consistently, for several generations, the Joachim family has a very proud tradition where at least one individual of every generation joins the Dragoons either for a few years or for life. Beasley was only too proud, determined, and happy to carry on such a tradition when that time had come.

"How long do you two plan on standing up there? C'mon, you've been on your honeymoon for the last ten days, I'm starving." A woman's voice called out to them from ringside. A voice which both Beasley and Marcus recognized.

"Mom! Dad! Hi! I didn't think you guys would be here this early." Beasley replied with a smile and wave to her mother and father.

"Of course, you've always been an early bird ever since you were little. How's my baby girl? Marcus better have taken good care of you over the honeymoon or this will be a real short marriage."

Beasley rolled her eyes as she and Marcus walked to join Beasley's parents. "Ugh, mom, don't embarrass me, and we had a wonderful time."

"Well, c'mon, c'mon, you have to tell me about it. And I expect details." Beasley's mother attempted to hustled her daughter.

"Everything was fine mom."

Beasley's mother sighed as the two women began walking together with the two men following close behind. "You know, I love you and all, but I wished you actually acted like a girl sometimes. It's no fun having no one to really gossip with, aside from your sister of course."

"Gee thanks mom. Where is Justine anyway?"

"Working, but she said she should be off in time to be here before the drawings."

Beasley shook her head in amazement. Hard to believe that Justine actually grew up while Beasley had been away. Since Beasley had taken the role of being the next true Joachim successor as she grew up, that meant that Justine could be the typical spoiled girl that their mother had wanted. And boy was she. Justine and Beasley went head to head constantly, and even though they looked so alike, almost as though they were twins, their personalities were almost completely opposite.

Beasley had learned through her letters, however, that over the past nine months that she had been gone, Justine desired to follow her sister's sense of independence, and were taking her first true steps in growing up. Beasley found herself wondering just how much her sister has changed over these long nine months.



The number two seed, Wartron arrived fifteen minutes later with his own mother and father. Like Beasley, Wartron was also a tall individual, though he was a few slivers over six foot. (Yes, everyone had interestingly noted that the seed order also followed the height order, since Aegis, the number one seed, was the tallest in the class while Wartron, the number two seed was the second tallest, and finally, Beasley, the number three seed, was the third tallest in the class.)

Unlike Beasley however, Wartron was very pale and plain looking man with brown eyes, with almost no bulk in his overall figure. He didn't mind that too much, for he personally favored flexibility over brute force in most cases, but what did annoy him was how pale he was no matter how much time he spent in the sun. It was both a curse and a blessing, for his pale skin also points to the fact that he is a child of Skytown due to it's location and setting. Not only was it in the deep north near the base of the Dragon Mountains, but there was also the two natural walls around Skytown which blocked the sun's rays for a few hours more than most locations on Magicka, causing most who live in Skytown to develop a pale complexion when compared to other regions on Magicka.

"Now honey, don't get too anxious out there, because I know you can win tonight. Just relax and focus on doing what you do."

"Ma, would you relax? Nothing like that is going to happen. Besides I'm the number two seed for a good reason, I definitely have a chance to win it all tonight."

"That's my boy. You know son, I just have to say again how proud I am of you, and you go ahead and do what you have to do."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. And what I really want to do tonight, almost as much as winning, is to go up against Aegis and finally have a real chance to beat him."

Like Beasley, Wartron was a competitor at heart, and it irked him that Aegis had beaten him constantly throughout their time as Candidates. This might be the one chance that Wartron has of finally topping Aegis in such a direct and competitive manner, a trait drilled into him by his parents. As their only child, it was up to Wartron alone to preserve the family bloodline, and they made sure Wartron understood that at a very young age. And tonight, he might have his chance to prove himself, if fate allowed it.

Wartron then noticed a figure wearing the same green robe that he was within a small group a short distance away. He saw that it was Beasley, and figured that the people around her were her family. The group then turned in Wartron's direction, and Beasley, recognizing Wartron, gave him a single wave which Wartron returned.

"Who's that?" Wartron's mother asked.

"Beasley, the number three seed. She's another one I'd like to fight tonight."

"She really that good?" The father asked.

"Yeah, I've sparred with her quite a few times, she's very impressive." Wartron wrapped up as Beasley's group closed within hearing distance.

"Hey Wartron, I figure I come over and wish you luck tonight." Beasley said, offering a hand.

Wartron accepted the hand. "You too, unless of course I go up against you. Tough luck then."

"Right back at you. See you later, and if I get lucky, I'll see you in one of the rings tonight and we can settle the question of who is the best between us." Beasley smiled as she turned and walked away with her family.

"Well, she's rude. Didn't even bother to introduce herself to us." Wartron's mother observed.

"Ma, relax, we're not here to sit by a campfire and sing lullabies. I'm going to get a snack before it gets too late. The drawings are at four but the first fight isn't until five and I'm starving."



Aegis had both Angelus and Azreal with him at the rings at 2:45, much to their annoyance. Aegis had won out against them, refusing to let either of them as well as himself have a chance of being late. Not on such an important occasion. Sabrina and Benjamin, however, had to remain behind because one, Sabrina being a bartender means a big night tonight for her to earn extra pay. Number two, and perhaps even more importantly was that Benjamin was not yet at an age that Sabrina felt comfortable taking him out to a night like tonight. Even if he was chained to her she still wouldn't feel comfortable. In a few years, maybe, but not yet. Sabrina had been nonstop apologizing over missing tonight, and was looking forward to all of the good stories she was expecting to hear.

Angelus sighed in annoyance. "Well, we're fucking here. Great. Only what, an hour before the fucking assembly time?"

"Hush Angelus. I may not like it either, but I like your bitching even less." Azreal responded.

"Dick."

Azreal then yawned. "I think I'm gonna go take a nap though. We do have an hour."

"No, you will sit and wait patiently, and I can see that Master Phoenix is here."

"Fuck." Angelus breathed.

"Another Master is with him, so don't do anything stupid. And that especially goes for you Angelus. Avoid Zaeco at all costs, we don't need another incident."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. I won't start anything. But if he starts shit-"

"Angelus." Aegis cut Angelus off with a curt tone.

Angelus rolled his eyes. "I'm kidding, I'll stay away from him, even if he tries to start shit. I'd love to see a Master kick the shit out of him anyway if he starts following me around."

"Master Phoenix saw me and is on his way over, and he still doesn't look happy." Aegis informed both Angelus and Azreal.

"Dammit! Why do you have to be so fucking tall and noticeable?" Angelus asked.

"Says the one who is jealous of my height."

"Fuck you."

"I personally just find it odd that the one person who doesn't want attention fashions himself in a way that just draws people to him like a magnet." Azreal pointed out to Aegis.

Aegis actually smiled at that one. "Well played."

The three straightened themselves up as Master Phoenix got close.

"Well, I'm guessing Aegis is the reason you three are here early. In any case, I want to go over a couple of things. First, the night in question is currently being put aside specifically for this Tournament, but it is not being dropped. So, while you are here in this Tournament, that issue will not be brought up by anyone else other than me, got it? If anyone says anything, you come straight to me as soon as you can. Don't forget though that this will be addressed after this is over, so you're not getting a free ride."

"Second, because of the incident, extra eyes will be on you three along with Zaeco, so ensure that you stay on your best behavior and not do anything stupid. Lastly, if you happen to cross paths with Zaeco, leave your personal issues outside of the ring. If there is one thing I hope I drilled into over the past nine months, it's a little bit of professionalism. Act professional and fight clean and fair, got it?"

"Yes Master Phoenix." All three responded in unison.

Master Phoenix nodded. "Good, now that we got that out of the way, I also came over here to wish you luck tonight. In this Tournament, it is not all about winning. It is also a way to help you forge a goal for the future. If you lose, then you will have something to aspire to, a power that was greater than yours. If you win, then you will have to take steps to ensure that you continue to hold the top, for your peers will surely chase you. This is also your chance to demonstrate your skills and to redeem yourselves a little of the bad reputation you three have now started with, so use it well."

"Yes Master Phoenix." All three responded in unison again.

"Good. Go ahead and relax, and ensure you're in the formation on time." Master Phoenix added as he turned and continued on.

Once Phoenix was far enough away, of course, Angelus could not stop himself.

"'And ensure you in the'-ow! What the fuck was that for?" Angelus turned to Aegis, who had elbowed him in the gut.

"Dude, I'll just say this..." Azreal answered, patting Angelus on the shoulder.

"You don't want us to bring out the nickname, do you?"

Angelus rolled his eyes. "Fine." He said unenthusiastically, earning him another light elbow.

"Alright already! Relax, I'll be cool, okay?"

"Nine months of Candidate School and he still hasn't learned a thing. I'm going for a quick bite to eat." Aegis observed as he began walking towards one of the vendors that were scattered about with Angelus shooting daggers at Aegis' back with his eyes.

"Sounds like a great idea. Maybe I should get a drink to help me relax too." Azreal said as he caught up to Aegis.

"No."

"Aww, but mommy!" Azreal pouted jokingly.

"No."



The remaining Graduates continued to arrive as the assigned time drew near. At 3:30, the Graduates were assembled in a box formation in front of the stage, and standing before them was a Master Dragoon. Aside from his customary purple robe that he wore with perfection and pride, the first thing one would notice of Master Rubadron is the scars on the left side of his face, one of which went across his eye which now forever remained closed.

He was also holding a cane in his left hand since the injuries he had suffered stretched further than just his face, but the entire left side of his body which he had received shielding a new guy from a stupid mistake three years ago during the Xerxes retreat. Despite his injuries, Master Rubadron had returned that day, but he had learned that the kid he had saved did not, adding a bitter sense of irony to his now crippled figure in the fact that it had been wasted, for he could no longer return to combat as he was now, despite the fact that he could continue to hold his rank as Master.

That was how he had ended up as the Master in Charge of Skytown, the highest ranked Dragoon in the city of Skytown and the outlying area which included the great gate of the valley, Skyward Base, a massive fortress/wall/gate that has protected Skytown since the time of Osirus without fail. Master Rubadron's authority also outranked the Conscripts, effectively establishing him as the supreme commander of all of Magi forces in Skytown, and second only to the Grand Dragoon, and on the same level as his other peers; Master Dragoon Phineas, the Master in Charge of Templar, Master Dragoon Dracul, Master in Charge of Pirus, and Master Dragoon Dubai, Master in Charge of Nekropolis. This combination is known as the 'Masters of the Magi' since they only answered to the Grand Dragoon and the Wisemen, and even had authority over other Masters.

As always, Master Rubadron's head was completely bald, and his hardened face with cold blue eyes glared at the Graduates.

"Good afternoon Graduates." Master Rubadron greeted the assembled Graduates standing before him.

"Good afternoon Master." The group responded, though not to Master Rubadron's approval.

"That is no way to greet the Master in Charge of Skytown! And I'm a little disappointed at how little heart you show, despite the fact that the Graduate Tournament is just an hour and a half away. Now try again!" The Master scolded the Graduates.

"Good afternoon Master!" The Graduates shouted in unison with much more life in their collective voice.

'I fucking hate guys like this.' Angelus thought to himself.

"Better. If there's something to remember, always put your heart into everything you do, even if you don't like it. This is a time of war boys and girls, and we need everyone in top shape at all times, and you can't do it if you allow yourself to drag your feet around. Such an attitude costs lives."

"Now, as I just mentioned, the Graduate Tournament is just a little while away, with the drawings starting in a half hour. For those who don't know or haven't seen it done before, all you have to do is listen for your name as I or the Grand Dragoon stand on stage and call it. You will march on stage in a professional manner, reach your hand into the drawing for a single number, show me the number, and walk off stage. Do not, I repeat, do not start jumping up and down in joy or whining or anything like that while on stage. If you embarrass us like that in front of everyone that will be present, I will kick your ass on the spot. You have been warned. All you need to do is listen for your name, march on stage, draw your number, show it to me, and march off stage when I announce the number and dismiss you. It's very simple, and it would be appreciated if nothing stupid happened, understand?"

"Yes Master!" The Graduates were quick to respond.

Master Rubadron nodded. "Good. Now, let's move on to the Tournament itself. Let's start with the rules. Rule number one, this is not an all out brawl with no rules. Intentionally inflicting permanent damage on your fellow Graduates is strictly forbidden, and those who violate this rule will be severely sanctioned, and possibly even put to death. Do not test this, for this is your only warning. This is a friendly spar, regardless of the competitive nature, do not let that competitive nature get to your head for there are no take backs if you cross that line."

"Rule number two, each fight will be no longer than thirty minutes, with the exception being the semifinals and the final round, which will be an hour long. If a victor cannot be determined in thirty minutes, it will then be decided by judges who will be watching each fight. A victor is decided if either their opponent is on the ground for ten seconds, is clearly unconscious, if the opponent's body touched outside the ring, or if the victor has their opponent in a submissive hold for twenty seconds."

"Rule three, and I will say this very slowly. No...magic...in....the...rings. If you do so, you will pose an immediate threat to the crowds around you, and you will be taken down in the blink of an eye. Save your fancy magic tricks for the semifinals when we move to the open fields. Once again, do not test this."

"Now, let's move on to the Element of Chaos division. As you all may or may not know, the number of Graduates differ from year to year and does not always allow fair and proper matching for certain numbers. The Element of Chaos division will be for numbers 33 to 40, which will fight in their own bracket, while the Element of Chaos fight, which will be numbers 41 and 42, will be considered their own bracket separate from all others. The winner of this match will fight in the finals of the Element of Chaos division, essentially skipping rounds two and three. Whoever wins the Element of Chaos division will go to the semifinals with two other semifinalists, and the Element of Chaos has the option of choosing who they wish to fight first as the semifinal round. The winner of this round will fight the other semifinalist in what will be the final round. Any questions so far?" Master Rubadron asked.

Early on, when Von Richtoven realized that his Tournament didn't always pair out properly in normal brackets, it was decided that the remainder numbers which didn't fit into the proper bracket would be given their own brackets to match up with the main bracket, and was named the Element of Chaos. The name was decided because, just as what can happen in real life, random chance can determine the outcome of any form of competition, and was perfectly suited as a learning tool for young Graduates who might not understand this yet. On top of that, it added a whole new level of betting, something that Von Richtoven had not missed either.

"Okay. Next, the breaks between the fights. All breaks are thirty minutes long between them, until after round 4 which will become an hour long break. Let's go over the rules of your break time."

"Rule one, do not drink! If someone so much as even smells it on you, you will be disqualified immediately and punished. Don't test this one either."

"Rule two, in dealing with the crowds, do not lose your temper over them. You're going to hear a lot of shit from a lot of people as the night goes on, especially if you ruin their bets. Remember to be professional, and do not answer criticisms, insults, or shit thrown at you with aggression. Keep in mind also that authorities will be scattered everywhere to keep the peace. If an individual starts acting up, don't take matters into your own hands. Leave it to those who are assigned here tonight specifically for that job. I don't care if someone shits in their own hands and throws it at you, do not get into a physical altercation. Is that clear?"

"Yes Master!" The Graduates responded.

"We'll see. Almost every year, something stupid happens that I have to deal with that makes this night even fucking longer than it already is. I'd like this year to be the year that I don't have any midnight appointments, think you can do that?"