by Jack Hammond
“Take a break from it Wes, comeback once you’ve cleared your head.” Sadie said again.
“My heads fine. What I did was a mistake. I can't change what happened.” He declared adamantly.
“You’re always welcome to watch us fight,” Darren said. “But I don’t think I could handle just watching now. I’m guessing you’ll be the same.”
The colosseum clashes began as scheduled, the contenders fighting it out on the pristine golden sand of the arena, amidst the cheers of the appreciative crowd and of course the Overseer and the Elite. Somehow Wesley couldn’t imagine them being as impressed as the crowd. The six faceless shadows would be laughing as the fighters, hacked, slashed, punched and kicked their way to victory. The contenders and their medial powers in comparison to the Elite must have humoured them, he thought. Still sitting on the stone bench, Wesley’s view of the arena was obstructed by the other fighters. They gathered around the apertures and doorways to watch the clash in progress. Every now and again he would catch a glimpse of light or a flash of colour, but it didn’t register. Wesley’s mind was elsewhere.
Even though he was not watching or paying attention, he sensed the urge inside him, forcing him to go out there. The amount of effort Wesley was using to contain the desire, to hold it deep down was inconceivable. Darren was right, yet again. He wasn't going to be able to sit on the sidelines for however long was required. He needed to fight. The desire to clash the Elite was strong, too strong; he knew what he needed to do. He had to fight Darren, Alwin, Patrick and Sadie. All he needed was four wins, then he would end this, finally get rid of this thing inside him. A slither of doubt crept into his mind, without the mystery man would Wesley have the power and ability to defeat the Elite?
“I know this must be hard for you,” Sadie said as she took a seat next to him. “But you do get it, right?”
Wes just shrugged.
“We’re not trying to get at you,” she continued.
“Could've fooled me.”
“Well, a bit.” She smiled trying to make light of it. “But you deserved it.”
“I know.” Wesley agreed.
“Things will be better in a few days.”
“You think?”
“I do, yes.” She replied in a genuine tone of voice.
Wesley smiled back; his first thought was to ask her to clash. But he knew it was too soon, he had to bide his time for the right moment.
The crowd erupted into applause as the first clash ended. Wesley's stomach knot tightened a little more. The fighters all returned to their places as the winner and loser returned to the pit.
Darren sat opposite Sadie and gave her a disapproving glance as he saw her softening toward Wesley. Alwin and Patrick then took a seat.
Patrick looked at Wesley. “Hey, I did okay last night in my fight with Alwin.” He attempted to bring a little normality to the table.
“Sorry, I missed it.” Wes replied. Yet another thing he had to apologise for.
“Yeah, he’s pretty good.”
Patrick grinned. “I lost, but it was still fun.”
“You’ll win your next one, these guys will help you out.” Wesley said.
“What about you?” Patrick asked.
“I doubt I’ll be around much now.”
“Oh, you’ll be back though?” he sounded upset.
“I’ll pop in from time to time.”
Darren wasn’t convinced Wesley would give it up so easily. “So that’s it then?”
“For a while yeah.”
“Just like that?” he pressed.
“Yeah, just like that.”
Alwin restrained himself from doing a Tommy Cooper impression. “Can’t you just watch, Wes?”
“No, Daz is right. Be too hard not to fight.”
“I think it’s a good idea having a break.” Sadie said. “You’re still undefeated, when you’re more with it, you can return and finish what you started.” She declared proudly.
“Sounds good that.” Wesley admitted, but the truth was he wasn’t planning on giving up. He would bide his time, he had no intention of waiting a month. Tomorrow he would work on each of them. If only he had his uncle Chad’s persuasive methods. He could easily get someone to clash him, just by using a set of words and phrases.
“I think you’ll be better, Wes.” Alwin added. “I think you’ll be more formidable on your return.”
Wesley nodded in agreement; they were all convinced it was in his best interests to step back from it. He didn’t see it as an option, he had to clash, and he had to win.
The Overseer announced the next match; Darren readied himself as he was next out onto the sand. He took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders. “Right, let’s make this happen.”
“Good luck.” Wesley said.
The group followed behind Darren as he headed towards the amphitheatre. Wesley remained seated, still deep in thought.
Alwin found himself spurring Darren on more than usual. “You can do this, Daz. Move in fast and hard.”
Darren looked taken back. “Yeah, I know what to do.” He replied.
“Sorry, brother. Just trying to help. Break a leg!” he said patting him on the back before moving away.
“He’s just trying to be supportive.” Sadie laughed.
“He’s freaking me out.” Darren admitted.
“Just do what you do, you’ll be fine,” Sadie replied. “Go get him!”
Darren stepped out to rapturous applause; he was still a crowd favourite.
Sat with his head buried in his hands Wesley listened to the cheers of the crowd. They seemed to be relentlessly mocking him, goading him into doing something. It’s all in your head, he kept telling himself. The crowd took a sudden intake of air, Wesley could almost feel it. Then a thunderous boom followed, Darren no doubt smashing his opponent into submission. Another cheer went up and Wes clawed his fingers into his face wishing the noise away.
A slow clapping from behind Wesley made him sit up. The applause was slow and sarcastic. It wasn’t for the clash in progress, he quickly turned. The applause was for him.
Perry Grim stood a few yards away, still clapping his hands a look of satisfaction etched across his smug face. “Well done,” he said. “I had to come and congratulate you on completely screwing yourself over.” He laughed loudly, ceasing the clapping.
“What are you doing here?” Wesley asked.
“I heard about how you hammered that girl last night, impressive.” He grinned, revelling in Wesley’s misery. “Hammered… is that the right word?” he quipped.
“I didn’t think you’d be back after I beat your ass.” Wesley countered angrily.
“You know what, I didn’t either. Then yesterday I received a private message on Facebook telling me what a monumental balls up you’d made,” he laughed again. “I couldn’t help myself, I had to say well done.”
“You’re a loser and a nobody.” Wesley said turning his back on him.
“A loser, yes. But at least I managed a streak of nine.” He mocked. “An achievement you’ll never attain.”
Wesley turned back, his teeth gritted as the anger rose within him. “I'll get the wins and I’ll achieve more than you ever did, would or will!”
“How will you manage that, with no one willing to clash you now?” Perry reminded him cheerfully. “I’m going to come here every single night. I’m going to make it my life’s mission to make sure no one fights you.”
“Won’t happen,” Wes replied confidently.
“I considered just coming to your school and beating the crap out of you,” Perry admitted. “But this, this will hurt you more. All you have is this. The Colosseum means everything to you and I'm making sure you never step out there again.”
Wesley stood up, taking a few steps toward Perry. “I will stop you. I will make sure you stop.” He threatened.
“And how will you do that? You had your chance out there, you could have stopped me ever coming back.” His grin was wide and joy
ful. “Don’t know how you do it, but you had your chance. Now you've got to deal with the consequences.”
“I can still do it!” Wesley snarled.
“No, you can’t. The Overseer will stop you like before. Unless I challenge you, you can’t do a damn thing. Moron!”
Wesley angrily moved toward him, before restraining himself. He needed to stay calm, his chance of clashing again hung in the balance.
“See, toothless outside of the arena,” he laughed.
Wesley turned away again, returning to his seat.
Perry rubbed his hands together as he saw his comments and jibes getting to Wesley. He moved around him and took a seat opposite, before continuing his mockery. “Can I ask, how does it feel?”
“How does what feel?” Wes reluctantly asked.
“Going from a hero to a villain,” he smiled. “I mean you were loved out there, now you are…” he paused. “Hated?”
“Shut up.”
“Hated. Yes hated.” He continued. “I bet your friend’s think you’re a scum bag, don’t they?”
Wesley didn’t even make eye contact with him; he just tried to ignore him.
“How many more do you need? Four, five?” he asked. “Shame about that, no more wins, no chance to ever challenge the Elite and you know what…” Perry leaned in and whispered. “I think you could've won, you are seriously powerful.”
“Shut up, will you.” Wesley sneered.
“I was giving you a complement, such a shame you won’t achieve anything more.” He laughed loudly.
Wesley swallowed down the anger and the burning rage in the pit of his belly. The fury clawed at him, trying to break free. All Wesley wanted to do was conjure his hammer and smash it into his smug face.
“You’re regretting not finishing me off, I can see it in your face,” Perry told him. “I bet you’re wishing you could go back and slam that hammer down on me. If you had, if you'd just gone that little further, this wouldn't be happening to you.”
“You can’t do anything to me!” Wesley announced. “You’re nothing, just another meaningless troll I cast aside with ease.”
“Yet this troll is still here, making sure everyone remembers what you did, so no one ever challenges you again!” he leaned back as he laughed again.
Darren’s manifestation celebrated his victory. The crowd applauded the two fighters for an excellent battle. The Overseer announced Darren’s success and with another cheer, he exited the amphitheatre. Sadie was the first to congratulate him; throwing her arms around him she squeezed him tightly.
“Great fight!” she declared jubilantly.
“Nicely done.” Alwin added, avoiding going for a hug.
Perry looked at them as they stood in the door way. He saw Wesley’s reaction as Sadie hugged Darren, the green eyed monster wasn’t the only thing trying to get out of him he thought. “That should've been you,” Perry began. “Imagine what could have been. You could've had everything here. But like the moron you are, you screwed it up!” he continued to push.
“Shut up!” Wesley said rising from his seat. His face pressed against Perry’s. “I swear to God, I will…” Wesley stopped himself, he didn’t know how.
“What are you doing here?” Sadie snapped at Perry as the group returned to their table.
“Me?” he answered. “Why I’m here congratulating this moron on screwing himself out of greatness.” He laughed.
“Get out of here.” Darren sneered.
“Or what? We’re not in the playground now. Do you want to challenge me?” Perry goaded. “Come on, try your luck. Or can you only hide behind the woman beater? Sorry, child beater? Is that better?” he smirked at Wesley.
“Just get lost!” Sadie barked.
“Shut your hole. I would annihilate you without a manifestation. The only one of your pitiful group worth anything is a moron, pity that,” he said getting to his feet. “Anyway, I’m off to spread the word of what a total arse you are, Wes-slow.”
Darren clenched his fists, sneering at Perry as he walked away.
“You okay, Wes?” Sadie asked.
“No, I’m mad. Really mad.” He honestly replied.
“Just ignore him.”
Wesley looked at her. “Easier said than done. I just want to show him. If I beat an Elite he’d never come back.”
“Wes, you need ten wins.” Alwin reminded him.
“I need four wins.” He looked across their faces. He didn’t need to say a word; they all knew exactly what he was thinking. “Please you guys,” he begged.
Alwin looked at Wesley and rubbed his brow. “It’s a big ask mate,” he admitted. “This isn’t like a starting clash, you might go feral on me.”
“I swear I won’t, please!”
Alwin thought for a moment and then he nodded his head. “Please, don’t make me regret this.”
“I swear I won’t.” Wes replied with a cheerful smile. “Patrick?”
“Sure, you can beat me. After helping me out with him, least I can do.” Patrick needed no convincing.
Darren was next and Wesley saw the answer on his face. “What about you Daz?” he asked.
“Not a chance.” He replied bluntly.
“Please, I just need two more.” Wesley pleaded.
“No. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t clash you even if you were in complete control and not a basket case.”
Wes quickly turned his attention to Sadie if he got her on board she might convince Darren. “Please, Sadie.”
She closed her eyes for a moment and thought about Wesley’s request, then opened them. He saw regret in her eyes. Wesley had his answer.
“I’m sorry Wesley. I have told you, friends, don’t clash friends. I can’t break my word. As a friend I can’t clash you.”
Wesley heard her words and as she finished the room spun. He couldn’t control it any longer; he could feel the power overwhelming him once again. Just like he had when he faced Chris Grim’s Reaper, the surge rushed through him. Everything quickly became bright, with an intense sharpness.
“Hey are you alright?” Alwin said.
Wesley fell backwards off the bench, everything suddenly went black. Silence, his senses were completely blank. He could hear nothing, see nothing. Then as quickly as it had gone, everything flooded back to him and he jumped up to his feet.
Sadie, Darren, Patrick and Alwin all stared at him; they thought he had passed out.
“Wesley, you okay mate?” Alwin asked.
“Don’t call me, mate!” he spat at Alwin.
He recoiled, looking at everyone in shock. “What?”
“This is what we’re on about.” Sadie snapped. “You’re…”
“Give it a rest… God you don’t half go on.” Wesley interrupted her. “You all sit there judging me as if you’re some kind of moral guide.” He stepped up onto the table. “If you won’t challenge me, I’ll find someone who will.”
The group all sat dumbfounded, each one wondering what had just happened. No one spoke as Wesley addressed the pit from their table.
“Is there anyone here, who would challenge me?” he shouted across room. “Anyone with the balls to accept the only real challenge here?”
“That’s it moron, win them over!” Perry laughed.
Wesley narrowed his eyes. Then leapt from the table, lashing out a leg, he kicked Perry in the chest. There was no green field to save Perry like before. For some reason the Overseer had not stopped Wes’ attack. The boy was sent hurtling into the pit wall with a thud; his body didn’t even hit the ground before he was exited from the colosseum. The people reeled back as Wesley moved around the tables, the Overseer not interfering.
“You see, conjuring outside of the arena is prohibited,” he laughed. “But I need no weapons to dismiss trolls like him.”
“Stop this!” Sadie shouted.
“I can’t! I wish I could, but I can’t!” Wesley snapped back. “I have to do this.”
A clash was taking place out on the sand, b
ut no one was paying attention to it in the pit, everyone was looking at Wesley. “I know what I must do,” he mumbled to himself. “I have to go to the source.” he ran toward the arena door. The contenders all stepped aside as Wesley dashed out onto the sand.
He conjured his weapons and rushed towards the two fighters. The crowd rose to their feet, a few boos echoed from sections of the crowd as it all fell silent.
“Leave!” Wesley shouted. “Your clash is over!”
The snake manifestation swung its body around to face the Gladiator, the creature’s eyes narrowed in annoyance as it hissed at his request. The stone golem was dumbfounded; he shrugged at his opponent before looking to the Overseer, awaiting an official announcement.
“Don’t look at him, I said off!” Wesley continued. Without hesitation he hurled his shield at the golem. It spun furiously through the air smashing into him; his body was thrown against the Corinthian stone with a crunching thud. His hammer arm swung and Wesley made perfect contact with the snake creation, its long body squirming through the air before it crashed to the ground. An enormous trail of dust was left in his wake.
“Don’t make me hurt you!” Wesley declared. “Get out now!”
The two fighters didn’t argue, they realised he hadn’t used the kind of force he could have and scurried through the doors back into the pit.
The trickle of boos rang out louder and louder as Wesley moved across the sand to reclaim his shield. Before the noise level could rise anymore the Overseer made an announcement.
“Leave the Colosseum, you are no longer welcome!” the voice boomed.
Wesley casually collected up his shield and looked to the Overseer and the Elite. “Make me,” he replied plainly. He pointed his hammer and drew it slowly across the faces watching from the pit. “If any of you even think about entering the sand,” Wesley growled. “I warn you now… I will end you!”
“LEAVE!” the Overseer demanded.
Wisps of black energy appeared, forming portals on all sides of Wesley. He glanced around watching as four guards emerged. Identical to the doorman and pit guard, they moved towards him. The sound of chains clanking caught Wes’ attention as he saw maces materialise in their hands. Their long white fingers wrapped around the weapons leather grips. The chains were taught from the weight of the spiked metal balls, which rocked back and forth with each advancing step. Wesley shook his head contemptuously, the aura of the hammer pulsing like a heartbeat. He could feel them preparing to strike.
