novelraw Chapter 73 – Friendly Bout
Chapter 73 – Friendly Bout
After securing food for the goblin—who devoured her meal with gleeful abandon—and ensuring Rava was also fed, the group began making their way back to Vivienne’s quarters. The halls of the stronghold were dimly lit, with flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. The faint hum of distant conversations and the occasional clatter of armor echoed through the corridors, a constant reminder of the impending battles on the horizon.
As they rounded a corner, Vivienne, caught up in her own thoughts and half-listening to Kivvy’s excited chatter about potential gadgets she could build, nearly collided with a massive figure. The man towered above her, nearly matching Rava in height, though his broader shoulders and heavier frame gave him a more imposing presence. His skin was a deep, weathered gray, marked with faint scars that told stories of battles long fought. His arms were coloured in grey fur ending in dulled claws. His sharp eyes immediately honed in on her with the precision of a predator.
Vivienne stepped back, her usual sharp retort catching in her throat. “Well, someone’s been eating their vegetables,” she muttered under her breath.
Rava, however, greeted the man with a nod of respect, her voice steady. “Eldest Brother. I thought you were preparing to establish the front lines.”
The man’s gaze shifted to Rava, his expression softening slightly though still stern. “I was,” he replied, his voice deep and resonant. “I’ve just returned from overseeing the initial deployment. The troops are ready, but the situation is... volatile.” He glanced at Vivienne, then at Kivvy, his brow furrowing. “And who are these?”
“I’m Kivvy!” the goblin piped up, offering a quick wave and an awkward grin. “Definitely not a threat, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Vivienne rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “And I’m Vivienne. Nightmare, shapeshifter, eater of fear, occasional problem solver. Pleased to meet you.”
The man’s eyes lingered on Vivienne for a moment longer, his expression hard to read. “The Nightmare,” he said, almost to himself. “I’ve heard whispers about you. Narek has complained about you extensively. I expected someone... taller.”
Vivienne bristled, her tail flicking sharply as she crossed her arms. “Oh, I’m sorry. Let me just grow a few feet to match your towering majesty. Oh wait—I can do that. Perhaps something with extra heads? Hydra, maybe?”
“Vivienne,” Rava interjected, her tone carrying an edge of warning. “Not indoors. I’d rather not explain to Narek why you turned the corridor into rubble. Again.”
Vivienne offered a mock pout but relented. “Fine, fine. Spoilsport.”
Rava shifted her gaze to the man. “This is my eldest brother, Kavren.”
Vivienne dipped into an exaggerated bow, her smile sharp. “Charmed, Kavren.”
Kavren nodded curtly, his sharp-toothed grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “So, my sister has taken a liking to you,” he said, his voice a deep rumble. “Interesting. I think I’d like to fight you.”
Vivienne’s grin widened. “Oh, I might indulge you. Are we thinking a friendly spar, or something a little more... dramatic?”
“What’s the difference?” Kavren asked, his booming laugh echoing down the hall.
Rava cleared her throat, stepping slightly between them. “Maybe another time. We have other priorities right now.”
Vivienne tilted her head, a glint of mischief in her black eyes. “Do we? Because I’m fairly certain we’re free this evening.”
“Ha! You haven’t changed a bit, Rava,” Kavren said, shaking his head. “A friendly spar—it won’t take long. You can spare the time, can’t you?”
Vivienne seized the moment, stepping close to Rava and pressing herself against the lekine’s side. She tilted her head upward, her lips curving into a coy smile as her tail curled around Rava’s ankle. “Oh, Rava,” she purred, her voice dripping with playful allure. “Please? Just a little spar. It’ll be fun. Besides, I’ve been dying to see what kind of man your brother is.”
Rava sighed, her ears flicking slightly as a faint, frustrated groan escaped her lips. “Vivienne…”
Vivienne batted her eyelashes, leaning in a little closer. “Come on, Rava. You’re not afraid I’ll embarrass him, are you?”
Kavren barked a laugh, his gaze bouncing between the two women. “She’s persistent. I like her.” He folded his arms, the grin on his face growing sharper. “What do you say, Rava? Let her play.”
Rava pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering something under her breath. “Fine,” she said at last, shooting Vivienne a warning glance. “But only if you promise not to destroy anything.”
Vivienne clapped her hands together, practically bouncing on her heels. “You have my word. Well, most of it.” She turned back to Kavren, her grin widening like a predator catching the scent of prey. “Shall we?”
Kavren cracked his knuckles, the sharp gleam of his teeth catching in the dim light. “Let’s see if the Nightmare lives up to the whispers.”
The group made their way to the training grounds, a sprawling courtyard that lay bathed in the pale glow of twin moons. The area had long been abandoned for the night, its stone floors dusted with the remnants of earlier scuffles. Kavren strode to the edges of the yard, his massive frame cutting a stark silhouette against the night. He reached out to the dormant lanterns lining the courtyard and pressed a hand to one of them. A surge of aether flowed from him, igniting the lantern in a soft, golden glow. One by one, he lit the others, casting the space in warm, flickering light.
Vivienne watched Kavren finish lighting the lanterns, her arms crossed as she tilted her head to study him. “Ah, a dawn caster. That’s a problem for me,” she said with a faux sigh, her tone carrying the weight of exaggerated disappointment. Still, her smirk gave her away entirely, a playful edge in her voice betraying her anticipation. Her tail flicked behind her, the lazy motion belying her readiness.
Kavren made his way to the center of a sparring circle etched into the courtyard’s stone, the light from the lanterns casting long shadows that danced across the ground. His movements were slow but deliberate, each step carrying the weight of practiced confidence. He turned, flexing his shoulders as he glanced at Vivienne with a sharp grin.
Kivvy, meanwhile, had stationed herself far off to the side, arms clutching her pack tightly. “I’m not about to become collateral for whatever nightmare shenanigans this is,” she muttered, carefully stepping further into the shadows.
Vivienne and Kavren took their places on either side of the ring, the tension between them palpable. Rava stepped forward to stand in the middle, her arms crossed and her eyes flicking between the two combatants.
“Rules are simple,” Rava declared, her voice firm and carrying easily in the quiet night air. “First blood wins. Five rounds. And one more thing—no killing your opponent.” She narrowed her eyes at both of them, her tone sharpening. “If you break that rule, I’ll thrash the victor myself.”
Vivienne tilted her head, a mock-puzzled expression spreading across her face. “But what if we both try to kill each other? Does that mean you’ll thrash us both?” Her smirk widened, and her voice dropped to a teasing purr. “I might not mind.”
Kavren snorted, shaking his head. “Careful what you wish for, Nightmare. My sister’s thrashings are legendary.”
Rava’s expression didn’t waver. “Try me and find out, Viv.”
The tension broke with Vivienne’s laugh, a soft, melodic sound that carried a sinister undertone. “Fine, fine. First blood it is. I’ll play nice. Mostly.”
Kavren crouched slightly, his body language shifting into readiness. “Ready whenever you are.”
Rava stepped back, leaving the center of the ring clear. Her gaze lingered on Vivienne. “Don’t get cocky.”
“Me? Cocky? Never,” Vivienne replied with mock innocence. She cracked her knuckles, then shifted her weight into a stance that seemed casual but held a coiled energy, ready to spring. Her eyes glinted, her grin feral.
“Well then,” Rava said as she moved to the edge of the ring. “Begin.”
The instant Rava’s voice rang out, Kavren moved.
Vivienne blinked, and in that split second, he was already upon her. A blur of muscle and speed, he closed the gap between them with a swiftness that defied his bulky frame. His fist shot forward, a straight jab aimed squarely at her chest.
She twisted instinctively, her reflexes sharp enough to avoid the brunt of the blow, but not fast enough to avoid it entirely. Kavren’s knuckles grazed her shoulder, the force of the strike enough to spin her slightly off balance.
Before she could fully recover, he pivoted on his heel and delivered a low, sweeping kick that knocked her feet out from under her. The stone beneath her seemed to blur as she fell, and before she hit the ground, Kavren’s blade—when had he drawn it?—flicked across her arm with surgical precision.
A thin red line appeared on her forearm, a single bead of ichor welling up and trickling down her ashen skin.
Rava’s voice broke through the haze. “First blood: Kavren.”
Vivienne lay on the ground for a moment, staring at the cut in disbelief. She blinked once, then twice, before her tail lashed sharply against the stone in frustration. “Well, steel and smoke,” she muttered, propping herself up on one elbow.
Kavren stepped back, offering her a hand as his grin widened. “That was... underwhelming, Nightmare. I expected more.”
Vivienne ignored his hand, rising to her feet in one fluid motion. “Oh, don’t get too comfortable, big guy. That was me playing nice. Now?” She tilted her head, her grin sharpening to match the gleam in her black eyes. “Now I’m interested.”
Rava crossed her arms, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying the slightest hint of amusement. “I told you not to underestimate him. Don’t let it happen again, Viv.”
“Caught flat-footed?” Vivienne repeated, brushing a speck of dust off her dress. “No, no. I was testing him. You know, gathering data. And now I’ve got it.”
Kivvy, watching from the sidelines, snorted. “Yeah, sure. That’s exactly what happened.”
Vivienne shot her a look, but it was laced with humor. “Careful, Kivvy. I’ll make you my next sparring partner.”
The goblin raised her hands in mock surrender. “Nope! I like living, thanks.”
Kavren chuckled, his stance already shifting back into readiness. “You’ve got four more rounds, Nightmare. Show me what you’ve got. Unless, of course, you’re afraid of losing again.”
Vivienne’s grin widened, her aura shifting as a faint ripple of darkness coiled around her. “Oh, I’m far from done. Let’s see how you handle round two.”
Rava’s voice cut through the air once more. “Begin.”
This time, Vivienne was the first to move.
Vivienne surged forward, a blur of motion as her claws extended, glinting faintly in the lantern light. Her grin was feral, her focus razor-sharp as she darted toward Kavren, weaving unpredictably. The playful demeanor from earlier had been replaced with a predatory intensity.
Kavren smirked, standing his ground. As she closed in, he shifted subtly, his feet sliding into a solid stance. When she lashed out with a clawed swipe aimed for his shoulder, he sidestepped at the last possible moment, catching her wrist mid-swing with an iron grip.
“Fast,” Kavren admitted, his tone almost approving. “But you’re still too obvious.”
Vivienne’s grin didn’t waver. Instead, her tail shot forward, aiming for his ribs. The unexpected move forced him to release her wrist, and he twisted to avoid the strike, narrowly missing a sharp jab from her claws.
“Not bad,” she said, her voice almost a purr. “But I’m just warming up.”
She spun on her heel, using the momentum to launch another strike, this one aimed at his legs. Kavren hopped back, but she followed through with a feint toward his left side, only to pivot sharply and aim a kick at his chest.
The kick connected, and though he absorbed the blow with a grunt, it forced him a step back. “Better,” Kavren growled, his grin returning. “But you’ll need more than that.”
Vivienne darted back, giving herself space to recalibrate. She was quick, unpredictable, and clearly enjoying the sparring match despite the earlier embarrassment. Kavren’s strength and precision were formidable, but she wasn’t deterred.
Kivvy, watching from the sidelines, muttered under her breath, “Steel and cinders, they’re gonna break the whole courtyard.”
Rava didn’t respond, her focus entirely on the duel. Her arms were crossed, and though her expression remained calm, there was a glint of something in her eyes—pride, perhaps, or amusement.
Vivienne shifted her weight, her claws retracting slightly as she raised her hands. “Alright, big guy. Let’s see how you handle this.”
The air around her grew heavy, a faint ripple of aether emanating from her form. Shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally, coiling like serpents at her feet.
Kavren raised a brow. “Finally getting serious?”
She winked. “Maybe. Try not to cry.”
She launched herself at him again, this time moving faster, her strikes coming from unexpected angles. Her movements were a mix of agility and calculated chaos, designed to test his limits.
Kavren met her strikes with equal ferocity, blocking and countering with precision. Their sparring had escalated into a whirlwind of claws, fists, and dodges, the air crackling with tension.
This time, Vivienne wasn’t caught flat-footed. Every exchange pushed them both closer to the edge, neither willing to give an inch.
From the sidelines, Kivvy let out a low whistle. “This might actually be fun to watch.”
Rava smirked faintly, murmuring to herself, “About time she showed what she’s made of.”
Kivvy's eyes flicked from the duel to Rava, her disbelief evident. “Seriously? You’ve fought beside her but haven’t seen her go full-on terror mode? She’s a whirlwind of claws and teeth. I’ve seen her rip through things twice her size without breaking a sweat!”
Rava’s gaze never left the sparring match, her lips pressing into a thin line. “We’ve had battles together, yes,” she admitted, her tone thoughtful. “But the way you describe it, she’s been... bolder. Reckless, even.” She sighed, her brows furrowing slightly. “I suppose I have missed out.”
Kivvy snorted. “Missed out? More like dodged a heart attack. Watching her fight’s like witnessing a natural disaster—terrifying, yet you can’t look away.”
Rava’s smirk returned, though it carried a hint of pride. “She does have a flair for the dramatic. Still, there’s a difference between tearing through nameless foes and holding her own against someone like Kavren.”
Kivvy tilted her head, her ears twitching with curiosity. “You think she’ll win?”
“Winning isn’t the point here,” Rava said with a shrug. “It’s about proving she belongs.”
Meanwhile, in the sparring circle, Vivienne’s grin only widened. Kavren was skilled, undeniably so, but she thrived in chaos, and her movements reflected that. Her strikes came from unpredictable angles, forcing him to adjust constantly.
Kavren, for his part, looked amused as much as he was focused. “You fight like a wild thing,” he said, his voice steady despite the strain in his muscles. “No form, no discipline. Just raw instinct.”
“And yet,” Vivienne countered, darting in with a feint before swiping at his ribs, “I’m still keeping you on your toes, aren’t I?”
He grinned, stepping back just in time. “Fair point. But instinct only gets you so far.”
Vivienne’s tail lashed behind her, her body coiling as she prepared for another strike. “Careful, big guy. Underestimating me might be your first mistake.”
The two clashed again, their movements a blur. Each time Kavren seemed to gain the upper hand, Vivienne twisted out of reach or countered with a strike of her own. The air between them was electric, charged with tension and determination.
From the sidelines, Kivvy muttered, “Steel and cinders, she’s actually holding her own against him.”
“Of course she is,” Rava replied, her tone calm but firm. “She’s more than she seems. But let’s see how long she can keep it up.”
Vivienne, hearing the comment, shot Rava a wink mid-dodge. “I heard that! I’ll have you know, I’m full of surprises.”
“Show me,” Kavren growled, lunging with a sudden burst of speed.
Before Vivienne could fully react, his fist grazed her shoulder, drawing the first blood of the round. She stumbled back, her expression shifting from exhilaration to surprise.
“Second round to me,” Kavren declared with a toothy grin, his voice filled with triumphant satisfaction. His eyes gleamed with the thrill of the fight as he took a step back, watching Vivienne carefully.
Vivienne straightened, touching the shallow cut on her shoulder with an almost casual air. Her eyes, however, told a different story—a burning intensity that made the air around her vibrate with energy. “Alright, big guy,” she purred, her voice smooth and dangerous. “Let’s make this interesting.”
Without warning, her form began to shift, expanding in size as her muscles thickened and her limbs stretched. The air around her seemed to pulse as she grew, the meals she had consumed over the past few days adding to her mass. In an instant, five additional heads sprouted from her neck, each one hissing and snapping like venomous serpents. Her arms and legs thickened dramatically, transforming her into a hulking, terrifying creature on all fours. Her body was now an imposing, monstrous mass of muscle and raw power.
Each of her new heads hissed in unison, their eyes narrowing with primal hunger. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, an apex predator in its prime. She loomed over Kavren now, her monstrous form nearly eclipsing the moonlight that bathed the training grounds.
Kavren’s face lit up with an excited, almost childlike grin as he gazed up at her, the thrill of the fight spurring him onward. “Well now, this is more like it!” He roared, eager to see just how far this battle would go.
Vivienne’s many eyes flicked toward him, her grin widening into something far more feral. “Glad you think so,” she said, her voice a mix of amusement and barely-contained violence. Her massive form shifted slightly, every muscle coiled and ready to strike.
“Begin!” Rava commanded, her voice ringing clear as she took a step back to watch the next phase of the fight unfold.
Without hesitation, Vivienne lunged forward, her numerous heads snapping at Kavren with unnatural speed. Her enormous limbs thundered against the ground as she closed the distance between them. Each head moved with a mind of its own, striking from multiple angles, while her body remained a blur of savage motion.
Kavren grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge, and raised his fists, ready to meet her monstrous onslaught. “Let’s see if you can keep this up, Nightmare!” he roared, his voice deep and full of fervor as he charged toward her.