Marccus

Marccus walked tall through the kimono-clad crowd. His armor and the queen's official crest made him stick out. Only a few kids stopped to stare. The first match was going to begin in a few hours and everyone was in a hurry.

He made his way through the sea of people, Adri was nowhere in sight. He should have known they would protect her. They always had a reverence for dragons. He let out a sigh as he spotted a familiar face.

Marccus was in a hurry too but, being on official business he was not allowed to look like he was. A firm hand gripped his shoulder. "Marccus! My dear friend! It is so good to see you!"

Marccus closed his eyes and tried to contain a groan. Then he forced a fake smile to his face before spinning around to face the lumbering man. "Xi! How good to see you! It's been forever!" The edge of Marccus' fake smile twitched with effort, but he kept up appearances.

"One would almost think you were avoiding me!" Xi said with a hearty laugh, wrapping Marccus up into a massive hug. "But I know you better than that!"

"Yes you, of course, do know me better than that..." Marccus muttered with nervous laughter. He was not enjoying the bear hug but knew better than to fight it.

"Are you here to represent the queen? I didn't figure we would get a representative given my sister's actions." Xi said as he put Marccus down, letting the knight breathe. "I know her majesty is rather upset with us and understandably so." His words took on a somber tone as he stroked his slight beard.

Others might guess Xi was thinking of something meaningful as he stroked his grey beard. But Marccuss knew better. The brut was probably thinking about what to have for lunch.

"Yes well..." Marccus cleared his throat. "Her majesty is very disappointed she couldn't make it herself, but she had other matters to attend."

Xi gave a sage-like nod. "I understand, and I appreciate that you have honored us with your presence. Thank you." He gave a bow, which Marccus awkwardly returned.

"Speaking of your sister, have you heard from h-" The royal knight started to speak but a loud POP interrupted him. A ball of light shot up and then exploded, forming the shape of a dragon. The fireworks were starting and so was the festival.

A reverent "ooooh!" and "ahhh!" rippled through the crowd followed by more POPs and BANGs. Even Marccus was impressed and captivated.

"Welp! That's my cue!" Xi said, nearly knocking Marccus over with a hardy pat on the back. Then Xi slipped into the crowd.

Marccus shook his head and straightened himself, watching the elaborate fireworks again. As they illuminated the sky and pushed back the stubborn mist that shrouded the lands above. The knight pulled him away from the mesmerizing sight and began walking to the arenas. He was still no closer to figuring out where either Vyron was. He needed to find a lead before the festival began.

A strong grip stopped Marccus mid-stride, making his hand snake to his blade. "Sir knight, care to dance?" A redheaded woman with a raspy voice and a venomous smile said as she reached for her axe.

Another POP and a flash of light followed by waves of oohs and ahhs. The woman pulled her weapon out and prepared to bring it down of Marccus without mercy.

Then a chilling sound washed through the crowd that made the woman pause. Screams.

All eyes drifted up as a dark shape came into the light. A battleship, with the queen's crest boldly painted on the side. The same crest that was etched into Marccus' armor.

Slowly those around him turned their eyes from the ship to Marccus. He heard a collective murmur of metal as everyone around him readied their weapons.

Marccus did the same. No way he was going down without a fight.