Post by Land Of Zargon on Oct 16, 2008 11:48:56 GMT -5
Trials and Tribulations
A Grogowens Tale
The demon wars were over, but the battles were only beginning for Joe of the Hardfist clan. For now he had to prepay for the upcoming Tournament of Champions. A tournament held every four years to determine who the strongest Grogowen of all was and who would be named Grand Champion a title held serious by all Grogowens. Upon returning to Zargon all the soldiers where hailed as heroes! Celebrations arose all across the Land of Zargon for everyone believed that a time of great peace would befall them, but there was also much grieving for the people of Kalor.
Joe before returning home with the other soldiers of the Hardfist tribe decided to take a small pilgrimage to the small town of Swellwood. Swellwood was a small coastal town populated mostly by Skrieves with a few Grogowens. Walking through the town people came out from all over and greeted Joe as there returning hero. Long before the Demon Wars and the hardships they brought and long before Joe became grand champion, both he and Dogin walked through this forest. Here they found the town of Swellwood beset by a cruel self proclaimed king. The town of Swellwood was such a remote place that a man with a small private army could easily rule without notice… Such as it was when Dogin and Joe stumbled upon Swellwood. It was here in this small town that the name Dogin Hood and Joe Hardfist became legend… But now as the peopled hailed there returning hero there were few among them that asked of Dogin. Joe was forced to tell the terrible story of Dogins death on the field of full spectrum… A hero’s death! An honorable death! Or so Joe told them, but he himself was devastated each time he told the story. The people remorse for their lost hero and gave their condolences to Joe. After visiting Swellwood Joe visited its forest, this place had been Dogin and Joes home for a good while when they were helping the village. “Aye Dogin I wish you could see this place again…” With the wind at his back Joe left the forests of Swellwood behind and started heading south west deeper into Grogowen area.
The landscape started to become rough and the foliage started to disappear the further he went. Though the landscape was becoming barren of the lush forests of the east it was still beautiful in its own right. Large rock formations rose from the course sun beaten earth it was truly a place fit for only the toughest beings. The Hardfist tribe was one of the western most tribes, this put them right in the middle of one of the driest areas around. Life was harsh with the dessert being your neighbor; the only relief were the outlying wells and the natural oasis that the village was built around. Upon entering the village he was greeted respectfully even by the youngest of children, as was befitting the grand champion. Children ran around him as he entered the village and people greeted him in the streets. Joe walked over to his mother’s house… There he stood at the doorstep for a while. He tried to pat his fur down and shake some of the dirt off himself, then with a sigh he gave a knock on the door frame and walked inside. “I’m home…” Just as he finished his mother came from the sitting area (Mostly an open flow with a fire pit.) and began speaking with a heftily accented voice “Wellh it’s about bloody time. What’s the matter with you! Been gone for almost a year and now you drag yourself in here all dirty! Well that’s a fine howda do! I suppose you want me to feedya too?” Joe stood there looking at the ground for a long moment. The only one that could ever disrespect Joe was his mother. “Ye.. Yes mommy.” Though she was shorter than him and overall much smaller she was a fierce woman. She stood with her hands on her hips as she went on. “I swear! Well don’t jst stand there like a little ninny get on in here and clean yourself up! Grand champion indeed!” She started to get some things ready for dinner muttering to herself. “Walks in… dirty… I know I slapped him harder than that!” Joe stood there where he had been for a moment longer. “Yes mommy…” Joe helped his mother get dinner ready as he always did when he was home. (His siblings would thank him for it) He then took his seat at the head of the table the spot belonged to the man of the house, but since his father died while he was young it had always belonged to Joe. Back then it had felt big and made him feel uneasy, but now it seemed so small. “Ye get yourself some food or else there won’t be any!” Joe took the advice from his mother remembering it was first come first serve at the dinner table. Then his mother got out a large cowbell and started shaking it like there was no tomorrow. Joe sat with his portion of food and waited for the others it wasn’t long before the thundering of hoofs could be heard, but they soon died away as they came close to the house. Then Joes siblings piled in one after the other Bromre came in first Joe still remembered his brothers threat that his days as champion where numbered, next came the twins Tera and Tora the youngest of Joes siblings both girls, Horg followed them he was older than Bromre but younger than Joe he has his own house and job unlike Bromre, but he was unable to go to war because of an wrangling accident. One that still showed with his left arm in a sling. Then lastly Yorisha came through she was almost the age to court and had many other Grogowen lads after her. Bromre took one look at Joe said nothing then sat down to eat, both Tera and Tora where excided to see Joe and they ran up to him hugging him and talking a mile a minute. “Leave yer brother alone and sit down to eat!” Both obeyed their mother while Horg welcomed his brother then welcomed himself to some food. While Yorisha was too busy with her hair to really notice Joe. Though some had moved out such as Joe and Horg they would all continue to come here for dinner when they could, at least until they were married. Though everyone enjoyed seeing Joe (Save for Bromre) the table was deathly quite unlike the usual chatter fest it was normally. Horg finally finished his food and decided to break the eerie silence. “So, brother… Ready for the upcoming tournament?” Joe finished chewing his food while slightly eyeing his mother. “One can never say he is truly ready…” Bromre scoffed at his brothers words. “Such words are that of a cautious coward!” The following backhand slap he received did not come from Joe, but from their own mother. “Hush your blathering tongue! I didn’t raise such a disrespectful child. Hes still champion round these parts and you’ll show him sum respect, or so help me you’ll be picking bulderbose’s till next season!” (Bulderbose are very large plants that grow in the deserts around the Hardfist clan’s village. Within them can be found both water and a nutrious food source, but getting at the inside is… Difficult at least.) Bromre scowled and left the table his food only half finished. Tera and Tora not really able to understand the situation chattered on first Tora “Joe is you going to beat up Bromre?” Then Tera “Yea Joe you gonna beat up Bromre?” Joe just laughed. “Only if it comes to it…” Yorisha turned to Joe next. “Say Joe…” Joe turned to his sister. “Eh what is it?” She shrugged a little “Could you take it easy on Keero?” Joe’s brow furrowed “Keero?” Yorisha shook her head “He’s just a guy in the village… He has his mind set on fighting you. I know what you must do, but please do leave him intact.” Joe started to laugh. He laughed like he hadn’t laughed in a long time. After the dinner Horg left for his own home, Tera and Tora went off to the bed area, Yorisha sat with their mother in the sitting area, and Bromre was still nowhere to be found. Joe gave a sigh and bid his mother and Yorisha goodbye and walked out into the night. Joe walked along the line of houses that stood all over town; each was unique in its own respect for each Grogowen male built his own home from whatever was on hand or whatever they wanted. Somewhere like large tents, others were made of clay, while others were made of wood from the forest to the east and south. Joe walked on until the houses on the way became few. He had once long ago returned home after a mission with only one thought to build a home as was tradition… Joe walked along until a large mesa rose into view. This was where Joe had built his home, atop the mesa were he could see the landscape stretch out before him… Or this was where is home had been… At one time it was an extodinary place, but now time had worn it down. Now what was once a warm home with a great view was a tattered broken shack. Joe sighed to himself “Well it’s a roof over my head… And it still has a great view.” As he said this he gazed over the moon bathed landscape stretched out before him.
Before he knew it a two weeks had gone by... Joe awoke early and walked the distance to town again. The entire town was up to enjoy the morning and many welcomed Joe with pleasant greetings, even some of his possible opponents welcomed him with joyful energy. The day of the Hardfist tournament had arrived. Joe walked on through the village until he came to the main plaza which had been converted into a stadium for the event. Joe walked around enjoying the time before the event by taking a walk to the various stalls that many of the villagers had set up. The Hardfist always held the tournament in the highest regard like all the other tribes, but the Hardfist tribe made it not only a time for competition but a time for fun. Indeed the Hardfist tribe turned their tournament into an all out fair with the fights as the main event. Joe walked until a conversation drifted to his ears “Did you hear that Kallen was going to make an appearance?” “No I didn’t hear anything about that, but what do you mean was?” “I heard the royal caravan was held up at the Largehorn village. I heard something was wrong with the roads.” Joe stepped up to the fellow Grogowens “I just walked that road not two weeks ago and saw nothing wrong with it, not only that but the weather recently has been fair so there should be nothing wrong with the road.” The first Grogowen a black furred male turned to face Joe. “Well a fine day to you champion… I heard that it was held up because of the road, but if that’s not true then what’s holding up the royal carriage?” Joe shrugged his heavy shoulders. “Couldn’t tell ya, but I’m sure Kallen will show up eventually.” With that Joe patted the first Grogowen on the back and turned to walk off, but before he could get a few steps away a large gong sounded from the main plaza. “Well then I suppose it’s about that time.” Joe muttered to himself as he started slowly walking back to the plaza. In the middle of the plaza stood a bronzed furred Grogowen by the name of Ered “Fellow members of the Hardfist clan… ()! I am honored to welcome you today to the eighty first Hardfist tournaments!” (Makes it 324 years since the first one held in the Land of Zargon anyway…) The crowd started to roar Joe walked over to the spot he was supposed to be at hours ago… He was greeted by the village leader Horak Hardfist. “By Zargon Joe! I thought you would never get here!” Joe smiled “I’m sorry for worrying you Horak, but I was seeing the town…” Horak was shaking his head. “Now you know as well as I do that this is not only about the title, but about our people having a fun time.” Joe nodded his head. “Aye the people need to have such times.” Joe started to dawn the traditional combatant armor which was basically gave minor protection on the legs and fully protected the left arm from fingers to shoulder with heavy armor. (Gladiator armor.) The crowds cheering started to die down as Ered began to speak again. “It is my honor to act as game spokesmen this year and as such let me start off by opening introducing this year’s judging panel. The towns elder Gin, shaman Yerra, and master Dorick of the fighting school.” The three named came out of the crowed with people helping Gin up to his seat at a large table set before the plaza. It was the job of the panel to determine what was and what wasn’t against the rules, or when a fight was getting out of hand and as such it is in their power to stop a fight at any given moment they choose. When the panel had taken their seats Ered looked around “And now a someone who needs no introduction master Horak please come forth!” Horak left Joes side to go stand beside Ered “My people let today be a wonderus occasion held by all.” Horak nodded to Ered then walked to take his place beside the panel. Ered went on “And now let me introduce the fighters first off let’s give a warm round of applause to our returning champion Joe!” Joe walked out into the plazas arena his armor glittering in the sun he waved to the crowds on either side. Then Ered went down the list until all combatants where introduced… It was quite the list as Joe noticed when all was said and done. Then the combatants left the arena to wait their turn.
Joe didn’t fight until the third round his opponent was a young Grogowen with brown fur with white spotted patches by the name of Lerand. Joe readied himself for the fight as Ered made the introductions and so on. Joe squatted down ready for the initial charge and Lerand did the same, at the sound of the gong both Joe and Lerand ran full sprint at each other slamming against one another full force. Joe swung a right hook at Lerands face, but Lerand moved at the last second to take the blow on his right shoulder. Lerand swung once with his left followed by a quick right jab Joe deflected the first punch with his left arm then took the other in the gut. A series of mighty blows and quick jabs and double fisted slams. This is how two Grogowens fought… shearing might and momentum each slamming against the other until finally one could go on no longer. As the time wound down Lerand sent a jab at Joes shoulder, but Joe moved aside and caught his arm in the crux of his own, then gave Lerand a mighty headbut while releasing his arm at the moment of impact. Lerand staggered back and fell to the ground where the panel claimed the battle was finished. Many more battles were fought over the course of several days each more challenging than the last, until the semi finals came around. Only four combatants remained Joe stepped into the arena again… as Ered made the announcements and now! The first bout of the semi finals! Again our champion returns to defend his title and standing among us, you know him, you love him, some of you have fought him give it up for Joe!” The crowd applauded and Joe gave a wave. “And now the man who no one said would make it this far! The humble son of Rokon the tanner… Give it up for Keero!” The crowd applauded Yorshia among them. Joe nodded his head as he looked Keero over he was a young lad with ashen fur, but Joe could see the muscles in his arms. “Well I told Yorshia I wouldn’t hurt him to much…” He thought to himself. Before the round started the panel waved Ered over, after a whispered conversation Ered came back to the ring. The rules for the semi finals have changed! The first one to touch the ground with any part of their body save for their hoofs is defeated!” Joe nodded as did Keero, both got ready for the gong. As the gong sounded both rushed out and slammed against each other followed quickly after by a furry of thunderous blows from each. Though Keero was young and a head shorter than Joe his strength was impressive, but Joe was bigger and stronger than Keero overall and that gave Joe an idea. As Keero began a hard right hand swing Joe caught Keeros fist with his left hand taking the blow to his palm, though it hurt Joe then tightly grasped Keeros fist. Then Joe tried to give one of his own right hooks, but Keero did the same thing Joe had done to him… now both of them held each other’s right fist within their left hands… Just as Joe wanted. This was a situation where size and strength mattered. Both tried to free their right hands and both began to squeeze their left hands as much as they could trying to get the other to buckle first, but Joe was stronger than Keero and could squeeze harder. Joe began to tighten his hold on Keeros right hand and Keero began to winch in pain, right as Keero did this Joe began to tighten his grip even more forcing Keero down to his knee… When Keeros knee touched the ground the match was called and Joe was the victor. Joe left after shortly after, before the next fight could start. He needed to rest up for tomorrows big fight.
The big day had arrived the final fight of the Hardfist tournament, as Joe got ready in his run down house he began to think back to the first day when he overheard the conversation. It had been many days since then and the royal carriage had never arrived. “I wonder if that rumor about Kallen showing up was true…” Joe had never seen Kallen in person before. She was of the Hardfist tribe but Joe left for the agent academy at a young age, so he never knew her. Joe was unable to attend his first tournament of champions he could have fought in because of the academy, but he heard that a women named Kallen had won. Then she was made ruler of the Grogowen people just before the tournament where Joe became grand champion… He had looked forward to fighting Kallen but now he may never get that chance. Kallen was not at the tournament Joe won instead she was learning how to be a good leader to the Grogowen people, which Joe understood and in fact he applauded her for such commitment. Even as grand champion thou Joe never saw Kallen… Whenever he was needed as grand champion to resolve a problem Kallen was away on other business, she was always busy ruling the Grogowen people. Now it seemed he would miss another opportunity to meet Kallen, but there would be another… At the tournament of champions that is if he won today. Joe left those thoughts behind as he walked into town yet again being met by his fellow clan members. Joe found his way to the plaza where a large crowed had already gathered; Joe put on his armor and readied himself for the coming battle. It started when Ered took the field “My good people… today is a day to be remembered! The final battle of the Hardfist tournament has arrived and it is shaping up to be a grand fight! Today we have a battle like none before, today two titans will enter this ring and for your enjoyment forgo their bonds to battle!” Joe looked up thinking “Bonds?” As Ered continued. “For today it will be brother against brother in an epic battle that will shake the very foundations of this fair village! I give you, your returning champion Joe!” At the words Joe came out still confused about who his opponent could be, then he knew… “ And his brother Bromre!” The crowd cheered at both combatants as they took the field. Joe looked over at his younger brother “You can’t beat me Bromre not today.” Bromre shook his head “I’m going to loosen that smug attitude of your brother.” Both got ready and as the gong sounded both charged at each other. Bromre slowed just before the clash and stepped aside, Joe slid to a halt in a storm of dust. Bromre was quickly on him givein him two jabs in the kidneys Joe swung himself around bringing his right arm around with might, but Bromre ducked at the last moment giving Joe another jab this time to the gut. Joe used his current momentum to swing his left arm in which connected to Bromres face. Bromre slid back sending up a cloud of dust he wiped away the blood coming from his nose and lip, Bromre wasn’t using strength to fight his brother… No… he was smarter than that he knew that for him to defeat his brother he would need speed not strength. “How about that brother? Not so sure about yourself now eh?” Joe rightend himself “Pretty big talking like that after I heat ya, but I’m just getting started.” The battle raged on Bromre always dodging Joes fists while sending jabs of his own, but Joe was not defenseless he knew how to handle his large powerful swings and use the momentum to easily throw another blow one that would connect or at least would graze Bromre. Bromre got inside Joes reach and gave two more jabs to the gut before darting out, but this time Joe caught hold of his brothers hand. “Where do you think your going brother?” He said as he used his massive strength to throw Bromre against the ground a few feet away. Bromre started to get up but wasn’t fast enough, Joe grabbed his brother’s leg and threw him another yard away making sure he hit the ground hard. Joe walked over to his brother and grabbed him by the neck and hefted him up, Bromre though off the ground started sputtering to Joe “You’ve got nothing but the strength you were born with! Everything just comes so naturally to you doesn’t it? Have you ever once had to conquer something that was beyond your own strength brother? Have you!... One day you’ll fight someone who’s naturally stronger than you!… Then you will see how pathetic you are! How pathetic you’ve always been!” Joe’s brow furrowed then he smashed his brother against the ground and raised his fist, but before he could teach his brother a proper lesson thee panel stood and announced the fight over… Joe was the Hardfist champion.
That night all across the village the clan celebrate the day’s events. Joe walked through the town being congratulated by nearly everyone that saw him… Joe walked on shaking hands and waving to those around him, he walked on until the calibration was far behind him. Joe didn’t mind all the praise but neither did he truly enjoy it instead he chose to leave the calibration to visit one of his favorite spots. Joe walked on a twisting path down into a valley and through many jagged rock formations until he came upon a small oasis hidden by the stone walls around him. This was Joe’s favorite spot while at home here surrounded by the jagged walls of the valley and near the flow of the river that had created it Joe trained. He loved this spot he even set up a few practice dummies. Joe began to remember all the times he had here, but as he neared the training spot Joe was brought back to his senses a sound. Someone was already here “I wonder who found my spot…” Joe whispered to himself as he slowly stepped through the foliage. The trip had taken awhile and night was beginning to set in making it hard for Joe to see who it was. The shadowy figure of a Grogowen came into view… The person was steadily pounding on one of the dummies Joe had set up so long ago, but as Joe watched something about the way the person went on hitting the dummy told him that this person had something on their mind. Joe had often come here and trained when he had something on his mind seems this place was good for that sort of soul searching. As Joes eyes started to become accustomed to the darkness he noticed that the figure before him was actually quite slim. Joe smirked to himself and leaned on the closest tree to him, as he watched she began to steadily increase the force behind her blows… Joe could also hear her mumbling something, probably whatever was bothering her. Her series of blows ended as she sent a punch so hard it smashed the dummy and sent it toppling over, Joe raised his brow for a moment. “Quite the arm you have their malady.” Joe smirked as she nearly jumped out of her skin at Joe’s voice, she quickly turned to face him and Joe was shocked. He still couldn’t see well enough to tell what her fur color or features where, but her eyes… Her eyes where one of the most beautiful shades of green Joe had ever seen in all his travels and they seemed to pierce through the darkness and into him. “You should know better than to sneak up on a lady when she is brooding… How did you find this place?” Joe smiled “I suppose your right malady and I am terribly sorry, as to how I found this place… This has always been a special place to me. I’m the one who put the dummies up.” The women looked back to the dummy she had just destroyed “I’m terrible sorry then I was just…” Joe laughed “No need to apologize m’am, but that was quite the punch for you. If I may ask what where you brooding over that demanded such force?” If the women had heard Joes last question she didn’t reply “What’s that supposed to mean?” she said while putting her hands on her hips. Joe was confused “Beg your pardon?” the women tuned away so that she only half faced Joe “Quite the punch for you… What’s that supposed to mean?” Joe understood now, but he had just said it without thought. “Ahh… I didn’t mean anything by it… I was just sayin…” She turned away from him “You men are all the same, brawn over brain.” She began to walk away. “Uhh wait miss! I am sorry for my comment…” She still walked on “If I could at least have your name…” She didn’t respond instead she just walked off and disappeared into the darkness. Joe slid his hand over his face slowly “Way to bungle that one Joe…” He said to himself. He walked over to a rock he normally sat on while trying to think things over. He began carrying on a conversation with himself “Dogin would have laughed his tail off had he heard that one… Hmmm… I wonder what Dogin would have said in that situation? Heh… Whatever he would have said it would have been better than what I did say…” Joe let his shoulders relax as he thought back “But I suppose it’s always been like this… Dogin the hapless romantic easily able to charm any women but only wanting Calana.” He chuckled to himself “The only women he thought he had trouble with, but it wasn’t trouble… No… Dogin had Calana from day one he just couldn’t see it. Have to say though it was a treat to watch him bungle up a conversation for once.” Then Joe sighed as he went back to his earlier thought. “And me… The easy going fool never able to find a good women much less talk to her. When did such a thing start I wonder?” Joe sat in silence for a long moment contemplating the answer “I suppose… I realized it about a week after becoming champion… Everyone cheering my name, greeting me and giving me their best wishes…” Joe shook his head he had this conversation with himself before but he never got tired of going over it. “All the single women kept on trying to get me to notice them… But it didn’t seem right to me. It seemed wrong… Bah… Who am I to say?” Joe sat there for a long time thinking and looking up to see the star filled sky through the trees leafy canopy. Though Joe had thought of this all before there was one thing different this time… He wasn’t alone in the forest. Joe was too caught up thinking over himself to notice the movement at the edge of the forest, the women had stuck around for when she heard Joe talking to himself then left without a word.
Weeks passed and Joe trained everyday to prepare for the trails ahead. He would need to be ready for the true tournament. Joe had only seen Bromre a few times around the village and every time Bromre immediately turned and walked away his words still echoed in Joes head and Joe truly started to think over them. Joe had always along with Dogin faced hordes of various enemies of all nationalities and races, but as Joe thought not once had he ever faced anything larger or stronger than himself. An orc they fought on the coast of Kalor came close, but Joe had defeated him with his superior strength… “Have I only won because of my strength? Is my skill inadequate?” Joe dismissed this thought, for now he had to train.
It was almost time for the tournament; Joe packed the rest of his things and left for the village. There he said goodbye to his mother and siblings for they would not attend the tournament. Joe began his trip north bound to the stadium which was located in the Grogowen capital of Toorhan named after the legendary Grogowen that fought against and eventually allied with the Dragoth people. It would be many more days before Joe got to the stadium, but Joe didn’t mind… The days all went by slowly as if Joe where in a dream the sun was bright and it warmed his white fur, the wind was gentle brining a refreshing eastern wind that was rare this time of year, and the terrain around him was beautiful. Traffic on the road began to increase as Joe came closer to the capital and with each passing caravan more and more news about the tournament reached Joe. It wasn’t long before Joe could see the mountain that the capital was carved into rise up from the distant horizon. The large fortress city of Toorhan stood as a monument to all the Grogowens could accomplish. The large multiy doored gate stood open to allow caravans of goods to enter and exit the city at their own leisure. Joe walked through this gate taking in its marvelous masonry no matter how many times Joe saw it the site of the capital always sparked something inside of him. The city was etched into the side of the mountain in multiple levels each level was separated by its own wall with its own gate and the levels where separated into their own sections, such as the market place or war quarter. Joe wandered into the city and looked up to the tallest tower that neared the top of the mountain, supposedly that’s where all the leaders of the Grogowen people (since they came to Zargon and built the city) stayed. This place was different than his home village not only in size but in how people treated him here… It was true he was grand champion but the average Grogowen citizen wouldn’t know he was champion just passing him by on the street, so he was greeted just like a normal person just like when he was wandering around with Dogin… Joe walked on down the busy streets taking in the sites as he made his way to the coliseum. Upon arriving at the coliseum Joe found the designated sign up area for the competitors, Joe walked up to sign in. “Well well Joe Hardfist is that really you?” Joe turned around to see a small black Skrieve standing there “Varon? Varon Bladerunner?” Joe and Varon exchanged surprised greetings as they shook each other’s hands. “It’s been forever since I’ve seen you… How’ve things been Joe?” Joe shrugged his massive shoulders “I’ve been training for the tournament recently it won’t start for a few days yet, but I figured I’d get here early and what not. But really how have you been Varon?” Varon nodded his head “Well to tell you the truth it’s been busy down by the coast, not to mention the state the Skrieve people are in recently.” Joe’s brow furrowed “What? What do you mean? Something’s happened?” Varon looked at the ground then back up to Joe… “You know better than anyone” Varon could see Joe didn’t understand so he continued. “Well Joe whether you know it or not you and Dogin had become something of a symbol to the people of Zargon… news of your travels and missions reached us from half the world over your dedication and daring on your missions have inspired the next generation to do their best in hopes of becoming like you and Dogin. Adults all around would gather to chat about current events and almost always the latest news of you guys would come up in the conversation! Even elders would begin talking about how your travels and tales have influenced them! Joe believe it or not you two have done more to help the land of Zargons people than you know.” Varon sighed and changed his tone. “But that’s why… That’s why the people have been so affected by the news of Dogins death. He was an inspiration to all ages his selfless deeds and endless dedication to the land of Zargon have earned him a place in legends everywhere, but his death hit the Skrieve people especially hard.” Joe looked at the ground for a moment pain lingering in his heart, then Joe looked up at the crisp blue sky. “We did do some good perhaps more than we know, but Dogins in a better place now a place with no wars or sadness. Dogins probably visiting with past friends even as we speak…” Though Joe tried to hide his pain he couldn’t hide the feelings of loss, regret, and sadness welling up inside him. Varon nodded his head and changed the subject “Enough of this sad talk friend! Let’s go visit the local bars and enjoy these days as they come!” Joe looked at Varon and nodded his head “Aye! Let’s drink the town dry!” Though Joe went through the night with Varon by his side no amount of ale could numb the deep twisting pain that dwelled within his heart…
It wasn’t until late that night that Joe found his way to where he would be staying for the remainder of the tournament. The champion’s estate! A house located above the residential district giving it a great view of most of the city and even the arena could be seen in the distance. Joe sat on the veranda looking out over the city there would be many more trials for him in to surpass in the weeks to come, but with faith in his fists and strength in his arms Joe was confident that he would come out on top.
Days passed as preparations for the tournament where reaching there finally stages. More and more people arrived from across Zargon to view the tournament and witness for themselves who would become the next Grand Champion! Soon the day to start the tournament arrived. Joe and Varon walked through the streets making their own way to the coliseum, upon arriving at the combatant’s entrance Joe bid his old friend goodbye and went to sign in and draw his lot. As Joe approached the drawing table an elder Grogowen was there to run the rules by him again “Now remember the panel can stop a fight at anytime to announce a winner, a yield is a loss… And Joe, none of that fancy agent stuff, the people are here today to see great battles fought with mind and body and anything otherwise will disqualify you immediately Joe nodded his head and drew his lot. Joe drew the fifteenth lot this would mean he went today if the fights didn’t drag out for too long, as Joe prepared for his possible fight he began to look around at the other competitors… They were all potential opponents and at any time Joe could be asked to fight against anyone of them. A middle sized Grogowen with brown and white fur walked up to Joe “It is an honor to meet you champion I’m Yegaro BroadArm.” Joe nodded “It’s a pleasure to meet you Yegaro I’m Joe HardFist, but pleasantries won’t make me go easy on you.” Joe said with a sarcastic tone. Yegaro laughed “Nor would I want you too! I’m in the fifty-first slot so if I were to fight you it will be a while yet, but I just wanted to say that it’s an honor to compete this year.” Joe patted Yegaros shoulder “Aye that it is.” Yegaro left to view the fights for he wouldn’t be competing today, while Joe readied his armor for his possible match. Before long Joe was called up for battle, as Joe finished putting on his armor and began to walk to the gate allotted to him he could hear a constant noise that grew louder with each and every step. It was the roar of the crowd of all the people who were in attendance at the coliseum all the people who were looking to Joe for a good show… And he would give them one! The announcer went on “I hope you’re all ready for another amazing match up today!” The crowd roared even louder as the man spoke “For now it is my great privilege, nay my honor to introduce this year’s returning grand champion Joe of the Hardfist clan!” When the man had finished talking the doors to Joe’s gate creaked open and he walked out onto the hollowed battle ground, the noise from the crowd was dealing as he strode onto the field, the mid evening sun beat down upon the craggy arena floor as if in a battle of its own. Joe looked to the leaders terrace for any sign of Karen, but she was nowhere in sight. Joe looked around at the massive crowd of people as they roared and cheered for the fight… To many other cultures and nations Joe knew this would look barbaric, but they would be fools! Joe knew that this tournament was more than about rank, or honor, but about the people for as Joe look around he only saw excited and happy faces as they cheered for the combatants… But when in reality the land of Zargon was in a poor spot, the war had cost a lot of money and many many lives, even the great Dragoth king Stron Emerald Scale had fallen to the horrors of the battle, this crushed the moral of the entire nation for months on end when the army returned. But on this day! On this day there was nary a sad or dreary face to be seen, for this was a day of celebration and fun for the people of Zargon! A day where all in attendance could forget about the worries of the world today if not for but a moment and it is for that reason Joe knew he must give it his all!
The announcer continued “And his opponent Grizwall of the StoneSkull clan!” The Grogowen to come from the opposite gate was a head shorter than Joe, but had a very sturdy build. The crowd roared and cheered as the two combatants meet at the center of the field, Joe leaned down and he and Grizwall knocked horns to signal the challenge. Joe took a few quick steps back and crouched a little to be ready for anything. He began looking over Grizwall he was a pretty sturdy pepper furred ram that looked to be older than Joe by a good few years, but he looked like he could throw a good punch. Joe and Grizwall both circled the center of the arena looking over each other, both had both hands ready out in front of them. Grizwall began to speak in clan inherited deep voice “It’s funny if you think about it… Not but a few months ago we where both bashing the skulls of demons with these fists.” Joe didn’t let down his guard “Aye, but I don’t mind it at all…” Both the combatants grinned and rushed in to meet each other with a flurry of forceful fists, both combatants fought there hardest each landing several blows on the other sending blood and sweat to land and mix among the sun beaten arena floor. Both Joes and Grizwalls punches had enough force behind them to easily crush the bones of normal humans, each blow sent a great concussive force rippling into the opponent’s body. Joe moved his gauntlet to block one of Grizwalls right hooks, then sent a quick right jab Grizwall took the jab in the gut but quickly grabbed Joes arm and moved to try and put him into a lock. Joes right arm was being twisted under Grizwalls might every time Joe tried to get out of it, as Joe tried to get out Grizwall was able to tighten his hold to cause Joe even more pain. Through deep painful breaths Joe chuckled a bit “Heh… Pretty good Griz…” Grizwall tightened his hold on Joe preparing to take him down “I didn’t think a lock like this would have gotten you though.” Joe chuckled, but as Grizwall put his hoof in front of Joes and started to yank him down in the takedown Joe gave a slim smile. Joe yanked as hard as he could against Grizwall a sickening pop resounded across the field as Joes right shoulder dislocated… Joes dislocated arm easily slipped from the now stunned Grizwall, the movement was so quick that Grizwall had no time to prepare for Joes full on left hook. The blow caught Grizwall right on the face sending him sprawling to the arena floor where he lay motionless for a long while. The judging panel announced Joe the victory, but as the arena shamans came to treat Grizwall he began to stur… More than that, he began to laugh as he slowly rolled over. He slowly sat up and spit blood off to the side as he rose chuckling all the way “They said you where good Hardfist.” He spit some more blood off to the side as the shamans looked at each other “To be honest I started to doubt that in the middle of battle… Heh… Guess I was wrong.” Joe grimaced as he forced his shoulder back into place with a quick push, then walked over to Grizwall “The lock may have been a simple one but if I may say so it was well executed, honestly you left me with only one option and it wasn’t an easy one.” With that both Grizwall and Joe laughed, then Grizwall wiped some blood away from his now swollen lip “You win today Hardfist…” He held up his arms a bit to the waiting shamans “Care to help me up?” The shamans helped Grizwall up and out of the arena and Joe made to his own exit, but not before looking to the empty leaders terrace one last time.
Later that evening both Joe and Varon celebrated the opening fights and Joes victory in his first round. Joe and Varon sat on the veranda of the Champions estate looking down at the torch lights that danced as they light the town; it was a marvelous site to behold. The whole city was up in a buzz about the tournament and the streets where filled with people and stalls all enjoying a time of merriment that hadn’t been seen in about a year. Both Joe and Varon talked through the night about the tournament and current events until the night became old and Varon left for his own home leaving Joe to consider the next few days. It would be awhile before he had to fight again seeing as how he had fought already in the first day of the tournament.
Joe had decided to attend the tournament as a spectator the next day deciding it best to view his possible competition in action. It was a good show that was for sure but Joe’s thoughts began to wander as his eyes fell upon the still empty leader’s terrace. Though the absence of his leader concerned Joe he could understand her missing a few of the beginning fights especially with the condition of the Land of Zargon now adays. With that thought in mind Joe shrugged his massive shoulders and decided to call it a day, he left the coliseum behind him to walk about the city… It was awkwardly quite around the city Joe realized as most of the inhabitants had dropped what they were doing to see the tournament themselves, many business had closed and would remain closed for the length of the tournament, but there were a few families here and there going about their own business. It was latter that night before Joe heard the news about what he had missed by leavening as Varon came running into his estate. “What? What’s the matter Varon that would send you flying to my door in such a manner?” Varon leaned over to catch his breath before speaking “Joe… Did you hear yet… of the ninety-fifth fight?” Joe raised an eyebrow “No I left far before that fight… Why? What’s wrong?” Varon had caught his breath now and began to explain. “He was a monster Joe an absolute monster! He was teen feet high at least with muscles the likes I’ve never seen before! His shadow dwarfed his compotion and the fight was over in less than a second!” Joe was taking all Varon had said but it didn’t seem possible, but there was more as Varon continued to talk. “People have begun to call him the demon of the north!” Joe pondered that for a second “The north? What clan does he hail from?” Varon began to think “Uhh… BlackRam! That’s right he was from the BlackRam clan!” Joe almost couldn’t believe it. His master had been a BlackRam but as far as Joe understood the BlackRams almost never got above seven and a half feet tall, so who was this monster of the north? Joe looked at his friend’s worried eyes “You said the ninety-fifth fight? I don’t think we should worry about it yet… It will be awhile before we would fight anyway, and besides he can’t be that tough…” Though Joe’s words had calmed Varon down they only masked the hesitation Joe felt for this new foe.
Two days later Joe was informed that his next match would be taking place today. Joe found his way through the city to the already filled coliseum and made his way to the combatant’s entrance. Dawing his armor Joe prepared himself for the coming battle by flexing his muscles and loosening his limbs until a young arena assistant approached Joe to inform him to head to the gate. Joe stood in the arena entry way waiting for the gates to part at his introduction, as he waited there Joe rolled his neck and shoulders a few times making sure he was ready. “And now returning today for your entertainment hailing from the southern sands of Zargon the defending champion, Joe of the Hardfist Clan!” As his name was announced the gate before Joe eased open revealing the sun beaten arena floor where the blood and sweat from century’s of fighting had mixed with the course sand and dirt to form the field of honor he know stood upon. Joe waved to the crowd and advanced to the center of the arena as the announcer introduced his competition “And now hailing from the eastern forests a new up and coming star of the arena Horania of the SwiftStone Clan!” The gates at the other end of the field opened up to reveal a short female Grogowen she had brown fur with stripes of white along her body, though her body was thin and sleek underneath her armor she looked quite impressive. Just at the site of her a slim smile stretched across Joe’s face, as she approached Joe gave a curt nod that she did not return. She arrived at the center of the arena and bent her head ready to butt it against Joes to start the match… Joe hesitated for a moment normally two men would butt their horns together at this moment, but no female Grogowen had horns so the situation was a tad new to Joe. Deciding he didn’t want to hurt her before the match started Joe gave her head a tap, but was not ready for what came after… At the moment of contact she quickly slid to Joe left grabbing his arm as she moved and pushing it to the right forcing Joe to turn right, as he did so she grabbed his left shoulder and tied to force him off balance and to the ground. Joe realizing this firmly planted his feet and would not budge to her pull; this did not deter her though for she quickly used her position to vault onto Joes back and put him into a complicated choke hold. Joe’s body was to massive for him to reach back and yank her off and her hold was too tight to shake her off, Joe vision was quickly blurring as airflow began to slow. Joe threw himself onto his back and rolled several times trying to shake her off, but to no avail no force Joe threw at her was sufficient and air was still being cut off. Joe got back up quick as he could and ran for the arena wall in a full out sprint Joe then turned himself around at the last minute to smash his back into the wall, but Horania had jumped at the last second to avoid the crushing blow. Joe choked in the air around him happy that he hadn’t passed out, then he began to laugh “That.. Was pretty good little missy…” Joe felt around his neck as he continued “A little longer and Id abeen done for…” Horania scowled at him “You’re a typical male always solving every problem with brute strength never thinking! You don’t dissever to be grand champion!” Joe raised an eyebrow at that “You’re not the first recently to tell me that I haven’t been thinking enough… And ya know? You could very well be right lass, but in no way will I let that stop me now!” Joe came at her with a fury of swings but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t land a single blow on her. With graceful and quick motions she easily dodged his blows, then as Joe readied to give another swing she slid behind him and used the momentum of the swing to bring him down by unbalancing his legs. As Joe hit the ground face first she was quickly on top of him stretching his arm and leg around in an awkward hold Joe had never seen before. “Yield now and you might keep your limbs!” Joe laughed loud enough for her to hear “You haven’t got the strength for such; even if you did I wouldn’t submit.” She yanked on his arm and leg sending agonizing pain into his body but he only chuckled again “I’m not done yet!” Using his free hand Joe pushed so hard against the ground it pushed him over and twisted Horania in such a way that Joe was able to bring his leg around and catch hers. Both Joe and Horania rolled over and over on the ground each trying to find a hold on the other. Horania soon found a hold on by locking onto Joes legs and pressing her own legs into his neck, but soon reversed the hold by using his free hands pry her free. They both twisted and turned each trying to catch the other in an unescabalbe hold, finally Joe caught her as she tried to bend his arm behind him and held her in front of him where he began to hug her so tightly air flow began to cease. Horania kicked franticly to try and escape but no matter how hard she kicked or where Joe just tightened his grip and whispered to her. “Though it seems my strength is what won me this battle do not for one second think that I only fought with such… I may be blessed with strength but unlike many I understand my own size and strength and I understand what I can and can’t do with it. Had I not know such I would have lost this fight a long time ago… But you wouldn’t believe that under any circumstances would you? You think like so many others I know… You think just because I’m strong I have no brain? That I don’t think about my actions? If that were so I would have been dead long ago!” As Joes voice rose his grip tightened and as Horanias vision blurred and her eyelids grew heavy she heard Joe whisper much softer this time. “You think like all the others… But you know what? In the end… They lost too.” Joe felt Horanias body go limp as she lost conciseness after that Joe let her drop to the ground where the shamans came in to treat her. The match was called and Joe was of course the victory, but the match had angered Joe greatly. It was true his strength was a gift and that without it he probably would have died long ago… But why did everyone think that his strength was his only gift? Why did everyone believe that Joe didn’t think about his battles? He thought about his moves he knew what he was going to do and he understood that his strength allowed him to do so, but then why did everyone else believe otherwise? “Did Dogin ever think that?...” Then Joe started thinking along a different line. Dogin was not blessed with great strength but he beat me almost every time… Does that mean Dogin thought more than me? No no no! Dogin understood his limitations, he understood how strong he was, he understood each and every battle he went into and analyzed each situation with the knowledge he already had! That’s what made him strong, that’s what made us strong!” Remembering his friend brought a tear to Joes eye.
That night Joe spent alone in his estate pondering over all the battles he had been in since the demon wars. He realized he had been fighting differently… Ever since Dogin died it felt as if Joe was missing something, as if he was only half there. As he remembered his fights he saw that he had left many openings and done things he wouldn’t have thought of doing before… Many of which were bad… Despite how he had felt in every battle Joe had only been putting forth half his normal effort maybe less. “Maybe everyone else saw what I couldn’t see, that I was only putting forth half my normal effort. If I had continued like that for much longer I would have been defeated for sure! No longer will I dwell in such a state… Dogin my friend only now do I realize that I must move on from my grief and continue to live my life. I will live for the both of us my friend! After Joe had come to terms with Dogins death he sat down feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from him. “I will fight with all my effort from now on and show them who Joe Hardfist truly is!” Joe sat in silence for a long while thinking to himself for the final time “May you rest easy Dogin Hood… May you rest easy…”
Many days passed and with them came many fights; with his newfound vigor Joe put his soul into every battle. His vigor moved the audience and made them cheer ever louder in his bouts. But now the day had arrived for the opening battles of the semi finals and Joe was more excited than he had been in a long while. Now Varon and Joe walked on with high spirits to the arena “Good luck in today’s match Joe.” Joe chuckled “Always good to hear Varon, do me a favor and cheer me on!” They both laughed and parted ways as Joe went to sign in. Today the combatants lobby on Joe’s side of the arena was nearly empty but everyone inside laughed and talked excitedly, for no one in this wing of the arena would be fighting each other. Instead there opponents where waiting in the other side of the arena, so Joe walked among them wishing them luck in their battles and in return they bid him the same. Soon an assistant came to Joe and informed him that he was up, as he walked to the gate all the combatants in the lobby cheered and called out wishes for luck. He smiled and waved to them before stepping into the release gate. Joe breathed in a deep breath and slowly released it becoming more serious as he did so; this wasn’t a match to take lightly. Joe rolled his shoulders a few times as he calmed himself and prepared for the match, soon Joe could hear the announcer begin his introductions. “The next round of the semi finals is about to begin, but I have just received an important announcement.” Joe became curious “That’s right! Our very own leader Karen Hardfist!” Joe’s heart almost skipped a beat… Today he would finally be able to see his leader and be able to show her that he did deserve his title… Despite all the in convinces that prevented them from meeting before today he would show her his strength! “Has confirmed us that she will be able to attend the finals!” Joe didn’t lose heart at that instead he would fight even harder so he could prove his worth before his leader and his people, that he was their grand champion! “And now good people let me introduce you returning grand champion! Joe of the Hardfist Clan!” Joe’s gate opened once more to the sun beaten field of honor. Joe strode froth and waved to the crowd as they cheered his appearance, as Joe reached the center of the field the announcer began to introduce his opponent “And now let me introduce a man so fearsome so devastating that he has become known as the demon of the north! Let me introduce Kain of the BlackRam Clan!” Joe noticed that the mood of the crowd changed to something almost representing ominous. Joe gazed at the other gate as it slowly creaked open to reveal a giant of a Grogowen… He was easily a head taller than Joe with solid black fur and bulging muscles, but what stood out the most to Joe was Kains eyes… His eyes held only deep malice and endless hatred within them, eyes that none could escape from… They both meet in the center of the arena to start the match; Kain lowered his head so that they could butt heads. When Joe and Kains horns meet they meet hard and fast sending a loud crack throughout the arena, with a speed almost too fast to be normal Kain sent an uppercut straight into Joes chin just after their two heads touched. The sheer force of the impact sent Joe flying backwards into the dirt over a yard away the audience responded by letting out a gasp at the speed and power behind the movement. For a long moment Joe lay motionless then slowly he picked himself up coughing slightly and wiped his chin “That was pretty good…” Joe stood up and charged straight at Kain who did not even flinch Joe flung his fist forward only to find himself being sent sideways with one movement of Kains mighty fist. Joe hit the ground hard and rolled several times before stopping; slowly Joe rose again to look at Kain… For the first time in a long while Joe felt fear creep down his spine. “He’s stronger than me and his arms are easily longer than my own… I’m in trouble…” Those where the simple down to earth facts that Joe realized, Joe understood that he had won many of his battles simply because he was stronger than his enemy. This doesn’t mean Joe was any less skilled than them in the least… Joe understood his strength and size and knew how to use it effectively, but against an opponent like Kain… Joe didn’t know what to do “He fights like me but he’s stronger than me…” Joe looked at Kain again, looked into his eyes and realized Kain was enjoying the fight… No not the fight, but the pain he had caused Joe “No he’s not like me… He is stronger but he doesn’t fight anything like me…” Joe ran at Kain again but this time attempted to dodge Kains counter, only to be sent flying into the dirt again by Kains overwhelming might and speed. The battle when on as such for a long while each time Joe was sent flying by Kains might and each time he rose to do battle again… The judges and audience watched flinching each time Joe was sent flying by Kains blows it was almost too painful to watch. There were no cheers there was no joy within the crowd at that time, mothers shielded there children’s eyes each time Joe meet another one of Kains blows, many began to wonder why Joe didn’t just stay down or why he kept rising, all could see that this fight was hopeless… Nothing Joe did was effective and everything he tried was meet only with another overwhelming blow. Joe was again flat on his back trying to regain his senses again, as he did so he again began to rise slowly and on shaking hands Joe began to rise to face Kain… Many among the crowd cried to him, pleaded to him to stop and stay down, but Joe didn’t listen… Couldn’t listen to them, for he had to fight and win him had too… Joe stood up again to face Kain who only smiled at Joe’s pain. “You take a lot of punishment…” Kain said as he seemed to drink in Joe’s pain “I’m not done… Yet…” Kain began to bellow a deep laugh “You amuse me HardFist! Grant me the pleasure of hearing your screams!” Joe looked at the sick and twisted monster that stood before him; he couldn’t let this thing besmirch the name of champion… He couldn’t… Joe shook himself as if to cast off the pain surging throughout his body and approached Kain again, as he reached him Kain swung with right hand and Joe caught it right in the middle of his left palm as he caught the blow. The force of the impact sent a wave of pain through Joe’s body but now Joe reared back his right hand while holding on to Kains right hand and swung for the monsters face. Kain caught Joe’s right hand within his left and now each held the others right and within their left just like what had happened between Joe and Keero back in the HardFist village… Joe remembered what had happened; he remembered that he won because he was stronger than Keero. He couldn’t let that happen today… Joe with all the power he could muster began to squeeze Kains right hand with his left, but in return Kain did the same. For a long moment the two stood there eyeing each other trying to force the other to yield. It wasn’t long before Joe realized he was going to lose… Soon Kain began to squeeze even harder; each second Joe was under Kains steel like grip sent bolts of pain through Joe’s body. Kain tightened his grip even more and smiled as he watched Joe wither in pain beneath his grasp; his smile grew even wider as he tightened his grip further “Scream for me Hardfist.” Joe grimaced as Kains grip tightened even more. “Scream for me.” Joe was forced to let go of Kains right hand and tried to free his own, but Kain just stood there and held Joes hand under his might. Kain forced Joe to his knee and began to squeeze even tighter. “Scream for me Hardfist!” Joe face was crossed with pain the judging panel stood up preparing to call the match. Joe’s eyes became wide and the crowd gasped as a loud sickening crack resounded throughout the arena as Joes hand began to crack underneath Kains vice like hold. Joe began to cry out in pain as Kain began to squeeze even tighter his muscles bulged and his eyes widened with ecstasy over Joes pain. More cracking sounds came as Kain tightened his grip and the panel motioned to stop the fight. Kain gave a sickening grin as he’s grip became tighter still and Joes cries grew louder “Scream for me Hardfist! Scream for me!” The crowd was horrified by what happened next… A loud sickening crunch seemed to echo out across the arena as Joes right hand was crushed under Kains overwhelming might. Joes cries of pain peeked for an instant then he fell to the arena floor, as Kain let go of his shattered hand there Joe passed out almost
A Grogowens Tale
The demon wars were over, but the battles were only beginning for Joe of the Hardfist clan. For now he had to prepay for the upcoming Tournament of Champions. A tournament held every four years to determine who the strongest Grogowen of all was and who would be named Grand Champion a title held serious by all Grogowens. Upon returning to Zargon all the soldiers where hailed as heroes! Celebrations arose all across the Land of Zargon for everyone believed that a time of great peace would befall them, but there was also much grieving for the people of Kalor.
Joe before returning home with the other soldiers of the Hardfist tribe decided to take a small pilgrimage to the small town of Swellwood. Swellwood was a small coastal town populated mostly by Skrieves with a few Grogowens. Walking through the town people came out from all over and greeted Joe as there returning hero. Long before the Demon Wars and the hardships they brought and long before Joe became grand champion, both he and Dogin walked through this forest. Here they found the town of Swellwood beset by a cruel self proclaimed king. The town of Swellwood was such a remote place that a man with a small private army could easily rule without notice… Such as it was when Dogin and Joe stumbled upon Swellwood. It was here in this small town that the name Dogin Hood and Joe Hardfist became legend… But now as the peopled hailed there returning hero there were few among them that asked of Dogin. Joe was forced to tell the terrible story of Dogins death on the field of full spectrum… A hero’s death! An honorable death! Or so Joe told them, but he himself was devastated each time he told the story. The people remorse for their lost hero and gave their condolences to Joe. After visiting Swellwood Joe visited its forest, this place had been Dogin and Joes home for a good while when they were helping the village. “Aye Dogin I wish you could see this place again…” With the wind at his back Joe left the forests of Swellwood behind and started heading south west deeper into Grogowen area.
The landscape started to become rough and the foliage started to disappear the further he went. Though the landscape was becoming barren of the lush forests of the east it was still beautiful in its own right. Large rock formations rose from the course sun beaten earth it was truly a place fit for only the toughest beings. The Hardfist tribe was one of the western most tribes, this put them right in the middle of one of the driest areas around. Life was harsh with the dessert being your neighbor; the only relief were the outlying wells and the natural oasis that the village was built around. Upon entering the village he was greeted respectfully even by the youngest of children, as was befitting the grand champion. Children ran around him as he entered the village and people greeted him in the streets. Joe walked over to his mother’s house… There he stood at the doorstep for a while. He tried to pat his fur down and shake some of the dirt off himself, then with a sigh he gave a knock on the door frame and walked inside. “I’m home…” Just as he finished his mother came from the sitting area (Mostly an open flow with a fire pit.) and began speaking with a heftily accented voice “Wellh it’s about bloody time. What’s the matter with you! Been gone for almost a year and now you drag yourself in here all dirty! Well that’s a fine howda do! I suppose you want me to feedya too?” Joe stood there looking at the ground for a long moment. The only one that could ever disrespect Joe was his mother. “Ye.. Yes mommy.” Though she was shorter than him and overall much smaller she was a fierce woman. She stood with her hands on her hips as she went on. “I swear! Well don’t jst stand there like a little ninny get on in here and clean yourself up! Grand champion indeed!” She started to get some things ready for dinner muttering to herself. “Walks in… dirty… I know I slapped him harder than that!” Joe stood there where he had been for a moment longer. “Yes mommy…” Joe helped his mother get dinner ready as he always did when he was home. (His siblings would thank him for it) He then took his seat at the head of the table the spot belonged to the man of the house, but since his father died while he was young it had always belonged to Joe. Back then it had felt big and made him feel uneasy, but now it seemed so small. “Ye get yourself some food or else there won’t be any!” Joe took the advice from his mother remembering it was first come first serve at the dinner table. Then his mother got out a large cowbell and started shaking it like there was no tomorrow. Joe sat with his portion of food and waited for the others it wasn’t long before the thundering of hoofs could be heard, but they soon died away as they came close to the house. Then Joes siblings piled in one after the other Bromre came in first Joe still remembered his brothers threat that his days as champion where numbered, next came the twins Tera and Tora the youngest of Joes siblings both girls, Horg followed them he was older than Bromre but younger than Joe he has his own house and job unlike Bromre, but he was unable to go to war because of an wrangling accident. One that still showed with his left arm in a sling. Then lastly Yorisha came through she was almost the age to court and had many other Grogowen lads after her. Bromre took one look at Joe said nothing then sat down to eat, both Tera and Tora where excided to see Joe and they ran up to him hugging him and talking a mile a minute. “Leave yer brother alone and sit down to eat!” Both obeyed their mother while Horg welcomed his brother then welcomed himself to some food. While Yorisha was too busy with her hair to really notice Joe. Though some had moved out such as Joe and Horg they would all continue to come here for dinner when they could, at least until they were married. Though everyone enjoyed seeing Joe (Save for Bromre) the table was deathly quite unlike the usual chatter fest it was normally. Horg finally finished his food and decided to break the eerie silence. “So, brother… Ready for the upcoming tournament?” Joe finished chewing his food while slightly eyeing his mother. “One can never say he is truly ready…” Bromre scoffed at his brothers words. “Such words are that of a cautious coward!” The following backhand slap he received did not come from Joe, but from their own mother. “Hush your blathering tongue! I didn’t raise such a disrespectful child. Hes still champion round these parts and you’ll show him sum respect, or so help me you’ll be picking bulderbose’s till next season!” (Bulderbose are very large plants that grow in the deserts around the Hardfist clan’s village. Within them can be found both water and a nutrious food source, but getting at the inside is… Difficult at least.) Bromre scowled and left the table his food only half finished. Tera and Tora not really able to understand the situation chattered on first Tora “Joe is you going to beat up Bromre?” Then Tera “Yea Joe you gonna beat up Bromre?” Joe just laughed. “Only if it comes to it…” Yorisha turned to Joe next. “Say Joe…” Joe turned to his sister. “Eh what is it?” She shrugged a little “Could you take it easy on Keero?” Joe’s brow furrowed “Keero?” Yorisha shook her head “He’s just a guy in the village… He has his mind set on fighting you. I know what you must do, but please do leave him intact.” Joe started to laugh. He laughed like he hadn’t laughed in a long time. After the dinner Horg left for his own home, Tera and Tora went off to the bed area, Yorisha sat with their mother in the sitting area, and Bromre was still nowhere to be found. Joe gave a sigh and bid his mother and Yorisha goodbye and walked out into the night. Joe walked along the line of houses that stood all over town; each was unique in its own respect for each Grogowen male built his own home from whatever was on hand or whatever they wanted. Somewhere like large tents, others were made of clay, while others were made of wood from the forest to the east and south. Joe walked on until the houses on the way became few. He had once long ago returned home after a mission with only one thought to build a home as was tradition… Joe walked along until a large mesa rose into view. This was where Joe had built his home, atop the mesa were he could see the landscape stretch out before him… Or this was where is home had been… At one time it was an extodinary place, but now time had worn it down. Now what was once a warm home with a great view was a tattered broken shack. Joe sighed to himself “Well it’s a roof over my head… And it still has a great view.” As he said this he gazed over the moon bathed landscape stretched out before him.
Before he knew it a two weeks had gone by... Joe awoke early and walked the distance to town again. The entire town was up to enjoy the morning and many welcomed Joe with pleasant greetings, even some of his possible opponents welcomed him with joyful energy. The day of the Hardfist tournament had arrived. Joe walked on through the village until he came to the main plaza which had been converted into a stadium for the event. Joe walked around enjoying the time before the event by taking a walk to the various stalls that many of the villagers had set up. The Hardfist always held the tournament in the highest regard like all the other tribes, but the Hardfist tribe made it not only a time for competition but a time for fun. Indeed the Hardfist tribe turned their tournament into an all out fair with the fights as the main event. Joe walked until a conversation drifted to his ears “Did you hear that Kallen was going to make an appearance?” “No I didn’t hear anything about that, but what do you mean was?” “I heard the royal caravan was held up at the Largehorn village. I heard something was wrong with the roads.” Joe stepped up to the fellow Grogowens “I just walked that road not two weeks ago and saw nothing wrong with it, not only that but the weather recently has been fair so there should be nothing wrong with the road.” The first Grogowen a black furred male turned to face Joe. “Well a fine day to you champion… I heard that it was held up because of the road, but if that’s not true then what’s holding up the royal carriage?” Joe shrugged his heavy shoulders. “Couldn’t tell ya, but I’m sure Kallen will show up eventually.” With that Joe patted the first Grogowen on the back and turned to walk off, but before he could get a few steps away a large gong sounded from the main plaza. “Well then I suppose it’s about that time.” Joe muttered to himself as he started slowly walking back to the plaza. In the middle of the plaza stood a bronzed furred Grogowen by the name of Ered “Fellow members of the Hardfist clan… ()! I am honored to welcome you today to the eighty first Hardfist tournaments!” (Makes it 324 years since the first one held in the Land of Zargon anyway…) The crowd started to roar Joe walked over to the spot he was supposed to be at hours ago… He was greeted by the village leader Horak Hardfist. “By Zargon Joe! I thought you would never get here!” Joe smiled “I’m sorry for worrying you Horak, but I was seeing the town…” Horak was shaking his head. “Now you know as well as I do that this is not only about the title, but about our people having a fun time.” Joe nodded his head. “Aye the people need to have such times.” Joe started to dawn the traditional combatant armor which was basically gave minor protection on the legs and fully protected the left arm from fingers to shoulder with heavy armor. (Gladiator armor.) The crowds cheering started to die down as Ered began to speak again. “It is my honor to act as game spokesmen this year and as such let me start off by opening introducing this year’s judging panel. The towns elder Gin, shaman Yerra, and master Dorick of the fighting school.” The three named came out of the crowed with people helping Gin up to his seat at a large table set before the plaza. It was the job of the panel to determine what was and what wasn’t against the rules, or when a fight was getting out of hand and as such it is in their power to stop a fight at any given moment they choose. When the panel had taken their seats Ered looked around “And now a someone who needs no introduction master Horak please come forth!” Horak left Joes side to go stand beside Ered “My people let today be a wonderus occasion held by all.” Horak nodded to Ered then walked to take his place beside the panel. Ered went on “And now let me introduce the fighters first off let’s give a warm round of applause to our returning champion Joe!” Joe walked out into the plazas arena his armor glittering in the sun he waved to the crowds on either side. Then Ered went down the list until all combatants where introduced… It was quite the list as Joe noticed when all was said and done. Then the combatants left the arena to wait their turn.
Joe didn’t fight until the third round his opponent was a young Grogowen with brown fur with white spotted patches by the name of Lerand. Joe readied himself for the fight as Ered made the introductions and so on. Joe squatted down ready for the initial charge and Lerand did the same, at the sound of the gong both Joe and Lerand ran full sprint at each other slamming against one another full force. Joe swung a right hook at Lerands face, but Lerand moved at the last second to take the blow on his right shoulder. Lerand swung once with his left followed by a quick right jab Joe deflected the first punch with his left arm then took the other in the gut. A series of mighty blows and quick jabs and double fisted slams. This is how two Grogowens fought… shearing might and momentum each slamming against the other until finally one could go on no longer. As the time wound down Lerand sent a jab at Joes shoulder, but Joe moved aside and caught his arm in the crux of his own, then gave Lerand a mighty headbut while releasing his arm at the moment of impact. Lerand staggered back and fell to the ground where the panel claimed the battle was finished. Many more battles were fought over the course of several days each more challenging than the last, until the semi finals came around. Only four combatants remained Joe stepped into the arena again… as Ered made the announcements and now! The first bout of the semi finals! Again our champion returns to defend his title and standing among us, you know him, you love him, some of you have fought him give it up for Joe!” The crowd applauded and Joe gave a wave. “And now the man who no one said would make it this far! The humble son of Rokon the tanner… Give it up for Keero!” The crowd applauded Yorshia among them. Joe nodded his head as he looked Keero over he was a young lad with ashen fur, but Joe could see the muscles in his arms. “Well I told Yorshia I wouldn’t hurt him to much…” He thought to himself. Before the round started the panel waved Ered over, after a whispered conversation Ered came back to the ring. The rules for the semi finals have changed! The first one to touch the ground with any part of their body save for their hoofs is defeated!” Joe nodded as did Keero, both got ready for the gong. As the gong sounded both rushed out and slammed against each other followed quickly after by a furry of thunderous blows from each. Though Keero was young and a head shorter than Joe his strength was impressive, but Joe was bigger and stronger than Keero overall and that gave Joe an idea. As Keero began a hard right hand swing Joe caught Keeros fist with his left hand taking the blow to his palm, though it hurt Joe then tightly grasped Keeros fist. Then Joe tried to give one of his own right hooks, but Keero did the same thing Joe had done to him… now both of them held each other’s right fist within their left hands… Just as Joe wanted. This was a situation where size and strength mattered. Both tried to free their right hands and both began to squeeze their left hands as much as they could trying to get the other to buckle first, but Joe was stronger than Keero and could squeeze harder. Joe began to tighten his hold on Keeros right hand and Keero began to winch in pain, right as Keero did this Joe began to tighten his grip even more forcing Keero down to his knee… When Keeros knee touched the ground the match was called and Joe was the victor. Joe left after shortly after, before the next fight could start. He needed to rest up for tomorrows big fight.
The big day had arrived the final fight of the Hardfist tournament, as Joe got ready in his run down house he began to think back to the first day when he overheard the conversation. It had been many days since then and the royal carriage had never arrived. “I wonder if that rumor about Kallen showing up was true…” Joe had never seen Kallen in person before. She was of the Hardfist tribe but Joe left for the agent academy at a young age, so he never knew her. Joe was unable to attend his first tournament of champions he could have fought in because of the academy, but he heard that a women named Kallen had won. Then she was made ruler of the Grogowen people just before the tournament where Joe became grand champion… He had looked forward to fighting Kallen but now he may never get that chance. Kallen was not at the tournament Joe won instead she was learning how to be a good leader to the Grogowen people, which Joe understood and in fact he applauded her for such commitment. Even as grand champion thou Joe never saw Kallen… Whenever he was needed as grand champion to resolve a problem Kallen was away on other business, she was always busy ruling the Grogowen people. Now it seemed he would miss another opportunity to meet Kallen, but there would be another… At the tournament of champions that is if he won today. Joe left those thoughts behind as he walked into town yet again being met by his fellow clan members. Joe found his way to the plaza where a large crowed had already gathered; Joe put on his armor and readied himself for the coming battle. It started when Ered took the field “My good people… today is a day to be remembered! The final battle of the Hardfist tournament has arrived and it is shaping up to be a grand fight! Today we have a battle like none before, today two titans will enter this ring and for your enjoyment forgo their bonds to battle!” Joe looked up thinking “Bonds?” As Ered continued. “For today it will be brother against brother in an epic battle that will shake the very foundations of this fair village! I give you, your returning champion Joe!” At the words Joe came out still confused about who his opponent could be, then he knew… “ And his brother Bromre!” The crowd cheered at both combatants as they took the field. Joe looked over at his younger brother “You can’t beat me Bromre not today.” Bromre shook his head “I’m going to loosen that smug attitude of your brother.” Both got ready and as the gong sounded both charged at each other. Bromre slowed just before the clash and stepped aside, Joe slid to a halt in a storm of dust. Bromre was quickly on him givein him two jabs in the kidneys Joe swung himself around bringing his right arm around with might, but Bromre ducked at the last moment giving Joe another jab this time to the gut. Joe used his current momentum to swing his left arm in which connected to Bromres face. Bromre slid back sending up a cloud of dust he wiped away the blood coming from his nose and lip, Bromre wasn’t using strength to fight his brother… No… he was smarter than that he knew that for him to defeat his brother he would need speed not strength. “How about that brother? Not so sure about yourself now eh?” Joe rightend himself “Pretty big talking like that after I heat ya, but I’m just getting started.” The battle raged on Bromre always dodging Joes fists while sending jabs of his own, but Joe was not defenseless he knew how to handle his large powerful swings and use the momentum to easily throw another blow one that would connect or at least would graze Bromre. Bromre got inside Joes reach and gave two more jabs to the gut before darting out, but this time Joe caught hold of his brothers hand. “Where do you think your going brother?” He said as he used his massive strength to throw Bromre against the ground a few feet away. Bromre started to get up but wasn’t fast enough, Joe grabbed his brother’s leg and threw him another yard away making sure he hit the ground hard. Joe walked over to his brother and grabbed him by the neck and hefted him up, Bromre though off the ground started sputtering to Joe “You’ve got nothing but the strength you were born with! Everything just comes so naturally to you doesn’t it? Have you ever once had to conquer something that was beyond your own strength brother? Have you!... One day you’ll fight someone who’s naturally stronger than you!… Then you will see how pathetic you are! How pathetic you’ve always been!” Joe’s brow furrowed then he smashed his brother against the ground and raised his fist, but before he could teach his brother a proper lesson thee panel stood and announced the fight over… Joe was the Hardfist champion.
That night all across the village the clan celebrate the day’s events. Joe walked through the town being congratulated by nearly everyone that saw him… Joe walked on shaking hands and waving to those around him, he walked on until the calibration was far behind him. Joe didn’t mind all the praise but neither did he truly enjoy it instead he chose to leave the calibration to visit one of his favorite spots. Joe walked on a twisting path down into a valley and through many jagged rock formations until he came upon a small oasis hidden by the stone walls around him. This was Joe’s favorite spot while at home here surrounded by the jagged walls of the valley and near the flow of the river that had created it Joe trained. He loved this spot he even set up a few practice dummies. Joe began to remember all the times he had here, but as he neared the training spot Joe was brought back to his senses a sound. Someone was already here “I wonder who found my spot…” Joe whispered to himself as he slowly stepped through the foliage. The trip had taken awhile and night was beginning to set in making it hard for Joe to see who it was. The shadowy figure of a Grogowen came into view… The person was steadily pounding on one of the dummies Joe had set up so long ago, but as Joe watched something about the way the person went on hitting the dummy told him that this person had something on their mind. Joe had often come here and trained when he had something on his mind seems this place was good for that sort of soul searching. As Joes eyes started to become accustomed to the darkness he noticed that the figure before him was actually quite slim. Joe smirked to himself and leaned on the closest tree to him, as he watched she began to steadily increase the force behind her blows… Joe could also hear her mumbling something, probably whatever was bothering her. Her series of blows ended as she sent a punch so hard it smashed the dummy and sent it toppling over, Joe raised his brow for a moment. “Quite the arm you have their malady.” Joe smirked as she nearly jumped out of her skin at Joe’s voice, she quickly turned to face him and Joe was shocked. He still couldn’t see well enough to tell what her fur color or features where, but her eyes… Her eyes where one of the most beautiful shades of green Joe had ever seen in all his travels and they seemed to pierce through the darkness and into him. “You should know better than to sneak up on a lady when she is brooding… How did you find this place?” Joe smiled “I suppose your right malady and I am terribly sorry, as to how I found this place… This has always been a special place to me. I’m the one who put the dummies up.” The women looked back to the dummy she had just destroyed “I’m terrible sorry then I was just…” Joe laughed “No need to apologize m’am, but that was quite the punch for you. If I may ask what where you brooding over that demanded such force?” If the women had heard Joes last question she didn’t reply “What’s that supposed to mean?” she said while putting her hands on her hips. Joe was confused “Beg your pardon?” the women tuned away so that she only half faced Joe “Quite the punch for you… What’s that supposed to mean?” Joe understood now, but he had just said it without thought. “Ahh… I didn’t mean anything by it… I was just sayin…” She turned away from him “You men are all the same, brawn over brain.” She began to walk away. “Uhh wait miss! I am sorry for my comment…” She still walked on “If I could at least have your name…” She didn’t respond instead she just walked off and disappeared into the darkness. Joe slid his hand over his face slowly “Way to bungle that one Joe…” He said to himself. He walked over to a rock he normally sat on while trying to think things over. He began carrying on a conversation with himself “Dogin would have laughed his tail off had he heard that one… Hmmm… I wonder what Dogin would have said in that situation? Heh… Whatever he would have said it would have been better than what I did say…” Joe let his shoulders relax as he thought back “But I suppose it’s always been like this… Dogin the hapless romantic easily able to charm any women but only wanting Calana.” He chuckled to himself “The only women he thought he had trouble with, but it wasn’t trouble… No… Dogin had Calana from day one he just couldn’t see it. Have to say though it was a treat to watch him bungle up a conversation for once.” Then Joe sighed as he went back to his earlier thought. “And me… The easy going fool never able to find a good women much less talk to her. When did such a thing start I wonder?” Joe sat in silence for a long moment contemplating the answer “I suppose… I realized it about a week after becoming champion… Everyone cheering my name, greeting me and giving me their best wishes…” Joe shook his head he had this conversation with himself before but he never got tired of going over it. “All the single women kept on trying to get me to notice them… But it didn’t seem right to me. It seemed wrong… Bah… Who am I to say?” Joe sat there for a long time thinking and looking up to see the star filled sky through the trees leafy canopy. Though Joe had thought of this all before there was one thing different this time… He wasn’t alone in the forest. Joe was too caught up thinking over himself to notice the movement at the edge of the forest, the women had stuck around for when she heard Joe talking to himself then left without a word.
Weeks passed and Joe trained everyday to prepare for the trails ahead. He would need to be ready for the true tournament. Joe had only seen Bromre a few times around the village and every time Bromre immediately turned and walked away his words still echoed in Joes head and Joe truly started to think over them. Joe had always along with Dogin faced hordes of various enemies of all nationalities and races, but as Joe thought not once had he ever faced anything larger or stronger than himself. An orc they fought on the coast of Kalor came close, but Joe had defeated him with his superior strength… “Have I only won because of my strength? Is my skill inadequate?” Joe dismissed this thought, for now he had to train.
It was almost time for the tournament; Joe packed the rest of his things and left for the village. There he said goodbye to his mother and siblings for they would not attend the tournament. Joe began his trip north bound to the stadium which was located in the Grogowen capital of Toorhan named after the legendary Grogowen that fought against and eventually allied with the Dragoth people. It would be many more days before Joe got to the stadium, but Joe didn’t mind… The days all went by slowly as if Joe where in a dream the sun was bright and it warmed his white fur, the wind was gentle brining a refreshing eastern wind that was rare this time of year, and the terrain around him was beautiful. Traffic on the road began to increase as Joe came closer to the capital and with each passing caravan more and more news about the tournament reached Joe. It wasn’t long before Joe could see the mountain that the capital was carved into rise up from the distant horizon. The large fortress city of Toorhan stood as a monument to all the Grogowens could accomplish. The large multiy doored gate stood open to allow caravans of goods to enter and exit the city at their own leisure. Joe walked through this gate taking in its marvelous masonry no matter how many times Joe saw it the site of the capital always sparked something inside of him. The city was etched into the side of the mountain in multiple levels each level was separated by its own wall with its own gate and the levels where separated into their own sections, such as the market place or war quarter. Joe wandered into the city and looked up to the tallest tower that neared the top of the mountain, supposedly that’s where all the leaders of the Grogowen people (since they came to Zargon and built the city) stayed. This place was different than his home village not only in size but in how people treated him here… It was true he was grand champion but the average Grogowen citizen wouldn’t know he was champion just passing him by on the street, so he was greeted just like a normal person just like when he was wandering around with Dogin… Joe walked on down the busy streets taking in the sites as he made his way to the coliseum. Upon arriving at the coliseum Joe found the designated sign up area for the competitors, Joe walked up to sign in. “Well well Joe Hardfist is that really you?” Joe turned around to see a small black Skrieve standing there “Varon? Varon Bladerunner?” Joe and Varon exchanged surprised greetings as they shook each other’s hands. “It’s been forever since I’ve seen you… How’ve things been Joe?” Joe shrugged his massive shoulders “I’ve been training for the tournament recently it won’t start for a few days yet, but I figured I’d get here early and what not. But really how have you been Varon?” Varon nodded his head “Well to tell you the truth it’s been busy down by the coast, not to mention the state the Skrieve people are in recently.” Joe’s brow furrowed “What? What do you mean? Something’s happened?” Varon looked at the ground then back up to Joe… “You know better than anyone” Varon could see Joe didn’t understand so he continued. “Well Joe whether you know it or not you and Dogin had become something of a symbol to the people of Zargon… news of your travels and missions reached us from half the world over your dedication and daring on your missions have inspired the next generation to do their best in hopes of becoming like you and Dogin. Adults all around would gather to chat about current events and almost always the latest news of you guys would come up in the conversation! Even elders would begin talking about how your travels and tales have influenced them! Joe believe it or not you two have done more to help the land of Zargons people than you know.” Varon sighed and changed his tone. “But that’s why… That’s why the people have been so affected by the news of Dogins death. He was an inspiration to all ages his selfless deeds and endless dedication to the land of Zargon have earned him a place in legends everywhere, but his death hit the Skrieve people especially hard.” Joe looked at the ground for a moment pain lingering in his heart, then Joe looked up at the crisp blue sky. “We did do some good perhaps more than we know, but Dogins in a better place now a place with no wars or sadness. Dogins probably visiting with past friends even as we speak…” Though Joe tried to hide his pain he couldn’t hide the feelings of loss, regret, and sadness welling up inside him. Varon nodded his head and changed the subject “Enough of this sad talk friend! Let’s go visit the local bars and enjoy these days as they come!” Joe looked at Varon and nodded his head “Aye! Let’s drink the town dry!” Though Joe went through the night with Varon by his side no amount of ale could numb the deep twisting pain that dwelled within his heart…
It wasn’t until late that night that Joe found his way to where he would be staying for the remainder of the tournament. The champion’s estate! A house located above the residential district giving it a great view of most of the city and even the arena could be seen in the distance. Joe sat on the veranda looking out over the city there would be many more trials for him in to surpass in the weeks to come, but with faith in his fists and strength in his arms Joe was confident that he would come out on top.
Days passed as preparations for the tournament where reaching there finally stages. More and more people arrived from across Zargon to view the tournament and witness for themselves who would become the next Grand Champion! Soon the day to start the tournament arrived. Joe and Varon walked through the streets making their own way to the coliseum, upon arriving at the combatant’s entrance Joe bid his old friend goodbye and went to sign in and draw his lot. As Joe approached the drawing table an elder Grogowen was there to run the rules by him again “Now remember the panel can stop a fight at anytime to announce a winner, a yield is a loss… And Joe, none of that fancy agent stuff, the people are here today to see great battles fought with mind and body and anything otherwise will disqualify you immediately Joe nodded his head and drew his lot. Joe drew the fifteenth lot this would mean he went today if the fights didn’t drag out for too long, as Joe prepared for his possible fight he began to look around at the other competitors… They were all potential opponents and at any time Joe could be asked to fight against anyone of them. A middle sized Grogowen with brown and white fur walked up to Joe “It is an honor to meet you champion I’m Yegaro BroadArm.” Joe nodded “It’s a pleasure to meet you Yegaro I’m Joe HardFist, but pleasantries won’t make me go easy on you.” Joe said with a sarcastic tone. Yegaro laughed “Nor would I want you too! I’m in the fifty-first slot so if I were to fight you it will be a while yet, but I just wanted to say that it’s an honor to compete this year.” Joe patted Yegaros shoulder “Aye that it is.” Yegaro left to view the fights for he wouldn’t be competing today, while Joe readied his armor for his possible match. Before long Joe was called up for battle, as Joe finished putting on his armor and began to walk to the gate allotted to him he could hear a constant noise that grew louder with each and every step. It was the roar of the crowd of all the people who were in attendance at the coliseum all the people who were looking to Joe for a good show… And he would give them one! The announcer went on “I hope you’re all ready for another amazing match up today!” The crowd roared even louder as the man spoke “For now it is my great privilege, nay my honor to introduce this year’s returning grand champion Joe of the Hardfist clan!” When the man had finished talking the doors to Joe’s gate creaked open and he walked out onto the hollowed battle ground, the noise from the crowd was dealing as he strode onto the field, the mid evening sun beat down upon the craggy arena floor as if in a battle of its own. Joe looked to the leaders terrace for any sign of Karen, but she was nowhere in sight. Joe looked around at the massive crowd of people as they roared and cheered for the fight… To many other cultures and nations Joe knew this would look barbaric, but they would be fools! Joe knew that this tournament was more than about rank, or honor, but about the people for as Joe look around he only saw excited and happy faces as they cheered for the combatants… But when in reality the land of Zargon was in a poor spot, the war had cost a lot of money and many many lives, even the great Dragoth king Stron Emerald Scale had fallen to the horrors of the battle, this crushed the moral of the entire nation for months on end when the army returned. But on this day! On this day there was nary a sad or dreary face to be seen, for this was a day of celebration and fun for the people of Zargon! A day where all in attendance could forget about the worries of the world today if not for but a moment and it is for that reason Joe knew he must give it his all!
The announcer continued “And his opponent Grizwall of the StoneSkull clan!” The Grogowen to come from the opposite gate was a head shorter than Joe, but had a very sturdy build. The crowd roared and cheered as the two combatants meet at the center of the field, Joe leaned down and he and Grizwall knocked horns to signal the challenge. Joe took a few quick steps back and crouched a little to be ready for anything. He began looking over Grizwall he was a pretty sturdy pepper furred ram that looked to be older than Joe by a good few years, but he looked like he could throw a good punch. Joe and Grizwall both circled the center of the arena looking over each other, both had both hands ready out in front of them. Grizwall began to speak in clan inherited deep voice “It’s funny if you think about it… Not but a few months ago we where both bashing the skulls of demons with these fists.” Joe didn’t let down his guard “Aye, but I don’t mind it at all…” Both the combatants grinned and rushed in to meet each other with a flurry of forceful fists, both combatants fought there hardest each landing several blows on the other sending blood and sweat to land and mix among the sun beaten arena floor. Both Joes and Grizwalls punches had enough force behind them to easily crush the bones of normal humans, each blow sent a great concussive force rippling into the opponent’s body. Joe moved his gauntlet to block one of Grizwalls right hooks, then sent a quick right jab Grizwall took the jab in the gut but quickly grabbed Joes arm and moved to try and put him into a lock. Joes right arm was being twisted under Grizwalls might every time Joe tried to get out of it, as Joe tried to get out Grizwall was able to tighten his hold to cause Joe even more pain. Through deep painful breaths Joe chuckled a bit “Heh… Pretty good Griz…” Grizwall tightened his hold on Joe preparing to take him down “I didn’t think a lock like this would have gotten you though.” Joe chuckled, but as Grizwall put his hoof in front of Joes and started to yank him down in the takedown Joe gave a slim smile. Joe yanked as hard as he could against Grizwall a sickening pop resounded across the field as Joes right shoulder dislocated… Joes dislocated arm easily slipped from the now stunned Grizwall, the movement was so quick that Grizwall had no time to prepare for Joes full on left hook. The blow caught Grizwall right on the face sending him sprawling to the arena floor where he lay motionless for a long while. The judging panel announced Joe the victory, but as the arena shamans came to treat Grizwall he began to stur… More than that, he began to laugh as he slowly rolled over. He slowly sat up and spit blood off to the side as he rose chuckling all the way “They said you where good Hardfist.” He spit some more blood off to the side as the shamans looked at each other “To be honest I started to doubt that in the middle of battle… Heh… Guess I was wrong.” Joe grimaced as he forced his shoulder back into place with a quick push, then walked over to Grizwall “The lock may have been a simple one but if I may say so it was well executed, honestly you left me with only one option and it wasn’t an easy one.” With that both Grizwall and Joe laughed, then Grizwall wiped some blood away from his now swollen lip “You win today Hardfist…” He held up his arms a bit to the waiting shamans “Care to help me up?” The shamans helped Grizwall up and out of the arena and Joe made to his own exit, but not before looking to the empty leaders terrace one last time.
Later that evening both Joe and Varon celebrated the opening fights and Joes victory in his first round. Joe and Varon sat on the veranda of the Champions estate looking down at the torch lights that danced as they light the town; it was a marvelous site to behold. The whole city was up in a buzz about the tournament and the streets where filled with people and stalls all enjoying a time of merriment that hadn’t been seen in about a year. Both Joe and Varon talked through the night about the tournament and current events until the night became old and Varon left for his own home leaving Joe to consider the next few days. It would be awhile before he had to fight again seeing as how he had fought already in the first day of the tournament.
Joe had decided to attend the tournament as a spectator the next day deciding it best to view his possible competition in action. It was a good show that was for sure but Joe’s thoughts began to wander as his eyes fell upon the still empty leader’s terrace. Though the absence of his leader concerned Joe he could understand her missing a few of the beginning fights especially with the condition of the Land of Zargon now adays. With that thought in mind Joe shrugged his massive shoulders and decided to call it a day, he left the coliseum behind him to walk about the city… It was awkwardly quite around the city Joe realized as most of the inhabitants had dropped what they were doing to see the tournament themselves, many business had closed and would remain closed for the length of the tournament, but there were a few families here and there going about their own business. It was latter that night before Joe heard the news about what he had missed by leavening as Varon came running into his estate. “What? What’s the matter Varon that would send you flying to my door in such a manner?” Varon leaned over to catch his breath before speaking “Joe… Did you hear yet… of the ninety-fifth fight?” Joe raised an eyebrow “No I left far before that fight… Why? What’s wrong?” Varon had caught his breath now and began to explain. “He was a monster Joe an absolute monster! He was teen feet high at least with muscles the likes I’ve never seen before! His shadow dwarfed his compotion and the fight was over in less than a second!” Joe was taking all Varon had said but it didn’t seem possible, but there was more as Varon continued to talk. “People have begun to call him the demon of the north!” Joe pondered that for a second “The north? What clan does he hail from?” Varon began to think “Uhh… BlackRam! That’s right he was from the BlackRam clan!” Joe almost couldn’t believe it. His master had been a BlackRam but as far as Joe understood the BlackRams almost never got above seven and a half feet tall, so who was this monster of the north? Joe looked at his friend’s worried eyes “You said the ninety-fifth fight? I don’t think we should worry about it yet… It will be awhile before we would fight anyway, and besides he can’t be that tough…” Though Joe’s words had calmed Varon down they only masked the hesitation Joe felt for this new foe.
Two days later Joe was informed that his next match would be taking place today. Joe found his way through the city to the already filled coliseum and made his way to the combatant’s entrance. Dawing his armor Joe prepared himself for the coming battle by flexing his muscles and loosening his limbs until a young arena assistant approached Joe to inform him to head to the gate. Joe stood in the arena entry way waiting for the gates to part at his introduction, as he waited there Joe rolled his neck and shoulders a few times making sure he was ready. “And now returning today for your entertainment hailing from the southern sands of Zargon the defending champion, Joe of the Hardfist Clan!” As his name was announced the gate before Joe eased open revealing the sun beaten arena floor where the blood and sweat from century’s of fighting had mixed with the course sand and dirt to form the field of honor he know stood upon. Joe waved to the crowd and advanced to the center of the arena as the announcer introduced his competition “And now hailing from the eastern forests a new up and coming star of the arena Horania of the SwiftStone Clan!” The gates at the other end of the field opened up to reveal a short female Grogowen she had brown fur with stripes of white along her body, though her body was thin and sleek underneath her armor she looked quite impressive. Just at the site of her a slim smile stretched across Joe’s face, as she approached Joe gave a curt nod that she did not return. She arrived at the center of the arena and bent her head ready to butt it against Joes to start the match… Joe hesitated for a moment normally two men would butt their horns together at this moment, but no female Grogowen had horns so the situation was a tad new to Joe. Deciding he didn’t want to hurt her before the match started Joe gave her head a tap, but was not ready for what came after… At the moment of contact she quickly slid to Joe left grabbing his arm as she moved and pushing it to the right forcing Joe to turn right, as he did so she grabbed his left shoulder and tied to force him off balance and to the ground. Joe realizing this firmly planted his feet and would not budge to her pull; this did not deter her though for she quickly used her position to vault onto Joes back and put him into a complicated choke hold. Joe’s body was to massive for him to reach back and yank her off and her hold was too tight to shake her off, Joe vision was quickly blurring as airflow began to slow. Joe threw himself onto his back and rolled several times trying to shake her off, but to no avail no force Joe threw at her was sufficient and air was still being cut off. Joe got back up quick as he could and ran for the arena wall in a full out sprint Joe then turned himself around at the last minute to smash his back into the wall, but Horania had jumped at the last second to avoid the crushing blow. Joe choked in the air around him happy that he hadn’t passed out, then he began to laugh “That.. Was pretty good little missy…” Joe felt around his neck as he continued “A little longer and Id abeen done for…” Horania scowled at him “You’re a typical male always solving every problem with brute strength never thinking! You don’t dissever to be grand champion!” Joe raised an eyebrow at that “You’re not the first recently to tell me that I haven’t been thinking enough… And ya know? You could very well be right lass, but in no way will I let that stop me now!” Joe came at her with a fury of swings but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t land a single blow on her. With graceful and quick motions she easily dodged his blows, then as Joe readied to give another swing she slid behind him and used the momentum of the swing to bring him down by unbalancing his legs. As Joe hit the ground face first she was quickly on top of him stretching his arm and leg around in an awkward hold Joe had never seen before. “Yield now and you might keep your limbs!” Joe laughed loud enough for her to hear “You haven’t got the strength for such; even if you did I wouldn’t submit.” She yanked on his arm and leg sending agonizing pain into his body but he only chuckled again “I’m not done yet!” Using his free hand Joe pushed so hard against the ground it pushed him over and twisted Horania in such a way that Joe was able to bring his leg around and catch hers. Both Joe and Horania rolled over and over on the ground each trying to find a hold on the other. Horania soon found a hold on by locking onto Joes legs and pressing her own legs into his neck, but soon reversed the hold by using his free hands pry her free. They both twisted and turned each trying to catch the other in an unescabalbe hold, finally Joe caught her as she tried to bend his arm behind him and held her in front of him where he began to hug her so tightly air flow began to cease. Horania kicked franticly to try and escape but no matter how hard she kicked or where Joe just tightened his grip and whispered to her. “Though it seems my strength is what won me this battle do not for one second think that I only fought with such… I may be blessed with strength but unlike many I understand my own size and strength and I understand what I can and can’t do with it. Had I not know such I would have lost this fight a long time ago… But you wouldn’t believe that under any circumstances would you? You think like so many others I know… You think just because I’m strong I have no brain? That I don’t think about my actions? If that were so I would have been dead long ago!” As Joes voice rose his grip tightened and as Horanias vision blurred and her eyelids grew heavy she heard Joe whisper much softer this time. “You think like all the others… But you know what? In the end… They lost too.” Joe felt Horanias body go limp as she lost conciseness after that Joe let her drop to the ground where the shamans came in to treat her. The match was called and Joe was of course the victory, but the match had angered Joe greatly. It was true his strength was a gift and that without it he probably would have died long ago… But why did everyone think that his strength was his only gift? Why did everyone believe that Joe didn’t think about his battles? He thought about his moves he knew what he was going to do and he understood that his strength allowed him to do so, but then why did everyone else believe otherwise? “Did Dogin ever think that?...” Then Joe started thinking along a different line. Dogin was not blessed with great strength but he beat me almost every time… Does that mean Dogin thought more than me? No no no! Dogin understood his limitations, he understood how strong he was, he understood each and every battle he went into and analyzed each situation with the knowledge he already had! That’s what made him strong, that’s what made us strong!” Remembering his friend brought a tear to Joes eye.
That night Joe spent alone in his estate pondering over all the battles he had been in since the demon wars. He realized he had been fighting differently… Ever since Dogin died it felt as if Joe was missing something, as if he was only half there. As he remembered his fights he saw that he had left many openings and done things he wouldn’t have thought of doing before… Many of which were bad… Despite how he had felt in every battle Joe had only been putting forth half his normal effort maybe less. “Maybe everyone else saw what I couldn’t see, that I was only putting forth half my normal effort. If I had continued like that for much longer I would have been defeated for sure! No longer will I dwell in such a state… Dogin my friend only now do I realize that I must move on from my grief and continue to live my life. I will live for the both of us my friend! After Joe had come to terms with Dogins death he sat down feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from him. “I will fight with all my effort from now on and show them who Joe Hardfist truly is!” Joe sat in silence for a long while thinking to himself for the final time “May you rest easy Dogin Hood… May you rest easy…”
Many days passed and with them came many fights; with his newfound vigor Joe put his soul into every battle. His vigor moved the audience and made them cheer ever louder in his bouts. But now the day had arrived for the opening battles of the semi finals and Joe was more excited than he had been in a long while. Now Varon and Joe walked on with high spirits to the arena “Good luck in today’s match Joe.” Joe chuckled “Always good to hear Varon, do me a favor and cheer me on!” They both laughed and parted ways as Joe went to sign in. Today the combatants lobby on Joe’s side of the arena was nearly empty but everyone inside laughed and talked excitedly, for no one in this wing of the arena would be fighting each other. Instead there opponents where waiting in the other side of the arena, so Joe walked among them wishing them luck in their battles and in return they bid him the same. Soon an assistant came to Joe and informed him that he was up, as he walked to the gate all the combatants in the lobby cheered and called out wishes for luck. He smiled and waved to them before stepping into the release gate. Joe breathed in a deep breath and slowly released it becoming more serious as he did so; this wasn’t a match to take lightly. Joe rolled his shoulders a few times as he calmed himself and prepared for the match, soon Joe could hear the announcer begin his introductions. “The next round of the semi finals is about to begin, but I have just received an important announcement.” Joe became curious “That’s right! Our very own leader Karen Hardfist!” Joe’s heart almost skipped a beat… Today he would finally be able to see his leader and be able to show her that he did deserve his title… Despite all the in convinces that prevented them from meeting before today he would show her his strength! “Has confirmed us that she will be able to attend the finals!” Joe didn’t lose heart at that instead he would fight even harder so he could prove his worth before his leader and his people, that he was their grand champion! “And now good people let me introduce you returning grand champion! Joe of the Hardfist Clan!” Joe’s gate opened once more to the sun beaten field of honor. Joe strode froth and waved to the crowd as they cheered his appearance, as Joe reached the center of the field the announcer began to introduce his opponent “And now let me introduce a man so fearsome so devastating that he has become known as the demon of the north! Let me introduce Kain of the BlackRam Clan!” Joe noticed that the mood of the crowd changed to something almost representing ominous. Joe gazed at the other gate as it slowly creaked open to reveal a giant of a Grogowen… He was easily a head taller than Joe with solid black fur and bulging muscles, but what stood out the most to Joe was Kains eyes… His eyes held only deep malice and endless hatred within them, eyes that none could escape from… They both meet in the center of the arena to start the match; Kain lowered his head so that they could butt heads. When Joe and Kains horns meet they meet hard and fast sending a loud crack throughout the arena, with a speed almost too fast to be normal Kain sent an uppercut straight into Joes chin just after their two heads touched. The sheer force of the impact sent Joe flying backwards into the dirt over a yard away the audience responded by letting out a gasp at the speed and power behind the movement. For a long moment Joe lay motionless then slowly he picked himself up coughing slightly and wiped his chin “That was pretty good…” Joe stood up and charged straight at Kain who did not even flinch Joe flung his fist forward only to find himself being sent sideways with one movement of Kains mighty fist. Joe hit the ground hard and rolled several times before stopping; slowly Joe rose again to look at Kain… For the first time in a long while Joe felt fear creep down his spine. “He’s stronger than me and his arms are easily longer than my own… I’m in trouble…” Those where the simple down to earth facts that Joe realized, Joe understood that he had won many of his battles simply because he was stronger than his enemy. This doesn’t mean Joe was any less skilled than them in the least… Joe understood his strength and size and knew how to use it effectively, but against an opponent like Kain… Joe didn’t know what to do “He fights like me but he’s stronger than me…” Joe looked at Kain again, looked into his eyes and realized Kain was enjoying the fight… No not the fight, but the pain he had caused Joe “No he’s not like me… He is stronger but he doesn’t fight anything like me…” Joe ran at Kain again but this time attempted to dodge Kains counter, only to be sent flying into the dirt again by Kains overwhelming might and speed. The battle when on as such for a long while each time Joe was sent flying by Kains might and each time he rose to do battle again… The judges and audience watched flinching each time Joe was sent flying by Kains blows it was almost too painful to watch. There were no cheers there was no joy within the crowd at that time, mothers shielded there children’s eyes each time Joe meet another one of Kains blows, many began to wonder why Joe didn’t just stay down or why he kept rising, all could see that this fight was hopeless… Nothing Joe did was effective and everything he tried was meet only with another overwhelming blow. Joe was again flat on his back trying to regain his senses again, as he did so he again began to rise slowly and on shaking hands Joe began to rise to face Kain… Many among the crowd cried to him, pleaded to him to stop and stay down, but Joe didn’t listen… Couldn’t listen to them, for he had to fight and win him had too… Joe stood up again to face Kain who only smiled at Joe’s pain. “You take a lot of punishment…” Kain said as he seemed to drink in Joe’s pain “I’m not done… Yet…” Kain began to bellow a deep laugh “You amuse me HardFist! Grant me the pleasure of hearing your screams!” Joe looked at the sick and twisted monster that stood before him; he couldn’t let this thing besmirch the name of champion… He couldn’t… Joe shook himself as if to cast off the pain surging throughout his body and approached Kain again, as he reached him Kain swung with right hand and Joe caught it right in the middle of his left palm as he caught the blow. The force of the impact sent a wave of pain through Joe’s body but now Joe reared back his right hand while holding on to Kains right hand and swung for the monsters face. Kain caught Joe’s right hand within his left and now each held the others right and within their left just like what had happened between Joe and Keero back in the HardFist village… Joe remembered what had happened; he remembered that he won because he was stronger than Keero. He couldn’t let that happen today… Joe with all the power he could muster began to squeeze Kains right hand with his left, but in return Kain did the same. For a long moment the two stood there eyeing each other trying to force the other to yield. It wasn’t long before Joe realized he was going to lose… Soon Kain began to squeeze even harder; each second Joe was under Kains steel like grip sent bolts of pain through Joe’s body. Kain tightened his grip even more and smiled as he watched Joe wither in pain beneath his grasp; his smile grew even wider as he tightened his grip further “Scream for me Hardfist.” Joe grimaced as Kains grip tightened even more. “Scream for me.” Joe was forced to let go of Kains right hand and tried to free his own, but Kain just stood there and held Joes hand under his might. Kain forced Joe to his knee and began to squeeze even tighter. “Scream for me Hardfist!” Joe face was crossed with pain the judging panel stood up preparing to call the match. Joe’s eyes became wide and the crowd gasped as a loud sickening crack resounded throughout the arena as Joes hand began to crack underneath Kains vice like hold. Joe began to cry out in pain as Kain began to squeeze even tighter his muscles bulged and his eyes widened with ecstasy over Joes pain. More cracking sounds came as Kain tightened his grip and the panel motioned to stop the fight. Kain gave a sickening grin as he’s grip became tighter still and Joes cries grew louder “Scream for me Hardfist! Scream for me!” The crowd was horrified by what happened next… A loud sickening crunch seemed to echo out across the arena as Joes right hand was crushed under Kains overwhelming might. Joes cries of pain peeked for an instant then he fell to the arena floor, as Kain let go of his shattered hand there Joe passed out almost