~Chapter 14- Past sins~

"With that the quarter finals are over. The remaining fighters are all young Ralosian men, one of which is 21 years old, and the others all being 15! Regardless of who ends up winning, the champion will be the youngest in this tournament's history. We will allow our competitors a moment of reprieve before we continue on to the semi-finals!" Cho announced to the crowd.

"Emil will win! He defeated the last tournament's champion, as well as the mighty Oshu! He's the oldest of the semifinalists too!"

"But that Efilon kid won both of his matches with hardly any effort."

"Those boys Aero and Jirro made it to the semifinals in the last tournament. Surely one of them will make it to the finals this time."

The masked boy who had been calling himself Efilon scoffed at the announcement. It was sad how easily he was making his way through this tournament. From the start he knew that only Aero would provide him a challenge. The masked boy only needed to get through Jirro.

Cho came to the finalist's lobby and asked that all besides Aero, Jirro, Emil, and the one called Efilon leave. Oshu and Celcius left, commending all of them for their efforts. The Phantine Nout wished them luck. But that little girl Hita offered a warning before leaving, "That guy is trickier than I thought. Be careful."

"I can handle him," Jirro assured her.

The Masked Boy chuckled again. While Aero and Jirro had taken much damage over the course of the tournament, he was largely untouched. But, even if that wasn't the case, the Masked One was sure he'd win. He leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes, waiting for the tournament to resume.

While the semi-finalists waited, two individuals entered the finalist's lobby.

"Dad! What're you doing in here?" Aero asked the men.

The Masked Boy's eyes opened, and he saw them. Two men with black hair and beards. The more muscular of the two had a scar over his brow, Lucar, Jirro's father. The other one was less muscular, that must've been Razan, Aero's dad.

"Just checking on you boys," Razan replied, "Feeling ready?"

"Definitely." Aero nodded.

"Only tournament competitors are allowed in here dad," Jirro said, "You might get in trouble if you stay."

"We'll only be a minute. We wanted to speak with that Efilon boy for a moment," Lucar explained with a smile.

The Masked Boy watched as Razan and Lucar approached him. The optimistic faces they had on for their sons turned to cautious ones. Lucar spoke quietly, "May we speak in private with you?"

The masked boy glared at them. Perhaps they figured out who he was, "I'm not going anywhere, Lucar."

Lucar's eye twitched when he heard his own named uttered.

"What's wrong? Surprised I know who you are? I know about Razan too. I know everything there is to know about you two."

Lucar glanced back at Aero and Jirro, and spoke quietly so they couldn't hear, "Can we speak outside?"

"No. I'm comfortable here. Whatever you have to ask, you can ask me here."

Razan scowled at the boy, "Enough games kid. I want to know where you got that mask, and how is it that you're able to fly?"

The Masked One smiled from within his mask. Razan and Lucar seeing him today must've been like seeing a ghost. A representation of past sins, "Why don't you try and answer your own question? Its more obvious than you think."

Both Razan and Lucar couldn't manage to say anything, but from the look in their eyes he could tell they knew exactly who he was. The masked boy wanted to irk them even more, "I heard you abandoned your kids. That shouldn't be surprising, considering you abandoned your friends too."

The look in their eyes was priceless. Fear, confusion, and regret stained their faces.

Razan spoke lowly, "You... You're their child, aren't you?"

Cho popped into the finalist's lobby, "Alright boys, how're you all feeling? Ready to start the semi-finals?" Cho glanced to Lucar and Razan, "Sirs, this room is for tournament competitors only. I'm going to ask you to leave."

Razan spoke, "Sorry sir, we just need a moment to speak with-"

The Masked Boy interrupted him, "Cho, these two men are harassing me. Could you escort them outside?"

Cho stomped up to the two of them, "Alright guys, I need you two out now, or I'll call security!"

Razan stared at Cho disdainfully before leaving the Finalist's lobby, with Lucar close behind him.

"Sorry about that Efilon. I don't know how they got in here," Cho said.

"It's no worry. Are we starting soon?" The Masked One responded.

"If everyone is ready," Cho turned to the others, "How is everyone feeling?"

Aero, Jirro, and Emil nodded.

"Great!"

Cho stepped outside and began his announcement. "The semi-finals will begin with Aero Vs. Emil! Come on out you two!"

The two walked out together, and Jirro and the Masked One were left alone in the finalist's lobby.

"I haven't heard you speak until now. What did you talk to them about?" Jirro asked pointedly.

"Your dad and uncle? Nothing important," The masked boy coyly responded.

"How did you know that was my dad?"

"...Just keep your eyes on the fight, Jirro."