The four comrades stepped off the Portal Train along with a throng of other people. Kyanosa looked around, trying to take in everything at once. The train platform, the milling people, Dirk calling him, the expanses of grass, the mountains in the distance, Kaye grabbing his hand, the peaked towers of an arena, the buildings, the streets, and the perfectly clear blue sky.
“Name!” A very short man with circular spectacles on his nose was glaring up at Kyanosa with all of his miget might.
“Who are you?” Kyanosa asked.
“His name is Kyanosa,” Kaye spoke quickly.
“No way! That’s my name too!”
The man glanced at Kaye before reaching into an empty box on the also short table beside him and withdrew an envelope. It had ‘Kyanosa: Warrior of Triston’ printed on the front, and below that ‘House 8’.
“So we’re all in the same House?” Kaye smiled.
“Yeah, don’t think I had nothing to do with that,” Dirk commented.
“Is it too late to ask for a new assignment?” Canopus looked sideways at Kyanosa who beamed at him.
“We should go drop off our things. This folder will tell us when and where orientation and any other events will take place.” Dirk headed down the platform and Kyanosa followed after a bit.
His mentor lead them down a walkway to the right where a number of houses were laid out on either side of them. Other people were entering and leaving. Kyanosa waved a hello to all of them though he received no replies. A key from the envelope opened House 8 to them.
They walked into a fully furnished living room done up in pale green with two couches and a chair facing a huge TV. There were doors on the right and a hallway that went out of sight.
“No kitchen?” Kaye commented.
“All our meals are provided for free at the restaurant, and I can guarantee you will enjoy the food there.”
Kyanosa went to the first door and pushed it open. Inside was a bedroom in the same green with a bed, dresser, and bookshelf. He quickly checked the next three doors and found them to be identical.
Across from the last bedroom door was another door. Inside was a large bathroom. There were four sinks, two bathroom stalls, two shower stalls, and a huge,
“Hot tub!” Kyanosa squealed happily.
Kaye came up behind him. “You know, this place looks a whole lot bigger inside than from the outside.”
“This whole area was created by the Nine specifically for this tournament. There are examples of their power most everywhere,” Dirk explained.
“Hot tub.” Kyanosa repeated with glee.
“I guess with the fighting, it will be a nice thing to have.”
They deposited their bags in their newly chosen rooms, well all except Canopus who was going through the contents of the folder. He was stuck in the leftover room. Sucker.
“Orientation is an hour after checkin closes, so at three at…Sydnei’s? Is it the same Sydnei?”
“It is indeed Miss Crowe,” Dirk said. “She’s not only famous in the Underworld.”
