Date: Thu, 17 May 2018 15:09:55 -0400
From: Purple Jubliee <purplejubilee17@gmail.com>
Subject: After Earth Went Dark: Chapter 6

Here we go, chapter 6! Thanks for all the feedback everyone! :) Let me know
what you think at purplejubilee17@gmail.com

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After Earth Went Dark: Chapter 6

       "What? Why?" Kara demanded. "How does that help us get to Uncle
Mark's?"
	Elliot thought that she had a point. Their entire goal had been to
just get to their uncle's farm upstate. This seemed uncharacteristic of
both their mother and of Tyr.
	"Maybe I could explain a little?" The man called Rob asked, then
continued after receiving a nod from their mother. "In the world we have
today, everyone is so caught up with survival, and rightly so." From the
get-go, Elliot noticed the cadence and tone of Rob's voice. Young as he
was, he was able to recognize a salesman when he heard one. Nonetheless,
the man had an amiable air about him that made it hard not to pay
attention.
	"It's a tough time to be alive, make no mistake." Rob said, as if
agreeing with himself. "But, the Tournament is a way for people with
certain skills, like your big friend here..." He patted Tyr on the
shoulder. "to take the question of survival completely out of the
picture. Even winning the smaller, less dangerous events come with
substantial rewards that can give you quite the boost in todays harsh
world."
	With a hand gesture to Rob, their mother stepped in. "Your uncle
and I have never been... on the best of terms."
	Elliot knew this was true. In his entire life, she had only ever
spoken of him in the context of his `eccentricities' in preparing for the
end of the world. He had never actually met the man.
	"If we show up with nothing, begging for his help... He will help
us, but we'll always owe him something. Your Uncle Mark isn't the type to
forget a debt, not even from family." She paused then amended, "Especially
not from family."
	Rob picked up where she left off. "But, if you roll in with your
pockets full of silver, ammo, and maybe even a working car..."
	Kara voiced what Elliot was thinking. "But if Tyr was in the
Tournament, that'd all belong to him. Not us."
	"I don't need it." Tyr said quickly.
	"Then why do it?" Elliot asked. He knew Tyr cared about him, and he
knew that he had come to care about his family; but going out of his way to
face danger in the pursuit of profit did not seem like Tyr's style.
	All eyes turned to Tyr. He looked like he was going respond but
then stopped himself. It was several moments before he finally
spoke. "I'm... looking for someone." He said quietly. "The Tournament seems
like a good place to start."
	"Who?" Elliot asked before he could stop himself. Tyr was a
mystery, but Elliot thought that maybe the closeness they had experienced
might give him a peak behind the curtain.
	Immediately though, Tyr dispelled that hope by shaking his
head. "It's not important. We've discussed it and we think this is the best
way forward." He looked to Elliot and Kara's mother who backed him up with
a nod.
	"So..." Elliot cast a confused look at Rob. "Is he going to fight
with you or something?"
	Rob laughed. "No, no. I'm not much of a fighter. I'm a
sponsor. I'll find a fighter to support and pay their way into the
tournament."
	"And?" Kara asked, knowing there was more to it. "You don't do that
for free probably, right?"
	"A couple of smart children you've got here." Rob said to their
mother with a chuckle. "Not exactly for free, no. I'll end up taking
fifteen percent of anything Tyr wins."
	"But..." Elliot looked up at their tall protector. "Isn't it
dangerous? Couldn't you die or something?" He knew Tyr was skilled but was
still concerned.
	Tyr noticed the genuine distress on Elliot's face and his hand
twitched toward Elliot's shoulder. He stopped himself before the motion
became obvious though. Opening his mouth to respond, Rob started in before
he could.
	"Actually, only a few of the events are to the death. There's risk
involved with all of them of course, and the Jackson brothers that run the
show sometimes get a little carried away with their gladiator schtick, but
all in all it's not much more dangerous than wandering the countryside
these days. The Tournament wouldn't draw so many if everyone got killed
off, would it?" Rob assured.
	Worried, Elliot turned his attention back to Tyr but didn't say
anything. He had more faith in Tyr's abilities than anyone else in the
group, but nonetheless the idea of his ever-present guardian endangering
himself like this was not a pleasing one.
	Kara broke the stand off after a moment. "Well, alright then. If
that's what you want to do. Especially if it means staying in a town and
not sleeping on the ground. I could get used to that."
	A grin spread on Rob's face. "Oh, it's better than that, dear. The
Jackson's have a special hotel set aside for competitors that pay their way
into the tournament. Entry for many of the events is free, but for the big
rewards you pay into it... Or find a sponsor to do it for you. If you think
Fitz's is nice, wait until you see the Jackson Hotel. You four will be
spending those days enjoying the best this new world has to offer."
	In spite of himself, Elliot was intrigued. The little inn inside
the school had seemed to him like a paradise. To hear that there were even
nicer accommodations, and that they would have access to them was
definitely alluring. He scowled, determined not to let that influence
him. His care for Tyr came before fancy rooms and running water.
	Finally, Elliot shrugged. Looking at Tyr again he tried to
emphasize his worry without making it too obvious to those around them. "I
don't know, but... If you're sure about it..."
	"Great!" Rob spread his hands in an all-encompassing gesture. "From
what I saw of your friend's talents," he said to Elliot, "he's got a decent
chance of winning the whole thing. Let alone a few brawl matches to make it
worth my time."
	Rob seemed nice and enthusiastic, but Elliot did not trust his
motivations. It was hard to voice his concerns though without making his
feelings for Tyr apparent. He decided that he would wait until he had a
chance to talk privately to Tyr and maybe then be able to get him to
reconsider.
	It wasn't long before the clanging of the dinner bell came. It
wasn't the school bell, which had run on electricity and now lay dormant,
but a simple large brass bell that rang out the meal time
announcement. Elliot's stomach grumbled loudly. The small meal they had
saved him had done little to quell the appetite that he had worked up over
the long night.
	"We can talk more over dinner." Their mother motioned with her head
in the direction of the cafeteria.
	Dinner consisted of simple roasted chicken, boiled potatoes with
butter, and greens with a vinegar-based dressing. It had been so long since
Elliot had eaten seasoned food that he could scarcely believe how good it
tasted. Such a simple meal seemed like the most luxurious feast he'd ever
had. As they ate, Rob explained the ins and outs of the Tournament.
	The Tournament lasted two weeks and was held twice a year. There
were innumerable small events and competitions, ranging from feats of
strength, to unarmed brawls, to fights with animals. Rob told them that
there were even reenactment-style battles based on events in history, but
those were more theatrical and often blunted weapons were used. They were
still dangerous, but not as deadly.
	Elliot was amazed that such a thing could exist. His parents had
done their best to educate him growing up; teaching him to read and write
and giving him some basics of history. He knew that in ancient times there
had been competitions like this, but the idea that it had been revived, and
that he might get to see it, was riveting.
	The main event of the Tournament however, was a ladder-based
competition that spanned the entire two-week period. Fighters participated
in varied types of battles ranging from cooperative fights to free-for-alls
to objective based clashes. According to their performance (and survival)
in these specially marked events, fighters advanced their position in the
ladder. This all culminated in the final event, a one on one duel between
the two highest ranked competitors.
	Every event had a reward for winning or for performing well, but
they all paled in comparison to the reward offered for winning that final
duel. Rob told them that the exact reward for the grand champion was never
revealed until the day of the last event, but past rewards had included the
champions weight in silver, a virtual arsenal of guns and ammo, property in
Clearview, working vehicles, livestock, and other valuable bounty. Rob went
on to say though, that winning events was only one way to earn money and
rewards from the Tournament.
	"The Jackson brothers are a dramatic sort." He told them with a
knowing smile. "The whole thing is decked out in that Greco-Roman style and
they love a good show. Spectators are encouraged to give tribute to `their'
champion. Play to the crowd and indulge the brothers' taste for pomp and
fanfare and you'll leave the events with a nice bit of coin, even if you
don't win."
	Tyr frowned at this but said nothing. Elliot knew that, despite his
almost super-human skill, Tyr was not much for flashy displays and showing
off.
	"When does it start?" Kara asked, finishing her meal.
	"Three days from now." Rob replied. "That gives us just enough time
to get there if we leave tomorrow. I was starting to think I was out of
luck for this season since I hadn't found anyone to sponsor. Now I'm glad I
waited." He grinned, slapping Tyr's shoulder.
	"Have any of the people you've sponsored actually won?" Elliot
raised an eyebrow.
	The grin faded from Rob's face. "You mean, won the entire
Tournament as the grand champion? Well... No. But most of them walk away
with more than they had."
	"Have any of them... Died?" Elliot finally voiced the concern that
had been troubling him.
	 Rob sighed. "I can tell you care about your friend here. I'll be
honest with you, a few of the fighters I've sponsored in the past didn't
walk away from it. It's rare though. In all the time I've been sponsoring,
only three of my champions have died."
	That didn't sound like a lot, but Elliot still did not like the
sound of it. Rob could tell that Elliot wasn't buying it and continued.
	"Look. The world is a cruel place these days. There's entire cities
run by bandits and raiders. Thugs roam the roads freely. Surviving every
day out in the wild is more difficult than surviving the Tournament. The
Jackson brothers are... eccentric... but not overly bloodthirsty. Of the
two to four hundred entries into the tournament, there's usually a maximum
of about thirty deaths. Sounds like a lot, but that's only about one in
every ten. And from the little bit that I've seen of Tyr, he seems like
he's faced far worse odds."
	Elliot had to admit that Rob was right. The feats he had witnessed
from Tyr were by any standard, amazing. He took a deep breath and forced
himself to think about it rationally. Tyr knew best in these situations,
Elliot was well aware of that; and Tyr was confident enough to be on board
with the idea. With reluctance, he sighed and looked at the handsome face
of his guardian. As always, Tyr kept his emotions closely concealed and
Elliot could read nothing from him.
	"Ok, fine." He conceded.
	Around the table it seemed like a collective breath had been let
out and Elliot realized he had been the only one passionately arguing due
to his worry for Tyr. He hoped he had not been too obvious with his
feelings but was also a little disappointed that his sister and mother were
not as concerned for their protector as he was. After a moment he
recognized that it was only natural considering his attachment to Tyr, that
he was more worried than the rest. They all thought of him as a grim,
emotionless, and seemingly invincible warrior. Elliot had seen another side
to him. Small as it was, this glimpse told him that there was much more to
Tyr than any of them knew, and he very much hoped to some day break through
the hardened shell. Sending Tyr off to compete in dangerous games for money
didn't seem like the best way to accomplish that.
	Even so, he knew there was no getting around it, and that he had no
real reason to object. They concluded their meal after finally reaching an
agreement and all returned to their rooms. Rob had recommended that they
leave at first light, with the hopes of making good time to Clearview.
	Elliot was not tired at all. He had only woken up a few hours
before. Changing again back into the comfortable robe and sliding into his
bed with a yawn had all been an act. Once he was sure that Kara and their
mother were asleep, he slipped quietly out of the room and across the hall.
	Once again, he could see that the light was still on in Tyr's
room. When he knocked softly it was almost instantaneously that he heard
the lock of the door slide open, as if Tyr had been waiting for him.
	Inside, he found Tyr seated on the edge of the bed. Closing the
door behind him, Elliot wordlessly moved to sit beside the large
figure. The two sat in silence for a time before Elliot slowly leaned in
and laid his head on Tyr's shoulder. Tyr put a comforting arm around him
gently.
	"Are you really gonna do this?" Elliot asked, trying to keep the
worry out of his voice.
	Tyr looked down at him and squeezed his shoulder. "I'll be
alright."
	Elliot put his arms around his protector tightly. "I just... I
don't want you to..." His mind flashed back to the forest, with Tyr leading
his family out of the bandit camp. His father crumpling to the ground after
being clubbed mercilessly. Tears welled up. "If something went wrong I..."
He shuddered noticeably and buried his face against Tyr.
	Turning to face him, Tyr pulled him in protectively and lay back
with him on the bed. "Elliot." He rumbled softly, causing the boy's
tear-stained face to look up to him. "Nothing will happen. I'll be fine."
	Elliot sniffed. "I don't understand why you have to do it though."
	"It will give you and your family an advantage when you arrive at
your uncle's property. And, if something has gone wrong there, it will give
you a chance to start fresh." Tyr said quietly, stroking Elliot's back with
one hand.
	"That's not why you're doing it though." Elliot answered with a
hint of frustration. "Don't lie."
	He felt Tyr's powerful chest rise and fall in a sigh.  The hand
caressed his back softly. "You're right. There are other reasons."
	"What are they?" Elliot demanded.
	Sighing again, Tyr moved Elliot back further onto the bed with him
into a more comfortable position. "I told you. I'm looking for
someone. This Tournament will help them to find me."
	"But who?" Elliot practically begged. "And why?"
	Tyr rolled over onto his back, bringing Elliot on top of him and
holding him tightly. "Just something I have to deal with." He replied
cryptically, but then offered a trace of a smile that was the extent of the
emotion Tyr usually showed. "It's touching that you're so worried."
	Elliot scowled at Tyr's obvious attempt to change the subject; but
feeling Tyr's warmth underneath him and looking down on the handsome face
with just a hint of humor in it, he found it hard to remain upset. "I still
don't like it." He said, "But I guess it's ok if you have to do it."
	There was a low rumble deep in Tyr's chest that Elliot realized was
a single amused chuckle. "I'm glad I've got your permission." Tyr looked up
at him with a raised eyebrow.
	Only then did Elliot let a smile of his own slowly cross his
face. Cheekily, he leaned down and kissed Tyr quickly on the lips before
pulling back.
	Tyr grabbed him, gently but firmly and drew him back in for another
kiss, longer this time. The tentative uncertainty Elliot had seen the night
before was gone. In a sudden twist, Tyr rolled once again so that Elliot
lay on his back on the bed. Only allowing part of his weight to press down
on the smaller boy, Tyr supported himself on his elbows, while giving
Elliot another long kiss. Elliot whined in appreciation.
	Pulling back finally, leaving both of them breathing heavily, Tyr
looked down at Elliot, half laying half sitting on the bed. The mood had
changed, Elliot now felt the tension in the air and knew that he was the
object of Tyr's desire. Slowly, Tyr opened Elliot's robe at the chest,
feeling the smooth skin underneath and gently hitching his hands under
Elliot's arms. With one knee, he pinned the hem of the robe against the
bed, then easily lifted Elliot out of it through the top, leaving him naked
on the bed.
	Elliot blushed, but made no attempt to cover himself. He let Tyr
stare. The feeling of being so exposed was both frightening and
arousing. He studied Tyr's eyes and saw the primal hunger there, but he
also saw that same flicker of uncertainty return. It was then that he
realized with some surprise that this territory was as unfamiliar to Tyr as
it was to him. The idea was strange, that someone as handsome and quietly
confident as Tyr would be inexperienced, but the evidence of it was staring
him in the face. Elliot had no idea what to say in light of this
realization.
	Eventually, Tyr broke the impasse. He came back to kneel over
Elliot, his hand moving across the boy's smooth body. He leaned in next to
Elliot's ear and whispered. "You are beautiful."
	The words made Elliot shiver. Tyr's strong hands pinned him to the
bed as they began to kiss again, more passionately now. Elliot felt Tyr's
tongue move between his lips. It was an awkward and experimental movement,
but Elliot let it happen and soon Tyr's tongue probed his mouth, wrestling
Elliot's own tongue as they made out desperately.
       Tyr's hands moved downward and traced the perfect globes of Elliot's
ass, grasping them gently and causing the smaller boy to gasp
involuntarily. Elliot wanted more and was operating entirely on
instinct. Growing up in a world where survival was uncertain meant that his
sexual education was severely lacking. Once again, Elliot wasn't exactly
sure what he wanted Tyr to do, but he knew he wanted to be close to him. To
be a part of him.
       One hand slipped quickly between the two mounds that Tyr was
massaging. Elliot squeaked in surprise at the new sensation. Tyr's hands
began to probe his most intimate areas and Elliot immediately knew that
this was what he had wanted. One hand began to stroke him softly, drawing
quiet whines of pleasure. Elliot twitched underneath Tyr. He had touched
himself before, but with Tyr doing it, it was much different. He gasped as
the pace quickened.
       Kissing him deeply while continuing to rub him, Tyr moved his other
hand up to wrap around Elliot's back and pull him in. Elliot began to
thrust into Tyr's hand, becoming further aroused by the second.
       The feeling began to rise within him. It built up like wave, gaining
momentum as intense pleasure jolted through his body. It was familiar but
different. He knew what it meant and tried to hold on longer. He moaned as
Tyr again pushed his tongue into his mouth and returned his hand to grasp
Elliot's ass tightly. The eroticism was too much. Elliot squealed loudly,
and his small body convulsed. He thrust his hips into the air as sticky
ropes shot out into Tyr's hand and down Elliot's leg.
       Releasing the tension he had been unconsciously holding in, Elliot
let out a breath and sank back down to the bed. Without a word, Tyr used
part of the robe to clean off his hand and clean Elliot up, then tossed it
into a corner. Elliot brushed the hair from his eyes and smiled up at Tyr,
his smooth chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.
       "That was... amazing..." He said timidly. The ghost of a smile
touched Tyr's face as he spoke.
       Tyr rolled into the bed and pulled Elliot close to him. Elliot loved
the feeling of Tyr's arms wrapped tight around his naked body and he
snuggled contentedly against the powerful chest. Despite having slept for
so long the night before, Elliot realized that after that, he was feeling
sleepy again. With a happy sigh, he surrendered to it and drifted away with
Tyr's hands stroking his body gently.