Welcome To Cloudspire City

Regna spent the next two days in awe of her surroundings, while Krav was between sulky, mildly interested and full of envy. Sylvia and Khorvath had taken their self-assigned roles as guides for the newly formed double pair around Cloudspire very seriously. The famed pair allowed their new friends to stay in their apartment in one of the richest areas of the city, taking the angel and the demon to all the best shopping districts, food courts and historical sites. Krav spent the day trying not to grumble about the sun too much or about the amount of bright flowers lining the promenades.

Everywhere they went, the group was met with stares of awe, disbelief and – in many cases – fear. The awe were mostly directed at Sylvia and Khorvath; they got many dedicated fans shouting their names and asking for their signatures on their merchandise. There was one goblin dressed as Khorvath – Regna was very impressed at the dedication and craftsmanship to the costume. Sometimes it was Regna who got the awe: for being an angel, but also a known fighter. But there were only a handful or two of people.

No, both she and Krav were the reason for disbelief and fear. Disbelief that an angel and a demon were in Cloudspire City – together – and also in the company of one of the most famous double pairs in the whole of Kylem. Krav practically smirked at the fear he got and basked happily in it, making Regna roll her eyes at him and shake her head derisively. To their surprise, they were asked by a brave group of young children if they were going to be competing at Valor's Reach and when it was confirmed to them that the angel and demon were, the mortals' eyes lit up in excitement.

"The powers of good and evil combined! That is going to be awesome to see!"

"It is going to be so awesome!"

"Are you planning on using your flight to your advantage, angel? You might struggle a bit on the Arena of Forests, though."

"What are your names?"

Regna had been rather relieved to have one question that she could answer. "My name is Regna, and this is Krav," she answered gesturing to the demon, who was attempting to appear as menacing as he could for the kids.

"Krav and Regna!" the kids immediately lit up. "Krav and Regna, the Redeemer and the Unredeemed! Love between Light and Dark!"

Regna blinked, as did Krav for a moment. Clearly these children were used to naming teams because even though Krav and Regna looked set to dissuade them from the latter thought, there was nothing that either the angel or demon could say that could make the mortals change their minds. Krav did try with several threats that included nightmares and sending his brothers to bully the children, but that did not phase them in the slightest. Once the kids had been called away by their slightly apprehensive parents, Regna and Krav rejoined Sylvia and Khorvath – who had gone to get ice-cones – both of whom were laughing heartily.

"Congratulations, your name is already sticking in some minds," Sylvia grinned as she handed the ice-cones over to the shellshocked divine beings.

"We are not in love," Krav pulled a face. "How could those idiotic kids even get that into their heads?"

"Welcome to the mind of a human," Sylvia smirked. "We love it when opposites attract, and there is nothing more 'opposite' than an angel and a demon. We are suckers for a forbidden love story."

"Well, they should keep us out of it," Krav growled as he experimentally licked the ice-cone.

Khorvath growled something. Sylvia chuckled. "Oh I agree, Khor."

Krav scowled. "What did the flying lizard say now?"

"Krav!" Regna exclaimed, scowling at him. She genuinely whacked him around the head for that comment.

"OW! Watch it, angel!"

"You don't disrespect Khorvath like that!" Regna hissed back.

Sylvia, though a little annoyed at Krav's rudeness, started chuckling again. "You may not be a couple, but you certainly act like it now and again. No wonder people are already starting getting ideas into their head! But Khor is right – this could play to your advantage."

"Advantage?" Krav repeated eagerly, he and Regna immediately ceasing glaring at each other to turn to look at Sylvia with interest. "How exactly?"

Sylvia and Khorvath exchanged and look and they gestured with their heads to the pair to continue following them down the bright promenade. Sylvia looked around her now and again for potential eavesdroppers before she dared to explain what she meant.

"There is more to the competitions at Valor's Reach than usually meets the eye," Sylvia continued. "Most people know that the competitors or teams are supported by sponsors, but they have no idea just how much politics unfolds behind the screen."

Regna's eyes widened. "You mean to tell me, that we may have to fight more than one battle?"

"Oh yes," Sylvia confirmed. "First, you will need to find someone to sponsor you. But be warned, the more attention you get, the more dirty tricks will start to be played – on the arena, and off. Khorvath and I had to learn that the hard way."

"You mean to tell me that we may have to start sucking up to some snooty, old money elf in order to get anywhere?" Krav sneered.

"Potentially, yes," Sylvia confirmed with a small, sad smile. "The more sponsorships you have, the more potential you have to buy better weapons, armour, better accommodation, first pickings at the training grounds and also earn favour points much more easily. Because if someone sees the potential in you, then others will flock to you as well. They all want what rising stars can offer: more renown and boasting rights."

"It sounds immoral," Regna frowned.

Krav scoffed. "You don't say," he answered snarkily.

"It is just the way with competitive sports at the highest rank," Sylvia sighed. "But out of some of the new teams I have heard of and seen for myself, I am willing to go to an Azra betting station and put some of my money on you myself. Though my sponsors would not be too happy about that!"

Khorvath hissed and growled.

Sylvia beamed. "Indeed! Let us all go to the hot springs before training. We could potentially bump into a sponsor for the pair of you there. Everyone from all walks of life go to the hot springs."

"I heard," Regna grinned. "Cloudspire hot springs are without equal."

"So word of them has reached the ears of Kylem's angels?" Sylvia's eyes lit up.

"Of course. None of us have ever bathed with the mortals but I do know my sisters visit them in secret," Regna answered.

"Well, then I suppose it will be just as much of a treat for you to try them for yourself as it is for all of us simple mortals to bathe alongside an angel," Sylvia chuckled. She then turned to Krav with a teasing look. "This big guy can help clear a pool out for us if need be!"

Krav rolled his eyes while Regna giggled. "I do not like being surrounded by too many people anyway," he stated dismissively.

"And yet you love performing to a crowd," Regna could not help but point out.

"That is different, angel," Krav responded coolly. "In the arena, their attention is meant to be on me. It is not meant to be on me when I am enjoying my down time."

Regna huffed but didn't argue with him.

There were five hot springs in Kylem in total, all of them quite grand. Most of them were nestled between rocks with waterfalls tumbling down upon them, and more than a couple of them gave off vast quantities of steam. The hot springs had quite a few people relaxing and swimming in them already. Elves and humans were chatting away, there were Azra people sneering at anyone swimming too close to them and goblins happily handing out towels and selling food and beverages.

Sylvia and Regna went to change into some bathing suits, with Krav and Khorvath waiting outside. Quietly, Regna was a little unsure of stepping into the hot spring. What if her wings got too wet? A little bit of rain her wings could handle but a full on soak?

Her idol and now friend seemed to sense her apprehension. "Regna, everything OK?" she asked gently.

"Yes," Regna tried to reassure quickly as she straightened up. "I am fine."

"Are you sure? There seems to be something on your mind," Sylvia frowned.

"It's nothing," Regna insisted, flushing red with embarrassment. "It's … nothing. It's just … me being stupid."

"What?" Sylvia's brow furrowed further as a look of realisation spread onto her face. "Regna … are you afraid of water?"

"Afraid of it? No," Regna chuckled nervously. "It's just when my wings get too soaked they stop working and … we still have to train. Folding my wings is not going to do much good because they will still get wet."

Sylvia nodded in understanding and then put a reassuring smile on her countenance and put her arm around her angelic friend. "Let's just give it a try. If you really need to, you can sit on Khor's back. He won't mind."

The angel nodded gratefully and followed her friend out of the changing rooms.

Krav sighed in exasperation. "Finally! What took you so long?"

"Regna and I were just talking," Sylvia answered with a grin. "Let's not waste any more time."

Without further ado, Sylvia ran and happily jumped into the hot spring like an over-excited child, Regna blinking and then giggling at her antics. Khorvath joined in. Krav tried to keep an annoyed countenance, but it was rather half-hearted. The demon did become rather indignant when the giant red dragon had grabbed him and ran with him into the hot springs, causing a massive geyser from the splash they made, causing either people to laugh or exclaim in shock. As soon as they resurfaced, Khorvath hissing with amusement, Krav was less than amused.

"What was that for?! Was it for the 'giant flying lizard' comment?" he demanded.

"Well, that was certainly part of it," Sylvia laughed.

Krav sneered but then he smirked. "Guess I will just have to get my own back," he stated and then promptly send a wave of water into Khorvath's face.

The dragon blinked in shock while Sylvia started laughing even harder at her best friend and partner's flabbergasted expression. Khorvath recovered quite quickly and then hissed in laughter as he began to return fire at Krav.

Regna watched as Krav, Khorvath and Sylvia started having a three-way water battle, now and again putting their own magic into the attacks as well. The angel watched in awe as water-fire clashed with darkness infused water and then with water blades. It was just a bit of fun now, but Regna knew in the arena it would look even better! The angel sat at the side of the hot springs with her feet in the water, watching them unblinkingly.

She desperately wanted to join in, but then she looked sadly back at her four fragile wings and her heart sank. The angel knew she could not simply risk it – her wings were powerful, but they weren't as strong as Lucariel's, for example.

One of the goblins seemed to notice her disheartened state and had come toddling over with a tray full of bottles.

"Miss Angel, everything OK?" he squeaked. "Do you need a potion against the heat? Or perhaps one that helps keep Miss Angel's wings clean?"

Regna smiled kindly. "I do not need a potion, but thank you so much for asking."

"Is Miss Angel sure?"

It was at this point that Krav swam up to her, glowering at the goblin. "You heard the lady. Beat it!"

The poor creature fled in two seconds flat. Regna sighed and turned to give Krav a pointed look. "Did you need to do that?"

"Yes," the demon answered simply with a smirk. "Scaring goblins never gets old."

Regna scoffed but she didn't say anything. Indeed, her eyes were on her demon partner's bare chest and arms. She had not paid all that much attention before, but Regna could see how toned and defined Krav's muscles really were now. It was clear that the demon had kept up a very strict training regimen. After their previous training sessions, Regna knew that Krav was a skilled warrior, but she didn't pay much attention to the effects on his body.

To do that was … very unangel like. Un-Redeemer like. But in this case, Regna really could not help but notice.

Krav's prideful tone knocked her train of thought from its tracks. "Like something you see, angel?"

Regna turned pink. "No."

"Mmmhmm."

"Go back to splashing Khorvath and stop teasing me," Regna huffed.

"I would, but Sylvia wants a doubles splash battle," Krav grinned. "Which means I need my partner to help me best the smug lizard and his mortal friend."

"Stop calling Khorvath a lizard!" Regna chucked. "You're lucky he likes you."

"That is not a no, angel," Krav smirked. He then frowned a little. "Why are you sitting on the side of the spring and not in it?" he demanded.

Regna gulped. Letting Sylvia know of her fears, was one thing. To let Krav know – a demon know – her fear, now that was something else entirely.

You have to be able to trust each other in the arena, Regna mentally scolded herself. Tell him, or you might as well not compete.

"My wings can't handle being soaked too well," Regna confessed quietly. "And I don't know how to protect my wings because I never needed to."

She waited for Krav to start laughing at her, or mocking her. An angel with a semi-fear of water – must make a demon's day! However, much to the Redeemer's shock, Krav didn't laugh or begin to tease her. Instead, the demon wrapped one of his strong arms around her, guided her legs around him and held her firmly to him, keeping her wings out of the water's reach.

"Should have told me earlier, angel," the demon whispered in a low tone that made Regna shiver involuntarily. "You are my partner – mine. I need to know what you fear, weaknesses, so I can make sure you can still fight and not hold us back. If I need to carry you, I will."

Regna honestly had no idea how to answer that. She simply managed to whisper a "thank you" once she had regained the ability to speak. Krav had simply given her a curt nod and tightened his grip a little on her; something that Regna found she didn't mind.

The pair were knocked back down to reality by a splash from a laughing Sylvia, who was careful not to aim at Regna's wings. "Come on, you two! Khor and I will make you eat bubbles."

Krav snorted. "We will see about that, human."

Before the angel, demon, human or dragon could do anything, they all got hit with a wave of water.

"What the-"

"Who in damnation?!"

"We're being ambushed!"

"Hissssss!"

Childish chuckling arose. "Nice one, Toothy! You got 'em!"

Once they recovered, Krav, Regna, Sylvia and Khorvath turned around to see a kid, possibly no older than twelve, with dark skin and curly hair chuckling away at them. Both Krav and Regna narrowed their eyes at something behind the boy – the shape was invisible but shimmering in the sunlight.

Sylvia huffed in exasperation. "Pir! I should have known, you rascal!"

"Hello, Sylvia! Khorvath! Finally got you. Told you I would," Pir grinned. He then turned his attention fully onto Krav and Regna. "So it's true what I have been hearing – you have gotten yourself some interesting new friends."

"Yep! Pir, this is Krav and Regna. They are going to be competing in the doubles with us – well as opponents but you get the picture," Sylvia introduced happily. "Krav, Regna, this is Pir. He is going to be competing with us this year."

"Where is your partner, kid?" Krav demanded, eyes narrowing.

"Right here!" Pir stated happily and no sooner had he gestured behind him, a great, big blob of blue with very large teeth appeared behind him, grinning in such a way it actually unnerved both the angel and the demon a little bit. "This is Toothy. He is my imaginary friend!"

"Not really imaginary if we can see him!" Regna protested.

"Wait, you can see him? Oh, that means he actually kind of likes you," Pir informed happily.

"Pir is a skilled illusionist," Sylvia explained to the flabbergasted demon and angel. "So skilled that any illusion he creates can actually pack a bit of a punch, rather than simply dissipate into nothing once targeted."

"Plus, Toothy and I came second in the last doubles battles," Pir added proudly. He scowled, his expression turning quite dark. "We would have won first place had it not been for the usual cheating ways of Gorm and Virtus."

Sylvia's jovial expression also dimmed a little; Khorvath began hissing in annoyance.

"Gorm and Virtus?" Regna repeated with a frown.

"They're bullies," Sylvia explained simply. "They essentially torment competitors to psyche them out before battles, especially if they are … untested. They never tried anything with me because of Khorvath but-"

"They did with me," Pir scowled. "Toothy made them regret the miscalculation but they simply went to the next target."

"That's horrible!" Regna paled. "Didn't anyone report their behaviour?"

Krav snorted. "I doubt that would have done anything, angel. Something tells me their behaviour is good for business, for some."

"Demon catches on quick," Pir grinned. He sobered quickly. "Yeah. Virtus has some rich sponsors backing him, and also betters. Toothy and I have heard rumours that Virtus and Gorm psyche out targets that they have essentially been paid to target, but we can't prove anything."

"Disgusting," Regna pulled a face.

"Welcome to Cloudspire City, especially where battles are concerned," Pir smiled softly. He frowned a little. "Hey, Regna, why are you clinging onto Krav like he is a log keeping you afloat?"

"Because he is," Sylvia smirked while Krav scowled. Regna giggled. "Regna's wings don't like too much water."

"Ah, OK," Pir's eyes lit up. "Hey, shall we play some water ball at the more shallow end of the spring? We can have some fun and Regna won't need to worry about her wings getting too wet."

"Sure!" Regna lit up.

As the group followed the newcomer, Krav decided to dig for some information. "So, kid, you and your imaginary friend are competing. What do your parents say about that?"

"Nothing. My ma and pa are dead," the kid informed with an alarming amount of bluntness. "I grew up with a foster family and they are all so obsessed with sports and combat that when I first entered, they threw me a feast! Granted, they were kinda unsure about me partnering with Toothy but no one else has my back like he does."

Toothy growled lowly in happiness.

"Was Toothy your first … imaginary friend?" Regna wanted to know.

"The first one who could talk and interact with me," Pir replied. "My first imaginary friend was a dog but he was always sleeping and never wanted to play."

"Take it that Toothy deals most of the hits?" Krav wagered.

"He does, but that is because I like giving him power boosts," Pir grinned.

"Yes, you do, you little rascal," Sylvia mock-scowled. "One time Toothy was big enough to grab Khorvath out of the sky and fling him across the stadium!"

"No way!" Regna's eyes widened as Krav laughed.

"Still one of the best things I have managed to pull," Pir laughed.

"Are you training later?" Krav wanted to know, smirking. "I would love to have a bout with Toothy, see how good he really is!"

"Krav …" Regna sighed.

"You cannot tell me that you are not interested to see how an illusion with large teeth trains, angel!" Krav protested.

"Well, Toothy would love to fight you. We have never gone up against a demon before," Pir stated excitedly.

"Would be a little bit concerned if you did!" Sylvia laughed.

"My brothers would not consider you even a sparring partner," Krav informed bluntly.

"Well, a good thing that you are not as snooty as your brothers," Regna stated with a small grin.

"Would you like me to drop you into the water?"

"No thank you."

The angel and the demon did not notice that Sylvia and Khorvath exchanged an excited look between them. Pir regarded the odd pair for a moment with a frown but he knew not to stick his nose in business that frankly didn't concern him. He did find himself looking forward to their training session later. But first – water ball!

The strange pairs did garner quite the crowd as Pir fired the first shot towards Regna who batted the ball away elegantly towards the side of Sylvia and Khorvath, only for the dragon to gently hit the ball back towards the angel and demon's side. Krav was quick on the draw to fire back at Pir, only for the ball to be caught by Toothy.

Indeed, Krav almost did not notice that a few of those eyes belonged to some well-to-do looking humans and elves.

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So Krav and Regna have also met Pir and Toothy, another of my favourite Battlebond Commanders! They have even already got a few fans, which should make things interesting. After all, word does get around Cloudspire City rather quickly. Things should get interesting from here …

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or the world. They are property of Wizards and Hasbro. I am simply having some fun.

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