Chapter 301 - 301. Internet Sensations

Asher could feel his heart pounding out of his chest. He couldn't believe that the last attack had just worked. He thought that he was going to lose and that he should just go for it. The fact that it had worked was too hard to understand with all the adrenalin pumping through his bloodstream. "That was something, I'm pretty sure that ice blade fella never had someone charge at him in his life. You can head to the podium whenever you want. One of my fellow referees just watched the winner of the shifter tournament punch a medic and make him carry her to the next stadium over. I have a feeling you would do the same." 

The referee was looking at a phone laughing to himself while Asher knew exactly who he was speaking of. He knew that Jane would rush over to Art as soon as possible but not in such a violent way. "Don't look so worried. They played it off like she was still recovering from the match and was still thinking she was fighting to win. But if you are going to that martial arts tournament you may want to run." The referee had picked up on what most of the audience had. They now all knew that the high school group was together and sweeping the tournament. 

Even more, the audience had taken note of the act that Art had been doing at the end of each match and pointing to the judges. Someone with a lot of technology skills managed to find out that the judge was Arts' brother and that they were a very old family that had been with hero corp since its' founding. 

On top of this, they also learned of the fact that Arts' family respected old traditions. They had a head of household that would make their rules and decisions. Naturally, when siblings were born they would fall under the head of household and if they did not they were sent away. This sob story became public knowledge and put Art in the spotlight. 

There was now a harrowing tale circulating the internet and news broadcasts about the group that came together to rise up and help their friend. They were all coming together as the youngest hero group to form unofficially and attempt to make names for themselves. 

This was all unknown to the group since they were too focused on what was going on now. However, the referee expedited the medal process and allowed Asher to rush away without an interview just as Jane had. 

The reaction from the announcer was better than expected, "You saw it here folks, our winner is already off to the martial arts tournament finals. The officials around have been notified and there is aid on its' way. He will make it there with his team and family who have been given VIP floor seats. Watch the martial arts tournament finals to see his surprise!" The announcer signed off and watched as the audience rushed out to also try and get somewhere to see the martial arts tournament broadcast. 

"And as a special favor, the big screens here in this stadium will be showing the martial arts tournament as well." The audience cheered and sat down again while the announcer flashed a thumbs up to the tech staff. They had won some major pull over the audience this year for the next year and could expect a massive boost in attendance. 

When Asher burst out of the back entrance to the stadium he found his family on a large gocart waiting for him, "Hurry up! Art should be entering the ring any second. The staff got us a ride!" Cara was practically carrying Asher on to the cart. 

"The referee said that Jane punched a medic, did you see it?" Asher was concerned that Jane wouldn't make it even though the referee said that they had explained it away. 

"She'll be there even if she needs to break out of prison. You forget I have gotten to know her just as well as you." Cara rolled her eyes while she watched her mother hug Asher and kiss his cheeks. 

The foreign love he was feeling filled his heart more than he ever knew was possible. The first set of memories he had could be thought of as some past nightmare instead of a whole other life. He was living his best dream now and working toward greater heights. All the missing pieces were filled in and he felt a few tears roll down his face. 

"We will make it there, don't worry." Asher's father went in to full dad mode and was bugging the driver to speed up. They all barely managed to hold on to their seats as the driver floored it. 

"Sorry, I'm just really happy. I can't wait to see Art win. By the way, did anyone hear who his opponent is?" Asher hadn't managed to see many of the other opponents Art might face. 

"It's funny seeing a student that went to that camp and that school. Both of my previous opponents have been teaching at those locations for some time. They were fairly easy to beat even with their super powers being allowed. I hope you manage to be better than them." Art knew exactly what the man in front of him was saying. This was the man that had come out of nowhere and beaten both coach Winters and Garnet. 

Art was taking in his opponent and trying to get any possible information to prepare himself. The man was fairly plain. He was fit but nothing outstanding. Yet, there was a look in his eyes that said that he was dangerous. A feeling of strength that went deeper than skin and bones. 

"Most opponents look at me like that. Don't worry. I refused that evo shot when I came of age. I always won my fights with my own mind and not some super power given by science. That's why I will beat you too." Art was surprised and let it show on his face. 

"Well, then this will be pretty fair. I can control metal so if I use my super power it will be obvious to everyone. We will be two men battling it out. I won't be trying to win for them. Just for me, my friends, and to throw it in my brothers' face." Art stretched his shoulder out and waited to see when they would start. 

"Crush him brother!" The shout couldn't be anyone but Asher. Art heard the cheer as clear as day. Asher had taken a deep breath and used all his energy to make sure it echoed through the stadium above the dull roar of the audience. In response, the audience went somewhat silent and Asher managed to see the seats set up for his friends. 

"Well, I can't see any reason to wait any longer ladies and gentleman. The other tournaments that have completed are now podcasting this event fully. We have the special VIP guests. The judges are ready to watch over the match. On the referees' mark, we will begin!" The tension in the arena was tangible. Asher couldn't even turn to ask Jane how she was even though she was still being treated by the medics for the now, minor wounds left from her match. 

Everyone was fully focused on Art and his opponent, "Asher," Laura whispered to Asher, "We heard Art and that guy talking. He's the one that apparently beat Garnet and coach Winters." Laura snapped herself out of her daze to make sure Asher was up to date on what was going on. 

"Our two finalists! On this side, we have Art, the crowd favorite. On the other, we have the powerless king! On the whistle." The referee had already spoken about the rules again and just did the basic finals announcement he had been told to do last minute. 

Art would have been surprised by the nickname that the man had gone with but after being told that he had deliberately never had the evo shot the name powerless king made sense. Especially since he had seemed to be able to beat many people with super powers in tournaments. 

The group held their breath as Art and powerless king circled each other. Neither was going to jump in without taking stock of their opponent just yet. 

Art was the first to start his boxers' bounce. However, compared to his earlier stances, it had changed again. He was going all in and was acting like it. He had taken some of Asher and some of Janes's stance and adapted it to his own. He may not be the same as his friends but there were things he could take and use as his own. The more relaxed sway of his arms like Asher and the quick footwork with twisting motions from Jane. 

Adding all this to his boxer's bounce made him look like he was always switching styles and possible moves. The announcer was already starting his play by play and coined the style as; mirage boxing.