The next day...
The eternal flame burned brightly above Rush city at the cusp of the stadium The sun began to rise, peeking beyond the horizon and lighting up the sky. The lights in Rush city began to dim down as dawn broke. All the neon spread throughout the city was turned off and people began waking up. In a certain room in a certain building, Dante, in his blue pajamas was sleeping with Missio who was clinging to him tightly while still wearing his uniform and headphones.
Dante blinked awake, pushed Missio off gently, and sat up. He stared blankly for a moment, then stood and stretched with a long yawn.
He let out a series of weird grunts as he stretched, then exhaled deeply. He went to the bathroom and after a few minutes, he stepped out wearing a flocked Damier black jacket, light grey sweater with a white stripe with a thick blue outline drawn across it and light cream pants. He hummed a melody and walked over to bedside table and grabbed his expensive watch. He clipped it onto his left wrist and also put on his jet-black glasses.
Then, he turned to Missio.
"Bro…wake up…"
He climbed on the bed and poked his brother's cheek in a cute manner. Missio, annoyed, rolled to the other side.
"Oh no you don't!" Dante exclaimed.
He approached his brother and began pushing him softly.
"Wake up…Wake up…"
Missio groaned and rolled onto his back, opening one eye to look at Dante.
"Oh good, you're awake. Now, come on. You've still gotta go to the toilet." He said while squeezing his cheeks.
Missio closed his eyes, groaned and sat straight. He gazed out of the room for a few moments before Dante starting rubbing his cheek against Missio's.
"Stop that." Missio pushed Dante away.
"Aww…." Dante whimpered.
The lieutenant general stood up and grabbed his music box, clipping it onto his waist. He entered the bathroom and after a while, he came out and put on his windbreaker and weighted vest. Dante threw him his katana which Missio tucked into his belt.
"Now, let's get going. I already made the bed."
Missio glanced, seeing that his brother had indeed made the bed. Then, they exited the room and headed down the escalator which was just beside them. They stepped onto the floor below and headed towards the exit. The glass doors slid open like butter as the duo stepped outside into the sunshine.
"Hold up." Dante stated.
As Missio halted, he shook his wrist and checked the time. The mechanical watch showed 7:30 am.
'We've still an hour and a half…'
"It's looks like we got a few hours before the tournament. Wanna get something to eat?" Dante asked after confirming the time.
"Sure…" Missio replied.
"Great!" Dante replied. "I know a good spot. Follow me."
Missio watched his brother pass. Dante gripped Missio hand and pulled him forward. Missio lazily walked with him to the spot he had mentioned.
'Brother…how do manage to be so…easy-going when you're such an important person?'
Missio questioned in his mind. Eventually, they made it to a restaurant from which they could see the stadium. Dante sat them at a table outside and placed his hands on the table. Missio slumped in the chair and began dozing off as Music played through his ears.
"How many times have I told you to not wear the music box when you're sleeping? It's going to ruin your ears, man." Dante crossed his arms as a waiter placed the menu in front of him.
Missio lifted his head. "Really?"
"…I'm just looking out for ya. I'm your big brother after all." Dante replied.
He then, locked eyes with the waiter.
"I'll have the usual."
The waiter nodded, already knowing what the man would order.
"And the other?" The waiter asked solemnly.
Dante glanced at his brother. "What do you wanna eat?"
"Anything…?" Missio shrugged.
Dante sighed. "Come on, man. I don't wanna think of an order for you."
"…" Missio didn't reply.
Dante stared at him with a scrutinizing face. At last, he ordered Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, a soda and some fries for the lieutenant general. After the waiter left, they sat in silence while waiting for their food. After a few minutes, the waiter arrived with their food. Dante shifted in his chair and picked up chopsticks. He gazed over his meal – dumplings, a glass of soda and chicken drumsticks. Missio ate slowly, trying to savor every bite.
Minutes later, they had finished their meals. Dante cleaned his mouth with a tissue and threw it onto the empty plate. Dante burped and opened a holographic screen. He swiped to his bank account and entered the amount, paying in full. Then, he closed the panel and stood up.
"So? How'd you enjoy the meal?" He asked.
"…It was good." Missio replied.
"Thanks." Dante pulled him up by his arm. "Now, let's get going."
"Fine – Fine." Missio shook off his brother's hand.
Then, they rushed to the stadium with the time they had left.
***
A few minutes later, they arrived at the entrance. They stepped inside the massive building, the glass door sliding open. The interior was overflowing with people buying gifts and foods for the upcoming matches. Dante kissed Missio on the cheek before heading inside.
"Be safe while guarding, alright?" Dante waved.
"I will…" Missio turned, heading the other way.
Dante smiled and looked forward, heading towards the commentator's booth. He strolled into the seats and circled around, enjoying the view while the stadium filled up. Finally, he pushed open the door to the booth. He slammed it shut and sat down.
"Ready to hype everyone up, sir Dante?" The other commentator asked.
Dante put on his headphone and chuckled while pulling down his mic.
"Of course, I was born for this."
"Okay, if you say so." The man pulled down his mic as well.
A soft buzz eclipsed the stadium as the speakers turned on.
"Hello – Hello. Testing – Testing." Dante's voice echoed throughout the stadium.
The crowd's eyes turned towards the arenas as excitement began boiling in their blood. The Vip guests began sitting down including Chris and Hadrian. Dante smirked and spoke in the mic.
"Alright…." Dante whispered, preparing himself for the role he had chosen today.
He drew a sharp breath and spoke in a loud voice which sounded throughout the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen from across the globe, hold your horses cause we are about to dive into the first matches of the 1000th Golden hour tournament!"
The stadium cheered as the first bracket was displayed on the holographic screens.