Chapter 1

[rissole25]

"er...Nari", Jayden yelled. "Cliefs down there". But she had already gone.

Jayden wanted to clean himself too but stayed by the camp incase monsters or Kruasarians came buy. He started thinking about Seri

I have alot of questions to ask her. Hopefully when we next meet, she'll point us in the right direction to our other comrades we'll meet. Perhaps we might even find one in Ishba. My soon-to-be comrades. Would they believe Seri. Would they believe me. Would they be Quin-Jin? How many are there?

Jayden looked up at the sky, hoping for an answer. But it did not answer.

********

10 minutes had passed and Jayden was bored already. He decided he would practice melee combat, since he had no experience with it at all. If he were to save humanity, then we couldn't just fight from afar. He would have to get up and close.

He decided he would practice using short swords. They were light and swift. Perfect for Jayden. He grabbed a sharp rock from the ground and started carving a sword out of wood from a fallen tree.

At last, he had crafted a short sword. Sure, it was made of wood, but that was all he could use until they got to Ishba.

Now...who should I practice with...

"How about me"

"Who said that", said Jayden, wondering where it came from.

"Me", said the voice.

A Dragon was hovering above the trees next to the campsite. It was Duegan

"Duegan" said Jayden, surprised the dragon had come out of the Crystal sword. Let alone that it had spoken to him. "What are you doing out of your sword".

"I snuck out while Clief took a swim", said Duegan. "Man that swords stuffy".

Duegan stretched his wings and landed next to Jayden.

"Now", said Duegan. "I heard you needed practice".

Jayden was confused. How did Duegan know he was gonna need to practice on something.

"I can read minds. All Dragons can. I can read Cliefs mind while I'm in the sword. That way, I know when to come out, what Clief plans to do next and if he wants me to lend his power to him. All he has to do is think it".

Jayden was still confused. He didn't know dragons could read minds. He wondered whether Clief could read Duegans mind.

"Yes", exclaimed Duegan. "Clief can read my mind. But only Clief can. Its a special connection we share".

Jayden stared at Duegan. He could see battle scars across its body. He wondered where the dragon had got them.

"Enough talk", demanded Duegan. "Lets see you try if you can hit this rock"

Duegan started flying over to a boulder and used his nails to scratch an X shape into the boulder.

Jayden looked at the sword in his hand and raised it towards the X mark.

 

[clief101_]

Clief was of wandering around, sussing out the area they were in, in case they needed to escape in a hurry. He found tracks that led to the campsite, and they were fresh.

What!? Great, i gotta hurry!

Clief began to sprint towards the campsite following the tracks. All of a sudden they had disappeared.

What the? Thats strange

We walked back into the campsite to find Jayden attacking a rock, and Duegan hovering above him

"I think you need an actual person to spar with dont you?" Clief chuckled.

Jayden quickly turned around to find Clief with his hands on hips laughing.

You should go back in Duegan. You know you shouldnt come out like that. What if someone sees you?

A flash of blue appeared, then Clief's sword began to glow the crystal colour again.

"Just give me ten minutes to make another wooden sword alright?" Clief said.

"Alright then. Although i hardly think this is fair.." Jayden chuckled.

 

[rissole25]

"Hey Clief", asked Jayden. "Did you happen to see Nari down there by any chance".

"Ah no", replied Clief. "Did she go for a swim"

"Yea", said Jayden, wondering what Nari was doing. "You done yet"

"Yep", said Clief, "Okay, you ready for this"

"Of course", exclaimed Jayden.

They walked away from each other until they were 5 metres away. They turned around, bowed and began the training.

Jayden ran up to Clief and swung the sword which Clief easily deflected. Jayden stumbled abit but went in for another swing. This time, Clief dodged and tripped Jayden. Jayden fell to the ground, surprised at how strong Clief was.

"C'mon", yelled Clief. "You can do better then that".

Jayden got back up but wasn't ready when Clief jumped towards him. He dodged but fell to the ground again. He looked at Clief to see him swing his sword once more. Jayden got his sword up just in time to stop Clief's sword. He pushed his sword against Clief's sword as was Clief pushing his sword against Jayden's sword. Clief's weapon was getting closer and closer to him. He had to think of something.
Suddenly, Jayden started swinging his sword around in circles, whiched moved Cliefs. Jayden jerked his sword towards himself, then moved it hard to the right. Clief's sword went flying into the air and clattered to the ground.

Clief was shocked, then he smiled. He extended his hand to Jayden to help him up which Jayden greatfully grabbed.

"Your getting better", said Clef. "But you still have much more to learn".

While Clief retrieved his sword, Jayden dusted himself off. He was surprised that he was able to disarm Clief.

"Hehe, don't think for a sec that a real enemy would be that easy", said Clief in the distance. "I wasn't trying to kill you, so I had to hold back".

Clief walked over to his equipment and added the wodden sword to it.

"You'll never know when you might need an extra weapon", said Clief. "Anyway, there's are Weapons Guild in Ishba. They train people in all types of weapons. You won't need to go the Archer Tutor, but you might wanna check out the Sword Tutor. She should be able to help you abit".

Jayden put the wooden sword by his bow and sat down, feeling weird by using a different weapon.

 

[clief101_]

Clief looked at Jayden for a second as though he was about to speak, but decided against it.

"Perhaps we should go check on Nari?" asked Clief.

Jayden nodded happily.

"So how did you become so good at using a sword?" Jayden asked Clief while walking to the lake.

"My father taught me when i was a boy" he said as he lifted his shirt, revealing a large scar across his chest, "his handy work. He was a hard trainer to say the least....otherwise Duegan has taught me a bit aswell"

"...your father...do you have many memories?" Jayden asked asked a little shakily.

"No...not much...i was about 9 when....well, when it was taken away from me," Clief replied.

Both men went silent for a couple of minutes.

"Jayden?"

"Yes Clief?"

"When we get to Ishba...I was thinking just now. Theres should be a tournament around this time of year and maybe you may find someone to help you on your quest...and it would also be a good way to challenge your melee combat aswell..." Clief suggested.

Jayden looked at him and saw Clief with a dim look on his face.

"It sounds like fun...but you have to teach me more!" he replied

 

[rissole25]

"There she is" yelled Clief. "In the middle of the lake"

And he was right. Nari was swimming around in circles in the center of the lake.

"Nari", yelled Jayden. "You should get out of the lake".

"WHAT", screamed Nari, not hearing Jayden.

Jayden sighed and yelled even louder then before. "I SAID THA....."

A loud deep noise surrounded the air.

"What was that", said Jayden.

"It's an Adamantoise", said Clief. "They sleep at the bottom of lakes for a number of months".

"Like Hibernating", asked Jayden.

"Yes", answered Clief, "If there disturbed while Hibernating, they become ferocious".

Jaydens was shocked. They would have to get all there equipment and leave their campsite. If they stayed, there was a chance the Adamantoise would find them and attack them.

"NARI", screamed Jayden. "GET OUT OF THE LAKE NOW". But Nari was already swimming towards them before Jayden even spoke.

The Adamantoise cried again. This time it sounded louder.

"I'll go get our equipment ready", said Clief.

The two men nodded heads before Clief went back to retrieve their equipment.

Jayden turned back to see how far Nari was from the bank. She was about a quarter of the way now. But that wasn't the problem. Ripples of water were coming from the center of the lake and there was a Dark Shadow there as well.

Nari was at the bank now. Jayden helped her up.

"Wait", said Nari. "I still have to get dressed".

"Okay", said Jayden anxiously, "But hurry up".

Nari quickly ran over to her clothes to get dressed while Jayden kept an eye on the dark shadow.

*****

"Okay", said Nari, now fully clothed. "I'm ready".

The two went to run back to the campsite when they heard a loud splashing sound.

They turned around to see water flying through the air. When the water disappeared, they saw the silouhette of a giant tortoise.

"Lets go", said Jayden.

***

When they got back to camp, everything was in 3 sacks. The fire was out as well.

"Here, said Clief, tossing Nari and Jayden the respective sacks.

"Okay, said Clief. "We should get outta he...."

A loud crashing sound came from the lake. It started getting closer.

"No time", said Nari. "We fight it".

Nari got out her daggers and was ready to strike any moment. Clief followed by getting out his steel sword, but was ready to grab the Crystal Sword in case he needed it. Finally, Jayden got his bow out, ready to release a flurry of arrows.

The Adamantoise crashed through the trees. Its shell was a greenish-bluish colour while its skin was a pale yellow.

Jayden released 6 arrows in quick succession. They all hit its shell but splinterred or bounced when it came in contact.

They were shocked, but had no time to react to it. The Adamantoise lunged forward. They all dodged it. Nari took the chance to jump on its back. She thrusted one of her daggers into the shell. The Dagger bounced off it with such force that Nari fell of the Adamantoise.

The Adamantoise noticed Nari on the ground. It raised its front legs so it could stomp her. Clief ran up to it and made a quick slash at its stomach. The creature cried and fell on its side.

"Of course", said Clief. "We have to strike its skin to be able to hurt it.

Jayden helped Nari up while the Adamantoise got back up.

They all readied there weapons, ready to strike its skin.

 

[clief101_]

The Adamantoise stood up on its hind legs, then smashed his front legs on the ground, shaking the earth. All three were shaking, not being able to find their balance. The Adamantoise then rushed towards them suprisingly fast. Nari was the first to react and just jumped sideways so she wouldnt get hit. It was just Jayden and Clief in its path now, neither of them being able to find their feet. Jayden stumbled to the ground, and Clief went to one knee.

Damnit!

The shaking less vigorant now, Jayden was the first to react, but had no time to move out of the way, so instead fired off five quick arrows aimed at its head. The Adamantoise was deterred and changed course now, but instead headed for Clief. Their was no time left, he wasnt able to move out of the way. The Adamantoise hit Clief, who had just managed to lift his sword and stab it, but was knocked back with such force he flew through the air very fast and hit a tree, very hard. The tree now had a large crack from the impact, and Clief gave out a yelp of pain. Nari rushed over to Clief with her quick feet and crouched down beside him.

"Clief!? Are you okay?" She exclaimed.

He shrugged her off and pointed towards Jayden, who now was the only one left fighting. She paused for a moment, then knew that she had to kill that thing before it killed them. She stood up and faced the Adamantoise, then began to run very sqwiftly towards the side of it. Just as she reaached it, she slid under it, revealing the yellow belly to her. She then stabbed both of her daggers into the belly and ripped through it to the other side. Jayden saw what she had done, and released 3 powerful arrows in its head. It collapsed to the ground but wasnt dead. Jayden felt that they shouldnt kill it, after all, they were the ones to invade its sleeping ground. He then looked at Nari, and he could instantly tell she was thinking the same thing.

"Clief!!" Nari yelled out, pointing over at Clief.

They both hurried over to him, to find him unconcious.

 

[~Hidan~]

The Adamantoise made a high pitch roar confirming it was still alive. It shook its head and threw the arrows out of its head. Rearing the lack of damage was apparent. It turned towards Clief and started to charge.

“You take care of Clief, I can distract him better then you.” Nari commanded, Jayden noticed a strange cracking pattern in her eyes.

“I’ll get him to safety and come back to help, don’t get yourself killed.” He said nodding. He knew she could outrun it, but killing it was another thing. Jayden lifted Clief’s unconscious body and ran.

Nari quickly chanted off her ninjutsu’s. First she copied herself with a mirror clone move, then float, and finally haste. Striking from al directions the Adamantoise was very confused, striking rampantly. This was working for the time being.

Jayden finally found a safe enough place to set down Clief. “I’ll be back, I hope what you taught me will help.” The run back seemed to take almost no time; just as Nari came into view he could see she had learned some impressive tricks. He gained new hope for only a second until he noticed the Adamantoise rearing, he could tell it was about to do a hydro jet attack. What it was most feared for. The sweeping spray hit every one of the fake Nari’s that were running around, and finally concentrated on the remaining real Nari to the front.

The Blast hit Nari head on, but for some reason that Jayden couldn’t understand it seemed to bend around the area surrounding Nari. He approached close enough to see her eyes had turned a strange snowflake pattern on both Iris’s. “NARI!” he yelled at her, no response. She seemed to be in a trance.

The Adamantoise now frustrated that its attack was failing fell from it hind legs and turned its eyes to the new target. Jayden looked at the beast, then at Nari, who was now surrounded by a cool blue mist. “Nari!” still no response.

Nari started walking slowly forward, the ground under her freezing with each step. “Sleep now in an eternity of nothingness.” She whispered raising her hand as a thin arrow like attack flew from Nari’s finger.

Jayden watched as the small needle hit the Adamantoise, instantly turning it to a block of Ice, only to see Clief flying in sword overhead hitting the shell of the giant beast, shattering it.

Nari passed out, returning to normal.

 

[clief101_]

"NARI!!!" Jayden yelled as he rushed to her.

With the shell shattered, Clief swung his sword while still in mid-air, producing his slice beam, cutting through the Adamantoise and cutting it in half. Clief landed on the ground only to collapse to his hands and knees. Jayden was too focused on Nari to notice.

"Nari!! Wake up!!" he yelled, shaking her violently.

She barely came to, her eyes back to their original state. She smiled up at Jayden, with her eyes barely open and then fainted. Jayden was relieved that she was okay. She just needed some rest.

Clief now sitting down still dazed by his own injuries looked over to Jayden and Nari ans smiled.

Your both so lucky to have eachother. What a connection

He looked over to the Adamantoise. It was a disgusting sight to say the least.

"Hey Jayden!" Clief yelled

Jayden spun around to see him sitting down. He lifted his head in acknowledgement.

"Take my steel sword and cut some pieces from that thing will ya? We can cook it for food." he said as Jayden looked back at Nari, "She'll be okay, she's not going anyway from 10 feet away from you" he smiled.

Jayden looked at him for a bit, then nodded. He walked over to Clief and picked up his sword, then walked to the slayne beast and cut some slices from its flesh.

* * * * *

Later that night, around a campfire, not too far from their last campsite, sat Jayden and Clief, with Nari laying down next to the fire.

"Perhaps we should start training more vigourisly?" Suggested Clief, clearly a little sore and clutching his ribs.

"Yeah...."Jayden responded.

He must feel bad that he couldnt protect her.

"We'll see how she is in the morning. She's just exhausted," Clief explained.

He turned to Jayden and found a worried look on his face. Clief smiled at him, keeping eye contact for a while hoping the message would sink in. Jayden then turned around and lay down as if to go to sleep. Clief did the same thing.

 

[~Hidan~]

Cato woke in his cave deep under Tear Lake. “Someone is fighting an Adamantoise?” he whispered to himself.

The vibration was enough fro Cato to analyze the fight above him. Feeling the fight he opened a passage closer and closer to the surface. As he got closer he started to be able to profile the combatants. “So we have a small female, very agile, but not to strong, most likely a Quin-Jin. Two taller male’s of which I cant make out their race, both rather skilled fighters, but still a little green.”

As the fight continued Cato listened as one took a serious blow, when a distinct change happened, the girl started fighting much differently. “Nari!” Cato suddenly felt ill, he knew his sisters fighting style when things were close to loss that was until the final change of pace. He could hear as the earth cracked and froze above him. Something had changed, a legend was just opened, and he almost felt bad for the Adamantoise.

With the battle over he followed through the ground to where he figured was their camp and listened in. After a little bit he decided to surface just outside the camp.

--------
Nari woke a little dazed, her head hurt, but she felt a new feeling of power in her body. Not sure what to make of it she shook off the feeling and looked around camp. Jayden and Clief seemed to be talking about the battle. Clief seemed pretty beaten up. “Hey guys, did we win?” She yawned stretching her arms above her head.

A voice familiar yet out of place. “It was quite a battle really, I am surprised you three a stupid enough to fight such a beast.” A short figure with long hair appeared just outside of full view of the camp’s fire.

Clief spun in place and Jayden grabbed his sword.

“Cato?” Nari asked quickly.

“The one and only.” Cato said coming into the light of the campfire. “What a battle you guys really did have, how have you gotten so strong little sis.”

Nari jumped to her feet and ran over to the strange monk. “I’m not the much smaller then you.” She said hugging him. “Jayden, Clief, I’d like you to meet my older brother Cato.”

Jayden lowered his sword and walked over hand extended. “Nice to meet you I’m Jayden.” Cato bowed but didn’t accept the outreached hand. “What’s with you and not shaking hands?”

“Ah Jayden, I’m sorry its not that I mean to be rude, but I cant see your hand so I cant shake your hand.” Cato explained. “So you’re the brave one who lacks skill with the sword, but has the advantage in luck, and that means the one with considerable skill but overall bad luck during the fight must be Clief.”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Clief said not bothering to move; with consideration that Cato couldn’t see. “How is it you know so much about the fight if you cant see?”

“I feel the earth, it tells me everything you see, as long as its on the ground.” Cato replied modestly with a chuckle.

 

[rissole25]

"You must be hungry", said Nari, grabbing a piece of cooked Adamantoise and offering it to Cato.

"No thanks", said Cato, looking disgusted. "So", asking all 3 of them, "Where are you headed".

"Ishba", said Jayden.

"And what brings you to Ishba", asked Cato curiously.

"Well...", began Jayden and Nari.

*****

"Seri", said Cato. "Seri came to you".

"You know her", asked Jayden.

"Know her", said Cato, laughing now. "I practically saved her life".

"What", exclaimed Jayden.

"How do you know her", asked Clief, trying to get into the conversation.

"It's a long story, said Cato. "Are you sure wanna hear it".

All 3 of them said yes and Cato began.

"About 3 week ago", began Cato. "I was meditating in the Stadlo Mountains. I was in the 13th hour of meditation when a loud noise interupted me. It sounded like something had hit the ground. I stopped meditating. Angry that I had been interupted. But when I knew what lay infront of me I was shocked".

"It was Seri of the Black Winds", Cato said, now looking at Nari. "I remembered the storys that Dad use to tell us about her and about what it felt like to be in her prescence. I just knew it was her. Anyway I knew she was hurt badly, so bad that she couldn't even speak, she must of being trying to get to the Fountain of Life".

"The Fountain of Life", said Clief. "I thought it was just a myth".

"Whats the Fountain of Life", asked Nari.

"The Fountain of Life was supposodly created by the Gods when they created the earth", said Clief. "It is said that its waters are what kept the Gods alive while they created the earth. It also healed them of any wounds they recieved. When they left the earth, they created the Stadlo Mountains around it so no-one could get to its waters and abuse its power."

"Yes", said Cato, "I couldn't just leave her there, so I decided to take her to the fountain myself. I knew I'd find it because I was with Seri, and you see, the path opens up only to a God or a Goddess.

"What", said Jayden.

A Goddess. Seri's a Goddess. No way. How could I not tell she was a Goddess

"Seri's a Goddess", said Nari, surprised by the discovery.

"Yes", said Cato. "Anyway, I gave Seri some water from the Fountain of Life and she recovered almost instantly. She thanked me and gave me the ability to go to the Fountain of Life myself. She was about to leave when I stopped her. She told me the world was in danger and she had to warn the warriors who would stop it. Then she disappeared into the air. I suppose that she meant all of you".

Clief wanted to say that he wasn't chosen by Seri but decided it was better not to.

"May I join you", said Cato. "On your quest. I would like see what danger she was talking about".

"Ofcourse", said Nari. "You're my brother".

 

[clief101_]

"Well, its becoming midday, we should get a move on and try and make up some lost ground," Clief said struggling to stand up.

Clief looked over at Cato from head to toe, sussing him out, then began to walk off. He saw some little animals that resembled rabbits, all in a family they scrurried along the forest floor away from Clief's boots as he walked. He couldnt help but smile, thinking to himself.

If only I could remember my family....

He continued to walk, not noticing that Cato had caught up to him.

"Some unfortunate bad luck you have there Clief," he said walking beside him.

"Yeah...I should've seen it coming realy. It was my fault," he replied.

"Nonsense, you shouldnt be so hard on yourself," he said, smilimg in Clief's direction.

Clief smiled back, then realised Cato couldnt see it.

"You must be incredibly skilled in the way of earth to have seen the battle without the ability to see like us," Clief said.

"Well, when one has no sight one must seek out an alternative way of seeing," he chuckled.

Clief smiled again, but this time not at Cato.

I must sound realy stupid right about now

He looked behind him to see Nari and Jayden chatting away to each other.

"I would have thought you'd be catching up with your sister?" Clief asked.

Nato looked at him "Your right," he said as he slowed down so the other two could catch up.

By myself again....

 

[rissole25]

After 3 hours walking, the four warriors reached the gates of Ishba. Nari gasped at the massive towers that arose from the city.

"So this is Ishba", said Nari.

"Yes", said Cato. "It was built by the Royal Legion 136 years ago. They used it as the capital and as their headquarters until they found Xenon, the current capital and largest city in the world. They are currently planning to come up with a way to rid everyone of the Kruasarians. But", continued Cato with a sad look on his face. "It will be of little effort if their is a new evil to be dealt with".

The soldiers by the gates greeted them as they walked through them. They walked for 10 minutes along the main path, past shops of all sorts, until they reached the market square.

"Well", said Clief, "We'll all do our own thing. Then we'll meet up at the Stadium just over their when the tournament starts.

They all nodded to each other and went off in their separate directions.

***

Jayden went over to the weapons shop first and bought himself a map, arrows for his bow and a mythril sword. He would need a better sword if he were to enter the tournament. He stepped outside and looked at the map he just bought.

After 5 minutes of looking on the big map, he finally found the Weapons Guild. It was directily south of his position. He found a path that went south and followed it. Eventually the path stopped right outside a 3 houses next to eachother.

What the....this should be where the Weapons Guild is

Jayden took out the map and noticed he was on the path next to the path he should've taken. He turned to his left and saw the a tall building 100 metres away.

That must be the Weapons Guild

Jayden decided to go through the alleyways instead of backtracking the path. It would be much quicker.

He turned a corner and stopped. Two guards were ahead, but they weren't like any of the other guards he'd seen around town. They wore Gold Armour and had there heads covered with Gold Helmets. Their weapons were made out of Adamantite. They were talking to each other and Jayden wanted to know what they were talking about. He snuck up to a couple of crates just metres from them and listened in.

"So have your troops found her yet", said one.

"No, their still looking", replied the other one. "Have yours".

"No. We have to report back to the King about this".

The King. They must be the Royal Legions High Guards. So thats what they look like

"We'll keep searching after the tournament starts. We won't draw as much attention then".

"Okay. But I don't know how we're going to find her. She is a goddess after all".

A goddess. Are they talking about Seri. That could mean she's here in Ishba

"Alright then, we'll send a messenger to Xenon to tell the king we'll be staying a little longer then expected".

Jayden peered around the corner of the crates to see the two High Guards walking around the corner into the main street. He stood up and decided he would tell the others about this when they met back up. He walked out of the alleyway and preceded to the Weapons Guild.

 

[clief101_]

After Clief left the group, he couldnt help but feel a little relaxed. He didnt realy feel apart of the group, even though he was welcomed.

Perhaps i shouldn't go to the tournament and just leave? Would they even care? They have a mission that doesnt involve me

He wandered over to the tournament sign up desk deep in thought. There was a man in front of him in the process of signing up. He was short and bald, looked kind of old from where Clief was standing.

Surely he doesnt think he could actualy win this tournament??

The short old man had finished and walked off. Clief stepped forward and grabbed a sheet of paper and pen. He filled out the form and handed it back to the man behind the desk.

"Collemsium is behind me. Locker room room is that one over there. Be in there by 1pm or you wont be included," he said pointed behind him to his left.

Clief nodded and began to walk over there.

Judging by where the sun is, id say its roughly midday. Wont be long i guess.....will i be able to get very far with my injuries?

He wandered down to the dark dank locker rooms, awaiting for his companians to arrive.

 

[~Hidan~]

Nari and Cato sat outside of the Coliseum. “So are you going to take part in the tournament?”

Cato shook his head. “No, I’m not much for this kind of fighting. Besides how fair is it for me to fight them if I can see everything they do, no matter what direction they come from.”

“True, I don’t plan on being in the tournament either, I still don’t know what happened during the fight the other day, last thing I need is to accidently kill a bunch of people.” Nari sighed as she looked at her hands.

“So tell me about these friends of yours, I believe I’ve met Jayden before, am I right?”

“Yes, you left our village about two years after he came to it. He’s been my friend for a long time. As for Clief, I don’t know him very well.” Nari stood up and started walking around on her hands. “Jayden seems to have a deep respect for him, they are comrades as far as I can tell, and because of that I think he’s pretty interesting. Clief is a talented fighter, and he has a crystal dragon’s sword.”

Cato laughed. “Sounds like you have some good friends.” Cato turned his head slightly to the left and looked towards the Coliseum. Just then Jayden walked up.

“What are you two doing?” Jayden said looking oddly at Nari walking around on her hands. “Have either of you seen Clief?”

“He’s in the lockers.” Cato said pointing at the Coliseum.

“Really…. I was hoping that he was trying to get some rest.” Jayden sighed. “Well I think I am ready for the tournament.”

Nari stopped walking on her hands and sat back down next to Cato. “Well lets see where our seats are, the tournament starts in a few hours.”

 

[rissole25]

The three of them walked into the Coliseum. The man behind the desk sent Nari and Cato to the Coliseum behind him while he sent Jayden to the locker rooms on his left. As Jayden was walking to the locker rooms, he remembered the High Guards. He turned around to call out to Nari and Cato to tell them about it but they had already gone.

Dang it. I'll have to tell them after the tournament. At least I can still tell Clief.

As Jayden was about to descend the stairs leading to the locker room, he noticed a board on the wall to the left. He walked over to it and read it.
There were 28 people competing including him and Clief. To the right there was a message.

TOURNAMENT PRIZES

Third Place: 10000 gil
Second Place: An Adamantite weapon
First Place: Dinner with the King of Xenon

Dinner with the King. If me or Clief can get first place, then we'll be able to meet with the King and ask him about Seri.

Jayden looked over the board to see what they would have to do. Would they have to compete with each other or fight against monsters? It didn't say anything about it on the board. Whatever it was, Jayden was determined to get first place. He descended the stairs and walked into the locker rooms.

They were dark and dank. Jayden looked around the room to see only 5 people in it getting ready. The other competitors had not arrived yet. He looked around again to see Clief sitting down on a bench and walked over to him.

 

[clief101_]

"Hey Clief! How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?" asked Jayden.

"I guess so?" replied Clief.

"Good, because i dont want you losing to me only to complain that you were sore!" Jayden joked.

Clief laughed at this remark, feeling slightly happier that Jayden was so upbeat.

"Nari and Cato aren't fighting?" Clief asked.

Jayden shook his head, but now looked at Clief more seriously. He sat down next to him, crouched over, wispering the story about the royal guards.

"I figure that whoever of us wins, we can ask the king about Seri, what do you think?" Suggesting Jayden.

Clief thought for a moment, then said "you would have to win then"

Jayden looked suprised at this.

"You've actually met Seri, and are on this mission, not I. You know more about her than what i do. You should be the one to win....if we both make it to the finals that is" Clief said.

Jayden realised that what Clief said was true, then thought about how the tournament was going to be fought.

"Say Clief, are we fighting these other people or against monsters?"

"Well, there are 28 people in this tournament. You were the last to sign up, no more spots are vacant. We fight monsters to start with, until there are 12 of us left. Another words,all 28 of us are in the 1 battle ground, and the surviving 12 go to the finals, then we are pitted against eachother. The first to give up or die loses." He said.

Jayden looked surprised by this information. He didnt know of the dangers this tournament possessed.

'Dont worry, we have eachothers backs dont we?" Clief asked.

Jayden nodded, and extended his arm. Clief grabbed his his hand and shook it vigourisly.

"WILL THE CONTESTANTS PLEASE ENTER THE ARENA

"I guess thats our queue," Clief said, struggling to stand up.

Jayden noticed and offered his help, but Clief shrugged him off.

"Just a little cramped, nothing to worry about," He said smiling.

They both walked towards the arena, the dark became light, and Clief hear lots of cheering.

Good luch Jayden

 

[rissole25]

Clief, Jayden and all the other contestents entered the arena. They all looked around at their surroundings. It was a big circular arena that had a rugged landscape. The ground was uneven everywhere, there were many obstacles such as trees, small walls and rocks. It was not suitable for fighting.

"This is gonna be harder then I thought", said Clief, staring at the walls surrounding the contestants. Jayden looked too. There were 5 tunnels surrounding the arena, all with gates in front of them.

"I suppose the monsters will come out from there", said Jayden.

"Yea", replied Clief. "Lets go".

All 28 contestants walked into the center of the ring. Jayden looked up into the stands to look for Nari. At last he finally found her. She was talking to Cato. Jayden wondered what they were talking about.

"CONTESTANTS", said the announcer. "PLEASE STAND AT LEAST FIVE METERS AWAY FROM EACH OTHER".

Everyone walked to different spots of the arena so they were at least five meters apart.
Jayden and Clief made sure they were near each other.

"NOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO QUIT", continued the announcer. "PLEASE EXIT THROUGH GATE 1. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WALKTHROUGH THE FORCEFIELD. NOW IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING OUT, PRESS THE RED BUTTON ON ANY OF THE BLACK POLES AROUND THE ARENA. OUR SPECIALISTS WILL GET YOU OUT".

Jayden looked up at the announcers area to see five sorcerers, each in a different coloured robe. Jayden was disgusted, he knew he wouldn't press the red button to get help, especially from them.

"The nearest black pole is just over there", pointed Clief. Jayden turned around and saw that it was about seven meters away from him and Clief.

"NOW REMEMBER, said the announcer. "YOU COULD DIE HERE, SO IF YOU WANT TO QUIT NOW, PLEASE EXIT THE ARENA NOW".

Two people left the group and headed towards the exit tunnel. After they had disappeared into the tunnel, the tunnel entranced enveloped into a light blue see-through wall.

"OKAY CONTESTANTS, GET READY".

Everyone readied their weapons. Jayden looked at Clief one more time and noticed his Crystal Sword.

"Don't forget", said Jayden. "Summons aren't allowed, so you can use the Crystal Sword but don't get Duegan out okay".

"Okay", said Clief, grabbing his steel sword.

Jayden held his sword in a way that would allow him to fight but would also allow him to grab his bow in time.

The steel gates surrounding the other tunnels opened up. Jayden looked up at Nari and Cato one last time to see her smiling at him. He looked back at the tunnel closest to him to see the dust moving inside.

 

[clief101_]

Here they come. If i need your strength during this Duegan, dont come out, understand?

Yes, alright then, I shall channel my power through you when you need it

As soon as the gates opened Clief moved straight towards the gates, hoping to get an easy first kill, Jayden backed him up, staying a few meters behind him. Other contestants had the same idea, whereas others decided to stay back and hide till they had to fight.

Cowards!

Clief spotted the first beast, it was a Chimera.

What!? Already!? What kind of beasts do they have in store for us!?

"Be careful, I think they have powerful monsters for us!" Clief yelled at Jayden.

He nodded back, not taking his eyes from the Chimera. Clief attacked it from above, but just missed it.

Damn! I cant move freely!

As soon as his feet touched the ground the next monster came through the gate, this time it was an Ochu. He quickly pivoted and attacked it head on. Jayden was busy with the Chimera, trying to lay any kind of attack on it, but he wasnt swift enough with the sword yet. Finally he managed to hit it, but only lightly as the Chimera moved.

We're taking too much time on this small fry! I dont want to reveal my Crystal sword till the finals

Clief stabbed the Ochu in the side, then side swiped it and took it down. He finished it off by swinging his sword and cutting through its head. Jayden had just finished with the Chimera, managing to cut its head off. He was fast learning how to properly use his new weapon.

Other contestants were fightin monsters aswell, including the ones that stayed back. Another two people had given up, and 1 other had pushed the red button on the black pole.

Waste of time entering if you ask me.....UUHHH!!

Clief just noticed a man in a black cloak taking out a Malboro in one attack with little effort.

This isnt going to be easy.....

 

[rissole25]

Jayden turned around to see Clief fighting a Bomb. He hoped Clief would beat it quickly before it exploded. If it did, he wouldn't think Clief would survive.

Jayden turned towards the gate to see two giant flans coming towards him. He would not win the fight against them even if he tried. Spells were the only thing that were effective to flans. He would have to get them to fight a spellcaster. He looked at Clief to see him finish the bomb off before ran off to find a mage.

 

[clief101_]

Clief noticed Jayden run off.

What!? He's leaving!? Damn!

He turned to find 2 Flans heading towards him, one was a lightning Flan, the other Ice.

I've only mastered the Fire spell, and I wouldnt have a clue how to summon up a water spell....damnit!

"FIRE!!" Clief yelled while pointing the palm of his hand towards the Ice Flan. Before the blast reached it, the Lightning one moved in front of it.

They're organised!?

The lightning Flan then glowed, and casted Thunder. Clief quickly jumped around as fast as he could, hoping not to get hit by the spell. It landed right next to him.

That was too close. Where did Jayden go? I need his help!