Epic 1: The Beginning

"Maxwell, the Summon Spirit of Birth... Controls everything that's mana... Signature Spell? Meteor Storm... Hehe, it'd be so cool to summon him!..."

A blonde boy at the age of 15 is sitting at a library in Sybak, reading a book. The sound of breathing was heard in front of him.

"Huh?" The boy wondered as he placed his book down on the table. Right in front him is a girl with long red hair.

"Woah!" Startled, the boy jumps back to his seat.

The girl sighed, "Gani, Gani, Gani... When will you ever get your nose out of that book hmmm?"

Gani (the boy) replied, "Hey Mal, you know that it isn't nice to sneak up on people..."

"Pffft, you're too easy to scare."

"Sh... Shut up..."

"Anyway, what 'cha reading now hmm?"

"Ehh, It's nothing..."

She picks up the book, "Let's see here..."

"Mallory!" Gani yells as he attempts to get his book. Mallory forces her palm down his head, slamming it on the table, and continues to read.

"OW!" Gani Cried.

"Hmm... Maxwell huh? Don't tell me you're still into this Summoning crap."

Gani jerks his head away and snatches the book from Mallory's hands, "It isn't crap! Summoning is a very neat thing to do actually. If you summon the right spirits, you can change the ground formation around you, summon win and even change water currents! Just like the famous Sheena Fujibayashi did. Just you wait, I'm going to be a famous Summoner soon, just like Sheena."

"Uh... Huh. So when will you be coming back with us in Reality huh?"

Gani stands up, book in hand, "Look, if you're just here to mess with my head then whatever. I'll find another place to read." and he walks away.

Mallory turns around watching Gani walk outside, "Y'know, sometimes I worry about that guy..."

Outside, Gani notices a brown haired boy who looked to be in the same age group as him.

"Hey Raz!" Gani shouted as he runs up to him.

The brown haired boy (Raz), turns to Gani, "Oh hey Gani, what's up?"

"Here check this out." Gani opens his book and shows it in front of Raz.

Raz glances at the book, "Maxwell... Yeah, he'd be cool to summon I guess."

"Hehe, think of all the things we can do if I can summon him!"

"Knowing you, you'd probably use his powers to stop time and actually get to class on time."

"Well yeah, that'd be one thing. But think bigger. I'd go back in time, change the names of some towns and soon, everything will be named after me! It'll be like, my kingdom!"

Gani laughs hysterically while Raz just stares at him and sighs, "Y'know, you set too many impossible goals for yourself..."

"Well Raz, I should be the one to talk. I mean, best juggler in the world?" Gani mocked.

"L-Look!" Raz waves his arms while speaking, "I... I told you not to bring that up!"

"Heh." Gani smirked, "So you better shut up until you can actually pursue that goal while I, Gani K. Hakudo shall be the one of the most famous Summoners you'll ever see!"

"Eh whatever... Anyways, class is about to start soon, you coming with?"

"Nah, I think I'm going to stay outside and read for a little while."

"Gani! You can just read that book inside!"

"Nah, too noise and besides, it's more peaceful out here."

"Grrr..." Raz growled, "Fine whatever, I'll be on my way. But don't say I didn't warn you when you're late..." and he walks away.

Gani shrugs and walks under a shady tree. He takes a seat in the nice fuzzy grass and continues to read his book.

A few minutes later, in Classroom 3 of the Academy of Sybak, Professor Atori (Gani's teacher) arrives in his classroom with... Most of his students.

"Hello class, I've arrived." Greeted Professor Atori.

"Good morning Professor Atori." the students replied.

"Today, we'll be learning more about how the hero Lloyd Ir--"

Suddenly, the door opens and Gani walks inside.

"Ah um... Sorry Professor Atori, I.. I--"

"Lost track of time again? We know that already, now please be seated."

"Y-Yeah... I'll go do that now..." Gani replied nervously.

The class giggles while Gani takes his seat beside Raz.

"Now then," Atori continues, "Before we were rudely interrupted. We were about to learn more about how the hero LLoyd Irving and his group..."

While Professor Atori was lecturing his class, Raz whispered to Gani.

"See what I mean? You should've listened to me earlier. Now you're late."

"Ehhh It's alright. It's not like anything bad will happen to me if I'm late."

"You never know though, you might be punished next time.

"Why would I be punished for being late? Just because I miss a few minutes of class doesn't mean I don't know my fact. Actually, I'm doing just fin--"

"Gani!" Called Professor Atori, "Can you tell me which Desian Grand Cardinal was in control of the Asgard Human Ranch?"

Startled Gani stands up, "Uhh... Magnius, R-right?"

"No, Magnius was in control of the Palmacosta Ranch. Now if you were actually listening instead of disturbing your fellow classmates, you would've known that it was Kvar who was in control of the Asgard Ranch."

"Ah umm... Y-yeah..."

"Take your seat now Gani."

The class giggles while he sits down.

"Now then... Kvar happened to play a..."

Raz turns to Gani, "So, you still know your facts now huh?" he mocked.

"Sh... Shut up..." Gani muttered.

After class, Raz & Gani were walking down the halls.

"Gah! Why does Professor Atori always have to pick on me?" Gani cried.

"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe it's because you're always late." Raz replied.

"Look, I'm not in the mood for smart-ass remarks right now... I wish the Professor would burn in hell."

"Woah, he's only doing his job Gani. Not like he always wants to pick on you."

"Oh really? Then why the hell am I the only one he keeps calling on?"

"Maybe it's because you're easily distracted."

Gani glares at Raz.

"Uhhh..." Raz stammered, "I... I better go to my magic class now..." and he walks ahead of Gani.

"...Gah, forget him..." Gani muttered to himself, "I gotta get to my next class..."

Gani continues walking down the halls until he enters a room which is entitled "Swordsmanship E" on the door.

Inside the classroom, Gani takes a seat in his desk, while Mallory sits in front of him.

Mallory turns to Gani, "Smooth move with the Professor last class, Gani." She said sarcastically.

"You know... I'm honestly tired of him embarrassing me every single class..." Gani replied.

"Ever heard of actually thrashing that book and getting to class on time?"

"Mal! You know I can't get rid of this book!"

She sighs, "Then quit complaining and get used to it."

Gani glares at her for a moment, and doesn't respond.

As Mallory turns back, a man wielding a sword comes into the center of the class.

"Greetings young warriors." Said the man.

"Greetings Gohota Sensei." replied the students.

"Students, have you all mastered the Sword Rain Skill as instructed?"

The class gives various responses.

"Well then, time to put your training to the test. Everyone please go outside and enter the Academy Courtyard." Instructed Gohota.

Gohota Sensei walks outside the class while the rest of the students follow, bringing their blades.

Once outside, Gohota Sensei instructed, "This is what you must do. We will have a tournament styled test where each of you will be facing your fellow classmates. The goal of each match will be for you to outlast your opponent. If you happen to do that, or if your classmate admits defeat, then you advance through the Tournament bracket. You will be graded by your offense skill, defensive skill, and your use of the new tech. In this case, it's Sword Rain. You'll receive bonus grades if you can combo with the skill or even use double ups with former skills."

"Now if you happen to be in the semi-finals or the finals. You'll receive bonus grades. If you happen to be the winner, not only will your receive bonus grades, but you'll also be rewarded with a Secret Skill Book that I've been keeping in my possession. Now those are the rules. Preserve your energy, and do your best. Let us begin!"

All 24 students are standing in one row, equipped with armor and swords.

"First match up! Hara Syokome against Lune Taroumo!"

A male and female step out line and faced each other in the middle of the fighting field.

"Battle commence!" Gohota announced.

The two students start to clash blades, while Gani stands beside Mallory, he turns to her and asked, "So, did you master the skill Mal?"

"Of course, I also got a special technique up my sleeve."

"Oh god, another one? How the hell do you do it?"

"Well, I actually practice unlike some people who are real bookworms."

"...Perfectionist." Snapped Gani.

"Bookworm." Mallory responded.

They both stuck their tongues out and turned their backs away from each other.

The sound of a sword falling to the ground was heard while a figure collapses to the ground.

"And Hara Syokome advances to the next round!"

Both warriors got up and went back to their rows, one who is barely able to move and the other who looks to be in good physical condition.

"Good work you two." Gohota commented, "Our next match up is Seraph Jneia against Gani Hakudo!"

"Alright, I'll show ya what I got!" Gani hollered as he walked to the middle of the arena.

"Don't hurt yourself out there Mr. Summoner." Snapped Mallory.

"Heh, we'll see..." Gani muttered to himself.

"Well Shrimp, ready to lose?" his taller opponent, Seraph insulted.

"Just you wait what I got in store for you." Gani replied.

"Hey everyone! Shrimpy's got something in store for me!" Seraph laughs while replying.

"Grrr..." Gani growls while gripping tightly onto his sword, "At least I'm more smarter than you Mr. 20!"

"Say that in front of my face, pun--"

Gohota cuts Seraph off, "Both of you, enough! It is worthless to waste time on chit-chat that won't be beneficial to either side! Now, get your blades ready!"

"Y-yes Gohota Sensei!" Gani Stammered.

"Hmph, whatever..." Seraph muttered.

"Now may the battle commence!" Gohota announced.

Gani charges at Seraph with a lunge slash. However, Seraph blocks the blow.

"Heh, is that all ya got Shrimp?" Seraph mocked as he sweep kicks Gani.

Gani falls back as Seraph slashes Gani's chest.

"Argh!" Gani cries on impact.

After taking several blows from Seraphs blade, Gani is knocked back, along with his blade. He attempts to reach for his sword but Seraph kicks his blade away and strikes Gani on his chest again.

"Ugh crap!" Gani cries again while Seraph slashes.

"Man... You're really a wimp, y'know that?..." Seraph sighed while he ended his assault on Gani.

Seraph walks in front of Gohota, "Sensei, it's obvious who the winner is of this match. So you better call it off before I embarrass Shrimpy more."

"Ah don't be so certain Seraph..." Gohota replied as he points past Seraph.

"Eh?..." Seraph wondered as he turns around.

As Seraph turned around, he notices Gani rushing towards him, blade in hand.

"Heh, you just don't know how to stay down eh Shrimp?" Seraph mocked.

"SHUT UP!" Gani yells as he continues running.

"Look at this, wide open..." Seraph sighs as he jabs Gani towards his stomach.

"Ugh!" Gani cried while he was jabbed.

Seraph then nails Gani with the hilt of his sword towards his back, knocking him down.

"Wow, what a loser huh? What did this Shrimp want to be again? Oh right, a Summoner... To think that would happen..." Seraph laughed hysterically as he turns to the rest of his students.

"That is enough Seraph, do not embarrass Gani any further than he is now." Instructed Gohota.

"Hey c'mon Sensei. It's just my way of telling the Shrimp to train some more. Not my fault he's a wimp." Seraph snickers after he replied.

"I...Am not a wimp..." Gani muttered to himself.

"You know what Seraph? I think you should shut your big mouth before I do it for ya!" Mallory threatened.

"Hey! No one threatens Seraph Jneia like that! Eh... Especially a girl! So shut up!"

"I am not a wimp!..." Gani muttered to himself again, struggling.

"Oh yeah? What if I don't?"

"I'll break you like I did to Shrimpy right there after school. We'll see how tough you are." Seraph threatened.

"Oh really? Well, you better take another look at that Shrimp again Seraph." Mallory suggested as she points past him.

"Huh? What do you mean?..." Seraph wondered as he turned around.

Right in front of him, Seraph sees Gani, still struggling to maintain his balance.

"I... Am not a wimp..." Gani muttered.

"Woah! Shrimpy's still up and at 'em? You should've stayed down shrimpy, cause now you're in a world of pain!" Seraph yelled as he rushes towards Gani.

As Seraph rushes towards Gani, Gani just stands there, as if he was expecting something to happen.

The hell? Is Gani signing his death wish or something? Mallory thought.

"GANI! GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY YOU IDIOT!" Mallory yelled.

However, Gani continues to stand his ground while Seraph jumps in the air.

"You're mine!" Seraph yells as he dives towards Gani, blade first.

"GANI!" Mallory screamed.

Gani takes the blow, however he still stands there, as if he didn't feel the blow at all.

"What the hell?" Seraph stopped in confusion.

"Look whose got who now... Wimp." Gani said as he swiftly slashes Seraph on his hip.

"Gah! What the?" Seraph stammers as he takes the blow.

Gani flips over Seraph and knees him in the back. Then, grasps his sword tightly and jumps back.

"Take this! SWORD RAIN!" Gani yells as he rushes towards Seraph, thrusting him multiple times causing Seraph to fall down.

Gani then jumps on top of Seraph, blade towards his throat.

"H-hey man!... Okay! Okay! I won't call you a wimp anymore! Just don't kill me man!"

Damned Professor... damned Seraph... Gani thought to himself.

"DIE!" he yelled.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Gohota yelled.

"Huh?..." Gani questions as if he was released from a trance.

"The duel is over Gani, you have won. Do not do anything you will regret!"

Gani drops his blade to the ground and gets up, "Y-yes Gohota Sensei..."

"Now, help your opponent up."

Gani helps Seraph up. Swiftly after getting up, Seraph swiftly walks away from Gani.

Gani returns to his spot in line as Mallory turns towards him.

"What... Was that...?" Mallory asked.

"I... I don't know.. I just... I was just mad... That's all... I guess I went out of control a bit..." Gani replied.

"Woah uh Gani... I think you should control that anger then..."

"Err, Yeah..."

A bit out of control? He could've killed the guy!... Mallory thought to herself.

They both remained silent until a few other matches have been done, then it was Mallory's turn.

"Our next match is Mallory Leonis against Chris Toine!"

Mallory steps into the fighting arena, as her opponent walks in front of her.

"Hey Mal! Can't wait to see your so called Special technique!" Gani yelled.

"Oh uh--" Mallory stammered, "Y-yeah! Haha, you'll be blown away by it!..." Mallory replied as she laughs nervously.

"Oh geez, my first opponent is a girl? This shouldn't take long.. Heh heh.." Mallory's opponent, Chris insulted.

The whole class was silent as Mallory turns swiftly to her opponent.

Oh geez, what a loser this guy is... He's gonna get it... Gani thought to himself.

"Battle commence!" Gohota announced.

"Ladies first sissy, I won't embarrass you totally out here." Chris offered.

"Ooooo..." The class exclaimed.

Ouch... Mal can't take that... Gani thought to himself.

"C'mon! Hit me first! I insist!" Chris demanded.

Mallory sighs, "Well, you asked for it..." and she starts to run towards her opponent.

"Hey guys! She's actually gonna strike first! Let's all give a round of applause!" Chris mocked.

Mallory attempts to slash Chris, which Chris dodged immediately when she striked.

"Good try, but that was kinda lame sissy." Chris mocked.

"Demon fang!" Mallory shouted.

Mallory creates a shockwave from her blade which hits Chris, stopping him in his tracks.

"What the hell?" Chris cried in shock.

Mallory runs right in front of Chris, and she strikes with multiple slashes at him. This time, all of them made constant contact.

"Ugh! What the?" Chris cried.

"Get ready!..." Mallory warned as she retreated a bit.

"DEMONIC SWORD RAIN!"

Mallory creates another shockwave which stops Chris in his tracks again, then she strikes with swift multiple thrusts towards Chris, knocking him down during the process.

"And Mallory Leonis advances to the next round! With such terrific swordsmanship as well!" Gohota announces.

The class applauds as Mallory walks back in line.

As Chris gets up and walks back in line, Gohota instructed, "Chris! You better practice harder next time, if you don't want to lose to Miss Sissy."

The class snickers as Chris hangs his head down saying, "Ye-yes Gohota Sensei..."

"Now for our next Match-up!"

Battle after battle, both Gani and Mallory have won every one of their battles in their own ways. Mallory with her talents and Gani with his... Sudden rage & strength. It just so happens that the two of them both made it to the final match.

"Our finals are as follow! Gani Hakudo clashes blades with Mallory Leonis! May both students step out of line!"

Both of them do so and turn toward each other.

"Now I want you two to do your best and no matter what happens, both of you are winners, alright?"

"Yes Gohota Sensei." The both replied.

"Now... Battle Commence!" Gohota announced.

They both start to swing their blades against one another, Mallory was the first to speak.

"We-Well! We both managed to make it to the finals huh? Just because I'm your final opponent doesn't mean you should back down on me! Now, let's put on a finals match to remember!"

"Y-yeah..." Gani replied.

The two of them jumped back and readied their swords. They both charged at each other, each showing their tremendous speed and the best of determination. They're both about to class until...

RING!...

"Huh?..." Mallory stopped in her tracks.

"Lo... LOOK OUT!" Gani warned.

Gani crashes into Mallory, the two of them fell to the ground, right against each other.

"The school bell has rung! It's ashame though, the finals were starting to look like a dramatic match! We'll have to wait 'till next class for the finals to be complete!" Gohota announced.

Mallory starts to get up first.

"That... Was unexpected..."

Gani gets up after her.

"Yeah, to think class would be over so soon..."

Mallory then turns to Gani.

"Heh, saved by the bell eh? Well, this gives you more time to practice... See ya later!"

And she walks away. Gani watches her leave the courtyard.

Yeah... Gani thought, Next time, we'll see...

Just later, Mallory was walking across the halls in her school, until she started to hear some pained groaning.

Huh?... Mallory thought, Where is that coming from?...

She turns to the direction of the groaning and finds out that it's coming out of the Nurse's Office.

The Nurse actually has a customer today? Hmmm, let's check this out... She thought to herself.

She walks inside the Nurse's office and when she got inside, she noticed that Seraph (along with a few other people she recognized from her Swordsman class), were all wearing bandages.

"Well, what are you people doing here?" She asked once she got in.

Seraph turns to Mallory, with an angered expression. (More like worried)

"Oh it's you..." Seraph sighed as he grasps onto his hip.

"Awww... What's' the matter? Feeling the effects of "Shrimpy's" blows?" She mocked.

"Mallory... It's really serious you know..."

"Aw c'mon... It can't be that serious. I mean it's Gani we're talking about here! He shouldn't be able to do THIS much damage..."

"Hmph! You don't even know what the freak can do!"

"Hmmm, and if I did?"

"Just look at this wound!" Seraph yelled.

Seraph takes off his bandages on his hip, revealing an insanely large wound with blood dripping. Mallory also noticed some of his bones showing at this horrific sight.

"Oh my..." Mallory was speechless.

Gohota Sensei stepped in from behind Mallory.

"This is the result of Gani's rage towards his students."

Mallory swiftly turn to Gohota Sensei.

"S-sensei! Are... Are you serious?"

"Yes... This is a very serious situation though. Mallory, be careful in your final match with Gani. Seeing that you're his friend, you could calm him down and make the finals a friendly match. You already saw what Gani did to his other opponents, I wouldn't want the same to happen to you Mallory."

"Y-yes Gohota Sensei... I'll... I'll be careful.." Mallory replied in shock.

"Alright, now I want you to leave this room and let your classmates heal."

"You mean they were all victim to Gani as well?"

Gohota nods.

"Oh... Okay Sensei..." Mallory said as she leaves the room.

Gohota turns to Seraph.

"You, do not remove your bandages unless told to." He warned.

"Actually, I'm kind of feeling a bit better without the bandages..."

A gust of wind is felt throughout the room.

"ARGH!" Seraph screamed in pain.

"Hmm... I'll get the bandages." Gohota said as he walks away from Seraph.

That Gani boy really needs to control his anger... Or else, I'll have to take matters into my own hands... Gohota thought as he was wrapping the bandages around Seraph's hip.

Outside, Mallory was walking down the school hall, thinking to herself.

Damn... Did Gani really do all that? No... It can't be... That's not possible.. I know him, he wouldn't do such a think... But... But that wound... Could it really be him doing all this?... I... I hope he'll be comfortable in the fi--

Mallory bumps into a person, knocking the two of them down.

"Woah!" Mallory cried as she fell to the ground.

She looks across from her and noticed that Gani was the person shoe knocked down.

"Oww..." Gani muttered as he got up.

"Damn it Mal, ya gotta watch where you're going!"

"Gani, maybe you should be the one doing that instead of reading your book..." Raz, who was beside Gani said while he was picking up Gani's book from the ground.

Mallory gets up while dusting herself off.

"Oh yeah um... Sorry..."

"Eh well anyways, you know what tomorrow is right?" Gani asked.

"Y-yeah. It's our finals match..." She replied.

"No, no besides that..." Gani said.

"Umm well... No clue, spill." Mallory responded.

"Oh god, she forgot already..." Raz snickered.

"Damn, now I owe you 50 gald..." Gani muttered.

"Heh, I actually thought I'd lose this one. Seeing that Mallory barely for--" Raz was cut off.

"GUYS! GET TO THE FRICKIN POINT ALREADY! What's so special about tomorrow?"

"Holy Mal... You don't have to burst me ear drums..." Gani complained.

"Yeah well... Mallory, incase you haven't noticed, Gani's birthday is tomorrow." Raz said while putting his finger in his ear.

"Oh right! Yeah... Heh, don't think I'm gonna go easy on you even though it's going to be your birthday." She told Gani.

"You've never went easy on me anyway..." Gani muttered.

"Heh, the lesser for you to expect it then!" Mallory responded.

"Eh well... I'm walking home with Raz now. See ya tomorrow." Gani said as he walks past Mallory.

"Yeah, see ya Mallory." Raz said as he followed Gani.

Mallory turns towards them while they walk out the door, thinking to herself again.

Heh... It's his birthday tomorrow, so I'd doubt that he'd be mad... Mallory thought as she walks down the hall.

Or will he?...

END of Epic 1