Hey the story gets a bit more exciting in this chapter A.K.A. this is where it starts to get good :P

Chapter 4

The Academy

Leo looked around at everyone standing in Ascalon, their were monks, other warriors, rangers, mesmers, and elementalist. They all stood quiet to listen to King Adelbern and Sir Tidus, in all his life Leo had never seen so many people be so quiet. It was weird almost haunting, then suddenly a loud voice spoke.

"Fair citizens of Ascalon I know that you are all here to fight against the Chaar." The voice was so sudden Leo jumped a little looking over at King Adelbern who stood on a Criers post.

"Now I know you are all ready to get to your training and I know you think your ready. But I am here to give you one final chance to back down to go back home and be with your family. You will now be considered a coward nor a fool for not joining the army. I will give you all a moment to re think your decision." The king's booming voice echoed through the silent city.

"For Ascalon!" A male monk shouted from the middle of the crowd down below the bridge.

After that the crowd roared and cheered, Phe, Degen and Saphira all did the same. Soon after all the guards and Rangi were cheering as well.

"For King Adelbern!" Leo's voice could be heard by everyone that was cheering and they cheered louder.

Savanna let out a joyful scream laughing as she looked down and the little Melandru was sitting up in her cuddling arms its head up in the air meowing in joy. The king raised his arms and the crowd noise slowly went down to a low mumble and then was silent again.

"Well it seems that the answer is clear and now I will let Sir Tidus give you instructions on what you all will do next." when the king finished he stepped down and walked back down the bridge towards the academy.

"Ok I am Sir Tidus I will be one of your many combat instructors over the next few months. Now if you all would please calmly make your way down the bridge to the academy where you will meet Prince Rurik and he will give you further instruction there." Sir Tidus finished as he walked to the Academy gates and looked at the group on the bridge.

"You six come here I want to speak with the lot of you." Sir Tidus shouted as he raised his hand stopping the others from stepping onto the bridge.

Phe, Degen, Saphira, Savanna, Rangi and Leo walked slowly over towards Sir Tidus not sure what to expect. When they reached them they were being stared at by everyone that was waiting to go to the Academy.

"Yes Sir Tidus." Phe asked confused.

"I see you all are in a guild and since you all have some since of teamwork I want you to go down find Prince Rurik and tell him That you are to be trained by him and him alone for the next few week is that clear?" Sir Tidus asked raising his voice a little standing straight.

"Yes Sir!" The group saluted in unison and walked down the Bridge towards the Academy.

"Honey I've been thinking and I have a good name for the little Melandru here." Savanna's soft and harmonic voice said looking up at Leo.

"Oh and what's that?" He asked wrapping his arm around Savanna looking down at her.

"I was thinking Shadow, because he is dark as night and seems to be highly intelligent." Savanna smiled as she was looking down at the little Melandru.

"Ok then Shadow it is." Leo smiled as he reached down and petted Shadow.

When the group reached the far side of the bridge Prince Rurik was standing there with his flaming bladed sword in his hand and a shield at his side. He wore the same royalty cape that the King wore.

"I am assuming that there is a reason that Sir Tidus has sent you down here before everyone else?" Prince Rurik asked as the group reached the end of the bridge.

"Yes Sir Tidus told us to meet you before the rest got here because we are in a guild he said that you were to train us for the next couple weeks." Rangi blurted out and before he could continue Phe glared back at him and he grew quiet.

"Ah yes he said he would send me a few special recruits. Ok follow the trail that way you will arrive at the armory there will be guards waiting there to get you your weapons and your armor. I shall be there shortly after I give the initiation to the others then we can start your training." Prince Rurik finished as he pointed his finger down a dirt trail.

"Yes sir, uh thank you sir." Phe bowed as they stood and walked down the dirt trail.

"That was unexpected." Leo chuckled under his breath.

"Quit laughing!" Savanna slapped Leo playfully on the chest.

"Sorry I can't help it just all the rumors I have heard about the prince it is crazy." Leo tried to suppress his laughter .

"All hail the mighty Prince Rurik who is completely paranoid thinking there is Chaar in every corner of the city and kingdom!" Rangi announced in a taunting voice as he jumped in front of the group holding one arm out as he bowed as if he were bowing at the prince.

"Uh hum." A deep voice cleared it's self from behind Rangi, with the sudden noise Rangi spun around and saw King Adelbern standing with his arms behind his back.

"I wanted to have a word with you six before you start your training." The King said as he walked towards the Armory.

"Uh what is it your highness?" Leo asked as he and Savanna were walking next to him.

"I have a feeling that today will be the very last day of peace in Ascalon for a long time." The King started with his head looking down and his eyes closed. "The Chaar are advancing at an alarming rate and their numbers seem to be getting more numerous as we speak." He continued, "And though I can not give you the full combat training that you could only learn for years of practice. I can give you the training to get you by and advance in the ranks of the army faster than anyone has ever know." The King stopped at the armory doors and looked at one of the guards and nodded. The guard then pulled a lever that opened a smaller door in the concrete blocks next to the large wooden doors.

"Follow me if you will." The Kings asked politely as he stepped into the dark corridor.

The group was cautious but slowly they all entered the dark corridor, their was only a feint light the lit the tunnel. As they followed the king the light got brighter then they found them selves standing in a brightly lit room with huge stone arches raising a hundred feet upward. The arches were all closed in but the room was so bright they could not see where the light was coming from.

"This my friends is the key to your future, this is what will make you heroes." The king's booming voice echoed as he knelt down and reached into a small pool in the center of the room bringing up a chest that had gold light beaming from its edges.

"This is where your life ends and your legacy begins." The Kings voice grew quiet as he opened the chest and the bright glowing light filled the room. Leo held Savanna close and the light was so bright that he could not see her.

"Now your ready." Was all Leo heard before he and the other fainted to the floor.