Chapter 4

As both of them looked at each other, both going a bright red, Joshua heard Bron's voice and pulled away, feeling quite embarrased if someone saw him. Handing the weapon over to his master, who looked at it carefully, and gave a nod of approval. This weapon was somewhat better than what he thought Joshua could achieve at this point of time...

"It's Sugar that helped me make it this good. I doubt it would have turned out so well without her help..." Joshua explained.

"W-What? You did most of the work...making sure that we'd be able to work well together. You're the one to take the credit." Sugar blushed.

As the two talked to Master Bron, explaining about Joshua's recklessness on having of gone to the labyrinth on his own, BEFORE he had obtained a key for the passage into it, and without his permission, he was scolded quite a bit. Pointing out that he'd be unable to have gathered the need materials, Bron finally calmed down, only for a voice from the hallway to barge in.

"So, that's your first weapon? Took you long enough! How do you expect to win at the pace you're going at?" Sanary laughed.

Joshua turned away. He wasn't in the mood to argue, or to fight. All he wanted to do was get some sleep. He began to feel light-headed, before he collapsed on the floor, unconcious. Sugar began to painc, before there was a small sound of snoring. Breathing a sigh of relief that her master was okay, they decided to let him rest.

He woke up after a few hours, a bit drowzy, but a lot better. When Bron came back in, handing him a Match notice and explaining about his opponent, Joshua could only nod and agree with his Master's information. Making sure that the sword was ready, his necklace was okay, he stepped outside to find Sugar waiting for him.

"Are you okay, Joshua? You got me worried...and about our first opponent...are you nervous?" Sugar asked quietly.

Joshua shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

"We're more than capable of beating Chaves. We can do this! Right, Sugar?!" Joshua yelled.

"Yes, Joshua! And...do you think you could use a good luck kiss so that we can win the battle? I'm kinda nervous..." Sugar blushed.

Joshua went bright red again. Unsure of what to say in response to that, he gently held Sugar's hand and they ran towards the Central Tower. The sunshine outside was great, giving him a boost of confidence and eagerness to win. Walking inside the tower, both talked to the offical guarding the arena door, and proceeded inside.

The CraftLord of Sapphire, Sakuro was inside, as well as a large figure with green clothing, odd looking googles and spiky brown hair. Joshua couldn't help but chuckle at how ridiculous his opponent looked. Remembering that this was his first battle in quite some time against a human opponent, he'd have to be careful not to inflict fatal wounds.

"We will now begin the fourth round of the tournament! Chaves! Will you be summoning your Guardian Beast in battle against Joshua?" Sakuro asked.

"I don't need a beast. I can handle this myself." was the booming voice.

Joshua was begining to think his foe was either very strong, or foolish. Granted, he couldn't imagine what another Guardian Beast would look like. He was hoping they weren't some freaky monsters. He was quite content on seeing ones like Sugar. Gentle and friendly. Reaching for his weapon, he waited for Sakuro to begin the match.

"Are you both ready? As Craftknights of Wystern, fight with honor and dignity! The fourth round, Chaves versus Joshua...Begin!"

Grabbing his sword and facing Chaves, he looked at the huge sword he was carrying. Getting hit by that would hurt quite a bit, so it would be best to avoid it. Sugar was still by Joshua's side, looked at him and nodded. The rules...he remembered that it was either knock out Chaves, or break his weapon. A full out assult would be best against something that size.

"Sugar. Make sure you don't get hurt. Let's go!"

Charging staright at Chaves, sword raised, he leapt into the air and twisted in mid-air to avoid the giant blade. The weapon crashed into the ground below, leaving him vunerable. Slashing twice with his weapon, damaging Chaves a fair amount, he leapt back to avoid the attack that was sent his way. Stepping out of his range, he motioned to Sugar.

"Aqua...Tornado!"

Sugar zoomed in front of Joshua and lifter her right arm into the air. Two miniture tornados appeared out of nowhere, made out of water and wind, lifting Chaves into the air and continously dealing damage. Slightly exaughsted after the spell, she raced out of Chave's range and Joshua resumed fighting, blocking the huge weapon with his sword. Unbelivably, his opponent gained a sudden burst of speed and lashed out at Joshua, cutting into his side.

"Ow..." Joshua muttered.

There was quite a fair bit of damage sustained, and he'd been sent skidding across the ground, but was still capable of fighting. Letting out a small yell, he charged at Chaves, sword glowing with energy before he slashed three times, knocking Chaves into the air before knocking him out with the hilt of his blade. Sighing deeply before Sugar raced to his side, he threw his sword into the air and caught it with one hand and placed it back in it's sheath.

"We did it..." Joshua laughed, but also slightly reliefed.

"Joshua...Umm..."

Joshua turned to Sugar and smiled. Before he said anything else, he kissed her gently on the cheek before hugging her happily, Sugar going extremly red, kind of surprised that Joshua was doing this, and what she kind of had in mind. Chaves spoke up angrily.

"Damn it! This fight is not valid!" he yelled, approaching Joshua and Sugar, filled with rage.

Joshua stepped in front of Sugar, sword drawn, ready to defend her if things turned ugly. He glared right back at Chaves, annoyed that he was being a sore loser, and had the nerve to say that this battle wasn't fair! Claiming that a beginner, a nobody anyone had heard of with a weapon that had been recently made couldn't be victorious, Joshua was getting even angrier. Saying it was all Sugar's doing that the battle was Joshua's, was making him near breaking point.

"Silence, Craftknight Chaves! Have you forgotten the three tenets of Craftknighthood? A sword is not strength, a sword is not skill, a sword is not fellowship. Remember these words and think of what you've done and said." Sakuro yelled.

Still a bit uncomfortable about the hulking giant in front of him, Joshua was caught unaware when the huge blade was swung at him again. Colliding straight into his chest, he fell to his knees, his chest bleeding. Barely able to contain his rage, Joshua supressed it, not wanting to be like this monster. With Sakuro ordering Chaves to leave, and Sugar helping a barely concious Joshua to his feet, she looked at him worringly. The last thing he saw before everything went black was her face and voice...

"...Ugh...What...happened? Am I still alive...?" Joshua muttered, eyes opening.

A loud cry was heard, before he found himself wrapped in Sugar's arms, who was crying. Relieved that both of them were all right, he was kind of irritated to have bandages over his chest again. Giving a weak smile to Sugar who helped him out of bed, he leaned against her for support.

"Are you alright? I ws really, really worried. There was so much blood...and you were hardly breathing. You kept muttering things in your sleep, but they didn't make sense. Master Bron is impressed on your victory and your actions, despite the accusations that were made." Sugar whispered.

Sugar... Joshua thought to himself.

"Yo! Joshua! Are you awake yet?" Bron's voice came from the hall.

With a small shout, he came in and told Joshua that even though the first victory was easy, he shouldn't be resting easy. His wounds would be healed in a few days, and then he'd be able to keep fighting. Deciding against it, and claiming he'd be alright, Bron sighed and left. Looking out the window and slightly surprised night had fallen, he turned to Sugar.

"...I think...being outside would be good...Do you want to go to the harbour, Sugar?" Joshua asked weakly.

Althought she was worried, she nodded happily and helped him outside. Once there, he managed to walk there unsupported, but Sugar was ready to catch him if he fell. Staring out at the ocean again, he felt like saying something...

"I'm glad that we managed to win. And that you weren't hurt, Sugar. I would've hated myself if you were the one who was attacked...I'm sorry for making you worry about me...but I'm fine now..." Joshua apologized

"Joshua...what you did today...I would've taken the attack in your place. I'm supposed to protect you...but you protected me. Are you considering marrying me sooner than what you previously thought?" Sugar asked excitedly.

Joshua could only smile at Sugar's statement. It seemed that since they met, she'd become infatuaited with him. It felt kind of odd, he wasn't used to having a girl admire him...to be in love with him. But...he was begining to love her. Because of that kiss...was that why? No...he said he'd protect her no matter what. To look after her.

"...You'll stay with me...after the tournament, right? Even if I say that you had to leave?" Joshua asked.

Sugar's cheeks went a bright red before she hugged Joshua tightly. Joshua hugged her back. He wanted to say something else, but...nothing came to mind. Just holding each other under the night sky was good enough for now...

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Now we're 1/4 of the way. How am I going? Do you think it needs improvement? Would you like to add some suggestions or email me? Go right ahead! I'm a pretty quick guy, so I usually check my emails everyday.

Joshua: That is correct. Come over to the Dark Side! Come over to the Dark Side! dances like Darth Vader