Here's an early update. Think of it as an Easter gift.
The trio returned much faster than they went, the promise of a sure fire cure egging them on like nothing else could. Dart especially was filled with life that had been missing previously. He just couldn't wait until he reunited with his dear sister. He had missed her so despite the relatively short separation compared to his last absence.
Lavitz had a drive similar to Dart's. He too wished to see Shana's smiling face again, only he had much different reasons despite the fact their feelings ran at an equal depth for her. And he hadn't even meant for it to happen. It just kind of did. The only thing was he wasn't sure if Shana felt the same.
Rose didn't have near as much of a desire to see Shana as the other two, but she still did look forward to seeing her well even if she would deny it. She had, kind of like Lavitz, formed an accidental bond with the girl. Of course it wasn't like Lavitz's, just similar in the fact she had never intended for it to happen. After all, she loathed relationships of any sorts. They only lead to inevitable pain. This she knew.
After less than a day's trip they burst through the doors of the doctor's room, breathing heavy and thoughts focused solely on Shana. Dart and Lavitz were even bent over in exhaustion. Boy would they have a good night's rest after this.
The doctor perked instantly, eyes wide in surprise. "Did you find a Dragoni Plant!" He cried excitedly, hoping he was right.
Dart stood up, breathing ragged as he shook his head slowly. He then walked over to Shana's bedside, pulling out the white spirit to show it to the doctor. "But with this…" He proceeded to lay the stone in Shana's hand, turning to the doctor to finish his sentence. "…we should be able to save her."
The doctor nodded faintly, not quite sure what this object could do for the girl. He just went with it.
Dart looked back at the other two for the ok.
Lavitz nodded firmly. Rose did the same only with less enthusiasm.
Dart nodded back at them. But as he went to grab his own stone it happened.
The stone sitting with Shana suddenly shined a brilliant bright white light unlike when Shirley had held it or even when Dart had held it up with his own spirit.
The resonance made Dart jump and swirl around in alarm.
"What?" The doctor spluttered before the other three had a chance. He looked on with immense intrigue. What a sight.
Dart couldn't help but mimic the doctor, eyes bulging out of his head. "Wh-what!"
Lavitz shook his head slowly, walking like a zombie over to Dart's side to get a better view. "I thought the power couldn't be released without the help from another spirit." He muttered in confusion. "Right…?"
Rose merely stood back, arms crossed as a degree of surprise swept over her as well. She simply did a better job of concealing the emotion.
The blinding light burst with more power, covering the whole room and their vision with whiteness. Once the light faded back down into the still bright glow Shana was revealed to be sitting up. As she sat, well once more, she blinked in confusion in her bed.
Dart started, jumping over to her to wrap her in a warm hug. "Shana!" He cried lovingly, nuzzling her lightly.
Shana smiled at his affections. However his attention didn't ease her confusion. So she asked, "Dart, what is this?" She looked down at the light shining from the stone in her hand.
"It's the Dragoon Spirit of the White Silver Dragon!" He explained with an unnatural amount of enthusiasm, squeezing her even tighter before he thought aloud. "I wonder if Shana is-"
"A Dragoon!" Lavitz finished for him, dying on the inside as he was forced to stand back away from Shana.
Rose nodded, scoffing at their continued uncertainty over the issue. "Otherwise this much power wouldn't be drawn. Shana purged the poison with her own power."
Shana, despite her love of this unusually large amount of attention Dart was giving her, lightly broke out of his hold. She slipped off the bed and to her feet. She knew Lavitz would want to celebrate her revival as well.
The instant she was on her feet Lavitz swooped in on her. He wrapped her in a warm embrace. "I'm so glad you're ok." He whispered in her ear, sighing heavily.
Shana smiled brightly at his concern. "I'm glad to see you again too…"
"It's true." The doctor nodded in agreement with Rose after thinking on her words a minute and scanning Shana thoroughly. "Her spirit is back in her body. The poison is completely gone!" He was truly amazed at this.
Shana remained in Lavitz's hold, only much more loosely now. One of her arms was draped around his waist as he hung his around her shoulder. "Dart...what is going on?" She still didn't understand this.
Dart drew his spirit up in his hand, it glowing a bright red. He was soon followed by Lavitz and Rose in bringing out their spirits. Then he spoke, "I don't know if it is a coincidence or fate, but you were saved with this power Shana." He indicated the spirit. "Do you feel it? This is the power of the dragon...the Dragoon."
Dart, Lavitz, and Rose promptly let their spirits go after his speech. They no longer felt the need to have them out any longer.
Shana nodded faintly as she savored the feeling she garnered. "Yes, I feel it. The warm power of a dragon..." She trailed off, frowning slightly before adding, "…not only powerful, but very tender."
The doctor had his arm up over his eyes at this point, tentative to say anything to them. "Ex-excuse me…it's too bright and I can not see! Can you do something about it?"
Shana was slightly surprised. "Oh! Sorry!" She quickly tucked the white spirit into her pocket. The light swiftly died once she released it.
Dart frowned deeply as he watched Shana. He was unsure of if he should ask considering she no longer wished to be babied. "Are you sure you're ok?" He said anyway.
Shana smiled brightly at him, giggling a bit to show for once she didn't mind his worrying. "I'm fine now." She assured, thoughtlessly leaning her head on Lavitz's shoulder.
After the reassurance Dart brought his attention to the obviously shocked doctor. "Doctor…about this…" He chuckled, rubbing his head nervously. "I don't know what to say." He admitted with a shrug.
The doctor laughed back at him. "I wouldn't understand even if you told me. It's enough just seeing a miracle with my own eyes!" He assured with a broad smile. "It was worth waiting this long!"
Dart nodded, happy he didn't require details which Dart wasn't even a hundred percent sure about.
"In addition, I don't need any reward." He added as an afterthought. "Just end the war quickly." He nodded to himself. "Yep. That'll do."
Dart was more than happy to oblige with this request, so Dart thought it would be ok to give him the good news so far. "There is no more threat of the dragon." He wore a triumphant smile just thinking about what they'd accomplished. "The rest will be taken care of by King Albert soon."
"I see..." The doctor murmured. "Hmm, you defeated that dragon?" He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm…you could win your way through to a pretty good level." He thrust a finger into the air. "Wait! Not only that! You might be able to win the title of the strongest in the world!" He was far too excited about this idea.
Dart tilted his head to side some, cocking a brow in interest. "The strongest in the world?" He said blankly, a smirk coming to his lips. This sounded cool, whatever it was.
"Are you interested, huh?" He smirked like Dart, happy to draw another person into the contest which he so loved to watch. "Well, you are just in time for the Hero Competition!" He exclaimed, closed fists bursting open. "Daredevils are coming from all over the world to compete with their brawn and brains."
Dart looked from Lavitz, to Rose, and then lastly at Shana before letting his gaze fall back on the doctor. But he didn't expect Shana to enter. She was far too fragile.
The doctor nodded smugly. "If you are interested, go to the arena."
Dart nodded in anticipation, loving the idea of a little banter. "Let's go see about it guys." Dart hurried them on, shoving them out the door.
"I am looking forward to seeing the match." The doctor said after them, waiting the right amount of time before scurrying out the door himself to go and find a good seat in the arena.
Dart wandered down the stairs to where the swindling merchant had offered them the bottle. He then took the path to his left instead of the right which led to the exit of the quaint town.
As Dart led them on, they entered a narrower path with all sorts of items on the ground and strung about above them. There were a bunch of cages with little creatures in them set beneath an orange overhanging tarp, a sign reading 'Chipmunks' setting up on top of the tarp. To their left there were woven baskets, canisters of multiple food types, potions of blue, green, yellow, and even red, and larger packs to carry children on your backs. The roof was raised higher over these items, a green tarp covering them from weather. Upon a second glance Dart also saw there were multicolored triangle shaped pieces of clothe stretched all the way down the path.
Shana grabbed Dart's hand immediately upon catching sight of the furry creatures. "Oh, Dart!" She cried with life, dragging him over to the cages. "Look at the animals!"
Dart looked back at the other two who shrugged in indifference. Dart was the one who wanted so badly to join in on the competition.
Shana knelt down next to one cage, letting go of Dart to stick her hand through the bars of the cage to touch the animal gently.
The animal by now was used to the attention and eagerly went toward her hand, rubbing lovingly up against her skin while making a clicking sound.
Shana giggled sweetly, scratching the creatures head without too much force. "It's so cute!" She cried to Dart, looking back at him over her shoulder for a reaction.
Dart smiled in amusement, unable to exactly disagree with her. He had loved them a lot himself when he had been young. Even now he could say they were pretty endearing. "Yeah, chipmunks never do lose their sweetness." Kind of like you, Dart almost said, stopping as Shana spoke instead.
"Yeah!" Her smile widened further. "Do you remember when we used to have one?" She stared deep into his eyes with hope, pulling her hand back to clasp them together at her chest. She always did love to hear him say he still held on to parts of their past.
Dart nodded. "Uh-huh. I also remember how you let it get away one day." He teased, poking her nose in playfulness.
Shana scrunched up her nose, shaking her head some. "I did not!" She quipped right back, hitting him in the arm gently as she smiled with unbound life.
Dart chuckled at her, staring into her eyes as he reached his fingers through the bars to pet the chipmunk. He used only his fingers because his hand was too large to fit unlike Shana's petite hands.
The chipmunk rubbed up against him like he had Shana, enjoying the feel of his rough skin because it reminded him of the dirt he'd rolled around in before being caged.
"But it really was an awful pet." Shana giggled. "Way too hard to keep up with."
Dart took his hand back, watching her with delight. He was beyond pleased to be able to see her smiling face again after the scare she'd given him earlier.
Shana smiled right back at him, hoping that he would say something sweet like Lavitz would have. But, deep down, she was laughing at herself for being so incredibly stupid. He wasn't Lavitz, not at all.
Lavitz tugged at his sleeves nervously, not sure of what to do back here with Rose. "So…"
"Don't even try." Rose said flatly, expression remaining bored as she twirled her hair in her fingers.
Lavitz lowered his gaze down to the dusty ground, sighing miserably.
And Dart didn't do what Lavitz might have. Instead he rose back to his feet, brushing his pants off as he spoke, "But we have to get to the arena right now. I wouldn't want to miss out on the competition."
Shana sighed similar to Lavitz, picking herself up and dusting herself as well. Now as she stared at Dart her eyes were void of life, a sadness in them that she knew Dart would miss.
Lavitz frowned, feeling sorry for her for the millionth time since they'd met. He moved over to her without thinking. "It'll be fun." He insisted, giving her a bright smile.
Shana wanted to believe it, but she was finding it difficult at the moment. "Maybe…"
He offered her his hand.
Shana thought about it a moment, her hand lingering above his, before shaking her head in the negative. "No…not right now." She walked ahead of Lavitz then, taking her place next to Dart.
Lavitz sighed again, feeling so unlucky.
Dart frowned faintly as he noticed Shana's slightly slumped figure. "You ok?"
Shana instantly perked, smiling a wide half real smile spreading back across her face. "Fine!" As long as he thought she was happy she'd be alright. For now…
As they went further Dart saw a short stand that reminded him of the ones in Hoax with a kid standing in it with a large smile on his face. A few other stands of similar design to the first ones were ahead selling wheels, boards for building, and material for knitting clothing of one's own design.
At the end of the stretch there was a large sign set above the opening to the arena which read, 'Carnival.' Dart chuckled at this as they passed under it, thinking of how Shana would love it.
The ground inside the incredibly high reaching tent was harder than the more natural dirt outside as well as a darker tint. But other than that Dart didn't have much to say that was negative. As a whole he was quite impressed with how the place was put together and found that it was intriguing to look around at the place.
There were booths of a wooden construct tightly packed together all around the outer ring of the tent. Each one had something different to contribute. There was one with three men who sat on the inside with strange hats on, another with many holes in a raised platform as well as a handful of props meant for hiding something behind, and another he saw was one with moveable furniture meant for what he believed to be 'Find the differences' or something or another.
And those were just the ones he bothered looking at as he raced to find the booth that would sign him up for the hero competition. He couldn't be bothered to look at any others. The only other thing that sunk in as he approached what he thought to be the right booth was that there was a wooden track which rolled like hills up over the booths. As he thought more about it it looked to be a racetrack of the sorts for some creature. This guess was solidified as he saw a red strip of clothe with finish scribbled across it being held up by two polls on the track.
"Hey!" Cried the person at the stand he slowly approached. "Can I help you?" The person wore an unmatchable smile of excitement as she waved to them. She wasn't even sure if they were headed to her, but she brought it upon herself to get the attention of as many people as possible for the event.
Dart nodded, settling himself against the booth which was strangely the only one he'd seen this far on the inner loop of the tent next to a pair of stairs leading downward.
The woman, Ginger, hurried to stand erect and explain what this was all about. "So, you're a fighter then!" She cried, unconsciously nodded fervently out of habit. "Well, if any of you people are live fast die young types, and want to test your courage, step up and fill out the application!" She clapped her hands together, shuffling to find the right papers.
Dart looked at everyone as he waited for her to find what she needed and tell him more.
She pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of a stack of already filled out applications, thrusting it at him. "But…!" She warned, wagging a finger. "My advice to those of you who are feeble, cowards, or have cold feet…don't register." Her eyes narrowed and mouth curved into a deep frown as she tried to create a spooky atmosphere. "I guarantee you will die."
Rose rolled her eyes at this hyperactive woman, hating how she pretended it was a big deal because she was required to do so. It was just sad and totally ineffective for Rose.
Rose's point was further proved as the woman instantly perked, jumping off the ground some. "So you'll register now?" She squealed in excited hopefulness.
Dart grinned wickedly, clenching his fist in front of his face. "We'll participate."
Ginger clapped her hands together again. "That's my man!" She then slapped him on the shoulder softly. "And, who will be participating?" She scanned them over, immediately eliminating Shana from the possible candidates list.
Dart put his fist to his chest. "Of course I am." He could hardly wait for this to begin. "Hey Lavitz." He turned to him, gigantic smile on his lips. "Don't go easy on me." He chuckled.
Lavitz frowned, shaking his head. "I'm not participating." He crossed his arms in defiance, half sorry.
Dart started. "What? Why not?" He couldn't grasp the reason behind this.
Lavitz sighed, explaining. "I am a Knight of Basil. I am not eligible to participate in these kinds of competitions." Most people knew this, but he supposed Dart not being around for five years or so had made it so he wasn't as aware of these things as most people would be.
Dart looked to Rose with less hopefulness, grin slipping into an almost pleading look.
Rose, unlike a lot of women, would not be persuaded. "I won't either." She confirmed what Dart had known would be her answer. "I don't like the word dude." She used as her reason.
Dart sighed, shoulders slumping some.
Rose didn't particularly like the dejected look on his face and found herself making a half joke. "Besides, it'll spoil the competition if I participate. I'm too good." She smirked, hoping this would make him laugh a little.
Shana knew what he'd say if she offered to enter, so she just offered encouragement. "Good luck!" She cheered, throwing her hands into the air some. And besides…she didn't want to fight when she didn't have to.
"We will be watching from up there." Lavitz pointed to the arena stands which reached halfway up the space of the tent and was what this booth leaned against.
Rose was the first to start off to go and look for the way into the stupid arena, Shana following shortly after and then Lavitz last.
Lavitz dawdled behind even more as he thought to turn about and tease his friend one last time. "Don't embarrass yourself in front of Shana." He laughed.
Dart waved his words away, unable to keep himself from smiling when Lavitz teased him and even more so when the subject was his relationship with Shana.
As their laughter ceased Lavitz also remembered one other crucial detail. He needed to run back to dart for this one too so he could whisper in his ear. "Just don't turn yourself into a Dragoon. It'll create a big mess." He shuddered at the thought.
Dart grimaced also at the images which filled his head. "Don't worry." He promised, moving a step away from them. "I'll crush 'em all without it!" He grinned wickedly.
Lavitz grinned in amusement at Dart's enthusiasm before he went to hurry and catch back up with the other two. "I know!" He yelled back over his shoulder as he disappeared around the corner.
Ginger wished she could have heard what they'd whispered about, but she pretended to be as perky as ever as Dart snapped to attention. "When you are ready, go to the waiting room!" She instructed him, pointing animatedly down the stairs. "We'll be waiting for you!"
Dart nodded, eagerly heading down the stairs the moment he filled out the paper to get a glimpse of his competition. Heck, he even admitted that it would be fun to impress Shana without any real pressure of getting killed. It was just a game after all.
As he descended the stairs a deep voice filled with fury reached him, making him look from the ground in interest.
"What!" the voice snapped. "Say that again old geezer!" He dared the older looking man in front of him. Hey…was that…
The old man laughed, speaking gruffly. "Martial abilities mature along with the spirit." He smirked at what he was saying. "You have such an immature spirit. You are not a match for me." It was that simple.
The warrior opposing him seethed in rage, whole body shaking as he clenched his fists tight. "Urrggghh! I can't stand it anymore!" he pulled his weapon out swiftly, a desire to hurt the old man gleaming in his eyes. "I'll settle with you here!" And he launched himself at the man.
The old man yawned boredly, slipping effortlessly to the side before knocking the warrior clear off his feet with a blow to the stomach by nothing more than his fist. What was even more impressive to dart was the fact that the warrior appeared to be out cold now too. "I told you so." He chuckled to himself, wiping his hands together. "You have to respect old people."
Dart knew then that this must be him. "Haschel!" He called out, jumping off the last few stairs to stand before the old man.
Haschel was a man of his sixties, eyes a purple shade, wrinkled skin darkened to the point it was nearly black, eyebrows dark and thick just like his mustache above his upper lip, and his hair was jet black and slicked back.
As far as his clothing went he wore a mostly purple short sleeved shirt with thick white outlines on the collar, end of the sleeves, and on the bottom of the shirt. His pants were the same purple, a white and gray lower leg guard shoe combo covering the bottom portion. Around his waist a red clothe was tied to match the thin red twisted band around the center of his forehead. Lastly he had gloves of black and purple with strange white designs on them. He was just as Dart remembered.
Haschel perked some, half expecting another punk. "Oh?" He muttered, looking at Dart expectantly before it too dawned on him. "Oh! It's you Dart!" He grinned from ear to ear.
Dart shook his head in amusement, smiling first at Haschel's victim and then Haschel himself. "You'll never change." He chuckled.
Haschel shrugged, grinning faintly down at the unconscious warrior. "Well, I taught him some courtesy." He nodded. "That's all." Haschel then went to surveying Dart as he had allowed Dart to do to him. "Hmm...you...have become tougher since the last time I saw you." He decided.
Dart moved his hand slightly toward Haschel to indicate him. "You too, Haschel. You look even stronger."
Haschel belly laughed. "Even if you flatter me, I won't go easy on you!" He warned him, wagging a finger at Dart.
Dart chuckled, nodding. "I know." He sighed. "I missed you, man."
Haschel nodded in return.
"Talking to you reminds me of our journey together." Dart thought back. As he drifted he raised a hand to his chin.
Haschel frowned slightly, also thinking back. "That reminds me…what happened to…that black whatchamacallit?" He couldn't for the life of him recall what Dart had said it was after such a long time apart.
Dart went to correct him as well as explain all he'd been through when the sound of that strange woman from the booth reached him. So instead he looked to her as she ran up through one of the two doors leading out to the arena.
Ginger threw her hands up into the air enthusiastically. "Hey hey hey hey hey hey!" She cried repeatedly until all eyes, irritated eyes, were on her. "Gents! The time has come to decide the strongest in Endiness!" That annoying smile of hers was spread across her face again as she speedily said all this. "So enter the arena when you are ready!" And she was gone again.
All the other contestants filed out of the tiny wooden room shortly after. The last to leave was a silver haired man who appeared to Dart to have a composure akin to Rose's.
Haschel rolled his eyes at her, turning back to Dart. "Don't lose before our match!" He laughed, not waiting for Dart's ok before he turned back away from him and spoke to himself. "This is it." He whispered, fist clenched in front of his face. "Here I come!" Then he too was racing out.
Dart took a bit longer, stretching some to be sure he didn't cramp up out there and make a fool of himself. And, even though he didn't think he took too long, by the time he felt ready an attendant was standing by the entrance.
The person was dressed in a green robe, smile just as cheesy as Ginger's. "It's time for the first round." He said to Dart as if he needed to be reminded. "Are you ready?"
Dart nodded, making a face at the guy's garb.
As impossible as it sounded the attendants smile grew even more. "Are you tensed up?" He pressed, leaning in for a moment to get a good look before straitening again.
Dart raised a brow at the odd man's behavior, smiling nervously.
The attendant saw his uncomfortable look, taking it as fear of the battle. "Don't worry! It's natural when this is your first time." He waved his hand to get rid of any worry he thought Dart possessed. "So take it easy!" He stepped to the side to allow Dart through.
Dart chuckled softly to be polite. However, he mouthed 'wow' as soon as he passed the man up and he could not see him.
"Oh!" The attendant cried. "And remember! All you gotta do is pin 'em down or beat 'em till they can't get up! Kind of like a checkmate in chess, only with swords and fighting!"
As he entered he was hit with a wave of noise loud enough to bust his eardrums. He had never heard anything so loud aside from the serpent in the cave. So he instinctively went to plug his ears as he walked to face his first opponent.
The man opposing him, Gorgaga was it? He was wearing golden armor covering every inch of his body but his face. Upon his head and running down his back was a fox skin, his shoulder plates were darker with spikes, and he brandished a large ax in his hands.
"Here." The man snickered, drawing from his pocket a powder. "It's my way of welcoming you! Take this!" Then he launched the substance at Dart.
Dart was not quick enough to dodge, face getting hit dead on with the icky substance. It even made him cough profusely. "What the-" he rubbed crazily at his face. "Is this poison!" He coughed some more. "That's foul play!"
Gorgaga laughed maniacally, holding his stomach with a hand. "Winning is winning!" He insisted, charging.
Dart may have been hurt, but the boos that rained down from the stands helped him to work through it. Besides, he'd just find Shana and have her purge the poison for him after he took care of this cheating bastard. "You won't win!" He snarled, stumbling a bit as he aimed for the brute.
Gorgaga was one of those men who didn't bother with dodging and was all about first hits being what won matches, so he didn't alter his path in the least. He raised his ax up high in the air, his armor clanking as the distance was closed between them.
Dart used this to his advantage. He slowed as he got up close in order to jump back from the ax once it dug deep in the earth and then hop like a frog over Gorgaga's shoulders.
Gorgaga went to spin around and throw his ax at Dart again. As he did so he found he was immobilized because his ax was stuck hard in the ground.
Once at his back Dart slammed his sword backwards in case spinning around would take too much time, feeling the resistance of bone and flesh.
Gorgaga kept his hands tightly clenched around the handle of his ax even as he fell to his knees. His body was even trembling as he felt his breathing became strained.
Dart knew that this was not meant to be a battle to the death and as such tried not to torture the obviously untrained man too much. Instead he ended it quickly, jerking the man back up by his neck before thrusting his sword a mere centimeter from his neck. "It's over."
Gorgaga's eyes widened to the extreme. He was so afraid that he might actually die that he didn't dare move or attempt a trick. He wasn't ready for this kind of combat.
"End match!" Dart heard the voice of one of the match supervisors exclaim about his fight.
Upon hearing this he released the frightened youth opposing him. He then fell to his knees as the poison ate away at his system. He even felt his body trembling despite his will.
"Now get out!" The same person barked to the loser of the match as he ran over to Dart's side. "Come on." He said gently, pulling Dart up to his feet. "We have to treat you."
Dart let him take him out of the arena and back into the waiting room to be tended to. Although he didn't see what this man could do when Shana's poison could only be purged by the Dragoon Spirit.
The man set him down in a chair once in the room, hurrying off to grab something before returning a minute later.
As Dart waited he clutched at his chest. The pain was growing unbearable.
"Don't worry." The man insisted, popping the cork on the bottle in his hand. "Just drink this and you'll get better in a few moments." He even smiled at Dart.
Dart frowned deeply at the man as well as raised a brow in suspicion.
"Trust me." He handed Dart the bottle. "Your poison isn't as severe as a dragon's, so it's easily cured by medicine."
Oh, so he could tell Dart had faced dragon poison before. And there actually was a difference. Upon hearing the good news Dart took the bottle in his shaking hand, tipping it up to his lips and chugging it down greedily.
The man smiled again as he watched Dart drink, saying one last thing. "Your match is being delayed a couple of minutes to let the cure take effect. Just go out when you're ready." Then he went to wait at his post.
Dart nodded, not caring that the man didn't see as he left.
Dart soon felt his head clearing and a smile working its way back on his lips. He sighed in content. He could totally do this. And this time he'd be prepared for any dirty tricks these people had.
Dart jumped up from the seat excitedly, heading toward the attendant.
The attendant who had given him the cure turned with a grin on his face. "Even though he cheated it was still a great victory over Gorgaga. Are you ready for the second round?" He hoped so.
Dart nodded. "Yeah!" He clenched his fist before his face, smirk on his lips. "I can do this."
The attendant was pleased at this, choosing to evaluate him and his composure like he had the first time. "You have relaxed a little." He nodded to himself. "But still stiff. A deep breath…maybe isn't necessary. Here you go!" He cheered, stepping aside to allow him entrance.
The man Dart was facing now appeared much more honorable. He wore the wear of a knight, armor silver and covering all but his eyes which were blue. He also had a red fluff hanging on his head and pointed ear guards that reminded him of Rose.
But this man also didn't seem to be as poorly trained as Gorgaga.
Still Dart knew one way to definitely beat him. As he ran to meet swords with the man he saw that he was rather small despite his relaxed nature concerning the battle. But it would only work if he caught him off guard.
The opponent, Serfius, launched his sword at Dart's head with amazing strength.
Dart ducked down quickly, rolling to the side just as quickly when Serfius brought his sword straight down.
Serfius stopped his sword before it hit the ground and stuck. He then swung it to the side to follow Dart's path as Dart rolled and jumped to his feet into a run.
Dart slide like a baseball player aiming for a homerun to get low around Serfius and knock his feet out from under him.
Serfius had seen Dart's intent in his eyes and jumped at the right time to avoid the trip up.
However Dart too had anticipated this and swiftly went to grab Serfius's ankle from in the air to jerk him off balance. Then he flung him hard on the ground. And this time it worked.
Serfius fell hard on his back, grunting angrily. But he didn't freeze. He tried to hop up before he could be pinned.
Dart saw how his muscles tensed in preparation for a leap and flung himself on top of the man, slamming his sword up against the armor of his neck and holding hard.
Serfius struggled to wriggle free, swinging his sword up to cut Dart's flesh in a last attempt.
Dart kicked Serfius's hand as hard as he could. He smirked as he sent the man's weapon flying across the arena and left him utterly defenseless. In a real battle Serfius would be dead nw.
"End match!" Dart heard for the second time, the cheers flying down from the stands to hit him. Only this time the sound of them made him smile as he pushed himself up off of Serfius. He even found himself unable to keep himself from waving his hands above his head in acceptance of the praise.
Dart was getting cockier the more people he beat. He chuckled. Shana would say this would be his downfall. But he shook her words off, approaching the attendant for the third time.
The attendant was animated, clapping his hands together. "Your chances are very good because you defeated Serfius! Are you ready for the third round?" He really didn't think he had to ask.
Dart nodded fervently. "You bet!" His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Bring it on!"
The attendant was glowing. "You've warmed up haven't you?" He knew it was so just by Dart's expression. "Give it your best shot for your friends upstairs!" He indicated them. "Come on, let's begin!"
Dart's next opponent wore just as much armor as the others. His armor was red with gold designs, and he had a golden dragon scale cape as well as a set of tiny bird wings on each side of his neck. The only real difference though was that he was fat. Very, very fat. Dart would not be able to use the same treatment on Danton as he had Serfius. He'd have to come up with something else.
Danton smirked evilly beneath his thick armor. As he stood firm he swung his hammer through the air threateningly. "Bring it!"
Dart smirked the same as Danton. He was ready for this. So as he gripped the handle of his sword with all his might he launched into a full out run.
Danton, unlike the first two, didn't move. He remained planted to the spot, chuckling darkly.
Dart barely thought anything of Danton's immobility. He was completely focused on knocking the oaf down with shear force.
As Dart closed in Danton took a step back and hurled his whole weight at Dart.
Dart bounced off his front like a ping pong ball, skidding across the dirt ground a ways.
Danton burst out laughing. A moment later he forced himself to stop in order to go at Dart. He awkwardly ran toward Dart with his hammer raised high over his head, ready to let it fall.
Dart scowled angrily at Danton as he lumbered forward. But he was in no danger. He quickly rolled to the side with plenty of time to spare before the hammer slammed on the ground.
Danton groaned in irritation. He then spun around with bad balance to face Dart's direction again.
Dart snorted at him, wiping his clothes off and inspecting his scrapes in the spare time.
Danton saw that Dart was mocking him which made a redness rise in his cheeks. "You!" He boomed, his body shaking as he charged at Dart.
Dart twiddled his thumbs as he waited for Danton to reach him. On the inside he was laughing because he knew this action would make Danton even madder and throw off his game.
Danton swung his huge hammer sideways at Dart, putting everything he had into it.
Dart ducked down and slammed his sword into Danton's leg. But it was far too heavily armored to cause pain.
Danton took this opportunity to fling his whole body square on top of Dart's to squash him flat.
Dart had just enough time to suck in a sharp breath and thrust his hand with the sword up in front of his face before he felt Danton's full weight on his small body.
The cheers from the stands intensified as the spectator's natural desire to watch others suffer kicked in. They were like a pack of bloodthirsty animals. The one difference was they only required the sight of others hurting, not the feel of it in their teeth.
Dart felt his breathing constrict as Danton's whole five hundred pounds compacted him like jelly in between two pieces of bread. He couldn't really move either. All he could do was repeat over and over in his head that he needed to get out.
The stone around his neck started to glow faintly as he thought this fiercely and he felt a surge of power.
The next thing he knew he was back on his feet and Danton was halfway across the arena. Still, he had managed to stop himself from transforming. Only the glow of the stone around his neck as his body trembled was an indicator of what nearly had been.
Rose, sitting crossed legged in the stands, raised a brow. She too had felt the surge and was sure that when he emerged he would have wings and be totally revealed. It was extremely impressive that Dart had enough will to force the power back within him while utilizing the first burst.
Danton's fingers twitched as he tried to tell his body to get back up and fight. "T-This can not be…" He breathed, instantly falling limp from the shock of the blow after the words passed his lips.
Dart looked up to the stands where all had grown deathly quiet. He was half afraid that he would be disqualified for what had just happened or booed or something. But none of that happened. After a moment of awed silence the arena burst to life with cheers of amazement and pleasure at seeing their now favorite contestant move right along in the ranks.
A bright grin spread across Dart's face as he let out a breath in relief, his natural want of attention taking over. He waved to all sides as he walked back into the waiting room. "Yeah…I've got this…" He whispered to himself.
About thirty minutes passed, making it the longest break so far, before the last four contestants started to file out the door. "Next is the semifinals!" The attendant explained to Dart since he was the last to leave. "Your match is with last year's champion, Atlow!"
Dart smirked, already formulating how he would end this one.
The attendant didn't know what to make of Dart's expression, but he tried to say what he saw fit. "The only thing I can say now is it's a game of chance! Good luck!"
Dart chuckled. Chance? Yeah, right. He would do this with pure skill.
Up in the stands around the bottom sat Lavitz, Shana, and Rose. They watched intently, hoping to varying extents that this would bode well for Dart.
"Do you think Dart will win this?" Shana said nervously, biting at her nails as she saw Dart enter the arena.
Lavitz chortled. "Like I said the last three matches – relax. He knows what he's doing." He leaned back some, hands behind his head.
Shana wasn't convinced. "Yeah, I know…but didn't you see the last round?" She jerked her eyes from Dart to look at Lavitz. "He nearly got crushed!" A shiver ran down her spine as she thought this out loud.
Lavitz sighed softly, trying his best to keep his attention on the match instead of her for once.
"But he didn't." Rose growled from Shana's other side, grabbing both their attention. "And honestly your worrying is spoiling the match." Rose said curtly, never once looking at them.
Shana looked with sad eyes at Rose's profile. She wondered how she remained so indifferent to people hurting each other when it wasn't necessary. For fun. "But…"
Lavitz moved an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. "Just watch."
Shana felt a slight blush creep up on her cheeks as she felt him pull her near. What was more was that he was obviously doing it to distract her from the battle. She didn't know whether to be mad or glad.
Lavitz laughed in his head as he saw her befuddled expression. As he amused himself he fully hoped this would have her occupied for a time.
"Oh!" Shana cried, pointing. "Dart got him!" She was worry free for the moment.
Lavitz chose not to say anything this time around.
"Go Dart!" Shana yelled with her hands cupped around her mouth.
"Yeah…go Dart…" Rose muttered sarcastically, not feeling the need to cheer like these other lunatics. If he won he won, that's all there was to it. No amount of cheering would change that.
Shana stayed pumped and bouncing up and down until she glimpsed an arrow hit Dart square in the chest. "Oh my God!" She squealed, jumping half a mile and wrapping her arms tightly about Lavitz as if this would help Dart. "See!"
Lavitz rolled his eyes. "Yeah…" After another minute he added, "And I also see Dart winning."
Shana slowly opened her eyes to make sure Lavitz was telling the truth. Although honestly she could already tell by how the shouts had intensified to an incredible level in the past few seconds. "Well…it's not so bad I guess." She muttered, untangling herself from him and scooting back over toward Rose.
Lavitz and Rose shook their heads simultaneously. "And he'll probably win first prize for you too." Lavitz thought to add with a soft smile. He wished he himself could win for her instead.
Dart strut triumphantly back into the waiting room to tell Haschel of the good news - that they would be able to face off! "Hey Haschel!" He waved at the old man as he sat. "At last we can meet in the final match!" He was grinning from ear to ear.
Haschel rubbed his head, chuckling. "Well...the world is still to be explored." He smiled shyly.
"No." Dart gasped in disbelief, wide eyed. "Did you lose?"
Haschel quickly scrambled to cover for himself, not wanting to look pathetic. "He was a tremendous sword master." He insisted with a fervent nod. "I think…his name was Lloyd or something." He frowned faintly, perking as a thought came to him. "Think of him as a test for yourself, and just do it."
Dart nodded, looking up as another man entered.
"Speak of the devil." Haschel muttered.
As Haschel confirmed this was indeed the man who had bested him Dart made sure to take in his appearance. Lloyd was a tall man with golden eyes, light skin only slightly darker than Shana's, and platinum hair.
His wear was much different than the other warriors. Whereas they had heavy armor Lloyd wore a sleeveless top that parted at the chest and had intricate white designs running all over it. He had black gloves that extended to just below his elbows, black boots that reached to just below his knees, and gray pants rolled up so they were above the boots. He also wore a pendant of the sorts with a peculiar mark on it. So different…
Dart thought he'd be an interesting opponent. "My name is Dart." He said with a smile, eager for the match. "We will meet in the final match. So let's have a good one."
Lloyd crossed his arms, looking intently at Dart. "Indeed." He muttered coolly. "I dedicate this match to what fate has in store for us." He allowed himself the pleasure of a faint smile.
"What…?" Dart started, brows furrowed at his choice of words.
Ginger ran up to one of the exits, waving her arms animatedly. "Here is the gong to determine the strongest! No time for holding back anymore! The crowd is on the edge of their seats!" And she was sprinting back into the arena again.
Lloyd promptly followed after Ginger at a slow pace, making sure to show how calm and collected he could be.
Haschel shrugged as Dart looked to him. "It comes from the heart, after all." He smiled.
The attendant in the green robe appeared another time as Dart started to leave, catching him off guard. "I am now one of your fans! Your way of fighting, sword use, defense, talking, everything is fabulous." He sighed contentedly. "Now the finals are next!"
Dart walked to the center of the arena, a smug smirk on his face as he stared with intensity at Lloyd and gripped his weapon tightly in anticipation.
Lloyd stood still, but not stiff, ready for any move, yet simultaneously at ease. And his expression was emotionless. He didn't give away any move he might make.
Dart sensed that Lloyd wasn't the type to make a first move and as such flew into a run, sword held back to strike.
Lloyd remained motionless all the while, seeming as if he might just let Dart hit him without trying.
Dart was slightly perturbed by this careless nature, but this didn't stop him from slicing his sword through the air at him.
At the last moment Lloyd smirked faintly and jumped swiftly just out of range. "Over here!" He jeered, still keeping his sword sheathed.
Dart started, surprised by his awesome speed. But he wasn't deterred. Dart charged at him with sword reared back and aimed just below his shoulders.
Lloyd leapt backwards, landing smoothly. "Missed." He taunted again.
Dart was beginning to get agitated by his pace and style of battle. It was one thing to taunt when you actually had the strength to back it up, but this guy only seemed able to dodge. How did Haschel lose?
As Dart swung for the third time Lloyd avoided him the same. His breathing was easy.
"He's too fast." Dart heaved to himself, shaking his head some. "I can't read his moves."
"It's pathetic." Lloyd said loud enough for Dart to hear. He then jolted forward into a head-on charge where he brandished his sword in the blink of an eye and smacked Dart higher into the air each time he hit him in the frenzy. As a finisher he slammed him down with the blunt end before bouncing back to his former place. "Humph."
Dart gasped in pain with each hit. He groaned especially loud as his head was smashed against the solid earth and his whole body was jolted.
Lloyd didn't think to strike as he was down. It wasn't in good taste. He just watched as Dart struggled back up to his feet.
Despite the blow, Dart was able to get back up quickly without much pain other than the places on his arms which had been ripped open. And he didn't hesitate a moment before he was flying at Lloyd once more, a fire in his eyes.
Lloyd chuckled lightly at Dart's determination. It was a quality he valued most in a person. In fact, it was one of his better qualities as well. It should be for everyone, and then more would get done.
Dart jumped into the air to perhaps catch Lloyd in the middle of escaping as he brought down his sword on the man.
Lloyd showcased his incredible preciseness and speed by waiting as long as was possible before flipping back out of the way for the millionth time. "Too slow!" He cried, that taunting smirk ever present.
Dart seethed. How was he supposed to win when he couldn't even touch him?
Lloyd shook his head at him. "You have no patience." Then he was on him again. He slashed him left and right into the air before slamming him down again and retreating.
Dart moaned loudly as his back arched and he felt the pain of a cut made through his armor on his chest. He gripped at the wound, trying his best to pull himself up off the ground. "That swordsmanship…" He murmured in amazed frustration. "It's humanly impossible!"
Lloyd wasn't one to brag, but that didn't change the fact he enjoyed such praises. "Indeed." He said to himself, relaxing as he anticipated Dart to stay on the ground. No man withstood more than a few hits from him. Or at least they knew better to stay down.
Dart forced himself up onto his knees, body trembling from the pain. "I will get up." He insisted, teeth gritted as he wobbled into an unsteady standing position. His sword was held loosely in his free hand.
Lloyd raised a brow in surprise. Interesting... "But not enough." He laughed softly, lifting his sword before he had moved for the first time in the match.
Dart mimicked him, eyes narrowed as he readied to meet him halfway.
"It's time." Lloyd decided, launching into a sprint to meet Dart.
Dart was racing just the same as Lloyd. But before he could do anything more than raise his sword up as he neared, it was already over.
In a blur Lloyd was on him, slicing him one good time through his stomach, and then he was behind him. Lloyd smiled to himself, standing up from his crouched position and wiped his hair from his face. "Humph." He acted indifferent, walking toward the exit before the match was even called.
Dart stood bent over for a moment, in shock, before the agonizing ache smacked him hard and he crumpled to his knees. And he knew he no longer had the strength to fight. His will was sapped dry as well since thinking too hard would trigger a transformation. And that would be worse than losing.
...
After being tended to, the three placers were hurried back out into the arena for what they called proper recognition. Ginger was the announcer as the three stood between two Serdian knights. "Here are the results of the annual Endiness Hero Competition!" She waved her arms about wildly as the cheers of the crowd intensified. "The victor is the Platinum-haired swordsman, Lloyd, the toughest and strongest man in all of Endiness!" Ginger directed her hands to Lloyd as the cheers grew louder still.
Lloyd barely reacted to the cheers, just stared up into the crowd as if searching for something.
"Second is Dart the 'Young Flame'!" She exclaimed, running over to the front of Dart to point him out as she had Lloyd.
Dart was a bit more enthusiastic about his place than Lloyd. He waved his arms at the crowd in acceptance of their cheers.
"And third place goes to Haschel, the 'Master of the Rouge Art'!" She ran over to Haschel's side the same as the other two.
Haschel thrust a hand into the air with pride, beaming. He didn't care if it was only third. It was still something to be proud of.
Once back in the waiting room Dart made sure to approach Lloyd, not at all bitter about his loss. "I was totally defeated." Dart chuckled, speaking to Lloyd's back for what he hoped would be only a moment.
Lloyd remained expressionless, turning about to face the second place holder. "You haven't reached your limits." He said simply with a small shrug. "You will be stronger. You will have to be."
Dart smiled widely at this. Such a thing coming from such a great warrior meant quite a bit to him. Heck, he had to be a good judge of character if he could fight so well. "Thanks."
Lloyd nodded faintly, looking to Haschel who stood idly beside Dart. "You too. You'll become stronger." He decided with one look.
Haschel laughed, waving the compliment away. "You flatter me."
The sound of footsteps echoed around the tiny space as someone descended the stairs at a fast pace. "Come out quickly." Lavitz cried, waving backward animatedly. "Everybody is waiting for you, Dart." He had honestly been waiting the most. That was why he was here now. "In particular, Shana!" He poked fun, nudging him in the side.
Dart playfully shoved him away, grinning despite himself.
Lavitz cleared his throat as he forced himself not to laugh, turning his attention to the platinum haired victor. "I watched your match with Dart." He pointed back to the arena. "I would love to have a match with you if this were a time of peace."
Lloyd scoffed at him, hand on his hip. "Sorry, but you are no match for me."
Lavitz grimaced faintly. "It's hard to take, but it must be true." He sighed in acceptance. "But someday, if we meet, please accept my challenge." His eyes were wide with hope before he thought to add as if it would seal the deal. "I'll be stronger too." He nodded firmly.
Lloyd frowned ever so slightly, looking to the ceiling before he brought his eyes back to Lavitz and decided, "I'll think about it." Then he dubbed the conversation over and promptly walked past Lavitz back up the stairs to the surface.
Dart stared until he could no longer see him, in awe of even the way he moved when out of combat. "It's not only you, Lavitz, who needs more discipline." He shook his head faintly, looking back to his friend. "I couldn't keep up with him either."
Haschel belly laughed at himself as he too agreed. "Me neither."
Lavitz perked at the sound of Haschel's voice, not having realized he was here as well. "You must be Master Haschel of the Rouge School."
"Oh!" Dart jumped to attention, hitting himself in the head lightly. "I didn't introduce you to everybody yet!" He was excited just thinking about it. "Why don't we go outside?" He motioned up the stairs, hurrying halfway up them before he twisted half of his body around to make sure they were following. "I want you to meet my friends."
Haschel stroked his chin, an amused smile forming. "Interesting…" He mused. "The lone wolf Dart has 'friends'? Let me see your friends!" He eagerly followed Dart. When he'd known Dart last he had had no friends. So he wondered who Dart's type was. This would be fun.
I actually reread this chapter before posting it, and wow. The fights suck! I don't know if it's because I had to not kill any of these characters or what, but I feel like they were really bad. x.x I hope that it isn't all of my fights in the book that are this bad. You'd tell me if they all sucked, right?
Well, I hope you liked it anyway. Lloyd has come! Dun, dun, dun! Please review! :)