The sun was blinding as she opened her eyes, the girl groaning. The grass crinkled as she pressed off of it to steady herself as she stood. She blinked, looking around her in confusion. The area was unfamiliar to her. It wasn't her bedroom where she remembered falling asleep last night. There was trees surrounding her on all side and... were those ruins over there? She groaned groggily, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and checking to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She wasn't of course. She checked herself. The clothes she was wearing yesterday? Her black school uniform, black leggings, and her shoes were all there. Same with her favorite scarf, embroidered with her name, Bee. Bee sighed, putting her head in her hands, confused on what the hell is going on. She starts at a noise to her right, the opposite direction of the ruins. Two armored men, one with a sword, the other with an axe. The girl panics and runs towards the ruins, stumbling occasionally along the way. The man with the sword points at Bee and they both give chase. She reaches the ruins and fumbles with the broken door, slamming it shut. The lock is pushed shut seconds later by the panicking Bee. She wipes some sweat off her forehead. The schoolgirl falls down a few of the stairs when the door buckles in slightly. She glances at the door in panic and runs down the stairwell.
It leads to an open room with a pedestal in the middle. On top of it is a beautiful sheathed katana, a black sheath with purple flowers all over it. The hilt is also purple with a breathtaking gold trim. The girl felt drawn to it, picking it up in her hands and drawing the blade. As she does, a burning sensation, like a flame just starting to burn, travels from her hands all over her body. She cries out but then it stops as soon as it came. Bee shook her head and drew the blade out. It was a pretty blade, with a black flame design traveling up the blade. She admires the blade, her breath stolen by the shear prettiness of the katana. She jerks around towards the entrance at the sound of a door being broken down. Bee looks at the blade in her hands and hold in front of her in a way she hopes was threatening. The two men from before come down the stairs with their weapons drawn. The swordsman takes one look at the sword and pales, motioning for the axe user to stay behind him.
He opens his mouth, holding his hands up in a placating way, "We aren't going to hurt you, girl. Please put that katana down. It's cursed."
Bee looks at him incredulously, obviously not lowering the katana. The swordsman sighs and puts his sword away, motioning his fellow to do the same. The frightened girl motions for him to elaborate.
He nods, "That sword is cursed by betrayal. It's flames consume all who use that sword. Though not many have been able to draw said sword. You are certainly unique."
Bee shakes her head in confusion, "C-cursed? Where the hell am I?" She demands in frustration, the sword in her hands shaking, black sparks flying out of the blade.
The man pales even more, "Girl please calm yourself. I will tell you whatever you want to know but please, calm yourself!" Bee closes her eyes, tears forming as she breathes in and out slowly as she sheathes the katana.
She opens her eyes, steeling herself, "Alright, I'm calm I think. Where am I? Who are you?" she trails off, motioning to the man to answer.
He nods, "You're in Regna Ferox, north of the country of Ylisse. These ruins incidentally are in the north of Ferox. I am Altan and my friend here is Arban. He's not a talkative one so I apologize if he doesn't do much besides grunting. What's your name, girl?"
Bee stiffens, hesitantly showing the name embroidered on her scarf. Altan nods, smiling politely. Arban grunts at him, motioning at Bee.
Altan blinks, "You're right, friend. We should bring you to the Khan. Our current Reigning Khan of Ferox, Khan Basilio might want to meet you, considering your ability to handle that cursed blade." Bee hesitates before nodding. Altan smiles reassuringly at her as the two men lead her out of the ruins.
"Arena Ferox is about half a days walk from here so we should be able to arrive before sundown," Altan kindly explains to the girl. She nods to him and continues breathing exercises as they walk. The three continue on towards the east.
Bee marvels at the sheer size of the arena before her, Altan chuckling at her reaction. Bee muses in her head that it's as large as the Roman Colosseum, were it not in its current state. Altan and Arban walk in casually past the armed guards. Bee nervously follows, glancing warily at said guards. One looks at her curiously but neither make a move to stop her. Bee sighs in relief and nervously plays with her scarf as the two men lead her up into the arena stands. She hears a booming laugh above her in what seems to be a VIP stand. Altan catches her when she stumbles in surprise on the stairs when she sees who's laughing. It's a big muscly dark skinned man with an eyepatch in well worn armor. He's laughing into his drink as he turns to face Bee and Altan.
"Altan, good to see you, my friend! And who have you brought me? Have you finally found someone to settle down with and are announcing your retirement?!" The man exclaims loudly, pouring himself more drink.
Altan coughs awkwardly, "N-no Khan Basilio, I'm not retiring and she's not mine. I found her over by the ruins. Yes, those ruins. She can wield that sword with no adverse effect." He nods to Bee. She gulps and nervously draws the sword. That burning sensation returns in full force and disappears just as quick. Bee suppresses a cry and holds the sword loosely in front of her. Basilio stands up in amazement.
"Lass, you've done something no one has done in years. Last time was... I think an Exalt of Ylisse? If my old brain isn't failing me now," Basilio laughs in amazement, continuing, "Do you have any skill with a sword, lass? Oh I should introduce myself. I am the current High Khan, Basilio. You are?"
Bee shuffles in place, nervously introducing herself, "I'm B-Bee. And uhh, I know a little about using a s-sword, Reigning K-Khan sir." The girl seems to be intimidated by Basilio. Basilio laughs, smacking her back enthusiastically, making her stumble a little.
Basilio grins mischievously, "I think you should head into the Arena. I wanna see what the second wielder of that sword can do." He gestures for Altan to lead her down. Bee panics, sheathing the sword, protesting as she is taken down to the Arena Proper. Breathing in, Bee tries to mentally prepare herself for the unwilling fight. She feels a pat on her head and she looks up at Altan, who smiles at her reassuringly. Bee breathes out and walks into the Arena. She looks around in amazement at the crowds cheering. She does a full circle, dumbfounded. She turns back to her opponent, Arban. He pulls out his axe and enters a fighting stance. Bee nervously pulls her sword.
AN:First chapter down woo