Chapter 11 - Ultimate Challenge

The tournament went on, and the next three battles I was able to win with relative ease. I now knew that I would be accepted into this band of warriors, but I wanted to keep going. My arms ached and my legs felt exhausted, but I wasn't going to give up now. And then, my next opponent arrived in the ring.

'Jessie?' I enquired.

'Yes, I will be your enemy for this battle Rylian.' She was ready to fight, there was no doubt about that. Jaria stood on the sidelines as she had done for the past three bouts and stared intently at the battle, which was about to unfold between Jessie and myself. I could hear the silent voices of those watching. They didn't believe that I could win. But then, I never believed that I could win either.

'Let's go!' Jessie shouted and flew towards my position. I jumped out of the way and right into the air, high above the fighting ring. Suddenly she appeared above me, and sensing the quick surge of energy above my head I quickly ducked away from the incoming fist. Jessie moved with amazing speed as we levitated in the air, kicking and punching at my body. Although I wasn't able to touch her, I was at least able to defend her moves with some degree of comfort. Then, I spotted the slightest hesitation from my opponent, and I took my chance. I shimmed from my position straight around to her back, and using my two fists before she turned around hit her full force from behind. I heard the scream of pain and watched as her body fell quickly towards the ring, but I knew that it wasn't over yet. I had trained with Jessie for long enough to know what would be enough to put her out of commission.

I immediately threw my hands out and small beams of energy flew down towards her position on the ground. Although the bolts were small, they were of great numbers, and as a result very difficult to defend against. I could see Jessie below me, holding her arms over her body and using her energy as a barrier as I had done before in my training. However, I could feel the power draining from her. I had a chance to win, and I took it. I cupped my hands and felt the warm glow of the energy blast gathering in it, the same one that I had used against Jessie beforehand. Although I was able to use it at will now, I knew for a fact that it would drain all of my energy, and if Jessie was to escape unscathed. It would be over for me. But I had no choice.

As I was about to fire the beam, I had a thought that struck straight into my skull. I needed a name for this move! After all I had invented this beam myself. So as I threw my hands out in front of me I yelled at the top of my voice a phrase that would be used in many battles again:

'Kamehameha!!!'

And thus was born the Kamehameha. My beam flew straight towards Jessie and I could feel her body getting ready to defend herself. The explosion from the beam almost hit outside the ring, such was the severity of the blast, and people scattered below to get out of the way. And then, I knew I had won and I immediately stopped the flow of energy from my body. It was over, and I flew towards the ground at great speed, for I could see the battered body of my friend below me.

'Jessie!!!' I yelled as I hit the ground and started running. However, before I even got to her she was on her feet and clapping her hands. Her energy had not been completely depleted, and she had been able to cure herself.

'That was. incredible.!' she shouted as she clapped. I began to shy away but she grabbed me by the shoulder and moved me towards the crowd who were now moving back towards the ring.

'This boy has the power to defeat Kefka himself! In just four days he has bettered even me! With training he will destroy Kefka's entire empire!'

'Jessie!' shouted Jaria as she got onto the ring. 'Stop that!'

Jessie looked shocked as the old woman stepped up to her.

'You underestimate Kefka's true power Jessie. It is far too early to think of bringing him down. Even Rylian is nowhere near.him.'

Jessie looked down at her feet and sighed, at which point Jaria looked at me.

'Rylian, we would be most honoured if you would fight alongside us in our battle. We need to free our world. Would you be willing to help us in our cause?'

I looked up at the pale afternoon sky and smiled to myself.

'Did you even have to ask?'

Jaria laughed took my hand, shaking it vigorously.

'Welcome Rylian. Welcome to our world!'