AN- The usual. I don't own anyone in here except Janus, Melissa and Egbert, and the only char I'd fight to keep is Janus. I'd also like to thank Rayfan, Dawnspirit, Squirrel Guy and Inaam07 for their reviews, as well as everyone who's reading my stuff.

Chapter 3: The Duel

Rayman was taking a break from his adventurous lifestyle by spending the day over at Globox's house. He was lying against a purple tree, telling a story to some of Globox's kids. Globox was sound asleep, snoring as some of his kids trampolined on his stomach.

"What happened next, unkie Wayman?" One of Globox's baby children asked him.

"Well, after I beat up that Hoodlum I got on his walking legs and stomped on the other ones!"
"Was it wike me stepping on fwogs in the wiver, unkie Wayman?"

Rayman smiled. "A little, yes!"
Rayman's story was cut short by the fluttering of high paced wings. Rayman turned in time to see Murfy fly into a tree. Rayman winced and pulled his dazed friend out.
"Muwfhy!" The Globox kids said, crowding around the Greenbottle.

"Oof!" Murfy said, shaking his head. "I gotta work on my landings!"

"Are you alright, Murfy?" Rayman asked. "You seem to be in a hurry!"
"Yeah," Murfy replied. "I've got a message for you, Rayman. Ly says that some Janus guy wants to see you in the Fairy Council."
The mention of the word "Janus" sent shivers down Rayman's spine. "Janus?" Rayman asked.
"Yep." Murfy said. "He's gonna burn down the forest if you don't come!"

"Globox, I gotta go!" Rayman said. "Globox?"
"What? Hm?" Globox said, waking up quickly. "What is it, Rayman?"
"I gotta go, Globox!" He said, running towards the Fairy Council.
"Bye Unkie Wayman!" Globox's kids said as Rayman ran out of sight.

Rayman had visited the Fairy Council several times before, but it felt foreign to him that day. He didn't know how to describe his feelings; he felt uneasy and worried about what might await him when he opened the door. Before he could enter it, however, the door opened automatically.
"Enter, Rai' Muana!"
Standing in the center of the Council building was a tall, gaunt man. He had long, brown hair and wore a mottled purple cloak. He carried a thin bladed sword in a scabbard by his side and a golden amulet around his neck.

"Janus." Rayman said.
"Correct, Rai' Muana." Janus replied. "I have waited for a long time to avenge myself upon you for what you have done to me!"
"What have I…"
"Search within yourself, Rai' Muana!" Janus spat. "Unfortunately, you will die before you figure that out." At that, Janus unsheathed his sword and charged at Rayman.

Rayman was surprised at Janus' ferocity; he charged at him like a whirlwind, swinging his blade like a deadly windmill. Rayman dodged nimbly several times, narrowly avoiding being impaled on Janus' sword. Finally, Janus pressed Rayman into a corner.
"Now you die, Rai Muana!" Janus sneered, pressing his sword against Rayman's heart.

"Not so easily I don't!" Rayman yelled defiantly, hitting Janus in the jaw with his fist. Janus reeled back, stunned, allowing Rayman to hit him in the stomach with a charged fist, flooring his enemy.
"Yes!" Rayman cheered. His cheer died on his lips, however, as Janus rose to his feet.
"That stung a little." Janus said, blinking. He quickly followed by slashing at Rayman, who couldn't completely dodge in time. He winced as Janus' sword gashed his side.
"I'm not done yet!" Rayman yelled, lunging at Janus. He fired several fists at his enemy, all of which were blocked by Janus' sword. He then fired two curved shots at Janus. He quickly blocked both of them, laughing at Rayman.
"It's been fun, Rai' Muana!" He laughed. "Unfortunately, I can't be bothered with you anymore." Saying this, Janus lifted his amulet and pointed it at Rayman. A bolt of purple energy suddenly struck the hero in the chest, stunning him. This was followed with more bolts that were fired by a laughing Janus.
"Now, Rai' Muana, although I love to see you in pain, I must end this now. Goodbye!" The amulet suddenly glowed with an evil energy. Rayman felt an extreme pain as a green light enveloped him. That was the last thing Rayman remembered before he blacked out.