Chapter 8: Training
After departing from the warriors, the Vagabond Knight and Interceptor took their own path and headed deep into the forest. Not caring about the path ahead of them, they continued walking, through anything and everything that came in their way. As the day sun was blanketed by the stars of the night, the two had come upon a small village. They turned to their sides, and saw very few people walking around.
"Such a desolate place…"
Interceptor nodded his head in agreement, but as they walked into the village, and noticed a small gathering of people near an angel statue, they approached it. Getting closer, they saw a blonde, blue eyed man in red armor, holding a sword and standing victoriously, as he stood over a fallen man, with a nasty cut over his arm, and the crowd clapped and marveled at this man.
"Is there not another man who believes he can stop me?" he boasted.
Interceptor slightly nudged Shadow's leg with his nose, telling him to fight. Shadow stepped through the crowd, and stood in front of him, as the blonde haired man stayed focused on him.
"Another man who thinks he can take me on…"
"…"
"The silent type eh? What makes you think you're any different from the man they just dragged out of here?"
"I will be the one standing after this…"
"Hm…such confidence. Tell me something, what is your name?"
"Shadow."
"The…The Vagabond Knight?!"
"Heh…My reputation precedes me…"
"All my life I awaited for a challenge worthy of me… then I heard of a tale… a tale of a man…no… this thing was to heartless and cold to be a man. This thing that was a master swordsman, and killed anyone who even looked at him the wrong way… And now, here you stand before me…"
"…"
"My name is Clyde…"
"I didn't ask for it…"
"Just thought you should know the name of the person who is taking you down!!"
Lunging forward with all his strength, Clyde slashed his sword, as it came down at Shadow's side, missing him by half an inch.
"Don't let all those victories get to your head…"
Shadow ducked down, and jabbed Clyde's stomach with his sword's handle. He gasped out for air, and then Shadow ducked, kicked the back of his legs, and caused him to collapse. Clyde opened his eyes slightly, and then twitched his head to the side, as Shadow's sword came down, causing a small hole where his head was. Clyde looked into Shadow's eyes, and saw the nothingness. Saw the cold and bitterness inside of him. Clyde kicked Shadow's side, and jumped up with his sword in his hand. He slashed his sword ferociously at Shadow, struggling to break through his parries. As their swords clashed, a spark emerged from both swords, as Clyde was thrown back, kicked in the stomach, and thrown to the ground, hitting it with his back. He lifted his head, but his jaw was kicked by Shadow, then his sword was held at his throat. A simple thrust would have killed him instantly.
"Finish….it…" muttered Clyde as his teeth were covered in blood.
"Underestimating your enemy in battle is the worst thing you can do. Keep up at your pace, and your own boastfulness will lead to your demise…"
Shadow pulled away his sword, and turned his back, and walked through the crowd, as they parted in two to make way for this Vagabond Knight. Interceptor woofed then ran to his master's side.
"You know Interceptor…I think I'll train here for a while…"
The moon shined upon them both, as if they were part of the stars in the sky. Shadow climbed the roof of a dilapidated house, not caring whether the roof would cave in, taking him with it. Interceptor whined slightly, not being able to jump up next to him, as his ears perked up and began running into the forest.
"Interceptor…?"
After breaking away from the other group, Cyrus left Albrook heading west for a town called Dorter, known for its excellent armaments. At mid day, he had reached the town, and saw what he heard was true. It was a very busy town, people moving left and right, and the famed colloseum visible from the outskirts of town, only not noticeable to Cyrus, for his eyes were focused on weapons. He entered the shops, and looked around, seeing weapons shops galore, sword smiths, and all sorts of gauntlets and accessories any knight would need.
"Sweet mother… I'm in heaven…"
Like a child surrounded by candy, Cyrus's eyes hardly blinked, staring at all the weapons and accessories, not knowing which ones to buy. Too distracted by the items, he accidentally bumped into an old man, knocking him down to the ground. The old man began shaking, and twitching, as if he were being shocked.
"I'M SORRY SIR! PLEASE, DON'T HURT ME!!" he cried out.
"Hurt you…?" asked Cyrus, with a puzzled look on his face. "Why would I hurt you?"
"You aren't one of those barbarians from the coliseums?"
"Coliseum?" questioned the knight, extended his hand and lifting the old man up form the ground.
"Yes. Right there, that huge monument." responded the old man, pointing at the large stone arena. "That is where there are daily tournaments. It only lasts a couple of weeks, but we always have newcomers from places all over the world. I thought you were one of them, by your armor and sword…"
"Well, I'm not now in the coliseum, but I am joining… are there any prizes?"
"Of course! If you win a certain amount of times, you can choose any weapon from any store, for free! But beware if you enter, the strongest warriors from all over the world enter the tournament."
"Thank you for the information, sir."
"Take care of yourself."
The old man continued on his way, and Cyrus headed for the arena. After signing up for it, he was scheduled in three days. Patiently, he waited, just browsing the town, to know what shops interested him most. Finally, it was time for his fight, as he stood behind wooden doors, which would lead to the arena. He peered from the window, and saw the stadium, and the thousands of people waiting to see a fight. A man was seen in the middle of the arena, and the crowd was silenced.
"IN THE LEFT CORNER!" he announced. "A KNIGHT FROM ALBROOK, USING HIS SWORD, THE 'DRAGON FANG', AND FIRST YEAR IN THE COLISEUM… GIVE IT UP FOR…. CYRUS!!!"
The crowd rose up and applauded as Cyrus headed for the arena. Slightly blushing from their response, stepped on one side of the arena, and awaited his opponent.
"IN THE RIGHT CORNER! A NINJA FROM THE TOWN OF TIRA! THIRD YEAR IN THE ARENA, GIVE IT UP FOR THE ASTOUNDING, THE BEAUTIFUL… ANGELA!!"
A woman stepped out from the door, which was on the far right corner, and the crowd raised and boomed with applause, making Cyrus's seem like a whisper. The woman stepped into the arena, not so far across from Cyrus, wearing a purple Gi, similar to Lucia's, only it was purple, and exposed more of her body.
"FIGHTERS MAY COMMENCE WHEN READY!" and with that said, the man quickly rushed away from them.
"I never would have thought that my first opponent would be so cute…" complimented Cyrus, as he took out his sword.
"Oh…You think I'm cute…?"
"Nah... more like beautiful…"
"Care to take a closer look…?"
"Really…?"
"Yes… WHEN YOUR ON THE FLOOR!"
As quick as the wind, she rushed forward and kicked Cyrus's stomach, kicked his right ribs, then jumped off the floor, and gave him a quick kick in the face, causing him to fall back onto the ground.
"Ahhh…your strength… I can feel it… all your hits are going through… my armor…" he said in pain, lifting himself forward.
"Please… I expected more from a 'knight.' What a joke."
He clasped his sword, and ran towards her, blocking all the pain, and focusing on his opponent. He swung his sword in a complete left to right, horizontal slash, as she repelled with her katana, then swung at his feet. Cyrus leaped up, placed one foot on her shoulder, then jumped behind her, and kicked her spine, causing her to fall, but she pushed herself, and with all he strength, kicked Cyrus's chest, as he just collapsed on the ground. Recovering as quick as he could, he stood and stared at her. The pain was too much for him to bear, and soon he would fall unconscious. With the last of his energy, he ran at her once again. Angela swung her katana vertically, but Cyrus side stepped quickly, and ran right past her. As she began to turn around, he lifted his sword, and with all his might, swung his sword and struck the back of her head, with the flat part of his sword, causing her to lose conscious, and fall over. The fight had ended.
"AND CYRUS IS THE WINNER!!"
The crowd once again applauded as the newcomer had won his battle. Cyrus limped over to where Angela was laying on the ground, as he bent over and helped her up slightly, as she began to open her eyes.
"Nice…match…" she muttered.
"Thanks…" he said, lifting her up and setting her on her feet.
"I was too full of myself… I need to start training some more… I hope I see you again… Cyrus… "
She walked back towards whence she came, to exit the coliseum and off to where she came from.. Cyrus looked at her walking away, as he turned and walked back to the inside of the coliseum to clean himself up, and prepare for his next match.
After breaking away from the group, Frog was walking through the forest, following no path whatsoever. He decided to split away from the paved road, knowing the looks he would receive from people that would see him, an overgrown frog. Continuing in his path, he stepped on weak ground, and fell through an opening in the floor, and fell into a cave.
"Ribbit…What… What be this…"
He pulled out the Masamune, preparing himself incase anything would come out and attack him. Observing around him, he noticed that it was just a small room, with steps leading to the top. There were plenty of cobwebs on everything, meaning it has been abandoned for some time.
"This be'th the perfect place… tis secluded from the outside, and enough room to practice my skill in swordplay."
Frog had found his area to train, in perfect solitude.
After breaking away from the group, Lucia headed east, towards a small village called 'Truce.' Walking down the sand covered road, from afar she saw a young woman running towards her, with her face buried in her hands. As Lucia approached her, she heard her crying.
"Hey… is there something wrong?" Lucia asked.
"What? No… No I'm not… I never will be… "
"What's wrong?"
"WHAT DO YOU CARE!?! YOUR JUST LIKE THEM!"
"Like who?"
"Them… The ones I ran away from…"
"Where are you headed to right now…?"
"I don't know… I'm so lost…"
"Don't you have any friends…or family?"
"No…"
Lucia stared at the weapon at the woman's side, and was quick to ask about it.
"That weapon… who gave it to you…?" Lucia asked.
"A Sorcerer… he said it was called the Slasher… or something…"
It had become clear who this woman was. She was one of the chosen ones, the one that she was to meet. A Blade Master made the Slasher; it was a very light, but strong katana, which was made of a very strange black metal.
"Where are you heading to?" questioned Lucia once again.
"I… don't know… I'm just running is all…"
"Well… would you like to join me?"
"Join… you?"
"Yes. I'm just traveling around looking for a place to train. I am meeting up with my friends in a year… I'm sure they would love to meet you."
"I won't be bothering you…?"
"Of course not!"
"Th…thank you." Said the woman bowing her head softly. "My names Claribel."
"Mine is Lucia. Nice to meet you."
Claribel followed Lucia to her next destination, as Lucia planned a way to tell this woman of her fate.
After breaking away from the group, Patricia took no road, but followed the side of the river. If hunger struck her, she would easily shoot an arrow through the water, striking down a fish. She kept walking for hours until the sun began to set, and she saw a cabin in the distance. Entering it, she looked around and saw a bed, and a fireplace, in a rather confined room, with a rug right at the entrance. Not noticing that the fireplace had already been lit, she leaped onto the bed and closed her eyes, for her walk had exhausted her. She slept soundly for hours, until her eyes opened, by the sound of someone opening the door. She readied her crossbow and prepared to release an arrow to the one trying to get in. The door opened, and an old man stepped into the cabin, as she released her arrow. Catching it, he moved his eyes over to the bed.
"Who are you…? What are you doing in my house…?" he said.
"Oh… I'm sorry! I didn't realize someone was occupying this… I'm sorry…" she apologized, as she hopped out of the bed, readying to get out.
"No no, its fine young lady…" he said. "Rest, its what beds are for. I'll let you stay for tonight and for as long as you want."
"No, I couldn't intrude…"
"It's fine… but on one condition. Are you any good with that crossbow?"
"Me? Well…yes."
"Maybe after your done resting, you can show me your skill. It's been long since I've met another archer. Where I came from, I was the greatest archer of all the land!"
"Oh really? How about I show you my skills now?"
"Very well, miss. I'll even teach you a thing or two."
They both stepped out of the cabin, and Patricia followed him to his training grounds, where she will practice her archering skills.
After breaking away from the group, Locke decided he would train in his grandfather's old shelter. He held the Mekki-Maru, and closed his eyes. He made two quick vertical slashes, spun around and slashed once more, dropped down to the ground and pierced through the tree. He jumped up and continued frantically slashing the daggers, until the tree was nothing but sawdust. He sat on a nearby rock, and looked up at the clear, blue sky.
"I wonder how Celes is doing…"
Standing up once again, he continued his massive training until it had gotten dark. He sat inside of the shelter, with his back against the wall, wondering about Celes and the others. Resting his body on the hammock in the shelter, he closed his eyes and lulled himself to sleep, preparing for the next days training. Not long after he had fallen asleep, a dog barking was heard running past him outside, as he opened his eyes. The next sound was of an explosion, as Locke hurried outside, and looked in the direction of Albrook, and saw a huge red light, as he ran towards it. As he had gotten closer, he saw the entire town in flames. Tears filled his eyes, as he fell to the ground on his knees, plunging the Mekki-Maru into the ground.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" he screamed out. This was the sound of pain, anger, and knowing he was helpless, all in one. He knew he could do nothing.
He looked up and saw Agon floating into the air laughing, as he began glowing yellow. He charged up all his anger, all of his pain, channeled it into his Mekki-Maru, and released an enormous blast in her direction, but by the time it reached, she had already disappeared. Dropping to his knees once again, he grabbed his head and was full of rage, for his town, his hometown, has been burned to the ground.
After breaking away from the group, Celes decided to follow a path south of Albrook, to where the Amazoness's hideout was said to be in. She had heard that they were the best of all women fighters when it comes to strategy, and that is where she wanted to train. She reached the tall temple, and approached two guards.
"Who are you?" they asked.
"My name is Celes… I came here to improve my battling skills…"
"These training grounds are for those with the will and strength to… do you think you're up to it?"
The leader of the Amazoness's, Lise, came out and looked at Celes.
"Let her enter… I can see into her soul… These training grounds will help you, but it's a long and hard road. Do you think you will be able to withstand it?"
"Yes.." Celes nodded. "I am ready…"
The Amazoness's let her into their temple, and her rough training is to soon begin under these fine warriors
Shadow and the warriors have found their places to train in, but the question still remains. Will it be enough? Time is unpredictable, and no true fate can be told, but the prophecy is being fulfilled, and the victor cannot be seen. This fight will decide their lives, as well as the worlds.
After departing from the warriors, the Vagabond Knight and Interceptor took their own path and headed deep into the forest. Not caring about the path ahead of them, they continued walking, through anything and everything that came in their way. As the day sun was blanketed by the stars of the night, the two had come upon a small village. They turned to their sides, and saw very few people walking around.
"Such a desolate place…"
Interceptor nodded his head in agreement, but as they walked into the village, and noticed a small gathering of people near an angel statue, they approached it. Getting closer, they saw a blonde, blue eyed man in red armor, holding a sword and standing victoriously, as he stood over a fallen man, with a nasty cut over his arm, and the crowd clapped and marveled at this man.
"Is there not another man who believes he can stop me?" he boasted.
Interceptor slightly nudged Shadow's leg with his nose, telling him to fight. Shadow stepped through the crowd, and stood in front of him, as the blonde haired man stayed focused on him.
"Another man who thinks he can take me on…"
"…"
"The silent type eh? What makes you think you're any different from the man they just dragged out of here?"
"I will be the one standing after this…"
"Hm…such confidence. Tell me something, what is your name?"
"Shadow."
"The…The Vagabond Knight?!"
"Heh…My reputation precedes me…"
"All my life I awaited for a challenge worthy of me… then I heard of a tale… a tale of a man…no… this thing was to heartless and cold to be a man. This thing that was a master swordsman, and killed anyone who even looked at him the wrong way… And now, here you stand before me…"
"…"
"My name is Clyde…"
"I didn't ask for it…"
"Just thought you should know the name of the person who is taking you down!!"
Lunging forward with all his strength, Clyde slashed his sword, as it came down at Shadow's side, missing him by half an inch.
"Don't let all those victories get to your head…"
Shadow ducked down, and jabbed Clyde's stomach with his sword's handle. He gasped out for air, and then Shadow ducked, kicked the back of his legs, and caused him to collapse. Clyde opened his eyes slightly, and then twitched his head to the side, as Shadow's sword came down, causing a small hole where his head was. Clyde looked into Shadow's eyes, and saw the nothingness. Saw the cold and bitterness inside of him. Clyde kicked Shadow's side, and jumped up with his sword in his hand. He slashed his sword ferociously at Shadow, struggling to break through his parries. As their swords clashed, a spark emerged from both swords, as Clyde was thrown back, kicked in the stomach, and thrown to the ground, hitting it with his back. He lifted his head, but his jaw was kicked by Shadow, then his sword was held at his throat. A simple thrust would have killed him instantly.
"Finish….it…" muttered Clyde as his teeth were covered in blood.
"Underestimating your enemy in battle is the worst thing you can do. Keep up at your pace, and your own boastfulness will lead to your demise…"
Shadow pulled away his sword, and turned his back, and walked through the crowd, as they parted in two to make way for this Vagabond Knight. Interceptor woofed then ran to his master's side.
"You know Interceptor…I think I'll train here for a while…"
The moon shined upon them both, as if they were part of the stars in the sky. Shadow climbed the roof of a dilapidated house, not caring whether the roof would cave in, taking him with it. Interceptor whined slightly, not being able to jump up next to him, as his ears perked up and began running into the forest.
"Interceptor…?"
After breaking away from the other group, Cyrus left Albrook heading west for a town called Dorter, known for its excellent armaments. At mid day, he had reached the town, and saw what he heard was true. It was a very busy town, people moving left and right, and the famed colloseum visible from the outskirts of town, only not noticeable to Cyrus, for his eyes were focused on weapons. He entered the shops, and looked around, seeing weapons shops galore, sword smiths, and all sorts of gauntlets and accessories any knight would need.
"Sweet mother… I'm in heaven…"
Like a child surrounded by candy, Cyrus's eyes hardly blinked, staring at all the weapons and accessories, not knowing which ones to buy. Too distracted by the items, he accidentally bumped into an old man, knocking him down to the ground. The old man began shaking, and twitching, as if he were being shocked.
"I'M SORRY SIR! PLEASE, DON'T HURT ME!!" he cried out.
"Hurt you…?" asked Cyrus, with a puzzled look on his face. "Why would I hurt you?"
"You aren't one of those barbarians from the coliseums?"
"Coliseum?" questioned the knight, extended his hand and lifting the old man up form the ground.
"Yes. Right there, that huge monument." responded the old man, pointing at the large stone arena. "That is where there are daily tournaments. It only lasts a couple of weeks, but we always have newcomers from places all over the world. I thought you were one of them, by your armor and sword…"
"Well, I'm not now in the coliseum, but I am joining… are there any prizes?"
"Of course! If you win a certain amount of times, you can choose any weapon from any store, for free! But beware if you enter, the strongest warriors from all over the world enter the tournament."
"Thank you for the information, sir."
"Take care of yourself."
The old man continued on his way, and Cyrus headed for the arena. After signing up for it, he was scheduled in three days. Patiently, he waited, just browsing the town, to know what shops interested him most. Finally, it was time for his fight, as he stood behind wooden doors, which would lead to the arena. He peered from the window, and saw the stadium, and the thousands of people waiting to see a fight. A man was seen in the middle of the arena, and the crowd was silenced.
"IN THE LEFT CORNER!" he announced. "A KNIGHT FROM ALBROOK, USING HIS SWORD, THE 'DRAGON FANG', AND FIRST YEAR IN THE COLISEUM… GIVE IT UP FOR…. CYRUS!!!"
The crowd rose up and applauded as Cyrus headed for the arena. Slightly blushing from their response, stepped on one side of the arena, and awaited his opponent.
"IN THE RIGHT CORNER! A NINJA FROM THE TOWN OF TIRA! THIRD YEAR IN THE ARENA, GIVE IT UP FOR THE ASTOUNDING, THE BEAUTIFUL… ANGELA!!"
A woman stepped out from the door, which was on the far right corner, and the crowd raised and boomed with applause, making Cyrus's seem like a whisper. The woman stepped into the arena, not so far across from Cyrus, wearing a purple Gi, similar to Lucia's, only it was purple, and exposed more of her body.
"FIGHTERS MAY COMMENCE WHEN READY!" and with that said, the man quickly rushed away from them.
"I never would have thought that my first opponent would be so cute…" complimented Cyrus, as he took out his sword.
"Oh…You think I'm cute…?"
"Nah... more like beautiful…"
"Care to take a closer look…?"
"Really…?"
"Yes… WHEN YOUR ON THE FLOOR!"
As quick as the wind, she rushed forward and kicked Cyrus's stomach, kicked his right ribs, then jumped off the floor, and gave him a quick kick in the face, causing him to fall back onto the ground.
"Ahhh…your strength… I can feel it… all your hits are going through… my armor…" he said in pain, lifting himself forward.
"Please… I expected more from a 'knight.' What a joke."
He clasped his sword, and ran towards her, blocking all the pain, and focusing on his opponent. He swung his sword in a complete left to right, horizontal slash, as she repelled with her katana, then swung at his feet. Cyrus leaped up, placed one foot on her shoulder, then jumped behind her, and kicked her spine, causing her to fall, but she pushed herself, and with all he strength, kicked Cyrus's chest, as he just collapsed on the ground. Recovering as quick as he could, he stood and stared at her. The pain was too much for him to bear, and soon he would fall unconscious. With the last of his energy, he ran at her once again. Angela swung her katana vertically, but Cyrus side stepped quickly, and ran right past her. As she began to turn around, he lifted his sword, and with all his might, swung his sword and struck the back of her head, with the flat part of his sword, causing her to lose conscious, and fall over. The fight had ended.
"AND CYRUS IS THE WINNER!!"
The crowd once again applauded as the newcomer had won his battle. Cyrus limped over to where Angela was laying on the ground, as he bent over and helped her up slightly, as she began to open her eyes.
"Nice…match…" she muttered.
"Thanks…" he said, lifting her up and setting her on her feet.
"I was too full of myself… I need to start training some more… I hope I see you again… Cyrus… "
She walked back towards whence she came, to exit the coliseum and off to where she came from.. Cyrus looked at her walking away, as he turned and walked back to the inside of the coliseum to clean himself up, and prepare for his next match.
After breaking away from the group, Frog was walking through the forest, following no path whatsoever. He decided to split away from the paved road, knowing the looks he would receive from people that would see him, an overgrown frog. Continuing in his path, he stepped on weak ground, and fell through an opening in the floor, and fell into a cave.
"Ribbit…What… What be this…"
He pulled out the Masamune, preparing himself incase anything would come out and attack him. Observing around him, he noticed that it was just a small room, with steps leading to the top. There were plenty of cobwebs on everything, meaning it has been abandoned for some time.
"This be'th the perfect place… tis secluded from the outside, and enough room to practice my skill in swordplay."
Frog had found his area to train, in perfect solitude.
After breaking away from the group, Lucia headed east, towards a small village called 'Truce.' Walking down the sand covered road, from afar she saw a young woman running towards her, with her face buried in her hands. As Lucia approached her, she heard her crying.
"Hey… is there something wrong?" Lucia asked.
"What? No… No I'm not… I never will be… "
"What's wrong?"
"WHAT DO YOU CARE!?! YOUR JUST LIKE THEM!"
"Like who?"
"Them… The ones I ran away from…"
"Where are you headed to right now…?"
"I don't know… I'm so lost…"
"Don't you have any friends…or family?"
"No…"
Lucia stared at the weapon at the woman's side, and was quick to ask about it.
"That weapon… who gave it to you…?" Lucia asked.
"A Sorcerer… he said it was called the Slasher… or something…"
It had become clear who this woman was. She was one of the chosen ones, the one that she was to meet. A Blade Master made the Slasher; it was a very light, but strong katana, which was made of a very strange black metal.
"Where are you heading to?" questioned Lucia once again.
"I… don't know… I'm just running is all…"
"Well… would you like to join me?"
"Join… you?"
"Yes. I'm just traveling around looking for a place to train. I am meeting up with my friends in a year… I'm sure they would love to meet you."
"I won't be bothering you…?"
"Of course not!"
"Th…thank you." Said the woman bowing her head softly. "My names Claribel."
"Mine is Lucia. Nice to meet you."
Claribel followed Lucia to her next destination, as Lucia planned a way to tell this woman of her fate.
After breaking away from the group, Patricia took no road, but followed the side of the river. If hunger struck her, she would easily shoot an arrow through the water, striking down a fish. She kept walking for hours until the sun began to set, and she saw a cabin in the distance. Entering it, she looked around and saw a bed, and a fireplace, in a rather confined room, with a rug right at the entrance. Not noticing that the fireplace had already been lit, she leaped onto the bed and closed her eyes, for her walk had exhausted her. She slept soundly for hours, until her eyes opened, by the sound of someone opening the door. She readied her crossbow and prepared to release an arrow to the one trying to get in. The door opened, and an old man stepped into the cabin, as she released her arrow. Catching it, he moved his eyes over to the bed.
"Who are you…? What are you doing in my house…?" he said.
"Oh… I'm sorry! I didn't realize someone was occupying this… I'm sorry…" she apologized, as she hopped out of the bed, readying to get out.
"No no, its fine young lady…" he said. "Rest, its what beds are for. I'll let you stay for tonight and for as long as you want."
"No, I couldn't intrude…"
"It's fine… but on one condition. Are you any good with that crossbow?"
"Me? Well…yes."
"Maybe after your done resting, you can show me your skill. It's been long since I've met another archer. Where I came from, I was the greatest archer of all the land!"
"Oh really? How about I show you my skills now?"
"Very well, miss. I'll even teach you a thing or two."
They both stepped out of the cabin, and Patricia followed him to his training grounds, where she will practice her archering skills.
After breaking away from the group, Locke decided he would train in his grandfather's old shelter. He held the Mekki-Maru, and closed his eyes. He made two quick vertical slashes, spun around and slashed once more, dropped down to the ground and pierced through the tree. He jumped up and continued frantically slashing the daggers, until the tree was nothing but sawdust. He sat on a nearby rock, and looked up at the clear, blue sky.
"I wonder how Celes is doing…"
Standing up once again, he continued his massive training until it had gotten dark. He sat inside of the shelter, with his back against the wall, wondering about Celes and the others. Resting his body on the hammock in the shelter, he closed his eyes and lulled himself to sleep, preparing for the next days training. Not long after he had fallen asleep, a dog barking was heard running past him outside, as he opened his eyes. The next sound was of an explosion, as Locke hurried outside, and looked in the direction of Albrook, and saw a huge red light, as he ran towards it. As he had gotten closer, he saw the entire town in flames. Tears filled his eyes, as he fell to the ground on his knees, plunging the Mekki-Maru into the ground.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" he screamed out. This was the sound of pain, anger, and knowing he was helpless, all in one. He knew he could do nothing.
He looked up and saw Agon floating into the air laughing, as he began glowing yellow. He charged up all his anger, all of his pain, channeled it into his Mekki-Maru, and released an enormous blast in her direction, but by the time it reached, she had already disappeared. Dropping to his knees once again, he grabbed his head and was full of rage, for his town, his hometown, has been burned to the ground.
After breaking away from the group, Celes decided to follow a path south of Albrook, to where the Amazoness's hideout was said to be in. She had heard that they were the best of all women fighters when it comes to strategy, and that is where she wanted to train. She reached the tall temple, and approached two guards.
"Who are you?" they asked.
"My name is Celes… I came here to improve my battling skills…"
"These training grounds are for those with the will and strength to… do you think you're up to it?"
The leader of the Amazoness's, Lise, came out and looked at Celes.
"Let her enter… I can see into her soul… These training grounds will help you, but it's a long and hard road. Do you think you will be able to withstand it?"
"Yes.." Celes nodded. "I am ready…"
The Amazoness's let her into their temple, and her rough training is to soon begin under these fine warriors
Shadow and the warriors have found their places to train in, but the question still remains. Will it be enough? Time is unpredictable, and no true fate can be told, but the prophecy is being fulfilled, and the victor cannot be seen. This fight will decide their lives, as well as the worlds.
