Chapter 17

In a large guest room in Guardiana Castle, a solitary figure began to stir. Serena, waking out of a deep sleep, slowly stretched, and yawned loudly. Climbing out of the temptingly comfortable bed, she walked over to her window, and threw open the curtains. However, instead of seeing an empty and peaceful courtyard, she saw a group of figures standing off to the side, watching one figure, dressed in fairly colourful clothing, strectching, and warming up.

Serena cursed loudly, and at great length. Not again! She quickly sprang over to her drawer, pulled out the first set of clothing she saw, and hurriedly dressed. Once again, for the second day in the row, she had overslept. And today of all days, the day of Peregrin's big match! What if he needed her help in warming up? Her shame knew no bounds.

Grabbing her sword where it lay on her dresser, propped up at a convienient distance from the bed, (one can't be too careful) she ran down at full speed, travelling down flights of stairs at an alarming rate. She threw open the castle doors, ignoring the guards who called out greetings, and dashed out into the courtyard.

Peregrin saw her, and waved her over. "Those shoes SO do not match those pants," were the first words that came out of his mouth."

"I didn't have time to accesorize," snarled Serena. "What's with the crowd?" She nodded at the group of people, about twenty strong, staring at him.

Peregrin glanced over. "Oh. Them. I'm not sure really. They just got here a bit before you did, and haven't said a word to me since. Probably just some of my many fans and admirers."

"As if," Serena said, smirking. She turned to the crowd. "Hey, you people. What are you doing here, and what do you want?"

They glanced at each other. "Well…we just came to watch," a young man said, embarassed.

"Watch?" Serena repeated tonelessly.

"To watch the great warrior Peregrin in training," said another. "We're all swordsmen in training, you see…"

"And you wondered what mysterious arts Peregrin used to get so strong?" Serena asked sarcastically.

"Oh, is that all?" Peregrin said, smiling. "Why didn't you just ask me directly?"

"Well, we were, uh…scared. That you would be angry."

Serena chuckled. Anyone who knew Peregrin would know that he was pretty much the most even-tempered man around. In battle, though, he became almost like a demon…

Peregrin laughed. "Look, people, I don't have any special secrets to share. The only thing I can share with you is this: practice. The reason I fight as I do is because of the years of experience I've had. I was fighting and training while you people were still nice little boys and girls at home."

Peregrin's face took on a solemn look. "A sword is a weapon of war, of killing. To fully wield a sword, one must accept the consequences every time you draw a sword out of its sheath. A warrior must be prepared to injure, or kill. That is the difference between one who lives, and one who dies.

The young swordsmen were silent, contemplating his words.

"Training can only make up one small part of a swordman's skill. "Speed; Strength; Technique; those all make up a warrior's fighting ability. But the one thing that drives him? The killer instinct, which only comes with practice. That is the difference. My strength comes with the stain of blood on my hands."

"So the only way to become as strong as you are...is by killing?" one hesitantly asked.

"No. The instinct to kill is the most deadliest. But there are others. They say that a mother protecting her young is the most dangerous thing in the world. The instinct to protect life, to protect...ones dear to you." Let that be your drive. Fight not to get stronger, but to be able to protect those who cannot help themselves."

The group was silent. "Heh," Peregrin said suddenly, smiling. "You look like you've just grown up a few years." That got a nervous laugh.

"Well, in return for your lost youth," Peregrin said, "here's a little something for you." Max reached into his pocket, and pulled out a wad of tickets. "Great tickets to today's match."

"Wow! Really! Thanks a lot!" They were all enthusiastic in their thanks. Peregrin watched them go.

"A nice bunch of kids," Peregrin said, smiling. "So innocent..."

"Kids? They're barely a few years younger then you are," Serena said, snoring. "You're what, 25? Don't forget, you have the maturity of a 10 year old as well."

"Point granted. By the way, how did lessons go?"

"Taxing, as usual. You remember those first few days when you were whipping me into shape? And how I felt afterwards?"

"What about them?"

"Combine that with a hangover, and you have me. I'm not exactly in a pleasant mood right now." Serena winced, holding her head.

"Speaking of pleasant people, look who's here," Peregrin said, pointing. Mae had just stepped outdoors, and was trotting over towards them.

"Yeah, she's not much of a morning person, is she?" said Serena, smirking.

Mae came over. "You were just talking about me, weren't you," she said, suspiciously, glancing from one smiling face to another.

"Of course not," Peregrin said. "Can't you tell from the sincere look on my face?" He was wearing an ear-to-ear grin.

"Liar," Mae said, smiling. "Never mind. I don't think I want to know, as it probably wasn't to my credit anyway."

Mae glanced over at something behind them. "Warm-up matches? Got rid of them that quickly?" she said, pointing.

Serena turned. In the distance, she saw the group Peregrin had been talking to, straggling off.

"Not in the least," Peregrin said. "They just wanted to get strong, that's all. I just told them the cost that comes with power."

"Ah," Mae said. Serena saw that Mae's eyes took an haunted look for a moment. She recognized that expression; it was the very one Peregrin wore at times.

"Anyway," Mae said briskly, "I've got to get warmed up. I'll see you at our match today!" Mae bowed, and started galloping off.

"You two were so civil to each other," Serena remarked drily. "Yet in a few hours time, it'll be a different story, won't it?"

"Life's interesting that way."

*

Serena and Peregrin decided to head in. After both took a quick bath, and headed down to grab some breakfast. There, they found Mae already there, along Lowe, Zylo, Arthur, Tao, and the rest of the Shining Force gang that was in Guardiana at the moment. Even Princess Anri was there.

"Ah look, the villain arrives!" greeted Lowe enthusiastically.

Peregrin sat down, and began to help himself to some eggs and toast. "I'm the villain now? Is it about that poker game? I'm sorry, but you're terrible at cards..."

Lowe snorted. "That was just a bad night, that's all. No, you're the villain, because Mae's the hero, right? So, automatically, that makes you the bad guy."

Mae, who was watching this conversation with an amused look, laughed. "No one could ever mistake Peregrin for a villain. No bad guy would be caught dead in that outfit." She pointed to the blinding array of bright colours that Peregrin was wearing.

Everyone laughed. Even Peregrin enjoyed a chuckle. "This is a tactical choice of clothing. No opponent can bear to even look at me, let alone put up a fight." This got another round of laughter.

Balbaroy looked at Mae and Peregrin wonderingly. "You two will be pitted in a fierce battle in a few hours, yet here you are, trading jokes, and eating the same food? I find this very strange."

"Don't forget trading combat tips," Serena said, smiling.

Peregrin faked a look of shock. "You're right. I should be at the opposite side of the room, hurling hateful looks, sneering, and staring her down. Perhaps it's not too late to salvage the situation." With that, Peregrin's smile vanished, and he combined words with actions, and giving Mae a look of death.

Mae sipped her coffee calmly. "What are you doing?"

"Quiet," said Peregrin. "I'm staring you down. Breaking you up psychologically. Feeling nervous?"

"Not in the least," Mae said, with a serene look on her face.

"It really looks more like you're thoughtful, or something," Anri observed.

"Incidentally, what's up with your mouth?" Serena asked.

"I'm giving her a menacing sneer. Impressed?" Peregrin asked.

"If you're trying to intimidate someone, you shouldn't let the corners of your mouth twitch as if you were trying to stop from smiling," Serena said helpfully. "It gives the wrong impression."

"I knew I should have left you at home," Peregrin said, groaning.

Tao and Arthur looked at them, then looked at each other, and smiled. Serena noticed this. "What?"

"Nothing," Tao said, putting on an innocent look.

Peregrin glowered. "What?"

Arthur smiled. "Are you sure you want us to say?"

"What is it?" Serena said, annoyed.

"Well, we just happened to notice..." Arthur began.

"That both of you are wet. At the same time." Tao said, smirking.


Serena stared at them in bewilderment. "Huh? What do you mean? We were just sweaty from training, and decided to take a bath, that's all."

"Ah, yes, training." Tao said knowingly. "I guess nothing gets you worked up like that, doesn't it?"

Serena was puzzled. What exactly was Tao talking about?

Diane looked at them. "Oh, my! So early in the morning too? You animals, you," she said, blushing.

Realization came to Serena at last, making her flush to the roots of her hair. "You're all sick!" she said, fuming. This got a general laugh.

"Oh? You mean it's not true?" Diane said, her eyes twinkling.

"NO!" Serena said, practically shouting.

"Anyone who can deny it that strongly..." Tao said, trailing off.

Serena scowled, and glanced over at Peregrin to see his reaction. To her surprise, he was looking quite as embarrassed as she was.

Arthur got to work on him. "So. How was she?"

"Arthur?" Peregrin said, pleasantly.

"Yes?" Arthur said, grinning.

"Do you remember that lesson I taught you a few weeks ago?" Peregrin said, in the same pleasant tone.

"Uh....yes?" Arthur said, his high spirit beginning to falter.

"You want a review?" Max said, putting a hand to the hilt of his sword. Arthur backed off instantly.

Gort, who had been chewing on a muffin during all of this, sighed. "Kids these days..."

*

After finishing breakfast, and relaxing and chatting for a few hours, the time had come for the final match. Serena and the Shining Force members made their way across to the arena, and contrary to what had been previously stated by Lowe gave both competitors heartfelt wishes of luck. They likewise parted from Anri, who as Queen, had ceremonial duties to attend to. Now reduced, Serena and the rest began to make their way over to the stands.

"So, what do you guys think? Mae, or Peregrin?" Lowe asked of the group in general.

"Well, although Mae has nice hair, I certainly think Peregrin's better looking," said Tao, in a thoughtful voice.

"Exactly the kind of answer I'd expect from a piece of fluff," said Lowe, mockingly. "But I think the rest of us know what I'm asking about."

"I'll show you fluff," Tao mumbled... "Blaze you when you're not looking..."

"Mae certainly has the advantage of strength and size," said Zylo. "Peregrin though is quick, very quick...and he's not exactly too shabby in the strength department either."

"So, who do you pick?" Lowe said, impatiently.

Zylo shrugged. "50/50 shot."

They reached the stands, and threading their way through the crowd, reached their seats near the front.

"Mae has the experience though," argued Arthur. "I've never heard of Peregrin before. Have you?"

"True; but Peregrin isn't exactly green; he fights like an old hand," said Zylo.

"Shut up! They're about to start!" Lowe said excitedly.

Peregrin and Mae were currently in center of the ring. The announcer came out.

"Ladies, gentleman, and various magical creatures," said the announcer, "It's time for the final of the Champion of Arms tournament!"

An enthusiastic cheer went up.

"On my left, we have the newcomer, Peregrin! On my right, the hometown hero, Mae!"

Cheers went up for both fighters, with a noticeably louder cheer going up for Mae.

"Alright Mae!" shouted Arthur.

"Go Pippin!" squealed Diane.

Lowe turned to look at her. "Pippin? Where'd you come up with THAT?"

Diane shrugged. "I heard it from somewhere."

"Fighters, shake hands!" Peregrin and Mae clasped hands in a friendly fashion, then went into combat stances.

"Hey," Serena said suddenly. "Is that...Mae's usual stance?"

Arthur looked closely. "No, it isn't," he agreed. Mae was holding an flat bladed lance in an opposite grip, like a dagger. Her other palm was resting on the top of the hilt, and the lance was pointed downwards, toward Peregrin's stomach. Peregrin was in his usual combat stance.

"Begin!"

The fighters circled each other. Mae trotting to her right, lance still pointed toward Peregrin. Peregrin held his sword up in a guard up, ready to fend off any blows.

With a sudden quick step, Mae lashed out with a lightning-quick stab. Peregrin instantly dodged to the side, but didn't attempt a counter, as Mae had already brought her guard back up. They continued to circle.

"Peregrin can read Mae's actions well," Zylo grunted. "If he can keep this up, there's no way Mae can win."

The fighters were still circling, with Mae testing Peregrin's guard with cautious jabs at times, which were easily blocked by Peregrin. Mae then stepped forward, and lashed out again, in the same stabbing motion-

"Pointless," thought Serena. "Peregrin can use his superior speed to dodge that every time. Mae knows that. So why..."

Peregrin dodged; Mae, instead of retreating, immediately twisted her wrist, and swung her blade in a horizontal arc, hitting Peregrin directly in the ribs. He managed to twist with the attack, but it still knocked him into the ground. Mae lunged for a followup stab, but Peregrin transformed his fall into a tuck-and-roll, swiftly getting back up to his feet.

"Smart move," said Ken, admiringly. "That stance allows for quicker attacks then from an one handed grip. As well, one twist of the wrist allows another quick slash in any direction. See, watch-"

Mae brought her lance up, and stabbed toward Peregrin's chest. He ducked, and attempted to roll forward, but Mae with a twist of her wrist, brought the lance downwards, hitting him out of the roll.

Serena was watching carefully. Mae's stance allowed for lightning-quick strikes, and flowing movement, which counteracted the advantage of Peregrin's speed. With her superior range, she could keep at this all day. Peregrin has to think fast...

Peregrin slowly got up to his feet. He looked carefully at Mae's stance, then at his own. Slowly, he brought his left hand up, and grasped his sword in a two-handed grasp.

"Ah, so that's his solution!" Luke said, interested.

"What? I don't understand," said Serena. "How can a two-handed stance solve that problem?"

"The reverse grip allows for an high offence, but has relatively weak defence," explained Luke. "The initial stab can be parried easily, as the attacker is sacrificing strength for quickness. If Peregrin can parry Mae's stab, she's wide open."

"IF he can parry it," Luke commented. "That sword is balanced for an one handed grip. It's balanced for speed, not power. Also, you're forgetting how strong Mae is, in terms of weight. Does Peregrin have enough strength to parry her attack in a way to give himself an opening? And does he have enough speed, with that two-handed grip, to take advantage?"

The fighters squared off. Peregrin stood stock still, sword up in a two handed grip, protecting his body. Mae cautiously crept toward him, and lashed out with the same attack she had been using so successfully-

Peregrin immediately brought his sword up, cleanly parried Mae's blow to the side, and in an immediate riposte, brought his sword down in a wicked horizontal slash, striking Mae cleanly in the ribcage, and sending her to the ground. Everyone looked on, amazed.

"Holy cow," Luke said.

"Such speed...and strength..." Ken said, amazed. "Serena, is he like this all the time?"

"No," Serena said, equally stunned. "He's never been this quick before."

Mae slowly got to her feet, and shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs. She got up, and clutched her side, groaning. Peregrin didn't look in a lot better shape either. They squared off again.

"This is it," said Arthur. "The last blow will probably finish this."

Together, at once, they charged toward each other-

At this point though, all hell broke loose.

Serena suddenly felt a sudden twinge...a feel of...something dark. It felt like it was enveloping the whole stadium. "Something's wrong!" she blurted out.

They looked at her, but never had time to answer. Simultaneously, people in the crowd got up, and began tossing about small balls, which erupted, covering the stands in a cloud of smoke. They started pulling hidden weapons out, and started attacking the guards nearest to them. The guards, caught off guard, went down quickly. Armed Skeletons, and Golems began flowing in from seemingly all directions, including the entrances to the arena.

"We've got to stop them!" Luke yelled.

"Oh no!" said Ken, wild-eyed. "Anri's down there."

Earnest quickly took charge. "Diane, Serena, Tao, Luke, come with me. We'll protect Anri, Mae, and Peregrin. Balbaroy, fly to the castle and get reinforcements immediately. Lowe, tend to the injured. The rest of you, take out the attackers! Let's go, now!" Balbaroy immediately took flight, heading toward the castle. The rest of the Shining Force quickly scrambled.

Peregrin and Mae, quickly realizing they were surrounded, were now making a stand with Anri, with her watchful guards covering her. They were standing back-to-back, Anri in the middle, with opponents charging from every direction.

"Oh no," Serena thought. "Mae and Peregrin are still too injured from their fight. I've got to hurry!"

Peregrin and the rest, though fatigued, was holding his own. Peregrin was fending off several attackers at once, dodging here, parrying there, just trying to stay alive. Anri was casting spells as quickly as she could, putting an dangerous drain on her magical aura. Bodies began to pile up around them, as they made their stand.

At that point, Serena, in a sudden outburst of her Sight, saw something horribly wrong. Right behind Anri-

"Look out!" Serena screamed. She, Earnest, and the rest had reached the edge of the crowd, and were quickly cutting a swath through the pack. But not quick enough.

The skin of two of Anri's bodyguards began to melt away, revealing the sinister red eyes of two Master Mages. Lashing quickly to the side with their staffs, they took out the rest of Anri's guard out, and then raised their staffs to the sky, and quickly chanted.

Beams of energy shot out, striking Mae, Peregrin, and Anri directly. They went down, muscles twitching. The two mages reached out, grabbed ahold of Peregrin and Anri, and there was a burst of light-

One Skeleton rose up to finish Mae off-

With a roar of fury, Serena fell upon the Skeleton. In one quick stroke, she hacked off the Skeleton's Arm. As it reeled, with one swift backstroke, she easily cut off the Skeleton's head. The Skeleton fell back, and collapsed in a pile of dust.

As suddenly as it had started, it was over. There was nothing left but the Shining Force and Serena, covered in blood and grime, and the sound of reinforcements coming, too little, too late.

Serena looked around. "Peregrin?" she called out. Anri?"

Earnest shook his head. "They're not here. They're gone. But how?"

Tao got up wearily, ignoring the blood splattering her robes. "That was an Egress spell. Wherever they are, they're probably not in the area now."

Serena looked at Earnest pleadingly. "What do we do?"

Earnest looked more tired then ever. "I don't know."





Author's section type thing:

I'm really sorry for the lack of frequent updates. First, I spent some time to write and upload the first chapter of my Seiken Densetsu 3 fic. Then, a two week Christmas holiday. That was followed by Final exams, and Big, Mark-Heavy Projects, which I had to actually work on, since this is my final year. Then, a few weeks writing, and rewriting this chapter, until the result is seen before you today. I'll try to update more frequently in the future, but I have the SD3 fic to work on, plus a new King of Fighters fic I'm also working on...but I'll try my best. T-T

In any case...I've gotten a few e-mails from people asking me to hurry up on this whole writing thing. To remedy this, I'm thinking of just sending people an e-mail when I update, or a mailing list, per se. I doubt many people are interested, but if you are, please just send me an e-mail at strider_yoshi@yahoo.com, and I'll e-mail you as soon as I've updated. Comments can also be sent to the above e-mail address.

Cheers!