The Arena

In the southern tip of the continent where Rigdobrite's crater stood, was a place called The Arena of Challenge. Those who wished to enter must pay a fee of 1,000 Gella, and prove that they can handle the battles by partaking in a test fight. In that fight, the team would have to deal with a monster that was harder than the normal ones they faced, but not yet at the level of the ones in the arena itself.

Sierra had taken her friends there in order to train a little bit more for their fight with the Demons. The management was rolling all over the floor with laughter, he didn't see how such slim youngsters could defeat the arena's terrors. But they steamrollered over the entrance exams, and were given a pass to take part in the real challenge. Which they did the second Sasha had finished checking out their injuries.

"Now remember," Sierra warned them, "This is a fight to the death. Just because it is a sporting event, doesn't give you the right to slack off and think everything'll be alright. These people don't care which side dies, as long as someone sheds blood at the end of the round. So keep your eyes open, and make sure not to let your guard down. We can't stand to be without a fighter or two in this mission."

They entered the stadium, where the first monster came at them. It would be the easiest, but still harder than the entrance exams. The creature was a giant wild cat with crazy red eyes, and short, course hairs to make up its fur. Silver claws were on each paw, and it wasn't afraid to jump at its prey. It eyed Sierra and here team, licking its lips in anticipation to the meal it would be getting.

But it didn't come to that. Lyle started up with Divide Shot, which was immediately followed up by a shot from Sierra's Arc Smash, and the Hi-Flame and Napalm hit spells. It wasn't down yet, and attacked with its fangs. Sierra felt it biting into her arm, and wanted it off. She grabbed her Rail Gun, and shot the great cat point blank. The creature was knocked backwards, lying dead against the wall.

"Amazing. These fighters are incredible. The ring was made for them to fight in, their power is the supreme master here. Will they try another battle in the Arena of Challenge?" asked the MC.

Sierra called back, "Sure we will, we're not afraid of this place. We need to train harder, and the best way to do that is by fighting the most powerful monsters that you can find in the world. So, what's next on our list?" She aimed her ARM at the gate where monsters exited from, as two beady yellow eyes stared back at her from behind the grated fence. It looked hungry as well, hungry for human flesh.

* * *

Sasha was breathing hard. "I can't believe we managed to go for ten whole rounds in that place. With all of those powerful monsters. Maybe our skills are getting much better than we thought, with all of our conquests. But by the Guardians, my arm is really starting to bother me about now."

"Mine hurts too," Jacob replied, "That last one clawed me after knocking me down to the ground and prepared to kill me. I was lucky that Sasha came along, and managed to kill the beast, or I'd be dead about now." He smiled at the woman he was in love with, knowing that she would always be there for him.

'Hey! I got my arm nearly bitten off by that first monster, and you don't hear me complaining. Why do humans have to be so nitpicky about these things. Maybe there is some good in being laboratory made, I don't have to worry about such things,' thought Sierra, as she surveyed her friends.

The MC yelled, "Congratulations to Sierra Kenju and her team. They have just won an Ultimate Prize pack which includes an Exodus Orb, a Teleport Orb, a ten pack of Mini Carrots, a ten pack of Potion Berries, a five pack of Full Carrots, a five pack of Mega Carrots, and a Gella Card. Thank you for taking part in the contest today. We hope to see you here in the Arena of Challenge once again."

Suddenly, a wicked laughter echoed throughout the room. "You think these humans are all powerful just because they conquered your monsters. Well, how about they handle something much stronger than that." Then, Kogatana leaped from the rafters on the ceiling, and landed before the warriors. He eyed Sierra first, as if to say he hadn't given up on making her his bride. She pulled out her ARM.

"You'll never take me," the Holmcross stated, "I'm not going to go with you. Go back to your slime hole and find a bride from there. But try to touch me again, and I'll shoot you dead with this Arc Smash." Kyoku jumped on her shoulder, showing support for her friend in this battle.

"What a feisty young lady you are. Too bad I have to dull those senses in order to make you mine, your energy would be really good. Now then, I just wanted to give you an invitation, my sweet Sierra, an invitation to the laboratory on the island north of the Three Way Shrine. When you arrive, there's no way you can refuse my offers, and you will finally become my loyal wife," he sneered.

Sierra yelled, "Go take a long walk off a short peer, Demon scum. We'll come to this lab, but we won't be making any deals as to my marriage. If you can't get it through your thick head that I don't date guys like you, then you'll just have to live a very miserable life without love."

Kogatana looked at her. "I don't care about love, we are incapable of feeling such emotions. But what I do care about is power, and your power and soul have interested me. Demons need to breed too, and we only want the strongest Demonesses for our wives. Your power would help me to create such strong children. I will see you at the laboratory, where our wedding will be held." He then teleported away, leaving the team to stand around and stare at one another.

"It's probably a trap," Lyle stated, "That guy really wants to take Sierra."

"I know Lyle, it is a trap. But we can break out of it, just like we broke out at their other lab. Remember, if we stick together, we can do anything. So, let's get going to this laboratory," Sierra said, while looking at the spot where Kogatana had stood.

The others agreed to leaving right away, not knowing what other plans the Demons might have for the people of Filgaia. So after collecting their reward from the MC, the team left the arena and saddled up Lombardia. Then, they flew to the island that Kogatana had told them about, and landed once more. A building was standing there, and it definitely had the look of a Demon facility.

- - - -

Teefa's Last Words…

Well, both WA1 and WA3 had a cool place to go to win prizes. So I decided to give it a try with my own. Besides, had to introduce Kogatana's plan somehow. As well as put in an Exodus and Teleport Orb It was either this or Millennium Puzzles, which I couldn't design to save my life. And I don't need a color argument, it took me how long to tell ma that the colors are red not brown, blue not purple, yellow not orange, and green not gray. We were forever confusing one another when we tried to solve them.