AN: Not much to say... Just read... Oh, this chapter is in the past...

Cookie Tamodachi: Ookay... Yeah, I manage to pull off a bowman vs. bowman... eventually... Oh, yeah, that's sometimes the safest thing to do, siding with the guy who wins... Even if you sometimes get stuff thrown at you And that hurts...


The night was still when Arash sprinted through the shadows of Henesys. He hugged himself through his Dark Ades; the night air was cold, biting through the heaviest clothes. The park gates passed by in a blur. His hair streamed back, his dark eyes alight with a strange energy. Bowen, the leader of Henesys and the figure-head of all bowmen, resided nearby, and his house and office doubled as the hospital. There was a lantern burning in the window, a signal through the darkening night. He doubled his speed, openly sprinting down the wide path. He flung the door open and gazed upon the scene before him. A mid-wife was gently daubing a women's forehead. The women held a baby in her arms, crooning to it in a motherly tone. "Alexei... My dear... Alexei..." The woman fainted, her head resting lightly upon her chest.

Bowen stepped forward. "Ah, Arash. I see you're a little late," He remarked.

Arash sighed and looked at the newborn baby. "Sometimes my eternal lateness is a curse..."

Bowen smiled. "She won't hate you. She knows you have duties, as does she. She will understand... In time. My daughter always manages to smile... And forgive...," He said almost forlornly.

Arash nodded. "Yes... That's one of the reasons I love her..."

Bowen bowed his head. "Indeed. Now, how is the war going?"

Arash sighed. "Well enough... But I'm afraid that Blaik will pull some new trick out of his sleeve..."

"Yes. And how is Druce? Is he holding against the--"

"Of course. I don't doubt that he will have it under control by the week's end," Arash answered.

"Good... Now, I believe your son needs attending to..."

XxX

Years past, and Alexei grew into a noble warrior. His father, Arash, one of the greatest bowman that ever lived, raised Alexei to be a great hero. "Alexei, you must live up to your name. Alexei means 'defender of the people', and that's one title you must always strive to achieve.

The young Alexei bowed. "Of course father."

Alexei was training to become a warrior, though his father wished him to be a bowman. He grew stronger, matching warriors several years older than he in combat.

XxX

Soon, Alexei had a brother, a small, tousled haired boy named Akuji. Arash was a firm believer of passing on the titles of the father to his eldest son. Akuji was talented, and Arash finally got his wish: one of his sons would become a bowman. Akuji learned quickly, and Athena doted upon her youngest student with glowing pride. Alexei watched from the shadows, almost resentful for his brother. Akuji garnered much attention from the people of the world, and Arash was proud beyond words. The two brothers quickly developed an aggresive rivalry, culminating at the test which would decide whether or not Alexei would become a Crusader, and Akuji become a Ranger. Athena and Dances with Balrogs walked into the huge arena that served as the location of the ceremony. Akuji and Alexei crouched in front of them, heads bowed respectively. Alexei shot a glance at Akuji. "You're only here because Athena likes you, baby bro!"

Akuji smirked back. "We'll see. Oh, and don't worry! There won't be any magicians or assassins to steal the kills from you. I know how you get so frustrated when---"

"Just shut it watch me advance to Crusader!"

Athena and Dances with Balrog looked solemnly upon their students. Athena stepped forward, speaking to the audience. "Today, two of the world's greatest heroes will be given the chance to advance to the titles of Crusader and Ranger, respectively."

The crowd cheered. Dances with Balrog stepped forward. "They will be tested by fighting us, or, rather, the shadow versions of us."

The crowd quieted. Akuji stood. "I volunteer to go first!" He called. Alex frowned.

Athena smiled. "Of course, Akuji. You will walk through this portal, and will confront the shadow version of myself. We will be watching through a magic screen that Grendel was kind enough to erect for us."

Akuji nodded and stepped forward confidently. The portal opened, and the test began.

XxX

The dank dungeon was dark, providing low visibility and making it harder to aim and manage to hit the target. A soft sound echoed in the distance. Akuji ducked just in time to see an arrow fly overhead. He smiled. This was going to be easy. Then, the arrow flashed. It was an Arrow Bomb. Akuji's eyes widened as it went off, a resounding explosion that shook the ground. The audience gasped and Athena frowned slightly. "Had enough?" Came a cold, menacing, and feminine voice. Akuji stirred.

The voice was identical to that of Athena, except for a strange variation, almost imperceptable; the shadow version could pass for his mentor perfectly. Akuji stood. "I haven't even started yet!" He raised his bow with lightning speed and released a volley of arrows into the shadowy depths.

A cruel laugh came from the shadows. "How pathetic. I can't believe you even made it this far!"

Akuji snarled, "Shut up!"

"Arrow Rain!" Akuji looked up to see an infinite amount of arrows dropping from the sky. He ran forward, swerving around in an effort to avoid the rain of death. The shadow of Athena laughed. "A sad attempt... Shall I make it harder? Arrow Eruption!"

"What the--?" Akuji mumbled as the ground shook. Suddenly, arrows spewed from the ground. He leaped from side-to-side, vainly attempting to dodge the arrows coming from both directions. "Argh!" An arrow embedded itself in Akuji's arm. He fell, rolling. More arrows struck him, causing him to shriek in agony.

Shadow-Athena laughed. "How pitiable..." She snapped her fingers and the arrows stopped. Akuji groaned and rolled over. "Still alive? Very well. Arrow Rain! Arrow Eruption!" Akuji screamed again and scrambled to get out of range. Agonizing moments passed and the deadly volley paused.

"D-d-dammit..." He groaned. He was wounded in countless places; it was growing difficult to move.

The shadow prepared to call out another attack. "Arrow---"

Akuji leaped to his feet and steadied his bow. "Soul Arrow!" A brilliant arrow shot forth from his bow. It illuminated the shadows and revealed Shadow-Athena's position. With a savage battle cry Akuji leaped towards her. He swung his bow, hitting her with a painful crunch.

The shadow groaned. "Fire Arrow!" A burning arrow struck Akuji in the chest. He flew backwards, pain written upon his face. The shadow's expression turned to one of hatred, blood-lust clouding her eyes. The shadows around her seemed to gather, growing in density. "You... Have... Failed!" She shrieked. "Ice Arrow!" An icy arrow shot from her weapon and speared Akuji.

He writhed in agony, each movement causing more pain. Outside the testing ground, Alexei watched with a frown. Arash winced as he watched the pain his son was being put through. "No...!" Akuji moaned. He weakly grasped the arrow and pulled it out. Tossing it to the side, he stood, flinching when he moved his injured body parts. He raised his bow shakily. "Arrow Bomb!" He plucked an arrow from his quiver. It shimmered strangely in the light, almost as if sucking the dim light into it. He shot it with lightning swiftness and stunning accuracy. It flew towards his opponent with quickening speed. It flashed ominously as she stepped calmly to the side. It exploded just as it passed her.

She merely smiled cruelly as her hair whipped around. The explosion had no effect on her whatsoever, and that was Akuji's final attack. "Pathetic!" She spat. She glared through the smoke caused by the explosion, searching for Akuji. "Where the hell did you go?" She asked.

A roar greeted her ears. Akuji burst through the smoke, his bow ready. "Arrow Bomb!" The arrow shot from close range, increasing its power.

The real Athena's eyes widened. "What's he doing?"

Arash sighed. "As brash as ever I see... By shooting from that close of a range, he can increase its power. She won't be able to dodge it, but Akuji will be caught in the explosion.

Akuji was blown backwards, though he saw the final image of the shadow Athena before she perished. The arrow struck her forehead, and when it exploded, she disappeared in a grotesque mist. He slammed into the wall, grunting in pain. Athena entered the portal and carried Akuji he out. As he emerged, he punched the air in triumph. The crowd cheered wildly, encouraged by the dramatic gesture. Alexei smiled grimly. "Show-off," He muttered as Akuji was carried to the stage upon which Dances with Balrog was standing. Athena bowed to him.

"Akuji, you have proven yourself worthy of the title: Ranger!" She smiled and handed him a Golden Hinkel and a Dark Linnex robe. "I congratulate you, Akuji, the newest Ranger!" She stepped away, and the crowd cheered again.

The leader of the warriors walked before Alexei. "Alexei, are you prepared to face your test?" Alexei nodded. "Then I grant you entrance..." He gestured towards the portal and Alexei walked through. The air distorted and he looked upon a cave. It was lit by torches that lined the rocky walls. Alex carefully walked forward and faced his opponent.


AN: And his battle will have to wait till next chapter! Muahaha! Okayz... Umm... Oh... Wait... Yeah, next chapter will be in the past too... Umm... the one after that might be too, but I dunno right now. Anyway, please review! If you review... I'll... I'll... I'll... I'll... I'll... Eh, while I decide what to do if you review, review so you're not totally bored...