Welcome back readers! Sorry it took a while ~ I lost my muse but now I've got a bit of it back.

A big thank you to Seven-of-Storms for the review! I'm glad you like my story hun! And don't worry, we'll see Jack soon (Jack of Blades I mean XD)

Well, here's chapter 9! Enjoy!

Chapter 9: Through the Woods

The little monsters lay out before her. Strange creatures…they had the appearance of bandages wrapped around the whole of their body and many carried some sort of weapon. Whether it be an ax or a hammer, they posed a threat to her. There was one or two that had a staff that burst out magic. So far they had been the most common type of fiend for her to fight off.

At first, through the first five rounds of them, they posed a type of problem for Jet but she soon figured out their tactics. Her biggest advantage was her smarts.

Jet started down a winding hill that led to a small swamp like area. More of those little creatures appeared and she made quick work of them once bombed by their magician. Further down she heard a howling.

"Good grief…what was that? Right now I wish I knew what monsters lurk in the shadows…and why do those little rag creatures just…appear?" Jet kept moving and kept a sharp lookout.

Her boot made a soft splash in the murky water and she stopped to look around. Nothing. No one, no monster. She made a few more steps to hear the howl again.

A band of trader's howls reached her ears and she watched as they came from the far exit in terror. They zipped by her, only one stopped to warn her.

"Miss! You must run! A Balverine comes our way!" She cocked her head.

"Balverine? What's that?" The man turned his head and pointed.

"THAT! AHHHH!" He turned on his heel and bolted towards where she entered. Jet turned to find an enormous beast on its hind legs snarling and drool dripping from its maw. The dark brown coat almost looked black if she did not take time to notice a difference.

Her hand went for her blade and held it defensively before her. The beast before her watched her carefully, its breathing heavy and labored. In all honesty Jet would admit this Balverine terrified her, especially those claws it had for weapons.

The Balverine lowered to all fours and came straight for her. Surprised she jumped to the side narrowly missing it's claws. Jet charged the beast this time trying a slash at the monster. The thing surprised her again by jumping up out of her sight. She looked up to find nothing.

A thud behind her and she ducked falling to her back. With the Balverine right above her Jet placed her feet on its chest and pushed it off behind her.

She quickly regained her footing and raised her blade. The beast rose again and growled at her.

"Come on you stupid beast." Almost as if it understood her the Balverine narrowed its eyes and charged her. She followed suit. The creature raised its hand and began to swipe at her to which she ducked still going forward.

"You're dead!" Her blade shredded flesh and muscle. Jet even felt it scrape against some bone. There was one last pop before the tip emerged from the beasts back. With one last whine the beast fell and laid before the teenager.

She stumbled backwards losing her grip on the sword and watched it lay there dead. Stunned she tapped the beast with the tip of her boot. Not a sound came from it. After a few moments Jet reveled in her victory and pushed the beast enough where should pull out her blade.

"Why are these things so dang heavy?" With a squish the blade pulled out and blood pooled around her.

"Eugh…disgusting." Flinging her blade the blood flew off and she sheathed her weapon. Without looking back she moved forward.

/)^3^(\

Jet had just passed a crumbling ruin that she could not pass up inspecting. Curiosity lead her to the darndest places and she learned that quickly. She could deduce that the building was some sort of temple. As she sauntered along the walls, her fingers traced the dusty crumblings. A sudden rush of yearning overwhelmed her to see this in all of its glory. She wanted to feel the awe of what this building was. The girl shook her head.

"It's far too late Jet…" Her mind began to wonder at what laid beneath the rocks. She began at the rock.

Jet would move a boulder here and there uncovering some sort of tablet with writing on it. After about an hour of searching she placed the pieces together.

Immediately she gaped at the broken stone tablet. This was the temple of Avo. The Hero of Oakvale had been here and donated a large sum of money. It spiked her curiosity as the title they gave him was "Sabre".

"Interesting…so…" Jet turned back to the altar, "Avo, if you are true then - I claim Sabre as my name! I will liberate my people and the people of Albion from our ruler! We shall be free people again!" A light gust of wind swirled through the crumbling temple and a shiver ran down her back. She turned on her heel and left the stone edifice behind.

/)^3^(\

The woods and stone were her only company. Jet noticed that no insects strummed their music or tried to make a meal of her. The path before her wound around and she heard light ripples. Her hopes rose knowing that that sound meant water.

She went off into a trot and found herself at a small clearing. To her right was a small pond, to the north east was a hill, and to her left was a bridge. Jet decided to take out her map.

"Okay…so if I went up the hill, I'll be headed to the Arena…good. To my left is a small village called Knothole Glade….I wonder if it's still called that?" She looked toward the Arena. "It's almost nightfall….I'll stay here in Knothole Glade for the night."

Heading off she found herself crossing the bridge with a strange sensation. Her pale green eyes scanned the surrounding foliage feeling as if she is being watched. Screams came from ahead and Jet bolted off into a run.

Coming into the clearing she found a small group of people trying to get through a wooden door with Balverines coming up onto them. In a frenzy Jet looked around and picked up a few rocks. With her growing strength she threw the rocks at the monsters.

There were light thuds as the rocks bounced off their heads and the two Balverines turned to her. Jet had her blade drawn and in the ready. Ignoring the villagers, the wolf like creatures came at her.

"Crap…" she never had two at once so this would be great practice. "C'mon mutts!"

/)^3^(\

Her clothes were tattered and bloody. The smell of the life liquid reeked both from human and from beast. Both of the beasts lay dead before her and her breathing was heavy and labored. A young woman came to her along with the girl's brother. The man picked Jet up and carried her to the village gates where the guards finally opened the wooden doors.

A middle aged man came running up and looked her over. By the loss of blood Jet was losing consciousness and could not make out a word the men said. The last she knew was being carried through a wooden home and blacking out.