Third Person's P.O.V.
Naota and Zero have been street preforming for a while now and have managed to make quite a lot of money, though in Zero's opinion it was mostly because of Naota's expert guitar playing. Naota was just happy Zero managed to keep a decent beat. After a while, the two of them decided to take a break. While Naota went off to get them drinks, Zero stayed behind to keep an eye on their money and Naota's moped. As he sits on a bench, he can't help but think about his situation.
A few days ago he was killed, turned into what he guessed was some kind of dark Archangel, killed his killers, flew away from his love, some how ended up in another country, and was now traveling with a group of friends—mostly made up of boys—around his age that are skilled in combat. While the pain of being away from his love still hurts, Zero admitted that he's pretty happy with his situation. 'It could be a lot worse,' Zero privately thought to himself.
"Hey Zero," Naota says as he flies toward Zero with a soda can in each hand. "Heads up." Naota tosses the gunslinger one of the cans, which he catches with ease. The two sit as they drink their sodas, a comfortable silence hanging between them until Zero decides to learn a bit more about his new friend.
"You're pretty good at playing those guitars of yours Naota. How long have you been playing the guitar?" Zero asks.
"For about a year or so," Naota answers. "You were pretty good at those drums, have you considered taking up drumming?"
"Maybe at one point," Zero says, thinking that having a hobby or something that didn't involve guns would be a nice change of pace. "Although I'd have to find a place to settle down first. I can't exactly carry a drum kit everywhere I go."
"True," The guitar wielder agrees as he takes another sip of his soda. "Hey Zero, what are you going to do after the tournament is over?"
"I...I'm not sure. I can't go back home, and I know next to nothing about anyplace outside the country of Gunsmoke. I guess I'll stay with you and the others for now."
"Same here. After traveling by myself for a couple of months, I could really use the company. Besides, you guys are pretty nice to hang around. Though we're going to need find someway to make a lot of cash. Even if all of us manage to win some money at the tournament, that money and Mist and Spike's treasure isn't going to last forever. And we can't exactly pay for food and stuff with pocket lint."
"We can always take up mercenary work," Zero suggests. Back at Gunsmoke, he often did that kind of work to make enough money to meet both his and his lover's needs.
"Mercenary work?" Naota asks while raising his eyebrow.
"Yeah, taking out bandits, fighting monsters, getting and delivering items, being a bodyguard, bounty hunting, treasure hunting, and all kinds of odd jobs. I did that sort of thing every now and then for money back home."
"Well, we did make a good team against that rabbit from hell. Plus Spike and Mist already have some experience in the treasure hunting and bandit departments."
"Yeah, not only could we be able to make enough money to support ourselves, but we'd also be able to help a lot of people in the process." Zero says mostly to himself quietly.
Naota couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at what his friend said. He doesn't mind helping people, but that last part came a bit out of nowhere. From what he witnessed, Zero has a really big heart. "...You're one of those really nice guys who try to help everyone, aren't you?"
To Naota's confusion a rueful smile spreads on the gunslinger's face as he replies, "No, no I'm not, though I do try to be."
That makes Naota even more curious about his friend but decides to let it drop for the moment. "If you say so. How about we go find the others and ask them about this?"
"Sure," Zero agrees.
As the two stand up from the bench and toss their now empty cans into a nearby trash can, what looks to be a barefoot Were-Dog with chains on his arms runs past them yelling, "MOVE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE ROADKILL!!!"
The two watch the guy run like hell for a second before they hear the roar of an engine. The two turn to the direction where the barefoot teen came from and see a speeding truck playing polka music; the driver—a redheaded, Taurus-blood—has an angry and crazed look on his face while laughing like he just escaped from an insane asylum. Acting quickly, the gunslinger jumps behind the bench to get out of the truck's way while the guitarist takes to the skies.
As the mad driver disappears into the distance, the brown Valkyrie lands and yells while flipping the bird, "WATCH THE HELL WHERE YOU'RE GOING YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!!!"
This surprises Zero. Naota has been nothing but calm since he and the others first met him. Getting over his surprise, Zero says, "Well, that came out of nowhere."
"The truck or me yelling?" It appears that Naota noticed the look of surprise on Zero's face.
"Both, you've acted like nothing fazes you since you showed up."
"That's just because I've seen so much crazy shit in my life that almost nothing surprises me anymore. Besides, I've been run over way too many times already and I don't want it to happen again anytime soon."
"What kind of stuff are you talking about, and how many times did you get run over?" Zero asks out of curiosity and concern.
"Don't worry about, it's a long story anyway," Naota waves away his friend's concern. "Now, how about we find the others before something else happens?"
"Sure." And with that, they gather up their stuff and go out in search of their comrades.
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The two Dragonborns and Changelings make their way inside a bookstore, the owner allowing Spike's phoenix inside in hopes that by doing so it would grant his store good luck. After a quick look around, they find Mist near the back sitting at a table while reading a book. The four of them take their seats at the table and Shadow notices the book Mist is reading.
The knife throwing Changeling says, "A modern day knight reading a novel about ancient ninjas? There is a joke in there somewhere, I'm just not sure where." This gets the knight's attention as he looks at the people around him.
"Spike, Shadow," He says with a nod to each person in a greeting. He than regards the other people. "phoenix and people I don't know."
"I believe introductions are finally in order," Spike says as he pets the phoenix still sitting on his shoulder. "This is Torch, an old friend of mine."
"It is nice to meet you Torch," Mist greets the bird who replies with a happy chirp. The knight-in-training turns his gaze to the two cloaked figures. "So who are you two?" The two look at each other before they pull their hoods down, revealing two cute girls—much to Mist, Spike, and partly Shadow's surprise.
"I am Sapphire of the Igneous clan." The Dragonborn introduce herself. She has silver hair that is wavy at the end, swept back, long enough to reach her neck with a strand somewhat framing the right side of her face, and showing off her slightly pointed ears. Her skin is a slightly orange tan that seems natural, not fake like those of the nobles and celebrities back in Canterlot in Spike's opinion. Her snake-like eyes are like shinning sapphires, which is probably how she got her name. She has a strong-willed look about her—like that of a fighter—that wasn't missed by the others. The aura she gives out is more like that of a warrior than a noble. However, that did not take away from her beauty. In short, she is a real head-turner that could probably kick your butt if she wanted too.
"I'm Kerva Glasswing Amaryss, just your average Changeling that wants to help her fellow Changelings and help bring peaceful coexistence between us and other races." Kerva says, though she is anything but average. Her hair is straight, greenish-blue with reddish pink highlights, and stops just below her chin. While her skin is the pitch black that is normal for the Changeling race, her skin has a shine to it that Spike couldn't describe. Along with her vampire-like smile and deep, forest-green, slit-like eyes, it gives her a very exotic yet beautiful appearance. Furthermore, she has a mischievous look about her, though they can tell—or in Shadow's case know—that she is dangerous. If Sapphire is a warrior, then Kerva is a assassin, the type of person that can either make your life a living hell, put you in a world of pain, or end your life if you wrong her or those she care about.
The two females looks definitely having an affect on the males at the table. Shadow is used to Kerva's looks, but is eyeing Sapphire.'Damn, she is a real prize.' The Changeling thief thinks to himself. 'I think that Igneous means lava rock or something. If the rest of her is as nice as her face, then she is even hotter.' His thoughts soon turn towards his fellow Changeling. 'Why didn't she tell them that she is a princess? Eh, she probably has a good reason; I'll just roll with it for now.'
Meanwhile, Mist is eyeing the two ladies for a different reason than their attractiveness. 'These two have the look of real fighters, someone who has been taught how to fight since they were young, like me. I feel sorry for who ever fights them and judges them on looks alone; they would probably end up in the hospital.'
Spike on the other hand is currently at war with himself. 'Holy crap, they're beaut-,' he starts thinking to himself with a slight blush before shaking his head, stomping down on his blush and his current line of thought. 'No! No Spike! Don't fall head over heels for someone, especially two of them, just because of a pretty face! Remember what happened with Rarity?!' Over a year ago Spike had given up on her feelings for Rarity after the whole Tenderfoot incident. Spike wasn't angry with her...okay, maybe a little angry, but that went away with time, he was mostly angry at himself. He was angry for spending so much time and effort on someone that wouldn't return his feelings and let his desire for love get the better of him. After he calmed down, he took an oath not to turn into a love-sick puppy ever again. 'You aren't some love-sick idiot Spike, you have to play it cool! I have to get to know them first, learn what kind of people they are, and see if they are interested in me. Once I do, I'll decide whether or not to go after one of them. And if I do choose to date one of them, then I should also have made my decision of which girl by then. That is, if I see them again after this.'
Kerva raises an eyebrow at the emotions she is sensing from the three. Not surprisingly, Shadow is checking out her friend. 'Not if I have anything to say about that,' she thinks to herself. She has nothing against Shadow and considers him a good friend, but he is the last person she wants Sapphire to be with. Considering the Changeling thief has a bad habit of flirting with any girl that's cute, Sapphire would probably kick his tail the second she catches him. Mist, on the other hand, isn't focus on their looks. He is more like a warrior appraising two new warriors he has just met. Spike's reaction interested her the most. Kerva had seen and felt when someone fell in love with someone else at first look and she felt it coming from Spike towards both of them apparently. However, she never felt it so strong before and only for Spike to beat it into the ground. She now feels interest towards herself and her friend coming from the green-haired Dragonborn. 'Well, that's a first. I wonder what happened? Maybe he fell in love at first site before and got burned? This guy gets more interesting by the minute.'
"I'm Mist," Mist finally introduce himself after finishing looking the newcomers over. "It's safe to assume that you already know my friends. Now that the introductions are out of the way, why are you here?"
"And are you seeing anybody?" Shadow quickly asks the female Dragonborn. Spike would have asked the two the same question but decided against it since it would probably be impolite to ask someone he just met. Though his look of curiosity wasn't missed by Kerva.
"My friend Sapphire here wants to thank the three of you for saving that woman and dealing with those bandits. Plus we are both single," She says the last part as she gives a quick wink to Spike, much to his embarrassment. Shadow is about to say something, but Kerva cuts him off. "And don't bother asking Shadow, she isn't your type and you ain't hers." While Shadow would normally be more persistent he would back off since the Changeling Princess is an old friend of his.
"Why does she want to thank us?" Mist asks, trying to get the conversation back on track. "I get that we did a good thing, but it's pretty obvious that you two put a lot of effort in tracking us down like this."
"My family takes great pride into aiding those less fortunate than ourselves and protecting those who cannot protect themselves," Sapphire says with great pride. "My family is the one who helps provide the funding and coordination of the guards in this part of Dracoheart. We were about to send guards to deal with the bandits when word reached us that the three of you went out of your way to not only take out those bandits, but also saved that woman from being held hostage."
"Don't forget the ancient crypt full of zombies," Kerva quickly says.
"Zombies?" The three than explain what they went through during their journey through the crypt to stop the bandit leader from unleashing an undead terror on the world. "Wow, I must admit I'm impressed. Not many would be able to survive such a challenge."
"For a couple of badasses like us it was easy," Shadow says with a cocky look on his face. And it is because of that look Spike couldn't help but knock his feet out from under him.
"You mean like how it was easy for the giant zombie to smack us into the walls?" Spike asks with a smirk on his face. When the Changeling gives him the stink-eye the Dragonborn couldn't help but chuckle.
"Anyway," Kerva starts, getting everyone's attention, "I heard from Shadow that you three are entering the Young Fighters Tournament in Smoldering Pit, right?" The three males nod there head.
"Really?" The silver haired Dragonborn asks. "My family is hosting it and I'm taking part in it myself. Which divisions are you three entering?"
"Actually, we're not sure." Spike admits. "We heard that the tournament will spilt up into different events, but we don't know what they are."
"Well the tournament is divided up into four divisions, each with their own set of rules," Sapphire explains. "First, there is the 'Hand-to-Hand' division where you fight with your bare hands, no weapons, magic, or magical items allowed. Then, there is the 'Weapons' division where you can use any weapon except for guns or any long-range weapon. Next, there is the 'Long-Range' division where contestants use only long-ranged weapons and have a shooting contest. Finally, you have the 'Freestyle' division where there are basically no rules, so long as you don't kill your opponents. The no killing rule also applies to the other divisions as well. Each division has cash prizes for the semi-finalists, finalists, and winners. Overall, the entire tournament takes about a month to complete, a week for each division. Normally, it takes three to five days for each division; the remaining days of the week are used as time off to rest for those who are taking on multiple divisons."
"Wait, why isn't there a magic division?" Shadow asks. After all, it seems like this tournament covers just about everything, plus he would probably stand a good chance of winning the magic division if they have one.
"We use to have a magic division, but there aren't many mages that live in Dracoheart, and most of the ones that do aren't interested in fighting. Each year there would be only a small handful that would even show up, so my family decided to remove that part of the tournament all together. So which divisions are you three going to enter?"
"I'll go with the Weapon and Freestyle divisions." Mist says, deciding to go with his sword wielding prowess and is pretty sure his skill will be enough for him to go up against some of the possible gunslingers and magic users in the Freestyle division.
"Long-Range and Freestyle for me." Shadow answers, also choosing to go with his strengths.
"I think I'll try my hand at all four," Spike says, since his fighting style can fit all four divisions. "Which divisions are you entering Sapphire?"
"I'll be taking part in the Weapon and Freestyle divisions." Sapphire answers.
"How about you Kerva," Spike asks the girl Changeling. "are you joining the tournament?"
"Well at first I was just going to watch, but I think I'll join after all. The Long Range, Weapon, and Freestyle divisions seems perfect for me." Kerva says. Sapphire and Kerva's answers fill Spike with the hope that he now has a chance to get to know the two. "I think it's time for us to head over to our hotel rooms."
"I think right you're right," Sapphire agrees with her friend. "It was nice meeting the three of you."
"Same here." Kerva says as the two get up, pull their hoods up, and head for the door.
"Bye, see you two at the tournament." Spike waves as everyone else says goodbye to the two. After the two leave, the three turn their attention to each other.
"Looks like the competition just got tougher." Mist comments.
"No kidding," Spike agrees than turns his head towards his Changeling friend. "Do you have any idea what we're going up against?"
"Kerva isn't a pushover if that is what you're asking. The last time I saw her, the weapons she used were a pair of daggers, a few throwing knifes, and two Glock 19 handguns. She knows a few long-range spells and knows how to teleport quickly at short distances. She hits fast and is hard to hit in return. As for her friend, your guess is as good as mine. This is the first time I've even heard of her."
"Well, from what we seen she is probably a straight forward fighter and is from a noble clan," Mist mentions, racking his mind for any useful information. "Igneous means lava rock right?"
"I think so," Spike answers. "meaning that she probably has lava-based or fire-based powers."
"Either way, we better up our training if we want to win that tournament." Mist suggests. "Would you mind training with us Shadow?"
"Why not? Considering the last time me and Kerva fought she kicked my ass, I'm going to need all the help I can get."
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Meanwhile, in an unknown location.
A hooded figure is looking at an old scroll written in an ancient language within a large tent. Soon another hooded figure enters the tent getting his attention. The figure who just entered the tents says, "We have found the entrance, but it is sealed by a powerful spell. I need your help to remove it."
"Very well," The other figure replies as the two leave the tent, walking through a bandit camp to an uncovered entryway of an ancient crypt . "Any word from our colleague over at the ruins near Dragonville?"
"None. I have sent a few scouts to both the town and the ruins to find out what is happening. So far the reports from the ones in town say that a Dragonborn, an Earthbound, and a Changeling disposed of the bandits we stationed there to save a woman being held hostage there."
"And what of our colleague?"
"Unknown. The three apparently left and a different group is investigating the mansion; they say it was an archeologist from the Crystal Empire," The figure spits out the name like a curse. "and his two young assistants."
"And what of the team sent to the ruins?"
"There hasn't been any word from them for a long time."
"I believe it is best that we assume that those bandits and our colleague are dead. Have your men in town return at once. Once we unseal this ruin I will move my portion of the bandits to locate the ruins near Smoldering Pit."
"Very well. We will need the power resting at both here and there if we want to redeem ourselves and avenge our master."
"And to show our other comrades that we were right choosing this course of action." The two stop in front of the ruins entrance, two large black doors with a glowing seal blocking their way. The figures raises their hands, glowing in a dark aura with wisps of purple smoke coming from their hooded faces. The dark aura surrounds the seal and slowly corrupts it. When the seal is completely corrupted, it shatters like glass. "It is done. My portion of the bandits and myself will leave on the morrow."
"And I will have the remaining bandit investigate the tome. After all, the pawns always go first."
As the two make their way back to their camp, they didn't realize that by unsealing the crypt they also awoke one of the slumbering beings sealed inside the crypt.
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???'s P.O.V.
I can feel thine consciousness slowly returning to me, ending the endless dreams. How long have I been asleep? I try to move, but I cannot. 'I remember now, I was imprisoned,' I think to thineself as the memories of how I was left in my current situation slowly return. Though for some reason I cannot recall much else. I focus on thine senses, to find the beings responsible for my awakening. It takes a few minutes but I am able to do so. I sense two dark auras at the entrance with a large number of people nearby with evil in their hearts. 'They must be after either thineself or that monster that still sleeps inside this tome alongside me. I must find a way to free thineself.'
That however proves to be a difficult task. I cannot force thine way out nor can I teleport. I must be freed from the outside, by someone with flames either similar to mine or of our dear friend. There isn't anyone with flames like mine and our friend died before I was sealed away. 'Wait, maybe one of his decedents can help me.' I stretch thine senses as far as I can, going beyond this and beyond the camp at the entrance. I sense a lot of changes to the land since I was imprisoned. As I push my senses to thine limits, I start to give up hope when I finally found who I was looking for. His flames are that of thine friend mixed with the magic of a Mage. I try to reach out to him through the connection between my flames and the flames of the Phantom Fire clan.
"Please. Please come to thine aid and free me."
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Spike's P.O.V.
"Please. Please come to thine aid and free me."
I quickly try to find the source of the unfamiliar voice, seeing none I turn to my friends and ask, "Did you guys here that?"
"Hear what?" Shadow asks me.
"It sounded like someone was asking me for help."
"I didn't hear anything," Mist says.
"Me neither." Shadow agrees. Just as I am about to think a bit more about the voice Naota and Zero walk into the store and make their way towards us.
"Nice to see you're still alive dude." Naota says to Shadow as he and Zero take a seat at our table.
"It will take more than a few pissed off dads to do me in." Shadow replies.
"So how did the street performance go?" I ask the two.
"It went pretty well," Zero says. "though it was mostly due to Naota's guitar playing."
"Don't sell yourself short dude, you did pretty well yourself," Naota praises the gunslinger. He turns his attention to Shadow, Mist, and I. "Anyway, the two of us have been thinking and we want to ask you guys something."
"What is it?" I ask.
"What are you guys going to do after the tournament is finished?" Zero asks Mist, Shadow, and I. That is actually a good question. I never really put much thought into it.
"I'll do what I always do: steal from assholes and bastards that deserve it, make a lot of money, and be a ladies' man." Shadow says with a lot of pride. At least the guy is honest.
"I want to fight against strong opponents, to grow stronger, and become one of the greatest swordsmen in the world." Mist says with conviction.
"I'm not sure. I want to grow strong, to realize my potential. I want to find my role in life, my own path, maybe even find out my family heritage and learn who my parents are." I finally say with some thought.
"Well what would you say if we have an idea so we could do most of those things together as a team?" Zero ask. I raise an eyebrow at the question. I look at Shadow and Mist who are just as curious as me. I turn my attention back to Zero and the look on his face is completely serious and is hoping we agree to whatever plan him and Naota have.
"...We're listening."