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-L-

The arena was even more impressive than I thought. Just looking at it, I could tell that it was in fact larger than Central Park. Trees, hills, ponds, and streams decorated the almost Earth-like environment. The only oddity was the mass of empty space around the arena and the absence of animals. Looking above, you could only see black space with an orb of light dangling just above the arena, providing some light. An occasional spirit or wraith would float over the arena before disappearing, making The Void feel more lonely and sad than it already was.

Tec really overdid it though. The arena had a ring of seats circling the perimeter, equipped with enormous flat screen TVs that would broadcast the event. There were even a few snack stands around the arena, making me wonder just how much thought Tec put into this place.

"It's amazing Tec.... How long did it take you to do all this?" Silnis asked him, his expression in complete awe.

"Exactly two weeks! Not a nanosecond wasted on this effort! My drones played a major part in the construction of this marvelous structure! We keep a constant supply of oxygen, water, light, electricity, and food through partnership with The Elements! This is only one of my greatest creations yet!" Tec let out a mad scientist laugh and I just had to back away from him a few steps.

"Great work Tec. You truly are a genius," Necross complimented the raccoon, though he didn't seem to hear as he was still caught up in his thoughts. Warriors and champions continued to pour in from the portal that connected the sanctuaries to here. They were all excited and in awe to see the arena in its entire splendor. I noticed that the screens had turned on and showed a list of combatants, split into two teams of ten. Scanning the list, I saw that my name was on it! What!?

"Hey, Lance, it looks like you're with me!" Necross commented, wrapping his arm around me and punching me teasingly on the arm, "We're going to make a great team!"

"Heck yeah we are!" Cody said, approaching us with Jace next to him.

"You're with us?" I asked, receiving a nod from the two, "Sweet...." I was actually excited about this. Sure, fighting demon moles was exciting in its own way, but battling my own friends in teams brought fun to a new level.

"We are going to rock the other team!" Cody cheered, electricity jumping off of him.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that...," Silnis cautioned, already in his armor and weapons at his side, "Didn't I tell you that being prideful before a battle will cost you the victory?" Sandra and Kia appeared behind Silnis, adorned in their own armor. Kia wore more light leather armor, obviously blue and white for her element. And Sandra wore a flowing cloth robe that was beautifully decorated with colorful designs.

"You boys better get ready to have your butts kicked! Sandra, Silnis, and I are going pound you guys to dust! Am I right?!" Kia warned us, looking at her teammates as they smiled confidently.

"Hey, you guys are being prideful?! Why can't we?" Cody remarked, receiving a look from Sandra that made him twitch.

"We're being confident. That's different from being prideful. Anyways...we best get going," Silnis said, leaving us with a sneaky grin that made Necross murr deeply and I blush. Man...Silnis can be so attractive even if he was going to fight me.

"Is anyone else a little intimidated by them? I mean...I'm not but I'm just wondering if anyone else was," Cody asked us, receiving shrugs and sighs.

"Come on guys, we can beat them! We just have to work together and keep our senses sharp!" I tried to encourage them, not wanting our team to lose morale before the game.

"Yeah! Lance's got the right idea! We can do this! Let's show them what we can really do!" Necross added on from mine. Getting more encouraging looks from the guys as they all started to nod and agree with us. Necross patted me on the back, flashing a smile. I smiled back, making him chuckle while his eyes swirled yellow.

"Attention all combatants, please step onto the platform and be ready to start! The game will start in t-minus half a minute!" Tec's voice boomed over the arena, making us all scramble to a spotlight where the platforms were. We hurried over and stepped onto a large circular stand that clicked and groaned with machinery controlling it. Across the arena from us were Silnis and his team. I knew Silnis was an opponent to be wary of. I've only seen him fight once at Liberty Island, but that was enough to convince me that he could be deadly.

With a jolt, the platform started to lower itself down and we could tell we were being lowered to the arena floor. Nervous energy and adrenaline were flowing through my body, making me think just how hard these people will fight. I looked over at Necross who gave me a confident and reassuring grin. Just looking at him I would always think back to what he said to me after my first training. A three-way relationship...how would that work out? I mean...I like Silnis because he's cute and nice, but what did I like about Necross besides being a friend? Taking a look at him, I did enjoy seeing all those muscles of his flex whenever he moved. His smile was always warming to see and he was handsome. I shook my head, wondering why I was thinking about all this stuff when I was about to fight my friends in this arena. Fortunately it was only a game, another way of training, but I could already tell that these people would give it their all.

"Combatants...prepare yourselves!" Tec announced, the platform coming to a halt as the opening above us shut close. Everything was dark, "Begin!" A door slid open and light flew in, showing us the landscape from a different view. Everyone on my team rushed out, leaving me trailing behind as I was still lost in awe of the beautiful scenery. We all split up, but stayed with one other person for safety. Of course, Necross partnered up with me.

"Be careful about Silnis. He's really tricky with his light magic and likes to sneak up on you if you're not alert. He'll try to disorient you with his light magic, so close your eyes when he does, but quickly open them after the flash so that he can't ambush you," he advised me. That was good info to know. I would keep that in mind if Silnis happens to target me. Necross and I splashed over a stream and that's when we had our first opponents. They were both warriors, specifically ones of water and earth. They charged at us with weapons in hand and Necross and I had a split second to decide our plan of action-divide and conquer.

I took the water champion, which was pretty dumb of me since my element was fire and she easily had an advantage over me. She used the stream as a resource and tried dousing me out with water, but I amazingly dodged all of her attempts. With my sword, I waited for the perfect opportunity to strike and saw it when she struck at me again, leaving her open. I lunged forward and managed to make a good-size cut on her side before she threw me aside with a wave of water. My armor hissed with the contact of the water, but it quickly evaporated away to steam. That's right...fire can heat water to steam. Dodging a barrage of icicles, I launched a fireball at her as she blocked it with a wall of water. It did little to protect her as her water evaporated into steam and gave me the opening I needed. I threw myself at her, knocking her to the ground and holding my sword at her throat.

"I surrender!" she called out. I got off of her, helping her up before she disappeared down a tube in the ground. I looked over at Necross, seeing that he had just got done with his opponent as well. We acknowledged each other before we continued on, encountering more opponents. We battled three more warriors and a champion, at this point feeling unstoppable. We climbed up a hill and got a good view of the arena before we saw lightning shoot down at a small pond and a massive rock jut forward from the ground, shaking the arena.

"There's Cody and Jace. They must be fighting against someone," Necross pointed out.

"We already got rid of all the warriors and one champion. That leaves four champions left on their team. Which means...," I was about to say before Necross finished for me.

"Silnis, Sandra, Kia, and Pierce are still in. Look at the screens," Necross said, pointing to the TV screens that displayed the current standings. I was shocked to see that all of our warriors and one of our champions were out too! So we were even with the other team. The screens flashed to show Cody in combat with Kia, electricity shooting around him as Kia taunted him from inside the pond. She shot a volley of ice arrows at him, Cody easily dodging them and sending another bolt of lightning down at her. She jumped out of the pond and pushed a wave of water at him, catching Cody by surprise as he was doused by the water and shocked himself with his own powers.

The screen then switched to Jace and Sandra doing battle with each other. Jace was charging after Sandra, who stood calmly still with her musical instruments floating at her side. He slammed the ground in front of him and sent a shockwave of earth towards Sandra. A harp flew in front of her and she strummed the strings to bring out her own musical sound wave that split Jace's shockwave and moved around her, leaving her unharmed. Jace stood there in shock before she sneaked in a grin and her guqin replaced her harp. Complete fear struck Jace's face as he braced himself for whatever Sandra was about to unleash. Her lithe fingers trialed the strings of the instrument before pulling her fingers back from the uppermost string, playing a short-lived melody that shook the nearby trees and boomed with power. I couldn't see what Sandra just did, but I could tell it was extremely powerful as Jace blocked her assault with his arms as his armor was being torn to shreds by some invisible force. When his armor was gone, exposing his skin, cuts appeared out of nowhere like some unseen blade was ravaging him. Sandra gave her instrument one last strum before Jace was blown back, groaning and hissing in pain. I was too captivated by what I was seeing become of my teammates to hear Necross' warning.

"Lance! Look out!" he warned before a ball of light hit the ground at my feet, exploding and blinding me. It hurt like searing coals had been put into my eyes. I cried in pain, falling onto my back and grasping my eyes.

"Always watch your surroundings Lance.... You might never know when an ambush is coming to get you...," Silnis' voice spoke from nearby.

"Nice one Silnis," Pierce commented. My vision was recovering, but everything was still so blurry.

"Lance, get up quick!" Necross said, about to pull me up before he tensed and was thrown aside by a dark shape. Pierce was on top of Necross, holding his scythe at his throat.

"Let's make this fair Necross...," Pierce chuckled, disappearing in a cloud of black smoke before Necross could swing his axe at him. I quickly pulled myself up, staggering a bit, before my vision refocused again and I saw Silnis standing in front of me with the most amazing, yet sneakily deadly, smile.

"Hello Lance.... Do your best...," he said before disappearing in a flash of light. I didn't have enough time to comprehend before I felt myself being kicked forward and thrown upwards by an explosion of light. After a short delay, I felt myself being kicked back down to the ground, landing with a loud thud. I quickly got back up, finally recovered from his light bomb. He stood calmly just a few feet away from me, taunting me with a grin. With my sword, I stood in a battle stance before Silnis reacted first and struck at me with his twin hand blades. I blocked his attack, holding him back with all my strength as he was stronger than I expected him to be. His hand blades crossed together to make an X on my sword, grinning at me again before flashing away. My armor reacted on its own and burst into flames that burned with searing heat. Silnis reappeared back in front of me, shielding his face from the heat of my flames.

"The heat too hot for you Silnis? Get ready because now it's my turn!" I taunted, pushing myself forward with my wings and slamming myself into Silnis. I threw him back a good few feet before he hit a tree, standing back on his feet and smiling.

"Nice try Lance...but I got more tricks up my sleeves...," he said, brushing out some flames on his armor before throwing his arms out and summoning several orbs of light that hummed with energy. Throwing his arms at me, the orbs screamed loudly before shooting out laser beams. It caught me by surprise and I got hit by a few of them, my fire armor doing little to protect me as the lasers cut clean through the red metal and burned the soft skin my scales protected. I cried out in pain, almost dropping my sword as my wounds stung with the heat of Silnis' laser beams. I used my sword to deflect the laser beams, successfully doing so, but I noticed that the orbs started to converge together, creating one large laser beam. I knew that my sword wouldn't be big enough to deflect that entire beam. My options were starting to run low.

"Many enemies have fallen to this very spell. None have survived...and you won't be an exception. Goodbye...," Silnis said, the giant orb now starting to grow brighter as it was about to unleash all of its energy onto me. I didn't want to surrender, but I also didn't want to get disintegrated as well. Come on Ignis...give me something...anything that can help me! Just as soon as I asked, I received an answer.

My eyes suddenly lit up with fire, my body being consumed in flames. All of the flames started to concentrate around my wings. I could feel an amazing rush of power enter me as my own spell channeled. Silnis' spell was about done, but I wasn't worried. This spell would turn the tables. The orb of light let uttered a high-pitch shriek before shooting out a massive laser beam at me. Throwing my wings back majestically, I pushed them forward and released a cyclone of fire. The cyclone absorbed Silnis' laser beam and moved itself towards Silnis with incredible speed. Silnis was shocked at my sudden comeback and quickly dodged out of the way, thinking he was safe until I sped up next to him and slashed my sword at him. I got him clean in the back, leaving a nasty wound. I then got him in the gut with the butt of my sword. He crumpled up next to a tree, trying to get back up, but failing.

"V-Very good Lance.... You got me...really good with that spell of...yours...ugh.... I-I surrender.... Good job...," he said before disappearing down a tube.

"Lance! You okay?!" Necross came up and asked me, an unconscious Pierce slung over his shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Silnis surrendered," I briefly informed him.

"Wow! He did! Man, you really are something!" he praised, giving me a big pat on the back. I blushed at his compliment, feeling proud of myself for beating Silnis in this match.

Tec's voice cracked over the speakers, announcing the results of this match, "Ladies and gentlemen! For this match, Team 1 is declared the winner! Give it up for Team 1!" The other warriors and champions watching in the stands went into a roar of applause for us. Silnis and his team, being tended to by some healers, even applauded for us with honor. All the cameras were locked onto me as I put on my best smile and waved, feeling like a celebrity on the red carpet. This has got to be one of the most amazing days of my life!

*****

A feast was held after the whole arena event and everyone was in the dining hall. Foods of many kinds were spread along the table, free for anyone to take what they wanted. I was enjoying a plate of steak and mashed potatoes with gravy, conversing with everyone who approached me with a compliment or a word of congratulations. A lot of people were impressed that I managed to beat Silnis' legendary laser and made him surrender. The many warriors of Ignis came to me and personally wanted me to train them. All the spotlights were on me that night.

Necross, Kia, Jace, Cody, Sandra, and Pierce were all busy talking with other warriors and champions, but I haven't seen any sign of Silnis. Some part of me thought I had injured him too much for him to attend, but that thought was quickly dismissed as I finally spotted him entering the dining hall wearing a dazzling smile and looking healthy as ever. He walked towards my way, making small talk with those who approached him before taking a seat next to me and taking a plate of food.

"So, Lance, are you enjoying your time tonight?" he asked me, flashing me a smile. I blushed, of course, and nodded in response, swallowing down some food before answering.

"I am, thanks for asking. Umm...you did really well in the arena Silnis. You...kind of kicked my butt around for a bit before I got you. And I really liked your laser beams. They were umm...cool," I wanted to face palm myself for thinking of such a lame compliment. Silnis didn't seem to mind as he giggled a little and gracefully ate a small bite of a sandwich which just made me wonder if he did everything gracefully.

"Why, thank you. Most people would say that they were afraid of my lasers, but you're one of the few that actually likes it. That particular spell took me months to master at the expense of some accidents and building damages," he joked, lighting up the atmosphere like his aura did to the environment. "But, on a serious note, you took me by surprise with that one spell of yours. That gave you the edge to win the match and you took it by the horns. That was some smart playing on your part Lance. I admire people who can think fast and use the environment to their advantage." My heart skipped a beat when he said that he admired me. Wow...he liked me? Silnis saying that to me just made this day even better than it already was.

"Hey, Silnis, want to put on a performance?! Sandra's up for it!" Kia shouted from across the table, beaming with energy. All eyes turned to Silnis and for a moment my heart skipped another beat when I saw him blush and try to look small. He was just so cute when he did that!

"U-Umm...all right...," he answered meekly, getting up from his seat and clearing his throat. Sandra stood ready with her many magical instruments. The lights all dimmed and Silnis' aura provided him with his own spotlight. Sandra started to play the music and I didn't recognize the song, but that hardly mattered.

(katethegreat19-Rose of May (fan lyrics))

Her heart underneath cries quietly This part of me I choose not to see

What lives must I take for fealty's sake? How much blood must stain this warrior's blade?

*War leaves its trail in moonlight so pale Its shadows they flow in rivers, in rivers So put on my mask I'll go where they ask so I might once again see the Roses of May

Staining my soul and stinging my eyes the red on my hands won't wash away, wash away Nowhere to run from what I have done I'm no longer, no longer a Rose of May*

Fate holds the blade before you mirrored in maiden's eyes Far from myself I fly into the perilous skies And they said follow the blade before you fear fall and courage rise Leave all your tears behind you far from where innocence lies

Sandra must have been the one responsible because Silnis' voice seemed amplified in this grand hall even when he sang in a soft voice. His voice even had special effects like small echoes and background singers with his own voice. But, with or without the element of sound to help Silnis, I fell into his beautiful voice and my heart fluttered at every word he spoke. I was unsure of my attraction towards Silnis before, but now I was starting to slowly accept it and I don't think I'll regret it.

Cage of the kings No need for wings So turn them to stone from roses to bone

When you look at me What do you see? This costume I weave disfiguring me...

(chorus A*)

Storm clouds are creeping closer danger is drawing near Why am I not protecting all that I once held dear? And you said break free from all that holds you Kings hand and maiden's tear Run now into my arms together we'll conquer our fears

Led here by fate No longer afraid So here now I lay My Roses of May

Silence held the hall before everyone erupted in cheers. Silnis smiled shyly before taking a bow and seating himself. It was strange to see Silnis command everyone to get into battle positions at one moment, but be so shy when doing something as simple as singing. He was hard to figure out, but his personality was just too irresistible to deny. After he got comfortable again, I placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him as best as I could.

"You were amazing Silnis. I don't anyone else who can sing better than you," I complimented, hoping it made up for the last one I made about his laser.

"T-Thanks...," he said, blushing pink and avoiding eye contact with me. Is there anything Silnis can do that can't make my heart flutter? He was making it hard to decide if I really liked him or not, though the former was winning out.

"Great job Silnis. Spot on like always," Necross appeared beside him, ruffling his silver hair playfully.

"You guys...stop it...," Silnis asked in a small and adorable voice, getting more flustered from the compliments and praise. Necross and I laughed in a kindly manner, encouraging Silnis that he didn't need to be so shy.

"I know what'll make you come out of that shell, a group hug!" Necross suggested before wrapping his large arms around the small Silnis and squeezing him firmly. He glanced at me and motioned for me to the same. I followed suit and wrapped my arms around Silnis too, feeling really nice and warm being this close to Silnis. Both Necross' and my face were pressed gently onto Silnis' face, breathing in his pleasant scent. What made the experience even better was when Silnis' hands touched each of our faces, stroking our scaled snouts with his gentle fingers and brining about a desire within me for more than just the touch of his fingers.

"You two are so sweet...thank you...," he whispered to the both of us, closing his eyes and enjoying the moment before we would have to eventually break away.

Half an hour later, the dining hall slowly emptied out and everything was cleaned. I bid my fellow warriors and champions a good night before just about to leave myself. I spotted Silnis walking towards the Private Quarters, waving me goodbye with a smile before disappearing. Necross appeared besides me, about to wish me a good night as well.

"You did well today Lance. You're really starting to shape up into a fine champion," he praised, patting the side of my arm.

"You did too Necross. You're a really good and supportive friend, just like Silnis and everyone else," I said, truly meaning that. Everyone here was so wonderful and helpful. I couldn't ask for better friends than these people.

"Yeah...we all try to help each other grow. No one gets left behind here. But, I'm probably stalling you from getting home. See you tomorrow hot stuff...," Necross said, surprising me with a kiss to my cheek before leaving to the Private Quarters with a smirk on his face. I was left standing there, shocked and confused at what he just did. D-Did he just...kiss me?