The sounds of battle filled the yard, emanating from a great sandpit, dust was kicked up from their clash. Everyone watched curiously to see what the outcome between Lycan and Perseus would be. What would prove to be superior, claws or trident?

  To the kids, many view this event as nothing more than a game. Placing their bets on who was going to win, but none followed the movement of the combatants closer than Red. Ignoring the chatter of Alice as she bragged about how her brother was going to win, to the point where Ardee started to cheer for Lycan just to spite her. This led to both Amber and Pit trying to prevent a scuffle from starting between them.

  His eyes followed Perseus' guard, using his trident to keep Lycan at a distance, forcing him to stay on the defensive as he dodged each attack or used his gauntlets to block while he looked for an opportunity. Perseus kept the pressure on to keep the advantage.

  Lucina watched, confused. Just moments ago, she and Red had started another match only for the older royals to vanish, only to return wearing their own sets of light armor... well, everyone but Katlin. Who, like the others, were fixated on the match before them.

  "Hey Morgen, what's with the fighting all of a sudden?" Bringing her attention to the half-elf who wore a black combat dress with some light plating covering her arms, legs, and chest.

  "Well, you said that you fought in matches back in Eden Village, right?" Lucina gave a simple nod to Morgen's question. "You see, just like the matches you've had in Eden, we hold our little gauntlet. It's a good way for us to keep our skills sharp, although some don't see value in it." Her gaze fell to the high elf, who brushed her comments to the side, returning to her tea.

  "So how do you then win?"

  "By either making your opponent yield or unless one of us calls the match, to prevent someone from getting too hurt."

  "So it's not too different from back home."

  "Well, there is one difference. Have you ever played King of the Hill?" Intrigued, Lucina only leaned in, nodding. "It's kind of like that, the winner is decided by who is the last one standing. You have to beat everyone if you want to win, that's why we call it the Gauntlet."

  "You must have fought in these a lot La... I mean Morgen."

  Morgen simply grinned. "Fought? More like dominated quite a few times."

  Katlin only rolled her eyes at the pair as she watched the test of skill continue. From her view, Lycan didn't show any chance of victory in this contest of speed and tenacity was losing to defense and technique. "So, Iris, who do you think will win this, Perseus or Lycan?"

  "That's easy, Perseus. No way in hell that mutt stands a chance against him." Iris' opinion only made Alice grow more confident that her older brother would win this bout.

  "I wouldn't be so confident." Morgen only drew a curious gaze from her fellow speciators. A smirk took shape and she spoke out.

  "You don't say, well then, care to put your money where your mouth is, Morgen?"

  "Sure, I have no reason to hide from my words. What do you have in mind?"

  "Well then, how about 100,000 Runix says that Perseus will knock Lycan flat on his ass," Iris claimed, setting a large bag of coins, taunting Morgen. "That is, unless you're too afraid to stand by your claim."

  "Great, Katlin, you want in on this? It's gonna be free money."

  "Why would I partake in such a barbaric bet?" Choosing to ignore the offer, staking a biscuit and butter knife, spreading a combination of cinnamon honey butter on the pastry, she continued to watch. Wondering how long the match will play out. Her voice turned softer when she shifted her attention to Lucina. "Here, try this. This is a personal favorite of mine from Elvis, made from the sweetest honey trees in my family's garden."

  Lucina just ignored Katlin's offer, much to her displeasure. Her mind was stuck between confused and shocked at this 'simple' wager as Morgen set another bag on the table. 'How can they just throw this much money around like it's nothing!!?'

  "What's wrong, kid, cat got your tongue?" Iris mocked.

  "Na.. na... no, I just... well, I've never seen someone toss away that much money before."

  This only made her laugh. Not only was she given the title Lady by the young elf, but her response to what she saw as pocket change was entertaining as she watched Lucina sink further into her seat.

  "Don't worry about it, Lucina." Morgen reaffirmed her before leaning back into her seat. "Iris isn't the type to think about these things through."

  "Oh yeah? Well then, we'll see who gets the last laugh after this match."

  While they made their bets, crimson eyes continued to watch the movements of his seniors, his hands fitted with Breaker's sheath, the boy's armor rose with each breath.

  Following their movement to the best of his ability, he took notice of their actions. Using bursts of speed, Lycan dashed around Perseus, trying to find an opening. With each step, he kicked up sand as he circled Perseus. Lycan tried to use the dusty sand clouds to obscure his vision so he could get past Perseus' defenses. Dashing in, Lycan delivered a fierce armored kick, aiming at his opponent's side.

  However, following the movements of the zoophian, he blocked the strike with his trident. The sound of metal against metal rang out.

  Lycan retreated, threw a knife that Perseus effortlessly blocked as he kicked up more dust to try and hide his movements. Perseus deflected the small knife with the armored sleeve that covered his left arm. His black eyes darted back to his opponent, who continued to effortlessly kick up dirt.

  However, against the fisherman's son, this was for naught; following the wolfman's motions was easier than aiming for a school of fish in crystal clear water.

  Swinging his weapon, he aimed to halt Lycan's movement, and with each thrusting stab, Perseus pushed the advantage he had, preventing Lycan from closing the distance, forced to rely on his metal arm guards and speed to block and divert each strike.

  Red was lost between the match, to the point where the outside world became nothing more than a backdrop as he watched, and his hands moved on their own. Just slightly removing part of the blade from its sheath.

  'Lycan and Perseus really have gotten better since last time.' Their movements only seemed to have gotten faster as each looked for an opening.

  As the sun shone, the light reflected off the black and gray colored blade flashed in his eyes. Soon, he found crimson starting back. "Can I even keep up with them, or am I just wasting my time... Will I always be—

  That train of thought was halted as he felt a pair of unexpected weights land next to him, and a pair of voices snapped him away from the match

  "So how's the match going?"

  "You think you can win one today?"

  Changing his focus from the two boys next to him, Roy and Jason. "I don't think I'll participate this time. I'm just not feeling it today."

  The dispoint in the pair grew at those words. "What do you mean you aren't gonna fight?

  While Jason was discontent, Roy, however, did not believe the words of his brother.

  "Well, someone doesn't sound very confident." The trio looked back to see the blue-eyed elf take a seat next to them. "Come on, you have us in your corner, so have a little more faith. It's no fun having a rival who's always doubting themself."

  She left him off guard with that statement. Jason looked to Roy for an answer, who only shrugged.

  "Wait, we're—

  "Come on, Perseus, don't let him beat you!!

  "Keep up the pressure, Lycan, you got this!!"

  He was cut off by the simultaneous cry from Alice and Ardee and drew his focus back to the match. Lycan's hand finally got in close and was grappling with Perseus' trident, trying to see who would claim the weapon. Both shoved, trying to knock the other back as the struggle continued, they both leaned in as their feet dug into the earth below.

  A grin soon took form as Lycan fell back.

  Alice was the only one to break out out cheering, and Iris smugly reached out to the bag before her.

  But before she could claim her winnings, Lycan pulled the trident with him. With the sudden change, Lycan took Perseus with him as the wolfman fell back. Keeping a study grip and planting his foot against Perseus' stomach. Lycan followed the motion, sending Perseus flying as he lost his grip on his weapon and landed hard on his back, forcing the air from his lungs.

  Not giving his opponent a chance, Lycan dashed with the trident, standing over Perseus, and he pointed it at his chest.

  "All right, I give, you got me this time."

  Admiring defeat, Lycan relaxed and offered a helping hand to his opponent. " Yer defense is as solid as ever. I didn't think I was gonna get by it."

  "Your speed didn't make it easy."

  While the combatants couldn't have been more respectful to each other, a few in the crowd grew disappointed at the outcome.

  At the side of her brother's loss, Alice lost her grin. At the same time she lost hers, Ardee grew a smug, taunting one.

  Iris only grew agitated; her hand shook only mere inches away from what she thought would have been easy money.

  "What the hell was that, Perseus!? Do you know what you just cost me?" Iris's outburst caused them to watch as she marched towards the pair, yelling about the outcome.

  "Hey, Red, is this..."

  "Normal?" Cutting Lucina off. "Yeah, Iris is a bit of a sore loser when it comes to money." His statement caused the group to sinker. But their laughter was only cut short as an agitated voice took over.

  "Alright, since you find that bet so funny, how about I use the next match to give you something to laugh about?" Iris spoke out as her hands reached down to her side, where two whips, one pure brown leather, with the other made of a black rope with a yellow streak running down the full length.

  "Wait, Iris..." He stuttered, backing away. Waving his arms as Iris got closer, cracking her whips with each step. "We can talk about this... I–

  "Come on, sis, don't go scaring the kid after all, looks like we have a guest."

  The sudden voice caused everyone to turn to the door, at the arrival of a late-arriving human as a streak of orange that defined Pit dashed by, colliding with the guest who matched his looks in most aspects but their eyes. "You finally showed up, Raiden!"

  "Good to see ya." His attention shifted away from his younger and back to he group. "Can't believe you guys started without me."

  "Maybe if you didn't make us wait, then you could have been here when we started. What happened? Did you get your head lost in the clouds?" Morgan gave a slight taunt.

  But rather than send it back, his attention landed on the odd duck out. "So who's the new elf? Did Lyndis hire a cleaning service?"

  "Hey, I'll have you know that I'm not one's cleaner, I'm here of mu volition."

  Raiden paused before his gaze sharpened and narrowed. His voice took on a serious tone. "So then, tell me, why are you here? Because last time I checked, outsiders were barred from attending a summit."

  Leering at the girl with deadly cold eyes, putting himself between his brother and the elf. At first, sky blue eyes matched the glare of silver, before slowly backing down and darting away, following the fast, subtle movement of his hand that soon rested atop the pommel of the short. Ready to remove the small blade.

  "Well... you see... I—

  "She's my guest, Raiden." The outburst came from Red. "If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with me."

  The sight made the others grow curious, but for Raiden, it only gave him something to smirk at. "So–

  "Yo Raiden, yer goin' down next. Today's my day, I win the Gauntlet." Cried out the wolfman. Whether he meant to or not, he broke up the tension as the focus came back on him.

  Hearing the challenge, he only chuckled. "So, you think you can win? Might as well indulge you if you're feeling confident." Reaching back, he placed a hand on his spear, but there was a small detail that Red noticed. There were lightning bolts engraved throughout the length of the spear, but one stood out; it was the same lightning bolt crossed heart symbol that was on his locket. "Just know today isn't your day."

  Walking passed them, the moment he passed Red and Lucina, a single phrase was spoken at the blond elf. "Don't try anything."

  She didn't react, only blinking her eyes. Once, then twice. "Don't try anything? Hey, are you threatening me!?"

  Before she could take a single step, Red reached out and grabbed her arm. "Just don't, trust me, it's not worth it."

  "For shame, Raiden, treating a girl like, and a fellow elf no less." Katlin's voice was barely audible. "Lucina, if it would please you, you can come join me."

  Raiden made his way to the field. Lucina just gave in at took a seat next to Red.

  Perseus was trying to calm down his sister as Amber did her best to keep Ardee at bay to prevent a fight from breaking out between the two. It didn't help that Ardee was still sending her taunts, which consisted of pulling down her eye and sticking out her tongue.

  Roy and Jason simply looked forward to seeing the next match. Everyone was waiting for it to start, well, everyone but Iris, who was trying to be seen, trying to get either Morgen or Katlin to partake in a one-sided bet in an attempt to reclaim her loss.

  "Alright, here I come!" Lycan's voice boomed through the yard, drawing Lucina's gaze to the combatants as he charged.

  The first strike echoed. A metal leg guard kick was blocked by a silver spear. Raiden and Lycan locked eyes before anyone could blink. Another kick echoed as Raiden blocked. Each repeated kick became faster until his legs became a blur, pushing Raiden back. No strike was aimed at the same spot, but even at this speed, Raiden was able to keep his defence.

  A low growl came from Lycan before he leaped back and jumped into the air at Raiden with a foot dive. As he descended, Raiden avoided the attack, and the only thing he hit was the ground.

  Raiden used the moment to adjust his hold on the spear, gripping it tightly, and he advanced. With a thrust at such speed, it made even lighting look slow. Rather than try to block this attack, unlike with Perseus. Lycan could only dodge, barely avoiding the attack as it grazed his side. Spinning, he added the momentum he gained to retaliate, aiming a kick at Raiden's side.

  A mistake on his part.

  Raiden spun to the side and, using Matrastri, slammed the butt of the spear against Lycan's head and followed up with a kick of his own to the zoophain's chest, sending the dazed wolfman back.

  Only having enough time to process that Raiden was quickly approached. Lycan grabbed a handful of sand and threw it.

  "Ah!" Raiden instantly tried to wipe the sand from his eyes. "What the hell, Lycan, talk about a dirty trick!"

  Taking advantage of the new opening, Lycan rolled in, stealing the short sword from Raiden's belt and returning the kick to the chest.

  "Well, you know the saying. If you ain't cheated, you ain't trying!"

  Lucina, like Red, couldn't take her eyes off the match as the blades crossed. But with each clash, there was a small detail that almost went unnoticed. Watching \Lycan held the sword in a reverse grip, he rushed into the fight.

  With multiple hard strikes, he forced his way into a close range where the spear's reach became a liability, forcing Raiden to defend.

  The clashing of metals rang out, and yellow jolts came off the spear. With each move of his mouth, each breath, Raiden was forced back. The wolfman's goal was clear; he wanted to end the fight now

  Each clash, Lycan rushed past. Raiden was pushed around as he maintained his footing against the assault. It almost looked like he was struggling to hang on to his spear, while Lycan's grip only tightened with each pass.

  "Looks like Raiden is on the back foot. Right Red... Red?" She was left ignored. "Hmm, it's rude to—

  "Lycan is already in check; Raiden just needs to make one more move."

  The meeting of weapons regained her attention as the sparks grew larger each time they crossed. In her eyes, Raiden could only block the assault as he was forced to dance with zoophian's speed.

  But then, when deflecting Lycan's attack, Raiden shoved him back and immediately thrust his hand forward.

  "Heaven's strike, a crash in the pouring night. Let this flash of light, this thundering spark, bring me victory in this conflict."

  "Raigeki!!"

  In an instant, an arrow of lightning left his hand, jolting towards Lycan.

  The only thing he could do was try to avoid the attack, but each time he tried to dodge... the lightning bolt followed.

  Lycan was focused on avoiding the advancing spell; he didn't notice that Raiden appeared before him and rammed his fist into his stomach. Knocking the air out of him, and he tried to catch it, he met with the lightning strike, finally catching up to him. From the pain of the gut punch to now, the zapping of electricity that flooded his body, he fell to the sandy ground. His eyes whitened out as hit twitched from the shock as his body looked comically burnt. Yet his hand never lost its grip on the sword.

  This match was over.

  "Bbhaha!! What happened, mutt? Didn't you say today was your day to win!!" Iris broke out laughing at the sight of Lycan on the ground with his hair standing in ends. With his failed attempt to live up to his previous boasting.

  Launching himself back onto his feed. "Alright then, you cutting board, get down here and I'll show up I can back up my words!!" Barking back, everyone could only watch as Iris started to match the completion of a tomato, crossing her arms over her chest. They simply yelled at each other.

  "You mutt!! That's it, I'm putting you in your place!" Her cry echoed the snap of her whip as she removed them from her waist. "I'll teach you for insulting my looks."

  Ignoring the arguing between the two, Lucina felt herself wander back to the match. The image of the lightning bolt chasing Lycan, seemingly having a mind of its own as it chased the zoophain. "Red, how did that happen?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "How did he make it so that the spell followed him on its own?"

  He took a moment to think. "With each clash, Raiden likely infused some electricity into the sword Lycan stole and used it as a beacon to track him down."

  The statement made her think, watching Raiden rolled his shoulder, loosening it up. "Wait... you can infuse magic into a separate object?"

  Before he could respond. "Sorry, sis, while it would be fun to watch you both go at it. Don't forget the rules: loser goes, and winner stays to pick their next opponent." Pausing, and before anyone knew it, silver locked with crimson as he pointed out his next opponent.

  He wasn't even given the option to decline. Not only did the looks Roy, Jason, and Ardee threw at him scream that they wanted to see him compete in the next round, but Lucina joined in, encouraging him to go.

  Sighing, he gave in. Getting on his feet, fully sheathing Breaker and attaching the scabbard over his chest with the pommel of the balde hovering over his right shoulder.

  While many of the holders didn't know about the next match. Lycan and Iris continued to bicker, but not every look was excited, Morgen watched him take his place on the field.

  "Good, it's been a while since I got to face you." Raiden taunted as he adjusted his grip. "Although... I'm a little surprised how easy it was for them to convince you to accept this."

  "Let's just get on with this."

  "Well, if you insist."

  As Riaden spoke, he turned on a dime. Changing from a laid-back, relaxed form to charging at his opponent, thrusting Matrastri forward. Red avoided the first strike as it darted past him, but before he could react, Raiden pulled back with his right arm and shifted his left, adjusting the aim before sending the yellow tip back.

  Red could only follow the movement of the weapon as best he could, dodging or using Breaker parry each strike of Raiden's onslaught that only seemed to get faster as he was forced back.

  Raiden noticed an opening and pressed his advantage. Faking another strike, making Red act prematurely, he rotated, slamming Matrastri's butt end into Red's side and followed up with a left kick targeting his side. Groaning he was launched, rolling across the sandy ground.

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  "Ok, that hurt..." Red could only eye Raiden as he tried to get up.

  "You know you need to watch the opening of yours." Raiden taunted during his approach. Watching Red catch his breath, the sound of cheering found him. In the corner of his eye, he saw the small group and his guest cheering for him. "Come on, hero boy, are you really gonna let that take you down? What kind of example will you be setting?"

  Groaning at those words, Red launched himself forward, and sparks flew each time the metals clashed. Red tried to match Raiden blow for blow, but each strike was easily blocked with Matrastri; this didn't stop the cheers as the fight continued.

  Lucina didn't look away from the match. Following, almost studying each one of Red's movements as he tried to gain an advantage. The only thing that broke her focus was the cheers of the three kids who rooted for him

  "It's Lucina, right?"

  Turning away from the fight, she was greeted by the dark skin noble, nodding at his question.

  "Ok, good... Well, I'm just going to cut to the chase. I figured it might be for the better if you know that you're getting caught up in, if you hang around him."

  "Caught up in?" Unknown to her, Roy was already glaring at Perseus.

  "You know he's a blood-eye, right? I'd hate–

  "That doesn't matter; those are all just rumors and superstitions."

  "It might be hard to believe, but there is more truth to those 'superstitions' than you think." Pausing as he felt the group starting to glare at him. "Look, I was younger than Roy, and I've seen these events happen myself. From ships that happen to have one in their crew coming back with a poor haul, sea storms, and massive waves that lead to villages being destroyed, all because a blood eye arrived. We've all heard and even seen this happe–

  "How about you stop talking about my brother like he's a pest and watch the fight!" Roy was the one to speak out.

  "Yeah, I appreciate the concern, but I've never believed that stuff." Turning back to the match, she called out, joining in. "Come on, Red, show me what my rival can do!"

  As the two spoke, Adree and Jason only looked at each other, nodding in agreement as they went back to cheering.

  "Let's go Red!"

  "Go for his legs!"

  But their cheers had little effect on the battle, even though they only continued to cheer. The battle continued to fall in Raiden's favor, to the point where he only needed to use one hand to wield his spear, blocking each attack as he took notice of the cries.

  "That's new, so when did you get a rival? Or is she only saying that because she wants to learn something from Lyndis?" He taunted. A taunt that worked as Red only grew frustrated along with the power he put behind his blade.

  But once Red noticed the yellow sparks, he darted from right to left in rapid succession. Slashing with each pass, trying to interrupt Raide, who simply blocked each strike as the sparks grew.

  "Heaven's strike...

  Once Raiden started his chant, desperation painted Red's face as he tried to interrupt the spell, as the clashing of metals covered Raiden's words.

  Raiden didn't break his focus, even as the swift slashes from Red continued to send his way.

  From above, below, the sides, and even head-on thrusts. Everything was blocked, and he was punished for it by painful whacks that filled the yard. The crowd winced as he was sent rolling across the sand.

  Before he could even get back up, he heard Raiden finish his.

  ... bring me victory in this conflict ."

  "Raigeki!!"

  A flash of lightning shot out from his hand as it raced at its target. A small few watched, anticipating on seeing how he'd react, while others still didn't bother to give the match any attention.

  But for Red, his eyes were stuck on the fast-approaching bolt, sounds became dull, and then a flash of light and sand blinded him and Roy's cries entered his ear.

  They could only watch as the strike was being blocked by Breaker. The force of the impact pushed him several feet back, and the lightning sparked throughout the sword before traveling to Red's arms.

  Lucina was left stunned at the sight. "What the–

  "That's because of the mithril edge." Turning to Roy, who only continued to watch. His eyes were glued to the scene. "It's one of the rare few metals that is both a strong absorber and conductor when it comes to magic."

  Lucina was left stunned at the sight, watching the sword held back the lightning blast. "Come on, Red, push back!"

  Two pairs of blue eyes watched Red being pushed back against the bolt. His groans turned to a roar, slicing the lightning in two. But barely having time to move, he watched as Raiden broke through the sand cloud, swinging Matrastri down. The numb feeling in his arms made it hard to stay firm. Blocking the spear as it came crashing down with the force of thunder.

  "Come on, Red, I know you can do better."

  He could only groan in response as, in rapid succession, Raiden spun his weapon upward, knocking Breaker from his hands, and out of sheer desperation, Red threw a punch. Dropping his spear, crimson-eyes could only watch as Raiden caught his fist, while his free arm sparked and cracked with lightning.

  The feeling of electricity ran through his body. Air left his lungs, sending him flying from a lightning power punch, slamming against a tree.

  "You know... I expected more out of you this time." Raiden almost sounded annoyed with the performance. "Here I thought I'd have to take you seriously, it's a shark you still arnt worth the effort."

  His crimson gaze went

  "I'm... not... I'm not... It's not over!" Raiden turned back, seeing Red back on his feet and a flame in his hand. He wasn't the only one to look, but when it came to the flames he made earlier...

  "Firebolt!"

  ...It was weaker. It was small, and no sparks flew from it.

  Raiden watched it approached, and his hand moved in a blur. Swatting the flame away like it was a mere fly. While disappointment grew, and frowns took over others. For Raiden, frustration grew. The click of his tongue made it clear as he lifted his hand and, without speaking, fired off a lightning bolt that dwarfed the flame he swatted away, came from his hand before charring the ground, mere inches from Red's left foot.

  Red could only stare at the black spot; his hand fell to the ground, only to dig into the dirt out of frustration.

  "Haven't I told you that until you can make the flame roar, you were prohibited from using it in these matches?" His voice was harsh as he belittled Red. His head hung low, Raiden only continued. "You've been at this for what, five, six years now, and you still barely made any progress?"

  Each word was heavier then a thunderstorm as they beat down on a flame struggling to stay lit.

  "This match is over, until you show some improvement... I'm prohibiting you from participating in the gauntlet."

  He didn't even respond; his hair obscured his eyes. Raiden watched him ran off further into the yard, away from the group, but another sight drew his attention. Watching Lucina approach Breaker. "And what do you think you're doing?"

  He went ignored as she removed the sword from the ground.

  "You know, if he's still struggling at this stage, he should qu–

  "If you finish that, I'll end up being your next opponent."

  Raiden only watched as the elf went down the same path. Simply giving an amused chuckle at the thread, looking up before turning back to the crowd. "Ok, Perseus, your next.

  —

  Walking along the white walls of the Riser estate, she came to a small, rather nice-looking brick shack with a small chimney, a single window, and a brown door that swung open next to a discarded chestplate.

  Making her way in, she came to find the interior was decorated with hammers of varying sizes, an anvil that showed its experience, and a forge with the remains of charcoal and wood. But before falling to the reason she came in, Lucina took notice of different types of swords of varying sizes and designs that decorate the walls. Some were long swords, a few lacked a traditional crossguard, some blades were straight, while others were curved.

  On the other wall, knives were painted on it; some matched the looks of the swords, but others weren't as well-made. Sitting on a wooden stool, fitting with one of the unimpressive knives, was the boy inquisition.

  "Hey... that ah... That's a nice knife you have there." She didn't get a response, so she stood next to him looking at the knife. "You forgot this."

  Still nothing.

  The two just stood there, silent as the small echoes of battle made their way to them. Looking at Breaker and back at the knife

  "Did you know my Grandpa made those? And that one with the bird engraved into it, Mom made that one when she was a year older than me." Blue eyes located the knife in question, and it was indeed made well from the polished shine, and the black gemstone was still clear, and the bird engagement showed no sign of fading. "Even now, I can barely make something even half as good as that."

  "Well, like any skill, it takes hard work, right, so don't get discouraged. Plus, it's no fun having a rival who is always belittling himself." Finally, leaving the dull knife, only to be met with Breaker. Reaching out, he reclaimed the sword and placed it back in its sheath, an act that only pleased the elf. "So what do you say, how about a match? Just you and me."

  Her smile was infectious and so was the challange; it was hard to fight the smile that seemed to transform his face. "Sure, if you want, you can use one of those."

  Her eyes wandered to the swords that were either forged by Lyn or Ingeel before coming back to meet crimson. "Are you sure that would be alright?"

  "I don't think they'll mind, it's better than them just sitting there collecting dust." He could only watch as her smile grew, looking over each weapon until she came to a sword with a long, thin, silver colored blade with a wooden handle that felt similar to Eden's Dawn. It only drew her attention further.

  "I'm not surprised to see both here."

  The sudden arrival of a new voice caused the pair to notice Lyndis' presence.

  "Miss Lyndis."

  "Hey, Mom, what are you doing here?"

  Simply sighing as she put on a smile. "Well, you know how these things go. Things start calm, but once trade gets brought up, things get... heated. I swear, Lowins and Johanis seem to enjoy starting conflicts."

  While Red only sighed in agreement, Luicna was more confused by the lack of context of Lyn's statement. "Hmm, if it's too much to pry, but what do you mean by that?"

  The two could only stare at her until Lyn spoke up. "Well, when it comes to trade, Recia mostly does all their exports by sea, and due to the rise in sea monster activity. Both Johanis and Lowins have well... increased the protection price for the ships that come into their waters, along with the price on those exports, does that make sense?"

  "I think so, but it's kinda hard to grasp."

  "Yeah." Lyn sighed, rubbing the back of her head. "It can be pretty hard to handle, and that's not even getting into the more national stuff...

  The words national, international, domestic trade, laws and regulations, economics. They flew in and out of Lucina's head, only serving to confuse her further as Lyn kept going.

  Stopping, the redhead saw the confused state of the elf and the boredom on her son. "I heard you say something about a match... But how about we have a lesson instead?"

  Her voice, while calm, made it clear that this wasn't a request; it was a mother's suggestion. So, in other words, an order that should not and would not be ignored.

  They looked at each other before following her out.

  Standing outside the shack, they both looked at Lyn as she pulled out Sunset Ember. Its crimson blade and deep black handle shone like fire in the sun's light. To Red, it was just another day, but Lucina only grew giddy as she fawned at the knife and the glimpse of the crimson ring Lyn wore on her hand.

  'Why is she acting like that?' He thought, the stars in her eyes only seemed to grow. "You know, it's just Sunset Ember and FlameHeart."

  "Just Sunset Ember and FlameHeart?" She was baffled at his . "You're around such cool items and yet you're so dismissive of them... what is wrong with you?"

  Watching as the two bickered about weapons was entertaining, but Lyn's charcoal black eyes saw an opportunity to have some at her son's expense. "You know, Red, you were no better a few years ago."

  The pair watched the redheadnplace an arm under her chest and the other against her cheek.

  "Oh, how I remember the days when you would beg me to let you hold either Sunset Ember or FlameHeart. How you'd wave them around, calling out the names of what you would name a sword once your Flamerite arrived." His face started to match his name's sake as Lyn continued. "Oh, what were they? Flame Devourer, FireMaster... What else did you call them, Infer–

  "MOM!!" He cried, his face had a rose tint due to his embarrassment at the names he would spout as a child.

  Lucina simply laughed at the scene, while Lyn smiled, almost chuckling at his expense. "Can... Can we just start the lesson?"

  As much as she would have loved to continue to mess with him, but saw his mood change from what it was earlier. There was no point in continuing. So shifting her feet and held Sunset Ember tightly in her left hand while cupping the pommel with the other.

  Red mimicking the actions of his mother, holding Breaker in his right and covering the pommel with his left, picking up on what was happening, Lucina did the same with Eden's Dawn.

  "You both remember the lesson on how Firebolt works, right?" The pair nodded. "Alright, that's good. What I'm about to show you follows a similar idea. First, use the heat of your body to make the foundation for a flame, but rather than channel it into your hand, send it into the blade. If you do it right, it should look like this."

  They only watched as the dagger was engulfed in flames. Waxing it around, to just simply show off the now-burning blade.

  "Once you get used to it, to the point of it being second nature. You'll be able to do this." Watching as she removed her hand from the pommel, she made a slash at the sky. Sending a blade made of fire into the sky, splitting a cloud in two. "Although it may take you kids a few years before you can get to that point."

  While Red was already going through the process, trying to set heat into Breaker. Lucina had a shine in her eyes at Lyn's actions. Following suit, Lucina conjured her flames and slowly sent them into her blade.

  Feeling the heat transfer from her hands to the sword, Lucina, with ease, watched a thin blue line of flame made its way up the blade, outlining her wooden blade in a light blue hue. In awe at how the blue flames covered her blade.

  "This is... How come my blade isn't burning?" Watching the flames travel up her blade, she was left in a trance.

  "It's thanks to the Rainbow Tree." Lucina felt her focus change from the borrowed sword to her instructor. "You see, the wood from that tree has properties that enhance magic when it's channeled into it. Almost every mage tries to get a staff or wand like that so they can improve their power."

  She could only look back at the weapon as the flames danced in her eyes. "If I can do this much with Eden's Dawn right now... What could I do in the future?"

  Thoughts of how to improve in the future would have run wild if it weren't for a sudden pain radiating from her forehead.

  The sudden break of focus made her look into a pair of black eyes.

  "Don't only focus on the next three or even four steps." Lyn spoke, bringing her hand back to her side as she got to eye level with the elf. "Because if you don't give your time to the first step. You'll find out you've been left in the dust."

  Following the finger that struck her, she could see that it was pointed at Red, a flame took shape around the handle before moving up the blade.

  The stain on his face and arms made his efforts clear that he was trying to match the flames of the two who watched him.

  As the reddish-orange flames started to grow...

  "Red, Mom!!"

  ... Roy's cry broke Red's focus as they all turned to see the boy appear

  "There's no need to yell, Roy. What is it?" Lyn was curious as to her son's sudden action and was left further confused as he ignored her, going straight for his brother.

  "Come on, Red, Morgen is going to take on Raiden."

  That new bit of information made it easy for Roy to pull Red back to the field to see the match.

  —-

  The sounds of metal echoed. A long, narrow blade clashed with a silver colored spear as their wielders traced the other's movements, looking for an advantage.

  Each clash was like a blur with the speed the two swung their weapons. However, as the blades clashed once, something changed.

  Separating, Katlin set a wave of green energy into her blade and sent a beam of green colored energy at Raiden, who launched a blast of lightning from his hand. The two attacks met, creating a blinding flash of light.

  Seizing the moment, Raiden ran through the light and swung Matrastri's butt end, aiming for Katlin's head. But with highly trained reflexes, Katlin caught the weapon with her free hand and swung her blade.

  But Raiden was faster.

  At the moment Katlin caught the spear, Raiden let go of Matrastri and, using the metal that guarded his arm, he blocked the strike and, with his now free hand, he grasped the short sword from his waist. Thrusting it forward, stopping as the blade was mere inches from the high elf's throat.

  The only sound that followed was the thud of both weapons falling to the ground, Katlin raised her hands.

  "I yield. I know when I'm beat,"

  Raiden followed suit, lowering his short sword, and offered his hand. "That's another round for me. Looks like victory is all mine."

  "I suppose so." Katlin's voice had a monotone expression as she rejected

  Neither said much else as they both retrieved their respective weapons before Forest returned to the deck.

  "So does that mean this gauntlet is mine?" Raiden questioned, rolling his shoulder, trying to keep it loose.

  "Hate to burst your bubble, but you still have to deal with me."

  Morgen's voice broke any delusions of this marking the end. Making her way to the field, she watched as Roy ran off in the same direction that Lucina did when she went after Red.

  Raiden immediately got ready. Taking a ready form, lowering the spear so the point was close to the ground. But he grew relaxed as the light that came from her hand and the words she spoke weren't offensive, so he let her place a hand on him. A white light washed over him, removing the cuts and bruises that were on him before it faded.

  "Not that I'm going to complain, but why'd you do that, Morgen?"

  Walking away to take her place on the other side of the field, she turned. "Outside of classic, where's the fun in challenging you when you're already exhausted. Tell me whats our score is when it comes to the gauntlet?"

  "Well, last time wasn't it, Katlin, who won?" Taking the moment to think, he couldn't stop a grin from growing at the realization. "Ah... We're tied."

  "Yeah, so whoever wins this will take the lead. So, how about we make this a little interesting? The winner of this match gets to make one decree." Her pause gave Raiden a moment to think and nod as he was drawn in by her words. "If I win, you overturn that embargo on Red."

  Hearing her reason, a tired breath broke through. "You know the way he is now, there is no point in having him compete. He's better off watching from the sidelines.

  "Then how else is he supposed to improve?" Her voice changed from a calm tone to a serious one. "He has a dream, and I want to help him reach that dream."

  "A dream like that will only break him. It will only serve to throw him into the lion's den."

  "And what makes you think sidelining him will do any better? Why not just help him improve?" Morgen shouted out.

  "You don't get it." Raiden cried back. "Do you really think that the people will look at him any differently when he doesn't have the protection of Lyndis, hell, even you. People will see he's a blood eye, I've see–

  His words got caught in his throat. "We've heard what happens to people like him; he's better off staying here, Phera, and the other castle cities where we can keep an eye on him."

  The crowd from the deck could only watch, well, rather listen.

  "But if this is the game you want to play at Morgen, then it's a deal."

  Soon they both grew silent, the only one who continued to speak was Morgen as she prepared for battle.

  "With near-unlimited light from above, I claim thee to be the steel that forges my arms. For the creation of a blade is no easy feat, but with light, my armory is indefinite."

  "Heaven's Armory."

  The golden light started to form behind her, six swords formed behind her, but two in her hands. In total, eight blades were created.

  At the sight before him, Raiden didn't hesitate and removed the short sword from its sheath and kept a firm grip on Matrastri.

  They wait for the other to make the first move. In an instant, in what felt like less than a second, a pair of golden light blades rocketed his way.

  Deflecting the pair with Matrastri, he didn't bother to watch them break blades crumble apart before they hit the ground, choosing to close the distance.

  Hazel green eyes were reflected in her by silver as Morgen soon found herself standing face to face with Raiden. Swinging the light blade in her left hand, Raiden halted it with Matrastri only for his eyes to reflect a pair of swords descending from above.

  Leaping back, the two light blades hit the ground, kicking up dust, obscuring Raiden's line of sight. Only watch for another blade to be sent forward, and like a shadow, it traced his movements.

  Moving to the right, the blade went right, and when he went left, it went left.

  Deflecting that blade, he barely noticed Morgen appeared behind him with a smirk. With both blades, she slashed at him. Both blades clashed as they tried to push against the other.

  "Well... isn't this familiar?" Raiden groaned, pushing back with all the force he could muster.

  Smirking at memories of their many battles, Morgen shot back, matching his strength. "Yeah, just don't go tripping and copping a feel this time."

  The two pushed against each other, their eyes locked. Then there was a glimmer, a bright shine in those hazel green eyes, a shine that grew larger by the second.

  Raiden looked back only to see a fast-approaching light blade. Moving his head, he narrowly avoided it as it whizzed past his ear. His action left him vulnerable. Mogen seized the opening and pushed against the blades, delivering a side kick, launching him.

  "What's wrong, Raiden? You're not done yet, are you!?" Crying out, she summoned forth four new swords, launching them at Raiden.

  He reacted, avoiding the first three, speaking his chant as he rolled and deflecting the fourth with the short sword before thrusting his hand forward as lightning targeted Morgen.

  "Raigeki!!"

  Watching the bolt approached, Morgen crossed the light blades she held. Using them to block the spell that pushed her back. Slashing the bolt part with ease, she launched her remaining blades at Raiden, who charged in, spinning Matrastri he deflected the blades.

  Appearing on her side, Morgen snapped her head as the two made eye contact, launching another set of swords while Raiden let loose a lightning bolt. The two collided, a burst of light and lightning were sent them both flying, but neither took their eyes off the other as they rolled in the sand. The pair almost shot back up to their feet. Morgen's gaze drifted to side, finding that Roy not only returned, but with him was Lyndis, Lucina... and Red.

  The sight of him pushed her further. Eight blades blades of light reformed as her glwoing eyes grew warm and her head started to ache.

  As they made contact, they watched Morgen summoned new blades. The sight of the battle left them shocked in different ways. Lyn was simply amused to see both Morgen and Raiden's improvement. Roy was mesmerized by the combat, while Red only felt inadequate.

  Lucina, on the other hand, only watched in awe as the blades of light appeared and spun around her. Using them to both block and attack, and even keep Raiden at a distance. Foricing he to block the glowing swords with his spear and short sword.

  "Miss Lyndis, I... wha... what even is that?"

  Smiling, she answered. "It's called continuous magic."

  "Continuous... magic?" Lucina changed her view from Lyndis back to the battle.

  "Unlike the spells and techniques I was teaching you. Continuous magic, like the name entails, is constantly active as long as the user can maintain focus; they can keep the spell going without having to cycle through a chant of each use."

  Turning back, she watched as new blades continued to form in place of those destroyed. Morgen launched them, and the blades started to spin like a top.

  Raiden's words were faster then is his movements, deflecting the blades of light with his short sword as electricity arched off his spear. Charging in the swing of his spear was halted by the blades Morgen held, sending her back, her green eyes giving off a yellow glow as more blades of light appeared above Raiden.

  Looking up, four golden blades the size of a tree started to rapidly descend from above. His body moved before his mind. Matrastri had surging electricity poured into it, causing it to give off an electrical glow.

  The spear and blades collided, a bolt of lightning raced to the sky and sent them both rolling back in the sand.

  They both took a moment to breath as they got up. In thier moment of shared resy, they watched Matrastri fell from the sky and periced the sand. They both saw an opportunity as the yellow glow of green eyes and sparking silver met. The two charged racing to see who would get to the spear first.

  Raiden's grip on his shirt sword was tight, and his mouth was fast.

  Morgen was just as fast; a new golden blade appeared in her hand as she raced to the spear.

  The field had a mix of blinding light from above, and the taste of lightning was in the air.

  Two blades swung at the other.

  Stopping mere inches away from the other's throat. Their eyes were unfazed as a grin took shape on both of them.

  All those who watched the event unfold were left in awe.

  "I'd like you to look around Raiden." Green eyes motion for silver to follow suit, revealing that they were surrounded by several layers of golden blades, stacked on top of each other and pointed downward, ready to fire at the spear's location, their location. "You may want to yield."

  Letting loose an amused, almost laughing sigh. "You might want to take a look yourself. After all, do you think I'd run in without a little insurance?"

  His silver eyes motioned for Morgen to look up. Revealing that three large, conducting, dark gray clouds hovered above the blades. The dark masses were surging in with power, just ready to be unloaded.

  Their eyes returned to the other, unmoving, waiting for either one to back down first. The light grew brighter and the sound of lighting cracked. THey both removed their blades from each other. The thundering clouds and blades of light disappeared the moment they turned their backs to eachother and tarted to walk away.

  It ended in a draw. With the gauntlet coming to an end, the late afternoon sun made it a sign that the day was starting to wind down. The sound of applause brought the pair to face Lyn.

  "That was quite the performance from you both, although I do with you both held back a bit more." Looking around, they both felt a cold shiver seeing the damage they had caused. From the craters, electrical burn marks, and a fallen tree.

  ""Sorry...""

  She could only smile. "It's alright. You two gave me some relief from the meeting, but I'd better head back so–

  "YOU ARROGANT, NASSISCITC, EGO DRIVEN, GREEDY PIGS!!!

  The sudden cry drew in everyone, while only Lyn placed a hand over her face as she let loose an irritated groan. Just then, Vanessa launched the doors open and the rest of the royals followed, her face was fuming. It almost looked like smoke was coming off of her in pure anger.

  "Perseus, Alice! We're going home, I need to find a way to deal with those bloody sea serpents!"

  Heeding the call of their mother, the pair said their goodbyes as they left to join her.

  And soon, one by one, each one of the other royals arrived to gather their family. The white glow of the ring grew, opening multiple portals.

  Lucina watched Perseus and Alice approached a portal that gave way to a castle with white sandy beaches, and the smell of the sea entered her nostrils.

  The one Katlin entered had massive trees that were so numerous they almost blocked out the sunlight.

  Then a sudden bone-chilling breeze went over her, drawing her attention to the portal that both the werewolf zoophians entered, revealing a white frozen tundra.

  Then the flash of heat washed over her, removing the cold as she looked to the portal where the Contro family entered, showing off the hot savanna plains.

  Taking in the glimpses of the far-off land she has yet to see, she looked back to Red as he was left unfazed by the sights. "Red, you have to tell me about all those places!" Her sudden excitement took him by surprise.

  "Well, you see, I haven't seen much outside of the main city centers when the summits take place."

  Her disappointment was clear as the excitement quickly turned to a pout. A pout that to Red did look rather... cute.

  "Well, I'll have you know that the next summit will be at Lyenoya Castle, and we do have a forest back there you can explore. That is if you decide to join us again."

  The pair looked back to see Morgen approach them.

  "Really, Lady Morgen? You'd have me attend again!" The look in her eyes only made Morgen laugh.

  "Well, that depends, first, you need to get permission from both Lady Lyndis and your parents, plus...

  "Plus what?"

  "You have to stop calling me Lady. What do you say, Lyndis? Do you agree with that?"

  "I think that could work, but I'll have to talk with Lumara and Indigo about it." Lucina nodded in agreement as Morgen then changed her view to Red.

  "Now, before I go, Red, don't let today get you down, you'll get there at one point." Before he could respond, a sinister smile grew as she wrapped her arms around him and, despite his rather fit frame for his age, she lifted him up like a sack of potatoes much to his protest as he demanded to be put down. The pair of redheads and the blond elf only laughed at the sight.

  "Lucina," the elf turned to her instructor. "How about we take you home to Eden tomorrow morning, and you can join us tonight for dinner."

  "Yeah that works."

  Coming to that agreement, Lyndis took Roy over to say their farewells to those who remained, and in that moment, Red was finally able to escape Morgen's hold as she patted his head before leaving to join her father, Silver.

  As the two were left to themselves. Neither really had much to say.

  "Sorry I dragged you into coming here for this, I bet you would have preferred to spend the day in Eden Vill... Ow. Hey, what was that for?" Red as a fist hit his shoulder.

  "I had fun, so quite downplaying everything. But you do have a point, I didn't get to see much of this place." She started to think until her face lit up. "How about next time you come back to Eden, I'll show you more of the area, and then we can do the same here. How about that?"

  Looking at her extended hand and the smile she had. He met her action. "Deal."

  Her smile widened. "Alright, so now about what we picked up from earlier, after seeing that match, I am raring to go, that is, unless you're scared." Stepping out onto the sandy field, gripping the wooden blade, waiting for Red to respond.

  Chuckling at the energy the elf had, he responded with a sword ih hand. "Alright, sure, compared to Raiden, this would be an easy win." He matched her taunt.

  As crimson red and sky blue locked eyes, and just as they were about to start.

  "Ok, you two get in here and help with dinner." Lyn's voice halted their match yet again.