Chapter 25-The games

The day has finally arrived.

The Olympic Games we're about to begin.

"The first day this should be fun. Which reminds me Jack, why did Sierra carry you back?"

Gerrit said as the team were all sitting inside a locker room.

"Oh you saw that. Well to sum things up Sierra and I got attacked by this LongShot guy and his gang."

"LongShot you say?"

Gerrit asked as Jack nodded.

"Hm hm hm excuse me I have to use the bathroom."

Gerrit walked into the bathroom and fired off one bullet and walked back out.

"You okay?"

Jack asked him as Gerrit nodded.

"How are you two holding up?"

Gerrit asked Cero and Roushin.

Cero was gently rubbing his head while Roushin was in the bathroom throwing up.

"I'll recover soon I fear Roushin may be awhile."

"Pff amateurs."

Gerrit said, stretching his arms.

"Okay are we all here?"

Fighter asked as he came into the room and started to list everyone off.

"Jack, Sierra, Gerrit, Cero, Downercut, Sasha and Roushin.

There are three games today.

Downercut, Gerrit and Roushin you'll be our starting team."

Gerrit saluted Fighter very casually.

Downercut was asleep, his head resting on Sasha's lap.

Roushin came out of the bathroom wiping his chin.

"Do you mind waking him up?"

Fighter asked Sasha.

She nodded as she pulled some beef jerky out of her pocket.

She waved it over Downercut nose.

He instantly woke up and chowed down on it.

"You're up first honey."

Sasha told him.

"Shut up dumb*as I'm eating."

He said as she smiled and patted his head.

"Gerrit, you're the team leader from here on."

"Roger."

He said with a thumbs up.

"Come on you guys, we got some games to win."

Gerrit said as Downercut and Roushin followed him.

"So does this mean I'll be on the day 2 team?"

Jack asked as Fighter nodded.

Gerrit and the others walked through a tunnel when they arrived in the huge colosseum.

The largest colosseum was 612ft long and its width was 515ft, and could accommodate 87,000 people.

This Colosseum was built to accommodate 91,000 guests, is much larger in size and was made completely out of stone.

All the seats were filled with the people of Itudah.

Above the normal seats were booths.

Where all the royal families sat.

There were cameras placed around the Colosseum broadcasting the games around the world.

The middle of the Colosseum had a grass field, with dirt running tracking along its perimeter.

The announcer stood in the middle.

He spun his microphone and then put it near his mouth.

"WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES."

The crowd cheered as fireworks shot up into the sky.

"WILL EACH NATION PLEASE SEND OUT IT'S FIRST REPRESENTATIVE?!"

Gerrit elbowed Roushin's arm.

"You're the first big guy."

"Huh me? Are you sure Mr.Drake?"

"Of course I am, Fighter wouldn't have brought you here because you have something that will contribute to the team."

Roushin gulp and took a deep breath before walking forward to where the announcer was.

3 other contenders made their way up.

"PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF!!"

The announcer said as he held the mic up to Roushin.

"Um Roushin of Ninverda."

"ALRIGHT AND YOU SIR?"

He said moving down the line.

"Noct Reshin of Callum."

Unlike Garen and the other monks Noct had long dark blue hair and wore gray robes with a cinture a type of rope or ribbon that goes around the waist.

"Rin Rainu of Saiyku"

Rin was dressed in her normal samurai attire only without her sword.

"Syrus Becket of Idrum."

Syrus had short blond hair and wore fancy clothing.

The first participants we're all here.

It was time to begin the first game.

"FOR OUR FIRST GAME WE HAVE A CLASSIC JUMPING CONTEST!!"

The announcer pointed to the dead center of the ring.

Out came a pole stretching 1,000 feet into the air.

It was a white pole, nothing special about it other than it's ridiculous height.

Each of the contestants were handed a flag.

"IT'S SIMPLE JUMP AS HIGH AS YOU CAN by any means necessary. ONCE YOU DO STICK YOUR FLAG ONTO THE POLE TO MARK YOUR SPOT!"

Roushin gulped as the others looked very confident in themselves.

"Watch and learn."

Syurs said as he stepped up to the plate.

He bent his legs as small glowing yellow circles appeared below his feet.

Syrus jumped into the air and tagged his yellow flag at 450ft.

Syrus landed back on his feet and fixed his hair.

"Beat that you amateurs."

He walked past them with a gloating smile.

Rin scoffed as she walked up to the pole.

She bent her legs as her body was outlined by a light blue glow.

She jumped into the air and tied her blue flag at the 475ft mark.

She landed back on the ground with a confidante smile.

Syrus looked up in disbelief as he could feel Arama cold stair.

Roushin looked up at the pole very nervously.

Wondering if he could even manage anything above 50ft.

"Nervous?"

Noct said, looking up at Roushin.

"Is it that obvious?"

"It's weird for a big fellow like yourself to be so nervous."

"Thanks, but I'm actually the shortest in my family."

"Eeh seriously?"

Roushin nodded as Noct laughed and patted Roushin's arm.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Hm I don't see why not."

"Your monk, right? So how come you still have your hair? I thought all monks shave their heads?"

Noct laughed again as he patted his head.

"Most do but only monks who have reached master rank can keep their hair."

Roushin's eyes lit up in amazement.

"So wait that mean-"

Noct quickly hushed him.

"Keep it down, I still want to surprise the whole island later."

Roushin nodded as Noct smiled.

"Let me give you some advice. Everyone here is approaching the jump in the same way, try doing something unique if you will."

Noct said as he walked up to the pole.

Noct walked past the pole.

He walked for another 15ft before stopping and turning around.

Noct ran towards the pole.

He started doing summersaults.

He did 4 somersaults and on his 5th one something incredible happened.

He backflip into the air and just keep on spinning.

He was just spinning and spinning until finally he had stopped.

He tagged his gray flag to the pole and landed back on the ground.

"UN-UN-UNBELIEVABLE NOCT HAS PLACED HIS FLAG AT THE VERY TOP OF THE POLE."

Everyone was in complete shock.

Syrus especially as he looked up at the booth where the royal family for Idrum was.

Amara looked most displeased.

This made Roushin even more nervous.

"Oi Gerrit what did he just do?"

Downercut asked Gerrit.

"I've only heard of it but it's a monk technique called continuous momentum.

Using this technique a monk can increase the amount of momentum behind his movements by tenfold.

However this causes great stress on the body and will most likely rip you apart if you're not strong enough to handle it."

Gerrit told him as Donwercut chuckled.

"So he's a master than so many powerful opponents have shown up. Hehe, this is going to be quite the party."

Noct walked back over to Roushin and smiled.

"Your turn my friend."

Noct said, patting him on the back.

Roushin walked up to the pole not sure what to do.

He at least didn't want to be dead last.

Roushin thought to himself.

"All I can do is generate gas and cause it to explode.

What am I supposed to do?"

Roushin looked back at Noct who gave him a thumbs up and smiled.

"No, I can't think like that.

Mr.Fighter brought me here for a reason.

The team's counting on me to try my hardest. I can't give up without giving it my all."

Roushin put his hands together and pointed them up towards the sky.

He bent his knees and started to breathe.

"I see."

Noct thought to himself.

"He's going to combine the explosion with his jump to launch himself up higher."

Roushin jumped and at the same time set off an explosion below his feet sending higher up than he thought.

Once he had stopped he quickly tagged his red flag to the pole.

He started to fall back towards the ground but before his back hit the ground Noct caught him with his arm.

"HOW FAR DID I MAKE?!"

He asked quickly, standing to his feet as Noct pointed up towards the flag.

Roushin looked with amazement as the announcer declared.

"OUTSTANDING ROUSHIN FLAG IS AT 455ft mark!"

Roushin looked up in amazement with a smile on his face.

Roushin started to tear up.

"Are you watching Miss Bell? I'm starting to get things right."

He said clenching his fist.

"THRID PLACE WHAT THE ****!"

Downercut shouted.

"Calm down, it's the kid's first win."

Gerrit told him.

"You say that like I give a ****. Pff should have put me in I would have cleared the entire damn pole."

Downercut scoffed as Gerrit gave Roushin a thumbs up.

Roushin came running back over with tears in his eyes.

"DID YOU SEE IT, I DID IT I FINALLY DID SOMETHING!"

Roushin cheered and Gerrit nodded.

"You sure did pale."

Tears started to roll down his eyes when Donwercut kicked him in the knee.

Roushin fell to the ground holding on to his knee.

"What was that for?!"

He cried out in pain.

"Don't be satisfied with your current state of power, keep aiming for a higher goal."

"I'm already not satisfied with my current power, and I still want to get stronger."

"Then just when you think you've reached your limit you keep going and grind it to dust.

Mercilessly never stop growing and evolve beyond your current state.

NEVER SETTLE!!"

"Are you even listening to me!"

Downercut looked down at Roushin awaiting a response.

"That's a no isn't it?"

Roushin asked him.

"What's a no?"

Gerrit rolled his eyes as the announcer took center stage once more.

"NICE NICE A VERY NICE OPENING TO THE GAMES LETS GO AHEAD AND START THE NEXT ROUND. PLEASE SEND OUT YOUR NEXT REPRESENTATIVES!"

The announcer said as Dowercut cracked his neck.

"I'll handle this one."

He walked up onto the field as did 3 others.

The announcer held the mic up to each of them one by one.

"Downercut of Ninverda."

"Rayline of Saiyku."

Rayline wore heavy green samurai armor.

"Baseline of Idrum."

Wore silver knight armor.

"Noct of Callum."

"Um Mr.Noct didn't you already go?"

The announcer asked as Noct nodded.

The announcer shrugged as he pointed towards the next event.

"EVERYONE KNOWS THAT CORE FIGHTERS CAN INCREASE THEIR STRENGTH SO LET'S SEE WHAT YOU GUYS ARE MADE OF??!"

The announcer said as pointed to the left of the pole in the far distance was a stack of steel plates.

Unlike other steel these are much thicker than others.

"THESE TEN PLATES ARE MADE OF STEAL THE GOAL IS TO BREAK THROUGH AS MANY AS POSSIBLE!"

Noct decided to go up first.

As he examined the 10 steel plates he placed one hand on top and lifted it up.

He swung his hand down and chopped through all ten of the plates.

"AMAZING NOCT ONCE AGAIN TAKING US ALL BY SURPRISE AND BREAKING THROUGH ALL TEN!"

Next was Baseline of Idrum he only managed to break 3.

Rayline breakthrough 2.

Next up was Downercut.

Downercut looked down at the plates and scoffed.

"Double it."

He said as the announcer looked at him confused.

"I'm sorry sir did you say double it?"

The announcer asked.

Downercut gave him a death stair and said

"Double it."

The announcer panicked and quickly ushered for 10 more plates.

Downercut cracked his neck and raised his fist above his head.

As he stared down at the 20 plates.

"Downercut"

He said as he punched down through all 20 plates of steel.

"AMAZING ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE DOWNERCUT-"

"Double it again!"

Downercut demanded as the announcer looked at him confused.

"Huh sir you've already won."

"I'm not satisfied, bring me more."

The announcer smiled.

"ALL RIGHT LOOKS LIKE DOWNERCUT WANTS MORE."

He said as the crowd roared with excitement.

"FELLAS LETS NOT MAKE IT TO EASY FOR HIM."

The stack of steel plates very soon reaches 70 feet.

As the stack now stood 7 feet tall.

Downercut smiled and cracked his knuckles.

He leapt up into the air about 10ft up.

He pulled his fist back and shouted

"DOWNERCUT!!"

As he came crashing down punching through all the steel plates.

He stood to his feet and started to laugh.

"COME NOW WE DON'T WANT TO LEAVE THESE PEOPLE DISAPPOINTED DO WE?! BRING ME EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT!!"

The crowd cheered as Downercut challenge excited the crowd.

Team Fighter we're watching inside the locker room.

On a tv built into the wall.

"Tch damn kid he always gets like this."

Charlie said, scratching his head.

"What do you mean?"

Cero asked him.

"Well ever since he was a kid he's always pushing himself."

"A kid?"

Sierra asked

"Yeah I've been training both Jack and Downercut ever since they were kids."

"Wait, I thought the first time you and Downercut meant was in the ring?"

Sierra asked Jack

"That's what most people think.

That was just our first official match in public.

We've only fought seriously against each other 3 times.

The first time we fought he was beating up a bunch of guys from my school."

"I remember that fight, good times."

Sasha said with a soft smile.

"That fight got interrupted by the cops.

The second time we seriously fought was in the ring. I managed to win that one however. In our third match behind closed doors I wasn't so lucky."

Jack said as the group continued to watch events unfold.

"IF STEEL IS NO MATCH FOR THE MIGHTY DOWNERCUT WELL HAVE TO THROW IN SOMETHING A BIT HARDER!"

The announcer said as two men came out of the tunnels.

They were each holding one side of a bamboo stick.

Tied to the stick was some sort of black ore.

The men placed it on the pedestal and walked away.

The announcer began to speak.

"THIS BLACK ORE WAS FOUND BY OUR PEOPLE 3 YEARS AGO. WE'VE TRIED EVERYTHING TO BREAK OPEN BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK! PERHAPS THE MIGHTY DOWNERCUT CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE!!"

The crowd roared as Downercut stood in front of it.

He lifted his fist up and held it there for a moment.

He swung his fist down at the black ore.

He punched the black ore but it didn't even leave a scratch on it.

Blood started to drip from Downercut's hand.

"UNBELIEVABLE IT SEEMS THE ORE IS TO STRONG FOR DOWNERCUT!"

As the announcer said this he heard a chuckle.

He looked over at Downercut who started to quietly laugh.

Soon Downercut started to burst out loud in laughter.

"Don't think for a second that I'm down."

Downercut said as he lifted his fist back up and punched down on the ore.

This time his punch was much faster and harder.

Once again his strike proved to be futile.

He lifted his arm once more and punched down at the ore.

He kept punching the ore.

Over, over, over and over again.

Each strike faster and stronger than the last.

A dark red aura surrounded Downercut.

Each punch started to unleash a huge burst of wind.

"INCREDIBLE!! DOWNERCUT STRIKES ARE SO POWERFUL HE'S STARTING TO PUSH EVERYONE ON STAGE BACK."

Downercut punched it so hard the pedestal it was on was completely blown away.

He punched the black ore into the ground creating a massive crater.

Downercut stopped for a moment letting out a huge smile.

Downercut leapt up into the air as his monster aura grew larger.

Downercut put his fist behind his head.

"GET OFF THE STAGE!!"

Gerrit shouted

The announcer nodded and everyone who was on the stage quickly got off.

"We need a way to protect these people before he unleashes that attack."

Gerrit said as he felt someone tug his sleeve.

He looked down and saw Syra.

"Syra? Nice, did Fighter send you?"

Syra nodded as she put up both of her hands.

A light purple shield appeared in front of the crowd protecting them from what was about to come.

Downercut started to laugh.

Mr.Clockwork looked up at him with a smile on his face.

"Take note of this Downercut, I have a special strategy for him if we are forced to fight him."

Clockwork said as Clara bowed and nodded.

"DOOOOOWNERCUUUUUT!!"

He shouted as he came crashing down punching the ore with all his strength.

Downercut's strike created a massive crater and a huge dust cloud.

Rocks started to fly all over the place hitting the shield and shaking the ground.

Blood started to drip from Downercut's hand and arm.

Sweat was dripping down from his forehead as he panted heavily.

He opened his eyes and the black ore was still intact.

"You know you're paying for that right?"

Charlie said looking at his damaged gym floor.

"DAAAAAAAAMN IIIT!!"

Downercut shouldn't in his anger he punched the black ore once more causing his hand to bleed more.

"Why can't I even damage it?!"

Downwrcut said in frustration his fist still on the ore.

Charlie put his hand on Downercut's shoulder and handed him a towel.

Downwercut stood up straight and grabbed the towel.

"I wasn't expecting you to break it at 16 years old. You'd have to be extremely powerful for that.

This stuff is called black diamond.

It's one of the hardest materials in the world."

"Then why even try and have me break it?"

"To give you a goal other than beating Jack. Instead of focusing on just trying to surpass him.

Work on surpassing your past self."

Downwercut looked down at the diamond.

He closed his eyes, raised his fist one more time and punched down at the diamond.

He opened his eyes and saw a crack in the diamond.

He stood up straight and started to laugh.

The giant dust cloud slowly started to clear.

The crowd looked in awh as they could see the crack in ore.

The crowd all began to cheer even more.

Noct walked closer and examined it.

"Impressive it's not completely destroyed but leaving a crack is definitely worth praze."

Noct said as Dowercut stopped laughing and started to walk away.

"Are you satisfied now?"

"No even close I still have to surpass this current version of me."

Downercut said.

Noct chuckled as the announcer came running over and began to examine it as well.

"INCREDIBLE!! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN DOWNERCUT HAS DONE THE IMPOSSIBLE HE'S MANAGED TO DAMAGE THE BLACK ORE!!"

The crowd cheered as Syra let down her shield.

Downercut started to walk past them.

"That was incredible Mr.Downercut."

Roushin said, clapping in amazement.

"Aren't you going to bandage that hand?"

Gerrit asked

"It'll take care of itself."

Downercut responded as he raised it up and it healed itself.

"I THINK WE CAN CALL IT FOR TODAY EVERYONE, AFTER WHAT HAPPENED IT'll TAKE US ALL DAY TO FIX THE STADIUM. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR FIGHTER.INC."

Gerrit chuckled to himself as he heard this.

"Of course he's sponsoring this."

Gerrit said in acknowledgment.

"I'm sorry you won't get a chance to show your skills Mr.Drake."

Roushin said to him.

"It's okay kid I'll show off at the most opportune moment."

Gerrit said, walking back to the locker room as Roushin and Syra followed him.

"PLEASE ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES AS WE REPAIR THE COLOSSEUM!"

"Well we have the whole day to ourselves now what do you think we should do?"

Jack asked

"Oh oh I have a great idea."

Sasha said, taking Sierra's hand.

"Let's have a girls day out. Just us gals, we'll go get Jessica and just spend the whole day doing girl stuff."

Sasha was very eager and excited to spend the day with just the girls.

Sierra awkwardly nodded as Gerrit and the others walked back into the locker room.

Sasha instantly grabbed her hand and with no explanation quickly left the room.

"What just happened?"

Gerrit asked

"It would seem Sasha is gathering all the girls. For some sort of girl day or something.

Jack answered him.

"GREAT am I supposed to hang out with you loser the rest of the day."

Downercut said.

"Hmph ridiculous."

Cero said standing up.

"Whoa Cero I kind of forgot you were here for a second."

Downercut said as suddenly he got an idea.

"Cero let's fight."

"Huh you want to fight me, why?"

"You seem like a good punching bag for a few hours."

"Hmph underestimating me will only put you in the ground."

"Really cause you've yet to do anything that impresses me."

"Follow me."

Cero said, leading the way.

"Welp looks like it's just us, you, Roushin and I."

Jack said

"Hey Fighter you keep taps on everyone right? What are Loki and the others doing?"

Jack asked Fighter.

"Pfffffffffffff why should I know? You think I just track people 24/7.

I'm not a maniac you creep thinking I keep taps on everyone and everything."

Fighter said as he walked into a stall.

"Good day sir."

He said slamming the door.

"Well that was dramatic."

Gerrit said as the group all walked off.

"Woolfers cancel operation keep taps on everyone."

Fighter said over the phone.

~Meanwhile~

Sasha had dragged the other girls to a nearby dress shop.

"What do you guys think of this pink one?"

Sasha asked the girls.

"I like it, it brings out your eyes."

Jessica said as both Sierra and Syra shrugged and nodded.

"What's wrong you guys?"

Sasha asked

"Well me and Syra have never really gone dress shopping. We have other outfits but we don't really have any dresses."

Sierra said as Syra pulled out a lollipop and put it in her mouth.

"WHAT!?"

Jessica and Sasha both yelled.

"Well I guess we have to fix this hmph."

Sasha turned to grab more dresses when she bumped into someone.

She nearly fell down but the person she pumped into caught her and pulled back on her feet.

"Pardon me."

The man said as the girls were all in shock to see who it was.

"King Zin!?"

Sasha said as she quickly bowed her head.

"Forgive me your uh Mr.Highness."

Zin laughed as he ushered her to stand up.

"It's quite alright I forget to watch where I'm going as well occasionally. Hm wait a minute aren't you girls from the Ninverda team?"

Zin asked them in a very polite manner.

"Um yes we are, I'm Sasha, these are my friends.

Jessica, Sierra and Syra."

She said

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Zin did a small bow and lifted his head back up.

"If I might ask your majesty what brings you to a dress shop?"

Sierra asked, walking next to Sasha.

"I'm dress shopping for my daughter.

It's a surprise so I asked her friend to distract her for a bit while I came to pick one out.

However I found myself unable to pick one.

Would you mind helping me?"

Zin asked them.

Sierra kept her hand close to her waist.

"Of course."

Sasha answered

"Tell me about your daughter so I can get a better perspective."

Sasha asked Zin wanting his input.

"Her favorite color is light blue.

She loves flowers. Her favorite flower is a bellflower. She loves to play in the rain. She has a very adventurous spirit. She does these cutest little dances too.

Ah sorry I'm starting to ramble on my apologies. I get carried away sometimes when I talk about her."

Sasha laughed as she grabbed a dress and handed it to Zin.

"It's quite alright I don't mind.

Here she'll love this one."

Zin looked at the dress and smiled.

"Thank you Miss Sasha for your help.

I'd best be going now, good luck with your shopping."

Zin said as he walked away waving.

Sierra removed her hand from her waist and let a breath of fresh air out.

Zin walked out of the store and waiting for him was Jikan.

"Did you find what you were looking for sir?"

Jikan asked.

"I did what do you think of it, Jikan?"

Zin showed him the dress.

"An excellent choice my lord the princess will be most pleased."

Jikan said with a bow.

"I had some help."

Zin said

"She'll be able to wear it tonight sir."

Jikan told him

"Tonight?"

Zin scratched his head not knowing what Jikan was referring to.

"Yes sir, don't you remember tonight is the knight we're the heads of all kingdoms and nations are meeting for a feast. You're expected along with your family."

Zin smacked his forehead.

"I totally forgot about that, ugh I'm gonna have to dress fancy aren't I."

Zin sighed and rubbed his head.

"I regret to inform that yes sir, we'll have to dress fancy."

Jikan and Zin chuckled and laughed.

Zin and Jikan headed back to their quarters.

Where Zin presented the dress to his daughter.

Ara let out a big smile and screamed.

"THANK YOU SO MUCH PAPA I'M GONNA TRY IT ON RIGHT NOW!"

She said running off.

"Ara Ara looks like I may have my hands full getting her ready."

Alice said as she followed after Ara.

"You'd best get dressed as well, Zolomon."

Zin said taping his shoulder.

"Me?"

Z was stunned that he was coming to.

"Of course the princess should never travel without her advisers."

Z chuckled as he went to his room to change.

Zin snapped his fingers changing his clothes.

His black coat turned into a white coat with fur on the edges.

"Have all the preparations been made, Jikan?"

Zin turned towards Jikan for his answer.

"Yes your majesty."

Jikan nodded his head.

"Excellent, better hurry now we wouldn't want to be late."

Zin arrived at the royal fest.

With Ara in his arms wearing her new dress and her hair put up in a bun.

Z was in a black suit with his hairbrushed back.

Jikan and Alice appeared the same.

The room was massive with four red pillars on each side.

The floor was made of oak wood and had a shine to it.

There were hundreds of tables seeing how most royal families were quite extensive.

The tables were dressed in a white cloth and had white flowers on top.

Zin's designated table was sitting with Queen Idrum, Prince Amara, Princess Isabel, King Garen and President Clockwork and Lady Moon.

As Zin started to walk over Ara whispered something in his ear.

"Of course dear, Alice would you mind taking Ara?"

Zin placed her on the ground.

"Of course Sir, come along."

Alice took Ara hand as they headed off.

"Z go with them."

Zin ushered him forward.

"Huh why me?"

Z wondered

"Because,"

"That's not an explanation."

Z said following close behind.

"What shall I do, sire?"

Jikan asked

"Keep an eye out and await my signal."

Zin said as Jikan bowed and left the room.

Zin approached the table and pulled out his white chair and sat in it.

The group was already having a lively conversation.

"Ah Lord Zin, glad you could join us."

Garen said as Zin nodded.

"Of course I wouldn't miss out on a feast like this."

Isabel was trying to avoid looking at Zin.

She still had loads in her mind after their last encounter.

"How are you princess?"

Zin asked Isabel as she looked at him.

"I'm doing fine my lord, thank you for asking."

She said as she looked away again.

"I don't believe we've had the pleasure.

I'm Amara ken Rujick, first Prince of Idrum heir to the throne."

Amara continued to stair down Zin.

"No, I don't think we have meant.

I'm King Zin Nealous Vantourt Alastair the 3rd.

Just call me Zin though everyone does."

Zin picked up his glass of water and took a drink.

"So Mr.Clockwork will your wife be dining with us tonight?"

Zin asked him.

"No, she has other duties to attend to."

Mr.Clockwork took a sip from his wine.

"Ah I see how unfortunate I was looking forward to getting to know her."

Zin picked up his glass of water and took a drink.

"Yes, how come you and your wife aren't ever really seen together?"

Lady Moon asked.

"Running my country takes top priority.

Governing the people and keeping the peace. My title may not be king but I play a similar role. People these days are too foolish to govern themselves that their decision must be made for them."

Mr.Clockwork said placing his glass back in the table.

"I don't think you give people enough credit Mr.Clockwork."

Garen interjected.

"People should have the right to choose their own destiny.

Peace is all a person really wants.

My people believe that violence should always be the last resort in any confrontation."

Garen stated his opinion as Lady Moon added her thoughts.

"But sometimes violence is the only option."

Lady Moon said.

"Peace is great and all but unless you have the power to back up it will all be for naught. A king or Queen should build their forces to protect the peace they preach of."

Lady Moon added.

"Hmph Foolish."

Amara said.

"A king is someone who is above all other things.

He invokes fear into all others' hearts.

No one would ever dare challenge his will. Because he is above all things."

"If I may interject?"

Zin said

"Might I ask you a question Amara?"

Zin smiled as Amara became intrigued by this question and nodded.

"If it came down to your family or the people of your kingdom, which would you save?"

Amara chuckled and quickly responded.

"A person of royal status is much more valuable than anything beneath them. What of you lord Zin, which would you save?"

Zin smiled and took a drink of water.

"I would save both."

Zin took another drink of water.

This shocked Amara.

"You would save both foolish. You have to pick one or the other."

Amara demanded his answer.

"One cannot exist without the other."

Zin answered.

"Without subjects you are supposed to rule. You'd just be the king or queen of nothing. If the royal family were to die, who would lead its people? Fighting would insuse to fill the power gap leading to a civil war that would destroy the kingdom itself.

I would save both to insure the balance of my kingdom.

So that my people may thrive."

Zin said, picking up his glass and taking another sip.

Isabel and Queen Idrum watched in horror.

"What are you doing Lord Zin please don't provoke him. He'll kill everyone here please I beg you."

She thought to herself.

Queen Idrum began to panick

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!!"

Idrum thought to herself.

"If Amara attacks Zin now it will ruin all my plans."

The two continued to watch, unable to do anything.

Soon Ara came running back and Zin lifted her up and into his arms.

"Besides there is no one in this world who can challenge me to make such a choice."

The lights cut out and a strong wind blew through the room.

As a dark blue aura came from Amara.

"I hope you have the means to back those words up, Zin.

I challenge you to a royal duel and when I win you must choose either your daughter or your kingdom.

Of course you don't have to accept if you are afraid?"

Zin handed Ara to Alice and stood up with a smile on his face.

"I accept your challenge Prince Amara."

To be Continued in Chapter 26