Chapter 1 – The Festival of Life

Colors drifted across the horizon. Beautiful reds and moving oranges lingered around the burning sun. The fire of colors clung to the glowing orb as it sunk toward the edge of the earth. Away from the sun the colors smoothed, becoming a bright purple and then a dark blue. The dullness of the cold colors seemed to choke out the sun, yet it was in no hurry to leave. Cyrus let a sigh escape his breath while the sun climbed lower. He looked down from the cliff standing guard over his village, and watched a myriad of lights dance. This year’s Festival of Life was going to be the greatest of all.

“Cyrus!” someone shouted from behind him. “We have to go back to the village! The Elder wants to talk to us about the trip!”

“You’re the one that didn’t want to go,” he said as he half turned. “Why the change all of a sudden?”

A young girl trudged toward him in leather armor. Her sword swung slightly with each step she took. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and moved the strands of hair out of her dark green eyes. Her silver hair was short and messy, and curved outward.

Cyrus was the same age as the young girl, though they did their best to act mature. Cyrus also had short messy hair but for the most part it fell straight down giving him an easygoing appearance. His hair was a dull light blonde and his eyes were ice blue. He wore similar light leather armor and also had a belt and sword. But while he wore extra clothing underneath his armor, Ren preferred to wear less to maximize her speed and agility.

“Why do you come up here?” she asked in an irritated voice. “Do you know how hard it is to reach this stupid spot?”

“You could have taken the shortcut,” Cyrus remarked with a grin.

She frowned at him and screamed, “That was the shortcut! The real path takes a few hours all the way around!”

“Not that one Ren,” he said with a slight laugh, “the other one.”

She walked to the edge of the cliff and then looked down. The only thing along the cliff face was a series of small juts.

“Wait a second,” she said in shock. “You didn’t use those did you?”

Cyrus leaned back and said nothing. He stared into the sky until Ren stood over him obstructing his view.

“Cyrus…” she said with a worried frown, “the elder said not to use any magic, unless it was absolutely necessary.”

“It was,” he said defensively. “How else was I supposed to make it up here before the sun set?”

She kicked him in the side and shouted down at him, “If we get in trouble again because of you—”

Cyrus glanced at her as she stopped abruptly. She grinned and began walking away.

“Come on, lets go,” she said. He turned his body to face her and pulled himself up. She then stopped and unsheathed her sword, slowly raising it to neck level. Cyrus looked at her with confusion.

“I said let’s go? As in spar?” She spoke with irritation in her voice. “If you don’t use your sword, you probably won’t last very long.”

“Spar? I thought—”

“The elder can wait. You’re not the only one who can break rules,” she interrupted. He smiled back and took out his own sword. They stood for a few moments and looked at each other. Ren slowly walked sideways, and Cyrus copied her. They continued until Ren dashed forward. Cyrus jumped back and held his weapon up to block.

Their swords connected ferociously, flashing a burst of light. They stood face to face, eager to overpower the other. Cyrus managed to push back Ren, but she jumped. Cyrus readied himself for another attack, but Ren brought her sword against her side. She bent her knees and leaned forward, adjusting the sword so it parallel to her waist. Cyrus slightly lowered his blade and straightened himself. She suddenly sprung forward again, faster than Cyrus had anticipated. He leaned back and blocked with his weapon, but it did nothing. Ren had charged with so much momentum, when she struck him he was thrown backward into the air.

Just before he hit the ground, he threw his hand down and bounced back onto his feet. He stood up with a smug look on his face and adjusted his sword for an offensive strike. Ren frowned with disappointment and beckoned him to rush. He did so, but Ren evaded him. He quickly dropped back to dodge her counter, and their connected swords again. Ren ducked away, and charged from the left. He saw the deception and faked to the left. Just as she changed her stance to slash, he was already set to block.

Their weapons collided, sending the echo of the small battle into the woods. Ren shifted her weight to her front leg and threw the other in his direction. It grazed his right side, and he gripped her leg with his right arm. Before Ren could counter, he put all his strength into throwing her down. With a shout, he pulled back and slammed her into the ground. He quickly let go and stepped on her sword, raising his to her neck. He then extended his other hand freely.

Ren sighed and grabbed his wrist. Cyrus pulled her up with a huff, and then brushed off her armor. “When did you learn that?” she asked in awe.

“From Dole,” he quickly answered. “He taught it to me yesterday, when he ordered you to get the water from the falls.”

Ren smirked as he explained that he knew a few other tricks that Dole had secretly taught him. He smiled and told her that if she were nice, he could teach her what they were. Ren spun with a laugh and put away her sword. Now all they needed to do was find a fast way down.

After a small debate, they agreed to use their physical magic as long as neither mentioned it to the Elder, or Guardian Dole. They lowered their heads and concentrated as auras formed around them. Once they finished, the auras disappeared and they playfully ran to the edge of the cliff. Ren jumped down before Cyrus, and he quickly followed. Using jump and speed spells, they easily traversed the cliff side. Once they reached the ground safely, they continued their race.

They made it back to the village to speak with the Elder before the sun set. He explained to them the troubles with traveling toward the neighboring city of Tares, and that they needed to be careful. They made gestures to each other, and Dole quickly shouted. Dole was a large man with a world of experience in his dark eyes. Though he was intimidating to be near, he always had a quiet peace about him. They stood in rigid attention and apologized to the Elder. He sighed and led them to their wagon. They were to go to the city and perform the traditional Sword Show that their village had started years ago. Cyrus and Ren nodded, explaining that they had been skirmishing for fun.

The Elder then explained that they needed to take any money they raised for food and supplies to be used in the Festival of Life. Dole shouted to Ren, and she jumped. She stopped petting the horses and promised to pay attention again. The Elder shook his head and told them to get some rest since they were to leave early morning. They absolutely needed to make it back the day before the festival started.

Early morning came, and they limped to the caravan. Cyrus took the reigns of the horses as Ren climbed into the seat next to him. Cyrus let out a yawn, which was quickly scolded away by Dole.

“Alright you two,” Dole said. “No funny stuff while you’re in the Tares. And don’t let the name of your fathers go to shame because you couldn’t put up a good show.”

“We’ll do even better then them!” Ren shouted from behind Cyrus. He nodded and promised to do the same. Dole smiled and ordered them to move. Cyrus shouted to the horses as he whipped them forward. The horses reared and shot toward the entrance to the village, throwing both Cyrus and Ren backward. Dole shouted a warning, but they were already too far away to hear.

When Cyrus managed to slow down the horses, they were nearing the stone bridge that led to the main road. They had just passed the last house, and once they cross the bridge, they would be completely out of the village.

“Ren, wake up,” Cyrus whispered as he shook her shoulder. The clanking of the horses’ feet against stone formed a steady rhythm.

“What is it Cyrus?” she said with a half scowl, keeping her eyes closed. Cyrus smiled and nudged her again.

“Sleep in the back.”

She slowly opened her right eye and stared at him. She then smiled and opened her other eye. She climbed over the divider and dropped into the back of the caravan. Cyrus turned and watched her limp body shake with each bump on the road. With a sigh, he looked forward to watch where he was going. He yawned and shook his head.

After a few hours, Ren woke up and sat down next to Cyrus. She took the reins from him and let him sleep for the next few hours. As he slept, she led the horses down the main road, watching the countryside change. The flat farmlands that dotted the landscape outside the village slowly transformed into rolling hills. On the other side of the road, the Avil Forest crept into view. Every now and then another caravan passed down the same road. She nodded and waved to the drivers.

“Huh,” Cyrus muttered, wiping his eyes after a yawn. “Who are they?”

“I dunno, just travelers like us,” Ren said with a shrug. “They just wanted to wish of best of luck and to avoid any monsters or bandits we see.”

Cyrus climbed into the front seat and sat down. “Where are we?” He spoke in a low voice.

“About halfway now, we should make it by nightfall. We’re also going to take a break. There’s a tavern just around the bend in the next road.”

Cyrus nodded watched the landscape. There was a river snaking toward them, running perpendicular to the main road. After they crossed the coming bridge, Cyrus looked down at the crystal blue water and longed to swim in it.

“There it is!” Ren shouted in excitement. “It’s the halfway point!” Ren then looked at the two horses moving steadily along. “Don’t worry Cancer, Capricorn; you both can rest in a little bit.”

Their carriage approached the rest house and they parked near the stable. The horse caretaker took the carriage and pointed them to the tavern. They stepped into the building, and to their surprise, to the welcome of a very lively crowd. People were talking, laughing, and playing card games. Ren and Cyrus walked to the counter and sat down in front of the bartender. They asked for water, and he happily gave it to them. They paid with two small coins and turned to face the crowd again.

“What do you think they’re all doing?” Ren whispered to Cyrus. He shrugged and took a sip of his water.

“You mean you kids didn’t hear?” a slender man with a robe asked. “Most of them are headed to Tares, for the annual Life Festival. I heard there was an attraction that used to be really popular but then disappeared. Supposedly it’s coming back this year. I think it’s called Sword Show.”

Ren looked at the man with a half laugh and quickly turned to Cyrus with a depressing look. Cyrus simply shrugged and took another sip of his drink. She frowned, and turned to the man again. “Wow really. We’re going to Tares as well; we need to pick up supplies for our village.”

“Traveling together then? Are you siblings or a couple?”

Cyrus choked on his water and set it down. Ren blushed as she shook her arms. “No…we’re more like, partners.”

“You two are married!” the man shouted.

“No!” Ren yelled. Cyrus held her down as she hissed at the man.

“We protect our village," he said.

“Ah, your Guardians then aren’t you,” the man said as he sat down next to them.

“Yes, our fathers became Guardians of our village after the war ended, and we took the title in their name,” Cyrus explained. Ren lifted her glass to her mouth and let the cool liquid run down her throat.

“Bartender,” the man shouted with a smile. “Get these two your finest drinks, non-alcoholic, on me!”

The bartender nodded and poured them a glass of a green mixture. He handed them to Ren and Cyrus, but they just stared back.

“We can’t afford this,” Cyrus said with a disheartened look.

“Don’t worry about it!” the man said. “It’s on me, help yourselves!”

Ren looked at the glass, and then at the bartender. She quickly picked it up with her hands, and then took a quick sip. Cyrus watched her face change into an expression of bliss. He slowly held the glass and took a gulp.

“So where are you parents, surely your not traveling to Tares alone.”

“Of course not,” Cyrus said with a slight high. “They’re around here somewhere…maybe tending the horses.” He caught a glimpse of Ren staring at him, but she said nothing.

The man scratched his chin in amusement and dropped a hand onto Cyrus’ shoulder. “I wish you good fortune then.” He smiled. “Oh by the way, my name is Vincent, but you can call me Vince.”

“My name is Cyrus.” He made a bow.

“And my name is Ren.”

She bowed as well, and the man nodded. He then turned and walked away. Ren peered at the man’s left side. She swore she saw metal armor under the robe. She went back to her drink and leaned onto the counter. Suddenly, someone began shouting from the corner of the room.

“I’m telling you its true!”

“It can’t be true; there is a truce between Gaiden and Valins!”

“Then who’s been attacking those villages!”

“Monsters what else? Everyone knows they’re attacks have become more and more frequent.”

“Don’t assume that humans can’t be monsters too.”

The room became quiet while the two men said nothing. The first man looked at the rest of the crowd with desperate eyes, and then stormed out. The room stayed silent for a few moments, until the piano player shouted for another song. Slowly the liveliness sank back in, and the crowd resumed their activities without care.

“What was that about?” Cyrus asked the bartender. The bearded man leaned on the counter still wiping his glasses.

“Politics kids, there have been some nasty rumors about Gaiden attacking Valins.”

“But won’t that start another war?” Ren interrupted. The bartended nodded slowly.

“Yeah, it’s real nasty business, but worst of all…” he said and then stopped. Ren and Cyrus leaned toward him in curiosity. He looked down at their faces and continued. “But worst of all, is that the villages that were destroyed, were neutral.”

“I remember hearing something about that, but not too much,” Ren said as she raised her finger to her cheek.

“If this is your first time traveling, then you would. Those are what we call traveling rumors; there are always a lot of them going around once you hit a tavern, or the road.”

Ren thanked the man for his insight, and he nodded happily. She turned to face the crowd again, and leaned backwards onto the counter.

Cyrus sighed and rotated his glass. “If something like that were to happen to our village—”

“We have Guardian Dole to protect it,” Ren said before Cyrus could finish. He glanced at her, and she merrily patted his head. “Don’t worry; we need to be more concerned with the Sword Show.”

“Yeah.” He moved her arm from his head. “It looks like a lot of people want to see us fight.”

They both sighed and then thanked the bartender. They walked toward the exit, and then to the horses. They let them rest for another half hour and then paid the caretaker for his help. Soon, they were back on the road, watching the tavern slowly shrink behind them. After a few hours the road had become stone indicating they were getting closer to their destination. To pass the time, they played games, told jokes, and played pranks on each other. They even helped another carriage that had lost a wheel. The hills turned into a forest, and then into farmland again. More and more caravans passed them as they got closer to Tares.

“Look!” Ren laughed as something appeared at the edge of the horizon. It was the city of Tares. The surface of the road had changed from stone to brick, showing they were officially at Tares’ outer limits. The sun was setting, showing off brilliant colors like the night before. It had taken a full day’s journey, but they finally made it. They passed more people all headed toward Tares, and eventually reached the edge of the city. Lights and banners hung from all the streets and buildings, advertising the upcoming festivities. They carefully passed into the market place, where many people were buying and selling their goods. Ren made a mental note to go there once they had made enough money.

They stopped at an inn, and Cyrus led their horses into the stable. After booking a room, they ate dinner at nearby restaurant, and returned to the inn. After a long day’s journey, they left their weapons with the inn keeper as required. Cyrus then carried their bags into their room and dropped them next to the beds. Ren opened hers and looked for her evening gown while Cyrus took off his light armor. After doing so, he threw off the covers and relaxed on the bed.

“You could at least take a bath,” Ren muttered. She found the gown and then held it up with satisfaction. Cyrus didn’t respond, so she continued the search for her under garments. She found them and walked toward his bed looking down at him. He was already asleep. She shook her head with a smile and walked out of the room. She found the bathing room and a woman gave her a towel. After stripping her armor, she relaxed in the bath, and let her head sink down under the water.

Morning came, and Ren opened her eyes. The curtains for the window were wide open and light was pouring over her face. She stretched her legs and fluffed her pillow. Getting out of bed was the last thing she wanted to do. Cyrus opened the door and walked into the room with his trousers. He rubbed his face with a towel and let it hang loosely around his neck.

“I see you’re up early,” she said with a yawn. She turned on her side and leaned halfway out of bed.

“Yeah, just using some fresh water to wake up,” he answered, walking to the window. The sprawling city was already awake. People were shouting in the background, selling their wares, or telling stories of their adventures. Cyrus stretched and then heard a loud thump behind him. He quickly turned and looked for Ren.

“Ouch…” she whispered as she poked her head from behind the bed. She smiled widely and stood up. “Oh, I forgot how smooth this gown was.”

Cyrus shook his head in shame, and then felt something heavy hit his face. He fell to the ground in shock. Ren snapped her fingers in triumph. Cyrus removed the pillow from his chest and tossed it back at her.

“We’ll finish this in the arena,” he said as he got up. Cyrus put on his shirt and then his pants. Ren made absolutely sure he wasn’t looking, and then took off her gown and slipped on a new shirt and shorts. They both put on their chest armor and strapped on their leggings and arm pads.

“You ready for this?” Cyrus asked, pulling the last strap of his armor.

“I’ll go easy on you,” Ren answered with a smile. She wrapped the sword belt around her waist, slipping it though the armor. Cyrus nodded and left the room. Behind, Ren hopped on one leg trying to slip on her last boot. After picking up their weapons, they walked outside and strolled down the street. Many people were walking by, and they overheard some of their conversations.

“Where are we supposed to go?” Cyrus asked while looking down the streets.

“I know it’s around here somewhere,” Ren answered. She stopped for a moment, and then tugged on a passerby’s coat. He gave her directions to where the event had taken place in the previous years, and she nodded. She jogged down the street, Cyrus trailing behind, and darted though crowds of people outside the different stores. They stopped in front of a large area, with people everywhere.

“Where are they?” someone shouted.

“I don’t know, but the show is going to start soon,” another person answered.

“This can’t be it,” Ren whispered, “I can’t do a show in front of all these people!”

“Sure we can,” Cyrus shouted with a smile. He ran past the ticket salesman pushed though the crowd, slowly making his way toward the front. There was a platform in the center of the crowd, with an announcer on top.

“In the days of old, it was a spectacular show that brought in crowds of people around the world,” he shouted with a nervous expression on his face. “But then the show abruptly stopped. However, after a few years of silence, the show has finally come back!”

Cyrus climbed to the top of the stage, as Ren looked around.

“Come on!” Cyrus shouted. “Let’s go!”

“I don’t want to go up there!”

Cyrus reached down and grabbed her arm, hauling her to the top of the platform. She groaned and followed him to the announcer.

“Alright then, what did we miss?” Cyrus said with a nervous grin. The announcer quickly glanced at them, and returned his gaze to the crowd. After a pause he glanced at them again and bent down.

“What are you kids doing up here, this platform is reserved for the performers.”

“But we are the performers!” Ren shouted with a smile. The announcer looked at them again, as they told him who their fathers were. His eyes widened with a slight smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a surprise for you! It seems our normal performers will not be the ones performing, but their children instead!” He looked at them again, as Cyrus smiled and Ren nervously looked down. “I give you, Cyrus, the son of the infamous Metal Dragon! And Ren, the daughter of the infamous Sky Wolf!

There was a low hum from the crowd as they teetered between shouts of anger and shouts of curiosity. Ren noticed the tension and leaned to Cyrus. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” she whispered with a bleak smile.

They stood for a few moments trying to think of a way to remedy their situation. A few people began heading toward the back, and some people left. The rest of the crowd began to shout and taunt, losing their enthusiasm.

“Follow my lead,” Cyrus said as he bowed deeply. He then walked toward the center of the stage and rubbed his hands together.