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Tenkai showered slowly, groaning as he washed his wounds and body. His brown hair that had grown during the months fell almost passed his shoulders. After a few more grueling minutes Tenkai showered and got out, drying completely and throwing on his new kimono. He tied his hair up into a top knot and went to the meadow where he usually met Leon. As he walked he strapped on his katana and wakizashi and hurried hoping not to miss him. However when he did reach the meadow Leon was nowhere to be found and it looked like the meadow wasn’t even visited that day. “Damn, I missed him...” Tenkai said frowning slightly. “There goes a sparring session..wait, maybe Urg knows where he is?” Tenkai said aloud. He went to turn but as he did he saw an arrow fly twords him. In a flash Tenkai’s sword was out and sliced the arrow in two and stopped it from hitting him. His heart raced as he stood in his stance. “Who’s there?!” Tenkai called angerly. No response came except the calm breath of the wind. “Weird...” He said slowly sheathed his sword as he looked around. He carefully took another step and then another until he was at a walking pace but he still kept a careful eye out.
Tenkai entered the bar to find it full with spectators from the arena praising a man who was smiling brightly. “Really, really it was nothing!” The man called laughing brightly. “Who’s that?” Tenkai asked. “Oh don’t you know? That’s Hanshiro, he fought yesterday and won out against an ogre.” A man shouted in praise. Tenkai shook his head. An ogre was nothing compared to some of the things Tenkai saw in the tournament and with his friends. “‘Ey Tenkai over here!” A familiar voice called. Tenkai saw Urg’s hand wave over the massive crowd and Tenkai smiled. Urg had always known how to make his presence known. Tenkai slowly made his way through the crowd and had to stand next to Urg while he and his friends sat arguing over the crowd. “They’re acting like the kid killed a dragon, for Palor’s sakes.” One of the men said sitting at the table. “Really, I bet Tenkai ‘ere could take on that boy.” Urg said in his same drunken dialect. Tenkai shook his head and placed a hand on Urg. “Don’t Urg, we don’t need another riot in here, the barmaid would get furious.” Tenkai said looking over to the woman who was angerly cleaning beer mugs. “Ah guess yer right Tenkai, so I heard you’re facin that Lionheart bloke from the Guardian Angels East eh? Sounds like a push over to me anyways.” Urg laughed with a big grin. “I don’t think so Urg, Leon has proven himself powerful by just making it this far, I wouldn’t lie when I say that this would be my most interesting match yet.” Tenkai said. Tenkai heard a chair scoot across the floor and felt himself get pushed on to the table as a man dressed in a black cloak got up and catch something in his hands. “Holy Heroinus! That man just caught an arrow with his hand!” A man exclaimed pointing to the cloaked man. Leon turned to see the insigna of an angel holding a blade face down with it’s wings outstretched. “Who the hells?” Tenkai asked. “I’d be more careful where you walk Nankobo, looks like you’ve got enemies.” The cloaked figure said dropping the arrow on him. The man walked away and left the bar as Tenkai stared at the arrow. “That’s twice now, who the hells wants to kill me this badly?” Tenkai asked aloud. “Iunno Tenkai but I’d go back you your dorms for the night, your match is tomorrow right?” The cleric asked. “Yeah, but I was hoping to catch Leon, I wanted to talk to him before the match...” Tenkai said. “Well he was here a few minutes ago...he must have left.” A fighter sitting at the table said. Tenkai sighed and shrugged. “Alright then, thanks guys, I’ll see you at the match tomorrow.” Tenkai said bowing. “Good luck Tenkai.” Urg said. “Yeah good luck and may Palor watch over you.” The cleric said. And with that Tenkai left the bar and ran back to Raphael’s with no incidents. “So, you speak to Leon?” Raphael asked. “No but I was almost killed twice by an arrow. I think someone has it out for me.” Tenkai replied as he sat down in one of Raphael’s many chairs. Raphael sighed as Tenkai sat and shook his head. “This happened last year too, one of the finalists died right before her match.” Raphael said scowling. “A cheap shot too, she was the one most favored to win. Lauren Micaela...I knew her father from the year before but she wasn’t my fighter.” Raphael said recalling old memories. “She died by an arrow?” Tenkai asked seriously. “Aye, right in the temple, whoever shot it was a marksman for sure.” Raphael said. “Now enough of this, it’s late and you have a match get to bed, I’ll keep men outside your door and window.” Raphael added. “Right, good night Ralph.” Tenkai said raising. “Good night, see you in the morning.” Raphael said.

The night passed by way to quickly for Tenkai’s liking. It seemed like only hours before Tenkai was standing in the Arena ring alone again and waiting for everyone to arrive, but sure enough spectators soon gathered to the stands and the once peaceful air now became ecstatic with the crowds anticipation. Right as Leon walked in the crowd stood and cheered. The announcer gave a short summary of their fights to get this far and called the match. Tenkai smiled but Leon’s face was stoic. “Tenkai, I remember you once telling me your reason for being here. Do you remember mine?” Leon asked. The crowd quieted and listened intently as the warriors spoke. “Yes, you told me you were seeking for power, but you said you regretted coming here...” Tenkai said. “But what does that have anything to do with this...” “Everything Tenkai. I’ve seen your fights, the resolve you fight with is amazing, but I have none. You deserve the final spot much more than I Tenkai...” Leon said. Tenkai’s eyes went wide as he saw Leon’s hand raise to the air. “I forfeit this match to Tenkai.” Leon said deftly. His voice rang clear as a bell as everyone including Tenkai stood dumbfounded.