The Rift Trials

Chapter 1: Earth

I doubt she'll want to keep going, She thought. Quickly she ran forward dodging a side kick and slid underneath Lydia's leg, without a second thought she brought her hands up grabbing her leg and pushing it up and forward. Lydia kept her balance by hopping on one foot as she neared closer to the river.

Lydia saw her intention and reached forward grabbing Ara's hands, she was a little surprised at her own ability to stretch so far but shrugged the thought away pitting all her focus into the action at hand. Almost to the waters edge she lunged backwards while bending her knee down over Ara's arms. She fell back tucking her body in as to absorb some of the fall, in one final effort she threw Ara over herself and into the freezing river.

There was a gasp and a large splash as Ara fell into the water soaking her entire body. Lydia lay there controlling breathing, taking a small break before standing again.

"Two for two!" She exclaimed happily, she had begun to lose confidence as Ara had won the last two whole she had won the first.

They both took self defense and hapkido together and enjoyed taking these times to fine tune and practice their newly learnt skills.

"Impressive!" Ara said as she sloshed through the water onto shore. "I have to say, I was not expecting that." She smiled suddenly thinking of a way to get her back for plunging her into the water. Lydia half sensed it, Ara ran forward as Lydia scurried to stand but slid losing her balance. Ara closed the distance and gave her a soaking hug. The water now freezing then both. They screamed and laughed in excitement, both expected it to end in some way similar. Whoever won usually got pay back sooner rather than later.

Ara tackled her to the ground making them both get covered in mud. She let go once realization dawned on her, they would have to get back into the river.

"Well..." Ara said standing. "Didn't really think this through."

"No kidding." Lydia said sarcastically then turned and pushed Ara back into the river. Ara grabbed her friends wrist before she fell in bringing Lydia in as well.

They washed the mud away taking longer than they could have, the constant laughter didn't help. When they finally climbed out, Ara went straight to her pack pulling out the flint she usually carried and her change of clothes.

"You can change while I get a fire started." Ara said as Lydia pulled out her towel and clothes.

"Kay." She replied and walked into the trees. She returned shortly just as the first flames spirt up. Ara added more kindling then, once the fire was strengthened, added a couple logs. "Done, I'll watch the fire wile you go."

"Cool, I brought some snacks if you want to get them." Ara mentioned then walked away into the trees. Lydia placed down her towel next to the fire placing her wet clothes out to dry, which they did quickly. She took out Ara's snacks and opened the beef jerky grabbing a pice then placed the bag beside her.

The sunlight now drifted behind the trees and would soon leave them in darkness within the next couple of hours. Ara came back and placed her clothes where Lydia's had been before then sat beside her. She grabbed a pice of Jerky biting a pice off. She exhaled while she chewed relaxing her body.

They sat in silence for a long while, both enjoying the sounds of nature around them, the birds ending their daily song, the little critters scurrying to their night homes, a distant owl, the shrieking of bats.

"This was on of the best we've had," Ara said closing her eyes, "but I'll make sure I win next time." Lydia nudged her arm.

"Psh, that's what you think. I'm on a streak!" Ara opened her eyes raising her eyebrows.

"Of what, one win?"

"Well, it's going to be, ill make sure of it."

"Hmm if that's what..." Ara was cut off by a sudden burst of light below them in the far off city. "What the..." She gasped.

The light moved outward in a half dome shape, the blue color giving the surrounding area a mystic hue. They jumped to their feet moving closer to the edge, staring their eyes for a closer look.

"Hurry," Lydia said, her voice nervous and concerned. "Ara!" She yelled. Ara jumped moving away from the growing light now rushing towards them.

They grabbed their things quickly and put out the fire then ran down the mountain quicker than before. "We need to get home! My house is closer so we can stay there until what ever that is passes!" Lydia exclaimed.

The light was almost on top of them when they reached Lydia's home. She burst open the door instantly ushered in by her parents. "Lydia! Ara honey!" Her mom shouted, "I'm so gland you're back safe. You must hurry.'Get into the basement!"

"Mom, what's going on!?"

"I'll explain later, just get in!" The two of them climbed down followed by her mom and dad who shut the door cutting off all outside light.

~~~

Hope you all enjoyed this one! I had a fun time writing it. This was new for me as my usual characters, well main ones, are boys rather than girls. SO! Let me now how I did! Especially your ladies out there. Make sure you check out the information page once you finish a chapter for the countdown and added characters. ALSO! please vote if you enjoyed his one!

Love you!