As they sat around the campfire Jade could not turn her
attention away from the young man named Talon. His abilities were
clearly that of the dragon-warrior race, a race of shapeshifters who could turn into dragons
and utilize their powers. But she remembered hearing a few years
ago about how the dragon-warriors were wiped out when sky city of
Draconica fell to the ground. She could tell that this man had
experienced much turmoil in his past, but knew better than to ask.
Instead, she turned her attention to Saje.
"You mentioned something about the elemental power of the
season?"
"Ah yes," replied Saje. "As I'd mentioned, the four guardians
will emerge at the start of each season and you will be granted their
power. The earth guardian chose Springtime because that's when life
on earth renews. The fire guardian chose Summer because the heat
of the season fuels our inner flame. The wind guardian chose Fall
because the leaves fly with us into the unknown. The water guardian
chose winter so that the falling snow can wash away all doubt for a
new year."
"That's poetic," remarked Jade, smiling slightly.
"It was left by the guardians as a message about controlling
their power, so rebirth must have something to do with a strong
will..."
Talon broke his silence. "A strong will is necessary for
reevaluating your life and moving past your mistakes or
shortcomings. It is necessary for personal rebirth."
"Yeah, I suppose so," said Saje, gazing up at the spire.
"So who is this girl anyway?" demanded Talon.
"She's our Chosen One."
"You really think some girl who came out of nowhere can
really fill that role?" Jade blushed as she sensed Talon's doubt about her
own power and significance, and she couldn't help but feel the same.
"You're just mad because she beat you," retorted Saje.
"She cheated with her earth power!" said Talon hastily.
"And turning into a dragon was fair?" asked Saje with a
smirk.
"I'll take you on again," said Jade. "No powers from either of
us, just swords. Unless you're afraid to lose to some girl who came
out of nowhere," she added with a sly grin.
"Just don't come crying to me when I hurt you," said Talon
eagerly.
Saje stood up and touched both of their swords with his hand,
making them glow blue. "This spell makes it so that the swords will
pass through the human body but nothing else. The swords will turn
red when one of you lands a blow that would otherwise be fatal. I
will be watching closely to ensure no cheating from either
side. Good luck and may the better swordsman win."
Talon quickly swung his sword at Jade, who dodged out of
the way and swung back, forcing Talon to backward. He took a
defensive stance and eyed her closely, then ducked behind some
rocks. Jade approached rock and listened carefully for any indication
of an attack. She heard a small thud to her right but sensed it was a
distraction. She then quickly blocked an attack from her left. She
knocked the sword from Talon's hand and held the sword to is throat.
"Yield," she demanded.
"No," Talon replied, "The battle is not won until a killing
blow is struck. With what you're up against mercy is not a trait you
foes will have."
Jade held the sword to his throat and considered it. She knew
this was a simple sparring duel but to strike an opponent who was
defenseless went against everything she believed in. Talon took
advantage of her hesitation and threw dirt in her eyes. She could hear
him grab his sword and lunge for her as she swung her sword and—
"Jade wins!" announced Saje.
Jade removed the dirt from her face and saw that her sword,
now glowing red, was sticking straight through Talon's left chest.
She had stabbed him through the heart while his sword, glowing
blue, was merely protruding from her left arm.
They both sheathed their swords and Saje walked over.
"What do you think of her now, Talon?" prodded Saje.
"Where did she learn to fight like that?" Talon exclaimed,
awestruck. "She even discerned the difference between a rock and
my own footsteps. I have to admit you are the second swordsman to
ever best me."
"Who was the first?" asked Jade.
"General Gremdar of Fort Balstar."
"Makes sense. My father did teach me everything I know."
"Talon," said Saje, "I would like for you to accompany us on
our journey."
"Sure," he replied, "I've got noting better to do."
Jade smiled at the idea of a new traveling companion but her
happiness disappeared at the thought of what Talon had said. He was
right; if she was the Chosen One then she would have to fight, and
possibly, even kill.