3 The Beginning Part 2

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Conquer!

The crossed Sword and Gun logo of Conquest split apart as the final Doubles match began.

Fallen Flower/Shaking Barrel vs Double Edged/Twin Shots

"Don't let these guys get behind you"

"I'm not a noob John"

"Then why are you playing like one?"

Dodging Twin Shots' rapidfire, John flipped Shaking Barrel off of his rock vantage point. James spun into position behind him as his opponent sprinted towards John's exposed back. Sending two quick attacks that quickly switched into a guard James was forced closer to John. Sweat slicked the twins hands as they were pinched tighter and tighter. Options closed off for escape faster than they could keep up.

"Crap"

John's camera skewed left as his shoulder took two solid shots. His mouse whipping around James covered him best he could. They began running side by side, zig-zagging opposite each other. Their opponents split left and right. Swinging his sword back the bladesman leapt off a rock ledge. He slammed straight down, activating a shockwave. The twins leapt in unison, keeping from being knocked down.

They slide to a stop, whirling around. John rapid fired on the gunsman forcing him under cover. Sprinting into the opening James closed on the gunsman, leaping over the barrier to find….nothing.

BAM

Ground flew into his face as his camera spun from taking a cannon to the side.

"Get up!"

"I'm trying!"

If there was an animation to spit out dirt James would have already had it rolling. The twins glanced at their health bars. Not the most motivating thing to see at this moment.

The gunman continued his blasting away at James while John played tag with the bladesman. Retreating farther and farther from James, John was losing ground. Slowly the boys saw the end. To their credit they hammered away at their keyboards. Fingers dancing right up until the announcement came.

Congratulations Double Edged and Twin Shots, You are victorious!

Heads hanging low, the boys sighed and exited the game. Standing they shuffled around the corner of the table.

The applause was deafening in the tiny shop.

The twins started and glanced around.

"Come on over boys! Second place is still second place!"

Lips quirking into a grin they shuffled over, more shy now than dejected.

"This year's runner-up Doubles team is Fallen Flower and Shaking Barrel!"

The crowd sounded like twice the amount of people present but even still they could hear her.

"THOSE ARE MY BOYS!" Mary had a knack for rising above the crowd.

___________

"Here you go young men, two credit codes."

"Thanks!...ow!"

Rubbing his now sore arm. "Thanks, Sir"

"How long have you boys been playing?"

"Little over a year"

"A year!" The MC's hand twitched in his beard. "Your coordination is quite good."

"We mainly play together"

"Mmhmm….are Y'all in a Guild?"

"A Guild?"

"I'll take that as a no, well...would you like to be?"

"Both of us?"

"Of course! Can't take one without the other!"

The twins glanced up at their mom. Mary glanced at the MC. The MC glanced at them both.

"That is...if your mom thinks it's a good idea" The words came with a slight smile.

"As long as it doesn't stop them from working or studying it's fine with me"

"YES" one double high-five.

"Perfect! Write down your tags and I'll send you invites later today"

"Which guild is it for though…?"

"Oh, didn't I say? Sorry about that, I'm the Third Captain of Fading Light!"

Silence greeted the air. Immediately it was swallowed up.

"THE FADING LIGHT" "THE SAME FADING LIGHT KING OF NOTHING CAME FROM?" "DOES HE EVER COME BACK?" "WILL WE GET TO DO MISSIONS?" "HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE THERE?" "DO WE GET TO GO ON GUILD WARS?" "WHEN DO"

"Ok ok slow down now, first I should introduce myself. My name is Jerry, my tag is Twelve Leaves." Jerry's hands went from mock defensive positions to shaking the twins hands.

"You're Twelve Leaves! I loved your last Arena fight!"

"Man, you watched that? I'm flattered, and embarrassed to not have won now"

"Eh that guy was a douche"

"JAMES"

"Was a...jerk" James edged away from his mom's wrathful glare.

___________

With Jerry's help, the boys acclimated into Fading Light in record time and were soon well situated. Completing quests and missions faster than they could be given out. The boys slowly climbed their way up the Guild until everyone knew of them.

In no time, The Two Man Army became famous.