1 1. Zokom

"AGAIN!!!"

" Without hesitation, Zokom dodged a few attacks from a sparring partner. He was currently the lowest ranking out of the rest.

"Listen Zokom, you can't let your guard down, not even for a second. The moment you do, guess what's going to happen...."

"I'll end up dead"

"Your dead, so keep your guard up, watch your back. Now try it again"

" Following the command of his trainer, Zokom began to try the lesson again, but again, he failed.

"Damn it Zokom. Alright, everybody take a break." Look, maybe you should take some time off, you know, maybe your not ready for the tournament. Take some time off, practice your training."

"I CAN DO IT COACH!!!, I don't need time off" Zokom begged

"Funny"

"Training Coach Lazar walked away

"Damn, I know I was trying hard. WHY COULDN'T I GET IT RIGHT!!!" Zokom screamed

"After a few minutes of venting, Zokonmo calmed down. He was ready to head home for the day.

- ON THE WAY HOME

"What was I doing wrong. I don't get it." Zokom said

> On the way home from training,

"HEY YOU!!!, COME HERE, WE HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU!!!"

> With hesitation, Zokom insisted he go home but the gang of thieves wouldn't allow it.

"I really need to go home" Zokom said

"WE WASN'T ASKING!!!"

> The Gang of thieves took out their daggers, they was very determined in getting some money from Zokom, even if he didn't have it.

> As the two side handlers approached, time seemed to had stop. A few seconds later....

"ZOKOM!!!, ARE YOU OKAY!!!"

"Coach Lazar, I'm fine."

> The flow of time returned as soon as coach Lazar reunited his dagger of time to his holster.

"What happened here, who are these guys?"

"I don't know who these guys are, they approached me as I came down this way. I was headed home." Zokom said

"Hm. is that so, don't worry, they might just be the local gang of thieves that try to catch those unexpecting travelers. That reminds me, I came running to let you know that the International Dagger Tournament is unfortunately canceled. I know you and everyone else tried their hardest but those are the current plans. Everyone else will be updated.

"That sucks" Zokom said with a sad look

"That's okay, maybe next time"

"So, what's the reason" Zokom asked

"The problem is the director of the tournament had an accident so, the whole tournament is canceled."

Another thing, this attack on you brought something to me, you don't have any form of protection, so, now that the tournament is canceled, As coach, i have to notify the Weaponry Arsenal Director of Defensive Coordination. He would be more than happy to help. The daggers we use in training won't be enough, mostly cause they are used for training purposes.

For the remainder of the day, I'll escort you home. Just in cause THEY show again.

"That sound good. Do you still remember where I live?" Zokom asked with a smile

"Oh come on Zokom, you know I remember. Back in the day, me and your father was close. You must be tired as am I. Enough talk, let's go." Coach Lazar replied

☆ RYKIEL HOMESTEAD ☆

"Just as I remembered. It still as spacious as ever. Well, here you are, Be ready early so I can take you to meet the Director of Defensive Coordination."

"Got it, thanks again Coach" Zokom said

"No problem, it's one of my duties as coach, to protect my students." Lazar said

> Coach Lazar leaves.

A few Hours later

"I can't believe I'm about to get my very first Dagger. Now, I can protect not only myself but others as well. I should probably get some sleep." Zokom said as he goes to sleep

....