Chapter 6: AN UNSEEN FOE RISES.

Our young heroes have passed the month of their training, and have excelled and passed expectations. Taski was relaxing on the beach shore after a long day of finals and intense workouts. Darcie then walked her way on the seashores and stumbled into him. She then made her way towards him until he noticed her, she then shouted, "Hey! Little Bro! Long time There! Haven't seen you in a while, how has it been?" He then replied, "Hey sis, I've been pretty alright, I have to say." Then coming out of the walkway was Drake. It was a pleasant reunion for them, Drake then said, "Long-time weirdos, it's been a while since we were all together." Taski said to both Darcie and Drake, "Well, it looks like we all passed our finals, wouldn't you say?" Then in the distance, the beach line looked like a massive cloud of sand smoke growing bigger and bigger. She mentioned to him, "Get ready little bro, Mikado has been in a real hardship these past few weeks without seeing you, you might want to prepare yourself." As Mikado was rushing towards him, she was shouting, "TASKI, MY BABY!" Immediately, she then fell on top of him, giving him many kisses. He was almost unable to breathe. After she had gotten off, she picked him up on his feet and dusted the sand off his clothes.

Mikado started swinging her arms back and forth saying, "My Baby, I have missed you so much, it was complete agony to be away, but now I am reunited back to you and everyone else." Taski accepted her hugs and even kisses. She then said to him, "I want your feedback hun, what do you think of my new and improved body? After all the exercises and workout routines, I've had a major overhaul on my appearance." He replied to her, "You really look good there Mikado, I'm very proud of you and all your hard work." She then blushed at his compliment. The four young heroes decided to spend an hour on the beach, except they were not alone. Further up the hill with tall grass was a female ninja hiding within the grass, she then said viciously, "In my many years of being an assassin, I have never failed. You will be my next cash reward, and your cute face will be my trophy." She then disappeared from the area. Back at the camp cabins, Toronto was standing on the front porch of the male cabin. Sharaletta then approached him, "Hey ugh... Toronto. How are you doing? I came over to offer you a position. I was wondered if you would be interested in joining my team. It's no pressure, I see lots of potential within you. What do you think?" Toronto then said, "I don't see an issue with this, I believe the answer you are looking for would be a yes. Wouldn't it?"

Sharaletta then giggled at his response, Toronto then said, "I originally had plans to be a lone wolf, but it was only a thought. I feel as though working alongside you would be good." The two discussed their experiences in the camps. Over by the female cabins, Akaio, Tesaki, and Sesakalay stood behind the front porch of the cabin and also discussed their opinions of being a part of Sharaletta's team. Akaio said, "I really think that it would be great to work with you Tesaki, you're a really cool and laid back kind of guy." Tesaki then replied, "I agree, Toronto and Sharaletta have been great companions to socialize with, and I have decided that I'm joining Sharaletta's team. What about you Sesakayla?" Sesakayla replied, "Absolutely, being with you is like having more family. I'll be on her team as well." Akaio was filled with glee for Tesaki sticking along for the ride. As night began falling, all of our young heroes had their last night together at the cafeteria... There was a party night where they enjoyed loud music as well as refreshments. They were up past midnight laughing and cutting up, they even pulled some pranks on the security guards, and they taped the security office door shut with some guards in there. The boys decided to graffiti on some walls that weren't too important.

All the cadets had fun that night. The next day arrived, and our heroes departed and went back to their homes until the appointed time came. Taski waved goodbye to the cadets leaving. Ariah was just leaving the campgrounds and came across the royal children and their friends. Ariah then said her goodbyes to everyone, Taski stopped her and said, "Hey Ariah, I wanted to give you something before you left. It's my address in case you want to send any letters to me." Ariah was then somewhat troubled when he did this, she then replied, "Oh..., Ugh... thank you, but I'm not entirely sure if my dad would want me to do this, but in case I could, I'll write my address down. Thank you." Mikado looked over and saw him once again talking to Ariah, this made her think, "He's talking to her again. Why? I thought he really liked me. Am I not enough for him?" This made her have troublesome feelings and questioned herself about many things. Ariah then asked, "Isn't there going to be exams in the capital, if so, what would the date be?" He answered her, "Today is the thirtieth of July, so it will be on August eleventh, which is in the next two weeks from now. Moreover, I would like to have you be a part of my team, if you're interested."

She then said, "Aww, thank you. I'll see you soon." After this, she then departed and went her way. Taski, Darcie, Mikado and Sahraletta then boarded the train back home and rested for their ride back. It was then eleven o'clock, They all arrived back to Asalikith Capital, the King, and Queen greeted their children's return home. The four went to their homes and explained their story of their camp experience, and the four felt great to finally be back home. A day later, the royal children went out into the Deepcrystal Forest to do training, King Diarumid instructed them saying, "Be careful you two, and please be back at a good time, don't stay out too long." The two children then went their way into Deepcrystal Forest to pursue their training and strengthen themselves. He then challenged her to a competition to see who could finish their training first. She accepted his challenge, and the two separated from each other, going their ways. Taski went into a more open part of the forest near a cliff going towards a lake, while Darcie remained in a more closed part of the forest. Darcie was training more on her speed, her goal was to perfect her ability as well as making it faster than ever, while Taski worked more on learning to control his flame.

Before this, he was taught how to forge a weapon out of his ability from his father, King Diarumid, so he used his sword and learned how to merge his flame into the sword for better performance. He practiced sword combat against strong objects, he sliced a bolder in two and worked on accurate sword swings. His sword was covered in fire and suited him well. The two then met to practice combat with each other, they both attacked with their weapons, their swords clashed heavily against each other like each clash was as if glass shattering hard. After this, they parted ways to train individually. Another hour passed and the prince was just finishing up his training when suddenly he heard the cry of a woman, she cried out, "HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME! PLEASE!" A woman was stuck in a bush with a wild Grok roaring loudly, leaving the women scared and defenseless. He heard this and moved quickly towards the screaming voice, the woman then cried innocently, "Please... don't hurt. Please." The wild Grok unleashed his claws, extending them to a long and sharp appearance. He went in for a swipe, but before it could scratch her, Taski dropped in and deflected the attack and charged against the wild beast, slicing the beast in the upper chest, which was its weak spot. He then killed the ravaging Grok, the beast fell down lying lifeless on the ground. He then held out his hand for her and said, "Hey, you're safe now. You really got hurt there, luckily I heard your cry and rushed towards it."

The woman then looked up at him and said to him, "Oh my goodness, you're my hero. Thank you, thank you so much. I must know, what is your name, Mr.?" Taski then presented his name to her, she then started talking to him and speaking very sweet words to him. He then asked, "How did you even get into this situation?" The woman replied to him, "Oh my sweet hero, I was wandering through this forest to seek a place to find some water. Unfortunately, I ended up finding myself trapped in a bush and then that wild beast appeared before me. That is, until you showed up, you cute and handsome man." She then proceeded with, "Hey, I wondered, have you dated an outsider before? I find you extremely attractive, Taski Mandelen." She then adjusted her appearance to catch his attention. She played around with her hair, and even adjusted her clothing in front of him. This made him feel extreme levels of discomfort, for he had never been presented in this way by a woman. He then broke the unfortunate news to her, "Look Mam, I am really not looking for a relationship at the moment. Sorry, I only saved you out of a caring heart. I ask that you not do this."

The woman wasn't even paying attention to his words, as she proceeded to try to catch his attention by getting very close to him, even laying her hands on his chest. This made him severely uneasy, he then gently removed her from him and asked, "How can you begin to show interest in me when all I did was save you, I don't know who you are? You never even told me your name." The woman ignored his question and continued on tempting him with seductive words, "Hey sexy, why don't you and I go back to my village and there we can live together happily, what do you say hun? I'll even let you sleep with me, it doesn't bother me not one bit." He had enough and departed from her, "Look I don't have time for this mam, I have to get going now, goodbye." He picked his sword and walked away from her, when suddenly, she threw an injection needle into his back. The injection was a custom drug that would stun him and make his heart rate beat faster. After this happened, she approached him, "You're not going away, I got you right where I need you to be. I will kill you and I will acquire my cash reward off you, and your head will be my trophy."

He then fell to his knee in pain as his heart beat harder and harder. She then walked over to him and picked him up and said to him," As much would hate to kill, you cute and handsome man, I require my cash from my boss. Which the only way is to end your life here and now. However, before I end your life, you really are cute, and I don't know if a woman has ever kissed your lips, so allow me to give you a taste of mine." She grabbed her blade behind her back, and then kissed him on the lips for five seconds. Taski felt extreme disgust after she kissed him, he then fell to his knees and started vomiting up everything he had for lunch earlier. She looked down at him and couldn't understand what made him barf so bad. He then picked himself up and began to speak, saying," Haven't you ever heard of mouthwash, have you ever brushed your teeth before?" These words made her feel humiliated and hurt at heart, she then blasted him, saying, "What? HOW DARE YOU! You little Brat!" As Darcie then finished her training, she had a drink from the nearest pound of clean water, "Well that wraps up my training for the day. Time to go and get my little slow poke brother and head home for the day." She thinks to herself. She dashed to Taski's location at high speed, when she arrived she noticed the woman standing in the area, she then jogged over to the two and asked, "Hey, what's going on here? Who are you mam, and little bro, why are you on the ground?" The woman's body began changing, her hair shifted to short black hair and her eyes became bigger, her eyes were then shifted into a dark red scarlet color. She was no longer the same but revealed her true identity.

Darcie's heart rate started to beat faster as she witnessed the transformation of the woman. The women then announced her name to them, saying, "My name is Mandy, and you are not going to disrespect me or anything about me." Immediately, Mandy extended her tongue and grasped Taski by the neck, choking him and then raising him high in the sky. She then jumped high up and threw him down. She followed up and threw him toward a large thick tree, before he crashed into the tree, Darcie rushed over to him and grabbed him safely. Taski was wounded and couldn't move; he started to black out slowly from the impact of the slam, and she was dismayed due to seeing Darcie's incredible speed. She gently put her brother down, and bolted her way towards the merciless assassin, "You're Going to PAY! That was my Little BROTHER." Darcie shouted. She grabbed Mandy by the shirt while balling her fist intensely, colliding her fist to Mandy's face. She shrugged the punch off and grabbed her dagger and attempted to slash open Darcie's neck mercilessly. The royal daughter dodged this in time without sweat, she then charged another attack and struck Mandy straight to the nose. She flew backwards a bit toward a tall tree, she charged forward and shot off at supersonic speed, but quickly, Mandy ducked her head back dodging the fast lightning bolt, but then immediately, Darcie bounced back with a powerful back kick.

She flew into a pile of trees and bushes that had been destroyed. It was almost as if things were said and done, then out of the bushes came the assassin's tongue, she grabbed Darcie by the neck and proceeded squeezing her breath out. She stood quiet while focusing and charging her lightning speed calmly, then she sprinted off with Mandy attached to her and created a lightning sonic boom. Darcie ran circles around the entire earth, from different continents and countries, Alaska, Deserts, Volcanoes, over all the Seas. The fast lightning created spirals over the planet as Mandy was relentlessly dashed around the earth over and over again. After this, she then stopped on a dime and had her tongue grabbed and reeled her in towards the royal daughter. Mandy grabbed her dagger as she had seen the perfect opportunity to strike. Mandy then said," Looks like you didn't think this one through, huh? I GOT YOU NOW!" Darcie shouted back in anger, "YOU SHALL FACE PUNISHMENT! I WON'T LET UP!" The two charged their attacks as they were close to clashing. She powered her fist while Mandy prepared for a slash, while Darcie charged to full power Mandy went on the offense and swung her blade past Darcie's face, causing a small cut on her cheek. Luckily, she dodged most of the deadly slashes and struck Mandy into the sky with her mighty strike. She proceeded to accelerate towards Mandy in the sky, and then unleashed a potent stomp attack on her, sending her flying back towards Earth in the form of a shooting star. As Darcie landed back down on the ground, she could only see smoke and trees falling, she then ran towards Taski to get him and rush out of there when suddenly, She spit out her tongue and grabbed and squeezed Darcie's neck.

Mandy then came out of the smoke and gave a terrifying grin and laughed quietly as she increased vocally. Mandy then stated, "Unfortunately, for you, tall girl, I have prevailed once more. I am your superior, please refrain from attempting to compete with me." Take a break, why don't you, I bet you're exhausted from all the running." Mandy threw her through numerous trees and caused them to collapse. As Darcie fell down in defeat, a heavy tree branch fell on her legs causing her to become paralyzed from moving, she tried to crawl her way out but couldn't break free. Mandy grabbed Taski with her tongue and held him up and said," Now I'll kill my target and receive my cash reward. Too bad it has to end this way, *sigh*." She began to squeeze his neck hard, the pain only intensified as he screamed in agony. Darcie could hear his scream and was stoned in sadness, she thought of how his life went in his years of school, and how all he wanted was to make friends and be accepted for who he was; Taski was bullied for most of his life, he was pushed around, beat up, and hated by most of the students there. She then thought to herself as she shed tears, "(I've failed to protect you brother, I can't move my legs anymore, they're worthless now. I'm sorry, I apologize for all the pain that you've faced throughout the years, forgive me, little bro.)" Taski was losing his breath slowly as he began to black out, closing his eyes slowly and began to fill as though he were leaving his body. Suddenly, something sparked within him thought to himself, "(What? What's this surge I'm feeling inside? Whatever it is, I can feel it empowering me from my hand throughout all the rest of my body. I can't give up here, not now because I have a goal and a desire to meet, and I'm not about to throw it all away here, I'm going to become a Knight.)"

He then summoned his sword and slashed upwards, cutting Mandy's tongue into two, she then gasped as she was bleeding internally from her mouth and became stunned, Taski took this opportunity to attack her. He took his sword and crashed her up against a large and thick tree and locked her in place to seize her rampage. Furthermore, he then said to her, "Whoever you are. Leave this place NOW! If you ever come near me or my family ever again like this, you will face the consequences." Mandy was defenseless and couldn't move at all, leaving her defeated and out of options, then all of a sudden, she was randomly vanished out of there by her leader, and the prince became dumbfounded and concerned. Mandy then appeared back at the hideout she came forth from, she then tried to explain in fear to her leader, "Look boss, I... I can... explain." Her leader then gazed down at her and said with disappointment, "Well... Well, it seems you failed to complete your simple assignment. How pitiful, and I expected you to successfully bring his head back." He could only then give her a terrifying look, and she could only see two red eyes staring her down. Back in the forest, Taski rushed over to Darice and removed the extremely heavy tree logs off her legs, he then got her up and helped her to walk.

Taski smiled at her and said with fatigue, "Hey sis, hang in there, I'm going to help you get back home and get your legs patched, can't race unfairly now he-he. You did great out there." Darcie thought to herself when he said this, "(Even though he's insulted, humiliated, and hurt by others, he somehow can still smile in the end. That's one thing about him that makes me smile.)" Later that day, Diarumid rushed Darice to the emergency room, the nurses tended to her wounds, all the healers repaired Darcie's wounds which only took a day to complete the process. She was then released the next day and was unable to run at her max speed for a while and was told to avoid running at her fast speed for at least ten days. After she returned to the castle, she found Taski sitting on the top balcony of the castle, she ran up to the top and sat with him. She then said, "Little bro, you have my thanks. I wouldn't have been able to do anything if you hadn't jumped in and saved me." He replied to her, "I can't see you go already, I still need to beat you in that race one day."