Rise To The Challenge!

The Gated Arena, its true form looked quite similarly to the Colosseum used by the Romans. The excitement it brought about could rival the Romans as well.

Four major rooms were settled among the top in each cardinal direction. The seats of the Providences, equipped not only with comfortable seats, but a easily accessible method of chatting with the other Providences.

The seats around the main Arena were packed full. Residents of The Gated Arena gathered to watch this once a year event. Either for entertainment, or hopes to gain insight by watching top experts. A buzz of conversation spread like wildfire. Speculation and guesses were the most rampant of topic.

"To think the South would accept so quickly. I would have assumed they would have tried to buy time."

"No matter, their only option is their poorly cultivated members, or some greenlings.", spoke the West Providence Head.

"I wonder about that."

"Do you think that the South stands even an inkling of a chance?"

"The most fearsome opponent are those who are backed into a corner."

"We shall see."

"Take a look for yourself, for here they come."

A group walked into The Arena with an air of confidence. Taking their place at the South spectator box. Horrow took a seat at the largest chair and gently tapped its arm. A projection of the other Providence Heads appeared above it. Sitting casually he asked, "Blatantly targeting me so early? You could at least pretend you don't have an ulterior motive."

The West Head shook his head, "The sooner the people fully realize how hopeless the South Providence is the better. We cannot let any materials be wasted."

"Is that so."

"Since you've finally arrived shall we begin?"

"Not yet, I wish to make an announcement to The Arena."

Surprise was evident on their faces. The North Head asked, "What for?"

"You shall see. It is alright for me to broadcast this. . . ?"

Wary, but also curious, the other Heads agreed. In a few seconds Horrow's voice spread across The Arena. A calm position was taken as he began, "Greetings to the residents of The Gated Arena! As you know this year's Arena has quite the rumor being spread about. That the inevitable destruction of the South Providence will occur. Although it is with a heavy heart that I say this, but the rumors are not entirely false."

Shocked murmurs spread among the crowd. The South Providence was a large part of The Gated Arena's history. To be disbanded was akin to throwing away their past!

Flicking his wrist Horrow spoke with a resounding voice, "However! I will not allow this to occur while sitting idly by! This year's Arena, this will be the greatest fight the South will ever put up! I will not let the South which I worked hard to keep running be destroyed! So witness it! Witness our last stand!"

"Cut him off!", shouted the West Head.

Horrow's voice was cut off, but the desired effect rippled through the crowd. They cheered with a grand energy in response to the South's claim. The West Head broadcasted his voice in response as well, "Since the South wishes to be so bold, I shall respond in kind! Let's start things off with the first match! Will the South accept our challenge?"

Horrow narrowed his eyes but responded, "Of course."

"Excellent! I bring forth a challenge of two! My candidates will be Vinto, the Earthen Fist, and Kon, the Flame Wrought! We challenge Igneel, and Yielya!"

Akiol squinted, "Oh they get fancy names?"

"The Titles are the ones given by the residents of The Gated Arena. If you perform well you may be rewarded one.", answered Horrow.

Turning his attention back to The Arena he responded, "I accept!"

"Then let the candidates enter the Arena!"

Igneel raised a fist, "I'm off! Wish me luck!"

Before anyone could say anything he was teleported into The Arena along with Yielya. Aaron nervously adjusted his glasses, "I-I hope this goes well."

"Have more confidence, we simply must show that we can put up a fight.", lectured Horrow.

Akiol watched Igneel with interest, "Wrock, that Igneel guy. Anything interesting?"

"He looks completely ordinary. Meaning he's either on the level we are, or a complete amateur."

Aaron heard their conversation and added, "The fact he's here means they are in no way ordinary. However he can fool anyone with that act."

Mira asked, "An act? But it doesn't seem so?"

Akiol nodded, "Yeah, in fact it seems like something else."

~~~

Igneel performed some basic stretches, "Ok, Yielya right?"

"Yeah."

"Let's give it our best!"

"Give it to me straight, how confident are you?"

"I'm always confident! But these guys seem really good. . ."

"Hm. . . okay keep an eye out for something very specific."

"Like?"

"I can swap the locations of people. So if I'm ever in danger I will swap our positions."

"Oh. . . that sounds really cool!"

"Just a fair warning. I will have to count on you to defeat them."

"Protect the Priest! I know that much!"

"Good."

The voice of the West Head spread throughout the Arena, "Then without further ado, let the first challenge begin!"

Vinto and Kon dashed across the Arena at a blinding speed. Igneel positioned himself between them and Yielya with his arms raised in a guard. Vinto clenched his hand into a fist and a brown solid rock covered it. Punching forward he slammed through Igneel's guard and caused Igneel to tumble back.

"That's it? Really?", questioned Vinto.

"We were told to do this quickly Vinto!", chastised Kon.

Pulling out a large dagger she closed the distance to Yielya, the blade reflected off the light with a ominous feeling. Yielya retreated back, but her speed wasn't a match.

Tring~

Kon was mildly surprised at Yielya being replaced by Igneel, but she only faltered for a fraction of a second. Igneel raised his hands and attempted a block. Kon's arm slithered right past and stabbed his shoulder. Gritting his teeth he fought through the pain and threw a punch forward. Kon dodged it easily and delivered a swift yet powerful kick to Igneel's jaw. With a quick spin she thrust her palm onto Igneel's chest, an impact of flames spreading across.

The air was knocked out of Igneel's lungs as he once again tumbled across the ground!