Lexi went to sleep early and woke up even earlier. It was a ritual she often employed when she was anxious. She was admittedly not an overly patient person. As a Hunter, and a potential Leader, she knew it was one of her weaknesses and one she did her best to correct. Still, as she woke up and dressed for the morning, she could hardly stand the anticipation of the battles to come.

Standing in front of her mirror she allowed herself a few minutes to inspect her appearance. Clad in almost all red, the color she had worn for every Dance of Blades, she made for a fearsome figure. Red was the official color of the Sleeping Dragon Guild and it gave Lexi great pride to wear the color. Her long, black hair was tied into a tight tail and safely secured inside of her hood, the hem of which hung just above her eyes. A light scarf, red with black tassels and emblazoned with the guild’s emblem, was tied around the lower part of her face, leaving only her dark eyes exposed.

As she strapped her armour in place and fixed Nightmare to her hip, she couldn't stop her fingers from dancing anxiously along the pommel.

She was ready.

The guild was silent this early in the morning. Being a weekend, many of the members were still in bed, recovering from the previous night and would be for a long time. Some were also just lazy and would be sleeping in regardless of the day. That made it all the more surprising when Lexi spotted someone sitting at the table she usually sat at. The dark-haired girl was reading a thick book and leisurely sipping at a cup of coffee. When she heard Lexi approach she looked up from her book and smiled.

"Good morning!" The girl greeted Lexi with a polite dip of her head.

"Hello," Lexi said carefully. She glanced around the empty guild. "Are you here to put in a request? Servilia won't be available to take it for at least a few more hours."

"Oh, no, nothing like that," she laughed and tilted her head, looking closely at Lexi. "Let's see… You must be Lexi? Right?"

Lexi's eyebrows went up in surprise. She was quite sure she had never met this woman before. "Yes. Who are you?"

"Oh wonderful. I was all but certain it was you." She placed a hand on her chest. "My name is Alice. Alice Mara. Pleasure to meet you, Lexi. Oh, I am sorry. I shouldn't be so informal with you, Alexis."

Lexi shook her head and took a seat across from Alice. "No, Lexi is fine. I prefer it, actually."

"Thank you, Lexi." Alice smiled warmly.

"How did you know my name?"

"A guess from the description I was given," Alice lifted up her hand and ticked off two fingers. "First the scarf, which is the dead giveaway. Second, your eyes."

"My eyes?"

"Yes, your eyes," Alice said airily. "Dark, determined, and beautiful. Well, I am exaggerating slightly. Cross said pretty, but clearly he should have said beautiful, or perhaps breathtaking? It doesn’t matter, I suppose. He also said you were a Shadow mage, so the black eyes are a dead giveaway. So very interesting."

"Cross did? When did...? I mean… Thank you?" Lexi wasn't exactly sure how to respond to Alice's words. She was almost certain she had been complimented, but by whom she wasn't entirely sure.

Alice laughed, catching the confusion in Lexi's eyes. "Please forgive me, I have a bad habit of rambling on without fully explaining myself. I was a member of this guild once, you see."

Lexi blinked slowly. "You… left the guild?

"I did." A pained look passed over Alice's face. A flicker of grief so quick Lexi wasn’t even sure she actually saw it. "But that was a very long time ago. Now I am just a guest." Her eyes dropped to Lexi's sword. "I hear you are entering the Dance of Blades today."

"Yes." Lexi rested her hand on Nightmare's pommel.

"Servilia told me you've won the three previous Dances." Alice tilted her head. "How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

"Ah. So, you were fifteen when you won your first Dance… Let me see, that would make you the second youngest to ever win the Dance of Blades? I believe the youngest ever was fourteen" Alice smiled knowingly. "That's very impressive for someone so young."

Lexi frowned. She had, in fact, entered the Dance when she was fourteen, fully intent on taking over the mantle as youngest winner, an honor that belong to someone known as The Silver Tempest. In the end Lexi had placed third in her first competition, losing out to a dueling master from Dumas who had expertly picked apart her defense, toying with her to the very end. It had been a humiliating experience for her and remained a sore subject to this day. Even the fact that she had beaten him the next year, after countless hours of training against Jiana, Cross, Servilia, and anyone else who would raise a blade against her, did little to improve her mood when the issue was brought up.

Alice glanced down at her watch. "Quite a bit of time until your first match. Would you care for a cup of coffee? I brought it from Liet. It is very good."

The offer was tempting. Lexi would be lying if she said she wasn’t interested in this girl, and what she knew about the guild before Lexi had arrived. More than that, there was something about her. A knowing glint in her eyes that ratcheted up Lexi's curiosity. But it would be a distraction, and Lexi could not afford any distractions on such an important day.

"I'm sorry, but I have to prepare for the Dance," Lexi said as she stood from the table.

"I understand completely. Though it is too bad. I would love to hear all the things that I've missed since I've been gone. Cross can be so difficult to get information out of." Alice sighed dramatically before she smiled at Lexi. "I wish you the very best of luck, Lexi. Bring honor to your guild."

She crossed her arm across her chest; the guild salute. Lexi did the same, smiling back at Alice, before she turned and walked purposely out of the guild.

"So very interesting," Alice said as she picked her book back up after throwing one last look after Lexi. "This should be an exciting day."

xXx

The members of the Sleeping Dragon guild had assembled in the arena. They were an impressive showing, decked out in all red to support their champion. Everyone was in high spirits, save for one tiny Spirit Goddess who was currently glaring daggers at her servant and her servant's unknown companion.

"So, this she the reason I was forced to eat alone last night?" Makina said, glaring at Alice. She turned the full power of her fury on Cross. "What is your relationship with this woman?"

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

Cross looked to Alice for help. She only smiled in response, clearly amused by the developing situation.

"Right, then," he sighed. "Makina, meet Alice Mara. Alice, meet Makina."

"Pleasure," Alice said, holding out her hand.

Makina ground her heel against the top of Cross’s foot. "That is not an adequate introduction for you to give your master. You are a terrible servant."

Cross shook his head and settled into his seat. Makina stayed standing for a moment longer before letting out a ‘humph’ and dropping down beside him.

"So, she called you her servant. There must be quite a story behind that, Cross?" Alice said. She coughed to hide her laugh as Cross let out a grunt in response.

Cross started. "I…"

"Yes, he is my servant. Not a very good one, mind you." Makina interrupted with a wave of her hand. "Normally, one such as myself would have an entire temple of servants devoted to my care and needs."

"One such as yourself?" Alice tilted her head.

"A divine being," Makina said slowly as though she was explaining something very simple. "Of course, I am trying to learn to live among mortals, existing as they do, you see. So, this simpleton is the extent of my entourage, at least for the time being."

Alice stared at Cross for an explanation. He shook his head and gave his temple a rub for good measure. No one could bring about a headache quite like Makina.

"It's a long story," Cross said after a moment of contemplation.

"Alright, then," Alice bumped him with her shoulder. "Though I will expect to hear this story in full detail later. Perhaps we can go to dinner again?"

Makina jutted her hand out and crossed her arm over Cross's chest.

"I think not," Makina's brow furrowed in indignation. "If you wish to dine with my servant you must first receive permission."

"Quite a strict master you have, Cross." Alice attempted to keep a straight face, but a smile slipped through her tightly pursed lips. "It's a wonder you don't have a girlfriend."

Cross felt his face burn as he settled lower in his chair. He had dealt with enough ribbing from Alice at dinner the night before and he didn't know how much more he could handle.

Luckily for Cross both Makina and Alice went silent as Octavious strode into the center of the arena. He was dressed in full regalia, large pendants and medals hanging heavy on his chest and a comically large hat perched on his head. With a large smile he threw his arms out towards the crowd.

"Welcome, my friends, to the Dance of Blades!"

xXx

Lexi took in a calming breath as she heard Octavious begin his speech. It was almost word for word the speech he had given last year and she easily tuned it out, focusing on her own breath.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

In.

She clenched her fingers into tight fists, her knuckles popping from the strain. She heard Octavious come to the end of his speech. She let out the breath and relaxed her entire body.

"An unstoppable force three years in the running, your reigning champion, your hometown hero Alexis Shadowhart of Voy!"

Resting her hand on Nightmare's pommel she lifted herself from her chair and slowly strode into the arena. She was met with a deafening cheer, the loudest of which came from the large section of red where her guild stood. She crossed her arm across her chest, saluting them. They returned the salute in near unison and she felt a little more tension slide from her shoulders.

Octavious was speaking again.

"And her opponent, Jane Tollak of Voy!"

Octavious quickly stepped from the arena and into the stands. When he found his place, he held up his hands for silence. Lexi took the moment to observe her opponent. Jane popped the spear she held up onto her shoulder and shot Lexi a cocky grin.

"So, you're the reigning champ, huh?" Jane spat on the ground. “You’re a slight little thing, aren’t you?”

Lexi gave a single nod. If Jane had made is this far, it was more than obvious that the spear user was extremely talented. Speaking was nothing more than a diversion and Lexi had no time for it.

"BEGIN!" Octavious boomed and the crowd roared with him.

Lexi took in a deep breath and drew Nightmare in one smooth movement. She settled her mind and waited.

Spear still on her shoulder, Jane bounded forward a few feet. Lexi's sword came up defensively and Jane skidded to a stop. Her grin grew and she began to move laterally, circling around Lexi. The spear spun around her neck and she caught it deftly with her other hand. Though the weapon looked to have an impressive weight, Jane wielded it as though it weighed nothing at all, spinning the long shaft around and around with mesmerizing speed, kicking up clouds of dust as the ends just skimmed the ground with each revolution.

Jane continued to circle, closing in towards Lexi before quickly backing away only to move in again. The spear never ceased its movement. Lexi narrowed her eyes and ignored the spectacle. Instead she fixed her gaze clearly on Jane's face, waiting.

Stepping forward Jane spun around once, twice, then as she stepped backwards, shot the spear out without warning. The blade traveled on a direct beeline for Lexi's exposed chest.

The crowd gasped, but Lexi did not move, Nightmare held lightly in her hand. The spear was only inches away from contact when it suddenly stopped. Lexi smiled behind her scarf and swung Nightmare skywards, knocking the spear up and away.

xXx

In the stand's Makina was on her feet, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Only moments ago, she was sure the fight was about to end as soon as it began. Now she was confused. She turned to look at Cross. His eyes were focused completely on the match.

"Why didn't Lexi move?" Makina said. She detested the fact that her voice had a small waver to it. Such emotion was not becoming of a Goddess.

It was Jiana who answered.

"Jane wanted Lexi to move. To defend against the attack or step away would have placed Lexi off balance and allowed Jane to follow up and take control of the battle. Of course, Lexi is far too skilled to fall for such a simple trick.

xXx

Jane's smile tightened and she brought the spear back. She cast her eye over Lexi, viewing the young swordswoman in a new light.

"You knew the spear couldn't reach you," Jane said with a small shake of her head. "How? There is no possible way you could follow my spear’s movements."

"I didn't follow the spear," Lexi said. "I followed you."

"Ah. The step back?" Jane nodded. "I see. Then I suppose I’ll have to try a bit harder if I want to win, yeah?”

"Shall we find out?" Lexi lowered her stance and brought up Nightmare.

"I suppose we shall." Jane laughed before launching herself forward.

Lexi smartly hopped to the side as Jane thrust towards her, but she was unable to counterattack as Jane whipped the spear to the side. The shaft whistled through the air and caught Lexi hard in the ribs. Gritting her teeth, she ducked low as Jane went for another swipe before pulling the weapon back to reset for another attack.

Lexi frowned as the bruise on her side throbbed painfully. She had known from the beginning the length of Jane's weapon was going to be a problem. If she could get in close, she could press the advantage, but Jane was smart enough to avoid that, dancing around and around, keeping Lexi at bay with the extended length of her spear. She attacked with quick thrusts, forcing Lexi to stand her ground to deflect the attack, or dodge entirely. Lexi knew she couldn't allow Jane to keep her on the defense. Eventually her body would grow tired and her concentration would slip. Almost as soon as the thought entered her mind Jane feigned a strike. Lexi brought up Nightmare to block an attack that never came, leaving her open to Jane's follow up attack. Lexi leapt back, but the tip of the spear still managed to catch her on the thigh. The wound was shallow and the pain manageable, but it only solidified Lexi's resolve.

She needed to get in close.

As Jane thrust towards her again Lexi darted forward, bringing up Nightmare and knocking the spear to the side. Darting into the opening, she swung Nightmare around; aiming for Jane's stomach but Jane flipped her spear up, blocking Nightmare with the weapon's butt end. Lexi refused to back away, keeping herself within striking distance of Jane. The sudden proximity forced Jane to readjust her grip on her weapon, expertly swinging the spear around and around, keeping Lexi's blade forced to the side.

It was not a strategy that could last forever.

Lexi swung Nightmare with renewed vigor and forced Jane towards the wall of the arena. Jane tried to escape the barrage, but Lexi was quicker, moving side to side, keeping her caged in. Panic growing, Jane threw a wild series of jabs, the blade of her spear flashing in the morning light. One managed to catch Lexi on the side of her stomach, piercing through the armor and burning through her flesh.

Growling in pain, Lexi grabbed the shaft of the spear, locking it in place, before she brought Nightmare down and cleanly split Jane's weapon in half.

"Oh," Jane breathed.

She lifted her broken shaft to block Lexi's next attack, but Nightmare's blade burst through the shaft in a shower of splinters and caught Jane high on the shoulder. With cold eyes Lexi pushed down, slicing Jane from the shoulder to hip. Jane's eyes widened in pain and her mouth opened to scream, but no sound came out as her eyes rolled up into the back of her head and she dropped to the ground unconscious. With a grunt Lexi ripped the spear from her stomach and dropped it next to the fallen Jane before returning Nightmare to the sheath.

The roar of the crowd followed her out of the arena.