Morning arrived. When it came to breakfast, there were three types of people: those who ate nothing out of nervousness, those who ate too much out of the same reason, and those who seemed not in the least bit concerned about the competition ahead. Ash was among the last of the three. Out of all the meals, if breakfast was available it was the one she would never skip.

"Do you think we'll be up today?" Adonis asked as he pushed around the mush on his plate.

"Who knows" Daxon answered all too cheerfully.

Ash sat down first, the other two decided to join her soon after on their own. Skyler sat with her two childhood friends, eating in silence while Tobias was nowhere in sight. In the mess hall, some teams sat and some didn't.

The noise was lower than usual as most minds were set on the competition ahead. Eyes darted back and forth, with many observing potential opponents.

Ash calmly finished her own meal and silently stood. She was on her way out when a figure appeared in her path.

Tilting her head back, Ash recognized the man in white – Keegan.

Neither moved as for a moment the two calmly gazed at each other.

It was the man who moved first, smoothly sidestepping and continuing on his way as though nothing happened. Ash knew better. There had been space to either side of her, he could have easily passed by before.

What does he want? She wondered, eyes following him for a moment. Losing interest, she resumed her path. Though her initial plan was to wait out the time left, she never got the chance as the announcement blasted, ordering the competitors to gather.

The hallways filled with boys and girls, some who had finished their meals and some who hadn't. They all headed toward the area they were called to, in silence. Though tension crackled in the air, there was no open hostility between them – or perhaps it was just hidden too well. Whether it would be the same after the launch of the competition, Ash couldn't say.

The crowd gathered in a room. Dawn stood at the front, hands neatly behind her back. A large screen hung behind her, to either side of it stood two more officials.

"I hope you're ready," the intimidating woman announced in a voice with little emotion. "Because the real competition starts here."

Behind her, the screen flashed. The words Dragon Bane were followed by a split screen. Numbers and letters flashed on either side.

"The two teams chosen have thirty minutes to get ready and make it to their starting places," Dawn spoke as the numbers continued to flash. "If any member is late, the competition will start without them. There will be no chance to enter the arena after the start." Her lips curled. "Absence means immediate disqualification for the individual. The team will proceed with one member down."

All eyes were on the numbers as only several ears received the information.

Ash watched from under her lashes. She was neither nervous nor excited. As far as she was concerned, getting worked up was a waste of time. For whatever would happen would happen. There was nothing she could do to affect the outcome anyway.

The first letter appeared on the left of the random generator – N

Competitors held their breaths.

1, the first number started.

Ash perked up. All that was needed was one more number for it to be her team.

The second number popped up: 1.

N11 the full room number of the first chosen team flashed for all to see.

Eyes turned from the right to the left.

L the first letter flashed. The teams without it let out their breaths.

08, the numbers followed right after.

Murmurs rose as eyes searched for the first two teams that were up. Around them, other competitors parted, drawing more attention to the sides chosen.

"N11 and L08," Dawn spoke. "I wish you both the best of luck." She nodded to the door. "Your time starts now."

The teams dashed for the exit, neither wanting to lose precious time to get ready and have their last-minute talk. Now that they knew who they were up against, they could make a rough guess as if to change their plans last minute or stick with what they had based on the image of the other team in their mind.

"I don't know if it's lucky or not to not be up," Rowan spoke.

Ash turned to find he was standing beside her. While rubbing the back of his neck he threw her a grin. "At least they'll know whose through by the end of the match."

"We could all still be chosen today," Ash informed him.

Rowan nodded. He stretched as all-around competitors murmured. The screen in front changed to show a live image of the packed arena. The crowd was ready, getting fired up by more performances.

A few competitors sat where they stood, choosing to watch.

Rowan jerked a thumb at the screen. "You going to stick around to watch?"

Unlike the opening ceremony, the live matches were only viewable in the hall for the contestants. Though replays could be watched at a later point, watching now would satisfy the curiosity of some.

Ash nodded in response to Rowan.

He grinned. "So am I. Though, with my team." His lips stretched further. "Let's hope we're not up against each other. I don't intend to lose." With a wink, he turned and bounded to find his group.

Ash watched him disappear through the crowd.

"Neither do I," she murmured in response to his last statement.

Only several contestants left the room. Whether it was because they were overconfident or a bad call on their behalf, it was hard to tell. Ash stayed.

She sought out her team. A twinge of pleasant surprise flashed through her when she found them already together where they'd plopped down with a good view of the screen. Tobias being there was a plus. Ash expected him to brush things off. With him here, they could discuss new ideas as they came.

Ash joined, taking the spot left for her beside an ever cheerful Daxon. He had an arm slung around Adonis, teasing the smaller boy and ruffling his hair. Though it was a moment of affection, Ash didn't doubt that if the two were to face each other in the arena, not a shred of mercy or remorse would be shown.

For competitors who would watch, talk was mixed in with the nervous thumping of hearts. Most wished they were chosen to get the first part of the competition over with. However, as it stood, they would have to endure the torture of waiting until the end of the match. Only then would they find out if they were next or benched once again.

The flickering screen brought a hush over the participants. All eyes turned in the direction to see the bold words Dragon Bane embedded on the screen.

"Welcome!" a familiar voice boomed.

Pearly white teeth flashing, the hosts Seriya and Hansol gazed at the audience beyond the screen with eyes brimming in excitement. They sat behind a luxurious table, a bowl of grapes to share in the middle and drinks before each one. Though not as stunningly dressed as during the opening ceremony, the accessories they donned still boasted of wealth brought about by fame.

"For those of you that join us every year," Hansol began, "I hope you're ready for the most intense competition yet." He exchanged a look with Seriya. "And for first-time viewers," his eyes were back to staring at the audience beyond his view, "it's about time!"

The hosts shared a light-hearted laugh.

"This year's competition is beginning with group rounds," Seriya took over.

Ash tuned out, her eyes drifting over the other contestants who watched with rapt attention. Some leaned forward, eager to hear anything new that could be of assistance to them when it came to their turn. Others sat relaxed, while a few stood, seeming to not see a point in getting comfortable just yet.

"–first two groups," Ash tuned back in to hear the words. She watched the profile of the two teams take over the screen.

The contestants' name, age, and the region they were from was displayed along with other tidbits that viewers might find of interest. Ability, ranking, and crystal color were not included, though Hansol and Seriya did a good job of trying to guess on their own.

"Perhaps we should check in with our panel of experts and see what they think?" Hansol suggested.

The screen changed to show a woman sitting in a plush seat. Her snow-white hair and weathered face didn't make her look any less intimidating. Her every move radiated graceful, coiled up power.

"Joining us again this year, we have Yera. With years of experience as the former head guard of the council, she has expert insight into Dragon Bane with many on point predictions on the expected outcome," Seriya spoke as Yera gave a curt nod to the camera.

"Next, former arbitrator, Pendol, has honored us with his presence this year." The camera had panned to a middle-aged man. His lips were sealed in a thin line and he raised a hand ever so slightly in greeting.

"Melina is also back," Seriya continued.

A younger woman appeared on the screen. Fiery curly hair fell around a sharp-featured face. "Winner from six years ago and part of the expert panel one year after, she's here to provide her expertise to better help you place your bets and find your favorite champion."

Melina smiled, eyes crinkling to make her former blank face light up.

Daxon whistled. "She's still got it."

He was ignored by his group.

"And of course, we don't need much of an introduction for last year's winner," Seriya gushed. "In person himself, Pierce the Obliviater."

Legs crossed and leaning back with a grin decorating his face, Pierce lifted a hand and pointed at the camera before winking.

"Finally, our last guests come in a pair," Seriya added.

"Six?" Skyler murmured. "Don't they usually do five?"

Ash was already losing interest in the unneeded introductions of the panel decorated by names known to most who had ever heard of Dragon Bane.

"Our winner and runner-up pair from two years ago."

Two years ago, Ash faintly recognized. Her eyes wandered around the watching youngsters in the room. What was I doing two years ago? She mused. Memories of training and an incident she regretted flashed through her mind. Has it already been two years?

"The couple that caused a ripple in the world of Dragon Bane with their unrivaled love story," Seriya's voice squeaked in the background.

Sensing a gaze, Ash found the source. Keegan stood with the others dressed in white. He faced away from the screen, direction that of the competitors. However, his eyes stared blankly into space. Ash's lids narrowed ever so slightly.

"The two that made it all the way to the finals only to stand across from each other. The pair that proved that love really does conquer all. Those that stayed a couple in love after facing each other in the arena and giving us a fight worth remembering. The couple we all know and love," Seriya prattled;

"Know and love?" Tobias grunted. "While I can agree with the first part. from what I heard and saw, they deceived their way to the top. There were better competitors out there."

He was immediately shushed by several others who seemed to be in adoration mode.

"Welcome to the handsome runner-up Christopher and the ever-beautiful champion Dara. Better dubbed by all as Chara!"

Several sighs escaped from the audience around Ash. It was these sighs that made her uninterested gaze flicker back to the screen.

Her blood turned to ice and her black orbs flashed to an electric purple. Ash felt as though the ground dropped from beneath her. She sat straighter, eyes glued on the screen ahead.

All sound faded to oblivion. She didn't even register the beautiful girl with glossy black hair that sat with her large grey eyes shining. No. Ash's attention was one hundred and ten percent focused on the young man on whose knee Dara's elegant fingers rested.

Ash's fingers gripped her arms tightly as she took it in. A youthful face. A smile that made her own heart instantly flap like a Pegasus' powerful wings. Then there were the eyes. Those ocean blue eyes that awoke a longing and made her heart squeeze with unknown emotions.

Control yourself! Callous' warning dragged her back to reality.

Ash instantly relaxed. Her eyes returned to normal and her grip loosened. She realized the screen returned briefly to Seriya and Hansol before cutting to the two teams preparing to enter the arena.

Though part of her sensed eyes on her once more, Ash paid them no heed. She continued to stare, mind racing. Three words drowned out the millions of others.

I've found you. The eyes she'd chosen to live for. The one she'd been searching for in hopes of understanding why she'd taken this path. As hoped, he was here at Dragon Bane, right within her grasp.

He's not important at the moment, Callous reminded calmly. We have a competition ahead. Don't forget.

Ash didn't reply. Runner-up? She mulled over the words. He competed two years ago? Were we close? Did he ever look for me? Did he miss me? Think I was dead? The choppy thoughts tumbled over each other.

If you want to know so badly, why not just ask him? Callous asked casually. After this is over, that is.

Ash took in a deep breath and let it out. You're right. She wiggled her butt to get comfortable. I've found him. That's enough for the moment.

The screen switched to reveal the area. At the same time, the audience in the arena, whose view was blurred by barriers after the performance, were finally greeted with the sight as the barriers cleared.

An arctic terrain appeared. The wind blew over the frozen ground, kicking up snow. Freezing water lapped in the middle, separating the two sides. Small ice sheets floated all through it, looking small enough to sink or tip if any weight was put on them. Not a single hill or dip was in sight.

Those in the arena didn't feel so much as a breeze, the barrier protecting them.

"Whoa," Adonis breathed.

"No cover at all," Daxon spoke in disbelief. "Unless someone wants to go for a freezing swim."

Skyler shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Can I just say I'm glad that isn't us?" Adonis murmured.

The two teams stepped into the area on opposite ends. Several held weapons, most had various armor strapped on top of the issued uniforms.

They were far enough apart to see the other team as distant figures. A flag was stuck at either end, one red and one black.

The audience in the stands saw everything clearly thanks to the gigantic screens all around. They showcased every angle. Those watching from remote locations leaned closer to the screen to try and see more than the one perspective that kept getting switched around.

"Are you ready?" a voice boomed.

The two teams tensed. They knew full well that there would be no poof this time. No magical transportation upon injury. They were in it unless an arbitrator stepped in to remove the injured party which, if they were lucky, would be in a timely manner before death.

Though Ash saw it, none of it sank in as she still tried to reign in her drifting thoughts.

I really found you, she thought as the countdown began.

Each number drilled into her eyes as she curled her fingers. A new determination flooded through her.

Both teams got ready. If the temperature was anything as cold as it looked, they did a good job in not showing it. Then again, perhaps there hadn't been enough time for the cold to sink in...yet.

Let's win this, Ash thought, watching the countdown reach one-digit numbers.

There was a chuckle in her mind from a presence that settled itself. Losing is not a word in my vocabulary, came the arrogant reply.

Whatever it takes, Ash responded.

That's what I like to hear, Callous sounded pleased. As long as you don't disappoint, I can guarantee you the final.

Ash's lips curled into a cold smile. Have I ever let you down?

Not yet, Callous agreed.

The counter reached zero. The two teams sprang into action.

With eagerness to compete and get the competition over with, Ash watched every move.