With Sheik's fighting skills and knowledge, Joseph could now open himself up to some new applications and, in turn, gain more income. However, these applications would mean a lot of fighting, and Joseph knew he couldn't just get Sheik to do everything. Sure, Joseph himself was a fair swordsman and good with a bow and arrow, but that couldn't top what Sheik was able to do. Joseph had definitely seen Jeff fight, but of course Jeff had become somewhat lazy due to his... issues. But then he is a wanted man, and Dr. Alexander did say that Jeff needed as much rest as he could get. At least until the black rings around his eyes were gone and his pupils didn't look like they were dry. Sheik was really the only fighter of the group at the moment. She was practically a ninja, using stealth, wit, and quick reflexes and thinking to fight in close combat.

As good as that was, it wouldn't be right to let Sheik handle all the fighting. She already did enough for the group. She cooked, managed the money, helped set up camp, etc. Joseph kept saying that she didn't need to do everything, but Sheik said she wanted to. Joseph figured that getting another member for the group was the best choice. But where are you going to find someone that's good at fighting, amongst other things, you ask?

How about the "Champion of the Ring" games? A few cities held these arena battles once every month. Whoever won any one of those arena battles was allowed entry into the Champion of the Ring arena finale held every New Year's day. Many people considered it a big deal. The rewards for winning any of these arena battles were gracious and sweet... like big checks with a lot of zeros on it kinda sweet! Many fighters were often not in it for the money actually. Well, not entirely anyway. Some of them wanted to just show off their skills. Lord knows that's probably the reason the human-sized kaiju liked the games so much. You're bound to see a lot of them enter the games. The games were televised across the multiple kingdoms, but only so many people could get tickets for going to the actual arena. They would sell out quickly, usually by the locals and any family and friends of the fighters. Joseph just hoped he could maybe get some tickets to see for himself.

After arriving in one of these towns, he asked around if there was anyone training early for the next game. Just about everyone said the same name: Harpus. Harpus was a humanoid Bakugan of the Ventus, or Wind, attribute, and apparently she was desperate to win one of these games. They said that she was beautiful for a harpy, but she put too much time and effort into training for the games. Joseph got the idea pretty clearly that she lost a lot, because some of the people he asked laughed about how she "should just go home" or "just give up already". Apparently she'd get a decent way in until mid way through the games she'd lose a battle. Some said she sometimes passed out after she was defeated, and rumors were going around saying that she trained so hard that she'd pass out while waiting her turn in the arena. People said that if Joseph was looking for a fighter for his group, Harpus might just be the gal to fight for him. He decided to see her skill for himself.

He was told if he was going to find Harpus, she'd likely be training at the edge of the nearby forest. "Keep an eye on the amount of broken branches and tree saplings" they said. "Keep an ear out for harpy screeches" they said. They sure were sure specific, weren't they? Joseph didn't even know what a harpy screech sounded like, and apparently neither did Sheik or Jeff. Joseph, Sheik, and an irritated Jeff were all searching for this Harpus, and they must've been in the right place. They did notice a lot of broken branches, broken tree saplings, and scratch marks all over the trees. Jeff had his hoodie over him in case they ran into someone, and Jeff didn't want to be recognized, not easily anyway. If you ask Joseph and Sheik, it wasn't an effective disguise. Combine that with Jeff's complaining and the two of them were thinking that it would've been best to leave Jeff back at the wagon.

Jeff: You had to make me go on a wild harpy chase. I could be in the wagon, snug under the covers with that pillow, but nooooo! You had to drag me out here to look for a girlfriend for Joseph.
Joseph: We're not looking for Harpus just so I can ask her out! I've never even met the girl!
Sheik: We talked about this Jeff. We need a fighter for the group to help us out. We could use the extra money.
Jeff: Why? So Joe could sweep through more girls? Honestly Joseph I thought you'd stop at Sheik considering how nice you and her "get along".😒
Joseph: 😲JEFF! I'm not even that kind of guy!
Sheik: Please tell me I can slap him for that Joseph.😡
Jeff: I'm just saying. You two seem nice together. Looking for this Harpus chick seems kinda unnecessary to m- OH NO! No! You are NOT hooking me up with a harpy lady! Nope no no no no no!
Joseph: Jeff. My God. We're not trying to hook you up with nobody!
Sheik: *sigh* We really should've just left him back at the wagon, huh?

Joseph couldn't help but nod. Jeff was quickly becoming the comic relief of the group, that's for sure. Suddenly there was the sound of something screeching, then next thing Joseph knew Sheik had knocked him done as a green blur flew just past them, breaking a fairly large tree sapling in the process. The green blur proceeded to target the other untouched trees with kicks, wing attacks, and whirlwinds full of energized feathers.

Jeff: Safe to say we found our harpy guys.
Joseph: *groan* Thank you Sheik. Harpus? Harpus! She's too into her training it looks like.
Sheik: Then perhaps we should try speaking her language.
Jeff: What do you-

Sheik suddenly pulled out one of her Sheikah weapons, a grappling hook of some kind, and used it to grab one of Harpus's legs. Sheik proceeded to slam Harpus to the ground behind them with her grappling hook. Jeff and Joseph had never seen Sheik use this particular weapon before. Sheik seemed full of surprises. Anyway, that definitely caught Harpus's attention. Her voice as she spoke was... scratchy?

Harpus: Hey! Watch it, will ya?! I'mma trying to train over here!
Jeff: And there are people trying to walk over here! Your point?
Sheik: You nearly attacked us as we were passing by. I realize you did this unintentionally, but you do need to keep your eyes out for when others are around.
Harpus: *panting* Y-yeah, alright... Sorry... Can you get this thing off now pls?

Sheik went over and undid the grappling hook's hold on Harpus's leg. Joseph and Sheik explained that they were looking for Harpus and that they were wondering if she was interested in coming along with them as a fighter for their group. Jeff mostly stayed out of the conversation, leaning against a tree to show it. Joseph had to admit that Harpus did look beautiful for a harpy or a Bakugan. She was mostly green pigmented, a common trait for Ventus attribute Bakugan. Her hair a dark green with areas of extremely light yellow, feathered ears and wings of mint green, as well as her human skin a mint green. Her eyes a deep purple, her long nails a dark green, her clothes a tan color with orange shapes and a brown belt of sorts, pure gold bracelets, anklets, and necklace, and two small pearl white fangs sticking out of her mouth. The talons on her bird-like feet were also a daek green, while her feet were also a shiny mint green. Joseph had to remember though that this was strictly business, but then he remembered that harpies had a bad reputation of being vexing to male humans. Apparently even if the harpy wasn't even trying in the slightest to do so.

Harpus: ...So... you're not here for the arena games? I mean, I could see ya fighting some of the usual challengers with skills like yours.
Sheik: Oh no no, I'm not into those sort-of things. I'm not one to just go up to someone and actually start a fight without a good reason. And anyway I've heard about some of those challengers and I doubt I'd make it past the first round in all honesty.
Harpus: Meh, suit ya-self. Why need me though? Skeik seems like a capable fighter as she is.
Joseph: She already does a lot for the group as it is. Besides, we need more then one fighter to officially tackle those kinds of applications. I was told that you might be interested.
Harpus: (taps foot and scratches her head) ...Tell ya guys what. Wait 'til after the arena games for this month, and that'll give me some time to think about ya offer some. Kapish?
Joseph: Of course! I was hoping to see the arena games myself anyway, so we'll be around after it's over.
Harpus: Alright then! Now if ya'll excuse me, I've got some serious training to get to. Wouldn't want to disappoint ya!
Sheik: Hold it Harpus. I'm a little concerned about the amount of training you apparently do. We've been hearing that you have a habit of overdoing things, to the point you'll pass out.
Harpus: Oh, is that all? Well, I wouldn't be the first to pass out after a loss. As for those "rumors" about me passing out before a fight... I ain't talking. (Crosses arms)
Joseph: I hate to bother you with it, but it's been worrying me too Harpus. There's such thing as too much of a good thing, and that includes training. I get that these games are important to you and that you want to win, but over-training isn't a quick way to victory. If anything it's draining your energy too much.
Harpus: (scoff) Have you seen some of those bruisers dat fight in the arena? You're either overpowered or a pushover in there, and I ain't planning on being called a pushover for long.
Sheik: Perhaps maybe... I can teach you some tips on fighting properly Harpus? You said yourself that I could likely be a respectable fighter in these arena games. Mind you, these techniques I have are not sure fire ways of winning any fight, but they do help you out in any situation. What do you say?
Jeff: I'd take that if I were you. I hear not everyone gets a chance to be taught something by a Sheikah.
Harpus: Um... You'd do dat? For me? Uh... Welp, I guess I'm willing to admit I'm a little reckless... Tell ya what. I'll give it a shot. Let's if you can teach this bird some tricks.

The next two weeks after that were... interesting to see. Sheik often showed Harpus things to help her relax and concentrate better, and Harpus was rather skeptical of it. Walking through nature, taking deep breaths, meditation, herbal tea? Not exactly Harpus's thing. At first Harpus was wanting to go ahead to the fighting or claimed Sheik didn't train her enough in one session. However, Sheik eventually made Harpus realize that her problem was that she rushed everything too much and that she needed to slow down a little. If living in Hyrule taught Sheik anything, it's that no matter how much power one has, wisdom and courage shall always balance it out in the end. Harpus eventually agreed and started being more willing to relax. Take everything into moderation, you know? Though she was still somewhat skeptical of the meditation thing, she actually didn't mind the herbal stuff. She did explain that the only reason she took the arena games so seriously when otherwise she wouldn't care too much about working was because she was technically a weaker Bakugan to most of the others and she wanted to show she could take the heat of battle. That she could really fight without someone always saving her or anything like that, you know? Sheik could see that, and explained that, though it was good for Harpus to care about helping others, fighting wasn't necessarily the right way to go about it every time. And even if a fight was necessary, may be for good intentions and not for reckless reasoning.

Before long, the two weeks were over and the tickets were selling fast. Harpus, feeling thankful for what Sheik did for her, gave some tickets to Joseph and Sheik so they could see how much she learned. She didn't have to do that, but she figured "what better way to thank them?" Let's see how far the harpy gets now that she's picked up some new tricks. This month's arena announcer: Equila!

Equila: Goooood morning fans of battle! I'm your play-by-play announcer for this month, Equila, straight from Eagle's Spire in Chima! Welcome, one and all, to the seventh annual monthly arena games!
Crowd: *cheers*
Equila: The challengers are set and the grounds prepared for battle! All were waiting for is the call, your call, to tell us that you're READY TO RUMBLE!!!
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
Equila: I'll happily take that as a yes! Then let's get right down to this bare knuckle brawling spree!

The first round was where "the rookies were knocked out so they wouldn't have to deal with the bruisers" in the second round. The fights were all fantastic in their own right. The opponents were randomized before the battle, so a fighter couldn't know who'll they go up against until they're in the ring. There were many fights that were "won and done" before the fighter Joseph was looking for was called on.

Equila: Alllllright! On to the next set of challengers! In this side: A beautiful woman on the outside, but a powerhouse of deadly feathers by her bloodline! A Bakugan of the wind, a fellow avian, and a boomerang that keeps on coming to the grounds of battle! Let us screech the name of HARPUS!

Harpus made her entrance into the ring, flying to her side from inside the walls of the arena before gracefully landing on the ground. She went ahead and cracked her knuckles as the crowd cheered. Now who shall be her opponent?

Equila: And in this side: Revived from the prehistoric time by Ultratech, this ultra predetor is thirsty for a fight! Fitted with cybernetic weapons, a human intellect, and the primal instinct of a meat ripping reptile! Let us roar for this top notch raptor, RIPTOR!

The cybernetic dinosaur Riptor made her entrance into the ring, running before she braked herself as she reached the ground in front of Harpus, finishing with a surprising flamethrower to the air. She brushed the claws on her feet against the ground like a cartoon bull as the crowd cheered for her.

Equila: It's living myth vs living fossil in this catfight of talons, claws, and fangs! The ancestral dinosaur of the Earth against the advanced avion of the skies! If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was another day in Chima over here! Now challengers remember; any abilities you have that have been restricted for this fight are not to be used, fight fair and cleanly, and a personal message from me to whom may lose: please don't plan on eating the play-by-play announcer afterwards ladies. *gulp* Right, are you two ready?
Harpus: Hope you're prepared to get rocked back to the Stone age, scale face!
Riptor: *snarls and growls*
Harpus: Ha! Good luck with dat!
Equila: Alright, now brace yourselfs for the signal for battle! Good luck to both you challengers! On my mark...

Harpus kneeled to the ground with her winged arms spread out, watching Riptor intently. Riptor got into a stance, preparing to pounce at a moments notice.

Soon the signal was sent, and the battle had began! Harpus immediately took to the air as Riptor attempted to pounce on her. That was Harpus's advantage to this fight: flight. That didn't stop Riptor from trying to jump up after Harpus. Riptor used her flamethrower breath to try and attack, but Harpus flapped her wings so fast and strong that Riptor's flame was knocked out in an instant, and even pushed Riptor away. Harpus then shot some of her whirlwinds at Riptor, but the raptor was able to dodge all of them. Harpus tried to dive bomb Riptor with her energized wings, but immediately after dodging Harpus's attack Riptor suddenly bit onto Harpus's leg, then slammed her to the ground. Harpus managed to kick Riptor off, but before she could fly off again Riptor attempted to claw her. Harpus managed to use her energized wings as a shield, but Riptor would not let up. Harpus was being backed up to the wall as Riptor continued her onslaught of plasma claws and talons, affectionately called her "combo breaker". Harpus saw an opportunity to attack, and shot Riptor with one of her whirlwinds. By the time Riptor recovered from the surprise attack, Harpus was already in the air preparing to kick Riptor. Just as Harpus closed in, however, Riptor managed to grab Harpus's leg with her claws, then continued to swing Harpus around before slamming her to the ground again. Just as Riptor pounced, Harpus managed to use one of her bird-like feet and talons to actually grab Riptor mid pounce. Riptor struggled to free herself from Harpus's grip, but then she used her last resort: her acidic projectile ability! Nobody sees it coming!

Well, almost everyone apparently.

Without even fully realizing what was happening, Harpus managed to not only move out of the way in the nick of time, but as Riptor was finally released from her grip Harpus immediately turned and hit Riptor with a energized wing uppercut, hitting Riptor right in the gut and taking her completely by surprise! Riptor was launched a good distance away before finally stopping. Riptor managed to get up, but she was shaking. Her primal instinct was telling her to rip Harpus to shreds, but her human intellect was telling her to hand this victory to Harpus. And you know something? This was one of those few times that Riptor's human intellect was superior.

Equila: Unbelievable folks! Victory to Harpus! Let's give her a big round of applause!

The crowd cheered for the terrific battle! Harpus got up and went over to help Riptor up. Riptor hesitated at first, but she took Harpus's hand and congratulated her for her victory. After a few more battles it was on to the second round, where the tougher opponents see who's stronger. This was usually where Harpus would end up losing. Her opponent this round certainly looked like a one-hit-KO-er to everyone; he was a large dragon creature named Ridley, and he meant business. Though Ridley was much larger in size and physically more powerful, Harpus had the agility and small size advantage. He did, however, nearly defeated Harpus with his "rough play", but Harpus was able to do him in by flapping her wings so fast they caused a huge wind storm, with some of her energized feathers damaging Ridley, then shot him with her whirlwinds. He couldn't take too much more injury, so the victory was handed to Harpus. The first time Harpus got pass the second round! Though Harpus was joyous for her achievement, she was sore and weakened from her fight with Ridley. She managed to gather herself in time for the third round, and her third opponent was an interesting one.

It was one of the human-sized kaiju, but he seemed rather shy and nonviolent. He was some kind of aquatic dinosaur called Titanosaurus. Red, slightly bumpy skin, large yellow fins along the top of his head and back, as well as a large tail fin. His hands were webbed, his teeth and claws pearl white, and his eyes seem to shine a pastel green. Oh, and his roar sounded like something between a donkey and a elephant. He literally shook as the fight was about to begin between him and Harpus. When the signal to fight was issued, Harpus had to take it upon herself to attack first, and all Titanosaurus did to counteract her attacks was to cower and back away as Harpus clawed at him. Everyone was confused. What did Titanosaurus think he was here for? But just when everyone was wondering if Titanosaurus was forced into the fight, Titanosaurus took Harpus by surprise and grabbed her leg, swinging her around, then slamming her to the ground, followed by a tail slap so powerful it launched Harpus to the other end of the arena! Everyone cheered for Titanosaurus's act as Harpus got up shakingly. Harpus decided to use the wind storm of energized feathers she used on Ridley, but Titanosaurus didn't seem hurt by the feathers. In fact, he turned around and started swinging his tail fin so fast, the wind it generated blew Harpus's feathers back at her despite her wind! She was struck by her own feathers, and it hurt. Harpus managed to fly up higher to avoid the wind, but then Titanosaurus jumped up and actually reached her height! He even tail slammed her back to the ground, hard! As he landed on the ground roaring, Harpus was trying to get back up trying to ignore the soreness of her body. Unfortunately for her, Harpus gave out and the victory was handed to Titanosaurus.

Equila: What an unforgettable turnout folks! Let's hear it for Titanosaurus as he will go to the Champion of the Ring arena finale!

Later

Joseph loved the arena sure enough, but he couldn't help but figure that Harpus was hurt emotionally from her loss. She had finally got past the second round and her third opponent surprised her and overpowered her. Joseph and Sheik were looking for Harpus when they saw her walk out of the arena, bandaged some, actually talking to Titanosaurus and Riptor. And the conversation seemed to be an enjoyable one for them. Titanosaurus eventually said his farewell and left, then Riptor ran off soon afterwards. Harpus finally noticed that Joseph and Sheik were around waiting to talk to her.

Sheik: I see you three got along well.
Harpus: Oh sure! Titanosaurus is actually quite a sweetheart of a kaiju. And get this: Riptor was asked by a Ravager group to join 'em too! And even though she lost, they're going to take her anyway! ... Guess that's what you two wanted to ask me?
Joseph: Well, yeah. It's your choice if you want to come along Harpus. We won't say or ask anything if you don't-
Harpus: You kiddin'? I'll go with ya'll! I could honestly use a break from constantly fighting in the arena. And yeah, I learned my lesson. Just don't ask me to fight anyone for a while, kapish?
Sheik: *chuckles* Sure. Do you need to get your things or...?
Harpus: Naw, I'm ready whenever you three are ready.
Joseph: Thr-? Oh, you mean Jeff! Yeah, we'll be ready to go soon.
Harpus: Great! By the way, when did you plan on telling me?
Sheik: Telling you what?
Harpus: That Jeff was a wanted man.
Joseph: 😨 You knew?
Harpus: Uh, yeah? He has wanted posters all over the place. And he only uses that hoodie to hide himself? (Scoff) Boi, he's lucky you're hiding him.
Joseph: And you're not bothered by the fact he's with us?
Harpus: Naw. I figured the whole chasing wanted peoples around is you Ravagers' job, and if you two think he needs protectin', then I'll protect him too. Besides, I've talked to the guy, and he don't seem like the insane type those posters say he is. Don't worry, I can keep a secret.😉 And anyway, did you seriously think I wouldn't find out or were you legitimately going to keep it a secret from me?
Sheik: 😞Um... well...

Though they were fortunate for Harpus not telling anyone about Jeff, they were even more fortunate that Harpus was going with them as part of the group. She'd prove to be a valuable asset to the team indeed.

---

Finally, it's done. Phew! That took longer than I wanted. Still, the chapter be done and the group grows larger! Let me show you some pictures of these new comers.

First comes Harpus.

Then Riptor (she'll show up again later)

Then I might as well show you a picture of Titanosaurus since he's so cool.

And yes he's a Godzilla monster. A truly unique one too. I suggest looking him up.

Anyway, I still don't have a name for Joseph's group yet😖. Since Harpus joined, maybe we can come up with new ideas?

Anyway, hope you enjoyed! Cheers! 🐉