Thudza was just as surprised as Amadeus when the arena guards threw a scrawny 'humie' into the fighting pit. Chief Dabos banged on a large cymbal hanging next to his throne, signaling the start of the fight. At this sound, usually both Rokuth would pounce towards each other with their fists. However, today was getting from strange to bizarre for Thudza. He just stood there, wondering if this was some sort of trick the Chief was playing on him. His childhood pair, whom he was supposed to fight to the death had just been taken out. In his place, was a scrawny humie.

The scrawny 'humie' stood there with eyes wide open; frozen in terror. Amadeus could not move. Before him was the largest opponent he had ever faced in his life, and this time it was to the death. If the legends were true, not even the Lighvel's power could save him now. The Rokuth had conditioned themselves for battle, undergoing harsh training conditions from birth. This extreme training hardened their skin, making them immune to the elements. This same skin gave them their rock-like appearance and allowed them to fight ferociously on the battlefield without using shields or armor. If the rumors were true, even the strongest Noble magic could only graze their bare skin.

Amadeus got up onto his feet, preparing himself to fight for his life. Rei and Izumi were outside the gates, there would be no reinforcements coming now. He surveyed the scene – a circular arena with a flat ground. He rubbed the sole of his feet on the ground. Sand, this is going to make it hard to run. He took a few steps, circling around Thudza. His right leg still felt stiff, having just been healed. He would have to make the best of the circumstances.

Thudza snorted. What a joke. This weak humie was weaker than No-One, who already was hardly a challenge. Despite this, he remembered his training which taught him never to underestimate the enemy. His combat experience kicked in like second nature, and he lifted up his fists in a defensive stance cautiously. One of his trainer's words of advice echoed in his mind, 'know enemy, smash enemy.' He would do just that, he would first understand what this humie was capable of. Then, he would attack without reservations.

High above, on his throne, Chief Dabos grinned and watched the fight unfold with pleasure. His elite guards had put shackles on No-One and stood with emotionless faces.

Amadeus patted the two icicles sheathed on his belt as he cautiously made a semi-circle around Thudza. Thudza had his guard up, pivoting in place to ensure he did not expose his sides or back. He's studying me, Amadeus thought in surprise. He had thought that the Rokuth had only brute force and relied on animal instincts for battle. Instead of attacking head-on, Thudza was cautious; it was likely that he was well versed in battle tactics.

If the legends were true, the icicles and even the Lighvel would be useless against the adversary that stood before him. Rokuth's were well known for two things. The first was brute strength, whereby even the weakest Rokuth could easily crush a large bear with his bare hands. The second would be that Rokuth's were trained for battle from young, and this training gained them their tough rocky skin which made them immune to all elements and most weapons.

Well, let's see if the legends are true, Amadeus thought as he did a barrel roll to the side which confused Thudza for a moment. Seeing an opening through Thudza's guard, he moved his hand in one swift motion, quickly drawing and flinging an icicle in Thudza's direction. His quick draw was sloppy and clumsy compared to any Izenth warrior but it did the job. His icicle cut through the air swiftly and Thudza was caught off-guard.

Despite being caught off-guard, Thudza had quick reflexes honed through many years of training. He could not dodge the icicle but moved one arm instinctively to deflect the oncoming icicle. Thudza yelled out in pain as the icicle ricocheted off his arm and landed harmlessly in the dusty ground. He stared in disbelief at his arm, where some of his rock hard skin had chipped off from the incredible density of the Izenth icicle.

Looks like the legend is true after all, Amadeus thought with a groan. There was nothing wrong with Amadeus' throw; it had hit its mark squarely. The Izenth icicle which could pierce through the impossible heat of Waldo's fiery pillars had only grazed Thudza. The only explanation would have to be the fabled Rokuth natural rock-like skin that protected them was true.

I'm not going to win this way, Amadeus thought as he leapt backwards and away from Thudza. If even the Izenth icicles will only graze him, I'm not going to win this battle with weapons. I have to think of a way out of this predicament or my journey ends here. Amadeus glanced at the Lighvel which was shining brightly beneath his palm, as though it was shouting at Amadeus to let it fight. No, attacking a Noble was one thing; attacking an Exile is another.

Having faced life threatening situations more than once in the past 24 hours, Amadeus was surprised that he felt calm, despite the possibility of death. He knew his odds were slim against this imposing foe. His mind was clear and it allowed him to think of a strategy. Adrenaline filled his entire body as his senses were heightened and muscles tensed. He was in fight or flight mode – this was for survival.

"Humie use tree hugga pointy-pointy, but not throw good. Lousy throw of tree hugga pointy-pointy not work on Thudza." The Rokuth let out a low rumbling laugh. Thudza stretched his arms lazily and loosened his shoulders. "Thudza turn now to smash humie," he said with a grin.

As Amadeus bounded backwards, and lifted up his hands instinctively to fend against the incoming blow. Almost immediately the Lighvel sprang into life. A single bolt of lightning shot out from his hand towards Thudza who was in mid-swing. He yelled in surprise as the lightning bolt singed his forearm. Amadeus who was just as surprised, looked at the Lighvel on his palm. It pulsed innocently, as if to say 'I didn't do that'.

Thudza held his arm and stood there for a moment looking confused. He stared at his arm and then at Amadeus. Pausing hesitantly, he stared again at his arm, and then at Amadeus. He repeated the cycle for a couple more times before the confusion faded from his face, only to be replaced by unbridled rage.

"Humie is not humie, humie is Nob!" Thudza shook off his shock from getting hit by a bolt of lightning and went into a rampaging rage. His large fists smashed the ground which erupted in a seismic wave towards Amadeus. The impact of the wave was so great that the force pushed Amadeus several feet away from Thudza. Thudza followed up quickly with two swings in Amadeus' direction, taking a large step forward with each swing. Amadeus had barely enough time to react and only managed to dodge by rolling sideways, losing his footing as he tumbled away.

Quickly getting to his feet, Amadeus retreated away from Thudza as fast as he could. Visibility is poor, thought Amadeus as the dust from Thudza's rampage swirled around him, creating a dusty fog. He squinted and tried to locate Thudza through the cloud of dust but could not see anything through the brown fog. I can't dodge him if I can't see him. I have to stay low so that he can't see me either.

Instinctively, Amadeus crouched down low, using his hands to balance himself on the balls of his feet. He kept the balls of his feet lightly touching the floor, with his body arched forward and ready to spring into action. This stance was often used by him in the past when he was hiding from bullies in White Harrow. It helped him stay inconspicuous and low to the ground while enabling him to sprint away at a moment's notice. Right now, it kept him difficult to find through the veil of dust. Also, if Thudza managed to sneak up on him, he could move quickly out of the way. Rokuths are large, if I can't see him, I should be able to hear him. His ears focused hard, try to listen to Thudza's footsteps amidst the jeers from the crowd. "Coward!" one voice shouted. "Little humie run! Smash little humie!" another yelled.

The crowd's cheers and jeers drowned out all other sounds. It was difficult to see, and nearly impossible to hear. At any moment now, Thudza could emerge from the dusty fog and reduce him to a 'humie' pancake. He shuddered at the thought.

A large fist emerged from the dusty fog and knocked Amadeus off his feet with incredible force. He didn't hear it coming. It felt like a battering ram had slammed into him. Amadeus was launched several feet from where he was standing and tumbled in the sand.

His ears ringing, he desperately tried to scramble to his feet but fell back down again. No broken ribs, but I can't afford to get hit by him again, Amadeus thought as he coughed out some blood. Slowly, he lifted himself up on his feet again. His entire body felt weak, and fear began to creep in again. It wouldn't be long before that fear turn into panic if he didn't keep it in check.

Concentrate! He reminded himself and focused at the task at hand. Think! There has to be some way to sense Thudza. If I can't sense him, I'm a sitting duck.

Suddenly, he felt a slight vibration beneath his fingers. Could it be? Again, the ground vibrated. Yes, it had to be. The Rokuth were so big and bulky that stealth was not their strong suit. He closed his eyes, feeling for the source of the vibration. He's coming in from the left. I can do this. There was another rumble; stronger than the last. Not yet, just a little more. The final vibration was distinct and strong. There was a split second pause as the rumbling stopped.

Amadeus did not have to look. He knew what was coming. He leapt away and did a short sprint to reposition himself. As he leapt, a large fist swung downwards at the spot he had been only a second ago. Another shockwave fanned out from the epicenter of the blow. A cloud of dust puffed up and swirled, entwining itself into the atmosphere. Could I tire him out? There must be a way to stay alive.

The vibration was getting stronger again. Just one...second...more... Amadeus dove out of the way just in time as Thudza's enormous fist came crashing down hard once more upon the arena floor. Now that there was a way to stay alive, Amadeus started to strategize on how to win. Even the Lighvel won't penetrate his rocky skin, so he is too well protected. I can stay alive if I keep dodging his attacks, but I can't dodge him to death. I need to think of a way to win.

Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to my number one (and hopefully not only) fan, thesecondsister. Thanks for all the super duper encouraging support!