Chapter 14

          Meanwhile, Selena and Doshi are joined by Kasumi in the hall leading to Selena’s chambers.
          “Selena, are you ok?” Kasumi said as they continued walking towards Selena’s chambers
          “Yes I’m ok mother, just very tired is all?” Selena said as she looked at her mother with a small smile and stopped as they reached Selena’s chambers.
          “I could only imagine after a fight like that. Will you be ok for your next battle?” Kasumi asked as she opened the door for Doshi and Selena.
          “I will be fine after I get cleaned up, thank you,” Selena said smiling at her mother, and then let Doshi lead her into her chambers to get cleaned up.   
          “Alright, I’ll accept that for now, just know that your father and I are very proud of you.” She said as she stood by the door and watched her pup. “I’m going back to the stands to tell your father about your progress.
          “Ok thanks, momma,” Selena said as she watched her mother leave her chamber, and then went further into her chamber.
          “Selena are you sure you’re ok Koi?” Doshi asked as he helped her to sit on her sofa.
          “I’m fine my sweet,” Selena replied after a few minutes as she got up off her sofa and started pacing back and forth.
          As Selena is pacing Doshi instantly notices a change in Selena’s scent and wondered what was wrong for her scent to change that quickly.
         “Koi what’s wrong?” He asked while watching her continue to walk back and forth.
         Selena stopped her pacing and looked at him as she said, “Eris let up in battle, she was never that easy to defeat.” She finished as she began pacing again.
         “What do you mean?” Doshi asked sighing
         “I’m not really sure myself, but it’s just that when she and I spar together, she would always give me a good fight and sometimes even win. I don’t know why she let up in battle and let me win.” She said as she stopped pacing to sit next to Doshi.
         “I didn’t see anything wrong with the fight Selena. You won because of your talents alone, not because she let up. Now don’t worry about it anymore.” Doshi said putting an arm around her to bring her close
         “I guess your right, Doshi,” Selena said leaning her head on his shoulder.
         “Now let’s get you cleaned up for your next battle. Then I’m sure you’ll feel a lot better.” Doshi said helping Selena to stand.
         Selena nodded and let Doshi help her get ready for her next battle. When they were done they headed to the arena and waited for her mother to announce the next battle. Having the feeling that it was his time to fight Selena, he quickly went to the stands to talk with his adopted father and sat down.
         “Hn…” Doshi sounded as he sat down.
         “What’s wrong Doshi? I can tell you are worried about something.” Atomus said as he watched Doshi.
         “Something seems wrong with Selena, and I don’t know what it is,” Doshi replied as he looked at where Selena was.
         “Why would you say that?” Atomus asked as he too looked at where Selena was.
         “Well while we were in her chambers she became mad that Eris didn’t fight at her true potential. Then her scent changed quickly." He replied.
         “I’ve noticed that as well, but what was that about her scent? What kind of a scent change?” Atomus asked with a raised brow.
         “Well, it was like she had two scents. One of which was hers, but the other I couldn’t identify.” Doshi replied with a frown marring his handsome face.
         “I noticed that too as we brought her to her chambers,” Kasumi replied as she looked at Doshi.
         The king sighed and shook his head before saying, “I was afraid of that. I’m just glad her mother hasn’t sensed it yet.”
         “Why what’s wrong?” Doshi asked worriedly.
         “Remember the first time Selena transformed?” Atomus continued.
         “Yes I do, I was one of the persons that helped her transform,” Doshi replied.
         “Well since then she hasn’t had enough training with the sword I gave her, I’m afraid that the power of the sword is getting to her.” He said.
         “What will happen to her?” Kasumi asked looking up at her mate.
         “Well if she doesn’t keep control she will lose herself and will lose the competition,” Atomus said with another sigh.
         “Then we must take the sword away from her,” Kasumi said wide-eyed.
         “No, I’m afraid we can’t take the sword away from her if we do she may kill us instead. Her beast has already bonded with the sword, and may take it as a threat if we take it from her.” Atomus said with a shake of his head.
         “Then how do we help her?” Doshi asked as he looked at Selena and notice her glowing, and wondered why her father hasn’t noticed yet.
         “Unfortunately we can’t help her; she must learn to control the power of the sword herself,” Atomus replied.
         “Well, I hope she will pull through,” Doshi said standing.
         “She will. She’s strong and we all have faith in her.” Kasumi said as she looked at Doshi as he stood.
         “Thanks, well I must be going. It seems that it will be my turn to battle Selena next.” Just as Doshi finished he watched as Lord Eien stood to address the crowd.
         “Ladies and Gentleman the start of the next battle is about to begin. Will Lady Selena and Lord Doshi please enter the arena!
         Doshi walked out of the stands and entered the arena from the male’s side. Then the crowd cheered as they entered the arena to eventually meet in the middle to await the start of the match.
          “Are you ready for this Koi?” Doshi asked Selena telepathically.
          “I’m more than ready my sweet,” Selena replied and then stopped the connection with him just as the queen’s headman came to stand before them.
          “My lord and lady this is going to be a timed match, if you defeat your opponent in the time allowed you will be able to advance, but if time is called you must wait to fight again, Are you two ready to begin?” Asked the headman as he walked up to the pair on the field.
          “Yes.” Came the reply from both of them.
          “Alright then ready…” He raises his arm “Set… fight…” He finished as he brought down his arm when a gong sounded.
          “So are you ready Selena?” He asked out loud as he watched her aura darken around her.
          “I have been ready since I started this competition,” Selena replied with a shake of her head. She was trying to clear her head of the voices that were telling her to kill her beloved.
          “Hn…” He sounded to himself as he sniffed the air and watched her. “I wonder what’s wrong with her? She’s different than before.” Doshi asked himself not knowing Selena had heard him.
          “Nothing is wrong with me Doshi. Now are we going to stand around and chat, or are we going to fight?” Selena asked watching him closely.
          “Selena, you are not yourself, what has happened to you?” Doshi asked as he saw her beginning to struggle with herself.
          Selena didn’t know what was wrong. Suddenly her beast took over without her transforming. Selena tried to call her back but was shut out of her beasts' mind.
          “I’m in no mood for your games Doshi, come at me and fight.” Selena’s beast growled out to Doshi.
          Doshi’s eyes widened in surprise at Selena. Her beast was taking over and she hadn’t transformed. He stood straight to his full height and said, “I will figure out what is wrong with you Selena.”
          “Just shut up and fight.” Growled Miyuki as she lunged for him with a speed that surprised him. He jumped to the side dodging her attack and drew his sword intending to bring it down across her back, but stopped before it actually met her flesh he did not want to hurt her before he knew what was wrong with her. But to his surprise Selena did something unexpected, she bent her body backward and caught his sword between her own swords.
          “How did you do that?” Doshi asked more than a little shocked. “And when did you draw your weapons?”
          “Maybe you should pay a little more attention, ne?” Miyuki answered with a grin as her foot swept out under him trying to get him off balance, but he jumped out of the way and landed in an offensive position.
          “Damn, what’s wrong with her, I can’t figure it out,” Doshi asked himself, but that’s when he noticed it, her eyes had gone cold, and noticed the sword that lay in her hands was glowing an eerie grey, and his eyes widened in surprise. He would have to get her beast to back down first before he could help his mate.
          “Ah, Doshi has figured it out,” Atomus said as he and his mate continued watching the pair on the field.
          “Miyuki, you must let Selena take control so she can gain control of her powers,” Doshi called out to her from his position on the field.
          “What do you mean? I have total control over our powers.” Miyuki said and just for an instant second Selena regained her control and her eyes flashed back to normal, giving Doshi what he needed to win his competition.
          “I’m telling you Miyuki, if Selena doesn’t control your powers you will end up losing,” Doshi said.
          “I will not lose.” Selena’s beast said growling.
          “Then come at me Miyuki and I will prove my point,” Doshi said motioning her with his fingers.
          “Fine.” Selena’s beast said as she lunged at Doshi with her sword and he countered with grabbing her wrist and flinging her into a nearby wall ushering a grunt from Selena on contact. Selena stood and ran at him, dropping down and spinning her leg out tripping him to the ground; she then backflipped into a standing position and lunged at his fallen body but he jumped up just before her sword hit the ground.
          “How are you doing this Doshi?” Miyuki asked slightly out of breath.
          “Why what’s wrong Miyuki? You’re not feeling tired already are you?” Doshi asked with a smirk.
          “Not even close,” Miyuki said while breathing hard, not noticing that her lady was losing strength fast because of the dark crystal draining her powers.
          She was about to lunge at him once more when she was stopped by a voice in her head, and Doshi stopped to see what was going to happen.
          “Miyuki, you must back down and let me take control Chandrahas has put bad things in our head. Please. Don’t kill our mate.” Selena pleaded with her beast.
          “Miyuki use Selena’s body with the power of the black crystal and you will win,” Chandrahas said to counter Selena herself.
          “Chandrahas I already told you I won’t use any black crystal, I don’t need it.” Selena countered for Miyuki.
          “Miyuki if you don’t use Selena’s body as well as the crystal’s power he may kill you instead.” Chandrahas countered.
          “Selena be strong my pup. Take control of your body and don’t let Chandrahas take control of you.” Atomus said telepathically to her.
          “Miyuki, that’s it. I’m taking control of my body and I won’t let you or Chandrahas take control of me, especially not with any crystal.” Selena spoke out as she began to take over her body.
          "Don’t be so sure about that.” Chandrahas countered as Selena started to glow an eerie dark glow, and she knelt on one knee.
          “Selena…No!!!!” Doshi, Atomus, and Kasumi said as one.
           King Atomus quickly rose from his seat as he said telepathically to Selena, “Selena, you must be strong. Take control of your powers, you can do it.”
          “Yes…” Selena now partially in control growled loudly while clenching her fists drawing blood.
          “Selena my Koi you must take control,” Doshi growled out softly.
         Just then, there was a while light surrounding Selena. She was taking control of her powers as well as her body. She stood up when she felt her own energy returning to her, but she screamed out in pain as she forced the evil power of the sword from her body, and knelt on the ground exhausted.
          “Selena?” Doshi said kneeling next to her and putting a hand on her shoulder.
          “It’s ok my Koi…” She replied with shortness of breath. “Thanks to you Miyuki will be subdued for a while. Now let’s do this battle the right way.” Selena stood up and sheaths Chandrahas, and draws her other sword.
          “Finally… Come at me then Koi and show me what you’ve got.” Doshi said as he got into his stance.
          “That’s my girl,” Atomus said as he sat back down and relaxed.
          Selena noticed a change in his stance and how his eyes became clearer and more focused. Neither of them notices their father watching in awe as the match continued with Selena now in control.
          Selena lunged at Doshi with her newly formed sword, his own attack coming towards her catching her off guards and sends Selena flying back across the arena. Selena leaped into the air as her sword clashed with Doshi’s.
          They fought an aerial battle, the only thing that you could see were the two blurs in the sky as they attacked each other. Doshi was thrown back from a powerful punch that Selena released.
          He quickly ran at her and dropped to the ground spinning his leg out tripping her. She then quickly got up and backflipped into a standing position and lunged at him, but he jumped back avoiding her attack. Disappearing from sight Doshi quickly made it next to Selena’s side, and Selena’s head snapped to the side just in time to be punched in the jaw and sent sprawling yet again onto the ground.
          “Wow Selena, I never knew you had it in you,” Doshi said with a playful smirk.
          “You have yet to see my full powers, Doshi,” Selena said holding her side.
          "Ok fine then, this time I won’t go easy on you,” Doshi said getting into a stance.
          “Take it easy on me? Please I know you can do better than that.” She countered with her own smirk. She stood tall, spat blood from her mouth, and wiped the corner with a chuckle as Doshi looked on calm and collected on the outside.
          “Hn… This is no time to be laughing koi.” He said circling her.
          “Oh, why not Doshi? Do I intimidate you that much?” Selena said watching him circling herself.
          “Not at all. It’s you who should be intimidated.” Doshi said lunging at her.
          Selena’s power rose quickly as she quickly transformed and said, “If that’s the way you want it Doshi then so be it.” She held up her sword as he came closer and shouted, “Ryudokuken!”
          Doshi slid to a halt and fired his own attack back at Selena. As soon as Doshi let his attack fly that’s when Selena disappeared and appeared behind him, but as she suspected of him he tried to jump behind her to catch her off guard, and that did no good as he was about to bring his sword down to cut Selena when she grabbed his hand and flung him across the arena. Just as he was getting up, Miyuki quickly took over and with the last of Selena’s strength, Miyuki jumped and flipped behind him once again before he could even blink, held her sword up, and stabbed him in the back killing him.
           “Miyuki what have you done?” Selena screamed out as her powers spread out into the crowd and Miyuki receded from her own mind to fall silent. She walked carefully over to her intended and knelt before him. With the entire crowd watching to see what was going to happen.
          With a tear dripping from her face, she used her powers and formed her healing dagger, like she had done to her other siblings. “Doshi… I’m sorry my love.” She said as she brought her dagger down across his chest to heal him. She fell back on her heels and dropped her eyes to the ground in front of her. She knew that she was no longer able to look upon him for doing what she had done.
          Suddenly there was a bright light surrounding him when the light died down Doshi slowly opened his eyes to see his mate with her head bowed and her bangs covering her eyes silently crying to herself. Doshi’s heart went out to his mate, she was getting more powerful as the matches went on and it was taking everything she had to control her powers as well as her beast.
          He got up from where he was lying to a kneeling position before his mate and silently called out to her, “Selena?” When she didn’t respond to his call he tried once more, “Selena my Koi look at me.” Doshi said with a little more force. When she finally lifted her head he smiled at her and said so only she could hear him, “Finally… you had me worried for a few minutes there. Are you alright?”
          “I… I mate…” She started but he stopped her.
          “Mate I know what happened and I don’t blame you one bit for it. Miyuki is now beginning to get more powerful as you do. I will stand by you so that you may become strong enough to control her and your powers to come.” He said softly while inching closer to her. “With my word as your mate to be I am not mad that you won this fight. I am glad that you won because you have given me the chance I need to finally claim you as mine when all this is done.” Doshi finished as he watched her reaction.
          “Thank you mate for everything…” She said as they both stood and turned towards the Queen and the lord.
          “Very good match Selena and you as well Doshi.” Said the lord as everyone in the arena cheered.
          The pair on the field nodded and then turned to rest up before Selena’s next match.
          “Ladies and gentlemen, we will have a 30-minute interlude and the next battle will begin soon after.” The Lord said to the crowd.

Chapter 13

          Just before the battle, Eris asked her mother if she could change the scenery of the arena to a forest-like setting like she and Selena did for their training, and she agreed. So with both of their powers, they began changing the arena into a forest.
          A rumbling noise filled the arena and out of the ground shot a few dozen trees so that they covered most of the arena.
          Selena scoffed at this, rolled her eyes, and sarcastically said, "I can only guess who’s going next.”
         “Oh do you now, who’s that?” Doshi asked while they all looked at Selena.
         “The next battle will be between Eris and me,” Selena replied, leaning against the wall crossing her arms over her chest.
         “And how do you know that?” Sierra asked moving to stand closer to Selena.
       Selena chuckled and replied, “I know it's going to be she and I because Eris always changes the scenery when we’re training because she thinks it will work out better for her and her chances of winning.
         “Uh-huh, yeah right Selena,” Doshi smirked nudging her gently.
         “Just watch,” Selena responded nudging him back playfully as they listened to the lord speaking.
         “May I have everyone’s attention please, would Ladies Selena and Eris please enter the arena!”
          Doshi and Selena both looked at each other, Selena smirked and pushed off the wall.
          “Be careful Koi,” Doshi said catching her hand.
          “I will, or I can’t fight you,” Selena said before turning and walked to the center of the arena where she was met by Eris.
          “My ladies this is going to be a timed match if you defeat your opponent in the time allowed you will be able to advance, but if time is called you must wait to fight again. Are you two ready to begin?” The headman asked walking up to the pair.
          “Yes.” Both girls replied together.
          “Good… Ready…”  He raised his hand. “Set… Begin…”He finished as his hand came down and a gong sounded.
          “Are you ready for me sister?” Eris asked as each of them was staring at their opponent, as they circled around each other.
          “Yes, bring it on sister,” Selena said motioning her with her fingers.
          When Eris didn’t take her bait Selena drew her sword forth as she races forward and connected with Eris’s sword. The energy in both swords crackled as they fought each other in a display of strength. With a surge of strength, Eris pushed Selena back as a wave of chioki came out of Eris’s sword. It impacted on Selena and she was thrown back about 20 feet from Eris.
          “Is that all you got Selena, surely you can do better than that?” Eris asked smirking.
          “Not at all Eris, I’m just getting started.” She replied growling.
          Eris brought her sword up as she leaped into the air and attacked Selena head-on.                Their swords met their power clashing against each other. Selena then quickly raised up her other hand and blasted Eris away from her as she hit the ground hard.
          “Is that all you’ve got Eris? If so, I will defeat you so easily.” Selena said growling once more.
          “Ha… you won’t beat me. I have the upper hand here in this setting, that’s why I had mother change it for me for our battle. I knew that you couldn’t handle me here.” Eris said with a laugh.
         “You are so naïve my dear sister. You have only seen me train with my master, but you haven’t seen me train with Doshi. He taught me well.” Selena said looking at Doshi, and he smirked back.
         “If that’s the way you want it, Selena, no more playing around,” Eris said drawing her staff.
         “Who said I was playing around?” Selena said putting away her sword and taking out her short spear.
         Eris growled and jumped into a tree and shot an orb at Selena, but Selena used her powers and disappeared. Eris was about to climb out the tree when a dagger was thrown at her nearly missing her. She jumped down out of the tree and looked to see Selena standing there waiting for her.
          “Damn it, Selena,” Eris said while putting her staff away and drawing her sword.
          “What? Am I too much for you Eris?” Selena said and with a special movement, she puts her weapon away and draws her own sword. “Surely you can do better than that.”
           Eris charged at Selena, but when she went to strike her she flipped back. Eris growled and swung again, but she disappeared. Eris looked around to see her running towards her. Before she could move out the way, Selena tackled her to the floor. Eris tried to push her off, and couldn’t with a dagger pressed to her throat. So with her power, she formed an orb and held it up to Selena’s stomach daring Selena to make her move.
          “What now Eris, you have nothing left. Give up. You have no chance of beating me.” Selena said growling fiercely.
          “I could say the same to you Selena, but I will not lose to you,” Eris said and with that, she disappeared from underneath Selena.
          “You’re good Eris, I’ll give you that much,” She began as she gets up. “But it will take more than a few disappearing tricks to defeat me,” Selena said pretending to look for Eris.
          “Hn… I will finally get you, Selena.” Eris said to herself not knowing that Selena heard her.
          “Let me see you try it Eris,” Selena replied growling out to her.
          Just then Eris threw another orb at Selena, but this time it came out of her sword scratching Selena on her side when she tried to move out the way, but as Eris made her move Selena repeated the attack and swung at her too, scratching her leg in the process. Selena fell on one knee and hissed. She picked herself up as she put her weight on her sword. She turned to find Eris limping towards her with blood running down her leg.
          “Pretty good Selena, you managed to dodge my attack, just barely,” Eris said charging at Selena again.
          When Eris was close enough Selena race forward and swung at Eris cutting her other leg with her sword. Quicker than the eye could see Eris turn and jumped behind Selena and cut her on her back. Selena knelt on the ground crying out in pain as she quickly swiped her claws at Eris making her jump back in surprise.
          “No, Selena!” Doshi, Atomus, and Kasumi called as one. Doshi was about to get up and help her when he was stopped by his adopted father.
          “Doshi, you must not interfere. Selena will be ok.” Atomus said as he watched his pup struggling to get back up.
          “I won’t, but how can you be so sure,” Doshi asked as he continued to watch Selena.
          “We know our pup Doshi, believe in your mate as we do, and she will win,” Kasumi said as she too watched Selena.
          “Your right and I do believe in her,” Doshi said as he sits back down.
          “Selena my pup, you have more strength than that. Now get up!” Atomus said telepathically to Selena.
          “Yes, father,” Selena responded as she got up and started transforming.
         Eris looked at Doshi, and then back at Selena and a small smirk grew on her face as she started transforming.
         “Awe Selena, is that all you’ve got? Where is the big tough chaiura that I saw earlier?” Eris asked now in her chaiura voice.
         “I will not… be defeated so easily.” Selena growled out in her own chaiura voice.
         “Let my power control your actions for a while, my lady.” Selena‘s beast asked her.
         “As you wish Miyuki, but you must let me take control when the match is over, do I make myself clear?” Selena responded.
         “You have my word my lady” Miyuki closed the connection and began taking over Selena’s senses.
         Eris laughed and took back out her sword, and was about to attack when Selena started glowing.
         “Huh? What are you doing Selena?” Eris watched waiting to see what she was going to do.
          Just then the light engulfed Selena making everyone hide their eyes. Once the light was gone everyone in the arena gasped as they saw Selena. She was now dressed in pure white hakama and haori with an orange juban underneath, and tied it together with a silver obi with golden body armor that covered her chest and on the right sleeve was Selena’s gold symbol. In her hand was a new sword that pulsed with power as a golden glow was surrounding it. What she didn’t realize was that Selena and her beast were now fighting as one with her beast now in control.
          “Wow, where did you get so much power from, and where did you get that sword? I don’t remember father giving it to you?” Eris said wide-eyed.
          Selena looked at her father and mother and saw a pleased look on their faces. She smiled and turned back to Eris.
         “Father didn’t give me this sword Eris, I made it. As far as my powers that’s for me to know and you to find out.” Selena’s beast replied for her getting into her stance.
         “But how, I was never trained to do that?” Eris asked watching her.
         “Simple mother is weak, and I’m our fathers’ favorite daughter, and he chose me to teach it to.” Miyuki/Selena replied as one voice smirking.
         “Damn you, Selena,” Eris said growling.
         “Well stop growling and come at me sister.” Selena/ Chloe said waiting for Eris to attack, knowing that she would take her bait.
         Eris her drew her sword and raced towards Selena, as she connected with Selena’s sword. The energy in both swords crackled as they fought each other in a display of strength. Then with a surge of her strength, Selena pushed Eris back as a wave of chioki came out of Selena’s sword. It impacted on Eris as she was thrown back about 20 feet from Selena. Eris quickly regained her footing and quickly threw up her sword, and she fired a powerful blast from her sword as she watched with satisfaction at what she did. Selena saw the attack coming as she dodged to avoid it, and Selena moved in for another attack.
          Eris was not expecting Selena to dodge her attack. She brought her sword up as she leaped into the air and attacked Selena head-on. She had another plan in mind as she started another incantation. Their swords met their power clashing against each other, as Eris finished her spell. She raised her hand up and blasted Selena away from her and she hit the ground hard. An evil smirk came to her features as she went after Selena. She was not about to let her regroup to attack again.
         Selena got up fast and turned as she saw Eris coming towards her. She raised her sword. “Miyuki you must stop now,” Selena said to her beast as Miyuki called out her attack. “Ryudokuken!” She shouted as power started to build on the sword when a large and imposing light came out of it and went toward Eris.
         Eris countered with her own attack, and a black light came out of her sword as it rushed towards Selena’s attack. Both powers met in the middle of the field as they attacked each other, and exploded in midair as they destroyed one another.
         “I wonder what’s wrong with Selena,” Eris asked herself. While all others watched to see what was going on with Selena.
         “It looked like she was trying to stop herself from attacking.” Eris’s beast responded.
         “Yes but why?” Eris looked up to see Selena shaking her head. “What’s wrong Selena looks to me like you’re getting tired?”
         “Not at all Eris.” Selena/Miyuki said breathing hard. “Miyuki you must back down, I feel another power here. Let me handle the rest of the fight.” She said growling to her beast and in turn growling at Eris‘s statement.
         “As you wish my lady,” Miyuki responded as she receded from Selena’s mind.
         “Fine then,” Eris said as she raises her sword and charged at Selena.
         Selena now in control takes her sword in her hand and stands firm. Their swords met their power clashing against each other. With a surge of strength, Selena pushed Eris back as both of their powers came out of their swords. Both powers impacted on the other and they were both thrown back about twenty feet from each other.
         They raced towards the other, and fought with their swords for a while and when Eris jumped back to see where Selena was. She was nowhere to be seen. Then Selena appeared right next to Eris to attack, but she was quicker and jumped away to avoid the attack.
         “I’m sorry Eris, but it’s time for me to end this,” Selena said readying her attack.
         “Not if I have any say in it,” Eris said as she stood her ground as she saw the power that Selena was emitting.
         She had to be careful as she got into a fighting stance and waited for her sister to attack. She didn’t have to wait for long as she sent a blast her way. Eris countered with her own attack and this time her attack hit, and Selena was slammed to the ground. Very quickly Eris leaped forward to finish off her sister, but Selena was quicker and disappeared from view. Eris tries to find her, but then Selena appeared right next to her and stabbed Eris killing her.
           “Sorry, Eris…” Selena said out of breath.
           That instant the queen declared Selena the winner. Then all became silent as Selena went over to Eris, changed her sword, and struck Eris bringing her back to life. As soon as she did that she dropped to one knee trying to breathe.
          “Selena!” Doshi said as he headed towards the arena to help her.
          Eris woke up and looked around for Selena. When she saw her she was on one knee breathing heavily and notices Doshi going over to her.
          “Doshi?” Selena said breathing heavily.
          “Yes Koi, try not to talk. Save your energy for your next battle.” Doshi said helping her to stand as Selena turned to look at her sister now standing watching herself.
          “I’m glad to see you’re ok Eris,” Selena said as they walked slowly towards Eris.
          “Same here. That was a really good fight, Selena, thanks.” Eris said smiling.
          “Don’t mention it,” Selena said giggling softly.
          “Come, love,” Doshi said leading her out of the field.
          Just as they all left the field Azume stood to address the crowd, “Very soon we will have our next match.
          Eris turned herself and headed to her quarters after Selena and Doshi left the arena. As she entered her chamber she began thinking about her last match with Selena.
          “Selena, what has happened to you? I hope you prevail in your next battles.” Eris said with a sigh as she got changed.

Chapter 12

          Selena and Doshi finally reach her chamber as they went inside to see Sierra still asleep on her bed. Selena walks over to her bed and nudges her gently and said, “Sierra you lazy bum. Wake up.”
         Hearing someone calling her name she wakes up and looks up to see Selena sitting on the bed beside her and notices that she doesn’t look very well. She looked to the other side of her bed and sees Haru standing next to Doshi talking with him silently. Sierra smiled and turned back to her sister and asked, “Selena are you ok? You don’t look very well.”
          “I’m just fine Sierra. No need to worry. I just need to go get fixed up.” Selena responds standing and walking into her bathing chamber
          “So did you finish your battle, how did you do?” Sierra asked her getting out of Selena’s bed.
          “It went fine. I ended up winning the match.” Selena responded walking out of her bathing chamber all refreshed.
          “Well, that’s good.” Sierra wanted to continue, but she was stopped when she heard the trumpets sounding the start of the next match. “I guess we should be going, the next match is about to begin.”
          “Yes, let us be off,” Doshi commented as he guided Selena out the door as Haru and Sierra followed behind.
          They all headed to the arena just in time as they all heard Lord Eien begin speaking to the crowd, “Lords and Ladies we are about to begin the next battle. Would Ladies Sierra and Eris please enter the arena!”
          “You both be careful out there Doshi and I are going out to the stands,” Haru said as he kissed Sierra on the cheek and whispering good luck to her. As Doshi did the same with Selena.
          “We’ll be alright,” Sierra said as she turned to Selena and said. “Well, I guess this is me. Wish me luck.”
          “Good luck Sierra,” Selena said smiled as she nodded and watched both of her sisters enter the arena.
          Sierra and Eris entered the arena and headed to the center to start the battle.
          “My ladies this is going to be a timed match, if you defeat your opponent in the time allowed you will be able to advance, but if time is called you must wait to fight again, Are you two ready to begin?” The headman said walking up to them.
          “Yes.” They said together.
          “Alright then…” He began as he raises his arm. “Ready… Set… Begin…” He finished as he brought his arm down and a gong sounded the start of the battle.
          The two women faced each other, both going into their stances drawing out their weapons they were going to start with. Eris rushed in as their swords meet in midair.
          The power of both swords crackled in the sky as they both fought for dominance. It seemed that they were both evenly matched, as they pushed away from each other. They landed on the ground, each staring at their opponent, as they circled around each other, like a predator stalking its prey.
          Suddenly Eris started saying a spell and instantly Sierra felt when her feet were grabbed and she was unable to move to fight against Eris. Her chioki flared around her body trying to break the spell that held her. She saw Eris coming towards her as she lashed out with her whip astonishing everyone she could do that. She got Eris in the chest as she sent her backward in pain. Sierra then quickly put her sword into the ground as she channeled her power into her sword to release her feet.
          “Wow I’m impressed sister; I never knew you had it in you,” Eris said smirking.
          “Oh that’s nothing Eris, just you wait sister,” Sierra responded growling.
          With that Sierra shifted her weight before racing to strike Eris with her blade. Eris thinking quickly knocked the strike away easily, and in return jumped at Sierra and attacked her with her sword, knocking her to the ground. Sierra growled and jumped up quickly.
          “Why what’s wrong sister, I thought you were stronger than that?” Eris said circling her.
          “I am Eris; I’m just saving the majority of my powers for when I fight Selena.” She replied growling back as she watched Eris circling herself.
          They both look at Selena leaning against a wall.
          “What makes you think you can defeat her when you can’t even land a blow against me?” Eris asked with a raised brow.
          “Oh you’ll see when the time comes Eris, I assure you,” Sierra said smirking.
          Sierra got into a fighting stance and waited for her to attack. She didn’t have to wait for long as she sent a blast her way. A chioki whip of pure gold came out of her hand as she batted away the attack like it was nothing. Sierra moved as she saw Eris move around her person to get a better angle of attack.
          Eris sent another powerful blast towards Sierra. As Sierra leaped into the air to avoid the attack, she countered with her own attack and sent a wave of heavenly blades of power towards her. Her attack hit head-on as Eris cried out in pain. She landed on one knee but she was not done yet.
          “What do you say to that sister?” Sierra asked as she folded her arms.
          “Ok fine if that’s the way you want it.” Eris began as she started to transform. When she was done she stood there in her second form. Her hair was now longer reaching below the knees. Her whole body was now covered in a light snowy white fur. She has white wolf-like ears on top of her head, and she now has a long fluffy snowy white tail. Her face resembled a wolf but was human in body, and her stripes now appeared jagged on her face, wrists, arms, waist, and ankles.
          “I was waiting to see if you were going to transform, and now that you are I will do the same.” Sierra laughed as she started to transform.
          Queen Azume looked on at her daughter and looked surprised when Sierra began transforming. She looked to where Selena was standing and noticed that she had a smirk on her face. Indicating that she helped Sierra to transform.
          “Wow, not bad sister,” Eris said as Sierra came out of her transformation.
          “Same with you Eris,” Sierra replied getting back in a fighting stance.
          Eris gathered her energy as she sent a blast towards Sierra. Sierra then moved quickly out of the way as a blast came from Eris’s position. She just barely had enough time to avoid the first attack, when she saw another black object shoot up towards her at a fast pace.
          Sierra didn’t have time to react to the second threat as she was hit and she went down hard. Sierra tried to get back up as she struggled to get to her feet. She leaped away as Eris attacked again. Eris was keeping her off balance as she continued her assault.
As Sierra continued to avoid Eris’s attacks. She skidded to a stop as she concentrated on her sword, building up her power. Looking to Selena, when she saw her nod Sierra raised her sword and let her powers fly streaking across the field as it went towards Eris.
          Eris’s eyes opened wide when she saw the attack coming towards her. It was powerful as she leaped into the air to avoid the blast. She quickly turned, going after Sierra, and sent another attack towards her. Sierra turned as she noticed another attack coming her way. She leaped, but she was not fast enough to avoid the attack. It caught her leg as she went down hard.
          Very quickly Sierra reached down and healed her leg, and stood up fast to stand against Eris once more.
          “What? How?” Eris asked wide-eyed.
          “Something wrong Eris?” Sierra responded with a shrug of her shoulders.
          “How did you do that I was never taught how to heal myself?”
          “You can thank mother for that,” Sierra said as she smirked.
          Sierra squared her shoulders as she stood straight up to her full height and faced off with Eris.  Sierra got her sword ready as Eris charged and they connected. The energy in both swords crackled as they fought each other in a display of strength. With a surge of strength, Eris pushed Sierra back as a wave of chioki came out of Eris’s sword. It impacted on Sierra as she was thrown back about 20 feet from Eris.
          “What now Eris, as you can see your attack failed again?” Sierra said smirking.
          “I will not lose to you Sierra,” Eris said growling. With that, she disappeared from sight and appeared next to Sierra to attack her with her powers, but Sierra was quicker and flung Eris away from her.
          “Did you honestly believe that by doing that you would win against me?” Sierra said growling at Eris.
          “I will destroy you, Sierra, just you wait.”
          “Then come on Eris and show me what you’ve got.”
          Eris brought her sword up as she leaped into the air and attacked Sierra head-on. She had another plan in mind as she started another incantation. Their swords met their power clashing against each other, as Eris finished her spell. She raised her hand up and blasted Sierra away from her as she hit the ground hard. An evil smirk came to her features as she went after her sister again.
          Sierra quickly got up and leaped towards Eris and was shocked when she did a backflip away from her. Sierra used the velocity of the attack to leap forward and used her sword to strike again. Both used their free hands to bring forth their attacks, and at the same time sent their orbs at each other. Sierra landing quickly after she let her orb fly she leaped again to attack Eris unaware.
          As the smoke cleared she noticed that Sierra was nowhere to be seen. Then she noticed it Sierra had come up behind her and just as she was about to strike the gong sounded.
          “Time!” Lord Eien said to the crowd. “We shall now take a short break, and we shall resume the battles soon.”
          All three girls looked to their mother and were wondering why she made the lord call time.
          “Hn… seems we were both right on this my lady.” Miyuki said in Selena’s head.
          “Yes, but why is she doing it is the question. My guess is she wants to wear me down by putting me against one after the other until I win or lose.” Selena replied back.
          “You have my word, my lady, that you will not lose these battles,” Miyuki responded.
          “Thanks,” Selena said as she closed the link as her sisters walked up to her. “Nice battle you two, you both did great.”
          “Yeah well, it didn’t seem too great to us,” Eris responded with a frown.
          “Yeah, why did mother have father stop the battle? I was about to win.”  Sierra asked facing Selena
          “I’m not sure Sierra, but I may have a clue of what’s going on,” Selena said as she had all eyes on her.
          “What’s that?” Eris asked.
          “Well I have been following the battles closely and all of the battles have been ties, all the way up until I won the battle against Armon and Arion.
          “Uh-huh, and?” Sierra said crossing her arms.
          “It means that mother wants me to fight all of you in hopes that I will lose the competition,” Selena said with a sigh
          “I don’t think that’s what she is doing,” Eris said shaking her head.
          “Why would mother do that, it makes no sense?” Sierra asked, but before Selena could speak her mate cut in.
          “Because mother is afraid of what Selena would become if she won the rest of the battles. So she wants to put Selena in matches one after the other in hopes that she will lose.” Arion said as he and Doshi walked up to the girls.
          "That doesn't make sense, Selena's got a chance to win just like we all do. I'm sure mother isn't doing anything like that." Sierra responded folding her arms.
          "Selena's theory is correct. Right now at this moment, Selena is struggling to keep her energy going its only a matter of time before she gets defeated." Arion countered.
          Selena raised an eyebrow at her brother's statement. How did he know that she was losing energy with each fight? Selena shrugged her shoulders and said, "You seem so confident in your statement there brother, what is it you know?"
          "Nothing more than you sis, I assure you. Trust me I would tell you if I knew anything." Arion said with a sigh.
          "Come now everyone, let us not get all conflicted we all need to be at our best, and besides, Selena, we all know that I'm going to win," Doshi said playfully.
          “What makes you so sure that I’m going to lose Doshi?” Selena replied growling playfully.
          “I’m just stating the obvious Selena.” He said looking at her and smirked.
          “Well, no matter what any of you say I don’t think what Selena said is true,” Eris said as she turns and walks off.
          “So what do we do?” Sierra asked shaking her head at Eris’s retreating form.
          “We do what we came here to do, win the chance of becoming the ruler of the universe, and Ainashiko,” Selena said.
          “And gain a mate,” Arion said as he smirked and looked at Doshi. “Let’s not forget that.”
          “Oh we haven’t brother, don’t worry about that.” Selena finished just as Lord Eien began speaking.
          “Ladies and Gentleman please take your seat for the next battle is about to begin!!!”