"A...D-dark Elf.....what's her kind doing here??..their evil aren't they?" "I heard they practice Dark Arts...their worse than the Tora clan.." "the Light Elves warned us about them.....she should be barred from the city. Look at her face..she's sinister..that power she used. Is Pure Evil?! No wonder she won! Isn't this cheating! She's not even human...." The citizens of Titan City we're appalled and disgusted at the revelation that one of the greatest spectacles so far was that of a Dark Elf.
"B-but...they don't venture out of the Realm of Elves...why would a Dark Elf come H-here....to join this exam? Could it be an Attack by them?..." Cole questioned suddenly trembling at the thought of a War sparking but he couldn't help but pause at Ibuki standing close to Roselia with stern eyes.
"Why have you come here? Dark Elf?....what is your purpose for attempting to take part in this exam?...choose your answers wisely. It could mean imprisonment...honestly sneaking into this event. It's a National offense.." Ibuki threatened suddenly as a multitude of soldiers stood ready at the Arena Field's entrances; weapons armed. His Red eyes flared daggers at her as he was to stern to let something like this pass no matter how old she was.
Rose's eyes we're wide filled with Fear; she could hear the echoes of the crowd that was just cheering for her completely switch to insults and curses; making her nervous, anxious and frozen "I-I...I don't-...." Her usual cold tone was taken aback at being revealed so suddenly, she kept her hoodie on for this exact reason hoping to pass without anyone realizing it. Ibuki's question made her indifferent as she could see the soldiers ready to take action against her 'I-I could fight my way out-...but I'll be a fugitive. Ano...I can't afford to be caught. And they will catch me eventually....' She thought frantically trying to come up with an answer or a swift way to get herself out of trouble.
Amongst the Chaos, the Other competitors we're trying to wrap their heads around this. Well everyone besides Kira...whom seemed to be the most angry at this revelation. The blonde Heiress of the Narukami clan could not let this go one bit all respect for Rose had just been thrown out of the window and in her blue eyes she could only see a monstrosity, grabbing the hilt of her gold sword she started to make her over "A Dark Elf being in the Human Realm is A betrayal of the accords established by the Light Elves! No Dark Elf is to step foot in our Nation without proper approval! You being here and Ibuki-san not knowing your existence proves you are nothing but an illegal immigrant. A terrorist by all counts....so if you refuse to be taken prisoner. I will cut you down...like mistake you are...I'm not Ryoka Tora.. As Heir to the Head of my Clan it is my duty to purge you of Titan City. What say you?...."
"Heh!...so Narukami's going to take action...." Regis smirked amused, arms crossed as he watched the ordeal "Elf Girl better choose wisely...Facing someone of that Clan can be a Death sentence if not careful! Hehe....A Dark Elf no less! It's asking to be killed!"
"I-isn't that going a bit far...Narukami-sama!..." Cole called out to the Noble girl but his pleas fell on death ears; he could see Ibuki and Kira pressuring the girl despite her race it was wrong to act his way. "M-maybe she has a solid reason!.."
"A solid reason?..." Yuma scoffed suddenly glancing at Cole before his brown irises looked over at The now Exposed Dark Elf with intrigue but skepticism "It doesn't really matter. A Knife ear is a Knife Ear...especially of the corrupt variety. Their the worst of the worst....just look at her. And her Mana...she must've had to do some sort of Sacrifices to get it. For all we know it was human lives!...even the Tora clan wouldn't stoop that low but Dark elves are known for it! Heck! Light Elves warned us about them to begin with.."
The red haired Elf girl could hear everyone's arguments; and still she couldn't find a way to speak her mind. She was left speechless, this was very familiar for her. Dark Elves are considered a plague in the Elf Realm..their prejudice and oppression everywhere for them. "Y-you don't understand. I'm not here to hurt anyone. I-.."
"Oh....then WHY? Are you here?...surely it's not to become a Knight. Only Humans can join the Order...." Kira scoffed at her words not really finding her answer suitable as she unsheathed her sword halfway "I can cut your head clean off...end this all. It's better than being tortured for information. I pity you enough for that much..."
"No...no...wait. Just. Please let me explain..." Rose was trying to speak but the crowd's complaints just grew larger even some yelling that she should be executed on the spot this drove a wedge of fear in her spine. She was alone here. Nobody to save her.. Ibuki and the Soldiers on one end and Kira on the other. 'Fighting's just going to make it worse...is this it?..for me?-...'
"Tch...refusing to speak. Fine. I'll end this here and now!..." The Narukami heiress began unsheathing her blade completely, as her eyes glared with killing intent, the noise of wind howling froze her as she felt her wrist get grabbed. "W-what? What are you?-....no. It can't be you...M-mother?!"
The Director of the Order appeared in a flash; right beside Kira grabbing hold of her wrist making the crowd seize their complaints in silence "Enough!....Stand down. Kira.."
"It's the Director!..." Several in the crowd yelled in shock that she would show herself in this instance it must've been more serious.
"Her name...is Roselia Atarah...and she is under my Protection.....if anyone wants to dispute my Authority...then step forward and get Crushed..." Clara's Mana exploded into Blue Flames; the sheer size of her Aura drove fear into the hearts of Her own Daughter, Ibuki and everyone in the crowd. "Lay a finger on her...and you won't live to tell the tale..."
"But...Mother....she's an Abomination. She doesn't belong here-...." Kira paused trembling as she felt the Heat of her Mother's power radiate; making her shrink in fear and shut her mouth.
"This Girl!....was given special permission to take this Exam...by Order of Kisuke the Dragonknight!....and I will respect his wishes. Same as all of you. You all know that if it was not for Kisuke's Raw Power...none of us would be here today..." The Director spoke letting Kira's wrist go harshly with a small glare as her Mana calmed down "and you. Know better than to speak too me in such a manner...Kira.."
Cole stared at the Director in awe, her presence and demeanor just commanded respect and Authority it was no wonder she's the head of the Order; in his heart he was glad that She came to defend Rose as it seemed nobody would stop the onslaught 'She does have Burn marks of the Previous war! Facing down Several Units of Enemies alone while protecting her comrade.....One of the most decorated knights in history...Director Clara Narukami...previous head of the Narukami Clan and Now Head of the Order.."
"Why is she here Defending the Knife Ear?....wait. Did she just say Kisuke? The Kisuke?!..." Yuma looked at Rose with sudden astonishment at the News "Why would that Legend watch out for her?...."
"Director...as your Advisor. And comrade....This is not the time to be taking the Will of Dead Knights into account. Whether you like it or not...she is a Dark Elf....the Treaty clearly specifies that only Light elves be allowed shelter in The Human Realm and Dark elves either returned or executed on the spot!....your willing to go against the Treaty..The High Council will have a field day with this political Shit storm..." Ibuki suddenly warned not enjoying this one bit, he respected Clara greatly but this was going too far.
"Yare, Yare..." The smooth and laid back voice of someone extremely familiar spoke; the black hair and emerald eye'd Veteran Knight showed up in the blink of an eye right behind Ibuki with a small amused smirk "Shit storm or not. It doesn't matter much....theirs one rule the Order and every Nation will always fold too and that's the words of my Older Brother...if Kisuke vouches for her. Then so will I..."
"D-Daisuke?!!....First Rank Knight Daisuke...Of the Dragon Trio!..." Cole was about ready to burst into rainbows as the veteran Knight appeared "he's just as decorated as the Director.....and he's Kisuke's sibling. How did Rose get all three to back her up?..."
"Oi!..." The White haired Dante spoke up breaking everyone's concentration and interrupting the ordeal as he was walking over to Ibuki with a pissed off Expression; he snatched the headset from him folding it to wear he held the Mic in his hand as he glared at the surrounding crowd "I don't care about this crap!....and I don't care what anyone thinks! You have no idea the kind of person she is! To be judging her so quickly!!"
"D-Dante?..." Rose said softly at his sudden outburst; her pointy ears lowered in embarrassment but she listened to him defend her from the crowd and the others with passion making her relax a bit.
"Who the Hell do any of you think you are?!...." Dante growled gripping the mic harshly "here she is. Taking the Exam to become a Knight! So she can defend this Nation just like the rest of us...but just because of her Ears and Power your going to shit on her! No. Screw all of you!....besides the Director...and Daisuke-san coming down to defend her. Without them I'll still watch her back!...I trust her more than I trust any of you guys!...I bet the parents of some those guys that tried jumping us is in the crowd right now! You think I'm going to trust them over her....she could've avoided us. Left us alone but she helped us!..not any of you! You sit their in your comfortable seats watching us Duel and Race to become Knights...but don't realize it's our lives on the line!...and the fact that Rose-Chan is down here fighting to become a Knight more than any of you proves she deserves it more!!..."
Everyone paused listening to Dante's Heartfelt speech, Daisuke just had a small smirk of pride on his face while the Director had a raised eyebrow though she seemed Amused as well. Yuma gulped as his words hit him harsher 'He's right....I judged her because of that. Called her names...even though she pulled my ass out of that Race....'
"When she thought the Tora siblings we're doing foul play....who do you think walked over to make sure your fight was Fair? Yuma....it was Rose! She could've ignored it but she didn't! That speaks volumes...." Dante continued as his breathe was shaky in anger, and his body trembled before he spoke up again "she beat her opponent! And DESERVES to be here! And if any of you got a problem with it! Come down here and I'll beat all of your Asses! Every single one..." he even pointed between the Soldiers and Ibuki with a dirty look "I'll make sure! To knock some sense into you too!...I don't care who you are? But you know what! Rose-Chan may be a Dark elf...but she's a fellow Knight to me! And I know she'll be one Hell of a Friend!"
As Everyone sat in silence, when Dante dropped his Pipe Bomb on the others Rose's eyes gleamed a bit 'A-arigatou...' she thought this was the first time someone defended her this much.
Cole also stepped forward though still trembling at the presence of those two Legends he stepped right beside Dante and Rose "I-I'm not the bravest...B-but I'll stand by her too...s-so if you try to take her. I'll fight too..."
Kira couldn't believe the words coming out of Dante's mouth it was Blasphemy but she had already backed off because of her mother and in fact a heaviness hit her heart 'I almost....tried to hurt her blindly....'
Regis grunted rolling his Grey eyes 'Someone just kill them both already....I got a match I wanna do!!!' He thought selfishly already not caring about any of this having lost interest; the barbaric Ogrekiller just wanted a fight.
"Hmm...." Director Clara cleared her throat walking over to Rose and patting her shoulder and pointing at Ibuki "The High Council. Can kiss my Ass....This is my Order. I'll protect this Nation how I see fit....everyone in the crowd should be grateful an Elf would put her life on the line for them. My Decision is final...Rose won her dual fair and square. She will move on to the Announcement ceremony...where the decisions on who will join the order will take place. Until then...I suggest all of you shut your mouths and let the Exams continue..."
Daisuke chuckled as he walked over to Dante; lifting his fist with a smile "Good job Kiddo...your Mom will be proud seeing her son become a man. But I'll say this-...hahaha! Your speech was pretty damn cheesy!..heh!"
Dante got an irk mark as he connected his right fist with Daisuke's "oh shut up Viejo!...I said what I felt..."
Ibuki pinched the bridge of his nose as he walked over and picked up the mic glancing between Daisuke and Dante with disdain for them both "Fine..." he said dusting off the headset and placing it on his head "If that is your wish...Director. We shall follow your orders..Soldiers back to your stations. Rose Atarah will proceed to the end of the Exam...." He then pointed at the overhead Titantron monitor that had the next pairing announced "The Next Duel...Will be...Rin Tora...vs...Dante Kudo...Two competitors to the center of the Field...everyone else Step back...."
Director Clara patted Daisuke's Shoulder motioning for him to follow her to the otherside of the field opposite of where the competition would spectate with a raised eyebrow as they walked "I thought you'd stay in the observation room. Why follow me down?....I'd have been enough..."
Daisuke rubbed the back of his neck "what?...and let you have the spotlight all to yourself. Clara...you know I wouldn't let that happen..if Kisuke vouched for her I can't look the other way. besides. Now we have front row tickets. You get to see my Candidate in action.."
"I suppose I will...He was impressive during the Race but a bit of an Airhead.....to reckless. But maybe he might prove me wrong....if he can beat Rin Tora...they don't call him the unbeatable for nothing.." The head of the Order commented as they reached their spot and stood waiting for the match to begin; the crowd was still in disbelief but they continued on in anticipation.
Cole walked off to join the shaken up Kira and Yuma; as Rose stood next to Dante her pointy ears still down in embarrassment "Why?...would you defend me like that?. I've been nothing but cold to you and the others...what do you want from me?..." she questioned looking at him with confused eyes "Nobody ever defends a Dark Elf...Director Clara and Sir Daisuke...only did so because of some special recommendation but you...you did it for no reason. Why?..I don't have-..anything important to give you. And you don't owe me anything."
"Huh?....what are you...deaf?...I already told you...." Dante glanced at Rose as a small smirk reached his face, unwavering confidence as he gave her a thumbs up "I don't give a crap what anyone thinks....I don't care what kind of ears you have. Or what sort of race your from. Your Rose-Chan to me! And like I said...When we both become Knights...I hope after the Exam. We can be friends too!.."
The red haired Dark elf's ears finally perked up at his explanation; her green eyes shimmered as he got chills of relief "F-friends?...with me?.." she said questioningly her trust issues we're rather apparent but his sincere words we're strong on their own; what he just did was proof enough that this Apprentice was Genuine. "Then. You better win. I can't be friends with a loser..."
"Ha!...Rose....you don't get it...I might fall once or twice...but only a Real winner gets back up every single time...." Dante waved his hand Lazily as he walked over to the center of the field "You almost fell down just now...but I helped you up. So do me a favor...if I fall; help me stand up too that way...we'll both be winners..."
"H-hai!..." Rose nodded suddenly pulling her hair out of the Ponytail and making to sure to hide the pointy ears quite a bit as she joined the others though keeping closer to Cole; keeping her distance from Kira and Yuma.
Medic's swooped in and took Rei Tora out on a Stretcher for medical Attention; as Dante stood across from The Teal Eye'd Rin Tora. Second eldest of the Tora brothers with Ibuki observing them both closely "Let's make this a Good match..." The white haired Apprentice said with a small smirk grabbing a hold of his broadsword and unsheathing from his back holding it over his shoulder confidently.
Rin Tora stared at Dante unimpressed; he had Two long twin swords strapped to his back as he unsheathed them both as well the color of his Right eye changed from Teal to Magenta to match the Right sword while his left eye stayed teal to match the Left sword both glowing ominously "Impressive speech. Shut all the clowns up..." he said giving credit to him but he shook his head "words aren't enough...your going to lose here. And I won't even break a sweat....." His Mana leaked out and was strange; like his two different colored swords and eyes; his Aura was Half Magenta and half Teal but his Cursed Mana was far more Dominant than Ryoka and Rei's "This match...isn't even fair to you...."
Dante laughed a bit at Rin's words; as he gripped his blade and the lifted overhead stepping into his Samurai battle stance no sense of fear on his fate despite the tremendous Mana coming from Rin; as his own Power leaked out a Neon Blue glowing with his Aqua Eyes "I'm not scared of you...your not like the other brothers. They we're crazy...but your more serious. So I'll respect you enough..and go all out..." this comment made Rin scoff suddenly "your right. I'm not like my brothers...But I thank you for the respect I deserve. it's humble of you...but as I said...your going to lose.....no matter what you do. Your Destiny was already sealed the second they paired you....with me...."
Ibuki glanced between them both; their chaotic Mana's colliding despite not even being near each other made him smirk 'This'll be a interesting one....The Unknown Dante Kudo vs The Unbeatable Rin Tora...' he thought lifting his hand in the air and eventually rushing it down "Begin!"
The Two Competitors bolted as soon as his hand fell down; leaving craters behind them from their intense energies as Dante rushed forward with mighty strength and Passionate eyes "come on!!! Let's do this!!!"