The Crimson King

V. Crusader's Decision

The next morning when Jake woke up, he was met with Kate's foot pushing against his face. Her head was on the other end of the bed, hugging a pillow with a big smile she kept sleeping. She was even drooling a bit. Jake shot up, but instead of sitting, he fell out of the bed, hitting the floor with a thud.
"That's one wake up call."
"Well, good morning kiddos, you sleep well?"
"She kicks in her sleep."
"Sounds fun."
"My ass!"
The Witch chuckled and went out, leaving the two alone for the time being.
Jake got up and stretched, his back cracking as he did so. He sat down on the bed and looked at Kate. A smile made it's way to his face, she looked so cute while asleep, at least to Jake. He couldn't help himself and poked her cheek. Kate mumbled in her sleep, waking up shortly after.
"Morning Jake."
"Yeah, morning. Nice bedhead."
"Wh-what?"
Kate shot up, doing her best to fix her hair. Jake couldn't hide his chuckle and pat Kate. He pressed his forehead against hers, a smile on his face while a blush painted hers.
"I never said it was bad, no need to freak out."
"Y-you know what I'm like... and what's wrong with wanting to look nice for you?"
"There's nothing wrong with it, just remember, you don't need to look nice for me in these situations. Well, I'll let you get ready while I get chewed out by the Crusader."
Jake left the RV after grabbing his zip up and Kate got up, getting ready for her day.

After she got ready and had a quick bite of some food, Kate went out. She was greeted by a Greek inspired temple chiseled into the mountain. Jake was at the entrance, being yelled at by a pretty tall man. But Jake being himself, he didn't really give a damn. He stood there, hands in pockets of his zip up and his half dead face on.
The Crusader kept yelling at Jake, things about his form and stance being wrong. Kate walked over to Shadow and the Witch, who were a bit behind, just observing the situation.
"What's going on?"
"The idiot is getting an earful for not having proper form in battle."
"Watch it. Don't call Jake an idiot."
"She's right Shadow, don't insult a girl's boy."
The Crusader was finally done lecturing Jake and had invited the group inside. The inside was an impressive piece of architecture. Multiple statues of Greek Gods surrounding the arena in the middle of the circular room. There were water streams going out of the walls and under the arena. Kate was speechless at the sight while Jake was rather tense.
"Now then, we have some things to take care of sweetie."
The Witch ran her fingers down Kate's spine, causing her to flinch and hide behind Jake.
"What are you doing!?"
"We have to unlock your mana flow. While we do that Jake will get some training done."
"This buffoon has to learn proper swordplay."
"Shut it, let me do things my way."
Constantly looking at Kate, the Crusader hit Jake on the head after his retort.
In the commotion of Kate being taken away by one of the priestesses and the Witch, Jake tried to sneak away. However, the Crusader caught him by his hood and dragged Jake to the arena in the middle of the temple.
"Try not to get killed kid."
Jake shot Shadow, who was sitting at the stairs to the arena, a glare that sent chills down his spine. The Crusader stood across from Jake, a one handed sword and shield in hand. Jake brought his right hand up as if he was holding a sword sheath and soon after flames ignited in his hand. They soon expanded into a shape of a sword and a belt, leaving an actual sword behind after extinguishing.
"En Garde."
The Crusader rose his shield and brought the sword to his side while Jake held his with one hand, not on guard at all.
"Your posture is sloppy!"
Jake let out a sight and brought his left leg to the back. He clutched the handle with both hands, lowering his stance. Jake glared at the Crusader, obviously not happy with the situation at hand.

The Crusader took one step forward and Jake took one back. Then they started slowly walking clockwise. Jake was cautious, the Crusader was trying to psych him out. Both of them were waiting for the other to make the first move.
However, Jake never attacked first at the beginning. Sometimes, it was best to let the opponent attack first and find an opening. The Crusader rushed at Jake, shield in front of him, leaving no openings. Jake was left with no option but to block the incoming attack. He did all he could to push the Crusader back, but he was obviously stronger than Jake. The Crusader broke Jake's guard, but Jake went for a kick, hitting his knee.
"That is not proper dueling! Your ancestors never fought like this!"
"It's time for a change. Old traditions belong in the past."
Jake swung at an angle, but only hitting the shield. However, the blade didn't bounce, it got stuck in the shield. Jake started to shake, he was in a disadvantageous point. The Crusader noticed that and smirked.
"You're afraid of that's what is stronger than you. In a sense fear is a good thing, it makes us cautious. Seeing you're afraid of Gods yet fight them head on. Interesting."
"I won't stab them in the back, but you talk too much for someone experienced in fighting."
Jake slammed his shoulder against the shield, hoping to do more than just stagger the Crusader, but at least it gave him the opportunity to free his blade. The Crusader swung at Jake vertically, but to his surprise Jake stepped to the side. To be more exact to the Crusader's right, his unguarded side. Jake went in for an attack, but before he even made contact the sound of someone clapping stopped him.
"That's enough for now boys."
The Witch was walking down the stairs while clapping. Kate was a bit behind, she seemed a bit flushed.
"I feel violated."
"The hell did you do to her bi- Witch!?"
"Oh the standard procedure. It's just that women are far more sensitive to it."
Jake glared at the Witch, he was suspicious of that answer and for a good reason. Kate was hugging herself and shaking. The Witch looked at him innocently, but there was no way the glare would just go away.
"Aw what's with the glare? Jealous?"
"Die."
"On a side note, your precious little Kate has an affinity for ice magic and did you know she has a piercing on her bellybutton?"
"I, in fact, did know that."
The Witch gave him a mischievous grin, but all she got in return was a hit on the head. Jake didn't bother with her or the Crusader yelling at him, he was checking up on Kate. He pat her head, caressed her cheek and held Kate's shoulders. It was a rare sight to see Jake like that, but Kate was more than happy and latched onto him.
"Well then, aren't you two cute."
"The hell do you want?"
Jake growled at the Witch, giving her a death glare. The Witch chuckled and pressed a finger against her lower lip, back to her usual shenanigans. That was, if Jake hadn't used his chains to restrain her.
"Okay, I'll behave."
"You better."
"I wanted to ask though Jake, could you lend me the grimoire?"
"Will it stop you from touching Kate?"
The Witch tipped her hat with a grin and the chains dissipated into flames, letting her free. Jake rose his right hand a bit as flames started to ignite above it. As they burned they left behind the book Jake had received a month ago. Once the flames disappeared the book fell into his hand, safely landing in it.