Sands of Destiny: Five Lights Appear

Chapter 15: When it Rains

At the age of eighteen, the young wrangler stood at six feet seven inches tall. Everyone that knew him loved him, and he had grown into a fearsome wrangler. He was returning from his daily five mile run.

"Hey nice going kid, that's the fastest you've ever ran it."

"It just gets easier everyday, I can feel how much I've improved!"

"Come in kid, it's time I told you who I really am."

Kruise followed Miss Trix into her house.

"Have a seat, kid."

Kruise sat on a cushioned chair. He savored the scent of the single incense burning at the table between them.

"You once asked who I am. I was once a Temple Keeper, the very same one who oversaw the legendary Maniac Midaco's second Elixir Brawl. I couldn't continue doing that job though. Not after being so blind to let Midaco be cheated the way he was. But I tell you this not because of my sorrows, but because of their results."

"What do you mean?"

"Gravis, the Sand Trigger who cheated and stole the Elixir from Midaco. He is currently the strongest enemy under the three Brothers of the Mist command. He's even stronger than the current Great Eight. If you want any chance of freeing this continent, you need to go train with Igneous the Dark. He's the only one that could get you ready for such a fight."

"So what were these past four years?!"

"Me getting your body physically prepared to jump to that next level, because even now, you're not the strongest wrangler in your generation! I told you about Gravis because I think I've been spotted, and if he finds out he'll track me down. I want you to leave, go to the Lost Sands. You have to keep getting stronger and help save the Desert Continent."

"Like hell I will! How can I just leave you behind?"

"Do as you're told, boy!!! I don't like this either, but you can't die yet, and besides, this is my sin to bear."

Kruise got up and walked to the door silently, stopping right in front of it.

"Hey?"

"What, stubborn kid?"

"If I'm not the strongest wrangler in my generation, who is?"

"You'll meet him in the Lost Sands. I'd be careful challenging him from the start. From what I hear, he is beyond his years in sheer skill, fighting more like a seasoned veteran than a bright eyed, young wrangler like yourself."

"Well then, if that's the case I guess I have no choice."

The ground began to shake all of a sudden. Pictures and nicknacks flew off of Mrs. Trix's walls as the house quaked violently.

"Shit it's him!"

"Miss Trix..."

"It's fine kid, just go!"

"I'm sorry but, I can't just leave you to die here!"

Kruise ran out the door without a second thought, and spotted the man responsible for the sudden disturbance. He was heavy set and wore a grey and black striped shirt and black jeans with chains hanging from them. The sand all around him was the color of soot, as if the sands were mixed with fresh ashes. Kruise jetted towards Gravis, turning his arm of water into a huge silver set of claws.

"I'll end this in one blow!"

Gravis turned just in time to counter with his own claw of dark, grey sand. As the two clashed in a stalemate, a shock wave shook the surrounding area. Kruise could smell the nauseating combination of beer and puke on Gravis's breath, and he could see only pure evil in his eyes.