Awesome Squad

Chapter 3

Ray ducked and pressed on the sapphire that decorated his ring and threw the sword that appeared at him.  Forta and Chris readied their own weapons.  Agamemnon laughed, dodging Ray’s sword.  “I see you haven’t lowered your defense.  But this changes nothing.  You are still one short.  This time I will triumph!” he said, taking another slash at Ray.  Ray growled and transformed into a giant wolf with black fur that matched his hair.  He roared fiercely and lunged for Agamemnon.  Forta swung his axe and Chris launched his chain towards him.  “Just because we are divided-“ Ray said, taking a bite out of Ag’s arm.  “Doesn’t mean-“ Forta began, bringing the flat side of the axe on his head.  “That you are going to beat us!” Chris finished, wrapping Ag in the chain and giving it a yank.

Agamemnon fell to the ground, battered and bruised.  “This isn’t the end!” he screamed as Ray changed back into his normal form.  With a good kick to Ag’s face, he said “Yeah, okay.  Just wait ‘til she gets back.  When she finds out what happened, someone is gonna get it and it won’t be any of us.”  Chris and Forta laughed and high-fived each other.  Ag growled and disappeared back to his lair, leaving all their weapons in a pile on the ground.  They collected their weapons and headed back inside.  Forta brushed some blood off his dark skin and ran a hand over his closely shaved head.  Chris flipped his dark blonde hair out of his face as he sat down to finish one of his reading books.  Ray went back into his room and sat down on the bed.

He picked up a picture that they all had had taken at their last vacation.  There she is. He thought, running a finger over the smiling image of Aria.  This girl.  This girl that I love.  This girl who has no idea that I love her.  Why did I let her go?!  He put the picture back down a bit harder than he probably should have.  He threw himself back down on the bed and covered his face with his hands.  Thoughts, images of her, rushed threw his mind of all the great times they had.  Man this love stuff is dangerous…

Meanwhile, on Aria’s home planet:

“Good.  But you can do better.  Do it again.” said her instructor.  Again, Aria closed her eyes and focused her energy into a ball in her hands.  Opening her eyes she thrust the energy ball into the target, obliterating it.  “Perfect!  One more time and then you can go for today.”  And so again Aria obliterated the target and headed to her temporary home on Aragraaner.  She picked up a picture on her bedside of all the guys; Forta, Chris, and Ray smiling as they threw food at each other.  She placed a finger over Ray’s tan face, getting lost in his bright green eyes.  She sighed and put the picture back down.  “I miss you, Ray.” she murmured to the ceiling.  There was a knock on her door and she got up to answer it.  “Miss Freela?  The Emperor has invited you to a dinner this evening in your honor.” said the messenger when she opened the door.  “At what time?” she asked.  “When the Great Star reaches the Fortide tower.” he answered.  “I will attend.  Send the Emperor my gratitude.” She replied and waved him away so she could get ready.

Wearing a long, slim fitting, dark green dress that brought out the shine in her dark red hair, she entered the large room that the Emperor used for his dinners.  “Ah! Miss Freela!  Welcome to my humble home!  Please, take a seat and enjoy some dinner.” said the emperor.  She took a seat near the head of the table, right next to the prince, a handsome man whose brown hair and deep blue eyes shimmered in the light.  “Hello, Aria.  I am Prince Daygo.  How are you this fine evening?” the prince said.  “Quite well, thank you.” she answered as a servant set a plate of local delicacies in front of her and filled her glass with a deep red wine.  Polite conversation passed between members of the table until the Emperor said “Who and when are you going to marry?” after they had come to speak of marriage.  She took a long sip of her wine and patted her mouth dry before answering.  “I do not intend to marry for many more years, your highness.”  A gasp escaped from the other members of the table.  “But surely there must be someone interested in you?  You are quite the attractive young lady!” he replied wide eyed.  “Oh yes!  I’m quite sure there are a few men interested in me!  But none will come forth to claim my hand!” she laughed.  The prince stood up and took Aria’s hand.  “Allow me to be your groom then!  I am no coward as these men are!  You would live here in the lap of luxury!” he said.  “I thank you and am flattered by your affection but I really couldn’t.” she said gently taking her hand back. “I am afraid that my heart loves another.”  He frowned as did the emperor.  “Are you saying that my son is unattractive, Miss Freela?” the Emperor said rather angrily.  “Not at all!  No, not at all!  If it were not for someone else at home, I would have accepted right then!  But alas, I have a man at home.” she said waving a hand dismissively.  Daygo’s eyes narrowed as aria blinked her bright purple eyes at him.  “Well, should you change your mind, the offer will stand.” he said slowly.  “There should be no need but I appreciate the gesture.” she replied and she left.