The Eleven Warriors of Olympus (book one: The Titan of Darkness)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Danzu and Ace

When they got back to the barn, there was a boy waiting for them. The boy was fourteen, with spiky jet black hair and electric blue eyes. He was wearing a white winter parka over a black shirt, black pants, and gray winter boots. He had a sword strapped to his belt and a chain. 

"Where have you two been?" he asked. "Dad and Uncle had been searching for you everywhere"

"Sorry, Ace" Danzu smiled. "I took Kya out for a little demo flight with Moonbeam."Danzu explained. Ace sighed then smiled warmly. "At least you two got back here safely. We felt that chill again" "Me and Kya felt it too. I thought it was only happening once?" Danzu asked. "Bro,it turns out they were wrong. It's happening again" Ace exasperated. "This time, it's stronger. The soldiers are trying to find out why"

"Uh, the birthday girl's really unnoticed over here" Kya suddenly said. "Oh, sorry, Kya" Ace said, then hugged her. "Happy Birthday"

"Thank you" Kya said then pulled away. Ace smiled. "We better get inside" He told them. "I don't want to stay out this late..."

"Right" Danzu mused. "Then, the last one to the palace is a drakon's ugly twin!" Kya began to run. "And that would be Danzu!" Ace sprinted. "Hey!" Danzu exclaimed and also began to run after them. 

Kya's the first one to arrive at the palace, sweating like crazy even though it was really cold outside. Then, Ace stopped right next to her, like sprinting wasn't a big thing for a guy like him. "Guess Danzu's the Drakon's ugly twin,huh?" He laughed. Kya also laughed as Danzu arrived at the palace, parried in sweat. "You....guys....are...jerks...."he gasped for air. "Sorry, drakon's ugly twin" Kya giggled and offered her hand. Danzu took her hand and stood up. "S'alright" he said. 

"Welcome, kids" Okinawa came out of nowhere, making Kya jump. "Dad! You have to stop doing that!" she exclaimed. "I'm sorry, my dear. Xie is really anxious to see you" Okinawa smiled. "Dad? He's here?" Ace asked. "I thought he's at Olympia?" 

"He got out of the meeting early and came here" Okinawa explained. Then, a man with dark hair and gray eyes wearing blue robes came out of one of the chambers. "Hello, Kya" Xie said. "Uncle!" Kya hugged Xie, who smiled. " I see you've grown taller" he said. Kya pulled away, laughing. " Only two inches. I barely grew over the last two years" she said. "Still, happy birthday" Xie said, handing Kya a long parcel. "Some miners found it at Olympia. It has your name written you name all over it. Literally" he told her. Kya ripped the parcel paper open and the gift was a sword. A double-edged sword, it's blade made out of gold, her name engraved elegantly on it. The hilt of the sword is silver, with sapphire stone studs and waves. The sword balanced perfectly on her hand. "It's beautiful" Kya murmured in awe. "Isn't that the legendary sword Exclier?" Ace asked. "AND IT'S JUST BURIED IN A MINE AT OLYMPIA?" 

"well, frankly, yes" Xie said as he approached his sons. "Olympia is a great place to find lost weapons" 

"DUDE!" yelled Danzu. "I want to go to Olympia now!"

"me too!" yelled Ace. "if I could just find the lost sword of Lightning, it's blade made out of Imperial gold, I'd be happy" he sighed.

Kya laughed. "Remind me to never let Ace near any precious stone or a golden sword" she said.

Ace huffed "SHUT UP!" He hissed. 

While the three friends talked, Okinawa and Xie were grossed in a conversation. "Xie, it seems like Kya has grown fond of your sons. Which one will she choose?" Okinawa asked, looking at his daughter. "I'm sure it'll be Danzu. They've been friends for years" Xie answered. "But what about the-" Okinawa started, but Xie held up his hand. "It doesn't matter. It's about our pact and we should keep it" he answered. 

"The Gods aren't fair!" Okinawa stated. "I loved Kya as my daughter, but if she's taken away, I'd be devestated" Okinawa hung his head. Xie placed a hand on Okinawa's shoulder. "We'll find a way. I promise" he smiled. 

"Thank you, my good friend" Okinawa smiled then turned his attention back to Kya. 

"Kya, go back to your room and get ready for the ball. I think you'll need more time than the boys"He noted. Kya only nodded and ran back to her room. Ace and Danzu looked at Xie and Okinawa. "What ball?" they asked. "A birthday ball for Kya. A princess has to celebrate her birthday grandly, right?" Xie grinned. "We can't go" Danzu said. "We'll look ridiculous." Ace stated. 

"Nonsense!" yelled Xie as he pulled his sons towards the guest chambers. "I packed both of you robes! You have to go!" 

"DAD!" they protested. 

That made Okinawa laugh. "At least I have a daughter who obeys and listens to me" he called after them.

"Sometimes I envy you, Okinawa. Ace and Danzu are both impossible!" He pointed at his sons who yelled, "HEY!"

"this is going to be a very long night" Ace sighed as they were dragged back to the rooms.