Defence Force: Key

Chapter One

     In the expansive land of Yantal lies the country of Cretavine. Cretavine is run by the Gem society; they control the culture from the upper classes, the politics, anything and everything they make sure it runs like a well oiled machine; but machines break. The society can be broken into seven Families that control each state, these are; Rose ONE, Rose TWO also known as Rose Gold, The Lace Household, Feather Clan, Key, Plazembel and Blazem Tribe. Among these families the Lace and Key have a stable bond but soon they will be tied together in an unbreakable trust.

...

     Benjamin panted as he blocked the swings of Daniel's great swords. The sun was hot and left a golden glow on Benjamin's tan skin. He wore no armour as the swords clashed and sparks scattered, making some of the on-lookers flinch as they watched from the bleachers. His bare chest would be the perfect target if anyone ever had the chance to strike it. His baggy pants moved with him and left his long sword to bring up his defence, Benjamin had minor scars on his arms and back, pink lines etched into his golden skin. It was early in the morning and on the training ground, Benjamin was the best. He knew he was the best. That's why at the Gem Titling, his would be strong and ocean clear.

     Daniel normally sported a pair of glasses but they had earlier been thrown off his mouse-like nose when he had to jump out of the way of one of Benjamin's blows after he miscalculated his reach and speed. His movements were getting sloppy and one of Benjamin's blows landed on his chest plate, causing rust list golden sparks to spread through the air and past Daniel's eyes. It was checkmate for their match and like usual Daniel had been defeated, however his skills were improving, maybe one day he would win.

     On the training ground, there were many of the young boys, men and women training away. The boys were training their hardest to be ready for their one chance at the Gem Titling to prove themselves. There were a few girls but one stood out from the crowd working away quietly in the corner. She darted around a training dummy, with two small daggers and a black shirt she had tied at her waist. She moved so quickly that no one couldn't make out her face, and her long brown hair in a frizzy plait only helped to hide her face. A faded old purple scarf flew in the wind around her. Wrapped around her left thigh sat a bandage under her shorts, but she was able to move with such ease, swiping low on the dummy, it surely wasn't a new wound. The girl continued to dart around the dummy making sure each blow landed exactly where she wanted it too.

     After a few more rounds and warm-ups, Daniel left to fetch both himself and Benjamin some water. As Benjamin looked around the grounds he spotted the small girl over near the edge, where she practiced away.

"Child of Lace, come train with me!" He called out.

The small girl froze, looking up in the direction of Benjamin's cry. She then slowly walked toward him, her small blades still out, accepting the challenge. The pair of them weren't using blunt weapons, their weapons were sharp, so sharp you could see the sun reflect off of the very, very edge of their blades.

     All the children around started to gather as the two circled each other. No words had to be said they all knew this would be a great fight like it always was. Benjamin held his sword with both hands out in front of him, in a low stance. They continued to circle,

"He wants the Child of Lace to make the first move"

One child whispered to another. The other responded, rolling his eyes as that was clear to everyone else witnessing the fight. As the two continued to stare each other down, some of the adults became interested in the pair as well, some taking bets. The Child of Lace held one dagger out in front of her and the other crossed behind her back. The fight could start at any second and seeing the agitation on her partner's face made it clear he was going to act soon, so just before he did- she did. Making the first move as he had previously wanted, landing the first blow, star-like sparkes rained down and the younger children got lost in the fight, watching every move. They ducked and weaved and danced the dance of war, slashing, stabbing and moving in time with their heartbeats and each other. She was much faster than him but his long sword made it hard for her to get close. Those feeling lucky raised their bets, while others tried to back out.