The third chapter, no more chit-chat needed. Enjoy



Chapter 3:

The Battle arena was huge, bigger than it has ever been. It was a large platform that was raised about 5 feet above the ground and about 100 feet long and wide. The platform was made of marble with Amethyst, Ruby, and Opal stones encased inside. It had no barriers on it to keep people from falling off, which was part of the activity. If you fell off the platform you were out. There was no killing allowed so if you stayed down for 10 seconds and couldn't get up you were out. Also if you were knocked unconcious you were out. It had the same rules every year since as long as anyone can remember.

When they arrived at the Battle Grounds Janice, Seth, and Star stared in amazement. It was much bigger than last year and it was no-where near as beautiful.

"It's, It's beautiful!" Exclaimed Janice. Seth nodded in-sync with Star and they both mumbled an exasperated "Yeah..." Jace knew that this was the first time Bella had seen anything at the festival so he turned to her.

"Bella, this is the battle grounds. There are a few rules to it. First, you're not allowed to kill anyone, obviously. Second, if you fall off the side of the platform you are out. Third, if you are knocked onconcious you are obviously out, and lastly, if you are unable to stand up for ten seconds after being knocked down you are out." He wondered if she would participate or not and hoped she would.

"Sounds, interesting," Bella said as she looked at Jace. She then looked at the others then back to Jace. "But we can't all battle. Janice said it was one on one or two on two. There are five of us."

Before Bella could say another word Star piped in with a smile. "Yes, there are five of us. But this is your first year actually coming to the festival so I'll sit this one out and you can take my place as Jace's partner." She noticed a slight connection between Bella and Jace but wasn't sure of what exactly it was so she wanted to give Bella a chance to battle with Jace.

Jace looked at Bella then Star. "Are you sure, Star? This is her first year here, maybe she should..." He was cut off as Star spoke

"But that's exactly why she should take my place. Everyone here knows that you are the strongest, even though you wouldn't admit it in a billion years," she said with a smile. "Besides, I've battled with you plenty,"

A little shocked Jace looked from Star to Bella, who looked a little uneasy and he asked with concern in his voice. "Are you okay with that? We'd be battling Seth and Janice, they're a tough team to beat."

Looking over at Jace she felt she needed to prove herself to him. She had never felt this way before and it made her a little uneasy but she nodded, sounding a little frightened but at the same time sure of herself when she spoke. "I'm okay with that. Star gave me her spot and her spot was with you, so I battle with you."

Jace looked over at Star then back at Bella. "Alright. Then I guess we're ready." Looking over at Seth and Janice, Jace spoke with a smile. "Shall we go get signed up?"

Seth smiled and Janice spoke in a cheery tone. "Of course! I just hope we stand a chance against you two. It was tough enough when it was just against Jace, now we have to battle against Bella as well. This will be, well difficult to say the least."

Seth nodded and added "I agree, I was never able to beat Jace before, even when me and Janice battled him in our free time. We have gotten stronger but I don't know if it will be enough. Should be fun none the less."

Jace smiled and looked at Seth and Janice. "Tell you what, I wont use Lightning magic, just air. That should make it fair. One type of magic per person." He glanced over at Bella who seemed to be watching him the entire time and when he looked over at her she looked away slightly flustered and a soft pink rose on her cheeks but her hood quickly covered them.

"Sure, I think that sounds fair enough, though I doubt we will stand a chance even then," joked Janice. "You can cut through anything Seth sends your way and you are too quick for my light to hit you. I don't know how you do it."

Star giggled and pitched in before Jace could speak. "To be honest, Jace paried up with Bella, I don't think you two even have a chance of winning. Even though no one here knows what Bella can do, I think we all know she is probably second strongest, next to Jace of course."

Jace's face started to turn pink now from all the compliments and he sighs. "Oh come on you guys, i'm not that strong. You are just exagerating it now."

Star and Janice giggled a little from the blush on Jace's face and Bella even smiled a little, though it was hidden from view because of her hood.



~End of Chapter 3