Ness Verse.3 - The one she always dreams about

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Ness

Ness was so excited to have finally made it to the central plaza, she held the princesses hand firmly before they walked hand and hand further into the the arena grounds. There was a half opened gate being guarded by two seated armour wearing fellows. As soon as the guards noticed Ness within their sights, she could see their eyes filed with a lecherous gaze.

'Tsk, disgusting creeps' She hissed inwardly, understanding she couldn't show her inner feelings if she desired the next phase to go smoothly. So in this instance she bit her tongue and formed the best smile she could make whilst she approached the two guardsmen.

"Hello-there! me and my friend here were wondering if we could be granted entry through this side of the arena please?" Her voice was purposely made to sound extra cute and naïve. She saw their ogling faces briefly shake back into reality.

"Uh-er...we cannot grant you that...miss."

"Hmph! and why the bloody hell not? I mean-ahem...pretty pleaseee. You see my friend here is quite famous you see. She's err...a special kind of performer. Have you two hunks ever been to the Crimson Rayola before?" She boldly asked them, the two guards shared a slightly nervous look before they slowly nodded their heads, and slowly agreed.

The Crimson Rayola was one of the most popular gentleman's club within the citadel. Meaning, most of the men who enjoyed that kind of stuff would definitely know about it. Her instincts were normally never wrong, so she wasn't that surprised that these two perverts might've spent a night or two at that establishment.

"Ahem...well...you know this entrance is usually for high members of society...b...but."

"What my friend here is trying to say is that...how can we deny a famous person refusal. Considering the main event has just ended, it shouldn't be a problem.

I do have one request though..."

"Ah-s-sure what can I do for you?" she replied slightly nervously

"The next time I appear at the crimson royola, any chance you can get us access to the you know...private rooms?"

'Of course that's what you'd ask for...damn pervert.'

"No problem at all ahaha- I'll make sure to put in a good word with the madam and some of my girlies. They'll be so generous once they hear about how you helped me and my...f-friend." Ness playfully winked, sticking out her small pink tongue for the final affect. She saw the two guardsman's faces instantly turn pink out of embarrassment. The Princess didn't say much and remained standing idly quiet to one side. Ness could tell she was probably curious about a lot of things.

The two guards conversed privately about the different fantasies they had about the special gentleman's club. All the while Ness couldn't wait to get away from these two as quickly as she possibly could.

"Alright-Alright you can pass through hehe...it'd be a crime to upset a fine ass like yours pretty hehe."

Ness fought back all the natural instincts inside of her to gag, or very yet, to give them punch which flattened the table they were both sat around. Oddly enough, she chose neither option. And creased a delicate smile before ushering the Princess to stay closely by her side whilst they passed through.

"Th-thank you both" Ness smiled before they gingerly walked passed the two men,

*SMACK!*

"Eiyy!"

****Yelped Ness as she felt a firm hand slap her against her buttocks. She was just about to release her Qi but then felt a soft hand gently caress her arm.

"Ness...We're here...let's go inside." The Princess wore a beautiful smile. A blossoming radiance warm enough to melt the surface of any icy heart. Ness couldn't stay angry whenever Lana was around.

So she quelled her anger and forgot about the two guardsmen.

Once they finally entered onto the arena grounds, they were hit by a euphoric roar of applauds reigning across the entire air. The arena was filled with people from all races from the bottom row of stoned seats to the very top. Ness was taken a back a little, she hadn't remembered the last time she saw this place so full with life. In fact, the few times she attended the arena to watch one of the battles here, there was not nearly as much noise as there was right now.

"L-lan...a...this is..."

"Amazing..."

Ness agreed, this was truly quite the spectacle. Maybe they should've arrived earlier to watch the Golden Ranked match.

They simply stopped and stared at the scenery before them for a short while. Taking in the golden splendor created by the beaming hot sun bathing the entire arena with its morning rays.

Ness spotted a few empty seats located near the top row. She didn't want to sit too close to the arena just in case they somehow drew attention towards them. But also, bearing in mind Lana was also here for the off chance that boy she couldn't stop dreaming about was here, she wanted a nice vantage point. 'She's probably overthinking it, but I cant tell her that...She might not take it well.' Ness had just about gotten used to the Princesses unique abilities. Most of which were involved around her lucid dreams or suspicions, but being as unstable as it had been, Ness tried not to overly place her full trust on some of the visions the Princess tended to see.

For now, Ness wanted to help Lana enjoy a simple sunny day out just like any normal person would.

Once they eventually sat down. Ness observed their surroundings shrewdly making sure they were far enough to not be recognized by anyone whilst also not being too far away from the nearest exit just in case they needed to flee.

"Hm-mm this spot isn't too bad." She said making sure she growled at anyone who tried to sit on the empty spaces on either said of her and Lana. By the time the next event of was starting, both Ness and the princess had a few empty spaces beside them, just the way Ness liked it.

"Look Ness...it's starting"

A loud horn was blown from the center of the ring. A tall woman with smooth tanned skin held onto a curved ivory horn which echoed moments ago, she was clothed in a beige tunic with a golden chain wrapped around one of her shoulders. She also had a bizarre reef placed in the middle of her neatly combed brown hair.

"WELCOME BACK! And without further ado we shall continue the last few duels we've scheduled for our young hopefuls who hope on seizing on the unique opportunity to become honorary Squires! And perhaps one day fully seasoned Knights who serve beneath our most gracious crown...ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF LUCIEN!"

*ROARRRS*

"All Hail the Queen!!!"

"All Hail the Queen!!!"

"All Hail the Queen!!!"

"Sheesh, I forgot how intense these lot get. Hehe does it feel weird hearing them scream your mothers name like that?"

Lana replied with an uncaring shrug. "She's the Queen after all" hearing her dry response Ness decided to not prod her further. They both couldn't hide the excitement brewing in their hearts.

Finally two approaching fellows made their way towards the ring. On one side was a tall fellow cladded in full heavy silver armour. The fellow had his/her helm shielded by an iron helmet with a sealed visor. "Hey Ness...doesn't she look...familiar?" said Lana, Ness took a look at the other approaching figure. A slightly short girl with fiery curly hair breathed an air of confidence as she made her way towards the ring. Ness kept a curious glare upon her, she was clothed in tight fitted golden cuts of armour with fine hunting boots.

'_Can't say she rings a bel_l, perhaps Lana is mistaken.' She thought, but the next moment she glanced towards the princess. There was a knowing smile creased against her pretty mouth.

Before Ness had a second to ask the princess probing questions, she heard the sounds of a horn blaring for the second time since they arrived. Followed by another roar from the crowd.

'Oh...it's starting already.'

The short girl wasted no time and took out two small daggers from her hip. She leant forward and dashed towards the Bronze knight clutching hold of a mace and a shorter steel sword.

*BOOOM! CLANG! CLANG! SHREEEE! WHOOOOS! CRASH!*

Their exchange was surprisingly even. Ness was quite impressed, the newbie was skilled which came as a surprise since this event was a trial for young hopefuls without a rank. Yet she wouldn't be called crazy for thinking the girl was already a ranked knight by her precision, raw power and expert movements. At one point when the iron knight looked to have cornered her by the edge of the ring. A mace was hurled down towards the seemingly hopeless girl. The latter managed to pirouette and strike the knight with a firm counter.

And then...

"W-wait...wh-what is that...That power." Ness could hardly believe what she was seeing. The girl suddenly stopped in the middle of the ring and pressed her two knuckles together. Water and stone elements started swirling around her, the water particles gathered against the short dagger on her left hand. Taking over the previous iron and forming a much longer, sharper sword made out from pure water. The stone particles unveiled the same against the right handed dagger, but this time around she held a thick crumbling sword made out of molting stone. The girl looked as though she was deciding which one to use. Finally she settled on the water element. And in a blink of an eye she was wearing a suit made out of water.

Ness almost stood up to her feet.

"That power...that's not the power of an unranked...Lana...who is she?" She asked her friend who remained smiling all throughout.

"Remember when we were little. And mother used to make us host their parties where all the noble girls would attend? There was one particular time when we hosted a very...intriguing guest-so to speak. Do you remember her? Surprised you have forgotten considering how much you modelled your fighting style after her own fufu. Skaldi...the giantess from the Hero Party. If memory serves me correct, that should be her daughter. For what other race you know that can harness elemental powers like that."

Whilst Lana was all smiles, Ness carried a look of true disbelief. Lady Skaldi was a living legend! A strong, no nonsense kind of woman. She was sexy, forward and strong. Ness always wanted to be her when she was young. And one of the main reasons she moved to Lucien Kingdom was to go through the same journey Skaldi had gone through. With an indifferent gaze she placed a second look on the girl almost overpowering the seasoned Bronze ranked knight.

%Ness Memory unlocked %

Skaldi

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'Well...I guess the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree these days does it.'

Not only Ness, but the girls dazzling display had surprised a lot of the onlookers who gave applauds each time she dodged expertly or revealed some of her frightening power. Time passed one and as Ness expected, the duel was over in less than five minutes. She had disarmed the ranked knight and had him/her surrendered, Ness was a little annoyed the fight didn't go on for a little longer. She was assured that both the stone and water elements were probably not the only elements the girl could hone. 'Outside of magic users, Giants were one of the other races who carried an intriguing relationship with elements.' Ness would be lying if she said there wasn't a primal instinct inside of her to recruit the girl, perhaps she could help her further hone her incredible innate talents.

'It's a shame I've retired from that stuff. But she's definitely someone worth having in a party..."

"N-ness"

"huh? Oh-sorry Lana I was..."

"fufu it's ok, I get it...say you think they have any beverages around here for sale. We should get some spiced rum cakes and dandelion summer wine. What do you think? " She asked with stars in her eyes.

'Summer wine? I knew you enjoyed a strong drink from time to time Lana, but lets remember I have to make sure you make it back in one piece.' Ness thought to herself but on the outside she creased a pleasant smile and agreed to have a look around for any nearby merchant stalls selling food.

After each duel there was an intermission which gave everyone enough time to stretch their legs, use the lavatory or find something to eat.

Ness walked around the inner stone halls. They weren't really built well to cater for the amount of people the arena itself held . So most of the halls were cramped filled with people. Although she was aware a lot of the craftsmanship had gone into setting up the lower rooms beneath the arena floors itself, which were open to the elite participants. Nell stumbled across a few merchant stalls but none of which sold anything worth spending her gold on.

'I still have a little time to kill so I guess I can take a little walk.'

Ness decided to walk aimlessly through the narrow corridors, she wasn't pay too much attention to her surroundings and was more so thinking if she had enough time to take Lana to the lake before they had to hurry back. Suddenly, she saw one of the closed store room doors flying open. She saw a proud looking Elf with green hair walking out with a mischievous grin plastered against his face. He was covered in sweat, wearing an open robe which revealed his torso. Ness couldn't help but frown. She hated nothing more than an obnoxious and proud looking pretty boy.

'He's certainly got the looks. But he's looks way too arrogant. Oh...looks like he wasn't alone.'

Ness slowed her walking pace, a few seconds after the proud looking Elf walked out. A beautiful looking Elf stumbled out behind him, her hair was disheveled and her martial robes were barely covering her large breasts and fair skinned thighs. Ness narrowed her gaze a little more, noticing a distinct white liquid splattered against her bosoms.

She swiftly diverted her eyes away, feeling her cheeks turn warm once she pieced together the likelihood of what that liquid was.

In the midst of her pondering mind, and slight envy towards that daring couple she heard that familiar horn blaring fourth again.

"WELCOME..."

"Oh shit, it's starting again."

*************

Ness hurried back to the seating area and climbed the stoned steps until she was back with Lana. She plumped herself down on the seat beside the princess. Her breathing was slightly quicker than usual.

"Hm...Ness why you looking so flustered?"

"Uh-huh? n-nothing...look the last fight is about to begin."

Hearing the gathering crowd roaring to the top of their lungs, Both Ness and Princess Lana placed their focus back on the center of the ring.

This time around the ranked knight was a giant of a man, cladded in dark iron with a large squared helmet. Then the challenger appeared. Ness was a little surprised by the sight of a feeble looking young man approaching the arena, he was quite the looker with long tow coloured dreadlocks and a slightly graceful look to the way he walked. His shoulders were squared and he gave off this impression that there were no wasted movements in his strides.

"Ah...he's an Elf." she said noticing the two slightly lowered sharply pointed ears by the side of his head. Despite the intriguing feeling he gave off, she could tell by the awkwardness of how he handled both the iron sword and wooden shield that he was a novice.

'Sigh...this should be over fairly quickly then.' She thought to herself in disappointment

There was a string of hecklers amongst the crowd, they must've sensed as well this boy was a rookie.

"Let's play a game Lana. I bet he lasts no more than 60 seconds. What says you?...Huh...Lana?"

She turned to look at her friend, noticing a surprisingly serious look creased against the Princesses face. Lana was almost lost in a trance, refusing to removed her gaze away from the arena.

'How odd...I wonder what's got her attention.' Ness couldn't work out what it was against the arena which drew such a serious gaze from Lana. She wondered if perhaps the princess found him handsome, hell, even she thought the Elf was quite the beautiful thing, but that's about it, considering his level. There wasn't much else about him...was there

Ness suddenly started to remember the type of person the princess was.

'Wait! it...it couldn't be him...could it...Lana?'

Ness stared at the side profile of Lana, neither of them could say what was currently running through their hearts. Without removing her gaze away Lana opened her mouth and spoke.

"Ness...I have a feeling...you don't want to miss this fight."

3 minutes had passed.

Ness couldn't understand what it was Lana was talking about. The Elf was weak, too weak in fact considering she had heard that Elves were enrolled into cultivation sects from a young age. He had a good posture, his movements were also shockingly precise and she Ness was experienced enough to know someone who spent a considerable amount of time practicing with the sword. All in all, his spirit was plausible and there were one or two things she could admire about his form. But comparing him to the ranked knights.

'He has no chance, I don't think he'll last the full 7 minutes.'

Ness was started to get a little annoyed, each time she thought this duel was going to end the Elf would narrowly avoid the crushing blow.

"He...he has good eyes...don't you think Ness?" Said the Princess beside her. Ness stole a glance at her friend and was almost beside herself once she noticed the rosy cheeks blushing against Lana's deep tanned skin.

'W-w-wait what! Is...ish...sh-she cant be...'

*BOOOOOOM*

There was a loudening bang which stirred a chorus of 'oooh's' from the crowd

Ness quickly placed her eyes on the ring again, the towering brute had finally gotten serious. And it looked as though a strong attack he generated using his heavy broad sword had sent the Elf flying straight off the ring.

'Finally...sigh...well he did try his best...w-wait...he didn't fall?'

For the second time Ness found her inner thoughts being distorted by a change in the circumstance. The Elf had managed to clutch onto the edge of the ring and pulled himself back up again, preventing himself from falling into the pit. His efforts drew a few applauds and cheers.

"Don't give up kid!"

"YEAH! Fight with all you got!"

"WE LOVE AN UNDERDOG! FIGHT ON!"

Her eyes narrowed. Despite his amazing attempt to remain in the ring, his body looked absolutely devoid of a single ounce of energy. He had lost his sword and shield and his arms hung loosely by his sides, too tired to be carried upright. Ness felt he looked quite pitiful right now, she was surprised the ranked knight hadn't used enough Qi to get him out of there in the first place.

"I think he's going to lose Lana...he has nothing left. Don't you think?...Lana"

Ness looked at the princess, Lana's eyes looked almost devoid of any life. She tried to gather her attention again, but the princess didn't move. It was almost as though her will was no longer there. Ness felt fear suddenly fill her entire heart.

'Oh no...not now-please not now.'

Ness quickly gathered Lana's dainty hands within her own, her body went rigid the moment she felt how cold Lana's hands felt. She tried to shake her awake but Lana didn't respond.

"LANA! LANA I NEED YOU TO SNAP OUT OF IT...PL-PLEASE!"

Ness felt a sudden arrival of a very dense and dark Qi. Her eyes widened and without a second thought she shifted her gaze back towards the arena floor. There was suddenly a crowd of black stirring clouds, hovering just above the arena with azure smoke and flashes of small gentle sparks of lighting appearing.

'H-how in the world did that get...'

At this moment Ness noticed a sudden realization amongst the crowd. Everyone present was frozen solid. Not a sound was heard nor a simple movement of a muscle was made.

"Wh-what the hell is going...on" Ness heard a rumble amongst the gathered clouds, she couldn't see clearly through them since they were seated above the clouds. But she noticed a silhouette emerging through the smoke, walking slowly towards the ranked knight who she assumed was the burlier shadow.

"He...he...he"

Ness heard frail words from Lana's mouth and her countenance was revived.

"LANA-TALK TO ME...WHAT HAPPENED...CAN YOU HEAR ME? IT'S ME ITS NESSELDA!"

"He...he's awake...the lost prince has been found, and his cries have climbed up the mountains.

They have reached the ears of the sleeping Gods!

The GODS Will come!

The GODS Will come!

The GODS Will come!

The children of fates have finally been reunited...and Beautiful Beast." Lana's still and quite frankly scary eyes, slowly shifted towards the stunned Ness still cradling her cold hands. She caressed the side of her face tenderly. Her vacant eyes lowered whilst she creased a chilling half smile.

"There is nothing you can do to stop it. Chaos has come...There is no....hope."

With those words spoken. Lana's body fell limp as she passed out over the hysterical Ness.

"LANA!-LANA WAKE UP PLEASE!" Ness felt that same chilling aura almost snap into existence before vanishing away once more. Only this time, she heard the chattering of the seated onlookers. And not only that but the gathered clouds from before were suddenly gone. Her mind couldn't make sense out of anything right now, in truth the only thing she cared about was Lana's safety.

"THORJENNNNN!" Ness heard a scream from the arena floor. She moved her eyes back to the arena again.

A bizarre string of events was taken place. Firstly she noticed the ranked knight suddenly surrounded by three other higher rankers, their swords were drawn and aimed at the burly knights vitals. They were holding him in place for some reason. But the most odd occurrence was the scene of a beautiful brown haired Elf suddenly racing out onto the arena. She ran towards the fallen Elf and swiftly lifted his head onto her lap. Ness could've sworn the Elf looked familiar...But she couldn't place where her face came from.

The Elven beauty then started to hold the **** Elven boys face, she kept touching and pulling his skin almost disbelieving that he was real. This continued for a few minutes more, before the Elven beauty suddenly burst out into a flood of tears. A cry which silenced all the confusion onlookers in attendance.

"N-nes..Nesselda?" She heard a familiar voice achingly say beside her.

"LANA! Thank the GODS you're awake...come here...what happened...is anywhere hurting...tell me what can I do..."

"He..ehe...I'm alright...it wasn't in c-control....b-but guess what Ness."

"What Lana tell me what's going on."

The princess pointed towards the middle of the arena. Her pretty mouth curved into bright smile, perhaps the brightest smile Ness had seen her best friend make in a long time.

"I found him...I found the boy I've been dreaming about"