Daughter of the Dragons

**Part Seven**

The immense courtyard had bow been fashioned into a battle area for the tournament matches. Canopied stands were set all around the fenced field. Many people from all over the land ventured to the kingdom of Valon to watch the tournament. Some were smart enough to arrive early to claim a space in the stands as their own, whereas those who weren''t lucky enough perched themselves on the parapet. There the view was most favorable but that did come at a price for those who didn''t provide their own shade from the beating heat of the bright mid-day sun. Among the stands, on the highest set of course, set the seats for the regal figures and their guests.

Jade silently looked over her surroundings. The sounds of clashing swords, sharpening steel, and the steady bustle of conversing crowds loomed in the afternoon air. Many knights that had gathered from across Zryon had paired off with another and practiced their skills to the utmost in preparation for the tournament. Bra had wandered back to her parents and sit with them when the tournament started.

As she wandered around the tents, Jade rested her hand on the hilt of her sword. Her gait was it''s usual confident stride but every step cautiously placed. She silently eyed the small practices, studying the movements and fighting techniques of the other knights. Her attention was pulled in the direction of a scruff and boisterous voice.

""Hey! Squire, fetch me a quart of wine! I wish to celebrate the day I am titled ''Strongest knight in all of Zyron''!"" the voice bellowed.

Jade faced a tall overly built man with an unruly beard and mustache. He wore and overly confident, crooked smile on his face. When she had turned, the knight had realized that the squire he had addressed was a woman.

""Since when did they allow housewives as squires? Heh, well no matter. Woman, fetch me some wine."" He added, correcting himself.

Jade gave the man a hard stare. ""I am neither squire or housewife. And you are a fool to celebrate without cause. To drink the taste of victory before you are triumphant will be your undoing, not only in the tournament but in all else.""

The man became angry at hearing the refusal of his demand and that he was being called a fool by a lowly woman. He approached her, teeth clenched and fists tightened. Jade didn''t move a single muscle but only watched the angered man walk closer. He stopped about five feet in front of her, towering over her.

""Dare you to speak such faults would cost you your life, but be you a woman you shall keep your life. But by a thread!"" threatened the man as he reached for his steel that dangled at his hip. Jade, undaunted, continued to gaze at him indifferently.

She felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder before she heard the calm voice that came from behind her.

""Be she a contestant, you''ll get your chance in the ring.""

To this, the knight''s jaw dropped. ""But Prince! A woman?!""

Trunks nodded, ""I''ll be sure to arrange that you two match off.""

Jade''s lips curled into a sly beam of her own, ""it''s a date.""

Trunks nodded once more, in agreement with Jade''s comment, ""Then it''s settled. Be sure to keep practicing Argon.""

The prince waved back as the two walked away. Argon growled and summoned another nearby squire to fetch him his wine.

While walking away, Jade hit Trunks in the arm.

""Ow. What was that for?"" The prince asked while gently rubbing his now aching triceps.

""Why did you do that?! I can take care of myself! You don''t have to ''protect me'' every second of the day!"" Jade scolded. Upset, she rolled her eyes and looked away.

""Aw, come on. He''s not worth your time Argon''s a pushover who is just full of himself."" Trunks tried to explain in his defense.

""��""

""Besides, you don''t need to spend your time with such arrogance from Argon."" Trunks continued.

""No. I could just stay with you and put up with your self-centeredness."" Jade said in a sarcastic tone.

Trunks placed his arm across Jade''s shoulders and leaned over to whisper into her ear.

""Exactly.""

To that Jade looked up at the skies, as if praying to them.

""Heaven help me."" Jade pleaded.

Trunks just smiled.

~*~

The trumpets blew, banners were flying and the crowd was cheering. The tournament had begun. The competitions that had started the event were of lesser knights and not that important to Trunks, Goten and Jade for them to pay any mind to them. Trunks and Goten found this time to be the perfect opportunity to catch up with one another. Gossiping with each other about humorous, entertaining, and what other happenings that took place when the other wasn''t there to share the moment with. Jade stood by the wooden staircase of the imperial stands. She glanced at the ongoing match in the ring, leaned against the splintered wall and yawned.

""Exciting, isn''t it?"" chuckled Goten.

""Oh yes. Such excitement pains me to keep concealed."" Jade replied through another yawn.

""Be sure to save some of that excitement for when you enter the ring."" Joined in the other prince.

""I shall try."" Jade sighed.

""Highnesses, Lady, care far a drink?"" sounded a familiar voice, ""I carry goblets to his majesty and foind the competitors need''n'' some as well.""

The others looked over to Marie and smiled.

""Thank you Marie."" Accepted Goten as he reached for a goblet on the tray that Marie held.

""Anything to please ya yar majesty."" Replied Marie with a smile and turned to Jade who had now joined them. ""Lady?""

""Nay good woman."" She made a slight gesture of refusal with her hand and smiled.

""Look out!"" screamed a voice from the crowds.

The small group turned towards the competition happening just on the other side of the wooden fence. The fight had ceased and everyone watched silently as one of the knight''s swords was careening toward the four on-lookers. Jade''s reaction was quick and smooth. She caught sight of a wooden bucket in the corner of her eye. It set next to the ring boundary. With the grace of a swan, her foot tipped the empty bucket on its side and caught the edge of it as she lifted her leg. The bucket went airborne; she caught it and held it out at arm''s length. The point of the sword stopped inches away from her face as the steel slipped itself through the bonded wood.

""Blessed Saints!"" shrieked Marie, ""Yer a sharp one, ya is!""

Jade nodded and pryed the sword out from the bucket, ""This sword is well kept."" Jade stated as she examined it, ""It pryed through father than I thought it would.""

""The sword is out and the knight pinned. Raven is triumphant!"" announced the judge.

The silver-haired elf pulled back his own steel, turned to the king''s stand and bowed. He exited the ring as the crowd cheered.

""Impressive, Jade."" Stated Trunks.

""Don''t you think that''s a bit of an understatement?"" questioned Goten.

""Jade!!"" Bra yelled in panic as she ran down the steps to join them, ""Are you alright??""

""I''m fine princess. You needn''t worry."" Jade replied.

""Oh thank heavens!"" Bra exclaimed as she hugged Jade.

""My dearest hart is racin'' yet still. But my lady is as calm as the day breeze!"" Marie pointed out in amazement, ""Dearest Jade yar something else!""

""Jade, you and Argon are next in the ring."" Stated Trunks.

""K."" Jade acknowledged and walked towards the ring entrance.

""Be careful!"" warned Bra and Jade waved back not turning back to look at her.

Jade turned the corner and saw the elf that had just won the previous match walking towards her. He stopped before her and bowed.

""Forgive me for what happened earlier."" Raven apologized.

""Don''t worry about it."" Jade replied, ""I''m alright and everything is fine.""

Raven nodded, ""Very well then. Good luck in your match, although I''m sure that you won''t need it.""

Jade smirked and nodded back. She entered the ring and the crowd cheered a loud greeting. She stood in the center of the ring and looked over to see her friends waving at her. She smiled back at them and turned at the sound of Argon entering the ring. She silently watched him slowly enter the center of the ring and continue to make stupid threats to her that she paid no attention to. She rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and waited patiently for the match to begin.

""In this match Argon of Lorene will battle against Jade of Valon."" Spoke the judge, ""Who ever is left standing and able wins the match�� Begin!""

Jade turned so that she fully faced Argon. The knight was unusually still for someone who was ready to rip her apart. Jade noticed that he was red in the cheeks and that he was squinting.

The fool is drunk. She thought as she shook her head.

She decided that she was tired of this and wanted to get the match over with.

""Will you stop bellowing and fight!"" Jade yelled over to Argon in the middle of his aimless threats.

""Very well then, woman! You will regret ever having to deal with me!"" He shot back then began to charge at her while drawing his sword.

Jade sighed and just when he was about to strike at her with his sword she flipped over and landed behind him. Arms still crossed, she stood with perfect balance and kicked Argon in the back causing him to stumble forward. He almost lost his balance but was lucky enough to regain it. When he did he turned back at Jade and rushed at her again, his sword raised above his head as he yelled in a blind, and drunk, fury. Jade stepped aside and as he began to run passed her she tripped him with her foot. He fell forward with a loud thud and was knocked unconscious. She unfolded her arms and bowed towards the kings and queens. Before she left the ring, she let out a low ""I told you so, Argon.""

""Quick match."" Goten greeted when she had rejoined them.

""Yes."" Answered Jade

""He was drunk, wasn''t he?"" assumed Trunks.

Jade nodded a yes.

""Poor guy. He never had a chance, drunk or not."" Commented Goten again, ""Alright. Well, I''m in the next match. I''ll see you guys when it''s over.""

""Try not to hurt them too bad, Goten."" Jade said.

""I''ll try not to."" Goten joked back.

""Have fun!"" Trunks yelled as Goten left.

Without much effort, Goten won his match. Very skilled with steel and quick on his feet, it was no trouble for Trunks to claim victory in his first match as well. Slipping in and out of the ring, every exit with another victory on their shoulders. Jade, Trunks, and Goten tore through the contest with great ease. Unmatched throughout the course of the tournament, the crowd gladly and enthusiastically cheered and roared their names.

One other was also doing quiet well in the tournament. Winning his battles practically effortlessly. In every one of his battles his sword seemed unmatched. The crowd''s cheers, trumpets, nor the call of his name ever broke his concentration. His determination to win his fights we completely obvious through his expression. His eyes were always watchful, his body always tense, his face hard in a look of deep concentration. Raven was a very skilled swordsman. Clearly he wouldn''t be as easy an opponent as the others for the three friends.

The semi-finals had come and the remaining participants entered the ring. The four knights stood in the center of the ring and greeted the king of Valon, his family, and his guests with a respectful bow. Then turned to the crowd that jumped up and cheered in excitement.

""The four finalists will compete in three battles."" proclaimed the announcer, ""The first battle will be of Jade and Prince Goten. In the second Raven will compete against Prince Trunks. The victors of these two battles will face off in the final match and determine who will be ''The Champion Knight of Zyron''!""

The crowd let out a loud yell and the first battle began as soon as the silver haired elf and the prince of Valon left the ring.

The sun beginning to set over the west wall, swords drawn and smirks decorating their faces, Jade and Goten stood ready for their match. With out warning they charged at one another. Jade flipped over Goten''s head and landed behind him. With a quick reaction Goten spun around, his sword following his movement. The swords clanged when Jade brought hers up to stop Goten''s steel from moving any farther. They smiled at each other and Jade pushed away Goten''s blade. Goten spun in the other direction and Jade backed up just as the point of his sword passed her again. Jade moved forward and thrust her sword forward to have it knocked away by her opponents. With both swords off to the side, Jade tried to send a knee into Goten''s stomach but he stepped back in time for her to just miss him. Both brought theirs swords before them in a loud crash. Again they met. Each time steel met steel the sound echoed throughout the courtyard.

The spectators all cheered and hooted at the fencers. With the beating sun receding behind the west wall, more of the on-lookers perched on the parapet joined in the chants.

At the opposite side of the thrones, the battle ended. With the wooden boards of the ring only three steps behind him, Goten kept his sword high with Jade''s sword lowered no less. Once more their steel blades met above their heads, then clanged again at knee height. Jade pulled back and then forced her blade forward. Goten raised his sword for a block but his competitor had put too much force into the thrust for him to stop it. His sword lay on the ground as he was pinned against the pillar holding up the tops of the stands. Jade didn''t move, her hands still grasping her sword that was driven into the wooden support. Her brows furrowed and her eyes in a tense gaze, she looked over her extended arm at the wide-eyed prince.

""Prince Goten is pinned and he can no longer continue the fight."" Asserted the judge, ""Jade is the victor!""

Jade relaxed and let go of the hilt. Goten let out a relieved sigh and Jade picked up the steel that lay on the ground. Goten pried out the sword that was embedded in the wood. The silently looked at each other for a short while, smiled, and exchanged swords.

""Great match."" Complimented Jade.

""I thought so."" Replied Goten, ""Congratulations on your win.""

""Thanks."" Smiled Jade, and they bowed to the regal spectators and left the ring.

The two gave a nod to Trunks and Raven as they entered the ring. Trunks smiled back while Raven only slightly nodded. Trunks glanced over at the elf as they moved to the center of the arena.

""Nervous?"" asked the prince.

""Well, a bit, Majesty."" Answered Raven in a slightly shaking tone.

""Heh. To tell the truth, so am I."" Replied Trunks.

""Huh? Why are you nervous, Prince?"" inquired the elf.

""You seem to be pretty good with that sword of yours."" Chuckled Trunks.

""Thank you, Highness, but I doubt you have any reason to worry."" Said Raven as they faced each other.

""Nonsense Raven, but we''ll see."" Trunks spoke with a friendly smile.

""Let the next battle begin!"" announced the judge, and the two drew their swords.

Raven was first to strike. Trunks raised his sword to stop the sword that Raven let fall from over his head. Raven pressed his steel down with all his strength. Trunks, himself, was struggling to keep upright. Trunks managed to find enough force in him to push Raven back. Raven stumbled back a few steps but then regained his balance. They both charged and swung. Again the sound of crashing swords echoed off the courtyard walls. Repetitive reverberations of clashing steel filled the air. The knights were moving around the entire ring, battling it out for the win. They made a second charge toward each other from opposite sides of the ring. They ran by each other and again their swords slid against the other. They both sharply stopped and as soon as his sword was free, Raven turned around and swung it in a diagonal slash. Trunks wasn''t quick enough to elude the assault and Raven''s blade caught his right arm. The prince hissed at the sudden sting in his arm but didn''t delay too long. Tired but still able, both kept on. Trunks took no time in making a final charge towards the elf. Once close enough, Trunks swung his sword low and then brought it up from below. Raven had no choice to go anywhere but back in order to evade the attack. To his surprise, he had no room left to move. They stood at the edge of the ring. Before the prince''s blade found its target, Raven back flipped onto the side a wooden pillar from the stands. Sword set in front of him, Raven push with his feet against the pillar, lunging himself towards Trunks. In great surprise, Trunks lifted his sword over his face as he watched Raven descend towards him. The two swords met before Raven landed on the ground. When they had clanged, Trunks pushed forward. Raven lost his balance and landed wrong. Again Trunks heaved forward. Raven fell and his back met the wooden boards. His sword flew out of his hand and landed to far for him to retrieve it. The fallen elf lifted his gaze to meet the point of a sword. He had been beat.

""Raven is pinned and can no longer continue the fight."" Again the presenter spoke out, ""Prince Trunks is the victor!""

""��"" Raven remained taciturn.

""Well done, Raven."" Smiled Trunks and he extended a hand to help the elf to his feet.

""Thank you, Highness."" He replied, ""I had trained for years to compete here�� I had practiced for years�� to fence with you. And I have. I am very glad that I had the chance to, even though I have lost��"" Raven took his hand and stood.

""You kept up a good match, Raven. You had me worried quite a few times."" The prince chuckled, ""You''re quite the swordsman Raven. I commend you.""

Raven nodded with a beam and they shook hands. They bowed to Vegiita and Goku. Raven gave a friendly look over to Trunks once more and then left the ring. Jade stopped and talked a little with Raven before she entered the arena and Trunks looked over to the cut on his arm.

""Hey, don''t you want to get that taken care of?"" Jade said, giving Trunks a start.

""No�� It''s fine."" Trunks said looking back at it.

""Thought that''s what you might say."" Smirked Jade and she walked over to his right side, ""Hold up your sleeve.""

Trunks did as she said and Jade took a bandage that she held and began to wrap his cut.

""Remind you of something?"" Trunks inquired with a smirk of his own.

""Something is nagging at me�� but I can''t place it��"" Jade replied jokingly as she tied it off.

""This is the final battle. Whosoever emerges victorious will be titled ''Champion Knight of Zyron.''!"" Continued the presenter, ""Good luck to you both and let the match begin!""

The two friends stood still with swords still sheathed. With confident smiles across their faces, they waited. Then, as quick as lightening would strike, they drew their steel and had them meet in a vibrating clatter. In a deadlock, their swords rested against the others guard. Both drew back then forward again. Rushing by with a clash of steel. Trunks turned to face Jade again. She had turned in his direction but was breathing hard and the sword she held quivered in her hands. Trunks watched her shake uncontrollably, unsure of what to make of it. Her sword dropped and she fell to her knees, grasping her heart. Trunks dropped his own and ran to her side.

""Jade! Are you alright? What''s wrong?"" Trunks asked, frantic.

""I�� I can''t��"" Jade cringed as she spoke, ""My chest�� my heart�� burns��""

""Why?"" Trunks asked her as he took her in his arms.

""I�� I don''t know��"" again she winced, ""I�� I can''t fight anymore��""

Jade''s breaths were coarse and hard as she leaned against Trunks''s chest, gripping his shirt as well as hers near her heart. She coughed hoping it would help and continued to tremble. Trunks gently stroked her hair in efforts to calm Jade''s shuddering. After a while Jade was relaxed. Her grip had loosened and her breathing was soft. A squire had made his way to the two warriors and spoke with Trunks. Afterwards, he made his way back over to the judge and spoke to him. The judge nodded then spoke to Vegiita.

""Jade is unable to continue in this match, so by default, Trunks is the victor."" The king announced, ""My son is ''The Champion Knight of Zyron''!""

The watchers remained silent unsure of what to think of Jade''s condition. Trunks spoke to Jade and she nodded in reply. He stood and took her hands. Jade was lifted to her feet then faced the quiet spectators. She smiled softly then raised Trunks''s hand. With that the crowd cheered and howled a great victory for the prince. Trunks finally let his arms rest at his sides and looked over to Jade.

""Well done, Champion."" Commented Jade.

""By default."" He replied.

""Yes, but champion nonetheless."" Jade smiled back.

""Are you going to be okay?"" Trunks inquired with some concern.

""Yeah. I''m fine now. Still a little weak, but I''m alright."" Jade answered with a slight smile.

""If you say so."" Trunks said, taking her hand and walking out of the ring.

Barely stepping out of the ring, Trunks and Jade were hurriedly greeted by Goten and Bra.

""Congratulations, Trunks."" Smiled the princess.

""Yeah. Guess you get to keep the title for another five years."" Laughed Goten.

""Yeah. Guess so."" Replied Trunks.

""Jade are you okay? What happened to you out there?"" inquired Bra.

""I''m alright. It was strange, really. All of the sudden�� me heart started to ache. Every beat felt like it was my last."" Jade answered thoughtfully, ""It started to burn and then I found it difficult to breath�� But�� after a while�� it died down. It still hurts a little, but it doesn''t bother me all that much.""

""So you''re sure that you''re alright?"" asked Bra again.

""Princess, if you want, I could climb the tallest tree in Zyron right now."" Smiled Jade.

""Great! Then let''s go!"" Bra exclaimed.

""Go? Where?"" Jade ask, wondering if she should be worried.

""To get you ready for the festival tonight! That''s where!!"" Bra said grabbing her hand and dragging Jade off.

""Festival?!"" Jade said, now sure that being worried wasn''t she felt, then glanced back at Trunks in a panicked and pleading expression.

Trunks only smiled and shrugged as she was being pulled back into the castle.

**End Part Seven**