After some bandaging up the friends were led by Annette to a small meeting room. A small group of lepus soldier and 2 other important looking figures stood at the other end of the table. One was a Flashlight fish like female that Lani could have sworn he had seen before, she appeared very shy and looked down every time the little fox looked over at her, the other was a tall rabbit with upward pointing ears and smoky black fur. He was an older man with no more then a tuft of hair on his head, and a light peach colored belly that although not huge was just big enough to be noticeable. He wore chain mail minus the helmet and in the chair at the end of the table quietly. Annette as bubbly as ever sat next to the two newcomers and looked at Lani and Zenny with an energetic smile. In front of them. were several plates filled with a beautifully decorated meal that exploded in every color of the rainbow.
Annette: Eat up!
Looking at each other the two companions smiled and tilted there heads as if to say "why not".At first they thought it was some kind of fruit salad, but as they began eating it tasted oddly like a soft kind of meat. It was also a tad bit salty though mostly sweet. The two woman giggled at them and smiled. The man on the other hand cleared his throat and leaned forward immediately catching everyones attention.
Bunny Commander: Thank you for showing up. We've heard quite a bit about you from general Annette.
Putting his food down for a second Zenny looked over at the armored man with a suspicious look; his mind filled with all sorts of questions.
Zenny: I don't mean to be rude or un-appreciative, but I am curious why you are being so nice to us. What do you
want from us in return.
Bunny Commander: Please don't misunderstand us we mean you no harm. The worst that will happen is we will have
some guards escort you home.
Zenny: No offense, but its a little hard for me to believe that you went through all of this just for the sake of being
nice.
Bunny Commander: Well We would like to know your situation, we would like you to help us if possible.
Zenny: Sorry but we have no intention to join a war.
Lani: Zen...
Annette: Seems like we have a common enemy it might help you to hear us out!
Bunny Commander: At this point nothing is set in stone; however, we would like to know what brings you out here.
Looking at the fox who was now looking down at the table top with both hands between his legs he knew he couldn't tell them everything, but something in the bunny told him he could trust these people.
Zenny: Lani...
Lani: It... its okay...
With a small sigh the hare turned to the group sitting at the end of the table. Even though he felt that he could trust them his concern over his best friend took over, so he decided he would only vaguely described there situation.
Zenny: Were looking for someone who's part of a group called Xeocross Revolution. We thought Annette was a
member of them at first
Bunny Commander: So we do share a common enemy.
Lani: It looks like XZR is more then just a cult full of psychopath's.
Bunny Commander:Yes... Its believed that the war between us and Lupus was caused by them. The leader of XZR
has this bazaar ability to take control of peoples minds. We think that what is happening with
the king of Lupus is his doing . Before the two kingdoms were at peace with each other;however, since last years tournament one of those cult members won, and met with the king as is tradition. After that day the king wasn't the same. He became obsessed with power, and that XZR member
became his chief advisor
Zenny: Well thats a dead give away.
Bunny Commander: To make matters worse that member was later found out to be the leader of XZR
The two friends exclaimed in shock as the man spoke. Zenny quickly stood up and looked at the commander a fire shined in his eyes like Lani had never seen before, but he couldn't tell if it was excitement or hate.
Zenny: That who were looking for!
Bunny Commander: It seems we have more in common then I first though. Very well. General Annette. Ready a vehicle for transport to Lupus.
Annette: Yes sir!
Bunny Commander: May I ask why your looking for there leader?
Zenny: Sorry, but that we can't tell you.
Bunny Commander: Are you trying to eliminate him.
Zenny:...
Lani: Were... not looking to kill anyone.., but if he really is controlling peoples minds, and it comes to that...
Bunny Commander: Then if you do not mind I would like to have general Annette accompany you since you seem to be most familiar with her.
Zenny: As long as she doesn't try to kill us again.
Bunny Commander: I assure you that won't happen again.
Lani: Wait were getting a ride?
Zenny: That'll cut at least 3 days off our trip... Look... Like i said before... I mean no disrespect but we cant promise you anything.
Bunny Commander: Don't worry all we ask is that if you do meet him you tell us about your experience. On that note we would like to know about your previous experience if you don't mind telling us.
Lani: well...
***
The two companions explained what happened the day they met the XZR leader at Edwin's house leaving out the part about Lani being possessed. After a while Annette re-entered and after a bunch of theories the general sent a couple of scientist the information; after, which they finished dinner. The rest of the day the companions spent exploring the camp. In awe some of the soldiers as well as Lani watched Zenny's archery skills in action complementing him. Seeing his skills one of the scientist gave him some experimental arrows; as well as some strange cards he was told to shoot in emergency.
Scientist: You must have picture perfect aim to use them. The cards must be thrown and then shot while in mid air for the effect to go off. The are infused with the power of the 12 spirits of the universe.
***
After a long day the pair retired to there tent. The next day they were up bright and early and after a breakfast as unique as the dinner they had the previous night the two of them along with Annette, and a pair of Lepus knights set out for Lupus. After about 8 hours the pristine mountain filled field abruptly changed to that of a large city scape. Pulling into a parking lot the sun had started to sink behind the clouds. Lani lay sleep against his best friend in the back of the humvy like vehicle while Zenny sat alert like a security guard protecting a priceless treasure. With a chuckle the ant girl turned to him.
Annette: Were here!
Zenny: Thank you for helping us.
Annette: No problem! The Xzr leader should be staying at the castle. The championship tournament starts the day
after tomorrow. He'll be here until it ends so that he can meet the winners.
Lani: Can you tell us about the tournament?
Zenny: Oh your awake.
Annette: The tournament is a yearly tradition. Its meant to test out the strongest warriors in the kingdom although there have been few incidence were people have died its not meant to see who can kill who. Its main
purpose is so that people all around the world can enter and use it as a form of friendly competition to obsure any thoughts about fudeing with there neighboring country's.
Zenny: Take away the thought of violence by giving it before have.
Annette: Exactly
Lani: That means I have to sign up for it tomorrow.
Zenny: No. Let me do it.
Lani: Zen... I cant...
Annette: Why don't you both enter you'll have a better chance that way. The top 3 get to spend the night at the castle, and all the participants get to go to the ceremonial party after.
Zenny: So its a win win.
Annette: Yes I cant enter with you unfortunately We have to return to base, but well be back in 4 days so stay alive till then.
Lani: Thank you so much.
Annette: hey no biggie! goodluck you guys!
***
After signing up for the competition the companions were given paid accommodations, and told that for the entire tournament they would be given free meals and board. Excited Lani couldn't believe how lucky they had gotten; however, Zenny figured it was all apart of the bribe to get people to enter and began to wonder just how difficult this tournament could be if they had to bribe people with room and board. At about 8 o'clock they were called to the grand dining hall. The hall was huge and filled with people no doubt who wanted in on the tournament. Immediately something caught the pairs eye. In the distance they could see a laptop with a see-through back that seemed all to familiar. Looking at each other they headed in the direction to be met by there friends Teddy, Curcit and Edwin. In a happy reunion the groups greeted each other with smiles and hugs. Edwin pounced both of them nearly knocking them to the ground. Teddy hugged the two friends and Curcit gave a sigh as if to say "thank god" looking up from his computer.
Edwin: You guys are alright!
Zenny: Of course! what did you expect?
Lani: What are you guys doing here?!
Curcit: Isn't it obvious? We came to find you.
Teddy: Why did you guys leave without us?
Lani: well...
Zenny: I have a better question. How did you find us?
Curcit: We remembered what the XZR leader said about heading for Lupus, and figured you'd be following him.
Lani: Wait then why are you in the tournament?
Teddy: This...
The butterfly pulled a flyer from his shirt handing it to his friends. Looking at it they saw that it detailed the tournament, and on the front was a picture of not the king but the XZR leader. The picture made the foxes blood boil and he crumpled it up.
Curcit: We had deduced that you would be here because of that. Supposedly the top 3 stay at the castle, and everyone
who enters goes to a ceremonial party
Zenny: Lani...
Lani: We have to win this tournament... No matter what.
