D rose out of bed and scratched his head. He was on his feet, but not fully awake. “C’mon onii-san! Move it or we’ll be late!” Rose yelled mockingly. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me D…or brother for that matter?” D said in annoyance, “you know what? Never mind, I’m taking a shower so I don’t have to deal with this now.” D walked off to his bathroom. “Just a morning person like me onii-san, if only you had my energy,” She said to herself before leaving for the kitchen to eat breakfast. “D got under the warm running water of the shower after removing his blue lounging pants, and tee. “ just love taking showers,” he thought happily, “warm…refreshing…zzzzzz” He fell asleep on his feet with the water still running.

*downstairs 15 minutes later*

     “D…D! Malik!” D’s mother yelled. She knew D hated being called Malik; his name was said one way, and one way only. (*pronunciation* MAH-LEEK) “Rose where is your brother?” “Onii-san is in the shower.” “Oh I see,” she said as she walked into the laundry room. “Mom?” “Just watch and listen Rose.” She turned the knob on the washing machine slightly, and pressed the on button. D’s yells could be heard throughout the house.

*upstairs*

     “Cold! Freezing!” D shouted as he was forcefully awakened and soon after jumped out of the shower. “Very funny!” He yelled in an annoyed tone. “Next time don’t take so long in the shower!” D’s mother yelled, “now hurry up! Your breakfast is getting cold!” “Some morning this has been,” D said, as he dried off. He walked into his room and began to put on his clothes for the day; some black pants, a slightly wrinkled grey shirt with traces of gold lettering, his spiked wristbands, his black headband, and left his jacket on the coat hanger at the house’s entrance from yesterday after school. However he kept his katana close to his bed. He grasped it and made his descent down the stairs.

*downstairs*

     “So D, your finally grace us with your presence,” his dad said sarcastically. “Yeah, I just thought I’d show you…how much I wish Rose would take off my jacket.” D said as he saw Rose in plain sight wearing his large black jacket. “But onii-san~” she whined, “your stuff is so much better!” “Take it o-” “Better yet, you sit and eat,” their mother interrupted. D just sat and ate the bacon and eggs set out for him before continuing. After five minutes he finished, and Rose had already removed his jacket and put her own brown jacket on. Her whole outfit was like D’s, but brown, other than that she had a wristband on and a golden circlet on her opposite arm. D put his jacket on and was prepared to set out with his katana (Obsidianite Blade, a sword forged by another furry named Seth) and Rose with her bow and arrows along with her spear (Grand Halberd). He was interrupted by his mother, “D, you didn’t say hello, don’t be rude” D gave a confused look, and looked around to find a Seedrian girl. The girl, in traditional Seedrian attire, had purple detail in the leaf-like part of the dress. She possessed purple hair and eyes as well. “Hello…my name is D, nice to finally meet you Ash,” D managed. Ash was one a couple dozen Seedrian residents in the city (Sol Luna) that have come from a distant land not know to the furries presently. The Seedrian population have not yet been entirely accepted by all the furry members the city. And thus, by the act of the governing officials of the city, one Seedrian would intermingle with the furry population with one of the students of school (Academy High) to help the Seedrian along. That so happened to be Ash and D. “Hello D, I have a gift for you for your troubles…I didn’t know what you like so I hope it’s okay,” Ash said unsure of herself as she handed him a box wrapped in purple gift-wrap. D took it and said, “I’m sure it’s fine,” D said with a smile. Rose their mother and father look to see what the gift was. D opened the box, and stared at the contents. He pulled out a collar with a shiny buckle in the front with a black band with flecks of purple strewn throughout the material. Rose and the parents didn’t know whether to laugh, or not. “Why thank you Ash. It matches my outfit,” D said as he put it on around his neck. Ash couldn’t be happier with the comment. “Shall we go then?” D said confidently. “Where to?” the Seedrian girl asked. “We were on our way to the tournament sign-up area by the school.” Rose said sternly. “A tournament…and by the school?”
D’s father began to explain, “Yes…you see at Sol Luna, a natural lustrous blue ore can be found almost anywhere you dig. This ore, Giggas Rock, has a helpful radioactive property that affects the residents of this city. Its affects can be noticed early at birth through the detection of special eyes. The pupil and iris merge a shape dependant on the individual or family history; a few minutes after birth, the eyes will revert to normal to be changed again when called upon to do so. Each newborn as well as the adults have abilities derived from the ore. Sometimes increases fighting skill and strength result, heightened awareness is very common. Just as common is the ability to use energy based techniques. The ore is also our major energy source and we have been able to use it to power the whole city and some surrounding areas. Through the works of one brilliant Lynx, the ore can be synthesized, and we no longer fear the possibility of run out of ore.” “But what does that have to do with the tournament?” Ash asked out of intrigue. “The tournament is a way for the younger members of the city to burn of some excess energy that they collect from the ores’ radiation. There are even small fighting spots around the city managed by a group of furries for similar use-” “Jeez dad! If you keep this up we’ll never make it in time!” Rose interrupted. “Oh sorry,” he laughed, “sorry to slow you down.” “Finally!” Rose exclaimed. Ash could see from here that she was the immature hasty types. “One more thing…” D said in a matter of fact tone. “Oh…right…” Rose said annoyed. Ash looked puzzled. D’s mother spoke up, “don’t worry this is an every day thing. D opened the door and shut it swiftly. At the door was a loud thud. “What was that?” Ash asked. “A couple of knuckle-heads A.K.A. named Micheal and Trent. D announced as he reopened the door. “Hello…ugh…D,” Micheal said. “You too Mrs. D, Mr. D, Rose…girl I don’t know…” “Let’s go before we miss the deadline” D sighed.

*outside*

     “You’re Ash…I should’ve known from the picture.” Previously on Thursday, a clouded leopard teacher announced to the class that a new student would be joining next Monday as instructed by the officials. A picture of Ash was given to all the teachers at the academy to show the students just in case any of them met her on the streets.
*flashback*

     “Students, this is a picture of a future member of our class and student body of Academy High. Her name is Ash, one of a group of Seedrian residents. Whenever you meet her, make her feel welcome. Especially you D, you’ll be the one to help her adjust and to fit in as ordered by the principle.” The leopard spoke. The bell to signal the school day over rang. “A Seedrian …I’ve only heard of them but never actually seen one,” a blue-eyed gray fox said. “Hey Lex,” a grey wolf spoke, “maybe she’ll join the tournament too.” The two-tailed purple fox left, Rad, left as soon as the bell rang to catch up on some training, followed by some other like-minded furries. “I’ll wipe the floor with all the freshman contenders, and work my way up!” announced Derek, a pitch black wolf clad in a jacket similar to D’s. “In your dreams newbie; if anyone’s going to do that, I’ll be the one!” A yellow-eyed gray fox, codenamed M12 yelled. “Now, now this is supposed to be a friendly competition,” the teacher defended. “This IS a battle tournament you know.”  Still in the class room was a fennec, known as Bunnie, the teacher, other future tournament contenders, and D. “So D, are you up to the job?” asked the fennec, “D…D?” D was found at the scene to be asleep.

*in present time*

     “There was a picture of me?” Ash asked. “Yeah, and they told the whole school…or those that were paying attention,” Trent said smugly. D looked away in annoyance, “blame the teacher for boring me to the extreme.” “You are known for sleeping in class,” Micheal said to further annoy him, causing Ash to laugh. “Whatever you air-headed bat, and “Mike”, your no better,” D said. Before a mini-war could break out, they were greeted by a pink fox, Missy. “You guys hurry up; a fight broke out at registration! If you don’t, you might not make it in time to sign up because the tournament officials are about stop taking names!” The group of six made their way to registration at the tournament grounds by the school. They arrived to find that the fight was between a black, gray, and red colored fox, Jazza, and a grey and purple fox, Sunarmi Ray. There was a large group of furries surrounding the scene. Missy left the group to see what check on the fight. “We got to check this out!” exclaimed Micheal. “Only if you want to miss registration,” D warned. “Crap…” They made their way to the table with the remaining official a blue cat. “You mad it just in time you know? You really shouldn’t waste so much time,” she began to take their names.

*minutes later*

     The name taking was over, but the fight ensued. Jazza and “Ray” took turns trading punches and kicks, and the occasion jab with their weapons. As their weapons were about to clash again, a nearby official stepped in and halted both attacks. “Patience is a virtue, the tournament isn’t too far off,” he said. Many of the furries were surprised just at his shear swiftness in successfully stepping in between the attacks and nullifying them. “Relax yourself; this was just a warm up.” Jazza affirmed. “Although I was winning this little scrap…” Ray said. “Oh is that so?” Jazza pulled his claw-like weapon away as if to strike again. Ray and his sword were at the ready as well. “What part of stop to you get!?” the now infuriated official yelled, “this is a rule in fact, any fighting in this just before or during registration will  get you disqualified immediately. As will any cheating in any way, shape, or form. This time I will overlook it, but any other infractions will nit be permitted.” The rules were simple enough.  All furries involved entered the true arena which housed a massive space in which to fight. There were different terrains in sight, those of a slippery landscape, aged small buildings, smooth pavement, artificial grassy areas and more.

     “Welcome to the arena young battlers!” said a booming voice over the intercom, “this is our 5 bi-annual tournament to date! You will see furries like yourself, with some of the same abilities even; that’s where intellect will come to your aid! “Which you Micheal, have none of,” D said smugly. “Shut-up, no one asked you,” Micheal responded. The loud voice continued, “it is recommended that you check out your fellow competition to help yourself move on to the later parts of the Fray! The fights will begin at 1 P.M. today; right now it is officially 11:15. Get something to eat at our cafeteria, chat with friends, check up with your parents/ guardians…go to the bathroom.” The fighters shared a laugh at the suggestion. “Just be sure to be in the center by at least 12:45 P.M. That is all.” The intercom turned off, and the arena echoed with the voices of the many furries held within. “So Ash, ready to lose when we fight?” Trent said confidently. “I don’t know, I might surprise you a little,” she responded back. “Heh. He’s all talk anyway,” D said out loud. “I’ll show you!” “No fighting until we get the green light remember?” D said. “I hate it when you do that,” Trent complained.

*in the center of the arena*

     “See Loba? I told you the competition would be something this year,” said a cat-wolf, Caliente. “Yeah, but it’s nothing we can’t handle, “said Loba, a female black wolf. Jade Hedge-wolf was also in this group checking out the competition along with Jen the raven. Feet away from this group were Kitten the fox, Spark the demon hunter, Thundera the fox, Bongo the monkey, Vermin of a new alien species, Brimstone the Saber tiger, Dar the fox, Bwarch the Chaotic Sage, Necro the fox, Morgan the rabbit Evan the Echidna, and Blade the hedgehog. They were some of many acquaintances of D and Rose, and even helped them in the past. D and Rose had the uncanny ability to transform into the human form, but it wasn’t a helpful as they thought. It got them bullied as far back as in elementary school, buy this group provided the support they needed to over come the harsh past they shared. Even D’s blade had a history. Forged by Seth the fox, it replaced D’s former blade that D forged himself. Seth was closest to the entrance, and like the large group in the center, he spotted the young brown foxes.