NOTE: To better facilitate the 'Boss Encounters', I'm going to switch from first person POV to Third Person Omniscent view. It'll better describe the surroundings.

Chapter Two:

Trouble Always Calls Twice

-Excerpt from “The Book of Entities 1”-

“A Subordinate who retreats from battle, either from his own desires, or the desires of a greater power, is forever weakened. Any damage inflicted to a Subordinate by a Rooder's Spiritual Weapon is permanent, and may not be reversed, no matter how many souls they consume.

Therefore, it is safe to say, a Rooder who comes in contact with a Subordinate and weakens it, while not killing it, will have an advantage in future combat, as damage sustained by the Rooder's body will heal over time, the Subordinate, cannot heal such damage.”

-

“Alyssa.” A voice droned from the shadows. “You've returned. With success, I trust?”

“Yes, Magistress. I have brought them as per request.” Alyssa continued. The first female voice, the one Alyssa called the Magistress, spoke again.

“Excellent. Bring the girl forward.”

“Uh... Magistress... I'm afraid I've not been quite straight with you. The power we detected... has come from this boy...” She pushed me forward into the light. We were in a room with a circular table in the middle and several older woman lining the table. There was an empty seat, probably for Alyssa. There came a hushed silence.

“Alyssa Hamilton. You mean to tell us, that the Rooder Blood you detected came from a boy?! This upsets me very greatly...”

“And why is that, Magistress?” Alyssa continued.

“It tells me you are either growing senile very fast... or are loosing your abilities faster then expected.”

“I-I'm neither! I swear to you that the power I detected came from this boy!” Alyssa continued.

“We shall see. Take your seat.” Alyssa did as she was told. “Tell me, boy. What is your name?”

“Kyle Ross.” I responded.

“Your full name, Boy! What is you FULL name?”

“Kyle Simpson Ross.” I replied more forcibly. I heard a chuckle from somewhere.

“I see. So, Kyle Ross. You believe you have what it takes to become a Rooder, hum?”

“I'm not sure what to believe. This is new to me.”

“I see...” The Magistress replied. She looked down at her papers. “You're an orphan, correct?”

“Yes, ma'am.” I replied. She nodded and looked down again. “Tell me what you have seen.”

“Seen, ma'am...? I'm not sure I...”

“The Subordinate you claim to have seen! Tell me of him.” She blurted out loudly.

“Mewiffer? Well... he's about my height, dirty blond hair, creepy red eyes... he was always bleeding from his eyes.” I continued. The Magistress nodded me on.

“And what weapon did he use?”

“Anything he could find. Baseball bat... his mouth, fists, you name it. He had a hell of a tongue, though.”

“I see...” She studied more papers. “What else do you know of Mewiffer.”

“He goes by the name Degrader. From what I've heard, he prefers to verbally abuse and psychologically damage his victims before killing them.”

“I see... your physical description of Degrader matches... It seems that... as much as it upsets me, you do have traces... traces of Rooder blood in you.” The Magistress sighed. “Now, before we begin your training, there is something you should know, Kyle Ross. The Rooder Line has been passed from mother to daughter for generations. All famous Rooders have come from rather humble beginnings. However, as I have stated, the blood has always been passed down from mother to daughter. All Rooders in recorded history have been female, and it is a tradition that we believe to be infallible. However, your appearance and display of Rooder qualities upsets that tradition. Not only are you a male, but your age already places you well outside the comfort zone of female Rooders your age.” The Magistress looked at Alyssa. “Has Alyssa already told you of this?”

“Yes. She told me, that Rooders have always been young women in their teens. Their powers begin development at ten, peak at fifteen, and are all but gone by twenty.”

“This is correct. However you, don't fit either. You are obviously a male, twenty three, and you're powers don't show any sign of weakness or don't appear to have peaked. So I must ask, Kyle... if you are a Rooder... or a Subordinate...” There came the sounds of weapons being drawn. I stood my ground.

“I can answer that question, Magistress.” I spoke calmly. “If I was, as you say, A Subordinate, with such considerable powers... do you really think you'd be alive to make such an accusation?” The Magistress thought my words over very carefully. She looked well over twenty, and probably hasn't fought a Subordinate in some time. Easy pickings for any Subordinate who just happened to walk in here.

“Your point is well made, and correct. I would not. Kyle Ross, you have been given the opportunity to show us that you, indeed, do possess the ability and skill nessecary to join our numbers. Your trainer will be Alyssa Hamilton. Remember, Alyssa's nineteen, her powers are not long for this earth, so do try to pick up some slack, yes?” I nodded. “Very well. Kyle Ross. Welcome to the Rooder Society.”

Alyssa was smiling from her seat. She stood along with the others and walked to me.

“Congratulations. The council is not so easily convinced. Do try not to make them regret that decision.” She motioned me off. “The first thing we need to do is get you fitted. You're quite lucky, might I add.”

“How so?” I asked. Alyssa chuckled.

“Most of us have to find out the hard way about our duties. You've got a veteran to show you the ropes. First things first, you need to learn about your own abilities before you can use them. Rooders have but two weapons against Subordinates. The first is a simple vial of Holy Water.”

“Yea, nothing cliché about that.” I muttered. Alyssa ignored my comment.

“Holy Water, while powerful, is quite weak against most Subordinates. Newer ones, say ones that have only two or three victims, could probably be destroyed with a few hits with Holy Water. Stronger ones, however, the water will only stun them momentarily. Makes for quick get-aways.”

“And the second weapon?”

“Is a weapon formed from the freed spirits of the Subordinate's victims. This, usually, takes the shape of a Bow, or other ranged weapons.”

“Sweet, why don't we just use that all the time. Sounds much more efficient.”

“It is, however most spirits will not channel their power into the Bow until after the Subordinate is significantly weaker.”

“And you weaken a Subordinate... how, again?”

“By freeing some of the trapped souls he or she has killed. This is done by reuniting the spirit with an item it left behind in our world. Most spirits are unimportant ones, simple, nameless spirits who hold grudges against all things living. However, there are certain Anchor Spirits. These spirits are ones who are considered the Subordinates core victims. Free them from torment, and the Subordinate will get so much weaker, and the weapon will form. Yours will be unique to you, and no two Spiritual Weapons are ever alike. Maybe in make, but never in design.”

“So... there may be a few Rooders who use bows... but they'll always look different?”

“Exactly. The Spiritual Weapon's design will always reflect the Rooder's personality, and the weapon itself will always reflect the Rooder's needs. I'll show you when the time comes.” She opened a door revealing what appeared to be living quarters.

“My room, I assume?” I chuckled.

“Actually, no. These are the recruit's room. I'm just giving you the grand tour.”

“Alyssa!” A voice called from down the hall.

“Yes?” She responded, turning around to see a young woman charging after her.

“We've detected a Subordinate! It's near!” The woman shouted. Alyssa's face went all business like.

“Right. Kyle and I will take care of him. Where is he?”

“Remember that old Jousting Arena that closed down three years ago? People have started turning up dead there. We think it may be the work of Firebrand.” I heard Alyssa sigh.

“Ah, Christ, not him. Alright, I'll be there. Kyle.” She addressed me now. “Stay here. I'll be back shortly.”

“Yes, screw that! We're partners now, remember! I'll go with you.”

“You'll only be a liability!”

“Hey. I've always said the best way to learn is to piss on the electric fence.” I smirked. Defeated, Alyssa motioned me to follow her.

-Abandoned Jousting Arena-

“So this 'Firebrand' guy. What's he like?” I asked, trying to break the silence.

“'Firebrand', born Harry Short, was a competitor at this Medieval Experience Jousting Arena. He was good. The best, the say. However, his opponents always wound up dead for some reason. Some thought it was a curse, but eventually it was found out that he was lacing his lances and swords with a highly toxic poison, which kills near instantly. The poison was unheard of at the time, so they were ruled accidental. When they found out HE was really killing them, they hung him. Now, as a Subordinate, he wields a claymore which burns with the angry souls of his victims. All thirty five of them.”

“Ouch. So, what's he look like?” I continued.

“Like this, boy!” A gruff voice shouted above me. I rolled out of the way as a pair of large, black plate mail boots landed where I once stood. Scrambling to my feet, I met what I could only assume, was Firebrand. I couldn't see his face, because his entire body was covered in black plate mail. In his hand he held a sword made of the blackest steel I've ever seen, the blade forever engulfed in fire. I shivered. “Hello, Alyssa! Long time, no see!”

“I thought I got rid of you last time!” Alyssa returned. Firebrand chuckled.

“'Fraid not, girl. But it appears, now, I have the upper hand. Three years have not been kind to you. Or your abilities. I, however, have only grown stronger!”

“Yea, well, I may be older, but I'm also wiser! It's how I roll!” Firebrand was ignoring me, going right for Alyssa almost exclusively. I watched Alyssa pull a small vial from her pocket.

“Oh, no you don't!” Firebrand exclaimed, knocking the vial from her hands. It slid across the dirt right into my hands.

-FIREBRAND-

Victims: 35

Sentenced to: 874 Years

JUDGEMENT!

The arena was quite. Alyssa, Firebrand, and Kyle were all standing in the sand, ready for whatever battle may commence. The openness of the arena provided both decent movement and dodging room for all three parties. Firebrand was in the center of Kyle and Alyssa. Firebrand, being weakened from a previous battle, was weak enough for Alyssa to get right to the extermination part of her job. From what appeared to be nothing, a bow hilt formed. Once grasped, the two ends extended, and a thin, near-invisible bowstring appeared between them. Alyssa grabbed the string, cueing an arrow to appear. She smiled.

“Right then. Let's dance.” Not only did her bow make a great offensive weapon, in a pinch, it also made a great shield, which she seemed rather expert at. Kyle watched the two fight, helpless and unable to help Alyssa.

Alyssa fired first, her arrow charged to about half it's maximum. The arrow of pure light left the bow and headed right for Firebrand. Like it was nothing, the Subordinate swatted the arrow with his sword, the power dissipating.

“Come on! You can do MUCH better then THAT!” Firebrand taunted, continuing to advance. A small bead of sweat ran down Alyssa's face. This was going to be more difficult then she imagined. She began running circles around Firebrand with the string drawn and an arrow charging. At full power, she fired, the fast-moving arrow striking Firebrand right in the chest. “Gah!” He grunted, chains wrapping around him. “Tricky little wench! But I'm trickier!” He shouted, wrapping the chains around his sword and breaking them in a simple strike.

“What!? How...” Alyssa groaned. Firebrand smiled.

“You're getting WEAK! You're turning into nothing more then a weak, defenseless little girl! You were too much for me then, Alyssa, but as time wears on, I'll be too much for you soon enough!” He advanced on her, swinging his sword wildly. One glancing hit struck Alyssa across her face, knocking to the ground. “Three years I've been waiting for this moment...” He glared at her, standing over the fallen Rooder. “I'm going to enjoy this moment...”

“I never did quite understand why you killed those people!” Alyssa shouted, a slight drop of blood running down the side of her mouth. Firebrand stopped.

“Ah. So the little girl wants a bed-time story, does she? Well, I suppose I could oblige...” Firebrand dug his sword into the ground and crouched over Alyssa. “Years ago, I was the best in this place. I could spar with anyone and have them on their butts in seconds. However... as time wore on, I began to loose my touch. I was known for hospitalizing all my opponents. Soon, they would walk away from the battle. WALK! I couldn't allow that. Those who said that they would take me down... they said that since I could no longer fight, I was useless. I had to think about my career. So I devised a little plan. Instead of simply hospitalizing my opponents, I would send them to their grave! But I had not the strength left to do so, so I devised a little poison to do that for me. Invisible by all accounts. It worked for some time, before they finally caught me applying it preshow. That was the end of me, but the beginning, too.” He smiled behind the helemt. “There. Are you satisfied now?”

“I guess...” Alyssa responded. Firebrand reached back and grabbed his sword.

“Then, I guess this is the end. Good bye, Alyssa Hamilton.” He drew the blade up.

“Hold it right there, asshole.” Kyle shouted. Firebrand looked to his left to see the barrel of a shotgun pressed to his helmet. “Get up slowly.” He continued.

“Please. What makes you think I can be harmed by mortal weapons? Geez, they really do come stupid.” He stood, allowing Alyssa to scramble to his feet. Kyle backed off. Firebrand made a motion to move.

“While you were so transfixed running off your little life story with my friend, I took the liberty to chain you in place. It doesn't take much practice to get the hang of this Rooder thing, ya know.” Kyle smirked.

“What?” Firebrand asked slowly. Kyle motioned down with the gun. He had three seperate sets of chains holding him in place. Firebrand smiled. Reaching with his sword to cut the chains, the sword was expelled from his hand. “WHAT?!”

“When you get to hell...” Kyle began. “Tell them I sent you.” The shotgun dematerialized from Kyle's hand, and reformed into Firebrand's sword. The flame grew brighter as Kyle struck.

The first blow was delivered in the form of a stab to the Subordinate's chest. The second in the form of pulling the sword from his chest out his side, the third as a chop to the head, and the fourth as a series of three drill strikes, each piercing Firebrand's armor. On the last strike, the chains began pulling apart, and Firebrand was eventually reduced to nothing. Kyle spun his weapon around on his finger as it dissappeared. Walking over, he took Alyssa's hand and pulled her up.

-

“Hehe. Ya know, I could get used to this whole 'Destroy Evil' thing. I like being a Rooder.” I muttered as Alyssa got to her feet. She dusted herself off and took her vial of Holy Water from me with a smile.

“Thanks for the save.” She responded. I waved it away.

“So, I take it that was Firebrand, huh? Didn't seem like too much of a problem.”

“Yea, well, I fought him some time ago, and weakened him.”

“He got away, basically.” I muttered. Alyssa nodded, defeated.

“Yea. That he did.” I smiled as Alyssa's phone went off. “Hamilton.” She answered. There came a pause. “Right. Kyle and I are on our way there now. Yea...” Pause. “Firebrand is nothing more then embers, thanks to Kyle. Yea, I'll give the details when I get back.” She closed her phone. “Change of plans, Kyle. We're hoppin' the next plane to back to Norway.” She spoke, taking her car keys from her pocket.

“Dropping me back at the Orphanage? I that much extra luggage?”

“O Contrar. We're going to Romsdaaren. How's your Mansion Crawling legs?” She smiled, clicking the keyless entry device twice.