It had been two months since Suki had ran away. But over those two months she had changed. Now level forty-eight, and far more confident in her abilities. Phoenix and Suki had been having training sessions every Thursday. And with each training session, she was getting stronger, and faster. And that wasn't even mentioning how powerful she had become as a mage. And Phoenix had noticed that the more powerful Suki had become, the group became more effective, no longer having to constantly look out for her, and she could finally take care of herself.

But there was one thing that hung over Phoenix. Like a dark cloud. He was still lying to them. They had no idea that he was almost level seventy, and he was far more powerful than they thought, and that he had to hold back in combat. But he would tell them, eventually, when the time is right. It could cost him his guild-ship and friendship. But until then he could afford to have fun. Which was why he and the others were having a little celebration. They had just had a very successful raid and had come back with some good loot. Ten thousand gold and some good amour. "Cheers, to a very good raid, lady and gentlemen." Gandor said raising his glass. "Cheers." Everyone said clinking their glasses together. "And let's not forget the man of the hour." Suki said turning her attention to Phoenix. "Oh come on guys." He chuckled. Remembering his little fluke.

"Phoenix you saved all of us, with one bolt of lightning." Jonny said, walking over and ruffling up Phoenixes hair. Phoenix rolled his eyes, but still tried to look earnest. "I got lucky, and I was motivated, I had to save my friends." He said raising his glass. "I'll drink to that." Suki said downing her drink. The rest of the night was full of bar games, and drinking games. But drinking games were a no go. They could drink wine and beer all they wanted, but they couldn't get drunk until they were eighteen like Jonny. Which was a bummer but the night was still memorable.

Later on the group decided it was time for some sleep. They all said good night and went off to their rooms. Just before Phoenix went into his room, but Suki stopped him. "Suki, is something wrong?" "No, I just wanted to check were still on for tomorrow." She said flashing him a nervous smile. Phoenix thought for a second. "Oh, the training session, yeah, of course, wouldn't miss it for the world." Phoenix said. He really was looking forward to it. He'd met some really pretty girls in The new world. But something struck him with Suki more than the others. She just seemed a bit more genuine than the others, more his type of girl. Plus he wanted to know Suki could handle herself.

Suki's eyes sparkled. "Great, I'll see you at five, yeah?" She said eagerly. Phoenix had to admit she was enthusiastic. "Yeah, at five, I'll bring breakfast, see you tomorrow." Phoenix said opening his door. "See you tomorrow." She said quietly, going into her own room. Phoenix then changed into his pyjamas, and lay in bed for a while, thinking of tomorrow. They had planned this training about two days ago and Phoenix had accepted a little too eagerly and made a bit of a fool of himself, but he and Suki had just laughed it off. Thankfully they had both just taken it in their stride. Finally after the alcohol had drained from his system was he able to get some sleep. But his thoughts were still all over the place. Most of them were of Suki.

Phoenix woke up at four thirty. Stretching his arms over his head. Quickly getting into his amour and grabbing some food and weapons. He met Suki in the woods near the town. Suki was wearing blue jeans and a white singlet, both of which showed the slight curves of her body. Seriously, even in that she looked good. "Ready to get started?" Phoenix said. Suki gave him a quick nod and drew her sword. They both wielded holographic blades. They were perfect for sparring. The blades would pass through a player but it was clash against another holographic blade. They set up a quick sparring match and began.

Even though she wasn't very strong with her strikes, she sure was fast. All she needed was to level up and buy some more skill perks. "Not bad Suki, but you might want to put some more strength into your slashes and stabs." He said as he deflected another blow. But then and there, Suki turned the tables on him. Quickly she slashed the handle of Phoenixes sword sending it flying, and then she swept Phoenixes feet out from under him, and held the blade at his neck. The sudden speed and strength of the manoeuvre caught him completely off guard.

Phoenix was speechless for a few seconds. How had she done that? Then she swiftly put away her sword, but it fell through the scabbard because it was holographic. The two looked to each other and then to the sword, and laughed. The whole situation was ridiculous.

"Who are you and what have you done with Suki?" Phoenix said in fake shock. "Mwahaha, I'm Suki's evil twin Mr Powers, and now, you will die." She said putting her pinkie in the corner of her mouth. Just like doctor evil. "Ok then, if you are the real Suki, then let me check if this little kitten's grown claws." He said inspecting her hands. She quickly snatched her hands away. "Easy cowboy, you haven't even asked me to dinner yet." She said winking. Phoenix felt his face go bright red.

For the rest of the morning they practiced their magic. Suki was improving really well. It seemed the more time he spent with her, the better she got. She was getting really good at fire, earth and energy magic. Scarily good. And that wasn't even mentioning how excellent she was getting at ranged attacks. One blast spell she sent his way threw him back three metres and he'd been blocking. "Ok my little tiger, let's have breakfast." Phoenix said getting a picnic rug and basket out of his inventory. "Ok, but this tiger might bite the hand it feeds." Suki giggled playfully, but there was a small hint of fear in her voice.

Opening the basket Phoenix revealed two well packed sandwiches. "Lettuce, tomato, cheese and Ham." Phoenix said before taking a bite. Suki gingerly took a bite and then relaxed and it was gone in under ten seconds. "That was quick." Phoenix observed. "It was delicious." She said wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Where'd you buy it?" She asked. Phoenix doubled over like he'd been shot. "Phoenix, what's wrong?" Suki cried out shuffling over to him. "Oh, my ego, it hurts so badly." Phoenix grinned.

"You jerk." She yelled tackling Phoenix to the ground. While the two were struggling they managed to roll down a hill. The two became entangled as the rolled down and Suki managed to lad directly on top of phoenix. The two were still laughing, then Suki realised that her hands were on Phoenixes chest. "Oh, um, I, um,,," She said trailing off, her face bright red. Phoenix just laughed some more and received another hard punch in the chest. "Ouch, hey." "That's for laughing." She said mischievously. Suddenly they heard a loud cough from somewhere behind them.

Phoenix and Suki stood up both of them blushing. The figure was five and a half feet tall, wearing a black, silver and white skin-tight outfit, they had a long thin pointed sword, a Rapier perhaps, they had long dark hair, and they had their hand on their hips. "Honestly Phoenix, you are the last person I expected to se out her, messing around with a girl." They said. Phoenix recognised that voice. Then he put their face into focus. "Mono, is that you?" He said squinting slightly. "In the flesh." She said giving the same heart-warming smile as before.

Phoenix ran up and gave her a hug. "Whoa, easy." She said nearly falling over. "Sorry, I just didn't know if I'd ever see you again." Phoenix said giddily. "Well you didn't exactly wait for me, and my friends." She said a little bitterly. "Um sorry, hi, my names Suki, how do you two know each other?" She asked sounding a little edgy. Mono chuckled under her breath. "First of all Suki, you have no competition from me." She said with a kind smile, and Suki seemed to relax a little. "And secondly, Phoenix trained me on the first day, but we got separated when shit hit the fan at Spawn city." She explained.

"Are you in a guild like us?" Suki asked. Mono backed up a few steps. "Phoenix, you're in a guild, I thought you were a solo player?" Mono spluttered. "Well, I figured I needed to fight for something more than myself, besides it's a small guild, only four of us including me and Suki." Phoenix replied solemnly. Mono nodded, like she agreed with his train of thought. "I'm not part of a guild, I do some solo work, but mostly I just hang with my friend I told you about." Mono said. "Do you know if anyone's getting any closer to the twelfth boss room?" Suki asked innocently. "They're close, but it might take another week." She admitted.

"Do you want to team up with us? We just did a raid two days ago, but we should be fine for another." Phoenix offered. Mono looked doubtful but in the end agreed. "But only if you guys share equal loot, and if your guild agrees to come at all." She said sounding tough. "Are you ok with this Suki?" Phoenix asked, not wanting to put any pressure on her. She took a second to respond. "I'm going if you are." She said eventually.

"Great, let's go back to the village and you can meet Gander and Jonny." Phoenix said clapping his hands. But as the trio approached the village they heard shouting, swords clashing, and cheering.

"Sounds like someone initiated a team duel." Mono sighed. Suddenly Suki stopped. "Wait, one of those voices, that's Jonny." She gasped putting her hands over her mouth. Phoenix listened and it was Jonny, and Gander too. Phoenix took of up the hill and into the village. He saw a large group of people circling four warriors. And what he saw didn't look good.