A Worthy Opponent

As the day draws closer to its end, Lionel lies on his bed thinking about what happened back than

(Grr!!!)

Lionel: I couldn't save her. I couldn't save her

(Knock, knock)

Lionel: Huh? Come in

Elaina: Hey stranger

Lionel: Elaina!!!

Elaina: Hope I'm not bothering you

Lionel: No actually, I was just thinking to myself

Elaina: About me?

Lionel: If that's what you wanna call it. So much has happened over the past couple of months

Elaina: Yeah, just yesterday I was waking up from a coma to learning who my father is. And now I'm talking to you

"Which reminds me, why did you leave?"

Lionel: Well, something happened while you were in the hospital

Elaina: Faith died, I know

Lionel: You knew!?

Elaina: It was one of the first things I heard when I returned home. Any idea on what caused it

(A flashback of Lionel's confrontation with Hades plays)

Lionel: No, I have no idea how she died. They said the house caught on fire but never found what ignited it. Obviously, with nowhere to stay, I just took my valuables and left

Elaina: Something must've happened. It might be something far beyond our knowledge. 

"Well I'm gonna find out what happened"

Lionel: Huh? But what about your title as the princess of the seas?

Elaina: Oh, yeah, that. Well let's just say I wasn't officially crowned princess

Lionel: I'm confused

Elaina: On the day of my inauguration I bailed right before the put the crown on my head

Lionel: Why'd you leave?

Elaina: Cause I sensed your aura. It was so strong that I couldn't miss the opportunity to see you again. And that same aura I felt brought me here

Lionel: Wow... That's amazing that you can sense other peoples auras

Elaina: Guess it came when I became a zodiac

(The two laugh at each others amusement)

Elaina: Well it's getting late, well talk more tomorrow

Lionel: Ok, goodnight

The next day Lionel and Elaina continue catching up and everyone takes notice. Erica and Nadia feel a need to intrude to find more intel on Elaina.

Erica: Pardon me guys but it seems you two are quite fond of each other

(Elaina's rapid blinking with Lionel's expression of befuddlement lead to more antagonizing from Erica)

Elaina: Well we have known each other since we were little, its only normal to want to talk to an old friend

Erica: You're right princess, but your blushing leads me to believe that you have strong feelings for Lionel

(Elaina begins fiddling with her hair to shroud her red tomato cheeks)

Elaina: Huh!? What do you mean? I'm not yearning for him if that's what your thinking!?

Lionel: What's up with you Erica? Your aggression is telling me that somethings on your mind

Nadia: What would give you that idea Lionel?

Lionel: Cause the both of you cornered us and started this interrogation

Nadia: Well we don't mean no har-

Erica: Actually now that you mention it you promised me a rematch next time we meet. Have you forgotten that Lionel?

Lionel: Haha

Erica: I'm sorry did I say something funny?

Lionel: Well the way you're approaching about it is. Cause actually I was waiting on you. Remember, I told you just say when and I'll accept your challenge

Elaina becomes flustered.

"Um, guys can we talk about this? This seems a bit excessive"

Emmanuel: Wait did I hear right? You're gonna give Erica her rematch?

Lionel: A promise is a promise

Nadia: This went so far left

Demetrius: A battle between Lionel and Erica that'd be interesting to see

Elaina: HUH!!!! You all are encouraging this!?

(Mr. Garvis returns into the room and senses a fight brewing. Garvis asks what's going on and the others inform Garvis that Lionel and Erica are about to fight. )

Elaina: Senpai you gotta stop this. Leo and Aries are about to fight!!!

School security begins to swarm the two ready to pounce but Mr. Garvis orders them to halt. Garvis takes a deep breath and senses great energy within both Lionel and Erica. Garvis than speaks:

Garvis: You two like competition don't you

Lionel and Erica: Huh?

Garvis: Both of you have suffered loss, but its the loss that drives you. Not to mention that both of you are fire signs. Fiesty and competitive are your strongest traits; not only is this a test of strength but a battle of supremacy. 

Security Gaurd: Mr. Garvis you honestly are going to let these kids fight?

Garvis: Why not? They both want to test each other's power and besides this is the reason why they enrolled in this school, to grow in strength, power, and knowledge.

The match is set and everyone begins to move to the basement where a mini arena is already set. Lionel and Erica stand on opposite sides waiting for the referee. Lionel and Erica go all out in an epic battle. Everyone watches in amazement at both of their powers. Elana looks at Lionel with such envy and curiosity.

Elana: I didn't know Lionel was so powerful. "Why didn't you tell me you were a zodiac, Lionel?"

The battle raged on with both Lionel and Erica matching each other's moves. Every punch was countered and every counter punch was blocked. The two kept throwing punches until a gleam of light kept appearing in Lionel's right eye. Soon a dark voice echoed in the background.

Dark Voice: What are you waiting for? Finish her off!!!

Suddenly, a charge of energy surged in Lionel's body and Lionel goes for the final blow and with one punch to the gut, Erica was sent flying out the field. Everyone is stunned at what happened including Lionel. Lionel has no words and is caught staring at his hand. He whispers to himself

Lionel: What was that? How did I.. do that?

Emmanuel: Woah! That was incredible Lionel! How'd you do that?

Lionel: I honestly don't know

(The sinister voice returns)

Sinister Voice: Hahaha. Well done Lionel I see you still remember how to fight

Lionel: What?

Emmanuel: I didn't say anything

Lionel: You didn't hear that voice just now?

Grace: What voice?

Lionel: Huh? But it sounded so familiar

Erica stands up grimacing at her stomach. "Well you beat me; fair and square"

Garvis: Get some rest Erica, you fought well

Professor Garvis walks Erica to the infirmary. "I lost to Leo, again"

Garvis: Don't dwell on it. Each battle makes us stronger

Erica: Of course you'd say that Senpai. But in the midst of that battle, Lionel acted differently; like something came over him

Garvis: Maybe it was just the heat of battle. Lionel seems the type to grow overzealous in battle

Erica: Maybe. One thing for sure Lionel surely is a worthy adversary

"So she saw that too. Erica's not wrong, something did change in Lionel's demeanor during that fight. For that split second, he looked possessed. But what was it? Does it have something to do with his past? And with princess Elaina here, Poseidon is sure to be lurking. From what I can tell, Aquarius and Leo's childhood are connected which could lead to a situation with the gods and Lionel could be in the middle of it all. As his Senpai and guardian, I will protect him but first I need to know what kind of power does he possess."