Chapter 42: The Beginning Coming to End

Present Day:

Cleonatra Gremis-

A tranquil evening - I left my window open, allowing the fresh, pleasant breeze flow through my large dorm room. Seated on my red-covered bed, I hastily tapped my thigh, enveloped in a purple night-dress. Trying to calm the exasperation inside my head that kept increasing at a fast rate.

'That jerk…' I murmured in my thoughts. Feeling anger creep in my being like a silent predator, about to unleash a thunderous roar. It's been three months since I last seen Skysin, and we finally turned thirteen – including the ogre Elaine as well.

But the problem is, he hasn't communicated with me at all during this time. It irks my soul that he hasn't messaged me…'Maybe Skysin just needs some space?' I pondered myself. However, it's not like I ask for much, I just like to be around him and talk to my fiancé.

While I continued contemplating to myself, "Cleo? Are you ok?" Devail's calm voice asked.

I gazed up, viewing her seated on a cushioned chair in front of a black desk. Wearing a dark-green nightdress that laid on her thighs. Her amethyst hair bundled into a bun atop her head.

Although the school has it rules, especially about dormitories. They don't really care if two kids are the same gender, and if there isn't a ruckus or loud commotion. Plus, Devail is my older sister, so, they won't pay any mind to it.

I nodded, "yes, I'm fine…" I worded this, but the annoyance still lingered in my tone. Devail's emerald-green eyes studied my vexed expression. She sighed and erected to her feet, then took a seat beside me on my huge bed.

She turned her head and examined me once more, arching a brow, she inquired again, "are you sure, Cleo?"

Just as she asked this, by the biggest coincidence, the purple gem embedded in the golden ring on my finger, began to glow a lavender hue. Catching both of our attention, white words appeared from thin air, displaying a message.

Also, tell Devail I said hey, and I can't wait to see her too.>

I could feel myself grow excited from his message; I miss him so much.

However, that didn't stop any of my suppressed anger to be released. I turned my neck, withdrawing my eyes from his message. "That jerk! Here I was, trying to reach him for so long, and now he answers?!"

'I'm gonna make him pay. For that, he'll be my slave after the tournament on Promethius break.' I maliciously uttered in my head. I already devised a fantastic plan for Skysin's tribulation, making me worry for so long. I'll create a binding rope and tie him to a bed. After that, I'll force him to become intima- "He…really thought of me?" Devail whispered to herself.

I glanced over to Devail on my left, her eyes gleaming with infatuation as she looked at the message Skysin sent. Inspecting her obvious stare, it seemed that my speculation was correct. Ever since we met Sin when we were kids, it always looked like she was besotted with him.

Like when the three of us were in the carriage together, she insisted that she was fine. Sitting next to him just like I did. Or the time Sin and his family were departing from our planet, she gifted him that earring. Plus when we had visited him in Tayon City a few months back, she seemed to be extremely embarrassed.

Noting her actions, I questioned her, "Devail?"-As my sister verted her eyes onto me, I continued- "Do you have feelings for Skysin?"

Devail had become rapidly flustered, her face wholly mantled in rose. She hysterically shook her head, "I-I'm not too sure…" Devail muttered rubbing her cheek.

"Why aren't you sure?"

"I don't exactly know…"- She fanned her face- "It's like – I'm completely fascinated by Skysin. His looks, strength, and his personality. He's like a rare flower that has yet to blossom. And…I want to be apart for whatever may happen when he grows. If he keeps moving forward, I feel there'll definitely be a change, I want to be by his side when that happens." Devail explained with passion.

My sister sighed, as if she was defeated, "but…now that I say this, it seems I do have a crush on him…"

I enfolded my mouth with my palm, I couldn't help but laugh from what she admitted. "Hahaha, there's nothing wrong with that Devail."-I sat my hand under my chin- "Although I hate sharing with the Ogre. I'll happily share Sin with you." I jested shooting a wink.

Devail blushed even more and rolled her eyes, "shut up Cleo…" She huffed lying onto my bed.

Then, deciding to cease any more teasing, another question came into mind. "Well, there's only a couple of more days until the tournament. Are you ready to fight against Crim and Nirvana again?" I pondered with a smile.

Devail sternly nodded, "of course, I didn't train all this time for no reason. Plus, Aunt Val helped me control my Fiendevor vital more." She sat up, tilting her head, "what about you? Are you ready to battle against Sin and Elaine?"

"Yep! I'm pretty confident that I can beat Elaine for the most part, although we're near the same level of fighting." I proudly stated puffing my chest. However, that's when my mind thought of Skysin. A feeling of anxiousness slowly loomed through my stomach.

"I have a feeling I can keep Sin at bay with swords and possibly defeat him. But if he switches to hand combat, I'm not too certain…"

Devail chuckled, "well then. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how we'll do."

"Right." I responded. I can't wait to see Skysin again…

*****

Combatants Class:

Professor Cliff-

"Alright kids!" I cheerfully shouted clapping my hands, catching all their undivided attention.

I gestured my right arm, spreading it to my side, "today, you kids will be having a one-on-one spar against others from another class." I explained, eyeing the alternate class walking into view from the building.

A class of twenty-five students' total. Plus, the other professor -Ms. Almetta- who teaches them as well. A tall woman with long, lemon-brownish hair tied in a high ponytail, and black eyes. Wearing a navy-blue robe and grey tuxedo under.

As they approached us, "hello Professor Cliff."-Ms. Almetta greeted with a firm nod- "Are you all set for the spar?"

"Of course!" I answered with a beaming smile. "Who're you choosing to fight?" I asked glancing at the class of kids behind her.

When my question was heard, a toned sophomore stepped up, brimming in confidence. Short, spikey blue hair that grazed his forehead, and narrowed hazel eyes. He raised his hand, "my name is Ailen Bretz. I'll be the one representing Professor Almetta's class." He spoke in an assertive tone.

"Ailen here is the sixth rank of sophomores. I think he'll be a great opponent for one of your students." Ms. Almetta stated with a smile.

"Great! Just give me a second to choose one of my students." I stated rotating to my class. Then, I began to contemplate on who I should choose. I wasn't expecting Professor Almetta to have the sixth rank among her class. I was arranging one of my other students to face off – but it seems I'll have to alter this plan.

While I was examining my students, two kids who're known to be the most aggressive of my class rose their hands.

"I'll happily go Professor Cliff." Skysin spoke up with his usual composed expression.

"Nah, how about me Professor? I think the tomboy needs to stick this one out." Razon added walking along side him.

Skysin shrugged his shoulders, "don't hate on me because I'm beautiful, Razberry."

Razon rotated to Skysin with a scowl, "I told you not to call me Razberry! He-Girl!"

I ignored the two while they continued their infinite bicker. They already fought enough against other students – including each other. However, that's when my eye's shifted onto another one of my students, standing next to Shantae. Elaine Valorrey.

She seems to be a very modest, quiet girl. Still, her skill in hand-to-hand combat is exquisite, and she's the second rank of freshman. I believe she's a disciple of General Alzar if I'm not mistaken either. Which goes to show that she can handle her own. Plus, she's proved her fighting capabilities when her and Skysin faced off before.

A gaily smile curved on my face as is extended my arm, gesturing for a welcome, "Ms. Elaine Valorrey."-When her cinnamon eyes verted onto me, I resumed- "Would you like to go against Ailen?"

Withholding a graceful demeaner, she simply nodded, answering my question. When she stepped forward, "good luck Elaine." Shantae said with an exuberant smile.

Which, my entire class followed suite.

"Let's go princess!!"

"Show him up!!"

"Kick his ass Elaine!!!!" Skysin and Razon shouted in unison.

I frowned at the boy's blasphemy, so they both bowed. Still keeping a mischievous smile on their faces.

Elaine stood a few meters from Ailen. About a head shorter than his height. Both professor Almetta and I positioned ourselves in the middle between our classes. "Are you sure you want the princess to fight Professor Cliff? Even though she's a second rank, she's still only a freshman." Professor Almetta warily asked.

I chuckled from her question, "trust me, it'll be fine."-I raised my arm, getting both Elaine's and Ailen's attention- "This battle will include kinetics. You'll have two minutes to defeat your opponent, understood?"

The two nodded and rotated to each other. Ailen bowed, "I hope you'll forgive me for potentially harming you, princess."

Elaine showed a small smile as she shook her head, "please, don't trouble yourself over this. It's only a spar, nothing serious."

Ailen vaguely blushed, but sternly nodded as he changed into his fighting posture. Which, Elaine did as well. Noting they're prepared, Professor Almetta raised her arm, "begin!"

Ailen quickly threw a jab towards Elaine. As he did, Elaine swiftly leapt back, dodging his attack. Then waved her arm, hurling multiple wisps of translucent strings towards him. Ailen hastily conjured a pillar of earth, blocking her attack as they thrashed the dirt walls, destroying it completely.

When Elaine landed, she created two, head-sized yellow orbs. Revolving her like the sun. As Ailen rushed to her, she swung both of her arms, firing the balls of plasma, aimed right at him.

Ailen briskly veered his arms down, slashing a trail of crescent wind blades. Slicing the twin plasma orbs in half, causing a small explosion. When nebulous clouds materialized, my vision became vague. Still, I was able to distinguish the noise of two surfaces, forcefully colliding into each other.

Then, a thunderous noise of someone getting struck, resounded throughout the entire area. As the hazy clouds faded away, Elaine was viewed, landing a solid palm on Ailen's sternum.

Ailen spat mucus as he was sent flying ten meters back. However, he managed to fix himself, landing on the ground while his feet roughly abraded through the grass. Making a rugged line before him.

When Ailen began to devise his next attack, Elaine darted towards him, speed blitzing Ailen with a powerful knee to his chest. While airborne, she rotated her body, swinging a kick, connecting to his chin. Knocking him unconscious, casting him away from her. Professor Almetta's class looked as if they seen a ghost from her performance.

Elaine landed, then bowed out of respect.

Causing my entire class to cheer wildly from her performance. Professor Almetta showed a reluctant smile, "I see why you weren't worried about her." She stated rubbing her chin.

With a bright grin, I chuckled, "of course. She's one of my best students." I responded with a thumbs up.

When Elaine returned, Skysin, Razon, Rolland, Shantae, along with my class, all applauded her.

While they were busy talking, Professor Almetta spoke, "alright, after I get Ailen situated, lets continue with our spar, shall we?"

"Of course Professor Almetta!"

*****

Evening had arrived, occupied in the building connected to these giant walls that encased the humongous woodland. I was currently going over some papers I had to finish before I'd return to my room.

But my thoughts went back to the spar against Professor Almetta's class. With that being said, it was absolutely spectacular. A total of fifteen battles, and my class won twelve of them. After Elaine won hers, Skysin, Razon, Rolland, and Shantae prevailed in theirs with a glorious performance. Including my other seven students as well. Even though theirs was a bit more challenging. But nonetheless, they all did great, which made me extremely proud.

As Principal Zynsim always stated, 'a new generation is what makes out the future to be.'

I think that it's going to be something amazing, breathtaking, especially for the kids in my class.

While I continued finishing up my papers.

*CRACK*

A piercing, sharp crack like that of a twig, sounded through my opened window. Which was strange, since the walls of this area have a barrier surrounding it. Disabling any wildlife from entering.

*CRACK CRACK*

As this noise kept echoing through my room, I figured it was one of my students still outside. However, they shouldn't, it's way past curfew for them. So, I stood and exited my office, walking through the halls to enter the outside domain.

When I got outside, staring at the white orb hovering above, showering a faint light onto the spacious forest before me. I fixed my glasses and squinted my eyes, thoroughly peering at the environment.

Staring at the shaded woodland in the distance, my eyes caught sight of a singular silhouette, just in front of the trunks of the large trees.

'It must be a student.' I figured in my thoughts, putting it together with the cracks of wood. "Excuse me! It's past curfew!" I shouted at the shadowed individual, waving my arm.

"…"

Still, there was no movement, only idly standing there. "This isn't the time for pranks! I'll tell the administration if you don't exit the combatant's area!" I stated again.

"…"

Once again, no movement, or sound from the indistinct figure.

I sighed and shook my head, advancing to it. Getting closer, I distinguished the figure as it became clear. Only to be a large rock, embedded in the ground.

I chuckled to myself; the darkness sure can be deceiving. Even more when you wear glasses.

*CCrrrack*

Perceiving the sound once more, I could feel chills crawl through my spine. Utterly perturbed hearing it behind me. I took a deep breath and turned around.

Except…it wasn't a student, but a tall man wearing a crimson hooded cloak. Having a single platinum cross pinned to his chest. He possessed two, long light-blue antennas sticking out under his hood.

My anxiety reached its limits as I blankly stared at the towering man before me. 'W-what is this person? I've never came across a race like this before??' I fretfully questioned myself.

The man was silent, the hood over his head created a shadow, unable to view his face.

Forcing myself out of daze, I lifted my arm, coating my hand in dancing blazes of flames. "W-Who are you?! What are you doing here?!!"

However, the flames created light, able to see what was under the hood. Sadly, he wore a black mask, unable to recognize his face.

The being worded nothing, but only took a single step towards me.

Not taking a chance, I fired a bombardment of savage flames, completely searing him alive. After they dispersed, I could smell the scent of burnt flesh. His body was only a large corpse of coal.

I attempted to keep my composure as my heart was beating like a vigorous drum. "I have to notify Principal Zynsim and the military officers about this." I stated to myself.

Taking a foot forward, I came to feel an agonizing pain in my tendon. I winced gritting my teeth while I took a knee. Then, when I turned my neck, I viewed a small, metal spear, piercing me. Spilling blood onto the shaded grass.

Hastily turning back around to see who attacked me. My eyes broadened, and my mouth gaped open, completely appalled. Noticing the body of the man had disappeared??

Although, I discerned more footsteps on my right.

I promptly looked over my shoulder, seeing the same man with another individual. Possessing a light-blue skin tone and antennas under her hood, just like that man.

Attempting to stand once more, the unbearable pain caused me to return to my feeble position. 'Dammit, who are these people??! I need to contact everyone right now!!' I resolved in my head, eyeing the two before me.

"Hahahaha." A woman's malicious laugh resounded through my ears.

I looked to the left, another hooded woman with long, jagged beastly claws, almost like blades.

I clicked my tongue and sheathed both my hands in flames once more, releasing a billow of blistering blazes, blocking them off. Next, I willed myself in aura and rapidly pressed the on the left section of my chest. Utilizing a telekinetic gem that allows me to call or warn others when something occurs.

'HELLO!! HELLO!! This is Professor Cliff Braiden! We're under attack! I need back up right away!!' I desperately shouted in my head, trying to call reinforcements.

When my walls of flames had spread and faded away, the three weren't damaged at all? But I tried once again, this is a dire situation. Vaim is completely invisible to the outside eye, and the rifts are only connected to Planet Valorrey, no intruders should be able to enter!

'PLEASE! SOMEONE! ANSWER M- "It's useless. No one will hear you." The woman with bladed claws chuckled.

'Dammit!! What's the problem?! Why can't they hear me?! This never happened before!!' I yelled in my head as my brain fell to pieces, trying to fathom this problem. But in this predicament, there's only one thing I can do…

I enfold my arms in ferocious blazes and wind. Then, just as I aimed at the three, I felt something swiftly stream through both of my forearms. Coming to witness my limbs cleanly falling off, spurting crimson blood onto the ground, and my pants.

I wailed in affliction as I helplessly stared at my pair of bloodied nubs.

As the hooded woman with light-blue skin started to slowly approach me.

"S-STAY BACK!!" I screamed, trying my best to move away, pressing the heels of my feet onto the ground while I used my mutilated arms as support. Enduring the insufferable pain, pushing them down on the grass, creating a trail of blood.

At that time, my back had hit something large and sturdy. I looked up to see an eldritch tree with no leaves placed behind me. It's branches intwined, like snakes twirling around each other.

With my back faced against the truck of this horrid tree. "Please! Stop!" I feebly begged pressing the back of my head against this wall of wood.

As they all stood over me like a useless bug, the woman with blades spoke again, "these worlds will crumble as our Ladyship walks among your disgusting corpses."

Just as I opened my mouth, a vague light wisped across my neck. Before I could comprehend what had transpired, I could feel the essence of warm liquid stream down my chest.

At that moment, when I lifted what was left of my arm, I heard something rough, growing closer to me. When I looked up, a branch was shooting towards me, then firmly wrapped itself around my neck.

I began expeditiously shaking, trying to escape, but it started to haul me off the ground. All while the three individuals watched me become a victim to the gallows.

I dreadfully squirmed trying to free myself, but I could feel the fatigue envelop my body. Lifelessly staring at the three under me as the woman only laughed with viciousness.

My eyes began to gradually close, until I met the other side of my eyelids. Shrouded in darkness. Leaving this life forever…

*****