Chapter 44: Fallen Bloom Part 1

Cleonatra Gremis-

A glorious day; the sun radiating beautifully on the horizon of remote pyramids in the background. A mixture of blueish-purple and orange, fusing together in the boundary afar.

I'm currently inside a spacious carriage. Grouped with Devail, Greyson, and a few other high rankers from my school. Making way to the central building, all prepared to take the rifts and travel to Tayon City. Ready for the tournament that'll be held later in the afternoon today.

My excitement kept growing tremendously, not just to see Skysin and my other friends. But to battle against other schools too. Especially after hearing details about the event from older students, including Devail as well.

"Are you ready for the tournament Cleo?" Devail asked with a light chuckle, noting the enthusiastic smile plastered on my face.

"Of course I am!" I quietly squealed rubbing Bastet lying on my lap. "This is the first time I've ever competed in something like this."

"Really?" Greyson sitting on the right of Devail queried with a hint of doubt. "I thought you would've been in some already. Me and my older sister have been in a good amount of them on Planet Aries."

I shook my head, "no, I was only trained by others to help specialize my skill in weapons."-I paused for a second- "That reminds me… why are you attending Lapis when your planet has Velphor academy?"

"Since me and my sister have lived in Aries for so long, my mother wanted us to attend one of the other schools in Planet Gremis or Valorrey. My older sister Urza chose Series. But I didn't want to be overshadowed by her, so, I decided to attend Lapis. Which is why I'm here now. Greyson answered.

"Urza…" I echoed. "She's the first rank of swords in Series, right?" I asked.

"Yep, and the complete opposite of my mother too." Greyson wryly chuckled.

I heard some rumors of Urza. Although I've never witnessed her firsthand, her primary weapon is a diamond claymore from what I heard. As for her kinetics, I'm not too sure. But Raul has battled her since he's been attending Lapis ever since he was a first year. Quite the rivalry as well, although he has lost more, I believe.

I would ask Greyson about her powers, but I think I'd rather discover it myself. Just so the surprise isn't exactly spoiled. Now that I think about it, will Skysin use the cutlass I gifted him? Or will he stick to hand combat if we fight? However, he could just use his sword for a good amount of the battle, then switch to bare-handed for the remainder of it.

'I better come up with a good strategy to defeat him,' I noted in my thoughts. He's honestly the only individual I'm bothered about fighting. His innate speed is definitely problematic. Elaine isn't to be underestimated either though. Despite her delicate figure, her attacks can be quite devastating if she lands one.

As for Crim and Nirvana, I'm not worried about those two. Since they'll be contesting against Devail. Still, it's comforting to know that Nirvana fully recovered from her mortal wound.

After a few minutes had passed, we finally arrived at the Central Building. When Bastet leapt onto my shoulder, we took a step out. Meeting a ginormous circle of citizens encasing us. Their euphoric cheers traveling all throughout Luxor City.

"GO GET 'EM PRINCESESS!!!"

"May the deity Ra give you strength!!"

"Holy Malerenz! It's Pharoah Khufu and Lady Nefertiti!!"

An overly lavish, golden carriage appeared, strolling through the road, being pulled by Hordens. Huge horse-like beasts with a singular, white spiraled horn sprouted atop its head. A sheen fur-coat of dark-blue, and glistening black mane draped down the side of its neck. Pair of brown eyes with large broad limbs, basically made for hauling substantial objects.

When the carriage ceased movement and the door opened, it grew silent, everyone took a respectful bow as mother and father exited, taking a step onto the gravel ground. All except for me and Devail obviously.

Father raised a hand, speaking in a mellowed tone as his voice resounded, "hello – citizens of Luxor City, people of Planet Gremis. Today…is a fantastic day – no."—He shook his head— "A Glorious Day. A time for my daughters, the students of Lapis Academy that our deity has created, the kingdom itself. This… is the day that the new generation of our kingdom excel and prevail in unbridled glory! These are the children that'll fly in greatness and triumph, defeating the other schools in the Promethius Tournament!!"

The hundreds of thousands of civilians clamored ebullient cheers, some raising their hands and shooting an array of billowing flames into the sky above. Roaring fiercely like a ferocious pride of lions, claiming their victory.

A very magnificent thing to see. Causing not only mine, but the morale of all the contestants participating in the tournament to grow immensely. I truly love my kingdom, my planet. Such a prosperous place.

Father showed a small grin as him and mother advanced to us. Mother firmly wrapped her arms around us, "I can't wait to see you two do well." She smiled rubbing Bastet's head.

"Indeed, be great my daughters." Father spoke. His crimson eyes shifted onto Greyson by my side, "prince Greyson…nice to see you." He greeted in a rather flat tone, for whatever it may be.

Greyson bowed, "Pharaoh Khufu, Lady Nefertiti."

Mother nodded, keeping a smile.

"Well then, let's get a move on, shall we?" Father remarked rubbing mine and Devail's head. "I certainly can't wait to see Rellgis' and the other's faces when we win again." He faintly chuckled moving forward to the large glass doors.

Advancing to the doors, the guards parallel from each other gave a courteous bow, opening the doors for us.

Entering the huge lobby, viewing the white rifts further ahead, the crowd of people shifted out of the way. Allowing us the smoothly pass through. Eyeing another pair of guards, they seemed to be a bit troubled. Discreetly arguing with each other as their expressions had a look of confusion.

One of the two hastily walked to my father, "P-Pharoah Khufu. There's major a problem my liege!" He expressed in a distressed tone.

Father's brows furrowed, "what do you mean? What's the matter?"

The guard turned around facing his partner, releasing a wary nod. Being a signal, the other took a step into the rift. After a few seconds passed… he walked back out, facing us. A complete anomaly.

"Why isn't it working? This never happened before?" Mother questioned as her and father walked to the rift, thoroughly inspecting it.

Me and Devail quickly trailed behind them, our curiosity shooting past the clouds from this occurrence.

"When did this happen?" Father briskly asked, removing his golden armlet and tossing it inside. Only for it to reappear, rolling and hitting his shoe.

"Just a couple minutes ago sir." The guard responded.

"But this doesn't make any since… the rifts have worked for over millions of years. Why now??" Father mused himself aloud.

"Ho-Honey…" Mother paused. "What if… it's that woman, Sin told us about… Nitanz?" She hesitantly questioned, an essence of fear encasing her voice.

That name… the woman Skysin informed us when we were little kids. The one who killed his Aunt Taekhyu. Devail and I glanced at each other, a relative sense of horror for being reminded.

Father's eyes broadened from realization, "I need to contact Rellgis and the others immediately! Cleo, Devail, you two are going home, now!"—He turned to the guards— "Stay here, I'm going to notify the military!"

"F-father?! What about Skysin and the others??!" I seized his arm as my voice quivered. If she's there, they won't be safe, she murdered deities… there's no way they could battle against her.

Father rubbed his nose, "I-I don't know… I'll notify men in the Dimensional Highway to see if they can enter the Planet from there."—He rotated to mom— "Titi, take the kids home, now…"

Mother sternly nodded, grabbing me and my sister's arm and pulling us away.

While she did so, Father turned to the crowd behind us, "citizens, leave the central building and prepare for the Horus dome! This is an emergency! GO!"

*****

Skysin Rillem-

Suddenly waking up, staring at the blue ceiling above me. I felt horrible, like I had exercised for a month with no rest. The fatigue was unbearable. My chest felt tight for a strange reason, as if a large hand was squeezing them to the point they'll pop. I could barely even shroud myself in aura, my power was nearly depleted.

I then sat up from my blue covered pallet on the floor, my vocal cords causing me to release a grating groan.

"Are you ok Sin?" You don't look fine." Elaine asked, walking from the bathroom door. Wearing a black shirt and grey shorts I let her borrow while sleeping in my dorm.

Practically forcing myself to stand, "yeah…I'm fine… maybe I didn't get enough sleep." I replied with a reassuring smile.

Elaine frowned seeing through my little falsehood, she walked towards me and placed her soft hands on my cheeks. Pressing her forehead against mines, "weird…you don't seem to have a fever." She stated, closely inspecting my wellbeing.

Just as I was about to tease Elaine, Principal Zynsim's voice echoed through my room. "Hello everyone, before any of the contestants are sent off to Planet Valorrey later at noon. I'd like everyone to be present inside the coliseum for a grand performance! Also, regarding Professor Cliff's disappearance… he's perfectly fine! Hooray!!!"

"Hm, so he's fine? Thank Malerenz…" Elaine sighed in relief. "I guess we should get ready then. I wonder what the principal wants to show us?"

"Not sure…let's go ahead and get ready." I remarked. However, this suspicious feeling resided in my mind. Does it mean that boy Ailen Bretz is fine as well? For whatever it is, I'll just have to see it with my own eyes. Maybe I'll see him while we walk through campus.

I looked back at the sleeping fox, lying in a curled position on the foot of my bed. 'Hey Tenko, we're gonna head out after changing.' I spoke in my thoughts.

'Mm-hm…ok…' He drowsily mumbled back.

After me and Elaine had taken showers and dressed, the three of us exited the dorm building, walking through the campus. I was feeling worse than I already was back in my room. Attempting to keep my back raised, taking heavy steps as I plodded beside Elaine. I'm utterly exhausted, my breathing ragged, basically panting at this point. Feeling a burning sensation in my chest.

'Hey doll face… are you sure you're ok?' Tenko asked in my head walking alongside me.

'Yeah…I'm ok…' I tiredly responded.

Finally approaching the giant coliseum, there was a humongous crowd of students and professors alike. With it practically being the entire school present, it looked like a small army, almost.

Entering the lobby, Ms. Wallzeen was viewed, standing in the center where all three halls connected. "Hello kids," she greeted with a smile.

"Hey Ms. Wallzeen. Is Professor Cliff really ok?" I pondered.

"Yes, he's upstairs right now." She replied. "Apparently he had a family emergency back in Valorrey overnight. It was very urgent from what he told us when he finally returned this morning."

Elaine raised her brows, "oh, well I'm glad he's fine. I'm surprised he wasn't fired."

"Well… Principal Zynsim was always a forgiving man. It's pretty rare to ever see him angry." Wallzeen sighed. "But, I suggest you get up there, Zynsim decided to have a small performance, just to raise you kid's morale a bit before departing later at noon."

"Is Ailen here as well?" I quickly queried. Not that I care about the guy, but more of a reassurance for my own qualms about the bizarre situation at hand. Since I didn't espy him while we were walking here.

"Yes, he's up there as well. He arrived shortly before you three had appeared." Wallzeen answered.

I warily nodded, somewhat taking her word. I'll just have to see with my own eyes. Just as I heaved my leg, taking another step, 'Sin… I gotta use the bathroom… like – right now.' Tenko expressed while he squirmed around.

I stared at the white fox, my face deadpan, 'Tenko…are you serious?'

'YES!! I can't hold it Sin! I HAVE TO GO!!'

I shook my head with a deep breathe, 'fine, but be quick… alright?'

'AYE SIR!' Tenko shouted, dashing off to the bathrooms in the hall.

Elaine and I ascended the flight of stairs, which was something that I really needed to endeavor. It seemed like more of a workout then fighting against dad. I grasped the metal railing beside me, hauling myself as I walked. Until Elaine noticed my embarrassing struggles, wrapping my arm around her slender neck to help me.

"Sin, you're really not looking well, maybe we should go back so you can rest." Elaine worriedly spoke.

"No…I'm fine Laine… it's ok." I responded; I just have to see for myself if the professor is really fine.

Getting upstairs and walking through the entryway, the seats were thronged with kids and adults. Then, when I looked to my left, a few seats down, Professor Cliff seated on marble, keeping a smile on his face. Many kids and other professors surrounded him, all happily conversing.

Elaine and I made way to him, he looked totally healthy, nothing wrong with him in the slightest. Although he did look a bit tired, his green eyes behind the glasses he wore seemed dull. When me and Elaine squeezed through the crowd, "hey Professor Cliff, we're glad you're ok." Elaine spoke with a brief nod.

"Thank you! Sorry for making you worry kids!" Cliff replied with tons of enthusiasm. His personality had grown more - exuberant, for a strange reason. But he was always a gaily person, nonetheless.

After greeting him, my eyes verted across the ocean of people in the coliseum, searching for Ailen. But I couldn't find him, although it wouldn't be unnatural to not notice because of the abundance of people here. Space in the seats didn't exactly exist.

"Hey Sin, Elaine!" Delilah's voice chimed in my ears.

We glanced behind us, seeing Delilah, Rolland, Razon, and his apparent girlfriend – Shantae. Walking up another small flight of stairs, they shifted out the way, letting me and Elaine sit in the middle. After Elaine steadily seated me, I released a chasmic sigh, relaxing myself from this arduous walk. Almost like an old man.

Razon; seated beside me, "you don't look alright Sin. Will you be able to participate in the tournament later today?" He questioned eyeing my weak state.

"Yeah… I'll be fine." I replied, still surveying the army of people in the seats.

"I wonder what the performance will be?!" Delilah excitedly asked.

"Dunno, hopefully something cool." Rolland chuckled. He looked over at Professor Cliff, "but it's nice to know the Professor is ok. Now class will be back to normal."

We all nodded from his words.

'Where's that little snowball at?' I tensely asked myself. Patiently waiting for the performance, and that fox, I perceived kid's voices.

"Hey, did you hear from the professors about the other missing students?"

"Yeah, about ten missing, right?"

'Wait…'—I paused, digesting their conversation— "Ten missing students…??' I asked myself as my eyes slowly swept around the coliseum once more, but this time… I discerned something anomalous.

Looking at Professor Cliff again. I came to notice his posture, his back slumped as his arms rested on his lap. Including, he's still. Abnormally motionless, like he wasn't breathing at all.

Then it clicked… I've seen those eyes before – Aunt Taekhyu, enemies I had to fight off, Nirvana when she was impaled.

Dead.

He- He's DEAD!

"Guys! We need to mov- "AAHHH!!!" A girl's shriek reverberated throughout the entire arena interrupting me. We all quickly glanced where the scream sounded from. Viewing Professor Cliff's forearms on the ground as his nubs dangled in the air. His lifeless body still slouched on the seat as he kept a smile on his face, his eyes that of a dead fish…

The lighthearted atmosphere altered as laughs turned into upheaval screams, looking at the corpse of our teacher. "W-what that hell is going on?!!" Razon blasphemed in confusion as his blue eyes verted in all directions staring at Professor Cliff.

"We need to go! NOW!" I yelled at my friends, seizing Elaine's hand as I tried to stand.

But I couldn't move? Like something was holding me down, as if gravity was forcing me to stay put.

"What the fuck?!"

"Why can't I move?!"

"W-what's going on???"

A unison of kids and adult's questions entered my ears, all facing the same problem as me.

Next, a lavender dome steadily increased in size, changing the entire skies color into purple. Whatever this dome was created for, it was causing my levels of vital to drastically dwindle. It felt like I didn't have any vital left in me, powerless, a state of helplessness.

Delilah lifted her hand, trying to utilize her kinetics, but nothing happened. "This dome is cancelling my kinetics! I-I can't do anything!!"

'Tenko! Where are you?! Are you ok?!!' I desperately yelled in my head, calling him. But he wasn't answering, causing my mind to fall apart as if large boulders were plunging into calm waters.

'Where's Nirvana and Crim? Are they here too?' I asked myself, hastily searching for the two.

I could feel Elaine's hand tremble and shiver in my grasp. I raised my arm and pulled her close to my side as her body continued to quiver, trying to comfort her. But in a state like this… what more can I do? I'm completely useless…

On the white stage below, another ball of lavender began to gleam brightly. Then a woman appeared, keeping grin on her face as her hands were clasped behind her back. "Hello everyone… as promised, a grand show will be making an appearance." She chuckled as her voice resounded throughout the arena.

She lifted her hand, and another purple portal emerged above the stage. A head with short black hair was released, falling and smacking the ground as it rolled on the side of its cheek. Distinguishing who it was… Professor Almetta.

Quickly, another body with a circular hole in its chest, had plunged from the portal like a ragdoll. Brutally smiting the ground. Slicked black hair, clayish eyes, and a monocle.

"PRINCIPAL ZYNSIM!!!!"

More shrieks and wails echoed in the arena as people budged their bodies trying to move, but none were able to do so.

"Oh my - this is very disrespectful of me…" The woman sat a hand on her chest, "my name is Nitanz. And I'll be the one directing this grand performance!"

My body grew cold hearing her name. Feeling multiple chills crawl through my spine, remembering whom this woman was. The daughter, and murderer, of Aunt Taekhyu. The memories becoming nothing more but a nightmare, the chaotic battle between them, the bloodied state auntie was in, and her death.

As disoriented clamors swirled amidst the arena, Nitanz chuckled, transmitting a dreadful, horrific pressure. Making people grow quiet from strangulation. Some became unconscious as others roughly coughed clasping their necks.

When she finally stopped, Nitanz looked to my left, facing the hall before her. She raised her index and gestured for someone to approach her.

Five men, clad in red armor with broad swords latched to their waists, marched onward, including ten hostages – students – holding weapons as their faces cringed in fear. Observing them, I noticed Ailen, holding a dagger.

"So-Soldiers?? But how??" Rolland asked as his eyes had widened.

Ten giant projections appeared from thin air, hovering between everybody and the stage. Each one had civilians, all beaten and bruised, incisions everywhere on their body as their clothes were ripped and sheathed in blood.

Nitanz' smile grew into wickedness, "these ten kids happen to be the children of traitors in this wonderful kingdom – 'your', kingdom."—She lifted her hand, making the images disappear— "So… these little buds of flowers are going to play a game for redemption…"

She sat a finger on her lips with a puzzled face, "ah! Let's call it Fallen Blooms! Whoever wins, gets to live, along with their useless family!" Nitanz cheered as if she was a little girl.

It's just as auntie had explained to me four years ago, she's insane…

As everyone questioned her actions, "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!!" A person's voice shouted in fury. I gazed to my right, viewing a boy with black hair. The guy me and Crim had fought against with his friend, Damien, wasn't it?

Nitanz merely chuckled, she pointed her finger at him, and a wisp of purple light zoomed into his head. Damien flinched, wiping his hands across his forehead like a maniac. But nothing happened.

Suddenly, his head began to increase in size, as if something was blowing air into him. The whites of his eyes became blood red, his nose, ears, chin, everything was growing. Damien wailed while vigorously scratching his head, trying to make it stop.

In a split second, his head popped… spurting shards of his skull and bloodied brain matter onto other kids and Professors. Causing them to throw up and bawl in terror, all while they tried to wipe his crimson liquid off themselves.

"Oh my- Shantae had threw up too, spewing vomit onto the floor.

"Si-Sin…" Elaine made a light shriek as her arms tightened around my stomach. I pressed her head against my chest, holding her shivering body close, "look away Elaine…" I muttered, closing my eyes with a wince as my breathing became rapid. This is my fault for bringing Elaine and Tenko into this, if only I had recognized him earlier when we had greeted Cliff. Wherever Tenko is, I hope he's ok…please.

It was this crazy woman's plan all along, luring us into a trap. As if we were nothing more but mice, searching for a piece of cheese.

"Mm-mm…" Nitanz cleared her throat, using that horrid pressure to silence everyone again. "They will have three minutes to win this."—She steadily floated into the air— "Now! LET THIS GRAND SHOW COMMENCE!!"