Chapter 7: Preliminary Match

Skysin Rillem-

It's been three years since we made that promise, and to be perfectly honest, training was more of a nightmare. Dad's an entirely different person when he teaches me. I began having flashbacks, trying to evade his vigorous attacks using wooden swords.

At that time, the nice, cool breeze flowed through my untamed golden hair, while I was seated on a brown blanket, under the shade of a tree in our large yard. Only wearing a pair of black baggy pants. I watched mom and dad stretch while they were in the middle of the bright green land, preparing for a sparring match. Dad was shirtless, displaying his slim-athletic body. A few scars around his stomach and muscular arms. Simply clothed in black harem pants.

Mom tied her long hair into a ponytail. Wearing a jade crop-top that hung loosely over her stomach. A wide linen black belt wrapped around her waist, sporting a long off-white skirt under, that draped to her ankles. Including a side slit on the right section of her skirt, revealing a pair of short black tights.

After dad bounced off the balls of his feet a few times, he picked up a long, dark blue sheathe next to him. "Are you ready to start Val?" He asked unsheathing the sword, revealing a magnificent saber.

The blade was almost snow white, glistening radiantly from the sun's rays. Beautifully keen, just a glance seemed it could cut you. The cross guard and grip; jet black. As for the pommel of the sword, round like a small ball, with a blue emerald embedded in the very middle.

Mom took out her daggers, rotating them in her hands while lowering her stance for battle. Placing her right leg in front of her while the left stayed behind, to keep herself stable. After stopping them, positioning her weapons in front herself. The daggers were both curved like an 'S', black on the flat side, then blended to gold on the edges of the blades. Her left hand kept at shoulder level with the weapon pointing backwards. As for the right, placed near the lower section of her stomach, having it face dad. "Ready when you are." She replied.

Dad turned to me for a short moment, "hey Skysin, make sure you try to pick up on our movement and the way we attack, got it?" He instructed.

I raised my arm with a thumbs up, "got it dad!"

He smiled and turned back to mom, playfully gesturing her, slowly motioning his arm to his side with a courteous bow, "ladies first - madam."

At that moment, mom disappeared, only making the wind flow chaotically around where she once was. Dad kept his stance, standing still. He then twirled around, quickly shifting the sword in front of his chest just as mom aimed at his heart. He grinned with a chuckle, "close one."

Mom jumped back a few feet as dad rotated his sword in a circular motion. With tremendous speed, he lunged towards her, vertically slashing downwards. Mom parried the attack, causing bright sparks to materialize. At the same time, a flurry of attacks was casted between the two. As they continued to strike each other, their arms became nothing but a blur as my eyes struggled to keep up.

Dad swept his leg at mom's ankle, making her loose balance. Next, he swung the sword downwards once more. But mom briskly reacted, leaping into a backflip while blocking the incoming attack, causing dads arm to retract from the force.

After she landed, she darted towards him. Closing the distance under a half a second, mom extended her left arm with the blade, speedily thrusting multiple times at dad. He fixed his sword, making it face the sky and blocked every single attack precisely.

Mom quickly spun her body, extending her right arm and slashed horizontally. The tall man flawlessly did a side flip, evading the attack and swung at mom diagonally. At that moment, mom lowered herself while dodging his sword.

Similar to a dance move, she gyrated her body into a windmill, and shot one of her legs into dads' stomach, propelling him into the air.

Casted off the ground, dad utilized some of his kinetics, creating an ice platform above his self, facing mom. He bent his legs and launched towards mom at blistering speeds.

When this took place, mom used her spatial kinetics, causing a black and purple aura to coat her body. Strangely enough, small white and yellow particles became visible. All slowly gliding into her body, creating a faint glow. When she did this, in an instant, she appeared in front of dad.

The couple made their weapons collide, unleashing a humongous shockwave, creating a giant, deep crater in the middle of the field. The pure force from the attack made the tree branches and leaves blow rapidly, like a hurricane had surfaced.

Thus, causing me to lift off the ground…luckily, I molded a large wall of ice behind me to catch myself.

When I glanced back up, mom and dad were falling onto a section of the ground that wasn't affected. Holding her like a damsel in distress, he began to laugh as they slowly descended. "Ha, it's my win. Better luck next time," Dad teased.

Mom simply sucked her teeth, rolling her lavender eyes.

I was completely astonished by their fight and dashed to them, to the point that I couldn't discern any sound.

When I surfaced in front of the couple which caught them by surprise, "that was aweesomee!" My eyes sparkled with excitement as I hopped in circles, revolving them like a little bunny.

Dad bent down and ruffled my hair, "you thought that was cool? Haha, we weren't even close to fighting at full strength."

I ran behind dad and leapt onto his back, "hey dad? You think I'll ever get strong as you and mom?"

Dad chortled setting me onto his broad shoulders as him and mom walked away from the crater, "of course kiddo, it all depends on how much determination and work ethic you have…And talent of course."—He raised his index finger— "But never do entirely too much. Or you'll strain or possibly destroy your body in the process."

I nodded with a stern smile, "right!"

"That means if you want to get big and strong, you'll have to eat-more-vegetables, little man." Mom teased me.

I slouched my head on dad's wild blue hair, "ugghh mom, I don't like vegetables."

Mom turned around smiling, but I felt something minacious behind it, "Skysin…you're going to enjoy those vegetables."

I quickly saluted sitting up-right, not daring to discover what'll happen next, "yes ma'am..."

She turned around advancing to the house, "good boy. And we'll be taking showers and go into Tayon city for your match later."

I grinned, growing excited for today, "ok!"

I'll be facing against another kid in preliminary match for a tournament later. Known as the Pahmeon – which is a tradition that Valorrey has. A great diversity of warriors across the planet of Valorrey come to attend it.

As for who my opponent is…I have no idea. But dad said it'll be fun, and a better way for me to gain experience. So I'm not complaining.

Getting to the glass door, "you'll be meeting some old friends of ours too." Mom added with a smile with a smile.

"Who are they?" I quired.

"You'll find out later afternoon, they're good people," dad answered.

"Oh ok, what about the hole?" I questioned, pointing back to the meteor-sized crater in the ground.

"We'll get someone we know to fix it up for us. Hopefully the lazy man won't complain..." Mom chuckled, entering the house.

*****

The afternoon had finally swum by, my family and I were currently in the carriage, entering the towering, blue-brick walls of Tayon city, the capital of the Raven Region. Surprisingly, I figured the ride here would've been quite lengthy. However, our house isn't actually far. We're located maybe a good ten miles down west from here.

Dad tied his mane like hair into a low ponytail. His apparel; a splendid black and gold military-eques uniform, with three platinum stars on his chest. Including a short red cape on the left side of his shoulder.

Valentine wore a yellow regal dress with a diamond necklace around her neck. She plaited her hair into a loose braid, draping over of her shoulder onto her forearm. Wearing two dangling earrings connected to a small diamond. The apparel was lengthy, covering her ankles, only able to view the tips her purple slippers.

Since I'll be competing, I dressed myself in a simple red shirt, and baggy black pants tucked into my boots. My hair is somewhat slicked back, keeping it tamed, all while it stayed in its natural wavy, yet wild nature.

For the weapon I'll be using, a cutlass. It's actually my favorite out of all the swords. Probably because of the pirate stories mom used to read to me when I was a toddler. Like Sinbad the Sailor.

Riding throughout the pebbled roads of Tayon, I noticed many civilians waving at us, all cheering for dad and mom.

"We love you General Rellgis!!"

You're so gorgeous Mrs. Rillem!!"

I honestly forget that dad's a general. His personality doesn't match that specific criterion. Dad's more laid-back, relaxed – always cracking a stupid joke of the sort. Until mom beats him...

Getting closer to our destination, the buildings seemed to have grown, or sprouted, becoming much taller. The Core Centre of Tayon City. Extremely busier than the outer sections of this humongous area. Always teeming with citizens, and tourists. Withholding businesses with merchants, inns, restaurants, and of course, vendors.

The people are lively, roaring with excitement, all approaching a massive, blue coliseum with giant black pillars, used as support to hold the ceiling.

After the carriage came to a stop, we exited, making way to the glass doors of this humongous structure. Entering the luxurious lobby, beautiful chandeliers made of diamond hung on the ceiling. The clean, tiled floors made of white granite, well-polished – making them glisten from the amber gems above. Masses of vendors on the sides, selling all types of things, whether its food, armor, or toys for kids.

Then more people noticed us, all cheering once more for dad and mom. He put on another strained smile, waving to all of them while we approached the stairwell on our right.

We walked about three flights of stairs, finally coming to a long corridor. This area is where all the nobles have their private boxes, to watch the matches that'll begin soon.

Mom and Dad stopped in front of a different room, much larger than the others. Having two, grey double doors. Above them, pinned to the wall, a silver board with words engraved on it. Reading: "Valorrey Royal Box."

"You're friends with the king and queen of Valorrey??" I exclaimed.

Mom chuckled, "yep, although we're more like family."

Dad knocked on the door, and under a second, a butler wearing a black tuxedo with a marvelous, brown mustache, falling right over his lips, opened it.

"Hello Rillem family. I'm glad you could make it," he said with a gentle bow.

As we all entered the spacious box, dad replied with a smile, "it's good to see you're doing well, Euphert."

Next, two adults appeared, a tall, well-built man and a slim woman around mom's short height. Standing near a bar, keeping a ludicrous amount of bottled wine on the red counter. They turned to us, making a smile.

The man has short, spikey brown hair, with a golden crown on top of his head, having three red rubies in a vertical row in the very center. Wearing a black collar jacket with black slacks and dress shoes. A large carmine and white robe across his wide shoulders with a golden 'V' emblem on his left chest. Dark brown eyes, chiseled chin, along with beige skin.

The queen wore an elegant red dress on her slim body. Wearing the same crown and rubies atop. A bob-cut of shoulder-length, burgundy-colored hair, and two diamond earrings. A prepossessing woman with cinnamon-colored eyes, long eyelashes, and sleek skin of sand.

The man raised his large arms, nearly shouting, welcoming my parents, "Rellgis! Valentine! It's been years since we seen you two!"

Dad and the king pressed their forearms together. "It has! It looks like you built up a lot more muscle Raine," Dad remarked.

"It seems I did!"—Raine laughed— "hahaha, I haven't noticed until now."

Meanwhile, mom and the queen shared a hug. The pretty lady chortled, "it seems you've been doing well, sister."

Mom nodded, "yes, I have been Audrey."—She turned to me, sitting her hand on my head— "And this is Skysin."

Audrey took a knee, rubbing my head with a gentle smile, "hi Skysin. You look just like your mother. You can call me auntie."

I gave a small bow, "it's nice to meet you, Aunt Audrey."

"Where's Elaine?" Mom asked with a tinge of interest.

Audrey chuckled, pointing to the door-shaped opening on the left of us, "oh, she's sitting with Ru, watching the performances. You know how she is, haha."

Audrey then took us through the doorway. Looking to my right, I came to see two people. A little girl sitting on the older one's lap, combing her slender fingers through the younger girl's hair.

The little girl turned her neck, both of us observing each other.

Straight, crème-colored hair, with two bundled buns sitting atop her head. Wearing a golden tiara with the same rubies on it. She wore two glistening diamond earrings and had smoothly, cool, peach skin. Big, glossy cinnamon-colored eyes with curly eyelashes. A silver necklace enveloped her lissome neck, laid over her sky-blue dress, falling to her feet, sporting blood red slippers.

After a brief moment, the girl's face converted into a color of rose, quickly withdrawing her head away from me.

Mom approached them, hence the two stood, "hey Ru, are you ready for your match soon?" Mom asked, giving her a hug.

Ru's at least a teenager, maybe around sixteen or so. Her features are the very epitome of – 'if looks could kill'.

Curly, raspberry-colored hair that draped over her delicate shoulders. Almond shaped black eyes, gleaming like obsidian jewelry. Glossy golden skin, rotund cherry lips, and a captivating, well-developed body. Attired in a refined orchid-colored robe, with a black tie wrapped around her slim waist.

In a monotonous, silvery voice, keeping a face of poise, she replied with a nod, "of course master."

So, mom teaches her, interesting… I guess that means Ru is quite powerful.

Mom took a knee and gave Elaine a hug, "hii Elaine, you're so pretty…"—Mom looked over to me— "this is my son, Skysin."

I stepped forward, extending my arm to mom's disciple. "Hello Ru," I greeted with a beaming grin.

Ru gave me a handshake with a nod, "…cute…" she murmured quietly.

Next, Ru patted Elaine's head. Which, Elaine meekly bowed. "I-I'm Elaine Valorrey," she bashfully stuttered.

I smiled and walked to Elaine, sticking my hand out to her, "it's nice to meet you Elaine."

Elaine timidly nodded, shaking my hand.

After dad greeted Audrey, Ru, and Elaine, we all sat down. When Elaine tried to sit on Ru's lap again, Ru denied, picking her up and making her take a seat on the open spot next to me.

I noticed how nervous Elaine was, her body narrowly fidgeting as she looked down. Dad told me that I should try to make more friends, since I'm usually cooped in our house half of the time. Unless I'm out in the forest behind our backyard, looking for insects or beasts with Crim. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

Attempting to break the silence, I turned to Elaine with a friendly smile, "so what's it like being a princess?"

Elaine's innocent eyes widened moderately. Then after a moment of quietude, she replied, "I-I don't have a problem with it. The citizens are very nice."—She lowered her head— "But it can be lonely at times…" Elaine made a dejected expression.

I guess with Elaine being a princess, some kids may find it a bit – intimidating… I can somewhat understand her, with me being the son of a general. Although I've never paid too much attention about it, or cared, to put it simply. Plus, I already have one; Crim, even if he's more like an older brother to me.

'It wouldn't hurt to make another friend; Elaine seems pretty nice.'

I extended my arm, holding my pinky finger out to her. "If you want…we can be friends."

"Re-really?" Elaine questioned, looking up to me.

"Of course!"

She showed a cute smile and wrapped her pinky around mine, pushing our thumbs together.

Shortly after, while me and Elaine continued to converse, a man teleported onto the wide, grey arena floor under us. Wearing a blue tuxedo with black hair and brown eyes. Holding a translucent gem in his hand, he lifted his arm and held it near his mouth, causing his ecstatic voice to sound throughout the entire coliseum.

"Hello everyone!! I'll be your announcer today. I welcome you all to the Pahmeon tournament. And our Rulers of Valorrey!!" The announcer spoke with excitement, gesturing his hand to the box we're present in.

Audrey lifted Elaine into her arms, and they all stood in front of the railing, waving at all the citizens cheering away.

After they returned to their seats and Elaine sat next to me, the announcer continued, "as you all know, the Pahmeon tournament is a great, cherished tradition of ours. Where warriors from all across the planet of Valorrey come to participate. And of course, before the other matches begin, we always have preliminary match, a quick bout between two talented children whose skills have been growing at an exponential rate!"

He paused for a slight second, then continued, raising his arms above his head. "As for the two young warriors who'll be facing off today… the son of Marcus Oreland, one of the three dukes who looks over the Nova Region. ROLLAND ORELAND!!"

The hundreds of thousands of people all screamed with enthusiasm, then, the announcer resumed. "Next, the son of our powerful general – hero, Rellgis Rillem. Who is also the grandson of our great deity Jagan. SKYSIN RILLEM!!"

The crowd roared with exhilaration, shouting my name.

"LET'S GO SKYSIN!!"

"YEAHHHH!!"

"KICK HIS BUTT SKYSIN!!"

When dad and Raine stood, dad looked at me with a grin, "let's go kiddo!"

"Right!"

Just as I was about to stand, Elaine tugged my shirt, "go-good luck, Skysin."

"Thanks Laine," I smiled, walking over to dad and Raine by the railing. I could feel the adrenaline in me begin to erupt, almost like a volcano.

I'm ready to test just how strong I am against others…