Chapter 21 - Part 3

The sun shined brightly at its peak, raining down a wave of heat through the clear sky on the group of young Wielders waiting for guidance. They all whispered among each other, wondering what's happening. They were supposed to have another boring lecture from Master Parvell today, one after another, but Master Rwoy stopped as soon as the old man called for a short break. He was just as taken aback by this just like the rest of the students.

Haiden and his friends knew what this meant. And they waited patiently near the main entrance of the palace until Master Rwoy appeared from over the corner with Master Omnelia, and Parvell. Mater Omnelia was upset, and gave short quick answers while Parvell had a concerned look.

"I need to grab everyone's attention, please." Master Rwoy shouted, enhancing his voice through Wielding. Every word sent static over Haiden. "Headmistress Helena has decided to perform the pairing today."

Haiden's classmates gasped then burst into loud chatter amongst themselves. Some complained while others were excited. Haide glanced over to Bras, he was unphased.

Do you think he knew? He asked Screech.

Yes, looks like it. The creature forever present in his mind replied. It giggled. Nervous?

N-no, of course not. He lied.

"Settle down, now. I know this is out of the blue, but settle down." Master Rwoy raised his hands. "There's nothing to fear or be anxious. Omnelia, would you please." He turned to the woman whose hands were around her chest.

Hesitantly she pulled a stack of small papers from her cloak. "Listen carefully," she began. "You will write your name in the upper dotted like, then if you have any preferences on who your Ashen warrior, the one who will be protecting you at the cost of their lives until you reach mastership, you will write their name on the bottom dotted like. Is that clear?" She glanced around the group. Everyone nodded slowly. "Very well, then." From her hand, the small pieces of paper flew towards each and every one of the young Wielders in front of her, landing gently in their palms.

The Wielders began scouring their bags for a pen before writing their name. Haiden looked around, they all hurriedly scribbled their name and sent the paper back. He quickly signed his name on the top of the paper, and Tasgal's at the bottom, giving a quick prayer of hope. Screech gave another giggle in his mind.

Once everyone had returned the signed notes to Master Omnelia, Rwoy ushered them in the white palace. "We're going to the Great Hall." he said and walked in lead.

The young Wielders followed Master Rwoy through the winding halls of the palace until a large room opened up. They were met with high ceilings, tall stained glass windows, and exquisite chandeliers. In the vast room, on the other side were the Ashen with Istrek in charge already waiting.

Haiden quickly spotted Tasgal and gave him a shy wave, before shifting his attention to the woman commanding respect and silence that awaited them on a throne-like seat in the other end of the great hall.

Whispers bounced around the room, echoing louder than intended.

Headmistress Helena was dressed more formally than her usual self, in a gray head to toe gown, with her black cloak over her shoulders. She raised a single hand and everything went quiet.

"I'm sure you were surprised that the pairing ceremony will be done so early in your Wielder and Ashen career. I must applaud each and every one of you that stands before me.

Ashen, you have greatly demonstrated your strength and adaptability. Your endurance and perseverance. Istrek has told me all about your progression through the training and he has swore to me that in the long history of this Academy, there have never been more skillful warriors.

Wielders, I have first handedly seen your immense growth from clueless fish in the pond of Fios, to the powerful young men and women I see before me. With the tightly regulated knowledge you have received from this Academy, due to unwarranted policies and useless politicking, you have managed to create your own path in Advanced Wielding. I applaud you for your creativity, inventiveness, and sheer will that you have shown me. Your growth is only credited to your own abilities, as we, your teachers have had our hands tied for many generations to only teach you the bare minimum. Yet, you have taken that knowledge and furthered it into something incredible." Headmistress Helena paused. She looked around the room with a severe stare.

"As far as you've evolved, you are still young and green. New to the world to come and the perils both human and inhuman, and such we must provide you a guardian. Someone who will lay their life for you. But do not forget!" she raised from her throne and clasped her hands together. "These guardians are not servants or pawns for you to toss and forget, to use and discard. They will be your friends, your family,...sometimes even lovers." she said as a matter of factly. "I expect each and every one of you to respect and care for your Ashen as you would for yourself! You will build ultimate trust between Ashen and Wielder. Do not expect the Ashen to lay their life down for you if you in turn would not do so for them. If one falls, so will the other. Protect each other and live." She raised her hands placing emphasis on her last words then sitting back down.

"Rwoy, Istrek, the notes, please." she the said. Both men held the stack of papers up with one hand and they flew towards the Headmistress. "Uligarth, be a dear and keep tally." She directed the old man that was hiding somewhere to her right. He pulled out a scroll and a pen that floated gently, but firmly, in the air as he began writing.

"First, I shall pair Ashen and Wielder at the mercy of the Creators, then I shall pair those who have requested one another." The papers arranged themselves in the air in front of the Headmistress. They flew by at incredible speeds right past her eyes, a few pieces singling themselves out to the right and pairing each other two at a time. The rest of the notes began dancing in the air in geometrical patterns, shuffling themselves. Then, pairs of two began emerging and settling at her left. Once that has been done, The Headmistress pulled one pair at a time, and called them out. Master Uligarth quickly took note of all.

"Wielder Justinia, you are paired with Ashen Elis." Everyone applauded. Istrek and Rwoy made sure to pair the two, taking them to the right of the giant hall. Justinia seemed disappointed, but Elis, just like the rest of the Ashen was a mountain of muscle with the face of a sculpture. Soon, she found herself blushing at everything Elis said.

"Wielder Maliticia, you are paired with Ashen Mav." Again, the same reaction. Matlicia was visibly disappointed and stomped her feet on the ground. She didn't want to hear anything Mav had to say.

"Wielder Maree, you are paired with Ashen Vick." Maree was surprised, followed Vick with uncertain pace. The man was so much taller and bigger than Maree, it was a striking contrast when they stood side by side.

A few more dozen pairings which Haiden tuned out for followed. Then, a name that made his skin crawl resounded throughout the great hall. "Wielder Bras, you are paired with Ashen Garf." Bras didn't show any emotion regarding the pairing while Garf was an anxious mess when he heard the name of the Emperor's cousin. He felt the pressure heavily on his shoulders.

Poor guy. Haiden thought.

The headmistress went on for what seemed like forever until she reached Haiden and Tasgal. She had kept the pairings that matched for the last.

"Wielder Haiden, you are paired with Ashen Tasgal." Relief washed over Haiden, he wasn't sure why he was so nervous, but as soon as those words left out of the Headmistress' mouth, he felt safe.

Another pair followed, but the only Wielders and Ashen remaining were Camila and Kip, They looked at each other wide eyed then an even wider smile crept on their faces.

"Since when are you such good friends with Kip?" Haiden whispered as soon as Camila joined their ranks.

She just shrugged and said "Since the backwoods."

The headmistress cleared her throat to grab everyone's attention. "Over the following days, Master Rwoy will share bonding stones with both Ashen and Wielders, they will serve as means of communication and starting the next week that follows there will be two new classes for both Ashen and Wielders. First will be 'Combat Strategy' with Istrek, and second will be 'Practical Combat' with both Istrek and Master Rwoy." Everyone began to chat and discuss among themselves. Headmistress Helena waited for them to quiet down and began again. "And since I have you all here, I would like to announce the first of the three Trials." Another wave of chattering issued but this time it took much longer for them to pipe down.

"The first will be the test of wit! A simple riddle, the answer of which you will present to any member of the faculty. You have exactly three weeks to solve the riddle and on this day, three weeks from now the second trial will be announced. That is all, you are dismissed." The Headmistress made her exit through a different hallway, leaving everyone to mingle and talk.

Haiden noticed Master Coner with the corner of his eye entering the great hall. He became unconsciously aware of the man's presence. He took a good look at him and noticed a few specks of red around his neck.

He's up to something, Screech. He said.

Bad man always up to something.

"Maree, Vick, that's an unexpected pair." Tasgal said, trying to ease the tension, brining Haiden back to the conversation.

"The will of the Creators." Camila said, bursting in laughter. Maree was overly quiet, unlike his usual self.

"I can't believe I'm paired with this scrawny twerp." Vick complained, rolling his eyes. Again, Maree kept quiet.

"Hey, watch it, you brainless grass grazing mron." Camilla immediately jumped to his defense. "This scrawny twerp can hand your ass to you on a silver platter. You might be seven feet tall with inhumanly big muscles, and probably can lift all of us at one time, and your pretty face-"

"Cams, you're starting to compliment him." Haiden chuckled. Vick seemed unbothered. He raised his arms around his chest making his already tight shirt bulge and stretch at the seams, as if he wanted his muscles to be noticed. Maree turned away, finding something interesting in the crowd.

"I can beat him, one hand tied behind my back." Vick scoffed and looked down at the blue eye blond Wielder. Vick was now annoyed by Maree's lack of reaction. "What do you say, Twerp?"

"You'll eat your words, mron-brains. Maree might actually be stronger than me." Haiden puffed his chest, and pointed a finger at Vick. Haiden didn't lie, he believed that Maree, with Alva's power, had more destructive power than him.

Tasgal laughed, then quickly silenced himself with a hand over his mouth. Both Haiden and Camila looked at him annoyed.

"Well, all that's left is to see who is stronger." Camila said smugly.

"No!" Maree suddenly objected."We don't need to fight!" His cheeks were dusted pink, eyes wide open with distress.

"Tomorrow is a free day, meet us in the gardens at noon." She grabbed both Haiden and Maree pulling them after her. "You should come fully armored." She stormed with her friends behind her. "Who does he think he is! Fucking asshole." Camila said under her breath.

"You shouldn't have done that, Cams." Maree began walking in front, annoyed.

"Yes I did. He needs to be put in his place."

They began arguing, Haiden toned out keeping his eyes on Master Conner, he was discussing something serious with Master Parvell. Haiden was certain that Parvell noticed the stains on his neck, the man kept glancing at them.

"Haiden, who do you think is right?" Camila asked, bringing him back. "Hello?"

"Yeah, I think you should fight him. You're definitely more powerful, and if he doesn't take you seriously he'll end up not doing his job." Haiden said, trying to look past Camila for Master Coner. It seemed that the man was excusing himself, trying to leave the gathering.

"See I told - "

"Sorry I got to go." Haiden pushed Camila to the side and followed Master Coner. Haiden carefully made his way through the crowd, trying to not lose him but also keep his distance.

Once they made their way outside, Haiden stopped and ducked after a corner, pulling on his Fios concealing his presence.

Haiden saw the world in lines of blue with bright beacons. The lights were blinding from all the people present during this time of day. Luckily the man went over to a less populated area, avoiding anyone at all costs. He then proceeded to go on a narrow path behind one of the buildings next to the dormitories. It was a warehouse from what Haiden had seen, mostly run by servants bringing things like bedding, furniture, and even food in and out.

Master Conner had stopped next to a few trees looking around to see if there was anyone there. Haiden closed in as much as he could, hiding behind a batch of thick bushes. While cloaked sound was muffled and mostly indistinguishable, and he prayed to the Creators themself that he didn't step on any twig or rustle any leaves as he settled in. He couldn't keep his Cloaking spell for too long, so once he was satisfied he dropped the spell, sunlight blinding his eyes.

The man he stalked carefully behind the bushes pulled a necklace with a brown stone from his pocket and began working at it. Haiden felt a faint trace of Fios being used.

"Are you there." Master Coner began.

A bonding stone Screech said in Haiden's mind.

What is he doing with it?

Talk to someone.

The man began moving even further, but Haiden couldn't follow. Screech, go quick. Go after him and tell me what he's saying.

The creature flew over towards Master Coner, wiggling his undeveloped apendice as he slowly followed the man.

So?

He apologize for not contacting sooner. First trial was no good. Failed miserably. Attacked unblessed, yes. But also injured Wielder. Crazy woman with bird began screaming. Had to postpone. Yes. I know. It will be done. Second trial. Yes. Yes. Much better. Only unblessed. Six before they took notice. Haiden noticed the man nodding as if someone was scolded him. Promise. Will be ready when Bahal falls.

Haiden, cloak fast! He finished.

Haiden did as Screech said and waited for the man to pass by. After he was well out of sight, Haiden removed his cloak.

I know he's up to something horrible, Screech. You saw Mara!

Yes. Bad man.

----

The next day Haiden had to endure Maree's furious complaints on his sparring match with Vick, saying Camila had no right. But she simply ignored his objections. They managed to pack a great deal of food from the dining hall and made their way towards the garden.

The window blew lazily through the leaves of trees while birds of all kinds sung beautifully as they flew beneath the thick blanket of clouds that shaded everything from the summer sun.

Haiden took a deep breath of fresh brisk air, as he looked in the distance. The clouds grew steadily darker the farther they were, but moving rapidly towards them.

Rain Screech said in his mind. Haiden had to agree, the weather didn't seem appropriate for a brawl between Maree and Vick, but it couldn't be avoided. If Haiden was honest with himself, he just wanted Vick to be put in his place. He was always too full of himself and something about him irked Haiden. He wasn't sure if he felt like Haiden stole his friend away from him or that he just didn't like him, or any Wielder in general. His bad attitude had to go and this was the only way. Of course, he also feared for Maree's safety, just like Camila. How can an Ashen protect someone he doesn't even respect?

"Did you talk with the Headmistress about Alva." Haiden asked as they approached the gardens.

"Yeah, Vick has to know, there's no way hiding it from him." Maree replied. "We can simply have a picnic and talk." He raised the basket full of food. "We don't have to fight." Maree's voice trembled.

"Yes you do!" Camila insisted. "You'll have to teach him some manners. Show him who's the boss." She flexed her arm.

"If it were someone else, Maree, I'd completely agree with you. But this is Vick. Big, dumb, I can eat anyone just with my muscles, Vick."

Maree's head dropped, his gaze never leaving the stone tiled ways. "I guess. You alright with that, Alva?" he received his reply and nodded. "Even you?" He blurted out annoye.

The gardens as always were filled with beautiful flowers in full bloom. One of Master Omnelia's hobbies was tending the garden and she prided herself with the arrangements she made this year. Next to the central fountain that ran with clear water waited Tasgal, Kip, and Vick in full armor with his sword on his shoulder.

"Thought you had a change of mind and ran with your tail between your legs." Vick smiled smugly at Maree.

"Let's just do this and get over with." Maree pushed past the three Ashen towards the gate.

"What's gotten into him?" Tasgal asked Haiden to which he shrugged.

They followed silently after Maree to the same clearing. Kip and Camila chatted idly as they set up the blanket and food. Haiden sat with Tasgal at the base of a tree, waiting for the spectacle to begin while Maree and Vick took positions.

Wind blew Maree's hair softly, his eyes locking onto Vick whose brown eyes glinted with the anticipation of a fight. He licked his lips and smiled. There was a slight discomfort and hesitance in Maree's stance.

"You got this, Maree!" Camila yelled, sitting safely a good distance away.

Vick unsheathed his sword. It was similar to Tasgal's sword, encrusted with stones, but much wider and longer. It was a longsword, that only a mountain of muscle like Vick could handle with such grace and ease as if it was made of wood.

"Ready, pretty face?" Vick taunted. Maree's reaction was very unlike his usual self. Instead of spewing sharp edged words that would cut Vick to his core, he shied his gaze away from the man.

"Ready. Alva!" he shouted, and the awakened fox jumped out of nowhere in front of Maree. The white fur swayed gently in the wind. It's small stature was accentuated by Vick's size.

"I don't know what trick this is, but you think this white rat will be able to beat me?" Vick laughed.

"One hit, nonlethal, no blood!" Tasgal shouted.

"Yeah, yeah." Vick said, rolling his eyes. "I'll let you throw the first punch, pretty face. Even if it's two on one"

Maree didn't reply, he instantly took action. Haiden felt the fios around him swelling up in dangerous amounts. Maree raised a thick barrier between him and Vick and sent a few powerful force blasts towards his opponent.

Vick did not budge. With one fell swoop of his sword he dissipated the force blast that came right for him into nothing. Two others landed on the tree to his right. The sheer power of those forcedblasts destroyed the thick bark of the Emler.

With that, Vick charged towards Maree with surprising ease and speed. Maree was taken by surprise by the Ashen's agility, were it not for Alva's charge, Vick would have taken Maree's head completely as his shield was dispelled by the sword.

Maree stumbled back. "Right, it wouldn't have been so easy, would it." He said under his breath. "Avla! Battle form." With that, the small creature was engulfed in flames and grew instantly into a fierce creature ready to strike.

"What the fuck!?" Vick was taken aback by the sudden change in appearance leaving himself open.

"Charge!" Alva did as instructed and pounced on Vick with a vicious snarl, his long ears steadying him as he landed with his massive paws on the man. He held the sword as a shield against Alva's sharp claws.

Maree was preparing another force blast but as soon as he was ready to strike, through sheer willpower and strength Vick threw off Alva and parried the blasts with his sword.

"Is that all you got, pretty face?" He licked his lips, eyes becoming crazed with excitement. He dashed towards Alva swinging his sword at the creature with intention to kill. Alva easily avoided the strikes, as if he were a feather in the wind. "Stay! Put!" Vick gritted his teeth.

While Vick focused his attention on Alva, Maree threw four icicles at his back. In mid swing Vick shifted his weight and turned in the last second swiping at Maree's spells dispelling them into nothing.

A series of attacks followed from Maree, from force blasts to icicles to a few stray lightning bolts. Vick easily handled the barrage while with one armored hand fending off Alva's attempts.

"Is that all you got." Vick laughed and punched Alva straight in the snout. The creature whimpered and staggered a few paces behind. "That was satisfying." He laughed and swung his sword at Alva who was monetarily impaired.

"No!" Maree cried out, planting his foot solidly on the ground he clenched his fist, driving it up with as much strength as he could. Everything on the ground, pebbles, rocks, bugs, sticks and leaves, all were flung towards Vick blocking his vision for one moment for him to hesitate his strike and allow Alva to jump away.

With a flick of his sword everything dropped to the ground and began swinging in rapid succession not allowing Alva nor Maree to do anything. Any spell he threw at the berserking man was instantly dispelled. He was closing faster than Maree had hoped, a few swings coming so close to his face he felt the air pressure with each strike, managing to avoid them only by quickly scrambling back. He sent a few more spells as he ran away, they only slowed down the man.

Haiden and Camila were shouting at him from the side but he only heard muffled cries. As he was ready to land his sword on Maree. Haiden felt a huge build up of Fios. Alva was ready to disintegrate Vick and Haiden stood ready to stop it.

Vick, as if he felt it, turned in an instant slicing the giant ball of blue fire into two, it's heat dispelling at the same time with it.

"That's more like it." Vick smiled and jumped to his right avoiding another icicle from Maree.

A few more fireballs came his way, some of which he sliced while others he had to dodge.

He began now closing in on Alva, swinging his sword again with ferocious power. As if he just became even more powerful than before. Alva had a harder time dodging this time, Vick's sword slicing through a few locks of his white fur.

Maree finally able to catch his breath he gathered energy in both his hands and sent next to Vick's feet, shaking the ground under him. One of his legs gave in and in that one moment of imbalance Alva lunged forward grabbing his hand with a strong bite. It's vertical mouth clamping down on his fist. Vick quickly placed his sword between him and Maree to deflect any spells and with all of his strength he trusted his hand deeper into the Awakened's mouth, his fangs scraping his metal gauntlets as the creature pulled back.

"Alva!" Maree shouted, as Vick swung his sword again. It landed with the back of the sword. It wasn't lethal to Alva, his body was mostly energy, but the force of the blunt strike hit with a solid thud throwing him right into a tree.

Vick dragged his sword through the grown, throwing dust and pebbles at Maree. The shock of the sword reached him, clouding his vision for seconds, then he sprinted towards Maree, not leaving him one second to worry about his partner. "Shit!" he cried as his watery eyes looked straight into Vicks brown eyes. He moved in striking distance within seconds. Panicked, Maree threw a couple of force blasts at the ground next to his feet, launching himself a few paces away.

The sword struck the dirt and mud of the forest floor leaving behind a small crater.

Alva came quickly from behind grabbing Vick's leg and pulling his feet from under him. He landed face first in the mud. He kicked at Alva's snout with heavy hits. He whimpered in pain.

While Vick was on the ground Maree pulled on his remaining energy and condensed the water near his opponent and in a flash, the water froze solid around him, restraining his actions. Maree quickly encased in thick ice Vick's right wrist, leaving him unable to use the sword.

He kicked and squirmed under the ice, slowly chipping at it.

"Maree, now!" Haiden's yell came through.

Maree ran as fast as he could, while continuously freezing the ice cage over and over again where it broke from Vick's thrashing. His armor was powerful against the ice and his sword weakened everything around it. His wrist was almost free, but as soon as Maree reached him, he cocked his fist as far as he could and hailed it down right in Vick's jaw.

"This is for being such a prick!"