Evening had arrived in the BloodStar Empire. Constance and Nero both stood guard as Xenia remained in the rejuvenation chamber.

Constance curiously questioned Nero, “You saw the immediate aftermath of the attack on Xenia. You’ve been here more than anyone observing her. What do you make of her condition today? What’s your honest opinion if she will live or die?”

Nero stopped meditating and stood to face Constance, “If you asked me several days ago, I would’ve said her chances are slim. Her injuries had been showing a creeping progression.” He paused to look Xenia over before continuing, “However, ever since her hair changed colors in that brief moment and she released a finer, more controlled aura, her injuries have not only stopped progressing but regressed in many areas. A subtle change but a real one to be sure.”

Constance looked Nero in the eyes and said, “Nero. Stop dancing around my question. Do you think she will live? Or die?”

Nero gave a half smile and replied, “Live.”

Constance excitedly asked, “Really? How can you be sure?!”

He sat back down to meditate and said, “Because I know Xenia’s healing powers very well. She has turned the tide in the battle within her. She will be back with us shortly. The world should be fearful.”

Constance had a huge grin, “Fearful indeed.” She continued to smile as she sat down in a chair with her arms crossed.

The two went about their own ways of passing the idle time. Hours passed as the clock struck midnight when suddenly… the room once again began to glow a blood red.

Nero and Constance stood to attention on high-alert as they saw Xenia’s hair had once again turned a deep blood-red crimson. Both Nero and Constance instantly knew this occurrence was unlike the last time, however. Xenia’s aura was rapidly expanding and showed no signs of stopping as it surged.

The aura was refined, powerful, and focused. Unlike the brief burst of her crimson red aura from last time, the current aura was unbridled and unimpeded by residual ki from the Lightbringer attack. It had won.

As Nero and Constance stood and stared in awe at the power presenting itself before them, a spatial tear appeared in the room. Empress Victoria walked out from the spatial tear and proudly looked on at her daughter, “Did you feel that surge of ki? I came as soon as I felt it. She has won. She is back. Look!”

Xenia’s arm, flank, legs, and eye were all growing back at a pace visible to the naked eye as it overtook and overran the residual ki from the attack she absorbed in full force. Xenia was making a sudden and miraculous recovery right before their very eyes.

No more than a minute passed before Xenia’s body had been made whole again. Although her body was whole again, her aura did not stop growing in power. Xenia’s aura surged even more creating a dark red aura that filled the rejuvenation tank and surrounding room until finally a breaking point was reached.

The rejuvenation chamber shattered under the pressure of her aura alone. The chamber’s fluid spilled as it rushed forth to the floor. Xenia caught herself on the ground as she fell causing the cords and mask to rip away. She knelt on one knee with two hands to the ground stabilizing herself.

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She looked up at her audience of Nero, Constance, and Victoria and softly said, “I hope the Holy Light Empire doesn’t think they’ve won just yet. I am ready for a rematch.”

____________________________________________________________

After having her attendants clean Xenia up from the gooey fluid of the rejuvenation chamber, Empress Victoria and General BloodStar sat alone in her mother’s private master suite.

Victoria was both relieved and concerned. Relieved that her daughter was alive. Concerned that her daughter was so eager to return to battle.

“You need rest Xenia. The Holy Light Empire is preparing for war. They are more prepared now than when you nearly died. What makes you think you can waltz into their empire and return victorious?” Empress Victoria sternly advised her daughter.

Xenia sat with her legs crossed in her all-black leather military outfit and smiled at her mother, “I too am more prepared.” Her hair was black; however, she ran her hand through her hair and continued, “Or have you not seen my new hair in my Bloodlust state? It’s more than just a new look. Its power.”

She stood up and paced the room and continued, “I lacked focus. I lacked awareness. You warned me, and I failed. I failed to properly use the Bloodlust technique. I had unrivaled power but failed to channel it appropriately. It led to my demise. But now… Now I have even more power. I have the focus to wield it. And I have a motive for the first time in my life. Do you know how potent a combination that is for someone as talented as me?”

Victoria nodded, “Your power has always outstepped mine at a comparable age. I believe you are now catching up to me in my prime. Your power will only continue to grow. Why rush out there? Furthermore, things have changed while you were recovering. A Master Family conference is to take place in a week. You should await the outcome of that conference to help guide your next move.”

Xenia crossed her arms and looked out the window and down onto the BloodStar Empire, “Yes. Before going all out in war, I agree I should wait.” She turned to her mother and said, “I will wait if you agree to hold a War ceremony for me after the conference.”

Victoria smiled, “It’s already planned. You will become Warlord Xenia BloodStar. You will officially outrank the King and Queen here at home. And abroad, you will have the authority to act on my behalf as an active Warlord.”

Xenia ran to hug her mother, “This is the best surprise ever!! Thank you, mother!”

Victoria laughed, “Think nothing of it. I have a much better surprise for you. Would you like to hear it?”

Xenia gave her a sharp look and said, “Would I?!”

Victoria took a sip of her drink and replied, “What happened to you doesn’t sit well with me. An attack on you especially one of such caliber as the Holy Light Empire performed is call for war as we will make official following the ceremony. However, my inability to get involved has created a boil for revenge as soon as possible.” She took another sip and looked to Xenia.

Xenia nodded, “I think I like where this is going. Do go on, mother.”

Victoria gave a smile filled with evil intent, “Pope Gregory is on lockdown preparing for war at all times. St. Michael, likewise, is preparing to lead the armies on the front lines wherever he may be sent. But Pope Peter… I hear he is relaxing. I hear he is planning a pre-war party at the estate of a Duchess Carmen Innocente tomorrow night. He plans to rally support and rub elbows with cardinals and the likes of the empire. It would be a shame if you weren’t there to honor him with a gift of your own. Unofficially, of course.”

Xenia gave a devilish smile in return to her mother, “You are quite right, mother. I really should honor him at such an event with so many VIP’s. After all, I am a very pretty princess. I am likely expected at such an event. And what kind of guest would I be if I didn’t bring a gift he will never forget.”

Xenia stood smiling to herself in thought. She had so many ideas. She was filled with excitement. She then turned to her mother and said, “I even have the perfect dress for such an occasion.”

Empress Victoria put her joy and laughter aside for a moment and on a serious note added, “It may also be of use to keep him alive and bring him back here. If your Bloodlust abilities have increased your Bloodbending to my level, then you will find that Bloodbending can be even more useful. I will let you come to your own conclusions from practicing on Peter or others at the party.”

Xenia still bubbled with joy as she said, “Oh mother. You misunderstand my excitement. I wouldn’t dream of ever killing Peter. He’s going to be mine to play with for as long as I live.”