Dark surroundings. Eerie sounds. Foul smell. Tingly sensations. These enveloped Keira in a seemingly endless pit of void. She looked down and couldn’t see her figure. It was like she only had the senses but not the body parts. It was a state of being numb and not at the same time. She looked around to no avail. Then, a familiar voice was heard.
“Keira… Keira… Keira… Sweetie…”
“Huh? Where am I?” Keira asked. “Mother?”
A slight giggle came from the voice. “After all this time, you still call me your mother. Thank you. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“What? Why are you here? Is this where you were imprisoned? Was I imprisoned, too?”
“It looks like it but I doubt you would go down that easily. The warden that Solthor hired didn’t seem like she had enough of an attachment to really any of his memories to capture you. However, the plan was never to capture you all along.”
Keira gulped. Despite not having any body parts, she felt sweat all over her face. She trembled. This was the first time she has felt this way in front of Isolfar. She had always been secure around her mother. Now, she felt uncertain. She felt that she's in danger.
“I just wanted to invite you to a little chit-chat about this world. Something that maybe, I should have told you a long time ago. After all, you won’t be staying here permanently.” Isolfar seemingly took a big breath. “Keira, come with me. Choose to be with me and no harm will ever fall upon this world. Let me be the only one burdened by my immortality. I have been in Isoraeon for centuries and I’ve seen every single event go my way. If you don’t choose me, my daughter, your sister, Solthor, will wreak more havoc than I am capable of.”
“S… Sister? What are you talking about? I never grew up with a sister.”
“That’s why I’m saying that I’ve lived for centuries. I’m immortal, I’ve had many children and this is the first time that I’m being forcefully separated from my child. I don’t like that. I HATE THAT. I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME AS I LOVE YOU. CHOOSE ME! OR ELSE!”
“Mother… You’re scaring me,” Keira's voice cracked. Silence befell on Isolfar’s end as if she regretted her tone.
“I-I’m sorry, sweetie, I didn’t mean to do that, it’s just- I don’t want you to be caught up in Solthor’s plans. If you’re with me, you’d be safe from her. If you’re with me, we can live together again. If you’re with me, I can cook for you again. Keira, please, don’t make this difficult for your mother.”
“But why did you do all those things back then? Why would you kill my own parents? Why would you kill my real mother in front of me? Why did you behead her?”
“It was because I was afraid to lose you. This is all about you, it’s never been about me. I’m protecting you from being vulnerable. Both the Meoons and the Witches are incapable of protecting you because they’re weak. I raised you so I know you best and I know that you would understand where I’m coming from.”
“But I still don’t understand… You were always so supportive of me wanting to explore the world, knowing more about the two races. Why, right now, suddenly, you’re wanting to take that away from me?”
“Once Solthor gets a hold of the book of the Nether Gods, that world will no longer be safe. She’s my daughter and I know how much worse she could be than me. The only way for you to be safe by then is if you’re with me. WITH ME! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND? WITH ME, YOUR MO-!”
Keira heard a long high-frequency ring.
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The following day, Keira woke up with Anaia asleep sitting upright. She must have been watching me all this time, Keira thought. But what was that conversation that I had? Was it a dream? A nightmare? Keira felt like an anvil was on top of her chest. It felt heavier than usual. I don’t know what to do. Suddenly, tears began to flow down Keira’s face and the near silent cries of her somehow awoke Anaia.
“What’s wrong?” Anaia rushed to her and held her. “Did you have a nightmare? Did you remember something?” Keira did not respond. Her tears made it for her to speak a word, let alone breathe. Anaia understood her sentiment and just kept patting her on the back. “It’s going to be alright.”
For a whole week, Keira didn’t speak of anything. Her mind swarmed her with thoughts and questions, eager to find answers, eager to make a decision. I loved my mother, whatever she may have been, she was the one who raised me. I grew a fondness for the world because of the stories she told me. Images of the Meoon village incident popped back in her mind. But that’s also my mother. An innocent-murdering possessive parent who killed my real parents. And that’s who I should face. Keira struck a concerned look on her face. And I’m scared.
Elysia visited the house and Keira quickly turned her attention. Maybe Elysia will have the answers to my questions but I’m not sure if it’s too soon. Keira stood up and looked at Elysia. But it’s better than being too late. She went to approach Elysia after she had greeted Anaia.
“Elysia, may I talk to you about something in private?” Keira asked. With her serious face, Elysia had no choice but to nod. Anaia’s concerned look just grew but she didn’t interfere in whatever Keira had in store. I'm sorry, Anaia, I can't involve you yet in this. Keira and Elysia went outside to the forest.
“I heard that you haven’t been talking for a week now. What gives?” Elysia asked. They had settled to a place surrounded by trees with thick leaves.
Should I tell her that I talked to my mother? Or should I just ask about defending myself? Things may be more complicated for them if they knew of my connection to Solthor. “When the warden from a week ago struck me, I was… scared.” Elysia’s eyes grew. “I felt like I had been transported to somewhere not in this world. It was dark and cold. I never want to feel that sensation ever again. The foul smell, the dark void, the eerie ringing, they were all so heavy.” I can’t tell them yet that I know about Solthor. “I want to know what the warden and this Solthor is after. I can’t stand having to go to sleep every night thinking that there’s something within me that’s important.” Maybe if I could get her to bring up the book of the Nether Gods, it’ll be easier for them.
“I’m really sorry to hear that, Keira,” Elysia said. She looked as if she was recollecting her thoughts before uttering, “There’s not much that we can say to anybody. It’s highly confidential information and as much as I want to ease up the burden within your heart, I cannot break my oath.” Looks like it didn’t work, huh? “However, I would like to know more about this dark void that you were in. And maybe some other way we can help you with your situation?”
“The dark void was just that, a void, I didn’t see any of my body parts yet I could feel that they were there. I think it was the space of imprisonment where Wardens send the people they imprison,” Keira explained. Maybe I could at least tell her that I was not alone. “And I was not alone. There were voices, unfiltered, noisy, messy, I couldn’t make up what they said. They sounded like a bunch of stringed voices of different frequencies. It was disturbing.”
Elysia thought for a second. “But the thing is, your body was still here in the real world yet you got there. From our witnesses and what we know, when a Warden imprisons you, you disappear from this world. Yet you got there, albeit temporarily. Maybe Solthor’s orders were specifically that to try and reach you. You didn’t talk to anybody there, didn’t you?”
“No, I didn’t. I was completely alone for what felt like a day. It was a scene from a nightmare yet it felt so real.” I’m sorry, Elysia, I don’t know why I’m unable to tell the truth. “Even if some voice tried to reach me, I couldn’t understand them so I had no response. My mouth was shut the entire time.”
“Thanks for the information, Keira,” Elysia remarked and nodded. “We’ll do our best so you won’t have to experience that again. We’ve yet to know Solthor’s true intentions and what her connections are with you. She’s been a cause of trouble for a long time, even more so than your mother, original sin. There’s a possibility they’re connected but evidence is yet to be found.”
“You’re welcome,” Keira took a deep breath. “M-Maybe, I can…” she stammered. “Maybe I can be of help to your mission. Whatever you’re trying to find. Help me be more capable in combat and let me in on your mission. After all, I was raised by my mother. Surely, I’ll be of use to the Meoons. I don’t want to be a bystander and keep on being a target.”
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“Alright, we’ll think about it. For now, this may be as far as I can let you in on the situation. There’s a top-secret artifact in the world of Isoraeon that not many commoners are allowed to know about. Solthor is after said book and a warden was able to imprison her with the help of one of the previous elites,” Elysia went teary-eyed before wiping it off. “So, we’ll train you before we let you come with us. I’ll suggest to the Guardian and the Elites that you’re our best chance at finding out the root cause of the problem given that you’re Solthor’s target for some reason. There’s only one person who has access to that book and we happen to know who they are, just not WHERE they are.”
Keira nodded. She stared directly into Elysia’s eyes. “I'll be waiting for your response. I want to learn combat and go find that book,” Elysia slightly flinched from Keira's statement. “I want to prove to my mother that I am someone without her.” More importantly, I want to prove to myself that I AM someone without her.
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It was time for Keira’s first day of formally training her combat skills. Word had gotten all over the village about the recent attack, thus, Keira was quite well-known already among the Meoons. It feels like everyone is watching me. I’m kind of nervous, Keira thought to herself. But this is something that I have to do. When they finally got to the academy, more eyes were looking at her way.
“Keira! Welcome to the academy,” Kenon greeted Keira with a big smile. “I’m glad you’re able to go outside more often,” he turned to Anaia and Elysia. “Thanks to you two, Keira is not all that nervous around others anymore. I must say you have done quite a wonderful job.”
Anaia and Elysia denied the compliment and gave credit to Kenon.
“Ah, no point in arguing now, let’s just say we all helped Keira overcome her fears,” Kenon declared. “Now, Keira, you should watch and learn from my students about combat. There are an infinite number of styles of combat but I have narrowed them down to three major groups.”
Keira nodded and went beside Kenon. They were just a few meters away from the sparring field so they could see clearly. She looked over the field and noticed that it's the sand field. She looked around and saw Meoons all over the academy paying attention. “Frydrick, Jihan, you two, go!”
Frydrick and Jihan followed Kenon’s orders and they went to the sparring field. Keira noticed their feet slightly burrowed into the ground. So, they’re practicing in the sand, huh? Jihan had unusual clothing. In contrast to Frydrick’s looser clothing, he was wearing gray slacks and a tight yellow sweater.
“Sand is the main grounds for sparring because it will encapsulate the full capabilities of the students. We also have scheduled training sessions outside of the academy so they get used to environments they’re not familiar with,” Kenon said. Did he just read my mind? Keira asked herself. “Now, observe as two of my best students demonstrate a competent battle.”
Jihan went on all fours as if imitating a cat. Frydrick just stood and after bowing to each other. They both charged towards each other. Jihan was on the offensive as he delivered multiple punches and kicks. Frydrick blocked every single one and intercepted by ducking a swing from Jihan and punching his gut.
“Right now, they’re focused on striking. Utilizing their body to deliver physical blows to each other. It is the most common form of combat. Even someone with no training who hits hard will be able to win in a combat style like this,” Kenon gave his observation. “Watch closely as to how Frydrick and Jihan try to control the tides of the battle by seeing who keeps up with pressure more. The longer the battle goes, the harder it is to tell who has enough momentum to win.”
Jihan landed safely and Frydrick rushed towards him but he attempted to sweep Frydrick’s feet but the latter jumped in time. Jihan quickly moved out the way and Frydrick spun his body and foot to deliver a kick as he sensed Jihan standing up. Jihan blocked with his forearm and grabbed Frydrick’s leg but Frydrick forcefully pulled his leg. Jihan was sent towards Frydrick. Frydrick delivered an uppercut which Jihan dodged by swirling his body around. It looked like he was going to land on his back but with incredible balance, he put one hand on the ground and did a spinning kick that hit Frydrick square in the nose.
Incredible! Keira thought. He made it look like he was open for an attack but was quick enough to deliver one himself.
“I saw that coming,” Frydrick claimed with a sly smile.
“Then you should’ve dodged it,” Jihan replied with a smirk.
“Alright, time to take this seriously,” Frydrick said before rushing towards Jihan. He delivered a right hook but Jihan ducked to gut punch him. Frydrick quickly retracted his arm to block the gut punch. Jihan tried to sweep Frydrick’s feet but he jumped to avoid it. The latter still held the former’s hand while suspended in the air but Jihan got his hand back and they both punched each other.
“Looks like we’re still even in striking combat, don’t you think, Frydrick?”
“Yeah, let’s show ‘em how we do it in other styles." They both nodded and slowly approached each other.
“They’re both setting each other up to make openings. From here on out, grappling will also be implemented in their styles of combat. This is by far the one that requires the most technique. A deep understanding of anatomy and spatial awareness is needed to successfully clasp on your opponent. Make sure you watch this since this will be an essential training lesson for you,” Kenon said. Keira nodded and observed the two closely.
Jihan threw a sudden jab but Frydrick ducked and grabbed one of Jihan’s legs to lift him up and drop him. Jihan took advantage of the position by wrapping his bicep around Frydrick’s nape, attempting to close in on a guillotine choke hold but Frydrick noticed and rolled over multiple times to shrug off the hold. As soon as both of them were free from each other’s grips, Jihan threw a kick to Frydrick and the latter ate it. As Frydrick was stunned, he held one of his hands on his temple but Jihan jumped with his feet and wrapped it under and around Frydrick’s neck and armpit. Jihan tightened the triangle choke hold and Frydrick attempted to carry him but the former was too heavy. Before losing more breath, Frydrick heats up his body, forcing Jihan to let go.
“Didn’t we already say that the first one to use their elemental manipulation loses?” Jihan said.
“Well, I couldn’t think of any other way to get out of that situation."
“Alright, I guess, there’s truly no holding back this time,” they nodded at each other and rushed towards each other.
“Now, they’re finally onto the third combat style: magic. Both Frydrick and Jihan are Elemental Meoons and they are gifted ones with a huge mana pool so they are able to use their magic outside of their feline form. However, even as a teacher who isn’t supposed to place bets on his students, I can conclude that Jihan has the disadvantage here. It’s not because heat is superior to nature but there’s nothing much Jihan could use here to his advantage while Frydrick can undoubtedly turn the battlefield into his own playground,” Kenon stated. “But we’ll have to see, it’s important to observe how one capitalizes on an advantage and how one decides to attack while being disadvantaged.”
Frydrick heated up the sand, forcing Jihan to move more. The latter hopped and did little bursts of motion to not stay in contact with the sand. Frydrick tried to catch him but to no luck. Jihan suddenly felt the sand cool down again and smirked.
“Looks like you realized you don’t have infinite mana,” Jihan taunted.
“Tch,” Frydrick clicked his tongue. “It’s no big deal. No one will win this fight if no one comes at the other.”
“And you’re going to admit that you can’t beat the rank 2 student of this academy?” Jihan teased Frydrick. He was successful in pissing his opponent off as Frydrick’s eyes widened and was followed by an incredible sprint towards Jihan. Jihan side-steps and uses tiny pebbles beneath the sand to throw at Frydrick. The latter gets hit and is stunned. As he turned around, Jihan was already in front of him and got his shoulder in position for a guillotine choke hold. Jihan scouted Frydrick heating up his body. He retracted his attempt and kicked Frydrick on his temple.
“It’s quite fitting that one of Frydrick’s witness is his temper. Since heat represents anger. He might be the rank 1 in this academy but he’s not unbeatable,” Kenon declared. “When it comes to his combat prowess, no one can touch him but he’s emotionally unstable. Right now, Jihan is able to get under his skin because he values his pride too much. That anger, that heat inside of him is what could very well be his weakness.” Keira was listening to Kenon while also observing how the fight went down. At the moment, Jihan looks like he’s outclassing Frydrick in every aspect of the fight. Kenon suddenly added, “But that’s also what gives him strength.”
Jihan was about to punch Frydrick again but his fists were caught. Immediately, he felt a scorch and screamed in pain. He tried to let go but Frydrick held his fist tight. Jihan manipulated some pebbles to weaken Frydrick’s grip. Frydrick let go and drove his knee to Jihan’s gut. Jihan tried to deliver an elbow but Frydrick ducks and delivers an uppercut. Immediately, he attempted to grab Jihan by the waist to set up a bear hug but Jihan jumped backwards. Frydrick dashed forward and heated up the sand yet again. Kenon, Keira, Anaia, Elysia, and other Meoons in the academy were watching the sparring closely. Jihan was on the defensive this time but managed to deliver a hook to Frydrick’s cheek. Frydrick absorbed the punch like it was nothing and delivered a punch of his own.
“That’s enough!” Kenon shouted. “Time is up.”
Frydrick and Jihan stopped and looked at their teacher. They shook hands after a while and left the battlefield. They went to Kenon and bowed their heads.
“You two did well,” Kenon complimented their efforts. “Take a rest because you’ll have another sparring later outside.”
“It’s hard to take a draw now but I’m glad that I have the chance to beat you later,” Frydrick said.
“We’ll see about that, I’ve beaten you before and I’ll do it again,” Jihan replied.
“The two of you won’t be beating each other because you’re gonna be battling together against someone else,” Kenon revealed. The two looked shocked and wondered who the opponent would be. “Since you’re both elemental Meoons, why not have you team up to take on someone of a different class. Though I doubt that it’s a threat to her.”
“Good luck to you two later,” Elysia stepped in. “Kenon informed me of this just a little while back. It’ll be a great way to demonstrate how I’m able to utilize my magic against you two.” Both Frydrick and Jihan seemed terrified yet excited at the same time. “Come, Anaia, Keira, let’s go out for a bit.” As they were going out, the two men were already strategizing as if they hadn't just fought.