Tag: writers

Volume 1

14. Old Wounds, New Entry

imeryli

“It’s all your fault,” the voice echoed. Surrounded in a cave of darkness, Sana was down on her knees. Her legs could feel the pain of the rigid ground as she held an unconscious Rey in her arms. A waterfall of tears gushed from her eyes. Sana tried to ignore the voice as its eerie sound continued to repeat itself to her, rattling her fragile eardrums.

   “NO! I didn’t mean to!”

   “It’s all your fault.”

   “Stop it!”

   “It’s all your fault.”

   “NO!”

   Sana got up from her bed, her body shaking frantically. She felt hot, especially with all the sweat that was on her forehead. It was all just a dream. She took a few deep breaths, trying her best to relax. At that moment, Krystal and Heer immediately opened the door of the health center. “Sana! Are you okay?!” Heer asked Sana, concerned.

   “What?! Where am I?!” Sana asked.

   “You’re in the health center. After you passed out, we brought you here to get treated,” Krystal replied.

   “How do you feel now?” Heer inquired.

   “Forget me!” Sana exclaimed. “Where’s Rey?! How is he?!”

   “Rey was taken to the ICU,” Krystal replied. “He should be o-“

   “What?! No! No!” Sana cried as she rushed out of bed to leave, while Krystal and Heer stood before her.

   “Hold it, Sana! You need to rest. You took a pretty bad beating as well,” Krystal told Sana.

   “I don’t care!” Sana shouted as she went past Krystal and Heer and ran out of the room.

   Sana continued to run down the hall until she got to the intensive care unit at the end. She immediately barged into the room, shouting, “Rey!”

   Startled, Prince and Neil turned around, seeing Sana come inside. Sana looked at Rey, who was lying on the bed, still unconscious.     

   “Sana?” Neil said.

   “How’s Rey doing?” Sana asked. “Is he okay? Tell me!”

   “Relax, Sana,” Prince said, putting his hands on Sana’s shoulders to calm her down. “The doctor said he just needs rest.”

   “He also mentioned that we we’re lucky enough to get here when we did, otherwise it could’ve been far worse,” Neil told Sana.

   “Shouldn’t you be taking rest?” Prince asked Sana.

   “How can I when he’s like this?!” Sana asked.

   “Sana, it’s all right. Rey is strong. He’ll pull through this,” Neil assured.

   Sana went over to Rey’s side, watching over him. Prince and Neil looked on and shook their heads as they left the room, leaving Sana alone with Rey.

   “I really hope she’s not beating herself up over this,” Neil said.

   “She can’t help it,” Prince responded. “Besides, there is some concern. We don’t know what this wound is gonna do to him.”

***

   Far outside of the academy, in the streets of Daredevil City, a young boy was walking towards the gates of Ringmasters Training Academy. The boy had scraggly blond hair that looked very voluminous on the top with three hairs standing upward. His eyes were peacock blue, and his ears were adorned with silver stud earrings. He wore a loose, pale yellow infinity scarf around his neck, along with a sleeveless gray tank shirt, gray fingerless gloves, blue pants with a gray studded belt hanging loose around them, and gray boots. Walking along with him was a young girl. The girl had medium-length hair that was violet blue with a light blue streak on the single bang that sat on her forehead. She wore a jade green crop top with a gold band around it along with a dual-colored jacket in blue and green, brown shorts, and green boots.

   “What’s with you? You’ve been awfully quiet this whole time,” the girl told the boy.

   “You really think I’m interested in coming here?”

   “Then why the hell are we here?”

   “It’s all because of Mom.”

   “I can’t believe she’s letting you come here.”

   “I said the same thing. But it actually makes sense now.”

   “Does he even know?”

   “Mom told him.”

   “Okay. Well, honestly speaking, we could probably be doing something better with our time.”

   “Mom’s intuition is usually never wrong. If she thinks it’s worth coming here, I’m not gonna argue with her on it.”

   The boy and the girl kept walking till they reached the academy, entering inside the building through the front gates. They went down the halls, heading towards Headmaster Devil’s office. “You sure we’re going the right way?” the girl asked the boy.

   “Mom said it was the last door all the way down the hall.”

   “She visits here?”

   “Rarely, but her memory is sharp.”

   As the two got to the door of Headmaster Devil’s office, the boy went ahead and opened it, entering inside with the girl to a surprise. Headmaster Devil was at his desk, giggling with a young woman by his side. While they continued to laugh, Headmaster Devil turned to the boy and girl, stunned. He jumped out of his seat and shouted, “Zayn, my son! You’re here!”

   And that was the boy’s name: Zayn. Zayn shook his head, seeing Headmaster Devil with the other woman. “So, that’s your dad,” the girl said.

   “Typical,” Zayn said, rolling his eyes.

   “You have a son?!” the woman asked Headmaster Devil, surprised. “Wait a second. You two are Zayn Hawkwing and Akira Flareborne.”

   “That’s right. My boy is quite famous. He was one of the top students at his preparatory school,” Headmaster Devil pointed out.

   “And he’s your son?!” the woman asked, surprised.

   “Yes, darling. Since he’s here, can we meet later today? I have important father-son bonding to do right now,” Headmaster Devil told the woman.

   “Sure, Devil. I just love a family-oriented man!” the woman exclaimed.

   “Couldn’t be further from the truth,” Zayn said, shaking his head.

   The woman left the office, leaving Headmaster Devil with the two kids. He turned his focus to them, especially happy to see Zayn.

   “So nice to see you, son!” Headmaster Devil exclaimed.

   “Can’t say the feeling is mutual,” Zayn replied.

   “Son! How can you be so cold?” Headmaster Devil said.

   “Now I know why Mom left you. You’ve never even told anyone that you’ve been a married man once, have you? It suits your womanizer image,” Zayn said.

   “Oh, come on. I know your mother tends to say all kinds of stuff about me, but it’s only because she secretly still likes me,” Headmaster Devil said.

   “Sure, if you’re delusional,” Akira said.

   In the middle of the conversation, Aiden made an entry into the office, drawing Headmaster Devil, Zayn, and Akira’s attention towards him.

   “Aiden, have you ever understood the concept of knocking?” Headmaster Devil asked, irritated.

   “Sorry, sir. But you’re urgently needed in the cellar. It’s serious,” Aiden replied.

   “Just give me a few minutes. I’ll be down there in a moment,” Headmaster Devil said.

    After Aiden left, Akira asked “What was that all about?”

   “Never mind that. It’s just school business,” Headmaster Devil replied. “You both are welcome to this school from today. You’ll be joining the regular classes from tomorrow. So, feel free to look around and navigate your way through the building.”

   “Sounds good to me. Maybe we’ll meet some people from our class, too,” Akira said.

   “I’d rather not,” Zayn said.

***

   At the intensive care unit, Sana was still sitting beside Rey as he remained unconscious. She watched over Rey, distressed from his condition. The tears became uncontrollable as she pondered over what had happened in the battle against Madame Naga. I’m sorry, Rey. I failed you. If I had been stronger, none of this would’ve ever happened, Sana thought as she continued to cry.

   Suddenly, Rey opened his eyes, looking straight up at the ceiling. He turned around and slowly sat up, surprised to see Sana. Sana looked up at Rey, seeing he was awake.

   “Sana?” Rey said.

   Seeing Rey up, Sana immediately wrapped her arms around him, hugging Rey as she shouted his name. Rey remained in Sana’s embrace, startled. She continued to hold onto him as her tears overflowed.

   “You’re okay! I was so worried!” Sana cried.

   Rey looked on confused without saying a word. After a couple of seconds, Rey said, “Um, Sana…the hugging is a bit weird.”

   Sana let go of Rey, trying to compose herself while Rey looked on.

   “Sana, how long have you been here?”

   “I came as soon as I woke up in my room.”

   “Sana, you don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine. You should be more worried about yourself. You got injured as well.”

   “I don’t care. I’m staying right here by your side till you’re okay.”

***

   On the other end of the school, Headmaster Devil was making his way down the stairs that were heading towards the basement. Once he reached the end, he headed straight down the hallway and stopped upon seeing Aiden and some other staff members from the school standing in front of the steel bars of one of the cellar rooms.

   “All right, what’s the deal?” Headmaster Devil asked.

   “See for yourself, Devil,” Aiden replied.

   Headmaster Devil stepped forward while Aiden and the other staff members moved aside. Once he came closer to the bars of the cell, Headmaster Devil was stunned at what he saw. He was looking at Ben Stallion’s body, which was bruised, battered bloody, and almost lifeless.

   “My…God,” Headmaster Devil uttered upon the sight of Stallion.

   “He’s still alive…barely,” a voice responded.

   Headmaster Devil, Aiden, and the staff members looked over in the corner of the cellar where Fida was sitting on the ground. Headmaster Devil sensed a chilling aura coming from her.

   “Shall we call for the doctors, sir?” a staff member asked.

   “Yes. That would be the appropriate thing to do right now,” Headmaster Devil replied. “We’ll also have to move her out as well.”

   “HA,” Fida cackled. “What are you going to do? Put me in a bigger cell? Things can’t get any worse.”

   “Oh, they certainly can,” Headmaster Devil responded.

***

   In Power Coordination class, Krystal, Prince, and Heer took their seats along with other students that were just entering. There was constant chatter among the other students. Most of which seemed to be about the night of the party and what went down. And since Aiden wasn’t present, the chatter was louder than ever.

   “So, I’m guessing Sana and Rey won’t be in class today?” Krystal asked.

   “They’ve been excused for the day. It makes sense considering the beating they took,” Prince replied. “How are you holding up, Heer?”

   “I’m doing fine. Thanks for asking, Prince,” Heer answered.

   “Did you happen to visit Runa since that day?” Krystal asked Heer.

   “I was planning on visiting her at some point. They’ve been pretty strict on letting any visitors come to see her,” Heer said.

   “I’m sure she’ll be fine. She’ll be even happier if you go see her,” Prince responded.

   “Hey, where’s Neil?” Krystal asked. “He’s going to be late if he doesn’t show up.”

   “Please. You really think he cares about missing this class,” Prince said. “After all, remember who’s the teacher.”

   “Good point,” Krystal said as she took her compact mirror and applied a peach lip gloss to her lips. “So, have you guys heard the latest news?”

   “What happened?” Heer asked.

   “Apparently there’s a new student at the academy now. He and his partner joined this morning,” Krystal replied.

   “New students show up all the time. What makes him special?” Prince asked.

   “I don’t know. Someone spotted them in Devil’s office. And students are rarely accepted in the middle of a school year. So, maybe they must be good enough that they got in,” Krystal said. “Who knows? Maybe they’ll end up in at least one of our classes.”

   “That is weird. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any students transfer this late in the year,” Heer said.

   “Then there must be a good reason for it,” Prince replied. “That better not be why that idiot Neil is skipping today.”

***

   “Sana, you really don’t need to worry so much about me!” Rey exclaimed. Back in the intensive care unit, Sana continued to look after Rey as she came back with a new set of clothes and a tray of food for Rey. “Sometimes you really need to just chill out. It’s just a scar on my neck. It’ll go away.”

   “Look, I’m your partner. I have some responsibility in making sure you get better.”

   “Man, you’re more stubborn than my mom.”

   “Anyways, I got you some new clothes. You can change after you eat.”

   “Um…I don’t think I can eat this.”

   “Why?”

   “I’m not really into soup.”

   “I don’t really care. Soup is your best option right now. And besides, I can’t exactly cook much beyond that. So, take it or leave it.”

   “Geez, you’re just as much of a nagger as my mom. Are you sure you two aren’t related or something?”

   Rey grabbed hold of the spoon on the tray and scooped up a bit of the soup with it. He took note of the yellowish-green color along with the little bits of chicken pieces. He gulped at the sight of it, but he took a slurp from the spoon anyway. And that one slurp felt like a bomb had detonated in his mouth. He felt like gagging and Sana took note of a pale color rising in his cheeks. “Is something wrong?” Sana asked.

   “Forget cooking beyond soup! You can’t cook, period!”

   “What?”

   “You heard me! This is the worst thing I’ve ever tasted!”

   “You’re probably just exaggerating.”

   “Taste it for yourself!”

   “You already contaminated that spoon, Rey. If you want, I could just order something from the cafeteria.”

   “Geez, you do the exact same thing as my mom! First, she attempts to cook. Then when she fails, she orders out!”

   Interesting. He’s brought up his mother three times already, Sana thought.

   “Not to change the subject or anything…but how are your parents doing?”

   “I don’t know. We haven’t talked much lately.”

   “Do they know anything about your condition?”

   “Devil told them over the phone. But it’s been hard because Dad hasn’t been doing well lately.”

   “What happened?”

   “I don’t know the details yet. Mom just said he’s been sick lately.”

   “Is it serious?”

   “Well, it’s probably serious enough that they can’t even call or visit.”

   “I’m sorry.”

   The conversation was getting to Rey. While he was going through his own struggles, his parents were as well. And it was a lot for him to process, let alone talk about. He thought it was time to change the subject.

   “Anyways, can you please just get me some real food?” Rey asked.

   “Rey!” Neil shouted as he busted through the door. The accelerated sound of Neil’s voice startled both Rey and Sana.

   “Dude, what the hell?! Some warning would be nice!” Rey exclaimed.

   “Sorry, I got excited,” Neil said.

   “Shouldn’t you be in class?” Sana asked.

   “Class with my brother? No way!” Neil replied.

   “So, what is it? Why did you rush all the way here?” Rey asked.

   “There’s a new team at the school,” Neil replied. “They enrolled this morning.”

   “New team? In the middle of the school year?” Sana asked. “Who are they?”

   “Not sure. But word’s been going around that they’re really good!” Neil exclaimed. “I heard that they went to one of the best preparatory schools in the country. I need to know who they are.”

   “Really?! Maybe we should take them on,” Rey agreed.

   “You’re supposed to be resting!” Sana shouted at Rey.

   “Same goes to you! But instead, you’re playing caretaker and you’re not exactly doing a good job at it!” Rey talked back.

   “At least I tried! There’s no way you’re in any condition to fight!” Sana argued.

   As the two continued to bicker, Neil watched on, shaking his head.

   “Would you two quit the drama here? I’m ready to take on the new team,” Neil said.

   “I’ll take him on with you!” Rey exclaimed as he got up.

   “What the hell?! Don’t be such an idiot!” Sana shouted.

   “I need something fun to do,” Rey said. “Come on, Neil. Let’s find them.”

   “All right!” Neil exclaimed as he and Rey dashed off from the room, leaving Sana behind.

   Those morons! They have no idea what they’re doing! Sana thought.

   “Hey! You two come back here!” Sana shouted as she ran from the room, following Rey and Neil.

***

   Outside of the school, Zayn and Akira were checking out the school’s arena. “So, this is where they do their circus shows,” Zayn said.

   “I like this. Finally, we get a chance to perform!” Akira exclaimed. “I can put my dancing skills to good use here.”

   “I could care less for circus shows. We’re here to train. That’s it. The only students here who do all that nonsense probably have too much time on their hands,” Zayn said.

   “You better watch your mouth, new kid!” a voice exclaimed.

   Zayn and Akira turned around to see Rey and Neil standing right before them. Zayn eyed Rey and Neil, unfazed by their presence.

   “And who are you two? My tour guides?” Zayn questioned Rey and Neil.

   “Please. The only thing we’re gonna show you is who the top dogs at this school are,” Rey said. “We’ve heard about you since this morning. It’s time we see what you’re made of.”

   “That’s right! We’re challenging both of you!” Neil exclaimed.

   “Oh wow. A challenge thrown at us on day one,” Akira said. “This could be fun, Zayn.”

   “Look, I don’t mean any trouble,” Zayn told Rey and Neil.

   “Aww, are you scared that we’ll kick your sorry ass to the curve?!” Rey said.

   “Maybe the rumors about you are false then,” Neil said.

   “You two morons have some nerve,” Akira said.

   Zayn shook his head for a moment, feeling slightly irritable. He sighed and said, “I didn’t think I had to fight on day one. But if I gotta teach you clowns a lesson, I’ll go for it. Let’s see what you guys can do.”

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

13. Strike of the Naga

imeryli

Madame Naga brushed aside her maiden black hair as she carefully eyed both Sana and Rey, who were both getting ready to fight. Neil stood aside along with Runa and Heer, holding onto Heer as she was heavily injured herself. Sana and Rey turned to each other.

   “You okay?” Rey asked Sana.

   “I think so. How about you?”

   “You know me! I’m ready for this! We can take snake lady on with no problem.”

   “Don’t be overconfident. Remember what Aiden said. She’s more dangerous than Droh. That means she’ll be a much bigger challenge.”

   “That just makes this more fun. As long as you trust me, we’ll be fine.”

   “I know. I trust you, Rey. Just be careful.”

   “Please…please don’t do anything,” Runa tried to talk to Madame Naga.

   “Runa, it’s okay,” Neil told Runa as he tried to bring her aside with him and Heer. “This is their battle now. It’s best you stay here with me for your protection.”

   Runa nodded as she went towards Neil, holding onto him as she looked at Heer, who was resting her head on Neil’s shoulder. I hope Sana and Rey know what they’re doing. This woman looks like she can kill anyone, Neil thought.

    Rey gave a thumbs up to Sana as he transformed into his beast form. “I’m ready,” Madame Naga said as she transformed into her dark beast form. She took on the form of a dark-colored anaconda. Her large size and intimidating appearance stunned Sana.

   “Whoah,” Neil said, unable to believe what he was seeing.

   “She looks scary. But I think we can take her on,” Sana told Rey. “Right?”

   Rey nodded in agreement.

   “All right! Rey, let’s start off with a direct attack!” Sana ordered. Rey leaped forward towards Madame Naga, pouncing on her to the ground.

   “Good! Now use your Ember Claw move!” Sana commanded. Rey raised his paw upward as his claws started to give off a fiery burn. As he tried to hit Madame Naga, she used her tail to hit Rey’s paw, which made the attack hit him instead. Rey landed on the ground in pain as the ember had gotten into his eyes.

   “Rey! Are you okay?!” Sana asked Rey. As Rey managed to get up, Madame Naga launched a dark energy beam attack from her mouth, hitting Rey directly into the wall.   

   “Rey!” Sana called out.

   That’s it. I just have to weaken him a bit more before I can put him in the right spot…and then unleash the real blow, Madame Naga thought.

   Sana rushed over to Rey as he slowly tried to get up. “Are you all right?” Sana asked Rey as he slowly got up.

   Rey nodded. Sana turned to see Madame Naga launch another energy beam attack at them. Sana immediately drew out her wand, tapping it to turn it into her trishula and then used it to deflect the energy beam back at Madame Naga, hitting her directly.

   “Nice one, Sana!” Neil called out.

   Insolent brat! Madame Naga thought.

   “Okay, Rey! Use a fireball attack now!” Sana ordered.

   Rey let out a mighty roar, which emitted a fireball attack directly towards Madame Naga. Madame Naga dodged the attack and quickly slithered her way towards Rey. And that was when she finally tied her anaconda body around Rey, tying him up in a tight squeeze.

   “Rey!” Sana called out, scared.

   Rey struggled to breathe as he tried to move out of Madame Naga’s grasp. But it was so tight that he couldn’t move. Now I have you where I want you! Madame Naga smirked. She opened her mouth and bit her fangs right onto Rey’s neck. The pain was so unbearable that Rey let out a scream in the form of a roar. Sana looked on in horror as Madame Naga let go of Rey, leaving him to lie on the ground. She transformed back into her human form, watching Rey in pain.

   “Rey! Get up now! Come on!” Sana shouted at Rey. But Rey could not get up. He had transformed back into human form, lying on the ground helpless as the bite from Madame Naga had left a black scar on his neck, bleeding rapidly.

   “What was that?!” Neil asked. “That woman…What…what is she?!”

   Sana ran towards Rey, holding him as she kept calling out, “Rey! Rey, can you hear me?! Rey, say something! Rey!” Sana could feel the tears coming down her face as Rey wouldn’t answer.

   “What did you do to him?! Tell me!” Sana yelled at Madame Naga.

   Madame Naga smirked. “It’s called Venom Fang. I simply bit my fangs into his neck, allowing my special venom to go into his body. And now he’s helpless,” Madame Naga said. “Just as I wanted.”

   Sana looked down at Rey’s unconscious face as her tears became uncontrollable. He’s not breathing. This is all my fault! I should’ve done something! Sana thought. Sana put Rey back down on the ground. She got up and looked at Madame Naga, furious.

   “You’ll pay for this!” Sana yelled as she drew out her trishula. “Ember Fury!”

   Sana plunged her trishula into the ground, releasing an ember attack towards Madame Naga. Madame Naga deflected it with a dark energy beam, hitting Sana at her abdomen.

   “This isn’t looking good!” Neil said as Heer slowly got up.

   “We have to do something. Otherwise she’ll kill them,” Heer said.

   Sana tried to get up. But as she did, she was struck by another one of Madame Naga’s energy beam attacks, which hit her in the face. As she fell to the ground, Madame Naga transformed into her dark beast form and tied Sana up with her tail, tightening her grasp on her. No matter how much you try to fight me, little girl…you can’t reverse what I’ve done, Madame Naga thought as she continued to squeeze Sana’s body to the point where she had trouble breathing. I’ve already done what I needed to with Rey. Now only time will tell when my plans will be complete.

   Madame Naga gave Sana one last tight squeeze with her tail, making Sana cough up blood onto the floor. As she let her go, Sana was bleeding on her face and arms as she fell to the ground.

   Sana passed out on the ground next to Rey. Madame Naga transformed back into her human form. She took pleasure in seeing the scared looks on Neil, Heer, and Runa’s faces.

   “Now that those two are down, I’ll go ahead and kill you three for the thrill of it,” Madame Naga said.

   “Neil…we have to do the equilibrium move,” Heer told Neil.

   “What?! How can we?!” Neil asked. “We just learned about it. And you’re still injured.”

   “But as long as our energy levels stay in sync, we’ll be fine. It comes naturally if we are in it together. We have to do this for Sana and Rey’s sake,” Heer told Neil.

   “Are you sure?” Neil asked.

   “Yes! Just go for it!” Heer told Neil and then transformed into her beast form.

   “Go ahead! Just try it!” Madame Naga cackled.

   “You asked for it!” Neil said as he drew out his bow and arrow.

   As Neil held his bow and arrow, a sudden array of icy crystals began to form around Neil and Heer. The crystals aligned in circular motion before Neil and Heer, combining to form a powerful arrow which replaced Neil’s standard arrow. At that same time, Heer was able to form a powerful ice energy beam from her mouth.

   “Ice Blast!” Neil called out the attack as he released the arrow, combining it with Heer’s ice energy beam.

   As the attack made its way towards Madame Naga, she suddenly disappeared in a puff of black smoke before it could even hit her. And at that same time, she had even dropped her duplicate key to the floor. Heer transformed back into human form.

   “How could she just get away like that?!” Neil shouted.

   “Calm down, Neil,” Heer told Neil. “We have other things to worry about. Like Sana and Rey.”

   Then, Headmaster Devil, Aiden, Krystal, and Prince came into the center hallway, coming towards Neil, Heer, and Runa.

   “What happened here?” Aiden asked.

   “Madame Naga came and took out both Sana and Rey,” Heer told Aiden.

   “What?!” Headmaster Devil said, surprised.

   “Sana! Rey!” Krystal exclaimed as she and Prince went up to Sana and Rey, seeing their unconscious bodies.

   “Where is Madame Naga?” Aiden asked.

   “She disappeared,” Heer said, holding up the duplicate key. “But she left the key behind.”

   “It looked like she did it on purpose though, Heer,” Neil told Heer.

   “Krystal, did you and Prince take out Droh?” Headmaster Devil asked Krystal.

   “We did!” Krystal replied.

   “But we didn’t get someone to take him to lockup,” Prince said.

   “Damn it! That means he could’ve gotten away!” Krystal cried. “But then…I have his key!”

   “Forget about that for now,” Aiden said. “We have to take Sana and Rey for first aid treatment now!”

   “Right!” Krystal and Prince said as they helped Sana and Rey up and rushed them down the hall while Headmaster Devil, Aiden, Neil, Heer, and Runa followed.

***

   And the battle was over. Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer went ahead and released the students and faculty from the ballroom. Runa was left in the care of the school nurse while Heer and Sana were being treated there as well. However, Sana didn’t know that Rey was being treated in the intensive care unit. Outside of the intensive care unit, Headmaster Devil and Aiden were waiting outside.

   “So, this proves it,” Headmaster Devil said. “This whole idea of getting the Shakti Orb was a setup.”

   “How can you be so sure?”

   “Why else would Madame Naga leave the premises without taking the orb? She even left the key behind on purpose. That means she had other reasons for setting this up.”

   “Neil and Heer witnessed everything. Did they say anything?”

   “Once Madame Naga had attacked Rey, she simply finished off Sana. That means something.”

   “What?”

   “It means she was after Rey this whole time. This means you were right all along, Aiden.”

   “But for what purpose did she go through all of this just to get to him?”

   “I don’t know. Only she can answer that.”

   “What about that girl, Runa? It was quite brave of Heer to show some compassion to her.”

   “Agreed. We have to keep a close watch on her. She is after all a dark beast still.”

   “But sir, dark beasts have pure negative energy within them. Now that she has forsaken the darkness that once prevailed her, is it possible she may no longer be a dark beast?”

   “Perhaps. We can only tell after some time. At this moment, my concern is towards Rey. That scar has done more damage to his body than any mere attack could. It only makes me wonder what comes next after this.”

***

   Back in the mountain tower of Daredevil City, Madame Naga was sitting at her chair, while Droh stood before her. “You could’ve had your shot at taking the orb as well!” Droh shouted at Madame Naga. “Why waste your time on that boy?!”

   “The orb can wait. You knew this setup had to work in order for my plan to go as I wanted. And it did. The first step is complete. The Venom Fang has spread its venom into Rey’s body.”

   “What about Runa and the others?”

   “That traitor can rot in hell with those kids! They won’t live for long once my plans are complete. As for Stallion and Fida, they’ll get out soon.”

   “Are you sure this is how things should go?”

   “Of course! It’s only a matter of time before everything falls into place. Just wait and see.”

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

12. Reaching for Runa

imeryli

Runa stood before Neil and Heer, feeling uneasy. Neil stood his guard, ready to fight. “Heer, are you ready?” Neil asked Heer.

   “Are you sure we should do this?”

   “What?! Heer, this kid is the enemy. We have to take her down.”

   “But-“

   “Just transform already!”

   Heer sighed as she transformed into her beast form. At that same time, Runa transformed into her dark beast form. She stood like the small panther she was, looking at Heer.

   “Heer, make sure you listen to me this time,” Neil told Heer. “Remember what happened last time you dealt with her. She means trouble.”

   I understand what Neil thinks of Runa, Heer thought. However, there’s something about Runa that makes it seem like she doesn’t want to be like this. I just can’t put my finger on it. I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle fighting her.

   “All right, Heer! Let’s start this off with a simple direct attack! Try to get her up against the wall!” Neil told Heer. Heer nodded and leaped forward towards Runa, pouncing at her into the wall. As she tried to hold her down, Runa raised her paw and her claws glowed an eerie purple glow as she hit Heer in the face. Heer fell to the ground and transformed back into human form, revealing the mark on the right side of her face, which was now bleeding.

   “Heer!” Neil called out. “What was that?!”

   Runa transformed back into her human form, struggling to process what she did. “You! What the hell did you do to her?!” Neil questioned Runa.

   “I…I…I hit her with my paw,” Runa mumbled. “I…I’m sorry…I-“

   “What sorry?! What the hell is wrong with you?!” Neil shouted at Runa.

   “Neil, calm down. I’m fine,” Heer said. “She’s already freaking out too much.”

   “Quit acting sympathetic, Heer! She’s a dark beast!” Neil told Heer. “They’re all the same! She’s just as much of a danger as anyone else!”

   “No…please!” Runa pleaded as she fell on her knees. “Please…I didn’t…no…no!”

   Runa fell to her knees in a moment of tension. She began to shake as she suddenly started to remember something from her past. In her mind, she could see an image where a slightly younger version of herself was standing scared before Madame Naga in a dark, empty room with cracked walls. Madame Naga looked down at her and said, “Starting from today, you will do whatever I tell you to do. Your powers are quite strong. And will prove useful to me.”

   “But I don’t want to use them!”

   “You will.”

   “But they’re…they’re-“

   “Enough! You’re lucky I even gave you a place to stay! Especially considering the way your uncle treats you. Otherwise, you could go die in the cold and no one would give a care. So, shut up and do as you’re told! If you have to kill, you will kill! Because I am your master now!”

   Runa started to cry as the memories played in her head.

   “Runa, calm down,” Heer told Runa. “It’s okay.”

   “Stay away from me!” Runa screamed as she transformed back into her dark beast form and launched a powerful dark energy beam attack that hit Heer directly into the wall.

   “Heer!” Neil shouted as he ran towards an injured Heer. Heer’s body was heavily weakened from the attack. Neil tried to help her get up, but she managed to stand. “I’m fine,” Heer told Neil. “It’s okay.”

   “It’s not okay, Heer!” Neil exclaimed. “That girl is dangerous! Why don’t you see that unless you can fight her back, she’ll kill you?!”

    “And why can’t you see beyond that, Neil?!” Heer questioned Neil.

   Neil was surprised at Heer’s sudden outburst. He grunted, not sure what to say. She was never one to get frustrated.

   “I agree she may be dangerous. But why can’t you see the helplessness in her?” Heer asked. “She’s only a child. And she’s been manipulated by Droh and Madame Naga to the point that she has to create havoc wherever she goes. But if someone could help her, then maybe she would calm down.”

   Neil struggled to comprehend what Heer was telling him. He looked at Runa, who had transformed back into her human form, curling up like a lost animal in fear.

   “So, what you’re saying…is that she might not be that dangerous?”

   “I know it seems crazy. But inside my heart…I feel that there’s something inside of her that is reaching out for help. If someone could console her, then maybe she could calm down.”

   “So, you don’t want to fight her?”

   “No. I can’t. Fighting her is only going to make matters worse for both of us in this case. I know that she wants to calm down. But we have to help her.”

   “Then what do you want to do?”

   “Just stay put here. I’ll handle this myself.”

   “Heer, what are you thinking?! If you go up to her like this, you could die! I’m not going to let that happen!”

   “Neil, please! I know what I’m doing. Just promise me you won’t interfere.”

   “I can’t! There’s too much at stake!”

   “Fine. Then at least trust me. Please. If not for Runa, then for me.”

   And those were the words that got to Neil. He let out a deep breath. “All right,” Neil said. “You better know what you’re doing.”

   Heer nodded. Neil watched in anxiousness as Heer slowly went towards the extremely frightened Runa.

   “Why…why…why is she coming?!” Runa asked.

   Kill her, Runa! Kill her! a voice spoke in Runa’s head.

   “Runa,” Heer called.

   “GO! Please go!” Runa cried as she launched another dark energy beam from her hand, which hit Heer directly.

   Heer fell to the ground while Neil got more tensed. “This is bad,” Neil said.

   Heer slowly got up again and continued to go towards Runa with as much strength that she had in her.

   “Runa…please listen to me,” Heer told Runa.

   “GO! Or I’ll have to kill you!” Runa screamed, launching another dark energy beam attack that hit Heer again.

   If you don’t kill her, then you shall die! a voice spoke again in Runa’s mind.

   “STOP!” Runa cried as she then began to launch more and more energy beam attacks at Heer. And Heer took each one without retaliating while Neil watched in horror.

   “Heer!” Neil yelled. Heer fell to the ground on her knees as she coughed up blood onto the floor. She had bleeding marks on her face, neck, and arms, as well as bruises that all came from Runa’s attacks. She was kneeling right before Runa.

   “Go away! Go away please!” Runa screamed. “Or I-“

   But before Runa could even finish speaking, she was taken by surprise. Heer had wrapped her arms around Runa, hugging her as tight as she could, while still in her injured state. Runa was taken aback by this action.

   “You don’t need to be afraid,” Heer told Runa as her eyes started to water. “I know you’re scared. And you’re acting this way because of that. But let me be your friend. I promise that I can help you. But you have to let me help you. Reach for me because I’m right here for you.”

   As Runa remained in Heer’s embrace, her eyes began to water. She hugged Heer back tightly as tears ran down her face and she cried loudly. Seeing the two hug, Neil became emotional himself. He went up towards the two and kneeled, putting his hand on Heer’s shoulder.

   “Wow, Heer,” Neil said. “I can’t believe you did it.”

   But things changed as Neil could sense someone’s presence nearby. He turned along with Heer and Runa to see Madame Naga appear before them. Runa was especially scared upon seeing Madame Naga’s furious red eyes.

   “You foolish little brat!” Madame Naga yelled. “You think you could betray me so easily?! And that I would not do anything about it?!”

   “I see. So, the real mastermind is you,” Neil said. “You’re the one who’s been controlling Runa’s every move.”

   “And how are you so smart?” Madame Naga asked Neil, mildly amused.

   “It’s simple. Runa’s always acting like a voice is inside her head. Not her own though,” Neil said. “If it wasn’t for Heer, maybe I would’ve never seen that. But you’re the one controlling her mind. The one who feeds all that negativity in her head.”

   “It’s a pity. Your anger means nothing to me,” Madame Naga said. “Because I can just go ahead and kill all three of you at once before I go retrieve the Shakti Orb for myself.”

   “As if we’ll let that happen!” Neil shouted.

   “You can’t do anything to Runa when we’re here!” Heer told Madame Naga as she held onto Runa.

   “Ha! Look at yourself! You’re weak! Killing you will be easy,” said Madame Naga. “Let’s get this done with. Killing at ease always soothes my veins.”

   “Not going to happen!” a voice shouted.

   Madame Naga turned to see Sana and Rey appear before her and Neil, Heer, and Runa. She was even more invigorated than before.

   “Well, well. Look what we have here,” Madame Naga said. “More prey for me.”

   “Oh, shut up, snake lady!” Rey exclaimed.

   “You’re ours to deal with now,” Sana told Madame Naga. “And believe us. We’re not going to go easy on you.”This is just perfect, Madame Naga thought. The opportunity I’ve been waiting for. It’s time to set the trap for my prey. Watch out, Rey…or else…

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

11. The Crocodile Challenge

imeryli

Krystal and Prince stood before Droh. Droh didn’t feel anything threatened by them in the slightest.  

   “You sure you can take on this guy, Krystal?” Prince asked Krystal, turning towards her.

   “Are you doubting me?!”

   “Remember the last time we faced him. Even with Neil and Heer’s help, we couldn’t do anything. This guy is dangerous.”

   “You know you really shouldn’t be advising me. I’m the ringmaster after all. We’ll take him out like we’d do with any dark beast.”

   “All right. Just don’t make any stupid moves.”

   “Ha! I can tell you the same!”

   Droh shook his head in annoyance. “Are you two fools going to continue bickering or should I just kill you both now?!” Droh asked Krystal and Prince, frustrated.

   “Says the guy who’s going to get his butt kicked! No way!” Krystal exclaimed. “Prince! Transform now!” Prince nodded, transforming into his beast form.

   Droh transformed as well. Krystal drew out her wand and positioned herself in alignment with Prince. Okay. How do I make my first move? Krystal thought. Maybe I’ll go for my usual moves. After all, he’s not doing anything right now. Prince can just attack directly and then follow it up with a Sonic Roar. That’s perfect!

   “Prince, let’s go for a direct attack!” Krystal ordered. Prince made his way forward, pouncing at Droh. As he grabbed hold onto Droh, Droh bit on him at his neck, causing him to fall off.

   “Prince! Get up!” Krystal told Prince. But before Prince could even move, Droh’s tail suddenly gave off an eerie purple glow and he smacked it directly at Prince, injuring him further.

   “What?!” Krystal cried. “What was that?!”

   Droh suddenly transformed back into his human form and said, “That was one of my special moves, Shadow Tail. It uses a combination of dark and negative energy and sends in a real punch. And it looks like the mighty lion over there didn’t take the heat too well.”

   “Prince! Get up and use your Sonic Roar!” Krystal ordered Prince. Prince slowly tried to get up and he commenced in giving a mighty roar that emitted sound waves towards Droh, who transformed back into his dark beast form. However, the sound waves weren’t as strong as Prince had already been weakened by Droh’s earlier attack. Droh tried to resist the Sonic Roar as much as he could.

   Damn it! Prince’s Sonic Roar isn’t strong enough! Krystal thought. I’ll have to use my sonic bell to boost his power! Krystal drew out her wand and tapped it to transform it into her sonic bell. She placed it forward and emitted a sound wave attack from the bell to enhance Prince’s own Sonic Roar.

   Droh continued to hold back as the sound waves continued to hit him. That was when his tail gave the same glow again and he used the Shadow Tail move and slammed his tail to the ground, sending off a wave of dark energy as it deflected the sound waves and hit both Krystal and Prince at the same time. The two of them fell against the wall with Krystal looking at her outfit in horror.

   “Are you kidding me?!” Krystal cried. “Now my outfit has marks all over it!”

   Of course that’s all she cares about at this point, Prince thought.

   “Why do I always end up in a fashion mishap during these battles?!” Krystal said as she got up and started batting her outfit to rid of the dust on it.

   Prince transformed back into his human form. “What are you doing?!” Krystal questioned Prince. “We’re supposed to be fighting here!”

   “How can I fight when my partner is complaining about her stupid outfit?”

   “You call this stupid?! Like it wasn’t enough that Sana had to drench my entire dress in water! And now this whole ensemble is completely ruined!”

   “To hell with the drama.”

   “And of course! You always say that stupid one-liner of yours in every situation! Gosh! You’re such a pain sometimes!”

   “The only pain around here is you.”

   While Krystal and Prince were still bickering, Droh transformed back into his human form and watched the two argue back and forth like cats and dogs. Pathetic kids, Droh shook his head. This would be the right moment to dispose of them.

   Droh closed his eyes and waved his hands upward before Prince and Krystal, who weren’t paying attention. He aligned both of his hands in a triangular formation and a wave of dark energy began to unravel around his hands. As the energy began to flow, Krystal and Prince turned around, confused. And that was when a force field of some sort formed around Krystal and Prince, trapping them inside.

   “What the hell?” Prince said, frustrated.

   “What is this?!” Krystal cried as she tried to get out.

   “An energy force field. That should keep you fools in long enough for me to go get the orb,” Droh said.

   With that, Droh left, leaving Krystal and Prince helpless. Krystal kept trying to push against the force field as an attempt to break it, but it was of no use.

   “Whatever you’re doing is not working,” Prince told Krystal, annoyed.

   “At least I’m trying here! You’re such a pessimist!”

   “I’m just saying the truth.”

   “Ever thought of being positive for once?!”

   “You really think we can be positive when we’re in a force field created by negative energy?”

   “Gosh! You’re so difficult!”

   “We wouldn’t have gotten in this mess if you weren’t so obsessed with your clothes all the time.”

   “Excuse me! Is it wrong to want to look good while battling?!”

   “If that’s all this is about, then maybe you shouldn’t even be a ringmaster.”

   “What?! How dare you say that to me?!”

   “I can. Because you should know being a ringmaster is more than just looking nice for shows and being the lead of the act. Just like in the circus, the ringmaster has to be the one who can take the lead and know what to do.”

   Krystal wanted to say something back. But she couldn’t. She didn’t know how to reply. She sat down on the floor, confused.

   “Have you always been this deep and I just never noticed?” Krystal asked.

   “This only happens when I get annoyed to the max.”

   “I guess…I can’t believe I’m agreeing with you.”

   Suddenly, Krystal could feel her head beginning to pound. She could feel this weird tension rising.

   “Is it me or am I starting to have a major headache here?” Krystal asked.

   “I’m feeling it too. It’s the negative energy of the force field. The longer we stay in this, the worse it’ll get. I bet this was his way of giving us a slow death while he goes to get the orb.”

   “Well, if we don’t get out now, he’ll definitely get there. We need to do something. I got it!”

   “What?”

   “Remember what Aiden was saying about the equilibrium thing?”

   “You were actually paying attention?”

   “Shut up! He said it was when both the ringmaster and human-beast’s energy levels are in sync. So, if we can stay in sync, we should be able to have enough power to break out. After all, it should come naturally.”

   “Are you sure?”

   “Positive! Now hurry up and transform!”

   Prince nodded and transformed into his beast form. At that moment, Krystal drew out her sonic bell.

   “Here goes nothing,” Krystal said.

   At that moment, Krystal’s sonic bell began to emit strong sound waves, which hit the barriers of the force field. And as it was in motion, Prince got ready to give a grand roar. His energy levels began to maximize, matching up to the power of Krystal’s sonic bell. She could feel the difference in their powers now. Everything was different.

   “Savage Sound Roar!” Krystal called out the attack.

   And so, Prince let out a mighty roar that had even stronger sound waves than ever before. The sound waves began to combine with one another, going up against the force field. And the longer they held on, the more power they had, which soon weakened the force field further. And within moments, the force field broke down, freeing Krystal and Prince.

   “It worked!” Krystal cheered.

   “Good job,” Prince said after he transformed back into human form. “Now we have some unfinished business to get to.”

***

   On the other end, near the basement, Droh was just heading down the halls, taking out his duplicate key.

   “Don’t even think about it!” a voice exclaimed. Droh stopped, confused. And that was when Krystal and Prince had jumped before Droh.

   “How the hell are you fools still alive?!” Droh questioned. “You both should have died a slow death by now!”

   “That’s the thing though!” Krystal exclaimed. “You baddies clearly never get it! The good guys always win!”

   “To put it in simple terms, your force field wasn’t indestructible,” Prince added.

   “No matter,” Droh said. “I’ll kill you two right here. It’ll be another triumph for me while I get the orb.”

   “Yeah, right!” Krystal exclaimed. “Prince, transform!”

   “Right,” Prince said as he transformed into his beast form.

   Droh transformed into his dark beast form. Krystal stood her ground, trying to be careful. Okay, Krystal. This time you have to focus. After all, I can go to the dry cleaners after this, Krystal thought.

   “Prince, pounce him to the left!” Krystal ordered. Prince leaped forward, and then jumped up, pouncing at Droh’s left side. Droh used his Shadow Tail move and hit Prince into the wall with the great force.

   “Prince! Are you okay?!” Krystal asked Prince. Prince nodded as he tried to get up. That tail of his seems to be his strong point, Krystal thought. I have to figure out a way to make it his weak point so we can have a better shot at taking him out. Then again…there is that one move Prince has that we barely use. But, we have to make sure we have him locked down so it works. Right! There you go, Krystal! Just make Prince pounce him again and I’m sure that croc will use that attack again!

   “Pounce him to the right!” Krystal told Prince. Prince nodded and leaped up again, hitting Droh at his right side. Droh got ready to use his Shadow Tail move again. “Prince, use your Sonic Scar move!” Krystal ordered.

   Prince raised his paw and the claws of his paw began to give off a bright white glow as Droh commenced to use his Shadow Tail move. But before he could hit, Prince hit Droh’s tail with the Sonic Scar attack, leaving a scar on his tail. Suddenly, Droh could feel a strange feeling inside of his tail go around in his body. They were odd vibrations that were hitting him inside back and forth. What’s happening?! Droh thought.

   Prince transformed back into his human form. “Smart move,” Prince told Krystal. “That Sonic Scar is able to send sound wave vibrations that affect the entire nervous system, which temporarily disable the opponent’s ability to attack. He’s down for now.”

   “I know! I’m a lot smarter than I thought I was!” Krystal exclaimed. “Now hurry up! We gotta wrap this up before the vibrations die down!”

   “Right,” Prince agreed and transformed back into his beast form.

   “All right! It’s time to do this again!” Krystal exclaimed as she drew out her sonic bell.

   Krystal activated her sonic bell’s full power, emitting super sound waves at Droh, who remained helpless against the attack. “Savage Sound Roar!” Krystal called out the attack.

   Prince commenced with his mighty Savage Sound Roar attack, combining the sound waves of his roar with the sound waves of Krystal’s sonic bell. And when both sound waves combined, power was at optimum and the attack was so strong that Droh could not do anything to fend for himself.

   Once the attack was over, Droh was left completely injured and defeated. He transformed back into his human form, lying helpless on the floor. Krystal went up towards him, while Prince transformed back into human form. She reached down and grabbed the duplicate key from the pocket of his coat.

   “I’ll be taking this,” Krystal said. “And I guess it’s the dungeon for you.” Krystal turned to Prince.

   “All right! We did it! High five!” Krystal exclaimed as she raised her hand. Prince looked at her, tired and relieved that they were done battling.

   “One time,” Prince said as he high-fived Krystal.

   “And the best part is…I didn’t ruin my outfit this round!”

   “Good. Now I don’t have something to cringe at.”

   “So, now what?!”

   “We’ll have to get someone to put this guy in lockup.”

   “I just wonder how the others are doing right now.”

***

   On the other hand, in the center hallway of the academy, Runa was standing alone in the hall, calm and confused. And that was when Neil and Heer appeared before her, startling her. She looked at them and said, “So, you are the ones I’ve been told to kill.”

   “Heer, it’s time to take this kid on!” Neil told Heer. Heer looked at Runa, unsure of what to do. I don’t know about this, Heer thought.

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

10. The Start of A War

imeryli

In the hallway outside of the academy ballroom, Sana, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer were all following Aiden as quickly as possible. Down the hall, Aiden stopped, opening the door of an old storage room.

   “Quick! In here!” Aiden ordered the gang. The others rushed inside the storage room and Aiden shut the door, locking it.

   “Why are we hiding?” Sana asked. “We have to go after those two.”

   “I know,” Aiden replied. “But I think that those two aren’t the only ones we have to worry about.”

   “What do you mean?” Heer asked.

   “Let me show you,” Aiden said.

   Aiden drew out his wand and waved it around, forming what appeared to be an image of the outside of the school. The image showed Madame Naga, Droh, and Runa entering inside the academy.

   “Wow. Neat trick,” Prince said.

   “Seriously, this guy keeps drawing out special effects like they’re nothing,” Rey said.

   “It’s Droh! And that girl!” Krystal exclaimed.   “But who’s that snake lady with them?!”

   “That is Madame Naga,” Aiden answered. “She herself is a dark beast. One of the most dangerous ones as well.”

   “I’m assuming by her name that she can take on the form of a dark snake,” said Sana.

   “Correct. But she’s far more dangerous than Droh and Run,” Aiden replied.

   “So, all five of those poorly dressed creeps are working together!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “I’m guessing they have more in mind than just ruining Devil’s birthday,” said Prince.

   “The key that they got from Headmaster Devil opens the forbidden chamber in the basement of the academy,” Aiden explained. “In that chamber lies a powerful artifact known as the Shakti Orb.”

   “What’s the Shakti Orb?” Heer asked.

   “I know what it is. I remember Professor Luna briefly mentioned about it in class once,” Sana said. “If I’m correct, the Shakti Orb has the power to increase a ringmaster or human-beast’s power beyond maximum potential.”

   “Man. You pay too much attention in that class,” Rey said.

   “Sana is correct. For every ringmaster and human-beast, power enhancement should only occur when energy levels are at equilibrium for both partners,” Aiden explained. “But the Shakti Orb’s power exceeds one’s power beyond their limits. This not only gives ultimate power, but can also be destructive if in the wrong hands.”

   “So, what do we do now?” Prince asked.

   “From what it looks like, Stallion and Angel are going to head to the chamber to retrieve the orb. Droh, Runa, and Madame Naga are probably going to station themselves in parts of the academy to prevent anyone from getting in their way. And that’s where we come in,” Aiden continued. “Listen to me carefully. Whatever I tell you to do, just do it to the best of your ability. Neil and Heer, you two will go after Runa. Krystal and Prince, you both will go after Droh. And Sana and Rey, you two will handle Madame Naga. As for me, I will make sure Stallion and Angel don’t get to the chamber. Are we all clear?”

   “Do we actually have to listen to him?” Neil asked Heer.

   “We have to, Neil,” Heer said. “If we’re going to stop them, it’s our best chance.”

   “Agreed. We’re ready,” Sana said.

   “I’m not! No way am I ruining this dress!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “Krystal, we don’t have the time to wait for you to change your wardrobe!” Sana exclaimed.

   “We have to get going,” Heer added.

   “No way! I’m not getting this dress ruined!” Krystal protested.

   Sana sighed as she shook her head. She  turned to the mop that was sitting in a bucket of water near the door of the storage room. She grabbed the bucket of water and splashed it all over Krystal, drenching her entire dress.

   “Sana!” Krystal shrieked. “How dare you soil this dress?! Do you even know how much its worth?! And you just had to soak it in filthy mop water!”

   “You said you didn’t want to fight because your dress would get ruined,” Sana said. “I just did that. So, now you have no reason to not go and fight.”

   “Are we ready to go then?” Prince asked impatiently.

   “Hold up! We don’t even know where we’re supposed to be going!” Rey exclaimed.

   “According to the image from my wand, Madame Naga is in the west wing, Droh is in the east wing, and Runa is in the center hallway,” Aiden told the others. “Stallion and Angel are heading towards the basement stairwell. I’ll be heading there.”

   “Sounds good to me,” Sana said.

   “Good luck to all of you,” Aiden said.

   With that, the gang split up, taking off to their respective locations while Aiden headed off towards the basement of the academy. 

***

   Inside the ballroom, the other students and faculty remained inside, unsure of what was going on. Professor Luna guarded the door along with Professor D’Sena.

   “This doesn’t look good,” Professor D’Sena said.

   “I know. I feel helpless in this situation. And I’m sure our students feel the same,” Professor Luna agreed.

   “Professor Luna…I request me and Tina go after those two,” Aster told Professor Luna as he came up to her with Tina.

   “Aster, I’m afraid I can’t allow you to go,” Professor Luna said.

   “Why not?” Tina asked. “We can’t just stand here and do nothing.”

   “It was Aiden’s order to seal everyone in the ballroom. Something truly dangerous is happening,” Professor Luna explained.   “Stallion and Angel are going after-“

   “The Shakti Orb,” Headmaster Devil replied as he came towards the four.

   “Headmaster Devil!” Professor D’Sena exclaimed. “How did you manage to break free?!”

   “Energy straps wear off after some time. Besides, I can’t just stay here and do nothing,” Headmaster Devil said. “I’m going out.”

   “You can’t, sir!” Professor Luna exclaimed. “Aiden said-“

   “Aiden is still a young boy, about the same age as the students here. He may be intelligent. He may be a highly trained human-beast, who also happened to have trained himself as a ringmaster. But he isn’t aware of one thing,” Headmaster Devil continued. “His ringmaster abilities are still mediocre. He may have been able to use them swiftly against my students in detention. But against these enemies, he won’t stand a chance. As the headmaster of this school and a ringmaster myself, I’ll have to go and help him out.”

   “But what about the rest of us?!” Tina asked.

   “I know all of you want to help. And you can. This barrier only lasts for a limited amount of time. Hence, you all have to be ready in case anyone comes in,” Headmaster Devil said. “Understood?”

   “Yes, Headmaster Devil,” Professor Luna said.

   “Good,” Headmaster Devil said. “I’ll be on my way then.”

***

   In the hallway leading to the basement of the academy, Stallion and Angel were quickly making their way towards the basement. “That’s it. Soon we’ll open the doors to the chamber,” Stallion said.

   But then, they stopped as they saw Aiden jump right before them. “What do you think you’re doing?!” Stallion questioned Aiden. “Get out of our way!”

   “You really think I’ll let you get to the chamber? You’re going to have to get through me first,” Aiden stated. Stallion got off of Angel’s back and she transformed back into her human form.

   “Look at this one. He seems to be asking for his death,” Angel told Stallion.

   “No matter,” Stallion said. “We can finish him quickly.”

   “Don’t be so sure about me dying,” Aiden said.

   “Oh please! I’ll rip you in two!” Angel cackled as she transformed back into her dark horse form.

   Aiden transformed into his beast form, getting ready for battle. Stallion drew out his pistol and fired energy bullets at Aiden. Aiden dodged each one as Stallion continued firing. Angel launched a dark energy beam from her mouth, which hit Aiden directly as he was still dodging the energy bullets. He transformed back into human form and drew out his wand, tapping it to transform it into his sword and plunging it to the ground, which sent a gust of wind at both Angel and Stallion. He transformed back into beast form and attacked Angel directly. While he had pounced on her, Angel kicked him off and then pinned him down with her hoof. This allowed Stallion to go ahead and fire an energy bullet. Instead, Aiden transformed back into human form and kicked off Angel, drawing out his sword again. But before he could attack, Stallion fired an energy bullet at his sword, making it fall onto the ground. He fired an energy bullet at Aiden, injuring him as he slammed into the wall.

   They’re too quick. I can’t keep up with them, Aiden thought. And if this goes on, I’ll be a dead man. I need a new strategy.

   As Aiden tried to get up, he was startled, hearing footsteps coming towards him. He turned to the side to see Headmaster Devil walking right towards him.

   “Devil?” Aiden mumbled as Headmaster Devil finally stopped before him.

   “How did he get out?!” Stallion asked. Headmaster Devil looked down upon Aiden, while Aiden didn’t know what to say. He said, “You fool. You really thought you could handle these two on your own?” Aiden didn’t say a word.

   “Let’s face it. Trying to be a human-beast and a ringmaster at the same time does nothing but wear you out. You’re wasting your time if you think you could do things all at once and manage on your own against enemies like these buffoons,” Headmaster Devil continued. “Why do you think the jobs are separate? It requires two bonds of energy to get the job done. Now…you can either sit here with no dignity left in you…or you can get up, partner with me, and get this done the right way.”

   Aiden was left speechless. But after a moment of processing Headmaster Devil’s words, he himself said, “Wow, old man. You waste your breath to tell me that. I’m not here to waste time. You still think you got it in you?”

   “Of course. Why else do you think I’m the headmaster of this academy?”

   “Very well. I’m all up for this. After all, it looks like the devil needs revenge against the angel.”

   Headmaster Devil turned to both Stallion and Angel. He pointed at Angel and said, “Now I know that’s not your real name! So, quit fighting like a coward and fight like who you really are!”

   Angel transformed back into her human form. She said, “Very well. You’re smarter than I thought. Let me introduce myself as Fida then.”

   “Fida! Ha! Even that name doesn’t suit you!”

   “Aww…is someone still sore from his aching, broken heart?”

   “No. But I will say that you’re the first ex that I’ve ever wanted to throw down with.”

   “Gee, that makes me feel special. Too bad you’ll be a dead man before you can even lay a hand on me.”

   “We’ll see about that.”

   Headmaster Devil grabbed hold of the sword, while Aiden transformed into his beast form. Fida transformed back into her dark beast form, while Stallion got his pistol ready. Stallion fired energy bullets from his pistol directly at Headmaster Devil. He countered each one swiftly with his sword. At that same time, Fida launched another dark energy beam attack towards Aiden, which transformed into a series of dark energy shards. Aiden blew a gust of wind that fired the dark shards back at Fida.

   Once she was down, Aiden jumped at her directly, biting at her mane, while Fida tried to shake him off. “Aiden! Use the Wind Claw attack!” Headmaster Devil ordered.

   Aiden nodded as he lifted his paw and plunged his claws right at Fida’s neck. Fida shook Aiden off of her, but she felt sudden pain in her neck.

   “Good. You got her,” Headmaster Devil said.

   “What was that?!” Stallion asked, infuriated.

   “Wind Claw, one of Aiden’s special attacks,” Headmaster Devil said. “It not only leaves a mark, but it also sends strong wind forces into the central nervous system. Not only does she have trouble getting up, but her brain waves are affected as well.”

   “You sneaky bastard!” Stallion shouted as he fired another energy bullet at Headmaster Devil. “

    Headmaster Devil knocked the bullet off with his sword. He said, “Is that really all you can do?!”

   Stallion lowered his pistol down for a moment, confused, while Fida tried to get up. Aiden turned to Headmaster Devil.

Headmaster Devil looked at Aiden and the two of them nodded at each other. Headmaster Devil spun his sword around while Aiden stood before him.

   Headmaster Devil plunged his sword into the ground. Suddenly, the sword emitted a spiraling wind that unraveled as it went upward and then finally tangled together. The force of the winds was so great that even Stallion and Fida were left in a daze, unable to handle the winds’ power. The winds spun around, forming a funnel. The funnel grew bigger and Aiden jumped into the funnel as the winds consumed him while he absorbed the power.

   “Tornado Twister!” Headmaster Devil called out his attack. The winds formed a tornado which spun Aiden around inside. As he spun, he finally emerged from the tornado and attacked both Stallion and Fida along with the tornado attack.

   Once the winds had died down, Aiden and Headmaster Devil remained standing while Stallion and Fida were completely down as the attack had pounded them with great force. Fida transformed back into human form, seemingly giving up.

   “You imbecile,” Fida mumbled. “How dare you attack us with such power?!”

   “Consider us even now. And for the record, I’ll make it clear that I dumped you,” Headmaster Devil said. “Aiden, send out the guards immediately to have these two locked up.”

   “Will do,” Aiden replied. “What do we do about the others?”

   “Well, there’s no harm now. All we have to do is take the key back,” Headmaster Devil stated.

   “Go ahead. Take the key back,” Stallion mumbled. “Don’t think we’re stupid. We were able to make replicas, which Madame Naga, Droh, and Runa currently have.”

   “What?!” Aiden exclaimed.

   “No problem. My students can handle this,” Headmaster Devil assured. “I know they will.

***

   On the other hand, Droh was in the east wing of the academy. He held a mirror, which had shown him an image of Stallion and Fida, lying on the floor, defeated. “Those fools. The headmaster and that boy defeated them,” Droh said in frustration. “Looks like I’ll have to go get to the chamber myself.”

   Droh made his way down the hall. But he stopped in surprise. Krystal and Prince were standing before him. The two of them looked up, turning towards him.

   “If you really think we’d let you get away, you’re more stupid than we thought,” Prince said.

   Droh smirked as he looked at both Krystal and Prince. “Well then…I didn’t think I’d have to kill anyone just yet. But since you’re asking for it, why not?!” Droh cackled.

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

9. Angel Meets Devil

imeryli

It was a beautiful evening in Daredevil City. And right on this evening, many guests had gathered for the latest circus show at the arena of the Ringmasters Training Academy. And in the tent backstage, where all the performers were getting ready, Sana, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer were all getting ready to perform.

   “I can’t believe they put my Bollywood circus show on hold,” Krystal said. “And instead, they decided to let Aster Rhodes do his ‘Angel Meets Devil’ concept. And how is it he makes Rey and Sana the leads?!”

   “First off, your show got postponed since you got detention,” Sana told Krystal.

   “Second, Aster’s concept for his show is actually very unique,” Prince added.

   “And third, obviously I’m cool enough to be the lead with my good looks and charming personality!” Rey exclaimed as he looked in the mirror, fixing his hair.

   “Rey, don’t act so high and mighty just because I made you the lead of my show,” Aster told Rey as he came by, dressed in his white and black ringmaster outfit.

   “Oh…hello, Aster,” Heer greeted.

   “Hello, Heer,” Aster returned the greeting. “Now is everyone ready?”

   “We’re all ready,” Neil replied.

   “I need to ask. Why did you make Sana the lead for your show when Tina is your partner?” Krystal asked.

   “I know you’re envious, Krystal…but jealousy is not a healthy thing,” Aster said. “Tina is out sick, so I picked the second prettiest girl in the school to be the angel of my show.”

   Aster came up to Sana, who was all dressed up in an angelic white dress with sparkles all over it. “You look lovely, Sana,” Aster said.

   “Are you saying I’m not pretty enough to play the lead?!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “There’s no use of conversing with you, Krystal,” Aster shook his head. “Now everyone, get ready! The show is going to begin soon!”

   With that, Aster left while the performers got ready to take the stage. “What’s with you?” Neil asked Rey, seeing that Rey had an unpleasant expression on his face.

   “Did you see that?! He was flirting with Sana! What a chump!” Rey exclaimed.

   “And why do you care?” Prince asked.

   “Forget it! Let’s just do the show!” Rey said as he walked off while Prince and Neil shook their heads and followed.

***

   Once all the guests were seated, the lights in the arena went out. And then, a small spotlight came on, which shined upon Aster, who came forth onto the stage. “Ladies and  gentlemen…welcome to the Ringmasters Training Academy’s circus show,” Aster greeted the audience. “I am Aster Rhodes, your ringmaster for the evening. Please enjoy the show!”

   The audience clapped as Aster then drew out his wand and waved before the stage with melodious music playing as ten performers came onto the stage, all dressed in white costumes that resembled angels. Among the group included Sana, Krystal, and Heer. Sana, Krystal, and Heer entered onto the stage with two other performers by flowing white-colored aerial silks, while the other five performers had cartwheeled their way onto the stage. Once all ten had come together, long white fabrics came down upon them which they used as scarves to spin around while dancing in sync.

   As they all danced, Aster came onto the stage, looking at all of them and then drawing his wand to the right of the stage, where ten other performers entered, dressed in black cloaks with hoods that had red devil horns to make them resemble devils. Rey, Prince, Neil, and two other performers entered through the use of a trapeze while the other five rushed onto the stage in running motion. The angel performers looked on in terror and made their way away from the devil performers, using the aerial silks. Seeing them run off in fear, the devil performers cackled as they made their way out. Only Rey was left. But he turned, seeing Sana on the ground, turned away from Rey. Rey slowly walked towards Sana, while Sana showed fear. Rey kneeled, trying to get closer to Sana while she was too scared to turn. Rey then touched her shoulder, turning her towards him, while he looked at her innocent face.

   The two of them stood, looking into each other’s eyes before the audience. Sana then moved away in fear, but Rey held her hand and brought her towards him. The two of them then grabbed hold of an aerial hoop, which came down before them. As the hoop spun around, Sana and Rey held each other’s hands as they let their legs hold onto the hoop, forming a perfect aerial shape which made the audience clap. Once the hoop came down, the two cartwheeled off of the hoop and looked at each other, acting like lovers as part of the act.

   That was when the angel and devil performers came in on a trapeze and surrounded Sana and Rey in anger. The angel performers grabbed hold of Sana, taking her away on the aerial silk, while Rey spun on another aerial silk, fighting off the devil performers. Sana, who was still being held by the angel performers, freed herself, coming down onto the stage by the aerial silk. Seeing her come down, the angel performers followed her towards the stage, while Rey stopped fighting off the devil performers once he saw Sana come towards him. She stepped towards him and upon seeing her, he removed his hood with the devil horns. And then, the two embraced while the other performers watched on in silence. The guests stood up in applause while the performers got together on stage as Aster came. They all bowed before the audience.

   “Thank you for enjoying the show! Good night!” Aster told the audience and then exited with the performers off stage.

   Once they all went backstage in the tent, Aster said, “Good job everyone. The show was fantastic.”

   As the performers went to change, Sana sat down at her chair and started taking off her jewelry. Just then, Krystal and Heer came towards her.

   “Even though I wanted to be the lead, you were looking beautiful out there,” Krystal told Sana.

   “Thanks, Krystal,” Sana said.

   “She’s right. You and Rey stole the show,” Heer said. “Everything seemed so real.”

   “Real?” Sana said, confused.

   “Real as in real looking chemistry,” Krystal said.

   “We were acting. Aster’s concept made everything seem real,” Sana said.

   “Really? So, that’s all?” Krystal asked, smirking. “Just acting?”

   “Krystal, you’re crazy,” Sana said. “I’m going to go change.”

   Sana got up and headed to the dressing room while Krystal and Heer both chuckled. And on the other hand, Rey was taking off his gloves along with Prince and Neil. He looked in the mirror and said, “Now that’s what you call a star! I rocked it man! If it wasn’t for the academy, I’d be heading for the movies by now.”

   “Yeah, yeah. We get it, superstar,” Neil said. “Sana was pretty good too. In fact, you both looked great together up there.”

   “That’s what great acting is all about!” Rey exclaimed. “Hollywood is going to want me at some point!”

   “You sure it was all just acting?” Neil asked.

   “Shut up, Neil! I’m gonna go change!” Rey said as he headed off to the dressing room.

   “You know what I mean, right?” Neil asked Prince.

   “I do,” Prince replied. “Not sure why you have to care though.”

***

   The next day, early in the morning at Ringmasters Training Academy, Aiden was walking in the halls of the academy, heading towards Headmaster Devil’s office. Once he got to the office, he opened the door and entered inside. Before he could say anything, he stalled, seeing Headmaster Devil with a lady standing by, who had long curly black hair and wore a short, white mini dress. While the two were obviously paying attention to each other, Aiden cleared his throat to get their attention. Headmaster Devil and the lady turned to Aiden.

   “Oh, it’s you! Must kids always come in at the wrong time!” Headmaster Devil exclaimed. “Angel, I’ll see you tonight for the party.”

   “No problem, Devil,” Angel smiled. “Bye.”

   With that, the lady, Angel, left the office. Aiden came towards Headmaster Devil and said, “Angel?”

   “It’s been a rough time for me. Every devil needs an angel in their life.”

   “It still makes me wonder how you’re the headmaster of this school.”

   “Come to the point, Aiden! What do you want?”

   “My detention went pretty well.”

   “Ah yes. It seems you were able to test them in a smooth fashion.”

   “Yes. However, I believe some special training needs to be done with them.”

   “Special training? For all of them?”

   “As of now, I want to try it out with two of them…Sana and Rey.”

   “Oh yes. You have discussed this with me before. But are you sure you want to take the next step with them?”

   “Absolutely. Especially because those two may be in great danger.”

   “What do you mean?”

   “I have examined all the documents that the group found at Droh’s house. And there are a couple which appeared to be DNA reports related to a tiger. Now I may not know how Droh got these reports, but I have a strong feeling he is after Rey.”

   “Rey? What could he want with that boy?”

   “I really don’t know at this point. But in such cases, I feel those two are going to need to enhance their abilities at some point if they want to efficiently protect themselves from any such threat.”

   “I see. So, I guess now is the time.”

   “Yes, sir. Its time they learn the art of the equilibrium.”

***

   In Energy Enhancement class, Sana, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer were sitting in class among other students while Professor Luna was teaching. “Okay, class. As we have discussed earlier, the enhancement of energy can only be done when full potential of the ringmaster and the human-beast are in balance,” Professor Luna said as she pointed to the board and started writing. “In order for that to happen, energy levels between the ringmaster and the human-beast must be at the same level, also known as the equilibrium.”

While Professor Luna continued her lecture, the gang were doing the following: Sana was taking down notes vigorously in her notebook, Rey was recording the lecture on his phone, Krystal was painting her nails, Prince was chewing on a candy cane, Neil was sleeping, and Heer was listening to every word of the lecture with as much attention as possible. Sana turned to her right side, seeing Rey’s phone recording the whole lecture as an audio tape.

   “Are you that lazy that you can’t take proper notes?” Sana asked Rey, whispering.

   “Please. That’s so old school,” Rey smirked. “Listening to this old lady in the morning is enough of a pain.”

   “I actually agree with him for once,” Krystal said as she took a look at her tangerine-colored nails.

   “Says the girl who’s acting like she’s in a nail salon,” Prince rolled his eyes.

   “Do I hear talking?!” Professor Luna exclaimed. “Talk all you want now! When exam time comes, don’t cry to me when you get low scores!”

   “Trust me. No one will,” Rey said.

“Did you say something, Rey Murgatroyd?!” Professor Luna questioned Rey.

   “Nothing, ma’am! Rey didn’t say anything!” Sana exclaimed.

   “Yeah I did. I said no one’s gonna cry over stupid test scores,” Rey said.

   Sana could see the burning red color rise in Professor Luna’s face. She put her hand to her head. What a moron, Sana thought.

***

   And with that, Professor Luna made Sana and Rey sit out of the classroom in the hall. And right there, Sana smacked Rey straight in the face and yelled, “You moron!” Rey fell to the ground with a thud.

   “What the hell was that for?!”

   “Because of your big fat mouth, I got kicked out of class. Me! I never get kicked out of class!”

   “Oh, quit whining. I’m used to this.”

   “Yeah. Because you don’t know how to follow simple rules.”

   “Who cares about rules? Only teacher’s pets follow rules.”

   “So being a rebel makes you some kind of hot shot?”

   “Well, duh! It’s what makes me so cool! That’s why I was able to make yesterday’s show so awesome!”

   “Hey, I was with you the whole time. I deserve credit as well.”

   “Please! I was so good that people were asking me if it really was only acting!”

   Strange, Krystal and Heer were asking me the same question, Sana thought. Why would Rey and I be asked the same thing?

   “Of course, it was only acting!” Sana exclaimed.

   “Yeah. I know it was,” said Rey, surprised. “Why are you overreacting?”

   He’s right? Why am I overreacting? Sana wondered as she shook her head.

   “Attention students of the academy,” Headmaster Devil announced over the intercom. “I hope you all remember that today is my birthday. Hence, I am welcoming all the students and faculty to a grand party tonight at the school. All must attend.”

   “It’s Headmaster Devil’s birthday?” Rey asked.

   “That’s right. I was going to skip the party and study, but I guess I have to go.”

   “Man, you do nothing but study half the time! No wonder you’re such a bore sometimes.”

   In annoyance, Sana smacked Rey in the head again, making him fall to the floor. “Unless you want a facelift, I suggest you shut up,” Sana said.

***

   In the evening after classes, students were all getting ready in their dorms for the party, which was soon going to start. Especially Krystal, who was styling her hair into beautiful curls and putting on makeup at the same time. After she was done, she looked in the mirror at her long, tangerine-colored dress, which had a side strap that was tied in the back with a bow attached. She put on a pair of dangling orange bead earrings and a gold cuff bracelet. After slipping into her tangerine-colored pumps, she took a final look in the mirror, winking at herself.

   “Perfect! Just perfect! I’m all matching! Everything is coordinating!” Krystal exclaimed. “I am so ready for this party!”

   At that moment, there was a knock on Krystal’s door. “It’s Heer,” Heer said from outside.

   “Come in!” Krystal replied. Heer opened the door and entered inside Krystal’s room. She was dressed in a floor-length off-the-shoulder dress in baby blue, a white pearl necklace around her neck, pearl earrings on her ears, a pearl bracelet on her wrist, and silver heels.

   “Wow, Heer. You look pretty as ever!” Krystal exclaimed upon seeing Heer.

   “Thanks. You look lovely yourself, Krystal.”

   “I know. My father sent me this dress a few days ago. It’s custom made. Very expensive.”

   “Have you seen Sana around?”

   “No. She’s probably still getting ready in her room. Let’s go see her. We can go together to the party.”

   Krystal and Heer walked down the hall to Sana’s room, knocking on the door. “Come in,” Sana said from inside.

   Krystal and Heer entered the room and looked at Sana with shocked faces. Sana was dressed in a long-sleeved black dress that had a turtle neck and she tied her hair up in a bun. She turned around to both Krystal and Heer and Krystal said, “What the hell are you wearing?!”

   “Sana, I usually like to be supportive, but even I have to agree with Krystal,” Heer said.

   “What?” Sana asked. “Is it weird?”

   “You’re going to a party. Not a funeral!” Krystal exclaimed. “What were you thinking?!”

   “Well, I don’t have any dresses. Most of my formal clothes are at home,” Sana said.

   “It’s always that long black trench-coat with the red collars that you hog around all the time! I’m surprised it’s not dirty yet,” Krystal said.

   “Hey!” Sana exclaimed.

   “Whatever,” said Krystal. “There’s no way you’re going out like that! Heer, get her into her closet!”

   “No! Wait! Come on! This is not needed!” Sana pleaded as Heer got Sana inside of her closet. “Come on, guys!”

   “Heer, wait over here! I’m going to go get some things from my EFA!” Krystal told Heer.

   “What’s an EFA?” Heer asked.

   “Emergency Fashion Aid kit!” Krystal replied.

***

   Later on, at the ballroom of the academy, students and faculty had arrived for the celebrations. Already in attendance were Rey, Prince, and Neil who were all dressed in nice looking suits. Rey wore a black suit, gray dress shirt, red tie, and black oxfords. Prince wore a navy blue suit, white dress shirt, midnight blue bowtie, and navy blue dress shoes. And Neil wore a tuxedo with matching black dress shoes.

   “Really? A tux?” Rey said to Neil.

   “What?! A tux can be worn practically anywhere!” Neil exclaimed.

   “This party is so pointless,” Prince said as he took a sip from a glass of fruit punch.

   “At least we get good food,” Rey said as he took a chicken appetizer from a waiter’s tray and popped it in his mouth.

   “Look, Rey! Have some orange juice!” Neil chuckled as he held a glass of orange juice before Rey.

   “Get that disgusting crap out of my face!” Rey shouted.

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

   “Oh look! Heer’s here with the others,” Neil pointed out.

   Rey, Prince, and Neil looked ahead to see Sana, Krystal, and Heer had arrived along with other girls from the girls’ dorm. As the guys saw the three girls, Rey’s eyes were on Sana. Sana was no longer wearing the long black gown that Krystal had bashed earlier. She wore a sparkly red floor-length gown with a black sash wrapped around the waist that had diamond embroidery on it, along with black pumps. Her hair was tied back in a bun with a rose pin in place to hold it up. Is that really Sana? Rey wondered, unable to believe his eyes.

   Sana, Krystal, and Heer came up to Rey, Prince, and Neil. Krystal looked at Prince and said, “Prince! What the hell are you wearing?!”

   “A suit,” Prince replied. “What else?”

   “What happened to that tangerine-colored suit I gave you to wear?” Krystal asked.

   “You really think I’d be caught dead wearing that ugly thing?” Prince said.

   “How dare you?! That was custom made in Belgium!” Krystal exclaimed. “Just look! Your navy blue suit is clashing with my tangerine dress! How many times do I have to explain to you to coordinate with the colors that I tell you to wear! No one will know we’re partners unless we wear matching colors!”

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

   “Sana, I’m surprised to see you in the dressy look,” Neil told Sana.

   “That was all Krystal’s idea,” Heer said.

   “I had to save her from that atrocity of a gown she was going to wear!” Krystal exclaimed. “So, I found the only thing in my Emergency Fashion Aid kit that would suit her.”

   “You have an Emergency Fashion Aid kit?” Neil asked Krystal.

   “Of course,” Krystal answered. “I have to save fashion victims when necessary.”

   “That doesn’t surprise me,” Prince said as he took another sip from his glass of fruit punch.

   “Um…I’m gonna go out to the balcony. I’ll see you guys later,” Sana said as she headed off.

   “That’s weird. What’s wrong with Sana?” Heer asked.

   “She didn’t even talk to you,” Neil said to Rey.

   Without saying a word, Rey headed off, following Sana as she made her way towards the balcony.

***

   On the other hand, outside of the academy, trouble was brewing. On top of the academy building roof, Droh, Runa, and Madame Naga had appeared in a puff of gray smoke.

   “Do you sense anything?” Madame Naga asked Droh.

   “It’s quite a party in there,” Droh said.

   “Exhilarating,” Madame Naga said. “Then it looks like we’ll have to spice up the entertainment a bit.”

   “What are we doing?” Runa asked Droh and Madame Naga.

“Oh little Runa,” Madame Naga exclaimed as she grabbed hold of Runa’s face. “We’re just going to pay the headmaster a visit. It is his birthday after all.”

   Madame Naga looked down, seeing Headmaster Devil’s current girlfriend, Angel walking with another man into the school. She was ready to commence with her plan.

***

   Outside at the balcony, Sana was standing by, looking at the night sky as she took a deep breath. “That breeze feels nice,” Sana said. “It’s good to get away for a little bit to take things off my mind.”

   “Take what off your mind?” a voice asked. Sana was startled as she turned to see Rey had come by.

   “Rey! What are you doing here?”

   “I just came to check on you.”

   “Check on me? Why?”

   “What’s up with you? You’ve been acting up since this morning.”

   “Nothing! It’s nothing!”

   “Anyways…I gotta say…you look nice tonight.”

   “I do?”

   “Yeah. At least a notch better than usual.”

   “I wish I could be flattered, but thanks anyway.”

   “But something is really off.”

   “What?”

   “You don’t look like Sana.”

   “What are you talking about?!”

   “The dress is fine. But there’s something that isn’t you.”

   “I don’t have time for this! I’m going back inside!”

   As Sana turned to leave, Rey grabbed hold of her hand, stopping her from leaving. She turned around, looking at him. He moved his hand before her hair and removed the rose pin, allowing the bun to come loose, letting her hair down against her shoulders.

   “What are you-“

   Before Sana could even finish talking, Rey moved strands of her hair out of her face, moving a lock of hair over her shoulder. “There,” Rey said. “Now you look like Sana. Don’t wear your hair tied up. It makes you look like a seventy-year old granny.”

   Sana was both surprised and annoyed. But she had to admit she much preferred her hair loose than tied up.

   “Are you gonna stand here or do you plan to come in?” he asked.

   Sana nodded, following Rey back inside the ballroom. Once they came back in the ballroom, they caught up with the rest of the gang, who were all eating snacks from the snack table. Just then, Angel came along with the man she was escorted with, and went up to Headmaster Devil, giving him a hug.

   “You look lovely as usual,” Headmaster Devil told Angel.

   “Oh, Devil! You never fail to flatter me,” Angel said. “This is Ben Stallion, an acquaintance of mine.”

   Headmaster Devil turned to Angel’s friend. He was a sharp looking fellow with short, smooth blond hair and was dressed in a black suit ensemble.

   “Oh please, just call me Stallion,” The man greeted Headmaster Devil. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

   “The pleasure is mine,” Headmaster Devil responded. “Glad you were able to join us.”

   “Oh trust me…we’re very glad,” Stallion smirked.

   Stallion kicked Headmaster Devil in the abdomen, making him fall to the ground. The students and faculty turned around, seeing their headmaster had been assaulted.

   “What is the meaning of this?!” Professor Luna questioned Stallion.

   Angel grinned as she came up to Headmaster Devil, looking down upon him. “I’m sorry, Devil. I’m not the angel you were expecting. It was fun while it lasted though,” Angel told Devil. “Stallion!”

   Stallion then drew out a wand and tapped it to transform it into a semi-automatic pistol. He held the pistol directly at Headmaster Devil. “Now, Devil…tell us where the key is!” Stallion ordered.

   “Ha! You think that just because you got me down on the ground that I’m vulnerable now?” Headmaster Devil said. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

   “Very well,” Stallion said as he fired the pistol, releasing energy beams that turned into straps trapping Headmaster Devil to the ground.

   Angel went ahead and went through the pockets of Headmaster Devil’s suit. She then found another pocket right in the back of his suit, and drew out a golden key.

   “Thanks, Devil,” Angel said as she handed the key to Stallion.

   “Sorry to crash the party everyone. But we have a job to do,” Stallion spoke to everyone in the ballroom. “Now!” Angel transformed into the form of a dark beast. She took upon the form of a dark horse. Stallion then mounted on Angel’s back and Angel took off with great speed out of the ballroom.

   “They’re getting away!” Sana shouted.

   “We can’t just stand here! We have to do something!” Neil exclaimed.

   “Question is where are they going?” Heer asked.

   “I have a good idea,” a voice said.

The gang turned around to see Aiden come to them. “Professor Galloway,” Sana said.

   “Don’t call him that! He’s literally the same age as us!” Neil told Sana.

   “What do you know about them?” Rey asked Aiden.

   “I know where they’re heading. We don’t have time to talk. We’ll do it on the way. I want all of you to come with me right now!” Aiden ordered.

   “You’re kidding?” Prince said.

   “And just when I was enjoying the party!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “We’re coming,” Sana said.

   “Follow me!” Aiden told the gang.   “Professor Luna, you know what to do. This is a school emergency. Seal off the ballroom so no one can get in.”

   “Will do,” Professor Luna agreed.

   Aiden led the gang out of the ballroom while Professor Luna pressed a button on the wall near the ballroom entrance, which activated a force field that protected the ballroom from anyone coming inside.

   “They got the key,” Droh told Madame Naga as the trio remained on the rooftop outside.

   “Excellent,” Madame Naga said. “Now we can have some fun.”

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

8. The Test of Teamwork

imeryli

Suddenly, the room had changed. No longer were the gang and Aiden in a regular room, but now they were in what appeared to be a ground area. And it was time for the others to battle Aiden, who had already transformed into his beast form of a gray wolf.

   “You guys ready?” Rey asked the others.

   “Of course! I’ll go first!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “We will?” Prince asked, surprised.

   “Yes. Just watch. This pretty little sonic bell will rock him off his feet,” Krystal replied. “Now, transform already!”

   Prince nodded and transformed into his beast form. “Let’s start things off lightly,” Krystal said. “Quick! Slam him directly!”

   Prince leaped forward, hitting Aiden directly near his neck. As he pushed Aiden down to the ground, Aiden kicked him off. Krystal then drew out her wand, tapping it to transform it into her sonic bell.

   “Prince, hang tight!” Krystal ordered. She activated her sonic bell, launching a sound wave straight at Aiden. Aiden tried to handle the power of the sound wave, but it was too much for him to take in.

   “See! I got him!” Krystal exclaimed.

   But then, Aiden’s eyes beamed and he suddenly transformed back into human form as the attack continued. “See! I’m so good that he’s already giving up!” Krystal exclaimed.

   However, Krystal noticed the others were rather surprised. Aiden had just drawn out a wand, which he tapped to transform it into what appeared to be a sword.

   “What the hell?!” Rey said, surprised.

   “It can’t be. He’s also a ringmaster?” Sana asked.

   “How can something like that even be possible?” Heer asked.

   Aiden spun the sword, which created what appeared to be a mini tornado. The tornado consumed the sound waves like it was nothing and he plunged his sword to the ground, launching a powerful wind attack that hit both Krystal and Prince. Aiden transformed back into his beast form.

   “What the hell was that?!” Krystal said.

   “That guy…what is he?!” Rey asked. “How can he be a human-beast and a ringmaster at the same time?!”

   So, this is what he’s been doing this whole time, Neil thought. All that training abroad…was for this. So, now he wants to prove what?! That he’s some special guy?! No. You’ve always acted like the big shot. Let me show you what I can do.

   “Heer,” Neil called to Heer.

   Heer turned to Neil, feeling concerned. “Yes, Neil?” Heer replied.

   “I want you to transform now.”

   “But Neil…do you even realize what we’re up against?”

   “Just do what I tell you to do.”

   “But Neil-“

   “Fine! I’ll handle this face-to-face with him!”

   Neil immediately drew out his wand, transforming it into his bow and arrow. “Just one hit is enough to take you out!” Neil exclaimed.

   “Neil, wait!” Heer called out to Neil. But Neil didn’t listen. Instead, he fired an arrow from his bow directly at Aiden. Aiden dodged the arrow and then let out a gust of wind in the form of a howl, which hit Neil to the ground. Aiden leaped around behind Neil, transforming back into human form and holding the sword right near Neil’s face.

   “It’s amazing, Neil,” Aiden said. “So many years I haven’t seen you…and yet you’re still the same whiny, arrogant little punk from our childhood.”

   I got to help Neil! Heer thought. Heer transformed into her beast form and launched an ice energy beam from her mouth towards Aiden. Aiden pushed Neil back to the ground as he then transformed back into his beast form. But seeing the energy beam was close to hitting him, he transformed back into his human form as the energy beam hit him, enclosing him in an ice coffin.

   “She got him!” Rey exclaimed.

   “I don’t think he’s done yet,” Sana said.

   Within the ice coffin, Aiden drew out his sword and hit it in the ice, shattering it to pieces. He transformed back into his beast form and tackled Heer to the ground. Heer pushed Aiden off and pounced at him forward, but Aiden tried with equal force to attack back. And it was when he hit Heer on her leg that she fell to the ground along with Neil, Krystal, and Prince, who were all down. Heer and Prince had both transformed back, unable to battle any further.

   Rey and Sana looked at the four of them. Sana couldn’t believe her eyes. “He took them all out! And on top of that, he was able to move within that ice coffin,” Sana said. “This guy is unreal.”

   “I really don’t know what we should do, Sana. This is getting out of hand. If we’re taken out, then its game over for all of us.”

   “And I thought you were the one who was all excited to fight this guy!”

   “I am. But he’s too powerful. We’ve never come across someone who’s a human-beast and a ringmaster at the same time. And he can transform back and forth so easily. So, now what?”

   “We’re gonna have to play his game then.”

   “I don’t get it.”

   “Just follow my lead, all right?”

   Rey looked at Sana, still unsure of what to do. Sana gave his hand to Rey.

   “You have to trust me,” Sana told Rey. Rey looked at her hand, and then looked at Sana’s confident face. He smirked and nodded as he grabbed hold of her hand.

   Rey transformed into his beast form, while Aiden prepared to take him on. “Rey, tackle him to the ground,” Sana ordered. Rey nodded and pounded Aiden directly, while Aiden tried to push against him. However, the two were evenly matched.

   “Quick! Use a fireball attack on him!” Sana commanded. Rey released a fireball attack in the form of a roar, which hit Aiden in his face. Aiden fell back, trying to regain his posture. Aiden immediately transformed back into his human form and drew out his sword to attack Sana.

   But Sana swiftly drew out her wand, tapping it to transform it into her trishula and held it against Aiden’s sword. Sana and Aiden were both pushing against each other with their weapons as much as possible. Aiden hit against Sana’s trishula, knocking it out of her hands. He took this moment to attack, but Rey pounced on him from behind, pinning him to the ground. Aiden transformed back into his beast form and hit Rey back.

   Sana grabbed hold of her trishula again, spinning it around in the air. “Rey! Are you ready?!” Sana asked Rey. Rey nodded in response.

   What are they planning to do? Aiden wondered.

   “Let’s go!” Sana shouted as she continued to spin her trishula in the air until she finally plunged it into the ground. “Ring of Fire!”

   Aiden’s eyes beamed as the power of Sana’s trishula sent forth a ring of flames that surrounded him in the fire. He appeared to be trapped as he looked around himself in panic. Rey leaped into the ring of fire, allowing the flames to enhance his power as he went on to attack Aiden.

   But Aiden swiftly got out of his way and transformed back into human form and he drew out his sword and plunged it down to the ground, sending a gust of winds which consumed the flames, combining with them. He sent forth the attack at Sana, which hit her directly. Rey gasped, seeing Sana get hit.

   Sana fell to the ground, dropping her trishula which had been worn out with the use of so much power. Aiden then walked towards Sana, still holding his sword in his hand. Once he got right in front of her, Rey appeared before Aiden, getting in front of Sana. He transformed back into his human form and said, “Back off.” Aiden looked at Rey, surprised.

   “You’re not gonna hurt Sana while I’m still standing.”

   “Is that so?”

   “Of course. We’re partners after all. If she goes down, I go down with her.”

   There was a moment of silence as the others looked on while Rey looked at Aiden sternly, still holding onto Sana. “Well then…looks like I’ll have to do this for both of you,” Aiden said. Rey and Sana stood by, unaware of what was going to happen. Aiden looked at the two and finally said, “You pass.”

   And all the worrying turned into confusion for Rey. “Wait, what?! Pass what?!” Rey asked.

   “Simple,” Aiden replied. “This detention was Headmaster Devil’s way to test you all. And you two passed.”

   “Um…maybe I wasn’t clear before,” Rey said. “What?!”

   “What test is he blabbering about?!” Krystal asked.

   “I too am confused,” Heer said.

   “I’ll explain it to you all,” Aiden continued. “When Krystal, Neil, and Rey were all given detention, Prince, Heer, and Sana were given detention as well. Why? Because you all are partners. Whatever one individual gets, the partner receives the same.”

   “Which is completely unfair by the way,” Prince said.

   “Correct. It is unfair,” Aiden replied.

   “Then why do it?” Sana asked.

   “This is all Headmaster Devil’s idea. The relationship between a ringmaster and a human-beast has to be in balance,” Aiden started to explain. “And this punishment is a way of maintaining balance. There will be situations where you will face unfair circumstances. But that’s how things are. As partners, you have to face those situations with equal coordination and cooperation. A ringmaster and a human-beast have to be willing to go through everything together no matter what happens.”

   “This is what this whole thing was about?!” Krystal asked.

   “Yes. Take you for an example, Krystal,” Aiden said. “Rather than working along with Prince, you went ahead and attacked on your own to show off your own potential. And then Neil, you did not take the time to listen to Heer and went ahead with your own attacks for the sake of your own ego.”

   “He acts like he knows everything,” Neil told Heer, rolling his eyes.

   “However, Rey and Sana were a different case,” Aiden went on. “Their attacks were well coordinated, despite being imperfect. And once I came before an injured Sana, Rey was ready to take a hit as well. That is what the relationship between a ringmaster and a human-beast should be. The willingness to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and take whatever they get.”

   “So, this whole detention session was just for that?!” Rey asked. “Then what was it with you putting us in those messed up classrooms?!”

   “That was just Headmaster Devil’s way of messing with you all prior to the real deal…and for me to see how you all could manage,” Aiden answered.

   Sana could see that for her, Rey, and the others, this was a lot to take in. “You mean to say I basically broke my heels for nothing?!” Krystal cried. “This is so not cool!”

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

   “That is so messed up!” Rey exclaimed. “Neil, we’re never getting into detention again!”

***

   The next day, at the academy, Rey and Sana were walking together in the hallway, making their way to their Power Coordination class. As the two walked, Rey turned to Sana and asked, “You sure you feel okay?”

   “Yeah, I’m fine. Our attack was more in balance than last time, so I didn’t use up too much energy.”

   “That’s good. Man, I don’t want to see that Aiden guy again!”

   “I just want to know…how is it possible that he is a ringmaster and a human-beast at the same time? Do you think Neil knows something about it?”

   “Maybe he does. They are twin brothers after all. But Neil seemed just as surprised as we were.”

   “We could still ask and see if he knows something. Or obviously Headmaster Devil might know some information as well.”

   “No way am I asking the flirty headmaster!”

   “Don’t act like you’ve never been a flirt before!”

   “Hey! If that’s so, I wouldn’t care about that Aiden guy. He would’ve laid a hand on you if I didn’t come in at the right time.”

   “Wait…why does that matter to you?”

   There was an awkward moment of silence as Rey struggled to answer, realizing what he had said to Sana, while Sana looked on, confused. “It’s nothing!” Rey protested. “Forget it. Let’s just go to class.”

   What a moron, Sana thought as she and Rey both went inside the classroom. They sat down in their row which was behind Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer.

   “Where’s Professor Lawrence?” Sana asked the others.

   “Apparently he’s not teaching our class anymore,” Prince replied.

   “What?! The old man’s gone?!” Rey said, surprised.

   “He retired all of a sudden. So, we have a new teacher coming in,” Heer said.

   “I just wonder if he’s good looking or not!” Krystal exclaimed. “At least someone can keep my attention running in this class.”

   “Whoever it is, I just hope it’s not someone like him,” Neil said.

   “Agreed. That old man always picked on me,” Rey said.

   “Please,” Sana retorted. “That was because half of the time you were playing with your phone in class!”

   “Good morning, class,” a voice said. The voice was all too familiar to Sana. And from the looks on the others’ faces, they seemed to share her perspective. Sana turned around with the others and was shocked to see who had come. It was Aiden, who was all dressed up in a fancy white suit with a black tie and white dress shirt.

   “You all know me as the school’s new mentor, Aiden Galloway,” Aiden told the class. “As of a today, I am your new professor. So you all can address me as Professor Galloway.”

   “You can’t be serious?!” Krystal cried.

   “This is a complete surprise,” Heer said.

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince rolled his eyes.

   “All of a sudden I want the old man back now!” Rey exclaimed.

   “I’m gonna have to skip this class more often then,” Neil said, frustrated.

   “Having him as a mentor is enough,” Sana said, rolling her eyes. “He’s the same age as us and yet he becomes a professor?! Things aren’t going to get any easier from this point on.”

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

7. Class in Session – Aiden Style

imeryli

“Okay! What the hell is going on here?!” Rey shouted at Aiden. Sana, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer were all strapped tightly to seats as they found themselves in a dark classroom where Aiden stood before them. Aside from the blackboard, the walls were plain black and there were eerie looking cobwebs that could be seen on the ceiling.

   “This is detention,” Aiden replied.

   “No! This is a horror movie where the monster is about to eat the innocent kids!” Krystal cried.

   “You think you’re all so innocent, don’t you?” Aiden asked. “Well, you’re in my world now. As long as you cooperate, you’ll be fine.”

   “Man. Your brother is nuts,” Rey whispered to Neil.

   “Why would you do this to us?” Sana asked. “Or at least me, Heer, and Prince, considering we did nothing to get into detention in the first place.”

   “Hey!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “Way to be a team player!” Neil told Sana.

   “Please just let us go and they’ll never bother you again,” Heer pleaded.

   “I don’t do the easy way. Headmaster Devil appointed me in charge of detention. So, I’m doing things my way. There’s only one way for you to get out of here. But you’ll have to figure that out on your own…if you can use your heads,” Aiden replied. “So, until then, class is in session.”

   With a slam of his pointer on the blackboard, Aiden sent each and every member of the gang down an opening of the floor, separating them from each other. Once they were all gone, he stood back.

   “This will be amusing,” Aiden said.

***

   As Sana fell downward, strapped to her chair, she screamed as she landed into another classroom. Once she landed, she drew out her wand, tapping it to transform it into her trishula and used its sharp blade to cut the straps off. After doing so, Sana got up from the chair and was startled as Rey landed in the same room.

   “Oh, you’re here too!” Rey exclaimed. “How’d you get out?!”

   “I used my trishula. Can’t you transform and get out?”

   “I tried! But it’s not working! Get me out of this!”

   Sana rolled her eyes as she went ahead and slashed the straps of Rey’s chair off, releasing Rey. “Man! It feels good to be able to get up!” Rey exclaimed. “Now where the hell are we?”

   Rey and Sana looked around to find themselves in a classroom filled with desks that had chemicals and a variety of tubes on display. “Figured as much. We’re in a chemistry room,” Sana said.

   “What the hell is that guy’s problem?!”

   “If it wasn’t for you and Neil, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

   “Hey! It’s not my fault that Neil’s crazy twin brother decided to put us in some horror movie of a school! I don’t even know why he separated all of us. Besides, it’s just a normal classroom.”

   Suddenly, out of nowhere, a catlike dark beast came and broke into the classroom, heading towards Sana and Rey. “You were saying?” Sana eyed Rey.

   “Oh, shut up,” Rey said as he then transformed into his tiger form.

   “Hit it into the wall!” Sana ordered Rey. Rey moved forward, leaping onto the dark beast as he pushed it into the wall. As he tried to hold it down, the dark beast bit Rey on his neck, pushing him to the ground. As Rey tried to get up, the dark beast launched a dark energy beam attack directly towards Rey.

   “Quick! Counter it with a fireball attack!” Sana ordered Rey. Rey nodded and let out a roar, emitting a fireball which hit into the energy beam. As both Rey and the dark beast put in as much force into their attacks, the dark beast was able to push the energy beam harder, which hit Rey along with the fireball attack. Rey was slammed into the wall, falling to the floor.

   “Are you all right?!” Sana asked Rey, concerned. Rey slowly got up, nodding.

   I need to think of something! This one is too strong! Sana thought.

   “Try to hold it off with an energy beam! I’ll come in then!” Sana told Rey.

   Rey nodded as he then emitted a fire energy beam from his mouth, which hit the dark beast directly. Sana drew out her trishula, spinning it in the air as she then plunged it into the ground, which released a fiery path that combined with the energy beam attack. The attack was enough to hold off the dark beast, but it couldn’t destroy it.

   Sana turned to the table with chemical tubes and looked around. She then picked one up. “Liquid carbon dioxide! This’ll work!” Sana exclaimed. She immediately released the chemical into the fire, which slowly released its acidic effect on the dark beast, melting it into nothing but ashes. And at that moment, sprinklers in the classroom came on, spraying water to put out the fire, which got both Sana and Rey wet. Sana turned to Rey, who transformed back. Once the sprinklers stopped, Sana ran towards Rey, who slowly managed to get up.

   “Are you okay?” Sana asked Rey.

   “I’m fine, Sana. It’s nothing to worry about,” Rey said. But then, Rey slowly fell to which Sana immediately caught him. She looked at his neck, shocked to see the cut from when the dark beast had bit him. Sana sat Rey down on the floor against the wall to help him rest.  

   “Sana, I’m fine,” Rey assured Sana.

“There’s no need to be worried.”

   “How can you say that? That cut hurt you real bad.”

   “It’s nothing, Sana.”

   “You call that nothing?! You can hardly even sit up straight!”

   “Sana, quit worrying. There’s no need to-“

   “Shut up! You’re always telling me not to worry! For once in your damn life, just let me worry!”

   Rey was left stunned and speechless. He looked at an angry Sana, confused why she’s getting so worked up over this. Sana then relaxed, realizing what she had said. She removed her white scarf, which had been wrapped around the red collars of her black trench-coat. Sana came closer to Rey, using the scarf to wipe the cut on his neck clean. Both of them felt odd as the proximity between them was very close, while Sana continued to clean the cut.

   “What was that you used to kill that thing?” Rey asked, trying to avoid the awkward silence.

   “Liquid carbon dioxide. It was more effective to kill it off.”

   “You’ve always known so much about chemicals?”

   “Yeah. I like chemistry. I always found it fascinating to test out all the chemicals and stuff.”

   “That’s where your nerd side comes from?”

   “Very funny.”

   Sana had finished bandaging the cut. “How do you feel?” Sana asked Rey as he slowly got up.

   “Much better. I gotta hand it to you. You’ve got a magic touch with those hands of yours,” Rey smirked. Sana smiled, seeing he was better.  

   “So, now what?” Rey asked. “We still need to get out of here.”

   “You’re right,” Sana sighed. “I just wonder how the others are doing.”

***

   On the other hand, Krystal had fallen out of her seat into what appeared to be a gymnasium. “Ever heard of gentle falling?!” Krystal shouted as she got off, brushing off the dust that was on her dress. She looked around, surprised to see where she was.

   “Out of all the places of a school they could put me in, they put me in a gym?!” Krystal asked. “This is not my thing!” Krystal was taken by surprise as a ball came towards her way. She ducked in time as the ball hit at the wall, leaving an imprint due to the impact of the hit.

   “What the hell?! Do I look like a bullseye?!” Krystal shouted as she turned around. She was shocked to see a series of humanoid robots looking directly at her, each holding a ball in their hand.

   “Dodgeball!” the humanoids said in unison.

   “What?!” Krystal cried. The humanoids began throwing balls at Krystal, who tried her best to avoid being attacked. She struggled to run in her heels, while the humanoids continued to attack her.

   “And I thought physical education was already horrible! This is my worst nightmare!” Krystal whined as she continued running. “And how dare you make me run in these shoes!”

   As Krystal continued to run, she tripped in her heels and fell. But as she fell, she was caught by someone. She looked up to see Prince had caught her.

   “You?! Oh now you decide to come?!” Krystal shouted.

   “Fine then. I guess I didn’t have to catch you,” Prince said as he dropped Krystal to the floor, making her mouth drop wide open.   

   “Does anyone here understand the meaning of the word GENTLE?!” Krystal cried. Krystal got up, but as she stood, she was appalled to see the heel of one of her pumps had broken off.

   “Those useless pieces of metal made me break a heel!” Krystal shrieked. “I was annoyed to begin with, but now I’m just angry! Hurry up and transform, Prince!”

   “On it,” Prince nodded as he then transformed into his lion form. Krystal drew out her wand, tapping it to transform it into her sonic bell. She held her sonic bell with a tight grip as she looked at the humanoids that surrounded her.

   “When you mess with me and my shoes, you go down!” Krystal exclaimed. “Now it’s personal! Prince, use your Sonic Roar!”

   Prince nodded as he gave a mighty roar, emitting sound waves across the gymnasium. The sound waves forced the humanoids down to the ground as they were unable to counter the vibrations being sent by the waves. Krystal then rung her sonic bell, which further intensified Prince’s Sonic Roar, making the sound waves even stronger. And by then, the humanoids’ metal bodies slowly began to crack until they all finally broke apart in unison.

   Prince transformed back into his human form. “That’s what you tin cans get for making me break a heel!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “Really? You’re whining over a stupid shoe.”

   “These aren’t ordinary shoes! They’re by Reshawna. Reshawna! Now it’ll cost a fortune to get new ones!”

   “To hell with the drama.”

   “And of course. That’s all you can say. I can’t even walk now that this shoe is unwearable.”

   “Then walk…barefoot.”

   Krystal was appalled. “Barefoot?!” Krystal cried. “You expect me to walk barefoot around here? I don’t even know where this floor has been.”

   “Honestly, can you just shut up for once in your life?”

   Krystal’s mouth dropped wide open as Prince walked ahead of her. She could only handle so much of Prince’s attitude.

   “You can be so rude!” Krystal exclaimed as she followed Prince.

   “I know.”

   “So, where are we going?”

   “We need to find a way out of here. We’ll have to see if we can find the others first.”

***

   Elsewhere, Neil and Heer had both landed themselves in what appeared to be a history classroom. As they both fell, they were then seated at desks before a clone of what looked like Headmaster Devil.

   “Devil?!” Neil said, confused.

   “It’s not him. Everything here is just an illusion,” Heer replied.

   “Welcome to history!” the clone said.

   “Man, I hate history,” Neil whined.

   “State the exact dates of when the Great Ringmaster War occurred!” the clone ordered Neil and Heer.

   “Um…,” Heer mumbled.

   “How should I know?!” Neil shouted.

   “You don’t?! Time for punishment!” the clone exclaimed.

   The clone snapped his fingers and two bombs had appeared on the desks that Neil and Heer were sitting at. The two gasped while the clone cackled, “See if you can get out of this! Good day!”

   And with that, the clone vanished. “What the hell?! He placed actual bombs on our desks!” Neil exclaimed. “If my brother wanted to kill us, he didn’t have to send us to some other dimension to do it!”

   “It’ll explode in a minute if we don’t do something!”

   “Quick! Transform and use an ice energy beam on them! Then I’ll fire my arrows to destroy them!”

   “Right!”

   Heer transformed into her snow leopard form, letting out an ice energy beam at both of the bombs. Neil got up and drew out his wand, transforming it into his bow and arrow. He then pulled an arrow back on the bow and fired it at the bomb, destroying it, and then doing the same to the other bomb just in time. Heer transformed back into her human form, sighing with relief.

   “That was a close one,” Heer said.

   “My brother is so dead when I find him.”

   “How do we find him? The others must be trying to get out as well.”

   “Damn it! How are we going to find that scumbag in this place?!”

   Suddenly, the floor under Neil and Heer opened, making the two fall downward into a tunnel. Neil gave his hand to Heer to which she held onto as the two then landed into a chamber room where Sana, Rey, Krystal, and Prince were at as well. The two got up and Neil said, “Well, that was easy.”

   “I am really getting tired of the special effects!” Rey exclaimed.

   “Where are we now?” Heer asked.

   “Very good. I hope you all enjoyed class time,” a voice said.

   The gang turned around to see Aiden standing before them. “You called that class?! I was attacked by dodgeball-throwing robots!” Krystal shouted.

   “Humanoids,” Prince corrected.

   “Whatever!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “Enough with this! Just let us go already! I think we had enough torture for one day,” Rey said.

   “Oh believe me…things are just getting started,” Aiden said.

   Rey could see the others were just as puzzled as he was. At that moment, Aiden closed his eyes as he had suddenly transformed into the form of a human-beast. His beast form was that of a gray wolf.

   “Of course he has to show off,” Neil said.

   “So, we finally see his beast form,” Sana said.

   “On second thought…I say I’m ready for a fight,” Rey smirked. “Right, Neil?”

   “Hell yes,” Neil replied.

   “Looks like we have no choice,” Sana said. “Time to see what this guy is really made of.”

Volume 1

6. Into Detention You Go

imeryli

“Rey! Attack from your left!” Sana commanded. Late at night in Daredevil City, Sana and Rey were up against a dark beast down in the alley of St. Franken Street. This dark beast looked similar to a jaguar, with its spots being a bright red color. Rey, in his beast form, attacked the dark beast directly into the wall, holding it down as much as possible.

   “Quick! Give it a fireball attack!” Sana ordered. Rey nodded as he let out a mighty roar, emitting a fireball attack at the dark beast. The dark beast fell to the ground while Sana drew out her wand, tapping it to transform it into her trishula. She spun her trishula around in the air and plunged it into the ground, sending a fiery path towards the dark beast. The flames consumed the dark beast, destroying it completely.

   With that, Rey transformed back into his human form. Once he transformed back, he noticed Sana got down to the ground on her knees, looking very exhausted. Rey went towards her, lending her a hand.

   “Need help?” he asked. Sana looked at Rey’s hand, grabbing it as Rey helped her get up.   

   “You okay?” Rey asked.

   “Yeah. I’m probably just tired.”

   “Let’s get back. Besides, we have classes in the morning.”

   And so, Rey and Sana began to head back towards the academy. But Sana stalled for a moment, turning around to see a dark tower ahead of the city.

   “Sana, what are you waiting for? Let’s go,” Rey told Sana. Sana turned back and nodded and then left along with Rey.

***

   The next day, at the girls’ dorm house of the Ringmasters Training Academy, Krystal was in deep slumber in her own room. She slowly woke up, stretching out her arms as she let out a yawn. She turned to the alarm clock on her nightstand and gasped.

   “Oh, damn! I overslept!” Krystal cried.

   She immediately got out of bed and dashed off to the bathroom, brushing her teeth vigorously. After she did so, she opened her closet, going through the many outfits she had. She finally changed into an orange dress with a V-shaped neck and paired it with a pair of orange-colored pumps. Krystal then brushed her straight hair and grabbed her orange-colored purse, putting a granola bar inside. Krystal left her room, locking the door as she rushed down the halls, leaving the building and heading into the academy.

   “Damn it. I know I’m gonna get in trouble with Professor Luna,” Krystal said as she ran down the hallway. She finally made it to the classroom, barging inside while Professor Luna was in the middle of teaching.

   “Ms. D’Cruz, you are late!”

   “Look, I’m sorry. My alarm didn’t ring.”

   “But you certainly had the time to put on that expensive dress.”

   “Hey! This is designer wear. It costs a fortune. I can’t just let such expensive clothes sit in my closet.”

   “Really?! In that case, how about you start off the week with detention. You and Mr. Blake can report today after school.”

   “What?! And why Prince, too?!”

   “You know the rule of this school. Whatever befalls one student, the partner receives the same. Now, sit down.”

    Krystal walked in frustration as she then sat down at her seat next to Prince, throwing her bag under the desk.

   “Nice job, Krystal,” Prince told Krystal, rolling his eyes as he chewed on a watermelon-flavored candy cane.

   “Shut up, Prince,” Krystal snapped.

   “I guess I should’ve woken you up then,” Sana said to Krystal, turning around.

   “You think?!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “Speaking of tardiness, where are Rey and Neil?” Professor Luna asked.

   Sana and Heer turned to each other. Sana knew that Heer had the same thing on her mind. Rey and Neil were up to something.

   “They’re probably out sick today, Professor Luna,” Heer replied, trying to keep her cool.

   “If they show up late, I’ll have more detention to give!” Professor Luna exclaimed.

   Where are those morons?! Sana thought, shaking her head.

***

   “So, you sure about doing this?” Rey asked Neil. Rey and Neil were standing outside of Aiden’s office in the main hall. And at this time, Aiden was alone inside, completing some work.

   “Of course, I am. It’s the only way to settle the old score I got with that chump,” Neil whispered.

   “I don’t know why you hate him so much.”

   “That’s nothing you need to know. Are you in or not?!”

   “Well, duh. I’m ready to take this guy on. I’ll be the coolest guy in the academy if I can beat the school’s mentor.”

   “We’ll attack once he comes out of the office.”

   At that moment, Aiden had opened the door of his office. Rey and Neil stood near the walls while Aiden walked out from the room.

   As he walked, Rey shouted, “Hey, Mr. Mentor!” Puzzled, Aiden turned around, seeing Rey and Neil standing before him. “You think you’re so tough, don’t you?!”

   “Oh, it’s just you idiots,” Aiden shook his head.

   “Who you calling an idiot?!” Neil shouted.    “Last time we couldn’t fight. But this time we’re both going to pummel you to the ground.”

   “You can’t be serious,” said Aiden.

   “Hell yeah we are!” Rey exclaimed. “Ready, Neil?!”

   “Of course, I am!” Neil agreed as he drew out his wand, transforming it into his bow and arrow.

   Rey transformed into his tiger form. Aiden maintained his guard while Rey and Neil made their way to attack. As they came towards Aiden, Headmaster Devil came before them and said, “What are you two doing?”

   The sight of Headmaster Devil shocked both Rey and Neil, making them fall to the ground with a thud. Rey transformed back into his human form while Neil’s bow and arrow changed back into a wand. The two immediately got up and said, “Headmaster Devil!”

   “What were you two planning on doing?” Headmaster Devil inquired.

   “Us?!” Neil asked. “We weren’t doing anything!”

   “Yeah! What he said!” Rey agreed.

   “Really?” Headmaster Devil said. “Because it looks like you two have cut class. And you were about to attack Aiden.”

   “Um,” Rey and Neil mumbled. “Well…”

   “Don’t bother. You know the penalty. The two of you will report to detention along with your partners,” Headmaster Devil ordered.

   “Detention?!” Neil said, shocked.

   “You’re seriously going to give us detention?!” Rey asked.

   “Of course. You both have broken school rules,” Headmaster Devil said. “And if you both don’t show up, I’ll see to it you get even worse punishment. Do I make myself clear?”

   Rey and Neil gulped and nodded in response. Headmaster Devil walked down the hall, while Aiden followed, eyeing Neil at the same time.

   “Oh, great! Now we have to go to detention!” Neil whined. “Heer won’t be happy about that.”

   “Please. Sana’s going to kill me now,” Rey sighed.

***

   “You moron!” Sana yelled as she smacked Rey in the head, making him crash to the floor. It was lunch time where the gang were all seated at a round table in the cafeteria. And that was when Sana and Heer were informed about the detention notice they had received from Headmaster Devil.

   “Could we lose some of the violence?!” Rey shouted back at Sana as he got up.

   “I should get more violent on you! How can you two be so stupid?! Never once have I gotten detention before!” Sana shouted. “The library incident was one thing. Now you repeat previous mistakes and land us with real punishment. God, you two are such idiots!”

   “Did you really have to try and sneak attack Aiden?” Heer asked Neil.

   “Hey, I was just going to give my lousy brother a piece of my mind,” Neil retorted.

   “Well then. Looks like the whole gang is going to be at detention tonight,” Krystal said.

   “This whole thing started with you anyway,” Prince told Krystal.

   “Shut up! All I did was oversleep. That professor doesn’t understand the value and time put into carrying off such expensive clothes every day,” Krystal replied.

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

   “Where is the detention room anyway?” Rey asked.

   “It’s supposed to be in the basement of the school if I’m correct,” Heer answered.

   “And we’re going to be there for at least two hours,” Sana sighed. “And I have a ton of homework to do for my Elemental Study class.”

   “Looks like we’ll just have to get through this together,” said Krystal.

   “Not looking forward to that,” Prince said quietly.

***

   At the end of the school day, while students had gone back to their dorms, Sana, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer headed down into the basement of the academy for their session of detention. “So, what room are we going to?” Rey asked.

   “Room two,” Sana replied. The gang made their way down the hall until they reached the room. Sana was just about to open the door until it opened by itself, freaking out the others. They went inside the room. But there was nothing inside. It was just a huge empty space with white walls and a white floor.

   “This is the detention room?” Neil asked. “Is this the right place?”

   “That’s what it says on our detention slips,” Sana replied.

   “Then why is there no one here?” Rey asked. “Or nothing here to say the least.”

   “Maybe they forgot! I say we get out then!” Krystal exclaimed.

   As Krystal turned to leave, the door of the room had immediately closed shut.  

   “Okay…this just got even weirder,” Sana said.

   The group turned around as a puff of black smoke emerged within the room. As the smoke faded, they were stunned to see Aiden standing before them.

   “It’s Aiden!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “What’s he doing here?!” Neil asked, annoyed.

   “More importantly, where is everyone getting these smoke effects for entrances?” Rey questioned.

   “Um…are we in the right room?” Heer asked Aiden.

   “You are,” Aiden replied.

   “Then where are we supposed to sit?” Sana inquired.

   “That’s not the kind of detention you all are being put in,” Aiden said.

   “What are you talking about?!” Rey shouted

   “Watch,” Aiden said.

   Within an instant, the group was surrounded by fumes of black smoke, which made Aiden disappear as well. Everything changed within seconds. No longer were they in the same empty room. The group had been teleported into an eerie looking version of a classroom where the six of them were all strapped to seats, unable to move. Aiden stood before them in front of a blackboard, holding a pointer to the board.

   “Okay seriously, am I the only one who’s wondering where these special effects are coming from?!” Rey exclaimed.

   “Welcome to MY version of detention,” Aiden announced. “It’s time for you all to learn a lesson.”

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.

Volume 1

3. A Dark Spot in the Colors

imeryli

   It was a busy day at the Ringmasters Training Academy. For today, students were preparing for the upcoming circus show in honor of Colors Day. While this holiday originated in India, many cities and countries over the world have started celebrating this holiday over the past couple of year. It is the one day where anyone could get covered in every color of the rainbow.

   In order to prepare, regular classes were cancelled so that students could focus on getting their acts ready for the big event. While many students were busy setting up the arena for the show, other students were rehearsing acts for the event. And it was in the gymnasium where Sana, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer were all practicing.

   “Why do you keep doing this to me, Prince?!” Krystal cried.

   “Now what?” Prince asked in an annoyed tone as he chewed on a blueberry-flavored candy cane.

   “I told you to wear the rainbow ensemble so we can match!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “How many times do I have to say that I’m not wearing that?” Prince asked.

   “You are getting on my last nerve, Prince,” Krystal said.

   “Calm down, Krystal,” Sana said.

   “What calm down?!” Krystal exclaimed. “I deal with this douchebag attitude every day with all the goodness in my heart and this is how I am treated?!”

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

   “What’s up with Krystal?” Heer asked Neil.   “She’s getting angrier than usual.”

   “It’s a special occasion,” Neil replied.

   “Would you quit whining over stupid colors? It’s annoying,” Rey told Krystal.

   “Oh, shut up! I don’t give a damn about what you have to say, Rey!” Krystal shouted back at Rey.

   “Rey, let’s just focus on the act,” Sana said, rolling her eyes.

   Rey and Sana went to the side and Sana drew out her wand. Rey transformed into his tiger form, while Sana then tossed one of the hoops towards Rey. Rey immediately blew a blast of fire at the hoop, making it turn into a wheel of fire.

   Once Sana was getting ready to toss the next wheel, she dropped it, putting her hand to her head as she began to feel dizzy. Rey then transformed back into his human form upon seeing Sana looking unsteady. “What’s wrong, Sana?” he asked. But before Sana could even answer, she passed out to the floor. The others saw her fall in shock and rushed to her along with Rey. Rey grabbed hold of Sana and called out, “Sana! Can you hear me?! Sana!”

   “We should take her to the nurse immediately,” Heer told the others.

***

   Later on, at the academy’s health center, Sana was taken to a room and remained unconscious while the nurse tucked her in bed with a soft, fuzzy blanket. She slowly woke up to see Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer surrounding her. As she tried to sit up, Rey said, “Sana, don’t get up. Just relax.”

   “But I’m fine,” Sana said. “We need to rehearse.”

   “Sana, you’re not feeling well,” said Neil.   “Get rest.”

   “Neil’s right,” Krystal agreed. “You look exhausted.”

   “You’re probably still weak from that night,” Heer told Sana.

   “It makes sense,” Neil agreed with Heer.   “That attack really took up a lot of your energy. You should take time to recharge.”

   “Are you guys sure?” Sana asked. “What about our circus show?”

   “Don’t worry about it. You shouldn’t take part in the show when you’re not feeling good,” Rey told Sana. “Get some rest.”

   Sana’s eyes looked down at the ground, almost as if she seemed disappointed.  

   “Anyways, you should stay here till tomorrow,” Krystal told Sana. “Get better,” Heer patted Sana on her shoulder and the group left, leaving Sana in the health center, who went back to bed, looking disheartened.

***

   Outside of the health center, while the others had made their way down the hall, Aiden was with Headmaster Devil in a corner where the others couldn’t see them. “I see,” Headmaster Devil said. “So, you mean to say Sana used the Ring of Fire attack with Rey?”

   “Yes. She managed to perfect it in one shot, which is quite impressive for using it the first time itself. But it seems the power was far too much for her.”

   “I see. That’s why she’s been feeling quite tired since then.”

   “I believe you know why I brought this up to you.”

   “Yes. You see potential in her and Rey.”

   “A lot. And it has to be utilized properly.”

   “I do agree. We’ll have to discuss it after the Colors Day festivities.”

***

   At rehearsals, Krystal was helping the others with their acts for the show. As she was assisting them, she noticed Rey was sitting idle near the window of the gymnasium.

   “Rey! Would you get over here?” Krystal called Rey. “You’re the one who’s supposed to open tomorrow’s show anyway.”

   “I don’t know,” Rey said.

   “What do you not know?” Neil asked.

   “I don’t know if I want to do the show tomorrow,” Rey replied.

   “What?!” Krystal shouted. “I planned everything! You can’t bail out now!”

   “Would you chill out for once in your life?” Prince asked Krystal, annoyed.

   “I don’t need to hear anything from you, Prince,” Krystal talked back.

   “Come on, guys. Calm down,” Heer said. “Rey, is something wrong?”

   “I don’t know,” Rey responded. “Now that Sana can’t do the show anymore, it feels weird doing it without her. So, why should I perform?”

   The others remained silent.

   “I see,” Heer sighed. “It’s for the best though. Sana needs to rest up after what happened yesterday.”

   “I bet there is more to it that you’re not telling us,” Krystal smirked.

   “Hey, what are you talking about over there?!” Rey asked.

   “Nothing, nothing. Its fine, Rey. You don’t need to do the show,” Krystal told Rey.

   “Then how’s the opening for the act going to work tomorrow?” Neil asked.

   “Hello! I’m a creative genius. I’ll handle it!” Krystal exclaimed. “Tomorrow’s show will be amazing when everything is in my hands!”

***

   The next day, things were getting busy at the academy. All the students were getting ready for the Colors Day Circus Show. Many guests had arrived at the arena for the big event. While the students were making sure things were all set up for the show, the performers were getting ready backstage. Especially Krystal, who was getting as much makeup done as possible.

   “What the hell?!” Krystal shouted at her makeup artist. “You put more orange on this eyelid than the other!”

   “You said orange is your favorite color,” the makeup artist said.

   “Yeah! But in order to match my rainbow outfit, my eyeshadow has to be an even rainbow on both eyes. When will you people understand anything about coordination of colors?!” Krystal cried. “Fix it now!”

   “Okay, okay. Sorry,” the makeup artist apologized as she continued to do Krystal’s eyeshadow.

   Prince, Neil, and Heer watched Krystal’s drama as they got themselves ready.

   “Wow is the only word I can say,” said Neil.

   “Now you know what I have to deal with every day,” Prince rolled his eyes as he put on his gold-colored shoes.

   “I think it’s kinda cute, guys,” Heer said as she brushed her curly brown hair that now had a pink streak on it. “She’s just having her diva moment.”

   “Does anyone know where Rey is?” Neil asked.

   “I think he went to go see Sana,” Prince replied.

***

   Inside the academy, Sana was still resting in the health center. As she tried to sit up, she was startled to see Rey enter the room.

   “Rey?” Sana said as Rey came up to her, sitting by her side on the bed.

   “Hey.”

   “What are you doing here?”

   “Seeing you. What else does it look like?”

   “But you’re supposed to be getting ready for the show!”

   “I decided not to do it.”

   “What?!”

   “You heard me. I’m not doing it.”

   “But why?! You were supposed to open the show today. And you were so excited for this one.”

   “True. But it’s not the same without my partner around. So, why bother?”

   Sana kept silent, feeling touched. “You really didn’t have to,” Sana told Rey.

   “I know. But I can be a nice guy when I want to be,” Rey said. “Speaking of which, I have something for you.”

   Sana looked at Rey, confused. Rey then took out a small bowl of red holi power and he took some of it, applying it on Sana’s right cheek.   

   “Happy Colors Day!” Rey exclaimed.

   Sana looked at Rey as Rey’s hand brushed against her cheek, coloring it with the beautiful red color. The simple gesture made her happy because she realized he cared enough to stay with her.

   Rey looked back at her and said, “Are you going to say something or keep looking at me with those big eyes of yours?”

   Sana then took some of the red powder from the bowl and put it on Rey’s left cheek.   

   “Thanks,” Sana said.

***

   Outside at the arena, the guests were all seated before the arena. The show was about to begin. And so, it commenced with Krystal and Neil entering into the arena by the use of aerial silks, hanging onto them as they flew along the silk cloths and at the same time, throwing colorful powders of various colors to the audience. The audience clapped as they made their entrance, landing onto the center stage.

   “Ladies and gentlemen…welcome to our Colors Day circus show,” Krystal greeted the audience. “I am Krystal D’Cruz.”

   “And I am Neil Galloway,” Neil introduced.

   “And we are your ringmasters for the show,” Krystal and Neil said in unison. “Enjoy.”

   And the show began. As Krystal and Neil made their way off the stage, five baton twirlers along with five jugglers entered the arena in circular motion. And as they continued their respective acts, they threw their batons and balls into the air, catching them as they jumped upward in perfect sync to get them. The audience watched in amazement as they then transitioned off the stage.

As the baton twirlers and jugglers made their way off the stage, six performers entered by hand walking forward. Once they came in, Krystal came down on the trapeze, positioning her legs in the shape of a V as she came down onto the stage. Once she came down, two performers brought in a large red and white striped box. Krystal drew out her wand and tapped onto the box which opened, revealing Prince and Heer inside. Once Krystal closed the box, she tapped on it again, and that’s when it opened, revealing Prince and Heer in their beast forms, stunning the audience.

   Prince and Heer then stepped out of the box, led by Krystal. And at that moment, Neil came back on the stage. Krystal and Neil then directed Prince and Heer with their wands to the center of the stage, making them sit separately. As they sat, Krystal and Neil then directed the hand walkers forward to Prince and Heer.

   Next, a hand walker got on top of Prince, easily being able to maintain the balanced position on top of him as did another one did on top of Heer, which put the audience in awe. It wasn’t until the other hand walkers cartwheeled to the top and perfectly formed alignment that the audience stood and clapped as three hand walkers were lined on top of one another, each on Prince and Heer who were sitting at ease.

   Once the hand walkers cartwheeled off of Prince and Heer, Krystal directed Prince forward on the stage to a series of hoops that were set up. She then took a tray of mixed holi powder and threw it in the air to which Prince let out his mighty Sonic Roar. The force of the roar sent the multi-colored powder through the hoops, creating a beautiful array of color blowing through them. The audience clapped at the beautiful sight.

   And so, the other performers then came back on stage with everyone bowing down before the audience as they stood and gave a standing ovation.

   “Thank you for enjoying the show,” Krystal called to the audience. “And happy Colors Day!”

   As the guests started to leave, the students headed backstage to get changed. Prince and Heer had transformed back into their human forms and went to meet up with Krystal and Neil.

   “Great show, guys!” Heer told the others.

   “I know!” Krystal exclaimed. “Everyone loved my act! Though things would have been better if Prince had worn a matching outfit with mine.”

   “Just because you’re my partner, doesn’t mean I have to match with you all the time like a lovesick married couple,” Prince said. “And that ugly orange color is never coming near me.”

   “Oh, really?” Krystal said.

   At that moment, Krystal went right up to Prince and then drew out orange-colored holi powder, which she splattered all over his face.   

   “Ha! Now I got it all over you!” Krystal exclaimed. “In your face! Hear me?! In your face!” At that moment, Krystal left victoriously, going back to remove her makeup while Prince shook his head.

   “Wow, Prince,” Neil chuckled. “That’s quite a drama queen you got there.”

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said as he looked in the mirror to see his now orange-colored face.

   Heer made her way out of the circus tent. As she walked out, she was startled as she saw something dark slither into the lower level of the academy. Heer rushed back inside to the others and said, “Guys!”

   “What’s wrong, Heer?” Neil asked.

   “I saw something get into the school,” Heer replied.

   “Saw what?” Prince asked.

   “If it’s a rat, the janitor will take care of it!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “I think it’s a dark beast,” Heer said.

   Looking at the others, Heer could tell they were more alarmed now.

   “Are you sure?” Prince asked.

   “Well, we will only know if we go after it,” Heer replied.

   “What?! We just finished a show! There’s no way I’m risking broken nails for this!” Krystal protested.

   “Oh, screw that,” Neil retorted. “I’m ready for some action.”

***

   Inside the health center, Sana tried to get up from the bed, while Rey helped her stand up, holding her by her shoulders. “Take it easy, Sana,” Rey told Sana.

   “I’m fine, Rey. I can manage.”

   “You said that last time. You need to take care of yourself, all right?!”

   “Excuse me,” a voice said. Rey and Sana were startled to see a young man arrive inside the health center. The man had a goatee, long black hair tied in a small ponytail, and wore glasses. He was dressed up in a white lab coat, blue sweater, khaki pants, and brown dress shoes.

   “Uh…who are you?” Rey asked.

   “My apologies. I’m Dr. Droh,” the man replied. “I’m here for your checkup.”

   “Oh, okay. I guess I’ll leave then,” Rey said.

   “Hold it,” Sana paused with suspicion. “I know all the doctors that work in the academy and I’ve never seen you.”

   Dr. Droh stalled in sudden shock while Sana and Rey looked on. Dr. Droh then grinned and said, “Well…you’re smarter than I thought.”

   Sana and Rey looked at Dr. Droh, confused. And at that moment, Dr. Droh had transformed into the form of a dark-colored crocodile with bright red eyes. The sight shocked both Rey and Sana. “What the hell?!” Rey exclaimed.

   “He just turned into a dark beast!” Sana said.   “But since when do dark beasts have human forms?!”

   At that moment, the dark crocodile made its way toward Sana, ready to attack.

   “Sana!” Rey called out as he pushed Sana out of the way, pushing her into the wall while Rey was hit by the dark crocodile’s tale. As Sana tried to get up, Rey put his arm before her, “Sana, stay down! I’ll handle it!”

   “Rey! You can’t take on it without me!” Sana exclaimed.

   “I’ll be fine,” Rey assured.

   And so, Rey went ahead and transformed into his tiger form. The dark crocodile went ahead and attacked Rey directly, hitting him against the wall again. Outside in the hall, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer were running down the halls when they heard noises from the health center.

   “Prince, Heer…transform now!” Neil ordered. Prince and Heer nodded as they then transformed into their beast forms. As the four approached the door of the health center, the door was then thrown off with Rey thrown along with it down the hall.

   “Rey!” Neil called out. That was when the dark crocodile emerged from the room into the hall.

   “That’s a dark beast?!” Krystal asked.

   “I’ve never seen one like that before!” Neil exclaimed. “Heer, hit it with an icicle attack!”

   Heer immediately launched a series of icicles that formed when she emitted an ice energy beam attack from her mouth. The dark crocodile then countered with a dark energy beam attack from its mouth back at Heer.   

   “Quick! Move out of the way!” Neil ordered Heer. Heer jumped out of the way as the dark energy beam hit into the wall.

   Inside the health center, Sana stood up, trying to make her way to Rey. The dark crocodile then saw Sana and launched another dark energy beam attack.

   “Sana! Watch out!” Krystal shouted. Sana was just about to get hit until Heer pushed her out of the way in time.

   “Heer, transform back and take care of Sana,” Neil ordered. Heer nodded as she transformed back into her human form and helped Sana get up, taking her into the health center.

   “This is why I hate crocodiles! I guess we have to turn things up a notch!” Krystal smirked as she then drew out her wand, tapping it to transform it into her sonic bell.

   “I hear you!” Neil agreed as he drew out his wand, tapping it to transform it into his bow and arrow.

   Neil drew the arrow onto his bow and aimed it at the dark crocodile. Once he launched, it was ready to hit the crocodile. But before it could, the crocodile slammed the arrow with its tail, sending it back. Neil, Krystal, and Prince got out of the way as the arrow hit the wall, turning part of it into ice.

   “I think it’s time you started hearing bells!” Krystal exclaimed. “Prince, use your Sonic Roar!” Prince immediately led out his roar, which launched a mighty sound wave aiming towards the dark crocodile. The dark crocodile bundled itself as it couldn’t bear the intensity of the sound. Krystal added more power by throwing her sonic bell into the ground, which intensified the sound waves further. Suddenly, the dark crocodile drew its tail in front and slammed it, sending an intense vibration that hit both Krystal and Prince. Neil went to check on them, and while doing so, the crocodile slithered its way down the railings of the stairs, disappearing.

   Rey transformed back into human form, feeling a little exhausted from the attack. As he slowly got up, Neil turned to him as Krystal and Prince got up.

   “You okay, Rey?” Neil asked.

   “I’m fine,” Rey replied. “Where’s Sana?”

   “In the health center with Heer,” Neil pointed out to which Rey rushed to the health center.

   “Where did that ugly croc go?!” Krystal asked, infuriated as she looked around.

   “It got away,” Prince said as he transformed back into human form. “It must’ve escaped while we were down.”

   “That bastard!” Neil exclaimed.

   “Good riddance! It almost ruined my outfit!” Krystal cried.

   “We got beaten by some ugly crocodile and all you’re worried about is your outfit?” Prince asked.

   “Yes! This costs a fortune you know!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

   “How’s Sana?” Neil asked as he entered the health center along with Krystal and Prince.

   “She’s a bit out cold,” Rey replied as he held onto Sana, trying to help her stand.

   “We need to call the nurse,” Heer said.

***

   After a while, the nurse came and took care of Sana in the health center. And at the same time, Headmaster Devil came along with some staff to clean up the damage in the halls from the attack.

   “Headmaster Devil, we’re sorry we couldn’t take out the beast,” Heer apologized.

   “Don’t be. Clearly it was more dangerous than expected,” Headmaster Devil replied.

   “So what do we do about it?” Rey asked.

   “I’ll look into the matter. We’ll have to investigate this a bit,” Headmaster Devil answered. “In the meantime, don’t worry. It’s Colors Day. You kids should go ahead and celebrate the festivities. All right?”

   “Yes, Headmaster Devil,” Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer agreed in unison.

   With that, Headmaster Devil walked away from the others down the hall. Something is definitely off. I’ll need to speak to Aiden about this, Headmaster Devil thought.

   The nurse then stepped out of the health center and Rey was the first of the others to come up to her. “How’s Sana?” Rey asked.

   “She’s fine now. I just gave her some medicine so she’ll be all right. You kids can go see her and take her out for the celebrations later,” the nurse replied.

   “Thank you,” Heer nodded.

   And so, Rey, Krystal, Prince, Neil, and Heer went inside the health center where Sana was sitting up in bed. “How do you feel?” Krystal asked Sana.

   “A lot better. Thanks,” Sana said.

   “That’s good to hear,” Heer smiled.

   “What about that dark beast?” Sana asked.

   “Headmaster Devil said he’ll look into what happened,” Prince replied.

   “So, don’t worry about it now,” Neil told Sana. “It’s Colors Day. We should go and celebrate now.”

   “Yeah, you guys are right,” Sana agreed.

   “Speaking of Colors Day, when did you get color on your cheek?” Krystal inquired, referring to the red powder on Sana’s cheek.

Sana remained unusually quiet as she eyed Rey. The others then turned to Rey, astonished to see he had red powder on his cheek as well.     

   “What?! I just put some on for her,” Rey said. “No big deal right?”

   Prince shook his head, seeing the grins on Neil, Heer, and Krystal’s faces.

   “So I see…I should’ve known!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “What the hell are you talking about, stupid?!” Rey shouted.

   “Who are you calling stupid?!” Krystal yelled.

   “Easy, Rey. Don’t get her mad,” Heer told Rey.

   “Or she can do worse things to you,” Neil said.

   “Too late for that! Here! Have some orange juice!” Krystal exclaimed as she grabbed a glass of orange juice from the nightstand beside Sana and shoved it in Rey’s face.

   “Get that crap away from me!” Rey screamed.

   “What’s the matter?!” Krystal taunted.   “Afraid of some Vitamin C?!”

   “Shut up! Take it away!” Rey shouted.

   “Can we just go outside now?” Sana asked, rolling her eyes.

   “Oh yeah we can!” Krystal exclaimed. “Let me just dump this orange juice on Rey and that’s Colors Day for you.”

   “I told you to take it away!” Rey shouted.

   “To hell with the drama,” Prince said.

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.