3 - Battle to Face

The morning call was earlier than expected. And of course the disappointment in some Feyas are too obvious to see. Their faces are all gloomy as they walk towards the auditorium, they are not cheerful as they were yesterday.

“I heard numerous Feyas decided to drop out. They were all going back to their homelands and study in their local schools instead.” Aellah said.

Well, I already anticipated that. But I don’t think Princess Pele will do that, unless her pride was shaken by what happened in the open field yesterday.

A group of Yares are walking right behind us and I can hear their voices full of joy, reassurance and hope. It must have been a great, big relief on them, knowing someone is trying to protect them, by giving fair treatment to everyone here in Erutain, equality for all.

“Good morning your highness….” they said in unison, I froze for a moment, must be Princess Pele….

“Good morning Naia.” the same deep voice greeted me. I turned around and saw Prince Rage with his friends.

A Gnome, an Undine and a Sylph.

Feyas for sure, unless Prince Rage has friends from the Yares too.

Aellah and I bowed as we greeted them. “Good morning your highnesses.”

His three friends are eyeing on me, for an unknown reason. Checking out? Because one brave Yare stood against a Feya? Were they mad at me? Maybe they are friends of Princess Pele?

“Hah! Rage you’re one heck of a lucky fireball.” the Gnome exclaimed.

“Shut up Mason.” the Salamander said and they laughed at him.

“Can see why you’re in a good mood since last night.” the Undine told him as he put his arms on Prince Rage’s shoulder that he quickly slapped away.

Their laughs went louder.

With confusion, I looked at Aellah who’s busy fascinating over the men in front of us.

Tell me why am I in this awkward situation early this morning?

“Let’s go. The ceremony for the new administration will start any minute from now.” the Sylph in their group said.

“Wait Rage forgot to introduce us to his new friends.” the one who was called as Mason said.

“No need for that for now. Come on.” Prince Rage answer and they booed at him.

“Party pooper.” the Undine added.

We passed by the other students and I saw Princess’ Pele and her group, already sitting in front of the auditorium, near the stage.

Few minutes passed and the whole room was full of students, one bell rang and four intimidating fairies wearing white robes arrived on stage. I can see each of the four nations’ crest on their chest. I guess they are the new heads here.

“Good morning Erutainees, your highnesses.” they all greeted.

“We are aware that you all know what happened yesterday, and today, we will explain everything, for Erutain’s new beginning.” the one with an Undine crest stepped forward.

“After the last war, Ignisen, Aersho, Terranova and Hydreid came to peace, but the hierarchy that almost destroyed Retheale remained. Status is not dangerous when no one, not any single person would take advantage on it. We are all strong, yet there exist those people who are stronger than, something we cannot deny, we cannot change. But how we view these things matter, how we use our power and we live by interacting to everyone around us.” the Undine said.

“The new goal or Erutain, is to guide everyone, Feya or Yare into the betterment of Retheale, not just for the benefits of themselves.” she added and we clapped after her remark, except for Princess Pele’s group and some Feyas in front of us.

“This change aims for the true peace Retheale deserves.” she said before sitting down on her chair.

Prince Rage stood up, walked to the stage and bowed.

“As the Students’ Council President, I, Rage Fierylus shall aid our new administration into the accomplishment of Erutain’s new goal. Expect drastic adjustment, but I know each of us will cope up in no time. Let’s welcome our new administrators!” he gleefully said and gave way to the fairies with white robe.

“First, Headmaster Gero Mountus, the head of Gnomes” there stood a tall man with medium length beard, broad shoulders and few hairs on his head.

“Second, Headmistress Hyacinth Oasis, the Undines’ head.” a small lady with her hair braided in two and designed with white lilies stood up and smiled at us.

“Third is Headmaster Cloudius Windlow, the head of Sylphs.” a chill and young looking fairy waved at us. His glasses somehow make him look like a matured one, but I can sense his goofiness from his actions.

“Lastly, our very own, Luxen Fierylus, the Salamanders’ headmistress.” With her read wavy hair that almost reaches the ground in length, she walked towards Prince Rage and pinched his cheeks.

Her older sister maybe?

“Welcome to Erutain’s new era!” Headmistress Luxen said in joy.

Once again the auditorium was filled with applauses, but I know, not everyone is happy about this.

“New guidelines, policies and rules are written in the handouts we will give to you.” Headmaster Gero said and Headmaster Cloudius waved his hands, making booklets fly over and fall on our laps.

Talk about convenience from power.

“Any violators will be given punishments accordingly, and worst on that is expulsion from this institute.” Headmistress Hyacinth said.

The students started reading the booklet carefully and peacefully, and so I did. Getting their old handbook would be ideal so I can compare the changes they made and understand what was Erutain really before.

“No more survival, but the system of Duellos shall be stablished?” I read a little loud because of confusion.

Duellos?

Aellah looked at me as if she was reading the same part as I was.

“We know that the system of survival grew to Erutainees, and cannot be taken away or stopped immediately. We came up with the idea of Duellos, a formal duel battle for Erutainees. You can invite anyone you would like in Duellos, establishing a friendly competition among Erutainees. And of course cutting of birthmarks, injuring severely or intentionally killing your opponent would only mean a greater consequence. Remember, eye for an eye, life for a life.” Headmistress Luxen said and the students somehow became lively after it.

“Conditions, settlements, bets, are welcomed in Duellos as long as both parties agreed on the arranged terms.” Headmaster Cloudius said.

“This is the only way we could thought of in replacement of the survival system.” Headmisress Hyacinth added.

This Duellos kind of excite me.

I could get to know other students, their power, and so mine. The chance to grow stronger by facing different students, which can be on another level than I am is thrilling somehow.

“Maybe I can put food as a bet if anyone would like to duel with me.” I said to myself, well I can’t live without food.

“Should we dwell?” Aellah asked jokingly.

“Put food as bet.” I answered and we both laugh at each other.

It’s not really a bad decision to befriend her.

“That’s all for today, any further questions, anyone can proceed to our office with their concerns. Proper classes will start tomorrow. Have a nice day everyone.” Headmaster Gero said and we all bowed to them before starting leaving the auditorium.

“Let’s go Ael----“ as we are about to leave our seats, Princess Pele and her friends blocked our way.

“Care to finish our battle in a Duellos? she smirked at me and tried to scare me with her red eyes.

“I won’t take no as answer. I am capable of making your life here miserable than ever if you’re going to turn your back on me.” she added, leaving me in one and only choice.

I sighed as I saw Aellah shaking her head persistently. She grabbed my hand, as if she’s ready to drag me and run away from this trouble named Pele Alva.

“Fine.” I said in defeat.

“Tomorrow morning, before the classes start, in the open field, you will meet us for the Duellos. Don't even brin Prince Rage or any of his friends.” one of her friends ordered.

Why would I bring Prince Rage in the first place? I am not a damsel in distress that needs a knight for protection.

“Go prepare all night, but you will only lose, we both know that.” she took a step near me and played my hair using her fingers.

I tried to calm myself, I shouldn’t let her childishness break my rationality.

“But if I win, you will stop pestering me, or Aellah for good. You will never ever go near us again, no more threats or anything else. That’s my condition.” I answered.

With her friends, they laughed so loud that the other students who were still in the auditorium looked at us.

“As if you will beat me Yare. It’s still a deal though.” she mockingly said and played with the same blazing knife she was supposed to use on my forehead.

She’s really trying to make me fear her, yet I don’t feel anything towards her but hatred, annoyance and pity. Maybe I am a little worried too, about her mental health, and her pride that’s big enough as her forehead. That kind of attitude will only bring her to downfall, or maybe even destroy her sooner or later.

“We will see for sure Princess Pele……” I said to myself before we walked pass through them.