Chapter 1

✡Nyx:

A slow almost silent melody bought me back to reality from my lost thoughts. I almost got curious as to where this beautiful yet mellow tune was coming from. My curiosity was swiftly answered as I went to the old store room at the back of my room. I don't exactly remember the last time I went there. It must be extremely dirty and dusty there. Surprising fact is that how is there a sound coming out of a locked room let alone a melody such as this. A beautiful combination of sorrow yet joy almost at love.

Unlocking the door was easy but it seemed like someone intentionally put a hard lock on it as if not let anyone in there. And that's also in my quarter. Once inside I almost felt dizzy for some reason as if dazed by the foggy dusts. But I know better being a Dark elemental, this fog was put on purpose to confuse whoever entered. Maybe if it were someone other than me or an ordinary elemental then they might have been confused and left. But, it'd almost be a shame if I ever got confused by such puny tricks. It's already an insult to me whoever put this up in my storeroom.

As my mind raced to who would do it, the melody got louder as I got deeper into the dusty room. It took me less than a minute to find the source of this melody. It was covered by a dark silk. As I slowly move the silk cover over it, I saw a small yet not small enough silver box, beautifully carved with obsidian metal and black diamonds and opals. The symbol on top seemed familiar yet as if I've never actually seen it. The melody got sensual as I observed the box carefully. After finally confirming no touch of curse or evil magic, I opened the box.

Inside a small black marvel doll was letting out the beautiful tunes while on the other side was a small pendant curved in platinum covering a beautiful dark oriental stone inside. I couldn't exactly grasp the exact color of this peculiar stone. It looked like a sea of color but under light the color kept changing. As I shift the stone it sparks different shades as if it were alive. I don't know the exact feeling I was feeling but it just felt like something that belonged to me. Suddenly I heard a knock on my door of my room. I immediately closed the box and ran out of the room. The chain was adjustable and so I thought if I put in on and keep in under my dress no one would notice. So, as I adjusted the chain and put in on, I answered my door.

"Hey, sis!"

A handsome boy with brilliant blond hair was grinning from ear to ear as I opened the door. But thank god it was non other than Len, with his all familiar exact pair of blood shot red pupil as mine. Only proof of his being my brother. I must have looked flustered because what Len asked next confirmed it.

"Um, you okay, babe? You look like you saw your killer of past life. Oh, did you? That'd be cool. How's he like? Or is it a she?"

"Len, shut your crap. What the hell are you doing at this hour at night. Its past midnight and way beyond. It's almost morning."

"Love, we are Dark elemental, we live in darkness and night. Our names literally mean dark remember?"

"Yea, sure. Convincing excuse. What the hell do you want? Spill!"

"Sharp as ever, aren't you Nyxi?"

"You just love to add the last bit of 'eee' in my name huh?"

"Well, Nyx is a tomboy and you're already enough boyish as it is. A little feminine touch shows by that last hit of 'ee' in your name."

"You know, I was named after the Titaness Nyx. You will be cursed for saying that. She is our supreme Guardian, remember? So, shut your crap and spit why you're here at this time. Oh, and if it's about one of your crappy spells you need my help with, I'm going to sleep after I throw you out."

"Relax, today I just came to enjoy and share joy with my beloved sister. No excuse, no demands. Now, can I come in or you plan to make me spill in front if door and let everyone know all our secrets?" His smirk is never a good thing.

"Hmm, you're suspicious. Agh! Fine, get it but don't touch any of my stuff." I pushed open the door for him which he joyously hopped inside.

"Sis, I don't touch your shit. I just touch your snacks which you collect on every weekend."

"Careful, brother. Someday, I might poison you and make you relive your darkest fears."

"That's okay. I mean, its not like any of your new tricks. Because, you can't do much of any spell anyway let along curses." I know he didn't mean it as an insult but it ticks me off anyway.

"Curses may not be my best choice of magic but I use raw magic. I wonder if you'd like me to use you as my practice subject. You are after all my sweet little brother." My smile was enough to wipe his.

"No, thanks. I'm not that sweet plus I'm your little by only 4 months."

"Still small and I'm sure you already know how much being even small by 1 minute means to your mom. She pretty much made sure of that in last few years by making me try all the crap first cause I'm 'before' you and so I'm supposed to take everything 'before' you."

Including the hits and shits of our life. But I'd rather not say it. It's not his fault anyway.

"Mom's being a witch as she and her family is. You don't care anymore either. And neither do I. Plus you know I love you for taking all my craps first." His smile had the hint of guilt in them.

I didn't want that ever in his eyes. That's exactly I never said anything ever. Never even let him see anything. I made sure he's never guilty for his mother's jealousy.

"Yea, whatever. So, what do you want?"

"Oh I don't need anything. But I got some news you might be interested about."

"Nothing you ever said bought any interest to me rather made trouble. What's new this time?" I raised my brow at him.

"Darling sister, you won't just be interested rather thrilled about it. A hint? It's about the Annual Tournament." That got my attention.

"Huh...What...what do you know?"

"Now that got you curious. Didn't it?" His eyes twinkled with mischievousness as usual. If this is a joke, I'm turning him into a frog.

⚛Len:

Nyx have always been a bit of an indifferent kind of girl. Nothing seems to grow interest or curiosity in her. But in truth that's a lie in every way. She's always been a curious innovative girl; she just pretends to be all emotionless and bland for others. But, I've known this sister of mine since my birth and have watched her enough to know how much of a nosy girl she is. I got my ass saved partly because of this nature of hers. The most curious topic of her interest is the tournament.

The Warrior's Tournament, held every 3 years is the most fascinated and alluring event of all. Nyx have always wanted to participate in this event since we were kids. Even though personally for me the ever changing rules and bindings are too annoying and boring for me, but I do admit the fun is there. But she isn't interested because of that. She once heard from dad that her mom once won in this tournament for almost all events she entered and that inspired her so much she started training right after. I have watched since then and I can proudly say Nyxi have every potential to participate if not win. Unfortunately the age limit is 16 and thus so far she couldn't participate. But, now it's a different story.

"Come on, Len. Spit it out, you jerk." She started throwing one figure after another at me as I dodged them.

"Chill, girl! Stop throwing your stuff at me, I might steal it."

"Shut up and tell me what do you know about the tournament?" Now she was getting impatient when she was so not interested moments ago.

"You know even if I tell you, dad won't let you participate. What are you gonna do then?"

Dad have been against it as far as I remember. Partly because even know Nyx is quiet able, she is rash sometime. Too rash for her own good. I admit being part of Hades domain literally screams being adamant and bold but her power have never really been of control and its not enough to protect her. She'll get herself killed if not careful.

"That's my problem. First tell me what you learned about it. Is it about the selection process?" And here we go again.

"Technically yes, but not exactly the process but just the system for selection of the competition."

I handed her the leaflet and she snatched it like it was some kind of gold. Sometime, I think about the weird interests of her. She's rather choose a cool stylish suit or armor than any pretty silk and would better like a sword as a gift than any pretty jewel. Although most of her jewels and stones she got ended up in her armor or weapons sadly.

"This isn't a game. This is just a demonstration test of our powers. And most likely they will analyze and measure out the power levels by monitoring the participants and divide them in sections if selected." As I guessed she wouldn't be happy about this.

"That's why I said technically yes but not exactly. As it changes every year, no one knows how to prepare for the first event and that's why it's such a scary event as well for kids like you whose parents never usually permit to participate." I pointed out.

"I think that applies to you not me. Did you forget you're the younger one?" She turned to me like I'm the child when she's way more rash than me.

"Do you have to hold onto that stupid difference of months we have like literally?" I groaned.

"Duh! Look at it, just 6 months will cause you to not be able to participate in the competition, see?" She grinned. Why did I not see it coming. Note the sarcasm.

"Stop grinning, I'm not even interested and you barely got time to participate yourself. Just 1 month earlier and you'd not have been able to participate either." I poked her.

"Probably, but I can now, right?" She said hopefully but I have a feeling that might get crushed in no time.

"Sure, only if dad lets you. I doubt he will and mom will never let you do something this cool before me. Heh!" I joked but I guess it's never a joke regarding this matter.

"Wipe that smirk of your face. Your mom will cause she already plans to get me killed and that's not a hidden fact. As for dad I'll try and persuade him but I've got other ways too. I didn't waste last 10 to 15 years just drooling around like you." She mocked but I knew she is nervous.

"As you wish, my royal sister!" I bowed to her in a cliche manner. She hates it by the way.

"Ew!" Told you.

"Though..." I started again seriously this time.

"What?"

"Are you still upset about mom?"

"What about her?" She was perked up but kept her poker face as usual.

"You know last time she tried to frame you for hurting me while in truth you were saving me. And I couldn't even step up for you." I admitted and that's been eating me up ever since.

"First, I wasn't saving you. I saved my ass from being accused of murder which I would have been regardless of me being involved or not. Second, it's not you couldn't, rather I didn't let you step up for me as it would have caused more trouble. Thirdly we all know Rena always tried to frame me and it became so consecutive that now it's obvious and so dad never really pays much attention." She just shrugged.

"Sometime, I think I owe you a lot, man." I smiled genuinely meaning every word.

"Sometime? You already owe me everything." She smirked but I knew she loved me too much to mean it.

"That's true. Even my life! You didn't just save your ass but saved mine so many times from problem I caused myself." I nodded truthfully.

Nyx have always backed me. She's always been blamed for mistakes I made and never let me step up for myself. She might say she didn't spoil me, but she did. It was much later I realize what my mistakes were but I would rather take it as being spoiled to my core because I depended on her most of my life despite being all independent and able.

The most recent incident was when I was out clubbing and hanging out with friends and some stupid group from Ares's House made trouble with us. They are known for their anger issues and trouble making nature, but most of all their strength in combat. I was fine until they grouped on me all together. I am confident with fighting with few but not all of them at once. They're the bloody house of war for no joke.

Personally I have the ability to kill those bastards. But I'd prefer not to face expulsion or punishments from Hades's domain. Those are the worst. I'd rather get beaten up than be punished in those gruesome creative ways. We are allowed to use our passive skills but not to harm others unless life threatening. It's especially prohibited for us who're underage.

Plus my stupid friends decided that avoiding trouble is a better option. As you'd expect from Hermes's House people, all is well until trouble and if in trouble, running is the best option, after all they are fast as the wind.

But I guess being from messenger houses has it's perks. Nyx came to help me that day cause fortunately one of them thought of informing her before things got worse. Nyx may seem petite, but her form can kill you if not careful. She is well known in our Academy too. Plus, who'd wanna fight with a girl from Hades's domain notorious for her spell magics. That's asking to be cursed. Once she came, they were out and about backed out from the fight. She just simply talked sense into them. It was all okay but before I could move they threw a knife at me which I couldn't dodge as I was just standing up. Nyx caught it. She got hurt instead of me. Even though I wanted to fight back, she insisted we'd leave. It was the right option, not necessarily the better one. And I swore that day to take my revenge.

But I forgot the main ordeal was left at home. Once we came back and mom saw me, it was hell break lose. She though I fought with Nyx and got hurt. Before I could even explain, Nyx just simply said, she also got hurt and I am good at fighting now but not the best and that I should train. As usual, mom went to complain to dad, but luckily dad also sided with Nyx's opinion as we are supposed to be warriors in all sense and not just crafty. Nyx didn't even say another word as mom kept on and on about how rude and undisciplined she was. Sometime I think she's too much like dad yet with a soft heart and somehow I find that a problem.

"God, Len! Shut up, You Are Making me Cringe. I was joking, you idiot."

"It's true thought, isn't it?" I nudged her but she didn't nudged me back.

"Maybe..." She started to messed up my hair and pulled me close and quietly said, "But, you're my brother and you never apologize for other's mistake, nor bow your head down to anybody. So, what you did that day was fair and rational. I would have smacked the crap out of them too if not for you being hurt. So, you owe me nothing. Plus, I'm sure you'd probably take revenge on them too when things are in your favor." Her smirk made me realize how she's the best person in my life. She knows me all too well. For better or for worse.

"Obviously, we are fair and prudent. But we also remember everything and pay what needs to be repaid in time." I quoted.

"Do call me when you do, I wanna take my box of snacks too. But for that you gotta train. Now, get up and get some sleep. We also have morning training and class, it's not holiday. If dad find's out we were chatting away, he'd turn into your mom and start nagging too." She shoved me as I whines again.

"Or, he'd punish you as usual." I winked.

"Jerk!"

I know I'm not the best of a brother and I probably pull a lot of crap on her all the time. But, I sure can say, she is probably the best sister one can get. I'd probably be in the gutter if not for her. Sometime I think what I'd have become if not for her.

"Stop daydreaming about me, I know I'm amazing. So, move your ass, Little Len." She pinched my nose and ran away.

"Hey! I told you not to call me that. Come back here." I ran after her skipping in the room and before long we were out like a light in the bed.

Yep, she's the best sis anyone can ask for. And the best back bone you'll ever need.