Chapter 7: Preliminary Match

Skysin Rillem-

It's been three years since dad and I made that promise, and to be perfectly honest, training was more of a nightmare. Dad's an entirely different person when he teaches me. I began having flashbacks, trying to evade his vigorous attacks using wooden swords.

At that time, the nice, cool breeze flowed through my untamed golden hair while I was seated on a brown blanket, under the shade of a tree in our large yard. Only wearing a pair of black baggy pants, I watched mom and dad stretch while they were in the middle of the bright green land, preparing for a sparring match.

Dad is shirtless, displaying his defined athletic body. A few scars around his stomach and muscular arms. Simply clothed in black harem pants.

Mom tied her long hair into a ponytail, wearing a jade crop-top that hung loosely over her stomach. A wide linen black belt wrapped around her waist, sporting a long off-white skirt under that draped to her ankles. Including a side slit on the right section of her skirt, revealing a pair of short black tights.

After dad bounced off the balls of his feet a few times, he picked up a long, dark blue sheathe next to him. "Are you ready to start Val?" He asked unsheathing the sword, revealing a magnificent saber.

The blade is almost snow white, glistening radiantly from the sun's rays. Beautifully keen, just a glance seemed like it could cut you. The cross guard and grip; jet black. As for the pommel of the sword, round like a small ball, with a blue emerald embedded in the very middle.

Mom took out her daggers, rotating them in her hands while lowering her stance for battle. After stopping them, positioning her weapons in front herself. The daggers are curved like an 'S', black on the flat side, then blended to gold on the edges of the blades, "ready when you are."

Dad turned to me for a short moment, "hey Sin, make sure you try to pick up on our movement and the way we attack, got it?"

I raised my arm with a thumbs up, "got it dad!"

He smiled and turned back to mom, playfully gesturing her, slowly motioning his arm to his side with a courteous bow, "ladies first - madam."

At that moment, mom disappeared, only making the wind flow chaotically where she once was.

Dad kept his stance, standing still.

He twirled around, quickly shifting the sword in front of his chest, blocking mom's dagger just as she aimed at his heart. He grinned with a chuckle, "close one."

Mom jumped back a few feet as dad rotated his sword in a circular motion. With tremendous speed, he lunged towards her, vertically slashing downwards.

Mom parried the attack, causing bright sparks to materialize.

A flurry of blows was casted between the two. As they continued to strike each other; their arms became nothing but a blur, my eyes struggled to keep up.

Dad swept his leg at mom's ankle, making her loose balance as she fell back.

He swung the sword downwards once more. But mom briskly reacted, leaping into a backflip while blocking the incoming attack, causing dads arm to retract from the force.

After mom landed, she darted towards him.

Closing the distance under a half a second, mom extended her blade, speedily thrusting multiple times at dad. He fixed his sword, making it face the sky and blocked every single attack precisely.

Mom quickly spun her body, reaching out her arm and slashed horizontally.

But dad flawlessly performed a side-flip, evading the attack and swung at mom diagonally.

Mom lowered herself while dodging his sword. Similar to a dance move, she swirled her body into a windmill, and shot one of her legs onto dads' stomach, propelling him into the air.

Casted off the ground, dad utilized his kinetics, creating an ice platform above his self, facing mom. He bent his legs and launched towards mom at blistering speeds.

While dad dove towards mom, she used her spatial kinetics, causing black and purple aura to coat her body. Strangely enough, small white and yellow particles became visible, all slowly gliding into her body, creating a faint glow. When she did this, in an instant, she appeared in front of dad.

The couple made their weapons collide, unleashing a humongous shockwave, creating a giant, deep crater in the middle of the field. The pure impact from the attack made the trees and grass blow rapidly, like a hurricane had surfaced.

Causing me to lift off the ground…luckily, I molded a large wall of ice behind me to catch myself.

When I glanced back up, mom and dad were falling onto a section of the ground that wasn't affected. Holding her like a damsel in distress, he began to laugh, teasing her as they slowly descended, "ha, it's my win. Better luck next time."

Mom simply sucked her teeth, rolling her lavender eyes.

I was completely astonished by their fight and dashed to them. I surfaced in front of the couple - which caught them by surprise, "that was aweesomee!" My eyes sparkled with excitement as I hopped in circles, revolving them like a little bunny.

Dad bent down and ruffled my hair, "you thought that was cool? Haha, we weren't even close to fighting at full strength."

I ran behind dad and leapt onto his back, "hey dad? You think I'll ever get strong as you and mom?"

Dad chortled setting me onto his broad shoulders as him and mom walked away from the crater, "of course kiddo, it all depends on how much determination and motivation you have…And talent of course."—He raised his index finger— "But never do entirely too much. You may strain or possibly destroy your body in the process."

I nodded with a stern smile, "right!"

"That means if you want to get big and strong, you'll have to eat-more-vegetables, little man," mom teased me.

I slouched my head on dad's wild blue hair, "ugghh mom, I don't like vegetables..." I grunted with a murmur.

Mom turned around smiling, but I sensed something minacious behind it, "Skysin…you're going to enjoy those vegetables."

I quickly saluted sitting up-right, not daring to discover what'll happen next, "yes ma'am..."

She turned around advancing to the house, "good boy. And we'll be taking showers and go into Tayon city for your match later."

I grinned, growing excited for today, "ok!"

I'll be facing against another kid in a preliminary match for a tournament later. Known as the Pahmeon – which is a tradition that Valorrey has. A great diversity of warriors across the planet of Valorrey come to attend it. As for who my opponent is…I have no idea. But dad said it'll be fun, and a better way for me to gain experience, so I'm not complaining.

Getting to the glass door, mom made a smile, "you'll be meeting some old friends of ours too."

"Who are they?" I quired.

"You'll find out later this afternoon, they're good people," dad answered.

"Oh ok, what about the hole?" I questioned, pointing back to the meteor-sized crater in the ground.

"We'll get someone we know to fix it up for us. Hopefully the lazy man won't complain..." Mom chuckled, entering the house.

*****

The afternoon had finally swam by, my family and I are currently in the carriage, entering the tall blue-brick walls of Tayon city, the capital of the Raven Region. Surprisingly, I figured the ride here would've been quite lengthy. However, our house isn't actually far. We're located maybe a good ten miles down west from here.

Dad tied his mane-like hair into a low ponytail. His apparel; a splendid black and gold military-eques uniform, with three platinum stars on his chest. Including a short red cape on the left side of his shoulder.

Mom wore a yellow regal dress with a diamond necklace around her neck. The apparel is lengthy, covering her ankles, only able to view the tips her purple slippers. Her hair is interweaved into a singular loose braid, draping over of her shoulder onto her forearm. She's also wearing two dangling earrings, connected to a small diamond.

Since I'll be competing, I dressed myself in a simple red shirt, and baggy black pants tucked into my boots. My hair is somewhat slicked back, keeping it tamed, all while remaining in its natural wavy, yet wild nature. For the weapon I'll be using, a cutlass. It's actually my favorite out of all the swords. Really, only because I think it looks cool.

Riding throughout the pebbled roads of Tayon, I noticed many civilians waving at us, all cheering for dad and mom.

"We love you General Rellgis!!"

You're so gorgeous Mrs. Rillem!!"

I honestly forget that dad's a general. His personality doesn't match that specific criterion. Dad's more laid-back, relaxed – always cracking a stupid joke of the sort. Until mom beats him...

Getting closer to our destination, the buildings seemed to have grown, or sprouted, becoming much taller. This specific area is the Core Centre of Tayon City, extremely busier than the outer sections of this humongous place, always teeming with citizens, and tourists. Withholding businesses with merchants, inns, restaurants, and of course, vendors.

The people are lively, all roaring with excitement as they approached a massive, blue coliseum with giant black pillars, used as support to hold the ceiling.

After the carriage came to a stop, we exited, making way to the glass doors of this ginormous structure. Entering the luxurious lobby, beautiful chandeliers made of diamond hung on the ceiling. The clean tiled floors made of white granite, well-polished – making them glisten from the amber gems above. Masses of vendors on the sides, selling all types of products, whether its food, armor, or toys for kids.

More people noticed us, all cheering once more for dad and mom. He put on another strained smile, waving to all of them while we approached the stairwell on our right.

We ascended three flights of stairs, finally coming to a long corridor with doors on our left. This area is where all the nobles have their private boxes, to watch the matches that'll begin soon.

Mom and Dad stopped in front of a different room, much larger than the others. Having two grey double doors. Above them, pinned to the wall, a silver board with words engraved on it. Reading: "Valorrey Royal Box."

My face went blank, "you're friends with the king and queen of Valorrey??"

Mom chuckled, "yep, although we're more like family."

Dad knocked on the door, and under a second, a bald butler wearing a black tuxedo with a marvelous brown mustache, falling right over his lips, opened it.

"Hello, Rillem family. I'm glad you could make it," he said with a gentle bow.

As we all entered the spacious box, dad replied with a smile, "it's good to see you're doing well, Euphert."

Two adults had appeared, a tall, well-built man and a slim woman around mom's short height, stood near a bar. Withholding a ludicrous amount of bottled wine on the red counter. They turned to us, making a smile.

The man has short, spikey brown hair, with a golden crown on top of his head, having three red rubies in a vertical row in the very center. Narrowed dark brown eyes, a chiseled chin, along with beige skin. Wearing a black collar jacket with black slacks and dress shoes. A large carmine and white robe across his wide shoulders with a golden 'V' emblem on his left chest.

The queen wore an elegant red dress on her slim body, wearing the same crown and rubies atop her head. A bob-cut of shoulder-length, burgundy-colored hair, and two diamond earrings. A prepossessing woman with cinnamon-colored eyes and long eyelashes, a pair of rosy lips, and sleek skin of sand.

The man raised his large arms, nearly shouting, welcoming my parents, "Rellgis! Valentine! It's been years since we seen you two!"

Dad and the king pressed their forearms together, "it has! It looks like you built up a lot more muscle Raine," dad remarked.

"It seems I did!"—Raine laughed— "...I haven't noticed until now."

Meanwhile, mom and the queen shared a hug. The pretty lady chortled, "it seems you've been doing well, sister."

Mom nodded, "yes, I have been Audrey."—Mom turned to me, sitting her hand on my head— "And this is Skysin."

Audrey took a knee, rubbing my head with a gentle smile, "hi Skysin. You look just like your mother. You can call me auntie."

I gave a small bow, "it's nice to meet you, Aunt Audrey."

"Where's Elaine and Ru?" Mom asked with a tinge of interest.

"Elaine should be in the training room right now, getting ready for her match. Ru's outside on the seating area." Audrey replied guiding us through the doorway.

Looking to my right, I came to see a singular teenaged girl. Sitting down pleasantly as the gentle wind blew through her long hair.

Mom approached her, hence the girl stood, "hey Ru, are you ready for your match soon?" Mom asked giving her a hug.

Ru's at least a teenager, maybe around seventeen or so. Judging her height from my mother, Ru's around 5'5 or 5'6, at least. Furthermore, her features are the very epitome of – 'if looks could kill.'

Curly, raspberry-colored hair, cascading over her delicate shoulders and waist, like a supple river brimming with ripe berries. Almond-shaped black eyes, gleaming like obsidian jewelry. Glossy golden skin, and cherry pink lips. Attired in a refined orchid-colored robe, with a black-tie enveloping her slim waist.

In a monotonous, silvery voice, keeping a face of poise, Ru replied with a nod, "of course master."

So, mom teaches her...I guess that means Ru is quite powerful.

Mom gave a quick nod as she patted her head, "that's good to hear Ru…"—Mom looked over to me— "this is my son, Skysin."

I stepped forward, extending my hand to mom's disciple. "Hello Ru," I greeted with a beaming grin.

Ru simply gave me a handshake with a nod.

After dad greeted Audrey and Ru, we all took a seat. While I sat next to Ru, I had looked over to the gorgeous girl, "excuse me, Ru?"

Ru's long lashes fluttered, then looked down at me, "yes?"

"Are you a princess?" I questioned, tilting my head in curiosity. I wouldn't be surprised if she was, the air around her seems very refined, and serene.

Ru shook her head from my question, "no, I'm not a princess Sin."

I cautiously inspected Ru, "then what are yo-"

Ru lifted her hand and softly chopped my head as she vaguely huffed, "too many questions, Skysin."

I pouted crossing my arms, "I was just asking..." I muttered, staring at the empty stage below.

Ru patted my head, "Audrey and Raine are like my older siblings, I'm not related to them…"

Just when I was about to ask her one more question, a man teleported onto the wide, grey arena floor under us.

Wearing a blue tuxedo with black hair and brown eyes. Holding a translucent gem in his hand, he lifted his arm and held it near his mouth, causing his ecstatic voice to sound throughout the entire coliseum, "hello everyone!! I'll be your announcer today. I welcome you all to the Pahmeon tournament. And our Rulers of Valorrey!!" The fellow spoke with excitement, gesturing his hand to the box we're present in.

Audrey, Raine, and Ru erected to their feet, standing in front of the metal railing, waving at all the cheering citizens.

After they returned to their seats, the announcer continued, "as you all know, the Pahmeon tournament is a great, cherished tradition of ours. Where warriors from all across the planet of Valorrey come to participate. And of course, before the main matches begin, we always have the preliminary matches, a quick bout between four talented children whose skills have been growing at an exponential rate!"

He paused for a slight second, then went on, raising his arms above his head. "As for the two young warriors who'll be facing off today… first, the son of Marcus Oreland, one of the three dukes who looks over the Nova Region. ROLLAND ORELAND!!"

The hundreds of thousands of people all screamed with enthusiasm, then, the announcer resumed, "next, the son of our powerful general – hero, Rellgis Rillem. SKYSIN RILLEM!!"

The crowd roared with exhilaration, shouting my name.

"LET'S GO SKYSIN!!"

"YEAHHHH!!"

"KICK HIS BUTT SKYSIN!!"

When dad and Raine stood, dad looked at me with a grin, "let's go kiddo!"

"Right!"

Just as I was about to stand, Ru tugged my shirt with a small smile, "good luck, Skysin."

"Thanks Ru," I smiled, walking over to dad and Raine by the railing. I could feel the adrenaline in me begin to erupt, almost like a volcano. I've been training since I was a toddler, and I'm ready to test just how strong I am against others…