A Lion's Duel Pt. I

We arrived at the Peridot Kingdom, home of the Leos and I took in the sights, my eyes sparkling with amazement as I looked around in awe. Majestic and resplendent, the Peridot Kingdom was a land of golden fields, sun-drenched plateaus, and towering cliffs that overlook vast, glittering seas. The kingdom was bathed in perpetual sunlight, as if the heavens themselves are in awe of its radiant beauty. Known as the Land of the Golden Lion, the Peridot Kingdom embodied all that Leo stands for: strength, pride, and a fiery heart full of courage.

The Peridot Kingdom was an expansive realm filled with rolling plains, verdant forests, and sunlit mountain ranges. The fertile lands are nourished by rivers that shimmer like molten gold under the sun's gaze. The kingdom's borders were protected by imposing mountains to the north, known as the Lion's Claws, with jagged peaks that rise like a protective barrier against invaders.

"Wow, this kingdom looks more beautiful than initially thought. I was not expecting to be blown away by such a beautiful landscape," I said as I followed behind Mariella and Floria.

"I said it in the past and I'll say it again, the Leos have the best kingdom out of all of the 12 Zodiac Kingdoms!~" Leona chuckled, following behind us in her Lion Form.

"Of course you'd say that, you have a clear bias," Sephora bantered, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

"Yeah, I do~ It's the Pride within me talking, but I stand by what I say. The Leos do it like no other!" Leona boasted, holding her head high with pride and a majestic demeanor.

At the center of the kingdom laid Solis Primus, the radiant capital of the Peridot Kingdom. The city gleamed like a jewel, with towering spires and grand halls constructed from shining white marble, streaked with veins of peridot and gold. Every corner of the city was bathed in light, as if it were blessed by the sun itself.

At the heart of Solis Primus was Lion's Square, a massive, open plaza where grand celebrations, tournaments, and coronations took place. Dominating the square is the Monument of Kings, a colossal statue of a roaring lion, with eyes made of peridot and a mane that seems to catch the sunlight. This statue served as a symbol of the kingdom's strength and the fierce protection of its sovereigns.

"My Knight, do you see the statue of the man next to the Roaring Lion?" Leona asked, shifting into her human form and pointed at the large statue ahead.

I looked at the statue then glanced at Leona, nodding and smiling at her. "Yeah, what about it?"

"That's the First Leo God within the Old World. His name is Abbas Whiteflame. He was the creator of the White Flames and said to be the strongest Zodiac in his time. He's also my mentor. That's how I learned how to use the White Flames, now it's your turn to adopt the White Flames," Leona said, holding her arms under her chest with a smile.

I stared at the statue once again, a proud smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I knew I had the potential to wield the White Flames as I've done it before a month ago, but never actually could awaken it at will.

"Let's continue forward, our destination lies past the heart of the kingdom," Mariella said, continuing forward and humming a soft tune to herself.

We all followed behind her, Mariella leading us toward a cliff that overlooked the kingdom. Towering over Solis Primus was the Sunfire Citadel, the grand palace of the Peridot Kingdom. Perched atop Pride Rock, a massive cliff that overlooked the city and the plains beyond, the citadel was a marvel of architecture and power.

The Sunfire Citadel was built from shimmering golden stone and white marble, its walls adorned with ornate carvings of lions and suns. Towering peridot spires caught the sunlight and refract it into dazzling rainbows across the palace grounds. Massive banners of deep crimson and gold hung from every tower, marking this as the seat of the Leo royalty.

"And here we are, the place Cinder was sealed away at," Mariella said, looking up the cliff and placed her hands on her hips. "Unfortunately we can't unseal her at this time."

I stared at Mariella for a moment then crossed my arms. "Then what was the purpose of even bringing us here? How do we unseal Cinder?"

"Well, firstly I wanted to show you where she was sealed. Second, she's sealed in the cave of the cliff and like Floria, we need three Relics: a Phoenix Feather, a Phoenix Beak, and a Phoenix Claw. Only after we obtain all three can we summon the Soul of Flames which then can be used to unseal Cinder," Mariella explained, looking back toward me and Moira.

"In Henosis's name...that sounds way more convoluted than when you were unsealing Floria and we had to defend three waves of Heroes for her. Now we have to search for pieces of a Phoenix so we can even traverse the caves for Cinder?" I asked, letting out a soft sigh.

"Hey, I wasn't the one who sealed me and my sisters away. Besides, if we want to find these Relics, there's only one person who can help us. The Immortal Phoenix, Liao Ru," Mariella said, a smirk playing on her face.

Moira and I glanced at each other then turned our gazes back to Mariella. She made it sound easier than it is in reality, but it was worth a shot since Liao Ru did help in sealing away the Dark Lords. I shrugged and decided to go along with Mariella's plan, only hoping for the best.

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"Denied," Liao Ru said, meditating within a serene, and secluded part of Peridot Forest. She couldn't be bothered to open her eyes and acknowledge Mariella due to Mariella asking her to help unseal Cinder.

"Oh come on, it's not like we're gonna go back on our word. All Floria and I want to do is revive our sisters, we're August's allies now and we won't stir up too much trouble," Mariella said, holding her hands together in front of her.

Liao Ru opened one eye, glancing at Mariella and Floria before closing her eye again. "How did you even find my training grounds? Today isn't the day. I'm supposed to be meeting with the Leo Princess and her advisor. We shall talk about this another time."

Floria glanced at Mariella, letting out a soft sigh. "We can always try again later."

"Hold on, you're meeting up with Melody and Onyx? Why?" I asked, looking at Liao Ru.

Liao Ru opened her eyes to acknowledge me and her gaze met mine. "Well...not Onyx but Fizz. Apparently, Onyx betrayed Melody and gave into his Dark Impulse. Melody and Fizz have been trying to find Onyx for a while now, and they suspect that he found the Dark Leo Zodiac Crystal, The Black Spinel."

"Black Spinel..?" I asked, glancing at Leona.

"The Black Spinel isn't actually black as the name may suggest, it's actually a darker hue of red, its color being darker than a Ruby. It's called the Black Spinel because unlike the Blue Topaz which turns your flames into Azur Flames, the Black Spinel corrupts your flames and turns them into Black Flames," Leona explained.

"Why would he betray Melody..?" I asked, crossing my arms and began to think.

"I know Melody said that it was because he still wants to duel you for the Solar Peridot. He was willing to wield the Black Spinel just so he could have his chance at taking the Solar Peridot from you," Liao Ru answered, her tone blunt and unfiltered.

"A chance to duel me..? He's still on that..?" I sighed softly, shaking my head. "He's willing to let his Dark Impulse take over just so he can battle me..? All for my Solar Peridot..? Come on..."

Liao Ru sighed softly then stood up, walking toward me and gently placing her hand on my shoulder. "The only way to bring him back is if you fight him. Not only fight him, fight him at your best. For what I know, he hasn't turned to The Fallen yet. He's just training to get stronger."

I watched as Liao Ru walked off and crossed my arms, glancing at Mariella and Floria. I turned my gaze back to Liao Ru, my thoughts running with many questions.

"Follow me, I'll take you to the Sunfire Citadel. That's where Melody and Fizz are currently," Liao Ru said, walking down a path through the forest.

We all began to follow Liao Ru through the forest and toward the kingdom. She began to lead us through the kingdom and toward the citadel, each of us having to take a Griffin Carriage to the peak of Pride Rock to reach the palace.

Once we reached the palace, we walked inside and Liao Ru led us down the Great Lion's Hall toward the massive throne room. Entering the throne room, I noticed Melody talking with Feline and Sora, two more friends I haven't seen in a long time.

Melody noticed us and tilted her head. "Ahh, Master Liao Ru, you've come."

Liao Ru smiled at Melody, nodding and crossing her arms. "Princess Melody. I didn't only bring myself but a few guests, and someone you should know well."

Melody watched as Liao Ru stepped aside, a gasp escaping her as she noticed me. "August!"

I looked at Melody with my hands in the pockets of my long coat, a smile curling on my lips. "Long time no see, Mel..~ We're back in St. Nova again."

Melody couldn't help but to smile at my presence, nodding her head. She glanced at Moira, Mariella, and Floria, wondering who they were.

I caught on to her gaze, glancing at the three and smiled. "Melody, meet my Shaman, Moira, and my two Dark Lord allies, Mariella and Floria."

Melody glanced at Fizz, Sora, and Feline, the four exchanging glances. Melody looked back at me, raising an eyebrow. "How...Your influence has to be much stronger than Darkness's for you to even have the Dark Lords joining your cause."

I chuckled at her jest, crossing my arms and tilting my head. "Well, I suppose. I'm just glad they are on our side."

Melody nodded then her expression became serious. "Now then, onto business. If Liao Ru didn't tell you, I will now. Onyx has betrayed us and went rogue. He isn't working with The Fallen or anything, but he does have access to a Dark Leo Zodiac Crystal, The Black Spinel."

"I've already informed them about Onyx, Princess. Have any of you found the whereabouts of Onyx?" Liao Ru asked, glancing between Melody and her retainers.

"Yeah, he's currently at the Sun Arena. He's really serious about this duel and he really wants August's Solar Peridot, but he's not gonna let him have it. Right, August? You're not gonna let him win right?" Sora asked, her expression a mix of worry and determination.

I looked at Sora, crossing my arms then closed my eyes. "No. He's not even going to get close to my Zodiac Crystal. Since he wants a Zodiac Duel, it's only right if I limit myself to my Zodiac Form. Just my Leo Form. I will destroy him. He will not get a chance to even feel the touch of my crystal."

Melody's eyes sparkled with admiration at my prideful declare, her heart fluttering as it did when she first met me. She couldn't help but to smile at me.

"It's only fair. As long as he keeps it to his Dark Zodiac Crystal, I won't use any other form. The moment he turns and uses another power, I will not hold back," I added, opening my eyes with a determined gaze.

Liao Ru looked back at me, a small smile curling onto her lips. "Good. Now, let's not keep him waiting a moment longer. Who knows what he might do to get what he wants."

We nodded and began to leave the throne room and exit the palace. We took a Griffin Carriage toward the Sun Arena, everyone filled with anticipation to see the duel. I stared at my Solar Peridot and smiled at it, watching it glow warmly in my hand due to my close bond with Leona.

'I will not lose this... It's you and me, Leona...' I thought, closing my eyes.

"Just you and me, My Knight..~" Leona purred, excited to see me in action.

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The Griffins landed in front of the Sun Arena, massive stadium that was surrounded by Solar Spires that radiated light energy resembling the sun even when the Sun is not present. Melody and the others got off the carriage and hurried into the stadium.

Onyx sat in the middle of the battlefield of the arena, his arms crossed and eyes closed, seemingly meditating and focusing his energy. He sensed Melody and the others entering the arena, a soft grumble rumbling in his throat.

"Onyx, I know you aren't going to listen to me, but you don't need to do this! Leona has already chosen her Knight and you have to accept that it isn't you!" Melody called out from the stands, her hands gripping the railings.

"Princess, you and your friends leave this arena. I don't care how long I have to leave and come back here. I will stay here until he shows up...I will take what was rightfully mine," Onyx said, keeping his eyes closed.

"Is that so?" I asked, walking into the battlefield of the arena, my hands placed in my pockets.

Onyx opened his eyes at the sound of my voice, his gaze meeting mine. He stared at me then stood up slowly, shooting a glare at me. "So you finally arrive huh? You finally decided to come here and hand over the Solar Peridot?"

"Hand it over? Yeah, no. That's not happening. If anything, I'm here to show you why I was chosen over you. You betrayed Melody over this, so now it's time to knock some sense into you," I said, standing in front of Onyx.

The tension was at an all time high, everyone's eyes on me and Onyx for the battle for the Solar Peridot. Onyx tossed off his cloak, dark dragon scales forming on his face and arms. His dragon tail swayed from side to side, and he got into his stance.

"Hm, so you're a Dragon Hybrid. Why do you want my Zodiac Crystal if you're a dragon? You already have the strength, what more do you want?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"It doesn't matter. All you should know is that Leona should've been mine that day. You stole my right and when I win this duel, I will return her to her rightful owner," Onyx declared, getting into his stance.

I scoffed at his declare then uncrossed my arms, stepping back to taking on my battle stance. "And when I win this battle...I never want you to talk about my Solar Peridot again. This is your only chance...but be warned, I will not hold anything back."

{Notice: Due to the Solar Spires, the Solar Peridot is in a permanent Solar Charged state.}

I looked at the digital interface that appeared in front of me then smirked, closing the interface. I looked at Onyx, noticing him unmoving until I made my first move. 'Leona...are you ready?'

"Let me hear you roar, August!" Leona roared.

I let out a roar and launched myself toward Onyx with a powerful strike. Onyx blocked my attack then grunted softly as he was slightly pushed back. He went for a counter, but I dodged his attack, landing multiple quick blows to his midsection then double palmed his chest, knocking him away.

Onyx slid backwards then looked up, growling lowly then lunged toward me. He leaped forward with a spinning kick, but I blocked it and pushed him back, rushing forward with a rising knee. Onyx grunted as he was knocked into the air, noticing my leaping kick, but caught my leg. He spun me around then launched me back to the ground.

I quickly recovered with a back handspring, flipping backwards onto my feet then got back into my Lion Stance. I exhaled slowly, smoke escaping my mouth. "C'mon, is that all you've got? You've been training for a while now, I know you can show a little more than that.."

Onyx slowly descended to the ground and stared at me. He summoned his Black Spinel, looking at it then turned his gaze back toward me. 'Hmph...Due to the properties of a Leo...he is progressively growing stronger as the battle goes on. Not only that, but he's Solar Charged with grants a 100% boost to all of his abilities. I need to end this quickly!'

Onyx absorbed the Black Spinel and bellowed, his shadow abilities being boosted. He performed a hand gesture. "Now that I have Black Flames to support my Shadow Creations...I can summon this! Cerberus, rise up!"

Onyx's shadows extended behind him, a three headed hound rising from the shadows and letting out a howl. Cerberus stood behind him, his gaze locking onto me. Onyx stared at me, his eyes glowing with determination.

"Well?" Sephora asked, standing beside me and looking at Cerberus.

'Not yet...this is part of his base abilities. But since he used his Dark Zodiac Crystal, I'll use my Zodiac Crystal to even the playing field,' I said to Sephora telepathically, my Solar Peridot shining in the mouth of my Lion Pauldron.

I got into my stance then let out a roar, my fiery energy bursting around me and pulsating, radiating a heat wave as I transformed into my Leo Zodiac Drive. I opened my eyes and looked at Onyx.

"Since you want to use a Summon, I have one just for you. I won't be fighting a two on one.." I said, snapping my fingers and summoning the Soul of Nature.

Mariella coughed and spit out her drink, standing up. "August— Are you serious?! You're not thinking about using him are you?! He's weakened!"

"Y-Yeah..! Why not use Shiva? She's way stronger and can even tank the most deadly fire attacks!" Floria called out, seemingly worried about the differences between the two summons.

Onyx laughed at the Soul of Nature, looking at him and shook his head. "A Nature Wisp? Seriously? You're gonna use a Nature Wisp against my Cerberus? Do you even want to win?!"

I glanced down at the Soul of Nature then smiled at him, watching him float around with unbridled energy. I looked back at Onyx with a smirk. "You haven't seen anything yet..."

I took out two Skill Cards and held them out toward the Soul of Nature, the cards shining and the Soul of Nature absorbing the skills.

{Soul of Nature has obtained Red Guardian and Spirit Valor!}

I looked at the Soul of Nature and let out a predatory roar, causing the Soul of Nature to panic, but his body glowed. I struck it with a small fireball as well, causing Red Guardian to activate also.

{Spirit Valor activated. Soul of Nature has gained Immortality for 30s.}

{Red Guardian activated. Fire Damage negated and boosted Soul of Nature's abilities by 20%.}

Mariella and Floria caught onto my plan and glanced at each other, knowing smiles creeping onto their lips. They decided to keep quiet about what I was setting up and just watched.

"Alright, we're ready," I said, chuckling softly and getting into my stance.

Onyx didn't know what I was planning, but scoffed at me and got into his stance as well. "Weakening your own partner huh? This duel will he easier than I thought."

I chuckled softly and kept my gaze on Onyx. 'Leona...scare the Soul of Nature every 30 seconds to keep Spirit Valor active. The Soul of Nature is key to taking down Cerberus in one strike.'

"Fufufu~ I got you, My Knight~" Leona giggled, locking onto the Soul of Nature with a predatory gaze.