Beginning of a New Era

A few days went by since the mission at North Emerald Base and I felt as if we were ready to go back to St. Meishi Academy and finish what we all started. We all got our things packed up and loaded into the car. Before we decided to head out, we met up with Rose, Annalise, and Liao Ru as they wanted to speak with us for a moment.

"Thank you all for stopping by before leaving back to St. Meishi Academy. There is something I wanted to speak to you all about and it's regarding the future of Exzodia and the ongoing war," Annalise began, crossing her arms and glancing between the four of us.

"What's up?" April asked, tilting her head slightly out of curiosity.

Rose looked at her laptop and displayed a holographic screen in front of us, a set of information showing in front of us. "The Fallen have been spreading much faster around the Four Districts. After August defeated Darkness at North Emerald Base, he's been rallying around. It's best to not venture beyond the St. Meishi and St. Nova areas for now. Leave it to the Infinity Council Members for now."

I stared at the information, crossing my arms and studying each graph and piece of information displayed. "I see...well we probably won't be leaving these areas anyway due to our final battle against Archer and his team then finally the Annual Hero Tournament so we'll be too occupied to even worry about The Fallen."

Rose nodded, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Good...Also, I just wanted to say having you all here made such a positive impact on our Academy. Everyone's now striving to grow stronger and into better people than they once were."

"I agree, our students have been taking their training more serious now. Especially Sennie, Athena and Avery, Amunet, and especially Blaze. I'm sure once you all meet again in the future, you all would have earned yourselves a few rivals," Liao Ru added, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

Nina smiled at their words, crossing her arms and closing her eyes. "Well, they better hope they will be as ready as they are in the future because they won't be the only ones who will grow stronger."

"Yeah!~ The Pride will keep getting stronger together and we will show the world the heroes we will all become!~" Lily exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with determination and excitement.

Annalise chuckled softly, nodding her head. "Alright, I don't want to keep you all away for too long. You four stay safe out there okay?~ We shall meet again in the future."

I nodded, giving her a smile before turning away and walking off. "Until we meet again, Headmistress."

With that, April, Nina, Lily, and I headed out, making our way to our car and getting inside. I started the car, checking to see if everyone was situated and ready. With everyone ready, I drove off back to St. Meishi Academy, to finally finish up part of a story that no longer needed to be prolonged.

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I parked my car in front of my house, everyone helping to unload our luggage and we took a moment to rest from the long car ride back to the St. Meishi District. We all sat around in the living room, taking in the familiar air of my home.

"It feels nice to be back...But at the same time, I feel a pang of nervousness inside. Do you truly think we're ready to take on Archer and his team?" Lily asked, turning her gaze to meet mine.

I looked at Lily with a warm, confident smile and nodded. "After everything we've done in St. Nova, It's time we finally settle this once and for all. After all of the training and lessons given to us by Rose and Liao Ru, after saving North Emerald Base, and even the fights we've had against the students of St. Nova, we've all gotten stronger.."

"I know we're all ready to face off against Archer and his crew. All we have to do is know who's taking on who. We all know I'm taking on Archer, so what about you three?" I continued, glancing between April, Nina, and Lily.

"Well we know Ken would want to try and take on Nina so we'll leave him to Nina. That leaves Shelly and Ciara.. I don't know how either of them fights, so it's really a coin flip on who April and I will take on," Lily said, crossing her arms and began thinking about who she wanted to take on in the final Mock Battle.

"If you want, I can take on Ciara and you can take Shelly. Ciara is very proficient in close combat while Shelly is more of a magic user. I know you don't like to go close quarters like that, so I'll take on Ciara that way we all can have even matches," April suggested, giving Lily a warm smile.

Lily glanced at April, nodding her head and smiling brightly. "Okay~ I guess it's settled!~"

With the arrangements of who we were going to go against made, we began to lounge around for a moment longer until it was time for the Mock Battles to start. While we sat around in the living room, we began to devise a plan carefully, each one of us chiming in with ideas and plans.

Once the time came, we all got up and left my house to make our way to the academy. The four of us felt a new wave of confidence and determination as we made our way to St. Meishi Academy, the intense feeling of anticipation and determination settling in within each of us.

Once we made it to the academy, we noticed heads turning to look at us, our presences commanding attention. The students upon the campus began to whisper amongst one another, surprised that we came back as they all thought we completely transferred to St. Nova.

"Well, well, well...The Pride finally decides to return to St. Meishi. For a moment I thought you all would have your tails tucked between your legs," Ken said, smirking at the four of us as he approached with Archer, Shelly, and Ciara.

I stared at Ken, keeping calm and collected. "Your taunts won't work on us, Ken. Instead of running your mouth, let our actions do the talking. Once we beat you in this mock battle, you'll be watching us breeze through the tournament. This year...things will be different."

Ken laughed softly, crossing his arms as he sized me up. "Oh yeah? You think you have what it takes to take on Archer? Don't you know..? He's been accepted by the Sagittarius Champion, Mehira. He is also a Zodiac Knight now."

"You think I care about that? I'll destroy him either way," I retorted, my gaze meeting Archer's.

The two of us stared at each other, the tension between us palpable with our fiery glares. Years of disdain built up between us finally led us to our faithful rematch. It was finally time for us to face off against, this time I was ready to make the change. The stakes have never been higher and the results have never mattered more than it did now.

Archer smirked at me, closing his eyes and walking away. "We'll see you on the battlefield. I hope you and your silly troops are ready to get your ass handed to you. You're now facing off against the strongest students in the academy."

Ken chuckled as he followed Archer, Ciara and Shelly following behind. April, Nina, Lily, and I watched as the four walked off, our battle spirits higher than ever. We glanced at each other, giving each other knowing smiles and nods. With our best foot first, we made our way inside the academy building to meet up with Ms. Ray and Nagini.

Entering inside the building, we made our way to Ms. Ray's classroom and walked inside, noticing her getting ready to oversee the mock battles. Once she heard us entering the classroom, she turned her head, noticing the four of us and her eyes widened.

"You all made it back?! You should've called me!" Ms. Ray gasped, her eyes reflecting her happiness to see us.

I smiled at Ms. Ray, walking toward her. "We wanted to surprise you, Ms. Ray..~ We've made significant progress at St. Nova and even became stronger as students and Zodiac Knights. We've all basically maxed out our bonds with our Champions."

"It's true~ Everyone has been giving it their all, especially my darling, August..~" Leona purred, wrapping her arms around me from behind, nuzzling me affectionately.

Imogen shook her head with a smile on her face, giggling softly at Leona's antics. "Geez..~ You'd think she'd show more restraint.."

Ms. Ray giggled softly at us then glanced between the four of us. "If you're looking for Nagini, she's not here at the moment. She's out dealing with The Fallen that's been growing increasingly close to St. Meishi. She will return though, so she'll be here to witness your mock battles."

"This is the most important mock battle of the semester so I know Headmaster Vinson will be watching as well," April said, her tone a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

"Yes, he will be be here. Originally Archer's team was supposed to be fighting against the Demon Hunters, but since you're all back, I'll allow the Demon Hunters to rest and you all can take the stage," Ms. Ray said, her gaze meeting each of ours.

"I believe in all of you...If you pull this off, Vinson will be sure to acknowledge you all no questions asked. Especially you, August. You did wage war against the Academy, so your victory over Archer will be a huge one.." Ms. Ray reminded, gently placing her hand upon my chest.

I stared at her, memories from when I was 14 all the way to the present flashing in my head. I closed my eyes and nodded, a soft smile playing on my lips. "I know...and I'll be sure to make you and Mama Sephora proud. Not only will we win the Mock Battles...but I will take the win against Archer and finally prove myself to him and his father."

Ms. Ray nodded, her hand gently caressing my cheek in a maternal manner. "I know you will. Now let's go. You four have a mock battle to fight in."

We nodded and began to head out of the classroom, following Ms. Ray down the halls then outside into the Academy Arena. Everyone noticed us, seeing that we stepped outside into the Meishi Arena, all eyes landing upon us. The seats were all filled up, everyone coming out to see the mock battle.

Ms. Ray walked over to Vail, Freya, Tetsu, and Opal talking with them and gesturing toward us, letting them know that we were going to fight against Archer's team. They looked at us, the four of them smiling at us and nodding. They made their way up to find their seats in the stands while the four of us took our spots in the side line.

I took my seat on the ground, sunbathing and gathering up energy for my fight against Archer. "Alright...this is it. The moment we've been preparing for. Let's show everyone the true strength of The Pride."

April, Nina, and Lily nodded, getting themselves ready and hyped up to face off against Archer's crew. Archer and his team watched us, their gazes intense and confident. Headmaster Vinson sat at the very top, watching the mock battle from his office while sipping on his tea. He kept a close eye on Archer and me, his gaze intense and critical.

April looked out at the battlefield, preparing to step out first, but Nina stopped her, gently pulling her back. She watched as Nina stepped forward, tilting her head. "Nina?"

"Our top priority should be Ken. We all know Archer isn't stepping out unless August does, so the next biggest threat is Ken. I want to deal with him as fast as possible or at the very least tire him out so he won't be as big of a threat.." Nina said, looking at April with a smile.

April gazed at Nina for a moment, giving her a smile and a nod. "I understand the plan. Alright, good luck, Nina~"

Nina nodded then stepped forward, watching as Ken stepped forward as well. Her gaze met his arrogant smirk, but she didn't falter, keeping a strong front and remaining calm. She reached in her back pocket, grabbing her fingerless gloves and put them on her hands.

"It's time you give up this little fantasy and return to your rightful place with your cousin and uncle, Nina. You and Lily have played pretend for long enough and if you wish to avoid punishment like August and April, it's best you just forfeit right now," Ken said, crossing his arms with a smirk.

Nina scoffed at Ken, pulling upon her glove then got into her battle stance. "I've been beside August and April since the first day we teamed up a month ago. We've formed a close bond with each other. He's always had our back just like we will always have his. There's nothing you nor my hotheaded cousin can say to make me or Lily betray August."

Ken uncrossed his arms, smirking and shrugging his shoulders. He sighed softly then cracked his knuckles. "Don't say I didn't warn you, Nina. Looks like I'll just have to beat you for you to understand."

Ms. Ray noticed both Nina and Ken were ready to begin their battle. Raising her hand in the air, she gave the signal for the match to start. "You may begin!"

Ken smirked widely at Nina, propelling himself toward her at high speeds then launched a swift kick aimed at her head. Nina ducked under his kick, countering with a powerful knee to his stomach, knocking him back then rushed forward. She threw a fast strike at him, but Ken blocked the attack, pushing her back.

Nina and Ken entered a fierce hand to hand combat, blocking and countering each other's attacks. Nina parried Ken's next attack, shifting her stance and palmed Ken's chest, staggering him. Seeing the prolonged opening, Nina followed it with a powerful uppercut then knocked him away with a powerful roundhouse kick, sending him rolling backward along the ground.

"Yeah! Go Nina! Show him what for!" April cheered, pumping her fist in the air.

"Nina! Keep him on the defense! Go, Nina!" Lily cheered, showing her upmost support for her sister.

Ken chuckled softly as he stood up on his feet, dusting himself off. He smirked at Nina, his eyes faintly glowing. "Well, well... It seems that you have gotten stronger. Looks like I shouldn't underestimate you, hmm?"

Nina took a deep breath then exhaled, getting into her martial arts stance, her Chi Energy flowing calmly around her body. "You shouldn't... I've trained with the Legendary Liao Ru. I am not to be underestimated!"

Ken rolled his shoulders then popped his neck, chuckling softly and hopped up and down, readying himself to face off against Nina seriously. He got into his stance, his eyes flashing with arrogance and determination. "Let's see how far your training will get you!"

Nina and Ken stared each other down for a few moments, the suspense building up between the two. Ken cloaked himself in fiery energy, launching himself toward her and Nina propelled herself toward Ken with her wind energy. The two bellowed as they clashed, sparks and powerful gusts blowing around the arena.

The crowd erupted into cheers and chants as Nina and Ken entered another round of a fierce hand to hand combat. Ken dodged Nina's next strike, landing a swift right hook and kicked her away. He fired multiple fireballs toward her, but Nina weaved her arms around, causing them to orbit around her then she launched them back toward Ken.

'Such impressive Chi Control...Liao Ru truly taught her well. C'mon Nina, don't only win this for yourself but for everyone who believes in you,' Ms. Ray thought, watching the battle closely.

Nina began rushing Ken with attacks, but he evaded each one, countering with swift strikes to her midsection. He struck her stomach with a powerful palm strike, a pulse of flames circling his hand, blowing Nina away. He let out a bellow as he launched a massive fireball toward Nina. The fireball landed its mark, a large explosion happening as a result.

Ken smirked then grunted as he felt a massive spike in energy, noticing the Libra Zodiac Symbol shining within the smoke. Nina let out a powerful roar, transforming into her Zodiac Drive and summoning her Zodiac Crystal, her Duality Opal. Ken noticed Nina's hair shifting into half black and half white, watching as her Chi was half Dark and half Light.

"Let's go, Nina! Show him what for! Don't hold anything back!" April cheered loudly.

"Yeah! Give this everything you've got!" Lily exclaimed, letting her voice fill up the arena in the midst of the roars of the crowd.

Nina opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Ken's as she adjusted her gloves. Her Zodiac Symbol shined brightly on her chest, a spiritual scale forming within her, balancing her light and dark energy. "Like August said, Ken... Things will be different around here. I am the Libra Zodiac Knight! It's time...to tip the scales in my favor!"

Ken grunted softly at the intense wind energy radiating off Nina's body, feeling how much stronger she had gotten since he last saw her. He smirked at her, keeping his arrogant demeanor. "Hmph... Let's get the real battle started then, Knight."