CHAPTER 22

The lift started to ascend on the main platform and silence was the only thing around us. I was beside Apollo, Dianne, Kaval, Hade and then the group of student's who I didn't recognize. I could hear the announcer on the stage starting his line on to our introduction. The crowd on the arena was starting cheer really hard that their screams were able to fill the whole wide space. I could feel Apollo's hand slipping back into mine and this time, I didn't overreact as I was now beyond fixated on my topmost priority of the moment which is to know who am I going to be paired with. As soon as the lift stopped, a bunch of spotlight immediately shone above us and the crowd went even wilder. Only then was I able to see a group of colors in the arena that matched with what we were wearing. I didn't wore a smile like how I planned to as my heart was thumping pretty hard and my ears were ringing. I was very nervous that I didn't notice that I was gripping Apollo's hands with force. I looked at him and saw that he was looking at me back. He motioned me to relax and take deep breaths and that everything would be fine. I smiled at him. A smile that was forced but I can only do so much as of the moment as this was very overwhelming.

"Once again! Our Grand Contenders!" The announcer acclaimed. The crowd went wild one more as we started turned our back against them and faced the thrones that were designated for us. I sat on mine and so did the others. The crowd died down after a moment and then came out the headmaster.

"Let us welcome, our Headmaster for a few words of wisdom. Before he announces the pair." The crowd clapped their hands and only stopped when the Headmaster motioned his hands, signifying that he wants them to stop.

"Good evening, everyone. It is with great honor, that I get to announce the official start, of the Grand Clash of the Eon!" The Headmaster threw his hands into the air and everyone went wild.

"It has been over an eon since the Great Fall of Unknown occurred where our ancestors rose from the ashes and fought the evil that once roamed this land. On this day, they won over the the evil and with great triumph that they have accomplished, came with great sacrifices that they had to make. That is why, we, today, the descendants of our ancestors that gave so much for us to be able to live in peace in the land, and sea, we celebrate them wholeheartedly, we acknowledge their sacrifices and unyielding will to provide a better life for us!"

"My only words for our contenders; seek what is hard to see and estimate the underestimated."

"With that, let me announce, the pair of this year's Grand Clash!"

"Starting of with, Prince Kaval and Prince Apollo!"

The crowd erupted as they cheered on for the pair. The two of them stood up as they held their hands together and raised it in the air. But as the moment went by, my heart started to beat in a very fast pace.

Now only I, Dianne, the elite group and Hade are left.

"Next is, Prince Alexander and The Group of Elites!" My heart dropped in an instant as I stood up with shaking legs. I looked at to Apollo who was looking at me with wide eyes. I was close to suffocating as I looked at the Group of Elites. They all looked at me with a smile and hopes but I was too unfortunate to give those back.

I looked over to Hade only to find him staring at me with a glare and a wicked smile.

I am done for.

Despite the cheer of the crowd, my heart sunk.

With every clap of the hand, my knees grew weaker.

And with every cheer of my name, the more I wanted to cry.

But I chose not to. I moved closer to the group of elites with a smile before I motioned everyone to form a circle before yelling;

"Estimate! The underestimated!" We said in unison. The crowd went abrupt and even got louder than how they were before. Despite that, emptiness was the only thing inside me.

The only thing that I was thinking at the moments was that, I could cry later but I won't give the satisfaction of failing at this moment like how Hade wants me to.