Chapter 12 - The Slaves

(Diana’s POV)

I don’t know if my face is still okay right now after I rolled my eyes and cursed consecutively. I was just forcing myself not to follow the devil’s whisper a while ago for me to be absent right now because for Pete’s sake, WE HAVE AN EXAM ON MATHEMATICS!

I really hope that I still get some decent scores after this because honestly, I don’t know how to answer the whole exam. Good thing that it is a multiple choice so I’m gonna go for what I believe.

“Diana, you finished?” Auzia’s voice is very low but enough for me to hear it. I rolled my eyes first before answering her.

“You think so?” I asked sarcastically that made her grin like an idiot. Why did I even bother to talk to her anyway? She’s just pissing me off! Is she really my best friend?

“Okay time is up. Pass your questionnaires.” I nonchalantly encircled all the numbers that I haven’t answered yet. It’s already professor’s business and not mine. I didn’t also dream to be a top student in his class.

“Bes, let me guess. I know that you’ve already torturing our professor for how many times in your mind right?” She even laughed at that. Even Jacob did.

“You know what, you two, if you wanted me to still support you’re damn relationship then stop pestering me.” I could not contain myself anymore. This is a jinx day for me!

“C’mon Bes. We’re just kidding. Your blood pressure might rise up later.” He placed her hand on my shoulder before dragging me out of the classroom. Jacob and Kin followed as at the back and I just noticed that Jacob is already joining my best friend from making fun of me every day. He’s already blending with us two.

I didn’t bother to glance at the two men and just head at the gymnasium because we have our P.E class as what they said. It really landed on the day that I’m not in the mood. My gaze landed at the students that are sitting at the gymnasium. Actually the whole structure of this gym is like an arena. The wide stair-like chairs are on the side encircling the space at the center which is the stage of this gym.

Auzia’s smile becomes wider as we saw Lucy happily skipping while running towards us. She’s in section B we’re not classmates but we’re the same freshmen here.

“Oh my god Auzia, you don’t know how excited I am right now.” So she only talked with Auzia? “We have a taekwondo activity right now!” She screamed and unconsciously hugged us two. That made me thinks for a second. It’s also okay for me because Dad taught me taekwondo when I was a kid. But I haven’t continued it since he died from cancer.

“What’s exciting with it? I don’t know how to do it!” Auzia’s face crumpled in annoyance. Yeah, I forgot that she doesn’t know how to do it. “Good for Diana. She somewhat experience a training in that sports with the help of his dad.” She added. Lucy shifted her gaze on me like she found something interesting.

“Really!” she snaked her arms at my waist. I just nod at her but her face literally lit up because of that. Overacting?

“When did you learn taekwondo?” I shifted my gaze at the person who’s not allowed to talk yet he did.

“When I was 13 I think before Dad died.” All of their faces became serious and shock like someone threw a bomb at them, except for Auzia because she already knew this.

“Oh.” Kin

“Don’t worry, that’s already in the past. I already moved on with that.” I gave them a small smile to show them that I am okay but actually, deep inside, I’m not. Every time I heard his name memories of him dying in front of us flashes back.

“Let’s go to the gym now.” Dew broke the silence between us before grabbing Lucy’s hands. We followed the two and look for some place to sit on.

“So only the first years will be playing?” I asked as I noticed that there are no seniors here.

“Yeah and you couldn’t expect your spar because you need to pick a paper in the bowl.” Lucy explained with excitement and pride.

“So to sum it up, we might end up fighting with each other?” That question of Flicke made me froze from my seat. He’s also here together with Clay. Our seats are also in the same row so we have our freedom to converse with each other.

“Probably.” Kin answered while looking at the center of this gymnasium. I followed his gaze and he’s looking at nothing. I didn’t mind that though. He’s, I think, in deep thinking about something. His brows are even furrowed like he has someone to fight with already.

“Good morning students!” Our P.E professor greeted. We still don’t know his name. “I’m Mr. Fernandez, your P.E teacher and we’re here right now to play taekwondo because that’s the sport of this university. So only you, the first years, will be competing with each other since this was already experience by your seniors.” All of our classmates and even Lucy’s classmates are excited with this while I and Auzia are just bored as usual.

“So let’s begin. I’m going to pick two names here and both sections are mixed so there’s a possibility that your spar is not your classmate.” I lost my appetite with that. I’m just scared that Lucy and I will be the one that will compete. Like what the hell, I couldn’t do that to her. That would be my disadvantage since she’s doing some training.

“Lucy Karen Grandale and Annika Santos.” I exhaled a lot of air as I heard that it’s not my name. Good thing that Lucy is not my pair.

Lucy stood up and went to the table near at the lowest bench here to grab her taekwondo gear. Same as through with her spar before they go in the center.

As Mr. Fernandez initiated the fight, they both prepared themselves for each other’s attack. Every punch and kicks of Lucy’s spar is also blocked by Lucy. Their moves is quite quick that I couldn’t even pinpoint every detail of the fight

Lucy suddenly pushed back by the sudden front kick of her spar but she managed to block that also. I immediately saw how Lucy’s face got irritated with that. She suddenly stands straight which made Annika confuse about it. Not a moment, Lucy ran towards Annika and releases a low kick that was about to hit Annika’s feet but she also managed to jump and dodge it. But not as lucky as she, Annika fell on the floor as Lucky blows a high kick at her even before she landed at the mat placed as their ring.

Mr. Fernandez declared the fight as knockout because Annika lost her consciousness. Who wouldn’t if you receive an extreme high kick in your face?

“That’s my girl.” We all shifted our gaze at Dew and he was startled about what he did too. He immediately fixes himself and acted coughing. He didn’t expect that we will hear him. He just shrugged and I just shook my head.

“And we have the winner Ms. Grandale.” Mr. Fernandez raised Lucy’s hands which made Lucy smiled proudly. After all, she deserves that smile.

Running happily, Lucy went back to tour place and immediately embraces us. “Shit! I’m really scared back there. I thought my high kick won’t hit her.” That really came from her, huh? She felt fear well in fact she’s taking some trainings. So what about us? Do we really need to back out now?

“I know you could do it.” Dew entered the conversation then smiled at her girl. I’m getting to use to it already, about Dew’s talking and his jolly side. Maybe people really change when they meet their destined person in life.

“Thanks to you that I know that technique.” Lucy replied back and sits beside her soon-to-be boyfriend. I didn’t bother to look back at them because I admit that I’m jealous with them. Someone’s moving slowly. Kin, hello? Catch up dude! We’re being left out!

Hahaha…as if

“Our next contenders are Jacob Sniffe’ El’Pronto and Brandon Lardeck.” Six of us look at each other as we heard Brandon’s name being called by our teacher. Auzia on the other hand is enjoying the fact that her boyfriend will be the next one to fight. She’s the only one who didn’t know about what Brandon did to me last time.

Jacob’s face is covered with rage and anger as he wears the gear and went to the center. Brandon is also wearing his gear like it’s a normal situation for him to fight with Jacob. He really disappeared for a long time and looking at his face, I can say that he already took care of himself. The bruises on his face aren’t already visible.

“Start!”

(Jacob’s POV)

I don’t know when this asshole rose up from his whole. Worse is that, it looks like he’s already cured and feeling better. I don’t know why I feel this but even though that Diana is not my bride, I still felt pissed off about what he did last time. I’m already considering her as my sister and I will end this asshole’s life for Kin.

“Start!” He started the attack by blowing a left punch which I manage to dodge but I was startled when he kicks me on my stomach using his right knee. I was pushed back and I unconsciously held my stomach as it felt the pain of that kick.

“Didn’t see that coming?” he gave me smirk but that didn’t hit me on my nerve. I gathered a force in my upper body and attack him with my head and target also his head. He didn’t have the chance to doge it because I know that humans do not have the best strategy and agility to dodge an attack aiming at their heads.

“You also didn’t saw it.” I gave him and evil smile then blow some punches. He releases a high kick which was aimed at my shoulder and I didn’t plan to dodge that one. I blocked his kick then held his hand. I turned my back then gave him a left kick and a smirk formed in my face as it successfully hit his mouth.

He slowly stepped back holding his mouth covered with blood. I don’t know if we really need to continue this but it seems like our teacher doesn’t really give a damn about what’s happening.

“You’ll pay for that asshole.” He grunted in annoyance before dashing towards me. I gave him a front kick but I was the one who stumbled and fall down as he punches my foot. I suddenly felt an unusual energy flowed in his attack that made me look at him in disbelief. What is this? Why is he fuming with this kind of energy? “Shocked?” he releases a heavy punch that was aimed at my face but I did back flip to dodge that attack of him.

“Nice move Mr. El’Pronto.” Our teacher commented but I didn’t pay attention with that comment. I’m too occupied by this. How come he has that kind of strength? Or maybe he didn’t just showed his strength back then at the cafeteria?

“You’ve got some fans huh.” He grinned at me evilly and I couldn’t contain already my anger.

“Jacob!” I heard a Kin’s voice on the background but I have no time to listen to him.

I dashed to him and he didn’t notice that or the students that are here at the gym, well except for the Kin and the others. I targeted his nape and he didn’t have the chance to see that move and he was just startled as he felt that I am already at his back.

“I don’t need to pay for my wrong doings scumbag. After all you will be the defeated one here in this fight.” His face crumpled and fired me some punches. That didn’t give me a pressure already since I am using y powers slightly. Good thing that my power is not that obvious to the others.

“Shit!” He cursed as I stepped on his foot. I didn’t waste my time after that. I kicked his knee which made him kneel down at the mat. I wrapped my hands on his neck and I transfer on his back. I pull his head and with all my force, I bang his head in the mat. I’m sure that his skull won’t be damaged with what I did since there’s still a mat on the floor. I only stopped from attacking him when I felt that he’s already unconscious.

“We have our winner! Mr. El’Pronto!” Mr. Fernandez raised my hand but I didn’t let him do that for a long time and went back to my seat.

“Hey are you okay? Are you hurt?” Auzia’s question is covered with concerns. Somehow, my mood gets calmer as I heard her voice.

“I’m fine babe. I won.” I just gave her a smile for her not to worry about me already. She didn’t ask after that and focused on the next players.

“Bro are you okay? We felt it.” Clay’s voice is just as low that only us can hear it.

“I’m okay but that’s odd. How come he’s strong like that now? I mean he’s a human.” I couldn’t imagine nor think about a human with that kind of energy. He has that energy level that almost reaches ours.

“Discuss it later in the house. Our brides are here.” Kin whispered at us which made our conversation terminated. I know that Kin is also thinking that way. It’s also written on his face and I know that he’s only concern for what might happen to Diana.

(Third Person POV)

Jacob went into silent after that. They just all watch the next contenders that they don’t even know the names.

“We have our winner. Mr. Hale.” Their P.E teacher shouted the surname of the winner. After he announced the winner, he immediately picks at the bowl and excitedly read the names on it. “Next will be, Clay Anthon Van Laethan and Clifford Jordan.” Clay didn’t wait for any signal then he immediately went to get his gear. Clifford did the same thing. They put their gears together and went to the center at the same time.

“Start!”

Without any notice, Clifford rushed at Clay with his spinning kick but Clay managed to counterattack the latter’s kick and held his foot. Clay gather all his force on his hands and without any difficulties, he threw his opponent on the other side of the mat. The student cheered for his outstanding technique and strength with that counterattack.

“Slip it out.” Clifford muttered before throwing some punches to Clay. Clay is also fast that he also blocks all the attacks of Clifford but he was only shock as he felt his face as if it was burned when Clifford’s punch slid into his face.

“Break that wall.” Clifford, again, muttered that Clay didn’t even know what it is. Clay didn’t have the time to escape from his opponent’s hands. Clifford is obviously faster than Clay when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. While Clifford is busy throwing punches at Clay, the latter think of his escape and as he sees his only route of success, he immediately grabs the chance to hit Clifford’s neck and roll over.

He didn’t let the time eat his only opportunity to end this game and throw a right punch at Clifford’s shoulder which made the latter kneel down at the mat. At the end, the game was finished by Clay’s spinning kick that landed at Clifford’s head. His opponent lost his consciousness and also brought to the clinic.

“Winner, Mr. Van Laethan!” Mr. Fernandez was about to raise Clay’s hand but the man, in his serious face, left the ring and strip off his gear. He didn’t even bother to look back to see how Mr. Fernandez was embarrassed with that and head back to his seat.

“He’s something. I can’t determine it. Fuck!” Clay talked to himself as if he can get some answers with it. He couldn’t forget how Clifford stared at him. It was as if Clay did something to him, devilishly.

“What’s the matter Clay?” Flicke bothered to ask. He just shook his head because he also knew that this topic is not suitable to be settled here.

Flicke was the next to fight and he’s just as calm as the sea when night.

“Start!” their teacher shouted again, already cliché. Flicke bought all the time in the ring and dashed to his opponent and attack him without any signal. Expectedly, his opponent fell down with that.

While trembling in fear, Flicke’s opponent tried to stand up to gain his balance and to not to be embarrassed with the crowd. “You can surrender if you don’t want to hurt.” Flicke said not to end the game already but because he doesn’t want to hurt this poor man in front of him. His opponent made an ‘X’ sign and their teacher immediately stop the fight.

(Diana’s POV)

I don’t know how to react with the performance of all the boys here, especially Kin’s friends. They all look like they undergone some kind of trainings in the military. Even in the case of Flicke wherein his opponent just surrendered.

Only Kin and Dew are the one who’s not finished yet. I wonder if these two has skills with this. The three we’re cool back there. They are nimble and quick. I’m really considering right now that I wanted to learn from them.

“Next, Kin Arthkeil Del Conrielle and Daniel Fourge.” I was in awe hearing who the opponent of Kin is. Why is it so unfair? I know that Daniel is not that good in that because he’s a nerd. Worse is that, it looks like Kin knows something about this sports.

“Can Daniel survive there? He’s obviously nervous and he doesn’t know what to do.” Auzia commented out of her concerns. Even Auzia has the same expression with mine.

“Why? Is Kin that strong?” Lucy asked trying to fill his curiosity.

“We don’t know. But looking at the three back there, it is obvious that this guy knows taekwondo.” Auzia answered her. I really wanted to intervene in their conversation and tell them about what happened to Brandon at the cafeteria back there but I prefer to just shut my mouth. I don’t want Auzia to worry about me.

They both prepared at the ring and I didn’t even notice that he’s not here at my side anymore. Di my mind really flew that far away?

“Start!” I don’t know but if I was right with what am I seeing right now, Daniel looks tensed. I wanted to shout at Kin to take it easy but I don’t want to be a laughing stock here. What am I, a security guard?

My heart race with the concerns that I have with Daniel as Kin rushed towards him. Kin releases a right spinning kick but I was startled when Daniel blocked that only by his single hand. Even the three guys we’re in awe seeing what happened right now.

“H-how come?” Flicke uttered stammering. I don’t know why they are also tensed with that. There’s too many cases of that blockings while ago. Is it different when the attack that was block was made by a hot guy? Kidding!

(Flicke’s POV)

I can’t believe this. We all know that Kin is the strongest among us but how come that he blocked that kick without moving his feet? If I was in his shoes I was already pushed away from the whole area of the mat. Even I’ll block that attacks, I will still be the one to be hurt.

“This is insane.” Clay burst out in anger, obviously not wanting what is happening right now. First is Brandon. I felt it. That kind of energy is way too far from the common energy of a normal being. But his energy is very strong and it’s raging. Next is Clifford. I know that Clay knows something but he refused to share it with us. Maybe he’s still thinking.

“Don’t be surprised. Kin isn’t using his energy.” Dew uttered that made us look at him. He’s still calm and just observing the fight. He got a point there. But still!

We just surveyed the fight and both of their attacks are also blocked by each of them. I can’t also distinguish if Kin is angry or he’s bored because his face shows nothing.

He’s like this (-_-)

“They’re both good.” Lucy commented, enjoying the fight of the two. I don’t know but I am already feeling something inside me. A feeling of fear. I don’t know what is it but I’m sure about one thing that this is already wrong. This whole taekwondo thing!

(Kin’ POV)

I know that everyone is concerned on me right now except Diana, Auzia and Lucy. I didn’t expect also that he has that kind of strength to block my kick. But I didn’t use my powers so I think it’s fair enough. “Is that all you’ve got?” he’s smirking on me but the hell I care. I can already sense his energy. I’m not blind as he thinks. Maybe he can fool the four but not me. I know he didn’t know what my power is since Stygian didn’t tell him. Poor you. You’ve accepted your destiny to be Stygian’s slave but you didn’t consider the consequence.

“Yeah, this is all I’ve got.” I didn’t hesitate to throw my punches and I saw his face filled with confusions and shock. He can’t even block my punches. “That’s all I’ve got.” I swipe his leg and unluckily he fell.

“What did you do to me?” he’s raging now and I like it. I know he’ll be eaten by his desire to kill me. Rage is your karma asshole.

“I did what I’ve got to you.” Our voices are not that loud and it can only be heard between us. I gave him an evil smile then he suddenly burst out. He’s raging and his punches have different energy right now. But that doesn’t levels what’s mine.

“You still have that pride Kin. No wonder why Diana isn’t responding with your feelings.” I suddenly felt the rage inside of me but I’m still pulling it back. I don’t want to kill this asshole here in front of everyone.

“You don’t know what you’re talking scumbag.” I strike him with my left punch and he dodged it luckily. He held my arms but it’s too late for him to give me some bruises. He suddenly fell down because of my right upper cut punch. Everyone cheered but I didn’t give a damn.

“I’ll be back for my revenge Kin. Wait for it.” He uttered trying to pull himself up. It didn’t take a second and I gave him a straight kick and he lost his consciousness.

I know you’re up to something and I’m still looking for it, Stygian.