COMBAT

The girl, Nora, stared at them from across the hall. She wore a smug expression, her arms crossed as she was looking down at them. She began to walk toward them, her footsteps audible on the marble floor. “I’m going to kill you at this Tournament, you know that right?” She stopped in front of Kain, getting in front of his face. “So don’t even think about winning.” Celina quickly stepped in and shoved her out of the way. “Batantly stating that! You could get expelled at the very least!” Nora whipped around and looked at Celina, full of venom. “Oh you shut up! I still can’t believe you, defending this Sinner!” Her face became more spiteful. “Anyway, nothing bad will happen to me. If anything, my name will be shouted down these halls for killing that thing.” She turned back around to face Kain. Before she could say anything, Rika slapped her in the face. It reverberated through the hallway, drawing the attention of the students surrounding them. Rika looked at Nora with teary eyes. Her face was angry, angrier that Kain had ever seen it. “Don’t ya ever…ever…say things like that again. Not to my friends, not to me, not to anyone.” Nora looked shocked. She slowly reached up to touch her cheek. An imprint of Rika’s hand was still there, although faded. Her face slowly twisted into ugly rage, yet she kept her tone cool. “Just for that, I’ll kill you too. You, all of you, stand no chance. None at all.” With that, she quickly turned around and stalked off. Kain scratched the back of his neck and said, “Do all members of the Houses have obscene levels of pride?” Celina, still looking at Nora walking away, answered. “Sadly, yes. They rule the masses and gain unfathomable power, how could one not be prideful?” Rika just turned around and crossed her arms. “Well, prideful or not, most of them suck!” Celina let out a small laugh. “I can stand by that statement.” Kain rubbed his temples and leaned against the wall. “Dealing with Anne, then Nora? Talk about tiring. I never thought the real challenge of the Academy was going to be dealing with those clowns.” Rika came up beside him and leaned against the wall. “I know, right?” They both stood there, leaning against the wall for a minute, just resting. Celina walked up beside Kain and sat down, hugging her knees to her chest. “I…there's something to tell you.” Kain, without looking down at her, said, “What’s up?” Celina looked down at her hands, nervously clasping them together. “About tomorrow…” Kain sighed internally. Tomorrow was supposed to be their first match of the Tournament, and he was not thrilled to see how it would go. He had chosen to be optimistic, thinking that they would win their first match. However, Kain did not know the price their team had to pay. One member could be incapacitated, their team could be underprepared, or worse. Celina continued, breaking Kain out of his reverie. “Our first match might prove…challenging.” It was Rika who responded to Celina, saying, “Why? I mean, it’s not like we're going up against Nora’s team right off the bat, right?” Celina just cringed at Rika’s ironic words. “...So ya are saying that Nora’s team is our first match.” “...Yes.” Rika stamped her foot in anger, yelling curses. Kain moaned from exasperation, rubbing his temples with a new fervor. “Seriosly? They put us against possibly the most powerful team for the first match?” Celina shook her head. “It’s most likely the work of Nora through her connections. It seems she has a strong hatred for you, Kain. I’ll make sure to mention to the team about putting you under special protection.” Kain didn’t respond to that, only scoffed. Celina grew angry, it was evident on her face. “I don’t want you dying, Kain! Please just let me take care of things, just this time.” Kain shook his head. “No, no, no. No! I can’t just let you get hurt because you want me to not get hurt. No, I can’t accept that.” Celina stared at him, brows furrowed. “Celina, please. You don’t have to protect me.” Celina bit her lip. Eventually, she stood up and took Kain’s hand with both of hers. “Oh Kain. Just be okay. I can’t have anything bad happen to you. I could not bear it if anything happened to you.” She released his hands. “Please, if you need anything, anything at all, just let me know. Okay?” Kain smiled and nodded his head. “We’re going to win. I’m sure of it.” Celina waved and walked off. Kain waved back, although his mind was in a different place. It seemed Nora was a danger. That Anne girl, too. From what he understood, it was okay to kill in the Tournament. From the Academy’s view, accidents happen. If Kain could just pull this off…well, neither would be a problem any more. No, not anymore.

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“Alright team, is everyone ready?” Celina stood in front of everyone, a cheerful expression on her face. However, she seemed to not be able to shake the nervousness that wracked them all. Ran especially had been affected. Once she had heard of who they were going against in the briefing before their match, it was almost as if she unraveled. The Nurse said it was an anxiety attack, likely born from facing who they were up against. Even Sarah and Elais were nervous, though they did their best not to show it. Kain paid little attention to Celina, instead focusing on where they were. Unlike any other structure inside the Academy, this antechamber seemed heartless instead of ornate. In place of white marble and gold, concrete and colorless metal made up their chamber. Behind Celina, two heavy doors made of a bleak steel sat imposing the threat yet to come. “I take it we all know our places on the battlefield. And if anyone seems too violent on the other team, please do not be afraid to concede. The referees are watching, so they will see you quickly.” Celina took a deep breath and closed her eyes. It seemed to him she was anchoring herself, trying to keep up her cheery expression. Once done, she opened her mouth to possibly speak more, but it was not so. A loud clanging sound could be heard throughout the hallway. Ran jumped and brought her hands up in defense, letting a tiny scream escape her lips. Pistons hissed, and the doors behind Celina slowly opened. Celina ran back to join the team, falling in line beside Kain. They were lined up, ready to walk out as one group. Kain remembered Celina saying something about this formation being proper etiquette, and while not in the rules, Tournament participants had done this for many years. Kain could not see why. Celina leaned her head forward in order to address everyone. “Remember, we got this! I believe in everyone!” She let out one last heartwarming smile before falling back into formation. It seemed like an eternity for the doors to open. Each second crawled by, affecting Kain’s team. Kain could make out Ran profusely sweating out of the corner of his eyes, fast and heavy breaths wracking her chest. Was she going to be okay? At this rate, she would be useless out there. After what seemed like an eternity, the doors fully opened, signaled by a loud metallic sound once they were in place. Kain was the first one to start forward, his team quickly following suit. Light hit their eyes, illuminating the arena. Once Kain could see, he noticed countless students lining the stands. They were all cheering, shouting so loud that their words faded into a noisy mass. It was rather uncomfortable. From the other side of the arena, Kain could vaguely make out the other team. All he could tell was that they were in the same formation as his.

After walking forward for what seemed like another eternity, they both stood a league from each other. Kain could make out Dixon’s laid back expression coupled with a wave, and Nora’s hate filled expression, as well as Carl, and Nora’s two champions, River and Joshua. Yet there was another face in the mix. The haughty expression of Anne fell upon Kain’s eyes, widening them in surprise. She seemed to notice him looking on in surprise, giving him a small wave while smiling. To Kain, the smile looked more like a grimace. It also looked like River and Joshua had lost their somewhat scared impressions, and adopted those of Nora. When they saw Kain looking at them, Joshua’s lip curled in disgust and River’s face grew cold and impassioned. It seemed that whatever Nora was teaching them made them as spiteful as her. Kain wondered if there were not more than twenty people that didn’t hate him. “Students,” A loud voice came over an intercom, loud enough to reverberate across the entire arena. “We are gathered here today to witness the sacred ritual of Holy Combat, a ritual conducted by many over centuries. This first match is an honor to all involved, as it symbolizes the first steps our founders of this school made to realize this establishment. All who are involved truly carry the pride of the Academy.” Kain recognized Berst’s voice over the intercom, complete with its uncanny reverence. “Now, let us tarry no longer.” Tarry? Is this guy even real? “Let everyone fight with honor and respect. The battle goes on until the opposing team may no longer fight. May the best fighter win! Now, let Holy Combat commence!” The crowd roared, and both teams set into motion. Kain, Celina, and Rika fell back, falling into their place. Kain could see the glow of Sarah’s eyes signal the activation of Wrath. She sped toward her place faster than anyone on the battlefield, drawing surprised expressions from the opposite team. Kain ended up in a triangle of sorts, with Celina and Rika watching areas that he couldn’t. Kain also saw somewhat of a formation among the other team, as well. Dixon spun to meet a rushing Celina, and Carl stayed back to seemingly protect Anne and Nora. Strange. Wasn’t Nora supposed to be on the front lines? Kain surely thought with her level of anger towards himself and all other Sinners. Kain half expected to see Nora gunning for him the second the match started as soon as the fight was started. Ran looked scared, visibly trembling as she lagged behind. Elais seemed dead set on doing his part, running directly toward Carl and the rest by him. Kain saw Dixon motion something toward Joshua and River, yelling something. They both nodded and left pursuing Ran, and went straight for Elais. It was Sarah who threw the first strike, a wild roundhouse kick aimed at Dixon’s legs. Before she threw it, however, Dixon anticipated her movement and jumped, avoiding the kick. Dixon leaped back, but Sarah didn’t let up. She ran forward again, throwing punches and kicks, all in vain. Dixon seemed to know what she was doing before she did it, always dodging within a hairs breadth. Eventually Dixon hurled a punch at Sarah’s face. Sarah smiled and shoved her face into his fist, matching the momentum. Dixon seemed surprised, but suddenly a flash of pain appeared on his face. Sarah smirked, unaffected by the blow. She then grabbed Dixon and hurled him toward Ran. The crowd cheered loudly at the first spectacle, each hit sending them into a frenzy. With Dixon flying toward her, Ran shied back and put up her hands. The air shimmered around her with a strange golden glow. When Dixon got close to her, he suddenly stopped, as if he were in a solid substance, not air. “So, temperance, huh? That sucks. Thought I could trick y’all, give Carl the upper hand, but instead you go ahead and join their team. Not cool, girl.” Ran looked nervous, holding Dixon in the air like that. Kain could see beads of sweat start to form on her face. Surely the strain of holding such a field must be immense. “Ran! Hold him like that for just a little longer!” Sarah sprinted toward Elais, who was about to be attacked by the twins. Kain saw River nod toward Joshua, and the pair split up. River stayed behind and flung out her hand toward Elais. Joshua rushed forward, golden weaves flowing out of his hands. He mashed them together, and the weaves became brighter and more violent, tying and knotting themselves around each other. With a scream, he jammed his hands toward Elais, a flash of bright light blinding Kain. When he opened his eyes, Elais was leagues away from where he had been, struggling to leave the ground as blood trickled from his forehead. “Elais!” Celina called out from where she was, and rushed toward him. “Celina, no!” Rika called after Celina, but to no avail. “Rika, fall back. I’ll see if I can protect her!” Kain eyed Joshua, who was already rushing toward Celina with an awful smile on his face. Ignoring Rika’s shouts, Kain sprinted forward to Celina, who was now kneeling by a hurt Elais, oblivious to the person approaching her. Before he could get there, however, River jumped out in front of him. In her hand was a writhing ball of gold light, the same stuff that Elais had been blasted with. “Now die, Sinner!” Before Kain could react, she thrust the light out into his chest. For Kain, it was almost if the world exploded. He was blinded by the brilliant light that the attack gave off, so he couldn’t see where he was blasted to. His ears rang as loud as sirens, deafening him. He was vaguely aware of his body crashing unto the ground like some rag-doll, rolling to a painful stop. I thought Charity was for boosting Virtues. Man, was I wrong! Kain laughed at his situation. Kain’s body was all but broken, he could feel the blood leaking out of him and bones painfully scraping against one another as he pulled himself to his feet. His eyes were just beginning to adjust to the scene before him. Sarah was in a fight with the twins, and Elais, now healed, was engaging with Dixon. The latter seemed to be laughing, almost as if he was enjoying their fight as if was a game. Ran was facing off with Anne, and Celina…Kain saw her running toward him with Rika behind her, fearful looks on their faces. Kain tried to call out to them, but he stopped when he saw his arm. He had thrown it out to wave at the two, but noticed that it was bent at an awkward angle. His elbow was almost inverted, and his hand was beginning to purple and bruise. It was then when Kain realized the pain. He doubled over, groaning, and clutching his arm. Kain remembered blocking at the last second with it when River had done…whatever she had done to him. That’s probably why it ended up in such a sorry state. Kain’s eyes leaked tears, his body convulsing. He had never been in such pain before. Well, at least as far as he could remember. The ringing in his ears died down, and he could hear the cheering of the crowd. Seriously? He had been blown away like a leaf in the wind, his body that of a broken doll, and they cheered? “Kain!” He turned his head to see Celina and Rika, now beside him. Celina knelt down and laid her hands on him, tears in her eyes. Rika also looked concerned, her eyes glistening with tears. “Kain, tell me, are ya okay? Please, talk to me!” Kain lifted his good arm, and displayed a thumbs up, a half smile on his lips. Rika put her hand to her mouth, the tears in her eyes just now beginning to fall. “You…idiot! Rushing out like that…” Rika seemed to not want to say more. Kain saw a comfortable glow of light emanate from Celina, a warm feeling passing through him. Kain felt his bones and skin knit together, the pain from his arm and body fading away. Eventually he was able to move again. Kain shoved Celina away and stood to his feet. The ache was not all gone, but it would have to do. “Kain, stop! Let me heal you fully! You are in no condition to go back out there!” Celina looked at him, angrier than she had ever been, tears streaming down her face. “Celina, save your energy for later. I feel like Sarah might need it more.” Kain looked on at Sarah, who was still engaged with the two twins. She had cuts and bruises along her body, and her face dripped with sweat. The strain of Wrath was evident on her exhaustion stricken face. Kain heard the breaking of stone behind him. He turned to see Celina straighten and dust herself off. “I…I know I can’t do much, but please…please come back to me if you're hurt.” Rika also looked at him, although saying nothing he could clearly see the distress on her face. Kain nodded. He turned toward the fight, and rushed in. Kain reached for the dark feeling that allowed him to use Wrath, feeling it pulse to life underneath his skin. The feeling always sickened him, but the power was needed. Kain felt his aches fade away, his stride faster and skin grow harder. Kain now matched the speed of Sarah, being careful not to use any more. Sarah had told him that Sinner’s could lose themselves to their power, or burn themselves out while using it. It was always best not to use too much, but not too little either. Kain neared Sarah, drawing the attention of Joshua. He snarled and said, “You vermin don’t know when to quit! Just die already!” He broke away from the others and sped toward him, that golden light illuminating his hands. Before he could charge his attack, Kain ducked underneath his outstretched arm and elbowed him in the stomach. Kain felt Joshua’s body sink into his strike, a yelp of pain escaping from him. Kain spun around and grabbed his leg. “Sarah!” He pulled the boy off of his feet and hurled him toward Sarah. She understood Kain’s motives, and slipped away from River. Her eyes shined more dangerously, signaling an increase in her power. She rocketed forward with unimaginable speed and jumped toward Joshua. Sarah winded both of her legs to her hips and grinned. A loud crunch could be heard as Sarah kicked at the oncoming Joshua, slamming into him with immense force. He screamed in pain and flew to the ground, crumpling in a moaning heap. Sarah gracefully landed on her feet, grinning at River. River now looked frightened, but that was quickly replaced with one of rage. “I’m going to kill both of you! You disgusting vermin! You…Sinners!” The fury on her face twisted it into an unsightly shape, the rage making her ugly. “Ho! Mind if I tag along?” An annoying voice could be heard from behind River. Anne revealed herself, walking along lesuerly. “You! You stay out of this! I will be the one to kill these filthy abominations!” Anne simply laughed. “Girl, you are a fool! If they took out your brother so quickly, what makes you think–” Anne was cut off by Kain, who rushed in with a kick. He would not wait for these people to talk amongst themselves. No, he needed to win. And quickly. Anne spun out of the way, while River looked on at him with surprise. “Sarah! Take care of River, I’ll get Anne!” She nodded and rushed at river, who was already preparing an attack. “You mongrel! Have you no manners?” Anne looked at Kain with distaste. “No matter. Once I lay my hands on you, mineself will thoroughly house train you, mutt!” She covered her mouth with a hand and laughed loudly. Kain grimaced. He has had enough of this girl’s insufferable voice! He lunged forward, and Anne threw out her hand. A feeling of grogginess and tiredness overwhelmed him, and he lost grip of Wrath. Kain slowed to a stop and kneeled on the ground. Where did this sudden tiredness come from? He tried to reach Wrath again, but it almost was as if there was an invisible wall between the foulness within him and himself. “It seems you have realized it.” Kain struggled to his feet. It felt as if there were led weights attached to every part of his body. His eyelids fought with him to close. “Although you must be stronger than the rest. Usually people are asleep by now, or passed out foaming at the mouth.” He couldn’t see any flashing of light, any ripple of air, nothing. What had she done to him? “Oh, you pitiful Sinner. Yes, I know what you are. Same as your other Sinner friends here as well.” Kain struggled to stand up straight, but only succeeded in falling back down again. “Have no worries, Sinner. I have taken a liking to you. Something about you seems…familiar. Never mind. I’ll have you as my loyal servant regardless.” Kain moaned with effort, but could not seem to get up. Wrath had to be his best option. “Why do you struggle? Look! Your friends are being overwhelmed already. Nora hadn’t even had to step in. Well, except for that one girl. She was so easy to defeat.” Kain looked past Anne. He saw in the distance a body slumped onto the ground…had Ran already been put out of commission? “That wench Celina and the redhead girl will soon be next. I can’t believe them, hiding away from battle. How…cowardly!” Kain saw Sarah, fighting River. Both looked worse for wear. Elais was losing his battle with Dixon, and Nora and Carl just watched on the sidelines. “That Nora wanted to kill you, did you know that? How barbaric!” Yes, and he wanted to kill her. Better to kill her. “I won’t let that happen. After all, you are my servant! A good mistress is good to their servants.” Kain crawled toward Anne. If only he could use Wrath, he would not be in such a pitiful state. That other boy…what was his name? Bah, I can’t seem to remember. He looks almost as exotic as you. Oh, I wonder if all Sinners have a certain charm.” Kain remembered what Sarah said about Sinner’s abilities. They could overtake them, switch their personality with that of the power. Or, they could burn him out. If Kain could access Wrath…maybe that would be enough. Maybe… “Oh! It seems that Nora is coming along this way. Same as that Carl boy. Alas, my gorgeous self is not prepared to deal with someone as difficult as her. But I will, as I am a good mistress.” Kain remembered his conviction. If Nora ended him, he would never find out who he was. No, not acceptable. Not acceptable in the slightest. Anger welled up within him, the foullness known as Wrath squirmed delightedly. “Look at that disgusting sight. Fitting, I suppose, but disgusting. Any sight of a Sinner is disgusting.” Kain closed his eyes. He focused inwardly, trying to break the wall that separated himself from Wrath. It, too, struggled against the invisible barrier. It felt hungry, eager. “Nora, you can’t be serious, right? I mean, killing somebody…” “Shut up, Carl! I do as I want! This Sinner, all Sinners, deserve to die!” Kain reached within himself, deeper than he had ever gone. The wall that separated him from Wrath seemed to bend with his will, following him. Wrath clawed at the wall harder than it ever had. Kain felt the wall crack. Wrath battered against it more ruthlessly now. “No! You will not kill my precious servant! I do not allow it!” “You…you would protect…that?” Almost there…almost… “L-let’s calm down here. Look, we’re about to win the first match of the Tournament. How about we celebrate!” “NO! I entered this foolish game to dispose of the like of it! There are two more here, I sense it. I will kill them, after I am done with this thing before me.” Snap, snap, snap, snap. The wall hung on slightly now, a thread of what it once was. Kain could feel not just Wrath grow eager. Six others, each with different rot, squirm with satisfaction. “I. Do. Not. Allow. It!” “Move aside, brat! Move, now!” Snap, snap, snap, snap…break. Wrath rushed in and filled him. Kain opened his eyes, the grogginess gone away from him. Hatred filled his being, every fiber and crevice. Wrath consumed him. Before anyone could react, Kain flew up from the floor and grabbed Carl by the neck. Surprised shouts came from everyone in the arena. Kain slammed Carl into Nora, causing them both to go flying. “Wha–” Anne was silenced by a backhand that knocked her unconscious, her limp body landing outside of the arena. The entire crowd was silent, save for the muttering of students. Kain could care less, though. “Sinner, you have fooled me for the last time!” Nora shot towards him, light crackling around her like arcs of electricity. The students in the crowd seemed to shy away from her, and some teachers muttered how blasphemous her use of Charity was. Nora ignored them, charging an intense attack with the weaves of light. Kain stood there, staring at her. He was trying to hold on to the bit of consciousness he had left. It was hard, Wrath poured into him, begging him to let go. Give in. “Die, Sinner!” A beam of light shot at Kain. Kain raised his hand and met the beam of light. Fractals of energy spun off of his body, creating a prism like effect around him. Nora roared and broke away, the beam dissipating. Once the light show cleared, Kain stood there, unaffected, his hand outstretched. “Just DIE!” Nora rushed forward, gathering weaves of light around her fists. Shields of prismatic rainbow encased her arms, and she flung punches toward Kain. He stood there still, concentrating as the blows hit him. Each one did nothing, adding to Nora’s anger. Why must she continue hitting him? Who was hitting him? Kain’s mind seemed on the edge of rage, reality tinted red with hatred. He had to stop using Wrath, had to… “Why. Won’t. You. Die!” The crowd looked on at Nora’s tantrum silently. Everyone was disgusted by the spectacle. Suddenly, her gauntlet on her right arm shattered. Snarling, she wove light around her hand as she jumped back. A long and ornate sword appeared, the blade blazing like a rainbow sun. “Die die die die DIE SINNER!” She sprung toward him, swinging her blade. Kain’s eyes snapped open, his face contorting into a snarl. “ SHUT UP!” Kain grabbed the blade, causing it to shatter. A shockwave escaped from the energy trapped inside the weapon, drawing everyone’s attention to their spot in the arena. Nora looked up at him in shock. She did not have long to marvel, however. Kain grabbed her face and slammed it into the ground. The marble underneath his feet cracked, splintering into shards. “SHUT UP!” Kain then grabbed Nora’s legs and threw her away. Before she could hit anything, Kain rushed with unimaginable speed. In front of her, he launched his fist into her oncoming face. “SHUT UP!” Nora flew into the ground, blood splattering the marble. She gagged and brought a broken hand up to her face, noticing blood flow out of her nose and mouth. Teeth clattered onto the ground. One of her eyes could not see properly. If she had not shielded at the last moment… Tears fell from her eyes. No one had treated her this– A kick caught her in the side, one that she had not shielded from. Ribs cracked and shattered, splintering into her body fragments of bone. She could not help but call out in pain, but her scream was reduced into a whimper. She flew towards Dixon, rolling onto the ground in a heap of bleeding flesh. “Dithon…ith hurths…” Dixon looked down at her, scooping her in his arms. Dixon gently shushed her, bringing her out of the arena and placing her on the ground. “Someone, get her. She’s done for the day.” He turned back around to face Kain, who had his head in his hands. He was violently twitching, eyes glowing like mini red suns. Everyone in the arena, including those on the battlefield, looked on in silence. He looked over to River and Carl. They seemed to understand what needed to be done. Celina took this opportunity to run over to Sarah and Elais, each battered and bruised. Rika just stared on in shock. Dixon rushed forward, and so did the rest of his team. “I’LL KILL YOU KILL YOU KILL YOU!” Kain roared threats and curses, dropping into an animalistic pose. He rushed at Dixon, who tried to read his movements. Dixon might be stronger and faster than the average guy, but what truly made him formidable was his infinite stamina. Dixon knew that if he took a hit from the monster in front of him, it would hurt. A lot. He resolved to keep the attention of the thing while Carl and River attacked. He could dodge all day. Kain could not. Dixon ducked, anticipating a punch. What met him was a knee to the stomach. Dixon spit out bile, fighting the nausea that threatened to overwhelm him. Getting hit by that thing felt like he just fell from the top of a building. A really high building. Dixon rolled to the side, wiping bile from his mouth. Carl shouted behind him, calling Kain’s attention. Kain whirled around and darted forward. The air shimmered around Carl, and Kain slowed. Not enough, though. Kain barreled through the slowed field, swinging at Carl. River threw up a shield weaved by light, but it shattered due to the impact of Kain’s fist. Carl met the force of the blow, crumpling into a heap leagues away. Dixon grimaced. Things were not looking good. Not at all. River tried to launch energy at Kain, but he just grabbed the ball. Dixon had seen that same exact attack melt stone. How had he just grabbed it? Dixon couldn’t think about it any more, as Kain hurled the ball of light toward him. He moved out of the way just in time, though he felt the heat sear his skin as it passed by. Kain leaped at River, crossing immense distance in the blink of an eye. She barely had time to react before he kicked her, folding her body like a piece of paper from the force. She too went flying away, seemingly unconscious. It looked like it was just him now. Him and the monster. Dixon felt like a hero battling a dragon. He smirked. Well, the hero always got the girl in the end. Maybe if he won, Nora would– His thought was interrupted by a fist to the stomach. Dixon flew up in the air, spitting out blood. Seriously, the same spot as before? Dixon tried to focus his eyes, but completely lost that battle. A force slammed into his chest, knocking him back onto the ground. The impact rattled his bones, probably breaking a few. He rolled over and coughed, spitting out bloody phlegm. He crawled to his feet, breathing heavily. Kain started toward him, but something felt…off. His body swayed and his eyelids were half closed. Blood leaked from previous cuts, coating his face and arms. “I’LL…I’ll…KILL…you…” Kain swayed to the side, almost falling over. Dixon would have laughed if laughing wouldn’t feel like lashes. The boy had tuckered himself out. Well, it was only natural. All that energy would tire anyone out. Excluding himself, of course. “Well buddy…” Dixon slurred his speech. “Looks like I win.” Dixon started forward, the world spinning. I win, he thought. I win I win I win win wi wi w…….

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Celina saw Dixon fall flat on his face. After that beating…well, she was surprised he wasn’t dead. She would be surprised if anyone wasn’t dead. The crowd was silent. Not even any muttering among the students in the stands took place. The crackle of an intercom went off. “Dixon’s team looks to be all defeated. By law of Holy Combat, Celina’s team wins. May the first match of Holy Combat be adjourned!” There were no cheers in the stands. Medics rushed in to carry the wounded, trying to heal them before they passed. Kain was still muttering as he walked toward Dixon. The glow in his eyes, once so bright she could see it from the opposite side of the arena, was dim. She looked over to see Rika back away, fear on her face. Well, she was not going to back away. Celina had been prepared for this. It would come, after all. Kain was a Sinner. That didn’t stop him from being Kain, however. No, it didn’t stop him from being Kain. Her Kain. She walked forward and wrapped her arms around him, supporting him from falling. “Kill…I…kill…have to…can’t let…” “Shhh.” Celina held him close. “Later. I’ll do anything to help you, later. But now, rest. Rest, my heart, rest.” Kain’s muttering grew softer, until he fell asleep in her arms. Celina sighed. They could no longer be at the Academy, not after today. She would heal them, round up everyone she trusted, and leave. Things would have to be the hard way, it seemed. Well, Celina didn’t mind. She was a hard worker, after all.