Ace Kingdom Trivia with Aurora!
Hey! Me again. It's been a while, huh?
Having spent a couple days in Ace, I suppose it's not all that bad. The people here seem relatively nice, and it is a beautiful place.
Speaking of, I suppose I should clear up any confusion you may have.
The city we are currently in is the capital of the Ace Kingdom: Navescia. Here is where the Sorcerer Soldiers reside. The mayor is actually from the Clover Kingdom (he used to be a Magic Knight squad captain too).
However, Navescia is not home to the royalty of the Ace Kingdom. That honor goes to Ace Kindom's royal city…whose name I totally can't remember right now! Uh, anyway though, in the royal city is where you'll find the queen of the Ace Kingdom, the royal family, as well as the special Sorcerer Soldiers who are chosen to be a part of the royal guard.
That's all for now!
Xoxo,
Aurora
"Together, me and my brother are unstoppable." Aurora nods. "But separately? We're almost even better."
"Is that so?" Neo tilts his head. "I guess we'll see."
The four stand at the ready.
"You all look ready." Shizuka nods. "Let's get started."
" A friendly reminder: please remember to battle with the spirit of the Ace Kingdom and the reminder that this will determine your acceptance into becoming a Sorcerer Soldier in mind." Quinn says.
"On your marks…" Shizuka starts.
"Get set…" Quinn continues.
"Go." Valeo finishes.
ROUND 3: FIGHT!
Having learnt the lesson that the first move is always the most important one, Aurora, Cray, and Neo all cast off a spell as soon as the match starts, resulting in a brilliant flash of magical energy all erupting at once.
"Soul Steal Magic: Release Soul, Gabriel De Ventio!" Aurora holds both her book of souls and her grimoire in her hands, a flash of green energy flowing from her book of souls and manifesting into the form of an attractive young man with pale white skin, shaggy red hair, and dark green eyes, wearing a suit of armor.
"Ah, of course she'd bring out Gabriel." Atlas nods, a hand on his chin as he watches his sister fight without him.
"Summoner magic." Sherry twirls a lock of her hair as she watches the fight, her eyes shooting from Aurora to Matsu.
Atlas nods once again. "It's her speciality. Normally with me she can be a little bit more on the offense, but when she's alone she has her other spirits help her out. Gabriel is one of the most loyal ones; a knight from ancient Clover Kingdom times who died defending his squadron, he possesses a magic that'll be the perfect opponent against Cray…and Neo too, I guess."
"What magic is it?" Ayumi questions with a tilt of her head.
Atlas chuckles. "...You'll just have to wait and see."
"At your service, m'lady." Gabriel bows towards Aurora, then immediately turns towards Cray and Neo, who as aforementioned, are casting spells of their own.
"Sword Magic: Fortify." Unsheathing his sword from his side, Cray puts his hand on the hilt, and the sword turns from a dull steel, boring looking sword, to a sharpened black sword with a glowing green hilt.
"He just made his sword stronger." Matsu advises, standing on the side. "Before it possessed no magical energy, now it's magical energy is almost unbearable…"
Aurora glares at Cray. "Great."
"Molecular Magic: Grow!" Neo springs into action, pink magical energy enveloping his body…which begins to grow bigger…and bigger…and bigger, until Neo is about the size of a reasonably sized house.
Aurora, Matsu, Gabriel, and Cray look up at him, to which he smiles and waves. "Bigger is always better!"
Atlas stifles a laugh. "Can you imagine-"
"Don't finish that sentence." Admetus punches him in the stomach.
Neo wastes no time, picking his leg up and kicking it towards Aurora and Matsu, but Gabriel raises a hand.
"Time Magic: Slowmo." Neo is enveloped in white, and his kick becomes mind numbingly slow, allowing Aurora and Matsu the chance to jog away from being hit.
Neo's face slowly turns into that of surprise as he realizes what's happening, which also happens very slowly, and not because of the spell...
"Sword Magic: A Thousand Strikes." Cray launches forward at Gabriel, who is caught by surprise. Cray seems to be moving at lightning speed, striking Gabriel over and over again, causing the dead knight to scream in agony.
"Soul Steal Magic: Soul Burn!" Aurora puts a hand forward, green light shooting towards Cray. As it hits him, he suddenly stops striking Gabriel, then puts a hand on his heart, falling to his knees.
Atlas raises a brow. "That's a new one…I haven't seen her do that before…"
"She and you have control over people's souls, whether they're alive or dead." Sherry explains. "She's using this to her advantage and attacking Cray's soul while it's still inside him."
"Ouch, that has gotta hurt…" Ayumi cringes.
Cray writhes in agony while Aurora rushes over to a downed, bleeding Gabriel. "I'm sorry, Gabriel." She frowns. "Get some rest." She adds while Gabriel nods.
"Soul Steal Magic: Capture." Gabriel's soul returns to Aurora's book of souls, and while she's busy flipping through the book to find another one:
"Aha, now's my chance." Neo smirks. Once again, he raises his leg and swiftly kicks Aurora, causing her to fly across the arena.
"A-Aurora…!" Matsu calls, a bit stunned.
Neo puts his hand on his hips and smirks as Aurora struggles to get up. "The moment you returned that little ginger's soul to your book I felt time return to normal. With my size, I don't even have to use magic to defeat you!"
"You think so…?" Aurora says in a pained voice. "I don't think you'll be saying that once you deal with him…"
"Him?" Neo raises a brow.
"Him."
Matsu puts his hands together. "Holy Magic: Holy Fire." A small white cloud forms above Neo, causing him to frown. Then, glowing white rain falls down. As soon as it touches Neo, he screams.
"OW!" He yelps. "HOT, HOT, HOTTT!"
Matsu smiles softly. "Yes. Very hot. And Mr. Neo, because you are so…big, You're feeling even more of my Holy Fire than you would if you were a normal size. Hm, what was it you said before? That bigger was better?"
Neo glares at Matsu, the fire creating burn marks all over his skin. "Curse you…Molecular Magic: Shrink!"
Neo at first returns to his normal size, but continues to shrink after that, becoming the same size he was when watching the opening ceremony with Atlas.
He smiles to himself, not that anyone could tell, and Aurora frowns as she returns to Matsu's side.
"Now he's on the defense." She says. "He's so small that he can easily dodge your Holy Fire."
"Ah, but can he dodge this?" Matsu puts his hands up once more. "Holy Magic: Blessed Be." This time, Matsu aims at a still downed Cray. The white-yellow light hits him, and Cray suddenly stands up, looking to be in no pain no longer.
"Did the dumbass just heal his opponent?" Admetus questions with a judgmental expression.
Sherry shakes her head. "No, I don't think that's what it is…"
"I didn't know Matsu's magic was so…heavenly." Ayumi comments, crossing her arms.
Atlas keeps his mouth shut, his lips pursed and a slight frown on his face. Sherry notices this and bites her lip, concerned.
"His magic…" She whispers to herself.
Cray lifts up his sword. Then, he turns towards Neo, raising it up high in the air. "Sword Magic: Invisible Slash!" He yells, thrusting his sword downwards as a huge wave of wind erupts from it, flying right at Neo.
"C-Cray, buddy, what on Earth do you think you're doing?!" Neo says in a high pitched voice, beginning to run away. "G-Gah!"
Matsu smiles once more. "Ah, do not worry about him. He is blessed by me, which means he will defend me from any attackers…such as yourself."
Aurora smiles. "Good work, little brother." She pats him on the shoulder.
"T-This isn't over yet!" Neo says, exasperatedly. His little legs can only get him so far, and he trips on a small pebble as the gust of wind grows closer. He breathes heavily, raising his hand at the gust of wind. "MOLECULAR MAGIC: SHIRNKKK!" He yells quickly.
Amazingly, just as the gust is about to obliterate Neo, it shrinks down into a soft blow of wind. It hits Neo, who shifts uncomfortably as a few scratches appear on his face, but sighs contently as it dissipates.
"You shrank his spell." Matsu realizes, putting a hand on his chin. "I wasn't aware your magic also worked on non-human entities such as magical spells…"
Neo smirks, slowly growing until he's his regular size. "Precisely! With my magic, I can make sure I undergo a minimal amount of damage. This way, it's impossible to knock me down!"
"And alternatively…" He continues with a smirk, turning towards Cray who he notices hasn't made any moves to attack him again.
"Sword Magic: Invisible Slash." Cray repeats, but this time aiming right at Matsu.
"M-Matsu, look out!" Aurora urges, pulling him away from the gust of wind.
"Not so fast." Neo grins. "Molecular Magic: GROW!" He cackles, the gust of wind growing into double it's original size and leaving Aurora and Matsu no place to run.
The two brace for the impact, the wind hitting them and immediately cutting them up, causing them to fall to the ground.
"Oh? Done already?" Neo tilts his head, walking over to the two.
"Your spell only lasted to protect you, until I failed to do so." Cray says to Matsu as he follows Neo towards Aurora and Matsu. "When Neo deflected your attack, I failed my mission and regained control. It was a good attempt, but unfortunately my training and durability has gotten the better of you this time around.
"Hey!" Neo crosses his arms. "If it weren't for my spell, they would've just ran away!"
Cray narrows his eyes. "That's…besides the point."
…
"Not done…"
"Hm?" Neo raises a brow, looking at the limp bodies of Matsu and Aurora. "Did someone say something?"
"I'm…" One voice says.
"Not done…" The other continues.
"YET!"
Without warning, Neo and Cray are sent flying across the arena, landing several feet away from the two, and immediately grunting as they make contact with the ground.
Aurora and Matsu slowly stand up from the ground, visibly battered and bruised, but with a look of determination on their face.
"I…will never give up that easily." Aurora says while breathing heavily, raising a hand at the two Ace Kingdom native's bodies.
Matsu wipes blood from his mouth. "My sister wants to be a Sorcerer Soldier, and I will help her, if it's the last thing I do."
Neo and Cray groan in pain as they struggle to get up from the ground.
"B-But how…" Cray frowns. "My spell should've w-wiped you out…and you didn't have time to cast a spell beforehand to lessen the blow…"
"You forget who you're dealing with…" Matsu smirks, looking rather dark. "You are correct. We did not have time to cast a spell as soon as we were about to be hit."
"Which is why we did so before. As in, before the fight ever started." Aurora smiles, still with her hands towards the two boys.
"Well, Matsu, I'm not sure that I know exactly what to do without Atlas' help…" Aurora sighs. "My magic relies on others, and Atlas is the only one who can give you any attributes of the souls in my collection…"
Matsu shakes his head after Aurora speaks. "You need not worry. I do not plan on using my magic during the exam."
Aurora bites her lip. "Well, yeah, that's probably for the best, but what are we going to do? We need to win this match at all costs. If not, we risk elimination…"
"I understand it is worrisome. However, you are Aurora Edelias. You surely can figure something out, correct?" Matsu questions. "Even if its a bit unorthodox."
Aurora stares down at the ground, wracking her mind for any ideas on how to proceed.
…
Aurora looks through her book, her eyes widening as she reaches a certain page. "A-ha! That's it!" She exclaims.
Matsu looks over her shoulder. "That soul possesses…magic granting magic? That sounds like the most convenient thing ever."
Aurora nods excitedly. "It is! I mean, there are limitations of course, like she can't give you the same magic twice, and most of the magic that she can give you isn't the strongest, but that's ok. We'll just do something that's maybe just a bit…underhanded…"
"Oh?" Matsu says.
"Holy Magic. One of the spells…Holy Protection. It'll protect us from a strong impact; lessening the blow. Additionally, it absorbs the shock and releases it back towards the one who cast it. It's actually quite similar to your actual magic, but without the, er, devastating consequences your magic would have on our opponents." Aurora explains.
Matsu looks over the page. "I see…this magic in and of itself isn't the strongest. However, if the opponents are strong, then it is to our advantage."
Aurora nods. "We'll use their power against them! And we'll bend the rules just a little bit…After all, the judges never said anything about us not being able to cast any spells beforehand. Because my magic can't be used to its full potential until I find out how to fight without Atlas, and because you can't use your magic at all, this is the best case scenario for us."
Matsu thinks for a moment before looking at Aurora. "Well, as you youngsters say…I am in."
"It's time to end this thing." Aurora snaps out of her flashback, looking towards a pained Cray and Neo. "Sorry about this boys…Soul Steal Magic: …Out of Body Experience!"
Cray and Neo's mouths suddenly open as a green energy pours out of them.
Atlas' eyes widen. "What the…she's…stealing their souls?!"
Admetus nods, looking slightly impressed. "...That's kinda cool…"
"N-No it isn't!" Sherry gasps, looking incredibly perplexed. "She'll kill them!"
Ayumi nods, having the same mindset as Admetus. "Hardcore bitch."
The entire crowd begins to talk amongst themselves, some people looking incredibly worried for Neo and Cray. Even Shizuka, Quinn, and Valeo look concerned, Shizuka looking ready to go fetch one of the Sorcerer Soldiers in charge of keeping the competitors from killing each other.
Neo and Cray struggle for a few moments, gasping for air and clutching their throats, before their eyes slowly begin to falter, until they shut and their bodies grow still.
That's when Aurora smiles contentedly, putting her hands down. Cray and Neo's souls return into their mouths, consequently shutting their mouths. As soon as that's over…
Both of the boys fall to the ground, unconscious.
Shizuka looks rather stunned, scratching her head. But she clears her throat and looks at the crowd.
"...A-And the winners are…Aurora and Matsu Edelias!"
A second goes by as the crowd tries to register what happened. Then, an eruption of cheers and excited screams sound all throughout the arena, some people even standing up out of their seats.
"Wow, I guess some people like watching people almost die." Ayumi chuckles, looking at the excited faces of the people around her.
"Shit, if that's the case they're not ready for my fight." Admetus smirks.
Both Atlas and Sherry are silent, their focus on different people.
Atlas on his sister, who he has never seen use that spell, nor the one she used earlier in the fight before. He and Aurora tell each other everything…so why didn't he know about her ability to attack people's souls like that?
Sherry on Matsu, who she can't believe actually possesses Holy Magic. With her royal lineage giving her an expert ability on reading one's mana…Matsu's mana comes across almost the opposite of Holy…
Aurora sighs happily, slowly laying down on the ground. "...That was tiring. I need a nap…"
Matsu looks at her confusedly. "Is that so? I feel fine."
Aurora glares at him. "Lay down next to me right now."
Matsu obliges.
The team of White Dove medics rushes out and carries each of the competitors out of the arena and into the infirmary for treatment.
Quinn claps his hands, shushing the crowd. "Now, I know you may all be anxious to see what the next matchup is…however, it is time for a break! We will reconvene in precisely twenty minutes!"
A few people groan, not wanting to take a break, while others happily skip out of their seats to use the restroom, eat a snack, or escape from the exams after having seen how brutal they are.
Atlas frowns, a sudden reminder of something he must do…
He stands up from his seat and walks away from Sherry, Ayumi, and Admetus.
In the infirmary, Glynis, Lumine, Jasper, Ru, Aim, Kandy, Pollo, and Joel are among those awake. Aurora has been exhausted of magical power after casting that final spell, Cray and Neo are definitely too injured to be conscious so the White Dove soldiers are making sure they stay sedated, and Matsu…
Is awake, but must keep up the façade that he too is exhausted after having fought so bravely.
Glynis groans, crossing her arms and pouting. "That's not fair! Lumine, you and I are the only ones who didn't beat the boys we were pitted up against!"
Lumine whimpers in response, shaking her head disappointedly.
"To be fair, you very well almost did…" Ru nervously laughs. "It took all of our strength to beat you."
"And wits, too." Jasper adds with a sigh. "I don't think I've ever had to wrack my brain that much before in my life!"
"Oh, don't be so dramatic." Ru chuckles. "You didn't have to wrack your brain that much, it was all me!"
"Hey!" Jasper pouts, mimicking Glynis pose.
In the next set of rooms is a much more light hearted discussion.
"You two are quite formidable opponents." Aim comments. "...As much as I hate to admit it."
Pollo grins. "Thanks! If I had just a little more control of my magic, I think we could've beat you guys. I just ran out of juice too fast…"
"If you would like, I would like to tutor you." Kandy chimes in. "I've spent years perfecting my magical control. Now that I've practically mastered it, I am working on my strength. You already have the strength part down. If we trained together, we might gain a lot of knowledge from each other."
Pollo claps excitedly, then he flinches as he realizes he's still recovering from his injuries. "Y-Yeah, that sounds awesome! Joel, you oughta join in on this!"
Joel smiles. "Sure, that sounds like fun. And much needed from me too, I only have a few spells and techniques in my arsenal…"
"Is that so?" Aim questions curiously. "I'd imagine a noble such as yourself would've gotten to experience training from the most professionally trained mages around."
Joel blushes, turning away from Aim. "I-it's…it's complicated."
Outside of the rooms, Tessa and Octavia converse amongst themselves, the latter looking quite angry.
"Because you had one job, you blonde bimbo! The only people in the audience are supposed to be regular citizens and the other Sorcerer Soldier prospects…not your…sister." Octavia hisses, her voice becoming quieter at the end.
Tessa sighs, a hand on her forehead. "I know, I know! Look, if I had control over my…sister, then surely I wouldn't have let this happen! But I don't. And besides, what's the worst that could happen, anyway? She wouldn't ever do anything to hurt someone."
Octavia sighs, beginning to pace back and forth. "Tessa…I've kept this secret for far too long that it's literally going to make me explode. Look. Just make sure she doesn't do anything stupid and I won't string your neck. Capiche?"
Tessa smiles, saluting Octavia. "You got it boss! …Again though, how exactly do you expect me to control my sister of all people?"
Octavia groans. "I hate my life."
Finally alone, Atlas grabs his bag and looks down at his hand.
He frowns as the eyes open.
"What do you want?" He asks. "I'm too tired to talk with you."
"HAHAHAHA, relax, relax…" The voice says. "I'm just here to let you know that the souls are getting HUNGRY! You need to eat a soul, QUICK!"
Atlas groans. "Damned if I do, damned if I don't...how many days do I have left?"
"Hm…" The voice thinks for a second. "TWO! If you don't eat something by then, BYE BYE!" The voice laughs.
"Yeah, yeah…" Atlas mutters, walking to his room. "I know."
Alone in an alleyway by the restrooms of the Tyrian Arena, Atlas looks to his hand.
"C'mon wake up!" He demands, shaking it. "Or are you not hungry?"
The eyes on his hand slowly open up, causing Atlas to flinch.
"Ew, this never gets easy." He cringes.
"HEY KID!" The voice yells. "That's not very nice of you! Respect your elders, why don't you!"
Atlas rolls his eyes. "I'd respect you a hell of a lot more if I didn't have to do this."
"Oh cry me a river," The voice scoffs. "What's on the menu tonight?"
Atlas begins to look around, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The world slowly becomes still as Atlas breathes, and he focuses on the magical energies of everything around him. Analyzing every molecule of magic in detail in order to…
His eyes open, the world returning to normal. "There." He points to the girls restroom.
"My, my!" The voice cackles. "I didn't think you were so lewd!"
Atlas smacks his hand against the wall. "Shut up and follow me! …Wait. Nevermind. Ugh, let's go."
Atlas slowly enters the girls restroom, careful not to make a peep. Inside he can hear a soft humming, and he spots a pair of legs from the outside of one of the stalls.
He quietly waits, hearing a flush as the humming continues. Then the door opens, and he quickly hides behind it.
From outside the stall, a little girl emerges, skipping up to the sinks as she douses her hands in way too much soap, and turns the faucet on.
"La, di, daaa!" She sings as she washes her hands as Atlas continues to quietly wash.
After a few more seconds, she turns the faucet off and dries her hands on her dress.
Finally, she skips out of the restroom.
"What was that?!" The voice says as Atlas looks at his hand. "You could've gotten her, easily!"
"Nah, I wanted this one." Atlas smirks.
He turns around and kicks open the door of the stall next to the one the little girl was in, revealing an unsightly man looking to be in his 40s kneeling on the floor. He jumps in surprise as Atlas looks at him.
"What's up, perv?" Atlas tilts his head. "Enjoy the view?"
The man's eyes widen. "I-I-I have no idea what you mean! I was just using the restroom?"
"Oh yeah?" Atlas laughs. "In the girl's restroom? On the floor?"
"I-I-I…" The man continues to stammer. Then, his eyes begin to well up with tears as he starts to sob uncontrollably. "P-please don't report me to the knights! This would be the second time I got caught, and my wife will surely leave me this time!"
"Second time, huh?" Atlas sighs. "This'll make this even easier. Don't worry, I won't report you to anyone. This'll be our little secret."
The man stops crying, looking up at Atlas with hopeful eyes. "R-Really?"
Atlas nods. "Sure. I have something else in mind!"
The man gulps. "A-And what might that be?"
"Oh you know…" Atlas' expression darkens.
"Soul Steal Magic: Devour."
The Curse of Immortality
Sibling's Sanctity
END
ACE CLIPSSS #11
Aurora: Mwhaha! Are you not embarrassed to lose in the quickest fight yet?
Cray: Are you not embarrassed laughing like a superhero movie villain?"
Aurora: Hey!
Neo: Forgive me, what is a movie?
Matsu: It's what you pretend you're the star of but are really just a background character in.
Neo: Hey! I don't get it but it sounds offensive.
Aurora: The only thing offensive was your performance in that fight!
Cray: True.
Neo: HEY!