For those of you wondering who I will most likely pair Gulls up with, it's gonna be Celis.
Disclaimer: I do not own Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle.
Celestia Ralgris has returned from the Capital, and she's not pleased to find Gulls and Lux at the Royal Knight Academy. She immediately petitions that Lux be kicked out of the Academy!
But Gulls has a few demands of his own.
In the heat of the moment, Gulls openly challenges Celestia to a duel with Drag Rides! With little time to prepare, and absolutely no experience, Gulls certainly seems confident that he can win!
Sadly for Gulls, He'll soon learn that perhaps he should learn to keep his mouth shut.
Gulls was on the floor of his room, curled into a ball and rolling around as he panicked.
He really should've kept his mouth shut.
Lux, despite being even more at risk, was doing his best to try and console Gulls in some manner.
"Come on, you shouldn't be-"
"WHAT WAS I THINKING?! AAUUGGGH!"
Finally, Gulls stopped rolling around.
"I wanna die."
"Don't say that!" Cried Lux, "We have time, it's no good if you overthink it."
"Why did I do that?" Gulls muttered to himself.
Gulls didn't know why he did what he did, and it was fair for him to say he didn't know what he was thinking when in the situation either. However, whatever he did ended with him putting himself in a very foolish position.
What he did was something any boy in that same sort of situation would've done.
That being doing something foolish to impress a girl.
Or at the very least, an excuse to try and fight her.
Earlier that day...
"Gulls?" Lux knocked upon the dorm room's door, "Are you in?"
"Mm..." Groaned a voice from within.
Lux entered the room, only to lay eyes upon a quite-groggy Gulls, sleeping in his pajama pants, and a bandage wrapped around his arm.
"Are you okay?!" Lux panicked, "You ran off after that mysterious cloaked figure last night...What happened?"
"Got the slip on me," Said Lux, "Took a few turns, n'vanished into the night. Ended up having to get sent to the Infirmary for bandages after Relie saw me trying to go back to my room."
"Oh...You did your best." Offered Lux.
"And it wasn't good enough. She'll be back, I bet."
"Who?"
"The peeping-tom."
"The peeping-tom's a girl?!" Cried Lux, "How'd you figure that out?!"
"Punched her in the chest."
"You...Did what?!"
In the next few minutes, Gulls got dressed as he and Lux began to talk.
Gulls and Lux were currently discussing the basics of Drag-Rides, as they were preparing to begin Gulls's training with Albion that day. It became apparent to Lux that Gulls had absolutely no idea what they were talking about, but was doing his best to follow.
"So..." Lux finally broke the ice, "Do you even know how to operate a Drag-Ride?"
"...No." Gulls pouted, humiliated.
"That's fine!" Lux assured, "That's perfectly fine! But...Maybe we can use a simple Drag-Ride, and ease you into the feel of piloting before you start using the Albion. Y'see, it's very taxing on Drag-Knights to pilot Divine Drag-Rides, which means you might not be able to use Albion for very long as you are now..."
"Are you saying I'm weak?" Challenged Gulls.
"No no!" Lux said, "Just...You need to get used to it."
Gulls grumbled once again.
"Do you want me to teach you or not?" Lux affirmed.
"...Fine." Groaned Gulls.
The boys changed into their pilot uniforms, which was an event in itself. Gulls had put the uniform on backwards, and ended up having to get Lux to help him take it back off and put it on correctly.
Gulls then realized another issue.
The uniform was very tight, and borderline crushing him in very important areas. On top of that, it felt as though the uniform would explode if he moved too far the wrong way or even if he so much as breathed too much.
"Lux," Inquired Gulls, "Are these things usually so...torturous to wear?"
"No..." Lux answered, "Mine feels just fine, why?"
"I think I got one that's two sizes too small!"
"Oh...We'll just get Headmistress Relie to get you a better fit once this we're done for the day."
Gulls groaned once again.
Lux began to think.
How should he begin conducting Gulls's training? Would it make more sense for more on-hands practice, or simply studying as a beginning? To what method of training was Gulls most suitable to excel in?
"Uh..." Lux concluded, "Let's see how well you do in a Wyvern!"
"A whats-it?"
"A Wyvern...It's one type of Drag-Ride."
"There's more than one kind?"
Lux sighed.
This was way worse than he'd thought, and Gulls was only making it a little harder.
"Ah...Okay..." Said Lux, pulling out the Sword Device for his Wyvern, "Here, you can borrow mine."
Gulls took the sword and studied it.
"Now," Instructed Lux, "Try to focus. Summoning a Drag-Ride needs a lot of time and attention. On top of that, you have to say the passcode out loud. With enough practice, you'll eventually be able to summon one without doing so, and it'll be faster."
"But I still need that focus?"
"Yeah."
Gulls sighed, already beginning to feel worn out by all of Lux's talking.
Lux breathed.
"Now," Said Lux, "Repeat after me: Come to me."
"Come to me..."
"Symbol of power worthy of the Crest of the Winged-Dragon."
"Let us soar with the blade!"
"Wyvern!"
Gulls had chanted the code, and raised the Sword Device as the Wyvern materialized.
After a few seconds of nothing, Gulls lowered the Sword Device.
"I...Think it didn't work." Said Lux.
"No shit! I just looked like an idiot for nothing!"
"Now now, calm down..."
"Lemme try again!"
Gulls took a breath, and chanted again.
Once again, nothing happened.
"Dang it..."
"It's no problem-"
"One more time!"
Gulls focused as hard as he could.
"Come to me, symbol of power worthy of the Crest of the Winged-Dragon...Let us soar with the blade! Wyvern!"
And at long last, in a flash of light, Gulls now stood in Lux's Wyvern.
"Woah! This is kinda cool!" Cheered Gulls.
"You got it!" Lux clapped his hands.
"Sweet!" Said Gulls, "...What do I do now?"
"Try some basic movements!"
Gulls took one step after another, trying to get used to the proportional change and spacial awareness. After a few steps, he found his balance, and began a forward march like normal.
"You're doing great!" Praised Lux.
Gulls laughed jovially as he horsed around in the Wyvern.
Lux had forgotten for a moment the potential trouble both Lux and Gulls were in.
It wasn't that they'd done anything to violate their contracts with the Royal Knights' Academy, certainly not. In fact, they were treated quite welcome, despite their positions amongst the student body.
The problem lied with the return of Celestia Ralgris.
Celestia had a notorious reputation as a man-hater. Had Lux and Gulls been inducted into the Academy while she was around, they might not have been able to join, especially not Lux, being a former Prince of Arcadia.
And Lux had a run-in with said Celestia the night before.
Thankfully, he was disguised as a girl at the time, or things would've gone badly.
All the boys would have to do was just avoid contact with Celestia, and perhaps they'd be okay.
Most likely not.
"Hey, Lux!" Called Gulls, "Check this out!"
Lux was pulled out of his thoughts only to lay eyes upon Gulls making the Wyvern dance.
"Incredible!" Said Lux.
The boys didn't have very long to marvel over Gulls's display, as the Triad was running over to them.
"Lukkuchi! Gully!" Called Tillfur, waving her arms to get the boys' attention.
"Tillfur? What's happening?" Lux inquired.
"We've got a big problem! Come quick!"
Lux and Gulls looked to each other.
They were in trouble.
As soon as the boys stowed the Wyvern and changed into their school uniforms, the Triad ushered them to Relie's office.
Something indeed, had happened. And whatever it was was drawing in a crowd of students.
It wasn't long before the boys were filled in.
"That's why I'm saying there's no problem with admitting Lux or hiring Gulls!" Shouted Lisha from inside the office, "Even so, There's no way Lux can drop out this late, right?! There's no point!"
The Triad quickly pushed through the crowd of students to get the boys into the office.
"This is something that was decided while I was not here!" Argued a new voice, "If exceptions are to be accepted, that concerns the very meaning of this Academy!"
"W-Why you-!"
Gulls and Lux burst into the room.
"Excuse me!" Interjected Gulls, "But may I formally inquire what the actual fuck we're talking about?"
"Gulls!" Hissed Lux, "Language!"
Gulls wasn't listening.
His eyes had fallen upon a mature, blue-eyed, blonde girl with a voluptuous bosom sitting down in front of Lisha, who was standing up and glaring down at her. She was pretty, and looked calm and collected.
But Gulls couldn't help but feel he'd seen her somewhere before...
"Excuse us," Introduced Lux.
The girl looked over to the boys, a stern expression on her face.
"So, you must be Lux Arcadia, correct? Pleased to meet you, I am Celestia Ralgris."
Lux already knew her name, but pretended he didn't to avoid complication.
"Nice to meet you..." Lux knew this wasn't going to end well.
"I've been informed of your actions," Celestia went on, "I am grateful you saved the Academy from danger in my absence. However, as a boy, you shouldn't even be here, let alone enrolled in this Academy."
Gulls then realized Celestia had ignored him completely.
Wait...Celestia Ralgris...
"Aw..." Gulls whined, "You're that man-hater kid, aren't you?"
"Excuse me?" Celestia finally turned her stare upon Gulls, "And just who are you?"
"The name's Gulls," Gulls introduced himself, "And I'm a handyman at this Academy!"
"Is that so?" Celestia cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Yeah! Got a problem?" Gulls challenged.
"I'll deal with you later," Celestia backed off, "Right now, my main concern is Lux. Lux is, unlike you, an actual student, as it seems."
Gulls didn't know why, but he felt rejected.
"As I was saying," Continued Celestia, "You, Lux Arcadia, shouldn't even be allowed here. Though I am grateful for your services at this Academy, your enrollment shouldn't have been allowed."
"Wait!" Interjected Lisha, "If Lux wasn't here, the threat from both the Abyss and the Rebel Army would've-!"
"That is fine. Now that I've returned, I'll take on the responsibility myself. There is absolutely no need to rely on strength borrowed from another male."
Gulls opened his mouth to speak up. Lux quickly stopped him with a light elbow to signal him. Lux looked Gulls in the eye, and shook his head. Gulls made a silent growl as he literally and figuratively zipped his lips shut.
"I have a favor to ask." Lux spoke up, "Please, allow me to take part in the suppression of the Ragnarok that Lord Balzeride was supposed to carry out with!"
"This threat to the New Kingdom is not something that concerns you." Celestia denied, "If this Ragnarok is indeed revived, I will fight it with myself alone."
"Very well then," Lux reluctantly concurred, "But I still cannot and will not leave this Academy."
Celestia seemed taken aback.
"I'm not doubting you or your strength at all," Explained Lux, "But the Ragnarok is a powerful enemy. There's just no possible way that you can just handle and suppress such a danger by yourself!"
Gulls scowled, and unzipped his lips.
"Were you not listening to me?!" Bickered Celestia, "I don't approve of you! You're not supposed to be here-?!"
"And what about me, eh?" Gulls growled, "Y'know, I was expecting you to get mad at both of us. But this is just annoying! Fight this Ragnarok thing on your own? What're you gonna do? Chant some magic bullshit and the power of hugs and kisses is gonna magic the bag baddie away?"
"How dare you?!" Cried Celestia, furious that this boy was coming out nowhere.
"I'm willing to bet I could take you on!" Gulls challenged.
Everyone else in the room all froze and stared at Gulls, shocked with his bold declaration.
"Is that so?!" Celestia spat back.
"Y'know what?" Suggested Gulls, "Let's make a deal: We fight. If I win, you shut your big lovely mouth and let Lux go on this mission to take down the Ragnarok thing! If you win, we'll do whatever it is that you want."
Celestia took a moment to think over her options.
"Very well then." She concluded.
Everyone, save Gulls and Celestia, made an audible gasp.
"I-It's official then..." Relie trailed off, "Seeing as we have a training camp on Ries Island coming up in three days...You'll find the perfect opportunity for a match. Gulls, you understand what will happen if you're serious about this, correct?"
"Damn straight," Gulls smirked, "I've been waiting to hit something for a while now."
"Bold words," Declared Celestia, "It seems I'll have to show you the difference between you and I."
Lux didn't know what to say.
Did Gulls know what he'd just done?
The Present...
"This is bad! Very very bad!" Cried Gulls, "What am I gonna do?! The most I've done in one of those rigs is just frickin dancing!"
"You'll never think of anything if you just panic the entire time." Said Lux, "This just means we'll have to work faster than I wanted to in order for you to get the hang of piloting Drag-Rides."
Gulls sighed.
"Do you really think I can do this?"
Lux chuckled nervously, not wanting to give his honest opinion.
"I knew it..." Gulls could tell what Lux really thought.
"Well...I'm also in a heap of trouble because of this!" Said Lux, "You've got to try! I can teach you to use a Drag-Ride in the time we have...But whatever happens in your big fight...Is up to you."
"You're surprisingly calm."
"I'm putting my faith in you, I have to be."
Gulls sighed.
"Well then!" Lux clapped his hands, "Let's get started!"
"Huh?!"
"There's no time to slack off! You need to practice every morning, day, and night to have the slightest hope of winning!"
"Ugh..."
And so, Gulls began to tormenting agony of nonstop training the rest of the day. From midday all the way to the dead of midnight, Lux drilled Gulls in just about every way possible to get him acclimated to the Wyvern.
But would it be enough to prepare him for the Albion?
Unbeknownst to the boys, Celestia watched from afar.
She eyed Gulls.
Who was this boy? Lux Arcadia was a former prince, and a name Celestia was all too familiar with. However, after requesting information on Gulls from Relie, she'd discovered how little the Royal Knights Academy knew of him.
The most they knew was that he was formerly homeless, and he had no last name.
They couldn't find any sort of information on Gulls with those 2 details.
Rumors regarding Gulls were very easy to list. Some students claimed sometimes one of his eyes would turn blue, but only one. Others said he looked like a zombie underneath his clothes. A rare few even posited that Lux and Gulls were somehow brothers, which was brought on by their sheer contrast in appearance.
Whatever the case, he was certainly one to look into.
"Harder!" Shouted Lux, "Your job and mine are on the line right now!"
Gulls responded with an audible groan.
"Drift left, right, left!" Instructed Lux.
Gulls did his best, though his form was noticeably off.
"That was horrible!" Cried Lux, "Celes-Senpai would crush you underfoot if you try that!"
"What's the use?" Whined Gulls, "You would've actually stood a chance!"
"You're right." Lux sighed, "But that doesn't change anything right now. I'll admit it, I'm a little upset with you right now, because you overreached and thought you could represent me. You shouldn't have done that! I don't want to drag you down with me!"
"Well thanks for the vote of confidence."
"But that's nothing you should quit over!" Said Lux, "After all, I'd be a lot more mad if you don't see this through. Not only did you do this without any say from me, you also put yourself at risk! You haven't been here very long, you'll be thrown back to the streets if you lose!"
"But we both know I'm going to lose, no 'if' about it."
"But that doesn't mean you can't back out now! It's do or die now Gulls, you can't afford to cower down from something you started."
"...I'm going to lose."
"I know," Said Lux, "But what we're doing right now will allow you to lose better."
Celestia eyed Gulls, and finally turned off to her own business.
Was this the right thing to do?
2 nights later...
"You can do just a bit more!" Said Lux, "We'll leaving for Ries Island tomorrow morning!"
"Right!"
Gulls attempted the drifting maneuver once again.
He'd master the first two turns, but it was around the third Gulls tripped and fell over. However, unlike each time Gulls fell over, Gulls recovered and realigned his balance mere moments from hitting the ground.
Lux clapped his hands as he watched Gulls work as no man had worked before.
All the while, Lux began to think about how he was to get Gulls ready to stand toe-to-toe against Celestia. Sure, he could lend Gulls the Wyvern for the fight, but Celestia just so happened to have a Divine Drag-Ride, and would make short work of the Wyvern machine.
Logic would then dictate that Lux would have Gulls use the Albion.
However, that was a very risky decision. Lux hadn't even seen Albion, let alone had Gulls try using it. This meant that there were an infinite possibility of issues that could come up mid-use. There was no telling how long Gulls could withstand Albion, or if Albion was up to the task.
There was no amount of intense training that would get Gulls on equal footing with Celestia, there was no denying that. Anything less than Albion would spell doom for Gulls, but Albion could spell anything for him.
Perhaps he could convince Lisha to modify a Drag-Ride strong enough to compensate for Gulls's needs. However, such a request would take too long, and they'd be far away from a Drag-Ride workshop.
The situation was just too perfectly poised for Lux to find an alternate solution.
Once they got to Ries Island, They'd have to start a nonstop regimen with the Albion.
Elsewhere, Celestia was preparing to head to bed for the night.
Usually, her night would begin with a spot of reading. Celestia sat at the desk in her room and read in the journal she'd been gifted with from her late teacher, one of her most favorite pastimes.
She still couldn't begin to wrap her mind around that Gulls.
Gulls was so vastly contrasted to Lux. Where Lux was once a prince of an age-old empire, Gulls was a homeless bum from crooked places. Lux was prim and proper, and able to compose himself with most situations, Gulls outright interrupted the situation and acted quite rudely.
Lux had silver eyes, and white hair. And, for the few moments Celestia had seen him, Gulls had golden eyes, and black hair. Lux took care of himself without question, Gulls had to be ordered to clean himself up or be threatened that the students would do it for him.
The differences were quite literally black and white between Lux and Gulls.
Lux was the Weakest Undefeated, Gulls hadn't even touched a Drag-Ride beyond a Sword Device.
So why? Why did Gulls dare to challenge Celestia in front of everyone?
Was it really fair? Gulls obviously didn't stand a chance. Lux would've easily stood a better chance, and everyone knew it. But in the heat of the moment, the stage had been set, and they couldn't change it now.
As much as she'd feel bad, she couldn't grant Gulls any mercy.
Thankfully, a knocking upon Celestia's door had brought the young girl back to reality. She set down the book, placing a bookmark and closing the journal as she stood up from her chair and went to the door.
"Celes-Nee-Sama." Said Saniya Lemiste, from the other side of the door, "Thank you, for today."
Celestia cocked an eyebrow, but listened to Saniya.
"You've negotiated expelling Lux Arcadia and discharging Gulls in order to restore our standards. I've heard many rumors over this Gulls you're to fight, and it seems to me that your victory will come easy."
Celestia went up to the door.
"Please," Celestia responded, "Don't worry about it Saniya. I feel the same as you. I want both of them to be kept away from fighting after this duel."
"Yes." Saniya concluded, "Good night, Celes-Nee-Sama."
With that, Saniya walked off down the hallway.
"This is very unfortunate," Celestia sighed to herself, "If only I'd met either of them in a manner that didn't result in this problem. Such is my burden, it seems, being the one to throw both Lux and Gulls out. For certain, this is for Lux's sake, but I can't imagine what's in this for Gulls..."
If Celestia beat Gulls and had him fired, he'd be out on the streets again.
It'd be dishonorable to give Gulls mercy, but the alternative would make her feel horrible.
There was simply no way out.
The sea, near Ries Island...
"Again!" Lux ordered.
Gulls swung his Albion Sword Device.
"Again!"
Gulls made an about-face, and slashed upward.
"Again!"
Gulls turned to his right, and slashed downward.
"Once more!"
Gulls spun around once more, and slashed at level.
Lux and Gulls were pushing in more practice time as they sailed to Ries Island. They'd done so at a quiet corner of the deck, drawing a crowd as Gulls worked arduously to prepare for the coming battle.
They would've used a Drag-Ride, but that would've made a trip by boat very awkward.
"Lukkuchi and Gully are working hard..." Said Tillfur.
"Yes." Concurred Noct, "However, it is very unlikely Gulls has a chance to win."
As soon as she had the chance, Airi quickly cornered Lux to give her brother a firm scolding.
"He'll be crushed out there!" Said Airi, "So why are you letting him go through with it?! You've got to do something about this!"
"I am, Airi." Said Lux, "I'm trying to get Gulls in order as much as possible. I...He can't back down from a challenge he set himself! The only way out of this is by going through, as much as none of us like this..."
"Buh-But...This isn't fair!" Cried Airi, "He shouldn't have been so headlong in the first place!"
"We all know that," Sighed Lux, "But there's nothing we can do about it now."
Airi took a look at Gulls practicing sword strikes over and over.
"I hope you have a surefire plan..." She mumbled.
"I can't say it's surefire, but it'll have to do." Said Lux.
Lux regrouped with Gulls, leaving Airi to herself.
Airi didn't know whether to more upset at Lux, for letting this happen, or at Gulls, for being the one who pulled such a stunt at the expense of Lux. But she knew for certain that she felt upset that all this effort the boys were putting in would amount to nothing.
It just wasn't fair.
After an hour or so, the ship had finally reached port on Ries Island, and docked.
Celestia stood with a teacher as she gave orders.
"Has everyone disembarked?" She called.
"Yes Ma'am!" The students, save Gulls, announced.
"Very well then," Ordered Celestia, "We'll begin our training right away."
The statement caused a quiet uproar within the students present.
"Wah?!" Cried Tillfur, "Training all of the sudden?! Let's rest on the first day, at least!"
"Today's training will be on the lighter side." Affirmed Celestia, "We're here to train to the best of our ability, after all."
Lisha nudged Lux to get his attention.
"Be careful Lux," She whispered, "That woman's 'lighter side' is considerably hard."
"G-Got it."
Gulls realized that he didn't have to go through training with the students, and suppressed the urge to rub it in. However, this earned him a short glare from Celestia as he suddenly changed expressions.
Lux took notice, and sighed at the sight.
Gulls was certainly an individual.
It was then that something had caught Lux's eye.
From afar, Lux spied a very old-looking chapel standing about the massive hill beyond the port town. For some reason Lux couldn't fathom, the chapel was oddly familiar, as though he'd seen it before.
But such would be ridiculous, as Lux couldn't recall such an event.
"Hey, Lux." Lisha waved her hand in front of his face, "Why are you spacing out? You're gonna get left behind."
"Oh-Okay!" Lux quickly followed the rest of the students.
Lux caught up with the group, and accidentally bumped into one of the girls. Though this didn't set Lux off in embarrassment, the girl squealed in surprise and fell on her rear, shivering a little.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Apologized Lux, offering his hands, "Let me help you up."
"Th-Thank you..." The girl blushed pink in embarrassment.
Lux stared for a few seconds.
The girl reminded Lux of Airi, as they appeared to be the same height. However, unlike Airi, the girl had silky, light-black hair, and golden eyes. She looked similar to Gulls, now that Lux had gotten a good look at the girl.
"W-Why are you...Staring?" The girl inquired.
"O-Oh, sorry. You reminded me of someone-!"
"Lux! Come on!" Called Lisha.
"Coming!" Lux called, "Sorry about that."
Lux turned his back, and jogged off to rejoin the others.
The students were quickly assembled on the beach as Celestia began to drill them. Lux had given the Wyvern to Gulls and sent him off to go and practice combat on his own in the woods.
He could only hope Gulls was taking this seriously.
Celestia gathered attention by slamming the tip of a wooden training sword into the sand at her feet.
"First!" She ordered, "One-hundred swings!"
"Yes ma'am!"
The students swung and slashed their training swords in rhythmic patterns.
Sometimes Lux envied Gulls.
The older boy had a lot more time on his hands.
Elsewhere, Gulls was horsing about in the Wyvern.
"Let's go!" Gulls grasped the controls.
The Wyvern's hands mimicked Gull's every move.
Each time he shook, the Wyvern shook.
It was as though the machine was a numb extension of Gull's body, or even the other way around. At the very least, it was able to keep up with him, and that's what mattered most.
He jumped about the trees, attempting to understand the Wyvern's limitations, as well as his own.
The sheer weight of the machine he sat in felt light as a feather, and stronger than stone to Gulls. However, Gulls could see he'd nearly broke several trees with the sheer weight of the Wyvern as he jumped about.
"Relie's gonna kill me if she sees this..." Gulls muttered to himself.
Gulls then pulled out the Wyvern's Scale Blade, and began to swing it about.
"Hah! Hiya! Wah!" Gulls shouted as he practiced his drills.
He was beginning to feel as though he really could take on Celestia in the Wyvern.
Gulls turned around, swing the Scale Blade...
...Only to accidentally cut a huge gash into the tree behind him.
"Oh shi-! Crap!"
The place that Gulls and Celestia were to fight in was an open area, right? Why was Gulls so cautious about the environment?
They were trees, it was okay to break one or two.
Gulls pulled out the Wyvern's Breath Gun, and aimed it haphazardly at another tree to see what it could do.
He jumped, startled as the gun was automatic.
The weapon fired away at the tree, shooting right through and filling the tree with holes.
"Wow...This is kinda cool..." Gulls chuckled.
He began to experiment with everything the Wyvern had.
And so, after almost half an hour spent messing about, Gulls had damaged several trees shot down 2 more, razed several trees down to make a clearing, and broke a rock of raw ore apart.
He'd never felt so free before.
Everything was so...fragile.
He could definitely crush Celestia with this kind of power.
Little did Gulls know how sorely wrong he was.
That night...
Lisha whined as she rested her head upon a table.
"I thought I was gonna die..." She sighed.
Lux chuckled.
"But Celes-Senpai is amazing, isn't she? She trains so much more than everyone else..."
"She does." Agreed Krulcifer, "She's always like that. She always puts effort towards doing much more than the average person. She's very diligent about it. There's no denying that she's strong. But...She always seems so tormented by something..."
"Oh..." Said Lux, "I see..."
"But I digress," Continued Krulcifer, "I'm quite interested in what your new friend has been up to. I was stunned to find him challenging Celestia like so, and further shocked he actually came with us to Ries Island."
"He can't back down, not now." Said Lux, "And I've been working as hard as I can to get him on fighting level with Celes-Senpai. I know it's not going to work out...But we still have to try."
"I'm not denying that." Said Krulcifer, "True, what Gulls did was selfish and moreover completely foolish. However, I can't resist the idea that Gulls still has a chance to prevail and win."
"What makes you say that?" Inquired Lisha, curious.
"It's quite obvious he's had his share of thrashings," Noted Krulcifer, "If Gulls can get himself together, I daresay it's possible that he could overwhelm Celestia. Even though it's insane, Gulls still has something of a chance, however slim."
"But that still means Gulls can't afford to miss anything." Said Lisha, "Even so, if Gulls was to perform to the best of his ability, his chances of winning are bleak. At his best, Celestia is simply better."
"Still an idiot move on Gully's part." Said Tillfur.
Lux sighed.
"Why can't we switch Gulls with Lux?" Whined Lisha, "It just isn't fair!"
"I know..." Lux groaned, "And if I could do this instead of Gulls, I would! But I can't! Mistress Relie won't allow me to do so, and I know that she would've said yes under any other situation. She's more confident that I could win, given my experience. However, Gulls doesn't have a hope!"
Lux sighed once again.
"All we can do now is hope Gulls is lucky."
"Well," Said Shalice, stretching as she stood up, "Let's get back to our rooms and rest. There's no point in dwelling on the problem so late at night. It may not be fair, but all we can do beyond restating that fact is to deal with it and put hope in Gulls, even if it's pointless."
The boy in question was still out late, training every waking moment in the hopes that it would do the least bit of good possible.
Gulls was panting.
Lux had warned him about stamina, and Gulls was finally seeing the reason why Lux gave caution.
But he couldn't stop, not until he knew he could face Celestia for sure.
Celestia, on the other hand, was trying to relax.
The day of the match was within reach, and it drove her mad to no end.
She didn't want to, but she had to. She'd feel bad, but this was the right thing. This was unfair, but it was justified. Celestia was simply worn out by the contradictions this entire fiasco was making.
If only things didn't happen like this...
Perhaps Gulls would've come to, at the very least, not hate her.
Celestia sighed.
She needed a massage.
A/N: And done! Thanks to everyone who'd waited for this next chapter patiently! It took me a long time to figure out the direction I wanted for the story, and now I'm back!
I've read reviews inquiring about the Afterdeath Divine Raiment. And-this is for the reviewer UndyingSmiley-you're not at all far from the mark. Although I don't want to spoil it just yet, you're not too far from it.
Although, I read a theory on Gulls's origin, which was indeed more tight-knit to the lore. Sadly, the theory was a bit wrong. However, I did enjoy the idea, so thank you very much.
Gulls has got quite the challenge ahead of him, can he face Celestia?
Next time: Equal Footing.
The fated duel between Celestia and Gulls fast approaches! Everyone is on the edge of their seats with anticipation. Though everyone knows Celestia will crush Gulls, the handyman boy carries on!
With the odds stacked against him, and the stakes higher than ever before, can Gulls pull a miracle and win?
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