PAST
The castle had high walls of stone and glass, with a dozen narrow towers that were forked at the top. Wide windows or archer slots were scattered around the walls symmetrically and a huge, heavy looking gate of wood was bridging over a river that stretched further along the horizon. All were decorated with the various banners of the houses of Biquin and with celebratory salutations, commemorating the day of the king's birth. Festive music from horned and stringed instruments filled the air, along with balloons and trained turtledoves, their tiny shells painted green to match the king's eyes.
While the grounds around Castle Mishoria held many events such as jousting and bird aerobatics, inside the thousand year old walls, the nobles and royal families of Biquin enjoyed a platoon of court jesters and the company of those of similar births. The Grand Hall, where the king and queen were hosting the event, was spectacular in its splendor; purple sunlight shining through the glass skylight onto opulent wood carved tables, packed with delicacies. Artwork depicting the royal couple lined the stone walls, statues of them immortalized in glass or hued carvings of stone. Acrobats played on wires high over the heads of the near two hundred party goers.
Atop a dais of fifteen steps were two thrones upon which sat the king and queen of the Biquin kingdom. Tristen Biquin wore a crown of polished wood and jewels, his royal garb of black and gold hung loosely about his slender frame, as if it were too hot in the spacious hall. He nursed a drink, slouching on the cushioned chair. Greens and blues made up the queen's attire that hugged her more adequately then her spouse and her crown was studded with twice the amount of jewels. Jysti Biquin gestured with a delicate wave and a beast with reddish brown fur next to her raised its long nose. The sound it produced was like that of the horned instruments outside. The guests silence at the blaring to look up at their rulers. The royal couple rose to their equally impressive seven feet to address family and friends.
It was during their speech that Avia Zareil made her entrance. Her gown of white satin, cut at the shoulders, hovered inches from the tiled floor. Her tone biceps were bare, while her forearms were covered in a silver sleeve and her striking black hair was pinned up, exposing her dangling, pearl earrings. Her appearance drew attention, including those on the dais. The king eyed her, then downed his drink in one gulp; the queen smiled warmly as she induce those present to welcome the king on his one thousand, three hundred and eleventh birthday with song. Avia joins in with the hundreds of voices. Throughout the raucous melody, the king never broke eye contact with her.
Avia (thinking)
My sisters say I look like a completely different person when I paint my face. That's good. I've met the king once, when he came to visit father over a hundred years ago. It would be counterproductive to be recognized now. That's it, my dear king. Notice how attentive I am.
When the singing and applause died down, King Biquin began speaking about how grateful he was.
Avia (thinking)
When I initially got hired on as kitchen staff, it was to clandestinely discover how they choose their Superstars over here. Of the five on the Provisional Council, the two Highnesses up there hold the highest sway. Then, I learn you still keep your adulterous ways, after pledging public fidelity and forever love to your queen. So I befriend her. It wasn't difficult; I've seen people like her melt over just a bit of flattery where I'm from. And over the year and a half, we got to be good friends.
After wishing those present to enjoy themselves, the king and queen descend from over their charge to mingle amongst them; shaking hands and hugging family. Avia notices Biquin cut an eye her way every chance he could, remaining unnoticed by his wife. The pair were making their way in her general direction, passing the shadow puppet theater and marsupial band playing out a jig at the direction of their conductor. She drifted toward them in turn, drawing her share of admires, men and women both, turning down two marriage proposals in the process. She resonates icy solitude to persuade others from talking to her, dropping the demeanor once she reached the queen, who was tailed by a group hanging on her every word. Avia hugs her in a brief embrace, smiling her best for the dozens of eyes on them.
Jysti
Oh, Auperni, I'm so delighted you could come.
Avia
I'm thrilled to be allowed among such grandiose royalty, my Queen.
Jysti
Allow me to introduce my dearest of friends, Auperni Yealroy. She was working the kitchens but I found her so charming, I had to make her one of my handmaids.
Avia
It is my pleasure to serve.
Jysti
Nonsense. When do I ever ask you to do anything? I just love your company.
They hug again and the queen whispers in her ear.
Jysti (quietly)
Save me from this persistent rabble in one hour.
Avia (quietly)
Of course, my Queen.
Jysti and her entourage of well-wishers moved deeper into the hall. Avia spied the king as he strolled towards her, lopsided smile and drunken eyes working overtime.
Avia (thinking)
Ugh. This king is not worthy of the honor by appearance alone; though, womanizer is a little cute when not sloshed. Let's get this over with.
Biquin
Auperni, you look absolutely ravishing.
Avia
That is very kind to say so, Your Highness. And you look quite able for someone over a thousand years old. You must regale me with the tale of how you and the other kings achieved immortality again.
Biquin
A splendid tale it is. How about tonight, after the party?
Avia
I eagerly await your convenience.
Avia (thinking)
Portrait nearing completion.
PRESENT
The crowd of Pians look on in amazement as the energy filled the center of the Stadium. The pillars on which the Four Kings of Pia reside whenever there is battle within, was consumed also, prompting the shocked silence. The light and roar of the blast of energy fade, leaving Roxy to fly about, assessing damage.
The fog-glass squares that made up the Stadium battleground was mostly gone, vaporized, with chunks left scattered about. The pillars themselves still towered, their occupants sitting where they had been, no visible signs of discomfort. Avia stood up on the dirt, ready to continue the fight. Koshinataa floated several meters away, arms slowing in motion to guide him in a soft landing. The knife that produced the enormous blast was still in his hand, then crumpled into ash.
Avia (thinking)
Thankfully, that was a one shot weapon. My Aura Cloak won't return for another ten minutes, but my fuel gauge is half full from that attack. Gives me options.
Koshinataa
Without your Aura Cloak, you should forfeit.
Avia
Not my style.
Koshinataa
I wouldn't allow it, anyway. Never leave an opponent alive to regurgitate vengeance later, I always say.
Holding up both palms, a sphere of orange energy and a sphere of white appear over each. About the size of her own head, they float away from their creator, drifting towards her.
Avia (thinking)
My gauge rose as soon as he conjured those things.
Koshinataa
This is Rise and Shine; wind, more destructive then any tornado, fire, hotter then our own sun. One touch from either means instant death.
The balls of elemental destruction suddenly doubled in size. That's when Koshinataa took to the air again, hurling his feathers, now composed of metal. She avoids the first volley, but was herded into the path of one of the slow moving orbs. Her wariness of it allowed Koshinataa to stick her with multiple feathers. In less then a minute, she had over half a dozen puncture wounds.
The Stadium geodome held a radius of an acre, thus, her range of movement was limited, while he had an additional thirty feet of airspace before encountering the invisible barrier. The front row of seating was at the geodome's base and Avia could see the hatred on the faces of those in attendance as they continued to rain boos and insults. Koshinataa used the threat of his steel feathers to direct her again into path of the orbs trailing her, which had grown in size again, but she's able to avoid contact. The bird man would teleport away whenever she got close for a counter , positioning himself so that her next attempt would ensure she would run into his spheres.
Avia (thinking)
The geodome is too small to use my Violent Knuckle and this guy is not Gorjon; he will see it coming no matter how fast. And if I miss and hit the geodome or the spheres, then it's non finito. The people will cheer as I take my last breath; father would give my corpse that 'I told you so' look of his.
Her anger rose. The orange orb drifted downward like a setting sun, right in front of her. Both fists glew silver at this point and she drew one to her waist.
Avia
I hate...
Her fist now had a tiny black dot between her middle knuckles, the silver light pulsed loud in her pointy ears.
Avia
... spheres of magic!
Her fist snaps forward to strike the orb of fire, but it was the black dot that made contact. The ball disintegrates to nothing; the orb of wind suffers the same fate when her other fist sought it. Koshinataa looked impressed, then swooped in. He released more steel feathers, which she avoids, only to smack into a blast he sent ahead on her future route. Her feet were suddenly off the ground as her connection to gravity was severed.
The spear he conjured during his approach went through her sternum, out her back and into the ground. The crowd was goes wild. Koshinataa stood over her impaled form, then turned his back, walking off. Avia saw Roxy float toward her, but heard nothing but the roaring crowd.
Avia (thinking)
I knew it. They hate me just as much as the person who riled them up in the first place. Bet she's laughing at me, right now.
PAST
Avia rolls over in bed, placing an arm on King Biquin's chest. He grabbed her hand and kissed it, then kissed her.
Avia (thinking)
Time for the unveiling.
Avia
Oh, Tristen, you were wonderful.
Biquin
Plenty of practice, my lovely Auperni. You deserve praise as well. You are stronger then you appear.
Avia
That's because I've bonded with a soul coal.
He drew back to look at her in disbelief.
Biquin
Wha...when?
Avia
Seventeen years ago.
Biquin
Why would you-
Avia
To be Pia's next Superstar. And you're going to talk the Provisional Council into it.
His look went from confusion to sternness.
Biquin
Remove yourself from my bed.
She gathered her clothing and was fully dressed by the time the king went to a cabinet to obtain a robe.
Avia
It's simple. Inform the council that you found a new Superstar to replace the one you have. That's all.
Biquin
And why would I do that?
Avia
Just think about what would happen if the people find out you were unfaithful to their beloved queen.
Biquin
A blackmail scheme to become Superstar?
He laughs, shaking his head. Avia felt a chill run down her spine.
Avia
I'm not playing around here. Your wife and I are friends and she will believe whatever I say. And the people love her way more than they love you. Especially after she was able to tame the womanizer king and help steer the kingdom to great prosperity.
Biquin
You are obviously not a common maidservant. Who are you?
Jysti
She is our neighbor, King Zareil's youngest.
Queen Jysti emerged from the shadowed doorway, startling Avia.
Avia (thinking)
My Awareness was maxed out in case of snoopers and yet, the queen was able to get this close. I can feel her now, but why not before?
Jysti
She's been missing for almost twenty years, right after she bonded with an aura soul coal. What I couldn't understand was why she turned up in our corner of the world. That is, until tonight.
Queen Jysti strolled past her husband, who just stood motionless, eyes flickering between the two women. She took a delicate hand and grasps a piece of fruit on the stand near the bed. She smiles, biting into the juicy morsel; then sat in a plush chair as calmly as if this were a formal meeting.
Jysti
Be a dear and become my footstool.
Avia gaped as the king went over to the queen and got on his hands and knees. Her crossed, slippered feet rested on his back, his head hung low.
Jysti
Unfortunately, little flower, I have no more love for His Majesty then he does for me. Our union was of convenience, as you implied earlier; he needed the love of the people or risk a revolt. As for me, I was tired of being a merchant's daughter. Now, I have already sent word to your family of your indiscretions and that you will be my maidservant as your punishment. It will be impossible to keep this secret from the peasants and once those of my kingdom learn of what befell the jewel of their hearts, produce will rain upon you. But then, you've always enjoyed your fruit; no matter how forbidden.
She tossed the half eaten piece at Avia's feet.
Jysti
I'm fine with you being Superstar, but let's keep that quiet for now. In the meantime, go fetch me a glass of wine and then we can girl talk about our mutual futures.
PRESENT
The range of resentment from the audience was various, but unified in their hatred of one Superstar. During the battle, Roxy promised viewers that she would shed light on the controversy with an in-depth expose on the super scandal in the following days. Zella looked on as her sister destroyed the elemental orbs and cried out when she was skewered into the hard, pale earth. She just knew Avia was dead while the bird woman hologram started counting. From where she sat, she could see her father's profile and saw not a hint of emotion. Her spirits soared when her eyes went back to her sister, who was grasping the spear pinning her with both hands.
Avia grunts as she pulls it free and tossed it away. Koshinataa turns at the sound of the crowd quieting at the tenacity of their unwanted Superstar. Avia stood to her full height, attire in tatters, blood leaking from a hole that rapidly closes.
Avia (thinking)
Surprise. With a full fuel gauge, I can heal from any wound. It's at one-tenth at the moment, so I have little resources. I need nine-tenths, I think, if my plan is to work. Never thought of this before, but I'm not revealing my last two techniques for this guy. Painting a portrait: strike where he will be.
Koshinataa had retrieved the spear, metal end covered in her blood. His two handed grip had it pointed at her as she entered her stance.
Koshinataa
Your healing rate is impressive. Next time, I will aim for the brain.
He disappeared and she waited, Awareness keen for any soul magically popping up near her. He came from behind, aiming his spear at the base of her neck. She waited for the last possible second to side step, taking the strike in the shoulder, grasping the weapon with one hand and countering with a kick. He teleports before contact but left his weapon behind, which she removes from her punctured shoulder to threw at him when she sensed him again. It curved around him and came back at her, with him flying next to it. She had to avoid the homing spear as it bit into the ground and his wings of steel feathers taking swipes.
Avia (thinking)
His intent is my death, so those few attacks have given me what I need. Can't risk healing my shoulder, though. Got to end this now.
With the ring obliterated, the pale ground beneath was littered with what remaining rubble the blast didn't vaporize. She starts a series of random movements, trying to remain unpredictable, kicking up as much dust as she could muster, breaking some of the rubble as she did. She calls forth her Violent Bloom again, transforming the dust particles into the colorful, exploding petals, like before; Koshinataa chuckles in contempt, grabbing the spear. She was controlling the petals more directly, animatedly doing so for his benefit. He avoids the explosions near him before throwing the spear her way and vanishing.
She had willed a small clearing that she hoped Koshinataa thought was accidental and made four of the petals invisible, attaching them to his wing arms before she started her attack; something that required so much concentration that she couldn't avoid the spear. She diverts it with a well timed kick at the fog-glass chunk at her feet, but it still managed to slashed her face in passing. She knew she only had seconds before it came back around and folds the invisible petals together as he reappeared at the clearing she was aiming for with her Violent Knuckle.
In one second, Koshinataa teleported into the clearing with a look of concern, the petals explode, his mouth opens in pain, and Avia's fist strikes between his eyes. He hit the geodome that rocketed him to the ground just like her previous opponent. Avia turns in time to grip the homing spear as it sailed over her ducked form and stab it in the ground. It quivered then turned to dust. Roxy floated to the unconscious Koshinataa and her count went uninterrupted.
Roxy
Here is your victor, the Princess of Violence, Superstar Avia Zareil!!!
The crowd reaction drowned out Roxy's declaration of Avia's victory. They continue to boo her as she placed her left fist over her heart and raised the other straight up in the air; the Pian salute for dominance. She was surprised to see Zella in the crowd, returning her salute. Avia ignores her, staring at those who hate and jeer her, then up at the throne of her father to find him already gone; the other kings as well.
Avia (thinking)
Doesn't matter. These people see the portrait before them and really resent me because I'm stronger then them. All of them. Only the strong can survive this galaxy and I will prove to be the strongest. And then, father will have no choice but to acknowledge my worth.
End chapter