In the Underworld,
Nephridia kingdom,
The grand hall of the Palace is vast and foreboding, with towering columns of obsidian and a ceiling lost in shadows. The air is thick with an oppressive energy, and the flickering torches cast long, sinister shadows. At the far end of the hall, on a raised dais, stands the Crowned Prince of the Underworld, Prince Lucian. His presence is commanding, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Before him, the first-born royals of the six other kingdoms stand in a semi-circle, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and defiance.
Lucian starts to speak, his voice booming, "Welcome, my fellow royals. As you are well aware, the Blood Tournament is but a few days away. This is not just any tournament; it is a test of strength, cunning, and loyalty. I expect nothing less than perfection from each of you".
The royals exchange uneasy glances. The four princes and three princesses, each representing their own kingdom, stand before Lucian. Prince Asriel, Princess Laurel, Prince Caleb, Princess Aria, Prince Andrew, Princess Nyx, and Prince Ariel.
"Let me make myself clear. You will not embarrass me. You will not do anything stupid that is liable to piss me off. If any of you upset me, the punishment will be worse than the last time", Lucian said, with a menacing tone
The memory of the last punishment sends shivers down the spines of the gathered royals. They know Lucian's wrath is not to be taken lightly.
"We understand, Prince Lucian. We will ensure everything goes smoothly", Asriel said nervously.
Lucian's eyes narrow, a cruel smile playing on his lips. He spoke in a mocking tone, "Oh, I'm sure you will. But just to make sure you truly grasp the gravity of my words..."
With a wave of his hand, a dark, oppressive energy fills the hall. The air grows heavy, and the royals feel an immense pressure bearing down on them. One by one, they are forced to their knees, immobilized by Lucian's terrifying power. The weight is crushing, and they struggle to breathe.
"This is just a fraction of what awaits you if you fail me", Lucian said coldly.
The royals writhe in pain, their faces contorted in agony. The pressure is unbearable, and they can do nothing but endure it. After what feels like an eternity, Lucian releases them from his grip. The oppressive energy dissipates, and the royals collapse to the ground, gasping for air.
"Now, make sure everything goes smoothly with the preparations. I do not want any surprises", Lucian said calmly.
With a final, disdainful glance at the royals, Lucian vanishes, leaving the hall eerily silent. The remaining royals slowly rise to their feet, their bodies trembling and their minds reeling from the encounter.
Aria spoke, her voice shaking, "We have to be careful. Prince Lucian won't hesitate to follow through on his threats".
"We need to ensure the tournament goes off without a hitch. Our lives depend on it", Asriel added looking grim.
"Let's get to work. We can't afford any mistakes", Nyx said.
The royals exchange resolute nods, their fear replaced by a steely determination. They know the stakes are higher than ever, and failure is not an option. As they leave the grand hall, the weight of their responsibility hangs heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the terrifying power of Prince Lucian.
At Sawyer Mansion,
In the forbidden room
The room is vast and foreboding, with towering columns and intricate carvings depicting ancient battles and dark rituals. The air is thick with the scent of incense, and the flickering light from the torches casts eerie shadows on the walls. At the far end of the room, Sabrina sits on her throne, a figure of regal authority and dark power.
The heavy doors of the throne room creak open, and Ryder steps inside. He walks with measured steps down the crimson carpet that leads to the throne, his head bowed in respect. When he reaches the foot of the throne, he kneels and bows deeply before Sabrina.
"Your Majesty, you summoned me?"
"There's no need for formalities Ryder. Just talk to me normally".
Ryder stands, his eyes respectfully lowered. "Is there something going on with Nikki?"
Sabrina leans forward, her gaze piercing, "There's nothing wrong with Nikki. But I need Nikki to participate in the upcoming Blood Tournament. She must be prepared".
"Sabrina, with all due respect, Nikki is still power dormant. It would be unwise to thrust her into such a perilous event".
"I know that Ryder, but the crowned prince already knows that Nikki is no longer power dormant. You know better than anyone what will happen if they find out what she can really do. Remember what happened when she was a child? It will be worse than that. This time we might really lose her".
"I understand that you're worried but forcing her to break the seal on her powers could have grievous consequences, Sabrina. It is not something to be taken lightly", he said, concern evident in his eyes.
"I understand the risks, Ryder. I need your help in keeping her under control in case she loses herself to her powers".
"It doesn't make this right. Does Nikki know about this?"
"You know Nikki is just going to make a fuss over the matter. The fact that her powers are sealed is still affecting her even though she doesn't show it".
Ryder nods his head in agreement to what Sabrina said. He had seen how Nikki truly felt about her powers.
"Anyways Ryder have you been able to figure out where the seal came from?"
"Umm during my last examination of Nikki, I found something peculiar. She has been exhibiting unnatural behaviours".
She becomes worried, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, Ryder? Explain".
"Each time Nikki loses control, the amount of rage and hatred she displays is not normal for a girl her age. And when she regains herself, she remembers nothing of what transpired. I suspect there might be an internal force at play, suppressing her consciousness".
"How did you come to this conclusion?"
"The intensity of her emotions and the complete amnesia afterwards suggest that something—or someone—might be taking over her mind each time she loses control. What if, instead of her losing control, someone or something is actively suppressing her consciousness?"
Sabrina becomes pensive, her fingers tapping the armrest of the throne. "This is troubling. Find out more about this internal force, Ryder. I need to know what we are dealing with".
Ryder bowed; his voice resolute. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I will investigate further".
"And in the meantime, create something to help Nikki maintain control during the tournament. She must not lose herself", she commanded, her gaze unwavering.
"I will do my best, Your Majesty. I will ensure she has the means to stay in control".
Ryder bows deeply once more, the weight of Sabrina's request heavy on his shoulders. He turns and begins to walk back down the crimson carpet, his mind racing with the implications of what he has discovered.
Sabrina watches him go; her mind filled with the new information about her daughter. The flickering torchlight casts ominous shadows on her face as she contemplates the battle yet to come and the dark forces that may be at play.
The next day
In the underworld,
Serpentine Kingdom
The battle arena loomed like a gigantic coliseum, its weathered stone walls towering against the azure sky. Dust swirled in the air as the excited murmurs of the crowd echoed around the expansive venue, which was designed to accommodate thousands of spectators.
At the centre, a circular combat floor, marked with intricate runes and symbols, glinted under the midday moon. The ground was a mix of sand and compacted earth, worn smooth from countless duels. Surrounding the arena were elevated stands adorned with banners representing various kingdoms and champion, their colours vibrant against the muted tones of the stone.
Torch-lit fires lined the perimeter, casting flickering shadows that danced in anticipation of the impending clashes. The atmosphere was thick with tension and excitement, as spectators exchanged predictions and cheered for their favourites.
Above, a massive banner hung, inscribed with the tournament's emblem—a fierce beast entwined with weapons—signifying glory and valour. Sturdy wooden gates at opposite ends of the arena stood ready to swing open, releasing champions armed with an array of weapons and magical artifacts.
As the tournament hour approached, a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation crackling in the air. This was a place where legends would be forged, and only the strongest would rise to claim victory.
The Blood Tournament was an event steeped in ancient traditions, a battlefield adorned with both glory and despair, nestled deep within the obsidian heart of the underworld. Today, however, this hallowed ground would become a stage for the personal vendettas of royal blood.
At the centre of this savage congregation stood the Crowned Prince, Lucian draped in black armour that shimmered with an unholy sheen. His black hair, like a waterfall of moonlight, cascaded down his back, and his eyes were twin pools of molten red, striking fear into the hearts of lesser beings.
As he raised his hand, the clamouring masses fell silent. Lucian's voice, rich and commanding, resonated throughout the arena:
"Gather 'round, children of darkness! The time has arrived for the Blood Tournament, where the weak are discarded, and the strong rise! You come here for glory, for the thrill of combat, and perhaps, at the end of this brutal trial, to earn a taste of the power you so desperately crave!"
A murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd, fangs glinting, eyes gleaming with both hunger and fear.
"Let me remind you of the rules that govern this brutal contest," Lucian continued, his voice sharp as a dagger. "This is a last man standing battle! You will face one another in combat until only one remains, dripping with victory and drenched in the blood of other foes! The arena will know no mercy, and you must show none in return!"
The crowd erupted into loud cheers, chanting the names of their favoured competitors. But Lucian raised his hand again, silencing them.
"And hear this, for it is of utmost importance!" The prince's voice lowered to a sinister whisper, drawing the audience closer in anticipation. "Killing is not only allowed, it is encouraged! This tournament is a celebration of your darkest desires! Let the blood flow freely and anoint the ground beneath you as you fight for survival!"
He stepped closer to the edge of the raised platform, leaning forward with a wicked grin etched on his lips. "Should you hesitate, should you falter in the face of your opponent, know that you will meet a swift end. Embrace the shadows that dwell within you, for only those truly willing to shed blood will taste victory!"
With a flourish, Lucian drew a wickedly curved blade from his side, its edge glinting menacingly under the moonlight. He held it high for all to see. "Now, prepare yourselves! The Blood Tournament begins now! Fight with all your might, and may the strongest demon emerge from this cauldron of bloodbath!"
The crowd erupted into a frenzy, a discord of howls and roars erupting from the depths of hellish souls eager to partake in the madness. As the chaos surged, Lucian felt a thrill of power course through him; the arena was his dominion, and today, blood would spill in his name. Surely, by the end of it all, he would find what the one worthy of standing beside him in this dark realm was truly capable of. He smiled as he cast his gaze on a figure. Yes, he had specifically prepared this tournament for her. He wanted to see her going all out without holding back and today he was going to witness it.
As the moon dipped beyond the horizon, in the centre stood Nikki, as she watched the blood shed going on. A scornful discord erupted from a group of demon royals. Encircling her are the upper demon royals, their eyes filled with disdain and malice.
"A pathetic little thing, aren't you?" spat the regal figure leading the pack— Lyra, the crown prince's fiancée. Her presence was radiantly fierce, dark energies swirling like shadows around her as she stepped closer, venom dripped heavily from her words. "Still sitting in the dirt, waiting for the stains of the reliable to wash over you? Look at you, bleeding like a weakling!"
With a flick of her wrist, Lyra unleashed a surge of energy, sending a pulse of dark magic toward Nikki, who staggered backward. A crimson trickle cascaded from her nose, painting her porcelain skin with a touch of despair.
Lyra laughs, See? You can't even defend yourself. You're a disgrace to our kind".
A murmur rippled through the onlookers, and Ariel and Asriel who had been watching from the side-lines, swift like shadows, rushed to intervene. Their expressions are stern and disapproving.
"Enough, Lyra!" Ariel warned, his tone edged with authority, his dark eyes unwavering. "Don't do anything foolish. The crowned prince is watching".
Lyra shrugged off their concern nonchalantly, an indifferent smirk on her lips. "What's it to you? She deserves to know her place. I'll not have her sullying the arena with her dormant cowardice while we are battling".
"Listen to reason," Asriel growled, stepping closer. "If you harm her again, we'll forget the blood ties binding us, and you'll find that my blade is sharper than any words".
But the threat only ignited the fire of rebellion within Lyra. Her brows furrowed, and her eyes darkened with fury. "You would turn against me? I order you all: kill her! Show her what true power looks like!"
Chaos erupted as the other demon royals surged into action, powers flaring brightly as they clashed with one another, casting energy blasts and conjuring dark forms that danced like phantoms against the fading daylight. The arena transformed into a war zone of destruction, ripping apart stones and sending fragments scattering like forgotten memories.
Nikki stood to the side, her heart pounding, feeling the throbbing violence around her churning within. Though meant to be a spectator, every growl, every blast of energy resonated through her veins as her surroundings pulsed angrily. She could feel an immense anger and hatred building up in her. She felt it—the flicker of something long dormant beginning to awaken inside her.
The atmosphere in the arena shifted, an icy wind biting through the chaos, suffocating the screams of battle into an uneasy hush. Clouds billowed and darkened ominously, creeping shadows. The air thickened, saturated with a dense excitation that made everyone pause mid-fight. The fighting stops abruptly as the demon royals sense the change in the atmosphere. Confused glances darted about as they look around, trying to trace the source of the terrifying energy. Their eyes widen in shock and disbelief when they realize it is coming from Nikki.
There, within the eye of the storm, she stood untouched by the fight around her. A terrifying dark red aura enveloped her form, pulsating with a life of its own—an explosion of raw, untamed power. Her hair flowed like molten lava, wild and free against the chilling air.
And there, amid the tumult, she smiled—an expression that was at once innocent and unnervingly fierce. Her eyes blazed crimson red, flickering with echoes of a hidden fury that had been waiting, patient and silent, for a catalyst.
Nikki smiled wickedly, "Well, well. It seems my power isn't so dormant after all".