"Yeah, Archer! Beat him up!" A young Ken shouted, cheering for a young Archer.
"Do not let up!" Another one of Archer's friends cheered.
The young Archer rushed the younger me with attacks, each strike landing their mark. I couldn't dodge them in time, each strike more brutal than the last. Archer laughed as he landed a devastating blow, sending me rolling along the ground. I grunted softly as I rolled onto my back, trying my hardest to get up.
"Stop it! Leave him alone!" A younger April cried out, being held back by a few of Archer's friends.
The younger versions of Lily and Nina watched as Archer relentlessly beat me up, embarrassing me in front of everyone. They held each other's hands, worried about my well-being and the aftermath of the duel. Ms. Ray watched the duel, unable to keep her eyes on the battle but knew she had to keep watching.
Archer gripped my shirt and rose me off the ground, smirking at me as he looked at me. "Hey everyone! Look at this Mangled! He's so weak that a baby could probably beat him up! Chant Mangled with me!"
The high tiers and mid tiers of the academy began chanting together, chanting only one word: "Mangled". Their chants were blood boiling, their chants fueled hate inside of me, I wanted to do anything to beat up Archer at this moment but knew I couldn't and I was too weak.
That was four years ago, now I'm standing face to face with Archer once again, this time stronger than I ever was. I wasn't alone, I had the support of Nagini, Leona, Sephora, the low tiers of the academy who believed in me, my friends, and most importantly...I had the undying support of my foster mother, Ms. Dahlia Ray.
As I stood face to face with Archer today, my blood boiled the same as it did four years ago. My heart was fueled with revenge, hate, and a strong desire to beat him. I glanced up and noticed Vinson watching the battle more closely now, his gaze focused on only me and Archer.
Archer readied his bow, his lips curling into a mockingly condescending smirk. "On this fateful day, four years ago...I destroyed you. Now on this fateful day, I will destroy you just as I've done four years ago. Nothing will change. Sure you've gotten stronger...but so have I."
My gaze met Archer's with a fierce determination and pride. I began to circle around the arena with Archer, steps cold and calculated. "Is that what you think? You think you still have the upper hand against me? I've not only trained with Nagini, but I've also trained with Liao Ru, went toe to toe with the best at St. Nova, and if you must know...I am Cipher."
Nagini smirked as I revealed a major secret to everyone, laughing softly and clapping her hands. "You tell him, my favorite lab rat!~ There are no more secrets! You don't need to hold anything back!"
"I led the vigilantes into Fleur Union, The Pride saved the Eco Aegis...and not only that," I began, stopping in my tracks then summoned my Solar Peridot. "I am the one who defeated Darkness at North Emerald Base. Your strength does not compare to mine."
Archer scoffed at me, stopping in his tracks as well and summoned his Psychic Tanzanite. "Is that so? So you're opening admitting to being a Criminal and some kind of Vigilante? Ha...those feats are hard to believe. You will have to show me then...show me that your words weigh true."
I grabbed my Solar Peridot, transforming into my Zodiac Drive, my hair becoming a fiery mane and fiery cuffs forming around my wrists and ankles. My regal appearance commanded attention and my fiery aura calmly flowed around me.
"In this battle, Archer, there is no concept of honor like I've shown the others. My only goal...is to mercilessly destroy you. With my worst...I will beat your best, Archer Vaughn" I said, getting into my Lion Stance.
Archer grabbed his Zodiac Crystal, transforming into his Zodiac Drive, his hair shifting between hues of blue and purple like Mehira's, his eyes shining brightly with the Sagittarius Sigils within, and a hunter's coat and pauldron forming on his body.
Archer laughed at my declare, getting into his stance. "We will see about that...August Eyica."
The crowd was silent, all eyes being on us with a mix of excitement and anticipation for the battle to start. The tension were high, but the stakes were even higher. It was time to finally prove myself and start the downfall of St. Meishi Academy.
Without hesitation, I lunged toward Archer, launching a swift punch aimed at his face, but Archer evaded the attack, countering with a swift kick. I blocked his kick then pushed him back, launching myself toward him once more. I entered my Stealth Mode, my speed becoming near invisible speeds.
As I launched a strike at him from behind, his Sagittarius Sigils shined, allowing him to evade my Stealth Strike, catching me off guard. Archer looked at me then smirked, landing a kick on my stomach and knocking me in the air. He aimed his bow at me, firing a volley of arrows at me, each one hiking in on me at high speeds.
I recovered in the air, taking a deep breath. 'Zodiac Arts: Leo Infernal Assault!'
I blew out a barrage of fireballs shaped like lion heads at Archer's volley of arrows, each one colliding with his arrows and causing explosions around the air. I landed on the ground then growled lowly at Archer.
"My Knight, the Sagittarius Zodiac offers Archer-Based abilities. He has Absolute Precision, Omni-Vision, Danger Sense, and Basic Level Freedom. He can see you no matter how fast you go or how stealthy you become. Sagittarius are the natural enemy to us Leos who are often hunted by them," Leona said, hovering behind me.
'Then what do I do?' I replied mentally, subtly glancing at Leona.
"You have Absolute Senses, Apex Predator Instincts, Pride Empowerment, and most importantly, Ultimate Primal Instincts. All of the abilities he has can be countered. I believe in you My Knight," Leona said, gently running her nails through my hair with a soft purr.
I nodded and closed my eyes then began to manipulate the sun to shine brighter, each sun ray aimed at me and I began to use the energy from the sun to keep my Solar Peridot in a Solar Charged state. I opened my eyes then got into my stance once again, my gaze focused and unflinching.
I lowered my stance then dashed toward Archer at high speeds, launching a swift strike toward him but he dodged it then fired a swift arrow at me, but I dodged it, feinting my counter and forcing him to block high. I landed a powerful gut punch to his stomach, knocking him back. Archer regained his balance and grunted lightly.
"Hmph...As I expected, just the same weakling, but with some new tricks. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks, but that doesn't mean the old mutt will be any good at them," Archer sneered, his tone condescending and arrogant.
I stared at him, each insult and taunt he threw only fueling my desire to win and my Indomitable Pride. I chuckled softly, taking on my Lion Stance once again. "This battle is only just getting started...but if I'm an old dog, you're just a bird brained Parrot who only squawks and mimics what others teaches him before he doesn't have a mind of his own. You're just a puppet, and that's worse than being an old dog."
Archer's left eye twitched from annoyance, my taunts obviously getting under his skin. "Looks like the old dog can bark again, but let's see if you can bite all the same!"
Archer bellowed as he summoned a large arrow, firing it and the arrow split into a flurry of smaller arrows. I let out a roar, the soundwaves of the roar deflecting the arrows then I dashed forward. I gracefully twirled around, my flames spiralling around me like a dancing vortex. Archer dodged my Upper Lion Fist, but groaned as a erupting spiral of flames struck him, knocking him in the air.
I got into my stance once against, but this time placing one hand behind my back and holding one hand out in front of me. I took a calming breath then exhaled, my flames flowing around me like a calm sea.
Nagini sat up, noticing my stance then smirked widely. She laughed loudly, clapping her hands and everyone glanced at her. "So she taught him her Phoenix Stance? I knew having Liao Ru train him was perfect! Show that son of a bastard and student what you've become August! Let us hear your renewed roar!"
I roared loudly, propelling myself toward Archer at high speeds. I slid under his volley of arrows, catching him off guard with a barrage of Flare Kicks, juggling him into the air. I imagined my Combination Move with Nina, spinning on one hand, forming a powerful vortex of flames around my body to rapidly strike Archer then kicked him away.
I swiftly got back into my feet, rushing toward Archer once again. Archer recovered and dodged my strikes, countering with a swift right hook, slightly staggering me. He kicked me back then fired an arrow directly at my stomach, causing the arrow to explode and knock me back.
"Zodiac Arts: Chain Barrage!" Archer bellowed, locking onto me then fired a swift arrow at me at high speeds.
I tried to dodge the arrow, but the arrow shifted trajectory and landed its mark. Once his arrow struck me, a chain of arrows began hitting me, each one exploding upon impact. Archer bellowed as he fired a massive arrow at me, the arrow striking me and causing a massive explosion.
Archer smirked at the smoke cloud then grunted softly as he noticed a flash of light within the smoke cloud. I let out a roar, my aura surging powerfully around my body then I rushed toward Archer at near invisible speeds.
"That shit doesn't work, remember! I can see you!" Archer bellowed, sensing an attack from every direction and grunted in shock.
'Wait what..? An attack coming from all directions..? Where is—' Archer thought, but his thoughts were interrupted as I landed a powerful Stealth Strike, striking him with a calculated uppercut to his chin.
I roared as I knocked him into the air then formed a large fireball in my hand. "Zodiac Arts: Infernal Devastation!"
I hurled the fireball toward Archer, but he managed to fire a strong enough arrow at it, the two projectiles colliding and exploding in the sky. Archer landed onto his feet, huffing softly and keeping watchful eye on me.
Archer chuckled softly, standing up straight and lowered his bow. "Well, I see you're starting to adapt to my Omni-Vision and Danger Sense. I expect no less from a Leo Zodiac Knight who has to rely on Absolute Senses and Primal Instincts against a Hunter like us Sagittarius."
"But don't think you've got the upper hand because you landed a few measley strikes. You aren't the only one who learned something froma great figure. Since you've been to St. Nova, I'm sure you know the existence of Domain Creation...right?" Archer continued, his smirk widening at my subtle reaction.
'Domain Creation..? Like Annalise's Nova Battlefield and The Void? There's no way he could've learned to create a Domain in such a short time... unless..' I thought, grunting softly and met Archer's gaze, noticing his wicked smirk.
"Looks like you've put the pieces together, Mangled. I've always had this in my back pocket, learning how to create a Domain of my own from my father, Headmaster Vinson!" Archer laughed, holding his arms out, looking at the sky.
"Father, it's time for my to show you my Domain! I finally have one and I will use it against this invasive pest and eliminate him from our Academy!" Archer continued, laughing maniacally then exhaled softly, his gaze landing on mine.
I braced myself for whatever Archer had planned. My eyes narrowed to glance at Ms. Ray, who was shaking in her heels, worried about how the battle would turn. I glanced behind Archer, noticing April, Lily, and Nina finally waking up. I looked back at Archer, feeling the slightest of unease crawl down my spine.
"Domain Creation: Symphony of the Woodlands," Archer chanted, snapping his fingers then multiple trees began to sprout from underground.
I looked around and noticed a forest being generated around the arena. I was now standing in a lush forest, the trees tall and imposing, the sounds of nature around me eerie, and the change of environment forcing me to use my Ultimate Primal Instincts to quickly adapt.
Nagini formed giant holographic interfaces around the arena so the crowd could see what was going on within the forest. She crossed her arms and watched closely. "To think this little brat had a Domain under his belt..."
"Will August be okay, Professor? You know the properties of a Domain, the user has Absolute Control over the rules of the domain, they also are granted Absolute Attack properties to all attacks," Heifer said, her tone a mix of worry and concern for me.
Nagini was silent, crossing her arms and kept watching the screen. "There's no way of knowing if he'll be 100% okay within an enemy domain. All we can do now is trust that he knows how to counter an Absolute Attack and counter the properties of a Domain."
I looked around, scanning the area to find Archer. Suddenly, I heard the whistle of an arrow flying toward me at high speeds then turned to the source, perfectly parrying the arrow and shattering it. I heard the taunting laugh of Archer's voice, his voice echoing throughout the forest.
"So you know how to counter an Absolute Attack as well? It looks like St. Nova was more helpful than I initially realized, but it doesn't matter if you can't keep up!" Archer taunted, firing more arrows at me from each direction while being in Stealth Mode himself.
I grunted as he began parrying each arrow, knocking I would have to rely on perfect timing since Absolute Attacks can not miss. I began to use my Absolute Senses to track Archer and his position, sensing his presence then clashed my gauntlets together to create sparks.
"Fire Arts: Shining Star Volley!" I bellowed, firing a volley of sparkling bolts of fire toward Archer's position.
Archer grunted softly and dodged the bolts of fire then launched a barrage of arrows at me, but I swiftly parried each one carefully then dashed toward him. I swiped my claws at Archer, but he jumped back, firing more arrows at me then leaped on the top of a tree branch.
"Oh my goodness, you're really a persistent one aren't you? Did that memory hurt you that badly? I can see the rage and hate in your eyes as you look at me, feel the anger and disdain in your attacks. You're going Berserk aren't you?" Archer taunted, a sneering grin stretching across his lips.
I growled lowly, baring my fangs and my pupils slowly became vertical. "I told you, I would destroy you. I will not only destroy you, but I'll also bring upon the downfall of St. Meishi and expose the toxicity of this academy!"
Archer laughed, placing a confident hand on his hip. "You? You think you can actually win this? Bring the downfall upon this elite academy? You've got too much pride than what you can handle, Beast. It's really annoying hearing you speak so proudly of yourself."
"You haven't seen real Pride yet, Puppet. Shoot as many arrows as you'd like...I will take every last one of them down," I growled, readying myself for battle once again.
Archer scoffed, his smirk unwavering as he slowly became invisible. "For a mangled beast like yourself, you sure have a smart mouth... Alright, Beast. From now on, you don't even have to use your senses, I'll just tell you exactly where I'm going to shoot you."
I looked around, anticipating the direction the arrow would come in. I got into a defensive stance, glancing around quickly.
"Left thigh," Archer said, an arrow instantaneously piercing my left thigh.
I groaned in pain as I felt the arrow piercing my thigh, the attack evading my senses completely.
"Next, your right arm then your left leg," Archer laughed, another arrow instantaneously piercing my right arm.
Roaring in pain, I grabbed my right arm then groaned loudly as another arrow pierced my left leg, causing me to fall off the tree branch. I hit the ground hard, grunting in deep pain. I huffed as I began to stand up, my body shaking and in severe pain. I couldn't hear the arrows, the sounds of nature being too loud and overstimulating my senses.
"Unlike a Beast like you, I actually have strategy and don't overly rely on just pure instincts to fight! What will you do now that you can't see nor hear the arrows?!" Archer cackled, firing more arrows at me.
April gasped as she watched each arrow pierce me instantaneously, her heart hurting as she watched and listened to me groan in pain. Tears began to well in her eyes, a lump forming in her throat. "August..!"
Ms. Ray looked away, unable to watch me suffer in the domain. She bit her lip strong enough to draw blood, her hands curling into fists tightly enough to make her knuckles turn white. Vinson watched with a proud, sadistic smirk on his face. He was pleased to watch his son embarrass me once more.
"Enough playing around! It's time for me to end this with an arrow going straight through your organ!" Archer bellowed, firing another arrow at lightning fast speeds.
The arrow went through my body, piercing a vital organ, my hair covering my eyes as I fell to the ground. A pool of blood began to form underneath me, my breathing becoming ragged and my thoughts slowly... fading into...nothingness.
Archer laughed as he looked down at me. "Look at this poor guy! What happened to all that pride?! Where did your bravado go?! Before you die, I just want you to hear this chant once more. Mangled...Mangled, mangled!"
The high tiers began to join in on the taunt, chanting "mangled" with Archer. Nagini grumbled as she gripped her sleeve as she crossed her arms, Ms. Ray covered her eyes, feeling all hope was lost and prayed to the Sovereigns for a miracle. The chants only got louder, echoing not only within the forest but also through the arena.
April couldn't handle it anymore, letting out a loud scream and her Crest of War shined brightly. "SHUT UP!"
Immediately, the arena went quiet, everyone glancing at April who began to cry and fall to her knees. Nina and Lily looked at April, feeling their hearts bleed for her and me, their tears also welling into their eyes.
"Shut up! All of you! August, you can't lose this! After everything we've been through, after every fight, every battle, you've always come out on top even through your losses! Please! I beg you, August! Get up! Get up and keep fighting!" April screamed, her voice echoing across the entire arena.
I heard April's voice then slowly began to rise to my feet. I wobbled slightly, my thoughts slowly coming back to me, my once fading consciousness returning to me. I noticed my bow appear in front of me, looking up and noticing The Tyrant standing in front of me.
"The Bloodshed calls for you. You want to win right? Then let's win. Let us win. Not only with me...but with Sephora and Leona as well," The Tyrant spoke, holding out the Conqueror's Bow out in front of me.
I took the bow then summoned my Rainbow Fluorite and Solar Peridot around me, closing my eyes. I used Zodiac Fusion to fuse my Zodiac Crystals into the Rainbow Peridot then tossed my bow in the air and The Tyrant Avatar caught it.
Archer watched me, raising an eyebrow and wondering what I was doing. His heart thumped as he felt chaotic celestial energy radiating from my body. He aimed another arrow at me, firing it but noticed the arrow shatter upon impact against my aura.
Nagini and Ms. Ray watched in awe, also feeling my chaotic energy. Nagini's eyes widened as she noticed the Crest of Conquest shining on my shoulder, standing up and feeling her heart racing. Ms. Ray noticed Sephora standing beside me, watching as white clouds began spiralling around my body.
"You thought you won this, Archer? Well I have one more trick up my sleeve. One that will destroy you and Mehira! I am Ascea Eyica, Prince of Eyica from Utalia! You will now see true Divine Power...of The Hero!" I roared, my aura surging powerfully around my body as I began to transform into my Conquest Form and my Super Zodiac Drive.
Archer grunted softly as he felt the high winds radiating from my body, his heart beating against his chest rapidly. 'What is this..? What is that power..?! Why can't I understand it?!'
I exhaled and stood with my back turned to Archer, opening my eyes then a calm aura shifting between hues of silver, blue, white, and a bit of violet began flowing around me. My eyes shifted to a silver color and I turned around to look at Archer.
"Whatever you think you can do now against me...will not work. I am the Embodiment of Conquest. I am Ambition. I am Vengeance. I am Willpower. I am Order. I am Diligence. I am Determination. I am The Inevitable...I am Victory..." I said coldly, my gauntlets shining and humming with power and my white clouds flowing around me, my gaze on Archer unwavering.
"The true battle...now begins, Archer," I finished, looking up at Archer and getting into my stance.