Chapter 9: Wings of fate

Nyxon tried to move, but he couldn't. Something in his mind was stopping him. He felt a sharp pain in his head as he tried to move forward– but he couldn't. He couldn't do it. He felt someone push on his shoulder– it was Manda. She sat beside Nyxon as he burrowed his face into his knees. The pain was unbearable, and Nyxon was afraid. "Hey, kid," whispered Manda. She started to nudge at Nyxon's shoulder. She poked her head out to Luna, who was in the crowd. Manda gave a gesture to Luna, telling her to buy some time for Manda. Luna quickly stood to talk to King Magnus. The King looked frustrated as he was talking to his brother. "I just don't get it– he should have been here already-"

"Your majesty?" said Luna. The King soon gave his attention to Luna.

"Yes, Princess?" replied Magnus.

"I was wondering I-If I could give a speech? For Nyxon?"

Magnus glared at Donnel. Donnel nodded his head in agreement. Magnus allowed her to step on the pedestal in front of him. She started to tap at the microphone as she gathered everyone's attention. She cleared her throat as she began to speak.

Nyxon could hear her from the tunnel. His ears shot upwards as her voice rang through the tunnel. "Yeah, she's amazing, isn't she?" said Manda. "I'm really happy you two are together." Nyxon felt his eyelids flutter. He looked at Manda with a big smile on his face. It made Manda happy to see her brother. "I don't think I've said this before, but you have the prettiest pair of brown eyes."

Nyxon was embarrassed. But it was the embarrassment he was proud of. He twirled his hair around on his finger, "You said that the other week," replied Nyxon. He was smiling.

"Well, I should start saying it more," chuckled Manda. Her smile was contagious. Her smile started to make Nyxon laugh.

Manda started to cheer Nyxon up. He felt he really needed that. Nyxon stood up. He checked on his sword that was attached to his hip. Manda stood up with Nyxon, hugging him one last time before he ran away into the stadium. Manda dashed out from the tunnel at incredible speeds. She flew into the air to announce Nyxon's arrival to the crowd. "EVERYBODY! GIVE IT UP FOR MY LITTLE BROTHER AND FUTURE KING OF ESMUS– NYXON!" shouted Manda. The crowd roared for Nyxon. Luna sat down from the pedestal as she went back to her family. The kids quickly shouted with Luna when Nyxon stepped onto the field. Nyxon smelt the air– victory is what it smelled like. The ground was rough on Nyxon's boots, but he kept his footing firm. He glared at the crowd– they quickly went silent. Nyxon drew his sword out– and plunged it into the ground. He stared at the ground. He could feel the nervousness flee from his body. His hair flowed in the wind, similar to water in the ocean.

Nyxon pointed to Donnel in the stand, DONNEL! COME OUT FROM THE STAND AND FIGHT ME!" shouted Nyxon. Shouting made him feel powerful.

Donnel glared at Nyxon from the stand. He looked at how fierce Nyxon looked from the ground. Brinks snickered, "Don't go easy on him." said Brinks to Donnel. Donnel quickly jumped from the stand. He landed at the end of the stadium. His jump had created a small crater in the position he landed in. Nyxon and Donnel stared at each other. People were anxious about watching the two in front of each other. Donnel drew his sword from his back. He let the greatsword fall from his back to the ground– the impact was loud, it made the crowd cover their ears.

Magnus raised his hand, "READY–" shouted Magnus. Nyxon and Donnel both went into their stances. "BEGIN-" roared Magnus. The two were off!

"Azure Style!" shouted Nyxon. A blue Aura started to flow from his sword.

"Stonebreaker!" shouted Donnel. An orange Aura began to flow from his sword.

"Azure Style: Surface slash!" roared Nyxon. A blue gust of wind started hailing at Donnel as he stood in the center.

Donnel tapped his sword on the ground. His sword created multiple mountains of stone in the environment.

Nyxon's air slash had cut all of them away, luckily. Nyxon and Donnel soon charged at each other. Their swords clashing against each other created sound-breaking impacts.

Cormac couldn't stay in his seat. The temptation to cheer for Nyxon was too high. "GET HIM BIGBRO! WIN FOR US!" shouted Cormac. Neve had to pull on his shirt to keep him in the stand. Lev was just happy to be here with her new family.

Luna, however, was a different case. Her body was already almost spilling out from the stand. She kept shouting Nyxon's name enough. Even her parents were shocked. "Goodness me! Look at all of Nyxon's supporters!" gasped Patrica. Cleo shook his head. "How could they not? Even Luna is enjoying this and doesn't even like fights," said Cleo.

"AH! LOOK AT THEM GO! I DIDN'T KNOW NYXON WAS SO GOOD AT HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT!" shouted Manda. She was almost falling out of her seat. She watched Nyxon deal a devastating counterattack. It made her scream joyfully.

Donnel plunged his sword into the ground. He began to rip and tear rocks from the bottom as he threw them at Nyxon. Nyxon spun his sword behind him– then forward– then back again. He began cutting the stones in half one by one as each came at him at incredible speeds. He was thrilled. Being nervous nearly felt impossible for him now. He could feel the excitement from the battle. His sword glistened and rang loudly from each swing he took at each stone. The leather around his grip started to feel damp on his hand. He couldn't stop fighting now– not when things were getting good.

Donnel stopped throwing stones. He smiled, "Nyxon! Good to see you weren't slacking on training-" said Donnel. He picked up his greatsword from the ground again. Smoke started to come out from the bottom. "Of course, I'm doing this at your Dad's request! So I'm sorry about this!"

"Sorry?" muttered Nyxon. It was almost instant– Donnel struck him at his sword almost as quickly as he spoke. Nyxon and Donnel started to exchange attacks of power at each other. Their Aura's flowed from their bodies as they continued to strike at each other.

Donnel quickly struck at Nyxon's knees– Nyxon dodged it safely. However, he was left open in the air for another attack. Donnel quickly grabbed Nyxon in the air– he slammed him into the ground, forcing Nyxon to backflip to create space. Nyxon wiped his forehead– blood? Nyxon tucked his sword to his hip. His mouth soon expanded– fire soon erupted from his mouth towards Donnel.

"Mom, Dad! Nyxon's bleeding!" shouted Luna.

Cleo and Patrica exchanged glances. Patrica nodded, "He'll be fine. I can see him being ok in the future-"

"Damn!" Brinks blurted out. Donnel isn't letting Nyxon off easy here, is he?"

Magnus nodded. "I didn't tell him to. It seems he's doing this on his own will." Magnus added on. Brinks could feel a smile on his face. He couldn't hide it from Manda, who was watching with passion in her eyes.

"Stop saying that– Nyxy's fine," Manda stated.

"Doesn't look like it to me. Donnel better be trying his hardest here," said Brinks. The Warbeck family gave a concerned eyebrow raise.

Manda kept her eyes on the battle. She couldn't take her eyes off Nyxon even if someone pulled her away from her seat. Dust started to cloud the field. Nyxon backed himself into a dust cloud, trying to create space between himself and Donnel. Then suddenly– and attack! Donnel slashed Nyxon. But suddenly, Nyxon's body started to fade away. Luna jumped out of her seat again, "THAT'S IT! IT'S AN AFTERIMAGE!" she shouted." B-But wait, so was Donnel! Their afterimages are fighting each other!"

The noble families started to scream shouts of confusion soon. Even Brinks couldn't believe it. Nyxon and Donnel continued to clash when the smoke finally cleared itself. Donnel and Nyxon were covered in cuts from the exchanges. Donnel wiped his mouth. He admired the work Nyxon was making him go through. Nyxon shook his hand– it was tired from how hard he was griping against the sword. Donnel glanced over to the King. They both nodded to each other. Nyxon raised an eyebrow and took a stance, "Azure Style:" said Nyxon. He was waiting for another strike from Donnel.

Donnel put his sword into the ground again. Was it another stone toss? Donnel juggled the stone in his hand like a ball– laughing as he aimed toward Nyxon. He launched it– at The Warbeck family! Nyxon panicked, "Azure Style: Blue Flash!" he blinked from his position to the stadium walls, running along the surface at breakneck speeds. The Warbeck shouted and shrieked in fear as the boulder approached them. They didn't notice it fast enough– the boulder was nearly inches from Luna's face.

Luna looked at the boulder in fear. Then, all of a sudden– the boulder was cut in half! It was Nyxon! Nyxon had cut the boulder as it was inches away from Luna's face. He twirled in the air as he winked at Luna. He was thankful he made it in time. Luna looked at her hero above her head. She admired the brown scarf Nyxon wore around his neck in the heat of battle. The Warbeck family shouted and clapped for Nyxon, thanking him for saving Luna. Nyxon quickly landed on the ground– his eyes were darting across the field as he tried to locate Donnel.

Nyxon was furious. Why would Donnel do that? He needed answers. He gripped his sword violently. His hand started to go numb as anger swelled in his head. It was nearly enough to make his scar ache. He prepared himself, "DONNEL!" he shouted. "WHERE ARE YOU-"

"Here," Donnel replied. He was behind Nyxon, gripping his greatsword in his hand. Donnel began to swing his sword with great speed and strength.

The crowd started to scream with worry. Nyxon's name began to echo throughout the field. It almost felt like the whole world could hear his name. Nyxon turned around, and there he was. Donnel swung at Nyxon's neck. Nyxon let out a deathly gasp as the crowd covered their eyes. Nyxon stood still. His body wasn't moving. Donnel glared at Nyxon before his eyes soon went blank. Nyxon was alive, and he was angry. Donnel had hit Nyxon directly on the scales of his neck, stopping the blade from cleanly hurting Nyxon.

Nyxon shifted his eyes to Donnel. They were different. They were scary. Donnel soon gave off a worried expression. He tried to wiggle the blade from Nyxon's neck. He pulled with all his strength– but the edge wouldn't come out. Nyxon stared at Donnel as he helplessly tried to take his weapon back. Nyxon placed his hands on the sword. Donnel nearly ran away from seeing Nyxon's face. Nyxon pressed down on the blade, using his fingertips to touch it down to its silver gently. He pressed down violently, snapping the sword in half as the crowd watched in confusion.

Lev felt a shiver down her spine. She clung to Neve for comfort. "D-Does Nyxon seem... odd?" asked Lev.

Patrica nodded, "Something doesn't feel right,"

Donnel backed away from Nyxon. He looked terrified as if he were trapped with a beast. Nyxon shook his head. He looked back at Donnel as he continued to move away from Nyxon. Nyxon raised his arms to the stadium walls, expelling fire from his hands. A great firewall started forming on the walls, blocking out the sights from the spectators. Donnel clenched his fist, "THAT'S IT! I'm ending this right now!" he shouted. He was beginning to transform. His height was starting to increase at drastic rates.

Nyxon looked up to his uncle. He knew the fight was coming to a climax. Nyxon clenched his arms tightly. He could feel himself transforming too. His eyes changed themselves on his face. He could feel his scales changing in size and his tail growing as his head elongated. His teeth were enormous, and his body was terrifying. Nyxon was a Dragon. The fire soon settled. The people around the stadium could see what they had missed out on. The concerns soon turned into roars and cheers for Nyxon. The Warbeck family soon saw it too. They could see Nyxon standing in front of Donnel. Cormac and his new siblings couldn't keep their eyes off Nyxon. "HE LOOKS SO COOL," the kids shouted. They all jumped with glee.

Nyxon was crawling on the ground on all fours. His footsteps carried a great impact on the floor. Donnel and Nyxon kept circling each other, wondering when was the right moment to pounce. Nyxon started to drool from the anticipation. His spit created pools of poison on the ground. Lev raised her glasses, "That's right! Nyxon has poison!" she remarked. "He wouldn't bite Donnel, right?" asked Lev. No one responded. They were too busy watching Nyxon anxiously.

The anger was bubbling inside Nyxon. He couldn't control what he was going to do next. Donnel's feet shifted towards Nyxon. Nyxon lept to Donnel! He wrapped his neck around Donnel as his spit dropped near his feet. Donnel used Nyxon's wings to try and sustain him, but Nyxon was too strong. They wrestled on the floor, trying to overpower each other. Nyxon could feel Donnel's heavy breathing tickling his nose. Brinks watched in horror as his brother continued to fight Donnel. The King smiled. He couldn't stop smiling.

Nyxon and Donnel began to clash. Donnel continued to strike relentlessly at Nyxon as he continued to counterattack. Donnel soon gave space to Nyxon to throw more stones. He tore at the ground as fast as possible– but it was too late. Nyxon has scratched Donnel. Donnel's mind was racing. He felt dizzy enough to where he could faint on the ground. He tried his best to maintain his footing– but he collapsed. Nyxon pounced on top of Donnel while the crowd watched in anticipation. The two began to wrestle on the ground as Donnel continued trying to gain his footing.

Nyxon started to choke Donnel– and Donnel did the same. It was an endurance race now. Luna screamed, "WHAT IS HE DOING?"

"H-He's trying to make Donnel pass out– he's crazy!" shouted Lev.

Luna covered her eyes. She couldn't bear to watch. Her heart could leap out of her chest at any moment.

Manda nearly hit her head on the ceiling, trying to figure out who was winning. Brinks couldn't even pick up his mouth from the floor. He was stunned. King Magnus kept muttering under his breath, trying to figure out if Donnel would win. He nearly tore his lip, trying to keep himself seated. Everyone was ready. Everyone was prepared to see who the winner would be. Nyxon and Donnel continued to keep their hands around their necks. They stared into each other's eyes and squeezed tighter with their hands. Donnel could see the light fading from his eyes. He was running out of time, and so was Nyxon.

They wouldn't let go. Nyxon was acting different than his usual self. He was angry– But it wasn't him. He quickly shook his head. He could see Donnel's eyes rapidly closing. "What was I thinking?" thought Nyxon. He saw what was happening and was frightened. He let himself go too far with his anger. He was afraid of what he did. He eased down on the grip against Donnel. Suddenly– Donnel slammed down on Nyxon, creating a gigantic smoke cloud. Everyone covered their eyes. The smoke cleared out, and Nyxon and Donnel were on the ground in their human form. Nyxon wasn't breathing. Nyxon lost.

It had started to rain as the smoke cleared away. Nyxon lay on the ground. He was unconscious and motionless on the floor. "Sorry for giving you hope. I was having fun– I don't have that often. I thought I saw something in you– must have been an illusion." said Donnel. He tried clearing his throat as he walked away from Nyxon's body.

The rain started to fall even heavier. Everyone fell silent as they watched Nyxon. Thunder began to crash and roar along the skies as Donnel continued to walk away. Luna was speechless. Everyone was speechless. Luna extended her hand out to Nyxon, hoping he would get up. But he didn't– not even a little bit. Thunder struck the stadium– hitting the ceiling. Donnel wiped his forehead as he continued to walk. But Donnel sensed something. Donnel felt something coming. His eyes widened, and his fist clenched. Nyxon was back up on his feet. Everyone was shocked– they didn't think he would be up after that.

Donnel sensed something different. He was afraid. Deathly afraid. Nyxon's hair started to glow. His hair changed into a faint white color. His eyes were purple– and his nails and fangs grew longer. Thunder struck again as Nyxon took a step forward. He pointed his finger at Donnel, and a lightning bolt crashed on the ground– knocking him. He fainted. Donnel fainted on the floor. Nyxon's hair started to spike up, almost similar to a porcupine. He screamed. He screamed loud enough to make everyone cover their ears. The sounds of him screeching nearly made everyone's head spin. Everyone except King Magnus was startled. Nyxon soon fell unconscious. Nyxon was an Elderian.