I doubt words will ever properly describe the things I have seen. But if I were forced to put it into words, I would say it feels like the world I once knew is melting away, and I’m falling head-first into a fairy tale.

Chapter 28

Skybound

The massive iron door opened to a grand staircase that climbs upwards to the clouds and perhaps even further.

“Looks like we’re going up.” Max’s little spirit begins to skip up the stairs. Max, Jez, and Dark followed after her.

“So, we’re just accepting things don’t make sense?”

“For the sake of your sanity, just accept this is how our world works.

“Sure. Let me just rewrite my understanding of this world.” Everyone continues to climb upstairs, ignoring me. I jog up the steps to quickly catch up to them. As I went up the steps, I begin to realize just how exhausted I am. My body was heavy. Each step I took felt like I was trying to climb a mountain under the ocean with weights tied to my ankle.

“Hey.” I begin to speak to Max to distract myself from my fatigue. “You said the leaders around the world are keeping all this reality-warping and dimension-hopping stuff a secret, right? Why?” Max stopped and looked at me, confused like I said something dumb.

“How do you think people will react if they find out the world they knew can be so easily manipulated by someone who possesses a strong soul and will?”

“I guess there’ll be a massive panic. But I think most of the outrage will come from the fact that people kept such a massive secret from them. I’m sure over time; people will come to accept the truth despite how absurd it is. People are quick to adapt, after all. I guess.” I look down the stairs. We climbed high enough that we were above the building. I could even see some clouds floating by.

“Yes, perhaps over time, people could come to accept this fact. But pandemonium isn’t most governments' concern. What they fear is the birth of another Demon King.” Then, suddenly, everyone stopped and fell silent. Even the wind stopped blowing as if the world itself was terrified by that name.

“What… What do you mean by another Demon King?”

“You heard the tales of the Demon King, right? How do you think he manages to perform all those impossible feats?”

“I thought those were all myths but seeing where I’m at now. I guess those tales were true.”

“Indeed, the Demon King united his people, and created a prosperous kingdom, and nearly conquer the world; however, these ‘accomplishments’ didn’t come from charisma nor a strategic mind. Instead, all his feats originated from his morbid experiments and his forbidden knowledge which allowed him to alter reality and change what would’ve been crushing defeats into overwhelming victories.”

“If he’s that strong, then how come he hasn’t conquered the world yet?”

“Another question with an obvious answer.”

“Fufu!” Prometheus hops onto the next step, then turns around struck a pose. Fire shot out from her finger that pointed to the sky. The fire twisted and swirl, taking the shape of a demonic monster. The flaming beast opens its maw and roars.

“Yes. The Demon King is immortal. Indeed, it is said that he can darken skies and rot the lands with a snap of his finger. But he’s not omnipotent, nor is he invincible.” As Max continues to speak, his spirit shot more fire in the air. The flames morph into humanoid shapes. Each flame held a weapon that they brandish towards the flaming monster.

“In every era, there’ll always be those who stand against monsters who threaten our world. Their unbreakable will and determination grant them the strength to face any who attempt to warped are reality into their twisted design. So, there’s no need to be afraid. Even though the darkness is vast, know that there’ll always be a light in the dark to and guide and protect us from evil.

For a moment, as I gaze into the flame, I found myself thinking back to the time when my father used to read stories to me when I was a kid. But then, my mind drifts as I imagine my dad telling me a story and in the tale was a Bella, Sky, Harden and, Dante Stood tall clad in their white uniforms, which shine brightly against the overwhelming darkness, ready to strike down the foe.

As I return from my reverie, the raging flames begin to die out, turning into black smoke that faded into the ember sky.

“That was incredible, Max. You know if this tournament doesn’t work out for you, I bet you’ll make a lot of money if you enter the entertainment business.”

“I didn’t do that to entertain you,” Max said as he begins to climb the steps again.

“So, why did you make your explanation so flashy?” I got my answer when I looked at Max’s little spirit, who was puffing her chest out, proud of the little light show she created.

We silently continue going up the steps. As we ascended, I begin to realize just how long these staircases were. We walked for a good twenty minutes, but I still couldn’t see the end. Finally, realizing we’ll be here for a while, I decided to spark a conversation with Jez, who kept up with me quite well despite her disability.

“Jez.”

“Hmm?” Jez turns her head slightly to me.

“I’m sorry if this sounds rude, but how are you able to fight so well? Aren’t you blind?”

“Mhmm.” She nods her head affirmatively at me. A soft, almost ethereal white light enveloped her body. The aura expanded until I was eventually engulfed in it. My body was warm. It feels almost like Jez was embracing me.

“This. Helps.”

I nodded my head, trying to figure out what Jez was trying to show me. “Ah! You use your aura like a sonar, right?”

“Mmhm.” Jez nodded her head.

“That’s amazing. Not only are you a talented swordswoman, but you also use aura in such a unique way.”

“Big. Sis.” Jez begin. “Taught. me”

“You have a big sister?”

“Yes.” Jez happily nods at me. “Real. Strong.” Jez’s face brightens as she spoke of her sister.

“Is she also in the tournament?”

“No.”

“After this is over. Do you think you can introduce me to her? I like to learn some of her aura technique.” Jez’s smile vanishes. Even though I can barely read her expression, I could tell she was thinking really hard about my question. After nearly a minute of silence, she finally said. “One. Day. I. Hope.”

“How… The hell… are you two not tired.” I turn around, surprised to see how far behind Max was. He tightly grasps his chest while gasping for air. His spirit stood beside him with both her hands on her knees, breathing heavily. I walk down the steps wondering if spirits could get tired or if she was just mimicking Max.

“You should try exercising a bit more.”

“That’s the last thing I want to hear from someone who possesses such an odd body?”

“What’s wrong with my body?” I instinctively hid my tail behind my back and pressed down on my ears.

“I can’t tell if you’re dumb or trying to make a joke.”

“Will you just tell me what’s wrong with my body!”

“That’s the problem. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

I slam my tail on the stair, getting annoyed that he wasn’t getting to the point. Max sigh then looked up at me. “Tell me, are you in any pain?”

“No.”

“Don’t you find that strange? You have been in multiple fights today, but you don’t have any wounds.”

I thought back to all the battles I have been through today. I reflexively wince at the time Emma slammed me to the ground. The time I was burned by Max and just recently when the knight bashes his shield into me.

“I guess it is strange. But I am part beastman. Aren’t beastman naturally tougher than humans?”

“I never heard of any living beings capable of recovery from a first-degree burn in seconds. And from the looks, you don't possess a gift like Jez and me. An aura isn't capable of improving regeneration. So what exactly are you?”

I looked down at my bandaged arm, which was still singed from Max’s flame. I shakily reach for my wrapped hand, debating if I should show him.

“You seem to know quite a bit about things. You mind explaining to me what this is.” I unravel the bandage showcasing my tattoo, which seems to have changed a bit again. Before, it resembled a flower with a vine that travels down my arm. Now it looks more intricate. In addition, symbols are spreading on my arm, making it look like some tribal markings.

“It’s a tattoo,” Max said deadpan.

“I know that. but what does this tattoo mean?”

Max places raises an eyebrow and says “I’m assuming it’s a warrior mark. Why are you asking me this? Your tribe should know the meaning behind your tattoo.”

“That’s the problem. I’m not a part of a tribe, and I’m not a warrior. I just woke up one day, and this was on my body.”

“Hmm.” Max stares at my arm intently. “Sorry, but I don’t know a thing about beastman culture. However, I can tell you the origin of the warrior marks and why beastmen are so obsessed with decorated their bodies with tattoos.” Max took a deep breath, and Prometheus struck a pointed upward, her finger turning into pure flames.”

“Um, why don’t you explain it to me while we’re walking. Remember, we don’t have much time left.”

“Right.” Max continues up the steps. His spirit follows him, looking sad she couldn’t do another presentation.

“I’m going to assume you know about the Ascendant.” Max glances back at me, gesturing for me to following him.

I immediately thought about The Church of Ascension. While their main base of operation is in Ath, Aaron’s home country. They have chapels in almost every country to spread the word of the ancient race called the Ascended who manage to reach godhood and how apparently, we can follow in their footsteps.

“Yea, I know of them. Seeing how things are going. I’m going to assume they’re real.”

“Yes, they existed. So did the Titans. The titans were massive and powerful beings. It is said they shook the world with each step they took. The titans were the guardians that protected the Ascendant who eagerly searched for the truth of our world. It is said before the Ascendants vanish from our world, they gave their most loyal and powerful warriors a gift in the form of a mark which etch to their bodies. Back then, beastmen saw the titans as divine creatures, especially those that earned the Ascendants' marks. And so, eventually, a tradition was created. Beastman engraved tattoos on their warriors to honor the powerful Titans.”

I rubbed the tattoo on my arm. “Why would an ancient and powerful race give a tattoo as a gift?” Max shrugs his shoulder at me.

“Don’t know. Most of the Ascendants' and Titans' history was lost in time. Is what most people will tell you.”

“And what’s the real truth?” A small smile appears on Max. It seems like he enjoys explaining the history: that or he likes showing off how smart he is.

“Some believe the Dark World was the Ascendants homeland. The Demon King corrupted the land so he could keep the secrets to himself. So, if you would like to learn more about Titans and the meaning of the marks. You’ll have to head north and cross the Blacken Sea and traverse the malignant and fetid land of the Dark World. A place so foul it is said the earth there is malicious to life.”

“I guess calling it a tough journey would be an understatement.”

“Calling it an impossible journey would also be an understatement. Many countries sent expeditions to the continent none succeeded. Even the hero of Morningstar failed.”

Even Dante failed, huh? I guess it’s a good thing I don’t have any intention of going there.

“Oh, and be careful who you show your tattoo to. As you know, beastmen are prideful beings, and they’re most proud of their markings. If they see your tattoo and find out you’re not part of a tribe nor a warrior, they’ll take it as an insult. And seeing how the church considers beastman’s markings as a blasphemous to their gods, they’ll probably be after you too if you’re not careful, especially since you don’t have the protection of a tribe.”

“I’ll keep that in the back of my mind.”

With another worry added to my list, I silently continue my journey up the sky stairs. The reddish-orange colors of the sky begin to turn a dark purple. As the light begins to fade, sparkling lights begin appearing in the sky.

We quicken our pace. Finally, we manage to reach the end of the staircase. At the top of the stairs was a sea of clouds. In the center of the white sea was a painting of a little girl looking solemnly through a glass window, watching the other kids happily play with each other. On the bottom of the painting was a plaque that said, ‘you can’t escape.’

“Shit, it’s a dead-end!” Max punches the steps. “If we run back down the steps, maybe we might have time to search another room.”

I grabbed Max’s sleeves to stop him. “We don’t have time to go back down the steps.”

“So, what do we do? Give up?

“No, let’s looked around a bit.”

“Looked where? It’s nothing but clouds!”

“We’ll see about that.” I flip a coin. I watched it intensely as it landed on top of the cloud. “I knew it.” I jump onto the cloud. The cloud was surprisingly hard. It felt like I was walking on a solid floor. The floating castle still looked to be the same distance as we begin our climb. It was almost like the castle was moving away from us.

“A moving castle? Just like a fairy tale, no, perhaps a fable.”

“What the hell are you on about?” Max cautiously places his foot onto the cloud.

“This place, this setting. It reminds me of a fairy tale my mom use to tell me. It is a story of a prideful king who uses his immense wealth to decorate his kingdom to make it shine brighter than any other land. Then, one day, a castle appeared above his kingdom. Enrage at the flying castle for overshadowing his kingdom. He begins to build stairways to destroy the floating castle. However, no matter how many stairs he built, the king could never reach the castle in the sky.

Realizing he could never reach the castle, the king decides to build a castle on the clouds to prove his kingdom was better than the flying castle. But, unfortunately, the castle the king built was far too heavy for cloud to hold it up, thus fell from the sky and crushed his flourishing kingdom below.”

“What’s the point of this story?”

“The main point was teaching kids humility.” I cross my arms and look up at the floating castle. “I get the feeling there’s a lesson we’re supposed to learn here.” I walk towards the painting. My hand bounces off the air as I try to touch the painting.

“What the?” I try to walk forward, but something preventing me from getting any closer.

“It seems like there’s some sort of invisible wall in front of us.” Max and Jez both place their hand on the invisible force.

“A wall?” I thought back to my aura training with Dante and Bella. “I get it now.” A smile spread on my face as I look down at the plaque that said, ‘you can’t escape.’ “Everybody back up.” I gesture for Max and Jez to get behind me.

“What are you doing?”

“Simple. What would you do if there was an obstacle standing in front of you?”

“Obviously, I’ll destroy it.”

“Exactly, if there isn’t an escape, then all we have to do is make one. That’s what those who possess a strong will do.”

Once again, I could feel how exhausted I was as I try conjuring my aura. Multiple beads of lights materialized and spun around my hand.

“Last Round!” I slam my fist against the invisible wall. The wall shatters into pieces before it vanishes. The cloud beneath our feet begins to shake violently.

“Cat, what the hell did you do?!” Max roar at me.

“I solve the puzzle!”

“No, you fucking kill us!”

“Hold. On!”

“To what?! Clouds!” Max snapped at Jez.

Too exhausted to argue with Max, I fell to the ground, clinging onto the cloud with little strength I have left.

The wind begins to blow fiercely, pulling us towards the castle in the sky. As we soar through the twilight sky, the clouds underneath us dissipated. However, some unknown force continues to pull us towards the castle. The massive sliver doors to the castle slowly open like a maw.

My eyes widen as we enter the castle, only to end up at the theater. The unknown force continues to pull us through the theater and threw us out of the building and into a thick fog.

“Ugh.” I let out a grunt as I roll on the pavement.

“Are you okay, miss?” A hand appears in front of me. I reflexively grab the hand.

“Ah!” I let out a yelp as I was suddenly lifted and pull me into a tight embrace.

A sweet but strong fragrance clogs my nose. A big hand gently stroke my head, further weakening my exhausted mind.

“What a cute little creature. Would you like to live with me?” My groggy mind snaps awake. The man’s voice was warm and comforting, but there was a hint of malice hidden within his sweet-talking.

I wiggle my body around until I manage to slip from his grip. Standing before me was a handsome man dressed in a fine blue suit.

“There’s no need to be afraid. I promise to take care of you.” The man in blue approaches me, his arms wide open. There was a wide grin on his face. However, his eyes were cold and calculating. I could feel him staring at me like I was a pet.

“That’s how far as you go.” Sky steps in between us. “Get any closer, and I’ll consider you a threat.”

“I’m a threat?” The man laughs. “You come to my territory, caused a disruption, you kill my men, and I’m the threat?”

“I know who you are, Valentine. You kidnap and sell women and children. You’re nothing but a threat. The only reason why I haven’t attack you yet is that the King himself plans on dealing with you and the other pillars soon. So…” Sky smacks her tail against the ground, cracking the pavement. Her childlike aura vanishes, and her voice became cold and hostile. “I suggest you leave while I still have patience.”

The man in blue grin widens as he snaps his finger. The fog around us grew thicker. Snickering and growls could be heard all around their forms, just barely out sight.

“I really don’t like hurting new products, but I need to show you that here I am, the king.”

“Please tell me this is part of the trial.” I slowly pulled my knife out while backing away.

“Afraid not. But there’s no need to worry….”

“I got him!” A thug emerges from the fog. With a mad glint in his eyes, he races towards Sky with a dagger.

Sky lightly taps the air. A ripple appears where her finger was as if she dipped her hand into a pond. The ripple spread, trapping the thug like a web. With a flick of her finger, the rippling air burst like a bubble sending the thug flying backward into the baffled man in blue.

Sky energetically spun towards me. Then, brimming with childlike vigor, she winks while sticking up two peace signs “…I’ll handle the rest!”