The three ladies arrived just in time because the program was just about to start. The hall is divided into seven areas, one for the Neo Clan and six for the subunits of the Demcell Clan. As the three of them approached, the whole hall fell silent. Their group is widely recognized because they belong to the academy’s highest-ranking clan, the Sapphires Clan, aside from the fact that Taylor was their leader. Even the newbies didn’t speak for a while without them knowing why. Maybe because the aura of the newcomers was something extreme, especially the one with criss-crossed katana on her back.
Everybody seemed to breathe in oxygen again after the three took their seats. Sooner then, the program started. Everyone is excited, even Briana and Lace joined with the cheering. Except for Taylor, who remained seated and unbothered, despite the festivities happening around her.
“Welcome everyone to the awaited season that happens every two years only. For those newbies out there, let this man in front of everybody enlighten you. This academy of ours doesn't teach any subject that is not related to fighting. As you can see, everyone has their weapons and each weapon has its respective names. Once everybody from the Neo Clan is assigned to every subunit from the Demcell Clan, your unit leader will let you pick any weapon you like. As for the rules, the leaders were also assigned in discussing them with you. Every subunit has its dens and dorm provided by the academy. Even your weapons were provided by the school. The assigning will be done by picking random names inside a box. But before we start with the assignment, let me first introduce the six subunits of the Demcell Clan. Demcell Clan is divided into two subclans, the Demyss for ladies and Devons for gentlemen. Then these two sub-clans were divided into six subunits, three for Demyss and three for Devons. May I request for the presence of the six leaders from the subunits?”
Upon hearing the request, the leaders stood up but no one dared to walk ahead of Taylor so she was the first in line. The newbies can’t help but cheer after seeing them. All of them were beautiful and handsome but Taylor seems to project both. They silently wished to be under her wing. The emcee also asked them to introduce themselves and the subunit they’re leading. Again, no one stepped ahead of Taylor so she had no choice but to go first.
“I am Taylor Venice Calderon. I am the leader of BLADE. We will only accept one trainee this season.” She said in her usual sending-shivers-down-your-spines tone. Everyone from the Neo clan was dismayed upon knowing they’ll accept only one but those who've been at their places before already knew that they only adopt one lost soul for they felt the same dismay when they were newbies too. Taylor proceeded to her seat after and watched as the other leaders introduced their names and their units.
“I am Callix Reign, leader of Black Sheep”, “I am Ashley Joy, leader of Blood”, “I am Trix Tan, leader of Blakes”, “I am Drake, leader of Brawlers”, and finally, the last, “Hi, I am Claude Peterson, leader of the Black Pelicans.”
Taylor just stayed seated there as the five other leaders took their turns picking trainees while she waited for the last name since they will just choose one anyways. After what seemed to be an eternity for her, the last name was handed to her. She opened it and grabbed the microphone to announce who it was. “Nathanya Faye Lopez.” She declared and then went down the stage to join her unit.
Meanwhile, all eyes were glaring at Nathanya as she strolled her way to join the unit she was assigned to. She was on cloud nine upon hearing that she will be under this trio of gorgeous ladies. As she approached the three, she could feel her heart beating hard inside her chest, as if it would burst at any time soon. She was so nervous that she almost tripped over a piece of plastic on the floor. Fortunately, Lace and Briana were swift and held her just in time before the fall. “Tsk... Clumsy.” she heard Taylor say. Taylor then turned away for a while to check her phone after she felt it was vibrating in her pocket. “I know who the culprit is. If you are interested, meet me at this address.” The text message says. Already having the hint about who its sender was, Taylor had made up her mind and decided that she would show up there. She then tapped Briana’s shoulder and made a gesture that seemed to men “I am going somewhere.” Briana understood and nodded in response.
It was already seven in the evening but Taylor was still waiting in an empty warehouse. She didn’t bring the car with her since Briana and the other two will use it to be able to drive home. She was getting anxious that she would end up walking to reach their dorm. She was just about to leave when a voice, a familiar voice, called out of nowhere.
“You’re still dumb after all this time.” the voice said and in an instant, Taylor was able to identify who it was.
“You didn’t change either. Still hiding in the dark like a scared mouse. Lalaine!” As if sensing that something is going to happen, she dodged as a lady in all black jumped behind her and gave her a sneak attack. She was able to avoid the attack and managed to “scratch” her opponent’s left shoulder. Lalaine hissed in pain but still collected herself together to look tough.
“And you’re still weak,” Taylor added, which annoyed Lalaine more.
“If not for your stone heart, my brother might still be alive until today. If you just accepted him and had let him prove himself to you. You’re so selfish!”Lalaine exclaimed, blaming Taylor for her brother’s death.
“I didn’t kill him with my both hands so I was not the one to be blamed. I remembered that I even made myself clear to him. Anyway, if you’re that desperate to join him down there, I’ll be glad to send you off.” Taylor said without changing the expression on her face. Upon hearing what she said, Lalaine’s blood reached its boiling point and charged towards her. Her sword swayed from left to right but every strike was blocked by Taylor’s twin katana. Seeing that all of her efforts were just being wasted, she leaped up and did a quick attack and this time, she was able to lash the flesh on Taylor’s waist that made the latter kneel.
“Seems like I won this time. You lose.” Lalaine declared.
Taylor just looked at her. She breathed heavily, her blood dripping out of her wound.
“Unfortunately, I don’t lose. It is either I win or I learn. Simple as that. Losing is not part of my style.” Taylor said then grinned. She then eyed Lalaine’s left shoulder. Before Lalaine could grasp the whole turn of events, she suddenly fell down to her knees and started to vomit blood. Poison. She was poisoned. When? How? She then remembered that when Taylor dodged her sneak attack, her blade "scratched" that shoulder.
“See? Seems like you’ll meet your brother and Satan soon. Please relay my greetings to them.” Taylor said mockingly, and made her way out of the warehouse, leaving a dying Lalaine behind.