Sehki recalled seeing a tiger and snake statue at Erebus and Sanctuary when a monitor on a smart screen lit on, showing him to the marvel of the Valkyrian warrior and chimera dragon he saw from long ago, on top of the one of the highest hills.
"Wait, tiger, chimera dragon. The other three kingdoms have their own, right?"
"Symbols of the five animals who became fae and harnessed power of the four major natures and a fifth source to help disciples of the first eighty eight fae fight against the Voids. She was the warrior who led the chimera to victory the first time."
"Now that's a Valkyrie. Still, someone made this all for you?"
"But who?" There were entire cupboards, drawers, and supply boxes of medical herbs, supplies, resources on regeneration and healing. Ainsley picked up a book.
"These are advanced excerpts from Astral Academy. Some of these techniques revived people thought to be near dead."
They began coughing up blood, directing Sehki to find the capsules associated with their StellArts, feeding it to them, and finding a fridge for them to eat and swallow it down.
"Sehki. Why are you helping me?"
"I can't defeat you if I don't understand you. Besides, a demon king can't acquire followers through hatred alone. Weren't we friends before? What was I like?"
Ainsley thought about it, pouting.
"Annoying."
He sucked his teeth. "Huh?"
"Everytime we were invited to play while our parents were busy, you'd always get us to do something crazy. When you made us see who could feed the most snakes, that time you saw made the others hold each other up to see if I could draw you all before you fell."
He couldn't help but snicker in denial to their frustration. "It happened! I don't know how Calypsa put up with living with you for years."
His laughter stopped. "She did?"
"Yeah, her parents were," getting interrupted by a call on Sehki's phone.
"Hello?"
"Professor Gorgon-she-arghh-get back here, hurry!"
The phone cut off right then and there.
"Crap, we have to go back," picking up Ainsley and taking them back out the center, who gave them instructions on what to do.
"Just rest a little, till we get back."
Both ended up taking a nap throughout the ride. He woke up once the elevator to the room started to attach itself, waking up Ainsley in the process. When they woke up, they walked out to a disturbing display in the classroom.
"Candy!"
"What on Terra?"
She remained petrified, a lifeless status desperately reaching out for help while outside on the field, several others suffered the same fate.
Ainsley's head started to pulsate as a familiar face walked into the room.
"Wait, you're Professor Gorgon?" Shoot, don't look into her eyes, lowering his gaze at her feet.
"Oh, my looks turning you into stone is just a fairy tale. I'd be honored to teach you the real mechanics, Prince Sehki."
"You know?"
"We aren't as good as Comas, but a good serpens always knows to get into someone's brain long enough for details. Your little girlfriend was somewhat defiant at least," collecting the snake that helped her. "And Bodin's gave me quite the analysis."
"What are you going to do with all the students!?"
"Oh, that's easy. Ainsley, your parents have requested I give you the ultimate upgrade."
"Wasn't my training so that I wouldn't need it?"
"That may be so, but I've sent them your data, and your progress has been stagnant. And this time, I've got a more permanent solution. Your new body," grinning, "will be made from these eighty seven students instead."
Dread filled down their eyes.
"Their body will fill and combat the discrepancies caused by the numerous cells. You'll be complete with no limitations whatsoever. Your parents loved the pitch."
Sehki snapped out of the shock, watching Ainsley hesitate.
"Your best friends called you the weak link of the heirs. Even Sehki has heard people mention it before, haven't you?"
"Who cares? Ainsley is their own person. You aren't their wife, and do you expect to believe the world will be okay with this?"
"A freak accident that guarantees Ainsley becomes Terra's ultimate guardian. Actually, not only am I their guardian, I am their future bethorted."
His face changed to the definition of grossed out. "Your parents want you to date a snake constellation creature who wants to eliminate the people of your own kingdom. Geez, the bar for people dating fantasy creatures really is in hell, ain't it?"
"Speaking of which, Lord Ainsley, allow me to ensure the long lost heir's title is permanent," launching snakes through her arms, racing at Sehki's body with no restraint, biting down on his flesh.
The petrification quickly corroded his body as him and and his shadow began attempting to smack them off again, but his eyes were focused on Ainsley.
"Ainsley! King, Queen, Lord, whatever you'll be in the future won't matter if it's stained in blood. You all think my parents tried to betray you all, but those are your people. How can we ever call ourselves those titles if that's how we treat the people we inspire?"
"I-I can't be the heirs the way I am now."
"Yes you can," reaching out as his legs were frozen stone. I didn't come back just for revenge! I made a promise to help you all put an end to the threat of the Voids, and we saved them together that other night. Even if I'm not here, I'll make sure all of you take this seriously! You can't do it alone, and neither can they!"
"I'm not like you Sehki! You don't have your parents or anyone to decide your fate anymore, I do!"
"And?" The petrification spread through his chest. "You are more than your parents and this psycho! Construct your own road, not theirs!"
"How," watching it reach his legs.
"By proving the person who entrusted you right! With your own strength and powers! We've played together, we'll fight together! If the fae don't believe in you, the demon king," as stone raced up his mouth, "will," smiling as his body was covered in stone.
Professor Gorgon yawned. "When your new body is complete, you'll have the sole glory of eliminating him properly. When the Void's threat subsides, the world will look to you as it's one true leader."
Ainsley's body was just an inch away from reaching his fist, more solid than their heart and soul.
YOU ARE READING
Celestial University: A Bully Romance
Romance"A bully romantasy about finding your greatest strength in the darkest of times." Trying to save his younger brother from his abusive father, a deadly fire leads Shemar Thomas separated from him and teleported to another world. Finding out he's the...
