In the Heavens

Chapter fifty-four

"Isadora, as I'm sure you're aware by now, the Celestial Dragon grants you a great deal of power. Which is why it's important that you learn how to properly control and use it," Headmistress Faragonda began, her voice echoing through the loudspeaker from the observation deck. 

From his seat next to Headmaster Saladin, who'd been in Alfea to help send Bloom, Stella, Aisha, Brandon, and Sky off on their rescue mission, Hyacinth watched curiously as Isadora and Lucian stood on opposite sides of the training ground. 

"We'll focus on defensive spells to start," she announced, her voice firm. "Isadora, Lucian, step forwards." 

The twins shared a look of determination before stepping into the training circle. Prince Hyacinth watched from the sidelines; his expression unreadable. "Lucian, you will be firing spells at Isadora to test the durability of her shields." 

"Every few minutes, Lucian's blasts will grow stronger. Isadora, you must withstand these increasing attacks until Lucian either calls for a stop or your shields break." 

They nodded their heads in compliance before taking the proper positions. Moving her hands in a circular motion, a dome of starlight, filled with swirling constellations formed around Isadora, glowing with power. 

Once he was sure that she was prepared, Lucian was next. With a swift, fluid motion, he swung his arms out to the side, sending a crescent-shaped wave of moonlight flying towards her shield. 

As his Lunar Slash collided with Isadora's Celestial Sanctuary, it created a brilliant flash of silvery light, illuminating the entire area. The dome rippled and shimmered with more intensity as the sanctuary absorbed the energy of his slash.

From the observation deck, Headmaster Saladin watched, amused as he had he had to shield his eyes from the brightness of the attack. "So, this is the strength of the Metisian heirs?" 

Professor Palladium let out a sheepish laugh. "She's always been a rather... lively opponent. During the final battle last year, Isadora wasn't quite attuned to using her scepter. So, instead of trying to cast a spell with it, she used it to hit monsters." 

Metisian heirs? 

Curious, Hyacinth leaned over. "What do you mean Andreas and the girl are the 'Metisian heirs'? I don't think any kingdom with citizens of that name were ever covered in my lessons," He whispered. 

A look of realization flashed across Headmaster Saladin's face as he placed a hand to Hyacinth's shoulder. "Apologies, young prince. But the boy that you once knew to be Prince Sky's bodyguard is actually the only surviving son of the late King Alastor and Queen Iliyana of Metis." 

"Andreas was simply a pseudonym for his true name of Lucian. And 'the girl' as you called her, is the youngest daughter of King Alastor and Queen Iliyana." 

 Hyacinth nodded; his eyes focused on the display of power in the training circle. 

On the ground, Lucian remained persistent and deliberate in his strikes, increasing the intensity behind each attack. As time went on, the shimmering of Isadora's shield became more pronounced, and small cracks began to appear on its surface. 

Isadora, however, remained resolute in trying to keep her barrier up, despite the obvious exertion of using copious amounts of magic. Her skull began to pound as maintaining the shield under constant assault led to a mental strain. 

Beads of sweated dotted her temple and began to drip down her forehead, which didn't go unnoticed by Lucian, who was undergoing his own strain, trying to keep up his attacks. 

The arcs were getting bigger, brighter, and stronger with each passing minute. Finally, the intensity of the strikes reached its peak, and the shield was pushed to its limits. The cracks spread rapidly, and the shield's light became faint— flickering.