League of Assassins

2: Izabel's Ranking

Hilary rubbed her throat and backed away from Izabel. The Professors that were watching the match called for a break and Hilary left the ring.

"Let's go check on her," Sylve stood.

Terra opened a portal to the rings and she, Sylve, and Darien stepped through. The room was huge and held thirty-six fighting rings arranged in six rows of six. The rings had red platforms and mats, black corner poles, white ropes, and black skirts and ladders.

The room itself had a black stone floor and dark red walls. The ceiling was twenty feet high and had reflective mirrors on it. There were bright lights hanging over every ring. The back wall of the room was a massive window, that showed a magnificent view of the training fields and obstacle course.

The room smelled of fire, blood, and sweat. The sounds of hits landing and weapons clashing rang around the room. Portals were everywhere, most likely broadcasting to the Lounge. Professors stood around rings, observing fights, taking down notes, and conversing with each other.

They found Hilary, sitting against a wall, drinking water heavily, and made their way over to her. Her yellow eyes widened when she noticed the higher ranking Demons heading towards her.

"Hey Hilary!" Terra smiled.

Hilary, who was obviously expecting negative comments, stuttered out a weak hello. Sylve sat next to her and leaned against the smooth wall. Terra sat next to Sylve and put her head on her shoulder. Darien stood awkwardly until he shrugged and sat on Hilary's other side.

"Who are you?" Hilary asked timidly.

Obviously, she was confused as to why three Demons that were clearly a higher Rank than hers, and wearing assassin armor, were sitting with her as if she hadn't been getting her behind kicked for the past twenty minutes of her life.

"We're all Rank Ten. I'm Terra Friar and that's my brother, Darien Friar," Terra gestured to Darien and herself. "And this is Sylve Xythen. She's the Vice-Captain of our Rank."

"Wow! So you guys could probably kick Izabel's butt!" Hilary smiled.

"Yeah. She'd be mincemeat if Sylve ever got her hands on her," Terra grinned.

Sylve rolled her eyes playfully and looked over at Izabel. Her dark orange hair and scarlet skin was shining with sweat and her tail flicked angrily. Her attitude reminded Sylve of female dragons during nesting season.

Izabel looked at the group of four and smirked. Sylve narrowed her eyes and looked back at Hilary, who looked close to tears.

"You are too sensitive to be a Demon," Sylve stated.

Hilary sniffled and rubbed her eyes.

"See. You're crying over nothing. Have you had an assignment yet?" Sylve asked.

"N-no, I'm only a Rank Thirteen," Hilary responded.

"Well, let me tell you something," Sylve began. "If you start crying like that every time you start to lose a fight, you'll be dead in a second."

"Sylve!" Terra scolded.

"I'm just saying. Crying is a sign of loss. Crying in front of the enemy is an act of surrender. If you want to win against Izabel, you need to block your mind. Chances are she's Viphing your head like it's an open book. You need to lock her out," Sylve instructed.