Initiation

Chapter 18: Uncle vs. Niece

     My heart hammers against my rib cage. I haven't felt this exhilarated about a battle in ages. An amused glint forms into Xavier's eyes just before he releases the energy, most likely noticing this fact. In a quick fashion, he raises his arms and draws them forward, palms facing ahead. The swirling violet mass barrels toward me. I brace myself by standing in a battle stance to maintain better balance. Next I close my eyes, willing the aura swirling inside of me to break to the surface.

     Before this can happen, I sense Xavier's aura coming back at me. Somehow, he had stopped the aura in mid-air, only to turn the mass back toward me. Not an easy feat. My eyes re-open as the energy source surrounds me on all sides, entrapping me in the center.

     Long tendrils that remind me of an octopus's tentacles form around me. I twist, jump, and somersault out of the way as the tentacles swing, bat, and slam down at me. Xavier's could-be-lethal-attack is too fast for me to counter. Dodging out of the way was getting exhausting. If I didn't play my cards right, I'd lose. Losing was not an option.

     I form a quick force field over myself and shoot it up toward the ceiling. This would not stop Xavier's assault, but it would give me enough time to counter efficiently. Now it was my time to shine. With a deep, focused breath a soft glow encompasses my entire body. Neon purple aura illuminates the room. This was my chance to finish what I originally started.

     My knees are slightly bent and my feet are spread shoulder width apart. The aura shines brighter around my hands than anywhere else on my body. Large sphere's form into both of my palms. Just like Xavier had done with the tentacles I was going to accomplish with my move. Although, I had a different trick up my sleeve.

     Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. When opening them, my gaze flickers toward Sam. His eyebrows are furrowed and he is leaning further into his seat, thoroughly intrigued by the power display set before him. When he catches me looking at him his eyebrow rises. I send him a wink before focusing  back on my target, unfortunately not seeing his reaction.

     After my hands are lifted to hover in the air at chest level, I extend my arms out to the side, holding them horizontal with the ground. Aura shoots out of my hands at breakneck speed. Controlling the direction of my aura was a hard task, but manageable if handled properly. I lift my arms swiftly. In a circular motion, they go up and over my head, where they cross at my chest before hanging down at my sides. The aura fills together to form a protective dome above me.

     A few of Xavier's aura tentacles are snuffed out, weakening his offensive maneuver. My teeth clamp together as I will the energy source to change structurally. The solid neon purple slowly chips away at the base and is replaced by a more subdued, translucent glitter. Still equally as strong and sturdy as its previous form.

     My timing couldn't be more perfect. The remaining tentacles descend upon the ginormous shield, but nothing happens. I don't waste the opportunity to vanquish the remaining aura. With a grunt the force field launches outward, destroying everything in its wake.

     As the dust, so to speak, settles, my eyes land on Xavier. Not expecting the expression of raw pain in his eyes, or the fact that his already fair skin complexion had become paler. Not to mention he looked stunned. For some reason, I had a hunch that the pain wasn't because his ego had been leveled. He appeared to have seen a ghost, he hadn't been prepared to see.

     Now that Xavier was distracted flames spark to life around my hands. I throw a deadly fire ball at him. He snaps out his daze just in the nick of time. He surprises me by disappearing.

     Teleportation was rarely used. You'd think an aura endowed would use the technique more often. Then again that specific ability did require a boat load of energy. Xavier soon appears twenty feet in the other direction. An aura sphere is casted my way. I lean back to dodge the mass before I can be hit. The aura zooms past the tip of my nose, missing by less than a foot.

     I stand tall a second later, shooting a ball of blood-red flames into a nearly empty room. My eyes narrow as I prepare myself for where Xavier would appear next. I continue throwing chunks of fire at him, but he keeps disappearing just to pop up in a different spot. This game of cat and mouse goes on for another taxing five minutes.

     Xavier appears behind me. I am blown forward by an aura sphere before I can react. My body hits the floor and rolls a few feet. Once I have stopped, I push myself off the ground, feeling peeved. Xavier challenges me with his eyes to come after him. I take him up on the challenge, but not as he had expected. I use a move from his play book and teleport myself in front of him. I feel slightly lightheaded, but am still able to whip my hand against his face. Xavier's head whips to the side. While the sharp slap echoes throughout the room.

     My hand stings, but his face must have stung more. He takes a few steps back, absentmindedly bringing a hand up to his face. He stares off into space for a few seconds before his eyes slowly capture mine. Anger flashes in his eyes as two tendrils of aura shoot out.

Heading in my direction.

My eyes widen slightly as two tendrils curl around my small wrists-holding me in place. Xavier walks toward me slowly with a heavy frown tugging on his lips.

     I blink and am startled to find that Argon has replaced Xavier. I step back unsteadily, the aura pulling at my skin. I fall to my knees as soon as his hand raises. My head drops down and turns to the side.

"I'm sorry master" I murmur, as my voice trembles.

A flashback then ensues.

     Argon stood in front of me. I had slapped him in the face to get away from him. I didn't want to go through with the water funnel test for the first time. He hadn't been pleased that I had gone against one of his direct orders. He held me captive with his murderous stare, his hand rose just before he slapped me across the face. I was only a small and scared eight-year old. Argon's powerful blow had pushed me over. Once on the ground he continued his punishment by hitting me for another five minutes.

     When nothing happens back in the present, my eyes cautiously open. I turn my face to look at Argon; which was not the wisest decision in most circumstances. As soon as I blink, Argon's cold, steel-grey colored eyes are replaced with concerned violet irises. Xavier stands directly in front of me with a hand extended.

"Chloe, it's going to be okay. I'm not going to hurt you." Xavier's low voice gently greets my ears.

     My emotions are far too exposed at this moment. I even start reaching for his masculine yet, graceful hand. That was up until I snap back to reality. I push back onto my feet without Xavier's assistance. Fire then flickers defensively into my hands as I back away.

"I don't need your fricken help! You are not my family- you are my enemy. Stop pretending you care," I shout bitterly, while my voice drops a few octaves.

The fire in around my hands flare, causing embers to spark across the floor. I back away at this point. One thing is for certain, I needed to get as far away from Xavier as physically possible.

     Hope you guys enjoyed the action in this chapter, granted there is a lot, but then again this was a battle between two powerhouses.

     So what are thoughts of the on-edge relationship between Xavier and Chloe? You think they'll ever get along anytime soon?

     Hope you guys have a great rest of your weekend. I will probably not update for another week (unless something changes in my busy schedule). Until next time! :)