Chapter 202 - (23)

Lucy smiled lightly at the silence, knowing she had gotten their attention.

"Today is the anniversary of my birth. After spying on Thriegor for so long, I thought it only right that you join the festivities. Especially the Harnian gate, they have enjoyed poking around in Thriegor, it is only right that they be my special guests. For this day, I cooked up some special fireworks." she said, turning to Professor Lorgh. Professor Lorgh dropped the large box he was holding and opened it.

Like a box from hell, the black lid was opened and a human head revealed. Those in the arena recognized that this was Lord Hane of the destroyed Marjiont Valley. Lord Hane opened his eyes abruptly and a cosmic explosion ensued.

Crack. Everyone saw the image of the Harnian gate crack and start to cave into itself. Being so close to a core, the tearing space caused the atmosphere and land to tilt into each other. The centre of the crack heated up and suddenly exploded.

Threo, standing in the arena, felt like he was the one that exploded. Those from the Harnian gate who were not in the gate when it exploded, felt the same. Hope seemed to fly away in a snickering fleet of birds, for those in the battleground. They had stepped unto the stage to gain glory for their home land, but it was no more.

It did not help that Lady Steinhouse clapped away at the sight excitedly, "It's beautiful." she said. Her claps were like a hammer to their already shattered hearts.

The explosion caused a wave in form of hot wind, that swept through the worlds in charge of the gate. Because of the alignment, the speed of the travelling wave was faster than should be. The wind from the explosion reached Thriegor after a while, and hit the icy arena like an angry storm. The audience had to fend for themselves under such intense winds, but the Thraines were protected by Matriarch Lilac, who formed a barrier around them.

It took a while for the winds to calm down. By the time, it had cleared, the icy pillars that encased the arena was no more. The ice floors were cracked and slightly melted. As the winds cleared, many wiped ice off themselves and looked at Lady Wickshire in horror. The Bloom Thraile Isle had always held no regard for her, were now stuck in place, trying to calm themselves. If she could destroy a gate, they were nothing before her eyes.

"Those were.... children, families, young and old. Why?" Threo choked. Hermin worried about his master. Though he had indicated that he would be leaving the Harnian gate soon, he was not sure if the old man had had a chance to leave yet.

"You do not like my fireworks?" Lucy asked softly and Hermin almost fainted at her words.

"Why?" he asked.

"Why not?" Lucy asked coldly, "Worry not, this lady did not know the fireworks will be this good. Why save it for birthdays alone, when it should be enjoyed every day?"

"My, you through great parties, Lady Wickshire." the grand empress dowager of Khul complimented with a smile.

"It was certainly beautiful." Linna nodded.

"I wish you many more beautiful anniversaries, Lucy." Vion said.

"Thank you. It is a shame though, I may not be here after this anniversary." Lucy said.

"Are you going far?" Vion asked.

"Yes, very far." Lucy answered. People would have thought that a feast was going on, by the way they were conversing.