57 Love versus Lus

The flame that was sent towards the dummy suddenly split off into five smaller bolts. One for the head, one for the left and right arm/hand, and one for the left and right leg. Riyku followed up his first volley with a second was he brought his right arm up towards his chest in an upward motion. Releasing the last of the flame which split into another five bolts and smacked into their respective marks. Once he finished he released a soft breath of relief since he hit his intended targets. It was only then he noticed how silent it was around him. His eyes shifted around to catch sight of a few jaws that had dropped and some who were extremely impressed. Astraia had just recovered from her awe in which she gave Riyku to smirk and an approving nod. You could also see in her eyes that she was saying, 'I want an explanation later.'

"He does not. He is from Oblivion and I have been helping him out since he arrived here." Astraia spoke up out of nowhere. All eyes shifted towards her at that moment, even Riyku's. He was surprised because she was the one who told him not to say where he came from when he introduced himself. 'Did she foresee something like this happening?' Riyku thought to himself when he wondered why she decided to speak up about where he was 'supposedly' from. "He has almost no recollection of what happened to him in Oblivion. All he remembers is mostly his name. When I decided to train him even I was surprised to find out just how strong he was. So, there is no doubt in my mind his strength comes from within himself." Astraia would state. The Instructor took a moment to process the information given before releasing a hefty sigh and dismissal wave with her hand. "If you say so. Still... that would also mean that Riyku far exceeds your own expectations does he not?" The tensions in the area; was still heavy even with everything cleared up. "He does." Astraia would respond to the Instructor with a smirk painted across her face. "I see..." The Instructor took a moment to process the information before dismissing the present five and calling upon the final five.

The last five were too starstruck by what just happened to be able to concentrate on the task before them and each of them ended up failing terribly. They were dismissed for a short break; afterward, and even when the entire class was regrouped there were only murmurs and whispers. Even without the words of who or even what they were speaking of, it was quite clear that they were talking about Riyku. Astraia would come up behind him and laced an arm around his neck while hunching over and looking at his downcast face. "Why the long face, handsome?" Astraia would tease which caused him to chuckle lightly. It was clearly an inside joke since most of the patrons at the Tavern went from calling him cutie to handsome. "Just confused I suppose." Riyku would reply with a lackluster tone. Riyku appreciated that Astraia was trying to cheer him up, but well... Astraia knew Riyku was upfront and honest. So she could easily tell what was bothering him. Swinging around to the front side of him she would move to gather his face in his hands and lift it towards her own. "There is nothing wrong with being strong. People tend to isolate themselves from those who are strong out of fear. Even if you want to befriend them, they will fear you because you are strong; but remember that there is nothing wrong with being strong. You sought strength to protect those you cherished. There is nothing wrong with that. Even if everyone fears you because you are strong, I will remain at your side, because I know who you truly are." Astraia spoke with encouragement and comfort. Her soft smile aided in bringing a smile to Riyku's face. He did not know what he was feeling, because he never felt this way before. It was a new type of feeling. However, it seemed Astraia knew what it was that he was feeling to the point. She even pinpointed it and everything. The feeling of isolation. "Thank you." Riyku would press his forehead to Astraia's while simply standing there. He wanted to wrap his arms around her at that moment, embrace her close; however, he did not. It was unknown as to why he decided not to. Alas, that may have been for the better considering the looks they were getting.

"Are they dating!?" Someone called out which caused everyone to start to speak up in turn. A deep blush took to Riyku's face; and a softer one to Astraia's. "No... We..." Before Riyku could finish speaking up, Astraia interjected herself her tone shifting to something more serious. "And if we are? What are you going to do about it? Fight us? You saw what he is capable of, and you already know just how strong I am. So, I dare you to come at us!" Astraia was bold with her statement. Those around them suddenly became quiet and heavy tension once again started to rise. Riyku was confused as to why the tension was so high. Was there a problem with if they were dating? Riyku did not know. That dating in the Underworld was considered a joke. That dating was considered to be a sinful and terrible thing to do. It was the worst thing anyone could do; because it meant that two people monopolized each other. They were not available and when something or someone was no longer free game others ended up wanting it. Which usually caused the two who were dating to experience far worse things than death. Astraia knew though. She knew because it was the reason her father died protecting them. Someone had set Krowth up saying that they wanted to celebrate his 'rebellious will' together, but in the end, they tried to violate Astraia and Astrid while forcing Krowth to watch. Krowth killed everyone, but someone had unleashed a tier four nether beast as a last-ditch effort to kill Krowth and his family. Krowth died saving his family that day, which was why Astraia knew that dating, marriage, and love were only considered a joke by those in the Underworld. This was also one of the reasons she trusted Riyku so much. She knew just how much Riyku cherished love. Just how much she valued such an emotion.

"Wow... Congratulations then~" Someone called out in a sassy manner. "Yeah, good for you two." Another person would add. Following up were snide remarks about love, marriage, and couples along with degrading laughter and giggling. Astraia had her back towards Riyku, her body trembling with anger. Anyone could see just how pissed she was. However, before she could get out any words a voice darker than the night itself came forth.

"You think love is a joke?"

Riyku had placed a hand upon Astraia's shoulder, her eyes shifted towards him to catch the glint of anger in those normally calm and joy-filled eyes of his. "I pity you in that case. It means you were never truly loved by anyone. You never experienced the affection of someone who truly cares about you. You never knew how joyous love could be. The rapid beating on your heart when you think of someone you love. The butterflies in your stomach when you are around them. The warmth and comfort you feel when you hold them. How relaxed you become when you hear their voice. Their smile... everything about them." Riyku would place a hand to his heart. "Love is power. Love is strength. Love is bravery. Love is... a miracle." As Riyku went on the memories of him enjoying a warm filled life with his friends and family came to mind. He the memory of Mina, when he held her and told her he loved her. The memories of Astrid and Astraia as well; how warm it felt with them around. How joyful his life was thanks to them and how he did not feel alone. He had come to cherish both of them over the year. Astraia could tell just from how he spoke that he knew just how strong the emotion of love truly was. Her heart skipped a beat several times as she watched him. She could tell just how much he cherished those he loved. "Riy..." Astraia spoke softly as she reached for him. Riyku would turn towards her and soften his expression into a smile. "Everything will be fine. I am stronger now." Riyku would reply while placing a hand upon her own which rested on his arm.

A silence had befallen the area. Many were stunned by what Riyku had just said. Someone as powerful and strong as him proclaiming such was... baffling to them. Although the impression was different from awe; no it was more like an overwhelming disgust. Before another word could get out the Instructor had called for attention. "Well well, look at what we have here. I think it's time for the second phase of today's class. Mock battles. As you all know most battles are done in groups of three and each group goes one time. However, I think we will do things a bit differently." The Instructor's lips would grin into a devious and wicked grin. "Riyku and Astraia will battle against the rest of the class. The winners get to do whatever to the losers. No questions asked. The battle will be called once either side has been incapacitated or gives up. Since this is a simple Mock Battle. Killing is not allowed." With these words from the Instructor, the majority of the class roared with thrill and excitement. Solarus had been the only one to shy away from this sort of thing. When he heard Riyku's speech about love earlier, he knew that Riyku's will to help was genuine. He knew at that moment that Riyku wasn't like the other demons. However, there was nothing he could do to help Riyku. So he shuffled away from the commotion and backed out to watch from the sidelines.

As for the trio they were just as thrilled as the rest of the class. The guys were licking their lips just as deviously as the girls. It was quite obvious what thoughts were going through their minds and the Instructor seemed to just snicker. "This is why I hate the Underworld..." Astraia would grit her teeth. She knew that these sorts of things were allowed in the Underworld. Crimson Ash while it was a lawless land, was not much different from any other Netherworld. Anything went in the Underworld. Some Netherworlds were had a few rules and regulations like Burning Canyon and Crimson River, but overall they were all pretty much the same. The Instructor herself was just as thrilled to be able to get back at Astraia. It was quite clear she had some kind of grudge against Astraia. "Two against Thirteen?" Riyku inquired in a confused manner.

"What you can't handle it?"

"Show us this power of love you speak of!"

"Yeah, prove us wrong!"

The jeers rang up which caused Riyku to frown. He did not know why things turned out his way. What he did know was that he needed to protect Astraia. He saw the look in those eyes before... when he first came here with those two succubi. It was the same lustful craving. "Without further ado, Begin!" The Instructor shouted and the battle started. Since Solarus decided to stay back it was twelve against two. Joon, Yulius, Jet, and Mora were chanting Black Magic while the rest of the class charged forward. Riyku would grit his teeth and push Astraia behind him. Swiftly he brought his right and left hand around. "Hellfire! Dark Ice!" Riyku would exclaim a navy blue and black mist engulfed his left hand, and a crimson, violet, and black flame engulfed his right. He swung his left arm around which released onyx colored Ice Shards at those charging towards him before bring his right hand upward with an underhand throw to toss the Hellflame which split into four bolts that were aimed at Joon, Yulius, Jet, and Mora. Astraia would have simply watched from behind Riyku if she just a damsel in distress, but that wasn't how she was. She was chanting behind him and when she finished a black orb sat around her. Although she wouldn't stop there, she started up another chant, and each time she finished the incantation she started another one. Each time she finished an incantation another black orb would appear.

Joon, Yulius, Jet, and Mora would have been hit by the attack if it wasn't for the Instructor's intervention. She had brought up a Magic Barrier around them just before the four bolts were supposed to hit their intended targets. As for the Ice Shards, a few students were hit and frozen in place; however, the rest continued the charge. Riyku's eyes shifted towards the Instructor in distraught. "Why!?" He exclaimed with confusion which only brought a giggle from the woman. "I am curious just how strong that pitiful emotion you call love can outlast against lust." The Instructor would lick her lips while eyeing him like a piece of meat. Since Riyku was distracted by the Instructor he did not realize just how close the students who took to melee range were. A crude mistake on his part. Through summoning circles, their weapons would appear. Some using daggers, some using shortswords, and some longswords. There wasn't time to draw any weapons, no time to evade, or call upon magic either; his only option was to take the damage so he stretched out his body to cover Astraia and grit his teeth in preparation for the damage, however...

"Disgusting..." A voice came from behind Riyku. It was low and filled with annoyance. Shortly afterward a body surged forward past him and disrupted the incoming attack while sending those who charged at Astraia and Riyku; back to the rest of the class. A large bastard sword was being dragged in a circle as Astraia turned to look at Riyku. Her blade overflowing with a black flame, the same flame that was attached to the students who were crying in pain and fear. "To think an Instructor would willingly take sides. I suppose that makes sense considering the person you are, you filthy hag." Astraia would shift attention towards the Instructor with a glare when she spat her venom, but only after giving Riyku a caring smile. "Filthy hag!?" The Instructor exclaimed with anger. "I'll show you, Princess of Slaughter! When the day is done you were be nothing more than a semen dump!" With those words, the Instructor began a short incantation that seemed to empower the other students. Crimson auras swirled around them and those who were frozen solid thawed out instantly. The black flame was also put out to those who were inflicted with it.

"Riyku..." Astraia shifted her glance back towards Riyku who was still awestruck by what just happened. "Whatever happens. Do not use its power. Remember, the stronger you become; the stronger they become. The first time you tried to use their power you almost lost yourself. So please, do not use it. No matter what, okay?" Astraia would request of him with a smile. However... why was it that the smile she had was filled with sadness. What was she about to do? His eyes would widen as he noticed her horns growing out, her body starting to become more succulent, her muscles twitching and her large bat-like wings flaring out. The black flame that engulfed her blade steadily rose up around her body like a cloak. Her fangs were clear as day just like the glow in her eyes. "I'll take care of everything. So just sit tight." Astraia would remark with a distortion in her voice. While Riyku was standing there, he had not noticed that Astraia placed a protective barrier around him. The barrier could not be shattered or torn down and those on the inside could not leave while no one could enter it either. The only way to take it down was to defeat the one who put it up which was in this case Astraia.