lovelymars908
Non-FA WG Writer
~WG, ~BBW, ~BHM. Science Fantasy. A young, arrogant warrior becomes the reluctant protege of a strict master, and both go through unexpected changes during the apprenticeship.
A/N: This novella will be my official debut in the library and writing community. The narrative is almost out of my comfort zone as I'm learning the ropes of serious character development.
Chapter 1.1
The sun was peeking over the horizon while Pomona Bridger was sitting on the edge of her favorite cliff meditating and chanting a prayer to the patron god Theos for good luck. Pomona opened her eyes, sneering at the sunrise as this very day would bring special tidings. She stood up and stretched before planting her two feet firmly on the ground, bent her knees and pushed her elbows back fisting her hands. The girl moved forward with a fist strike and carefully maneuvered leg to a roundhouse kick. Pomona held her leg and turned at another angle. Then, she went out. Pomona released a barrage of kicks, punches and other maneuvers while releasing a burst of her power energy. Her favorite stunt was a series of punches, followed a low sweep kick before releasing a flame blast.
Pomona ended the exercise and resumed watching the sun rising. She then ascended into the air and darting across the cliffs, heading for the Academy of Pontus. The institution was one of many in the world of Delos that specialized in teaching budding Durgas to hone their near-godlike abilities for stability, warfare, and maintain a balanced affinity for life. On this day, a commencement ceremony was for those who were ready to depart the training grounds of Pontus and receive their apprenticeship.
The girl glanced down while flying over the entrance courtyard where plenty of people were gathering within the school premises to attend the graduation ceremony that early morning. She scanned through the crowds of family and other attendees to find her parents. Until she found a blond man and a light brunette woman standing near the large doors.
“Mother, Father,” she called to get their attention.
Rhea and Gabriel looked up to see their daughter approaching them with a bright smile on her face. However, the parents weren’t exactly in the same spirits as her.
Rhea could barely sustain a smile as she looked at her. “Pomona… please go in there and show the masters that you're at least dignified and mindful of what's being offering to you. This should be your day of achievement, not start another fight!”
Gabriel tried his best not to grind teeth and said, “God, at least pretend you’re dignified! And please, girl, do not go in there making fun of your pupils. You're moving upwards and you're still at this.”
As almost clueless as ever, Pomona scoffed their comments and said, “Mother, Father. Don't worry, I'm going to wow the overseers and I'll get out of that circus as soon as possible.”
Rhea didn't say anything while Gabriel cringed at her comment. Pomona walked away while she joined the other students in the school’s foyer where they were preparing for the ceremony. The girl walked down the row of students to find a suitable spot to join. As she was walking, Pomona heard the usual whispers of her peers talking about her. Mostly in the lines, “why is she graduating?” or “I can’t imagine what stupid things she’ll do once she’s out of here”. The girl found a free spot and stood there waiting. Then she turned around to see a familiar face of another student.
“Pomona….” the top student said under his breath.
The girl’s expression turned dark and she looked at him. “Agh, you want to battle again, ‘your highness’?”
“AGHHH! Someone needs to teach you a lesson!” Lachlan said as his hands brighten up with energy and he was ready to plant his fist on Pomona’s face. Some of the students stood back in the upcoming fight while a few cheered on Lachlan. One of the deputy headmasters came by and saw Pomona and Lachlan ready to seemingly kill each other--for the umpteenth time. Soon they were restrained and Pomona had to be moved to the back of the crowd.
The students were led to the outdoor auditorium and arena where the ceremony was to be taken place.
“Students. Reassign into rows of ten!” called out the deputy headmaster.
The students marched into the arena where they were facing the high-standing podium where the school’s headmistress was walking towards. Out came a tall, muscular woman with red hair and brown skin already tense yet composed followed by the academy’s staff and instructors. The audience was seated.
The grand headmistress Rhodopis Tano walked the platform and faced the audience.
“We start this day to give these fine students the highest honor, the rite of passage for their hard work and dedication over their decade-long tutelage here at Pontus. They have displayed the competency and skill to continue their careers for the future in fighting for our world. Without further adieu let’s get on with the proceedings. Students, this should be a proud day and you all earn it.”
The audience clapped and the students cheered.
“Now, as a final act of their achievement, the students will demonstrate the summation of twelve years of training.” Rhodopis clapped her hands.
The student body was filled with excitement as they began to warm up before demonstrating off their skills for one final time. Pomona had been waiting for this moment forever. She only cracked her neck before she shot up into the air and passed through almost all the other graduates while heading straight for the training area. Automatic projectiles were released and aimed for its first oncoming target. The blonde girl just had to begin the display by blasting the projectiles with her blue blast and destroying every single object heading towards them with a single hit. She was happy. But the other students (and definitely not the supervisors) were not. Then, the demonstration moved to the droid portion. The other students scrambled towards for the droids before Pomona would get a chance to destroy them as well.
After a good solid ten minutes into the training droid segment, Lachlan was surrounded by twenty training droids and before he was ready to attack, Pomona just “happily” to destroy them for him. Lachlan just wanted to drop to his knees, but he couldn’t. After enduring four years of being tormented by the competitive and horribly arrogant behavior from his borderline "archrival", Lachlan had enough. His face turned red, his teeth ground against each other, his knuckles turned white, and his eyes and hands emitted his green power energy. He charged towards Pomona with his hands outstretched for her throat.
And they fought.
Lachlan pulled the hardest punches he could throw at Pomona’s face. She parried the last punch and returned him a smashing headbutt that almost sent him into a group of students.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched the ongoing fight ensuing within the courtyard. The audience was also watching from the benches, questioning as to what tomfoolery was happening within the courtyard. Rhea and Gabriel were sensing something bad happening already….
Pomona delivered many punches towards Lachlan and blasted him towards a wall with her optical eye beam. The boy got up and flew towards her and grabbed the girl by the arms and flipped her to the ground three times, making dents onto the surface. The girl got up and shot her optical beams. Lachlan put his palms up to deflect them as he slowly walked towards her and smacked her in the face with a punch followed by a roundhouse. The boy grabbed her head and smashed her face towards the hard limestone surface. Then he smacked her head extra hard into the surface and proceeded to drag her as she was buried in the limestone for around seven meters and tossed her at the wall again.
Pomona recovered and bounced towards him before one teacher jumped in front of her by grabbing her fist and holding it with a vice grip. Two other teachers already stopped Lachlan from getting to her.
The girl said, “Let me go! I wanna show that idiot--”
“Bridger! That’s enough!” called out Rhodopis.
Then, another instructor showed up with a pair of stone-like handcuffs that were specifically made for the likes of Durgas. They were bound to Pomona’s hands and she immediately started to struggle, yelling that she wanted to continue her fighting with Lachlan.
Rhodopis turned to the teachers and said, “Take the girl inside.”
“No, I’m not done with--” The headmistress simply headbutted Pomona into silence and she was dragged inside while unconscious.
***
Music was playing loudly throughout every corner of the school later that day. The ceremony went to a gratuitous close with a beautiful show of fireworks and a massive feast followed afterward while the students joined their families and friends among the festivities.
All except Pomona. She was locked within the detention fortress, a rather dark part of the school for young misbehaving Durga brats. She was contained for five hours screaming and yelling, demanding to be released to finish what she claimed to be her well-deserved fight with Lachlan. The guards were trained to ignore cries like that as if it was just air passing through. Though they were secretly wishing the girl would shut her mouth already.
Gabriel and Rhea had their worst fears confirmed once they were told by the administrators after leaving during the middle of the ceremony, so they decided to make last minute arrangements in having a private meeting with Rhodopis.
After another hour, Pomona finally settled down before being eventually detained and was escorted to the intimidating office belonging to Rhodopis. She rolled her eyes once she passed through the doors and everything cute and happy crumbled once her parents and the headmistress were staring right into her eyes with the most “you are going to get it” stare. Pomona, while her hands were still cuffed, furrowed her brow as she was brought near her parents and Rhodopis.
The headmistress said, “Now, Bridger….”
Pomona bit her lip.
“You’re not the only one here who thinks they have all the power in the world and can do whatever they want,” Rhodopis said quietly, “But there is one thing I do not tolerate is those with such heavy egos and make a mockery of the other students! And what made it worst that you attacked Lachlan, the top student! MY top student. However, I shouldn’t be surprised because I almost lost count after fifteen regarding your little fights with him.”
Gabriel said, “Yes… I understand that Lachlan’s parents are also aware of this and they want to get on your case too, Pomona. And what I mean by that, they want to. Beat. You. Into the ground.”
Rhea added, “I have to agree… I saw them bursting out of their seats during the ceremony before the guards stopped them….”
Pomona didn’t say a word, but the thought of Lachlan’s parents wanting to fight in retaliation for her bullying towards their son surprised her.
Rhodopis continued, “And also the fight with the two other students last year. You wanted to show the instructor your improved optical beams and you were also taking over the whole room without letting any other to have their turn. Then, there was the massive argument during one of the weight training classes with one student that escalated into a ‘weight throwing competition’, that almost got few pupils hurt.
“But I digress. In the next few days, there will be the Pairings…. And Bridger, you better listen to me good for what I'm about to tell you.”
“I hope one of the finest trainers amongst the Masters will set her right,” Gabriel said.
“Oh, yes. I already told him and he’s been aware of the situation for the last year and a half. Pomona, I’ll tell you right now that he will NOT go easy on you for one moment during your apprenticeship. Kannas is perfect for students with a huge superiority complex such as yours.” Rhodopis said.
Gabriel added, “He’ll put her in her place and after the four years, she’ll come out a new woman. I guarantee it. Pomona, he’s not going to be pleased when he sees you, in a good way.”
Pomona said, “I can’t wait… I suppose it’s fair since he’s very powerful, I’m guessing.”
Rhodopis nodded, “Powerful, indeed. But that hardly makes him any different than the other Masters. The only critical distinction that sets apart from them is his spartan ways. Once he’s done with you, you’ll be happy he’s your master and he’ll be ecstatic for you being his student. Let’s hope you can be one of amongst his favorites.”
For once Pomona lightened her expression and said, “Do you… mean that, Headmistress?”
“Only hypothetically, Pomona. I’m trusting you with this. Danula is an excellent instructor.”
“Daughter, I’d like to have you know Kannas and I go back. He is one of the top soldiers of the Royal Guard and among the rare top students of Pontus. He used to be my sparring partner in my youth,” Rhea said, “I remember us being more than just friends for a short time.”
The girl almost widened her eyes at the new secret. “Yes, Mother.”
“Pomona, you and your family may go. And prepare yourself when you meet Lord Kannas. When you meet him, it’s going to be hell for you, so woman up!”
***
Pomona and her parents didn’t plan to stay long in on the festivities, but the girl took this chance to meet up with her acquaintances who were willing to tolerate her behavior.
A red-haired girl named Meredith called out when she saw her. “Pomona! What happened? What did they do to you?”
“I had a meeting with the headmistress.” the girl murmured.
The pupils looked at each as if they had “she had it coming” look.
“Wow, what did she say?” said a boy named Typhus.
“I apparently learned the identity of my master. He is Danula Kannas.”
The students looked at each other.
“My goodness, that doesn’t sound good,” Meredith said.
“I agree… I heard Lord Kannas is a pretty difficult teacher to put up with.”
“I’m in deep trouble, yes, but I’ll manage.
Typhus put a hand on Pomona's shoulder, “Well, if he’s going to be hard with you… I can only pray to Theos you’ll survive.”
“Thanks. I think.”
Typhus said, “Now that you said it… I did see Kannas in action once and well… I'm not sure I can call you lucky or unlucky.”
Pomona recoiled herself. Then her father called to her for departure. Typhus and Meredith waved at her, worried about what would happen to Pomona in the coming days.
***
The Pairings was considered an interesting time for graduates as they were carefully watched over by the academy's council as they had to learn and evaluate each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and attributes for them to be paired for the right master and it did take some time to get everything set up.
And unlike most graduates, Pomona was almost not excited about the occasion like she should be and it made her somewhat frustrated. Typhus and Meredith were super excited to meet their masters for the first time but Pomona felt as if she was the only one dreading the introduction of her master.
The graduates attended the school for the occasion. They were all gathered in a special arena-like auditorium that was specifically used for the Pairings proceedings.
Pomona joined with her friends on the risers, watching tentatively as everyone was gladly accepting their new Masters, the people who were standing in a few rows behind Rhodopis and the academy’s council as they called out the student roster. The Durga girl glanced at the rows of masters, wondering if hers was already present.
The list went relatively slow. The suspense really killed the girl. Her feet shook while sitting cross-legged, her upper body essentially trembled while sweat dripped from her forehead.
Calm down, Pomona! Why are you so scared?
She cringed more and more while the names were being called; it felt like something was building in her head, she was reaching a limit she couldn't hold all in anymore.
“Pomona Bridger.”
Pomona almost made a yelp but she took a deep breath and stood up. Meredith put a hand on her shoulder for reassurance. Pomona eased a little. But once she climbed down the risers, she eavesdropped quite a several whispers from the other students with her super-hearing.
“...wonder who Miss Toughness is gonna be paired with it.”
“I hope her Master clobbers her for all I care.”
“The broad has a lot coming to her from how been she's acting.”
All that anxiety decided to waltz out of Pomona's mood and her expression of nervousness was replaced with the smuggest smile she ever pulled in her life. It was appropriate too. She was getting the personal instructor who was in charge of the final stages in honing her natural abilities that were literally gifted from the gods.
These jerks are making doubts about me?! I can't wait to meet Master Kannas so I can show them all I can so be the perfect little student so I can rub it in all their faces!
The youth approached Headmistress Rhodopis, and instead of giving Pomona the usually annoyed frown she always gave when seeing the smug grin slapped on her face, Rhodopis only put on a heartfelt smirk.
Pomona almost raised an eyebrow.
The headmistress moved away from the girl as if something else was coming into view.
The doors opened from behind.
No one was there.
“What is this--” Pomona was cut mid-sentence as she was hit by twin optical blasts. She was thrown almost across the whole arena before skidding on the ground.
The students dropped their mouths, shocked at what just happened. One minute they were making fun of the school jerk, and the next they witnessed what seemed to be an unexpected, potential fight in the making. They simply didn't know what to think, but despite them knowing fully well Pomona deserved it, no one was laughing.
The girl struggled to stand.
“We have a lot of work to do, you stupid girl….” called out a man's voice.
The girl looked up at the person who spoke to her and a rare glimpse of genuine fear appeared on her face once she stared into the intimidating glare of Danula Kannas. His very complexion made him all the more threatening: long, ebony hair and dark bronze skin.
Without moving his facial expression, he said a command more intimidating than even Headmistress Rhodopis would say, “Now, get yourself up. We start your apprenticeship tomorrow morning.”
The girl couldn't believe what just happened, her smug smile was already long gone. She was staring at the most famous and the feared Master in all of Delos and from that point forward, hell already started.
A/N: This novella will be my official debut in the library and writing community. The narrative is almost out of my comfort zone as I'm learning the ropes of serious character development.
Pomona & Danu
by lovelymars908
by lovelymars908
Chapter 1.1
The sun was peeking over the horizon while Pomona Bridger was sitting on the edge of her favorite cliff meditating and chanting a prayer to the patron god Theos for good luck. Pomona opened her eyes, sneering at the sunrise as this very day would bring special tidings. She stood up and stretched before planting her two feet firmly on the ground, bent her knees and pushed her elbows back fisting her hands. The girl moved forward with a fist strike and carefully maneuvered leg to a roundhouse kick. Pomona held her leg and turned at another angle. Then, she went out. Pomona released a barrage of kicks, punches and other maneuvers while releasing a burst of her power energy. Her favorite stunt was a series of punches, followed a low sweep kick before releasing a flame blast.
Pomona ended the exercise and resumed watching the sun rising. She then ascended into the air and darting across the cliffs, heading for the Academy of Pontus. The institution was one of many in the world of Delos that specialized in teaching budding Durgas to hone their near-godlike abilities for stability, warfare, and maintain a balanced affinity for life. On this day, a commencement ceremony was for those who were ready to depart the training grounds of Pontus and receive their apprenticeship.
The girl glanced down while flying over the entrance courtyard where plenty of people were gathering within the school premises to attend the graduation ceremony that early morning. She scanned through the crowds of family and other attendees to find her parents. Until she found a blond man and a light brunette woman standing near the large doors.
“Mother, Father,” she called to get their attention.
Rhea and Gabriel looked up to see their daughter approaching them with a bright smile on her face. However, the parents weren’t exactly in the same spirits as her.
Rhea could barely sustain a smile as she looked at her. “Pomona… please go in there and show the masters that you're at least dignified and mindful of what's being offering to you. This should be your day of achievement, not start another fight!”
Gabriel tried his best not to grind teeth and said, “God, at least pretend you’re dignified! And please, girl, do not go in there making fun of your pupils. You're moving upwards and you're still at this.”
As almost clueless as ever, Pomona scoffed their comments and said, “Mother, Father. Don't worry, I'm going to wow the overseers and I'll get out of that circus as soon as possible.”
Rhea didn't say anything while Gabriel cringed at her comment. Pomona walked away while she joined the other students in the school’s foyer where they were preparing for the ceremony. The girl walked down the row of students to find a suitable spot to join. As she was walking, Pomona heard the usual whispers of her peers talking about her. Mostly in the lines, “why is she graduating?” or “I can’t imagine what stupid things she’ll do once she’s out of here”. The girl found a free spot and stood there waiting. Then she turned around to see a familiar face of another student.
“Pomona….” the top student said under his breath.
The girl’s expression turned dark and she looked at him. “Agh, you want to battle again, ‘your highness’?”
“AGHHH! Someone needs to teach you a lesson!” Lachlan said as his hands brighten up with energy and he was ready to plant his fist on Pomona’s face. Some of the students stood back in the upcoming fight while a few cheered on Lachlan. One of the deputy headmasters came by and saw Pomona and Lachlan ready to seemingly kill each other--for the umpteenth time. Soon they were restrained and Pomona had to be moved to the back of the crowd.
The students were led to the outdoor auditorium and arena where the ceremony was to be taken place.
“Students. Reassign into rows of ten!” called out the deputy headmaster.
The students marched into the arena where they were facing the high-standing podium where the school’s headmistress was walking towards. Out came a tall, muscular woman with red hair and brown skin already tense yet composed followed by the academy’s staff and instructors. The audience was seated.
The grand headmistress Rhodopis Tano walked the platform and faced the audience.
“We start this day to give these fine students the highest honor, the rite of passage for their hard work and dedication over their decade-long tutelage here at Pontus. They have displayed the competency and skill to continue their careers for the future in fighting for our world. Without further adieu let’s get on with the proceedings. Students, this should be a proud day and you all earn it.”
The audience clapped and the students cheered.
“Now, as a final act of their achievement, the students will demonstrate the summation of twelve years of training.” Rhodopis clapped her hands.
The student body was filled with excitement as they began to warm up before demonstrating off their skills for one final time. Pomona had been waiting for this moment forever. She only cracked her neck before she shot up into the air and passed through almost all the other graduates while heading straight for the training area. Automatic projectiles were released and aimed for its first oncoming target. The blonde girl just had to begin the display by blasting the projectiles with her blue blast and destroying every single object heading towards them with a single hit. She was happy. But the other students (and definitely not the supervisors) were not. Then, the demonstration moved to the droid portion. The other students scrambled towards for the droids before Pomona would get a chance to destroy them as well.
After a good solid ten minutes into the training droid segment, Lachlan was surrounded by twenty training droids and before he was ready to attack, Pomona just “happily” to destroy them for him. Lachlan just wanted to drop to his knees, but he couldn’t. After enduring four years of being tormented by the competitive and horribly arrogant behavior from his borderline "archrival", Lachlan had enough. His face turned red, his teeth ground against each other, his knuckles turned white, and his eyes and hands emitted his green power energy. He charged towards Pomona with his hands outstretched for her throat.
And they fought.
Lachlan pulled the hardest punches he could throw at Pomona’s face. She parried the last punch and returned him a smashing headbutt that almost sent him into a group of students.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched the ongoing fight ensuing within the courtyard. The audience was also watching from the benches, questioning as to what tomfoolery was happening within the courtyard. Rhea and Gabriel were sensing something bad happening already….
Pomona delivered many punches towards Lachlan and blasted him towards a wall with her optical eye beam. The boy got up and flew towards her and grabbed the girl by the arms and flipped her to the ground three times, making dents onto the surface. The girl got up and shot her optical beams. Lachlan put his palms up to deflect them as he slowly walked towards her and smacked her in the face with a punch followed by a roundhouse. The boy grabbed her head and smashed her face towards the hard limestone surface. Then he smacked her head extra hard into the surface and proceeded to drag her as she was buried in the limestone for around seven meters and tossed her at the wall again.
Pomona recovered and bounced towards him before one teacher jumped in front of her by grabbing her fist and holding it with a vice grip. Two other teachers already stopped Lachlan from getting to her.
The girl said, “Let me go! I wanna show that idiot--”
“Bridger! That’s enough!” called out Rhodopis.
Then, another instructor showed up with a pair of stone-like handcuffs that were specifically made for the likes of Durgas. They were bound to Pomona’s hands and she immediately started to struggle, yelling that she wanted to continue her fighting with Lachlan.
Rhodopis turned to the teachers and said, “Take the girl inside.”
“No, I’m not done with--” The headmistress simply headbutted Pomona into silence and she was dragged inside while unconscious.
***
Music was playing loudly throughout every corner of the school later that day. The ceremony went to a gratuitous close with a beautiful show of fireworks and a massive feast followed afterward while the students joined their families and friends among the festivities.
All except Pomona. She was locked within the detention fortress, a rather dark part of the school for young misbehaving Durga brats. She was contained for five hours screaming and yelling, demanding to be released to finish what she claimed to be her well-deserved fight with Lachlan. The guards were trained to ignore cries like that as if it was just air passing through. Though they were secretly wishing the girl would shut her mouth already.
Gabriel and Rhea had their worst fears confirmed once they were told by the administrators after leaving during the middle of the ceremony, so they decided to make last minute arrangements in having a private meeting with Rhodopis.
After another hour, Pomona finally settled down before being eventually detained and was escorted to the intimidating office belonging to Rhodopis. She rolled her eyes once she passed through the doors and everything cute and happy crumbled once her parents and the headmistress were staring right into her eyes with the most “you are going to get it” stare. Pomona, while her hands were still cuffed, furrowed her brow as she was brought near her parents and Rhodopis.
The headmistress said, “Now, Bridger….”
Pomona bit her lip.
“You’re not the only one here who thinks they have all the power in the world and can do whatever they want,” Rhodopis said quietly, “But there is one thing I do not tolerate is those with such heavy egos and make a mockery of the other students! And what made it worst that you attacked Lachlan, the top student! MY top student. However, I shouldn’t be surprised because I almost lost count after fifteen regarding your little fights with him.”
Gabriel said, “Yes… I understand that Lachlan’s parents are also aware of this and they want to get on your case too, Pomona. And what I mean by that, they want to. Beat. You. Into the ground.”
Rhea added, “I have to agree… I saw them bursting out of their seats during the ceremony before the guards stopped them….”
Pomona didn’t say a word, but the thought of Lachlan’s parents wanting to fight in retaliation for her bullying towards their son surprised her.
Rhodopis continued, “And also the fight with the two other students last year. You wanted to show the instructor your improved optical beams and you were also taking over the whole room without letting any other to have their turn. Then, there was the massive argument during one of the weight training classes with one student that escalated into a ‘weight throwing competition’, that almost got few pupils hurt.
“But I digress. In the next few days, there will be the Pairings…. And Bridger, you better listen to me good for what I'm about to tell you.”
“I hope one of the finest trainers amongst the Masters will set her right,” Gabriel said.
“Oh, yes. I already told him and he’s been aware of the situation for the last year and a half. Pomona, I’ll tell you right now that he will NOT go easy on you for one moment during your apprenticeship. Kannas is perfect for students with a huge superiority complex such as yours.” Rhodopis said.
Gabriel added, “He’ll put her in her place and after the four years, she’ll come out a new woman. I guarantee it. Pomona, he’s not going to be pleased when he sees you, in a good way.”
Pomona said, “I can’t wait… I suppose it’s fair since he’s very powerful, I’m guessing.”
Rhodopis nodded, “Powerful, indeed. But that hardly makes him any different than the other Masters. The only critical distinction that sets apart from them is his spartan ways. Once he’s done with you, you’ll be happy he’s your master and he’ll be ecstatic for you being his student. Let’s hope you can be one of amongst his favorites.”
For once Pomona lightened her expression and said, “Do you… mean that, Headmistress?”
“Only hypothetically, Pomona. I’m trusting you with this. Danula is an excellent instructor.”
“Daughter, I’d like to have you know Kannas and I go back. He is one of the top soldiers of the Royal Guard and among the rare top students of Pontus. He used to be my sparring partner in my youth,” Rhea said, “I remember us being more than just friends for a short time.”
The girl almost widened her eyes at the new secret. “Yes, Mother.”
“Pomona, you and your family may go. And prepare yourself when you meet Lord Kannas. When you meet him, it’s going to be hell for you, so woman up!”
***
Pomona and her parents didn’t plan to stay long in on the festivities, but the girl took this chance to meet up with her acquaintances who were willing to tolerate her behavior.
A red-haired girl named Meredith called out when she saw her. “Pomona! What happened? What did they do to you?”
“I had a meeting with the headmistress.” the girl murmured.
The pupils looked at each as if they had “she had it coming” look.
“Wow, what did she say?” said a boy named Typhus.
“I apparently learned the identity of my master. He is Danula Kannas.”
The students looked at each other.
“My goodness, that doesn’t sound good,” Meredith said.
“I agree… I heard Lord Kannas is a pretty difficult teacher to put up with.”
“I’m in deep trouble, yes, but I’ll manage.
Typhus put a hand on Pomona's shoulder, “Well, if he’s going to be hard with you… I can only pray to Theos you’ll survive.”
“Thanks. I think.”
Typhus said, “Now that you said it… I did see Kannas in action once and well… I'm not sure I can call you lucky or unlucky.”
Pomona recoiled herself. Then her father called to her for departure. Typhus and Meredith waved at her, worried about what would happen to Pomona in the coming days.
***
The Pairings was considered an interesting time for graduates as they were carefully watched over by the academy's council as they had to learn and evaluate each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and attributes for them to be paired for the right master and it did take some time to get everything set up.
And unlike most graduates, Pomona was almost not excited about the occasion like she should be and it made her somewhat frustrated. Typhus and Meredith were super excited to meet their masters for the first time but Pomona felt as if she was the only one dreading the introduction of her master.
The graduates attended the school for the occasion. They were all gathered in a special arena-like auditorium that was specifically used for the Pairings proceedings.
Pomona joined with her friends on the risers, watching tentatively as everyone was gladly accepting their new Masters, the people who were standing in a few rows behind Rhodopis and the academy’s council as they called out the student roster. The Durga girl glanced at the rows of masters, wondering if hers was already present.
The list went relatively slow. The suspense really killed the girl. Her feet shook while sitting cross-legged, her upper body essentially trembled while sweat dripped from her forehead.
Calm down, Pomona! Why are you so scared?
She cringed more and more while the names were being called; it felt like something was building in her head, she was reaching a limit she couldn't hold all in anymore.
“Pomona Bridger.”
Pomona almost made a yelp but she took a deep breath and stood up. Meredith put a hand on her shoulder for reassurance. Pomona eased a little. But once she climbed down the risers, she eavesdropped quite a several whispers from the other students with her super-hearing.
“...wonder who Miss Toughness is gonna be paired with it.”
“I hope her Master clobbers her for all I care.”
“The broad has a lot coming to her from how been she's acting.”
All that anxiety decided to waltz out of Pomona's mood and her expression of nervousness was replaced with the smuggest smile she ever pulled in her life. It was appropriate too. She was getting the personal instructor who was in charge of the final stages in honing her natural abilities that were literally gifted from the gods.
These jerks are making doubts about me?! I can't wait to meet Master Kannas so I can show them all I can so be the perfect little student so I can rub it in all their faces!
The youth approached Headmistress Rhodopis, and instead of giving Pomona the usually annoyed frown she always gave when seeing the smug grin slapped on her face, Rhodopis only put on a heartfelt smirk.
Pomona almost raised an eyebrow.
The headmistress moved away from the girl as if something else was coming into view.
The doors opened from behind.
No one was there.
“What is this--” Pomona was cut mid-sentence as she was hit by twin optical blasts. She was thrown almost across the whole arena before skidding on the ground.
The students dropped their mouths, shocked at what just happened. One minute they were making fun of the school jerk, and the next they witnessed what seemed to be an unexpected, potential fight in the making. They simply didn't know what to think, but despite them knowing fully well Pomona deserved it, no one was laughing.
The girl struggled to stand.
“We have a lot of work to do, you stupid girl….” called out a man's voice.
The girl looked up at the person who spoke to her and a rare glimpse of genuine fear appeared on her face once she stared into the intimidating glare of Danula Kannas. His very complexion made him all the more threatening: long, ebony hair and dark bronze skin.
Without moving his facial expression, he said a command more intimidating than even Headmistress Rhodopis would say, “Now, get yourself up. We start your apprenticeship tomorrow morning.”
The girl couldn't believe what just happened, her smug smile was already long gone. She was staring at the most famous and the feared Master in all of Delos and from that point forward, hell already started.
