｡･:*:･ﾟ★,"Yield or die." :*:･ﾟ☆

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡"You've gotten arrogant, General."*:･ﾟ☆

Sky

Andreas and Beatrix fill the silence with mindless chatter as Riven and I walk behind them towards the sparring grounds. It was unanimously agreed that we would need support from these people for the upcoming war, whether the Solarian government would admit we're at war or not.

"Of course we'll have a few issues to tackle thanks to Sky." Beatrix gripes with a sweet mocking tone as she glances back at me. "Of course you would be the one to start a fight with Lykos."

"Don't be such a pessimist, little storm." Andreas chidies. "I finally have an excuse to go toe to toe with that bastard. I've been waiting for years."

"Wait what." I demand, this was my fight, I started it, I should finish. "As much as I appreciate the sentiment, I don't need you fighting my battles, Andreas."

He winces at the name but I don't allow myself to feel the guilt. If he's decided he shouldn't be my father, that's not my fault.

"Your ego doesn't matter here." Bea drawls as she drops back a pace to link her arm through Riven who is eyeing our little family unit with trepidation. "Now that dad is back many will be watching him to determine where his loyalties lie. And who he protects, who he declares as our Omada says a lot about where we will all take our place in society."

"Why does family relations matter? I thought we just needed to play politics." Riv questions. Indeed he has been the one out of us to research the most on the politics of who is here for these tournaments.

"Because of Omadas." Andreas grumbles, eyeing Riven as he puts together how little my- boyfriend? - knows about mates and Omadas. "They're vital to society, they are the one thing that can force a group of highly skilled, trained killers to disobey all orders and laws."

I can't stop the animalistic thrum of delight at the thought.

"Speaking of, for the time being I have taken on the Silva Omada name, so has Beatrix." Andreas declares and I see Riv and Bea share a conspiratorial glance from the corner of my eye. "Which mean we shall get our names listed together on the competition files and the we'll be up on the score board."

"But we're Octa's mates, we can't-"

"Oh you can." Andreas interrupts, giving me a don't disagree with me look. "Octavia and Stella are not supposed to fight. You however can fight on her behalf and considering the fact that the wider public has no clue you're both her mates it's even better."

"Why would it be better?" Riven snaps. That old rage building now we are no longer in the safety of our little mate trio.

"Because you can prove yourself now." Bea answers as we reach the sparring ring. "No one really knows who you are, so you can paint yourselves as every woman's dream, win the public's favour so that when Tavi declares you both as hers everyone thinks she scored a 'catch'"

"So boys," Andreas grins and I can't help but let a savage grin spread across my face at his manic glee. "Who do you want to fight?"

"Dane, Samuel and Dolos." Riven declares without hesitation. "We can play politics but I've got a list of specialists who I have been waiting to pound into the ground."

I'm really fighting the urge to make a pun.

"I still want to take on Lykos." I state instead.

"Absolutely not." All three declare and I flinch back at their unified glares.

"Fine, Helios, just pick me someone." I grumble. "I don't particularly know or care about any of them individually."

Andreas and Riven share a look and I get the feeling that they want me to be a bit more invigorated for this whole prove your worth fight. And I am. I really am. The urge to dominate and kill is there. Completely there. Except I have the urge, not to fight till someone taps out but to fight till all my enemies are dead and my family is safe.

"My grandparents are here." Riven says suddenly and I freeze, going completely still as rage builds and my hairs stand on end. "They're sponsoring a fighter, which only highlights that they're not fighting for me."

"Awesome." I declare turning to Andreas. "I want to fight their imposter."

"Done. Beatrix?"

"I heard a certain Lord's nephew was competing." Beatrix hums, her gaze transfixed on a male in the distance. "Brandon and I have been long overdue for a chat."

"Isn't he dating Stella, not to mention it's split by genders." Riven whispers to her but we can all hear.

"Exactly." Bea declares. "I'm making a statement."

"Careful you don't slight Stella in the process." Andreas whispers and my sister rolls her eyes before giving him a quick hug as she walks off into the crowd. "She's going to make an even bigger scene than you did with Lykos."

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

I watch in satisfaction as Riven brings Amari to his knees, flipping him over his shoulder till he slams back onto the mat, stunned from the impact. There's a spattering of applause from those watching but Riven doesn't relish in the praise as he once would. It's hard to be cocky about a win, even when you hate the specialist, during a war. Because they're not the real enemy.

Riv gives Amari a swift nod before reaching a hand out to pull him to his feet, shaking hands before striding back to my side to observe the next fight. I clap him on the shoulder, bringing him into a swift bro hug of congratulations.

"Swift win." I state and he rolls his eyes. "Well done."

"Don't start, we both know it was an unfair fight." Riv grumbles. "I just wanted to settle an old score."

I roll my eyes at him and we both turn to watch Kat and Dane enter the sparring ring.

"This should be good." Andreas drawls as he hands Riven and I hotdogs from the nearby stand. "She's been wanting to kill that male for weeks."

"Believe me, we all have." Riven mumbles as Dane lunges forward only to be blocked by Kat as she sends a kick to his stomach.

"Oh?" Andreas questions, munching loudly on his food and making noises of encouragement when Kat decks Dane in the face. "Something I should be aware of?"

"He's shifty as fuck, was obssessed with Beatrix for a while-"

"But that part's not important." Beatrix interrupts sweetly as she leads Irene over to us, who's currently munching on a packet of sweets as she glares at all the people whispering and staring at her. "Dane was failing a few history classes and wanted some help. I showed him the correct sections in the library and then we parted ways."

"Oh, a trip to the library?" I mock and my sister shoots me a sharp glare.

"Sky." Irene warns but there's an amused smile on her face. Andreas on the other hand looks deep in thought, glaring at the male who currently has Kat in a headlock.

"How are you doing today, Irene?" Riv asks politely but I can hear the worry in his voice even as Irene gives him a reassuring smile.

"I'm doing good. Saul and I made up so things are going well there as well." Irene gives Riven a look that says 'don't even pretend like that's not what you wanted to know' and my- again, are we boyfriends? - blushes in embarrassment and nods. "But my day is less good after hearing that somebody punched the General in the face."

I wince. Shit.

"You punched the General, Sky." Irene's eyes narrow.

I swallow heavily, "yes."

"In front of all the Alumni and Solarian officials"

"... yes."

"And you broke his jaw."

"... ... yes"

"Have a toffee, Sky."

"Have a- wait what?"

I see Andreas and Beatrix smother their laughter from the corner of my eye while Riven and I stare at my mother in shock. Have a toffee?

"You're not mad."

"Do you want the toffee or not?"

I take the toffee.

"I assume you are relishing this opportunity to fight Lykos." Irene asks Andreas who doesn't bother hiding his smug look. Irene rolls her eyes at him. "Don't damage him too much, we don't know who his replacement will be."

Andreas huffs but agrees with a quick nod as his gaze darts to the male striding through the crowds as they part for him out of fear and respect.

"Oh yeah," Beatrix hums as she takes a toffee from Irene. "We came to warn you that Lykos is out for a pound of flesh."

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

Octavia

"This is ridiculous." I hiss as I storm to Lykos' side. "Why are you being childish?"

"Why must you always question me?" The General huffs.  "We used to be close. There was a time I once considered us family."

I snarl, "Well things changed, especially after what happened with Ricki."

"I tried to reason with your mother-"

"Oh you tried, I'm so fucking grateful."

"Language." He snaps and I glare at him.

"Sky won't be fighting, you know that." I state instead.

"Because you told him not to." He arches a mocking brow as reach the crowds of observers. "Or because he's too much of a coward to finish what he started."

Want us to kill him?

Not yet.

"Not that I need to explain our reasons to you but because I found you much better competition to make a demonstration with." The bastard doesn't even bother to keep the smug look from his face. "Because we both know that you were only looking for an excuse to remind people that you are the general, and therefore you are all powerful, blah blah."

"Do not. Mock. My title."

"Then don't try to use my mates as pawns in your little schemes." I hiss back as I catch sight of my little family standing by a training ring, watching as we approach.

"Lykos." Andreas calls out in greeting before either of us can say anything. "So good to see you again, old friend."

Drea strides towards us with a mock happy expression, there's something completely wrong about seeing him so cheerful. The crowds have gone completely silent and my family has drifted closer to the fighting ring, knowing what's about to happen.

"So glad you're here, I was hoping we could have a chat." They clasp each other's arm in that odd little warrior handshake, both gripping with enough strength that I can hear their metal bound leather guards creak. "I hear you've already met one of my sons, Sky."

Oh he did not just decide to claim Riven as well. Sweet Helios, why must my entire Omada have a flare for the dramatics.

"Ah yes, we had a bit of a- altercation." Lykos muses, still gripping Andreas' arm. His grip tightens when Drea only loses a belting laugh that silences any murmurs or whispers.

"Indeed you did. He takes after me in that sense, Silva was so irritated that he couldn't stamp out the whole 'issue with authority' thing. But, alas, it's in our blood now."

Lykos only hums and releases his arm, not bothering to step back from their close proximity.

"There are consequences of course." Lykos' eyes narrow as he glares at the male before him.

"Of course." Andreas echos and any semblance of humour and amusement is instantly wiped from his face. "But Sky is still a student, and technically, you got into an 'altercation' with a minor."

"Technically, he swung first."

"But you're the one standing here demanding a pound of flesh." Drea arches a brow and I see the Dumaris and Shifters here today edge closer as they sense the violence in the air. "And I'm thinking, it's been a long time since I've had an opportunity to fight anything other than Burned One grunts."

Only Andreas could turn something to brag about into a boring chore.

"Well when you put it like that," Lykos drawls and I realise he was hoping for this outcome all along. "How can I refuse?"

The two move in sync to the largest sparring ring, the crowd parting for them as they refuse to take their attention off the other.

This is going to be good.

Silence descends as Andreas and Lykos stand opposite each other, both tightening and checking weapons with slow precision, each taking the opportunity to mark their other's advantages and weaknesses. Lykos dodgy left knee, Andreas' side where Irene got in the 'killing blow'. I silently drift to my mates side, nestling under Riven's arm for a moment before stepping back so as to not draw attention to us. I have no intention of hiding my mate bond, there's just no need to flaunt it in a potentially hostile situation.

I see Dowling stride hastily towards the sparring ring with worry lining her face while Professor Harvey and Silva follow with barely concealed terror before their faces go blank. I see the headmistress mutter something to the two of them but Silva wastes no time in striding towards us, greeting Irene with a kiss before turning towards the fight at hand.

"Call it." Lykos commands and Dowling steps forward.

They better not use a fucking point system.

"First blood." She states.

"Yield or die." Andreas counters and Lykos loses a savage growl that has the fairies stepping back and the more animalistic among us stepping forward. "Agreed." Lykos hums before lunging forward, not bothering to wait for Dowling's signal.

Andreas counters his punch without hesitation, blocking the oncoming kick as well as he quickly takes on a defensive roll. I feel Sky tense beside me, no doubt feeling guilty that his father has taken on his fight but from the sheer aggression the two males are showing in the ring I know my mate would be dead in minutes.

He's still a student, still learning, whether he likes it or.

I refuse to show any sign of worry as Lykos lands the first major blow that sends Andreas stumbling back. Dowling calls out the point as Andreas lunges forward once more, this time becoming the aggressor as they move faster than I have ever seen bother. Each move is like some unseen dance as they inexplicably predict the other's move before it happens.

Swords are quickly drawn and blows are trading faster than I can comprehend, sparks flying as the ringing sound of metal clashing echoes through the area, drawing startled cries from the crowd. Andreas dart forward, blade raised, and draws a line of blood across the General cheek.

Dowling calls out first blood and I see something change in Lykos, something bitter and dark rises to the surface. The famed Solarian Wolf finally comes out to play as they abandon all pretence of playing with kiddie gloves. They each strike nicks on the other, Andreas trading out his broad sword for twin blades in a smooth movement that has the crowd awe-ing.

I can barely stand to watch as scratch, after scratch drips down on either soldier. Blood fling in small drops as neither wins a larger blow. I turn away when the crowd gasps as Andreas swipes along Lykos side, only to freeze when I catch sight of a pale faced Beatrix as she watches her father fight.

Even if she's still hesitantly holding her phone up to record the spar with fake bravado. I can see Irene by her side practically propping up my friend between her and- Stella. When did Stella get here? The blades clash again and Beatrix takes a sharp intake of breath. I can't help but be grateful for my sister as she latches onto Bea's hand. Brandon stands behind her and I fight the urge to roll my eyes, he's ruining this cute image. I turn back to fight when I hear a gasp of pain and Lykos kicks Andreas' side, right where the old wound is.

Dirty move.

What did you expect, we're about to enter The Second Burned War, you can't fight fair in a war.

Something's wrong, the look in Andreas' eyes. He's not himself. I share a look with Bea and Irene, and from Silva's worried face he must be thinking the same. Oh, Apollo forbid. This is the first person to person Andreas has had in a long time. He's going fucking feral.

Insanity, wonderful. Just what we need.

I watch in trepidation as each move becomes more and more frantic. I've counted at least 12 opportunities for Andreas to have finished this, 8 for Lykos to have done the same. They're working each other up into a blood frenzy.

There.

I jerk slightly as Lykos and Andreas' blades crash against each other, both pausing for a fraction of a second before pulling back and striking again.

He's okay.

He's practically savage. I hiss back, eyeing Andreas as Lykos works him up into a blood frenzy.

He's in control.

"He's fucking losing it." Riven whispers and I feel Sky go ramrod straight next to me. "We need to stop this."

"How?" My voice is hoarse with worry. Riven's silence is answer enough.

The entire world stops and all I can hear is Sky curses as Andreas leaves his side open and Lykos goes straight for the kill. So focused on his attack that he doesn't notice Andreas' blades coming down on his unprotected back as he twists out of the reach of Lykos' sword.

A roar of agony is ripped from the Generals throat as Andreas brings his twin blades in a clean cut down from Lykos' upper left shoulder to his lower right hip.

"Yes. yes." I whisper and I hear Beatrix lose a sigh of short lived relief as Lykos dives for the floor, rolling over his uninjured side till he's back on his feet.

"You've gotten arrogant, General." Andreas drawls and no one dares to make a sound. "Careful not to get too cocky."

Lykos gives him an appraising look, hiding his winces at the no doubt debilitating pain in his back. Silently, the General looks the soldier up and down.

"And death has made you nothing but daring." Lykos comments and Andreas' eyes darken. "Yet you remain nothing but loyal to your family."

Andreas accepts the somewhat compliment with the barest dips of his head, Lykos mimicking the movement before they both step off opposite sides of the ring. The crowd bursts into an uproar of applause, and my family and I rush to Andreas' side. Stella is by his side in seconds, glowing light flaring from her hands as she hovers over the wound on his side while Beatrix curls into his side.

Sky strides over confidently, Riven hesitantly following with me by his side. A soft smile dances on my face as Sky looks at his father in a different light. The reminder of how easy it is to lose someone coupled with that childish desire to have your father defend you breaking down his last objections after yesterday's... situation.

Irene gives me a welcoming smile as I sidle up to her side. She looks so much healthier, a hand resting on her stomach and I can't help but marvel at how well pregnancy suits her.

"Congratulations on the win." Dowling states with a soft smile as she walks towards us, gaze drifting around our Omada. Bea and Stella step forward, instinctively stepping in front of Andreas. "Your sabbatical hasn't changed-"

"Leave, now." Silva states as he strides towards Dowling, pushing Beatrix and Stella behind him to Andreas. "We're not playing this game after what you did."

Dowling looks to me, to my mates before looking back at Silva. "We need to deal with this now, Saul. We have wasted enough time on this spar-"

"We will deal with it, now leave." Silva interrupts, turning back to face us but-

"Calumn is missing." Dowling hisses, glancing around nervously. "And with the damage to the spell we can't risk something going wrong with so many people-"

"Are you quite done." Andreas hisses as Stella continues to heal some of his smaller wounds. "You always were such brown noser Farrah."

Dowling so affronted I have to smother my smile, Irene on the other hand has no such reservations. Dowlings gaze darts to her in rage at her blatant disrespect.

"Don't look at her." Silva calmly states. "Look at me, we are having a conversation - it is rude to look at someone else during a conversation."

"Don't play that game with me Saul." Dowling's eyes narrow. "You know I always win."

"Yet you could never beat me at Rosalind's little power games." Irene's silky voice drifts through the area, silencing everyone as she uses 'she who shall not be named' 's real name. "That is why you're here, yes?"

Oh wolfies got her claws back.

"Because you're terrified of what Rosalind will do when she escapes."

"When?" Dowling arches a brow and Irene rolls her eyes as she steps forward.

"We both know it's just a matter of time until she escapes your feeble bindings."

A/N: Can I interest anyone in a IreneXdowling fight soon?