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Parry, parry, then strike.

I repeated this in my mind as I moved to the beat of a piano being played in the room across from me. Focused, and precise movements, each radiating with a sense of profession. So complex, yet so simple all at the same time. I could feel myself getting stronger.

It had been a year since I took leave to study for my Sorcery Trial, and ever since then I trained every day. Practicing my wind and sound magic, perfecting the fluidity of my spells.

In Arcus, those who go into the profession of Sorcery through the Academies are destined to fight a witch, taking her powers if lucky enough. Although many have died because of these trials, I had a strong sense of hope coursing through me, but there was still a tinge of something deep within. Maybe it's fear, or maybe it's ignorance. Even selfishness, or guilt could be what I'm feeling.

I take in a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world lift from me for just a second. Eyes closed, I sway in place to the sound of the piano. It stops abruptly.

"Sonata?" I hear a young female voice say. My eyes shoot open, as I send my gaze to the doorway. It's my little sister, Decibella.

"What are you doing?" She asks, looking over to my desk, which had countless empty ink vials, broken quills, and a singular grimoire containing something similar to sheet music.

"Oh, I was just listening to the music." It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't the entire truth either. She gives me a look that radiates confidence.

"Just listening to the music? I'd say you were studying for your trial." She gives a slight chuckle at the end of her sentence.

"Well little sister, my trial isn't a secret to Mother and Father anymore, so I'd say it's in my best interest to study and train." At the mentioning of our Mother and Father, her look goes from calm to slightly annoyed.

"If Mica hadn't said anything about your absence from the Academy, they wouldn't know. Where is he anyway?"

"I'm not sure" I answer.

"Besides, I thought you two weren't talking anymore?"

"We aren't talking”

She puts her hand up to her mouth as if to not let anyone else hear, but we’re the only two in the room.

“I never said anything about hitting him though!” She whispers loudly, a smirk appearing on her face.

Chuckling, I sit down at my desk.

"Well, you two should be careful with all of this fighting. I'm not gonna be able to protect you two from each other forever"

"Especially if you die on the 6th" A male voice says from behind Decibella. We both look over, and it's Mica, looking awfully tired, cigarette in hand.

He pulls out a lighter, lighting the dreadfully toxic object. He takes a hit, blowing out putrid smoke into the air, staring me down with what appeared to be a mixture of dread and apathy.

“Those trials aren’t pretty, and you know it.” Before he can take another hit from the cigarette, it is immediately extracted from his hand by an unseen force. It quickly makes its way to my hand.

“Mica, what have I told you about these things? They’re basically condensed suicide” He scoffs, ignoring my worry.

“And this trial you’re going to is an actual suicide. A gruesome, meaningless suicide.”

Using my wind magic, I send the cigarette rocketing down into my trash can on the other side of the room.

"She isn't going to die. She's got her magic of Sound and Wind! And her Singularity. Right Sonata?" Decibella beams at me.

I give them a patient smile, nodding. Mica crossing his arms, Decibella’s world filled with pride. In Arcus, we Humans all have a unique ability formed from our Souls. It's called a Singularity.

"She isn't going to die, because she isn't going" The third new voice cuts through the warm air, sending a chill down my spine. We didn’t even hear her enter the room, our Mother.

Not going to the trial?

Confused, I stand up, getting between her and the twins.

"What do you mean I'm not going to my trial?"

"You have a performance on the 6th, remember? Down at the theater" She says coolly, staring me down.

"You're going to go to your performance, and sing your little heart out darling.” She runs an icy finger along my jaw, reaching my chin. “And then after that, you have one at the Archon residence on the 7th. Then one on the 8th-"

I gently push her hand away from my face, cutting her off.”But my trial is all I need to become a full time Sorceress, isn’t that what you wanted from me?” Unblinking, she just calmly watches me, lips pursed. Her expression doesn’t retract its coldness when it changes.

“Sonata.” She says, voice cutting the air into millions of insignificant pieces.

I feel a knot in my throat, but I swallow it.

“Y-Yes?”

“Your Father and I have gone out of our way to make sure this performance is perfect for you. Is this how you’re going to repay us?” Reluctant to answer, I breathe calmly.

“No ma’am.” I answer, giving up. I can feel Mica and Decibella staring at me, and I can’t tell if it’s disappointment or confusion.

“Good. Your Father and I are leaving to set up the theater for Friday. We’ll be back tomorrow night, to help you prepare your outfit.” She looks past me, to the twins, eyes displaying a certain kind of disgust.

And with that, she left the room, quietly as she had entered.

***

“So you’re just giving up like that?” Decibella asks me, as I put on the dress that Mother had given me for the performance.

“I’m not giving up, I’m merely changing my mind.” I slip on my crystalline heels, testing the water.

“I don’t think you’re changing your mind. I think someone else is.” I stare at her, before approaching her, heels clopping.

“Are you suggesting that our Mother would be manipulating me?” I accuse.

She gives a sharp chuckle.”If your crystal heel fits!” She motions to my shoes. “And it definitely does fit!”

“Decibella, you have to understand where I’m coming from. I told you and Mica last night that it’s just not worth it, it’s better this wa-”

“Sonata, is that what you really think or are you just letting her put thoughts in your head?” She stared me down, brown irises fixated on mine. “You wanted to be a Sorceress, not a Singer!” Pointing a disappointed finger at me, her next words cut through my mind like knife.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be a Sorceress if you can’t even protect yourself from your own parents!”

Then suddenly, I heard a loud smack!

When I blinked, Mother was between me and Decibella. Looking past the woman’s ghost like figure, I saw Decibella holding her cheek in confused fear. Neither of us said a word.

“Sonata, the carriage is out front. I advise you make your way there quickly”

Immediately I started out of the room, my panicked gaze meeting my sister’s. It wasn't my fault, none of it. I know that Mother is only looking out for me and the twins, and I know that we all have to make sacrifices. It's the way Arcus works, it's just one big cycle of success and sacrifice. If I don't fall in line, it'll fall apart. I can't let that happen to my family.

Quickly making my way through the manor wearing my shimmering crystal heels, and my flowing indigo dress, something catches my eye. Looking into my room, I see my ink vial, quill, and Grimoire together on my desk. It may not seem like much, but they're more than just objects. They're part of my soul, the culmination of my drive. Looking at the clock on my wall,, the clock wall about to strike 11. it's time.

***

Sitting in the back of the carriage, I'm between Decibella and Mica. Both of which, were not happy with me. They were both wearing matching outfits, just different styles. Mica wearing a dark gray-blue suit with a fedora and vest, whereas Decibella was wearing a gray-blue suit with a skirt, heels and leggings. They both had their quarter note earrings in, and I always thought it was a cute way for them to express their love for each other without mention.

Coming back to the realness of the situation, I looked forward, seeing my Mother and Father in the seats in front of us. They hadn't spoken the entire ride. I decided to end the tension.

"Since it's just a day after schedule, do you think I could do my trial tomorrow? After tonight's performance?" I haphazardly asked, awaiting an answer.

Simply, my Father replied with "No."

"I didn't think so." I say, before giving a tiredly calm exhale.

Once we finally arrive at the theater, a long black rug is laid out, leading from our carriage to the inner workings of drama and mischief. A massive crowd of people surrounding us, cheering for us as we enter. Some faces red from cheering, some crying in excitement. “Sonata we love you!” “Sonata you’re gorgeous!” “Sing your heart out!”

How could I leave this?

Once inside, it feels like hours of being backstage before the Twins approach. They stand together, just looking at me.

"Yes?" I ask, reading their faces.

They both exchange glances, before Mica speaks.

"Lyrically, I compose my own doctrines."

"The belief that our lives are puzzles, and we can solve them." Decibella finishes.

"You taught us that, Sonata." She adds on. "You taught us a mantra, that you're not even going to follow."

Mica makes direct eye contact with me.

"Sonata, you have to solve your own puzzle. This is one we can't solve together!" Watching them, a grin forms on my face. I take them both by the hands

"I’m so proud of both you,.. Mica with your Wind, and Decibella your Sound...You’re going to make such a good team one day"

"Miss Treble, you're on" Someone calls nearby.

I release them both, standing up to face my destiny.

"W-What do you mean? What about my Sound? It's just magic!" She exclaims, latching onto my arm.

"Sonata, you're just throwing everything you've worked for away, don't you see how dumb you're being!?" Mica follows, also grabbing me.

I just chuckle in bliss, turning around to them.

"Don't worry about that you two, just enjoy the performance. I've got something special planned!" Seeing their expressions turn from disappointment to confusion made me want to stay behind, but I couldn't. I had a show to put on.

How could I leave this?

I step into the center of the stage. Lavender spotlight shining heated radiance onto me. Standing in front of a massive blue, white and purple stained glass window, I coolly grab the microphone.

I begin to sing a somber tune, the orchestra positioned in front of me. They begin to resonate with me, creating harmonies only thought to be a dream. The song progresses, growing in strength. I can see many audience members cheering for me as I blast out note after note. I can see my parents sitting towards the front, calm as rain. The atmosphere is always pure ecstasy at my performances, and I could never be more blessed. I hold my hands up, and motion for the crowd to calm down. They catch the memo, silencing.

i smile, nodding in thanks.

Here we go

"Everyone out there tonight, please realize something for me." My Mother shoots me a glare, in what appeared to be confusion. I could feel Decibella and Mica staring.

"Please realize that your thoughts and wants are valid, and that you have to do everything you can to meet your goals, no matter who tells you 'No' . "

I walk up to the front of the stage, in front of the orchestra.

I yell out to the audience.

"You're strong!" Cheers erupt from the crowd.

"We're all strong here!" They keep going.

I motion for the orchestra to deliver the finale. I begin to sing again, watching my Mother burn holes into my entirety.

Here comes the high note. the audience becomes silent once more as I deliver my final words.

How could I leave this?

With magic, of course.

From under my dress, I quickly pull out my Grimoire, quill and ink vial which had been resting in my inner pocket. The book suddenly flips open as I write out a magical symbol in the air with ink. Before anyone can react, I deliver the last high note, the symbol bursting into white light, the stained glass window behind me shattering into millions of pieces. The glass shards then blow into the audience, screams colliding with my note and the orchestra. Quickly looking over to Mica and Decibella who were in utter shock, I yell to them.

"Stay safe!" And with that, I jumped out of the window frame, vanishing into the night, the screams quickly fading out from my hearing.

***

"Alright, that's one pre-made spell wasted..." I say, flipping through my book of sheet music, a symbol missing from the first line. Strutting across a gray, murky path, my heels click with every step. My eyes are finally met with a small, hut like home. The familiar smell of parchment reaching me. I suck in a breath, shaking.

Why am I shaking? I've been preparing for this, I knew what I was getting into. Oh god why am I doing this?

A million thoughts race through my head at once, before I remind myself of Mica and Decibella. I have to see them again, that couldn't be the last time they saw me...Could it?

Shaking my head, I watch forward, as if waiting for something to move. The Witch to suddenly appear, or my parents to drag me away from the danger. Hell, maybe even the audience members who I could've killed with the glass fragments.

I hope they're okay, now that I think about it.

I didn't just ruin my performance, scare my siblings half to death, and run through the woods in a pair of crystal heels just to give up now. The book, vial and quill all levitate around me as I walk.

I approach the door, the oak wood dull from the elements. I hold up a hand as if to knock.

Wait what am I doing? I'm going in to kill someone, I don't have time for knocking!

Shifting my stance, I push my hand forward, using a wind current to force the door open, sending it off it's hinges. It flies into the darkness, a couple of seconds pass before a loud crack erupts from the shadows. Confused, I peer inside. Black ocean of isolation so thick, so deep. I step into it, walking several feet.

Suddenly, purple flames flicker all around the room, revealing a massive temple like interior. I turn around, seeing the door frame I walked through is now gone. When I turn my head back around, I'm face to face with a girl not much older than me. Medium choppy navy blue hair resting on her shoulders, an indescribable expression on her face. This was the witch, this was my target.

I wanted to reach out to hit her but...Something held me back. She's just a girl, and I don't know her. I have to kill her. But...She's just a girl and I don't know her, I can't kill her.

"So?" Her voice is smooth, and it brings me out of my personal stupor.

"S-So?" I stammer.

"You're Sonata Treble, aren't you?" She eyes me up and down, taking in my presence. It wasn't a look of gratitude, or excitement, or anything. It felt like a look of pity.

"Yes I am, and you are?" I stand my ground, remembering my purpose here.

"Ato. But you can call me Stylus" She says, winking at me.

"Why?" I ask, blushing. She leans in to my face, getting awfully close.

"Because Ato is my last name, Stylus is my first. Duh." She backs up, laughing at her own tomfoolery.

I sigh, grabbing my quill. I point it in her direction, trying to instill fear.

"You know why I'm here Miss Ato, and you know what I'm going to do. I'm gonna-"

She puts a finger over my mouth, eyebrow raised condescendingly.

"You're gonna kill me, thus taking my magic so you can become a Sorceress?" She flashes a mischievous grin. I push her hand away.

"How did you...?"

"This ain't my first Sorcery Trial sweetheart" Her eyes flash a bright blue. I can feel my face flush, as an overwhelming sense of dread attacks my mind.

"Wait hold on a secon-"

Suddenly, she's at my throat, lifting me. Pouring from her mouth and eyes was a runny, black liquid that seemed to have a mind of it's own. It was pure ink.

I let out a cry of panic, my quill making its way to my hand. I write out a quick symbol in ink, between me and Stylus. She's then forced backward, the ink splattering on the wall behind her. I fall to the ground, stumbling.

As I stand, she laughs maniacally. The ink on the wall become reminiscent of icicles, except they were horizontal. Sharp, long, ink needles pointed right at me. I grasp my Composer's Grimoire, flipping through the pages.

With no time to think, I draw out multiple overlapping symbols for my wind current spell. They're set aglow instantly, as the hundreds of ink needles fly at me. They're all stopped midair, before they're forced backwards at Stylus.

Keeping the same look of malevolence, she holds up a hand. As the ink needles approach her, they all turn back into an inky liquid, splashing against her figure. The ink pools itself into a potent liquid sphere in her hand.

She throws it into the air, and it splits apart, ink rockets firing towards me. I draw a circle around myself on the ground, an air current sending me soaring into the air. The ink follows close behind. I redirect the ink with yet another current, sending it back at her.

This time, it pools down at her feet. She watches me fall back to the ground, watching me with neon blue eyes.

"You're strong" She says, same tone as previous.

"I know" I respond, keeping calm, although breathing heavily.

She begins to walk towards me. I shift my stance back into defense, and she just chuckles.

"It's okay to lower your guard sometimes hon, you can't stay so defensive forever." I don't take my eyes off of her once.

"Not while you're around, you-"

"Witch? I'm a witch! Wow! So what Sonata? Do you think I'm automatically worse than people because I'm a Witch? The good witches in Arcus get pampered, while we 'evil' hags get killed for living." The malevolence was gone, as was the benevolence. This was a girl who was real.

"Do you think i'm evil Sonata?" She gets closer again, all sense of flirtatiousness gone.

"I-I don't know, I don't even know you" I stutter out.

"Yet you want to kill me?" A look of confusion in her eyes.

"Just so you can get a job? Just so you can go die by the hands of someone else?! You're younger than me, and you want to do something so barbaric, so STUPID!"

Her words hit my heart like a sledgehammer, knocking away at walls. She was right, but what choice did I have?

"Sonata. If you kill me, you're gonna leave a little girl alone. No Parents, no Sister. No protection. Do you want that on your mind?"

"I can't just go back to my parents, do you know what I've risked tonight? Hundreds of people could be injured because of me!" I admit, it was a dumb way of escaping.

"But that was your choice Sonata, your choices affect others." The ink around her was rippling out from her center.

"If you kill me...Two children will be left alone, with neglecting, terrible parents. I can't let that happen Stylus...Choice is such a gray area nowadays, and I don't know what's right anymore. None of this is right." I hold my Grimoire, my hair blowing in an absent breeze.

She sighs, the ink running up her body, to her arms.

"Then I guess that's it."

The ink on her arms extend into massive fists, grabbing me. The ink fists push me back into the wall with a slam! I can feel the wind being pushed out of my body, and I can feel the pressure building. She's going to crush me to death.

I watched more ink splash onto the ground from Stylus, pooling once more. Then, the needles began to form again.

"I'm sorry for this." She says, somberly. The ink needles rocket at me, coming right for my face.

I struggle to move under the pressure of the ink keeping me in place. I feel a tug of something under the ink, something unnatural. I feel around, and grip my quill.

My weapons still want to fight...That's good news.

I can't die here. Decibella and Mica need me.

I let out a scream of strength as I force my arm through the ink, writing out an entire line of symbols in front of me. They collect the ink needles, then redirect them right back. Sighing, Stylus jumps into the air, hopping right over it.

With one quick swoosh of my quill however, my being glows a bright periwinkle, as does the ink. The ink then splits apart into millions of pieces, cloning itself. The clones appear from all directions, all directed at Stylus.

My Singularity, Staccato. The ability to create clones of an attack that come from different angles, with increased strength.

Stylus' eyes widen in shock, and before she can react to any of the attacks coming at her, the needles stab right through her, sticking right into the ground. Her body fidgets for a second, before going limp.

The ink hands keeping me in place wash away, losing their solidarity. I fall to my knees, watching her blood drip onto the ground, mixing with the ink.

I stand, book, vial, and quill floating beside me. I slowly walk up to Stylus' limp body.

As soon as I'm close enough, her arm slings up, latching onto my arm painfully. She pulls me right to her face, eyes inky, black holes now.

"You made your own choice Sonata. That's the right one, always." Her voice is sharp, but also relieved.

A cold chill goes up my spine as the color drains from her body, literally. The colors then flood themselves into my heart, mind and soul, filling me with the powers of this Witch. Looking over at my almost empty ink vial, it began to fill back up with no outside influence. My pages then began to fill back up, symbols lining the pages, ripped out sheets appearing once more.

I stare at her once more, before closing my eyes.

"I'm sorry too."

I make my way out of Stylus' lair, covered head to toe in ink, and blood, i head towards the Sorcery Academy. Filled with a newfound outlook on sacrifice, and a newfound power, I think I'll make a great Sorceress.

I just have to keep striking after I parry

Parry, parry, then strike.

Parry,parry, then strike.

#decibella treble

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