Chapter 16: Boys will be Boys

One boy said, "Lucas, it–"

He was interrupted by Lucas, who said, "Shut up. Derek, explain to me why they are fighting again when you just stopped them a few hours ago? Didn't you fine them for fighting?"

Derek said, "I did. And I also told them that if it happened again, they would receive penalties."

Lucas said, "So, why is this happening again?"

This time, Aurora replied, "Apparently, these guys are on rival teams and they have a match in three days. They were trash-talking, and one thing led to another."

Lucas said, "Hmmm, Derek, please tell them the punishment for unsupervised fights?"

Derek said, "Any fights outside of the Arena or a martial arts class will result in a warning and a fine. If they fight again, they will receive a second warning and a penalty. Finally, if they still don't stop, they will be expelled."

Lucas said, "Was the fight initiated by a single team or was it mutual?"

Derek replied, "It was mutual."

Lucas looked at the kids who were fighting and said, "Did you hear what he said? I'm leaving you all with a penalty, but if you fight again, let's just say you won't be playing in the match three days later. If you have a problem, go to the Arena. That is why we set it up. No unsupervised fights. Am I clear?"

The kids were silent. Clearly, they were intimidated.

Lucas asked again, this time a bit more forcefully, "I asked you, am I clear?"

The kids replied, "Yes, Lucas."

Lucas said, "Good. Listen, I get it that you guys are rivals and you want to defeat each other. So do that on the field, not in the hallway. Now let me scan your Bloom Watches and then we'll take you to the infirmary so you can get fixed up."

The kids nodded. Lucas scanned their Bloom Watches with his own, and then he, Derek, and Aurora escorted them to the infirmary. As they were walking out, Aurora said, "Good job. You scolded them and encouraged them at the same time."

Lucas replied, "That is the job. Still, the number of fights has gone way down since we set up the Arena."

Derek said, "Amen to that. I still remember when we had to break up so many spars that turned into full-fledged fights."

Lucas shuddered and said, "The amount of forms I had to fill out that year still gives me the shivers. If not for the Arena, at least half of us would have been expelled. Hey, you wanna hit the gym?"

Derek said, "Looking to bulk up, are we?"

Lucas asked, "What do you mean?"

Aurora replied, "He means that all of us have noticed that you have been spending a lot more time in the gym."

Lucas said, "Oh, that. Well, don't tell anybody, but it is related to my Call. So you coming or what?"

Derek said, "Only if we stop by the Arena later."

Lucas said, "Sure. Aurora, what about you? Wanna come with us?"

She said, "Sure."

The trio went to the gym, and after they were done with their workouts, they each drank a Quasi Black Iron Grade Veria Potion. It contained more energy and nutrition than a Mortal Grade Veria Potion, but way less than a real Black Iron Grade Veria Potion. A real Black Iron Grade Veria Potion would be lethal for them. Anyway, they went for some sparring in the Arena after that.

The Arena had been set up at their request to reduce the amount of unsupervised fights. They were kids learning martial arts, and fights were something that was impossible to prevent, so they found a solution: an arena where they could fight while being supervised by an instructor who could not only stop things before they got out of hand but also guide the students. You want to spar, go to the Arena. You want to fight somebody, go to the Arena, provided that they accept.

They saw that today's instructor was Mr. Brett.

They greeted him, "Good evening, Mr. Brett."

Mr. Brett said, "Good evening, kiddos. Are you guys here for an observation?"

As members of the Student Council, they also observed the spars that happened in the Arena.

Lucas replied, "No, Sir. We're here to spar. Please guide us if we make any mistakes."

Mr. Brett replied, "That is why I'm here, kiddo. Show me how much you all have progressed."

Derek said, "Hey guys, wanna make this interesting?"

Aurora asked, "Interesting how?"

Derek said, "We'll spar tournament style. Whoever loses… hmm."

Lucas said, "Whoever loses has to do the paperwork for the penalties."

Derek said, "But you're already supposed to do that. What if you lose?"

Lucas smiled confidently and said, "But I won't lose."

Derek said, "Getting arrogant, are we, Zenith?"

Lucas shot back, "It is what it is, Stryker."

Derek said, "I still think that it is unfair… Zenith."

Lucas said, "Afraid that you will lose, Stryker?"

Seeing them trying to provoke each other, Aurora muttered, "Boys! Why are they such idiots?"

Needless to say, none of them won. Aurora came first, Lucas came second, and Derek lost.

Seeing the results, both boys stared at Aurora. She blushed due to the intense stares and said, "What? I've been training nonstop."

Lucas put his arm on Derek's shoulder and said, "Oi, you need to be careful. She is coming for you."

Derek said, "What do you mean? You lost to her too."

Lucas said, "Yeah, but she isn't aiming for my seat."

Seeing them like this, Aurora couldn't take it anymore and said, "You guys done?"

Both boys said, "Yeah."

Aurora said, "Good, because both of you need a shower. You stink, and it's about to be dinnertime."

They checked their watches and saw that it was getting late.

Lucas said, "She's right. We'll see you in the cafeteria."

The boys said goodbye to Aurora and went to the showers. After they were done and on their way to their room, Lucas asked, "By the way, wanna come to my house for the weekend? Grandma will be making lasagna, and I know you love that."

Derek got excited and asked, "She will?"

Lucas nodded. Derek said, "Great, I'll tell Auntie."

After they reached their room, they put on clothes and went to the cafeteria.