Chapter 2

So, both Tiffany and I have cleared the physical test. You think the old hag would go easy on me because we're family, but no. She made it 10x harder for me and did not let up until the end. She was not joking when she said she would have no favourites. Either way, I made it through, though, so I guess it's cool beans for now. But about one-quarter of the people who were originally here didn't make it through. A surprisingly low amount, considering the bad mood I put her in for turning up, being late, and withstanding her brutality. Now it's time for everyone to give her a reason why we're here, and it needs to be one that satisfies the elder, and she made a point before this section that we can't lie, because, as she puts it, 'I see all'. I still think it's stupid, but what do I know?

"Alexander!" The elder snapped, which broke my train of thought

"Whaaattt?" I whined, dragging the word out

"What is your reason for being here?" She asked, a calm expression on her face. God, I want to slap her so much. But sadly, I can't, so I'm gonna have to live with it.

"I'm here because I want to lift the curse off my family, and to prove that I am nothing like my father." I met her gaze, not wanting back down, and especially not now. I have to do this. Not just for me, but for my parents, and for the people I love and care about. The elder stared into my eyes for a while before nodding and moving on. What? Did… I do it? I stared after her, confused, and she ignored me, which I gathered as a yes, I did do it. I can't believe it. I can't believe I actually did it! Did she see something she didn't see before? I don't know, and I don't care, I'm just happy that I'm still here. Somehow. I looked at Tiffany, finding it difficult to see past the dejected-looking person that was standing between us, and watched as she gave her reason.

"I'm here because I want to help Alexander reach his goal. Nothing more, nothing less." Tiff said, and the elder watched her for a minute before shaking her head.

"That's not what you truly want, young one. Come back when you're prepared to fight your own battle, and not someone else's." The elder told her, and Tiffany nodded, a disappointed look on her face. Oh, Tiff…

"Alexander."

"Yes, elder?"

"Remember that if you pass the final test you won't be alone. You still have your demons inside."

I stared at her, confused, and then nodded slightly. Okay then? I shrugged it off and took Tiff's hand, squeezed it, and then gave her a reassuring smile. She gave me a small smile in return, her disappointment practically dripping off her. That's slightly concerning. But then again, this is one of the biggest events our village has to offer, and I've been in her shoes so many times that it's depressing, so I get why she feels so strongly about the situation. I owe her another one. I can't believe she risked being here for me. But if she has another battle she needs to fight, then maybe I could help her. How? I have no idea. I guess we could do this again next time, and this time I could offer to help her. I know that's the morally right thing to do, but if I don't make it today, then I kinda wanna try again next time, because I have a limited time to lift this curse before it takes effect and completely destroys me and my life. I guess I should find out what her fight is before trying to make my next step. That would make more sense. I'll ask her afterwards. I sighed and watched as about half of the remaining people got rejected by the elder. Some people had good reasons to be here as well - better reasons than me. So what made her keep me and reject the rest of them? Cause it sure as hell ain't because we're related, or because she likes me. Or maybe it is. Is she becoming soft? Nah, that can't be it. I looked at the crippled old woman with curiosity. Why did she choose me? Stupid old lady makes no goddamn sense, and it's hurting my head thinking about it. I shook the thought out of my head for the time being. Now's not the time to be questioning her. Nothing she's done has made any sense to me so far, so why bother trying to figure it out? Anyway, I'm pretty sure there's just the mental test left to go, and then I'm through. This seems fairly easy to any other person, but trust me, that old lady is harsh, and she makes you bloody work for a spot to be here. But it is sure as hell difficult to figure out her thought process when it comes to this kind of stuff. It's scary what the witch is capable of sometimes.

"Alexander? Alexander!" There was suddenly a sharp pain in my cheek, and it started throbbing.

"Ow!" I whined, lifting my hand to my cheek and looking at Tiffany, who gave me a pointed look. "Was that really necessary?"

"Yes, it was." She gave me a triumphant smirk before hugging me, murmuring in my ear, "Kickass out there for me, okay?"

"Alright," I agreed before the embrace ended, and Tiffany started walking away.

"Don't screw it up, Alexander. A lot of people are counting on you to do exactly that, so show them who they're screwing with. That's the least you could do for me, yeah?" She stopped in the doorway and looked at me, an eyebrow raised.

I laughed "Sure thing, Tiff. I'll show them who they're screwing with."

She smiled and nodded before walking out. I didn't get to ask her what her other fight was about. That's disappointing. I guess I could ask her another time. But it's all down to me now, and there are lots of people expecting me to screw this up. Well, they do say expectations hurt. Sorry I can't live up to yours, guys. I'll try harder next time, I swear. But this time is my time to shine. ;)