Chapter 7

Maven slipped in the line before me and Thane was just after me, standing between the twins their features still drew my comparison.

Same brown hairs, same watery grey eyes but the similarities ended there.

Maven, my best friend since fifth grade preferred to be invisible whereas her brother Thane tried everything to draw attention to himself.

Not to mention one if a defender and one is an offender.

We marched in our line, Clauferry Academy is strict when it comes to discipline and since the trainers are the important ratio among the teaching staff they demand more respect.

They are too uptight if you can say it aloud.

The field may not come forward as something special for standards of the academy, it looked like a smooth plane land covered in finely trimmed grass.

It was anything but that.

The field gets covered by a transparent dome made up of Mithril.

A metal that is transparent and as strong as a Defender's shield.

It is expensive but durable. Every window in Clauferry is made up of pure Mithril.

Not just for protection but also because Mithril creates beautiful patterns of colors when light reflects off its surface.

Enhancing the enchanting beauty of the lotus styled structure.

Well it is all worth it seeing the number of tourists this place receives during holidays.

Me and Maven exchanged smiles of victory, maybe no one caught us.

There was someone here today.

We were not given any prior notice but judging by the whispers going on I am considering that whoever it is, is important.

"Ariel, Maven and Thane" Mr. Ozaki's unmistakable voice tore through the crowd.

Everyone quietened down because we know better than to talk in Mr. Ozaki's presence.

He was an old man, pale and wrinkled.

But even wrinkles can't hide the talent and experience that burns in his eyes.

He is a remarkable teacher, the pride of Clauferry and no matter how much cautiously people thread around him, we know that being taught under his tutelage is a golden opportunity.

But you have to earn it.

That is why everyone is divided into four groups. The grade A students are taught under Mr.Samos Ozaki and I have worked hard to climb up the ladder to get into his class.

Maven tensed before me, she grabbed my wrist and gave a light warning squeeze.

We stepped out of the line and that was when I caught the first glimpse of the intruder.

A shriveled tall man, oozing indifference stood with the Trainers.

Calculating eyes followed our movement, quickly scanning over our faces.

He stood in a poised fashion as if he is a royal messenger. His vest giving him the appearance of someone important.

Although by now I am quite used to Mr. Ozaki's harshness, this man is just frozen.

We maneuvered through the crowd and came to stand before the trainers and the guest, facing them and standing side by side.

Maven was already lowering her gaze but one thing I have learned being short, never lower your head even if you want to submit.

" Hmm, interesting. So you say that these are your best students" The thin man rubbed his chin, his voice disinterested as if all this was a waste of his time.

Mr. Ozaki stepped forward and differentiated us into offenders and defenders.

The man just gave a half-smile, even that looked fake, as if smiling stretched the skin on his pale face.

Maven gave a small sigh of relief beside me probably thankful that we didn't get caught.

Slowly lifting her head she looked forward with a proud smile.

But somehow I couldn't, even after Mr.Ozaki just confessed that we were his best students. I should be smiling with creditable pride.

Because this man ticked me off.

And apparently I was not the only one, I locked eyes with Mr.Ozaki and he didn't look impressed by this man either, more than anything he looked cautious.

I tore my eyes away from him and stepped forward.

" Good colors sir" I wished him with a polite smile.

" Good colors sir" Maven and Thane mumbled after me and then the whole student body said the same in unison.

He just smiled that eerie smile.

" Ah so forgetful of me. I am Mr.Nuallan Sorin, from the board and I am here to survey your academy for the day" - He paused for effects, scanning us to catch any sort of expression from us.-

"Hope no one minds if I intrude" He glanced at Mr. Ozaki the sneer clear in his voice.

And suddenly I felt protective of my old teacher.

Mr.Ozaki clenched his jaw, so he did mind.

I wouldn't blame him I didn't get any good vibes from Mr. Nuallan either.

"Using colors is not permitted in the school premise." He started speaking and I tensed.

"Am I right." His eyes bore into mine and I spoke a calculated yes. I don't know where he is getting with this but my instincts told me to be cautious.

" But I think you three were using colors to get to your class on time. Am I right" I just clenched my jaw at that. Refusing to deny or accept his accusation.

Just because I didn't know what he has in mind or where he is getting with this.

" Am I right" He bit out, clearly growing impatient as neither of us answered.

" N-"

" Yes sir" I spoke firmly, cutting off Thane before he could lie.

Never lie.

Lie is just a shovel you dig your own grave with.

Mr. Ozaki's lips were pressed in a thin line but he didn't reprimand us like he usually did.

Mr.Sorin folded his arms behind his back and walked a few steps away from us.

He turned and a dark purple colored chair formed behind him.

"So I am guessing that you must be punished" getting comfortable on the chair he spoke casually with a smug smile as if he had just proved someone wrong.

No one spoke a word, not even a wind blew.

Everyone listened intentionally to him.

Curious of what is to come next.

But I only felt dread churning in my belly.

" Since you both are in the team for AceCrest and this is a training class, you are to fight as in an AceCrest game and the defender is going to be the judge of who wins." He stopped there.

But I had a foreboding that there is something more to this 'punishment' that I am not going to like.

" Oh and the one who loses gets thrown out of the team" and just like that he smiled with all his pearly white.

I clenched my fist at his statement and lowered my eyes before he could catch me glaring at him.

He wants me to fight with Thane to secure my place in the team.

And Maven is supposed to be the judge of that.

Maven has to choose between her twin and her childhood best friend.

Even though the match has not started I can already tell who is getting kicked out of the team and presuming by this man's position he is not going to be swayed from his decision.

So I am going to be thrown out, after preparing for the team, everyday single day after school.

I have sacrificed so much to be in the team, we have sacrificed so much.

Being in the Academy team is not easy, the trials are held every year and each year you have to prove your worth.

It is no joking matter to be kicked out of the team.

So much will be lost, but most of all my chances to play at the state level next month.

Having made up his mind Mr.Sorin raised from his chair and it dissolved in thin air. He gave me a glance and turned around, moving towards the stadium.

I grabbed Maven's hand.

Not to convince her to let me win or to give me a fair chance,

but to comfort her.

She turned to face me, dread shining clear on her face. Mouth agape, as her lips wobbled conveying what I already knew.

And I know, that even if I don't hold a grudge against her, it will still leave a scar on our friendship.

But I am not my father's daughter if I give up without trying.