Hidden Horizons

Elena led her to a different part of the academy complex. It was one consisting of a gymnasium and practice halls. Upon entering they were stopped by a guard, but were quickly let through after showing him the cleaning-duty staff badges they wore around their necks. Already from there, they could hear the music playing so Maya knew this part of the academy wasn't empty.

Then, Elena made her way to the back and up some utility staircase in the personnel section. It was obvious Elena had no intent of cleaning as they made their way to the observation gallery that stretched high up on the side of the dancing hall that produced the music they heard.

The gallery was closed off with windows and dark, as it wasn't supposed to be in use at this time, and Maya admired the figures of girls in leotards as they were preparing for their dance lessons, unaware they were being observed.

'I wonder if I will ever be able to look as graceful as they do…'

But the dancers weren't what they were there for. They continued on the gallery until they reached the adjacent hall with a different activity. There were no elegant dancers there.

Elena stopped there and leaned on the railing. Obscured by this dark space she suggested at the sight.

"Nice view, right?"

Maya glanced down to witness a sight that was both surprising and delightful. A group of fairly hot guys were warming up for what seemed to be an intense training session. Their nice physiques were accented through their synchronized movements, their muscles glistening in the light.

It unexpectedly piqued her curiosity. It's not often she could allow herself to observe well-built guys and relish in the view, unseen from a private spot.

'Whoa! Do I really enjoy something like this?' Maya's thoughts intruded. 'In truth, they are nice to glance at.'

The space they secretly intruded on was a Warrior's Practice Hall. These guys will become the most elite warriors in the future. In a few years, they will be patrolling the walls and keeping them safe. 

'It's reassuring they go through a rigorous training in advance.'

"See how easy it is for us to get here and… appreciate the scenery," Elena chuckled. "Makes you think this job isn't too bad?"

"Huh… yeah."

It was a nice gesture, but Maya began to wonder what gave Elena the idea.

"I used to come here to study muscles," Elena winked.

It was a strange statement.

'Is Elena some kind of a pervert?'

 But then Maya remembered Elena was an artist and felt silly.

"…So, you brought me here to spy on hot guys working out?"

"Sure, you can spy on them, but I also wanted to tell you that you can audition for dancing lessons," she gestured toward the space they passed through prior, "and get out of working twice a week."

'Was it really showing that much that I was annoyed at her for getting this job that she would do this for me?'

"Being a prestigious dancer doesn't sound too bad. They even travel for competitions sometimes so you can even get out of classes."

That sounded more like something Elena would like more than Maya.

"I have two left feet. I could never pass such an audition."

Maya thought about how Elena would be able to get in there with no effort required. She had a flawless figure just like those girls. The only hindrance to her coordination could be, of course, alcoholism.

"Your choice."

Elena smiled and Maya was dazed by the realization that this was the first time she saw Elena make an effort to be nice to someone. Otherwise, she would seem completely indifferent whether you curse at her or give her compliments.

"Does being able to do this make it up for the shitty job?"

"Maybe a bit…" Maya blushed. 

She was judging Elena for her rebellious ways before, but now she appreciated it. Maya would never even think of doing something like this on her own, let alone be able to discover this secret spot. 

"But why are you doing this?"

Clearing her throat, Elena looked away. "I know I tend to be inconsiderate. I wanted to make it up to you somehow… I actually want us to get along," Elena admitted reluctantly.

"Wow…" Maya stared at her dazed. "I don't know you very well, but somehow this feels like a rare occurrence."

"Oh, shut up…" she shrugged it off and faced the training session. "Those are the best warriors in the academy. They'll later become Watchmen, Guards, or even Hunters. The coach is a multi-martial arts expert."

"Does Keith also come to these?"

Elena laughed at the absurdity of Maya's question. 

"Does Keith's face look like something he would allow being punched? He works out for the appearance, not to actually use those muscles."

"That's harsh…"

"It isn't untrue."

"Still, I don't think you should demean him like that."

They were in a light-hearted mood, but Maya still felt uncomfortable Elena would talk like that about him. He made it into the Tachde-tu team, so it can't be he isn't athletic.

"I'm not complaining. I don't need him to be a macho man. I kinda like that he's a bit of a coward even. It's… safe…" Elena seemed to have gotten lost in thought for a moment. "Anyway, if someone needs punching, I will be the one to do it. But don't tell him I called him a weakling, his ego will suffer."

"You're ridiculous… and, some would argue, already insane."

"But you like hanging around with me," Elena smiled.

"I can't decide, just yet."

Maya was getting confusing vibes from Elena. Sometimes it would seem she wanted nothing to do with her, and other times it felt like she was trying to be her friend.

"So… you like being a man in a relationship," Maya continued, chuckling to herself. "I would've never guessed you for a tomboy."

"A good-looking tomboy," Elena joked.

Maya joined in laughter. She liked that Elena was self-aware. She wished she could be like that, too.

"Watch this," Elena said suddenly, letting go of the railing and straightening herself up. "I'm going to audition."

"For dancing lessons?"

Elena gave her a smirk and left Maya alone in the gallery. She didn't go back to the dancing hall. She made her way down to the warrior's fighting arena.