Jacob? Helen? What's going on?

On the way, as Aria led Helen, they met many other students going about their day.

Many greeted Aria and Helen and some even asked to meet up after the fights. As they walked, Helen said, "You're quite popular."

Aria: "Oh please. It's your beauty that attracts the most attention."

Helen: "Yeah and the sun today rose from the west."

Aria: "..."

Helen: "And I want to eat fire for breakfast today."

Aria: "Do you have to joke around like that?"

Helen: "Who was the one who started it?"

Aria put up her hands in defeat, "And I'm called the troublemaker."

Helen chuckled, "Just because I'm better at staying out of trouble."

The two girls bantered all the way to the breakfast hall. After a very nutritious breakfast, the two were joined by Jacob's and Joseph's gang.

Jacob took Helen's hand and asked, "Ready to go?"

Helen nodded. Aria noticed that Helen was a bit red on the cheeks and Jacob seemed to be staring Helen like he was a little out of it.

As the two headed out with Jacob's gang, Aria stared at their backs when she felt a tap on her own shoulder.

Aria blinked and looked around at Joseph. He said, "You all right?"

Aria: "You seem worried about me?"

Joseph: "Oh please. I just want to win back my room fair and square."

Aria chuckled, "Don't worry about me. I can fight better than you even when asleep."

Joseph's friends chuckled upon hearing this. But Joseph was used to such disses by Aria by now. He shook his head and said, "Come on. The fights will start soon."

Aria, who had not yet finished her dessert, said, "You guys go ahead. I can skip the explanation at least."

Joseph sighed and left with his friends. Aria finally stood up after enjoying her dessert and looked around. The whole hall was empty now except for the workers.

"Shit!!!!!" Aria muttered as she ran out of the castle and into the grounds.

Luckily, she was just in time. The students were lining up and the fights had not yet started.

Aria joined the line at the very back. "Shoot. It doesn't look like my turn will come today." She muttered to herself as she looked at Professor Thomas standing with his silver hair shining in the sun and his blue eyes apparently searching for something or someone.

He caught Aria's eye and Aria was sure she caught a smile upon his lips before he turned to look at the students and said, "Now my dear students, we will begin the fights. But if you all don't mind, I have one request to make of all of you."

"Well, this is new." Aria thought to herself.

Professor Thomas continued, "I would like to fight with a certain student first. As I'm sure I will need to be at my best to fight her. Now, if you all don't mind, this fight, I'm sure, will be a treat and a lesson for all of you."

Aria had a premonition as a thought crossed her mind for a second before Professor Thomas said, "Now then, Aria. Will you accept my challenge to fight?"

A smile formed on Aria's lips. She had been right. No matter what age, no one could ever say no to a good fight.