CHAPTER 10

I shot three arrows at once to a target and they all hit the bullseye. I smiled to myself, standing up straight. Fofo walked towards me.

"You're getting better at this."

"I know. But I'll love to do this in a real battle."

I pulled out another arrow, aiming for another target and again it hit the bullseye.

I turned to face Fofo.

"You know I'm sorry for shooting a plasma stream at you,right?"

"You've been apologizing ever since you left the ward. And I keep telling you it's okay."

"It's just that it's a little weird that you're not mad even when I did that."

"You didn't do it intentionally so I'm not mad."

I smiled at him.

"You've got company." He announced and left.

I turned around and met the gaze of the one guy I truly hate but envy. Ryan. He gave a small smile, I rolled my eyes.

"What do you want?" I calmly asked.

Although I couldn't help but feel angry.

"Nothing. Came out and found you

practicing then you stood in a spot looking at basically nothing. For a moment I thought you were a character in a video game that was left uncontrolled. So I thought I should walk up to you and chase your thoughts but I guess you have a sharp sense and probably heard when I was walking towards you. And that's the end of my story."

I rolled my eyes again. I opened my mouth to say something but he was already talking.

"I shouldn't be concerned or surprised because it's none of my business and..."

"And what?"

"And the fact that you're weird." He said matter of fact.

I sighed. Why was I expecting something different?

"What? You've been acting strange for the past few weeks we've been here."

"How do you know? Have you been stalking me?"

"No! Just watching you. You're different from the other newbies and I'm going to find out what you're hiding."

"And you don't have something to hide?"

He looked away from me.

"Because you're a senior and, maybe, the best student here doesn't mean you can go around spying on people. Mind your own business."

I shoved past him, heading for the door, when he grabbed my hand dragging me back. I turned to face him. He had a smirk on his face.

"Come on nothing, I was just joking around."

Oh my gosh! I was boiling with anger.

"Whatever. And I'm not nothing."

"No problem princess."

I groaned. Ryan is annoying. Even though this is my second time talking to him, his first impression was bad.

"Why are you out here anyways?"

"Why are you out here anyways?" He mimicked.

"You don't answer a question with a question. And, you know why I am out here."

"Fine, I was looking for you... princess nothing."

"Seriously. That's name you could come up with?"

"Apart from practicing, what were you doing?"

"Waiting for you, stupid."

His face fell.

"You're kidding, right?"

"Of course I am, I was just practicing but you're still stupid."

"Aw! Why!" Putting on an act which was terrible by the way.

"That act isn't fooling anyone Ryan."

He shrugged. We started walking towards the door.

"Have you had dinner?"

"No. Why?"

"Just asking. You should try the hamburger."

"I do love good hamburgers. I'll try it. Thank you."

We walked silently the rest of the way to the door.

"I should get going. I've got work to do."  He said once we reached the door.

"Me too. Those hamburgers aren't going to eat themselves."

I chuckled dryly. We reached for the door knob together. As I got to the handle first, his hand landed on mine. We removed our hands at the same time.

"I'm sorry."

"No. I'm the one at fault so I'm sorry."

We stood there in awkward silence. I was looking around, anywhere but him.

"I should go." I broke the silence.

"Yeah. Me too."

I opened the door and walked away as fast as I could to the dining hall. I stood in line to get my dinner before going to sit with Audrey.

"What kept you? I thought you said you'll be here in fifteen minutes."

"Yeah?"

"And you were gone for thirty minutes."

"Audrey, stop over exaggerating."

"I'm not. I timed you and the alarm went off fifteen minutes ago."

She pushed her watch to my face.

"Well, I was training."

"Liar! What happened between you and Ryan?"

"Nothing."

She narrowed her eyes.

"I know you're lying but I'll ask you some other time."

She turned back to her food and started talking about her day and all the spells she learnt and practiced. I just ate my food, listening.

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I went into my room with Fofo who was talking about magic. I really didn't pay attention, just thinking.

Thinking of how different I felt. I felt more confident, powerful and stronger. And I loved the feeling.

"Are you even listening?"

I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Yeah. I'm just thinking."

"You're not listening."

"I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

He looked at me, sympathetically.

"Maybe we should do this tomorrow. You need rest."

Suddenly I felt weak. I was weak. I slumped in bed, closing my eyes almost immediately.

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"I'm making progress. I just need more time."

"There isn't more time." Zuka boomed.

I winced at the sound. My ears were bleeding, literally.

"She's in training school. I've got my son to monitor her and the last time I checked, she's still a junior."

"Doesn't mean she can't defeat me."

"But we will have Molly soon. She's a great asset to us. She won't only confuse her but also manipulate her."

"Hurry with it then. There's no time to waste."

"No. We have to be patient so we don't ruin it. It has to be gradual, slow, or else she will start being suspicious."

"Do it the way you want but I want results, and soon."

"Don't worry. That girl would be dead before she gets to you."