The field is crowded and loud. Colourful decorations hang over the field and a wooden stage is erected in the middle for the many observers.
Throughout the school, the halls and corridors are decorated as well.
The atmosphere around the academy is different. A palpable excitement, like electricity, could be felt in the air.
The talks around are all about the broom race, and of course, the predictions on who will win.
The academy is the liveliest I've seen thus far. Most if not all students are at the field, only a rare few are not. I'm one of the latter.
Sitting alone in my room accompanied only by a solitary goldfish on my desk is me.
My room is currently poorly lit, only a portion of it is lit by the sunlight streaming through the open window.
On my desk is a jumble of books. Grimoires and tomes, books and papers, they all revolve on the same topic: blood magic. They've long collected dust from the library, but they're on the process of being rid of them.
I leave most of the books open—I ran out of bookmarks long ago.
I lean back on my chair and look outside the window.
Contrasting here, outside is bright, but not too hot; a perfect day for an outdoor activity. The usually dull afternoon after classes are over are now filled with excited students.
Truthfully I would've preferred to stay in my room and sink back to my books for the rest of the afternoon, to continue learning about the ominous artefact that I keep, but I have a bet to settle. I practically begged the green team to win the race for me, the least I could do is to be there and cheer them on.
God, right, my bet. The thought of losing it just crosses my mind. I forgot that it was my biggest concern some time ago.
With a slightly reluctant pace, I crawl out of my nest and towards the school fields, towards the broom relay race and the outcome of my bet.
"hey wait up!". A loud voice I've come to be accustomed with calls out from behind. I didn't need to turn around to see who the owner of the voice is.
"are you going to watch the relay race?". Akko beams as she catches up to me, very clearly excited with the race.
"That I will. You too?". I ask, just now noticing there's no sign of Lotte or Sucy following her.
Akko tries to hide her grin. "You bet! I'll definitely watch it very closely".
I turn to Akko, puzzled, but she doesn't elaborate.
We soon reach the school fields, there crowds of spectators and the race contestants are already gathered, the race contestants already grouped with their teams. I spot Professor Ursula on the far end of the crowd on a wooden stage, apparently she's being interviewed by the school's journalists, or press, or whatever they call themselves.
"wow, it's very crowded!". Akko exclaims as she shields her eyes from the midday sun, trying to find her friends in the sea of witches. "I wonder where they are?".
I myself am trying to find my group, well, not really my group but my representatives for this race.
"ah! There they are". Akko was about to leave me but stops and turns at the last second. "are you going to stay here?".
"I'm not going to follow you around, if that's what you're asking".
"Okay! I'll see you soon!" Akko grins with determination and waves her hand before leaving me for her friends.
I sort of just realized I've made a normal conversation with her for the first time since that identity crisis. The things you achieve when you're more worried about something else.
I have to give it to everyone who made the race possible. Now that I'm here, I find it hard to not feel the same excitement and joy everyone around me is feeling.
My mind is lifted more and more when I find the green team preparing for the race not far away from me.
Amanda was first to notice me. "Finally, thought you'd never come". She's sitting on top of what seems to be an iron cage wrapped in cloth, considering it's size it's probably her broom inside.
There must be something off about me, because Amanda suddenly perks up and asks, "You alright? You got that far off look in your eyes".
For a moment, I'm taken aback by the American's perceptiveness.
Before I could respond however, Amanda glances to the odd iron cage she's sitting on and smirks.
"You don't need to worry though, because it's safe to say that our victory is secured".
Well, she misunderstood my reason for worry entirely, but 10 points for spotting it anyway.
"Overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer", I remark, but Amanda doesn't let it phase her.
"Oh, my confidence isn't unfounded. Let's just sat we have better equipment than our competitors". she lightly taps the iron cage below her, it suddenly shakes for a short second until Amanda places a fist on it, effectively silencing it, or whatever is inside of it.
Amanda smirks. "So cheer up. It's a race. Things are bound to be fun".
She's right. Today's the day of the race. I should enjoy the day while it's still here. An ancient relic that attracts violent treasure hunters and death should rob me of my days, shouldn't it?
Focus, focus on the day before you, Jericho. Focus on the fun race that's happening today.
Although, the race isn't that fun when I'm reminded of what will happen if my bet team loses.
Suddenly it's not a fun race anymore.
It seems that wherever I go, either back or forth, something bad is waiting for me.
I turn to look for the shortest person in the group. She's tinkering with her broom as usual with her robot companion by her side, helping her as she gives some final touches to the mechanical broom.
I feel like talking will distract me enough.
"how's the broom Constanze?". I ask. Only receiving a thumbs up from her as a reply.
"and how about you Jasminka?".
"very ready". she does a double thumbs up, which means she's readier than Constanze.
The team carries on with their activities before I came, occasionally tugging me into the conversation here and there.
With me out of the main spotlight, it's easy for my mind to drift away, away to where I last left my thoughts last night. I'm unaware of it, but whatever expression I wear when I think about it is enough for Amanda to notice and talk about it.
"Jasminka may lack agility, but she has that raw magic power". Amanda says, suddenly pulling me back to the concentration.
"What?!" I ask, failing to hide my surprise and confusion.
"Yessir she's fast. But she's terrible at tight turns, that's why we put her as the second runner, since that track has the least amount of turns".
That's… not what I was worried about, but fine I guess?
Amanda points ahead towards a floating map of the circuit. Indeed the second runner's path is the one with the least tricky turns, allowing someone who excels in speed to have great advantage.
I shake my mind back to reality. It's easy to do so when there's something impressive in front of you. "You've planned that?". I ask.
"What makes you think we wouldn't?".
"Hunch, a powerful one, also backed by your history of not thinking ahead". I jest. A soft smile creeps its way to my lips as I say it, surprising me. "To be honest I expected the lot of you to just race".
"Well you underestimated us". Amanda says, hands on her hip in a show of pride. She continues to point at various places in the circuit map. "Constanze will be up first, since she claimed that her machine has the best acceleration compared to the rest of us, and I've seen it it is impressive. That will give us a head start in the race, and maybe instill fear on the minds of our enemies as a bonus, break their morale before the battle begins".
"This is not a war". I point out. "Not between the racers, at least".
"And then for the last winning run, there's obviously me. The best broom rider in school".
Both Jasminka and Constanze gives a round of applause in support of Amanda's daring claim. I follow suit in the last seconds, clapping a bit too long after the others have stopped.
"Since I have the best control of the broom compared to the rest of us, it's only fitting that I will be the bringer of our victory". Amanda adds, concluding her explanation.
"This is great". I remark, actually surprised and impressed with all of them and their plans. "I had doubts but you three are starting to convince me ".
This big information made me much more confident at this, it was the truth that I didn't expect them to put serious work in this, but I've been gladly proven wrong. They seem to be very determined to win this race, with or without me begging them to win, I'm sure.
Seeing these three, I'm pretty sure they're the best to have a shot at defeating the elite blue team.
I look across the sea of crowds, and in the center of attention stands Diana and her team, as expected the school journalists are already all over them.
"So who are you to this team anyway?". Amanda asks, a slight tease in her voice.
"Me? I'm doing the best and most important part, or role, that being the manager". I say, with so little hint at joking that it makes Jasminka giggle.
Amanda arches a brow. "Manager? Really?".
"Yes. I mean, who will manage the team once we hit world class?". I say, making Amanda laugh again.
The voice of the announcer suddenly fills the air, announcing the imminent start of the race. The many teams of racers begin moving to their positions, splitting up from their group and going to the different starting points.
"That's our cue". Amanda says standing up.
Jasminka and Constanze follows suit as they ready their equipment, preparing to leave for their own positions too.
"Well we can't start without a word of encouragement do we?". I joke.
"That's a great idea". Amanda says, snapping a finger of agreement at the suggestion.
"Wait no I was joking!".
I was too late to stop them as Amanda suddenly drags me and Jasminka into a circle. Constanze struggles to reach the circle we made, so her robot climbs on top of her head and acts as her representative, forming a circle with the rest of us.
"What do we say?". Jasminka asks.
"Manager, this is your role". Amanda looks to me with a wink. Jasminka, Constanze and her robot looks to me expectantly too.
I try to come up with a motivational speech, reaching deep into my heart to produce the biggest nonsense I can muster.
Maybe I can talk about that quote about winners being the ones who go home and… wait no that's not appropriate, especially if one of these three was a prom queen at some point.
I breathe deeply before delivering my alternative choice for the speech.
"Arise! Arise riders of Theoden!". I shout, now noticing heads turning to our direction as I begin my speech.
"Spears shall be shaken! Shields shall be splintered! A sword day, a red day! Ere the sun rises!".
I notice some of them exchanging glances with one another, but I won't let such distraction hinder my speech of a lifetime.
"ride now! Ride now! Ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending!".
"Death!". I cheer for all to hear.
"Death!". Constanze's robot was first to follow.
"Death!". I cheer once again for the second time, now Amanda eagerly joins in, followed by Jasminka who tries her best to hold a giggle.
"Death!". I cheer for the third and last time and every member for the team capable of speech eagerly follows. I even hear faint cheers from other teams joining in from the distance.
"Forth Eorlingas!".
The group follows with a glorious war cry that would shake the very foundations of Yggdrasil itself, ready to face the darkness and charge into the lines of Mordor.
Amanda shouts along, followed closely by Jasminka. Constanze just lets out a cute determined grunt, her robot throwing it's arms to the air. Literally it just plucked its arms off and threw it to the air.
And with that I've brought the conclusion to my speech and the start of the battle to present. Let the armies of Mordor and Chaos Undivided come, we'll make them bite their own dusts!
/-/
"Why am I lifting this?". I ask, carefully placing my steps on the spiraling stairways.
"I need to preserve my energy". Amanda answers.
"yeah but I'm the manager". I protest.
Since Jasminka is already in her position, the manual labor naturally comes down to me. I'm currently trying to carry the iron cage through the spiraling stairways towards the top floor of the flight tower, it's not an easy task at all, before Jasminka arrived at her position she was the one carrying this around, and I didn't remember seeing her in any sort of trouble. I struggle through the stairway while Amanda walks ahead of me with not a care in the world, jogging up the stairways while I climb the stairs very carefully, placing each steps carefully as to not slip and fall and possibly die in the process. I have no idea what's inside this iron cage but this better be worth it.
"Come on, it's not that far". Amanda calls ahead. "See? We're here".
"Finally!". I drop the iron cage on the floor as I finally reach the top floor. I immediately drop to the floor next to it, face flat on the floor, struggling to catch my breath. Jasminka made this look too easy.
Amanda crouches next to me and pats me in the back. "you did good".
"I hate you".
I lift my head up from the floor and look towards the open balcony, there I spot the last runners of the race, I was not surprised to see Diana there, but what surprised me is that Akko is there with her.
"What?". was all I can muster.
"Wow, we've got some competition here". Amanda remarks. "This is perfect, I wanted to beat Diana myself".
"yeah, that's good. Confidence". I lazily mumble, still lying on the ground. I'm still wondering how will Akko compete with the likes of Diana, their difference in skills is astronomical.
"Amanda?". I mumble.
"Yeah?".
"Try not to be too harsh on Akko alright?". I plea halfheartedly.
"No promises on the field of battle". Amanda casually says.
I sit myself up when I remembered something. I reach for my left arm and take off the bracelet that Amadeus gave me and wear it into Amanda's arm. "A little sponsorship from your dear manager".
Amanda eyes the bracelet and whistles. "Cool but… what does it do?".
"I can communicate to you through it, so don't freak out and fall out of the broom when my delicate voice comes out of it".
"the race will begin in 30 seconds". Professor Ursula's voice booms over a floating stereo.
"Amanda, I'm nervous".
"you're not the one racing". Amanda sighs.
Soon the countdown begins, and a floating screen appears near us, broadcasting the contestants readying for the race, standing on top of a tall wooden platform. Among the first runners, Constanze stands out the most, carrying her very out of place engine powered broom. Miss Nelson stands not far from the start line, holding a… gun, a gun and is supervising the contestants. I notice Lotte is among them, along with Hannah, and… nope, they're the only one I know. That's it, that's the extent of my acquaintances in this school.
Miss Nelson points her pistol skywards. "on your marks, get set! Go!".
She fires the pistol and a bright flare shoots up, signaling the start of the race.
"Tia Freyre!". the first runners shouts, and to everyone's surprise, only Lotte successfully takes off, as the other contestants stood still on the platform.
"aaaah! Constanze what are you doing!?". I shout towards the screen.
Constanze quickly pulls out a… pistol, from her belt and fires at the bristles of her broom, a cloud of smoke emerges from the impact and apparently she's finally able to move. She quickly puts her goggles on and kicks off from the platform and starts the broom's engine, taking off at a surprising speed.
"Nice Constanze!". Amanda cheers for her.
Constanze flies her invention with surprising stability, flying across the sky smoothly just like a normal broom would. With a twist of the gas, the exhaust lights with sparks of fire and the propeller immediately spins faster. The broom continues to accelerate with incredible speed as she quickly closes the distance with Lotte. The little witch quickly flies past Lotte with ease, now leading the race as she takes the first place.
"coming out on top is the 'speed of sound tinker techie', Constanze!". A girl who's apparently riding a hot air balloon announces. Her voice booming from the floating screen.
"What's with that terrible nick name?". I say to myself.
Constanze speeds towards the second checkpoint, where Jasminka, Sucy and Barbara waits expectantly with the other contestants that I have no idea who they are. Jasminka begins to prepare for the baton pass, as Constanze gets close, she jumps to her broom and starts her take off. Constanze flies past the waiting others and towards Jasminka, passing the baton in one quick move.
Just as Amanda told me, Jasminka seems to excel in raw magic, as she easily gains distance from the platform, speeding away on the straight circuit with incredible speed. Not long after, Lotte finally arrives at the second checkpoint and passes her baton to Sucy, who immediately speeds away in chase of Jasminka, who is apparently snacking and sitting sideways on her broom while in such a speed.
"That girl". I say, anxiously biting my fingernails.
"That's Jasminka for you". Amanda sighs and shrugs.
Just as I start to worry Jasminka gives me a real reason to, she suddenly changes course, away from the circuit and the race.
"What in the ding dong diddly is she doing!?". I blurt out.
The situation took the direst of turns that even Amanda is panicking. "Oh no! She's off course! What do we do- Jericho?".
/-/
Dammit dammit dammit, I keep saying to myself as I run through the forest as fast as my legs can take me, desperately searching for the lost racer.
"Jasminka where the hell are you!?". I shout through the woods, not getting any bit of response.
Thankfully not too long after I found her following what seems to be a path of bagels hanged from tree branches.
"Jasminka!". I shout to her, stopping her eating spree as she finally realizes what she's done.
"whoops". She let's out a muffled yelp.
She immediately turns her broom and changes her direction towards me.
"what are you doing? Get that thing out of here". I hastily rip a bagel off her hand and throw it away from us, it lands with and odd clacking noise as it hits the ground far from us. I continue to push Jasminka towards the right direction.
"look Jasminka, look!". I point ahead. "you see that? The tower, and that is the right direction, the only direction, which is victory!".
I push her with all my might, giving her a jump start.
"now go! Win the race for me! I mean us! Us!". I shout to her as she starts to speed away from me, vanishing between the trees.
I rest my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. Good god, running after carrying that iron cage is not fun at all. I feel like my knees are going to melt at any second. No matter, what's important is my job here is done, now I just have to pray that Amanda can win against Diana. I pull out my wand and try to contact the girl, a floating screen projects from it's tip, revealing Amanda's face in it.
"job's done, she's all yours now". I say in between labored breaths
"i don't know what you did but good job! She's closing in now". Amanda says. She finally notices my tired state after a moment.
"you alright?". she asks, a very faint drop of concern in her voice.
"I'm fantastic right now, no thanks to you".
"Whoops, can't talk right now she's almost here I need to prepare my secret weapon bye!". Amanda closes the call as she's about to take off, or maybe she's trying to escape my accusation. I sigh as I lean back on a tree, trying to rest my currently melting legs. God I hope that girl doesn't somehow found a way to royally mess this up.
I try to rest for now, there's nothing more I can do now, yes I can guide Amanda to victory through the bracelet, but are you seriously thinking I'm a better broom rider than Amanda?
I suddenly hear something fast flying towards me, nearly hitting me if I didn't jump away in time. I landed rough on the ground and quickly look back towards the mysterious assailant, expecting an off course broom rider, only to find an unmanned chained red metal broom speeding away from me, leaving a trail of dust as it speeds away just above the ground.
"What is that?!". I yelp.
The red broom speeds away on the directions of the race, despite the fatigue my curiosity got the best of me and I start following the broom. Running towards the direction I last saw it fly to. I ran through the woods, catching short glimpses of the unidentified flying object, I keep on following it for a moment, until it pulls up and flies upwards, vanishing beyond the clouds. That's a place I can't follow.
"dammit". I mutter as I try to catch my breath once again, I'm starting to think chasing that thing was not a smart idea.
A gush of wind blows past me, I turn away to see that Diana had just flown past me with incredible speed.
"Diana leads the race! What an unexpected turn of events!". The announcer's voice booms from far away.
"Oh no!". I blurt out. What in the world is that silly girl doing?
I quickly continue my running despite my exhaustion, this time on the direction of the finish line while I try to contact Amanda.
"pick up pick up pick up". I plea as I keep trying to contact her.
Thankfully, Amanda finally picks up the call.
"Where are you!?". I hastily ask.
"I've ran into some troubles!". Amanda blurts out. "Don't worry I have everything under control!".
"Under control really!?". I cry out. "Come on, O'Neill, you have to win for me, I mean us! for the team dammit!".
After more painful running, I finally reach the finish line. I immediately look towards the circuit tracks, fearing that Diana might appear on the far horizon at any minute. Thankfully she's not here yet. I try to breath slowly to calm myself down, I don't think I can run anymore today. I look to the giant floating screen as I rest my hands on my knees. Apparently Diana is still in the lead, hooray.
"Dammit what is that girl doing?". I fret, still trying to catch my breath.
"What's this!? Akko seems to appear out of nowhere and is closing in on Diana!". The announcer's voice booms through the floating screen followed by gasps and cheers from the spectators not far from me.
"What!?". I look up towards the screen in disbelieve, and to my surprise, the girl who couldn't ride a broom days ago is now neck and neck with the most talented girl in the school.
"What!".
Akko quickly closes in towards Diana, to my surprise she's riding, or more correctly, chained onto the red broom that tried to assault me earlier.
I would've lost my marbles if Amanda hadn't shown up behind her soon after. Quickly closing the distance as she flies with amazing speed and agility. But for whatever reasons, she continues to try to catch Akko, who easily dodges her attempts at grabbing on to her. Akko easily speeds away from her, leaving Amanda far behind.
This looks bad, she somehow can't even speed past Akko, and Diana is still far ahead. She must have tired herself to catch up to her because of the late baton pass. At this rate she'll lose the race.
I try to think of anything, but in truth I have absolutely no idea about this kind of things. Come on, think, think! The extent of my knowledge that has any relation to racing is only those toy race cars from Japan, yes I used to watch and play that it was fun. But god dammit why? I need something serious, I got to stop thinking about toy race cars…
An idea crosses my head. It's not a smart idea but it's still an idea. I quickly try to contact Amanda once again to share it.
"Amanda can you hear me!?". I shout.
"Yes I can! But now's not really a good time!". she shouts, her voice nearly inaudible due to the wind.
"Amanda! Follow Akko but don't try to overtake her!". I shout.
"what? Why?". she asks, completely puzzled by my request.
"Just do it! Trust me!". I tell her. If this works I don't know whether I'm a genius or an idiot, maybe both.
After a moment of hesitation, she finally agrees and tries to catch up to Akko once again, but this time she patiently waits just behind her, not attempting to overtake her. My plan appears to have worked as she apparently has no trouble keeping up to Akko now.
"good! It's working! We're now on the slipstream of her broom!". I explain, still not believing this is working. "save your energy this way and use everything and I mean everything in the last second only! You'll have to throw in your all but only in the very last second, once Diana and Akko exhaust each other that's where you slip out from behind her and use all your magic!".
"Okay, I trust you!". Amanda shouts.
This sounds great in theory but I'm still worried about the other two, especially Diana.
"God this is going to be absolutely to the wire". I gulp. "This will be our shot at victory, O'Neill, don't you dare lose me the bet- I mean let down the team! The majority of the team will be let down!"
"You're not helping!"
The three raced through the tracks with incredible display of skills, turning on each corner with amazing agility and speeding away on the straight tracks with awesome speed. While Diana and Akko struggles to achieve the first place, Amanda bides her magic just as planned, saving her magic while still being able to keep up with the two due to the reduced wind friction. I'm such a scientist.
The three races through the last turn in the circuit, now finally visible out there in the distance instead of on the floating screen. What's left is a straight track where top speed is the only thing that matters.
"What an intense dead heat! They've rounded the final bend!". The announcer's voice booms over the loud cheers among the spectators. "who will claim victory?!".
"Should I go?!". Amanda asks through the bracelet.
"No! You have to stay steady!".
"Are you sure?! we're closing in!".
"I'm very sure, you'll go only when I say so, sister". I try to assure her.
The three comes closer and closer, Amanda still patiently waits behind while the two tries to race each other for the first place.
"Steady, steady….". I say, trying to sound as calm as possible.
As the three comes close to the finishing line, I notice Akko's broom starts to rattle and shake, she's beginning to lose hold on her broom. slowing her down in the process. This is it, it's do or die, it's gonna be die.
"Now Amanda now!". I shout.
"Urrrraaaaah!". Amanda cries as she immediately pulls her broom away from the slipstream.
Amanda quickly speeds forward, immediately closing the distance at the two racers as she uses all her conserved magic for a last second push. The difference in speed was significant, as Amanda has just used her conserved magic in the last seconds where both Akko and Diana had used their magic trying to best each other the whole time, winding their magic in the process. As Akko seems to lost grip of her broom and starts to fall behind, Amanda easily speeds past her, and in a split second she bests Diana, overtaking her and taking the first place. Before the spectators and the announcers can react to the sudden change of situation, Amanda flies past the finish line.
"What- what incredible speed! Amanda wins the race!".
The spectators went wild. Cheers were shouted and rounds of applause are made as Amanda finally breaks away and lands from her flight, creating a cloud of smoke in the process. As soon as Amanda lands on her feet crowds had already formed around her, cheering and congratulating her. Before Amanda could do anything the press is already all over her.
I nearly laugh at the absurdity and success of my plan, I can't help but feel the same hype and joy as the others.
"Jericho!". Amanda shouts from the middle of the crowds. "We did it!".
"You did it!". I shout, trying to get past the sea of crowds. Before I got close to her however I was stopped as a group of students hands her a giant of a trophy, blocking my path. As Amanda grabs hold of the trophy, a bunch of students starts to pick her up and lift her high up on the air.
I realize that I'm too happy for someone not participating in the race, and people wouldn't think I helped her win one bit. But before I can feel left out, out of nowhere, Jasminka was already beside me, Constanze's robot held in her hands. She towards me as if offering me a trophy.
"What? Is this my trophy?". I chuckle. "I can't think of an- Aaah!".
As I grab hold of the robot, Jasminka quickly picks me up with ease and lifts me to the air just like the students did to Amanda, throwing me up on the air with the robot in hand. Constanze herself was throwing her arms in the air, excited written everywhere but her still monotone face.
"Dude we won! You did it!". Amanda cheers from across the sea of crowds, we're both being lifted high up in the air.
"We won! I'm a goddamn genius!". I cheer, unable to contain my laughter. I Lift my trophy high up while Amanda lift hers.
"You're a goddamn Sun Tzu!". Amanda shouts.
A loud whistle cuts through the air, silencing and catching the attention of the whole crowd. Miss Nelson lowers her broom nearby, a card in her hand.
"I'm sorry green team but you get a red card! You're disqualified for failing the baton pass!". Miss Nelson's voice booms past the silenced crowd, she holds out a red card towards Amanda.
The whole scene comes to a pause, the atmosphere of joy completely butchered by the whistle and the news Miss Nelson delivered. No sound came and no one moves, time felt like it froze.
I grab Amanda's sleeve and lift her hand up. Revealing not a baton but a bagel on her wrist.
"What?". Amanda murmurs, failing to hide her shock and confusion. She tries to force a smile, expecting this is nothing but a bad joke.
That bagel, that bagel that I threw earlier in the forest was in fact not a bagel at all.
I slowly get off of Jasminka's hold and land my feet on the ground, carefully putting Constanze's robot next to me.
"Wha… Then- then the winner is… Diana Cavendish…". The announcer says, her voice heavy with hesitation.
All heads turn to the girl who had just landed not far from us, supporting a bruise covered Akko by her shoulders. Lotte and Sucy not far from them with brooms in hand.
"What?". Amanda murmurs again, disbelieve written all over her face as the realization finally sets in, that she indeed lost the race. She still holds her trophy as the students lowers her to her feet.
No one seems to do anything for a moment as Amanda stands in the center of the crowd, still clutching her trophy tightly. All eyes are set on her and not all of them empathetic. The crowd around us looks to her, as if waiting anxiously on how the girl will react.
Seeing this, Jasminka approaches her friend and puts her hand on Amanda's. Jasminka gently pulls Amanda's hand away from the trophy, and carefully removes the trophy away from Amanda's hands. She then hands the trophy to Miss Nelson, who flies quickly past us towards the newly announced victors, handing the trophy to Diana who takes a hesitant pause before accepting it.
I start to hear faint whispers and muffled laughter coming from the crowd. I can feel ill gazes directed towards the brooding Amanda.
"What a disappointment".
"Wow, she cheated".
"She must have been so desperate".
"Should have known, a girl like her".
The crowd slowly disperses, leaving just me, Amanda, Jasminka and Constanze.
I look towards Diana and Akko, who is now covered in attention, both of them looks visibly uncomfortable with the situation, throwing worried glances towards us every now and then.
Jasminka was the first to stir. She walks towards Amanda's broom, it's handle dirtied and it's bristles bent by the recent stampede of crowds. She carefully picks it up and begins to dust it off and try her best to straighten it's bristles. But she stops halfway and begins to walk slowly towards Amanda, who's currently gazing to the newly gathered crowd around Diana and Akko.
I purposely keep on looking towards Diana and Akko. I can't bear to turn my head towards Amanda, I'm afraid of what I'd see or hear.
"Amanda". Jasminka calls to her friend. I keep looking away, can't bear to witness the lash of emotion at any moment.
"Oh, Jasminka". Amanda turns to her friend.
"I'm… I'm sorry". Jasminka apologizes, her voice shaky and the broom she's holding begins to tremble as her hands quivers.
I keep looking away from them, unable to bear seeing their faces.
"Hah? don't worry about it".
Her calm response surprises me. I turn to look at the two. Jasminka is indeed on the brink of breaking into tears, but Amanda looks surprisingly easy, she's the one who's trying to comfort Jasminka who now hangs her head, unable to bring herself to face her friend.
"Don't worry, it's not your fault". Amanda says, a warm smile present.
"But I- but I… the baton pass….". Jasminka tightens her grip on the broom as tears starts to drip on it.
"Hey, it's alright, you did your best". Amanda places a hand on Jasminka's shoulder, comforting the sobbing girl.
Jasminka finally lifts her head up. "but…".
"Everyone makes mistakes". Amanda smiles, taking the broom from Jasminka's shaky hands. "Besides, it's just a game".
Jasminka, starts to sniffle as she tries to hold on her tears, but fails miserably as she breaks into a full cry.
"Heheh, there there". Amanda pulls out a handkerchief from Jasminka's pocket and starts to dry Jasminka's teary cheeks.
Amanda chuckles. "I think we're running out of handkerchiefs- oof!". Amanda was interrupted when Jasminka suddenly pulls her into a tight hug.
"Ah! Constanze, I need help!". Constanze quickly approaches her friend to help her escape, only to get pulled in herself to the group hug.
After a full minute, Jasminka finally calms down and releases her hug, setting her friends free.
They hug for a full minute, only after Jasminka feels like it does the group hug end. "That's enough hugging for today". Amanda chuckles.
Amanda's eyes meet mine. "Ah, sorry for not pulling you into the hug, dude".
She offers a smile, but I can't return it. I throw my gaze away. "You're fine with…"
"Hey, it's alright, really".
"But that-"
"-Was nothing, it's just a game. Now let's head back, maybe we can get some ice creams along if the cafeteria still has it".
Her calmness was baffling and I find it impossible to know if there's anything hidden underneath it, or if there's anything hidden underneath it to begin with.
Jasminka smiles and nods, her cheeks still wet but she's already warm inside. "Yeah".
Amanda grins and carry her broom on her shoulder. "Alrighty then, let's go". She beckons to her two friends as she starts to walk towards the school.
Constanze's Stanbot begins to follow the three, but stops halfway as it turns to look at me, it tilts it's head in confusion as it notices me not following them. Amanda too notices my silence, she turns to me but I speak first.
"I have somewhere to go, go ahead without me".
Amanda seems a bit puzzled at my answer, but she lets it slide and leaves me be. "Alright, your loss. I'll see you tomorrow man".
Jasminka and Constanze says their own goodbyes and follows her friend back inside.
Amanda was incredibly calm, I didn't expect her to be like that. I'd expected she'd show more emotions, be it rage or even sorrow. I don't know why but seeing her not too affected by what happened throws me off more than it should. She accepted it so easily.
Isn't that good? Isn't that the best way to deal with this situation?
The way she reacted to Jasminka, I'd never expected to see that side of her. She's a good girl, inspite of her rebellious nature I can feel that, but I didn't expect her to show it so warmly and openly to her friends.
However, I can't shake off this empty feeling in my chest, knowing I took part in her disqualification. It's far worse when you realize I'm not even part of her team.
I stopped on my thoughts as I realize the robot is still here with me. It looks back and forth between me and the three, seemingly confused with me still being her.
After one last look towards me, the robot starts to run its way to the three.
I look around now abandoned field, only a handful of students and staffs remain as the sun is ready to dip into the horizon, setting a gold background on the dusk sky.
Things absolutely took an unexpected turn.
/-/
I walk back through the long hallways on my way back to my room, the dusk sky basking the hallways with it's warm golden light. I was on my own for most of the time, I didn't find anybody save for a few elves and goblins walking through the hallways. Or perhaps I did, just that I'm too preoccupied with my thoughts to notice. As I think of this however, a familiar face stands not far from me, gazing onto a wooden display in the middle of the hallway.
"Jericho". Diana speaks as she notices my arrival.
"Hi". I tiredly speak as I make a weary smile.
Concern clouds her eyes as she fall silent for a moment, thinking of what to say to me.
"I'm very sorry". she finally says, her worries bearing weight on her voice.
"Nope". I turn towards the window, gazing outside towards the golden basked forest. "You don't need to apologize, you won fair and square". I tell her, turning to look at her as I give her a reassuring smile.
She looks to me for a moment, unsure of my words.
I walk up beside her and look to the wooden display. Inside sits various photographs, all with different girls of three holding up a cup.
Each photo stirs different feelings inside me, each photograph holds a story, all of them different from each other. Different peoples with different stories and feelings, all forever remembered inside a wooden display down the hallway of Luna Nova, all smiling in joy as they're remembered at that day as victors.
I can't help but imagine the stories behind this photographs, what stories they tell, what the person inside was like, how they lived, how they feel, how they talk, how they joked, what was happening before and after the photo was taken, how would it feel if I was in that moment, all that thought races through my head.
But there is one picture that stands out the most, a picture where a girl doesn't smile like the others around her. The girl's eyes filled with hesitation and guilt as she gazes towards the camera, towards me.
"You're not smiling". I joke.
"Yes, how could I?". Diana says with a low voice, a rare thing to hear from her.
I smile. "It's alright Diana, you did nothing wrong".
I turn around and begin to make my leave. But before I could step too far, Diana speaks again.
"Jericho".
She hesitates for a moment, before finally saying "I… I'll see you tomorrow".
"I'll see you too" I smile to her.
She finally returns my smile, the first time in our small talk. I end the talk as I turn to continue my walk back to my room, away from Diana and away from the emotional roller coaster that is today.
My footsteps the only one resounding in the now dark hallways, reminding me that I am finally alone.
Author's Notes: well, that was indeed an emotional roller coaster. I'm very very glad i sent this to my editor first, if i didn't the conclusion of this chapter wouldn't be like this at all. It would've been very short and shallow. So shoutout to my loyal editor in chief (chief because he's the only one) RomanViking himself. Yessir, I employed him.
Jokes about dominance in the harem LWA fanfic market aside, i'm really happy with the results of this chapter, As i'm typing this the 19th chapter is already done, surprisingly. But unfortunately, or fortunately in my opinion, you won't see it soon, since i'll completely revise it. Yeah it may sound unfortunate but the original 18th chapter goes very different from the final version. And thus opens up to more possibilities and far less restrictions for the next chapters. Quite simply, the 19th chapter needs to wait as i remake it to fit the final version of the 18th chapter, which i'm very glad to do so actually.
Before I take my leave, if you, yes you! want to know when a chapter is out immediately and want to emotionally support me, you can click that follow and favorite album, click the subscribe button even and share this fanfic with your friends, family, and even work associates. Adding this fic to your follow and favorite is a fantastic way to support the writer. That's right it's you, yes you people who makes me want to write, so be a good reader and extend my reach- I mean support by being a good loyal reader slave- I mean being supportive af by clicking that follow and favorite. So cheers, have a good one, and i'll see you in the next one.
Peace out.