Chapter 3
"Not so tight! I still need blood to flow down there." James held to Rish's shoulder for balance as he tied the bandage around his ankle.
"Calm down" Rish cut the excess bandage off and tied the ends.
"It's just a bruise anyway." James let go of the shoulder and limped to the bed. Iit happens every time we spar."
"It'll get infected if I keep hitting you there without treating it." Rish huffed. He rose from his knees and sat next to James. "You should protect your ankles. I always go for ankles."
James looked at me and smiled. "You know, If I didn't know any better, I'd say you cared for me."
"I do care for you." I said. "You're my best friend."
"That's not true. I'm your only friend." He put his arm around my shoulder. "You really should get more social."
I sighed and rose from the bed, crossing my arms. "You know how I feel about crowds."
"I'm not talking about a parade following you around-"
"Like you" I pointed out. James' smile flickered.
"I know you are like anti-friend, and I understand why. But, you really should get a few more friends. The twins! You're on friendly terms with them, right?"
I considered it. "Do they know you?"
James raised an eyebrow. "Who doesn't know me? We speak from time to time."
I shrugged. "We'll see. But I won't promise anything." I helped him off the bed.
"Come on, let's go to lunch." He said. "I'm starved. I handed him the wooden staff from the corner of the room that he made to help him walk after the third time I sliced his ankle.
"No I don't think I cold stand to be drowned in compliments again for that ankle." James sighed."They like you. You're the best duelist in our age group. Why wouldn't they like you?"
"Could've fooled me. They don't seem to like me much in class."
"Gray? He's an idiot. You shouldn't even give him the-"I rose my hand to cut him of.
"Yeah well, if it's all the same to you, I'll see you later. As a mater of fact, Leave the door unlocked. I'm going out into the forest."
James smiled in defeat; he waved to me as we parted ways at the chamber door.
I turned to walk down the hall. I took three steps before I sensed someone was very interested in me. I quickened my pace, passing the stone monuments of past Academy Masters and swung myself into the archives. I began to scan the shelves in search of nothing in particular. When a title caught my interest I took the data spike to the closest holo-projector and slid it in. at I flicked to projector on the Force nudged at me. I turned to see my stalker.
A boy no older then I stood facing me. His skin was tanned and slightly sunburned. His wild black hair swung in his face as he stepped forward. My face warmed as I suppressed my urge to throw my light saber hilt at his coy face. I forced a smile.
"Gray, you were just on my mind."
He lifted a eyebrow. "Was I? Well that's interesting, 'cause you were on my mind."
"What's wrong Gray, You can't wait until tomorrow's class to flirt."
A small laugh escaped Gray's closed mouth smile. He crossed his arms over his chest. He looked over my shoulder. "Studying the history of Darth Tyrannous? Interesting subject."
My composure fluttered. That's what I get for rushing. Gathering myself again I retorted, "Just looking out for you, Gray. Tyrannous' flaws, for some odd reason," I looked up and rubbed my chin dramatically. "Remind me of you." Gray's hazel eye's narrowed.
"Funny, very witty. I past Jim on the way here. He had his staff again. Just warning you. The other guys may think your good, but I know you're a no good cheater. Stay away from Jim." He turned to the shelves.
"Kind of hard seeing as how I live with him."
"Find a way"
"I know about you!" I shouted after him. "Seriously. James told me everything..."
Gray stopped walking. His back still to me I heard him laugh. "Good bluff." At that, he strode between the shelves of files and vanished from my view.
I may not know for certain, but anyone could guess.
