Searing, the boiling heat hits the young girls pale features as her ears ring, hearing the bloodied curled screams of pain, of anger, of battle. The burning homes greet the two blondes hearing the hiss, the fizz, the crackle of embers flying in the sky brunt orange, scarred for life as so are the people beneath them, below their tiny feet, the heavy stench of rotting flesh, iron and soot swarming the air.
The young girl and boy stand back to back, his shaking shuddering hands wielding his sword while she wields her spear, her features stone faced, a hidden gleam within those beady blues, inside a bright fire sparking at the beauty before her on the other hand the girl feels the quivering of her meek brother, disgusted by the elegance of battle…
"Please stop! Stop!"
"Mallory!" Shocked, the young girl gasps and grimaces at the harsh sharp pain of debris beneath, hitting her back from the shove as her young form turns to look up at her brother, grimacing, an arrow in his arm, tears trembling down his features as her young blues dilate in horror, next thing she knows everything turns into a flurry of screaming, roaring, slicing and red…just seeing all red.
"Mallory!" Startled, I jump up from the cosy bedroll beneath me, my eyes widening back into reality, gaining focus as I feel a hand on my shoulder, instincts taking over, feeling my heart race quicken, my muscles tense. Instantly, I grab the enemy by the gloved hand, flipping him over, my ears ringing failing to hear the sharp gasps and call of my name as I draw my dagger to the fool's throat, seething glaring into a pair of calm greens as my eyes widen, blinking, adjusting to the situation as my wide eyed state turns into a severe glare.
"There's the face I know," Jokingly, he smiles at me as I seethe.
"Don't ever touch me again Claude." Scowling, I spit at him standing as I roughly push him up shoving him aside.
"We're the same age." Claude stumbles back from my push as I glare at the pest.
"Then start acting like it and stop lying." Coldly I snarl to him seeing his smile falter briefly until plastering on a reinforced one, making my eyes narrow.
"Oh come on you love this face," Cheekily, he leans in.
"Sure you know what would make it look better," Mockingly, I lean in, challenging him, my warm breathe grazing his own.
"Nothing could make this face better," Jokingly, he smirks.
"A few punches maybe a cracked nose ooh I know maybe some tape or a silencing spell for that mouth of yours," Snidely, I reply leaning back on my seat by my brother hearing the faint chuckle from my brother and Edelgard while Claude pouts.
"You wound me fair maiden." Exaggerating, he places his hand on his heart or where his heart would be making me groan.
"Come now, let us not fight this is a opportunity for us to bond as leaders," Smiling, Dimitri brings up making me scoff at my innocent brother.
"Come on Dimitri you can agree with me a slicing spell wouldn't be bad," I argue.
"Well…." Dimitri trials off.
"Edelgard…" I turn to her seeing her simply watching amused.
"She does have a point." Softly, Edelgard agrees making me smirk.
"Now I'm just hurt betrayed by both the houses. The cruelty," Claude tuts as I scowl.
"Yes Edelgard! Us girls need to stick together against those dumbass boys," Jokingly, I fist pump making her shake her head.
"I suppose so…." Edelgard gives in.
"Sister your language you use is most…" Frowning, Dimitri brings up only then for our eyes to widen when my brother is cut off by the sharp sound of air being pierced, making us turn to the arrow indebted into the tree. Scowling, I turn on my heel to glare at Claude, his hands up in surrender.
"I didn't do it, besides I couldn't not from that angle." Claude brings up.
"If this is another scheme of yours…" Growling, I warn him as to my shock and rage he boops my nose, his forefinger touching my nose lightly as I push past him, ignoring his words as I storm over to the sight.
"Mallory we should wait for the teacher." Worriedly, Dimitri brings up as I scoff.
"Last I checked he found the discovery of a lifetime and left." Sarcastically, I remark.
"What she means is, he fled for a piss." Claude clarifies.
"Must you use such language?" Tiredly, Dimitri enquires.
"Come on out you rich brats!"
"Bandits of course!" Scowling, Edelgard draws her axe as I draw my spear alongside my brother while Claude…
"Yeah you have fun with that!" Cheekily, he smiles at us bow and arrow ready as he rushes off into the wilderness, making me feel a wave of rage at the weakling.
"Wha…where are you going!? Coward!" Screaming, I roar at him stomping my foot on the ground infuriated by the lack of nerve of the chicken.
"We can deal with this ourselves!" Scowling, I ready my steel spear.
"Indeed…" Edelgard nods her head standing up, my brother joining as we rush into battle only as we do for us to quickly be outnumbered as next thing I know my brother drags me into some village, meeting up with...
"You…" Enraged, I storm over to the ass, my grip tingeing on my spear as I raise my free fist reeling it back in attempt at hitting him only for him to easily dodge, laughing.
"You having fun down there?" Mischievously, he looks down at me, hands on hips as I seethe, about to raise my spear at the ass.
"Aw it hasn't been that long did you miss me that much?" Teasingly, he continues despite our situation like a moron.
"You chicken!" Raring, I raise my spear at him, the piercing touch tickling his Adams apple as his calm greens meeting my burning blue, smirking slyly as he presses his forefinger on the tip, pushing it gently to the side.
"Sister please enough!" Pleadingly, Dimitri requests as I scowl lowering my blade.
"Mallory we do not have time for this!" Edelgard agrees as we hear the sound of footsteps making us turn to the blue haired woman and some old brown haired guy with a braid, they have weapons so that's a good sign.
"Please forgive our intrusion. We wouldn't bother you were the situation not dire." Dimitri apologises to the pair before us.
What do a bunch of kids like you want at this hour? The older male questions us.
Come back here you spoiled brats!"
"I think that summarises it all really," I remark slyly as unimpressed, the older male curses, his kid I assume silently watching as the madness comes closer to us…
"We apologise for our intrusion especially bringing the bandits into this defenceless village but…" Apologetically, I begin as we approach the two bandits, a girl, and boy.
"We're being pursued by a group of bandits. I can only hope that you will be kind as to lend your support." Calmly, Dimitri informs them.
"Bandits here?" The older guy raises a brow.
"Afraid so." I confirm.
"They attacked us while we were at rest in our camp," Edelgard adds.
"We've been separated from our companions and we're outnumbered. They're after our lives…not to mention our gold." Claude sighs.
"I'm impressed you're staying so calm considering the situation. I…wait…that uniform…" The older guy recognises.
"Bandits spotted just outside the village!"
"Damn…there are a lot of them. I guess they followed you all the way here. We can't abandon this village now," The older guy tells the girl.
I apologise we should have sit up divert focus from the village," Annoyed, I scold myself for my tactless move.
"What's done is done. Come on let's move. Hope you're ready!" The braid guy turns to blueberry girl as we get into battle position, blueberry guy leading us with his mentor or something giving advice. Focused, we get into battle position, my eyes narrowed at the bandit with the axe as I give the fool a swift kick to the gut, using the momentum of my spear to propel me to swing my spear and slash at the man behind me as blueberry approaches.
"Cool as a cucumber garnet you?" Cheekily, I smirk only then to hear the battle cry as I feel my body freeze abruptly stopping me as my eyes dilate at the sudden roar of flames devouring my sight-seeing a roaring deranged monster before me, bloodied axe in hand as I feel my form freeze paralysed at the memory only to my shock as the man slams his axe down upon me, only to stop making me snap out of my brief moment of weakness grimacing in disgust.
How could I freeze up like that? Stupid, stupid, stupid, sharply, I turn on my heel, turning to find a frowning Claude bow and arrow in hand.
"That was my kill!" Frustrated, I bark at him as blueberry guy goes off with Dimitri to finish off the bandit leader.
"Try to catch up then!" He rebukes as blueberry finishes off the match, winning our victory and saving the lives of the villagers much to my relief. Roaring, the bandit leader makes one last attempt at Edelgard only then for blueberry to come running in disarming and tossing the leader aside, scaring his grunts away.
"Hey over here!" Smiling, Claude calls out as we approach the two.
"You okay Edelgard?" I question her concerned.
"I'm fine thank you," Politely, she smiles.
"The knights of Seiros are here! We'll cut you down for terrorising our students. The thieves are running away! Go after them!" Alois orders as his lackeys leave.
"Not this guy…" Groaning, I face palm at the moron that is Alois.
"You know him?" Blueberry questions.
"He's very…ostentatious," Painfully, I smile not sure what to say to describe the pestering baboon, wandering the halls trying to make conversation when clearly he can see I'm reading and want my alone time.
"He means well," Softly, Dimitri smiles as I groan.
"The students seem to be unharmed. And…who's this?" Curious, Alois enquires.
"Urgh why him?" Mentor guy mutters aggravated. I share your pain random stranger, I share it well.
"Captain Jeralt! It is you! Goodness it's been ages don't you recognise me? It's Alois your old right hand man! Well that's how I always thought of myself anyway. It must have been 20 years ago that you went missing without a trace. I always knew you were still alive." Happily, Alois greets the displeased man.
"You haven't changed a bit Alois just as loud as ever. And drop that captain nonsense I'm not your captain anymore. These days I'm just a wandering mercenary. One who has work to do goodbye old friend," Swiftly, Jerald tries to flee from Alois but Alois does what he does best, being persistent.
"Right…goodbye captain. Wait this isn't how this ends! It's that you return to the monastery with me!" Joyfully, he encourages.
"Garreg Mach Monastery…I suppose this was inevitable." Tiredly, Jerald gives in.
"And how about you kid? Are you the captain's child?" Alois questions blueberry head.
"That is correct." Emotionlessly, she exclaims as I do a double take, blinking at her hollow words. Wow and I thought I sounded alien when talking about her.
"Clearly cut from the same cloth as the captain I thought so. I'd love for you to see the monastery you will join me won't you?" Alois asserts as blueberry nods while Jeralt releases a tired breath bowing his head in defeat.
"What's troubling you captain? You aren't about to run off again are you?" Alois questions.
"Even I wouldn't dare run from the knights of Seiros," Jerald exclaims.
"I appreciate your help back there. Your skill is beyond question. You're clearly an experienced mercenary and your father…that would be Jeralt the blade breaker. Former captain of the knights of Seiros. Often praised as the strongest knight to ever live. Have I missed anything?" Edelgard reports.
"As usual Edelgard you never cease to amaze me with your encyclopaedic knowledge on anyone…" Smirking, I tease her noting her faint blush of embarrassment making me chuckle.
"I didn't know he was a captain," Blueberry says almost bored lacking any sort of curiosity intriguing Edelgard of course.
"Hey you are coming with us to the monastery, right? Of course you are. I'd love to bend your ear as we travel," Claude smirks.
"Translation wise. I want to get close to you to get you on my side," Smirking, I translate hands on hips.
"Hey now not like we are aren't doing it. Oh I should mention the four of us are students of the Officers Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery. We were doing some training exercises when those bandits attacked. I definitely got the worst of it," Claude explains.
"That would be because you ran off." Edelgard deadpans.
"True, true I was the first to make the strategic retreat," Proudly, Claude smirks.
"Sure you keep telling yourself that. But we all know its karma for being a coward," Smugly, I smirk feeling a twitch of pride.
"Hey I wasn't the kid who charged right into battle," Snidely, Claude brings up, causally keeping pace with me making me scowl.
"Hey at least I was fighting and protecting my friends!" I argue glaring up at him.
"With no one else to help you. You should be thanking me for taking care of that axe guy when you froze up," He counters making me snarl glaring daggers at him as I note my brother's brief look of concern.
"I did not freeze up!" Angrily, I shove Claude making him smirk clearly enjoying my rage.
"Alright, it was just a joke chill. Besides everything would have worked out if these two hadn't followed me and ruined everything. Because of them every single one of those bandits chased after us. Utterly ridiculous." He puts his hands up in surrender as I curse under my breath.
"Ah so that's what you were thinking Claude. And here I thought you were acting like a decoy for the sake of us all." Dryly, Dimitri remarks.
"Oh brother dearest you're as naive as ever you. Honestly, you think this moron would be that selfless? Don't make me laugh," Scoffing, I chuckle to myself.
"I'm right here!" Pouting, Claude points out.
"I know and I wiling to repeat it." Simply, I shrug.
I agree. His intentions were as clear as day. You will prove a lacking leader if you cannot see the truth behind a person's words," Smoothly, Edelgard agrees.
"Hm. You will prove a lacking ruler yourself if you look for deceit behind every word and fail to trust those whom you rely on," Dimitri points out.
Oh joy, a royal debate between their highnesses. I wonder how being completely predicable affects one's ability to wield power. Personally, as the embodiment of mistrust I'd say your little exchange smacks of naiveté," Proudly, Claude smirks as I roll my eyes.
"Me? Naive? Tell me are you actually capable of keeping quiet or is your lack of self-awareness a condition of some sort?!" Frustrated, Edelgard scowls.
"In any case forgive our digression. I must speak with you for a moment," Dimitri turns to blueberry.
"Um brother I think they all want to speak with them," Honestly, I point out.
"Nevertheless, the way you held your ground against the bandit's leader was captivating! You never lost control of the situation. It showed me I still have much to learn," Confidently, Dimitri continues.
"Your skill is precisely why I must ask you to consider lending your services to the empire. I might as well tell you now. I am no mere student I am the Adrestian Empire's-" Edelgard intervenes.
"Halt Edelgard. Please allow me to finish my own proposition. The holy kingdom of Faerghus is in dire need of exceptional individuals like yourself. Please do consider returning to the kingdom with me and my si-" Dimitri requests body as I face palm.
"Oh for goodness sake brother you barely know the girl. Honestly get to know her first. You guys speak of not being naïve yet here you stand offering a position in your regions to some person you hardly even know. That is naivety." Exasperated, I face palm knowing of my brother's eccentrics at times, finding it a rather endearing trait especially the innocence alongside it.
"Woah there. You two sure are hasty. She's right you know. Trying to recruit someone you just met, tactless really. I was personally planning to develop a deep and lasting friendship on our journey back to the monastery before begging for favours. But it seems there are no niceties in this world. So, capable stranger let's get right to it. Where does your allegiance lie?" Smirking, Claude peers over curious to know.
"Which one does Mallory's lie?" Bluntly, Blueberry girl questions surprising me.
"Excuse me?" Startled, I question feeling all eyes on me.
"Woah watch out Dimitri's someone's got their eye on your sister," Cheekily, Claude smirks arms behind head as he leans back.
"Claude that is enough. For your information my sister can fend for herself." Proudly, Dimitri smiles at me.
"Well?" Blueberry encourages making me frown.
"I don't really have one I'm a Blue Lion at heart but sadly…" Annoyed, I grumble crossing my arms as I glance at the smug Claude, on the heel of his shoes rocking back and forth, a sing stone hum humming from his arrogance as I scowl.
"Sadly you wound me fair maiden," Playfully, he places his hand on his chest making me scoff.
"If only that wound was infected. But still due to their stupidity as a team and some sort of school politics stuff I'm in the Golden Deer group, despite not being from their territory," Coolly, I explain to Blueberry blinking surprised by my words.
"I suppose… Holy Kingdom of Faerghus land of noble knights," Blueberry shrugs.
"Good choice." Smirking I praise him.
"A wise decision," Dimitri smiles as I raise a brow noting the faint blush on his smiling features making me snicker, oh don't tell me my brother has a crush on her, awwww….
"All right. That's enough with the small talk. It's time to head back to the monastery!" Alois decides as we all group up.
"Looks like we'll have to pick this up another time, cheekily," Claude winks and leaves, heading back to the monastery.
"My, my they are in such a hurry, you know each of the three are most unique…"
"Edelgard…"
"She is a refined young woman. But I feel as though she is always evaluating me."
"Dimitri…"
"He seems quite sincere but I sense darkness lurking beneath…"
"Claude…"
"His easy smile is striking but that smile doesn't reach his eyes…"
"Mallory…"
"That girl, she seems honest, a bit of a temper. I can't help but feel there is more to her than meets the eye."
The icy winds of the Oghma Mountains have begun to scatter, and the verdant fields once again spring to life across Fódlan, heralding the start of a new year. As they celebrate the dawning year, the people pray that they may realize their full potential, just as a tiny sprout hopes to one day grow into a great tree…
The continent of Fódlan, said to be protected by a revered goddess, has existed since time immemorial. Three ruling powers now control the land. In the south lies a region long held by a more than one-thousand-year-old dynasty–the Adrestian Empire. Beyond its borders, to the frigid north, is the home of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, ruled by the royal family and its knights. To the east, a league of nobles that heeds no king or emperor rules what is called the Leicester Alliance. Once consumed by a tempest of war and turmoil, Fódlan and these three mighty powers now exist in relative harmony.
Casually, the group of us grow closer to the monastery the bright gleam of the sun sneakily shyly peeking through the thin layers of leafs from the tress above, creating an archway towering over us protecting us as we make our way closer to the monastery.
"You know sister we are meant to get along with him," Softly, my brother whispers to me as we have grown a distance from the group behind us, we are far ahead as I scowl.
"The day I get along with him is the day I'm a believer of Sothis," Coldly, I state the fact making my brother sigh disappointed.
"Sister please for me be careful, speaking such words in this refined place…" Concerned, my brother whispers.
"We're not in the kingdom brother." I sigh.
"We are still in Garegg Mach. We represent the kingdom, despite our difference in beliefs. I don't want to see you get hurt," Apprehensive, he tells me feeling his hand on my shoulder, making me sigh, ignoring the brief flinch as I note my brother's pained expression from my reaction.
"Come now try to find some sort of positive quality!" Positivity, he smiles as I frown, no offence, but people happy just freaks me out it isn't natural. I can't help but feel it fake but when Dimitri does it…I don't know what to think. He's naive and he's innocent in that sense but the pair of us aren't pure that's for sure, so seeing him so jovial so optimistic it makes me relieved in a way.
"He just ditched us!" Aggravated, I hiss trying to get him to see I would hate to fight with someone who ditches me.
"Yes I know that but come now he shall be your head of house at least try to bond with him," Pleadingly, he begs as I go quiet, eyes narrowed.
"Sister did you…freeze back with the bandits? "Tenderly, he questions me, concern laced in his tone as I feel my body stop, my blood turning ice cold as I lower my head, refusing to look at his gaze as I feel a twitch of rage fuel me.
"No." Curtly, I respond brushing his hand on my shoulder off.
"Sister please it isn't bad if you did. I can't help but sometimes get that way either, we can help each other out," Lovingly, he offers smiling hopeful as I scowl.
"It's fine." Abruptly, I reaffirm to him, quickening my pace.
"Sister…" Worried, Dimitri calls out to me as I exhale tiredly not wanting to discuss such trivial things.
"Look…we'll see I make no promises brother and just know I'm doing this solely for you," I grumble as my brother smiles brightly at me, grateful as he turns back to the group behind us catching up as I feel my own pace only increase furthering the distance between them and me, how it should be, scowling at the nagging eyes on my back…
"Well well. Scored a teaching gig did ya? Talk about a great first impression," Brightly, Claude greets Byleth who approaches stone faced.
"Thank you Claude," Politely, she thanks the male leaning against the stone pillar.
"No problem I guess that means I'd better introduce myself properly. I'm Claude Von Riegan. I'm from the ruling house of the Leicester Alliance but don't worry too much about that madness. I'm guessing you don't know which house do you? I bet you'd like ours. We're not as… difficult as the other two. Have you met the folks from the golden deer house yet? I mean you know Mallory but still care to know more about anyone?" Politely, Claude bows to Byleth.
"Yes I'd like to start with you Claude that is if you don't mind," Byleth requests making Claude smirk.
"Piqued your interest have I? As luck would have it I'm pretty curious about you as well. But what's life without a bit of mystery? Let's just spend this year or so learning about each other, little by little," Cheekily, Claude smirks as Byleth frowns at the lack of answers.
"Lorenz?" She enquires.
"He's the heir of Gloucester territory. If you haven't already picked up on it, he's a bit arrogant and fancies himself a lady's man. That said, deep down he's really devoted and honest... Though I wouldn't mind never hearing him talk about his noble obligations ever again," Claude groans.
"Raphael," She requests.
"He comes from a merchant family, but his parents died in an accident. Seems like he's had a rough life. Despite all that, he's just about the most cheerful guy you'll ever meet. His passions are training, eating, and... Actually, that's about it." Claude exclaims.
"Right….what about Mallory?" Byleth wonders her eyes widening to find the faint gleam and the quirk of Claude's smirk at the mention of the blonde and blue eyed girl.
"Mallory she's…I can't really say much on her. Not that I wouldn't mind. She's an enigma that girl," Claude smirks as Byleth notes the false smile.
"What do you mean?" Curious, she ponders.
"Well she doesn't really like us if you hadn't picked up teach," Claude remarks, a look of disappointment in his eyes.
"How come?" She furrows her brow.
"Don't know how she couldn't like our golden personalities but I will say this she's a loner. Doesn't like people particularly people with a great sense of humour. It's fun teasing her though you should see her Teach when you call her cute it's hilarious…"Chuckling, Claude smirks.
"I see…how do the others feel about her?" Byleth asks.
"From what I've gathered. They don't know what to make of her, they tried talking to her but…" Claude trails off.
"She won't cooperate." Byleth gathers.
"Yep. Shame really I think she could really fit in," Claude confesses hands behind head.
"Is that why you talk to her so much tease her?" Byleth questions curious.
"Eh sorta, just like seeing her reactions you'll know once you see them of course. I've seen my fair share of girls blush but that girl is one of a kind…" Snickering, Claude smirks.
"Right…" Frowning, Byleth glances to the side, not sure what to say.
Why is it I get the feeling there is more to Claude's statement of Mallory than meets the eye…?
"Anyone else I should know of?" Byleth questions the head of the house as Claude hums.
"Well there's Ignatz. He's the second son of a merchant family. Since his brother will inherit the business, he's training to become a knight. If you ask me, doesn't seem like he truly wants to be a knight. He's probably just doing it to please his parents…" Claude confesses.
"And what of this Leonie girl she seems quite taken with my father," Dully, Byleth points out making Claude smirk.
Leonie enrolled because she wants to be a mercenary. I think she said that her father is a hunter. She's pretty blunt and as stingy as they come. A habitual saver, too. I think she's hoping to repay her village for helping to send her here, Claude informs her noting her brow furrowed at the lack of an answer.
"Lysithea?" Byleth changes topic.
"Lysithea is the daughter of Count Ordelia, and is probably the youngest student here. But watch out! She gets angry if you treat her like a child. As for me, I do it on purpose. You have to make your own fun in this place, you know?" Claude shrugs.
"Hilda?" Byleth says.
"Hilda is the only daughter of Duke Goneril. It seems her father and brother coddles her quite a bit. If you look up "lazy" in the dictionary...her picture won't be there because she never got around to submitting it. Not too unusual for a noble, I guess," Claude smiles softly.
"Right…thank you Claude." Relieved, Byleth thanks him.
"No prob Teach," Claude dismisses her as she leaves him pondering which house to choose.
"So this new professor is she any good?" Curious, Ingrid asks as we lean over sat down on the stone steps in the training grounds, my eyes watching Felix as he trains alone while my brother and Dedue are training together.
"She was a mercenary so I think she has some sort of skills I pity which ever poor house gets her," Snickering, I lean back.
"Are her skills on the battle good?" Felix questions joining in on the conversation.
"Felix not everything is to do with battle," Ingrid points out furrowing her brow.
"Well?" Regardless, Felix ignores her turning to focus on me.
"She has skill I'll give her that but still I can't believe I'm still in that stupid deer house," Groaning, I change topic preferring to talk about the freaky teacher with no emotion, no nothing.
"It can't be that bad." Ingrid reasons.
"They are idiots they barely train for their future and are a waste of breathe to speak to," Scoffing, I argue.
"Don't you think you're being a bit bratty right now?" Cheekily, Ingrid arches a brow.
"What no!? I still don't understand why they put me with those deers they always lose! I don't want to be on the losing side," Scowling, I whine feeling my eye brow twitch at the thought.
"Is that it the real reason?" Ingrid scoffs.
"Well yeah I mean come on they hardly train, they never study all they really do is nap, sleep or loaf about like some sloths. I am not a sloth, I have a future, and I am not letting that house ruin my chances!" Defiantly, I decide scowling at the thought of being grouped in with some slackers.
"Then prove it." Smirking, Felix tosses me one of his swords which I easily take.
"Really?" Ingrid raises a brow bored as I smirk.
"What are you too much of a brat to do it?" Felix challenges me as my eyes narrow.
"Fine you asked for it." I growl getting into position, smirking as I feel the blood pumping flowing through me making me smirk at the wave of adrenaline as I get ready.
"Really guys?" Unimpressed, Ingrid frowns.
"Ingrid this is a matter of pride," Seriously, I tell her making her scoff rolling her eyes at my theatrics.
"Sure it is. Just don't break the swords this time you can't use Dimitri's strength as an excuse like last," Ingrid points out cheekily.
"Yeah, yeah I know I know," Smirking, I twirl the blade in my hand, warily judging the weight of it as my onyx pair note the crowd gathering, my ears hearing the murmurs bringing a small furrowed brow to my lips.
"Aw man here comes another duel! I'm so excited," I hear Caspar fanboy.
"Felix is going to win," One of the others comments.
"No way it's obviously going to be Mallory!"
"Woah!" Taken aback, I manage to block the swing sent at me, snapping me out of my thoughts as I turn to the scowling Felix, sparks flying.
"Don't be distracted." Annoyed, Felix barks.
"Fine, fine, honestly you're no fun!" Smirking, I lunge forward, my blade clashing with his hearing the heavy ring of metal sliding in a battle of strength as both Felix and I lean into one another, noting the struggle between us as smirking, I slide my foot attempting to trip him which succeeds. Swiftly, I use my foot to kick him only for him to dive down, snatching his nearly dropped sword, failing to hear the clatter as I pivot, sparks flying from the metal of our blades, the pair of us circling one another clashing crashing blows after blow until…
"Professor!" Eagerly, my brother greets the woman as all eyes turn to her the crowd included bringing a tight smug smirk to my features as Felix is caught off guard when I deliver a swift kick to his chest, causing him to fall to the ground. I pin him down using my foot on his chest, both swords aimed at him as he scowls at me.
"You cheated!" He hisses.
"All fair in love and war," Cheekily, I wink tossing the swords aside. I reach down to help him up as he curses under his breathe at my smug smirk only then for the click of heels to make my smile falter as I frown at the professor, her stoic features unnerving a few of the people around us I note as her blues remain focused on me.
Just great…got the creepy teacher on my back just great.