Shall I be the one to pinch you softly, but surely? If a frown should come upon your face, I’ll know you’re no dreamer.
No one knows how it actually began, other than Nicholas Rafael and James Crision; no one but them remembers the bold jump into the shivering lakes of war, where only the lucky can survive. No one can recall, even the direct children of the two males, why and how they were able to build such hate against each other.
It just happened. The people of Rafael say, forcefully telling their children time and again the same things their parents told them. The Rafael citizens, jealously stay within their families, choosing husbands and wives for their children. Tonight was no exception, the cold, dark night had only light in the form of candlelit streetlights that was slightly insufficient for such an important night.
Ophelia Chevalier sat on the grey bricks that laid upon the street in cold silence; her fist was tightened upon her black dress in utter irritation. She had used the excuse to get groceries in the middle of her wedding arrangements. Ophelia’s eyes searched with ease anyway, having the ability to see in the dark seemed to be a perk these days, after all the sun hadn’t been up in 25 hours.
Ophelia’s power was being was able to snake her way through half-blind crowds, and weasel through dangerous shortcuts to school without being detected. She smirked at her cleverness, gleaming. Ophelia was intellectual in more ways than one.
“Getting impatient?” A familiar voice called from behind her, right into her unsuspecting ear. Etienne Chevalier stood boldly, with a smooth smile upon his face, smirking at his ability to make his sister shiver in shock, twin sister to be exact.
Ophelia’s opposite was Archer Altias, while her brother, Etienne Chevalier was Simon Altias’s opposite.
Ophelia stood up, her eyes narrowing angrily at him, which he could barely see. But, by simply knowing her, his instincts told him she was seething. The wind took away some of the candle light that the stores down the street. Leaving Ophelia in the middle of a sickly yellow light that was provided by the streetlight. Making her visibly clear to her brother, her face as colorful with a cold blush as usual during the winter.
“I apologize for being late, my lady.” Etienne bowing to his older sister with a small smile, the same sister who had half a mind to clobber him where he stood for making her wait two hours upon his arrival. Still, it was late, and the school would begin soon, going back to their dorms as soon as possible was logical.
A simple trip to the grocery had been prolonged more than Ophelia’s body wished. “Take me back.” She muttered, before getting on his back.
“Back where?” Etienne asked softly, but left the answer to the purely delusional nonsense that Ophelia made up in sleepy bliss.
“Your eyes…they’re different.” She whispered, half in much needed sleep. Winter break had been delayed an extra 3 months until each and every one of them outperformed their last year’s score on the Cito Test, which was a combination on brilliance and personal development, along with strength.
“I took it.” Etienne said honestly, referring to Cito test which took at least a day to do. How was it that Etienne nearly beat Sano’s time in only 2 hours? Cito was notorious for changing eye color with the amount of power released and stress build up.
“How did you do?” Ophelia in worry that he failed, however ever since the Cito Test was taken by the twins neither have them ever failed.
“Better than last year, in all of them. Now, rest.” Etienne said, picking up the groceries Ophelia had gotten.


Rafael Boarding School
No one knows his real name, other than Sano. Not even Sano knew his birth name, but they all knew one thing Sano Tiger was not his real name—though it fitted—it was not his real name. Some refused to call him by that full name, Sano sufficed as being a powerful name, but adding Tiger was just redundant. Sano seemed to be the only one who liked it, him and his dark purple kitten, Ro.
One thing people did like was his power, not physical power, but he was strong. It was different, he had a strong presence, and one could barely deny that. He was respected by everyone, and feared in battle. There always seemed to be two sides to Sano: one side wanted to be a teenager, and interact with peers, and he was popular for that, severely so. But, another side was mysterious, serious, and strong. Which is probably why he is regarded to as the “Special One”, he didn’t have to be the Commander’s favorite like Estion Le Part, he was just gifted. He was a master at battle, fearless leader of his peers and a general at 16. He was considered the best looking at Rafael private boarding school.
Sano is Elizabeth Avartia’s opposite.
Even that draws a cold, eerie shiver down the backs of those who have compassion at Rafael, someone said to be so weak, has a polar so strong.
As he walked down the enclosed, dark corridors of his wing, he hummed. It was morning, raining outside, the grey clouds seizing the day. A clap of harsh thunder sounded, and a strike of lightning struck the sky, screaming out a battle cry to the ears of Sano. He walked at a leisurely pace, and ran a hand through his raven-black hair. His electric blue eyes roving the scenery, an empty sound clamped every footstep and echoed in a cruel tease of how alone he was. To others, he could have been Arrow’s brother in some ways; to him they were as far Jupiter and Mars.
“Looking for someone?” Ophelia asked, her sharp voice cutting the silence in a heart attack, and leaving it for dead. Sano’s eyes darted to the side of his eye, and his mood seemed to lift from its cheery state.
“Not particularly.” He answered in a lazy drawl, but still making do with the company he had. Which in most people’s opinion, Ophelia wasn’t company at all, and if they even did believe it to be company, she still wasn’t much.
He saw her purple hair come into show first, but by the sound of her grunt she didn’t believe him. Ophelia always had this askance view of him, as if he was a playboy, always searching for girls. Sano was too far carefree to let it bother him; still he couldn’t help keeping his eye on her shadiness. She always seemed to cheat during training, winning by sheer, under the table tricks. Even if she did play dirty, she always won.
Ophelia strutted up next to him, strutting with a self-satisfying sharp saunter.
“What do girls find so attractive about you?” She asked aloud to Sano; however the question seemed to be more appropriately said in the privacy of the mind. Sano decided not to answer the question, while part of him wanted him to just leave her there, if it wasn’t because his mother brought him up as a gentleman.
Her hair was a light purple, the lilac color seemed good on her, forcing Sano to believe briefly that every color probably would look good on her. He couldn’t help complimenting people.
“Well?” She asked impatiently, leaving him in a mental war zone. If he said something egotistical, then she would mark him as being arrogant. If he said something humbling, she would judge him a liar, or not having enough self-esteem to think himself as high as he is.
“You’re beautiful.” He said sincerely, but then again he thought every woman is beautiful in her own way, which is probably why he’s called such a flirt.
Ophelia almost faltered in her look, her face grew pink and he had a sense that was exactly what she was looking for. Obviously she wanted to hear it, because her rebuttal said it all.
“Are you being honest, or just saying that?” She asked demandingly, her eyes stridently ordering him to be completely honest or else. She went in front of him swiftly, and then pierced his chest with her finger. Sano didn’t dare laugh, but instead he smiled and gave her a look that promised her, that he thought the world of her.
Ophelia stared at him awhile, and then began to blush again. She had been standing on her tip toes.
“W-What are you doing here, so early? I mean it’s past 8:00 but before 9:00. That’s just like you to be up at this time, while everyone is resting from an exhausting day before, or gathering energy for today. What is with you?” Ophelia asked, with a noisy voice that seemed to creep up into a loud bark.
Sano let out a hearty laugh, but was silenced into seriousness when Ophelia slit her eyes, a common habit she did before pushing someone with her powers. The power of air.
“WHAT?” She asked angrily. He waved her off defensively, and gave her another charming smile, that made her stomach fill with nervous butterflies.
“I didn’t expect you to be so inquisitive.” He said, obviously offending her, because she blushed in mortification.
Errow Alexandre shifted darkly on his side, his blood-shot red eyes open, his dark pupils and areas of black in his over-all red eyes look around the room in a dark stare. He hissed at the loud voices outside of his door, and tried to cover his ears with a pillow.
His hair was a disarrayed mess; still he looked very handsome as usual. Each morning his look always seemed darker than the morning before, his face was dark pale. During the day, he was fun and loved to tackle people with random hugs, and usually never forgets to greet people. Playing around is his life, and being dramatic, his very breath.
Though he is regularly being hit by Estion, for being so insufferably annoying, he still manages to be rude, in a humorous way. He never seemed to be able to sit down for more than the required time, and is all over the place every chance he gets. His black hair was famous for being so neat all the time, except for in the morning.
He sat up half way, deciding that no time soon would Ophelia, or Sano would be silent. His hand turned red on his palm, gathering the air’s energy for a blast. His back was on the headboard, in a lethargic way.
His roommate, Etienne sat across from Errow, from his bed, and let out a beast-like yawn. Catching Errow’s easily lost attention.
“Did you have another nightmare about Arrow?” He asked concerned, his eyes not moving from Errow’s glowing hand that’s heat seemed to be fading and simmering down.
At the sound of his opposite’s name, Errow’s body began to heat in excitement, impatient for the day they would meet and fight.
“What do you mean?” Errow asked his head slightly full of anxiety to fight his opposite, which he hated extremely for always haunting him in his dreams every night.
Etienne opened his mouth to explain, but the door was suddenly opened.
“Decent?” Asked Ophelia, with her eyes covered.
“Nope, we’re naked.” The two boys replied, impishly, in a slow, yawning voice. Ophelia uncovered her eyes taking that chance, which quickly proved false.
“Get up, we have to prepare.” Ophelia said, a glare seeping out fuming anger in one glance, sending a small shiver down their backs.

Crision



The only person who seemed to be enjoying the freezing temperatures of the bare outdoors was be the same boy dressed in a near all natural bearings of the cold. Marx Pierre. The son of a baker, but more importantly the only Rafael-born child ever to come to Crision. His mother, the representative of East Crision as protocol had to deliver a census of each living person and non-living person in Crision to Rafael village, 17 years ago. Pregnant with a son she expected to at least make it out of there without having to give birth, however she was forced to by her water breaking. Resulting in Marx having a French name since the village of Rafael is in France.



Also the only person where his opposite had the same power as him, Ai Tanaka has the power to control ice and conversion. While Marx holds only the power of ice, and superhuman breath.



As he waited patiently for Arrow’s winter stimulation to begin, he sat on a tree stump only in black shorts and fur black boots. The cold, dark color not at all matching his bright blue hair and gorgeous hazel eyes that exuberated when he was having a good time.

Trying not to forsake patience for over-excitement, he gripped the thin cloth of his shorts with both hands, bearing all the impatient weight on his sheer will power.

Marx Pierre had the highest endurance when it came to running, since he could hold out his breath his heart didn’t have to beat as hard and fast as it would normal a person. Since showing off was practically second nature, his mind was full of “humble” remarks to offer when the new kids would compliment his speed and endurance. So much so, that he hadn’t even seen Lala Dani’et take a piece of the stump and fill it with her bottom. Only when her big jacket touched his bare skin did he notice.



“Hi, Marx.” Lala breath, shivering a bit next to him. The only thing that could be seen was her slightly pink small nose and bright brown eyes. Marx could tell it was only a polite, light greeting that told nothing of whether she actually liked him, but the smile she gave underneath the blanket of heavy clothes was obvious. Lala never really got around much, so finally conversing with someone other than Arrow was a treat.



“Lala.” He grinned, showing his pearly white teeth to her.



“Aw, are you cold?” He asked, as her chin bounced up and down, chattering her teeth, plainly showing her weak resistance against the cold. Lala wasn’t one to allow people to worry about her, so she quickly informed him she’d be fine.

He obviously didn’t believe her because he placed his face close to hers, staring into her eyes, from left to right until she gulped from nervousness. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll make it all better for you.” He said softly, making her blush so much that her face gained enough heat to stop shivering. He moved his face back, grinning again. Scaring Lala was his hobby during the school year, but flirting with girls was his favorite thing to do, and he did it often.



The footsteps of Arrow Creed, made the snow jump alive and simmer, as he wore only a thin over the head crème sweater and black shorts. Arrow shot fire arrows, and could make fire from the accelerating the warm fibers within his body and presenting it in any part of his body, or as any weapon that was not only deadly, but dictatorial. It’s said that he also had another thing that he rarely showed anyone, which made him that much more dangerous to deal with.

“Good morning how has today been so far, Arrow?” Lala smiled, giggling slightly as if she knew something, then getting up to give him a hug to make up for the slight show of their private lives together.

“I’m surprised you haven’t seen him earlier today. If the rumors I heard are correct, you two often spend the night in each other’s rooms.” Marx said mischievously, proudly smirking afterwards.

“You probably started those rumors, and even if we do, it’s nothing of your concern. What should be your primary concern is Ai Tanaka.” Was Arrow’s quick rebuttal with a hint of agitation, but judging by the heavy flush of red upon Lala’s face, those rumors were more or less true.

“Aw Lala, you didn’t seem like the type, still, you can be mine.” Thought Marx, who had long mastered the ability to hide his thoughts and intentions.

“Can I get started?” Lala asked, as usual, in hopes of being finished early to make a snack for the new kids so that they wouldn’t have to be hungry upon returning from the harsh “warm-ups” which consisted this year of one more mile, and 2 extra swims in the freezing waters. The total workout was a full run around the whole forest, then a cut through the middle to the river and swim it 3 times, and run the waist high waters, and then run back. It was to build endurance, and increase the chances of Crision winning the battle, that each generation had to face.

However it was none the less better than the ones in the summer, where the weather gave no limit or pressure on how hard Arrow would train them. At the first sign of spring, they would be worked far worse than any ox or donkey. They wouldn’t even be considered humans with feelings and pains. Complaints would be eliminated; Arrow’s glowers would make sure of that.



Arrow took a while before answering her with permission to. “Wait, come here.” He said, his body warming visibly. Lala walked towards him, while Marx’s eyes glued to him.



Arrow inhaled first, then let out a deep exhale that flew into a flame that would easily burn Lala if it was any other type of flame, but knowing Arrow it would have something to do with the sudden body temperature increase in her to help fight the cold.



“Can I start my run too?” Marx asked, wanting to actually talk with the conservative Lala of whom no one really ever got the honor of conversing with besides Arrow.



“No.” Arrow said, his orange-gold eyes flickering with interest. Marx’s eye brows raised, but before he could ask Arrow about it, sick looking kids began walking up shaking from the cold and what was to come.



Elizabeth walked with them, her eyes filled with compassion for them. Repeatedly telling them they’ll survive it if they stick together. A thick packet tucked underneath her arm.

She walked straight up to Arrow, in light pink sweatpants and a heavy jacket that looked similar to Lala’s.

“You’re report, Captain.” She said nodding to him. Arrow looked at her, then to Marx, “Both of you will be leading the children today in the run, Lala and I will maintain the older ones. Don’t let a single one stray, and have Simon look for any one that might have slipped past you’re soon to be keen radar, I’m sure.” He said, basically saying “I am Captain, therefore I can make you do as I so please, you will take the job I don’t care to do, and do an excellent job because I told you to.

Elizabeth quickly said yes, while Marx felt a wave of disappointment he wouldn’t be showing off any moves if he was at the end of the line. They sat down, and filtered the kids into lines, while Arrow ran to catch up with Lala, while the other older kids followed him.

“I am telling you, they made a huge mistake making Arrow Captain. He’s a monster, look at these kids, they’re so scared. I’m surprised any of them came back. I mean if there was no one at school, there wouldn’t be a battle to face.” Leona Stanzia said with a serious look on her face. There was a grave error in her words, if there was no school, without a doubt the students of Rafael would attack the city, killing their opposites with the element of surprise. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her lethargic sloth.

Leona wasn’t big on running; after all she was a highly skilled computer technician that only got out in the sun when she was traveling from her dorm to the main school.



Her ink black hair covered 5 inches wide of her back, since her silky hair is almost always pulled back in a long braid which smoothly intertwined with the other big braid of blonde. She is infamous for having the biggest crush on Arrow, always agreeing with him, that is until the subject of his outrageously difficult work outs come to conversation.

“Oh, I can’t stay mad at him!” Leona burst out, with half a mind to take off running to go see him. However, she wouldn’t be far until her heart stung with electric shocks of exhaustion, her body on fire, and her fat seeming to stuff the area by her heart.

“I will forgive you for your rude comment against our captain, this time only.” Elizabeth said harshly remind her of her words, just as if she were stuffing them back in her mouth. Her cold glare sent chills down the crush-filled young teenager. Leona froze, her big cheeks gathering a small blush on her tan skin.

“Just as I will forgive you for being so gorgeous, and taunting me with your useless love for Arrow.” Whispered Marx from behind Leona, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“HEY!” Leona barked, fleeing from him, to turn around and remind him that she was Arrow’s girl alone. Not some cheap, flimsy girl who would fall for the first guy to compliment her. The rant seemed to trail on long enough for Marx to finally figure out that she was purposefully biding her time from running.

“All students must begin in the next thirty seconds.” Elizabeth said, eyeing Leona for the first part of her speech so she wouldn’t have to put emphasis on the “all” part. Still, the flaxen and ink haired girl chewed over the rebellion option in her mind, not that the two ever remotely got along very well.

“Promise you’ll run with me?” Leona asked softly, not looking at Marx, but quite clearly talking to him. His body seemed to stiffen at the daunting task of running even slower just to have Leona keep up, but his face broke out into an audible smile.

He held out his pinky for her to wrap hers around. “Promise.” He said, his breath not showing in the wind, like hers did. In fact, the heat from Leona seemed to surpass all of the children’s small bubbles of breath, compared to her giant balloon of visible oxygen.

“On your marks, get set…” Began Elizabeth, before Leona pompously, and happily blurted out her oversee on the twins not being here. Elizabeth gave a glower so fierce, that if one were to simply glance at her, they would have sworn that a red aura of anger was exiting her.

“There is absolutely no time to wait; I’ll have to give them proper punishments later.” Elizabeth continued, irritated that she had to bait the younger one’s breath for her to tell them go.

Leona pouted, but didn’t dare make another sound against the much taller, much fit, and stronger girl only 10 or so feet away from her.

“Go.”

Hesitance was the first move made as the petrified kids began to run. The blood-red cheeks of the kids were already beginning to show as if it were contagious.



“Keep track with the back.” Elizabeth ordered at Leona specifically, who rolled her eyes the minute the brunette turned her back. Panting ferociously at the kilometer achieved, Leona decided it was a good enough distance to run, and began to slow. However, with the younger children wildly kept turning their heads to see who would have the audacity walk, so she didn’t risk the embarrassment. The enclave of students running created a certain heat that Arrow made sure of so that the freezing temperatures wasn’t on their lists of silent complaints. However, Leona tracked so far behind, that it didn’t quite reach her.



Marx, looking pleasantly calm, took advantage of his gift of not having to breathe as much to encourage the other students.



All electronics were prohibited on Arrow’s course, along with food, any supplies that might damage or disrupt the flowing nature, simply put—any fun. Since the students had to save their energy for the run, Marx made sure to tell a story. Entertaining them with memory produced tales of his time with Arrow, and how he came to be the person they knew, and probably loathed today.



The forest was thick with trees; every single towering tree covering up the sky, promising them they wouldn’t see the sky until they were out.

The aesthetic colors green and brown danced together like never before, it was beautiful but failed to be appreciated by everyone because of their circumstance that seemed to already be dragging on dreadfully.

The wind picked up, chilling the air even more; however the small breeze wasn’t a short one, but a long wind getting colder, and colder. Soon, half of the younger students were on their knees, shivering and trying to warm their exposed faces. Panicking in a flurry of confusion, they began getting up and running towards the older students, as if trying to escape the mystery temperature. Leona slowed even further, also shivering repeatedly, not having the strength or endurance to speed up.

The sound of a natural disaster began to roar, as the wind sliced through the parkas and heavy coats making tiny indents and creases until it cut through. The once cold temperature began to make ice and frost.

Marx cursed, knowing that Arrow had added that artificial bit in the mix.

The kids began to slow, however quitting wasn’t an option, and the only thing that was taken out was the river swim since the river had frozen over. So when 4 hours later and everyone finished the long run, they were finally allowed to return to their dorms.

As the kids piled in large groups, they fell to their knees once they got inside, not even bothering to look strong for Arrow. Lala who had run ahead was quick to pass out hot chocolate and gram crackers.



“Are you tired, Arrow?” Lala asked softly, slightly concerned that the Captain had done an extra work out prior to the warm-up work-out. His eyes wild with licks of orange and green in his golden eyes, which meant he was on the verge of staying in his accelerated state, the only time where he had no control of his superbly strong powers.

His canine teeth were longer, and sharper, and kept bearing, and his skin began to glow with a light bullion-crimson.



It was obvious he needed to cool down somehow, or no one would be safe from his rampage that wouldn’t end until enough people’s blood had stained his hands, or even simpler, three days total without human contact. That was the price of his incredible amount of power that he had control over as long as he didn’t use too much. Lala had to act, but it was risky because she never used her powers on anyone but herself and animals.



Lala put down the stacked high empty trays on the floor, and sat closely to Arrow, giving him a kiss on the cheek, not taking her eyes off of him. He turned to her, his orange eyes shimmering with fire, and returned the kiss on her lips for a brief moment of bliss before he got back up, energized and feeling much better, but more importantly, normal.



Lala had the power of healing and light, however she rarely used it besides battle.



She sat there, frozen in shock that it actually worked.





The night had casted a contagious amount of yawning and snoring as the Crision students fell asleep, for once out of 27 whole hours. The pearly walls now a pale white and marble floors of Crision a light crème, as the moonlight shone through the see through silk drapes that towered within the large, glass windows.



Lala struggled to relax her body in the dead of the night, her eyes tightening and releasing its grip as if she was drifting in a dream that wasn’t exactly going her way. Still, Arrow stared at her, swamped by how much the moon paid kind contribution to her nightly beauty as her nose twitched. Her arms wove around one of his arms as they laid on the bed. He knew sleep wouldn’t dare touch his eye lids until his eyes had enough of her to carry him on into sleep, but he was in no protest, he often enjoyed watching her sleep and seeing her tired purple lines erase.



The Captain’s room was vast and filled with real artifacts that Captains left in remembrance of them. An enormous white bed draped with heavy silken gold curtains for ultimate privacy. The room was more than vast, and half of it Arrow’s feet didn’t even tread.



A knock at the door didn’t succeed in startling him, but it did surprise him—it was a known fact he was more than cross when interrupted during much needed sleep, no one but the principal dared to disturb the beast’s beauty sleep.



His eyes softened in apology as Lala’s eyes came to alert, slowly opening her light brown eyes to meet his strong arms moving away from her. She didn’t pout or even begin to objection, but instead turned over as if his presence wasn’t even needed.



Arrow strode across the room seamlessly, triumphant in not disturbing his princess. He opened the door to find Elizabeth, in clear good health, but her exhaust vehemently trying not to show.



“I deeply apologize for interrupting your sleep.”She began courteously, waiting for his nod to continue. “However,” She began, her face stricken with mortification.



“I have a bit of trouble with escorting two intruders that Archer is passionately rebelling me not to. They’re underage, about 10 or so, and snuck in here in hopes to fit in.”Elizabeth, her weary mind trying to piece the information correctly. Arrow was immediately distraught, it was visible, and made Elizabeth stiffen and her jaw tense.



“I know I should override with his authority, but he won’t even let them out of the door.”Elizabeth hissed, shifting her weight on her side, arms crossed in her moment of fleeting irritation.



“Forgive me, Eliza—“Archer cut it, as Elizabeth expected him to, almost happy to shed her embarrassment in front of Arrow at her lack of control in such an easy situation for Archer to handle. “However one of them is claiming to be Lala’s sister, and I have to be sure—it’s only humane.”



Lala’s eyes shot open immediately, her hands tightening against the beige silky sheets of Arrow’s warm room. She got out of bed immediately, answering the famous question of whether she slept in the same room as Arrow or not without fail.

The silent halls of Rafael said it all, without words, but not without meaning and understanding. It was the bi-monthly meeting that reminded each and every student what their expectations were and information on Crision. The candle lit commons room was alive with students, quietly waiting for the Commander, the superintendant of Rafael, the same man who would lead them in battle.



Commander Alphonse Mercier, the cold-blooded man responsible for “raising” Sano and Estion, teaching the young males all he knew in the field of battle, and charm. However, it was odd that Estion thrived outrageously in battle only second to Sano, yet failed so miserably in charm but not in friendship and geniality.



The students sat at the lunch tables, grateful for this day because it was a pause in their strenuous schedules that consisted of eating raw meat and eggs, studying, and battling. Sano Tiger moved to the podium with a swagger that demanded attention while effortlessly looking strikingly beauteous simultaneously.



“Hello, my fellow comrades.” He said coolly, his voice even and projecting all the way the deep ends of the school, without the help of a microphone.



“Lieutenant.” The students said immediately.



“Please welcome you’re commander.” He said turning to the side, and bowing to the tall man whose demeanor seemed at ease, and relaxed as usual. The man had dark brown hair that were held back in a low pony tail, except for two long strands that came down his face. His eyes rose cheerfully with the crowd who clapped and stood up, some bowing and others waving. He had a soft look to his tan face, his brown goatee lifting with his white smile. He was dressed professionally, with a white buttoned up shirt, black pants and pirate looking boots.



“Hello Comrades.” He said giving his regular grin. Though the commander was in a light mood that almost came as a façade to what life at Rafael actually was.



“I want to thank you for the good effort, and great performance.” Commander said smiling.



“Thank you Commander.” Robotically said the students.

“Have a great winter break.” Commander said nodding slightly.



“You too, Commander have a fantastic winter break.” The students said affectionately.



“Have a great winter break.” Sano said, before getting off stage.



“About time.” Ofelia whispered when the noise level was enough to cover her complaint.



“Don’t worry, when I become commander, you’ll never have to do this again, I promise you.” Sano said, looking right at the commander who was freelancing upon the field of students enjoying their early breakfast.



Sano never failed the CITO test, however, when he had just earlier finished the new training program, he was exhausted. As the students dispersed into their routine spots at their regular lunch tables and got their breakfast, the air slowly became bearable, unlike the strict silence of before.

The young and the restless never before seemed so true for the school, as the younger kids were eager to get on the older kid’s good side by delivering their food to them. Ofelia had once snorted, calling them “the suck-up waiters and waitresses” it had been quite amusing at the time, and even got her a chuckle or two from the table, but now it seemed cruel and uncalled-for. A light frown danced upon Sano’s lips until Estion sat down opposite from him, mirroring his frown and intently looking at him.

Sano looked at him through the corner of his eye, and the same tense feeling of not knowing where the stares would lead to, but being prepared for anything grew stronger with each passing second.

“Lieutenant.” Sano said nodding slightly, before turning to look at Estion who echoed his words and added “First” to the beginning of his words, and losing the dirty glare. The edgy atmosphere hadn’t quite vanished, even when Etienne had sat down, and began to eat ravenously.

“Water, sirs?” A young girl asked, her face drowned in exhaustion as she attempted to prove it wasn’t so by giving them a bright smile.

“No.” Estion said, smiling politely, Etienne opened his mouth but shut it quickly after thinking.

“Don’t be afraid to tell me.” The girl intervened eagerly, placing a cold, clammy hand upon him for the slightest of moments.

Etienne blushed nervously, and let out a string of stutters.

“Get some rest, love, you’ll need it.” Sano filled in for him, giving her a cute smile, and a tiny wink that nearly made her faint. Ofelia, who by the way had come out of nowhere and somewhere in the conversation, countered his words fearlessly.

“Actually, I would enjoy a cold glass of chocolate milk, and my brother favors strawberry milk to the extreme extent of it, he’ll have one too.” She said coldly, her smile fake and cruel.

“Yes ma’am.” The girl said quickly turning on her heel. Sano gave Ofelia a deep glare out of the corner of his eyes, and ordered the girl to sit down in his seat and he’ll buy her breakfast. The girl, furiously blushing, didn’t even look at Ofelia before she begged him to allow her to get the glasses. Or at least with him.

Sano deeply sighed beyond agitated, and then, finally nodded. Once Ofelia was out of earshot the girl praised him for being so kind, and informed him that Ofelia was known for ruining girls’ lives for having any sort of affiliation with him. Sano raised an eyebrow, but she quickly told him to please sit back down before Ofelia thought anything of it.

“What is your name?” Sano asked in a grave voice that sounded nothing like the warm, young man’s voice everyone was addressed with. The girl stiffened and bowed, apologizing for her rudeness.

“Maria.” The girl said softly, now reverted back into the state of which most young girls were around Sano: timid and blushing at his amazing good looks. They had reached the line by now, and their conversation was safe from any of Ofelia’s spies and everyone knew she had them, their voices drowned by the happy, hungry young kids. A sea of short, dark clothing that Sano stuck out of, by his taller figure, and instantly decipherable face Sano tried to make sure they were completely safe.

“Maria…” Sano said warmly smiling, as if toying with the name, loving it instantly. It was the type of affectionate name his birth mother would have, however he would find out in two years at Graduation by promise of the Commander. It would be no question if he survives the battle, so he always looked forward to that day.

“I promise you, Ofelia won’t harm you, once we head back, I want you to put your head on my shoulder and fall asleep.” He said, not looking at her, but addressing her with authority. Maria’s dark brown hair fell upon her face in the messy order he had been waiting for her long, untied back hair to do.

“Y-yes Captain.” She stuttered moments after. She carefully placed the two empty glasses in the tray holder, and poured the two milks into them without being sloppy.

“What is your power, comrade?” Sano asked, his voice filled with curiosity and wonder, it was obvious that his imagination was vast and understanding.

“Metal, alloys mostly.” The girl said meekly, as if she was embarrassed to say it.

Sano smiled genuinely. “Lucky.”

Before Maria sat down, she handed the twins their milk, curtsying politely, and giving them both smiles.

“Thank you, comrade, I appreciate this.” Etienne said, holding the glass up.

“Thank you, comrade.” Ofelia said, looking directly at Sano though, staring into his lightening blue eyes with askance. As if to ask what he was doing with a girl well below his age in a deep crowd. Ofelia had never been accused of thinking rationally.

As if confirming Ofelia’s usually wrong suspicions, Maria placed her head delicately on Sano’s arm and fell asleep, or at least tried to. Sano was one to be so overly attractive, that thinking of him makes a girl weak in the knees.

Etienne smiled coyly, admiring the First Lieutenant for being ever so bold as to openly defy anyone who set age-relationship standards. Sano was always one to be courageous.

Ofelia nearly choked on her chocolate milk, spraying Ai’s shirt as the young girl attempted to sit down. Etienne’s eyes sparked and he got up right when Ai bent her body over the table to reach for him. Etienne, to Ai, never seemed to run out of energy, like her own little generator. She acted as if she hadn’t just been sprayed by Ofelia at all. She had also taken the CITO test late, and needed his energy to even keep awake.

“Ettie…” She whined softly, Etienne gave her his hand in a sigh. She smirked and took energy, smiling peacefully as she sat down, next to Sano.

“First Lieutenant Sano.” She smiled, giving him a small kiss on the cheek. Sano nodded, if it had been any other day, he would have moved, and smiled sheepishly at her and made some excuse. However, Maria was fast asleep, so he had to bear her poison kisses that always stole a bit of energy.

“Lieutenants.” The voice of Commander sounded, making everyone’s eyes come alive and look around wildly for the waving, and grinning man clothed in stylish apparel.

“Hello Commander.”

“What are we discussing, comrades?” He asked, sitting next to Ofelia, who instantly took her eyes off of Sano, and placed them on her food.

“Vacation.” The group decided quickly, trying not to bring up the silent controversial topic of Sano liking someone beneath his rank. It was a useless effort.

“Ah, what do we have here? A younger child, blended with older ones? I take it she caught your favor.” The commander said talking to Sano, his eyes not accusing anything or his voice, but something kept poking at it.

“Yes deeply.” Sano said, not for one second toying lightly with the idea, his compassion had taken over for a moment and it stuck, that was all.

The commander sensed it would be no fun to continue it, and let it drop.

“Vacation plans?” He asked, looking over at Ofelia, who kept her glance for only so long, before dropping it.

“We are vacationing at Ai Tanaka’s home.” Sano said for them, the rest too taken by surprise to say anything, fearing something might slip out of their mouths that might upset Commander.

“The perfect teenage fun.” He said smiling, before getting up, insisting he was busy. The reason he had come in the first place, was that his curiosity was roused by Sano and Maria. He thanked them for letting an ‘old’ man into a young conversation with a wink.

“Good bye Commander, we enjoyed your presence.”

“Good bye comrades your presence was thoroughly enjoyed.”

“How old do you think the Commander is?” Ai asked her mood much more serious now.

“What concerns you of it?” Sano snapped back, apparently not out of his bad mood. Estion’s eyebrows lifted.

“Can’t be more than 24, or so.”

“Really?” Ofelia spat, as if he had said “100”. She shook her head.

“I heard he has a son, that he’s old enough to be our—“Ofelia began, Etienne waved her off.

“That’s what grandma always says, I believe Estion’s prediction over it. He looks so young.” Etienne said.

“Actually…he has a scar, on his back; he said it was from a woman he once loved. He left, and she found him and fought him…” Estion said half absent-mindedly. Sparking Sano’s attention.

“How did she do?” Sano asked, swallowing a gulp of orange juice, and placing the glass on the rich mahogany table.

Estion’s face went grim, just like Commander’s when Estion asked the same question. Estion simply shrugged, and said “Who knows?”

The secret life of Commander wasn’t one that “children” were suppose to be discussing, but at one time or another, almost every student questioned his private life.

“Ofelia, is there a problem?” Sano eventually asked when Ofelia’s stares became agitating.

“No Lieutenant.” She said, softly, her eyes full of sorrow. “I’m sorry.” She said, before turning to leave.

Sano had half a mind to ask what she was apologizing for; however what she was doing popped back into his mind. Maria, who had lost her ability to sleep in a loud crowd, smiled warily at Sano, thanking him for his concern and kindness. He gave her his best smile, and lightly kissed her forehead.

Ofelia excused herself in an angry hurry, and left.

“Ofelia…” Etienne said, excusing himself, to trail after his sister. However, before he got far, Errow showed up, grinning. Like a puppy whose beloved owner just showed up after a whole day of being gone. Errow tackled him softly to the ground, licking his right side of his face.

During school, the Commander once asked them the extent of their relationship, causing both of them to blush and a huge wave of laughter. They quickly and feverishly denied anything out of close friendship, and vehemently kept their distance before they could no longer do so. They truly did have a tight-knit relationship, nothing further.

Etienne stood up, facing Sano and gave one quick look behind him for Ofelia, who was settled at a younger kid’s table, eating by herself. He didn’t dare to bother her, which meant he thought she was upset or acting oddly a daring statement that produced no good outcome.

So he sat down where he was originally, Errow plopped down next to him. On occasion one would be in the other’s lap, which meant the table was overcrowded, or Errow was in his playful moods.

Once Errow sat down, Ai got up, not even bothering to say goodbye to anyone at the table.

“Ooh, what do we have here?” He said, accidentally closely repeating the Commander’s words. People often start to believe that Errow is the Commander’s son, what with their playful behavior, intended play on the oblivious, seemingly false naivety, and their mimicking of each other’s words.

Sano glared at Errow for a moment, but Errow knew nothing of the connection between Maria and Sano, Maria had moved her head away the moment the Commander had came.

“Is she a new member of the Sano team?” Errow asked gleefully giving her a grin.

Estion immediately resented that comment, the feeling of wanting to take power from Sano overflew him and he dismissed himself to the practice battle grounds.

“I asked her to sit with us; she seemed tired, is all.” Sano said, making full eye contact, which Errow kept immediately. Errow shrugged, paying it no mind.

“Ai wants us to stay at her winter home.” Etienne muttered, his hopes for the winter vacation being a great time to relax drowning.

“No time for that! The battle is closer than ever!” Errow spat angrily, his deep red eyes flashing in a whiny glint. If anyone was looking forward to the battle ahead, Errow was. His nightmares of Arrow had led him to believe in order for him to catch a glimmer of peaceful sleep; he would have to destroy his opposite completely.

“So you’re going to train…all winter?” Etienne said softly his voice drenched in sympathy, his eyes glued to his close friend.

Errow grinned for an answer. Sano scowled, but said nothing, if the commander was there, he would be approving Errow’s wish with fervor.

Etienne gave him in return a generous smile, his dark brown hair tied back in a red ribbon. He wore a dark black shirt, a black belt with a silver pendant on the front, and black pants into a lighter shade of black boots.

Sano, being First Lieutenant, was wearing the mandatory maroon tie over his button up black shirt with silver lines, a black belt that resembled Etienne’s, and dark maroon boots. His sleeves had been rolled up sometime after the announcements, just like the commander does and his tie looser and buttons undone halfway.

Errow wore almost all dark red, a crimson undershirt, the required black pants, and dark red boots. His black hair was messily spiked up, his hair wavy, his bangs straight, which was really two long strands at the side of his face.

Maria, who had been silent most of the time, wore a simple coffee brown dress and brown dress shoes.

“Maria.” Errow said softly, tapping her back down to earth after blushing following stealing a look at Sano.

“Yes, comrade?” She asked meekly, silently praying he wouldn’t embarrass her by asking her what on earth she was thinking about.

“Vacation plans?” Errow asked his voice trustworthy and open-minded.

“I actually am going to be doing some research.” She said, she then delved deeply into her passion to find out who her older brother is. Maria was a pretty young girl, with a slender small figure, not much older than 12 but too young to pass for 14. However, her voice deceived all that, she spoke articulately with experienced vocabulary, allowing her brilliance to show full throttle. This by far enchanted Sano and Errow, while Etienne gave it half an ear to look for his sister.

“I have 300 good leads, however by the time winter break is down, I should be down to 200 or less.” She said smiling softly, blushing slightly at her long tale. In this era, which hadn’t really advanced other than socially, technology, and some items of clothing, stayed the same. In the 1800’s, a woman was more than surely only suppose to be seen, and by no means heard of. However, Rafael threw that part out, and left it up to the individual. In Maria’s case, her mother and sister did a great part of instilling the women are less important than male idea, however, her father a professor had allowed her all time she wanted to express her thoughts.

“Good luck to you.” Sano said, before standing up, and preparing to leave.

“Danni Dani’et is in the Academy?”Her solid, yet frantic voice asked. Archer smiled immediately at her, even at her most messy states she still had elegance, which was the natural protocol of Crision Academy females—graceful fearless warriors. Only Leona dared to defy that notion, ever other girl paid respects it.



“She’s waiting in the first foyer,” Archer said, his bold hand grasping Lala’s wrist as he led them towards it. The actual formality was a offering of an arm by the male, and the female acceptance. Archer sped up his pace, running to the first foyer, passing people’s rooms without the acknowledge of the hours.



Their feet clapped against the empty hall way floors, Archer still dressed in uniform while Lala was merely dressed in a white shirt and raven colored shorts her bare feet meeting the marble tiles with poise.



Lala stopped a moment before Archer when the Danni’s much older face came into view. Her mouth opening immediately and her eyes filling with tears as the shock made her realize that Danni’s being there defied logic—she didn’t have any powers.



Danni’s face had grown a bit refined than her baby years; a slender face looked back at Lala’s frozen state. There was no immediate warm embrace, to Archer’s disappointment. In fact, Danni hissed at Lala slowly before turning away with her arms crossed.

There was another boy who sat on the fine red chair that stood on warm brown carpets that most people used for wrestling when attempting for a more comforting fighting space other than the cold tiles everywhere else inside of the school. His hair was a rich light brown, and his eyes a soft blend of deep green and blue. He wore the Crision uniform, though it was askance, it fit him no more than Danni, whose body was well below the average far above healthy students of Crision growing towards the closest thing to invincibility. His face was kind, and soft, unlike Danni’s hardened eyes that for a moment were fixed on Lala’s before it was so disgusted and full of rage that it had to turn away.

Lala didn’t move, she wanted so badly the pleasure of holding her, but she knew that idea was no better than swiftly turning around and going back to sleep—none would grant her forgiveness.



“Danielle…” Lala spoke softly. Her mind ready for the brash, unrestrained rebuttal, but none such came.



“Protocol is that is your decision whether you allow us to stay, or not.”Danni said, bypassing her sister’s yearn without compassion.



“I’ll hold a meeting tonight.”Arrow said, looking more so at Lala, like everyone else but Danni, trying to wait for the slightest tremor in her face that might be seen through her concealed expression. Lala held her composure, and nodded, her eyes traveling down out of the sheer pressure of guilt.



“I say they stay, they’re more so assets than liabilities.”Archer cut in first, the dawn rising behind him as he sat in one of the many deliberation chairs seated like a business meeting. However, all of the furniture was expensive mahogany and gold, and the only old fashioned styling within the entire modernized Academy.



“That’s a failure in your lapse of judgment, that’s purely based on your love for Lala—therefore irrelevant.”Elizabeth shot out clearly, agitated this meeting cut further into sleeping time.



“To accuse me of loving another woman is insane, I was first to test their power—Danni is a remarkable fighter, her strength isn’t well controlled, but she can learn. There are plenty with the same talent.” Archer interjected grinning lovingly at Elizabeth who tried not to roll her eyes at his obvious fault in word choice.



“Exactly, there are more than plenty of students capable of the same job.”Elizabeth said with exasperation.



“But, I hear Benjamin is capable of electricity!”Leona said cutting in through their dying argument with the quick exclamation of excitement.



“I know that, I was the one who told you.”Elizabeth glared, “Remember your place well next time, you are more than aware that you are barley Crision Elite.”Elizabeth said chillingly reminding her that her talents pertained to computers only, nothing worthwhile to gain her a definite spot in the upperclassmen cream of the crop.



“Still, it’s an advantage we can’t ignore simply because they are underage. Remember, we were all 10 when we started, if not younger.”Simon interrupted gently, trying not to upset either side.



“We had trained prior; they possibly have no idea of Crision, other than what kind of people we accept.”Elizabeth said with little calmness in her edgy voice.



“Lala should choose, it’s her sister.”Marx said, looking directly at the young girl who kept her eyes closed, her chin over her tented fingers in a contemplating state.



“Arrow is captain.”Elizabeth interjected immediately.



As if taking that as an invitation to speak Arrow began, “I will give them a test, should they pass then they will become apprentices to one of you. As an addition, they will be fighting in our war.”Arrow said, his decision beginning as fair, but ending with a thought so extremely deadly that it silenced all of them, and made Lala’s heart halt and her eyes open in a jolt as she stared at him. “Meeting dismissed.



“There’s no way they would survive.”Simon hissed, as he got up and left the meeting with everyone else, who were still in shock. “He’s setting them up for death, with his terms so farfetched; it shouldn’t be up to him.”



“Mind who you’re talking about, that’s our captain, he knows what he’s doing.”Elizabeth said, quietly, looking at Arrow who was waiting for Lala who still sat in shock.



Without warning, Lala got up, and left the room before Simon even had a chance to, he attempted to grasp her arm, but it stopped in mid air.





Elizabeth opened the door to her dorm in caution, if Lala was there surely it meant Arrow was or at least nearby. Slightly upset at the fact that she had to share her dorm as Leader Jr. with her in the first place made her open the door with indifference stained upon her emotions.

There Lala was, sitting on her bed—alone, and her eyes forlorn and deeply lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts. Elizabeth felt sorrow sweep her, as she carefully sat next to Lala, placing an arm around her.

“If you ask me, it was a sacrifice worth making.” Elizabeth said quietly, Lala stared absent mindedly for a few moments before looking at her.

“Do you think so?” She asked softly.

Elizabeth nodded the same moment Lala shook her head.

“Family members never leave each other that I know for fact…yet…” Lala began, tightening her grip on her tight short. Elizabeth’s face softened for a moment.

“Yet you had to, without you, do you know how many soft ones would still be hurt, or even worse?” Elizabeth finished, swallowing nervously in hope for a change in Lala’s mood. Lala smiled weakly at her, well enough to hug Elizabeth.

A small rap on the door prepared them to be alert; emotion was usually never okay to show to other comrades. It showed weakness, and danger.

“Come in.” Elizabeth said, before stealing a quick look at Lala whose eyes were placed on the door.

The golden doorknob turned for a moment, before an uncertain pause came. Then, the door opened fully, revealing a flushed Leona breathing irregularly. There was a “mini” obstacle into Leader Jr.’s room. Leona had made it a point not to go that way, but she had to comfort Lala.

“Lala, I have to ask you something…” Leona asked softly, and almost unsurely.

“Yes?” Lala answered a smile upon her lips.

“Is Arrow really going to take those young kids for a test, or is he bluffing? I thought you would totally oppose that, I just thought, maybe, you didn’t know what it consisted of.” Leona said, looking into Lala’s eyes. She meant well, but her words seemed to be almost absurd, of course Lala knew the test. A fight between Arrow himself, technically, a simulation in which he extracts all of your energy out. If her sibling died, she wouldn’t be the first.

“Lala thought it would be the most appropriate decision, because if they happen to pass then Lala can spend time with her younger sister.” Elizabeth said strongly, defending the same girl who ‘took’ the boy of her day and night dreams. The feeling was immediate, and she didn’t regret it after it came out.

“Do you really think they’ll survive it…Lala.” Leona said, emphasizing Lala’s name to cease Elizabeth from interrupting. Elizabeth glared at Leona heatedly, preparing to send her out of the room.

Lala who had been looking lost ever since the conversation began, looked at Leona with a certainty.

“I know Danni will survive. She got this far.”

Every breath you take, you give me the burden’s bitter taste. Your lips provide shelter for the things I don’t know. Speak slowly, my heart is learning, teach me heartache, stop this burning.

“You still thinking of her, isn’t that kind of…dangerous?” Etienne asked with his voice strained in concern, referring to the burden of emotional ties to friends.

“Don’t worry yourself with me.” Sano said coldly, and then he added much more lightly, “What are you doing in my room, Etienne?” He said, looking to the door for Errow. By now it was common knowledge that wherever Etienne was Errow was close.

“He’s not here.” Etienne said, proving Sano’s suspicion that he was smarter than he always let on.

“You lied to Ofelia.” Sano said, cutting to the chase. Etienne’s eye brow rose, “What do you mean, if you don’t mind me saying, getting to the point so we won’t have to play with each other anymore. That’s we’ve been doing since we’ve met each other.”

Sano didn’t look offended, and Etienne didn’t either, but an angry tension built.

“You’re not the youngest, are you?”

“No, I’m not, Ofelia is.”Etienne said truthfully, knowing full well that Sano already figured this out.

“You’ve been her older brother all this time, but that’s not all, she’s adopted, isn’t she?” Sano asked.

“My younger sister, yes, adopted no. Is that all?” Etienne said more weary than he had looked ever before. His eyes looked remorseful, and full of exhaust, and lines formed on his cheeks.

“It has been a struggle keeping her in the dark. After all, with each passing day she keeps growing smarter.” Etienne said chuckling a bit.

Sano looked intently at him, trying to read him, but like he suspected, he was smarter than he ever showed.

“Why did you lie, why did your whole family lie to her?” Sano asked.

“It is a small thing really, my parents found it best she thought herself to be older, if she could ever have anything above me that should be it. I outdid her in nearly everything, even in age. She couldn’t handle it if I told her, so why bother?” Etienne said, tiredness creeping into his voice now as he leaned against the doorway, his pale olive green skin growing paler.

“You’re exhausted aren’t you?” Sano asked, deciding it would be the last question of the investigation.

“The CITO test did a number on me, yes. Is that all?” Etienne asked his voice dry and hoarse. Sano slowly nodded, and watched him as he left.

Etienne turned his head. “I don’t want you telling her, I’ll do it someday.” He said, his eye lids lowering a bit, as if he knew he had contradicted his earlier words of it not being a big deal.

“By the way, how did you even find out?” Etienne asked, turning to look at Sano, who just shrugged, his back turned to him.

“It was obvious.” He muttered, his voice almost upset. Etienne left, leaving Sano with the memories of their childhood together, that Etienne had so clearly forgotten. Sano closed the door, slightly upset Etienne hadn’t remembered telling him when they were younger and best friends.

There was a knock that made Sano’s heart beat nearly stop, it had been so soon after Etienne left, it could have so easily been a shocked Ofelia. Or…

“Maria.” Sano breathed, happy to see her, brightening her mood as well, she smiled at him, her straight dark brown hair tilting with her head.

“Lieutenant.” She said softly, still smiling. She went up to him, greeting him like she would her friends—with a hug. It was so informal, yet it opened the door to something more, though they both knew, staring into each other’s eyes, that it would be impossible.

Maria had a crush on the boy who had so fearlessly integrated her into his group, and showed her an act of kindness nearly no older kid had. Sano left it as an act of kindness in his mind.

“I’m sorry, Maria, it’s not that I don’t want your company. I just have a few arrangements to take care of.” Sano said, slightly lying to her, as he gave her a small smile.

Maria smiled back, but the airy feeling of disappointment fell in her heart, and she denied it being a problem. Sano had so effortlessly turned her down, leaving her heartbroken.

Was Ofelia so wrong accusing him of being a heartbreaker? Or was it just his way of doing things, strictly business?

The cold rain littered the morning’s sky, as the grey clouds put the sun to sleep for much needed rest. That fortunate change in weather kept ‘the Test’ for Danni and Jamie at bay, however the feeling of what was sure to come loomed over them like a dark cloud daring to let the sun shine on their fates.

Lala Dani’et sat down beneath the largest tree in Crision Croix Campus, and let out a heavy sigh. The soft, sweet smell of flowers floated around, as the leaves rustled and let down its honey colored sap with freedom.

“Why is it that you left me all by myself, without so much as a good bye?!” The outraged voice of her sister burst into her head, the anger in her once baby brown eyes so grown and so furious. It hadn’t in reality been said, but the look inside of her eyes, had deeply molted her dark brown into an even darker shade, proving a beast had rose out of the ashes of burned innocence. It made Lala shudder so deeply, that her bones tingled when she was finished.

“I have to do something about this.” Lala thought desperately, the wind chilling her mercilessly, her teeth chattering. She had known the dangers of leaving the dorms during cold rain, the type of weather that makes dozens of kids sick each year. Due to the continuous sun, a change of unseasonal weather was considered hazardous. With the battle so close, she couldn’t dare to afford to get sick. Still, she couldn’t make herself move an inch; she wore a silky-smooth dark blue spring dress that had white pedals all over it. The lace that wrapped around it in a big sash had become loose. Her knees were to her chest, and her arms wrapped around it.

The sound of sniffing alerted Lala instantly, but when she turned to the direction, no one was there. A thud that resembled a lot like a punch, and a whimsical giggle erupted, then a scoff. Lala stood up, and reached forward towards the sounds. The sound of a choked whimper came, causing Lala to hesitate, then the skidding down the hill was visible in the ground, but nothing was there.

“You…” The voice growled, as Simon Altias came into clear vision, then Elizabeth Avartia. Lala let out a breath of relief before she furrowed her eye brows in confusion. It was then obvious that Simon sniffed her, and then Elizabeth, fearing that Lala had heard him punched him. Simon only giggled at the punch, but when he realized that Lala had heard he panicked, and jumped back when Lala reached for him. Knocking both of them backwards, they had to hold hands so that being camouflaged would work for both of them, so Simon had landed on Elizabeth making her very angry.

“Good morning.” Lala smiled genially, waving to the two near quarrelling classmates. Simon gave her a wolfish smile while Elizabeth looked at her sheepishly.

“Good morning.” Elizabeth muttered, while Simon practically saluted her, cheerfully repeating Lala’s words.

“May I ask why you two are here?”Lala said, not trying for the obvious reasons of checking up on her, just last year that wasn’t nearly their concern.

“Actually—uh…never mind.” Simon said, almost blurting out that Arrow had earlier sent them to find Lala. Elizabeth was instantly concerned since Lala hadn’t told Arrow she came back to the dorm. Simon had instantly taken that piece of information to inquire about the intensity of their relationship. Arrow gave them the glower of a life time, advising them to only think about finding Lala before he lost his temper.

“We were worried about you.” Elizabeth filled in, getting on her feet, and dusting herself off. Lala smiled politely, and told them they had nothing to worry about. Simon got up as well.

“That’s not what Mr. Paranoid thinks.” Simon muttered, turning his face to the side. Elizabeth put her hand in his face.

Arrow appeared from behind them, and didn’t even bother to glare at Simon whose blood ran cold and his face went a deathly pale while, odd enough; his heart was pumping at a fast rate.

“I sent them.” Arrow said putting on black gloves, his eyes not meeting anywhere else but her smiling eyes.

“Aren’t you cold, Lala?” Elizabeth asked out of sheer curiosity, her sudden intervene into Lala’s personal affairs, well being, and dressing was out of the ordinary and unlike Elizabeth’s usually reserved manner.

Arrow’s eyes flickered down, and a frown came across his face immediately.

“I didn’t expect it to be cold outside, but after I already went out, I forgot all about my dress.” Lala said honestly, trying ardently not to allow Danni’s words back into her head.

Arrow nodded understandingly along with Simon; however Elizabeth didn’t look so convinced.

The sun came into view, as if to justify her outfit. Arrow’s eyes lit up, but casted them down when they met Lala’s fearful ones.

Lunch Time

The cold mechanical clanking of the clock passed the time, whilst still absolutely refusing to go unnoticed by each person in the outside lounge area. However, none had a heart as heavy as Lala, who had barely touched her homemade sandwich which had been made for two. Arrow hadn’t come so it was reduced to a lunch for one. He had never been one to miss lunch with her, for any special occasion, but the clock made it clear to everyone that they were to return to class immediately. Arrow was always fond of making things up to Lala, and if his pattern continued, she was in for a great time soon.

As she picked up her books carefully, and placed them into order in her backpack she smiled a bit knowing that wherever he was, he absolutely needed to be there. So a prepared speech of how it was okay that he missed lunch was set. But, when the clock chimed again, Arrow wasn’t even in class, which he of all people was allowed to do since he had the authority to. The class was silent about it, however some grumbles of how Arrow gets to do everything floated softly around the room. The teacher was absent as well, which took no time for everyone to figure out. The overly wealthy school was equipped with some of the best professors that Crision has ever known. How was it that they managed to be late, or absent, without a single word to someone to account for them?

No, something was wrong, and everyone knew it.

As if on cue an announcer beeped twice for everyone’s full attention.

“Two extremely young students that do not belong to Crision have dared to place themselves upon us,” The cold, almost robotic voice of a man said, yet it had underlying mockery dipped in it. Lala swallowed his words, sweat dropping from her forehead, and the temperature of the room rising with interest.

“Teachers, please turn on your Television screens, and watch how your Captain handles the situation.” The voice said cruelly, on the verge of laughing at how impossible it was for the two to escape. Automatically a flat screen television was lowered; it was big enough and high enough for the people in the back to see.

“You cannot walk into the chamber with fear; you will surely be swallowed up by death.”Elizabeth whispered, her bright blue eyes shining with caution, her curly blonde hair for once in a high bun on the top of her head, her most voluptuous features of her face heightened. Benjamin stared, blushing, ultimately forgetting the situation at hand, while Danni hardened her eyes, gripping the chamber’s door knob.

As the door opened, Elizabeth jumped back, before fading away from the background as light consumed the two young students. Benjamin created a force field immediately around the two, but it was shattered instantly when he caught glimpse of Arrow whose skin lightly glowing orange mixed with blood red.

“Benjamin!”Was all Danni could scold before Arrow dived forward from his safe distance away, becoming nose to nose with Benjamin who baited his breath instead of hardening a resolve to either evade the impending blow or to counter it with his own. Arrow’s fist was brought back, but made no impact as Danni pulled Benjamin out of the way.

“Don’t look into his eyes; its rancor is far too intimidating for you to hold.” Danni whispered.

“He has eyes like a beast.”Benjamin breathed, before making another force field that held until Arrow’s body turned slowly to face them. Danni hissed as it flickered then erased.

“Ha, Arrow is just toying with them, he’s so acrimonious. If that I was me, I’d put them out of their misery as fast as I could.”Marx said, referring to the young man who relied on mind games to first throw his victims into a quagmire of delirium. He wasn’t seated in a classroom, but instead leaned against one of the big peach colored columns that towered inside of Crision who’s ceiling was littered with angels and beautiful pieces of artwork, staring back down at them.

Leona, who had gotten sick of just watching the beginning of it, nodded in agreement.

Spiral staircases with fine red and gold carpeting color coded to each wing, they happened to be in Academic hall. The crème-peach walls covered with streaks of crushed white pearls, so elegantly it was as if it were merely painted on.

“Arrow is malicious, just toying with them.”Marx repeated.

As if Arrow heard him, he charged again, racing against the Danni and Benjamin who managed to stay out of his grasp for only a few moments before he threw them both to the ground by the backs of their collar. He could have caught them in three seconds, and had them down in one, but he built up energy along the way, and nearly crushed their backs with the thrust to the ground.

Danni’s back arched at the pain, a scream not even powerful enough to escape her tortured body. Benjamin cushioned their fall, but it wasn’t enough, his backside squirmed against the granite ground.

Arrow dived for them again, this time their fear so heightened he didn’t accelerate to catch them until three hours wore out their tiny bodies. Still, they didn’t dare stop running and dodging him, because their lives did depend on it. He cut them off by running along the walls, and running down the one that Danni and Benjamin were running to. Danni didn’t get to escape this time, before Arrow threw her high into the air, and running past that height in seconds before punching her into the individual stand.

The huge wall crumbled underneath her plummet. Minutes passed before a glimpse of her was revealed by Benjamin’s frantic tossing of broken pieces of the wall. Arrow’s feet were still upon the wall, though they were still.

There Danni was, struggling to breath underneath the heavy rubble, her face streaked with dirt and grime that’s hues ranged from industrial gray like the blocks, and dirt brown that matched the ground. She was lying on her back, her eyes lost, lucky to even still function let alone be there.

“I-I’m s-so sorry D-Danni, I tried to electrocute the wall into pieces before you hit it, b-but my body froze.” Jamie meekly said his face no longer colorful and bright like he was earlier in the day. Now, it was a sickly paste color.

“Don’t worry about it, just have my back when I need you to, and we’ll pass.” Boldly said Danni, as she pushed off the huge rocks, then stood up, looking around for Arrow.

Lala took a breath finally remembering how to, and gripped the ridiculously short plaid orange uniform school skirt. Archer found his way to her across the packed classroom, and grasped her hand.

“If it feels any better for you, Marx is just down the hall. He’ll listen to me. His father is the principal; he’ll make sure that they survive. They’re only kids…” Archer said, uncertain if Lala was listening or not.

“No.” She said surprisingly.

“Are you sure?” Archer choked out.

Lala gave him a look so fierce, that there was no doubt she was ascertain. Lala looked much calmer, than the pairs of eyes that stuck on her, realizing that was her sister.



Arrow’s black gloved hand was upright, and a glowing red sword shot out, and he caught it with ease. It wasn’t even a blur of hues, it was just black lines that were shown as he travelled quickly to Danni, and circled her. She fell down. Hard.

The kind of scream that erupted from her wasn’t like a human girl’s scream of pain, but like a deeply wounded animal before the end came to it.

He was targeting her specifically, only to further horrify Benjamin of what he would do to him next. He was obviously bored, and angry that his time was being wasted upon such remedial work.

Arrow’s orange-gold eyes shot to Jamie the next second, as the red glowing sword turned into a single arrow. “Do you give up?” He gruffly asked.

Jamie’s eyes grew in terror, as he went on his knees. Even though Elizabeth’s advice was to never beg or to give up. “Y-Yes.” Finally came out of his long wounded whimper.

Arrow put the arrow away, and looked at him with amusement.

“You’ll do anything to leave this place?” He asked, presenting him with the tropical scene that had been artificially stimulated, just to confuse them.

“No.” Hoarsely croaked Danni, on all fours and dragging her body to its feet.

“Oh? So you’ll complete it then?” Arrow asked, playing with their psyche.

“No.”

“Yes.”

Arrow’s mouth twitched into a small laugh, “Which one is it?”

“I-I—“The boy began, but one look at Danni ended his voice. He went to his feet, and put up a force field. “I won’t give up.” He said boldly, though he was shaking.

Arrow snapped his fingers, one single snap.

The ground became ice as the two lost their balance, and a huge Yeti came their way, obviously red with anger and seething.

“I made sure to tease him mercilessly this morning.” Arrow smiled.

Archer looked at Lala in desperation. “Say the word, I’ll stop this all!” He cried, grabbing her arm softly, Lala stared straight ahead, her face cold and her attention focused. Archer left anyway.

Danni’s eyes became energetic, and resembled Lala’s immediately. Danni danced around the Yeti and ran up its side; she took one second to look at her fist before delving it deep into the artificial Yeti. It disappeared, and Danni landed on her feet, looking furiously at Arrow.

Arrow didn’t give her a second more to continue her glare before haughtily laughing, it was dry and cold it dug into Danni in the wrong way. She had the sudden urge to want to wipe that satisfied smirk off of his face.

Arrow took off his black glove, without a word, a sword came out of his hand and he held it once it was completely out.

“Where do you store all of that?” Danni muttered, half interested, half practically calling him a freak.

“It’s my energy; once it’s out I solidify it, or keep it as my energy.” He answered, not letting her continue her irregular breath after charging at her in a moment’s blink of an eye. It was a forward thrust of his sword, which Danni caught with a clap over the sides. She swung, and Arrow let go, as if he wanted to give it to her all along, but wanted her to work for it.

Danni charged at him, he only used two fingers to move the blade down before giving her the head butt of a life time. Her forehead struck with an ugly purple and white bruise as blood oozed from the corner. Her head fell back immediately as she swaggered backwards.

Her vision blurred, however Jamie’s stifled choke was as loud as a shout. She looked up, and Arrow was gone. She looked the left, and he wasn’t there.

“Where are you?” She growled like a beast, gripping the sword, her eyes screaming for retribution. She looked to her right, and Arrow had Jamie at sword point.

“Do you give up?” Arrow asked casually, not a single sweat rolling down his leveled face, no patches of wet red hair. How was it that earlier he had was ran and ran to corner them, obviously trying to wear them out by going at lightening fast speed? Yet, now showed no signs of doing it?

Danni took the distraction to heart, and brought up the heavy sword over her head, and took a direct aim. But, when she tried to throw it down, it turned into an arrow by the flicker of Arrow’s orange-red eyes. A mournful gasp escaped her lips, disappointment raiding her body as she staggered back. The memory of how easily he made the sword disappear and reappear earlier flooding back to her. She felt angry at herself for not remembering, but it gave way to determination immediately.

“We’ll never give up.” Danni said, her hair sticking to her besmirched face a sticky attachment of sweat.

“Never? So no more chances?”

Danni didn’t answer him, but gave him the best glare her cloudy vision would allow.

Snap of his fingers.

Nothing seemed to happen for a split second, but the ground turned gray in patches. Danni looked up and a shower of arrows were heading down by the hundreds. Jamie, frozen in fear, began to only stare. Danni shoved him over her shoulder, and ran as fast as her aching body could muster.

She began to beg her legs to run faster, but the arrows were everywhere.

Snap.

The arrow tips that were once metal began to heat up as if it were dipping into the earth’s outer atmosphere.

“Arrow stop!” Lala screamed, gathering the attention of the class. Her eyes were lit with tears, as they shamelessly began to run down her skin. Her hands gripped the desk as if someone was trying to pull her by her legs. She threw the light marble desk to the side, and began to run down the halls.

When she reached the chamber opening, Elizabeth stood there guarding it.

“Lala, wait.” Elizabeth said calmly. Lala didn’t even give her a look, she just ran past her. Elizabeth turned to run after her, but stopped once she realized not even she could stop Lala from protecting her sister after she failed before.

The arrows landed, burning the ground in wild, scorching fire that didn’t even seem to obey the normal temperatures of fire. Smoke filled the room; burning the very shoes that Danni was running on—she was steps away from a large tree. She fell. A fiery arrow had deeply lodged itself into her calf, and she could only try to scream the pain before she took it in, and tried to look for Arrow.

He wasn’t there.

“It’s all over…I’m going to lose.”

Pound. Pound. Pound.

“Arrow! I know you can hear me!” A voice cried, its voice breaking immediately after the first two words.

As the seething fire calmed, Danni screamed. The pain seemed too surreal to be possible, her skin was literally boiling, and blisters forming as the fire licked her skin repeatedly. The air was impossible to breath.

“Say you give up, this is your last chance.” Arrow hissed. The pounding became insufferable as the pain roared over it, but not letting it completely blur out.

“Never.” Danni said, knowing exactly it was her sister at the door. Arrow grabbed her shirt from the collar, picking her up effortlessly. Jamie had fallen as well, and was screaming as the torture crept higher and higher.

Arrow snapped his fingers twice.

The pain was gone, and the heat was finished, the air rushed back in a gust of cold air. Danni’s eyes went out, as she fell asleep, her body not even attempting to struggle with the sudden temperature change.

“If I had waited three more seconds to pass you, you would have been finished.” Arrow said the last words Danni heard before being knocked out. Jamie’s eyes blinked repeatedly, his body trying to accommodate to the new change, he shivered and chattered his teeth.

The door opened, unlocking itself from all the locks and gadgets that kept it closed tightly. Lala fell to her knees, shaking and crying.

Danni didn’t even have a scratch on her. Arrow walked to Lala, lifting her to her feet.

“It was stimulation test. I could have used all the power I wanted; she would have felt it to the brim. Vice versa. However, it’s all testing our strengths weakness; she doesn’t actually feel it afterwards.” Arrow said Lala’s fists were shaking as anger raged in her.

“Wait, what?” Lala said shaking her head as if to clear it so she could hear him.

“I’ll explain later. Let me finish up a few statistics, and think of a way to integrate them. I’ll pick you up at eight.” Arrow said, as Elizabeth handed him his clip board. He nodded towards the younger students, and Elizabeth hurried to pick them up.

“So Arrow, are you going to keep them?” Elizabeth asked, trying to settle Danni on her back, as she lifted Jamie by his hand. Jamie gasped, and looked to Arrow with widened eyes, his breath waiting for the answer.

“They passed.” Arrow said softly, not even believing that they withstood three and a half hours of excruciating pain just to join the school. “However,” he began frowning.

“They’ll start off as assistants to two medical students.” Arrow finished lightly, as he tapped the pen against the clip board, before writing something down. Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose along with Jamie’s.

“Wait. Isn’t that Lala and Marx’s field?” Elizabeth said smiling in a sly way, as she lightly bumped Arrow’s shoulder with hers.

“Is that really?” Arrow asked, obviously not even thinking of Lala and her sister’s personal affairs.

“Well, I-I mean…” Elizabeth stuttered softly.

“Hmm…I suppose it would be great for them. I do love her, and want her happy. However, I felt they needed to know basic medical treatments to help out with the battle.” Arrow said.

Elizabeth froze, her heart freezing over into a block of ice.

I do love her. Arrow’s words hurt more than usual. Elizabeth’s knees buckled, but she gave him the best teary eyed brave smile she could muster. Luckily his eyes were set on Jamie’s.

“That’s so nice to hear.” She said her voice icy and cold.

Arrow nodded, as if he knew exactly how Elizabeth would take it, but said it to make everything clear. Then why did he still seem so innocent?

“I’m a fool.” Elizabeth muttered, as she crashed herself carelessly against her cold bed. The bed sheets embraced her in an icy hug, as her heart began to melt and begin to heat again.

I do love her, her, not you.

Even though it wasn’t all of Arrow’s words, it felt just like he said it.

“But, that’s not true! He could still, kind of, maybe love me. Secretly.” Elizabeth said, allowing herself to be more foolish, impossibly so. She knew it, he knew it, but the hope wouldn’t go away, it was irresistibly strong for no reason.

No, it wasn’t no reason, she loved him—she had since was 7 years old. Lala had barley known him 5 years, yet she swiped his heart in one fell swoop. It was easy, for a thief.

“What are you talking about, roomie?” Lala asked innocently, as she landed right next to her on her bed, without permission. Elizabeth didn’t mean to glare at her, but it was too automatic.

Lala’s eye brows furrowed.

“I’m sorry; you weren’t supposed to hear that.” Elizabeth said, mentally scolding herself for not being strictly formal with the girl who had taken her man before she could even grasp him. Lala didn’t move, she didn’t even seem fazed, she kept that confused look. The one that indirectly told her, that Lala thought she was weird.

Elizabeth swallowed. “It’s nothing just boy problems.”

“Archer?”

“What?!” Elizabeth said, looking shocked as well as thoroughly disgusted.

“Sorry…Simon then?” Lala asked innocently.

“What makes you say all this?” Elizabeth asked.

“You hang out all the time.” Lala said, her eyes lowering in a way that told her that there was more to it than just “hanging out”.

Elizabeth realized something.

“I’ve never seen you with anyone but Arrow. Not a birthday party, a regular party… nothing.” Elizabeth blurted, even though she tried not to feel so elated and higher feeling, it just came.

Little Ms. Perfect Life doesn’t have the perfect life.

Then it dawned on her, just by looking at Lala and her body. She could be the most popular girl at the school, with everyone being her friend, she just didn’t really try. Lala was never shy, but she hadn’t really taken upon herself to find friends.

“Don’t tell anyone I said this.” Lala said seriously, before moving in closer to Elizabeth, who by now was intimidated by Lala’s mature body next her almost-fully-developed-kind-of-nice body. Her blush was obvious, but Lala misinterpreted it for Elizabeth being shocked that Lala trusted her.

“Sometimes…sometimes I kind of want to hang out with them…you know…different people and stuff like that.” She whispered. She thought for a moment.

“I think I’m jealous of you.” Lala laughed nervously, not looking Elizabeth in her eyes. “Well, I mean, you hang out with, everyone really.”

“That’s my job. Leader Jr.” Elizabeth said, though she wanted to gloat about saying: “Yeah, I’m great like that.” Or “Yeah, I know you’re jealous, you should be everyone loves me.” However, humility was drilled deep into her.

“That’s all I wanted to tell you.” Lala said softly. “Oh, and I’m glad I have a girl room-mate this year. Every year, I was paired with Arrow.” Lala said fully shocking Elizabeth. If Lala had told her that Arrow was her long-lost brother that she recently found, Elizabeth would believe her instantly. They seemed close enough, and the day was full of surprises.

“Why not this year?” Elizabeth wheezed, her voice dry, it didn’t affect Lala.

“I…I’m so dorky. I specially asked Arrow to put me with you.” Lala said softly, almost like a whisper.

“WHAT?!” Not only did it mean that Arrow controlled roommates, but he has a good reason to not like her.

Lala nodded. She got up, her confessions over and done with.

“I wish my secrets were that light…well I don’t really have any. Except I skipped my second period class everyday last year, so I wouldn’t have to deal with Archer all day.” Elizabeth thought freely.

“So you and Arrow are you…”

“Dating?”

“No…are you…”

Lala obviously wasn’t following.

“Forget it.” Elizabeth said, sitting up, and leaning on her arms that were behind her.

A short rap on the door filled the would-be silence.

“That’s Arrow.” Lala said smiling.

Elizabeth was going to tell her about her deep, ten year crush on Arrow, but decided vehemently against it. Lala would probably keep it, but it would hold no value to her, it wouldn’t be like she would break-up with him for her.

“Come in.”

Sure enough, there was Arrow, slightly blushing and wearing a white button up shirt and black slacks. He was actually grinning, it was almost strange, but only because from what Elizabeth knew, it didn’t suit him. However, he still looked irresistible and tempting. He had at least a dozen roses in his hands, and when he looked at Elizabeth he nodded, and looked back at Lala.

“You said you were alone.” He said suddenly exasperated. “There, I smiled for you.” He said, looking away in minor embarrassment.

“Yes you did.” Lala said, going over to give him a kiss, she frowned. “You said eight, it’s five o’ clock.”

“I’ll do my report later. Wait actually, Elizabeth.” He said, looking seriously at her.

She made no protest, she silently liked being on Arrow’s good side, and doing his work.

“Don’t worry; you two have fun, with whatever you’re doing.” Elizabeth said smiling.

Just like last year, she wouldn’t be a part of anything Arrow did.

Lala took a rose out of Arrow’s dozen roses, and gave it to her, giving her a small peck on the cheek that turned Elizabeth’s face redder than the rose.

“I’ll go get ready.”

“You look fine.” Arrow said quickly, not willing to wait an eternity until Lala deemed herself fit to go out in perfection.

“What?”She responded, her eyes daring him to oppose.

“I said—nothing.” Arrow said, knowing far better than to allow an opportunity for an argument, which he always lost, eventually.

When 20 minutes had passed, the only thing that was going was Arrow’s patience. Lala was torn between a green dress that Elizabeth prayed she would wear around Arrow, and a pink one that made it all too dangerous to wear around Arrow.

“Hmm, Elizabeth, what do you think?” She asked.

“You care to ask me? I mean, uh, the pink one.” Elizabeth said, not looking at her.

“She’s bound to wear it around Arrow some time.” She thought.

Lala made a face, “But…okay…”

The dress wasn’t too short; in fact it came to Lala’s knees almost. It just fitted her in a way that was attractive.

“Okay, next makeup.” Lala said, turning, but Arrow stood up and grabbed her shoulder in quick desperation.

“No way.” He growled, she turned to face him, and he took his hand off and stood straight up. “I love your face without make up.” He said smiling nervously.

Elizabeth had to admit, she liked Arrow shaken up and at the whim of someone else.

“Right Elizabeth?” He said, looking at her to save him. Her, not Lala, for once he actually looked at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth nodded affectionately.

“Where are you two going to snuggle, the hammock out back?” Elizabeth said changing the subject for Arrow so Lala couldn’t have a chance to reply.

“Actually, I was going to take you on “soft one” hunting.” Arrow said, truthfully. “SOF” was a tradition where older kids would scare the younger ones, but since the ones this year are extra “wimpy” it was extremely popular this year. Usually, Arrow didn’t care much for school traditions like senior pranks, but he decided to change up their relationship a bit.

“Archer and Simon have each one taken.” Elizabeth said softly chuckling. Lala’s bright, warm brown eyes twinkled.

“Arrow you didn’t give me the report.”

“I’ll give you a night off.” Arrow said, before opening the door for Lala. They only had 5 more days of relaxation left before school actually, truly, began.

“A free night off hmm? I think I’m going to like this new Arrow. Even if it is for only the rest of the week.”

Disaster it strikes on a daily basis, I’m looking for wisdom in all the wrong places. And, still want to laugh in disappointed faces. And you can’t help me, I’m blinded by these heroes and thieves at my door, I just can’t tell them apart anymore.

Vivian Broussard not only looked bored, but unbelievably determined too. She was heroic enough to be outside on such a hot day, the unusual weather was arising as more children tested their powers on nature. She laid on the bench, her light brown hair in a red bow as it covered the rest half the bench. With her forearm was on her forehead, she took a frustrated breath, and she looked near the sun.

“What is that last particle I need to make that knock-out gas?!” She asked in a sudden fury, close to cursing. Her hand made a tight fist as she racked her mind for a complementary particle or chemical to finally make it work.

She got off the bench, slightly tanned, as she angrily walked across the grass, stomping on the plants in aggravation.

“I’m the Battle Coordinator, why on earth can’t I get this? I bet that stupid Rose girl already aced Quantum Physics by now.” Growled Vivian, referring to her opposite, contradicting her statement, as she often did. Rose Thompson is the smartest girl at Crision, just to Vivian’s luck.

She was going at such a fast rate that by the time Sano had turned the corner they crashed.

“Will you watch where you’re going for once, Sano?!” She shouted angrily.

“Any time in which I can touch you is a blessing, even if it always ends up in a painful way.” He smiled, wiping away some of her anger with a grin.

“Will you stop being so weird?!” She said, still upset with him, proving the stereotype that Rafael women are cruel, loud, and abrasive creatures that he’s been pondering on whether was true.

“My apologies.” He said, bowing to her, instead of what should have been the other way. If the commander was there, he would have been delightfully infuriated, smiling as he punished her.

“No, I’m sorry.” She said in a sigh, “It was my fault; I’m in a bad mood. I have to go to Louis about something, which I always detest.”She said, kicking the ground, but smiling with her aquamarine blue eyes that made Sano smile, their eyes mirroring in understanding.

Louis Magnet gave narcissism new meaning, if he wasn’t talking about himself directly, he was talking about his prestigious blood line. He had the power to duplicate knowledge, so he stole Marx’s knowledge of poison. He also was a quick learner and observer so lying to him was almost impossible, unless it was Sano or Etienne. The only people who seemed to tolerate him.

“Well, have good luck on your venture there. Have patience with him, and remember your manners, and you won’t be disappointed. He delivers; you’ve got to hand it to him.” Sano smiled.

Vivian looked, shock for a moment, but then smiled.

“Do you think Etienne is spending lunch with him again today?” Vivian said, referring to the same well-mannered boy who stole her heart in the third grade.

“Tell me, what do you like in Etienne?” Sano said, almost quietly, purely curious as to why any woman loved him so much. Sure he was humble enough, good looking, okay unfairly good looking, but he was near humorless.

“He’s special. My power is water, and he helped me, is all.” Vivian said, closing off the conversation defensively.

“Really? How?” Sano said, obviously peering too closely to Vivian, because she gave him a look to back off.

“No, it’s not that I don’t like Etienne, I love him.”Sano said, though “love” would be an overstatement. “I’m just inquisitive.”

She studied him a bit, making sure that he was honest in his words before continuing.

“Etienne saved me, and taught me to swim.” She beamed.

“That’s all?” Sano blurted, finding it utterly impossible to like someone the way she does just for teaching her to swim.

Vivian looked offended. “He got me out of my fears, guided me to conquer them, and now I’m great at it.”

Sano nodded, having little understanding, but understanding none the less. Speaking of the Chevalier, his sister came from the corner, and gave Sano a kiss on the cheek and Vivian a fierce glare before walking past them.

“Ugh, I can’t believe he has to be related to that.” Vivian said in upset, truly disliking Ofelia, something everyone knew well.

Ofelia never played fair in a fight; she would do anything to win, including cheap shots and hitting you when you’re down.

“She’s so classless, and terribly ill-mannered.” Vivian hissed.

Sano’s eye brow rose, almost as if to say she was being a hypocrite in that accusation. Nor, was it completely false, Vivian had her times of womanly behavior, however it was completely rare for Ofelia to.

“Well, I have meager asking to do.” Vivian smiled touching his shoulder, then kissing Sano’s cheek. Sano touched his cheek, and smiled back at her.

“Bye.” They said at the time, staring into each other’s eyes for a moment and a half, before she moved past him.

Within moments, Maria came dashing down the hallway; she completely stopped when she saw Sano.

“First Lieutenant.” She said, curtsying low to him. He nodded with a smile, happy to see her.

“Excuse me, was Vivian here? Ofelia said that she was just a moment ago.” Maria said. Her cheeks flushed from searching everywhere.

“Yes, she was. Do you need a message delivered?” He asked softly. She blushed, sputtering and waving off the notion that such a superior figure submit to being a messenger for her.

“Yes, but I’ll tell her myself. It would be rude, and out of place—“ Maria said, cut off by Sano’s sweet peck to her cheek that made him nearly unbearable to be around, in a delightful way.

“I don’t mind.” He said truthfully, Vivian wasn’t annoying so it would be alright.

“I kind of, found new information on my—our brother.” Maria said, to Sano’s shock.

“Vivian’s your sister?” Sano said smiling right away.

Maria nodded excitedly. “My brother might be someone from this school; it’s been narrowed down even more!”

“Actually…”Maria said, looking down and digging her foot into the ground. “It might be you.”

Sano froze.

“Impossible, I’m an orphan; both of my parents were murdered, by Crisions. Vivian is younger than me by three months, and you’re far much younger than me.” He smiled, not even allowing his mind to play with the sweet thought.

“Sometimes, I wonder if he’s real.” She said, with coming tears in her eyes and sorrow filling her emptiness.

Sano’s eyes softened, and he hugged her.

“But, that’s only when I get lonely!” She says in defense.

“I’ll be your brother. If you’ll promise to be my sister, I’ll protect you forever.” Sano promised his eyes truthful.

“Okay, older brother.” Maria said, smiling softly.

Disaster it strikes on a daily basis, I’m looking for wisdom in all the wrong places. And, still want to laugh in disappointed faces. And you can’t help me, I’m blinded by these heroes and thieves at my door, I just can’t tell them apart anymore.

Pitter, patter, pitter, patter, slosh. The boring Monday morning didn’t seem to entail any excitement compared to the electrifying evening of the day before. The rain came down slowly, and softly as the students stayed inside, yearning to be reunited with sun once again. Especially Danni who gripped her skirt with slight agitation as each student took their turn staring at her, wondering why a kid so young would ever wish to be where they are dreading.

“And, so as you see…” The teacher droned on, his voice both uninspiring and awful to listen to as he sniffed nearly every minute due to the temperature being so low in winter, which really only was 58 degrees or so and a slight chilly wind. In modern Crision, pills were given out to every student to keep their bodies at tip-top shape all year. Some were running out of them it seemed, but since nearly everyone was incredibly wealthy it was no cause for alarm.

Danni hooked her fingers over the side of the desk, staring nervously at the clock that ticked a second closer to when she had to go to her second period class: Medical. In only a few short minutes she had to return to her room, and wait for an escort to take her to the Infirmary wing. The bell rang, and she was the first to leave, just in case her sister saw her and wanted to talk.

It was like a burst of joy when she saw her dorm room, as she sped down the hall, and locked herself in the only sanctuary around. She fell onto her bed with carelessness, half exhausted already with the pressure of hiding from her own sister, not once thinking of the idea to try and mend their torn thread that kept their blanket of sibling love together.

A small rap on the door struck the attention of Danni Dani’et as she sat on her bed, contemplating the moment where she would escape the cold clutches of Arrow who was bound to train them individually soon.

“Hey.” The soft voice of Benjamin Cervantes said, pushing his deeply dark brown hair out of his face, as he smiled. He looked meek and smaller than yesterday though he was obviously taller than her, but she was slender. She smiled at him for a moment, as he struggled to pull himself through the small doorway of the small underclassmen room.

Danni nodded, staring at his luggage that he brought with him, hoping that he did not intend to share her already small room with her, though a smile was still on her face. If it hadn’t been for him, she might have not gotten the strength to continue fighting Arrow; he was a good distraction for the red head.

He returned the smile sheepishly, as if he knew he was intruding in on her.

“Do mind…helping me out a bit?” He asked quietly as if it was common sense she would openly allow him into his room. Danni looked at him in a confused expression, but reluctantly got up to help bring them in.

Her first thought was maybe he simply couldn’t sleep alone, being the insufficient battle partner he was, but the thought of one of the older kids ordering him to was also a plausible option.

“Now, I know that you’re rather upset,” Jamie began, choosing his word quite carefully, wincing teetering in his wither ‘upset’ was an understatement, or not, but his face became serious “at being a medical student under your sister. However, did you ever even think of how much knowledge and power you’ll gain over her once she tells you everything she knows?” Jamie said, obviously meaning well, but his words meaningless.

“And what be like you…? You’re nothing but a baby in the face of danger.” Danni thought, looking at him with pure askance as he fell to his knees unpacking. Her hair swept from her back as she moved quickly, trying not to look so interested in his words. Jamie saw through her rouge, and didn’t continue, just to make sure.

“What do you mean?”She asked, going on her knees to help him put his clothes in the drawer, she’ll kick him out later, but for now he was slightly fascinating.

“I’ve calculated all this; I have to change my character when the situation fits me. I haven’t been myself in 4 years. I don’t think I’ve even looked like myself in three.” Benjamin said almost laughing at it. It was unclear if he was a true enigma or not, but at the time he seemed serious. It would mean if he was brilliant if he knew Arrow would accept them anyway if he survived, that he was only buying time until a true show of power would impress him. Meaning instant higher ranking, Danni almost didn’t believe it.

Before Danni had a chance to process what he was really saying, he went on. A proud smirk lay upon his face.

“I’m a quarter Spaniard; I tapped into my grandmother’s milky white skin that tans easily. Let’s just say I’m a great at changing whatever I need to get the job done.” He said, ultimately making zero sense to Danni, but she smirked anyway. Danni wasn’t purely interested in his background, or real outer appearance, but if it meant that he was good at deceiving he was a definite asset.

“Just let me know when you’re going change characters, you could help me out. I’m planning something, pretty soon, and I’ll need a smart person like you.” She smiled, grinning at the fact that Jamie was playing at an angle.

Jamie’s eye brow rose gently as he maybe pretended to look confuse, either way Danni didn’t waste any time before going into what she was talking about. Their little rouge of facades were unnecessary, if anything they needed each other, a lesson they would have to learn the hard way.

“They rarely feed us; it’s like their trying to prevent us from getting fat.” Danni said, changing the subject, petting her near empty stomach while Jamie nodded. She had lost track of time, and conveniently ignored the knock of her escort coming to bring her to the medical wing, if she was late, she didn’t care.

“Well that might be for you girls, all they ever feed us boys are bus loads of meat and hearty mead water.” He said, his dark brown eyes lightly roaming over the furniture and condition of Danni’s spotless room.

“I’ve always wondered why they put us in separate eating rooms. Either way, to make ourselves known, and to actually eat something other than vegetables with a side of yogurt and water, we’ll have to steal it.” Danni said, lying down on her single bed, which sparked Jamie’s interest. The thought of Danni being some girl possibly bent on retribution against her sister seemed almost completely gone, and a more idly determined girl arose from the distance.

“But we’re novices; wouldn’t our direct defiance backed up by a sheer lack of power invite expulsion if we were caught?” Jamie said afraid of Arrow’s infamous rage. Danni waved off the notion quickly.

“We’re stronger as a unit, all of the underclassmen, provide food for the weak and feeble, stealing it from the overfed gluttons that don’t dare to share food with the likes of us. We’d be Robin Hoods.” Danni said, making Jamie laugh when he pictured Arrow as Lala’s love struck puppy.

“So you want us to open like some sort of black market?” Jamie asked, falling carelessly down on the bed, in an attempt to rest, making Danni sit up.

“He’s got some nerve.” Danni thought heatedly, as she pushed him off the bed. Jamie, not expecting that for some reason, looked nearly hurt at her, and sat up on the floor.

“If you’re staying in my room, you’re sleeping on the floor.” She said, lying back down, with half a mind to change the itchy dry wood sheets.

“That’s not fair, it’s not like I’m here on my own accord. Elizabeth suggested it, so as to find camaraderie within each other.” Jamie said, but by the claming that an older student suggesting this, was practically the same thing as a direct order he had no power to oppose. Especially someone as high a rank as Leader Jr.

Danni looked at him intently, before moving over. “Fine, since this is a moderate sized bed, you’ll have to stay on your side.” Danni said reluctantly, looking as if she wanted to change time and rephrase that and say something along the lines of “no way”.

Jamie smiled at her for a moment, but the next he looked like a disaster, as if a tornado of fatigue blew him away. He fell back on the bed, with a total disregard of what Danni said, half falling on her. Danni shouted, and scrambled from underneath him, but in one look knew he would in no way be willing to move over.

The sunlight drew its sword, cutting the clouds as it rose up more, a reminder for her to get to class, but if Marx’s class with Benjamin was in an hour, she’ll just go to him. Danni allowed herself to fall against the head board, as she looked at Jamie, who even slept like a baby, before looking into the distance of her room.

The Medical Wing-thirty minutes later

Danni had decided it was best to leave well before Jamie, she had a growing dislike for the boy instead of desiring the partnership.

Danni looked out of the window, staring into the morning’s grey fog with a thought of how nebulous she felt inside. It was automatic when she lifted the first story window, staring at the snow covered ground as she heard her sister’s voice grow louder as Lala traveled down the hallway. It was too late to go back by the time her body was out of the building, all it took was the letting go…

The snowy ground felt unforgiving as Danni fell against it in hasty panic, yet she couldn’t shake the bareness she felt within, as the surprised gasp of Lala filled her ears as if to remind her to hurry. The pain was uncontrollable, her legs shook, her knees daring to pop it out of place, and only a squeak could be afford to try and release the pain she felt. Danni tuned out her body’s pain and ran before Lala could look out of the window and try to find her.

Lala’s ability was healing, and Marx’s mother taught him everything he knew in poison, they were the only medical students within the school, and they already knew basic medical treatment.

“I kind of expected it,” Lala said looking straight, trying to hold back the tears that she begged not to come. Marx gave her a hug with so much feeling, that it almost felt natural, and brought out the exact tears that she tried so hard to hold back. His head fell upon her shoulder, as if to tell her to cry and if she was afraid he would see it, he wouldn’t dare look. The movements blended their hair, as her bright brown hair strands intertwined gently with blue locks.

Lala settled into him, letting the tears fall down at its own will.

A small rap at the door drew them apart slowly, as Lala sniffed, thanked him, then wiped away her tears.

Jamie was at the door smiling.

“Don’t worry; I’ll share him with you.” Marx whispered, before giving Jamie a mischievous grin so scary it made him want to turn on his heels and jet out of the room.

Danni slowed her running, but was only when the Leader Jr.’s eyes fell on her.

“Just what…” The voice of Elizabeth Avartia said, breaking Danni’s thoughts of gathering her strength and tending her wounds into tiny shattered pieces as she scrambled for a proper excuse. “Do you think you’re doing?” She finished, after peering intently at her bruised arm, and twitching leg. She sat down, trying to escape the torment of staying on her feet.

“I was just—I—I don’t think I can be an apprentice to the same person who abandoned me.” Danni said, with the first show of real emotion since she’s come here. She sat with her good leg to her chest, and the other laid straight out, twitching, but straight as her back was against the cold outdoor wall.

Elizabeth wanted so badly to explain what she didn’t know to Danni, only to be in defense of Lala; but then again everyone but Danni took Lala’s side. She stood there for a moment, frozen in Danni’s pain that she tried to understand; slowly she turned and began to walk away.

“No, this is what you always do; make everything to people who need help, their own duty to heal themselves. You can do this, Danni so young, she needs you. Don’t do what you did last year.” It was a new voice, soft and quiet, yet powerful enough to make Elizabeth turn on her heels and sit right next to Danni.

“Danni, I’m not going to sit here and tell you how perfect Lala is, and how blessed her life has been. Solely because, though Lala is blessed, exceptionally so, but she isn’t perfect by any means. In fact, she messes up a lot; she always looks out for the soft ones who are suppose to be independent and surviving on their own. She has a heart you know, she never wanted to leave you.” Elizabeth said, feeling almost awkward with talking about someone when they weren’t there to hear it. She fidgeted quite a bit, being bias wasn’t something she favored doing.

“So she’ll risk her neck for other people, but when it comes to her family—“Danni said, her voice increasing into almost a shout of unadulterated anger. Before Elizabeth could calmly defend her sort of friend, the calls of Archer and Simon were coming at a fast rate.

Elizabeth felt her heart skip an entire beat, just leaving Danni to deal with the twins would prove to be confusing and cruel, so she couldn’t just take off as normal.

If she mentioned Lala’s moments of fears and confusion in contrast to her, even with a smile, no doubt Danni would take it horrendously; any comparison to her sister was an insult, and any defense.

“Eliza!” They called.

The only way…

“Give me your hand.” Elizabeth said in a whisper, Danni stared at her, obviously confused and more than unwilling to give a stranger her hand.

“Now.” Elizabeth ordered almost out of desperation as the footsteps of the twins were at her ears, daring to bring them closer to her. Slowly, Danni put her hands into Elizabeth, before watching it slip into invisibility.

She gasped, and Elizabeth shushed her as Archer and Simon were in full view, they obviously hadn’t heard, but Simon stopped, causing Archer to stop.

“She’s nearby.” He said sniffing the air. Danni gripped the snow out of instinct, her heart racing, believing she was in true danger. Simon’s ears perked as he looked intently at the snow, drawing closer. He lowered himself, crouching so that he was on the balls of his feet, letting his arms rest against his thighs, as he smelled the air.

He blew a breath over Danni, the oxygen becoming visible, but that wasn’t the only thing, Danni’s nose changed color since Elizabeth’s power wasn’t invisibility, but rather camouflage. Simon’s face became increasingly close, almost to the point where their noses touched each other.

“Who are you?” He asked, his eyes narrowing on her own, as if he saw her. Danni, still gripping the snow, shoved in his face, surprising him enough to become distracted while she ran for it.

“Danni, wait!” Elizabeth said, standing up and running after her, leaving the two brothers confused and slightly heartbroken.

Danni shut her eyes tightly blindly running, until she felt the hardness of something come against her warmly, but send her into a panic as she fell backwards.

In a gasp Arrow Creed came into view, with a scalding grimace on his face, and a scolding look in his eyes. Elizabeth came from behind Danni in mere moments.

“Elizabeth, what is the meaning of this?” Arrow hissed through his teeth, obviously in no mood to be playing around.

“Danni didn’t feel comfortable with spending the morning with Lala; I was only trying to comfort her into wanting to be Lala’s apprentice.” She explained quickly, making sure to be as accurate as possible in the confusing situation. She felt a mocking mortification raise within her, once again she couldn’t even handle the easiest of tasks.

Arrow’s eyes looked infuriated, but he said nothing, obviously wanting Danni to answer for herself this time.

“I deeply apologize Captain.” Danni said, curtseying to his rage.

“Know this, I have absolutely no care for you and Lala’s intricate relationship, such trivial things are no concern of mine. However, if it is hindering your barely acceptable learning, I will separate the two of you myself.” He said crossly.

Arrow had struck a raw chord on Danni’s anger, but she didn’t let a single twitch of it show.

“My sincerest apology Captain, I give you my word it won’t happen again.”Danni plowed through the mesh of heated anger and hot tears in her eyes. They nearly overwhelmed her if it hadn’t been for Elizabeth’s calming touch of her hand. Arrow dismissed her, and she ran to the Infirmary wing, madder at herself for allowing her sister to get to her.

The door opened suddenly and quickly, as if in a haste, stopping Marx in mid sentence about why rubbing alcohol was so important to blood wounds. Danni stepped into the room.

“She’s all yours, Lala.” Elizabeth said, her look fully exhausted and slightly agitated enough for Lala not to make a comment of doubt on her words.

Danni sat on the patient bed, trying as hard she could not to break into a deep sob, the blush of embarrassment so hot on her cheeks she felt like cutting it off. Lala soothed it with a single touch, one that made her want to sink into it and just sleep, before her body was washed with power and her leg no longer screamed at her in pain.

“I trust, you’re primary concern is to make up on lost academic time.” Elizabeth said professionally enough to get Lala to work. Still, she felt the anger swell her inside her conscience bursting out questions for Arrow along the lines of why they weren’t allowed to express themselves. The need for real reuniting was desperate on Lala’s face, but she didn’t have the heart to voice it, not after all the guilt she felt.

“I’ll do it, if I can save lives, I promise to learn from you.” Danni said, earning a smile from the three older people.



“Were you serious?” Jamie asked, as they walked down the empty halls. Danni’s face didn’t say a thing, yet her words seemed to be filled with more venom than necessary.

“Of course I am.”

“She might just be better than me. Her words are filled with obvious lies that they can’t see. However, is she willing so to damage Lala that she’ll use others to get her way? I’ll have to guard myself perfectly, I nearly regret me telling her about my methods, but I can’t just let the opportunity to mess with her head go. She obviously adopted the technique from me, but I’m better than her at it. I know it when I see it.” Jamie said, staring her at in slight admiration that she was able to mess with his mind a little. Danni’s eyes were determined, the same determination that brought her here, as she moved quicker.

At their door, she looked around, and when she was certain they were alone, she brought Jamie in the room.

“We’ll start tonight. The older kids are having a banquet. Since we can’t take it during or after, we’ll start before.”Danni said, looking through her drawers for black clothing. Jamie was yet again in respect for her leadership, knowledge, and authority. However, he wasn’t the type to blindly follow, especially if his chance for staying was on the line.

“Let’s wait, bide our time, we have to do this as an entire unit, and no less.” Jamie said, grasping her wrist. Not once did the thought of possible betrayal in the future cross her determined mind simply because they had so much to gain even if they were caught later—the honor of leading an entire band of underclassmen to rebel.

“Danni, not to question your logic, but wouldn’t it be almost stupid to steal food that will only feed us once?”Benjamin realizing the immediate flaw in her idea.

“It won’t be just once I assure you.” Smiled Danni faintly.



Archer lay on his bed, for once alone to quietly play the chords of his own music. In a sweep of his hand a sheet of blue, long music appeared, as he tucked one hand behind his head. He touched a line, and a note played, as he thought of it, playing another then another. Slowly, he let himself sink into the deep pleasures of a melody, before realizing that no one could ever appreciate it as he did, he messed with it until a melancholy tune played. It wasn’t so much that no one appreciated, people lined up to hear him play, however none of them was no he wanted them to be, none of them was Elizabeth Stella Avartia.

“If only I knew the melody to play to make you mine, always and forever.” Archer thought, in despair, as he grabbed his hair in desperation that after so many years his heart still felt empty when Elizabeth rejected him; he played her every master piece that he had ever written, yet her eyes still rang out for the unattainable, for Arrow.

Simon, being his brother and competition has told him many times just to swipe Lala from Arrow, making mayhem enough for him to want to make her jealous then make his move. That was before two years ago, when Simon fell for her commanding and reserved way that seemed to fit perfectly as Arrow’s right hand man.

Elizabeth’s mother had been the one to take them in for awhile when their parents divorced, not wanting them to go through the court process with their selfish parents. Archer’s primary concern was him and his brother, and making sure no one would dare to hurt them ever again, yet the very day that Elizabeth told them that she would always be there for them was purely enough to make him lose all guards and fall for her. It obviously wasn’t a safe thing to do, saying one would always be there, never always amounted to one loving someone. It just simply meant they cared. Still, it felt special.

But, what if for just one day, she was his and his alone. The thought was dangerous, but the feeling it brought was sheer pleasure as the idea of it absorbed him so powerfully the wish to have her became a raw desire he wouldn’t give up, not even to the captain.

A heavy knock fell against the door, making Archer lose his thoughts and make his music sheet disappear into thin air.

“Hey, uh, do you have a battle partner?” Marx asked softly, slightly embarrassed that he had forgotten he needed one to watch his back.

“Simon.” Archer said as if it were common sense.

“Right.” Marx said, obviously hearing an answer close to that far too many times.

“Actually, I think Lala doesn’t have one.” Archer said, casually, before adding “You’ll have to ask Arrow, you know that right?”

It was too late; Marx had left at “Lala doesn’t have one.”

Archer sighed heavily, and the blue music sheet appeared again, as he touched the notes, and moved them around.

Marx moved quickly down the hall, as if Arrow was on his way to Lala now to ask her about the Battle. He broke into a run, slipping past people with a smile, and cute apologies. He wistfully played the idea of having Lala as his partner, and then they would finally be as close as he wanted them to be, not to date, just to finally be good friends.

“Oh.” He said in a pant, only Elizabeth was in the room, that he just barged into without knocking.

“I’m sorry I disappointed you.” She said, slightly upset that he looked so depressed.

“Lala, is she close by?”He asked in a dry voice.

“I don’t know.” Elizabeth said, turning back to her work.

“I’m sorry.” Marx said, smiling, trying not to hurt Elizabeth’s already tenderly crushed feelings, not that she liked him like that, but the fact he seemed so dissatisfied that she wasn’t Lala. It would have been far too painful if it was Arrow who had been disenchanted to see her.

“Face it, Lala is better, even if she only hangs out with one person, and her own sister may despise her. Well, that doesn’t make her better at all, just equal…In fact what does she have that I don’t? Besides an exotic look, voice, and Arrow… why can’t I find the nerve like her? One day she’ll be fighting alongside of me.”

“Do you have a battle partner Elizabeth?” Marx asked, but before he could finish, Lala tapped his back, obviously wanting to get in her room.

“Actually—“ Elizabeth began happily remembering she forgot to ask someone.

“Marx.” Arrow said, nodding in recognition. Marx’s attention was fully focused on Arrow now, his eyes narrowed and everything as he said “Captain.” The tension wasn’t as all soft as Arrow narrowed his concentration on him, not knowing what was going on, but just being prepared. But before long, Marx broke out into a grin.

“Lala, do you have a battle partner?” He asked, completely not recalling that he had just asked Elizabeth, however she was smart enough to know that if he asked Lala that meant Arrow was available.

Lala looked almost shock, and then at Arrow, who didn’t look her in the eyes.

“No.” She said truthfully.

“Will you be my battle partner?” He asked enthusiastically. She nodded slowly, smiling that she now was protected for the battle.

“Arrow, since you don’t have one, would you like to be mine?” Elizabeth said nearly beaming. Arrow nodded, almost happy that she asked him.

Finally.

16 years ago

The criminal act stole the gentle, soft air. It wasn’t necessarily illegal in the modern world, however in the strict, tight-knit city of Rafael, it was murderous. But that was later night, for now…

Commander, Alphonse Mercier, sat next to his wife, his fist against his warm, throbbing cheek he kept on a straight face. One that would make him famous for being so strict, it was his alter ego that he survived on when his real self, the cheerful and loving self that kept his own business his own. The soft cries of his saddened wife didn’t seem to faze him, as she was on the floor sitting on her knees, leaning over his lap sobbing.

Just moments ago, Alphonse Mercier, and Acelain Mercier had found out that the commander-to-be was going to be Alphonse. His father before him, Elliot Mercier was a cold, strict man that Alphonse always had to work almost unbelievably hard to impress. It was a job that couldn’t just be filled by anyone, but the best of the best, it required for the man to devote ten or more years to the school, and the war. Often, it meant he had to leave his wife, and any amount of children to fulfill it.

“My love, don’t cry. I’m doing it for the village and school.” Alphonse said, looking at his father who stood with his arms crossed and nearly glaring at Alphonse’s wife.

Acelain, who opposed the war fiercely, gave him a look that told all of her hatred for the city and especially the school all together.

“Either way, I’m going to accept, thank you for the honor Commander.” Alphonse said bowing from his seat, a rude gesture over passed because the moment he said that, his necklace lit up. This meant that that he was now Commander, the once grey, empty necklaces, was now a hot teal.

“Traitor.” Hissed Acelain. Alphonse looked to her, but said nothing, as his father left the Commander’s office.

“I named him, if you care. He’s named after your father, because I felt it was going to make up for you not being Commander. You told me you would change all this if you were Commander. Remember that? It was over a half decade ago, we were only in high school, when you still cared about people.” Acelain said, holding her young baby boy in her arms softly, as she touched his cheek with her finger.

“Elliot? I resent that name.” Alphonse said, his lips tightening in the thought of his father.

“I know.” Acelain smirked, “But, that isn’t his name, its Sano, Sano Mercier.” Acelain finished.

“Why?”

“Sano means ‘fair’, like I hope him to be one day.” She said evenly keeping Alphonse’s skeptical look, almost as if to say unlike you, at the same time.

“You know he can’t bear my last name, rules.” Alphonse said hoarsely, deeply hurt that his first son couldn’t bear his name until after his term was finished. After that, he would be able to tell him.

“The orphanage will deal with that.” Acelain said softly crying. She sniffed, and wiped her tears with an unwomanly swipe of her forearm. “I’ll write him a letter; swear you’ll give it to him.” She said harshly.

Alphonse’s deep blue eyes saddened. “I won’t be there, when you die, but I promise I will give it to him.” He said, his words seeming to be true, but then again they did 7 years ago.

As a cool breeze stole into the room, Acelain’s face softened.

“Today doesn’t feel like the last day I’ll see you. Gives me a feeling that 5 days from now, when I die, it won’t feel like the day.” She said aggressively, but with a hint of whine at the imperfection. During the war of their generation, a young girl had poisoned Acelain with a dangerous flower and it gives the person about 6 years to live, but Acelain outlived it another year. Crision had won, slightly because of the high degree of poison given off, that the Crision students were immune to. However, the doctors were sure that her last days would be within 5 days now.

That young girl who poisoned her, the most malicious woman to ever have been bred in Crision would grow up to be the representative of East Crision, Marx Pierre Rein’s mother. The war had scarred them both, however with a yin and yang effect, Acelain tried to start an underground coup d’état the following weeks. However, Elliot Mercier put an end to it quickly, by having Genevieve Homé, Acelaine’s younger sister nearly executed. The city of Rafael barely go against law, and traditions except for a few reasonable things, but war is something they take seriously. It’s their way of building a utopia. While Elaina Rein made the training extremely difficult for those going into the battle, and supported the war.

5 days later, Sano’s mother passed away, and the owner of the orphanage left him surname-less, at barely a week old and hand delivered by the deceased mother’s sister. Sano was never to be adopted, the note said, so every single one of the people who filtered in and out were promptly disappointed.



The night wasn’t over, as Estion’s mother Annabellé Janet Le Part double checked her sack. She only brought three outfits, however where she was going no one needed clothes. She was joining the Anti-war league, and she had to break away from her family, even if it was considered a major sin from society. It wouldn’t be that night, but it would be soon.

7 years later:

“What?” Butch Harventhrow, the buff, and well-feed owner of the orphanage barked to the little raven hair colored little boy who kept a pouty face and a mean glare evenly with him.

“You can’t kill that cat.” Sano said his fists on his hips only to keep them off the much older, much bigger man’s face. The man squarely looked at him before spitting out his tobacco with a disgusting snort to try and scare off the fearless young boy.

“Why not? I pay for everything you have.” The man lied, testing the young boy’s courage ruthlessly, when in fact Alphonse Mercier supports the orphanage with 8 million a year. The donation rose more every year, and was always punctually delivered on Sano’s birthday with 10,000 in cash every year just for Sano. Though still, no one caught on.

“Liar.” Sano spouted angrily, his fists shaking now that the man was dangling the hissing and kicking cat over the heavy trash can.

“What did you say, Sano?” The man growled, leaving the cat in his tight pinch, and grabbing Sano’s collar aggressively. The smell of heavy grape juice to cover up smoking hung on the man’s breath like horse poop, because it was all he ever drank to make sure no one found out the owner of a children’s orphanage was an avid smoker.

He lifted Sano off of his feet, desperately gripping the man’s large hands with his own small ones, yet never removing his angry glower towards Butch with his deep blue eyes. Butch’s matted black hair was dirty, not to mention as oily as his face and arms.

“What’s this cat e’er going to do fer me?” He said, breathing purposefully into Sano’s scrunched up nose, making Sano’s lack of breath much more an issue. He was an only inch away, and his eyes turning red from not blinking.

“He can catch rats.” Sano said as a matter-of-factly.

“And what if it’s-a girl? Litters all around! Then what smart guy?” The man asked, shaking Sano a bit, as his voice slurred into the southern France drawl that Sano knew of him well, a small smile forming on his lips.

“You can keep it; just make sure she’s sterile.” The man said, ultimately giving into Sano’s smile of the eyes and lips.

Before even waiting for the man to lower him, or for a cautious look around, Sano jumped for the kitten, grabbing for it in his arms, and falling in a roll forward.

“Kids.” The man spat, rolling his eyes.

“Um…mister,” A young girl said, her eyes flickering up nervously to the large man. “Sano is wanted. B-by Commander A-Alphonse Mercier.” She said, almost bowing, Alphonse already made himself known for his good ethics, strict rule carrying, and kindness, he had won the battle against Crision that year.

“Hello, Sano. You’ll be my perfect little soldier.” The man with dark brown hair in a French braid said, smiling and bending down to talk to the eight years old.

It was when the free, exotic, special bird was first put into his golden cage where he became a soldier all too young.

Sano was forced to leave the orphanage and go to Rafael Boarding school 3 years before everyone else. When he got there, he saw a scowling kid about his size look at him with condescendence. The little boy had jet black hair, he was dressed just like commander, and he even wore the same silly maroon ribbon for a bow tie.

“Now, don’t mind if Estion here is better than you, he’s been here for five months. Training with me, means you two are so special to me.” He grinned.

“Special? You barely even know me,” Sano said, crossing his arms and looking at him with suspiciously. “And, why does Estion keep looking at me?” He whispered.

“He just doesn’t know you very well, just like you don’t know me. But, we have a lot in common, like your attitude when you’re around your little friends.” Grinned Commander, bending down to speak with him; petting the raven colored kitten with a red ribbon around her neck.

“Have you been watching me?” Sano asked, stepping back a little bit.

“I guess you could call it supervising, I’m the one who sent this cat.” He said, still grinning, which made Sano step back even more.

“So you were watching me,” Sano said, trying to test his patience to see what kind of man he was, yet still curious as to why the man strangely looked familiar. “Either way, you’re a bad liar. I saved this kitten, it—“

“Was a ‘stray’ that you just ‘happened’ to come across in the alley on your way to school. You came back to see it, this afternoon, and it was surrounded by real strays. So you saved it.” Commander said finishing what Sano would have said exactly.

As time passed, Sano quickly became better than Estion. His cage grew smaller, as his expectations grew larger, now at 17 trapped in the cage of his life, his feathers molting he could help thinking of Estion, his subordinate really, but should-have-been best friend. Of who he intends to keep under him, so that Estion’s small cage won’t ever have to grow smaller as his expectations grow bigger.

13 years ago:

Annabellé Le Part had just done the unthinkable, the most sinful, and hated acts of Rafael, not only had she went against her parents to marry a man that wasn’t arranged by her parents, but she had a baby with him. Then, when the baby was only 5 years old, she left her husband and child and simply disappeared, without a trace or so much as a garment of remembrance.

The townspeople gathered on the dark cloudy morning as Estion’s father sat on the stage, in a wooden chair. His old face was empty, but a trace of deep sadness crossed his serious face. Estion sat still in his lap, not saying a word. The crowd yelled for them to take the son away and leave him in the lowest alleys. They were cursing and shouting insults to the already gone mother, saying she was worthless and the lowest life form.

Estion’s father sat there, a man as old as he was didn’t need this, but if it meant that he would be let back into society he would do it. If it meant his son would someday be integrated as an equal he would withstand the humiliation.

“People please, have mercy.” The Commander said, before offering to take Estion as his pupil. Astonishing the people, and allowing them to see a glimpse of what kind of man he really was.

His father left him in the care of Alphonse 2 years later.

One bird who knew what it was like to be free, without worry of parental oppression, suddenly brought into a skin tight cage.

Another bird that had no idea what freedom was like, only sorrow as a child, shunned by society until an owner took him under his wing and gave him a cage that he sang his heart out in. Until, a new birdie came, with a smaller cage that didn’t seem to matter if he still stole the attention of his beloved owner.

They became rivals, one wasting time to try and rebel his unknown protector, the other allowing it only so when he’s free, he can set the other one free as well.

Love is not a victory march, it’s a cold, and it’s a broken Hallelujah. All I’ve ever learned from love was to shoot at someone who outdrew you. And, it’s not a cry you can hear at night, it’s not someone who’s seen the light, its cold, and it’s a broken Hallelujah.

The cold air blew in through the slight cracked window, causing Leona to roll over in her bed, closer to her unconsciously tossed away blanket. A surge of energy stormed over her.

She suddenly opened her eyes, who would use that much power late at night? And, why were they traveling at such an accelerated speed? Leona Stanzia had power detection, and could sense when someone with any type of energy was coming her way. She sat up, trying to feel if the energy was familiar or not, if she didn’t know it then she would run to Arrow’s room and wake him.

A small pleasant smile came onto her face when she recognized it; it was a faint one almost invisible then she fell back onto her pillow falling back into much needed sleep. She had recognized whoever was trying to enter the school, and knew they would be of no threat.

Rose Thorn didn’t want to take the Crision train in the middle of the night, in fact any public place sent chills down her germ-phobic back; however she had to bear it. She was nearly a week late to school, and if she was another day late returning Arrow would have her head before he even heard her voice. It was barely 3 in the morning, so no one was really on the train, with left her undisturbed to her thoughts, wistfully thinking of how her return to school would go after she nearly ended Lala’s life last semester. Her pale hands tightened just thinking of it.

“Maybe someday, we can be friends, you and me.” Lala had said. As if Lala was among her height of aristocracy, in fact if Simon Altias hadn’t come quickly to her help, she would have slain that overconfident pest. She hissed from the pit of her throat to the tip of her tongue. To her Lala was a disgusting monster that like many of the girls at school thought was undeserving of the great Arrow. It rubbed her deeply in the wrong place.

Rose composed herself, trying not to think too much of something that angered her so. She ran a cold hand through her bright red hair, contemplating how she would approach Arrow in a way that wouldn’t totally demolish any feelings left over in him.

Who said the smartest girl in Crision never had any problems?

She sighed spitefully, and took her rest against a tree for the night. When the dawn had risen, so had she to the attention of some of the students who spotted her infamous red head that so often phased through walls and into their rooms.

The frozen snow covered the steep hill that only a few days ago Lala Dani’et so robotically was drawn to in her moment of deep grievance. Now there stood, looking over the students of Crision, Rose Thorn a girl whose thorns cut like knives.

The ground on the hill was completely relieved of tracks of anyone ever being there, since Rose had the power of phasing, the ability to go through solid objects. Her dark green eyes roamed carefully over the innocently passing students, standing in the insufficient school uniform. Her eccentric eyes tracing each student as she observed them, it twitched at the sight of close friendship, and flickered alive at maliciousness. Rose, a girl who one never knew was coming.

She took one bold step forward, calculating each move, and walked down the hill.

By the time she was rejoined with the students, they moved along not even asking of her health, they just passed along her. Rose watched each one of them, but said nothing. Rose, the girl who would take you down first, then ask her questions later.

“You’re late.” Arrow said, frowning as he looked at her.

“You noticed, why, did you miss me?” She asked suspiciously, her eye brow rising in curiosity, Arrow’s expression didn’t change.

“You know I’m allowed to be.” She said, with a faint smug look on her face.

“No one is allowed to be late returning to school.” Arrow said crossly, but he was used to her egotistical antics and theories. He more tolerated it, than didn’t.

“Aw come on.” She whined, grasping his hands in a faux act of shallowness and cute persuasion. “Be lenient for once.” Arrow sighed and then finally nodded, just as she expected his weary patience to do.

“There are two new students. Both of them underage.” He muttered, not looking at her, and facing forward as he watched the students stiffen themselves as they passed the two considerably most dangerous students. Last year, whenever the two were in the same room talking and collaborating, a more Machiavellian, tedious challenge was birthed.

“Really?” She said, actually surprised Arrow let them in to the special school.

“One of them…is Lala’s sister.”Arrow said deciding it was a matter of important detail; Rose often beleaguered him for not telling the smartest student at Crision everything.

“You’re joking!” She said, looking in his face with hot anger. Arrow’s eyes were nonchalant at this; Rose always had jealousy issues with things that had to do with him and Lala. In her mind, Lala dropped out the sky and stole her chance at love.

Rose didn’t dare accuse him of doing it personally, she kept quiet; the young girl must be good. Rose knew Arrow well, and a situation like that deserves complete, unbiased focus in order to have the best outcome.

Rose sighed in disappointment.

“Think of it this way, if Danni dies, then Lala can only hate me.” Arrow said casually, as if he was willing to sacrifice his relationship with Lala to protect her from blaming herself.

Rose made a fist out of fury, unlike Elizabeth who would just keep it bottled in; she went in front of him.

“I dare her to ever blame you for anything. She’s nothing but a brat.” Rose practically shouted. She expected the full brunt of Arrow’s anger, after she was about the only one to be able to handle it safely, but his expression remained the same, as if he was the one with innate capabilities.

If there was anyone else that Arrow felt comfortable with it was Rose, she had brilliance enough to know how to deal with him.

“Her sister seems to be keeping a relatively calm expression, but I’ve seen the hungry look in her eyes, it’s only for retribution. So I instructed Lala, Elizabeth, and Marx to let her know that she isn’t allowed here if it’s only to badger Lala. She’s distracting herself and Lala. Which is an endangerment to the whole battle.”Arrow said, rattling off as if he contemplated this deeply, but Arrow rarely ever contemplated something that was almost completely battle unrelated.

“Kick her out.” Rose spat, wanting Lala to feel complete sorrow, the same sorrow she felt when Arrow began to date Lala. In her mind Arrow wasn’t serious with the relationship, there was a thick line between just-for-fun, and serious commitment.

Arrow said nothing, staring long enough down the hall to let Rose know someone was heading their way. Rose turned to start walking away, but Leona called out her name.

“Hi! I thought I felt you coming to school this morning.” She said, swinging her arms around the red head. Rose growled a bit under her breath, but Leona didn’t move. She obviously waited for Arrow to in some way acknowledge her.

“How does she keep gaining weight?” Rose said in her mind, before peeling Leona off of her, who surprisingly was nearly grinning at Arrow who didn’t make eye contact.

“Good morning, Captain.” Leona said with a smile, Arrow nodded at her, but said nothing in real acknowledgement. Leona’s face made a soured expression, and for a second she actually looked sad, but as Arrow made an attempt to do something, she turned around and began to walk away.

“She’s no real threat, that is, until Arrow learns pity.” Rose thought, watching the larger girl go back to her favorite place, the computer lab.

“Leona!” Marx called once his eyes met her, he ran to her, lifting her by her legs and swinging her over his shoulders.

“Don’t touch me!” Leona cried, slamming her fists into Marx’s back.

“So where is the girl in question from earlier, Lala I mean.”Rose asked, her voice much less agitated from before, resorting to her much cooler physique.

“Don’t ask me.” Arrow said, walking away finally.

“Arrow wait up!”

It had been a whole day, one entirely unacceptable day that Lala hadn’t spoken to Arrow. In her defense it wasn’t her fault that she didn’t have time; however, no one expected, not even Arrow that it would make Arrow lose so much focus that classes under him were cancelled for him to find her. Though the kids cherished the moment, it was short lived because Simon and Archer filled in for him with eager. So it was only cut short by 10 minutes.

“Where are you?” He thought, quickly moving down the halls as if he were on a very important mission. Lala hadn’t been seen all day, it wasn’t surprising all last semester she would be off somewhere and only Arrow would know where. This time he suspected Elizabeth only knew, but she obviously was avoiding him. Which in her right mind she should have thought more not to do, because he was becoming more than slightly upset at it.

Normally, Lala not being there didn’t affect Arrow’s performance, but it was a year and a half until the battle, and on this day 16 years ago Rafael student nearly killed their opposite of not wanting wait until the battle.

Danni stood at attention in the nearly empty hallway, her face serious and almost austere as her dark brown eyes bore into Arrow’s golden-orange ones. Arrow Creed had just innocently been passing through, but the instant shape up brought a bright touch to the beginning of his early day. When he finished passing, she let out a breath expecting a repeated reprimand of the speech from yesterday.

Danni turned on her heels, and walked into her room. She ran a hand through her hair, nearly slipping out of her school uniform skirt, leaving her bare in small black shorts, until she remembered Jamie. She wore a warm orange sweater vest over a white shirt with an orange ribbon for a tie, moving tip toe across the room sure not to wake Jamie who lay haphazardly across the bed. Once she got to the bathroom, she let out another emotional sigh as she stood parallel to the messy sink that was discolored with strange liquid.

“Jamie…” She growled.

As if on cue, the boy in thought came through the door, wiping the corner of his eye with his long sleeve crème pajama pants.

“Good morning…roommate.” He smiled his grin a stark contrast to Danni’s frown. As if he read her mind, he lowered his head, and ruffled it, revealing a hidden smirk on his face. His tanned skin was now a soft vanilla, which meant he had used one of the power aid that often made people with weak stomachs throw up. They had both done their research, Danni a bit more thoroughly than Benjamin.

“Anyway, today is our first real day of SB Stimulated Battle.” Danni said, referring to the very same day she became an insomniac to, she woke up 3 hours early upon lack of sleep, and decided to tour the school by herself, running into Arrow who apparently took inventory of the students in the early mornings. She couldn’t help but admit to herself she was a bit apprehensive.

Jamie yawned, obviously not affected by the seriousness of Stimulated Battle day which came once a week.

“I doubt we’ll have one, Arrow has lost his edge,” Jamie said knowingly, as he began to clean up the mess he made.

Danni’s instant furrow of the brows made it clear that Jamie and Marx’s secret was kept that way. She kept her breath low, so she didn’t have to inhale the inside of Jamie.

“What do you mean lost his edge?” She probed anyway, slightly expecting Jamie to tell her. Jamie obviously wasn’t feeling as social as he was yesterday, because he just smiled at her saying nothing.

Danni shrugged it off, if it meant she had an extra day to prepare, great.



“Where is he?” Lala thought impatiently, Marx had ordered her to stay the night in the forest so they could do a private battle stimulation practice to learn how to defend themselves should a Rafael student try anything of that nature. Clearly it was morning now, and either Marx hadn’t found her, or he simply left her there as some sort of practical joke. The quiet sounds of nature was soothing, but somewhat boring after a night posted awake next to a tree. Sure, she saw the cutest squirrel known to man, but she still was worried about catching some sort of cold. She at least dressed prepared, with full length dark blue skinny jeans and a big white parka. Lala also had a sleeping bag and morning supplies but this was ridiculous. When she got off the floor, she stretched her back, leaning backwards.

“Oh!” She said in surprise when she saw Marx carrying Leona over his shoulder.

“I was worried you left me here for no reason.” Lala said, smiling in some sort of apology.

“You’re too gullible my love.” Thought Marx, but he smiled innocently claiming to have been looking nearly all night for her.

“Lala! People have been looking for you all morning. Also yesterday night too, come to think of it.” Leona said, almost forgetting her situation completely. Marx set her down, and Leona informed her that Rose had returned.

“Really?” Lala said simply, as if there was no surprise in that. Of course she remembered the day Rose attacked her, and if she did it again, Lala would still refuse to hit back she would just dodge as much as she did last time. There was no point for unnecessary violence with her.

“So Marx, are we going to train today?” She smiled, nudging him softly; he touched her hand, and smiled an apology.

“Actually…no. I have another set of plans. In fact, yesterday I only wanted to see the extent of your loyalty. Sorry.” Marx said not looking at her.

“So I spent…all night…” She said without emotion, staring.

“You’re too nice.” Marx smiled at her.

Lala looked shocked, but no serious ill-tempered emotion. She couldn’t help feel sour inside, she had been so easily tricked.

“You’re a legitimate monster.” Leona scoffed in disbelief, what kind of friend would do that?

“Monster? I love Lala, it’s just that, I was curious…”Marx said somewhat innocently, as if he mean no ill will, but it still came across strongly that he had toyed with her safety.

“Some friend you are, if that’s your show of loving someone, never love me.” Leona said, feeling like she should be the one to set Marx straight. She knew Lala wouldn’t.

She was wrong.

In a way, Lala moved away from Marx with slight anger, it was just a cold shoulder, still it was that made his heart stop.

Lala had to walk quickly to her dorm before she burst into tears. It was only a hallway away anyway, so she let her eyes well up once she made sure no one was around. The moment she turned the corner she bumped into something warm, and familiar.

“Lala?” A voice breathed softly.

Lala didn’t dare open her eyes, if Arrow knew she was crying she was afraid of what it might bring. She just nodded at him.

“Are you alright?” He asked inevitably once her eyes didn’t open. She just stood there, eyes closed, and lip bitten to keep from trembling.

She nodded again, but he laid a warm, gentle kiss on her cheek that made a tear escape. He could feel the salty water touch his lips, smelling its warmth and liquid as he stared at her, not removing his lips, yet.

Leona passed them by her face covered with vivid interest, but she didn’t have the gall to stop and publicly eavesdrop so she listened from the corner of the hallway.

“Why are you crying?” He asked half concern.

Lala crossed her arms, as if to say that he could do whatever he wanted, and she wouldn’t budge and tell him.

“Tell me, where you’ve been at least. It isn’t safe for you to just wander off somewhere. You know what happened 16 years ago, you aren’t even strong enough to last against your opposite just yet, nor anyone else’s for that matter.”Arrow said with some truth in his words, though it’s clear she would be able to outrun them. She gained remarkable speed when the former captain made her train to become faster and faster every day.

“I am not weak. The strongest people in the world have cried before it’s not weakness you know! It’s a strength!” She cried out loud, nearly yelling at him, tired of everyone pegging her as weak and unworthy.

“Alright, tell that to a Rafael student, and see if they won’t slaughter you!” Arrow shouted back, his words stinging with insult; it was so ferocious that Lala opened her eyes gasping.

“I mean, what logic is that? Why do you so badly want to be killed?” He nearly whispered in desperation.

“I don’t want to be killed. How could you say that?” Lala said hurt by his assumption she didn’t value her own life.

“Well you aren’t acting like you badly want it.” He spat, crossing his arms and looking away.

“Just because I don’t hurt others to that get in my way, and demolish any who dare to dream my own dreams, doesn’t mean I’m not a survivor.” Lala said, suddenly tired of fighting with him.

“Then prove it.” He said boldly looking at her, becoming Captain in the flash of his eyes, no longer the comfortable boy she fell in love with. In fact, she never felt so uncomfortable around him.

“I need time alone.” She said slowly, and quietly, slipping past him. Lala went inside of her room, not saying a word.

The sorrow that hit her was like crashing into a wall of water, and having it swamp you with memories that stung like jelly fish carried from the tide. All of her emotions were sadness that refused to go away. Taunting her of her weakness, of her inability to just phase through tough situations, like Rose does solid objects, and reminding her loudly she was much too sentimental to do that. A cry inside of her pinged, it was a memory—of when she first laid eyes on Danni.

Lala was merely seven when her younger sister was brought into the world, Danni kept snug in a blanket, completely unsuspecting of the world around her. Though Lala was but a child, she had known hardship more than she cared to give thought to. She was hoping silently that Danni wasn’t real, that she wouldn’t have to grow up in their soldier home, the shattered place that they dared to call a house—and the family so separated it wasn’t a family much at all except for blood.

Lala knew Danni’s fate that awaited her like a red curtain ready to finish off a performance. Danni’s life was to be limited, just like Lala’s was.

The look of compassion stricken on Lala’s face brought her into question with the most frightful one of all of the Dani’ets—her mother. Though she didn’t say a word, the cold glance of threat that exuded from her eyes was enough to make Lala keep her distance. It was a silent fact that Lala was liked least within the entire family, but disliked more publicly shown by her own mother. Lala was possibly a mistake, literally.

By myth, Rafael student had traveled to Africa on a safari trip, and had done illicit things with her mother, and bore Lala. Which was why Lala could control water, and heal herself when she was injured. The Rafael student had come back years later when Lala’s ability was well known, and asked her mother if she could join them.

However, days before her eldest brother came home with a gift from Crision, inviting Lala there on scholarship. It had already been accepted.

Lala was incredibly intelligent; one had to be when all she had to comfort her was her studies when she didn’t feel strong enough to bear isolation from her family. Even when Danni had turned five, she wasn’t naïve enough to know that Lala wasn’t treated like the rest, though practically everyone had their own business to attend to. She was excluded from dinner sometimes; the rest would just begin it, and even consume it all before she had a chance to even know what it was. That pain drove her into accepting Crision without question.

There almost wasn’t consent from her parents; they didn’t tell her what they thought. The only who even seemed mildly interested was her father. Then again, he thought himself to be the leader of their tiny town, and had to know the business of his kingdom.

Arrow stood by the door, gazing at her beauty. Her bright brown eyes reflecting the snow at the bottom, making a milky caramel color at the bottom. The paint on her face, turned a pale pink from the outside light. She sat at the edge of the middle of the bed elegantly, her legs crossed and her elbow on her leg, with her hand upholding her chin.

Arrow sat down closely next to her, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear to gaze more at her. “I didn’t mean that.” He said softly, in her ear.

“Yes, you did, of course you did. You’re the only person I know that says exactly what he means most of the time.” Lala scoffed, her eyes glossy with tears.

“I meant about you being weak—I’ve seen you, how strong you are. Until, it all overwhelms you, all the pressure is finally shown on your face.”

Lala loosened herself, and unwrapped her womanly pose.

“Well, I must prepare for dinner, as Captain.”Arrow said reminding himself mentally that he had to dress out of uniform into the formal Captain’s wear tonight. They would be celebrating the arrival of Rose, a Crision Elite, which means it would be a banquet.

Arrow stood and made his way to the door.

“Take care of yourself for me.”

Leona’s ears were sure to pop of out of place. “Had they just broken up?” She raced excitedly in her mind.

“Are you sure?”Rose asked harshly, crashing Leona against the wall in a flurry of slight madness. Her hands filled with fistful’s of Leona’s shirt, as she gripped them, giving Leona a deadly look to be completely sure or else.

“Yes, Arrow is completely available, but you have to play your cards right if you want him so badly. He didn’t look too fazed by it.” Leona said strained, as Rose lowered her to the ground.

The news hit Crision in a way that seemed to bring it up to pace as the city, traveling to everyone’s ear as if it were simultaneously heard over an intercom. Rose never felt so elated, however it was Elizabeth who knew to take this slowly, and Leona was filled with hope.

Dinner was convivial for once, and not the formality of the nightly banquet, though it wasn’t called a banquet each night. It should have been called so, it would be more appropriate seeing as though the expensive food drinks, and even atmosphere of the Banquet Hall was also their usual dinner hall. Nothing had changed.

The usual mood of it was that of mere gathering, everyone would be much too tired and exhausted to even want to pick up their food and chew on it. It wasn’t every night that juicy gossip touched the ears and mouths of the students.

Even with the loud talking it still managed to seem nonexistent in the eyes of Arrow and Lala who sat on opposite ends of the dining room.

It was an extravagant room, a vast white room littered in gold colors and royal blue flowers. It more to the likes of a wealthy Gala in a king’s castle than an Academy banquet hall. Still, Crision afforded its affluent students the best.

“You’re free?” Simon blurted out, followed by a strict etiquette reprimand by his brother who was equally as shocked.

Lala looked at them with curiosity, but nodded out of politeness. She had thought they meant as a person, not single in relationship.

Rose passed them with an actual smile; Lala became human for once in her eyes, she was happy enough to almost call her a friend. By the time she sat down it was next to Arrow who had his usual Captain’s food of expensive soup, caviar, pasta, and healthy meat, and other comestibles of food that made it look more like a feast than meal. Rose’s eye brow rose, surprised it was still there with 20 minutes into dinner.

“Are you alright?” She asked softly, in a concerned way, patting his back. He grabbed her arm, and moved it away.

Arrow was just earlier in a heated mood as talk of a rebellion from the underclassmen soon to arise finally came to his attention. Usually, he’d be glad for it, a chance to toughen them with the harshest punishments his mind could even reach out of the box to think of. However, it was much too close to the battle, to deal with pesky students.

“Not right now, save your etiquette for when I can take it.” He muttered rudely, it came as no surprise, even expected at Rose’s expense. For a different reasons.

“Okay.” She smiled.

“I’m sorry, I just feel so angry right now, and I feel like at any moment I’m going to go into blind rage at the younger students.” He confessed, his voice softer and less heated.

“No problem, I can handle it remember?” Rose said softly squeezing hands.

He nodded, looking at her through the corner of his eyes. It didn’t help that the Captain had to sit in the middle of the commons room, the object of everyone’s attention.

“Are you crazy?!” Marx nearly shouted at Lala, as if she just made a huge mistake.

“What? She’s allowed to break up with him.” Archer said rather defensively.

“He’s always been there for you and after one little fight you just can’t take it anymore. Arrow has kept you here not on whim, but because he sees you as a strong contender. He’s been running everywhere just to find you, and without a second thought of it, you chastise him for caring about you and trying to make you a stronger person. I hate yelling at you, but if it’s to help Arrow regain what he loves the most, fine.” Marx said boldly. Ultimately achieving the epitome of insanity in Lala’s mind.

“What?” Lala said, nearly spitting out apple cider. “Arrow and I never broke up.” She corrected them.

“You should let Rose know that.”Marx said, half laughing, his angry mood traded for a light companionship grin.

“Can I talk to you, Arrow?” Lala asked.

Arrow smiled upon hearing her voice, nodded without consideration of Rose’s company, Rose’s dangerous company.

“It seems as if the Academy is under the impression we’ve broken up.” Lala said cutting right to the chase, her lips making a smile at him.

Arrow chuckled heartily.

“Should we let them know we haven’t?”Lala asked mischievously.

“Or show them.”

Arrow kissed her, it was soft and fair to the audience that paused all activity.

“That’s should end it.”Arrow said softly, his breath on her lips, before he pressed his own against hers for a small kiss, in his act of mischievousness.

Once he pulled away, not only was the room suddenly not quiet and staring any more, but nervously went back to whatever they were previously doing, worried Arrow’s eyes would come across theirs. It didn’t, his red-orange orbs remained on Lala’s bright brown ones that looked blissful and happy.

Rose wasn’t fuming, but she had seen enough. It felt like a pressure was off of her when Arrow and Lala weren’t dating, but when they were again it still felt light, if not lighter. The smartest girl finally figured out why he loved Lala so much. She was a humble, free spirit, and a loving human being that wasn’t cursed with impulsive actions regularly and had feelings.

In fact, the person who seemed heartbroken was Leona who left the room without finishing her food, which was eaten up quickly by Marx. Lala sat down on Arrow’s lap, helping him to actually finish his food for once.

Crision

3 Years Ago

Chills ran down Lala’s back as she sat on the floor shaking while she stretched, not even staring at Elizabeth and Arrow like Marx dared to do. In fact Marx, was interested in Arrow and Elizabeth’s different warm ups for their fight against them. Elizabeth was meditating it seemed, she was against the wall, just breathing deeply. No nerves at all. Arrow was glowing as usual during his pre-fight warm ups, he was punching air, but the impact looked real. As if there was a wall where he was punching, his fist flashed with flames.

Just then, Lala stood up for her warm ups, she managed to put on her fighting gloves that were black fingerless and was open on the back. Lala was wary to protect her knuckles in case she needed to punch. After Kinston Strider turned to stone when she punched him during simulation she made it a habit to wear it.

Before Marx knew it she was doing her ballet with light streaks whipping around her like visible wind made of light, trailing her every move as she danced around.

He just stared at his battle opponents. He was silently watching Arrow stop when Lala began her lithe light dance, for a long moment before glowing a soft orange again, and punching the air. Every single blow looked harder and more dangerous, obviously for Marx.

When Elizabeth looked to be needing help, every single time they did this battle simulation against Captain and Leader Jr., Arrow always went for him if Marx’s partner was a female. Still, he didn’t regret choosing Lala as his partner. In fact he thrilled to finally be at her side, watching her graceful body maneuver to him and dance with him. He had no reason for dancing with her, other than trying not to focus on Arrow.

Elizabeth looked up when the bell rang for them to finish up their warm ups in five minutes. She wasn’t nervous, but she could tell Marx was going to gun for her; it was almost as if he was excited to fight her for a change. Lala was complaining about always getting it easy, and decided she would face Arrow. It seemed absurd, but they all silently knew Arrow wouldn’t go all out on her, in fear of their relationship.

Lala stopped dancing suddenly, looking at Elizabeth as she began to stretch, she seemed calmed and relaxed, not even a bit jittery. Marx took Lala’s hand and gave it a little squeeze. “We’ll be fine, I promise you.” He said gently trying not to alarm her by suddenly talking. Arrow was all the way across the room, but the sight of them holding hands made it seem like there was no background but Marx’s fingers laced with Lala’s. Normally, he would discard this, but since it was battle simulation he could punch Marx all the harder—burn him if he wanted to. Arrow wasn’t that type of person, but it was just a notion.

Lala took a deep breath that called alive every nerve, and let it all go, trusting Marx’s words. They separated until they were across their battle partner. Lala’s stomach went hard, and she could feel her knees threatening to fall apart. Her fist tightened, and she didn’t want to do this any longer, she begged to be normal though she pretended she was fine now. She began to back up, but there was no way out of this.

“Do you want a change in partners?”Arrow asked loudly, but Lala still shook her head no. She’d rather be beaten by a long shot and feel the full brunt of it, then make Marx face it again. Arrow frowned, and he looked at the clock counting down the two minutes left.

“Lala are you sure you don’t want to face Elizabeth?”He said. Elizabeth felt his words rub her the wrong way, and she surged in anger, if this was the actual battle the Rafael would have no such consideration.

“I wouldn’t have any mercy on her.”She said, loud enough for it to reach Lala’s ears, Marx’s eye brows rose enjoying the last minute drama.

Lala was wordless.

1:56.

Lala felt cold all of a sudden, and shiver after shiver crawled over her body. She breathed ruggedly repeatedly, but nothing helped she was shaking. What if, what if she had been born normal?

Warmth overcame her at the thought, and imaginary images and movements of her soaking in the sun as she played with Danni, no worries but the weekday would be starting the next day, meaning school. Here, that was nothing compared to the physical pain of simulation day.

“Don’t think about it, you can do this Lala, just don’t think—do it. Anything, there is no such thing as a cowardice spot, aim everywhere.” Marx said as if he was referring to a hated enemy instead of a friend. She nodded, though it meant nothing to her body.

1:30.

She gasped, and froze still.

“Lala don’t think, just don’t think! Aim for anywhere you know will hurt!” Marx yelled as if she had problems hearing, his voice cut in like a knife. Finally, she felt her body relax at his words and she exhaled with her eyes closed. When they opened them again, they were set on Elizabeth with raw fire in her honey colored eyes.

Marx felt proud of her, as if she was his girl instead of Arrow’s. Still, he felt that way about every woman, so it practically meant nothing.

One minute.

Lala was exited. She actually felt the rush and adrenalines of fight and survival rush her, no medicine needed like Rafael. They used an injection to keep from sleeping and making them aware of nearly everything.

Arrow’s eyes narrowed on her, and suddenly she wasn’t even his girlfriend in his eyes. She couldn’t be, it was for her future safety. No emotions, not even anger because he knew he’d regret it later.

“Elizabeth, don’t you dare go easy on me, babe!” Marx smirked, winking at her, even licking his bottom lip enough for her to growl and tighten her fist.

“Aw are you mad, babe? Didn’t you just meditate right there, goodness you chicks can’t do a thing right. Don’t know squat do you?”He laughed, his voice haughty and increasingly obnoxious, but it didn’t excuse her body from drinking his words like water down a thirsty throat. The type of feeling that made her realize she could beat him to a pulp without getting in trouble, making him eat his dirty words.

“What’s the matter honey, can’t take a man’s words?”He taunted still, grating on even Arrow’s nerves. Lala enjoyed listening to his smooth voice sound just like a young man, she found his licks and pretend kisses amusing and quite funny.

Elizabeth’s eyes watered just from her anger, she felt her body inch forward to hit him, prematurely. She almost couldn’t wait to sink her fist deep into that big mouth. If she disliked anything it’s being as strong and fierce as she is, but yet not being recognized as such just another chick or babe who run after boys like they were their very air.

29 seconds.

“Are you that much of girl that you’re going to cry about this? Are you sure you don’t want to change partners?”Teased Marx ruthlessly, Elizabeth needed one more air kiss to do it, she begged him on the inside. He knew so, and licked his lips.

“Bring it, girlie, I’ve met pansy boys who could control their anger better than you.”He said, as if he didn’t even care about fighting anymore, as if it was his opportunity to humiliate her in front of Arrow. That made her blood boil, he teased her like she wasn’t Leader Jr.

12 seconds.

“Babe.” He said, that’s all it took. Elizabeth ran over to him faster than she’s ever has, luckily Arrow held her back by her arms as she tried to hit him.

“Say it to my face won’t you! Don’t be pansy I’m right here, say it!”She yelled, falling almost too easily for his tricks. Still, with her off her game let Lala get the advantage.

7 seconds.

“Babe.”Marx said, Elizabeth almost broke loose from Arrow’s hold if he didn’t threaten to punish her if she didn’t calm herself for seven seconds. She stood up straight, staring at the clock with such a fierce glare for not moving fast enough.

Five…four…three…two...one…

Marx jumped back, far enough to dodge Elizabeth’s sonic scream that came out first, but it followed him until it got a direct hit. The waves penetrated deep into his ears, and he felt himself go deaf. Marx felt his skin prickle and become numb, as he grabbed his ears. Elizabeth charged at him with a punch.

Lala couldn’t dodge Arrow’s punch fast enough, and the connection of his hot, stone-like knuckles and her soft cheek was enough for her bone to crack. She couldn’t even scream, or pay attention enough to dodge his punch to the stomach that made her almost puke over his arm.

There were no time outs.

She couldn’t stand up, but she moved at the last second for a fire blast he sent from his palm. It scorched the tip of her ear. She could scream then, but it was a warrior’s cry that was enough to pause him for a moment, as she moved the light from his eyes. Leaving him in darkness.

He stood up straight, using his ears to place sounds with estimated movements, he ran towards her at an incredible rate, she brought the light back to pause him, and gave him her best punch to the corner of his eye. It worked enough for her to jump back again, and give him a side kick to the top of his cheek that wasn’t nearly as damaging as his punch, but was enough to even the amount of hits.

Marx stumbled to his feet, looking around for Elizabeth as if he was drunk, and couldn’t remove his hands ears.

“There you are…”He growled when he saw the image of a clear ground, slightly move to the right. He grabbed loosely, but he didn’t have to pull her to her feet—he froze her, completely.

He stood up straight, looking at the ice sculpture in admiration, as he moved his head from side to side in a relaxed stretch.

Lala didn’t relent on her punches and kicks, alternating them in no formal pattern, yet Arrow was able to dodge her, and even sneak a few hits in where he knew it would hurt her. Typically, any person with a slightly raw survival instinct would use her girlfriend appeal on him, but she wanted a fair fight. He lunged a deep punch at her, that she barely dodged, but she didn’t have to, because he used his other hand to catch her head and that was it. He shut down the heat in her body, throwing her body into shock as she crumbled from her stance.



Some say fire verses ice is the greatest battle, but that’s only if it was professionally mastered, which neither of the two accomplished. Which made their nerves jump alive with excitement as they caught each other’s eyes.

“No mercy.”They said at the same time.

Marx asked for an interval to move the girls away, however Arrow meant it when he said “no mercy” because he drew out heat fibers from the air to make an arrow and bow. Marx mimicked him in ice, they were a good distance away, and any close clash could very much well end the simulation which one of them needed to be conscious for.

That didn’t stop Marx from freezing the ground to distract Arrow into having his feet frozen stuck for a moment, because he just melted it with a snap of his fingers. Marx was in his face for a moment, before he froze his forehead and sent it directly into Arrow’s. Upon impact it melted, and Arrow moved back, unharmed.

He was captain for a reason.

Marx was a bit agitated; it still felt as if they were playing around because “no mercy” had nothing to do with the rules and obligations of withholding one’s strength during school. They were strict about that ever since one student lost their powers after exerting too much energy.

Marx felt his power surge through him, and he made himself so frozen, he was nearly metallic. However, he knew one or two snaps from Arrow could make it all nothing.

Arrow was gone in the blink of an eye, and had Marx up against the wall by his throat, a smirk planted on his lips. Marx tried to freeze himself, but Arrow’s orange-red eyes so alive and almost playful made him distracted to no end until he felt Arrow’s crushing punch come in contact with his organs as if he tore through all flesh and was feeling his organs for himself.

A spurt of blood flew from his lips, and unto Arrow’s arm. Arrow didn’t retreat; in fact his arm went back for another punch. Marx said nothing, but froze Arrow for a moment, long enough to lose his tight grasp. He knew he couldn’t get to Arrow’s weakness properly, and had been trying vehemently to find one other than outrun him, this was an enclosed place, all he had to do is heat the fibers until it was unbearable for Marx to run any longer. Still, he punched Arrow in the chest with every ounce of strength he had left, which wasn’t much, but obviously hurt quite a bit for Arrow to try and finish the job quickly. Since Marx was a poisons expert, he reached into his pocket and threw a crystal that overrides the human body slowly, into Arrow’s skin the same time Arrow performed the same thing he did on Lala on him.

He felt his body grow colder since Arrow was stealing heat fibers, but the warm blood that rushed to his heart was fleeting too, until he went into shock himself. His eye sight fled him, and he felt himself fall down.

Present Day

Lala could smell the stench of power, reeking over Arrow as she stood across from him, had this been like three years ago when they last faced off, she might have been trembling. Today, she was different, bolder and wiser. She would not lose so easily, she had grown, but somewhat unfortunately so had Arrow. Her eyes narrowed on his crimson-orange eyes that looked at her deeply, and there was a trace of a smile upon his lips.

Lala knew she shouldn’t dare try and toy with the notion of actually beating the Captain of Crision with a stainless reputation; however the unfathomable fame it would bring lifted her soul. If she could only give him a run for his money, you see, Lala was one of those people who had a thing called hope in her that never seemed to leave her side. This time she was determined, she would beat Arrow, even if she had to break each bone to do so.

Marx was exerting cold air and vapor, clenching, and then unclenching his fists. His skin was very light blue, so Lala could tell it was well below freezing inside his body. She didn’t challenge her curiosity to touch him, she wasn’t 13 anymore, and one touch would easily freeze her — end of story. That made her shudder, if Marx had gotten this strong already; it was a real worry of what Arrow had become. Arrow’s superior training made the extensively grueling work out the upperclassmen did look like child’s play. However, even he has his limits, and with one step too far, his body will remain a maximum heat all day, excluded from civilization because when Arrow got sick, his temperature rose to a certain degree equal to that of times two what normal human’s extreme limits their bodies can bear. Lala can only imagine the pain he must go through, because every single one of his senses is heightened, and most didn’t dare call his name for attention in fear of having his hazel-orange eyes find themselves upon their eyes. He didn’t look human, his speed increased so much that he could easily keep up with Simon who was nearly triple the speed of a cheetah because of Crision training. The only people not terrified of his state are Lala and Elizabeth. Suddenly, victory seemed more farfetched than ever if Arrow decided she was worth pushing his body to the limit for to fight against.

Marx stood next to her, looking at the now poised, and well controlled Elizabeth who far differed from the 13 year old he faced so long ago. She was still Leader Jr., the first female in over five years to do it, and the first female to actually stay Leader Jr. Marx smirked at her, slightly impressed at her. They stood across from each other, no warm ups, no clock to tell them when to begin.

Each side waited patiently for the other to strike, they looked at each other in slight anticipation, and any sudden movements could trigger the fight at any moment. It wouldn’t be a wild brawl, but the first person to strike would face their opposing person without help, and the other two would watch from across the room. It’s wasn’t like they didn’t dare to make any sudden movements, it was common curtsey by now.

Arrow’s head titled upwards in a smirk Lala playfully felt the urge to knock right off him; it didn’t need words for her to lung forth at him. He jumped back, not afraid to use his famous speed, in seconds he was behind her, hooking the crook of his elbow around her neck.

Marx and Elizabeth jumped back, and sped along the walls quickly until they reached the other side safely. Lala also had gotten much faster, so by the time they made it, she was out of his hold and a clash of light nearly blinded them because of Arrow’s heated fist vs. her light fist. They both glowed, Arrow a light red, and Lala a bright light. Their hair wasn’t as neat and tidy anymore, in fact the man-made wind was taking it all over the place.

They moved back, and began to run alongside each other, faster than they’ve ever gone. It was hard to trace them, so one had to look ahead all the time, so they could catch glimpses. Lala traveled up the wall, and lightly pushed herself off, belly up, and landed on her hands in hand stand just to have Arrow follow her, and she jumped back, going for a punch that Arrow caught.

Arrow tightened his fist, his eyes flashing and mouth making an actual smile for once.

“You’ve gotten much stronger.” He began, smiling carefully at her, the memory of his smile ran through her head like a kneading of thread her fingers caressed—it was the same one he gave her little sister. “However,” He continued tightening it even further, enough to make Lala hiss and aim for another punch that was fast, and he had to work to catch it in time, it grazed his cheek—but he still caught it by his ear. He pushed Lala back, with her hands still in his, but she resisted moving him back into a power struggle.

Lala knew that he would catch both hands, which meant that he wouldn’t be able to snap his fingers and make fiery arrows. All it took was keeping it that way. She tried to knee him in the stomach, but he brought it up at the same time as her, as if he was already a step ahead. He moved his hand away, or at least tried to, because Lala’s hand followed him—her caramel brown eyes tracing his as he looked from her hands to her eyes in a brief moment of mystified confusion. He smirked at her, and began to lift her up. Lala waited until her legs were in the air, before twisting down, and landing on her fours. The pain was miserable, but it was better than Arrow throwing her down.

“I’m still much stronger.”He finished, as if to taunt her with that smirk. Lala got up, her arm in serious pain, stumbled back trying not to show much damage. It didn’t matter, because in a long blink of an eye, she was healed.

“Are you sure of that?”She asked, before charging at him with a punch he dodged with little difficulty.

“Positive, how about we stop playing around, and get to real fighting?”He asked, his playful smirk gone, and his body heating.

“No restraints?” Lala asked, as if she was the stronger one. He didn’t answer, the snap of his fingers were enough to tell her that he wasn’t even thinking of restraints. Before she knew it, Arrow’s fire clone, was holding her by her arms. She separated her shadow from her body, and went to the real Arrow who was going to punch her.

He paused for a moment, before receding back; it would have done him no good to punch the shadow though it was solid. Lala wouldn’t feel it; it was just a distraction attempt.

“What’s the matter, Arrow, can’t hit a shadow?” Lala’s shadow said pompously, charging straight for him with a punch to his face that failed to connect because the fire clone Arrow had snapped his fingers and sent fire arrows down for them to dodge. The real Lala tried to writhe her way out, but it was no use that way, so she turned around, and lifted the fire Arrow on her back, not caring if it was burning her back. She knew those arrows would be far worse and makes the Arrow clone look like a candle compared to a flame thrower.

It disappeared, leaving her bare.

Lala hadn’t done this before, and wasn’t sure it would work, but she took the light out of the fire arrows. It took much concentration she barely had, because the real Arrow was lurking around somewhere. She had her answer when the fire arrow didn’t burn through her skin. However, the energy attack Arrow flew at her did, hitting her directly in the stomach. Lala recovered herself, and looked for Arrow who was going at an incredible speed towards her, before he punched her stomach, then back, grabbing her arms and crashing her into the wall. For Arrow, this was child’s play, and with Lala he couldn’t take it upon himself to not hold back. The look she had every time she felt pain was nearly unbearable. Lala didn’t crumple to the floor; instead she used the wall to support her as she tried to catch her breath.

Arrow snapped his fingers to end it, sending down another batch of fire arrows. Lala winced looking up, and took out the light as if she was used to doing it, however this one traveled far faster than the other ones, and were much hotter. She screamed.

Arrow’s eyes dilated, and he froze. The sound was as if someone took their time crawling a knife deep within her, and he didn’t dare to look at her face. Lala was panting when she was done, and when he did dare to look at her, she was lying on the floor, her eyes dull and staring with a tear going over the bridge of her small nose.

He picked her up, but she pushed him off, “I’m not done.” She said through her teeth. Her breath was shattered, and the pieces were stuck in the emotional clog that clouded her throat as she tried not to cry. Lala separated her shadow from her body, to Arrow’s confusion.

“Aren’t you going to heal yourself?” He asked, she looked at him as if he had lost his mind. She had him right where he wanted, in fact at the look at his face he wasn’t too far from ending this.

Arrow, slightly startled, snapped again and charged at her. Her shadow stopped him again, and in that time, Lala actually landed a punch, technically two because her Shadow punched the other cheek. Arrow jumped back when a third attack came, Lala healed herself and went for him with a look that was more than thirsty to give him her full power.

Arrow ran backwards, which seemed even faster than him running forward, and he went up the wall with Lala hot on his trail. He snapped his fingers, and took out a sword from thin air, with a swing of his fast, lithe sword that nearly cut Lala’s arm more than it was suppose to. She moved back, but that didn’t stop her from rushing forward at him still, gaining incredible space on him. They were moving so fast that the red and light of their bodies looked to be blending. Lala made her own sword out of light, and the next time Elizabeth and Marx were able to clearly see them was when their swords clashed violently.

Lala looked almost angry, all a part of her attempt to throw him off. Arrow caught on quick, and kicked her off the wall. Lala plummeted, and didn’t move for a second as she tried to gather her thoughts; she didn’t expect him to trying and land on her. Lala rolled away just in time, the ground broke, and lifted up rocks where his feet landed, making rocks out of it.

Arrow didn’t stop; he turned his sword down and tried to aim twice for her. Lala gathered her feet together, not getting a moment to recover herself, only a breath before Arrow finally grabbed her forehead. It was over, done with.

Rules were rules, and once someone was able to grab the other’s forehead, it meant the battle was over. The simulation anyway.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?!”Lala screamed, ignoring the sudden relief her body felt. Arrow walked away, but Lala ran in front of him. “I want a redo, why would you end it so early? I was good for another five hours!” She yelled, her eyes heated with actual rage.

“No, you weren’t. If I had really gone without limit, you would have been done for within 60 seconds, if not less.”

Arrow didn’t mean it as an insult, but at Crision it was the worst someone could give, practically calling the other weak. Lala’s face was horrified, and she turned away in case tears would jerk out.

“You don’t know that, you don’t. I want a retry—this time act as if you were my opposite, as if you hate me.” Lala said seriously, looking him in the eyes sternly.

“I can’t, it’s Marx and Elizabeth’s turn.”He said, obviously with a plan for the Battle, or else he would have consented. In fact, on that day Lala wouldn’t have to fight at all, she would be treating wounds. And if she dared to disobey and run into the battle to fight her opposite, Arrow would have already killed her opposite for her by then.

“Arrow, please?” She pleaded touching his chest gently, not even sweating yet. He looked at her without a clear emotion, it was just a stare, not empty, or dull—just a look. As if he had to wait for the dream to pass, like Lala wouldn’t ever even think of making him rethink a resolve he already made. Lala sensed it, and turned around, walking to the other end. Marx tried to hug her, but she dodged him and stalked past.

“Good luck, Elizabeth.” Arrow said, nodding professionally enough to make Elizabeth stop.

“I thought you don’t believe in luck.” She smiled, laughing a bit.

“I don’t, but you do, and that’s what comfort’s you, isn’t it?” He asked, it needed no answer, she knew that it did. It was like hope and a blessing together, just with its own name.

Elizabeth stood across from Marx, a smile gently on her lips.

“The last time I saw you, you were ready to kill, if I didn’t beat you.” He smirked, winking.

“Kill is such a strong word and action, demolish was more like it.” Elizabeth said, as if she was the one who won that battle.

Marx gave her an amused smile, “Ready?” he asked. Elizabeth nodded; Marx smirked and froze her with a tap on her forehead with his finger. He cupped her forehead.

Game over.