Clash of Fate

Three days went by uneventful. Then, it was the moment of truth. Mike and I made our way to the academy early morning to see the results. Only eighty-four people passed the first two tests. I hurriedly scanned through the list posted on the information board. I carefully searched for my name. I held my breath. Then at last, I found it. I felt a rush of relief filling me. Right next to my name was Mike's. The eighty-four people who passed were placed in squads of four and we were on the same squad, unfortunately. Fate's totally not my best friend. I read the other two names; someone named Daniel Schultz and the other Clarisse Dansleiff. They seemed like kids from prominent families. When I turned to tell Mike, he wasn't there. I went to look for him and found him behind the gym with some other people. I thought they were casually talking, but one of the guys raised his voice. Then another one swung his right arm towards Mike's face. Mike stepped back and dodged it. I saw the guy slowly lift his other arm, preparing to strike again. I ran towards them and kicked the guy in the knee. He flinched, and then received a strong punch from Mike. The other guys joined in the party and we found ourselves in the middle of chaos.

It was not what I expected to happen at such an important time. All I wanted was to get stronger. Fighting would help but we'd be fighting monsters in the future, not humans. I dodged another uppercut and managed to trip the enemy I was facing. It went on too long, I wanted to just end it right there. Mike seemed to be getting tired too. We were overwhelmingly outnumbered. At that moment, I just thought we had to win. I gathered all my strength onto my fist and released my strongest punch. I closed my eyes, else I'd feel guilty about it. But my fist did not reach my target. Someone stopped me and was grabbing my arm firmly. I opened my eyes. I stared at the person who was staring back at me with coldness in his eyes. He was not someone I've seen before. He was tall and he looked strong. He had an intimidating aura around him that screamed "commander". I tried to pull my arm away but he tightened his grip. He kept staring at me with icy cold eyes. Then he turned to the others and threatened to report them to the officials. The guys muttered something inaudible then left. We stood in awkward silence. When I felt him loosening his grip, I pulled my arm away. I looked at Mike. He had a small cut on his lower lip. I looked at the mysterious man again. "Pathetic" or at least that's what I thought I heard him say. I was about to argue when a girl came forward and apologized. I didn't even notice her earlier. She looked delicate, like a princess. Apparently, those guys were harassing the girl and Mike came to her rescue, trying to act like prince charming. Then we heard the announcement on the intercom. All those who passed were to assemble in the field to receive instructions about the final test.

The guy gave us another death stare before leaving first. The girl bowed and apologized again, then left as well. I stared at Mike. Unbelievable. He got me in a mess so early in the morning just to act cool. I gave him a smack on the head and scolded him for trying to be a hero. He defended himself, saying it was the right thing to do. Though it was noble of him, it was also foolish. It was foolish to engage in a battle where you're very clearly outnumbered. But I admired his guts. He reminded me so much of my brother. His courageous spirit was refreshing. I held out my hand and pulled him along. It was time for the final test. I felt chills. It was starting to get interesting.