No Room for Mercy

Finn and Fanny walked down the hallway towards Magnus Sir' cabin. The hallway felt colder than usual, and their footsteps echoed against the stone walls; it reminded them how tense and quiet the air was. Leon and Isla followed behind with serious faces.

Finn's face softened; there was a slight sheen of sweat on his brow, and he trembled slightly as he held his hands at his sides. His heart pounded in his chest like a drum.

They reached the door to his cabin and Fanny pounded on the door, with a firm but not loud, rap.

"Sir, can we come in?" she asked.

And from the room came a deep, cold voice, "Yes. Come in."

Finn hesitated for a second but then stepped into the room, with widened eyes. Fanny followed with tensed jaws. Leon and Isla stayed outside.

The room was dimly lit, and there was a thick film of dust on the bookcases around the room. Magnus Sir was seated behind the desk, and beside him—two boys. Finn and Fanny instantly recognized them. Their twin rivals.

Fanny's brows furrowed, and she muttered under her breath with a disgusted tone, "What are those bastards doing here...?"

Magnus slowly stood up from his chair, dusting off his coat.

"You already know why I called you here," he said.

But before he could go any further, Finn rushed in and threw his arms around the teacher.

"Sir, please!" Finn blurted out, his voice cracking slightly as his eyes brimmed with tears. "Don't expel me. I'll do anything. Please... not even for a moment!"

Fanny was paralyzed, utterly flabbergasted.

What the hell is he doing?! she thought.

Is Finn out of his mind?! Hugging Magnus Sir of all people?! 

Magnus's face twisted into an odd mixture of shock and annoyance. And then— 

Thud.

 He quickly slammed a punch into Finn's gut.

Fall, gasp.

"I'm sorry Sir!" Fanny suddenly said, dropping to the ground beside Finn. "He's a little... dumb sometimes. Please do not mind."

Magnus squinted his eyes. "Yeah... well this time I will ignore it. But next time, it won't be like this." His tone was cold enough that it made even Fanny's spine tingle. 

Magnus took a big breath and managed to compose himself before sitting back down.

"I called you in here, as stated previously yesterday - Finn and Fanny you guys are on the same team. Code and Cale," he nodded toward the twins, "are your opponents."

Finn spoke from the floor with contempt, "So that piece of shit is Code and Cale..."

Magnus explained, "This is a match of pairs. The winning pair of fighters will get selected to participate in the tournament.

Code and Cale turned and stared at Finn and Fanny with morbid grins and disdain; looking so bothered by just even staring at them.

"We are ready, Sir..." said Code with a smirk on his mouth.

Magnus nodded. "Good, it will take place two days later. Prepare yourself both."

Finn and Fanny both nodded in silence.

"You can leave now."

As the twins left the office, they paused, as their eyes would scorn Isla and Leon, and Leon unintentionally yelled, "Bastards..."

After a moment, Finn and Fanny left the room too. Then, when he saw Leon, Finn hugged him.

"Bro! He's not expelling me!" Finn shook with emotion, and relief was coursing through his forehead.

Leon smiled, "Of course not. They just called you in to inform you of the match against those twins."

Finn flashed another grin. The two pairs began marching in the hallway. 

Then Leon suddenly stopped. 

Inspired by a thought. 

He yanked Isla's hand. She stopped, and her cheeks immediately turned crimson from the shocking grab. 

Leon turned and knocked on the door to Magnus Sir's office again. "Sir, it's me—Leon, and Isla." 

Magnus's voice sounded more relaxed this time. "Oh, it's you. Come in." 

The boys stepped in. Leon was still holding Isla's hand, and she was still blushing profusely. 

"What happened?" Magnus asked in a surprisingly gentle voice. "Why are you here?" 

Leon was stunned for a moment. He usually talks so cold to everyone else... why not to us? Is it because of our good studentness? he thought. 

"Sir," Leon started, "earlier you said since we were selected for the tournament we could have something special... something to help us understand our powers better?" 

Magnus nodded. "Yes, I believe I remember. But, not now, after two days, once the other two participants are determined, I will let you know what it is. Don't worry, It will help a lot." 

Leon smiled. "Okay, Sir. Thank you." 

"Anything else?" 

"No Sir."

Just as they turned to go, Isla tapped Leon lightly on the shoulder. Leon turned to look over his shoulder.

"What?" he asked. 

Isla turned a deeper shade of red and pointed towards his hand - he was still holding hers! 

Leon looked panicked. "Ah! S-sorry!" he blurted, releasing it quickly and turning bright red. 

"It's okay..." Isla said in an almost whisper.

LATER - LIBRARY

The sound of turning pages and hushed murmurs was all that could be heard in the quiet of the library. In front of him was a thick text book, riddled with stains by droplets not of water but tears.

Finn wiped his eyes, getting frustrated. "Bro... I have been trying for an hour and I don't understand anything you are teaching me... not a word."

Leon stared blankly at him, feeling tired. His forehead felt like it hurt. He thought to himself: How did this idiot become my best friend...?

At another table, Fanny was studying as well, but at least she was making a little more progress. Isla was helping her patiently while speaking kindly to her.

Leon was thinking dark thoughts about Finn. His eyes started to narrow, and the most evil grin spread across his face.

Finn flinched. "W-why are you looking at me like that?"

Leon picked up a piece of wood off the floor-a thin stick, like a wooden ruler. "Earlier today, you said it's my fault if you don't pass the exam", Leon said, voice low and distorted with fake niceness, "and since I see you can't pass the normal way… let's try a different way." 

"Wait!" said Finn, backing up. "Leon, we're best friends! You can't—!"

Whack!

"AAH! That hurts!" Finn squealed. 

Leon didn't flinch. "Another one every time you mess up…"

Finn looked up, his face turning red. 

Why is this happening to me?!