Mage War

Chapter Nine: End of a Tournament

It was a new day, and Yue was tired. It had now been a week since Diamond’s passing, and Yue’s face showed how little sleep she was getting. She still had nightmares every day. But she did feel a little better. At least she could function now. She was still depressed every day, but she could at least think and act semi-normally now.

Today was the day that the tournament continued. The Wolf had told Yue and Alyx that if he delayed it any longer, they wouldn’t have time before the real tournament started. Yue was going to participate, obviously. She just didn’t know if she would do any good or not. She didn’t know if she bothered.

She barely even bothered to get dressed. Routine just seemed wrong to her now. She was sure that most people would think her indecent for it, but she didn’t really care. She just stepped outside, breathed in the fresh air, and walked out towards the green. She still had an hour to kill before breakfast.

Yue didn't see any of her friends. Good. She wanted to be alone right now. It was a chilly day, and she realized she probably should’ve gotten a coat, or at least worn a little more. It was too late for that now.

Being alone was when she was most vulnerable, but for some reason, she craved it. Even being near her friends usually strengthened her, but sometimes she just needed to take some time off, even if it killed her inside.

She sat down on the green, and plucked at the grass, vacantly staring into the distance. She’d never really had to deal with death like this. Her grandma had died when she was five, but, except for that, no one she was remotely close to had ever passed. It was all uncharted waters for Yue, and she still wasn’t sure how she would cope.

She noticed someone walking towards her, and as he got closer, she recognized him. The Wolf. He was pointedly walking in her direction. What did he want with her?

She waited until he was close enough, then stood up and saluted.

“Yue,” The Wolf said, “I want to give you a proposal. I waited as long as possible before this, but I have to do it now.”

“What is it?” Yue asked.

The Wolf shook his head. “Not now. Come to my quarters with me. We can talk there.”

Yue nodded and followed him as he led the way. She had never been to the Wolf’s quarters. Not many people had. Usually, that only happened if someone was in deep trouble. Or if they had a special mission. It seemed like Yue would be going there for the latter.

They passed the green, and eventually left Vanguard grounds. The Wolf was the only one who did not live with the Vanguard. That was his privilege as captain. He lived nearby, though, she noticed as his hut came into view. They were near the forest where Jos died. She wiped away tears as she thought of him.

The Wolf opened the door to his sturdy wooden shack, and waited for her to enter. She did, and he followed her in. She was in an office. There were papers everywhere, as if he couldn’t organize them. There was a desk on one side of the room, and a door on the other, probably leading to his bedroom. Yue sat down on a chair, and the Wolf sat at his desk.

“Okay, we don’t have a lot of time, so I’ll get straight to business. We both know Diamond and Jos were murdered by someone. And that someone is probably in the Vanguard, considering Diamond was killed during a match that only Vanguard Soldiers were allowed to attend. The only person I know I can trust is you.”

“Why?”

“I hate to cast suspicion on my soldiers,” The Wolf responded, “But I have to. One of them did it. But you are the only one who couldn't have done it. You were sparring with Diamond when she died. You couldn’t have stuck her in the back.

“I want to give you a job. I need you to figure out who killed them. I have three suspicions, and I need you to look into them.

“The first is Poli. You know her well.”

“Yes, I do,” Yue said, crossing her arms, “And I know she would’ve never killed Diamond.”

“You can’t be sure. Remove all bias, please. Look into her. The second is Eva. I don't think you know her well, but she had a grudge against Diamond, so she could’ve done it. The third is Joanne. She is a fierce defender of Dautha, and the word has been spreading that Diamond talked about Dautha before she died.”

Yue groaned. It was probably Poli who spread the word.

“So,” The Wolf continued, “Will you look into them to figure out who the murderer is?”

Yue nodded. “I’ll do anything to find out who did it.”

The Wolf smiled. “Good. You will be moved to the First Female Barracks to acquaint yourself with them. Please don’t make them your friends. They’re under suspicion. They might kill you if they know your intentions.”

Yue nodded again. “I will.”

“And don’t tell anyone about this,” The Wolf concluded. “This is a dangerous task I’m giving you. I’m sure you’re up to it. Just don’t let your feelings get in the way.”

Yue took a deep breath. She would do anything to avenge Diamond. If one of the three girls did it, she would kill them herself. She didn’t believe Poli had done it, but any of the other two could have, as far as she knew.

Yue promised herself she would find the killer. She would avenge Diamond. She would avenge Jos.

— — —

Yue was sitting on the green again. The tournament would continue in a couple of minutes. Alyx and Neena were sitting next to her, silent as usual these days. Neena still had not spoken. Alyx’s words always came out as sobs.

The Wolf was currently preparing the first two soldiers who would spar, and Yue would watch them go. Usually, she would critique them in her head, but today she could only see the fight-

“Yue?” Alyx said. Yue groaned in response, so Alyx continued talking. “I’m going to the room. It was good to see you. Thanks.”

Alyx walked away, and Yue cocked her head. That was weird. What did Alyx mean by all that? She shrugged, and turned her head in time to watch the first game start. The match was between a man and a woman, the man leaner and shorter. The woman immediately attacked him, driving him back. He never had a chance. Within thirty seconds, the match was done. The man was pinned on the ground by the woman. Normally, Yue would’ve noticed how the man had thrown his foot back wrong, but she didn’t care today. She just wanted to take her mind off everything. Plus, she should find Eva and Joanne. The faster she became ‘friends’ with them, the faster she could begin to investigate them.

She saw Eva congratulating the woman who had just sparred, so Yue told Neena she would come right back. Neena didn’t respond, so Yue walked off to meet Eva.

Eva was turning around when she saw Yue, and noticed that Yue was walking towards her. Her eyes widened. She started to run away from Yue, so Yue followed. Some soldiers noticed what was happening, and looked at each other confusedly. As Yue chased after Eva, Yue yelled at her.

“Eva! Wait! I promise I’m not mad or anything.”

Eva didn’t listen and kept running. Yue started to catch up, her agility working in her favor, and was forced to do the only thing she could to stop Eva. Yue tackled her. They both fell on the ground hard, and Eva glared at Yue.

“What do you want?” She asked.

“I just wanted to meet you.” Yue said tentatively, knowing it sounded feeble.

“Sure, this has nothing to do with me having a grudge with Diamond.”

“No, I swear, I just…” Yue racked her memory to remember anything about Eva. “I just wanted to meet you and congratulate you for how good you did in the tournament.”

Eva narrowed her eyes. “Whatever. Why are you really here?”

Yue grimaced. “You want to know the truth. I’m tired of my friends never talking anymore. They’re too caught up on Diamond’s death to do anything.” It hurt Yue to say that, but if it helped, She’d do anything.

Eva smirked. “I agree. Diamond’s death is sad, but it’s not as bad as you were putting it out to be. Maybe I was wrong about you.” She offered Yue her hand, and Yue took it. “Where are your friends anyway?”

Yue started to tell her, and then remembered what Alyx said. Suddenly, it hit her what Alyx was going to do.

“I’ll be right back!” Yue told Eva. “I just have to do something quick.” Then she ran off to find Alyx, desperation hitting her.

As Yue ran, she wondered where Alyx would be. She thought Alyx would be at her barracks, but she wasn’t sure. She silently prayed that Alyx would be there. If not, things would turn ugly. Yue was getting winded, but she kept running. She had to get there in time.

She arrived at the barracks, and entered immediately.

“Alyx!” She called. No response. Yue started to feel apprehensive. No! She thought. She can’t have done it yet!

She burst into the bathroom, and called for Alyx again.

“I’m here, Yue,” someone responded feebly. It was Alyx, behind the bathroom stall. Yue opened the door.

There she was, on the ground, knife to her wrists.

“Alyx,” Yue said, kneeling beside her, “Why?”

“I have to, Yue,” Alyx responded, crying, “I can’t live without my sister. It’s not fair, Yue.”

“I know it’s not fair. But what do you think Diamond would want you to do?”

“She’s not here, Yue! She can’t tell me, because she was murdered!” Alyx screamed hysterically.

Yue’s eyes teared up. “I saw it too, Alyx. I was there. I feel the pain you feel. Maybe not to the same degree, but I still feel it. You think I don’t want to kill myself every time I think about how I could’ve just done something?”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Part of me knows that. The other part hates me for it. I replay the moment over and over every minute. But that won’t do anything.”

“I can’t live like this. How am I supposed to deal with it?”

“One step at a time. One day at a time. Look back on Diamond with love, not pain. Don’t think about what you could have done, Alyx. Look at what you did with her. Remember the good times, not just the bad. That won’t take the pain away. It will only reduce it. Because the pain is a good thing. It’s good to feel pain when someone passes. But you can’t let it break you. You have to accept it as part of you, and grow because of it.

“Aw,” Yue continued, “What am I saying? I’m no good with that myself. I just–” She stopped mid sentence as Alyx hugged her.

“Thank you, Yue.” Alyx hiccuped. “That helps. I should’ve talked to you like this before.”

Yue nodded. “Give me the knife, Alyx.” Alyx handed it over, and Yue looked at her sadly. “You want to be alone?”

Alyx shook her head. “Not right now. Can you stay here with me, please?”

Yue smiles softly. “Sure, just for a little.”

— — —

Lunchtime. Xander had reunited the entire group. Some had come willingly, others a lot less so. Alyx and Yue both felt a little better, carrying each other’s burdens. It was always good to have friends. They would always have bad days, but now they had hope. Just a little. Just for now.

Neena still looked haunted. Yue would have to talk to her eventually. It was painful to see Neena like this.

Poli and Artemis were talking to each other in whispers. Yue had been constantly annoyed with Poli ever since Diamond’s death. Even though Poli was sad, she acted so nonchalant. It didn’t seem right.

Aster was sitting next to Yue. Xander was at the front of the table and he was trying to get everyone’s attention.

“Okay, everybody. I brought you here for one reason. I will be leaving today to join the cult. Diamond’s death has broken me inside, and I need something to distract myself. And, in the event that the cult did this, I will find who murdered Diamond. I just wanted to say this. I will not leave the Vanguard, and I will be back as soon as I join, but I don’t know how long that will take. So I’m saying goodbye for now.”

Aster looked at him. “I don’t want you to go. What if you don’t come back?”

Xander sighed. “It’s not your choice anymore. I have to do something. Tell the Wolf I had a family issue to deal with. It’s true enough. Let’s just forget about it for now, and eat.”

Everyone agreed, and silently ate their beans and rice. Yue loved rice, but these days she didn’t really care what she ate. She didn’t care if she ate. She forced herself to. For her friends’ sake. She noticed that Alyx seemed to be eating reluctantly too. Neena wasn’t touching her food.

“Neena, you have to eat.” Yue spoke to her softly, but Neena shook her head. Her eyes were pools of darkness, sadness so obvious in them. Neena clearly had never had to deal with something like this before. It was crushing her. Yue knew the feeling.

Poli and Artemis kept whispering softly. Yue glared at them. “What are you two talking about?”

“Why do you care?” Poli responded.

Yue grumbled but didn’t respond. It wasn’t worth it. Yue finished her food, and noticed Eva walking out of the cafeteria. Yue walked over to Xander and hugged him.

“Good luck. I hope your initiation goes well.”

“Thank you. I hope you win the tournament. Are you leaving so soon?”

“I have to. Bye.” She left, running, hoping she didn’t lose sight of Eva. Eva saw her coming, and this time, stopped, waiting for Yue to catch up. She looked at Yue, slightly annoyed.

“Why did you leave me?”

“I had a personal issue to deal with.”

“Hmm,” Eva narrowed her eyes. “Okay. I saw you eating with your friends, though. I thought you said you were tired of them.”

“Why do you think I left?”

Eva nodded approvingly. “Good. It’s about time one of you wised up.”

“What did you have against Diamond anyway?”

“Nothing you should know about. All you need to know is that Diamond is not the saint you all thought she was.”

Yue wanted to retort, but bit her tongue. She had to be careful. “Oh, have you heard? I’m moving barracks. I got tired of hearing crying all night long.”

“Which barracks are you moving to?”

“The first.”

“I’m in that one.”

“Really?” Yue asked. “That’s so cool.”

Eva rolled her eyes and smiled. “I think there’s some hope for you yet. Come, I want to show you something.”

Eva walked off, and Yue followed her, glaring at her. The more she knew about Eva, the more she hated her. She had to keep it in.

— — —

Yue was now going to play her last match in the tournament today. Eva had shown Yue the dirt she had on other girls. Clearly, Eva was taking her under her wing. Yue didn’t know what to think of that.

After that, Yue had to fight in the tournament. Yue had to fight back tears constantly while she wasn’t sparring. Diamond had died right there! She could see the exact place! When she was sparring, she was distracted for a little, which was good.

The problem was that her depression had really hampered her performance. She had lost two of her four spars so far. This was her last one. And coincidentally, it was against Joanne, the suspect in Diamond’s murder.

She’d decided to talk to Joanne before, maybe try to be friendly before the match.

“Hey, you’re Joanne, right?”

“Yes,” Joanne replied. “And you’re Yue.” She phrased it as a statement, and not a question. “I’m sorry about Diamond. I didn’t know her very well, but she seemed nice.”

“She was,” Yue said. “I was coming here to wish you good luck.”

“Aren’t you going against me?” Joanne smiled. “Thank you. Good luck to you too. I’ve heard about your skill. I’m honored to be pitted against you.”

Yue liked Joanne immediately. She didn’t know what to think. If anyone murdered Diamond, it had to be Eva, right?

The Wolf saw Yue talking to Joanne and nodded approvingly. Then he spoke.

“Are you both ready?” Yue and Joanne nodded. “Then get into the ring, please.”

Yue stepped into the ring before Joanne, and situated herself on the corner farthest from the Wolf.

“You know what to do. Start when the bell rings.”

Yue took a deep breath as she always did, and looked up.

Ding-ding.

Joanne threw herself at Yue, and Yue dodged. She lunged at Joanne, but Joanne parried it and stepped back. Yue lunged, and Joanne was surprised by it, and she wouldn’t be able to respond in time.

HELP!

The word hit Yue like a brick wall, and she fell back. She could see how Diamond died right in front of her. Joanne looked concerned.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just tired is all.”

Joanne looked sad. “You want to restart?”

Yue shook her head. “Why didn’t you win?”

“You’re going through something, and it would be wrong to strike you when you’re vulnerable.” She offered her hand to Yue, and Yue took it, and stood up. They returned back to their corners, and the match restarted.

Yue made sure to let Joanne win. She deserved it. Yue decided right then and there. Joanne couldn't have killed Diamond. She was sure.

— — —

The last match of the tournament was done. In just an hour, the Wolf would tell all of them who passed. Yue had spent most of the time moving her stuff from her old barracks to her new one. She was now sitting on her old bed. She was thinking as usual.

She didn’t know how this small move would go. Would she still be able to be with her friends like normal, or would she spend all her time with Eva and Joanne? Would her friends resent her moving? Who was the killer? Could Poli have done it? Maybe Eva. She seemed like the obvious choice. And Joanne. She couldn’t have done it, right? She was part of the cult of Dautha, so maybe that was it.

Maybe Xander could figure out who did it. But would Xander be okay as part of the cult? Would he be indoctrinated? Or would he be in danger?

And Diamond. Why did the murder kill her? Personal gain? Because she hated Dautha? Because the murderer had a grudge? Yue didn’t know how anyone could hate Diamond, but maybe if she figured out why Eva hated her so much, it could explain something.

The door opened. Neena walked in. Yue looked at her downtrodden look.

“Are you ok, Neena?”

Neena looked at her and burst into tears. She sat down next to Yue, and spoke. She spoke her first words in days. She poured her heart out to Yue.

“I can’t do it anymore. I’m tired of Diamond being gone. I just want her back. I hate it here without her. I just…I just… I’ve never dealt with anything like this before, Yue. What can I do?”

“You want me to tell you everything will be okay, right?”

Neena shook her head. “No. Tell me the truth.”

Yue nodded. “Here's the truth. It’s not okay. I don’t know if it will ever be okay. And honestly, I’m more scared than you are, Neena. I’m scared of living life without Diamond. She was such an important part of my life, I don’t know what life will be like. But I still have a little hope. You know why?” Neena shook her head again. “Because I have you, Neena. You and Aster. Alyx. Xander. I know I can get through anything because you’ll always be there for me. Right, Neena?”

Neena nodded, then her face grew somber again. “I’m scared for me, too. Will I get targeted, Yue? Will I die? I don’t want to die.”

Yue grabbed, and brushed one of Neena’s beautiful golden locks from her eyes. “Neena, nothing will happen to you. As long as I’m alive, I will protect you. I promise. I will never let you go.” She hugged Neena, and Neena returned it.

“Thank you, Yue,” Neena said. “When did you get so wise?” Yue was wondering the same thing. She just hugged Neena tight and closed her eyes. She only let go when they had to return to the green, And even then, she didn’t really let go of Neena. She never would. Neena was like her little sister. She would do anything for Neena. Just like she promised.

— — —

“Thank you for coming,” The Wolf yelled at the Vanguard. Everyone was sitting on the green now, waiting to see who passed to the real tournament. Yue could hear people whispering. Some were even holding their breath. “The Vanguard Tournament is officially over.” The soldiers cheered. “It’s time to see who passed. If your name is called, please come stand by me. Those who are called have advanced to the tournament. Those who are not, I expect you to be cheering for us when tournament day arrives.

“The first person who passed, and I’ll say this in random order, is Aster Yarrow.” Yue and her friends cheered and clapped Aster on the back as she joined the captain. Some people glared at Aster, which Yue thought was a little dumb. They didn’t even know if they had passed yet. Why were they judging Aster?

The Wolf rattled off other names, with each name earning cheers. Yue barely heard all the noise until the Wolf mentioned someone else she knew.

“Eva Kerol, please come forward.” Eva walked up confidently, and, surprisingly, not a lot of people cheered. Yue made sure to, and she noticed Joanne cheering too. Joanne and Neena seemed to be cheering for everyone, even though Neena still did so half-heartedly. She looked much better, but she still looked beat up.

As the Wolf continued calling people, many soldiers grew nervous. She watched as Kol went forward, then Alyx, which caused Yue to clap harder than for anybody else, then Joanne. There were now thirty people standing up front. She could see many soldiers mentally calculating who was left, and how much of a chance they had of getting there. Yue was doing it too. Two of her friends had gone, and she was sure she was going to make it. Xander wouldn’t. That left three. Poli, Artemis, and Neena. She wondered how many would make it.

“Yue Zhang!” Yue went forward, and shook hands with Kol and Aster as she went by, also nodding at Eva. Many cheers followed her, but not as many that Kol got. In the end, he had only lost to her, which made him number one. She didn’t mind. She would win the tournament.

Fifteen more names passed. There were four left. She watched as many soldiers lost hope of getting in the tournament, but they took it in stride.

Three names left. Poli, Artemis, and Neena were still not called.

Two names left.

One.

“And the last one is Neena Spangler. Neena, please come up.” Yue cheered more loudly than anybody else, and hugged Neena as she came up.

The Wolf turned to all fifty of them. “I want you all here first light every day. We will do special training that the other won’t. We will have you prepared for the tournament. See you tomorrow.”

Yue looked around. They would have to work together if they wanted to win the tournament. But she was sure they would win.

They had to.

For Diamond’s sake.