Mage War

Chapter Thirty-Four: Reunited

“Hey, Sterkona! It’s good to see you.”

Yue turned around sharply. That was Zade’s voice. Seeing him, she broke into a grin and embraced him.

“Oh, thank God you’re okay,” She exclaimed, tears already forming. “I was worried about you. And what did you call me?”

“You were worried about me?” Zade responded. “That’s strange.” She glared at him and he laughed. “I called you Sterkona. It’s what some of your fans are calling you. It means strong woman. I think they’re calling you that…”

“Because of Gunnar, I know,” Yue responded drily. “I was there. You were not. I deserve an explanation for this.”

Zade sighed. “You’re right, you do. Just know that I already regret it.”

“What did you do, Zade?” Yue asked, already scared of what her friend would say.

“Well,” He responds,” I might of, sort of, probably, kind of, possibly—”

“Just say it already!” Alyx shrieked indignantly. Zade glared at her.

“Fine! I tried to resurrect Astil.”

“You did what?” Yue exclaimed.

“Yes,” Zade winced, “I did.”

— — —

When Zade finished his story, Yue gaped at him.

“You risked your life for something you knew wouldn’t work?” She asked.

“Pretty much,” He replied. “I almost died, but at least I learned my lesson. Yue, I’m so sorry for what I did. I promised to come here, but I didn’t show up.”

“It’s fine,” Yue sighed. “Honestly, I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“I think it was a little cool,” Alyx said. “It’s a pity it didn’t work.”

“Alyx,” Yue hissed. “Shut up! No one thought this was a good idea, and Zade is clearly distraught about it.”

“Well, then, I was saying maybe Zade shouldn’t be so distraught about it,” Alyx responded. “He was doing what he could.”

“It was still a dumb decision he made,” Yue replied. “He was sacrificing himself for something no one had done before, and he knew he wasn’t strong enough to do it.”

“You know ‘he’ is right here, right?” Zade asked. They ignored him.

“I still think he did the right thing. It all worked out,” Alyx said. “Nothing is wrong with Zade. Anymore, anyway. And Astil will stay dead. Yes, that's sad, but he’s not a shade, and we know he can’t be brought back.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that what he did was wrong,” Yue told her. “And this isn’t even mentioning the moral implications of what he did.”

“Okay, I get it!” Zade exclaimed. “I’ve thought about this already. You don’t have to argue about it.”

Yue looked at him as if seeing him for the first time.

“I totally forgot you were there,” Alyx grinned.

“Yeah, sure,” Zade rolled his eyes. “So. How’s the tournament going?”

“As well as it could be, I reckon,” Alyx responded. “We’ve all won our bouts.”

“Except for me,” Neena replied. “I lost one.”

“Does that mean you’re out?” Xavier asked her, clearly interested in what she had to say.

“No, I can still win,” Neena told them. “I’m just closer to losing completely than before. It happens.” She shrugged.

“Is Th’ul here?” Yue asked.

“No, he’s with Artemis,” Zade responded. “Wanted to get away from you, I guess.”

Yue rolled her eyes. “I’ve made my peace with what he did.”

“He doesn’t seem to think so,” Xavier told her.

“Well, he can go—” she paused. “Eh, whatever. I don’t care anyway.”

“Oh, did you hear?” Xander elbowed Zade. “Yue met the Royals.”

“No way,” Zade breathed. “That’s amazing. The Arcadian Royal Family too?”

“Just the king,” Yue shook her head.

“You met Aeson?” He grinned. “He’s a great guy, isn’t he?”

“Let me guess,” Yue said. “You’re one of his greatest friends.”

“No, I know the prince better,” Zade replied. “But I did have some good conversations with Aeson.”

“It’s crazy how the Royal Family does that,” Xander said.

“Yeah, they’re universally loved for it,” Zade told them. “Not everyone would be able to pull something like this off.”

“The Royals were all pretty nice,” Yue agreed. “But there was one I didn’t love so much, and I don’t think she liked me either. The Queen of Galacia. I forgot her name, that’s how much I care.”

“I think I might know why she didn't like you,” Zade responded. “Th’ul is from Galacia. According to him, they don’t really like mages there. I’m guessing she really hated being in the hotspot for mages.”

“Ah, that makes sense.” Yue said. “I wonder why she came then.”

“She had to, politically.” Xander told them. “If she hadn’t come, she would’ve been isolating herself. Every other country was sending a Royal. Obviously, she didn't want herself getting isolated. That would only cause others to band against her. That’s probably another reason she’s not happy. She didn’t come here willingly.”

“Huh,” Xavier said. “Politics is complicated.”

“You don’t know anything yet,” The other boy responded.

“We’re not here to talk about politics, though,” Zade said. “We’re here to watch the tournament. So, if you don’t mind, I am going to ignore you now, and drink my beer.” He sat back and relaxed, watching the fight starting on the ring.

“Who’s fighting now?” Xavier asked.

Yue shrugged. “I don’t know either of them. But one of them lost a game. If he loses, he’s eliminated.” They were both clearly fighting with every ounce of their strength, determination and desperation in their faces as they sparred, swords waving back and forth.

“The one on the left is winning, right?” Xavier said, Yue cocked her eyebrow at him

“You’re not serious, right?” She asked. The woman on the left was clearly suffering from the onslaught of blows the man was serving her.

“So she’s not?” Xavier asked.

“No, Xavier,” Yue said exasperatedly. “He’s not.”

As Yue watched, the woman spun, catching the man off-guard. As the man tripped, the woman lunged at him, severing a pinky. Yue winced.

“So the woman did win,” Xavier told her. “I was right.”

Yue sowled. “She wasn’t winning before!”

“That’s not how I saw it,” Xavier responded. “She was obviously winning the whole time.”

“I’m already regretting giving you the tickets,” Yue crossed her arms.

“Ain’t your ticket,” Xavier sipped his beer. “Technically, it’s Aster’s.”

“That’s right,” Aster turned to him. “And I’m already happy I gave you the tickets.”

“Hey, watch this,” Xavier winked at Aster, then began to walk down the steps.

“What the hell is he doing?” Zade asked Yue.

“I’m not sure,” Yue shrugged. “Probably nothing good.”

“It’s Xavier,” Zade replied. “Of course it’s nothing good.”

Yue watched as Xavier went down to where the woman who won the match was. There, he began to talk to her. The woman began to laugh. Zade’s jaw dropped.

“I did not expect that,” Yue said.

Aster shook her head. “Show-off.”

Suddenly, the woman embraced Xavier and kissed him. The crowd went wild, cheering for this new romance. The Wolf looked exasperated.

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Yue gaped.

Xavier winked at them, breaking the woman’s embrace. As he left, she called something to him, and he nodded. She blushed.

“See, that wasn’t too hard,” Xavier told them.

“Why did you do that?” Yue asked him.

“It was fun,” He shrugged. “And she’s cute. Oh, I might have to leave in an hour. Skai needs me.”

“You’re letting Th’ul rub off on you,” Zade told him.

“No,” Xavier replied indignantly. “He does this for fun and he never means this. I do this for fun except I mean it.”

“I don’t think this will be a serious thing,” Neena said.

“Oh, yeah?” Xavier asked. “And why is that?”

“I don’t think Skai comes from Magefell,” Neena replied. “From what I saw, she seems to be Arcadian, or maybe from the north of Galacia.”

“I didn’t think about that,” Xavier admitted. “I’ll have to ask her.”

“I think that was the first Mremban to lose, though,” Alyx told them. “They’ve been doing very well.”

Mrembo was known for their viciousness. They were a great and welcoming people, but when it came to defending their country, you had to be lucky to survive. It was no surprise then, that the Mremban people were doing very well in the tournament. Yue had seen them fight some of the Vanguard, and most of the time, they had won.

“Skai is special,” Xavier said. “Of course she’d win.”

“You know she lost before, right?” Yue told him. “And it was against a Mremban.”

“Whoever it was got lucky,” Xavier shrugged. “It happens sometimes. Even Neena lost one.”

“Really? You’re involving me?” Neena groaned. “I could take on Skai any day!”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Xavier, I wouldn’t do that,” Zade told him. “Neena is definitely stronger than she looks. She’s in the Vanguard. Calm down, before you get your girlfriend’s ass kicked.”

Xavier frowned. “I still think she would win.”

“Anytime, Xavier,” Neena smiled. “Any time.”

Xavier looked nervous now, and didn’t respond.

“PLEASE WELCOME TO THE RING ASTER YARROW AND GEORGI HERLOW!” The Wolf roared at the crowd, who reacted accordingly, cheering.

“Well, that’s my cue. Wish me luck. This is my last game today.” Aster walked away, gripping her sword hard, knuckles white.

“She’s nervous,” Zade noted. “Why?”

“Georgi has been doing really well,” Yue responded. “He hasn’t lost any yet, and he’s always won within forty-five seconds.”

“Oof,” Xavier said. “Well, I hope she does well.”

“She’s more skilled than him,” Yue said. “She just needs to keep her cool.”

As soon as the Wolf announced the start of the game, Aster rushed at Georgi, catching him off guard. Unfortunately, he reacted quickly, expertly weaving his sword around.

As Aster and Georgi sparred, Yue examined every move. Aster wasn’t trying too hard; mostly, she was trying to expose any weaknesses, constantly feinting and exposing herself obviously. Georgi was giving this all he got, attacking mercilessly, and Alyc, not giving it her all, was forced to retreat.

Suddenly, Georgi’s eyes narrowed. He began to swing and lunge quickly, and Alyx’s eyes widened as she was forced to react defensively. Alyx was having a hard time, but all she needed to do was take the offensive.

Then Georgi made a small mistake. He extended his foot a little farther than it should, and glancing down quickly. Aster swung her foot slowly. Georgi was sent crashing to the ground, and, while he reacted quickly, he had already lost his advantage.

And now Aster knew what she was doing. She began to attack his right side, where he was limping slightly from his fall. Desperately, he began to move backwards, sword swinging wildly now. As Aster swung at his hand, his sword was thrown from his grip. Georgi cursed, and ran desperately to where his sword was.

It was too late. Aster caught him a glancing blow across his back. A hint of blood escaped from his back. Aster yelled and thrust her fists in the air.

“LET’S GO!” She yelled as the crowd cheered for her.

“AND THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH IS ASTER YARROW!” The Wolf yelled. He whispered something to Aster and she blushed.

“Good job,” Zade told her as she came back.

“Thanks,” She flushed. “That was harder than I thought.”

“What was the Wolf telling you?” Yue asked.

“Just complimenting me. He says I’m doing very well.” Aster said all of this dismissively, but the wide smile across her face told Yue it was anything but.

“The Wolf does seem proud of us,” Yue told her. “Only a couple of Vanguard soldiers have lost.”

“Second round will be harder, though,” Alyx pondered. “There are a couple of soldiers I’m worried about.”

“You’re worried?” Yue smirked. “I thought you were going to win.”

“I am,” She replied. “I’m worried for you.”

Yue rolled her eyes. “I’m still the favorite here.”

“Not for long.”

Xavier grinned at them, “Okay, let’s calm down ladies. None of you have a chance.”

Yue ignored him and stared at the next match.

She was really glad Zade was back. Right now, she didn’t even care about what he’s done. At least he was alive and well. That was the best thing. And she also understood why Zade wanted to do what he did. She would never have tried it, but at least Zade’s intentions were good.

Looking at him now, Yue could see his struggle with emotions. On the one hand, he really did look happy to be with them and watching the tournament. On the other, she could see his sadness. Obviously, he still missed Astil. She hadn’t expected him to get over it immediately, so this didn’t come as a surprise, but it was still heartbreaking to see Zade like this.

It only reminded how messed up this world was, forcing men to do things they didn’t want. It was just the world they lived in.

— — —

“I’ve got to go,” Xavier told them apologetically. “Skai’s calling me.” He walked over to where the woman was and they shared a kiss.

“Xavier was the last person here I thought would have a girlfriend,” Neena said.

“What,” Yue teased. “Are you jealous?”

“No,” Neena sputtered. “He just didn’t seem like the type of guy, that’s all.”

“Hey, Miss Zhang!” A voice called from behind her. Yue turned to find her fangirl Sia looking at her.

“Hi, Sia. Come sit down,” Yue told her. The girl’s jaw dropped.

“You’re serious?” She asked.

“Sure, come on.”

“Who’s that?” Alyc whispered to her.

“Fan of mine,” Yue responded.

“You have fans?” Alyx exclaimed. “You’re so lucky.”

Sia sat down where Xavier had been. “Wait a second. Are you all Miss Zhang’s friends?”

Yue laughed. “I told you to call me Yue, Sia. And yes, they are all my friends.”

“No way,” The teenage girl responded. “You’re Miss Yarrow. And you’re Miss Spangler. And you’re Alyx!”

Alyx scowled, and Yue laughed.

“Yes, that’s us.”

“That is crazy. It’s an honor to meet you all. You’re my heroes.”

Zade smiled at her. “Nice to meet you. I’m Zade.”

“Are you a friend of theirs too?” At Zade’s nod, Sia continues. “It’s great to meet you, Zade. How long have you known them?”

“A couple of weeks.”

“Wow. So you knew her before the fame.”

“I wouldn’t really call it fame,” Alyx mumbled under her breath.

“Yes, I did,” Zade responded. “They’re great people.”

“I know, right?” Sia said. “When I get to your age, I’m going to be part of the Vanguard too.”

“Well, I’ll be waiting for that day,” Yue told her. “Where do you live?”

“Here in Magefell,” The other girl responded. “Lived here all my life. I always wanted to be a mage, but I think I’ve changed my mind.”

“Being a mage isn’t so bad,” Zade shrugged.

“What, are you a mage?” Sia asked drily.

“Yes.”

“Wait, really?” Sia’s eyes widened. “That’s insane. Sorry about how I reacted, I just didn’t believe you at first. What’s it like, using magic?”

“Harder than I thought,” Zade responded. “But it’s a lot of fun.”

“Wow! This is all so incredible. I can’t believe I’m meeting all of you guys!” Sia looked like she was going to faint, water in her eyes. “My friends didn’t believe I’d met you.”

“Well, next time, bring your friends,” Alyx told her. “We can prove it to them. Plus, one of them might like me,” She finished in a whisper.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh!” Sia narrowed her eyes in confusion. “Well, that is a good idea. I’ll do that. Thank you, Alyx.”

“You’re welcome,” Alyx replied. “Are you coming here every day?”

“I don’t know,” Sia replied, face turning somber. “I had enough for today’s ticket, but i don’t have enough for tomorrow’s.”

“What about your friends?”

“Some of them don’t want to come to the other days,” She responds. “Some of the others are coming to the other days. Only a couple can’t afford it like me.”

“Well, you’re in luck,” Yue told her, grinning from ear to ear. “We have plenty of extra seats, and we didn't know what to do with them. We can get you the tickets.”

Sia burst into tears. “Really? Oh, thank you, Yue.” She embraced yue, and then broke it apart rapidly. “Oops, I'm so sorry.”

Yue laughed. “It’s fine, Sia. I like hugs.”

Sia embraced her again. “Thank you so much. You’re even better than I thought you’d be.”

“SIA!” A voice called to her. “Where are you?”

“Here!” She called. A few seconds later, a couple of girls and one guy came into view.

“Sia, is that you? And…” The girl’s eyes widened, and she was left speechless. The guy finished the statement for her.

“Is that Yue Zhang?” He asked.

“Yup,” Yue winked. “Sia is one of my best friends. I’ve given her tickets next to me.”

“See?” Sia smiled. “I told you.”

“No way,” the second girl said. “Is that Alyx Holt?”

Yue tried to stifle a laugh as Alyx grinned.

“Yup, it’s me,” Yue's friend said. “Are you one of her friends who isn’t coming tomorrow?”

The girl nodded sadly. “Can’t afford it.”

“Well, you can sit behind me,” Alyx told her. The girl shook her head.

“I couldn’t abuse your kindness that way.”

“Oh, come on,” Alyx said. “I know you want to.”

“Okay,” The girl shrieked. The others looked enviously. Yue bet they had tickets already. “Thank you, Miss Holt.”

“I like that,” Alyx said. Yue shook her head in amusement.

“I’ll catch you later,” The fangirl said. “It was nice to meet you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” The girls and boy left, talking excitedly.

“Y’all are amazing,” Sia told them. “You know that, right?”

“Yup,” Alyx replied, checking her nails.

“Are any of you going to have any more fights?” Sia asked.

“Just me,” Neena said.

“Well, that will be exciting. I was so sad when you lost,” Sia smiled again. “But I’m sure you’ll win.”

“Thank you,” Neena responded. “Your encouragement really helps.” Sia beamed more than yue thought possible.

“When’s your match then?” Zade asked.

“Right after this one,” Neena responded.

“Nervous?” Zade asked.

“Very,” Neena nodded. “I’ve already lost one. If I lose another…” She left the statement unfinished, but yue got the gist.

She knew only one person would win the tournament, but she still wanted her friends to pass every day.

She would hate it if she had to face any of them. Strangely, none of them had faced each other yet. Yue didn’t know if it was normal or not, but it would have to happen eventually, right? If it did, Yue would try to win, but it would pain her a little. Yes, she liked to act competitive with Alyx, but the truth was, she just wanted her friends to be happy. And she knew how much this meant to them.

It was a complicated problem. She just hoped it never came to her against them.

“Oh, they’re done,” Neena winced. “I guess it’s my time.”

“PLEASE WELCOME TO THE RING NEENA SPANGLER AND JOANNE VALARIA!”

“Oh, no,” Yue told Neena. “You’ve both lost a game. This isn’t good.” Of course, Yue wanted Neena to win, but Joanne was a better sparrer. “Good luck.”

“Thank you,” Neena told her, walking forwards. Joanne met her halfway and nodded to her.

Half a minute after they arrived at the ring, the Wolf began the countdown.

“THIS MATCH BEGINS IN THREE…TWO…ONE…BEGIN!”

Both Joanne and Neena looked at each other, sizing each other up, waiting for one to strike. Clearly, they both wanted to take it easy. With their spot in the competition on the line, they wouldn’t take unnecessary risks. This match would come down to who struck first and well.

They must’ve stood almost a minute just waiting for each other to move, the audience on the edge of their seats the entire time. Eventually, Joanne decided it was time. She rushed at Neena, screaming. Neena dropped back defensively and blocked Joanne’s lunge when it came.

Joanne stepped back as quickly as she struck, and Yue groaned. This was going to be a boring fight. Neena clearly wasn’t going to take any chances, and Joanne didn’t want to either. Then, surprisingly, Neena attacked. And her soft side disappeared.

“Wow!” Zade breathed. “If Xavier could see this, he wouldn't say anything about Neena and Skai anymore.”

This was a show for anyone who thought Neena was weak. The sword went from side to side viciously, her face a twist of anger. Joanne blocked defensively, not easily, but she wasn't having too much difficulty either. This was clearly a very equal match. Whoever won would win more with luck than skill.

The maelstrom of attacks kept coming from Neena, but they slowed down slowly as Joanne fought back ferociously. For the first time since Yue had arrived, the crowd was dead silent. Nor mumbles, no cheers, no boos. Just people on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would win. Even Yue and Aster had their eyes wide open, watching the steady stream of attacks from both girls.

Neena struck Joanne with the flat of her blade on Joanne’s chest, and the bigger girl fell back, reacting quickly. Without giving her a chance to react, the blonde girl swung again, and Joanne leapt out of the way, her chest heaving.

Neena had the upper hand for now, but just barely. She needed to take advantage of it, before it was too late.

And clearly she was planning on doing just that.

She renewed her attacks with vigor, pounding Joanne mercilessly. Joanne growled audibly, seat pouring from her like a cloud, and she took to blocking some of Neena’s attacks with her vambraces, Neena being too quick for Joanne to keep swinging her own sword around. With a shout, Neena struck down, severing one of Joanne’s vambraces. Joanne cursed, and seemed to realize that she was on the verge of losing. She lunged for Neena, who blocked it. Then, as Neena defended herself, Joanne swept her sword sideways.

It was a perfect lunge. There was no way Neena would dodge it. And it was going straight towards Neena’s stomach. Joanne clearly didn’t mean it, but it could do serious damage to Neena, maybe even kill her.

But somehow, Neena dodged it. Out of nowhere, Neena was to the left of Joanne, sweeping her sword through Joanne’s arm. The cut went deep enough to draw blood, but not deep enough to do permanent damage. Joanne groaned in pain, falling to the ground.

The audience cheered like they had for Yue’s win with Gunnar. Yue looked at Zade. He was clearly shocked by how loud the audience was, but he joined in the cheering too. Yue smiled and roared her own appreciation of the match.

Neena breathed hard, not even able to celebrate her victory yet.

“I DECLARE THE WINNER TO BE NEENA SPANGLER.” The Wolf said, raising Neena’s arms. Neena finally got the ability to celebrate, and she screamed in happiness. “Joanne, you have been eliminated. You did good.” The Wolf spoke softly to Joanne, who was crying on the ground. YUe wasn’t sure if it was from her injury or her elimination. Either way, Yue felt a pang of sympathy.

As Neena came back to them, Yue enveloped her.

“You did it, Neena!” She exclaimed. “That was incredible.”

“Thank you,” The petite girl responded. “Can I breathe now?” Yue laughed, dropping her on the ground.

“Yue’s right,” Sia told Neena. “That really was an incredible performance. I’m so glad you won. Did you see how excited us spectators got?”

“I did,” Neena nodded. “I can’t believe you were cheering for me like that. It feels…”

“Amazing,” Alyx finished. “You’re going to Round Two.”

Neena gasped. “I am, aren’t I? I AM!” She shrieked in delight. “I can’t believe it! WE’RE ALL IN ROUND TWO!”

“Yes, we are,” Yue agreed. “We did it! Now we all need to pass Round Two.”

“You’ve got this,” Xander whispered to her. “If there’s anyone who can do it, it’s you guys.”

“Thank you, Xander,” She kissed him.

— — —

“So, you passed Round One too?” Eva asked.

“Yes,” Yue responded. “Did you see Neena eliminate Joanne?”

“It was such a good moment for me,” Eva replied. “Seeing Joanne lose…I only wish I could’ve done that myself.”

Yue’s grin disappeared. She really hated how she had created the rift between Eva and Joanne. Sadly, it was nothing that could be fixed, at least anytime soon.

“I hope I don’t have to face you,” Eva told Yue. “You’ve been a menace on the ring.”

“Just doing what I can to bring glory to the Vanguard,” Yue responded.

“Yeah, sure,” Eva grinned. “No self-glory involved.”

“Maybe a little,” Yue admitted. “But that’s what we’re all doing.”

“Gods know if I win, I’m taking all the glory,” A familiar girl said, walking up to Eva, Cali, her name was. She was one of Eva’s best friends, Yue remembered. “Screw the Vanguard. Anyway, my match is soon. You coming to watch?”

Eva nodded. “I’ll be right there. I need to go, Yue.”

“Of course.”

Yue stayed in the practice room for a little, just trying to get a little bit of peace. It’d been a full day, but it was almost over. Just a couple of matches left. After that, the first round would be officially over, and she could rest. At least, until tomorrow. Tomorrow, the matches would get harder.

Then on day three, it would get worse. Especially with what the Cult was trying.

Thinking of the Cult reminded Yue of the murderers. She was a little surprised they hadn’t tried anything yet, but she was glad about that. Of course, she didn’t want them trying anything. But it was still strange. Maybe they were waiting for the Cult to try something.

Yue would have to wait for that.

She heard the Wolf announce a new match. There were just three matches left in round one. This one was the one Cali was fighting in.

She walked back to the stands carefully, abiding notice. While she loved the attention she got, and she loved her fans, sometimes she needed a break. When she sat down, she winced, fully expecting Sia to gush about her again. Strangely, she didn’t. Looking at Sia, Yue saw her looking at the match.

“She knows we’re tired,” Alyx whispered. “She says we need our rest.”

“Huh,” Yue responded. She appreciated Sia a little more because of that. She really was a nice girl.

The match ended, Cali winning by the other girl surrendering. Cali had been on the upper hand the entire time, so it was no surprise.

As the Wolf announced the penultimate match, Yue closed her eyes, listening only to the sounds of the crowd and the Wolf. It was relaxing enough.

“So, are you going to celebrate after?” Aster asked, destroying her peace.

“What, are you joking?” Yue answered. “It's straight to bed for me.”

“Really? You’ll regret it,” Aster responded. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

“No,” Yue responded. “And I promise you this, you’ll be the one to regret it. That hangover will be horrible with the tournament.”

“Please,” begged Aster.

“If Xander goes, I’ll go,” Yue caved in slightly.

“Good. I’m sure he’ll want to.” Aster went to ask him. After a minute, she came back, looking dejected.

“He said no, didn’t he?” Yue asked.

“No, he said he would go if you went, that bastard,” She replied. “I take it you’re not going, then?”

“Damn right,” Yue told her.

The second match ended. The Wolf called the final two contestants to the field. The match was short yet aggressive. In the end, a member of the Vanguard beat a Mremban.

“THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING TO DAY ONE OF THE MAGEFELL TOURNAMENT,” The Wolf said. “WE WILL RECONVENE FOR DAY TWO TOMORROW. TO ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING, THANK YOU. FOR ALL IN THE VANGUARD, MEET ME IN THE PRACTICE ROOM.”

“Goodbye, everybody,” Sia told them, leaving already.

“Wait, you forgot your tickets,” Yue said, handing them to her. The girl flushed.

“Thank you so much again.”

“Any time. Zade, I assume you’re leaving now too.” At his nod, she continued. “You better come here tomorrow in the morning.”

He chuckled. “Good night to you too, Yue.”

— — —

The Wolf looked at all the members of the Vanguard.

“I am proud of you,” The grizzled man smiled. “Out of the fifty of you, only seven were eliminated today. None of you have faced a severe injury. I expect you to do even better tomorrow. Thank you all for showing up. Those who supported and didn’t fight, you have brought honor to the Vanguard. Thank you all. You are dismissed.”

Yue sighed to her friends. “Back to the Vanguard grounds?”

Aster shook her head. “Me and Alyx are staying here to celebrate.”

Neena rolled her eyes. “That’s a stupid idea. I’m going with Yue.”

“Suit yourself,” Aster shrugged. Holding out her hand to Alyx, Aster stood up. Alyx grabbed her hand and they left for the foyer.

“Let’s go home,” Yue told Xander, who smiled.

A scream split the air. It was coming from the ring. Yue looked sharply at Xander and immediately ran for the stadium.

She saw the silhouettes of two people next to the ring. One of them was holding the other, both clearly women. The second woman was limp in the other’s arms. The first girl was crying and screaming.

As yue closer, she recognized the girl who was crying.

It was Eva.

Yue rushed towards Eva, heart breaking as she heard Eva’s pain.

Rushing up to her, she hugged Eva.

“What happened?”

“I…don’t know!” Eva sputtered. “Someone… came up out of n-n-nowhere and slit her throat. It’s d-d-dark, so I couldn’t…see who it w-w-was. Why w-w-would they…do this? What did…did she do?”

“I’m so sorry,” Yue told her. Of course, that didn’t really console Eva. Especially when Yue saw who had died.

It was Cali.

Eva had just lost her best friend.