How cliché.

How. Goddamn. Cliché.

I literally bumped into my current school nemesis.

I walked into her.

There aren't even that many people in this school! Elementalists don't have a huge population! What is the probability of that happening?! It could have been Eric or Flo, or something could have happened to make me even a second late to that intersection of hallways, but how did it not?!

What kind of universal teamwork was this?!

I groaned softly to myself as I scribbled down the answer to the questions on the board. Soft sunlight streamed onto the table, making the boring white laminate shine. The teacher gave me a sweet smile, probably thinking that it was over the quiz. Sure, I wasn't very thrilled about it either, but I could get a good grade on this considering I've studied it enough.

My hands started shaking as I tried to imagine myself up against her. It wasn't a pretty scenario. I didn't like how I was reacting, I've never been this terrified of a fight. What is happening to me?

I... I just need to calm down and think this through. My odds against her are low, that is obvious, but I have a few tricks up my sleeves from my, very human, past rivals. I don't know if they'll even work considering the training they give here. Again, low chance.

I'd been avoiding her for weeks since school started. I'd see her and then take the scenic route to class like a normal person. It took one day, with my guard down, to undo it all. I'd even gone so far as to hope she would put it out of her mind. But o-o-oh noooo. She wasn't ready to let that ONE thing done by someone, who is approximately a freshman, GO. Just like a normal bully.

"Fiera, give me the sheet. Time's up." I didn't even bother to look up from the desk as she tugged it out from under me, my pen leaving a long mark through it. The teacher sighed irritatedly and walked away. I don't care. That may become a treasured memory soon. Papers Mich will keep in a box and refuse to let go of it till he was eighty.

My walk out the class was as depressing as my thoughts. Eric and Flo seemed to have recovered from that shock to our collective systems or they were just trying to cheer me up. Either way, I was not looking forward to tomorrow anymore.

I walked on autopilot to the school entrance, collapsing against the tree once outside. The grass curled under my hand and I started to subconsciously pluck it as the two of them talked.

"Fi." Eric called out to me. I didn't look up from my very absorbing job of plucking grass. "Fi." He tried again. "Fi, listen to me."

I looked up with a tired sigh, as if the entire world's burden was on me. Eric had concern on his face and even Flo looked worried. "Don't take it so seriously. Just avoid her for the rest of the year. She's graduating soon, remember?"

"I'll be graduating to a higher plane of existence soon too." I replied. "You both know that the chances of me managing to avoid her for a whole year with a vendetta against me is going to be very tough. Plus, the odds of me coming out unharmed if we ever get to womano-a-womano are very low." My eyes rose to the sky. "Water trumps fire. Fire trumps Earth. Earth trumps Air and yadda, yadda."

"Fi, come on." Flo scooted closer and placed a hand around my shoulder. "You can't just give up. I mean, would you rather have a crushing defeat or make it harder for her? Would you rather people look at you and snicker that you lost so easily or look at you with awe that you managed to almost take down a royal? Would yo-"

"Oh, spare me the locker room pep talk." I snapped at her. "You both know very well that my chances against her aren't very good no matter how much training I get. She's a royal. She's been training since way before any of us, not to mention is genetically sturdier and stronger." I angrily threw my fistful of grass away. "I hate this place. I'm tired of being scared of her. I'm tired of this stupid monarchy shit that's going on here. Why can't we move on and get a democratic rule with parties and a legislation and whatever!?"

I was breathing hard at the end of my rant and once again, had forgotten to check my volume. The few people sitting around us were quietly watching me as I struggled to get my emotions under control.

"Sorry." I called out loudly as I looked down at my knees. "Get back to your own stuff, nothing interesting here."

It was a while before one of them spoke. Flo gently took my hand amidst hers. "You're shaking."

I was. I was so pissed.

"That's not fear." Eric said slowly. "Look at her, that's anger."

"Damn right it is." I sneered. "I can't change what system we follow but I might as well take her down a few pegs. Who does she think she is? Threatening and scaring people left and right, doing what she wants, not having to face repercussions."

"Fi. You're taking this the wrong way." There was a note of panic in Flo's voice, making me look up at her. "You can't fight a royal!" The dappled sunlight from the tree falling on her sharp features.

"The hell I can't." I hissed.

"Flo, don't bother. She's not going to listen." Eric piped up for my side. "She's right. It's time someone pushed her off that high horse she's riding."

"Eric!" Flo threw her hands out, eyes wide in fear. "Think before you speak! We can't let her fight! Stop it!"

"You're not letting me do anything, Flo... No offense." I hurriedly added at the hurt look on her face. "I can't avoid a problem. Best case scenario, she forgets about it. Unlikely, but that's the best case scenario. I have to prepare for the worst one."

The next few days following my meeting with Elizabeth had been ending filled with pain. I'd intensified my training by requesting Rhaeya each time. It was the only way I could think to train if I wanted a snowball's chance in hell of facing someone as strong as Elizabeth. I needed the training. The pain I'm feeling won't be anything compared to what Elizabeth wants to introduce me to.

The anger I felt at everything I was going through dominated the days that followed. I was always practicing the moves that Rhaeya taught to the point that in classes, I would be going over it in my head. I was already training with Rhaeya since I was a weak student. This sudden change in attitude didn't go unnoticed.

"Damn, Fiera!" She gasped for breath as she took me down for the sixth time. "What has got you so fired up these past few days? Did I do something to you?"

I stifled a pained groan as I rolled around on the fighting mat to get up. My entire body burnt with the exercise and I could feel more bruises forming on yesterday's bruises. Everything hurt, but I pushed myself to a sitting position anyway. Deep breaths helped. They cleared my head, they shoved the pain away temporarily, they let me get up after each knockdown.

Nonetheless, a hiss escaped me as I stood. Rhaeya grimaced for me, her lithe body free of bruises except for a bloody nose I'd managed to give her.

Brett had noticed I was quieter during my work. He'd asked me once or twice but each time I just stuck with my reply of late nights and studies. Not to mention he was slightly confused at what kind of study and homework I was getting in my third week of school. I'd rather not involve others in this. It's going to be hard enough for Flo and Eric to deal with the backlash.

"Wh... What did I do wrong?" I breathed out.

Rhaeya frowned, my attempt to avoid answering her not gone unnoticed. "Your guard, it's always too high. You're continuously defending."

"I... I'm not supposed to? I mean, I thought I have to improve my defense before my offense."

She shook her head. "No. That's what most of you get wrong. Your offense and defense is something that has to be improved upon simultaneously."

I nodded slowly. "Okay... Okay. I got it."

"Really?"

"Yes. Let's go again."

Rhaeya just cocked an eyebrow as I raised my guard and lowered my center of gravity. The look on her face was one of slight worry as she scanned my body. "Don't you want a break? You didn't let me heal you yesterday. Those bruises must still hurt."

"No. I'm fine." I replied. "Let's start."

Rhaeya sighed and crouched too. "Fine."

I think I did better that time. I managed to avoid a total wipeout and got a few punches and kicks in. Rhaeya stopped moving as the bell rang and relieved sighs  from my fellow classmates filled the air. She looked around and straightened her stance as they started walking off and I cautiously stood up too.

She went to the students and did her end of the class pep talk. It was one of the nicer sides of her. She would encourage them, fix them up, ask if they had any problem. Some of them asked about few moves which she was more than happy to demonstrate.

I did a series of stretches to cool down but the walk to Anchor would be enough. I just wanted a few minutes rest before I go wash up and head out. Took a short sip of water as I stood up, pulling my bag up with me. I can't delay too much. Rhaeya would reach me and try to talk to me.

"Fiera, don't leave just yet." Her voice rang out right as I was about to push the door open. "I have to talk to you."

I grimaced in the direction of the door before turning around slowly. I didn't want to answer the questions I knew she had waiting. The less people knew about it, the better.

Surprisingly, my confrontation with Elizabeth hadn't made it into the gossip mill. No one had recognised me as the one who'd attacked her. Might also be because she probably threatens people on the daily. It's no big deal here now anymore.

Footsteps approaching me pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked up. Rhaeya was walking over. It was inevitable, might as well get it over with.

"What is up with you?" Was the first thing she asked, crossing her arms across her chest to show how serious she was. "Why are you so angry? Did I do something to you?"

Surprise passed through me. "What? No! You did nothing. It's... It's me. I can't talk about it."

Her stance relaxed a fraction. I hadn't known she cared about what I thought of her. "Then, what is it?" She coaxed. "I can help."

I shook my head. "I can't tell you. It's... I can't... I can't tell you."

Rhaeya frowned, taking a step closer to me. "Is someone messing with you?" Her voice was low, angry. "Are you being bullied? I'm a teacher, it's my job to take care of situations like this."

I guess in way it was a bully problem. I was out to get rid of one. "No. No. It's nothing like that."

"Fiera, you have to cooperate with me. I could always submit a report of concern to the counsellor about your mental health. You would be removed from my class immediately. We take this kind of thing very seriously here."

It took me a while to comprehend what she'd said. Mainly because it sounded like blackmail. "Are you blackmailing me?" I asked dumbly. Had to make sure.

She shrugged. "I'm just suggesting what I may or may not do to get you kicked out of Elemental training."

Fear twisted deep within me. I loved these classes. I loved using my powers. I loved learning. I loved the Gym, the atmosphere, the exercise. I couldn't lose this!

"Rhaeya, I don't want to talk about this. I have to take care of it by myself."

"That's the thing." Rhaeya snapped, stomping her foot. "You don't have to take care of it yourself. There are people here to help you. I won't report whatever is going on with you unless you tell me right now!"

Her anger didn't scare me. I was more worried of being beat up again right now. Maybe she could help me. Maybe I should give this a shot.

I sighed in resignation. "Okay. Fine. You know about the fiasco at the Initiation Dance?"

She took a while to reply, it had been months. The incident had all but faded from people's memory.

"The one kid that attacked Elizabeth." She finally nodded. "I do. Why?."

Of course nobody knows the other side of the story. I flew through a fricking glass door, but no, someone was stupid enough to attack a royal.

"That was me."

She goggled at me for a good half minute. I waited for her to react verbally. It was exactly what I expected.

"You?" She breathed out finally. "No way... That couldn't have been you."

I shrugged. "It was. I was in the hospital for it the entire weekend."

"But you showed up to school on the first day! Elizabeth was laid out for a week!"

"So I've heard." I sighed, convincing her would be hard. "Anyway, I managed to avoid her well enough for the past couple of weeks but bumped into her a few days ago. The worst part is, she recognized me. I would have been a stain on the floor if the bell hadn't saved me. She scared me."

I looked down. I didn't enjoy talking about this. Flo was still trying to convince me to back off and just hide. Little by little, I could see her chipping away at Eric to join her bandwagon. I couldn't back down. I won't.

"This..." I sighed. "I've been in a fair amount of fights before but this... this is obviously very different."

Her eyes widened as I said that. Her jaw dropping slightly open. "You... You actually plan to fight?"

I nodded. "I know. I'm crazy. But I don't like being scared. I've always faced a problem head on and this is what I'm doing." I paused, wondering for a moment if this was even worth explaining. "This is what just feels right."

"Fiera..." Rhaeya's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water before she pressed her hand to her head. "I... I don't know if I can support you in this."

"I know. I wasn't going to ask you for anything just... don't tell anyone. And... Just keep training me like you do."

"No." She looked up, her hand falling away to reveal a furrowed brow. "No! I can't let you do this. It's stupid and irrational. She is a royal and she is much stronger than you, literally on a different level. You... You are good. You are amazing for someone who's not a royal but you can't take her head on. You could get seriously hurt!"

"I know. I'm not going into this fight with delusions of a victory." I didn't even like thinking about what would happen. My stomach twisted in worry. "I've heard how mean she is. I know she isn't the nicest person, and obviously, gets away with way more than she should. I don't want to go down easily. If I can just show that anyone can stand against her. I can... It would be better."

Rhaeya's brow had smoothened out. She was watching me quietly as I spoke, a thoughtful look in her eyes. I could see she still disapproved.

She began uncertainly. "Fiera, I... I don't know what to say. It is true Elizabeth isn't the nicest of people but she's a royal. People may turn a blind eye to it, but in this realm, they get away with it. Your bloodline matters here more than what you do."

I felt my stomach turn at the harsh truth. If something like this even actually leaked out, I could be the one having to deal with everything. Elizabeth would get away Scot-free. I'd been told this many times by now and it never failed to make me nauseous. But I'd made a decision. I wanted to get it over with. I didn't want to be scared anymore.

I sighed, looking away from her. "Rhaeya... I'm not asking you to do anything. Please just... Please turn a blind eye for the time being. I can't go back on my word... It would feel wrong."

"I can understand that feeling." She said to me softly. "I can't encourage this, nor will I help you with it... But it doesn't feel right to just let you be." She groaned to herself loudly, frustration evident as the responsibilities as a teacher collided with what she wanted to do.

I looked up to see her rubbing her face with her hands. When they dropped, her eyes were staring at me with indecision. "Fiera... Just... Don't do anything stupid. Don't go overboard. If anything goes wrong, just call me, okay?" Her hand hesitantly clamped down on my shoulder.

My eyes widened slightly in surprise. It was the most concern I'd seen her show for me. For anyone. Did she have a soft spot for me?

As if caught with her pants down, she turned red and turned away, her demeanor going cold again. "Go home now. It's getting late."

I nodded dumbly, forgetting she couldn't see me, and left.

For the rest of the evening till my shift ended, I was in a muddled mood. Nobody, including me, was expecting a win if it came down to it. Brett seemed rather distracted too for some reason. Maybe that date he told me about didn't go so well. Poor guy. He deserves someone.

That helped to snap me out of a stupor a bit. I cheered up and tried to cheer Brett up, keep him moving and happy because I sometimes felt like people were really attracted here because of his mannerisms and personality more than what goodies we offered. Not that what we offered weren't great. I made them. Of course, they're great. Amazing, even.

"Fiera, your shift's up." Brett called from the front. "Get home before it gets too dark."

"I'll leave as soon as this last batch of brownies is done." I yelled back. I didn't have much to fear of the dark. I rather enjoyed walking back at this time. It was calm, it was quiet. I had nothing to look forward to tomorrow but the weekend. It was a time to think.

I would go so far as to say relax but when I came to the end of my walk, my heart seized up. There was a car in our driveway.

Wafi's car.