It was interesting.

There were more eyes on me than normal. I could see some people whisper over it. Something like this had never been a big deal in the human realm. It raised my hackles as people watched us walk over to the school— all while they pretended not to stare.

"This is the most cool I've ever felt." Flo spoke softly as we started up the stairs. "Scandalous, even."

"You enjoy this... unashamed staring and whispers."

"Will this happen the entire day?" She ignored my question as she looked around. "It's fun for a while, but it gets uncomfortable."

I shrugged. "I have no idea. You've been here longer. You know how this place ticks better than me."

"Atleast we look cool in our jackets." She smiled happily, already distracted from the stares.

"You might have to keep it on. Tank tops are only allowed for Fire Elementals."

She paused. "Damn it. I knew I should have worn that other sleeveless shirt."

"I have an extra shirt in my locker if you want." I offered as we stopped by my locker.

"No, thank you. I've seen that shirt and I don't want to wear it."

I gasped and turnwd to face her cheeky smile. "Don't be rude! I keep it in case of emergencies! You should feel lucky a Fire Elemental is giving you their backup clothes considering the crisis several of them go through everyday."

She laughed as she placed a hand on her hip. "I've heard of stories where people go home half naked or worse."

"Oh, I've seen worse." I nodded distractedly and closed the locker with my helmet on it. "Rhaeya always keeps a few shirts from lost and found with her just in case. In my opinion, some of those shirts should have remained lost."

Flo rolled her eyes as I started to follow to her locker. "In my opinion, you have bad taste."

"Just because I dress like this in school, doesn't mean I dress like this on purpose. I just don't want to destroy my nice shirts."

"I'm terrified to see what you mean by nice shirts. The day of the Acknowledgement all you got was a  bomber jacket to wear over your tank."

"And I'm glad I did." I defended. "I'm pretty sure I saw someone's bodysuit go up in flames."

Flo choked softly. "How devastating!"

"Truly." Was my dry reply.

Flo knitted her brows and turned to me with the look of a lesson. "Do you think I don't get hidden sarcasm?"

I smirked, my arms went across my chest. "It wasn't meant to be hidden."

Flo punched me on the arm before she stomped off to her class. "Bye!" I laughed as I called out after her.

The rest of the day was filled with hushed whispers and poorly hidden stares whenever I walked into class. I started to enjoy it. It was refreshing after trying to be underground for so long. I'm pretty sure most of them recognised me because of the leather jacket and black boots I had to tote around all day.

When I saw Flo during recess, she seemed absolutely flustered. She shrugged her jacket off, before she flopped on the grass beside me. "Holy hell, it's so hot!"

"Is it?" I calmly asked. My back against the tree with the jacket beside me. "It's actually quite pleasant."

"I hate you."

"I'm your ride for the next few days."

"I kind of hate you."

"Sure." I laughed. "Besides you'll have to hitch a ride home with one of your training buddies. I've got-"

"-extra class. Yeah, yeah." She sounded a bit annoyed as she completed my sentence. "I'll find someone heading my way."

I let my guilt take over and shifted closer to her. My arm went around her shoulders and pulled her close to me. "I'm sorry, okay? I wasn't given a choice."

"Yeah, whatever." She pouted as she rested her head on my shoulder. "By the way, we look more like a couple now than on the bike."

"I don't care." I smiled softly. "Just accept my apology."

She laughed and pulled away from me to stick her tongue out. "No. You'll have to grovel some more."

I laughed and let it go. She would keep this up if I let her. But it felt good to be able to talk to her. Just spend some good quality time with a friend. The events of the past few weeks had weighed heavily on me and I hadn't been contributing to the conversation much. It certainly didn't help that those two always bickered so much that it was hard to get a word in edgewise. When I could use them to help lift my spirits, they were too busy with finding new ways to insult each other. It was entertaining most of the time but it did get on my nerves. Despite my constant begs for them to shut up, it was near impossible to get them to listen.

I waved goodbye to Flo, who'd given up obeying the dress code as she headed towards her own Gym. Rhaeya barely glanced at me as I entered the Gym. However, when I finally managed to take Colin down for the third time in a row, she walked over to me like she'd been on me the entire time. I had had fun with him, but it was time to get this over with. I think the guy had started to fall for me.

I kept my nelson tight on him. I refused to loosen it or let up my weight on him until Rhaeya gave her nod of approval. Colin rolled onto his back right as I jumped up, a pained double thumbs up pointed my way as I grinned down at him.

"Well... done, Fi." She reluctantly complimented, her eyes scanned Colin's prone figure with disappointment. Made me almost feel sad.

"So, what's next?" I asked eagerly as I hopped on the balls of my feet. "Do I get to go against you again?"

She rolled her eyes. "Right. Sure. Whatever. For now, take the rest of training off." My grin fell like Rhaeya's expectations for Colin. "Come back when the class lets out, I need to talk to you."

I nodded dumbly, my feet turned me to walk away towards the seats. My stomach growled dully in hunger and reflected my mood. Colin eyed me in confusion as she placed him with some other person again. I watched the people blankly spar and waited for the time to pass till Rhaeya could speak with me. The rest was much needed. I stretched a bit and cooled down as I waited.

Once class let out, she left my healing for the last, just to make sure I wouldn't leave beforehand. As she pressed her hand to my side, she began to speak.

"You've been progressing marvellously the past week." She didn't look up as my bruise faded away. "I was actually surprised you did so well against Colin. I wasn't expecting you to make it through this week." She looked up from the bruise at my confused features. Her eyes searched my face before she exhaled softly. "I can't believe I'm doing this but... will you represent Fire in upcoming Trials?"

My expression stayed blank as I blinked down at her. I was getting uncomfortable with her kneeling before me. "Umm... Can you stand first and then explain what you just said?"

"Oh." She glanced down, just realising that she was still on her knees. She hopped up and brushed herself off. "Sorry about that. Alright. The Trials are sort of these fighting games held each year. A knockout tournament, basically." She paused to see if I got it.

I frowned and leaned away from her. "I... I have to kill someone?"

"No." She cocked her head. "You just have to fight. It's knockouts. You fight against other elements and try to win. The title for the Fire Elemental who wins, or obtains a position, is Blaze Of Glory. For Water, it's Wave. For Air, Gust, and so on.

"Okay?" Like an Elementals Olympics. But only fighting. What kind of dimension was this? "Sounds... interesting."

"I understand if you're scared. We usually send seniors into this, but a few exceptional juniors can make the team."

"I'm exceptional?"

"Yes. You need a little more- maybe some advanced training, but I think you could hold your own."

"Against other elements?" I held up a hand. "Against seniors who are the top of their class in their elements?"

"Now, now." Rhaeya started to backtrack. "No need to decide right now. You can tell me your decision after a few days too. And your guardian will have to sign a few indemnity bonds."

I nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll get back to you next week, maybe? This is a conversation to have face to face and Mich only comes back on weekends."

She crossed her arms across her chest, slightly tensed. I slowly stood up and took my bag with me as I exchanged goodbyes with her and left the Gym. My second stop was the Commons Gym. I needed more information about this.

Christopher and Wafi laughed over something as I entered the Gym. They both turned to me with wide grins which compelled me to mirror their expressions as I approached them. Wafi turned to me with an unexpected hug. I stiffened at first, then slowly reached around and patted his back.

"What happened?" I asked and pulled away. "Did I do something?"

Wafi cocked an eyebrow. "Can't I hug my sister?"

"I... don't... know?" I replied uncertainly.

"Give her a break, Wafi." Christopher spoke up. "She's still getting used to the idea of you."

"I'm used the idea of him. I'm just not used to sudden hugs." I gave Wafi an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"It's okay." He waved it off. "I'm still a bit excited at having found you."

Warm fuzzies filled my chest. I looked down to hide my face as it turned red. But Christopher laughed as he noticed it.

"How adorable. She's turning red."

"I'm not adorable." I snapped and glared up at him. "I might be his little sister, but I'm not your little sister. Don't call me adorable."

Christopher snickered, but dropped the subject with a casual shrug. I frowned at him but Wafi drew my attention back to him.

"How was today?" He grinned cheekily. "Managed to take down Colin?"

"I had to. He was trying to take me out." There was a pause as confusion passed through their faces. "Moving on," I hurriedly continued, "Rhaeya asked if I was interested in taking part in something called 'Trials'."

"No." Both of them chorussed without hesitation. Exchanging glances, Wafi continued for the two of them. "You're not ready."

"Rhaeya said that she'll raise my training level to get me ready for it. But I need to say yes first."

"No way." Christopher piped up. "Just because you took me down once doesn't mean you're ready."

"Shut up." I snapped at him. "She's not seen me fight you, and you both are not making my decisions for me. If I want to take part in the Trials, I very well goddamn will, and both of you can't stop me."

"Hey, we can get angry too." Christopher growled. "We're trying to help train you to be ready for when you turn eighteen, and I don't think we'll be able to do much if you're laid out in a hospital for months after the Trials!"

"Calm down, both of you." Wafi hissed as he glared at the two of us. "Fiera, Christopher is right. You cannot do this."

"Yes, I bloody well can!" I protested. "I'm not even asking you guys to train me. Rhaeya has that responsibility. And even if I lose in the first round," my head whipped towards Wafi, "nobody knows I'm a Royal so atleast I'm not shaming the royal family."

Wafi frowned. "Now, Fiera. That's not why I'm telling you not to participate. It's too much attention!"

"Screw that!" I stomped my foot, frustration rose in me. "I. Am. Tired! I am so tired of hiding! I'm tired of always worrying about bumping into Elizabeth, or accidentally being noticed by her, or my ass getting kicked by her. I am done!" I twisted towards Christopher. "Now, either you can help me get stronger and better for the Trials, or I can leave right now and stop wasting my time here. I've been sacrificing so much ever since I found out who I am. Make it worth it, or let me go."

Christopher was quiet but I could see the gears grind in his head. He searched my face. "I never said I would stop training you. I just said, you're not ready. And you aren't. I'm not a magician. I can't drill one year's worth of training into you in two months."

"I don't need you to be a magician." I replied. "I need you to be my trainer."

He nodded grimly. "It's going to hurt."

"Not worse than what Rhaeya is going to do to me."

"It's going to be exhausting."

"I can take it."

He smiled evilly. "We'll see about that."

Christopher wasn't kidding when he said his training would be gruelling. He would force me to hold my aura while fighting, while sitting idly in class or at home. I didn't get why it drained me so much. But by the end of the day, I was exhausted, underperforming in Rhaeya's new training. But for some reason, my fire was hotter than ever, it had a deep blue core which had started to darken and grow ever since I started my water training.

Rhaeya was impressed despite my constant exhaustion. She believed it was the fruits of her training. I was exhausted as I ran between two different types of training, but I was stronger for it. Within a month, Christopher had me throwing water projectiles. He would also throw me on my ass each time we fought. But as I got better, it started taking longer for him to do that.

Rhaeya somehow knew I was receiving training elsewhere. My fighting style had started to change, I had lesser bruises after each Fire session now. She found it harder and harder to read my moves.

There were four seniors in the Trials group. Three girls, including me and two boys. Maria and Senya were the girls. Martin and Chester the two guys. They all looked down on me since day one. In sparring matches against them, I downplayed myself to keep it like that. It was only with Rhaeya I wouldn't hold back. Because she would know I was holding back.

The all-day aura helped to keep my head down during Fire practice. My Water reserves would fall low enough by the end of the day to stifle any possibility of using Water during my Fire session.

Mich wasn't happy when I told him, but he had resigned himself to it. He had been terrified to say yes and sign the form for the Trials. He broke down when he read a clause about the possibility of death. I had promised him I won't die. After all, who will go to his funeral?

As the days to the Trials inched closer and closer, my training intensified. I didn't even think that was possible. They had started up the construction of a stadium as well. A huge area for the fights to be held. It was going to be a one day event. One day and it was all over.

A week before the Trials, Rhaeya handed us our uniforms. They were perfectly stitched, adhering to every part of our body. Sleeveless with a turtleneck, because we needed to let our skin breathe. We needed air to make fire.

The material was thick, felt slightly scaly. Forming an upside down V at our upper chest as the sleeveless torso narrowed towards the turtleneck. It fit beautifully. I looked great in it. My heart would pump harder and faster in fear by even looking at it. I didn't know if it was exhilaration or fear.

Every morning I would wake up exhausted from yesterday's sessions. The jolt of anxiety from the realisation tha I was one day closer to what I'd been working on for months would jar me awake. All the fighters were to be shifted to accomodations in the stadium, where the people who had access to us would be limited to avoid malpractices. We would have to shift a day before the Trials began.

On the day before moving, Rhaeya refused to train any of us. She gave us a motivational speech I was too hyped up to hear. I couldn't stop tapping my foot. My heart beat loudly in my ears. My gut roiled like a sailboat in a storm.

I walked out of the Gym and tried make myself feel better as the seniors went a different way. They laughed and joked among themselves as they walked away. The Commons Gym wasn't empty as I was hoping it would be. Christopher was there.

Surprise passed through me, and him as he saw me come in.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted out first.

He frowned as he slowly stood up. "I could ask you the same. You need more practice than me."

"Rhaeya gave us hour off. She told us to do whatever we want and since the seniors went off to do their own thing, this was the only place I could go."

He smiled at me. "Well, then your seniors are idiots not to spend time with you. You could do with some tutorial apart from me. In your own fighting style as well, more preferably."

I laughed as I walked towards him. "No, thank you. All of them are jerks. From what I understand, that's a group of friends who were supposed to go the Trials together."

"Aah, we call them preppers." He nodded thoughtfully.

I frowned at his misuse of the term. "Umm... that's not what preppers are."

He shrugged. "Does it matter?"

"Not really." I kept my bag in the bleachers as I began to stretch.

Christopher sighed exasperatedly. He quietly watched me stretch, quiet for a record 45 seconds before asking. "What are you doing?"

"Warming up." I answered. "Might as well get some practice in."

Christopher sighed and shook his head. "Not today... you... need your rest."

"I have the entire day tomorrow." I turned to him, slightly out of breath. "Come on."

He just laughed and walked past me to get his bag. "See you later, Fi. Go home. Rest. Spend some time with your friends before this. Bye."