Walking out the double doors and past the Twins, Damon, Rodrick and Baron spotted Kira and Sunny. Making their way to the excitedly waving Sunny and the slightly embarrassed Kira both sides sent questions.

  By both sides, it was mainly Damon and Sunny.

  “What did you guys learn?” Damon, eager to know if everyone was taught the same shocking history, asked.

  “Who is your professor?” Sunny asked with curiosity dripping from his question.

  All three boys answered simultaneously “Professor Harris.”

  “History. The true history.” Kira answered Damon with a faraway look.

  Before Damon could ask another question, a hand landed on his shoulder causing him to stop and find out the hand was connected to a very serious Rodrick.

  “Who is your Professor?” Damon, annoyed at his serious facade, was about to scold his friend but a certain individual with green lips and pretty face popped into his head.

  “I didn’t get Professor Mara.” Kira, annoyed, gave a side glance at the trio she found pathetic at the moment.

  “No, no, no. He was asking. Not me.” Damon tried to hide his guilt by passing it over to Rodrick.

  “We just happened to be next to you guys and heard the conversation." Baron gave an excuse that made no sense causing Damon to glare at him.

  “I did.” Sunny smiled happily, with his chest puffed out knowing the trio would be jealous. The glares he felt made him feel even more proud.

  “Hey guys.” A familiar voice greeted the group from behind where a pale dark-haired girl came jogging over clutching a small bag.

  “Why hello Amelia.” Rodricks voice adopted a more exaggerated tone at the girl’s presence followed by the rest of the group’s greetings.

  “Where are you guys headed?” Amelia questioned.

  “To the Fire District of course.” Sunny answered with excitement. “I heard their food is the best out of the Five Districts.”

  “What about you?” Rodrick asked but not before giving Damon a wink.

  Amelia's eyes shifted to the ground before lifting them back up to answer. “I’m not sure.”

  “If you’re not doing anything, want to come along?”Kira offered and received the answer in a form of a shy nod.

  Everybody turned around and began making their way to the cafeteria but the frozen figure of Rodrick halted everyone.

  Damon, worried about his friend, walked over and asked “Hey you good?”

  Rodrick answered with a blank expression. “She helped me out. She knew I was trying to get Amelia to come with us for you and she helped me out.” Rodrick's face soon broke out into a full grin of happiness.

  Damon, appalled at his friend's reaction, could only look up to the sky desperately.

  “Spirits help me.”

  ***

  “I swear she knew what she was doing. I’m telling you.” Rodrick held the chicken drum in hand using it to point at the exhausted Damon. The boys continued their earlier argument as the girls headed to the restroom.

  “And I’m telling you for the thousandth time, she didn’t. She just needed another friend who was a girl.” Damon wiped off the specks of sauce on his face from his friend’s meal once again.

  Rodrick, tired of his friend’s denial, turned to question Baron’s loyalty “You’re on my side right?”

  Baron hummed too busy with the delicious meal.

  Rodrick gestured to the hungry boy as his backup while staring at Damon who wore a deadpan expression.

  “Baron, do dragons still exist?” A similar hum from before was the answer given and Damon, still wearing the same deadpan look, stared at Rodrick.

  “What? Hey, maybe they do exist. You heard Professor Harris. The other side?” Rodrick shrugged while pursing his lips.

  “Spirits.” Damon rolled his eyes.

  “What's happening here that you had to call upon the busy Spirits?” Amelia snuck her way in, placing her tray down beside Baron, sitting diagonally across from Damon, while Kira sat beside Damon questioning the duo.

  A bit flustered Damon stuttered out an answer “El-Elves. We were talking about Elves and all the mythical creatures, since you know, the whole history thing.” Damon nodded to himself satisfied with his answer, choosing to reward himself with the meal that has been waiting for him to dig in for the last ten minutes.

  “I believe some do exist. I just don’t think they are anywhere within the Republic.” Baron, finished with his meal, answered while patting his stomach.

  “True. Word would have already spread.” Kira’s words were met with nods of agreement.

  “I think they’re somewhere in the Eastern Isles.” An unfamiliar voice butted in catching everyone’s attention on the table.

  Bang

  With a loud bang, the perpetrator did not just catch the attention of everyone on the table but everyone in the cafeteria.

  A blonde chubby girl was the one guilty of interruption as she stood wincing at the noise she created while offering a mouthed ‘sorry’ to everyone.

  “Gina Wells.” The blonde girl's embarrassed smile quickly morphed into one of confidence as she introduced herself to the group before taking a seat beside Damon.

  Rodrick gave a smile of his own before introducing everyone.

  “So, you’re a Lightning Elemental huh? I guess you've seen our friend here before?” Rodrick smiled while gesturing to Damon who could only glare at his friend's upcoming theatrics.

  “Any reason why you chose this table and not any other? Maybe another Lightning Elemental?”

  Gina smiled “ They weren’t interesting enough. I was passing by and overheard you guys talking about dragons and elves. So I thought why not this one.” The group nodded satisfied with her answer before joining her in digging into their food.

  Rodrick smiled at Damon, answering with a nod.

  A few minutes passed and another tray was placed on the table only this time it was two.

  “Hey guys.” Sunny bright voice met the ears of the group who smiled at him. “I brought Tristan.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  Tristan gave a smile that resulted in Gina blushing and Kira giving side glances while playing with her food. A reaction caught by a frowning Rodrick.

  “Hello Tristan.” Rodrick gave a fake smile before explaining the current situation. “You see we have begun our meal and we don’t want to be distracted so no talking.”

  Tristan chuckled before putting a finger on his lips.

  Their few moments of silence didn’t last before shouts and clamors came from the other side of the room. The origin of the ruckus came from a pair of boys glaring at each other, each surrounded by a flock of followers but one group held the numbers advantage.

  “Look around you Lennox, you have no one else around you. Just a bunch of Outer District idiots. Where are those House Laurel family members you love pretending you’re a part of? ” The youngest son of Governor Lennox, Louise Lennox stood there with a heavy frown glaring at the over a dozen confident individuals behind his nemesis Himel Killian while his entourage making up half his numbers were wondering whether to leave or stand with Louise.

  “Is there a problem here?” A soft voice pushed its way into the tense scene, catching the attention of everyone. Kriston Laurel walked over to her uncle’s nephew and put a hand on his shoulder hinting at the support Louise now had.

  “No, there isn’t.” A raspy voice cut in and a teenage girl in red robes sauntered into the conversation to stand beside Himel with confidence. “Himel is just a tad bit angry about how Louise here greeted him the last time but I’m not sure how it concerns a second year student.”

  “Esther, I see you made it into the Academy. Congratulations, Spirits do have their ways of doing things. I hope you’re grateful they blessed you after two whole years.” Kriston congratulated her fellow noble with a smile that could not hide the hints of sarcasm in her tone.

  “Yes, I thank the Spirits above for their blessings.” Esther maintained her calm and showed no signs of being bothered by the slight only patting the head of the glaring Himel. “My dream of becoming just like my grandfather approaches. I will not only chase after his strength but his character as well. Steadfast, decisive…” Pausing for a moment she shifted her attention from Kriston to Louise. “And Forgiving.”

  The commoners didn’t understand it but the nobles whose entire lives revolved around gossip and rumors couldn’t help but smirk and chuckle causing Kriston to grit her teeth.

  “I see you’re enjoying your time here ladies.” Interrupted, both parties pulled their eyes away and found a pair of silver haired twins walking over tailed by over a dozen followers.

  “Prince Jansen. Princess Nessa.” Everyone bowed their heads in greeting. Everyone except Kriston and Louise. Something that caught everyone’s attention even Kriston who frowned at the sight of Louise not bowing.

  The twins didn’t bother with the actions of Kriston as she is a main line descendant of an Ancient House but the boy was another thing.

  “And who are you? And why do you not bow?” Prince Jansen, curious about the boy, wondered if he was another kid from House Terre.

  With an arrogant look “I’m not like them, I am-” “He is the in-law of my family. Forgive him.” Louise turned back to challenge Kriston but the death glare he was met with shut him up. The short moment was caught by everyone including Himel who couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “How embarrassing.” Himel, not missing the chance to hit Louise when he is down, let out a few words under his breath that were of course heard by those near him.

  “Indeed. Very embarrassing. The boy must think he’s better than you all that he chose to not bow.” Prince Jansen agreed, clearly attempting to sow discord amongst the groups. A very blatant attempt that Esther couldn’t even be bothered to reply to. Instead tapping Himel's shoulder signalling him it was time to leave.

  Himel could only glare at Louise who mimicked his actions.

  “I see. And here I thought House Killian moulded warriors.” Himel instantly turned around and said “We are warriors.” Himel corrected the arrogant prince. “And what do you understand about warriors? There aren’t anything close to warriors down south.” Himel, not feeling he said enough, challenged Prince Jansen on his knowledge of warriors.

  Prince Jansen opened his mouth to counter only to spot something behind Himel that caused him to smile. “Warrior? I know of warriors because a close friend of mine just happened to be one. Creto Harkon? Ever heard of him? If not introduce yourself, Cre.” Everyone’s attention quickly shifted towards the giant of a teenager who stood behind Himel’s entourage, looming over everyone.

  “Are you a warrior? I am assuming you are since you claim to know what it is.” A deep voice matching the kid’s stature came out to confront Himel.

  Esther stepped forward to stand in front of Himel and bowed to greet the prince. “Greetings Prince Creto. Are you the warrior Prince Jansen named? If so I doubt someone of your caliber would stoop so low to challenge someone obviously not your match.” Although true, Himel still couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable at the truth coming from Esther.

  “That is true. My father does say ‘do not seek challenges you know you could win for they are no longer challenges but chores.And nobody likes chores.” Prince Creto took a step back recalling his father’s lesson.

  Prince Jansen frowned at the actions of Prince Creto who appeared to slightly back off. Not feeling satisfied with the current situation he attempted to sow more discord but a hand placed on his shoulder stopped him from doing so.

  “Let’s go. I’m bored.” Princess Nessa for the first time during this entire confrontation spoke.

  Although clearly regretful, Prince Jansen nodded at his sister with a smile. “Well, it was nice talking to you all. See you around. C’mon Creto. Let’s go grab a bite.” The twins and entourage passed Himel and Esther to leave only to pause after seeing someone standing behind Creto.

  Creto, finding the pairs of eyes of everyone on him or to something next to him, turned around and met a teenager with a tall stature and golden long hair flowing over his broad shoulders that was connected to muscular arms.

  “Tristan Grier. I have heard of you. The stories are that you are very deadly with a sword. Too bad you don’t have one.” Prince Creto's deep voice pierced the ears of Tristan pulling a smile out of him.

  “Yes, too bad.” Tristan nodded his head still holding a smile on his face. “Too bad.” Tristan repeated himself again but this time his voice carried a hint of regret.The tension between the two covered the cafeteria in a solemn atmosphere.

  The solemn atmosphere merely lasted for a minute before Princess Nessa cut in. “If we’re just going to be staring into each other's eyes all day, I would like to do it with a full stomach.”

  Princess Nessa made her way to the food with her brother and entourage following after.

  “See you around Grier.” Prince Creto walked past Tristan who still held a smile. “See you around Harkon.”

  “This is going to be a long five years.” Rodrick sighed. His words found support from his group in the forms of nods.

  Rodrick abruptly looked up to the ceiling with an eager smile instantly changing his reaction and said

  “I’m so excited. This is going to be fun.”

  ***

  “Hey you alright?” Gina brushed a tendril of blonde hair behind her ear as she and Damon made their way back to the dorms.

  Damon, hearing the question, answered with furrowed brows “Yeah, why?”

  Shrugging Gina said “Well, when I joined your table during lunch earlier you didn’t seem all that talkative like you were before.”

  “Oh, well I guess I just was too focused on eating and digesting. Both the food and lessons from today.” Damon explained.

  Gina, feeling that wasn’t the truth, pressed on “How about when you stopped eating and everyone was just talking?”

  Damon felt a rising annoyance “I don’t know I just wasn’t there I guess.”

  “Is it because of me?”

  “What? No, of course not.”

  “But you stopped talking when I got there.”

  “No,” Damon shook his head “I probably was just tired-”

  “I thought you were thinking about the lesson?”

  “Yes, I was. But-”

  “But what?”

  “PLEASE JUST SHUT UP..” Damon shouted his frustration reaching its limit. Immediately after saying this turned toward Gina who wore a hurt look. “I’m sorry, I-I just…”

  “It’s fine” Gina offered a shaky smile. “I can be a bit annoying.”

  Damon shook his head vehemently “No it's not you. It's just I- I…” Damon paused for a moment before telling the truth. “I’m embarrassed.”

  “About what?’ Gina asked.

  “About last night. At the front desk.”

  Gina wore a puzzled expression before widening her eyes. “Ah, the whole fiasco with the arrogant pretty boy.” Damon nodded causing Gina to laugh. “It’s fine, I get it all the time.” Gina said.

  “Is it?” Damon questioned with slight disbelief found in his tone.

  “Yea, my old man says it builds character.” Gina said with a raised fist and narrowed eyes. “And one day those words won’t hurt me.”

  Damon chuckled before saying “I don’t know if I should be proud that you got to that level or disappointed at myself that you did.”

  “Sounds like a ‘you’ problem.” Gina said with a teasing smile.

  Damon rolled his eyes “Whatever.” The action pulled a giggle out of Gina.

  Damon continued “Well the least I can do is apologize for not speaking up. I was probably filled with thoughts of the first day or maybe…”Damon paused for a second to think about what he just said. “Forget what I just said. My father always told me when giving an apology, start with: ‘I’m’, and end with ‘sorry’” Damon smiled fondly at the memory before turning to Gina to stare into her eyes.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Gina slightly blushing, accepted the apology with a punch to the arm of Damon.“Apology accepted.”

  “Ow.” Damon winced, shocked at the girl's strength. “What was that for?”

  Gina speed walked attempting to hide her blush shouted over her shoulder. “Physical pain for emotional pain. We’re even.”