"Those participating in the mirror maze should follow me!"

"C'mon, then," Sky cheered.

Sia swallowed thickly as the djinn tugged her over toward where an attendant stood within the towering shadows of an archway. Her nerves dug their iron claws into her chest, straining her breath with each step they took. The only comfort laid in the Sky's ranking--not everyone could claim their partner was a S-Rank mage. It was a clear advantage that should have set her at ease.

It didn't.

The only thing awe inspiring about Sky at this particular moment was her ego. It reflected in the giant, careless grin on her lips as she slowed to a stop at the attendant's side before rattling off their names. Sia took the moment to draw in a slow, deep breath, before forcing her nerves into line. It wouldn't do her any good to panic. She'd done all she could. Oren had helped. From here, what happened, happened.

The more she repeated that line, the less it helped. So, Sia turned her attention to the other guilds. Knowing who they were up against would be useful. That is, if she could actually recall their abilities.

Unfortunately, each mage to join their game thus far was an unfamiliar face.

Unease resettled along Sia's spine as she realized both foxes were children. The first was a slender, soft-looking human teenager that couldn't have been older than seventeen at the most. She steadfastly ignored that the age only placed him two years younger than herself. Those years mattered. Who in their right mind let a minor participate in a game like this? He even looked like a kid--his fiery red hair complimented by a splatter of freckles across his cheeks and nose.

The only thing of note beyond his age were his differing eyes--one an equally bright red, the other a warm gold. Odd in a human, but not unheard of.

The second child was the more unsettling one. With a dainty frame, pointed ears, and cropped black hair, the--elven? fae?--girl couldn't be older than fifteen. What threw Sia off the most, however, was the ease with which she walked towards the archway, as if they were embarking on nothing more dangerous than a picnic.

Is it the age of the members that has Cross so hung up on Polar Fox? Sia couldn't help but wonder.

If it had been Falkner that caught the demon's eye, he would have mentioned something to Hawthorne. But, he didn't. And Cross did have a thing about protecting children. The reason behind it had never been obvious--except, perhaps, his soft heart--but, it'd become undoubtedly clear over the years. If a kid was involved in something shady, Cross stressed.

Was Polar Fox shady?

Well, whatever the reason, she could think about it later when the weight of the guild wasn't settling on her head. Sky dropped a hand on her shoulders, a bright grin on her lips.

"How many recording crystals do you think there are in there?" she asked.

Sia shook her head. "I don't know."

As she spoke, the last two participants fell into line, signaling the attendant to start forward. Curiosity flickered through her as the taller of the two--an elf with the appearance of one in their late twenties, pinched the bridge of his nose. Apparently, whatever his companion--another human teenager for some gods damned reason--had informed him after they met with the attendant hadn't gone over well.

"I'm just saying--if you race ahead without me, I'll electrocute you," the teen grumbled. Sia stiffed as the girl flexed her shoulders. "Teammate or not."

The man sighed. "Alicia. I promise you, if you do that, I will make the next three months of your life miserable."

"Only three? I thought that was your year-round th--" she snarked, cutting off as the elf cuffed the back of her head. "Oh fuck th--"

He cuffed her again, sending Alicia into a series of increasingly vulgar curses. Sia blanched, while Sky started laughing.

"Everyone's excited! Just wait, Sia, we're going to blast through this."

She couldn't possibly mean literally, right?

Unable to shake the churning worry in her gut, Sia picked up her pace in hopes that the sooner they got there, the less time Sky had to plan what would likely end up being their demise.

The Aster Coliseum, while smaller than the main building, was just as formidable as looked from the outside. At least, what little she could see of it--which was merely the outside from the connecting annex. The closest archway had been blocked by a shadowed wall of black magic. She might have stepped closer to investigate, but the moment they reached the annex exit, a handful of tourney assistants approached each guild duo.

Their purpose was obvious the moment their assistant handed over two bracelets. Sia grimaced as she clicked the metal into place. The small buzz of magic that immediately warmed her wrist was discomforting despite the knowledge that the tourney gained nothing by cursing them.

"You're to wear the bracelets for the duration of the game. They're for tracking purposes and safety concerns," the worker explained. "The mirror maze is an elimination race. The second you cross the magic circle at the center, you'll be teleported to the victor's archway. This keeps anyone from staying behind to sabotage others."

She shuddered. Great. That possibility hadn't been in her head before, but now she couldn't shake it. The wording bothered her the most--crossing the line meant you were teleported to safety...so, didn't that mean any potential fights should happen just before it?

"The rules of the game are simple," the elf continued. "Each team will start at one of the arches placed along the outskirts of the maze. When it's time to begin, the barrier will fall allowing you to run inside with the goal of reaching the center. There are no rules about fighting, but be aware that only the first eight to reach the center will receive placement points."

"Placement points?" Sky interrupted.

"Like the other games, you'll be judged based on many criteria. For the maze, however, additional points are awarded for the order in which you reach the center. First place receives ten."

Sia's eyes grew wide. Hadn't the guidebook said that each round of the team games were capped at forty a person? Winning first place would guarantee you a fourth of the max score.

"Finally, please be aware that as with all other sections of the tourney, intentionally life-threatening injuries will result in immediate disqualification for the attacker. Despite the maze seeming isolated, there are recording crystals along the path, as well as life-detection built into the bracelets."

"You won't be needing that," Sky boasted to Sia. "Not with me here."

She almost felt reassured.

A chime swept through the hall. From the way the attendant glanced over their shoulder, Sia guessed it was a signal to send them on their way.

"You'll find the Starry Rose arch to the far left," the woman said, before turning away. "It's marked by a banner."

"Thanks!" Sia called.

The attendant nodded, strode several steps away, then paused to glance over their shoulder. "Oh, and be careful of the mirrors. It won't just be your own reflections staring back."

And with those lovely words, they were alone. Ignoring Sky's boasting--which had immediately started to grate on her nerves the moment Sia realized that there were likely monsters magicked into the mirrors, meaning they were facing more danger than just their opponents--she started in the direction the attendant had pointed them.

Sky's magic utilized her voice to charm others. She--like a few others in Starry Rose--specialized in large scale, heavy combat. Despite her insistence on taking the second game, Sia couldn't see the djinn's usual reckless attacks working unless they were attacked themselves. So, the question was: how did they navigate the mirrors without falling behind?

The answer came to her as they reached their tall, black-shadowed archway.

Wind. If she utilized the currents--feeling the way they flowed as she sent them ahead in the same way Rhett navigated the world--they would be able to at least figure out a path, even if it wasn't the right one.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Sky, I think--"

"I've got a plan," the woman declared.

Oh gods. "I don't--"

"No worries, Sia!" Sky interrupted, before shoving her thumb at her chest. "Just wait and see, I'm going to end this in two seconds flat! Just stand behind me, cover your ears, and watch a pro work, okay?"

"Please--"

The magic fell.

A shiver crept down Sia's spine as she realized that the path before them was no brighter than the released barrier. The only illumination came from a line of glowing stones along the tops of the mirrors and the tree-like decorations that crept up each panel, before branching out at the top. The lights cast a dizzying, mirrored effect that made what was likely a single wall akin to a dozen.

Sia grasped for her magic. "Just listen, okay--"

Her bracelet buzzed.

"First place goes to Opal of Polar Fox!"

Dumbfounded, Sia wasted precious moments staring at the metal, as if it were able to tell her that the ringing announcement sweeping through the darkened coliseum was a joke. Wasn't Opal the little Fox from earlier? How did she win in seconds? What did that mean for them that first place had been seized that easily?

Focus. There was time to learn about it later.

Sia waved her hand, sending a gust of wind into the "wall" ahead of her. She bit her cheek as they slammed into a mirror, before running along it, then scattering. There.

Darting forward--Sky would either follow, or be left behind, there was no time for them to try and talk it out further--Sia ran her fingers along the glass as she ducked into where her magic had curved. Again, she cast the wind ahead of her, and again she twisted as it did. Right or wrong, it was a path.

At least, up until it was a dead end.

"Shit."

"Agreed."

Sia nearly leapt out of her skin as a pink-haired, fuchsia eyed girl appeared in the mirrored wall before her. Had it been any less uncanny, she might have labeled the image herself. But, the unsettlingly bright grin, pointed canines, and blanched skin told her differently. The monsters.

"Really, you should know better. Walking blindly will only get you lost," mirror her scolded.

Nope.

Sia turned on her heel and ran.

Nothing good would come out of talking to herself. So, she ignored as the image seemed to race alongside her, instead focusing on the rush of her magic as she shoved it forward again, searching for a longer path.

"Sky?"

"Over here!" the djinn's voice called.

Was it really her?

"Had to fuck up my mirror self, but I'm coming!"

Just as relief eased the tension in her shoulders, Sia's own image lept at her. She scrambled backwards, before swearing as her back slammed into a mirror. Pain shuddered along her spine. The monster cackled, raising itself to her full height as a dozen images of it seemed to encircle the room.

Mirror Sia clicked her tongue. "Careful, dear."

Panic drew her magic to her palms. The dozen monsters seemed to draw closer, irises fading to black. Sia swallowed, feeling the glass behind her. Her mana begged to be used, sparking along her fingertips. Something clicked.

What would happen if she broke it? Would "Sia" disappear?

"Ah--you found your mirror bitch self!" Sky declared.

Then, before Sia could realize what was happening, the air djinn appeared within a dozen reflections, put her fingers up to her lips, and whistled.

Everything shattered--including Sia herself.

Her hands flew to her ears as she collapsed to her knees, a dozen swears on her lips. Glass rained down on her shoulder, leaving sharp cuts even as an overwhelming, ringing pain overthrew all of her senses. It lanced her head as if a knife had been shoved into her eardrums and twisted, leaving behind a bloody, hollow mess.

That was it--when this was over, she was killing Sky. S-Rank or not, that was stupid.

"Told you I had a plan!" the woman called.

Her voice was muffled and painful, leaving Sia grimacing as she murmured a prayer, intertwining divinity with the magic that laced her fingers. A soothing pulse erupted from the tips, easing the stabbing sensation, but doing little to help her understand Sky. Just great.

"My eardrums," she told Sky. Her muffled voice was laced with accusation.

The woman tilted her head, before understanding lit her shadowed features. "Oh! Sorry about that."

Anger simmered under Sia's skin as she accepted the hand Sky offered her way. Seemingly at least a little repentant, the djinn brushed bits of mirror off of Sia's shoulders, before spinning in a circle as her face lit up.

"Ya know, beyond that, I think I did good," Sky observed. "Look!"

Reluctantly, Sia glanced around them. The mirrors were a mess. Shattered glass lay scattered across the floor, reflecting light in an even more dizzying way than before.

But, the path forward was clear.

Sia didn't waste time. She shook the remaining bits of mirror off of her, grimacing at the stinging cuts littering her skin, before carefully picking her way through the practical minefield of shattered pieces. The exit led into another shattered hall, which led into another shattered room.

She had to admit, as risky as it was, Sky's plan held merit.

That was, until they reached a hall that was mostly intact. Shadows glimmered in the reflective surfaces--monsters prowling by as they stood just out of reach. They were massive, hulking shadow creatures with glistening glaws and ruby eyes.

Sia shuttered. What would happen when they stepped closer? Could those claws truly reach them? A realization nagged at her. Why didn't they emerge like the "Sia" of earlier had done? It seemed more practical to attack than to wait for them to wander forward. Was it not possible?

Had she overreacted earlier? Were they illusions?

Sky raised her fingers and Sia seized her arm without hesitation. "I swear to Aether, if you whistle again I'll put you on your knees," Sia threatened.

For a moment, she thought her words alone would prompt Sky to give it a shot. Challenge glimmered in the djinn's irises. Then, she laughed. "Fine. You find us a path. If someone else qualifies, though, I'll be breaking everything."

Sia didn't doubt her.

So, with magic at her fingertips, Sia strode forward. Testing her theory, she stuck to the center of the room, a careful measured distance from the mirrors.

The monsters snarled, but didn't lunge. Her heart raced, but this time out of thrill. The warning from before was a part of the game. They were warned against monsters, so then they thought there was another danger, where there was merely fear. Or, probably was.

She wouldn't be drawing close enough to find out. "We should hurry."

This time, as Sia sent her magic racing ahead, she could sense Sky at her heels. A distant sound of shattering glass reminiscent of Sky's reminded Sia of the girl from before. It was immediately followed by a loud, familiar sigh that echoed through the many mirrors.

"Participants be aware that breaking the mirrors for the purpose of navigation will result in a penalty to your scores. The judges have ruled it against the spirit of the maze."

Sky swore, but Sia merely focused on finding their next path. It seemed reasonable--and made her glad she hadn't tried as much earlier.

Their pace fell into a pattern.

Another turn.

Another dead-end.

A retrace of their steps, followed by a different path. A race of her magic followed by swearing as they found another room, but no magic seal. Monsters roaring in their ears as they took yet another risk and ran. Where is it?

The pattern broke.

Sia stepped around a corner. Then, immediately reared back as she was met with a wall of heat and dissipating flame. Her feet gave out as the sudden, sweeping pain that took her skin became overwhelming.

"Oh, hells! Sorry, sorry!"

Sia could only blink as the red-head from Polar Fox appeared around the mirrors, worry and fear filtering through his face. He stuck his hand out for her even as Sky took a step forward, fists raised.

"What the fuck, kid?" she demanded. "You wanna--"

"No, no, no," he cut in. "No, sorry! I thought--well, there's things in the mirror and Opal disappeared and I was alone and fire seemed like the best plan and I just..."

Impulse spiked through Sia and she grabbed the kid's proffered hand. If he was that anxious, she had a feeling the magic had been reflexive, not criminal. The burns were bad, but nothing she couldn't handle and heal herself. At least--that was the plan.

The fox tugged her up, before immediately clasping her hand between his as a low glow took them. A familiar warmth flooded her body. Her ears popped.

"Here. Better, right?"

Sky blinked. "Did he just..."

Heal me within seconds? Yeah, he did. Without touching her wounds or whispering a single prayer.

"I have to go! Sorry, again!"

And just like that, the kid spun back to the room he'd been in before their arrival. It was then Sia realized he'd been trying something the same as her, only a bit more dangerously. He waved his hand, and a wall of flame sprung to life, sweeping out from his feet until it licked the edges of the mirrors and dissipated.

Except where the path continued.

The kid ran. Sky and Sia exchanged looks, before chasing after him. The boy glanced over his shoulder, obviously noticing them, but not seeming to care as they continued searching out a path. A group of three was better than nothing at all, especially when it put them behind the kid's magic.

"Second Place, Elis of the Celestials!"

"Fuck."

"Third place, Wren of the Adventurers' Coalition!"

Another dead end.

"Forth place, Dante--"

"That's it! Sia. You're getting fifth."

Sia had ten seconds to lunge forward and thrust her hands over the kid's ears, before Sky opened her mouth and...well, Sia wouldn't have called it singing, exactly. It was a shrill, ear-splitting noise that the woman released. Glass splintered to pieces as Sia's ears threatened to give out.

Then, it was over and Sky was nowhere to be seen.

"Disqualified, Sky of Starry Rose."

The path forward was clear, though. Despite the ringing in her ears, the wetness on her cheeks, and the anger in her veins, Sia could practically feel the hum in the air that urged her to run. Was it a compulsion from Sky's words?

It didn't matter. Sia grabbed the kid's hand. She wasn't in the habit of forgetting favors.

"Let's go."

A glimmering magic circle rested between two, converging halls of shattered mirrors. A boar the size of a horse rested on the chest of a Steel Knight a dozen feet away. Another knight had his spear caught in the cloak of a different mage.

Sia lunged for the circle. Something sliced into her shoulder, stealing her breath and sending her tumbling in a different direction as she lost contact with the kid's hand. Pain--sharper than the rest--jolted from the impact. Something snapped, the presumed arrow-tip digging deep into her skin as the shaft fell away. She swore and rolled onto her knees.

Something shattered in the distance.

"Disqualified, Alicia of the Adventurers' Coalition."

She scrambled to her feet, spinning around as an elven woman toting a bow appeared from the shadows of another path. "Sorry. Couldn't have someone else finish before me."

The kid glanced at her, then Sia, before offering a small grin.

"You first, Miss Sia."

Then, he lunged forward with fire in his hands. Sia hesitated. It wasn't right, letting the kid handle her battles. But, she had a job to do. Remembering the weight on her shoulders, she sent wind magic into her feet and lunged. Her fingers brushed the magic circle as the distinct twang of a bow hit the air.

"Fifth place, Sia of Starry Rose!"

The cheer of the crowd roared in her ears even as something warm trickled down her back. The muffled sound felt like the strongest drug as a thrill sunk into her veins.

She'd done it.

It wasn't first. It wasn't second. But, it was a place.

Gods that felt good.

"Sixth place, Nevan of Polar Fox!"

"Seventh place..."