POV: Mary Bittir

Adrian slammed his fist into the wall and said through gritted teeth, “I can't believe they're doing this to me.”

We were all hanging out at one of the front corners of the school's outer wall. Adrian had returned to class boiling mad with no acknowledgement from Mr Galacto and then sat through the whole class time just steaming to himself. At lunch, he told us what he called The Score and how he was teamed up with a half-fairy for something called the New Blood Tournament. Something I had never heard of, and now he was punching walls hard enough to crack the bricks.

“What's the big deal?” Ashley asked innocently.

“Oh Sweet Mercy, Ashley!” Kevin rubbed his eyes in frustration.

“The big deal!” Adrian turned and yelled. “Is that they're making me team up with a fairy!”

“I thought this Melvin guy was a half-fairy,” I said out of a sense of what I thought of as sympathy.

“Half-fairy, whole fairy, fairy is fairy, and they can't be trusted.” Adrian ranted, waving his arms around and stomping his boots.

Nazuri spoke up, “You say that, but aren't you half-demon, which is like…”

“Naz, no!” Kevin interrupted, rubbing his temples, “Do not start him down that road. I can’t handle it again.”

“I just can't believe this. I should go back and demand they pick someone else. Anyone else.” Adrian punched the wall again.

I tried to think of something to say, but I didn't know where to start. Growing up in the mundane world I knew mundanes disliked and distrusted the majority of all demi-humans, but they loathed mutants and fairykin the most. So maybe I shouldn't have been surprised by Adrian’s attitude, but I still was. I guess I figured demi-humans had a sense of solidarity between them, but I was apparently wrong.

“They really do need to upgrade the gorilla cage down at the zoo one of these days.” Came a voice from above. We all looked up to see a duo sitting on the wall above us. A girl sitting legs crossed, and a boy hanging over his legs dangling unseen. They both looked fairly normal except for a glisten in their eyes that I started to recognize in most of the other students.

“Oh great! Just what I needed, “Adrian snarked and leaned on the wall. “More fae folk.”

“It's you two again.” Kevin said recognizing them, “Milo and Rena, right? What are you two doing here?”

“Following the distinct sounds of a raging hellape.” I assumed Rena answered.

“Bite me!” Adrian shouted up without looking.

“Is this really about the tournament?” I assumed Milo asked, “I didn't figure you to be so upset about going into a brawl.”

“Bite! Me!” Adrian shouted even louder.

“Honestly,” Rena said with a flip of her hair, “I thought your mother raised you right.”

Adrian stepped back fully enraged. The air warping around him. The way it only did when he was truly angered. “Your next words better be a good reason not to kill you.”

“The school invested its trust in you,” Rena stated in a sharp tone. Staring down Adrian, “Don't you have a duty to uphold it?”

Adrian stared back by with gritted teeth. She was right. The school only had the two slots, and out of all the viable candidates they chose him. Sure, they also chose the fairykin, but that just meant they trusted Adrian to put his feelings aside. At least I think they did.

Adrian just slammed his fist into the wall again, sending new cracks into it before storming off and shouting back, “I'm going home!”

We all just watched him walk off. Kevin seemed to debate following him but decided to just let Adrian be as he turned to the interlopers, “How are you holding up, Milo? After your mom and all.”

“I'm okay.” Milo smiled softly, “Rena has been helping me through a lot.”

Rena smiled back and they interlocked their hands together in that sweet way that makes others sick, “We’ve started dating actually.”

An air raid came from Ashley as she leaped up and over, “Oh my gosh! Really! For how long? Have you kissed yet? Tell me everything!”

She was hopping in excitement as she interrogated the two of them. I didn't understand how she could find so much joy in something so… so… I don't know what word I was looking for. The word was not mundane. Nothing here is mundane. Not even me. Not even her. Even though we're as basic as they come. Maybe that's the word. Basic.

Just a boy and a girl who like each other enough they decided to say it out loud, and Ashley was over the whole moon drilling questions at Rena who struggled to dodge them in her wizard fashion. At least I assumed she was doing something wizard-like from Runesir’s looks of pained sympathy for her.

“Hey, don’t you have a class today?” Nazuri asked.

Drawing my attention back with a, “What? Oh, yeah, but… Adrian was so upset. I had to… you know.”

“Not really.” Nazuri shrugged, “We’re all here for him. No point in you getting into trouble for ditching class.”

I was stumped at that. She was completely right, but still. “I’m the team leader. It’s a part of my job to watch out for all of you. If the school has a big problem with that, well, they’re the ones who put me in this position.”

I must have had a hard look on my face because Nazuri went wide-eyed at me, “I didn’t realize you cared that much.”

“I didn’t realize you care so much about Adrian’s well-being.” I smiled at her, “With you willing to be here for him.”

“Adrian is a jerk, but he has a charm to him,” Nazuri smiled wide, “like a gorilla.”

We both laughed as Ashley continued to gush over Rena and Milo while Kevin just stared off after Adrian. I eventually excused myself and headed to my class where I managed to talk my way out of a detention.

***

POV: Mercedes Greenleaf

Melvin slammed his fist into the wall and said through gritted teeth, “I can't believe they're doing this to me.”

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We had joined together in our secret lair, a corner of the library that was rarely used. A few subtle fae spells ensured the majority of the student body stayed away, and kept the staff unsuspicious. Melvin had just informed us of the situation involving the demonkin and the school’s decision to pair them for a fighting tournament as I crocheted. Needless to say, he was rather distraught at the situation.

“Oh come on, Melvin. It’s not that big of a deal,” Theodore said. He and George were playing a board game, of which George was winning as he read a large textbook.

“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one having to put your back in the hands of a demon.” Melvin said regaining his composure and smoothing his coat. “Of course, I have never been the kind to shy from challenges.”

“Do you really believe it to be a challenge?” George asked over his glasses, “You are an excellent combatant. Alongside your primary talents.”

Melvin flexed a fist. George was referring to his placement in the school’s core curriculum schedule. I knew he had wanted to be in the combat curriculum of Class A, or at least Class B, but his talents in other fields had him directed towards the more civil curriculum of Class C. Something he was displeased by.

“Indeed, George,” Melvin smoothed his voice over, “I’m sure I will make a fine display. Regardless of the performance of that hellape.”

“Yeah man, you got this,” Theodore said encouragingly as he made a move that George countered without looking up from his book. “We all have faith in you.”

“It's appreciated, though it doesn't undo any of my concerns.” Melvin posed in front of a placard that reflected his face, he straightened his coat as he grinned at himself, “Even if I intend to rise to the challenge, I will have to keep my wits sharp and clever.”

“Do you believe this fellow to be worthy of such caution?” George asked, flipping a page and countering another move from Theodore.

“Of course I do,” Melvin said, “Have either of you ever known a demon to be trustworthy?”

“But he's not a demon.” Theodore stared at the board in front of him thinking and overthinking his next move, “He’s half-human, just like you.”

Melvin threw the game table up and away and snatched Theodore by the chest, “Do not compare us! Especially not by our shared mundanity! He is nothing but a common ruffian! I am nobility!”

“Melvin,” I said, setting my work down. “This conduct is unbecoming of one in my direct service.”

Melvin released Theodore and turned to me recomposed. With a bow he apologized, “Forgive me, my lady, my queen. My good sense is struggling to stay with me.”

“I can see as much, but such can not be allowed from my court. Therefore, I hereby order you to retract your complaint and cease your objection.”

All three of them were surprised by my order. Standing mouths agape.

George spoke first, “Your majesty, isn't that a tad harsh?”

Theodore followed up, “Yeah, Mercedes, I mean we all think Melvin is being a whiner, but ordering him tight-lipped is a big move.”

I returned to crocheting, “I know, and my word is final. The school has entrusted my cousin with their good name, and by extension entrusted The Summer Court. I can not risk a breach of that trust.”

Theodore stumbled over his words trying to voice an objection before Melvin cut him off sharply, “No. She is right. I must do as I must. Now, forgive me, but I have other matters to attend to involving my own team.”

Melvin bowed, then walked away and out of our protected area. George and Theodore watched him before turning to me.

“My lady, don’t you think you’re being unreasonable?” George asked.

“No. As extreme as my acts are, with Melvin, they are not unreasonable.”

“Really?” Theodoer said, “You think Melvin needs that kind of pressure on him?”

“Yes.” I stood and ready myself to leave, “I’ve known Melvin all my life. I know he would buck at every moment possible in this situation.”

George nodded at that, “I see. So this order is a sure way to prevent any critical problems from arising.”

“Yeah, it’s still harsh though,” Theodore said, shaking his head.

“Cowardly,” I said, starting to leave, “That’s the word I would use. A cheap and easy tactic that would be seen as lowly by my mother, but the school’s honor and standing with my nation is more important than an illusion of strength with my closest court circle.”

They nodded in agreement and I left them behind. I had other tasks to attend to, and none of them could be delegated now.

As I made my way past the front desk I saw a familiar face. Seeing an opportunity I approached the fairykin girl, “Gwendolyn Bell, is it? Of the North Virginian Fairy Kin Commune?”

The young faekin was startled but remained calm as she turned to me with a simple greeting “Yes. Hello.”

She was nervous as always. Even if she hid it well. I curtised to her, “Tis I, Princess Mercedes of The Summer Court.”

“Yes. I know.” She said flatly, “Can I help you?”

I thought about the question for a moment and considered my answer fully before speaking it, “Yes. May I make a request of you?”

“Umm… sure, of course.” She answered and then realized her mistake, “That is, if it doesn't cause me any discomfort.”

I nodded, “I seek your opinion regarding a classmate of yours. Will you provide that to me?”

“Okay. Sure, but why?”

“It's a simple matter. One of my closest subjects has been tasked with participating in The New Blood Tournament with your classmate Adrian Priest.” Gwendolyn scowled at the name, I continued, “What do you think of Adrian Priest?”

She teetered on her feet and fiddled with her fingers. “Well, I've heard he's brash, but honorable.”

“I see. I've also heard such from others, but I did not ask for the thoughts of others. So again I'll ask, what do you think of him?”

She teetered more and stared at the floor between us, “Well ma'am, with all due respect, I try my best not to think of him.”

I stared at her for a moment. She dropped her arms to her side and refused to look at me. Deciding I was satisfied I nodded and curtised again, “Very well. Thank you Gwendolyn Bell of the North Virginian Fairy Kin Commune. If I may aid in anything I ask you let me know.”

With that I turned and continued on my way. I had important tasks to attend, none of which could be delegated.

***

Pov: Narrator

Nathan slammed his fists into the canvas lined punching bag over and over, “Man, I can't believe they're doing that to those two. It's like they want to cause a riot.”

“Nyet.” Raz said as he bench pressed weights, “I sure they knowing what they doing.”

“I guess so,” Nathan stopped and wiped his brow with a rag. Sitting down across from his friend.

They were in the school's gym. An impossible space for physical education, crafted and built with the best magic, technology, and old fashion craftsmanship possible. It was a gymnasium that could cater to gods, and technically did considering Nathan's legal status as the norse god Thor.

The gym was also a frequent spot for Razputin Ivanov, the fierce member of the alien species known as the Ludoyashay. With his lizard-like appearance and massive bulk he often unnerved the common man. A reasonable response since Raz was one of the more prolific and vicious brawlers of The United States, and possibly the western hemisphere.

“I assure you they do.” Dr Issac agreed as he typed away on a datapad. A simple mutant, Dr Issac was a brilliant genius with a complex array of gear and gadgets that kept him high in the rankings of combatants. In fact, the three of them were undefeated, except to each other. Something that made them minor celebrities in the school. “They knew well enough to select the two of you for your freshman year.”

“Da. And we swept the whole tournament. Three for three.” Raz set his weights and stood up. “And I am sure they will too. Vladimir tells me Adrian has strong head.”

“I fought Adrian myself.” Nathan said, “His style is sloppy but his raw power and endurance is amazing, just like myself back then. And that Melvin is quick and vicious just like you Raz, but they don't have someone like Doc to back them up. And if you remember Raz, we really did depend on Doc to win.”

Raz nodded his head, “Da. You are right.”

“Then of course there's the additional problem to the equation.” Issac closed his datapad, “that being the two of them actively hating each other. Even if they are honor bound to perform their best, the problem is still there.”

“That's what I'm saying.” Nathan said, “I know they're both good fighters, but together, I don't know.”

“Well I do.” Issac said, “They are the best options available, thus they were chosen. They merely have the additional obstacle to overcome. One you didn't share.”

“But you think they'll overcome it?”

“Yes. The real question is will they be able to overcome the other obstacles of the tournament. Namely, being able to coordinate in the first place.”

“Well,” Raz stroked his long scaly chin, “I know how to handle that.”