The sun is setting and the sky was beautifully red. A man was staring at the sky in awe. A young boy came to him.
"Father"
The man turned to his son and placed a hand on the boy's head. The two of them chatted as the day comes to an end.
"Father, is it really true that Akamura is going to be joining us?"
His father remained silent, but he understood what his silence meant, and he was disappointed.
"I understand..."
"I'm sorry. I know I sent you to study here so your siblings won't be able to hurt you, but here I 'am, making Akamura join you anyway"
"It's alright, it's not like you can refuse them if they ask. Besides, him being here isn't really that bad" Red forced a smile
Although he said that it wasn't that bad, his father didn't buy it. To be true, he is happy to know that Red a good child and doesn't complain to him no matter what happens, but he does wish that he would do so sometimes.
He sighed and stooped down and looked at his son "It is all my fault that I brought you to this world, and to this life and yet, not once have you ever blamed me for it. I was grateful of course, but son, I believe it's all right for you to say and do things your heart desires, not just those what others want from you. As you father, all I wish for you to find your happiness, that is all."
He gently touched Red's soft cheeks, and looked at him with a warm smile.
"Red, do you like this place?"
Bewildered, Red asked "What do you mean? I don't understand"
He merely looked at him before he sighed and explain. "I heard from this school's dean that you haven't made any friends since you came here. From what I have seen earlier, despite you not being close to the other children, they still value you as one of them. I hope you can make friends. It doesn't have to be many, just a few that you can trust. May they help you find the happiness in your life."
"I don't need what you call these...friends"
"I'm not expecting you to understand, but listen. You are born with the color of red, something that should not have happen. But since you are, fate have given you a chance to able claim the crown. Being a king isn't that easy, as it is filled with many hardships. The throne is a lonely place. You claim the highest tittle, but in truth your completely powerless. So powerless that you can't have anything that you desire, no freedom, and you won't be able to protect even those you hold so dear to you. You shall have friends, those that will keep you company, those that you trust to be by your side when you need them. You may not understand now, but one day you and Akamura will have to compete for it. In fact, I dare say that it already started. Nevertheless, always remember this. I will always support you no matter what results will come of it. I will be there for whatever fate have for you. I will always be there."
He wrapped his arms around Red and gave him a tight embrace. The child however, did not understand.
"Why?" he asked "Why are you putting so much effort in someone like me? Why do I have to fight for the crown if it will only cause me pain? What's the point of living if it's all noting but suffering?!"
He pushed his father away as tears drip from his eyes. When he realized what he done, he quickly wiped his tears and apologized.
"I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to say anything--"
"It's alright" He looked at where the crimson sun was previously. "You live and fight for those you care for, hoping that one day, you'll be able to protect them"
As the cold wind blew and touched his cheeks, the beautiful red light fades away and there comes the night. It was a beautiful day.
"Someday you'll understand, not now. I'll ask you again, do you like this place? Everything is up to you, whatever your answer is, take pride. You don't have to answer today, so think hard and don't doubt yourself. For this decision, will decide what your future will be. I shall take my leave; they are all waiting." He gave him a smile before he turned to leave "Take care"
Loud groans and sighs are heard after a test next morning. The students of E-class were once again exhausted.
"The test is as hard as ever. And this wasn't even that finals" Airi complained
"Well, it looks like I have to take extra classes again. I really have to boost my game" Sighed Rex
"I really don't get how you even managed to maintain your rank, even if you failed in the test" Said Mythica as she looked at him in wonder
"That's easy, challenged everyone in beat them all up! Practical still gives better results than papers" Rex proudly boasted
"Well, good luck with that, isn't that right Yang?" said Yin
"Whatever" Yang replied
"Speaking of extra classes, don't the two of you have magic classes with Grandpa Sy?" Airi asked Kishi and Kira
"Who knows, he wasn't asking for us to come to him anymore. Maybe he thinks we've learned our magics enough." Kishi answered
"Can't say I didn't expect that. I haven't seen you use any real spells, how about giving it a try with me?"
"My, my how courageous" Rex snorted
There was silence. The whole class's attention was also toward them. They seemed interested since Kishi seldom accepts any challenges unless he had no choice but to. And Airi challenging him is an extremely rare occurrence, they certainly wanted to know how this will end.
Some of them didn't understand anything. Akamura who only joined the class since yesterday, and Kira.
Noting her bewilderment, Lune took the initiative to explain. "It's a challenge. No one dares challenge Kishi, and even Airi didn't dare. This is an extremely rare event."
He told her while not turning his head away from the book, moving only his eyes as he looked at the two of them. He also said that in a whisper but the room was way too quiet that even Akamura who was sitting at the back has heard.
After giving it a thought, Kishi asked "What will you give me in return?"
"What! You haven't even won yet!?"
"Oh, come on, both of us know well that I'm going to win. Besides, this is such a drag and a big waste of time that needs some compensation. Me winning is a different matter altogether."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously"
Airi sighed and thought. What can he give him exactly? He can mostly grant him anything but almost everything is worthless to him.
"Argh! You can have anything I give you in a snap of a finger!"
"Well, too bad for you then"
"No! Wait! I'll grant you a favor then. Deal?"
Kishi stared at him for a moment before he sighed. "Fine..."
"Great!" Airi shouted in triumph, in spite of the fact that he'll lose anyway. Kishi was the strongest among the whole E-class and none of them have ever defeated him yet. That's the reason why Airi being so happy felt so weird.
A sudden idea pooped into Airi's head "You can bring Kira too, let's have it as two vs two"
"Do you have a death wish or something?" Kishi eyes him
"Please"
Kishi sighed again before he agreed "Fine...but that's two"
"Yes, yes"
"But who will be fighting with you then?"
"Rex"
"What?! No! Lune will"
"Not me, Myth will"
They all declined and pointed at the others. Akamura was tired of their nonsense and decided to leave. On his way to the door, he bumped into Airi who merely glanced at him coldly but didn't give much of a reaction. Airi just sighed and looked at everyone and they avoided his gaze.
"Red, you're coming with me" he said.