"My head is killing me," I mumbled as I tried to get up.
Christian and Bell helped me up as I stumbled on my feet.
"Thanks," I said.
"You used lightening bind?" Bell screamed at me. "A secret arts nonetheless, If I knew you were using that I would've followed you. So careless." She added.
"Sorry for making you worry," I said.
"You know how it takes a toll on you, what are you trying to prove Red," Bell said, still angry.
What I'm I trying to prove? Is there something I want to prove?
Christian was quiet the entire time he helped me out of the sector.
Lightening bind is quite rare, so maybe I shouldn't use it carelessly.
"The scores are being posted," Liz said as she caught up with us. "since there are 24 students in 1-S, only 18 of us will make it since there are 6 students in it already."
"So hope you are in top 18 huh,"
We watched as the scoreboard went through from 200, to 100, to 50, then 20.
Getting in 19th place will be really tough. So close yet so far.
I haven't seen a familiar name in the rankings yet, so that's a good thing.
18. Christian Ballack. -44
"I made it into 1-S, I made it, I actually did it," Christian started to jump around excitedly. "S class material," He hyped himself up.
Some of the students started to cheer as they saw their names on the 1-S category.
7. Priscilla Noel-50
6. Eden Noir-51
5. Elizabeth Tonan-52
4. Rhoda Bell-53
3. Sukai Lanera-59
2. Luke Mantriel-89
1. Reid Flannel- 97
First place once again. Top of the summit.
But I didn't get over 100.
Damn.
"89 points couldn't get first place huh," Liz said. "You're really good Reid,"
"Yeah, thanks," I said, still bummed out.
"For someone who won the entrance exams, you're not really excited," Sukai said.
"I'm happy," I said.
"He's probably mad at himself for not getting 100," Bell touched my shoulder then squeezed it.
"The hell man," I said, trying to hide the pain.
"Get your head out the gutter Red, this ain't like you," She smiled. "This means you need to get better, perhaps perfecting the Shinrai style. Your confidence is your greatest asset you know."
Thanks, Bell.
"You're right Bell," I said. "I'm going to train 10x harder,"
"Whatever makes you happy Red,"
"So, are you two, like a thing?" Sukai asked. "Just wondering, nothing more,"
"Are we a thing? She might have a thing for me, but I...Ouch,"
Bell smacked my neck.
"We aren't a thing," She said. "I think so at least," She mumbled under her breath.
She thought I didn't hear it.
"So, I guess you passed after all," Inita's voice rattled in my ear.
"You've come to see me," I said, with my back turned against her. "Have I been on your mind after all this time,"
"Reid Flannel, I apologize," She said, unexpectedly. "I underestimated you,"
Wait, what?
"You what?"
"I was in the wrong, to judge you of the bat. But this doesn't mean I respect you or anything like that, and we certainly aren't friends. So stay away from me."
I smiled. "You're aiming to be at the top of Winston, aren't you?" I asked.
"Aren't we all?"
"Then I guess I can't stay away from you then, I'm aiming to be on the top of the summit, so I'll see you along the road, Ms. Pasan, of the Phoenix style."
"You surely do talk big, but I'm telling you. Do not underestimate me."
I sure won't.
"And tell Roman, I'll see him in 1-S."
"Sure, why not. Blackstar ain't someone you should make enemies with, he'll burn you to a crisp before you even realize it." She walked away.
"You just ignore us Inita," Liz said, referring to herself and Sukai.
"Lizzy, Sukai, Christain, sorry I had my mind on this rat that I didn't even see you, I'm so sorry," Her tone changed.
Rat? I look nothing like a rat.
"Seems you've finally noticed another boy, apart from the honorable Roman,"
Her face turned red. "Not this rat," She said.
Again with the rat.
"And who's this," She asked Bell.
"I'm Rhoda Bell, but call me Bell," Bell said.
"Nice to meet you Bell, I'm Inita,"
She sounded and seemed like a different person.
"Why don't you speak to me in that same soft tone?" I asked.
"Shut up rat," Sukai said.
She laughed along with Inita.
Not you too Sukai.
"Hey Christain, do I look like a rat?" I asked.
"No, I don't see it anyways,"
"Okay, thank you,"
Why couldn't it be a bunny, or a tiger, or a lion? Cute or fierce.
Rats are ugly and annoying.
Then it hit me. I'm annoying.
I'm I though?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We headed back to the sectors before dusk had fallen. Insunya and Liz had offered for us to stay at their place, but Aunt Mary declined, she wanted to give us something and talk to us.
I had missed the stale air back at the home.
"Long day huh," I said, as I rested on the couch.
"I'm really proud of you guys, you absolutely tore through the trials," Aunt Mary said proudly.
"Just Reid, doing Reid things," I said.
"Shut up," Bell said.
Well damn.
"I wanted to give you this Reid," Aunt Mary handed me a locket.
I was cold when I touched it, and the silver around it shined as it reflected the light.
I opened it.
It was a man and a woman. It was my parents. I realized.
"your mom was gorgeous wasn't she?" Aunt Mary said.
Ruth and Maximilian.
"Why are you giving it to me now?" I asked.
"So they can watch over you more closely now since I won't always be with you,"
I nodded. I wore the locket over my neck.
It felt, good.
"Now, I got you guys this, so you can always stay in touch with me and your new friends." Aunt Mary gave us a cell phone.
"This is rather expensive," I said.
"let me worry about the cost okay? You're not an adult yet, so be a kid while it lasts okay,"
I nodded.
"Thanks, mom." Bell thanked.
"Thanks, Aunt Mary," I said.
She smiled. "I love you both very well, please look after each other, It can be very dangerous out there. Go become Sentinels, okay."
"Of course Aunty," I smiled. "And don't worry, Bell is in safe hands," I assured.
"Red will be alright."
Aunt Mary smiled widely.
"Thank you, my children,"
Mom and Dad, watch over me, Bell and my new friends.
I'll make you guys proud, and protect Liberty city.