The clouds covered the sky, threatening this day to be one filled with rain. If it were any other day, the students would have been quite unhappy about this, but since they were all gathered in the courtyard, waiting for the Principal's announcement, they welcomed the shade and cool air. No one wanted to be stuck standing around under the blazing sun after all.
"Thank your for waiting." The Principal's voice sounded after a while. She walked up onto the elevated platform. "As you all know, the international mage's tournament will soon begin. However, due to many unfortunate reasons, the rules have once again changed – they require two female and two male first year participants."
Aether's eyes shot open. This was the second time the rules had changed. It was clearly more than just an inconvenience to the Academy, as training for such events was not easy, and there weren't a great number of first years who were strong enough to compete in the preliminary, local rounds.
"Thus, we have very little time left before the local matches begin. Normally, we would hold a contest among the first years and pick the winners, but we do not have that luxury at the moment – hence Clara's little spell the other day.
"What?" Iris mumbled in shock. Murmurs spread across the student body.
The Principal clapped once. "Silence!" She gestured to her side, and Clara stepped onto the elevated platform. "First of all, Clara Morgan will be our second-year representative." Clara bowed slightly, a smile as bright as the sun on her lips.
"Our first-year representatives are going to be Seth Logan, Richard Weir, Mara Willow, and Erika Thorn." The four students headed up to the stage.
Iris drew a sharp breath, catching Aether's attention. As her expression filled with envy, the Principal continued talking. "Clara's accompanying student will be Aether Yotsura."
More than few sharp breaths were drawn as the young man weaved through the crowd to walk up on the elevated platform.
"Due to time constraints, none of this is up for debate. Please make sure to help these six students as much as you can – remember, the winning schools enjoy quite a number of benefits." She watched the student body as murmurs spread across the courtyard. Aether could feel the numerous hostile glares on him. No one was happy to see him up there with Clara.
"Alright then, dismissed!" The Principal's words echoed in the courtyard. Murmurs once again began to spread as the students slowly began to head off.
"Why didn't you tell us you were going to join the tournament with Clara?" Erika shouted as soon as they left the elevated platform. "I wouldn't have wasted so much time to convince you!" Despite her words, the huge grin on her face showed she wasn't really angry with him.
"It was decided on later." Aether sighed. "And I wasn't given much choice either." He added, shooting a glance at Clara. "But I should be congratulating the two of you," He quickly spoke to change the subject. He smiled, turning to face Mara and Erika. "Congratulations on being chosen to represent the academy."
Mara suddenly covered her face with her hands. "Thank you!" She said with a catch in her voice.
"Aw, no need to cry." Clara said with a cheerful tone and shuffled the young woman's hair. "If you're here, it means you deserve to be here." Her smile widened. "Now then, as your upperclassman, I will help you prepare for the first matches."
Aether narrowed his eyes. Was Clara going to teach them that method as well?
"Come on, let's go somewhere calm." She grabbed Mara's hand, then poked Seth with her finger. "You two as well, follow me." Aether followed her, and so did everyone else. Yet as he walked, he could feel someone watching him. If looks could kill, he would have suffered the most painful death, he was sure.
Clara took them to the woods close to the outer wall of the academy. "Alright!" She grinned. "Aether has his own training to do, so the remaining four of you follow me." She shot a mischievous glance towards him. "Don't slack off, or else." She threatened him. "Now – which way was the eastern courtyard?" She asked as the group walked off.
Aether watched them leave, then sighed and turned his back on the academy. "How long are you going to hide there, Lady Iris?" His sharp words were immediately followed the hustle of leaves.
Iris stepped out from behind the bushes. Aether crossed his arms and glared at her. "You must know it is rude to eavesdrop, Lady Iris." He said with a faint smile on his lips.
"Shut up." Iris hissed. "How dare you not inform me of this? Your job – the only reason you exist here is to protect me. I never allowed you to get close to others, nor did I allow you to take place in the tournament!" Aether removed his bracelet as her voice continued to rise. "Sound barrier." He whispered, to allow them some privacy.
"And how dare you join as an assistant to her?" She continued to shout. "You're nothing but a guard dog!"
Aether sighed. He had heard that same phrase so many times over that it didn't even bother him anymore.
"You will drop out of the tournament." Iris stated. "And you will cut this fake friendship you have with both that girl and the other two."
Aether shot her a surprised glance. "Excuse me?" He asked, more surprised than anything else.
"You heard me!" Iris shouted. "You will not take place in the tournament, you will not allow yourself to be distracted from your actual job." She smirked. "Besides, the faster you distance yourself from them, the better. What do you think would happen when they learn what kind of a monster you are?" She raised her chin with an arrogant expression. "They will leave you once they learn of the blood on your hands."
"I know." Aether's voice was but a whisper. "But you are mistaken about something – my assignment has changed by order of Lord Yotsura. Please contact your family for further details," He turned his back on her. "I am no longer your guard dog." He left, tightly grasping the silver chain hidden under his cloak.
Yes. He was a monster.
Then why did Clara's smile feel so warm?