Steph felt like he had lost control of his body. Twitching."I…didn't think I could do that.". He examined his torn clothes. His vision phasing in and out. He couldn't really keep his focus. He was no longer covered in his own blood. It was just Michael's.
His body seemingly made a perfect recovery. He even felt great. He felt all that power he had before and possibly even more. Like a new life force was surging in his body.
It was a miracle. No one understood his resurrection. They chalked it down to God's mercy.
A shock of pain had spread throughout his body. It seemed unnoticeable at first but it was slowly growing within.
Step by step, Steph walked off the stadium. His own footsteps ringing in his ear. Trying to focus on reality. A stronger pain had grown in him with each step he took.
Steph felt disgusted. That wasn't him. He knew something was wrong in him. He just, couldn't prove it.
He had made an impression to the Sigilark. They quietly analyzed his fight. Taking great interest. They accounted everything that had happened. Their decision would make him fight another student before making their final choice. Although his amazing recovery and overall resurrection added some points on to him being accepted.
*****
Steph was sitting on the waiting bench outside. His hair covered his eyes. The cold wind blew on him. He was steadily breathing. He clenched his chest. A unexplainable pain was throbbing around his heart. His breathing slowed. Each thump the pain grew. A ringing noise grew louder and louder in his ears. His vision had blurred.
Around his neck appeared a shackle with a chain going behind him. The shackle and chain were pure white. Glowing. "W-what is this..". Maybe this was the source of power that kept him alive.
Footsteps were heard. He could tell someone was walking over. He tried forcing a fake smile for a second but dropped it.
Seth sat down next to Steph. Silence. The pain had crowded his senses. Seth had become a background character. Steph didn't even notice it was him at first.
Something caught his attention. The chain had seemed to be from Seth. The chain lead out from his face. He had given Seth a weird look. He was staring at the chain. Seth was confused, he didn't know what was wrong with Steph. Steph looked out of it.
Seth awkwardly kept his silence. Steph didn't even realize what he had been doing. Seth awkwardly smiled. "Steph, you good?".
That single sentence snapped Steph out his trance. The white chain disappeared. Steph bit his lip."Uh…yeah man I'm good." Steph's face grew a little red, he looked away. "I…can't believe I'm still alive.". Seth quietly nodded in agreement. "After that fight I'm not sure I even WANT to go again.". Steph sighed. He looked up at the sky.
Seth couldn't form any words himself. His tongue played around in his mouth. He found it hard to talk to Steph. He looked down. Seth's raspy voice rasied. "I was really hoping you didn't die.". Soft tears formed under his eyes.
As a child Seth had always been sensitive. It had been with him throughout all his years. His emotions got the better of him most times. Acting out. Right now was an example.
Seth had tried to keep his composure talking to Steph. In that moment he had cracked.
*****
"ATTENTION STUDENTS!!!" The balding man's loud voice shook Seth awake. He nearly fell out of his bed. "Today the rest of the Sigilark tryouts will begin!!!" The balding man had finished his announcements.
"Steph, you don't have to if.." Steph cut off Seth. "No…I'll be fine.". Steph smiled. "I promise.". Steph's face gave Seth confidence in him. "Yeah, you got it.". Seth smiled back.
*****
Steph stood outside. He was taking deep breathes in. He was mentally preparing himself. He wanted to be a Sigilark knight just like his father.
His father had served in the knights and died honorably. He aspired to be just like his father. Now he finally had the chance.
Steph's steps fade into silence as Seth quietly watched him. Seth held his hands hoping for the best.