Chapter 7.2 - Zenith - First Day of My Final Year(?)

Our story begins with a little exposition to the world that our story takes place. Crestia, a country at the South East side of the Atia continent. It is one of many places where magic is at its rising since the discovery of the coloured gems, The Infinitum Crystals. Found originally centuries ago, magic was then bought and sold there all year round. It has become an important part of people's lives. And there are those who uses magic in their job. Those people are known as Wizards.

The wizards belong to various groups, be it as big as an organization or as small as a group, and performs jobs based on what they are requested with. There are a large number of factions within the country and in a certain city in a certain magic school lies a certain small group of friends. A group from which numerous legends were once born or rather will born long into the future...and its name is Stardust.

Yes, that's the group that I belonged in. Even though I'm already a wizard when I'm in Stardust, I wasn't a wizard before this. I was only a non magic student doing boring stuffs until one day I met upon a special Infinitum Crystal.

It happened right after school was over. As I was packing up my backpack before leaving the classroom an irresistible charming classmate approached me. He walks normally just as he usually does ever since we were still in the same school back then in middle school. His dark black hair flows elegantly as he walks toward me. He stood in front of me and gave me a soothing smile.

This boy, this "childhood friend" of mine that I met in middle school. He is Cyclone White. Just from his name I can tell that he is a special wizard. Sure enough, he is one of the best spell-caster in this high school. He is very popular among the teachers because of his impressive offensive type magic. One would wonder, who could rival his power.

I heard a rumor that he turned down all the girls who tried to ask him out. Well, to be more specific, he shot them down. With his unique spells. That's scary indeed. I used to be interested in him until I heard about those stories about him. Fate would have me end up being one of his "close friend" because of what I did back then. But that is another story because right now he is standing in front of me with his wonderful smile. He was probably trying to cheer me up as usual since I'm nothing compare to everyone who has magic.

"Hey, Zen. Looking down as always."

"What do you expect?" I replied.

He grabbed a chair and sits on it, "Well, I was wondering you would be a little happy or something in between."

"Trust me. This is my normal face. I have always been like this." I was pretty gloomy.

"Oh don't be like that, Zen. Come on! Cheer up. It's our final year here. Don't you think we should work hard for our future?" He patted my left shoulder.

Easy for you to say since you are one of the top students here. But what about me? I'm nothing and worst of all I don't even have magic.

White continues, "I mean, with the Magic Duel coming soon. I was hoping you would at least get excited about it."

"Why would I be excited about the Duel when there is no way I'm going to be in it at all!" I yelled at him.

White tries to be positive about it, "You could at least cheer for me right?"

"You are not helping, White."

"Are you always this grumpy?" asked White.

"I can't help it, White. Now stop bothering me. I need to go home."

As I was about to stand up from my desk and made my way to the door of the classroom, White immediately stood from his chair and ran and stopped directly in front of me.

"Stop!" exclaimed White.

He was too close to me. His face was pretty much right in front of me. I feel like I even smelled a fragrance coming from him. His face suddenly turned bright red as soon as he realized that we were being too close. That goes the same for me. We took a step behind. Now why did White just ran and stopped me? Does he still have some unfinished business with me other than annoying me?

"I almost forgot something, Zen. Today I will be attending a school meeting but today is also my turn to take care of the garden."

"So, what are you implying then?" I asked him, even though I probably already know the answer.

He grabbed my hands and begged me, "Can you please take care of the garden for me? Just for today."

Okay, first of all. I know this might sound funny but this is probably the first time he ever hold my hand. Both of it in fact. I can already feel it. The thousands gaze of the girls that were turned down by him. His hands was kind of sweaty. I guess he was quite busy since he seems to be having sweaty hands. What the heck am I talking about now? Am I panicking?

White snaps me back from my thought bubble, "Hey, Zenny Zen Zen. Do you hear me? Can you please help me?"

"No." I replied nonchalantly.

"Please...pretty please..." he started to make one of those crocodile tears.

I mean how could ANYONE say no to that face when it comes from such a dorky face like that. I was lucky enough to be his friends but now I get to see this? This reminds me of the time when I still had a crush on him. If White keeps doing this I might just start to fall for him again.

I sighed and unwillingly said, "Fine. I'll do it."

"Really? Oh thank you so much, Zen! I'll be sure to repay you for this! Maybe I buy you some food later. How about that? You love food, right?" He said that as he jumps joyfully while still holding my hands.

"Anything will be fine thank you. Anyway..."

Yes, anyway...

I continued, "Can you please stop holding my hands...?"

I'm starting to get sweaty by the way. White lets go immediately after he realizes it and turned his back from me. Probably blushing in full red.

Trying to get out of the conversation, White spoke "A-a-anyway...I gotta go now. See you after school, Zen!"

"Uh yeah, see ya. Jeez that was close...I might just faint if it goes on."

Yeah, I would certainly faint and probably die of blood loss. Yes, he used to be my crush but it seems that might not be the case after all. I think that feeling is still inside me. I hate myself.

"Darn it." I cursed myself.

I reluctantly walked toward the school garden...But wait...Why am seeing all of these? This all feels too weird. I don't think I ever attended this kind of high school before. And White...he was...different. What...the...fuck...?

-

It was then I heard an echoing voice that tried to call out for me, "...Zenith! Wake up!"

And so, I finally woke up from the 'dream' I had. In front of me, was one White's old friend back in high school. The one who guided Team Stardust to the end of their adventure.

"Mei...Xue...?"

"Thank The Great Will. You've been out for weeks, Zenith." she was glad.

"Am I?"

I looked around and saw Yumiko, Lala, Azreal and even Sonozaki was there. They all seemed glad to find out that I'm alright.

Mei then pushed me back to my bed, "Now rest up. A lot has happened since Nova has returned..."

Oh yes, Nova...Nova is the leader for all of The Champions of Chaos. Nova is also White... Unbelievable...

TO BE CONTINUED