Ready, Set, START

He struggled as the vines tightened around his neck, and although the thorns were now piercing through his flesh, their poison had long since caused him to go numb. Just before he lost consciousness the announcer yelled.

"Alright! That's ten seconds the winner is our school's reigning champion Aura." Once that was announced Aura released her opponent from the ensnaring vines and reached out her hand to help him rise to his feet.

"You fought hard." She stated with an encouraging smile. He was a bit awestruck by her expression then after regaining his senses, took her hand, and rose to his feet. The crowd cheered for both combatants. Although the boy had lost, he and Aura both waved their hands triumphantly towards the audience.

"You're never going to get a boyfriend if you don't show some restraint." Aura's older sister, Mirror, chastened with a sigh. Knowing Aura wasn't going to respond Mirror went on speaking, "Guys like a girl to be frail and cute..." Her nose wrinkled seeing Aura put back on her tattered school uniform. "If you want I can help you."

"No," Aura said finally speaking. "Graduating is my only goal. Everything else is an unnecessary distraction." Mirror started to protest but Aura ignored her heading to her room.

"Good Job again Aura." One girl congratulated,

"You were awesome like always Aura!" A boy yelled from down the hall and a few of his friends laughed at his enthusiasm. Aura paid no response to them; she merely continued on her path to her dorm room, unlocked the door, and gave herself a well-needed nap. Only 2 hours had passed when the bell rang for night training courses. Since she was in a battle earlier Aura would be exempt; but training, especially at night, was extra credit so that meant she could graduate faster, Aura wouldn't pass that up no matter how tired she was. Without taking the time to do her hair or wash her face she headed out. Janx was the teacher today. He was only around a decade older than the students so he had a very relatable and understanding personality, and was probably the most beloved trainer in the school.

"Welcome everyone please engage in your personal stretches, you have 10 minutes when your warmup is over the training will begin." His eyes went onto Aura who was staring at him attentively. He sighed then gave a tired-looking smile in her direction. Aura began stretching as commanded without saying a word but before even a minute had passed Janx came in front of her and said. "Remembering to rest is also important for a warrior."

"I don't have time." She retorted bluntly. Janx frowned then squatted down in front of the stretching Aura.

"No time for what?" Aura leaned down extending her fingertips and reaching much further than her toes. Then she stood up and twisted to loosen her hips.

"I have to become an ALPHA Soldier ... As soon as possible." Janx frowned more so.

"Don't push yourself too hard." He commented and rustled through her hair and was pushed away by an embarrassed Aura.

"Don't do that." She chastened. He laughed a bit then got up to check on the other students. "There's no time... I ... have to graduate as soon as possible." She mumbled to herself.

Later

Her muscles ached so much that even making it back to her room seemed like a chore. Aura thought about the reason she wanted to graduate. "I'll prove I'm not a cursed child... I'm a blessing; and I'm a protector. For the people who matter to me." Forgetting to close her door Aura passed out face down on her bed and fell into a deep sleep. The alarm rang 1 hour before class started so Aura had to rush and take a shower. She headed to the bathroom then decided to sniff herself to see if she even needed to waste time showering... The answer was yes she definitely needed to take a shower ASAP. A bit disgruntled, Aura went ahead. She scrubbed herself as quickly as possible and ran from the bathroom almost tripping in the process then as she ran to her room to get her clothes off the bed she realized her door was open and standing in it was a stranger. She froze, too startled to move and the stranger sent a smug smirk towards her.

"I wasn't expecting to see such a wonderful display my first day transferring into this school." He then covered his eyes smiling wider and pulled the door closed. Aura was unsettled but realizing she could be late to class decided to throw away her awkward emotions and questions, so she just hurriedly got dressed. To save time she tied her hair back in a ponytail and towel-dried it until it mostly stopped dripping then she rushed off to class. Dodging the bodies that came her way and easily weaving through the crowded hallway; Aura made it to class. 5 minutes early. While no one was watching Aura pumped her fist victoriously and headed to her seat, quickly removing her textbooks from her bag.

That's when the boy who had seen her earlier entered the room. Ms. Emerald removed her glasses the way she does whenever she gives a serious speech.

"This is Fenix." She said pointing to the new boy.

"Hi," Fenix stated after being introduced, smiling brilliantly. Aura looked down at her desk hoping not to be recognized. She did not wish to have any more disturbances in her studies especially one borne from her own carelessness.

"Fenix is an honorary student. As you know some children are not here by choice. Fenix is one of those students; his power is very unstable so keeping a safe distance is advised. Of course only until he has learned to contain his energy... Please be kind to him but do not forget to exercise caution." The entire time that Ms. Emerald was talking Fenix had stood giggling beside her covering his mouth. "Please take the empty seat on the third row." Aura looked up then to confirm the empty desk next to her, regrettably in the third row. Their eyes met for a split second but Aura didn't allow the gaze to last long. Fenix seemed amused by her behavior; in fact, he never seemed to stop smiling which made Aura feel slightly uneasy. He was quiet during class and took notes like any other student would which relieved Aura a bit. He didn't speak with her even when class was over which was wonderful, (Maybe he's already forgotten or doesn't recognize me) she thought to herself and that thought eased her and filled her with a small fraction of joy.

As the day went on Aura came to realize that the new boy was in all of her classes. This was a little troubling, but not severely enough to put her in a bad mood due to the fact he barely looked at her or spoke to her at all.

"Alright, I hope everyone stretched before class today because there's no time for warmups because today we're having sparring matches," Cleaver announced (the martial arts combat instructor). "As you know the rules are that those with abilities that help in combat are not allowed to use any and of course, no weapons are allowed... Now, who would like to go first?" As usual, Aura raised her hand first, not because she enjoyed fighting, but she liked getting this kind of stuff out of the way as quickly as possible. "Aura? Alright, and who would like to be her partner." Moments passed and no one raised their hand until Fenix volunteered himself.

"I might as well do it since no one else seems willing," Fenix stated, nimbly hopping onto his feet and doing a few quick stretches. Cleaver laughed.

"You're brave. Must be because you're new here, I usually have to choose a random opponent for this fiery girl." Cleaver then looked at Aura. "Aura looks happy to have someone actually agree to be her partner, though." Aura blushed lightly.

"I'm just happy we can begin sooner than usual." she argued. Cleaver then led the two to the sparring field.

"Please remove all jewelry and Aura you go to the West side, Fenix you stand on the East once you're ready, raise your hand." They both went into their respective positions. Aura removed her clothes all except her shoes and underwear (spandex shorts and a sports bra). Then she turned and waited for Fenix to finish. Seemed all he did was loosen his uniform's tie. The two combatants raised their hands but Cleaver reprimanded Fenix saying. "You have to remove your ring as well." Fenix frowned.

"This ring is my seal... and I don't want to put my cute classmate in danger." He stated very sternly. Aura sighed putting her hand on her hip then yelled to Cleaver.

"Just let him keep the ring!" Cleaver sighed saying.

"Alright, I'll make an exception since your report did say you must keep your seal on at all times, I didn't expect it to be a ring. Anyway... you may begin!" Aura quickly got into combat position but Fenix seemed unaware of her, in fact he was staring into space, as if he was bored and unsure of where to focus his attention so Aura charged at him first. Only to be dodged. Though her punch was dodged she quickly reacted with a roundhouse kick. This time Fenix focused and jumped back to evade her attack. He then grinned at her.

"I wasn't sure at first... but you're definitely the girl from before... I'd recognize that flat chest anywhere." Aura's face heated up with embarrassment and she unleashed a fury of attacks. Somehow Fenix managed to dodge all of them, Aura blamed herself for letting her emotions get the better of her and attacking recklessly. While she was busy reproaching herself Fenix gently tapped her head with his fist. Aura looked up and jumped back, all too late.

"5 points for...." Cleaver began stating in an astonished voice but seemed to have forgotten Fenix's name.

"I'm Fenix."

"5 points for Fenix!" Cleaver said after the correction had been made. The class erupted with whispers.

"He actually hit Aura and it didn't look like he was trying."

"That's amazing!"

"Maybe she'll FINALLY get knocked off her throne."

"Alright separate, 5 feet apart." Cleaver commanded. With the same constant grin he usually has Fenix complied... Aura after a moment of shock did the same. A head shot is worth 5 points, arm is 1 and chest is 2, stomach is 3, back is worth 4 and any area below that is forbidden so they're worth zero. Aura's head had never been hit before; she was furious. She took many deep breaths to calm herself before round 2 began. "Start!" The teacher yelled and Aura charged at Fenix, he leaned back to dodge her punch but instead of continuing she alternated to a low kick and knocked him off balance. He was caught by surprise so while he was falling Aura took her chance landed her punch right in the center of his chest.

"Ah... That kind of hurts." Fenix complained rising up off the ground and rubbing his chest while laughing to himself.

"If you value your life you'll forget what you saw." Aura whispered her expression was both cold and furious.

"And what if I don't value it?" Aura was taken aback by his response.

"Alright back up you two!" Cleaver yelled. Aura moved away from him and bit her lip as she thought of what to say the next time she got a chance to speak. "That's 2 points for Aura. The last round is up next; perhaps she will make a comeback." Fenix dusted himself off then sent Aura a wicked grin.

"I think I value the memory more than my life Aura!" He yelled so loudly the whole class could hear. Aura's face went completely red, causing her classmates to gossip amongst themselves, wondering what the heck he was referring to. Cleaver on the other hand didn't seem to care and told them to go ahead and start the next round.