Chapter 5: Aeon Academe

Heaven poked her head out of the car window and gawked at the majestic yet intimidating gate of Aeon Academe.

It was made of steel and gold and the intricate designs were absolutely exquisite. Two stone pillars were situated on each side of the gates and a towering stone wall were surrounding the entire academy. She could also feel the powerful invisible barrier around it.

Heaven got curious on the five huge insignias on the gate. "Leo, what are those?"

"Oh, those are the mark of Aeon and its four guardians. The huge clock and gears emblem in the middle is called Aeon and it symbolizes Aeon Academe. Surrounding it are the White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise. It symbolizes the four paths of the academe; Knighthood, Magus, Noble and Militia."

"Whoa! That sounds awesome!" Heaven exclaimed excitedly.

Her grin became giggles as the enormous gate opened. She scrambled to lift her entire body out of the car window and sat on the window frame, despite Leo's violent reaction. Her raven black hair danced merrily at the tune of the wind as she raised her free hand and inhaled the fresh breeze.

She gasped and her beautiful crystal clear dark eyes widened in awe. Wide array of different flowers were dramatically displayed as far as her eyes could see; red and pink roses, peonies, ranunculus, lilies, orchids, alstroemeria, matthiola incana and many more. Purple and green shrubs were also present such as; butterfly bush, purple smoke, wintercreeper, oakleaf hydrangea and skimmias. From afar, one could see a serene pond with a huge willow tree. And different type of trees could also be seen scattered on the beautifully cultured lawn.

She couldn't believe that she'd be lucky to see such spectacle in her lifetime. She drank the wonderful scenery in front of her, thrilled for the day she could explore everything one by one.

The car stopped in front of an elegant stone castle. It stood regally amidst the paradise, as if the passage of time could never touch it.

"We should meet the Head Dean to formalize your admission, Lady Fair. This way please." Leo said to get her attention.

"Huh?" she finally snapped. She didn't realize that she was already out of the car and drooling in front of the castle.

"H-hey, brat, wait for me." she called out and chased after him while discreetly wiping her drool off.

"Oh, look who's back? It's the loser boy!

"This is his tenth attempt. How embarrassing!"

"He was so desperate to get a master that he stooped so low to get a mountain girl."

Series of sarcastic remarks and disdain laughters were heard at the enormous hall. It came from a group of boys and girls ages sixteen to seventeen, walking towards them. Onlookers on the side also stopped and whispered as they watched the commotion.

Leo stopped in his tracks and clenched his hands. His eyes narrowed as he seethed, "Leave her alone!"

"Aww, don't pout. We're just stating a fact." A guy with red hair and freckles on his face mocked Leo.

A beautiful pig-tailed blond girl giggled beside the red-haired guy. She was hugging his arm provocatively. She joined in the fun and coyly spat her derogatory remark. "Please don't be too cruel, Sir Nicholas, he might cry again. Afterall, he might feel embarassed in front of his mountain girl."

The bullies all laughed out loud while Leo's face turned red in anger. He had enough! How could they involve an innocent person?

He detested argument and violence that's why, unlike anyone from his family, he preferred to run away or back down in the face of adversary. He didn't mind being called a loser as long as he could live an ordinary and peaceful life.

But not today! He could not forgive them from insulting the very first friend he made in his life. Even if it's just him who thought of that. With a fierce face, he stepped forward and faced his opponent.

Nicholas and his cohorts guffawed, as if looking at a puny cub who was try to look intimidating.

"Hmp! What? You're feeling arrogant just because you finally found a master?" You dare to defy us now?" Nicholas taunted and pushed him hard.

Leo gritted his teeth as his knuckles crackled.

"Leo, look! The cloth beneath my feet felt so amazing. What is this called?" Heaven called out while jumping barefooted.

She looked happy in her own world and totally oblivious on the public display of tyranny right in front of her. She hung her head low so no one could notice her features.

Upon hearing her voice, Leo's mind suddenly cleared up and his anger washed away. 'That's right, I should not give them the time of day. It will only lead to never-ending troubles and it may even inflict her.'

"She's not my master. The chairman personally invited her." Leo said calmly. He's know in control of his emotion again.

"That's even worst. Another failure to a sore loser like you, huh?" Nicholas stepped forward and reached out his right hand to tap Leo's cheek mockingly. "You should have gotten used to it, fool!"

"Well," Nicholas continued while stepping back and signaled to his cohorts. "Why don't I just escort your mountain bitch so my boys can have some fun--"

A flash of wind suddenly passed in front of Nicholas that made the audience gasped in surprise.

Leo finally snapped and lost all kinds of rational thoughts. His punch flew like a speeding bullet. He closed his eyes to wait for it to land on Nichola's face. He would just worry about the consequences later.