Algernon Black

(Chapter 52) Festering Anxiety

"Well class, we are coming to the end of the goddess of light's cycle, which means we are ushering in the god of destruction for the next three months." Enzelwood looked around his class, as he recounted their progress. "Which I hope means all of you will reflect on what you have learned during your time here, and how you plan to progress even further." The professor kept his eyes focused on one student in particular. Lucy bit the inside of her cheeks as his gaze lingers on her.

If he compared Lucy objectively to the rest of the class she wasn't too far behind the worst of them, but she was going to have to be twice as good as the best of them to get half the recognition. It didn't help that she got next to no instruction from the destruction arts teacher, but no one would take that into account when they talked about her shortcomings.

"For those of you that feel like you need some change in your life, I suggest you seek out the god of destruction and pray he can rid you of your faults and failings." Lucy knew it was tradition to visit a god's shrine at the start of their cycle and pray for their blessings. She had a few things she wouldn't mind being destroyed but mostly she wanted to build herself up. She looked at Algernon excited for the practice that awaited outside the classroom. "And better you do it sooner rather than later, with your first tourney on the horizon."

The class's ears perked up at the mention of the tournament, all fueled with the desire to be one of the few winners. Except for a pair of students who traded secret longing looks, and one that scorned them for it. But Pecilia kept her temperament intact, not ready to make a scene just yet.

~~~~~

"You're off again?" Freya asked as Lucy sat down with her tray of food and a second later got up.

"Sorry," Lucy apologized, spotting Algernon heading out of the cafeteria. "Things to do."

"Well don't be out too late," Freya warned. "The night a god's trimester switches over brings out a lot of chaos."

Lucy laughed softly at the superstition. "Of course."

She hurried after Algernon wondering how fast he was walking because she didn't see him in any of the long stretches of corridors. He had only set out a minute before her, but as Lucy turned a corner he was nowhere in sight, or so she wrongly thought as she was suddenly pushed flat against a wall.

"What do you think you're doing?" Algernon asked, hovering over her.

Lucy smiled despite Algernon's scoring eyes. "Coming to practice."

Algernon tried maintaining the angry front but signed and let her go. "You should have been more careful."

"I know, but after last time I was really excited to do it again with you," Lucy said, following closely behind as Algernon walked ahead.

"You're really loose with your wording," Algernon replied, nearly blushing as he paced his steps so he didn't walk too far ahead of her. "What would people think if they overheard you?"

"Yes, what should I think?" The interruption startled them both but only Lucy turned to face the familiar scolding.

Pecilia stamped over, looking the most irritated either had ever seen her.

"Because I'd like to tell you exactly what I think."

Algernon's jaw tightened as he barely glanced behind him to meet Pecilia's scowl.

"And I'm sure everyone else would be very interested to hear it as well."

"We were..." Lucy trailed off as a lie evaded her and looked to Algernon for one.