PENSIONNAT - VERSION ENGLISH - BOOK FINISH

○ CHAPTER 2 ○

Turn up the sound and blast Eye of the Tiger. It was in this atmosphere that the Black and White Specters entered the arena for the first time. We were nervous. We were sweating and our hearts were pounding. Our eyes were cast straight ahead, daring our opponents to break the line of demarcation.

We were not side by side. We were divided into two camps. The black spectres and the white spectres. A hatred that I couldn't describe had settled between us.

- Well, hello... children... Mr. Perus was our teacher at the arena.

In spite of his small size, his nose as big as a potato and his fearful temper, he was once the greatest champion in the arena.

- Finally, some blood! These are probably the best moments of my career. Mr. Strange was standing next to Mr. Perus. Well, Spartans! I know it's a shame, but killing each other is not allowed yet. So, listen to Big Nose tell you about the rules...

- Sir, come on! My name is Gracorida Perus! Former grand champion of the arena! Official trainer of the Championship! Diplomat of arena sports!

- Yeah, we get it. Mr. Strange, as usual, was sharing his legendary m enfoutisme with us. Anyway, nobody listens to you.

The arena in question was not just any platform. Although it was only a small replica of the official arena, it was the size of two Louvre museums!

It was located at the back of the school, away from prying eyes. A transparent barrier formed the walls surrounding the arena. Yet, to the touch, it was as cold and as hard as steel. Nothing could break it. It served as a dome.

The walls being transparent, let the interior appear to our curious eyes. It was in a tropical forest that we had put our feet! Nothing was left to chance! The heat was there, the decor and even the animals had their place there. Although, only, some birds turned around us.

The platform on which we were, was made of stone. It was smooth, with a few cracks where a blue light lay.

The high-pitched cry of Mr. Perus drew our attention. He was a funny man to watch!

- Now that I have your attention, I will ask you to step off the platform! Perus shouted.

Thomas and Derne were the last to get off. It was then that for the first time, they noticed that ruins, surely of an ancient city, were hidden among the flora and fauna.

- It is magnificent! shouted Grayce while taking my shoulder to touch a ruin.

- It is true that it is magnificent. I remained speechless in front of the vestige.

- Yes, it is magnificent. A big stone completely demolished and damaged by time... Max was rather reluctant to the idea.

- Finally someone who understands me! Grayce looked at Mr. Strange with a look of outrage.

Mr. Perus ordered us to pair up and each take a stick. It was made of wood. There was nothing special about it. But really! It was made of real wood! And we were going to have to hit each other with it! My palms were getting sweaty just thinking about it...

Mr. Perus wanted us to learn the defensive techniques perfectly before we started any fight. For once, all the girls (including the Black Spectres) agreed with his judgment. Only the boys wanted to take action.

- Have you seen Thomas and Derne? They're cousins, but to look at them, they look like two old Chinese enemies!

- They look like two rabid dogs. I was like them when I was their age... the good old days... Mr. Strange patted Max on the shoulder.

- You mean the time that cost you your punishment? Grayce snapped in Strange's teeth.

*****

In pairs, with the opponent of one's choice, one would launch into slow speed movements, hoping not to get a little whiplash from Perus.

- One makes a pause? Grayce asked breathlessly.

- Yes, if you want.

I didn't feel exhausted... But most of my classmates were. Thomas was breathing rapidly, but he was still standing. His opponent was already lying down!

My eyes wandered around the assembly and unfortunately, they fell on Derne who was also still standing.

He didn't seem to be exhausted and his breathing was normal. He was holding his staff with his left hand, where he was contracting his muscles ready for a possible attack. His defensive posture was perfect. This led me to believe that as an attacker he was formidable. He would make a worthy champion of the arena!

I couldn't help but smile (slightly). This image suited him so well! Derne, quick as a hunter, turned his head toward me. I wiped the smile off my face, letting my cheeks turn pink with shyness. Did he see that I was smiling? Oh dear...

Still, his green eyes went perfectly with the decor! But what am I thinking of?...

Like an arrow, I saw him running towards me at full speed, the stick raised ready to strike! He arrived on me and knocked me down. With his left arm he prevented me from getting up. His right hand had gone to thwart a giant branch that would have crushed us if he hadn't intervened.

My heart was racing. I was shocked, lost and maybe even terrified. Why? How could such a large, thick branch break off the tree?! And holy cow! Derne was stuck to me! I didn't know how to breathe...

- Calm down. Derne was looking me in the eyes. I couldn't see any emotion in his eyes. Are you alright? He whispered this question to me. Why whisper it frankly...

- Yes.

It wasn't true. But I couldn't think and get back on my feet with him on me! He smiled and stood up. Did he help me? No. Max and Grayce came to my rescue surrounded by Professor Perus.

- The rabbit saved by the wolf! What a twist! Mr. Strange never missed a trick.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

It was my second time this year that I heard Marie screaming. Helen. A white Spectre. Was lying on the ground with a severed arm. A second branch had fallen off. Her eyes were closed. It was impossible to tell if she was still alive or...

- Everyone back to the locker room! I want you back in school in five minutes! ordered Mr. Perus.

In the calm and turmoil, they listened to him.

So began the second term.