Project Starfae

~ Chapter 4 ~

Third Person, Following Sophie

"Who's ready for the Ultimate Splotching Championship?" Sir Caton asked as the Mentors strode into the amphitheatre carrying huge sacks of tiny, brightly colored balls.

Everyone cheered.

"What's the Ultimate Splotching Championship?" Sophie asked Dex.

"Telekinesis," he grumbled. "I suck at telekinesis."

She tried to look sympathetic, but secretly she was celebrating. Finally— something she knew how to do! Well, sort of—but that was better than nothing.

"How does this work?" she asked as everyone partnered up. Naturally, she teamed with Dex.

"We push the splotcher at each other with our minds," he explained, "and whoever gets splattered loses. The winners play each other until there's only one left, and that person wins."

"Everyone, on your marks," Sir Caton ordered, as Lady Alexine handed Dex a bright pink splotcher. "Get set!"

Dex tossed the splotcher toward Sophie. "Catch."

It very nearly splattered the floor, but at the last second she managed to catch it with her mind.

"Sorry, I forgot you're worse at this stuff than me," Dex said smugly. "At least I'll win one match this time."

She rolled her eyes. He shouldn't count her out yet. She took a deep breath, focusing on the power she knew was deep within her core. She could almost feel it swirling around, like a warm buzzing in her stomach.

"Splotch!"

Sophie pushed the warmth out through her fingers and sent it toward the splotcher.

Splat!

A stunned Dex stared at Sophie with bright pink slime running down his chin. She'd nailed him right on his smug little grin.

"Sorry," she said, not quite able to hide the smile in the corners of her mouth.

"It's okay," he said through a sigh. "I guess I deserved it."

"Well done, Sophie!" Sir Caton interrupted, sounding more surprised than she would've liked. "Go ahead and move up to the winners. Dex can join those colourful prodigies over there." He pointed to a group forming on their left.

Dex scowled.

"So what's the prize for this contest, anyway?" Sophie asked before Dex wandered away.

"Usually a pardon from one punishment—but don't get your hopes up.

Shay always used to win, now it's always Fitz—not that Wonderboy ever does anything to need a pardon." He mimed gagging. "Anyway, I hope you win a few more rounds."

"Thanks."

Marella made it to the winners. So did Biana and Maruca. Even Jensi. Unfortunately, so did Stina. Yet, Shaylie was not anywhere to be seen.

"Even a muskog could beat Dex," Stina sneered. "Let's see how you do against a real opponent." She tossed a bright blue splotcher at Sophie's head. Sophie caught it with her mind, floating it in the space between them. She ignored the knots in her stomach. She wasn't backing down.

"I'm going to enjoy this," Stina sneered. "I'll aim for your eyes—finally turn them blue."

Sophie gritted her teeth. She didn't care how she did it, but Stina was going down.

"Get set!" Sir Caton called. "Splotch!"

Sophie threw her hands out, pulling a bigger burst of strength from her gut as she shoved the splotcher.