Hold My Hand Through The Pain

/12/ Unraveling Anger

The coliseum was soon alive with the cacophony of voices filling it. While students began to file inside. Most of the second and third years going to stand at the middle of the stadium as others took a seat to watch the competition begin.

You sat down next to Orpheus amongst the fairly large crowd. Still feeling rather exhausted after the many tests you both experienced today, you couldn't quite care for the competition now. But you still attended to somehow find the missing redhead you had been looking for these past few days.

The Headmaster soon stepped forth, announcing a loud greeting. "Good evening to all of you! I'm so glad you all have joined for this year's annual competition! Truly it is a pleasure to finally be hosting such a thing! Now, let the competition begin!"

You sighed softly as he continued to introduce the first competitors. Your gaze falling over each of the second and third years that were supposed to be competing. Yet there unfortunately still wasn't any trace of Lumin.

Orpheus had leaned into you, his doe-like eyes sparkling as he tried to cheer you up. "Isn't this exciting, (Y/n)? We finally get to see what kind of competitions the academy has!"

"Yeah, I suppose that's nice..." You mumbled back. Not wanting to rain on his parade, but you couldn't quite help it now. "I still haven't seen Lumin though."

"Well, you just have to wait and see! I'm still sure he'll show up at some point," he reassured you.

You nodded, your attention turning back to the competition as it continued to unfold. Some of the students continuing to go up through the trials one by one until you were finally left with the final competition.

Eloi stood by the Headmaster, his arms crossed as he looked at who he'd be facing now. Which proved to be an all too familiar face. While you now understood that Orpheus had been right about Lumin showing back up at the competition. Which you were now thankful for.

"Now then.." The Headmaster's voice rang out again as he took a step away from the two. His expression now growing grim as he glanced everywhere exect at the two competitors. "For the final competition of today shall now be the two Aleksi's from third and second year, facing off with each other. Please begin on the count of three."

Lumin's gaze glanced toward the crowd to suddenly lock eyes with your (e/c) ones. To which you returned with a wave. Watching as his lips twitched into a light smile.

However, upon turning back to Eloi, his smile had completely faded just as quickly as it had come. His eyes clouded with a intense hatred that felt more than just a competition now.

Orpheus softly whispered once more to you. Causing you to grow tense now. "Is that Lumin? His expression is kind of... scary, you know?"

"Yeah..." The Headmaster had then lifted his hand up to began to count down from three. Finally bringing it back down to start their competition.

"Begin!" The crowd around you had now grown extremely quiet with anticipation as the two produced their wands from their robes. And you couldn't help but hold your breath as well now from how intense the atmosphere had become.

Eloi flashing a mocking smile at the redhead. "Ready to loose, my dear brother?"

Lumin's eye appeared to twitch in annoyance now. "You're the one who will be loosing,," He replied coldly. A flourish of his wand unleashing an upbringing of angry flames towards Eloi. Finally starting the competition of their magic now.

Eloi was quick to counter the attack with an icy spell. Both of their eyes narrowing at each other with determination as the coliseum now echoed with the clashing of their magic. While the crowd began into a quiet murmur about everything that was occurring. No one wishing to turn away and risk missing something.

And the duel had seemed to last for several minutes now as you watched on. Unsure of what could possibly happen now. Especially with neither truly appearing to even want to give up.

Of course that was until Eloi spoke up again to taunt the red haired boy. "Is that really all you can do, Lumin? You'll need far more than just flames to beat me!"

His words seemed to immediately reach Lumin, who paused in the middle of casting his next spell. His body staring to tremble with a new found anger before he lunged for other male. Both of their wands clattering to the ground as they grappled with each other.

Shouts and gasps erupting from the other students now in shock. While you quickly stood up from your seat as well to watch on as the two crashed to the ground. Their struggle only further intensifying.

And amidst the chaos, the Headmaster had suddenly steeped forward again, his expression stern. His voice now booming through the coliseum, catching everyone's attention. "That is quite enough!!"

The two had then been broken apart. A few other people rushing over to try and help Eloi up from the ground. The Headmaster turning his main attention towards Lumin.

"In all of my years of running this school, I have never seen something more disgraceful than this during one of our annual traditions." He scolded him angrily. "Your conduct during this competition has been utterly unacceptable. I mean attacking another student? You've completely broken the rules of not using physical violence."

Lumin's frown deepened even more, yet he remained silent. And you grew worried for what may be going through his thoughts now.

That was when the Headmaster gave a heavy sigh, "Mr. Aleksi, you are hearby disqualified from participating any further in this competition," He concluded and turned away from the redhead to step over to Eloi now.

This had caused Lumin's expression to grow even darker before he retreated out of the coliseum. The crowd breaking into an uproar of chatter after he had left.

You immediately turned back to look at Orpheus. Who was now staring up at you with wide, stunned eyes. Seeming just as shocked as you were.

"Orpheus, I'm going to go after him. Something really isn't sitting right with me.."

He regained his composure with a nod. "Right. I'll stay here to see how things unfold then...But please be safe, (Y/n)," He softly whispered. Watching as you too had disappeared through the crowd.