A Family Stronger Than Steel

Chapter 02

Dell made it to Hexside without using his powers, just in time to see the faculty using magic to set up banners that read 'Go, Banshees!' Dell remembered now that it was grudgby season, and the Hexside Banshees were going up against the St. Epiderm Gargoyles. Dell was never really a sports fan, but he understood the appeal. King summarized it best once: 'The ball can bite you, and the rules are nonsense, but it's still kinda fun.'

Dell walked through the halls of Hexside; he waved to Professor Hermonculus, who had his abomination help set up more banners. "Good morning, Professor!" Dell didn't get a reply.

Continuing, Dell spotted Professor De Ville from Illusions chastising Edric and Emira Blight. Above the twins was a banner that read, 'St. Epiderm is about to meet their Epidoom.' Titan, that pun made Dell cringe, yet he couldn't help but chuckle. "Looking good, Blights! And good morning, Professor!"

Professor De Ville turned with a smile and waved back at Dell. "Good morning, Mr. Whispers! Are you excited for the grudgby match tonight?"

"Come on, Delly! You know you're secretly thrilled." Emira smirked at him, having to join in on the conversation.

"Yeah, we all know you're just putting on an act." Edric chimed in.

Dell chuckled. "Well, I can't say I'm as excited as some people, but I'll be there to cheer on the Banshees. Go Hexside!"

Dell continued down the hall with a slight spring in his step. The school's enthusiasm was infectious. "The Banshees are going to dominate!" An Oracle Track student, Hector exclaimed as Dell passed by the beaked demon.

"Game day roar!" Dell turned to the source of the exclamation to see his pal, Augustus Porter, wearing a Banshees jersey and waving a foam finger.

His young friend's unwavering enthusiasm never failed to bring a smile to Dell's face. "Hey, Augustus. I can tell you're excited."

"Grudgby games are the best. The players go through these action-packed trials. And the audience gets to wave flags. Look, I practiced." He took off his foam finger so he could pull out two flags. He turns in a circle, waves to them, and hums the Banshee's theme.

"The Banshees are lucky to have you cheering them on."

Augustus beamed with pride, continuing to wave the flags. "Thanks, Dell. I've even been practicing my illusions to make a banner for when we win." He casts the illusion of a massive banner that reads in bold, vibrant letters, 'Better Luck Next Time!' The young boy nearly screamed and quickly dispersed the illusion before anyone saw it. "Sorry, I'm still working on it."

Dell chuckled and patted his pal on the back. "No worries. I'm sure your illusion skills will be top-notch by the time the game starts." They walked down the hall together but didn't get far when someone bumped into Dell, causing her to drop her papers.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed, bending down to pick up the papers. She had black hair and purple eyes and wore a St. Epiderm uniform. Oracle Track, Dell guessed; not only that, but she also looked familiar to him.

"It's all right." Dell bent down. "Let me help you."

"Thanks. Oh, I hope none of the papers got damaged."

As they gathered the papers, Dell noticed some smudges and creases. "It looks like a few of them did. Sorry."

"It's fine. I can make it work." The girl smiled, her purple eyes sparkling. "I'm just glad they're not completely ruined. These are important for tomorrow."

"What's happening tomorrow?

"Dude, why are you talking to her?" Augustus interrupted Dell. "She's wearing a St. Epiderm uniform. Our enemy's uniform."