The ordinary

Chapter 2: Let the games begin

The chaos continued to swirl around me, but Arthur had already disappeared, vanishing into the throng to join another group. I stood there, trying to make sense of the scene before me. It was then that James leaned in close and whispered, "It's a game of capture the flag. We need to regroup."

I turned to James, my voice steady. "I don't fight."

His eyes hardened momentarily, but he nodded. "Then we'll protect you. Just stay close."

Theo, Logan, Alex, James, and I quickly gathered ourselves and retreated to the edge of the courtyard. "We need to change," Alex said, pointing to a side door leading to the locker rooms. Our team color, red, was emblazoned on the door.

Inside, we found our uniforms waiting for us—red suits with flexible, durable fabric. We changed swiftly, the reality of our situation sinking in. This was no ordinary game. The weight of the knowledge that killing was allowed made my stomach churn.

"Ready?" Theo asked, his voice tinged with excitement and fear.

I nodded, though my heart pounded in my chest. We stepped back into the courtyard, now transformed into a battlefield. Shouts and cries echoed around us, the clashing of powers creating a cacophony of chaos.

"We need a plan," James said, his voice commanding authority. "Logan, create distractions with your illusions. Theo, you handle the water barriers. Alex, stay close to Amelia and keep her safe. I'll lead us to the flag."

Logan's eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity as he nodded. Theo cracked his knuckles, ready for action. Alex gave me a reassuring smile, though I could see the worry in her eyes.

"Stick together," James reminded us as we moved out, our senses heightened. The air crackled with energy, every shadow a potential threat.

We moved cautiously through the courtyard, navigating the chaos. Logan sent out illusions, creating false images of our team to confuse and distract our opponents. Theo used his power to create water barriers, blocking attacks aimed at us. I stayed close to Alex, my heart pounding as I watched her eyes constantly scan our surroundings.

"There!" James pointed towards a glimmer of blue on the far side of the courtyard. The enemy flag.

We picked up our pace, moving as one unit. Suddenly, an opponent lunged at us, his eyes glowing with power. Logan's illusion faltered momentarily, and Theo was caught off guard. The attacker's fist connected with Theo's jaw, sending him sprawling.

"Go!" Theo shouted, struggling to get back up. "I'll catch up!"

James didn't hesitate. "Move!"

We sprinted towards the flag, the sounds of battle growing louder around us. As we neared the flag, a figure stepped into our path. It was Arthur, his eyes cold and determined. He had aligned himself with the blue team.

"Going somewhere?" he asked, his voice icy.

James stepped forward, his body tense. "Out of the way, Arthur."

Arthur smirked. "Not a chance."

James lunged at Arthur, their powers clashing in a fierce exchange. Logan created more illusions to divert Arthur's attention, but he saw through them easily. Alex and I tried to find a way around the fight, but other blue team members blocked our path.

"Stay close," Alex said, her voice firm.

I watched as James and Arthur battled fiercely, neither giving an inch. Logan's illusions kept the other blue team members occupied, but they were closing in fast.

"We're running out of time," Alex said urgently. "We need to get that flag."

"Go!" I shouted. "I'll stay here."

Alex hesitated but nodded. She moved swiftly, slipping past the fight with agility and speed. I stayed behind, my eyes locked on James and Arthur.

James managed to land a solid hit on Arthur, sending him staggering back. "Now, Alex!" he shouted.

Alex lunged for the flag, her fingers closing around the fabric. She tore it free and raised it high. A triumphant cheer erupted from our team as the signal blared, announcing our victory.

The fighting stopped abruptly. James stepped back from Arthur, both of them breathing heavily. Arthur's eyes met mine, a flicker of respect crossing his face before he turned and walked away.

James joined us, his expression fierce but relieved. "We did it."

As the reality of our victory sank in, I felt a strange mix of emotions. Relief, triumph, and a lingering fear of what lay ahead. This was just the beginning. In this deadly game, survival would demand more than just strength and power. It would require cunning, alliances, and perhaps a touch of luck.

"Well done, Amelia," James said quietly. "You held your own."

I nodded, though my mind was already racing ahead, wondering what new challenges the Academy would throw at us next.

As the signal blared, signaling the end of the game, Arthur walked over to the professor, his expression unreadable. "How many died?" he asked, his voice steady.

The professor glanced at his notes. "Seven students lost their lives today."

"They didn't just die," I interjected, my voice sharper than I intended. "They were killed in a stupid game."

The professor's eyes flicked to me, a hint of annoyance in his gaze. "This is the reality of our world, Amelia. It's better they learn now."

Arthur's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The professor continued, turning his attention back to the rest of us. "As for the results, Arthur's team captured the most flags and is declared the winner. Congratulations to the blue team. The red team, led by James, came in second."

I blinked in surprise. We had fought so hard, but Arthur's team had outmaneuvered us. My eyes met Arthur's briefly. He didn't gloat; he simply nodded once in acknowledgment.

As we gathered our belongings, James walked over to Arthur, clapping him on the back. "Good match," he said, a genuine smile on his face.

Arthur nodded. "You too."

James looked at me and then back at Arthur. "Amelia, did you know Arthur doesn't have any powers either?"

I stared at Arthur, my disbelief evident. "You don't?"

Arthur shrugged, a small smile playing at his lips. "I make do."

James chuckled. "He's the best fighter at the Academy. Could have easily beaten me, but he knew they had already won."

Arthur's gaze softened. "Hurting you was the last thing I wanted to do, James."

James punched Arthur lightly on the shoulder. "Good thing we're on the same side most of the time."

I watched the exchange, a mixture of admiration and confusion swirling within me. Arthur, the boy who had saved me from the dagger, who had faced James without powers, was not only the best fighter but also one of the most honorable.

As we left the courtyard, the weight of the day settled heavily on my shoulders. This place was ruthless, and I had to adapt quickly. But amidst the violence and competition, there was a glimmer of humanity—friendships and alliances that could mean the difference between life and death.

"Well, Amelia," Alex said as she walked beside me. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."

I nodded, my resolve hardening. "Yes, we do."

And with that, we stepped back into the Academy, ready to face whatever came next. As we walked away, I couldn't help but think the professor was an ass. His coldness and indifference to the deaths of students made my skin crawl. Surviving here wouldn't just be about strength or strategy; it would be about holding onto our humanity in a place that seemed determined to strip it away.