My Twisted Heart

Chapter Sixteen

The sun beat down relentlessly on the outdoor field as we gathered in small groups, trying to find slivers of shade.

"Today's the day," Ryan announced, puffing out his chest. "I'm finally going to ask Haruna out on a date."

"Yeah, right.... Like you've got the guts," Elijah snorted. 

"Well, today is different... Today I'm going to do it!"

"I don't know if I believe you. You've chickened out every other time. What makes today any different?" asked Sam.

Ryan's face turned red. "Guys... I promise I'm serious this time! I even came up with a plan and everything."

"Hmm... We'll see about that."

As they continued to tease Ryan, I found myself wondering what it would be like to ask someone out. The thought alone made my palms sweat. The idea of putting myself out there in that regard was nerve-wracking. Terrifying, even.

"UGH!"

Elijah wiped sweat from his forehead and fanned himself with one hand. "Man, it's way too hot out here. Why did Ms. Walker have to choose today of all days to bring us outside? Couldn't she have waited for a cloud or two?"

"Yeah, this is brutal," Sam agreed. "I can't believe we're out here instead of in the gym..."

I had to admit, I was confused too. Every gym class we'd had this week was indoors. I couldn't help but wonder why Ms. Walker suddenly decided to take us out to the field today.

"Alright, everyone! The water break is over. Huddle up, I have an announcement to make!" Ms. Walker's voice cut through the chatter, drawing everyone's attention.

"I hope she's not going to make us run more laps," Zach whispered.

Before I could reply, Ms. Walker caught his comment and shot him a smug smile. "Don't worry, Mr. Wong. No more laps... At least, not for the rest of the day."

Relieved, we all moved closer, forming a loose circle around her. She scanned our faces, her expression shifting to one of seriousness.

"Have any of you heard of the Capture the Flag Tournament the school hosts every year?"

Some of us nodded, while others shook their heads.

Ms. Walker continued. "For those who don't know, every year, Crestwood Academy hosts a team-based Capture the Flag Tournament. It's a competition of magic and combat, in which anyone can participate. Every team must have five members, all in the same grade..."

A buzz of excitement ran through the class. Judging by the expressions around me, this tournament seemed to have piqued their interest.

"In the first stage of the tournament, all teams compete in a round-robin," Ms. Walker explained. "However, only the top eight teams advance to the final stage of the competition. The playoffs... This is where things get intense."

I could feel the adrenaline starting to build around me.

"The final stages of the tournament are held in the school's battle arena for everyone to see. The entire school watches, cheering for their favorite teams. It's an incredible experience, and for those who rise to the challenge, it can even be life-changing."

From the pictures I'd seen, the battle arena was a massive stadium-like structure with seats for hundreds of spectators. It was one of the largest facilities the school had built. Even though I'd seen it from afar, I had yet to venture inside.

Jeff raised his hand. "Um, Ms. Walker... Are there any prizes in this competition?"

Ms. Walker smiled. "Yes, there are. At the end of the tournament, students who qualified for the playoffs will receive 10,000 crowns. Those who made it to the semi-finals will get 25,000 crowns, and finalists will receive a staggering 50,000!"