The Gifted

I Am Queen

Lucas^

Author's Note**

Hey guys, Kat here. So with this story slowly developing, as I get more readers, I just wanted to say thank you. It feels great that people keep coming back to read the next chapters. Please don't forget to vote, and comment about your opinion or what you like best about the story so far. Love Y'all!

End of Author's Note**

Carmen's POV**

I walk through the track field doors without hast. The other's can catch up, besides this event will determine my future. The one thing I've looked forward to for years. I'll have to be completely focused on winning. I quickly forget all my problems, as I walk up to Ellie's mom and Training Coach Philips. They were the ones who organized this event, setting up the different matches and groupings.

When I'm fully in front of them, I ignore everyone who gets in line behind me. It's a good thing the library is close to the field doors because I would have had to wait in the huge line with everyone else. It's also a good thing they canceled the rest of the classes for this event. Finding out where you ranked in the school, is important for several classes and after-school clubs.

It's not mandatory to participate, but if you wanted the respect of any kind, or admittance in any of the fighting clubs, special training, Elites, or private power classes, you would participate in this event. Still, most of the student-body will opt to sit on the bleachers, watching the fights. Some even place bets.

I've never missed a ranking event, they're just too exciting to miss. Ranking matches are determined from last years ranks. If the top people want to keep their spot, they'll have to fight for it, or if they've moved into the college it'll automatically move everyone up a few slots. This year the first five places are in college, which puts me in 5th place of the whole school.

People who don't participate in the ranking event will be placed according to the strength of their ability. Of course, you have to be at least thirteen to have a fight with anyone in high school. You don't want any of the new elementary kids fighting a highschooler, it just wouldn't be fair.

When you go to check in, you have to tell them what rank you're going to be fighting for, that way you have a chance to move up and stay or get demoted down. The event only allows seven fights at a time, that way the people who aren't fighting can choose whom they want to watch, and for the people in the previous matches can rest up for the next fight. Eventually, at 3 p.m. they'll hold the last fights and whatever spot you got to is your rank.

It's a fairly easy system, that speaks for itself. Usually, if you have a high enough rank, the lower kids won't choose to fight you. There is only one rule for the fights, nothing to the death. Now if your ability has to do with darkness or even death (Cody for example) you can use dead things, just not kill your opponent. Of course, there are multiple healers helping to supervise the fights, ready to jump in at any moment.

Basically, you fight until someone either passes out, yields, or steps out of the boundary circle.

I smile at Ellie's mom, "Hello Mrs. Sanders, I'm going to first this year and I'll hold it." She smiles nodding, they don't really have a choice but to put us where we say we're going because their only job is to group us together. They don't determine who wins, that's the Principals and the Special Trainor's job. This event is basically a Homecoming football game.

I turn to look to the bleachers noticing them filling up fast. Mrs. Sanders gives me my special badge to wear and I'm all set. I just need to change into the required outfit. They're basically P.E. clothes, black shorts and a black t-shirt the color of crows. The principle is a stickler for the school mascot and color.