Helix

Chapter 4 - Toph

Okay, okay, I have to admit something: I knew it was her the moment I saw her on the streets. The first time, at the Summer Prelude Masquerade, I had a mission to accomplish. I had to abort mission without accomplishing anything, and maybe I was a bit of a jerk to have wanted to use her like that.

But when I saw her attention drawing blonde and purple streaked hair, I knew it was her. The apple cart was an accident, but that was the second time I saw her. I couldn't resist introducing myself again, though I promised myself that I would make it up to her for whatever I would've tried to do back then.

Elaena, or Ruby, was really wild inside though. I saw through how proper she wanted to be in front of the public at the Masquerade. But I also saw how wild and carefree she battled to let out. Even when she was ten, her steps on the dance floor brimmed with anticipation. Six years later, I still felt the same energy when we ran from the apple farmer. It was comforting, really.

Elaena and I, we both had our own problems to deal with. But I felt like there was a bond between us – a spark, even – that helped us stay true to ourselves. So when Elaena came to me to bid me goodbye, I saw how torn up she was inside. I could help her, too. I couldn't tell her why or how, so I just left.

There I was now, before the gates of Academia Rephia, supposedly the most prestigious academy for Combat arts. I've heard about this place for a while now; it was the most dreamed of place for the slum children, where magic was supposed to happen. Of course, magic didn't really happen there – that was just a glorification of Skills you learn after long days of slaving away at a certain Combat art. Magic didn't exist, after all....though there was one exception I knew of.

"Last call for scholarship applications! Closing in five minutes!" a guard declared.

I wiped the sweat off my forehead. I made it! Quickly, I grabbed an application and scribbled away at the blanks.

Which exam would you like to participate in to determine your scholarship merit?

Written Exam • Physical Skills Exam

I hovered over Physical Skills. Under its suggested topics, I saw Swordsmanship, the word triggering a slideshow of memories.

"Master! Look at my first skill: Deflect!"

I was practicing my sword under the scorching mid-afternoon sun. Only Eugene was left with me, practicing, and we swung our swords repeatedly at the straw dummies. We were betting which one of us was going to master our first sword Skill, Deflect, first. I'd won, and I sprinted to Master to show off my accomplishments.

"No Toph, I was the winner! Look: Deflect!"

No, after that, I couldn't do physical skills anymore. Without hesitation, I circled Written Exam.

"Remember, the exam starts exactly at two tomorrow afternoon. Be there, or your place will be forfeited," the officer instructed. I nodded thanks. Before I could leave, however, he snickered in a low voice, "Not that you will actually pass, uncultured slum dweller."

Nostrils flaring, I stared at the officer incredulously. "Wanna say that again?" I threatened in a low voice.

The officer smiled tauntingly, "What? The truth?"

My eyes narrowed, but I managed to hold myself back. "You'll be glad that I still need to get into this crappy school for something. Otherwise, watch your back, buddy."

As I walked away, I heard the officer's mocking laugh crackling through the air.

——

The next day, I showed up right on time.

"Single file lines into the testing hall, please!" There was a huge crowd of test takers, all with hopeful grins on their faces. In a way, they reminded me of the slum children I befriended. Hopeful, expectant, desperate for a chance to change their futures. All of the slum children were. The applicants crammed into the hall and I followed. The doors led to a big, two-story hall. Rephia students passed by the second floor, and they could see us through the windows. Inside, tables and chairs were lined up in perfect rows, all facing the front podium.

"You may begin," said the proctor.

The test itself was a breeze. Most of it was questions with historical context, and coming from a neighboring ex-empire, I knew very well the political tensions of Mi.

Drawing on your knowledge of historical events, examine the aspects of the geopolitical tensions of Mi.

I was halfway through explaining how the Morel War caused neighboring countries to increase taxes when I stretched and twirled my wrists. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar figure walk past the second-floor glass windows. I locked eyes with her, smirking.

This is for you, Elaena.