Aces: Ace of Spades

Chapter 1: Two Justines Are Better Than One (Part 2)

Tomorrow’s the opening for the Singles so I better get some goodnight sleep…and hopefully see Justine again.

The next day, Mr. Lewis took the entire Group B to the opening of the Singles.  Luckily, I chose to sit next to Matthieu and as far away from Justine as possible.

After the usual opening ceremonies things (You know, singing the anthem, opening performances, blah, blah, blah…), Mr. Wu, our hippie principal made a speech about something.

“It has been long since our last encounter y’all!” He started.  “I know that you’ve all been training real hard all year so I want to wish y’all good luck!  Remember, nobody’s a loser!”

The kind of stuff adults say to make you feel better.

“There are only a few rules for the Singles.” He continued.  “Judging by the name of the round itself, y’all know of course that this is a one-on-one battle.  Winner takes it all.  Starting today, two Singles battle will be held per day.  The first one will start at exactly 2 in the afternoon while the second match starts at 6pm.  Each battle takes a maximum of four hours.  If the battle has not finished after that time, a panel of judges shall decide who will be the victor.  In a battle, only the winner shall advance to the next round while the loser can help train those who won in their group.”

I thought he said there were no losers.  Hypocrite.

“In case of a tie, as you kids call it, a freebie shall be given to both.  In the first round, in a tie, both shall proceed to the next round.  However, in the second round and so on, in the case of a tie, none shall proceed to the next round.  The second round shall be the doubles.  Remember not to break any rules.  Nothing so powerful that it will kill the opponent, otherwise, you’re eliminated.  I guess there’s nothing else to say. As you folks say, good luck and break a leg!”

Mr. Wu stepped down and the battle arena was noisy once again.  I could see Amarie, sitting next to Justine, shaking of nervousness as Justine and Celina tried to give her some tips and reminders for her battle.  Unluckily, Amarie is in the very first match, you see.  Mr.  Lewis stood up and directed Group B to the cafeteria to eat lunch.

I wasn’t that scared since my battle is still a week from now so I wasn’t that uncomfortable unlike some people.

Back to me and Justine, with an e!  After that little practice, I finally decided that I wanted to break up with Mona.  In one weekend around September, I think, I decided to go back to my hometown for three days to break up with her.  Unlike normal break-ups though, I had no regrets about this one.

I arrived home with a large welcome from my uncle.  See, I don’t know who my parents are. I don’t know if they’re dead or alive.  All I know is that since birth, my uncle has raised me to be the kid (not to mention, necromancer) I am now.

“Hello Justin.” My uncle greeted me.

“Hey Uncle Jay!” I dropped my bags on the ground.

He stood outside and opened the door to let me in.  I dropped my bags on the table.  “Welcome home.”

I walked to the kitchen.  “Chamomile tea, right?”

“Haha…you never fail to impress me, m’boy.”

Uncle Jay is a very old man. He should be in his late fifties now. He has a short white beard and a friendly smile which defined everything about him and his lifestyle.  He lives in a cottage far from the city and dwells in this little cottage peacefully.  His favorite drink, as you can see, is chamomile tea.