DEVIATE X / / AN UNORDINARY FANFICTION

V.

"What do you want?"

The resonance of my voice had a razor sharp edge to it. I couldn't tell if it was from my irritability or my fatigue, but I had my fair share of "stimulating" conversations today, and as of right now, Arlo was not someone I wanted to converse with at the moment.

He edged closer to me and forced me to take a few steps back until I felt my back hit the cold surface of the lockers. He was definitely taller than me, and it bothered how close his face was to mine.

What's this all of a sudden...?

"I'm certain you understand how the Royal hierarchy works, yes?" He asked simply.

"Yeah...." I replied tentatively. Thanks to Irel, I knew the in and outs to Wellston's hierarchy specifically. "Isen told me the who holds the current titles."

"Right. Then you should know the Queen, Remi, is not going to be attending school for the rest of this week." He replied. "That disrupts our lineup for tomorrow's Turf Wars."

The Turf Wars. I always thought they were rumors, but Wellston and our apparent rival school, Agwin High School, fight against each other regularly for sport to represent who's the most powerful school. Apparently, Wellston's been undefeated for some time now, going back since Irel's school days.

"And you want me to fill in for Remi." I replied as I crossed my arms.

"Partly, but not exactly." Arlo said. "As one of the top ten strongest students here, I think you have the potential to make it onto the roster, and maybe even be a royal. You proved it today when you fended off those mid-tiers two hours ago."

So he was watching me earlier to gauge my abilities? How would he know about my standing in the school? Headmaster Vaughn promised me that Wellston doesn't disclose ability levels to other people, especially for those who are classified in a higher tier. Isen told me earlier that with Arlo's title, he's granted access for some things that other students aren't allowed to see or do. But did Headmaster Vaughn give him access to my student file? And more importantly, why would Arlo want it?

Arlo waited for me to respond, but I was swimming with such a depth into my own thoughts that I couldn't formulate an answer in time.

"Seraphina is temporarily replacing Remi as the Queen. With her spot available, you can sub in as the Ace." He said firmly, as if I had no say.

"Why?" I asked. "You and Seraphina seem perfectly capable of taking down the opposing school yourselves. There would be no need for me—"

"Let me finish." Arlo said pompously, silencing me with one hand. "Seraphina's our intimidation factor. She's not fighting. Second to her, you're the strongest individual that's suited for her position."

Second to her.....

I felt slightly uncomfortable at the phrase. I was being valued, once again, by my abilities. But Irel told me that doing extracurriculars, especially with people who are in my tier, would help me fit in more.

Irel was able to help a lot of people with his title. Under his direction, majority of the low tiers had some kind of limelight with the combination of all the Royals' efforts. Even though I wasn't exactly a visionary like Irel, Arlo seemed like a firm and capable leader that was well respected by others. To be honest, things wouldn't seem to be that bad under his guidance.

I looked up at Arlo and met his eyes.

"Alright. Count me in."

"Excellent." He leaned back and crossed his arms, a seemingly lustful grin on his face.

He backed away from me as I peeled my back off the lockers. I watched him as he walked away with a casual stride, only turning slightly to speak.

"Welcome to the roster, Delta." :;