Timothy Eli and the Light Guard Trials

Sub-Chapter 11: Legion Strong, Strong as Your Weakest Link

“So, you’ve been holding back,” said a voice as I opened the capsule.

I stepped out to see Ms. Muñoz standing with her hand on her hips with a smile. She gave me a helping hand getting out of the capsule. I looked down to see Herschel being led to a pedestal on the other side of the platform. I moved to wave goodbye but he turned his back before I could so I turned back to Ms. Muñoz with a smile.

 “Thanks,” I replied non-chalantly.

“You’re quite welcome,” she replied patting me on the back.

She moved in for a hug as I awkwardly maneuvered around her face. Her perfume had the sweet smell of cinnamon and expensive perfume. She was even more beautiful with the changes she had made. She rubbed my back lovingly as she led me to my pedestal.

“You be good, and with luck I hope to see you when the school year starts,” she replied crossing her fingers. “Either way it was nice seeing you again. When you finish here please don’t hesitate to drop by our house.”

I nodded with a smile I step onto the pedestal. As I descended the crowd erupted as fireworks and confetti shot from all corners. It was humbling to see. I felt so embarrassed by the attention. I smiled and waved not able to think of anything else to do.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Timothy Eli, of the Theta Delta Legion,” said a voice that erupted over the stadium. “What a show! What a show!”

I waved again bashfully lowering my head.

“Thanks,” I replied under my breath.

As my pedestal descended to the bottom of the platform and finally touch down I noticed Herschel for the first time. He descended slowly and touched down just after I did. From his demeanor he looked dejected and embarrassed a stark contrast to the demeanor he showed before we entered our capsule.

“Herschel, are you okay?” I asked via BAU.

He turned to me with a concealing head shake.

“I’m fine,” he replied. “It’s just, my host is a little less than thrilled that I conceded in defeat so easily. He wanted me to challenge you to a duel. I declined and for my efforts I was expelled from the Alpha House.”

I turned to him with a surprised empathetic glance as we made our way up the long corridor. He nodded his head without even looking in my direction before I could even speak.

“Are you serious?” I pressed.

“Yeah, but I could care less about that part,” he continued clinching his fist angrily.

“Oh, really,” I replied thrown.

“That place isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There all about tradition and protecting the house reputation. I’m glad to be rid of it to be honest,” he replied.

“I get it, it’s just you don’t look too happy,” I replied.

“No, it’s not that. My legion hasn’t done their trials and in order for them to compete they had to agree to kick me out of the legion,” Herschel replied.

As we chatted we approached a huge arc-cathedral like structure with the Lower Council sitting on a stage underneath it. We disappeared into the barrier then a corridor cutting the sound of the crowd all around us. We continued our discussion as we approached the Lower Council.

“Wait, so your Legion kicked you out, weren’t you’re the captain,” I replied shocked.

“Yes, but No, I resigned. I couldn’t ask them to do that for me,” He replied angrily. “They have promise, with or without me. I wish I could be here to cheer them on in person but this type of thing is normal. I was a prized prospect. No offense but to lose to an upstart Earthborn legion is as embarrassing as it can get for a house, especially if your prospect refuses to duel for the relic.”