The cold air in the courtroom like council room had me unease and if I was feeling this way I could only imagine what Eve was going through. Everyone was sitting on pins and needles as well. Pete and Sai sat on opposite sides me with Sam sitting next Sai while Jacob, Uriah, Danielle and Luke sat in the pew behind us. The place like everything in the Heaven Realm was pearly a white with statues of important figures litter around the courtroom. If I wasn’t there under such bad circumstances I would probably have taken the time to enjoy a tour of the place. The council sat discussing among themselves as the atmosphere on the court had become unstable.
“The prospect knowingly challenged using deceit and malice,” said Councilmen Uriel. “And normally that is not only grounds for a forfeit but it is usually ground for the prospect to be disqualified and taking out of consideration for admittance into the Light Guard Academy.”
“This guys is so annoying,” Pete added shaking his head frustrated.
I turned to Eve not wanting to think about what the councilmen words could mean for our legion. I strummed my fingers on the pew as we sat behind Eve. Sai leaned forward. I know a part of her wanted to jump over the barricade and give Eve a huge hug. As it was, she just sat biting the nail on here thumb with a worried look on her face.
“Hold off Councilmen Uriel,” Abdiel added.
“Yeah, let’s not make this personal attack on this council,” added Councilman Mikell.
The air around the room was thick. Eve stood gun shy watching as the councilmen argued back and forth. Maxiell stood defenseless. I couldn’t imagine what his defense for Eve could be. What could he say? Eve had stated it on live broadcast there was no going back. The rest of us were on pins and needles as the men decided whether to forfeit the match and make our already unsurmountable chances worse.
“Why?” said Kiel Landon. “The circumstances are obvious. The girl intentionally mislead the council so that she would have the opportunity to settle a vendetta. If that ain’t the letter of the law nothing is.”
“Yes, that may be true but there are circumstances surrounding the situation that must be considered,” added Councilmen Mylingiel.
He pointed in Eve’s direction like a prosecutor laying into a defendant. He wore a robe that made him look like a heavenly vampire. He wore a high eccentric collar that looked like a Vegas show guy. His hair was slick back in a horrible attempt to make himself look prestigious. He looked so cheesy. If it would have been any other time I would have normally cracked up from the sight of him but I ignored it, more focused on the conflict at hand overtaken by the tensions of the situation.
“This guy’s a clown,” added Zechariah chuckling.
“Yeah, a clown,” Jo seconded.
Landon stared back at me with a look that was usually reserved for me teachers when they chewed me out but the look was way more forceful.
“I am surprised we are not considering throwing the entire legion out,” Landon continued. “It surprises me that a council as prestigious as this one continues to allow these Earthborns to flippantly ignore our customs and rules while taking something as serious as the Light Guard Trials so lightly. It’s a little disappointing to say the least.
His words caused a stir among the legion. I sat quietly as the rest of legion whispered disparaging marks under their breath. As brazen as he was in his critique there was a sting truth to his words. I mean, we haven’t exactly been the most respectful guess in regards to following the rules and regulations. Showing up to meetings late, being unprepared, constantly breaking protocol and procedure. I mean, we are literally the only legion which has had a non-competing prospect physically intervene in every single match.
“Is this guy serious?” Luke added.
“Shhh!” Danielle ordered covering her lips with her finger. “You have to admit he has a point.”
“Well, yeah, but he does have to be a jerk about it,” Luke object.
Sai shot an objecting glare before Jacob seconded Danielle’s sentiment.
“Have some respect for this council and for me,” Landon replied turning to us.
His expression took Luke back as he stared at him like he had lost.
“This council and your so called host may allow you to run amuck and make spectacles of yourselves but I will not allow it in my presence. Respect this court and cease from your bickering in an official Light Guard Council meeting.”
We all stared around looking at each other not really knowing what to say. He had a point but once again the jerk way in which it was expressed left everyone in a loss for words. Jade just turned to him with an angry glare while Max ignored him whispering something to Eve discreetly.
“Man this guy is smug,” Danielle added via BAU.
He smirked before being interrupted by Abdiel.
“Seeing as you are so versed on Light Guard etiquette, I shouldn’t have to tell you that it’s seen as rude and bad taste to chastise the members of an opposing legion, especially in the presence of what you so elegantly described as a prestigious council,” he fired.
“Ha, burn!” Sam added before being bowed hard by Sai. “Ouch, what?!”
She shook her head embarrassed as Landon clear his throat embarrassed. Abdiel continued sending a covert wink toward me. I smiled happy to see he didn’t agree with Landon or at the very least he didn’t think the same way.
“We’re not considering throwing the entire legion out because there is no precedence for it,” Abdiel snapped. “Do not attempt to sully the reputation of this council by assuming we would give anyone preferential achievement. That being said, we are also not going to be bias based on the opinion of an opposing headmaster.”
The group nodded pleased by Abdiel’s reaction. I was still uneasy as I tapped my feet nervously. Sai placed her hand on my leg motioning for me to stop. She smiled as I nodded in her direction.
“She’ll be fine,” she replied.
“What is with those guys,” I asked Jade via BAU.
He sighed and then tried to keep a straight face as he replied.
“Landon used to be a council member awhile back. Abdiel’s position to be exact but after a while he was voted out by the people. I’m pretty sure you can understand why. Afterwards he started the Alpha House and has actively bumped heads with the council ever since,” he replied. “I’m pretty sure you can understand why.”
I nodded once more as Landon smiled weirdly turning to Abdiel. He just rub the wrong way about as much as anyone could. He seemed like he just didn’t belong. I stared at the back of his head as he continued smugly.
“I just want what’s right, nothing more nothing less,” He replied. “As head councilmen I will defer to your judgment.”
Abdiel turned to Eve with a disappointed look on his face. It seemed like the whole thing was a task he would have rather not have to endure. All in all he seemed to be on our side but his hands were tied and it was obvious it wasn’t going to end advantageous for us. He shook his head hesitantly then turned to Eve as he continued.
“Ms. Timila, in your own words do you feel you deceive this council in presentation of your motives behind why you challenged Prospect Bahir,” Abdiel replied sternly.
Eve looked at all of us sadly then lowered her head still wiping the remains of her tears as she continued. It had been almost an hour since she had broken down but the dried remains of her tears were still visible. I leaned forward not knowing what she was about to say but nervous about what the outcome could be.
“Sir, I apologize and ask for forgiveness,” She replied ashamed. “But yes, I apologize but while I did not lie to this board. I did purposely hide my truest intentions behind challenging prospect Bahir and for that I apologize and I ask for your forgiveness.”
Abdiel sat back with a disturbed look as he looked to his fellow councilmen. He had a looked that revealed conservation that probably proceeded the hearing. At that point I really didn’t care about the trials. I didn’t want Eve to get kicked out. I had grown so attached to her I couldn’t imagine doing this without her.
“Eve, I appreciate you apology and as you beg for forgiveness it will be given but Light Guard Law is set by Father Yahweh and the Christ. It is absolute therefore, we will convene than respond accordingly.”
Eve nodded as a huge barrier lowered restricting access to the Council. Eve broke down once more as Maxiell consoled her. Sai and I leaned over the pew patting her on the back. The rest of legion sat on their hands waiting for a decision. It was minutes but it seemed like an hour as we sat waiting. The barrier slowly raised revealing council. Eve rose along with Maxiell almost like a defendant waiting on a jury’s verdict.
“I’m sorry for the delay but we understand the care and thought that must go into this decision,” Abdiel replied in an apologetic tone.
Eve nodded respectfully taking a deep breath as he continued.
“Ms. Timila, we have come to a decision,” he replied.
My heart beat fast and my palms were sweaty as I griped the pew in front of me. It felt like I was on trial. I rocked dropping my head almost covering my ears paranoid about what the outcome would be. Eve once again nodded as he laid things out.
“We have decided that because you have shown contrition and the ability to thrive in the Light Guard Academy we will not revoked your prospect status and will grade you on the ability you showed in your trial which if I may say so, was extraordinary,” he replied with a staggered smile.
Eve returned his smile with an appreciative smile of her own. Abdiel and a few of the other councilmen showcased agreeing smiles before he continued.
“Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by the malice and deceit you used to showcase it,” he continued. “That being said, it is with regret that all the cunning and skill you showed will be all for not as the match will be forfeited because of the false pretense in which it was proposition.”
His words had a two pronged affect. I was happy to see that Eve wouldn’t be disqualified but to hear that we were now down 3-0 was a letdown. The rest of the legion seemed to feel the same as the showcase looks of controlled and disappointed gratitude. I raised my head and took a sigh of relief as Eve nodded.
“That was a relief,” Pete whispered in my ear.
I nodded agreement as he continued.
“Count yourself lucky because had you been a normal Heaven Realm citizen you would have more than likely been disqualified but after discussion it was decided it would be unfair to hold you to the standard of recruits who have lived and abided in our realm for years,” he continued. “Taking into account that you are considered young even by Earth Realm standards it would be unfair to punish you in such a way but this is a onetime deal, so to the rest of you this is not only a warning for her but for all of you. There are consequences for all the decisions you make and they won’t be lenient so make the right one.”
We all nodded. With that everyone said their courtesy goodbyes and headed toward our transport. The media was waiting as the portal door open Eve lowered her head as they peppered her with questions.
“Ms. Timila, will you be answering questions?” they all asked in varying ways.
“This child is in no shape to be answering any question and has been given a waiver and will not be doing a post-trial press conference. I apologize and we will receive the next trial participant on our transport,” Jade replied covering Eve as we maneuvered our way through the fans and media.
I finally breathed a sigh of relief as we enter the transport and the door closed behind us. I sat not really wanting to speak. To be honest I don’t think anyone else did either. My guess was they were all on pins and needles about the next trial. I wasn’t but maybe I should have considering how terribly the last two had been.
“3-1, its over,” said Zech tossing his bag. “I would have never gotten on this legion if I’d known we were going to get embarrassed like this.”
“Yeah, it’s one thing to lose but to lose…,” before he could speak.
Jade motioned for him to stop.
“Do say that,” he shot. “We are far from out of it. Not one of our Doms have fought yet. We have plenty of opportunity to even the score.”
“Exactly,” added Max trying to pep us up. “Besides, even we don’t win. It’s not the end of the world. All the prospect so far have passed. Tim with an 11, Beth with a 9, and Both Pete and Eve with 10’s. That is amazing even if we don’t win and it’s also enough for the legion to qualify. All we need is for one more of you to get a 7 or higher and were gold. Of course we won’t be able to choose our house but that’s alright too.”
UMH! Jacob interrupted clearing his breath catching everyone’s attention.
“Well, that would be great but there’s only one problem,” Jacob stated looking out the window. “Either we all get in or none of us do, remember. You stated earlier that Sam will more than likely not be an automatic qualifier based off of his showings in our earlier battles. Therefore, if Sam doesn’t compete or we don’t win, he doesn’t get in. Am I right?”
His words sent a pause throughout our group. We had been so focused on winning the trials that we had completely forgotten about Sam. Well, some of us. Jacob’s words sent us all crashing back to Earth. I had only been thinking of the competitive advantage of Sam not competing. I never stopped to think about what Max and Jade had explained earlier. Sam had to compete or we had to win. We all assumed we would win so we never thought of the consequences of what would happen if we didn’t but now that possibility was a very real one, so much so that I would go as far as saying it looked like the most likely outcome considering our present hole. Everything changed. There was a very real possibility that we had to either drop Sam or decline our invitation to the Light Guard Academy.
“Yes, that is correct,” Jade replied trying to act confident. “But we have the utmost faith in God’s plan. Either Sam will be chosen and exceed or we will win.”
I nodded trying to summon up the faith that I had been trying to conjure up more of to begin with. The faces around the room were looks of shell shocked individuals. It looked like they were fighting a similar dilemma as they stood speechless. Especially Sam who just stared out the window as if to be ignoring the conversation entirely.
“You hear that Sam,” Sai replied turning to Sam.
He nodded barely moving his head.
“I’m going to destroy whoever they put in front of me,” Sam replied. “Watch you’ll see and when I’m done you guys will have to admit I’m the best, even better than both my cousins. Then, I’ll be the best, not Jacob, not Tim but me. I’m going to be the first Human Arch. I said it and I meant it. I promise.”
His words were met with politely skeptical looks. I didn’t know how to respond and before I could my attention was caught by a message that ran across one of the screens on the transport.
“What?!” I replied staring and pointing at the screen at the same time. “Turn up the volume.”
Jade slowly raised the volume as we all watched in awe. In huge letters on a banner across the screen the letters read ABA’s LOWELL CHALLENGES JACOB ELI. Were they serious? Was this a joke? They have the competition in the bag and they challenge our strongest member. I turned to Jacob along with the rest of the group. His eye went vacant for a second and then returned. We all knew what had happened without him saying a word. I turn to the screen dying to hear his score.
“Well, you are not going to believe this,” said Mel smiling like he was trying to contain his excitement. “If the reports I am getting are accurate...this is amazing we may have an extraordinary bit of news to share with our viewers.”
He waited for second as if to be still listening as we all sat on the edge of our seat for the news that we all pretty much assumed was a given.
“Yes, it is official, we have just received word that we have indeed just recorded the first ever perfect score!” Mel continued.
The crowd erupted so loud that we could hear the roar outside of the stadium. The cameras showed closed up of fans with looks of pure admiration and surprise. On the bus the feeling was the same. The legion went bonkers with Luke jumping all over Jacob as the rest of legions mouths lay on the floor.
“Wow!” Zech gleamed jumping up and down.
“Yeah, that is so awesome!” Jo seconded.
I looked at Sai as she stared at Jacob like he was entity from another dimension.
“Are you serious?” she added turning to me and Eve.
Danielle shook her head unable to grasp the reality of what had just happened.
“Can’t say um surprised,” Uriah added patting Jacob.
Watching the reaction of the crowd and my fellow legion mates I didn’t share in their jubilation. I was paralyzed realizing a very familiar feeling. It rocked in the pit of my stomach like a violently wave. It was pure anger I felt as I stared out the window. After all I had done and all the strides I had made I was back in the shadow of my older brother. How could I ever match something like that?
“What were they thinking?” Pete added. “What could possibly be the strategy behind challenging possibly the best prospect ever? All they needed was one more win and Sam was there. I just don’t get it.”
As he spoke Jade raised his hand pointed at the television.
“I think you’re about to get your answer because a reporter just ask Jacob’s challenger Jeremiah Lowell that exact question,” he relayed catching all our attention.
The boy looked gun shy. He was around the same age as Jacob with frizzy red hair and blues eyes. He stood next to a man who he shared a slight resemblance although the man had brunette hair. From the start I could deduct this guy didn’t seem like the type of guy who was confident enough to take such a risk. His shoulder slouched as huddled almost hiding behind his speaking orb his eyes wondering nervously.
“Well, my father and I…we felt it would be an opportunity for me to bulk up my resume,” he replied. “With us having the final two challenges we figured Jacob would be a great opponent to showcase my skill against.”
The crowd chuckled coldly as he spoke. As one of the reporters spoke up.
“I mean, you can’t be serious. This isn’t just any prospect, this kid is possibly the best prospect we’ve ever had. You were scored at a 6. There had to be more of a method to your madness other than showcasing your skill because if that was the case why wouldn’t you put yourself against someone who…in all honesty you had an actual chance against.”
His words seemed to spark an angry reaction as the man next to him sat forward.
“Are you insinuating my son doesn’t have the ability to beat an Earth-Born rookie with no pre-trial training?” the man continued. “You can be serious. This Jacob Eli is nothing more than another media darling hyped prospect and we will undress him as such.”
“Who is this guy?” Luke asked staring at the screen.
“Ambassador Lowell,” Max continued. “He is the Ambassador of Quadrant Rho-Theta-Tau-Mu-Delta-Beta.”
The kid stood with a deer in headlights look on his face his father continued to dig his grave deeper and deeper. I looked over at Jacob who wore his usual poker face. He was as calm as a cucumber as he sat staring at the screen emotionless.
“What is an ambassador anyways?” Eve asked turning to Jade.
“He’s an elected official kind of like a mayor or a senator in your realm?” Jade explained.
“Well, he’s acting like a world class jerk. I mean, it’s obvious it wasn’t that kids idea to challenge Jacob, it was his,” Sai shot angrily.
Jade nodded empathetically.
“Be that as it may, it’s still a plus for us,” Max added. “And after all we’ve gone through the past couple days, we needed one.”
I nodded trying to take as much positive as I could as the transport screeched to a stop. The outside was a mob scene even in comparison to what it had been. All we could see looking out the window was a see of lights, cameras, and people we all threw on our hoodies like bullet proof vests and prepared to unload off the bus.
“Keep your hands down and keep moving,” Max ordered.
“Yeah, we have the waiver,” Jade continued. “No question need be answered. Let’s just get to our designated rooms and try to get back to normal.”
I nodded zipping my jacket up.
POP! As soon as I stepped of the bus light orb popped flashing hot light in our faces. That acted like I didn’t exist as there nearly threw me out of the way to get to Jacob. Again, I was the little brother of the town superstar. I covered my head and bulled my way through the crowd as they screamed questions at Jacob. It seemed like forever before we finally ended up back in the hotel lobby. I shook my head unable to believe the spectacle.
“Jacob can I have BAU signature,” said a voice from behind me.
It was another prospect and I turned around to see another see prospects standing in a crowd to greet us as we entered the lobby. It was insane. How big of an achievement was this. We all looked around as the frenzy was at an all time fever pitch.
“Jacob”
“Jacob”
The crowd was closing in on us. Jade motioned for us to go to the elevator as he and Max blocked them off.
“Please, he has a big day tomorrow,” Max explained blocking off a wall of prospect as we entered the elevator.
We all sighed staring at each other in disbelief as the elevator door close.
“What is going on?” I replied shaking my head. “When did this turn into a groupie meeting spot?”
Sai chuckled.
“Well, you heard the Mel guy. This isn’t any everyday thing and here in the Heaven Realm it’s all about experience. It’s the one commodity that isn’t shared evenly,” Danielle explained. “And how many can say they were apart of something that historic, I mean, really.”
We nodded acknowledged her words still coming down of the rollercoaster of events.
“So, what’s the plan of action?” Uriah continued focused on the plan of action as usual.
Uriah stirred for a second staring down at the sea of people watching him before responding.
“I want to train with Tim,” he replied not him looking at me.
Everyone looked at him like he had lost it. I stared him trying to understand the selfish motive that I was sure was somewhere in there hidden.
“Are you sure?” Luke replied. “No offense to Tim, but he is just a kid. I mean, are sure you don’t want someone who could you somewhat kind of go toe to toe with you?”
Jacob shook his head before Luke could even finish his statement.
“No, Tim is the strongest elemental on our team, this guy is supposed be some hot shot elementalist so Tim can give me an insight on some of the techniques is all,” Jacob replied. “Besides, we’ve sparred enough over past couple of days.”
They both nodded in agreement. Which I sort of saw as them living me out to dry. Don’t I have a say in this equation. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck with Jacob for a night. But as it was I just smiled and tried to act neutral about the situation. Jacob turned still looking out the window as he leaned against the wall of the elevator. It was going to be a long night.