Breaking the SCHISM: An Illirin Prequel by Maisano Laura

Author:Maisano, Laura [Maisano, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Published: 2016-02-07T23:00:00+00:00

Part 2

All His Tomorrows

The sound of ringing metal echoed throughout the indoor arena where the trials of Makai’s class were well underway. Spectators––proud parents, classmates, faculty, recruiters, and quite a few sport enthusiasts––filled roughly half the seats surrounding the polished wood floor. The combatants sat in a boxed-off area on one end of the arena. Those who were eliminated from the tournament returned to the audience, leaving active participants behind in the players’ box.

Makai sat alone in the box, watching the last pair come to blows. He adjusted the straps on his steel arm guards and re-tucked the padded shirt into his pants. The winner would face him in the finals. How had he gotten this far? During a fight, there was only his body, his opponent, the blade. He didn’t have room to think. Up until last week, he’d put the trials completely out of his mind. That was until Father learned about Makai’s escapades to Earth. He’d at least make Father proud before he left. If he left.

Father, Mother, how would they react if he didn’t return? But Heather…a future without her? Never. Uncertainty knotted his gut, so Makai concentrated once again on the sparring figures.

In the arena, the spear holder’s weapon went flying out of his hands. Roran tapped his blade on the loser’s shoulder guard. Wings spread wide, the grin on Roran’s face tripled in size, but as his gaze turned toward Makai’s lonely silhouette in the box, he frowned. The emcee announced Roran’s name as victor and a fifteen minute intermission. Roran bowed, gripped forearms with his adversary, and walked toward the box with a slower step than a finalist should have. He slipped inside, allowing the half-door to slam shut.

“Congratulations Roran, you looked amazing.” Makai reached to shake, but his friend slumped beside him on the bench.

“Not as unstoppable as you. I didn’t want to face you in the finals.”

Makai exaggerated an eye roll. “Man, you’ve got this. You beat me about every time we spar.”

“Almost, not always.” Roran kneaded his fingers together in his lap. “What’s up with you today? Don’t get offended, but you’re never this focused. I thought the trials were a formality to you?”

Makai twisted his boot on the floor, squeaking with each move. Should he tell him? He may not get another chance. “I…I think it’s ‘cuz I’m in love.”

“Wait, what? Who? When?”

He laughed. “I’ll tell you more after I propose.”

Roran’s eyes bugged out of his rusty face. “That is not fair! You can’t hit me with something that heavy right before the finals. Jerk.”

“Don’t be so nervous. You’re better than me.” He shifted on the wooden bench, his wings cramped in the small area.

Roran screwed up his lips. “Oh no, don’t you dare.”

“What?”

“If you throw the match, I’ll never forgive you.”

Makai smacked his palm on Roran’s shoulder guard. “I swear to give you an honest fight.” After all, coming in first would give his father something to be proud of, and something Mother could hold onto.

Roran stretched his arms and legs as best he could within the players’ box.

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