Chapter Text
A usual day in Wellston. Students were chatting, doing their work, and waiting for class to start.
"Hey, Mia, do you have a pen I could borrow?" Blyke asked.
Mia's black hair was past her shoulders and her eyes were silver. She has the standard school uniform. Her blazer was around her waist, her sleeves were rolled up, and her socks were short rather than the usual knee-high.
She was sitting in her chair, a neutral expression on her face. Then it morphed into a deadpan, "And what about the last two pens I let you borrow?”
"Sorry..." Blyke shrunk into himself a little. Mia had lent two very nice pens to him and he misplaced them.
Mia shook her head, "Isen, don’t you have like a million pens?"
Isen grinned, prideful of his collection. He grabbed one of the pens from his pocket and tossed it. His eyes flashed orange for a second as it went over Mia’s head and it landed on Blyke’s desk, "Don't break it.”
"Thanks, man," Blyke said. He picked it up and flicked the clip.
The teacher started his class and Mia paid attention. Isen, on the other hand, wasn't paying attention. His eyes wandered absolutely everywhere except the chalkboard. The window, the blank paper on his desk, his pen- No way. Isen activated his ability, making sure that the pen he lent to Blyke wasn't actually broken, right? The clip was bent slightly Blyke put his finger under the clip and lifted it, bending the metal even more. Isen's vein popped and he stood up from his desk.
The screeching from the chair grabbed everyone's attention. The teacher stopped for a second, the students all looked at him too, Mia and Blyke included. Isen stomped over to Blyke and snatched the pen out of his hand.
"What?" Blyke said.
Isen grabbed Blyke by his collar and his eyes glowed as he picked him up. Isen punched him and since Isen used his ability, what could've been a harmless punch launched Blyke toward the wall, breaking it, and then he smashed into the wall in the hallway.
Mia sighed and facepalmed. The teacher returned to teach as usual. Some students paying attention while others watched the fight. Mia focused on the lesson, at least until she sensed the incoming energy beam. Her eyes glowed as she activated her ability instinctively. She put her hand out to block the beam. There was sizzling and some smoke as the beam did no damage.
She got up and walked over to the broken wall. She hit the floor with her foot and a wall of fire show came up, covering the hole. Mia walked back to her desk and continued to pay attention.
Eventually, Darren, the school nurse, approached and his ability, Nightmare, activated. Red eyes and a terrifying aura surrounded him as he dragged the two to the infirmary.
After School…
Mia and Remi were chatting as they were walking to their dorm. They’re roommates and best friends. They’ve known each other since their last year of middle school from Arlo and Rei, but got closer when they went to Wellston.
”So they got dragged to the nurse’s office?” Remi asked.
”Yep,” Mia nodded.
”Over a pen??”
”Yep.”
“Sounds like them!” Remi laughed.
“I wish they would do it during a different class. Math sucks,” Mia said.
”I can’t believe you have a crush on Blyke,” Remi said as they turned into their hallway.
The smile was wiped off of Mia’s face as she covered Remi’s mouth, “Don’t say it in the open.”
”There’s no one near us!” Remi said, her words muffled.
”Still.”
”Okay, fine, sorry, sorry,” Remi said.
Mia removed her hand and opened the door to their dorm. The two of them relaxed briefly, and then, Mia got a call.
”Ooh, is it Blyke?” Remi teased.
”Shut it,” Mia blushed a little and answered the phone, “Hey, finished your run?”
”Yeah, your dorm or mine?” Blyke asked.
”Ugh…” Mia glanced at her room and saw the basket of clothes she had still yet to put away.
”Your’s!” Remi shouted so Blyke could hear on the other side, “Mia’s is a mess!”
”Rem,” Mia said warningly.
Blyke laughed, “Okay, I’m gonna take a shower. I should be done in ten.”
”Okay, I’ll see you,” Mia said.
”See you.”
Mia hung up before Remi could embarrass her anymore. She put her phone on the table, ”Remi.”
Remi giggled before getting up and running away. Mia chased Remi around the room for a minute, but then Remi also got a call.
”Oh, mom!” Remi said answering, “Hey mom!… Yeah, Mia’s here, do you want to say ‘hi’?… Oh… okay, one second!”
”Everything okay?” Mia said. Whenever Remi’s mom called, she’s always say hi to Mia.
”Not sure, but I’ll be right back,” Remi said, entering her room.
”Okay,” Mia said going to her’s as well. She grabbed her bag, getting ready to go to Blyke’s.
She was about to head out, but knocked on Remi’s door to check one last time, “You okay?”
Mia heard Remi clear her throat and then respond meeker than usual, “Yeah!”
“Okay… I’m gonna head out to Blyke’s,” Mia said, unconvinced.
”Okay.”
After school, Mia and Blyke studied. Either in her room, or Blyke’s room. When they were at Mia’s, Remi would occasionally join them, hence another reason why Remi told Mia to go to his dorm, so they could have alone time.
Today though, Mia wasn’t as focused, she was worried about Remi.
”Something wrong?” Blyke asked. Of course, he noticed. Blyke had always been perceptive.
”Not sure,” Mia said.
”What?”
“Don’t worry, but I might head back to my room early,” Mia said.
”Okay,” Blyke didn't push it further.
Mia was right. She left earlier than usual and returned to her dorm. She knocked on Remi's door again, "Remi? Are you okay?"
No response for a second, but Mia could swear she heard some sniffles, "Yeah..." Remi didn't even try to pretend with her voice anymore.
Mia turned the knock, Remi didn't lock it, "I'm coming in."
Remi didn't say anything so Mia stepped in. Remi was on her bed, eyes red and puffy, tears streamed down her face, still in her uniform.
"What happened?" Mia spoke softly as she put her bag down, "Something at home?"
Remi nodded, "Rei..." Mia sat on the bed, gently pulling Remi in for a hug as she spoke, "He's... He's dead..."
"What?" Rei...? Is dead...? How? How?!
"I have to go home tonight... The funeral is this weekend," Remi said.
Mia didn't say anything, processing. Mia had so many questions. How? Where? When? Without warning? What happened? However, Mia knew Remi was wondering the same thing.
"I have to tell Arlo," Remi reached for her phone.
"I'll call him, just prepare yourself," Mia said taking it.
Remi nodded. Mia opened Remi's phone, clicking on Arlo's contact. After a few rings, he picked up.
"Perfect timing, Remi. Agwin High School recruited a new Queen and they've yet to lose-"
"We can talk about that some other time," Mia said.
"Mia? Where's Remi? Why are you on her phone?"
"Can we meet at the park? Remi has to tell you something," Mia said.
"Is something wrong?"
"Meet us in fifteen minutes," Mia said.
"Ten," and he hung up.
The two of them left their dorm, heading to the park that they used to frequent a few years back. Thinking back on it now, this was the first time Mia had met Rei. Remi had met Arlo a few times by then. Arlo got the idea to introduce Mia to Remi since they were both going into Wellston at the same time. Mia went along with it as Arlo was her only friend at the time.
Arlo stayed true to his word, arriving ten minutes after the call. He noticed Remi's state, concerned. What happened? Is Remi injured? She can't be! Arlo promised to look after her. He promised Rei.
That was when Remi went out with it, straight up telling Arlo that Rei was dead.
"What?" Arlo said. He must've misheard or somehow misinterpreted Remi. There's no way that Rei could be dead.
"Rei is dead..." Remi said. She sounded more and more dead each time she said it.
"You can't be serious..." Arlo said. That wasn't possible. He was so strong. No, he is so strong, because he can't be dead.
"Remi's mom called earlier. She has to take a plane back home tonight for the funeral this weekend-" Mia said.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S DEAD?! HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!" Arlo yelled.
Mia jerked back. She expected him to raise his voice, but it happened much more suddenly than she expected.
Tears welled up in Remi's eyes again, "Arlo, I-I can’t! Please stop asking…! I really can’t handle it right now.” Remi's voice started to tremble as she could hear Rei's voice brag about Arlo. “I called you out because I wanted you to know. He always asked about your well-being and talked about how you’ll definitely grow to do great things later.”
Mia put a hand on Remi's shoulder, pulling her in for a hug as she continued.
“You were really important to him.”
But Arlo wasn't having any of it. Words are pretty, but that doesn't matter if Rei isn't here anymore, “So what…? That’s it?! Is that supposed to make me feel better?!”
The tears in Remi's eyes streamed down as Rei's memories ran through her head. His smile, his bright energy, his kindness.
“What about our bet?" Mia could hear the anger in Arlo’s voice. Small tears gathered in his eyes as he felt like Rei left him behind, "What about my damn rematch?! He can't just leave like that!”
Remi's cry become a full-on sob. Mia hugged Remi and put a hand on Arlo's shoulder. He was never one for physical touch, but Mia knew he needed it right now.
Mia wasn't close with Rei, she had met him a handful of times, but even then, Mia knew that he was a bright soul. A kind young man who strived for change in the world. Mia respected it. The loss felt strange.
The next day...
The school week continued as usual. Mia went to class, Blyke noticed that Mia seemed down and asked about Remi, but Mia said it was better to hear it from Remi when she comes back. It sucks that it was finals week, too. Mia declined studying with Blyke for the week.
"You sure?" Blyke asked.
"Yeah, I'll be okay," Mia said.
Blyke hesitantly let Mia go without questioning it further. They separated, heading to their dorms.
Mia closed the door behind her. She was rarely alone in the dorm. Remi was always with her. It was lonely to sleep the past few nights. It was weird to wake up and not hear Remi in the bathroom or her voice telling Mia to put her laundry away for the third time that week. Well, it's a time as ever to do that. Mia spent a few hours cleaning. It was quiet. Weird, but comforting. Strange, Mia never liked the quiet. She hated loud noises more, but the silence was never comforting to her either.
She heard a ding from her phone. Mia checked it and it was Arlo. Asking her to meet up.
They met up at the usual burger place Mia went to with her friends. Arlo definitely had not been sleeping well, if at all. He had dark circles, didn't move with the usual confidence he always had, and seemed distracted.
"Hey," Mia spoke softly.
"Hey," Arlo said with a heavy breath.
"Have you been sleeping?" Mia asked. The two went inside and found a table. Despite it being a burger place, it also had 24-hour-breakfast.
"No," Arlo replied.
"How are you feeling?"
"What do you think?" Arlo snapped. Mia didn't even flinch. She had been through this before.
"I know, but it did help talking to you about it," Mia said.
"Right..." Arlo said. She improved after she opened up to him.
Back in middle school, they were neighbors. Mia was going through a hard time and Arlo was there for her.
"It feels like... It doesn't make sense. How could Rei die? Was it an accident?"
"I'm not sure," Mia answered honestly, "I don't think Remi's mom wanted to give her the details over the phone."
"That's understandable," Arlo clenched his fist.
Mia noticed and put her hand over his, "It's okay, I'm sure Remi will tell us when she comes back."
Arlo didn't say anything, the waiter came around.
"Hey, Mia," he said. He had gold eyes and green hair. He wore the usual waiter's uniform with a black shirt underneath.
"Hey, Ryder," Mia gave him a small smile.
"No Isen today?" Ryder said playfully. He had seen Isen a few times. He got a small crush on the reporter, occasionally giving him the freshest burger or an extra pancake.
Mia shook her head as Ryder's eyes wandered to Arlo. He recognized him as Wellston's King. Arlo was about to say something, but Mia cut him off. She knew it wouldn't do Arlo's pride any good letting another school's Dealer see him like this.
"Can we get a round of pancakes and orange juice?" Mia asked. Her grip on Arlo's hand tightened, signaling him to stay quiet for a second.
Ryder didn't say anything else, he knew it wouldn't be a good idea to question a god tier let alone two, "Of course, we'll get it out in a few minutes."
"Why are we here?" Arlo asked.
"Figured you could get some food and go back to sleep," Mia said, "So no coffee."
Arlo didn't argue. Mia tried to think of what else to talk about. Maybe something to get his mind off of Rei.
"You mentioned Agwin got a new Queen?" Mia asked.
"Yeah..." Arlo said, "They haven't lost with her yet. I wanted to check it out."
"Sure," Mia agreed, "Ryder's their Dealer, so we can see if they're free to do a Turf War soon."
As if on cue, Ryder returned with their pancakes and drinks, "Pancakes and orange juice," he put them on the table, giving each of them a glass, "Is there anything else I could get you two?"
"No, but Wellston was looking to do a Turf War with Agwin. Are you guys free anytime soon?" Mia asked.
"I think Broven mentioned another high school wanted to have a Turf War next week..." Ryder said, holding his chin, "But tomorrow's open."
"Oh..." Mia said. Remi was still away and there was no way Arlo was okay to fight tomorrow, "Maybe in two weeks? I think I'm busy tomorrow."
"Yeah, that's okay-"
"Tomorrow," Arlo said, "We'll have it tomorrow."
Ryder looked over at Mia, who hesitantly nodded.
"Alright then, I'll let Broven know," Ryder said. He went away to tend to other customers.
"Arlo, are you sure this is a good idea?" Mia asked.
"Yes, I am," Arlo said as he started to eat the pancakes. His tastes changed within the last year, becoming more adverse to sweets. However, he was hungry, he didn't have any dinner last night.
"But we have to find a Queen-"
"We can talk Seraphina into it," Arlo said.
"Right..." Mia said as she also started to eat. Like they had anything to convince Seraphina into coming back to do a Turf War. She made it abundantly clear last year she wanted nothing to do with it.
Time Skip
Mia and Arlo were walking to Seraphina and Elaine's dorm. Mia was wearing a black shirt and gray shorts.
"And how will you convince her to do Turf Wars?" Mia asked.
"I've got it handled," Arlo replied. He slept a little better, but still wasn't doing his best. He focused on the Turf War instead of thinking of Rei.
Mia stayed quiet.
Arlo knocked on the door. It opened pretty quickly, a chipper Elaine on the other side.
"Arlo, Mia!" Elaine said.
"Hey," Mia said.
"Hey, is Seraphina in her room?" Arlo asked.
"Yeah," Elaine stepped to the side so they could walk in.
They're friends? Is there a word for closer than acquaintances but not exactly friends? Elaine's a nice girl all things considered, there's not really a reason that her and Mia aren't closer.
Mia and Arlo walked in and Arlo knocked on Seraphina's door.
Knock knock
A moment passed and then Seraphina opened it just enough to see who knocked on it.
"Arlo..." Seraphina said, sounding displeased.
"Hey. Wow, you look beautiful toda-!" Arlo said.
"NO," she pushed the door shut.
"Wait," Mia reached her arm out, not letting Seraphina close the door, "Good afternoon, Seraphina."
"Good afternoon, Mia," Seraphina said.
They're on good terms. They worked together when Seraphina was still Queen. Seraphina's perfectionist nature made her seem a little untouchable in Mia's eyes.
"We have a Turf War in 6 hours and we need a Queen," Mia said.
"I already quit Turf Wars," Seraphina said.
"I know, but we need someone to sub in," Mia said, "Remi's out for the week."
Arlo cut in, "Don't worry, you won't need to fight those weaklings. The Jack and I will take care of everything. You just sit back and watch the show."
Mia returned to her dorm after that. She opened her books and she got a phone call.
"Hey, Blyke," Mia said.
"Hey, Mia," Blyke said.
They're good friends. Blyke and Isen's antics are always funny for her to watch. Blyke's always been a good student and Mia finds it easier to study when she's with someone else. She totally doesn’t have a crush on him.
"What should we go over first?" Mia asked.
They studied for a while and then relaxed, talking about their days.
"We have that Turf War soon."
"Yeah. Arlo and I got Seraphina to fill in for Remi earlier."
"Really?! Seeing her fight is always so cool."
"Yeah... You're right," Mia said. Jealous. Just a little jealous.
Yeah, I lied. She totally likes him. So she got just a little bit jealous when he sounded so happy about someone else. But Blyke's right. Seraphina is cool.
"Speaking of Remi, did she tell you what she went back for?"
"Family business. She'll be back soon, but not soon enough for the Turf War." Mia felt bad not telling Blyke or Isen the full truth, but she didn't want them to worry about Remi or overwhelm her when she was already going through.
6 hours later...
The Wellston Royals were on the bus, heading to the place where the Turf Wars happen. Elaine was sleeping. Blyke was silently listening to music that Mia routinely stole an earbud to listen to as well. Seraphina was probably playing Slappy Pig on her phone. Arlo was a little too satisfied to have Seraphina on the field again.
After a little while, they met up with Agwin's Royals who were patiently waiting. Arlo and Broven, the King, exchanged some banter while Mia stepped up.
Ryder walked up as well. His shirt was black, and he wore a blue sweater and cargo pants.
"Hey, Mia," he said with a nod
"Hey, Ryder," Mia said, "Three-on-three or one-on-one?"
"Up to you," he replied.
"One-on-one," Mia decided.
"Alright."
They shook hands.
"The Turf War between Wellston and Agwin will now begin," Mia said.
"Jacks take your positions!" Ryder said, "Whichever team knocks out the opponent's lineup will be victorious!"
Blyke and Gou stepped up.
"Ready and... start,” Mia set off a small firework to signal the fight.
They fought. Gou started strong, pushing Blyke back. But Blyke had the upper hand, being faster and overall more flexible with his ability.
Blyke was right in front of him, charging up another energy beam, "Dodge this." It was point-blank, Gou wouldn’t be able to dodge, not with his leg.
"Halt," Ryder said.
Blyke and Gou deactivated their abilities.
"This round's victor is clear! It's our loss," Ryder said while Mia nodded.
"I, uh..." Gou said a bit disappointed.
"It's fine. Come and get your leg healed," Broven said.
"Ah, okay!"
"I will take it from here," Rein said.
"The victor of the previous match is the Jack from Wellston," Mia said.
"Agwin's Queen has agreed to be the next challenger!" Ryder said.
"Ready and... start," Mia set off another spark and again the two of them backed up.
This time Blyke started first, but Rein was just playing him. She took out her spider-like arms two at a time. With the difference in strength, Rein damaged him slowly.
"Augh, YOU BITCH," Blyke cussed, "HOW MANY OF THOSE THINGS DO YOU HAVE?"
"Still acting tough?" Rein asked, "Seriously, why hasn't your Dealer called you back yet? She's not really gonna leave you out till you get KOed, is she?"
"Shut up. What Mia decides is none of your business!" Blyke said.
Mia glanced over at Arlo. He kept that prideful look on his face, but a closer look at his eyes made Mia think he seemed distracted.
"Fine. Then I'll end this quickly," Rein said.
All six of her arms aimed toward Blyke who charged up energy into his hands.
"Halt. The win is yours," Mia said.
Blyke struggled to walk back to where the other Wellston Royals were and Elaine quickly assisted him. Seraphina shifted her stance, wanting to get this thing over with, but Arlo noticed and put his arm out to stop her.
"Both teams are down one member each! The victor of the last round was Agwin's Queen!" Ryder said.
"The next challenger is Wellston's King," Mia said.
"And begin!"
Rein attacked, but Arlo used his barrier. She couldn't touch him and any attack she made damaged herself. Arlo trapped her in his barrier and then went inside to personally hurt her.
They exchanged words, not very nice ones. Arlo humiliated her while she tried to fight back. She raised her hand to slap him, but Arlo leaned back, dodging. Arlo grabbed Rein's wrist and her neck, choking her.
Mia's eyes narrowed. Arlo.
"Halt! We've lost this one!" Ryder said.
"You can't touch me with weak hits like those," Arlo said.
"HEY ARLO, WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT!?" Broven yelled, "RYDER ALREADY CALLED HER OUT, SO LET HER GO!"
Arlo didn't move.
"THAT'S IT! I'M BREAKING HER OUTTA THERE!" Gou powered up.
"WAIT, GOU! YOU'RE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO-" Broven tried to stop him, but Gou was too fast.
Arlo raised his arm right before Gou hit his barrier and Gou spat out blood. Arlo smirked. Agwin's team could only helplessly watch as he quite literally had their Queen at his mercy.
"Arlo," Seraphina said, "That's enough."
Arlo didn't care what she said. She disappeared for ages and now she decides to give him orders? He held Rein's neck harder, choking her.
"WAIT, SERAPHINA- DON'T-" Elaine yelled, realizing what she was going to do.
Seraphina activated her ability. No one even had the time to blink. One second Seraphina dashed toward Arlo, the next the barrier broke annd Seraphina reminded on her injuries.
Arlo on the other hand had his barrier broken. He took damage and clutched his chest. "GAHH!" He shoved Rein back toward her team.
"REIN!" Broven dashed over to Rein who was now unconscious.
"You- WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Arlo yelled, "YOU WOULD ATTACK YOUR OWN TEAMMATE?!"
"We need to talk," Mia stepped closer to him.
"Well, that's embarrassing. Friendly fire and a couple's quarrel," Broven said.
Arlo glared at Broven while Mia sighed to herself.
"We are not dating," Mia clarified.
Seraphina stepped to Broven, "This Turf War is still ongoing. You have two options. Either forfeit, and accept your loss, or continue to fight, with me as your next opponent. Which will you choose?"
"...Fine. You win," Broven said.
"Why the hell didn't you stop when I called Rein out?" Ryder asked.
"Tch," Arlo clicked his tongue and turned away.
Ryder balled his hands into fists. His eyes glowed, Mia’s widened once she saw what he was doing. Ryder rushed at Arlo, pulling his arm back for a punch. Mia stepped between them, her eyes dull. She caught the punch with her palm, wincing.
"Mia!" Blyke said.
Mia didn't say anything, looking at Ryder with a slight glare. Ryder tensed, his eyes widening as he realized what he had almost done.
"I'm sorry," Ryder said, averting his eyes.
"Let's go," Mia rubbed her hand.
"Mia, are you okay?" Blyke asked.
"Yeah."
They went on the train, taking it back to Wellston. Elaine healed Mia's hand. It was Arlo's stop.
"I'll head back to the dorms later, I want to talk to Arlo," Mia said getting up as well.
"Okay, goodnight, Mia!" Elaine said.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Blyke said.
"Goodnight, everyone," Mia said.
"Night," Seraphina said.
The two of them stopped in front of Arlo’s apartment. Mia sat down on the couch, Arlo offering with water.
"Why did you choke her?" Mia asked.
Arlo gripped the glass in his hand, "I was pissed."
"You didn't listen to Ryder or Seraphina."
"I was pissed."
"That isn't a good enough reason," Mia said.
He clenched his teeth, "I was upset about Rei! Is that good enough?"
"No."
Arlo snapped his head toward Mia, "What?"
"You're the one who wanted to do the Turf War today. I recommended having it in a few weeks, when you wouldn't feel so bad," Mia said.
Arlo scoffed.
"Seriously, Arlo. I understand you're going through a tough time right now, but that's why I wanted to help you," Mia said, "You weren't in the right headspace to be in a Turf War. And you got Seraphina involved."
Arlo didn't say anything. He knew Mia was right. He was mourning Rei, but he was the one who insisted on the Turf War, which put him in an even worse mood.
They sat in silence for a while, Mia finishing her water.
"You feeling any better?" Mia asked once he had a moment.
Arlo closed his eyes, taking in a breath, "Not any worse."
"That's good."
"How about you?" Arlo asked.
"I'm fine. I wasn't that close with Rei," Mia replied, "I'm worried about Remi."
"Has she contacted you at all since she left?"
Mia shook her head, "She's probably with her parents and busy with the funeral."
"Yeah..."
Mia put a hand on his shoulder, "It's going to hurt for a while, but it'll be okay."
"I know, I know," Arlo said.
Mia opened her arms, going into a hug. Arlo didn't reciprocate for a second, but then held her, closing his eyes.
"Thanks."
Mia nodded, not saying anything else.