I carefully opened the window, my hands shaking in anticipation and relief. I was glad to see that Jade was alright, but what was he so concerned about?

"I'll fly you down. Get on." Jade said, his eyes piercing through the darkness of the night.

I had too many questions to keep track of, however I decided against saying anything. I could ask him once we were safely down.

I crouched under the window and carefully hopped onto Jades' back. In the cover of the night, we safely made our way down to a bundle of trees below.

I quickly got off and faced him. "Well? Want to explain yourself?"

Jades' eyes were serious. Something was wrong.

"Ever since a few days ago, I've been meeting new dragons and asking around to understand everything more. However, yesterday I realized how dangerous the tournament is. You mustn't participate."

I clenched my fist. After Jade had been distant and rude, he finally comes back just to say to not do the one thing I've been practicing and using my time for?

"And what makes you thing i'll listen to you?" I spat.

If my nasty comment affected him, he didn't show it.

"High rank officers will be watching. Everyone will. I think its best to not do anything to bring attention to yourself. This whole thing is meant to see who will prove to be effective in the future. With these powers of yours, everyone will try to use you for their advantage if you show them what your made of." Jade said reasonably.

"I get why your concerned, but I want to win as many matches as I can so I can battle the higher grades, specifically Dale. How about i'll try not to use magic and just skills?" I asked, not understanding why I needed his approval.

"I'm trying to help you out here! Something is off about this tournament.. I can feel it. If you want to go ahead with your plan, sure, why not."

"Aw, is the grumpy dragon trying to look out for me?" I said playfully.

Jade bared his teeth. "You've been a nuisance ever since these tournaments started coming up. I don't want to lose the person i'm forced to be bonded to after all."

That hit me harder than I was expecting. I could imagine a small string that connected us together weakening. How long has Jade felt this way?

"I'm sorry..? Is that what you wanted me to say? I've tried and tried to deepen our bond but the only thing you do is push me away. Why is that?" I said, my emotions wafting around me.

Jade grew quiet for a moment. "The sword and book belonged to Irene, who may have ended the war years ago. Since this school has the book and the sword, that must mean they know of the history. What will high class officers think when a young girl has the sword and book of an infamous hero as well as a dragon who belongs to none of the nature affinities? Listen Amira, i've been seeing memories of Irene's dragon ever since you opened the book. I'm scared of myself, and what I may do in the future."

This was way too much information thrown at me all at once. "Woah, wait your getting memories too? I get that the memories are a bit nerve wracking, but what's there to be afraid of?" I paused. "Actually, let's save this conversation for another time. Both of us are extremely emotional right now and it's late. I'll respect your wishes of not drawing attention to myself in tomorrow's tournaments."

Jade looked like he quietly let out a sigh, his shoulders becoming less tense. "I'm surprised your being the voice of reason for once." He said, relieved.

I let out a small smile. "I.. really missed you."

"Don't try to get all sentimental with me, i'm still mad at you." Jade grumpily said, although he looked amused.

"Can you..carry me back to my room?" I said with a hesitant smile.

Jade huffed and walked over to me. I climbed upon his back and we made our way to my window. I leapt in, and looked back at Jade once more before he flew away. Quietly, I closed the window behind me.

After talking to Jade, I felt more relaxed and prepared for tomorrow.

Thankfully, I finally fell into a slumber, the night still once more.

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A large bang startled Leani and I awake. Someone outside was banging on everyone's doors. From the look of the soft pastel colors of the sky, I guess it was still early in the morning. It's not surprising they take these tournaments seriously.

"Honestly, I think I feel even more nervous than I did yesterday." Leani admitted with a fake smile.

"Hey, I don't think that many people will even watch. They probably don't expect a lot from the first years." I said, attempting to cheer her up.

Leani smiled at my answer, but there was still some doubt in her eyes.

We met up with Dylan and Lukas in the dining room and sat at a table.

"I assume Ryker is still mad about yesterday?" I said, biting my lip.

"Yeah. Don't let it affect you, he's stubborn and jealous your getting extra help to probably get farther into the tournament." Lukas said before filling his mouth with scrambled eggs.

"The teachers most likely won't even grade us that intensely. We're just first years; we may have some skill but most of us can't compare to grades above second years." Dylan assumed.

After a moment of silence, Leani decided to talk.

"You guys got your schedules right? Around what time will you guys be participating in the tournament?"

"Dylan and I are in the morning." Lukas said, looking up and awaiting their answers.

"I'm in the early afternoon." I said.

"And i'm later in the day." Leani said quickly after me.

"Well at least we probably aren't going to fight each other yet." I said after everyone pitched in.

"No hard feelings right?" Dylan said with a small smile.

"Yeah." We agreed.

After breakfast Leani and I made our way to where the tournament was to take place. We split up with Dylan and Lukas since they were participating in the morning tournament.

The tournament was held in a large colosseum, rows of seats circling around the ground high up away from danger. Leani and I sat with a few other first years as we waited for the tournament to start.

All of today was tournaments for the first year dragon and griffin riders. Because of the fact that we are only first years, the colosseum wasn't packed full.

Each person will be paired up with another from the same grade. There weren't many rules put in place. No fatal wounds to the head or chest, and you must respect the wishes of others to surrender. To win, you must knock your opponent down and use your preferred weapon to hold against their neck.

It's a harsh tournament. Healers are ready on the side lines, but for most people, these tournaments help them achieve greater things if someone of high status sees their potential.

It troubled me to see more high officers sitting in the towering stone rows. Just more prying eyes to watch our every move, lovely. It panicked me, a lot actually. There was so much pressure on my shoulders; having to carry the secrets only Jade and I can bare. It's made me more distanced from friends, family.

Family.. I haven't even written to my own family. I've been so caught up in this world of mine that's suddenly engulfed my spare time my family back home hasn't even crossed my mind. I need to make sure I remember to send them a letter.

A scrawny, tall man from a blocked off section of the rows let out a huge breath into a blow horn that silenced the entire stadium. The man stepped back, and in place took a tall, well proportioned man with a finely cut brown beard, a head full of locks, and piercing gray eyes. He held a high demeanor about him, which made me suspect he was of high status.

"Greetings. As most of you know, my name is Olin, one of the three headmasters at this campus. This event takes place every year, and is incredibly helpful for training yourself, as well as showing off what you know. We usually go very easy on the first timers in the competition, and often let most slip-ups slide. However, killing each other or hitting a highly deadly move is not acceptable. Fight like a honorable warrior, not a barbarian. And now, my subordinate here will list each pairings as the day goes on. If you miss your scheduled time in the ring, your spot in the competition will be revoked. That is all." Olin boomed across the arena in a deep, confident voice.

He seemed like a good guy, which makes me wonder how the other two headmasters are.

I turned my attention to the other man, who started to list this mornings pairings. Seems like Dylan and Lukas wouldn't be fighting each other. That's a relief.

I zoned off until large bangs echoed through the Colosseum. Drums started, causing the place to rumble with excitement.

The tournament had started.

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Wow, my shoulders feel lighter. Hello! I bring you all a Halloween surprise, an update! There's been a lot of desperate comments wanting me to continue. I already told you all I would be posting new chapters my friends, I just could not clarify when. Thank you for the support.