Chapter 25- Leadership Roles

Chapter 25: Chapter 25- Leadership Roles

Chatter echoed through the classroom as the teacher set up some sort of training exam. Alaric waited, tapping his finger against the desk. In all honesty, he wasn’t particularly interested in the exam taking place. His focus was entirely on the event happening tomorrow. If he remembered correctly, they were releasing information about it later today. Though the announcement was at midnight, the information could be released any time now.

He leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes darting towards the monitor at the front of the room.

"Hey Alaric." He heard a whisper. He looked ahead, and Aluxio was leaning back in his chair, "What’s got you so occupied?" He asked as he turned and folded his arms on the back of his chair.

He glanced towards the monitor again, "Did you sign up for that event tomorrow?"

Aluxio lowered the legs of his chair and turned fully, "Oh yeah. That’s what you’re waiting for?"

He simply nodded. "Why? Do you plan on participating?"

Alaric briefly looked towards him, "Yeah, I’ve already signed up."

Aluxio glanced towards the monitor as well, "Oh. Do you have any idea how the teams will be formed?"

He simply shook his head, "No. But, I do wonder." He turned towards Aluxio, "I figured maybe they would probably let people form their own teams. After all, people are gonna want to work with people they get along with."

He looked towards Alaric, "Makes sense. But, I could also see them assigning the teams themselves." He leaned forward, holding a finger up, "I can imagine there are times you’ll have to work with people you aren’t familiar with. That would really test your teamwork."

The white-haired boy lowered his chin slightly. An interesting thought. But... "Considering this event isn’t mandatory, I don’t think they’d do that, you know?"

"Ah, you have a point..."

Eventually the screen finally flickered to life, and the teacher held up his large hand, "Pause everyone."

"Attention all students. I’m here to explain the rules for the Team Match that takes place tomorrow. Starting with teams. As I’m sure you all know, this is a four versus four match that will test your combat ability, teamwork and team coordination." The man held out a hand to his side, "In order to get the best results, we have selected multiple students from the pool of participants and given them the role of team leader." Then, the screen switched to a large list of names from A to Z.

"If you see your name, you have been selected as team leader. What that consists of is creating your own team of four based on the ocean of participants. Along with that, you are tasked with coming up with a strategy for your team to follow. By the end of the event, we will grade your performance as team leader. But don’t worry, it won’t be included in your overall grade."

With a slight pause to let people read the list, "And another thing. If you fail to assemble a team of four before the end of the day, we will assign you a team ourselves. And that’s all we have. Please read the list, and if you see your name, assemble your team before the end of the day! We look forward to seeing your performances tomorrow! Have a great rest of your day."

With that, the voice was never heard again, but the list stayed up on the monitor, since it was so large, it made sense. No one would be able to find them within a few seconds, not to mention they could end up missing their name when reading too fast. Alaric was about to read the list until the teacher clapped his hands, "Alright, enough of that. Let’s start with our lesson!"

Alaric rolled his eyes before standing from his desk alongside Aluxio, "Let’s do this."

...

After what felt like forever, the class was dismissed and Alaric stopped at the front of the room, reading for his name. He started at the A’s... and...

Sure enough, he was there!

Team 109 - Leader: Alaric Vandale

He swallowed and clenched his fists as he felt himself begin to sweat... So he was tasked with coming up with a team. He was about to turn away, but he narrowed as he looked further.

Good. Clorissa wasn’t a team leader, which meant he was guaranteed to get her on his team. He turned away and pushed open the door. He whistled and hopped onto Skydancer’s surface. As the two flew away, he closed his eyes. His schedule said that he was free for the rest of the day, since he still did not have a mentor class. So he could find Clorissa right now and get her on the team. He flew around campus, searching for her.

He figured finding her would be difficult, there was no telling where she was. But, in front of one of the various monitors, there she was. Perfect! He flew down and paused nearby, "...Clorissa."

She jumped and scrambled to catch her papers. "A-Alaric!"

"Sorry about that..." he flew closer, rocking side to side. "I have something to ask."

"What is it?" He sucked in his breath, "You heard the announcement right?" She nodded softly, "Well... I’m a team leader, so you want to join my team?"

She blinked, "I-I would, but what if I’m-"

"I checked already. You aren’t a team leader."

She blinked again, and her face turned red.

"W-What’s wrong?"

"Nothing... you just came so fast! And y-you went out of your way to check that I wasn’t a team leader..."

He hadn’t thought about that... What is it with him being so desperate? He pressed his closed fist against his mouth, "Guess I was just excited to fight alongside you..."

She smiled, her eyes glowing, "But to answer, I would love to!" She reached out and grabbed his pinky with hers. "We’re a team!"

He blushed, his eyes turning into swirls. "I-I’m glad..."

She opened her eyes, "So, who’s the other two?"

He shook away his blush, "Ah, well, Arthur is definitely one of them. He’s my best friend." He looked off, "I don’t know what he’s doing right now, but... maybe we can find him right now?" He suggested as he climbed off Sky. He looked off, "I can shoot him a text..." he whispered as Sky flew towards Clorissa, pushing into her back, making her fall back onto its surface. "Oh!"

She laughed and was petting it all over, her eyes shining brightly as Alaric pulled out his phone.

He shot a quick text, telling him they needed to meet up. He closed his eyes for only a second before his phone vibrated. A simple "Okay". He nodded and opened his hand, his staff appearing. He tossed it and jumped, landing on it. He balanced himself on it and looked towards Sky with a whistle, "Let’s go!"

Alaric led the pack, flying into the air as Sky and Clorissa kept up from behind. He pulled out his phone and checked the message with the location. Apparently Arthur had been inside of the training rooms, considering it was his off day, it made sense. And so, they flew directly to the training facility. Beside him, Sky had flown directly next to him, "This is crazy! I’m jealous you do this everyday!" Clorissa called out over the whipping wind.

...

Eventually the pair arrived at the facility. Sure enough, Arthur was there waiting for them. Alaric and Clorissa flew down and slowed down, gaining his attention, "What’s up man?" He called out as Alaric stepped off his staff and Sky flew close to the ground so Clorissa could step off. Arthur noticed her and waved, "Oh, hey!" Once Clorissa was on the ground, she smiled softly and bowed.

"Arthur, I’m sure you remember Clorissa...?"

He nodded, "Yup! She was on your team in the entrance exam. Nice to meet you!... again." He said.

"Likewise."

Alaric stepped up, "Anyway, I’m gathering a team. Did you sign up for the Team event tomorrow?"

"Of course I did!" He folded his arms, a confident smirk on his face, "So, you were picked as one of the team leaders?"

He nodded, "Yes. I want you on my team." He said bluntly as Arthur walked up, placing a hand on his shoulder, "That’s a no brainer. Of course!" He glanced towards Clorissa, "Say, did you ask her to be on your team?"

"Yes I did."

Arthur’s shoulders slumped slightly, "So you asked her before me...?" Alaric narrowed his eyes, and blinked. Ah... ’I guess I never thought about that...’ he thought to himself rubbing his neck. "Sorry about that."

"No no, it’s fine... it doesn’t even bother me..." he said, his voice fading the longer he spoke.

"You say that..."

"Seriously, it’s fine." Just as quick, his spirits were lifted again.

Clorissa stepped up, "That makes three. Who’s going to be your last person?" She asked as Alaric looked off.

Now this was the hard part. He looked towards his team, he probably shouldn’t stay silent.

"Well, in all honesty, I have three people to consider." He looked up as flashes of their faces appeared in his head. "First, Aluxio."

"Ah! I haven’t seen him in some time..." Clorissa quickly said as Alaric looked between them. "He offers strength. I saw a bit of it during the entrance exam. Not only that, but he also offers versatility."

Arthur stepped up as well, "How so?"

"His moves offer a lot to the team. But, he’s not too different from me... even if we both have completely different skillsets."

"Is that arrogance...?" Arthur commented, elbowing him, "Seems a little out of character for you..."

"N-No, I’m just being honest. Regardless of that, he’s still a great pick." He held up a second finger, "Secondly, we have Faxon."

"I also haven’t seen him for some time..."

"He’s huge, an obvious powerhouse. No doubt he could hit harder than all of us." He folded his arms and closed his eyes, "But the problem with him is his speed. Yeah he hits hard, but his opponent isn’t going to sit still and let him attack them."

He lifted his hand and grabbed his chin, "Especially when I can do what he can do but faster."

"There he goes again..."

"Thanks to strength boost and Power Strike, I can hit just as hard with double his speed. But, he also works as our tank, so we can’t write him off completely." He then lifted a third finger, "Lastly, I want to consider Odessa."

"Who’s that?" Arthur asked as Clorissa leaned over, "She’s someone with a blood system." She explained as his eyebrows shot up, his mouth doing an O motion.

"She’s the one I know the least about what she can really do... but I know enough to consider her abilities. From the little I saw, she has skills to channel blood into her body to increase her strength, while also being able to create small weapons out of her own blood." He began to recall her exam performance and that fight in that hallway. "She can also create whirlwinds with her strikes. A very useful tool for creating diversions..." he looked off, "Without knowing much past that could pose a problem, as I only have a day to come up with a well put together strategy. But she’s a useful asset regardless." He closed his hand, "All three are good picks."

It was silent for a moment, "So... who do you really think is best suited for this?" Arthur asked suddenly as Alaric blinked and placed a hand over his mouth. He closed his eyes and began to think.

He made arguments for each one while also giving their flaws. Of them, who’s benefits outweigh their flaws...?

Perhaps to do that, he needs to establish what they all bring to the table, that should reveal what they need.

Alaric pointed towards Arthur, "...Huh?"

"You offer speed and combat. You’re fast enough to report what we’ll be going up against once the test happens, that gives us an up. Your momentum speed is probably what’ll be most important in the beginning. Not only that, but if we need a flanker, you’re perfect for that." He explained as Arthur blinked and blushed softly, rubbing his neck.

He then turned to Clorissa, pointing at her, "Clorissa, you offer the most versatility on the team. You have the ability to support from behind with your bubble barrier skill, which I assume is stronger than our normal barrier skill, and your healing skill for when we get hurt. But, you also have enough strength to take to the front and take the fight head on. In reality, you’re our most valuable member." She blinked and nodded softly, squeezing her fist tightly.

He then looked down, "And then me. While I can’t do much on my own, I have Sky, which can lend someone like Clorissa, who doesn’t have mobility, the mobility she’ll need." He explained as Sky bounced near Clorissa. "I also have my Immobilize skill, which can create all kinds of openings for you guys. Besides that, I’m also the one who will come up with strategies and fight on the front lines."

Arthur looked at him, "So what don’t we have?"

Alaric narrowed his eyes as he wondered. A second front line could be useful... he doesn’t know another support so they’ll have to rely solely on Clorissa. But, out of those three, they’d all fit that category. There had to be more... a tank wasn’t necessary. If anything, Clorissa with her bubble barrier could be their shield, along with Alaric’s staff which could grow much larger than someone like Faxon could offer. So, if anything, the competition was between Odessa and Aluxio... So among them...

"...Aluxio." He said suddenly as there was silence. He lifted his head, "That’s who I’m picking."

He looks among them, "I won’t be able to handle them if everyone decides to come at me all at once. Having someone at my side in the front would be good."

Arthur simply nodded, "...Okay, I’ll follow your lead. You’re the leader."

Clorissa did the same, "That sounds good." Alaric looked out, "I’ll go grab him. Don’t worry about waiting up on me. Go ahead and visit the signing place and tell them you’re on Team 109." He quickly said before hopping on Sky. "We’ll meet soon before the actual event starts and I’ll give the details on the plan, sounds good?"

"Sounds great!" The blonde said, giving a sharp thumbs up. Clorissa nodded, smiling softly.

"...Good. I’ll see you both tomorrow." He then took off towards Aluxio, hoping he could find him quickly.

Arthur watched him take off, and felt his hand loosen. He stared, his eyes glowing... just like he used to do when they were kids. In a way, Alaric hasn’t changed. Always the leader, the smart one... the mature one among the two. When Arthur didn’t know what to do, he’d look towards Alaric, and he always had the answer. And that was shown in full effect today. If they were in his hands, they were sure to win tomorrow. Not a hint of doubt in his mind...

...

Alaric flew through campus in a search for Aluxio... Honestly after their physical class, he doesn’t really know if he had another class afterward. He’d have to be pretty lucky for him to be free right. It’s really unfortunate he doesn’t have his number, he just never thought about it before. He looked around and tapped his chin.

Perhaps he could wait for him at the dorms...? Yeah, he didn’t know his dorm number, but he’d have to enter the building. That way he could find him quickly. Although, he didn’t know how long that would take... If anything, he’d better grab some food... Yeah, that’s the best plan he has right now.

...

He put his plan into action. He grabbed some food and ended up at the dorm building’s lobby. He sat near the entrance and waited for him. All he could do was hope this didn’t take forever.

But... Only until hours had passed, did Aluxio finally pass the doors. He lifted his head and his eyes shot wide, since he was definitely on the verge of falling asleep. He sat up and called out, "Aluxio!" He stood and rushed forward as the blondie stopped and turned, "Alaric? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah... I’ve been waiting for you." He stood up straight and rubbed his hair, "I want to ask you to join my team for the event tomorrow. You told me you had signed up so..."

He blinked and shoved his hands into his pockets, "Yeah, I did... but why me?"

"Simple. My team is built around protecting our support, and I can’t do that alone. So, I figured another front line fighter would be the best. So, I figured you were best for that." He explained, holding out his hand, "So, what do you say?"

Aluxio shook his head and grabbed his hand, shaking it, "A-Alright then... I’ll try not to disappoint."

"I’m sure you won’t. Tomorrow we’ll go over the plan, that’s alright?"

He nodded. "Good. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m team 109." He simply walked past him and towards his own dorm, eyes narrowed.

It was such an abrupt ending...

...

Alaric pushed open the door to his dorm and tossed his back down and moved immediately towards his bedroom. He threw open the door and flew into his seat. He opened a small notebook and flicked on a small lamp, staring deep into the empty page. Tomorrow was the day. He didn’t think he’d be tasked with coming up with a strategy, especially considering he didn’t even know the threat yet.

He looked off and pressed his lips thin. All he could do... was come up with something that would play to everyone’s strengths, and improvise during the event, that would be their only saving grace. Their only means of winning. Everyone got into this academy somehow, that meant that no one was a push over. He had to take this seriously, even if it was for fun. He placed a hand on the table and closed his eyes, letting the scent of his notebook waft past him. He sighed softly and opened then again, his gaze slightly vacant.