Chapter 129: Overnight Celebrities (2)

Nyx finally let Tyler wipe her tears away and looked back up at him.

"I love you too and I’m sorry I’m acting this way."

"Stop apologizing Nyxara. You have every right to be emotional. You don’t have to be this perfectly confident person every second of your life. If something’s bothering you, talk to me about it. Promise?" Tyler asked while rubbing her back.

"Ok, I promise. Quick, let’s go back in and watch our interview." She said while grabbing his hand.

The girls were waiting at the table and were glad to see Nyx returning with a smile.

"I knew something was off with her. She didn’t seem like herself all day after that interview," Kass whispered.

"I don’t think she knows how to show vulnerability. She’s been raised a vampiric princess," Amanda sighed.

"She’s in a tough position. All of us are. We just have to go with the flow and whatever happens, happens." Sophie said quietly.

"Nyx!" The girls said excitedly when she and Tyler returned.

"My favorite ladies!" She returned their enthusiastic group hug.

"Nice job kid." Ash said.

"Seriously, I didn’t even pick up that she was feeling down about herself. Good job Tyler," Shadow said with a yawn.

"You should all get some rest. We’re going to have a busy day tomorrow." Tyler sighed.

"Yeah because these duels are going to be sooooo difficult," Rex laughed.

"Seriously I wouldn’t be surprised if the other student dropped their weapon and started running away when they saw Tyler," Vox chuckled.

"Stop..." Tyler let a laugh slip.

"Sorry, my familiars are being funny," He said while running his hand through his hair.

"Classic nervous Tyler!" Sophie smirked.

They sat down and watched their interview in the restaurant. Several guests approached them to give them their best wishes. It made Nyxara feel better about everything, especially when they started referring to all of them as lords and ladies. Even a few elven couples stopped by and said nice words to Amanda, which Tyler appreciated. He wasn’t sure how Amanda felt, though.

After dinner, they headed back home with their favorite driver. They shot the breeze and caught up on some small stuff before they finally arrived back at their crowded apartment.

"Shit." Tyler laughed.

"Oh dear..." Sophie sighed.

"Ability Academy team 1 is the best!" A large group of students shouted from outside of the apartment complex.

Magic shot into the sky, students were clapping and cheering, some of them asking for autographs. Tyler looked at Nyx, who gave him a firm nod and they walked through the students, signing various posters, notebooks, even some sweatshirts. After 30 minutes of funneling through everyone, they finally got inside.

They walked over to their apartment and were thankful the doorman didn’t let any of the new "fans," in. They cuddled up in bed and watched a movie, trying to get their mind off things.

******

Dean Pritchett was walking back and forth in the control room observing another event. The schedule was non stop and even at 8 PM there were still challenges going on. He was currently watching an event he personally created that wasn’t being watched by very many.

Tommy V and EmieStreams weren’t even covering the event and the board of directors looked displeased. Ability Academy currently leading was the only silver lining.

"Why would you create an event without any abilities?" The head of the board of directors asked while putting his hand into his face.

"I’m sorry sir. I thought showcasing student’s logical thinking and highlighting that our prestigious Universities don’t solely focus on magic and abilities would be a good draw to the non-ability users. Apparently I was wrong." Dean Pritchett said with a soft smile.

"Well, fortunately tomorrow the solo duels begin and Tyler, Sophie and Nyx all have matches. Those fights should draw big numbers!" Mr. McFaggen said while removing his hand from his face.

"Armitage is also having a great showing in this non-ability event, take a look," the dean offered until one of the employees shouted.

"Tommy V just started his stream!"

The dean started glowing with excitement. ’Yes, this is good!’

******

"That was a good movie. Should we check the scores?" Tyler asked.

"Yeah, sure, it should be on almost every station. Let me check and see if Tommy has his stream on," Nyx said casually.

"Who is that?" Amanda giggled.

"Oh, he’s the most popular influencer on Vexarra. He probably broadcasted our event to billions of viewers. Look, there are clips!"

Tyler pulled out his phone and watched some highlights from the forest challenge. He couldn’t believe what he was looking at.

’Am I really that powerful now?’

"Woah, check this out, there’s 700 million watching this event. It’s cool, there aren’t any abilities!" Kass said while casting her phone to the TV.

The group found themselves cheering on their Ability teammates who had a good lead over Armitage, but the second place team was catching up. BloodCrest was in third and Victorian was in fourth.

"I never thought I’d see an event without abilities. This is actually pretty cool. Didn’t you say not a lot of people in your town had abilities Tyler?" Nyx asked curiously.

"Almost no one did. I even found out later in life that I was a summoner," Tyler thought of his old life and old school before speaking to avoid sounding like he was lying.

"What about your old friends and your old girlfriend? What are they doing now?" Sophie asked curiously.

"Not sure. We don’t keep in touch. I honestly tried to leave that life behind when I got here. Not a lot of good memories when your parents pass away..." Tyler started to tear up.

"Aw, babe. We’re sorry." Sophie and Nyx said while hugging him on the bed.

"No, it’s ok. I just miss them a lot sometimes, that’s all." Tyler smiled while wiping away his tears.

"Just think, in two weeks you’ll be getting married to all of us. You can leave the past in the rear view mirror, just like I am mister!" Amanda said cheerfully while kissing him.

"You’re right..." Tyler smiled.

"How did it feel getting respect and admiration from elves today at dinner?" He asked her.

"Fake. I hate those people and the way they treated me. My parents haven’t even called or texted me and said congratulations or anything. I’m over it." Amanda said with a pouty face and her arms folded.

"Try not to think of it that way babe. I’d give anything to be able to at least call my parents and let them know how I was doing," Tyler smiled.

The girls hugged and kissed Tyler.

"Well, Kass is all yours. You two have fun!" Sophie laughed before they walked out.

"Tyler, I’m sorry." Amanda said before she left.

"What for?" Tyler gave her a big hug.

"I shouldn’t have said that about my parents..."

Tyler stopped her by pressing his lips against hers.

"It’s fine, babe. Just keep proving them wrong!"

Amanda smiled and waved while skipping out of the room to her room.

Kass pounced on Tyler.

"You’re all mine now!" She grinned while gently sucking on his neck.