September 8th, Saturday, Lovelace soccer field 6:30 am Batter my heart, that I may rise, and stand, O'erthrow me, and bend Your force, To break, blow, burn and make me new... Take me to You, imprison me, for I Except You enthrall me, never shall be free, Nor ever chaste, except You ravish me. "May we honor those who came before us," Leena stated solemnly, breaking the circle. In the pre-dawn haze of the morning before what could very well be their final battle, taking a moment to step onto this sacred ground and cite the ritualistic chant that kept their hearts burning took a rather calming turn. Nerves were still frayed, but the tranquility of the field and the unity of the sixteen women standing there kept them under control; it was the difference between anxiety and determination. "Well," said the Coach as she looked at her watch, "we have about six hours before we need to be here again, so what say we go out for breakfast and make sure we're ready? My treat." The general consensus was positive, so the girls headed off first, shaking the dew from their cleats. Leena noticed something out of the corner of her eye, and felt a pang of warm nostalgia clutch her heart. She turned to her team and said, "You can go on without me; I'll catch up. Just walk right into that Perkin's we saw earlier and save me a spot. Remember, a light breakfast! You're eating for energy, not fulfillment. We can gorge ourselves later- win or lose!" She waved at them and turned to the vision that had captivated her. Not far away, on the other side of the field, was a group of young women standing around in a circle. A tear came to her eye as she recognized what they were doing, and- more importantly- who they were. She approached them once they finished their ritual. "May we honor those who came before us," the ladies recited. One of them spotted a visitor approaching, and shrieked for joy as she recognized her. "Leena!!" "Hello, Captain Baum. It's been awhile. How are you all doing?" Blake Baum, Erica Fox, Raisa Zanders, Rochelle Klein, Ivory Tran, Kula Nanahara, Rozalia Milkos, Janine Bautista, and Ayanna Montgomery rushed up to their former coach and gave her a big group hug. "What are you doing here?" Ivory squealed. Leena chuckled. "It's a long story." And people dream dreams that transcend time Held in the arms of a still sea As they looked up at the birds and clouds It set their ephemeral souls on fire on a thousand mornings I bet they're taking flight to where the light is headed Now is the time to launch your dreams Off into the frontier that is carrying boundless dreams Farther and farther, dive in the sky "Dies Fatali, Part 1" Everyone noticed that Leena was acting unusually happy as they sat down together for breakfast. She was beaming when she walked in and practically skipped over to the table, humming merrily as she sat down and read her menu. One got the impression that she must've been in a daze, for she didn't read through her choices so much as glance at them and make an idle decision. She put the menu down at once and leaned forward, staring into space as her cheeks glowed. She looked infinitely gorgeous but it was also unsettling. "Uh, C-Coach?" Amy said. "D-d-did something happ-pen? You l-l-look really happ-py." "She didn't have time to get laid," Fleur muttered. "And she doesn't play the lottery." "I think she's in love," Freya sang. "Maybe she saw someone she knew," Lauren shrugged. Leena chose that opportunity to snap out of it and pointed at the young woman. "You win the grand prize, Miss Ofdensen. Although Freya is right too, but that's not what this is all about." She indicated the lovely radiation in her face and sat back in her chair, trying to calm down. "It wasn't just one person I ran into: it was a whole bunch of them. They were alumna of the school I used to teach at before I came here." "We never knew about that," Felicity said. Freya looked baffled. "Yes, even I wasn't aware of it. My sources must be deteriorating." "It's no big secret," she gestured, "Long before I came to Carnegie, I was the physical education instructor at Stanton public high school for girls. I met some of my former students earlier." "Oh, that's nice! Were they here for the game?" "You could say that," she smirked. "Actually, they're on the other team." "Oh wow, that's epic," Jen murmured. "So we'll be going up against people you've coached." "It's the old versus the new," Fausta said, chortling faintly. "Sounds like something out of a good drama, almost." "It's not too surprising," Leena shrugged as the drinks came. She had a few sips and continued: "Most of those ladies were heavily into sports, so I expected we'd run into a few eventually. I just didn't expect so many of them to be on the same team." "So is there anything you can tell us about them?" Valencia asked hopefully. Kasumi nudged her. "Honey, she may not be willing to tell us secrets about her former players." "I don't mind telling you a little bit about them," Leena answered. "In many ways, they're a lot like you all: the same problems, the same dreams, the same strengths, the same obstacles...most of them are the same age as you, too. A number of them are even still in the same relationships they had when they were in high school." "That long, huh?" Leena smirked. "Yes, some of them prefer a steady companion. Anyway, I better tell you what you're up against, seeing as how we seem to be the underdog here. Their captain's name is Blake Baum. She used to have ADD, but she turned out to be a magnificent player." "I've heard about her!" Shannon exclaimed. "We met a coupla times before I came to Cahnegie! She's a really nice gal and a really great playah." "Would you say...aggressive?" "Not really. But she's a good leadah and a good spoaht. We should be so lucky." "There's also Erica Fox," Leena resumed; "her sister Alisha used to be on the team, but she moved away and the two don't talk very much. She's not as athletic as either of you," she pointed to Terra and Amy, "but she could give you a run for your money, and she's got experience on her side. Rai Zanders is one you need to look out for." "Now I know that name," Fausta pointed. "So she's here as well? It'll be some game." "Is she good?" "She beat me at tennis once," she deadpanned. "She's also quite exceptional with music...not that any of you rubes would appreciate it. Except you, Berkeley!" "Thank you," Elisa grumbled. "The most aggressive ones are Klein, Tran, and Nanahara," Leena resumed. "Aintzane- Rochelle now- isn't afraid to get dirty or bloody, and she once had a rivalry with Petra Rominostikovh." "Ooh, bad newz," Nadia muttered. "If this girl iz good as Petra, we are not in good standz." "Ivory Tran's an all-around athlete and a huge flirt. She knows how to get in your head and mess with you. Kula Nanahara's small, but she's fierce, and fast as hell. Rozalia Miklos and Janine Bautista are a surprise, and I had no idea Ayanna Montgomery even liked sports, so watch out for anything. I didn't see their Coach there." The group was relatively silent for awhile as they took this information in. Leena must have been feeling a little at odds, having to confront her former students (even if it was only a practice game), but sometimes coaches have to do this: it was her trial just as much as theirs. "Well," Valencia exclaimed, trying to cheer everyone up. "Why don't you tell us a little bit about your career there?" Leena smiled and reached for another drink. Their food came while she was weaving her story. "There's not much to describe. I came from Finland because I had an excellent job opportunity at Stanton, and I stayed there until last year. During my tenure, I had the privilege of meeting several promising young ladies, like yourselves, and teaching them to hone their bodies and minds. America was a nation overwrought with obesity; I wanted to give these people the knowledge to fight this disease and live healthy, energetic lives. Of course, some of them used those skills for sexual purposes, but who was I to judge?" The team snickered as she came to her inevitable conclusion. They thought she would lead to that eventually- and really, a school for girls only? Surely one or two of them must have found love in their own locker rooms. "During my first year, we got as far as the semifinals in the state championship, which was pretty good for a ragtag team. After that, we were on fire. We even went national one year." "So why'd you change jobs? It sounds like you had a sweet life." "I did," Leena smiled, "but there were certain circumstances that kept me from staying there. It wasn't jut one reason, mind. Stacie calling me- I mean, Ms. Rosewood- was probably the best reason for me to leave. I couldn't very well refuse such a heartfelt request." "So basically you're here for us," Fausta said, blushing a little. Leena smiled softly and nodded. "It's what I do. There's a certain joy that comes with bringing out the innate talents of young people. My own mentors felt it and I've wanted to follow their example ever since. It's the duty of us old people to teach you young ones." "Yah hardly what I'd call old, Coach," Shannon smiled. Leena smirked wryly. "Older, anyway." - Elisa Berkeley, Favorite color: navy blue; left midfielder/reserve- The gymnasium was already crowded and bustling with activity as Fitzgerald and his fencing team made their way in. The bleachers and seats were filled with spectators, judges, coaches, families, and loved ones; the floor was thick with the noise of steel lashing against steel as contestants practiced, warmed up, and measured their opponents' skill. A group of referees were clustered in a corner and there were several registry booths set up. The tang of sweat and metal was mixed with excitement and energy: spirits rose and palms started to sweat. "So this is the regional fencing meet," Rain observed, thrusting her hands in her pockets. "Cool." She glanced around for her parents but couldn't see them in the crowd. They were giving up a lot to come here; sometimes she wished they would just quit and leave her alone. Really now, was she worth this much trouble...? "Take your positions over there," Fitzgerald said, pointing to an area reserved for his students. A fairly decent banner reading "CARNEGIE UNIVERSITY" hung above it, impossible to miss. Rain blinked suddenly as she was assaulted by camera flashes, and glared in their direction. Oh. There they were. "What a bunch of dorks." "Parents?" Merinas said. Rain nodded. "More like idiots!" "Show a little more gratitude," she muttered as she put her mask on. "At least they bothered to come." She called Straik out and started warming up on her lunges; Rain sighed and decided it was high time she begin her own routine. But...all those flashes... "Would you stop it already?!" she yelled, waving her arms in the air. "God, you're like the friggin' paparazzi!" Fitzgerald turned his head and glared at her, but resumed registration without delay. Hopefully that would be the last embarrassing thing Miss Howlet did today. "Leena looks pretty good!" Ivory exclaimed as she undressed. Ayanna smiled. "I know. Hard to believe she's...what, thirty-five?" Ivory counted the difference on her fingers and confirmed it. "Do you think she and Katt are still together?" "I saw her wedding ring," Janine said. "Wow. It's still hard to believe they got married!" Ivory grinned at her foxily. "Hey, if I can do it, anybody can!" "Are you worried about her?" Janine smirked. Tran-Yi snorted. "Hells no! Annie's gonna go all Ides of March on those suckers! She's gonna kick Yuki's ass and take back her title! Sorry, Kula." "Don't apologize to me," she snorted. "She's not my girlfriend anymore." "Yeah, but she is mine," Ayanna pointed. Ivory gave her a startled expression; apparently she hadn't heard yet. "Dude, seriously? When did this happen?" "Somewhere between 'it's none of' and 'your business'." "I wasn't asking you, Hula-Kula." Kula glared but returned to dressing just as quickly, plainly aggravated but also trying to retain her focus. Ah, missed opportunities... "I'm getting too old for this nonsense," Rai murmured. "We're girls, it's what we do," Rozalia shrugged. Janine smiled at Blake, who had been strangely quiet since earlier that morning. She touched her shoulder and roused her. "Hey, you all right?" "Sure," she grinned, sounding melancholy. "It's just that seeing Leena today made me remember the old days." "For real. I didn't expect to see her at all. I mean, I know she moved, but..." "I hate thinking about the past," Blake murmured, shutting her locker sharply. She groaned softly and leaned her forehead against the cold metal, looking like she was about to cry. Janine knew exactly what was going through her mind and embraced her captain from behind. "I know. It still feels like it only happened yesterday." "What happened yesterd- oh." Ivory's timing was horrible, as always, but she wasn't insensitive; she backed away with a gentle smile. "I'll just leave ya to it then. I'll tell Anderssen you might be a little late." "Don't bother, I'm just reminiscing," Blake muttered. Her eyes were shut and her fists were trembling. She had been carefree up until now, but thinking about their times at Stanton, and what they all did when they graduated, and the tragedy that occurred later... Rai sympathized, and cupped Blake's cheeks. She smiled and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Tell you what: how about we all visit them together after this game? Would that be okay? It has been awhile." "Not nearly long enough for me," Blake whispered. A tear came down her eye as she fell into Rai's warm embrace. "I know. It still hurts. But we'll go see them. We'll ask Leena to come, too. We'll make a day of it. Does that sound all right?" "Mm-hmm," she nodded meekly. Rai kissed her again and patted her back. The mood was broken suddenly as another person burst through the door, smiling and jumping. "Hey everybody! Aww, you're already dressed? No fun for me! Kimmy, let me grope you for good luck!" "Not now, sweetheart," Rozalia whispered as she approached the girl. She kissed Mira van Dijk on the lips tenderly and caressed her face. Mira noticed Blake and Rai hugging, and sharply apologized. "It's okay," Blake sniffled, standing up on her own again. "I'm making a scene. I just like to have a good weep at it once in awhile. How's the baby coming along, Mira?" "Little Kimberly is resting so beautifully," she whispered, stroking her belly. Ivory gawked at her protruding tummy and laid her hand on it. She felt the life inside respond. "Damn, girl! You might just give birth right here! Ha...wouldn't that be a hoot?" "I still have a few weeks left," Mira chirped. She kissed Rozalia again before leaving, giving her bottom a tiny tap. Ivory sprawled her arm over Rozalia's shoulders and grinned lecherously, just as she did once upon a time, back when they were all so young and full of promise. "You're a lucky woman, Rozy! We all are! I don't know about anybody else, but I want to see what these new people are all about! If Leena's coaching them, they gotta be good, right? So let's break these bitches in, baby!!" "Always so elegant," Erica chuckled. She too had been silent, but her worries were different from the others'. "Captain, after you." Blake smiled and put her hand out; everyone piled theirs atop hers and they prepared for what would no doubt be an amazing game. "I dedicate this to our fallen sisters and loved ones, who are watching from above- those who could not be here today, but are with us in spirit- those who are yet to be born, who will bring us new life and new joys- and of course, to Leena, and her new team, that they may fight well and have a good game. Let's make them proud." "LOVELAAAAAAAAAACE...GO!!!" - Fausta Nazario, Favorite color: purple; sweeper- "Point: Howlet! The winner is...Carnegie!" Rain let out a relieved breath as she saluted to her defeated opponent. The first round of the preliminaries was over, and Carnegie's fencing team was sweeping the competition like dust. She didn't expect them to really win, but neither did she expect them to lose so thoroughly. Not a single one of Fitzgerald's students had been defeated; few of them even allowed their opponents to score. This was an unquestionable testament to Fitzgerald's methods, and it proved he had the capacity to bring out greatness in anybody (yes, even an "enormous wreck" like Rain). He applauded as Rain left the mat and even smiled a little- not at her, at the team, although Rain liked to fantasize that part of his praise went directly to her. She was, after all, something of a "special" case. She sat with her team and sprinkled her face, neck, and lips with water; she drank slow, trying to make it last. Those last duels were really little more than an exercise: Fillmore was decent enough for a school its size, but they had no outstanding players, and their coach was something of a sluggard. But they did well enough. Yates was next, another unremarkable school; Lovelace and Turing were sending their students in later, and Fitzgerald made sure that everyone would observe them meticulously when the time came. As Rain watched several more schools competing, she looked at the gym clock and noted that the soccer team would be starting its game. Her greatest desire at that moment was not to win any awards, but to be there for her friends. She was already starting to miss them and wished she could pull away, even for an instant, even if only once. "This will take forever," Straik sighed next to her. He nudged Rain and smiled. "Howlet, what say you come with us and catch the soccer match? Humbert smuggled a radio and I hear there's a pirate station broadcasting the game. Four of us are slipping away while we can." "Seriously? Isn't it just a practice match?" He shrugged curiously. "People from Anolis came all the way to our school for theirs. Some people are just devoted." "Are you sure it's okay?" He snorted and leered at his coach. "We'll only be gone for awhile. We won't be fighting anybody for a quarter-hour at least. I hear you have a friend or two on the team." "Yeah..." She felt a knot in her stomach, but ultimately decided to follow them. They snuck away from Fitzgerald and their teammates, and slipped through the gym until they found an abandoned weightlifting room, complete with water fountain and television. Humbert already had his radio on, Rain listening attentively as the feed came to life. "- by Zanders. That gives Lovelace an early lead, 1-0. Carnegie's looking a mite sluggish out there, but they're bound to pick up the pace soon. Lovelace is only warming up and they've yet to reveal their true colors, so now would be the time for Carnegie to strike. Lacroix has the ball and is driving it through. She's recovering from a twisted ankle from their first practice game, and is looking all the stronger for it, though I wonder if her footwork can hold out. Passes to Andre...Andre takes it deep...we haven't seen a lot of aggression from her in the past two games, but now she's acting boldly. Whoops- lost it there for a sec. Fox drives it hard and fast, passes to Nanahara, she goes down and makes another shot...that was pretty sloppy. "Ofdensen caught it with no trouble and throws it to Nguyen- well, hello! Nguyen just shot out of there like a cannon and...holy moley, is she going for another offensive? No, she's passing it to Khovansky...Khovansky to Velur...Tran-Yi is coming down and...whoa! Not a pretty fall! Velur takes a dive- she's okay, folks- the ref doesn't call it- but someone in the crowd doesn't like his call!" "Probably her father," Rain smirked. "Tran-Yi's going down to finish what Nanahara started...she's going deep...Nazario and Threal are surrounding her...Tu is set to attack, but- whoops, there she goes! Tran-Yi's like greased lighting out there. She's going further...Nazario's hitting hard- and heeeeere comes Baum! Zanders and Baum, a pair for the ages! Nazario's got nothing on these two and...holy cow, Ofdensen caught another one! A strong kick by Ivory Tran-Yi, but Lauren Ofdensen grabs it anyway! How did she do that, folks? Now it's back to Tu, but will Zanders and Baum let that last save slide? Tu's taking it in...passes to Nguyen...Nguyen's really something out there, folks. She never showed this tenacity in either of the last two games, but- well, back to Velur, Velur sends it to Beckett... We've seen good things from the 'secret weapon' from Washington, DC. Beckett drives it hard down the line...Baum intercepts, kicks long to Fox, Fox drives deep- oops, Threal practically runs her over and gives Carnegie a BIG lead! She's going...she's going...wow, can that girl run! Here comes Khovansky to back her up...Lacroix is dealing with Nanahara...Zanders coming in fast- Zanders caught it!- no, Beckett's got it! She's going for the goal! She's going!! NO!! Saved by Klein! Wow! That'll wake you up in the morning! Beautiful play by both sides! You can tell they're really fighting for their lives down there!" Just as everyone was really getting into the game, another fencer burst in, saying their turn was up. They howled, hissed, and cursed, but their time was up, and so they stood up to return to their match. "Aww, damn it! Just when it was getting good, too," Rain sulked. Straik smiled sadly and put his arm on her shoulder. "We'll come back soon. Time to put your game face on." "I know, I know." Slinking back to the tournament and donning her mask was one of the most dreadful things she had done in recent years. Rain didn't just listen to the game: she had gotten absorbed in it, and not just for Carnegie's sake. Lovelace was performing brilliantly as well, and something inside her was igniting- something very strange and a little unwelcome. She almost wished, for a second, that she had actually been there, not just cheering but playing as well, shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, staring down an opponent that seemed worth all the trouble. Rain had loved fencing ever since she got into it, but for the first time ever, she was actually having doubts about her choice. "Do well," her coach stated as her turn came. Her focus was much looser now and she found herself wavering. Surely once she got into the spirit of things, she would forget about her ambivalence and be back to her old self. - Felicity Velur, Favorite color: pink; forward- Rain half-grumbled, half-sighed as she dipped her head down for a long, thoughtful drink. She had found her way back to the weight room which had become her hope, and turned Humbert's radio on. Right now the fencing matches were occupying the last space of thought in her mind; she was so overwhelmed with everything else that it was all she could do to swallow and keep everything down. She thought she had wanted to be here- to earn her glory after so many years of sacrifice and training- to repay Fitzgerald for his generosity and patience- to prove she wasn't just a disaster waiting to happen, that there was really something there. That had been her whole world, and her only true wish. But. How three letters can suddenly change the course of one life. She turned the volume up a little, and heard that Carnegie was still trailing 1-0 near the end of their first half. Lauren had been injured after a fierce assault, so Valencia was called in to replace her. Elisa was beat, and Nadia was starting to get weighed down by the pressure. Even Kasumi had a worried expression in her eyes, according to the announcer, and Fausta... "Are you all right?" Rain didn't hear anybody sneak up on her and jumped, her heart racing. She let out a ragged breath as she saw another fencer standing there, smiling apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you. I just noticed you looked really exhausted, and...I'm sorry for intruding." "No, come on in, it's a free break room." "I mean in your... Well, if you insist." She gracefully entered the room and sat down on a bench. Rain sat across from her and gave the other woman a once-over. She was incredibly beautiful, tall and dark with very seductive doe-eyes, but her smile was honest and her poise was truly ladylike. The most astonishing feature about her was her hair, shimmering rich auburn, thick and lush, and the way it formed a halo around her body. Rain had never seen her before and was mesmerized. This was the kind of woman who could put Muses out of work. It was nearly love at first sight. "Exhausted, huh?" Rain smiled palely. "Was my performance really so terrible?" "You won the match, so it couldn't have been that," the woman indicated. "My mind's not on the game," she muttered. She indicated the radio, and the brunette listened for awhile before the volume was turned down. "Oh," she grinned. She winked at Rain and seemed to sympathize with her feelings. "Do you know someone there?" "Just friends at Carnegie." The woman folded her hands; her every action seemed a work of art. "I have friends at Lovelace, people I know and love quite well...and one in particular who has held my heart all these many years." Rain leaned forward, feeling a strong connection with this woman now that they had a plight in common. "Doesn't it bug you to be here while they're out there? Don't you just wanna...throw all this away and rush to their side?" The woman laughed melodiously, a sound created by love for the sheer expression of joy, as far removed from a mocking cackle as her beauty was from the whole lot of mortals. "It's because I love her so much that I have the strength to stay here. I mean, at the tournament- dueling and such. And it's hardly the first time we've been separated. There have been far longer hiatuses than this...and every time after, our love is strengthened and renewed. I have so much faith in her that I know exactly how she is feeling even in the middle of a match- that no matter what the circumstance, she will perform wonderfully and let her true heart shine. That is why..." She looked down serenely at her hand, touching a band of gold around her left ring finger. Rain's heart caught in her throat; she was nearly in tears by the beauty and power of this woman's conviction. "Well, I don't have a bond that grandiose. I just want to be with them. I've never questioned my decision as a fencer until now, but...my life seems so dull and empty next to theirs. And I haven't even known them for that long! It's like they've broken in and disturbed everything I ever knew, and...I've enjoyed every minute of it! Does that make any sense?" "Oh yeah," she exclaimed proudly. "I know exactly what you mean. Ivory was the same when I first knew her. Now we're..." "I'm happy for you," Rain whispered. "But it's not that easy for me. Can I talk with you about it for a moment? Will you mind? I won't be up for awhile, and...I really need to get this off my chest. Will you keep this in confidence?" "Of course! Who better to listen with an unbiased heart than a stranger? Besides, I'm not busy either." Rain's shoulders slumped and she sighed, then broke all her barriers and poured her heart out. The nameless brunette sat through her diatribe patiently- sometimes smiling, sometimes petrified intently, sometimes reaching out to hold Rain's hand- what a touch she had! When at last Rain confessed that she felt she was at a crossroads now, the brunette simply shook her head, looked into her eyes, and spoke directly to her heart. "Long ago, I had to make the same decision. The fight was between two pieces of my heart: the cold shell I had put up, and the part where I wanted to love again, in spite of the cost. Do you know what I did?" "You followed your heart," Rain guessed. The woman nodded. "I followed my heart." "But what if I'm wrong? All those years...the sacrifices that had to be made...my promises...my devotion..." "There's only one person who can answer that," the woman said as she stood up. She leaned forward to kiss Rain's forehead and smiled sweetly. "But I'm sure you'll make the right decision. I have to leave now- I'm up next. Take care." "Thanks. Oh! The name's Howlet- uhh, Rain. Rain Howlet." "Well then," she curtsied, "take care, Rain. It was nice meeting you!" "But what's your..." She called out just as the other woman ran off to rejoin her team, leaving behind a mystery. Rain sulked for a moment, but then stood bolt upright, terrified out of her wits, as her coach entered the room and glared at her. "Return to your position immediately, Miss Howlet," he stated icily. Her mouth hung open but she could not even make a sound. His face was as cold and hard as a glacier: you could not tell if he was infuriated or merely annoyed. But Rain didn't want to test him, and so she followed him out of the room, but not before giving the radio one last chance. Two to zero, Lovelace. Halftime. - Nadia Khovansky, Favorite color: unknown; defensive midfielder- Helmuth Fitzgerald sighed with relief as Rain won her third match (decisively, at that) and returned to her team. He was glad to find out one of his best pupils was just experiencing some last-minute rebellious behavior; he didn't want her causing any more trouble for him today, nor ever if possible. He didn't completely rebuke her for her rash behavior, though: he did suppose more than one of his students was curious about that game. He looked at his watch and noted they would be halfway finished by now, and wondered if, perhaps, he could slip away and drive down there to catch the second half. The tournament had a few more rounds to go and Carnegie would be given an extended rest: their next challenger was Lovelace, of all schools. How apropos that both the school's sports teams- one sponsored by him and the other by Rosewood and the board- would be facing the exact same school on two different grounds! It was enough to make him smirk. "I suppose I could spare a few minutes. I needn't remain long," he murmured to himself. He gathered his pupils around him for an announcement: "I regret to inform you all that I shall be sojourning to the football field shortly, so that I may see the results of this last practice game. As some of you may know, I have a bit of an interest in it and I'd very much like to see it through. Therefore, I will be leaving shortly; I estimate my return in about one hour. I will leave Wilkinson in charge until then, so please treat his instructions with the same respect as you would treat mine. Since some of you share my same curiosity," he added, glancing at Rain, "you may observe this game in the private, just so long as you promptly return to this spot for the remaining matches. You will be facing Lovelace next, and I am confident you will make me proud. Show me what magnificence is." "Yes, sir!" He strolled away briskly and was on the road in minutes. Rain felt an enormous weight roll off her shoulders. Now was her chance! She could sneak away and nobody would notice! Screw the matches, she wanted to watch Carnegie- for it might be the last time they ever played. But then she got a look at who she was going up against next, and her jaw dropped to the floor. The roster read, "Howlet vs. Tran-Yi", and a search for her opponent showed that she would be facing the woman who had comforted her in the weight room. Ancelin Yi. Two-time national fencing champion. The glory Rain had been seeking all her life was right within her grasp. The moment of truth had finally come at last. Dies Fatali, the Day of Fate. She could do it. She could feel it. The title of Nation's Best was within her reach. If she could face Ancelin, and beat her- she could do it, couldn't she? Fitzgerald had taught her well! This is what she had been living for!!- if she could do all that, she would have everything she had ever wanted. If she stayed here, ignoring one desire for another... But oh, how those doors beckoned her.
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