Chapter 93 - Three - We begin the fourth day of the Standings (1/2)

”I would have beaten you, had I not fallen into that nest of nibblets,” Bowyer complained as they chatted about things over their evening meal.

Pike chuckled, admitting that Bowyer had bad luck. Those vermin always hovered in groups and would tenaciously chase any out of their territory and beyond, meaning Bowyer had to deal with them or have to watch his back while fighting stronger prey. Not that the little ones did much damage, but it would accumulate and that is if they did not get lucky and throw something in your eyes!

”I had to keep reminding myself that you guys were just in an illusion!” Sun said, brightly. ”It looked so real! And the way that you dealt with the Mesmyr, that was awesome!”

Pike ruffled Sun's brown hair, fondly. He had grown to like this little brother, much more likeable than Jin Li, who was glaring at the food in front of him with a shadowed expression upon his face. Leon, on the other hand, was yawning frequently, struggling to lift his spoon to his mouth.

”It'll be your turn to prove yourself next year,” Bowyer grinned. ”I'd like to see how both you and Jin Li fair.”

”No problem!” Sun agreed, cheerfully. ”We'll storm the top ten and meet you in the inner school without fail!”

Pike chuckled. ”I'd rather bet that the pair of you will be fighting in the Standings within our school rather than challenging entry into it.” Sun beamed beneath his praise.

They heard a spoon fall and a soft thud and turned to see Leon face down and leaning upon the table next to his plate. He didn't stir as they watched him for a moment, but they could see that his breathing was steady. ”Looks like we should find Leon a bed,” Pike mused.

”No need,” Jin Li replied, darkly, shoving his chair backward and moving around the table to pick Leon up into his arms. The youth's eyes struggled to open, so gave up and simply nestled into Jin Li's hold. Sun watched, wide eyed as Jin Li princess-carried Leon out of the Food Hall, before they widened further as they fell upon Jin Li's plate.

”He left food!” Sun whispered in awe. Pike and Bowyer exchanged knowing glances and slight grins.

”You should stay with one of us tonight,” Pike invited the youth, who remained. ”We can give you tips to help your own fights in the future.”

”Really!?” Sun asked with happy excitement.