Lixorth
Mathias

    “You sure Uncle Billy can help?” alison asked from the study chair, looking at me anxiously. It's 2 in the morning and we can't sleep. Alison had even spent an hour in my room, constantly asking about my escape plan. I prefer the flexibility actually, after all everything can happen in the

travel later. But, that brother of mine cannot be convinced with just a sober answer.

    I lay staring at the sky of the room and nodded even though Alison could not see my movements. “He hates the Magic Union, he also hates how Father and Mother educate us, so the answer, yes, he will help.”

    “We have never met him for ten years.”

    That's absolutely true. “He will still receive us.”

    “He must hate us, Mathias. Dad burned down his old house in Seattle.”

    “You know the enemy term of my enemy is my friend?” I said in the end. “He will help. Stop worrying.”

    I don't know what I said or anything, but Alison finally shut up. He bent his legs and hugged her. I glanced at my brother, without asking, I knew that he must be thinking about a thousand and one possibilities that would happen on the way to San Diego.

    Ignored him. It's better not to think things through if you don't want your plan to go wrong. Sometimes, thinking too much makes you afraid of what will happen when it does not happen.

    After remaining silent with his thoughts, Alison opened her mouth again. Her voice was hoarse, “Why did you fail the exam?”

     I snorted hearing that. Although we both failed, but even today we did not dare to ask about this. I don't know why Alison chose this topic, but I'd rather have her talk a lot to break my weird plans.

     “You can hunt those rabbits easily. I know your magic is strong.” Said Alison who made me reflect. Now, Alison turned her whole gaze on me. “You did it on purpose?”

     “And why can't you beat Lenna Roberts? You can humiliate that girl when she was ten.” I replied to Alison's words, almost the same as what she said to me.

    The entrance exam of the Lixorth Magic Academy consisted of two parts. After a basic writing exam regarding the types of magic some theory is boring, a practice exam is conducted. There are three sessions in the practice test, namely shooting, hunting, and fighting. I did fail the rabbit hunting session and Alison failed the final exam. This is where we are now, preparing to receive punishment from both of our parents.

    Alison looked angry when I mentioned her little fight with Lenna. He growled, “You don't need to discuss the matter."

    “But, it's a reality. You flushed it with your water magic until she ran away in a storm.”

    My brother shrieked softly, “That's because he tore up my favorite novel book!”

     “Then, how is it different from now? You're clear

know that this is the entrance exam of the academy.”

    I chuckled softly at Alison's lousy debate which was now beginning to be lured away by my ridicule. Yara Jordyn is our cousin and all my extended family knows how stupid she is. In the level of intelligence in my extended family, Yara has always been at the very end. Even Aunt Jane was resigned if Yara did not pass the entrance exam and had to go to Norway. Now, Alison's comparing me to Yara? I'm, um, no problem. I don't care much about winning and losing.

    “Why did you even set the time for the hunting exam to start?” alison has not given up. “And again, you only get two skinny bunnies. Embarrassing.”

    I got up and sat down to face Alison. My eyebrows go up, “It's done?”

    “But.”

     I glanced at the wall clock, choosing to ignore this little debate. “Come, time to go.”

    “Wait, you haven't answered my question.”

    I took a grey jacket and put it on, “You're done packing, right?”

    “Mathias,”

    “If you don't listen to me, I will really leave you.”

    Finally, Alison sighed in annoyance. He might get mad at me during the trip, but I don't care. We both need to get out of this house first. Alison sneered as she passed by me and walked into her room.

    After a few minutes of waiting, Alison came out of her room carrying a backpack that was twice the size of my backpack. I don't understand why he thinks he should include all the things. I just nodded slowly and got ahead of her to come down.

    "You know how to break away from home defense spells, right?” alison whispered as we reached the kitchen.

    I'm nodding. Father cast a defensive spell on our house, as a precautionary measure in case anyone attacks. Especially members of the Union. Not a few members who are ostracized United grudge on Father or Mother that results in a fight. But, actually the house defense spell is not so difficult to break. At least, with my magic.

    “Kids?” a heavy voice echoed in the hallway. I stopped automatically, as did Alison who was putting in some food. We sculpt. My heart was beating fast and I was hard at holding my breath.

    Footsteps approaching. Without even looking, I knew who was coming. I glanced at Alison. Here's time. It seemed, Alison also understood what had just crossed my mind. He nodded then very carefully he closed the zipper of his backpack.

    “If escaping is your great plan, stop it right now.” Silence Dad. My heart almost fell upon hearing the threat. This is the first time Father has spoken to us after receiving the Lixorth Academy's verdict.

    “Stop or I have to force you guys.”