Academy Showdown - Book I - Rise of the Phoenix

Chapter 1: A Fateful Beginning

To say Cady was awestruck would be a massive understatement. Wow... There's so much history here!

She sauntered through the entrance and was greeted by a massive open field that surrounded the school building. Many students were already dueling one another, no doubt testing each other's strengths and weaknesses as they aspired to rise through the ranks. Cady wasn't surprised. After all, the Pegasus Freshmen Tag Festival was scheduled for the end of September, about a month from now. If there were any freshmen among those students, it was the upcoming event they were most likely prepping for.

Ahead of her stood a tall Oak Tree, its long branches and large fan-like leaves blocking out the sun. The deep grooves and ridges that ran along its fissured bark revealed its age to all that laid eyes upon it. Under it was a large patio with tables and benches where several students sat to eat and converse.

Man! This place's a lot bigger than I thought.

Given that the entrance exams were held at Phoenix's exclusive training facility, this was Cady's first time seeing the school campus in person. She stood stock-still, entranced by her surroundings. Many more students continued to pour through the gate behind her. As they passed Cady, a few of them turned to steal glances at her. Some with piqued interest, others with open disdain.

She returned her smile to a few schoolmates who gave her welcoming nods before returning to marvel at the inviting sights and sounds of the schoolyard. Cady couldn't stop pinching herself as she strolled down the long promenade. She had to be certain that this wasn't a fever dream and she wouldn't wake to find herself in a hospital cot.

Oh, man...this is it... Four years of this and I'll surely be a patrol officer! Ya hear that, Vic? This is just the first step in realizing our dream! I'll work hard enough for the two of us! I won't let you down!

With that, Cady started walking down a straight path that led to the school's courtyard, looking around. She was soon only a few feet away from a large canopy that was positioned horizontally from where she stood. Underneath was a walkway that led to one of the main building's numerous entrances.

"Huh?"

Her ears suddenly perked up, picking up a faint sound coming from ahead. Snoring. She then sniffed the air and shifted her gaze to the left. She gasped, taken aback by what she saw. A small kitten with light blonde fur lay fast asleep atop a tall red and white vending machine near the canopy's center. Cady observed its tiny scar-covered body rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

It was by far the cutest thing she had ever laid eyes on.

"Heeeeeeeeeee!!" She let out a mirthful squeal, her tail wagging vigorously. Unable to contain her excitement any longer, she dashed for the machine.

◆◇◆

Emi continued her walk to the main building of Phoenix Academy, passing through the West Gate and under a canopy. The catgirl's words lingered in her mind. Knock it off, will you?! she scolded herself. You've done all you could, there's no point in moping about other people's shortcomings. Besides, you have your own problems to worry about! She was aware of this, but even she couldn't deny that it was easier said than done.

Emi heaved a sigh as a group of laughing schoolmates strode past her. She then raised her eyes from the ground to see a tall red and white vending machine in the middle of the promenade.

Hm... Maybe some coffee will help alleviate some of this stress.

She walked over to the massive machine and rummaged through her skirt pocket for a few notes. Just as she pulled out an aged fifty-gram bill—