Mia and Ami: Friend or Foe?

The expression on the face of the other girl was… priceless.

Shock?

Definitely.

Respect?

Maybe.

But don’t get too bold. There was something almost sacred about witnessing a high horse accept a rider; a rare sight, given how seldom these proud, elusive creatures bonded with anyone outside their own kind, as Gaia had once confided in Mia. That was why she had traveled the length of the entire Old World, searching for the one worthy of the bond.

Now, Mia finally understood why.

She couldn’t help but fall in love with the sight before her, briefly forgetting just how infuriating her possible future saddle partner truly was. The girl looked as regal as a prince proudly astride the intimidating glossy dark-blue stallion, especially due to the way her pristine white uniform stood out handsomely against the mighty midnight coat as the wind stirred the trees behind them.

A sight straight out of a painting.

But did that smug brat feel the same spark? Doubtful. Judging by the twitch in her eye, she looked more like she wanted to strangle Mia than share a moment; that was because, just for a moment, the girl’s gaze faltered a flicker, no more before she recovered her icy composure.

They only broke the silent stare when Professor Aze finally pierced the screaming silence.

"Ahem... Cadets. Remember the protocol," he said, though even he sounded like he no longer believed in it. His hands rested on his hips, and the lips were pressed into a perfect "O", until he spoke again:

“Come here and wait. I’ll fetch Professor Esten myself.”

Like the girls, he had barely dared to believe this was real:

“That only one of us is going to be chosen. The pair enters the garden together. But only one leaves with a horse. The other… The other is useless. And you know what happens to useless people.”

Finally, the teachers arrived. They were quite the odd pair — one far too short, the other way too tall.

“Oh... what a sight indeed,” Eden murmured, eyeing both horses thoughtfully.

“It is,” the taller one agreed. “What do you make of it?”

Eden stroked his long, braided beard. “There’s nothing about this in the Book of Laws. Nowhere does it say that only one cadet can be chosen at a time. The decision was always the horses' to make. If…” He glanced toward the new students, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

“Rierie,” said Mia, with a slight nod.

“Ednar,” said the other.

“If Rierie and Ednar chose them,” Eden continued, “then perhaps it’s because they knew something we didn’t. They understand that sending even one of these girls home would’ve been a waste. They had to come as an extremely talented pair.”

Aze chuckled. “A package deal, eh?”

The teachers laughed heartily. The girls… not so much.

“Well then,” Eden clapped his hands together, clearing out his throat for the announcement. “It’s decided. You’ve passed the final test. Your guardians will be proud that they chose well. From this moment on, you are granted official permission to remain in Luminesis. Welcome to Cholagus Academy: School for Riders, Ami and Mia!”

Oh.

“Mia?” Ami turned toward the girl beside her, eyes wide. “Your name is Mia?”

Mia looked around with mock confusion. “Is anyone else here? Miaaaaa? Miaaaaa? Are you out there?”

Then, with a sardonic smile, she opened her mouth wide, ready to deliver a comeback as sharp and bratty as the attitude she was gifted since their very first encounter. Indeed, Mia adapts quickly, “Obviously, my name is Mia. Why? You already hate me so much that you can’t handle the fact that your name is basically mine, only a little scrambled?”

Checkmate

Who laughs last laughs the longest.

Ami didn’t bore to respond. She simply turned and walked off with chin high, as if she’d just been crowned queen and the world was hers to rule.