Born Enemies

Chapter Two: Celestine

That night, the five candidates competing for the secession of becoming the next Clan leader were announced in the dining hall, which had been decorated and a feast was laid out. Because of their oath of not killing, the entering clan was vegetarian, only eating what they could get from animals without taking their lives. Cel sat with his small group of friends, which consisted of three boys, he included, and two girls. Lora was one of the girls. After they'd had their fill, Master Leo rose from her chair and clapped loudly to get her people's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen," her voice carried clearly to all ears with the help of her enchanted stones, surgically placed throughout the compound that amplified the speakers' voices. "As you know, the time has come for the next leader selection." She waited patiently as the room was filled with people's shock and surprised exclamations at the sudden announcement. It was a decade too early for the official date.

"The reason" she began to explain once the noise settled.

"I am not getting any younger, as I'm sure you all have noticed." Cel snickered, then smiled broadly when her eyes landed on him from across the room, her lips twitching as if she was fighting back a smile.

"Though it has been a great honor and pleasure to be your leader for the past few hundred years, I feel that it is about time I spend some quality time with myself and my family. I hope you understand. " She paused, letting her words sink in.

"Now enough of that and on to the good news. I and the council have picked out five candidates who have shown some leadership strength. However, it takes more to be a leader than having potential. As such, all five candidates will be given a series of missions. Additionally, if others want to take the chance to also compete to be a leader, get in touch with your mentors and jot their names down. Next month, we'll announce the additional candidates. For now, here are the ones who have been chosen. "

She took out a scroll from her long sleeves and silence so thick one could hear a pin drop settled over the room as hundreds of pairs of eyes focused on their leader as she carefully unrolled the scroll. "Leo, Adam!" The room erupted into loud claps and cheers, and Cel couldn't help but glance at the table where his two foster brothers sat surrounded by their friends. Yeah, there were that many that took up an entire table. He looked away before they could catch him staring. "Vines, Celestine" 'He ignored the surprised gasps and shocked expressions as people turned to stare. "Suck on that. His time for revenge is approaching, "he thought smugly as he allowed his gaze to shift towards the tables that held most of his tormentors, his gaze holding each briefly before moving on.

"Meadow, Sky. Hunter, Lucas, and Brown, Phoenix. " She rerolled up the scroll and returned it to her sleeves. "Further instructions will be given out once we have the rest of the candidates." She finished her speech and returned to her seat. The hall was instantly abuzz with conversations, and Cel turned his attention to find his friend staring at him with an open mouth. "What the hell, OMG," they shrieked, then quickly began to talk over each other as they piled on questions. Cel laughed and only offered them a secretive smile. He bit into a crisp golden apple which he picked up from the bowls that were stationed on every table. The sweet, honey-like juices burst over his taste buds and he allowed some of them to dribble down the corner of his mouth before wiping them away. "Enough about me. The question is, will you share this opportunity with me? " He asked with a raised brow. "Na man," Kevin immediately denied. "I don't think so," the others voiced their agreement.

"Why not? This is an amazing opportunity to not only go on missions and experience, but also, who knows what herbs or items you can find? " He put down his bite to meet their gazes. They looked at each other and he knew they were mulling over what he'd said. "Even if you don't want to be the clan leader, there is still a chance for you to become a leader in whatever department you want to pursue." He added. They nodded slowly as what he said made sense. "Okay, we'll sign up. Hopefully, we'll be placed under your leadership. " They finally agreed. "Yeah, me too," Cel agreed. "So what missions do you think they'll have us do?" Lora said excitedly, changing the subject once they all agreed to sign up for the mission. Cel shrugged. Who knows, but regardless, I'm hitting the cities and towns from here on out to stock up on some equipment I might need. We can start this weekend. Other than the cleaning shift I have in the morning, I'm free for the rest of the day.

"I have an evening duties," said Earl sullenly then perked up a moment later when Lora suggested he switch shifts with her brother, whom she would bribe into the switch. Soon, they all agreed to meet up at the stable when the sun wasn't in the middle of the sky, since they planned on eating dinner out.