Noises filled the large halls in which the academy held its annual tournament for free spots to be taken.

A mass of people already filled the ranks and even more were still trying to find a seat.

Everything was so loud and vibrant.

The decoration was like nothing you had ever seen before.

This was that moment that you've been dreaming about for years. Just one lucky chance and life would change forever.

Yet, you couldn't help but be distracted by something else.

With your eyes lowered, you turned the glass tube in your lab and watched as the strangely purple liquid twisted and turned.

It had a weird shimmer to it, almost as if it was made of glitter. Soft light evaporated from it as well.

Whatever it was, there was no way in hell that it would be something good.

The Undercity had brought up many drugs, the fancy kind, the mild kinds and the ones that ruined lives within seconds.

You wondered what this would be.

Maybe it was because of your health issue but the thought crossed your mind that, if this could be used once without any risk of addiction, you would be willing to consider its use.

"Just once...", you mumbled to yourself and wrapped your fingers around it. "Maybe..."

Someone moved behind you.

Irritated by the movement, your head snapped up.

Viktor's amber eyes met yours. He smiled softly.

"My love.", his hand lay on your cheek to pull you into a soft kiss. "Isn't this exciting? Look at all the people."

Your gaze briefly wandered through the hall.

"Yeah...", you tried to smile but couldn't bring yourself to make it look sincere. "Exciting."

Concern lit up in his eyes.

"Are you alright?"

Quickly, you let the glass tube disappear in your pocket before turning to face him with another smile.

"I'm fine.", you kissed him. "Just nervous."

Chuckling he rubbed his forehead against yours.

"You're more nervous than me.", he joked. "If this continues I'll have a panic attack and chicken out."

Huffing, you closed your eyes.

"Come on. You're so close."

"Yeah..."

You glanced at him.

The expression on his face was a mix of worry and stage fright.

"What's wrong?", you asked in a soft voice. "Don't tell me you want to quit now."

His hands wrapped around yours to give them a gentle squeeze.

It felt like he tried to hold onto the world through you.

"It's not that I want to.", he let out a deep sigh. "You got me this far, I can't quit now."

You tilted your head.

"Then what is it?"

For a moment, his eyes avoided you.

"What if I won't make it?", he asked and looked down on himself.

Viktor wore his best clothes, a washed out white shirt, brown pants and leather shoes. A red vest wrapped around his chest.

To be completely honest, it was obvious that he didn't belong to the others.

They were all dressed to the nines, some in more formal suits than others or pretty dresses with high heels and shiny accessories.

You had never owned anything like this and neither had Viktor.

But that didn't matter.

Because you knew that Viktor was the brightest mind in the room.

You had checked out the competition and judging from the little knowledge you had, they were all mediocre skilled. None of them had any groundbreaking work to show off.

The academy offered tools and supplies for the competition so Viktor wouldn't have any disadvantages when it came to that.

He'd create something that would blow the jury off their feet.

"Viktor.", you kissed each of his beauty marks once and passionately. "Don't worry too much. You'll get new clothes."

"I'll make a joke of me."

"You won't. I promise. Just go out there and put your best work together.", you stole another kiss from his lips. "I love you. Never forget that. Ever. No matter what happens."

A soft smile conquered his lips. Yet he tilted his head and grabbed your face to make you look him in the eyes.

"That sounds like a goodbye.", he chuckled, but you could tell that there was a hint of real fear in his words.

Smiling, you shook your head.

"How could I?", you wrapped your arms around him. "Now that life is this close to getting good."

His smile pressed against your lips.

The crowd around fell silent.

Lights darkened.

Your gaze wandered down the stairs to the stage.

A row of people appeared, lead by a small creature dressed in an all blue uniform and gold.

Heimerdinger.

People starte to clap.

Excitement started to fill the room.

"Dear participants, visitors.", Heimerdinger's voice flooded the crowd. "I am most pleased to announce these years academy tournament for our next generation of students."

Next to you, you could hear Viktor suck in an audible breath.

You grabbed his hand to give it a reassuring squeeze.

"I believe in you.", you whispered into his ear.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Heimerdinger did a gesture to capture the entirety of the hall.

"Today we will witness the birth of new ideas and inventions.", he said. "All this before the eyes of the council members."

Viktor's head snapped to the side.

You followed his gaze up to a balcony.

A bunch of rich looking, grim faced people sat in a row, looking like they expected the world but didn't really want to be in this place.

As the people turned their heads to look up to them, they put on nice smiles and waved hello's to the crowd.

Heimerdinger nodded his head in greeting to his fellow council members and returned back to the people.

"Very well.", he cleared his throat. "I am also excited to share with you that this tournament will offer more possibilities to these years attendees. May I ask the lucky ones to join me and the jury?"

A sigh escaped Viktor's lips.

"Well, it's time.", he said and placed a kiss on your forehead. "Wish me luck."

"All the luck this universe has to offer.", you said and let him go.