Maya grabbed Ace’s hand and dragged him deeper into the dance crowd as the loud music and chatter filled the air around them. Ace lost himself in the music, drowning out everything, but him and Maya. He watched as she twirled and twirled, her smile shining like the sun.
It wasn't often that Ace had this feeling of happiness. Normally, he only concerned himself with evading boredom, but where Maya was concerned, he found himself wanting more. These feelings made him feel uncomfortable and Ace typically avoided them, but tonight he gave into them, relishing in his time with her. After all, the Agon was tomorrow, and death was always a possible outcome.
Stayin alive by the Bee Gees came on and Ace almost laughed out loud. The song choice was pretty ironic considering that tomorrow, that is exactly what they would be trying to do. When the song reached the chorus, Ace heard Maya call out to him. The panicked edge to her voice startled him and the next thing he knew, she was collapsing to the floor. Instinctively, Ace tried to catch her, but even with his fast reflexes, he only managed to keep her from slamming to the ground. Ace cursed himself for not being fast enough because even though he has lessened her fall, she would probably still be sore from the impact.
Ace didn’t have much time to be confused about her condition because within seconds, she was conscious again, kneeling on the ground, and begging for air. Ace had just opened his mouth to speak to her, when Joaquin came over. At first Ace was pissed that Joaquin had intruded, but he clenched his jaw and kept his mouth shut when he realized that brain boy was only here to help.
Joaquin placed Maya’s left arm over his shoulder and asked Ace for help. Ace only paused for a moment before following suit and placing Maya’s other arm over his shoulder. Honestly, he could have carried her by himself, but he decided to play nice since Maya was obviously in a fragile state.
Ace rolled his eyes as Joaquin spoke words of reassurance to Maya. That’s supposed to be my job, he thought. Ace realized he wasn’t exactly the most comforting person, but still. The two of them got Maya settled to a spot on the grass and Joaquin offered her water. Ace was still confused as to what had happened until Joaquin asked Maya, “What was it?”
She had a vision. Of course that's what happened, it was one of the gifts she received from her father. Ace felt dumb for not figuring that out sooner and mad that Joaquin knew it right away. Feeling slightly jealous, Ace sat his hand on top of Maya’s, offering her comfort. He may not be as smart as Joaquin, but Maya was one of his closest friends and he knew how to make her feel better. At least, he thought he did.