16. The Need to Get Stronger

At the Devil’s Lair of Ringmasters Training Academy, Headmaster Devil was at his desk, going through some files when Aiden had entered the office.   

   “Interesting. For once, there’s no sign of a woman here,” Aiden said.

   “Very funny. What do you want?”

   “The new professor for Power Coordination is supposed to be coming in soon. Should I continue to cover for the class till then?”

   “I’m aware. And you’re the best replacement we have right now. So, I trust you’ll keep the students on track till he comes in. Anything else?”

   “One more thing. The nurse said that Runa has been doing a lot better. What should we do with her now?”

   “I have been thinking about that. The child is very powerful. But she lacks control over her powers. And I don’t think it’s right if we let such potential go to waste.”

  “What are you proposing then?”

  “I think we should keep her here for special training. Under the right guidance, she could learn to control her powers. You can work with her and if everything goes well, I can have her admitted into the nearest preparatory school where she can be among other students of her age.”

  “You sure about this?”

  “Why not? After all, she is just a child. If it wasn’t for Heer, Runa would still be under Madame Naga’s control. With that thought in mind, I want you to get Heer to visit Runa.”

   “I don’t think I even have to ask her. She’s been very concerned about Runa from what I’ve heard.”

   “You still need to talk to her. Ask her how she feels about Runa getting some training here. If she agrees, Runa will be more likely to undergo it with Heer’s approval.”

   “As you wish. There’s one more thing I wanted to bring up. Rey appears to be doing better now. He will be discharged from the intensive care unit soon. But still…the scar from Madame Naga’s bite remains. I know the doctors were able to control the spread of the venom in his body, but I still fear for him.”

   “And why is that?”

   “Why would Madame Naga leave that bite, knowing the possibility of the venom’s spread being controlled? Something else is up. And since that scar remains on his neck, it could still pose as a danger to him.”

   “Yes. Make a note of this. Inform Sana to make sure Rey sees the nurse periodically in the mornings for further medication. He’ll need it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to have him under control before anything goes wrong.”

***

   Down in the halls, Sana was making her way towards the intensive care unit as students were walking off to their classes. She opened the door of the room, seeing Rey was sitting up in bed. As she came by, she looked aside, seeing an empty plate that was sitting upon a table with a pile of crumbs left behind. “You look much better now. And you even ate. That’s good,” Sana said. “Did you take your medicine yet?”

   “No, the nurse left for a bit, so I have to wait. I don’t even want to take it. It tastes weird.”

   “Oh, come on now. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

   Sana turned to the side and was startled as she noticed that right next to the finished plate of breakfast was a glass of orange juice that was untouched. She rolled her eyes and said, “Looks like you didn’t drink the orange juice. How typical.”

   Rey turned away, frustrated, and said, “It’s not my fault the nurse left that crap for me to drink. “

   Sana turned to Rey, grabbing the glass of orange juice. She shouted, “If the nurse gave it to you, then that means you have to drink it!”

   “Would you get that crap away from me?! I hate it!”

   “You’re such an idiot. Orange juice is good for you. It’s vitamin C for crying out loud.”

   “I’ll take vitamin A, B, or even Z, but I won’t take C if it’s in that!”

   “Now you’re just acting like a child! You need some enriching fluids with your medicine. Now drink it!”

   “Enriching fluids?! Those aren’t even real oranges!”

   “Okay, it’s one thing to be petty. But making false arguments? I have no clue how you got into this school with such a miniscule brain.”

   “What’d you say?!”

   “You heard me.”

   “I’ll have you know that I’m pretty smart.”

   “Sure. That was evident from how you landed flat on your face when battling Zayn and Akira yesterday.”

   “Insulting me even more now? Well, now you’ve persuaded me even more not to drink that stuff. So, there you have it! I’m not drinking it!”

   “Fine then,” Sana said.

   She took the tablet, which was Rey’s medicine. And then, she swiftly grabbed hold of Rey by his shoulder, popping the tablet into his mouth and stuffing the orange juice down his throat. She let go, leaving Rey in quite a daze.

   “There. That does it,” Sana said.

   “AAHHH!” Rey screamed to the top of his lungs as he immediately jumped out of bed. He started taking the remaining crumbs of his breakfast and eating them in hopes that the taste would go away.

   “Geez, you’re so dramatic.”

   “Dramatic?! You know I hate orange juice! And you dare to chug it down my throat like that?!”

   “Oh, just grow up already.”

***

   At Energy Enhancement class, students had arrived as they waited for Professor Luna to enter the classroom. As Sana and Rey came in, Krystal and Prince went up to greet the two. Prince high-fived Rey and said, “Nice to see you back in shape.”

   “Hey, man! I’ve always been in shape!” Rey exclaimed.

   “Aww. At least your attitude hasn’t changed,” Krystal said.

   “And why should it? Just because I took a beating, doesn’t mean I should mope around forever,” Rey said.

   “Correction. You got two beatings,” Krystal said.

   “The second one doesn’t count!” Rey said.

   Sana looked over at Neil and Heer, who were sitting in their seats. The two of them were unusually quiet. They usually chatted for a bit before class would start. But they weren’t even looking at each other.

   “What’s with those two?” Sana asked.

   “Who? Neil and Heer?” Krystal asked.

   “Yeah. Look at them. They look so distant from each other,” Sana said.

   “That’s weird. They’re probably just tired,” Rey said as he sat down in his seat.

   “Or there could be tension since yesterday’s little fiasco,” Prince said.

   “Did Neil say anything to you?” Krystal asked Prince.

   “No. He’s been pretty quiet since yesterday. You know something’s off when he’s not running his mouth,” Prince said.

   “All right, class. I want everyone seated,” Professor Luna said as she entered the classroom.

   The students all sat down while Professor Luna placed her belongings on her desk. At that time, Zayn and Akira entered the classroom. “Oh, you two have arrived. Had any trouble coming here?” Professor Luna asked Zayn and Akira.

   “Wow. She’s so nice with them,” Rey said.

   “It’s Headmaster Devil’s son. She would be,” Sana replied.

   “Wait! What?!” Rey exclaimed.

   “Long story. We’ll tell you later,” Krystal told Rey from behind.

   “We’re fine. We just got lost for a bit,” Zayn replied.

   “It is a big school. Anyway, you both can sit in those empty seats beside Krystal and Prince,” Professor Luna said.

   As Zayn and Akira headed over to their seats, Krystal noticed all the students couldn’t help but stare at them. It was as if celebrities had walked in. Zayn took the seat right next to Krystal while Akira sat in the other seat beside him. Krystal looked at him, wondering if he’d say anything. The two were pleasant to be around when she gave them a school tour the other day. But she didn’t know if that was enough to be acknowledged as a friend. It didn’t take long for Zayn to look at Krystal.

   “Thanks again for yesterday’s tour,” Zayn told Krystal.

   “Oh, yeah. No problem,” Krystal said.

   “Okay, let’s get started,” Professor Luna said. “Now class, I’m sure you all remember our focus on the equilibrium. Today, our focus is going to be on how one obtains the equilibrium.”

   “Prince and I were able to use it ourselves!” Krystal exclaimed.

   “Is that so?” Professor Luna asked. “Well, that’s great. Glad to see some students have already learned to use it. I still think it’ll be useful for you all to understand the foundation of the equilibrium technique.”

   Sana looked down at her notebook. It seemed like it had been a while since the time she and Rey used the equilibrium against that dark beast in the library. Even though they were able to execute it, it wasn’t perfect considering how much exhaustion it had caused her. And that seemed to bother her. She wondered if she wasn’t as strong as she thought. Krystal told her about how she was able to execute the equilibrium with Prince and how even Neil and Heer were able to do it as well. There was something wrong and she feared it was her own strength.

   “Let’s have a demonstration of a basic exercise to practice the technique,” Professor Luna said. “Neil and Heer! You two come here for the demonstration.”

   Neil and Heer looked up at Professor Luna, startled. Heer looked over at Neil, who was still looking rather distant, almost as if he didn’t want to be in the room. As Heer began to get up, Neil got up and said, “Sorry. But today’s not a good day.”

   “What?!” Professor Luna questioned Neil.

   “I’m saying no. Go ahead and fail me for today. I’m leaving right now,” Neil said as he then stood up from his seat.

   This surprised Heer. Neil was always one to take on an opportunity when it was presented to him. Neil grabbed his backpack and headed out the classroom, not even turning back once.

   “Good grief. Never mind the exercise then. Let’s take some notes first,” Professor Luna said as she turned towards the board and began writing.

   “What’s with him?” Krystal asked. “Why’s he being such a jerk?”

   “He’s clearly not taking what happened yesterday very well,” Prince said.

   “So, he’s upset because of us?” Akira asked.

   “Nah. He’s just being moody,” Krystal said.

   Heer sat back down in her seat. Rey looked at her, seeing she was hurting. He wondered whether Neil was upset about the battle with Zayn and Akira or if something else was going on. 

   Neil walked down in the hall by himself, pondering. I don’t know what Heer thinks of me, Neil thought. I know she tries her best as my partner. But I want to get stronger. And I don’t know if we can do that together.

***

   Later, during lunch time, Sana, Rey, Prince, and Heer were all seated at their usual table in the cafeteria. As they waited for Krystal, the group began eating their meals. It didn’t take long for Rey to realize that Neil wasn’t coming. When it came to lunch, he was always there around the same time as the whole gang was.

   “Heer, is Neil not coming to lunch?” Rey asked.

   “Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since he left class this morning,” Heer said.

   “He texted me. He said he was heading back to his dorm,” Prince said.

   “Man, what’s his problem?! And why’d he only text you?!” Rey exclaimed.

   “Whatever he’s upset about, it might be best to just give him some space for now,” Sana said.

   Heer looked down at the floor. She couldn’t help but feel sad that Neil was acting the way he was. She wondered if she did something wrong by arguing with him the other day.

   “I’m so mad right now!” Krystal exclaimed as she arrived at the table with her lunch tray.

   “Now what is it?” Prince asked.

   “Once again, my idea for the next circus show got declined,” Krystal said. “I swear, this school must have some kind of agenda against me.”

   “Or maybe people have better ideas than you,” Prince said.

   “What the hell, Prince?! You’re supposed to be supportive!” Krystal exclaimed. “Heer, please tell me you don’t agree with him!”

   “Well, to be fair, I’m not sure how disco would work in a circus show,” Heer said.

   “Disco? Ha! Now that’s just comical,” Rey said.

   “What is the theme this time around?” Sana asked.

   “They picked Aster’s idea again. He’s going with a fairy tale theme,” Heer replied.

   “This school has no respect for my creative vision,” Krystal said.

   “Well, Rey, you’ll have to sit this show out,” Sana said.

   “And why would I do that?” Rey asked.

   “You’re not ready for any strenuous performance work yet. You need to take it easy till your wound heals,” Sana replied.

   Before Rey could answer, he turned to see Zayn and Akira walking by. “Hey! Come sit with us!” Rey called out to the two. Zayn and Akira went ahead and sat down with the others at their table.

   “So, what do you think of our school?” Krystal asked Zayn and Akira.

   “It’s okay so far,” Zayn replied. “Can’t say much just yet.”

   “I honestly like it here,” Akira said. “And I saw the flier for that upcoming circus show. I’ll definitely want to participate in that.”

   “You should. The shows here are a lot of fun,” Heer said.

   “Where were you guys at before coming to RTA?” Rey asked.

   “We went to a preparatory school in Arsen Town, Miliana,” Akira said.

   “Oh, you guys are from Miliana? They have the best beaches in the country,” Krystal said.

   “Well, I’m the one who’s from Miliana,” Zayn said.

   Oh, right. I forgot that Aiden mentioned Akira isn’t from Earth, Krystal thought.

   “Akira, what’s the name of the place you’re from in Euphoceus?” Heer asked.

   “It’s called Elysian City. I was born and brought up there, but I left when I was about thirteen years old,” Akira said.

   “Why did you leave? And how did you even travel to Earth?” Sana asked.

   “People from Euphoceus have the ability to activate portals that go to and from our world,” Akira answered. “As for why I left, it’s really not worth talking about. To be honest, I haven’t even gone back since I left.”

    Hasn’t gone back since she left? That’s strange, Sana thought. Does she not have any family back home? Otherwise, why leave and not go back once in all those years?

   As curious as Sana was about Akira, she felt it was best to leave the subject of her past alone. She didn’t even know her. So, it wasn’t like she had the right to know more about her reasons for leaving her world.

   “So, Rey, how’s that injury of yours?” Akira asked.

   “Oh, yeah. It’s fine. I mean, the wound itself still has to heal, but it’s fine,” Rey said.

   “You sure about that? Seems pretty serious if you ended up in the ICU,” Zayn said.

   “When you put it like that, you realize how stupid he is for even challenging you guys,” Krystal said.

   “Hey, I just wanted to have some fun!” Rey exclaimed.

    Hearing all the talk about Rey’s wound worried Sana again. It was hard not to worry. But it was even harder not to blame herself for what happened. The more she pondered over it, the more she could feel her anxiety eat her up. She stood up from her chair. She looked up, seeing everyone at the table look back at her.

   “I’m going to leave now. I have some stuff to take care of before our next class,” Sana said.

   “Stuff? It’s lunch time, Sana,” Krystal said.

   Sana didn’t say a word. She simply took off, not even looking back at the others. She normally wouldn’t just leave like that. But she just felt like she couldn’t handle being with the others now.

   “First Neil, now Sana,” Krystal said. “Why’s everyone being so moody today?”

   “Sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought up Rey’s wound,” Akira said.

   “It’s okay. Honestly, it seems there’s been a lot on her mind lately,” Prince said.

    Rey sighed. He could now feel what Heer was feeling. Sure, Sana wasn’t angry. But he could tell she was taking everything that happened in the fight with Madame Naga to heart. Even reassuring her the other day wasn’t enough. And now, he didn’t know what to do.

***

   After Sana left the cafeteria, she headed down the halls of the first floor till she reached Aiden’s office. She opened the door, seeing Aiden was inside, analyzing some documents. He looked up, surprised to see Sana.

   “Sana…what are you doing here?” Aiden asked. “And have you ever thought of knocking at least?”

   “I’m sorry.”

   “No worries. I had to speak to you anyway. Headmaster Devil wanted me to let you know to make sure Rey gets his medication from the nurse every day.”

   “I will. But I actually have a question for you.”

   “What is it?”

   “I was wondering…can Rey and I take some extra lessons with you?”

   “Extra lessons? For what?”

   “It’s hard to explain. The point of the matter is…I need to get stronger. And I need your help.”

   “What do you mean? You’re already a strong student. You can’t actually be doubting yourself, right?”

   “Look, Mr. Galloway-“

   “Aiden. I’m kinda getting tired of the formalities around here. After all, I’m literally the same age as you.”

   “Fine then…Aiden…all I can say…is that the strength that I have now is not enough.”

   Sana found herself struggling to speak further. She knew what she wanted to say. But it was as if all her emotions were choking her. She struggled to maintain her composure as her eyes began to water. Aiden could see this. He could see something was eating at her. And he had an idea what it might be.

   “Sana, it’s okay. I’ll arrange for something and let you know by tomorrow,” Aiden said.

   Sana relaxed for a bit. She took a deep breath.

   With that, Sana left Aiden’s office. He put his documents to the side, knowing something wasn’t right about Sana.

***

   Later in the day, Aiden was finishing up lessons with his last class. After passing out homework assignments to all the students, the bell finally rang.

   “Okay, guys. Make sure you all complete your homework tonight. And study it very well because we might have a quiz tomorrow,” Aiden said.

   The students got up from their seats, heading out of the classroom while Aiden cleaned the chalkboard. As he was cleaning, he couldn’t help but think about how Sana was when she came to his office earlier. He may not have known her for a very long time. But he could tell she was far from her usual self. It was clear that the Madame Naga incident had really shaken her up, but he wasn’t entirely sure why she was so adamant on training so soon.

   Before he could ponder any further, he looked to his side to see Heer was standing right outside the classroom. She looked like she wanted to see him.

   “Heer, are you okay?” Aiden asked. “Why don’t you come in?”

   Heer took a deep breath as she entered the classroom and said, “Can I talk to you about something?”

   “Sure. Actually, I had to talk to you as well.”

   “Oh…you go first.”

   “Have you gone to see Runa yet?”

   “No. How is she?”

   “She’s doing pretty well. She’s pretty stable now.”

   “That’s a relief. I’ve been really worried about her.”

   “I had a feeling you would be.”

   “Why? Because all I’m capable of is worrying.”

   “Now why would you talk like that?”

   “Because that’s how people feel about me. All I can do for others is worry.”

   “You underestimate yourself, Heer. You actually proved to be stronger than anyone I’ve known.”

   “How? My strength is nothing compared to Rey, or even Prince.”

   “While Rey and Prince are powerful, there is something to be said about what you did that day. You saved Runa despite her being a dark beast. Now that is something that requires a different type of strength. It’s called compassion.”

   Heer looked back down on the floor. She didn’t know what to say. It was the first time she felt as if she was acknowledged on such a huge scale.

   Aiden cleared his throat and said, “Anyways, I actually wanted to talk to you about Runa.”

   “Right. Go on.”

   “Do you wish to visit her?”

   “Of course. As soon as possible.”

   “You can see her soon. See, Devil and I have been talking about what to do about her now that she’s out of Madame Naga’s control. She’s demonstrated great power. But she obviously lacks complete control over it. Which is why we thought it would be a good idea to give her some training to help her control her powers. It may be unorthodox training a dark beast, but like you’ve seen, Runa isn’t like most of them. This could also allow her to feel more comfortable in new surroundings and around others. What do you think?”

   Heer took a moment to take in everything Aiden had told her. She sighed for a second and said, “It’s funny that you ask that. I was going to ask you something on the same lines. But for myself.”

   “What?”

   “Yes. I want to get stronger. Which is why I wanted to ask you to train me. I really need this.”

   “Does this have to do with Neil?”

   “I know Neil believes I’m not as strong as I should be. But if I have the right training, I can get stronger and be a better partner to him.”

   “Heer.”

   “Please don’t worry about my feelings. Just tell me whether you can train me or not.”

   Aiden stood in deep thought for a little

bit. He wanted to help Heer, but it was going to be a tough task to manage with all the other duties he had on his plate. Especially since Sana had already asked him for training as well. But after some time, he said, “I think I know how to work this out.”

   “What is it?”

   “You and Runa can train together. It makes perfect sense. Runa already trusts you very well. If you train with her, she’ll be much more comfortable. How does that sound?”

   “That’s actually a good idea. When do we start?”

   “As soon as you see Runa.”

Copyright © 2021 Meryl T

All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.