Back at Ringmasters Training Academy, Neil, Heer, and Aiden brought Rey and Sana back and they were taken into the health center for treatment and bedrest. By the time they had gotten back, everyone from students to faculty were in the middle of cleaning up after what was an excruciating battle. Neil and Heer caught up with Krystal, Prince, Zayn, and Akira to find out what they had missed.
“Wait! We missed a whole war?!” Neil exclaimed.
“I wouldn’t call it that. But it was close enough,” Prince said.
“So, where’s this chameleon lady at now?” Neil asked.
“Zayn’s mom had some members from the Ringmasters Society come and take her,” Krystal said.
“Damn! I didn’t get to see your mom in combat!” Neil exclaimed.
“Where is your mom, Zayn?” Heer asked.
“She went to get treated by the nurses for her wounds. She’s probably with my dad now,” Zayn said.
“I can’t believe you going to the dark side was all an act. You really are something else,” Akira told Neil.
“Hey! I’d never turn on you guys!” Neil exclaimed.
“I think she’s more surprised that you’d come up with a plan like that to begin with,” Krystal said.
“Okay, I may not be very smart, but I can think ahead when I want to!” Neil talked back.
“If you guys are done with the yapping, don’t you think we should go in and check on Sana and Rey?” Prince asked.
“We should. They might be awake by now,” Krystal said.
“Well, let’s go then,” Akira said.
As the group were heading off towards the inside of the academy, Heer began to wander off. Neil turned around for a moment, looked at Heer, and said, “Aren’t you coming, Heer?”
“You all go ahead. I’ll come later,” Heer replied. With that, Heer walked off while Neil looked on as the rest of the group kept walking. I really need to talk to her, Neil thought.
***
Inside the academy, right outside of Headmaster Devil’s office, Tatia and Headmaster Devil were having a chat. “So, do you plan to head back now?” Headmaster Devil asked.
“Yeah. I need to take care of Madame Naga and her comrades. Who knows what kind of punishment the society will give them? I still can’t believe Zayn and those kids got Fida out of her prison cell.”
“Kids can be a handful. You know that, right?”
“Yeah.”
“One other thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I haven’t done much as a father to Zayn. I know you’ve done everything to raise him along with balancing your work at the society. But I hope now…I can take more responsibility as a parent.”
“Devil, you’re aware of how much Zayn has been through in the past.”
“I am. And I understand completely. But that’s why I want to get to know my son better. Even though we’re not together anymore, I hope you’ll let me.”
“Despite your ways, I still sent him here for a reason. Because I’m aware of how you run this school and you do a good job at it. I’ll always have respect for you, Devil. Even though things didn’t work out between us.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
Before more could be said, Headmaster Devil noticed Ryan walking by. Seeing Headmaster Devil’s gaze occupied, Tatia turned to Ryan as well and said, “Ryan, how’s Sana doing?”
“She’s awake now. She’s a bit tired, but otherwise all right,” Ryan replied.
“And Rey?” Headmaster Devil asked.
“He’s okay as well,” Ryan said. “The nurses are actually treating them both for their injuries.”
“How bad are they?” Headmaster Devil asked.
“Mostly bruises here and there. Both had charred hands though,” Ryan said.
“Charred hands? How did that happen?” Tatia asked.
“Sana said they performed the Ring of Fire attack, and it must’ve exhausted them,” Ryan replied.
“I don’t know. Could exhaustion really cause charred hands? Have they done this attack before?” Tatia asked.
“They did once back when they were stuck in the library. But according to Aiden, it was mainly just exhaustion on Sana’s end and Rey appeared to be fine,” Headmaster Devil said.
“Well, maybe there were some details she left out. I can talk to her again after she feels better,” Ryan said.
“Yeah, do that. Devil, you may have to talk to them after they heal. Just to make sure that there’s nothing else to worry about,” Tatia said.
Before Headmaster Devil could respond, he saw Aiden walking by and said, “Aiden, you’re still up now?”
“When do I ever sleep around here?” Aiden said.
“Did you go visit Sana?” Ryan asked.
“I was going to, but Neil was heading there, and I didn’t want to bother him,” Aiden said.
“I see,” Ryan said. “Well, I’m pretty worn out. I think I should at least get some sleep before classes start in the morning.”
“Ryan, take rest. I don’t think we should even hold classes after today’s events,” Headmaster Devil said.
“That sounds like a good idea,” Tatia said.
“Great. I’ll be going then,” Ryan said.
“Take care of yourself, Ryan,” Tatia said. “I hope to hear from you soon.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Ryan said as he made his way out.
“You two have been getting acquainted again?” Headmaster Devil asked.
“Well, we were good friends back then, Devil,” Tatia said.
“Not to interrupt anything, but should I have anything prepared for after we open the school again?” Aiden asked Headmaster Devil.
“Aiden, I’ve been thinking lately…maybe it’s time you started taking things lightly around here,” Headmaster Devil said.
“What do you mean?” Aiden asked.
“I brought you here to be a mentor to the students here. And you’ve done just that and more,” Headmaster Devil said. “But I have to remind myself that you’re still only fifteen years old. And yet, you’ve been doing more around here than any kid your age could.”
“That’s how it’s always been,” Aiden said.
“That may be true. But I think you need to lay off on the duties of an adult. Your young years are precious, and you shouldn’t take those for granted,” Headmaster Devil said.
Take my young years for granted? Aiden thought. Aiden couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled over this idea, but the more he began to process it, the more it made sense to him.
“Devil is right. You’re talented beyond your years from what I’ve heard. But don’t forget you’re still a kid. It’s okay to acknowledge that,” Tatia said.
“I don’t know what to say,” Aiden said. “Does this mean you don’t need me around here anymore?”
“You can still be a mentor here. But any teaching or paperwork tasks won’t be needed. If anything, these kids need to see you as one of them, not an elder,” Headmaster Devil said.
“Also, you’ve trained under Shuto before. He’s interested in letting you intern at the council. That’ll help keep you busy if you’re interested,” Tatia added.
Interning for Shuto? Aiden thought. Like I haven’t pissed Neil off enough.
“I’ll have to think about that,” Aiden said.
“Take your time. The offer isn’t going anywhere,” Tatia said.
“Now go get some sleep. You deserve it,” Headmaster Devil said.
Aiden nodded and turned around to leave. As he walked down the hall and made a right, he stopped for a moment. He sensed a light feeling in his chest and placed his hand right against it. He wasn’t used to such feelings, but he carried on, recognizing he needed some rest before thinking about anything else.
***
At the health center, Krystal, Prince, Neil, Zayn, and Akira were at the front desk where they were directed to go visit Rey’s room. They were told that Sana was getting her hands bandaged up. Once they arrived at his room, Rey was sitting upright in his bed. His hands were bandaged along with his chest and forehead. Upon seeing the others come in, he beamed with joy and said, “Hey! Good to see you guys!”
“Look at you. You sure are glowing for someone who’s all beat up,” Krystal said.
“How are you feeling?” Neil asked.
“Not too shabby. In fact, if I needed to, I could put up a fight right now!” Rey exclaimed.
“Don’t get too excited,” Akira said. “From what I heard, you and Sana had quite a battle back there.”
“We did, but I mean, I’m feeling pretty okay. In fact, compared to last time, I’m better than okay,” Rey said.
“Wow. He’s not even tired,” Prince said. “We hardly got a scratch and I’m beat.”
“Still, I’d take it easy if I were you, Rey,” Zayn said.
“By the way, what’s up with your hair?” Krystal asked.
Krystal noticed that Rey’s hair was slightly longer than before. His usual scraggly hair that would sit right at the shoulders was now at least an inch or two beyond them. Rey himself didn’t even pay attention to his hair, but he was still curious as to what Krystal was getting at.
“Do I look different?” Rey asked.
“It just looks a little longer than before. Have you been growing it out and I just haven’t noticed?” Krystal said.
“What is the big deal if he grew out his hair? Its hair, Krystal,” Prince said, rolling his eyes.
“All I’m saying is that I don’t recall your hair being this long last time I saw you,” Krystal said.
“Well, I really don’t know. Honestly, I could care less about my hair or how patched up my body looks,” Rey said. “I’m just glad to be alive.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Sana said as she entered the room. As the others turned to Sana, Rey was surprised to see her up and out of bed. She wasn’t as bandaged up as he was, with only her hands and neck covered.
“Sana, we were just about to visit you,” Akira said. “How are you feeling?”
“A little sore here and there. But otherwise, I’m fine,” Sana said. “How about you guys?”
“We’re just tired honestly. In fact, we really should go back to our dorms and rest,” Krystal said.
“I second that. Do you two need anything before we go?” Zayn asked.
“No, I think we’re fine,” Sana said. “Where’s Heer by the way?”
“She was feeling a little tired, so she decided to head out. I’m actually gonna see if I can find her,” Neil said.
“Okay. Tell her I said hi,” Sana said.
“Sure thing,” Neil replied.
“Well, we should be going then. We’ll see you guys later,” Zayn said.
With that, Krystal, Prince, Neil, Zayn, and Akira left the room and headed down the hall, exiting the health center. While Krystal, Prince, Zayn, and Akira headed towards the stairs to exit the building, Neil made his way upstairs, knowing just where Heer would be right now.
Back in Rey’s room at the health center, Sana stood by the door, looking down at the floor. Rey noticed her looking somber. He thought she’d be much happier considering they had beaten Madame Naga this time. He said, “Hey. What’s up with you?”
Sana looked at Rey, startled. She realized she was probably looking glum to him. She simply said, “Oh, it’s nothing.”
“Come on. You’d think I’d buy that? Something’s on your mind.”
“Well, I’m probably just a little shaken. So much has happened already. It’s almost too much to take in. I still don’t even know what happened back there.”
“You mean…that dark fire?”
“I know that that guy…the other you…gave us that power. But I don’t know what that means for the future. What happens to us as a team now? I can feel there’s so much power within us. But it’s too much for even us to control. I don’t even know…what will happen next time we try equilibrium or any other attack that we learn in the future.”
Rey sighed. He knew where Sana was coming from. And he also knew that he was concerned about the future as well. But all he really cared about was that Sana was safe and he was okay.
“Listen, all this talk from you about the future is just annoying,” Rey said. “Look, I’m not gonna tell you to not worry since that never works. But I’ll say one thing. You don’t have to think about the future on your own. Yes, things are gonna be different now. But whatever happens, we’ll figure it out together. That’s why we became partners in the first place, right?”
Sana took in every word Rey said and tried to collect herself before she could say anything. Before the battle against Madame Naga, things seemed much easier. But she knew Rey was right on one thing. She could dwell on the future forever, but it wouldn’t get her anywhere without Rey by her side. She didn’t want Rey to get hurt again or suffer in silence like he did.
“Do you remember what you said to me when I asked you to become my partner at the end of freshman year?” Sana asked. “You said if we were to do this, we’d have to stick together through everything. Even through the most painful of times. Guess I kinda forgot about that, huh?”
“Well, you weren’t the only one.”
“Then I guess there is only one thing to do. Moving forward, we need to remember the pact. Things are probably gonna be different for us. Probably even for the others. But like you said, we have to do it together.”
“So, what’s the plan then?”
“Honestly. For now, we should probably get these wounds healed. I can’t even think about training when I can barely feel my hands.”
“I still don’t get how you injured your whole neck.”
“It was a long and bad fall back there.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m the one who broke it.”
Sana and Rey laughed at each other, finding comfort in just being in each other’s company. As unsure as Sana was about what was to come, she knew all that mattered now was that she and Rey were safe. As for Rey, he just felt good in being happy again.
***
On the terrace of the academy, Heer sat by herself, holding onto her knees as she took in the glimpse of the glistening moon. She could feel the wind caress her hair as she basked in the moon’s bright light. The light itself was white with a slight hint of yellow. After all that had happened, something as simple as looking at the moon kept her mind at peace. She did wonder about Runa and what the Ringmasters Society was planning to do with her. She was hopeful that Runa wasn’t scared and that she was feeling safe there at least. Runa…you’re going to be okay, Heer thought.
“Sana said hi,” a voice said from behind. Heer turned around, recognizing Neil’s voice immediately. He walked over to where she was sitting and seated himself right beside her. Heer kept quiet, taking another glance at the moon. She said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t down there. I just needed to be alone for some time.”
“I get it. You don’t have to explain yourself.”
“What brings you here?”
“I need to tell you…that I’m sorry.”
Heer was taken aback. She had never seen Neil in such a somber mood before. She turned to him, seeing he was looking at her straight into her eyes, being as honest as he could be. She didn’t even think he had anything to apologize for. It wasn’t like he actually betrayed her and the others.
“Heer, I haven’t been very fair to you lately. Hell, I’ve been such a pain in the ass honestly. I don’t know how you put up with me.”
“What are you talking about? I know you didn’t betray us. And I know you never would.”
“That’s the thing. I actually thought about it.”
Heer was stunned. As reckless as Neil was, Heer never thought he’d be capable of being so selfish. She didn’t say a word. She looked down at the ground, unsure if she could even say anything.
“When Madame Naga put the offer on the table, I actually thought about what would happen if I did take it. I could get this power and strength that she was talking about. I could finally feel like I’m worth something,” Neil said. “But then I thought about you. I knew…you wouldn’t be able to take that kind of pain. And Rey is my friend. After everything Madame Naga had put him through, I’d be no better if I just let her take advantage of him like that. And the others. The more I kept thinking about it, the more I realized how lost I really am. I don’t want to be lost anymore.”
“Neil…”
“I’m sorry, Heer. You’re not weak. You’re far from it. And I should’ve never made you feel that way.”
“Neil, I know things are tense between you and Aiden. I don’t know why, but I understand why becoming stronger means so much to you.”
“Look, I don’t hate him. It may seem that way, but I know I don’t. I just can’t stand how perfect he is. There’s a lot to it that even I can’t fully understand or explain right now. But maybe, we can somehow regroup.”
“And work on getting stronger together.”
Heer said exactly what was on Neil’s mind. As much as he wanted to get stronger, he knew he couldn’t just do it alone. As Heer’s partner, he knew he had a duty in upholding not only their partnership, but also their friendship. He simply nodded at Heer and said, “So, are you worried about Runa?”
“Yeah. I know Haruka said not to worry. But still…I can’t help it.”
“I’ve known her since I was a kid. When Haruka says not to worry, she usually means it.”
“Well, that’s a relief, I guess. What do you think will happen to Fida?”
“Not sure. I don’t even know what to think of her. I mean, she did almost kill that Stallion guy. But she did help us. A lot more than I expected.”
“Yeah. I’m starting to see that not everything is as black and white as we make it out to be.”
Neil looked at the moon. Normally, it would just look shiny white to him if he ever got a glimpse of it. But this time around, he could see a yellowish light was surrounding it. He realized Heer could be right. Things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem to be. There was so much he felt like he didn’t understand. But he was willing to try. For now, he just wanted to enjoy the vision that was the moon while it lasted.
***
Outside the tower of the Ringmasters Society, Fida was standing outside while Madame Naga, Droh, and Runa were taken into custody by the members of the council. She was put on watch by two guards, who stood by her to make sure she didn’t make any sudden moves. Her hands were still handcuffed, so it’s not like she could do anything if she wanted to. As she stood there without a care in the world, she became attentive the minute she saw the guards get taken out by two blasts of dark energy particles. Fida looked down at the guards, who had been knocked out so easily. She was almost shocked, but she found herself amused that they could be taken out just like that. A voice said, “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Fida looked up, alarmed at the familiarity of the voice. All she could see were two shadowy figures in the distance. As they began to walk closer, she understood who they really were.
“Well…never thought I’d see you all again,” Fida said. “I should’ve known it was you. You guys always had the knack for full-frontal assaults.”
“We didn’t come here to reminisce,” one of the shadowy figures said.
“Then what do you want?”
“We need you to come back to where you belong.”
Fida watched as one of the shadowy figures directed a dark energy bolt towards her handcuffs, slicing them to pieces. The other one tossed a jacket in her direction. She caught it and one look at it was enough for her to recognize just exactly what kind of jacket it was. She looked up at the shadowy figures, realizing she was getting back what she thought she had lost. But she wasn’t sure how to feel about it. She knew she should be elated, but for some reason she wasn’t completely. Before she could do anything, she was startled by the sound of someone’s feet landing on the ground beside her. She looked to her right to see it was none other than Lady Chameleon.
“You?” Fida said. “I thought you were arrested and beaten to a pulp?”
“I don’t need to tell you anything, Fida,” Lady Chameleon said, holding onto her shoulder that was now bandaged up. “Can we get out of here now? Who knows when these idiots will get wind of what we’re doing?”
The shadowy figures nodded, and Lady Chameleon went off towards them while Fida stood by. Things were taking a turn so fast that she didn’t know how to react. It seemed like the choice was clear as to what she should do. She looked at the jacket again and then back at the guards that were now down on the ground. Those simple dark energy attacks left both guards wounded to the point of bleeding.
“Are you coming or not?” Lady Chameleon asked. “We don’t have all day. Or would you rather get arrested and thrown in the gutter there?”
Fida became irritated with the questioning. It was as if she was questioned for everything. She held tightly onto the jacket as she walked with Lady Chameleon and the others, not turning back as they all headed off. One of the shadowy figures dropped particles of dark energy to the ground and they moved in circular motion around the group, allowing them to disappear into the night as the moon began to fall.
Copyright © 2021 Meryl T
All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.
The Ringmasters Society 