Rey opened his eyes. He rose from the solid gray floor, bewildered as he found himself behind the bars of what appeared to be a cage. Rey started to bang on the bars of the cage with his fists, shouting, “Let me out! Someone! Anyone!”
As he continued to shout, no one listened to him. Instead, all he could hear were the sounds of cackles that were coming from every direction as he was shrouded in nothing but bitter darkness. As Rey stood up, he began to feel scared as the laughter continued. Then, he looked down at his hands, seeing they were beginning to go through a transformation.
“NO!” Rey shouted. Rey sat up from his bed, panting nonstop. He looked at his hands, seeing they were covered up by his fingerless gloves. “It was just a dream,” Rey said as he put his hand to his head. “Damn.”
Rey paused. He looked at his palms again. He slowly removed one of the gloves off, stunned to see the markings still there. He pulled the sleeve of his shirt, seeing the markings across his entire arm. He quickly removed the other glove, rolling up his sleeve to see the same situation on his other arm. What’s happening to me?! Rey shrieked internally.
***
“Do we have to come here?” Zayn asked Akira, rolling his eyes. Zayn and Akira were both standing before the door of Headmaster Devil’s office. And Zayn wasn’t in the mood to enter.
“It was your dad that called us here.”
“That too in the morning. I hate mornings.”
“Well, whatever it is, it’s probably urgent.”
“The only thing urgent for him is the need to have women lounge about in his office every hour.”
“Oh, relax. It’s not like they’re gonna bite.”
Akira opened the door of the office and surprisingly Headmaster Devil was alone at his desk. The sight alone was enough to amuse Zayn.
“What’s the matter, old man?” Zayn asked Headmaster Devil. “Something must be off if there’s no woman in sight.”
“Believe it or not, I actually do work around here,” Headmaster Devil said. “It’s a good thing you both are here.”
“So, what’s up?” Akira asked.
“I have a task for you two to do for me,” Headmaster Devil began. “I assume you both have heard of Rutham City?”
“Yeah. It’s that small city in the upper region of New Iris,” Zayn replied.
“Over there, there have been many reports coming in of some strange disappearances in the past few days. Based off what I’ve read into, there’s a possibility they’re related to dark beast activity. I want you two to go and investigate,” Headmaster Devil said.
“If there are dark beasts involved, wouldn’t it be more fitting for a hunter squad to look into it?” Zayn asked.
“That’s the thing. Prior to this, there’s never been any dark beast activity in Rutham, so no hunter squad has been stationed there. And Bastien from the society told me most squads are already on missions right now. So, he asked me if I could send my top students to handle the matter,” Headmaster Devil said. “It’s just a matter of asking around and finding out any details that could indicate whether or not a dark beast is involved.”
“Well, if it’s that simple, I guess we can go,” Akira replied.
“Good. You should leave as soon as possible,” Headmaster Devil said.
With that, Zayn and Akira went outside of the academy where Zayn got hold of his hover-bike. Once Zayn got on, Akira sat right behind him as he took off into the sky. “So, do you think your old man may be right about a dark beast being behind all this?” Akira asked Zayn.
“Personally, I think we might be wasting our time.”
“We’ll just have to see for ourselves.”
***
On the other hand, inside the academy, Rey was at one of the rooms in the health center, getting his medicines from the nurse. He sat in silence as the nurse handed him a pill and he popped it into his mouth, drinking water with it. “So, how are you feeling now?” the nurse asked Rey. “Any better than before?”
Rey turned to the nurse, figuring out what to say. “Well,” Rey started. “You see-“
“Hey, Rey!” Sana exclaimed as she entered the room along with Krystal.
“See! I told you he already got his medicine,” Krystal said.
“How are you feeling?” Sana asked Rey.
“I was just going to ask him that,” the nurse said.
“Oh…I’m fine,” Rey said.
“Thanks for giving him his medicine,” Sana told the nurse.
“No problem. He just needs to keep seeing me every morning and he should be restored to complete health in no time,” the nurse said.
Rey got up, heading out of the room without saying a word, surprising Sana. “What’s wrong with him?” Sana asked.
“Who knows?”
“I should go check on him.”
“Let him be, Sana! Besides, you need to help me pick out an outfit for the next circus show! Now come on!”
Krystal pulled Sana along with her while Sana turned, looking on as Rey left in the other direction.
***
Hours later, Zayn and Akira arrived in Rutham City. Zayn parked his hover-bike on the curb of a street and with that, they got off. The two of them looked around, with Akira noticing that the town had a very dreary feel to it. Hardly any citizens were around. The few people that were walking by were minding their own business, playing poker, or smoking cigarettes. Even though it wasn’t raining, Akira noted the grayish atmosphere surrounding her. Most of the storefronts looked dead inside, some with no lights to be seen. And there was a strange odor lurking around that wasn’t exactly appealing.
“Okay…not exactly the most pleasant town I’ve been to,” Akira said.
“I kinda like it.”
“You would. Any ideas where we should start investigating?”
Zayn turned as he heard sounds of saxophones, trumpets, and other instruments. He looked to the other side of the street along with Akira, seeing what appeared to be a club by the name of Infinity.
“There’s a good place to start!” Akira exclaimed. “Let’s go.”
Akira walked ahead towards Infinity while Zayn followed silently. The two of them went inside, seeing a small band playing before guests who were seated at tables, enjoying bubbling beer and fried pastries. Akira was snapping her fingers to the music while Zayn was looking around the area. He noted the very dim yellow lighting shrouded the club in a tranquil-like darkness. I feel like I know this place, Zayn thought.
Then, an old man dressed in a black tuxedo came towards Zayn and Akira. “Good day to you ma’am and sir. I’m Mr. Truesdale, owner of Infinity,” the man introduced himself. “May I seat you two to a table?”
“We’re fine,” Akira replied.
“We actually had some questions,” Zayn said.
“Any concerns regarding the establishment?” Mr. Truesdale asked.
“No,” Zayn replied. “Just some questions regarding what’s happening around the city.”
***
In the back area of the club, right at a booth in a small corner, Mr. Truesdale was seated with Zayn and Akira for questioning. Zayn filled him in on what matters they wanted to discuss.
“What can you tell us about the recent disappearances going on around this city?” Zayn asked Mr. Truesdale.
“So, that’s what this is about,” Mr. Truesdale said. “There’s nothing much for me to say honestly. I’m just as shocked about it as anyone else.”
“Has anyone close to you or even anyone from this club disappeared?” Akira asked.
“No,” Mr. Truesdale replied. “Well…there was a man…but it’s not related to what’s going on right now.”
“He must be significant enough that you brought him up. Tell us about him,” Akira said.
“The man I’m referring to is a former employee. He was a saxophone player with the band here. I tell you…he created magic with his fingers. Someone as talented as him would’ve made quite a name for himself,” Mr. Truesdale explained.
“Interesting. What’s his name?” Akira asked.
“His name was Solomon Savvy,” Mr. Truesdale replied.
Zayn was stunned as soon as he heard that name while Akira was intrigued. “Solomon Savvy?” Akira said.
“Cool name, isn’t it? It suited him well actually,” Mr. Truesdale continued. “He was the most talented musician that I ever had the pleasure of working with. He disappeared a while back, but it still feels like it happened only yesterday. I still don’t know what happened to him.”
Zayn kept silent. He could feel this tension in his chest. He clenched onto the arms of his chair like it was for dear life. Akira could see Zayn was troubled. She knew it was time for them to go.
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Truesdale,” Akira said.
With that, Zayn and Akira left and headed out of Infinity, going towards where Zayn’s hover-bike was parked. As Zayn was about to get on, Akira said, “So, what’s your deal?”
“Meaning?”
“I saw how you were back there. You were clearly upset about something. What happened?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Zayn, you really think I don’t know when something’s bothering you?”
“If that’s the case, then you know there are things about my life that I don’t need to discuss.”
“What are you getting at? Wait a minute…are you saying…I get it now. That guy, Solomon Savvy…he’s the one.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, well. At least we know this guy’s disappearance has nothing to do with all these other disappearances.”
“Your reaction is very calm. Why?”
“Because I know you, Zayn. What you did at that time doesn’t define you. You know that. I know that. Even your mom knows that.”
“I thought I put it behind me. Especially since no one got to know about it. But now…hearing his name again…it makes me sick.”
“So, you don’t think this guy has any connection to what’s going on?”
“It’s not possible.”
Suddenly, there was a scream that came from nearby. The sound startled both Zayn and Akira. The scream shook Zayn, rattling his mind as he was already disturbed enough.
“It came from down there! Come on!” Akira exclaimed as she ran down the street with Zayn following her.
***
On the other hand, during lunch, Sana, Krystal, Prince, and Heer were seated at a table in the school cafeteria as Sana waited for Rey to come.
“Okay, where the hell is he?” Krystal asked.
“I have no idea. Something’s been off about him lately,” Sana said.
“He probably just went to take a nap,” Prince said as he chewed on a candy cane.
“Didn’t you just have a candy cane this morning?!” Krystal exclaimed.
“I did. What of it?” Prince said.
“Does anyone know why Neil decided to leave for his hometown all of a sudden?” Sana asked.
“Who knows! Neil barely comes to class anyway,” Krystal said.
“Besides, that idiot just wanted some excuse to be alone,” Prince added. “He’s been acting so moody lately.”
“Excuse me,” a voice said.
The others turned around to see Aiden standing right before their table.
“Oh…Aiden. What are you doing here?” Sana asked.
“Oh, nothing. I just wanted to know if I could speak to Heer for a moment,” Aiden said.
“Sure. We don’t mind,” Sana said.
With that, Heer got up and headed out of the cafeteria with Aiden.
“Wonder what that’s all about,” Krystal said.
“So, have you two heard about the special mission Zayn and Akira are on?” Prince asked.
“Special mission?” Sana said, puzzled.
“Spill the details, Prince!” Krystal exclaimed.
“Headmaster Devil sent them to Rutham City. Apparently, there’s some disappearances going on that could be related to a dark beast,” Prince explained.
“And how do you know all this?” Krystal asked.
“It’s been spreading around all morning,” Prince replied as he finished his candy cane.
“How do people seem to know these things so early?” Sana asked.
“It’s Aster for crying out loud!” Krystal exclaimed. “That kid literally collects all the gossip around here.”
Outside of the cafeteria, Aiden and Heer stood alone beside the window in the hall. “How is Neil?” Heer asked Aiden.
“What?”
“Is he okay? He’s never left the academy before. He didn’t even tell me himself.”
“Knowing him, he probably just needed some time to cool off. I’m sure he’ll be back soon. But that’s not what I want to discuss.”
“What is it then?”
“Runa’s ready to see you. If you don’t mind, I can take you to her right now.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Okay. And you remember that you have to talk to her about training, right?”
“Yes. Do you think she’ll agree to it?”
“Well, if she trusts you as much as I think she does, then yes. Shall we?”
Heer nodded as she followed Aiden down the hallway. The two headed up the stairs to where the health center was. As they entered, a nurse escorted them to Runa’s room. In bed, Runa was sitting by herself. Heer looked at her, happy to see she was doing fine, but also noting that she still seemed so glum. After a moment, Runa noticed Heer standing before her.
“Heer!” Runa exclaimed in pure joy as she jumped out of bed and ran up to Heer, hugging her. Heer shed a tear that went down her face as she wrapped her arms around Runa. Aiden looked at the two, astonished to see how much Runa’s mood changed once Heer made an appearance. Heer bent down and looked at Runa, brushing her shiny black hair.
“Look at you. You’re so much happier than before,” Heer told Runa. “Are you feeling better?”
“I’m better.”
“That’s good to hear. Aiden here told me how eager you were to see me.”
“Yes. I don’t know anyone here.”
“Don’t worry about a thing. These people are here to help you. They’re not going to hurt you.”
“But…Madame Naga used to tell me…that no one wants to be near creatures like me.”
“That’s not true, Runa. You’re worthy of love just as much as anyone else. I’m here to give you that. We all here to give you that. I know it’s scary, but you don’t have to worry about anything. We’re going to help you.”
Runa took in Heer’s words. This warmth she felt was something she wasn’t used to. It felt so unfamiliar, yet Heer made it seem like something that was always meant to be there.
“Listen, I have something to ask you,” Heer said. “Your powers are actually incredible. But you clearly need help in controlling them. So, Aiden and I were thinking you could get some training here.”
Runa was quiet. She looked down at the floor, clenching onto her dress. The thought of using her powers at all scared her.
“I know that you feel your powers are destructive,” Aiden told Runa. “But if you just try, they can be used for good. Just because your powers are dark, doesn’t mean they are evil.”
“Exactly,” Heer agreed. “And don’t worry! I’ll be training with you. So, I’ll always be here if you need me. What do you say?”
After some pondering, Runa looked up at Heer and Aiden. Looking at them was the first time she ever saw any reassurance. And it was all for her. How could she say no? She simply nodded yes.
“Great,” Aiden said. “I’ll start making arrangements then.”
***
Back in Rutham City, Zayn and Akira continued to run down the streets as they searched for where the scream had come from. They turned, seeing a shiny light coming from an alley. As the two rushed towards it, they both stopped dead in their tracks. Zayn was stunned at what he saw. A young woman was cornered there, her body lying on the ground with her skin gray as a rainy sky and a trail of blood had stained the ground from the back of her head. Standing before her was a tall man, whose skin was of a tan color, that looked slightly wrinkled. He wore a black top hat, a red suit with black dress shoes, and he held a saxophone in his hands. What the hell?! Zayn thought. It can’t be.
“Oh, look who we have here! It’s been a long time, hasn’t it, Zayn?!” the man said in an old, cackling voice.
“How does he know you?” Akira asked Zayn.
The man slowly turned around and as his face was revealed, Zayn’s worst fears had come to life.
“Surprise!” the man exclaimed, raising his arms up. “Solomon Savvy is back in town!”
Copyright © 2021 Meryl T
All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.
The Ringmasters Society 