Aiyamar
After we were debriefed (I can’t say that without laughing, even considering our circumstances), Kelsey signaled for me, Kelta, Eyrad, Llare, Ya’asa, and Lorik to follow her.
She led us to one of the few hallways not crowded with rescuees from the battle. We saluted her, as is customary, and she returned the gesture formally. I just knew that she was going to tell us something really bad.
“First, you’re all going to be screened.” I didn’t like the way she’d say that. I’ve never been screened (as far as I can remember), but I’ve heard that it hurts a lot.
One by one, we lined up. Lorik was first. He, of course, wouldn’t be afraid of the screening; he could pretty much make sure that Kelsey didn’t hurt him. In fact, I kind of think that if he wanted to, he could take over the School. Good thing he’s loyal to Kelsey, as was proved when she was done screening him.
When my turn came, I heard Kelsey’s voice in my head. Just relax. If you fight, I’ll be distracted and it’ll hurt. I did what she said. It did hurt, worse than anything I’d ever felt, but it was over really fast.
When she was done, we all lined up in front of her to hear what she had to say.
“You all have met Krystal Watema,” she said, stating it as a fact. We all nodded our heads silently. “How many of you have heard about Krystal’s, uh, encounter before she came here?”
Ya’asa and I raised our hands. Eyrad’s arm twitched, which for him was the same as raising his hand. Poor thing, he’s so freaking shy.
I had heard something from Kyle about the Immaterial Beast that Krystal had killed. I didn’t know the whole story, but I had said something to Ya’asa, and between ourselves we had managed to make a pretty tall tale out of it.
“Well, to make a long story short, she was sought out, and attacked by an Immaterial Beast. We don’t have positive identification of the species.”
All of us gasped. Even me and Ya’asa. It was just so shocking to hear the rumor confirmed.
Kelsey continued without stopping. “I’m sending all of you to go find Krystal. She’s in major danger. We think it’s because of her immense raw power.
Say nothing of this to anyone,” she said, looking straight at me. Okay, I admit, I’ve been known to say too much at times. “The rest of the students think that you’re going to rescue Kyle. I hate to say it, but we’ll have to let him look out for himself for a while.”
If I know anything about Kyle, he’d probably prefer we go after Krystal, anyway. I could imagine him berating us for not finding the other members of our Team before him.
Llare raised his hand. “How are we going to find her? The portals are broken,” he said.
“You’ll be going with another person. She’s going to be a member of your Team. Temporarily, anyway. She’ll help you with the portals.”
The faces of my Teammates would have been hilarious if it was any other time and place. We’d already lost our Leader, our newest member, and two older members. Now Kelsey wanted to throw another handicap on us? A new Team member? Seriously? And why should this new person be coming with us to rescue our friend?
Out of the shadows stepped Tzara. She said nothing, but looked as peeved about the arrangements as we were.
“This is Tzara,” Kelsey said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “She’s a Shadow Manipulator from Natiskes.”
Natiskes? That world is renowned for its people, who are proud and rather unfriendly. This was not looking good.
Lorik nodded at Tzara, his face completely expressionless. At least he had the decency to keep his feelings from showing, unlike the rest of us.
Tzara didn’t seem to mind. I bet if I could have read her mind she would have been like “Well, at least the feeling is mutual.”
Istalcia ran into our hallway, out of nowhere. “Kelsey, you’re needed.”
“Thanks, Istalcia. One more thing. Aiyamar? Where are—oh, there. Astulad will accompany your Team, but you and Lorik will need to heal him first. Take Tzara with you; her Shadows might strengthen your Light.”
With that, Kelsey tore down the hall after Istalcia.
