Magic of Shadow and Secrets

Chapter 14

 Xeviero glared at the girl through the corner of his eye. Saiyah was a clever bastard, testing his resolve like that. While he couldn't figure out where she suddenly plucked up the courage to run at him, but he always knew that Saiyah was unexpected like that.

A shiver coursed through him. Xeviero looked back at his sweaty palms then back at his opponent. She was panting heavily, taking greedy gulps from her canteen.

"You got this, Saiyah!" Romelle shouted from her cubicle, chasing West around the room.

Out of the blue, a cough erupted from Xeviero's throat, making his eyes rim with tears. He internally cursed as his body temperature began to drop.

Again.

His eyelids began to grow considerably heavy, as did the rest of his body. His fumbling hands waved frantically, searching to grab onto something to break his fall. Small, yet strong hands wrapped around his forearms. "Are you okay? Vex! Look at me!"

I'm fine, get the hell away from me. He meant to say, but his words were slurred and muddled together.

And he knew nothing but darkness.

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Meyer peered into the Headmaster's office. Banthikaar sat in his leather chair, pinching his lips tightly until they turned white. "How is Tsudan?" He hesitantly inquired, though not meeting Meyer's gaze.

"He's awake now, just a little fatigued." Meyer replied stiffly. "Strangely, though his body temperature is normal, he's still shivering."

Banthikaar looked to be considering this given information, grimacing. "Because he can manipulate such a heated element, perhaps his average body temperature is higher than the normal human being?"

Meyer pursed his lips, "Perhaps."

At last, Banthikaar's golden eyes met Meyer's. "What did you really come to talk about, Silas?"

Meyer flinched at the use of his first name. It felt too informal, too intimate....too personal. He sighed, giving in. "Is this what's right for them? They're not soldiers, Banthikaar. They're kids. Aren't you being—"

The Headmaster cut him off, standing up. "They know what they signed up for. The fact is, we're at war. I cannot have them be distracted from their destiny."

"Are they aware of their 'destiny'? Did you even tell them the full story? Who you truly are and about the prophecy?" Meyer instantly wished to take back the last part. That bloody prophecy was a curse and would more likely scare the kids than help them. Banthikaar was giving eye contact, almost too intently—a tell Meyer picked up that revealed that the Headmaster was hiding something.

"What happened to no more secrets?" The professor cracked a humorless smile. "I'm on your side, Raiko. You have to let me in otherwise I cannot help you."

Raiko gnawed at his bottom lip. "My own brother had betrayed me. Who's to say that it won't happen again?" Despite the Legend being distinctly older than Meyer, the professor still saw the broken boy within him. With caution, he approached the headmaster, his hands on Raiko's shoulders.
"Sometimes in order to gain trust, you must first extend your own hand. You never know if you stop trying."

Raiko slowly nodded, wetting his lips. He placed a hand on Meyer's shoulder as well, surprising him. "Thank you, Silas." Meyer gave him a nod of affirmation. "So what were you saying about the children?"

"The incident with Vex has brought something to my attention. The academy has taught the students to train physically, but has not explained the mental strain that magic has. And with the current stress they're going through, we may have to make adjustments to their training to prioritize their health."

Meyer brought out his briefcase and laid it on the Headmaster's desk. He pulled out a small stack of papers and handed them to Raiko. His auric eyes moved side to side, skimming the papers. Startlingly, Raiko burst into laughter. "Silas my friend, this is perfect!" Meyer rubbed the top of his balding head at such praise.

STUDENT TRAINING SCHEDULES

Student: Saiyah

Teacher Mentor: Cedric Malin

Student Mentor: Lex Laphayett

ACTIVITIES:

Strength Training with Malin

Endurance Training with Malin + Laphayett

Therapy

Survival Skills with Laphayett

Magic Training with Laphayett (Supervised by Malin)

Poetry

Student: Xeviero Tsudan

Teacher Mentor: Silas Meyer

Student Teacher: Thiel Meyer

ACTIVITIES:

Physical Training with Mr. Meyer

Equine Training with Mr. Meyer + Ms. Meyer

Therapy

Survival Skills with Ms. Meyer

Vocal Practice

Student: Zyler Zadro

Teacher Mentor: Raiko Banthikaar

Student Mentor: Takuma Sen

ACTIVITIES:

Endurance Training with Banthikaar

Community Services with Banthikaar + Sen

Therapy

Survival Skills with Sen

Animal Care

Student: Romelle Varga

Teacher Mentor: Leame Seddik

Student Mentor: Mayara Sonata

ACTIVITIES:

Hand–to–hand Combat with Seddik

Black Smithing with Seddik + Sonata

Therapy

Survival Skills with Sonata

Dance Aerobics/Kickboxing

Student: West Burns

Teacher Mentor: Livian Sue

Student Mentor: Cyan Rhodes

ACTIVITIES:

Magic Training with Sue

Yoga with Sue + Rhodes

Therapy

Survival Skills with Rhodes

Art

The students' assignment each week is to learn from their mentors and conjure a well–written report on what they've learned during those seven days.