The Empyrean | Fourth Wing |

Chapter 27

''You know what? Maybe the sparing ring was the perfect place for this conversation. Come on Rhi and don't hold back'' 

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Rhi struck first, a lightning-fast jab aimed at my midsection. Too bad for her, I twist avoiding the blow and counter with a swweping kick. My boot connected with Rhi's side and my friend staggers back. Proud of you, Silver One. You have really improved
We have been fighting for the few uninterrupted silent minutes. Well relatively silent since every once in a while a grunt from both of us can be heard, each trying to gain the upper hand. As I study her movements, I realise her fightning style is competely different from when she trained me and she isn't pulling any of her punches. 

She jabs, I block. I punch she blocks and so on. It's kind of like a dance. Rhi uses her agility ducking under my arms and attempting a chokehold. But I am a lot stronger than before. I push her off me sending Rhi staggering back. Still surprised, I pull her towards me, judo flip her, Rhi slams her back against the ground. I pin more like she doesn't fight back but hey, I try.

''Listen, Rhi. I wanted to tell you. I came so close multiple times. This one time, I was actually at your door. I had just come back from a errand which backfired. Colonel Aetos whipped me for disobeying orders. I needed your help. You opened the door. I was so ready to tell you everything. But just I was about to tell you, I saw clothes everywhere figured you had someone. I couldn't take that away from you. You are my best friend. So I didn't say anything. Plus I think a part of me didn't want you involved. I had already lost Liam. I couldn't lose you. 
Now what was your excuse for not telling me?''

Rhi stars up at me, breathing heavily. Slowly, she nods. I released my grip, helping Rhiannon to her feet.

''Vi for the record, I have known about venin for so long. You just don't know who to trust... and I know I should have told you. When Feirge told me you were leaving with Xaden and a few others. I had such a bad feeling. I almost asked Feirge to get me to you so I could tell you. 
In the end, I didn't have the courage to rock your entire world. Your life rolls around books and I couldn't be the one to tell you everything you believed in was wrong.''

I hear Tairn laugh through the bond Funny, where have I heard that before? Oh right the Wingleader I roll my eyes at the laughing dragon. Very funny, Tairn

 I look back at Rhi and join in the laughter. Her right eyebrow lifts and looks at me with a dumbfounded look
''Vi, what is so funny?''
I manage to keep a straight face enough to answer her
''I was just... We both lied to the other for the exact same reason. We didn't want to endanger the other.''
I see Rhi smile before joining the laughter too
''Guess we did. Promise no more secrets?''
''No more secrets'' I nod 

We both smile as we exit the training area, arms linked. 
''Okay so tell me. How can I help?'' Rhi asks 
''Well, we have to get everything ready before the year finishes. Build a school, find teachers, students willing to join and materials for the daggers and if we have the time a way to protect everyone including Poromiel from the venin.''
She whistles. ''Guess you have your work cut out for you. Do you have any idea where you are going to find teachers? History, Battle Field, Physics and stuff like should be easy enough but who is going to teach how to maximise the use of our signets?''

Signets... shit I knew I forgot something today. I look at the clock. 1600. I am so late. He is going to be pissed.
Guess Rhi sensed my disarray because she asks me what happened repeatedly.

''Oh... One of the Council members was exactly thrilled with having a lightning wielder with no control whatsoever so he decided to teach me himself. I was supposed to meet him at 1530 outside on the roof. I am already late''
Rhi smiles and laughs
''Only you. Go, we can catch up later. I would help you. However, I can only summon and since I am not with the council member'' She lifts her arms ''I can't help''
''Didn't know you could summon big amounts from one place to another''
''Oh, I can't''
''Then how were you... You know what I am gong to leave you''
Amari all mighty. I have it. It could actually work

''Rhi, you are a genius. I have to go but will talk to you later. You were a huge help. Bye, see you later'' I call back to Rhi as I run-climb the stairs towards the roof.