The Absolute and those who can rule it

Chapter 6 [Lightning and guilt]

"Tourist island?" Noarin tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. The book in her hands momentarily forgotten as she looked up at me.

"Yes, Kai's plan," I replied, watching her reaction carefully. "Rishia hasn't told you yet?"

A beat of silence passed between us as I reflected on the past three days since our encounter with Iron Tempest. The peaceful lull that had settled over us felt almost surreal after the intensity of that battle. We'd fallen into a routine of training, vigilantly checking the news, and experimenting with our powers. But so far, there had been no follow-up attack, no sign of new Holders. The calm was both welcome and unnerving.

Noarin's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "No, first time I've heard that," she said, her eyes drifting back to her book. "I was invited too?"

"Yeah... I think," I said, uncertainty creeping into my voice. I quickly pulled out my phone, fingers flying over the screen as I opened my group chat with Kai and Rishia. To my dismay, there were no updates on the plan since Kai had rescheduled it.

Suddenly, my phone burst into life, Rishia's name flashing on the screen. I answered, bringing the device to my ear.

"He-" I began, but Rishia's excited voice cut me off.

"I forgot to ask for Noarin's number, is she with you now?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Yeah, she's here," I replied, extending the phone towards Noarin. She looked at it for a moment, confusion evident in her eyes, before taking it and bringing it to her ear.

I watched as Noarin listened, her expression shifting subtly as Rishia spoke. After a brief conversation, she handed the phone back to me and stood up.

"Rishia just told me about the tour plan," Noarin said, a hint of excitement barely detectable in her usually stoic voice. "She invited me."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "She also said 'we should go shopping for our needs on the trip, so meet us near the station at 11:00.'"

I glanced at the clock – 10:00 AM. A rueful smile tugged at my lips. They sure liked to make plans on a dime.

"We should get going then," I said, pushing myself to my feet. Noarin nodded, and I couldn't help but notice a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. It was a rare sight, and It made me wonder what other sides of Noarin I might discover on this impromptu shopping trip.

***

As we stepped out into the sunlight, the warmth on my skin was a stark contrast to the cool interior of the apartment. The streets were surprisingly empty for such a beautiful day, the usual hustle and bustle of the city muted.

We spotted Kai and Rishia near the station, their faces lighting up as we approached. Before they could greet us, I voiced the question that had been nagging at me since Rishia's call.

"Could you not make a really sudden plan?" I asked, trying to keep the exasperation out of my voice.

Rishia's laugh was light and carefree. "Oh, it's fine. You guys aren't busy anyway," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Then, with a sly grin, she added, "Or did I interrupt something important?"

"No, you didn't!" Noarin and I spoke in unison, our voices a touch too loud, too defensive. Rishia's laughter grew, and I felt heat creeping up my neck.

"Let's get going," Rishia said, still grinning as she turned and began walking. Kai fell into step beside her, throwing an amused glance over his shoulder at us.