[Elsword] - Masked Renegade

10 - Notice

...

The day started off just like any other; bright sunshine, birds chirping lovingly in the morning, and the heavenly blue hues filtering the sky. Add was comfortably on his side, hibernating deep into Ara's blanket, embracing its softness. The rays from the blinds shone golden onto the bedspread, slightly toward the albino boy's eyes. Ara, on the other hand, was not having that great of a time sleeping on the floor, but it was far too awkward to lay beside someone who she had barely known. It was too rude of her to kick him off, so she was squirming on the bare, insipid carpet, cold and lacking warmth.

However, the sunlight through the cracks of the window indicated that it was early morning, causing Ara to leap up from her slumbering position. She averted her gaze to the resting Esper, sighing. It would appear that she would be sleeping on the floor for several nights, if the problem persisted.

She picked up a fresh set of clothes from her closet, and got changed in the bathroom, the entry locked. After freshening up for the day, she prepared for school. Before leaving, she had written a note to Add, leaving it on the bedside table.

...

Dear Add,

It looks like you're sleeping tight! (In my bed, at that...) Aren will probably have food for when you wake up. I don't know what you do here without school, but be careful around the house! I'll return with Aisha and Elesis soon!

Ara Haan~

...

When she ventured out to the living space, Aisha and Elesis were ready to go. Aren on the other hand, was nowhere to be found.

"Good morning, Ara! Your brother is still asleep, I think we might have overdid it, making him clean up after us, ehehe... Sorry!" Aisha bowed down apologetically.

"Then, you should tell that to him, and not me..." Ara softly giggled. "Well, you don't want to disturb Brother while he's asleep like that, so you can apologize after school."

"Mm, alright! Ready to go?"

~

The second day of school went relatively smoothly during the first half. Teachers were beginning to teach the basics of whatever course they were instructing, and it had also lead to small portions of homework. When the lunch bell rang, students sprang out from their seats, and jolted for the entrance, rushing out to eat.

Ara was looking to do the same with her two buddies, though, they weren't in the classroom. It was odd; when had they left? Was she simply that dense? She could've sworn that they were in class with her the entire time.

Elesis was calmly sauntering through the hallway, a folded note held in her hand. It seemed to have been a message from Aisha.

...

Elesis~!

Meet me in room 420, on the fourth floor. Let's say that Ara and I have a surprise waiting for you! I know you'll enjoy it. ♥♥♥

Aisha ☺

...

When she arrived, she stepped into the room, turning her head from left to right. Room 420 looked like an abandoned classroom, there was no furniture whatsoever. Just a plan ceiling, walls, and floors; there weren't even any windows.

'Why did Aisha call me here...? Is it another one of her pranks?'

The opening behind her slammed shut, making the Grand Master jump up with the chills. Odd. She could have sworn that she had come alone. Was there someone following her?

She swiftly turned around, attempting to open the doorway. It was stuck. The knob wouldn't turn. She banged on the door with her fists. "Open up!" she shouted, her voice was brimming with confidence.

The air was devoid of an answer. She kicked and punched until her hands were sore, but it was no use. The door absolutely wouldn't budge at all. She even tried slamming the wood with her backpack filled with textbooks. Completely futile.

Then, when she had least expected it.... the fire alarm sounded.

The ringing made her ears ache. Though, if it was a real fire, she was in deep trouble. There were no escape routes available to her. The dust-trimmed room was one of the worst places to be in. She immediately emptied her bag, grabbing items to stuff the crack of the door with, in hopes of preventing the flames.

She cried. She screamed. She yelled. She needed someone to help her in the drastic time of need.

Yet, there was a part of her that was no longer trusting of others. She didn't know who the exact culprit was, but... one of the suspects may have been clear to her.

There was no one. Everybody appeared to have already evacuated the fourth floor. Nobody was there to save her. Nobody was there to rescue her.

The inferno broke out into the room, the portal started crumbling down. The fumes intoxicated the air, it was unpleasant. Elesis covered her mouth, coughing violently. At least the gateway was freed, but, with the storming fire, it was just as dangerous as staying inside.

But, there was still a small chance of survival. She was going to succeed and live, or die trying.

...