An End

Chapter 5: Why Don't We Be Friends?

It had been several weeks after the fight, and Elpida worked through them all. The toilets themselves took hours to get clean. And the stalls took longer thanks to the horses. While she cleaned, the messed up what she had already cleaned.

But the bedrooms...now those were the worst out of all. Since she was the only girl, her room wasn't too bad. A few clothes here and there and her bed had to be made, but the men? It was if they have never heard of a laundry basket or a floor, because from what Elpida could tell, they didn't have one. Mikro was no help either. He'd sit and watch as she cleaned. Muddy feet up on a table or bed, hands behind his head and a smirk on his face.

Still, she kept at it until her few weeks were finished. Her life resumed into that of hardly doing work and defeating everyone she sparred with. And it felt good to give those boys some welts. Maybe then they would remember to do their laundry. And aim at the toilets.

After sparring, Elpida sat in class, twiddling her thumbs when the gymnasicarchis stepped into the classroom, a girl by his arm. Everyone turned their heads, eyes wide and confused.

"Good afternoon everyone," he started. "I would like to introduce a new student. Her name is Aspistos and she will be joining you from now on." He moved aside so everyone could see her. She gave a small smile and a wave. The gymnasicarchis looked around and then pointed to a seat behind Elpida. "Why don't you sit there? I think Elpida could use a fellow female friend."

Apistos walked to where he painted and sat, smiling at her new classmates. The gymnasicarchis nodded and started to walk out. "Good. Now continue with the lesson, professor." And with that he left.

The room was quiet, although you could tell that everyone wanted to talk to this new student. But the professor continued with his lesson, filling the void with his loud voice.

Elpida faced her teacher until she felt a tap on shoulder. Turning her hole body, she faced the newcomer. Apistos held out her hand. Elpida, hesitantly, took it.

Apistos gave her another smile. "Elpida right?" she said quietly as she shook her hand. Elpida nodded and let go, turning to face the teacher once more. A hand stopped her. "Are you the only girl here?" Once again, Elpida nodded, although this time a little annoyed. She did not want to get in trouble again. Apistos's smile grew. "Why don't we be friends?"

Elpida hesitated before answering. Why couldn't they be friends? It would be great to have another girl to talk to. And hopefully she could help with certain girly things.

After thinking for a moment, Elpida nodded. "Sure. Let's be friends." Apistos gave a small giggle when a voice boomed, "ELPIDA! OTHER GIRL! Do you have something to share with the rest of us?" Elpida quickly turned back to her tescher, quickly shaking her head back and forth. His mouth was in a flat straight line. "Then pay attention," he said with a slight growl and went back to teaching.

Apistos leaned back in her seat. It was just too easy.

~~~~~

Kako stood at the gates of his old school. Memories started to flood back into his head. Sadly, they were dark and filled with anger. He watched the students mill around, going from class to class. He saw Apistos walking with an elf girl and a tall lad. They were obviously discussing something funny, as Apistos laughed with the other two.

Kako grinned and turned away from the scene. As long as Apistos was there, he didn't need to worry. They would find what they needed. For now, he would just have to wait until she contacted him.

Setting his cloaks hood on his head, he left the gates, his memories trailing invisibly behind him.