R.O.N.A.

Chapter 26

*Sephora*

As soon as I entered the cafeteria the next day, I instantly felt some sort of tension. Although all the members seemed to be chatting happily about their recent assignments and the latest juicy gossip, I noticed that Rexan, Tyzon, and the others sitting at their table all looked a bit more serious, especially Tyzon.

Sensing something important was going to be announced, I anxiously got my food and fast-walked to our table. Before anyone could even say good morning, Tyzon rose to speak and the whole room was quickly immersed in silence.

He stood in front of all of us while we sat nearly on the edge of our seats in anticipation. He seemed to gather his thoughts for a few seconds before he finally spoke. “It is time everyone. We will attack in three days time,” he boldly announced.

This time, everyone was too stunned to speak. A wave of seriousness, but also determination seemed to fill every one of them; the day all their work would finally pay off was just around the corner and everyone was not going to let that hard work go to waste.

“Your department heads will explain to you your mission as a group,” he continued, “Let’s finish up what is needed before then. The time to take down Thaeoul is finally here everyone! We fight for the freedom of the humans and of the Zyrians. If we can accomplish this, peace will be able to reign once again! We are all in this together! Together we can defeat the tyrant!”

A loud cheer burst out from the crowd’s enthusiasm. Tyzon’s pep talk had served its purpose. Now everyone had the main goal in mind and they were all ready to face Thaeoul head on.

***

            That day and the next seemed to fly by for me. The infiltration team had met in the meeting room to discuss their ultimate plan and weapons that would be brought to use. In between this and helping the others, I had tried to finish my own project but by the second night I had been unable to finish.

            I had noticed that Tyzon was acting strangely once again.  The trip to visit Mathula had made me hope that we would be on better terms from here on out, but obviously I was wrong. The entire time the special team had gone through the plans, he avoided making eye contact with me whenever possible and when he did have to talk to me, his expressions were somewhat cold and unreadable. Other than the meetings, he completely ignored me. I had even seen him pacing the halls with Zena in tow. I had thought he didn’t really like her; every time she was around him, he seemed annoyed. I wondered and questioned what was going on, but there was no way to get answers. I even tried asking him, but when I called out to him, he didn’t hear me or he was ignoring me and walked away.

            Where else could I get answers? I thought. The only answer that came to me made me sigh with unpleasant feelings. Zena.

            At dinner the second day, I decided I would at least attempt to talk to her, even if I didn’t really want to; I needed answers or this was going to drive me crazy.

            I listened while Tyzon told all of us to get a good night’s rest and to make sure everything was complete; tomorrow morning was finally the big day. Once he finished and people started heading towards their rooms, I caught up with Zena.

            “Hey, Zena, Is it alright if I ride in the elevator with you?” I said.

            If figured Zena hadn’t really seen me so she stopped and turned to see me. She looked like she was about to object but then she seemed to change her mind and said with a fake smile, “Sure.”

            We walked silently to the elevator and only when the doors closed, I felt we were alone enough for me to ask my question, but Zena beat me to it.

            “So what do you want? You obviously didn’t want to ride the elevator with me just to be friendly,” Zena said dryly.

            I felt bad but what she said was true. “I want to know why Tyzon is acting odd. I’ve seen you around with him a bit and figured you might know.”

            Zena scoffed at me. “Maybe he just doesn’t want to be around you.”

            “What did I ever do?” I said incredulously.

            Zena looked me up and down and then faced forwards again. “Well it’s not exactly your fault that you don’t know.”

            “What do you mean? Don’t know what?”

            Zena turned to face me again. “Well about Nylie of course.”

            “What happened with Nylie?! I keep hearing about her but no one will tell me why it’s so important!”

            “I can’t tell you either, but I can tell you this,” Zena said and then stepped closer to me, “She’s the reason Tyzon can never like you and why he likes me.”

            My eyes widened in shock. My heart shattered and the cold feeling that followed blew the pieces away. He likes her? I thought with tears brimming on my eyelids.

            “Oh… don’t cry deary. It’s not your fault; you just can’t measure up to him,” Zena said mockingly.

At that moment, the elevator doors opened on my floor and without saying another word, I bolted out the door, down the hall, and into my room where I jumped on my bed and tried to muffle the sobbing with my pillow.

*Aris*

            I finished up a couple things after dinner and so I entered my room a bit later than Sephora. That was when I found my friend face down on her bed and horrible bawling filled the room.

            I instantly rushed to Sephora’s side. “Sephora, what happened?!” I laid my hand gently on Sephora’s back and after a few seconds, she finally threw the pillow aside and rolled to face me.

            Mascara had run down her cheeks, her eyes were swollen and red, and her hair was disheveled. She looked at me for a couple moments and then answered, “Tyzon likes Zena…”

            I tried comprehending what she said but I was instantly skeptical. “And who told you that?” I said with one eyebrow raised.

            “… Zena.”

            “Sephora! You can’t believe a word that spoiled brat says! She is manipulative and knows how to get at people. I know she made that up! I’ve seen how Tyzon treats her and you. He acts annoyed every time she’s around him, but with you he seems a bit more relaxed even than usual.”

            “You think so?” Sephora said brightening up a bit. She quickly sat up.

            I stood up and then sat next to her. “Yeah I do. Now come on, why don’t you go wash your face and then get to bed, tomorrow is a big day!”

            “Thanks Aris.” Sephora smiled. She chuckled a bit and then said, “You know, sometimes you kinda seem like my mom!”

            I laughed too. “Well we never had a real mom; we’ve only had each other.”

            “I’m glad we grew up together Aris. I wouldn’t trade you for any sister in the world.”

            “Me either.”