Sedrais Academy

Chapter 11

   He will slaughter you.
   Akelox took another look around as he walked. It definitely hadn't been something he wanted to hear. To add to it, he also wasn't sure what to think about the 'elf'. He was left with even more questions than before. He guessed that's what he got for pushing Masheriex to explain.
At least he gave an explanation for once, however brief.
Akelox looked up at the sky. He wished he could just blindly trust him. Maybe then it wouldn't hurt so much. Maybe he would be happier.
   ...But he had fallen in that trap before. He had survived on his own so long—when he believed he could depend on Masheriex, he let his every guard down, desperate for someone to trust in. And right when he needed him the most..
   "You okay?"
   He flinched. He turned to the voice, grinning. "Yep~ Oh, Kaeris, I haven't seen you in a while!"
   The half-vampire stared at him for a moment, his intricate eyes peering right through his mask. "Did something happen?"
Akelox tried for a shrug. Thankfully, Kaeris didn't question him further. He quickly changed the subject, taking a casual step back.
"Were you on a trip or something?" He asked.
Kaeris shook his head. "My mom kept me home for some extra training."
It was hard for Akelox to keep the smile plastered on his face. Once again, Kaeris took notice, his eyes flashing a question. He had forgotten how perceptive the vampire was.
"That sounds fun!"
   Kaeris snickered. "About as fun as a polar bear using you to mop the floor."
   A surprised giggle burst out from Akelox's lips. "I hope you didn't say that to her face?"
   Kaeris glanced at him with a lifted brow, not saying a word. He had a wicked look in his eyes.
   Akelox paused. Slowly, a grin settled on his face. "You did, didn't you."
   He shrugged. "It's possible."
   "And she didn't kill you? Impressive."
   "I'm just too lovable."
   Akelox laughed, silently thanking him. He had needed a distraction. He nodded at Kaeris with a smile. 
   The vampire smiled back, playfully shoving him in the shoulder. "I'm here if you wanna talk. But for now, I'm gonna recover from being a mop." He waved a goodbye, heading off to the dorms.
   It was only a little awkward when Akelox decided to go there too.

~~~~~

For the first time in a while, he woke up to no pain. Good.. Marin took his time working his eyes open.
When he finally decided he was awake enough to look around, he found that male sitting next to him.
"Ah, Kai'lezh, you're awake," he purred. Marin rubbed his eyes, sitting up.
   "You called me that before.. What does it mean?" He took a look around. Where was he?
   "You don't know?" Masheriex stared at him, his brows slightly raised in what seemed to be disbelief.
Marin shook his head. "I have no idea. I don't even know where I am, I don't know what's going on—" He froze. He couldn't even remember how he got here. "I remember my brothers. My town..." His heart started racing. He was wide awake now. And still, his memory hadn't returned to him. "I can't.. I can't remember where I live."
"Listen, Marin, correct?"
He nodded, biting hard at his lip. Was he trembling?
"I believe you may have partial amnesia. We're going to work through it, alright? You're safe here, I promise." Masheriex held his wide-eyed gaze. Marin felt a little tension leave his shoulders. "What's the last event you remember completely?"
Marin looked off to the side, puzzling it over. He remembered a store. He was with his brothers. They were shopping for something. Something special... He stepped outside to wait on them. And then— And then what?
He narrowed his eyes at the wall, as if it would help. He still couldn't recall..
"I have two brothers, I know that. They were shopping for something particular.. So I was waiting out by the door," he said.
"Is that all? Do you know their names?" Masheriex asked gently. Marin looked at him.
"Yes, I do.. Can you tell me where I am first?"
"You're at Sedrais Academy. I doubt you've heard of it, so don't worry over trying to remember it. I'm the Headmaster here. We're about an hour out from the nearest city, Brandel."
Marin blinked. That name sounded very familiar. "Brandel?" A flicker of recognition rushed through him. "I think that's where I'm from!"
Masheriex nodded. "That's good. And your brothers' names?"
"Ethel, and Aris."
"Alright. I think I'll help you search. But right now, it's getting late. Get some rest, and I'll speak with you after classes tomorrow. Zaxshen will be your guide." As he spoke, the guy who had transformed from a wolf earlier walked in. Marin tried to smile at him. He desperately hoped his uneasiness didn't show through.
"Hey, do you not know how to hide those pointed ears?" The wolf guy asked. Marin quickly shook his head, his hair flopping into his face.
"He barely remembers where he came from, Zaxshen," Masheriex said. Marin was grateful for it. The wolf paused, giving Marin an odd glance.
"Okay, put this on." Zaxshen handed him a bright blue hoodie.
"Okay." Marin was quick to do so. He really didn't want to upset this guy. At the wolf's urging, he flipped the hood up over his head.
"A little suspicious looking," Mashierex commented, a small smirk playing across his lips. "But it'll do."
"It's the best I can do right now, Headmaster."
Zaxshen turned back towards the door. Marin hesitantly got to his feet, surprised to find that they supported him.
"Marin?" Masheriex called.
Marin turned back to him. "Yes?"
"Try not to worry too much... You have my word that I'll help you any way I can."
"Thank you," he breathed.
Masheriex smiled. "Now go on. He's waiting on you."
"Oh, right!"
Marin followed Zaxshen out the door.