Statera: The Balance of Yin and Yang

Times are changing

My head was burning with barely controlled rage. What in the world was Aaryan doing?

We had known each other since I was eight and he was six, before my parents had relocated us to Minato two years later. He had been a sweet boy, even though he was spoilt. But who could begrudge him?

Aaryan's mother had died in labour, and the kid himself had been a sickly child. Uthyr Ein, his father, had been an absentee for most of his childhood, only returning to his life after he had retired from the Battalion eight years ago. I doubted it was only coincidence that he returned when Aaryan's energy had stabilised and could be taught how to manipulate it.

Ever since Uthyr Ein's return into his life, Aaryan had changed subtly every year and had matured and strengthened at frightening speed. However, this year the change was even more obvious, and his taunting and extreme notions had increased with alarming frequency.

I knew from Ramiel that Advisor Tethys had been placating the Yin congees as best as they could, and had given Aaryan several warnings. But it would be impossible to expel him, his Supplicancy with the Communion kept him safe unless he did something unforgiveable. So far, the knowledge that his position was secure had made him daring and he'd not only provoked congees, but was increasingly disrespectful to some of the Yin Advisors.

But to attack a fellow congee? Was Aaryan that far gone?

He was sullen, his fine features set in a mulish expression. Morrigan looked grim. She had probably tried handling the matter in her own way, seeing as the adults would do nothing. I could not blame her.

I rapped on Advisor Tethys door, hoping she had returned to her office after the earlier meeting.

"Come in."

The door swung open slightly, and I jerked my head at the two of them. "In."

We filed into the office, and Advisor Tethys took in the sight of the two congees resolutely not looking at each other, and what must have been a thunderous expression on my face.

"Tomokai, what can I do for you?" Advisor Tethys asked calmly, interlacing her fingers on her wooden table. Her eyes however, were sharp and intelligent. She could guess what had transpired.

"I was on my way to the library, when I heard these two---" I jerked my head at Aaryan and Morrigan. "---fighting in the Grand Hall. I arrived in the hall just in time to see Aaryan's arm aimed at Morrigan, and he sent a ball of solid Yang energy at her, who was defenceless. I intervened with a shield of my own."

Advisor Tethys drew in a sharp breath through her nose, her eyes tightening.

"Aaryan claims self-defence, says that Morrigan was using Samsot." I added, before Aaryan could indignantly cut in which I could tell he was aching to do by the way he bristled.

"Is that true?" Advisor Tethys asked, looking at Morrigan.

Morrigan crossed her arms, jutting her chin up slightly. The girl was brave, I would give her that.

"I was just trying to make him see sense. I didn't tamper with his mind, just tried to persuade him. He's been antagonising all the Yin congees, many of them have complained to me-"

"You lot deserve – " Aaryan started to argue back, but Advisor Tethys would have none of it.

"ENOUGH." She had infused Yang energy into that command, and it hurt my skull, the sound reverberating within the confines of the office.

There was silence as no one dared to speak another word, but my ears continued ringing from Advisor Tethys' outburst.

"Whether or not you tampered with his mind, Morrigan, you know the rules of the Faculty. Samsot is not to be used lightly." Advisor Tethys admonished.