Daphtus: Draggon Boy (Book 2)

Chapter 13 - Sorting It Out

Hana's POV:

Joanna and I headed to this restaurant where they sold really good noodles, roasted duck, those kinds of stuff. Both of us got noodles.

"Sometimes skipping school really is refreshing," Joanna sighed, relaxed. "But I don't like the work that comes after that."

"Me neither. Especially since I was gone for three days," I sighed.

"That'll be some catching up to do. The teachers are really pushing us," Joanna said and chewed her food. "Yeah. Especially since what happened a month ago," I said. "I wasn't really up to date on what happened," Joanna admitted. "Nobody told you?" I asked.

Joanna shook her head.

I told her about the Mark attacking Monera Academy and what had went down. I left out the parts where my friends and I sneaked out of school to rescue my twin brother who was actually doing fine by the time we arrived. I also left out the part where Arthur and I, ahem, had our first romantic bond.

Joanna seemed intrigued by my story. She's a good listener, no doubt.

"Sounds exciting and terrifying at the same time. It also explains a lot," she commented. "About what?" I asked. She looked up from her food. "'Goddess of Creation'. Remember? From our first meeting," said Joanna.

"R-Right. That still bugs me," I said.

"Yeah, I understand."

"What's your deal with the Spirit of Midnight? You can summon her at will right?" Joanna nodded. "I can summon her best. It's pretty hard to summon other spirits," she admitted.

"Why the spirit?"

"I'm not exactly sure. We just sorta get along best, you know?" Joanna chuckled, "some of my childhood is pretty hazy, so I can't exactly remember."

"Yeah, you don't talk about your childhood much, don't you?"

Joanna nodded. "Sometimes, with people I trust."

I will admit that I am touched that she trusts me. Then I feel guilty that I'm getting valuable information from her.

"How's Heroid?" I asked trying to make conversation. "He's fine I guess. Got some confidence back these past few days," Joanna stared at her meal. "Something wrong?"

"He's been more distant than usual. We both give each other space every now and then since we both have...certain conditions, but he's been disappearing more often than usual."

"You're worried about him?"

"Yeah. He is one of my only friends," Joanna chuckled and finished her bowl of noodles.

I ate the rest of my food in silence. "Hey, wanna hang out at my room?" she asked.

"Sure, but, Joanna, don't you know that the Legion has their eyes on you?" I asked feeling sympathetic towards her.

"Aren't they always onto you?"

"I'm used to it. They know where my motives belong."

"Oh, is it bad that the Legion is...?" Joanna asked. "Well, yes, but actually no. I mean, I'd be a bit more secretive, to be honest," I told her.

"It's alright. I trust you, Hana. Come on," Joanna got up to pay for our food.

I feel very, very guilty.

***

"Woah."

Of course, Joanna shared her room with 3 other girls, but that didn't stop it from looking spectacular.