Secrets and Memories

Chapter 18

No. No no no no no.

I watch as Himari's limp form falls to the floor, blood from the wound seeping and flowing out of her. The life in her eyes flickers as I make my way to her side as quick as I can.

"Himari! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to... I wasn't expecting him to..." Himari shakes her head.

"Shush. I'm... fine." Her last word rings in my ears. It mixes with white noise as I scream.

My throat is sore and raw but I still continue. My body shakes as I sob.

Taking Himari's hand, I don't notice the leader is gone or what's happening around me. I'm numb to the world.

"I'm so sorry Himari. I'm so so sorry." I wipe my eyes and let go of Himari's hand. I place her arms over my chest and make her lie on her back, as if she'd be looking at the stars.

"Eraeya, you see all those stars?" I nod as I watch Sena lie on her back. I follow suit and look my her.

"Well, what about the black ones? The ones that have no light?" I shake my head and squint into the night sky. Sena laughs and points to the sky.

"Even the ones that don't have light shine. Just because they're invisible to us, doesn't mean they're not there. And anyway, even if they don't shine brightly now, in another light they might shine brighter than these ones. They've got their own unique light."

I look at Himari, limp and unmoving.

A flash of the same blinding white light takes me back to the area where all the other students are.

I groan as I sit up, tear tracks still on my grimy face. I wipe them away and look around.

Most of the people seemed to already fixed by Fletcher or with friends. I was the only one sitting alone.

"Eraeya!" I see a blur before I'm knocked onto my back again by the force of Himari's tackle. More tears come to my eyes, seeing her well and uninjured.

"What's wrong? I didn't injure you did I?! I'm so sorry!" I laugh as she helps me up.

"No, I'm just relieved. It's over." Himari smiles as she tugs my hand.

"Let's see your score!" I frown in confusion as Himari drags me to a huge scoreboard. At the moment it's blank with just times and 32 slots for people's names. I'm wondering whose names will appear when Marselle stands on the stage, a smile on his face. Everyone goes silent, waiting for his announcement.

"Congratulations all students! I'm very proud of each and every one of you for competing in this challenge. But sadly, as you know, only 32 of you will be able to make it into the next round. Your results have been recorded and rated based on your time. So, without further ado, let's announce the brave thirty-two students!" A cheer rises from the crowd and I smile at Himari.

Marselle starts from the bottom and makes his way up the list. Himari achieves tenth place which I applaud her for. She seems shocked and I smile when I see her name appear next to her time. 57 minutes and forty-eight seconds. I was proud of my friend for spending that long in the hell hole.

"And now... for our top two students! Coming in second place is..." A guy from the Delta combat class is congratulated by his peers and his name appears on the scoreboard. Himari squeezes my hand.

"Now, for the first place! In first place is... Eraeya Afo, with a whole hour!" I stare at Marselle, not quite being able to believe my ears. But people start looking my way and I bow my head. Himari nudges my shoulder with hers but I don't look up.

"We'll have an hour break before we start the second task. But before we break, let's find out what these thirty-two students will have to do. Students, you will need to get into groups of two to four. Choose your allies wisely. And that's all I can tell you. Go enjoy your break!" I grunt and walk off to find water.

After seeing the first challenge, I needed more fluid in my body. My fire also needed energy if I was going to continue fighting in this competition. Grabbing a sandwich off a plate from some catering person, I walk back to my dorm.

"Hey! Eraeya!" I continue walking, not wanting to face Himari right now. I can hear she stops following me but don't turn around.

'Team up?' I shake my head, still not quite used to Himari's mental messages. She'd used them with me a few times before but they weren't something I liked.

I weigh my options for allies. I didn't expect anyone else in the academy to actually want to team up with me and it had to be in teams of 2-4 so I didn't have much choice. I turn toward Himari, but keep my head down. Nodding, I turn back and continue on my way.

'I'll be out here waiting. We need to plan so please be quick.' I didn't actually plan on being long but I did need some time to myself. Too many people. Too much expectation.

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Hi, I'm back! 

FF: Himari and Eraeya constantly talk to each other in class using their Dark and Light powers. 

(Tbh I have no idea what to do for the FF anymore XD Someone give me ideas pls)