Boo Boo Kitty

"Karina."

I hear Erlan calling my name as I come back to reality.

"Karina." He nudges me and my eyes flutter open.

I'm back in my training room wearing my gym clothes. Is any of this real?

My senses feel weird and confused.

Erlan's hands are on my shoulders, his face just inches away from mine. "Are you alright? How do you feel?"

"Fine, I guess." I try to raise my fingers to my head but a sharp pain on my shoulder prevents me from doing so. "Arrrghh!"

I use my other hand to hold my hurt shoulder while moving away from my trainer in pain.

"Hey, hey it's alright." He tries to calm me down. "Your brain still thinks you're in the Sim that's why it still hurts. After some time the pain will subside and eventually vanish."

Erlan leads us to a seat, while gently rubbing my shoulder.

"Try not to move it too much." He says and turns my face to the side to take out the chip at the back of my ear. "You were amazing back there by the way, it was pretty impressive given that it's your first time in a Sim."

I move my head to it's previous location and look into Erlan's eyes. "But I got hurt."

"Yes, but you finished the mission and took out your opponents. To me, that's a job well done." He smiles.

"Well we're done for today, want me to to walk you back to your room?"

"Yes, please." I nod.

"Alright then, let's get you on your feet." He holds out his arm and helps me get up.

Since my training room has been fixed. Our trip to my room is a short one.

"Here we are." Erlan hands me my water bottle as we stand in front of my room. "Now try to get some rest and I'll see you later."

"Thanks Erlan." I say to him as he walks off.

He waves in acknowledgement but doesn't look back.

"Finally I can get some rest." I use my good arm to open the door.

I walk in, placing my water bottle on a stool beside the door.

"You're back. I've been waiting for you."

"Cyryl?"

"What on Elanor are you doing here? And who let you in?"

"I did." Elva walks out from my closet with a bundle of some of my clothes.

"Elvaaa, you're back." I run to hug her, accidentally knocking the clothes she's holding off her hands.

"I knew you couldn't live without me but I didn't know you missed me this much." She laughs as she returns my hug.

I don't even feel the pain on my shoulder anymore. Huh? Seems like it wore off.

"How was your break? How's everyone at home? Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Ahem." Cyryl clears his throat." I'm sorry to interrupt your little reunion but,"

"What do you want?" I snap.

"I'm glad you asked my sweet sweet Karina." He removes his hands from the back of his head and gets up from his lying, relaxed position while unfolding his crossed legs from my bed.

"Since I've practically been chasing you to help me plan the school's annual bonfire, I decided to come here myself. If Karina won't come to Cyryl, Cyryl will come to Karina. Speaking of planning parties, Isn't your birthday coming up soon?"

"I don't want to have a party, besides I've been busy, there's a lot going on with the arrival of the Sylphs, to managing the Prince Iston's welfare,"

"And I understand boo boo kitty." He drapes an arm over my shoulders. "That's why I came here to make your job easier."

"I just need your attention for a day. Just a day to help me plan it. Pleaseee." He pouts and gives me those adorable eyes that gets me every time.

"Alright, fine." I roll my eyes. "But what am I going to do about the prince. I'm in charge of his welfare."

Elva interrupts. "Umm don't mind me, I'm just going to go about my business, tidying and all. You guys should go on with whatever you're doing, you won't even know I'm here."

"Don't worry Elva you gals will catch up later, maybe have a sleepover, braid each other's hair, play with dolls, whatever

it is that you girls do."

"Play with dolls?" Elva cocks a brow.

Maybe I misheard him. "What gave you that idea?"

"I'm an expert on sleepovers." He says proudly with his hands on his hips. "Having three older sisters teaches you a thing or two."

"Okay...."

There's a knock on the door.

"I'll get it." I hurriedly move to the door, needing a break from Cyryl's looniness.

"Oh Iston, what a pleasant surprise."

Of all days he comes to my room. He just had to pick the day I'm in my gym clothes, drenched in sweat and I have a very narcissistal Cyryl in my room.

Perfect.

"Umm hi Karina." He says. "Can I come in?"

Silence.

Cyryl brushes me aside. "Please do come in." He gives a welcoming smile showing his dimpled cheeks as he opens the door widely.

"Oh I didn't know you had company. I'll come back later." He tries to turn around.

Cyryl's having none of that. "Nonsense, the more the merrier."

He leads Iston into the room like he owns the place. Remind me why I'm friends with him again? Ah yes, he's been Kaedan's friend since the both of them could walk and as his twin I've been stuck in the middle.

"Karina's told me so much about you." He shakes Iston hand vigorously.

I look dumbfounded. "I did?"

"Yes, try to keep up sweetheart."

I snap out of my trance. I'm not going to let Cyryl make Iston think that I've been fawning over him. "What I was trying to let you know is that I have plans with the Prince, so why don't you excuse us Cyryl."

I try to shoo Cyryl away.

"No no Karina if you have plans with your umm friend here I wouldn't want to interrupt or intrude." Iston puts his hands behind his back standing in a very princely pose.

"But," I try to speak.

As usual Cyryl interrupts me. "You're welcome to stay, my dear friend Karina and I were just about planning our university's annual bonfire. Weren't we darling?" He drapes his arm on my shoulder.

"Yes." I sigh.

"Excellent so why don't we all take a seat and start planning." He moves to Iston and drapes his other arm around his neck like we're all best friend going to get lunch.

"I'm taking a shower first." I grumble.

"Be quick about, The Light knows how long you'll spend in there." Cyryl reclines on a chair.

I roll my eyes. "Oh please, if you think I'm going to take forever why don't you call the whole gang to keep you company."

"You know what, that idea isn't half bad." He stokes his chin.

"I was just kidding." He pays no attention to my outburst and flailing arms in the air.

This boy sure has a way of frustrating me.

"KARIS." He yells.

"Yes Master Cyryl."

"Please put Arlene on the line."

A few moments later.

"Hey Karina, what's up?" She sounds like she's driving.

"How far are you from the Abraxas palace?"

"Cyryl, is that you?"

"Yes, now are far are you?"

"Umm not far, I can get there in about 15 minutes. Why do you have Karina's phone? What's going on?" She sounds panicked.

"Meet us here as quickly as you can. I'll explain everything". He ends the call leaving no room for further protests.

Iston sits quietly maybe wondering what he's gotten himself into.

"You could have just told her what's going on instead of letting her panic." I have a look of displeasure on my face, a hand on my hip.

He doesn't pay attention to me. "Sorry what was that love? I was texting Kaedan to come over."

"Unbelievable." I walk to my crystal bath house.