Michaela

"I caught a glimpse of someone or something grabbing the monster, and the next second they were both gone," explained Miss Dyna to the Dean.

"For me, she was there one second and the next she was gone," said Professor Marshal, providing no useful information.

"I saw someone as well; from the brief time I saw him, I noticed he was wearing our school uniform," informed Professor Ira Lugh.

"It's a he?" questioned Miss Dyna.

"Pretty sure it was a boy-like figure."

"Define boy-like," questioned Professor Marshal, pulling her leg.

From all of the faculty's descriptions, Dean Saphyrous immediately knew who this mystery figure was.

"All right now, Aydenhall will not operate for the next two days, and parents, family, and friends will be allowed on the grounds. Let us take some time to heal and restart our lives," declared the dean, who, in reality, only wanted the conversation to be over.

****************

"It is not your fault, Michaela," reassured Zail.

Thirty-six hours had passed since the disappearance of Kreya and the mysterious figure. Friends and families cried for the injured and the few deceased. Aydenhall had advised the king not to reveal the truth about the demon attack. The truth was only told to the family of the deceased.

"I could have helped; believe me, I could have helped them," Michaela felt guilty for not being there.

"It was the dean's order for first years to remain in their dorms. Stop beating yourself up for it."

"Do you not feel bad for not being any help?"

"I do, but even if I were to be on the battlefield, I would have been a liability."

"Not me, me and Erebus could take that demon."

"I am sure you would kick ass, my friend, but now stop sulking. You know what? How about we visit the city and get your mind off this?"

"Yeah, sure, and while we are at it, why do we not get married and have kids?"

"Sure, why not."

"Wait, what? No! I was being sarcastic."

"Weird thing to be sarcastic about."

"I meant as in we are not allowed to leave the premise."

"Oh! Come now, I am sure the Dean would allow a newly engaged couple to enjoy a little," replied Zail with an almost smirk.

"I am beginning not to like you so much."

"How can you say that, and that too right after you proposed."

"I did not propose."

"You sure did."

A large part of their journey to the capital Seanto consisted of teasing, poking, and joyous laughter.

Complementing their journey here, the beautiful city of Seanto contained a blast of joy, lights, and laughter. Couples, both old and young, walked hand in hand. Families, friends, and lovers, everybody had something to do and someplace to be in the city.

"It is like the demon never even attacked the school," wondered Michaela.

The two newly made friends walked through the city, making stops for food, water, and restrooms. They now were taking the mountain path to the lustrous green cliff facing Aydenhall.

"This world is not that bad," commented Zail as they sat on the grass, looking at the sun setting behind the school where they only spent two days till now.

"This world? What are you, a demon?"

"Yeah, I am the Devil."

"And I am Freyja, the goddess of love and war."

"You know, I am getting a little sick of your sarcasm."

"And I of your jokes."

"That better be sarcasm, or your future husband is going to be very angry."

"Lame O!"

It was now dark. Dim streetlights kept the streets lit. The moon was not to be seen, giving way for the stars to fill the sky. Zail and Michaela walked in the beautiful night.

"You know, you are not that bad," confessed Michaela with a sweet shy blush on her cheek.

"Oh no, I am very bad."

"I was wrong, you suck."

Zail experienced a weird and new feeling that he could not understand. He felt warm in his chest and a strange comfort talking to her.

"Would you like to accompany me to the medical wing?"

"The medical wing? Why?" questioned Michaela.

"My roommate was injured, so I would like to pay him a visit."

****************

"My mother always used to say whenever something bad happened, 'Freight, not my child, this too shall pass,' or something," said Professor Ira, trying to console Joan.

"Professor, Mr Larken has regained consciousness," informed one of the nurses.

"Thank you, Sarina." Before the professor finished thanking the nurse for informing them, Joan rushed into Malik's room and wrapped herself around him as soon as she saw Malik awake and sitting in an upright position on the infirmary bed.

"Ouch, careful," complained Malik as she continued to hug him tighter.

"Mind if I join?" asked Zail, who was now standing at the door with Michaela.

"No!" replied Joan, hugging Malik tighter still.

"Oh, come on, don't be like this. Come in, Zail."

"Are you feeling all right?"

"Yeah, I a... Oh my god! Zail has a girlfriend," exclaimed Malik as he saw Michaela follow behind Zail into the room.

"I am not his girlfriend," Michaela defended herself.

"Yes, she is not my girlfriend. That is because we are now engaged."

"Oh! My holy Doritis," Malik shook Joan wildly and patted her shoulders in disbelief.

"Our child has grown up," cried Joan with happy tears.

The commotion carried on; the room was filled with life after what felt like an eternity.

"Hey, Zail," said Malik, calling him closer. "Thank you," whispered Malik so no one could hear them.

"Thank you for saving me."

"What?" asked a now confused Zail.

"I was awake for a brief moment last night, and I saw you standing there, and I also saw you disappear."

Zail stood there shocked, trying to find a good reply to Malik's accusations.

"Relax. Not a soul will know..." Malik was interrupted by violent coughs.

Joan, without skipping a beat, ran and got Malik some water and patted his back. Malik's and Zail's eyes met in agreement, swearing secrecy of the matter.

****************

"It was important to gain her trust," explained Zail to Zayries, the reason why he spent the day with Michaela. "She may be useful to our cause."

"I would dare not question my master's actions. I just hope it was worth decreasing your power for nearly a week to save a human."

"He will, Zayries, he will."

"What will you do next, master?" inquired Zayries.

"Anything, anything that it takes to bring my master here," said Zail, looking out of his dorm room window where he stood alone with his companion.

/****************\