Chapter 67: Anti-Esper Terrorist

--Charles Dalton--

There is something amiss here. 

            For the principal to call out not just the teachers and researcher but all other employees were told to gather as well. Because of the urgency in his voice and the sudden announcement, no one had time to question what's on the principal's mind. What could possibly happen to make all of us gather? It's not like the principal for him to make a sudden gathering in such a short moment notice.

            While my mind was preoccupied with my own worries, I kept on walking toward the main hall where the employees were to gather for briefing among their own or with all faculty. It was located in the Praetorian Dome or the Soldier's Dome, a fitting name for school with the name Praetor. You could find the dome at the back of the school, next to the public sport arena. It's also use for every new school year where every students would gather together for the opening ceremony. 

            Once we get to the dome, another odd thing was that the front doors were open wide and the lights were all on, as if expecting the wave of people. We began to walk in line, pushing toward inside. Inside the dome, we arrived at the Main Hall as the principal wants, but then we saw the doors leading to the auditorium were left open as well. The a blue seats arched around the hall that covered most of the area, similar to a stadium only on a smaller scale. The dome didn’t have much space left from the chairs. Surrounding the hundreds of chairs was a platform, a podium at the edge of it, and a giant screen at the back, large enough for every corner in this room to see.

           

            "Charles!"

            

            A woman patted my back and at my side was my college. Her brunette hair tied in a bun, revealing her pearls earrings, her glasses hanging around her neck, up close you'd notice her thick make-up, hiding the slightest wrinkles under her chocolate eyes, "Ms. Fley, is there something wrong?"

            "Isn't that my line? Do you have anything to do with this gathering, why hasn't anyone heard of it?"

            "I don't know myself, Ms. Fley, but we might get some answer if we wait for him here."

            "Again with the 'Ms. Fley' didn't I tell you before that you should call me Cat like the others?"

            "You're like a mentor to me Ms. Fley, it would be inappropriate if I call your name so familiarly."

             She rolled her eyes away, tired perhaps of the same answer I always gave her. It's true that I think of her as my mentor. 3 years ago, straight out of college, she was the one who taught me everything I needed to know when working in this school. That's why I couldn't treat her any other way than a respected mentor.

"Another reason why you're still a bachelor, Charles, I'm not even that old yet you talk to me like I'm 10 years older than you"

            "It's a particular trait I'm fond of, mind you" I sat at the closest seat I spotted and Ms. Fley naturally slid into the seat next to me. I looked around and barely half the seats had been occupied.

             "Leaving that aside, if not even you're not aware of this, do you think something happen?"

             "I don't know" I gave her a short answer, but like she said, I wonder if something did happen? Principal Peter is an old friend of my father and I've known him for a long time. After enduring through a hard past, I was sure that my life was over until he poured his time into helping me get back up and offer me a job as a teacher. Soon after that, I naturally applied here for the job Teaching in this school really helped me open up a path in my life. It may be me being conceited but the Principal would always entrust me to solve problems within the school. Well, there has been a few hardships as a teacher, there are cases in school we couldn't openly tell the public details, including that incident I got involved concerning those three. Another reason why if it's an emergency he would at least talk to me first, it's not like him to make a decision like gathering everyone and leaving the children on their own.

             Wait, not like him...

             A sick churning hit my stomach at the worst possible situation. I felt my facial expression changed into one of dread with my eyes squinting and my eyebrows knit together. I turned to Ms Fey and my concerned expression passed onto her. "Ms. Fley, I think we should go to the principal office just in case"

             "Eh, shouldn't we wait? The principal should be here any moment don't you think?"

             "In any case, I have a bad feeling so can you please accompany me?"

            Ms. Fley was hesitant. Eventually she nodded and stood up. In that moment, a sudden burst of people flowing into the hall. I couldn't quite catch the number but there should at least be 20 people, all armed with assault rifles. Panic started to sweep the hall and people were ready to run for the door when the sounds of bullets rang out. The sounds echoed throughout the dome and a man roared, followed by a row of bullets as a form of warning shots. "IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DIE STAY ON YOUR SEAT!"

             Crap, this is even worst that what I imagined. I gulped involuntarily and dazedly remained standing until Ms. Fley pulled me down to my seat. One of the armed men walked towards the podium while the others spread out to take watch over the people in this dome. The man on the podium tapped onto the microphone. The sound of microphone should have been normal but it jolted some of us in such tense atmosphere. The man who seemed to lead this group cleared his throat and began to speak in a civil tone.

            "Good afternoon everyone, I'll make this short and simple for all of you to understand, we are part of the Anti-Esper faction here to remind the world what a wretched human being you people along with the government for the continuous nurture of biological weapons you all called espers. It is our duty to remind the people that we..."

             They started preaching about their will and purpose, sending a message to us like they had to the public in the past. They were long and boring but it took away our notice with his heavy voice and the large gun on his hand. If it weren't some useless words about justifying their own action I might actually try listening to them. A man who sat four seats away diagonally from me, stood up and with a daring tone of voice he lashed on the terrorist.

            "DO YOU THINK YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH THIS? THE AUTHORITY WILL STOP AT NOTHING ARRESTING ALL OF YOU INTO CUSTODY AND YOU BETTER PREPARE FOR IT!"

             The hall gone cold and silent hearing his bold words, He might have thought his actions were brave, but instead made me desperately praying inside that things wouldn't get any worse, but it did.

              He cleared his throat once more and continued with a calm look on his face, ignoring the abrupt interruption from our side. "Continuing what I say, right now we are in a mission to carry out our message of the truth that the espers are nothing but a blasphemy, which is why..." he flicked his finger as a cue, and a few of the gunmen began to shoot a few people. I felt myself being pushed aside and jerked sideways, I turned to find Ms. Fley dropping to the floor with a hole on her chest. The hall became mass chaotic once more but as if ignoring the scene, he continued his speech. "We want you to cooperate."

            "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

            I caught her in my arms before she could have hit the carpet floor.I took off my lab coat and pressed strongly onto her chest, but it wouldn’t stop. Blood continued to pour and escape her body. I couldn't care less that my white coat was already dyed in red and instead held on to her wound before she loss any more blood.

            "Oy you, get on your seat, now!" I heard someone calling out, I wonder if it was me. I didn't know, my ears gone deaf to my surroundings and kept on praying inside she would make it.

"Didn't you hear me, I said get on your seat!" something cold and hard pressed against my temple, but even so, I didn't move the slightest. I might have been shot by now if someone hadn't pulled my away by the shoulder. I gave him an irritated look and was on the verge of punching him for pulling me away.

            "Get it together Dalton! She's dead...Catherine Fley is dead so stop trying...there's nothing you can do for her."

            Those words somehow woke me up. I look once more at her rag body on the carpet and at my own soak lab coat over her. I stare at her blankly before my hand reach out toward hers. I pushed away her steel bracelet and felt her hand. It was beginning to feel cold and there was no longer any pulse. Just as he said...there's nothing I could do for her now. In a daze, I sat on my seat and my attention was turned toward the terrorist once more.

#

--Claudia Oriente--

Okay, so here's how it goes.

            7 armed gunmen suddenly came out of the elevators.

            20 or so espers huddled together on the ground.

            1 Witch getting caught up in all this.

            Again I asked myself why my life could never seem to be normal. I face the floor just as the gunmen had ordered us to and sensed the children were quivering in fear, some tried to hold back their tears only to cry more. Kids aren't as good at holding back as adult are anyway. 

              I'm just as flustered as them right now. As seeing my friends being held hostage and having guns pointed at you, I'm supposed to be the eldest (mentally) but I can't even get my mind straight and just repeats over and over ‘what should I do?'

              First, after taking control of my nervousness and breath calmly, I tried to inspect the situation once again. One person guarding the elevator, four people surrounding us, and the other two people missing I suspect are surveying the two rooms for other people or maybe they could be searching something here.

              I'm not too knowledgeable about this school, but I doubt about the latter since there's barely anything valuable in here and I wouldn't store anything precious here either if I was part of the school board. Normally with less people on guard I would have on the spot and attack them single handedly, (oh dear, I really am becoming a muscle brain) but I can't do anything that might harm the kids.

            "Uhm, excuse me."

            A guy from the middle school branch slowly lifted himself with his hands on the air, everyone's eye started focusing on him. What on earth is he thinking?! I was nervous what could a kid barely in his teen would possibly say in this situation, Dale might have been thinking the same thing as I heard him murmured "Shit" beside me.

             "My...my name is Ca...Ca...Carl Valera, son of Valera Cooperation’s CEO. I...I don't know what why you're here but if it's money you want, my pa...my parents could provide that. Moreover, even though we're kids, we still have about 20 espers to fight back with normal people like you. Not to mention the fact that you're causing a disturbance would alert the police immediately. So... can we settle this peacefully?"

              Another gunshot was heard giving most of us a heart attack, I unintentionally close my eyes and slightly peek at the kid. Thank goodness he was still standing, but when I thought about the bullet, I noticed the hole on the ground next to him. 

             "Get your ass on the ground and don't make me repeat myself."

             Carl, did as he told and went back crouching with a pale look on his face. Did he really believe it would work out that easily? 

              Worried about my friends, I started to look around. They all had the same look on their face, scared, helpless, and vulnerable. Three people had strangely calm faces though, Dale, Foax, and a guy from Dale's class. "Psst, Dale, you're from the Special Class right? Don't you have people in class they could help turn this situation around?"

            "There are three problems in your suggestion. One, it's much more dangerous trying to fight without being aware of each other ability, possibly creating more trouble instead. Two, it's difficult to focus our ability while being emotional. Third, they're likely have a kind of ESP interference tool or they wouldn't even dare attacking a school for esper."

            Well, if you put it that way, you make me sound like an idiot. 
            As two of his comrades were done surveying the floor, one of them seemed to have a call from his receiver. He whispered them to the others and they seem to nod in understanding. 

            I have a strong bad feeling about it, but I can't make a move without knowing the big picture. Who are they? why are they here? how are the teachers and how will the authorities move in to help? Those main questions weren’t even answer yet. I'm in a bind of choosing to abandon my hidden identity and just knock them out on the spot while their guard is loosen or wait and see first.

             "All right everyone, I want you stand up and make a line now!" 

             The kids looked at each other confused, they slowly began to stand up and made a line. "Didn’t you hear me? I said NOW!" The loud heavy voice that echoed to boot was enough to maybe make us leak ourselves; we began to move into a line desperately. The man with the loud voice took out a device from his pocket. It was the size of a small tablet but has a handle on it. Slowly he walked to every one of us with it on hand. I could come up a hundred theories of what it is but I rather think of getting out of here, maybe at least take one down with me. 

            This is why I reluctantly call out Escape Plan #12.

             When the man started walking toward me, I began to put my knee together and put my hands over my bladder. I began to shiver and when that man began to question my behavior, I look at him with teary eyes and begging look. "I need to pee"

            Escape Plan #12, the Potty Plan. 

            I know it's ridiculous, but desperate times called for desperate measures, which apparently almost all my plan was in fact, desperate measures. 

            "Deal with it!" he said coldly. 

            "I have, but I'm already on my limit, please you have to help me", I cringed inside, this is the biggest embarrassing moment I have in this life. Let no one know my face after this ends. The man kept ignoring me but when he saw the leaking drops of water under me, he finally gave in. 

             "Someone, get this girl a room!"

              One of the terrorist escorted me to the restroom, he guided me toward the operating room and swiftly pointed to the toiletry. Even though the hallways were like a maze he was able to find it fairly quickly, he must have good memories or he had been here before. Not that it matters now.

            "Don't take too long." he growled.

            He waited at the door and I entered, well isn't he a gentleman. However, not long after I enter, I made a terrified scream that alerted him. The restroom only had four stalls, he walked toward it, not knowing I was just behind the door he opened. I floated quickly over him and touch both side of his head, I flowed out my mana with one order in mind. 

            [Sleep]

            He fell to the floor in that instant. It's the first time I used a spell directly like that. Well, specifically it was more of mana manipulation rather than spell itself. A good example of mana manipulation is enforcing my child's body with the strength of adult so calling it a spell is only half correct. Moreover, usually the best way to make one sleep is using an enchanted music tool, but ever since I thought of enhancing part of the brain that suggested sleep, making things easier. I thank you biology for giving me this spell. 

            I pulled him to one of the stallsand made sure its lock too. The spell should last for hours and it’s almost impossible to break so I could forget him for now, but on the off chance he woke up somehow, flushing his clothes and leaving him half naked should make it hard for him to move around I suppose. 

            If you ask if I find my actions funny, then my answer is yes... I do. One of them should at least face humiliation of forcing me pretending to leak, it was only creating small drops of water to look like I was leaking but I won't be satisfied if one of you doesn't feel my wrath. 

             I ran back to the VR Room and was cautious not to be seen, but my worries was for naught since everyone was gone. I rushed to the elevator with the resolve to save my friends and to see this through. 

#

--Dale Fillion--

 I wonder what Claudia is up to. I have a hunch that she was planning on something, but it looks like I can't help her any other way. After the man mysteriously went over each of us with that strange device in hand, he called out about six of us forward including me. I glanced at the five of them, pulling out information I knew about them. 

             Dean Moose, a third grader in Class S. Held the ability to communicate with computers. 

              Felix Avelore, a sixth grader from Class 3. His ability is mediocre but he is one of the rare type to have 3 kind of abilities which is Photographic Memory, Visualization, and Calculus Mind. Looking at one ability, it sounds average but together, it's like having a computer as your brain.

               Allyston Drew, a second year in middle school and in the same class as me. Her ability is Amplification, amplifying any kind of output whether it's from devices or esper themselves. 

             Morra Havi, a third year student with Dysarthria, a disorder that cause her having a hard time of speaking. She has the ability to manipulate plants. 

             Finally, there's Jessica Foax. Apparently his parents had longed for a daughter judging by his name. As an old friend of Rick, we were acquaintances, we have a mutual feeling of not being fond with each other. A brat that knows nothing and deem Rick as a traitor, but I can't really insult him as I was partially in fault of that incident. 

            Gah, since when do I get so sentimental? Stay objective Dale, this is your strong point, you need to figure things out to keep the student safe. Though since I doubt the teachers, including Prof. Dalton, could help if are having a tough time, I suppose we are on our own. 

            That kind of mindset only lasted for a minute. The man with the device tuck it away and started fiddling with his ring. I figured he had pushed a button and it turned green as a response. He spread his hand on us but I feel nothing, maybe a little bit sleepy and my mind felt it was push back, but I could tell I'm wide awake. 

            "On your knee" he said to the ring. On cue to his words, each of us fell down to the ground with one knee with not slightest hesitation, including me. A part of mind was yelling What the F****, but another didn't question much and felt the urge of going to sleep.

            "Huh, this feel better than I thought" the man muttered. He turned and arched his head sideways, signalling them to do the job. Six of his comrades went up to six of the kids in front and press their ring which then glowed a hue blue color. They then touched the children's head as if they were patting them

            Something was happening, I didn't know what yet, but I'm was sure they aren't doing anything we might like. The man that took on the role leader of this small group, headed towards the elevator and demanded both men and children to follow. He looked at the small size of the elevator and regretted that idea considering the size of the elevator and ordered them directly after then, to follow up after the first batch. 

            So much putting up a cool character, I thought deeply.  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRAY FOR JAKARTA

On 14th January, a suicide bomber and shooting with the media claim to be the work of ISIS.

Three people died, many were injured.

They police has disabled 4 people to be as the perpetrator but who knows how many member have snuggled unnoticed in Indonesia. I hope I'm just over thinking.

            

Chapter 66: Start of the Attack

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.

            It was the echo of footsteps walking in haste. Climbing up the concrete stairs, he didn't let his breath grow irregularly. Though his feet grew heavy while climbing and handicapped with a suitcase that had considerable weight, he didn't have time to worry about that, he was more worried that being only a second late might infuse his boss' wrath. The mere thought of it hastened his pace.

            Once he had reached the fifth floor, he went straight towards his boss’s room. The entrance door was creaked slightly open, which was oddly careless for his boss.  The building had been abandoned for years so no electricity was running, making the hallway darker and creepier with cracked walls, hanging spiders and layers of thick dust enveloped the corridor.

            In contrast to the outside, the building looks nicer as if it had only been recently remodeled when in truth it was no different than a corpse, horrendous and void of life.  For the ex-military officer though, such a thing couldn't even crack through his thick shell . He barged in, fully aware of his rash action into the room and where three men were standing side by side. One of them faced the large window overlooking part of the Northeaster part of the city with the twilight sky looming over, he was shorter compared to the two large bulky men wearing the same army green shirt and gray baggy trousers with 4-6 pockets that could hide a few weapons. And instead of an ACR assault rifle in his hands he was holding up his phone while talking to someone. Other than that, the room itself was void from any furniture, it was a building originally intended to be demolished next week, a perfect place for let's say......

            A foreign criminal organization settling down to make it as a base camp.

            "Yes...yes...I understand...I may not be a genius like you but I'm not stupid...I remember the plan crystal clear, I hope you don't mind us getting some souvenirs while we're at it. Honestly I don't see any meaning in doing this, exactly how will this benefit you?"

            "Just do as I tell you Parson, as long as you do then we can keep our partnership intact." said from the other line. The line was cut and Parson could only dazedly stare at the phone as it beeped. He put his phone in his pocket followed with a tired groan, the other three in the room could only wonder the kind of conversation they had. The man named Parson then looked up to finally notice the American-African man. If it wasn't from the window that allowing the light in, he wouldn't have noticed the black male under the dark shadow of this room. He raised his eyebrows and gave off an amused smirk when he found the small suitcase in that man's hand. 

             "The delivery has arrived Sir." He said, elaborating on why he a lowly henchman would be here.

             "Finally!" Parson came up to him and snatched it off of him like an excited young boy getting his birthday gift. The silver suitcase was barely a foot long, a number key panel was in between the LCD panel and key hole. Parson took out his key from his pocket and inserted it into the lock, he pushed the key codes in and turned the key. The lid jumped open and inside a small gadget you might easily mistake for a smartphone placed fittingly in a foam base. He took out the gadget and turned it on with the switch on its side.

            After confirming that the 'partner' Parson had called sent the device of interest which they agreed upon. Parson chuckled to himself, imagining what his so called 'partner' had in store for in their next target. Reminding him what an odd fellow his 'partner' was, they were supposed to be enemies, yet now they can't work without the other.

            Though that man mostly makes them work to quench his personal curiosity. Parson would be lying if he says he wasn't looking forward a job request from him, because something interesting would always happen, but he would rather die than admitting it. He looked at the suitcase once more and took the foam base out of it, revealing another base that had rows of rings inside neatly placed.

            "Gather the men! We'll have a briefing for the next attack!" All three of his henchmen went out of the room, leaving their boss alone as he fiddled with his new 'gift' while he set his eye towards the gate of the school that had the name of it written in giant white letters next to it, it was quite far for him to read it but he was well familiar of what it’s written.

            "Praetor Academy & Institution”

            “...what a joke of a name." Parson muttered under his breath.

#

Today is another day where we have Practical Class for 3 periods, for me it only means I'm going to spend 3 hours with Class S. I have always been excited, also a little nervous, whenever I get a chance to study with them. However, there's nothing but awkwardness sitting right in front of Foax. I don't know if he is looking at the board or looking at my back or if he’s even paying attention to either at all. The fact I couldn't even tell what's on his mind while he could with his ability frustrates me even more. However, thinking it that way means Foax isn't talking in my mind even when he knows how I'm feeling means he's angry enough to not even bother talking to me. That thought made me depressed even more than before.

            While I was struggling with myself, Prof. Howard explained the routine for today’s class is entering the high-level maze created in the Virtual Reality Room, VR Room for short. It was placed in the lowest level of the school and roughly spans the same area as the school. The room uses a tremendous amount of electricity just from using it, so the school board had strictly said that we could only use it once a month. We were given the usual lecture about the rules and safety regulations when traversing the maze.

           "All right, that's all so next let's go to the VR Room shall we?" Prof. Howard had to shout over the small talk of the students at the back. He was one of the new teachers assigned to this class last week. I felt a bit guilty, the class is known for its terrible behavior and knowing they might destroy his cheerful innocence smile. We all got up to follow him when I felt a tap on my shoulder, I knew from the bright blond hair at the corner of my eyes that it was Carol.

            "Come here", she demanded me. She grabbed onto my collar and pulled me to the front of the herd, just right behind Prof. Howard. I turned my head to ask her what she wanted, my voice failed to come out when I saw her angered expression. I hate to admit she still looked cute, but the feeling of having a little girl angry at you is never a good experience for the faint-hearted. Her eyes should have lost color but her pale blue pupils strongly gaze at me with emotion. It was a bit intimidating.

           "What did you say to Foax?"

           The sudden question gave me a shock, I tried to control the beating of my heart which was going faster.  I gave off a questioning tone, feigning ignorance, "I'm not sure. Is there something wrong with him?"

            "You might not know this, but he usually likes to play pranks on the new teachers."

           "Okay...ignoring his bad taste of pranks, why are you asking me?"

           "Because the only person that could screw him over, is you."

           "Screwing is...a really strong and crude word don't you think?"

             Carol pinched my arm in response, I would've screamed if I hadn't forced my own mouth shut. Carol continued, "Please tell me you didn't say Theresa's name." 

             "I  would love to, but then I would be lying" I forced a grin on my face which didn't amuse her at all when she made a huge sigh with her palm on her face, she is probably regretting telling me that name. "Carol..."

            "Don't talk to me anymore."

            Carol hastened her pace to right behind the professor, it was easy keeping up with her since she is a slow runner, or walker if I might add, and I can't quite imagine she could run with blind eyes anyway. "Listen Carol, I know it's my fault for slipping it out, but I don't even know how much that name meant to him so you could at least cut me some slack.” Carol kept on walking, pretending not to hear a single word from me. "You would've at least told me what Rick's sister had to do with him."

              I had a hunch she would at least listen to me if I knew the fact that she was related to Rick and thankfully it worked. She slowed down her steps so that we would walk side by side, without looking straight at me she said in a matter of fact tone, "So you knew."

            "Yes, somehow I do."  

            "Then let me tell you one more thing to make this clear, that girl is the reason Rick betrayed Foax's trust, or so I think, that's why you shouldn't pry any further."

             She thinks? Does that mean even she's not sure what happened?

              "Anyway, that's all I'm going to tell you, so please try not to cause any more trouble and by the way, you heard nothing from me on this matter, I don't want to get on Foax's bad side, especially when we had promised him"

             "What promise?"

             She glared at me, indicating she won't talk anymore. Giving up on pushing her further, I obediently and quietly followed the Professor to the VR Room while mulling over so many questions in me with the name Theresa at the center of it. 

             However, unbeknownst to me, just as I was entering the elevator, I failed to notice the black aura coming from a person at the other end of the hallway. Maybe if I had entered it a second later or if my mind wasn't so preoccupied, I could have at least been on guard at the events soon to follow.  

             

#

The man with the black aura didn't show any signs of suspicious movement. Under a fake guise and name, he had gotten an appointment with the school principal with ease. After he made sure from the administration office that the principal was present in his office, he made a short thank you, followed by a charming smile that wouldn't raise suspicion. He strode toward the target's room and casually went inside without knocking. He found his target still focused on the paperwork in hand.

            "I heard you were coming sooner than the appointed time Mr. Helch, what could've changed your pl---" Principal Peter K. Poughvickle raised his head and immediately knitted his eyebrows. The Mr. Helch he knew was a skinny man in his early 40s, with thin dark blond hair that showed off his huge forehead, a long face and skin you knew from one look was as smooth as a baby from constant moisturizer, the man in front of him was completely different. 

             He had brown hair in an Ivy League haircut, thick eyebrows hanging over his dark brown eyes, short nose, a broad square shaped face, and thinly shaved beard across his jaw. He was wearing a formal black suit, nothing out of the ordinary for someone meeting a man such as the principal. 

             The principal wasn't fooled, he knew the man was dangerous the moment he met his eyes, void of emotion,  as if  looking at a dead's man eyes. He had seen those eyes before, they were the eyes of those who danced with death too many times. Even the strong build of his body and the distinctive stand of someone trained by the military had given warning inside the old man's head.

             In haste, he pulled out the first drawer on his right and took out his electric gun, an improved version of stun gun you might say, he aimed at the suspicious person before he was shot in the head with the man's own gun. Had he had more time to think, he would have wondered how he had smuggled his gun in to the school ground with such strict security.  Alas, the principal had an immediate death. He fell to the floor, his chair slid to the far end, blood soaking the carpet.

              Parson withdrew his gun, walked leisurely toward the desk, stepped over the dead body and turned on the computer, it was protected with a password but it didn't matter to him. His job was only to put in the USB hard drive into the main server and it would do the rest of the job for him. He had put on a silencer on the gun so he didn’t need to worry of anyone coming in anytime soon, even if someone did there was nothing they could do now. He sat on the revolving chair, subconsciously smiling at the comfy chair that smoothly fit him, absorbing his mind wrought with stress. He then took out his portable receiver and sent one message to all his people. 

             "Everyone standby, let's showcase our message to the world."

#

The VR Room was placed at the lowest level of the school, we took an elevator down.The school only had a one elevator going down the basement and with large classes, and everyone struggled in the small space. When the ding sound was heard and the door slid open, I'm sure I heard a continuous sigh of relief.

            It was not the first time I came to this place, but it still made me breathless seeing the large empty space that seemed to stretch out forever. There was nothing other than the white floor, wall, ceiling and the two doors next to the elevators that led to the maintenance and operating room, I never expected anyone to be there, but something unexpected greeted us below. 

            "Claudia......what are you doing here?"

            I turned toward the familiar voice, I questioned myself why Dale and others would be here when he was in a separate class from her. When both sides realized something was wrong, we turned towards our teacher. He scratched the back of his neck, and looking back and forth toward the two groups of kids.

              "Hmm, kids...looks like we have a little mix up in our schedule so Prof. Bane and I will try to sort this all out, so standby for now." said Prof. Howard. Things didn't go as planned when the speaker began to play a familiar BGM before getting to the announcement. 

            "Attention, all employees of Praetor Academy & Institution are to gather in the Main Hall, please stop what you're doing and come immediately, I apologize for the sudden announcement. I repeat..."

            The two professors looked at each other after hearing the familiar voice of the principal and decided to postpone their discussion, the other employees that worked in the maintenance office of this room also came out from the side door to follow. 

           "Hey hey Claudia, so what do you think of my present by the way?" Dale casually came up to me. My mind was then moved toward the night of my birthday, I was being giddy after receiving my necklace. I had forgotten for a day about the small mountain of presents I got from the rest of Class S and Dale. 

           I got various gifts such as brand new shirt, pencil cases, dolls, notebook, and mugs. "Yeah I wanted to ask, why did you give me an owl mask for my birthday?" It wasn't exactly an owl mask, it was more of an owl themed mask. A white mask shaped like an owl, black feathers on the side and gold color lining. The type of mask you might see in a masquerade party but made fittingly for a child.

            "It's not just a mask you know, it's the mask of one of the main characters in the famous show 'Animal Squad'."

            “Ah, I think I've heard of it, that cartoon show where five animals turned human and got superpowers so they get together to fight crimes and stuff---Beth is a huge fan of that show.” I think she would be the one happy getting that present, or did he think I enjoyed it along with my sister? Either way I should say thanks to him at the least. 

            "Did you not like masks?" He asked after looking at my expression. 

            "Not that I hate masks, I just..." my tone of voice unknowingly became softer and my face looked away while reminiscing the past, "I'm not really too fond with owls, since I read  they are ominous symbols since ancient times" 

            "Seriously? What do they symbolize?" he asked curiously.

             I made a huge silent breath trying to answer him, I could've stayed silent but the words popped out of my mouth as if the words were stored in there all along. 

             "Death."

             Another ding sound came from the elevator. "Great, is there another mix up?" I heard one of the kids sigh in anger. However, there's no way we could have expected a bunch of men coming out with guns and dangerous equipment lodged on to their uniform. I heard some of the girls scream looking at it, most of us weren't sure if this was real or someone was playing a joke on us. Then when one of them started shooting at the ceiling, giving out loud and chilling gunshots, we were stunned for sure. "Everybody get on the ground NOW!"

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I personally thank you Aria, Amin and Poppyseeds for editing this chapter together :) 

Chapter 65: Lost Bond

Back To The Past!

Enjoy

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Numerous soldiers surrounded, a giant 6.5 feet tall man aiming at me with a spear, two civilians were at my back waiting to be cut down, and worst of all my magic is ineffective against their silver armour. Despite all the odds against me, the smile I had did not leave me.

            "If you're in a really bad situation, and I mean a very bad situation, then make sure you smile."

           "Master I don't understand, so if I'm going to die...I should smile?"

            "Yes, if you want to know why there are two reasons"

            "Which is...."

            "One, if you're going to die, laugh at your stupidity for getting into that mess."

            I gave off a dry laugh even though I knew he wasn't kidding. "What's the second reason?"

            "If you want to live despite that, then smile, it helps to think optimistically, and you'd be surprised what an optimistic mind could help with."

            "In other words, you want me to bluff my way out."

            "Pretty much, yes."

           It was strange that a conversation with Master surfaces under these circumstances. It reminded me that I'm currently in a pinch, yet the smile came about so naturally. "I'll make it out, somehow..." I whispered to myself, but honestly I'm wishing for a miracle right now.

            Even with me being surrounded, no one dared to make the first move. I'm sure they don't want to excite a cornered witch, it somehow gave me time to think but who knows when time will start moving for us. However, the Archbishop felt impatient and began to yell at his guards for my head. He even told them they'd get the bonus for the one who cuts my head off. Time began to move as they all yelled and ran in the same direction as me. I kept my position, still thinking what to do until I felt a cold wet sensation hitting my nose. I knew in that millisecond, rain was about to fall.

            It felt like a miracle did fall on me, because then I knew I was going to survive.

            I threw the sword I stole at one person which would make a gap in this barricade of people. The sword landed perfectly in the gap of his armour, hitting his armpit. I utter my spell that created a high pitch vibration in the air, slowing the soldier’s movement. I dashed for the gap without missing a beat and followed up with a spell that summons fog. It was a slow spell so it wasn't my first choice for buying time, but hopefully it was enough time for this one spell, I'm going all out.

            [O water, I ask to stop your time, gather your force. Let no one pass you by and cage your enemy within your spirit.]

            It was a long spell but if I wanted to live, I can't be picky of my options. In a matter of seconds, the light drizzle had turned into a downpour. Water droplets turned into ice before it hit the ground, and then just as fast as the rain fell down the sky, the tiny ice droplets began to pitch together, forming an ice layered dome, surrounding parts of the foggy stage.

            Even if I can't use magic on them, at least I can use magic around them. Since I specialize in fire and ice magic, there's little chance they could get out while they’re still blind to their surroundings.

            [Ice Cage]

            I took out my yellow magic stone and after activating it, the magic circle on it enlarged, shimmering with a red and blue color, summoning the couple from inside the dome. The Mayor looked around in confusion but when he spotted me, he immediately looked wary. I'm guessing he would jump on me if he wasn't holding his wife in his arms. She looked quite exhausted mentally and physically, and in her hand was the yellow magic stone I secretly passed on to her, steadily reduced into yellow crumbs after it was used. I was about to tear up at the loss of another stone and in my heart swore that I'll search for a way to preserve magic stones after using them numerous times.

            "You Slimy Witch, what do you want from us? Haven't you and that blasted government dog had enough torturing this town?" Growled the mayor.

            I rolled my eyes at him but not wanting to waste time I warn him, "rather than arguing, hurry and get your wife out of this town, you two don't have any place here so find one on your own."

            The Mayor looked surprised, not only did his eyes widen but his eyebrows rose as if it were about to jump out and his mouth was slightly open, showing the yellow teeth he had. He was a chubby mayor with a big head that sank his neck to his clothes, yet now he looked like he had lost half his weight.

            I turned toward the wife next, she looked the most exhausted but I knew she was still conscious, "AND YOU!" I said pointing out to her, "I may not know the horrible experience you had after being convicted as a Witch, but now that you're free don't ever think of giving up your life, not when another life is living inside you now."

            Just after I said that, the light in her eyes glimmered with life like a fire being lit, she must have felt guilty and glad after being given a reason to live. She held her tummy with tears streaming down like waterworks along with her husband. She held his hand tight and told him, "I want to live" over and over again. Her husband made a slight smile and kissed her on the forehead.

            Great now that's one probl---

            A great pain came through my right hand, the heat and stinging came all too suddenly, and when I saw the loss of my hand, I screamed so loud, the entire town could have heard me. Blood flowed out quickly like waterfall, I could see mu hand laying at the corner of my eyes with my bracelet. I crunched over from the pain and saw slightly from behind the full armoured man coming closer toward us.

            I cursed countless times in my heart, to think he had slipped away from my spell. Even though I told myself I should be wary of him the most and I let my guard down.

            Strangely this situation reminded me of the exercise I had with my master this afternoon and that made me even madder at my repeated faults. Not just being cornered, but also the fact that I used up all my mana.

             Looks like I can't even smile in this one.

            I looked at the couple that had a horrid face. "RUN!" I yelled at them fiercely, knocking some sense into them as they stood to their feet and ran as I had told them to.

            Pain was still coursing through my hand and it put me in an awful position, I tried to bear with it as I kept my breathing steady. When I noticed the shadow on the ground becoming bigger.

            "Any last words?"

            His deep voice reverberates along with his iron mask, I shuddered as I felt the cold metal beside my neck, waiting to take my neck off.

             "Yes, there's one thing" I said softly without much strength. "You don't know what I'm capable of."

             The armoured man would have finished me off if he wasn't so observant at the shadow that still grew larger under him. He looked up above and saw the face of a dragon, an Ice dragon floating above with its mouth wide open. It flew down right after he noticed it and took a huge step to back away. The ice dragon on the other hand was shattered into pieces the moment it touched the ground. In the first place, the magic that I just used was only to scare him off by using an ice sculpture.

             That worked out well, bluffing really can do wonders.

             I took out the glowing red magic stone in my hand that had turned slowly into a normal rock. I took another three more magic stones to replenish my loss of mana, it didn't reach half of my capacity but it's better than nothing. I used the small amount of mana I had to close up my wound and relieve the pain.

            "Using such a dirty tactic, you must be desperate. As I thought, you witches are nothing but abominations. You know nothing about honour and loyalty, just raking whatever you want." the words from that knight almost made me gack. The whole lot of the Holy Empire burned witches without proving that they are a witch. He stood up from his position and I noticed how he slightly hung his left leg. Did he sprain it when dodging my spell? I guess, that's my luck.

            I honestly would want to use this chance to escape, but pride took over me instead because of the words of that supposed knight. I took the spear that had blown my hand off. I pointed it out to him and made a declaration. "I have one hand and you have a sprained leg, you think you're the honourable one but let me show you what a witch can do, with or without magic."

            He was silent for a moment and I can't tell his expression from his armour. He tightened his grip on his sword and took an unbalanced stance because of his leg. I knew he wanted to fight, he wanted to know the kind of witch I am and I'll gladly show it.

           "My name is Alexander Deus" he said, naming himself. I took up his hint and respond to him, "Claudia Oriente"

            The rain might have helped the two of us cool our heads. From the gap of his mask, I could see his blue eyes eyeing me with hatred and blood lust. I took on his gaze without looking away. I used my mana to enhance the strength of every part of my body. My body wouldn't stand a chance as it is against that gorilla body of his.

            Without anything to signal the first move, we both dashed at each other at the same time. I felt the wash of rain against me as I ran against the wind. I took out the spear and he took out the sword, the sound of metal clashing rings hard in our ears, knowing we both aren't holding back anything.

            We both pushed each other one step back, Alexander thrust his sword toward my face and I slip away by sliding to the side and hitting his sprained leg with the tip of my spear. He groaned but I didn't stop there, I twist my spear so the blade would come toward the back of his neck. He wasn't ready to croak though, he ducked and rolled himself away and after regaining his stance he rushed with his sword once more which I block and had it slide down. I put my foot on to it then used the blunt edge of the spear to hit his side of the head causing him to roll away. He was stubborn in holding on to his sword and made me slip, I staggered two or three steps back but Alexander was already up to aim at my heart which I blocked.  However, with his free hand he punched me in the cheek, hard.

              I slide away from the impact, thankfully I still held on to my spear. Before I could get up, he thrust his sword up at me and I parry again. Having my back to the ground, I was obviously put in a disadvantage, but that still didn't stop me. I twisted my leg around his, making him lose his balance so he'd slip to the side, I followed and now it was his back facing the ground with his sword holding my spear back.

            This time, I have the upper hand, there's no way out for him. I would have kept my big head if a sudden memory didn't pop out at the back of my head between Master and me.

           "Whatever happens, don't forget to have an eye on your back"

            "What's that supposed to mean?"

            "Figure it out for yourself."

            "...and you call yourself a teacher?"

            I didn't know why a random memory popped out of nowhere, so I tried sensing my surrounding and felt someone getting closer from behind. I jumped to the side just as he was about to attack me but instead he stabbed Alexander's neck, killing him in the process.

            The man cursed for missing and took out the bloody sword as he kept his eye on me. That Archbishop didn't even blink an eye after killing his subordinate. "You really are a heartless man."

           "It's all for the cause of justice, he should be glad that he was a help to take care of you, sadly even his noble sacrifice couldn't put an end to an abomination."

            Originally, I wanted to take this chance to escape and honestly I would. Still, my decision could not forgive him, I couldn't let him hurt even more innocent people.

            That's why, I took up my spear and threw it, aiming at his head. Because of the unbalanced throw, not only did it miss he made a long jump to the side, dodging as a result. He made a smirk at my previous spot, but when he noticed I was gone, his face met with a hard kick.

            Kronberg staggered back as he held his nose that was streaming with blood. I wasn't finished and made a punch to his stomach, followed with a knee to his chest. He withhold that punch and tried to cut me with his sword, but with his amateur swing, I easily took a hold of his hand, and because I was angry, not only did I twist his hand to his back, I broke it too.

            He let go of his sword the same time he let out a scream. I shut him up with another strong punch to his jaw. I walked slowly toward him, writhing in pain, he was begging me to spare his life. How laughable, for a follower of God to be begging a so called heresy of his. Thinking he should have enough, I took out a paper from my pouch that had a teleportation magic of its own. I faced my back toward him, thinking it’s finally over.

            "YOU WITCH, DIE!!!"

            I turned around and found him running with a dagger in hand that he must have stuffed in his pocket somewhere. I'd be lying if I wasn't taken by surprise and his blade was only an inch away from me. I acted faster than I could think since I honestly thought I was about to die. Before I realized my own action, I turned his hand around and in result---

            His heart was struck by his own dagger.

            The hand I kept holding was slowly losing its warmth, the widened eyes of the Archbishop looked around and lost its flicker of life. His face frozen at his last expression, slowly his body began to lose strength as it fell to the muddy ground.

            I would have stayed dumbfounded if the sound of several armoured footsteps didn't knock me out of my daze and into reality and with the last bit of mana.

            I bid goodbye to Mainz.

#

When I felt the feeling of distortion was gone, I opened my eyes to find myself in a forest. You'd think most part of the forest look the same, but I knew with just a glance I was back.

             I was home.

            That thought took away my remaining strength and I felt my back leaning on to a nearby tree. I looked toward my missing right hand and made a heavy sigh. I searched through my pouch and found a bottle of cream.

             It was the Regrowth Potion.

            I say potion but it was more accurate to say it's a Regrowth Cream. I took a chunk of brown cream from the bottle and put it where my right hand supposed to be. It didn't took a minute for my hand began regenerating itself.

            Growing out your own hand felt really weird and sick, I don't feel any pain growing it out but it took quite a few minutes before I could regain some sense from it. I used that time to heal out all the nasty cuts and bruises and the rain washed away all the dirt and mud that got stuck on me.

            When I finally felt like myself, the rain had also stopped as well. I thought it was time for me to go home. When I got up, I immediately fell down again, I held on to a nearby tree but my legs felt wobbly with no strength to hold myself up and I felt a sick churn in my stomach. I had thought that the rain had washed blood along with the mud stuck on me, but when I look up at my hand once more, it was as bloody as when I took the life of that Archbishop.

            I took away my first human life.

            My breathing began to become more erratic and I screamed at the top of my lungs.

#

 The shack was only 10 minutes away from where I was teleported. I slowly opened the door, not wanting to wake up anyone at this time. After slipping inside, I was caught by surprise when a candle suddenly lit itself. It wasn't only one, all the other candles lit themselves, one by one around the room and the last two were lit together, revealing the face of the one person I didn't want to meet that night.

            "Ma...Master...you're awake."

             "And so are you."

             I felt my face getting pale from the blood draining, my heart almost beat into a complete stop seeing him sitting on his old sofa with one leg tucked under the other and the glare looked a lot scarier with the candles light next to him. I shivered not just because I was wet from the rain but also from the gaze of his that was filled with anger. I had no excuse so I stayed silent, filling the space with cold atmosphere between us.

            "Where were you?" He said casually.

             I gulped down my saliva, I swear his voice just took out half of my life force. He wasn't just angry, he was furious.

             Even so, I tried to respond to him. "I was out for a walk, tumbled down a few times since it was dark, then---"

              Master struck the table beside him, and silenced me. The table had crumbled but I didn't take note of it, I was too focused on Master as he got up. "Do you take me as for an idiot? Do you think I wouldn't know considering how flashy you were all that time in freeing those convicted sorcerers, and do you think I don’t know that you met with that Owl Face twice and getting involved with their group."

            I blinked a few times, sucking up the words he just told me. "You knew...all of it?"

            "Yes I know, now stop gawking and pack your bags, I don’t want you to stay in contact with any of those people so we're going away. FAR away!"

            "No." Master stopped his tracks with his back facing me, even without looking at his face, I knew he felt shock that I rebutted him. He slightly turned his face toward me, thinking he must have misheard he asked again what I said and I told him the same answer. I waited for any outburst from him but nothing came for a while. The intense silent made a few seconds seem as if it they were a few hours. Master turned around and held my shoulders tight in his arms. I didn't have time to react, not when he looked at me with such a sad expression, one that I had never seen him with.

            "Do you even know what you're getting involved with? You're saying you want to work with people that intends to make war with the Empire. You don't even know what you're up against and you think you could make a difference by making a fight with them?"

            "It's still better than not doing anything at all."

             "And of all people you try to work together with murderers who claim they want to revolutionize sorcerers." Master began to laugh mockingly, "Claudia I know you're better than this, they can sugar coat all of their actions but that does not excuse the fact that they battle for their own selfish needs."

            "That's where you're wrong! They fight for themselves and for others too. I've seen what they're like and I've seen what the church has done to people tonight. They don't care whether they're right or wrong, they only care to show off their strength and put the people in their place and they're using 'us' as an example"

            "So after saving one person you think you’re capable of saving all of them? Don't be conceited, you’re just a child Claudia!"

            "Not when I'm alone"

            Master wiped his face with his hand, looking exhausted. It seems he still had something to say but felt it was useless to say anything to me and kept groaning for a while. I am quite stubborn after all. "You....hahaha....you....are certainly a piece of work" he said exhausted.

            "Master I....do you remember the first time I asked you to make me your disciple?"

            "As if it was yesterday" he said softly, lacking energy in his sore tone.

           "I said to you once. That I wanted to learn magic because I didn't want to deny who I am or how I feel. More than that, I wanted to use magic....to use this gift as something I wanted to be proud to have by helping people. I still feel the same even now"

           I've already made my decision, but saying it to him was a lot harder than I thought it would be, it took every bit of my will so that I wouldn't start crying, but I need to move forward.

            "Which is why this is where we part."

            Master didn't change his expression, again he was silent, sighing that he was very furious, enough to be lost for words. He heaved a heavy sigh before he asked "You honestly think this is the right choice?"

            "I don't know....I don't know....but I do know that what they're doing to people...human and sorcerer alike...I can't tolerate that. So I'll do what I think is best for me." after getting those words out of my chest, I turned around to the door. I knew the moment I left this shack I'd be turning the six years of memory I'd built here and the person who had reach out his hand to me when I had lost everything.

            "If you step out of that door, you are no longer my disciple."

            Those words hit me like an arrow and made me stop my movement, it wasn't fair that he played that card on me, but it was too late now. "Goodbye Mister Rolex, take care of Lisse for me" after bidding with those words, I walked out.

            I walked without much thinking where I was going, the more I walk the more the memories of six years together were rekindling inside my mind, like a precious jewellery being taken out one by one. From the time I first met him, the moment he gave me stitches and bandages from the wounds he gave me himself, the memory where he tucked me into bed when I had nightmares, the numerous conversation we had at dinner, and the first praise he gave me after successfully using my first magic.

            I stumbled onto the group of people clad in dark blue robes. Merlin was there out front with his usual owl mask on, he looked like he was waiting for me, as if he knew me like the back of his hand and of the choices I had made. "Welcome." he said with his deep voice but I didn't take note of it, instead I kept on walking and finally let myself fall to his chest. Merlin must have been surprised but he didn't say anything. I knew that I was acting like a child, but I couldn't contain my emotion as I burst into tears.

            I made a choice and I chose to abandon the closest thing I had as a family.

           

Chapter 64: A Mother's Concern

 "Agh, why do they have to make a limiter, I can't play with my ability however I want."

           "Which is the exact reason why they put on limiter for kids like you Beth, you should try refraining from using your ability for every single thing."

            On a rare night the whole family was watching a movie together. Beth was complaining at the new regulation set for espers. I was agreeing with Beth in this case, but for a different reason.  I was paying more attention to the movie than to them. I wanted to occupy my mind and shove away the disgraceful memory of this afternoon but truthfully, I couldn't stop focusing on it.

           Somehow, I had mostly cried in situations concerning Rick all the time, but today was just embarrassing. Is it because I'm in a child's body that I'm this emotional? I should have been more understanding. Surely he has things he doesn't want to talk about, since I have things I don’t want to talk about too. Still, he shouldn't have said it in such an awful way. Yes, that's right, it's his faults, and he should have talked in a different tone. No wonder that jerk barely has any friends.

            "Claudia, is something wrong? You making an unpleasant face and your eyebrows look scrunched together." Mother gently turned my face toward her, looking at my complexion. Thinking I made her worried, I smiled at her and replied with my normal tone, "Nothing really, I'm thinking of something but it's not really important so I'm fine."

            Then oddly, for a flash of a moment, mother made a sad look on her face. She caressed my hair with the smile she always had, making me think I was mistaken.

#

When the movie night was over, I went back to my room. I had planned to quickly hit my bed and go off to dreamland. When I opened the door of my room, I saw my sister, Karen, looking through my textbooks as she sat on my bed. It was quite a shock for me since it never occurred to me, why Karen would ever come to my room for hardly any reason.

            I wanted to call out to her but I felt a lump stuck in my throat. I don't know why she's here, but I'm 90% sure she has nothing good to say to me, the thought made me hesitant to call her out. The room was silent for about 3 minutes with me gawking and looking left and right at my own room while Karen kept on reading.

            I couldn't stand the atmosphere so I took a leap by breaking the ice first. "Uhm..."

            "You are either ignorant, clueless, or a complete idiot. I vote for all three."

            I wanted to talk first but Karen had beat me to it, with an outrageous claim to boot. I wanted to refute her, but when she gave me her icy glare, my whole body froze. Bullets of cold sweat crawled down my back, when I felt my heart was being grasped by her pressure, the words I tried to put out were left unsaid as if I had lost its voice, the hair throughout my body stood from the fear oozing out of me. The way she looks at me, it wasn't hatred, I know the eyes of hatred when I see them, but it was the kind of pressure and fear I have never felt before.

             "Listen, whatever happens in your life is your problem and it's got nothing to do with any of us. However, if you don't want to talk about it, at least don't make her worry."

            "Her...you mean mother?"

            "Who else? I'm pissed right now at how much you don't realise, you've hurt her. Do you think not making her worry and keeping secrets is what she wants? Not letting her know what is in her own child's mind is the worst way to make her worry, at least if you tell her, she'd know that you could still rely or seek comfort from her. That's why next time, don't push her off."

            After she finished what she had to say, she put the textbook back on to my desk. I was left in a trance after she had slapped me with her harsh, true, and unexpected words as it kept echoing in my mind still. What's more, when Karen passed me by, she left her few final words, "by the way, if anyone is causing you a problem, don't hesitant to tell me. I could be of help in many ways."

           I was taken aback at how she offered me help if I was in trouble, but I could only think that anyone getting targeted by her merciless wrath, was pitiful.

#

Even though it was almost midnight, after hearing her words. My body moved towards my mother's room without thinking. I moved back and forth between my room and hers, hesitant because of the fact that I might have actually hurt her without meaning to. I didn't tell her anything because I could make her worry, but did I just make it worse instead?

            Right now, dad is working on his project in the living room, mother should be alone in her room. "She might be asleep, if she were then I'll have to postpone this after all." I gently pushed the door open, but contrary to my thoughts, mother was still up on her bed, reading her book with her black frame glasses on.  "Claudia, is something wrong?" she quickly noticed me and even called out to me. I was about to say 'it's nothing' when I realized my own words that almost flew out. 
           The lie came out so easily and it made me realize even more so, how much I've done her wrong.

            Not wanting to speak out any more lies, I took the chance to walk into her room and crawled to her side on her bed. I snuggled closely to her as if wanting to be spoiled, but mother asked about my problems instead, reading the deep expression from my troubled eyes. I knew she was sharp, and to think I had thought she didn't suspect a thing. I am such a fool.

             Guilt began to weigh on my heart, and somehow it added weight to my words as well, making it harder for me to just talk.

            "Claudia say aaaaahhh..."

            Without thinking, I open my mouth after reacting to her words, she put something inside my mouth and then the flowing taste of soft sweetness melting inside my mouth. Despite the smoothness, there was a crunchy feeling in it that give richness to the flavour. I felt myself floated and light hearted from just that one bite.

            "This ice cream, what's its flavor?"

            "It’s caramel biscuit & cream flavour, it's my favorite flavor, the flavour is not particularly popular so today I got lucky and found it on my way home."

            "I guess it's our favorite flavour now."

          "That's your 5th favorite ice cream now, how can you easily change your taste." she said giggling as she pointed out one of my quirks.

            I can't help myself. You will never understand, when I first had a taste of ice cream, it had put me in a deep trance. The sweet taste that melts in my mouth and with its unbelievable softness that I wouldn't think any food could have. It took me a few hours to convince myself, I wasn't trapped in some sort of spell. You could even say that ice cream is one of the best thing, since I reincarnated and you should know that there's no such thing as too much favorite ice cream.

           "So it seems you have something to say or am I mistaken?"

            I was then reminded of why I came here to her, though the pressure that's been weighing on me has lightened, making it easier for me to answer, as I nod at her. "I'm sorry mother"

            "Why the sudden apology?"

            "I...lied to you...a lot...I thought it was all right since I didn't want to make you worry. That’s why I...." mother gently put her arm around me and had my head lean against her chest. The soothing warmth emitting off from her, the strong beating of her heart, the soft hand patting my hair, everything about her somehow gave me comfort. It was a strange feeling, something I never felt before. It made me want to stay in her embrace forever, not wanting to let go of her as I hugged back. "I know you don't mean harm when you say it, but it does make me sad that you think I couldn't be of any help." I look up to her in hurry with eyes that protest to her words. Mother just smiled, understanding the painful expression I had. "I forgive you sweetie," she said softly, "but next time, don't think you can handle everything yourself, you are still a child yet sometimes you act strangely mature at times and childish the next. However, I ask of you that whatever problem you're facing, I'll always be there for you so don't hold it from me."

            She hugged me tightly in her arms, "I'll always love you Claudia." she finally added. I covered my face with her chest, trying so hard not to let her see the tears, I wept. Her words left me nostalgic of my own mother in my past life. I could barely remember her, yet her gentle warmth as she held me in her arms reminded so much of her. I've forgotten what it's like to have a mother, and only today did I feel the gratefulness of having a mother once more. 
            How could I have notice it now? Getting reincarnated and having past memories. My cruel life as a witch or just living ordinarily didn't matter in front of her.

            She is the woman who gave birth to me.

            She is the woman who gave me another chance in life.

            She is...my mother.

#

"I see so that's what happened"

            Somehow I couldn't hide that I was crying anymore and mother took a bunch of tissues to wipe my ugly face covered with tears and mucus. I feel embarrassed from the fact I acted like a child.

            "So this Rick friend of yours, you asked him about his sister since he never mentioned her. Once you ask why, he said there's no meaning in telling you and you became upset."

            I nodded at her summary of my story, I was partially ashamed because I'm being upset over such small thing, but it did feel better letting it all go. "I know what you're thinking, and you don't need to feel ashamed because it's perfectly normal." said mother, "especially if it's someone you trust so much."

            "But, people have things they want to hide right. I know that but it still made me...angry....and I'm not sure why I feel that way."

            "Listen Claudia, bonds and emotions are a complicated thing, it's not something you can think about rationally. You're not angry about him not telling you something personal about himself, you're just sad that he might think you're someone not worth telling to. Which is why I want to suggest that someone should teach that boy a good counsel because he certainly has no talent in choosing words, he'll have a hard time getting a girlfriend later."

            I laugh at her judgemental words which I think are very deserving for that jerk.

            "Then what should I do?"

            Mother made a questionable look as she thought up for an answer, "Talk, that's all."

            "Will that be enough?"

            "From my experience, nothing will start if you don't at least talk. None of you were actually in the wrong, you just don't what the other is feeling, both you and this Rick friend of yours. It also shows since people are different we need to learn to understand each other."

            I had no remarks or questions for her, zipping my lips while I snuggled in her arms, thinking deeply on her words of wisdom. "Mother, can I sleep here for the night?" I asked because I felt I wanted to be spoiled more but my face must have turned red then, because I felt my face hot from embarrassment. Mother calmed me down by easily agreeing with me and we slept with father for the rest of the night.

            It's not an exaggeration to say tonight, sleeping peacefully with both of my parents that love me unconditionally has become one of the best days I have had in both lives.