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Kayn
I didn’t hear anyone calling my name. Well maybe, somewhere of the very edge of my consciousness. What I was very aware of was the large book being slammed onto my desk before me, startling me awake with a yell. “Kayn, nice of you to rejoin us,” the teacher scowls down at me, picking up the large book while I decide if my heart is going to burst from my chest. “Having a nice nap?” “I wasn’t napping,” I lie. “I was meditating. It helps my concentration in class.” “Meditating? Then you must know where we are up to in the text?” He smirks down at me. We were studying a text? Really? “Of course,” I bluff. God, I don’t even have a book out. Was I supposed to bring one? “Oh my god, you guys, look at that!” A voice squeals out across the classroom. Everyone turns to look at Zoe who, in turn, has jumped onto her desk. She hops around like a sugar fuelled rabbit, pointing out of the windows beside me. Her long, multicoloured hair takes on a life of it’s own as it floats around behind her. “Look at what?” The teacher turns to the windows as Zoe jumps across other desks like stepping stones. “Did you guys miss it?” she looks around the room again before jumping onto my desk and pressing her face up against the window. “It was right there.” I shrug at people looking as Zoe slumps onto my desk. Why they think I would have any idea what this is about is beyond me. “Guys, it was a giant star dragon? Did you all miss it. It was right there. Right outside the window. C’mon.” “Zoe please take your seat.” “I swear. Lulu saw it. Ask Lulu,” she points towards the purple haired girl who looks as baffled as I think the rest of us feel. Everyone looks to Lulu who cocks her head. “I did?” Before Zoe can reply she subtly drops a book onto my lap and leaps back to her feet. “Sure you did. Remember? It was right outside. I know you saw it too.” “Er, yeah, I think I remember that,” Lulu nods clearly remembering nothing. The teacher just shakes his head before looking back at Zoe, still not in her place. “Zoe, please take your seat.” “You guys are all so dull. I can’t believe I was across the room and I saw it, and you guys right next to the windows missed it. Varus, come on, you’re right there. Right there. How did you miss it?” I can sense the confusion from the guy sat a desk behind me. “There was nothing there.” “I think I saw it,” Ekko yells from across the room. “It was huge and…red?” He adds the colour on uncertainly. He has no clue. I turn to look at him, confusion on my face. Why is he buying into this? “Well it was purple but red makes purple so I can see where you’d go wrong,” Zoe replies. “I love purple,” Lulu chimes back in. “See. That’s why you saw it too because purple is a fun colour,” Zoe tells her. “Zoe, seat. Lulu, seat. Ekko stay in your seat. Kayn, where are we up to!” The teacher yells. The short girl on my desk hops back to her seat as I open the book where an origami butterfly has been shoved between two pages. A pink line and arrow are drawn under some text. “Er, here,” I point to the page, but the teacher just raises an eyebrow to me. “Read it.” “Right, um sure,” I mutter, looking at the text before me. “Stand up to do it,” I’m told. Grumbling to myself I stand up and start to read out from where Zoe has marked. Clearly me having even the faintest idea of what was happening in the lesson annoys the teacher as he struts back to the front, placing his book back before him on his desk. His eyes don’t leave me though. “That was rather fortunate for you,” a voice snickers in my mind, really not helping me read aloud. Yes, it was very fortunate, and I have a feeling I’ll be paying for that assistance in some way. “You were asleep for like the whole thing,” Ekko laughs as we leave the room. “Thank you. I was aware.” “He was going to have you. You need to thank Sparkles for her diversion.” “Diversion? You mean complete insanity?” “Hey, not my fault you were asleep and missed the dragon,” Zoe shrugs, skipping up beside us both. I stare down at her. “There was no dragon.” “There is though.” “Not out on our schoolyard,” I gesture through a window as we head outside. The girl just shrugs again before leaping ahead. “Not yet anyway.” “Did that sound like a threat to you?” Ekko leans in closer to me, his voice low. It would if I believed Zoe for one second that her magical space dragon existed. But I don’t. Outside, we head round to the seating area overlooking the running track and football pitch. Not because any of us enjoy sports, but because the view here is pretty good sometimes. I climb up a few seats and lean back onto the wood as Ekko and Zoe join me. From behind me I hear soft, almost silent, movement descending the steps. On the step above my head, the footsteps stop and a raggedy rust coloured cats tail swings down around the left side of my face. “Once I take control, that girl and her obnoxious hair will be the first to go,” Rhaast almost cackles. I roll my eyes. He won’t win this battle. He should be aware of that. My thoughts echo in his head and I hear him laugh.
“Believe what you like Kayn.”
“Awwww, look at the kitty,” Zoe suddenly squeals and the tail beside me starts to bristle. “Do not let her come near me!” “Imma going hug you and cuddle you and love you forever,” she gushes, leaping up. The tail moves and I hear him start to dash away. I just smirk as a time bubble is launched over the steps hitting her target dead center. “Kayn!” is the last thing he gets out before dropping down. “Night Rhaast,” I smirk. Zoe skips past us, grabbing the cat up and starting to squeeze the life out of it. “That cat is the mangiest looking thing,” Ekko glances over. Rhaast has woken up but I guess being cuddled will do that. Unfortunately for him, Zoe has him held tight to her chest, his legs – and more importantly claws – tucked away. “It gets tackled by Zoe most days. I’m not surprised,” I snicker, smirking at the annoyed look on the cat’s face. “Ezreal!” Zoe suddenly yells out, hurling Rhaast high up into the air. I hear him yowl as she skips back over to us. He really should know better. “How’s my hair, is it sparkly enough. Do I need more sparkles? What about colours? Do they look right?” On cue her hair changes through several different hues. “Let’s watch some practice, shall we?” Ekko smirks, his eyes going to where the school cheerleading group have come outside. I give a nod, my yellow eyes watching one in particular. Ahri. She starts to arrange the others how she wants them. Her silky black hair tied up into a loose ponytail. Her nine large white fox tails bob around behind her. For a moment she turns back around, someone saying something to make her smile. Damn, what a smile she has. It is for this reason that we spend so long on these wooden steps. “Look at my beautiful Ezreal,” Zoe bounces, leaping into the air and falling forward, hovering just above the steps. Her eyes go to the only male of the group. An athletic blonde guy called Ezreal. Zoe is obsessed with him. “What? There’s a guy down there?” I snigger before a very large, very fast moving bubble hits me hard in the face. I hear Ekko laughing as I scowl over towards the girl with us. “That hurt.” “Good. Look at him. Oh, he’s so pretty. I wish I was on the squad. Then I’d get to wear a cute uniform and he’d be totally into me.” “You forgetting one thing?” Ekko looks to the girl, everyone ignoring the bright red mark left on my face. “Huh?” Zoe looks at him from where she’s floating. Ekko just points down towards the pretty blonde girl talking to the object of Zoe’s attention. Pouting, she just sticks her tongue out. “She’s not that cool. I mean what can she do that I can’t?” “Act like a normal person?” I suggest. The next bubble that hits me comes from behind and causes me to fall forward, sliding down several steps. “Zoe!” I yell, pushing myself up. “I helped you in English class. Don’t forget that,” she warns, wagging a finger at me. “Don’t hit me with those bubbles!” “Don’t make fun of my Ezreal. Honestly, you’re so angry sometimes Kayn. Anyone would think that you were having your body and mind corrupted by a demonic feline.” She looks over to me, her pout now a sly smirk.
“Fine, watch your girly looking boy,” I huff, sitting back down and folding my arms. “He’s just sore because he has about as much chance with Ahri as you do with Ezreal,” Ekko laughs, thinking Zoe’s odd ramblings to be just that. Zoe glances at me before launching into some rant about Lux with copious amounts of how amazing Ezreal is thrown in there. I remain silent and glance up towards the top of the tiered seats at where the cat with red eyes smirks at me. ‘I will win,’ I warn him. He doesn’t reply, but I hear his deep voice laughing in my mind.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “Kayn!” Zoe screams, waking me up straight away and causing me to fall straight from my bed. What the hell? I look up from the floor at where she’s floating in midair. The glow from her phone is literally the only source of light in my dark room, but it’s enough to make out her wide grin. “Kayn! Look!” She drops down beside me, pushing her phone into my face and blinding me with the light. Shoving her back I blink wildly trying to get vision back. “What time is it?” I hiss at her. “Time? Who cares about the time? Did you not see?” “Zoe, I can’t see a damn thing right now.” On cue my light comes on only adding to my sight misery. “There, now you can see, and stop being grumpy. Look!” Again the phone is pushed at me and I snatch it from her grasp. She starts to hop around, unable to contain her excitement over something. “It’s literally a photo of you,” I turn the phone back to her to show her the image. “Duh, I know that. I took it. Cute selfie right? But look, look who liked it.” “Who?” “Ezreal,” she squeals loudly, grabbing her phone back and leaping back into the air. “He liked my photo.” “Well hot damn,” I reply with a yawn. “Can I go back to sleep now?” “Hey you. You can look too,” she laughs, pushing the phone into the face of Rhaast as he lays on a shelf. He just manages to dodge back with a snarl, but it does little to dampen Zoe’s excitement. “This is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me,” she tells me, dropping back to the floor and starting to hop from foot to foot, her phone clutched to her chest. “You’re the Aspect of Twilight. Somehow, I think greater things than Ezreal liking a selfie of you wearing a flower in your hair have happened,” I remark, crawling back into my bed. “No. Nothing like this. I’m so excited,” she yells out. From the other side of my wall I hear banging and a voice yelling through to be quiet. “Great, you woke Rakan up too,” I yawn again, pulling my duvet back over me. “Ooooo, I’ll show him too,” she decides, throwing herself at the wall. She vanishes through in a portal. Muttering I get back up to turn my light off, hearing some commotion on the other side of my wall. I’m just about to turn it off when Zoe reappears, her face bright red and biting her bottom lip to stop her laughing. “Didn’t just wake Rakan up,” she giggles. Looking to the wall, I run over now and pass through it into another darkened room. Zoe pops up beside me from a portal and flicks the light on. “Guys,” Rakan complains, covering his eyes from the light. I snigger as I look at Zoe and back to the mound under the covers beside Rakan. “I’m sure there are rules being broken here,” I snigger, leaning back onto the wall behind me. Rakan scowls at me as Zoe pops off across the room and bounces onto the mound in the bed. I hear the disgruntled voice of Xayah coming from below it. “Just imagine what would happen here if the headmistress found out?” I continue, Rakan’s scowl not letting up. Zoe tumbles back from the bed as Xayah’s head now appears, her large ears twitching. “Get lost Kayn,” she tells me, her eyes meeting mine. “Hey, I’m not doing anything here. Not me breaking any rules.” “Makes a change,” Xayah huffs, her eyes going back to Zoe whose attention has once again gone back to her phone and the wonder that is apparently a like from Ezreal. “Please don’t tell anyone. We weren’t doing anything,” Rakan pleads, his hands going together. “Doesn’t look that way,” I point out. A purple feather, more akin to a dagger, flies past my face and sticks in the wall by my face. “And what of you? Zoe came from your room,” Xayah points out. I look back to the floating girl. “Ezreal liked my photo. How amazing is that,” she squeals, bouncing around the room holding her phone aloft. “She was in my room for that reason. I’m guessing you aren’t here because you were excited over a like,” I grin back at the vastaya girl. God, she has a scowl that could kill a guy. Rakan is so easy going. How are these two a thing? “Please Kayn, Zoe, don’t say anything. We were just sleeping,” Rakan continues to plead and Zoe continues to bounce, while Xayah and myself have ourselves a staring match. How did she even get into the boy’s dorm? She can’t pop through interdimensional portals. I glance towards the window. Did she climb up? We’re on the second floor. Still, I could see Xayah doing that. “I might keep quiet. Might,” I reply smugly. I’m about to fold my arms as a show of defiance when I realise, like a fool, I haven’t got anything covering the darkin corruption on my left arm. Normally I wear a long glove or bandages or something over it. As subtly as I can manage, I slide my arm behind my back. If they find out about that I will literally kill Zoe. “Might? And what do we have to do to turn that ‘might’ into a ‘you will keep that smartass mouth of yours shut?’ Because I don’t do begging,” Xayah warns. “Ooo, I know, I know,” Zoe bounces up between myself and Xayah. “You could get me on a date with Ezreal. He’ll realise we’re meant to be, and it’ll be like a book or a movie, but it’ll be better because it’ll be me and him.” “I can’t work miracles,” Xayah replies smugly, inciting Zoe’s rage. “Excuse me. It’s not a miracle. We’re meant to be. He liked my photo. Did you not see? It’s fate.” “Ignore her,” I tell them both, only for her tirade of high-pitched arguing to get directed to me. It’s around this point of me arguing with Zoe over what I can hold over these two, Rakan pleading and Xayah arguing back at me, that I hear the banging on Rakan’s door. Well three of us should definitely not be here. “Who’s next to your room?” I ask the guy across from me. I watch his bright eyes go to the door. “Darius,” he tells me. Forget this. “See you lovebirds later,” I smirk, grabbing at Zoe’s long hair and pulling her back towards the wall. I phase back through into my room as she pops up beside me just as the sound of Rakan’s door getting thrown open echoes in the wall and I hear the deep voice of Darius yelling about being woken up. “Next time Ezreal likes a photo, tell me in the morning,” I hiss at Zoe as I also hear people moving around in the rooms below us. “You think there’ll be a next time?” She squeals, her eyes lighting up. God I hope not.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe School is fun. A lot of fun. I get to wear a uniform and be all smart and cool. But weekends are even more fun because there’s no schedule to them and schedules can sort of mess things up. Well they can mess fun things up. Plus, no uniform so I can wear whatever I like. Like pink things. And yellow things. And things with glitter on. One thing I do make sure to wear is a pretty flower barrette I have. If Ezreal liked it in a photo I bet he’ll love it in real life. Skipping out into the hallway I see Ahri talking Sarah Fortune. They’re both cheerleaders. God I’d love to be a cheerleader too. I love their costumes. They’re so glittertastic. “Ahri! Hey,” I bounce over to them both, their conversation stopping abruptly as I leap into the air. “Zoe. Hi,” Ahri says. She’s pretty cool with her fox tails. Foxes are really cute and it must be so cool to have fox tails like that. Wonder what I’d look like with fox tails? “So, when are you guys opening auditions for cheerleaders because I really think I’ve got what it takes. This time,” I smile, adding the last part on. My last try out didn’t go too well. I created a portal in the wrong place and Poppy fell through and then reappeared up in the sky somewhere. Turns out yordles can’t fly. I mean Zac caught her. No one died. But I didn’t get picked. Kayn said that might have contributed to that. “No time soon,” Sarah jumps in, leaning forward so her face is closer to mine. “And when we do, it’ll only be for people we think of as good enough. Jumping through portals isn’t something we exactly need.” “Or want,” Ahri chimes back in as Sarah straightens up. “Surely you need to be somewhere right? Got some glitter to throw on those emos you hang with so often?” “I always have glitter,” I beam, pulling a tube out from my pocket and holding it up. This clearly confuses both of them. “I bet Kayn would love that in his hair today,” Sarah smirks. They both turn away and start to walk off. “Sure. No problem. So, when the tryouts open let me know ok? Cool? Cool. You got this Zoe. They’re probably going to go and tell the others just how great you are. Right?” Pouting I create a portal below my feet, vanishing into a swirly whirly vortex of colours and dropping down into a room in the boys dorm. “You think I could be a cheerleader right?” I ask Kayn as he freezes to the spot. Nothing more than a towel around his waist and his long hair loose down his back. “Sweet mother of God, will you stop doing that!” He yells, his face regaining some colour. “You can’t just pop in here. I could have been in the shower!” “I didn’t pop into the shower,” I point out. He scowls at me before grabbing up a bundle of his clothes from nearby and stomping back into his shower room. “I’ll wait,” I call out as the door slams shut behind him. From a nearby shelf I hear a rasping noise, almost like laughing and I turn to look at the haggard looking cat there. “Hey Rhaasty-poo, you’re looking so pouty today,” I smirk at the creature. He stops in his laughing and scowls at me before standing up and arching his back. He hisses at me, but I just take the glitter from my pocket and pop the lid off. Behind my back I open a small portal, another opening above the creature’s head. Smirking I pour the contents through the portal, watching as the creature gets covered in silver glitter. There’s a brief pause before he realises what’s happening. With a howl he leaps at me. Closing both portals, I open another before me and he dives right into it. “If I was a darkin cat, where would I want a portal creating?” I muse, skipping over to Kayn’s window and opening it. Smiling I open a portal in the sky and hear the holler as the creature falls out. I wave as he passes by the window. “You’re so sparkly,” I call down to him as he scampers off. Nasty little creature. I don’t like him one bit. But he is fun to wind up. “Right, what the hell were you babbling about?” Kayn asks, walking back out of the bathroom wearing slightly more clothes now. “Cheerleading Kayn. Can I be a cheerleader? You think I can, right? I don’t think Sarah and Ahri think I can. But I know I can.” “You only want to be a cheerleader to be close to your lover boy. And no, I don’t think you can.” “What? You’re mean. Hey, you should be one. Then you could be near Ahri and you could try and flirt with her again. I never get bored of remembering that,” I laugh, wiping a tear from my eye. Kayn tried to talk to her at a dance, but he lost his voice and fell over in one movement. It was magical. “There is no magic strong enough to get me to try out to be a cheerleader,” he laughs, grabbing some bandages and starting to wrap them around his left arm. Kayn’s body is slowly being taken over by glitter cat I just launched from a window. I don’t know who else knows, but his left arm is all corrupted and nasty.I watch him methodically wrap the bandages round before he grabs for a black glove and pulls that on over his claw like hand. He flexes his hand for a second before looking back at me, confusion on his face.“Did you die? When the hell are you silent for longer than five seconds?” “Oh, don’t worry about me,” I laugh, skipping over. “Hey, know what? I’m going to braid your hair for you today.” “I don’t need it…,” he starts but I grab a handful of it and pull him back. “Zoe!” “I think my hair is longer, but you have really long hair. Especially for a boy. Though Varus has quite long hair too. Not as long as yours. Talon has longish hair, I guess. Why do you all have long hair? Come to think of it so does Lucien. Hmmm, wonder if Lucien would let me do something with his? Still, I think you have the longest. Not as long as mine though. Mine’s super long,” I laugh, shaking my head and causing my hair to sway as Kayn just pouts. “Are you nearly done?” he asks, his voice strained. I know I’m annoying him. “Almost. Want to borrow my hair clip? I could put it at the bottom?” “No.” “Fine. I’ll keep it then. There, your hair is all braided so pretty.” “You better have not done anything dumb. Like braided it like a unicorn or something,” he mutters, glancing in a nearby mirror and pulling his plait up to check it. “No unicorns,” I cross over my heart. Not this time anyway. Why have I never thought of that? Kayn’s hair is so long. I could do like origami for hair. Can you do origami with hair? Can you make origami unicorns? I bet that would be fun. “So, what are we doing today?” I grin, bouncing up and hovering before his face. I watch the deep-set scowl he has cover his face as he looks at me. “We are doing nothing. I am going out.” “Cool. Where?” “A Zoe free place.” “Pfft, a place like that doesn’t exist. I can go anywhere. And if you think I can’t I can,” I remind him. To prove my point I pop into the room next door to his, startling both Xayah and Rakan as they’re whispering sweet nothings to each other. “Hey guys,” I smile before popping back into Kayn’s room. “See. I can go anywhere. So where are we off to?” “You’re not coming Zoe,” he tells me, walking through his closed door. Pouting I pop up on the other side. “Awww, c’mon. Please? I’ll be good.” “Good? You can’t behave. The last time I went somewhere with you I got called round to the kids ball pit to pull you out,” he reminds me. Ball pits are fun ok. Secretly I knew he wanted to join me. And why are there age limits on them? Children only? Pffft. I don’t know anyone who’d hate a ball pit. “So, you’re going to the shopping centre?” I smile smugly at him. That scowl reappears. “No.” “Who’re you going with?” “No one.” “No one? So you’re going to hang around a shopping centre on a Saturday looking like the lost member of My Chemical Romance? By yourself? Someone will put a call out for you,” I laugh. Kayn thinks he’s like super cool. His long black hair with the blue streak at the front. He dresses in dark colours too. Lots of black and blue and occasionally red. He won’t let me dress him in pink or bright colours. I’ve tried. Problem is, Kayn is not as cool as he thinks. Certainly not to most of the other student body. Bless him, he tries. “I do not…oh why am I even bothering. You don’t listen to a word I say anyway,” he sighs, his hands going into his jacket pockets. “I do too. You’re just in a pouty mood today,” I huff, folding my arms and floating beside him. He glances at me from the corner of his eyes. “Well maybe if you had someone constantly popping into your life randomly, you’d pout too.” “Doubt I would. I’d think it’s amazing that someone wants to talk to me so much they pop up when I least expect them. And how cool would that be? If I had a friend that could pop up anywhere. I mean think how cool that’d look,” I point out, vanishing from one side of him and reappearing at the other. “Got your little pet Kayn?” I hear a voice call over. We both look towards the tall guy lounging near a door. He smirks at us both, some odd tattoo’s around one of his eyes and going down his face. I don’t know why you’d get a tattoo there. Especially just lines. That’s so boring. If I had a tattoo it’d be cool, like a unicorn, or a dolphin. Or both! “Get lost Draven,” Kayn shrugs, continuing to walk forward. I stick my tongue out at him causing him to laugh. “Seen anymore dragons lately?” He teases me. I just shrug indifferently. “Not today. I’ll be sure to let you know if I do though. I’d love to laugh as your axes just bounce off him,” I smirk. “Just poof. Blunt axes, no damage done. Sad Draven.” “Let’s go,” Kayn sighs, coming back and grabbing my hair. “Owwww, let me go,” I whine as he just pulls me through the air like a person shaped balloon. “Don’t wind Draven up. The last thing I want is Darius breaking my door down. Or breaking my face. Or breaking your face. Or both of us,” Kayn starts to ramble. Darius is a big guy. Kayn is not. “Darius doesn’t scare me,” I boast as we head outside of the dorm building. “He’s too slow to catch me. I just poof and I escape.” To prove my point, I vanish into a portal and pop up right in front of Kayn causing him to stagger back. “And this is why I didn’t want you to come. You do weird stuff like that. Do you see anyone else around here popping up like that?” Kayn asks gesturing around us just as Talon appears beside us. Kayn goes a queer shade of white and crumples to the floor muttering something. “He ok”? Talon asks from under his hood. I like Talon, he’s fun. He’s not as serious as Kayn can be. Not trying to be as edgy either. He’s quite shy at times, so his trick of becoming invisible must be quite a useful one to have. “He’s fine. He’s just wrong. So, we’re going shopping huh? What’re we buying? Can we buy fun things?” Talon just nods at me and I’m aware of the glare I’m receiving from the person on the floor. Not looking at him I rub my hands together over him creating sparkly stars and letting them drop onto him. He’ll thank me later. Maybe. “Ah, hey Sparkles, I didn’t know you were coming,” Ekko smiles, walking out to us. His eyes look to Kayn, who’s muttering something before he stands up. “You good?” “I’m fine, but Zoe isn’t invited.” “Tell him you don’t mind me coming Ekko, pwease,” I beg, clasping my hands together and widening my eyes. Ekko looks between the two of us. “You told her she couldn’t come?” “Yes.” “I don’t mind,” Talon shrugs. “Though I’d like to get out of here before either of my sisters appear. You think you have a problem with Zoe tagging along, I’m sure you’d love to have them.” “I vote leave,” Ekko hurriedly adds, raising his hand. “Fine, let her come. We get kicked out again and I’m blaming you guys.” “Last time we got kicked out was because of you,” Ekko recalls as Kayn stomps ahead of us. “You punted Teemo into a fountain.” “I still have that on video,” I giggle, pulling my phone from my pocket. Beside me Talon procures his phone from a pocket and holds it up to me, a smirk on his face. “Well he deserved it.” “Not saying he didn’t. But Sparkles wasn’t the reason we got kicked out.” Kayn turns around from the front and glowers at Ekko causing him to step back, hands up in mock surrender. “I’m just saying.” “Don’t.” I love shopping. It’s so much fun. Lots of things to see and do and see. Plus going with friends is even more fun because then you get to do all of these amazing things with other people. And it’s always fun when you’re with your friends. “You can stop pouting now,” I tease, floating alongside Kayn. His yellow eyes glare at me, his face set into a scowl. “You always get your own way,” he huffs. “You should be honoured I spend so much time with you despite your emotional immaturity,” I smirk. He just stares at me. Shrugging I drop into a portal and pop up alongside Ekko. “Yeah he’s not in a good mood.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “So, she tagged along. It’s not the worst thing ever,” Talon tells me as we lounge around on a bench outside some shop. I run my hand over my hair again just to check I have all the stars out. Probably not but hopefully no one else can see any. “For you maybe. She’s never out of my life,” I point out, slurping on the drink I have. From somewhere inside the shop I hear Zoe’s high-pitched voice squealing over something. And that is why I didn’t want her to come. She literally loves everything and makes sure everyone knows that she loves something. “I think you enjoy her company a little too much, Kayn,” Rhaast says. Casually I glance around and see the glowing red eyes watching me from atop a fake plant. ‘She’s a friend. That’s all. Plus, she has her uses. It’s not everyday you meet an Aspect.’ Talon is still sat beside me, oblivious to the conversation in my mind. His eyes peer out from under his hood, following people that pass us by.
“Aspect or not, she’s a pain. I wish you’d get rid of her.”
‘Wish all you like Rhaast. This is my body, not yours. I decide what we do.’ For a moment my left arm starts to burn. Clenching my fist, I force through it, pretending it doesn’t hurt. I calm my mind as my master tells me to do. To focus on myself and ignore everything else. Even pain. I take several slow deep breaths, my eyes shut. I know Talon is looking at me, asking me a question. But I pretend not to hear. I just need to focus on staying calm. Since I was a child I was taught to meditate. To focus on my inner self and calm my mind. It’s a useful skill to have. Slowly the pain starts to subside, my fist unclenching. Opening my eyes, I release a sigh of relief.Glancing into the store still before me, my eyes meet with another pair, her head cocked to the side, her usual smile no where to be seen. I turn away from her and look back to Talon. His hood is always up, always hiding his face, but I can still see worry on it. Concern for my behaviour.“Cramp,” I lie with a shrug. He gives a nod, buying the lie for now. “Soon no lie in the world will hide me Kayn.” I ignore the voice. Ignore the burning that still prickles at my skin. Having to hide my arm constantly is a pain, but Rhaast grants me a strength that does prove useful. For that I can cope with some bandages and a deranged cat following me. I hear him laughing in my head as a very beleaguered Ekko walks back over to us. “That girl is crazy,” he sighs, falling down onto the other side of me. He leans his head over the back, moaning about Zoe. I would point out my argument earlier, but all I can hear is Rhaast. “So where to next?” Zoe bounces before the three of us and Ekko audibly groans. “I want to buy some cute top, but that shop had like nothing that I wanted. I mean there was stuff I liked, but I want something amazing y’know? Like I want Ezreal to look at me and be floored instantly.” She pulls some sort of pout, puckering her lips and trying to force her hips to the side more, but Zoe is four foot nothing and it just looks ridiculous. Like a child trying to imitate an adult. “You wanna floor Ez, just fire one of those bubbles at him,” Ekko sniggers. I’ll admit that causes me to smirk. As I’m normally the target of them, it would be nice to see someone else get whacked for once. “How about we grab some food?” Talon suggests.“Sure, if Zoe has her mouth full maybe it’ll shut her up,” I smirk, only to get kicked in the shins. Man, that hurts. She should not be able to hurt so much. “Food sounds great. We should get desserts first. Chocolate desserts aka the best kind of desserts,” she giggles prancing around and almost taking out some poor kid with her insanely long hair. The shopping centre isn’t particularly busy today despite it being the weekend. Which is a blessing I guess because Zoe pops in and out of portals constantly and also because there’s less people to notice Rhaast following along behind us. “If you chopped off even half of her hair you could weave a room sized rug from it,” he muses as I dodge back from getting a face full of it. ‘I was aware of that.’ “Then again, you have plenty of hair yourself Kayn,” he laughs. I have long hair. I have no where near the amount Zoe has though. “Is that Sarah?” Ekko asks innocently, stopping me and Zoe in our tracks. Almost in sync we follow where he’s pointing over towards the tall red head standing outside a shop talking on her phone. “Looks like it,” Talon remarks. Wait, Sarah wouldn’t come shopping by herself. So who’s with her? “This way,” I grab Zoe’s arm and pull her into a clothes shop behind us. From here we can watch from a window without being obvious. “You think Ez is there?” “You think Ahri is?” “Oooo, good call,” Ekko says, following after us. “You think it makes a bit of difference if they’re both there? You’re creeping on them from a mens suit shop,” Talon points out before saying something to a confused shop assistant. I don’t reply but watch as the pretty girl with the fox tails steps out of the shop. I feel my face start to blush even from this distance. Should I go over? I should, right? Only it’s not just the two of them. Timid Soraka walks over along with Ezreal and Lux. I practically feel Zoe bouncing below me. “Why’s he with her?” she hisses. “Because they’re a thing,” Ekko reminds her. “No Jinx though. Wonder where she is?” “Probably spraying her name over Cait’s windows again,” I reply, only half paying attention. They’re heading to the food court. I mean that’s where we were going. It’s not too weird if we head round there. It’s a happy accident. “Come on,” Zoe darts from the shop and back into the crowds. I’m close on her heels. I’ll admit I’m walking with a bit of a stoop, trying to stay below the crowds. Which probably draws more attention to me but I’m not thinking like that now. As long as they can’t see me. “Should I pop over and say hi?” Zoe asks me as the pair of us dart behind a nearby bench and peer over the top. “With Lux there? No. You need to get him alone,” I say, still far more focused on Ahri. “You’re right. I should throw her into a portal and just shut it off,” she smirks, thumping her fist onto her palm. “Sure. You do you,” I reply. What should I say to Ahri? Hi I’m Kayn? She knows who I am. Should I tell her I like her? No, that sounds dumb. What then? “You two literally look like the biggest dorks alive,” Ekko sighs, sitting on the bench we’re behind. “Get down, they’ll see you,” Zoe hisses. Ekko smirks at her, but that smirk quickly turns into confusion as he vanishes into the bench and pops up from the floor behind us. He scowls at the girl, but she’s far too busy at this point to notice. “What if we sat on the table next to them and then it’s just happy coincidence?” I suggest. “Guys, we are getting some odd looks,” Talon whispers, standing awkwardly nearby. “Come on, they’re moving. Hurry,” Zoe leaps up, grabbing my hand as she flies forward, pulling me straight over the bench and causing me to fall forward. And I do fall. Hard. Straight onto the floor. I know my nose is bleeding before I even get up. “Oh great. Now you’ll need tissues. For a shadow warrior you aren’t very stealthy,” Zoe sighs, vanishing into a portal as I sit up, cupping my hands under my nose. “You ok bro?” Ekko asks, walking round to me, “I just fell onto my face. What do you think?” I reply dryly. “I told you we shouldn’t bring her.” “Yeah, but then it would just have been you hiding behind a bench by yourself. That’d have been even weirder,” Ekko smirks. With a pop, Zoe reappears and forces a wad of toilet paper into my face, before spinning on her heels to where the others were. They’ve passed out of sight now though. “Darn it. Come on guys,” she says, starting to dash off. I stand up, holding the bundle to my nose to try and stem the flow before taking off after her. I hear Ekko make some remark to Talon, but I also hear their footsteps follow us. We dart among other shoppers until the smell of fast food hangs in the air along with a constant drone of chatter. I slow my jog down to a stroll and head towards the girl pretending to look into a shop window. “Have they got a table?” I ask as casually as I can manage while holding something more akin to a baby’s nappy under my nose than a tissue. “Ahri and Sarah have, but I can’t see Ezreal anywhere,” she pouts before turning around, jumping into the air and literally scanning the food court. Subtle. Dabbing at my nose, I think the initial flow of blood has stopped. Thankfully. “So, are we getting food or just being weirdos?” Talon asks, arms folded. “Well Zoe’s in the air right now, so currently we’re weird,” I point out, inspecting the tissue in my hand and trying to work out if the patch of blood on it is new or from a minute ago. “Oh hey, Jinx is there,” Ekko adds, peering over at the girl with long blue pigtails and a grin that’s one step away from being demonic. How did she get on the cheerleading squad? Did they pay her? “I think I was spotted,” Zoe appears, grabbing my hand and pulling me around a corner, the other two not far behind. “Spotted?” “Just shush,” she whispers, holding her finger to her lips. “Fairly certain I just saw Lux and Soraka walking over here,” Ekko, adds. “We are going to look like the biggest weirdo’s,” I add, backing into the wall behind me. Zoe has helpfully brought us down to a dead end with a closed store blocking our path. “Hang on, I’ll check,” she says, a portal shimmering on the wall. She sticks her head through before pulling it back. “Lux, Jinx and Soraka are heading over here. What do we do?” Well I’m curious to know who just had the pleasure of seeing Zoe’s face pop out of a wall, but I am not getting caught standing here like a moron. “Ekko, come up with a good excuse for yourself,” I tell him. He looks confused as I feel my legs step back into the wall. “Oh, duh, portals,” Zoe laughs vanishing into one. “You guys had better not,” Ekko warns, staring at us. Talon just shrugs, crouching down and going invisible. “Don’t make yourself sound too weird,” I tell him before fully vanishing through the wall behind me. I spook some shop assistant but I’d rather that than get caught spying on people from school.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn Ekko was not impressed at us leaving him, but it’s his fault he left his time turner thing at home. Jogging down a road, I watch as Rhaast follows along. “At least your face didn’t bruise. I doubt your master would be too impressed with that.” “That would have been fun to explain,” I sigh, shaking my head. At least when it’s just the two of us, I can speak out loud to him. Feels more natural. “I’m sure given your proximity to the Aspect and her disregard of others safety, it’s something he’s come to expect.” “I think her head is too full of glitter to actually worry about others,” I snigger. Zoe has a bad habit of acting first and not engaging her brain until several minutes later. Sometimes longer. “The Aspects tend to be like that. The concerns of mortals mean little to them. As your bench diving stunt proved yesterday.” “Because I’m sure you darkin care so much for us mortals,” I smirk, looking down at him. “Not true at all. I give you power don’t I? Enough that if you let me, I could help you to topple your master. But you insist on holding me back.” “I quite like my own body, Rhaast. Your power is useful, but you won’t win this battle. I do keep warning you of that.” I look back ahead and turn down another street. In my head I hear his deep voice laughing. He thinks I’m nothing more than a child. A tool he can use. “You are a child Kayn. That’s why you accepted me with barely an explanation. You thirst for strength and power and that makes you very easy to read. Your master would not have accepted me so readily.” “You realise I could kick you into the road right now?” “You realise I am immortal boy.” “I suppose you do get launched from windows quite frequently,” I muse, thinking of the many, many times Rhaast bears the brunt of Zoe’s recklessness. Our conversation comes to a halt as I run towards a gate ahead. Pressing a code on a keypad, I push the gate open and wander into the absolute stillness of a sparse garden. A gravel path leads up to an even quieter stone building. There’s nothing obviously odd about any of this, but the building seems to demand your attention all the same. Silently I tread over the gravel, careful that my footsteps don’t make a sound. Reaching the building I push on the large wooden door. It’s never locked. My master has no need to lock in. anyone that broke in here would be a fool. Rhaast follows by my heels. Silence clouds the air like a fog. Almost oppressive in how noticeable it is. Turning into a large, mostly empty room, I look towards my master standing rigidly in the centre, his back to me. “You’re late, boy.” “I was finishing an assignment off,” I reply, shrugging off my dark red hoodie and tossing it towards the edge of the room. Slowly I unwind the bandages from my arm and pull off my glove revealing the full corruption of my arm. From my elbow down, my skin is scorched red and dry and my hand is covered in almost metal like growths that make me look like I have an armoured claw for a hand. I flex it before taking a low stance and stare at the man before me. “That unsightly arm of yours has gotten worse. I thought you were going to win,” he says coolly before turning around. I watch his eyes flick over towards the cat sat nearby before coming back to me. He’s not as old as you’d suspect. I don’t know his exact age, but I put him in his early forties possibly? Snow white hair, pale skin and eyes that see through people. He strides towards me, pausing and dropping into a stance similar to mine. “Your training should always be your priority,” he warns before lunging forward. I leap back, avoiding his initial movement. “You wanted me to go to that school,” I remind him, dropping down to avoid the next attack. A blade narrowly misses my face. “Schools give out homework.” “You want to be an assassin, don’t you?” he growls, his every movement fluid. “I’ll be a better one than you,” I sneer, grabbing his fist and blocking the punch aimed for me. My boast causes him to smirk before he pulls back. He studies me for a moment before dissipating into shadows, leaving nothing but a clone of himself standing before me. “Tell me boy, how you think you can accomplish that?” I hear his voice echo around the dark room, the shadow before me wavering. “You couldn’t even trust your own skills. You allowed yourself to be tempted by power from a darkin so pathetic he ended up trapped.” There’s a hiss from the side of the room. “Rip him to pieces.” “I didn’t need Rhaast’s power. I chose his power to strengthen my own,” I reply, my voice low, my every sense on alert. Where is he going to attack from? I leap back, swiping at a figure, only for my hand to pass through shadows. “You rely on it too much,” he hisses, his foot impacting my back and flooring me. Hurriedly I jump back up and turn to face him only to see another shadow. I back up until I feel the concrete of the wall behind my back. “I don’t need it,” I growl, my eyes looking at the room, at the concrete columns that could hide him. To my right is a rack of weapons. I grab at three shurikens hanging there, holding one in each hand, the third tucked into my pocket.I slip into the wall, vanishing into the shadows. Like a spectre I run through it. This isn’t Rhaast’s power. This is mine. I don’t need his power here. Leaping from the wall I throw one shuriken towards a shadow, it passes through, but I expected that, second one at another shadow. Nothing. Grabbing the third I throw it upwards and hear a grunt as it just misses. Got you.He drops down before me and I just smirk, vanishing back into the safety of the wall. I run back to the rack and silently grab at a larger weapon. A sword of some description. I’d say it’s blunt for training purposes, but my master doesn’t believe in that. My body is littered with scars from various injuries. Back into the wall and I watch and wait.Biding my time hear a noise and leap from the wall, sword ready. I slash at his back, only to swipe shadows. A blade slides under my chin from behind. Damn. Why can’t I win? “Because you’re weak.” “Surrender.” “No.” “You’ve lost again, boy.” In my hand I grip at the sword hilt. I won’t lose. Not again. Not like this. “Drop your weapon.” “I’m not going to surrender,” I growl. I can’t keep losing like this. It’s embarrassing. I train and I train and I’m still not even close to him.
“I wouldn’t lose.”
“What do you think you’ll achieve by being stubborn? There are people out there that would have slit your throat by now. Drop your weapon.” Snorting, I drop it to the floor, hearing the metal clatter over the concrete and feeling the blade leave my throat. “I didn’t say I surrendered,” I hiss, spinning around. I knock the blade from his hand and grab at his throat. My left arm squeezing around it. My arm begins to burn, in fact, my entire body burns. In my mind I feel Rhaast. I feel his presence more strongly than normal. “I will not lose again,” I sneer, gripping him tighter and tighter. For a moment, a whisper of panic crosses his face, but he barely struggles. Is he mocking me? Does he think I won’t win this? “You’ve already lost boy,” he coughs out, a sneer rising to his lips. “You can’t beat me without that creature of yours. This isn’t your strength. This is his.” “This is me!” I yell, gripping tighter, feeling his skin tighten under my fingers. He just coughs out a laugh, doesn’t even try to move my hand from his throat. My arm feels like it’s aflame, but I don’t care, I barely even notice the pain. “You know it’s not. This is your pet. So, what’ll it be, boy? Let him kill me, or are you going to try and beat me on your own merit?” Yelling I just grip tighter. This is me. This is my power. I don’t need Rhaast. I don’t! I will win. I’m going to win. Screaming I release my master’s throat and step back. My breathing is short and ragged and suddenly I realise just how hot my arm was. The pain is horrendous. But before I can think on that, I have a punch delivered to my gut, winding me. I crumple to the floor. “When I tell you to surrender, you had better do it. And you said you were going to beat that monster, yet you allow him to take you over so easily. Do better.” “Remind me again who the tool is in this duo Kayn? Sometimes I think you forget.” “It’s you,” I gasp out, the cat coming to sit beside me as my master wanders off. “You could have beaten him.” “I nearly killed him. I just want to beat him.” “No, you didn’t do anything. You lost like the child you are. The impatient child you are. I won that for you. I can help you win anything.” “You power is a help, but what you want is my mind and body. I’m not an idiot,” I whisper, unable to talk louder. I can still barely breathe. The cat comes and stands before me. “Yes, you are.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “Lulu,” I holler, skipping over towards where my friend sits with the other yordle girls. Lulu looks up from under a hat far too big for her head and grins at me. “Zoe!” I leap forward, opening a portal below me and falling in before dropping out just above them and landing beside Lulu. “Lulu, I’m all alone. So, what are you guys up to? Anything fun?” I grin, my eyes wide. I watch Poppy and Tristana glance at each other. Poppy still hasn’t forgiven me for the cheerleader try-outs. I think my portals make her feel awkward. I bounce around as I sit beside them. “Er, we were just talking about future cheer routines,” Poppy tells me, an elbow going into Tristana. “Yes, that.” “Oh, I can help with that. I have so many fun ideas,” I giggle, my legs bouncing around under the picnic table they’re sat at. “Um, it’s for cheerleaders only,” Poppy adds in. “But Tristana isn’t a cheerleader. Unless you are now? Are you? Did you guys open up tryouts?” I turn to Lulu now, somehow terrified I missed tryouts in the last twenty-four hours since I spoke to Ahri. “She’s like an honorary one. Ahri said so,” Poppy adds in. “Zoe could help though. She’s very jumpy,” Lulu smiles at the other two. Poppy looks between her and me. “It’s top secret stuff. Don’t want other schools copying us.” “If you let me on the squad, no one will copy us at all,” I beam, dropping into a portal below me and reappearing from one stood beside Poppy. She flinches back from me. “I mean, come on, portals. Think how much fun this could be.” “Hey, where are the guys you’re normally with?” Tristana asks slowly, her eyes scanning around the other picnic benches outside of the dorms. There are several other students lounging around on them, enjoying the nice weather. “Talon is helping Kata with something and Ekko…huh, I don’t actually know. I couldn’t find him though. Kayn is off doing secret ninja training. He’s going to be a shadow,” I say, my voice mysterious as I wiggle my fingers around “A ninja?” Poppy doesn’t look convinced. “I think being a shadow sounds more fun. How do you become a shadow?” Lulu asks me, her eyes shining. “I don’t really know. Training a lot, I think. And meditating. He does that a whole lot. It’s always very dull when he does. Like I want to do stuff and he just sits there in silence. Very boring.” “Does Kayn have a cat? I keep seeing one with him a lot and I’ve heard people say it’s his,” Tristana asks. I think back to the copper coloured creature. “Sort of. It’s not like it’s his as such. It just follows him around. It’s a stray that just latched onto him,” I force my smile. Rhaast is a parasite. Kayn should have never got himself mixed up with a creature like that. “Huh. Yeah, I mean I’ve seen it a lot and Rumble thought it was Kayn’s. Said he’s seen it around the boys dorms a lot,” Tristana continues. “Guys, remember, we were doing top secret cheerleading stuff. Not talking about Kayn and his cat. Sorry Zoe, we really need to get back to this,” Poppy looks at me. Wait, this is one of those things where they want me to leave isn’t it? Kayn says I need to understand when I’m not wanted better. “Yeah, of course, sure. When you’re done though let me know. Maybe I can hang around with you guys then,” I smile, opening a portal under my feet and falling into it. I drop out onto the solid wood of a tree branch and sit there pouting. The cheerleading wasn’t my fault. Not totally. I mean sure the portals were, but not Poppy going through them. “The people here are so boring sometimes,” I sigh, falling back onto the branch. Who else can I go and see? There must be someone. Someone in this school must be doing something fun. Something I can help with. I fall through another portal and skip over towards where several tall girls are hanging out around another bench. They laugh and talk among themselves. Surely, they’re doing something fun? “Hey Ashe, Quinn, Sivir. How’s life?” I beam, skipping over. All three stop. “Zoe. Hi,” Ashe smiles, her eyes glancing around. “So I was bored and saw you guys over here and wondered if I could hang with you. I figured you’d be doing some fun sporty things. I know how you guys love your sporty things. Can I do them with you. I can do archery you know. Watch.” Before me I create a glittering bow made from stars and a similar looking arrow. Pulling back, I launch the arrow across the grass the benches are on. I hear a scream and look over to see a yordle with my arrow stuck through his hat. “Hey Teemo. You were invisible huh?” I dissipate the bow and look back to the girls. “I hit something.” “We aren’t doing archery,” Ashe tells me, some hesitation to her words. “We were doing…um, Quinn, why don’t you tell Zoe what we were doing?” “Me? Ok, well we were about to go jogging. We thought we’d go for a jog around the school grounds,” she tells me. The other two look at me and nod. “Jogging? I love jogging. Well not jogging but skipping. If you guys jog can I skip? I love to skip and dance and cartwheel,” I show them by skipping around. “Not today Zoe,” Sivir says a little harsher than the other two. “We don’t really have time for messing ok?” “Yeah, ok. Sure,” I grin, stepping back. “I’m sure there are other places I can go anyway. Lots of fun things to see only an eternity to see them y’know. I gotta go.” I point over my shoulder. They turn back to their conversation and I trudge off across the grass, Teemo scowling at me as I pass by. “You were the one being invisible,” I mump. It’s always like this whenever I can’t find any of the others. Everyone is always busy. I mean they’re probably not busy, but they’re ‘not going to hang with Zoe’ busy. “Urgh,” I moan, dropping down face first onto some grass. This is so boring. I could be watching stars form. So why am I here? I should go watch stars or something. “You ok there?” Someone says, kicking at my trainers. I glance up and look at Jinx peering down at me. A quizzical look covers her face as I plant mine back into the ground. “No. Everyone’s boring.” “Tell me about it. All so freaking dull. Can’t even find any of the snots today to wind them up. So, what’s up Sparkles? Not hanging with your usual crew?” “They’re all busy today.” “Even Ekko? Swear I saw him sneaking around. Probably trying to perve on the girls,” she laughs, dropping down beside me. I look back over to her. Sighing I push myself up. “I couldn’t even find him. He just straight up vanished. And Talon is being a good brother and helping his sisters out with something,” I stick my tongue out. “Bet he’s helping Cass put up new mirrors,” Jinx laughs to herself. I peer at her, unsure of the joke. “Jinx?” I ask, her grin filling her face. “I smashed them this morning. Hard as heck to get into her room. Had Kata hanging around outside for ages. Worth it though. Bitch was making some snide comments at cheer practice the other day. Revenge is sweet my little friend.” “You should have found me. I could have got you into her room. I could just poof you in,” I grin, opening a portal below my feet and dangling them down into it. Jinx peers down into the swirly nothing below me. “I’m getting sick just looking at that. But you ever want revenge on anyone, especially some of the guys, let me know. I love sneaking into the boys dorm. So much fun. They scream louder than any of the girls when you open their shower doors.” “Please sneak into Ekko’s,” I smirk. Fairly certain Ekko has a crush on Jinx. “That boy can scream. I once set all his clocks back fifteen minutes. He freaked out when he found out,” she laughs. “Like all of them, fifteen minutes. I thought he was going to have a panic attack.” “I love practical jokes. They’re so much fun. Like once I hid all Kayn’s hairties. All of them. He had to have his hair down all day. Which I thought is no problem but it was a big deal for him. But god I laughed so much. He turned his room upside down looking for them all,” I start to giggle just remembering. He was in such a bad mood. Lots of arms folding and huffing and being pouty. “How up for a practical joke are you right now?” Jinx smirks at me. I leap to me feet. “Always,” I beam, my eyes wide.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “The Aspect is right. When you sulk, you’re very good at it,” Rhaast tells me. I just scowl to the cat sat beside me. How could I have let him use me like that? I’m better than that. I know I am. My master refused to do anymore training with me. Said he doesn’t train weak students. Apparently allowing myself to get controlled by a cat makes me weak. I mean, I guess it does. Sighing I lean forward onto the barrier I’m leaning onto. Below me runs a large river. Occasionally there are boating events on it, but today there’s not much to look at, just the murky waters. “Had you finished him off, he wouldn’t have been able to insult you. My power will make you more powerful than you realise Kayn. Stronger than your master. Stronger than anyone at your school. Even your teachers. You just have to give in to me,” Rhaast purrs, leaping from the barrier and onto my shoulders, settling himself around my neck so his whiskers tickle my ear. “Wouldn’t be me though would it? It’d be you, using my body. Stupid I am not. I will best him. I just need to practice more. He’s not all powerful.” “He’s not, but you could be.” I glance to the cat and look back to the river. “No,” I finally say after what seemed like too long. It’s late by the time I head back to my dorm. I felt that if I stayed away, I could pretend in my head that I had spent the day training like I wanted. Rhaast is still perched around my shoulders like some bizarre scarf as I slouch into the foyer of the boys dorm. It’s the usual fare for a Sunday night. People hanging around in groups. Technically we’re allowed in the opposite genders dorms in the foyer, but no further. Which is why Talon has been sequestered into Darius’ group with his sisters. They lounge around on several comfy chairs talking loudly. Lux’s brother and some of his friends walk past and words are said between the two groups. I just stare at them before heading off to the stairs. “I don’t think much to Darius. Or his cronies. Though that red headed girl has spirit to her. She’s the sort I would have taken great delight in hunting down when I had an actual body,” Rhaast muses, looking over to where Katarina is telling Talon something. My friend just shrugs to whatever she’s saying. “To be honest, I wouldn’t rate your chances against her,” I whisper, heading up the stairs towards the rooms. “I’ve told you. I’m not you Kayn. When I had a body, no one could stand up to me,” he starts to laugh – which in my head I hear as laughing. Demonic laughing. However, perched on my shoulder he’s still a cat and I hear the rasping meowing and honestly, if the thought of an all-powerful demon creature meowing doesn’t make you laugh I don’t know what would. I can’t help but snigger, biting at my lips. “Well your current body is very adorable,” I tease, reaching my door and starting to unlock it, only to hear a scream from the room next door. I should ignore it. But instead I find myself knocking on the thick wooden door. “Rakan? It’s Kayn. You ok? I heard a scream?” I call through, trying the handle but finding it locked. “Maybe his lover broke up with him?” “Please, those two are tied at the hip.” “Maybe they were trying things and he injured himself. Mortals are very delicate. Especially in certain areas.” “Rhaast!” I stare at the creature, my face going red. It had better not have been because of that. I was about the pass through the door, but I am not walking in on some Fifty shades scene. Apparently that thought is too much for Rhaast who starts to howl laughing. “Rakan? You ok?” I bang on the door now, trying to stop my face from burning while I have a demon laughing himself stupid in my head. “Kayn?” The door cracks open and before I can respond, Rakan’s hand grabs me and pulls me into his room. “I heard you scream and thought I’d check you’re ok?” I tell him, watching him pace before me, a towel around his waist and one around his head. Is this the best time for me to be here? “I don’t know how this has happened,” he frets, wringing his hands together. “What do I do?” “Tell him ice will help with swelling,” Rhaast continues, and his thoughts pass into my mind. Not things I have ever wanted to think about. “What’s happened?” I ask, probably looking like I have a tic with the way my head twitches trying to dislodge the thoughts. God Rhaast? Really? “It’s my hair,” he whines, gesturing to the towel wrapped very tightly around his head. “Your hair?” “I was washing it as normal and…someone messed with my shampoo,” he frets. I get Rakan is a guy who takes his time on his appearance, but really? “Your shampoo?” “Promise not to laugh?” He asks, his voice pathetic right now. I give a nod, feeling Rhaast nearly fall off my shoulder. He’s still laughing. This conversation is twice as hard as it needs to be. Slowly Rakan unwraps the towel from his hair, his head bowed the entire time. I don’t know what I’m expecting honestly, but when I see the bright blue where his blonde should be, I can’t help it. I stutter out a laugh, clamping my lips shut but I can’t help but snigger. Rakan normally has bright blonde hair, but right now it’s as blue as the streak in mine. I cough on another laugh as there’s a howl from my shoulder and Rhaast literally falls to the floor, howling with laughter. “Is your cat laughing?” He asks me, still wringing his hands. I shake my head, my hand over my lips to try and hide the smirk. “How?” I squeak out. It’s all I can manage. “I don’t know. I have no idea. Someone put hair dye in my shampoo and now my hair is blue! I’ve had my room locked all day.” I give a nod, trying to look like I care, but I am really struggling and hearing Rhaast still howling does not help. “The window maybe?” I suggest, my voice still an octave higher than it should be. He looks so damn funny. His large feathered ears are still their usual blonde – don’t ask me how – and his red streak is still red, maybe a slight purple tinge to it, but the blonde is well and truly blue. “The window has been locked. The door was locked. What do I do? I can’t go into school tomorrow like this.” “Maybe see if Xayah has a hat?” I say, my hand still over my mouth. “You’re not helping here at all,” he scowls at me. I just shake my head, sucking my lips inward. I can’t do anything else. If I open my mouth, I know I’ll laugh. “Sorry,” I squeak again. “Hope you can sort it.” I back up towards the door, opening it and falling out into the hallway. Rhaast dashes up to me as I fall into a wall opposite and just start to howl. I can’t help it. Of everyone it could have happened to it would be Rakan. I don’t think someone like Darius or Garen would give a damn, but for Rakan it’s so personal. And he looks so pissed and so funny. “I can hear you!” He yells through the door which only makes me laugh more. My legs give way below me and I fall to the ground laughing. And not just me. By my feet is the most ragged looking cat, splayed out wheezing. “Find a big hat,” I eventually croak out. Apparently, my suggestion is not what he wants to hear, as I just about catch snippets of conversation among wailing. I assume he’s rung Xayah. I’m sure he’ll get more sympathy from her.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “I know mine is going to taste like trash,” Ekko sighs beside me. I glance down at him crouching before an oven. Staring at the glass he starts to mess with his white mohawk, straightening it slightly. He cocks his head before smirking at his own reflection. “You’ve gotta decorate it first,” I remind him, bending down to check my own oven. Inside I watch a cake slowly start to rise. I hate cookery class. I have nothing to do right now except wait for a cake to bake – if it even bakes. “God yeah. Where did I put my designs? Does it matter if it doesn’t look exactly like my sketches?” He wonders, shuffling through several flour covered pieces of paper on the work top. “Why yes, it does matter. You set the brief Ekko. You drew up the plans. If you assumed when you drew them that you couldn’t realistically make it, you should have changed it. This is your coursework,” a deep voice says behind us. I glance to watch my friend almost cower, clutching his papers to his chest. “I may have been a little too confident in my cooking abilities,” Ekko admits, quietly. If you’re thinking the cookery teacher is some bent old woman, think again. This guy is well over six foot and built like a barn. “Then you attempt to make what you have drawn and when you come to evaluate your work, you admit that you didn’t listen to the brief I set you and you were too ambitious.” His voice literally thunders over us, neither of us turning around but Ekko starts nodding his head furiously. “Yes sir.” There’s a pause. A moment of silence behind us before we hear footsteps walking off and the teachers voice asking Ezreal how he expects a cake to cook in a cold oven. I breathe a sigh of relief, but Ekko damn well near collapses to the floor, his fingers clutching those papers, creasing them as he tries to regain some composure. “Why does he do that? Why doesn’t he just come around in front of us? Why not ask if I’m ok?” Ekko mutters, his eyes wide. “God he’s going to fail me, isn’t he?” “Depends on your cake,” I shrug, checking again on mine. Should it take this long to cook? Is it on high enough? Will it burn if I turn the temperature up. “Pssssst,” I hear a voice straight into my ear causing me to leap back. Thankfully the short shriek that escapes my lips is drowned out by Lulu screeching something about her cake. “I never get bored of making you jump.” Zoe grins at me before dropping to the floor and standing like a regular person. Her eyes wide, she holds a hand out to me filled with rainbow sprinkles. “Would you like some? I noticed you don’t have any toppings.” Regaining some composure, I shake my head. “I don’t need them. My cake is topping-less.” “Boring. Everything needs sprinkles. What does your cake look like? Is it what cakes would look like if Hot Topic opened a bakery?” Zoe asks snidely, a smirk dancing over her lips. “No.” “So that’s a yes. What about yours Ekko? Lemme see. Sir was not happy with you,” she laughs, skipping round to where the other guy is trying to flatten his papers out. I glance over at the marvel his cake will need to be to look anything like his drawings. “You making all of that? What from? Fondant? Don’t you need to start molding that while the cake cooks? I’m pretty sure you do. You want some sprinkles too. Might hide the fact that you’re going to try and mould a giant clock tower on a cake.” “Errr, yes?” Ekko says, not sure which of Zoe’s billion questions to answer first. She of course assumes he’s going with the last question, grabs his hands and starts to pour sprinkles in them. I don’t even think he realises what she’s doing. His mind looks miles away. “Zoe, does this cake look done?” I ask, crouching down and looking back through the glass door. “I dunno. You have to poke it.” “Poke it?” “Er yeah. I saw Soraka doing it to hers and she seems to have some clue. You stick something in it.” “Like what?” “Well she has a pointy thing, but anything, I guess? A knife? Maybe? Jab it down and see what happens. Just don’t pop your cake.” “Cakes don’t pop.” “Fairly certain Lulu’s did. Or maybe it caught fire? Or maybe both. Who knows?” “Zoe! Your oven is over here but you don’t appear to be,” the teacher calls over. She grins, vanishing through the floor in a portal and reappearing elsewhere in the room. A knife? “Ekko, should I shove a knife in my cake?” I ask, but he hasn’t moved. As I stand up, he mutters something, throwing his hands up to his face and subsequently throwing sprinkles over himself and the floor. It looks like a unicorn exploded. “Well you’re no help,” I shake my head, hunting around for a knife. Why on earth would I need to shove a knife into my cake to see if it’s cooked? “It will check to see if the inside is cooked you fool.” Now I do bolt upright and glance around the room. ‘How the hell do you know anything about cooking?’ “Kayn, I have been around for centuries. Unsurprisingly you do amass knowledge when you have an eternity. The Aspect was half correct. Pushing something in the centre will show you if the inside is cooked. If no mixture sticks to whatever you’ve put in, it’s cooked.”
‘This is like the worlds weirdest cooking show. Kayn and his demon cat will show you how to bake a Victoria sponge.’
“Do you want help, or do you want to end up like your friend?” I glance to Ekko who has a pack of fondant before him and is just staring at it. His white hair is still speckled with bright rainbow sprinkles. ‘Help is good.’ Following Rhaast’s advice, and part of Zoe’s, I find a knife and push it into the centre of my cake. Thankfully there isn’t any mixture on the knife which Rhaast assures me means it’s cooked. He also assures me that the fact that the top of the cake is dark brown should have told me that already. Well forgive me for not realising my demon cat was also a cook. Not that he’s in the room. He once tried to follow me into cookery class. Once. ‘Now what?’ “You let it cool. Whatever topping you’re making should probably be made. Unless you’re going to present a slightly burnt bare sponge cake to your teacher.” ‘Fine I’ll let it cool. And make my topping I guess.’ I rummage through my coursework, looking at the very poor images I drew of a cake. “Needs more colour,” Zoe whispers, peering over the top of the counter and poking at my cake. “It’ll have colour. Anyway, where’s yours?” Zoe sniggers, looking at me and prances off, returning with a cake that looks half destroyed. The edges barely seem to be holding onto the rest of the cake and there’s a huge hole in the centre. “Jabbed it with a knife huh?” I guess. She just nods, her grin never faltering. “Just wait till I decorate mine. It’ll be amazing,” she laughs, skipping back over to her spot. Beside me Ekko has face palmed the desk and isn’t moving any further. I’m guessing his cake won’t look like his brief. “This all seems far harder than it should be,” I mutter, trying to mix up some icing sugar while reading the recipe. Is this right? Do I have too much water? Too much icing sugar? Why do I need to know any of this? “Kayn,” a shrill voice screeches. Oh god, now what? I glance over at where Zoe is covered head to foot in what I assume to be icing sugar. How? How is that even a thing? “It exploded,” she pouts, trying to brush herself down. I glance around at a few people sniggering at her. “Sort it out,” I hiss, looking back to my own mixture. “Is it in my hair, I feel like it is,” she moans, wandering over. Rolling my eyes, I turn back to my own cake. “Zoe, go get on with your own cake.” “I’m wearing half my cake,” she laughs. Before I can stop her, she dips a finger into my icing sugar mix and licks it. “Needs more sugar.” “Well you’re wearing half the sugar in the room,” I smirk at her before dumping more into my mix from my own pack. Hell, this thing will probably taste terrible anyway. Zoe leaves me and starts to poke Ekko, trying to bring him around from his funk. Which is probably a good thing given I can smell something burning. Not that it means it’s his. I watch Jinx take some blackened husk of a cake from her oven. She pulls a face at it before dropping it onto the side. I swear it doesn’t fall apart, it shatters. “Draven, there had better be a cake on the counter by the time I get over there,” the teacher yells, freezing everyone as he stomps to the back of the room. “Someone’s gonna get it,” Zoe grins, looking to the back of the room. She will learn one day. Draven is not someone you poke. Not if he gets his brother involved. “Don’t you have sprinkles to throw over everything?” I ask. “Always,” she laughs, bouncing off. I don’t know what the outcome of the lesson was supposed to be, but it ends up with cakes of various states, Ekko having a breakdown over fondant, Zoe needing to pop off and get changed and a teacher who I’m fairly certain is going to have a strong drink after this lesson. Though, my cake at least resembles something you’d eat. It’s a basic sponge cake covered in blue and red icing, but at least it looks edible. Zoe’s tin is filled with…a thing. There’s sponge, sprinkles and maybe buttercream? Hard to tell and I’m not trying any of it to confirm. Ekko has a lump of charcoal covered in various strips of fondant and a migraine. “That was so much fun,” Zoe laughs, skipping along beside me and holding her cake tin above her head like a trophy. “That was hard work,” I mutter, catching sight of the cat that slinks along behind me. Would have been far harder without his help. “Hey, want to have a cake party tonight? We could all get together and see what we cooked,” Zoe asks, leaping ahead of us and starting to skip backwards. I recall the mess that’s in her tin which is probably even more shook up now. “Pass. Besides, I’m not eating whatever Ekko managed to cook,” I laugh. “And whatever you made is likely diabetes in a tin.” “Rude,” she sniffs at me, hugging her tin to her chest. “I bet Ezreal would eat it if I asked him.” “I bet he won’t,” I grin. She doesn’t reply, just pops into one of her portals and vanishes, cake and all. Trying to understand her sometimes is exhausting.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe Baking was fun. I loved baking. I wasn’t very good at it, but at least my cake didn’t explode like Lulu’s or smash like Jinx’s. Looking in the tin beside me, it didn’t look as pretty as I wanted it to look, but it looked fun. Placing my lid back onto it, I peered out from behind the bushes I was hiding behind. Ezreal was sat on a nearby bench talking to Lux. I think she was sharing some of her cake with him. Hers looked solid which mine definitely doesn’t. But mine has sprinkles and glitter on it. Hers doesn’t have that. Maybe I should go over and ask him to try my cake? He’d like it right? Why wouldn’t he? I mean Kayn was mean about it, but Kayn’s mean about a lot of stuff. That’s his thing. He has to act cool. Plus, he has a demon taking over his body. I cut him some slack on his attitude. “Hello there little bird. What’s got your attention?” A voice behind me almost purrs. I leap backwards, falling into a portal from shock and then dropping down just above the ground with a thud. “Nothing has my attention at all. Nothing. Nothing to see here,” I ramble, waving my arms around. Looking up I offer up a smile to the girl standing behind me. Her green eyes glance over towards the bench and a smirk twists her thin lips. Holding her skirt down, she kneels beside me, a cursory glance at my cake tin. “So, you’re spying on Ezreal hmm?” she smiles, some of her long mahogany coloured hair falling over her shoulder. I shake my head, but she isn’t buying it. She just smirks at me, her hands smoothing down her plaid skirt before resting neatly on her lap. Cassiopeia Du Couteau is the younger sister of Katarina. Talon is her adopted brother. The Du Couteau sisters aren’t the nicest people in school. I know Katarina has quite the vicious tongue on her. I haven’t really spoken to either frequently to be fair. I know of them, but that isn’t really the same. I mean people know of Kayn but no one knows him like I do. They don’t know about Rhaast. “Quite the cute couple, don’t you think?” She smirks at me and I find myself pouting, my arms folded. “Yeah, if you like obviously pretty girls. I mean yeah, Lux is pretty but it’s a bubblegum pop pretty. Anyone can be bubblegum pop pretty. Ezreal deserves someone as unique as him,” I say, my eyes going back to them. She laughs as he says something to her. Probably pretending to laugh. I’d laugh properly at his jokes. “You think he’d like someone a little, um, quirkier?” she asks, and I just nod. Of course he would. “Someone more like you?” My face burns and I turn to look at her, a sly smirk on her face. “I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea,” I admit, looking back. “But look at her. She’s cute and pretty and the boys love that sort of obvious pretty. I mean Ahri is obviously pretty and you for that matter, and boys drool at you all.” “Oh? I hadn’t noticed,” she chuckles. She had noticed. Kayn and Ekko say she plays up to it, using her looks to persuade boys to do stuff for her. Must be nice to have that sort of skill. I don’t because I’m short and tiny…and apparently quirky. Quirky can be good though “If you want him you know, you’ll need to start by spending more time with him. Peering from bushes doesn’t count. He’s a cheerleader, right? Join, and then that’ll give you a reason to talk to him. A ground of common interest. You’re starting at a disadvantage with Lux. She spends more time with him and is prettier. So, you just have to work harder,” she tells me bluntly, her jade eyes going back to the pair. “You don’t think I’m pretty?” I grab at my hair, my bottom lip going out as Cassi sighs. “Zoe, if you want to get a man, you have to be honest with yourself. If you know your weaknesses, you can improve them. Lux is prettier than you. That’s a fact. She’s also more Ezreal’s type, so you have to get in there another way. I mean you could always try the cake route that’s working well for blondie over there. It’s a little too juvenile for me, but if it works, it works. Though,” she leans over and takes the lid off my cake tin, looking at the creation inside. I force a smile to my face. “It’s pretty right?” “You’ll need to do better than this. Make him something that will knock him off his feet. Something that little miss Demacia over there can’t compete with.” “This was my best attempt at baking though. I know it looks like a cow rolled in it, but I bet it still tastes good.” “Oh, little bird, it needs to be perfect. Looks do serve a purpose you know. People will judge anything from how it looks, it forms your first impression of what you’re seeing. And that goes for cakes too. It needs to taste amazing, and it needs to look the part too. And you need to be there, in a way he can’t ignore you. Join their little cheerleading squad.” “But tryouts aren’t open yet,” I sigh, looking back at where Ezreal and Lux are now stood. I watch him hug her, hear her giggle as their hands link together. I wish that was me with him. “Plenty of time to practice then,” she tells me in her silky voice. “If you’re always there Zoe, it means you’ll have an easier time of asking him out. It won’t be sudden. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.” “See, I trust you in that sense, but not the sense where you’re sat behind a bush with me. You aren’t the helpful type of person,” I tell her, narrowing my eyes and studying her. She just cocks her head and smirks. “You’re right. But you and I have a common enemy here. I don’t like the Crownguard siblings and you want to date Ezreal. If you start to date him, we both get something out of it,” she tells me. Well at least she’s honest I guess. “Makes sense,” I nod, looking back. “Though, if you’re after both siblings, I heard a rumour about your sister and Garen.” I turn to look and watch as her face falls. “I’ve heard it too. It better just be a rumour. She can do far better than that dumb jock.” Her words take on a haughty tone, her eyes narrowing at the blonde girl before us. “I mean the pair of them think they’re so much better than anyone else. I can’t wait for the day that Darius knocks Garen out. I hope I’m there to watch. And you, you have to get that blonde moron over there to date you. You hear me?” She leans forward, poking my chest and pointing back towards where Ezreal is walking away. I nod. A lot. “Wanna help me?” I ask with a grin. For a moment she wrinkles her nose before looking back at Lux. “Sure. But you keep this alliance quiet. You got that? I’ll make sure you have Ezreal falling over himself to be with you, but in return you have to stay utterly quiet about my help. No jumping on my desk in lessons or squealing my name out at lunch. You got that?” Her eyes narrow but a grin just spreads over my face. “A hundred percent can do that. So I can’t tell anyone?” “No.” “Not even Talon?” “Especially not Talon. You tell him and I guarantee it’ll be around the school in an hour. He’ll tell Ekko and at that point you may as well have put up posters. Though, while I’m here - the boys you hang with - who are they interested in? I like to keep notes on this. I treat it like research,” she tells me. “Urgh, so Kayn is totally into Ahri. He can’t say a word to her without turning into a mess,” I start off. Cassi just nods. “Aren’t all the boys. I swear that fox just has to be mentioned and half of them get turned on. So what about Ekko and my dear sweet brother?” “Ekko I’m not sure. Jinx, I think. Not sure with Talon. He doesn’t talk much about girls.” “He doesn’t talk much, full stop,” Cassi adds, rolling her eyes. “But he must like someone. I refuse to believe he doesn’t. If I’m helping you out with blondie, I expect you to find out who he likes. He likes to hang with you guys, find that out for me.” Again I nod. “Good. So, you start practicing your baking and cheerleading. You understand?” She glances around before standing up and brushing her skirt down. “And I was never here.” She smirks at me before tossing her hair and starting to strut off. I watch her go before grabbing my cake and leaping into a portal. “Kayn!” I holler, falling into his room only to hear him yell something about getting changed. Skipping over to his bathroom door which just slammed shut I start to leap about outside it. “Kayn guess what? I’m going to be a cheerleader. I’m going to practice tons and tons. And you can help me?” I beam. Of course he says no, but I don’t remember giving him an option on this.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “Watch. Watch. You aren’t watching!” She whines. I give a nod, barely listening to her as I try to meditate, to focus my mind. Rhaast is laid around my shoulders. I feel he could at least watch her and fill me in on this later. “Kayn!” “Rhaast’s watching you,” I tell her, my voice emotionless as I focus on nothing, on being totally calm. “I’m honestly not.” “I don’t want him watching me. He’s stupid.” “Suddenly I’m interested,” he chuckles. Do neither of them realise how hard they’re making this? I didn’t invite either of them, but as usual they both just appeared. “I don’t care what your stupid demon cat thinks. I want you to watch. I’m going to be a cheerleader and join the squad and then Ezreal will love me. But I need to get better with cheers, so I need you to watch. You’re critical about literally everything. You’ll give an honest review.” “Tell her it’s terrible. I want to see that grin of hers dissolve into tears.” Opening my eyes I just scowl ahead, looking over the grass of the playing field. School is finished for the day and I wanted a chance to do some training. I thought, coming over to the school field would be the way to go. Everyone is back at the dorms, but when you know someone that can bend reality apparently you can’t hide. Ever. Also, my cat has a GPS tracker on me in the form of corruption on my arm. “I’m not a cat.” “Well you look like one,” I sigh, before looking back at Zoe. She’s dressed in what I assume is her idea of a cheerleaders outfit. A crop top and skirt and she’s somehow acquired some pom poms. I’m not even asking where from. “Are you watching?” she demands, stamping her foot. Do I even have a choice at this point? “If I watch, will you let me train?” I ask. She doesn’t reply, just launches into some routine. I have no idea what she’s supposed to be doing. She throws her arms about, waves her pom poms, potentially tries to do a cartwheel and then falls into a portal, dropping back out of the sky into a finishing pose. “I’m not sure what I just watched.” “So, what do you think? Do you think I can be a cheerleader?” She asks, holding her pom poms under her chin and just staring at me, her eyes wide. “Tell her no.” “Zoe, was that even a routine? Looked like you were just doing things,” I tell her. She puffs her cheeks out, her face falling into a frown. “I did exactly what the other cheerleaders do.” “Yeah but they have routines. If I asked you to do that again, I bet there’d be changes,” I tell her. “Please don’t put us through that again.” “So, you didn’t like it?” Her lip quivers at me, her eyes watering. “I’m saying you can’t just do random things. That’s not a routine. And why are you showing me? Go show Ekko or Lulu or someone else. I mean Lulu is actually a cheerleader, she might be able to help you out better. I don’t care for this stuff.” I turn my back on her again, closing my eyes and starting to focus. Beside me I have a training staff, which I fully intend to use once I’m calm enough to do so. I won’t be beaten so easily the next time I train with my master. I won’t rely on Rhaast’s help. “Oh, you will. By the way, she hasn’t gone anywhere.” He tells me like I’m not aware. Like I can’t hear her gentle footsteps over the ground. “Kayn, watch. This is more important than you sitting there pretending to think. If I want to get Ezreal I need to be able to do this. You could be a good friend you know and at least watch.” “Zoe, I’m trying to train. This is far more important than you becoming a cheerleader to try and get a boy to like you. I need to get stronger. I need to train. Whether Ezreal dates you or not is a far smaller thing than whether a demon gets to take control of my body,” I snap, spinning round and glowering at her. To make my point I gesture towards the bandages up my arm. I’m in a loose short sleeved top so they’re pretty visible. But what’s also visible is that the bandages now extend beyond my elbow. I’m angry that Rhaast has managed to grow. “Be angry all you like. I will continue to grow, to invade your body. And soon you’ll realise just how weak and insignificant you are.” “Yeah? Well…that’s your own dumb fault. You let him into your body. You agreed to take his power. Don’t go getting upset at me because you made bad decisions.” Her hands, still clutching her silver pom poms, go to her hips and she glowers at me with all the malice of a puppy. “It’s not a bad decision, but I need some time to train so it doesn’t become a bad decision,” I argue back at her. Standing up, I glower down at her. “Anything to do with the darkin is a bad decision Kayn. They’re bad. Real bad.” “Then let me train. Bug someone else with your Ezreal rubbish,” I snap. Her eyebrows knit together, her scowl getting deeper. She pushes herself up onto her tiptoes to try and be taller, but she’s so short it barely makes a difference. “It’s not rubbish. Maybe I think you and your darkin cat are rubbish. How about that?” I’m about to reply. To tell her that my future is a little more important than her fictional love life – however our spat is interrupted by Rakan running over to us waving his arms around. “Kayn, Zoe,” he calls, just in case we’d somehow missed him running over in a bright yellow jacket. Zoe sticks her tongue out at me before jumping into the air and looking at Rakan. “Your blue is fading,” she points to his hair. He casts her an odd look. “I know that was you, Miss Portals. But I’m not here for that. You guys seen Xayah? I was supposed to meet her earlier and I thought I saw her, but she was acting super weird. Like really weird,” he tells us. Why do people think I care about their relationships? I just want to train. That’s all. Is that too much to ask?Scowling I turn away from them both, making a point in sitting back on the grass and shutting my eyes. If it kills me, I will get some training in this evening. Ok, so calm. That’s what I need to be. Calm.“Odd? How so? Xayah isn’t an odd person. Now if you’d said I was odd, I ‘d believe that. Or Lulu. Or even Jinx. We’re all odd. Xayah not so much. So, tell me, what did she do?” My brow furrows, my eyes shutting together as I try and block out her rambling. “Well…er, she ran past me, said she loved my jacket and then twirled off.” “Twirled off?” “Yeah. Like this.” “Wow, that’s really not a Xayah thing to do at all.” I clench my fists. Maybe if I ignore them, they’ll both drop into a portal and vanish. “You know they won’t. You know full well you’ll get pulled into this. Whatever this is.” “I know right. I knew it wasn’t just me. But she just sort of skipped off.” Opening my eyes I glare up at where Rakan is stood and Zoe floats. Why won’t they both just go? “Maybe you should help Rakan look?” I suggest, a forced smirk on my face. “He sounds like he could use some help.” My words are slow and deliberate. “Hmm? Maybe we should both help.” “I’m busy,” I hiss. “Oh look, Ahri, maybe she’ll help. Ahri! Come help us!” Zoe starts to wave over the field, and I shoot up to my feet, my posture rigid, my face burning. Rhaast falls off my shoulders, but I’m not bothered about him right now. “Thought you were busy?” Rakan adds on slyly, a smirk at me. I’m far too busy trying to stop my face lighting up red than responding to him. Stay calm Kayn. Stay calm. I watch the pretty girl come running over to us, a grin on her face. A grin? Since when does Ahri grin like that? Maybe she should do it more often. It suits her. “Hey Ahri. Wow, didn’t actually expect you to come over. Anyway, Rakan has lost Xayah. You seen her anywhere. Apparently she’s being odd,” Zoe launches into a ramble as Ahri just stares at her. Her large black fox ears twitch as she watches Zoe, before her grin gets even wider. “You are so colourful,” she almost squeals, grabbing Zoe’s hands. Why am I not wearing more colours? “Er, thanks?” “And your hair, so many colours. So pretty.” “I have blue in my hair,” I point out, my mouth opening before I put even a second of thought into what I’m saying. “And so long too,” Ahri continues, still gripping Zoe’s hands. “You are very pretty.” She moves her face to be inches before Zoe’s who starts to go red. “You ok there Ahri? You’re real close.” Ahri just smiles before kissing Zoe’s cheek and then standing back up. “You smell like strawberries. I love strawberries,” Ahri exclaims before bouncing back. “I hope you find your friend. Bye colourful girl.” “I like colours,” I say, again with no thought. I step forward, past Zoe. “Seriously, colours are like my favourite thing.” “I don’t think Ahri is feeling herself.” “That’s like Xayah earlier. You think they’re sick?” “Dunno. I know someone that’s lovesick though,” Zoe adds on snidely, but I’m too busy watching Ahri vanish around a building. “She kissed you,” I spin to point at the girl still floating. “She kissed you.” “Yeah, weird right? Ahri normally can’t stand me.” “What did it feel like?” “Like a kiss.” “Do you not think she was acting really weird though?” Rakan steps up towards me, but my eyes are just staring at where Ahri vanished, my mouth ajar. Why did she kiss Zoe? Why not me? “Very weird,” Zoe adds on dryly. “We should check she’s ok,” I nod to no one but myself. I start to wander over the field, not quickly, my legs feel like they’ll collapse if I run. I was right there. I can like colours too. When did Ahri have a thing for colours? Should I dress more like Zoe? “Please do that. That would give me endless delight.” “Thought you had training?” “Thought you were being your usual antisocial self?” “He only pretends to hate everyone.” I turn back to look at the two walking along beside me. “She’s clearly not well. As her classmates we should help out,” I explain, ignoring the hissing laughing in my head. I mean if I help her out, surely that works in my favour right? She’d be grateful. She might kiss me then. “You need the training more than you realise,” Rhaast laughs. I ignore him and set off after where Ahri went.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn This is just what a good classmate would do. If someone isn’t feeling themselves, it’s only right to check on them. Right? Why am I thinking about this so much? Maybe it’s to persuade the two people with me more than it is myself. “I can’t watch your cheerleading Zoe, I have to train,” Zoe mimics me, deepening her voice slightly in a very poor impression. “This is very important training. At least it is until pretty fox girl comes over. Seriously Kayn, you are so predictable.” Her voice returns to normal as she skips ahead of me. “Neither of you were letting me train, so I may as well check that Ahri is ok,” I tell her, my voice as cool as I can keep it. “And Xayah,” Rakan adds on. I’m really not too fussed about Xayah if I’m honest. The only reason I want to find her is so I can lose him. It’d be nice if Ezreal could skip on over here and remove Zoe too. “Tell me Kayn, because I’m curious, what exactly are you going to do to the fox girl when you find her? Beg for a kiss like a child?”
“Of course not. I’m just checking if she’s ok.”
“And did you not sense anything from her that might have indicated whether she was ok or not?”
“No. Why? Did you? If you did you had better tell me,” I look down at the cat trotting along by my feet. There’s a moment before he looks up at me. Though a cat can’t smirk, I can feel the smirk coming from him. The smugness. He knows something, but he’s playing the fool. “I am not the fool here boy. That is very much you. You have met that fox girl enough times. You should know that isn’t how she acts.” “Yeah, so clearly she’s not feeling herself. So, we’ll check she’s ok. I’m just being a good friend you know.” “Kayn, you are fooling no one. I’m sure even feathers behind you is aware of your crush on the fox. And he doesn’t seem to ever notice anything that’s not himself or his angry female friend.” “I still don’t get how they’re a thing,” I shrug. “If you can rejoin us for a second here Kayn and come out of crazy cat conversations, where exactly are we heading? Because we have no clue where Ahri, or Xayah, vanished to,” Zoe runs up ahead of me, spinning on her feet, her pom poms still being clutched. Can she not just throw those into a portal? “I wasn’t having any weird conversations,” I tell her, my voice low. Her eyes glance to where I presume Rakan is behind me, her grin widening. “I know you were. You forget how much I know,” she giggles before winking at me. “You forget how much I know, miss Twilight,” I whisper back. Her smile doesn’t leave her face of course. This is Zoe. Rakan says something about the pair of us whispering which Zoe just laughs about. “I can whisper with you too if you’d like?” She offers, bouncing into the air and scanning around, her hand over her eyes before she falls back down beside me. “No Ahri.” “When we do find her. Can you be normal for maybe thirty seconds?” I ask her. She just shakes her head. “Of course not. Besides, it wasn’t me being weird. I didn’t run up to her and kiss her. Do you think I should? What if she likes me? Ooo, what should I do? What would you do?” Her grin gets wider and I feel my face turn red, my eyes looking around. “Nothing. Obviously.” “You’d be so jealous. Maybe I should ask her out. It’d be worth it just to see your expression constantly,” she laughs. We’re heading back amongst the school buildings. The large stone structures start to surround us. It’s odd being around them when the students have finished for the day. Nearby though I hear talking and make for the sound. We haven’t seen another student actually since losing sight of Ahri. If we don’t run into Ahri we might at least find someone that’s seen her. The group we run into isn’t exactly the one I wanted. They pause and stare at us as much as we look to them. Darius, Draven, Katarina and LeBlanc. You think Talon could at least be present to offer some sense on their side. I don’t like these guys at all. “You!” Darius points towards us and I feel my heart jump. Did I do something to him today? Did I do something he might have thought was to him? He’s not the brightest spark. Strong yes, but not the kind to think things through. “Me?” Zoe asks, pointing at her chest and I feel relief when I realise the finger the size of a baguette isn’t actually pointing at me. “Yeah you. What are you playing at?” “Er, being a cheerleader?” Zoe holds her pom poms up as evidence. What’s he on about? I mean I know Zoe pretending to be a cheerleader is annoying to me, but why is Darius so bothered? I can’t control the image that pops into my mind of Darius – his large build prancing around in a short skirt and crop top. I do my best not to snigger before glancing to the cat by my feet making a rasping noise. Thanks for that Rhaast. “Don’t play dumb,” Darius growls stomping over to her. “What was all that about earlier?” “Earlier? Darius, I haven’t seen you at all today,” Zoe says, her hands going back to her hips as she stares up at this behemoth towering over her. “We were all here Zoe. We all heard what you said,” Katarina adds in slyly from behind him. Ok now I am confused. “Said something? Honestly, I haven’t even seen you today Darius. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “This act isn’t cute Zoe. You’re one of the most annoying kids in this place. Don’t think many people would mind if someone taught you a lesson,” Darius smirks, cracking his knuckles. “Hey, ok, lets back down here yeah?” I say before even thinking. Before I even have a thought, I realise I’ve put myself between Zoe and Darius. This is not where I want to be. “Look, Darius, I don’t know what happened, but I know Zoe can’t have done anything to you. She’s been with me all evening. Trust me, if I thought for one moment that she had said anything to you I would step aside, but she has been driving me nuts since school finished. She can’t have said anything to you, because she’s been with me,” I explain as rationally as I can. I feel my skin prickle when he cracks his knuckles again. “Are you calling me a liar?” He hisses, bearing down on me. “Of course not,” I half laugh, my eyes fixed on his hands. “I’m simply saying that what you’re saying might not be factually correct.” Hopefully that causes the gears in his head to tick a bit. “Almost cute isn’t it? Him defending her. A shame Kayn, you have so much potential,” LeBlanc smirks at me. “I’m just trying to avoid a fight here. I don’t think Darius punching Zoe when she’s been with me all afternoon is the right way to go,” I explain. “Your little friend there said my brother smelled like week old socks,” Draven calls over, clearly unable to hide his mirth as he chuckles away. Darius’ scowl deepens as I bite my lip. “I mean that is something she would probably say but I can literally guarantee she’s been with me.” “You find that funny Kayn?” “Well it is an odd insult to get so angry over,” I try to defuse the situation. Not sure I’m doing a good job, but really? He’s this angry over such a dumb insult as that? And why does he think it was Zoe? She’s literally been prancing around me interrupting my training all evening. “And one I never said. I’ve been practising my cheerleading routines. I’d show you them but honestly, with this attitude, I don’t think you deserve to see them,” she huffs from behind me. “Why don’t we just forget this happened and we’ll continue with what we were doing, and you guys can continue what you were doing?” I suggest. There’s a pause. A moment when Darius straightens up and looks like he’ll back off before I get punched straight in the face. I don’t feel it. Not at first. I’m aware it’s happened because I find myself sitting on the floor, maybe on top of Zoe? I’m not really sure of much at that point. The pain doesn’t even start to register until I’m sat there watching Darius and his group walking off laughing. They threaten Zoe that if she does anything like that again it’ll be her on the floor. “Kayn? Kayn? Are you ok?” Zoe asks, her face getting in front of mine. Goddamn it feels like my eye wants to pop out. Is my jaw broken? It doesn’t feel right. I think my vision starts to swim, like I can’t really focus on anything. “Are you ok?” Rakan asks, kneeling beside me. I’ll admit my silence probably doesn’t help either of them, but I am completely not with it. There’s a few moments when all I can think about is twisting Darius’ arm around till it breaks. Of punching him and flooring him. Of making him bleed and standing over him. They’re dark thoughts, I know, but they flood my mind. I can’t even respond to the people in front of me. I just see these images and know how much I’d enjoy doing that to him. My left arms starts to burn and I feel the whole thing go numb. In front of me, Zoe’s large eyes look confused, almost scared for a moment. Scowling she forms one of her little bubbles and flicks it off to the side. It hits Rhaast square on. The cat drops to the ground, fast asleep and suddenly everything seems to snap out of some haze. “My face,” I yell, reaching up to feel the swelling. Oh my god. He punched me? Does he have metal bones or something? Why does this hurt so much? “You ok? You want to me to portal you back to your room?” Zoe asks, her voice soft. “You should get some ice to help with the swelling. Come on. I’ll help you back to your room. Me and Zoe can look for Xayah later,” Rakan offers me his hand. “He punched me!” I exclaim again, not sure if I want to touch my face or not. Damn does this hurt. “Wait here,” Zoe looks to Rakan before grabbing at my hands. I feel the floor vanish below me, but honestly I feel so dizzy right now I’m not sure if it’s a portal or not. “You need some rest,” Zoe tells me, her voice gentle. Around me I think my room appears, but I think I’m going to be sick. Either that or collapse. “Get some sleep.” That’s the last thing I hear before there’s a popping noise and I slump into darkness.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “He ok?” Rakan asks me as I re-join him. Damn is Kayn heavy as a dead weight. Still, I got him onto his bed. “He should be,” I reply, casting a scowl to the sleeping cat beside Rakan. I contemplate making a portal below it, but that’ll just wake it up. Let it lay there for an hour or so. If I’m lucky maybe Lulu will paint him purple, or Jinx can fire him across the field. “So, we looking for Xayah?” Rakan asks me, still looking concerned for his girlfriend. I give a slow nod, but my mind is trying to think things over. Let me tell you, that is not something that comes easily to me. What was Darius on about? I haven’t seen him let alone insulted him. And Ahri was acting really weird, not at all like her. Something here doesn’t feel right. “You said Xayah acted weird right? Like me weird? Isn’t everyone acting odd this evening?” I jump into the air to be more on eye level with the vastayan boy. Damn he’s tall. “I mean Darius is always a jerk.” “But the girls. The girls are all acting weird. And Darius was convinced I insulted him. But I haven’t left Kayn all evening. I mean I stalked Ezreal a bit, but that was it. I’ve been with Kayn after that.” “You think someone’s doing some spell or something?” “Honestly it wouldn’t be the weirdest thing that happens in this school. But yeah. I mean you know Xayah better than me. Would she ever twirl?” “Not unless she was throwing daggers at someone,” he sighs, looking around us. However since Darius and his crew wandered off, there’s no other students in sight. Not even ones being weird. We wander through the school buildings, all standing empty now. The only sounds I can hear are birds in and around the trees. That is until we both hear footsteps running over to us. Turning around, I’m surprised to see Xayah. She doesn’t look happy either. “Where have you been?” She demands, stamping her foot with a glare that could freeze your blood. “Looking for you,” Rakan splutters. “After you ran off earlier I’ve been trying to find you. Zoe is helping me look.” “Ran off? Rakan, I’ve been waiting for you for an hour. I haven’t seen you this evening. You’re the one not showing up.” “Xayah I saw you. You were acting super weird. When you ran off I looked for you but couldn’t find you. I found Kayn and Zoe and asked for help.” Rakan tries to explain to her, but that glare comes onto me. I just hold my hands up in mock surrender. “Everyone is acting weird tonight. I was helping Rakan find you.” “Acting weird? How am I acting weird? I’m angry as all hell at being stood up. But you should know this isn’t weird for me Rakan!” “I’m going to leave you guys. Best of luck Rakan,” I salute him before falling into a portal and dropping out atop a nearby building. Ok so I can see everything from up here. Now Xayah seemed pretty convinced she hadn’t seen Rakan. And I know I haven’t seen Darius despite what he may think. So could there be two of us? I’m aware that sounds crazy. Mind blowingly crazy. But I know of a giant space dragon that creates stars. Having a weird clone might not be such an odd thing. “Not to mention you literally know a demon cat,” I mutter, standing on my tiptoes and walking along the narrow roof edge. I can’t see anything of note, so I portal to the next roof, and then the next one. Other than Sivir and Ashe out for a late night jog, there doesn’t seem to be anyone around. That’s when I spot someone I shouldn’t be able to spot wandering around looking up at everything as though it’s the most interesting things he’s ever seen. Frowning I jump into a portal and pop up before him, startling him into stumbling back. “Hey Kayn,” I say, my hands on my hips. I’m not sure the pom poms help in me looking menacing, but I forgot to drop them off when I dropped Kayn off. “Er, hi,” he says. His voice is exactly the same. But this isn’t Kayn. Not my Kayn. His mannerisms are all wrong. I glance to his left arm and the pale skin there. Yet he looks so much like Kayn. The same height, same braid. Even the same clothes he was wearing earlier. “So, whatcha doing?” I ask, peering up into his yellow eyes. He looks down at me, cocking his head. “I love your hair. It’s really pretty,” he tells me with almost giddy glee. Kayn is never giddy. Kayn is grumpy and petulant. “Thanks,” I smirk. “But what are you doing out here?” I look at his face, his perfect, not at all starting to bruise, face. “I am walking,” he tells me with almost a nod. God it’s like if Kayn ate sugar all day and then got drunk. “Walking huh? Funny that, because I just took you back to your room. You should be asleep,” I remind him, watching him blush. His cheeks tint with pink as he steps back, starting to fiddle with his hands. “And I definitely am asleep. I’m going to head back there now,” he says awkwardly, still walking backwards. Dropping my pom poms, I create a bubble and fling it at him. He calls out in shock for a moment before there’s a flash of sparkles and colour and a girl drops down onto the path below us. Kayn is no where to be seen. “Who are you?” I wonder, walking up to her sleeping form. She’s dressed in a top with so many colours on, I’ll admit I’m jealous. Her purple stripy shorts have embroided flowers up the legs, which only adds to the whole spectrum of colours on her. Her bare legs are tinted green as are her bare arms. Her hands look almost purple, or maybe blue? Is there pink in there? To be honest that describes her hair too. A wild, choppy affair that can’t seem to decide what colour it wants to be. Then there’s her long tail behind her. “What are you?” I say, kneeling beside her head and poking her cheek. Slowly she comes around, blinking wide yellow eyes at me before she jumps back, crouching away from me. “Neeko is sorry. Neeko just liked your pretty hair. Sorry,” she frets, suddenly looking awkward and scared. “Woah, calm down,” I say, sitting myself on the floor. “Who are you? How did you make yourself look like my friend?” She pauses, her eyes looking to the floor. “Neeko is Neeko. I am new,” she says, in a really odd way of talking. “Your name is Neeko?” I ask, I feel I should clarify that. Slowly she nods. “And you’re new? What here? At this school? You’re a student?” “Neeko start yesterday, but Neeko didn’t know anyone. I have no classes yet. No friends.” “And how did you make yourself look like Kayn? You looked just like him. Well almost.” She looks over at me with those huge eyes and in a shimmer of colours, she suddenly looks just like me. She cocks her head at me before pulling her hair - or should that be my hair? – over her shoulder. “Neeko can take on new forms. Even you and all your colours,” she smiles at me, speaking with my voice. The shimmer happens again and she reappears as herself. “You’ve been copying people,” I click my fingers together. Of course. Ahri and Xayah aren’t fun, but she seems like she is. So Darius must have seen her not me. “Neeko was very lonely. I wanted to meet people. But I was nervous. Lots of humans at this school. But I wanted to meet people. So Neeko mimicked them. I met lots of friendly people ,” she explains. “If you were walking around as Ahri I bet everyone was super friendly,” I remark, looking her up and down again. She’s such an odd mix of everything. “Ahri?” “A pretty fox girl. Large white tails. Black ears. Has boys dropping dead at her feet,” I say slightly sarcastically. Maybe with just a touch of jealousy in there. She’s nothing special but everyone seems to think she is. Then again, Lux isn’t either and Ezreal can’t keep his eyes off her. “Oh the fox girl. Yes,” Neeko nods. “I liked being her. She was very pretty and people were very nice when Neeko was her. But then I saw you and you were so colourful. I love colours. Lots of colours. So I thought I would be you for a bit.” “I mean I think you’re wearing more colours than even me,” I smile at her, hoping to make her feel at ease. She seems nice. Not sure how Kayn will get on with her, but that’s Kayn. She looks down to the floor. “Neeko is sorry for being your friend too. He had nice long hair. Boys don’t normally have such pretty hair. I saw you both and wanted to be you two.” “So how does this work? I mean I’m guessing you’re a vastayan right?” I glance back to her long tail. “Yes. I am an Oovi-kat. Very old race of vastaya,” she nods as though I have any clue what an Oovi-kat is. I just keep a smile on my face. “Right. So the changing? Because I know vastayans and they can’t do that.” Though to be fair, Rakan loves himself too much to change his appearance to someone else. “It is glamour. I can feel other creatures sho’ma. When Neeko changes, I take some of your sho’ma. Helps Neeko blend in.” “Sho’ma?” “Umm, sho’ma is like your colour. Your aura. It is special. Everyone’s is different. It holds emotions and recent memories. Neeko can mix yours with mine. Then I can look like you and sound like you. Very useful when scared or nervous,” she explains, her long fingers entwining as she talks, her wide eyes looking up to the sky. “And you can do that to anyone? Take their colour aura and make yourself look like them?” I ask. This is a very interesting concept. There are a million ways this could be used. My mind starts to imagine this girl looking like Lux and breaking up with Ezreal, or pouring a drink on him or something. The possibilities are endless. “Yes.” “Very interesting,” I smirk. “Does anyone else in school know you can do this?” Neeko shakes her head and continues to fiddle with her fingers. “I don’t think so. The other vastayans here aren’t Oovi-kat. They can’t change. And Neeko hasn’t met another Oovi-kat in a very long time.” I nod as she talks, taking this all in. This is brilliant. Better than brilliant. This is amazing. Stupendous. This is almost too perfect. “Tell you what Neeko. You keep your glamour a secret from the other students. Don’t use it around them, ok? And if you want, I’ll introduce you to my friends,” I smile. Is it using her? I don’t think so. I mean she seems pretty cool and I would like to be her friend. But keeping this secret means no one will question it when Lux does something. Or Ezreal. Or anyone. There are so many ways this can be used. “You will?” She squeals leaping forward and grabbing my hands. “Thank you, new friend. Thank you.” “That’s ok. I’m Zoe by the way. You can call me Zoe. But yeah, I’ll introduce you to my friends. The boy you were pretending to be is Kayn, he’s super grumpy because he thinks he’s cooler than he is. Then there’s Ekko and Talon who are both dorks, but the right kind of dorks. Y’know? Like they’re both pretty cool. Just keep the changing thing between us? Ok?” I say to her and she nods her head, her grin never leaving her face. “Neeko is very excited,” she tells me. “So am I,” I smile.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “I can’t believe he punched you,” Ekko tells me, sitting on the desk chair in my room as I hold a pillow case, with two cold cans of pop in, to my face. “I mean, that’s pretty much Darius all over really,” Talon adds in, sat on the floor as I perch on the end of my bed. I have no idea how I got here, but I’m fairly certain Zoe had something to do with it. “He punches like a truck,” I mumble, my jaw still aching. I move my makeshift compress away from my face and try moving my jaw. God this will bruise. This will bruise badly. I have training tomorrow. My master will have a fit over this. I hope he doesn’t decide not to train me again. I can’t afford to keep missing sessions. “Kayn, have you seen him? He is the size of a truck,” Ekko reminds me, before swinging round on the chair he’s sat on. “You shouldn’t have got between him. I mean come on, he surely wouldn’t punch Zoe? She’s a girl. And short. He’d have to bend down to get a swing at her.” “This is Darius. He’d a hundred percent punch Zoe,” Talon reminds us. I suppose he would know. He heard from Katarina what had happened and decided to grab Ekko and come over. I have no clue where Zoe or Rakan went. I also have no idea where Rhaast is. For a while my head was silent, but I keep feeling odd sensations, like he’s not in a good mood, but he’s too far away for me to be absolutely certain. “But she’s cute. You don’t punch cute things,” Ekko adds in causing me to snort. “She’s a pain in the goddamn neck,” I add in. I will literally kill her when I see her. But I still don’t get what Darius was banging on about. Zoe couldn’t have said anything to him. She’d literally been with me. “I mean yeah, but despite her randomness, she’s harmless. Kinda like Lulu. They’re both really odd but ultimately you just have to sort of nod and go along with them. You don’t punch them. Or in this case threaten to. You took the punch this time,” Ekko reminds me as though I had somehow missed the throbbing pain in my jaw. “It was a pretty nice thing for you to do. Y’know, getting between them both,” Talon tells me and I think if I wasn’t holding something cold to my face and feeling thoroughly sorry for myself, I think I might just blush. But that doesn’t happen because I am really in a lot of pain. “Well it hardly seemed right,” I mumble. “So what happened after? You black out?” Ekko asks, clearly far more interested in the finer details of me getting hit than anything else. “Er, I don’t know,” I admit, trying to think back. I remember the punch hitting but not really anything after that. In fact what did happen? I think Zoe helped me back here. But I can’t think clearly enough. Almost like there’s a mist over my memories. Once that punch hit, everything seems a little mixed up in my head. “You don’t know? Do you need to see a doctor?” Talon asks, peering over at me from under his low hood. I shake my head. I don’t think I do. “A doctor? You think he’s concussed or something?” Ekko asks, looking over to the other guy now who can only shrug. “I don’t think memory loss is exactly ideal after a punch to the face. You really should see someone,” Talon pushes the point, his stare fixed on me. I just shrug again, moving my make shift ice pack away from my face for a moment. “I’m fine Talon. If I feel ill or anything, I’ll see someone.” He raises an eyebrow to me in a look that suggests he doesn’t believe a word of what I’ve just said. But I refuse to see someone. The only medical doctor I’ll see is someone that my master knows. That’s the only way I can see someone without having my left arm questioned. He’s loyal to my master in ways other doctors probably aren’t. “So where is Sparkles? She head off to the girls dorm?” Ekko glances around my small room. I’m not quite sure where he thinks Zoe would be in here, or how she’d have remained silent for so long if she was here. “Probably still with Rakan looking for Xayah. Half the student body here seems to have lost their senses tonight,” I mutter. Something about all of this doesn’t make sense. Whatever Darius was on about, is surely related to Ahri acting weird. “Y’know, I saw Xayah acting weird about an hour ago. Looked really out of character for her,” Ekko muses, leaning back on the chair and staring at the ceiling. “Ahri was too. She kissed Zoe,” I say, causing Ekko to splutter and even Talon to blush. “Kissed Zoe? Ahri? Why?” Ekko looks over at me, his eyes wide and his hands gripping at his long, baggy shorts. “Were you there? Did you see?” “I was there. I saw,” I tell him. “I didn’t get it then and I certainly don’t understand it any better now.” The other two stay for a while longer, Talon making certain I’m not about to faint any time soon. They’ve both barely been gone for five minutes when I feel a draught from my window as it’s slowly pushed open from the creature coming in. “I did wonder where you’d skulked off to,” I mutter. I’m still thoroughly unimpressed at the way this day has ended. I lay down on my bed, dropping my pillow case, and now warm cans, to my floor. Beside me I feel the bed move, shifting ever so slightly as the rust coloured cat comes to sit on my chest, his face peering down at mine. He really is a mess of a cat. An ear that seems to have most of it missing, coarse fur, whiskers that look bent and all over the place. His bright eyes stare at me and I can feel his smirk in my head. In fact, I feel that smirk get bigger as he looks to the bruise on my jaw. “How many times must I tell you? I am stronger than anyone at this school. If you’d let me, I’d see to it that no one would ever best you again.” “At the expense of my free will, right?” I smirk up at him. “Thanks, but no thanks Rhaast. I could do without Darius using me as a punching bag though.” “It’d be so easy for you Kayn. You’re one of the strongest humans I’ve ever met. You wouldn’t even have to lose your free will. We could have a partnership. A truce. Two minds, one body. You could continue to go to this school, only it’d be you people would cower from, not Darius.” There’s a purr to his voice, a smooth, confidence as he talks. “Cower from me? Rhaast, you have me all wrong. I want their respect not their fear. Fear is for animals. I’m better than that. And two minds is still one mind too many. Nice try though,” I smirk at him. “Tell me Kayn. How do you think this will end? I’ve already infested your body. The growing infection on your left arm is the proof of that. So how do you think this will end up for you?” He cocks his head, still peering down at me. “Simple, I win. That’s the rule right? Rhaast the all powerful demon. A human takes your power and if they beat you for control of the body, they get your power and you vanish into the ether.” “And how many times in the last millenia do you think that has happened?” “Given you’re sat on my chest right now, I’m assuming never. But those people weren’t me Rhaast. I’m strong enough to beat you. It’ll be you that loses this fight.” In my mind I hear his laughing. A dark, sinister laugh. He stands and moves closer, his face hovering just above mine. At my side, my arm goes numb, completely dead. I pretend not to notice. Not to give him any satisfaction. “You’re weak Kayn. You need me more than you think. Just wait until tomorrow. You think your master will train you with that bruise covering your face? One hit from another student and you went down. He has no time for someone like that. But you and I, we could be so much more. We could be unstoppable.” In my mind I see images. I see myself, older and more confident. I see myself as powerful. An assassin feared the world over. No one can stop me. No one can rival me. No student that goes here. Not even my master. It’s tempting. So very tempting. “Hey Kayn! You feeling better!” Zoe screeches out, popping up in my room and disrupting the images. I shake, my head, clearing the fog on my brain as I hear Rhaast growl in my head. Before he can move Zoe grabs him by the scruff of his neck, hauling him into the air as she just grins at him. “Awwww, look at you checking to see if he’s ok. You’re such a good kitty,” she smiles, before casually tossing him out of my open window. I hear the yowl as he drops. “Well you’re looking more alive. Nice bruise. I like the purples in it. Very cool.” “Can I help you with anything? It’s your fault I have the damn bruise.” “Not really my fault though was it. And no. I thought I’d just pop in. Check you were still alive and all that you know? Glad to see you’re ok. I’m baking tomorrow so I need you to test my cakes once I’m done ok? Great. Get some sleep. Oh and shut this. You don’t want to get cold,” she laughs, slamming my window shut. In my head I hear a low hiss. “Toodles.” She waves before dropping into a portal and vanishing. God she’s a pain at times.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “Should there be smoke?” Neeko asks me, from where she’s perched on a nearby stool. I leave my icing concoction for a moment to open the oven nearest to me, coughing on the plume of smoke that comes out. Turning everything off, I wave my oven gloves before the door, clearing it before reaching in and pulling out a charred lump of cake. Despondently, I place it on the counter alongside three other attempts. “This one holds it’s shape,” Neeko points out, looking at the latest one. Two of the others didn’t cook right and fell apart when I took them from the case. The third I think I got the ingredients wrong because it didn’t rise, or taste anything like a cake. “But Ezreal will choke on that. Look at it. It’s a piece of artillery, not a cake.” “Artillery?” “A weapon. You throw that at someone and they’d die. It’s solid. Why is baking so hard?” I moan. “Are we trying again? Neeko is enjoying mixing the cakes,” she looks over at me, a grin on her face. Slowly I give a nod. I suppose I have to. That’s how you get better at stuff right? You have to keep going. “Can you bake cakes?” I ask Neeko as I grab a mixing bowl and hope I have enough ingredients for a fourth cake. “Baking? No. Neeko can’t bake. Neeko does enjoy eating cakes,” she laughs. “Fruit cakes are very yummy.” “But no baking huh? Some of the other girls are really good at baking. Soraka is great and so is Taliyah. But I’m apparently not very good at all. This is so dumb.” “Why do you want to bake?” She asks. “For this Ezreal? Who are they?” “Ezreal’s a boy. A really pretty boy. I want him to like me, but he doesn’t like me. He likes Lux. I hate Lux. She can bake, and cheer and do all that stuff. So I need to get better at it and do that stuff too,” I explain, weighing out some sugar. I think I’ll have enough if I make a smaller cake. “A pretty boy? Like the boy with the pretty long hair?” Neeko asks, momentarily changing into Kayn and then back to herself. “No. God no. That’s Kayn. Kayn is grumpy. Always. He’s just my friend. And if you ever see the cat following him, feel free to boot it. No, Ezreal is on the cheerleading squad. He’s the only guy. He’s very pretty, and kind and smart. During school holidays he goes to other places exploring and sees all this cool stuff. And he has these really pretty blue eyes and god he’s so perfect,” I mutter, a grin covering my face. I just wish he’d look at me the way he looks at Lux. Stupid Lux. “You like like Ezreal?” Neeko asks, cocking her head at me. Behind her, her long tail keeps coiling and uncoiling. She’s such a bizarre looking person. “I guess. Maybe,” I admit, blushing. “But it’s a secret. No one else can know.” “Neeko likes secrets. Neeko will keep this secret for you.” “Thank you. So you see this is all an idea I have to get him to notice me. I also want to get onto the cheerleading squad, but that’s hard. Like super hard. I keep practicing. But I can’t do it in my room. Sivir bangs on the floor that I’m being too noisy. And when I practice outside Kayn moans that I’m bugging him. I’m not bugging him though. I just want him to watch. It’s not like I’m asking too much,” I ramble on. Neeko is very easy to talk to. I don’t know if she understands half of what I say, but she at least looks interested. It’s more than Kayn does. Stupid Kayn. You know what I don’t have right now but wish I did? Glitter. I mean I have the regular stuff, but edible glitter. This cake would be great with edible glitter in it. Or maybe I should wait. Y’know, make sure the cakes are coming out ok before I waste glitter in them. No amount of glitter could have saved that last cake. “Hi Zoe. You look like you’re busy,” Lux smiles over at me in her perky, perky way. “Just baking,” I tell her, leaving off the reason why. I watch her eyes go to Neeko who waves over at her. “Hi, you must be new. What’s your name?” She asks, walking over to the fridge and getting a drink from it. “I am Neeko.” “Neeko? I’m Lux,” she smiles with her perfect hair and perfect voice and perfect everything. “Lux?” Neeko cocks her head and looks at the girl. “Lux who likes…” I throw myself over at her, my hands clamping around her mouth. “Baking,” I squeal out. “I told Neeko how good you were with baking. Because as you can see, we’re baking. Neeko’s new and has never baked before so like a good friend I’m showing her how to bake. Right Neeko? Right?” I feel her nod below my hands. Lux also gives a slow nod, her eyes looking very, very confused. “It is fun,” she tells Neeko slowly before she edges from the room. “I’ll see you guys later. I hope you enjoy starting here Neeko. If you need anything, please just let me know.” “Thank you Lux,” Neeko calls after her once I release her. She turns to look at me, her wide yellow eyes looking as confused as Lux’s. “Is Zoe ok?” “Look ok, you can’t tell her the stuff I say. I like her boyfriend, and if she knows that things will be even more super awkward than they already are. So no talking about Ezreal near her ok?” “Neeko thinks she understands.” “Good,” I sigh, slumping down to the floor. In all this chaos I’ve totally forgotten what ingredients I’ve put into my baby cake. God, I’ll never get better at this will I? “Zoe. Does Ezreal know you like him?” “No. Hell no. God, I can’t just go up and say that to him. I’d explode right on the spot from embarrassment.” “Explode?” “Like maybe not literally, but I don’t know. I feel like I’d want to explode literally. No, I want to make him like me and then he can ask me.” Baking cakes is getting super boring. I’ve been doing this all morning. I feel like I should practice my cheers given I got interrupted by Rakan the other day. And now Neeko can help me. Suppose I should at least bake this one though. I’ve mixed it all up I guess. By the time I pull a sticky yet also burnt pan of cake mix from the oven, I’m so done with cakes. I can’t think of a single student on campus that would eat these. Certainly not the boy I like. I throw the lot in the bin and then sit on a stool by the kitchen counter with my head resting on it. “Is Zoe ok?” Neeko asks, poking me in my back. “No. Zoe is dead,” I mutter. “Dead?” “I’m just annoyed. I don’t often get annoyed. Like I’m not normally like this, but right now I suck at baking and it sucks.” “That’s what practice is for little bird,” I hear a voice almost purr from the doorway. I look over to see Cassi stood there. She smiles at me, tossing some of her long brown hair over her shoulder. “Neeko, this is Cassiopeia. Cassi this is Neeko. Play nice,” I wave between them both, still feeling thoroughly depressed about my cake debacle. “You are very pretty. Neeko is new here,” Neeko beams and I hear her leap from her stool and bound off closer to Cassi. “Er, right. Vastayan I presume?” “Oovi-kat.” “I don’t know what you said there,” Cassi says dryly and I hear her walk closer. “So not having much success with the baking then?” I look up at her. She’s so pretty. Her pretty eyes and smooth skin. Her long brown hair and slender figure. She’s not tall but she’s this height that guys seem to like. I’m too short. Even next to her I look like a child. But I’m the same age as Cassi so why does she look like someone a guy could date and I don’t? “My cakes died along with my will to live,” I mumble. “Oh you do not make this easy,” she sighs. “Do you have any ingredients?” I sit up properly and look at her, shaking my head. Again she just sighs before pulling her phone out. “I’ll send Talon to go and get some. I’ll show you how to bake a cake. But if someone walks in here, you two had better pretend you’re having some weird friendship moment that does not involve me.” A grin bursts on my face and I nod. Neeko pauses for a moment before mimicking my movement. “Right, he’ll pick those up. I’ve told him to make it quick. Ok then you two, watch this very closely because I will not be showing you this again.” “Ooo, wait a moment,” I squeal before vanishing into a portal and into my room. Hurriedly I grab for a nearby fluffy notebook and my super cute narwhal pen before returning to the kitchen area. “Ok, I’m ready,” I grin, opening my notebook up.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “This is crap and you know it!” I stamp my foot in the training room like a petulant toddler. My master simply observes me. His steady gaze never flinching as he witnesses my tantrum. “Crap?” “I’m the best here. You know I am. Yet you refuse to train me.” The other three young men in the room look between each other with some muted sniggers. They won’t say anything out loud, not with my master here. “The best?” My master asks, his voice cold. “You know I am. I can run circles around these three,” I brag, pointing to the others. They don’t rise to the bait, but I see the smirks on their faces. They think I can’t. I’m younger than them, but that’s all. I’m still better. Their stealth has nothing on mine. They know it and he knows it. “Alright boy. Let’s see who the best is. You three, here,” he points to the floor before him and the other three move without hesitation. My master comes and stands to the side of us, his eyes still fixed on me. “I want all four of you to hold out your left arms. Roll up your sleeves and hold them out before you.” His eyes still don’t leave mine and I feel my brow furrow further.The other three do it. Two have pale skin, one is darker. But it’s still skin. Their fingers end in small nails. Scowling I hold mine out, my black glove hiding my claw.“Remove the glove, boy.” “What does my hand matter to my skill?” I ask, looking at him as he steps closer. He’s taller than me and just peers at me with this self-assured smugness adults seem to have. “Because it’s not your hand, is it boy?” Annoyed I pull my glove from my hand and throw it to the floor. My dark, almost red, skin and silver claws looking very much out of place alongside the other three. Of course it’s nothing new to them. Everyone here is aware about my left arm and the creature trying to better me. “And this is why I will not train you.” “Afraid I’ll beat you?” I snap, pulling my arm back. “Because the last time I came pretty damn close to it.” I’m so annoyed with him. So annoyed. He’s supposed to train me. “Was it our master that did that to your face?” one of the others asks snidely. I look to Nakuri. He’s about my height, with dark hair pulled back into a short ponytail. His dark eyes glitter from his pale face. How dare he talk to me like that? I’ve bested him a thousand times over. “Unlike you, I have the unfortunate joy of having to mingle with other people Nakuri. Not everyone has the restraint of our master. But rest assured, if you actually left this building for longer than a minute, you’d have more than a bruised face,” I sneer. I hate him. He’s such a little ass-kisser. “I wouldn’t let anyone do that to me,” he half laughs. “I wasn’t exactly given a choice,” I hiss back. I will kill Darius. I really will. “Boy, until you best that creature, I will not train you. Not after the incident last time. Prove to me that it is you that I am talking to and not some darkin creature, and then your training may continue. But until then, my answer is no.” “I could sort of do with the training to beat the bloody creature,” I remind him. That draws a wry smirk to his normally emotionless face. “Then you should have thought about that before making the deal. Now go. Not only are you allowing a creature to take over you, but the last I heard from your school, some of your test results aren’t as good as they could be. Your mind needs to be sharper than any weapon, boy.” “Hurry back to school Kayn,” Nakuri jeers, but my master turns to stare at him, silencing him instantly. “Nakuri, I want you running laps around this training room until I tell you to stop. This conversation is not between you. And you two, I want every weapon to be properly sharpened before our next training session, see it happens,” he orders and all three scatter. I watch Nakuri smirk at me though before he goes. “Prove to me you are worthy boy. You are right. You could be the best. But you’re always looking for the easy option. See to it that the creature doesn’t advance any further, then I will resume your training. Now go.” Nodding I head off, my head bowed. “Not the outcome you expected?” “What do you think?” I sigh once I’m back outside. I walk past a nearby wall and Rhaast leaps onto his usual perch of my shoulders. “Nakuri certainly thinks very highly of himself doesn’t he? Not sure why. Had he been the one to make the pact with me, I’d already have his body by now.” “Yeah, but would you want it?” I ask before realising I never picked my glove back up. Damn. I look to my hand, flexing it for a moment before shoving it into the loose pockets of my training trousers. “I suppose not. He seems an awful bore. And I suppose he doesn’t have an Aspect throwing herself at him constantly.” “I mean if he wants that he can have it. I’d rather I didn’t have that.” “Of course not,” Rhaast sniggers. “You know she annoys me, so I don’t know why you’re laughing to yourself,” I sigh. Thankfully there is no one around on the street right now to see me having this conversation. Or to see my hand. I’m more than a little concerned about what to do when I get back to school. “For centuries, mortals have tried to attract the attention of the Aspects, and one quite willingly gives you her undivided attention daily. You should think yourself blessed,” he continues to snigger. Of course he’d find this all a joke. Zoe may have other worldly powers, but she is also one of the most annoying students at school. And one that has, for some reason, attached herself to me. “Lets not play dumb on the reasons why Kayn.” “Please Rhaast, enlighten me on why you think the Aspect of Twilight is my annoying shadow?” He doesn’t reply, just chuckles to himself as I go silent. We head onto a busier street and I have no desire to be seen talking with my cat. By the time I return back to my dorm, I’m just feeling super down. My silence all the way home just meant I had more time to think about things. I can’t believe he won’t train me at all. Not even some training. All because of Rhaast. He’s been training me before. I know he doesn’t approve of my choice, but it never stopped him. “Probably the time you tried to choke him to death,” Rhaast reminds me, stretching out over my desk. “That was you, not me,” I remind him, hunting through my drawers for another glove. Unsurprisingly, I have a lot of gloves for my right hand but apparently none for my left. “If it had fully been me Kayn, he’d be dead. It was you just as much as it was me. Looks like you’ll have to go solo on the training for a while.” I catch the hint of joy in his words. He’d love that. He probably thinks it’ll be easier to take my body. He’s wrong. “Am I?” He looks over to me but before I can reply, a portal opens on my ceiling and Zoe bounces in. I scowl at him and let him know this isn’t over yet. “I have a door,” I gesture towards it while still trying to find a glove. “Try this please? Is it good? Please say it’s good. I have been making this like all day,” she moans over dramatically before thrusting a plate containing what looks like half eaten cake under my nose. “No.” “What? Why? Neeko tried some and said it was good. Better than my first attempts anyway. Please?” “No. Wait. Who? Who the hell is Neeko?” “Oh she’s my new friend. She liked it. Come on Kayn. Please?” “Is she real?” “Kayn,” she whines as I hear some laughing coming from next door. Laugh all you like Rakan, at least I didn’t dye my own hair a random colour by accident. “No. And still, who is Neeko? I don’t believe, firstly, that you have another friend. Secondly, I don’t believe they’d eat something you’d made.” “You are a terrible friend. Please? Please? Come on.” She bounces around me as I crouch over my drawers. I must have another glove somewhere. Not that I can see with the plate that keeps getting shoved before me. “Fine. I’ll try it. Will you leave if I do?” I stand up and look down at her. “No. I’m bored and you’re back now. How was training?” She beams up at me with her wide eyes. Zoe is the only person in school that knows about me. She knows about Rhaast and the training I do isn’t to be some bodyguard or something, but to be an assassin. And none of it seems to faze her. “Training, um, wasn’t great. Look give me some of the cake if it’ll shut you up,” I tell her, eager to change the subject. It works as she breaks me some off the slab she has. Reluctantly I eat it, wondering at which point I’m going to die. “It’s dry, “I tell her. “It’s not as bad as I was expecting, but it is dry.” “Dry? I bet Lux’s cakes aren’t dry,” she mutters. I may as well give up on looking for my glove at this point. Getting anything done with Zoe around is normally a fruitless task. “Is this to do with Ezreal?” “Yeah. Lux bakes him stuff so I figured I would too. What, is that too dumb or silly for the great assassin Kayn?” She scowls at me, her hands clutching her plate. “I mean, yeah, it is. But what I was going to say is that if he liked you, you wouldn’t have to bribe him with food. He likes Lux. Not you. Cake won’t change that.” “But when he realises how great I am, through the cake, that will change everything,” she grins. “So too dry. I can work on that, I think. Maybe I left it in the oven too long. I’ll try again.” She vanishes into a portal and I’m still left none the wiser as to if Neeko is real or some figment of Zoe’s deranged mind.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn Turns out she’s real and just as odd as if she had come out of Zoe’s mind. “She’s new guys, which means you three have to be super nice to her. I’m like her first friend and I told her you guys were nice. Well I told her you two were nice. I explained we hang out with you out of pity,” she beams up at me. I scowl at her while the other two introduce themselves to Neeko. “Hey, I’m Ekko. So you have a tail huh? Vastayan?” he asks, peering around at the tail coming out from this girl’s skirt. I’d remark that he’s being a creeper, but I still have all four foot of Zoe in my face. “Neeko is Oovi-kat. Like Vastayan’s but not like them too.” “Will you quit it,” Talon sighs, pulling Ekko back slightly. “Hi, my name is Talon.” “Nice to meet you both,” Neeko locks her fingers together before her, a large grin on her face. “I’m Kayn,” I reply. “And I’m sorry that the first person you met was Zoe.” “Zoe has been a nice friend to Neeko,” she says. “If she had you try her baking yesterday, that’s not nice. That’s trying to murder you,” I say dryly before I get kicked in the shin. “See, I told you he’s weird. But Neeko can see peoples, what do you call it? Their colours. She can see your colours.” “Sho’ma. Each person has their own sho’ma. Neeko can see it,” she smiles. Sho’ma? I’ve never heard of that before. “Apparently mine is loads of colours, right Neeko?” Zoe grins at the girl who just nods. “And she can see your colours too. How cool is that?” “Seriously? What’s mine?” Ekko almost bounces over to her, pointing at himself. I watch her cock her head, looking him up and down. “Green. A very bright green. Vivid. Lots of energy,” she tells him which seems to please him judging by the smirk on his face. “I mean anyone would look like they had energy hanging with these two,” he thumbs towards me and Talon. “Whatever. How about me?” Talon asks, even pushing back to the hood of his jacket in case that would help her. “A grey blue colour. Very calming and silent,” she says. Her answer garners a laugh from Ekko. “No way. Talon, silent,” he laughs. Talon doesn’t respond, just rolls his eyes. “Do Kayn now. Because he’s never going to ask you to do his,” Zoe laughs. I’ll admit I want to know but she’s right, I wasn’t going to ask. Neeko looks at me and for a moment furrows her eyes. “You are like Zoe,” she says which causes the other two guys to laugh. “Please don’t say that,” I moan. “Zoe has lots of colours swirling around her. Pinks and oranges and yellows and even some blue. Neeko has never seen a person with so many colours. You also have more than one colour. Only two, but something is odd about yours,” she looks so confused. “Odd?” “You are red and blue. A dark, nasty red and a vibrant blue.” I glance down at my arm and look back up at Zoe who mouths the word ‘sorry’ at me before she spins around to look at Neeko. “Well Kayn is very odd. I mean he has that dumb blue streak at the front of his hair. Come on, we should really get to school. Oh you’ll get to meet everyone in school. You’ll like some of them. Not as much as you like me because I’m the best, obviously, but some people are pretty cool.” Zoe does what she does best, leaping forward and grabbing Neeko’s hand, even though the new girl is a great deal taller than Zoe. Not that it’s hard to be taller than Zoe. Even Ekko is taller than her. “Get you, mister two colours,” Ekko laughs walking alongside me. “Yeah, clearly better than your green,” I half laugh but I’m somewhat distracted by the laughing in the back of my head. I turn around to where Rhaast is sat nearby staring at me. “She knows Kayn. She knows that something about you is wrong.” “Quit it,” I think in my mind. He doesn’t stop laughing though. Not even as I slouch after the others, Neeko occasionally turning to look at me with some confusion. I watch her large yellow eyes go to my left arm. It does look odd today. I couldn’t find another glove, so I’ve had to wrap bandages around my entire hand and fingers. It looks so dumb and is far more restrictive than a glove, but until I can buy a new one, I’m sort of stuck. “I’ve heard rumours of the Oovi-kat. A long-forgotten tribe of creatures very similar to the vasatayans. They can merge a person’s aura with their own to quite remarkable results. They take on the feelings and recent memories of that person. She can sense me alongside you. Just like the Aspect can. Soon no number of bandages will keep me a secret.” “Rhaast, did you talk your other hosts to death? Because at times you can monologue forever,” I smirk, not even looking at him now. “Sorry about that Kayn. I didn’t think she’d be able to see Rhaast,” Zoe almost whispers, floating alongside me as Ekko talks to Neeko about something. I give a shrug, playing it off. “It’s fine. So I have two colours. Soon there’ll just be one and that’ll be my colour,” I tell her, watching her concern spread into a grin. “By the way, you need a new glove. What happened to your last one?” “Don’t ask. But I used up every bandage I had this morning trying to get this thing covered. I need some more.” “So shopping trip after school,” she beams. “For me. Not you,” I tell her, but that grin doesn’t go anywhere. It never does when she gets an idea. “Neeko, Talon, maybe Ekko I guess, we’re going shopping after school,” Zoe squeals, flying up to the others and landing herself on Talon’s shoulders. Not sure he asked for that, but Talon is too nice to drop her, which is what I would have done. “Yeah? As long as you guys don’t bail on me this time,” Ekko adds on. “Bring your time turner and we won’t have to,” Zoe grins at him. “It’s called a Z-Drive. I’m not Harry Potter,” Ekko retorts. “It turns back time. My name is better. Z-Drive. That’s such a dumb name. For someone that can make cool stuff, you give them stupid sounding names. You can go back in time. You should call it, Magical Whooshy Clock,” Zoe suggests in her own bizarre way. “Or, or how about a Trip Around Rabbits Dancing In Space.” Well that pauses us all. “Rabbits dancing in space?” I ask, looking at her as she just laughs to herself with this slightly maniacal laugh she has at times. “This like your space dragon?” Ekko asks her. I don’t think anyone quite believes her about the space dragon. “Not really. He’s a big grump you know. You have to tiptoe around him at times because he gets in such a bad mood.” “Space dragon? Zoe knows dragons?” Neeko looks around to where Zoe remains perched on Talon’s shoulders. “I know one. No one believes me about him though because he’s this huge space dragon and creates stars and universes, but he’s super smug. And boring. So boring. He thinks he’s the best thing ever. He isn’t but he likes to think very highly of himself. You’d like him Neeko, he’s very sparkly but a total grump at times. Like Kayn but less sparkles actually,” she laughs. I just roll my eyes. “Then maybe Ekko should call his time device, Tiptoeing Around Rude Dragons In Space,” I suggest. Zoe grins at me, her smile seeming to fill her face. “That’s a good one. He can be so rude at times. Well done Kayn,” she claps causing me to flush. “Think I’ll stick with Z-Drive,” Ekko sniggers. “Can you do that? Travel in time? Is it magic?” Neeko asks, interested in the device. That’s all the incentive Ekko needs to ramble on about his device and various other things he has cluttering up his room. “I think I liked your suggestion better than mine,” Zoe tells me, leaping from Talon’s shoulders as we get near to a building. She skips alongside me. “Well as usual with you Zoe, yours didn’t make any sense,” I smirk at her. “Yours was good. You do have to tiptoe around him because he gets so grouchy.” “Zoe, I believe you’re an Aspect, but I do not believe in giant space dragons. Nice try though.” “And a year ago Kayn, you wouldn’t have believed in demon cats capable of taking over a person’s body, but here you are. Also, the bandages do look dumb. I think this time you should buy a purple glove, or a sequin one. Or, how about if you get a black one, you let me decorate it for you?” She bounces around me as I head into our form room. I hear Draven yell something over about my face, but I just ignore him. “By the way, we had homework for first period. I do hope in your glove problems you haven’t forgotten that,” she winks at me before dancing off to her seat. Homework? Seriously?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “No, you have to jump higher Neeko. Like this, watch,” I hear Zoe’s shrill voice call out. I would pretend I can’t hear them, but that would be like pretending not to hear a jet engine if you’re on a runway. Some things you just can’t avoid. I’m behind on reading for an English class so I had brought my book outside to read given my room was incredibly stuffy and I could hear Rakan and Xayah next door. I left while they were still on the sickly cute whispering sweet nothings at each other. I have no desire to be around for anything that might come later. However apparently wherever I decide to go to read is also the perfect place for some crazy cheerleading practice. I’ve given up, I’ll admit. “Jump higher Neeko,” I mimic Zoe in a squeaky voice while still reading my book. I’m laid back on the grass as they bounce around nearby. “Ignore him. And really throw your arms around with the pom poms. It all has to be very over the top. At least it looks very over the top when the real squad does it. So I guess ours should be too.” “Can I ask which of you designed your little outfits?” I mutter, turning over a page. There’s a huff and stomping in the grass before a shadow is cast over me. Glancing upwards, I smirk at Zoe’s pout. “You know, a good friend would support us by watching us and helping us out.” “Zoe, at no point in the seemingly never-ending time I’ve had you attached to me, do I recall ever stating we were friends. Nor do I recall asking you to dance around me tonight. I came out here to read. You two just then appeared.” “You’re a bad friend. And I made the outfits. You like them?” She does a twirl above me and I stare up at her. “You’ve hacked up two white t-shirts to make crop tops and drawn a star on the front. No, I don’t like them.” “Jerk,” she huffs, stamping back over to wherever Neeko is. “Ok, lets try this again, let me start the music off.” I hear her fumbling with her phone before the same tune I’ve heard for the last two hours starts to play. “Please can we move elsewhere? If I hear this song one more time I’ll walk in front of a car.” “Moving somewhere else won’t make a blind bit of difference. They’ll just follow us,” I reply, my voice low. Partially so Neeko doesn’t hear me talking to my cat, but also because, unlike Rhaast, I can zone out the music. My training allows me to block out unnecessary distractions and pretend they aren’t there. “And yet you never block her out,” he huffs at me, walking around my head somewhere. “Because there is no way I have found yet to block her out. The song is easy. Her and her portals and glitter are far, far harder,” I reply, more bothered by my reading than Rhaast’s problems. The cheer practice goes on for some time before both of them collapse beside me. Plucking my bookmark from behind my head, I slide it into my pages and push myself up. I would feel sorry for Neeko for getting pulled into Zoe’s bizarre scheme to be a cheerleader, however I think she rather enjoys it. “Have you both quite finished?” I ask. Neeko nods at me, quite breathless, but Zoe just scowls at me. “Don’t looks so smug. We’re trying to do something fun, unlike you. By the way, your cat looks like it wants to commit suicide. Mind if I help it?” “Be my guest. It’s your music that’s annoying him so much.” “A point I will remember. You know how much I love to annoy your cat,” she smirks over at Rhaast who just hisses at her. “Come on, you’re being very dull today.” “I’m behind in reading this damn book. I’m catching up,” I tell her. She shrugs at me, standing up and walking behind me somewhere. I hear her sit and feel her grab at my long hair. “What’re you doing?” I ask, my shoulders dropping as I feel her untie my plait and start to unbraid it. “This is a mess. I’m too tired for more practicing, but I think I can sort your plait out,” she laughs. “This used to annoy you,” Rhaast muses, pacing several feet from us. I glance at him from the corner of my eyes. “It still does.”
“I have to say Kayn, you don’t look very annoyed.”
“Me saying anything to her, doesn’t stop her. It’s easier to just go with it,” I shrug. “What’s he saying? Is he being a grumpy cat as usual?” Zoe whispers a slight giggle to her voice. “He’s always a grumpy cat. Except when he thinks he’s going to get my body some day. That cheers him up.” “But he’s not, right?” “Zoe, come on. Of course he’s not,” I half laugh before looking at where Neeko is crouched staring at Rhaast. “Your cat does not look well,” she says, cocking her head at him. Rhaast just sneers at her. “Leave him Neeko. He’s just a sour thing,” Zoe tells her. “He has an aura like yours. A red one. Why do you and your cat have the same aura?” she asks me completely innocently. “Because I’m very close to my cat,” I tell her dryly earning a snigger from behind me. “Careful Kayn. People will start getting the wrong idea about you and Whiskers over there.” “I didn’t know that pets and people could share aura. Neeko likes learning new things,” she claps before crawling over to where I’m still having my hair braided. I know she’s doing something back there because it does not take her this long to plait it. “You have very pretty hair. For a boy.” “Er thanks, I think.” “Zoe has super pretty hair. Neeko likes Zoe’s hair a lot.” From behind me I hear a smug chuckle. Of course she would like someone praising her insane hair. “Don’t get too attached Neeko. You should hear her complain about brushing it,” I snigger, my hair getting pulled a little sharply. “That hurt.” “Don’t be rude then.” “I’m not being rude. You complain forever. Last week you marched around my dorm begging me to brush it for you,” I remind her of the spectacle. Something Rhaast found hilariously amusing. Surprisingly I didn’t. “You didn’t though,” she huffs. “You two are very close yes? Like the pretty birds?” Neeko asks and I feel my face literally burn with embarrassment. “Like Rakan and Xayah?” I splutter. “What? No. No way. Those two are in love. Like super in love. They’re so mushy with each other. Me and Kayn are definitely not like that. We’re just friends. Like you and me. That’s all,” Zoe stammers behind me. I feel my hair get dropped and seize the moment to dive aside and put some distance between us. In my hurry I plant my hand squarely on Rhaasts tail which causes him to hiss and swipe at me. “Sorry,” I say out loud, but I don’t think Neeko notices my mishap. Then again maybe she is the sort of person to apologise to a cat. “You are not? Hmmm, Neeko thought you were. You are very close.” “He’s just a friend. Literally just a friend,” Zoe laughs but I can see the pink on her cheeks. Glad to know she’s as embarrassed by this as I am. “And tell me Kayn? Why are you so embarrassed by this?” “We’re just friends Rhaast. You know that. Don’t make this more awkward.” “They can’t hear me. Just you. So what exactly is being made more awkward?” I ignore him, looking at where Zoe is busy explaining the difference between me and her, and Rakan and Xayah. She waves her arms around wildly, gesturing before her while her hair seems to have almost come alive as it floats behind her. In my chest I feel my heart pounding. Why? Because of Neeko’s mistake? Is that why? Rhaast’s wrong. I have a crush on Ahri, I’ll admit to that, but Zoe is just a friend. An annoying friend, but that’s all. Like Ekko and I certainly don’t like Ekko like that. But for a moment I watch as her odd coloured eyes come to me, looking at me as Neeko says something to her before she looks back to the girl before her. Zoe is my friend. So why is my face pink right now?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “And it is important you become a cheerleader?” Neeko asks me as we head round to our next lesson. I nod my head, my hair bobbing behind me. “Very important. Which is why we’re going to practice again after school tonight. That ok?” “Of course. Neeko enjoys practicing,” she smiles at me. I’ll admit I have to skip a little bit to keep up with her, she walks very fast. But it’s nice having a close friend who’s a girl. I mean the boys are fine, but I’m glad Neeko joined the school. “Hey Zoe, I like your bow. Best colours,” I hear a male voice laugh nearby and feel my entire body seize up. I force a smile to my face and stiffly turn around to look up at Ezreal as he walks over to us. Awkwardly I nod my head, words having vanished in my throat. “Ezreal is very pretty. Neeko thinks you are a girl in disguise,” Neeko chirps up, which I’m so thankful for because I can’t make a sound right now other than a low-pitched squeak. “You know Neeko, I’m taking that as a compliment,” he winks at me before looking back to her and I feel my legs turn to mush below me. “Neeko meant it as one. I think girls are very pretty, boys not so much. But you are pretty. You are a cheerleader right? We’re practicing for that too,” Neeko continues. The other two continue walking to class but my legs won’t move at all so I have to float alongside them to even keep up. Oh my god, Ezreal is walking to class with me. Oh my god. What do I do? I should say something. But what? He likes my bow. I’m never taking it off again. I’m going to immortalise it somehow. “Yeah? Ahri’s making an announcement about cheerleader tryouts later today. You guys should try out. It’d be great to have you both on the team,” he smiles and I think I die and am reborn in that moment. “I like cheerleading,” I squeak out and the smile he flashes my way stops my heart. Oh my god, I feel like I’m about to explode. What to do? What to do? I can’t explode here. He’ll think I’m weird. But I need to squeal. I need to gush about this. But I have to play it cool too. What am I supposed to do? “I need to do a thing. Catch you both later,” I manage to say before dropping into a portal and reappearing at a classroom literally thirty seconds away. I hop around in the doorway before sprinting across the classroom much to the annoyance of several people. “I need you,” I scream out, diving forward and tackling Kayn from his chair and straight into another portal. We drop out on the roof of a building somewhere. I’ll admit I didn’t put much thought into it so the fact we’re still on school grounds and not under the sea somewhere is a miracle in itself. “What the hell?” He splutters, sitting under me and looking rather surprised. “Ezreal spoke to me,” I squeal before leaping back into the air and literally spinning around as I giggle. He spoke to me. He winked at me. He likes my bow! “Christ Zoe, you want to give me some warning?” He snaps, standing up and brushing down his white shirt, but I’m far too giddy to care. He likes my bow. It’s not my best bow, or so I thought. It’s glittery and white and blue with a star in the middle. I bought it because it reminds me of Ezreal’s cheerleading uniform. He has to like me, right? Surely he does. He winked at me. And smiled. And liked my bow. “Are we re-joining the class at all or staying up here?” Kayn asks dryly, peering over the edge of the building we’re on and into the courtyard below. “He winked at me and my insides just went boom. And I couldn’t stay because I had to play it cool y’know? Of course you do, it’s what you try and do around Ahri. Well I tried but I couldn’t but then I needed to tell someone and there you were. He likes my bow.” I fall back to the ground and into another portal, this one drops me out just behind Kayn. “We’ll be late.” “He wants me to be a cheerleader. Oh my god, can you imagine if I get to be one? We’ll be on the same team? How amazing will that be?” “Thrilling,” Kayn replies flatly, his hands in his trouser pockets. “I have to get on the team though. You’ve watched me practice. Do you think I’m good enough?” I fly before his face, my eyes wide as he just stares at me. “Should I be truthful or give you the “good friend” answer?” “Good friend answer.” “Then sure,” he shrugs, and I leap back squealing loudly. I wonder what my uniform would look like. Everyone has a slightly different uniform but along the same theme. Ahri’s is super pretty and so is Soraka’s. Poppy has nice colours and I of course love Ezreal’s. “But what if I don’t get picked? What if he thinks I’m bad?” I start to fret, looking back at Kayn who has pulled his phone from his pocket and is checking the time. “We’re going to be late,” he sighs before looking back up at me. His yellow eyes just look bored, but he always does. “What now?” “What if I’m not good enough? What’ll I do then?” I say again. He shakes his head, putting his phone away and cocking his head at me. “Zoe you practice every goddamn minute you can. If nothing else they should at least give you a shot. You’ll work hard at it,” he tells me and I think my cheeks blush. “Was that the “good friend” answer?” “No. That’s the truthful one,” he sighs, his non corrupted hand running through his long hair and raking part of his fringe back. “Really?” I ask, my giddiness subsiding slightly. Kayn is never sincere. Is he ok? Was this really Neeko? Did I kidnap the wrong person? No. I left Neeko with Ezreal and I can sense the darkin within him. It’s definitely Kayn. “It’s not a secret Zoe. You and those pom poms are practically attached to each other/ Y’know, when you’re not trying to break the world record for the most amount of dry cakes baked in one day. I don’t think you’re good at cheerleading, but you should probably be given a chance I guess.” I pause before launching myself at him and tackling him into a hug. “That’s like the nicest thing you’ve ever said,” I laugh giddily, my face resting on his body. I feel him try and dislodge me, but he should know better. Even that creature of his isn’t as strong as me. I think. I mean I’m the Aspect of Twilight. Surely I’m stronger than Rhaast. He’s been trapped as a cat for like forever. “Zoe, we have a class to get to. Well I was already there. If I get another late mark it’s on you. I was on time for once.” “Do you think he’ll like my cakes too? If I get on the team I can offer it to him. He’ll ask me out right? If I try hard enough. Would you?” I look up at him, his cheeks turning scarlet as he looks down at me. “Would I what?” He coughs, suddenly seeming awkward. “Would you ask me out? If you were Ezreal and I baked you a cake?” “If I were Ezreal? You mean if I was a dumb blonde?” He half laughs, looking away from me for a moment. “Maybe. I dunno. I mean he’s dating Lux. Unless you have some cake that’ll cause them to break up, he’s not asking you out while dating her. And if he does then he’s a twat and not worth your time.” “Not if he likes me better than her,” I point out perkily. Kayn looks back at me with a slight smirk on his lips. “That’s asking a lot,” he sniggers before twitching his head slightly. “What’s he saying?” “Wants to know where the Aspect has taken me,” Kayn laughs, his head twitching again and for a moment a brief grimace of pain crosses his face. But he shakes his head and seems to be fine afterwards. He’s not fine though. Not with that creature inside of him. Kayn bluffs it off and brags about how he’ll defeat Rhaast. But the corruption on his arm is spreading. I noticed it the other day. He was training on the field in a tank top and the bandages went all the way up his arm now. Kayn is like my most super-duper best friend. I’m not about to let a darkin hurt him, but I don’t know how to help him. I guess just being with him is all I can really do. If I become a cheerleader I’ll be his cheerleader to help him fight Rhaast. That’s what I’ll do. “Zoe we are still not in a classroom. Stop spacing out,” Kayn tells me, raising his eyebrow at me. Biting my lip, I just squeal at him. “He spoke to me,” I whisper, watching him roll his eyes. “And professor Graves will talk to both of us when we’re late.” “Fine, fine. But can I squeal about this to you later? I have more squealing to do. Like tons more. I’ll bring Neeko and she can help me squeal because she was there too.” His shoulders drop and he groans, staring up at the sky. “Fine, later you can squeal to me. Now can we get back to class? And you better tell the teacher that this was your fault, not mine.” “Sure,” I smirk, opening a portal below us both. With a thud we land in the classroom. Well I land onto Jinx’s desk, Kayn seems to almost bounce off Ekko’s desk and onto the floor below me. “I’m here,” I proclaim, my arms out wide as I hear some swearing coming from the floor. Around us there are stifled giggles and at the front Professor Graves shuts a book he’s holding with a loud bang. “Zoe, Kayn. Care to explain? Draven said you’d thrown Kayn through the window.” “Well Draven is wrong, unsurprisingly,” I smirk, turning to look at the guy sitting a few rows back. “We were on the roof. I needed to talk. Had super, super important things to say. And I have to tell you it was my fault not his otherwise he’ll get grumpy with me for making him late.” “You ok?” I hear Ekko whisper as Kayn stiffly stands up. “Sorry sir,” he mumbles before edging back over towards his desk. “So you having deep conversations then?” Jinx asks with a sly smirk up at me. I just grin down. “Nah, just important conversations,” I say as the teacher bellows at me to get off the table and return to my desk. I roll my eyes at Jinx before skipping over other people’s desks and back to mine. Neatly I drop down into my chair. “I’ll see you after the lesson Zoe,” the teacher says before continuing with whatever boring thing he’s talking about. I just nod, my eyes on the boy sat a row before me and just to the left. His soft blonde hair and large blue eyes. He’s so perfect.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn This school has literally the oddest student body. There’s a weird mish mash of everything here. I watch Ashe strut by followed by the much smaller form of Lulu chatting to Poppy. Not to mention I glance over at where Shyvana is having a quick chat with Jarvan. I mean, she’s part dragon. “Liked her bow huh? And that required you going to the roof?” Talon asks, standing against the wall with me. “Apparently.” “You do realise, if she ever becomes a cheerleader you won’t hear the end of it?” “I was aware. But at least in that case, she’ll be far too busy with lover boy to bug me,” I smirk at him, my arms folded over my chest. “You’d miss her,” he says softly, his eyes peering at me from the side. I scowl back at him. “Hardly.” “I think you would. I’m not saying she isn’t annoying, but you do allow her to tag along with us quite frequently.” “Because you can’t get rid of her. Come on Talon, you know what she’s like. She’s an absolute pain. It’s easier to just go along with her. Besides it gives Ekko someone to talk to. To be honest I’m not sure how we got saddled with them both.” “Ekko I’m not sure. Zoe attached herself to us because of you,” Talon reminds me. “I never asked for it,” I sigh. “She thought you looked lonely doing your whole brooding assassin thing,” he sniggers at me. I roll my eyes before sighing again. “An assassin should be lonely. It’s the whole aesthetic,” I say, my voice low. “You still want to be one?” Talon asks me, his voice now just as low as mine as several other students come near to where we’re stood. “Of course. I’m good at it,” I tell him. We both pause the conversation as Soraka and Janna walk past talking about something. “Do you not?” “Not really. I’m not into the whole, killing someone thing. No matter how good my skills are for it,” he tells me. Talon is one of two people at school that knows I’m not training to be a ninja or some rubbish with my master. He knows I’m training to be an assassin because his dad is training him to be the same. This school takes in individuals with certain gifts. Almost everyone here has some special skill. It’s why there’s such an odd mix of students. In this world, being an assassin is a very useful skill to have. Talon’s dad is rather keen on two of his children becoming assassins. I know Katarina is training to be one too. Though Talon always struck me as the wrong fit. He’s so quiet and friendly. But he’s excellent with a blade and can turn invisible for short periods of time. So he has the exact right skill set, but not the right mind set. As far as I know, he’s never killed someone. He’s been nearby, but never actually held the blade. My master doesn’t believe in soft training like that. “Look at you two being all mysterious and angsty,” Cassiopeia sniggers as she wanders over to us. She smiles at us, her green eyes sparkling with an almost hidden malice. She might not seem it but she’s just as ruthless as her older sister. Not to be an assassin of course, but this girl is cutthroat at times. “Hey Cassi,” Talon says, looking towards her. “What’s up?” “Well I saw you two being all lonely and thought I’d drop by. Any reason the two of you are propping the wall up?” “We’re waiting for Zoe,” I tell her bluntly. “She got detention after school.” “No? Really? Can’t imagine whatever for?” Cassi smirks sarcastically. Being in our class, she also bore witness to me getting tackled from my chair earlier. “I thought detention was your thing Kayn.” “I’m not getting detention when I was present and on time for a lesson,” I tell her. “For once,” my friend chuckles beside me. I scowl at him but he just smirks at me. “I’ll assume a certain cheerleader looked in her direction earlier.” “He liked her bow,” I repeat what I was told and watch as Cassiopeia just shakes her head. A laugh threatening to escape her lips. “To be honest I’m surprised he saw a bow. Zoe’s hair is rather big in itself,” she says, rather diplomatically for her too. Zoe’s hair has a mind of its own. “Cassi, I’m guessing you didn’t come over here to talk to me about Zoe’s hair. Or Ezreal. You had a reason for coming here so let us know,” I say dryly, my eyes meeting hers. “Cool it Kayn, I’m not here to talk to you,” she winks at me. “Not that I wouldn’t mind it. I get rather jealous of my brother spending so much time with you. But I know you have your eyes on another girl. Breaks my heart” She almost purrs and I just roll my eyes. “I mean he does, but lets be honest, Ahri is never giving him the time of day,” Talon chuckles beside me. I shoot him a glare, but Cassi really does laugh. “Ahri? Oh, you two are adorable. So adorable. Talon sweetie, you and I need to talk about your observation skills at some point. Anyway, I came over to ask you to pass my love on to our dear father when you go home next week. I’d ask Kata, but I’d like him to get the message,” Cassi smiles at my friend who just gives a nod. “You not coming home then?” “No. Mother would like some help on a visit she’s taking to Shurima. I’ve said I’ll accompany her. But I feel it only polite to make sure father knows I care about him too,” she says. Cassi has this very dry, sarcastic voice that she uses for nearly every situation when she’s not flirting. It means everything sounds like she’s being sarcastic, and I have no idea whether she is or not. “Sure, I’ll let him know,” Talon nods. It looks like he’s about to say something else when Ezreal comes almost bounding up to us. Thank the gods that Zoe isn’t here right now. The three of us glance at each other and then back to the blonde boy looking slightly confused. “You lost?” I ask him, raising an eyebrow. Pretty, cheerleader Ezreal rarely comes to talk to us. “You guys seen Lux anywhere?” he asks, his eyes looking up and down the corridor. But as school has ended, and most extra-curricular activities are also ending, the corridors are pretty empty. There is clearly no sign of his perky blonde girlfriend. “Er, no,” Talon says after a few moments of silence from me and his sister. “You lost her Ezreal. Afraid she’s looking for something a little rougher than you?” Cassi smirks, her slender fingers running under his jaw. “There may be people ‘rougher’ but no one is better than me,” he laughs cockily before looking up and down the corridor again. “But seriously, I saw her like five minutes ago and she said she ‘didn’t like me anymore’ and then took off. I mean how can she not like me?” “Would you like a list?” I ask with a smirk. “Oh no. Did she break up with you?” Cassi feigns shock and sympathy causing Ezreal to roll his eyes. “Did she come past this way? That’s all I want to know.” “No. I haven’t seen Lux since the end of period five,” Talon says. Yeah, he’d make a very bad assassin. “If you see her do you think you can maybe say I’m looking for her?” Ezreal asks and Talon nods while Cassi just glances at me. “We can pass that message on, right Kayn?” “Oh of course,” I snigger. “Hey Ezreal, what’re you doing with Hot Topic over there?” I hear a haughty voice call out. We glance over at where Sarah Fortune and Syndra are stood. The girl with the long, light purple hair smirks in our direction. “He felt like a change Syndra. Say, weren’t you trying to dye your hair purple? What happened to that?” Cassi asks mockingly. Syndra used to have pure white hair, but recently tried to dye it a much stronger purple. Clearly it hasn’t worked as well as she’d have liked. A fact Cassi is only too willing to pick up on. “Just asking if they’ve seen Lux. You guys haven’t seen her have you?” Ezreal wanders over to the two girls who seem to be having some standoff with Cassi. They’re crazy though if they think she’ll back down. “We have practice tonight. Lux won’t miss that,” Sarah tells him, but her gaze doesn’t break away from the girl before her. “And you had better not miss it either. Run along Star Guardians,” Cassi makes a shooing motion with her hand. “Oh, while you’re here Kayn, you can tell your little buddy that Ahri is assigning a Star Guardian to everyone that wants to try-out for the squad. Perky little Zoe and her weird friend have me,” Sarah smirks at me. “Wowee, lucky you. Have fun with that,” I nod at her. “Believe me, I will. She might not, but I will,” she smirks in such a way that I feel my anger start to rise. I keep a smirk fixed onto my face, but I can feel it inside of me. Of course that brings about an almost chilling laugh in the back of my head and my arm literally drops down numb beside me. God I hope no one noticed that. But it’s worse, and I find myself breaking my gaze away, almost shaking my head as if trying to dislodge something. “What are you doing?”
“Something made you angry Kayn? I wonder what? Do you want to be a Star Guardian that badly?”
“You know I don’t. So why are you getting me so angry over this?”
“I’m not boy. This is you. Did she say something that made you angry?”
“No.”
“I think she did.”
I put my hand to my left eye and hear Talon saying something beside me. “You ok?” He asks, and I nod, scowling back towards the two girls before me. “Just something in my eye,” I lie. Why is my eye burning as much as my arm? “Best hurry Ez. Wouldn’t want dear sweet Lux to find someone else,” Cassi smirks before leaving the other girls and looking at Talon. “Pass my message on. And if I don’t see you tomorrow, have a lovely week with daddy dearest.” She struts off while I find myself blinking, my eye and arm cooling off. The others head off, with Ez whining about his missing girlfriend. Feeling in my arm starts to return and I look at Talon who just looks concerned for me. “I’m fine,” I snap. “If Zoe appears, tell her I can’t wait all evening for her.” I start to head off, my right hand still rubbing at my left eye. “Something wrong Kayn? Your heart is racing.”
“I’m fine. I don’t know what happened there.”
“With Talon or Sarah? She made you angry and then you snapped at him.”
“Talon is too soft. He worries over people too much. Kindness is a weakness.” Am I telling him that or me? My master has drilled that into me and yet there I was waiting for Zoe and chatting to Talon. “Feeling distracted Kayn?”
“No.”
“Really? Because it seems you have an awful lot of distractions in your life lately. It’s almost like you’re getting soft. Like you’re not worthy of the strength I can give you.” He purrs in my mind and as I leave the corridors, I watch him hop up the steps and leap onto my shoulder. “I’m not soft,” I whisper to him, heading to my dorm. “Good. Because softer people are so much easier for me to take control of,” he laughs as though he’s privy to a private joke. “I’m not soft,” I almost growl at him. He doesn’t say anything further. He just laughs along in the back of my mind.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “And he didn’t suspect for one minute you weren’t Lux?” I ask Neeko as she sits crosslegged on my floor. “No. Neeko was very Lux-like,” she nods. I float in the air nearby. This is good. I mean first he talks to me and then ‘Lux’ is nasty to him. This is working out in my favour. “What’re you doing next week Neeko? You going home for the break?” I ask, watching as she shakes her head. “Um no. I started school late. I have lots of catching up to do,” she tells me. Even better. See next week is a school break. Most students will be going home, if they have homes to go to. Some stay on campus. Like me. And also Neeko apparently, which is great news. “That’s perfect, because I’m not going anywhere either. Which means we have a whole week to practice our cheer before we have Sarah helping us out. We’ll be the best cheerleaders they’ve ever seen. Plus, the school will be empty next week. Even better. No one to watch and steal our great ideas,” I clap my hands together. This is working out great. “Zoe is not going home?” Neeko cocks her head at me. “Er, no. Not exactly,” I half laugh. My ‘home’ as it were is up in space. And not really anywhere. Just space I guess. It’s why I like being here because I have a spot and it’s my spot and I can fill it with fun things. But no one is exactly allowed to know I’m from space. “Are your parents busy?” “They’re dead. At least I guess they must be. You know, I haven’t really thought about that in so long. Huh, yeah, they’re definitely dead,” I nod. Looking back at Neeko I can see how sad she looks. “Neeko is sorry. I didn’t mean to talk about sad things,” she says. “I’m not sad Neeko. It was a long time ago,” I tell her. “Yes, but the past can still hurt. Neeko’s parents died a very long time ago too, but sometimes it’s still sad,” Neeko admits, grabbing her long tail and gripping it. “Do you have a family now?” I ask, wondering where this weird girl comes from. She gives a brief nod. “Neeko was adopted by a vastayan family. They are nice. Very wolf like. Like pretty Ahri but rougher. Very kind though. But sometimes Neeko does miss her other parents. I miss other Oovi-kats like me. Do you have new parents too Zoe?” she cocks her head at me and I drop to the floor in front of her. “Um, sort of,” I say, thinking about the other Aspects. They aren’t my parents, but I guess they’re adults. And then, I absolutely guess there’s Aurelion Sol. Not that I’d class him as a parent, but I suppose he’s around too. “But I can’t really go home for breaks, so I stay in the school. It’s fun when it’s quiet because I can run down the corridors super fast and no one yells at me.” I giggle at the thought of it. “Is it not lonely?” Neeko asks, her voice still soft. “Not really. I used to be alone a lot, so it doesn’t really bother me I guess,” I shrug. A week is nothing when you’ve been floating through space for months. “Though of course everything is more fun when people are here. But Ekko and Kayn rarely go anywhere. Ekko is an orphan too. And Kayn has a complicated relationship with his master. Huh, Talon is an orphan too, technically. I mean he does have a family, but they’re adopted. Wow, are we just the orphan group? We should get t-shirts or something. But yeah, Kayn and Ekko are often around. Which is even better because I can totally persuade those two to watch us practice. In fact, we need a routine for three people if Sarah is helping us so we’ll get one of them to be our third.” I know I talk quickly, and I can see Neeko trying to process it and probably not doing a good job of it. “That sounds like fun?” she says unsure. It’s a good thing to guess at with me though. “Of course it does,” I beam. Neeko hangs around for the evening as we come up with the next thing she needs to do as Lux before she gets sleepy and heads off to her room. I change into my pyjamas – starry unicorn ones obviously – but rather than go to bed, I go to my window and stare up at the stars. I wonder if those guys are thinking about me? Do they miss me? I’ve been here for a few years now. Should I miss my parents more? I barely remember them. It was so long ago that I was human. I barely remember becoming the Aspect of Twilight. I was promised adventures and sights I’d never experience here, and I took it. Who wouldn’t? I guess I never saw them again. And that was centuries ago. Sometimes I find it hard to believe I’ve been alive so long. And so alone for a lot of it. I don’t register until one falls onto the back of my hand, but large tears drop from my eyes. I’m crying? Why? I’m not lonely now. I have friends and fun. But someday they’ll leave you. You’ll drift apart and they’ll die. Then what? “I’ll make new friends. That’s all. Making friends is fun,” I tell myself, but the tears don’t really stop. I wipe them away, but I feel more come. Was I really that lonely? I look around my room, but there’s nothing to distract me from these thoughts. But I don’t like them. I don’t like being sad and I don’t want to be lonely again. Sniffling I leap into a portal and drop down into a dimly lit room. There’s the brief moment of swearing as Kayn presses his regular hand to his bare chest, his face slightly pale. “Warning Zoe, please,” he finally gasps out once his breathing is a little more regulated. “What’re you doing?” I ask. He’s wearing nothing but his baggy training trousers. Even his long hair isn’t done up in his braid, nor is his arm covered. “Training.” “Talon said you snapped at him earlier. Said you were being grumpy.” I force a laugh as I look up at him. He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I was just in a bad mood. Now can you go? I’d like to train please.” “Just thought I’d pop in to see what you’re up to. I know you don’t go to bed early because you’re weird and have conversations with your cat. So why the late training? Your master set you some new tasks? Got any new missions? Just want to do better in PE?” I ramble on, but occasionally my voice catches in my throat. “You ok?” He asks me, his stance suddenly relaxing as he looks at me. “You want to look at the stars?” I ask. My voice is as strained as my fake grin. I just need to get away from the school for a moment. “Zoe…,” he starts, but before he gets further I grab his hand and open a portal for us. A portal far away from the school. Far away from the creature trying to control him. Far away from everything. We drop out onto a roof of a desolate building. Below us stretches out the empty silent streets of a small town almost destroyed by rogue magic. It’s silent here, and dark, and the stars look so big. It’s a place I like to come despite how desolate it is. Here I can look upwards and see the stars I belong to. Here it doesn’t feel like I’m so far away from them. “Going to tell me what’s wrong? Ezreal not liked a photo you put online?” He teases softly as we sit on the roof. “Kayn, do you ever miss your parents?” I ask him, my eyes only staring ahead at the stars above us. Slowly my eyes grow more and more accustomed to the dark. Beside me I hear him move, hear him pull his legs closer to his body. “No.” “Me neither. I was wondering if that made me a bad person?” “Didn’t you become an Aspect centuries ago? So they’ve been gone a long time right?” “Yes,” I whisper. Even my mind struggles to grasp the time between me becoming an Aspect and me sitting here. There’s so much time and I’ve seen so many amazing things, but I barely remember any of it really. It was just time. But my time here in the school, I remember all of that. It’s been so much fun. “So why are you worried about it now? Nothing you can do about it.” “I know, I was just thinking about stuff, I guess. Thinking about them and wondering if they missed me when I left. And then wondering if I should miss them more.” “I don’t miss mine. I barely knew them. I was taken off them and thrown in a kids home after they tried to sell me for drugs. Not people I want to remember,” he half laughs. “Besides, I have my master. I mean he’s not a parent, but he’s someone I want to be like. Someone that can make me better.” “See, you have him. You have a place you can belong to. I don’t I guess. I have no where I really belong. Sometimes I wonder if it’d be best If I just went back up to the stars y’know?” I look up and watch them all twinkling. I know the names of each constellation but they’re still so very distant. “Why? I thought you liked it here?” I turn to look at him and realise he’s not watching the stars, he’s watching me. “I do. But no one really knows me. And I’ll have to leave at some point. I mean what about when we leave school and you go off to kill people and Ekko goes off to make things. Then what? What about me?” I sniffle before throwing my hands up to my face and sobbing into them. It’s dumb to get this upset over this Zoe. It really is. Nothing has even happened and yet I am upset. I’m really upset. But why? I still have like another two years of school here. Why does it matter what happens in two years? Because I’ve lived so many two years that it barely even registers with me anymore. I’ve lived so many decades that even that seems like a small amount of time. Two years is nothing. “You can stay with me,” Kayn whispers, his arm wrapping around my shoulder. “I mean, you’re pretty useful, I guess. The whole time bubbles you do could really help me out as an assassin. Plus I know what you are. I know you’re the Aspect of Twilight so it’s not like there’d be any secrets, and if you had to go back to the stars for a bit that’d be fine, I guess.” He sounds so awkward, his voice low and mumbling. I feel the sharp points of his claw on my arm, but I don’t mention it. It’s nice to feel like I belong even if just for a moment. And suddenly I do feel like that. “Could I bring glitter?” “I mean no, because glitter gets everywhere. An assassin needs to be stealthy. I’m still finding glitter in my bathroom after you threw a glitter bomb in there.” “But you wouldn’t mind me tagging along? Like even when you have to be super serious and stuff?” “I guess not,” he sighs, and I steal a glance up at him, his eyes now looking out at the stars before us. “I mean you do at least keep things interesting. Life isn’t boring with you around Zoe.” “Sometimes I just get lonely you know? Like Neeko was talking about her home and I can’t really talk about mine because no one can really know what I am. And I guess outside of school, I don’t really have one. And I hate being lonely. I hate it. But sometimes I really am. Are you ever lonely?” I’m still sobbing but they’re lesser now? I suppose they are anyway. I don’t feel as hysterical as earlier, just really, really sad. “Not really.” “Is that you being serious or you being ‘Super-Cool-Kayn. Look-I-Don’t-Even-Feel-Lonely’?” “Serious, I guess. Feeling lonely doesn’t help me at all. It doesn’t help me with schoolwork or my training, so why bother with it? I don’t mind people being around but equally I don’t care if they’re not.” “Aren’t you so cool,” I sigh, wiping at my eyes. “Not like Zoe. Perky, happy, super go-lucky Zoe who gets herself so down sometimes and then feels like she shouldn’t be down thereby making herself feel more down,” I mump. “Nothing wrong with feeling down Zoe. You can still be all that super annoying stuff, but you’re allowed to have bad days too,” he tells me gently. “Yeah, but I feel like I can’t show that to people. Like I always have to be happy.” “And yet you always show me. Should I feel lucky?” He laughs. “You should. I’m an Aspect you know. You should feel blessed by my mere presence,” I tell him, a haughty tone to my words. I hear him laugh again. “Yes, your top secret-secret am I right? I feel so honoured,” he teases. “You should. No one else knows. Just you,” I nod. Kayn’s pretty good to talk to when I’m having a moment because he just sort of goes along with it till I’m feeling better. I mean he just sort of goes along with most things I do. “Would you tell Ezreal?” “Huh?” “About what you are? Lets say by some miracle he asks you out, would you tell him?” “I don’t know. I guess I haven’t really ever thought about it. Probably not. Not unless we were like getting married,” I force a laugh, wiping at my eyes though the tears have stopped now. “I don’t know how people would react to me being an Aspect.” “Well I didn’t react badly.” “Yeah, but you don’t care about anything unless you can kill them or unless they have nine pretty fox tails and long black hair,” I tease. “You aren’t going to tell anyone.” “True. About everything I guess,” he laughs, his arm still gripping me tightly. Gently I lean into him, my head resting on his bare side. I feel him flinch and his breath suddenly catch. “At least when I do have to go back up there, at least the stars are pretty right?” “They are. And hey, when you do, you’ll have loads of fun memories of your time here. And if you have to go back early or anything, at least I’ll know where to look for you.” “You’d look for me?” “Well it’d be nice to know you weren’t just going to pop up before me,” he laughs. “Zoe, don’t worry about the past or the future. One is over and the other hasn’t happened. If you have to stress over anything stress over the moment you’re in. Stress over Ezreal talking to you or you getting detention because you’re dumb. Stress over that.” “Thanks Kayn.” “For what?” “Y’know. Being friends with an immortal goddess and telling me to stress over detention,” I giggle. “Well if I knew an immortal goddess I’d tell her to stress over something else. I just know Zoe, my classmate who is going to give us both pneumonia,” he laughs and I find myself laughing along with him. “You want to go back?” I ask. He pauses before answering and I look up and see his bright eyes just staring at the stars. “Maybe not just yet. It’s quiet in my head right now. It feels quite nice.” “Sure,” I nod, one of my hands reaching round and grasping onto his claw. I feel him link his fingers with mine. “Anytime you want silence, just let me know.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn I couldn’t help laughing. I really couldn’t. In fact, my sides actually hurt from laughing so much. I lay on the grass absolutely howling as Zoe stomps up to me and kicks me in my side. I’ll admit I feel it, but I can’t stop laughing. “Your…face,” I stammer out, looking up at her standing over me, her hands on her hips. “You’re a terrible friend,” she says, pointing a pom-pom at me. “You dropped. You just dropped,” I say, starting to calm down, but her angry face just sets me off again. “Ok. Lets try that again but this time ignore everything that comes from this general area of the field,” Zoe instructs, striding back over towards Neeko and Jinx. See the reason for my unbridled joy right now was I’d just managed to effortlessly distract Zoe’s helpers. Zoe had been trying to rope myself and Ekko into helping her and Neeko practice their cheer routines. Something neither of us wanted to do. She wanted a third person so they could form a pyramid. Luckily for us, Jinx is also hanging around over this week and wouldn’t you know it, she’s actually a cheerleader. We’d spent the last hour watching the three of them practice with Zoe bossing everyone around. However, the real moment of sheer joy came when the other two had managed to toss Zoe up into the air with the intention of catching her and forming a pyramid. Out of boredom I’d called over to both Jinx and Neeko as Zoe was descending. I expected them to mess up. Maybe fumble in grabbing Zoe or something. What I hadn’t expected was them to both look straight over at me and lower their arms. This caused Zoe to go screaming into a portal below her. Honestly, that image will play in my mind for a while. “Now catch me this time ok?” “I don’t even know why I’m here,” Jinx moans. I’d normally reply to that, but honestly, I’m still replaying the image of Zoe going screaming into a portal and it’s pretty amazing. “You going to sit back up at all?” Ekko asks where he’s sat beside me. “She just dropped,” I chuckle. “Yeah that was pretty sweet,” he sniggers. “I didn’t expect them to both look so easily. God she just dropped down,” I push myself back up but I’m still sniggering to myself when a flying pink bubble comes at me, smacking me in the face. “Quit it!” She shrieks over. Normally getting hit like that would piss me off, but god that image. “I’m waiting for you two to sign up to be cheerleaders,” Jinx laughs over at us. “Yeah, so desperate to be a Star guardian,” Ekko mocks. “Stars and glitter don’t really suit me.” “I’d just love to see mister angst there alongside the saps at cheer. You being moody next to Janna and Soraka would make cheer practice so much more interesting,” Jinx smirks at me. “I bet. But what colour would I have Jinx? Pink is already taken,” I mock back with fake enthusiasm. Not a chance in hell I’d ever try out for their squad. “I want pink,” Zoe yells out as she’s thrown up into the air again. I watch her eyes come to me, a warning glare as she drops back down. I pretend to zip my mouth up as she lands and there’s a very shaky catch. “Lux has pink covered there Sparkles. Pick a different colour,” Jinx says. I watch the huffing pout on Zoe’s face and see her mutter to herself. I can only guess at what colourful language she used there. “Well like three of you are various reds, so you can have two pinks,” Zoe points out, jumping to the ground now. “Neeko would like to be rainbow coloured,” the other girl claps, her eyes wide. Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Neeko wearing less than six or seven colours at once. “I’m the better red,” Jinx smiles smugly before looking over at Ekko. “You can have green. Bright green.” “Why?” He asks, looking at the slender girl as she struts over to us. She gives a shrug, her long blue pigtails hanging down her back. “Cos I said so. And if anyone is getting a second pink I’d nominate Hot Topic here. Cos that would be freaking hilarious,” she looks down at me and starts to laugh. How have I acquired the nickname Hot Topic? And why does it seem to only be from the cheerleaders? In response I blow a bubble from the bubblegum I have, before popping it. “If you think that would bother me, you overestimate how much I care,” I say calmly, but honestly I’d hate it. My soul enjoyment from the cheerleaders is watching Ahri doing cheers in her uniform because she looks fine as hell in it. “It’d bother him. You should see him freak out when you throw glitter on him,” Zoe adds in, throwing herself to the floor. “I don’t remember the last lot of tryouts needing cheerleaders to help the newbies.” “We didn’t. It’s something Ahri decided. Sucks,” Jinx moans. “Especially cos I’m with Zyra. I’m totally going to get nettled or something.” “So what? She decide you guys needed more to do?” Ekko asks, leaning forward as I blow another bubble. I notice Neeko watching me, her eyes in awe. I feel like you could put an egg timer in front of her and she’d be interested. “Who knows. Ahri does her own thing. We just have to jump when told. Sucks so much.” “I think it all looks pretty amazing. So come on Jinx, give us some inside gossip. Who else is trying out? Who is my competition? Whose legs do I need to break when they’re back?” Zoe laughs. In fact the others do too, but I’m not sure that was exactly a joke. I genuinely wouldn’t put it past Zoe. “Neither would I. The Aspects are terribly arrogant. If she thought it’d get her what she wanted, she would probably do it.” I glance round to where Rhaast is wandering over to us. I did wonder where he’d vanished to. I haven’t seen him for a few hours now. “Forgive me for trying to find something a little more interesting than the Aspect and her bizarre drive to impress some mortal boy through an ever more ridiculous scheme. I don’t know why you put up with her charades. She should honestly know better.” “Lighten up Rhaast. It’s a school break. Besides you missed her epic fall earlier.” I snigger just from the memory as I recall it. From behind me I hear the rasping laugh of the cat while in my head I hear his much deeper laugh. “I’m genuinely sad I didn’t witness this,” he continues to laugh. I watch Zoe glance over. Her eyes go between me and Rhaast and I do my best not to laugh again. Not that it helps. She knows exactly why he’s laughing. I splutter out half a laugh. “Look, Kayn’s cat’s here. I want a cuddle,” she squeals, leaping up and dashing at him before he has a chance to move. She grabs him up into a hug and holds him tight to her body. “Aren’t you just the cutest little mangy thing,” she laughs, before grabbing at his front paws and swinging him round before her. The laughing in my head stops and I just hear him yell out my name. “Kayn!” “I know what you find funny and it really wasn’t,” she almost sings the words as Jinx and Ekko say something between each other. “You weren’t here, you don’t get to laugh now.” She releases her hold and he flies backwards, rolling over the grass before hissing at her. But he’s way too dizzy to walk straight right now and his efforts to get back to me look like he’s drunk. “Does your cat look so weird because of Sparkles or has it always looked like it’s a step away from death?” Jinx asks, watching as Rhaast tries again to walk but plants his face rather wonderfully into the grass. “Both. I mean he’s a mangy thing anyway, but Zoe throwing him around doesn’t help,” I shrug. “Shouldn’t be so cruel to cats Sparkles,” Ekko grins at her. Zoe just shrugs. “I’m not. I love cats. They’re adorable,” she beams before smirking over at Rhaast who is still struggling to walk. “Isn’t that right kitty? I love you so, so much.” I smirk as he hisses at her. He tries to swipe the air with his claw but he still has all the balance of a baby giraffe and topples back down. “A little help would be nice.”
“Why? You’ve got this. Not that much further. She didn’t actually throw you that far.”
“One day I’m going to take great delight in ripping her annoying hair from her head, strand by strand. And even then I don’t think it’ll be payback enough.”
“He looks grumpy,” Zoe keeps on this childlike voice as she looks to Rhaast and then to me. “Of course he is. You just spun him round and then launched him. Plus he’s perpetually in a foul mood,” I shrug. “Is he even yours? Because you don’t have a cat basket in your room,” Ekko points out, looking back at Rhaast who is doing a brilliant job of scowling at everyone looking at him. “I mean sort of. But he comes and goes. Does his own thing.” “Here kitty kitty. You want to go for a ride?” Jinx wanders over crouching near him with a slightly manic look on her face. “You have a rocket launcher right? I have such a great idea,” Zoe suddenly claps, dashing over. With a yowl, Rhaast turns and starts to, drunkenly, sprint away. I watch him sway to the side as he tries to get something resembling balance. “Shame,” Zoe shakes her head before wandering back over to her practice spot. “Ok then. Shall we go for another round?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “It wasn’t that funny,” Rhaast hisses from his perch on my shoulders. “You weren’t there. You didn’t get the full experience,” I snigger, still imagining Zoe falling. “Really? Because I’ve relived it all afternoon as you think about it,” he grumbles, his whiskers tickling at my cheek. “You’re going to relive it a lot more,” I chuckle to myself, walking up to my dorm room door. Pushing my key into the lock, I turn it, hearing the familiar click, but I pause. My hand staying on my door handle. “Something the matter?” “My window’s open,” I tell him in my mind. I just about hear my curtains rustling. That was shut when I left earlier today. I don’t move further, my ears listening but I can’t hear any other sound. “I want you to open my door. Push it open,” I look to him, my lips set tight together. Who would be in my room? “And you?” “I’m training to be a shadow assassin that can walk through walls. But I want whoever is in there to focus on this door.” He gives a nod, leaping from my shoulder. He has just enough weight to him to push the door open as I step aside and pass through into my room. I leap back, barely leaving the wall as several shuriken embed themselves into my wooden door. The intruder curses at his miss, stepping forward. Silently I creep around him, sticking to the wall until I’m beside the small chest of drawers by my bed. Silently I pick up the knife laid there. The intruder spins to face me and a throwing knife barely misses me as I step back into the wall. With speed few can match I burst out behind him, sliding my blade under his chin. I feel his body tense up. My small desk lamp provides some light to the room as Rhaast walks over to it, stepping on the button and sitting beside it, his head staring at the intruder. “Who are you?” I growl, pressing my blade into his skin. With my free hand I reach up and pull a mask from his face. Not that it helps with me being behind him, but my darkin cat can now see his face. “It’s Nakuri,” Rhaast almost smirks. “Nakuri?” I hiss, feeling the tension in his body change to that of shock. “What are you doing in my room?” “How’d you know it was me?” He asks, his tone as haughty as ever. I respond by pressing the knife closer. If I haven’t broken his skin yet I’ll be surprised. “You reek of weakness,” I hiss into his ear. I hate this man, so holding a knife to his throat is actually rather cathartic. “At least I didn’t waste the day playing around on a field with children,” he mocks. “That’s good, because you’re older than me. I’d be phoning the police if you were hanging out with young kids,” I snigger before moving the knife and pushing him forward. “Now what are you doing in my room?” He takes a moment, retrieving his mask from the floor and staring at me. His eyes fall onto my left arm and a smirk crosses his lips. However it vanishes rather quickly as he wipes away the blood forming around his neck. “I bring a message to you from our master. He has a mission for you. He wants it doing as soon as possible. No witnesses, no mess. Just in and out.” He tosses me an envelope, my name scrawled onto the front in my masters handwriting. “I should reject this after the way he treated me,” I brag waving the envelope around. “I mean what? He thinks he can banish me from training and still have me do his dirty work?” If there’s one thing I am very good at, it’s being outwardly arrogant. “Reject it. See where that gets you. Unless you think you aren’t good enough to do it. Need someone else to do your missions for you Kayn? Too busy playing with cheerleaders?” Ok, I’m annoyed that he was watching me and I didn’t know. I should have sensed his presence, but I guess Zoe is rather distracting. But what I’m not about to do is make him think for one second that he’s got to me in any way. This man is a joke. “You do it?” I scoff. “Now I don’t know what’s in this envelope Nakuri, but the fact that Master Zed has sent it to me with you as nothing more than a messenger boy should tell you all you need to know. He values me far more than he will you.” His brows furrow and he glares at me, his eyes momentarily betraying him as he glances at the envelope and then back to meet my stare. “I have my own mission to do. I’m too busy to do it,” he lies. “Sure you are. Best run along then. Don’t want you to miss your mission now do we?” I smirk, cocking my head at him. “You know Kayn, you can brag all you like, but at the end of the day at least it isn’t me getting corrupted by a darkin. At least my life is my own.” “Get out of my room Nakuri, or I’ll show you just what a darkin’s power is,” I growl, my arm burning as I clench a fist before me. “It’ll give me great delight to end you once it controls you.” “Nakuri, you couldn’t end me now. And the more power of Rhaast’s that I take, the less of a chance you will ever have against me. Now go. Run back to master Zed and tell him I’ll do his damn mission.” I fold my arms over my chest, staring smugly at the man. There’s a pause where I genuinely think he’s about to stay, but with a huff he turns from me and leaps from my window. I stand in the centre of my room for a moment or two longer before heading over to my window and pulling it shut, being sure to lock it again. “A mission. You haven’t had one of those in a long time. I wonder why he’s decided to give you one?” Rhaast muses, pacing over my desk. I give a shrug, pulling my curtains shut and starting to search around my room. I don’t trust Nakuri to have not planted a listening device somewhere. “Clearly because he didn’t have anyone else capable,” I reply in my mind. I refuse to say anything out loud until I’m sure. However a search of my room turns up nothing and I know where we’re taught to plant them. Feeling confident I’m alone with just my darkin cat, I sit back onto my bed. Taking off my glove, I use my claws to slice the envelope open as Rhaast watches me from the desk, his cocked head betraying his interest. I pull out several documents. Photos of who I assume is my intended target as well as an address and various other pieces of information. Also included is a hand written note from my master. He wants this doing quickly and he wants a report delivered by me to him once it’s done. There’s also a line telling me to prove myself to him. There’s no pleasing him is there? He won’t train me, but he still wants me to do missions. “Interesting?” “Not really. Just some guy. I don’t get told the ins and outs. Just given a name and a photo.” “So, when will we be vising this most unfortunate individual?” Rhaast purrs. I look over at him before looking back to the photo. “Soon, I guess. This week while the school is quiet. He’s quite the distance away so we should get a train.” “May I remind you of your little friend and her portals? She took you quite the distance the other night. Even I couldn’t work out where you were.” “I’m not getting Zoe involved in a mission.” “The Aspect has rather useful skills. Don’t you think?” “I don’t need help with this. I’m perfectly capable to taking out some bureaucrat by myself. You forget, I’ve been training for this since I was seven years old. Do you know anyone else that can walk through walls? Even Master Zed can’t do that,” I boast, allowing a small smile onto my lips. This is what I’m good at. “Whatever you say Kayn. Then might I suggest you give the Aspect some excuse for your absence? The last thing you’ll need is her popping out of a portal and throwing glitter and confetti everywhere.” “Be a rather fun mystery for people to solve though wouldn’t it,” I bark out a laugh at the image. “Just imagine, this guy shows up dead and is covered in glitter and confetti? Probably unicorn confetti too knowing Zoe. That’d be fun for the papers to try and solve.”
“Can’t imagine your master would be too pleased.”
“Yeah well, I’m not pleased at him dropping my training but still expecting me to do things like this.” I’ll do it though. There’s no better training than field missions. In my head I hear a rasping laugh and wonder what’s tickled him so much. Clearly he’s finding something pretty amusing. Now I just need to think of a viable excuse for Zoe.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “So he must be very big then?” Neeko stretches her arms out, somewhat spinning around as she does. I float alongside her nodding. “Super big. He creates stars and stuff. He’s very good at that I guess. But he can get so super grumpy at times. You have to creep around him when he’s grumpy otherwise he throws supernovas at you just for fun,” I chuckle. He’s such a dork thinking he can hit me. “Neeko has heard stories about the star dragons. It must be a lot of fun knowing one.” “I mean I guess. Like I said, very arrogant. If you sit and listen to him he’ll talk forever. Trust me, I’ve sat through his speeches,” I pretend to yawn. I do wonder what he’s up to though. Today is boring because apparently Kayn has dropped me for training with his master. I mean I guess he has to do that sometimes. Come to think of it, he hasn’t been for training for a while now. Normally he goes like three times a week but the last few weeks, nothing. Huh, maybe his master was away or something. I’ve never met his master but Kayn’s eyes normally go super sparkly when he talks about him. Like he gets crazy excited talking about what he can do and stuff. “Neeko would like to listen. I like the stars. They’re so very pretty and sparkly,” she sighs, looking up to the sky even though it’s the middle of the day. “Yeah the stars are pretty cool,” I smile, opening my palm and forming a small sparkly star. Neeko doesn’t see of course, her eyes still looking up at the clouds. It’s a pretty warm day but is also rather cloudy. It’s the right kind of day to try baking but we’re out of ingredients. I hate being bored. It’s so boring. “It’ll be fun if we do become cheerleaders,” Neeko beams at me. “Being called a Star Guardian sounds fun.” “Yeah, it will. Plus have you seen the outfits? They’re so glittery. And then I’l be near to Ezreal. Like all the time. He can’t ignore me that way. Kayn should really try out then he could be near Ahri,” I laugh. Honestly the thought of Kayn in a Star Guardian outfit is just the best. “So Zoe likes Ezreal, and Kayn likes Ahri. But not each other? You spend so much time together, Neeko doesn’t really understand,” she says to me, and I feel my face get hot. “No. I’ve told you. Me and Kayn are super best friends. But when you like like someone, that’s different. You feel different about them. They make your heart stop and you get happy whenever they’re around. You want to spend more time with them and when you see them you just want to squeal. It’s like when we were making balloon animals the other day and I kept blowing them up too much and they popped. It’s like that. But you don’t die. You just get really happy,” I grin, my mind thinking about Ezreal and his lovely hair. “Any boys you particularly like?” I look to her and watch as she suddenly gets awkward, her fingers fiddling with themselves as she looks to the ground. “Um, Neeko doesn’t like boys like Zoe likes boys. Neeko likes girls, like Kayn likes girls. I think Ahri is very pretty, I can see why the boys like her. And Cassiopeia is also very beautiful. I don’t know if there’s anyone I really like like though,” she blushes and my grin just gets wider. “You like Ahri? Oh my god. That’s amazing. You should totally ask her out. I would love it if she dated you and not Kayn. Hah, that’d really make him have a grumpy moment.” Oh man, his face would be a picture. “I would, but Neeko is shy and Ahri is very pretty. And I don’t think Ahri likes girls. I think she is like Zoe and likes boys. She makes my face blush though,” she giggles, holding her hands to her face and swaying somewhat. Rather like I do when I talk about Ezreal. “Know what we should do Neeko? Y’know, while Jinx and Ekko have vanished somewhere and Kayn is off hitting people with a stick or whatever his training deems he needs to do, we should play pranks,” I nod. Why didn’t I think of this earlier? Almost every dorm is empty. There’s no one to spot us. If I could get away with Rakan’s shampoo prank, I can definitely get away with something when no one’s here. “Pranks?” “Oh, they’re the best. You do something that scares someone. Like nothing nasty. Or something they’d get angry about. Well not too angry. Something they’ll laugh about later, and you laugh about at the time. The other week I got Rakan to dye his hair blue. It was magical. Now the trick is to find someone that can take a joke. Like I’d love to prank Darius, but he has no sense of humour. And someone like Talon or say Soraka, they’re too nice to prank. You need to find the people in the middle. Oh my god. I have the best idea on who we can prank,” I grin, looking over towards the dorms. This will be good. “Um, ok,” Neeko nods, probably only actually following half of what I said. Kayn’s right, I do need to slow down when I get excited. But still, this is the best idea. Will this person laugh about it? Probably not. Will I? A whole lot. Now the first thing I need is hair dye. It’s my favourite thing to use for pranks. Especially after Rakan. The results were just too perfect. This requires a trip to the shops. I portal us both back to the dorms so I can grab my bag and purse. Now theoretically I could portal us straight to the shops, but people get a little weird if I drop out in the middle of a shop. Someone screams, security gets called, they think Kayn is trying to steal something. Just a big mess. Maybe if he looked less sketchy but what can you do? He has a demon inside of him. So, walking it is. “We could buy cake materials,” Neeko suggests as we walk down the road. I look up at her as she strides forward, a grin on her face. “After the pranking, we can then bake cakes. Neeko liked the last one you made. But I think you should make them a little more Zoe.” “More Zoe?” I ask, leaping in the air to float more on eye level with her. Why is everyone taller than me? “Like lots of glitter. Neeko has seen sprinkles that look like little unicorns and Zoe likes unicorns,” she smiles. I give a nod. That is very true. “I did have some sprinkles but I must have used them. Did you really like the last one I made?” “Oh yes. Better than the earlier attempts. I think you have gotten better since Cassiopeia helped. She was very good. She’s Talon’s sister right?” “Yeah. Her, Talon and Katarina are all siblings. Their family is like super rich. Kind of like Garen and Lux’s family. Then you have poor little me,” I sigh dramatically. But it’s fine. I’m not sad today. Kayn said that no matter what happens, I can stick with him. I clearly caught him in a good mood, but thinking about him makes my face flush bright red. The way I could feel his bare chest under my cheek. It takes all my willpower not to let a squeal escape from my lips. “You’re blushing,” Neeko giggles, skipping ahead and spinning to look at me. “Your face looks like a tomato.” “What? No. It doesn’t,” I say, shaking my head and trying to shift it. “You are thinking about something nice I think,” she laughs again. She doesn’t stop watching me though, a grin over her face. “Is it Ezreal? Is that why you’re so happy?” Ezreal? It should be. I love everything about Ezreal. I love his hair and his eyes. I love his attitude and the way he talks. I love his swagger and his smile. And yet for a moment I think of Kayn and the way he watched the stars. “And if you have to go back early or anything, at least I’ll know where to look for you” “Come on Neeko, the shops await us,” I fly ahead of her, grabbing her hand and starting to pull her down the pavement. “We need pink hairdye.” “Pink? Why?” Neeko asks, struggling now to keep up with my pace, but I want to get to the shops. I want to focus on pranking people and not on….not on whatever I was just thinking about. “Because I’m repeating my Rakan prank on another person,” I grin, just focusing ahead of me. “Who?” “Lux,” I say with a mischievous grin.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “I swear to god, if you don’t stop moving, I’ll throw this bag off a bridge!” “Forgive me Kayn. I don’t see you being shoved into a bag though,” Rhaast almost growls as once again the bag beside me twitches. I glance around to make sure no one else on the train is watching before poking it and hearing a hiss from within. “Cats aren’t allowed on the train. You could have waited back in the dorm room,” I remind him and hear his sinister laugh echoing in my mind. “And miss out on your first mission in weeks? I wouldn’t dream of it. I just wish the concept of my travel had been brought up earlier.” “Well what were you expecting? Your own private car?” I snigger, gazing out of the window. Outside the sky is starting to darken on the horizon even though full darkness is still a long way off. Fields pass into towns and cities and back to fields with almost effortless predictability. I’m not really a fan of trains, but they serve a purpose, and that is getting me to my mission. Though I will admit I’m having some amusement from having shoved Rhaast into a bag. “I heard that,” he sulks. Eventually the train reaches my stop and I depart, entering a pretty non-descript station. It’s not as fancy as some nor as run down as others. I’ve seen lots of train stations. This is just average. Which is exactly what I need to be. My long ponytail is tucked up under a baseball cap along with my blue streak of hair. I’m literally just a teenager heading to a hotel. Nothing odd. Arriving at my destination I feel my phone buzz. I’ll put money on that being Zoe. I left her several notes in my room so she’d find at least one of them when she popped in. Not to mention I messaged her. As far as she needs to know, I’m with my master training. I make polite conversation with the receptionist, checking in under a pseudonym, before heading up to my room and throwing my bag over onto my bed. Something that does not go down well with the occupant in there. “That was on purpose,” he hisses at me, forcing his body through the part I’d left unzipped. “So? What if it was?” I shrug taking my hat off and adjusting several of the pins I have in my hair to keep it all under there. In the reflection I can see Rhaast watching me. His eyes almost glittering. “Well?” “Well right now I’m pinning my hair up. If you’re on about what I think you are, that will be later.” “When?” I sense his eagerness and feel it seeping into me. It has been far too long since I had a mission. “Soon. I need the cover of darkness. Our guy is nearby,” I tell him, my voice low. If I’ve been hired to assassinate him then it’s likely there are people protecting him. “You know it’s been far too long Kayn. Aren’t you eager for this? Eager to sink your blade into flesh?” His voice is dangerously smooth and I feel his intent settling over me like a fog. That’s when I feel my phone buzz again, disrupting the moment. Rhaast hisses and stalks off to a nearby desk as I look at the message. It is Zoe. Apparently, she’s roped Neeko into something but won’t tell me what. Sounds about right. There’s also a photo of her grinning holding a pink hair dye bottle. God, what’s she done now? Smiling, I send her a reply saying that had better have not gone anywhere near my things.
“The Aspect makes you soft, Kayn.”
“Hardly,” I shrug, putting my phone back into my pocket and putting my hat back on, pulling the brim down low. “You spend too much time with her. Time you could be using for other things. Training or missions. Anything other than simply watching her prance around in costumes.” “I do train, and missions come from my master. I don’t decide on those. I have to go to the school so I might as well make the most of it. Zoe at least keeps things interesting.” “You took a punch for her. One that bruised you. You care for her, don’t you?” There’s a purr to his words and I watch in the mirror as he moves closer to me before leaping up onto my shoulder, his head now beside mine. “You know I don’t. She’s just a friend.” “She dulls your senses. They all do. All of those weaklings. You could be so much more Kayn. But they infect you like a disease. Weakening your will and your body. You don’t need them, you never have.” A pressure builds in my head and I find my vision fogging in my left eye. I close it but it doesn’t clear when I reopen it. “What’re you doing?” I groan, my arm going numb and my strength seeming to leave me. My arm burns and so does my eye, my vision still gone. “Your master doesn’t trust you. That’s why he won’t train you. And the Aspect only uses you. She doesn’t care for mortals.” His words resonate and feel my fists clenching as I stare at my reflection. “Give in Kayn and together we can show them all. What do you have to lose? A master who doesn’t care for you and a frivolous little girl? They’re nothing. He mistreats you and she just uses you. You really think someone with her power cares what a schoolboy thinks?”My mind starts to fade, to go blank until I remember something. It almost seems silly to remember it, it was only a few days ago, and yet suddenly it seems like I’m struggling to hold on to the memory. I remember her face staring at me. Her eyes suddenly wide, searching my face for some answer to her question before she’d even asked it.
“You’d look for me?”
What a dumb thing for her to ask. I mean she’s an immortal being right? Rhaast is right, what could she want from me? And yet, in that moment under the stars, I felt like she did want something from me. That my answer that, yes, I would look for her, was what she wanted to hear.Shaking my head, I open my eye to see my vision returning and the fog over my body lifting. Scowling I grab the cat from my shoulder and hold him before me by the scruff of his neck.“Don’t ever do that again,” I warn. He hisses at me, but his claws are out of reach of my face and the arm holding him is my corrupted one. Given the skin on that is thicker than elsewhere on my body – not to mention the bandages covering it – he’ll struggle to scratch that.“I can leave you behind you know. In fact, after that little stunt, I’ve half a mind to lock you in the bathroom,” I say, my voice low. He doesn’t respond and I just let him drop to the floor. I didn’t come all the way out here to argue with my cat. Ignoring Rhaast, I head over to my bag and pull out a smaller case. Unzipping it I find my set of knives. All glisten with a metallic menace as I inspect them. They’re all lined up neatly, each one strapped to the holder. What to pick? I take several small knives and slide them into the hidden sheaths in my shoes. Those aren’t what I’ll use but they will be my back up just in case. I pull out two slightly curved blades. The handles are made to allow my fingers to slip between them giving me a better grip. These will be perfect. I put one in each of my jacket’s pockets before I notice that where they had been laid in my case, there is a small pink rabbit sticker stuck under them. When did she do that? “I see that smile Kayn.” “Preparation for the mission, nothing more,” I tell him, zipping the case back up and hiding it in my bag. I take the photo of my suspect. An aging man, dark hair lined with more grey than he’d probably like to admit. A sallow looking face and dark eyes. Looks like someone that has probably dug into things he shouldn’t have. But I never care for the reasons. Only the mission. I leave the hotel early and head out, wandering around and just generally doing the same stuff I do at home. I get a drink, window shop and get a constant train of thought from my demon cat. Only unlike at home, no one here has a clue who I am. I’m just some kid, and I’m fine with that. “I’d say that looks a lot like your target,” Rhaast muses from his perch in a nearby fruit tree. It’s clearly some pretentious decoration for the café I’m sitting outside. I follow his line of sight to the building opposite me. A tall man is walking in talking to someone else while several bodyguards follow behind. “Looks like he has trust issues. Is the great Kayn going to be fine getting around the creatures with him?” I hear him hiss a laugh. Creatures make sense. Two of them look vastayan and not in the delicate way that people like Ahri and Neeko are vastayan. They looked bulky. “They won’t even know I’m there. You can’t punch shadows,” I snicker. I bide my time, allowing the sun to set and streetlights to come on. The café lights up with a billion fairy lights. Something Zoe would probably love. Rhaast laughs at my thought but my only response is to roll my eyes at him. Finishing my drink, I head off down the road. I mean, I’m not going to walk in the front door. I probably could, but I’m not going to. My private boast seems to amuse Rhaast who is nearby somewhere. Side streets are the best for shadows and I allow them to cover me, hiding me as I slip in the walls of a building further up the road. I creep through back rooms and dart away from any voices or light. My mind is blank, focused. There’s nothing to stress over. This is something I’ve done plenty of times before. I arrive in some empty function room of the hotel he went into. Something far classier than mine. I head over to the door here to listen into the corridor, when I can’t hear anyone I pass through the wall and into a dimly lit corridor. Clearly this area of the hotel is for events that right now aren’t happening. However how do I get up to his room? I know the number from my master’s intel. He always stays in the same one. “There’s a set of fire escape stairs further down from you. That will get you to his floor,” Rhaast tells me though right now I don’t actually know where he is. I’ll take the advice though. Sticking to the wall and keeping the shadows around me, I head towards a door, cautiously pushing it open to find my cat sitting there, his tail flicking through the air. “No one looks twice at a cat sneaking in. Maybe you should try being trapped as a cat for a while. Might help your missions,” he chuckles following me up the stairs. “Pass,” I whisper, listening out for any sound, but the stairs are silent, even my own footfalls are soundless. I head up to the floor but remain in the stairwell. The instructions I had included a map of this floor. I memorised it. I know where the walls are. If I can slip through them, I should be able to get to his room without ever going into the corridor. “Wait here,” I whisper to Rhaast who cocks his head at me. “Tell my Kayn, where do you expect me to go?” “Just stay here. Don’t go wandering off,” I sigh before heading into the wall. I hear him mimic me in a fake voice. Really? Some immortal demon cat is mimicking me? I’d laugh at the absurdity if I wasn’t so focused right now. I move slowly, only passing into rooms if they’re empty or to get my bearings somewhat. Eventually I step out at where I should be. It’s a large room, very plush. I hear voices nearby and back myself over into a corner, drawing the shadows in around me again. My yellow eyes watch as my target walks over towards the door with the man I saw him with earlier, though neither seem to have anyone else around. They talk for a while, before saying their goodbyes and the other man leaves. My target turns to look around the room, but his eyes just glance over me, my shadows keeping me virtually hidden. Fool. I hear other voices and he walks into another room. Honestly, who needs so many rooms for a hotel room? I follow after him, leaping from shadow to shadow. I find his bodyguards watching a large TV as he says something before vanishing into a nearby door. These fools are easy enough to get past. Through the wall I go and into a bedroom lit only by a small bedside lamp. Step by step I go up to him. I feel my heartbeat rise, the anticipation of what’s to come on my every breath. A smirk comes to my lips and I slip my fingers into the knife grip in my right pocket. With the bodyguards outside I need him to be quiet. As he heads back towards the door I seize my moment. Left hand over his mouth and my knife to his throat. I feel his body tense up, feel the shaking. “Death called,” I hiss into his ear. “Turns out you have a reservation.” I can feel his fear and it feeds my bloodlust. I want him. I want to feel his blood on my hand. Wasting no time, I sink my blade into his neck, slicing clean across. Unlike the movies this is rarely a fatal blow. What it does do is sever the windpipe. Means if something goes wrong, no screaming. My next blow is a sharp, hard thrust into his chest. I know where the heart is on a person. It’s not easy to get, the ribcage is a pain. But enough force with a solid knife like this and you can get it. Withdrawing my knife I feel him limply struggle as his blood at first seems to spurt from his chest for a moment before subsiding. I wait, making sure he’s dead before letting go. He drops hard to the ground as I check for a pulse. In my head I can feel Rhaast’s pleasure at killing. It’s what he lives for. He doesn’t care for the finesse my master has taught me. He doesn’t care who sees. He just wants to kill, and everytime I do it, he revels in it. “Kill the others,” he hisses at me. I shake my head but I can feel the urge. God how much I’d love that. To walk through this door and kill the others. I could break their necks with my left arm. I know I could. But how do I know that? Because these aren’t my thoughts. That’s why. “Get out,” I hiss. Finding no pulse I make to leave. My job here is done. “Stay.” “No. I’m leaving,” I tell him. But I find my body won’t move. I’m stood, frozen in the room. My right hand grips the knife tighter and I genuinely don’t know which of us is doing it. “Let me go Rhaast,” I tell him but I’ll admit, a fear is creeping into me. “Rhaast you know you don’t want my body. I mean you do realise that if you were in control, you’d have to put up with Zoe right? You know how much you get along with her.” It’s a pathetic bluff but it’s the best I’ve got right now. Because right now he has almost full control of me. “You think the Aspect bothers me?” he laughs showing me an image of Zoe prancing around from the other day. I smile before flexing my right arm and then my left. “I know she bothers you,” I think, remembering her falling into her portal the other day and still finding that as funny as when it happened. My smile gets wider as I step forward, his grasp on me weakening. “I warned you earlier,” I whisper, making sure I have all my knives in my pockets. “Don’t do that again.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “Hey Kayn. You awake?” I holler, popping into his room and dropping onto the floor. There’s a groan from the bed followed by the covers getting pulled up. Grinning I skip over and pull a small pot of glitter from my pocket. Taking a pinch between my fingers, I start to sprinkle some over his bed sheets. “That had better not be glitter,” he mumbles from under the cover. “Of course it is. First day back at school. You need to sparkle,” I laugh. I’d throw some on myself, but I’m already sparkly enough. Neeko painted my nails glittery purple last night so I am sparkled up and ready to go. “What time is it?” Kayn mumbles, still sounding very much half asleep. “School time.” “If you look at a clock – a real clock and not a Zoe created clock – what time does it say on it?” he yawns. I glance over to the one in his room. “Says you got less than forty minutes to get showered and dressed and into school,” I say. There’s a pause before the bedsheets get thrown back and he sits up, staring over at the clock. “What the hell happened to my alarm?” He yells, though whether it’s to me or demon cat peering out of the window, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s to the clock? Who knows? “Crap. Crap. Crap,” he says, diving out of his bed and promptly falling onto the floor, his long hair falling on top of him as well as his bed covers. “Zoe, why is there blue glitter everywhere?” He demands, freeing himself from the tangle and charging into his bathroom. “Because I’m out of pink,” I reply, picking his bedsheets back up and dropping them on his bed. Looking over to the window I realise demon cat is now looking at me. I swear this cat can smirk. “Hey Whiskers. How’s life treating you? Taken over any worlds recently. Oh no, wait, you can’t, because you’re a kitty cat,” I tease, grinning at him. I hear Kayn moving around the bathroom muttering to himself before all the noise stops and there’s a pause of silence followed by a scream. The door flies back open and Kayn points over at Rhaast, his corrupted hand over his left eye. “What did you do!” He demands, marching up to the demon in nothing more than his underwear. Kayn does have a very nice chest I guess. I mean he’s really quite pretty when you look at him. But not Ezreal pretty I hurriedly tell myself. Kayn’s head twitches slightly as I assume the creature replies. “No. No. No. This is a step too far. Way too far. There is a line Rhaast and you’ve crossed it. The arm? Fine, have the goddamn arm. You think I care that my entire arm is now red? I don’t. But how do I hide this?” Again there’s silence. Sometimes I can hear Rhaast. Very occasionally and not very clearly. But not right now. “Kayn?” I ask stepping closer to him. I can see the hand closest to me is shaking. “You ok?” He spins to face me and for one moment looks furious before I watch his hand leave his eye. His normally amber eye is suddenly bright red. And I mean almost glowing bright red. Not to mention the white of his eyes has gone a paler red. Shocked I look back to the creature sitting before us both. What do I do? Can I do anything? A battle with a darkin is something the host has to battle with. As far as I know, only the host can best them. The fact that Kayn wasn’t taken over the minute he made this dumb pact is testament to how strong he is. But the corruption has now covered his left arm and now even his eye. This creature is winning. “Change it back,” Kayn growls but the cat before us just seems to laugh. Kayn looks to me and for a moment, a brief moment, he looks so scared. “Wait here,” I say softly, grabbing hold of his right hand and squeezing it. “Get ready for school ok? I’ll sort your eye out.” “Zoe I can’t go into school like this. People will see. They’ll know.” “Get your hair plaited, get your arm bandaged and get your uniform on,” I say calmly. “I’ll be back before school starts.” I open a portal and vanish into it, popping out in some twenty-four-hour shop. I ignore the confusion and shocked faces of the people around me. I have bigger problems right now than people being confused by portals. Hurrying round, I head over to the first aid section, hunting up and down the painkillers and bandages for what I want. They must have some. Eventually I find what I’m looking for. It’s not great, but it’ll do for today. I grab for the box of an eyepatch and scurry over to the checkouts. I’ll portal us both into school if I need to. Paying for my purchase I run forward and throw myself into a portal, tumbling back out into his room. Rhaast is still laughing by the window and Kayn seems to be attempting to braid his own hair, his face now expressionless. “Here. I got this for you,” I tell him, bouncing over and holding the box before me. He glances to it and briefly nods. “Sure. Thanks.” “Come on Kayn. Let me put it on for you. I promise, we can sort this.” “Can we?” I look over at where the eyes of the cat are glowing nearby. Sticking my tongue out at it, I grab Kayn and portal us both back to the top of the building I took him to before. It was here we looked at the stars. But now it’s daytime. No stars around. “Ok, listen up. Whiskers can’t hear us here so you best listen good. You’re going to put this eye patch on ok? And we’re going to go to school like we always do because I get to meet with Sarah today and get my cheerleading routine that her, me and Neeko are doing. And this is important. But, we’re going to sort this. You are so strong Kayn. Like super strong. You have a darkin inside you, trying to corrupt you and all he’s got of you is your arm and one eye. Most people crumble in minutes. You’ve been dealing with this for months and months and months now.” “Zoe, what if I can’t do this? What if I made a mistake?” he admits. For the first time since he did this, he admits how dumb this was. This isn’t good, Kayn doesn’t admit stuff like that. Trust me. “If you think like that, then you won’t. But you will beat him Kayn. I know you will. He’s done this to mess with you because if your mind is confused, you’re easier for him to take over. But you’re strong remember? You’re Shieda Kayn. You’re going to be a shadow assassin and everything. Your best friend is the Aspect of Twilight. If anyone has this, it’s you,” I tell him, flying up to be on eye level with him. Weakly he gives a nod. “I had a mission the other day. When I was away,” he tells me, his voice sounding so unlike him. “He froze me Zoe. I couldn’t move a muscle. He’s getting stronger.” “And so are you. You’ve got this Kayn, believe me ok?” He gives another nod. “You got that eye patch?” Smirking I pull the box up and hold it before him. Nodding a thanks, he pulls it out and ties it around his hair. “Tonight we can get you a better one. This was all the store had,” I tell him. “No, it’s fine. You’re right, I can’t let him confuse me. That’s exactly what he wants. I’m better than this.” “I’m always right. You should know that,” I laugh, trying to lighten his mood. “Thanks Zoe. I’m glad you know about him. I don’t think I could cope with this by myself. I’m glad you’re here.” Wow, is that my heart? I feel like I’m about to pop, just like a balloon. “No problem,” I brush it off, pretending I’m not really, really, unexplainably happy to hear Kayn say that to me. “But yeah, you’re right. I’ve got this. He’s just some dumb cat after all. You going to take us back then because I still have an arm that needs covering up and a tie to find.” “And your hair rebraiding, because you’ve made a bad job of it today,” I laugh. Kayn pulls his braid round to look at it and just sighs. “This morning could have started off better.” “Your morning started off great. I threw glitter on you. It’s everything afterwards that is maybe not too great,” I point out, opening a portal below us both. We drop into his room and Kayn turns to look at Rhaast. I assume the demon says something though I don’t know what. Kayn’s cheeks go somewhat red though as I start to unravel his braid and redo it for him. I’d like to do it in a fishtail style but given we’re short on time, I just plait it normally as he wraps up his arm. “So cheerleading practice for almost real tonight then huh?” He says, methodically wrapping bandages around, hiding the sight of his arm from the world. “Yeah. So we have like a week to learn a simple routine but then we get to perform it before the rest of the squad and if we’re good, we might get picked. I might get to wear a super pretty uniform just like Ezreal. I definitely think I should have a pink one.” “Well Rhaast and I will come and watch your practice given I assume you’ll be doing it somewhere I am anyway,” he remarks, his head slightly looking towards the cat who now hisses. “If I can pick the music I’ll do it to the tune me and Neeko have practiced to before. I know how much Whiskers loves that,” I laugh, tying the braid off for him – in a bow of course. There’s another hiss. That’s right you little parasite, I’m not going to let you have him. If you don’t like my music I’ll get it to play twenty four hours a day over the school speaker systems if that’s what it’ll take to get rid of you. I’ll glitterbomb you every time I see you. I swear I won’t let you take him. “So, looking forward to seeing loverboy?” Kayn asks, pulling his glove on now that he’s got the bandages on. “Obviously. Though I know what he’s been doing while away. He went exploring. Saw his photos online. And Lux stayed at home, faaaaaaaar away from him,” I laugh. “Well best make sure you get on the cheerleading squad then and make sure they spend even more time away from each other,” he smirks, standing up from the chair he’d been sat on and walking over to get his bag. Smiling I click my fingers and wave as the darkin cat vanishes into a portal. I can’t think of a reason to open the other end just yet, so I’ll just leave him between worlds for a minute or two as a warning. If he harms Kayn, I’ll harm him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “So mateys, what’re we all having for lunch?” Ekko sniggers while I roll my eyes so far back I swear I can see the inside of my head. “You make that joke once more and I swear I will end you,” I warn him, holding my knife from my tray at him. He just continues to snigger. Like he’s done all goddamn morning. “Do we get pretty outfits first or later?” Neeko asks Zoe behind me somewhere as we queue for food. “Later. Gotta impress people first,” Zoe almost bounces. She’s so damn excited about this. I will be hearing about this all week, won’t I? “Neeko is so excited for the pretty costume. I wonder what Neeko will get? I like yellows and greens a lot. But then I like all colours. Rainbow would still be best.” “I want pink. I want pink so badly,” Zoe squeals. “Aren’t you excited,” Sarah smirks, walking past us. “I’ll see you two after school. I’ll meet you out on the field. Got that? Hope you’re both ready.” “We’re ready. Super ready. Never been readier,” Zoe calls after her as I jab my knife into Ekko’s back causing him to jump from surprise. “Did you poke a hole in my blazer?” He asks, trying to look over his own shoulder. “I warned you about the damn pirate jokes.” “Only asked if you and your parrot were going to watch,” he laughs to himself. Apparently my new eyepatch is a source of great amusement for him. “I’m warning you Ekko,” I hiss before deciding on having some very sad looking lasagne for lunch. I’m really hoping that tastes better than it looks. “I mean what, is that a new fixture? I’ll admit I’ve never understood the bandages, but the eyepatch is a step up.” “Hopefully not going to be a permanent feature,” I reply, looking at the puddings. “It’s not going to be. He’s just got a little eye infection. Once it clears up, he’ll be fine,” Zoe chimes in. “Ooooo can I have some fish and chips please? I like to pretend my fish is real.” Is that to me? To Neeko? The dinnerlady? Why am I even thinking about this? I point at some bun for my dessert and trail after Ekko to a table. “I’m just saying, it does look somewhat dumb.” “I know. I’m getting a better one tonight. This was a quick fix,” I admit. A very quick fix. I hadn’t had a great nights sleep if I’m honest. I can’t really remember why, just that I had been super tired this morning. The last thing I expected to see was this eye when I looked in the mirror this morning. Not to mention I can feel Rhaast’s presence even more. But Zoe’s right – for once – I can do this. Who else can claim they have a literal Aspect following them around daily? “Kayn, can I have your bun? It’s very pretty and has sprinkles on it. I mean you don’t really want that do you? I can give you some chips in return,” she says, suddenly very much in my face. “Fine,” I pass it over, placing it on her tray. “So I wonder what’s up with Talon?” Ekko muses, poking at the battered fish on his plate. I have half a forkful of my lasagne before deciding that it tastes exactly as it looks. Grim. “Dunno,” I reply, leaving my food for the moment. I’m going to need some willpower for that. “Cassiopeia is also not in today. Neeko noticed,” Neeko adds in, nibbling on an apple. “No Kata either. You think their dad decided they could get another week off? Or you think Kata murdered him or something because that girl has that edge to her y’know?” Ekko muses, his eyes looking over at the table where Darius, Draven and their other friends are sat minus the two Du Coutaeu girls. “Nah, probably went away somewhere. Kata’s a bitch but I don’t think she’s murdering her old man,” I say looking back to Ekko. Not yet anyway. Because from what I know from Talon, Kata is one hell of an assassin. I look back down to my meal to now see some very sad looking chips sitting atop it spelling out my name. I glance over at the odd coloured eyes opposite me and the grin splitting her face. “Gave you some chips,” she smirks taking a bite out of the bun I swapped. She hasn’t actually finished her food yet, but Zoe always starts with her desserts then decides if she has room for anything else. “Thanks,” I reply dryly. But at least the chips look somewhat edible. “Did they go away? On holiday?” Neeko asks, cocking her head. “Cassi did. Her and her mum went to Shurima. Their dad probably took the other two away elsewhere,” I say. I’m not going to say their dad probably had the other two murdering people but whatever. I mean that’s what I did over my break. My master was pretty pleased with my report though. I went back and gave him a full report, only leaving off the part about Rhaast’s control. He seemed impressed, telling me it was a high value target. He didn’t trust anyone else with the mission. I’ll admit, that made me smile a little. As dumb as it sounds, I do like getting praise. I guess everyone does really. I mean he’s still not training me, but at least he’s thinking about me when it comes to missions. He hasn’t forgotten about me. “Lucky Talon,” Ekko laughs. “Have you ever seen their dad? Guy’s a total paradox. Tall and built like a shed or something but then he can just creep around. Saw him once on Parents day. Somehow crept up behind me and I never heard a thing. Scared the life from me.” “Creeping up on you isn’t hard,” I remind him. I mean to be fair to Ekko he does hang around with two people training to be assassins. Me and Talon do have a knack for going unnoticed when we want. “Creeping up on you both is super easy. In fact, scaring you both is super easy. And your scream is so funny,” Zoe sniggers, looking over at Ekko. “Alright Sparkles. But you don’t creep. You just appear. He creeps. You it’s a case of opening a cupboard and you’ll just pop up inside of it.” “I do, it’s true,” she boasts before her eyes go over at where Lux is sat with Ezreal. Zoe huffs, scowling in their general direction before starting to poke at her food. She really is crushing on him hard. I mean I get that, Ezreal is one of those guys that girls really fall for. I daresay Zoe and Lux aren’t the only ones crushing on him. “You watching Ahri?” Ekko smirks beside me, elbowing me. Ahri? I look back over at where she’s sat opposite the other two. God, I didn’t even notice her. “Of course you didn’t. Your mind is elsewhere of late.” “You and I aren’t talking right now. Not since you thought it’d be a good idea to mess with my goddamn eye. I mean is it any surprise I didn’t see her?” “I could have taken over both your eyes Kayn and you’d still know where the Aspect was,” he laughs in my mind. I glance across the table from me to where Zoe is sat dissecting the batter off her fish. “It’s not like that,” I say hurriedly, my face flushing red. “Look at you blushing,” Ekko laughs. “I mean I get it, but you have to realise you’re never going to be able to get with her?” “With who?” I splutter, suddenly feeling very put out. “Ahri of course. Who else?” “No one. Just checking,” I nod, but I can feel my face heating up further. “I need some air.” I stumble up from my seat and bolt out of the canteen. I hear Zoe saying that my cat misbehaved last night but I head straight round to the boys toilets and just hide in there for a minute, allowing my face to cool. “Accept it Kayn. You like the Aspect. Personally, I don’t understand why. At least I could vaguely understand the fox girl, but you very much like the Aspect.” “No, I don’t,” I say, shaking my head. Zoe is Zoe. She’s a friend. Maybe even my best friend. I never really thought about having friends growing up. An assassin doesn’t need them. But then she literally popped up into my life and now I’m stuck with her…and maybe…just maybe…that’s not a terrible thing? In my head I hear Rhaast laughing, he would find this amusing. But I meant what I said earlier today. It’s nice to actually have someone else who knows about Rhaast. Someone other than my master. Someone who can help me out with things. “Even she can’t stop me Kayn,” he continues to laugh but I allow a smile onto my face. “She’s not going to Rhaast. But I am.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “Like this?” I ask, trying to replicate the pose Sarah is showing me. She rolls her eyes and walks closer. “No. Head up, this leg out, not this one. And you, lizard girl, watch the tail. The routine won’t work if you knock someone out with it. And you, no portals. Poppy doesn’t want a repeat of last time,” she orders us. I nod as Neeko just grabs her tail, holding it to her body. “Neeko is sorry. This routine is very hard.” “You want to be cheerleaders right? Our routines are hard. You either learn them or you don’t make the squad. I see no point in giving you an easy pass.” “But we only have a week to learn it,” I mumble, trying again to mimic her but failing to hold the pose long enough. “So? A real cheerleader could pick it up,” she smirks at me. “No. Look, if Zoe is facing this way, you need to face that way. You can’t both face the same way. Then I’m in the middle. You got that? You two are supporting me in this part of the cheer. I’m the lead.” “Shouldn’t one of those two be the lead? I mean, far be it for me to criticise an actual cheerleader, but I feel given this is her crazy idea, Zoe should be the lead for it,” Kayn suggests from where he’s sat on a nearby bench. He looks super bored with that damn cat laid by his feet. “You do know, you can run along any time, right? You aren’t needed here for this,” Sarah tells him, her hands going to her hips as she stares him down. “You see this eyepatch? It’s dumb as hell and I need a better one which means I need to go shopping. See that little sugar gremlin next to you? If I go shopping and don’t take her, I will hear about it for the next month. I’m not willingly subjecting myself to that hassle,” he shrugs before smirking back at Sarah. “So, I’m watching whether you like it or not.” “Zoe can’t be the lead because she doesn’t know the routine. I do.” “Thought that was your job as teacher here. Y’know, teach those two the routine? I mean you’ve got your job cut out because I’ve seen these two practice, but hey, you got put with them,” he smirks at her. “Have fun with that.” “Don’t you have like some Hot Topic vouchers to go and spend?” Sarah says dryly causing Kayn to sit up where he’s been lounging. “Why Hot Topic? I don’t even think I’ve ever shopped there. I mean maybe once or twice, but everyone’s shopped there once or twice,” he splutters. “Neeko hasn’t,” Neeko chirps in. “Please Kayn, out of every student on campus you’re trying the hardest to be edgy Wear less black, red and blue and maybe we’ll come up with a new nickname for you.” “I can lend you pink,” I offer grinning over at him. He looks over at me and blushes somewhat before his signature scowl comes at me. “Your clothes would not fit me shorty.” “I’m not that short,” I huff. “Zoe, focus. You have a week to learn this if you want in on the squad,” Sarah turns back to me. “Right now, you two follow me. I’ll show you your parts again ok?” I nod eagerly, but this routine does seem super hard. We practice for a few hours until we have to stop. Sarah wants to go and hang with Ahri and Kayn has been tapping his watch at me for twenty minutes. I know, I know, he needs a new eye patch. But it’s sort of his fault for allowing a demon into him. I can’t be held responsible for that. Neeko heads off to nap I think. Maybe shower? Apparently I’m not allowed to shower – or change – because he watched my practice because I wanted to go shopping. He relays all of this to me as we leave the school and wander over towards the shopping centre. I don’t know where we’re going to get an eyepatch from, but even something a little less bulky would be better than what he has currently. “Can I just ask why the eagerness to be a cheerleader? Is this literally just for Ezreal?” Kayn asks, slouching along beside me, his hands in his pockets. “Well yes. And no. Like maybe half and half? Sixty forty? I don’t know. I mean I figured If I’m a cheerleader and, on the squad, then we have to spend time together and he’ll see what a wonderful person I am. He’ll fall instantly in love with my sparkling personality,” I grin, batting my eyes at Kayn. “Who wouldn’t?” He smirks with just a slight roll of his eyes. “But I also want to be a cheerleader because, cute outfits and it just looks fun. I do rather like fun things.” “No kidding?” he sniggers. “All I’m saying, wouldn’t it just be easier to talk to Ezreal than this whole crazy plan you have to get him to notice you? Why not just walk over and talk to him? Tell him you like him?” “I couldn’t do that,” I squeal, my face flushing. “I’d be so embarrassed. I need him to ask me. Which he won’t if we’re never together. So first we need to be together. Hence the practicing and now I have a real cheerleader helping me,” I smile. “She’s making it hard for you y’know? They don’t want you on the squad. Or at least Sarah doesn’t.” “Yeah, but all routines are hard. I don’t think this one is harder than any others. And even if she is making it hard, won’t they all just be super surprised when I do it. They’ll have to let me on the squad then right?” I look up at him and watch him shrug. “They’d be dumb not to at that point.” “So how are you? You’ve been a little odd all day. Like maybe not super odd. But you did run out of lunch. And I didn’t expect you to stick around all the way through practice. I thought you’d get bored,” I tell him. “I did. But the thought of you whining at me for days meant I felt it better to stay. And I’ve not been odd. Just sick of pirate jokes. I’ve been getting them all day,” he sighs, looking down at the cat by his feet and scowling. “Want me to kick him for you?” I ask, to which I receive a hiss. “Oh don’t worry, I already booted him today. Probably going to hear about it later given I sent him straight into Rumble. Poor Rumble had a very pissed off darkin cat smack straight into him. Which means Tristana will yell at me later,” he half sniggers. “Could be worse. Could be Poppy. She really doesn’t like me.” “You sent her through a portal. I’ve told you how weird it is before, let alone if you aren’t expecting it.” “I don’t find it weird,” I say proudly. Ahead of us the lights of the shopping centre come into view. I didn’t think it was as late as it clearly is. I hope we can find something a little better for him. “Oh the immortal Aspect of Twilight doesn’t find her own portals weird,” Kayn looks down at me and smirks. “Am I supposed to be surprised by that? I’d be more surprised if you did find them weird.” “Shut it Hot Topic,” I grin at him, watching that scowl appear. “Don’t you start.” “You do try to be edgy though. There’s so much black, and then red. Not to mention the hair,” I snigger. He flicks his blue streak and folds his arms, smirking. “You of all people do not get to judge my hair. Not when you have more colours in yours than anyone in school. And what’s wrong with wearing black. I like black. Lots of people wear black,” he gestures down at his jacket and black jeans. “You’re so try-hard Kayn and that’s why we all like you,” I giggle. Again he blushes. He’s doing that a lot lately. “I’m try-hard? You are literally trying to become a cheerleader and a baker because something in that sparkly unicorn filled head of yours said that was a good idea to get a boy,” he laughs. “Don’t call me a try-hard.” “Try-hard,” I laugh under my breath as we enter the bright lights of the shopping centre. There’s that evening sort of lull in here and it’s rather nice. “Try not to get us kicked out otherwise you’ll be wearing that patch tomorrow,” I tease, smirking up at him. “Try not to get lost in the ball pit,” he retorts. From beside him I hear a gagging noise from Rhaast. “Are cats allowed in here?” I muse aloud. “Nope, don’t think they are.” There’s a scattering of claws over the tiles as he tries to scarper but I’m so much quicker. A bubble puts him to sleep and a portal sticks him on the roof of the school. “He’ll be pissed,” Kayn chuckles. “He can be,” I wink. Right, new mission for tonight, find Kayn a cooler eyepatch.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “Still no Talon?” I ask, looking around the classroom as it starts to fill up. Beside me Ekko sits in his chair and glances around too before shaking his head. “Nope. Messaged him last night. Apparently, Cassiopeia had an accident while away. He didn’t say what.” “She ok?” I ask. Again my friend shrugs. While I can put up with her given her proximity to my friend, we aren’t exactly friends ourselves. Still, I wouldn’t want her to hurt herself. “I hope she’s ok.” “Oh, Kayn, you haven’t seen Zoe and Neeko anywhere have you?” Soraka asks me in her gentle voice. I look over at the girl standing before me and shake my head. “Surprisingly no. I assume they’ll bounce in here shortly. Probably launch a star across the room or something,” I say. “That’s a shame. I have something for them both,” Soraka sighs. “I guess I’ll give it to them if I see them later.” “Ooo gifts? Got any gifts for us?” Ekko grins, pointing at his chest. Soraka just smiles at him. “If you want a glittery bow Ekko, I can make you one. I make hairbows for everyone that tries out for the cheerleading squad. I know both Zoe and Neeko are. I’m really excited to see them because I know how much Zoe wants to join,” Soraka smiles before fishing around in the bag on her shoulder and pulling out a bow. It’s pretty, I guess. Lots of glitter and done in bright yellows and reds “See?” “So other than Zoe and Neeko, who else is trying out?” I ask, interested in who I’ll be hearing about when they make the team and Zoe doesn’t. “Um, quite a few. Taliyah is and so is Zyra. Um, Irelia and Karma are having a go and Caitlyn is, which is odd because she never struck me as the type y’know. Oh and Rakan and Xayah are.” Soraka is so lovely and so genuinely nice that I do feel bad when I splutter out a laugh. “Xayah and Rakan?” I snigger. Ekko also tries not to giggle. See I can fully see Rakan as a cheerleader. I’m surprised he hasn’t become one before now. But Xayah? Death-in-one-glare Xayah wants to join the Star Guardians? “Yes. This is Rakan’s bow. I know he’s a boy, but I figured I do it for everyone else. It’d be cruel to miss him out. You think he’ll like it?” “I know he will. Xayah though, that’s a sticking point,” I continue to chuckle. Even more so when Xayah walks in and I burst out laughing. “Xayah, I have something for you. Is Rakan nearby?” Soraka calls over and almost on cue, despite him not being in our class, Rakan bounces in through the door. “I’m here,” he announces as Soraka heads over to give them both their bows. I don’t stop laughing, even when a feather dagger flies past my face. “You’ll look so pretty,” I tease. Rakan almost dances out of the room, wearing his bow might I add, as Xayah continues to death glare me and Soraka continues to be adorable going over to Taliyah as she enters. Still no Zoe though. She’ll love getting a bow. I have no doubt there’ll be a thousand selfies up online by lunchtime. “Ezreal!” I hear a voice call in and am surprised to see Lux standing in the doorway looking very awkward, but also with bright pink hair instead of her usual blonde. “Lux?” The blonde boy looks surprised, though if it’s because she just hollered his name or now has pink hair, I’m not sure. “I’m so super angry with you,” she says in a very over dramatic way. “Don’t talk to me.” And just like that she turns and runs from the room. Ezreal pauses before starting to get up and chase after her but before he can, Zoe comes charging in through the door and almost runs straight into him. “Ezreal?” She squeals, her face going beetroot red. “Everything ok?” “Did you see where Lux went?” He asks, trying to peer over her and down the corridor. “Lux? Um, towards the lockers I think,” she says, her voice several decibels higher than usual. “Thanks Zoe,” he says, winking at her before darting around her and into the corridor. She meanwhile stands there looking like she’s about to explode. Please don’t pull me into another portal. Eventually she looks over to me and I can see the squeal on her lips before she even makes a sound. She starts hopping around making noises akin to a deflating balloon as Neeko appears from somewhere looking breathless. “There you two are. I have a present for you,” Soraka says, heading over. Neeko is of course in love with her bow immediately and gushes this to the other girl. Zoe is still hopping around like a deranged rabbit. I know she gets her bow though because one minute she’s across the classroom and the next she throws herself at me, bow now in hand. Her slender arms wrap around my body, pinning my arms to my chest and causing me to lose all semblance of balance and crash down to the floor taking a table with me. “He winked at me,” she squeals, biting her bottom lip and staring down at me. “I saw. I was present too.” “He said thanks.” “Again, I saw. Will you get off me?” “Oh my gosh. What if he likes me? I’d like me. This day started off great,” she says, her large eyes staring just above mine. She so close to me I swear I can feel her heart beating just as quickly as mine is right now. “Zoe, Kayn, any reason you’re both on the floor? Anyone want to explain why Ezreal just charged down the corridor? Jinx, please sit down. Lulu that’s not your seat. Draven, put that away,” the teacher starts to say. I glance up at our English teacher but still can’t exactly move. “Sir, I’ve had a great morning,” Zoe exclaims, leaping up and throwing her arms around. I take the moment to head over to my desk, adjusting my eyepatch. We managed to find a smaller one. It’s a little dumb as it fastens around both my ears, which means I have string across my face but it’s the best we could find. I’d like something a little less awkward though. “I’m glad for you Zoe. Take your seat though. Draven, I told you to put that away.” I take advantage of the chaos to slip into my seat. “Hello sir, sorry I’m late,” Lux says, slipping into class wearing a knitted hat, her hair hidden under it. “No worries Lux, you haven’t missed anything yet due to your classmates thinking this is a party and not a classroom.” Wait, Lux didn’t have a hat on earlier. Did she get one from her locker? No sign of Ezreal though. I find out at dinner that Lux’s hair is definitely pink right now. She’s sat sobbing to a few other girls at dinner with Ezreal talking to her. Given the huffing from the girl opposite me, I’m assuming him holding Lux’s hand isn’t something she wanted to see. Our little crew is actually just leaving the canteen when we’re approached by a few other students, several sets of arms are folded and they’re all wearing scowls beautifully. “Ladies. Can we help you?” I ask, looking at them. “Not just ladies. I’m here too,” Ezreal points out, stepping out from behind Sarah somewhere. I just raise an eyebrow at him. “Yeah, I noticed,” I add in dryly. “So, what’s up? You lot look like a lynch mob.” “Zoe, did you dye Lux’s hair pink?” Syndra asks and I hear a squeak from behind me. Oh my god. Are you fucking kidding me? Does she have candyfloss for a brain under all that hair? So that’s what the photo she sent me was for. I should have twigged on that sooner. What was she thinking? “Me?” Zoe asks, pointing at her chest as she creeps around from behind me. “No. Why?” “You dyed Rakan’s hair blue for a prank. And now someone has done it to Lux,” Sarah states, bearing down on Zoe. “I mean what’s up with that?” Ezreal adds and I watch her bottom lip quiver. Yeah, you thought this through fully didn’t you? You absolute goddamn moron. “Nah, it wasn’t Zoe,” I scoff, folding my own arms to match theirs. “It was me.” “You?” Syndra stares at me. She probably has a good idea I’m lying here. “Yeah? So? Wasn’t actually trying for Lux. Thought it was your room Syndra. Thought you’d made such a mess up of your last dye job I’d just help you along,” I shrug. “Shame really. Pink would suit you so much.” “You want me to believe it was you? She has portals. She could get in.” “And I can walk through walls sweetheart,” I say calmly, smirking at her. “Wasn’t hard.” “You best apologise to Lux,” Ezreal scowls at me but I just dead eye him and watch him slink back. My eyes look across to the table where Lux is still sat looking pitifully sad as she talks to Poppy and Janna. “Sure. Sorry your hair got pinked Lux. My bad,” I call across the canteen. The others don’t move from before me. I know that Syndra and Sarah know I’m lying, but what proof do they have? “So what? You want me to believe she did it to Rakan and then you decide to do it to Lux?” Sarah asks now. “Sarah, I don’t give a damn if you believe me or not. You were all away for the break, I was still here and I was bored. I thought Miss Personality here could do with a bit more colour in her life. I missed my shot. Sue me.” There’s an awkward pause as they look between each other and then back to me and Zoe. Ezreal looks thoroughly confused. He’s not going to mess with me, even with the girls here. Syndra and Sarah might push it further though. “Hope you’re ready for practice later,” Sarah says to Zoe before strutting off. Syndra lingers, her eyes meeting mine. “If I find you in my room,” she warns and I just laugh the cockiest laugh I have. “Syndra, if I don’t want you to find me, you won’t. Now run along with your glitter squad and go play cheerleader with the others.” There’s a pause with several students around us watching. I think they’d want to see a fight, but she breaks away, walking off after the others. “Come on guys,” I nod my head towards the door and head out. The others silent until we are well and truly outside and I hear Zoe gasp. “Thank you,” she whispers as I round on her. “That was the dumbest thing you’ve done Zoe in a long line of dumb things,” I tell her, my voice somewhat raised. She just nods sadly. “Ezreal looked so angry at me. I didn’t want that.” “Then think Zoe. Put your brain in gear first. What did you think he’d say after you dyed his girlfriend’s hair pink?” “I didn’t think,” she admits, grabbing at her long hair and almost hugging it, her eyes on the floor. “Just think through something you do, just for once. You want him to like you right? That’s not the way to do it,” I point out, my voice softening as I realise how upset she looks. She gives a slow nod. “They aren’t going to let me become a cheerleader now are they?” She sniffs, on the verge of crying. “Nail that routine they’ve made for you and they’ll have to, regardless of who dyed Lux’s hair. Honestly you did her a favour. Blonde is so boring,” I smirk, her eyes coming up to meet mine. There’s a small smile there. “Thank you though Kayn.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn Somehow I had been roped in to being the audience for Zoe’s insane cheerleading practice. I’m not sure how it happened beyond the first day, but it is mind numbingly boring. However, the upside is Rhaast hates the music, so he skulks off whenever they practice. And they practice constantly. Even when Sarah isn’t around, Neeko and Zoe are trying to go through the routine as best they can. My meditation had been cut short tonight by having Zoe drag Neeko into my room to practice because it was raining outside. Even I can’t meditate when I have Zoe leaping over my head. “Zoe, you’re a step ahead of Neeko,” I tell her, bored from where I’m laid on my bed. They both pause and Zoe looks back at Neeko. “You sure?” “A hundred percent. You watch Sarah when she does it, so without her your timing is wrong,” I continue. God I hate myself for noticing that. “Neeko doesn’t rely on Sarah as much so she’s in time with the music.” “This is so hard,” Zoe moans, her arms dropping to her side. I just shrug, wondering if there is anything else I can be doing other than watching these two miss steps in a routine they have two more days to nail. “Neeko can speed up to match Zoe,” Neeko suggests. “No, I need to match the music. Ok lets try this again,” Zoe says. Reaching over to my desk I pause the music before starting the song at the start and watching them again launch into their routine. It’s literally about a minute long but they are struggling. Especially to get the final move down which is a mini pyramid with Zoe at the top. They can’t practice that with just the two of them. A knock at my door stops the practice which is probably for the best given they’ve missed two moves out at this point. Sighing I get up and wander past them both to open it. I’m half expecting it to be Wukong who’s room is below mine, so I’m surprised to see Talon stood there, given he’s been off all week. “The wanderer returns. Where’ve you been?” I ask with a slight smirk. He peers past me at where Zoe and Neeko wave. “I guessed that wasn’t your music I could hear,” he smiles before coming in. “What? No this is my favourite music right now. If you asked I could sing it to you word for word,” I laugh. I am sick to death of this song. “But he won’t because that would be something fun. Hey Talon, where’ve you been? You’ve been off all week. You ok?” Zoe bounces over, eyes shining. “I’ve been fine. Just a family issue. Um, sort of got a favour to ask of you guys if that’s ok?” He looks around the three of us, all three of us nodding. “Sure. Fire away. Anything to take a break from their dance session,” I smirk, heading back over to my bed and sitting on the edge. “So, while away, Cassi kind of had an accident. Can you guys be nice to her when she gets back?” There’s a sheepish tone to his words. The other two nod straight away. I just smirk. “Nice to Cassiopeia? You’re asking a lot there,” I say smugly. “Neeko will be nice. Neeko likes Cassiopeia,” she says, clapping her hands. Zoe also nods. “I will be my superstar best. Is she ok?” “Er, sort of. She’s back in school on Sunday. Well on site and back in school on Monday. This is why the three of us were off. Dad wanted to discuss things with us I guess. I know some people might be a little funny towards her and I was sort of hoping you guys could help mitigate that.” “We will mitigate away,” Zoe announces, though I’m not sure mitigate can be used in that context, I nod. “I will be absolutely charming,” I smirk, which I see my friend mimic. “Well I know you won’t be nice,” he half laughs. “That’d be asking too much. Unless I missed something drastic while I was away, and you had a complete change of personality.” “I mean it could happen. You never know, he might start being more perky. Maybe if we got him drunk he’d lighten up,” Zoe grins over at me. As with everything with her, I’m not sure if that’s an off-hand comment or a legit threat. “Maybe you should make him a top like yours. Get him into your cheerleading stuff,” Talon grins back at her as I just roll my eyes. “I’ve had more cheerleading stuff than I can stomach, thanks,” I tell him. “Well glad to see nothing has changed here while I was away,” Talon smirks, his hands going into the pocket on the front of his grey hoodie. “So did I actually miss anything while away? Anything fun happen?” “Darius shoved Teemo into a basketball net the other day. Ashe and Sejuani got into an argument which resulted in Udyr and Tryndamere wrecking each other in a fight. Lux dyed her hair pink, but we aren’t allowed to discuss that. Oh and Xayah is trying out to be a cheerleader. Linked to that, Rakan has taken to wearing a glittery bow in his hair most days. I think that’s everything,” I muse, trying to remember if anything else particularly interesting has happened. “And you?” Talon asks, looking over at me. “Me? I’ve been fine. Other than having my meditation sessions interrupted and getting some death glares from some actual cheerleaders, but that’s been it,” I shrug. He continues to look at me before pointing to his own eye. Ah, of course, Talon has missed this little novelty hasn’t he? “Infection. Got to wear one for a while,” I say, not missing the way that Zoe looks at me as I say that. It’ll just be a while. I need to just keep reminding myself of that. “But do not make pirate jokes. He’s really not in any mood for those ever,” Zoe adds on. “Believe me, I’ve tried.” “Your jokes were fine until the stuffed parrot appeared at the end of my bed,” I point over at her before also pointing at the green parrot laid on its side on my shelf. “Neeko thinks Kayn should call him Colours because he has so many,” the vastayan girl nods at me. “I’m not calling it anything. It’s a stuffed bird.” “Or Rainbow,” Zoe’s voice pipes in. “No.” “I like Rainbow even better. Let’s call him Rainbow,” Neeko giggles. I just look over at Talon hanging around near the door. He smirks at me and half-heartedly shrugs. “He does have some red and Yellow on him. Rainbow makes some sense.” “No. You’ve come back now. You’re supposed to provide me with some sanity. These two shouldn’t even be in my dorm but here we are.” “It’s raining. We can’t practice in the rain and Sivir gets so cranky in the room below mine,” Zoe explains to Talon. “And I thought, I know where we can go.” “And here they both appeared. Pity me. Or better yet, you watch their practice and let me do something else,” I almost beg. I will do anything at this point. “Do you want to see Talon? We’re missing Sarah, but you can watch us two if you’d like? You’ll be nicer with critique than he will. Please watch us. Please,” Zoe claps her hands together, her eyes widening as she gazes over at him. “Er sure, I guess. So, when are you performing?” He asks, sitting himself on my floor. I groan and fall back onto my bed, grabbing a pillow and holding it to my face. Maybe if I suffocate myself I’ll get out of this. “Monday,” Zoe says brightly. “We have to perform to the other squad members.” “And then they pick people and we are hoping it’s us,” Neeko adds on just in case Talon had any confusion as to how this worked. “Hey, music boy. We’re waiting on our music,” Zoe orders. I count to ten under the pillow, wondering if that will make me not throw the pillow at her. “Play it yourself,” I mumble out. I had ideas on how I’d spend this weekend and watching and re-watching this routine was not it. I could do this in my sleep at this point let alone those two. “I’ll play it for you Zoe. Hang on. What song is it?” Talon asks and I hear movement. I move the pillow aside as Talon stands by my bed, setting the music on Zoe’s phone to play. Talon smirks at me and I just scowl up. “Don’t smile. You won’t be smiling when you’ve seen it a hundred times.” “I wouldn’t watch it a hundred times,” he chuckles, putting the music on as I resume my place under the pillow. It’s not like I had a choice is it? They just appear where I am. Still, I guess I don’t really mind it. I know Zoe doesn’t like to be lonely and I think, maybe, sometimes I don’t either.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe I’m so nervous about my cheerleading performance tomorrow. I’ve spent all day practicing with Sarah, though I know she wanted to quit ages ago. But it’s important for me. I have to get this right. And for Neeko too, I guess. She seems to really enjoy it and she’s not even trying to get someone to like her. She just wants to get a really cool costume. I think I do too a little bit. This is why I’m sat in my room drawing up designs. I’m thinking ruffles, bows and lots of colours. Pinks and yellows and blues. I’ve come up with quite a few designs for it. Of course, I won’t get to see it until it’s done. The cheerleaders decide what the new squads costumes will look like. “I want a star like Ezreal’s,” I mumble to myself. I certainly don’t want my star to match Lux’s. I wonder if we will get picked. I wonder who else will get picked. I know Taliyah is super interested to be one. I think she has Janna helping her. Rakan and Xayah have Soraka helping them. I watched some of their routine and their’s seems super simple. I mean it looks really good, but I worry that ours is too hard. What if I mess up? “This is tiring?” A voice says from my door as ‘Lux’ slips inside shutting the door behind her. “Tiring?” “Having to hide all the time. Are you sure I shouldn’t tell people I can change?” She asks before changing back into Neeko and slumping to my floor. “But if people know you can change, then people will know it’s not Lux saying stuff.” “Neeko doesn’t know Zoe. It doesn’t feel good. Lux is kind. Neeko thinks you should try and do nice things for Ezreal then he can choose. Otherwise he might be angry if he finds out. Neeko doesn’t want people to be angry with her,” she frets, twiddling her fingers together. I leave my drawings and look over at her. “But if no one knows then no one will ever get angry,” I say brightly, but Neeko doesn’t seem to share my enthusiasm. “But Neeko likes to change into people. It’s nice. It helps me learn more. If I know a person’s sho’ma, I can know that person better.” “But why do you want to know other people better? You have me,” I smile, but again it isn’t returned. “I like you as a friend Zoe. But I don’t think this is nice to do to Lux. Neeko thinks we should stop now.” I know nothing I say will change her mind. Certainly not right now at least. So instead I sort of nod. “Sure. We’ll leave off on Lux I guess,” I sigh, doodling my name and Ezreal’s into a heart by my drawing. “Can I show people I can change?” “Maybe not like right now. Because if you do it now, people will figure it out. Wait a few weeks when people have forgotten about this,” I sigh. I thought I had the best plan here for getting them to break up. “Zoe is sad?” Neeko asks, crawling closer to the desk I’m sat at. “Not sad. Just nervous.” I mean it’s a partial truth. I don’t know how I’ll cope at school tomorrow. The tryouts are after school so me and Neeko can at least change into our costumes I made for us. We added glitter to the marker stars after Kayn said they were boring. He better wait outside the gym for me while tryouts are happening. “About the cheerleading? But we know our routine now don’t we? Neeko feels we’ve gotten better. We’ve practiced lots and worked so super hard,” she tells me. I nod. But what if we don’t? I felt certain last time I’d get onto the squad and then didn’t. What if I mess up again? This whole thing would be easier if Neeko turned into Lux and just straight up broke up with Ezreal. “Neeko, do you think Ezreal will ever like me?” I ask, not looking at her now, just looking at my doodles for my costume ideas. They’re all so pretty. “Of course. Neeko likes Zoe a lot, and Ezreal seems like a nice person.” “Yeah. What am I getting so sad for?” I force a laugh, spinning to look at her. “We’re going to nail it tomorrow. Right?” She smiles at me and nods. “Nail it means get it right?” “Means we’re going to do it perfectly.” “Then we will nail all the things,” Neeko throws her arms out into the air. I nod along. “Yeah we will.” Outside I hear some commotion. Some shouting, some raised voices, which aren’t normally things I hear on my hallway. The rooms around me are normally pretty quiet. So of course I do what anyone would do and abandon my drawings, leap over Neeko and run to see what’s happening. Opening my door there’s quite a crowd of people outside. Some are whispering but the main reason so many people seem to be out is that Katarina is currently holding a knife under Sivir’s throat while Quinn tries to pull her off. And people think the girls dorm is all sunshine and rainbows. “They do not look happy,” Neeko whispers, creeping up beside me and peering out. The arguing continues as Quinn pulls Katarina away. I watch Syndra and Ahri say something that seems to rile Katarina up even more as she swears at people. That’s when I notice Cassiopeia standing somewhere behind her sister. She’s not making eye contact with anyone. Her head looking down to the ground. She’s in a long navy coat, her arms folded over her chest. Her long brown hair still cascades down her shoulders, but it looks like she’s wearing something on her hands. That’s when I realise she’s not ‘stood’. I mean she is, but also she isn’t. And she isn’t stood because she doesn’t have legs. “Look at Cassi,” I whisper to Neeko, pointing between people. She has a snakes tail. I don’t know how, but coming from her coat she has a long, thick snakes tail. How? When Talon said she’d had an accident I was expecting a broken arm, maybe a bad rash. How does that happen? Can that happen to people? She looks more like a vastayan girl now than a human one. “Huh?” Is all Neeko adds to the conversation. “You’re a bitch. You know that right?” Sivir yells, pointing over at Cassi who doesn’t flinch, though Kata looks about ready to throw Quinn across the hallway to get to Sivir. A pillar of light surrounds her, trapping her for the moment and she death glares at Lux. I mean I thought I could death glare Lux, but Kata looks like she literally wants blood. “Lower this, Crownguard girl, or I’ll come after you too,” she hisses. “Look, you need to calm it. Firstly you can’t expect people not to look. Secondly, you can’t expect Sivir to be absolutely fine with everything,” Ahri swaggers up, pacing around the prison currently holding Kata. “I’ll make a fur coat from you Ahri,” Kata glares. “Sure you will.” “Kata, I just want to go to my room. Leave these bitches,” Cassi says from behind them, her eyes now raised as she scowls at people. “Just going to slither away?” Syndra sniggers causing a few others to laugh. The light around Kata shatters and she leaps forward for Syndra. She’s blocked by a blast of magic. Throwing a dagger up into the ceiling she jumps to it and another in the wall before getting her hands around Syndra’s throat before she can blink. Now there is a whole load of commotion. “We should do something,” Neeko looks to me. But what? I’m not jumping in here. Though there is something I can do. Cassi wants to go to her room right? I can do that. Looking over at her I watch her yell as she drops down into a portal. That causes a hush to descend as people try and work out what just happened. Slowly I close my door before grabbing Neeko and leaping into a portal to follow. We end up in Cassi’s immaculate bedroom where she’s laid on the floor looking slightly confused. “Hey Cassi. Thought you’d like a quick route to your room,” I smile brightly as she looks over at me, her thick tail sprawled over the floor. “I suppose I should say thank you little bird,” she huffs, pushing herself up but seeming to not quite get it right as she nearly falls back. However Neeko is already there helping her up. “Neeko can help. Is Cassiopeia alright?” She asks. Cassi just snatches her arm back and glares at the odd girl. “What do you think Neeko? You think everything on me looks alright?” She snaps causing Neeko to back up. “Can Neeko help?” She asks in a small voice, but Cassi just stares. “If you’ve both done staring, you can go. Thank you for the portal little bird, but I might as well get used to people staring. I would if I were them.” “You know, we wouldn’t stare. We’re pretty odd too,” I smile brightly at her, but she doesn’t seem to care. From behind us her door is flung open and Kata walks in sporting a bleeding lip and a black eye. “I hope you gave better,” Cassi says scathingly, but the red haired girl just looks at us two. “Party’s over kids. Vanish,” she hisses. Nodding I bound over and grab Neeko, pulling her through a portal into my room. “There’s a story around that I bet,” I snigger, but Neeko doesn’t. If anything she looks deeply concerned. She grabs at her tail and pulls it around the front, one of her hands gently stroking it. “People were very mean to her,” Neeko says, her voice small. “Yeah but Cassi can handle it. She’s good at it.” “Neeko borrowed her sho’ma. She is very sad and hurting. Neeko doesn’t like people to be sad,” she says. Really? Cassi hurting? She’s a pretty tough person as far as I know. “Maybe talk to her tomorrow. Talon will be around then so she might be a little easier to chat to if he’s there,” I suggest. But it does little to perk Neeko back up. I mean ok sure, Cassi has clearly had a bad time, but I can’t exactly help her. What I can help is making sure I focus on this cheerleading thing tomorrow. Maybe I can make a chant up for her if I get on the squad. I’m already working on one for Kayn to help him beat Rhaast. It’s not good but I’m trying. I’ll make one for Cassi too. “Neeko will do that. Are we practicing now or drawing?” Neeko asks, looking back towards all the papers over my desk. “You want to draw? We could do with the rest I guess. Gotta be at our best tomorrow,” I grin. She nods but still doesn’t look as happy as she normally does. I guess Neeko is a really nice person. Nicer than me. Maybe I should dial it back on having her pretend to be Lux. She doesn’t seem to want to see anyone upset. I mean, as much fun as I have seeing ‘Lux’ shoot down Ezreal – conveniently when I’m nearby for him to talk to – I don’t want to make Neeko feel awkward.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn I stand before a door and knock loudly again on it before folding my arms and waiting for a few moments. Around me the corridor stands in silence. People are either in their rooms asleep or in their friend’s rooms. No one seems to be on the corridors currently. From the other side of the door I hear a noise and the sound of the door getting unlocked. There’s a pause, a look of confusion as Talon looks at me. “Kayn?” “Nice towel,” I reply, stepping into his room. I watch him blush and get awkward before he sighs, shuts his door and heads back into his bathroom with some shout of him at least getting some clothes on. Talon’s room is similar to mine. Neat and tidy, though he does have more things than I do. Whereas my knives are my most precious possessions being a gift from my master, Talon has nothing like that out. What he does have is photos. Lots of framed photos on his shelves of him and his sisters growing up. I’m being nosy at one photo when he re-emerges from his bathroom now wearing a t-shirt and shorts with a towel over his damp hair. “Should have guessed it was you when you didn’t take the hint I wasn’t answering,” he remarks. “I could hear the shower. I knew you weren’t asleep or out.” “Of course you did. Did you not think I was busy?” He smirks at me. “I mean I guessed as much. I also didn’t care. I mean you realise I could have just walked through your wall, right?” I smirk back causing him to laugh. “Yeah, I guess. So what’s up? Any reason why you decided to barge in here?” I don’t reply, not verbally anyway. I pull my phone out and click on the most recent conversation I have. Ignoring several inane messages about rubbish, I stop on one and turn my phone to him. Talon wanders closer, reading the message before looking a little awkward. “She sends you a lot of messages,” he says, deflecting what he should be focusing on. “Something we all know about. But what’s this?” I point back to my phone and my friend just glances away. “Like I said. An accident,” he mumbles, his eyes on the floor. “She has a snakes tail?” “Er, yeah.” “How?” “Um, I’m not allowed to say. You’ll need to ask her,” he says, looking very awkward. “As in an actual snakes tail? Instead of legs?” Talon just nods at me before pulling his towel a little lower over his face, shielding his eyes from me. “Sort of.” “Sort of? Did you not think to include this information earlier?” “It’s sort of a hard thing to say. Can you try and be a little nicer to her tomorrow? I’ve had a text from Kata that the girls in their dorm have already been giving her grief over this. I can’t imagine some of the guys will be any better.” “A snakes tail?” I say again, still a little unable to fully process this. Talon just nods. “And claws too,” he sighs. I steal a glance to my own gloved hand. Well I know all about claws. “Is that the work of a darkin too? Has she made a dumb pact with one of you guys?” I think. I mean, what else could take someone’s legs from them like that? The darkin are incredibly powerful creatures. “While a darkin could probably do that, I don’t sense one coming from his sister. It’s likely she messed with something she shouldn’t have. The world is full of strange magic, as you yourself should know well. Lots of things out there people aren’t even aware of,” Rhaast tells me. I mean, I guess. I know of the darkin thanks to one living within me and I also know of the Aspects beyond just dumb kids stories thanks to one demanding I spend time with her. I find myself smiling which causes Rhaast to laugh. “You ok?” Talon looks at me slightly oddly, his towel now having moved back to reveal his eyes again. My cheeks flush but I just nod my head. “Fine, why?” “You looked a million miles away then,” he says, peering at me. If Talon didn’t have the hang-ups about hurting people that he has, he’d be such a great assassin, because he notices everything. “Just thinking about what could have happened to your sister. It’s a weird thing Talon.” “I mean yeah, it is. But as I’ve said to her, there are lots of students that are a mix up of things. I mean you have people like Rakan and Xayah. Heck even Neeko. Then there’s the yordles and people like Wukong. It’ll be odd for people at first, but at least she won’t be the only odd one out,” he explains but his eyes stay on me. “You sure you’re ok?” I nod again but can hear Rhaast laughing at something in my head. It makes it very hard to focus on things at times. “I told you, I’m fine.” “Are you Kayn? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but your mood can flip on a coin at the moment. I mean you’ve always been somewhat rude, but recently you keep having odd outbursts. You’re also putting up with a lot more from Zoe than you ever used to,” he folds his arms at me, and I can feel myself getting angry at him. Why? Why am I feeling angry at him? “I’m fine,” I say slowly, ignoring the laughing I can hear. “Look, I’ve just resigned myself to Zoe forever being in my face, and I don’t have outbursts.” What might help here is to tell Talon that I have a demon inside of me trying to take control of my body. And as much as Zoe bugs me, spending more time with her shuts said demon up. “Kayn, who are you trying to fool here? The Aspect doesn’t shut me up, you just enjoy being around her.” “Not sure I believe you,” Talon sighs. “But whatever. I know you won’t because you don’t ever seem to ask for help with anything, but I’m here if you need me ok?” That surprises me in a way it probably shouldn’t. I mean I guess we’re friends and that’s what friends do right? “You really are a very clueless person. I believe he’s saying that if you need to talk to him about problems, he’ll listen. You’re right, friends do that for each other Kayn. Of course these are things you apparently don’t know anything about. And you don’t share problems, do you? That’s not your way. Because you can cope with things by yourself, can’t you Kayn?” There’s a dangerous edge to his words and it makes me feel uncomfortable. Of course I can. “Thanks Talon, but I’m fine. I keep saying this. I don’t know why people don’t believe me.” His eyes look to my patch and then my very visible bandages on my arm. To be fair, Ekko and Talon just kind of accept those. They don’t question them too much, or why they’re now up to my shoulder. But they wouldn’t understand even if I tried to tell them. “I’m sure you are. But in case you’re ever not,” Talon says softly. “Anyway, don’t you have enough to worry about with your sister. You realise that there are some real jerks here right?” Talon nods, his eyes going to a photo on a shelf close to him. “I’m sort of hoping people like Draven, Darius and Cassi’s usual crew will not be too jerky about the whole thing. But I think that’s asking too much. Then there’s the Crownguards and their squad,” Talon rolls his eyes. “Somehow I don’t think Lux will exactly be a jerk,” I snigger. Though saying that, Zoe would likely argue against that thought. “Her brother will though. And Jarvan is all ‘mightier-than-thou’ most of the time. Of course the real problem I guess is Kata. Cassi messaged me earlier to say that she can’t say for certain that Kata hasn’t just slit another girls throat,” he half laughs. I mean as a joke it’s funny, but she is very capable of doing just that. “Hey, you up for some target practice,” he smiles before going over to one of his drawers and pulling out a very battered darts board. He hangs it on the back of his door before passing me several throwing knives. “Sure. Bet I can kick your ass,” I smirk, receiving one in reply. I hang around in Talon’s room for about an hour longer. I think it’s because I missed him when he was off. Talon understands me in a way Ekko doesn’t. Or even Zoe for that matter. We have quite a bit in common with our upbringing and futures. Plus, Talon is just a calm person to talk to. And given the rest of our little group, he’s literally the only calm person. Annoyingly though, he is better at throwing knives than I am.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “It’s ok if my sister sits with us, right?” Talon asks, standing by the lunch table despite Cassi already having seated herself, a scowl fixed on her face as Teemo and Veigar walk past laughing in their really creepy ways. “Do we get a choice?” I ask, that scowl coming over to me. “Nice patch,” she sneers over at me. Leaving my slice of pizza I turn to smirk at her. “Nice tail,” I grin. There’s a pause as Talon stares at me with a look as if to check I really just said that. But Cassi doesn’t scowl, a smirk come to her face as she sits back, folding her arms. “At least someone isn’t pretending it doesn’t exist,” she looks at me before turning to her brother as he sits opposite her. “Unlike some.” “I know it upsets you. You want me to point it out constantly?” He sighs, passing her one of the two trays he’s holding. “Acting like it doesn’t exist is just as bad,” she admits, reaching out for a fork. Her fingers now each end in a sharp golden claw. How very odd. It resembles my claw, though mine is hidden under my usual black glove. “Dare I even ask how it happened?” I look at her as Ekko joins us. He looks at Cassi and then to me and Talon. Talon makes a pleading motion while his sister isn’t looking. “You can ask. You won’t get an answer,” she tells me. “Fine. I’m not that bothered,” I shrug. I mean I really want to know. But at the same time I’ve worked very hard at crafting the impression I don’t care. Besides, I hang around with someone who cares about literally everything. She can find out and then she can tell me. Speaking of which? I look across from me as Zoe literally just stares at the food on her tray. Her eyes wide. She is not focusing on that at all. Then again, she hasn’t focused on anything all morning in lessons. She’s looked lost pretty much all day. She hasn’t even looked up at Cassi’s arrival. “You’ll be fine,” I tell her, my voice quiet as Neeko sits herself next to Cassi and starts talking. “What if I’m not?” she whispers back, her eyes never even glancing up. “Then you mess up. You’ve either got it or you haven’t Zoe. Those are the only two options. No point fretting so much over it.” She nods but still doesn’t move. “Will you wait outside for me?” She asks and I find myself nodding. “Sure. They’re in the gym right? What time?” “They start about an hour after school. So they can set things up. Then we perform for the rest of the squad.” “I’ll go get changed after school and then I’ll spend my evening hanging around outside the gym. Just what I wanted to do,” I tease, but when she looks up at me, I can see how worried she is, so I alter my tone. “I’ll be there Zoe. Don’t worry.” I know how worried she must be because she doesn’t say a word in either of our afternoon classes. She just sits there, fidgeting and glancing at the clock on the wall. Neeko seems far more relaxed but by the time the last bell goes I think Zoe’s nerves must have spread. “Break a leg you two.” I tell them, heading out of the classroom, however a pair of hands grabs onto my gloved one and I look down at her biting her lip. “You’ll be outside right?” “Yes,” I sigh, ignoring some of the comments I hear getting whispered. Why is she holding my hand? “Promise?” “I promise Zoe. Now let me go and get changed ok? You guys need to get into your little costumes, right?” I’m of course referring to Zoe’s attempts as making herself a crop top by demolishing a perfectly good t-shirt and drawing on it in marker pen. “Yeah, we do. Ok, so afterwards outside the gym, yeah?” she half smiles at me and I nod. I’m not used to seeing her so worried. She’s normally just excited for everything. I guess impressing Ezreal means a lot to her.
“Jealous?”
“Of course not,” I think. I head through the corridors and down the outside steps, making my way around to the boys dorms. “The Aspect isn’t interested in you Kayn. Not like that. She uses you. You’re someone she can manipulate, and she loves to manipulate people. She’s doing it to the lizard girl she’s adopted.” “Neeko seems to enjoy the cheerleading stuff,” I say. She’s certainly never looked sad when doing it. And I’ve seen enough of them doing it to know. “The cheerleading? I’m not talking about that. I’m referring to the other trick Neeko can do. The one she’s done several times right under your nose, but you never seem to notice.” I’ll admit I’m now intrigued. What trick? Neeko doesn’t seem like someone to pull tricks. She probably supports Zoe in whatever scheme she can come up with, but I doubt she does anything on her own. I hear Rhaast laughing, and as I get closer to the dorms, watch as the rust coloured cat comes out from behind some bushes, stretching over the path before me. “A trick?” I say aloud. There’s no one nearby to hear me though. He looks up at me, his eyes shining. He doesn’t say anything further though, which only annoys me. Fine, if he wants to play this game he can do. I don’t care. Besides I need to get ready for my thrilling evening of sitting outside a mostly empty gym. I can hardly wait. I’m pulling on my black, leather jacket when my door opens and Ekko walks in. Probably should have locked that given I was getting dressed, but also given that the main person that wanders into my room is currently fretting in a gym, I guess I didn’t think about it. “You coming to watch?” He asks, nodding out into the corridor. “Watch what?” “Cheerleader tryouts.” “Tryouts are always behind closed doors,” I remind him, hunting through one of my drawers for my bubble gum. I like to chew things, but I have to hide it to stop Zoe from finding it. “Not this time.” I look over at him. “You serious?” “Yeah. Figured you’d have already heard with Sparkles in it. But Jinx told me.” Well this won’t help her nerves. “Sure. I guess.” “Great. Lets grab Talon,” Ekko grins as I follow him out. I’m still tying the laces on my converse while Ekko knocks on Talon’s door to see if he’ll be joining us. Which of course he is. “So who knows about this then?” I ask as we head round towards the school. “Dunno. Most people I think. Jinx seemed to think that a lot of people would be interested to watch. I mean it should be a good watch right? Seeing Xayah tryout will be hilarious,” Ekko laughs. “They’ve never done this before though. Normally Ahri likes to make some grand announcement at lunch or something,” Talon adds in, his hands in the front pocket of his dark purple hoodie. “Yeah, while Kayn drools over his food,” Ekko sniggers but I just roll my eyes. “Yes. Yes. We’re all aware I have a crush. Don’t act like you don’t also find her attractive,” I smirk at him. “Not as much as you do,” Ekko grins. There certainly seems to be some interest in the tryouts as we arrive at the gym to see other students filing in. People head up onto the benches along one side, sitting with their friends and chatting. We make our way along a row and drop down. “Y’know, I can see the Hot Topic nickname,” Ekko muses, staring over at me as I slouch on my seat. I raise an eyebrow at him but I found my bubblegum in my jacket pocket, so currently I’m far more occupied with that than Ekko’s ramblings. “It’s a warm day. What’s with the leather jacket?” I don’t reply, just blow a bubble. “And you. A hoodie? Can you guys try to look less edgy?” Ekko continues looking over at Talon. “I always wear hoodies. Like he always wears black.” “I know. Why do I hang with you two? I swear you’re hampering my chances with the girls,” Ekko sighs, looking down to the court where Ahri and Syndra are sat at a table. The pretty fox girl stands up and walks to the front of the benches, a smile plastered on her face. “Thank you all for coming. I hope you’ll enjoy our cheerleader tryouts. We thought we’d do something different this year. All people interested have been mentored by an existing cheerleader and will now perform their routines. They’ll all be judged on skill level, difficulty of the routine and the flair with which they perform it. We’ll announce the winners after everyone has been up. Please show them all your support. They’ve all worked very hard on their routines,” she talks into a mic so everyone can hear her before heading back over to her table with Syndra. First up is Caitlyn and Ezreal followed by Zyra and Jinx. I knew Sarah had created a hard routine for those two. These routines feature very few jumps and are far more basic. They’re performed well, I guess, but are super simple. Rakan and Xayah’s routine is certainly different. And by that I mean that Xayah and Soraka are present for it, but it’s very much the Rakan show. He literally somersaults in and twirls around in the centre as the other two do actual cheerleading stuff. Xayah looks like she wants to murder literally everyone watching as she performs, but Rakan is loving it. He has a smile spread over his face. I can’t help but giggle at them. “How are they a thing?” Ekko sniggers. “She must really like flamboyant showoffs,” I chuckle as they drop into their finishing poses of Xayah and Rakan holding hands and leaning back, each supporting the others weight as Soraka does the splits before them. I’ll admit, I clap for that one. Mostly because Rakan enjoyed that far more than Xayah did. “Ok, up next we have Zoe and Neeko performing with Sarah,” Ahri announces as Zoe and Neeko charge forward onto the court. They’re both in their silly little costumes and take up their starting positions. But there’s no Sarah. They wait a moment, but she doesn’t appear. “Sorry guys. Sarah isn’t feeling well tonight. Maybe next time,” Ahri tells them and I sit up. What the hell? I watch Zoe go over to the table. I watch her saying something and pointing back at Neeko, but Ahri and Syndra just shake their heads. “They not going to let them perform?” Ekko looks at me confused as my brow knits into a tight scowl. Don’t you dare, you goddamn bitches. “Unfortunately everyone, Zoe and Neeko have to forfeit. Their routine is for three people, not two, and no other person knows their routine,” Ahri announces. I watch Neeko grab hold of her tail as Zoe shakes her head and says something else. Three people? Shit. Fuck. Shit. Fuck. I’m not doing this. I’m not doing this. I’m not getting pulled into this. This is so dumb. So freaking dumb. But I look down as her lip wobbles, as she tries to plead with the other two girls who are having none of it “Hold this,” I say, taking my jacket off and throwing it at Ekko. He looks confused as I stand up, my hands in my pockets. “I’ll take Sarah’s place,” I call out. Well that silences everyone. Mostly. In the back of my mind I can hear some very faint laughing from Rhaast, but, not as strongly as I normally feel him. “You?” Ahri looks confused before whispering something to Syndra. I take my chance and start to head down, still chewing my gum. “I’ll be their third,” I say again when I reach the base of the seats. “Give me some goddamn pom poms and I’ll be their third.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe Public? Public? They’ve never been public. Never. When I tried out last time it was private. What do I do? I shouldn’t panic. Panicking would be bad. Really bad. But I can’t do anything else. I watch from the side as the first people perform and I get more and more nervous. Rakan and Xayah’s routine is so good. They do it really well. They’ll get picked for sure. Maybe we should just go home. But we’ve worked so hard. I know we’ll do well. I hope we will anyway. “Ok, up next we have Zoe and Neeko performing with Sarah,” Ahri says into her microphone and I smile at Neeko before dashing over to where the others have performed. We’re both wearing our uniforms and we have our pom poms. We can do this. I take my starting pose, thinking only about what I have to do. But Sarah doesn’t appear. I drop my pose and look around. Where is she? Surely she’s not late? But I haven’t seen her at all. I was too busy panicking. “Sorry guys. Sarah isn’t feeling well tonight. Maybe next time,” Ahri looks over at me. No. I worked so hard for this. I leave Neeko and walk over to the table. “Please Ahri. We’ve worked really hard. We can do the routine,” I tell her. “Sorry. You need your mentor,” Ahri tells me. “But we’ve worked so hard. Both of us. Can’t we perform our parts? Please?” I beg, but both of them shake their heads. “Your routine is for three people right? So you need three people,” Syndra tells me with just a hint of a smirk on her face. “Can’t one of you guys stand in?” I plead, looking between them both. “Please?” Again they shake their heads as Ahri picks up her microphone. “Unfortunately everyone, Zoe and Neeko have to forfeit. Their routine is for three people, not two, and no other person knows their routine.” I think I’m about to cry as I step back from the table. But I worked so hard for this. I did everything I could. This isn’t fair. I turn to head back over to Neeko who looks like she’s about to cry when I hear someone call out and the whole room go quiet. I don’t even hear what they said. Wiping at my eyes I look up to see Kayn standing up and literally everyone else looking at him. What’s he said? “You?” Ahri says from behind me and I glance back and then at Kayn who is making his way down to us. “I’ll be their third. Give me some goddamn pom poms and I’ll be their third,” he says, staring over at Ahri. Our third? Kayn’s going to do this? He’s going to stand in for Sarah? Does he know our routine? I guess he has an idea. Wow. Is he really going to do this? Sniffing I wipe my eyes again as a smile starts to form on my lips.There seems to be discussion between Ahri and Syndra before Ahri comes strutting over. There’s a sway to her hips, a pretty smile on her face as she wanders over to Kayn. “Kayn, you don’t want to do this,” she purrs. “These are the rules. I set them you know.” Oh great. This is when he’ll get embarrassed and collapse or something. So much for him wanting to help us out. “Pom poms,” he says deadpan. Ahri falters in her charm for a moment before getting closer to him. “Kayn, you don’t want to do this,” she almost whispers at him, her voice flirty. He just smirks and blows a bubble into her face before pulling it back into his mouth. “I’ll do it without the pom poms then,” he shrugs, heading over to me and Neeko. “You don’t know the routine,” Syndra calls out as he stops just before me and turns to look at her, a smirk on his face. “Syndra, I wish I didn’t know this routine, but I probably know it better than that bitch Sarah. So I’ll be their third and these two can still take part. That’s not a problem is it?” “You can’t take part in physical school activities while chewing gum,” Syndra folds her arms in an almost last-ditch effort to try and dissuade him from doing this. Shrugging, Kayn walks back over to her table, takes his gum out and sticks it to the paper in front of her. “Watch that for me,” he says, an almost sadistic tone to his words before he walks back up to me. His amber eye meets mine and I know that look. I will owe him for this. “You two do this fucking routine as you’ve done it a billion times in front of me,” he tells us both, his voice low. “Do not let their games put you off. You got that? Zoe you keep your time to the goddamn music. Neeko I don’t have vision in my left eye, so you need to be aware of me as I won’t be able to see you. When we fall back for the pyramid, Neeko, make sure you’re the right distance from me that you need for Zoe to land on our shoulders ok? Do not mess this up.” From nearby there’s a clicking sound of talons on the wooden floor as Rakan wanders over. “Here. Use these,” he smiles at Kayn before winking at me. “You got this guys.” He hands Kayn a pair of blue pom poms as someone, probably Draven, yells something. Kayn just smirks at me before turning back to the audience. “Don’t worry, once I’m done with them, I’ll shove them so far up your ass you’ll be able to taste them,” he yells. He’s so angry. Kayn never antagonises Draven. Ever. But I can tell just how angry he is. I can see it on his face. He’s never like this. So why has this got him so angry? I feel my face heat up, my heart in my chest pounding. Kayn is about to do a cheerleading routine in front of the rest of the school, for me. Does Kayn? Do I? No. That’d be silly. Super silly, right? Kayn is my friend. My best friend. My absolute bestest-best friend. He’s the only one who knows I’m an Aspect and I’m the only one that knows he’s fighting a darkin. But that’s all. I love Ezreal. Ezreal makes me giddy. But watching Kayn step up before me, pom poms held in his hands, I feel like my heart is going to burst. I’m so happy. So damn happy. I don’t care if we lose. I suddenly don’t care if I don’t become a cheerleader, because he’s up here with me doing this. Looking at Neeko I nod and take my starting pose as our music starts. I know I know this routine. I know every step and jump, I’ve gone over it so much. But so does Kayn. Sarah had the starting movements, and as the music starts I watch Kayn strut forward, his arms perfectly extended, his movements so precise and in time. I miss my first move because I’m too busy watching him, but I catch up to mimic Neeko. I’ll admit, I’m somewhat jealous. He’s never done this – not unless he practices in his room when I’m not there – but his every move is perfect. His hands snap to his hips as he strides back to be between me and Neeko. I glance up and see his eyes looking at me before he looks back out at the audience. So when we performed for him, he was actually watching. For some reason that turns my face pink and I have to really focus on the final few steps. I launch myself into the air and spin round before dropping down onto their shoulders, one foot on Neeko’s and the other on Kayn’s. There’s a pause before people clap. Several people laugh. I drop to the floor, breathless as I look up at the audience. Kayn doesn’t say a word. He walks past me, and for a moment his hand grips my shoulder, squeezing it for a second before he walks over to the table and drops the pom poms there. I think he says something to Syndra, but I can’t make it out over the noise. Walking back past me, he turns to look at me and winks with his one good eye, his lips mouthing ‘good job’ at me, before he heads back up to his seat. Several people say things to him, and I watch him flip them off before dropping down back beside Ekko. Me and Neeko head back over to where the other people are waiting. Rakan is already grinning, giving us a thumbs up. “You guys rocked that,” he beams. “Thank you,” I say a little breathlessly. “How did he know your routine?” Xayah asks, her arms folded as she looks back to the benches. “We made him watch it a few times,” I admit. More than a few. A whole lot. And he did watch it. He actually was watching us. “You guys looked great. I’m sorry they tried to play such a cruel trick on you,” Taliyah smiles before heading over to do her routine. “Yeah. What was with that? Sarah’s been fine all day,” Rakan says, turning to watch Taliyah. “Ignore them. You got to perform. Just make her pay later,” Xayah smirks at me. “Puh-lease, Zoe won’t have to do anything,” Rakan chuckles before looking over towards the benches. “Kayn is going to hang them for this.” “I have to admit, I’m surprised he got up and did that,” Xayah remarks. “Why? You did it for me babe,” Rakan smiles, wandering around behind Xayah. His arms thread down over her shoulders and I feel my face flush. I’m guessing Xayah did it because Rakan wants to be a cheerleader and those two are like super in love with each other. “Is Zoe ok?” Neeko whispers, peering at my face. I bite my tongue and just nod my head. What am I supposed to say? I honestly don’t know. But when I look at Rakan and Xayah being so close, I know how much I’d like someone to hold me like that, but I don’t know who that someone is. I thought I did, but now I don’t know. The others perform and I feel like I’m about to be sick. The last hour feels like it’s gone really slowly but also really quickly all at once. We’re all called back over as Ahri and Syndra make their decisions. We stand before everyone and I find myself glancing up at where Kayn is lounging. He’s easy enough to spot with the amount of black he’s wearing. I watch him blow another bubble as Talon whispers something to him. He just shrugs. I hope that’s fresh bubble gum and he hasn’t taken the bit off the paper, because that’s weird even for him. Also he always tells me he hasn’t got any gum. What a liar. “All right everyone. We have the results for our new Star Guardians. Everyone tried super hard and did their best, but we have limited slots available. Alright, firstly we have Xayah and Rakan,” Ahri announces. The audience claps, a few people cheer as Rakan literally leaps into the air before grabbing for Xayah and hugging her. Xayah gives a small smile before gripping his hand. I don’t know whether that’s affection or just to stop him from dancing around more. “And then we have the group of Zoe, Neeko, and Kayn,” Ahri smirks. I can’t stop the grin from spreading over my face as I look to Neeko who is also grinning. “I wasn’t trying out Ahri. I was helping those two. Scrub that name off your list,” Kayn calls down. Well I mean he was just helping out. But me and Neeko get to be Star Guardians. This is amazing. “Neeko wonders if she’ll get a rainbow costume,” she squeals beside me. “I want pink,” I beam at her. “Whole group Kayn. Either you’re in, or they’re out,” Syndra adds on snidely and for a second my feel my excitement stop. I look to Neeko who looks just as confused. “But Kayn was just helping us,” I add on. But Syndra just smirks at me, folding her arms. “Whole group Zoe. Don’t worry. We have second choices as we thought this might happen.” “Syndra, that’s a little bitchy don’t you think?” Xayah says, stepping up beside me. “Just let these two join.” “These are the rules Xayah.” “Yeah, that you created.” “Fine, fine,” I hear Kayn’s voice much closer as he stands behind me, his arms folded. “I’ll be a Star Guardian. Can’t wait till I have to catch you lovely ladies or form a pyramid with you. So looking forward to working with you.” He smirks over at the two by the table, his arms folded. There’s a bit of a stare off before Syndra and Ahri look at each other. “They didn’t think you’d agree,” Xayah whispers to the guy behind me. “I know. Hope they have a second male uniform ready,” Kayn sniggers. Wait. What is even happening? Kayn, is a Star Guardian?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn I’m never leaving my room again. What the hell was I thinking? What the hell is wrong with me? “I could tell you, but somehow I think you won’t like the answer.” I hurl a pillow from my bed and over to the desk. I don’t even look if I hit him. Why did I do that? “Even you, in your infinite stubbornness, must have realised why you did it.” I’m going to have to wear a dumb costume and go to their silly little tryouts aren’t I? I’m going to have to hang with goddamn Ezreal more. Surely they don’t really want me as a cheerleader? I don’t want to be one. I can’t think of anything worse than this. What if my master finds out? What the hell will he think? His best assassin learning dumb dance routines. “He’d probably also realise why you did it. He probably won’t be able to pick which girl in a short skirt you did it for, but I assume he’d at least have an idea.” “I don’t like any of them,” I whisper, staring up at my ceiling from my bed. “You might be able to lie to everyone else Kayn. You might even be able to lie to yourself from time to time. But you can’t lie to me. You saw her little face fall when they said they’d have to forfeit. You saw her about to cry. You saw her shoulders drop and your blood boiled. Because despite how much you protest, you love having the Aspect around. You love her silly games and happy-go-lucky attitude. She is everything you aren’t. Everything you won’t ever be. But when you’re around her, you can share in those feelings too. And you like those feelings.” “Shut up.” “You enjoy feeling wanted. You enjoy feeling needed. You enjoy being around the others. And the Aspect fulfils all those feelings for you and then some.” “I’m an assassin. I don’t need to feel wanted or needed. I live for my job. I get my missions and I fulfil them. I don’t need anything else, or anyone else.” “Oh but you do Kayn. You need her. You want her. You look for her when she’s not with you and your heart leaps when she comes up to you. You love her.” Hearing him say those words makes my skin prickle. I don’t love anyone. Love gives you weaknesses. A life of an assassin is solitary. Don’t give anyone a way to break you. But loving someone gives you that weakness because it means there’s a way for people to get to you. Something you value even over yourself. When I think of that I feel my chest tighten. I feel my heart rate quicken and I see her before me. Her smile that lights up her face. Her laugh that will always sound like she’s plotting something. Her silly dances and even sillier clothing choices. And yet thinking of her makes my face go red. I grab my other pillow, holding it over my face, smothering these thoughts. But all I can see is her in my mind. “I can help you Kayn. I can make it so you aren’t burdened with these thoughts. You’re right, loving someone is a weakness. But you do love the Aspect. However, if I were to give you my power, I could erase that love from you. You could be the world’s best assassin with no human ties.” “No.” “No? Do you like having a weakness? Is that what your master taught you? To make yourself weak?” “No,” I say again, my words muffled. But I do, don’t I? I love her. I make these excuses up to people about why I spend time with her, but the truth is I love spending time with her. She’s crazy and the exact opposite from me, but that doesn’t matter because she makes me happy when she’s around. That’s why I stood up in that gym. That’s why I made a fool of myself in front of everyone, because the only other end to that was Zoe being heartbroken and no way was I about to let that happen. Not when I could do something about it. But I can’t have love. Love has never been a part of my life. I never had it as a child and I’ve certainly never had it as I’ve gotten older. My master is disciplined and wants me to grow as a fighter, but he doesn’t love me. Not like a parent is supposed to for their child. I don’t know how to deal with this. “I can make it go away,” Rhaast purrs. I glance over at him where he’s sat on my desk and I can feel his smirk in my mind. I shake my head but don’t reply. He steps forward but before he can say anything I hear a quiet knock at my door. If that’s anyone else making a goddamn joke, I swear I’ll punch them. “Who is it?” I call out, my voice hoarse. “It’s me,” I hear Zoe call back through. Shit. I look down at my claw that’s currently unbandaged. “Is it just you?” I ask, hearing Rhaast laughing as my face goes red. “Yes.” Jumping up I charge over to the door, pausing for a moment before my mirror as I debate grabbing my patch. Shaking my head I just open my door. “Come in quickly, I don’t have my bandages on,” I tell her. Wait why is she using my door? When has Zoe ever used my door? “Why not portals?” “Um, I don’t know. I wanted to come and see you. I didn’t know what mood you’d be in,” she tells me, looking up at me. She doesn’t look as perky as normal. Which is odd given she’s finally got her wish of being a cheerleader. “You ok?” I ask, wandering back over to my bed and undoing my plait. It’s gotten into something of a mess from me lying on my bed for the last hour. “Sort of. Um, I wanted to come and say thank you,” she tells me, her eyes looking down as her feet scuff at my carpet. “Thank you?” “For what you did earlier today. I really thought they were messing it up for me. I’ve worked so hard for it and then to hear them say we’d have to forfeit. I was about to burst into tears. And then you stood up and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier,” she admits, her odd eyes looking up to meet mine. “Yeah, well they were being bitches,” I scoff, fumbling with my hair. My claw doesn’t make this sort of stuff easy at times. “You know I hate people like that.” “I know. But I also know how important your edginess is to you,” she half laughs, fiddling with her own hair. “Honestly I never expected you to do that. But I’m really glad you did. It meant a lot to me.” God I wish my heart would slow down for thirty seconds so I could think without feeling like I’m about to have a heart attack. “You practiced a lot for it Zoe. I know how much it meant to you and I wasn’t about to sit there and watch them ruin that for you,” I say, focusing more on my braid now and getting one of my fingers tangled in a knot. But damn I cannot focus on this task right now. Not with her here. Not knowing how I feel for her. “And it means you’ll get a cool looking uniform,” she tells me, stepping closer, a smile just brushing over her lips. She takes another step and I watch as her delicate fingers take over from mine. She quickly untangles it for me before looking up at me, her face so close to mine. “You could do with taking your face down a few shades Kayn. There are Stop lights less red than you.” “I got you something. Something to say thank you,” she says, her voice soft for once. “You didn’t have to,” I reply but she just shakes her head. Her eyes leave mine and I find myself managing to release a breath that I was apparently holding. Reaching into the little shoulder bag she has, she pulls out a bundle of black fabric and holds it up to me. “It’s a black eye patch. But a proper one. I think it’s made of leather or something that you’ll probably find cool. I thought it might suit you better than those white ones do,” she says, holding it out to me. “Er thanks. You didn’t have to though,” I tell her. “Yes, I did Kayn. Because I have no idea how to thank you for what you did. It means the absolute world to me. And this was all I could think of. So, I went eye patch hunting. And see this way it shouldn’t slip or anything. So if you do show up to practice then you can jump and stuff and this won’t shift.” “Thank you,” I smile at her, watching a similar expression come to her lips. “Can I put it on you?” She asks and I just nod. The bed dips below me as she leaps up to kneel behind me. Her fingers glide through my hair, fastening the eye patch under it all. The whole time my body feels like I have the worst case of pins and needles. I feel every movement her fingers make as they move my loose hair aside, as they fasten the strap before gently brushing my neck. “There. See. You look super cool already,” she bounces off and points to the mirror. I give a nod, trying to focus on breathing techniques I know to calm myself. This is Zoe. I hang around with her all the time. But now it feels different and I don’t know how I’m supposed to deal with this. Standing up, I trail after her, looking at my reflection. It does look better, I guess. She picked out a pretty cool one. “It does suit me better,” I smile at her, watching her reflection grin back at me. “Thank you.” “No. Don’t thank me at all,” she says getting flustered. “It’s just to thank you. Because I was sad and then you made me not sad so it’s me that is going to have to thank you for like the next million years.” Seeing her gets awkward actually helps to calm me. Zoe shouldn’t ever be solemn. She should be dumb, and over the top, like this. “So, a million years from now the Aspect of Twilight is still going to be thanking some mortal boy for becoming a cheerleader?” I tease watching her stop in her awkward flailing. “If I’m still the Aspect in a million years, then yes,” she smiles up at me and I look down at her. “A better question is Zoe, will you remember it in a million years? You forget lessons from day to day,” I smirk. I watch her silly grin dissolve into a far softer smile as she gives a nod. “I’ll remember it forever,” she says – and we’re back to solemn Zoe and back to my face looking like the inside of a watermelon. Is there any way that this immortal goddess could like me like I like her? Is that even a thing? I mean surely not. She likes blonde, cocky pretty boys. Not someone like me. “Such a leap from a blonde, cocky pretty boy to a black haired, cocky pretty boy,” Rhaast laughs and my face just continues to burn as I stiffly turn to look at the cat laid on my desk watching us. God I’d totally forgotten he was there. That’s maybe the first time in months I’ve forgotten about him. “He being a jerk?” Zoe asks, skipping over to him while my feet have frozen to the floor. There is no way Zoe can like me. “Hey Rhaast. If you want, you can be our mascot. Just imagine wearing a cute little outfit covered in ruffles and stars and sparkles. You’d look adorable.” He hisses at her but as usual, Zoe is unperturbed by his hostility. She opens a small portal beside her and reaches in. She pulls out what looks like a party popper and fires it straight at the cat who yowls and darts out my open window – streamers and glitter trail after him. “You need a cuter cat,” she smiles back at me and I just nod. “Um, Zoe, um, can I ask you something?” I stammer out, watching her cock her head. God what am I doing? “Sure. You know you can. I mean after today you can literally ask me anything. Any favour and I’ll do it,” she grins. “Er, well,” I start, having literally no idea how to go further. Hi Zoe, I think I love you. Is there any chance you might feel the same way back? Well that’s great. Now if only I could get my mouth to vocalise any of that. “You ok?” she asks, her cheeks going slightly pink. “Maybe,” I get out before there’s another knock at my door and I seem to leap about five feet into the air. “Hey, Kayn,” I hear Rakan call through as my door handle opens. No. Shit. I have my darkin arm visible. Unable to think of anything to say to anyone, I dart through the wall into my bathroom and lean against the wall panting. “Ah, hey Zoe. Kayn around?” “Er, fixing his hair,” she lies and I slump to the ground as the two of them have a conversation about something in my room. Why can’t I ask her? Why can’t I just ask her? “And before you say a word – a goddamn word – it’s not because I’m weak,” I think, already knowing what he’s about to say. “I mean I was about to say that, but I was also going to add on that before your feathery neighbour walked in, that would have been a rather perfect opportunity to ask. The Aspect actually seemed to behave like a normal mortal for once and not how she usually acts. Shame you blew it. And yes, you are weak.” “Kayn, er, Rakan and Xayah want to know if you, me and Neeko want to go out for pizza? Celebrate getting onto the team?” Zoe calls through knocking on the door. “Sure,” I mumble, my hands held to my face. “Let me just sort my arm out.” I love Zoe, and I have no idea how to tell her that.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “It’s not a hard question to answer,” Talon says, somersaulting backwards on the bench we’ve currently got laid between two large wooden pommel horses. He lands perfectly before flipping forward and landing onto his hands, holding himself up. He looks over at me, his mousy brown hair falling untidily around his face. I give a half-hearted shrug. “I’ve told you no, but you don’t seem to accept that answer,” I tell him. “Of all the things I would expect from you, that was never it,” he continues, leaping from the bench and nodding for me to head over. I roll my eyes, passing him and jumping up onto the platform. I walk back and forth over it, the wood cool to my bare feet before I also flip backwards, landing onto my hands. To show off slightly, I raise my right arm, balancing perfectly on my bandaged left hand. Talon rolls his eyes. “You know, I question the bandages even more when you can do stunts like that,” he smirks. “But seriously, a cheerleader? You sure you don’t like her? I can’t think of any other reason why you, Shieda Kayn, would stand before the entire student body and perform a cheerleading routine. Unless you’re now taking tips from Zoe and this is a plan to get Ahri to like you.” “Wasn’t the entire student body,” I grunt, focusing more now on my balance than Talon’s annoying questions. I mean he’s not wrong I guess. I do like her. Not that I have admitted that to anyone. “You barely admit it to yourself. It’ll be months yet before you’ll even partially admit it to someone else.” “Wasn’t far off. I’m just saying, it was an odd thing for you of all people to do. There are people in school I could see doing that. You never even cracked my top ten,” Talon folds his arms watching me as I return to balancing on two hands and pushing myself off the bench to land on the mats we’ve placed below. “You are not the person that would have had to put up with her had she not made the team. You wouldn’t be the person whose room she would pop up into in the middle of the night bawling her eyes out. I knew the routine, I helped them both out,” I protest but Talon doesn’t look convinced. “I saw that you knew the routine. You did it better than Zoe and Neeko. I mean I don’t know what part surprised me the most – that you knew it or that you did it so perfectly. Right down to swaying your hips.” A slight chuckle escapes his mouth. “Personally I liked the part where you put two fingers to your lips and then flicked back out to the audience like you were blowing a kiss.” Getting called out over this from two sources is not exactly helping my concentration on what me and Talon are doing. We often come into the school’s smaller gym. It’s not the size of the other, but this is mostly used for gymnastics practice. It’s small and filled with equipment we can use to test ourselves. So we’re both here, in our PE kit to just stay on top of things like our balance and precision of movements. “Your turn,” I say, wandering over to a bucket of tennis balls and grabbing several up as Talon leaps onto the beam. “Do you like her though? I’m not going to tell anyone,” he says, his voice simply curious rather than prying. I launch the first ball at him, watching as he dodges it easily. “No.” “Still don’t believe you,” he informs me as I throw another. And another. And another. Talon however has the poise of a cat and ducks and dodges each ball, never losing his footing. Annoyingly, he catches one of them and throws it right back at me. I barely avoid it given my mind is elsewhere. “Oh Kayn. Please play cheerleader with me. I’m an immortal Aspect and I know you love me, so lets dance around in frills together,” Rhaast laughs, mimicking Zoe. I’m caught totally off guard. My face lighting up like a beacon. “Why are you blushing?” Talon asks, instantly noticing. How red have I gone? “Bright red. You make his sister’s hair look dull by comparison.” “Nothing,” I stammer out. Concentrating on two conversations at once is not easy at all. “Got anything to do with Zoe?” Talon smirks before his eyes go up to a window and I watch him point upwards. “Is that your cat? Why is it always following you?” I look upwards to see the scrappy form of Rhaast flailing about outside of the window. In my head I can hear his laughter. “It’s not my cat.” “Seriously? Do you just deny everything? It follows you everywhere. It sits on your shoulders,” Talon looks at me. “It’s not mine,” I lie. “Kayn, it’s literally outside of the window of the room you’re in. I didn’t even know cats could be that loyal.” “Have you ever seen a cat basket or anything to do with a cat in my room?” I ask, scowling back up at the window. “You can stop laughing now. It wasn’t that funny.” “Don’t be a meanie Kayn. You know how much you love me,” he continues, still trying to imitate Zoe. But Rhaast’s voice is so deep, he can’t get anywhere near the right pitch. “You’d know. You think about her often enough. You’ve memorised every inflection on her words haven’t you?” “Kayn? You aren’t even listening to me now,” Talon sighs, still stood on the bench. “Look you may not have cat things in your room, but you always have that cat in there. Just admit it’s yours.” “It’s not my cat,” I continue to protest, pointing first at Talon and then back to Rhaast. However the laughing stops suddenly and I look up at him to now see him sat, his tail twitching. “You have company.” “Just admit it’s your cat and that you maybe have a crush on Zoe,” Talon sighs, slowly flipping backwards so that both his hands and feet are on the bench. I’m about to say something else when I hear a set of footsteps and Varus walks into the gym. “Kayn,” he says, his voice calm. “Hey Varus,” I nod my head while behind me I hear a crash. Has he fallen off? I turn to glance at Talon who is now stood beside the bench, his face even brighter than mine was. Really? He can dodge balls being launched at him but gets startled by someone walking in? “You ok?” I ask, watching him nod his head but not actually saying anything. Ignoring my friend humiliating himself I turn back to Varus, his grey eyes meeting mine. “So what can we do for you Varus? Not like you to hang out around the gym.” “I came to see you actually,” he tells me, his voice carrying just a hint of worry as he scans me up and down. His gaze lingers just a little too long on my clearly bandaged arm and then to my eyepatch. “Me?” I ask, somewhat surprised. In my head I can hear a low chuckle and am somewhat surprised when Varus glances up towards the window, his eyes narrowing at the cat sat up there. “Yeah. I thought I’d come congratulate you on your success with the cheerleaders. Never thought you’d want to be something like that,” he says, a wry smirk on his face. I scowl and behind me I hear Talon make a strangled noise, as though he wants to add something there but thought better.“Can’t wait to go skipping around learning dance routines,” I say dryly, folding my arms.Varus is such an odd student. He rarely interacts with anyone else – and that’s not through a lack of people trying. He seems to just go through school in his own little world. I know a few people say they’ve seen him muttering to himself sometimes, but I can’t exactly judge there given the conversations I have with my cat. God did I just admit he was mine?“I dare say a few people are looking forward to seeing what exactly you and Xayah will bring to the group,” he smirks, his eyes once again going up to the window. “However there was another reason I wanted to talk to you.” He looks behind me to Talon before his eyes literally meet with mine. “You’re walking on very thin ice right now Kayn,” he tells me, his voice low enough that I’m not sure Talon can hear him. He leans in closer to me and I’ll admit I’m very, very confused. “That creature is not your friend. He wants one thing and one thing alone. You need to fight it’s control. Find something that you can fight for. Something that you would die for and hold on to it. Don’t let go even for a moment. This is a fight you can’t afford to be distracted with.” Ok now I’m even more confused. In my mind I hear the hiss and watch as Varus looks up to the window, now smirking at the cat. “He’s also an asshole so I’d hate to see him win,” he steps back from me and looks over to Talon. “You recovered from your fall yet?” I turn to look at Talon who just nods, still looking awkward. For all the stealth he normally has he’s not exactly showing that right now. “Find something Kayn, and hold onto it with all your strength,” he tells me before starting to walk from the room. I don’t even have a chance to ask him how he knows. “How does Varus know you?” I ask, looking up. But Rhaast has vanished and my mind is oddly silent. Instead I turn to where Talon is now leaning over the bench muttering to himself. “By the way, good job with the fall there. You’re right, you’d be a terrible assassin.” “That was so embarrassing,” he moans, talking into the bench as he leans heavily onto it. I want to say something but find myself looking back at where Varus went. How did he know?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “You are literally going to be the worlds angriest cheerleader. I mean when you did that routine I thought you were about to murder someone,” Ekko laughs. He’s waiting with me and Kayn and Zoe. The two pretty birds are here too. Apparently we need to get measured. Zoe is very excited. She’s jumping around and her sho’ma is even more sparkly and colourful today than usual. It’s very exciting being a cheerleader. We haven’t done anything yet, but it’s still going to be very exciting. Kayn doesn’t look as excited as Zoe. He’s scowling, his arms folded. Neeko didn’t think he wanted to become a cheerleader but he was very, very good at the routine. “I’m hoping my outfit is a fabulous as I am,” Rakan smirks, his hand going under his jaw. “Such a thing doesn’t exist,” Xayah says to him and I watch as he hugs her. Xayah is very pretty. Neeko is a little bit jealous of Rakan. “I want to be pink,” Zoe bounces around before she’s called over. There’s someone here from outside of school and they seem to be doing something with a tape. I watch him wrap it around Zoe’s waist and chest. “Any colour you want Kayn?” Xayah smirks at him. He glances over at her but just shrugs. “Black.” “Like his soul,” Ekko whispers before bursting out into laughter. Xayah and Rakan join him. Neeko smiles but doesn’t fully understand the joke. “They’re not going to give you black,” Rakan laughs. “Dark blue maybe. But you can’t have a black and white costume.” “I don’t want to be here. The least they could do is give me a colour I like,” Kayn sighs, his eyes going over to where Zoe is bouncing back over to us. She looks super happy as Xayah is called over. “I wonder what star design we’ll get?” She squeals. “I’m sure you two will both be happy with the same design as Ahri’s crew,” Ekko giggles. Zoe nods her head but Kayn just sighs. “I literally don’t care.” I’ve never met people with such shifting sho’ma as they both have. Neeko has met lots of people and seen lots of colours. But Zoe’s is so sparkly and vibrant and constantly shifting. Kayn’s is more normal, but there are two colours. Red and blue. It’s odd. For a while the red seemed to be getting bigger. It was just his arm, but recently it was most of his left side, but for the last few days it’s subsided. He has more blue now than red. It’s very odd. Neeko has tried to ask Zoe about it, but she always changes the conversation. “Neeko,” Soraka calls over and I dash over to where she’s stood with the other person. “Hi Neeko. Are you excited to be a cheerleader?” Soraka asks as the tape is wrapped around parts of my body. “Neeko is very excited. Is this for a pretty costume?” I ask. It would make sense why everyone was talking about costume colours. “It is. Got any preferences for a colour?” Soraka asks. I just smile at her, my head bobbing up and down as I nod. “Lots of colours. Neeko loves all colours so Neeko can’t pick just one.” My answer seems to amuse her as she giggles, writing something down on the paper she has attached to a clipboard. “Lots of colours? That should be ok. Anything else we should know when designing your costume?” she asks me, looking at me and smiling gently. “Um, Neeko needs to wear shorts under skirts. Especially short skirts. Sometimes Neeko’s tail gets in the way and pulls my skirts up. I do not think people want to see Neeko’s underwear,” I admit. That causes Soraka to giggle as the man with the tape also laughs. “That should be fine Neeko. I can’t wait for everyone to get their costumes so we can then start practicing for real. It’ll be so much fun having so many new people. Especially having so many boys on the team now,” she smiles over at me. “Ok, you’re all done. Er, Kayn, can you come over please?” Her voice gets quiet as she says his name. I turn from her and bound back, passing Kayn as he slouches over. “I hope to any god listening they give him a pink uniform,” Ekko sniggers as I stand with the others. “No. I want pink. He can have any other colour, but not pink,” Zoe huffs folding her arms. “Come on Sparkles. Would you not even surrender a pink cheerleading uniform to see Kayn having to dance around in one? Because I would surrender anything to see that happen. Also what’s with the new eye patch? Oh god think he’ll have to wear a star shaped one?” Ekko sniggers. “I bought him that,” Zoe says proudly, her hands on her hips. “I would have liked to get him a star shaped one, but I figured he’d appreciate the black one better. It was a thank you present.” “What? Thank you for destroying any pretence of credibility you had?” Xayah chuckles, folding her arms and looking at where Kayn is slouching though the man with the tape keeps telling him to stand up straight. “He didn’t destroy his credibility. He didn’t have any to start with,” Rakan teases. Zoe looks between them both and back to Kayn. “I just thought it was really nice what he did. I know he doesn’t want to be a cheerleader, but he did it so me and Neeko could be ones,” Zoe says, her voice now soft. Xayah and Rakan pass a look between themselves. A somewhat smirky look, but they don’t say anything. “Neeko thought it was nice too,” I smile at Zoe. “And it was nice of Zoe to buy him a new eye patch. Neeko will buy him a present too.” I don’t know why Kayn is now wearing an eyepatch. He doesn’t talk about it. He just gets angry when people make jokes. Neeko thinks it is to do with his odd sho’ma. He seemed to start wearing one when the red was bigger. “What things can I buy Kayn?” “Hot Topic vouchers,” Ekko laughs and some of the others snigger. Somehow I don’t think that’s something he would appreciate. He doesn’t seem to like that nickname. “Something cute and cuddly,” Zoe giggles, her arms outstretched. I think Zoe might like that more than Kayn. “Like a unicorn. Or a rabbit. A pink rabbit unicorn!” “Neeko does not think that Kayn likes rabbits,” I say. Zoe just grins and I hear footsteps behind me. “Neeko would be right,” Kayn sighs. I turn to smile at him but his eyes are on Zoe. They always seem to be. And yet they say they do not love each other. Neeko thinks that’s a lie. “What are you trying to get Neeko to do?” “She wants to buy you a thank you gift and I suggested a rabbit. Actually I suggested a pink unicorn rabbit plushie.” “It’s fine Neeko. I don’t want anything,” he says. I still feel like I should get him something. It’s something I think about on my way back to my room. Zoe has gone off with Kayn, but Neeko has homework to do. Walking along the corridors I can hear people laughing in their rooms occasionally before I hear something smash in one. I linger outside, unsure if I should do something. But then I hear something else smash. I should ask. I should check everyone is ok. “Um, Cassiopeia. Is everything alright? It’s Neeko,” I say, gingerly knocking on the door. There’s no answer so I push the door open. “Cassiopeia?” Inside I can hear her crying. Muffled sobs fill the air. Stepping in I feel something crack under my feet and look down at a broken shard. It looks like part of a mirror. “Go away,” Cassiopeia mumbles, her hands to her face. “Neeko heard smashing. Do you need help?” I ask, blushing. She’s very pretty and Neeko feels very awkward around her. “No Neeko. I don’t need help. I don’t need anyone,” she turns to look at me. Her face streaked with black from her eyes. There’s a snarl to her words, like an animal. “You are sad. Neeko can help,” I smile, stepping further in and closing the door behind me. I don’t think she’d appreciate people seeing her like this. “Go away. Go play cheerleaders with the others. Go and wave your pom poms about and be perky, happy Neeko,” she says, rolling her eyes. She reaches to her face to wipe at her tears but when her claw touches her skin she recoils back, staring at it before starting to cry again. “Do you need a friend? Neeko is a good listener. I can listen if it will help,” I suggest. “Yeah? How’s about this, I’m a freak. I’m a monster. What would someone like you know about that? Cutesy little Neeko. I bet you’ve never had people pull back from you,” she snaps and I grab my tail, pulling it around to my hands. “Neeko knows. Neeko is Oovi-kat. No other Oovi-kat around,” I tell her but she just rolls her eyes at me. “Oovi-kat? You’re vastayan. This school is filled with happy little woodland animals like you. I’m not vastayan. I’m supposed to be human.” “Vastayans and Oovi-kat are similar. But not the same. Oovi-kat can do things Vasatayans can’t. Sometimes it scares people. Or they treat Neeko oddly because of it,” I tell her. That seems to have her interest as she wipes away more tears. “Different?” I nod my head. I know Zoe said to not show anyone, but Cassiopeia is sad and Neeko wants more than anything to make her happy right now. “Neeko can borrow sho’ma and become that person,” I explain. She looks confused so I look to the colour around her, merging hers with mine for a moment before I change into her. She shuffles back, her eyes wide and surprised. “You’re me.” “Yes. Neeko can be anyone,” I say, changing back to myself and taking another step closer to her. “Neeko likes being you. You are so very pretty. Prettier than Neeko.” My cheeks blush. “Used to be pretty,” she almost spits the words. Her eyes surveying the broken mirrors. There are a lot of them. “No. I think you are very pretty,” I admit, my hands intertwining as I smile at her. “Very pretty.” “Neeko, you’re sweet. I get that’s like your thing. You’re the cute, slightly not with it girl, but I know how I look. I used to be pretty. I used to be able to give that fox a run for her money. But look at me. Look at this tail and these claws. There is nothing pretty about them,” she grabs a bundle of coils and almost throws them at me. “Neeko thinks tails are pretty,” I smile, grabbing for my own again. “See.” “I think you’re lying.” “Not at all. Ahri is very pretty. But so is Cassiopeia. Neeko likes you both,” I say. She looks at me in a funny way. Her eyes studying me, and I feel awkward. “Did Zoe put you up to this?” “Zoe? Zoe is off with Kayn. Neeko has homework,” I tell her, but there’s a glint to her eyes. “Kayn huh? I heard about his stunt at the practices. I also heard what Ahri and Syndra tried to do to you two. It was a tacky move. Um, thank you for saying what you said Neeko, but I know what I am. You go and do your homework,” she sighs, looking around her room. “Neeko will stay,” I nod, my suddenness seeming to surprise her. “There are lots of broken mirrors. Neeko will help tidy them up. This way Cassiopeia will not cut her pretty tail.” “Pretty?” “Very. But tails can do their own things sometimes. I know this. And yours is a newer tail than mine. So I will stay and pick things up and put them in the bin for you. And if you want to buy new mirrors, Neeko can help,” I tell her before bounding over and grabbing for her bin. I start to wander around her room, picking up the shards from the floor. She watches me, her head cocked to the side as if not sure why I am helping her. “If anyone comes in, you’re just dropping some notes off from class,” she tells me, her voice stern as she folds her arms. I just nod my head. “And this doesn’t mean we’re best friends now. You can still go off and do your cheerleading things with Zoe.” “Will do.” “But thank you. You’re the first person to call me pretty since this happened to me,” she admits, her eyes glancing to the side. I bite my lip so as not to say anything dumb, because Neeko really does find her beautiful. “Can Neeko call you her friend?” I ask a little hesitantly. She looks at me and just shrugs. “Privately yes. But not to anyone else, you got that?” I nod my head, a smile on my face. Neeko understands and Neeko is very, very happy.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “You know, I don’t think this school has a very good health and safety record,” I muse, laying back in the air as Kayn twirls around a long sparring pole he has. He grunts something at me. Probably a ‘go away Zoe’, grunt, but I continue anyway. “I mean, you have just walked from the dorms carrying a pole longer than most students. Not to mention the amount of knives you own. Sure, no one really knows about those, but you aren’t subtle with the pole. And Draven has those axe things he likes to throw about. Ashe has a whole host of bows and arrows hung up on her walls. And those are just the weapons. I think half the student body can use magic.” His shoulders sag and he turns to look at me, his expression annoyed but I just grin. “You forget half the staff can also use magic or carry stupidly large weapons around with them,” he points out, leaning onto his pole. He’s taken his patch off for training and his red eye seems to almost glow. “That doesn’t really improve the health and safety aspect. Just means there’s more people to add to the danger,” I giggle. “I suppose.” He turns away from me and continues to twirl the pole around. I’m not about to point this out to him given he’s still in a bad mood over having to be measured for a cheerleading costume, but he’d be amazing with a baton. Like he never drops this pole. It doesn’t’ matter how much he spins around or throws the pole up to catch, he never loses it. I’ll mention it when he’s in a better mood. “Don’t you have glitter to throw over some poor soul?” He asks, smirking over at me and I feel my stomach do a flip. Why? It’s just Kayn? But he does have a very nice smirk I guess. Especially with his fringe falling over his face as he looks at me. Wow do I need to snap out of this. This is Kayn. My best friend Kayn. “Zoe? You in there?” he asks, clicking his fingers at me as my face heats up. “What was the question?” I squeak out, my mind being somewhere else entirely right now. “Glitter? Throwing it over people. You know, that stuff you normally do. You don’t have to hang around while I train.” “Well I normally throw it over you and you’re here right now,” I grin, hoping that will make sure he doesn’t notice my face. Why am I so embarrassed? Is it because of Kayn? I mean sure he’s attractive, but not in a way I’d like right? Right? Come on Zoe. You love Ezreal remember. Ez-re-al. But Ezreal never did a cheerleading routine for me. No one’s ever done anything like that for me. I look back at Kayn as he just raises an eyebrow at me before rolling his eyes. “You’re being weird. Well, weirder than normal. Let me know when you’re acting a little more sane.” “You know me. I never act sane,” I force out a laugh and watch a smile come to his face as he gives a slight nod. Wow he is actually really pretty. Even with the red eye and evil demon corrupting his body thing he has going on. I mean his attitude sucks, but sometimes he’s not so bad, I guess. I mean he gets me. I annoy him a lot of the time, but he gets me. “How come you’re doing so much solo training lately? I swear you haven’t been to see your master in weeks,” I say, his face falling into a scowl and I swear he jabs that pole just a little harder into the air. “He’s busy.” “All the time?” “All the time,” he says bluntly. See, I know this reaction. This is his ‘I’m not talking about it no matter how much you push’, reaction. Fine with me. I was just trying to be polite. I hang out with Kayn for a while longer, but his attitude doesn’t really improve. I’m guessing he’s had a falling out with his master. He’s had those before, and he sulks a lot over it. Never known one go on for this long though. Plus I guess I should look at my homework. Neeko went back to start on hers ages ago, but where’s the fun in that? I portal back to my room, but what started out as me trying to write an essay on some character in a book we’re reading, quickly devolves into me singing while dancing around my room. I mean, it’s not like it takes a lot to get me off track, apparently a few words in a book that sound like song lyrics are enough. Such is my commitment to my solo concert, I miss the first few knocks on my door. I do hear someone banging though and then my name being called. Honestly. Rolling my eyes, I place my hairbrush microphone down on my dresser before heading over. “I’m coming. This better be good,” I huff. Opening my door I’m surprised to see Cassi lounging on my door post, her slender arms folded over her chest. “Hello little bird, mind if I come in?” She asks, a silky edge to her voice. “Um, sure,” I say, stepping back and letting her come through. She hasn’t quite mastered moving with her tail yet and I notice her stumble at one point as she tries to keep up her attitude. Once all of her is in my room, I shut my door and look at her as she surveys my room. Her green eyes judging everything in here. “So, Zoe, how goes your little plan for Ezreal? I notice that the cheerleading part worked out rather well. Bet you can’t wait to start jumping around with the likes of Ahri and Syndra.” “Er yeah, that part has actually worked out great,” I say somewhat awkwardly “Super great. Both me and Neeko got on so that’s awesome.” “Just you two?” “Kayn too.” “Kayn too huh? Isn’t it lovely when a prince comes to your rescue,” she smirks and I feel myself get embarrassed. This has been happening a little too often recently. “It’s just Kayn. I’ve also been practicing my baking. Ezreal will love the cakes I’m baking now,” I grin, eager to move the conversation along. “Good. You know what the great thing is about trying out for cheerleading and doing nice things for someone is? They’re totally harmless. If Ezreal decides he likes you because he’s spending more time with you or because you’re doing nice things with him and decides to break it off with little miss perky to be with you, that’s one thing. That’s his choice. However, roping someone completely innocent into this little scheme and putting them in a position that people could get very angry with them over it, that’s another thing entirely Zoe.” She peers at me with a coldness that I’ve rarely seen her use. Cassi is sly and cunning. She smirks and taunts people. But this, this is almost outright anger. “I’m not following,” I say, very confused by this whole thing. “See I’ll admit, I never thought too hard on it when I heard Ezreal moaning that Lux had apparently split up with him only apparently she hadn’t. I can’t describe how much I don’t care. Only I heard from someone else that they’d seen Lux saying something she had apparently never said. I miss nothing in this school little bird. I don’t get the appeal of Ezreal, but you and Lux sure seem to like him. But if Lux never said those things then what could possibly be happening. Everyone seemed convinced she had. Now I’ve just learnt that a member of our school has a very interesting little trait. One in which they can make themselves look and sound exactly like another student,” she says, her eyes literally boring into mine right now. “You know?” I hedge a guess. She gives her head a slight nod. “But the thing is, Zoe, Neeko is too damn nice for her own good to do that off her own back. That girl is like walking innocence. But you, you’re not that innocent, are you? You like pranks and teasing. Not to mention elaborate plans to get half-wits to like you. Neeko wouldn’t tell Ezreal Lux had broken up with him, unless asked to by someone she trusted.” Her words are harsh, and I feel myself feeling ashamed. It was wrong of me to rope Neeko into that. But it just seemed so perfect. “We haven’t done that in a while,” I try and explain but Cassi cuts me off. “We? There’s no ‘we’, Zoe. It was Neeko. It’d be her people got angry with, not you. Hopefully everyone will forget about this should Neeko show anyone else what she can do. You want to get them to break up, we can come up with something. But you leave her out of it. Let her dance around and speak in her weird third person ways and keep her out of it. You understand?” She jabs one of those gold claws of hers into my chest and I just nod my head sheepishly. “And if anyone does find out and is smart enough to put two and two together, which honestly in this school isn’t likely, but if they do, you take the blame. You got that?” Again I nod. Why is Cassi defending Neeko so strongly? I mean, I kinda guessed I messed up there. Neeko is a really lovely girl, and my first thought was how to use her ability for my own gain. That’s not being a good friend. “I have apologised to her for making her do that,” I say, my voice small, but Cassi’s gaze is terrifying. “You come up with crazy ideas Zoe, you sort them. Don’t rope others in like that.” She turns and awkwardly starts to leave my room leaving me feeling stupidly ashamed. “Also, I fully expect you to help me make the Crownguards lives hell one way or another. Just because your desires may have altered, we’ll just have to find another route. Maybe make Garen do something dumb. That shouldn't be too hard to do.” “My desires?” I start, her claw on my door handle. “Nothing’s changed there. I still want to get Ezreal.” Cassi turns around and smirks at me. “Like I said little bird, I notice everything in this school.” She takes her leave and I’m left feeling like the most awful person ever. I never wanted to make Neeko feel bad. Or get her in trouble. I just wanted Ezreal to like me and Neeko’s ability seemed like a great way to do that. Maybe I am a horrible person. Because Ezreal doesn’t seem to be any closer to liking me and now other people are angry at me. Not knowing what to do, I create a portal below my feet and drop down into it, landing with a thud on the floor and looking up at the guy scowling at me, his training shirt currently being held in his hand. Over his bare chest I can see very faint red marks tracing away from his arm. “You look like someone just told you unicorns don’t exist,” he sighs, throwing his shirt into a basket in the corner and striding past me. “I messed up with something,” I admit. “What with?” “I don’t really want to talk about it. I just didn’t want to be alone either,” I say, my voice quiet. “And I was your first choice of person to bug? How honoured I feel,” he jokes, smiling over at me. “You always are,” I grin back. He glances away from me, almost as if he’s taking a moment. Is he embarrassed? Thinking Kayn might be embarrassed around me makes my heart start to beat. Not that I want him to be, but does Kayn? Does he like me? Do I like him? I think I maybe do. “So if you don’t want to talk about it, how about you create one of your portals and get us both into a movie? We haven’t done that in a while. There’s nothing major I want to see, but I do always love knowing I’m watching it for free,” he smirks at me, pulling another t-shirt on over his chest and hiding away any sight of the corruption on his body. “That sounds good,” I smile back at him.
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Kayn “How does this even fasten on?” I mutter, trying my best to get myself into this new uniform I now own. Why is there so much fabric? Why do I have an undershirt and some half-assed waistcoat thing over it. Should this even fasten like this? “Rakan, any chance you could stop preening over yourself for thirty seconds and give me a hand here?” I look towards the guy posing before a full-length mirror. It takes him a moment before he glances over. “Whaddya think? I look awesome right?” He poses as I just roll my eyes. “Rakan, I have more fabric here than I know what to do with. Some help would be nice please,” I sigh. Does this fasten around my waist? No, it doesn’t. It’s a cape. Why the hell do I have a cape? “I wonder what Xayah’s looks like?” “I don’t care,” I mutter. Am I in? Does this look about right? I wander over to the mirror, shoving the vastayan boy away for a second. Ok, this looks like it’s all on right. There’s a lot of white and very dark red. Colours that do not go well on me like this. “Not sure the patch goes. Or the bandages. What’s with those? They go all up your arm? I thought they stopped at your elbow?” “Well now they go higher. Does this look like I have everything on?” I ask, gesturing down at myself. He nods before sniggering. “I can’t believe you’re a cheerleader.” “That makes two of us,” I mutter, turning to head from the boys changing rooms and back into the gym. I wonder if the girls are having as much of an issue as I am? “What star design you got? Oh, the same as Jinx, nice. I got the same as Ahri. I hope Xayah has the same,” Rakan rambles behind me, following after me. I look down to the bright red star on my chest. I hope to god Zoe has the one she wants or else my life will not be worth living. “Looking hot there boys,” Jinx laughs as we step out. I feel dumb as hell in this. And stepping out of the changing room to see the rest of the squad waiting for us does not lift my mood. “I know right?” Rakan grins as I just level a scowl at people. I am not happy about this and I will make that known. I glance around and see that the girls aren’t out yet. I wonder if that means their costumes are just as awkward as ours to get into. Although Rakan didn’t seem to have issues. His is white trimmed with pale green and gold and he is enjoying wearing it way too much. “I can’t wait to see Xayah’s. Bet you can’t wait to see Zoe’s either huh?” He grins at me and my face just burns. “If it’ll stop her bugging me, then yes I want to see it,” I say, pretending that I don’t want to see her in it. I mean, the costumes on the girls do look good and a part of me does really want to see Zoe in some cute outfit. “Neeko is ready,” Neeko announces, coming out of the changing rooms in a white, green and orange ensemble. She’s also sporting some crown thing with wings on her head and she looks about as happy as a person can look. She spins her arms around before literally hugging herself. “Hey Neeko, same star squad,” Rakan points to his star designs and then over towards hers. This seems to be all the excuse the pair of them need to squeal at each other. “Do the other two need help getting into their outfits?” Syndra asks, arms folded as Lulu runs over to the other two to join in with squealing. “Xayah said something about too much pink,” Neeko looks over to them before continuing to point at things on her outfit to Rakan who looks far too excited. Hearing someone else approach I look over at Xayah, her arms folded and a glare I assume mirrors mine. Her eyes go to Ahri and Syndra and she gestures down at the outfit. “Pink? You really think I’m a pink person?” “It looks really good on you Xayah,” Soraka smiles. “Babe, you look amazing,” Rakan almost tackles her into a hug. “Look, you have green on your skirt. Know who else has green on their outfit?” “You?” She asks dryly. “Me,” he gushes, gripping her tighter. “We match.” There’s a few minutes of the other cheerleaders discussing how the uniforms look and talking about what great choices the colours all were. But there’s a problem. Zoe still hasn’t come out of the girls changing room. Ignoring the others, I walk over, knocking on the door before pushing it open. “Zoe, it’s me. You ok?” I call in. I expected to hear her skittering around and throwing glitter, but it’s totally silent. “Zoe?” Walking around I find her bundle of clothes, but not her. Odd. Where’s she gone? Heading out I ignore questions and go straight up to Neeko who is still proudly showing off her costume. “Neeko, where’s Zoe?” I ask. The vastayan girl looks at me with her large eyes before looking back towards the changing rooms. “Zoe was getting changed,” Neeko says. “She’s not there now,” I reply before catching a snigger from Sarah. “Zoe wasn’t exactly happy with her costume,” Xayah says, stepping up beside me. “Why? Has she vanished?” “She’s not in there now,” I tell her before hearing more laughter. “What’s wrong with Zoe’s outfit?” I scowl at the other girls but there are giggles and not much else. “Neeko when you come back can you get Zoe’s things please?” I say before heading back into the boys changing rooms to get my things. She’ll have jumped in a portal. I don’t know what they’ve done to her outfit to make her not want to show anyone, but if she’s sad over it, which she must be, that’s what she’ll have done. “Hey Kayn. We’re inducting you guys,” Ezreal says, coming in as I’m throwing my regular clothes into my bag. “Awesome. Have fun with that.” “Er, it’s for you too,” he says, keeping several steps back from me. I spin and glare at him. “I’m doing no induction without Zoe. What’s wrong with her costume?” I demand, stepping closer to him. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen the designs,” he says, cowering under my shadow. Grabbing him with my left arm I haul him clean off the floor. “Enjoy the induction. I’m going to find Zoe.” Releasing him I turn and walk through the nearest wall, not even changing from this dumb outfit. She was so excited for this. So excited. So what have they done now to mess this up for her? What sort of costume have they given her to make her just vanish? To not even show anyone? To not show me? She shows me everything. Every new top or skirt, every new hair clip. In all the time I’ve known her there has never been anything she hasn’t shared with me. “Nice costume Kayn. How’s it feel being a Star Guardian,” Draven laughs and I turn to flip him off. I’m in no mood for him. “Do us all a favour and fall in a well,” I call back to him before starting to jog towards the girls dorms. I hope she’s ok. “Cute costume,” Tristana sniggers as I stride into the girls foyer. I turn to look at her, my expression alone causing her to back off. I am not in the mood for people trying to be funny. Stamping up the stairs and pushing past Sivir and Ashe I head straight to her door. I knock once before walking straight through. Her curtains are drawn and she’s sat huddled up on her bed, sobbing into her arms. For a moment I pause, all of my anger just evaporating, and I don’t know what to do. What do I say? “Zoe, it’s me,” I say softly. She looks up at me, wiping her eyes before bursting out into even more tears. “You took off. Didn’t even show anyone your outfit.” I take a slow step forward, unsure of myself. That doesn’t seem to help. “I hate it,” she chokes out. “I hate it. I just wanted to be pretty. I just wanted to be a pretty cheerleader and they all hate me. They hate me.” I think something inside of me breaks, like a wall crumbling down, and I drop my bag to the floor and run over to her bed, throwing my arms around her and holding her tight to me. I feel her slender arms wrap around my neck, her head on my shoulder. Her body shakes with each sob and I just hold her tighter. “What’s wrong with your outfit?” I whisper. I’ll admit I haven’t even looked at it. My thoughts are too busy being preoccupied with her. “It’s horrible,” she sniffles. Sitting back, I reluctantly let go of her so I can see it. It’s dark. Very dark. A black bodysuit with dark purple ruffles at the waist. A pointed dark purple bow is on her chest along with a deep violet gem, a totally different design to any of the others. A similar gem forms a crown on her head. Why is it so dark? Everyone elses is so bright. Even mine. So why is hers black and dark purple? Have they literally done this to mess with her? “It looks fine to me,” I say gently, watching her wipe her eyes. “But look at it. It’s so dark and ugly. I wanted to be cute and pretty,” she starts to wail again. “But you are,” I say without even thinking about the words. I clamp my hand over my mouth as if that’ll take the words back. “What?” She calms down for a moment, wiping her eyes. She just looks up at me and I don’t know what to do or say. It’s not like I can take it back. What do I do? Think Kayn. Do something. Anything at this point. “It makes you look both of those things,” I say awkwardly. Not sure that was what I wanted to say. That doesn’t get me out of this hole. That just digs me deeper. “You think I’m pretty?” She sniffs, wiping at her eyes again and just staring up at me. She’s so pretty and I literally have no idea what to do or say. “I do.” Do I mean that? Of course I mean that. Did I want to tell her that? I don’t know. Love makes you weak, that’s what I’ve always been told, but I never feel like that around Zoe. Ever. “Like, you think I’m pretty in my outfit because it makes me look like some edgy goth princess and that’s your thing, or like, I dunno, um, actually pretty? I mean is this just your best friend answer to get me to stop crying or um, maybe a real answer?” She seems so unsure of herself. Her eyes darting to the side and suddenly breaking her gaze from mine. “Both answers,” I tell her honestly. “Best friend and real.” I feel my face heat up and I feel like I want the ground to swallow me right now, but I put that aside because for a moment her eyes light up again. For a moment she doesn’t look so sad. And suddenly that means more to me than how I feel. “Both?” “Yeah,” I admit, not doing a great job with words right now. “I’m sort of jealous of Ezreal.” Now I do go red and so does she. Her cheeks flushing pink. “Really? Why?” “Because you’re trying so hard to get him to notice you. And he still hasn’t. And, well, um, you’ve never had to do anything for me to notice you,” I say, my words dropping off at the end as I realise what I’m saying. This should not be this hard. Why can’t I just tell her I like her? “Kayn, do you like me?” She asks, cocking her head at me and all I can do is make some small squeak and slowly nod my head. For a second her eyes light up a grin covering her face before she starts to bite her lower lip. “You like me?” “Please don’t make this harder than it is,” I sigh, glancing away and just looking around her room. Zoe’s room is literally crammed full of things. So many things she finds cute or pretty or just interesting. There are shelves of plush toys and glass jars full of buttons and trinkets. Stuck over her wardrobe are dozens of drawings of her designs for her cheerleading outfit. They’re all bright colours. Pinks and purples and yellows. Nothing like the one she’s been given. “So like, do you like me like you liked Ahri? Like when you used to face plant the floor in front of her? You’ve never face planted the floor in front of me before,” she giggles and I glance back over to her, her tears having stopped as she just smiles at me. “Maybe,” I mumble, suddenly deciding this was a terrible idea. What am I even doing here? Why am I telling her this? “You’re blushing.” “I was aware.” “Are you embarrassed?” “Deadly,” I admit. That’s when I feel her dainty hands clasp around my uncorrupted hand. Her fingers locking between my own and I think my heart misses out a dozen beats all at once. She doesn’t look up at me, she just grips at my hand with hers, a smile on her face. “Good. If you weren’t embarrassed I’d think you were messing with me, and I think I have enough people messing with me right now,” she says sounding oddly mature for her. “Yeah, but I know you like Ezreal. I don’t know why I told you all of this. I’m sorry. I just wanted to cheer you up. Because I think your outfit is great and it looks great on you and, god, I just didn’t want to see you crying. I hate to see you cry,” I say, barely pausing for breath. It’s as if I’m afraid the words will vanish if I stop talking so I just say it all in one long string. “I do like Ezreal,” Zoe admits, and I turn away, biting my tongue. I knew it. I’m such an idiot. I feel her grip my hand tighter, feel the movement of her bed shifting below me as she moves closer. “But you’re right, I’ve tried to do so much to get closer to him and he hasn’t noticed any of it. Not only that, but he didn’t stop the others from trying to make it so I couldn’t be a cheerleader. He didn’t volunteer to perform with me, or wear something he would absolutely hate just to see me happy. I think, if I wanted to be with someone, I’d want them to be more like that. I think I’d also want it to be someone who I don’t have secrets from. Someone who knows me for all that I am and still wants to hang out with me. I mean I imagine most people would get a little freaked out if they knew I was an Aspect. But I know my bestfriend doesn’t. I know he knows everything about me, even though I also know I annoy him a lot of the time. But he puts up with that. I think that’s more the sort of person I’d want to like.” Is she saying what I think she is? Or am I misreading this horribly? Surely I’m not. But what if I am? Does she like me too? Should I ask? No because that would sound dumb. What should I do? This is what we should have school lessons on. This is what people should be taught because I have no clue at all how I’m supposed to deal with this. “Are you not going to say anything?” she asks, her long eyelashes fluttering over her vivid eyes. They’re unique, like her, and I love that about her, but I really have no clue what to say. “Kayn?” Is she really not having an internal struggle right now? How come she looks so calm? Think Kayn. Do something. Anything at this point. Just don’t freeze. I’d say I pause but I don’t think I’ve actually moved in about a minute right now. But she looks so pretty. She might not like this outfit but god it’s killing me with how good it makes her look. However instead of talking or saying literally anything, I lean forward, my lips touching hers. For a moment I don’t even realise what I’ve done. It sinks in around the point when I feel her lips pulling on mine as she kisses me back. Shit. Shit. What am I doing? I pull back, my face just permanently stuck at being scarlet right now. I think I’m about to pass out my heart is beating so fast. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I stammer out, watching her just look at me. Confusion on her face. “You didn’t?” “Um no. I mean I wanted to, but I didn’t ask. You might not have been cool with it. I’m sorry. I’m going to go. Sorry. The outfit looks amazing,” I say, falling off the bed and scrabbling over to the other side of the wall. Now, my aim is to run straight through it, but that would require my mind to be thinking of anything other than how soft her lips were or how she smelled of cherries. However, I’m not thinking of anything else and instead I run straight into it. “Kayn? Um? You ok?” “Fine. Fine,” I lie, feeling my entire face ache. “I forgot my bag. That was planned.” I spin and grab my bag up and run straight back into the wall. “And that? You can use the door.” “I’ve got this,” I call out, somehow managing to actually pass through the wall this time and literally start to sprint back to my room. I kissed her. I shouldn’t have kissed her. But I really enjoyed it? Did she? Well I’m not going to know am I? Not after that exit. I really feel this day started off better than its ended up.
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Zoe He kissed me. Kayn kissed me. I’m still sat on my bed, my fingers tracing over my lips. I can still feel his lips on mine. Still feel the shiver than ran through my body as I kissed him back and the way my heart began to race. And then what? He runs into my wall? Twice? I know he struggles with feeling anything other than annoyance, but I feel he probably could have handled it better. Ok, so it takes me a good few minutes before I can move. Eventually though I force myself up and over to my mirror. Standing before it, I look at my costume. I hate it. I hate it so much. It looks nothing like anyone else’s, and I was so sad. Neeko said it’d look better on, but it’s easy for her to say that. Hers looked great. I hadn’t expected Kayn to come round. I just wanted out of there without anyone else seeing it. I couldn’t face going out and seeing everyone laughing at me. But Kayn came after me. He likes my outfit. He likes me. A faint squeal escapes my lips and I jump up into the air clutching at my face. He said he likes me. He kissed me. I’d been so focused on wanting to get Ezreal to like me, I’d completely missed how much I was falling for Kayn. I played it off because he’s my friend. We’ve been friends for a long a time. But I was falling for him. When he stood before me for that cheerleading routine, I wanted to cry. I wanted to hug him. To never let him go. But I didn’t because I was scared. What if he didn’t like me? But he does. My squeal gets louder and I float backwards, kicking my legs about as I stare at my ceiling. He kissed me. I always thought he was crazy over Ahri. I thought at the tryouts he was going to turn into mush when she came over, but he didn’t. I should have realised it then. He doesn’t like her anymore. He likes me. My grin just gets wider and I can’t stop giggling. I can’t believe a boy likes me. And not just any boy, my best friend. Someone I truly care for. But then why did he bolt from the room? He’s not embarrassed by me, is he? Is he embarrassed to like me? Or is it just Kayn being Kayn? For a while I don’t know what to do. Should I go see him? Should I not? What do you do? I’ve never had a boyfriend before. I mean I’ve wanted one. I’ve always thought having one looked super fun. Wait, is he my boyfriend how? How do these things even work? I should definitely go and see him. Opening a portal I drop down into his room, a grin on my face. He’s sat on the end of his bed, his head held in his hands. At my arrival he looks up and almost instantly his face goes red. He really does like me. That makes me feel so warm inside and I have to bite my lip to stop me from squealing again. “Hi. You took off super quick,” I tell him, watching as he edges away from me slightly. “Sorry,” he apologises, though I’m not sure what he’s apologising for. To be honest, I don’t think he knows either. “What for?” “Kissing you. I don’t know why I did it. I’m sorry,” he blunders through his words. His eye glancing away. “Don’t apologise for it,” I laugh, bringing his face back up to look at me. “I liked it.” I feel awkward admitting that, but for a moment there’s a smile on his lips and I know that any awkwardness I feel is secondary to seeing him happy. Is this what love feels like? Like you want to make someone happy all the time? “You did?” “Uh huh,” I nod, stepping forward. “Kinda sad that you took off so quick though. How’s your face?” “Sore,” he half laughs. “That wasn’t my finest exit, I’ll admit.” “Not really. So, do you really like me? I know I asked and I know you said maybe or whatever it was, but just so I’m like totally clear. Do you like me? Like as if I was your girlfriend like me?” I ask, maybe a little too quickly. My fingers knit together and I watch him glance away. “Possibly.” “Kayn, will you answer properly?” I sigh. “Yes or no. Do you want to be my boyfriend?” I stamp my foot for a bit of extra effect. Then comes a pause. He turns away from me, his eyes just staring into nothing, his lips set tight together. I don’t know whether he’s talking to Rhaast or just thinking things over. He seems to nod to himself, releasing a breath before his hands reach up and undo the clasp at the back of his eye patch. It drops into his lap and he looks at me with both eyes, one amber, one red. A faint smile comes to his face. “Yes.” Ok now it’s my face that heats up, but I can’t stop grinning. Is this real? Kayn’s my boyfriend? I don’t know what to do or how to react. For a moment I just hop from foot to foot, my stomach turning to butterflies, before I look back at him, my grin just getting wider. “Wait here,” I tell him before falling into a portal back in my room, grabbing the nearest confetti cannon I have and returning to him. “This is amazing,” I squeal, pulling the cord on my cannon and firing unicorn shaped confetti all over him, his bed and half his room. His shoulders drop and he just stares up at the ceiling as little paper unicorns rain down on him. “What the hell is wrong with me?” He moans. “I have a boyfriend,” I squeal, dancing around before throwing myself at him just like I’ve done a million times before. But this time feels special. Because this time as my arms wrap around his body, my face resting on his chest, I feel his arms come around behind me, holding me to him. We both fall back onto his bed causing a plume of fluttery little unicorns to jump back into the sky before settling on us. I just hold him. I hold him so tightly. “Kayn,” I whisper into him as I just breathe in everything about him. “Hmm?” “I didn’t tell you earlier, but I really like your costume. I’m glad you got a proper one. But you don’t have to be a cheerleader. The squad don’t really want me on, and I know you hate everything about it,” I tell him. Below my cheek I feel his chest move as he sighs. “I do hate everything about it,” he admits. “But you’ve really enjoyed your silly little routines and stuff. I know you did it to impress Ezreal, but I think you do actually enjoy it.” “Yeah, but they don’t want me. And I don’t really need to impress Ezreal anymore do I?” Just saying that makes my entire body shiver with delight. “So? Stuff them. It’s only a few of them. Soraka, Janna, Lulu, Jinx…they want you on the squad. And Neeko will…and I will. Stay on it Zoe.” “You’ll want me on it? Does that mean you’re staying on it?” “I guess. I mean look at it this way. If anyone is rude to you and I have to catch them at any point, I’ll just drop them.” He half laughs. I know he’s still awkward, I feel the way his heart is pounding. Kayn isn’t used to being open with people. He’s not used to caring for other people. He’s never had anyone care for him. “I’m going to look dumb though. At least you’ll blend in with the rest of the squad.” “So, change your outfit.” “You can’t do that. If I do that, they might actually kick me off. And you’re right, I do enjoy doing all that stuff. I know it all sounds dumb, but it was fun practicing with Neeko. I think it’d make me sad if I got kicked off,” I admit. For a while we just lay wrapped up with each other. Me on top of him. It’s silent, but not an awkward silence. A warm, fuzzy silence. I think I’m close to almost falling asleep until I feel his left arm twitch. Breaking away I push myself up so I can see his face, his left eye now shut and a scowl on his face. “He’s just having a moment,” he tells me, shaking his head. “I’ll give him a moment,” I pout. Stupid Rhaast ruining this. He’s not in the room right now which is a real shame. Kayn’s arm twitches again so I decide to really give Rhaast something to complain about. Pushing myself up I lean in closer to Kayn, watching his face go red, his eye opens as I shut mine, pressing my lips to his. It’s not a proper kiss, at least not like one I’ve seen in movies or anything. It’s small and precious. Just our lips connecting us both together, like two jigsaw pieces slotting neatly together. Two things that were always meant to find each other. I feel his fingers link with mine, his arm now once again his own as he kisses me back. This isn’t like last time. This time he doesn’t get scared and run. This time he knows I want this as much as he does. His lips tug on mine, wanting more and I feel myself dissolve into him. I’ve never felt so wanted. All those years alone in the stars seem a millennia away, because right now I’m not Zoe the immortal Aspect of Twilight, I’m just Zoe. Just a girl with a boy who I realise I love with my soul, who loves me back with his. This day is ending far better than it began.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn One day the food in this school will kill someone. I’m not sure how it’ll happen but it will totally happen. I push a fork through my incredibly bland curry and soggy rice, making patterns through the sauce. “And my crown has a pretty star right in the middle. And it bobs as Neeko moves around,” Neeko giggles down at the end of the table. I think she’s telling Cassi all about her new outfit. Neeko seems to have a real drive to include Cassi in our little squad. Talon sits the other side of his sister, listening quite intently to the vastayan girl’s descriptions. Ekko keeps interjecting with his own quips, mostly about wanting to see my costume, “Is it like a cherry red, or a more purpley red?” He asks, his eyes just glancing upwards as he seems to care far more about the colour of my costume than I do. “Red.” “Y’know, you should embrace your new role more. How long before you go and sit over at the Star Guardian table?” He points his fork over towards a table nearby. Idly I look over before turning back to him. “Never.” “How about you Sparkles? You not rushing over there?” He asks Zoe sitting opposite me. She shakes her head, too busy squirting chocolate syrup onto some custard pudding she has. I genuinely have no idea where the bottle of syrup came from. “Neeko thinks Ekko and Talon and Cassiopeia should join too. Then we can all have pretty costumes,” she claps causing Ekko to scoff out some laugh. “Kayn, can I have your flapjack please?” Zoe whispers, her large eyes looking over at me and I feel a dumb smile come to my face. “What if I say no?” “I’ll just put syrup on it and then you have no say because you hate syrup,” she warns smirking at me. “Maybe, for once, I want my dessert,” I shrug. I am nowhere close to finishing my curry, but I pick my dessert up and take a bite from it. It tastes like chewing a sandpaper brick. Not that I let on of course, winking at the girl opposite me. “Meanie.” “Hey it’s my dessert. If you wanted it you should have picked it,” I say, looking back at my curry. Her hand reaches over towards my plate, but rather than take my food, she just reaches for something. Her fingers stretching out. “What?” “I want your hand. Give it me,” she pouts. Sighing, I swap my fork to my left hand and allow her to grab my right. She links her fingers with mine, giggling as she does. “Now your hands are full and I can get your flapjack,” she nods, reaching over and grabbing it from my plate. I grimace somewhat as it gets dipped in her custard concoction. She just grins at me as she eats it. “You are so damned weird,” I sigh, shaking my head. “That’s why you like me,” she smiles, biting her bottom lip. I’ll admit, I think she looks pretty cute when she does that. “I mean, it’s a super small part. Like tiny. Super tiny,” I tease. “Well I mean I’m weird like ninety percent of the time so you better start telling me what’s so great about the other ten percent,” she laughs. “Well you aren’t boring,” I point out before pretending to think. I feel her grip my hand tighter, that silly smile still on her face. “I should think not.” “Nope, that’s it. That’s all I’ve got,” I grin back at her. “You are terrible,” she teases, standing up and leaning closer to me, her eyes just before my own. “Well you are dumb. So there.” She leans in closer and kisses the tip of my nose and I feel myself blush, but her grin just gets wider. From the side of me I hear something clatter and both me and Zoe turn to look at Ekko, or rather look at the rest of our table. All four of the others are staring at us. Talon looks confused, Cassi has a half smug grin on her face, Neeko’s eyes have lit up, her hands clasped under her chin and Ekko’s mouth is agape. “I think we forgot to tell them,” Zoe whispers to me. “I didn’t forget. I specifically didn’t,” I whisper back. “What the heck is this?” Ekko gestures at us. I try not to blush but feel I fail rather well there. “What’s what?” Zoe plays dumb, cocking her head. “Geez Ekko, if you wanted some of my chocolate-custard-flapjack you only had to ask.” “Oh no Sparkles, this cute act is not getting you out of this. What the heck was that? What the heck is this right here?” He gestures wildly and I glance down at where our fingers are still interlocked. “Are you two a thing?” Talon asks, sounding every bit as confused as he looks. “I knew you weren’t interested in blondie anymore. I mean he was super obvious about liking you, but you were a little harder to read. Glad my hunch was correct though” Cassi smirks. “Neeko is so happy. I was right. Neeko knew she was right,” she squeals, which apparently is like some sort of chain reaction because then Zoe starts to squeal before literally throwing herself over at the other girl, tackling her into a giggly hug. Of course, with Zoe and Neeko being, well, Zoe and Neeko, this means the other three look at me. “When,” Ekko asks, somewhat speechless. “Um, yesterday,” I shrug, pretending it’s no big deal. “And you were telling us when?” “I figured you’d just sort of work it out,” I say, playing off that I’m not somewhat embarrassed by their reactions. “How? Why? Zoe?” Ekko continues before gesturing to the girl talking about six hundred words a second to Neeko. All I do now is shrug. “I asked if you liked Zoe and you said no,” Talon adds in causing his sister to turn and roll her eyes at him. “Talon, sweetie, he’s not going to just admit it. Besides, anyone could obviously see Kayn had a thing for her. I’m slightly more surprised that she went with him. I mean Ezreal is a better fit for her perkiness,” Cassi points out. I look at where Zoe is sat, completely oblivious to the conversations going on around her. “Don’t Talon sweetie me. He’s not the easiest person to read. You look at him and you think he has a crush on her? No. They’re polar opposites of each other,” Talon argues back. “Forget even polar opposites. These two are like galaxies apart in terms of what they’re like. And not only that, but are we saying that Kayn has actual human feelings? I didn’t know that was a thing,” Ekko continues. I feel like I could leave the table and it’d take them all at least five minutes before they realised I’d gone. “Oh come on. He may as well have worn a sign around his neck that he had a crush on her,” Cassi thumbs over towards me but her eyes are fixed on Ekko. “In what way? He is the one most irritated by her.” “And yet he continues to hang around with her. Would you want people to wear neon signs Ekko? You are aware that Xayah and Rakan are a thing, right?” Cassi smirks. “They spend every waking hour together. There’s no doubt those two are a thing,” Ekko shoots back which results in the brunette simply pointing between me and Zoe. “And they don’t?” “I’m just going to get a drink,” I say, but as I thought, no one notices. Ekko, Talon and Cassi are continuing to debate whether it was as obvious as Cassi says it was while Zoe has Neeko’s hands at the two are gushing about something. I however, have just seen someone leaving the canteen and I’d like to grab them while they’re alone and ask a favour. A big favour. Darting out of the door I hurry after a girl with short brown hair. “Taliyah,” I call after her. She turns to look at me, looking a little bit confused. Not too surprising. Taliyah is a hardworking student. I’m someone that frequently falls asleep in class, our paths don’t really cross. “Kayn?” She pauses as I catch up to her. “Can I help you with something?” “You make clothes, right?” I ask her, my hands going into my trouser pockets. She glances around as if to be certain I’m talking to her before looking up at me and nodding. “Er yeah.” “I want a costume making,” I tell her. “A costume? Who for?” “Me.” Now she does pause, looking me up and down as if to check I’m being serious. “A costume? What for?” There’s some hesitation to her words. “Being a Star Guardian of course,” I smirk and now she does look confused. “Yeah, congrats on getting on the team and all,” she says, glancing away. I know she’s tried out a few times for the squad. “Don’t worry, you aren’t missing much. The squad are bitches. But I want you to make me my costume for it,” I tell her. She looks up at me, clearly still confused. “Ahri sorts out squad costumes, not me.” “I know, and I hate my costume with every fibre of my being. I want a new one.” “They’ll kick you off the squad you know,” she warns me, folding her arms. I just smirk at her, a brief laugh escaping my lips. “No, they won’t. Ahri, Sarah, Syndra and I are in a battle of wills currently. They find it amusing I’m on the squad because they know I want off it. They’ll want to keep me on it as long as they can. But I hate this costume and I want a better one. I want you to make one for me.” “A battle of wills? There are some pretty strong wills there Kayn. You sure you’re going to win?” I do laugh now. Not that Taliyah will get the joke of course. Those three are nothing compared to Rhaast. “Trust me Taliyah, they are nothing I can’t handle,” I smirk. “So can you make me one?” “Sure. You got some ideas?” “Yeah. I want it black. Black, dark purple and maybe throw some gold in there. And I want it to have this star design,” I pull out a folded piece of paper from my pocket and show her the design. She looks at it for a moment before looking back at me. “Is that a new design? It looks slightly similar to Syndra’s design I guess. Why do you want that design?” She peers up at me and my smirk gets wider. “I like it. Can you do it?” “I can do it. I’ll need your measurements though. And I want you to do me a favour in return,” she says, a slight blush to her cheeks. “Sure. What?” “I’ll give you the details later, but just promise me you’ll help me with something?” She says and I nod along. “You make me a new costume and I’ll help you with whatever you need help with,” I smirk, handing her the design. “So any ideas on how you want it to look?” “Surprise me. Though this arm, give me a glove and preferably a wider sleeve. The bandages on my arm can get a little bulky at times.” “And the eye patch?” “If you turn it into a star, I’ll kill you. But I do need an eye patch. Surprise me Taliyah,” I say before strolling back over to my table and the remains of my cold curry.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “Neeko knew. Neeko always knew,” Neeko giggles, bouncing around alongside me. I just grin at her. I feel that’s all I’ve been able to do all day. “Apparently everyone knew,” Kayn sighs, walking alongside me as we weave through the corridors and back towards the dorms. “Sho’ma doesn’t lie. Neeko could feel it in your sho’ma,” she nods. “This sho’ma sounds pretty versatile. So you can see what? Colours? Feelings? Kayn’s weird crushes?” Ekko asks. “Yes,” Neeko nods eagerly. “When someone is near someone they like, their sho’ma tells me. If someone is sad or happy, I can know.” “Does more than just that,” Cassiopeia sniggers. She seems to have become a new part of our group since her accident. I still don’t know what happened there. I might press her later. I want to know. But apparently LeBlanc and Draven are being cruel to her constantly in her regular group, so she’s become our new member. “Like what?” Talon asks. Neeko glances to me and I give just the slightest shake of my head. I know Cassi knows, but I can do without the others knowing what I had Neeko doing. I still feel guilty over it. I don’t need these guys judging me too. “Um, lots of uses. Good uses,” Neeko laughs awkwardly. “Dance poster!” I randomly call out. It’s a partial distraction to get people away from discussing what Neeko can do and also because I’d actually forgotten about the school dance. Well maybe not forgotten, but it was a lot lower on my priority list before I had a boyfriend. I mean school dances are fun I guess, but now I can go with Kayn. Like properly go with him and not just be there with him at the same time. I’ll get to go with a date. A proper date. It won’t be like the last dance when I went with some fruit in my pocket. “Oh God,” Kayn rolls his eyes. “Dance poster? Is that for a school dance? Neeko heard people talking but didn’t know what one was. Does everyone start dancing?” Neeko asks, looking at the star filled poster. “Have you never been to one?” I gasp, jumping before Neeko. “They’re amazing. You get a date and you get to dress fancy and dance and everything is sparkly and pretty and amazing.” “Sparkly and pretty,” Neeko grins. “Get a date? When was the last time we had dates for a dance?” Ekko gestures around us. Smirking I throw myself at Kayn, my arms wrapping around his waist as I smirk at Ekko. “This is still super weird.” “It’s Zoe. It’ll never not be super weird,” Kayn adds on. I just squeeze him tighter. He can’t get rid of me now. These are rules I have just decided. “So are you two going? Like together?” Ekko looks at us and I just nod. “I mean, we’d have always gone together anyway,” Kayn shrugs. “I just have less of a say on things than I did.” “I need a super pretty dress for it. Neeko, we need dresses. Oh Cassi can come too. The three of us should get something super pretty,” I squeal. Neeko looks excited but Cassi just shakes her head. “Not a chance little bird. I am going nowhere near that dance,” she tells me. “No? Does Cassiopeia not want to come with Neeko?” Neeko cocks her head at her but the other girl just continues to shake her head. “No chance. Firstly, you aren’t my type Neeko. Secondly, nothing about me would look good in a dress.” “Neeko thinks you would,” she says shyly, but Cassi’s expression doesn’t change. “What about you? Got anyone you’re asking?” I look to Ekko who shrugs. “I don’t need anyone. Figured I’d go solo and let the ladies come to me,” he winks causing me to laugh. I feel Kayn’s body shudder as he tries to stop himself from laughing too. “Let us know how that works out,” Kayn sniggers. “Well what about Talon? Don’t see anyone grilling him,” Ekko points over to the other guy stood quietly by his sister. “I was just going to go by myself, just without the weird ‘waiting for the ladies to come to me’ statement,” he smiles, a faint pink blush to his cheeks. “I swear if you get a date before me,” Ekko points at him but Talon just shrugs. “I’m not as interested in this as you are.” “Just take Jinx,” Kayn says, starting to walk off with me still holding him. His hands try and push me away but I’m not letting go. “Me and Jinx are friends ok, that’s it. That girl is crazier than a bag of cats. Y’know, kinda like Zoe.” “I like cats,” I say as Kayn sighs and just folds his arms. I peer up at him smirking but all he does is raise his eyebrows at me. “Really?” “I’m hugging you.” “Like cats? You launch his from buildings,” Ekko thumbs at Kayn. “Yeah but have you seen his cat? It’s not a nice one. Nasty little thing you know. I like cute cats. Which is pretty much all cats except for Kayn’s,” I nod, releasing Kayn so I can further lecture Ekko on why Rhaast is not a nice cat. I mean I could say that he’s secretly a demon trying to corrupt our friend’s body and mind, but I leave that bit off. We all talk about the dance until we split off for our various dorms. Neeko, Cassi and I head into the girls dorm. We’ve barely got into the foyer when Quinn walks past and says something under her breath at Cassi. I watch her green eyes snap onto the girl in question, but she doesn’t say anything. “I’ll see you cheerleaders later,” she says, heading towards the lift as we make for the stairs. “Cassiopeia is so sad these days,” Neeko sighs, looking over towards the lift as the metal doors shut. “Not entirely surprising,” I say. I wish someone would tell me what happened. I’m going crazy not knowing. But Cassi isn’t saying anything and neither is Talon. Maybe I should pester Sivir. She seems to have an idea what happened. Not sure how, but she definitely knows. “Neeko thinks she is pretty. If we have to have dates for the dance Neeko would like to go with her.” “Cassi likes boys, sorry Neeko. I think you might have to try someone else,” I tell her. She gives a shrug and looks back down the way we’ve just come from. “Maybe. But Neeko can still ask. Maybe she doesn’t want a boy this time. Will Zoe help me? Neeko has never been to a dance before.” “Sure I will. We’ll go dress shopping and do our makeup and buy pretty sparkly things for our hair. It’ll be amazing!” “This sounds like fun,” Neeko claps. We separate to go and get changed in our individual rooms, but as soon as I enter mine, I open a portal and drop straight into it squealing. I drop down onto the carpet of the new room and grin over towards the guy laid back on the floor. I assume he’s just fallen over. His hand rests on his chest and I think he mutters to himself under his breath before his eyes look over at me. “Warning. Please!” “Where’s the fun in that?” “Well I won’t have a goddamn heart attack daily,” he tells me, standing up and finishing off removing his school shirt. I stand nearby, biting my lip watching him until his shoulders sag and he looks back at me. “What do you want?” “I came to say hi. I missed you.” “Missed me? We split up ten minutes ago. How can you be missing me?” “What are you wearing for the dance?” I ask, wandering over to his desk and poking at several things on there. Kayn’s room isn’t like mine. Most of the stuff in here is either school stuff, clothes or things to kill people with. Though those things he keeps somewhat hidden. The second drawer on his desk has a false bottom. But he does always keep a really pretty knife by his bed. It’s made up of loads of different blue colours. I like it. “I dunno. Clothes most likely. Y’know, those things I’m trying to put on now.” “We should match. Your clothes should match mine. So don’t buy anything till I’ve bought mine ok? That is ok right? Tell me it’s ok?” He looks over at me, his scowl slowly changing into a smirk. “That’s ok.” “So you’ll go with me?” “Like I told Ekko, we’d have probably gone together anyway. No offence Zoe, but I have never quite been able to get rid of you,” he sniggers, heading over to his drawers and rummaging through them for a top to wear. I perch on his bed and just watch. His back is covered in various scars he’s sustained from training. Kayn takes things very seriously, especially his training. Kayn once asked me why I’m not scared of him as an assassin. He figured it’d be something that’d scare me. Thing is, I’m supposed to herald change to a world. That’s my job as an Aspect. And sometimes those changes aren’t little things but great big explosions. I’ve seen entire worlds end. When you see that, you sort of get numb to things. Kayn going and killing some businessman that had a little too much dirty money is easier to cope with than seeing entire species just end. “If you play with that and cut yourself, you’re taking yourself to the hospital,” he warns, coming over and plucking the blue knife from my hands. Carefully he places it back beside his bed. He likes that knife. “I wasn’t going to cut myself.” “Zoe you’re still in your uniform. Are you getting changed at all?” he asks, sitting beside me and falling back onto his bed. “Maybe. I wanted to see you first though,” I tell him, peering down at him. “Have you seen me?” He asks, his eyes meeting mine. Y’know, the red eye does sort of match mine. It means he also has two coloured eyes, just like me. “Hug me,” I say, dropping onto him and likely winding him from the noise he makes. “Zoe.” “Please?” He sighs before I feel his arms coming around me and holding me. Peering up I notice he’s glancing away, his cheeks pink. “Does this make you awkward?” I ask. He pauses before answering. “Very.” “Want me to go?” “No. It makes me feel awkward Zoe, but I do sort of like it. Just accept I’m not going to be into public displays of affection. I’m not Rakan. Or Ezreal y’know?” “I know. They don’t hug me,” I smile, snuggling into him. “You’re still in your uniform.” “I’ll change later. Hug time now,” I squeal. Whenever I imagined myself with a boy, it was never Kayn. It was mostly Ezreal, sometimes others, but never Kayn. But honestly, I’m glad it is him. Because he knows me like no one else. And hugging like this, makes me feel so super wanted. Like this is where I belong.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko Neeko very much enjoyed getting messages from her friends. Zoe had added me to a group chat where people posted funny pictures or just chatted. But I also liked getting messages from people just to me. Zoe was good at sending messages. She’d send photos of her new hairstyles or new hair clips. Though for the last week Zoe had been sending lots of photos of her and Kayn. They made me smile. Though today I was surprised to get one from Talon. He’s very quiet. Neeko likes him, but Neeko doesn’t know him very well. Not like I know Zoe. “Neeko, um thanks for coming,” Talon says awkwardly. He asked to meet me outside of the school after school, so I came. I don’t know where Ekko or Cassiopeia are, but Kayn wanted to train and Zoe wanted to help. I’m not sure though from her last picture if she was helping or not. He looked like he was about to hit her with a pole. “Neeko said she would come,” I smile at him. He looks awkward, unsure maybe. He looks around but there are no other students nearby. Still he grabs my hand and pulls me over to the shadows near the drama and music rooms. “Neeko, can I ask a favour? A huge favour?” He says, his voice very low. I nod. Of course he can. Friends can ask favours of their friends. “You know this thing you see? Sho’ma? Can you really tell if someone likes someone else from it? Last week you said you knew Kayn and Zoe liked each other from their sho’ma. So can it work for other people?” He asks. Slowly I nod. “Um, yes. Sometimes. It depends on the feelings. Kayn and Zoe very much liked each other and Neeko could see that. But others are more subtle. Like, um, Malzahar in the year above Neeko likes pretty Kai’sa, but her sho’ma doesn’t say whether she likes him back,” I explain, watching as Talon’s eyes widen. “Malz likes Kai’sa? And you can just tell? Do you know who everyone has crushes on?” “Not everyone. Too difficult to look all the time. And sometimes Neeko needs to borrow the sho’ma to be sure. Some people it’s very obvious though,” I grin. Zoe was very obvious. Her sho’ma would always light up around Ezreal, but it would get really pretty when she was with Kayn. When we were trying to be cheerleaders and he came down to stand with us, her sho’ma was so colourful. She was surrounded by the prettiest colours. And when Kayn is near to Zoe, his sho’ma is more blue than it is red. I don’t understand why those two have such odd sho’ma. “But it’s possible right? You could see if someone liked someone else?” “Yes. If Neeko really looked. Are you ok?” I ask, cocking my head at him. Talon reminds me of Ezreal. He’s very pretty, for a boy. But he is normally very hidden under his hood. I think he is quite shy. “Um, sort of. With this dance coming up I thought I’d ask someone to go with me, but I’m not sure if I should or not,” he glances away, nervously rubbing his arms. I borrow some of his sho’ma. He’s concerned, maybe even scared to ask this person. It’s weighing on his mind a lot. Neeko can tell. “Does Talon want to talk? Neeko is a good listener,” I smile, clapping my hands. For a few moments he looks at me before turning away, his eyes stare at the floor, but he doesn’t say anything. When he does talk his voice is quiet. Hesitant. “I don’t know if I can talk. It’s dumb anyway.” “If Talon likes someone, he should ask them. The worst thing they can say is no,” I say, repeating what my parents tell me at home. That is why Neeko will ask Cassiopeia to the dance. I know she likes boys and not girls like Neeko does, but if I don’t ask I’ll never know. Maybe we can go just as friends. But first I need to ask. “It’s more than that,” he admits, sinking to the floor and sitting against the building. I look around but no one is near as I sit next to him. “More? Neeko can keep secrets,” I tell him, but his eyes are just fixed ahead. “Who are you asking to the dance?” He finally says, but he’s not looking at me. He’s still staring ahead at, nothing. Maybe at some bushes ahead of us, but there’s nothing to stare at on them. Or maybe he is just staring into the nothingness. “Um, Neeko doesn’t know. I would like to ask your sister, I think she’s very pretty. But Cassiopeia has said she doesn’t want to go to the dance. So Neeko doesn’t know. I have a crush on Xayah too, but she is with Rakan and their sho’ma’s are so pretty together because they love each other very much. So Neeko doesn’t know who to go with,” I say, thinking about the girls. “So it’s true then? You like girls?” Now he looks at me, his eyes peering into me. He looks quite serious. I nod. “Yes. Some boys are very pretty, like Ezreal, but Neeko likes girls, not boys.” “How do you tell people that?” He asks, his voice suddenly very quiet. “Tell? Um, like others tell. Zoe told me who she liked and asked who I liked, so I told her. Why?” “Just like that?” “Uh huh. Are you ok Talon? You look like you have a very heavy burden?” “I do like someone Neeko. I’ve liked them for a while. I just don’t know how to tell this person I like them, or how to tell my friends I like this person,” he sighs. He rests his head in his hands, his knees pulled up to his chest. “Talon has sisters. Have you not told them?” I ask, but he just shakes his head. “I’ve never told anyone. I hoped that if you could tell through sho’ma if a person liked another person, that I’d be able to know if they liked me. That way I might have actually had the courage to talk to them. Because I really don’t have any courage for this. And I can’t even tell my friends and ask their advice because I don’t know how they’d react,” he mutters, now glancing away from me. “Your friends? Like Kayn and Ekko? They are nice people. They would be nice and help you,” I tell him. “Maybe they would, but I don’t know. It’s just really awkward,” he admits, still sounding very sad. “If you tell Neeko, I promise to help you,” I smile, his eyes looking back at me. “Neeko is good at helping. I helped Zoe with cheerleading and baking. I can now help Talon.” “Can you promise not to tell anyone?” He asks me, and I just nod my head, a smile on my face. “Neeko promises.” Talon sighs and rests his head on his knees, his eyes gazing at nothing. Once or twice he sounds like he’s starting to say something, but it never gets any further than a mumble or a sigh. But Neeko doesn’t rush him. Whatever this is, it’s clearly a very big thing for him and Neeko is happy that he came to her for help. He could have asked other people, but he asked me. “I like Varus,” he says, his face going red. “Oh Varus is very pretty. Neeko likes his hair. I like long hair,” I nod. “But I don’t understand why you are so sad about that? Varus seems pleasant. His sho’ma is odd, it reminds me of Kayn’s. But he always smiles at Neeko and says hello.” “Because we’re both guys,” Talon tells me, looking straight at me now. “I’m gay.” “So is Neeko. What is wrong with that?” I ask, genuinely confused. “Well I don’t know if Varus is. And also I don’t know of any other student that is. It’s why I can’t tell anyone because I’m so scared of my friends just disowning me or something. Or my family. My dad is so super strict. And god this is just a mess,” he moans. “Neeko said she’d help, and she will. Firstly, I think you should tell the others. Ekko, Kayn and Zoe are your friends. If Talon is worried, he should tell them. They are nice people, they won’t hurt you. They know Neeko likes girls and are fine. They won’t mind Talon liking boys. I also think you should talk to Varus. Neeko will watch his sho’ma. But Varus is odd. His sho’ma does odd things. I might not be able to tell. But you should still talk to him. You could do what Zoe did with Ezreal and try and join a club Varus goes to, but Neeko thinks it best to talk first. Zoe went to a lot of trouble for a boy she didn’t really like. Not like she likes Kayn anyway,” I say. Zoe should have spoken to Ezreal before trying all those things, but even then, Neeko knew she really liked Kayn and that he liked her. It makes me happy that they are both so happy now. Their sho’ma looks so pretty when they’re together. “Do they really like each other? I mean, I know Kayn put up with her a lot, but I never thought they properly liked each other. Kayn’s always been so solitary. I always thought he just put up with us to give him someone to talk to. “ “Oh no, they very much like each other. Zoe’s sho’ma is the prettiest I’ve ever seen. It has lots of colours and sparkles to it, but when she is with Kayn is gets so bright and pretty.” “And his?” “His is odd. Kayn has blue and red sho’ma. Recently the red was getting much bigger, but not this week. This week I think the blue is taking over the red. I’ve never seen sho’ma like it. But, back to you Talon, you need to tell people. This looks like it has been a burden for you. Friends are here to share burdens. Talk to the others. You could always start with Zoe? She’s very easy to talk to. She won’t judge you,” I smile at him and watch as a faint one comes to his lips. There’s a slight nod of his head. “She is. Which is why I still find it odd she’s with Kayn,” he half laughs. This is good. He’s looking less sad and stressed. “It’s because they make each other light up. You never know, Talon might make Varus’ sho’ma light up. If it does, I will tell you,” I clap. “Thanks Neeko. I’m glad I came to you. Can you keep this a secret though? Until I tell them?” “I will keep it forever if you need me to,” I smile.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “So you like it?” Taliyah asks, a hopeful smile on her face as I put the costume back into the bag. I just nod my head, unable to wipe away my smirk. “It’s perfect.” “You realise they aren’t going to let you perform wearing that much black right? I mean you’ll stick out from the rest of the squad,” she points out. I just nod my head. “I mean Syndra’s is pretty dark.” “But that’s Syndra. She’s one of Ahri’s best friends. They are definitely not going to like you in that. You trying to get kicked off?” She looks at me and I just shake my head. “Surprisingly no. I’m trying to keep someone else on the squad. Anyway, what do I owe you for this?” “I’ll tell you later ok? Don’t you have practice tonight?” Her cheeks go pink and I pull my phone out to check the time. “Yeah. But let me know what I owe you ok? Message me or something.” “Will do. Let me know how long they let you wear it for. I put a bet on with Sona you’ll get three minutes in it.” “I daresay I’ll get more,” I snigger, heading off. Walking through the corridors, there’s the usual chatter of people as students either head off to the dorms or to after school activities. Turning one corner I run into Ekko and Talon, both standing there with smirks on their faces. “Thought you’d ditched us. You just vanished after last period,” Ekko smirks, his eyes going to the large bag now in my hand. “Where’d you stash that?” “You really think I was carrying a goddamn cheerleading costume around with me all day?” I ask. “Not a chance.” “So where’d you bury it?” Talon asks with a slight chuckle. “Secrets. What are you two even doing here?” “We wanted to see if you were actually going to go,” Ekko sniggers. I hold up my carrier bag and point at it. “You think I’ve gone to get this for the good of my health? Sadly, I am going.” “So when do we get to see the outfit? See I heard from a few people you ran the length of the campus in it the other week,” Ekko continues, his eyes fixed very firmly on this bag, “Come to a performance,” I shrug, starting to walk past them. “He should definitely show us. We are his friends,” I hear Ekko saying to Talon followed by Talon laughing. Turning on my feet I look back at them. “You guys seen either of the girls?” They both shrug at me. “Er, Neeko said something about going to get her kit. To be honest I think she’d have had hers on all day if she could get away with it,” Talon smiles. “I’m surprised Sparkles hasn’t been living in hers since she got it,” Ekko laughs. I just give them both a thumbs up before heading off round to the gym. Well given she still hates everything about it, I’m not surprised. She’s been fretting about practice all day today given she’ll have to wear her costume in front of other people. “Kayn! Kayn!” Someone calls me from behind and I’m nearly knocked over by Rakan dashing at me – he’s wearing his cheerleader outfit, but I’m fairly certain he’s been in it all day. “Ready to be a cheerleader? Exciting right? I wanted to walk around with Xayah but she disowned me sometime around lunch because I wouldn’t get changed. But I mean, look how fabulous I look in this? Awesome right? Man I still can’t believe you’re a cheerleader,” he laughs, striding alongside me. “Yeah. Weird.” “That your costume? You excited to wear it? You didn’t look too thrilled last time,” Rakan peers towards the bag I’m holding. I just nod my head. “Can’t imagine why I would hate wearing something bright and sparkly,” I glower at him, but he just grins at me, before winking. “But I know why you decided to wear it.” “Shut up.” “I mean, I’ve known for like, forever y’know? I mean you two are literally joined to each other,” he continues, his arm coming around my shoulders. I just stare at it. Why is his arm around my shoulders? We are not friends. “Rakan,” I say. “Not to mention that me and Xayah can hear you two at night y’know. Well not you. But definitely Zoe. She doesn’t shut up huh? Yeah I can hear her whispering and squealing to you all night. I think it’s cute. Oh my god, best idea, we should definitely go on double dates. Think how great that’d be?” He squeezes my shoulder and I try with my free hand to remove his, but it won’t budge. His grip is like iron. “I’m good thanks. You want to remove your hand?” I ask, still staring daggers at it. He doesn’t of course because this is Rakan. “So who asked who out? I assume her. I can’t imagine you being forward about any of that stuff, ever,” he continues. “I mean, I always thought you guys were odd. She’s so bubbly and friendly and you kinda look like you want to murder everyone.” Ok, what? “Excuse me?” I ignore the hand now and look at him. He looks at me, his total obliviousness all over his face. “What? You look like you want to kill everything, and Zoe is super friendly. You make an odd pair.” “Kinda like you and Xayah,” I scoff. “I don’t want to kill everything,” he replies causing me to groan and shake my head. Why am I cheerleader? It’s bad enough having my room next to his. Now I have to put up with him socially too. “Rakan, your hand is still attached to my shoulder,” I remind him as we enter the gym. Thankfully Xayah is already here and the second he sees her, he bounds over to her, embracing her tightly. “Thought you weren’t coming,” Zoe says, a small smile on her face as she clutches a carrier bag with her costume in, to her chest. She really doesn’t want to wear that outfit in front of everyone. “Apparently somehow I ended up as a cheerleader too,” I shrug, before smiling back at her. “It looks great on you Zoe. If they laugh, I’ll kill them.” “You know, I don’t know whether you mean that figuratively or literally,” she gives a small giggle. I’ll admit I snigger. “Neither do I.” “Alright Star Guardians, time to get changed into your costumes for our first practice,” Ahri calls out. It’s odd, not too long ago being so close to the vastayan girl would have turned me into a mess, but now I’m far happier being next to a slightly depressed Aspect. I mean I wish she wasn’t slightly depressed, but I’ll try and sort that out later. Thing is, I think I’m happier with her than I ever would have been with Ahri. “Rakan, try not to wear your costume to school. It’s for practice,” Syndra calls over to him. “Awww, babe, you can’t wear it out shopping again,” Xayah smirks with mock sympathy. Again? “Look, get changed. And no portals out this time ok? I’m not sprinting the school again looking like an idiot,” I smile before heading into the guys changing rooms. Ezreal gives me a pretty wide berth, which, given I hauled him off the floor last time I don’t blame him. Then again, a few weeks ago he was the only male cheerleader and now he has me and Rakan for company. He must hate it. The thought causes me to snigger as I unbutton my shirt, revealing my very bandaged arm. I’ll goddamn kill Rhaast. I have noticed a few tendrils of corruption creeping over my chest. Not to mention my arm is starting to sport thin metallic plating similar to my claws. “Are we ready to be amazing?” Rakan bounces in. I roll my eyes as Ezreal talks to him. Taliyah has done an A+ job on this outfit. I mean I still hate the fact it’s a cheerleader outfit, but this is far better than the rubbish they had made for me. Black trousers and black boots with edging of a similar purple to Zoe’s leggings. Attached to the front of each boot is a star of the same shape as hers but in a royal blue. I haven’t missed that she snuck glitter into the stars, but I’ll let that slide. Around my waist I fasten some half cape thing, again in a deep purple to match Zoe’s with another star acting like the buckle. There’s a sleeveless undershirt in purple with a jacket that fastens over it. The jacket being an interesting mix of black, with a white colour, all trimmed in purple. However, my favourite part is the left sleeve. It’s far looser than the right and gives my arm plenty of room. There’s even a matching glove. “I don’t remember your outfit looking like that,” Ezreal remarks, wandering over to me as I fasten some dumb star barrette into my hair. Yes, it’s dumb, but I have a lot of hair, and it matches Zoe. And right now I just want her to enjoy this. I’m not going to enjoy anything about this, so a hair clip isn’t making anything worse. That’s my logic for this anyway. “I had an upgrade,” I smirk, turning to grin at the guy. “Wow, that is dark. I mean it’s very you. But I don’t think you’re going to blend with us all,” Rakan points out, walking up to me. “I like your stars though. Very pointy.” “I’m sure I’ll blend in just fine,” I snigger. “Ahri won’t be happy,” Ezreal warns me. “Ezreal, I don’t care. She wants to kick me from the team, it won’t be the worst thing,” I reply. Outside I can hear the voices of the girls. Rakan’s ears twitch and he bounds out, clearly Xayah has come out. Ezreal takes another look at me before starting to scurry off. I just stride after him. I can’t wait for this practice.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “I still look stupid,” I whisper to Neeko as she helps fasten several clips into my long hair of these ugly purple stars. All I wanted to be was a cute, pink cheerleader and instead I look like…well I don’t know what. But it’s not what I wanted. “Neeko does not think so. Neeko likes your frills,” she tells me, pointing to the ugly hip frills. I mean I guess they’re ok, but right now I don’t like this outfit so I have to hate all of this outfit. “Easy for you to say, your outfit is cute as heck,” I mumble as Sarah walks past me. She looks at me before walking off laughing. I don’t want to do this. I want to portal back to my room and forget this whole dumb endeavour. “There, Zoe is now ready. Now we can go be cheerleaders for real,” Neeko claps at me. She’s so excited and I wish I shared that. I give a nod, following her out of the changing rooms. I stay close to her though, hoping to hide behind her. “Why does everyone’s outfits look cooler than mine,” Jinx sighs, walking past and looking at mine. “Ahri, if we’re introducing dark colours to the mix, can I have a swap?” “We aren’t Jinx. Your outfit is fine,” Ahri calls back over. Her eyes come to me and she half smirks at me. “You look fine Zoe. And if anyone says anything to you, Kayn’ll likely break their jaw,” Xayah shrugs walking alongside me. I give a nod. I love Xayah’s costume. I wish that was mine. “Babe! Look how cute you look,” Rakan exclaims, bounding over and grabbing her into a hug. She rolls her eyes at me before smiling to him. “What is that?” Syndra yells over as Ezreal and Kayn come out of the changing room. My hands go to my mouth. Where’s his costume? That wasn’t his outfit. “It’s Ezreal,” Kayn calls back over, striding over to me. “Kayn, that’s not your outfit,” Ahri says, her flirty voice strained. He just shrugs. “I changed it.” “You don’t match anyone,” Sarah almost hisses. Again he shrugs, standing beside me. “I dunno. I think me and Zoe match pretty well,” he says, folding his arms. His outfit looks like mine. He got a new outfit to look like mine. I think I’m close to tears. In fact, nope, I am crying and I try to discreetly wipe them away. “How cute. You seem to be doing an awful lot for her lately. I mean are you crushing on her?” Syndra smirks, folding her arms. Kayn just sniggers, his arm coming around my shoulder as he bends down and kisses my cheek. “You’re about a week and a half too late on the teasing Syndra. Keep up,” he laughs. I watch as literally half the faces looking at me show varied amounts of shock and surprise. I think I must blush, but beside me Neeko just bounces forward. “Neeko knew,” she beams, a fact that is still super important to her. She knew first. I mean to be fair, she knew before me and Kayn even did. “Rakan knew too,” Rakan also yells out, though why he’s talking in third person is anyone’s guess. “So, you were saying Syndra? Of course I do a lot for her. And I hated my outfit, so it made sense to get one that matched hers. I mean Xayah and Rakan’s match, didn’t seem fair for ours not to match too,” Kayn continues, his arm still around my shoulder. “I think it’s cute,” Soraka smiles over at me. I watch Ahri pause before her shoulders drop somewhat. “Fine, keep the outfit. Lets get on with practice shall we.” “Ahri! Don’t let him get away with this,” Sarah points at us. I glance up at Kayn who just has a smirk stuck on his face. He might hate being affectionate in public, but he adores winding people up. Though normally he’s not quite as obvious about it. Though I have noticed lately he’s been a little more dominant than he usually is. I mean he’s argued with Draven, and Kayn hates doing that. The threat of Darius is enough to keep most people from calling Draven out on what a moron he is. “What’s she going to do Sarah? Look I’m here aren’t I? I’ve shown up, just in an outfit that’s a little more me.” “Look ok, Kayn can stay and he can stay in that. It at least matches Zoe’s and to some extent Syndra’s. Now can we get on?” Ahri sighs, her long fingers massaging her brow. “Besides, it looks fine on him. And we do need Kayn if we’re to nail that pyramid we want to do,” Soraka pipes up, winking over at me. “We need a strong base for the pyramid. Rakan and Kayn can help us out here.” “I still think I’m strong enough to help,” Poppy huffs, folding her arms. “But sadly not tall enough Short Stack,” Jinx shrugs as Poppy shoots her a glare. “Ladies,” Ahri starts before looking over towards the guy beside me, “and you three. Come on, lets get it together. We’re starting a new routine so I need everyone focused. Especially those of you that are new. We’re going to take it slow and if you get lost at any point or confused, let us know.” “I’m always confused. Like I’m confused as to why I’m here,” Jinx laughs before wandering towards the centre of the gym, the others follow. His arm still around me, Kayn and I follow. He’s gone very quiet though. Glancing up I can see the way his head jerks ever so slightly. What’s that parasite want now? “You ok?” I whisper as Ahri orders us all to get into a space for warmups. Kayn just nods, his arm leaving me and he wanders a few feet away from me, his face set stern. I wish I could take that away from him. I wish I could do something about Rhaast. Kayn did tell me yesterday that Rhaast hasn’t been as vocal as normal. His arm is getting worse, but apparently the creature has been quiet. Makes a nice change I’m sure. I do worry though. You should never mess with the darkin. Kayn was an idiot to do so. I glance back at him watching as he smirks to something only he can hear. A pretty idiot, but still an idiot. I won’t lie, cheerleading practice is hard. I keep tripping up as I try and follow steps. My balance isn’t always great and my ability to have any sense of direction is even worse. It’s something of a relief that Neeko also keeps messing up. She shoots me a heartfelt smile at one point before nearly tripping on her own tail. One person however that is having no issues following steps is Kayn. I mean, I get it, he’s trained for years. He has form or whatever it is people call being able to hold yourself right. In fact I think the ease with which he does pick things up, surprises the others. Of course this is Kayn, and he looks like he maybe wants to murder anyone who points out just how natural he is at this. “Zoe, you need to stand straighter,” Ahri calls over to me at one point and I watch the guy beside me snigger. “Stand straighter, Zoe,” he mimics, his voice low. “I’ll kick you. See how straight you stand then,” I huff. Of course that just makes him laugh to himself. “Don’t damage my new costume. Had this made specially you know,” he continues as Ahri is busy talking to Xayah about something. Maybe about the fact the vastayan girl just elbowed Syndra. Not sure what over though. “I still liked your older one,” I reply. “It looked cuter.” “You should know by now. I don’t do cute.” “You should. It suits you,” I tease, watching his face flush. He turns his head now to look at me, his scowl all over his face. I smirk and blow a kiss at him. There’s a pause before he smirks back at me before poking his tongue out at me. How mature. “You two are adorable,” Rakan hisses from behind us. We turn in unison to look at him giving us both a thumbs up. “See. Told you, you can do cute,” I smirk back at Kayn. He just rolls his eyes at me. Sure it’s hard, but it’s actually fun doing this with him. I loved practicing with Neeko and making up routines, but Kayn was only ever an observer. Getting to do this with him makes it super, extra special. I don’t even mind my silly costume anymore because now it matches his. I still can’t believe he did that for me. Thinking on it makes my insides turn into butterflies and my cheeks blossom pink. That’s when I feel something. My happy mood is momentarily paused as I sense an almost overbearing malevolence. Kayn is talking to Rakan, or rather telling Rakan he’s wrong about something. Ahri has her arms folded as Poppy and Jinx are arguing and Soraka is helping Lulu with a pose. The other members of the squad are around, but my eyes go over towards a nearby door and the rust coloured cat sitting there. I glance at Kayn but he is still too busy with Rakan. “He’s mine little Aspect. Your efforts are almost cute. But this is one time you won’t best me.” I can hear his deep voice so clearly in my head that it seems odd that no one around me is even reacting to it. Not even Kayn. I don’t know if he can hear my thoughts. Kayn says Rhaast can hear his thoughts, but that makes some sense. He’s in Kayn’s body. “You might be able to slow down the inevitable, but it will still come. I will take his body from him. His mind will be shattered and lost to time. Enjoy your silly games while you can.” I turn my eyes back to Kayn who is now doing his best to ignore Rakan, which is like trying to ignore a hurricane in your bedroom. The taller guy just bounces around, something clearly having got his interest. My eyes go to the black leather glove covering Kayn’s hand before looking to the eye patch. I won’t let him. I swear on the stars I’m not going to let this monster take him from me. He glances at me looking bored before concern comes to his face instead as his eye meets mine. I guess I must look as worried as I now feel. Smiling I force a grin onto my face and throw my arms out, spinning around on one foot until Ahri tells me that whatever I’m doing isn’t what she’s told me to do. I give a nod before glancing back towards the now empty door. That creature isn’t going to win.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn I’m only partially aware of the person calling my name. It’s there, somewhere, on the edge of my consciousness. My breathing suddenly feels heavy and my eyes start to droop. I feel half asleep but only suddenly aware of it. Somehow I feel that I may have been like this a lot longer than I’m aware of. “Kayn? Kayn?” With a jolt my eyes open and I look into Talon’s face inches before my own, his eyes worried. “I’m ok,” I mumble, my speech sounding oddly slurred. I shake my head as though it’ll help clear the fog I feel has settled over me. “You were just spacing out,” he tells me, sitting back onto his chair but keeping his eyes on me. “I’m fine,” I repeat myself, looking around and, for a moment, not having a clue where I am. Shopping. I’m at the shopping centre. Zoe wanted to come shopping for a dress for the dance. Neeko and her took off with Jinx a while back. Talon, Ekko and I are sat in the food hall. Ok I’m caught up. Did I fall asleep? That was weird. “You were totally zoned out. You sleeping ok?” Ekko asks, slurping on the drink he has, but his eyes are on me too. “Yeah. No, I’m fine. Sleeping is fine, everything is fine,” I say, still not fully feeling like I’m here in this moment. There’s a dull ache from my arm, but I can’t tell if it should feel worse and I just can’t feel it because of how numb I feel or whether it’s literally just a minor issue. “Hey boys. Are we all having fun? It doesn’t look like fun, but you guys never look fun when you’re alone,” Zoe almost screeches somewhere behind me and I feel that fog start to fade almost instantly. She strides up alongside me, her hand instantly grabbing at my left arm, gripping it tightly. “You guys done already?” Ekko asks looking behind her. “Done? Don’t be crazy. I am going to look amazing don’t you know. No, I decided I wanted something to eat so we’d come find you guys,” she announces, her voice stupidly loud. “Decided? You just flew out of that shop,” Jinx moans, coming up from behind me and collapsing in a nearby chair, her heavy boots going up onto Ekko’s lap as she leans back. “Just took off. Me and Neeko had to sprint to keep up.” I watch Ekko try and shift her feet from his lap, but they aren’t budging. “Neeko ran fast. She could use a drink now,” she says, standing awkwardly as she looks for a seat. Talon gets up and points to his before presumably heading off to find one for himself. “You ok?” Zoe whispers, the commotion of the others keeping her words hidden. “Yeah, just spaced out for a moment,” I admit. I leave off about how I felt, but from the way her face looks as she turns to stare at me, I get the feeling she already knew. “Y’know, if you guys are doing nothing, you can come with us. If these two buy something, you guys can carry it. Hot Topic certainly can. It’s the perk of being a boyfriend,” Jinx sniggers at me, her feet still on Ekko. “That’s true,” Zoe instantly perks up, but I know it’s a façade. She’s worried for me. I can feel it in her grip and see it in her eyes. Her smile might fool the others, but not me. “That’s what boyfriends do right? Carry their girlfriend’s shopping? See I’ve never had one before but that’s what happens in movies.” “I’m not carrying your rubbish,” I tell her. “Please? Please? Please?” She begs despite not having bought anything yet. Her hands still grip mine. Her eyes staring into my face aren’t begging me to carry her non-existent shopping, they’re telling me she’s worried. “No,” I tell her again before I lean forward and let my lips brush against hers in a gentle kiss before I whisper to her face, “I’m fine.” She raises an eye brow at me, clearly not believing a word I’m saying but she doesn’t say anything further. She does however climb onto my legs and sits herself facing me, her face now literally just before mine. “He doesn’t like me being so close, does he?” she whispers, her words for me alone and I give my head a quick shake. “Hates it,” I whisper back, a smirk on my face. “Good,” she grins, her arms coming around my neck as if to just piss Rhaast off even more. From the side I hear someone make a gagging noise but I’m not entirely sure if it’s Jinx or Ekko at this point. “So what outfits were you guys looking at?” Talon asks having retrieved a seat from another table. Zoe doesn’t reply, she just leans closer to me. Her arms coming from around my neck and wrapping around my chest, her head resting on me. “Neeko wants to buy a colourful dress, but I didn’t see any bright enough,” Neeko chirps in. “And I don’t care. A dress is a dress,” Jinx scoffs. “I just want to go to wind up Vi and Cait. I’m expecting you to help me with that.” She moves one of her feet to poke Ekko in his chest. “I’m not helping you with anything. You wanna be crazy, you do you. Besides, I’ll be busy with my date I’m sure,” he smirks. “You got one then?” I ask dryly. He just smirks at me. “Not yet, but I will. How can the ladies resist?” He brags, his arms outstretched. I burst out laughing and the others aren’t far behind. “Let me know how that goes,” I tease before looking to Talon. “How about you? You asked anyone to the dance?” His cheeks go red and he gives his head a quick shake. “Er no, not yet.” “You got someone you want to ask?” I say. Has Talon got a crush on someone? Certainly looks like it. “Errr,” he starts, looking around at people. Oh my god? Has he? Neeko looks at him before looking around and putting her hand up as if she’s in class. “Neeko has crushes,” she says loudly, a grin on her face. “Neeko likes lots of people. But I don’t know who to ask to the dance. I want to ask Talon’s pretty sister, but I don’t think she’ll go with Neeko. So um, I don’t know who to ask.” I want to switch back to talking about Talon, but Neeko continues on with other girls she likes. Apparently Xayah is in that group and Ahri. What I gather from this is that Neeko has crushes on near enough anyone. “She really wants to ask Cassi to the dance,” Zoe whispers to me as Neeko continues on about something. I’m about to respond when my left arm goes totally dead. It slumps down from where it had been around Zoe’s back. I feel her move, watch as she looks at it. “What’s wrong?” She asks, sitting back to look at me. I open my mouth to speak but find I can’t make any words come out. I don’t know how panicked I look but I do know how panicked she looks. I feel my arm move, feel my fingers flex, but I’m not the one flexing them. I can feel the movement but that’s not me. I try again to talk but I can’t make a single word. I don’t think the others have noticed as Jinx is busy laughing at something Ekko has said. But I’m starting to panic. I can’t talk. Why can’t I talk? My left eye starts to burn and I can feel my whole body twitching. Zoe goes pale as she wraps her arms tightly around me. “Kayn’s feeling ill. We’ll have a rain check,” she yells out giving no other explanation before me, her and the chair I was sat on vanish into a portal and drop into her very colourful room. I fall onto the floor and start to writhe in pain as feeling does return to my arm, but it is just agony. Like someone is slicing through my flesh. “Come on Kayn. You’re so much stronger than this,” she tells me, pushing the chair aside before perching beside me. She looks so worried, so scared for me. “Hey Rhaast, you suck, you know that right?” She calls out, though Rhaast is nowhere around right now. “Like seriously? What all powerful demon gets stuck in the fragile body of a cat and literally his best hope of having an actual body again is to go after a teenager? I mean there’s pathetic and then there’s you!” She looks around the room for a moment before looking back at me. “He’s a parasite Kayn. That’s all. And you, you’re a shadow assassin, right? I mean he can’t beat you. You date an Aspect. You are so incredible and him, he’s just a cat. And not even a real cat, a dumb fake cat. A dumb fake cat is not going to get the better of you, ok?” she wipes at her eyes as I slowly nod my head. But god am I in pain. So much pain. I can’t even focus my mind. I need to. I need to block the pain out but I’m not being given a chance. “I won’t let him win. I swear on the stars I won’t let him beat you,” she says, looking so much wiser than she normally does. Her entire body seems to take on a faint purple glow. She pulls my glove from my hand and grips my claw tightly, holding it down with all her strength. Slowly the glow fades from her and I feel my arm stop moving. I realise my body has stopped spasming and I just lay there panting on her floor and staring up at the ceiling. “Better?” She asks, looking somewhat worn out herself. All I can do is give a brief nod before I try and talk again. “I…don’t…don’t…I don’t know,” I stammer out. They aren’t really coherent but they’re words at least. “Don’t worry about it Kayn. Don’t worry about it right now. Just get some rest ok? He was just being his usual self. He can’t get you when I’m here. I promise,” she smiles down at me. I nod but I’m honestly not sure I could sleep right now. I mean I’m exhausted, but I don’t know if I’m brave enough to sleep. What if he tries to pull that again? I hear a popping noise nearby and find my eyes shutting, my entire body happy for the break.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “What was that about?” Ekko points to the space where Kayn and Zoe had been sat. “Zoe said Kayn wasn’t feeling well,” I repeat what she said in case Ekko didn’t hear. “He did have a moment before you guys got here,” Talon adds in beside me. He looks over at Ekko who still looks very confused. “Yeah, but he seemed alright now. And that was super sudden.” “Maybe they wanted some alone time,” Jinx sniggers. “Really? Those two?” Ekko looks to her, almost shocked by something Jinx hasn’t said. “They are dating. It’s natural you know,” Jinx continues to chuckle. I watch Ekko glance at Talon, the two exchanging a confused look. I’m not sure Neeko understands what is not being said. “That is a thought I never needed in my mind,” Ekko sighs, his face and expression causing Jinx to burst out laughing now. “I think it’s more likely he genuinely wasn’t feeling well. You should have seen him space out. Ekko was talking and Kayn just wasn’t here at all. His eyes completely glazed over,” Talon continues. “In fact, there’s been a lot of times recently when he hasn’t acted like himself. I’m used to him being moody and sullen, but…I don’t know. There are times, and, for a moment, he seems to act like a totally different person.” “He’s dating Zoe. I think that excuses most bouts of weirdness,” Ekko shrugs. Talon doesn’t look very convinced. He rolls his eyes but doesn’t say anything else. “You guys should see them at cheer practice. He smiles at her every time he thinks no one is looking,” Jinx giggles to herself. “Oh, and did you hear? He changed his outfit. Pissed Ahri off completely.” “You really think he’s shown us his outfit? Even Sparkles hasn’t shown us a picture. I’ve seen Neeko’s outfit. Not seen theirs,” Ekko folds his arms and Neeko nods. I like my costume. I took lots of photos and showed my friends. “Zoe hates her outfit. Ahri and Syndra were messing with her when they had hers made. So her white knight came to her rescue with his outfit,” Jinx sniggers. “Dark knight would fit better,” Talon smirks. “He wishes,” Ekko adds in. Before anyone else can add anything, someone else walks over to us. Varus is looking around, his long silver hair hanging loose around his shoulders. He looks like he’s lost something. I glance to Talon sat beside me. His cheeks are pink and his eyes staring down at his knees. “Hey Varus. Lost something?” Ekko asks as Jinx whispers ‘his marbles’ under her breath. He ignores them, still looking around before looking towards us. “No Kayn?” “Kayn was feeling ill. Zoe just took him…somewhere,” I say smiling up at him. I think I hear Jinx say the word bed which causes her to laugh and Ekko to say something back to her. “Just now?” He asks me and I just nod. “Thanks Neeko.” He turns to go but Neeko jumps up, my hand up. “Um Varus, do you want to sit with us?” He looks at me very confused. In fact, the others look even more confused. Not Talon though. Talon has gone from pink to red on his face as he stares at Neeko. He makes a small shake with his head. “I’m fine, thank you,” he tells me, but Neeko is not giving up. “You don’t seem to have anyone else right now. We’re getting drinks. Please sit with us for a bit,” I smile. I watch Jinx whisper something to Ekko, but Neeko ignores them. Varus pauses, looking like he’s listening to something, before his shoulders drop and he gives a little nod. “Um, ok,” he says, dragging a chair over from a nearby table and sitting in the space Kayn’s chair left. “We were shopping for things for the dance. Is Varus going with anyone to the dance?” I ask, looking at him. Neeko can see why Talon likes him. He is very pretty. But his sho’ma is so very odd. He has purple. A very pale but bright purple. But around the edges there are other colours. Blue and grey. They flicker in and out. Sometimes when Varus is quiet, one of the other colours gets bigger. It’s fun to watch. “I don’t think so. I wasn’t really planning on going,” he tells me. “You should. Neeko has never been to a school dance before, but I’m told they are lots of fun. I am excited,” I grin. There’s a pause from him, again like he can hear something Neeko can’t. His Sho’ma swirls in different colours before he sighs and looks back at me. “Er, are you going with anyone?” He asks me. I shake my head. I wish I knew who to ask. “No. Not yet. People that Neeko has asked aren’t going. And some others are already taken. But Neeko will keep trying,” I smile. “How about you guys?” Varus asks, looking at the others. “Nah, I can’t be bothered with dates. So very boring,” Jinx waves her hand dissmisively. “I’m just going to see people try to dance. Ekko is going solo apparently. And it’ll likely stay that way all night.” She giggles as Ekko pouts, folding his arms. “I haven’t been asked yet. I’m hoping that will change.” “How about you, Talon?” Varus asks, looking straight at Talon who seems to shrink back further into his hood. He shakes his head, his face very red. “No,” he says, his voice going very high. “If Varus wanted to go with someone, who would you pick?” I ask, getting peoples attention back on me and not on Talon. I tap my finger on my lips. Who does Varus talk to? Neeko must have seen him with people before. “Not sure. Like I said, I wasn’t really planning on going at all.” “But if Varus wanted to ask someone? Would they be boys or girls? Like Neeko likes girls but Zoe likes boys. Who does Varus like?” I ask, my eyes wide. If Neeko asks these questions, then Talon doesn’t have to. This way he won’t be embarrassed because Neeko isn’t embarrassed. “Why? You got a crush on him too?” Ekko thumbs towards Varus making me laugh. “No. Of course not. Like I said, Neeko likes girls. But you are very pretty Varus. You have long hair and Neeko likes long hair. But Neeko does not like you like that. I can like you as a friend, but not like more than friends. Not like Xayah and Rakan like each other.” “Or Zoe and Kayn right?” Varus cocks his head at me, a small smirk there. I nod my head. “Yes, or like them. They like each other a lot. So who would Varus ask? Boys or girls?” I push my point forward, watching him think before shrugging at me. “Not really bothered. Like I said, I wasn’t asking anyone so I haven’t thought too much about it.” “So Varus would not mind then? If a boy or a girl asked him?” “Do you know something I don’t?” He asks, looking somewhat confused. “No. Neeko just likes to know. It’s fun to know things about friends,” I smile. “If you’re looking for any sense behind what she says, keep searching, because I ain’t found any yet,” Ekko adds in, leaning close to Varus. “And if you think these levels of crazy are high, you haven’t seen anything until you’ve witnessed Zoe going full Spanish inquisition on someone.” “I mean, it’s not like Varus here is the sanest apple on the tree. Have any good conversations lately?” Jinx smirks over at him. But before Neeko can say that sometimes talking to yourself makes sense, Talon jumps in. “Like you’re one to talk Jinx. You once spray painted your own name straight across the yard one night,” Talon says, looking over at the girl who just starts to laugh. “Yeah, that was great.” “And you have caused more fires in the dorms than any other student from you tinkering away at things,” Talon now points to Ekko who just laughs awkwardly. “Maybe. I guess. But that’s a secret right. You don’t tell that to anyone.” “So I guess you’re the sanest person here then,” Varus smiles over at Talon who just goes red again and retreats back into his hood making a squeaking sound that is maybe yes. Maybe not though. Hard to tell. “You ok?” Ekko asks Talon who does not seem to be in a state to respond right now. “Neeko wants to shop again. But Zoe isn’t here. Talon, come shop with me.” I leap up from my seat and grab his arm, hauling him to his feet. “You guys talk and get drinks. We’ll be back soon.” I start to drag Talon off towards the shops. He is far too embarrassed to argue. “Neeko thinks you should ask him,” I tell him once we’re away from the others. We hide around a corner between two shops as Talon looks like he’s getting his breath back. “I can’t ask him,” he stammers out, his eyes wide. “He says he likes boys and girls. Talon is a boy so you should ask him. I think he might say yes,” I nod. Varus seems nice. Odd but nice. “I think I’m afraid of that,” he whispers, looking up at Neeko. “Don’t be afraid. Be happy. Talon doesn’t have to ask him now. But Neeko thinks you should.” “Really?” “Definitely yes. And if Talon needs help, Neeko will help again.” “Not sure I can cope with your helping,” he chuckles, his face going less red. “I nearly died when you called him over.” “But you didn’t. And Talon defended Varus from the others. I think you can do it,” I nod, folding my arms and looking at him. Talon smiles softly at me before nodding. “Maybe. But come on. You need to buy something or we are going to look super weird going back over there empty handed.” “Will Talon help Neeko pick something for the dance?” I grin. Slowly he nods his head. “But only one shop. We look in one shop ok? I’m not trailing all over the shopping centre. But sure. If you find anything you like I’ll give a verdict. You did just save me from finding out the hard way whether he’d be ok with another guy asking him out.” “One shop. Neeko knows the one. Zoe said no earlier because it wasn’t a dress, but Neeko did find something she’d like for the dance,” I grin, grabbing his arm again and pulling him after me. “This way. Neeko will show you.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “So Ekko thinks Neeko has a crush on Talon for some reason. She’s gay right?” Kayn looked up at me from where he was laid out on a bench. I was busy walking along the thin wooden back, my arms outstretched for some balance. Not like I need it given I can literally fly, but it feels like I should do it, so I do. “Er yeah. She has a crush on half the student body. Just not the half that Talon is part of,” I giggle. “Why does Ekko think that?” “He wasn’t totally clear. Something about her taking off with Talon the other day at the shopping centre. I told him she’s into girls, but he didn’t seem convinced.” “Maybe she just wanted to hang with Talon. I dunno, Neeko is odd sometimes.” “Says you,” he scoffs, his eyes watching me. Given it’s just the two of us right now, he’s got his eye patch off, his odd coloured eyes matching mine. “Yes I’m odd too. But that doesn’t take away that Neeko is also odd,” I point down at him. He just smirks at me in such a way that I feel my whole-body tingle. “But Neeko is just a girl. You’re an Aspect. By proxy that makes you the weirder of the two,” he continues, his eyes meeting mine until I feel my cheeks go pink. “You’re blushing Zoe.” Well him pointing that out just makes me blush more. Huffing, I fold my arms and spin away from him. “Just wondering why I’m with someone that calls me weird. I bet Ezreal would have never called me weird.” “Ezreal, didn’t know you existed half the time. I do,” he tells me. I bite my lip, holding in a squeal before turning to face him again, a grin all over my face. He pauses and look at me before pointing up at me. “Don’t you dare start getting mushy. I don’t do that remember?” “You started it,” I laugh, dropping down onto him. There’s no one around right now and, after a sigh, he holds me, hugging my body to his. “You are so damn short,” he teases before I feel his head move and he glances to the side of us. “I wondered where you were. You’ve been skulking off by yourself an awful lot lately.” I turn to look and am not surprised at all to see the cat sitting a few feet away from us, his tail twitching in the air. He stares at Kayn who just smirks back. Since the incident the other day in the shopping centre, Kayn’s been ok. Rhaast may have taken control for a moment, but it was just his arm really and what it showed is that my magic is stronger than his. I didn’t do much. I just used what magic I have to supress Rhaast. It wasn’t easy, but it was doable. The problem is, that to get rid of him for good, Kayn has to be the one to fight him. I can’t do that for him. “Hey Whiskers. Not been hit by a car yet?” I wave at him, watching as he cocks his head before staring at Kayn. Below me I feel Kayn’s chest move as he tries to suppress a laugh, but ultimately he fails. He lays below me just laughing at something that Rhaast has clearly said. I have no idea what and it takes a few moments before he just looks up at me, a grin all over his face. “He says there was a rather close call with an ice cream truck recently, but other than that no. An ice cream truck. Who nearly gets hit by an ice cream truck? They literally play music as they drive around,” he chuckles. I snort before looking back at the cat who looks about as unimpressed as a cat can look. “Oh Rhaast. You’re not very good at this cat game, are you?” I say with mock sympathy. He just yawns at me. Sticking my tongue out at him, I sit up on Kayn and create a small purple bubble on my palm. Smirking I flick it over at the cat who just manages to dodge before hissing at me. I’m about to make another when I hear Kayn’s phone ding. “Care to move so I can check that?” He asks. “I’m sure it’s nothing important. I’m here with you,” I say smugly, folding my arms. He rolls his eyes, a slight shake of his head before he starts to move. Begrudgingly, I leap into the air, hovering above him as he sits up and pulls his phone out. “I’m going to take a guess at either Ekko or Talon,” I muse. Kayn glances at the screen before back at me. “You’re actually wrong.” “Neeko.” “Wrong again.” “Who else even has your number? Is it another girl? Are you seeing someone else? Should I be worried. Are you bored with me already?” I wail, clasping my hands together. Of course I’m only messing. Kayn doesn’t open up to other people. Took him years to open up to me. I’ve got at least another three years before he’s even on speaking terms with another person. Maybe even four. “I do rather wish he was bored of you. It’s bad enough having you even more of a permanent fixture in our lives than you already were, but at least then he didn’t constantly dream of you at night,” Rhaast snickers. “What?” I ask the cat before looking to Kayn who’s face has gone scarlet. “You dream about me?” I say it teasingly, but he just stares straight at the cat. “So the ice cream truck story is just between us, but that’s the thing you decide to share with the class?” He hisses before literally launching his phone at the cat. Have to say I don’t think Rhaast was expecting that given he gets hit squarely in the face with it. He yowls and hisses at Kayn who goes stomping over to retrieve the phone. “And if this is now broken you damn little rat, I will lock you in Lulu’s room all night. See what colour you come out as the next day.” I drop to the bench laughing and I don’t know what I find funnier. The fact that Kayn is clearly so embarrassed by the revelation that he dreams about me, or the thought of Rhaast coming out of Lulu’s room likely dyed purple or something. “For the record it was Taliyah. Taliyah messaged me. Lets talk about that,” Kayn says, his voice maybe a pitch or two higher than it should be. “So, are they good dreams or not?” I ponder, my finger on my lips. “I’m going to go meet Taliyah. Secrets out, I’m having a secret relationship with her. You guys sit here. I’m just going to head off,” he says, still almost yelling as he’s clearly trying to get his embarrassment under control. “I dream about marshmallows and rabbits. Sometimes even rabbits made of marshmallows and wearing tutu’s and bows,” I grin. “So what happens in your dreams?” “It’s a secret rendezvous, you guys can’t come.” He starts to stomp off over the path leading back towards school. I let him go a few paces before I conjure a skipping rope made from stars and start to literally skip over to him. “Are they fun? Do we kiss? Do we do more than kiss? Or are we older? Do we get married? Does big bad assassin Kayn dream of having a family someday,” I squeal. Of course he doesn’t respond. He just looks thoroughly annoyed, a pout on his face and his cheeks stuck somewhere between raspberry pink and crimson red on a colour chart. And in true, ‘I’m super embarrassed but I’m going to pretend I’m not’ Kayn fashion, he doesn’t say another word to me until we head round into the school and up a set of stairs to where the music practice rooms are. It’s a weekend so there’s no one else here. At least I assume there isn’t, but I can hear music coming from one room. Ok I’m confused. “Why are we here?” I ask, peering around at the quiet corridors and shut doors. “I told you. Secret rendezvous with Taliyah,” he huffs, clearly still angry with Rhaast. “I mean, you did say that. But I didn’t really believe you,” I admit. “Why is Taliyah messaging you?” “I owe her a favour. I have a feeling she’s calling it in,” he shrugs. Leaping before him I hold up his abandoned eye patch and there’s a moment of realisation on his face before he goes back to being sullen.“I suppose I should say thank you for this,” he mutters. I just nod as he fastens it in place, hiding his red eye from the world. Scowling he heads over to a shut door and pushes it open, the sound of music suddenly going silent. I follow Kayn in and see Taliyah sitting on a nearby stool watching another girl sitting behind a piano. I’m assuming that’s the source of the music I could hear. She pushes one of her long blue pigtails over her shoulder and smirks at Taliyah who just sighs, her shoulders dropping. “Fine, ok you were right. I mean he could have come alone. I did ask for that,” Taliyah shakes her head before looking over at me and smirking. “Hey Zoe. How’s cheerleading? I hear you got an odd costume compared to everyone else.” “Yeah and it sucked. I wanted to be pink and cute and all of that,” I sigh. I watch the other girl sign something with her hands at Taliyah. Sona is mute. She doesn’t talk so communicates with sign language. A few other students know it. I don’t. I think it’s super cool to watch, but I have no idea how to do it. Maybe I should learn. “Well I assume she’s no longer the odd one out,” Taliyah says, looking to Sona and then to the guy beside me. “She’s not. You wanted to call in your favour right?” Kayn says, his arms folded. “I did. You also now owe me a chocolate bar for bringing Zoe along so I can pay Sona back,” Taliyah giggles. “Honestly, you’re supposed to be helping me out here, not helping me lose bets.” “Fine, I’ll get you something. So come on, what’s this favour?” Kayn asks. However Sona signs something to Taliyah, the brown haired girl nodding along as she watches. Taliyah opens her mouth to reply but Kayn just starts to chuckle to himself, shaking his head. “If you think for one second that Zoe has any expertise in asking someone out, do I have a revelation for you,” Kayn sniggers, the other two girls looking shocked. “You understand sign language?” Taliyah asks. Kayn just nods. “I do. So to answer your question Sona, if Taliyah wishes to ask someone out, which I now assume is the favour, you are better off with me. Zoe is useless. Zoe will have Taliyah learning ballet or how to plumb a sink or some other dumb thing to get close to whoever it is she wants to ask.” He turns to look at me, a smirk on his face. “And then she’ll drop the revelation that the boy she’s doing that dumb stuff for isn’t even the one she likes.” I blush and look at the other two. Taliyah smirks while Sona makes a heart sign with her hands and holds it up at me. “I got you didn’t I?” I huff, rolling my eyes before realising what has actually just been said. “You have a crush on someone Taliyah? Oh wow. Who is it? Tell me please. I’ll keep super quiet. Won’t tell a soul. Oh wow, are you wanting Kayn to ask this guy out for you? Who is it?” I bounce around, hopping from foot to foot until Kayn walks in front of me and blocks my view of Taliyah. “Ignore her. But come on. Who is it? And why do you think I can help?” Peering out from behind Kayn I watch Taliyah get awkward, her fingers interlocking in her lap as she glances away, a soft smile on her face. “Are they cute? They better be cute Taliyah because you made him a whole outfit and if this is all you want from him I hope it’s someone that’s awesome and worth it,” I smile at her. “I think he is. Problem is I don’t know if he likes someone else. I think he might. He doesn’t really seem to notice me. I sort of just want to ask him to the dance. Nothing serious. Unless he wants to start dating or something. I’d just like the chance to find out first. But I just get embarrassed when I go to talk to him,” Taliyah admits, her face now bright red. “So who is it? Have they already got a date? Because Zoe is terrible at asking people out, but she could probably break someone up for you,” Kayn teases. I just kick him in the back of his shin. “Ignore him. But you have to tell us who it is. We could totally get something sorted for you,” I beam. Sona looks at Taliyah who has gone quiet, biting her lips. Shaking her head she looks back to Kayn and signs something with her hands. Kayn nods his head. “Trust me, I can understand,” he says aloud. Another sigh from Sona and she signs something again. I watch Kayn bite his lip and turn away, a snigger escaping from his lips before he winks at me and looks back at Taliyah. “I can, categorically tell you, that he’s single,” Kayn says, his voice on the edge of breaking into laughter. “Who is it?” I hiss at him. “He likes to think he’s a ladies man, but he’s not. He’s single and I’ll ask him. Want me to get him to give you his answer or would you like me to pass it on to you?” Kayn continues, ignoring me. “I’d like it if he could ask me,” Taliyah says, her voice quiet as she smiles at Kayn. “Sure. No problem. I’ll tell him.” “Please, someone tell me,” I beg, pleading with the other girls in the room. Not my boyfriend because he knows I want to know, and he knows that not telling me like he’s doing will be driving me nuts. And it is, he’s right. “It’s Ekko,” Taliyah whispers, almost afraid that someone else will hear. “Ekko?” I almost screech out before lowering my volume. “You like Ekko?” With a giggle, Sona hits some keys on the piano before her. It’s a bridal march. She starts to play the Bridal march. Both me and Kayn start to laugh as Taliyah shoots her friend a glare before looking back to us two. “Yes,” she nods. “He makes me laugh a lot in class, but I was always worried he was seeing Jinx.” “Nah, they’re just old friends,” Kayn explains, still chuckling. “But sure, I can ask him. I’ll get him to call you. She’ll help. Maybe. Probably not, but she’ll be present.” “Thanks Kayn.” “No worries. You did make me a cheerleading costume.” “We’re both looking forward to seeing you guys perform next week. First time you guys will have performed before the school. Should be good,” Taliyah smiles, her embarrassment subsiding. “It’ll be amazing. Can’t wait to once again stand before my entire school and do a cheerleading routine. I loved it so much last time,” Kayn says sarcastically. “But this time there may even be baton twirling. Damn, kill me now.” “He’s very good at that. Ignore him. We’ll ask Ekko. Come on, we can go find him now. He has to be somewhere,” I smile, leaping into the air and grinning in Kayn’s face. “Fine. We’ll get an answer for you,” Kayn says, grabbing at my hand and dragging me from the room. I wait until we’re outside of the building and the sounds of Taliyah yelling at Sona about her choice of song have faded away before I look at Kayn, a smirk all over my face. He glances at me from the side of his eye before looking back ahead. “How do we do this?” He muses. “What? Tell him there’s a girl interested in him?” “That. I feel we need to do this in a way that you and I get a hell of a lot of amusement from it,” he smirks at me. “This I agree with,” I nod, leaping over to his shoulders and unceremoniously dropping onto him, my fingers starting to play with his hair. “You want to come back to my room?” He asks, leaning his head back in an effort to see me. “Will it be cat free?” “If it’s not you can throw him out of the window. Or under an ice cream truck. Your choice.” “I’m in.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “Trust me,” I smirk at Talon who does not look convinced in the slightest by my optimism. “I trust you on a lot of things Kayn. Not sure I trust you on this however. I mean, you’re trying to tell me there’s a girl, not only interested in him, but that wants to ask him out?” “Yep.” “And this mystery girl asked you and Zoe to do this? Has she met you two?” “Trust me, that this will be hilarious. Because hell it’s Ekko. He is either not going to believe me or he’s going to go nuts and get super excited and embarrass himself. Either way it’s a win for us as spectators,” I point out. Talon shakes his head but does start to smirk. “I guess. When are you telling him?” “After school this evening. Figured that way we can sit and watch events unfold without worrying about the next class,” I laugh before feeling my phone buzz. I glance at it, unable to hide the smile that brushes over my face as I see Zoe’s name there. Opening her message I see a photo of mine and Talon’s backs in the corridor. She’s stuck some animated hearts around it. Shaking my head, I reply with the word ‘Stalker’. “Warning, we’re about to have our conversation shattered,” I look at Talon. “I’m surprised she’s not here already.” “I believe Neeko wanted to wait for your sister and Zoe wanted to wait for Neeko.” Ok so I’m expecting her. I’m very much expecting her to launch herself at me from behind. What I’m not expecting is the portal above me and her dropping out of it onto me, knocking me flat onto the floor of the corridor much to the delight and amusement of anyone nearby. “I’m here,” she gleefully exclaims from my back. I swear under my breath as Talon kneels by my head, a slight twist of his lips. “I genuinely don’t know what else you were expecting when you decided dating Zoe was a good idea.” “Forgive me for not realising it should come with a health warning,” I mutter. “Why? Just being her friend comes with a warning,” Talon sniggers, looking at the girl still sat on my back. I can feel her messing with my braid. Has she untied it? “Did you miss me?” “I saw you five minutes ago. No,” I say, sitting up and feeling her slide from my back. Talon reaches down and pulls me up. I feel my loose hair down my back and turn to look at the girl still sat on the floor, my hair-tie around her fingers. “Your hair is so pretty. You should have it down more often,” she smiles, and I know my cheeks must go pink. I mean I feel them heat up, but the smirks from those around me tell me how I must look. “It gets in my way. Hence the braid,” I say as Talon says something about being late to our next lesson. Zoe just smirks, wrapping my hair band around her finger like a ring. Giving up I turn and start to head to class with Talon. I watch him glance at my back and then back to me. “You do have a lot of hair. You’d think that it could be a hindrance given your profession, y’know,” he says, his voice low. “I like my hair. Besides, I tie it up in a bun for things like that,” I reply. A bun and a whole crate full of bobby pins. But at least I can keep it out of the way. Master Zed often mentions my hair length to me. Not that he should care. He hasn’t sent me a single message since that last mission. Not a message, not an invitation to train again, nothing. “Are you jealous Talon, do you wish you had pretty hair like Kayn?” Zoe sidles up to us, her grin spread from ear to ear. “No, I’m fine without insane long hair like you two,” Talon smiles. “I mean, yours is hardly short. If you took your hood off I could plait it for you if you’d like? Or put it in bunches. Or do something else. I could make it look super awesome,” Zoe continues as Neeko appears from somewhere. “Neeko wishes she had long hair. Long hair is very pretty,” she nods. “So what time are you telling him?” Talon asks me as Neeko looks between us both. “Telling who? What is Kayn telling someone?” “Nothing. I need to talk to someone later,” I tell her, turning into a classroom. “It’ll be after I have cheer practice tonight.” “That will never not make me laugh,” Talon sniggers, biting his lip. “Don’t.” “Oh yes, Neeko is looking forward to it. We get to practice more with the batons. I like that but Neeko is not very good,” the vastayan girl laughs as Zoe skips past us across people’s desks. “Not as good as someone anyway,” she almost sings and Talon looks at me, unable to hide his clear joy. “I have good hand eye co-ordination.” “Kayn is very good with the baton,” Neeko nods as I turn and clamp my hand over her mouth. “Please never say that out loud again.” “So you’re good huh?” Talon smirks, dropping his bag behind a desk. “He’s super good. He can twirl it up, catch it, spin while catching it, all that stuff,” Zoe nods. “Please shut up,” I beg, looking at several people looking over. Taliyah just winks at me, clearly enjoying this conversation from where she’s sat at the desk behind Talon’s desk. “I can’t. Like at all. Nope. I drop it all the time. Don’t I Soraka?” Zoe calls over as the other girl walks through the door. “Um, what?” “Baton practice. I dropped it on my face a lot. But not Kayn. He was super great at it.” “Kayn’s always been athletic. I’m honestly not surprised,” Varus says, walking past me as I release Neeko. “I’m not that good at it. Please ignore her,” I force a smile to my face while also trying to reach for my girlfriend’s floating hair. She easily skips out of my reach. “I’ll kill you,” I hiss, trying to grab her. The problem with Zoe is her portals. As soon as I think I’ve got her she vanishes into the floor and I find myself faceplanting the floor for the second time in five minutes. “You should be proud you know. I wish I was as good as you,” she tells me, standing behind me somewhere. “It’s embarrassing,” I whisper into the floor, hoping she can hear me over the sound of other students entering. “I think you look pretty awesome when you do it,” she says, her voice soft as she now bounces around in front of me. Standing up I brush down my uniform and smirk at her. “It’s still super embarrassing.” “You still look pretty great in your uniform. By the way what were you talking to Talon about? Is it what I think it is?” “It is. Me and him are going to you know who’s room after school to ask him. You coming?” “Of course. Like I’ll miss that. But after practice, right?” “After practice.” “Awesome. I’ll bring Neeko. Hey Neeko, I have a plan for us after practice tonight. You’re in right? Trust me, you want to be in,” she calls out, dashing over to the other girl. “You’re being watched Kayn and you don’t even realise it. She clouds your senses you know. Your master would not be happy with you.”
“Watched by who?”
“Where’s the fun in telling you that? You enjoy your silly talk about a dance and about cheerleading. If I recall you hated the thought of that, yet here you are, laughing with her about it. She makes you soft and she makes you weak.”
“Shut up,” I growl in my head. Spinning round I catch sight of Varus looking at me slightly oddly before he turns to look out of the nearby window. Zoe doesn’t make me weak. She doesn’t make me soft. She’s odd, I’ll admit that. But she’s so full of life and excited by everything. And she knows everything about me. Everything and yet she wants to talk to me about this silly stuff. This dumb stuff that ties me to this place, to this school and these people. Something I can focus on when I need to, because right now I have a demon in my body trying to gain control, and this silly stuff helps me focus on being Kayn and not losing control to him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “She was right in class you know. You are good at this,” Xayah muses, standing to the side of me somewhere. I scowl at her, before spinning on my feet and effortlessly catching the falling baton. I twirl it around in my hands, my eyes fixed on the girl before me before I throw it back up in the air. “I use a staff to train my body frequently,” I say, catching the baton again as it falls. “This is no different. Just smaller and more glitter involved.” “Glitter is amazing!” I hear Zoe yell followed by a thunk and her starting to moan. “Zoe, concentrate. You’ll miss it time and time again if you get distracted,” Ahri sighs. She should know better. Zoe’s entire M.O. is her getting distracted by things. “Hey babe, watch me now. Look, I can catch it too,” Rakan calls over before I hear the same thunk followed by him complaining. Xayah rolls her eyes, a smirk on her face before she turns and goes over to him. Practice starts to come to an end and Ahri has us sit on the benches around the side of the gym as she looks at us. Zoe sits beside me, her small hand slipping into my gloved one. I smile down at her as she holds a giggle on her lips. Her wide eyes look up at me, sparkling brighter than any star at night. “All right everyone. We have a performance for the student body next week. Now I’ve been speaking with the principal and she’s slightly concerned that we’re seen as being elitist. That our routines tend to focus on the same people,” Ahri tells us as if any of this should be a shock. Every routine I’ve ever seen has her, Sarah, Syndra, Lux and Ezreal front and centre and the others off to the side somewhere. “So, next week she wants us to make sure that our routine involves some of our new recruits. Because of this, I’ve been watching you practice, and our performance will feature Kayn and Xayah up front.” Well. I don’t actually know who starts to laugh first, me or Xayah. But we both start to laugh until we seem to realise, at the same time, that she’s serious. I look to the girl sitting on a step below me before looking back to the girl standing at the front. “Ahri, tell me that’s a joke?” Xayah says. Ahri shakes her head. “You two pick stuff up quicker than the others.” “I’m just here because of her,” I gesture at the girl sat beside me who waves over at Ahri. “Kayn, you pick up steps quicker than the other cheerleaders. You picked up an entire routine and performed it from only having seen it. It kills me to say this, but you’re very good at this,” Ahri tells me, her hands clasped together before her as she talks through gritted teeth. “It kills me to hear it. No. I’m here, I practice. I wear the costume, but I am not going in front of everyone front and center,” I splutter, ignoring the deep laughing in my head. “Kayn, yes you are. You and Xayah. You’ll be doing the main routine with me, Sarah and Syndra. Then we’re going to finish with the pyramid we’ve been practicing. You, Xayah and Rakan at the base, Sarah and Ez as the second level and I haven’t decided who to have at the top yet,” Ahri continues. “Lulu or Zoe would be a good choice. They’re both quite light. As we’re not great at the pyramids, the less weight we have on it, the better,” Soraka chimes in. I’m still in a state of shock at the thought of being in front of everyone again but this time wearing sparkles. “If we’re going short, why not Short Stack? Let me throw her up there,” Jinx almost bounces with glee as Poppy huffs, folding her arms. “I still say I can be the base.” “What? Alongside Kayn and Rakan? You intending to stand on someone’s head to be tall enough?” Sarah adds in dryly. “Star Guardians, please. We’ll have another practice tomorrow night and then an extra one at the weekend. This is what’s happening. You two, we need you to perform, ok? We’ll work out who goes at the top tomorrow. Ok, I’ll see you all tomorrow after school,” Ahri says before strutting off. Others start to move, to head to the changing rooms and start getting changed. But I’m frozen. Yes I knew I’d have to do routines, but I don’t want to be the focus. I did that once. I don’t want to do it again. “Babe, you get to be the star,” Rakan squeals, launching himself at Xayah who, like me, also hasn’t moved. “Congrats,” Zoe tells me, a smile on her face but none of her usual excitement. “It should be you,” I huff, standing up and striding over to the changing rooms. Zoe jogs to keep pace with me. “You’re better than me though. You’re better than nearly everyone at this.” “But I don’t want this, you do,” I tell her. She gives a slight shrug of her shoulders, her eyes glancing away to where Xayah is trying to wrestle Rakan off her. “I love just getting to do this with you. I’m not as co-ordinated as you at all. So I’m happy that at least one of us gets to do this. I think you’ll be great,” she says, her voice quiet. “Anyway, we need to get changed. Gotta go and blow Ekko’s mind later remember.” That pulls a grin to her face but it’s forced. Zoe loves practicing and doing routines. She gives it her all, but she’s not as good as the others. And it turns out she’s not as good as me or Xayah. Two people who don’t even want to be here. “Yeah, sure. I’ll meet you out here in a few minutes,” I say, heading into the guys changing room. Rakan is still outside somewhere with Xayah and I assume Ezreal is as well given the place is empty other than myself and a cat. “What?” I snap, starting to take off my costume. I don’t hear him move. I never hear him move. But when I turn back, he’s now sat on a bench in the middle of the room, his eyes glittering in the poor light in here. “When I gain control of that body of yours, that girl will be the first person I’ll kill. I’ll tell her everything you feel about her to watch the expression on her face before I snap that dainty little neck of hers.” “Yeah, good luck with that,” I reply flippantly. Rhaast lets out a noise that sounds like laughing.It’s starting to get harder to hide my corruption. My left arm is totally corrupted now. My skin twisted and red with thin metallic plating covering parts of my arm. Thin red tendrils have started to spread over my chest too. And, I haven’t missed the redness forming around my left eye. I keep fighting him. But nothing ever feels like a victory. No matter what I do, nothing gets better. The corruption spreads, but I haven’t seen it once decrease.
“Have you realised that this was a battle you could never win yet? I am ancient Kayn, and I’ve never lost. Great warriors have tried to control me before and their stories ended in ruin. You are a teenager that throws tantrums when things don’t go his way. You never stood a chance.”
“Yeah? And how long did it take you to control these ‘warriors’? Because I see it sometimes Rhaast. I see your mind like you can see mine. I’ve seen what you do to people. I’ve seen how quickly you take over people. I may be just a teenager, but I’m still me. And it’s been months now Rhaast,” I brag, taking off my cheerleading top and starting to button up my school shirt.
“Your swagger is endlessly fascinating to me. You know how hopeless your situation looks yet you continue to remain as arrogant as ever. You do it to your master. You’re still livid that he’s abandoned you, but you’d never show that to him. You just remain cocky. If he walked in here now, you’d brag about how great everything is and how you don’t need him, despite you desperately craving his attention.”
“I don’t crave anyone’s attention.” “That is one of the biggest lies you could tell yourself Kayn. You adore your master’s attention. You love being his star pupil. You love it when he praises you. And you love her attention. Just now, you loved how it felt when she complimented you. To have her tell you she’s proud of you. See, you pretend to hate this little club you’re in now. But you still show up to every practice. And you show off. You know you can follow steps and keep up with the others, because you’ve spent your whole life memorising footwork and movement. You who mastered every weapon your master had had no issue mastering a silly little baton. And when you prove how good you are at it, when you throw that baton higher than everyone else and effortlessly catch it, you look over to her, to see if she’s seen. To see if she’s giving you that smile of hers that you crave. You thrive off of people’s attention Kayn.” “Get lost,” I hiss, hearing someone else start to enter. Of course he doesn’t. He sits there, staring at me, even as Ezreal asks about him. “He’s just a dumb cat,” I scowl, shoving my costume into my bag and hauling it over my shoulder. “If he bugs you when you’re getting changed, just shove him in a locker and leave him there.” I say to Ezreal as I pass, my eyes going back to the cat. Ezreal looks confused but honestly that’s like a default setting for him. Outside Zoe is already waiting, hopping around as she gushes to Neeko over something. At my arrival she looks up at me and grins before her hand reaches for my gloved one and she takes it squeezing it tightly. “Ready to go see Ekko?” She grins and I nod, my conversation with Rhaast already fading from my mind. I message Talon to meet us by Ekko’s room and to make sure he’s there, because Ekko can get distracted by things as easily as Zoe can. The whole time we’re walking over, Zoe doesn’t release my hand. She babbles away to Neeko, but she doesn’t let go of my hand at all. In fact she only releases me from her grip once we get to Ekko’s room. I hear her say something to Neeko about helping her put a hair clip in or something as I knock on Ekko’s door. I love how, in theory, the girls shouldn’t be here, but also how lax that rule seems to be getting in school. “What? Damn, this an interrogation?” Ekko asks, opening his door. “Hey Ekko. We thought we’d come say hi after practice. Hi,” Zoe bounces into the room where Talon is already sat on a chair poking at some contraption Ekko’s made. “Hello Ekko. Zoe said we were coming over,” Neeko smiles before bounding in after Zoe. “Why do I think this was your idea?” He asks, looking up at me and holding his arm across the door frame. I just raise an eyebrow to him, folding my arms. “I said we should hang out after practice and your room was the winner of where we should go.” “Did I get a say in this?” “No. Going to let me in?” “No. Because I know you’re up to something. Wait, is that a hairclip?” “Is what a hairclip?” I ask, looking at the one in Zoe’s hair. But Ekko isn’t looking at Zoe, he’s looking at me. “Shit, I still have it in don’t I?” “You’re wearing a hairclip.” “Yeah I know. Damn I’ve walked over here with this in my hair.” “You wear a hair slide for cheerleading practice?” “Yes. Let me in.” “It’s got glitter in it.” “In about ten seconds I’m walking through the wall.” “Is it the same as Sparkles? Do you have matching outfits. Oh my god please tell me you have matching outfits?” Ekko almost bounces with excitement. Scowling, I walk through the wall beside the door, entering his room and ducking down under some plane like device that’s strung from the ceiling. “Nice hair slide,” Talon sniggers. “Mine or Kayn’s? They’re both pretty awesome,” Zoe brags, her hands on her hips. “You normally have hair slides in. He doesn’t,” Talon nods at me. I roll my eyes at him. I’ll admit, I now want to remove the damn thing from my hair, but that’ll make it look like they’re bothering me. “So why have you all invaded my room?” Ekko asks, shutting his door as I look around for somewhere to sit. Ekko’s room is crammed full of things. And it’s literally that. Just things. His desk is covered in tools and parts and inventions maybe half built, maybe fully built, I don’t actually know. His shelves are chock full of books on just about any subject going while his inventions fill any available space. “Well, someone did something nice for Kayn and now he gets to pay it on to you,” Zoe smirks from where she’s sat, hovering about two feet in the air alongside where Talon is sat on the only chair. “Why me?” “Because I’ve been told to,” I explain. “They were very clear that it had to be you I asked. They want you to ask them to the dance.” “They? Who?” Ekko asks, his eyes lighting up but his face still looking cautious. “They’re a girl, right? Why’d they go to you?” “They are a girl. I was there when she told him,” Zoe nods very matter-of-factly. Ekko looks back at me still not looking convinced but also doing a very poor job at concealing his interest. “Are they pretty?” “Are you swimming in options right now? I’ve basically told you a girl in this school wants to ask you out to the dance. Or rather you ask her if you’re interested. Does it matter what she looks like?” I fold my arms, leaning back onto a bookshelf. “Yeah, but what if they aren’t cute?” “All the girls in school are pretty,” Neeko chirps in, a grin on her face. “No, some are scary. It’s not Illaoi is it? Because that girl could break me in two with just a look. I’d be terrified all night.” “Illaoi is very pretty too. Neeko likes her. She’s very strong and powerful,” she continues, holding her arms up as though she has muscles. “Not Illaoi. Seriously she’s older than you and about three feet taller than you. Why the hell would she want you for a date? Anyway it’s not her. So the deal is I have to ask you if you’ll ask her to the dance. That’s all this girl wants from you, an invitation.” “You’re dodging around the question on whether she’s cute or not. I have a reputation here Kayn. I can’t just show up with anyone,” he smirks, trying to brag. “What reputation? An eternal bachelor?” Talon asks, looking slightly bemused from his seat. “You’ve gone by yourself, or persuaded Jinx to look like your date, for the last two school dances. You of all people do not get the choice here to be picky.” “Maybe I like going solo and seeing what happens.” “Nothing. Nothing will happen except you’ll hide in the corner and maybe stammer over an invitation to dance to someone nice like Soraka, who’ll humour you for one dance and then bolt,” I say dryly. “Better than the time you fell on your face trying to ask Ahri to dance,” Ekko points back at me. “But I actually have a date right now. She’s right there,” I gesture towards the floating girl who nods her head before blowing me a kiss. My face falls into a scowl which causes her to grin. “I don’t know who this girl is, but I think you should ask her. It’s hardly going to hurt is it? Besides, she’s done a favour for your friend. You should at least say thanks for that,” Talon adds on. “What favour was it?” Ekko eyes me up oddly. “She made him his cheerleading uniform,” Zoe adds in, still grinning over at me. “And yes, it matches mine. It was his design too. He wanted to match me.” She flutters her eyelashes at me and I just shake my head. “Yes, we match. Makes sense. Xayah and Rakan match. Anyway, this girl, you should ask her because yes, she did a huge favour for me, but she’s also a nice girl. She’s not likely to injure you either physically or magically which rules out half the girls here. You interested at all? I’m not naming her until you agree.” Ekko muses over it, his eyes flitting between me and Zoe for a moment or two before he scratches at the back of his neck, his eyes wandering to the useless things he has in here. He has literally no other choice. He’s trying to play cool but I know he’s desperate to know her name. “You’re sure she’s nice?” “Super nice,” I say at the exact same moment as Zoe. Our synchronism causes her to squeal as I just sigh. Talon pretends not to chuckle to himself and Ekko just smirks. “Not just your uniforms that are in synch is it? Fine. I’ll ask her. Who is it?” He says, an eager tone to his words. “Taliyah. She’d like you to ask her to the dance. She says if you don’t get on, that’s fine, but she thinks you’re cute and would like to go with you. She at least wants the chance to see if you like her.” “Taliyah’s sweet,” Talon nods. “You could do worse.” “Yeah, I guess she’s sweet, but she’s not like Ahri y’know,” Ekko ponders over his choice, but his eyes have literally lit up. Taliyah is sweet. She’s quite pretty and a nice girl. He’s definitely not going to do better. “Ekko, no offense, but if Kayn was never getting Ahri, you are certainly never getting her,” Zoe smirks before smirking over at me again. “Hey, I’m better looking than he is.” “No, you’re not,” Zoe shakes her head at him. “Ask Taliyah to the dance.” “You’re dating him, you’re supposed to like him better,” Ekko huffs. “Fine I’ll ask her. She’s friends with Sona right? Maybe she can bring Sona and she can keep Talon busy. They’ll talk about as much as each other.” Ekko looks over at Talon who goes an odd shade of pink. He definitely has a crush, I just don’t know who on. “Talon cannot go with Sona,” Neeko says, standing up very suddenly. “Talon is to be Neeko’s date if Neeko cannot get a pretty girl. So Talon is not allowed a pretty girl before Neeko.” “Are you two a thing? You spend a lot of time together,” Ekko asks, looking at them both. Talon remains silent but Neeko shakes her head, almost starting to laugh. “Silly Ekko. Of course not. Neeko likes girls and Talon is not a girl. But Zoe said dances are more fun if you go with someone. So Neeko has decided that if Zoe goes with Kayn and you go with pretty Taliyah, then Neeko needs someone and that someone should be Talon. Then neither of us are lonely and we can both have fun,” she beams. Zoe is right, she is very, very odd. I see her point, but she’s still odd. “Just ask Taliyah. And be nice. For some odd reason she has a crush on you,” I tease Ekko. He gives a nod, suddenly looking embarrassed. I pull my phone out and message him her number. “I’m not doing it with you jokers in here.” “We’re not asking you to. Also, Ekko, the next time you make something can it please be another chair,” I sigh, giving up on standing and seating myself on a space on the floor. “Sit on the bed,” he thumbs over towards his crumpled bed sheets that probably haven’t been washed in months. “The floor is fine. But a chair next time would be nicer.” “You know what? Given Ekko is actually going to ask Taliyah out and given that the reason we’re even here in the first place is because she made you a costume. A costume you likely have on your person right now, I think we should get to see it. We haven’t seen either of your outfits,” Talon smirks. I look over at Zoe who has started to beam while I death glare my friend. “No.” “What a great idea Talon. We should show them. I like mine a lot better when you have yours on,” Zoe looks at me. I say ‘No’ again. I say it several dozen times but eventually I’m portalled away from my little spot on the floor and into Ekko’s bathroom along with Zoe to get changed. There’s not much space, but she is hyper about showing it off. She’s busy pulling her long gloves on when she looks at me, her wide smile looking more vibrant than I’ve seen it in a while. “I know he spoke to you, after practice. I know he upset you. But I want you to know, you don’t have to worry about anything. Not as long as I’m here. I’ll protect you Kayn. I promise. Now come on, let me help you into yours. You look so hot in this y’know. If we weren’t already dating, this outfit would seal the deal.” “Thanks Zoe,” I tell her as sincerely as I can manage. “Don’t let him get to you. If he starts, just threaten him with me. I’m an Aspect, I can deal with some silly little darkin cat,” she brags. “Also ignore whatever those two are going to say about your outfit. Just remember I think it looks great.” Forgetting about Rhaast is easier said than done. His presence is always there in the back of my mind. It’s like a predator stalking it’s prey and waiting for that one moment when the prey slips up and then it’ll pounce. I just need to keep my wits about me. That’s all.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon “I keep trying to tell Kayn but no moment ever feels like the right time,” I moan, laying under my duvet with my phone held before me. On the screen Neeko looks at me, looking like she’s thinking. “Maybe try with one of your sisters first? You have two.” “You’ve met my sisters right? I’d rather just shout it out to Varus than tell those two. Kayn and I have been friends for a long time. We have a lot in common. It feels right that I should tell him first. I just don’t have the courage to do it. I don’t have the courage to tell anyone.” “Talon told Neeko. Talon is braver than he thinks,” Neeko nods. “If you say so,” I huff. It should not be so hard to tell someone that I like them. Or tell my friends I like someone. I mean if Zoe and Kayn can somehow admit to each other they liked each other, then surely I can do the same. I mean Zoe is on a different planet half the time and Kayn is as emotionally detached as a person can be. Yet they managed to do it. “Don’t worry, Neeko can be there if you’d like? Would that help?” Bless this girl because she is trying so damn hard for me when even I don’t have the courage to help myself. “Maybe. Look, it’s late Neeko. I’ll see you at school tomorrow ok? I’m going to go to bed,” I say, ending the call and just pulling my duvet further over my face. Has everyone that’s ever asked anyone out gone through this? Is this normal? Or is it because I’m gay? God even just thinking that makes me embarrassed. My dad will flip. He’ll actually lose his shit over this. And technically he’s not even my real dad. I’m adopted. So will he disown me? He’s not tied to me. Not biologically anyway. Can you just disown someone like that? It’s a school dance. Is anyone else, at all in this school, having this many thoughts over it? Cass isn’t going and Kata is likely going with Garen, though me and Cass have to pretend that isn’t blindingly obvious. Ekko will be going with Taliyah if he ever calls her. Zoe and Kayn are a thing. I know Neeko said she’ll be my back up plan if it all goes wrong with Varus, but that’s not fair on her. She should go and ask who she likes. I think I lay in bed debating this in my head for far longer than I realise. Maybe I doze off at some point but I’m honestly not sure. What I am very sure of is that I am aware of someone screaming. The walls of our dorms are notoriously thin at times; I have Rumble in the room to the right of mine and I can always hear his phonecalls with Tristana. But screaming is a new one. Heading from my bed I crack my door open and look down the corridor. There’s about ten to twelve rooms on each floor of the dorms and looking down the hallway of mine I can see Rakan standing outside of a room, knocking on the door and calling in. Quietly I head over to the vastayan guy, making him jump as I seem to appear beside him. “What’s wrong?” I ask, the screams from inside the room now far louder here. Rakan shrugs. “No idea. I was asleep. I woke up when I heard him screaming,” he says, his phone in his hand as he again knocks on the door. “Kayn, are you ok in there? It’s Rakan?” “Kayn? It’s Talon. What’s wrong?” I call through, trying the handle but finding it locked. I could get in there. I can pick locks. But I don’t want to do it in front of Rakan. That’d just invite unwanted questions. Not to mention that I’m not the only one this has woke up. Several other guys have opened their doors, standing there in various states of lucidity. “Kayn are you ok?” I call again. I get no reply but he sounds like he’s in pain. “Who’re you calling?” I look to Rakan and his phone. “Er Zoe. Been trying to call her since I first heard him, but she isn’t picking up.” “Keep trying,” I say before running back to my room and rummaging through my drawers. If I can pick the lock subtly, I can get in. He sounds like he’s in serious pain. I find a tool perfect for the job and run back. Several people are now around asking what’s wrong, but I don’t have answers. Instead I make it look like I’m trying the handle again, using my body to try and block the view of what I’m doing from as many people as possible. “You think you can pick that lock?” I hear a voice say behind me. Come on! I’m trying to do this as subtly as possible. Can people please be less observant at this time of night? “Er, no, just seeing if it’s not locked,” I lie, trying my best to further block what I’m doing. “If you get that door open, do not let anyone else in that room,” the guy next to me says. I nod, more focused on what I’m trying to do. Nearby I hear Rakan talking to someone, but it doesn’t sound like Zoe. Come on door, open up. These locks are normally far easier to pick. But I’m not used to doing it under these circumstances. There’s a faint click and I realise I can open the door now. Looking up I realise I’m looking straight at Varus, his face just before mine. My stomach literally drops and I feel my face heat up. “You in?” He asks, his voice stern as I just feebly nod. He turns to look at Rakan. “You get in touch with Zoe. Tell her she needs to get to Kayn’s room as quick as she can. Rakan, do not let anyone else in this room ok? No one but Zoe.” Rakan nods and I feel a hand on my back, pushing me in. I stumble through into the dark room, the door behind me getting closed and plunging us into darkness. “Shut that door and make sure no one comes in here. Lock it back up if you can,” Varus orders me and I again can just nod, my voice having deserted me entirely. Beside the door I flick on the light switch so I can at least see what I’m doing. Turning my head, Varus is stood beside Kayn’s bed where the latter is literally thrashing in his bed, still screaming in agony. “Kayn, are you in there? Kayn you need to fight him,” Varus says, his voice calm. I steal another look over my shoulder before realising that he’s come out in nothing more than a pair of shorts, and if I thought my face was red before, I go incredibly red now. “Kayn, Zoe is coming. Can you hear me? Zoe is coming, but you need to fight him. You have to fight harder,” Varus says. “Fight who?” I find myself saying. Having locked the door back up, I take an unsteady step forward. I’ll admit, being this close to Varus has sent my pulse into overdrive, but right now I’m more worried about Kayn. He’s literally spasming in bed, screaming like his body is being torn apart. That’s when I see something that really shouldn’t be there. “What’s wrong with his hand?” I ask, staring at the claw that has literally ripped holes into Kayn’s duvet. He screams again, that hand grabbing at the left side of his face and gripping it tightly. Varus turns to look at me, his grey eyes watching me for a moment before looking back to Kayn. “Nothing. Nothing new anyway.” “That’s a claw. Why does Kayn have a claw?” I ask, stepping up beside the object of my every thought and for a moment literally not even thinking about it. “Some of us have claws,” Varus tells me calmly, flexing one of his own hands. Varus has always had rough purple skin up to his elbows on both arms, as well as his legs. Both of which I can see very clearly given his lack of anything more covering than loose shorts. My friend is in serious pain here and all I seem to be fixating on is that Varus isn’t wearing a whole lot. Damn. Come on Talon, focus. “But not Kayn,” I say, though I know my face is stuck on being red right now. Students in this school are odd. There’s no escaping it. You have the yordles and the vastayan students for starters. But even human students like Zoe come with their weird quirks. No other student can make portals like she can. I’ve always assumed that maybe Varus was part vastayan. It explained the claws. But Kayn is human. He shouldn’t have a claw. And it’s not just a claw. Looking at his bare arm, I realise what his bandages have been hiding. Why did he hide that from me? Does Zoe know? “Come on Kayn. Zoe will be here soon. You have to hold out longer,” Varus talks to him again, his hands holding down Kayn’s shoulders. “What’s wrong with him?” I ask. Other than the claw I can’t see anything wrong. But he’s sweating and constantly writhing in pain. And he is really screaming. “Kayn?” I hear a worried voice say behind me. Turning around I look at the small girl with the multicoloured hair. She’s wearing an oversized rabbit onesie. Her slender hands buried in the sleeves as she holds them to her pale face. Her wide eyes just stare at the bed. “Kayn?” “Zoe, find Rhaast. Find him and put him to sleep,” Varus orders her. Zoe looks up at him as if only now realising the two of us are here. “How do you…?” “Zoe go. If he’s asleep Kayn can take back control,” Varus snaps at her. With a quick nod she dives into a portal. “Who’s Rhaast? What’s wrong with Kayn?” I ask. Varus looks at me before looking back to Kayn. “Hold his legs down. We need to make sure he doesn’t injure himself. Once Zoe’s back she can explain to you.” “Well someone better,” I huff, grabbing my friend’s legs and pinning him down. For what seems like eternity, Kayn continues to scream and thrash. I’ll admit it’s a lot harder to hold him down than I’d thought it would be. When did Kayn get so strong? Almost instantly he falls quiet. His long hair is in a tangle around him and his breathing sounds laboured, but he’s not screaming anymore. Behind me I hear footsteps as Zoe pushes between myself and Varus and stands beside the bed. Almost tentatively she reaches out, holding her hand to his cheek. “I didn’t feel a thing,” she whispers. “Normally I know.” “He’s getting stronger. He blocked you from feeling anything,” Varus tells her, and Zoe looks up at the other guy. “How did you know about Rhaast? Kayn’s never told anyone other than me,” she demands. “I know about more than just Rhaast,” Varus says, his eyes glancing back to the locked door. “Pop out and tell Rakan he’s ok. Say it was night terrors. Then I’ll tell you what you want to know.” She doesn’t move straight away. She pushes herself up onto her tiptoes as if to make herself more intimidating before she vanishes and I hear her voice outside. “Who’s Rhaast?” I ask again. Varus doesn’t reply. He looks like he’s listening to someone else talk before he looks back at me. “It’s up to Zoe, not me,” he shrugs and I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or someone else. I don’t get to question further as Zoe pops back in and heads straight over to Kayn. She stands by the bed, moving his long fringe away from his face and watching him sleep for a moment. “So how do you know about Rhaast?” Zoe says again, her voice unusually stern. “The walls here are quite thin and Rakan is incredibly nosy.” Puffing out her cheeks, Zoe grabs both my hand and one of Varus’ and drags us both into a portal with her. Gone is Kayn’s room and I’m left feeling almost sick as I stand on the roof of a large silent building. My head is literally swimming. That’s the first time I’ve ever been through one of her portals. How does Kayn do this so frequently? Around me the night air is fairly cool that it eases off the dizziness quick enough, and I’m thankful for the t-shirt I sleep in at night. Varus must be freezing. Wandering over to the edge of the roof we’re on, I peer over the edge, looking down into a broken and ruined town. From what I can see, destroyed buildings are scattered around, several almost overgrown with foliage and weeds. Where are we? “Tell me Varus. Tell me how you know about Rhaast?” Zoe demands now, her eyes flaming as she stares at the tall guy. “Because I’m no fool Zoe. I know all about Rhaast, and all about you,” Varus folds his arms and I creep back closer to the other two. I feel like I shouldn’t be here. “About me? Nothing odd about me. I just want to know how you know so much about my boyfriend,” she cocks her head at him. “Lets not pretend ok? You’re an Aspect. The new Aspect of Twilight. At least you’re newer than the last one,” Varus shrugs and from the shock on Zoe’s face I’m guessing this is something surprising? I have no idea. I’m feeling incredibly lost right now. “Can someone explain to me what is happening right now?” I demand stepping forward. The other two look at me with almost amusement. I know I’m missing something big here, I just don’t have a clue what. “What did you see?” Zoe asks, staring straight at me in such a way that I actually feel scared. She suddenly looks so much older than she is. “See?” “He saw Kayn’s corruption. It might do Kayn well to have someone else who knows. He needs allies right now,” Varus says and I watch Zoe’s eyes flit onto him, a tight scowl forming on her face before her eyes dart back to me. “You saw his arm?” “Er, yeah. Why does he have a claw? Is that what his bandages are hiding?” “Kayn has a parasite in him. A Darkin. It’s trying to control his body. His arm is part of the physical battle, but Kayn is constantly fighting an internal battle. If he loses, the creature gains control of his body and Kayn dies. But I’m not going to let that happen,” she hurriedly adds that last part on. “Darkin? Like the fairy stories? My mum used to tell me and my sisters stories about the darkin and the aspects. You mean they’re real?” I look between them, waiting for one to laugh. Waiting for one of them to tell me that this is all a joke. But neither do. Varus looks away awkwardly, his long silver hair flowing around him in the breeze while Zoe just nods her head. “The Darkin were real. They were beings blessed with power and immortality, but they grew petty and started to argue amongst themselves,” Zoe starts giving a heavy sigh. “They fought together and destroyed each other, and the people that had once worshipped them,” Varus says, still not looking at either of us. “However, the Aspect of Twilight at the time, a girl called Myisha, gave mortals the ability to trap the Darkin. They could be sealed within the weapons that made them so fearsome. Problem is, seals don’t last forever. As time passed, mortals sought out the weapons. A mortal that tried to wield one would be corrupted by the Darkin within and the Darkin could take control of the mortal’s body.” “Well you studied your history books,” Zoe huffs at Varus. He gives half a shrug at her. “No need for books. I was there,” he says so casually that my mind takes a moment to fully comprehend it. “What?” “You couldn’t have been there. The Darkin war was before even me. Well before you,” Zoe says almost smugly. Varus smirks at her, flexing his claw like hands at her. Holding one of his hands out, my jaw drops as a deep purple bow materialises before him, his hand grasping around it. “A weapon,” Zoe gasps, looking up at Varus. “You’re infected too?” “Not infected. I’m not the host. I’m the Darkin.” Wait? What?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe What? No way. How can Varus be a darkin? I’ve been in the same school as him for a few years now. How could I have not known? I know what Rhaast is. I knew that almost straight away. So how did Varus elude me like that? “You can’t be a darkin,” I splutter, keeping up my bravado, but he lowers that bow at me and I feel my stomach drop as he pulls back, summoning an arrow. The scarlet arrow head is levelled at me, glowing brightly on the bow and casting an odd glow over us all. “I can be, and I am,” he says, his voice as stoic as ever. However the bow gets lowered, the arrow vanishing and he sighs, shaking his head. “They wouldn’t have believed me without the weapon.” “Who are you talking to?” Talon asks sounding as confused as I’m sure he feels right now. Man, I keep forgetting he’s here. How do I explain this whole mess to him? Talking to? Wait. Varus often seems to be talking to himself. “Your host,” I gasp, pointing at him and hopping around on the spot. “You’re talking to your host.” Varus nods at me, the bow vanishing into the air. “Yes.” “So you can still hear him? Your host? He’s not dead?” I say. Is there any chance I can save Kayn here? I’ll admit I’m not sure what happens to the host of a darkin when the darkin wins. I always assumed they just died. “Them,” Varus sighs, suddenly looking like the slightly put out teenager I’m used to seeing. “I can hear them.” “Them? You have more than one host? How?” “My bow got sealed in a pool. A young man hoped to save the life of his lover and took him to the pool. Both of them went in, their bodies merged with my spirit and the three of us got stuck with one body. I’m the dominant personality, but I can still hear the other two,” Varus explains, looking more and more awkward as he goes on. His lips push together into a pout and he just glances down to the ground. “You’re an immortal monster from children’s stories?” Talon says dryly from beside us both. Varus nods his head and I hear a strangled laugh from the side. “Sure. Why not?” I think I hear him groan, but Talon isn’t my focus right now. “So that’s how you know about Rhaast? You can sense him like I can?” I look at Varus who again nods. “Rhaast is the same as me. Of course I can sense him.” “How come I couldn’t sense you then? I know all about that damn cat. But never you.” “I’m fully in control. There’s no struggle here. Nothing to alert you. Not to mention as soon as I realised what you were, I put a block up of magic. I wanted to make sure you couldn’t work out what I was.” “Hardly fair. You knew I was an Aspect.” “Hi. Can someone please give me a run down here on what’s happening? I’m sort of feeling out of the loop here. Darkin and aspects are real? And you’re a darkin and you’re an aspect? What does that have to do with Kayn? How does he have a darkin in him?” Talon looks thoroughly confused as he looks between us both. I suppose I should give him a little more info about me and Kayn. “Kayn decided to be dumb. His master sent him to, er, pick something up for him, which happened to be a weapon. But rather than listening to advice given to him and not grabbing it, Kayn did just that and got infected,” I explain avoiding any details such as it wasn’t like picking something up from the shops. It was one of Kayn’s missions. “You mean Kayn was sent to steal it? I’m not a fool Zoe. Well I thought I wasn’t. And what weapon?” He looks totally bewildered by all of this and I don’t blame him. I’m feeling a little caught off guard by Varus’ revelation. I can’t imagine having to try and take everything else in. “A giant scythe. Problem was, Kayn wasn’t fully corrupted straight away. In fact, the darkin could barely get a foothold with him. So he changed his form to that of a cat. When one of them wins control, the scythe will likely return and the cat will vanish,” I say while thinking how much I want to drop that cat at the bottom of an ocean. “Kayn’s resilience to Rhaast is remarkable. I’ve never known someone stand up to the corruption quite like he does,” Varus adds in. “How long did it take you to take over your hosts?” I ask almost snidely. I’m not happy he knew I was an Aspect but I didn’t know he was a darkin. “It was instantaneous,” he says, almost bragging. “They came into the pool and they were mine.” He starts to smile but then his face falls and he looks between us both. He sighs and starts to pout again. “Apparently I’m not being fully truthful and this is something that I’ve apparently been told about before. Hang on.” I look at Talon and shrug. If I’m confused he must be super, super confused. Varus shuts his eyes and exhales a deep breath before opening his eyes again. His usual grey eyes are now a deep hazel. I watch him cock his head as he flexes his fingers before looking at us both and smiling. “Hello Zoe, Talon. My name is Kai.” “Er hi. What’s happening right now?” I say, gesturing with my hands. “Varus wasn’t being fully truthful. I’ve spoken to him about that. It’s the darkin, I think they all have a bit of an arrogance problem,” he shakes his head. “I’m one of his hosts as it were. I was dying. I was ill. My boyfriend at the time, Valmar, he’d heard of this forbidden pool that was supposed to be magic. He took me there to see if it would heal me. He was desperate and desperate people do dumb things. It didn’t heal me. The magic in there transformed both of us into one being. One body. Only we weren’t in control anymore, the darkin Varus was.” “And you two were ok with that? With letting a monster control you?” I ask, folding my arms and staring at the guy. He shrugs at me but his whole demeanour is so different. The way he stands is less rigid and he’s using his hands more as he talks. Is this actually a totally different person now? “We didn’t have much choice. The darkin are incredibly powerful. For us, we’re just happy to be together still. Without Varus I would have died by now. We’re technically not alive, not in the sense that you two are, but we’re still together. Varus didn’t destroy us like Rhaast is trying to do to your friend.” “Valmar is a guys name,” Talon says rather out of the blue. When we both look at him he goes red as if that wasn’t supposed to be an ‘out loud’ statement. “Yes. We’re gay,” Varus, or rather Kai, says quite bluntly. “Huh, ok. Um, continue,” he says, shrinking back his face going scarlet. It’s odd to see Talon without his usual hood up. His fair brown hair is almost shoulder length when you can actually see it, and he has a very pretty face when it’s not hidden in shadows. “Hang on here. I have another question. Why a school? Varus is a millenia old darkin and he attends school? Rhaast doesn’t have a choice because Kayn goes, but Varus does,” I say, looking back to the person before me. A wry smile crosses his lips. “Varus had been sealed for years and years. He knew nothing of the world. Val and I thought it’d be best if he went to school. At least that way he could learn about things he’d missed and maybe make some friends. He’s very solitary and I don’t think that’s good for someone. Yes he can talk to me and Val, but we’re hardly substitutes for having friends he can grow with. He might have once been immortal, but he’s very immature at times. I don’t think he was all that old when he was turned into an ascended being. Apparently that was the stage before becoming a darkin. Or so Varus has told me. And I guess a darkin joining a school to learn about the world is no different to the Aspect of Twilight also joining and wanting to be a cheerleader.” That smile stays on his lips as he looks at me and I find myself fidgeting. “There were slight ulterior motives for that originally,” I admit, blushing slightly. “I have a feeling I know what they might have been. Well it was lovely talking to you both. Varus would like to regain control again before I say something that will embarrass him. His words, not mine. I hope you can save your friend Zoe,” he smiles before shutting his eyes again. When they reopen they’re back to being grey and Varus just scowls at us. “I agreed to the school thing too. It’s not like they forced me. And I was plenty old enough to be an ascended being. I just happened to be younger than them. That’s all,” he says, sounding almost petulant. “And it made sense. The world had changed and I’d been stuck in a bow for thousands of years.” “You’re thousands of years old?” Talon asks and both myself and Varus look at him. “Which one of us?” I ask, pointing between us both. “Because it’s been at least a millennia since I was made an Aspect.” “Does Kayn know about that? That you’re some fairy story?” “Of course he does. We know everything about each other. I know about Rhaast and he knows about me,” I say almost defensively. “You’re a darkin. Is there anyway I can seal Rhaast without harming Kayn? If you were sealed would it help Kai and the other guy?” “No. If you sealed me, you’d seal them too. And if you tried to seal Rhaast now, you’d seal Kayn. The only way Kayn can win is to defeat Rhaast.” “How does he do that?” Talon asks, looking somewhat worried. He’s taking all of this a lot better than I thought he would. I mean I don’t think Ekko would have been so calm. In fact I know he wouldn’t. But Talon is at least remembering to breathe after finding out some of his classmates are mythical beings. “It’s a battle of wills,” I answer, my voice quiet as I look to the stone roof below my slippered feet. “It’s Kayn’s body, but Rhaast wants control. He’s fighting Kayn for control. Occasionally he gets through for a moment. Just a moment. But normally I know. Normally I know exactly when he tries it and I can be there. Because my magic can disrupt him. Not for long, but enough for Kayn to take back control. But tonight I didn’t know. He was in that much pain and I didn’t know.” I feel my eyes water before I start to sob. I was fast asleep as Rakan tried to ring me. I only woke up because Neeko and Xayah were banging on my door. Xayah said she’d had a call from Rakan that Kayn was sick so I portalled over. I didn’t hesitate. But when I got there he was in agony. I could feel it. Rhaast was wrestling for control so strongly. The creatures presence was almost suffocating in that room, but I felt nothing until I was alerted by other people. Thankfully the putrid little beast was so focused on fighting Kayn and trying to block me from realising, that he totally missed me dropping a bubble from a portal onto his head. I knocked him out for a good few hours. That should at least give Kayn some reprieve for tonight. But what do I do? He had that much effect on him and I didn’t even know. I sob into my large pink sleeves. I can’t lose him. I just can’t. He means the world to me. He’s always accepted me. He’s never once judged me for things I can’t control. “Zoe,” I hear Talon say softly before he comes over, hugging me. I throw myself at him, squeezing him tightly as I sob. “Is there any way we can help?” “Kayn needs to focus on something he loves. We became monsters through hate. Love messes with us. It’s why Val and Kai could hang on to their identities when I took over – because they loved each other deeply. Love will anchor Kayn more firmly here than anything else,” Varus says, his voice unusually soft. “Love?” “He loves you. I don’t know if he’s told you, but I’m fairly certain he does,” Talon tells me. “He doesn’t open up to anyone about anything Zoe. Trust me. But with you, he tells you things. He told you about this. I think he’s loved you for a lot longer than he realised.” “Rhaast blocked you Zoe because you make Kayn stronger. You have to make sure Kayn realises that. If he feels Rhaast taking control, he needs to think of you,” Varus says, stepping closer to me. “You’re the Aspect of Twilight. Your predecessor beat us once, I’m sure you can do it now.” “What if this creature does take control though. Is there anything we can do? A back up plan or something?” Talon asks, his eyes looking up at Varus. “Not that I know of. I only know of what happened to me and the other Darkin when we were sealed. After that I was trapped in a bow for centuries,” Varus says. “If there is anything you can do, I don’t know what it’d be. I don’t know anyone that would either. All of this happened so long ago, we’ve become nothing than stories. Anyone that was alive for the Darkin war was either sealed in a weapon, like me, or they’re dead.” A long time ago. Before I was even as Aspect. Before I was likely even born. But not before everyone I know was born. I know someone older than me. Older than the darkin war. “I know someone,” I whisper, my voice quiet. “I know someone I can ask.” “Old enough to have seen the war?” Varus sounds confused as I wipe my eyes and nod. Talon’s arms are still holding me tightly and I’m grateful for the support right now. “Older. But he doesn’t live here. He lives far, far away. I’d need to be gone for a few days if I went to find him. And right now I don’t want to leave Kayn. Rhaast is getting more frequent in his efforts to get control. If I go, I don’t think there’s anyone Kayn would turn to if he needed help. Not even you Talon.” “What about his master? Would he trust him? Does he even know about this demon?” Talon asks. I nod my head, careful though not to reveal what he’s a master of. I’m fairly certain Talon knows what Kayn does, but I don’t think Varus does. “Yes, he knows. But I don’t think they’re speaking. Kayn used to go over there for training at least once a week. But recently he’s not been at all. He gets defensive if I bring the subject up.” “Zoe, the best you can do for Kayn right now is be there for him. Rhaast is strong, but from what I’ve seen, so is Kayn. And so are you,” Varus says, his hand resting on my shoulder. “If you need to leave, let me know, I can keep a watch on him. I can hear Rhaast as clearly as Kayn can. Makes focusing in class sometimes, um, interesting.” “Talon, can you do me a favour please?” I whisper into his t-shirt. “Don’t let Kayn know you know. Rhaast is devious. Really devious. He knows I know and he avoids me. When he can. If he thinks you’re ignorant, he won’t be as sneaky around you. You can keep an eye on him. Please?” “How can I keep an eye on him?” Talon asks. “You’ve seen him plenty of times. It’s the rust coloured cat that follows Kayn around. That’s Rhaast,” Varus adds in. “That thing is a demon?” Talon splutters, his arms releasing me as again he goes back to looking hopelessly confused. “He is. You really think I’d launch actual cats out of windows? I love kitties. But not that one. Never that one.” “This is going to take some getting used to,” Talon sighs. “But sure, I can stay dumb on it. I can watch that cat. I’ve never really liked it.” It’s nice to know that someone else knows. That I now have someone other than Kayn I could talk to about this. Because I have doubts and worries, but I keep them from Kayn. I can’t make him worry or have doubts because that’s how Rhaast will win. But sometimes the pressure is so overwhelming. Because I see what it’s doing to Kayn. I see his mood swings and his physical corruption. I watch that corruption spread. To see the metal plating that’s now grown over his arm and the red now on his chest and then I have to stay upbeat and positive in front of him. It hurts. “I should get you guys back home before you both catch cold,” I say quietly. I mean neither of them are wearing much. They could both do with owning a onesie. They’re very comfy. It’s easy enough to portal them both back to their rooms, but I don’t return to mine. I sit on the edge of Kayn’s bed, watching him sleep peacefully. The gentle rise and fall of his chest and the way his fringe has fallen over his face. At least he’s not in pain now. For now at least he’s safe.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn Waking up I realise how sore I am. My whole body feels like I’ve run a marathon. I honestly feel exhausted right through my body, and I have no idea why. Yawning, I blearily open my eyes and realise I have Zoe’s face literally inches before my own. Her eyes are shut tight as she sleeps. Why is she in my bed? When did she get in my bed? What the hell have I missed? “Zoe,” I whisper. I have no idea what time it is, but looking at the sun coming underneath my curtains, I have a feeling we should both be awake by now and likely in class. “Zoe?” I should move. But she looks so peaceful. And why am I so tired? I feel like I’ve missed out on something and I have no idea what it was. How do I wake her up without pushing her off the bed? There’s not a whole lot of room here. “Zoe,” I say again, a little louder. Can I see a clock anywhere? Did my alarm go off? What time is it? Reaching forward, I poke at her cheek, my sharp claws looking so odd against her soft skin. She’s so pretty and that thing is damn hideous. Come on Zoe, please wake up. I could do with an explanation here. I poke her again and watch her nose twitch, but she doesn’t budge. Seriously? I poke her again, but this time say her name and watch as her eyes slowly open. “No, it needs more stripes Kayn,” she yawns, her eyes shutting again. “Zoe. Why are you in my bed?” I whisper, keeping my voice low. I’m fairly certain Rakan can’t hear me next door but I’m not risking it. “No, silly. Needs to be more orange not less purple,” she murmurs. What is she dreaming about? “Zoe,” I hiss louder and watch her eyes open again, this time with a little more recognition. “Hi Kayn. I’m sleepy. I stayed up super, super late,” she yawns, her eyes starting to shut again. “Zoe. You’re in my bed,” I say louder and watch her look at me, a sly smirk coming to her face. “Maybe you’re dreaming. This is what you dream about right?” she teases and I know I blush just from her expression of joy. “You’re so cute when you’re embarrassed.” “Why are you in my bed?” I ask again, ignoring her last statement entirely. “I’m not. I’m on your bed. There’s a difference. I wanted to get in your bed, but you were hugging the quilt and I couldn’t get in. So I just laid on top. Surprised?” “Very. Why are you even here? Do you know what time it is? I think I’ve slept in.” “Hmm, let me look,” she pulls out her phone from a pocket on her pink onesie and studies it for a moment before nodding and putting it back. “Yep, we’re late.” “How late?” “Probably best to not go in? At this point our best bet is to say we got ill. Maybe from each other. You could have given me a cold or something.” “What time is it?” “Like eleven in the morning?” She says so casually. What? “How have I slept in so badly,” I fret, sitting upright as Zoe jumps back into the air, floating there and watching me. I’m about to leap from bed but I can’t. I’m exhausted. I feel like I haven’t slept for weeks. “What’s wrong with me. Why am I so tired?” I ask. I feel so weak, like I’ve been ill or something. My every movement is sluggish and laboured. Zoe hovers for a moment before dropping to the floor and standing beside me as I manage to sit on the edge of my bed. “You had a bad nights sleep,” she tells me, her voice sounding solemn. “What?” “You were screaming. Last night. Rakan rang Xayah who came and got me. I came round and you were screaming in your sleep. I assumed it was Rhaast so I found him, put him to sleep and then dropped him on a roof so he’d be asleep for a while. That seemed to do the trick. I imagine you’re tired from that.” “Can he do that?” I ask, suddenly feeling terrified by the implications. “Can he try and take control in my sleep? Why didn’t I wake up?” “I don’t know,” Zoe says, glancing away from me. Is she hiding something? Surely not. What is there to hide? But I feel like I’ve missed out on more than I realise. “So now I can’t even go to sleep,” I sigh, laying back on my bed. I really don’t feel like I have the energy to move right now. The thought of even making it as far as my bathroom seems impossible, let alone getting to school. “You can go to sleep Kayn. I’m here remember?” Zoe says and I feel the bed move as she crawls over to me, her face above mine. “I’ll protect you from him. I’ve promised you that haven’t I?” I always find it almost laughable at how powerful Zoe can be. She’s about a foot shorter than me if not more, with long colourful hair, wide bright eyes and is right now dressed in a large, pink, bunny onesie. Yet she has the power to not only fight Rhaast, but to constantly keep beating him. She has the power to see all of space, yet she’s here right now, in my boarding school room, worrying for me. I’m no one special. I’m a trainee assassin that gets good grades in PE, but not doing too great in cooking or literature. I know that in a hundred years I’ll be dead, and no one will miss me, except maybe this immortal goddess who for some reason seems to care for me. “You have. Damn I’m tired though,” I yawn. I should be getting ready for school, but I just can’t move right now. “I’m not surprised. You sounded like you were in pain last night,” she says, her fingers reaching out and moving though my hair by my face. “I can’t remember any of it,” I admit. No wonder I feel so out of sorts this morning. “Promise me you’ll best him Kayn? Please? Because I will not lose you to him,” she tells me, her fingers now tracing around my left eye. I know what she’s tracing around, she’s tracing around the red skin that’s appearing there. My skin tingles in the wake of her touch and a lazy smile comes to my face as she pushes her hand back into my hair. “I’ve told you I will Zoe. I don’t want him to win either you know? I don’t want to lose you,” I admit. Especially as all his threats he makes to me involve Zoe. I know why he makes them. He wants me to worry. But every time he does it just makes my resolve stronger. “I mean, I’m kinda hard to lose. I’ve been around for ages. Plus I have different colour hair that can change colour too. I’m magical,” she smiles, waving her hands over my face in what I’m guessing is supposed to look ‘magical’. It looks dumb. I roll my eyes at her but she just leans down, her lips gently touching at mine. “I also think you should have your hair down more often. You look pretty with it down.” She whispers, her lips hovering over mine, her breath tickling my face. “If you want me to have my hair down,” I reply, lifting my head to meet her lips again, “then you’re going to have to make it worth it.” “A gentleman wouldn’t require me to do anything. He’d respect my wishes,” she tells me, pulling on my lips with hers, teasing me before she pulls back again. “He’d just do it to make me happy.” “Mmm. But you’re dating an assassin, not a gentleman,” I remind her with a snicker. “And long hair can be such a pain at times. You should know.” “Mine floats when I want it to. And yours is lovely. So you have to make sure you beat Rhaast because I can’t imagine him being a fan of your hair and if he cuts it off, I’m sorry but I’ll literally murder him,” she giggles. “So will I when I see him. So how loud was I screaming?” I ask. It’s odd having no memory of an event that other people very clearly do. “Very loud. You woke Rakan up. Woke a few other people up too. Once I’d put Rhaast to sleep I told people it was night terrors. Probably best to go with that. I mean you could always go with the ‘a demon is taking over my body’, but I’m not sure people will buy that. I mean they might, this school is a weird, weird place. But night terrors is less worrisome,” she babbles. “I don’t think I’ll make practice tonight,” I yawn. “I feel pretty weak right now.” I hate to admit it, but I’m so tired. Doing anything other than just laying here right now seems to be beyond me. “No worries. I’ll go. I’ll tell them you’re totally up for being the lead in the next routine,” she smirks at me. I roll my eyes but don’t argue back. I am quite good at it. “Tell them I’ll do it, but only if you get to be the top of the pyramid,” I point up at her. Her cheeks go pink and she pulls the hood of her onesie over her eyes. “I can’t go up at the top,” she squeals, only her mouth now visible to me. “Then I won’t be the lead.” “But you’re so good at this.” “I know,” I reply smugly. My arrogance causes the hood to get pushed back and she stares down at me, her lips forming a smirk that matches mine. “I thought you hated cheerleading?” “I do. But I also love showing off when I’m good at something. And it hardly seems fair that I get the spotlight when I’m only there for you,” I remind her. “Just say to them, I’ll do what they want, but you go at the top of the pyramid.” “Look at you being sweet,” she smiles down at me. “And I thought you didn’t do sweet?” “I don’t do public displays of affection. I’m never going to run up and grab you in public or anything like that. I’m not Rakan. I’m not Ezreal. But I do care for you. If the other Star Guardians want me front and center, then you also get to be there,” I say awkwardly, my eyes glancing away from her. “Shieda Kayn, I do believe you’re blushing.” “More than likely,” I mumble. “Don’t worry. I’ll tell them. I think you could do with some rest though. You look awfully pale,” she tells me. “When I go to cheer practice I’ll ask Talon and Ekko if they can come and keep an eye on you.” “I don’t need people to watch me Zoe. I’ll be fine,” I yawn again. I’m thoroughly wiped out. “I know. But it’ll make me feel better,” she tells me before she clambers off the bed, pulls my bedcovers off me and then crawls up alongside me, wrapping both of us back up. “Now I’m in your bed.” I don’t reply. I just wrap my arms around her, pulling her tighter to me. Feeling her body against mine as I drop back to sleep.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “No Ekko?” I ask, looking around as Talon sits at our table. He gives a shrug of his shoulders, looking very tired. “I think he’s gone to find Taliyah,” he yawns, prodding at his dinner with a fork. “Is he asking her out? That’s very exciting,” I clap. Talon nods but does not look happy. “Is Talon ok?” There’s a pause and he continues prodding before he looks at me. “Huh? What?” “I asked if Talon was ok? You do not look ok.” “I just had a really bad nights sleep,” he admits, yawning again. “Was it Neeko? I am sorry for calling you late. I wanted to make sure you were ok,” I admit, looking at my sandwich before me. “It wasn’t you Neeko. It was other things. Dumb things. Really dumb. God last night was a trip,” he admits, dropping his fork and covering his face with his hands. “Can I help?” I ask softly. “I have no clue. Sorry, I’m being weird. Kayn wasn’t well last night and it just sort of kept me awake. And then there were other things.” “Neeko heard from Rakan that Kayn was ill. Is that why he isn’t in school today? Or Zoe.” “Zoe is more than likely with Kayn. He was screaming last night. Woke people up. Guess I was just worried about him. Last night was weird. Neeko, have you ever heard of the Darkin and the Aspects?” He asks me, looking straight at me now. I nod my head. “Oh yes. Neeko’s mum used to read me stories when I was little. I liked the stories. I had a book with very pretty pictures in. Lots of colours and Neeko loves colours. Neeko liked hearing stories about the Aspect of the moon, the Aspect of Protection and the Aspect of Twilight. They always had very pretty pictures,” I nod. They were very good books. “Stories huh?” “Very good stories,” I smile, but Talon doesn’t smile. He looks back at his food.“Anything about the Darkin in them?” “Neeko didn’t like the darkin stories as much. The pictures were dark and the stories always ended in sadness. Neeko does not like to be sad. It is not any fun.” He nods, but he looks very, um, distracted. I wait for a moment or two to see if Talon is going to talk. Sometimes you have to give him a moment. But he doesn’t say anything. He also doesn’t eat. Neeko has a feeling she has missed something. I’m not sure what though. Is it because Kayn was ill? A lot of the boys have been talking about him screaming. Apparently he sounded like he was in a lot of pain. Zoe calmed him down and told people it was night terrors. I don’t know what they are, but they don’t sound fun. Then neither of them have shown up today. “Well I can’t find Taliyah anywhere. I’ve looked all over. Not seen her since period two today,” Ekko sighs, slamming a tray down and startling both of us. His bright eyes look between us both as he takes a bite from his sandwich. “Ok who died? Why are you two so silent? No, I’ll rephrase that. Neeko, why are you silent?” “Oh, um, Zoe is not here and Neeko does not think that Talon wants to hear about Neeko’s pretty outfit for the dance again,” I lie. My outfit is very pretty. I didn’t like the dresses very much. They looked, not very Neeko. Instead Talon helped me to pick out a pair of fancy, long yellow shorts, a white shirt, a pretty tie with lots of colours on and a waistcoat with long tails behind it. I think I look very smart in it. I just wish I had someone to go with. “He helped you pick it out. I’m sure he knows what it looks like. Say, you haven’t seen Taliyah anywhere have you?” “No. Not recently. Can Ekko not ring her?” I cock my head at him. “Nah, I wanted to be smart about it y’know? Like go up to her and be all ‘hey. You got a date for the dance?’ Maybe wink at her, watch her melt and then sorted. One date. We’ll see what happens after that. Asking over the phone seems a bit cowardly,” Ekko says before looking at Talon. “You ok?” “Talon had a bad nights sleep,” I explain because Talon doesn’t even look like he’s heard Ekko. “Ah your room’s near Kayn’s right? So how loud was he screaming? I heard nothing. Fell asleep with my headphones in again. It’s a wonder I heard my alarm,” Ekko talks a lot, but Talon doesn’t respond. He looks so very confused. I wonder if he told someone. Or maybe thought about it? I wish he would tell me. I can’t help my friends if I don’t know what’s wrong. “Well you’re as talkative as ever,” Ekko sighs, looking at Talon and then back to me. “So how’s your day going Neeko?” “Well Neeko did not get a good grade on her essay she wrote for homework,” I sigh. “The teacher says I need to work on grammar. Apparently Neeko does not write clear enough.” Ekko nods at me. “Yeah, I can see that. Tell me, do you write like you talk?” “Um, yes. Lots of people write how they talk. How else do you write?” I look at him, but he just sniggers somewhat before shaking his head. “No. Makes sense. Anything else of interest happened to you given you’re the only one here that will talk? Who knew how quiet things would be without Sparkles here?” “Things get very quiet with no Zoe.” “Suppose I should be thankful it’s you here and not Kayn. Getting a conversation from Kayn and Talon when they don’t want to talk is like getting blood from a stone. Speaking of conversation, here’s a guy that can hold one all by himself. Hey Varus. How are things with you?” Ekko smirks as the pretty boy walks over to our table. “Hi Ekko. Neeko. Hey Talon, are you ok? I just wanted to check and see if Kayn was ok?” Varus asks. I look over at Talon who glances up from his food. His face has gone red, but he meets Varus’ gaze and just shrugs. “I guess so. I think Zoe is with him,” he mumbles, looking away again. “Oh, ok. Um, how about you?” Varus asks, looking very awkward. Talon just shrugs but doesn’t look back up. “Yeah, well done actually. You’ve got more words from him than I’ve managed,” Ekko sighs. “Neeko thinks Talon had a bad nights sleep,” I say, looking to Varus and then back to Talon. “Heard you were there last night when Kayn decided to scream the building down. May as well ask you. How loud was it? Just so I know to leave a proper review online of my headphones, because I heard absolutely nothing,” Ekko continues. “Pretty loud. Definitely worth a four-star review,” Varus smiles before looking back to Talon. His smile fades into concern. “If you’re not well, maybe you should have the afternoon off?” “I’m fine,” Talon sighs before standing up. He takes his tray over to a bin and dumps his untouched food in there before slouching out of the cafeteria. “I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s not ok,” Ekko sighs, shaking his head. “I’ll find him later and ask if he’s ok.” “Ekko has just started his dinner. You finish, Neeko will go,” I tell him, bundling my left-over sandwich into my bag. “Very nice to talk to you Varus. Hopefully I will see you later Ekko. I’ll let you know if I see Taliyah.” I bound off after Talon. He’s not gone far. I find him slouching off towards a spot on a bench outside the others like to hang out at. “Talon, please wait for Neeko,” I say, hurrying after him. He doesn’t slow down, but Neeko can run quickly. “Are you alright? You look very sad today.” “I spoke to Varus last night. Um, after Zoe sorted Kayn out. Er, I found out a little bit more about him,” he says, his voice small. Neeko smiles. This is good. If Talon can talk to Varus normally then it should be easier for him to ask him out. “It’s very complicated Neeko. Very complicated. Damn. He told me, um stuff. Complicated stuff. And I don’t think it’s ever going to happen between us,” he says, his voice going quiet as he sits on the bench, staring at the floor. “Why?” “Just some stuff he said.” “Neeko won’t pry. But did he say he wasn’t gay?” I ask, unsure of what he could have said. “No. Sort of the opposite. But…damn, I don’t know. I really don’t know. I still like him. I like him a lot, but I don’t think he’s ever, ever going to be into me. Maybe I do need a break this afternoon.” “Neeko can tell your teachers that you didn’t feel well,” I tell him, hoping to help. He gives a nod before looking at me and forcing a smile to his face. “Thanks Neeko. Maybe I do just need a bit of a rest.” “I have cheerleading later, but Neeko can check on you after. To make sure you’re ok,” I say as brightly as I can manage. He nods before standing up and heading over to the dorms. He looks so sad I don’t know what to do. I sit outside on the bench for a while, wondering what to do. Zoe sends me through a photo of her in her pyjamas laying next to Kayn who looks to be very much asleep. Zoe does not look asleep. The message says she’ll be at practice later. I hope so. It’s very boring at school when everyone is off. Or in the case of Ekko, trying to find Taliyah. “Tell me Neeko, because I’m curious, when did you and my brother become such great friends?” I hear a voice behind me and jump as Cassiopeia comes around from behind the bench. Neeko never heard her coming. “Neeko and Talon have always been friends,” I smile at her. She doesn’t look very convinced as she comes around and sits herself awkwardly next to me. She struggles with sitting I think so Neeko makes sure not to look as she gets comfortable. “No, Talon was friends with Kayn, you were friends with Zoe. Kayn and Zoe were friends. Hence the two of you being near each other. But recently you do seem to have been spending a lot of time with him. I hear he helped you pick out your outfit for the dance,” she says, her eyes studying me. Slowly I nod, my cheeks going pink. “Neeko wanted to look pretty. Talon offered to help,” I say, leaving off anything to do with her brother liking Varus. “Why?” “Why did Neeko want to look pretty?” I ask, very confused. “No, not that. Why did he offer to help? My brother has the emotional range of a potato at times. He’s withdrawn and quiet. He hides under hoods to the point that the staff here have stopped asking him to take his hood down in class because there is literally no point. It’s wasted breath. So why is he suddenly having conversations with you and helping you pick clothes out? He’s never once been interested in any of my clothing choices,” she folds her arms still staring at me. Her long brown hair is curled loosely over her shoulders and Neeko feels very embarrassed. “I don’t know,” I lie. “Neeko thought he was just being nice. He is my friend and friends are nice to each other.” “You’re a poor liar Neeko. Take it from someone that is very good at it. But fine, don’t tell me. I’ll harass him. He’s easy enough to make feel awkward until he tells me what I want to know,” she looks away from me. “Um, Cassiopeia, I know I have asked you before, but Neeko was wondering if you had maybe changed your mind? About the dance. Um, would you like to go with Neeko? We could just go as friends? Zoe says friends can go together,” I ask, fiddling with my fingers in my lap. I hear her move beside me and look to see her gaze on me again, a smirk on her face. “Tell me why my brother is spending time with you and I’ll go to the dance with you,” she tells me. “Oh,” I sigh, my shoulders dropping. “I mean you’re desperate to go with me, right? You keep asking me. Tell me what is wrong with Talon and I will happily go to the dance with you.” “No. Talon has told me nothing. He just wants to be friends with Neeko. And Neeko wouldn’t want you to go to the dance with me for a reason like that. I know you don’t like girls, but I hoped we could go as friends,” I say. And maybe have a dance together but I keep that to myself. Dancing with friends is fine and Neeko would very much like to have a dance with her. “I know he’s told you something Neeko. You’re a poor liar and I know everything,” she tells me and Neeko lets a little smile on her face. “If pretty Cassiopeia knew everything, she wouldn’t need to ask Neeko for information,” I say before standing up. “Neeko has to go now. I will see you later in class.” I don’t know what type of parents the Du’Couteau siblings have, but Neeko thinks they could do better. Talon is afraid to tell his family anything, and Cassiopeia can be as sneaky as she is pretty. And Katarina just always seems angry. Definitely must come from their parents. But Neeko wasn’t totally lying. Something is bothering Talon today and he won’t tell me. I want to help him a lot, but I can’t if I don’t know everything. What did he mean he’s never going to be into him? What did Varus say that has Talon so confused by things? Pulling my phone back out, I text Zoe back and say I’m missing her at school and I hope Kayn is ok. Something here doesn’t feel right. Neeko can feel it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “Then there’s this one. Personally, I quite like neckline, but I’m not sold on the colour. Just isn’t ‘me’ enough. Which brings me onto the next one, see the colour on this is better and it has sparkles, but I feel the sparkles aren’t in the right place. And maybe aren’t the right type of sparkles. Know what? Ignore this one, I don’t like it,” I say, pressing my pointer and moving my powerpoint slideshow onto the next slide. In front of me, Kayn sits on the edge of my bed looking incredibly bored, his head resting in his hands. “You see, I feel like this would be helped if I had any idea what you were wearing. Anything at all. Any idea on ties, waistcoats, shirts? Got a colour theme, style choice?” I look at him, watching him shrug his shoulders. “Clothes,” he replies with a bored expression. Scowling at him, I grab a nearby teddy and throw it at him. He doesn’t even dodge, just lets it hit his face and bounce off onto the floor. “Come on, can’t you be a little bit more excited for this? It’ll be our first school dance as a couple. We could be chosen to be the king and queen. How exciting would that be?” I grin. “We’re doing that dumb routine tomorrow,” he sighs, falling back onto my bed and not even watching my slideshow anymore. I’m not turning the lights on. We will be coming back to this. “Yeah, so? You’re really good at it,” I tell him, stepping closer. “Means everyone in school will see my outfit as well as see me be a cheerleader,” he mumbles. Rolling my eyes, I step closer to him. “And? First thing Kayn, that outfit makes you look hot, trust me. Second thing, I love you in that outfit so forget everyone else. And third, who cares? Yeah so Draven will be an ass, when is he not? Plus you get to do the routine with me. Think how awesome that’ll be?” I beam. He pushes himself up so his scowl can meet my grin. “There’s glitter on my outfit.” “Hey that was your design choice. Can’t blame anyone else but yourself there. Besides, the routine isn’t bad. You, specifically, don’t use pom poms. You get to flip about in front of everyone and show off with a baton. Which should suit you. I mean, I’m a little jealous that at some point you have to catch Xayah – so’s Rakan – but I guess I’ll cope,” I say with mock pain to my words. I am a little jealous though. I’d love to be able to do a full routine with him. “I had enough being the centre of attention after my sleeping issues last week,” he sighs. “And I know this’ll reignite everything.” “But this you get to do with me,” I grin, keeping it on my face as he looks over at me. “At least you will if you’ll help me out with the dress dilemma I currently have. Come on, I’ve never had a boyfriend before, let alone gone to a dance with one like this. You have to help me out. I need to look amazing.” I’ll admit, I’m starting to get seriously worried about Kayn. In the week since his night fit, he hasn’t been himself. He seems to be always tired, with dark circles forming under his eyes. The skin around his left eye has gone quite a deep red pretty quickly and I swear the plating on his shoulder is getting thicker. But it’s all happening so fast. He’s fought for so long, why now? “Zoe, pick whatever dress you like the best and I’ll dress to match you ok?” he half smiles at me and I point back to the projection on my wall behind me. “I’ve worked on this, you’re watching the rest. And I can’t decide. Don’t you get that? These are all possible dresses I think would look great. Except that last one. That’s out of the runnings. See I think I should have glitter on it somewhere. Glitter is kind of my thing. But some dresses have too much and others just don’t seem to have enough.” I switch to the next dress once I’m satisfied I have his attention back. “Go for something with stars on,” he says after a few more slides. “I’m sure the Aspect of Twilight can find something with stars on it.” I look over at his smirk. “Stars?” “Yeah. You always look best when you wear stuff with stars on. Find something with stars on and I’ll wear a tie with them on? Sound good?” “What if your tie doesn’t match my dress though?” I fret, looking back at my projection and the pink puffy dress I have up currently. “I’ll ask Taliyah if she can tweak it. I’ll tell her I’ll get Ekko into a shirt and tie for her and not the shorts and braces combo he wore last year,” he half laughs before yawning. “Tired?” “Sort of. Practicing today must have just worn me out,” he smiles at me. But it’s forced. I know it’s forced. Why won’t he tell me what’s wrong? Why won’t he talk to me about this? Since the other night it’s like he tries to ignore the problem now. “Yeah, practice today was tough,” I lie. It was no harder than any other time. And Kayn’s far more athletic than me. I’ve seen him practice. I remember when he used to go train with his master. He’d be there for hours, come back exhausted but still do some more training. Twirling a baton is hardly a stress for him. “Want me to take you back to your room?” I ask, looking at him as he nods. “I guess. Look find a dress with stars and we’ll go from there ok? I promise you’ll look good. Probably,” he smirks as he adds the last part on. Smirking, I throw myself at him and push us both back into a portal. We land with a thud onto his bed. I poke my tongue out at him before leaning down to kiss him. My stomach does flips as I feel his fingers intertwine with mine and feel him kiss me back. But it all seems too brief. He pulls back from me and winks before yawning again. “I need to shower before I drop to sleep. And you have a projector to dismantle,” he smiles before wriggling from under me and heading over to his shower. “Ok. Um, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I call through to the shower before opening a portal back to my room and dropping into it. The light of the projector casts a weird shadow on my shelves and over my stuff. I should dismantle it, but I’m so worried about Kayn. Heading over to my window I look up at the stars. Somewhere, up in there in space, there’s a giant dragon who might know how to help Kayn. Problem is that to get to him might take me days. I can portal long distances no problem, but he’s so hard for me to find. I can’t just get to him like I can other people. He moves around so frequently, and space does weird things to time. And to my portals. “Hey Aurelion Sol. You up there?” I whisper to myself. “It’s me, Zoe. I might be coming back to say ‘hi’ soon. But I don’t want to leave him. Without my magic, who can protect him if something happens?” But without talking to him, I might never be able to help Kayn. I never realised living among mortals would be so hard. But my space dragon is my best bet at finding out more information. He was alive during the darkin wars. He must have seen something. I know watching mortals is so below someone as all powerful as he is, but he does watch them. I know he does. “Zoe, you’re going to need help here,” I sigh, dropping from a portal and into a landing. All around me are plain white doors with gold lettered numbers on. I look to one in particular and can feel how heavy my chest gets. I’ll do anything to help him. Turning towards another I knock loudly on it. I can hear loud voices coming from other doors and I hope this one opens before anyone sees me. I do not want to have to explain to Kayn why I’m going in here. Not because of Kayn, but because of Rhaast. “Coming,” I hear a voice call inside and I wait before the door opens and Varus at first looks confused before he gestures into his room. “I should have seen this coming, huh?” “Maybe. You did admit to me you’re a darkin,” I point out, heading into his room. He nods before seating himself on his desk chair and looking at me. “So come on Zoe. What can I do for you today? I should warn you I’m heading out in half an hour, so don’t be too long.” “Heading out where?” “DnD,” he tells me with a shrug. Huh? “What’s that?” “Dungeons and dragons. I’m in a group with a few other students. I keep getting told I don’t make enough friends so I’m giving that a try.” “Isn’t that the game where you pretend to be someone else?” I ask, leaping into the air and crossing my legs as I hover there. He gives a nod and I allow a smile to break over my face. “What do you pretend to be? A demon?” “No. I’m a ranger,” he says almost proudly before going silent. Y’know, now I know he can hear his former hosts, I can’t believe I didn’t realise it before. It looks almost like Kayn does when he’s listening to Rhaast. “Which apparently is pretty much the same as if I’d picked a demon given I was trapped in a bow forever. So what can I do for you Zoe? You didn’t come over here to chat about DnD.” “Who do you play DnD with? Is there a club? I feel that this is something I should know about.” “It’s not a club, it’s a group. There are other people, I’m not playing it by myself. Would sort of defeat the purpose of both the game and my effort to make friends don’t you think?” He looks at me and I just shrug. “Maybe. Hey, you should hang with us. That way you get to hang with the only other darkin in school,” I smile, but Varus doesn’t look convinced. “Thanks, but I can do without the snide remarks from Ekko. So come on Zoe, what did you come over for?” Ah, of course. That. “Well um, I’ve sort of been thinking, about what we talked about the other night,” I drop the volume of my voice. I don’t think anyone will hear or really care what we’re talking about, but I still don’t want people to hear. Varus goes quiet and just watches me as I fidget with my hair. “I told you I knew someone who might know how to help Kayn. I do. I feel I really need to talk to him. If anyone will know anything else about the Darkin, it’s him. But like I said, he’s far away. I could be gone for a few days just trying to find him. I was hoping you could keep an eye on Kayn for me?” I look up at him, my eyes wide and starting to water. “Please Varus. I need to know he’s safe.” “Why now?” Varus asks, looking almost concerned for a moment. “Because since the other night, it’s like he’s fading faster and faster. I don’t know what Rhaast is doing to him. Whenever I can I’m putting the little rat to sleep, but it doesn’t seem to help. It’s like he’s slipping away from me. I need to do something before he gets too weak. He needs to be able to fight this and right now he doesn’t seem to be able to,” I say, my voice rising in volume again as I get panicked just voicing these fears out loud. “I told you Zoe. He needs you. He has to know you’re there for him,” Varus tells me, his voice soft. “Of course I’m there for him. But Varus I need to know if there’s more I can be doing. I’m not finding the answers here, but I need answers. I just need to know he’ll still be here when I get back. I need someone to look after him while I’m gone,” I know I’m starting to plead but I don’t care. Varus sighs and looks to several little trinkets he has scattered over his desk. “Why ask me? I’m a Darkin too remember?” “I know. And while I never was able to realise you were a Darkin, I’ve never felt malice from you Varus. Rhaast literally oozes it. But on that rooftop the other night I know you let down the barrier that was keeping me from your true origins. I can now fully sense you’re a Darkin, just like Rhaast, but unlike him that’s it. There’s no desire from you to go and kill everyone in this school. You go to lessons and do homework. You’ve joined a DnD club to try and make friends. Rhaast isn’t like that. I know what his thoughts are. He’s outright told me. Please just look after Kayn for me. Keep an eye on him for me. Please. I’m begging you to look after him for me,” I clasp my hands before me, my eyes watering as Varus studies me. “You are literally nothing like Myisha. I’ll watch him for you Zoe. I’ll see if Talon can help so it doesn’t look too odd. When are you going?” “The weekend. I can create an excuse for people that don’t know. To Kayn I’ll tell him I’ve been called by another Aspect or something. To go sooner would look odd. Plus I have a cheerleading routine tomorrow. Kayn has made a deal that he’ll only do it if I get to be at the top of the pyramid. Can’t miss that,” I half laugh. Varus smiles at me but I can feel my insides shaking and I know I’m about to cry. “Enjoy DnD. I need to go,” I say, dropping into a portal and rolling over my own carpet. I grab for the nearest plush animal I have – a hippo I think – and I burst into tears. I push the toy to my face to stifle my sobs, but I can’t stop them. All I want is for him to be ok. That’s all. Why can’t he just be ok?
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Talon “This is going to be amazing,” Ekko grins beside me, rubbing his hands together as we sit in the gym. There’s some event coming up that the headteacher has gathered us to announce, but before that we get to watch our cheerleaders perform. “If you say anything to him later he’ll likely stab you. You realise that right?” I say to him, but his grin doesn’t go anywhere. “That’s later. For now I get to watch Shieda Kayn perform another cheerleading routine. This school year has just been one joy after another,” he half laughs, almost bouncing in his seat in anticipation. “By the way, have you got detention after this?” I ask. He shakes his head. “Nah, it’s Monday after school. Look, I can’t cook, that should just be a given. It was entirely not my fault the oven blew up. Jinx told me to put baking soda in the cake. I didn’t know it was laced with gunpowder,” he says so nonchalantly. “The fact it came from Jinx should have been clue enough,” I sigh, shaking my head. “So have you and Taliyah got an outfit ideas for the dance?” “I dunno. What do you wear when you go with a girl?” He asks, looking straight at me and all I can do is shrug. I’ve never been to a dance with a girl, nor would I like to. “A dress. For her at least,” I suggest. “Maybe match something on you to the colour of her dress?” “But how do I know what colour she’s going to wear?” “You ask her Ekko. It’s really not hard.” “I dunno. Seems hard. She could just tell me.” “Taliyah is clever Ekko, but she’s not reading minds just yet,” I say. “You think anyone here can do that? Read minds? I mean Sparkles can hop through portals and Veigar can stop you dead in your tracks. Plus I swear I’ve seen Lulu turn Teemo into a squirrel before. Someone being able to read minds just makes me feel uncomfortable,” he continues. “There’s probably a fair bit about the other students here we don’t know,” I say, my eyes glued on the tall silver haired guy walking in. He doesn’t walk as much as he seems to almost glide. His every movement so perfect. God I can’t be thinking of him like that. He’s older than me. He’s older than everyone I know. But Kayn’s dating Zoe and isn’t she supposed to be centuries old? I mean both her and Varus act like teenagers. Ok, sure, but he’s also a demon from stories. There’s no way I can date a demon. But watching him sit down a few rows down from me, my find myself peering over to him, my face pink and my palms sweating. “He told you anything about this routine?” Ekko asks and I find myself almost jumping from my seat. “Who?” I ask, only half paying attention to my friend. “Well not Rakan. Kayn. I mean is he catching anyone? Is he using pompoms? Is he going to blow another kiss because I will never not laugh at that.” “Er no. Nothing. And yeah, he blew a kiss while looking like he wanted to murder every single one of us,” I point out, tearing my gaze away from Varus and back to Ekko. “Still absolutely hilarious. By the way, you think Kayn’s been acting a little odd lately?” Ekko asks, looking around the gym and then back to me. “Odd?” I say trying to sound as innocent as possible. Odd? Apparently he’s being taken over by a demon. Odd is the understatement of the century here. “I dunno. Just lately his mood swings have been a lot y’know? Even for him. And this week he’s hardly been around at all. I mean I know he does his training, both for cheerleading and also whatever else he does. Isn’t his dad like a ninja or something?” “He’s not his dad. It’s his master, remember? And not a ninja, more martial arts master,” I lie. Zed is one of the best assassins in the world. My dad rates his skills incredibly highly and my dad doesn’t give praise out to anyone. Ever. Sometimes I think my dad wishes I was more like Kayn. I know he’s killed people before because Zed wouldn’t accept a student that hasn’t. My dad trains me out of a duty. “Dad, master, same difference.” “Hardly. A dad is supposed to care for you outside of your training,” I say knowing full well my own father cares about me only as far as he can train me. It’s how he sees both me and Kat. Tools he can use. My mum however is far nicer. She’s a lot like Cassi, but I think she does actually care for the three of us. She likes to do things where it’s us and her. “Sorry Talon, but you and I don’t exactly have great frames of references on what dads should be like. Yours is an ass and I don’t have one,” Ekko reminds me with a wry smirk. “You have that guy at the foster home. Use him as your frame of reference,” I tell him. “Falak?” “That’s the one. He’s nice to you. He’s more like a dad than Kayn’s master is.” “Well I don’t know, I’ve never met the guy. I’ve met your dad. Falak has been in here before for a parent teacher thing, but never seen anything from Kayn. How’d we even get on this topic? Ah right, Kayn being odd. Besides his usual oddities. You seen his bandages? He has them across his chest now. What’s up with that. He ever give a reason for that beyond ‘I injured myself’? Because I’ve had injuries and they don’t spread. That’s spreading,” Ekko continues. My mind darts back to the other night and the silver claw that my friend has and the metal plating running up an arm that was a dark red. How do you explain that? Thankfully I don’t have to. Our headteacher struts out into the centre of the gym as other teachers sit at the end of rows. Their eyes on us with a warning to be quiet. I notice our assistant principal sit alongside Draven with Kat in front of him. Both of them instantly shut up whatever conversation they’d been having, their eyes looking forward. Honestly I’m not sure who is scarier, the headteacher or the assistant head. He always looks like he’d gladly kill one of us just to shut the rest up. The headmistress starts to talk, a slight French accent to her words. I find my eyes going to Varus. Does he really enjoy being at school? Surely all of this must seem dumb to him. I wonder what school was like when he was at school. Did he ever go to school? Why am I still thinking so hard about this? Why can’t I just forget it? “And don’t forget students, we have the school dance coming up soon. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be going back into school for some new equipment, especially in the drama and music departments. We hope to see you all there,” the headteacher continues to talk. Again my eyes go back to the guy in front of me. Neeko’s right, I should just ask him. But my dad will go absolutely mental over it. I know he will. “Before we get onto another topic, I’ve invited our cheerleading squad to perform for you all. They recently welcomed in five new members, so please give them all a round of applause,” the headteacher says, starting to clap as she walks off the floor to the side of the gym. Around me most students clap but there are a few with smirks on their faces. Ekko included. The squad come out from where I assume they’d been waiting in a nearby changing room. The majority of the squad have bright smiles on their faces as they walk out in their colourful costumes. Kayn looks like he literally wants to murder everyone, as does Xayah. “Thank you Miss Laurent. I hope you’ll all appreciate the work our new squad members have done in learning a new routine so quickly,” Ahri smiles, bouncing to the front and smiling at everyone. “Everyone has worked really hard and we’re very excited to present this to you all.” Behind her the rest of the squad move to take up their starting places. I watch as Kayn glances across the people watching, his gaze settling on me as I smirk. There’s a brief shake of his head at me as he steps forward. In fact, he steps right up to the front. Ok now I’m properly smirking as Xayah and Ahri flank him with Sarah and Syndra behind them. Then behind them is Lux and Ezreal while the others have split off into two groups of four to the sides. “He’s the lead? Not Ahri?” Ekko whispers as someone off to the side starts some music off. Each of them takes a starting pose, including Kayn, his arms folded, head cocked. His one visible eye comes back to me for just a moment before all of the front five break their poses in sync. I’ve always enjoyed watching the cheerleading group. The others used to like to watch it for the girls, but I’ve always just enjoyed the precision of it all. The side groups do smaller movements, but the front group are perfectly in sync with each other as first Sarah and Syndra flip back. Then Xayah and Ahri and finally Kayn. They move their arms in perfect unison before all of them jump at once. Now it’s Xayah’s turn as she struts up to the front with a poised grace to her. Spinning round she looks at Kayn, her back to us and I notice him wink at her as her hands rest on his shoulders and she pushes herself up on him, his arms grabbing her legs and tossing her up into the air. She twirls around before dropping back into his arms. He catches her and makes the whole process look effortless. I don’t miss however how in the background two people in different groups both miss a step as they watch what’s happening up front. Could they be any more jelaous? The front group each have a baton thrown to them as they fan out, Kayn once again in the center of the girls. I’ll admit, a few of those that were smirking when he came out are looking somewhat jealous right now. Ekko included. They twirl their batons around until the music ups the tempo and the girls back off, still twirling their batons, leaving Kayn up front to show off. He spins around and leaps in the air, all while maintaining his control of a short gold and green stick. He’s not scowling anymore. A smirk has settled over his face as he commands everyone’s attention. He throws the baton higher, spinning round and catching it as it descends. Around me people start to clap and cheer. The batons are tossed to people at the side as Rakan now comes forward from a side group. I watch as the group start to form a pyramid with Kayn, Rakan and Xayah at the base. Ezreal and Sarah are hoisted up above them. I know I smile when someone with way too many clips in her hair skips around in front of everyone, flips backwards into a portal on the ground and reappears atop the pyramid, her arms out stretched and a grin on her face almost as wide as her arms. Funny to think she’s some sort of goddess and yet she seems to absolutely love being at the top of the pyramid. The remaining squad members take up finishing positions around the others and the routine finishes. I, like most other people start to clap. I glance to Ekko who looks seriously surprised. “Huh, he’s pretty good at that,” Ekko whispers. “Dumb costume aside and all, that wasn’t half bad.” I have to agree. But as I watch the cheerleaders congratulate each other, Kayn takes a step back, his face having gone pale and he looks exhausted suddenly. Zoe’s head snaps onto him almost immediately and I watch her bounce over to him, grabbing his hand. They start to walk off, but his movement doesn’t look quite right. His precision from just moments ago seems to have totally gone. In front of me, Varus looks over to the far end of the gym and at the cat that no one else seems to have noticed. Oh crap. This is all super real isn’t it? “Cover for me,” I whisper to Ekko. “Cover for you?” He says back, sounding confused. I just nod before I vanish before him. See, my dad is desperate for me to become an assassin because I have literally got the right skill set for it. I know the tiniest bit of magic. It allows me to go invisible for a short period and quickens my pace. Problem is, it is a short period of time. I dash to a gap in the bench and slip underneath the benches, becoming visible again as I pick my way among discarded wrappers and rubbish that hasn’t been cleaned yet. Not to mention the support beams for the benches above. Thankfully everyone was too busy cheering for the cheerleaders. Hopefully no one noticed me. Even if they did, I’ll come up with a lie. Catching my breath, I focus and vanish again, darting out from under the benches and towards some nearby equipment that hasn’t been stored anywhere. Throwing myself behind it, I peer out at where the cat ahead of me is heading to the door that leads to the changing rooms. Ok, this is going to be one hell of a dash if I’m to do this and make it look like an accident. I steel myself for a moment before vanishing again and charging forward as fast as I can go. I make sure to catch my foot on the cat, knocking it over. I tumble over the floor, holding onto the spell as long as I can before almost rolling into the open door. My chest is pounding as my lungs try to take more air in. Outside I hear someone call something about a cat before I hear the sound of students laughing. There’s a hiss from nearby before I can hear sharp claws skitter away over the wood floor. “Stupid, but also clever,” Zoe smirks, standing before the door to the girls changing rooms. I look up at her from the floor, my face red as I gasp for breath. “You saw it then? That creature?” Her eyes go to the door of the boys changing room. “Saw what? I skipped out on the rest of the assembly,” I smile, pulling myself up off the floor and stumbling over towards the boys changing room. “Thought I’d tell my friend he looks like a fool in sparkles.” She smiles at me and I return it before stumbling into the boys changing room. Kayn is sat, still fully dressed in his outfit in front of a locker as Rakan perches nearby talking about something. At my entrance, Rakan and Ezreal look over but there’s a pause before Kayn does. “Nice show,” I smile, trying to mask how exhausted I now am. “Yeah? You like the pyramid? I was awesome right?” Rakan brags, starting to button up his school shirt. “You? You were just the base. I was the one that had to get up to the second level,” Ezreal smirks. “I feel that deserves more praise.” “You were all great,” I smile before heading over to Kayn. Smirking I lean against the locker before him. “Not like you to ditch assembly,” he says. He looks so pale. Like someone is literally draining him. I guess they are. “You’d left me next to Ekko. Only so much I can take. I need him more diluted to cope with him,” I lie. “Besides, I had to come and tell you that I thought the baton twirling was rather good.” He smiles up at me before his eyes literally glaze over. “Yeah. You really nailed it,” I continue as if I haven’t noticed anything. The other two in here continue getting changed and I talk as normally as I can. “Zoe, seemed super happy to be on the top of the pyramid.” I put more emphasis on her name and I watch as he shakes his head for a second. “Zoe? Yeah, you’ll be hearing about that all weekend. Trust me. I’m surprised she nailed it,” he adds in, standing up and starting to get changed. “Don’t forget your hair clip this time.” “I won’t. Though after doing that, I don’t think the hairclip is the worst thing,” he half laughs. “God that was embarrassing.” “Please. You loved it. You got to show off to everyone,” I tease. And just like that it’s almost like he’s back to being Kayn. A flush of colour in his cheeks and he’s talking perfectly normally. This is the Kayn I know. The one that was showing off moments ago. Arrogant Kayn that always likes to be better than other people. This is my friend. “By the way, Zoe wants milkshakes after school today. There’s somewhere in town that apparently do amazing ones and she needs to get one, have a photo with it and post it online. At least that’s her reasoning for it. Probably also get high on sugar. So that’s what I’m doing after school, please come keep me sane,” he looks at me, a wry smile on his face. “Sure,” I nod. “I should probably buy Ekko one, I did kind of just straight up abandon him.” “Who says he’s invited?” Kayn sniggers. “I’m assuming you’d like more of us there. Y’know, break up how much Zoe you have to put up with.” “You forget, I’m dating her. I have to put up with a whole lot of Zoe,” he laughs as Rakan calls over. “You two are adorable. You’re like my second favourite couple in school. After me and Xayah of course.” “I do so hope you’re talking about me and Zoe and not me and Talon,” Kayn jokes and I find myself smiling. I can keep an eye on that cat, right? If all I have to do is kick it to get it to leave him alone, I can do that.
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Zoe “And see, here’s a photo of you with sprinkles in your hair. Those are good sprinkles,” I nod, looking at the photo on my phone. In the photo Kayn does not look impressed at the amount of ice cream sprinkles he has on his head. I glance over at where he’s stood before a mirror, brushing through his long hair, making sure he’s got them all out. “Uh huh, I was there for that, oddly enough,” he says dryly. “Are they all out?” He turns his back to me, his hair hanging down his back. Smirking, I trot over and run my fingers through it. It’s so silky. Most girls in school would kill for hair like this. “Look, I can make a scarf for myself from your hair,” I laugh, twirling it around my neck. I hear him sigh before he starts to walk off from me. “I’ll hang you with it,” he mumbles. I glance at his bare arm and the metal covering it. Come on Zoe, keep things light. Think perky thoughts. Happy, perky, sugary thoughts. “So is that like real metal?” I ask, skipping over and rapping my fingers on it. It certainly has a metal sound to it. “Er, yeah I guess so. It’s like my claw,” he says, holding his hand up for me. “That’s metal. Well the red parts aren’t. I think that’s skin. Really, really tough skin though. It’s like having leather for skin. Old leather.” “Why have we never tried this? Oh my god I have the greatest idea ever. Don’t put a shirt on,” I grin before bouncing into a portal. Back in my own room I take a moment, taking a deep breath and subtly wiping my eyes before I run over to my desk and hunt through piles of things to find what I want. Pausing before a mirror, I check myself over. I look ok. No watery eyes. No tears. Good. Smiling I leap back into a portal and drop onto him, only, for the first time ever, he catches me, stopping me from knocking him down. I scowl at his smirk. “I felt you coming,” he winks. “Spoilsport. Anyway, look what I got to try,” I smile, slamming a flower magnet onto his arm. We both turn and watch as it stays there. There’s a pause before I squeal and he groans. “Fuck,” he says, staring at this flower stuck on his arm as I put several more on him. “You’re magnetic. I have more magnets,” I gush, bouncing around in front of him as he just stares at the various magnets now stuck on him. He shakes his arm, but most don’t budge. One slides somewhat but stays stuck on. “How? What kind of metal is this? Why can you stick stuff to me?” “Magic,” I whisper, moving one of the magnets further up on his arm. Kayn just stares at it with a sort of resigned disbelief. “I’m going to get some stronger magnets that’ll work through your bandages. Then I’ll just randomly stick them on you throughout the day.” “Please don’t,” he sighs, starting to peel a rainbow off his arm. “I’ll buy strong magnets and glue things to them. Like bows. Oh wow, just imagine, you could totally decorate your arm. Just have bows up and down it. How amazing would that be?” I make my eyes sparkle as I look at him. He glances at me and just shakes his head. “Not amazing. At all,” he tells me. I puff my cheeks out and pout as several magnets are handed back to me. “You spoil my fun.” He just smirks at me, heading over to his bed. “Come on, I thought you wanted to watch a movie tonight?” He says, sitting against the back of the bed. Smiling I dash over, putting my laptop on the bed and loading up the movie I have all ready to go. “By the way,” I say, as casually as I can manage. “I’m going away for a few days tomorrow.” “Away where?” he asks as I press play and snuggle back into him, his corrupted arm coming around me. I intertwine my fingers with his, looking at the contrast of our hands. “Space.” “You’re going home?” “Not home. No. Just, well, another Aspect is nearby, and I want to go say hi. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them,” I lie, looking towards the laptop. “So what have you told the school? I’m flying off to space to say hi to another god?” He teases me, a slight chuckle to his words. “I’ve told them a distant relative has asked to meet up. It’s not a total lie. I mean technically we’re not related but we both sort of are. We both have god like powers.” “So what Aspect is it oh mystical Aspect of Twilight?” I look up to see him smirking down at me. “The Aspect of Protection, Taric. He’s a nice guy. Some of the others can be a little rough around the edges, but Taric is genuinely lovely. Thought I’d go and catch up. I won’t be gone too long. Will you be able to cope without me?” I keep my tone airy, almost playful. Whatever I do, I cannot let Rhaast think this will be a long-time thing. It might be, but that cat isn’t finding out. “Oh however will I cope? I won’t have people dropping on my head at night or throwing themselves at me in corridors, or pouring ice cream sprinkles into my hair when we go out for milkshakes. I might actually be able to have a normal few days. Won’t that be fun?” “Sounds so very dull,” I huff, pretending to yawn. “I’d like to think you’d miss me.” “Of course I’ll miss you,” he mumbles, his voice low as though I’m not supposed to hear, but at the same time I am. Grinning I pull his hand up to my lips and lightly kiss it. “Good. I’ll miss you. I’ll be sure to tell Taric all about you. Especially how you nailed that routine today. So much so that Talon escaped the assembly to tell you,” I giggle. Bless him. He looked exhausted. I know he can vanish when he wants, but I also know how much it can tire him out. And to make it look like he tripped over Rhaast by accident? Man I wish I could have seen that. “Just make sure you aren’t gone too long. There’s only so much cheerleading I can put up with you know. Though you’re right, I did nail that routine. I’m going to deny enjoying it, but maybe it wasn’t too bad,” he muses and I can’t help but laugh. “Is somebody actually enjoying being a cheerleader?” “Maybe. It’s not as bad as I thought it’d be. And I suppose it can count to my training in a way. Though next time I’d like to do something with you. I can throw you up a lot higher than I can Xayah. I’d also be able to catch you if you decided to jump from a portal or something. And that way I don’t get death glares from Rakan during the routine.” I feel him move, feel his head come to mine and his lips press into my hair as he kisses it. The thought makes me tingle and I blush pink. “I won’t be gone long. I promise. Just make sure you look after yourself ok? And no matter what anyone says, you need to remember I love you. I love you a lot. So don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise,” I say, hoping that if things get dark for him he’ll at least remember that. “Do you love me more than you loved Ezreal?” He teases, his other arm wrapping around me now and holding my body tight to his. “Of course. Your hair is nicer,” I tell him. “You’ve never baked me a cake,” he whispers in my ear causing my body to shiver. Biting my lip I turn my head so my lips can meet with his. “I’ll bake you one once I get back. What would you like?” I ask, my voice soft as I stare into his eyes. “Something that won’t kill me,” he sniggers. I poke my tongue out at him. “Maybe I won’t then.” “No, you weren’t bad at it. Eventually. Your first cakes sucked. Ok, you can go meet your god friend, but in return for me doing cheerleading by myself, how about a lemon cake? You made one a while back and it wasn’t terrible,” he tells me. “Lemon cake huh? Deal,” I nod. We settle in to watch my movie. I’m sure Kayn has absolutely no interest whatsoever in watching an old movie about unicorns and love and demons and stuff. But I like it. I’ve been wanting to watch it for a while. But I’m not surprised in the slightest about twenty minutes from the end when I feel his head rest onto mine, his arms around me loosening somewhat. I stay till my movie is over, until the credits have rolled and the room goes silent. I have to do this. I know I do. If Aurelion Sol knows something, then I need to know. But I’m going to miss him so much. “I wasn’t lying,” I whisper, gently kissing his right hand. “I do love you. I love you so much.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe I haven’t slept a wink. I’ve just sat on my bed, in the darkness, staring at my room. At my shelves stuffed with plushies and the pile of books over in the corner. At my wardrobe that doesn’t close properly because of the amount of clothes I’ve stuffed in there. Fairy lights strung over the shelves and trailing down to my desk are currently in darkness as I follow them with my eyes, looking to the jars I have sat on my desk full of things I find interesting. They sit there, surrounded by pots of glitter and packs of stickers and other things I like to use to decorate my work. Work that currently lays scattered over both the desk and the floor. Anywhere I can sit to do it. Pulling my knees to my chest, I just take it all in. This little room is everything to me. It’s all I have, and for some reason I feel like I’ll never see it again. Reaching for my phone I start to type several messages. One to Neeko, telling her I’m going away for a few days. Keep it friendly, just a trip away to see a family member. Then another to Talon. I give him the lie, but explain that I need answers and I need him to watch Kayn. This is less friendly, I’m pleading with him to look after Kayn. Then another to Varus. This is short, telling him I’m going. Asking him to please keep an eye on things. And then I write one final message. ‘You fell asleep before our movie finished. Honestly. How could you? I hope you know, once I’ve said hi to Taric, I’m making you watch it again. From start to finish. And if you fall asleep again I’ll just repeat the process. So there! While I’m gone, please decide what you’re wearing to this dance. We have to look amazing Kayn. Like the absolute best. You wouldn’t want your super pretty girlfriend to look anything other than the best, would you??? Of course you wouldn’t. That’d be dumb. I won’t be long, but play nice with the other kids. Especially the cheerleaders. I better not come back and find you’ve impaled Rakan with a baton. That would be bad. And don’t forget, I’m baking you a cake when I’m back. Aren’t you the luckiest person ever! The answer to that is yes by the way. So play nice. And I hope you miss me. Like a lot. I want to come back and find out you sobbed every night over my absence. FYI I’m being sarcastic there. Text is hard to show that. Should I do it in bold? Cry over my absence Kayn!!! That doesn’t look right either. But don’t cry. Maybe a little. Not a lot though. I won’t be long. Remember I love you. Whatever happens at school while I’m gone, just think that you have a goddess in love with you. That should cheer you up if you get detention or something dumb. I’ll see you once I’m back.
All my absolute love and hugs and kisses and …what else do people put at the end of these to sound mushy? Um, all my love and hugs and kisses and cupcakes and glitter and magnets…oh god the magnets. I’m going to bring more back with me. Stronger ones. This’ll be amazing.
I love you Kayn <3
Lots of love from the bestest girlfriend ever <3’
Sniffing, I wipe at my eyes, brushing tears off my phone screen. Please have answers Aurelion Sol. Please. I’m begging you to know something. I had never planned to come to this school. Why would I? I can see all of space and have all of time to do it. But this was my world. This was where I came from. When I was told to come here to herald great change, I didn’t want to leave. Not that anything came from my heralding and honestly, I sort of skipped out on it. Technically I have to tell someone and I did. It was a boy with long raven hair who told me I was crazy. I’d been away from humans for so long that I was fascinated by it all. The technology really excited me. Phones and TV’s and computers. It all looked amazing. I wanted to try it all. So I stuck around. I stayed here. The first people I came across seemed freaked out by me. I was so excited to see other humans I jumped through a portal, and came out hovering alongside them. That was apparently too much for them. They ran off screaming down a hill and threw themselves into a nearby car, speeding away like something from a cartoon. It hurt to have such a reaction. “So what sort of mage are you then? Go on, I’m interested.” I can still hear his voice. Sitting part way up a nearby tree had been a boy who had just smirked at me. My portals causing more intrigue than fear. My magic not bothering him at all. I had wanted to explore everything at once, but that first reaction made me nervous. But that boy didn’t care. He shrugged and had jumped down from his tree, sauntering off down the hill. And as I’d stood there, wondering what to do, he paused and looked up at me, nodding for me to follow him. I told him I was the Aspect of Twilight. He told me I was mad. Aspects aren’t real, he’d said, they’re just stories. It’s hard to prove to someone you’re an Aspect other than visiting them fifty years later like ‘ta daa, I haven’t aged a bit’. He talked to me though. Asked me what my name was and what I was doing there. Not that he believed a word of what I was saying, but he listened. His amber eyes just as intense then. He reasoned that given my apparent age, if I wanted to learn about the world, the most logical thing would be to go to school. And given I didn’t seem to have anywhere to stay, his school was a boarding school. Wasn’t that perfect? So I signed up. Got myself enrolled. It’s amazing what you can do when you have magic like mine. It was awesome. All the different people and creatures. The lessons covering all these different topics. There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about it. I wasn’t good at most of it, but it was just so much fun. And then when lessons were done for the day, I got to go and find my friends. Ekko is a lot like me. He gets excited over very dumb things. Sometimes I think I annoyed him. He’s more logical than me. Very into making things whereas I just like things. But he’d always talk to me. Always get involved in discussions with me. I think he liked that I loved to talk too given the other two people he hung around with. Talon has always been the quiet one. He doesn’t really get involved in the crazy stuff me and Ekko do. He hangs back and tells us later that we were dumb. I don’t think he ever got why I was suddenly in their friendship group. I’m fairly certain that at times I confuse him beyond any sort of belief. But Talon is one of the kindest people. Given who his sisters are, it’s genuinely surprising. You know he’s got your back, no matter what. And then there was Kayn. The moodiest most arrogant person I have ever met. He’d always roll his eyes after school when I bounced over. His great idea of me starting there suddenly seeming less like a good idea. And yet he always listened to me prattle on about things. Sure he’d make disparaging comments, but he listened. He’d tease me and make jokes, but he went along with anything I ever wanted to do. He wasn’t always the easiest person to talk to, but he was always there. But he’s a moron. A dumb, dumb moron. “What have you done?” I asked, my entire body trembling as Kayn sauntered towards me, a smirk all over his face.
“Done?”
“Kayn. What have you done?” I asked again, unable to pull any sort of smile to my face. This was Kayn. My best friend Kayn. But there was something else there alongside him. Something not just malicious, but murderous.
“You know?” He looks confused for a moment before he shrugs. “Guess you are an Aspect.”
“Kayn, that’s darkin magic. You’ve released a darkin?” I’m confused. Where has Kayn even found a darkin? They were all sealed away. Why has he released it? Does he know what will happen to him?
“Don’t worry Zoe. I feel great. In fact, I feel better than I’ve felt in ages. I’m feeling stronger and faster than I was before,” he brags to me. He loves to brag to me. “Besides, it’s no big deal. I’ve seen the terms. I beat the darkin, I keep my body and get all his power. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.”
“And the other side? If he beats you?”
“He won’t.”
He’d sounded so sure that day. He wasn’t going to let a darkin beat him. He was Kayn, a disciple of Zed, the master of shadows. In fact, he was Zed’s best student. He’d tell me how there was no weapon he couldn’t master. No technique he couldn’t learn. Like he was going to let anyone, even a darkin, get the better of him. But Rhaast isn’t just strong. He’s sneaky. I don’t trust him at all. I see the way he listens to our conversations, or to conversations of other students. He listens and he learns and at some point he’s going to find something he can use against Kayn. Because all he needs is a weakness and he’ll exploit it. Kayn’s strong, I know he is, but so does Rhaast. Physically Rhaast has struggled to control Kayn. He keeps trying, but compared to how quickly I’m sure he’s consumed hosts before, this is so very slow. But Kayn doesn’t think things through. Ever. He rushes in and does dumb shit. He has an ego and a temper at times and it’s a dangerous combination. And Rhaast knows that. “Please be safe,” I whisper, clutching my phone to my forehead. These last few years here have been more memorable than centuries in space and I know that’s because of him. All the times he included me in things. The times in class he’d just look at me, rolling his eyes at something the teacher had said until I started to giggle. “He’s got this. He’s totally got this,” I whisper. With a sigh I leap from my bed, standing in the middle of my room. I take one last look at things before clicking my fingers. The rainbow top and shorts I had on vanish and are replaced with a pair of dark turquoise shorts and a matching crop top. A thick scarf settles around my neck and a stripy sash around my waist. Around my neck now hangs a large gold pendant. I clasp my hands around it, feeling the cool metal start to warm up in my grip. I’m not going to be long. I find Aurelion Sol, get some answers and then get back here to Kayn. That’s my plan. I’ll be back before he knows I’ve gone. Who knows, I might not even miss any school. “Love you Kayn,” I nod before leaping into a swirling portal on my floor and vanishing from my room.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “Hey Neeko. Sudden news, but a distant family member of mine has asked to meet up. It’s been ages since I saw him. Like a super, super long time. I’ve gone to say hi but may be gone for a few days. School knows, but I’m not sure Ahri does. Oopsie. Apologise for me at practice ok? I’ve told Kayn but like he’ll remember to tell them anything. He’ll just be ‘urgh I hate cheerleading, it sucks. Hey look how amazing I am at cheerleading everyone’. He’s a dork. But my dork. Watch him for me while I’m gone ok? He gets lonely. He won’t admit it, but he does. I’ll see you soon. Love Zoe.” Hmm, Neeko didn’t know Zoe was going away. And she said before that she didn’t have any family. I wonder who this person is? I hope she’s safe. Neeko would be very sad if anything happened to her. I read her message again. It ends with a photo of her posing by Kayn who looks to be asleep. She likes to take photos of him when he doesn’t look ready for it. Then she giggles about them. Kayn puts up with a lot from Zoe, but it makes Neeko so happy to see how their sho’ma lights up around each other. But with no Zoe, what does Neeko do today? It’s the weekend, so no school, and Neeko has most of her homework finished. The rest can wait. It’s a very sunny day. Too nice to be inside writing. Maybe Kayn, Talon and Ekko will want to do things. Once outside my room I can hear chatter coming from several rooms. I walk past one white door and take down a piece of paper stuck there with the word ‘Bitch’ written on it in pen. No negative emotions today. It’s too sunny for that. Besides, Neeko does not like that word. It’s not nice. Ahead of me I see two girls walking down the stairs and I smile, dashing over to them. “Hello Sona and Taliyah. I hope you’re both ok today,” I smile. They both turn to look at me and smile. “Ah hey Neeko. You’re looking super happy today. No Zoe around?” Taliyah looks around me. “No. Zoe is away today. Just Neeko. I’m going to see what the boys are doing. Would Sona and Taliyah like to come? Taliyah can see Ekko,” I say brightly. I watch as the shorter girl blushes and Sona just grins at me, shaking her head. She points to Taliyah before holding her hands to her own face as if she’s embarrassed. “Does Ekko make Taliyah go red?” I ask and Sona clicks her fingers and points at me. I like talking with Sona. I can’t understand the hand language that she does for Taliyah, but talking to her is like a game, and Neeko loves games. “He does a little. I know it’s dumb, but he makes me laugh,” Taliyah admits. “I didn’t think he was going to ask me though. I knew Kayn had told him, but I hadn’t got a message from him at all. Then he came to see me and tripped up.” Sona seems to laugh at that before slamming one of her palms onto the other as if someone is falling. “He fell on the floor?” I ask and Sona nods. “Are you going to the dance Sona? Are you going with someone?” She shakes her head, her long hair done up in two long blue ponytails. She then makes a gesture that Neeko doesn’t understand and I look to Taliyah for help. “She’s going, just not with anyone. She’s providing music. She’s playing the violin. See. She’s miming playing it,” Taliyah explains. Oh, that makes sense. Sona is very good at music. “How about you Neeko? You got someone you’re going with?” “No. Neeko keeps asking people but people are all busy or not going, or not into Neeko that way,” I sigh. Someone here must want to go with me. “I’m sure you’ll find someone Neeko. If not just go with a friend,” Taliyah smiles. “Sorry, we’re heading off to the music room. Sona wants to practice her songs for the dance. You can join us if you’re by yourself.” “Thank you. But I want to see what the boys are doing. If they are busy Neeko may come along and listen for a bit,” I smile. Sona nods at me, giving me a thumbs up. “You’re more than welcome,” Taliyah smiles. I walk with them to the main doors of the dorms. They head towards the school buildings but Neeko dashes over to the other dorm building. The sun is lovely and warm and several students are milling around outside chatting. “Neeko, you want to make flower chains with us?” Lulu calls over. She’s sat in the grass with Tristana and Janna. The three of them seem to be making links of flowers. That does look like fun. Though Janna and Lulu seem better at it than Tristana. “Neeko may join later,” I smile. “I’m going to go and see what Talon and Kayn and Ekko are doing.” I wave at them before getting closer to the boys dorm. Neeko always feels awkward going in without anyone. We’re not supposed to go up to the boys rooms, but Zoe goes up a lot. I hang around outside the doors for a minute or two before taking a deep breath and heading in. I know where everyone’s rooms are, it’s just odd to be here without anyone else. I dart up the stairs and dash round to Talon’s room. Smiling, I knock loudly on his door. I hear a noise inside before the door opens and Talon looks at me half asleep. He has a towel over his hair and a toothbrush hanging from his mouth. “Hey Neeko,” he yawns. “Did Talon not sleep well?” I ask as he gestures for Neeko to enter his room. He shakes his head at me. “Not really.” “Would you like Neeko to go? Do you need more sleep?” “Probably but I know I won’t go to sleep, so you can stay. I was just over thinking the world’s problems last night,” he says, heading over into his bathroom. “The world’s problems?” “Well y’know, my problems aren’t enough. I just seem to take on everyone else’s. Sorry Neeko. I’m just not sleeping well currently. What did you come round for?” He pokes his head out from the bathroom door to look at me. “Neeko has no one to hang out with today. Zoe has gone away to visit someone and Neeko was lonely,” I say. He nods, vanishing back into the bathroom. “Yeah, I got a message from her about that,” Talon says. “So, once I’m dressed, I was going to go and grab Kayn and see what he wanted to do. And probably wake him up. I think he uses Zoe as a bit of an alarm clock.” “Zoe would make a good alarm clock,” I laugh. It’s always a shock when Zoe pops up in my room. She will normally come in with a big idea or something pretty to show Neeko. Neeko hopes she comes back soon. Neeko waits for Talon to get changed. He has lots of photos in his room. Photos of him and his sisters as children. I think his sisters are very important to Talon. I think Neeko would have liked to have had brothers or sisters growing up. They look like it would have been fun. But Neeko was adopted because my parents couldn’t have children. Neeko would have liked sisters to look after and teach fun things to, or to have a brother to look after me. Talon and his sisters are very lucky. Talon comes up behind me as I hold one framed photo. It shows a young Talon and Cassiopeia with their arms around each other, grinning at the camera while wearing headbands with springy stars on. Neeko turns to look at him, smiling and holding up the picture. “This is nice. How old was Talon here?” I ask. “Er, ten I think there. My mum took me and my sisters away to a theme park. Kata refused the photo. I didn’t get a choice on it,” he says, looking at the photo. “Come on, let’s go see if Kayn is awake. Then we can see what Ekko is doing. Though Ekko messaged me at like five this morning so he was either awake super early or he hasn’t slept at all.” Talon heads out of his room, Neeko following. We go over to another door and Talon knocks loudly before smirking at me. “I bet he’s not even awake,” he says to me before knocking again. I think we’re both surprised when a voice yells out from inside asking who it is. “It’s Talon,” he calls through before looking to Neeko and saying in a much quieter voice, “your long-suffering friend.” Neeko can’t help but smirk. Inside the door it sounds like Kayn is complaining about something before eventually the door opens and he scowls at us both. “What do you two want? Do you not realise that for the first time in forever I can do my own thing this morning? I do not have glitter, or sprinkles, or plush toys dropping out of my ceiling onto me?” He says. He’s dressed oddly in very baggy trousers and a loose tank top. He’s also got a towel tied around his neck covering his left arm. “Yeah, we’re aware. It’s because of that reason we thought we’d come check out what you’re doing,” Talon says, walking into Kayn’s room. Neeko stays outside. Kayn looks at me and gestures into his room before following after Talon. I enter his room, shutting the door behind me. “She messaged you, didn’t she?” “I’ve been told to make sure you don’t get lonely. So here I am. Don’t be lonely,” Talon says to him, before his eyes go to the odd towel. “Any reason for the towel?” “I haven’t got my arm covered. No one wants to see my infection,” Kayn sighs. “Is that why Kayn wears bandages? Is your arm injured?” I ask. It’s something I’ve often asked Zoe, but Zoe is very good at dodging questions. “Not really injured. I have an infection there. Well it’s like an infection. It’s not pretty to look at,” he says, his eyes glancing to the side. “Does Kayn need to see a doctor?” I ask but he just shakes his head. “Neeko, he could have a bone stuck out of his body and Kayn wouldn’t see a doctor. Would you? You’d try and sort it yourself,” Talon says, folding his arms. “I’m very capable you know. I rarely need help,” Kayn almost brags. “Everyone needs help sometimes Kayn. Even you. And if you ever do need help, I’m here. Remember that,” Talon points at him. “If you’re going to be sentimental you can leave. I need that even less than I ever need help,” Kayn smirks. “So what do you have planned?” “Thought we could head round to the social room. Been a while since we went round there. Could play some darts,” Talon says. “You really want to get your ass kicked so early on a Saturday morning?” Kayn brags. “Yeah, ok, I can do that. Let me sort my arm out.” “Neeko has never played darts. Is it fun?” I ask Talon as Kayn heads into his bathroom. “It can be. I’ll show you how to play if you’d like? Then you can watch me kick Kayn’s ass,” he smiles. Talon has a very lovely smile. I wonder, if he asked Varus and Varus said yes, would he smile more? Once Kayn has sorted his arm out and we’ve got Ekko, we head round to the boys social room. Both dorms have one on the ground floor. They have fun things in them, including a dart board. Neeko has never thought much about it because Neeko has never played darts. “Individual or teams?” Ekko says, perching backwards on a nearby chair. “Teams. Neeko’s never played. She can be with me,” Talon says. “Sounds fair to me,” Kayn smirks at Talon, passing him three darts. “If you want to handicap yourself, I’m not going to hold back.” “Great,” Talon smirks, throwing the first dart and hitting the small round part in the middle. “Wait, I want out. I forgot how scarily good at this game Talon is,” Ekko says, holding his hand up. “We haven’t even started yet. He’s just showing off,” Kayn says. Talon shrugs, throwing the other two darts and also hitting the small circle in the middle. “Fine with me. What game do you want to play?” Talon asks. “Countdown. Lets start at say, seven hundred and one? We’ll work down from there,” Kayn smiles, retrieving the darts. “But it’s a team thing. You throw three, I throw three, then onto Neeko and Ekko.” “Absolutely no issue with me,” Talon smirks. Neeko admits, she does not understand the rules. Something like if you get the darts in the board, you count down your score? I am not sure. Something about getting to zero first. I do know that Kayn swears under his breath when Talon gets all three of his darts in a special twenty space on the board. “Ok, literally just hold it like this, and throw at the board. Don’t worry about where you throw Neeko, or even if it misses. Just take your time. Don’t throw too hard or it might bounce off, but give it enough force so it’ll reach the board,” Talon tells me when it is Neeko’s turn. He puts the dart into my hand and moves my fingers to hold it better. I focus very, very hard on the board. My first dart misses, but my second sticks into the two slot, so I throw the next a little higher up and get ten. “Neeko scored,” I squeal, bouncing up and down. Talon smiles, giving me a high five as a score board on the wall displays our new score of five hundred and nine. “Neeko got two of them in the board.” This is a fun game. Ekko is better than Neeko but not as good as Kayn and Talon. Though I feel that Talon is better at the game than Kayn. Talon gets all three of his in the same square again Whereas Kayn gets two of his in that square and then one in the middle. Apparently, that gives him a lower score. “We need fourteen to win,” Kayn says, arms folded as he watches Ekko step up to throw. “I can see that,” Ekko replies, his focus only on the little board. “So just hit the fourteen section.” “I’m going to try.” “Don’t try, just do it. Fourteen and we’ve won,” Kayn continues. “It’s right there. Just hit it.” “Ok, fourteen. I can hit it,” Ekko says to himself, shrugging his shoulders. “Whenever you’re ready Ekko,” Talon calls over, a smirk on his face. Talon is very, very good at this game. “You guys aren’t helping,” Ekko mumbles before throwing a dart and hitting the nineteen section. Their score goes below zero before going back up to fourteen. “Does that look like fourteen,” Kayn gestures at the board. “Does that even look close to it.” “The pressure was too much,” Ekko complains as Talon gets the daret, a smug grin on his face. “Good job Ekko.” “Don’t look smug. You can’t win. The highest you’ll get is one eighty. You need to get one nine two. You’ll be off by twelve. He might not be able to hit the fourteen, but I will on my go,” Kayn points at Talon who just shakes his head. “I might not win, but I’m still better,” he smirks, throwing all of his darts one after the other and hitting the same square he keeps getting. “How are you that good at this?” Ekko wails, pointing at Talon. “One more dart and I’d have won,” Talon smirks, passing the darts to Kayn. This is a fun game. Kayn gets the fourteen because he’s good, but I feel Talon is better. But Talon doesn’t get angry at Neeko. He just smiles and congratulates me. I managed to get lots of the darts into the board. The others start debating another game. Talon suggests one called Killer which Kayn argues no to because Talon will win easily. But as they argue, Neeko can sense something. Something odd. It feels like Kayn’s sho’ma, but Kayn is standing in front of Neeko. His usual blue sho’ma is more dominant than the red currently, though it has been doing odd things lately. “Neeko is going to get some fresh air. I will play any game,” I say brightly before darting from the room and into the foyer of the dorms. Neeko can definitely sense something. But there’s no one here. I wander outside. I see several students walking past, but no one that feels like Kayn. It’s odd, but I can almost sense him in two different places. I’ve never felt sho’ma do this before. Heading around the building I pause behind a tree when I see Kayn’s cat sat on a windowsill looking into the social room. Neeko is not sure she likes this cat. And Neeko definitely doesn’t understand why this cat has similar sho’ma to Kayn. But the cat isn’t alone. There’s a young man, sat part way up another tree. It’s funny, because Neeko knows he is there, I can see his sho’ma and occasionally I see him. But not all the time. It’s like I keep losing sight of him even though he isn’t moving. Neeko is going to go over and see if he’s really there. I’m very good at climbing trees, but someone comes over to me, their hand on my shoulder. I turn to look at Varus who holds his finger to his lips and beckons for me to come with him. Can he see the person in the tree? Is the person really there? “Neeko, do me a favour,” Varus says once we’re back around the other side of the building. “Don’t go near that cat. It’s not friendly and I wouldn’t want you to get hurt by it.” “Um ok, but did Varus see the person in the tree. There was someone there, I think, but then they didn’t seem to be there. Neeko is very confused.” “I did. Sort of. I think they were using shadow magic to stay hidden. I’m surprised you could see through it.” “Shadow magic?” “Er yeah. It’s powerful if the user is skilled in it. They can hide things in plain sight, but the magic convinces your mind there’s nothing there but shadows. I can’t use it, but I know of people that can,” he says with a shrug. “That person didn’t seem all that great at it. I’ve seen better.” “And that student can use it? Neeko didn’t really see who it was. It was very hard to look at,” I think. They maybe had black hair? I’m not sure. “Not sure they were a student, but I didn’t get a good look at them either. Anyway, what are you doing wandering around by yourself? It’s not often I see you without several friends around you,” he smiles at me. “Oh, um, Neeko saw Kayn’s cat and wondered what it was doing. We were playing darts in the social room. Does Varus want to come play too? Don’t worry if Varus is not very good, Neeko is also not very good. But it is fun,” I beam at him. “Maybe not,” Varus says awkwardly and Neeko watches his sho’ma move. One of the smaller colours gets bigger for a moment before Varus sighs. “Though I am quite good at darts. Who’s playing?” So many people here have such odd sho’ma. “Neeko and Kayn and Talon and Ekko. And Varus if you want to play too,” I grin. Varus gives a nod, looking off into the distance for a moment or two before looking back at Neeko. “Ok, sure. There’s no harm in playing darts.” This is good. Talon is very good at darts, so maybe he can impress Varus. Plus, the more time they spend together, the more chances Talon has to say something to Varus. We walk back into the social room and Neeko bounces ahead of Varus and over to the others. Talon looks at us, his shoulders dropping. His eyes meet mine and Neeko watches him mouth out ‘why’, with his lips. He will thank Neeko for this one day. Hopefully. I really hope so. “Neeko found more friends to play,” I grin. “What game are we playing? Can someone explain it to Neeko?” “Talon’s gonna murder us all at Killer. Hey Varus, you joining us? Is this one extra player or two?” Ekko smirks. “Yeah, I’m joining. I’ll make a bet with you Ekko, if I kill you, you stop with the teasing,” Varus smirks back as Neeko steps up beside Talon. “Why?” He hisses at me from under his hood. “Fun times,” I whisper back, giving him a thumbs up. While Ekko agrees to the bet with Varus and Talon frets, I feel that odd feeling again. But stronger now. Looking over to Kayn I notice that his face has gone pale and his visible eye keeps shutting as though he’s having a bad headache. His sho’ma is also doing funny things. The red there is a lot bigger than it was just ten minutes ago. “So, no Zoe, Kayn?” Varus says and I watch as Kayn looks over at him and for a moment looks confused before he shakes his head. “Er, not right now. No,” he says, but he sounds odd. Not like he just did. “You ok?” Ekko asks, also looking at Kayn. “Um yeah. Sorry. Sudden headache,” Kayn says, his gloved hand clutching at his face for a minute. “It’s a little bright in here,” Talon says, suddenly not sounding embarrassed at all. “I’ll shut some of the blinds.” I watch him go over to the window that Kayn’s cat had been near, and Talon pulls the blind down. “Maybe it’s the sudden presence of silence with Zoe not being here,” Varus continues to talk. “Clearly you aren’t used to it. Will Zoe be joining us later?” “No. Not today,” Kayn says, his hand moving away from his face. “She’s away for a few days.” “Besides, I wouldn’t trust Zoe with darts,” Talon says, putting extra stress on Zoe’s name. “Ok, lets play. I’ll go first, Neeko can go last because she doesn’t know the rules.” This game is a lot of fun too. Varus is very, very good at darts and ‘kills’ Ekko almost straight away. Kayn however doesn’t seem to have the accuracy he had a minute ago. His shots are good – a lot better than Neeko’s – but not perfectly accurate. Neeko still thinks he looks pale. I hope he doesn’t get ill while Zoe isn’t here. Zoe won’t be happy if he does.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon I admit, I hadn’t been paying full attention to this lesson at all. There were two things that were currently pulling my attention away from any work I was supposed to be doing. The first one, and definitely not the one I should be looking at, was that Varus had put his hair into a loose braid today. The second, and the one I should be focusing on, was that Kayn had been asleep at his desk for the last fifteen minutes. Not even subtly asleep. His head is flat over his desk, his bandaged arm hanging down towards the floor. Feeling my phone buzz in my pocket, I carefully take it out, placing it out of sight from our teacher beside a book on my desk. It’s a message from Ekko. ‘I’m kinda worried about him.’ A few seats ahead of me, Ekko turns around and looks at me, his eyes full of concern as he looks back to Kayn. I am too. Zoe’s been gone for four days. To be honest I’m pretty concerned for her too. I have no idea where she’s gone. She simply said she had to go and see someone and that he was far away. How far away? Where exactly do Aspects come from? To be honest I have a lot of questions about her. About all of this. But right now my every thought is on trying to keep Kayn acting like Kayn. It’s not that he’s never fallen asleep in class before – he’s rather good at it – but normally he’s either more subtle, or it’s a one-off thing for a few days. This is the second lesson today that he’s dropped off in. I shrug at Ekko. There’s not much else I can do. It’s certainly not my place to tell him that our friend is being eaten alive by a demon. A demon that I have spent all weekend trying to shift away from Kayn whenever I can. Because you can see the moments he spaces out. He’ll be fine and holding a conversation and then he just switches off. And it’s becoming more and more frequent. “Talon, care to join the rest of the class?” Our teacher says, standing in front of my desk and startling me from my thoughts. I look at him, a short yordle with a large moustache and bushy eyebrows sitting above thick glasses. He taps his foot on the floor as I sheepishly nod my head. “Sorry sir,” I say, knowing I blush. Ekko smirks at me as the teacher bustles off down past the desks, completely missing Kayn who is still out of it. I know I should be focusing but I just can’t. I feel like there’s way too much going on around me and I have no idea how to process any of it. Kayn wakes up by the end of the lesson and manages to sit there looking vaguely with it. But this is it, one minute he’s Kayn and the next he’s not. He catches me looking at him near the end of the lesson and just rolls his eyes at me, a strained smirk on his face. Something he often does when the teacher is saying something he finds boring. But it’s not the same as normal. He’s so pale, dark circles under his one visible eye and just barely any recognition in his gaze when he does look at people. His mind looks like it’s a million miles away.I do my absolute best to watch him. Whenever I can I’m trying to engage him in conversation. Sometimes I think I’m winning but then he drops out again. He’s like a bad phone signal at this point. However, he vanishes completely from our group at lunch. Honestly, it’s like watching a toddler. Leaving Neeko and Ekko to look after each other, I head off to see where he’s gone. He’s not hard to locate. I find him laid on a bench outside that we often hang out round, his eyes just staring up at the sky. If this was anyone else, I might assume they’re cloud watching. But this is Shieda Kayn and he doesn’t do that. His long braid dangles over the edge of the bench, the bottom of it getting occasionally swatted at by the paws of the cat laid below him. Honestly it just looks like any other cat. A mangy cat, but just a cat. “Ok, we need to talk,” I say, stepping up beside him. He glances at me from the corner of his eye before looking back up to the sky. “Talk about what?” “You. You haven’t been yourself for a while now. And do not just brush me off. I want you to tell me what’s going on with you. Be honest,” I fold my arms, staring down at him. He studies me for a moment before just shrugging. A lazy smirk comes to his face. “I’m fine Talon. I don’t know why you’d think otherwise.” “Would you like a list Kayn? Because honestly, I could say several things just from this morning. You look absolutely dreadful. You’re pale, you aren’t eating right, you clearly aren’t sleeping right. What’s wrong?” I stay as calm as I can because watching my friend waste away in front of me is infuriating. I want to grab that cat and hurl it in front of a car. “You should sign up for pep talks,” he jokes, that smirk on his face. I try and keep my face as calm and neutral as I can, but seriously I want to kill that cat. “You look like shit.” That causes him to shrug and glance away from me, going silent for a moment or two before he next says anything. “It’s nothing. Maybe I just have a little bug or something,” he lies, his eye going back to stare up at the sky. “Kayn, I’m your friend. If there’s something wrong, please tell me. Maybe I can help,” I say. I watch his eye glance to the side now, his head almost twitching. Varus said the darkin can talk to Kayn. Is that what it’s doing now? Is that what it’s doing every time he goes quiet? “I don’t need help. From anyone,” he snaps and I’m honestly not sure if he’s talking to me or the cat. “Kayn I’m just trying to help,” I say gently. But he glares at me now. He glares at me with such an anger in his eyes that I find myself stepping back from him. “I don’t need help. I don’t need it from you, or my master or anyone. I’m fine. Absolutely fine,” he hisses. He leaps up and pushes past me, stomping off across the yard, the cat just a few paces behind him. “What about from Zoe?” I ask, watching him pause. He spins around now and for a moment there’s an almost pained expression on his face. His shoulders sag from the rigid stance he’d had just seconds earlier. “I don’t need help. I’m fine,” he whispers, but his anger has gone. Huh, Varus was right, if he’s thinking about her it does seem to break the hold the creature has on him. “Are you missing Zoe? Because she’ll be back soon. She’s just gone to visit some family somewhere,” I say, stepping closer. How I never knew that this cat was sentient before I don’t know. Because I watch it hiss at me before it looks back up to Kayn and that glazed expression comes back into his eyes. “That girl doesn’t help anyone,” he snarls his words dripping with venom. I freeze, just watching him. “That girl? You mean Zoe, right?” I say, putting emphasis on her name. He shakes his head and looks for a moment like someone waking up. Colour literally drains from his already pale face and he just stares at the cat near him before he looks at me, his eye wide. “Please Talon, just leave me alone,” he says, turning from me again. I watch his shoulders wobble, his hands go to his face. “Kayn, I’m not leaving you. You’re clearly not well. Want me to call someone? A teacher? A doctor? Your master? Hell, I can ring Zoe? Ask her to come home early?” I offer, running up alongside him and making sure to knock the cat aside with my feet. I hear it hiss as it darts around me, but I pretend not to notice. Could I ring Zoe? Where even is she? “Please Talon. I just need some rest. That’s all.” Rest? In my mind I remember how he looked the night I found out about all of this. Somehow I don’t think rest right now is the best idea. But he needs something. He looks like he’s about to collapse. “How about we skip this afternoon? Been a while since we did it,” I smile as though I’m just being casual. “It’s been a while because last time, the school rang your dad and he freaked out at you for doing it, and my master scolded me for getting caught. That’s why,” he says before half smiling. But then there’s another pause, his head glancing away from me. “I reckon it’d be easy to skip now. I don’t think anyone would notice if I wasn’t here. My master certainly wouldn’t.” Where’d that come from? “Where’s the fun if it’s easy? Besides, people would notice if our star cheerleader vanished,” I joke. Again, there’s a brief trace of a smile on his pale face before he winces, his eye shutting as he shies away. “Kayn?” “It’s a headache. I’m fine. How many times do I have to say that? I’m fine. I’m absolutely fine and I don’t need help from anyone. I’ve got this,” he says, his voice raised as though he’s trying to talk over something loud, but there’s no noise. Just us two. Looking at my feet I watch that cat look at me, his gaze literally meeting mine. Playing dumb I cock my head, watching as it literally narrows its eyes at me before looking back to Kayn, my friend suddenly yelps as though he’s in pain. His hands going to the sides of his head. Come on Kayn, let me help you. “I’m calling a doctor, this isn’t a headache,” I scowl. “I don’t need a doctor,” he snaps, his gloved hand clutching his face as he doubles over. “I don’t need anyone.” “Does this look normal to you?” I gesture at him. “And don’t say it’s a headache. It’d have to be one hell of a headache to get you to make a noise. I’ve seen the wounds you get from training, or from missions. You barely care for those. You always brag about how pain doesn’t bother you.” “What would you know about pain? Your dad is too soft with you. You’ve never been on a solo mission. You’ve never been left scarred from training. You think being an assassin is easy? You think going invisible and being good with a knife is enough?” He glares at me and I feel my blood start to boil. I need to stay calm though. One of us needs to be thinking straight. “No. But I don’t want to be one. You know I don’t. And my dad is far from soft. He just has different methods.” “You talk to me about pain, but you’ve never felt real pain Talon, so how do you have any idea what would make me hurt?” This isn’t him talking. This is that creature. Stay calm Talon, stay calm. “You’re being irrational. You know my dad is a dick. And I know you can take a lot. I’ve seen your injuries. Which is why I know a headache wouldn’t hurt you like this. Clearly something is wrong. Please let me help you,” I talk through gritted teeth. I’m not going to let him get to me. “Just go,” he says, spinning away from me and stumbling off now. I should leave him, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let him go through this alone. I don’t have many friends, but this absolute moron is one of them. I follow after him, walking over the grass that makes up part of the yard. “No. I’m your goddamn friend Kayn and you clearly aren’t well. Look if you get sick and have to miss the dance, Zoe will kill me ok? At least let me walk you back to your room?” “My friend?” he pauses again, his head looking up at the sky. What is he looking at? There’s nothing there. “Yeah your friend. Come on, I tell you everything about me, don’t I? I’ve told you all about my dad, about whatever bullshit my sisters do. And normally you tell me stuff about you. I know about your master and that dick you hate that’s training with your master too. What’s his name? Nakuri? Come on Kayn, don’t shut me out here. I’m not blind. You’re clearly not well,” I keep my tone soft. Is his body shaking? What the hell is happening to him? “Nakuri is a dick,” Kayn says, his voice quiet again. “I’m just not well Talon. I thought I could do something and now I don’t know if I can. I think I made a very, very bad decision.” “That’s fine. I make lots of bad decisions. Just the other week I said Cassi suited a dress she had and apparently that was a bad decision because she wanted to get rid of it but now can’t. I keep getting photos sent to me of this damn dress,” I joke, trying everything I can to keep my calm and to stop him from flaring again. Because when he gets angry, that seems to be when he’s less like Kayn. “But I’m here. I can help. Just tell me what you need.” “Zoe,” he whispers before he winces again. He whips his head round to scowl at the cat. And then he looks up at me, a look of confusion on his face. Maybe even betrayal. “What?” “What?” I say, suddenly confused. His mood is literally flipping on a coin toss here. What’s he going through? “You have a crush on someone?” He looks absolutely confused, his gaze searching my face, trying to read my expression. “What?” I ask, starting to blush just thinking about Varus. I really need to work on my poker face. “You’re gay?” Kayn looks super bewildered right now and my face must go scarlet. “Who says?” I stammer. I know I’m being horribly hypocritical right now. I wanted Kayn to open up to me, but I don’t want to open up to him. I just really don’t feel comfortable talking about this. I blush thinking about it to myself, let alone openly talking about it. Where did he even get this from? Is this that bloody cat? “Are you?” He asks. Come on Talon be honest. Please be honest. Please say something. Anything. “Where did you even hear that?” I ask, fumbling over my words as they seem to stick in my throat. Kayn just straightens up and stares at me. “You want me to tell you things about me, but you didn’t tell me that?” He says. “Kayn…,” I start, unsure what I want to even say. “Where did you even hear that?” Admit that your cat told you. Admit that you speak to your cat because he’s a demon. “A rumour.” “A rumour? What? Right now? Here? With just the two of us present?” I say, gesturing around us. There are students near some buildings, but not close enough to hear us, nor for him to hear a non-existent rumour. His eye flicks back to that cat and I’m one second away from punting it into the nearest river. “I thought we were friends?” We are friends Kayn. We are. God, I need to do this don’t I? I take a deep breath and make my eyes meet his, even though I can feel my face getting hotter and hotter. “Kayn, please listen. I haven’t told anyone. I didn’t know how I felt. I should have told you. I wanted to. But I don’t know how to explain this. I certainly don’t know how to tell people about it. I also don’t know how you found this out right here,” I point to the ground before me. My coolness is quickly fading as he looks at me so accusingly. Like he had a right to know this. This is my life. My thing to choose who I tell and when. But I have to keep my cool. If I get angry that’ll just make him angry and that’s the last thing I want. “I’m your friend Kayn. Let me help you Kayn. You can tell me anything Kayn. I tell you everything,” he mimics me, making his voice sound whiny. “Except this.” “Where are you even getting this from? We’re out here all alone,” I splutter, now gesturing wildly at the empty space around us and the lack of any source he could have heard this from. Other than that evil cat! “I’ve not told anyone Kayn. I was going to tell you,” he continues to mimic me, and I just narrow my eyes at him. “I haven’t told goddamn anyone Kayn. I wanted to try and tell you. I wanted to ask your help and advice on how I should tell my family. Why are you being such a jackass right now?” “But you have told someone,” he says, half a laugh breaking from his lips. “You didn’t tell me. But you have told someone.” He’s starting to look half manic as he again fixes me with his wild gaze. “Kayn, please calm down. You’re not acting like yourself at all right now.” “This why you and Neeko have become best buds? You telling her stuff now before me? Does she know you’re an assassin? Does she know your job is going to be to slit people’s throats?” He swipes his finger across his own neck, mimicking the action of killing someone while a smirk still sits on his face. “Does Zoe know about you? You’re far from a saint. I told Neeko because she is the only other gay person I knew. I wanted advice on how to tell you, you fucking moron,” I snap back. “And how did you even know? How do you know any of this Kayn? Tell me!” “Rumours,” he says. He’s lying. I know he’s lying. How much I want to call him on this bullshit. His cat told him. His goddamn demon cat! “There are no rumours Kayn. My sister creates the rumours in this school. If there was even a sniff that anyone else in school knew, Cassi would have been at my door quicker than I could blink. How do you know. Tell me!” Admit it. Admit what’s happening to you and let me help you! Inside my chest my heart is literally pounding onto my ribs. Goosebumps cover my skin as I try so hard to stay in control, but at the same time I’m getting angry. So angry at him. Yes, I never told him I was gay, but I told one other goddamn person and that was to ask for advice. I’ve spent nights unable to sleep thinking how I could tell him, and this is his reaction? This is how he treats me? “So all this great talk about wanting to help me was lies really, wasn’t it? I’m fucking fine Talon. Why don’t you and Neeko go and plait each other’s hair? Why don’t you go play with your new friend? Don’t need me. Apparently because I’m not gay, you can’t tell me shit anymore,” he says and there’s this gleam in his eye. A gleam that matches that cat. Who the fuck am I even talking to anymore? I’ll admit I’m starting to panic a little. “I want to help you. Goddamn it Kayn, what do I have to do to prove that to you?” I shout, getting up in his face. “Nothing. You’ve proved enough,” he swaggers before me. “Just leave me alone Talon. Go play your games with the others. I’ll deal with my problems by myself.” “And what about Zoe? Huh? Think she’d like to see you acting like this?” “She’s not here.” “She’s gone for a few days Kayn. That’s all. She could come back any minute and you’re acting like an absolute moron.” A thin smile twists his lips up and I’ll admit I feel incredibly uneasy right now. “If you think I’m scared of some little girl, you’re dead wrong,” he smirks, his left hand pushing my chest. I clench my fists but don’t rise to the bait, even though I know there are people now standing nearby, watching us. Apparently us squaring off against each other is enough to warrant people to have a closer look. “She might just be a little girl Kayn, but she’s your girlfriend. She loves you. She’d do anything for you. And she would not be impressed with your behaviour.” For a moment I think I’m getting through to him. His eye seems to flicker before I feel his left fist slam into my jaw. Holy fuck! That hurts! I drop to the ground as there’s noise from students around us. Goddamn. I don’t think even Darius could punch that hard. I actually feel dizzy from the impact. But one thing my dad has trained me on is how to take a beating and make sure I get back up, because if you’re on the floor you’re vulnerable. But I’ll admit, it takes me a few seconds to stop the ground from swimming below me. Eventually I glare up at him as he stares at his own left hand, utter confusion on his face before he looks at me, his mouth ajar. “Talon, I’m…” he starts, but all of my composure has gone, and I lunge at him, tackling him to the floor. “I’m sorry,” he gasps as I wrestle with him over the ground. “Sorry? You just punched me!” I yell, swinging my fist into his face. I’ll admit I’m far too angry now. First he mocks me for not telling him I’m gay and then he punches me? I don’t care if that was the demon, it’s his fault for making this dumb pact. It’s his fault for trying to do this by himself when he clearly needs some help. We roll around on the ground, trying to swing at each other. I’m aware of other students nearby but I’m far too focused on what I’m doing. I know I try to stand at one point, but he grabs me and pulls me down to the floor. I know I hit him. I feel my fist start to ache from punching him, but it seems to do nothing. But every punch from him hurts. I feel one smack straight into my arm and my entire arm goes numb. His strength is unbelievable. I should stop. But I don’t.I hear calls for us to quit it. I hear people call our names; voices I know. But I’m angry. I shouldn’t be. I should calm myself down. This isn’t Kayn. In the back of my mind I think I know that. But I can’t believe he made me feel humiliated for being gay, for not telling him. Or for yelling at me for trying to help him.He wrestles me onto my back, his strength literally insane. I’ve sparred with Kayn before and I’ve never been so out classed as I am right now. He sits himself on me, the weight of his body on my chest, completely winding me. Then I feel his gloved hand grab my throat, squeezing it tighter and tighter. I gasp for air, my hands scrabbling at his face, trying to push him off, but I just don’t have the energy or the strength. But looking up I know this isn’t Kayn. The way he smirks at me, that’s not my friend. Because I know that look in his eyes. I live with murderers. That’s the look of someone that wants you dead. “What is happening here!” I hear a voice call out, piercing the other noises. I can’t look though. Dark spots have started to appear in my vision as I gasp for air. Someone comes over and drags Kayn from me. I’m left panting on the ground, my own hands going to my throat. “Alright, all of you inside, now. Get to your next lessons. If students are fighting, I expect you to all break it up,” a stern voice yells. “Shieda Kayn and Talon Du Couteau, dare I ask what this is about?” I peer up from the floor and see the headmistress bearing down on me. But I am way too dizzy to fully feel the true severity of my situation. “He punched me,” I cough out, my voice feeling raspy and sore. I wave an arm in whatever direction he got pulled off into. Slowly I push myself up, I feel so sick right now. I look over at Kayn as he’s crouched on the floor, his head staring down at the grass, his body trembling. “Kayn, get to your room. You look like you’re about to pass out. I’ll deal with you later. Talon, with me,” the teacher snaps. I feel her grab the back of my collar and start to haul me over the ground. I watch Kayn stand as I’m yanked away. Watch him stagger off, his head held in his hands. And I watch that cat turn to look at me. Its eyes meeting mine before it scampers after him. “He started it,” I protest at his lenient punishment. But the teacher doesn’t reply. She marches me around the side of a building where my sister is stood, arms folded. What? My collar is released and I turn to look at our headteacher. She scowls at me, her arms folded for just a second before she wavers. Before there’s a shimmer to her body and she vanishes to be replaced with a very nervous looking vastaya girl that fiddles with her fingers. “Talon is good with secrets. Can he keep this one?” Neeko asks me, a pleading smile on her face.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “Ekko, can Neeko ask you a question?” I say, cocking my head at the boy across from me. His cheeks are puffy from eating too much sandwich, but he nods his head at me. “Does Ekko think something is going on?” “As in, something going on in the school or with our group of friends?” He asks, swallowing his mouthful. “Because I’m fairly certain our group has conspiracy levels that equal any secret service.” Neeko does not understand that, but I think it means he agrees with me. “With our friends. Neeko can feel something. Like something is not right. But I don’t know what,” I sigh, looking at the empty chairs around our table. Ekko also looks before looking at me. “So glad it’s not just me. I mean who knows where Sparkles has gone? I know, I know, she’s seeing some ‘relative’ right? However I’ve known Zoe for nearly three years now and never once has she mentioned a family member. Not once. She’s always said she was an orphan with no family but then suddenly someone shows up? I’m not buying it at all. And Talon. I know he normally has the emotional range of a stone, but this last week and a half he’s been worse than usual. He hardly talks and is constantly dashing off or going invisible and hoping no one notices. And don’t even get me started on Kayn. He looks like he’s not even here half the time. Not to mention he’s starting to look like the walking dead. I skip sleep if I’m busy crafting, so I know what sleep deprivation looks like and he’s skipped more than a night I feel,” Ekko points his sandwich at Neeko before taking another bite. “They’re all acting crazy.” “Do tell us all more Ekko,” I hear another voice smirk as Cassiopeia places her tray at the table. The pretty girl sits down, her eyes on Ekko as she pokes a fork into her salad. “Ok, your brother has been acting loopy.” “So you two noticed it too huh?” She says, looking around at us, but there’s no Talon. “Where is he now?” “Dunno. Took off about five minutes ago. Didn’t even get anything for lunch. He sat here for about a minute and then wandered off,” Ekko gestures towards the doors. “Right, come on. I want answers. Ekko, go check the boys toilets. Neeko come with me,” Cassiopeia says, grabbing Neeko’s arm and hauling her up to her feet. “If you find him, call me.” “Why do I have to go anywhere?” Ekko protests, looking at the pretty girl. Cassiopeia shakes her head. “Because I’m telling you to. Now go. Otherwise I’ll tell Taliyah that she can definitely do better than you for the dance.” “How’d you hear about that?” Ekko asks, his cheeks going pink. “I know everything in this school, now go.” She waves for him to move before grabbing Neeko and pulling me from the dining hall. Neeko hadn’t even finished her dinner. Then again, Cassiopeia hadn’t even started hers. “Ok Neeko, you are coming with me. I know you know something about Talon. So I’m going to find him and make one of you tell me,” she says, leading Neeko out of the school and outside. “Neeko told you, I don’t know anything,” I protest, but I don’t think she’s listening. Once outside she looks around, her bright green eyes scanning everything. Then she turns back to look at Neeko. It’s very scary under her gaze. “I know he’s hiding something from me. If even Ekko has noticed he’s acting odd, then he’s really acting odd. Come on. You’re helping me find him,” she says, starting to slither ahead of Neeko. There’s a bench outside that seems to be a sort of meeting place for my friends. At breaks we hang around there if the weather is nice, and after school sometimes we meet each other there. Cassiopeia knows this and that’s where she leads, Neeko following. We follow a path past several big trees beside a building and Cassiopeia grabs Neeko, pulling her into the shadows of the trees. Ahead, on the grass Neeko can see Talon and Kayn talking. I look to the pretty girl next to me, her eyes narrow as she stares at them. “Are they arguing?” she muses, her gold claw under her chin. It definitely looks like it. But there’s something else, something Cassiopeia can’t see. “Kayn’s sho’ma…,” I mumble, cocking my head as I watch it. His sho’ma always shifts and changes. Sometimes the red is bigger than it usually is, sometimes it is tiny. But now, it’s almost even. The blue and the red are pushing at each other in a way Neeko has never seen before. “You mean his colour thing? What’s it doing?” Cassiopeia looks at Neeko and I shrug my shoulders, not sure how to explain. “Fighting,” I say. It’s the only word that seems to describe it. “Fighting?” “Kayn has two colours to his sho’ma. Most people have one. But Kayn has two and it looks like the colours are fighting.” “Wait, you can sense emotions and thoughts and stuff from those colours right? Can you steal some of theirs? See what the hell is going on?” “No. Neeko is too far. Neeko would need to be closer,” I explain. Sho’ma is hard for people that don’t know about it. “But the colours are fighting? What does that even mean? Is that why they’re arguing? Because those two never argue. Talon doesn’t argue with anyone, not even me and Kata. He just goes along with us. Something must’ve really pissed him off. Come on, we’re getting a little closer,” Cassiopeia nods, grabbing Neeko’s arm again and pulling me around the trees. We edge closer. Slowly moving nearer as Cassiopeia keeps a very firm grip on Neeko’s arm. I think Cassiopeia is listening, but Neeko is too busy watching Kayn’s sho’ma. Neeko has never seen anything like this. I have seen people be angry and how their sho’ma swirls, but never like this. “Why don’t you and Neeko go and plait each other’s hair? Why don’t you go play with your new friend? Don’t need me. Apparently because I’m not gay, you can’t tell me shit anymore!” Kayn yells at Talon. My head comes up at hearing my name and Cassiopeia just smirks at me. “Tell me Neeko? Is my darling younger brother gay?” Cassiopeia asks me and Neeko shrugs. “Neeko doesn’t know. Cassiopeia would have to ask her brother herself,” I nod. I will not say anything. She doesn’t look convinced. The smirk staying on her lips as she turns back to them, a slight cock of her head. She looks like she’s about to say something before I hear a thump and we both look and see Talon down on the ground holding his face. Kayn looks pale and shocked, his blue sho’ma suddenly being bigger. “Did you just punch my brother?” Cassiopeia shrieks, her hands on her hips as she stares at Kayn. But I don’t think the boys know we are here. Kayn looks like he’s about to be sick and Talon looks angry. Really angry. Neeko has never seen Talon look so angry. “Talon, I’m…,” Kayn starts but Talon throws himself at the other boy, knocking both of them to the ground. “Talon get off him!” Cassiopeia yells as other people are now here.Other students gather around as Neeko’s friends fight. Should I do something? Neeko doesn’t know. Cassiopeia yells at them to stop while some other students yell at them to continue. What should Neeko do? “You,” Cassiopeia points at me. “Help me break this up.” “How?” Neeko asks. My arm is grabbed and Cassiopeia pulls me aside. “Do that thing you do. Go back over to those trees and change into a teacher. Then come over here and split them up.” “What about everyone else?” Neeko frets. “Ok, you tell everyone else to clear off, make something up. Tell Kayn to go somewhere because I want to talk to Talon in a semi calm manner and he’s clearly not going to be calm with Kayn around. Come on Neeko, you can do this.” I nod, looking once at where Kayn has wrestled Talon onto his back and looks like he’s trying to choke him. Nodding again Neeko runs as fast as she can to the trees. Neeko shouldn’t have ever taken teachers sho’ma, but I have. It’s fun to see what people are feeling sometimes. Neeko has done it to a teacher that should scare the other students away. In the shadows I change myself into the headteacher. Now what would a teacher do? How do I break them up? I run back over, several students vanishing off when they see me coming. I make sure to look angry. Very angry. Teachers would not be happy with fighting. “What is happening here!” I call out. More students notice me, and lots look awkward and sheepish. Some start to slip away. Looking back to the boys, I see that Talon has gone a funny colour. He can’t breathe. Neeko is not as strong as Kayn, but I run over, putting all my strength into pulling him back. I think he’s too focused on Talon because Neeko manages to pull him off. I hear Talon gasping on the ground. “Alright, all of you inside, now. Get to your next lessons. If students are fighting I expect you to all break it up,” Neeko tells everyone. It’s fun sounding like the head teacher. And even more fun when people start to run off. No one argues with her. “Shieda Kayn and Talon Du Couteau, dare I ask what this is about?” That is definitely something a teacher would say. “He punched me,” Talon coughs. His hands rubbing at the red marks on his neck. I look back to Kayn who looks very, very ill. The blue sho’ma is back again though the red was bigger a minute ago. Kayn should not be in lessons right now. He looks like he needs sleep. “Kayn, get to your room. You look like you’re about to pass out. I’ll deal with you later. Talon, with me,” I say. Kayn nods and starts to stagger off. Neeko would like to go after him, but Cassiopeia wants her brother and I need to keep this act up. I grab Talon’s collar and start to drag him over to where I saw Cassiopeia vanish behind a nearby building. Neeko knows the headteacher does this. I’ve seen her do it to Draven a lot. “He started it,” Talon still argues. But he goes quiet when he sees his sister. I let go of him and change back to me as he looks at me, his hood around his shoulders, his face looking very confused. “Talon is good with secrets. Can he keep this one?” I smile. He gasps for a moment, pointing at Neeko and then looking back at his sister. “What?” He stares at Cassiopeia, gesturing at Neeko. I start to blush, my fingers intertwining as I hold them before me. “Alright, you need to start talking,” Cassiopeia points at Talon, a deep-set scowl on her face. Talon just shakes his head, looking confused. He stares back at Neeko until Neeko looks away. “What just happened?” He asks, his voice sounding funny, like if he had a bad cough. “That’s what we want to know. Why were you and Kayn fighting over the ground? I thought you were friends?” “Not that. Miss Laurent dragged me over here. How was that Neeko? She looked just like the head? Sounded like her too?” Talon looks between Neeko and his sister. “Oovi-kat things. She’s very talented you know,” Cassiopeia says, smiling at Neeko before looking back to her brother. “So what was that about?” “Oh no Cassi. I’m going to need more than that. Neeko, you never told me you could do that? How do you do that?” Talon looks at Neeko and I shrug, changing myself into him and then back to Neeko. “Neeko can change into people. It is fun to do, but Neeko only ever told Zoe. And then Cassiopeia,” I explain. “Girl’s got skills. Ok, that clear it up? Ask her later. Why were you trying to punch your best friend into the ground and why was he literally trying to choke you?” Cassiopeia demands, staring at her brother. Talon looks at Neeko for a little while longer before turning to his sister, his eyes looking away. “It was just a dumb argument,” Talon says. He looks over in the direction of the dorm rooms, his shoulders sagging. “I’ve seen dumb arguments Talon. I once watched Draven argue with a door after getting hit in the face with it, only for him to get hit in the face a second time as he tried to punch it. That was dumb. You and Kayn looking like you’re about to kill each other, that wasn’t dumb. What happened?” Neeko watches as Talon just sinks to the ground and lays back onto the concrete, his fingers again tracing around his neck. Is he hurt? “I’m so tired. He was literally trying to kill me. I was hitting him with all my strength, and he wouldn’t budge,” he says, his voice quiet. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating,” Cassiopeia says, looking down at him, but Talon just shakes his head. “Trust me Cassi. I know what it feels like to be close to death. I wasn’t far off there. I couldn’t breathe at all.” “But why would Kayn want to kill Talon? You’re friends,” I say, crouching by my friend. Talon just sighs, looking away from me. “I don’t think Kayn is well. I was trying to help but he blew up at me.” “We saw that part. What did you say to get to that part?” “Stuff. God I’m in pain. He punched me in the face. I felt like my jaw was going to break. And every punch from him hurt like hell. I don’t think I phased him at all.” “Talon, you need to start telling me what’s going on.” I look to Talon’s sister as she looks at him. “Not here. We might be heard. You two up for skipping school?” That does not sound good. “Neeko doesn’t know, we could get in trouble,” I fret, looking between the other two. “Neeko, if we get in trouble, I’ll take the blame for you ok? I’ll say it was my idea and I forced you. Sound good? And you, Talon. You going to tell us everything?” Cassiopeia looks to her brother as he nods. “We could do with Ekko.” “Ekko?” “Yeah. I feel he should know too.” “Well if you go into school looking like that someone will pull you up. Neeko, any chance you can find Ekko and bring him here?” Cassiopeia looks at Neeko and I give a little nod. I still do not think skipping school is good. “Um, yes. Neeko can find Ekko.” “Good. Bring him here,” Cassiopeia points to the floor where we are. “No. Don’t. We’ll meet you outside of school. Neeko, tell Ekko we’ll meet him at the play park near the sports fields. He’ll know where I mean,” Talon tells me. “And, um, can you bring Varus too if possible?” “Varus?” Neeko smiles. Talon gives a nod. “Er, yeah. Um, he might be able to help me explain some things,” Talon says. Really? Has Talon said something to Varus? Oh, I hope they have. Neeko would be so very happy. “Neeko will find them both. Play park near sports fields. I will remember,” I smile, dashing back towards school. Ekko and Varus. Neeko will find them both.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon Cassi waits until Neeko has vanished before she awkwardly sits beside me. She struggles to get down onto the floor since she got her tail. But she perseveres until she’s sitting beside me, her sharp claws smoothing her skirt down. “So, we going to talk?” she says, her gaze fixed on me. “I’ve just said we were going to talk. That’s why we’re leaving the school grounds,” I tell her. My throat still aches and I know my voice doesn’t sound quite right currently. “Yeah well I want to talk to just you for a moment,” she says, her hands resting on her lap. “You’re gay?” My chest goes tight as she says those words and I look up at her, my mind racing on what to say. She heard? Who am I kidding? Half the school probably heard. There’s no point denying it, I guess. Not when my face starts to burn. I don’t even get to say anything, but Cassi just nods at me. “Any chance you were ever going to tell me?” “Eventually I was,” I admit, feeling strange voicing this out loud, let alone to my sister. “Eventually? Look I don’t know what pissed Kayn off that much, but part of it sounded like he was pissed you told Neeko before him. Honestly, it hurts a little Talon. You told a girl you’ve only known a few months before you told me.” There’s some genuine sincerity to her words and I sigh, pushing myself so I’m sat up. I’m so tired though, I could lay on the floor all afternoon honestly. Fighting for your life is pretty exhausting. Not to mention my entire body is aching from the various places I took punches. “Cassi, lets be honest, you aren’t understanding about things in the slightest. I wanted advice and Neeko was the only person I knew that was gay. I wanted to know how she came out to people. I’ve been trying to tell you and Kayn since I told Neeko, but I never had the courage. I never knew how to bring it up. Even when people asked me outright about things, it just seemed like the wrong time. So I stayed quiet. I thought I’d get around to telling you all without my best friend screaming it out over the yard because he felt betrayed,” I mutter, staring at the concrete below me. “You never told Kayn?” “No. Only Neeko.” “How did he know then?” Cassi asks me and I look at her. Literally nothing can get past my sister. She notices everything. “I can’t tell you here,” I say, my words stern. I’d love to explain everything right here rather than having to move anywhere, but I don’t trust that that cat isn’t around. He’s clearly been listening in to our conversations for him to know that much. Because that’s where Kayn had to have got that information from. He got it from his cat. “Is that why you want us off school grounds?” She asks, and I just nod. “I will tell you everything once we’re clear of the school,” I say, my eyes meeting hers. “But we get out of here first.” “Come on then. I hope you’re not as exhausted as you look because I’m fully expecting you to pull me back up, otherwise standing back up will not be graceful for me,” she smirks. I return the look, pushing myself to my feet and grabbing her arm, hauling her up beside me. Getting out of school isn’t difficult. Especially not for me. However, as I lead Cassi around to a side gate, I notice a young guy walking across the yard towards the dorms. He’s not in a uniform and looks older than us with short dark hair. He passes under the shadows of some trees and seems to vanish from view. And I mean that literally. Like what I can do. He just totally vanishes. I could go investigate, but I have more than enough going on right now. People vanishing into shadows is not my problem. The easiest way out of school is through the staff car park. Sure there’s a gate, but I make sure I know the security of the school at all times, so I know the passcode for it. It’s a trainee assassin thing. Whenever the security gets changed me and Kata have ourselves a contest on who can get the info first. Cautiously I push the gate open, checking there’s no one around before hurrying Cassi through it. “Is Ekko going to know that code?” Cassi asks as I close it behind us. “Probably not. But he’ll get out via the trees on the field. It’s how we usually get out if we want to skip. Come on.” I lead Cassi down the road and towards the large sports field nearby. There’s a play park there with picnic tables surrounding it. It’s not much, but it does make an excellent meeting point. Plus it’s far enough from school that teachers don’t immediately go there if they notice students missing. “Still can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Cassi huffs, her arms folded as we head through a stone archway and towards the entrance of the park. A large stone fountain decorated with statues guards the park entrance. Several people sit around on the edge of it, some talking into phones others just chatting. No one pays two students any mind. Besides, I’ve zipped my hoodie up to hide my uniform and Cassi has removed her tie. “I was going to.” I walk alongside her over a concrete path. Trees line one side while the other opens up to the large field. Football nets are down at one end while there’s a small running track closer to us. It’s a pretty nice day so there are people around, people enjoying the weather. “You remember when me and mum came back from Shurima with the great souvenir of me now having a tail?” She looks at me, her face not angry but almost disappointed with me. I give a nod at her, no idea where she’s going with this. “Dad didn’t comfort me. He made it sound like it was my fault somehow. Like I should have known all about some dumb curse. Kata was angry at everyone. Partially me for letting it happen, but also for that dagger for not coming with a curse warning or something,” she continues. The dagger in question being something she was supposed to steal from the house of Sivir’s family. Apparently she did rather well at getting it out of the house, only for a curse to kick in, transforming my sister into a creature from a movie or something. “Kata is always angry,” I remind her. She nods, her eyes now looking ahead of us. “True. But she was so angry at me. Mum was of course sympathetic. She blamed herself for being ill and not being able to do it herself. But you, you didn’t blame anyone. Everyone else was throwing blame about, but not you. You just came into my room and asked if I was ok. If I wanted to talk about anything. You said it didn’t even have to be about the tail, it could just be anything. You wanted to know how I was feeling. You wanted to know what you could do to help.” “And if I remember right, you threw a vase at me.” “Because I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to cut it off. I still do. But you were there, trying to help and I did appreciate it. I didn’t show it, but I did appreciate it. So why not let people help with your issues? Clearly this has been playing on your mind for a while if you went to Neeko for help. But why not come to me? I’m your sister.” We reach a picnic bench, Cassi sitting herself on the wooden seat as I lean against the table, my eyes on the ground. For once in her life she genuinely sounds hurt. Like me not telling her has upset her. “I told you Cassi. You aren’t exactly known for your compassion. I’d have felt awkward telling you,” I admit. “Plus, I really don’t want dad to find out. I just know he’ll go mad over this. And I’m not technically his son, am I? I mean, what if he just decides to drop me? If I told you, there was a higher chance of him finding out.” Admitting this out loud to her causes my eyes to water and I discreetly try to wipe at them. This afternoon has so far been the absolute worst. My best friend tried to kill me and half the school now probably knows I’m gay. My sister now knows. I wish I’d stayed in bed. “He does care for you Talon. We all do. But I won’t tell him. This is your thing. Tell him when you like,” she says, her gold claw resting on my folded arms. “But if you want someone with you when you do tell him, let me know.” I look at her and don’t see any hint on her face that she’s messing with me. “Thanks Cass.” “Not at all. And for what it’s worth, I’ve never thought of you as the family add on. You’ve always been my brother. Meant I wasn’t the youngest in the family anymore.” “Glad I could help,” I half smile at her. “Also now I know, I can start trying to find out who you like. Oh stop blushing, I know you like someone. I’ve been trying to work it out for weeks. I asked Zoe if she knew but, unsurprisingly, she didn’t and when I asked Neeko she claimed she didn’t know either. That girl is too good at staying silent on things. So I was trying to suss it, but as I was looking at the wrong half of the school, I’ll just have to try harder now. I will find that out,” she smirks, sounding more like her usual self. I just smile at her. We aren’t waiting too long for the others to come running over. Doesn’t surprise me. Cassi can’t really move quickly anymore and Neeko will have run to find the others. “Neeko found them. I found them and I brought them here,” she grins, dashing over to the table and seating herself beside my sister. Ekko and Varus slow in their running as they get closer. “You know I’m always up for skipping a few lessons, but normally we hide in someone’s dorm room. Why out here?” Ekko asks, gesturing around us. I watch Varus glance around, his loose braid currently over his shoulder. God I’d forgotten about that. It does really suit him. “I take it something happened?” Varus asks looking back at me. I know I must have gone red as I nod my head. “Huh, well that was easier to work out than I thought it’d be,” Cassi says dryly beside me. Seriously? “Oh yeah, I heard you and Kayn got into a fight,” Ekko clicks his fingers, sauntering over and sitting at the table. “Where is he? What happened?” “He’s in his room. Possibly. Which is why we can’t go there,” I say, trying to stay calm. “Heard he beat you good. Looking at your face I’d say he did. Is that bruising around your neck?” Ekko peers closer. “He tried to kill me,” I say bluntly. Ekko looks confused before smirking. He clearly thinks I’m over exaggerating like Cassi did. “Kill you?” Varus asks, sitting himself beside Ekko. I remain standing as I look at them. “Yeah, kill me. Had Neeko not pulled him from me, he would have done.” “You want to tell these guys?” Varus asks, his grey eyes looking at mine before looking around the table. “About Kayn? Yes,” I say. I’m not going to say anything about Varus. That’s up to him. “Tell us what?” Ekko asks, looking confused. “Are you sure Kayn will be ok with people knowing?” Varus asks. “Kayn, just tried to kill me. Zoe has been gone for four days and in that time you can literally see how bad he’s gotten. He is less and less Kayn every hour that passes. I need some help. And these are Kayn’s friends too. They deserve to know,” I argue. I know I’m blushing but I’m in pain – physically and mentally – I’m angry, and I’m worried. As great as Varus looks in that braid, I can’t think about it. “Go for it,” Varus smiles at me and I literally feel my knees go weak, but I have a job to do right now. I will freak out over that smile later. In my room. When no one can see just how much I blush over it. “Kayn’s in trouble. Big trouble,” I say. “You guys ever hear of stories of the darkin? Turns out they’re true. They were real. Still are real.” I allow my eyes to linger on Varus a little longer as I say that. “The darkin are fairy stories Talon. Mum used to read us those. They aren’t real,” Cassi tells me. Neeko looks at her and then back to me, her large eyes wider than ever. “Neeko has heard of the stories too. Does Talon think that Kayn is a darkin? Is that why Kayn’s sho’ma is so odd?” She looks at me and I nod. Given how clueless Neeko seems about things sometimes, she can be pretty astute in noticing things. “He’s not fully a darkin. But he has one inside of him. It’s trying to take control of his body but Kayn is fighting it. He’s been fighting it for a while, but guys, he’s losing. He’s losing fast. See that wasn’t Kayn trying to choke me, that was the darkin. I swear earlier it was using Kayn’s voice to talk to me. It talks to him. Tells him things. It listens to conversations around school and uses them against Kayn,” I tell them. Ekko and Cassi don’t look convinced, but god bless her Neeko nods as if this all makes absolute sense to her. “It listens to us?” Ekko asks sceptically. “Yes. It goes around the school and it listens.” “I’ve never seen a darkin wandering around school. I think it’d be something I’d notice,” Ekko smirks. “Ekko, you could have a darkin sat next to you and you wouldn’t notice. Your observational skills aren’t exactly great,” Varus smirks. “I read the story books too. Great big demons right? Huge weapons, fangs and claws? I think I’d notice one. And what are you even doing here? You aren’t part of our crew. She barely is but given she’s his sister, I guess she can be here,” he points at Cassi who just scowls at him. “I wanted Varus to be here,” I say to Ekko. “I bet you did,” Cassi whispers, her voice low as she’s sat next to me. I’m tempted to kick her tail, but I need these guys to believe me. “Look, guys, when have I ever lied to you? Kayn needs us,” I tell them, but my sister and Ekko still don’t look convinced. “If Kayn has one of these creatures in him, how did you find out? Did he tell you? Because that doesn’t seem like a very Kayn thing to do,” Cassi adds in, folding her arms now and looking up at me. “I told him,” Varus chips in. “You’ve all heard about the other week when Kayn was screaming at night. It was because of the creature.” “And how do you know? If Kayn didn’t tell Talon, he is certainly never telling you,” Cassi looks over at him. “Because I can sense the darkin in him. And unlike Talon I can, unfortunately, hear the damn thing too.” “Uh huh. How?” Cassi asks, staring over at the boy I like, like she wants to interrogate him. “Magic. I’m very intune with stuff like that,” Varus replies, leaving off the part that he’s also a darkin. While those two glare at each other, Ekko just looks incredibly confused before he looks up at me. “Ok, ok. So you’re saying that Kayn somehow has a monster living in him and no one knew? Like we’ve just never noticed?” Ekko asks. “I mean there must be some clue that something was happening?” “Kayn’s arm is always bandaged. Neeko has never seen it. Is that to do with the monster?” Neeko asks, the only one that I think fully believes me. I give a nod, hearing a splutter from Ekko. “But that’s just some infection thing, right? That’s what he’s always told me,” Ekko stares at the table before him. “Infection does spread, but Kayn’s been wearing a glove for months now. Literally months. If it was an infection, he’d have been to see someone. Got some medication for it,” Cassi shakes her head as if not quite believing it. “But how do you know it’s a darkin? I’m still not sure they’re real.” “Neeko believes you Talon. What do we need to do to help Kayn? Tell Neeko and Neeko will do it,” she looks at me, her lips set straight, determination all over her face. “We need to keep Kayn calm and keep him rooted here. Talk to him about Zoe. He adores her and his affection for her weakens the creature,” Varus tells her. “Love is a darkins weakness. They have no idea how to deal with it.” There’s a wry smirk on his face and I feel my heart pounding. By my legs, my sister’s tail hits me. I look at her and she just winks. “He is besotted with her. Not that he’ll admit it,” Cassi smirks. “Varus knows lots about this, yes?” Neeko looks across at the pretty guy as he nods his head. “Can Neeko ask a question? Can this demon be seen? Ekko said he hadn’t seen any big monster. But what if the darkin doesn’t look like a demon? Can it look like something else? Can it look like a cat?” I look at Neeko, not a trace on her face that she isn’t taking this seriously. “Yes, it can,” Varus nods. “Why? Seen something odd Neeko?” “Kayn’s cat has similar sho’ma to him. Neeko has never seen anything like it. When Kayn was fighting with Talon, the red in his sho’ma looked very strong. Red is the colour of the cat’s sho’ma. When the fighting stopped, the blue returned. But the blue hasn’t been very big recently. It’s fading,” Neeko tells us all. “Sho’ma?” Varus looks somewhat confused. “Neeko sees colours,” Ekko informs him. “Apparently we all have a colour and Neeko can see them and see emotions or something with it.” “Everyone has a colour,” Neeko smiles, looking at Varus directly. “Normally one colour. But Kayn has two. Neeko guesses the second colour is from the darkin. So I guess that if people have more than one colour they must be like Kayn.” “Guess so,” Varus says, keeping the smile on his face but looking slightly awkward. Neeko just nods, looking back at me. “So all we need to do is talk lots about Zoe, yes? Neeko can do that. But where is Zoe?” “Yeah. Sparkles has never mentioned a family member,” Ekko looks at me and I just shrug. I’m not going into details, but I can possibly expand a little. “Zoe knows about Kayn. She said she was going to find help. That’s all she told me. I don’t know where she’s gone.” I mean I guess that part is true. I don’t know where she’s gone, or when she’ll be back. I just really hope it isn’t too long. We make the decision to stay here until school ends, with Varus and myself going into more detail about things. We decide that it’s for the best if I go and talk to Kayn tonight, but I take Ekko with me. We’ll use it as a ‘clear the air’ kind of thing. Then tomorrow we’ll make sure that at least one of us is with Kayn at all times. We’ll keep him talking about stuff. Fun stuff but mostly Zoe. I also advise that where possible, try and keep him away from his cat, but do it as innocently as possible. Closing blinds on it, tripping over it, going into buildings it can’t follow. That sort of stuff. Hopefully together we can keep him focused. Varus seems pretty convinced that Kayn is strong enough to repel the darkin’s attacks on him, but he needs the chance to do so. He needs that breathing space. We can give him that. I refuse to lose my friend to a demon. Even if he is a dick at times, he’s still my friend.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn “I punched him,” I whisper, sitting on both my desk and windowsill. The contents of my desk have been swept onto the floor while I dangle a leg out of the wide-open window. I look down at the drop below me, the ground seeming to swim as I shake my head, trying to clear the dizziness. “Talon’s my best friend,” I say, my voice sounding hoarse. I thumped him. I thumped him hard. And then I tried to strangle him. The image of his face going red is burned in my mind, his hands scrabbling to move me. But he couldn’t. I was ready to kill him. I was about to kill him. No. It wasn’t me. I turn to look into my room at the cat sat in the centre of my floor. His tail swishes through the air behind him, his eyes glowing as he watches me. It wasn’t me doing those things. It was Rhaast. He had control. He had control of everything, not just my hand. He had control of my voice. I said things I should have never said. Talon will never forgive me. “Your best friend? That’s not how it looks to me,” he purrs in my mind. “I know I’m not the most well versed on human relationships, but don’t best friends tell each other things? Don’t they confide in each other? You and Talon don’t. He’s gay and he never told you. He told some lizard girl over you. And then he lied to you about it.” His words are slow and seductive. “He’ll have had a reason,” I say, unsure who I’m trying to persuade. Me or Rhaast. “Maybe the reason is that he simply values Neeko over you. I mean, what can you offer him?” “What can Neeko?” I retort. I’m hot. Very, very hot. The breeze outside is cool as it blows onto my face. Fumbling I start to unbutton my school shirt. I need to get some air to my skin. My fingers can’t seem to sort the buttons out though. My vision keeps blurring and the whole task seems to take twice the time it should. “Neeko has talents you don’t have Kayn. Maybe Talon found a use for them,” there’s a snicker to his words now as I lazily look over him. My eye patch lies abandoned on the floor and I fix him in my gaze. “What talents?” “Oh, that’s right. No one’s told you, have they?” He purrs. I watch him stand and softly pad over to my washing basket, leaping up onto it and then onto a shelf opposite me. He perches among the books I have up there, that glint in his eyes no less menacing. “What talents?” I ask again, wafting my open shirt in an effort to get more air onto me. Why am I so warm? “Neeko is an Oovi-kat. I’ll admit I’ve only ever heard rumours of them until she walked in. Oovi-kat can borrow a persons essence. They see recent memories and emotions before allowing them to change into that person. Neeko can disguise herself as anyone. You remember the day Darius punched you, don’t you? He was adamant that the Aspect had insulted him, but she had been with you. The Aspect – for once – had said nothing. Neeko however had. But she had looked like the Aspect. She does it quite often around school when no one is looking. Told Ezreal she was breaking up with him while looking like Lux – though I’d wager that she was put up to that by the Aspect. She does it quite often in her room. I’m sure Talon found a use for a talent like that.” I don’t immediately respond, my mind just rolls over everything he’s just said. That day I got punched, Rakan had said Xayah was acting odd. Of course she would have been if that was Neeko. Neeko and Xayah are nothing alike. So then when Ahri kissed Zoe, or Lux insulted Ezreal – that was all Neeko? How many other times has she done it? And the others knew? Surely not? Why would they not tell me? “Who knows? Maybe they felt they couldn’t trust you. Maybe they just didn’t care to tell you. I don’t know how their minds work,” Rhaast tells me. “Well who else knows?” I ask, resting my head onto the window frame behind me. Would a cold bath work? Because I’m one step away from it. “Hard to say. The Aspect definitely knows. Probably Talon and his sister. Neeko is trying so desperately to impress his sister. I imagine it’s something she’s shown Ekko too. It’s the sort of thing that would give him a buzz.” “What and none of them talk about it around me?” I’m sure he’s lying. So sure. Like maybe eighty percent sure? Seventy percent sure? They’d have told me. Someone would have. They’re my friends, right? But Talon didn’t tell me he was gay…he told Neeko. “Zoe tells me everything,” I say, as if to reassure myself. She tells me literally everything about, well, everything. Zoe never stops talking. If she knew about this, she’d have told me. Wouldn’t she? No, of course she would have. Zoe doesn’t keep stuff from me.Thinking about Zoe causes a hiss to emanate from my shelf. I glance over at Rhaast and quickly feel my chest getting tight suddenly. My breathing gets heavier as I swing my other leg over from my desk and have that dangle out of the window too. I lean out, trying to breathe in fresh air. I feel like I’m about to throw up. My mind just doesn’t seem to be able to make sense of anything. I stare over towards a tree near the dorms and swear I see someone there for a moment, but a pain in my head causes me to wince and the person seems to vanish. “The Aspect tells you what she wants you to know Kayn. She doesn’t tell you everything. She most definitely knew about Neeko because she used Neeko to try and break Lux and Ezreal up. Speaking of Ezreal, did you know she still likes all his photos online. Still smiles when she sees his photos.” “They’re friends. They’re on the same cheer squad. She can like his photos. She loves me not him,” I say, trying to focus my mind on her face. The excitement on her face when she stuck magnets to my arm, or her annoyance at me not wanting to watch her dress powerpoint. Where are you Zoe? I need you. I need you so badly right now. I wipe at my eyes, but I can’t hide tears from Rhaast. He knows everything I feel and think. My fingers brush over the rough carapace now around my left eye. Since I fled from Talon earlier, my left eye is now surrounded by almost black plating. Not as silver as the stuff on my arms, but hard and uncomfortable. One reason I guess I’ve abandoned my eyepatch is that it’s now visible even with the patch on. It traces over my nose and well past what the patch covers. “Tears? From the great Shieda Kayn? Are you missing the little Aspect so badly?” he snickers. Come on Kayn, pull it together. Zoe is literally just visiting another Aspect. She’ll be back soon. “Unless she lied to you…,” Rhaast muses. I glare over at him. “She might not have told me about Neeko, but she doesn’t lie to me,” I tell him, my voice resolute. Zoe has always told me everything. I don’t know why she didn’t tell me about Neeko, because Rhaast is right, she must have known. Neeko wouldn’t have tried to break Lux and Ezreal up on her own. That’s such a Zoe plan. But I know she’s an Aspect. I know she’s immortal. I know she gets lonely when by herself and that she hates silence for too long. I know everything about her. But she’s not here right now. And I need her. I need her so badly. I can feel Rhaast in every part of my body. It’s like a sickness. His voice is louder in my head, his thoughts merging with my own. He spoke earlier. He spoke using my voice. He attacked my friend using my body. And I couldn’t stop him. I couldn’t do anything to get control back. “Kayn, you know it’s inevitable. You know I’ll win. I’ve never lost. The easiest thing for you is to just give in. Let me win. Why fight me? For friends that lie to you? For a girl that’s abandoned you when you needed her more than ever? Just close your eyes and give in Kayn. It’s so easy,” he whispers and I find my eyes shutting, my head lolling forward onto my chest. The heat that surrounds me gets warmer and I feel my mind slipping into nothingness. “Nothing in life comes easy. Anything worth having has obstacles you have to overcome. The bigger the prize, the bigger the obstacles.” I hear my masters voice loud in my head. A line he drummed into me over and over again. Every time I’d fall or bleed he’d remind me. To get better you have to have struggles. “Fuck you Rhaast,” I tell him, opening my eyes but finding my vision blurring. “You can’t stop me Kayn. You can barely stand.” “I’ll fucking stand if I want to,” I hiss, swinging my legs back into my room. Taking a moment, I slide from my desk and onto the floor. I swear it moves below me. My legs wobbling as I try and keep balance. Looking ahead, I keep my eyes focused on my door. I can do this. “Where are you going Kayn? Notice how your friends haven’t even come to check on you? There’s no one here for you,” Rhaast calls behind me. I just shake my head, blocking him out. Every step feels slower than the last as I trudge out of the dorms and onto the winding path that leads towards the main gates. I don’t care if school is still on. I don’t care if I’m supposed to be in lessons. I need help. There, I said it. I need help. I blew my chance with Talon and no doubt he’ll have told the others in lessons. They won’t want to help me. But someone might. I can’t do this by myself anymore. My body is literally burning up and my vision switches between being blurred to constantly shifting. Rhaast’s presence hangs over me like a weight. I can feel it in every movement I make. The easiest thing I could do is give up. But I’m not about to. I’m not going to give up. “Come on Kayn,” I tell myself, my words slurred as I stagger down the pavement outside of school and follow a route I know well. The noises from the road beside me seem unnaturally loud and I find myself jumping from a car horn, the sound echoing around my head for longer than it needs to. By the time I come across the building my master owns, I’m panting, sweat running down my face, my school shirt now tied around my waist. Stumbling over the gravel path, I can hear it crunching under my feet before I fall onto the door, my breathing ragged and clawing. Opening the handle, I fall into the building and for a moment lay on the cool floor. It’s so quiet in here, but it always is. I lay there until I feel the presence of another person. There are no footsteps, no noise at all. I look up to see an older man peering down at me, a look of disgust over his face. “Jovn,” I gasp. He’s older than me. A lot older. In his late thirties I think. A bulky man with dark hair. Not too bright but still a decent assassin. Weakly I push myself up on my arms, I feel them shake, feel the strain through my body. Getting myself seated, I lean back onto the walls and stare up at him, my breathing erratic. “I need to speak with master Zed,” I tell him. He folds his arms, sneering at me. “Master Zed said you’re not to come here,” he sneers, his voice deep and commanding. Not that it’s ever intimidated me. “I need to talk with him,” I say, gritting my teeth. “You’re weak Kayn. Master Zed has no time for weaklings. I see your little pet is more visible on you now. Maybe come back once you’ve beaten it. Maybe then Master Zed will talk to you,” he tells me. “Fuck that. I need to speak to him now. Right now,” I hiss, somehow managing to point at the floor beside me. But Jovn just shakes his head at me. In my mind I can hear Rhaast laughing and I clamp my hands over my ears as if that’ll somehow block him out. “I need to speak with master Zed,” I say again. “Where is he?” “Away. Now get your pathetic ass out of here before he returns,” Jovn points to the door. “Scurry back to school, boy.” Boy? I fucking hate being called boy! “My name is Kayn,” I scowl up at him. I feel literally unable to stand right now, but I glare up at him, my red eye physically burning as he just observes me like I’m nothing more than some stray dog that’s wandered in. “Get back to school,” he says slowly before smirking and tacking on, “boy.” My body burns as I leap to my feet. The metal armour on my arm literally forms over part of my chest as I grip at Jovn’s throat with my left hand, slamming him back into the wall. “My name is not ‘boy’,” I hiss at him, feeling my throat go numb. Feeling everything on my body go numb for a moment. My eyes pierce his, the panic in them, the fear as he looks at me. Around me the shadows rise up, but they can’t protect him. I am master of shadows here, not him. “My name is not boy,” I say again, my voice raspy as a smirk cracks my face. “My name is Rhaast.” His eyes widen and suddenly a deep sense of shock in me causes me to almost wake up. As if I’d been asleep. That exhaustion settles back on my body, the same suffocating heat and sickness. Hurriedly I drop him, my eyes wide with panic as I bolt from the building, leaving Jovn gasping for air on the hallway floor. I stumble over my own feet, falling heavily onto the gravel path, grazing my bare chest. “What are you doing to me?” I choke out, looking before me at the cat standing there. “Killing you,” he says almost calmly as I flail to get back to my feet. Goddamit! Where are you Zoe! I need you!
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Zoe “Aurelion Sol!” I scream out, my hands around my mouth. Come on you silly space doggy, where are you? “Hey, mister ‘my stars are totally the best’, it’s me, Zoe. Where are you?” I call out again. Of course, the void of space is silent. For most people. I’m magic. I have magic. If I want to scream out here, I’ll scream out here. There’s no sign of him though. This is the problem with space, my portals just don’t work as well as they should. Grumbling to myself, I open another portal and dive in. This one brings me out into another empty expanse of space. Seriously? This looks the same as the last place. Do I need to start leaving out coloured markers or something? “Aurelion Sol! Where are you?” I scream, getting more and more frustrated. I hop in and out of portals and flit around planets and comets trying to find him. Come on, I’m not exactly flush with time here. He’s a giant purpley-blue space dragon that makes stars. How is he this hard to find? But I keep looking, because if anyone can help me it’s him. He’s old. Super old. Older than me. Older than the darkins. If anyone will know something it has to be him. I just wish he was easier to find. Am I searching for hours? For days? I have no clue. I pop in and out of portals getting more and more annoyed. Come on you dumb space dragon, help me out here. “Aurelion Sol!” I scream, though my voice is starting to go hoarse as I stare into the emptiness of space. Behind me is a large planet covered in swirling teal gases and surrounded by pretty rings made from stones. Flying backwards, I sit myself on a stone and just stare out into space.Despite how lonely it is out here, it is pretty. But it’s a cold pretty. A ‘look but don’t touch’ sort of pretty. Back at school everything isn’t as obviously pretty, but it has a warm and snuggly sort of beauty to it. And it has people I can talk to about it. Here, there’s no one.Thinking about school just make me think about Kayn. He needs me right now, I know that, but I need to find this dragon. Because everything I’ve thrown at that cat hasn’t bothered it. But there must be something I can do. I don’t know how long I’m sitting there, but I do become aware of another presence. Spinning around I beam up at the large celestial dragon that seems to almost swim around the planet. He inspects me with a bored look on his face. His eyes rolling at me. “Well, if it isn’t the Aspect of Twilight. To what do I owe the pleasure,” he says dryly, his voice loud and every word filled with arrogance. “Where have you been?” I ask, standing up on my rock and gesturing at him. “Do you have any idea how big space is? Do you have any idea how much I’ve been looking for you?” “Dare I ask why?” he asks, his claws twisting above each other until he forms a glowing orb between them. I watch him for a moment before looking back at him. “What do you know of the Darkin?” “The Darkin? That’s a word I haven’t heard used in centuries. What does little Zoe want to know about the Darkin for? It was your predecessor that finished them off you know. Taught mortals how to trap the arrogant creatures.” “I know that. Everyone knows that. But I’m not here to learn about Myisha. I’m here to learn about them. You must know something about them?” I jump from the stone and float up before his nose. “Do you know how to separate them from their hosts?” “Why bother? Just let the darkin kill the host and seal them again. No need for their arrogance in the universe.” Like any darkin can match his arrogance. Even Rhaast in his most arrogant moments doesn’t come close to rivalling Aurelion Sol for smug confidence. “Please. There must be a way,” I beg, my hands clasped tightly before me. He looks at me, studying me before raising an eye to me. “Why are you so interested in a darkin host?” “What? Who says I’m interested in a darkin host?” I scoff. “I’m not. Totally not. I’m just curious. Like lets say I met a darkin and he was a butt, but his host was really nice and didn’t deserve to die because darkins are butts. How can I save him?” I bat my eyelids at the large dragon whose only response is to cock his head at me. “You can’t.” “There must be a way,” I push my point. “There must be something. I mean I’m an Aspect. I have all these cool powers. I must be able to save one person from a second-rate demon.” “Zoe, what is this host to you?” He asks and I just fold my arms, scowling at him. “Just a boy. I just know him. He’s pretty nice. Pretty pretty too. He doesn’t deserve to lose his life to a darkin,” I say, my voice dropping as I look down at my feet. Why did Kayn make that deal? Why did his master send him to get that weapon? If Kayn had never been corrupted I wouldn’t be out here now, and he wouldn’t be fading away. “Just a boy?” “What’s with the interrogation. He’s a boy I know. I want to help him. Let me help him. You are older than stars you must know something,” I say, starting to get exasperated. I cannot be wasting time here with him while Kayn is all alone. And this dragon does not need to know I’m dating a mortal. That is just a conversation I do not have time for. He starts to chuckle in front of me. A deep, throaty chuckle. His glowing eyes seem to sparkle as he laughs. The gold orb in his claws vanishes as he brings his snout closer to me. “Does the Aspect of Twilight have feelings for a mortal?” My cheeks blaze pink, but I just pout. Just answer my questions you dumb dragon. “There has to be a way,” I repeat myself, ignoring his question. He continues to chuckle to himself before he pulls back from me, observing me from on high. “No good comes from Aspects helping mortals,” he says. I’m not sure if it’s a warning or a statement to be honest. “Yeah? Did ya warn Myisha of not helping when she decided to show mortals how to trap immortal creatures?” I pout. “I did. And she didn’t listen,” Aurelion Sol tells me. I look up at him for a moment before looking back to the planet nearby. “Worked out all right for her.” “Did it? Is she still the Aspect of Twilight?” He asks and I shake my head. Maybe I should have thought about this more before – maybe I did on some level – but I have no idea what happened to her. I assumed she died and the Aspect found a new host. Me. Because technically that’s what I am. I’m like Kayn, a host. Unlike him, the Aspect doesn’t want to destroy me. I’m just a vessel for it. But I guess that if Myisha was immortal too, and she’s now dead, then something there isn’t adding up. “No, she’s not. Because she angered the darkins. Mortals could trap them, but their prisons didn’t hold forever. Some were placed in weak prisons and could break free a few decades later. Others were set free by mortals wanting to abuse their power. The darkin wanted her dead. And one saw to it. Swung his sword at her too fast for her to dodge. And as she lay there dying, the Aspect left her and went to find a new host. Darkin’s are not to be underestimated Zoe.” “I’m not underestimating them. That’s why I’m here. I need help. I know how powerful they are. I get that. But I need to save this host. But I don’t know how to do it.” I’m so desperate. Desperate for anything. Aurelion Sol knows so much stuff about history. He’s seen planets born and die. If he doesn’t know anything I’m just at a loss. A total loss. “There’s nothing you can do Zoe. Only a host can beat the darkin possessing them. The only thing you can do is bolster their spirit. An Aspect’s power is very strong. You can help to power their soul to fight back, but to do that you’d need a strong connection to the host.” “So that’s it? That’s all I can do? Be a glorified cheerleader for him?” I say, feeling my lips wobble as I float back over to the rocks and sit down. I pull my knees up to my face and start to cry. That’s what I’ve been doing for him. I’ve been supporting him. And it’s not working. I came all this way and there’s really nothing I can do. No way I can save him. He’s going to die. I know it. Because there is no way he’s strong enough right now to fight Rhaast. Above me I hear a sigh and I look up to see the dragon moving around so his face is once again before mine. He watches me for a moment as I stare through tear blurred eyes. “Caring so much for mortals is dangerous,” he warns. “I love him,” I whisper. “He makes me feel whole. He gives me a bigger buzz than any black hole or shooting star. And all I want to do is protect him.” I rub at my eyes, but I can’t stop crying, my body heaving on each new sob. I can’t lose him. I just can’t. “If you can connect with the boy’s soul, you might be able to help him,” Aurelion Sol tells me, a resigned tone to his words. “It’s very dangerous Zoe, even for an Aspect. The battleground for the body is a mental one. You’ll need to get into the host’s subconscious and help him there. But you can only advise. The host will be the one fighting for control. But be warned, doing so can leave you very, very vulnerable. Remember, if your body is destroyed, the Aspect will simply find another host and you will die.” His words are solemn and foreboding, and each one carries just a hint of worry for me. Is he concerned for me? I look up at him. “His subconscious?” “Before a darkin fully corrupts their hosts, they weaken the host’s spirit. Their soul. The weaker they are, the easier they are to corrupt. If you can connect your soul with the hosts, you might be able to strengthen it. But he will have to fight. He needs to repel the darkin. You can’t do that for him. But you need to do so before the darkin takes over. Once the darkin fully corrupts the host, the host will be destroyed, their soul vanishing. So while this boy is still himself, you need to reach him. But it might not work. So don’t come crying to me if it goes wrong and you get hurt,” he sighs, his eyes leaving me and now looking at the planet. “I do so hate having to get to know new Aspects.” “His soul. But I’ve tried that. I’ve given him some of my magic and it worked for a little while, but the darkin just comes back stronger,” I say, starting to wring my hands. “Then you weren’t putting enough magic in Zoe. It’s not simple. You need to connect your soul with his. It requires a great amount of magic and will leave you weakened and vulnerable while you do it. But if it works, if you can give the soul the strength to keep fighting, you might be able to help,” he explains. “I can do that. I can strengthen his soul. I’ll make it so strong that cat won’t know what hit it,” I nod. I wipe my face and look up at the dragon. “Thanks space pupper. Knew I could count on you. By the way, I go to school now, it’s fun. You should come along one day for parent teacher evenings. I’ve told people all about you.” Not that anyone believes me about my giant space dragon, but I’ve told them. I force a grin to my face, but my lips still wobble under my tear stained face. I need to get back to him. “Zoe, be careful. Darkin are not to be underestimated,” he warns me again. I nod, but I can do this. I can help his soul. I don’t know how, but I’ll find a way. I’m Zoe. I’m an Aspect. “Thanks Aurelion Sol. I’ll see you around,” I smile, leaping up and diving into a portal. Now I just have to make my way back home. At least this should be easier than finding him. Planets don’t tend to move as much as space dragons do.
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Neeko It had been late by the time we all snuck back onto the campus. School was finished for the day and Neeko tried to avoid seeing any other students. I did not have a good excuse for why I was not in lesson. Talon and Ekko were going to check on Kayn. Neeko messaged Zoe. I hope she sees it. It’s very hard to believe that Kayn has a darkin inside of him. But if Kayn’s two colours are for him and the darkin, then Varus might have two? He does have three colours. He looked awkward when Neeko said it. Should I ask Varus? Should I ask Talon? Neeko doesn’t know. But if their colours are from darkins, then why does Zoe have so many colours? Zoe’s are very unique to Zoe. Is Zoe something else? Darkin stories are often told with stories of the Aspects. Could Zoe be one of those? It would explain her colours. “Thinking about this is hard,” Neeko sighs, laying on my bed. We made up a plan that at school tomorrow we’d all make sure that someone was with Kayn at all times and that all conversations should point back to Zoe. Neeko had decided she would talk about cheerleading. That is a very good way to talk about Zoe because she loves it. And Neeko thinks Kayn enjoys how much Zoe loves it. Neeko does not have an easy sleep. I dream of dark things. Of monsters from my books and of pain and sadness. It’s scary. I wake up much earlier than normal and check my phone, but there’s no message from Zoe. I send her another one, just in case the first one didn’t work properly. With nothing else to do, Neeko starts to get ready for school. Putting on my smart uniform and tie. Sitting near my mirror, I try to put a plait in my short hair. Not a big plait, a little one near the front, but they are fiddly to do on your own hair. Especially on Neeko’s hair. “Neeko? You in there?” Someone calls in through the door. Leaping up I check the time, but it is still quite early. I open my door to see Cassiopeia standing there, her arms folded. “I’m coming in.” “Is everything ok?” I ask, waiting till her tail is in my room before closing my door. She perches on the end of Neeko’s bed, her hands gripping at her skirt before she looks over at me. She doesn’t look like she’s slept very well either. “I came to say thank you,” she tells me. “Thank you?” I look confused as I sit on my floor, my legs crossed. She nods her head, her eyes scanning around Neeko’s room, though there’s not much here yet. Zoe has lots of things. Neeko really doesn’t. “Yes. Thank you for being there for my brother. He told me he came to you for advice. About him being gay,” she looks straight at Neeko and my cheeks go pink. “Neeko was helping a friend,” I admit. I do not think it’s right that people know about Talon without him wanting to tell them. But I am glad that his sister knows and is nice to him about it. Support from families is always important, especially about things that you are confused over. “Yeah, but while I’m still frustrated he didn’t tell me, I’m glad he had someone he could talk to about it. I know you were trying to get him to tell me. But my brother can be annoyingly uptight at times. He thinks, for whatever reason, that he’s less a part of the family than me and Kata. That if he says or does the wrong thing, we’ll just get rid of him. He’s very insecure about it. Clearly he thought that if he came out to me, that he wouldn’t be my brother anymore,” Cassiopeia says, shaking her head. “It’s sometimes worrying when you are adopted,” I admit, fiddling with my fingers as I glance away. “You worry that you are not good enough. That your parents wanted more. That they wanted to adopt someone brighter or prettier. Sometimes you don’t feel like you belong, that you are the outsider. It is why support is very, very important. Neeko’s parents have always supported me. They do not mind that Neeko likes girls, or that Neeko is Oovi-kat. They are nice and kind. But even still, there are times when Neeko wonders if they would have wanted someone different to Neeko. I think maybe Talon feels like that too.” Cassiopeia sighs, nodding her head to what I’ve said as though she thinks that maybe Talon feels like that. “Y’know, I’m glad you were there for him Neeko. And you can never tell him this, or tell anyone this, but I do care for him. I remember when we adopted him and he came to our house for the first time. Our parents introduced us and he went invisible and ran off. Over an hour my parents searched for him. Eventually my mum found him hiding under a table, too nervous to even talk to her. I don’t think his real parents were all that nice to him. I know my dad isn’t great at times and my family does things that others don’t agree with, but Talon came from much worse. For a while he wouldn’t speak to anyone. He hid himself under blankets. Just hid,” Cassiopeia shrugs, her eyes staring blankly at her hands on her skirt. “A lot of the people I hang with normally aren’t exactly the most understanding people. They found Talon to be weird. Odd. He’s never really fit in with them. I was relieved when he got his own group of friends. However, odd, they might all be.” A small smile covers her pink lips as she looks over at me. “Odd is fun,” Neeko smiles. “I want to do something for you Neeko. A way of me saying thanks to you for helping my brother out,” she tells me but Neeko just shakes her head. “No, Cassiopeia doesn’t have to do that. Neeko just likes to help her friends. Talon is one of my friends.” “Yeah, tough, I’m doing something for you,” she smirks. “I’ll go to the dance with you. It’s not a date. We’ll go as friends. I don’t like you like you like me. But I do like you as my friend Neeko. You and I will go to the dance together. Then afterwards I’ll get access to every girls diary and social media account in this school, find who’s gay and get you a girlfriend.” “Cassiopeia doesn’t need to do that,” I gasp, my hands going to my face. “But she is doing that for you, you dumbass. So you’ll have me to talk to while Zoe and Kayn are off being loved up, Taliyah is realising she can do far better than Ekko and Talon is unable to say a word to Varus,” she shrugs and Neeko looks at her, not sure if this is a test. “Talon and Varus?” I say slowly. Did Talon tell her? Or is she trying to see what Neeko’s reaction is. “Don’t worry Neeko, I’m not telling anyone. But my brother is about as subtle as a steamroller with his crush. Once I realised I wasn’t looking for a girl, it was pretty obvious. He’s as obvious as Zoe and Kayn were. But apparently everyone but me is blind in this school and doesn’t see it. Ok, I’ve said what I needed to say, I’ll finish getting changed for school. I can hardly wait for a fun filled day of following an angsty brat around school to make sure a demon doesn’t devour his soul. How did I find myself in this mess?” “Cassiopeia is Kayn’s friend. Friends help each other out,” Neeko smiles brightly. “I’m not that boy’s friend. Well maybe a little. But I do know a slightly bizarre girl who will be very distraught if she comes back from her trip away to find that her boyfriend is a monster. And she’s not wholly bad so I guess I can do her a favour,” she smirks at me before standing up and heading to my door. “Remember, it’s not a date. We’ll just be going as friends.” “Friends. Sounds like fun to Neeko,” I grin at her. She rolls her eyes at me before heading back out. Neeko waits until she has gone before squealing. Neeko gets to go to the dance with someone. This is very exciting.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn Opening my eyes I realised I was laid on my bed. I have literally no memory of how I got back here. My entire body feels numb and I still feel like I’m burning up with beads of sweat trickling down my face. I’m exhausted. I need sleep. But my mind starts to replay that moment. The moment as I was crushing Jovn’s throat. My mouth saying words I wasn’t even thinking. Saying a name I didn’t want to say. “Kayn?” I hear his voice in my head, but I just shut my eyes. I have no energy right now. “Kayn?” He says again, more urgency to his voice now, but I can barely open my eyes and keep them open right now. What the hell does he want from me? “Kayn!” Feeling his worry as real as if it were my own. Snapping my eyes open, I see the blade coming down for my face. On instinct I pass through my bed like I can with walls. Dropping onto the floor I hear someone swear. See the feet stood beside my bed. There’s an intruder in my room. Spying my blue knife on the floor I reach out and grab it, adrenaline flooding my system as I roll from under my bed, stabbing my attacker in the calf before leaping up to face them. “Nakuri?” I say, somewhat confused as he spins to face me, his eyes blazing. What’s he doing here? He’s holding a katana from the training room back at my master’s house. What is happening right now? “That should be mine,” he hisses lunging at me with the katana. I parry the blows with my small knife before catching the blade in my claw. “What should be yours?” I ask, my body temperature rising. I’m going to be sick. I can feel my stomach twisting inside of me. My stance falters and Nakuri seizes his chance and drags the blade back. The metal scraping over the metal on my hand. “You’re not worthy,” he says again, lunging at me as I stumble back. His blade glances off my shoulder, now fully encased in an organic armour. “Rhaast? You want Rhaast?” I say, unsure where this has come from. Why does he want Rhaast? Does he want to look like this? Because I look like absolute shit right now. Normally I can beat Nakuri easily. He’s nothing. But he lunges at me with fervour and hate while I can barely stand. My initial adrenaline is wearing off and that sluggishness from yesterday covers my body. I try to stay focused, but my vision keeps almost dancing and trying to keep my eyes on the moving blade nearly causes me to vomit. Thankfully Nakuri seems almost enraged. His strokes are broad and wild. There’s no skill in them. I spin on my feet, kicking my washing basket at him in an effort to slow him down. But he continues to come at me, a clean slice to my right arm breaks the skin, warm blood pouring down and onto my floor. “He used to call you his best you know? His best student. What a joke. You’re just a child. You think I haven’t seen you? The best student that the Order of Shadows has ever had dancing around with cheerleaders. Going to get ice-cream with his little girlfriend or playing games with his little friends. It’s pathetic. And the worst part is you never even sensed me. The great Kayn never even knew I was there,” he hisses at me. What? He’s been spying on me? No, I’d have known. I’d have felt his presence. Nakuri is never subtle. “I’ve told you before the Aspect dulls your senses. Nakuri has been watching you for quite some time,” Rhaast almost chuckles to himself. He knew? “Nakuri stop this,” I tell him, my knife meeting his blade again, blocking another blow. He doesn’t though. He seems almost possessed. Wait, possessed? “You’re not worthy Kayn.” Those are words I’ve heard before. Words I hear often. But not from Nakuri. “This is you? Isn’t it?” I scowl at the cat now sat on my bed. In my mind I just hear him purring. Of course this is him. He’s got into Nakuri’s head. “Nakuri, Rhaast is using you. He doesn’t want you to have him. He wants me.” My words don’t seem to make any difference as he lunges again, my legs buckling below me as I fall onto my desk, just dodging the hit as the blade cuts a groove into the faux wood. “You’re arrogant. You’ve always been arrogant. None of us can stand you. Even master Zed. The reason he kicked you out was because you can’t even follow simple orders. He told you not to take that weapon, but you took it, like a fool. And now look at you. You can barely stand. I could wield the darkin power for my own,” he says, his eyes wide and dark as the blade slices through my curtains. My window behind me is still wide open. This is so dumb, but I can’t fight him. Not here. Not like this. Turning my back to Nakuri, I leap out. Normally I can do this jump. Normally I can land. Not today. I fall hard onto the ground, winding myself as I desperately try to stand. I need to get somewhere. I need to get to other people. “I could beat him. I could save you.” “Fuck off,” I choke out, pushing myself to my feet, just in time to roll aside from Nakuri’s blade. The grass around the dorms is silent. It’s daylight but I have no idea what day it is. Is it the same day I went to see my master? Is it the next day? Nothing in my head is making sense anymore. I swing on instinct to parry a blow, but the vision in my left eye vanishes. I’m blind in it. This is fine. This is ok Kayn. He’s messing with your head. But you’ve been in an eye patch for weeks now. You can compensate. I try and calm my mind, steady my thoughts, but Nakuri continues to come at me, forcing me to back away from the dorms. Another strike and I feel the blade slide over my exposed chest. I feel the sting of the metal and the dripping of my blood. “Think of Zoe. Think of Zoe,” I tell myself, my voice coming out as a whisper as I stagger forwards. Can I make it to the school? Can I get to other people? Talon could take on Nakuri easily. “But will Talon help you? You did expose his secret yesterday. He didn’t even come round to your room to check you were ok. Would he help you, or would he help Nakuri?” “We’re friends. We’re friends,” I whisper, the school buildings rise up ahead of me like an oasis, but I’m not going to get there. The path before me seems to wobble and shake. The entire world seems to be moving. I feel sweat on my face. Feel it drip down my body. I’m burning up. “Help me. Please someone help,” I gasp. Spinning around I block another blow with my left arm. The sound of metal striking metal. But the force throws me off balance and I slump to the floor. In my right hand I grip my blue knife, but I know I’m weakening. I look to my arm, stained with my own blood. “I can help.” “No,” I choke out, turning to look at Nakuri as he stands over me, a smirk covering his face. “When he strikes you down, I’ll take control. As your life force fades, I’ll step in and your body will be mine. And the first thing I will do is take my scythe and cleave the Aspects head from her shoulders. And you will watch. You will see through my eyes the betrayal and pain on her face. And I will revel in your agony,” he almost gasps in pleasure at the thought. “No,” I shake my head, picturing Zoe. Picturing how happy she was to be at the top of the pyramid the other day. How excited she was to watch a movie with me. “Picture her writhing in agony Kayn, because that’ll be your last memory of her.” “No,” I whisper before grunting in pain as Nakuri’s blade stabs through my bare shoulder. I turn my head to look. To see my own face reflected back at me in the metal. The black marking around my red, glowing eye. The blade is removed and I lay in the grass, bleeding as I stare up at the sky. “Where are you?” I ask, looking for any sign of her. Waiting for a portal to open and her to appear. But there’s no one there. “I’ll tell master Zed that you failed,” Nakuri snickers as I look up at him. My body goes numb, my eyes fixed on him. He raises the sword above his head and swings down at me. It’s a clumsy move. Leaves his body wide open. But the blade doesn’t hit. The sound of metal crashing against metal rings in my ears. Looking up I see the silver blade being held before me by a crimson handle that has materialised above me. Nakuri pulls back, his face confused as I push myself up. The scythe becomes more tangible, the hooked blade appearing. An almost beautiful weapon in its sheer desire to kill. Deep crimson and silver with a glowing red eye. I look at Nakuri, my head lolling as a smirk breaks out over my face, my eyes looking at him. “Where did you get that from?” He stammers, his fear palpable. I can taste it on the air. Yes. His fear tastes so good. “Something the matter?” I hear myself gloat before the weapon is swung in a wide arc, the blade slicing into him, straight across his torso. There’s a splatter of blood across me and my smirk gets wider. My tongue licking at my lips, tasting it. It’s been far too long. “Kayn?” I hear a voice say nearby. My body turns to look at Talon, his face ashen as he stares at me. “Well, well. If it isn’t little Talon. Got any other secrets you’d like to share?” Run. I’m screaming at him to run. Get out of here you idiot. Get out of here. Run! “Kayn?” He asks again, his voice so unsure as a deep laugh bursts from my mouth and I start to walk over to him, closer and closer, one step at a time. His eyes go to the scythe and then back to me. Back to my grinning face as I get within striking distance. I watch the weapon get raised, watch it swing round into an arc. But it pauses, inches from Talon. His eyes wide, his body trembling. “I’m sorry,” I whimper, a tear running down my face. “Run.” A clawing heat grabs at my body as Talon vanishes from before me. The scythe is turned, the blade now pointing at me and I feel the hit. Feel it push through my stomach. I look down to see it embedded within my skin.Choking up blood, I feel my insides burn as I scream out in agony. A scream that continues in my mind, but is silenced outside. My body warps. The metal armour growing over my skin as the weapon is removed, the wound healing as large horns push from my skull. I scream and scream, but there’s another noise alongside my screams. The sound of laughter. Of a deep booming laughter.
“I win Kayn. I was always going to win.”
Inside I’m drowning in flame. My body burning, my mind desperately trying to grab control back, even as I know I’m dying. Even as I sink into darkness.But what’s the point? Maybe he’s right. My friends kept secrets from me. My master abandoned me, and Zoe left when I needed her the most. What’s the point in continuing to fight? I’ve been fighting for so long. I’m tired. I’m so tired.Around me I’m swallowed by darkness as I hear his voice echoing around me.
“It’s all Rhaast now!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
TalonWhen Zoe asked me to look after Kayn for a few days, I didn’t think it’d be this hard. I mean yes, he can have his moments, but these last few days he’s not been himself at all. Then yesterday he definitely wasn’t himself. I tried to find him after school, but he’d vanished, and he wasn’t answering his door this morning. I just figured I’d talk to him at school. However he hasn’t shown up to first period so I’ve snuck out to find him. If I need to kick that cat some more, I’m up for that. Plus I needed to escape class. Half the school seems to now know I’m gay. I can’t cope with all the questions and giggles. I don’t like the spotlight like that. I’ve been asked by a dozen people this morning whether it’s true. Not to mention the comments from some of the guys that they don’t want me looking at them. Like I’d have a crush on Draven? He’s a twat. “Kayn? You in there?” I knock on his door. There’s no response still. Glancing around the hallway, and seeing no one, I pull out my tool for picking locks and start to mess with his. Hearing it click, I push open the door into his room. It’s empty. Sort of. I know a fight scene when I see one. Work from his desk is scattered all over the floor along with his washing and other things. His curtains look like they’ve been sliced, and I can see blood on the floor and on his desk. Shit! Dashing over to the window I can see Kayn fighting someone with a sword. Oh damn. No. No. No. I did not sign up for this. “Kayn,” I call out to him, but he doesn’t react. Goddamn! Spinning round, I run back through the dorms, charging down the stairs and bursting through the front doors as I run towards my friend. Even from here I can see he’s not walking right. When it comes to precision, I’ll beat Kayn every time, but when it comes to outright fighting, Kayn will always win. So why does he look like he can barely stand right now? Is this that demon? Where even is it? I can’t see him anywhere. I watch my friend fall, watch him get stabbed and watch that blade get raised for a killing blow. Going invisible I use my speed burst to try and get to him. From inside my pocket I pull out a knife and hold it before me. Will it block that blade? I don’t know. But I’ll try. However, I skid to a halt and watch in horror as a blood red scythe materialises over Kayn. I watch his claw like hand holding it and pushing back on the blade attacking him. The assailant looks confused, maybe even scared. I don’t blame him. Kayn’s body language is all wrong. He’s not stood like Kayn stands. As he walks forward his movement is wrong. This doesn’t feel right. “Kayn?” I whisper as the weapon is swung in a wide arc, cutting cleanly into the other guy’s body. He drops to the ground and I’m just left standing there, staring. “Kayn?” I say louder and watch as he turns to stare at me. The metal armour that seems to have grown over his arm has spread to his face, surrounding his left eye that glows red at me. Blood splatters cover his face and torso and his head is almost lolling to the side. “Well, well. If it isn’t little Talon. Got any other secrets you’d like to share?” His voice is all wrong. Distorted. Like there’s two people speaking at once. I feel my blood turn to ice as he smirks at me. This isn’t Kayn. “Kayn?” I say again, finding myself unable to move as he steps towards me, his hands gripping the large weapon. I watch it get swung at me, but for the first time since I was a child, I am paralysed with fear. I watch the blade come for me. Everything seeming to move in slow motion as my heartbeat seems to reverberate through my body. Every second seeming like an hour. I need to move. I need to run. But I can’t. I can’t move at all. There’s something in the way those eyes look at me that scares me. And then watch as the blade freezes inches away from me. I look back to Kayn, the smirk gone. A tear running down his face. “I’m sorry,” he says, his voice breaking as he looks at me. “Run.” Seizing the chance, I vanish from sight and dart over the grass, only stopping once I’m near a building and relatively safe. I watch him swing the scythe round and impale himself with it. Shit. Oh shit. I need help. I need lots of help. Behind me I hear a deep, rumbling laughter and I bolt into the building. My legs barely seem to have any co-ordination as I head towards the stairs, taking them two or three at a time. The corridors are empty as everyone is in class and I charge down towards my class. Skidding along the corridor I slam into a wall before pushing myself up and throwing myself into my period two class. Everyone looks away from where Varus has stood up, his eyes wide and face pale. I just stand there, panting in the doorway as I look over at him. “We have a problem,” I say to him, my voice dry. “Talon. Nice of you to join us,” the teacher sighs, looking over at me, but my eyes are fixed on the guy before me. “We need to go,” I almost whisper the words before hearing a crash behind me and hearing my name get bellowed out. Shit. I back myself away from the door as Varus runs over to me, standing before me. His eyes look to the door and back to me. I can see the question all over his face, and I’m guessing he can see the answer on mine. The darkin won. “Varus, Talon, sit down!” The teacher argues. I do, but not in a desk. I drop hard onto the floor. The image of Kayn getting impaled is on repeat in my head. “Kayn’s gone,” I whisper to one in particular. However before I realise, I have Neeko crouching beside me. She takes my shaking hands in hers, holding them tightly. “Talon?” She asks, her voice soft, her hands rubbing over mine. The teacher sounds exasperated behind me. I hear him mumbling about students that are late and then disrupt lessons. But I can’t move. I just keep replaying it. He’s gone. He’s really gone. “Sir, you need to evacuate the school. Now,” Varus says above me, looking directly at the teacher. “Evacuate?” “There’s a creature on campus. The students aren’t safe,” Varus warns, his voice wavering as I hear another crash. “A creature?” “Take the students to the gym. Keep them safe,” Varus continues to plead, but the teacher doesn’t move. He starts to lecture Varus about lying and about making stories up to get out of trouble. “He will kill us, won’t he?” Neeko says to me, her voice soft and all I can do is nod, tears running down my face. He’s gone. My best friend is dead. Reaching forward, Neeko hugs me tight, squeezing me for a moment before she stands up and looks at Varus. “Neeko will tell the other classes. Where is the monster?” She asks, her clenched fists shaking. “Main stairwell,” I whisper and she looks down at me and smiles before looking over to the teacher. “The students need to go to the gym. Now,” she orders with a nod of her head. The teacher just smirks at her, shaking his head. “Sit down Neeko. No teacher is letting the students out on the orders of another student.” “Maybe they will not,” she admits before her body seems to shimmer, her appearance changing before all of our eyes until Ms Laurent is stood there, her arms folded. “But they will on the order of the headmistress.” The entire class goes almost silent as she looks at them before ordering them, in Ms Laurent’s voice, to head to the gym. Then she runs towards the door, heading down the corridor away. “Sorry Professor Graves. Ms Laurent outranks you. You heard the principal everyone, looks like we need to evacuate to the gym,” I hear Cassi shrug, followed by several chairs scraping over the floor as the students start to leave. The teacher shouts at them to return, but most of them head out, gossiping among themselves. I think the teacher may say something to us before he runs out chasing the students, but I don’t hear. I’m currently doing everything I can to not fall apart. “What’s happened?” Ekko asks, running over and skidding beside me. “It’s Kayn,” I whisper as Varus darts out into the corridor. “He’s gone.” “Gone?” Ekko asks before the realisation dawns on his face and he stares at me, his eyes wide. “You mean that monster?” I nod, unable to hide my tears as Cassi comes over to me. “Come on,” she helps me up. My legs feel so weak that she’s literally supporting me. I try and stand, but my mind is on so many things right now it’s like I’ve forgotten how to. I need to get it together. I need to think. That monster killed Kayn and I have a feeling he’ll kill us too. “We need to try and hold him off,” I whisper, looking between her and Ekko. “Him who?” Xayah asks, walking over to me, her arms folded. Explaining even half of what I know will take far too long and honestly I’m not coherent enough to do it right now. So I go with the simplified version as several other students linger around, their eyes looking at me. “There’s a monster on campus. A darkin. It’s killed Kayn, and if we’re not careful, it’ll kill us,” I say, trying to keep my emotions from my voice and failing rather brilliantly. “You guys need to get safe. I’m going to help Varus.” Which would be great, but right now I can’t seem to move. That fear that gripped me when I saw that blade coming at me has returned and my blood seems frozen from just the memory. Do I really want to face that thing? Can I even face it? “Not a chance,” Ekko says, his finger pointing at my face. “Kayn was my friend too. You’re going, I’m going.” “I’m not missing a fight and I daresay I’m better than him,” Xayah thumbs towards Ekko. “You guys don’t understand. This thing is evil,” I plead with them, but Xayah just smirks at me. “Good. I won’t feel bad if I hurt it then,” she smirks before charging off after Varus. “She’s crazy, but she has a point,” Ekko shrugs before racing after her. I want to plead with them. Tell them they don’t understand. They didn’t see the malice I saw in Kayn’s red eye. They didn’t see the bloodlust. This isn’t a schoolyard fight; this is a demon that wants to kill us. He’s already killed. He’s killed my best friend. Am I really going to let Ekko, who has no fighting skills at all, go and face it alone? I can fight. I know I can fight. Swallowing my fear I look to my sister. She needs to get safe. She needs to go with the others. “Cassi,” I say to her, but she just smiles at me, seeming to understand what I’m saying. “You’re going to go face it? Aren’t you? I’m not a fighter Talon. I’m not you or Kata. I’ll get somewhere safe. I’ll even persuade the teachers that staying in the gym is a good idea. But if that thing has killed Kayn, I hope to hell you make it pay, because I know a girl who will be pissed as hell. And if you don’t kill this monster, she sure as hell will,” she smiles, squeezing my arm. “Don’t get yourself killed. I’d hate to go back to being the youngest again.” I give her a nod, gripping my knife in my shaking hand as I run to where the others have gone. This is insane, but what am I supposed to do? Run away? That thing killed my best friend. My other friends are facing it. I can’t let them do that alone. I don’t know what our plan is right now, but if we can hold him in the school foyer area, then the other students should have plenty of time to get to the gym. At least they’ll be safe. The teachers will protect them. My feet pound through the corridors as I come to the top of the stairwell. Varus is stood staring down at the creature below us. He’s a huge creature of red and silver, with large horns on his head and a mouth filled with fangs. Red glowing eyes peer up at me and I hear him laugh. Beside him he leans onto the blood-stained weapon. That’s Kayn’s blood isn’t it? “Protecting the humans then, little brother?” the creature snickers and Varus just shrugs. “Why not? And you’re no brother of mine Rhaast. I already have a sibling and it’s not you.” “And little Talon. I’m still sore I didn’t get to cleave your head from your shoulders just now. How about I get a second swing at it?” A claw taps the weapon and I swallow down my fear, shaking my head. “You killed my friend,” I whisper out. My throat having gone dry. “Your friend? Oh you mean little Kayn. I should thank you Talon,” he hisses up at me. “You and the Aspect. He believed you’d both abandoned him. He believed you hated him. After all, why else would you tell Neeko such a big secret over him? It was eating him up. And confusion made him weak.” “Ignore him,” Varus whispers, his hand resting on mine as I try to keep my grip on my knife. I nod, but suddenly I feel awful. Did Kayn feel that way? I agonised over telling him for so long. Was it really me that caused him to give in to this creature? Cassi has said she felt disappointed I’d gone to Neeko before her. Did Kayn feel the same? “So you’re the big bad creature I’ve heard about,” Xayah smirks with all the swagger she normally has. She keeps her cool as I feel like the ground is falling away below me. Is this my fault? My hands are quivering as Varus just grips me tighter while Xayah continues to talk to the monster. “Have to say, I’m not impressed.” The creature laughs in a way that seems to shake the very windows around us and does very little for helping me calm down. “Precious little Xayah. So much like Kayn. It’s always so much fun to destroy the arrogant. Your faces look all the more confused when death comes for you.” “How’d you know my name?” She demands, several feather daggers appearing in her hand. “Oh I know more than that. I know all about you. All about all of you. I’ve been watching you all for so long, waiting for the day I’d get to kill you all,” he laughs before leaping towards us. And it is a leap, from the base of the stairs to us. I feel the back draft of that blade across my face as Varus pushes me aside. I fall hard onto the floor and narrowly manage to avoid the weapon slamming down on me. However Xayah has the reflexes of a snake. She dodges the initial swing and throws several daggers straight into the monster’s arm. His eyes leave me as he looks to the girl, a hiss escaping from between his fangs. “If you wish to die first, you only had to say.” He moves to swing at her, but a red arrow hits him from behind, piercing his shoulder and causing him to grunt in pain. His head snaps round to Varus, his bow held tightly in his hand. He smirks, a slight shrug of his shoulders. “Lets be honest here Kai, we knew that’d piss him off,” he says, talking to his hosts before firing another arrow. The creature turns, his scythe catching the walls at the entrance to the corridor. What do we do? We need to do something, but that weapon is terrifying. I watched it cleave a guy in two. I know what it can do. I look to Ekko as he stands further back from us, his eyes roving around the room before he runs over to me. “I have an idea. Please follow me though. Do not leave me alone with that thing,” he tells me hurriedly before darting several paces into the corridor and jumping around. “Hey, ugly, I don’t believe you killed my friend. I mean look at you. You’re pathetic. Did you meet my friend? He could kick your ass any day of the week.” What’s he doing? He hasn’t got any weapons. He’s not a fighter. Does he have a plan? “Yeah. I’ve seen Kayn fight. Seen him kick peoples asses over and over again. You though, you’re a bit of a joke honestly,” Ekko continues taking another step backwards. “Ekko. How your voice grates my nerves,” Rhaast snickers, stepping closer towards Ekko. He moves forward slowly. Laughing in his advances on my friend. Ekko’s eyes come to me, panic in them as he tries to keep up his swagger. “My voice? You listened to yourself? And what’s with that weapon? You compensating for something? You know what they say about demons with huge weapons? Really small…,” Ekko doesn’t finish as the creature roars, tying to swing his scythe but lacking the space. The blade wedges in the lockers down the corridor. “Brains apparently,” Ekko smirks. Vanishing, I dart past the monster as he pulls his weapon free. “Run,” I say, reappearing and grabbing Ekko’s arm as we charge down the corridor. His feet skid but he manages to stay upright. Ok what do we do now? He can’t swing at us here, but I’m fairly certain he could crush our skulls like they were grapes. I drag Ekko around a corner and into an empty classroom. Looks like Neeko did her job well. There’s no one around. I know we don’t have much time. I know that he’ll find us. But for a few moments I find myself just able to lean against the wall and that’s when I start to cry. Ekko comes over to me, his arm around my shoulders. I hear Rhaast roaring in the corridor somewhere. Hear Varus shouting something to Xayah, or maybe even to Rhaast, I don’t know anymore. I don’t know what’s happening. What I do know is my friend is dead. “I watched him kill Kayn,” I weep. “I saw and there was nothing I could do.” “It’s not your fault Talon. It’s really not,” Ekko says, his own voice breaking. “Look, we’ll get this bastard ok? We’ll get him.” But how? He’s a giant demon with a scythe and we’re just students. What are we supposed to do?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “From what I can gather, it appears to be some sort of creature. I’m going to make sure all the classrooms are evacuated,” Neeko tells the teachers. They look at me and nod, several asking questions, but I have no answers. I also need to get Ms Laurent. But Neeko can’t do that while looking like Ms Laurent. “Professor Swain, you’re in charge until I return. Ensure the students stay here,” I say before turning to go. “That’s not Fiora! That’s Neeko. She can make herself look like the principal,” Professor Graves points at me. I feel my stomach drop but try and keep calm as I look back at them. “Excuse me?” I say as curtly as Ms Laurent can. “She’s Neeko in disguise. I don’t know how she did it. But that’s not the principal.” “Sir what are you talking about?” Cassiopeia asks, coming over, her arms folded. “Ms Laurent came into our class and told us to evacuate. Neeko was with me.” “Then where is Neeko now?” Professor Graves gestures around. “Toilet. She headed to the ones in the changing rooms,” Cassiopeia says, never breaking eye contact with the teacher. “Professor, have you finished? I need to go and find any students that are missing.” I put my hands to my hips. He looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “You. Where’s your brother?” Professor Graves looks back to Cassiopeia who looks around. “That’s a good point sir. Could you find him for me please?” Cassiopeia looks at me. “Keep him safe for me?” I give a nod, turning to go and leaving professor Graves to try and convince the other teachers that Cassiopeia is lying. “Wait. Miss, is it true there’s a monster on campus?” Rakan runs over to Neeko. His hands twitch and rub as he looks at me, his ears flattened. I give a nod before he looks around the gym. “Xayah isn’t here.” “I’ll find her Rakan,” I tell him, continuing to walk out, but Rakan follows. “Let me help you. Please? I don’t know what I’ll do if anything happens to her. And I know Xayah. If she’s not here she’s definitely fighting whatever is wandering around,” he frets. Neeko nods, heading out of the gym. Glancing around I can’t see anyone. With a sigh I lose my disguise causing Rakan to shriek. “Surprise,” Neeko says softly before starting to run back towards the main school buildings. I got round most of the classrooms. I just need to get the head teacher out. “You can change into people?” Rakan asks, following along behind Neeko. I give a nod, listening out for any trouble. Everything is quiet for now. But I don’t think it will stay this way. Talon looked so pale and scared. And Kayn… Is Kayn really gone? Neeko won’t believe it. Because if Kayn is gone, then Zoe will be so very sad. And Neeko will also be sad. Kayn helped Neeko be a cheerleader. He was always nice to Neeko. “Do you know where Xayah is?” Rakan asks as we creep into a nearby building. I shake my head. In this wing of the school building, everything seems quiet. “Rakan needs to stay here. Hide,” I tell him before I change into Professor Swain and I start to run down a corridor. Reaching the principal’s office, I start to bang on the door before I burst in, making sure to look as flustered as Neeko can. “Jericho? Everything alright?” The principal asks, looking over at Neeko. I nod my head but point down the corridor. What is it the teachers call her? Fiora. That’s right. “Fiora, something’s happened in the gym. The students have all gone there,” I lie, watching as she gets up from her desk, her eyes very confused. “In the gym? Why are they in the gym?” “I don’t know. Thought you best come,” I say as she starts to head out of her office. “They say they’ve had to evacuate.” “Evacuate?” “Apparently. Professor Graves said it was on your orders,” I say. “I’ll be along in a second. I just need to sort something out with a student.” She nods at Neeko before starting to briskly walk down towards the doors. Neeko watches her go before sighing and reverting back to myself. Far nicer to be Neeko. I hear the clacking sounds that Rakan’s feet make over the floor as he scurries over to Neeko. His eyes look down the corridor, but we both hear the door shut and sigh a relief. “She bought it?” “I think so. But we can’t worry about that. We need to find Talon and Xayah,” I tell him. “So what happened?” Rakan asks Neeko as we run through the corridors and back towards the classroom Neeko had been in earlier. “Neeko doesn’t know. Not fully. But, um, I think there’s a monster on campus. I think it might have killed Kayn,” I say, my voice dropping to a whisper. My throat starting to wobble. Shaking my head to clear my eyes from tears, we turn a corridor and run into Taliyah and Sona. I think Taliyah and Rakan both squeal with shock. “What are you guys trying to do to us?” Rakan asks, his hand clutching at his chest. “Neeko’s talking about some monster and you guys are creeping around?” “Us? What about you two? We slipped out when people went to the gym. What’s happened?” Taliyah asks, looking at Neeko. I blink my eyes to clear tears from them before looking at her. “There’s a monster,” I say. “Um, Neeko doesn’t know much more. But Talon and Xayah aren’t with the others. Neeko thinks they might be trying to fight it.” Neeko doesn’t know what happened when I left the class, but Cassiopeia asked me to find her brother. And if Xayah is also missing, those two are the type to try and fight the monster. “A monster? Fighting it? What is going on?” Taliyah asks, her brown eyes wide. “And Neeko, since when can you change into people? You looked just like the principal earlier.” “Neeko will explain later. But I think our friends need our help. We need to find them. Talon and Xayah were not with the other students,” I explain. Above us we hear a loud bang followed by what sounds like a roar. I gulp down my fear. If Talon is fighting a monster, we can’t let him do it alone. Neeko has magic that can help. And if that monster is the darkin that was in Kayn, and if it has killed Kayn, then Talon will definitely be fighting it. Because Talon and Kayn are very good friends. Neeko does not think Talon would be happy with a monster killing Kayn. “You telling me whatever just made that noise might be fighting Xayah?” Rakan whispers, his eyes looking up at the ceiling. “Maybe,” I whisper. Rakan nods his head before taking off running. “You guys get back to the gym. I’m going to get Xayah,” he calls out to us. But Neeko does not think we should be alone. “No, Rakan, wait. Neeko will come too. If this is a monster we go together,” I say, chasing after him. Behind me I hear the footsteps of Taliyah and Sona chasing after us. “Well we’re coming too. Look if we all run into a monster it makes sense for there to be a lot of us, right?” Taliyah reasons through. “Yeah but I don’t want you guys getting hurt,” Rakan says. “And Neeko does not want Rakan hurt. We stay together,” I tell them. We race through silent corridors, occasionally hearing noises above us that cause us to pause. Please be ok everyone. Turning round one corner we come to a staircase. For the moment there’s silence above us. Quietly we creep up the stairs. Neeko peeks over the bannister and for a moment sees nothing, until Talon and Ekko skid round a corner at the far end of the corridor. They both look pale, Ekko slipping to the ground as Talon pulls him up. I whistle over at them, Talon spots me and I point to the stairs. He gives a nod before a set of lockers gets thrown down the corridor, nearly hitting them both as they dart back nearer to a wall. “That’s my locker,” Rakan scowls, popping up beside Neeko. He looks like he’s about to say something else, but Taliyah clamps her hand over his mouth, dragging him back down behind the bannister as loud footsteps echo down the hallway and a large, hulking monster comes down. He’s big. Very big. Is this what that cat looked like really? Neeko knew that cat wasn’t nice. He has large horns and is covered in metal armour on his arms and head. His skin looks like a deep red which matches his glowing eyes. Neeko won’t lie, Neeko is very, very scared. My hands tremble as I hear Talon urging Ekko to run for the stairs. “He’s going no where Talon. Neither of you are,” the monster says and Neeko’s blood goes cold. I need to help them, but I can’t move. “I will take such delight in painting these walls with your blood.” “Now what?” Rakan whispers. Neeko doesn’t know. “Leave them alone Rhaast!” I hear Varus call out before the sound of a bang and someone choking. “Varus!” Talon calls out. Taking a deep breath, I peek out again. The monster is holding Varus up against a wall, his claws wrapped tightly around Varus’ neck. I watch the boy struggle, his own dark purple claws scrabbling at those that are holding him. “Your mortal hosts make you weak brother. Not that you’ve ever been anything else. A child like you never deserved to be one of us.” Varus fights to move the claw around his throat as Xayah leaps from somewhere, throwing daggers at the monster. He just laughs at her before grabbing Varus and throwing him at Xayah, both of them crashing into Talon who is trying to get to the stairs. The three of them skid over the floor, Ekko dashing over to them. “Get up guys. Get up,” he frets, hopping around. “Xayah!” Rakan gasps leaping up and running over to her. He reaches her just as the creature does, a shield going up around them all. Rakan can make shields? That’s a very good skill. Especially against a monster like this. “We need to get them out of here,” Taliyah tells me. I nod at her, but we need a distraction. From behind the creature there’s a loud explosion causing him to spin around, growling. “Jinx! Are you crazy?” Ekko yells over to the girl at the other side of the corridor. “Why are you not in the gym?” “Cos my guns were in my dorm. Hey ugly, you like that? I got lots more,” she laughs. Neeko knows a chance. She runs at the others. “Come on, time to go,” I tell them, grabbing Talon and starting to pull him up off the floor. Rakan helps Xayah up while Taliyah and Sona beckon to us from the staircase. Behind us I hear the pounding footsteps running away chasing after Jinx’s laughing. Jinx is fast, she will be ok for now. I hope. “Guys, I gotta go help her,” Ekko says, looking fidgety as he looks down the corridor though the monster has gone from sight. “His damn scythe is down that way,” Xayah warns. “He’ll cut you in two. I’ve never known anything like this thing. My daggers don’t phase him at all.” “He’s a darkin. Their healing is pretty good,” Varus coughs, massaging his throat as we run down the steps. “Yeah, I got that. Thanks for the heads up. What’s he doing running around the campus?” Xayah huffs. “I thought they were stories?” “Did that thing look like a story to you?” Ekko gestures backwards. I think the idea of fighting a monster with a weapon did not sound good to him. Jinx has guns and is fast, but Ekko has no weapons. We hurry outside and those that were thrown collapse onto some grass. All three of them looking exhausted. Somewhere nearby I hear explosions. Jinx is blowing something up. I hope she is ok. Next to me, Sona starts to sign something to Taliyah. I watch the confusion followed by the shock on Taliyah’s face as she watches Sona’s hands. “No, that’s a terrible idea,” Taliyah says. But the girl with the pretty blue hair just shakes her head, gives us all a thumbs up and then starts to run off towards another building. “Where is Sona going?” I ask, concerned for her but Taliyah just shakes her head. “She wants to help too. She’s gone to get something. She’s actually crazy.” “Why aren’t you in the gym with the others?” Xayah asks, looking up from the ground as Rakan sits beside her, his hands stroking through her hair. “Neeko was asked to find Talon. Rakan came along. Taliyah never went,” I say and the other girl just blushes. “I mean, I didn’t really think there was a monster,” she admits shyly. “Yeah? Well trust me. He’s real,” Ekko says looking at her. “You should be somewhere safe.” “Is anywhere safe with that thing charging around?” Xayah asks, Rakan helping her sit up. “Damn he hurts.” “Probably not. We could do with trapping him somewhere until we can work out what to do,” Talon says, his face still very pale like it was earlier. I think he has seen something he didn’t want to see. “He’s too strong for us to fight like this.” “Trap him where? That bastard could probably knock down any door we put him behind,” Xayah gestures back towards the building near us. “Trapping him? Guys, I have an idea. Think we can lure it round to the school field?” Taliyah asks looking around. The others look tired, but they nod, stiffly starting to get up. Neeko also notices that Varus is now carrying a cross bow. When did he get that? He didn’t have it in class. I look up at him and find his eyes meeting mine. He looks awkward and gives a half-hearted shrug before putting his finger to his lips. Is Varus like the monster? Then why is he helping us? But the monster did call him brother. Could Varus be a darkin too? He does have the same type of sho’ma. Neeko did wonder this yesterday when Talon told us about the darkin. Varus seems to know a lot about them. But he’s helping us, so now is not a time to ask. “Some plan is better than nothing. Come on Taliyah, I reckon I can outrun it,” Rakan boasts, flexing his arms. I nod at them. “Neeko is fast too. You three should rest. We’ll go. Come on Ekko,” I say. “I was fighting too y’know. Sort of.” “No, we should stick together,” Talon says, holding a knife in his hand. “But the field. That shouldn’t be too hard. He really seems to want me dead.” “I think he seems to want both you and Varus dead. What the hell has he got against you two? Come on. We can bait that bastard,” Xayah spits. Cautiously we creep around the school until Jinx comes barrelling into us. One of her pigtails has come loose from its braid and her face is covered in dirt. “I have no clue what that thing is, but it’s a tank. Don’t even think I’ve scratched it,” she tells us, her face red from running. “Where is it now?” Ekko asks, looking around. Everything is quiet. Neeko does not like this. “Er, dunno,” Jinx shrugs. “He won’t be far. Come on,” Varus nods, starting to run to the field. We run around the music buildings only for Varus to suddenly dodge aside, narrowly missing a blow with a large blade. “Always the agile one little brother,” the creature laughs. “Nah, you’re just a slow bastard. Always have been,” Varus smirks before turning and continuing to run towards the field. The monster gives chase, leaving the rest of us watching. “This better be a good plan,” Xayah says, looking at Taliyah who just gulps and nods. “I don’t think the staff will think so, but I can at least trap him I think.” “We’ll take it,” Ekko nods hurriedly. “We need to lure him into the centre and keep him there for a few seconds,” Taliyah explains as the rest of us chase after Varus, but careful not to make the creature focus on us. “Keep him there? How?” Talon asks. “I don’t know. But I need him isolated, but in the centre of the field.” “Neeko can hold him,” I say, hoping I can. Talon looks at me, not looking sure, but I nod. Neeko has magic. Lots of magic. “You can’t be near him though Neeko,” Taliyah tells me, and I nod. I do not want to get near him. “But how’s Neeko going to get him to chase her and not Varus? Seems pretty sure he wants to kill Varus right now,” Rakan points. “Neeko has a plan. Please be ready Taliyah,” I smile. But I’m scared. Very scared. But this monster has hurt my friends. He’s killed my friend. “Does the monster have a name?” “Rhaast. He’s called Rhaast,” Talon says. Rhaast. That’s not a fun sounding name. But Neeko has this. “Neeko, don’t get yourself hurt. I trust you know what you’re doing, but please stay safe,” Talon tells me. I smile, hiding my fear. “Neeko will be safe.” This is very silly. Very, very silly. But Neeko has all the magic she needs for something like this. Running out from the shadows I change my appearance. My body getting shorter and slimmer. Behind me, long super pretty hair streams out and I swirl on the spot, letting it drift around me. This is always such a fun disguise. “Hey Rhaast!” I call out, hopping about and waving. “Yo, Rhaast! You better believe I’m going to kick your darkin ass into next week!” My words in Zoe’s voice echo across the field and Neeko watches as his head turns to me, his fangs forming a sneer. He does not look happy to see Zoe. With little effort, he swings around the large scythe he’s holding, slamming the staff into Varus and knocking the boy to the ground. Please know what you’re doing Taliyah. Please. “Where the hell is my boyfriend!” I demand, my hands going to my hips. I spend a lot of time with Zoe. I can mimic her mannerisms easier than I can with other people. With a roar that threatens to freeze my blood, he charges towards Neeko. His feet shake the ground and his weapon slices the air. Come on, closer. Just a little closer please. I hold my ground, gulping down my fear. Just a little closer. Taliyah wants him in the middle of the field. Neeko is in the middle, but he is not. His speed is scary, and he gets a lot closer to Neeko a lot quicker than I thought he would. The blade swipes at me, but Neeko leaps back throwing out old Oovi-kat magic. Magical brambles appear, trapping him to the ground as Neeko jumps back and sprints away. That’s when I feel the ground below me shaking and Neeko has to jump as the ground underneath me rises up, surrounding the monster in a large dirt dome. Taliyah did that? I let my disguise go, falling back onto the grass as just Neeko. I realise I’m panting as I lay there looking up at the large dirt dome. Well hopefully that will keep him trapped. Footsteps run up to me and Talon skids on the ground, kneeling beside me. He takes Neeko’s arm and inspects the cut there. Neeko didn’t even feel it, but I can see the blood. And there’s a lot of blood. “That was insane Neeko,” he says softly shaking his head. Taking his hoodie off for a moment, he pulls at one of his shirt sleeves, ripping it off and starting to tie it around Neeko’s arm. “But the monster is trapped now,” I smile feeling a little bit dizzy. Talon looks back towards the dome. His face his hurt, lines of worry crossing over it. “Hopefully,” he says, slipping his hoodie back on and hiding his ripped shirt. “A cute trick,” I hear a voice say and we both look up as the creature stands half in the wall, half out. “Very cute. But this body comes with the most useful of skills. I’ve never had a host that can walk through walls before. Kayn was special, wasn’t he?” No. How did he get out of that? “Killing you two like this is almost poetic. It was you two that he felt had betrayed him. It was so easy to persuade him that everyone else had too. I should thank you,” he gloats before swinging the scythe around. Talon grabs me, holding Neeko to him. “Sorry Neeko,” he whispers. I hear a roar and wait for the blade, but the hit doesn’t come. Neeko unscrunches her eyes and sees a purple and pink Yoyo wrapped around the creature’s arms, holding them in the air and halting the attack. “What the fuck have you done?” a voice hisses sounding more dangerous than Neeko has ever heard.
“I did wonder when you would show up little Aspect.”
“I’ll kill you Rhaast,” Zoe threatens from where she stands on the dome, her yoyo holding him still. “I swear I’ll kill you for this.” Neeko looks at Zoe. She’s so angry. Her sho’ma isn’t sparkling, it’s crackling. Like a storm surrounding her. But her sho’ma isn’t the only one that’s odd. Neeko watches the creature as it tries to see her, and, just for a moment, Neeko sees blue.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe My portal hadn’t brought me out at all where I wanted to be. If anything I’d expected to have dropped into Kayn’s bedroom, or even randomly into a lesson – I have no clue what day or time it is. Instead I found myself standing in the middle of a grassy area heading towards the school with not another soul around. Which was probably for the best given I was still wearing my Aspect clothes. How would I explain the medallion to the class? Although to be fair, maybe they wouldn’t really notice. Kayn says some of my outfits are bizarre and that’s when I’m wearing the same clothes as everyone else. But why have I appeared here? Something doesn’t feel right. Stepping forward my bare foot knocks on something hard and I look down at a pretty blue knife in the grass. The blue swirls on the blade are obscured by the dark red hues of blood. What’s that doing out here? He doesn’t even use it for missions. It’s too special to him to actually use it at all. He just has it sit by his bed. Hates me playing with it. Bending down I pick it up, wiping the blood off with the scarf around my waist. I’ll have to remember to get that washed later. Turning around I see what looks like a dead body. Ok so it’s not the first one I’ve ever seen. But why is it on school grounds? Creeping closer I realise, whoever this was, that they’ve been sliced clean in two. One clean cut. An abandoned sword lays beside them, but that isn’t strong enough for a cut like that, and the knife I’m holding certainly isn’t. Ok, starting to get a little weird here. Does anyone else know about this? Nearby there’s an explosion and my head jerks towards the sound. That’s when I realise why my portal didn’t seem to work as I wanted. Looking around, everything – other than a dead body – looks as it should. But it doesn’t feel right. I can’t feel Kayn. I can’t feel his presence anywhere. “No,” I whisper, looking around. “No, no, no.” Leaping into the air I fly over the school and towards a loud rumbling sound. I watch as a large dome of dirt rises up on the school field. Tucking the knife into my pocket I fly over, just in time to see the large monster step through the dirt. A darkin. “No!” I scream out, my hands going to my hair, clutching at my scalp. This can’t be right. It just can’t be. Not Kayn. He’s gone. I’ve lost him. Rhaast has won. How long was I gone for? Surely not long. I wasn’t gone that long. I tried to be so quick. My breathing quickens, my mind racing as I watch the scene below me. I think I’m on the verge of a panic attack before I realise that the creature is trying to attack Talon and Neeko. Flying down, tears stinging my eyes, I create a yoyo from stars and fling it out at the monster, almost lassoing his arms with it and preventing the blow from falling. I feel his surprise as he looks at the sparkly string holding him tight. “What the fuck have you done?” I hiss, standing on the dome and holding that string with everything I’ve got. I can feel his strength as he grapples with me. But I am the Aspect of Twilight and he won’t better me. “I did wonder when you would show up little Aspect,” Rhaast gloats. But for the first time I’m not hearing his voice in my head. I’m seeing his mouth move, hearing the words being spoken. “I’ll kill you Rhaast. I swear I’ll kill you for this.” “You don’t have it in you to kill me girl. You’re not stronger than me. You never were,” he chuckles darkly. Nodding my head, I gesture for the others to run as I pull tighter on the string, yanking him back. Talon looks at me, nodding before grabbing Neeko up. They both look to have blood on them. What’s this creature done? “Oh really? I’ve destroyed planets and created black holes just to pass the time. You are nothing,” I warn him, my voice dangerous. I need to find out what happened. Who will know? “Try it girl,” he laughs, pulling his arms forward and throwing me off balance. He seizes on the weakness, dropping his scythe and putting all his strength into pulling me down. I tumble down the dome, dropping to the floor and vanishing into a portal before he can even think of picking up that scythe. I reappear near Varus. He looks terrible, with dark bruising around his pale neck, but at least he’s still here which is more than I can say for my boyfriend right now. “What happened?” I demand, stamping my foot, my lips wobbling as I try not to think about what I’ve come back to. “I asked you to look after him. How did this happen?” Varus looks at me, his face pale and beaten. He looks completely done. His white shirt is covered in everything from grass stains to blood while his crossbow is attached to one arm. “I don’t know,” he admits. “He had a fight with Talon yesterday. We couldn’t find him after school and then he didn’t show up this morning. Talon went to find him after period one and the next thing I know I could feel Rhaast, alive and whole. I don’t know what happened.” “How did he go downhill so fast? How long have I been gone?” I plead. Warm tears flow down my cheeks and I can’t stop them. I don’t want to stop them. “Five days,” Varus says, his voice quiet. “I don’t know what happened Zoe. Talon and I spent all weekend keeping Rhaast from Kayn, but by Monday he was fading quicker than anything we could do.” Five days? This monster took him over completely in just five days? How much was I buffering him from Rhaast? Varus looks at me, his mouth opening to say something else before his eyes widen and he lunges at me. His arms wrapping around me as we both drop to the floor. A slice of air passes over us and by my head I can see the metal claws of Rhaast. “A darkin and an Aspect. How sweet,” he mocks. I open a portal under us, and me and Varus drop out atop the roof of a nearby building. “Wait here. I’m getting the others,” I tell him. Before diving into a portal and grabbing Talon and Neeko from where they’re huddled by a building, Talon asking Neeko how she feels. They both go an odd shade as I drop them on the same roof as Varus.“The others. You have to get the others,” Talon tells me, gypping as he tries not to be sick from my portal. “Ekko, Rakan, Xayah, Jinx and Taliyah.” Well this is a proper party isn’t it? Thankfully the others are all together. “Ok, you guys stay up here. You need to be safe,” I tell them turning away and looking out across the school. “I don’t know what you were thinking trying to take on a darkin.” “We were thinking that that thing killed our friend,” Ekko says, pointing down to the ground somewhere, his voice on the cusp of sobbing. “And stay safe? Sparkles, what exactly are you intending to do to it? It can walk through walls and cleave lockers in two. Jinx shot the damn thing and it barely phased him.” “I can fight him, but not if I’m worrying for you guys,” I say coldly. He’s gone. He’s really gone. My entire body shivers from that realisation. From the realisation I have to be the one to kill him. “I can go with you Zoe. If I keep my distance I can hit him with my arrows. I’m just not too great if he manages to get close to me,” Varus says, stepping closer to me. But I’m far too emotional as I spin to face him. “Yeah? You look like you’re doing a bang-up job fighting him,” I gesture at his wounds, my words harsher than they should be. “It looks to me like he’s nearly killed you guys while he doesn’t seem to have a mark on him.” I’m angry. I know I am. Because anger is easier to explain than sadness. Anger can hold the pretence of being brave. Of being strong. And it’s easier to pretend to be strong than to break down sobbing. “Zoe, you aren’t going to be able to take him on,” Xayah tells me, her voice calm as she steps closer. There’s sympathy in her voice, her expression soft, but she doesn’t understand. “I know you want to. I know what you want to do to it. But if you try, you’ll just get hurt.” “Hurt?” I scoff stepping back from her. “Hurt? He can’t hurt me any worse than he has done. He’s taken Kayn from me. He’s stolen him. He’s taken away the person that cared for me. The person in this whole universe who was mine. Who knew me.” I know I’m screaming now, my throat straining to get the words out from between the sobs. What does she know about being hurt? Rakan is here. He’s safe. But Kayn is gone. There’s a pit in my stomach as I try and push that thought back, smother it. Kayn is dead. “Zoe, we’ll come up with something, but you getting hurt won’t help anyone. You think Kayn would be happy to know you’re putting yourself in danger for him? He’d want to know you’re safe,” Xayah continues to tell me, her tone still gentle as she ignores my outbursts. She kneels beside me, her hand on my shoulder as I rub my nose. Shaking my head, I shy away from her touch. From her kindness. Her calmness is annoying me. How dare she be so calm? How dare they all? They don’t know what Kayn would be thinking about. I knew him better than any of them. And it doesn’t matter what he thinks. He’s not here anymore. “I don’t need to come up with something. I know what I’m doing. I’m killing him. You guys stay away,” I say coldly, dropping them all into a portal and into an empty classroom. There, now they can’t talk me out of this. They can’t get in my way. I take a second, rubbing the tears from my face before flying back down. I stand by the music building, watching as Rhaast walks up to me. The scythe resting on his shoulder as though it were nothing, though the thing is bigger than me. “It’s admirable you trying to save them Aspect. But I’ll find them all. Eventually. They are just children after all. They can’t harm me. Once you’re out of the picture, I’ll hunt each and every one of them down.” “And I’m seriously supposed to believe that Whiskers? You got yourself stuck as a cat. The only thing you can hunt are mice and I bet you’re not even good at that,” I tell him, folding my arms and keeping up an air of bravado. “He thought of you. Right at the end. He could feel my grip on him tightening and he thought of you. Tried to keep thinking of you, but you weren’t there were you? You couldn’t put me to sleep. Couldn’t bolster his spirit with your magic, because you’d gone. And then, as I finally took control, he thought about how you’d let him down. Why continue fighting? No one ever fought for him. It was almost sad.” “I don’t believe you,” I lie. “Kayn wouldn’t give up. Kayn never gives up. He keeps fighting, keeps getting back up. His body is littered with scars because he doesn’t know when to quit. He just keeps going. Just admit it, you cheated. That’s the only way you could have won.” Why did you have to stop fighting Kayn? Rhaast is right, I could have helped your spirit. It’s what I came back to do. To use my magic to strengthen you. Strengthen your soul. But I can’t help what’s gone. I can’t bring you back. You stupid, stupid moron. “Ending you will give me nothing but joy,” he growls swinging the weapon down to me, but I’m too fast for him.He can’t hit me. Who does he think I am? I’m the Aspect of Twilight. As he swings again, I duck under the blade, forming a bubble and launching it straight at his face, knocking him back as a low growl comes from his throat. Those flaming eyes look at me, but he doesn’t scare me. Another bubble and he gets knocked to the floor, dropping his scythe. The moment he starts to get up, I form my yoyo. Slinging it out at him, the sparkly rope wrapping around his body, binding his arms to his side. He does glower at me now, his face full of anger. He wants me dead so badly it’s radiating from him. For a moment I debate it. Let me die so I don’t have to feel so empty. But why give him the satisfaction? I could just go back into space. Drift among the stars while he does what he likes far from me. But that isn’t fair to Neeko, Talon and Ekko. It’s not fair to all my friends here. “What was it you were saying Rhaast? That I can’t beat you? I assure you I can,” I smirk at him, pulling tighter on my yoyo. He just grunts at me, his eyes meeting mine. “It’s a shame you weren’t there at the end Aspect. He always entertained such frivolous dreams about you,” he says, his voice annoyingly calm. I cock my head at him, but I remain holding onto that yoyo. “With the fox girl he had interesting dreams. But his dreams of you were always far more tangible. More real. Of course, it was never as cliché as married life with children. That was never Kayn. But he dreamt of a future with you. Of the two of you growing together. He trusted so few people with his feelings, but with you, he gave everything he had to you. And then you left.” He leaves that word hanging. I didn’t leave. I went to get help. That’s where I was. “I went to get help Rhaast. I went to find a way to kill you,” I hiss at him. My arms prickle as I look at him. As I watch those fangs twist into a smirk. “And I have to say, you did an excellent job,” He partially gestures with his hands. “I’ll kill you,” I warn him, but he just keeps that dumb smirk on his face. He thinks he’s got this all figured out. He thinks he’s so smart. But he isn’t. He got stuck as a cat. I have to remember that. This monster has been trailing around campus as a freaking cat. He’s not smart. “He wept for you,” he tells me with such a cool manner. “I had hardly ever seen him cry the whole time I was infesting him, but in those last moments he wept. And it was because he wanted you.” For a moment my arms go slack as I stare at him. Kayn so rarely cries. I’ve seen him tear up maybe twice. It’s just not his thing at all. So is Rhaast lying? Or is he being truthful? “You are so easy to trick,” he snickers leaping at me and kicking at me with one of his legs. I drop my rope to block the blow but realise what a stupid idea that was. Dropping into a portal I reappear a few feet away from him, my yoyo vanishing from around him as he grabs at his weapon. “And for the record Aspect, I wasn’t lying. He sobbed for you hoping you’d come back to him,” he tells me with such glee in his words I feel my mind cloud over. How dare he use Kayn against me like that? How dare he! I rush straight at him, creating a bubble and launching it at his face, but he swipes straight through it with that weapon of his. Pulling up I narrowly miss a slash towards me. And it is narrow. I feel the backdraft across my stomach as I flip back. He lunges again and I feel a buzz of magic hit my body as I dart aside. Ok that was weird. Why could I suddenly move faster?Looking to the side, I see Sona waving, a keytar around her neck. She plays some notes and the buzzing feeling returns. It’s magic. Musical magic. Running forward I kick into his chest, knocking him back. But I’m not big enough to fight him like this. More notes from Sona and I create more bubbles. Flinging them at him, I relish each time he growls, each time he stumbles. “Your little tricks are nothing more than an annoyance, Aspect,” he growls at me. I don’t reply. Creating my yoyo again I launch it at him, pulling the scythe from his hand and throwing it aside. There, at least he’s not going to cleave me in two anytime soon. “Aren’t you cute,” he mocks, slow clapping at me. At least it should be clapping but he can’t even do that right. One of his hands is a fist, his thumb stuck up hitting against the palm of his other hand. God Rhaast, I hate you even more. How dumb can you actually be? From nearby Sona makes some sort of brief noise before playing several notes on her keytar. A blast of magic comes from her, knocking Rhaast down to the ground for a moment. She starts to sign something to me, but I don’t do sign language. I have no idea what she’s saying. But she looks suddenly worried, maybe even concerned. “I’ll have such delight in killing you both,” Rhaast hisses, standing back up. Conjuring a sleep bubble I throw it at him, but he just swats it away like it was nothing. “Come on Sona. We’ve out stayed our welcome here,” I say, running over and grabbing her, pulling her into a portal with me and ending up in the classroom I dropped the others off. I hear them all startle at our sudden entrance. “Taliyah, Sona’s talking. I don’t know what about. You guys stay here.” The girl with blue pigtails starts to hurriedly do her hand movements at Taliyah who seems to be struggling to keep up. “Play nice guys, I’m going to drop a darkin into a supernova or something,” I whisper. Can I do it though? That’s still Kayn’s body. But he’s not there now. Rhaast won. Rhaast won. “Help?” Taliyah says behind me sounding thoroughly confused. “No, I don’t need any,” I say, opening a portal. “Zoe wait!” Taliyah yells out, halting me for a moment. Her eyes are still on Sona, but she has a hand outstretched to me. “Wait. That creature, was it doing something with its hands?” “Yeah, trying to kill me,” I say, harsher than I mean, but I can’t be doing with this messing around. I just want to kill Rhaast and grieve. I want to just hide myself away from everyone and cry. Because my boyfriend is gone. Do they not realise that? Does no one know just how much I’m hurting right now? But these guys can’t defeat him. He’s too strong for them. It has to be me. “You’re sure?” Taliyah looks at Sona who just starts nodding her head before doing the same odd clapping Rhaast was doing. I look at both of them, closing my portal as confusion sweeps over my face. “That’s ‘help’,” Taliyah tells me, making the same gesture. “Help?” “In sign language,” Taliyah explains. “Sona says the creature made this gesture with its hands. It’s the sign for help.” “So the monster knows sign language?” Rakan asks from where he’s perched on a table, but the realisation hits me like a comet. I stand there, my whole-body tingling with fear at what this means. “No, he doesn’t,” I whisper, my eyes wide. “But Kayn does.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon If someone asked me what I thought would happen today, I can most definitely say, this was never it. I don’t think this would have even cracked my top ten things that was going to happen today. What I wanted to do was talk to Kayn about what happened yesterday. I wanted to explain to him why I didn’t tell him and how much it hurt me to hear him yelling out my secret. What I’ve been doing instead is using every skill my dad ever taught me to try and evade a demon. “So if I have this straight, which I hope I do right now, you’re telling me that Kayn has had a demon living inside of him, for ages. That he’s been fighting it, but this morning it won,” Xayah says dryly, as she paces around the room. I nod from where I’m sat on a desk. My whole body aches. I’ve been thrown into walls and lockers and had these guys thrown at me. I must be black and blue right now. “But how can we kill it? There has to be a way,” Jinx scowls, looking from where she’s sat on a desk, her legs swinging through the air. Behind her she has what looks like a rocket launcher strapped to her back, while another gun sits by her feet. I’m assuming Ekko helped build those. “We kill it by killing it,” Varus adds. “Darkin can and have been killed. The problem is he’s strong. Stronger than us.” Even stronger than him apparently despite them being the same. “We could ask the teachers for help,” Rakan suggests, leaning by a wall. “They’re pretty strong right?” “Yeah but we need to get back to the gym. That means running across the campus,” Taliyah sighs. “What if that thing finds us?” “Y’know, while we’re all discussing this and everyone has really valid points, can we also address that Neeko can transform into us. All of us. That’s a fun secret,” Ekko looks over to Neeko who is sat on the floor, resting against the wall. I’m not happy with the cut on her arm. It’s deeper than it looks, and my shirt sleeve has already turned red. She needs it closing. “Neeko is Oovi-kat. We can see sho’ma, and we can use sho’ma. Neeko can borrow some, feeling that persons emotions and then Neeko can become that person,” she explains, but her voice is weak. Her stunt on the field was insane. Stupidly brave but also insane. How she didn’t lose her entire arm I’ll never know. She barely avoided that swing. “Lets just all agree, group therapy will be needed after this,” Xayah sighs, massaging her forehead. Above us, a swirling portal opens and Zoe drops in with Sona. The other girl looks sick, but almost instantly starts signing something. “Taliyah, Sona’s talking. I don’t know what about. You guys stay here,” Zoe says almost dismissively. She’s not acting like herself. It’s like she’s just frozen. Like her mind hasn’t even begun to process what’s happening. “Play nice guys, I’m going to drop a darkin into a supernova or something.” I watch Taliyah try and read through Sona’s erratic hand gestures, her eyes widening as Zoe turns from us all. “Help?” Taliyah says, sounding confused as Zoe opens a portal. “No, I don’t need any,” she says, but I get the feeling that’s not what Taliyah means. “Zoe, wait!” Taliyah yells, causing the shorter girl to look around. “Wait. That creature, was it doing something with its hands?” Sona continues to sign as Taliyah watches. “Yeah, trying to kill me,” Zoe huffs, her tone cold. “You’re sure?” Taliyah asks Sona. The other girl just nods her head, making some sign with her hands. A sign that Taliyah then copies. “That’s ‘help’,” Taliyah says, showing Zoe. “Help?” “In sign language. Sona says the creature made this gesture with its hands. It’s the sign for help.” So the monster knows sign language?” Rakan asks. But in my mind I’m remembering something I haven’t thought about in ages. “So go on. What did you sign when he turned his back on us?” I ask my friend, watching the smirk that dances over his face as he turns to me.
“Asshole.”
“Is that really why your master taught you sign language? So you could swear at staff without them knowing,” I chuckle. I stand up from my desk, my eyes wide. Looking at Zoe, her face going pale I know she’s thinking what I’m thinking. “No, he doesn’t,” she whispers. “But Kayn does.” “But surely Rhaast will have destroyed Kayn when he took over?” Varus says almost confused. He jumps from where he’s been sat, his eyes going to Zoe. “But hosts can live in the mind of their darkin? Right?” Zoe looks at him, her eyes meeting his and I watch the pink that paints his cheeks as he glances away. “Er yeah. Sometimes. But it’s rare. Very rare. I can’t imagine Rhaast would allow it.” “Who says he allowed it? Kayn is the most stubborn asshole I know,” I say, pulling my knife back out from my pocket and looking at it. If my friend is still in there, I’ll get him back. Somehow. “Does this mean we can’t blow him up?” Jinx asks almost disappointed. “It could be a trick Zoe. Rhaast is devious,” Varus warns.“Do darkin know everything the host can do?” Zoe looks straight at Varus, her eyes holding his.“Er, I’m honestly not sure.”“Well think Varus. Hypothetically, if a darkin took over a human, maybe even two humans, would that darkin know everything those humans knew? Would the darkin be able to replicate knowledge only the humans had? Something the darkin had never known how to do?” Her tone is so cold as she stares at him. I understand why she’s like this. She wants more than anything for that to have been Kayn signing to her. Because if it was, it means he’s still in there, somewhere. Varus’ head twitches before he looks back at Zoe. “Probably not. Not a skill like sign language. But still, Zoe, it’s an awful risk to take. He might not know sign language, he may have just learned that one gesture,” Varus tells her. But Zoe doesn’t look like she’s listening. Biting her lip, she turns around to look at where Neeko is sat. “He might have,” she says her tone softening. “But what if there’s something Rhaast can’t control? What if we had someone that could see something that other people can’t see?” Everyone else turns to look at Neeko. “Sho’ma,” Neeko says softly and Zoe nods. “Neeko, you saw Rhaast’s sho’ma in Kayn right from the start. Can it work the other way around? Could you see if Kayn’s sho’ma is still there?” Zoe asks, her voice on the edge of pleading. “Maybe. When the monster appeared, I saw its sho’ma and it was red and scary. But, when Zoe showed up, Neeko thought she saw something else. But I can’t be certain. Neeko’s head is very swimmy right now,” she admits, her hand going to her head. “Just so I’m totally clear here, are we saying that Neeko might be able to see Kayn’s spirit colour on that creature?” Ekko asks, looking around us. “Yes. All people have one colour. But Kayn always had two. Neeko never knew why. Now I do,” Neeko says her eyes looking around us all but I notice them rest on Varus. Ok. This could work. Stepping forward, my movement causes everyone to look at me. “Here’s the plan,” I tell them all. “Zoe, you and I will go near that thing. We talk to Kayn, not Rhaast. We keep our distance, but we talk to him. See if we can drag his senses out. If you being near him brought him round enough to try and sign, if we talk to him, maybe Neeko will see his sho’ma,” I explain. “So what do we do?” Ekko asks, pointing at his chest. “You guys wait here,” Zoe says gently. “It won’t take all of us. We aren’t going there to fight, just long enough to see if Kayn is still alive somewhere in Rhaast’s mind.” “Someone needs to stay with Neeko. The cut on her arm is quite deep. We can’t have Rhaast get near her. He needs to focus on you and me, but I’d be happier if someone else was keeping an eye on Neeko,” I say, looking at the others. “Rakan, you’re with us,” Zoe looks over at him. “Why me?” Rakan points at himself. “Because Talon is right and Neeko doesn’t look well. You’re the biggest. I want you to carry her,” Zoe orders. Rakan looks to Xayah who just nods. “Go. I’ll look after these guys.” “We won’t be long,” Zoe says as Rakan scoops Neeko up. The four of us creep down the corridor. Zoe’s dropped us off in a building away from the field. It’s odd with the school being so quiet right now. In fact it’s downright creepy, but it does at least make it easy to listen out for Rhaast. “So what happened yesterday?” Zoe whispers as we check around a nearby corner but see nothing other than empty classrooms. I look at her, her face worried as I give a sigh. “We argued,” I say softly. “I knew he wasn’t well. I tried to help him, but he went off on one. That creature told him something. Something about me. A secret that I hadn’t told Kayn and, um, I think Kayn felt like I’d betrayed him.” God he’s such an idiot. I wanted to tell him. Why didn’t he realise that? Why did he believe that demon over me? “What secret? Y’know, if you want to tell me. I’d totally get why not. Given everything that’s happening right now gossiping probably isn’t ideal. But god I hope he’s in there. I hope we can save him,” Zoe rambles nervously as we head over to a nearby door. I peer through the glass. But outside everything looks calm. “Don’t worry, it’s not a secret anymore. I don’t mind telling you. Um, well, er, well, it was that I’m gay,” I say, blushing from admitting it. Everyone might know it, but it’s still hard to voice outloud. But Zoe just smiles at me. “Ah, that’s a big secret. I take it Rhaast had heard you talk about it at some point?” “Guess so. We got into a fight over it. I went to talk to him last night but couldn’t find him anywhere,” I sigh. Outside the weather is lovely. It’s warm, bright sunshine, but I haven’t felt warm since I came into school this morning. I constantly feel cold. Not to mention there’s just this cloud of danger hanging over the school. When I can see him, I know where he is, I can focus on him, but this not knowing is terrifying. “Ok, Rakan, take Neeko over there,” Zoe points to a picnic table. “Hide behind it. The moment you see something, anything, please let us know. Talon, we’ll distract him, but remember, talk to Kayn. Keep your distance but try and reach him. I’ll do the same.” I give a slow nod as we split up. “For what it’s worth, if we get him back, I’m going to kick his ass for arguing with you over a secret. What is he, twelve?” Zoe half laughs before wiping at her eyes. “If he’s in there Zoe there’s not going to be any ‘ifs’. We are getting him back,” I say, standing with her. There’s a slight nod of her head before she cups her hands to her lips and starts to shout. “Rhaast! Hey Rhaast you jackass, where are you? There’s an Aspect here ready to kick your ass again. Come on Whiskers.” Nothing around us stirs at all. In my hand I grip my knife. I know it’ll do absolutely nothing against that monster, but I feel better having it with me. “Where’s he gone?” Zoe whispers, her eyes scanning the ground. “Maybe he left the campus?” I suggest, but Zoe shakes her head. “He won’t. Not with me here. He wants me dead first and foremost. I’m going to guess that me and Varus are pretty high up on his ‘wants us dead’ list given we know the most about him.” Another minute or so passes, and still nothing. We edge further away, constantly looking around, jumping at any noise or shadow. “Yo Rhaast! Where you at you fucking asshole? Don’t think I’m done with you yet!” I yell out, my voice echoing around the buildings. Beside me I hear Zoe chuckle and glance at her. “That is the first time I’ve ever heard you yell like that. And swearing too. What will your sisters say,” she teases, my cheeks blushing. “He’s really pissed me off today,” I admit. Another minute passes. And then another. Could he have wandered off? I’d hate to think what he’d do to some poor soul walking past him. However a rumbling laughter seems to sound around us. Even with my training I can’t pinpoint the source. Where is he? “The Aspect and Talon, ready to die,” I hear him laugh and before I even know where to look. I’m intuitively leaping over a swing of a scythe, the blade passing where I’d been stood. Tumbling to the floor I leap to my feet and face the creature, my small knife held before me. “Kayn, it’s Talon,” I call out, taking several steps back. “Your best friend Talon. And you are my friend. Even though you shouted out my secret. Even though you think I can’t talk to my other friends about this, you’re still my best friend.” I try and keep my voice calm, but that monster just smirks at me. “He can’t hear you Talon. He’s gone,” Rhaast hisses at me. “I love you Kayn,” Zoe calls from the other side and the creature leaves me, whipping it’s head round to look at her. She just stands there, no weapon, dressed in some really odd clothes, even for her, her wide eyes just staring at this monster before her. “Remember the day we first met and I told you I was an Aspect? You told me I was crazy, but you let me go with you. We did so much together. I’m sorry I had to leave you. I’m sorry you went through this and I wasn’t here. But I’m here now,” she tells him, a smile on her face as tears flow from her eyes. “I’m here Kayn. And I’m not leaving you. Never again. This creature isn’t you. You’re Shieda Kayn. You’re so strong. Stronger than a dumb cat. And I love you. I’ve loved you for a while, I just didn’t realise. But I do.” The creature growls, striding towards her with that weapon raised. But Zoe never breaks eye contact. “You once told me, that even though I’m always trying to be happy and perky, that I could have bad days too. That I could be sad. Well the same goes for you. I know you’re strong and stuff, but you’re also allowed to be weak. You’re allowed to ask for help. I’m here. I’m always here for you. Goddammit do you not know how much I love you?” She stamps her foot as the blade is swung at her and I feel my stomach drop. I find myself moving forward, but the blade stops. A trickle of blood runs down her arm where it’s pressed against her skin, but it doesn’t go further. I watch the monster’s arms shaking and hear Rakan whistle. I look over and he gestures at Neeko. The vastayan girl nods her head at me. “Zoe,” I call over, but she’s just staring at the monster. “I’m here Kayn,” she weeps. “And I’m going to come and get you. I promise.” She drops into a portal as the monster roars. She pops up beside me and pushes me into a portal where I drop back out in a classroom falling onto the floor to the sounds of shock form the others. A moment later and Rakan and Neeko fall beside me, Zoe landing with far more grace than we did. “My stomach,” Rakan gyps, his hand going to his mouth. “What did you see?” Zoe asks, looking at Neeko. “Please Neeko, tell me you saw something?” Neeko looks over at her, her face very pale, but she gives a strong nod of her head. “Blue. Neeko saw blue. A flash of blue surrounded by the red. It was Kayn’s blue. Neeko is sure.” “So what now?” I ask, looking at the girl who jumps into the air, her long hair floating beside her as she crosses her legs, her hand going to her chin. “We get him back,” she says, determination filling every word.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe The blade stopped. It stopped. Around me I hear the others talking. Questions being asked about what happened. But my fingers dance over the cut on my arm. It’s not deep. Nothing like I think Neeko has. It’s enough to bleed, but that’s it. Because the swing was forced to a halt. Rhaast didn’t stop it. Why would he? He’s wanted me dead for ages. In fact he very much wants me dead now. Kayn isn’t gone, and Rhaast is scared he’ll fight back. That has to be it. Aurelion Sol told me I could use my magic to help Kayn’s spirit. But how do I do that? Rhaast isn’t going to let me get close enough to try. Not after what just happened. He’s going to do everything he can to keep me far away from talking to Kayn. And how do I even make sure it’s Kayn I’m talking to? His soul is trapped inside of a darkin. Come on Zoe. Think. What can you do? You need to talk to your dumbass boyfriend and not the darkin currently in charge of things. But how? How do I do that? That’s when I feel the weight in my pocket. I’d totally forgotten about that. As I hear Xayah talking to Talon and Taliyah talking to Rakan and Neeko, I take out the pretty blue knife I have on me. I hold it out on my palm, admiring the blue swirls over the blade, the way the colours blend and merge. What if I could create a focal point? What if I could create a connection to something Kayn cares about? This is so dumb. So, so dumb. Even by my standards it’s dumb. But I’m willing to try anything right now. “I have an idea,” I say softly, gripping the knife in my hand. I hear the others go silent and can feel their gaze on me, but I just stay focused on the weapon. “It’s a crazy idea. Super crazy. But I think I might be able to connect my spirit with Kayn’s. If I can reach him, whatever is still there, I might be able to help him fight Rhaast from the inside.” I lift my head now, looking at the others. They look confused, all of them. But I don’t blame them. Even I’m not sure this will work. “Your soul?” Rakan asks, cocking his head in his confusion. His mouth opens as if to say more but he just shakes his head. “How can Zoe’s spirit reach Kayn’s?” Neeko asks gently. My eyes go to her as she sits on a desk, her right arm looking such a mess. She’s my friend. A great friend. She has gone along with every dumb stunt I’ve asked for her help with, and in that whole time I’ve never told her my biggest secret. In fact it sounds like Keeping secrets from each other has got us into this mess. We’re friends. Why did we never feel we could tell each other things? Kayn needed more help from people. He should have turned to these guys for that help instead of hiding Rhaast from them. “Because I’m powerful. Really powerful,” I say keeping my eyes on Neeko. “No more secrets. You’re my friends. I’m an Aspect. The Aspect of Twilight. It’s why I can create portals and make things from stars. I have travelled the universe and seen so much. My magic is strong. Strong enough that I’ve been buffering Kayn from the darkin. I wasn’t here because I needed to talk to someone about the darkin. I needed help too. I think I can use my magic to help Kayn’s soul. But I need to reach him first. And I think I might need you guys to help. It’ll be so dangerous for you though.” “I heard stories of the Aspects when I was a fledgling. Those were about you?” Rakan asks, pointing over at me. When I nod he just seems to muse on it before adding on “cool.” “Wait, what the heck Sparkles? You’re a creature from fairy stories too? So we got the big guy downstairs from kids stories and you?” Ekko has an incredulous look on his face before he glances around at the others. “Anyone else? Anyone else some mystical, magical fable? Speak now?” He gestures with his hands and clearly doesn’t expect anyone else to speak up. “Maybe one more,” Varus coughs, his head almost bowed from where he’s stood near to Talon. “Seriously?” Ekko asks dryly. Again Varus just nods before awkwardly pulling on the white collar of his school shirt. “I guess. I’m a darkin too. Like Rhaast,” he explains, his face going bright red. The others step back from him, but not Talon who steps in front of him. “Doesn’t matter guys. Varus is on our side,” Talon says. “Yeah, but how do we know that? Big and ugly out there wants us dead. Maybe he’s a plant?” Jinx suggests. “Neeko trusts Varus. Varus has helped us lots. Neeko does not think Rhaast would ever help us. And Neeko has a secret too, though I think you all already know it. But Neeko can change. I can become people,” she says softly. “Thanks Neeko,” Varus smiles over at her. “Neeko is right. Rhaast and Varus are different. Rhaast wants us dead and Varus is helping us stay alive. And if we’re sharing secrets, you’ve all probably heard it by now, but yeah, I’m gay. And apparently me not telling that to my best friend caused him to become a demon. So no more secrets,” Talon says almost defiantly, though his cheeks have gone scarlet. If this works, Kayn needs to apologise to him. Because Talon has his back no matter what. Even when he’s trapped in a darkin. “You got anything you’d like to share?” Xayah asks, looking at Ekko. “Yeah, apparently all my close friends are freaks. But they’re my freaks. So come on Sparkles, you sounded like you had a plan so let’s hear it,” Ekko smirks at me. “Let’s get Hot Topic back.” “I came up with that originally,” Jinx brags before also grinning at me. “Hit us with it Zoe. What we gotta do?” The others look at me too, they’re determined to help. They know what they’re up against, but they want to do this. Kayn, I hope you realise how lucky you are. “Guys this won’t be easy,” I warn, dropping to the floor and standing there. I hold out the knife before me. “This is Kayn’s most favourite possession. When I came back, my portal brought me out where this knife was because my magic strongly associates it with him. I think, if I can stab Rhaast with this, I might be able to reach Kayn through it. I don’t know if it’ll work, but it’s the best I’ve got. So I need help getting it into him. After that I don’t know what will happen, but I think if Rhaast is busy, he’ll be less able to focus on what I’m trying to do with my magic,” I explain. Is this a dumb plan? It feels like it is. But the others don’t seem to think so. They look between each other and then back to me. “We’ll keep him busy Zoe,” Rakan smiles at me. “You rescue Kayn.” “We’ll need more of us,” Talon says, looking around us. “Fighting Rhaast wiped all of us out, including Varus. The only one that can stand up to him is you. If we don’t have you, we’ll need more people. The more of us there are the less chance of us tiring.” “Everyone else is in the gym,” Ekko thumbs towards the wall, though I don’t think the gym is in that direction. “How are we supposed to get to them with scythe dude running around?” “Portals. Who’s coming?” I ask, looking around them all. Trust Talon to come up with a great plan. “Zoe, give me the knife,” Talon tells me. “We’ll find Rhaast and I’ll get that knife in him. No one is better at throwing things than I am. You take Ekko and get help then come find us.” “We’ll need people with shields. And magic,” Xayah says, a slight smirk on her face. I think she’s enjoying fighting like this. “Babe, you go with Talon. Keep them safe. Ekko, I’m coming with you guys. I’ll help persuade people.” “Me too. Um. I’d like to come too,” Taliyah smiles. “I can’t do much else here so maybe I could help there?” “Right. Lets go,” I smile creating a portal in the air. The others don’t look quite as enthusiastic, but I dive through, finding myself popping out in the middle of the gym. There’s the low-level rumble of people chatting as the students stand around in their friendship groups. The teachers however seem to be having a very loud discussion at one side of the room. I can see Ms Laurent arguing with another member of staff, her scowl embedded deep on her face. Behind me, the others step out, looking slightly queasier than I am. Could the staff help us? They are pretty strong. I reckon they could hold Rhaast off for a bit. And technically their job is to keep us all safe right? Well we aren’t safe right now. And Kayn is very not safe. Flying over I drop down next to them, my arrival garnering their interest. “Zoe, we’re very busy right now,” Ms Laurent tells me, her fingers slightly caressing the top of her nose. “You. You’re friends with Neeko. Did you know she can shapeshift?” Professor Graves points at me. I just point at my chest, feigning innocence. I’m not wholly sure what I’ve missed honestly. “No. But also not important. Hi, we have a bit of an emergency. See there’s a darkin on school grounds. Well it’s not really a darkin, I mean he totally is, but he’s also sort of Kayn. Kayn’s turned into a darkin and I need help to get him back. But the darkin is pretty interested in killing us all. But we can’t kill him because that would kill Kayn. What I’m asking is if you guys could just keep him busy for a bit for me?” I bat my eyelids at them as I ramble through my question, at a million words a second. “What?” Professor Swain just stares at me. “Darkin. Wants to kill us. Is actually Kayn. You can’t kill it. I need help keeping it busy,” I give them the TLDR version, but it doesn’t ease up their confused expressions. “Darkins are stories Zoe,” Professor Graves sighs at me. I point to the very obvious gash on my arm. “This isn’t a papercut,” I say dryly. “Are you saying there really is a creature on campus?” Ms Laurent asks and I just nod my head, my hair bobbing behind me. “If that’s the case we need to protect the students,” Professor Ryze adds in and I continue to nod. Yes. This is perfect. “All threats to the students should be eliminated,” Professor Camille says in her clipped accent, her glowing eyes looking at me. No. Not perfect. “No. Not eliminate. Just keep busy,” I say, gesturing with my hands. “Sorry Zoe, if something is a threat to the students we can’t mess around with it,” Ms Laurent tells me. “But it’s not a threat. Well it is, but it’s also Kayn. Sort of,” I tell them, my tone getting more panicked. “Talon said something killed Kayn. I assumed he was lying, but looking at your arm are you saying whatever did that is wandering around and may have killed a student?” Professor Graves stares at me, his eyes deadly serious. They’ll kill him if they see Rhaast. I need to do something. “Please don’t be too angry at me,” I half smile before creating a large sleeping bubble and gently tossing it at them. It pops over them and the room around me goes silent as the staff slowly crumple to the ground, fast asleep. I turn and shrug to the others that came through my portal with me. Taliyah looks pale and I don’t know if that’s from the portal or from me putting the staff to sleep, but Xayah smirks before dashing up some of the benches at the side and shouting out to everyone. “Ok everyone, listen up. We’ve got a problem on campus. Darkins are real and there’s a pretty big one wandering around campus with a scythe bigger than Darius. Problem is, the asshole has Kayn’s soul trapped inside of him, so we can’t kill him. Zoe has a plan, but she needs us. We need to keep him busy and occupied. Those of you with magic, with shields, with weapons, we need you. We need to distract him so Zoe can help Kayn. If you think you can’t help, that’s fine, but you’ll need to head over to the dorms. It’ll be safer there. I can take you over. Stay in your dorms and lock the door. You think you can help, then get anything you need but be warned, this bastard hurts. People have already been injured.” “Who’s injured?” Cassiopeia asks, slithering closer to the benches. “How’s my brother?” “Beat up. Talon, Varus and Neeko have all taken a beating. But they need us guys. They need us. Zoe needs us and Kayn needs us. And I’m not about to let a monster think he can do what he likes in my school,” Xayah folds her arms, her sharp eyes looking down at people. “Zoe, go. Get back to Talon. You get through to Kayn ok?” Ekko tells me, running over to me. “We’ll get these guys over there. But you go help the others.” “Will you be ok?” I ask before looking around at everyone. This is my school. These are my classmates. I can’t let that monster do what he likes, but at the same time I’m reluctant to leave. “We got this Sparkles. You go help Kayn. He needs you right now,” Ekko smiles, his hand resting on my shoulder as he smiles at me. I give a nod before flashing a thumbs up at Xayah and dropping into a portal. I pop up behind some bushes near the cookery classroom windows. My arrival causes several people to startle, but no one makes much of a noise. Talon gestures over towards where several trees are laying cleaved in two. Standing beside them, Rhaast has one hand to his head. We’re too far away to hear, or even see clearly, but I swear he’s talking to himself. “Zoe, Neeko keeps seeing blue flashes,” Neeko whispers to me, crawling closer to me. “But the red is smothering them. Like if you squeeze a candle flame between your fingers.” She imitates the motion of putting out a candle for me. I need to get to him. It’s a miracle he didn’t die straight away. But he surely can’t hold out much longer by himself. “You ready?” Talon whispers, his hand clutching the knife. Taking a deep breath, I nod at him. “Zoe, make sure you bring him back to us. We’ll do our part here. Please find him though.” I nod again as Talon vanishes. The only sign he’s moving is the way the branches of the bush flutter silently. “You got this Zoe. If anyone can beat the darkins, it’s the Aspect of Twilight,” Varus smiles at me. I offer half a smile back at him. “I guess.” “Neeko will fight the monster here so that Kayn can fight inside of it. I will watch for blue,” Neeko tells me just before she shies back at the sound of a roar that rips across the courtyard. Peering out from behind the bush, Rhaast has doubled up, that blue knife wedged firmly between his shoulder blades. Problem is he seems to be unable to reach it; his shoulders are too broad for him. “Stay safe,” I tell the others before dropping into a portal below me and appearing just behind him. I narrowly avoid a wild swing with the scythe as I flit behind him. Reaching out close my eyes, concentrating on my spirit. On my soul. Come on Aspect, lend me every bit of magic you’ve got. Everything I can do is pointless if I can’t even save one mortal boy from a monster. Please let me find him. I feel my body tingle as my magic builds. My fingers stretch out. In my mind I can see the knife and I feel my fingers touch it for a moment. Just one brief moment. “Kayn,” I whisper.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon If I make it through today with all my limbs intact and I haven’t had a heart attack, I’ll be surprised. Because right now neither look likely. Leaning against a tree, I catch my breath, hiding in the shadows. The roar around me sends goosebumps running up my arms. Peeking round I watch Zoe appear behind Rhaast, watch her body start to take on an odd purple glow before she drops to the ground seemingly lifeless. Is that the plan? Because this is not a good plan. Rhaast spins around and almost smirks when he sees her. He raises his weapon and I find myself bolting from my hiding space. Come on, run faster. However a golden blur slams into him, throwing the creature off balance. The weapon misses Zoe as I skid beside her and pull her up into my arms. She is actually lifeless. “Come on Zoe, don’t you go too,” I tell her as Rakan kicks out at the creature before bouncing over to me, shielding both of us from another swing. “Get her somewhere safe,” I tell him, passing her to the vastayan as I dart away. “Hey Kayn, you still in there? You see that? He almost killed her. Are you really going to let this pet of yours hurt Zoe?” “I don’t know what trick you and the Aspect are playing,” Rhaast hisses at me, his eyes smouldering as he fixes me in his gaze, “but you won’t succeed.” “Trick? There’s no trick. You took our friend. We want him back,” I say back, trying to sound as fierce as I can. All the while my entire body is shaking. “Talon, your friend is dead. He fought me for so long, only to end up feeling betrayed by you. You made my job so much easier,” he tells me, before leaping at me. However a large crimson arrow hits him in the shoulder, knocking him aside as I dart away. “Come on Rhaast. You think we’re going to let you win?” Varus asks, striding over to us. He leaps back as Rhaast lunges at him now, but Varus is agile on a level I never realised. He’s always bad at PE. Varus is one of those guys that can’t catch a ball to save his life. He’s more than likely going to be walking away from whatever sport we’re playing with a bloody nose than actually finish a game. But right now he ducks and dodges aside from everything Rhaast throws at him. His footwork is precise, his eyes watching for any opening to fire a bolt into Rhaast. “You think I’m going to give you a choice Varus? I will find the Aspect, kill her, and then I’ll finish the rest of you off.” “I don’t think you can fight Zoe,” I brag, crouching down, ready to go invisible when he comes for me. “She’s an Aspect after all. You’re just a parasite.” Rhaast seems to laugh before catching Varus with the shaft of the scythe, slamming it into his chest and forcing him back. “Tell me Talon, has your friend here told you what he is? Or are secrets the status quo here?” I start to run to where they are, but Sona gets there first, a blast of magic from her keytar knocking Rhaast back and allowing Varus to stagger towards me, a hand clutching at his chest, his breaths short and gasping. “He’s a darkin, like you right? What you think I don’t know about my friends? I knew about you, you asshole,” I tell him, and I watch him pause as he recovers from Sona’s attack, his eyes studying me
“Only the Aspect knew about me.”
“Rhaast, no she wasn’t. Do you really think I trip over cats as often as I have been doing?” I don’t let on that I literally found out about this like a fortnight ago. If I can confuse him, I can delay him. “Not to mention I was well aware of what you were Rhaast,” Varus chokes out. “I mean damn, I fought alongside you a thousand years ago. I knew it was you. Not to mention I could hear you. Do you have any idea how hard it is to concentrate in class when I can hear you whining to Kayn about Zoe and hear Val and Kai discussing things? You have been nowhere near as stealthy as you think you were.” “Kai and Val. Your former hosts if I’m not wrong Varus. How is what you did any different to what I did to Kayn?” He pauses in his attacking, leaning onto his weapon and looking at the other guy. A smirk over his monstrous face. “It’s not. Not really. I know that. I took their lives from them to give me life. But without me, Kai would have died. This way at least all three of us still exist,” Varus says but I can sense the unease from him. He looks awkward, uncomfortable with the question. “And I’m sure they must love it. What about Val? He wasn’t dying I assume? I’m guessing he was alive and well when you forcibly took his body. I bet he resents you. I bet he hates you for what you did. And then you come to a school and pretend to be a student, pretend to be normal. But you’re not are you Varus? You’re every bit the monster I am,” Rhaast smirks, a malevolent smoothness to his voice. It’s a tone I recognise well. It’s manipulation. It’s the art that my sister has been taught from my mother. The right tone to use to get people to do what you want, to think what you want them to think and to feel what you want them to feel. Varus glances away for a second, his eyes guarded. “Varus is nothing like you,” I defend him, holding my knife before me as I face down this creature. I’ll admit, I don’t know a whole lot about darkin despite the object of my affection being one and also my best friend having one in him. But right now we all need to stay focused. We can’t let Rhaast get into our heads. That’s what he did to Kayn. He got into his head and clearly played on his weaknesses. I’m not letting him do that to anyone else. “Varus is exactly like me Talon. You want Kayn back so badly, but he’s gone, just like Val, and just like Kai. Varus stole their lives. He and I are exactly the same. The only difference is he’s trying so desperately to appear normal. To pretend to be just like you. But he’s not. He’s like me,” he crows, his voice manipulative. I turn my head to look at Varus, seeing the shame all over his face. Come on Varus, don’t listen to him. But before I can say anything to him, his shoulders sag, his head lolling forward. “Rhaast is it?” He says, looking up, his eyes a deep brown. I turn to the other creature and watch the confusion on his face for a second as he observes Varus. “And who are you?” “Val. The person whose body you say Varus stole. I’ll admit, getting trapped inside of a darkin was never where I saw my life going, but you have to work with what you’ve got. It was my fault Kai and I were there that day. It was my fault we went into that pool. Me. Varus did what was natural. He wanted to live again and in him living, he saved Kai’s life.” “And you think I do not wish to live again? You have no idea how cramped it gets stuck inside of a scythe,” Rhaast almost laughs, rolling his shoulders. “I don’t doubt it. But where’s Kayn? Varus allows Kai and I to take control if we wish to. Will you do the same for Kayn?” “Varus is weak. He should have destroyed both of you when he took control,” Rhaast laughs. “Maybe, but he didn’t. And I don’t take too kindly to you berating him. Varus didn’t join a school to play pretend. He joined a school because he’s a teenager and knows nothing about this world. Teenagers should be in school. Besides, it was my idea he joined. He might be a darkin, like you, but he’s a good kid. Can’t say the same about you. You could do with some love in your life Rhaast. Love beats all,” Val laughs while the hand not holding Varus’ crossbow goes to his hips. “Love? A foolish mortal concept. Darkins shouldn’t allow themselves to be worried by such silly concepts. Kayn loved and look where it got him. He loved that silly girl for ages. Besides, Varus will never know love. You can’t change what he is. Whether he keeps you two around as his pets or not. Nobody will ever love him, and he will never love anyone,” Rhaast continues to laugh as though that is the craziest thing in the world. I know my face goes red; I can feel the way it burns. I turn my eyes to Val and find his already looking at me, a smirk on his face. Hurriedly I glance away, my eyes wide. “I wouldn’t be so sure on that,” Val laughs. “I warn you Rhaast. Love will ruin you. As will giant rockets.” Rhaast looks as confused as I must until a giant blast hits him. The impact throws me back, skidding over the floor and coughing on the smoke. I lay there on the ground, staring at the sky and wondering whether I have the strength to get up. I think I just grazed half my face. Nearby I hear footsteps running over to me and Varus or Val or whoever, kneels beside me. “Sorry. If I told you, he’d have moved too. Didn’t expect the blast to throw you like that. By the way, Talon, you’re a great friend to Kayn. And to Varus. Just don’t hide your feelings from people. Take your chances,” he winks before his eyes fade back to grey and Varus shakes his head. “Val was pissed as hell with Rhaast. Sorry he didn’t tell you about the blast though.” “Jinx?” I ask, sitting up, Varus’ hand going to my back, steadying me. “Jinx.” I hear her laughter, as Rhaast stands back up, a low growl coming from him. Hurriedly I get back to my feet. What do we have to do to keep this guy down? He doesn’t go for Jinx though; he comes straight for us. Nearby I hear music being played and find myself running quicker, Varus beside me as we sprint away from the creature. I leap over a picnic table and hear it get smashed a second later, flecks of broken wood flying past me. If he’s that close to me then surely I’m within striking distance? The answer to my thought is yes, I am. The scythe swings round and I see it coming from me from the corner of my eye. Shit! However a shimmering blue shield surrounds me and the blow merely sends me flying. It hurts when I land, but at least I’m still in one piece. “Talon, are you alright?” Janna asks, running over to me, her long hair streaming behind her. “Janna?” I ask, slightly confused. I’ve landed against a wall and maybe hit my head? I’m not honestly sure but everything is somewhat wobbly right now. “You don’t look alright,” Soraka says, appearing at the other side of me. “What are you guys doing here?” I ask, my words somewhat slurred. I am so damn dizzy right now. “We came to help,” Soraka smiles before pulling out a first aid bag. She rolls up the sleeve of my hoodie to have a look at a cut I seem to have. I feel her wiping over it before sticking a large pad on it to stop the bleeding. A moment later and I feel her wiping something over my face. I think it stings, but honestly I’m not totally sure. “Oh shit,” I point as the monster charges at me. I have no idea where Varus is right now. However before he gets close, a large hammer is swung at him, knocking him back as Poppy lands before us. “So you’re the monster I heard about. Heard you’re messing with our cheer squad. I don’t take too kindly to that,” she tells him, standing between us and him. She turns to look at me, her large ears twitching before she looks back to the monster. “Talon, sit still. Let me have a look at you,” Soraka tells me, trying to have a look at one of my legs. I’ll admit I can’t sit still. I’m terrified he’s going to come for me again. Janna and Soraka are naively calm given how close he is to us. “He ok?” Rakan asks, jumping down from somewhere to join us, Zoe still held in his arms. “Is Zoe ok?” Janna asks, before she looks back to Poppy, a shield appearing around the yordle as she dashes towards Rhaast, knocking him back. “I don’t know,” Rakan admits. “She hasn’t moved since Talon gave her to me.” His eyes look at the girl in his arms and then at me. “Zoe’s sho’ma is very weak,” Neeko says, apparently trailing after Rakan. She really doesn’t look well, and my makeshift bandage has turned bright red. “Neeko. Let me look at your arm,” Soraka fusses. “What happened? This is a really bad cut.” “Um, Rhaast the darkin happened. Neeko got too close,” she says softly as Soraka removes my ripped shirt sleeve from Neeko’s arm and starts to clean the wound. However I look at Zoe. Is her soul in there? Has she done something to try and reach Kayn? Can she do that? Looking back to the monster as he blocks Poppy’s hammer only to take a hit from behind as Ezreal dashes over. A gold gauntlet on his arm fires several shots at the monster before he blinks away from a swing of the scythe. We have people with the right skills to keep Rhaast occupied for a while, but he can still cleave us all in half. Not to mention I feel he has more experience of this than we do. “What the fuck happened to you?” A voice demands from nearby and I look over at my eldest sister. She swaggers over, her red hair pulled back into a ponytail, her school shirt tied like a crop top. And she wonders why she gets uniform detentions? In her hand she carries two lethal daggers. “Alright children, step back. You, what the fuck happened? You look like shit.” She points one of them at me, standing over me. “Nice to see you Kata,” I half smirk at her, though my face aches too much for anything more. “While you’ve been chilling, I’ve been fighting that thing.” She turns to look at the monster and then back at me, her eyes narrowing. “He did that to you?” “Yeah. He’s rather tough.” “Hmm. What’s with the knife in his back? That one of yours?” “No. But we need to keep it there. I think. I threw it but it’s Kayn’s knife.” “And this monster killed him, right? Heard that from Cassi. So, keep the knife in. Can I kill him?” “No. And you won’t be able to. The guy is built like a truck,” I tell her, and watch her smirk at me, a glint in her eyes. “Good. I like a challenge,” she snickers before starting to stride over. “Poppy, cheerboy, back down. This asshole fucked up my brother. I’m about to ruin his whole damn day.” Rhaast starts to laugh at her, swinging his weapon at her, but missing her as Kata has flashed to where she’s already thrown one of her daggers. Good, let him play with her for a bit. “Keeping him occupied might be harder than we thought,” Rakan says, looking at where Poppy and Ezreal look exhausted. We either need more people or a better plan. How can we delay him? Or slow him down? We need to give Zoe time for whatever it is she’s trying to do. “It’s a shame Zoe isn’t here,” Neeko says as Soraka is busy tying a proper bandage around her arm. “When Zoe spoke to him, Kayn’s sho’ma kept flickering. She might have been able to distract him.” “There is no one talking to that thing and reaching Kayn,” Rakan gestures and nearly drops Zoe. “Besides, does Kayn even have anyone else he cares about? Because no offence Talon, but you’ve nearly died a hell of a lot and you’re his best friend. If he’s not hearing you, who would he hear?” “Rakan you’re a genius,” I click my fingers, looking back at where my sister is hopping about, slicing at the darkin’s arms and generally frustrating him. This is a crazy idea, but it might work. It might buy us time. “I mean I know,” he swaggers. “But um, why?” “How long can you all keep him busy for?” I look at Rakan and Neeko. “We aren’t doing a great job right now. Why?” Rakan asks, looking confused. “Because there is someone else that might be able to reach Kayn while Zoe isn’t here. Guys, keep him busy. Spread the word to anyone helping that the knife stays in his back, he stays alive, but beyond that keep him busy.” I stand up and look at my sister again. How fast can I run? I feel like I can barely walk right now, but I’m going to have to block that out. I need to sprint. “Talon has a plan?” Neeko asks and I nod, a smirk on my face. “I do. Neeko, Rakan, I need you guys to keep Zoe safe. We need her. But I do have plan. Make sure we get as many people as possible keeping him busy. I promise I’m coming back,” I say before turning my back on my friends and starting to run away. Past the school buildings past the dorms and far away from Rhaast. I’m not sure if this is safer than facing the monster or more dangerous, but I’ll try it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe I feel like someone has just slammed a supernova into me. Raising a hand to my head I look around and see literally nothing. And I mean that. It’s pitch black. Moving forward I realise I’m not actually walking on the ground, there is no ground. Where am I? That’s when my mind realises about the heat. It is everywhere. A thick, miasma threatening to choke me. Why is it so hot? I take a moment to try and compose myself, to use my magic and try and relieve some of the oppressive heat from me. Kayn. That’s what I was doing. I was trying to reach Kayn. Is that where I am now? “Kayn?” I cough out, flitting about as I look for him. “Kayn?” Come on Kayn. The others can’t stand up to this creature. They need me. They need you. “Kayn?” I shout his name out, my hands cupped around my lips, but the air just seems to swallow my words. “It’s me, Zoe. Kayn where are you?” I swivel in the air, looking for him. With a suddenness that causes my heart to nearly stop, the darkness around me vanishes and is replaced with a room. Yellowed wallpaper hangs off the walls in places while it’s been completely ripped off in others. A faded brown settee is pushed up against one wall, rubbish strewn over it in the form of crisp packets, cans of alcohol and a stack of empty takeaway boxes. A small electric heater with a broken leg leans against the corner of the room while above me somewhere I can hear raised voices. An argument between two people, the sounds of which seem to shake the walls. Landing in the room, I look over to the playpen that sits in the centre of the room. Its white bars are scuffed and dirty, and sitting inside of it is a toddler who looks to be too old for something so small. His dark hair is unruly as he plays with an empty plastic bottle, running it over the bars. Every so often the toddler twitches, flinching from the sound of the yelling above. A crash behind me causes me to spin and look at the man that has slammed the door open. He’s tall, with a face that makes it nearly impossible to tell his age. Dark circles under his eyes and deep lines on his forehead, yet I get the feeling he’s not as old as he first looks. The child stops and looks up before subconsciously backing himself into the corner of his pen. The man mutters something, too low for me to hear as he strides towards the frightened child. He kicks the playpen, laughing when the child jumps. He holds his bottle to his chest almost protectively. With a laugh, the man reaches in, snatching it from the child’s small hands and clipping him around the face with it before he wanders off. Cautiously I step closer, watching as the little boy sniffles. Grimy hands go his eyes, balling into fists as he rubs away the tears. “Are you ok?” I ask softly, almost on instinct. But of course, the boy doesn’t hear me. He can’t hear me. Because this isn’t real. This is a memory. From behind I hear more footsteps and the man returns, sniggering to himself as he empties the now full bottle over the child. The cold-water splashes over him, causing him to whimper before the bottle is tossed aside and the man heads back upstairs, the yelling starting up again. I look at the little boy, watching him shiver, watching him sit there, wide, pained eyes searching the room for anything good. Anything hopeful. But there’s nothing. “You were never wanted. Never needed. A nuisance from the start.” I hear Rhaast’s voice almost reverberate around me. “No one ever wanted me,” another voice says, and I spin on my toes to look at Kayn. My Kayn. He stands to the side in nothing more than his school trousers. The darkin corruption has fully taken his arm and spread over his chest and left side of his face. His long hair hangs loose down his back and his eyes just stare at the child. I smile at him, but there’s no recognition on his face. Even when I wave. He can’t see me. He can’t see me? How can I help him? “Kayn,” I start, but he walks past me, standing by the play pen and looking in at the wet, sniffling child. “I’ve always wanted you,” I blurt out, stepping closer to him. “Ever since I came to this world, you’ve always been my favourite person. Even when you don’t want me there, I still am. You mean everything to me.” But my words don’t reach him. He cocks his head up to the ceiling, listening to the arguing. “I never asked to be born. All I ever do is get in people’s way,” he mumbles, his eyes fixed on the little boy. “Don’t say that. You never get in my way. Ever.” Soundlessly the scenery shifts, and I find myself standing outside a park. Through the railings several children laugh and chase around a climbing frame while buried under their thick coats and woolly hats. Beside me stands a very cold looking child, probably around five. He wraps his thin arms around himself, his t-shirt too short on him. Looking over his shoulder he leaves the railings and heads over towards a bench with the man from earlier on. A woman sits beside him and the two of them are loudly laughing and swearing while drinking from several bottles. “Hey. I want to go play,” young Kayn says, pointing back towards the park. His sunken cheeks are red as he stares at the adults with his bright amber eyes. They look at him and laugh. Annoyed his little cheeks puff up, a scowl coming to his face. “Let me go play.” His voice is so painfully young, yet he’s trying to stand up for himself. The woman says they’re going soon, but they don’t. They sit there, getting drunk as Kayn wanders around. At one point he gets a punch to the arm. With a yelp he scurries off, sitting on a bench and pulling his scrawny legs up to his chin, watching the other children play. Several people walk past, but no one talks to him. No one asks him if he’s ok. “You see? You’ve always been invisible. No one has ever cared for you. No one ever will,” Rhaast crows as my Kayn walks past the bench, his eyes looking at the child before going to a man walking past. He tuts at the adults but ignores the beaten-up boy. “No one stopped. It was freezing. I was so cold and hungry, and no one stopped,” he whispers, just staring at his younger self. “I’d have stopped,” I tell him, hurrying to his side. “I’d have asked if you were ok. I always notice when you’re hurt. You don’t even have to say anything. I notice,” I tell him, but still he can’t hear me. “I was just a child,” he says, a slight snap to his words as he glares back to the drunken adults. “I was a little kid.” “You deserved better Kayn. You really did. But it’s in the past now. It’s gone. You can’t change it. But you can change your future. That has me in it. Doesn’t that sound exciting?” I stand beside him, wrapping my arms around his torso, though I don’t think he can feel me. Still I try, channelling my magic into him. “You can’t save him Aspect,” Rhaast hisses and I leap back, watching as a shadowy version of him walks around Kayn, a claw resting on Kayn’s shoulder. “He’s mine. Any moment now his mind will break. And you, well, you won’t even last that long. With your soul in here, your body is unprotected. I wonder, will you feel my blade slice into your gut in here when I kill you?” My body? Oh I hope the others can keep me safe. No, I know they can. I trust them. I don’t have to worry about that. Right now I have to focus on Kayn. “I’m not scared of you Rhaast. I’m going to save Kayn,” I warn him. But he just laughs, his claws moving up to Kayn’s face, but he doesn’t seem to be able to see Rhaast any clearer than he can see me. His eyes go blank and once again the scenery around us switches. We’re no longer outside, but in a dark room. A rack of weapons hangs on one wall while dark columns rise up from the floor to the ceiling. I peer around before hearing the sound of something clashing. Spinning around I look at where a slightly older Kayn grips a wooden pole in bloodied hands. He’s maybe ten? Before him stands a man with pure white hair and scarlet eyes. He uses his pole to parry blows from Kayn before striking him in his chest, winding the boy and forcing him to the ground. “I can’t do it!” Kayn yells angrily, but silent tears fall from a bruised face. “Stand back up.” “No,” he scowls, folding his arms. “Take up your weapon Kayn and come at me again.” “No. You’re no better than them you know. Do adults all get some sick fun from beating up kids?” He scrubs at his nose. “Pick up your weapon Kayn or I shall come at you without it.” “No,” he huffs, sitting there with his arms still tightly folded. The man vanishes into shadows and the young boy glances around uneasily. The wooden pole the man had been holding drops to the floor, the sound seeming louder than it should. Kayn startles, leaping to his bare feet and looking around. Protectively he grabs for his pole, but his hands have barely moved for it before a knife is slipped under his chin. “When I tell you to pick up your weapon and continue Kayn. You will continue,” the man hisses and Kayn just looks frozen, his body not daring to move. “Hardly the way a teacher should treat a student. You master doesn’t care for you either,” Rhaast crows and my Kayn just stares at the scene. I watch as the knife is pressed into the boy’s skin, a thin line of blood appearing and my Kayn holds his own fingers to his neck, tracing over a scar long since gone. “Kayn, ignore him. You love your master; I know you do. He’s hard on you but you know how much you’ve grown while training with him. You can’t see it, but when you talk about your training, sometimes your eyes just light up. When you get missions and you get to show just what you can do, you get so excited. I see it. I notice, because I notice everything you do. Rhaast isn’t your friend. He doesn’t care about you. He wants you to give up. He wants you to feel alone. But you’re not alone. Not while I’m here,” I remind him. For a moment I watch him shake his head and I’m not sure if that’s to my words or Rhaast’s. Then he looks back to the vision around us. “I was a good student. I was his best. But he never saw me as that. He saw me as a nuisance. Like everyone else sees me,” he snaps, his hands now going to his scalp. He clutches at his hair, anguish painting his face. “It’s not fair. It’s never been fair.” “I could make it fair. I could make it all go away,” Rhaast almost purrs now. “Kayn ignore him. Ignore him,” I yell running back to him and gripping him tight. “I’m here. I’m right here with you.” “You can’t win Aspect.” Around us I hear voices and realise we’re at school. Or at least school last year. Students walk past us as we’re nothing more than ghosts here. Kayn’s hands leave his hair as he glances around and I seize the chance to grab his corrupted hand, squeezing it tightly in mine and trying to share my magic with him. “Shieda Kayn!” I hear professor Graves’ voice boom down the corridor, several students freezing as he comes barrelling down the corridor towards where Kayn is stood. There’s bruising around his eye and I watch his shoulders slump as he glances to Talon who’s stood beside him. “What?” Kayn asks dismissively. Wait, something’s wrong. I watch as Professor Graves starts to yell at him in the corridor. Students stopping to watch the spectacle which only makes Kayn more agitated. But there’s something missing. Or rather someone missing. Where am I? I remember this. Kayn had got into a fight with Jarvan. And while Kayn had taken some good hits, Jarvan had come off worse. His parents were not happy apparently. Professor Graves yelled at him in the corridor, but I was there. I argued that Jarvan was also at fault, but Professor Graves told me to be quiet. “Go to hell,” Kayn yells at the member of staff before getting marched down the corridor, much to the joy of the other students. My eyes rove around their faces. The vision isn’t perfect. Their faces aren’t quite right, but I can recognise everyone. I can see Talon sighing, watch as he explains to Ekko what’s happened. But I trailed after the professor and Kayn until professor Graves slammed a door in my face. Hurt my nose. “Cheater!” I scream out, watching as that shadowy form reappears, smirking at me. “You’ve removed me. You’ve removed me from these memories. Put me in you dirty cheat and then we’ll see who wins!” “Don’t you find it fascinating? Two immortal beings such as us fighting over the same mortal. And it’s not like there’s anything special about him, not really. He’s just a boy. But here we are.” “Then why don’t you get lost? Just leave him alone?” I demand. “He might not be special to you, but he is to me. Go infect someone else.” “And give up a body like Kayn’s? No chance Aspect. This boy has skills I can use. Besides, why would I move onto someone else when this body is so close to being mine forever?” He laughs at me as I hold Kayn’s hand as tightly as I can. I’m helpless as the scene around us shows Kayn getting punched by Darius. I watch my Kayn get angrier, his face scowling at what we can see. But once again I’m not there. You can’t even hear what’s being said clearly because it revolved around me. But Rhaast won’t show him that. “With me in charge, no one will ever hurt you again,” Rhaast continues to tempt him. Come on Zoe, think. You’re running out of time. If Rhaast kills you, it’s game over and if he breaks Kayn it’s game over. What am I supposed to do? “Kayn, I can’t guarantee you’ll never be hurt again if you fight him and win, but I can guarantee that you won’t go through it alone. You’ll have me. You’ll have our friends. They’re all fighting so hard for you. And I know you’re trying to fight back. I know you are because you stopped that blade from hitting me. You stopped him. That was you. Because you’re strong. You’re so strong,” I tell him, wiping at my own eyes as I cough over a sob. I can’t lose him like this. I just can’t. “You won’t win Aspect. He can’t see or hear you, and now, he doesn’t even remember you. The Aspect of Twilight is nothing more than a fairy story to him.” I push my magic into him, closing my eyes and concentrating on it. I think about when I stopped Rhaast from taking over at the shopping centre. When my magic beat him back. But right now it doesn’t seem to help at all. Around us I hear words being yelled by voices I don’t recognise. At each phrase I feel Kayn tense up. His body flinching from them. “Worthless.” “Unwanted.” “Nuisance.” “I wish you hadn’t been born.” “You’re wrong in the head.” “What the hell is wrong with you?” Beside me Kayn screams, his hand getting yanked from mine as he holds them to his face. He shakes his head as if trying to disrupt the thoughts. But the words keep coming. “Waste of space.” “I wish you were dead.” “If you died no one would care.” “No one loves you. No one ever will.” He slumps to his knees, his breathing raspy as he tries to shout over them, but he can’t escape them. “You are wanted. You are loved. I want you. I love you!” I tell him, throwing my arms around him as he just starts to sob. “I’m not leaving you Kayn. I can’t change your past. I really can’t. I’m sorry all of this happened to you. You didn’t deserve it. But I’m here now. I’m here and I’m not leaving.” He doesn’t respond though. He just sobs to himself those awful words echoing around us. No one deserves what he went through. No one. How I wish I’d met him earlier. How I wish I could have been there for him. But I’m here now. “I’ll protect you Kayn. I promise,” I whisper, my hand stroking down his hair. And then, just for a moment, the voices seem to dim. Their words are still audible but, just for a second, I hear someone laughing. Not a jeering laugh or a sneer, but a giggly, bubbly laugh. It sounds so out of place but it’s there. And for that moment his breathing softens, his body no longer shaking. That’s my laugh.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko “Where are you Aspect!” the creature roars. “What is that fucker made of?” Katarina asks as we hide in a doorway. She did a very good job of keeping the monster busy, but she got too close and has injured her leg. Soraka fusses over the wound, cleaning it and making sure a clean bandage is on it. She also put a new bandage on Neeko’s arm, but it still hurts, a lot. And Neeko keeps going very dizzy. “Pure evil?” Rakan suggests, holding Zoe. “Souls of the dead? I don’t know. Have you seen him?” He juggles holding Zoe while trying to gesture toward where the monster can be heard. I think Lux, Jinx and a few others are trying to slow him down right now. “We need a plan. He’s going to kill someone if we’re not careful,” Taliyah says. Her and Ekko have returned from getting other students to come and help. And lots of help has come. But Neeko would feel a lot better if Zoe would come back to us. We can distract the monster, but that seems to be all, I think Zoe is the only one that can actually fight him properly. “What we need is to limit his access to that weapon. That’s the dangerous thing. That blade is crazy sharp,” Xayah says, almost standing guard over us. “If we can lure him back inside, he can’t use it as easily.” “How do we lure him?” Ekko asks as we hear the creature roar again followed by people shouting. “The monster does not seem to like Zoe. He’s looking for her,” I point out, everyone looking at Neeko. “Rakan is very fast. Perhaps we could lure him indoors again?” “That’s a good plan actually Neeko. Plus there are places you’d be able to hide inside. Can you keep her out of his reach?” Xayah looks to Rakan who nods a smirk on his face as he holds Zoe tightly. “I can run faster than he can.” “Right, the main building has lots of corridors. We lure him in there. Make sure that monster sees you. Neeko, stay with Rakan and Zoe. Katarina, you think you can get round to the others? Let them know we’re moving indoors?” Xayah continues to build on Neeko’s idea. “Huh, you think this injury will stop me? I’ll pass your message on birdy,” she smirks before limping off. Soraka just shakes her head. “This monster won’t have to finish you all off. You’ll all do that yourselves,” she sighs. “Remind me later to deck her for that ‘birdy’ comment,” Xayah seethes before looking at Rakan. She leans up to him, kissing him softly. “Now go. I’m counting on you babe. Keep Zoe and Neeko safe. I’ll gather the others and we’ll follow after you. Get inside and hide somewhere. We’ll keep him busy till either Talon or Zoe get back.” “Right. Come on Neeko,” Rakan says heading out of the doorway and into the open spaces between the school buildings. Carefully we creep forward. The scariest thing about this monster is that if you can’t see him, he could appear anywhere. I always thought Kayn’s magic to walk through walls was very cool to see, but not right now. Right now it is very, very scary. “Xayah said he has to see Rakan and Zoe,” I remind him. Rakan nods his head, his large ears twitching as his eyes scan around us. But it’s suddenly all gone very quiet. “I know what she said. I love that girl with all my heart but sometimes she is crazy,” he says, stepping around and backing up to a building. Around us everything is still, but not calm. There are large scores in the ground from people fighting the monster, trees and benches lay destroyed on the floor. Concentrating for a moment, I focus on Talon and change myself into him. Rakan jumps from shock as I look at him. “Keep forgetting you can do that. Isn’t today just a day of revelations?” “Figured it’d make sense. Rhaast wants both Talon and Zoe. It’s better for us if we make him think Talon is still here,” I say in Talon’s voice. Rakan peers at Neeko, inspecting me. “You sound just like him. Even the speech mannerisms. How is that?” “Sho’ma. And I can replicate my friends better as I see them more. I know how they act. Come on, we need to keep moving. If that thing catches us out here, we have no way of defending Zoe from it,” I nod, setting off ahead of them, my stance matching Talon as he crouches low, his eyes scanning everything. It is always fun to be someone else. To adopt their mannerisms for a moment and act like them. Rakan stays close behind Neeko. Ahead of us are the main doors to school. As we get closer I can see one of the doors is broken off and laid on the ground. That doesn’t look good. “You think he’s already inside?” Rakan whispers, pausing before the doors. Neeko doesn’t know. I step forward, the glass under Neeko’s shoes cracking from the door. “Come on. We’ll go slowly,” Neeko tells Rakan. I stay ahead of them, that’s where Talon would be. “So you wanted to get inside did you?” Rhaast snickers, walking through a wall and into the large foyer of the school. The walls here are far apart and there is still a lot of space for him to use his weapon. “Rakan, run. Get Zoe somewhere safe,” I order him, crouching before them and making sure Neeko is between Rakan and the monster. “Give the Aspect to me vastayan. Give her to me and I’ll make sure to let your girlfriend live. She was rather accurate with her daggers earlier and that has put her quite high up on my kill list. But that girl there, in your arms, is at the very top. So hand her over and I’ll let your girl live.” His voice is seductive and Neeko turns to look at Rakan as he holds Zoe close to him. “If you’ve already met Xayah, you know she isn’t going to let you kill her. Besides, she told me to keep Zoe safe. I’m more afraid of her than I am of you,” Rakan says, stepping back slowly, back towards the stairs. But Neeko saw something. A brief flash of blue when Rakan mentioned Zoe’s name. “Rakan, get Zoe somewhere safe,” I order, keeping between them. “Zoe needs to be kept safe.” Neeko sees it again. A flicker of blue. Kayn is still there. But the flicker was so small. Is he losing? “Hey Kayn, I know you’re still in there. I know you’re fighting him. We’re out here. Your friends. We’re fighting him too, for you,” I point at the monster who just seems to smirk at Neeko. “But Kayn, you have to fight more. Because if you don’t, this creature is going to kill us. It’s going to kill Zoe. We’re trying to protect her, but she needs you to protect her too. You love Zoe. I know you love Zoe. I see how you look when she’s near. You look so happy. So fight him.” Neeko is pleading now. Pleading with Kayn. He has to fight harder. I know he can do it because Kayn is so very strong. “Adorable words there, Neeko,” the monster laughs and Neeko takes a step further back. How can he know I am Neeko? “But Kayn is never coming back. And once I kill that girl’s body, neither is the Aspect.” “Silly Rhaast,” I laugh, smirking even though my insides are trembling. “Kayn and Zoe are my friends. I’m not going to let you hurt them.” He lunges forward but Neeko is quicker. I cast my magic, binding him to the ground and breaking my illusion as I turn back to Neeko. “Rakan, run,” I urge, spinning on my heel and dashing up the stairs near Rakan. I hear the roars, hear things breaking, but Rakan and Neeko run. We run past classrooms until we come to an office. Rakan pushes the door open. “In here,” he says and Neeko follows him, hurriedly shutting the door behind us. “It’s Professor Ryze’s office. I’ve been in here a few times for detentions. There’s a tree right by the window. If he comes in here, you get Zoe and get out of the window,” Rakan tells me. Neeko nods as we both hide under the desk. There’s a wooden back so we can’t be seen from the door. We lean back against it, both of us squashed under here but catching our breath. “Neeko is very scared,” I admit. My whole body is shaking as Neeko holds her tail. Rakan nods his head, still holding Zoe tightly. “Me too. But y’know, I trust our friends. All of them. I trust that Xayah is going to do everything she can to keep him away from us. I trust that Zoe has a plan to help Kayn and I know Kayn is going to fight,” Rakan says. His face is grim, his eyes staring at the window opposite us. “They will. But Neeko does not want anyone to get hurt,” I sniff. When I was standing by the monster, I could be brave, but now I’m scared. I’m very scared and very worried. “Hey, come on Neeko. Don’t cry,” Rakan puts his arm around my shoulders, holding me close to him. “Don’t worry about it ok? We got this. Our school has some of the biggest weirdos ever in it. Of any school this creature could have hit, he chose this one. I mean we got Jinx running around with her own personal arsenal, Xayah has her feather daggers, Taliyah can apparently make the ground move, Sona can play instruments – which I think helped. It felt like it helped. And I like Sona. And then there’s people like you who has stood before a giant scythe wielding demon twice now to help your friends. Don’t be scared ok?” Neeko gives a small nod. I will try. But it’s very hard. Nearby I hear loud noises. I hear shouting from our friends followed by things banging. Screams and explosions. “We’ve got our job,” Rakan says, his voice quiet. “We have to protect Zoe. We have to believe in the others. We just have to believe in them.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon My lungs were burning, my whole-body aching as I ran down the pavements, dashing over roads and vaulting over cars. I couldn’t stop. If I stopped…no…I’m not even thinking about it. Because I’ve left my friends and sisters fighting a giant ancient demon. I have to move past the exhaustion. I can’t think about it. Cars honk at me when I dash out in front of them, pedestrians scold me when I nearly knock them down. But they’ll be fine. My friends might not be. One friend in particular may never be fine again if we can’t do something. I keep on running, occasionally I go invisible just for the speed boost, but it’s so tiring to do. By the time I come across a pretty nondescript building, I just fall onto the metal gate, panting as I try to catch my breath. There’s a security code on the gate, but I don’t have time for that. Instead I scramble over the gate, dropping hard onto a gravel path and almost stagger over to the door. I’m exhausted. I bang my fist onto it, only to find it opens up. Is it not locked? “Hello?” I call through, my voice almost seeming stifled inside. “I’m looking for Zed.” Nothing stirs. In my pocket I grip at my knife as I step over the threshold into the building. “Is there a guy here called Zed? I need to talk with him.” It’s so quiet, literally the only noise is my ragged breaths burning at my lungs and my heart pounding in my ears. I take another step further in. There’s no sound from the movement to my right, but that’s what you get when people can hide themselves in shadows. I spin to meet the person standing there, my blade at his throat before he even fully leaves the darkness. “I’m looking for Zed. Where is he?” I demand. The man studies me, his eyes on my knife as he fully emerges from the darkness. He’s maybe in his thirties with dark hair and glittering eyes. “And who are you?” He says, observing me like a vulture. “I’m not here to waste time talking to the dogs. I want to talk to the person holding your leash,” I hiss at him. I know I’m not the most threatening person ever. I’m slimmer than Kayn, shorter too with pale brown hair. Cassi says I have the face of someone a grandma would like their granddaughter to meet. I know how not threatening I am. But I put everything I’ve got right now into making myself appear more than I am. “Aren’t you feisty? Do you know where you are boy?” “Given the shadow magic you just used, I’m guessing the Order of Shadows. Which is exactly where I want to be. Now where is Zed?” “And how do you know Zed?” “I’ve heard of him, extensively. Now tell me where he is, or I’ll kill you and go find him myself,” I threaten, the tip of my knife on the underside of his chin. “You’d be dead before you took a step,” he gloats. “And you’ll die before I take one. Where is he?” I do not have time to mess with some asshole. My friends could be dying. “Talon Du Couteau,” a voice says around me. It doesn’t echo, the air in here is too oppressive for that. And yet it seems to come from every side of me. “Adopted son to Marcus Du Couteau. Younger brother to Katarina and Cassiopeia and student at Runeterra High. What brings you here? Come to learn from a true master?” I step back from the man I’m threatening but keep my knife gripped in my hand. “I better be speaking to Zed,” I say as haughtily as I can manage. Arrogance isn’t me. It’s never been me. My sisters and Kayn, they have arrogance down to an art form, but not me. But I stand tall, holding my weapon as I look for the source of the voice. “Or what will you do?” A voice says much closer to me and I spin around to look into the almost scarlet eyes of a man whose age is anyone’s guess. Physically he doesn’t look older than the other guy, and yet I get the feeling he is. His hair is pure white, and I feel my body freeze up as I look at him. I have no doubt in my mind that this is Zed. He could kill me right now in a dozen different ways and I probably wouldn’t even realise. “I’m not here to fight,” I tell him, best get that said quickly. “I’m here to ask for help?” “Jovn, leave us,” Zed says, and the other man simply fades into the shadows. Almost like he vanishes from view. “Help?” “One of your students needs your help,” I tell him, his gaze never faltering in its absolute neutrality. “Kayn.” “Er, yeah. He needs you right now,” I tell him. “There’s this creature inside of him…” I have no idea what Zed knows. I mean Kayn doesn’t tell anyone anything. “The darkin, Rhaast.” “Yeah. Wow you knew about that?” I look at him, my posture falling for a moment. I genuinely wasn’t expecting him to know about the darkin. “Kayn is my student. I know everything he does.” “Oh great,” I say, perhaps a touch more sarcastically than I mean to. “So then you’re aware that he’s turned into Rhaast and is trying to murder, literally everyone.” The most minute twitch of his eye is the only signal he gives that this is news to him. “And why is that my problem. I told that boy he had to defeat that creature. Clearly he’s failed.” “I mean, yeah he has right now, but maybe not forever. See a friend of ours is pretty special. She’s fairly certain she can help him, but she’s unconscious right now. However when she was talking to the creature, Kayn seemed to be wrestling control back. But like I said, unconscious currently,” I give the most abridged version of events that I can, because how do you explain that your friend is a goddess that is trying to do weird soul magic to bring her boyfriend back? “So why have you come to me?” “Because Kayn is the most emotionally detached person I know, but I do know he cares for two people. This girl is one and you’re the other. If she can reach him, I’m willing to bet you can too.” There’s no reaction now. He turns from me and gestures for me to follow him. Cautiously I do, the door behind me shutting despite no one being there. I follow him round into a dark training room and it’s at this point I think it would have probably been a good idea to give someone else a heads-up on where I was going. My dad has nothing but respect for this guy and his skills, which means he’s absolutely lethal. Ahead of me, Zed walks into the centre of the room and I glance around at the weapons on a nearby wall, all mounted and pristine. The walls are dark and I swear they get darker as I look at them. “And what makes you think I care what happens to a student of mine that couldn’t even follow the simplest of instructions? Don’t touch it. He ignored my advice and he’s now paying the price,” his voice carries such a casual menace to it that I involuntarily take a step back. “Because he’s your best, right? Your star student,” I say, still glancing around uneasily at the walls. I do not like the shadows here one bit. I feel like a sheep in a lion pit right now. “So? I’ve had star students before. I’ll have more again. Students are like tools. When one fails you simply find another.” “Yeah but Kayn isn’t just a tool or a student to you, is he?” I look directly at him now. “The Order of Shadows takes in students that are sixteen or older. Occasionally you’ve taken in someone slightly younger. But Kayn was seven. You took on a beat up seven-year-old as your student, adopting him from his biological parents. Kayn isn’t just a student to you, he’s a son.” There’s no emotion on his face now, not a whisper of it. “I am not Marcus Du Couteau. I do not invite sickly children into my family. True assassins do not need bonds. Bonds can be exploited. Another lesson Kayn has always struggled to accept.” “Yeah my dad says that too. The less connections you have to people the better assassin that makes you. But it hasn’t stopped my dad having a family. And I think on some level that’s something you wanted, and in Kayn you thought you could have that.” Again there isn’t any expression on his face. His thin lips are set tight together. His eyes just keep their focus on me. Not even his rigid stance gives anything away. “What’s your weapon of choice?” He asks, gesturing over towards the weapon racks. “Excuse me?” “I have the son of Marcus Du Couteau here. I’d like to see what he teaches you. Select a weapon.” “We literally do not have time for this. My friends are fighting for their lives. Kayn is fighting for his. I need you to try and help him,” I splutter out, gesturing back towards the way I’ve come from. “Then I suggest you choose quickly,” he says. Huffing I sheath my knife into my pocket and go over to the rack. There are a variety of weapons here. Most of them blades, but there are several bats too. I select a set of throwing knives. Picking them up I’m not at all surprised to feel the quality in them. They’re weighted perfectly. “Interesting choice.” “I’m going to show you what I can do, and then you are going to come back to that school with me,” I tell him, shrugging off my hoodie and letting it fall to the floor. Now this does garner a reaction as he looks at my school shirt. At my missing sleeve, the blood that covers the rest of my shirt both from me and other people. “Rough day?” He asks, a slight smirk to his lips. “I have spent the morning fighting a darkin and making sure my friends stay alive. I’ve nearly died like eight times so far today. If you think, for one second, that I am scared by you Zed, you are dead wrong. My friend idolises you. He tells me how great you are. But that fact that you don’t seem to care at all when he needs you the most, I can’t help but think he was wrong about you.” “Boy, you haven’t fought me yet. Don’t presume you know anything about me.” “You’re right, I haven’t fought you yet. And you haven’t fought me. However, I have fought your star pupil. Your student that you taught all your skills to. Can you say you’ve ever fought someone with my skills?” I cock my head, spreading the knives out to both my hands. Guys, I promise I’m coming back. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Please hold out for me. “And what skills are those?” Zed asks me. I just smirk at him before vanishing before him and darting around, avoiding the walls, avoiding the shadows where I can. I don’t know what he wants from me, but if this will help Kayn, I’ll do it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe I don’t know how much more of this I can take. Rhaast is literally forcing every bad memory Kayn has ever had at him. And Kayn has a lot. I knew his childhood was awful. He’s told me. He’s told me all about it. About the beatings and the yelling. The feeling of being abandoned when you’re too young to do anything about it. But he never went into detail, not like this. I see hospital trips, police being called. I see him in social care until he’s allowed back with his parents. I see the nights he was left alone and the days when he wished he was alone. I watch the way the other students in the Order of the Shadows treated him. A small child being trained alongside them. They looked on him as a joke. I see the fights he’s had at school, detentions, arguments. But I don’t see me. I don’t see me once. And through it all I stay by him. I hold his hand, I tell him he’s loved, I tell him he’s wanted. That the past is gone and done with and it’s his future he now has to fight for, and the fun thing about the future is he can choose that. He gets to decide what he wants from it. It doesn’t seem to work though. I sit beside him as he cowers now from his own past. His hands clasped over his head. His knees pulled up to his face. I just sit beside him, running my hand up and down his back. The scene around me shows a terrified young boy getting locked in a dark cupboard. He screams and begs that he’s scared of the dark. “Please no. Please. I don’t like being in the dark. I don’t like being alone,” the boy weeps, banging his small knuckles onto the interior of the cupboard door until they start to bleed. “The dark is scary. It’s scary. And I’m alone. I don’t want to be alone.” “You’re not alone. I’m here for you. And I’m staying Kayn. If you die here, I die here too, because I’m not giving up on you. I refuse to,” I tell him, focusing again on my magic, on passing it to him. “I hate being alone,” my Kayn weeps to himself. “I hate it. But everyone always leaves me. They always go.” “I don’t,” I tell him, watching the scene around us and finding my own eyes watering at the plight of a child too young to fight back. No wonder he’s always so fixated on being strong. No wonder that’s how Rhaast got him. When he’s been this helpless, of course he’d want to be stronger. Sitting there in this mind trap, I start to think of my own memories. Not these dark monstrosities, but of me and Kayn and our other friends. Of things we’ve done together. I snuggle up closer to him, resting my head onto his corrupted shoulder as I now watch a young Kayn standing against a wall trembling as older Shadow order Acolytes throw knives around him. “Hmm. You remember that time Ekko overslept and we had an assembly? The whole school gathered in the gym, but he didn’t know about it and thought he’d cut through the gym as a shortcut to lessons and ran straight into it. The look on his face was perfect. The silence just before everyone burst out laughing. Especially me. I laughed for ages about it. But you did too. You sat there sniggering behind your hand. And then later, Ekko was ranting that no one told him about the assembly and Talon just hid in his hood, resting his head on the table at lunch because he was nearly crying laughing over it.” I chuckle to myself remembering it. “Do you remember that?” I turn to look at his shaking form and, for a moment, the scenery around us shifts to the gym at school. It’s fuzzy, like it’s filled with static or something. The colours not quite right. Parts seem to glitch out. But I watch Ekko stumble in. Watch the vice principal march over and grab hold of his shoulder as he tries to protest. And then I hear my laugh. It’s distorted and weak, but it’s my laugh. “You do remember,” I whisper, looking around me. However the scene is quickly replaced with a much clearer image of a young Kayn, bruised and beaten in training. Ok, think Zoe, think of other memories. Memories you both share. Strong memories. “Ok, um, what else? What else? Oh, cheerleading. You remember that? You remember when we were practicing and you and Ekko were watching? You distracted Jinx and Neeko and they missed catching me. You remember? You laughed for ages about that. You wouldn’t stop laughing. Man, I was so angry at you. Remember? I fell into a portal screaming. We were outside. It was a really nice day during the holidays.” I try and remember as much detail about it as I can. “I was wearing my makeshift cheerleading top. The white t-shirt I cut into a crop top and then sharpied a star on. Remember how dumb you said it looked?” Another shift and I see myself drop into a portal. But the image is somewhat clearer. I hear the concerned gasp from Neeko followed by Kayn’s laughter. I’m still blurry though. My words as I yell at him not quite clear enough to hear. Come on Zoe, you can do this. Think. “Or, do you remember the time when we went up to perform for the school? The auditions. You remember how Ahri and Sarah and Syndra tried to mess it up for us, but you stepped in. You came down and did the routine with me. When you blew that bubble in Ahri’s face I remember wondering what was happening. You were never so forward with Ahri. You had a crush on her. But you didn’t, did you? Not really. Your crush was on me. And that was the moment I realised I liked you too. That moment when you stood before me. I felt my heart nearly burst with happiness. I could have cried. Happy tears though. They’d have been such happy tears. Tell me you remember that Kayn? Please?” I wipe tears off my face as he raises his head from his knees and look as the school gym surrounds us. Concentrating on my magic, I share it with him. I’ll share everything I’ve got with him if it’ll help. “She was sad,” he croaks out, looking at the image. Not at me me, but the image of me. At least what you can see of me. I’m still so distorted. “Yeah, I was. I was so sad at first, but then you came down to join us and I have never been happier.” “Her eyes get so watery when she’s sad. I thought she was going to cry. I didn’t want to see her cry.” “I nearly did. But you saved the day for me. You do that a lot and I don’t always thank you for it. But I’m always grateful. I’m grateful of everything you do for me.” I cough over a sob as he watches the scene. His eyes leave the very blurry form of me and go to the slightly clearer image of Neeko. “Neeko,” he murmurs, looking at the girl with the tail as she goes through the routine. That’s right. That’s Neeko. “She’s out there fighting for you y’know? She got a pretty bad injury, but she still went back out to fight for you. Talon and Ekko are fighting for you too.” At the mention of their names, there’s another shift to the boys dorm and I recognise Kayn’s pristine bedroom, the three of them just hanging out watching a movie on Kayn’s laptop. They sit and laugh, discussing various things. A sound from the other side of the wall causes all three of them to burst out laughing. Thing is though, I’m not in this memory. This is purely him remembering it. “Ekko. Talon,” Kayn whispers, standing up as he looks around at the faces of his friends. “They’re fighting for you Kayn. They’re fighting to help you, but we need you to fight. I know how hard it is for you. Believe me I do. But you have to remember the good things. You have to think about them.” Jumping up to join him, I hold onto his hand, gripping him tightly. I’m here Kayn. I’m right here. Suddenly the vision goes dark and I hear whimpering. A child softly crying. No! Come on! He was doing so well. But this is different. His face isn’t pained, or sad as he watches a younger version of himself creep down a dark hallway. He looks to be about seven and is wearing what looks like an adults t-shirt. He rubs at his blotchy cheeks, sniffling as he softly pads down some dark stairs, his scrawny arms barely able to hold onto the banister. Crying, he heads down a dark corridor, flinching at the shadows before he heads into a wide-open room, large pillars rising up from the ground. Is this where his master trains? In the centre of the room, his master is sat cross legged, his eyes shut. Young Kayn pauses by the door, looking at the older man. He hesitates for a second or two before taking a shaking step into the room. The man doesn’t even twitch, so Kayn takes another step, and then another. Each step so unsure until the man speaks, his voice absolutely neutral. The little boy freezes at the noise. “What are you doing Kayn?” “I had a bad dream,” he whispers, rubbing his eyes. “I was scared.” The man opens his eyes, looking at the frail boy. “Scared of what?” “Being in the dark. It scares me.” “There’s nothing scary in the darkness Kayn. It’s just shadows. I’ll teach you to use the shadows as your greatest weapon. I’ll show you how to make the darkness obey you, so it won’t scare you ever again. Come. Sit.” He gestures to the floor beside him and I watch Kayn scurry over. Clumsily he folds his legs, trying to mimic what the older man is doing. “What’re you doing?” “Meditating. It calms your mind. If something scares you, a calm mind can help you see past fear. A rational mind will show you there is nothing to fear. When you fear nothing, nothing can stop you.” “How do you meditate?” Kayn asks and I watch as he’s shown to close his eyes. His fear forgotten as he tries to quiet his mind. As they both sit there in silence, I watch the little boy occasionally opening his eyes, checking to see what the older man is doing. He adjusts his hands, tries to alter his breathing to match. “Master Zed,” my Kayn whispers, looking at the scene. “Calm your mind. Calm your mind.” He closes his eyes. However around me I feel things get warmer. I’d almost forgotten about the heat, but suddenly it’s right there, suffocating me. “Kayn.” I say, gripping his hand as he takes deep breaths. Around me things shake, and I see another image. It’s short and keeps almost looping around. Again and again it’s shown. The image of a crimson scythe stuck into Kayn’s stomach. Over and over it plays as the image of Rhaast appears across from us, his eyes on me. “Why listen to that man, Kayn? He was hard and cruel to you, remember?” Rhaast smirks at me. I scowl at him, holding Kayn’s hand tightly. Around us the image of the scythe is replaced with the image from earlier of Kayn’s master holding his knife at Kayn’s throat. “Remember Kayn? This is what he’s really like. This is how he treated you.” “When I tell you to pick up your weapon and continue Kayn. You will continue,” his master hisses as young Kayn is frozen in fear, his amber eyes wide. “It didn’t end there,” my Kayn whispers, his eyes still shut. I watch as his master straightens up, removing his weapon and young Kayn breaks down into tears, his palms pressing into his eyes. His master sighs, sheathing his knife and looking at the little boy. “Kayn, you need to listen to my instructions. If you want to be an assassin, you need to continue past the point you think you can’t. You need to keep going because if you don’t, if you give up, you will die. Do you still want to be an assassin?” His voice is calm as the boy nods his head before removing his hands from his red eyes. “Yes.” “Why? Tell me why you want to do this?” “Um, to be like you,” he whispers. “To be strong too. And, because, well, I don’t want to go back to them.” He shivers, his skinny arms wrapping around his body as he continues to sniffle. “Kayn, you won’t be going back to them. You’re with me now. Whether you want to be an assassin or not. You’re here. But if you want to be this you have to commit yourself. You have to be wiling to follow my instructions. There will be pain. You’ll get injured. I can teach you to push past the pain, but you have to be willing to get there. Do you wish to continue?” His voice isn’t soft, not by any stretch, but its also not harsh. His scarlet eyes look down at the young boy who seems to be thinking before he looks up and nods. Reaching beside him he grabs for his pole again and holds it before him. A brief smirk comes to his master’s thin lips as he nods. “Very well. We’ll have one more round and then I’ll put a bandage on the cut to your neck. Now focus Kayn. Focus your mind on what you want. Think clearly and nothing can distract you.” “I won’t let things distract me,” my Kayn whispers. Rhaast looks at me, a snarl on his face. “Your efforts are cute Aspect. But you don’t have long left for this world. I will slice your body to ribbons and then he’ll be mine.” “No.” I look up at Kayn, his eyes still shut, his breaths long and deep as he repeats what he just said. “No Rhaast. No.” Rhaast looks as confused as I do and vanishes. He’s trying to kill me on the outside. Come on Kayn, please fight back. Please. You’re so close, I can feel it. A bright light surrounds me and I realise I’m looking at a grassy hill. A car speeds away on the road at the bottom and I hear a voice talk behind me. “So go on. What kind of mage are you?” I turn to see a younger Kayn sitting in a tree and he’s looking at me. He’s looking at me and I’m so clear. So clear and colourful. “I’m not a mage. I’m the Aspect of Twilight.” “Uh huh. Sure,” he shrugs, leaping down to me. “So, what’s your name?” “Zoe.” “Zoe what?” “Just Zoe. I’m an Aspect. I don’t need a second name. What about you? What’s your name?” I peer up at him watching the smirk twist his lips as he straightens up, showing how much taller than me he is. “Shieda Kayn.” “Shieda?” “No. I don’t go by that name. I go by Kayn.” “Kayn huh? Well it’s a pleasure to meet you Kayn,” I grin, grabbing his hand and shaking it as he just watches with amusement. “This is the day we first met,” I whisper, the hand I’m holding tightly gripping mine back. I look up and see my Kayn with his eyes wide open. He nods. “I often think about this day,” he admits, and I realise he’s answering me. “I think about whether it was an accident I was chilling out there that day when the Aspect of Twilight appeared or whether it was destiny. Sometimes I’m not sure.” “Kayn, please fight him. Please,” I say, but he’s looking at the images. Looking at me and him talking. “Zoe,” he whispers his eyes widening. “That’s Zoe. How could I forget her?” He remembers me? He remembers me! Sometimes in life I think you’ve just got to take your chances. Like screw it, this is either not going to work at all, or it will work. I may be about to get eviscerated by a demon so I’m not missing this. Leaping up I bring my eyes before his. I look at him for a moment, my slender fingers touching the rough armour around his left eye. “Fight him you moron,” I tell him, his eyes seeing me but not realising it’s me. I lean in closer, the tip of my nose touching his before I sigh and feel his skin shiver below me. Closing my eyes, I allow my lips to go to his. There’s nothing timid or quiet about the way I kiss him. I’m aware this could be our last kiss. There could never be this moment again and I’m not about to lose it. For a moment there’s a pause before feel his corrupted hand brush over my bare stomach before slipping around to my back and I feel him pull my body into his. Soft fingers trace down my cheeks as his tongue slips inside of my mouth. His lips grasp for mine, hungering for me. There’s a fierceness to the way he holds me, the way his lips tug on mine, but also complete innocence. I dissolve in the moment and am only reminded of the grave stakes at play when I hear him cough out a sob. I pull back and gaze into two amber eyes above pale cheeks wet from tears. He sobs again, his body shaking as my arms just grip at him tighter. “He won,” he chokes out. But I just shake my head at him. “No he hasn’t. Not yet.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe “He hasn’t won a damn thing yet,” I tell him, my fingers wiping away his tears, his skin so soft to touch. “He killed me,” he gasps. “I saw it. He killed me.” “Kayn, you’re still alive. You’re still here.” Shaking he steps back from me and I watch his hands go to his bare abdomen, searching for a wound that doesn’t exist. “No, I saw it. I saw the scythe. God I’ve done some horrible things,” he gasps, slumping down to his knees, his face pale. I follow him, kneeling before him and gripping his trembling hands in mine, feeling the soft skin on both hands as my fingers intertwine with his. “It’s fine Kayn. You can apologise once you’re back.” “I think I tried to kill Talon? I can’t remember though. I know I was awful to him. I was awful to everyone.” His amber eyes are wide as he just stares forward, while around us everything has fallen still. It’s just me and him and a never-ending darkness. “That wasn’t you Kayn, it was Rhaast. It was his influence on you,” I reassure him. “I tried to kill you,” he tells me, staring at my face before he starts to break down into tears again. “You’re here right? You’re real? Or am I dead and this is just to torture me?” “I’m here Kayn. I’m right here. I’m always here for you,” I tell him, leaning closer and softly kissing his forehead. “Zoe, I need help,” he admits. “I can’t do this alone. Rhaast is too strong. I tried. I tried so hard, but he just overpowered me.” “You moron. You’re not alone. You’ve never been alone. You have me. You have Talon and Ekko and Neeko. I don’t know what’s happening out there right now Kayn, but I do know that Varus and Xayah and Rakan were all fighting for you. Sona, Taliyah and Jinx too. They were trying to help you. They’re trying to keep Rhaast busy so you can take back control. This is your body, not his.” I keep my voice calm, my hands faintly glowing purple as I try and help him. “I don’t know if I believe you. I was so horrible to Talon. Absolutely horrible. I don’t deserve their help. I don’t deserve anything,” he weeps. “Kayn, stop thinking like that. Of course you do. That’s just him getting in your head,” I try and smile but seeing him like this is breaking me inside. “No, I don’t. I’m not a good person. I’m awful. The worst. I hurt people. Always. I always end up hurting people,” he sobs. “That’s just who I am. I can’t change that.” “Of course you can. You can change anything about yourself you don’t like. But you have to want to change,” I plead with him, but there’s just this blank look in his eyes. “You don’t understand. This is who I am. Where I came from. I was born to shit and that’s all I’ll ever be,” he says, his words breaking up as he tries to talk. “I’m not worthy of anything. Maybe Rhaast should take over.” The sound of my slap seems to echo around us before we return back to silence. He looks at me, eyes wide and one hand resting on his now very red cheek. He opens his mouth to say something but seems to falter. “Don’t you ever say that again,” I yell, balling my hands into fists now. Tears fall down my cheeks as I kneel before him, making him meet my eyes. “You are Shieda Kayn. And yes, your parents were awful. The worst. I’ve seen it Kayn. I’ve seen what they did to you. But you know what? The only things they’ve passed onto you is your black hair, amber eyes and broad shoulders. That’s it. Everything else is you. The smirk and slight rolling of your eyes you give me in class when you find a lesson boring. The way you smile to yourself when you get to show off. The way you try and hide your laughter when you find something sort of funny but the way you’ll burst out laughing at other things. The fact that you’re probably one of the few guys at school able to braid someone’s hair. And the way you go along with anything I want to do. Even if you think it’s silly or dumb, you always have my back. That’s you Kayn. That’s who you are. That’s who I love. And you got none of that from your parents. You got that from your master. From your friends. From just being you. Don’t ever tell me you don’t deserve to live again, because of course you do!” I scrub at my nose, but I can’t stop crying. I can’t fight this for him. I need him to fight this. But that damn cat has done such a good job of getting into his head. Of making him think he’s worthless. But he’s not. He’s anything but worthless. “Zoe, I…,” he starts and I look at him, look at the defeat that’s written all over his face. “Shieda Kayn, I love you. Do you understand that? I love you. I travelled across space to talk to my space dragon – who does exist – just to find out how to help you. Our friends are putting their lives on the line to fight a seven-foot demon with a scythe bigger than any of them. And they’re doing that for you. So don’t you dare give up. Don’t you dare. Because we’re not giving up on you!” “I don’t believe the others would fight for me,” he admits, glancing away from me. But they are Kayn. They are. What can I do? Think Zoe. Come on, think. Of course! Alright Whiskers, you could see into Kayn’s mind, well let’s switch this up shall we. Let’s show Kayn what you’ve been seeing for the last few hours. Penetrating the mind of a darkin isn’t exactly an easy task. There’s no manual for this. I’m doing this absolutely blind. But I’m an Aspect. And this isn’t Rhaast’s body, it’s Kayn’s. And Kayn shares nearly everything with me.Do I believe in soulmates? Maybe. I used to think they were a silly mortal concept. Something that people came up with to try and justify hard love. But I realise that maybe there is some truth to it all. What were the chances that the Aspect of Twilight fell in love with a mortal boy being destroyed by a darkin? My predecessor betrayed the darkins, and here I am in love with the host of one. Of all the people in the universe, he was the one I fell for. Shuffling back up closer to him, I take his hands in mine, holding them before us both.“Listen Kayn. Listen to our friends. You’ve never been alone. Ever. They’re fighting for you, so you need to fight for them.” I lean forward, my forehead resting on his, my breathing matching his as around us I can hear the voices of our friends. I can hear what Rhaast has heard. And so can Kayn.“I don’t believe you killed my friend. I mean look at you. You’re pathetic. Did you meet my friend? He could kick your ass any day of the week.” I hear Ekko shout, his voice on the breaking point of sounding angry and sounding terrified.“Kayn, I don’t know what mess you’ve got yourself into, but we’re your friends. You can’t let this monster beat you. If you die who the hell am I going to bitch to about cheerleading!” Xayah yells out, her voice concerned but trying to joke. Trying to reach through the monster to Kayn.“He held you at bay for months Rhaast. He’s not done yet. He’ll fight back. He has the one thing you don’t have, the one thing you’ll never have!” Varus almost yells.“I…I don’t understand,” Kayn whispers. I feel his forehead move below mine. “Why are they helping me?” “Because people care for you. Because you aren’t alone. You’re not by yourself.” “Kayn wouldn’t give up. Kayn never gives up. He keeps fighting, keeps getting back up. His body is littered with scars because he doesn’t know when to quit. He just keeps going.” My own words echo around us and I open my eyes to look directly into his. “Do you mean that?” His voice is so fragile. He’s on the knifes edge of giving up, but I won’t let him fall. “I do. Talon phrased it better than I can. He said you’re the most stubborn person he knows. You won’t die unless it’s on your terms. I agree with him. This is your body Kayn, it’s not his. It’s never been his. You need to take back control. You have to get it back from him.” “What if I can’t?” “With that attitude you won’t,” I half smile at him. “I can’t fight this one for you Kayn, I can only be with you. And I am with you. All the way.” “How do I fight him? He’s so strong.” “So are you. Think about what your master said. He said to calm your mind. Think of all the times you’ve meditated to try and block me out. Do it to him,” I giggle. For a second a whisper of a smile crosses his face, before he closes his eyes. I move back, allowing him to cross his legs. His breathing is slow and measured and, for a moment, he looks calm before his eyes open and he looks back over to me. A glance to make sure I’m still there. “What are you going to do?” He asks. “Support you. You’ve supported me with all of my dumb ideas Kayn, I think I can at least support you getting your body back,” I smile. He does smile back now, his eyes closing again as he focuses. Around me I feel that heat again. I feel the sweat start to trickle down my face. Come on Kayn. Please do this. Think of how much you want to live. Think of all the great things waiting for you in the future. Your future. Around me I watch as images flash past. They’re grainy and not fully formed, but I know what they are. They’re all the bad things in his past. Rhaast is trying to show him them. To break his spirit again. But Kayn doesn’t flinch. He regulates his breathing, his eyes closed. Come on Kayn, if you can block me out when I’m on a super happy sugar spree, you can block anyone out. Even a darkin.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Neeko Neeko counts in her head. I count numbers, slowly and making sure I get them right. It helps to block out the noises. Because we keep hearing things breaking and our friends shouting. We hear names being yelled out. Poor Rakan flinches every time we hear someone call Xayah’s name. “Xayah is strong,” I whisper, gently patting his arm. “Xayah is not letting a darkin hurt her.” Rakan nods, but his large ears are turned down, his eyes staring ahead. “I just, I don’t want to lose her. I can’t lose her.” “Rakan won’t,” I tell him. We’re still hiding under the desk. However the noises that were below us, now sound like they’re on the same floor as us. We hear something crash to the floor followed by the sounds of Poppy shouting something. Below us the floor vibrates and I look to Rakan. “Neeko does not think we are safe here anymore,” I whisper. “We’re going to, very slowly, head to the window,” he whispers back. “You get the window open and I’ll get Zoe out.” Neeko nods, looking to the girl in Rakan’s arms. Her face is so pale, her body so lifeless. Her breathing is getting slower and her sho’ma slowly fading. Neeko doesn’t know what she’s doing, but I do not think it is a good idea for her to be gone so long. Another bang causes me to freeze as I creep from my hiding place. I hear Rhaast’s booming voice much closer as he gloats at someone. Swallowing down my fear, I step forward and unlatch the window, pushing it open and letting the outside air in. I nod to Rakan as he edges towards Neeko. The sound of loud laughter echoes in the corridor and we both freeze before Rakan looks to me. “Canteen,” he says before climbing onto the windowsill. He passes Zoe to me before he leaps over to the nearby tree. Nimbly he walks along a branch below Neeko. He holds his arms up and Neeko lowers Zoe down to him. Behind me the door gets kicked in. The shock scares Neeko so much that I lose my footing, slipping out of the window. “Neeko!” Rakan yells. I feel his hand grab at my tail, holding me over the drop while he struggles to hold onto Zoe. “Oh this isn’t good.” Neeko peers up to see the monster. His fist goes through the rest of the window, raining glass down onto us. “Give me the Aspect,” he hisses. A red arrow pierces his stomach and he swings around, leaving us. “Why will you not die!” “Rakan, drop me,” I call up. It is a long drop to the floor, but Neeko should be ok. “Are you crazy?” “Rakan can’t protect Zoe and Neeko. Don’t worry, I’ll be ok,” I reassure him. “Stop being so self-sacrificing Neeko. I’m not abandoning either of you.” Inside of the building I hear fighting and someone hitting the wall. However the person that comes out of the window isn’t a monster, but pretty Xayah. She leaps out, onto the branch that Rakan is on, winking at him before swinging herself down a few branches. “Drop her babe. I’ll get her,” Xayah says. She doesn’t look very well. Her uniform is torn and bloodied, but when Rakan drops Neeko, Xayah leaps over, catching me and landing on the floor. Looking up, Rakan has started to climb down, one of his arms gripping Zoe. “She still not back?” Xayah asks. Neeko just shakes her head. “We can’t hold him off much longer. He’s not tiring but we are.” “Talon said he had a plan,” Rakan says as he reaches the floor. “So did Zoe and neither of them are here right now, but that creature is.” “Come on. We’re heading to the canteen. Xayah, you’re with us now. You can’t fight it like that,” Rakan orders her. I watch as she smiles at him, giving a nod. “Run though,” Xayah says. Those two take off, dashing ahead of Neeko. Normally Neeko can keep up. Normally Neeko is very fast. But suddenly my feet feel wobbly. I feel something running down my arm and look as blood seeps through my bandage. The others stop, looking back at me, but I wave them on. They need to go. They need to get Zoe somewhere safe. If something happens to her then Kayn will never come back. And Neeko wants him back. Neeko wants all her friends back. I want to play darts with them again and go to cheerleading. I want to see them all smiling again. My feet buckle and I drop very hard onto the ground. I feel very dizzy and weak. How long have we been fighting? It seems like a long time. A long time since lessons this morning. “Come on Neeko, you have to get up,” Xayah urges me, standing over me. “Here, babe, you take Zoe, she’s lighter. Come on Neeko, I’ve got you,” Rakan says, gently picking me up. I hear other footsteps hurrying over to us and I bob about, resting my head onto Rakan’s warm chest. “Zoe not back?” Ekko says, jogging alongside Rakan. “Er no. We need a plan B,” he says. “We’re on Plan B. Plan A is Zoe, Plan B is Talon. Plan C doesn’t exist just yet.” “Then come up with something,” Xayah tells him. “Why me?” Ekko asks, sounding shocked. “Because that horned bastard with the scythe is technically your best mate. With Talon and Zoe gone, you’re his closest friend. Come up with a plan,” Xayah hisses. “You think I knew about this? I found out yesterday that Kayn was possessed. Yesterday,” Ekko splutters. “Then today he goes full possession mode and I have no weapons because anything I could use is in my dorm because I did not think that today would go like this.” The others run around into the school canteen and Rakan puts Neeko down on a table before he collapses on the bench, panting. I look at Ekko as he runs back over to the door, bolting it shut. “Yeah, that’ll help. Did you forget he can literally walk through walls?” Xayah says irritably. Ekko scowls at her but doesn’t say anything. “I’m not sure I can take much more of this. My nerves are shot,” Rakan moans, leaning onto the table. Slowly Neeko sits up. I still don’t feel well, but I feel we need to do something, but I don’t know what. “You realise, if Zoe fails with whatever she’s doing, someone is going to have to kill him,” Xayah says, her eyes dark as she looks at the girl in her arms. “Good luck with that,” Ekko huffs. We can’t kill him though. If we do that Kayn can never come back. Neeko doesn’t realise she has started to cry until the others look. Until Ekko comes over to me and Rakan holds my hand. Neeko doesn’t want to lose her friends. I’ve never had friends like I have here. I want to do everything I can for them. “Come on Neeko, don’t cry. No one is giving up just yet,” Rakan smiles at me. Even though he looks so tired he smiles. “We’re going to get through this and go and be the best cheerleaders we can be. All of us. You, me and Xayah, and of course Zoe and Kayn.” I nod my head, wiping at my eyes as the other door to the canteen opens and Jinx comes running in with Lux and Taliyah. “So not only did you pointlessly lock one door, you left the other open,” Xayah smirks at Ekko. “So we hiding here now? Because I’m all out of ammo,” Jinx points to her gun. Behind her I look at Lux. Her pretty blonde hair is now dyed bright pink. It was a cruel prank Zoe pulled, but I don’t think Lux minds anymore. I think she keeps dying her hair pink now. It does look very nice. “Neeko, are you alright? You’re very pale,” Lux says, walking over to me. I nod, still sniffling. “She’s got a bad cut on her arm,” Xayah explains. “Where’s that thing now?” “My brother slammed him into a wall,” Lux admits blushing a little. “Um, what happened afterwards I don’t know. We saw you guys and thought we’d follow.” I notice in her hands she’s carrying a very pretty sceptre. “We need a plan. We can’t just keep running from it,” Xayah huffs, laying Zoe down on a bench. “The plan is keep running from it. We’ve all proven that we can’t fight him,” Ekko adds, just as his phone starts to ring. Sighing he wanders off to answer it. “We should all look at it this way, we all got out of lessons,” Jinx sniggers. Both of her long plaits are now undone, her hair hanging long and loose down her back. “There are safer ways to get out of lessons,” Rakan adds in. Neeko just looks over to Ekko, his face confused as he looks around us and up to the ceiling. He’s talking to someone, his voice getting more and more confused as the conversation goes on. “The lights?” Ekko says, getting everyone’s attention on him. “What about them?” Xayah asks. Ekko doesn’t reply straight away. He just moves his phone from his face and stares at it before looking back to us. “That was Talon. He wants us to turn off the lights and shut the blinds. Says he’ll be here in a minute.” “At least he’s coming back,” Xayah sighs, heading over to the light switches as others run over to the blinds. Neeko slides from the table and goes to sit by Zoe. Gently I lift her head, resting it on Neeko’s lap as I hold her hands. I’m here Zoe. I’ll look after you while you look after Kayn. But please don’t be too much longer. Around us the light dims and a loud banging from the locked door freezes everyone. “Guys, it’s Talon!” he calls through. “Let me in.” “Can this creature mimic voices?” Ekko whispers, cautiously walking over. He unlocks the door and Talon bursts through. He looks worse now than he did earlier. He’s missing his hoodie and looks like he has new cuts. Plus his shirt is missing the sleeve where he ripped it off earlier. His eyes look around the room before looking at all of us. “You know he can walk through walls, right? Why lock the door?” He asks, stepping further into the room. Xayah looks over at Ekko, a smirk on her face. “Where the hell have you been?” Ekko demands, gesturing to our friend. “I was busy getting my ass kicked elsewhere. Where is he?” “Follow the screams, you’ll probably find him,” Xayah replies. Then his eyes come back to Zoe. There’s a pained expression before he looks at Neeko. “Still no Zoe?” he asks and Neeko shakes her head. Talon nods before looking around at the other here with us. “Right, wait here. I’m going to go get him. Guys, I need you to all be ready. If this plan doesn’t work we are going to have bolt as quickly as we can,” Talon says, turning to run off again. “Are you insane?” Rakan moans, leaning further on the table in front of him. “Maybe. But maybe not. We’ll see,” Talon says before running off. “Neeko, get Zoe over the far side there. Babe, help her. Lux, Jinx, Taliyah with me. Ekko, do something. Anything at this point,” Xayah orders people. Rakan carries Zoe over to a table far from either door. Neeko holds her now, hugging her body close. I’ll keep that monster from her. I stroke through her hair like Neeko’s mum used to do for me when I was scared. Everyone is quiet as we wait. It’s a very uncomfortable silence. A bad sort of silence. Outside we hear noises getting slowly louder. Tighter I grip Zoe as Talon and Varus skid through the doors, their shoes squeaking over the floor. Varus does not look well. Neeko can see bruising over his pale skin and lots of blood. “This had better work,” Varus mumbles as the two of them back up between the tables. With a laugh, Rhaast follows them through, his large weapon ready. Those red eyes of his glance around the room, looking at everyone until they come to Neeko and Zoe. Protectively I hold her. There’s a smirk as he stamps forward.
“How kind of you Talon. Everyone here I want to kill, all in one place.”
“Try it Rhaast. I dare you,” Talon goads him, leaping backwards onto a table and standing there, opening his arms. The others spread out around the tables as Talon pulls a knife from his belt and swings it around his fingers. “That looks familiar. Where did you get that from?” Rhaast muses as he steps closer. Talon just smirks. “Rhaast, I want you to know, I think you’re an asshole. The actual worst. And Kayn, I know you’re in there. I know you’re fighting. So fight harder you jackass. Fight him and get back here so I can punch you for being a dick to me!” Rhaast starts to laugh, raising his weapon up high and swinging it round, only for it to stop in mid-air. At first Neeko can’t see why. But Rhaast suddenly looks surprised, maybe even panicked. That’s when Neeko sees it, the shadows are holding him, binding him tightly. They have moved away from the walls and are wrapped like vines around Rhaast. Neeko can see him struggling, but he can’t break them. “So you’re the creature that infected my student,” a man says causing Neeko to jump. Causing everyone to jump. Where did he come from? He wasn’t here but now he is. “Zed,” Rhaast hisses through his teeth. “Hello Rhaast. I’m here to get my student back.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe I’m hot. So hot. It’s exhausting. I can’t even stand anymore. I feel like my lungs are burning up. Slumped on the floor, I just lean onto him, my breathing getting heavy. But Kayn doesn’t flinch. He continues to meditate as I watch the images around us flicker in and out. The bad ones become fuzzier and every so often a good memory will appear. A fun one. Ones with our friends. Ones with his master. Ones with me. “Come on Kayn,” I whisper. I can’t stay in here much longer. It’s getting too bad. Maybe he decided my soul was an easier target than my body. When I realise my eyes are closing as the heat chokes the air from me, I take one last look at Kayn. At his lovely long hair and dumb blue streak at the front. At his body, free from any corruption. At just Kayn. “I love you. I’ll always love you. Please come back to me,” I whisper, kissing his cheek before I close my eyes and feel my body drop. For a few moments I feel nothing other than the heat. Then I realise I’m breathing fresh air and it’s cool. Slowly I blink my eyes, my vision not feeling quite right. Where am I? Is this school? Or is this another vision? But it’s not hot here. “Hello Rhaast. I’m here to get my student back,” I hear a voice say. An older voice. One that I feel I’ve heard recently. “Where am I?” I mumble, my words slurring. I realise someone is holding me, their arms wrapped around me, stroking my hair. “Zoe?” Neeko asks, before suddenly gripping me tighter. I do not feel good at all. Everything feels wobbly. It takes me a moment to process what I’m seeing. I am in school, in the lunch hall apparently. Neeko is holding me like a doll, while Talon – looking incredibly worse for wear – is stood on a table in the middle. Beside him stands an older man with pure white hair. I know him. I saw him in Kayn’s memories. That’s his master. In front of them both Rhaast is frozen in a lunging pose. His scythe hovering in the air. “What happened?” I ask, sitting up and possibly sounding a little more coherent as Talon looks over at me. There’s a brief smirk on his face before he looks back to Rhaast. “Your student is dead,” Rhaast hisses. “I don’t believe that for a second. That boy is one of my students. My students don’t give in so easily,” the man says, his voice measured despite him facing down a darkin. “And it was easy. It was so easy. In fact corrupting all of your students was so easy. Nakuri was even easier. I didn’t even have to infect him to convince him what to do. He gave in with little effort. You’re a failure as a master, Zed.” “Nakuri was never one of my strongest. His mind could easily be swayed by others. He lacked independence. A trait this boy has never lacked for a second.” “He loathed you. Do you know that? You always looked down on him. When you stopped his training, it broke him. He felt abandoned again. It was like when he was a child. And then with Talon keeping secrets from him and the Aspect vanishing and you not there, he was so easy to corrupt. He couldn’t stop me.” “I don’t look down on my students. It would make me a very poor master. I raise them up, whether they realise it at the time or not. This boy is, and always has been stubborn. He focuses on the here and now and not the bigger picture sometimes. He’s well aware I wouldn’t abandon him. But training him while you grew in his body wasn’t exactly easy. What he needed for a while was less bloodlust. Darkin like you thrive on it.” Slowly I slip from Neeko’s grasp and step forward. Around the room I see others. Rakan, Xayah, Ekko, Lux, Jinx, Taliyah. They’re all standing nearby in a semi-circle, a distance from the creature, but their focus is only on him. Quietly I walk forward. My barefeet making no sound over the cool floor. I pass behind Kayn’s master and leap up onto the table beside Talon. He smiles at me before looking at the monster. “Glad you’re back,” Talon whispers. “You bring him?” I ask, looking to the older man’s back. Talon just nods. “I’ll tell you about that later,” he says. “Look at you two. You weren’t there for him. He hates you. He hates you both.” Rhaast scowls at both of us. His red eyes ablaze as he looks past Kayn’s master and straight at me and Talon. “Kayn wouldn’t hate me. He’d have no one to complain to if he did,” Talon replies, his cool confidence clearly frustrating Rhaast. I watch him shake, watch one of his feet step forward as he fights against the shadows binding him. “Killing you three will eradicate him forever. Then this body and this world is mine!” He takes another step forward as Kayn’s master furrows his brow, the shadows getting bigger as they hold the darkin. “We’ve always been here for him Rhaast. That’s why you want us dead so much,” I tell him. “You think that trick you pulled helped him Aspect? You may have been able to shield his soul for a moment, but now you’re back here, and he’s all alone again.” “Kayn’s never alone. He has me. I can pop up anywhere you know,” I smirk. Inside I’m shaking, but I am not, for one second, going to show this demon that. “That boy is stronger than you think, creature. Did you believe that I ignored the fact that one of my students was infected by a darkin? Do you not think I dug up every bit of information on your kind that I could?” There’s just the trace of a smirk on Zed’s face now. “As I said, bloodlust satisfies your kind far too much. But feelings like kinship and love, they don’t work out too well for you. Those were not things he’d pick up from training with me.” “You expect me to believe you abandoned him hoping he’d find love? Don’t be so sentimental.” “Sentimental? Don’t worry, that’s not me. But if you really think I would ever abandon the boy, then you’re so very wrong. He’s been my ward for nearly a decade now. I’ve put up with every tantrum he’s ever had. And let’s face it here, that’s all you are. A tantrum. Besides, he didn’t need me. He found what he needed here. He found everything he needed to beat you.” Slowly he turns to look at me and Talon and I find myself blushing before he looks back to the creature. “You think you turned him because of those two? Then that must mean he cares for them. A trait that can be used against you.” “Kayn I know you’re in there. You’re stronger than him. You’re the most stubborn person I know. You can’t let this monster beat you,” Talon pleads, his voice softening. “Come on Kayn.” “You know I love you. I know I keep saying it but he’s right, you are stubborn and sometimes I think you don’t want to believe I do. But I do. I’ve seen what you’ve been through Kayn and this darkin isn’t half as bad.” Then there’s a moment when the creature’s head twitches. It might not even be noticeable to anyone else but me, but I recognise it. I recognise it because it’s the twitch Kayn used to do when Rhaast was talking in his head. At the same time, nearby I hear Neeko gasp. I glance over to her, her hands to her mouth as she stares at the creature, seeing something no one else can. Sho’ma Rhaast. You can’t hide it. “This is my body now!” Rhaast roars. I smirk, folding my arms and staring him down. “Is it though Rhaast? Is it really?” “When I get free Aspect, I’ll rip your head from your shoulders. I’ll show him his worst fears coming true.” He takes another step, his hands moving before he freezes again. From the side I watch as Varus is knelt, his eyes on Rhaast as black tendrils snake across the floor, wrapping around the darkin. Sweat drips down his face as he focuses on holding the creature. “Come on boy. You can do better than this. Have you really allowed a monster to take over your mind that gets so angry at nothing more than a girl? I thought you were better than that, boy?” His master folds his arms, his composure seeming to irate Rhaast. “I see your tricks, but Kayn is mine. This body is mine. And you three. You three will die followed by that lizard and those two birds,” he seethes, straining to break free. “Remember I said I’m baking you a cake Kayn? Well if you break free, I’ll find the bestest best sprinkles I can and I’ll put them all over it,” I grin, spinning on my toes. “All the really good ones.” “You won’t win Aspect.” “I will Rhaast. I love him. And he loves me. And you’ve always hated him spending time with me because you knew before he did that he loved me. You knew that I weakened your grip on him. It’s admirable how well you did at taking him over. But that was because you had to go after him at night. It was the only time you could try and change him without my influence.” “I will kill you. I will eviscerate you. You’ve been a thorn in my plans from the start Zoe,” he growls but my eyes widen, my grin getting bigger. “What was that Rhaast? What did you just call me?” I watch his head shake again. Watch that twitch. Come on you arrogant asshole, fight him. Kick his ass into next week. “Come on boy. I expect more from you than this.” Rhaast tips his head back, almost roaring before he looks back at us, or rather he looks back at me. His eyes burn and I know, if those bonds break for even a moment, he’ll kill me. He’ll come at me with all his speed and strength. But I trust Kayn. I always have. “My name is not boy,” he seethes, that glare now going to Kayn’s master who casually takes a step closer to Rhaast. “Then tell me what your name is, boy?” “That is not my name!” “You’re better than this, boy. You’re better than this monster.” “Stop calling me boy,” he says, his large fangs gritted together. “Give me one good reason why I should, boy?” “Because my name is Kayn!” “Is it?” “My name is Kayn!” “Don’t tell that to me Kayn. Tell that to your pet. Tell that to him. I gave you that name. Tell him who you are!” His master snaps and for the first time since I woke up, I see emotion on his face. “I’ll kill you,” Rhaast warns, his whole-body twitching. I watch him shake his head and I look at Neeko, her wide eyes meet mine and I watch her mouth the word ‘blue’. “My name is Shieda Kayn. This is my body Rhaast. Not yours! My name is Kayn!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn Drip. Drip. Drip. I feel each bead of sweat as it runs down my face. Each droplet that drips down onto my hands clasped in my lap. It’s hot. So hot. Sweat pours down my back, down my arms. But I don’t focus on it. My mind needs to be calm. It needs to be relaxed. I can be aware of them, as long as I don’t give them attention. “You can’t win Kayn. She’s gone. She’s left you. You’re all alone again.” Ignore all annoyances. When on a mission you need to be aware of what is around you. Be aware of everything, but don’t let any of it in. Set your goal and focus on that. “What do you really think you can do to me? Have you already forgotten? I killed you Kayn. You’re dead. I only kept your soul around to torture. So that you’re aware of the way the Aspect dies.” Block it out. Instead I concentrate my mind on others. The more I remember, the stronger I become. I could feel it before, when Zoe was in this hell with me. No, don’t think of it as hell. It’s nothing. It’s absolutely nothing. “My name is Shieda Kayn,” I say slowly, my words calm as I ignore how dry my throat is, how odd my words sound. “I attend Runeterra High. I’m training to be an assassin. I’m a member of the Order of Shadows.” “Were. You were Sheida Kayn. You’re nothing now. No one.” “My birthday is July the twelfth. When not at school I live with my Master Zed. He adopted me when I was seven.” “He doesn’t care for you Kayn. No one cares for you.” “At school I spend time with my friends. With Neeko, Ekko, Talon and Zoe. We hang out. We watch movies together.” In my mind I picture the times we spend together. The times Neeko doesn’t fully grasp what’s being said. The times Ekko thinks he’s way cooler than he is. When Talon gets embarrassed by something. The way Zoe laughs like she’s possessed when something really amuses her. “They hate you Kayn. They all hate you. They abandoned you. They kept secrets from you. Friends don’t lie to each other like they lied to you.” “I’m also a cheerleader. I’m on the Star Guardian squad. I joined because Zoe desperately wanted to join. She was trying to impress a guy, but in reality, the only person she ended up impressing was me. I love Zoe. Zoe loves me.” “You don’t believe that Kayn. You know you don’t. She’s an Aspect. Immortal and powerful. What could someone like her ever see in a mortal like you?” “Kayn’s never alone. He has me. I can pop up anywhere you know?” I hear her voice. Hear her smug arrogance as she boasts about how strong she is. She is strong. And she is immortal. But neither of those facts changes that she loves me. “Zoe is the Aspect of Twilight. She claims she can create blackholes, but all I’ve ever seen her create is a mess whenever she tries to cook,” I half smile thinking about the disasters I’ve seen. Drip. Drip. Drip. The heat gets worse. I can feel that. I can feel how it seems to sap my strength. But again, don’t focus on it. Be aware of it, but don’t dwell on it.
“This is Zoe,” I gesture at the short girl beside me as she hops around in excitement, biting her lips to hide a squeal. Talon and Ekko look at her and then at me. I can see the question all over their faces. “She’s starting here. I sort of know her.” Sort of being an understatement. I’ve known her for maybe two weeks? Hard to say. What I’m not about to do is let on to either of them that she’s apparently some goddess. Because she already comes across as crazy.
“Oh my gosh. Hi. I’m Zoe. I’m very new here. Like to everything. So are you guys friends? Do you hang out? Do you have slumber parties? Can I join?” She finally squeals, leaping into the air and hovering about three feet off the floor.
“Zoe’s a mage. She can use magic,” I say to cover up the fact that she’s not only floating, but her hair has changed shades about three times in her excitement.
“I bet there’s a story here,” Ekko looks at me a smug smirk on his face.
“She’s new. She attached herself to me. Figured you and her might get on,” I say dryly, looking back at him.
“So what’s your name?” She asks, getting up in Ekko’s face and forcing the other guy to pull back.
“Er, Ekko.”
“Wow, that’s such a fun name. I love echo’s because it’s you can talk to yourself and get an answer back,” she giggles causing Talon to side eye me looking very confused. Yes she’s crazy, I get that.
“She is crazy,” I tell myself. “Absolutely crazy. But she’s always there for me. She helps me out in class if I doze off. She knows if I’m sad or down over something and she tries to cheer me up.” Her efforts aren’t exactly always welcome, but I know she’s at least trying. Coming back to my room after detention and finding glitter all over my bed is infuriating at times, but at the same time I know it’s come from a good place. She could think of nothing more exciting than coming into her room and seeing something like that, so she shares that with people. It’s all good intentions.
“She annoys you Kayn. The way she shows you up in front of others. The way she drags you into her silly schemes. They grind on your nerves. They make you hate her. Loathe her.”
“You know I love you. I know I keep saying it, but he’s right, you are stubborn and sometimes I think you don’t want to believe I do. But I do. I’ve seen what you’ve been through Kayn and this darkin isn’t half as bad.” I hear her voice. I’d never get mushy or sappy around her, but right now her words are like sunshine, but more tangible. Something I can grab onto. Something I can hold. Unclasping my hands I flex my left hand before holding it out to my side. Out as if I was holding onto a large scythe. And, for a second, I can feel the handle in my hand. Feel the weight of it. “This is my body Rhaast. Not yours!” I say, standing up, my eyes still closed as I remain focused. But I can feel the weapon in my hand. It slips and fades from my touch, but it comes back. Slowly feeling more real. Around me I can feel Rhaast’s anger. Feel his bloodlust. I can see his mind. See his thoughts. And for just a second, I see Zoe and Talon standing on a table in the school canteen. Both of them bloody and beat up, but there they stand. “Come on boy. You can do better than this. Have you really allowed a monster to take over your mind that gets so angry at nothing more than a girl? I thought you were better than that, boy.” My master. I hear him. I hate it when he calls me boy. I’m not a little kid anymore. “Jovn, go again. You’re holding back which is why you keep losing,” my master says, pacing around the room as I hold my sparring sword in my hands, facing down a man nearly fifteen years older than me. My small hands grasp the handle as I keep my weapon pointed at my training partner.
“But Master Zed, he’s just a kid. Do you seriously want me to beat up a kid?” Jovn asks, looking over to our master. I don’t glance away. Master Zed has warned me before about taking my eyes off my opponent.
“A kid that has already bested you three times. Go again and don’t hold back.”
“If I kill him, I’m not apologising,” Jovn huffs, levelling his sword back at me. If he kills me? If? He can only wish he was that good. Jovn is slow. Too slow to counter me. He’s not losing because he’s holding back. He’s losing because I’m better.
His blade this time cuts into my arm, slicing across the skin and causing blood to run down onto the floor. Ignore it. Just pretend it’s not there. I dart past the next blow, my blade cleanly cutting him on the leg before I point it upwards, under his chin, his dark eyes meeting with mine as he scowls at me.
“I win again,” I say smugly, his scowl deepening.
“You’re a little shit, Kayn. You should go back to whatever trash heap the master pulled you from.”
“Four losses Jovn. I want you on sword training for the rest of the week. Your footwork is a mess. I also want this room cleaned and those swords sharpened. Kayn with me.” I pull my blade back, smirking at the older man before me as he bows to our master. I drop the sword onto the floor and scurry after our master as he walks from the room.
“Did you see? Jovn can’t beat me,” I brag, almost having to skip to keep up with my master’s strides.
“You leave yourself too open boy. A faster opponent could have killed you several times.”
“Yeah, but it was Jovn. He’s not fast,” I remind him.
“Doesn’t matter. You should treat every opponent as though they can kill you. This way.” He heads around into the medic room. A plain white room. Really boring. Plus it always smells funny in here. He points to a chair and I jump in it, my legs dangling in the air as my master comes over to me with several things to clean my arm.
“Were you proud of me though?” I ask, wincing as he cleans away the blood from the cut. “I beat him all four times.”
“And you left yourself open and got yourself injured.”
“Yeah, but I won,” I pout.
“Doesn’t matter boy. You should have been able to beat him without getting an injury. Now hold still. This will need stitches.”
The needle hurts. It hurts a lot. As I wince from it the second time, my master looks at me, his eyes level with mine.
“I need you to sit still Kayn. Remember, you have to be able to block out the pain. You did it when you were fighting Jovn. You didn’t flinch from the blade. You need to be able to do it even when your mind isn’t busy. You need to be able to do it no matter what. Be aware it’s happening but don’t let it hurt you,” he says, his voice calm. I nod my head, looking away from him and focusing forward. I think of other things. Of better things. Like maybe asking my master if he’ll let me buy an ice cream later because I beat Jovn. I smile as I think what flavour I’d pick.
“Lemon. Always lemon,” I nod, seeing the memory in my head so clearly. In my hand I can feel the weight of the scythe even clearer as I stand there. Slowly I open my eyes and just stare forward into the darkness. “This is my body,” I whisper into the darkness. I can hear the others talking to Rhaast now and occasionally see them in front of him. He’s being bound. I can feel the bindings. “You won’t win Aspect,” I hear Rhaast hiss, his words echoing around me “I will Rhaast. I love him. And he loves me,” I hear Zoe’s voice. Hear the conviction in her words. “I love you too Zoe,” I shout into the darkness. “I promise I’m going to fight him Zoe. I promise!” I am Shieda Kayn, and I have suffered through things that would break most people, but they never broke me. I’m not about to let this demon break me. “You can’t win!” “Yes, I can,” I say, nodding my head. I feel his anger getting stronger. He wants Zoe dead. He wants Talon and my master dead. But I won’t let him. I won’t let him get near them. “Come on boy. I expect more from you than this,” I hear my master say. “My name is not boy. My name is Kayn,” I repeat, hearing Rhaast yelling at my master. Hearing him yell that he is not called boy. “Stop calling me boy,” Rhaast says, I can feel his anger as I shut my eyes again. “Give me one good reason why I should boy?” “Because my name is Kayn!” I yell it out into the darkness. “My name is Kayn!” I feel Rhaast fighting me, but I also see clearer through his eyes now, I see my master and I see the anger on his face. The resolve. Can he hear me? Can they all hear me? “Don’t tell that to me Kayn. Tell that to your pet. Tell that to him. I gave you that name. Tell him who you are!” Sweat runs down my body. Every limb on me shaking as I struggle to reach out, to take back control. To stop myself drowning in this place. This isn’t Rhaast’s body. This is mine and only mine. My hand grips that scythe tightly. My hand, not his. The shadows bind my body, not Rhaast’s. “My name is Shieda Kayn. This is my body Rhaast. Not yours! My name is Kayn!” I scream out. I will win. I swear it Zoe. I swear we’ll look at the stars together again and do all the dumb shit you want to do. We’ll go to that dance, we’ll go and be cheerleaders again. “You can’t beat me by yourself Kayn. You aren’t strong enough.” “I’m not alone Rhaast,” I hiss at him. “I haven’t been alone for a long time now. I was just to stupid to realise it.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Talon “Invisibility is quite the trick. I see what Marcus saw in you,” Zed says. “But you can’t hide from me and my shadows.” I feel a tendril wrap around my ankle, pulling my leg up and causing me to fall face first into the hard floor. Nearby I feel movement, the way I do when I spar with Kayn and he uses the shadows, gripping a knife tightly I throw it towards the sound, another flying straight behind it but lower. The first gets deflected, the metal on metal echoing around me, but I hear a grunt with the second.
“Very good.” Taking another breath, I vanish again. Where is he? If I can find him, if I can win, will he help Kayn? I know he has to care for Kayn. Because Kayn is a lot to put up with if you don’t like him. And I’m sure Zed has put up with more than I have. Though he hasn’t dealt with the whole, Kayn-turning-into-an-evil-demon yet. But I hope he will.
Another shadow moves for me, but I see the movement, dodging it in time and rolling over the floor. I throw another knife, but it just passes through shadow. From the darkness a blade swipes near me, I miss it by a fraction and throw another knife at where it came from.
“You are clever. I am impressed,” I hear his voice around me before I take a punch to the gut. I wobble forward, gasping for air.
“We don’t have time for this,” I struggle through the words. “Kayn needs us. He needs you.”
“You’re an interesting would-be-assassin. Your skills with those knives are sharper than any of my students. Even Kayn. But you have no conviction to kill. That second throw of yours could have been a killing blow.”
“You idiot. I’m not here to kill you,” I try and straighten up but I’m still winded from that hit. “I’m here so you can help me save my friend. So you can save your son!”
At some point I’m going to take stock on what has exactly happened today and none of it is going to make sense. Literally none of it. Zed, the bastard, only wanted to test me to pass time while he’d already sent a message, using shadows, to some lackey to get his motorcycle sorted. Me getting my ass kicked was simply to pass time. And honestly, I’m not sure who scares me more. Rhaast or Zed. Kayn really needs to revaluate who he keeps as company. “My name is Shieda Kayn. This is my body Rhaast. Not yours! My name is Kayn!” It’s odd hearing Kayn’s voice starting to come out of that creature’s mouth, but honestly, it’s the most refreshing thing I’ve heard all day. Standing up here beside Zoe, my entire body is begging me to stop. To lay down somewhere and sleep for a week. But I’m not giving in. I’m not about to leave Kayn. If he’s still fighting this creature than so am I. On the floor, Ekko wanders over. He climbs up beside me, flashing me and Zoe a smile before he looks back at where the monster is thrashing around. I notice both Varus and Zed frowning as they try and hold the bindings. However a flurry of magical thorns appears, wrapping around Rhaast’s legs. Neeko – barely able to stand – is casting the spell. Sweat runs down her face as she holds the magic. Come on Kayn, we’re here for you. “You can’t defeat me Kayn! I am a darkin. I’m ancient. Eternal!” “So what? Who isn’t?” Varus coughs out. A strained smirk on his face as he looks to Zoe. “So overrated,” Zoe remarks, a flip of her hand as she dismisses him. “Come on Kayn,” Ekko whispers, his fists clenched. I watch as the claw holding the scythe seems to tighten. His head shakes, his eyes shutting. For a moment I think I’m imagining it, but the eye on the scythe shuts. The red glow vanishing before it reopens again, this time blazing blue. Beside me Zoe gasps, her hands going to her mouth. You’ve got this Kayn. I watch as the scythe slowly starts to change shape. The blade becoming narrower, the colours fading from red and silver to blue and grey. The whole time Rhaast roars, trying desperately to break free. I can see the strain on those holding him. A little longer. Hold out a little longer. Slowly he moves forward, one foot and then the other, his blazing red eyes are focused on us. On me and Ekko and Zoe. He wants us dead so badly. It’s almost radiating from him. “You can do this Kayn,” Zoe says. “I believe in you.” There’s a snap of magic and Zed, Varus and Neeko seem to catapult back as the creature lunges at us. As the blue scythe swings in a wild arc coming for the three of us. It doesn’t hit. Even though Lux throws a shield over us, it doesn’t come anywhere close. It hangs in the air. Before us the darkin closes his eyes muttering something before he looks back at us, his eyes now blue. There’s a smirk on his face and a pause before a powerful explosion sends all three of us flying back. I brace myself to hit the wall, but instead I feel someone leap up behind me, arms grabbing me tightly and holding my battered body. I look up to the grin of Rakan as he lands, setting me on the floor beside him and holding me up. “You alright?” He asks. Slowly I nod as I look back into the room. All of the tables in the centre of the room have been pushed back clearing a large space as though someone had detonated something there. And there, standing in the centre of that space, is a boy with long black hair. I feel my chest wobble before I start to sob. Rakan just grips me tighter. There’s something different about him. His skin seems paler, his body covered in odd markings. Behind him his long hair seems to almost move on its own and his amber eyes are now a vivid blue. But it’s him. It’s Kayn. He nearly collapses, but a shadow of Zed appears beside him and is quickly replaced with the actual Zed who catches him. “Kayn!” Zoe screams, leaping over things and dashing to him. Slowly I stumble forward, that exhaustion now hitting me like a truck. Rakan helps me navigate the tables as we head over. Zed holds Kayn’s body like a doll as Zoe grabs onto his limp arm. Her slender hands wrap around his still hand and she holds it to her face. “He’s ok right? He’s alive right?” She’s almost pleading with Zed, looking up at him as his scarlet eyes go to Kayn’s body. “He’s breathing. He probably just needs rest. As do the lot of you. That girl over there needs a hospital, as do several others of you looking at the state of you all,” Zed’s voice almost orders as me and Rakan get closer. “It’s him, right? It’s Kayn?” I ask, looking at the older man who just nods. “Unless you know of another trainee of mine with hair longer than any girls – except maybe her – then yes. He’s just exhausted right now.” His eyes go back to Kayn and for a moment there’s a look there that’s almost tender. “He’s alive. He’s alive,” Zoe wails, slumping down to her knees as Zed turns to walk off. Leaving Rakan, I stagger over to her, dropping down beside her and prising her hands away from her eyes as she sobs. “It’s ok Zoe. It’s ok,” I tell her, watching as she looks at me, her eyes wide. “He’s ok. He’s ok.” I scrub at my eyes with my arm, but I can’t stop the tears coming. He’s alive. We did it. We actually did it. “I’m not missing out on this if we’re having a sob fest,” Ekko half laughs, wandering over to us, his cheeks stained with tears too. “It’s actually him, right?” Both me and Zoe nod as he drops down beside us. I can’t believe we did it. But wait, where’s Neeko? “Where’s Neeko?” I mumble, looking around. The last I saw her she got thrown back from Rhaast breaking free. She’s ok right? “Where’s Neeko?” I feel my words slurring slightly as Zoe’s eyes go wide. “Talon,” she gasps, reaching for me as I slump down, everything around me going dark. I feel I’m out of things for a while, as when I do come around, I’m definitely not with it at all. My eyes stare at the ceiling above me for a good few minutes before I realise what it even is I’m looking at. My entire body aches. Even just shifting causes me to groan and I hear movement in the room. Blearily I glance over and realise one of two things. Firstly, this isn’t my room. This is Cassi’s room. Mirrors and clothes and makeup fill every conceivable space. And secondly, the person in the room isn’t my sister. “You’re awake,” Varus smiles over at me as he perches on Cassi’s desk chair. Now that I’m not being hunted down and having to fight for my life, I find myself blushing again at just being near him. “Um, yeah. What happened?” I ask trying to remember exactly when I passed out. Everything in my head feels so jumbled right now. I also want to sit up because I feel so dumb just laying here, but that really isn’t going to happen just yet. “You saved Kayn. I mean I know it was a group effort, but you bringing that other guy over seemed to be the push he needed. That was a pretty good call. And then you fainted. For a while actually. I’ll admit I was starting to get worried,” he says, glancing away. I tell myself I’m imagining it, but I think there’s the faintest blush of pink to his cheeks. “I think an ambulance was called for a few people. Your sister came into the canteen. I think everyone did to be honest. She told me to bring you round here. Said she didn’t have a key for your room so gave me hers while she went to check if Neeko was ok. So I carried you round here. Probably just in time too. Fairly certain I heard Miss Laurent yelling in the canteen just as I’d taken you out.” “You carried me?” I squeak out, my face going neon now as I sink under the covers. I mean I should be asking how Neeko is. Maybe I should be trying to ring Cassi, but instead I’m trying to stop myself having a heart attack. Varus carried me round here? Ok Talon, just breathe. “Yeah. Your injuries looked pretty superficial, so I figured you’d be ok,” Varus says. “I mean if you want, I can help you round to A&E if you feel you need it?” There’s worry in his voice, my silence probably not helping but I’m trying to compose myself enough so that whatever I say doesn’t sound like a chipmunk. He held me. No, focus! “And you?” I cough out, looking to the bruising around his pale neck and various splashes of blood over his white shirt. He glances down at himself as if forgetting that he got injured. “I’m a darkin remember. We heal pretty fast. I don’t heal as fast as Rhaast did. But I should be fine in a day or two. You’ll be sore for a while though I feel,” he says softly before glancing out of the nearby window. “I wanted to thank you for your help today Talon. In fact, for everything you’ve done since you found out about Rhaast.” “Kayn’s my friend. Of course I was going to help,” I say before wincing. I’d like to pinpoint exactly what hurts on me, but I haven’t got a clue. At this point I’m just going with everything. “School’s going to be a little weird from now on I feel. Half the students now know I’m a darkin. Given one just ripped the school up, I’m not expecting that to go down too well,” he admits, a brief sigh escaping from his lips, his eyes still staring out of the window. “Yeah, and one helped defend it too,” I remind him, bringing his grey eyes back to me and causing my heart to accelerate when his lips form a small smile. It’s then I realise that I am alone with the boy I like. That all cards are on the table right now. He’s a darkin and I’m gay. Not to mention that I have nearly met my end a billion different times, this isn’t the scariest thing I’ve done today. It totally is though. “Um, Varus, can I ask you something?” I say, pushing myself up and groaning with every movement. I’ll admit I don’t feel great once I’m sat, but I’m not doing this laying down. Even if right now my vision doesn’t seem quite right, I will sit up for this. “Sure?” he smiles, and I feel my stomach drop. I can do this. How hard can this be? Considering that somehow Kayn and Zoe managed to ask each other out then I can totally ask Varus to the dance, right? “Ok, I’m just going to ask, um, well, ok. Give me a moment. Right, no, I’ve got this, ok. I haven’t got this,” I mutter, realising how much of an idiot I sound right now. However I fix my gaze on his confused face and just go for it. “The dance. Are you going with anyone?” And that’s all the resolve I have right now as I glance away from him. I stare at the butterfly pattern over my sister’s bedsheets. My eyes tracing among the images trying to find something to calm my mind with. “Er, no,” he replies and I just nod, steeling myself as I grip the blanket till my knuckles go white. “Will you go with me?” I blurt out, running through the words so quickly I don’t even know if he heard them, but I can’t turn to face him right now. “As a friend or as a date?” He asks, his voice so calm that it makes me panic even more. I should just say friends. That’s the easy option here right? “I was hoping as a date, but if you’re not cool with that, that’s absolutely fine. I don’t know if you’re gay or not. But I sort of like you. But if you’re not, that’s fine. I just really wanted to ask because, man, I almost died today. A lot. Sorry, I’m messing this up,” I groan falling back onto the bed and pulling the covers over my face. I don’t care if this looks dumb, I feel dumb right now. Of everything that has happened today, this is going to be what ends me. How could I mess this up? All I had to do was ask him to a dance. I’ve stood in front of a darkin wanting to kill me and kept my cool, but this is what I falter over. “Ok, yeah sure, why not,” Varus says and I think I freeze. Is this a joke? “Seriously?” I ask, lowering the covers again and looking at him. I’m trying to guess if he’s lying or not, but he just has a soft smile on his face. “I haven’t been on a date in over a thousand years, so I apologise in advance,” he half laughs. “I think it sounds like fun.” Slowly I pull that cover back over my face to hide my stupid grin. He said yes. Oh god, this would be the greatest day ever if I didn’t feel like I’d been hit by a train. I think I squeak, but I’m way too happy to put much thought into it. He said yes!
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn For the first time in what feels like years, I realise I’m not burning up. I don’t feel that oppressive heat. What I do feel though is weird. My whole body feels foreign, alien to me. Slowly I open my eyes and, after a moment or two, I realise I’m in my room. Why does that make me want to cry? Why does being here make my chest ache? That’s when I remember. I remember everything. I remember the pain and the darkness. The feeling of being so alone that no one could help me. I remember being isolated. Trapped in a never-ending inferno. I remember feeling like I was drowning; struggling to keep a hold onto life. With a gasp I sit up, my chest pounding, my breathing quick. Rhaast took over. He won. He took control of my body. I remember feeling helpless as I watched him chase my friends. As he tried to kill them. I remember feeling his hate, feeling his bloodlust. Seeing my friends through his eyes and his desire to kill them seeping into me. But then I remember my friends. The people that put themselves in danger to try and help me. He told me they hated me, but they didn’t. Looking down at myself I hold my hands before me, turning them over as I inspect them. I don’t have a claw anymore, but both my hands have changed colour. They look almost midnight blue, just on the edge of falling into blackness. The colour change traces up my arm, winding around, the colour fading from being darkest at my fingers to a pale bluish grey by the time it reaches my shoulders and spills onto my bare chest. I trace the markings with a finger. “They’re on your face too,” a voice says, and I startle, looking over to the man leaning against my wall, his body cloaked in shadows. “Master Zed?” I croak out, my voice feeling hoarse and unused. “Your hair is longer too boy. You’ll need to keep that tied back,” he remarks, stepping forward and pulling my chair over towards my bed before he sits in it, his fierce eyes on me. “What happened?” I ask. Though I can remember things, other things are just hazy. I remember how hard I tried to stop him. I remember him swinging that scythe at Zoe. How she stood there confessing to me how much she cared for me. I remember stopping it just in time, but then I remember the pain and rage he directed at me. I was trapped. “You killed Nakuri,” he tells me, his tone flat as I look back to my hands. “I never meant to,” I whisper. I have such hazy memories of Nakuri attacking me. However as I glance over to my desk, there’s no blood on it anymore. The strong smell of cleaning products hangs in my room. “You also allowed yourself to be consumed by your little pet,” he says, and I just stare at my bed. “I tried. I tried so damn hard to fight him,” I grit my teeth. But who was I ever kidding? He was a darkin and I’m just a teenager. It was never going to end well for me. “Yet you failed,” Master Zed says, his tone harsh and I feel my stomach turn to lead. I’ve let him down. I’ve let everyone down. “He was just too strong,” I whisper. “He was there, constantly, in my head. Telling me I was weak. Telling me I was worthless. I thought I could block him out. Tell myself he was lying, but he got to me.” It’s hard admitting it out loud. I failed. I, Shieda Kayn, failed. “Are you?” Master Zed asks me, and I glance over to him. “Am I what?” I ask, my voice still quiet. “Weak? Worthless?” His eyes bore into me. I open my mouth to talk but I don’t know what answer he wants to hear. “Well boy, are you either of those things.” “I don’t know,” I admit, looking away from him again. I’m too ashamed. I’m ashamed of everything. “No wonder he beat you. With an attitude like that he probably deserved to win. What happened to Shieda Kayn that was going to be the greatest assassin ever? That was one day going to best me?” “You don’t understand. He was in my head, all the time. Telling me how shit I was. How much you hated me. How much Zoe hated me. It was never ending,” I snap, my hands gripping at my bed sheets. No one will understand. No one else had to go through that. Master Zed didn’t have someone sitting in his head telling him how much he deserved to fail. “And do I hate you boy?” I look at him now, his arms folded as his scarlet eyes meet mine. “You stopped training me.” “Not the question I asked. Do I hate you?” “No,” I relent. “You are the most stubborn pupil I have ever taught, boy. You’re highly temperamental. You’re arrogant and aggressive. Of any pupil you are the one who’s neck I want to wring the most. But no, I don’t hate you. I never have. Which is why I came over when I heard what had happened to you,” he says and I realise a question I should have asked a while ago. “How did you know? Why are you here?” A slight smirk twists his lips, his eyes still fixed on me. “I had a rival assassin burst into my training centre to yell at me. To tell me my student had turned into a darkin but that maybe he was stubborn enough to still be alive somewhere inside of the monster. I was not about to be lectured at by some half dead teenager and not do anything,” he tells me. “A rival assassin?” I ask, cocking my head. “Talon Du Couteau. The boy could barely stand. But I needed my bike refuelling, so while I set Jovn on that, I sparred with the boy. He’s good with throwing knives but is far too apprehensive. I let him keep a set of ours. Should be better than anything Marcus owns.” “Talon came to you?” I’ll admit I’m somewhat confused. I was awful to Talon. I remember that. I remember arguing with him. Fighting him. I remember trying to kill hm. My hand around his throat choking him. “He did. He was talking to you while you were trapped inside of that creature. Him and your little girlfriend,” Master Zed says, and I feel my face start to get hot. “Don’t blush boy. You act like I don’t check up on you from time to time. You’ve been almost inseparable from her for years now. I assume she had something to do with you signing up to be a cheerleader?” Ok, now my face does go scarlet. My master knows about that. “How…?” I cough out, unable to form any other words. “Like it or not I am your parental guardian. You school does update me on what is happening in your school life such as extracurricular activities. Admittedly they failed to ring and inform me my student had turned into a demon, but I am going to make a point of calling in on your principal and asking about that.” “The school didn’t know about Rhaast,” I tell him. “No, they didn’t know your arm was infected with him. However, I feel the act of you turning into the creature should have at least warranted a phone call,” he tells me before reaching into his pocket and pulling something out. “Also, I do believe this is yours. Probably best not to leave it laying around a school.” He leans over, handing me my blue knife. I stare at it in my hands. In my head I recall Nakuri trying to kill me. How I was using nothing but this to parry the blows. How I thought I was about to die. How I thought no one cared for me. “Thank you,” I say softly before my hand grips the knife and I burst into tears. “Thank you master.” “For what?” He asks, his voice sounding about as confused as I’m ever likely to hear from him. “For everything. For everything you’ve ever done for me. For saving me from my parents. For coming for me today. For just being there. It was awful. It was so awful. I was so trapped. Rhaast reminded me of every awful thing I’ve ever suffered through. And there’s so many. But you’ve always been there for me. So thank you.” I know what I’m saying is barely coherent, but god, I’m just so grateful to be here. Because in my head I can still see that scythe stuck in my stomach. I can still feel my skin going cold as my insides burned. So even though I know crying like this in front of my master is pathetic, I’m still here to cry in front of him. “You’ll resume your training as soon as you’re fully recovered,” he tells me, not mentioning my tears, even as I sob into the crook of my arm. I give a nod, but that’s all I can really do. I don’t hear him stand to leave, but that’s nothing new. He’s silent at everything he does. It’s only when he coughs that I look up at him and realise he’s now standing. His eyes look at me as I sit, sniffling in my bed like a lost child. “I’m proud of you Kayn,” he tells me which only threatens to set me off again. “Not many people have the mental fortitude to fight off an attack like that. You did well. However, the next time I give you a simple order, I expect it to be followed to the letter. If I say don’t touch something, I mean it. Don’t. Touch. It.” I splutter out a laugh, nodding my head. He turns from me and heads out of the door, leaving me alone in my bed to sob. And I do sob. I’m alive. I’m actually alive.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe This day somehow feels like it has gone on for centuries. Actual centuries. I’ve gone from finding out my boyfriend was dead, to realising he was still alive, to realising he needed rescuing, to somehow saving him, to finally spending all afternoon in the principal’s office getting yelled at. I have detention. Immortal goddess Zoe, the Aspect of Twilight, has detention for putting the teachers to sleep when their solution was to kill Rhaast. I mean, I’d have ended them first if they’d hurt Kayn. I dare say I’d still be in the principal’s office had Kayn’s master not just literally opened the door and demanded to see the principal. I think his sudden entrance flustered her, but it gave me enough of an opportunity to exit. And I mean I’m not the only one with detention. Like half the student body has. For various things. Damage to school property cropped up a bit. I mean technically Rhaast did more damage than anyone. Even some of those that are in hospital currently will have detention afterwards. Not sure whether Kayn does. I mean technically he did absolutely nothing. There’s a buzz among the students though. Talk of the events of the day have spread like wildfire. Those that fought with Rhaast have been filtering back to the dorms and filling in those that missed it all. And nothing is being missed out. Everything is being talked about. Like a student being an Aspect. Standing in front of a white door, I hear muted discussion behind me and turn to look at Rumble standing in his doorway talking to Teemo. They both suddenly look awkward, vanishing into his room. Taking a deep sigh, I knock on the door. I know he won’t answer it, I’m just giving him some warning. “I’m coming in,” I call through. There’s no reply though. Shaking my head, I drop through a portal, landing on his floor. It’s silent in here. His curtains are ripped in two and the whole room smells like it’s been cleaned recently. Not sure who’s done that. Softly I walk over to his bed and sit beside the mound under his covers. “You ok?” I ask after several moments of silence. Another minute goes by before the cover gets shifted and he looks up at me. He’s been crying, I can see that. The pillow around his head is covered in a dark wet patch and his cheeks are still streaked with tears. But he looks so different. His skin has gone several shades paler and he now has pale blue markings around both his eyes and in the centre of his forehead. Not to mention his eyes are no longer amber, they’re a bright blue that seems to almost glow. “Zoe,” he says, choking down a sob. I just smile at him, my hand going out and wiping away tears on his cheeks. “How’re you feeling?” I ask gently. “What am I?” He asks, fresh tears rolling down his face. “You’re you. Why?” I keep the smile on my face but inside my stomach has knotted together seeing him like this. “I don’t feel like me. I feel different somehow. I look different and I don’t feel right. And I’m so ashamed of everything today,” he coughs on a sob, his hands coming to his face. “I think, maybe, and this is just a guess ok? Um, I think you might be part darkin now,” I tell him, watching as he moves his hands and looks at me. “What?” “Well, you destroyed Rhaast. You ended him but you took his power. That’s the deal, right? If you could defeat him you’d get his darkin powers. You did it Kayn. But I think that means you’re a darkin now. Or at least possibly half darkin. That’s probably why you feel so odd.” “I could sense your portal,” he whispers. “When you made it, just now on my ceiling. I could feel the magic before you even came out of it.” “I daresay Rhaast could,” I tell him, glancing away. “So I’m now a monster?” He asks, his voice so fragile. Rhaast really broke him. If that demon cat wasn’t dead I’d kill him myself. “No. You’re Kayn,” I tell him. “You’re my boyfriend. And I’m a very good judge of character you know.” I force the grin to my face as I try and lighten the mood. “I missed you. It feels like you’ve been gone for years. I can hardly believe that this has only been one day today,” he admits, sitting up beside me, the covers slipping down and revealing the odd markings he now has over his chest. “I wasn’t gone long. I told you I’d be back. You want to tell me what happened?” I ask, my arm going around his shoulders, even though he’s taller than me. I feel his body shudder, his eyes just staring ahead. “I can’t really remember. I remember playing darts with the others and hanging out. I kept feeling off. And I think I was feeling off for a lot longer than I realised. Then I had a fight with Talon. He was trying to help me, but I just had Rhaast constantly in my head. He was telling me all these things. How no one cared for me. How I was invisible. I didn’t want to believe it but then I found out Talon had told Neeko something and I just snapped. I shouldn’t have. Normally I wouldn’t have, but I did. After that everything is a bit of a mess. I just remember being so scared,” he admits. “I kept looking for you. I knew I needed help. But I didn’t know who to turn to.” “Talon. Ekko. Neeko,” I tell him. “I thought they hated me. Rhaast convinced me they did. He told me how he often saw them together. How they’d do things without me. I told myself he was lying but when I realised Talon had told Neeko a secret, I suddenly thought everything else was true too. He convinced me it was,” he admits before holding his hands up and just looking at his fingers. They’re all almost black. A coloured pattern then swirls up from his hands and around his arms, going from black to dark blue to the same grey-blue colour as the markings on his face. “Kayn, you should have told them you needed help. They’d have helped you y’know,” I say. Slowly he nods his head. “I know that now.” “Yeah well you should have known that before too. You nearly died. I got back here and you weren’t here. I couldn’t sense you at all. I had to then stop Rhaast from slicing Neeko and Talon in two, all the while coming to terms with the fact that you’d gone. Because I thought you had,” I admit, rubbing at my eyes now. “I saw that creature and I knew what had happened. I was going to kill him too. I was ready to. You need to thank so many people, because had Sona not been nearby and Rhaast not done this with his hands, you would be dead now.” I imitate the sign for help that Sona showed me. “I have vague memories of that. I remember him about to fight you. I could see you through his eyes. I tried to stop him, but I couldn’t. And I realised I could try signing. It was a last-ditch effort. Gets a bit blurry after that. Though I remember you. I remember you holding my hand when everything got really bad,” he admits. He looks at me as if to clarify I really did that. “I did. I wasn’t having some darkin tell you such awful things about me and the others. And I wasn’t going to leave you alone Kayn. You should know by now; I never leave you alone. Even when you want me to,” I smile. “I’m so sorry Zoe,” he weeps, holding together for a moment before he just throws himself at me. His arms wrapping around my waist, his head buried in my chest as he cries. I don’t stop him. I just softly stroke his hair over his back. See, I’ve been all alone. I’ve been isolated from everyone before. I know how hard that can be. But I can’t even begin to imagine that crushing loneliness coupled with the feeling that you’re worthless. When I was in space, I was lonely, but I didn’t hate myself. I feel that Kayn was made to loathe himself. Because how can you fight for control of your body if you think you’re not even worthy of it? “By the way,” I say after several minutes of him just crying, “your hair is longer now. Just think of all the styles I can put it into.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kayn School was cancelled for the rest of the week. Mostly because the school had been torn to shreds. By me. I know it wasn’t. I know it was Rhaast. But it was also me. Other than Zoe, I haven’t let anyone else in my room. I just can’t face anyone else yet. The only reason I let her in is because I can’t keep her out. I know I need to see my friends. I know I need to apologise and thank them all, but I just can’t face it. I can’t face them. They put their lives on the line for me – literally with some of the injuries they got – but I just can’t face them. I can’t face them because it was my pride and my arrogance that caused them to get injured. It was my inability to ask for help that caused them to worry. I’d told Zoe to tell them I’d see them on Monday. That seemed like the simplest option. Start the new week off by apologising to everyone. But I hadn’t gone into school. I had no doubt my girlfriend would pop in after school to find out why. I don’t know what to tell her though. How do I explain that when I put my uniform on this morning, I had a breakdown? That seeing my new body in my old uniform scared me. That I started to bandage my arm up before I realised I don’t have to anymore. That I was looking around for my cat before realising he doesn’t exist anymore. I told myself I’d go in at dinner. That I’d wait for lunch break to start and go in then. But I hadn’t. I hadn’t moved from my room. It was just too much. Instead, what I had done, was summon my scythe and stared at it for a good hour without moving. Because I can do that now. I can summon my weapon. Because I’m not human anymore. Not fully. And I mean it’s a lovely weapon. The kind of weapon I’d love to take on missions. It’s a little over the top, but I like that about it. But right now, I can barely touch it. Every time I do, I see the image of Zoe before me, the blade eating into her arm as I stopped it just in time. Or the look on Talon’s face just before I turned, and that blade was going for him. And then I’ll have flashes, images of my friends dodging that weapon. So rather than going in and seeing my friends and talking to people, I’ve instead remained locked in my room. The silence is deafening and I have no idea what to do. “I promise I’ll come into school Zoe. I’ll be there ok?” She mimics my voice, walking through a portal and standing on my carpet, her hands on her hips. She’s in her uniform, a pout on her face as she stands there tapping her foot. I just look at her from where I’m sat on the edge of my bed. “I got dressed,” I croak out, gesturing to the uniform I’m still wearing. Sighing she hops over to me, sitting beside me on my bed and putting her arm around my waist. “What’s wrong?” “It’s quiet,” I say. “It won’t be soon. School just finished. Give people time and it’ll be noisy as usual out there,” she laughs. God to hear her laugh again. But that’s not what I mean. “In my head,” I say, feeling her shift as I continue to blankly stare forward. “It’s quiet in my head.” “And that’s a bad thing?” She sounds unsure. “I don’t know,” I reply, my voice still quiet. “I got so used to always having him in my head, that I realised today how weird it is with him not being there.” “He wasn’t your friend Kayn. I know at times he would just talk to you, but all he wanted was to kill you. He was using you. Friends don’t use each other,” she says, her voice sounding far more mature than it should. She has these moments sometimes. I feel she did a whole load of acting mature the other day. “I know. I know he was using me. But at the same time, he was always there. I keep going to talk to him and realising he’s gone. He’s gone forever.” “Oh Kayn,” she sighs, squeezing me. “You’re better off without him. It hurts now, I know that. But we’re here for you. All of us, if you’ll just let us. Let us help you.” “I want to see people Zoe, but I’m so scared. I’m scared of what I did. I thought I could face it today, but I couldn’t.” “Want some advice from someone that has spent the last like four days fielding questions about whether I am actually an immortal goddess? People get bored real quick of asking the same questions. Though, and you’ll love this, I had Ahri, Syndra and Sarah come over to talk to me today. They asked if it was true and I was like ‘duh, of course it is. I’ve seen the universe. Seen other planets. Destroyed other planets – not always on purpose – and if I wanted I could totally drop people who tease me and bully me into a supernova just for fun’. Man you should have seen their faces. You’d have laughed, I’m sure.” “Yeah, but you’re the immortal goddess who saved them. Not the demon that tried to kill them in the first place.” “Not yet anyway,” she giggles. I appreciate her joke. I try and force a smile to my lips but all I can do is stare forward. How am I supposed to face these people? I turned into a darkin and tried to murder them. And I came pretty damn close to it with a few people. Beside me there’s a sigh. “Kayn, do you trust me? Like explicitly trust that I can help you?” I glance down at her and see those bright colourful eyes looking up at me. She blinks at me, her smile beaming from her face. I give a nod. “You can leave whenever you like, but you owe these people at least five minutes of your time.” And before I can say anything or even protest, I’m dropped through a portal, leaving my bed and landing with a bump in the school’s smaller gym; the one that me and Talon use to train in. “Wonders never cease. She got you here,” Talon smirks at me, heading over from a bench he’d been perched on. “How are you?” He stands before me, a smile on his very beat up face. I look at the bruising. His black eyes and plasters on his cheeks. That was me wasn’t it? “Talon, I’m so sorry,” I tell him, wiping at my eyes. “Water under the bridge. Are you ok?” He asks again. I’m about to nod. About to tell him I’m fine, but lets face it, I’m not. “Not really,” I admit. “I told him he has to at least give us five minutes though. Then he can vanish off. But five minutes because we’ve missed him,” Zoe chirps up from where she’s hopping about near Neeko. Several people are here, and I realise there’s a table stacked with some pizza and pop. And in the centre sits a very haphazard looking cake. Pale yellow icing peeks out from under a mountain of chocolate stars, sprinkles and cherries. Is this for me? Why? I tried to kill them all. “Guys I am so sorry,” I blub, breaking down again. Talon just grabs me in a hug, holding me tight. “Told you. Water under the bridge. We just wanted to make sure you were ok,” he tells me. “No, Talon, I’m genuinely sorry,” I try and say, my words breaking up. “Things I said, I didn’t…I never wanted to hurt you.” “Kayn, don’t worry ok? We’ll talk about it later. Anyway, as you’re here, think you want to try some pizza in the five minutes you’re staying? Because I got Ekko to order this in our last lesson and he complained about the whole thing,” Talon smirks stepping back from me and nodding over to where Ekko has his arms folded, his head nodding. “Yeah, he was quite happy for me to take the blame if a teacher saw,” Ekko laughs walking over to us. “Good to see you’re ok though.” “Hey, I gave you my card to use.” Talon smiles at him. Are they actually ok with me? Do they not hate me? I hurt them all so badly. “Guys, I’m sorry for everything,” I admit, tears falling from my eyes as I look down to my feet. I’m too ashamed. Ashamed by everything. “Don’t cry Kayn. That monster was scary. He was the one that was wrong. Not Kayn,” Neeko says, bounding over to me and gripping one of my hands tightly. “Neeko likes that you don’t need to wear bandages anymore.” I look at her, at the stitches up her arm at the cuts and bruises I can see covering her skin. I feel my lips wobble. What did I do to them? “So yeah, where we standing on that pizza, because I don’t want cold pizza,” I hear Rakan call over. “By the way, you’re being way too quiet at night y’know? I miss all the yelling at Zoe.” Looking over I glance around at people. Xayah is here, and Cassi. Taliyah and Sona. Jinx and Varus. Why are they all here? “I think pizza sounds like the best idea. But no one can touch the cake. I made that. I get to cut that first before anyone else,” Zoe brags as though it wasn’t obvious. Given it’s one step away from collapsing under the sprinkles on it, it may as well have her name scrawled over it. She bounces over towards the table, Neeko a step behind her as Xayah smirks at me. “Glad you’re back. Would’ve hated cheerleading without you,” she smiles. “So blue eyes now huh?” Talon says softly, still stood by my side as Zoe and Rakan argue over pizza. “Apparently.” “When you’re ready, you know where my room is Kayn. Feel free to come and pour your heart out. Because you’re my best friend, and best friends shouldn’t keep secrets from each other,” he says. “So just so you’re clear, like crystal clear, I’m gay.” I nod at him, biting my lip to stop me crying more. I messed up. I messed everything up so badly. “I had a darkin in me,” I reply. “But now I’m half darkin I think, and I don’t know how to deal with that.” “Just go with it. You’re not the only one,” he says before nodding his head at where Varus is talking to Taliyah about something. I look back to Talon, confused. “Oh, right, you’d gone full Rhaast when that came out hadn’t you? Yeah, he’s a darkin, I’m gay, she’s a goddess and Neeko changes into people. Welcome to the club,” he laughs, pushing me forward slightly as he heads over to the table. For a moment I just stand there, quite unable to believe it. These people really do care for me. “By the way, when you want out, let me know. I’ll portal you back. But you’re having some of my cake before you even think of doing anything. It’s lemon cake, just like you asked for,” Zoe smirks, popping up beside me. I look at her for a second before grabbing her in a hug, pushing my lips against hers. I’m alive. I’m alive and I’m here because of her. Because her and these guys are actually crazy. They took on a darkin to help me. “I love you,” I whisper, my words breathy as I stare at her red face. “I really do love you.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zoe Makeup is harder than I thought. Like it is super hard. What is eyeliner and why can’t I do it? Scowling in the mirror I look back over to where Cassiopeia is busy fussing over Neeko’s makeup. Apparently she’s can’t put foundation on her without getting rid of the colouring on her face, so Cassi is busy sorting out her lips and eyes. I don’t know. I’ve tried foundation and I’m not even sure I’ve got that right. I mean you have to go and get your skin like colour matched for it. I thought foundation was foundation. Though I guess it makes sense. I mean my skin is paler than Taliyah’s. “Cassi, this is hard,” I whine. She scowls over at me before looking at Neeko. “Well you’re making a fine mess over there. How have you never put makeup on? Aren’t you like ancient?” “Y’know, makeup isn’t exactly a big deal in space. Like why would I bother with fussing over my face when the only person I might see in a century is a star dragon?” I huff. “I’d still wear it,” Cassi replies, blending some eye shadow in around Neeko’s eyes. I still feel Neeko should have worn a dress. But instead she’s gone with some shorts, shirt and waistcoat combo. Cassi is in a dress though. A long gold one that hugs her chest. Alright for those of us that have a chest. I shouldn’t be this irritated by everything, but I am. Dropping my shoulders, I pout in the mirror. This is not going well. I look so dumb. I didn’t realise this would be so hard to do. Why can’t I make myself look pretty? “Zoe, what are you doing with your hair?” Cassi asks glancing over at me. I just shrug my shoulders. I don’t know. “Fine, Neeko, sort her hair out please. Just brush it straight. Come on, let me sort your makeup out. I’ll make sure you cause that emo to have a heart attack.” There’s a smirk on her face as she slithers in front of me, her hands already holding a brush and what looks like eyeliner. “You going to make me look pretty?” I pout as she starts to apply something to my face. “Well I’m going to try,” she smirks. I keep getting told to stop wriggling and twitching as Cassi does things to my face. I’ll admit I don’t totally trust her to not stab me in the eye with mascara or something. Meanwhile I can feel Neeko fiddling with my hair. “So will there be lots of dancing?” Neeko asks. “Eventually. At first you’ll just get people standing around awkwardly,” Cassi says, a scowl on her face as I twitch again. “Not to mention that someone will get to be voted the dance king and queen,” I smile before Cassi pokes my cheek with some pencil thing. “Neeko heard people talk about that. What happens with it?” she asks. “Well, the students vote for a couple they think deserve to be king and queen. They get crowns and have to have a dance together,” Cassi explains. “Normally it’s a popularity vote. I’ve been queen before. Always a delight to snatch the crown away from that damn fox.” “A crown? Neeko loves crowns,” I hear her grin behind me. “Me too,” I squeal, though from Cassi’s expression I’m assuming that me getting excited isn’t what she wants. When Cassi has finally finished with my makeup I think I look amazing. Getting slapped on my arms frequently every time I twitched was worth it because I look stunning. He had better have made an effort. I have this super pretty dark blue dress on that has loads of glittery silver stars around the bottom of it. I hunted everywhere for a nice dress with stars on. Everywhere. And Cassi has made my eyes match my dress with dark blue eyeshadow and lots of silver accents to it. “Alright, you two look somewhat presentable. Come on then, lets go,” Cassi says, ushering us both from her room. I pull my phone out for selfies but Cassi refuses to be in them, so it’s just me and Neeko all the way to the dance. Though we run into Taliyah and she’s less assertive than Cassi, so she gets pulled into my photos too. She’s so nervous about going with Ekko. But she has this really pretty white dress on. She looks lovely and Ekko had better realise just how lucky he is that one girl here wanted to go with him. There had been threats made by the teachers that the dance would be cancelled after everything that happened. But they kept it on. Which is good because I have been looking forward to this. We head round to the gym which has been all done up with sparkly lights and banners and lots of things to make it look as nice as possible. “Oh wow,” Neeko squeals. “Everything is so pretty.” “I see your date isn’t here yet,” Cassi looks at me before looking around at the students already in the gym. “Neither is Talon or Ekko, so I’m guessing the three of them are coming together,” I smile. I really hope he comes. Kayn’s attendance at school these last two weeks hasn’t been great. He’s coming which I guess is a start. But he’ll just vanish between lessons sometimes. He’ll see or hear something that will mess up his head and then he vanishes. I know the teachers aren’t exactly impressed with him, but I also know the person that hates it the most is him. Brash, confident, arrogant Shieda Kayn does not like cowering away from his own head. He doesn’t like the fact that when he’s walking down a corridor at school he’ll suddenly see it how he saw it through Rhaast’s eyes and that he’ll have flashbacks to being trapped and dying. Thankfully, as I’ve told him today, Rhaast didn’t attack anyone in the gym. So there should be no bad memories here. “Kinda crazy don’t you think?” Taliyah says, standing beside me and fidgeting with her bag strap. I look towards her, her eyes looking around at everything. “We all came pretty close to never having anything like this again.” “Yeah. It’s nice we can go back to this sort of stuff,” I admit. I watch Cassi pull Neeko over towards a place for professional photos, though Neeko seems to be far more excited by the glitter ball lights. “How is he? Ekko says he’s not talking as much as he used to. Says he just keeps taking off by himself,” she looks at me, her wide eyes full of sympathy. “He’ll be fine. He has me after all and I’m a very good girlfriend,” I laugh, before silently saying a prayer that he is alright. We watch other people enter. Lux and Ezreal come in and I half smile. How that sight would have upset me a few months ago. Ekko comes bouncing over before trying to act cool in front of Taliyah. Her cheeks tint pink as he leads her over to the side for photos. “Love your dress Zoe,” Talon says, walking up behind me and smiling. I’m not at all surprised to see him wearing a hood. Only Talon could wear a shirt, tie and waistcoat combo and then decide he needs a black hoodie on over it. “Naturally, look at the sparkles,” I brag, spinning around, the lights causing the glitter to shimmer. My eyes go behind him, but only Varus walks up. Talon catches my line of sight. “He’s coming. He promised,” he says softly. “I just thought he might have been with you guys,” I say, forcing a smile to my face. “He was. But he said he’d forgotten something and he ran back to the dorms,” Talon tells me. “I’m sure he’ll be along any minute now,” I force a smile to my face. Talon looks at me, concern etched into his features as he glances over his shoulder to where Varus is watching Neeko trying to hug Cassi in the photos. “I can wait with you till he gets here,” Talon offers but I shake my head. “What? And leave your date alone? Don’t be silly. I trust him, he’ll be here. You go and spend time with Varus. I’ll wait for him,” I say as perky as I can. Turning from him I head over towards the benches, seating myself in such a way that I can see the door. He has to come right? He said he would. He said he wanted to see my dress I watch the others for a few minutes, debating whether I want to ring him. Maybe I should just pop through a portal and get him? But if he doesn’t want to come, I don’t want to force him. His head is such a mess right now. I don’t want to force him into something if he’s not in the right place for it. I watch the others get photos. Watch them go up in their pairs and then in other groups. Cassi drags her brother up for a photo. Then I think Neeko decides on a group photo. She pulls the others over before beckoning over to me. I just shake my head. It’s not a group photo without Kayn. “Sorry I’m late,” he says behind me, causing me to literally jump from my skin. Since his transformation he can literally creep up on anyone. He’s absolutely silent at times. Spinning around I look at him, my smile spreading over my face. He looks so handsome in a shirt and jacket. His tie is the same colour as my dress with silver stars on it. I think he might have asked Taliyah for some help there, because they are exactly like my stars. If I struggled to find this dress there is no way he was finding a tie that matched it so perfectly. “I thought you weren’t coming,” I admit, trying to stop my eyes from watering. “Talon said you bolted and I thought you couldn’t do it.” He gives a slight nod of his head, hie eyes glancing around at everything. “I had reservations, but me going back was just because I’d forgotten something,” he smiles before reaching into his blazer pocket and pulling out a small plastic pot filled with silver star glitter. “Glitter!” I squeal, shaking the pot up and down the second he gives it to me. “Argh, it matches my dress. This is amazing.” “I figured flowers are a little cliché. And lets face it, you and I are anything but cliché,” he smirks at me before going red as I throw my arms around him, hugging him tight. “Thank you,” I smile, holding him to me. He doesn’t get to reply as Ekko and Talon come dashing over to us. “Group photo guys, stop being cute,” Ekko grins, grabbing my arm and dragging me over. Talon just gestures to Kayn who rolls his eyes before heading over. I get shoved up beside Neeko who throws her arms around me, a grin all over her face as the photographer tells us to say ‘cheese’. There’s a flash, capturing this one single moment forever. “We should go dance now, yes?” Neeko looks at me, her eyes wide and excited. “I can’t steal you from your date,” I smirk as Cassi rolls her eyes. “We’re here as friends. It’s not a date. But I’ll give you a dance Neeko. Zoe has her own date anyway,” she smirks over to the boy with his long hair down loose. I watch as it almost swirls behind him. He hates that it does that. I think it looks lovely. It looks like mine. He just shakes his head before stepping over to me and taking my hand. “I’m not dancing,” he tells her as we start to walk off. “I dance. Come on Taliyah, I’m not being out done by Neeko and Cassiopeia,” Ekko grins, causing poor Taliyah to go pink and nearly drop her bag in her excitement. “I have no issues with dancing either,” Varus smirks turning Talon bright red and making him almost retreat under his hood. “Really?” “Come on, no one’ll be watching you Talon. They’ll clearly be too captivated by Ekko’s slick moves,” Varus teases. “Y’know, I can still tease you about the whole talking to yourself,” Ekko reminds him as they all head out onto the dance floor. “No one is going to look if you dance,” I look up at Kayn, but his eyes have gone guarded as he just glances around. “Sorry Zoe, I just really need to step back for a minute or two. You can dance. Seems a shame for you to have a lovely dress on and not dance in it,” he smiles. That monster really messed with him. “No, I can step back for a bit too if you’ll promise me at least one dance tonight?” I plead, my hands together as he leads me over to the benches. “Maybe. Not right now though.” “That’s fine. I can wait. Come on, I want a selfie, get in,” I pull my phone out and hold it up. I do my cutest pose as he appears by my shoulder. “Ok, ready. Three, two, one.” I press the button, taking the photo just as I feel Kayn kiss my cheek and I start to blush. Not the picture I was hoping for, but he bursts out laughing at it. “There, now we have a photo of us where you’re the one not ready for the camera,” he smirks at me. “First you’re late, and then you ruin my photo,” I shake my head, looking at the picture on my phone. It’s not ruined at all. I look cute, if very flustered, and Kayn looks smug, and I haven’t seen him like that in a while. “I like the makeup,” he says, his eyes looking out onto the dance floor and towards where the others are. I look up at him, feeling my face flush. “Really?” “Yeah. Looks nice. I’ll assume you didn’t do it yourself,” he smirks causing me to huff and punch his arm. “I could have.” “Was it Cassi? Because I’m assuming Neeko didn’t do her own makeup either. In fact do either you or Neeko even own makeup?” “I own makeup,” I tell him. “That isn’t just glitter to throw at yourself?” “Ok fine, it was Cassi. She’s good at that stuff. And do you really like it?” I ask, watching as he glances at me from the corner of his eyes, his cheeks just slightly pink. “Yeah.” “Is that your truthful answer or your boyfriend answer?” “Both Zoe. It does look nice.” The pair of us sit and talk for a while, watching the other students. Lux and Ezreal look adorable which I guess is kinda their thing. Xayah and Rakan haven’t left the dance floor since they arrived and I think that’s mostly down to Rakan. Xayah looks about ready to collapse. I also spot Lulu jumping around in a very frilly dress and dragging Veigar around with her. Everyone is having so much fun. “Alright, brooding over. Dance floor, now,” Talon says, standing before us. He’s staring at Kayn who just scowls up at his friend. “I’m not brooding.” “Great. Time to come and dance. Come on, you are our star cheerleader and you have never been a wallflower Kayn. If I’m dancing, you’re joining,” he grabs Kayn’s arm and drags him up much to Kayn’s protesting. I just jump up and squeal, dashing ahead of them over to Neeko. We dance as a group. And I use the term dance very loosely. I dance, obviously, and I look awesome. Ekko is actually really good at dancing. Whether he’s always been this good or is just really trying to impress Taliyah, I’m not sure. Neeko does a very Neeko dance, lots of leaping about and throwing her arms in the air. She seems to enjoy it though. Kayn sort of sways next to me looking adorably awkward. Eventually a slow song comes on and people break off into their respective couples. I’m genuinely surprised when Kayn takes my hand and pulls me off to the side. His fingers link with mine and he just winks at me. Our dancing though is pretty much just the two of us swaying together. I know he must be able to dance. He’s so good at cheerleading. “I’m sure someone as co-ordinated as you can dance,” I tease. “I don’t dance,” he says with a slight shrug. “I didn’t ask if you did dance or not, I asked if you could?” “Of course. But I’m not doing it in front of everyone. Besides, some of what I can do isn’t really party dancing.” “So you can dance. Oh my god this is amazing. Dance for me at some point. Just for me,” I grin. My excitement brings a smirk to his lips that I haven’t seen in a while. His sly, cocky smirk. “Maybe,” he winks. It’s nice to see him with both eyes again. He hates that they’re now blue, but who doesn’t love a pair of pretty blue eyes? “Shieda Kayn, I’m going to hold you to that you know? Pact is made, no backing out now.” “I said maybe,” he repeats himself before leaning in and kissing my forehead. Well I just start to giggle like an idiot. The evening is lovely. So lovely. Everyone is having such a fun time. Given what we all went through, it’s nice to see everyone able to relax and enjoy themselves. “Alright students, we have the results for the dance king and queen voting,” Ms Laurent says later in the evening as she stands on stage. Beside her are two crowns, a gold one for the king and a more delicate one for the queen. Everyone gathers around and I look up to Kayn, a smirk on my face. He just smirks back at me. “Now, to announce the winners, can we have Cassiopeia come up onto the stage please?” Ms Laurent says as the pretty brunette gets herself up onto the stage via a ramp to the side. She slithers to the front and stands by a microphone. The principal passes her two envelopes “Thank you Ms Laurent. Alright then students, as I was asked to help organise this part of the night, I sadly couldn’t be one of the options otherwise I’m aware one of these would be for me,” she gloats. Cassi never changes. With a toss of her thick hair, she holds up one of the envelopes she has. “Get ready boys and girls, let’s see who wins these amazingly lovely crowns. Right then, Runeterra High’s queen for the dance is…,” she pauses before using her claw to slice open the envelope and look at the name on the card inside. A smile pulls at her lips as she looks out at the audience. “Our queen for tonight is my lovely date for the evening, Neeko!” Everyone starts to clap as I hear a startled squeal from nearby. I turn to look at my friend who doesn’t look like she knows what she’s supposed to do. “Neeko, go up on the stage,” I gesture. She gives a nod before darting up and standing there looking awkward and nervous as Ms Laurent puts the crown on her head. “Neeko has a crown,” she squeals hopping from foot to foot, much to everyone’s amusement. “Clearly a worthy queen. And as she’s my date that makes me sort of the queen by proxy,” Cassi shrugs before holding up the other envelope. “And our king for this evening is…oh this is a good choice too.” She pauses again, looking at the card inside of the envelope. Her eyes meet mine and I wink over at her. “The king for this evening is my darling little brother, Talon.” Talon doesn’t squeal, I think he swears. But I’m laughing far too much at this point. It takes both Varus and Ekko to drag him up onto the stage and allow the principal to put the crown on his head. Especially as she pulls his hood down to do it, revealing just how red he’s gone. “Be right back,” I squeeze Kayn’s hand before I skip over to the stage and hop up beside Cassi. “I know you two did this somehow,” Talon whispers, dead-eyeing us both as he stands still as a board next to Neeko. “Zoe, care to explain,” Cassi gestures to the microphone for me. “Normally when we vote for the king and queen we choose the cutest pair at the dance, even if they’re not a couple. However, this time, several people wanted to do something different, so we voted before the dance. We all know what happened the other week,” I say, not needing to look into the crowd to know Kayn’s head is now bowed. “And the thing is, without you two doing your best to make sure everyone was safe, we’d have definitely lost one student to the darkin and would have likely lost a lot more. You two continually put yourselves in danger to try and make sure others didn’t need to. You told people what needed to be done, but neither of you shied away from doing it. And while we all got detention from it, everyone agreed that detention is a lot better than what the outcome could have been.” “So here are our king and queen. Neeko and Talon,” Cassi gestures at them as everyone starts to clap. It was Ekko’s idea actually. We were talking about it the other day and Ekko said that Talon and Neeko deserved something for the way they kept going when we were facing Rhaast. Cassi came up with the idea of this and gauged interest from other students on the sly. Most people pretty much agreed that they were honestly the best. They kept me alive, they helped bring Kayn back, and both continually put themselves in danger. So many people helped that day, but without those two we all felt it would have gone a lot worse. “Now you two have to dance,” I grin, gesturing to the empty dance floor. Again I think Talon swears under his breath, but Neeko is too excited. She grabs for Talon’s hand and almost drags him out onto the dance floor. I look to the crowd again but see a gap where Kayn was. “Take lots of photos of them,” I grin at Cassi before diving into a portal and popping up outside the gym. Smiling I go over to the boy sitting with his back to the building, his knees pulled up to his chest, his forehead resting on them. “Talon will kill you,” he mumbles, his voice obscured. I nod before sitting down beside him. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to inform him you had a hand in it too,” I grin. He turns his head to the side so he can see me. Smiling I just reach over, my fingers running through the long blue streak now in his hair. I don’t see why he doesn’t like his new hair. It’s literally his old hair but longer and silkier. “So, what freaked you out?” I ask, still fiddling with his hair as he just watches. “Dunno. Just wanted a break,” he admits. I nod until one of his hands comes up to remove his hair from my grip. “Sorry I’m ruining the dance for you.” “If you think for one second that me spending tonight with you is ruining it for me, you really don’t know me. There was a moment when us sitting out here like dorks seemed like it’d never happen, so don’t fret.” “Did they dance together then?” “I don’t know. I told Cassi to get photos. I noticed that my date had bolted so I thought, because I’m such an amazing girlfriend, I’d come keep you company.” “Thanks Zoe,” he smiles, his eyes still watching me. “What for?” “Everything y’know? For coming after me. For believing in me when I didn’t believe in me. All of it. I know I wouldn’t be here without you. Making a deal with Rhaast was the dumbest decision I’ve ever made, and it nearly cost me everything.” “It didn’t though. You’re still here. I’m still here. Our friends are. Everything is good,” I grin at him. Slowly he nods his head before he looks up at the stars. It’s a very pretty night for them. “And I know you don’t feel it right now. I know it’s all still pretty raw for you, but it will get better too. Take it from someone with extensive experience in this, time does heal wounds.” “You can go back to the dance you know,” he tells me, nodding his head to the building behind us. “Nah, I’m fine here. You should know no one loves the stars better than me,” I smile at him. He gives his head a brief nod. Through a nearby window we can hear Sona playing some music on a violin and I feel Kayn’s hand wrap around mine. “Come on,” he tells me, starting to stand and dragging me to my feet. “We going back in?” I ask, slightly confused given he’s the one that ran out here. “Nope. But I owe you a dance. I owe you a lot, but I figure I can start with at least giving you a proper dance,” he says, pulling my body close to his, one hand resting in the small of my back, the other holding my hand still. “Really?” I squeal as he starts to dance. And I mean actually dance. Proper ballroom stuff. How in the heck does he know how to dance like this? “Really,” he tells me, moving me around. “I don’t know why you’re so surprised. I mean I’m great at everything I do.” I smile at his brag. “Of course.” “Besides, isn’t this how the Aspect of Twilight should spend a dance? Dancing underneath the stars?” He twirls me out, my dress spinning around my body, the stars on it glittering in the pale light. “Unless of course she’s worried her space dragon is watching and disapproves.” “Like he’d watch. Besides, you still don’t believe in him, do you?” I smile as he pulls me back to him, my body pressed back to his. “Nope.” “Maybe one day you’ll get to meet him,” I whisper, resting my head onto his chest as he continues to guide me. Just me and him together in our own little bubble. I hope the others are enjoying themselves, but right now, I don’t want anything else. I’m just so happy to be here with him. To have him hold me like this. To dance with him like this under the stars. It so nearly didn’t happen. “Love you,” I say softly. “Love you too,” he replies.