The word of the incident spread across the town like wildfire. The intervention of Miss Zephyr and Oliver aggravated the whole thing.
The next day at the school…
All the students heard some rumors and were very anxious. They were hoping for some first-hand explanation from Ellie but her empty desk sent a chill down everyone's spine and worsened the situation.
After sometime all the students were asked to assemble on the ground…
The principal stepped up on an elevated surface and began, "Dear students, with all the rumors flowing around town we school officials decided to tell you the truth about yesterday's horrible incident."
Callister yelled and asked from the crowd, "Where is Ellie? Is she alright?"
The principal replied, "You'll get all your answers after I am done."
The whole school was silent and looked at the principal in anticipation.
"Yesterday, in the evening someone attacked Ellie's home. It is believed that the person was Ellie's grandpa's old nemesis. He burned down Ellie's house and tortured her grandfather to death. Upon witnessing the horror Ellie completely broke down and lost control of her powers. She displayed tremendous potential but almost annihilated the whole area. It was too much for the barrier users to control. Only after Aka Association's captain and vice-captain intervened, that she was knocked unconscious and the situation was brought under control. Therefore, she is fine physically but mentally she is completely distraught. She is being treated by the best doctors right now and we hope that she'll be back with us in 2-3 months. What I would like to request you from all of you is to not worry and focus on your work. Things will soon go back to normal and I have full confidence that it will be better than before. Thank You."
Yumi murmured, "But her grandfather will never come back. Things will never go back to how they were ever again…"
Most who knew Ellie felt the same and alas, they all were right.
2 months passed by with all the students feeling despondent and somehow scraping by with their obligations.
The students were seated at their respective places for the class to begin and their goodwill and wishes were finally realized as Ellie stepped into the class with the teacher and stood in front of everyone.
She was as pretty as ever but somehow, she seemed to be a completely different person to the ones who knew her.
The air around her seemed so ominous. She used to bright up and liven up the room she entered but that day she seemed to scare everyone. Those alluring sapphire eyes seemed to had lost all their luster and were so hollow and dark.
Ellie spoke, "Good Morning, I am perfectly fine and I'll complete middle school with you all but after that I will be in Aka Association's special care. Let's do our best in the upcoming exams and graduate middle school with flying colors."
Yuri looked really concerned about Ellie and asked her, "El! Are you really, okay? It has been two months since we last heard from you."
Ellie seemed irritated by the question, "Yuri, I am perfectly fine. I am not so weak like you people who'll let the past control you and drive you into an infinite lamentation. Also, I would prefer if everyone addressed me as Miss Class Rep as everyone should always be aware of the hierarchy."
Yuri was crestfallen. Alejandro and Jerome wanted to stand up for Yuri but no one moved an inch.
Callister looked at Ellie bewildered and anguished realizing that the girl from two months ago was gone forever and the wall that they all managed to penetrate that day was rebuilt without any flaws and twice as thick.
Ellie had turned into a true 'Ice Princess'. She froze all her tears and all emotions that makes one human. She even froze her heart and built up an ice wall surrounding her so cold and so thick that even by looking at her one's eyes would turn into ice. Her flowing silver hair that gave everyone hope seemed so dull and barren. The girl that led everyone and was a figure of respect and a symbol of victory was reduced to desolation.
She came and sat down at her usual place. Everyone looked at her but were at a loss of words.
The last few remaining months went by but nobody could approach Ellie ever again. After a point everyone stopped trying and chose warmth over the ice that never melted and instead froze them.
Ellie became even stronger and graduated the top of her whole class. She was the only on at the summit while others even stopped looking up after a certain point. Nobody wanted to do anything with the Ice Princess and her cold attitude. She was no more the pride of the class. She was just someone the whole class pitied and at the same time were afraid of.
After the graduation ceremony, the officials from Aka Association and Shiro Association came to pick up Ellie. All other students looked at them in awe and some were glad that she was going away. Callister finally mustered up all the courage he could ever have and approached Ellie.
"Miss Rep! Congratulations on graduating at the top of the class. Can we talk alone for a bit? I wanted to ask you for some tips and tricks."
One of the officials came forward, "She might be someone you knew boy but she is national treasure. We can't leave her alone or out of our sight!" she shoved Callister back.
"Stop it! Mrs. Jenny if I am a national treasure then I can take care of myself and if there is something I won't be able to protect myself from then you all would've already been squashed like bugs… I am going for 10 minutes and no one should bother us."
"Come on Callister…"
They went to a secluded place.
Everyone saw that and few believed that if anyone could melt the ice, it had to be Callister.
"So, Callister what do you want to know? I don't even know what your powers are going to be but I came with you because you seemed really curious and desperate to get strong."
"Ellie, how are you?"
Ellie looked surprised, "I beg your pardon."
"I don't need any tips and tricks from you. I just wanted to know if you were doing alright or not. I know you are suffering but you can let us in and help you."
Ellie looked down for a while and clenched her fists. Finally, she looked up with an arrogant smile on her face.
"Help? Let in? Suffer? Those are some heavy words you flung around so flippantly Mr. Callister Oakwood…You might know the meaning of the word 'SUFFERING' BUT YOU HAVE NEVER FELT IT FIRSTHAND."
A monstrous look of anger and disgust crept into Ellie's face and gradually without even realizing she was yelling at Callister at the top of her lungs.
"How exactly do you plan on helping me? You or anybody in class. You guys have no fucking clue what I am dealing with. My grandfather who was a legend during his time was tortured and brutally murdered. Old age can't make one so weak that they wouldn't even be able to call for help. Now, do you understand that even being the strongest is not enough. His INNARDS WERE FUCKING MELTED CALLISTER!!! You don't even have powers and we are heading to high school. You all are the type of people who go on with their merry lives and while sitting at the comfort of their home expect someone else to fight the battles and protect them. I am that fucking someone, Callister. I risk my life and strive to be better so that I can kill that bastard and help everyone make this wretched world a better place. If I take easy like you there will be no one left; only ashes will remain in a sea of black flames. You can do nothing and so at least don't block my path."
Ellie turned around and bolted towards the car waiting for her. A trail of ice crystals was left on her path. Callister couldn't lift his head up as he kept on looking at the frozen tear drops and pity his lack of strength…
He saw Ellie leaving through the reflection of the crystals on the ground. The crystals also gradually evaporated and were gone like the one from whose eyes they originated from…
7 years later…
"Hey, Cal! Cal! Cal!", there were continuous loud bangs at the door and someone was yelling outside.
"Who the fuck is it Callister? Just please go and get the door.", a woman lying on the bed shouted at a man beside her in a very irritated voice.
The man removed the quilt from over his head and got up to get the door…He opened the door.
"Jerome, what is your problem? Why are you yelling and trying to break my door."
Jerome (Speedster)
"Cal, it's already 10'o clock in the morning we have a train to catch at 11 you dumb fuck. I am not even kidding; I was so close to have Yumi blast your door away.", Jerome yelled back at Callister.
"SHIT!! WE OVERSLEPT. Hi Yumi, can you guys wake Mizuki up while I get dressed." Callister looked at Yumi with pleading eyes.
Callister (Fire)
"Yeah, that we can do but I hope you guys are done with your packing. If not then we are leaving you two behind. You already know how Yuri gets when someone is late.", Yumi warned Callister.
"Yes, don't worry we are all packed just we need to get dressed." Callister assured Jerome and Yumi.
Yumi (Energy Blasts)
Callister rushed to the bathroom with a change of clothes while Yumi and Jerome went inside the bedroom to wake up Mizuki.
"Hey Mizuki, wake up it's 10'o clock already.", Yumi kept on shoving Mizuki but it had no effect whatsoever.
"I really didn't want to do this Mizu but you compelled me to", Yumi pushed Mizuki of off the bed with all her might while Jerome stood laughing by her side.
Mizuki (Water)
"You guys are just unbelievable. Now you both have done it.", Mizuki pulled the water kept in a glass beside the bed and splashed it directly towards Yumi's face. However, at the end moment Yumi managed to dodge and it hit Jerome.
"Hey, I didn't even do anything", Jerome exclaimed.
"Then who the hell was banging at the door you idiot. Consider it punishment for that."
"Mizuki we can do all this on the train. It's 10:07 am already. Get dressed. Just hurry up.", Yumi rushed Mizuki.
"YEAH! Just give me 10 minutes.", Mizuki headed towards the bathroom.
Jerome alerted Mizuki while she was about to open the door, "Callister is in the bathroom, Mi…"
Even before Jerome could finish his sentence the bathroom door opened and a hand came swooshing in and dragged Mizuki inside the bathroom.
Jerome and Yumi heard laughing and yelling coming out of the bathroom for around ten minutes nonstop.
Finally, Callister and Mizuki came out dressed and both smiling and blushing.
"Cal, you better hope that your little venture doesn't cost us our train.", Jerome looked at Callister intensely.
"God knows what Alejandro and Yuri are going to do to you both. Better brace yourselves my dear children cause you both will have to survive the wrath of the Vikings."
"Well, it was worth it though", Mizuki said and wrapped her hands around Callister's neck and pulled him to an intense kiss.
"OH, FOR GOD SAKE JUST PICK UP YOUR BAGS and let's head out. I swear we are going to leave you both behind." Yumi was infuriated at their actions and yelled at them.
Callister and Mizuki broke out of their erotic moment and picked up their luggage and headed out of the building with Yumi and Jerome.
When finally, they got out they saw two people a man and a woman leaning on a car looking like they were about to commit a murder. They both were red with rage and eyes were like blazing infernos, burning with an intense, crimson fury. The pair of eyes directly glared at Mizuki and Callister and they screamed their intentions out loud. They both seemed ready to suck out the blood from both Mizuki's and Callister's body and tear them from limb to limb and finally bury them alive.
Mizuki stopped on her tracks and hid behind Callister. She was trembling with fear and in a quivering tone said, "Cal use your wit or whatever and calm those two down. Just do something. I don't want to die."
Callister replied, "I don't think we are going to make it out unscathed. Let's just hope for the best."
The woman yelled on the top of her voice, "MIZUKIIII there's no point in hiding behind your boyfriend. I am going to blast away this whole building."
"Hi, Yuri", Callister said in a shaky voice.
"Shove that 'Hi' up your ass and get in the car in no more than five seconds.", Yuri commanded the four of them.
Yuri (Energy Blasts)
Jerome picked up Yumi and zapped through and was inside in a split second.
"How many times did I tell you that my body is not used to that kind of speed. The least you can do is give me a heads up before using your powers with me.", Yumi slapped Jerome and stuck her head out the window and puked.
"I didn't want to die by your sister's hands", Jerome justified with a horrified look still not leaving his eyes.
Callister and Mizuki ran as fast as they could and Mizuki entered the car. Just before Callister was about to enter the car the man held his collar and punched him straight in the face.
"OWWW! You broke my nose. I know I deserved that but you could have used less force. Who hits his own friend so hard Al?", Callister looked at Alejandro with a confused look and a bloody nose.
Alejandro (Shrinking)
"It was nice seeing you Callister and never be late ever again when you are going somewhere with me. I don't want a stain on my record and that's why you are still breathing. Therefore, just be thankful, shut up and get in the car." Alejandro told Callister in a really intimidating voice.
Callister almost shat his pants and all he could say was, "Yes sir" in a low voice and was almost brought to tears.
They both got in the car and seated themselves. Mizuki helped Callister with his bleeding nose. Yumi was still busy with her upset stomach and Jerome was still not over Yuri's threatening. Yuri scoffed at the four of them and had a cute little smile on her face but no one saw it. At last Alejandro started the engines and they were on their way to catch their flight.
"Oy Callister, I never actually saw you use your powers. I just know it's something related to fire", Alejandro told Callister.
"Yeah, me too", Yuri added.
"Of course, you guys wouldn't know. He didn't even tell me that he got in 'The Elite Guardians'. It was when I called him up and told him that we four got in he replied in a smug voice, 'I got in too'", Jerome looked at Callister after imitating him.
Jerome went on, "I was really scared to inform him. I thought he was rotting in some ditch and might feel bad when gets to know about us getting chosen for 'The Elite Guardians. However, this guy comes back from Ashenreach with an awesome girlfriend like Mizuki and tells me that he has powers. I really thought that Callister was going to be alone forever after that Ellie incident."
"Who is Ellie?", Mizuki asked the group.
Jerome realized that he said something he mustn't have.
There was an awkward silence for quite some time.
Finally, Yumi looked at Callister and asked, "You never mentioned Ellie to Mizuki?"
"What's there to mention?", Callister looked uncomfortable.
"Cal, forget all that just tell us what your powers are already. It's not fair that only Mizuki knows about your powers. We are your childhood friends after all", Yuri tried to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"Don't change the subject Yuri", Callister seemed furious.
"Babe, calm down. It's fine. I don't need to know about this Ellie person. You can tell me or not tell me. That's completely your personal choice.", Mizuki caressed Callister's hair and tried to calm him down.
"Mizuki, there's nothing to say", Callister was really disturbed by the situation.
"Cal, forget about it and also guys even I don't know what Callister's powers are exactly", Mizuki said with a warm smile.
Alejandro stopped the car and looked back at Callister, "You do realize that she's definitely going to be there, right?"
Callister asked Alejandro, "Who? What are you even talking about?"
Alejandro replied, "We are going to 'The Elite Guardians'. It is a special class made by the Shiro and Aka Associations to face the upcoming disaster and stand tall against the so called 'Night Flame'. It consists of the strongest powers users throughout the Southern Continent of Solara and which includes the six of us."
"Yeah, we obviously know all that stuff. What are you getting at? Just state your purpose already God damn it", Callister was being impatient.
"My point is the strongest fourteen-year-old is now the strongest twenty-year-old and even might be just 'the strongest'." Alejandro paused.
"Shit! That means we can expect The Ice Princess to be there as the top student or even as an instructor.", Yuri concluded.
"Most probably as the top student because the ten strongest power users are going to be our instructors. I got to know from a friend and they didn't have Ellie's name", Alejandro continued.
"She is twelfth strongest in Solara. I think it's time Mizu. I told you about our horrifying past and The Ice Princess. And I'm going to show you guys my powers directly in the class." Callister turned towards Mizuki and began to narrate the incidents they all tried to forget but which were etched into their souls…