"Hey, Zandren…"
An open hand slowly extended toward me.
"...It's finally nice to meet you."
This girl I've never met knew– my name. .
"Who is she?" I thought.
I grabbed her hand and she pulled me up.
"Hi.." I muttered.
I dusted my clothes, grabbed the items I had dropped, and tool a few steps backwards
"Nice to uh... meet you too—"
She smiled. "Zeth."
I nodded. "Zeth.."
Silence.
"May I ask why I have been ambushed?" I asked.
Zeth laughed. "I'm really sorry if it seemed that way. This just felt like the right time to. Since you know…"
She inhaled softly. "... you'll be taking care of Eimira."
My brows furrowed. "Wait, how did you—"
I paused… my mind flashing back to when i picked up Eimira.
"So you were the one this whole time..." I muttered.
She nodded, smiling. "Yes."
"B-but I don't understand one thing." I said, my face twisted. "I have never in my life met you, and I'm pretty sure it's the same for Eimira..."
I paused.
"So, how do you know us?"
Zeth hesitated.
Then, she clenched her fist.
"Unfortunately... I-I can't say how I knew you. But I just needed to tell you this."
I blinked. "Tell me what?"
She exhaled.
"Do you love Eimira?" She asked, her voice low and serious.
"What? Yes." I answered. "Why do you need to know that?"
"Good." She replied. "You have to protect her."
My eyes narrowed. "Protect her? From what?"
"From…"
Zeth sighed
"Yunok."
I chuckled. "Surely, you jest."
Zeth blinked. "What?"
"Yunok? Really? That fool with no blessing who thinks he owns everyone, even Eimira?" I snapped.
"Yea—"
"Eimira will deal with him. She's strong enough to—"
She grabbed my shoulders.
"You have no idea—"
"No idea of what?"
I chuckled. "Yassin told me to leave her. Nor'ran said the same thing. Now you're telling me not to. All that just because of that bastard!!!?"
I brushed her hands off, and paced around back and forth angrily.
"I've been out here losing my mind over this and it's all because of yun—"
"Right now..."
Zeth cut in.
"My presence is all over the place. I am not hiding it."
She paused.
"Yet... No one sensed me." She said, "I did the same when Eimira was dropped off."
She looked at me, then gently held me still.
"But… only you did."
"Wha— What does that have to do with anything?"
Zeth stepped back.
"You'll sense him when he comes."
She slowly stepped back.
"That's all I can say…"
I grimaced. "Wha? Why not just tell me now?"
"It'd take too long for me to explain." She smiled. "And she needs you right now. You should go."
I sighed. "Yes... Eimira."
Zeth slowly transformed.
The spider legs appeared once more.
"We'll meet again." She said,
"Hopefully, as friends."
Fwoom!!
She lept. And vanished.
Fast.
"What exactly is going on?"
I stood, staring into the sky.
Then stared at the ground
"Ah yes.. I have to return to Eimira."
The way back to my room was silent.
But in my head, it was nothing but endless questions that had no answers.
"Who was that girl?"
"Why can't Eimira fight against Yunok?"
"Wait—"
I stopped right before I opened my door.
"The day we ran into Yunok at the food-court" I muttered. "There was something… off about him."
"And.."
"This girl, Zeth. They had something similar…"
"..."
"Their hearts—"
Thud!
A thud came from the room, which prompted me to open the door quickly. I found Eimira on the floor, shivering.
"Eimira."
I ran to her.
"I'm so sorry I took so long."
"I-I thought s-something happened to you, so I was gonna come find you." She said.
I dropped the things I had in my hand. And carried her to the bed.
"I'm sorry for making you worry."
I held her hand.
She smiled. "It's no problem. I'm just glad you're back."
I exhaled.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"I'm just a bit exhausted. Haven't slept well in a while."
I answered.
She pouted. "And I can't ask you to lay beside me.'
She giggled softly. "I don't want you catching this illness."
"Hmm." I forced a smile. "So, uhh. Is Feona still coming with the herbs?"
"Yes. That's if she didn't forget about me, haha." Eimira answered.
I chuckled. "Why would she?"
"I don't know..." Eimira muttered. "I just tend to have that thought sometimes."
She turned to me.
"What if everyone leaves me again..."
She chuckled dryly. "Everytime I think about it. I get— scared."
I remained silent, grabbing her hand and placing it on my face.
"I'm here." I whispered. "Whatever happens, I'll always be here."
"Yes. Even if it kills me,or if she's the one to end up killing me. I promise. I'll be by her side." I thought.
Knock.
Knock.
"That must be Feona." Eimira said.
I stood.
"I'll get the door."
The door clicked open, and a familiar figure walked in.
"Hey, Zandren. It's been a while."
Xilohe.
"Xilo. Hi." I replied, puzzled. "Yes it's been a while."
She smiled. "You must be wondering why I am here."
I nodded.
"Well, I stopped Feona before she left and asked if it'd be ok for me to come instead." She explained.
She stretched her hands forward, and handed over a small bag.
"Here are the herbs. I'll help prepare them."
"O-Oh uhh.. Okay."
I opened the door wider and stepped aside.
"Please come in."
She chuckled. "Pardon the intrusion."
Xilo stepped in, looking around the room. Smiling the deeper she went.
"You really do love Eimira, hehe. So many portraits."
I laughed. "Oh please."
"Xilohe? What are you doing here?" Eimira asked, her voice barely heard.
Xilohe walked over. "Hi little one. How are you feeling?"
Eimira sat up.
"Feeling really tired and in pain." She answered. "Did you bring the herbs at least?"
Xilo showed Eimira the bag.
She grinned. "Of course I did. Where's the kitchen? Lemme brew the herbal tea real quick."
Eimira frowned. "It was probably the most visible place in the room. How could you have missed it?"
"Oh maybe because…" She replied,making her way to the kitchen. "I got distracted by the beautiful portraits of yourself, hung in every corner of the room."
She turned to me. "Sir Zandren, where is the kettle?"
I pointed at it.
She smiled. "Thanks."
Minutes later the tea was ready, and Xilo handed it over to Eimira.
"Careful, it's hot." She said.
I helped Eimira drink it since she had trouble holding the cup.
"How's it?" I asked.
"Bitter." She replied expressionless.
I laughed.
"You dare laugh? Have a sip yourself." She snapped.
"No..."
"You were with me the whole time." She smirked. "You'll contract it sooner or later."
"Arggh, fine."
I took a sip.
My face grimaced. "Erk. So bitter."
Eimira laughed. "I know right."
Xilohe chuckled.
"So, what brings you here sis?" Eimira asked.
"Well uh..." Xilohe spoke nervously. "This morning after you left. Someone came by to challenge you."
Eimira blinked. "Challenge me?"
"Yes." Xilo replied. "And that person is…"
She paused.
"…Yunok."
My heart skipped.
"No.. Yunok?" I thought
"What does that fool want with me now?" Eimira asked.
"He just wanted a challenge. To see where he stands against you." Xilo answered.
"To see where he stands? I have always beaten him. What makes him think this time would be any different?" Eimira replied.
"I-I don't think you should accept the challenge." I cut in.
"What?" Eimira blinked.
"Don't take the challenge." I said.
"Why shouldn't I? This is my chance to finally get rid of hi—"
I stared at Eimira.
"Do you think defeating him like you always have would change a thing?" I asked.
"N-No but..." She stuttered.
"No buts."
I turned to Xilo.
"Can you inform Yunok that Eimira wouldn't be accepting the challenge?"
"O-Okay." Xilo nodded. "In that case, I better take my leave."
She turned to me.
"Thank you." She whispered.
The door clicked shut.
"Why did you stop me?" Eimira asked, head bowed.
"Because I'm worried." I answered.
"Worried about what?"
"Worried about you getting hurt." I replied, holding her hand.
"But I won't."
"What if you did?" I asked, my voice slightly raised.
I relaxed my tone.
"Look, Eimira. I understand Yunok is being such a big issue right now. But I have a bad feeling about him." I said.
Eimira didn't respond.
She slowly laid back.
"Fine. I'm feeling sleepy now." She muttered.
I held her hand.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." She replied. "It's just your way of caring for me."
"I like that." She added.
"Good. Sleep now. I'll stay here till you wake up." I said, running my fingers down her shoulder.
She giggled softly. "You want to watch me sleep?"
She hid under the blanket.
"Pervert."
"Wha—"
She laughed. "Thank you."
"Arrrgh. You're too cute. Just go to sleep already."
"Hehe."
----
Evening settled over Tarrion slowly.
The last rays of sunlight bled through the academy windows, painting the sky and stone pathways orange before darkness swallowed them whole.
Inside one of the offices overlooking the lecture hall, Xilohe sat behind her desk. A handful of little glowing orbs keeping her office well lit.
A stack of papers lay before her, most of them already reviewed. She leaned back on her chair slightly, rubbing her temple as she stared at the remaining documents.
"Wish I was Eimira right now…"
She sighed.
"I need a man too—"
Knock.
Knock.
"Enter."
The door slowly opened, and Yunok walked in.
"Hey, Yunok. What's up?" Xilohe asked.
"Did she accept the challenge?"
Yunok didn't hesitate.
"Relax... At least you could have gotten me a drink before coming." Xilohe said.
"Or you can just answer my question and have enough time to get yourself your own drink." Yunok snapped, pulling out a chair and taking his seat
Xilohe gasps. "T-that's rude..."
Yunok stared at her.
"Eimira's answer?"
Xilo exhaled.
"She declined."
Silence.
Yunok took a deep breath.
"Thank you." He said, head lowered. "I'll take my leave now."
Xilo spoke. "Wait. Can I ask you something?"
"Hurry."
"Why did you suddenly challenge Eimira to a fight?" Xilo asked.
She continued.
"It's just so sudden given the countless defeats you've had."
Yunok laughed.
"Well,now I'm embarrased." He said.
He chuckled. "Well, to answer your question. I just believe this time will be different."
"One more questi—"
"How about no more questions uhn?" Yunok cut in.
"I already got the answer I needed from you. And I'd really appreciate it if there's no more time wastage."
"F-Fine..."
Yunok smiled. "Good."
"In that case."
He turned.
Xilo stared at Yunok in disbelief.
Yunok closed the door behind him and leaned against it.
He sighed.
"Are you satisfied now, Zeth?"
Zeth stepped out of the dark hallway..
Her expression, unreadable.
She leaned against the wall opposite Yunok.
"Not going to say anything?"
He stared at her.
"Look, I did what you asked me to. I gave her a chance. An official duel that'd only leave a scar, and she declined."
Zeth remained silent.
"Fuck—"
Yunok lunged at Zeth, grabbing her by the collar and pulling her towards him.
Zeth gasped, shocked by Yunok's sudden outburst.
"I was going to kill her but you asked for me to spare her. I gave her a choice and she rejected it and that only leaves me with one more option, which she cho—"
He stopped..
Seeing the fear in Zeth's eyes, he lets go of her.
"I-I'm sorry." He said. "I didn't mean to do that."
He took few steps back.
"I'm going for a walk, head back without me…"
"Do you need anything to eat?"
No answer.
"Tsk."
Yunok left, the echoes of his footsteps fading gradually.
"It's happening again..." Zeth sobbed. "I can't hate him for all these. Why?"
Zeth sobbed quietly.
"Why didn't you listen to me, Yunok?"
She sobbed.
"Why didn't you listen to me when I told you not to do this?"
"Ahh, fuck."
"..."
Zeth instantly hid herself, as the door to Xilohe's office swung open.
Xilohe poked her head out.
"I could have sworn I heard people arguing."
She glanced both ways, then shrugged.
"I guess i'm just imagining it then."
Click.
Zeth slowly lowered herself from the ceiling of the hallway where she hid.
She sighed.
"Zandren… I hope you will be able to protect Eimira."
"..."