He placed the application in his room and for the next few days, neither did it leave his desk nor his thoughts. Before class, he glanced over at it and before bed, he stared at it. Every now and then he picked the form up only to set it back down. His thought didn't help as the prize money tempted him and the risks frightened him.
Then, on what was supposed to be a normal day, the classroom speakers crackled to life. Static hissed as the teacher was interrupted mid-sentence and every student looked up instinctively, "Astrape of class 2D, I repeat, Astrape of class 2D, please report to the principal's office", was the announcement through the speakers.
Astrape's classmates turned their heads instinctively as one of them let out a low whistle.
"Astrape? Never thought I'd see the day".
"Well, he's always late for class so that's probably why".
"Damn, first time I've heard of a suspension due to tardiness", they whispered.
The teacher looked toward him, "Well? You heard, go", she instructed.
Astrape stood and slid his chair back quietly. He could feel eyes on him as he walked towards the door. He stepped into the hallway before shutting the door behind him, the noise of the classroom dwindled as he began to walk. The hallway felt longer than usual and his palms sweaty by the time he reached the polished door with the word "PRINCIPAL" engraved on its front.
He knocked thrice.
"Come in".
Astrape opened the door slowly.
"You can take a seat", said principal Saito as she put down hAser pen.
"Astrape… I'm sorry I had to pull you out of class but something urgent came up".
Astrape's fingers tightened.
"I received a call from your mother earlier today and it was about your cousin, who is more like a brother to you as I'm told", Mrs. Perry continued.
"What about my cousin?", questioned Astrape.
"Your cousin, Jinn, and I am sorry to tell you this is in the hospital right now. Last night he was attacked and got bitten. The dog that bit him is a rare kind, one with Essent. No one knows how it became a stray dog in the first place but it's since been caught. Your brother is in critical condition Astrape".
Astrape blinked.
He opened his mouth but the words wouldn't come out.
"How bad is it?", he muttered.
Mrs. Perry exhaled, "The dog that bit him was one with fire Essent, a rare kind", she paused.
"I'm sorry to tell you that dog was sick. Do you understand what I'm saying Astrape? It was sick".
"I… I…", Astrape stuttered.
"He only sustained mild burns to his leg at first but the burns are only getting worse", Mrs. Perry said quietly, "And his wound isn't healing… only getting deeper".
Astrape was silent.
"How is that possible?".
"It's the Fire Essent… it only made the infection worse".
"Your cousin only suffered mild burns but they've since developed into first degree burns. There's a high chance they only get worse from here. If he's not treated soon the worst…"
"Is no one doing anything to stop it? Why are you telling me this in the first place?", Astrape responded, his voice low.
"Because I believe you deserve the right to know… in case of anything".
"And my family at home, what are they doing about this?".
"They're doing everything they can but sadly with their situation right now, we both know that may not be enough. The most they can do is save his life which means he might lose his leg".
Astrape felt a shiver down his spine. His body quickly jolted upright.
"And my mom, why isn't she the one telling me about this?".
"She thought it would be best if you didn't know. She said she'd rather you focus on your school, especially since you have extra classes this year".
"That doesn't matter! I deserve to know!", Astrape exclaimed.
"And that's why we're having conversation right now. Now I suggest you calm down", Mrs. Perry responded, her aura a calming presence.
"How much?", Astrape mumbled.
"Pardon me, what did you…?".
"I said how much?", he interrupted.
The principal exhaled, "Two hundred fifty thousand Stoices", he responded.
"What about ninety thousand stoices, will that be enough… to at least begin the surgery?".
"It would be but you'd still need to complete the payment sooner rather than later. And that might come at a cost of profit".
"Tsk, I thought hospitals are supposed to help people", he muttered under his breath.
"Astrape, I know I can't possibly imagine what you may be going through right now but I'll do what I can to ease the burden. I'll issue a pass for you which will allow you to go home as soon as possible. I know it's against your mother's wishes but…", she slid a piece of paper across the table, "Take as much time as you need. If there's anything else you need feel free to ask".
"My cousin… is he in pain?".
Mrs. Perry blinked. She didn't speak but the silence was enough.
"Just one more thing".
"Which is?"
"The BASH TOURNAMENT… how long till the Bash Tournament?", he inquired.
Mrs. Perry paused. She sat back.
"It starts next week, so about four days from now", she answered.
"Ok, thank you Ma'am", Astrape said as he stood up to leave.
"Astrape", she stopped him, "Whatever you do from here on out… tread with caution", she said as if to warn him.
"Caution? If only that were an option", he thought to himself as he left the office in silence.