INSIGNIAS: THE REGALIS

Skhy announced that the academy will resume classes and work after a week. The Consortium worked day and night to make this possible. Mr. Laccquare hadn’t left the Grand Genesis since the conclusion of the battle. Aubree and Savvier hadn’t rested. Karl kept going back and forth from the academy and the neighbouring fortresses. But the position of the Premier was still empty. According to them, they, together with the Elders or the Arconien’s Chamber, will appoint a new one soon.

Lei tried to listen to everything Skhy was saying but her mind was wandering somewhere else. She glanced at Nate who’s listening intently to Skhy. Yesterday, she listened to his story. He had been carrying a heavy burden of lie on his own. He decided to bury it forever but the guilt and fear made it the strongest memory in his mind which was reflected inside the portal. Hanne saw this and heard him personally. Lei couldn’t imagine what the brother and sister felt that moment but she knew it was tearing them apart. She thought about what she should say to comfort him but no words were said before he turned around and left. I have to help him... She wondered if that person could help her.

“That’s all.” She looked up when Skhy’s voice registered in her mind. Everyone except Lei started to leave. Skhy looked at him curiously when she stayed behind.

“Is something wrong?”

“Is there any way to contact a specific Mortemian?” Skhy eyes’ widened. He quickly took a seat beside her. It might be a ridiculous idea but she had to try.

“Why? What’s happening?” Worry was evident in his voice.

“We have to help Nate.” He sighed.

“We are. All the portals in Arconien is being monitored and guarded,” he replied softly. She shook her head.

“A Mortemian might find a different path or way,” she insisted. It had been a week since Hanne was missing. They hadn’t receive any report from the portals. Nate insisted to leave but Skhy and the others won’t let him. It was dangerous. And there was no way of telling what portal Hanne would use.

“What’s your plan?” Skhy asked with a deep frown. Lei’s determined eyes stared at him. It was an idea that Tessa and her talked about yesterday.

“To contact Grandstire, Ciar’s attendant.” Skhy’s blinked several times. He placed his head on his palm. He appeared to be thinking about it. She was glad that he didn’t outright rejected the idea.

“That’s dangerous. The connection is an open link that can be used for teleportation,” he said after a few minutes of silence, “Also, we don’t know if Grandstire knew where Ciar is.” She knew that. Whether or not he would tell the truth, they wouldn’t know. They also didn’t know Ciar’s plans. But Hanne was currently with Ciar so they had to try everything and anything.

“Still, we have to try,” she replied. The two stared at each other. Skhy seemed to challenge her while Lei’s determination didn’t falter. Then Skhy sighed.

“Maybe Mr. Laccquare can help to contact him. He’ll make sure that the link is secure.” Lei beamed at him. She stood up.

“Thank you,” she exclaimed. Without waiting for his reply, she left to visit the Grand Genesis. Only when she neared the main building that she regretted not using the chance to be with Skhy longer. But she told herself that she still had other opportunities. I hope…

“Hmm. It’s possible,” Mr. Laccquare said after Lei told him her plan. He started brushing his long white beard.

“Really? Thank you. What should I do?” Before he could reply, they heard footsteps running toward them so the two looked at the direction of the sound. Her eyes widened when Nate appeared from the corner.

“Skhy told me,” he said between heavy breaths. She whispered a ‘sorry.’ She planned to tell him if the method works. She didn’t want him to expect anything and be left broken-hearted again.

“Thank you, Lei,” he said after he took a seat.

“But this is risky. I’ll do it on my own.”

“We’re friends.” Mr. Laccquare placed a round standing mirror in front of them, and a piece of paper and a pen.

“Write his name,” he instructed. She wondered if it was his real name. Please be real. After writing his name, Mr. Laccquare burnt it with a magical fire and placed the burning paper behind the mirror.

“I didn’t have to make the link private,” he said while stroking his beard, “the person already secured all his connection.” Lei and Nate nodded.

“So it’s up to him if he accepts or not.” He left them alone after that. Lei stared at her reflection on the mirror. It started twisting until the mirror only showed white. She glanced at Nate and found his hand trembling while looking expectantly at the mirror.

The wait was long and a torture. But when the white slowly changed into colours, Lei gasped with anticipation.

“This is a surprise,” his voice reached them before his image showed.

“It was your real name,” Lei subconsciously whispered. He chuckled.

“You want to know where Ciar and your friend are?” he asked.

“Yes, please,” Nate replied, “I… I’m begging you.” Lei’s eyes widened when Nate lowered his head. She glanced at Grandstire’s image who looked amused.

“You don’t have to do that,” he said, “I was ordered to contact you but the barriers surrounding the academy are too strong.”

“So it was right to contact you,” Lei said, more to herself than to them.

“Where are they?” Nate asked. “Are they safe? Did they get hurt?” Lei noticed that he was including Ciar or Storm in his questions. She knew that Grandstire noticed this too because he smiled.

“Both of them are safe,” he started, “They are resting in a protected place in Cornerstone. They can’t travel yet.” Nate placed his palms on his face. His hands started trembling again. She couldn’t see his face but she knew he was about to cry.

She looked back at the image on the mirror. She still had a question she was dying to ask.

“Why are you helping us? Is it because it’s Ciar’s order?” Grandstire smiled again.

“Yes. It’s Ciar’s order.” He chuckled. “And because there’s no point in scheming and fighting.” She considered what he said but she remained quiet.

“I’m giving you my number.” He started talking again. “Wouldn’t want the Concordians to think that Mortemians are using this link to teleport.” He seemed to be an outgoing guy but at the same time concealing his dark personality underneath.

“And because it’s modern age.” He grinned. After a few minutes, the connection closed. Nate and Lei thanked Mr. Laccquare and left. During their walk toward the dormitory, Nate couldn’t stop thanking her. He said that he had the same idea but he was scared to use it because he might bring trouble in the academy again like when he brought Storm or Ciar. Lei liked that he was always a considerate person.

Lei immediately told the girls about the good news. She also sent a message to Skhy. Soon, Hanne would return. Upon reading Skhy’s reply, she sent a message to Nate to meet everyone in front of the main building where Skhy was waiting. She went ahead of everyone, telling them that she had to tell Skhy something. Tessa probably noticed Lei’s eagerness to see Skhy even though they just saw him early in the morning. Lei couldn’t help it.

She found Skhy among a group of people in front of the main building. She thought they were sentries but as she neared the group, she recognized some of them. Skhy was laughing heartily with Aubree while Ellie and Aurora watched them with a smile on their faces. Ice had his arm on Skhy shoulder as he was talking with Eloise. Savvier had a deep frown on his face while Levy was teasing him. The scene made her stop walking.

She forgot. She forgot that Skhy had a different life and friends before he met Lei and the others. A painful feeling crept on her chest when she realized that aside from his mission to gather the Regalis, he wouldn’t have met Lei. The people around him was his original friends. She quickly turned around so Skhy wouldn’t notice her. A group of legionnaires walked by, concealing her presence from view. She was about to leave when someone called her name.

“Lei!” She looked up and saw Clyne running toward her. Behind him was her friends. Tessa glanced and waved at her while listening to Aria. Faz and Nate were talking behind them.

“What’s up?” Clyne asked. “You don’t look ok.”

Before she could reply, her name was called again. His voice both surprised and soothed her.

“Lei?” She turned around. Skhy and his friends were walking toward her.

“We weren’t able to thank you from before,” Ice said when everyone stopped walking. “Thank you.” He had a huge smile on his face. His blonde hair was all over the place.

“Don’t worry about it,” Tessa replied, “We’re glad all of you are healthy now.” Except for Eloise, it took Ice and Levvy days to recover so it was their first day out of the infirmary.

“Thank you again,” Levvy said, “Not just for saving us, but for being there for Skhy, Aubree, and Savvier.”

“Stop it.” Savvier glared at her but she just chuckled.

“There’s a lot of things to do so we’re going ahead,” Aubree said.

“We also have a lot of catching up to do.” Ice wiggled his eyebrows.

“We can do that after work,” Aurora said then turned around. Savvier and Ellie followed her. Aubree waved and then ran after them.

“Sorry about that.” Eloise smiled at Lei. “Aurora and Savvier are the most serious ones in our group.”

“Aubree and Ellie are the most responsible,” Ice added.

“And the three of us are the…” Levvy giggled. Lei smiled. She was glad that they are kind and nice to them.

“If you’re planning to talk here, I’m leaving.”

“Are you really leaving?” Lei noticed Eloise watching Tessa and Hunter’s interaction. The smile earlier had left her face. But it slowly returned.

“We’re going to eat in the students’ canteen,” Eloise told them. “You can all come with us.”

Lei glanced at Tessa and Hunter. She noticed recently that Hunter is always with Tessa. She didn’t have the opportunity to ask her about it.

“We’ll come with you,” Nate replied. He looked better than yesterday after the good news. I’m glad.

“We’re starving,” Clyne complained.

“Come on, Faz,” Ice said, “You have a lot of stories to tell.” He grinned at Hunter.

The canteen was empty except for a few staff. Lei missed it being full of students every lunch. They chose the two tables near each other in front of a huge glass window facing the Ave. building. Lei grabbed a tuna sandwich and fresh juice before sitting beside Tessa. Hunter sat on Tessa’s other side. Skhy sat with Eloise, Ice, and Levvy.

“I’m happy we’re all together again.” Levvy was the one who broke the silence while the others were munching their lunch.

“Me too,” Skhy replied with a smile. But Lei knew he was thinking of the person missing in their group.

“No. I’m sorry,” Levvy quickly added. Lei noticed her glances directed toward her. Skhy probably told his friends about her relationship with Carol. She couldn’t look at him.

“Ms. Emmy mentioned it to us.” Ice gave her a sad smile. “I’m sure Carol’s happy that you’re here.” Lei whispered a ‘thank you.’

“You too, Faz. I’m happy you’re here.” He grinned at him. He seemed to like teasing Hunter. “Where did you find him?” The question was directed at Clyne who looked uncomfortable.

“In… a canal.” Ice and Levvy busted out laughing. Lei was trying hard not to laugh.

“I didn’t know that,” Tessa said, trying hard not to giggle. The atmosphere felt lighter.

Their conversation didn’t last long because Ice and Levvy needed to rest. The group separated in front of the main building. Aria, Nate, and Clyne went to assist the legionnaires. Eloise, Ice, and Levvy returned to the dormitory. Tessa informed them that she had to visit the Grand Genesis. Hunter followed her. Lei stared at Tessa and Hunter's backs. What happened?

“Where are you going now?” Skhy asked when everyone left. Lei looked around.

“I don’t know.” She was finished with her work for the day.

“Do you have time to talk?” She quickly turned to him. Skhy was smiling at her. His blue eyes started to twinkle. Carol, even though I didn’t get to meet you, thank you for letting me meet him first.