章 11: Chapter 11

When Skyleene was only a child, people thought she would be like her brother due to their physical resemblance. Her brother was a fine man, hardworking, charming and skillful, but he had the flaw that gang people had; he was ruthless, greedy and had no love to share with the people who helped him in each step he took. Skyleene had the chance to see him last before reaching Condemned City, crying his heart out for all the love he could not give to his little sister. He realized too late that she was the one who deserved all the fame and recognition he had. She left the living world without hearing the words "I understand you" coming from the one she hoped would. Instead, she heard them from a stranger, who also despised her the most - he arrested her more than ten times, after all.

"You what?"

"I understand. I am bipolar, and rage comes and goes when it wants to. It might also be a problem with the pneuma or whatever you are insinuating. I had so many outbursts that when I see someone doing the same, I do not feel different anymore" he said smiling, putting his hands in his pockets.

She looked at the way he stood, his words repeating in her head. For some reason, she felt that she could trust him more.

"Thanks, but do not ever stand like that again. It makes you look like a fool" Skyleene said, passing by in the direction of the bar.

"What – "he sounded pissed.

"Come on, pockets, we have a case to solve."

❧

Her eyes scanned the crowd as they came back to the pub. The elder did not leave and enjoyed his time with a left-behind Mushu. When his eyes met hers, she went straight to their table in the corner.

"Sorry for that outburst of mine. I do not know what came over me."

"You know - just because I am aware of your situation - that does not mean you can act like that around me, student Skyleene Cathle."

"I am sorry, master Old Dulles! Is that good?" she said sarcastically.

"Mm, no."

At his remark, the girl's face just fell. It usually worked to praise him with "master".

"We are, honestly sorry, sir Old Dulles. We did not mean to - " his words got cut by the man's laugh.

"You do not need to apologize, children. I can feel the emotions within both of you. I can tell when you are sincere or not. Now, you came to me with that request of helping you with the case. I might know some details - however, as a materialist man, I need my pay. I agree with helping you only if Skyleene here will come with me to the reunion."

"Again, why can't you take someone else? They would be happier if they came with you."

"You are my only student, that is why."

Her eyes widened, gazing straight at Old Dulles in front of her that she knew for the time she lived in the City.

"What do you mean? Last year you had over one hundred pupils, and now I am the only one?"

"They have been taken from me. I guess I no longer am the renowned teacher that I used to be. My time is going to end when you finish the last mission I assign to you."

"How were they taken?"

"They have been assigned to other teachers" - his face studied hers, smiling a bit when he saw her concern look – "but that does not mean I will die. So what do you say?"

"I will go with you, Dulles. That is the least I can do for you after these 35 years!"

"Very well! The reunion is in two days – "

"Wait, what?! Two days?! Grey man, you should have told me sooner! I do not have a dress! It is the first time I ever participated in an event like this! I don't even know what to wear -"

"I will help you, drama queen" Aper said, holding his head.

"Actually, the reunion has its style. You get the clothes sent to your home each year. I got the clothes already. It seems like they went for a classical theme this year."

"What theme?" she asked.

"Masked ball. You need a mask to match your dress."

"Hold on! How did they know you will appear there with me? I just agreed on this like five minutes ago.'

"When you are the only student, you must show up at the reunion. It is how things work."

"So you are telling me I had to show up even if I did not want to?"

"Yup" Dulles said, sipping on his drink.

"Then why did you even ask me?!"

"To make it look more dramatic" he said, making a dramatic pose.

Skyleene started thinking about all of that. She had not spoken with Old Dulles in a long time, and a lot had changed. The last time she visited to look for him in a hurry, she met all her colleagues. Only a couple got sent to do groundwork like her, although they were all studying the plants and animals they would encounter. She remembered the day when she was in that academy as well and how everyone avoided her. The thought that they had other teachers was not surprising at all. Old Dulles always had a soft spot for her and would always give her more advice than required, neglecting the other students.

Now that she was the only student he had, was frightening. Who knew if she would be assigned to other teachers as well?

A sigh escaped her lips - her mind had set. That was the last time her teacher would be her tutor, and she had to make him proud of the woman she became.

"Let's go and get that outfit then!"

❧

After coming back from Old Dulles's, Aper and Skyleene unpacked the box where her clothes were. She had an uneasy feeling about that outfit; maybe the clothes would not fit, or she might not like the way they look.

She had a surprise. It was a beautiful black dress, with a straight neckline, off shoulder and a long train. The sleeves were elbow length and gave the dress an overall of classical beauty.

"You know, I have no idea of what type of reunion this is, but they sure know how to dress a lady. It is a beautiful dress, try it on. I will find a mask that fits."

Skyleene went into her room, took off her clothes and carefully dressed the black dress. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. They knew what size she was and managed to make her skinny body look good in something she wore.

The last time she wore something that classy was at her prom night. The dress was a bigger size and adjusted with some thread and ribbons. Because she did not eat much, she lost weight fast, so her size would change.

That dress had the size that she had had for the past 35 years.