章節 19: Bane's Ordeal (Pt. 1)

That night was the second most eventful one of his life. He'd seen it all happen in slow motion while he watched on in horror.

As the bolts of energy headed straight for the girl they were supposed to be rescuing.

Harry was holding her, but even he didn't have enough time to register the Crystal's powers. It went straight for her, hitting her forehead with a responding sizzle.

Harry went flying back, able to hang onto the motionless body of the girl as she went flying back.

In front of the couple that'd fallen, a boy with glowing red eyes watched on in shock. The crystal that may have just killed both of them shattering in his right hand. In perfect timing the fire surrounding the village explodeded out into the night sky.

***

"Ee! I'm so excited!" Bane pumped his fist in the air while he walked alongside his best friend M.K down the corridor.

M.K sighed, his spikey hair waving as he shook his head. To match his classic self, he had his arms crossed over his thick chest. "Can ya at least stop squealin' like that? You sound like a stinkin' girl. Then again, ya always do be soundin' like that."

"Hey!" Bane playfully flung his arms around M.K's neck and shook him. Which was easy to do since the boy came up a little past Bane's shoulder. "Take that back!"

"I'd rather 'n die eatin' my own cookin'."

"Ack. You injure me so. Such a statement is the worst possible thing to say to this tender hearted Warrior." Bane sniffled, holding up a shaking fist.

M.K narrowed his sharp eyes. "Okay, okay I get it. My cookin' ain't that bad ya know..."

"Well, I won't say it always tastes bad. But the fact you managed to explode the kitchen wall out last night is kind of impressive."

"For the last freakin' time that was the freakin' stove, not me!"

"Yes because the stove filled itself with flame fuel---"

"It said bakin' powder on the box!"

"How did hell u think baking power was liquid that smelled like flame fuel?!"

"..."

"And that my friend is why you'll never be able to use the kitchen again."

"Shaddup. It ain't my fault and after I do some fixin' up they'll be lettin' me cook again."

"Ha! Can't wait to see that while all the cooks watch over you with wooden sticks to stop you. Hahahaha!"

"What ever. Just go and find yer new girl already! I'mma be headin' on out with the scouts now."

M.K turned his back to Bane, waving his leather gloved hand sporting long spikes across his knuckles. "See ya sometime next month probably."

With that, he headed off down the corridor to join the other group of newly recruited Warriors. Just a couple of hours earlier the staff at the citadel sent out orders for M.K to train them in mock battles, while spying on the front lines of the battle between the Hobogoblins and the Church of Winter.

Bane felt his heart sunk, like it did whenever his best friend had to leave. It'd be a month at least before he'd even come back from to the frontlines.

But M.K sure is thankful for it, Bane thought after his friend disappeared. In fact, M.K had requested to lead the assignment.

I think that's what hurts the most.

But not for his own sake. He hurt for his best friend... and her.

Bane remembered that night Lady Katayama had given the command to listen to Harry and give the new arrival everyone decided to call "Iris" a warm welcome. How M.K had argued and pleaded not to get involved.

But as an Elite, it was his duty to oversee any new student. And this was no exception. Unless something urgent came up.

Like a nation threatening rebellion on the inside.

But everyone knew just how "urgent" it really was right now. The Hobogoblins declaration wasn't even real. They'd lost ninety percent of their soliders in the latest battle, and most of their supplies. Any threat of battles would be obsolete until two months at least.

M.K is no different than Harry in that way. It's amazing how much these strong feelings Iris is giving everyone.

Even I'm no exception.

Memories from long ago were flooding back. Memories he'd suppressed for so long. Memories that made him understand M.K's attitude completely.

But unlike his friend, his memories made him more determined to help Iris. Because of the memories she stirred up, she gave him a feeling he'd lost long ago along with her.

"Her", who he'd last seen so many years ago.

A feeling he'd wanted back for too long.

The feeling of being complete.

The trio's about to be back together.

Bane could hardly contain his excitement and started skip-running down the corridor. "Tee-Hee, Iris, here I come!"