[35.5] Blessed by the Holy Light

I watched as Moni turned into a shadow before disappearing completely.

I dug my fingers into my skin as I tried to force my heartbeat to slow down.

Slowly, the sounds of fighting and Zephyr whimpering broke me out of my shock.

I shook my head forcibly and stood up with the help of Cyrus. I rushed over to Zephyr, "Are you okay?"

He groaned, "I think that bastard broke a rib."

I clicked my tongue, "He's definitely on my blacklist now."

Cyrus sighed, "He wasn't before?"

"Good point. So what should we do?"

"First we need to find Hazel and Felix to make sure they are safe. Then we can deal with the bigger issue. I think the Headmaster can handle himself."

I nodded. We both helped put Zephyr in a safer spot. I rubbed his head, "I will bring Felix back to heal you. Just don't do anything reckless until then."

Zephyr nodded, "Yeah, yeah. Just don't fall into any traps. My brother is good at those."

Cyrus and I both ran back into the large banquet hall that was in pure chaos. I looked back and forth between the halls, "Crap! This will take forever!"

Cyrus grit his teeth, "It may be better if we split up."

"No way! Caldwell's not here, so who would protect you!?"

Cyrus laughed warmly, "I should be the one worried about you."

"But-"

He waved his sword in the air, "I'm not a child anymore, Reika. I can protect myself now."

I bite down on my lip feeling uneasy.

He nodded confidently, "We have to save our friends."

"Yeah… I guess it would be better."

Before I turned to leave, I felt Cyrus grab my hand.

Cyrus looked at me with a sorrowful expression, "Reika… I'm sorry… About Moni tricking and using you."

I let out a disappointed sigh, "Why are you apologizing?"

"It's because I love you."

I nearly fell over in shock. Cyrus looked at me with an unyielding gaze, "I love you a lot and whenever you hurt, it hurts me too. I've always felt like my life has solely belonged to you… I can't force you to feel the same about me, but I won't give up."

I felt my face explode in heat, "W-What!?"

He turned away once he realized what he had just confessed. He started to rush away, "T-That's all I have to say."

I watched him walk away in shocked silence.

I shouted after him, "You can't just run away after saying that!!!"

I waited for him to disappear down the hall before running down the opposite hallway while holding my cheeks.

Why am I embarrassed?!

It's not like I didn't know!!!

Ah! But still!

I didn't expect him to actually say it!!

Ugh…

Although I am a bit regretful he ran away so fast…

I would have loved to see how embarrassed he looked.

I slapped my cheeks, "What am I thinking about right now!? I need to find Felix and Hazel!"

I rushed down the hallways, picking randomly when I suddenly came to a door with shadow men trying to break it down.

…It kind of looks like a scene out of a zombie movie.

I heard sobs inside and let out a sigh.

Yup. That's Felix.

I raised my wand, "Get away from the door, Felix!"

Without warning, I pointed my wand and fire burst out. It completely disintegrated the shadow men, along with the door.

Felix poked his head out of the smoke, "Are you trying to help me or kill me!?"

I grinned, "Can't I do both?"

___…___

[Author's note: This part is from Cyrus's point of view.]

Idiot idiot idiot!!!

Why did you say that!?

How will I face her now!?

What will she say!?

…What would she say??

Would she pretend it didn't happen?

Maybe that's for the best…

But I also want her to say something!

I gripped my sword tighter and shouted, "Idiot! What do you think she would say!? That she likes me too?? There's no way."

I nodded firmly to myself.

Then I felt a heat come over my face.

I tried to force down a smile, "It would be nice… If she did…"

Wait! What am I thinking about right now!?

I need to find Felix or Hazel!

Where did they go?

I stopped at the intersection of hallways and waited. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

To my left, I could hear the sounds of fighting and footsteps.

That might be someone who needs help.

I turned to run down the hallway.

My footsteps echoed off the walls before slowing down.

A girl wearing a bright red dress with sequins stood with her back to me.

In her palms were two bright orbs of light.

Above her head were swords made of pure white magic.

Without warning they flew forward, stabbing into the shadow men without mercy.

Surprisingly, the shadow men completely vanished.

It wasn't a normal attack that would allow them to replicate.

No…

That kind of magic…

Isn't it impossible!?

I couldn't believe my eyes, "Hazel!?"

The bright orbs abruptly disappeared. Hazel jumped and spun around in a panic. Once she saw it was just me she let out a sigh of relief, "Oh, what a relief. I thought Reika or Zephyr was with you for a second."

I looked at her hand which was now empty, "What was that just now?"

She smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes, "What do you mean?"

"You used magic just now."

She pretended to be astounded, "Magic? Don't be absurd. I'm allergic to magic. How could I possibly use it?"

I frowned, "Stop lying to me. That light just now-"

"Oh, Prince Cyrus." She stepped over to me and cupped my face. Her smile disappeared revealing that dull and bloodthirsty expression she usually wore, "I really can't stand looking at you. It's like looking in a mirror."

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh well." She stepped away and patted my back, "Stay safe. We can't let Reika die because of you."

"...Die?"

I tightened my grip around the hilt of my sword.