Return to School (2)

As Ms. Smith continued her lecture, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt inside me. Was I really being a hero by fighting Zion? Or was I just trying to prove something to myself? It was a conflicting thought that I couldn't shake off.

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Reagan leaned in and whispered to me, "Being a hero doesn't mean winning every fight, Sora. It means standing up for what's right, even if it's difficult."

His words struck a chord with me and I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. I couldn't change what had happened in the past, but I could strive to do better in the future.

The rest of the class passed by in a blur as I tried to focus on the lesson, but my mind kept drifting back to Zion. What was he planning? Was he really going to let go of his grudge so easily? I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was brewing beneath the surface.

As soon as the class ended, I rushed out of the room, eager to get some fresh air and clear my head. Reagan followed closely behind, not saying a word but his presence alone was comforting.

"Let's go for a walk," he said suddenly, breaking the silence.

I nodded and we walked out of the school, the sun shining brightly overhead. We walked in silence for a few minutes until we reached a nearby park. The sound of children playing and birds chirping filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me.

"Sometimes, it's important to take a step back and appreciate the little things in life," Reagan said, breaking the silence once again.

I smiled, feeling grateful for his words of wisdom. "Thanks, Reagan. You always know what to say."

He chuckled. "I've had a lot of experience dealing with hot-headed teenagers like you."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but laugh. Maybe things weren't so bad after all.

As we continued walking, we suddenly heard a loud commotion coming from the direction of the park's playground. We rushed over to see what was going on and saw a group of bullies picking on a younger boy.

Without hesitation, Reagan stepped forward and calmly but firmly told the bullies to back off. His tall stature and calm demeanor seemed to intimidate them, and they quickly dispersed.

The younger boy looked up at us with wide eyes, and I could see the gratitude and relief in his expression. "Thank you," he said softly.

Reagan smiled warmly at him. "No problem. Just remember, it's important to stand up for yourself and others."

We walked away from the playground, the younger boy running back to his parents. As we continued our walk, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Reagan. He truly was a hero, in every sense of the word.

As we completed our walk, our appetites were stimulated by the aroma of sizzling burgers wafting through the air. We eagerly entered the burger joint, settling down to feast on the tantalizingly tasty burgers. Even though Reagan had no physical need for sustenance, he sat in silence, his ghostly form flickering in the dim light.

As I chomped on my burger, Reagan cast a curious glance my way, as though on the verge of asking me something. "What's on your mind, Reagan?" I asked, sensing his unspoken question.

"What is your ultimate goal in life? What do you aspire to achieve?" he inquired.

I paused to ponder the question, contemplating my deepest desires and ambitions. "My goal in life is to become a protector, to save others, and earn the respect of my peers," I replied with a smirk.

After satisfying our hunger, we returned to the penthouse. The cool autumn breeze brushed against our faces, whispering its secrets in our ears. The fiery orange sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, painting the sky in a mesmerizing palette of colors. It was the perfect time to take a stroll before darkness descended.

Filled with a sense of purpose, I was eager to answer Reagan's question. "Reagan, to answer your question, I want to be someone that can be relied upon and to surpass all others in strength," I declared, my eyes glinting with determination.

Reagan's lips curled into a warm smile as he gazed up at the heavens. "I once held those same aspirations, my child. Keep pursuing your dreams and never falter. You possess the potential to surpass even the greatest of mages," he encouraged.

I couldn't help but wonder about Reagan's past. Was he once a human? If so, how did he lose his memories of his former life? "Reagan, may I ask you something?" I spoke up.

"Of course, child. What is it?" he replied.

"Were you once human before becoming a spirit?" I asked, eager to learn more about my enigmatic mentor.

Reagan appeared lost in thought, his incorporeal form flickering uncertainly. "I'm not entirely sure. There are fragments of memories that suggest I was human. But alas, I cannot say for certain," he said wistfully.

As I mused over Reagan's past, I wondered about the life he lived before becoming a spirit. What unfulfilled desires and aspirations might he have carried with him into the afterlife? But for now, I resolved to put aside my musings and focus on the present.