Chapter 22 []

It's been seven days.

Not only have I not talked to Kate—I haven't even seen her. After the third day, I'd hoped I'd catch her in the dining hall, but breakfast, lunch, and dinner passed with no sign of her.

'Is she eating?' I'd thought.

I had no way of knowing. To say I'm worried sick wouldn't even cover half of it.

'Is this how my mom felt.' I think my mind flashing to when I was scolded once for running off to the mountains.

I had spent the weekend in complete solitude, and it wasn't as fun as I'd hoped. It was the first time I made myself face how lonely I was.

I jolt awake in a cold sweat.

'Another nightmare.' I internally sigh somewhat exhausted.

'I feel like I'm being torn apart.' I run my hand through my hair. 'I can't keep waiting. I need to check on her myself.'

My eyes lazily scan the dark room as I ponder. Even if I was bold enough to sneak into the girl's wing I had no idea where Kate's room was. Not even covering the mountain of trouble I'd be in if I got caught. I wouldn't be surprised if I got suspended or subject to some cruel punishment by the girls for "peeping".

'I can't run into this blind.'

After a few moments, I think of her roommate. While I didn't know who she was I knew for certain Kate had one. 'That might be how she's eating.' I think, a smile spreading on my face. While I could only hope that's the case, it put my heart at ease nonetheless. Kate's final words to me echo throughout my skull as I stare into the dark.

'I'll find out the full reason somehow, and I know exactly who can help me.'

A few hours later after my History lesson, today's Nature lesson is finally wrapping up.

"Ready?"

Marshal asks as he slings his small pack over his shoulder. I shake my head.

"I need to have a word with Mr. Ranviel," I explain as I cork my writing ink.

"A word, huh. Want me to wait for you," Marshal asks, tilting his head as I try to shove my notebook into my pouch.

"No, you go ahead. I'll see you later," I urge.

Marshal nods.

"Alright, see ya man. Don't worry about her too much, ok," he says with a wave.

I return it squashing the worried look I'd been unknowingly displaying. Soon it's just me and Mr. Ranviel. He considers me curiously as I approach him.

"Why hello, Mr. Dariff, to what do I owe this pleasure," Mr. Ranviel asks.

"Well, I need your help, Mr. Ranviel," I start.

Mr. Ranviel raises an eyebrow, his soft smile never fading, "Oh?"

"Yes, my friend Kate. I've been worried about her, and I was hoping you knew who her roommate was so…I can check on her," I say, trailing off into a mumble suddenly feeling embarrassed.

Mr. Ranviel considers me for a moment, "Checking up on a teammate," he opens a drawer on his desk, "That's well and good, yes?"

I nod wordlessly.

After a minute or two of rummaging, Mr. Ranviel finds a small notepad. He quickly flips through it almost immediately finding what he's looking for.

"Ah yes, room 70," Mr. Ranviel mutters, mostly to himself, as he grabs a sheet of paper.

He makes a quick sketch.

"This is Vanty Steele. She has the nature class before yours," Mr. Ranviel says tapping on the paper.

"Though If I'm honest Mr. Dariff I'm surprised you didn't come to me sooner about this," he chuckles, sliding the paper to me.

I feel my brow furrow, and I grip the paper lightly as I pick it up.

Trying to not ruin the bookish beauty of the elf depicted on it I immediately loosen this grip. Mr. Ranviel who had gone back to some papers hadn't noticed my small outburst. I let out an internal sigh of relief, but I'm still surprised at myself.

That flash of anger was not only unwarranted it was toward Mr. Ranviel of all people. 'How could he make light of her pain.' That is the thought that flashed through my mind. I knew his comment was innocent yet that anger was still there.

"So will you get her a get-well card or some soup perhaps," Mr. Ranviel asks, interrupting my thoughts.

I tilt my head, "What?"

"Her cold," Mr. Ranviel restates, continuing to work, "That is why you want to check on her, yes?"

'Cold?'

I shake my head wordlessly.

"Hm? I thought you knew. Well, that is why she's been absent," Mr. Ranviel explains.

But despite his words being sincere, my heart rang with doubt.

'That doesn't make sense.'

"Why hasn't she gone to the nurse," I ask.

"Low mark resistance? Unique sickness? Personal reasons? Why she could have already gone. I'm afraid I don't know, Mr. Dariff, I can only offer suggestions," Mr. Ranviel says.

I search his stoic hazel eyes, but they held no new truths. He wasn't lying or at the very least believes what he's said.

'But that can't be right.'

I sigh internally, turning the paper over in my hands.

"I appreciate your help Mr. Ranviel. I hope she'll get better soon," I say.

"Likewise Mr. Dariff. Have a good lunch," Mr. Ranviel says, waving me farewell as I turn to leave.

I make a beeline for the dining hall. It's the best place to start. 'Especially if my theory of her feeding Kate is correct.' Once I'm in the hall I scan the room. My heart drops more and more as I realize Vanty isn't here. 'There's still a chance.' I leave the dining hall, stalking the halls as I search for her. I pass the main entrance doors, and once I'm almost halfway down the hall I hear one of the doors creak open.

My head swivels immediately to see—Vanty. I almost cry out with joy, as my eyes dart from the sketch to her. She holds a large wrapped sandwich and fruit. She pushes her glasses up a little as she slinks down the hall in the opposite direction. I quiet my steps and follow her.

By this point, I already missed the small window where I could approach Vanty naturally. I'd hoped she was heading toward the dining hall so I could try again, but she passes by it continuing down the winding halls.

We walk for a while until she finds a suitably secluded spot. Vanty plops down onto the ground and opens her pack. She selects a book and sets it aside, then starts to unwrap her sandwich. I decide I'll approach her once she starts eating. Five or so bites later I start my approach.

"Hey," I say, making myself known.

Vanty's eyes widen when she realizes I'm here. She chokes, reaching into her bag uncorking a drink, guzzling it down. 'Real smooth Benji.' I curse at myself. Vanty blinks thrice considering me as I approach.

"Hello," Vanty says, "Are you, Benji?"

"Yes, I am," I respond.

Vanty's eyes light up.

"I saw your fight…back at the arena. It was amazing," she says.

"T-thank you," I say—flattered.

Vanty nods, starting to twiddle her fingers.

"I-I've been wanting to talk to you, and I have so many questions, but what brings you here," Vanty says—meek again as she indicates the barren stone walls on either side of us.

"Well, I actually have some questions for you," I tell her.

"For me?"

I nod.

"Well then, I don't know if I can help you but I'll try. Ask away," she says.

I feel a twinge of guilt.

"You're roommates with Kate, right," I ask.

"Ah yes," Vanty says, "She's um sick. Yes."

'Same story?'

"That can't be right. Um, do you think you can pass along a message for me," I ask.

Vanty immediately shakes her head, no longer making eye contact, "S-she doesn't want to talk to anyone right now."

"Please, surely she'll accept a message from me," I plead.

"No no, She said none from anyone," Vanty restates.

I'm about to plead again when Vanty starts collecting her things suddenly.

"I-I have to go to, um, my club. Yes! My club. Sorry Benji we'll have to talk another time I have to go, bye," Vanty blurts, and before I can even process what she just said she hurries away.

"Wait—" I start reaching out to stop her but my hand stops and recoils just before I touch her.

For just a moment I could've sworn she was Kate, but she wasn't…and now she's gone.

'My only chance, and I failed.'

I strike the wall, and let the tears fall.

'Damn it.'