Meet Thy Enemies Pt.2

Shanzina Merxado

I knew the Phantrits were going to be after us, but I hadn’t expected them to immediately engage.

It’s different this time. I thought. They take mana-energy.

I remembered what Professor Hale had told us, ‘the peak of the blood moon. The last had been almost three years ago, on Dianzo’s death anniversary. My mind raced for the details until something clicked: under that blood moon, a miracle happened, Xhani appeared with a searing light from the land and sky, defeating the Leiaz-eaters that had snuck inside the domes.

So if we’re at the peak of the blood moon, does that mean-

“Shanzina!” Mari whined, her head hanging back and her body slowly slipping down. “I’m tired. I want… to lie down.”

“Woi, gaga! Hugaw na diha.” (Hey! It’s dirty there.) I yelled, trying to bring her upright as I let my mana-energy transfer onto her. Detreeve’s accusation pops up in my head, of a crime which I did, in fact, commit numerous times.

Zamarian law has had this fear of citizens draining out the life of their environment in exchange for personal gaining in power. It’s understandable. The domes keep them safe from the outside and locked inside, of course they had to preserve what they could. I couldn’t be held for treason, though. I am as innocent as I am guilty.

Mariella slowly returned to her normal breathing pattern, taking in the newly found energy. I could tell how much the phantrit had drained her. If I hadn’t made the form on time… My heart skipped a beat at the thought.

“Wow,” She exhaled, a gradual but familiar smile forming on her lips, “Thank you. I had thought it was the end of me right there and then.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, don’t be dramatic. Are you alright? How do you feel?”

“I feel… different.” Mariella said as I guided her to stand, “Is this how you feel all the time?”

“What?”

“This energy. It’s exhilarating!” Now she beamed like nothing happened just a minute ago, “I had no idea that this is how it feels.”

That made my insides jump. I felt like I’d been caught red-handed, exposed. I let the feeling simmer down as I took off the Mana Concealment Vessel off my wrist. It did what it was made to do, cover mana-energy from those who wanted a taste of mine after I had won the dagger.

“Here,” I took the ends and fastened it around her wrist. “Wear this in the meantime.”

“Why?” She asked, glancing at me as she checked the bracelet, “Wasn’t this a gift?”

“I have reason to believe that the phantrit preyed on you because your mana-energy is too visible to them. Perhaps our manas have appealed more to their senses since the anointing.” I gestured to her wrist, “Professor Hale did mention that, and the fact we would be able to sense them as well, unless…”

“Unless you have an MCV.”

I nodded, “We need to block energies that could surface. I cannot guarantee our full safety with it, but we can at least prevent a sudden appearance like this.”

The sound of the second bell filled the hallway. Ten more minutes. “We need to get out of here before it comes back.”

My stomach took an uncomfortable turn as I thought back to what had happened earlier in the hallway. They already know that Mariella and I are one of the champions.

It was waiting for us to be alone. I could sense them crawling about the ceilings as they searched for us, and I kept my eye on them while urging Mari to keep walking.

Shivers ran laps around my whole body the entire time, my legs felt as if they would give way to a fall with every step. They watched us like apex predators, waiting for their pick of prey. It flew past us, taking interest in another student.

We were doing so well until Mari had stumbled to the floor and caught their attention. Just as she had hallucinated about the twins, the other students cleared the hallway, isolating us.

Then it appeared right beside us, grinning as it waited for us to take the bait. Mari did, and it immediately shoved me away. I hadn’t expected them to be creatures of such strength. It felt like steel wrapped in layers of thick cloth.

I thought they were able to sense us, not touch us. I ground my teeth at the misinformation they had told us. Either that, or this was a side effect of the blood moon.

Mariella stopped a few steps before our classroom. I turned to see her head hang low, her lips trembling. For a second, there was a line of tears that threatened to fall, but she blinked them away and took a deep breath.

“Mari-”

“I’m fine,” She released a breath and raised her chin, shoulders taut as she pulled them back. “I was just… taken aback. I feel better now.”

“That was more than being taken aback.” I scoffed, but I wasn’t sure how to say the next words, “Mar-”

“I know, don’t worry. I heard you and Detreeve argue earlier. I won’t say anything, as always.”

I smiled as the final bell rang. We were the only ones standing in the hallway; all students were in their seats. As we were about to enter, a teacher walked past us, entering the classroom beside ours. I caught a glimpse through the glass window of the door, Daz sitting in the second row, and glanced at the platinum plaque displayed above the door.

Class 1 - Bronzite.

I still found it odd that their school system was similar to the organization in my own world. Then again, it is how they organize the other from the masses. They say they section students based on their desired courses, like life paths. I haven’t made an effort to learn about it, but it was obvious as red paint on the forehead.

Daz must have already noticed. He mouthed, “Is she okay?”

He must’ve seen me and Mari standing here. As a reply, I nodded and gave him a thumbs up. To my amusement, his body relaxed into his seat, lifting the corners of his mouth into a smile. He had a smile line that went down his chin, I didn’t realize he’d had somewhat chubby cheeks. I guess it’s only shown when he smiles, Mariella must’ve seen it most of the time. I waved a small two finger salute and entered the room next to his.

They’re so obvious about each other.

Mariella was already in her seat. The window to her left cast sunlight on her, making the waves of her brown hair reminiscent of a warm fireplace against her flushed, fair skin. Despite not having the time to fix her hair this morning, she still looked as pristine as a porcelain doll.

Once I took my seat, she faced me with wide eyes, curving her fingers into her palm, “Look, behind Klaus.”

I followed her gaze with confusion. A few levels down was, indeed, Klaus, handing a brown folder to Professor Hale, holding onto his schoolbag by the strap. It seemed to be a natural scene, save what— who was behind him.

A grayish-white woman hovered above, just to his right. Black liquid ran down the jaw as she searched his face with hooded eyes. She gave a dazed smile, trying to reach and cup his face.

Yuck. Something crawled all over my body at the sight, it set off a visible shiver down my spine. Klaus, on the other hand, didn’t flinch. The only indication that he was aware of its presence was his clenched jaw and when he swallowed a lump in his throat. To others, he might be nervously waiting for the professor.

What is he doing here, anyway? He’s not transferring classes, isn’t he? I don’t recall seeing him here yesterday. Besides, what about Daz?

“Alright. Go find a seat.” Professor Hale said, putting away the folder into his case. Klaus immediately turned away and went up a few levels before spotting us, clearly eager to get away from the Phantrit clinging to him.

“What?” Mari said under her breath while watching Klaus.

Meanwhile, my eyes were set on the Phantrit, who cried and howled after him. I could feel Mariella trying not to flinch beside me. It flew out of the room, disappearing into thin air. For a second there, I’d thought she’d go after him.