Return to School

I extended my hand to Leo, and pulled him up to his feet. He looked ragged and bruised, his skin was a mosaic of purple and blue, and his clothes were torn to shreds. As we walked towards the infirmary, I could feel the tense silence between us.

Once we arrived, we each received medical treatment for our injuries. Leo lay down on his bed and looked at me with a questioning expression. He wanted to know what had happened, and why I had attacked him.

I let out a deep sigh and sat down next to him. "Leo, I wasn't myself. Something took over me, and I couldn't control my actions," I explained, hoping that he would believe me.

Suddenly, my attention was drawn to the electrical energy that surrounded his body during our fight. It was impressive, and I couldn't help but ask him about it.

"Leo, what was that energy surrounding your body during the fight? Did you manage to learn two different elements?" I inquired, curious about his abilities.

Leo looked embarrassed and hesitated for a moment before finally admitting the truth. "It's not a different element, Sora. My rage just leaked out as electrical energy. It's a derivative of my earth element," he explained.

I was amazed by his abilities, even if they weren't fully understood yet. "That's incredible, Leo! You're something else!" I praised him.

Leo chuckled, "I wanted to keep it a secret, but I haven't even learned a spell that revolves around electricity."

I laughed along with him. "Well, it's still better than me. I've only managed to learn one element like everyone else in this class."

Leo reminded me of Enzo, who was also capable of using earth magic. But Enzo wasn't exactly the brightest bulb in the box, and I doubted that he could ever master all five derivatives of earth magic.

"I think I need some rest, Sora. You got banged up less than me, so you should go home," Leo said, looking exhausted.

I nodded and left the infirmary, but I couldn't help but wonder when I'd be able to return to my own home.

**THE NEXT DAY**

As I opened the blinds, the golden rays of the sun penetrated my room, filling it with warmth and life. I took a deep breath and stretched my arms, feeling the tension and soreness from my previous fight fade away. Today was Monday, and it was the first day back at school since my fight with Zion. I knew it wouldn't be an easy day, so I needed Reagan by my side.

"Reagan, I need you to come with me," I said as I walked out of my room.

He looked at me with confusion, and I could sense his reluctance. "Why would I need to come to your classrooms, Sora?" he asked.

"It's Zion. I need you to be there with me just in case anything happens. His presence alone endangers everyone, and he's stronger than he makes himself out to be," I explained.

I had been analyzing Zion since the first day of school, and there was something different about him. His aura felt more intense than that of any other student, and I knew he was not your average high school kid.

Reagan nodded, and we left the house to head to class. The hallways were crowded, filled with the cacophony of students chatting and rushing to their classes. Among the chaos, Reagan and I walked, two individuals who appeared to have nothing in common. To me, Reagan was like a sensei, someone I could look up to and trust. He was the man I aspired to be.

As we entered the classroom, Remi was sitting across from me, waiting for the class to start.

"So you brought in your bodyguard now?" she scoffed.

"Don't treat him like dirt. He has a name, and it's Reagan," I said, annoyed by her comment.

"Sora, don't be angered by her comment. I can see why she made that observation," Reagan said, trying to calm me down.

"Remi, Reagan is the strongest man I have ever met. Your pathetic comment seems out of character," I said, trying to make a point.

"I'm sorry, Sora. I've had a rough couple of days. I hope you understand," she defended herself.

We waited in silence as Reagan and I watched the rest of the class file in one by one.

"Welcome back, Sora and Zion. I hope the two of you have had time to reflect on your actions and make up in the time that you were gone," Ms. Smith said.

Zion smirked with a glint of malice in his eyes. "I can assure you I've learned a lot in these past seven days," he laughed.

I gritted my teeth in disgust. What could he possibly be laughing about? Just as I was about to speak up, Reagan placed a spell on me, preventing me from moving. He walked up beside me, towering over me.

"Sora, I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself and listen to the lesson she's about to teach," he said in a commanding tone.

I swallowed my pride and sat back down to listen to the lesson.

"Today, we will be learning about what it means to be a hero." Ms. Smith's voice filled the room, and for the next hour, I listened and learned about the qualities that make a true hero. As I listened, I couldn't help but wonder if I had what it took to be one.