S1: Chapter 8 - Festival Preparations

- We found them!

- Unfortunately, both seem unconscious... Thankfully, they are breathing!

...

Kagutsuchi was out of words. He had to take a break for a moment there. Spacing out, feeling only relief and nothing but that.

- Kagutsuchi are you okay? Let's get going now.

- Oh... You're right, sorry. Let's go.

Injured were taken to the hospital where they got treatment. Treatment is performed by Nature Element users, that have ability to heal people.

After quick recovery, all of them went back to regular school days.

Meanwhile, in headquarters of the Academy there was a talk going on about recent mission and so called Lighting element.

- So as we heard, it's believed that Leyce has Lighting as his element, right Kagutsuchi?

- We don't know for sure, but it's believed so, yes.

- So you didn't actually see him use the power?

- No. We were in different part of the forest as battle took place.

- I see. Who would've guessed that one of five fingers would appear. It was a good idea to send you two to look after kids and assist them if needed. It's also such a surprise that Leyce first unlocked his element and already managed to beat one of five fingers too.

- What?

- Hm? What's wrong Kagutsuchi?

- Leyce didn't beat one of them. At least not that we know.

- What?

- Hima was the one to freeze fifth finger. She managed to escape though.

- We heard that already... But then, whom did Leyce fight?

-...

- Wait, there was a report written by Akane earlier. Let me check it once again. Yeah, she said that the person they fought had a black pinkie.

- But the girl we fought had black pinkie too...

- Hmm... Well for the time being, there isn't much we can do about it. Whoever Leyce and Akane fought is dead. And I'm sure that the girl will show herself sooner or later as well again.

That aside, is there any other info about Leyce?

- What do you mean?

- Where is he from? Who is he? Nothing adds up, his name, element... Kagutsuchi, you are his master. What do you know?

- To be completely honest nothing yet... However, Leyce is a good boy. He wouldn't harm anyone. His soul is clean and pure. I just know it. And I'm ready to guarantee that with my life.

- Fine. For the time being we will take you on your word. That's all we had to discuss now. You can all take your leave.

.

Back at Kagutsuchi's house, Leyce was in the middle of training when his Master interrupted him.

- Leyce.

- Oh, hello Master. What's going on?

- I see you have been training a lot more lately. That makes me happy. I also bring some good news for you today.

- Is that so. What are they?

- There isn't anyone in this country that wields Lighting element, or is even familiar with it. I, as someone who uses fire can't teach you anything about it. However, we found someone in nearby country that could know something more about it and you could go ther-

- No. I don't need to go anywhere. And I don't want to. I'm fine with everything that you teach me.

- But this will be a more proper training for you.

- I don't care. I'll do just as fine on my own.

- I see. In that case, I will teach you everything I can. Even though you don't use fire, remember my words:

"There lies flame and fire within everything. And the most important thing to set on fire is your soul, fighting spirit. If you learn to do that, you will be able to anything"

- Thank you, Master. I will remember those words and I'm looking forward to training with you.

They both smiled and continued their training.

3 Months Later

- Men that was so boring. I hate school. And it's only the second period we just finished.

- I hate you too and what now.

- Haha you're really irritating sometimes Kaichi...

- Leyce!!

- Hm.. Oh, Raiden ! How are you?

- I'm great, thank you. I heard that we will have same class tomorrow? How exciting.

- Yeah, I heard so too.

- Then, cya tomorrow, Leyce.

- Bye Raiden.

...

- You two know each other?

- Yeah, we met after that battle in the forest. She is Akane's best friend.

- Hm I see now. I don't know which one of them is more annoying.

- Oh come on Kaichi they are both really good.

- Yeah, they are both really... Annoying.

.

Later that day, after school ended, Leyce went outside the city to a big tree. It's located nearby the city, outside the gates, in the middle of meadow.

This was the same pine tree as the one Leyce has in his backyard back at home. Standing next to it makes him feel like he is at home again.

...

- All right everyone, there is upcoming festival in 2 weeks. We need to prepare everything because people from all across the country are going to visit it. As students of the academy, you will also need to provide safety for guests.

While teacher is talking about what is necessary to do, Leyce leans towards Akane.

- A festival?

- Yes, it's held every year here at fall.

- What is it about?

- A celebration of the country. Since this is the capital, this is where its always held.

- Well that explain why do we all have the same class together...

- Leyce would you like to come here and teach instead of me?

- I'm sorry, I'll stop talking.

- We also change our outfits completely. Anything you want, the stranger you look, the better they say. - said Raiden

- Is that so. What are you two going to wear?

- Probably a traditional dress.

- Really unique...

- It almost felt sarcastic.

- Yeah... Cause it was. Anyway, what about you Raiden?

- It's a secret. You will see.

- No fair Raiden, I already said what I'm gonna wear!

- ALL 3 OF YOU GET OUT! NOW.

- Well there goes that... - said Leyce

- AND WHERE ARE YOU GOING KAICHI?

- Did you not just tell me to leave?

- No?? I told them to leave. Why would I tell you, you are as quiet as ever!

-Oh. Well still, this class is also as boring as ever so I'll just leave too.

- WHAT? GET BACK TO YOUR SEAT, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE!

- He actually just left.

- That guy is insane.

- He's kind of hot.

- Seriously, all of you kids are just lost causes.

...

The festival was getting close and nothing has changed. Necessary preparations are already almost done and everything seemed to go smoothly.

Leyce was following his now daily routine of training, doing school activities and visiting his "home tree" every now and then. Yet today...

Just like the tree back at my place. It's so weird not looking at it every morning when I wake up. Hopefully my family doesn't miss me too much... What are they doing now... Are they fine... What even happened to me.... Maybe I really did d-

- You surely love this tree don't you?

- Uh yeah, I do. Umm, do we know each other?

- I'm new at the city. Name is Kayra. Nice to meet you!

...

To be continued