Chapter 23 - Part 2

The sun had fully set and now the green sister lazily watched over, shining her green soft light throughout the Academy grounds. The auditorium was now lit solely by light stones.

"Damn it, Al'maran!" Master Parvel shouted in rage at the man, his voice almost unrecognizable. His deep lovable nostalgic tone that had a hint of something old and ancient was no more, replaced with a vicious snarl that spat acid directly at his fellow teacher.

Haiden saw Master Coner's broad back, his brown hair tied in a neat ponytail. He could see how uncomfortable he was as Parvel sprayed with insults.

Haiden approached the doorway even further, as much as he could, before dropping his cloaking spell, his back against the wall he inched his ear as much as he could, daring not to look beyond the doorway while being visible.

"Calm yourself Kurd, there is no need for such an unsightly display. Lest you want someone overhearing." Master Coner said his voice seemingly unphased. Haiden didn't know what he had missed but Master Parvel was not pleased at all. "The matter remains the same, albeit the product is not exactly a hundred percent, here."

"I see, I see." His tone was laced with sarcasm. Master Coner paused for more than a few minutes. The sound of paper being flipped caught Haiden's ear. ""No! It's not at all the same, you ignoramus! See right here in your very notes it says "Subject is showing a mild rash on the upper left abdominal muscles." Then a few days after it develops a fever! That is a clear sign of rejection! I should never have let you lead this experiment. Do you even realize how important this is?" Master Parvel raised his voice again.

"No," Master Coner's voice was aggravated. "Those are just normal reactions of the transplant, they subside in time leaving the subject healthy."

"You buffoon. Healthy, you say?" Master Parvel scoffed. "Is that why they die on you within the week?"

"I-I don't know- "

"Of course you don't, you're an idiot, Al'maran! Never let an idiot do the work of a professional" He said under his breath.

Haiden wasn't exactly sure what they were talking about but he felt a surge of satisfaction witnessing Master Coner getting chewed up like that. He tried to remain as quiet as possible and slowed down his breathing, concentrating on listening to what the two men had to say. Haiden was certain Master Coner was up to something, but now to think that Master Parvel was in on it. This was bigger than he initially thought.

"Have they been shipped yet?"

"Yes, the other day. They should arrive in Red Kep within the week."

Master Parvel sighed heavily. "If they're still alive by then." The man began to pace back and forth as Haiden heard the hurried steps and mumblings of the man. "You shouldn't have lied, Al'maran. They'll have our heads for this. We needed a few more weeks, a month even! From the looks of it we're really close. Send word by Dreg to the caravan to stop and dispose of the products. I'll assist you from now on to make sure we get this right. I'll personally prepare another shipment of subjects tomorrow. You understand me, boy?" Master Parvel said with great venom in his voice.

"Yes, Kurd. I understand."

"We'll have no time to test, we have to get it right the first time, we need the youngest I can find. Now leave me. I need time to think." Master Parvel shooed his friend away.

Haiden in panic, quickly cloaked himself and remained flat on the wall. He heard the man preparing to leave, gathering some papers. Master Coner passed right by him without even turning in his direction. He stomped down the bending hallways in a foul mood.

Haiden didn't wait until long and followed the man out, holding his spell with great strain until he reached his room.

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The sun shone brightly with great intensity the next day. Haiden's room was insufferably hot, he had thrown his blanket on the floor while tossing and turning from his nightmares. Mara had visited him in his dreams, begging for help, yet again, but in a weird twist of events Lady Aliza was there warning him about something he could not understand.

He woke up in a pool of sweat with a deep headache. Screech was still missing. He wondered how long the creature would be gone this time. He paid it no mind as he knew he would come back.

The day began with him and Maree going quickly to Master Omnelia, their first class, and requesting the green scarf for solving the riddle. She quickly applauded their wit and intelligence then starting back her lesson on mote behavior under extreme conditions. One of which Haiden found quite interesting.

"That old geezer actually came through." Maree said, walking proudly with the scarf tied around his hand.

"That's cheating!" Camila rolled her eyes.

"Hey, I was just asking some questions for an assignment," Maree giggled.

"What assignment!? There is no assignment!" Camila grunted.

"That he knows of. Besides no one's going to find out."

"Haiden, don't tell me you agree with this!" Camila whined.

"Well..." He shrugged. "What harm can it do? Wit is more than knowing stuff."

"Damn right it is!" Maree settled down.

Camila sighed aggravated by the two, she gave up and decided to change the subject. "Where is Tasgal, by the way? The next trial will be announced and we need to move quick to the great hall."

"I don't know," Haiden said concerned. "He didn't say anything."

"Don't worry. I'm sure we'll see him there." Maree said without a care in the world.

Once they arrived in the great hall, they met their fellow Wielders and Ashen among which Tasgal was nowhere to be seen. Most of Haiden's classmates had the green scarf and he took his place beside them.

The Headmistress sat in the throne like chair, her presence demanding respect and silence without even saying a word. Her gaze bounced around the room and once she was satisfied that everyone had joined she stood up. Everything went quiet as she cleared her throat.

"Congratulations to everyone who has passed the first and easiest of the three trials. You have proven your wits and knowledge to the Three Sisters." she began a lengthy speech on the necessity of knowledge in Wielding and how this generation will prove itself to be Empire's pride and joy. She included one backhanded compliment that implied that if it was up to her she would have made it ten times as difficult to weed out some of them seeing as everyone had passed.

"Now, let's not dilly dally any longer. I'm sure that everyone here is eager to get back to their studying. The next trial, Trial of Agility will be held tomorrow!"

A wave of gasps flooded the room. Everyone began to chat and whisper amongst themselves with wide eyes.

"Only the best Wielders and Ashen," As soon as she began everyone quieted on the spot. "Are capable of adapting to any situation and crossing any terrain. Everyone is to report tomorrow at break of day next to the gardens. Be ready, be fast, and be prepared for anything." With that the Headmistress too her leave without addressing any other questions voiced by both Ashen and Wielders.

"I can't believe it!" Maree stopped each step towards the dining hall. He had been ranting about the announcement ever since they left the great hall.

"Cut it out already." Camila roller her eyes. "You big baby, nothing you can do about it."

"She could've at least told us what it will be." Haiden pitched in half interested in what they were discussing. He pretended to be present for the conversation but in reality his mind was occupied by something more important. Not what Master Parvel and Coner were scheming behind the scenes or where Screech might have gone to. Something even more important than that. Where was Tasgal? He had not heard from him in two days and he started to think that something was wrong. He had an odd feeling in his gut. He hoped to see Tasgal waiting for them at the dining hall as he usually did when he had intense training, but that turned out to be just wishful thinking. The man was nowhere to be seen, not even in the training pit as Haiden led his friends the long way around to take a sneak peak. He did not see any familiar faces.

The day quickly got by and Haiden returned to his room just before the blue sister nestled in her place high in the night sky.

He threw himself on the bed, exhausted. He had been overthinking Tasgal's absence all day and it got to him hard. He couldn't pay attention to anything but imagining all sorts of unfortunate things that might've happened. His greatest worry was that Bras had done something awful to him.

Screech? No one answered. Hello!? He sighed at the lack of reply. After two hours of wallowing in unnecessary fake scenarios that spiked his anxiety he bolted straight up, throwing his blanket on the floor.

"Enough! I'll just check up on him." he said and got ready for departure, cloaking his presence from the world. Haiden needed someone to talk to about what he had heard, and he was anxious about his disappearance.

Haiden followed his normal route to Tasgal's room, the blue night was lonely and quiet. There was no one in the hallways of their dorm. They all had gone to bed, even the servants finished their nightly duties. He reached up to Tasgal's door and this time, he did not knock but tried to knob. It turned allowing him to step in.

The familiar odor of sweat clang to the air, a pile of clothes was lazily thrown in the corner, and the bed was empty, neatly made.

"What the fuck!?" Haiden grunted in frustration. His stomach tightened with worry and his heart sank. "Where is that fucking bastard!?" All of the made-up scenarios he concocted in his head were suddenly becoming a reality. What if he was lying somewhere dead in a ditch or a dark corner of the underground tunnels beneath the Academy? What if he was in the infirmary with a bad wound fighting for his life? Or worse... What if Bras had told someone about him being a Yeva'Ah and he was dragged and beaten to death? Haiden dropped to his knees with worry.

"No, he couldn't be." He told himself. "He would let himself get dragged away, he's a strong Ashen. He is a strong Ashen." he repeated himself in comfort.

Haiden tried to think of a better explanation, a happier one, but he couldn't. There was no reason for Tasgal to be out of bed at this hour. Something was definitely wrong and all of his instincts screamed at him to find him. But where?

SCREACH! He mentally shouted for the creature. Again, no reply. He was fed up, how dare he not be here when he needed him. Haiden closed his eyes and used his senses as an empath to feel around himself. He went smaller and smaller, he felt the motes and their bonds, the remnant traces of his own energy he had left behind in his previous visits to Tasgal's room. He went even smaller and felt around until a string like structure stretched from the depths of his being into the world. This was something he had discovered soon after he came to terms with Screech. There was something that tied them together, something indestructible, something powerful that could not be severed. It was a bond that would last even beyond death, as Screech had put time and time again. Haiden wrapped his mind around the structure and with an urgent call he pulled with all of his strength. It was harder than he had anticipated but with a bit of mental elbow grease the string that tied them together budged and something was flying towards him at incredible speeds. As soon as he opened his eyes Screech stood in front of Haiden, his misshapen eyes furrowed in anger.

What did you do!? It yelled.

I called you. Where were you, Screech? Haiden asked. He saw how furious the creature was, this made him even more suspicious.

Not your business. Screech turned his back to him and placed his hands around his chest.

Scratch, I don't need any more lies. Tell me now or else....

Or else what? It taunted. Haiden's own anger bubbled to the surface and he raised a hand to the green blob pooling his Fios he grabbed a hold of the creature and began to squeeze.

No. No! It said with a pitiful voice. No hurt Screech. For a non-corporeal being it shivered terribly and Haiden felt it as he wrapped his energy around it even more. Please, no hurt. Its cries hurt his soul as he remembered their first real interaction. How badly he treated the defenseless being that ended saving his life and Tasgal alike. The one that had helped Haiden grow and learn and taught him so much more than the teachers at the Academy. His one true ally. At this point he realized that he had been objectifying Screech. Treating him akin to how others treated slaves. Haiden shuddered and bile bubbled in his throat. Have I ever thought of it... IT. All the times that his friends and everyone around him spoke of slaves flashed through his mind. Him. he corrected himself. No I haven't...

"FUCK!" Haiden yelled, frustrated and angry, angry at himself. He had no excuse, every time he had hurt Screech and everyone else. Haiden immediately released Screech, dropping to all fours. "I'm sorry." he whispered. Tears flowed down his cheeks, so many emotions and so many things happening at the same time. He could not rail in his feelings.

Screech had long shut his eyes in fear, he still trembled in place. Moments passed before he realized Haiden let go. Opening his eyes slowly he saw the young Wielder on the floor of Tasgal's room in the dark crying his eyes out. He had gone into a fetal position, pulling his cloak around him. Screech approached carefully, seeing the pathetic man before him, he reached a scrawny hand and patted Haiden's head.

He felt the static of Screech's touch and stopped his sobs. "I'm so sorry." he repeated.