Arcane Academia

Chapter 13

"It's nice to know you're not dead," Lyra says, " you've been unconscious for four days, we were worried sick."
I had been transferred to the hospital wing yesterday.
" Well the pleasures mine," I say say as I dig through the chocolate box looking for a caramel one.
The box had just appeared on my bedside. No note, nothing. After nurse Hottz had inspected it, I helped myself with just staring at it.

"So, your brother's got superpowers, " I say.
After a sigh," yeah, family secret, why do you think he's such a teacher's pet?" Fiore asks as Nurse Pottz walks in with my soup.
" Nepotism?" I say.
Fiore snorts.
" Have it!" Nurse Pottz says shoving a spoon in my hand.
I stare at the soup. My stomach churns.
Slowly I gulp down one sip, it taste like cardboard.
"Well that was painful to watch," Lyra says.
"Yeah, chef's cooking's not that bad, you good?" Fiore asks looking concerned.
I give a thumbs up.
"Not hungry. Chocolate and soup, bad for you," I say leaning back exhausted.
" Listen Rei, the whole time you were out, I felt so shitty-"
" Fi, it's fine, I was bitchy too," I say.
" No, I had no right saying the shit I did," she says interrupting me," so that's why, I'm giving you Loki."
" The horse? " I ask ," although I'm down if it were-"
" Yes, my horse Loki," she says handing me her stable key.
" Thanks Fi," I say perking up the first time in weeks.
" Sure, besides I got Jaz," she says.
Oh, to be a trust fund baby.
The bell sounds.
Bed time for students start in ten minutes.
"You girls may take your leave," Nurse Pottz says shooing them.
"Night Rei," Lyra says coming in for a hug.
" Night you guys," I say waving as they leave.
" Bye Rei, have your soup," Fiore says.
"Sure mom."

Once the door slams , I carry the bowl of soup and throw the contents down the sink.
I just stare at the contents that go through the sink hole.
This is so unhealthy.

---
" Mama what did the principal say?" I ask still with my face in my palms, leaning against the wall.
" Nothing sweetie, pa and I will handle this," she says pulling me in for a hug.
The ground gives way and I fall through.
I land on my grandmother's couch as everyone sings happy birthday.
" We love you Rei," Ma says as Pa nods.
I smile and turn to blow out the candles.
Purple flames escape my fingers and the cake burns. The icing igniting the words,'murderer. "
" Until you killed him," Pa says as the house burns down.
---

I wake up in sweats. The sheets drenched with perspiration. My heart hammers in my chest. Oxygen doesn't seem to work in my lungs as I feel myself battling against my lungs.
Hastily, I get off the bed to reach for the water jug, only to fall to the ground.
Oxygen where you at?
I lean against the bed's leg.
Focus Rei. Breathe Rei.
This isn't my first panic attack but heavens sake, how many more??
OK BREATHE.
It was not your fault.
Breathe.
Nice and slow.
Slowly, my heart decides to slow its marathon.
Breathe in, hold, out.

Pushing the floor I bring myself to my feet and charge out of the hospital in a mere daze.
I march to the stables, icy air piercing my skin.
I find Loki.
The horse neighs in excitement, usually I'd join it, but I feel empty.
Rubbing on its usual spot I hoist myself into the horse in my hospital clothes and jacket.
"All yours ," I whisper in its ears. It neighs and rides into the unknown of the night.

The moon glistens against the vast lake, enchanting the ripples.
The breeze hits my skin, only now it's more of a blanket rather than a whip.
I let myself fall into it, releasing the demons out of my mind.
After weeks of feeling empty and remorse, this doesn't suck.
Adrenaline pulses through my skin.
I lower my hand and feel the water in the fountains.

Moping about the past won't bring justice to my family, or to myself.
I stop the horse.
Revenge will.

I look around me.
The familiarity of the place hits me.
I am at the site of my meltdown that night.
I dismount myself and land with a soft thud.
I wince ever so slightly upon the force. I should eat,eventually I know I will.
I tread the burnt grass lightly.