Eternal Courage

Chapter 18: The Shadows Lengthen

The academy was proceeding as normal with standard lessons now resuming. The situation surrounding Saku had now calmed to a point where the students didn't jump as much as Saku turned a corner notice but they would still give Saku glances as he turned his backs to them. Saku had also become more comfortable as his friends continued to support him. Saku friends had become happier following yesterday's events...but for one of his friends...she had many worries.

Anastasia couldn't help but think at the conversation she had overheard the night before "Why didn't Saku simply turn down Kieran's invitation? Hasn't he seen the extremes that the shadow league is willing to go to? Kieran must've really appealed to Saku. Kieran did sound very sincere, I bet he too must feel some hatred towards those who caused him pain...but Saku can't do it"

"Anastasia...Anastasia" Anastasia snapped out of her daze to see Sophie calling to her "It's time to go the lesson is over"

"Oh sorry, I was somewhere else just then. So what should we do today Saku?" Saku was also lost in thought "Saku...hello?"

"Huh...oh sorry what?" Mia behind them noticed Saku's and Anastasia's reactions

"You two seem...distracted today"

Jessamine who was sat next to Aureline heard this and rushed downwards "have you two been...meeting in secret?" said Jessamine before then looking annoyed "look Princess, if you have been meeting my Saku in secret you are mincemeat so fess up. You had a private get together, trying the one up on us all!" Anastasia then looked annoyed but didn't rise up

"No we didn't for your information. Besides what I would gain from one upping you? I just have a lot on my mind that's all" Jessamine closely observed her Anastasia's face

"Hmm...you look sincere" said Jessamine "alright I'll ask you then Saku. Did Princess knock on your door?"

"No she didn't. I was...on my own" Anastasia narrowed her eyes "Anastasia didn't meet up with me"

Jessamine leaned in very close to Saku but his expression didn't change "well you aren't nervous so you're not lying"

"Interesting interrogation tactic" said Mia walking down "So Saku, what is on your mind then?" Saku looked away from everyone

"Well...it's...complicated" said Saku "And the fact...we still have a seat missing" Mia folded her arms and looked serious

"Jason hasn't been seen since the tournament. I've also heard Ivy has gone missing too. How about you Aureline?" asked Mia

"I've heard that Ivy and Jason are sick but that's it. No-one has seen hide or hair of them" Jessamine then pressed her hand to her chin in thought

"You don't think...they were kidnapped do you?"

This idea had an unsettling effect on the group as Jessamine spoke "don't forget I was kidnapped by some garbed people"

"That was when Saku rescued you right?" asked Sophie receiving a nod "You also said they had almost drained your aura too. But now that I think about it...how did they do that? And why?" this question hadn't occurred among the group with Anastasia thinking

"Aura is essentially blood in one form" said Anastasia "the only way to drain aura...is through voluntary means"

"Which can only be done in two ways" said Mia "Either to tire yourself out...or use all your aura at once. Jessamine do you remember anything at all?"