Phantom Hunters | Saphir Casters Academy

22 | Unexpected Help

XXII | UNEXPECTED HELP

    Kael felt his body shake, his muscles straining to hold him up through the pain. He gripped his side, where he was sure his ribs were damaged.

    "Kael?" An unfamiliar voice prompted Kael to lift his head. He reeled in surprise, nearly falling back to the ground from the fire that shot through his ribs at the sudden movement.

    Garun stood with feet wide apart and tense shoulders, looking at each of the fallen bodies before bringing his eyes back to Kael with perplexity etched into his face. He still had that scarf on, even when he was going to do harsh training in the arena.

    Kael couldn't help a smile, even though it hurt his cracked lips. "It sorta happened. Do you think you can help me to the doc?"

    Blue hair fell into dark brown eyes that seemed to hide his soul. His hard stare was enough for Kael to know that there was a reason Garun was reluctant to interact with people. After all, Kael had seen it once before.

    "It's fine. I can go there on my own." Kael took a painful step forward. "Just..." He hissed when his movement sent sharp stabs in his torso. "Just tell Caster Aqwivl why I wasn't able to make it. I'll see you later."

    Garun seemed to contemplate Kael's words. Finally, he sighed and strode over, easily catching up with the injured boy.

    "I can take you to the infirmary," he said, his voice still foreign to Kael's ears.

    Kael laughed, causing spurts of pain, but he didn't really care. "You know, it's the first time I ever heard you speak." 

    Garun didn't reply, taking Kael's arm over his shoulder to help support him as they walked. Kael paused, shooting a look at the five fallen bodies the strange cloaked figure had left behind.

    "Should we help them?" he said to Garun.

    The bluebird followed Kael's gaze and grunted. "From how they're strewn about, I'm assuming someone else interrupted while they beat you down. And you still want to help them?"

    "How'd you know that's what happened?"

    Garun shrugged. "Observation. Just leave them. Their injuries don't seem as bad as yours, and they probably deserved it."

    Kael, with the help of Garun, limped away from the arena and towards the administration building. To him, it felt like every step sent a wave of fire into his side. He wondered if it was a good idea for him to be moving so much, but he didn't want to stay seated while waiting for someone to come for him.

    They entered the building, cool air welcoming them from the scorching heat outside. The receptionist looked up at their arrival. He fiddled with his moustache.

    "Is everything alright?" he asked.

    "I'm taking him to the infirmary," Garun said. "He seems to have gotten hurt quite badly."

    The receptionist tutted. "Another casualty from Seis's class? My, I've been telling that girl to give the kids a break for years."

    Before Kael could contradict him, Garun moved on down the corridor. They walked a familiar path until Kael recognised the door he's been through just recently. Garun propped open the door with his shoulder before letting Kael inside. He didn't let go of Kael until they arrived at a cot, where Kael gratefully sank into the bedding.

    "I'll retrieve the doctor," Garun stated, leaving Kael to rest.

    In no time at all, Garun returned with the strange green bear. Kael had to hold in his laughter when he saw the Orachean staring blatantly at the doctor as if trying to figure out how a stuffed animal could move, talk, and heal injuries.