Homecoming

We’re strapped in the back of the jeep, heading back home. We were lucky extra seats for Lydia, Joey, and me were available. Chances are, however, that our previous team is responsible for that. Joey hasn’t regained consciousness yet, but that isn’t even our biggest problem. Despite everybody being present and on our way home, everybody is clearly on edge. Nobody, including the teacher, has said a word so far. All of us are probably deep in thought about the implications, regarding the news we just received.

A few moments ago our seniors returned with what appeared to be an injured classmate. They mentioned that a single Crystale user managed to defeat three out of their squad back to back. Hearing the news Lydia and I immediately jumped into the conversation. We pointed out how we also faced an extraordinary foe before getting here, but that he was dealt with. Strong opponents like that are rare after all, especially within the Ivanda circle so we figured that it must have been the same person and that the threat was already dealt with. Alas, our wishful thinking quickly came to an end, as we both started to describe our opponents. It seems the one our seniors were up against was of similar age to them and he didn’t wore any robes or clothing associated with the Children of Rhea. Even though he didn’t have any ties to them, he was uniquely aggressive to us. I had my fair share of hardships in the Ivanda circle myself, but how the others described this one, it didn’t seem to come close. With a reporting like that, everyone is naturally freaked out by these new sources of threats growing in the Ivanda circle.

Uneventful as the ride may have been, the tension never really faded. After about an hour, we finally arrived back at the academy. It has only been a day, but my time in Ivanda this time really felt like an eternity. I can’t believe how happy I am just to get back to school. The jeep comes to a halt and as the door opens we are greeted by 4 medical staff members, quickly taking both Joey and the other injured student away. I look at Lydia, who happens to look at me. Without saying anything we were able to communicate the same. Stepping out of the vehicle we are greeted by our classmates who were waiting for our return. Xander steps up first as we exchange a fist bump.
“Guess you had me worried for nothing.”
“Am I THAT unreliable? I’m not sure if I should be offended by that.”
After a few jabs at each other, the others quickly follow suit, trying to express their relief in their own way. A few happy exchanges later and we all get the reminder on why it isn’t all good news. We see the medics pass the final corner as Joey disappears from our sight. The mood turns sour as Estelle tries to ask what is on everybody's mind, “Is he…” Before she can finish her sentence I assure them all that Joey is going to be fine. They don’t seem to be fully convinced but they at least seem a bit less gloomy. “You better get through this Joey”, I say to myself in an attempt to convince myself. Our teacher joins us soon afterward as she greets Lydia and me. She jokes about how we missed some of her valuable lessons, but quickly gets serious congratulating us on returning safely. She then continues about the values we supposedly bring, but I get distracted by someone else. In the corner of my eyes, I spot someone unexpected so I leave the group and walk over to him.
“What brings you here, director?”
“Is it that odd for me to go check if my son has returned safely.”
“Suddenly acting like a real parent now, huh?!”
We stare daggers at each other and after a brief silence, I manage to say one final thing. “Make sure Joey gets better, alright?!” He stays silent for a bit longer as if going over what he should before answering, “he will be taken care of. Of that, I can assure you. Just make sure to focus on your role here, Lloyd.” It is difficult to say what is going through his mind, but at this point, I don’t have much choice but to rely on him. After finishing my business here I say goodbye to everybody and return to my room for a well-deserved rest.

After opening the door to my apartment, I’m immediately greeted by an odd little creature. It kinda looks like a cross between a beaver and a platypus, walking towards me on his hind legs. I found this little one on one of my missions in the Ivanda circle. He got harassed by other animals so I helped him out. Ever since he has been following me, so I took him in. According to one of the researchers at C.A.S.S. some animals are capable of absorbing the energy of nearby crystals transforming their bodies, and creating unique new breeds of animals. The details of this process are supposedly still unclear, but taking care of him hasn’t been that much trouble so far. He seems to understand what I say to a degree which helps a lot. He also tends to eat a lot but nothing I can’t handle. I had thought of a few names for the guy, but Lucianna and Lydia were vehemently against naming him, Psy, after one of those pocket monsters from history class. It is awkward having him around without a proper name, but he seems to be content with it for now. He taps me on my leg after which I pick him up and walk back to the makeshift kitchen. I grab something to eat for us both. After that, I take a seat on my bed. After a long and harsh day like this, it sure feels like I’ve reached cloud nine, sitting on something soft. I take my time to eat watching the little fellow do the same. Watching him eat without a care in the world really puts one's mind at ease. A few minutes pass as I hear the bell ring. Reluctantly, I get off the bed and approach the front door. Instead of a simple ‘hi’, I’m greeted with a fist to the stomach.
“N-Nice to see you too sis.”
“What took you so long?”
“What, were you expecting me to fly back home?!”
“...”
“W-What?!”
“Either way, I’m glad you managed to bring Lydia back. I don’t know what I would have done if she didn’t return.”
I place my hand on her shoulder. Luciana can act a bit cold once in a while, but she deeply cares for her friends. I guess that is something we too have in common Lydia. As Luciana slowly calms down I see our little friend walk up to us at the entrance. He must have finished his meal as he passes me and taps Luciana’s leg. She in turn picks him up and he looks satisfied. “Did you feed him while I was away?” She nods while slowly brushing his head. “Guess he seems to prefer staying with you over staying with me.” He must have understood what I said he starts panicking frailing his tiny limps around. The sudden movement causes Luciana to almost drop him, but she barely manages to prevent that. We all sigh in relief followed by a chuckle. After that, we exchanged a few words like we always seem to do. Several minutes pass as Lucianna heads for the door.
“I’ll head home for today. You will be expected at school again tomorrow, so I’ll let you get some rest.”
“You aren’t going to visit Lydia first?”
“Obviously, I visited her before coming here. She seemed fine, considering the circumstances.”
I have been with her the entire time, and Lydia has indeed stayed strong throughout the entire ordeal. Let’s just hope she too, can get some proper rest. Lydia opens the door and I wave her goodbye. The little critter who was standing next to me gives a salute, which is his quirky way of saying goodbye. Luciana takes a final glance before closing the door behind her. I make sure to finish up a few things myself and after a quick shower, I head off to bed. After all, tomorrow will probably be another long day.