Last Trip of the Year

Their classes were almost over and a final trip would happen the next week, just for those who got grades good enough.

“Don’t worry Fulgor, I think you can do it this time.” Said Miles hopeful.

“Of course he can, I prepared him for all the tests.” Continued Auron, but Fulgor was still apprehensive until he could see the grade.

In the end it was 74%, the best grade he had in his life and enough to go on the trip. For the first time Fulgor started to think about more possibilities to do when he graduates.

“I can’t wait to leave this place and explore the world.”

Hearing that, Kazen approached with Lapis. He had less energy than usual these last days, becoming very introspective.

“So, you really want to get out of school so bad?”

“Of course! There is a lot to do outside. When I become an adult, I will do everything!”

“I guess the kids always want to grow up, while the adults want to go back. At least I wanted to.”

Lapis hugged Fulgor congratulating on the grade.

“Now we all can go on the trip.”

The elemental kids and Miles were talking while Kazen just was looking at a wall thinking. They all heard steps approaching.

“Good, you are fine.”

They saw a man in his 50 years, blond and spiked hair with some gray strands. He had a broken arm and a huge bruise in his eye.

“Dad!?” Fulgor said as surprise as everyone.

The kid ran to his father, hugging him too strong to his hurt body. The other followed Fulgor looking at the hut man.

“Mr. Nimbus, what happened to you?” Asked Lapis.

“Lapis? You grew so much. And Miles… you not so much, and what is your name again?” He said not remembering Auron.

“I’m Auron, you son’s new best friend.”

“What?” Asked Miles but no one was paying attention to him.

Nimbus looked at all the kids seriously, even if he was trying to show a smile.

“I have bad news. I was attacked in my explorations by a young man. He seemed to be after fights and asking about my work.”

Immediately all the kids turned to Kazen suspicious, who felt offended.

“Why would I attack your father?” He screamed.

“That man told me he was going to high schools to relive his glory days.”

Once again all looked to Kazen.

“If it was me, he would recognize my face, don’t you think?!”

“Anyway, he was after the star. Somehow he knew I had found the Lightning Star and beat me to get it. I was worried he would discovered it was with you so I rushed home to see if you were fine.”

“You should worry about your wounds before, old man.”

Nimbus was so happy to see that his son was fine, and he felt lighter. Kazen went to talk to him and told the kids would be protected. Even more in the trip they were going to do to the mountains.

That tranquilized Nimbus, seeing how strong Fulgor and his friends were and returned to his home.

The next few days followed normally. Miles and Barb were officially dating, Enger was still missing, Lapis entered the soccer team, Auron was spending more time with Fulgor and his family and the elemental trio even asked Scar to train together, but she was busy making voodoo dolls.

The day of the trip, Kazen saw Loretta with her luggage and his heart skipped a beat when he realized she would come too.

“Hey, super-hero, ready for the final trip?”

“Oh… Yeah, for sure.”

“You better be, no way the school will rehire you for next year.”

He didn’t feel insulted, he actually felt something new. For a moment he thought he might be in love, even if the feeling was completely different from what he used to feel for Alis. It was something lighter, like he just wanted to spend time with the woman.

“What are you looking at?” Asked Loretta after he was staring for too long.

“No, nothing! Should we go?”

They were all seated on the bus. The configuration was different than it used to be. Miles was with Barb, making space for Auron to sit with Fulgor while Lapis and Scar were together, all very close to each other.

“So, what is your plan now? Are you going to fight the god of the mountains or something like that?” Asked Loretta.

“What?”

Kazen seemed to be in another place, reevaluating his choices.

“Are you ok?”

“Yes! I’m fine! I just… I don’t know, I don’t want to fight anymore. Not like this at least.”

Loretta faked a surprised face.

“Wow, is this… character development I’m seeing?”

She laughed at the man who was flusterer than ever.

“I just like these kids so much. Each school I went to I saw kids struggling with life, and normally I just was there to fight against the alien queen or the general of hell. They don’t need help to defeat villains, they need help to face life itself.”

Loretta stopped joking, realizing how serious he was. She was actually really proud.

“I think you found your calling.”

He looked at the kids talking and playing. He still felt nostalgic about his own days, but all seemed so pointless now.

Fulgor approached with a malicious smile.

“Hey, now Lapis already knows I like her. So you have no weapon against me. Kazen and Loretta are in love!”

The reaction was opposite than the first time. Kazen became red and incapable of retort while Loretta just laughed about it.

“Fulgor, our super-hero here is passing through something, do you think you can take it easy on him on this trip?”

“No way! This is time for my revenge.”

Kazen was still silent, looking to the ground since it was too hard to look Loretta in the eyes. Soon Fulgor got bored and returned to his friends.

“Are you okay?” Asked Loretta.

When Kazen was already calm he answered her.

“Yeah, I think I know what I want to do.”