~ORION~
Do they actually expect us to have class tomorrow in this weather?" Hunter complained.
"They still haven't found what the cause is? This can't continue," Finn sighed, ruffling his pink locks.
"How's Caio?" Theo asked Cairus.
"Still sick. He can barely keep his eyes open. If it wasn't for Orion's light boosts, I swear he'd be in a coma," Cairus acknowledged.
I stared into the darkness that plagued the sky outside. This dark weather had persisted for a straight week, with no end in sight. Not an inch of sunlight had been able to penetrate the thick, grey clouds and Aslan Academy was taking a major hit because of it.
Many shifters relied on balance. Some needed more sunlight while others took energy from moonlight. I was thankful that I functioned better during the night, but I didn't like the current predicament and growing anxiety that began to build in the pit of my stomach.
We heard the sound of footsteps coming down from the stairs. We turned our attention to Ms. Arcadia who wore a stern expression. I knew that wasn't a good sign, but I needed to know what was going on.
"Ms. Arcadia. How's Celestia?" I asked.
She sighed, her hands running through her silver locks. "Her fever is down, but if nothing changes by Tuesday, I'm going to have to find Magnor. He knows Celestia the best and can help stabilize her until we figure this darkness problem out," she confirmed.
"Are you guys actually going to allow classes to go on tomorrow?" Theo asked.
"There's no way Caio’s gonna be able to function," Cairus added.
"I'll be making light serums when Othello gets back. We'll be delivering them to those affected by this and go from there. Their effect doesn’t last long, but it will help enough for you to go to your required classes," Ms. Arcadia explained.
"Ms. Arcadia. Are you going to classes too?" I inquired.
She was rather pale and looked like she could sleep for a week. She'd been going around the dorms to assess who had been seriously affected by the growing darkness and doing all she could to help.
She explained that Othello would arrive here in a few minutes, but Magnor was in Alevon and wouldn't come back until Wednesday unless she requested his assistance.
"I'm canceling my classes. Anyone who is going to continue teaching is either unaffected by this change or wants to assess your dedication to this school," she replied.
"But that's ridiculous. Are they gonna kick us out if we don't attend?" Hunter asked.
"This has happened in the past, but not for this long. Other professors may believe it's a test and use it as an excuse to lower student numbers. Those who are committed will attend class, even if they have to crawl," Ms. Arcadia explained, a sad smile on her face.
"That's bullshit," Finn grumbled.
Both he and Hunter appeared extremely upset. Theo looked displeased and Cairus kept a blank expression on his face. I remained calm, but deep inside I was furious at the current situation and that Celestia and Caio were suffering because of it.
I'd been taking care of Celestia since she'd woken up sick after her birthday celebration. At the beginning of the week she could still function and do basic activities, but by Thursday she was so sick she couldn't get out of bed. Now it was Sunday and she'd been asleep for an entire day. I tried to hide it, but I was afraid she would fall into a coma as well.
"I will have a discussion with Othello and the other leaders. It's not our normal practice to send students home during these events because we have to test who can survive under all conditions, but we may make an exception. You will be notified," Ms. Arcadia reassured us.
We heard a knock at the door. Cairus was the closest, sliding off the bar chair near the island and heading over to open the door.
"Good afternoon, Othello," he greeted.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Sun. How's your brother doing?" Othello queried, entering our house.
"Still unwell," Cairus responded.
Othello nodded, walking into the living room to see all of us gathered.
"How's Ms. Rainbow?" he questioned, walking over to Ms. Arcadia who gave him a small smile and nodded her head in greeting.
"Same state as Caio. Maybe even worse," Hunter grumbled.
"I've informed Magnor. He's in a sticky situation, but I'm hoping he'll be here by tomorrow afternoon. He knows how to treat Ms. Rainbow better than any of us," Othello announced.
"We still have that mandatory training session tomorrow?" Finn questioned.
Othello frowned, nodding his head. "Yes. I'll be having a meeting with the other council members later today after I've assessed how many students have been affected by this. Regardless, my best advice is for you all to stick together when you're on the school premises. We still haven't identified who's trying to hurt Ms. Rainbow and her being in such a weak state leaves her vulnerable," Othello stressed.
"Got it," I replied confidently.
The others nodded in agreement.
"Ms. Arcadia and I will take our leave. Once we’ve created some light serums, I'll get a messenger to deliver them to you. Mr. Sun should take one and Ms. Rainbow should take two. Her shifter essence is mostly made up of light magic and needs double the dose. I suggest you keep an extra dose on hand for the both of them," Othello explained, directing the last sentence to Cairus and me.
We both nodded in affirmation. "Will do," Cairus assured.
"Yes," I replied.
Othello and Ms. Arcadia both nodded in approval and bid us farewell. I went to the door, listening to their conversation.
"You should rest," Othello mumbled to Arcadia.
"Hmph. I'll rest when I'm dead," she argued.
He shook his head. "This is why I worry about you," he grumbled.
"I'm a strong woman, Othello. You worry far too much," she whispered.
"Just tell me if you need a break, Miona. I'm serious." He used a firmer tone, watching her stand up after slipping her heels on.
"I'm fine and I will. Happy?" She gave him a cheeky grin.
I walked into the entrance way; both of them turned to give me a final nod. I returned their gesture, holding the door for them to exit.
I smiled; Othello slipped his hand in Arcadia's, mumbling something about her tripping over everything. She huffed, but tightened her grip in his as they turned from our gate and made their way down the street to the next dorm house.
I closed the door, walking back into the living room where the others stood near the steps.
"What’s the plan?" Theo questioned.
"I'll stay with Caio," Cairus declared.
"Finn and I are going to get more supplies and do laundry. If we get to go back home till this whole thing is solved, we might as well pack a few things and have everything ready," Hunter explained.
"I'll stay with Celestia," I confirmed.
They nodded in agreement. Cairus walked over to me, patting me on the shoulder.
"We know you're trying to hide your worry, but Dearest will be just fine," he consoled.
Finn nodded. "Cutie Pie is strong. So is Sia. They won't succumb to this," Finn added.
Hunter and Theo nodded.
"Thanks," I whispered, unsure what else to say. Relying on others for comfort wasn't something I was used to, but it felt nice to have their support.
"You’re welcome, Orion. Let's check on each other in the evening," Cairus suggested.
"Sure," I replied.
We exchanged goodbyes and Cairus and I made our way upstairs. Cairus went to their room down the hall, while I walked the opposite direction. I entered the room, closing the door softly behind me.
"Bru?"
I looked over my shoulder to see Arielle hopping on the bed. She hadn't been as affected by the weather change, but seeing her Celestia in a weak state was having a negative effect on her.
I walked over to the bed where Celestia slept quietly. There was a pink cloth on her forehead and her hair was now up in a bun. From her change in sleeping attire, I knew Ms. Arcadia had gone above and beyond her basic duties.
I'd taken responsibility for bathing her when Ms. Arcadia couldn't pass by. I didn't mind or feel embarrassed about it. I just didn't like Celestia being in sweat-soaked clothing and I could imagine if the roles were reversed, she'd take care of me as well.
I sat on the edge of the bed. Arielle hopped off Celestia's legs and flew up to land on my shoulder.
"Bru..." she chirped quietly.
I stroked her little head. "I know. Celestia still isn't well, but Othello and Ms. Arcadia said they are going to work on something. Okay?" I soothed.
She gave a small nod, flying off my shoulder and landing next to Celestia's cheek. She nuzzled her head as she nestled in the soft pillow. She was asleep in moments.
I looked back at Celestia who hadn't stirred from my words. She looked better than earlier, her complexion was less pale and her cheeks weren't as red.
I removed the cloth from her head, placing my hand in its place. She wasn't feverish anymore, but that could change any time. I closed my eyes, allowing my magic to flow through to my left hand.
"Healosa Lightana," I whispered. A dim gold light surrounded my hand that rested on Celestia's forehead.
She let out a soft sigh and her body relaxed a bit. I removed my hand, calling off the magic.
At least a small dose of light magic would help her sleep better. I lowered my hand to caress her cheek with my thumb. Her tattoo on her face was visible since she'd finally decided not to hide her markings when we were home.
I agreed with the others it was a waste of magic and she was even more beautiful with them on display. To me, her outward appearance didn't matter. She was beautiful with a caring heart and I knew her love for me and the others wasn't based on looks alone.
I closed my eyes, feeling exhausted myself. I hadn't gotten much sleep this week and with the light boosts I'd been giving Celestia and Caio, I didn't feel at my best.
"O…rion."
I opened my eyes, looking down to see Celestia’s weak mismatched eyes.
"Hey," I whispered, rotating myself on the bed so I could give her my full attention. "How are you feeling?" I asked.
"Tired," she replied.
"I know. Othello and Ms. Arcadia are working on something for you. Just rest," I explained.
She closed her eyes for a few seconds, making me wonder if she'd fallen back asleep.
"Celestia?"
"Hm?" she hummed.
"I'm here if you need me," I declared. I could see the tiny lift of her lips.
"Thank...you," she replied.
I smiled, leaning forward to give her a soft kiss. I noticed her breathing began to slow. As the silence continued, I knew she'd fallen back to sleep. I took a deep breath, glancing at the window next to our desk. If it wasn't for the lamp being on, the room would be pitch dark even when it was just past noon.
I'd rest for the remainder of the day and hope the serums would arrive tonight. If we had to go to class tomorrow, so be it. I wouldn't let anything happen to Celestia. I never wanted to lose someone that was important to me again.
I won't let the Forsaken have her.