INSIGNIAS: THE LUX SIGNIFER ACADEMY

The loud cheers of people in seating areas were heard in the private room for nine outsiders. Despite the destruction in the arena, the colosseum was stable. The vibration of the ground in the arena didn’t affect the other parts of the colosseum. This was to make sure that the audience is safe. Clyne quietly listened to the noises of the audience. However, he didn’t know whether they are cheering because their student is winning or losing. It was Hanne’s turn. He knew, without doubt, that she is giving her all in the arena. Out of everyone in the team, she is the most desperate to stay in the Academy for a long time. Clyne smiled a little when he remembered teasing her. Ahhh I hope I had a little sister…

The noises died down. He felt his hand being pulled. Instead of letting go, he gripped her hand tighter. He couldn’t see her face because she’s hiding behind her long velvet hair but he felt her trembling. She had her head on the back of the couch. He knew that she won’t talk but holding her hand and being beside her were enough for him. Her battle left her scared of something that she couldn’t control. Half an hour ago, when the gigantic roots burst into flames and melted until the arena looked like lava, Clyne didn’t waste any moment and rushed downstairs. He was catching his breath when the door connecting to the arena opened, revealing a robot-like Aria in burnt clothes and cold eyes staring at nothing. Her eyes scared him. She always glares or gets angry at him but it didn’t affect him. He gladly welcomed those reactions from her as long as she knows he’s there for her. But her cold eyes scared him as if they are going to lose her.

He ran toward her and hugged her tightly. He immediately felt the heat when his body collided with hers. She felt like she had a high fever. But he didn’t care. If he could at least cool her body down, it’s fine with him. He hugged her tighter. Don’t leave me too…

“What are you doing?” He quickly let go and looked at her face. Her hazel eyes were glaring menacingly at him. This made him smile.

“Why do you have a weird grin on your face? Let go,” she said. He was still holding her shoulders. He reluctantly released her when she tried to wiggle out. Aria returned to her old self. He was glad that the coldness in her eyes left but he knew that deep inside, she wasn’t fine.

“Let’s go to the clinic,” Clyne offered. She had few non-serious injuries but she didn’t get burnt.

“I’m fine. Hanne is next,” she said then walked away. Clyne pouted then followed her upstairs. The stairs were high and steep. He didn’t know how he was able to run without falling earlier.

“You have to get yourself checked,” he insisted as he followed her pace. She was in a hurry.

“These are just scrapes,” she replied without looking at him and continued walking.

“But-“

“You’re stubborn.” His frown deepened.

“You are!” She glanced at him.

“I want to watch Hanne,” she explained. He knew how important Hanne is to her. It seemed that Aria tolerates everything about her like Hanne is her little sister.

“I know. I also want to watch but you need rest.” He searched her face for a reaction. He didn’t find one.

“Just for a few minutes. Please.” This time, Aria’s eyes widened a bit but she didn’t stop walking towards their enclosure where their team watches. This girl, really. He won’t be able to stop her. He sighed, defeated. Then he noticed her clenched fists. They were tense and trembling. He closed his eyes for a second then grabbed her hand whisking her body toward the wall of the empty hallway.

Clyne looked down at her face, which was so close to his. Her hazel eyes were staring at his amber orbs. Sometimes, he thought that they have the same eyes colours but hers shift under the sunlight. His forearms were on the wall, blocking her exits and movements. Their bodies were a few centimetres away. But her palms were on his upper body, stopping him from going near. He was squealing inside but he tried to brush the feeling away.

“Rest for a few minutes. That’s all I ask,” he said softly. Aria recovered from the shock, glared at him, then pushed him aggressively.

“Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I- I- I didn’t mean to ta- ta- take advantage-“ He kept stuttering until she interrupted him.

“Don’t. Do. That. Again,” she exclaimed. He frowned. He didn’t want to do anything inappropriate. He just wanted her to stop and rest. Wrong move, Clyne! She started walking again. This time, he didn’t stop her but he was just stopping himself from getting close. When they neared the room where the team watches the fights, he felt dejected. He knew she’s going to keep her pain until everyone finishes fighting.

“Eh?” He was confused when Aria passed the room.

“I’m gonna rest for a few minutes in the private room,” she explained without looking back. He had a wide smile as he followed her. He was still grinning when they entered the room prepared for their team. It has a living room and a dining area beside it. Aria sat on the couch and rested her head on the back of the couch. Her face was hidden behind her glistening red hair. He slowly and silently sat beside her. He studied her body if there are serious cuts or injuries that he didn’t see earlier.

“I should get clothes you can change into. Maybe the nurse can help,” Clyne said. She didn’t reply. Asleep? He was about to get up when she grabbed his hand. He looked at her face but it was still hidden.

“This is fine. It’s not uncomfortable.” Her voice was low and it sounded so tired.

“But there are cuts-“

“I don’t want to be alone-,” she said. His eyes widened a little. “-here.” He chuckled softly then sat back down. Whether she said it because she’s sincere or because she’s not herself, he didn’t mind. He was willing to stay.

Now, as he recalled these, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling her pain. From the moment she grabbed his hand and said those words weeks ago.

“It’s fine not to smile all the time, especially if you’re sad or troubled,” she said when she helped him get out of the sinkhole.

“I don’t know how you met or what your relationship is, but I don’t think Hunter will keep you by his side if he doesn’t think you’re important,” she told him when he felt out of place in the team. There were more instances when she said the right words to him. She usually says them in a straight or angry face, but Clyne felt every word she said.

How is it that I was the only one being saved all the time? How can I leave her now?

Even though she doesn’t say anything about her fears and the reasons behind them, it’s fine. If he could support her in any way, no words are needed. She will share them when she's ready.

“Let go of my hand now. Don’t get too cocky.” Her hand was no longer trembling. She fixed her hair using his other hand. She looked annoyed but it made him smile. She recovered her strength a bit. Her eyes no longer looked scared and unsure. A little is fine.

“You’re okay?” he asked a bit cheery.

“Let’s go.” She stood up then grabbed the jacket on the couch. That’s Nate’s jacket, isn’t it? She put it on to hide her tattered shirt. It was a lot bigger on her.

“Thanks for letting me stay by your side,” he said with a big smile.

“I should be the one to say thanks,” she replied without looking back at him.

They walked back toward where their team is. Clyne was walking behind her, observing her form.

Aria opened the door and the two walked in. Everyone was busy watching the fight. It was Nate and Storm’s turn to stand near the window. Skhy was the first to turn around. He had a big smile. That’s a good sign, right?

“Aria, how are you feeling?” Lei asked. Aside from Skhy and Lei, everyone’s eyes were on the fight.

“I’m good. I got to rest a bit,” Aria quickly replied. “Hanne?” She moved to her seat where she can easily see the area then she gasped. Clyne followed her gaze and saw Hanne standing on a 15-feet hill. A silver hill? Weird… He sat down beside Aria. It was only then when he realized that Hanne was holding two huge rings.

“Oh yeah! Her weapon….s” he exclaimed. Nice one, Blondie! “Go get ’em, girl!” Nate laughed at his statement. Clyne noticed him staring at the jacket Aria was wearing. She must have felt his gaze because she looked back. A blush formed on her face.

“Uh sorry for not asking beforehand…” she said softly. Nate smiled.

“It’s fine. Your clothes were ripped in the fight,” he replied then looked back at Hanne’s fight.

Clyne pouted. Aria turned to look in front. She raised her eyebrows when she saw him in a deep frown. He didn’t have a jacket with him so he didn’t have anything to offer. She sighed and shook her head. She turned her attention to the fight.

Let’s bring a jacket, bottled water, and everything else she might need next time!

“Hanne!” Surprised by Nate’s shout, Clyne quickly turned at the commotion. Pieces of metals were scattered everywhere. Surrounded by metals were two bodies lying on the ground a few feet away from each other, unmoving. What did I miss?!?!?

“Wha- What happened?” he asked no one in particular.

“Their weapons clashed and were thrown backward,” Skhy explained. A minute passed and the two bodies still hadn’t moved.

“What should we do?” Lei whispered. Clyne clenched his fists as he stared at Hanne’s unmoving force. You’re okay, right Blondie? He peaked at Nate, who was gripping his seat. Two people ran in the arena towards the two bodies. The minute felt like an hour as everyone waited for their signal. Then the two persons lifted their hands. Thumbs up.

Several sighs were heard in the room. Clyne saw Nate’s hands trembling. He worries about his sister a lot. Who wouldn’t? He was also on the verge of losing himself watching Aria’s fight earlier.

“No one won,” Faz announced. Clyne nodded. Both fighters were down.

“As long as she’s fine,” Nate said. “I’m going.” Everyone turned to see him ran out the door. Storm followed him.

“It’s his turn now,” Storm pointed out. Oh yeah…

Clyne turned to talk to Aria about visiting Hanne in the private infirmary but she found her staring at the door. She must be really worried about Hanne too.