Red-haired Terror Book 2

Part 1

===

A Wizard was sleeping on the street. No? Impossible? Nah-uh, I'm not kidding. I saw him early this day, just before the first rays of true sunrise broke through the horizon. He was there, just beside the main road, asleep with his back leaning on a post.

I couldn't see his face, because it was hidden beneath the shade of his Sakkat. But I was sure he had red hair. It was really odd----many passerby stared at him on the way, but he just slept on, comfortably, as if he had been lying on a real bed. He also had a bulging mountain pack and an abandoned Bone Wand beside him.

Who was he, anyway?

Maybe he was one of those nutters who were to intelligent they went insane. Poor man, I wish he'd go away now before the younger Wizards and Magicians make fun of him...

My thoughts were still on that weird Wizard until I went to class. Oh, before I forget, my name is Cleis Marina, a Magician-in-training, second year, at the Magic Academy of Geffen. I am sixteen years old, and has two more years to go before going out to the wild world of Rune-Midgard to partake of any adventures we might encounter.

The classroom was noisy as I entered it and sat on my seat by the window. Our class had never been the peaceful type----many of my classmates were arrogant because they have the Geffenese magical bloodlines in them. Some even considered themselves as being even brighter than our teachers.

Duh...

No, honestly, that's just an empty boast. Feed some of those potty mouths with an unexpected exam and they go poof. What a pity...I think many of us won't reach Wizardhood...already five teachers have been in our class and left. Apparently, they found my classmates too unbearable...

And then the doors opened. A young wizard, who couldn't have been more than twenty, entered the classroom. In an instant I recognized him as the Wizard who slept in the street. I recognized his sakkat and his Bone Wand.

Axel, one of the class' biggest problems, piped up. "Who are you?"

The Wizard stopped, but did not answer. He just tipped his book and Bone Wand onto the teacher's table and sat down, surveying all of us with sharp yellow eyes as he rested his chin on his gloved hands. Then he reached up and removed his sakkat.

After ten minutes of utter silence, he stood up and conjured a chalk. He turned his back on us and started writing his name on the board.

Nerva al'Thor...

"I am Nerva. You can call me Nervy if you wish." He said in a deep but clipped voice. "I will be in charge of this class from now on. I am Premier Wizard----"

"Wait!" Axel said, raising his hand. I blinked. Axel never raised his had before if he wished to interrupt the teacher. "How old are you,----uh----master?"

Nerva smiled at us and blinked his sharp eyes. "Oh, me? I am twenty years old."

A loud murmur swept through us. I straightened in my seat.

A Premier Wizard at twenty years old???

Who was this Nerva?


part2
-tbc-
Premier Wizard at twenty years old...DANG! Hell, the youngest Premier Wizard I knew was about---fifty eight years old! I stared up at our new teacher with glazed eyes of wonder. There was no denying his title of Premier Wizard---he bore the mark on his Bone Wand and on his cloak. Good lord, he must have been the youngest in---in five centuries hence?!?

Nerva smiled at us again. "I am a simple man, and when I mean simple I am quite easy to please and get along with. Like any other teacher I like complete homeworks, accurate notes and high grades. And also, like any other teacher, I hate students who are not paying attention, much like what Miss Flambeaux is doing right now."

Nina Flambeux, the most popular and prettiest Mage who sat three seats to my left, straightened up and blushed with shame. Her gloved hands shot under her desk, as if she had been electrified. Master Nerva stood up and went to her.

"Can I have that, please?" he asked politely, gently.

"Have what?" said Nina. "I'm not doing anything!"

"Give it to me, Nina, or else get the hell out of my class." Master Nerva said pleasantly. "The door is just waiting."

Nina was defenseless. We all watched as she handed a pink envelope to Nerva's waiting hands. He didn't read the love letter, though, he just slipped it into his cloak and returned to his desk. Everyone in our class was dumbfounded. No teacher before has made Nina succumb to them or even make her blush with shame. Now this was a first, and it was saying something.

"From what your previous teacher has explained to me, this class has a very great deal on the theories of spells, runes and damage calculation." Nerva spoke. "Nobody has yet taken you to your practical lesson, and that for me is a big waste of time. As early as your first year, you should have gone out a bit and fought some nice monsters outside Geffen."

He stood up and fetched something from the depths of his cloak. It was a blackened and dried twig. Whispers broke out behind me again. What was he playing at???

"Can anyone tell me what this is?" Nerva asked.

I wasn't sure, but I raised my hand all the same.

"Yes darling, you are raising your hand?" he smiled at me. I blushed.

"Dead branch." I answered shortly.

"And what does the Dead Branch do?" Nerva asked, his voice getting dangerously childish. "Come now, it is easy..."

Axel spoke. "It's used to summon monsters. That's right! It's used to summon monsters!"

"Very good!" said Nerva, taking hold of both ends of the branch. "Now watch---!"

He snapped the branch in half. From where the pieces dropped to the floor, a wild Desert Wolf appeared and leaped at us, fangs ready to kill.

Shouts echoed in the classroom.


-tbc-

I dived under my desk and felt the Desert Wolf's tail brush against my leg. I shuddered with fear. All around me, my classmates were screaming. I saw ten pairs of legs shoot toward the door, but then Master Nerva's voice rang through the air.

"Oh no you don't! Finish off the Desert Wolf!" He said. I heard the door slam tight.

I heard barks and growls, and the grinding of canine against canine it was horrible. And to think this was our first day with him! Cries arose. There were loud crashes as desks tumbled and chairs cracked.

"Oh damn, this class really does lack firsthand experience." I heard Master Nerva sigh with disappointment. "Frost Diver!"

There was a loud crunch. The growls and yelps from the gigantic wolf came to a stop. Gently and slowly, as if watching out for a full-scale war to erupt before me, I looked up. A moan escaped my lips.

The Desert Wolf was locked in a single block of solid eyes, frozen stiff. Master Nerva waved his Bone Wand at it.

"Lightning Bolt!" he said lazily.

A pure bolt of lightning shot from his wand's skull tip and smashed into the ice, obliterating it and the one it held inside. One by one, me and my classmates emerged. Nearly all of us had stupefied and terrified faces. Master Nerva looked around us with something close to disgust.

"Anyway, I did that to test you." He explained. "Now you tell me. We have a long way to go before you lot are strong enough to journey outside Geffen on your own."

He faced the blackboard and started writing the description of the Ice Element. His hands moved around the blackboard in a blur----my god, he must have memorized the whole book already!

"Don't wait for me to pick you up off the floor." He said. "Fix yourselves! Now!"

There was a commotion as he straightened up our fallen desks and chairs. We sat back down as if nothing happened, but I was still shaking, and I could have sworn Axel's knees were still buckling.

I couldn't help myself. I raised my hand. "M-master?"

He faced me. I blushed again----damn, what is happening to me?!?

"Yes, darling? You wanted to ask something?"

"What is a Premier Wizard like you doing here?" I asked. "Aren't Wizards of your rank and title are busy outside Geffen, doing adventures with your guild and party? I just wanted to know----"

There was a great murmur of assent with my question. Axel looked all ears, and Nina looked up expectantly. Master Nerva scratched his nose and sat down on the teacher's desk.

"Yes, you are right, Cleis." He answered, winking at me. "I was with my guild and party until the heads of the Magic Academy requested me to teach. So here am I."

"Then we're honored!" Jin, our best classmate, roared. "We have a Premier Wizard for a master!"

Master Nerva smiled mysteriously. "Ah, well...we shall see about that."

He returned to the board. "Homework, kindly read and understand this one---copy it please----and hand me an essay about the Ice Element tomorrow. Include a basic damage calculation with it. Good-bye."

He picked up his things and went away, closing the door gently behind him. I turned in my seat and faced Jin and Axel----and everyone else.

"Finally!" said Jin. "This class has a serious teacher at last!"

I smiled. And so did everyone else.



-tbc

"Just what kind of Damage Calculation does Master Nerva want?" I moaned as I stared down at the book I was reading. "There are 150 kinds of them---are we supposed to do them all?!?"

"I guess we have no choice." Jin said happily. He stretched his arms and smiled at us. "Well, better get working then----this might take all night..."

"Jin, we can't believe you!" I said. "150 kinds of Calculations! Are you going to do that all?!?"

Jin looked at me as if I were mad. "Why, if you haven't realized it yet, Master Nerva is in charge of us now. It's up to him if he wapily. He stretched his arms and smiled at us. "Well, better get working then----this might take all night..."

I rolled my eyes. Looks like we really had no choice...



"I see you all completed the 150 calculations I asked for." Master Nerva said smugly as he read Axel's paper last infront of the class the next day. "Very good. You bunch have really mastered the theories. Now, I wanted to ask, what kind of monsters have you faced before in a practical lesson?"

Nobody answered, because we were all sleepy. I was up until 1 o'clock myself.

"Okay, I shall take that for a no." Master Nerva scratched his chin thoughtfully. He stood up. "Stand up everyone and stretch yourselves. Go back to your houses and get everythin you will need for a week's camp. I shall give you-----thirty minutes to do this, and afterward I shall meet you all before the Arcane Tower. Understand?"

This statement shook us awake. A week's camp? Where?

I wanted to ask where we were going, but Master Nerva had already disappeared with a swish of his cloak.


-tbc-

I didn't bother to ask for permission. Not that my parents cared about me, but it would just extend to a long tirade. What's more, I'd like to be with Master Nerva sooner. Let's just say I'm excited.

I gathered some hasty clothes and preserved fruit jellies then set out to rejoin my master and classmates by the Arcane Tower. I stopped running some ten meters away from the tower, my eyes fixing on my mentor.

I blushed yet again, butterflies fluttering somewhere behind my navel. I shook the feeling away and rejoined the others, puffing as I skidded to a halt before them.

Master Nerva looked around. "Is everyone here now?"

The class answered an echoey yes. He summoned his staff and started to lead the way out of the city. He was whistling a familtt out to rejoin my master and classmates by the Arcane Tower. I stopped running some ten meters away from the tower, my eyes fixing on my mentor.

I blushed yet again, butterflies fluttering somewhere behind my navel. I shook the feeling awake and rejoined the others, puffing as I skidded to a halt before them.

Master Nerva looked around. "Is everyone here now?"

The class answered an echoey yes. He summoned his staff and started to lead the way out of the city. He was whistling a familiar tune, but from where I heard it I cannot remember at this time.

"Master, where are we going?" Jin asked excitedly, bounding behind Master Nerva.

"I am going to take you to the Pyramid, tomb to the legendary king Osiris of Morroc." He replied, smiling. "We shall stay there for two days."

Excited chatter broke at once.

"Ooh, Morroc! I've never been there!"

"All right!"

"Wow! I'd better get some nice souvenir!!!"

"I'm really excited!!!"

I stole a glance at Master Nerva. The look I saw on his face was something I didn't like. His smile was ominous. I swallowed nervously.

Just what exactly were we bound to face there???

-tbc-

Morroc, the Frontier, the city of mud brick houses amid the eternal sands of the great Sograt. We arrived at Morroc after an hour leaving Geffen. We were lucky to have come across a party of twelve Acolytes in the mountains, and they warped us for 2500 zeny.

If truth be told I was nervous. I have never been this far away from Geffen, like all of my classmates. I know that behind thos excited grins they are all wishing to return to the safety of our stone houses there in the mountains. But Master Nerva had taken us very far from there now, and there was no turning back.

The Pyramids were crowded with all sorts of people, ranging from all ages. We had to stay close to each other to avoid getting lost in the crowd. But as I walked, my fear and nervousness increased with each step that took me nearer the Pyramid.

"Master Nerva, just where exactly will you train us there?" I inquired.

Master Nerva did not answer. I swallowed. Irina, another classmate, tapped me on the shoulder. I spun around to face her, and I was surprised to see a horrible scowl on her face.

"What's wrong, Irina?" I asked, frankly bewildered.

"Don't think about it, Marina, because I won't let you!" she whispered savagely, eyes blazing as they stared. "Don't you even think about it."

"Think about what?!?" I repeated.

Irina grabbed my arm in a steely grip. I cried in pain, but the others did not hear.

"If you think you can steal Master Nerva away from me, you're wrong!" she said in a deadly voice.

And I felt cold numbness sweep through my body.


-tbc-

Our stay in Morroc was horrible. It turned out that we had to face the demi-human Isis. Master Nerva did nothing except to cast Ice Walls while we scurrie around trying to kill the monster with our meager spells. It was infuriating.

I was more miserable than anyone else, because my secret was now known to Irina. I knew I was no match for her; she was beautiful and rich, being the niece of Master Lothair, our ruler. She could have Master Nerva anytime she wished. I was in a peculiar position. I couldn't ask questions now, not with her glaring at me.

After that horrendous two-day stay in Morroc we went to the Undead-infested caves of Payon, where we faced the ghost of Sohee and the flame creature, Horong. It was horrible too, many of us had injuries, but Master Nerva was uninterested, maintaining that nobody died, right, so what was there to fuss about??

But I could swear to you all that we have improved. Our magical levels increased by ten points, while some of my classmates, Jin especially, regained twenty percent increase in both Magical defense and damage. We've all progressed.

We went round Glast Heim next for another two days. All I can say to you lot is that it was probably the scariest place I've visited all my life. Only Master Nerva had the guts to actually laugh really hard while thwacking two Nightmares and three Wraiths without breaking a sweat.

Argh. I wish I were like him...

When we returned to Geffen, Master Nerva was gone for five days. Many of us were anxious about this---we kept asking other teachers. Master Deucalion, one of Master Nerva's mentors when he was still a Magician.

Master Deucalion told us he got summoned by his guild in Al de Baran.

At those times I felt a dull ache in my heart. I wished I could see him, teach us new things and well----I guess it would be idiotic not to admit to you guys. Yes, I like him. I've never felt like this before...but what is he going to see in me? I'm just his student. I'll never have a chance with rivals like Irina and that white-haired Huntress who picked him up the other day.

I'm in a depressed state right now, and the only one who can cheer me up was my one and only beloved...

I was busy doing my homework that day. I needed to be prepared for his return. Should he summon anothe monster infront of us I was ready. I knew basic spells now, and I can proudly say that I can summon four spirits for the Soul Strike spell. That's better than nothing at all, right?

And then Jin came bounding into the library, face positively flushed.

"HE'S COME BACK! HE'S HERE!" he announced loudly, much to the disapproval of the toothy librarian.

I got up and ran to meet him. I was very excited, I didn't care if Irina chose to shoot me with a spell when she would. All I knew was that I was very, very happy.

My other classmates were already clustering around him when we arrived. He was smiling too, handing out Santa Hats for everyone. Apparently he exhanged his Sakkat for a Wizard's hat. It suited him better, made him more handsome...

"MASTER!"

I ran and hugged him really tight. "I missed you master..." I whispered passionately.

My heart went haywire again when he answered, his voice very low and seductive...

"And I missed you too..."


-tbc-

The classroom was full of chatter as I entered it. Jin bounded up to me, bringing with him his new book which summed up the uses of the Water Element in both life and combat. I was also greeted by Irina's malevolent stare that warned me sooner or later, if I ever I hugged Master Nerva again, I was going to be kicked out from the Magic Academy.

But forget about her. I don't care.

I took out my notes as I sat down and started to read. I was not alone in doing so. Ever since we've returned all of us had taken a knack to review past lessons and do advanced readings because, well, Master Nerva is so unpredictable. We could never know what he was going to throw at us next.

Soon enough his footsteps echoed in the hall, and he entered the room. We stood up immediately and greeted him with a lively, "Good morning Master Nerva!"

He removed his Wizard's Hat and nodded to us. We sat down. My eyes darted around the classroom. Many of my classmates (including myself) had their staffs out and secretly gripping it tightly. Master Nerva laughed.

"Preparing now, aren't we?" he smiled. "Don't worry, I have no Dead Branches with me today. You can take those away now."

There were sighs of relief as we stowed away our wands and staffs. Master Nerva started pacing around the classroom, looking at us. There was something afoot, I can sense it.

Suddenly Master Nerva whipped around and pointed at Irina, who stood up so suddenly she could have passed for someone who had been shot with ten bolts of Lightning. She blinked really fast.

"Tell me, how many metrons of energy does a level 10 Frost Diver need?" Master Nerva asked. "You have five seconds to answer before I give you zero in this day's recitation!"

Cries and murmurs broke out. Irina was paralyzed. I laughed secretly. What can you expect from a dopehead like her? She only knows how to keep herself beautiful, I can never know how she became a Magician.

"T-two hundred?!" Irina stammered.

"That is correct." Master Nerva beamed. "Sit down!"

He turned around again and pointed at Jin, who stood up ready for a fight.

"If I was attacked by a Whisper, what spell would I use?" he asked.

"SOUL STRIKE!" Jin screamed, pumping his fist in the air.

"Very good." Master Nerva smiled. He turned to me. My body stiffened. "What will you do if you are facing a Savage? What level of spell and what spell will you use?"

I stood up, my mind racing. I tried to think, but nothing came out. My five seconds ran out. Master Nerva frowned at me.

"Oh dear, since Marina was unable to answer," he said, rounding to the class. "You shall all have extra homework----and a suprise test for today!"

He waved his Bone Wand and three-page test papers appeared on our desks. My knees were shaking as I sat down. I could hear their spiteful murmurs and snide remarks. I saw Irina flash a patronizing smile in my direction.

I would have died from shame, if it was possible at the moment. My cheeks were burning very badly, and when I took up my quill to start answering, I found myself blank of all the things I had studied.

Oh my god...


-tbc

I strained myself to think. But I couldn't remember anything. My hear pumped wildly, and I could hear the blood thundering around the veins and capillaries in my eardrums.

I looked around. All my classmates were busy answering----Jin and Irina were in the second page already. I stared back at my paper. The only thing I have written so far was my name: Cleis Marina.

Oh god, oh god....

"Ten minutes more to finish..." Master Nerva announced.

There was a great rustling as my classmates doubled their speed. Suddenly, my hand became numb. I couldn't move a finger.

Before I knew it, Master Nerva started collecting the papers. I shut my eyes as he got mine. He didn't move from my seat. Nervously, I opened my eyes and found that he was looking straight at me in that gaze that was enough to make me faint...

"It seems to me," he said. "That we have someone here in this class who doesn't know where she lies."

I felt my cheeks burn. Irina laughed malevolently in her seat, making faces at me. Jin and Axel stared. I was one of the class's best students, just next in line after Jin himself. And now...

"Tell me, Cleis Marina," Master Nerva asked. "What is the greatest responsibility of a Magician?"

"To study, sir." I answered weakly. I wished I could die right then and there.

"It seems to me, that you are forgetting that responsibility." He told me. "Now please, get out of my class and come back when you realize that responsibility's necessity. The door is open."

Tears started to well in my eyes as I stormed out of the room, Irina's jeers following me as I slammed the door shut. I was crying by the time I ran out of the academy and outside the city.

I sat down on the grass, hugging my knees. I sobbed. I felt bad not because of his insult, but because of how he looked at me. I didn't want him to hate me. I wanted only his smile. It hurt so much.

I stayed there until the sun set. I had to study and regain my confidence infront of my love. I had to make it up to him. I had to.

Little did I know...that the biggest pain of all was just to come...



-tbc-

It had been six months. Six months that was supposedly aiming to improve my grades, but the exact opposite of this aim happened. My grades went a downright crescendo. I was replaced by Elijah Blanchard for the 2nd best in our class. My parents weren't happy. Daddy alone spent two whole days on lecturing me.

Kei, Axel, Elijah, Jin and Miravelle, all classmates of mine, tried to help by trying to tutor me. They all said the same thing:

Your problem is when Master Nerva approaches, you get too nervous and your brain deletes what it's supposed to be holding!

What was I to do? The final exams were coming, and if I didn't make it there somehow, I was facing expulsion from the academy and selection of another Job Class.

Then one day, he held me back from class.

"Marina, stay for awhile, I want to talk to you---alone."

I doubled back, my blood pressure and pulse increasing drastically. Irina shoved me out of her way, never failing to shoot me her malevolent looks. Elijah tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Come on, just be calm for the love of God!"

I swallowed and went to the desk where Master Nerva was sitting, my test papers in his hand. He looked up at me. I blushed.

"Your grades." He said. "You have to do something about them, for they are already out of my control. I have tried pulling you up through your recitation an practical tests, but they too, have dropped. What are you going to do? The Finals are cooot me her malevolent looks. Elijah tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Come on, just be calm for the love of God!"

I swallowed and went to the desk where Master Nerva was sitting, my test papers in his hand. He looked up at me. I blushed.

"Your grades." He said. "You have to do something about them, for they are already out of my control. I have tried pulling you up through your recitation an practical tests, but they too, have dropped. What are you going to do? The Finals are coming."

"Is something wrong, Cleis?" he asked, his voice softening. "Tell me. If I may help you---"

I couldn't tell him. I couldn't tell him that I was failing because of him. I couldn't talk...

I was electrified when his hands found mine.

"Tell me, Cleis." He said. "I want all of you to pass---or else my stay here would be---a complete failure."

Though I was reluctant, I pulled away my hand. "I promise I'll improve sir. I promise you."

He looked at me for some time before he stood up. "All right then. I shall trust you."

He spun around and started to walk away. I was glad he didn't hear me say---

"I love you..."



-tbc-

My heart ached every time I saw him. I tried to force myself to study, but every time I read my books his face would always surface in my mind.

I hate you, Nerva a'Thor!

I hate you!

I HATE YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING MY HEART ACHE!

Damn...I love him...I love him with all my soul!! I love him it hurt so much....I love him very, very much...

Somehow I made it. My grades have improved, but I could never defeat Elijah and Jin anymore. But I was contented to be in 3rd best---at least I kept my promise to him.

That day he came to class. It was only one week now before the summer vacation. As usual he sat down on the table.

"I am very proud of you all." He told us. "I can say that my stay here had not been in vain. Your new teacher next year----"

We all gave a start. But I was the one who stood up.

"WHAT, YOU AREN'T STAYING?!?" I burst out.

Master Nerva looked at me. "Yes. I was only requested to teach here and see if I could heighten up your class's standard. I am Premier Wizard, after all. Wizards of our kind are not supposed to be teaching after all. I am leaving, at the end of this year and continue my quest with my party, Swastika."

I felt my head spin. My heart started to ache. Tears welled in my eyes.

"You---you can't leave us!" I sobbed, my voice breaking. "You can't!"

Elijah Blanchard stood up too. "YOU CAN'T LEAVE US, SIR!"

"You can't!"

"You're lying, sir!"

"Tell us it isn't true!!!"

"Sir please!!!"

"I am not lying." Master Nerva said simply. "I am leaving after giving your grades. I want to thank you all for a wonderful time, and I would like to apologize if I had been harsh---too harsh maybe---on you lot sometime."

Kei stood up. "Sir, we'll talk to Master Lothair if we have to, just remain here with us!"

"She's right!" Elijah and Jin shrieked. "You can't!"

Master Nerva shook his head lightly. "I am afraid you cannot do something about it. It is my decision to leave. I won't teach you today, you shall have all the time to yourself. Good day."

He left the classroom. Murmurs burst out.

"We can't let him leave!"

"We must stop him!"

"We must do something!"

"WE MUST DO SOMETHING!" Elijah yelled.

I fell back to my chair. My head was buzzing. I couldn't feel my heart anymore.



-tbc-

We had planned a drastic move to be done the next day. There was no way Master Nerva was leaving us; there was no such way. We would all gather, the whole class, and protest before the Arcane Tower if we had to. Such was our great need and love for our teacher and master.

However, when we were discussing the final touches to our plan as we waited for him to arrive, a female Wizard entered our classroom. She was tall, dark and beautiful. Elijah straightened up, frowning at her.

"Who are you?" he asked rather rudely. "Nerva al'Thor's in charge of here, not you."

The Wizard smiled at him. "Yes, indeed, but I am your new teacher. Nerva-sama has left; he just submitted a resignation letter a while ago."

A stony silence hung in the class.

We all exchanged meaningful looks, and without further ado, swept our bags with us and started leaving the classroom in droves. We broke into frantic dashes right after we left the door. Our teacher was shocked.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!? "she shrieked. "COME BACK HERE!"

She intended to run after us, but Kei and Jin had already used their Frost Diver spells to ram the door with solid ice and keep her inside. Jin was in the lead as we escaped from the Magic Academy, shouting instructions.

"GO AROUND THE CITY! GROUP A WILL PROCEED TO THE ARCANE TOWER AS PLANNED! HURRY UP!" Jin ordered like a true commander of a war.

The tight knot in my chest tightened as we entered the streets of our hometown. I was in Group C, in charge of the eastern gates that led to Prontera. But what if Master Nerva had already warped...?

Oh, great Eye, please let me see him! Oh, great eye, please do not take away my love from me!!!

"We can't find him anymore! He's gone!" Elijah wailed as he sat down on the ground, burying his face in his hands.

"We have to continue! Come on!" Jin protested.

The argument started. I wasted no time at all. I dashed back to our house, snatched some clothes, money and food, and left Geffen in a hurry. I was unstoppable. Surely he was in Prontera. I will follow him and make him come back.

I cannot lose him. I love him. I will not tolerate this...


-tbc-

It had been a week since I have left Geffen. I was currently in the great Sograt Desert, hoping to go to Morroc and find him there. I came from Prontera, but I was met with ill luck there. He was nowhere to be found. I was hoping in Morroc, putting my heart and trust to the Frontier.

I have received magical letters from my parents, begging me to come back. Jin and the others wrote to me to tell me that they were following me shortly. I didn't answer these letters. I had to concentrate.

The heat was intolerable, but I had to continue. I will not----stop----

I reached Morroc at last, but I was dead-tired. After resting for a bit and eating my fill of Peco peco steak, I went around the city again. I searched every nook and cranny, every tight street and corner, hoping he would be there.

Nighttime fell. I was sitting by the caliph's palace, crying softly to myself.

There was no way I could find him now...

No way...

I lost him...

"Ah, quit it, Isidore, that is NOT funny..."

"Is it? And I wasn't making you laugh, Kiara...."

"SHUT UP!"

"Nyahahahahaha!!!! For a Blacksmith, you have a remarkably short patience!"

"Shut up, you dunderhead priest!"

I looked up at the sound of these voices. I stood up. Maybe they can help me!
I stood up and ran to them. The blue-haired Blacksmith and the extremely handsome Priest were surprised. But it was the Priest who saw the distress in my eyes and quickly approached me.

"What is it, child? You need Heal? Cure? What is it that ails you?" he asked me kindly.

I cried and cried as I grabbed his black robes. "Please...help me..."

"What is it?" the Blacksmith asked. "Come on, tell us!"

"Do you know----where Nerva al'Thor is?" I asked. "I have to see him, please! I have to tell him something!!!"

The Priest and the Blacksmith exchanged thoroughly shocked looks. The Priest then returned his eyes to me, his lips curled to a smile.

"Oh yes...come with us and we'll take you to him!"

I felt my spirit soar. "Thank you!"

I saw him again. There he was, looking shocked as I burst in the pub and into his arms, crying my heart out on his chest.

"Master...oh, master!" I sobbed as I hugged him, never wanting to let him go again. "Please come back, master, I----we need you!"

Master Nerva placed a hand on my head and lifted my chin. There was a sad smile on his face.

"I can't change my decision, Cleis." He spoke gently. "I can't come back...you understand that, don't you? My time there as your teacher is over. I am just a Wizard now..."

I trembled. I had to tell him, if that would make him come back...

"But---but I---I love you...." I said. "Please come back..."

"I know." he said.

I looked up. "You know---? How could you possibly---?"

He kissed me, cutting off my sentence in the middle. My eyes closed. I kissed him back, kissed him back with all that I am. He drew away, placing a hand on my cheeks. He wiped my tears.

"I knew ever since you had started to falter with yourself." He said. "But we cannot do this, Cleis. There is a very great gap between us, and I am afraid I cannot cross it. If only you were born earlier..."

And then, somehow, I understood. I understood completely now. He stood up and helped me stand.

"Go back to Geffen, Cleis." He told me. "Your time there is just starting."

I returned to Geffen the next day. I told the others what he'd told me. We had to accept things....

I studied on...to third year and to our fourth and final year as trainees. And in that span of time I never saw him again.

But I knew...that in my heart, he would still hold the biggest place there. He will remain with me, wherever he is.

I love you...



-the end-