The classroom had never felt so quiet.
Sei's name echoed in the air. For a second, he was stunned. Then he stood up with stiff legs and walked forward.
All the eyes darted toward him, the yellow badge on his chest giving him a distinct feeling. Some whispered, some smiled.
At the front, Instructor Keith stood tall, her hands folded beneath her chest, her eyes unimpressed. The sunlight from the windows hugged her black form, making her presence feel more commanding.
As Sei went and stood beside her, she spoke, each word precise and cold. "Show us what you can do, yellow badge."
Sei inhaled slowly, then thought for a moment, I've done it before too. I just need to hold back a little and try to keep it for a second.
Sei was completely confident in himself. He had almost perfect control over Tempest energy, so it was nothing big for him. He raised his hand and focused.
Just a little breeze stirred, then everything went silent. Somewhere near the back, someone shifted awkwardly in their seat.
Sei blinked in confusion. He had done it hundreds of times. Nature energy had always flowed.
He looked at the instructor. Her eyes were now narrowed.
He swallowed a gulp, then raised his hand again. Okay, again. A little orb.
He closed his eyes and this time focused without holding back. The barest flicker of air teased his sweaty palm. His eyes shot open in disbelief. His body stiffened.
Someone chuckled, "He's also not good; it was just luck on the first day."
Some boys laughed, but Sei didn't listen. His mind was trapped in a swirling motion of thoughts. Something dropped inside him, his heart throbbing relentlessly. He clenched his fist and tried once again.
But it was like catching smoke. Nothing happened.
The laughter now felt suffocating, his lungs burned with relentless breathing. The world seemed cold. What? What is happening? His mind couldn't process.
Keith's sigh was louder than it needed to be. "You may return to your seat."
Sei was pulled back to the harsh reality. He didn't move for a moment but then slowly walked toward his seat. His steps felt heavy. He couldn't see the gazes looking at him; he couldn't listen to their laughter.
He sat down without looking at the seat, just mechanically. He stared at his hands, which felt foreign.
Navi watched Sei with eyes full of pity. Her hand moved, but she retracted it, shifting her gaze down.
The class went on smoothly. Instructor Keith told them about how she would be teaching them. Her methods, she claimed, were hard but effective. She even demonstrated creating roots from her hands and forming them into a stick. But Sei was lost in his broken world.
After the class ended, he immediately walked to the dorm alone.
Inside, the room was dim and quiet. A lamp on the side table cast a golden pool of light across the floor. Fari lay curled under the blanket, her silvery fur glowing faintly like moonlight caught in mist.
Her eyes were half-closed until they sensed his presence.
She stirred, blinking up at him with concern. "Sei?"
"Fari, you woke up. How are you feeling now?" Sei asked quickly in a hassle.
"I am better now," she spoke slowly. As she noticed the stiffness in Sei's posture, she asked, her voice gentle, "Sei... is everything okay? Are you hurt somewhere?"
Sei froze mid-step. Fari's concerned, filled voice—even when she was suffering—it pierced his heart.
He quickly turned away, brushing his hand through his hair. "No," he whispered. "I am fine."
No one said anything further. Fari's silence felt like understanding. Sei glared at the floor, his eyes distant.
"What should one do," he asked, breaking the silence, "when they owe their life to the one they hate the most?"
The question stayed unanswered. Fari didn't speak. Only her ears twitched slightly, but there was just silence, filled by the sound of their breaths.
Sei stood there a moment longer and then left without another word. He walked through the corridor, passing Navi, but he didn't seem to notice. Navi just watched his back fade away in the distance.
The academy grounds were mostly quiet now, the grass and trees bathed in orange ember as evening settled in. Sei walked aimlessly, thinking something. His legs took him to a far edge of the garden—a little hidden place behind the building.
Sei looked around. This place seemed mostly isolated from the watchful eyes of everyone. He noticed little overgrowths around.
He lifted his arm, breathing deep, and focused again.
Nothing.
Again.
Still nothing.
Panic bloomed in his chest. His breathing became heavy with every passing second. He stared at his hands, sweat flowing down his face.
"WHY?!" he screamed.
He again raised both his hands, trying to channel Hydro energy this time, but the answer didn't change. The world gave him nothing.
His eyes widened in shock. His knees hit the ground. Tears streamed down his face—warm and uncontrollable, his fists pounding onto the grass.
"WHY? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?" a faint voice escaped his lips. "I had it. I used to do it. What is wrong now?" His voice cracked, breaking into a whimper as he curled into himself.
His blurred thoughts wandered into the past. He saw Haru. His innocent smile while Sei complained about the homework. The warmth of the memories of his past life filled his heart.
He laid down on the ground, facing upwards, looking at the sky.
"You'd probably laugh at me right now… wouldn't you?"
He wiped his face, clumsily.
"You're in heaven now, right? I hope you're happy…"
A pause.
"I'm sorry. I am like this. The old Sei would probably laugh around... wonder what you would think of me, looking like a mess."
He took a shuddering breath and slowly sat up, his palms still trembling.
"But I'll keep going. I'll get back up, even if I have to crawl. So, watch me."
He stood again. The grass brushed against his legs as the wind buzzed past him.
As he raised his hand for another try, a familiar voice rang in his head, Still trying, I see.
Sei hesitantly took a step back, then spun around. But the clearing was empty—only wind graced him.
"Who... who's there?" he asked, his eyes squinted.
There was no answer, only silence followed. Then the voice spoke again, Come to the Capital tonight. You know the tunnel, right?
Nothing changed. Not even a leaf stirred.
"The Capital..." he whispered.
Whatever waited for him there—be it truth, power, or answers—Sei had no option but to follow and see for himself.