Cyrus Solaris
Sora wanted to meet up at the medbay, where Mira was being tended to. We hadn't spoken since the school dance, so I found it strange that she suddenly wanted to meet up.
When I got to the medbay, Mira's room was filled with all the members of our cluster. It was also the first time I had visited her since everything happened. My eyes drifted over to her, peacefully resting in the bed, her breath faint. I was glad that she was safe and still alive.
But seeing her in this state confirmed why I chose not to come in the first place. It reminded me of my failure to protect her and my inability to live up to my clan's divine duty.
But it also reminded me of my father, whose body still sat at home inside a solar energy tank, trapped in a coma—another reminder of what happens when you lack the power to protect what matters.
The tension in the room was thick, as everyone's gaze slowly drifted from Mira to me. None of them looked happy to see me. But then I never really gave them a reason to be.
A long silence hung in the air.
So I broke it.
"You guys think I did it?"
Everyone's gaze, except Sora's, scattered, looking everywhere but at me.
"Yes, I do think you did it, and I want to understand the reason why before we all move on as a cluster and take the rift exam."
I took a deep breath before responding.
"There's nothing to understand because I didn't do it. We were attacked that night. Why would you think I'd do something like that to her?"
Jace and Voen gave a not-so-subtle cough.
"Are you serious, Cyrus?" Sora said, stepping towards me before stopping halfway.
"Believe me or don't. You'll see the truth when I find this thing."
"Oh, wait… You're serious. Students have been saying you've gone mad chasing something that doesn't even exist," Voen said, fumbling with a small bag.
"You know, if any of you had reached out, I could have explained what happened and shown you what I've found so far. But it seems like none of you actually cared. You know what? I'm leaving. I'll see you on the day of the exam." I said, turning to leave the room.
"Cyrus, stop."
I froze.
"Reaching out is a two-way street," Sora said.
"But Cendra vouched for you, and because of that, I'll give you a chance to explain yourself."
Thank you, Cendra.
A small breath left my body, and I turned back around.
Having more people look for it could help.
"Alright, but don't laugh, no matter how crazy it sounds."
Everyone except Nerena gave each other a weary look.
I then laid out all the information I had compiled and how it led me to where I am now with the investigation.
Jace scoffed.
To be expected.
Nerena's eyes didn't leave me once.
It creeped me out a bit.
Maybe it's just a truth seeker thing.
But with everyone else, you could see the gears turning as they tried to piece together whether it all made sense to them.
The silence felt like a lifetime.
"It sounds so mad, it just might be true," Voen said, scratching the back of his head, his face finally lightening up.
"But it doesn't sound like he's lying." Voen continued.
I knew his hearing was advanced, but can he actually tell if people are lying?
I gave him a nod as I turned my attention towards Sora.
We locked eyes.
"I can accept it for now until more information comes to light. But if anything changes and I find out you were lying to us, I will electrify you."
A faint smile tugged at my cheek.
The overall vibe of the room softened.
"So, Sora, what's the real reason you called us here? I doubt it was just to gang up on Cyrus, right?"
Sora's hair frizzed.
"Well, no. But I really wanted to make sure we were all on the same page about our responsibilities for passing this exam. It's important for all of us, because we know what happens if we don't."
"What are we gonna do about our missing position? Are they gonna have us do it handicapped?" I asked.
"No, we won't be handicapped. Professor Thorne informed me after class today that we will be getting a fill-in from a second-year student who failed last year."
"So we get a reject?" I asked.
Sora paused.
"Professor Thorne said that we and the second year will be graded differently, but working together as a team is still paramount. That's why I wanted to make sure we all had our heads on right. Because the better we are, the easier it will be to accommodate someone we are not used to."
"Seems simple enough," Nerena said.
Voen and I shook our heads in agreement.
"Okay, good. We can do this, guys. We've had our troubles, but I believe we can pass and earn our provisional licenses."
Jace and I shared a glance. I could see the reluctance in his eyes, but he finally gave in and nodded.
"Then I have nothing else to say, and I will see you all on exam day."
Everyone began to file out of the room. I stayed behind for just a bit. I wanted to engrain the image of Mira in a coma in my head, to remind me of my weakness.
I will find this creature and clear my name.
I turned away and saw Sora still standing there, watching me.
She held my gaze for a moment, then she left without saying a word.
It's time to go check out that last spot on the list.