44 The Festival (1/2)

The battle had ended. The students were, healed, debriefed, and fed. Most of those who fought were awake late into the night and slept most of the next morning away. They'd missed the first part of the summer festival. But the afternoon and evening were the best times to go out anyways.

If Kyrie could finish getting ready so they could go.

He stood in front of the bathroom mirror, holding the necklace Pele had given him. He'd unclasped it and was hesitant. He'd gambled yesterday, nearly gotten people killed – nearly killed them.

But it worked, paid off. He'd managed to control his ability and save people even, if it had started off as a drill. He'd saved lives. Earned the right to wear the necklace in his grasp.

But still, he hesitated. A gamble.

Centra pounded on the bathroom door. ”Come on Kyrie, we're not leaving without you.” She'd been knocked unconscious yesterday. That was it. She was fine. In fact, she had the easiest time recovering from her injuries.

She and the others were all okay. Liza was still a bit shaky and Raven Clof had taken her father's battle necklace from her. She'd over used it yesterday, and her grandfather was worried about her. He was worried she'd have permanent effects from aura sickness. She was already supposed to take it easy for the next week.

DJ was firmly attached to Centra's side. He'd spent last night at her side. And Centra was grateful to have him there.

Amity was walking with a limp. And Caleb had been healed after he lost consciousness.

Everything was fine. The gamble had worked. But it was still a gamble.

”Coming,” Kyrie said as he slipped the necklace into his pocket. Maybe he'd put it on later. For now, he'd join his teammates for a bit fun. Just like DJ'd planned.

And Kyrie would try to forget about what Masaki had done.

♢ ♢ ♢

As the team wandered through the various festival stalls a news broadcast was playing.

”During yesterday's evacuation drill a hacker managed to break into the control system for the defense dolls called Tries. She's believed to be a member of an organization called the Chars.” The newscaster paused before she continued. ”Most of the deaths during the training was the result of the hackers turning off the Trie's safety mode. Though some deaths appear to have occurred before the system was hacked.

”It will take several weeks before the researchers and staff at Kondaira Academy can begin pinpointing what went wrong before the hack.