She was right, as always. Phantasia was still elementally out of balance, as evidenced by the fluttering wisps of light blue hair in front of her eyes. It felt as if half her senses had faded away, leaving behind only a misty impression of the kaleidoscope world of mana streams and shifting auras she once saw. In her current state she couldn’t even sense the approach of her own friends.

“The approaching humans are concerned for your well-being,” explained Faye, “It would seem the illusion has taken into account both your absence from the student evacuation and my own arrival.”

Joel and Kaori came around the corner as fast as their athletically challenged, Raven-clothed bodies could take them. Phoenie and Katrina, both still wrapped in towels, were close behind, while Shelley loitered at the back of the group trying her best not to be noticed. Kaori reached Phantasia first and hugged her tight.

“Dude, you had us worried for a minute,” said Joel, “Everything was going crazy and—“

“Your concern was unreasonable,” interrupted Faye, “You had been informed by a trustworthy source that Phantasia was unharmed and safe. Allowing your fears to override your judgement could have placed you in danger.”

Joel’s mouth hung open, as if Faye had left him paralysed mid-sentence and stolen his voice. Kaori stepped back and looked at the new student with narrowed eyes. Phantasia stepped in before her handmaiden could alienate herself further.

“This is Faye,” she said, her voice hoarse, “She’s my friend from far away!”

“So this is the newbie?” asked Joel, his eyes scanning Faye up and down as a perplexed look formed on his face. Faye was, after all, wearing a formal outfit not too far removed from the teachers’ own uniform. Kaori gripped his hand tight.

“There is no need for concern, Kaori Shimomura. Your romantic companion does not think of me sexually, nor has he developed a fetish for females in uniform,” said Faye, “He is merely concerned as to my unusual appearance, as indeed are you. I am—“

“Faye’s really observant!” interrupted Phantasia, “Sometimes it feels like she can even read your mind!”

“Might I suggest that Phoenix Rogan and Katrina Ritches may find their time is better spent rejuvenating their shocked bodies from current events?” said Faye, turning attention to the two girls standing a short distance away, “Standing here attempting to form a coherent series of thoughts while their bodies suffer from unfavourable conditions is both inefficient and illogical,”

Phoenie and Katrina blinked, then looked at each other for an explanation.

“I think Faye’s trying to say you might want to have a shower and put some clothes on?” said Phantasia, putting her years of experience with Faye’s monotone statements to use.

“That is another method of stating my conclusion,” said Faye, “The longer you remain in your current condition the greater the chances of you acquiring a debilitating disease. Though curable, you would be wasting the time and energy of your medical staff,”

The two girls shuffled towards the changing room. As they passed the two faeries, Phoenie extended a hand from beneath her towel.

“I’m Phoenie Rogan,” she said, “Editor of Veritas,”

“As I am aware,” said Faye, “I understand that you are likely to ask for my co-operation in the near future. I am willing to provide you with my deductive and investigative skills should I understand your requests to be reasonable,”

“I look forward to working with you, Miss,” Phoenie shivered and managed a smile through the cold. Slipping her hand away when Faye ignored it, she pulled her towel around her and trundled off into the changing rooms. Katrina followed, giving Faye a quick wave.

Chapter 42
Previous / Continue
(page 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8)