Chapter 46

“Do you have a moment Nick?” Eli stepped through the portal Alana had made, and it closed behind him.

“Eli?” How had Eli known where the portal would be, where Nick would be?

“I told him about our lessons.” Alana chimed in, as she walked over to Eli, placing a hand gently on his frail shoulder. Eli gently touched her hand, smiling at her.

“I was curious about your progress, and knew you had been assigned extra training. I was surprised to learn Alana would be handling your training though.” He paused for a moment, and smiled as Fenrir, now in his ethereal form, sat lazily at his side. Eli started petting him as he continued. “It was convenient though, as it has allowed me to get continued updates on your growth.” Energy crackled around him, but if it effected Alana or Fen, neither showed it. “I am certain by the time you graduate, you will be able to fulfill your promise to me.”

His face grew somber, and he stepped away from Alana and Fenrir, drawing closer to Nick. “The reason I am here, is because I have some news I need to tell you.” His voice was serious. “I am leaving the Academy.”

“When?” Nick knew Eli was supposed to leave when the other fourth years graduated, had something happened?

“As soon as I finish speaking with you. My DRAGOON is already prepared, and everything is set.”

“Does Naomi know?” She loved her brother, and Nick was certain this news would devastate her.

“No, this mission is top secret. Only the three of us here, as well as the President, know I will be leaving.” He laughed darkly. “Besides, she is used to me being gone. This isn’t the first time I’ve been sent away on a mission.”

“Why tell me?” Nick was also curious why Alana knew, but judging by how friendly Fenrir seemed to be with him, he could guess.

“Because Nick, I need you to keep Naomi safe. If word gets around I am gone for good, she may be in danger. She won’t be safe until she has left the Academy, and even then, I worry for her.” He grabbed Nick’s shoulder, and Nick tried not to flinch as the energy burned his skin.

“I know you love her, and she has informed me she cares for you as well.” Nick’s face blushed, how much had Naomi told Eli. “As such, I know you will keep your promise to me. Her safety will allow me to focus on the mission at hand.”

“You,” Nick paused. “You can count on me Eli.” The third year smiled, a sad smile, and stepped back.

“Thank you Nick. I hope my suspicions don’t come to light, but it makes me feel better knowing you will be watching out for any danger she may face here.”

“Will you be back?” Eli looked away but his face told Nick the answer.

“This will likely be the last time we ever meet Nick. Even if I survive this mission, my body has begun to degenerate at a faster rate.” He looked at Alana. “Even she hasn’t been able to slow it anymore.”

“Then why not tell Naomi?”

“Because Nick, telling her goodbye terrifies me. Call me a coward, but I cannot face her right now. I have prepared a message, and she will receive it on graduation. Till then, I want her to be happy.” Eli, the strongest physical, was crying.

“I’ll do my best Eli. You know, she loves you.” It was Nick’s turn to put a comforting hand on Eli’s shoulder. The third year offered him a small smile.

“She deserves a better brother than I. She deserves someone who will never leave or abandon her. She deserves someone like you.” He stepped back, and walked towards Alana. The fourth year was crying as well.

Nick felt suddenly awkward as they embraced.

“You will always be the light in my life.” Eli whispered to Alana. He looked down at Fenrir. “Keep her safe for me Fen.” The wolf nodded.

“Be safe, my love. You know how to summon me, if you need. No distance can keep us apart.” Alana kissed him, and then stepped back, opening a portal. Eli looked at Nick once, before he disappeared. As the portal closed, Fenrir let out a long, mournful howl.

The air was suddenly heavy, and Nick felt as if a large weight had been placed upon his shoulders. How was he going to face Naomi now? How would he keep this a secret from her?

“I, I’m sorry about that Nick.” Alana composed herself, wiping away the tears from her eyes. “He asked me to set this up, so that he could speak with you in private one last time.”

Nick shook his head. “It’s alright, he really cares for Naomi, as do I. I just wish he had told Naomi… What type of mission is he going on, anyways?”

Alana opened her mouth to answer, but paused, as if changing her mind. “I wish I could tell you, but that is not the path you have chosen Nick.” She opened a portal, motioning towards it. “Instead, you have your friends to return to, and a Scatterball game to win.” She offered him a smile, though it was tinged with sorrow.

“Right.” Nick stepped towards the portal, for the second time. This time though, his body was no longer brimming with excitement.