Chapter 29
"We don't have a lot of time." Varen said as their Interceptor rose up into the air. Their transport had arrived shortly after the East Genetics force arrived and the team was now beginning their return to West Genetics.
"What do you mean?" Attia asked.
"To talk about everything that happened." Elizabeth answered for Varen who nodded.
"Right here and now on this transport we need to decide how to proceed." Andre added understanding the situation.
"I still don't understand." Attia continued.
"Attia, I am not a human in the traditional sense. You and Arnette were linked to me through Varen. I know you saw everything; the Ereinbar Set ensures that nothing is secret. There will be questions." Chiffon explained.
"You think we would turn you in and expose you?" Attia asked incredulously.
"It would be wrong to completely dismiss what Kyle said. As wrong as he was, there was some truth in his words. There is a very real possibility that I am no different than a Nova." Chiffon said.
"Why? Because your mom is Maria Lancelot? I don't care about that; I don't care about any of it. We've been going to West Genetics for almost two years now. I don't think any different of you." Attia argued.
"I am dangerous." Chiffon said opening her eyes for the first time around everyone other than just Varen. Attia's mouth hung open slightly as she saw Chiffon's glowing eyes for the first time, the lines of Nova energy tracing through both. Her shock only lasted a few moments before shaking her head.
"I don't care Chiffon!" Attia yelled. Arnette stood up and walked over next to Chiffon sitting beside her. She wrapped her arm around Chiffon's waist and rested her head on her shoulder.
"Family." Arnette said. A single word that made Chiffon breath in deeply. Attia quickly stood and sat on the other side of Chiffon holding her hand. Andre took a knee in front of her and bowed his head deeply in respect while Elizabeth rested a hand on his shoulder from behind.
"Then it's settled. From here on out anything that involves our members remains within our members. Our family issues are handled as a family without outside interference." Varen said looking over at Chiffon. She smiled slightly gripping Attia's hand tightly.
"Alright." She agreed happily.
"I um…Chiffon, what Kyle said back there…" Arnette said quietly still leaning her head on Chiffon's shoulder. Chiffon put her other arm around Arnette and pulled her close.
"I already knew how you felt Arnette long before we linked. You don't need to say anything more here. I understand it's painful so let's leave it alone. I'm sorry Arnette, but I won't give him up. Not ever." Chiffon said and Varen looked at them oddly.
"I know. I'm so sorry." Arnette said her emotions beginning to show.
"What are you two talking about?" Varen asked trying to understand.
"Girl talk Varen." Attia answered. Her tone meant there should be no argument and no further questions. Varen wisely took the hint and decided it was best to let it go. Varen sat back in his seat leaning his head back looking up at the ceiling of the transport.
"You're a natural leader." He said quietly feeling the seat move next to him as someone sat down.
"Think so?" Elizabeth answered just as quiet. The other girls and Andre were still talking with Chiffon and their mood had now shifted to laughter and light hearted words.
"I do. You're very methodical, and calculating. You can read situations and interpret them quickly before forming your response. Also, the way you speak. It's elegant, and refined. Lastly, your posture is always straight. The way you walk and move is with perfect poise. Flawless." Varen answered.
"I have to be up front with you Varen. Those three over there would give you anything if you but asked. You have opened a lot of eyes since you came to our school, mine included. I think Chiffon knew the moment she met you that you would be different. You may not have realized it, but her heart was yours probably within the first few days you arrived. That night you saved everyone from Kyle, when you first encountered your abilities? That was when Attia's and Arnette's eyes were opened. You are kind without ever asking for anything in return. However, I regret to inform you that although your flattery of myself was appreciated, my heart does not sway as easily as theirs." Elizabeth grinned.
"Wait…that's not what I…" Varen argued, but Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively.
"I know; I know it was a joke. I grew up as part of a very successful family that is world renown. Etiquette was something impressed upon me from an early age. I realize I grew up with privileges very few others would ever experience. When I came of age and my compatibility with stigmata tested it was a turning point for me. I felt like becoming a Pandora was a calling. A chance to make a difference in the world.
Thankfully, I excelled at the Pandora training and was proficient in the use of our powers. Coupled with my family name, many Pandora looked up to me. Arnette and Attia were some of the first real friends I made at West Genetics. For a long time, we felt like we owned the school and became self-absorbed with our popularity. I'm very thankful for you that I was able to see early on just how proud I was becoming." Elizabeth said.
"I think all our eyes have been opened just a bit wider over our time together." Varen agreed and Elizabeth nodded.
"You're a good man Varen. It's alright to be a little self-centered, and take some pride in who you are. Modesty is important, but accept who you have become and embrace it. At times modesty can be seen as weakness or even doubt. To us you are family, but to everyone else you are a leader. A symbol of hope. Do not be seen as weak, understand?" She said staring into his eyes.
"I understand Ms. Mably." Varen nodded and she smiled.
"So, what's the plan when we get back?" Chiffon asked loudly getting Elizabeth and Varen's attention.
"Chevalier will want to know details of what happened. Sister Margaret will no doubt expect an equal report. Dr. Schmidtz will most likely request we be looked over for any injuries, and countless students will most likely have questions." Elizabeth responded.
"Wow…I was going to suggest we take a break and go to the hot springs or something, but yah that all sounds fun too." Arnette responded sarcastically.
"Oh! I want to go to the hot springs! There's no way they wouldn't let us take a break after what we did." Attia said.
"Executive decision from the student president then! We're taking a break and relaxing at the hot springs." Chiffon said excitedly. The girls giggled happily for a few moments before dying off into silence. Varen and Andre were staring at each other with an equal amount of excitement in their eyes, both holding their hands out with a thumbs up to each other.
"The boys can handle the reports for the school and Chevalier." Elizabeth added to much rejoice from the other girls. Varen and Andre deflated sadly.
"This family sucks." Andre remarked and Varen could only nod.
The Interceptor touched down on the landing pad a short time later and everyone stood gathering their gear. Varen grabbed the release handle and turned it pulling the transport door open bathing the inside with sunlight.
"What in the…" He trailed off as a loud chorus of voices drowned out his words. Spread out over the tarmac was an enormous crowd of students and faculty. They had landed on the normal landing section of the base as opposed to their personal Nightingale pad. What Varen could only assume was the entire student body was assembled on the airstrip waiting for their arrival.
He hopped down from the Interceptor still not sure how to react to the loud cheers coming from everyone now running forward to greet them. He turned and reached up helping everyone down from the transport. What seemed like a wave of people crashed over them as soon as everyone was off reaching out to touch and hug each other. For the six people who stepped off the transport time seemed to stop. Amidst the crowd of people surrounding them and shedding tears with them they found each other. They locked eyes with each other for a moment feeling a calm happiness for the first time in a long while. A few beats of their hearts was all the moment lasted before their focus was back on their fellow students excited to see them alive.
"You did not disappoint." A man's voice called out and students made way for General Renalt to approach.
"General." Varen answered placing his fist over his heart in salute.
"I won't keep you from the adoring fans for long. I have enough work on my plate with the information I need to send to Chevalier HQ. I'm proud of you all. You have earned every bit of praise you receive today. I know you will continue to exceed expectations together." The general said reaching out and shaking each of their hands. He nodded to Sister Margaret who had approached beside him and turned to leave.
"Sir!" Attia called out making the general stop.
"Yes, Ms. Simmons." He asked turning his head back.
"What will happen to us?" She asked and he thought for a moment before responding.
"I have no intention of disbanding you. If it is your desire to remain together then consider your positions permanent. I can offer you that as my thanks." He responded and walked away already knowing it was exactly what she wanted to hear. Attia smiled widely holding back her tears.
"Welcome home, Justicar." Sister Margaret said and Varen saluted her bowing low.
"We are home headmaster." He responded and she shook her head.
"Everyone was right about you. Their trust in you to avenge our fallen family members, and to be something more than ever thought possible was right. I will never doubt you." Sister Margaret said stepping back and placing her fist over her heart.
"Ma'am…" Varen said in shock.
"You are going to continue to grow it's only a matter of time until I will be saluting you anyway. Best to start early." She laughed. One by one everyone followed suit placing their fists over their hearts towards Varen.
"I'm so proud of you." Chiffon said slipping her hand into Varen's.
"Thank you for everything." Varen responded and she rested her head on his arm.
"I didn't do anything. You did it all yourself."
"No. You saved me." He answered quietly and she tightened her grip a bit.
"Forever, right?" Chiffon asked and Varen looked down at her. Behind her closed eyelids he knew she watched him intently. She always had.
"I won't let you go. Forever Chiffon." He answered. A collective gasp went through the crowd as Varen kissed Chiffon quickly followed by laughter. For the rest of the day and into the night they celebrated. West Genetics finally began to heal from the Nova attack, and move forward. Forward into a new age.
