Chapter 7: Heat-up that Cold Shoulder

After boarding the Gummi, Riku looks at Nyx. "What was that all about," he asks her.

Nyx looks at him. " That was Veronica Marigold. She's bad news. She's one of the most popular girls around school for less than charming things." She cringes about the thought about her. "Let's just say we have some history."

Riku thinks about her words. Still, he'd like to give Veronica a chance. She seems nice enough. They make it back home in record time. Once inside, Shadow greets them enthusiastically with a wagging tail. They go to the family room to watch T.V. and talk about their first day and finish the rest of their summer reading due the second week of school.

This became the routine for the family. They'd go to school, come back, then go do homework before hanging out. Then a week later, Nyx started color guard practice and other afterschool activities. . This left Riku alone afterschool. Sometimes he'd stay and watch while doing his homework. Other times he went home and Starlette would pick Nyx up.

During this time Veronica would stay and talk with Riku. Turns out they have a lot in common, including some classes together, including Math and Gym. They started hanging out while Nyx was at practice. Nyx's disapproval grew more and more each day. She started getting snarky and moody around Riku. She started seeing him less and less. Soon, Riku was spending most of his time with Veronica. At home, things became more tense.

Then finally, everything came to a head. One day after school, Nyx and Riku came home together. It was the one day that Nyx didn't have an afterschool activity. After ignoring him completely the whole ride home, Riku had enough. Before she could reach the stairs to go to her safe haven, Riku blocked her path.

"What's your problem," a frustrated Riku asks.

Trying to get past Riku without confrontation, Nyx replies, "I don't have a problem."

"You obviously do. You've been giving me the cold shoulder for days now." Nyx stays silent. "Is it because of Veronica?"

"No," Nyx replies too quickly while looking away, giving herself away.

"What is you're problem with her? And why are you punishing me for it. I thought we were friends."

Nyx sighs in exasperation. "We are friends. It's just… Veronica and I, we used to be best friends." She looks away in thought. "I knew her since third grade. We used to share our most deepest secrets with each other. We were inseparable. However, betrayal can cut through most bonds. Our friendship was no exception. She became the most popular girl in school, and made some sacrifices to do so."

Riku appears to be deep in thought. "So she dumped you as a friend once she became popular."

"In the most simple understanding of the situation, yes and no. It was a mutual break. She started acting in ways I didn't like, towards me and other people. And I guess I wasn't popular enough for her. After our friendship was over she started going out of her way to antagonize me, especially because she knows why I can fight back."

"So that's why you've been abrasive towards me."

"Yeah, I'm sorry I've been giving you the cold shoulder."

"It's alright, I forgive you, for now. You'll have to make it up to me though."

Nyx face shows subtle signs of surprise then horror. "How so?"

Riku chuckles at her visible agony. "By never doing it again, and hanging out with me today. Promise?"

Nyx sighs in relief and gives a smile. "I promise."

They end up doing homework together and talking about each other's day, with Nyx helping Riku with his Math.

The next morning, Riku and Nyx head off to school. They split up once getting their things from their lockers. The day was going along normally. Until it came to Gym class. Today was a free day, so they didn't have to change into their gym clothes and stay in their assigned sections. Nyx was about to head towards Riku with one of her friends he met named Tori. However, she was stopped in her tracks when Veronica swooped in and started talking to Riku, making eye contact with Nyx. The pair goes back to the other side of the gym while Veronica grabs Riku's arm to sit on the nearest bleacher.

"Hey there, Riku," Veronica croons sweetly.

"Oh hey, Veronica," Riku says distantly. "I thought you were Nyx."

Veronica is slightly appalled but recovers quickly. "Oh no. She wouldn't bother coming over here, since she's talking to her, other friend." They both look back to see Nyx conversing with Tori. She makes eye contact with Riku and waves briefly before continuing her conversation. Riku smiles at the gesture, completely oblivious to Veronica's underhanded comment.

"Anyways, what brings you over here," Riku asks.

Veronica replies, "Oh, I just wanted to ask if you're doing anything later."

"Well I can't, sorry," Riku says coldly while walking away.

Veronica is taken aback by Riku's sudden coldness towards her. "Hey don't be like that, I thought we were cool."

Riku turns around and faces her. "That's what I thought too. But I'm not cool with people who hurt my friends for some popularity."

Veronica scoffs at the accusation. "Is that what she told you?"

"Well, is it true?"

"I won't deny it. However our friendship was already on the rocks. She thinks she's so perfect. Who is she trying to fool? Let me tell you, she isn't as innocent as she looks. You'll see." With that, the bell rings and Veronica gets her things and leaves the gym.

At lunch, Riku meets up with Nyx and her friends to sit and eat. Nyx looks at Riku. He's eating his food distractedly, and it catches her attention. Then she thinks back to last period. "Hey Riku," she starts, "is everything alright? I saw you talking with Veronica, then she stormed away."

Riku snaps out of his daze. "Oh nothing," he says dismissively.

Nyx getting the hint changes the subject.

School is finally over as the clock hits 2:28 pm. Nyx has practice today, so Riku decides to stay behind for a bit before her practice begins. He walks with her to the F-wing when a rather heated Veronica intercepts their path in the events lobby. She waltzes up to Nyx, seemingly ignoring Riku. Suddenly, Veronica slaps Nyx clear across the face. In shock, everyone stops to see what's going on. Riku doesn't know how to react from the shock.

"You bitch! You just had to go and act like the victim huh," Veronica spits at Nyx. "Please entertain me, what did you tell him? I bet it wasn't the full truth. I bet you didn't tell him about that."

Nyx recovers with intensity in her eyes. "I don't know what you're getting at Veronica, but I told him the truth. It was a mutual break in our friendship. You became popular, I didn't."

Veronica sniggers. "Ha, don't make me laugh! Of course I'm the bad guy. But did you tell him what you did to me? Does he even know why you can't use your powers? Or that you can't even use them? Does he know what you really are?"

At this, Nyx becomes visibly nervous on top of her anger. The crowd becomes bigger as they're watching the drama unfold. "You know that information is off limits. You swore an oath not to tell anyone."

"I don't care. I can't stand your existence. How you parade around school, acting so innocent and helpless. If only everyone knew what kind of monster you are, of what you'd do to me if you could use your powers. Oh, it'd be just like last time, wouldn't it?"

Now Nyx is getting angrier. "Shut up! I am not a monster! And you knew that it was an accident. That happened years ago, get over it!"

"Ah, decided not to deny it? Don't tell me to get over it. You and I both know that it was no accident. You felt that desire to hurt me like you felt that rage inside. You burned me and you wanted to burn me! I have the scars to prove it! The adults just made me brush it off thinking it was just an accident. But I know you. I know what you are! You're a…"

"I said SHUT UP!" Nyx snaps. In a split second, her hands ignite into purple and teal flaming fists. Her eyes turn into a raging gold with specks of fiery red. With speed no one thought Nyx could accomplish, she punches Veronica square in the stomach with a force that makes her go flying across the room. Veronica lands on her side and skids across the floor a few inches. Everyone looks at Nyx with wide eyes. Veronica slowly gets up.

She looks at Nyx and smirks. "Yeah, that's right. Show everyone what you are. You even look it now, a monster."

This brought Nyx back out of her rage. Her flaming fists fade and fizzle out, along with the angry color of her irises. She starts to realize what she's done, and becomes ashamed of herself and her actions. Not being able to face anyone, she runs out the Events lobby doors and down the street, with no one stopping her.