==Hey, guys! I wasn't working this weekend but had soccer and a bunch of homework, but since I had more free time than usual, I decided to get this chapter out for you :) I wanted it to be longer, but my other attempts bored me out. I don't know when I'm going to write again because I have a soccer tournament this weekend in Knoxville, but I will try to find another free weekend to get more done. Sadly, it is impossible to write during school for me. My English class requires us to read 2 hours every week, so I'm constantly reading when I have the chance. Fingers crossed that things will get easier for me. Please pray for me! Things are piling up and I almost have emotional breakdowns when I'm doing homework :( On the bright side, my hair just got redyed purple, my ACT score is a 24, and I no longer have any classes with my bully. Things could be worse, but it's still hard.==
Bassnectar & - "Expanded"
Haunted: Collapse into Caliginosity
Chapter 39:
Amongst Us
It was good to see Jay grow in his relationship with his parents these past two days. Yesterday, his perspective brought an impatient attitude toward their presence. After witnessing them transforming into Serpentine, my student realized how much having family actually means to not only him, but to humanity. Because of that, humbleness settled into his mentality. For the first time, we were all able to observe Jay struggle to say his final farewell to Ed and Edna.
"We hope to see you again, honeybun," Edna said as she hugged him one last time.
"I'll call you in a couple days," he promised. "Let us know if any more trouble comes around."
"Sure thing, son," Ed assured him. "But you gotta try to get one of those pretty girls to be your girlfriend, okay?"
"Dad!" he groaned, releasing his mother.
Nya suppressed a laugh next to me.
"Jay's cute but he's not my type," Macca sheepishly verbalized.
"Uh…thanks?" Jay replied, sneaking away to avoid more embarrassment. He departed to check the Bounty's physical condition as the rest of us said our goodbyes.
Macca was able to disappear without making it apparent. She was as silent as a ghost. Even Zane had not noticed until it was too late. The occurrence made my conscience tingle once again, and I pressed two fingers against my temple to somewhat ease the pain.
"Sensei?" Nya inquired, seeing my discomfort.
I relaxed and gazed at her.
"Why are you in pain?" she whispered.
A response did not come straightaway. "I must tend to something, Nya. Please let no one disturb me," I gently said.
She nodded.
I entered the depths of the lower deck through an entrance at the bow of the ship. A short walk brought me to my personal quarters, where I planned to see into my smoke vision. This mysterious pain has continued since Macca stepped foot onto this ship. Whether it is a sign of some kind or a symptom of something else, I knew an answer lay somewhere.
A black pot rested over a small pit of burning embers. I lit the ends of incense to let the smoke slowly flow out and mix together. The urgency that filled the atmosphere decreased. I felt relaxed and no longer weary of the unknown.
Taking a seat in front of the pot, I began to peacefully meditate. My only hopes were for something to be revealed to me. Earlier smoke visions have been dormant of any threatening activity, but now I fear something is about to change.
My mindset remained focused on Macca. She is the possible source of my pains. I have had experience with people who appear ordinary on the outside, but the inside turned out to be corrupt. Macca could easily be another case. Her short stature seems harmless, but I have seen how visible the muscle tone is in her arms. Athleticism is a clear factor to her physical being. I am not aware of her true abilities; however, I can interpret heavy objects do not faze her. It would be helpful if I could observe all she is able to do and handle. Maybe then I can understand more as to why my instincts are warning me of something.
The smoke began to form an image for me. My four students appeared, their details misty. Nothing seemed to be wrong. In fact, they seemed well. Zane's details became more distinct. He stood out among his brothers. I had to remind myself that Macca was my main concern. With Zane here and his brothers gradually diminishing back into the smoke, I took this as a sign.
It was an obvious sign, though. Zane carries strong feelings for the young woman. My only question was if I was about to see his future with her. From an outside view, the connection between them is perceivable as deep and potentially promising.
Just when I thought Macca was going to form by his side, a terrible growl pierced my ears. Something slashed through Zane like claws through a fragile leaf, and he was gone.
I opened my eyes to see the surrounding walls untouched just like before. The smoke from the incense flowed up smoothly, but it did not calm me. There was a creature lurking in our midst, and I feared Zane's desires would someday get him killed.
I hope interests are sparking for some of you! If you want to see how our season is going so far, check out my profile. I update it every time we have a game. Shoutout to The Mayor Of Ninjago City, Wild Cat 214, and Kai4Ever for leaving a review. Thank you silent readers for all the stats :)