Chapter 30

Scarabia became a dark and gloomy place. Robotic students crowded around an overbloted Jamil, cheering for him. "Long live Master Jamil!" they chanted.

"Ha ha ha!" Jamil laughed wickedly. "Thaaat's it. Go on, keep singing my praises."

"I never realized what a gallant figure you cut..." said Azul as he slowly made his way up front with the rest of us in tow.

"Oho?"

"You oughta LIVE on a throne..." said Grim.

"And?"

"Your intelligence is beyond compare..." said Jade.

"Go on."

"There's royalty, and then there's YOU..." said Floyd. We were almost in front of him now.

"You look so strong and powerful!" said Kalim.

"Jamil, Jamil, he's our man!" I cheered.

"Heh, you flatter me..." Jamil's eyes suddenly grew wide. "Wait, it's YOU?! I sent you to the ends of this dimension! How did you get back so fast?"

"I filled a dry river with water and we swam back," said Kalim.

"With the help of my friends, the 'purveyors of destruction,'" I said.

"Not that it was a cakewalk, I'll tell ya," said Floyd. "I'm pretty worn out!"

"You did a great job," I said, patting his arm. He brightened at this. "You too, Jade."

"What?!" Jamil exclaimed. His eyes narrowed. "Tch... Now I see. You used Kalim's signature spell. Hmph. So your little trick had a use after all. And here I'd written it off as a worthless spell only good for watering plants or filling a pool."

"Heh. You clearly don't appreciate Kalim's power for what it is, then," said Azul.

"Yeah, Kalim is amazing," I said.

"Jamil..." Kalim said with a sorrowful expression. "Now I see what you've thought of me all this time. There can be no question now. You're a coward and a traitor!"

"Fool," said Jamil. "That's what you get for trusting me blindly."

"It's not wrong to see the best in people," I said. "You're at fault for taking advantage of his innocence!"

"Face me in combat," Kalim said, his face hard. "I'll win back the housewarden seat you've stolen from me."

"You accuse ME of stealing?" said Jamil. "Hmph! How dare you. YOU'RE the one who stole everything from ME! Now you shall witness my true power! AAAAAH HA HA HA! Cower before my might! Phenomenal... cosmic... power!"

"Gyaah!" Grim cried. "This is still one scary monster!"

"I'll knock some sense back into him!" said Kalim.

"I am the true ruler of Scarabia!" Jamil bellowed before striking us with magic. My friends fought back, but we still appeared to be up against overwhelming odds.

"How much power has he been hiding all this time?" said Azul.

"I... I refuse to give up!" Kalim said, determination in his eyes. He stood in front of everyone, leading the way. We continued to fight. Gradually, we made progress. Then we gained the upper hand. Finally, we struck a blow that caused Jamil to fall to his knees in defeat.

"I was finally going to be number one..." Jamil murmured. "I was finally going... to be free..."

"Jamil!" Kalim cried, his concern breaking through his anger. At his plea, I followed the impulse to run to Jamil, who was now unconscious on the floor.

"Ona, no!" Floyd said.

"It's alright, Floyd," said Jade. He followed me to Jamil. I paused and locked eyes with him. "Go on." He knew what I was going to do, and he was not going to stop me. He was simply there to watch my back, whether because he thought there was actual danger or for Floyd's reassurance. I knelt beside Jamil and placed my hand on his back. Suddenly, I felt his emotions, heard his thoughts, and saw his memories.

I saw Jamil and Kalim when they were young kids. Jamil was forced to play with Kalim without complaint. He was told by his parents to always let Kalim win their games and never appear better than him. All his life, he received the message that Kalim was more important than him. Kalim was oblivious to it all , of course. He thought he earned those achievements and that Jamil spent time with him because he liked him.

"All the grown-ups tell me the same thing," Jamil said inside my head. "'Surely you're smart enough to understand.' But who's trying to understand ME?"

"We'll keep helping each other out, Jamil!" said a memory of Kalim.

"Stop."

"I know you'd never betray me, Jamil."

"Just stop! Kalim, your mere existence means that I... I... I have to live my whole life deferring everything to you! I... I want... I want to be number one, too."

As an American, I inherently rebelled at Jamil's treatment. I could sympathize with his frustration and feeling of helplessness. And yet, his solution was horribly flawed. His problems were not Kalim's fault, but directly pointing that out did not seem very helpful. "I want to understand you, Jamil," I said through our mind link. "I want to help you... and so does Kalim. I can't change how your families operate, but I can help make your school life better at least. You need to show people who you truly are... the good and the bad. Kalim could be a great ally. Together, you could create real change for both of you families, and you can do it the right way. You have just as much worth as Kalim does. It's time for you to show the world."

"Jamil... Jamil!" Kalim shouted in real life, right next to me. I opened my eyes and withdrew my hand.

Jamil stirred awake. "Ngh... Where am I?"

"Good," said Azul. "You've regained your senses."

Jamil's eyes found mine. "You..."

I put my hands up defensively, and Jade pulled me back. Soon, Floyd was by my side as well. "Do you remember anything?" I asked.

"Vaguely..."

"Mrah... That monster's gonna be hauntin' me in my dreams," said Grim.

"J... Jahbeel..." Kalim said with tears in his eyes. "WAAAAAAH!"

"Somebody get Sea Otter a tissue already," said Floyd. "Guy's equal parts snot and regret."

"I suspect all that talk about punching him has gone out the window as well," said Jade.

"It's just as well," I said. "That's not who he is."

"I-I'm so glad you're alive..." said Kalim. It looked like he wanted to embrace Jamil but held back for his sake. "Sho glad..."

"Must you always be so dramatic?" Jamil said with a sigh.

"I... I never knew how miserable you were all this time. A-all this time..." Kalim sniffled. "I never knew just how much I put you through..."

"Which led to this spectacular betrayal," said Azul.

"Yuuup," said Floyd. "Sea Snake's been mocking Sea Otter beneath his breath for pretty much their whole lives!"

"Geez, and you guys say I'M blunt," said Grim.

"Y-yes, you're... kind of a jerk," said Kalim. "But you're still the guy who's helped me all my life."

"Kalim..." said Jamil.

"So let's just stop. We can stop holding back on account of our social status."

"...Uh, what?"

"Starting today, we can be rivals that compete in earnest for the spot of number one. I want us to be equals... and I want us to be friends, Jamil."

"Equals? And friends?" Jamil shook his head. "Heh... Why am I not surprised that's what you got out of this, Kalim? Then let me say this as one equal to another... NOT! ON! YOUR! LIFE!" He glared at him.

Kalim's eyes widened in shock. "Uh?"

"The heck?!" Grim exclaimed.

"You thoughtless, sloppy, idiotic, clumsy, ludicrously oblivious, arrogant, indelicate, pampered little rich boy!" said Jamil. "Who in their right mind would ever voluntarily be your friend?!"

I raised my hand. "Uh, I would?"

"You don't count! You're friends with them!" He pointed at the Octavinelle trio.

I blinked. "I'm glad you finally admit we're friends, but I"m still offended for them and for me."

Jamil ignored me and focused on Kalim. "What's in it for me now?! Nothing! And that's what I want—nothing to do with you!"

"Wh... Whaaat?!" said Kalim. "How can you say that?!"

"Yeesh," said Grim. "He must be feelin' better, 'cause he sure ain't pullin' any punches."

"This is his real personality?" I said.

"And what's wrong with that?" said Azul. "I like the authentic Jamil much more, as a matter of fact."

"Ugh. Your ingratiating smile is grossing me out," said Jamil.

"I'll admit, I've been curious about you ever since we were freshmen."

"You don't say..."

"You did a bit too good of a job avoiding the spotlight. It backfired and piqued my interest. See, you never got any outstanding marks, whether in the classroom or in practical studies. But at the same time... You never got a negative mark in any class. Ever. It came across like you were maintaining a consistent five out of ten across the board. There was no way it could be unintentional. I've always had an inkling there was more to it. And it finally clicked for me when I heard Ona and Grim's story."

"That makes sense," said Jade. "Azul is close to the top of his whole class year in Potionology... But you'd find his marks in Flight class closer to the bottom of the charts."

"That's kinda extreme in its own way, y'know," said Grim.

"My suspicions were confirmed when I joined you for that mancala game the other night," said Azul. "You maintained a perfectly balanced win/loss ratio to keep from throwing Floyd into a rage."

"Whoa, for real?" said Floyd. "You can do that?"

"If you throw too much, it becomes obvious. And if you win by too much, it sours the opponent's mood. There's an art to feigning defeat. You have to tune it just right. It requires considerable skill and mental fortitude to pull off."

"Meanwhile, you wiped the floor with me and didn't even try to go easy, Azul!" Grim grumbled.

"Heh. I knew I had you sussed, Jamil. Your true capabilities are nothing short of astounding!"

"I know, right?!" said Kalim. "Jamil really is something special!"

"You know, I think you'd get along far better with someone like me than with Kalim. How about it? Care to transfer to Octavinelle? You could join forces with me and make a name for yourself."

Jamil glared at him. "Not on your life. And where do you get off, monologuing at me out of nowhere? You couldn't sound shadier if you tried! I will be perfectly content never being friends with you, Azul."

"Goodness," said Jade. "That's a rather stinging rebuke."

"Heh heh heh... I don't mind," said Azul. "I've added a new truth to my secret collection today, so I'll call it even."

"Your secret collection of other people's weaknesses, you mean," said Floyd.

"Hmph. You can't call it a weakness when it's already been aired to the whole world," said Jamil.

"Wait, if you don't want to be friends with someone like Kalim or Jamil, what kind of person do you want to be friends with?" I asked.

"Who said I need friends?" said Jamil. He paused. "...There will be no more holding back for me. Not against Kalim, or the rest of you, or anyone. I'm never throwing another competition again."

"Good!" said Kalim. "But I won't lose, either! And I'm going to earn your trust and become a real friend to you."

Jamil sighed. "You're not going to let this go easily, are you?"

"Nope!"

"And I'm going to help him," I said. I smirked at Jamil. "So, you're going to see a lot more of me around." He looked less than pleased at the news.

"Which reminds me," said Floyd. "You caused a lot of trouble for us, but for Ona's sake, I will let it go this one time. But you're not getting a third chance. If you do anything to threaten her again, I will make sure you regret it." He gave him an intimidating look while placing a hand on my shoulder.

"That is, if I don't get to you first," said Jade, putting his hand on my other shoulder.

"I get the point," said Jamil, "even if I don't understand why you care so much about a magic-less human."

"Hey!" Grim said indignantly. "That's my magic-less human you're talking about."

"Ona is special," said Jade. "I have a feeling you'll understand that soon."

"Doubtful," said Jamil.

"I think Ona is great," Kalim said with a grin.

I smiled at him. "Thanks. I think you're pretty great too." Jamil looked like he wanted to gag.

"Ona, do you mind if I speak to you for a minute?" said Jade. He glanced at Floyd on my other side. "In private?"

"Go ahead!" Floyd said, moving away from me.

"Sure," I agreed.

Jade smiled. "Thank you." He led me into the kitchen, which was currently unoccupied. Then he turned and gave me an appraising look. "You sure you're not afraid to be alone with me?"

I raised my eyebrows. "I thought we were already past this. I'm not afraid of you, Jade."

"Of course, I would never intentionally harm you physically, but that is hardly the only way I could be a threat to you."

At first, I had no idea what he could mean. Then it hit me. "Oh, you mean my mind. Your signature spell." I stared at him, trying to gauge his reaction, but his emotions were perfectly controlled as always. "You won't use it on me. Why would you, when most things you could want to know I would tell you if you asked like a normal person? Why break my trust and risk losing access to future information?"

Jade placed a hand over his heart. "Ona, I am hurt that you think the only thing I gain from our relationship is information."

"Th-that's not what I meant! I was just saying it wouldn't be worth it even if all you got from me was information. Any sort of bond or affection would clearly come into play-" I stopped when I saw the look in his eyes. He was teasing me. "That is - I mean - I don't presume to know your feelings or if you think there's any bond at all."

"You can't tell?"

"I -" I shook my head, admitting defeat. "I find it hard to know what's on your mind or how you're feeling."

"You're trying too hard. You need to relax and trust your intuition. It was right about Jamil, wasn't it? Besides, a bond goes two ways." There was something almost gentle in his eyes that told me he was being earnest.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was right. I was overthinking it. I already knew the truth. Instead of speaking, I closed the distance between us by hugging him. He was surprised, but he hugged me back, chuckling lightly. "I know." I pulled away and looked at him curiously. "So, what did you actually want to know?"

Jade smiled at me. "I am wondering if you can explain what happened with Jamil after he passed out. If you're up for it, that is."

"Oh, that." I considered his request. Last time, I had not wanted to get into the details. Now I knew Jade better, and I decided I trusted him - at least with a general explanation. "I don't know what happened, okay? It wasn't any sort of magic."

"Yes, I know that. But it is something."

"If you can figure out what it is, please clue me in." And maybe Jade could figure out what was happening. He was one of the most analytical people I knew and the only one to notice something was going on with me and the overblotters. "We have some sort of... connection. It only happens after they're knocked out during an overblot. You know how one of the reasons overblot happens is because of an abundance of negative emotions, right?"

"Yes, I'm well aware."

"Okay, when I touch them, I can feel those emotions. More than that, I can see the memories that caused them. I can hear his current thoughts... and he can hear mine."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, after he is done monolguing, I can speak to him with my mind. I sympathize with him and tell him how he should have handled the situation in a way that wouldn't cause harm to others. I just say anything I think will help him heal and put him on the right path." I paused, noting that Jade was watching me with great interest. "I don't know how much good it actually does as he never remembers what happened, but some sort of connections remains between us after the fact. We get along better, that's for sure. I think he subconsciously remembers what happened. Soon after, Azul talked to me about things as if I already understood his background even though the only way I knew was because I was in his mind. I don't know how far it extends though."

"That is fascinating."

"Is it?"

"Why, yes. You have direct access to a person's mind in his most vulnerable moment - someone you have every right to resent, I might add. You have the opportunity to wound him and pay him back for the harm he caused you. Instead, you help him." Jade gave me a smile that could have multiple meanings.

I frowned. "Well, yeah. I don't believe in revenge. And after hearing his story, I understand why he did what he did even if it was the wrong choice. He thought he had no other choice. I'm just giving him that choice."

Jade's smile widened. "You never fail to surprise me, Ona, and not many people can say that. It's odd. At first, I thought you were a rather dull human, but now-"

"Hey!"

"Oh, don't be angry. I don't think that anymore. You continuously challenge my beliefs about people - and that is a good thing. You have a goal, and are skilled at manipulating the situation to meet that goal. I thought only those with... unsavory goals had the skills to accomplish, but you have proved me wrong. Very good, Ona."

I looked at Jade suspiciously. "Are you making fun of me again?"

Jade gave me one of his mysterious smiles. "Now, why would I do that?"

Now I knew he was teasing me. Yet, there was a fondness in his eyes that I could not miss. He was excellent at hiding emotions but not faking them. That something slipped through told me a lot. I wondered how far his affection extended. That he felt anything at all, though, was good enough for me. "Never mind. So, do you have any idea what's going on with me?"

"Not a clue. Perhaps if you told me the details of what you have learned from these memories..."

My eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I don't think so. Maybe I wouldn't use that information against them, but I don't trust you not to."

Jade chuckled. "Very good, Ona."

"Right. Let's get back to the others before they start to worry."

"Excellent idea. This has been quite enlightening. Thank you for humoring."

"Yeah, thanks for listening." We headed out of the kitchen, but I was stopped by Azul. Jade nodded at him and left me alone with him.

"I believe it is my turn," said Azul.

I shrugged. "Okay, sure." I wondered if he had noticed the same thing as Jade. If so, I pondered whether I wanted to disclose anything to him - not that I didn't think there was a chance Jade would tell him. We stopped in the kitchen and turned to face each other. "So, what's on your mind?"

Azul waved me off. "Oh, not much. With everything else going on, it seems almost silly to bring it up. Perhaps I should wait until tomorrow."

I rolled my eyes. "Now you have to tell me."

Azul smirked. "Very well. I have noticed Jade has taken an interest in you along with Floyd."

I stared at him, dumbfounded. This was what he wanted to talk about? "Well, sure, but I don't see what the problem."

"I have not yet stated a problem, have I? I am simply pointing out that I have never seen them that close to anyone besides each other - including myself."

My eyes widened. "Hey, you don't still think I'm trying to steal them from you, do you?"

Azul chuckled lightly. "Not at all. It is my own fault, not yours, if I am not closer to them, and I do not mind at all. You are not a negative influence on them or needlessly distract them."

Why did he make it sound like he was their father? "Okay, then what's the problem?"

"I am only concerned about you, Ona. Are you sure it's a good idea to be so close to both of them?"

"Uh, yes? They are twins and extremely close to each other. It only makes sense I'd be friends with both of them. If they get along and I get along with one of them, it's only natural I'd get along with the other as well. Besides, they hang out so much it'd be near impossible to avoid the other."

Azul pushed up his glasses. "Yes, I suppose it is inevitable. Let's just hope you don't run into any... issues."

I raised my eyebrows. "What are you talking about? I don't see what the big deal is about hanging out with both of them. I hang out with Ace and Deuce at the same time, and there are no issues."

"Interesting comparison. If I remember correctly, you've called them your family. Would you say you think about them as brothers?"

"Yes, that is accurate."

"Can you honestly say that is how you feel about Jade and Floyd?"

I opened my mouth to respond but then shut it. He... had a point. "Well, no, but I'm not as close to them yet and haven't labeled our relationship in my mind."

"I am sure that's it."

"Why does my personal life matter to you anyway?"

"It doesn't - unless it causes a problem between the twins that will prove to be a hassle for me."

I slowly began to understood where he was going with this and what sort of problems he had in mind. I could see how it would negatively affect his business, but I also bet he was trying to look out for his friends... in his own way. "Look, you don't have to worry about anything. It doesn't matter how I feel. The twins aren't interested in me like that. If Floyd was, I'd know because he's open about everything. And Jade-" I paused. If Jade liked me, I probably wouldn't know until he saw fit to tell me himself. "I can't see that happening. Ever."

Azul appeared amused at my assessment. "Since you know them so well, I am sure I am simply being paranoid. If you believe you can keep up your innocent little friendship, then go right ahead."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks."

"Oh, one more thing. The Scarabian students enjoyed our training camp so much that Kalim decided to extend for one more day before allowing them to return home. You are welcome to join too, of course."

"Oh, sure. That sounds good to me."

Azul smiled. "Excellent." With that, he left me alone with my thoughts.

The final training day concluded smoothly. Jamil was sentenced to his room to rest, where Azul and Jade often checked up on him. By nightfall, he was deemed to be well enough to resume normal activities. Kalim decided to celebrate everything with a party at the oasis the following morning. So, we all spent the evening cooking. Then we got up early, packed up the camels, and prepared for one last march through the desert.

"All right," Kalim said with a grin. "Jamil's back in the action, and we're done with our winter break assignments! You know what that means: let's all throw a grand holiday party!"

"Have you considered NOT throwing a party every other day?" Jamil said, shaking his head.

"Oh, what's the harm?" said Azul. "What could be nicer than a little celebration to commemorate the season?"

"The camels are all loaded up with food and drink," said Jade.

"And I've got my swimsuit!" said Floyd. "Can't wait to dive right into that oasis."

"Yeah, it's gonna be fun!" I said.

"Then it's time for a parade!" said Kalim. "Bring on the elephants and peacocks, too!"

"Yeah!" Grim cheered. "To the oasis we go!"

"Are you feeling better now, Jamil?" Kalim said in concern. "Let me know right away if you need a break."

"Enough, " said Jamil, "I told you that I'm fine now."

"Let's hurry to the oasis and get this party started!" said Grim. "Woo hoo!"

"I'll teach you two how to swim!" Floyd said excitedly.

Jade laughed. "I can hardly wait." And so, we began our march. It was much better than before, now that we were allowed to take water and stop for breaks.

"Don't push yourself too hard, Jamil," said Azul. "You may lean on me if you need to."

"I'll pass, thank you," said Jamil. "I'd rather not be indebted to you in any way. You should be more concerned about not shriveling to nothing in the desert heat."

"Aha ha ha!" Kalim laughed. "You're all such good friends now!"

"That didn't sound friendly to me at all!" said Grim.

"Yeah, fighting can be a sign of affection, but I don't think that's true in this case," I said. It seemed like I had a lot of work to do with Kalim. However, he had the opposite inclination of everyone else at this school, and that was a welcome breather.

"I can see the oasis now," Jamil said after walking for awhile.

"Myah!" Grim exclaimed. "I can't wait to stuff my face!"

"Yeah, this is gonna be the best party ever," said Kalim. "We're gonna go all-out! Let's race! Last one to the oasis is a rotten egg!"

"Alright!" I said eagerly.

"Ha ha ha, I'm going to win!" Floyd said, and the four of us ran off towards the oasis.

"I swear... Where do they find all that energy?" I heard Jamil say behind us.

I ran as fast as I could, but I came in third place, well ahead of Grim. Floyd grinned gleefully at his victory. "I told you I'd win!"

"You've got the longest legs," Grim grumbled.

"Congratulations, Floyd," Kalim said with a grin. Soon, the others arrived, and we began to set up. It was exhausting after the march, but it was all worth it. "Okay, that should take care of everything. Go on, everybody! Eat, dance, and sing the bad times away!" The music that played was different from what I was used to, but it did have a beat that made me feel like dancing. "Come on, Jamil. Let's dance!"

"I-I'm good, really..." said Jamil. Kalim ignored him and pulled him into a dance. He jerked away from him but did dance on his own.

"They're both quite limber," said Jade. "Have you considered taking dancing lessons from them, Azul?"

"I think not," said Azul. "Some things are too tall of an order for merfolk."

"Let me in on the fun, guys!" Floyd said before running to join the duo.

I looked at Azul with raised eyebrows. "What about him?"

"Floyd is... different," said Azul, and I laughed. I grew quiet when I heard a faint call in the distance:

"...eeeyyy! Heyyy..."

"Who's that runnin' up from across the desert?" said Grim.

I squinted my eyes. "Ace and Deuce?!"