Chapter 61

I felt light and happy as I left the field with Grim and my Octavinelle friends. Finally, the danger was over. I could relax and focus on other things. I had not felt this good at days. I knew it would take time to process it all, but I was certain everything would be fine now.

"You four should change and wash up," Jade said as we walked. "I will get the lounge ready for our guests."

"No!" Floyd said quickly. "Don't do that."

Jade looked at him with raised eyebrows. "Pardon?"

Floyd rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. "I mean, after we get changed, I'll take over for you. Ona needs to talk to you about something."

Jade shifted his gaze to me. "You do?"

I blinked. "I do?"

Floyd nudged me with his elbow and then whispered into my ear. "Yes, you do. Remember what I told you before we flew off on our adventure?"

My eyes widened as it came back to me. Floyd had said that Jade was trying to make me spend more time with Floyd than him. He had also said that Jade loved me. "Yes, I remember." I smiled slightly at Jade. "I would like to talk to you alone as soon as possible."

Jade gave me a soft smile in return. "Very well. Let me know when you are ready."

"What is this about?" Azul asked suspiciously.

"Yeah, I want to know!" Grim said, sounding curious.

"That's between the three of us," said Floyd. "Don't worry, Ona will take care of it."

"The three of us?" Jade repeated. "Now I am intrigued."

"You'll find out soon enough," I said.

"Hey, I just realized something," said Grim, looking up at me. "Have you been staying in Octavinelle?"

I nodded. "That's right. Ramshackle was totally destroyed. I've been staying with Floyd and Jade in their room."

"Now that there's two of you, I will find a spare room for you," said Azul.

I gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks."

"Are you sure you both don't want to stay with us?" said Floyd. "Shrimpy can share a bed with Jade, and I can share with Grim."

"No thanks!" Grim said immediately, and I had to chuckle.

"Yeah, I think it's better if we have our own beds," I said with a smile.

Floyd shrugged. "Suit yourselves."

We seen reached Octavinelle and entered the building. Before we could head to the dorm rooms, Jade stopped and turned to me. "Ona, I found this and wanted to give it to you." He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to me.

Floyd grinned. "Oh, you're finally giving her a gift?"

"Of course. It is what you wanted, is it not?"

"Yes," I said. "Thank you." I looked down at the stone in my hand. This was no ordinary rock. It was beautiful. The whole thing glittered, and the center shown with a pretty pink color that reminded me of hibiscuses, which was surrounded by beautiful jade stone. Overall, the rock gave the impression of a watermelon. When I looked up, Jade was gone.

"Wow, that's much better than the rocks he usually finds," said Floyd.

"It looks like tourmaline," said Azul. "It's quite rare and valuable."

I noticed the way he looked at the stone, so I closed my fingers around it and turned away from him. "You can't have it! Jade gave it to me."

Azul seemed amused by my reaction. "Yes, indeed."

"I can't believe he just found that lying around," said Grim.

"I bet he's had it for a while," said Floyd. "It's probably special to him."

"Then why did he just give it away?"

Azul smirked. "Clearly, Ona is more special to him."

"That's right," said Floyd, flinging an arm around my shoulder. "Don't worry about your talk with him, Shrimpy. It will be fine."

I opened my hand to stare at the stone again, and a soft smile spread across my face. "Yeah, I'm sure it will."

We reached the dorms and parted from Azul. Floyd led the way into his room. I immediately walked over to the terrarium that housed the mushroom Jade had given me and placed the stone beside it. The shells that Floyd gave me were arranged around the terrarium.

"You take that stuff way too seriously," Grim grumbled.

"They're gifts," I said. "They're precious to me."

"You're just jealous," Floyd said with a grin.

"How come I never get any gifts?" said Grim, proving his point.

"I give you tuna all the time," I said.

Grim had nothing to say after that. Floyd and I took turns showering and getting changed. Finally, we were presentable, though I knew we would both need a long rest that night. My heart beat quicker when I realized it was time to talk to Jade.

"Come on, Sealie," Floyd said. "Let's go get Jade."

"Why can't I stay?" said Grim.

"They need to talk in private."

Grim looked at him suspiciously. "Why?"

"It's personal," I said. "And Jade will be more open if we're alone. Please, Grim?"

Grim crossed his arms and let out a heavy sigh. "Fine." He reluctantly left the room with Floyd.

Once alone, I sat on Jade's bed to wait for him, choose his bed over Floyd's because it was actually made. Although I had been sleeping in Floyd's bed, all of my belonging's were on Jade's side of the room. I did not mind Floyd's mess, but I did not want my things to get lost in it.

Several minutes later, I heard a knock on the door. Then Jade entered. He stopped short, something flashing in his eyes when he saw me on my body, but it was quickly hidden by his typical cool exterior. "Hello, Ona," he said with a polite smile.

I gave him a small smile in return. "Hey, Jade." When he did not move to sit down with me, I stood up and approached him. I felt an urge to embrace him like earlier but thought that might make it difficult to hold our conversation.

"What did you want to talk about?"

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well, Floyd mentioned something that we should discuss..."

I noticed curiosity in Jade's eyes along with something more guarded. "Oh? And Floyd did not want to join us?"

I shook my head. "No. He thought we would be more productive on our own."

Jade nodded. "Go on then. Tell me what's on your mind."

I hesitated as I tried to think about where to begin. I decided to just come out and say it. "Floyd said you've been trying to get me to like him more than I like you."

Jade's eyes widened slightly. "And how am I doing that?"

"Well, you don't initiate contact much anymore. You're always asking Floyd to do everything or suggesting I go to him. And Floyd said that sometimes you let him take the credit for something sweet you did."

Jade's smile faded, his mouth forming a thing line. "I see."

I study his face, searching for truth. "Is he right? I'll know if you're lying." My heart pounded as I waited for him to respond.

Jade's expression softened. "Yes, it is true. I was trying to help you. I thought you might prefer Floyd's company."

I felt a little more at ease with his response. I believed Floyd that Jade's motivation was to make me happy. He just had it all messed up. "That's for me to decide, not you. You can't put me into situations to test if it is true. I know you don't mean to do it, but you are manipulating me. How can I ever have a chance to choose you if you're forcing things so I feel more affection towards Floyd? And he doesn't like it either. He would prefer I choose him because I want to, not because you manipulated the situation."

I noticed a hint of a flurry of emotions behind the mask that Jade wore. "You are right. I did not mean to manipulate you. I apologize if it came off that way. However, I do not have to choose to spend time with you. And you could always choose to spend more time with me."

I frowned as I considered this line of reasoning. "I'm sorry, Jade. I think I have been blind to some of the things you do to me because I more readily recognize Floyd's forms of affection. I'll try to do better. I really do appreciate you, you know."

Jade's expression softened. "I appreciate you too, but it's alright if you prefer to spend time with Floyd."

I shook my head. "You're not thinking correctly. I don't have to choose one of you over the other. I like both of you, and I want to strengthen my friendship with both of you. Floyd is capable of getting closer to me on his own. You should be focused on improving your relationship with me instead of worrying about Floyd's and mine. That's how you can help me the most."

Something flickered in Jade's eyes. Then he smiled softly at me. "Perhaps you are right. I am sorry, Ona. I did not mean to hurt you... or Floyd. I promise, from now on, I will be the best friend to you that is possible. Is there anything specific you would like me to do?"

I hesitated. I did not want to push him by asking for too much, but as long as he was open to ideas, I figured it would not hurt to discuss them. "I would like to see more of your emotions around me, like through physical affection. I don't expect you to be as openly affectionate as Floyd, but you don't have to keep letting him hog all of the attention jut because it comes more naturally to him."

Jade's expression became more guarded again, but he nodded. "It's not that I'm against the idea. I am simply not sure if you know what you are getting yourself into. I do not wish to overwhelm you with my emotions."

I frowned in response. "Overwhelm? I don't think that will happen. Floyd has very strong emotions, and I deal with them just fine."

Jade gave me a kind smile. "I know you do, but Floyd and I are very different. He feels strong emotions that disappear as quickly as they appear. I, on the other hand, don't feel strongly most of the time, but when I do, my emotions are very intense, and they last for a long time."

I thought about that for a moment. I believed him to be wrong, but I had no way to prove it. I could only see one way that would satisfy us both. "Well, can you just show me a little bit of your emotions and affection? Then you could gradually increase it to see how much I can really handle."

Uncertainty flashed in Jade's eyes. "In theory, that is a good idea, but I am afraid I do not have much practice. The best way I know how to control my emotions is to hide them completely."

"Could you try? For me?" I took hold of both his hands and gave him a pleading look.

"Well..."

I noticed the conflict on his face and decided to help him. Perhaps he needed a specific example. "You can start by telling me how you felt when I was gone."

"I told you that I missed you."

"Yes, but what else? How did you feel about not being able to accompany me? How did it feel to watch me leave with Floyd?"

Jade averted his gaze. "Floyd was the best person for the job."

"I didn't ask what you thought. I asked how you felt."

Jade looked back at me, and his eyes flashed with emotion. I sensed his frustration. "Fine. I felt disappointed that it could not be me instead of him. Are you satisfied? It was selfish of me."

A wave of relief passed over me, and I couldn't help but grin. "No, Jade. You weren't selfish at all. You're never selfish with me." I lightly squeezed his hands and took a step closer to him. "Your feelings are not wrong. You did not choose to act on them, which makes you very selfless."

"Really?" Jade gazed at me intensely, emotions swirling in his eyes.

I smiled at him. "Really. Please, show me how much you missed me. Give me affection."

Jade hesitated. Then he slowly wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a hug. I immediately hugged him back, relaxing into his embrace. "Are you sure?" He spoke softly, his voice almost a whisper.

"Yes. Do whatever you wish. I do not mind."

Jade started to gently rub my back. I sensed that he was a bit tense, so I reciprocated the actions. He looked down at me with a soft smile, relaxing slightly. I allowed myself to become completely relaxed myself and rested my head against his chest. I felt his heart beating a bit quicker than normal. Still, he did not stop caressing me in a soothing manner. After some time, he gave me some kisses on the top of my head and on my face, which made me feel light and happy.

"How is this?" Jade asked quietly.

I looked up at him with a contented smile. "It's perfect."

Jade smiled back at me. "Good. Now, why don't we join the others? They're surely waiting for us. I will cuddle with you while we watch movies if you'd like."

My face lit up at the suggestion. Usually, it was only Floyd who was willing to cuddle with me. This was a nice change of pace. "That would be great!"

Jade chuckled lightly. He kissed my forehead before letting me go. "Come on, princess." He placed a hand on my back and guided me out of the room and to the lounge. Just as he predicted, everyone was already gathered together.

"There you two are," Azul said with a slight smile. "It's about time."

"Come on, Little Shrimpy!" Floyd said excitedly. He grabbed my arm and tried to pull me over to the couch. "You can cuddle with me!"

"No, Floyd," Jade said with a stern yet kind voice. "I will be cuddling with her today."

Floyd looked like he wanted to argue, but then he suddenly grinned. "Okay!" He walked off to sit next to Kalim instead.

Jade smiled warmly at me. "Shall we?" He motioned to the remaining couch.

I nodded. "Of course." We sat down next to each other on the couch. I immediately snuggled up to Jade, feeling a rush of warmth when he wrapped an arm around me.

Ace gave us an odd look. "This is new."

Jade smiled politely at him. "Sometimes it's nice to try something new."

"Indeed," said Azul. He looked at me and smirked, and I rolled my eyes.

"Don't forget about me!" Grim said before climbing onto the couch next to me.

I chuckled lightly. "Of course, buddy." I picked him up and placed him on my lap so he could cuddle with me as well. I lean against Jade as the lights dimmed and the movie started. For the first time in awhile, all I had to do was enjoy spending time with my friends.

That evening, Grim and I headed to the cafeteria alone. Azul said he had to speak to his students, so we took an empty table next to him. Our other friends were too tired to join us. It felt good to get in line for the school food. Grim must have thought so as well, for he immediately started to scarf down his food.

I chuckled lightly as I watched him. "Slow down, buddy, or you'll get a stomach ache."

"My tummy can handle it!" Grim said confidently.

"Hey, Ona, Grim," Epel said as he walked over to us with a tray. "Is this seat taken?" He motioned to the seat next to Grim.

"It's all yours," I said.

Epel smiled and sat down. "Thanks a bunch. I don't think I'd be able to find another seat."

"And now I get some of your lunch as payment!" Grim said before snagging some food from Epel's plate.

Epel gasped. "But that's my food!"

Grim ignored him and ate the food. "This piddly dinner ain't fillin' at all... Hey, Epel. Got any apples today?"

"'Fraid not. I don't carry a ready supply around, you know. I just share any extras I can't eat myself when I get shipments from home."

Grim frowned. "Aww, man... Those apples are real tasty. Wish I could get my paws on some..."

Epel's eyes suddenly widened. "...AHA! Hey, Grim! Since you're craving some apples, how'd you like to visit Harveston with me? Then you could have your fill of the best apples money can buy."

Grim brightened at that. "Really?! Sign me up!"

"Only thing is... The trip's tomorrow."

Grim's eyes widened in surprise. "Tomorrow?!"

That's pretty sudden," I said.

"Tell me about it. I only heard I was goin' back this afternoon." Epel sighed. "Meemaw sure loves her surprises. The thing is, one of Harveston's annual festivals is this weekend. And my family asked me to be there for it."

Grim did not appear too bothered. "I'm down to go if it means I get to munch on delicious apples!"

"You can bet on that! And, uh..." Epel smiled sheepishly. "Grim, would you be up for joining me in the Mount Moln Sledathon?"

Grim blinked. "The Mount what now?"

"Oh, Mount Moln's this giant mountain that you can see from Harveston. We hold an annual sled race on it every year. That's the Mount Moln Sledathon!"

"Hmmm. A sled race, you say?"

"People get in teams of four and compete to see who can reach the finish line the fastest. Meemaw asked me to bring some friends from school for my team. She was all like, 'You musta made a whole heap o' friends by now. How 'bout bringin' some 'round?' 'Y'all young'uns can liven up the race!' But it's such short notice, I don't even know who to invite. So please, would you do the race with me?" Epel looked at Grim hopefully.

"Mrah... I didn't really get all that, but... It sounds like a pain! Count me OUT!" Grim crossed his arms and shook his head. "I'll go for the apples, but I ain't messin' with no sleds."

Epel's face fell. "So much for that... Well, you'll still liven things up either way, I guess. Okay, Grim, no problem. I'll just have to find some other people willing to join the race." He turned to me. "Say, Ona, why don't you come too? Grim's already going. You'd be more than welcome to join."

I brightened at the offer. "Sounds fun!"

"I hope you like apples, Ona, 'cause you're in for a treat. Oh, but I should tell you... I don't think you'll be able to do the sledathon, unfortunately. The sleds we use for it are magically operated."

I nodded. "I understand."

"Say what?" said Grim. "You got some weird sleds."

"Meemaw asked me to bring along some friends because the students here use magic," said Epel.

"Ah, I getcha. That's why you invited me, 'cause I'm gonna be a great mage. You've got a keen eye, Epel. Not that I'm racin', you understand!"

"Yes, yes, you've made yourself very clear. It's teams of four, so I'll need three others. But where am I gonna find people willing to take such a last minute trip?"

"Couldn't you just ask Vil and Rook? They're in your dorm."

Epel hesitated. "I mean, I could, but..." He paused as he looked away. "...On second thought, that's not gonna work! There have to be other options, right?"

Grim shrugged. "You could just leave it up to chance and ask the first people you see."

Epel shook his head. "But that's so random..."

"C'mon, let's see who's here..." Grim looked around the cafeteria. Then he started waving his arms and shouting across the table. "Hey! Sebek!"

Epel winced. "Erk! Sebek?!"

Sebek looked over at us from further down the table, seeming annoyed. "What do you want?"

Epel smiled nervously. "Um, hello... I didn't see you sitting there. So, I'm sorry to just spring this on you, but the thing is..."

"Wanna do a sled race, Sebek?" Grim asked bluntly. I had to stifle a laugh.

Sebek looked affronted. "I think not."

"Grk... But I haven't even given you the full rundown yet," said Epel.

"I happened to overhear your discussion. I thought it rather curious you were visiting home on a regular weekend. But unfortunately for you, I have no interest in a race that serves as a mere festival sideshow."

Epel smirked. "Oh, Sebek... Have you got the WRONG end of the stick?"

Sebek looked at him in confusion. "What? Why are you smirking?"

"The Mount Moln Sledathon ain't some sideshow. It's a brutal race. Competitors gotta follow the course all night long, nonstop."

Sebek's eyes widened. "For an entire night?!"

"That's right. Just usin' magic won't cut it. You gotta have stamina or else you'll never make it to the finish line."

Sebek seemed intrigued. "Oho..."

"Plus, the sleds are tricky to control. They're not what you'd call beginner-friendly. So I can't just take anyone from NRC. I need someone with an athletic mindset."

"Intriguing..."

"Winning this race is a bit honor, y'know. The winners get full bragging rights. I imagine their friends and loved ones'll give 'em a big ol' pat on the back and say 'You did good.'"

Sebek seemed deep in thought, and I had to stifle a laugh. Epel sure knew how to play him. "Those are pretty high standards." Sebek and Epel stared at each other until Epel finally broke the silence.

"Yep, sure is a pickle. Where, oh where will I find someone? If only there were a skilled athlete at this school who was equally strong with magic. Someone who was the very definition of brawny."

Sebek sat up tall. "But there is!"

Epel appeared oblivious. "Really? Where?"

Sebek pointed his thumb at himself. "RIGHT HERE! I'll join your race and make this an easy win!" I saw Epel hide a smirk, and I did the same. "It's different if the race is that intense. I never pass up a rigorous training opportunity."

Epel smiled at him. "Thanks, Sebek! But we still need two more people. Who else can I bring?"

"I doubt many will want to volunteer for some obscure festival race. Is Mount Moln even famous?"

"It doesn't have to be," I said as something suddenly occurred to me. "I know someone who would love to to visit any mountain."

Epel perked up at my words. "Really? Who?"

I smiled proudly. "Jade."

"Right you are, Ona," Jade said, standing up from the table behind us and gaining everyone's attention. "Although, it so happens that Mount Moln is famous. For the people of Harveston, in the Shaftlands' mountainous northern region, it has long been considered a sacred place. I hear it radiates a mystical beauty that captivates mountain climbers the world over. It's also a popular subject for painters and photographers, given that the scenery at the foot of the mountain changes so much each season."

I grinned when I saw Epel's stunned face. "See?"

"Wow, Jade," said Epel. "You really know your stuff."

"I've read a great deal about Mount Moln," said Jade. "It's something of an interest of mine. Epel... If it wouldn't be too much an imposition, would you allow me to join you on your trip?"

"Huh?!"

"Harveston would be a prime destination for someone in the Mountain Lovers Club."

Epel smiled brightly at him. "I'd be glad to have you!"

"Shouldn't you tell him about the sled race first?" said Sebek.

"Oh, right. So um, Jade... This trip involves a sled race as well. It's called the Mount Moln Sledathon..."

"Yes, I'm aware," said Jade. "I confess I eavesdropped on your entire conversation. It sounded like you were in a bind. I would gladly offer my assistance, if you'll have me. I'm curious to see what Mount Moln looks like at night when racing through it on a sled."

Epel tilted his head. "So, you're more interested in the mountain than the race...?" He shrugged. "Well, either way, welcome aboard! That's two down, one to go!"

I smiled at Jade. "It will be nice to have you with us."

Jade smiled back at me. "It will be my pleasure to accompany you."

"I want to go on a trip with Little Shrimpy too!" Floyd whined, getting up to stand beside his brother.

"No," Azul said sharply from across the table. "I can't afford to lose both of you over the weekend. You're staying here."

Floyd started to pout. "But I wanna go!"

Azul looked like he was about to say something, but I spoke quickly. "I can handle this." He gave me a curt nod. I smiled brightly at Floyd. "Will you please let Jade go alone, Floyd? We just spent a lot of time together and got to bond. Now I think Jade should get a turn, don't you?"

Floyd looked like he wanted to complain, but then he suddenly smiled. "Okay! You're right." He slapped a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You better make the most of this."

Jade chuckled lightly. "Indeed, I shall."

Azul let out a breath of relief. "Thanks, Ona."

I nodded. "No problem." With that settled, I turned back to Epel. "So, one more..."

Epel nodded. "I still need one more person... Lunch is almost over, so I gotta find 'em quick." And then we were approached by the most unexpected person: Idia.

A/N: I know Idia shouldn't be showing up this soon, but I had to place the sledathon as early as possible. The first weekend of March seems like the earliest that a town would annually have a snow based event. Let's just say Idia's parents forced him to return right away. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.