Crystal’s heart sank and decided to stand outside for a second whilst everyone applauded inside the hall.

“Well done kitten! I’m proud of you.” Train said hugging her tightly. “You’ve turned into a panther!” Yumi replied. “So, where’s Crystal? Isn’t she to commend you as well? Train asked. “Here.” Crystal replied behind everyone. She forced a smile upon her face but didn’t seem well and hugged Karai. Ryuu walked up to the crowd and stretched out his hand to Karai. Her face was bloodshot with an utter blank stare. Crystal was in awe. Yumi nudged Karai forward snapping her out of her trans. Karai walked forward, took his hand and Ryuu pulled her closer and slowly started dancing with her. Karai was nauseated with butterflies but luckily she could handle it.

“It’s a good thing he’s gripping me so firmly otherwise my legs would have caved.” She thought to herself smiling like a dork.

“I’m off to my dorm, I’m not feeling too well.” Crystal said as she walked out the door. “Would you like me to accompany you?” Yumi asked. “No, that’s fine. I can handle it. I’m just going to sleep it off.” Crystal replied respectfully gesturing Yumi away with her palm.

Crystal arrived at her dorm not sure how to feel, angry or cry or both. She proceeded to pack her back pack and prepare to leave early the morning.

After the gathering Karai went to the dorm and found Crystal asleep. Karai got into her pajamas and decided to go to sleep. She couldn’t help but smile all throughout the night after such a wonderful evening.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Early the next morning Crystal made her way to the docs again arriving at 6:am sharp. She went all the way up in the mountain and found Fukushu drinking tea.

“Good morning little one, the month hasn’t even passedand you’re back again? What’s the rush?” He asked pouring her a cup of tea.

“It’s Cat! She-“ Crystal hesitated for a second realizing she was about to expose the academy. “She was nominated the best in class and got assigned to work with the masters! Not only that, she got the head masters attention and he seems infatuated with her!” She exclaimed slamming the porcelain cup on the table.

“Easy now young one.” Fukushu tried calming her down. “What is so bad about that?” He walked towards her kneeling in front of her.

“I wanted to be in that position. I wanted him to be infatuated with me. I –“ She calmed down, her eyes sank to the ground. “I’m just being selfish.”

“You’re interested in the Head master? Well, I have a proposal.” Fukushu replied resting his chin on his fist, grinning. “You seem determined to be in her place, tell me more about her, and these masters. Devote yourself to me, I will train you and soon we could take over. What do you think?” He sat back patiently waiting for an answer. If she declined and threaten to expose him, he could easily get rid of her without a trace. If she sided with him. This would be a great start.

“You know what, that sounds really twisted.” She stood up and walked to the cave’s entrance, hes facial expression went plain. “But I like it, we have a deal, I will see you next month & tell you everything so have a plan ready.” And walked out.

Fukushu grinned as his plan was working out and as a bonus, much faster than expected.

July came around and Crystal decided to take another weekend to go to the docs whilst Karai was back home. Once again, she left early making sure no one sees her. 6am sharp she was already at Fukushu’s lair offering him a cup of tea. “That would be lovely.” He said smiling. Throughout the day Crystal opened up about everything and Fukushu followed through the plan bit by bit to see if Crystal would be interested and agree before going to the next step. He felt good knowing he had a sidekick of his own that would give him all the ins and outs of the academy he needed. It helped progress his personal agenda and couldn’t wait for it all to come together. Bit by bit he would train Crystal not only in combat but pharmaceuticals and psychology as well.