INSIGNIAS: THE LUX SIGNIFER ACADEMY

There were four types of stares the group got whenever someone, a student, a teacher, or a faculty member, sees them. Some looked at them with disgust as if they carry a contagious disease that the people should stay far away from. Some looked at them with amazement, probably because of the capabilities they showed in the tournament. The others peeked but looked disinterested with the new arrivals. Most of these three types of people suddenly looked scared when their gaze met Faz’s figure. He told Faz before they arrive in the Northern Lux where the Lux Signifer Academy is located that he should try not to interact with anyone inside the Academy. Faz didn’t reply nor acknowledge his statement.

It was late afternoon the day after the tournament. The group agreed to meet in Conference Hall room PR9. Skhy first made sure that everyone was in good shape. Seeing that Tessa and Hanne still had difficulty standing up, he asked them to stay in their room. Tessa insisted but she gave up when she tried to walk.

“So we’re students now,” Clyne said like he’s daydreaming.

“The uniforms will probably be in our rooms later,” Skhy announced, “With our schedules.”

“We’re not going to be in the same class, right?” Nate asked, “I remembered about the departments.” Skhy nodded.

“Ventus, Aqua, Scrobis, and Fulgur Divisions or Departments are in Laurels building,” Skhy explained, “Ignis, Petram, Tenebris, and Mettalium Divisions are in Aventurescence building. Then there’s the Tempus Locus building.” Lei and Aria nodded in understanding. Lei, however, looked uncomfortable. She must be anxious about not knowing anyone in the room.

“Wow. So cool,” Clyne exclaimed. He had a big smile. His eyes were sparkling with excitement.

“Your impression might change when you started studying and training,” Storm commented. Clyne’s smile fell a bit.

“The school map is also provided,” Skhy pointed out. While Clyne and Storm looked relaxed, Faz was deep in thought like Skhy. He stared at Faz, wondering what he’s thinking. This is the beginning, huh. Whatever you’re trying to find out, please don’t harm anyone here.

He shook the thought away.

“Did you get rid of the papers I gave you? The one with the thing I want you to do?” Skhy asked. Everyone except Faz nodded.

“You gave it too early,” Faz commented. He turned to Skhy with a disapproving expression. “You already know the conclusion.”

“You’re wrong,” Skhy replied, “I gave it so everyone can think of how they can accomplish it.” The two engaged in an intense gaze battle.

“I see,” Faz said after two long minutes then turned his gaze away. Skhy turned to Storm.

“I messaged Tessa and Hanne. I gave them the wrong note.” Storm lifted one of his eyebrows.

“They exchanged?” he asked.

“Yes. It’s better for Tessa to do it,” Skhy answered. Storm nodded in understanding.

“I’m excited to do a mission with my Aria!” Clyne exclaimed. Aria rolled her eyes in response. Skhy, Storm, and Nate chuckled.

“I have a question.” Everyone turned to Lei who looked troubled. Skhy frowned.

“What is it?” he asked. What’s the problem?

“It’s related to the Regalis,” she started. The atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

“When are they needed?” she asked.

“What?” Clyne asked, confused. But Skhy understood her question.

“I don’t know. That’s why they have to be trained quickly,” he responded while looking at the light on the ceiling. Someone sighed. He turned to Faz, who was staring at the table.

“This isn’t my business. I don’t care if that prophecy is true or not,” Faz explained, “but there are a lot of blanks in your story and plans.” His gaze left the table to stare at Skhy.

“What are you going to do with those blanks?” Faz taunted. I know that. But Skhy didn’t respond. Faz’s eyes were silently laughing at him. Skhy knew that Faz won’t say anything more as long as he doesn’t provoke him.

“Okay okay. Let’s talk about other agenda!” Clyne tried to break their eye contact that lasted longer than the one earlier. The table had turned. It was usually Faz and Storm who usually glare at each other. Skhy didn’t want this. It started because Faz involved Tessa in-

“I think that those blanks will be filled soon,” Lei suddenly said. She looked at Faz. “We are here for that, remember?” Skhy tried to hide his smile. Good one, Lei. If Tessa was in the room, she would say the same thing. Faz didn’t say anything but he looked annoyed.

After 20 minutes, everyone started to leave the conference room until Skhy and Faz were the only persons left. Lei looked back at Skhy. He nodded for her to go and she did with doubt on her face. She must have a lot of questions.

“What?” Faz asked him.

“I hope you follow our deal. I hope you didn’t forget it.” Faz scoffed.

“I didn’t have time to forget because you and that girl always remind me,” he answered then crossed his arms on his chest. That girl has a name. Skhy sighed. He didn’t want to argue with him now.

“Don’t hurt anyone. Don’t kill anyone. Don’t give Skhy a hard time,” Faz listed.

“What?”

“She kept reminding me. It’s getting on my nerves,” Faz explained. He had a deep frown. He kept glaring at the table. Tessa told him to not give me a hard time? Skhy smiled a bit.

“Did she tell you when she’s going to give me the diary?” Faz asked.

“When the time is right,” Skhy answered. The statement made him more frustrated.

“I promised already. I will follow her words!” he exclaimed, clearly furious. “Just because I needed that information to find something, she had to use me like this!”

“She will give you that information. While you’re waiting, look for what you’re looking for in the Academy. You said that the most important information is here.” Faz turned to Skhy, still looking furious. Skhy didn’t know who he’s angry with now – him, Tessa, or someone else. He thought he’s going to prove something.

“What do you need?” he asked instead. “What does she need?”

“What do you mean?” Skhy was confused.

“Letting me in this team. Letting me come to this place.” I just want you to return to the person I know. “You know how much people hate me. Some people here want to kill me. I don’t care though.”

“Arms. Brain. You’re a good fighter and a smart warrior,” Skhy answered instead. Faz snorted.

“But you don’t trust me,” he said matter-of-factly. He was no longer furious.

“No. But this chance will prove if we can trust you. Also, because, just like me, you want to find the truth about the battle three years ago. We can work together,” Skhy replied. He remembered what he said to Clyne. He still believed that Faz is still a good person. Faz narrowed his eyes on him. He began to drum his fingers on the table.

“People say I can sacrifice other people’s lives to get what I want.”

“Is that true?” Faz looked taken aback by Skhy’s question but he gathered himself quickly.

“I can,” he replied in a really low voice. “If it’s for Eloise.” It had been a long time since Skhy heard the name from Faz. Years ago, he had a loving voice whenever he calls her. Three years ago, his broken cries call her when she went missing with others. Now, his voice was full of anger to cover the sadness. It’s true it hurt you when our friends disappear three years ago but losing Eloise made you like this. We’ll find the truth, Faz. Skhy wanted to say these words but he couldn’t.

“You saw….she’s alive-“

“Of course.” He gritted his teeth. Faz’s eyes darkened because of anger. It still baffled Skhy when Faz told him that he needed information to find Eloise. Faz didn’t tell him everything but he believed that their friends are alive. More mysteries and secrets. What is Lux Signifer Academy hiding?

He stood up and walked towards the door. He had grabbed the doorknob when Skhy talked.

“We’ll find the truth, Faz,” he finally said. “Make sure not to let anyone in the Academy know about Eloise.”

“I don’t trust anyone,” he confessed, “Tell that girl that I’m not patient.” Faz quickly left the room. Skhy sighed then grabbed a handkerchief in his pocket. He remembered it hanging in Faz’s pocket. He didn’t even ask why Faz had it. He wasn’t injured, Tessa was. He had to ask her when he visits her. He didn’t like that Faz had it.

“But there’s no point feeling that,” he said in the empty conference room, “Eloise won’t leave his heart and mind.”