Raiden gritted his teeth and rushed over to analyse the debris covering Cassieâs body for a way to help her out before she was completely crushed under it. âY-you said *hic* th-that everythin-ing would be *hic* fine. Were-Were you *hic* lying *hic* to me? Wh-Why did you even push *hic* me aside. We only just met so why? *hic* Cassiopeia do-donât die!â Raiden looked over at his cousin as she started to cry, as she was attempting to move the rubble with her small hands and although the situation was so dire, he was a bit happy that his cousin had made a friend. And sheâs not going to lose her now.. Raiden rolled up his sleeves and started to pull his own weight in helping Cassie out. He knew he wasnât exactly strong or fit but Raiden just knew they would make it in time, somehow. There was no way Maiâs new friend was going to die on them now so soon after they had just become acquainted. "I'm glad, you're safe..." Raiden almost froze in place as he heard the girl speak. It wasnât what he expected to hear. Maybe a âhelp me!â or âhurry!â but the girl didnât even seem to be concerned on her own well-being. Mai continued to call out her new friendâs name as Raiden picked up the pace at moving the rocks in the way understanding that every second counted. âYou shouldnât say things like that. Youâre going to be safe too!â He kept yelling over the noise for two reasons, he really believed and meant what he was saying and he wanted Cassie to stay awake. Just as he had reached out for Cassieâs arm, he awoke.
Opening his eyes, Raiden lazily turned his head to where he felt his sleeve was being continually tugged. It was of no surprise that it turned out to be his dependent cousin, Mai. Instead of being annoyed though, he gave her a soft smile that the nightmare had only just been, a nightmare. âIâm up, Iâm up.â He said before sitting upright in his chair to make sure he didnât doze off again. It finally occurred to him that they were indeed in the school. That part hadnât been a dream he concocted from his subconscious. But then did he imagine Momo and Cassiopeia up? He slowly stood up from his chair feeling groggy from the unexpected nap before looking behind him where Mai was. His cousin looked worried for some reason but he just shrugged it off as a ânew kid, new neighbourhoodâ ordeal. âLetâs go home.â He was ready to walk out of the room with his cousin in tow before somebody familiar called out his name, causing him to stop in his tracks completely.
âR-Raiden?!" âAuhââ Raiden let out a small sound expressing surprise as his shoes suddenly felt glued to the ground. Oh holy shit.. He stayed still in position completely with his back facing her (Arietta), not exactly prepared to see her again after everything that had happened between them last time. "What are you doing here?!" Raidenâs eyes wandered to the side for a distraction then wandered to the other side for more distraction but his imagination wasnât good enough for him to pretend he didnât hear her or realise her presence at all. He couldnât just pretend she wasnât actually there for real could he? He surely tried to. âIââ He turned around slightly, his left side facing the familiar girl as he cocked his head at a head tilt angle before looking away again, a hand playing with the tips of his hair while he tried to think up an excuse. No excuse was coming up so he lowered his head and looked away. âIâll be attending here as a student from now.â If Raiden couldnât come up with an excuse, then he would just state the truth. Turning his back on Arietta again, he pocketed his hands before taking another step away from her. âDonât worry, Iâll keep out of your way. Letâs go Mai.â He said in the most monotone voice he could muster.
Despite Raiden not having a lot to say, his emotions were torn and conflicted. He was sure Arietta was really angry at him and even angrier to be bumping into him again. If he was being entirely honest with himself though, there was a fraction of him that was relieved. A fraction that thought maybe a part of their relationship could be remedied, clarified and maybe even salvaged. At the same time, the possibility of fixing things between them was slim to nil and he understood that her wishes were if any, for him to stay away. He closed his eyes briefly as he walked deep in thought, one handâs fist clenching in his pocket as a tension was awakening in his chest that he didnât want anyone to read. Everything happens for a reason. I just have to believe that..
âAttention everyone!â Raiden looked over his shoulder to find that the voice was coming from an intercom speaker. The female voice coughed before continuing. âAirdalen High would like to apologise for its most recent sleeping gas incident. After thorough investigation, we have discovered the school janitor Miss Morrison had released a homemade fragrance in the ventilation systems as a quick means of performing her duties as cleaning lady, as well as to serve her own means as she has always had a strong disgust towards body odours. Unknown to her, the fragrance also served a second function as a sleeping gas that has worked on a selection of students and staff alike. This specific concoction also possessed a trace of the smell of roses..â âIt is unfortunate that one of our senior students has passed away on our grounds due to his severe allergic case.â
âAirdalen High does not tolerate pranks of any sort for any reason given. As a result, the school janitor has been fired and apprehended by the police. Due to this incident, after school clubs will also be cancelled for today. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Varthur Laurence..â