44 The Festival

The battle had ended. The students were, healed, debriefed, and fed. Most of those who fought were awake late into the night and slept most of the next morning away. They'd missed the first part of the summer festival. But the afternoon and evening were the best times to go out anyways.

If Kyrie could finish getting ready so they could go.

He stood in front of the bathroom mirror, holding the necklace Pele had given him. He'd unclasped it and was hesitant. He'd gambled yesterday, nearly gotten people killed – nearly killed them.

But it worked, paid off. He'd managed to control his ability and save people even, if it had started off as a drill. He'd saved lives. Earned the right to wear the necklace in his grasp.

But still, he hesitated. A gamble.

Centra pounded on the bathroom door. "Come on Kyrie, we're not leaving without you." She'd been knocked unconscious yesterday. That was it. She was fine. In fact, she had the easiest time recovering from her injuries.

She and the others were all okay. Liza was still a bit shaky and Raven Clof had taken her father's battle necklace from her. She'd over used it yesterday, and her grandfather was worried about her. He was worried she'd have permanent effects from aura sickness. She was already supposed to take it easy for the next week.

DJ was firmly attached to Centra's side. He'd spent last night at her side. And Centra was grateful to have him there.

Amity was walking with a limp. And Caleb had been healed after he lost consciousness.

Everything was fine. The gamble had worked. But it was still a gamble.

"Coming," Kyrie said as he slipped the necklace into his pocket. Maybe he'd put it on later. For now, he'd join his teammates for a bit fun. Just like DJ'd planned.

And Kyrie would try to forget about what Masaki had done.

♢ ♢ ♢

As the team wandered through the various festival stalls a news broadcast was playing.

"During yesterday's evacuation drill a hacker managed to break into the control system for the defense dolls called Tries. She's believed to be a member of an organization called the Chars." The newscaster paused before she continued. "Most of the deaths during the training was the result of the hackers turning off the Trie's safety mode. Though some deaths appear to have occurred before the system was hacked.

"It will take several weeks before the researchers and staff at Kondaira Academy can begin pinpointing what went wrong before the hack.

"The Tries will not be activated until the bug is found and the security is increased.

"In other news, Kyrie Say was instrumental in the defense of…"

The team had heard all of this yesterday. The current broadcast was on a loop. Plus, they had more pressing matters to worry about. Like having fun and getting their shopping done.

Kyrie was introducing Corson to the couple he purchased his ribbons from. And Liza was purchasing a new lock pick roll, with trembling hands.

Jasper was eyeing the wand options available. He debated on buying one now one now or waiting. He should get paid enough for a wand from his work in the battle yesterday, and he had enough saved up. Okay, a fire wand it is.

DJ and Centra were chatting with James and his team as they waited. So far it had been a good goofing off day, on the surface. Many people were worried and scared. They tracked where the nearest shelter was, nodded at the guards, and checked that the sky over the city was still tinted a strong pink.

As Kyrie passed a stand selling ambrosia rolls, he purchased two. They were his favorite.

He may not have been able to save her in Avalon, but he could enjoy them again. They'd never beat the ones he'd make with the Say Clan's head chef when he was in Avalon. But they tasted wonderful. And they'd always remind him of her and the times he escaped to her warm kitchen.

As Kyrie wandered after his friends, he saw Caleb's team go into club 58.

Later as they played games, he saw a guilty but happy looking Null wandering around the festival with his family. So far, his plan was working. Kyrie wasn't turning. And people were believing in him. All Null had to do to reassure himself was listen to the news broadcast. But not all news broadcasts matched the ones being displayed in the city.

Kyrie was laughing and enjoying his first time at a festival, not as a guard. When it happened.

Kyrie had spotted the young boy who'd once said to him, "You're way cooler than I thought!" And his heart ached.

The boy was hurting, hungry, and angry at the one who was supposed to protect them. Keep him and his sister safe from the legends that had ruined his life. The legends that had stolen the life of the little sister he was supposed to protect. He'd tried. He'd given everything he had but he'd been too weak.

Stealing from a man that had betrayed him and had plenty was fine, was perfect. There was no reason for him to feel guilty.

The boy slipped his hand in Kyrie's pocket and ran.

Kyrie watched him, let him empty his pocket and let him go. The boy needed it more than he did.