The morning light filtering through Max's dorm window.
His body ached like he'd been tossed in a dryer with a dozen rugby balls.
Aiden sat beside him, as he applied a fresh ice pack to Max's swollen jaw.
"How you feeling, buddy?" he asked
"maybe next time try talking things out before resorting to your fists."
Max winced, not just from the sting of the ice pack, but also from the sting of truth in Aiden's words.
"I know, I know," he mumbled, letting out a defeated sigh.
"I just saw red, you know? Didn't like the way he was talking to us"
Max shot him a sidelong glance "So, what should I have done? Just let him walk all over me?"
"No," Aiden countered, his voice rising slightly.
"We find a better way. Maybe next time we'll talk to them and show them we won't be pushed around, but we do it without resorting to the same tactics they use."
Max let out a derisive snort. "Talk it out? They'll just laugh at us, label us snitches. They'll think they can walk all over us because we're 'too weak' to fight back."
"Don't try to lecture me man," he spat
"I'm not going to stand by and let him act like this."
"Here's what we'll do," Aiden suggested
"You stay here today, rest up, and focus on getting better. I'll talk to Mark."
Max raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Talk to him? What are you going to say?"
"I'll tell him what happened from your perspective," Aiden explained. "Maybe, just maybe, a rational conversation will help him understand the impact of his behavior."
"Besides, I wouldn't want anyone picking on you man"
"Fine, but if things don't change…" Max responded
"We'll deal with that if we have to," Aiden reassured him, placing a hand on Max's shoulder.
"For now, just focus on getting some rest."
Aiden met Max's gaze, "Stay put, okay?"
Max nodded slowly. "Alright, man. Be careful."
The door clicking shut behind him. He took a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. He wasn't naive enough to believe his conversation with Mark would be easy, but he was determined to try.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the bustling campus. Students hurried from class to class, their voices and laughter filling the air. It was a world seemingly unfazed by the brewing conflict.
Stepping out of the shimmering portal, the members of the Inner Ring found themselves deposited in a bustling park, with their otherworldly attire.
Kael began, his voice low and steady,
"we need to blend in. Remember, we are no longer Aethelian beings here. We are ordinary humans, lost tourists, whatever story suits you best."
"Just try to observe and mimic the way they dress and behave."
Rylan scoffed. "Blend in? We're literally stronger, faster, better than these weaklings. Who needs to blend in when you can dominate"
Ion remained silent, his senses likely already absorbing and analyzing the intricacies of human behavior
Prism, his excitement barely contained. "Can we wear those funny hats? And what about those fluffy things they carry around?"
Luna responded. "Those are called scarves. And while they might be interesting, our priority is finding Eos, not playing dress-up."
Luna chuckled once more, "First, we need to find a way to disguise ourselves. We can't exactly walk around looking like… well, like us."
Kael nodded in agreement. "Luna's right. Prism, can you help us with some basic clothes? We need to appear human until further notice."
"Oooh, oooh, me! Me!" Prism practically bounced with excitement, his eyes sparkling like a child presented with a new toy.
"Can I, can I? Shiny clothes, just like the humans have!"
Prism puffed out his chest, inflating like a proud balloon.
"I'm the best at making things appear!"
He closed his eyes, concentrating with all his might. Images flickered behind his eyelids – a pair of jeans that looked like they had been painted on with colorful stripes, a shirt with a giant ice cream cone design, and a hat shaped like a fluffy cat.
With a final burst of concentration that made his tongue stick out in effort, he opened his eyes, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
"There!"
he declared, gesturing towards his companions.
However, instead of the casual human attire Kael had envisioned, the others found themselves adorned in Prism's unique interpretation of human fashion.
Seraphina, for example, was sporting a flowing purple dress adorned with glittery unicorns, while Kael sported a bright green tracksuit complete with a sequined lightning bolt down the leg. Even Ion found himself wearing a pair of mismatched socks and a shirt that proclaimed, "I love rainbows!" in several different languages.
Lance blinked, trying to process the unexpected outcome.
"Uh, that's… certainly unique, Prism,"
Luna burst out laughing. "Well, we'll definitely stand out in the crowd now, won't we?"
Rylan scowled down at himself, the scowl deepening as he realized the implications of their "casual human attire."
He was adorned in a pair of light blue skinny jeans, the kind that seemed more appropriate for a teenager than a warrior, and a bright yellow t-shirt emblazoned with a cartoon cat holding a heart-shaped balloon.
The entire ensemble clashed wildly with his usual dark, imposing attire, making him feel utterly ridiculous.
"What in the seven hells is this supposed to be?" Rylan growled, his voice laced with irritation.
"Look," Luna interjected,
"Maybe imagine something a little… less… cheerful, Prism?"
Prism, still reveling in the success of his creation, tilted his head in confusion.
"Cheerful? But the cat with the heart balloon is so happy! Happy clothes make people happy!"
Rylan groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Just… try something a little more practical, kid. Something that wouldn't make me a laughing stock in the first five minutes we're out there."
Prism pouted, his enthusiasm dampened by Rylan's negativity. However, with a sigh, he closed his eyes once more
"What the…?" Rylan sputtered. "I can't believe I'm wearing this"
Prism, oblivious to Rylan's growing irritation, bounced with excitement, clapping his hands together.
"Pretty, pretty! You look like a sparkly princess, Rylan!"
Rylan's scowl deepened to a dangerous level. "A princess?"
He ran a hand through his hair, messing up the carefully styled blonde curls that now adorned his head.
"I'd rather face a horde of demons in my usual gear than be caught dead in this… this…" he sputtered, failing to find the words to express his utter disgust.
Kael interjected with a playful smile.
"Look at the bright side" he said. "At least you're not wearing a giant ice cream cone shirt like Lance."
Thanks to Prism's childish imagination, Rylan looked like a walking, talking cotton candy cloud.
He let out a low, frustrated sigh. This mission was already proving to be more challenging than he had anticipated, and it had barely even begun.
Meanwhile, Aiden navigated the familiar hallways.
He'd pictured himself confronting Mark head-on, expressing his disapproval of yesterday's violence and hopefully finding a peaceful resolution
However, after searching for what felt like an eternity, Aiden still had no sign of Mark. He retraced his steps, frustration gnawing at his insides. He couldn't believe Mark had vanished just like that.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the cacophony of sounds. "Hey, Aiden! Didn't expect to see you here."
Aiden turned to find Sarah, Max's close friend, standing before him, her eyes filled with concern.
"Hey, Sarah,"
"Have you seen Mark anywhere?"
Sarah's brow furrowed. "Mark? No, I haven't. Why, what's going on?"
Aiden hesitated, debating how much to reveal. He knew Sarah cared deeply about Max, and he didn't want to worry her unnecessarily.
"It's nothing major," he said finally, forcing a smile.
"Just something that happened between him and Mark yesterday. I was hoping to talk things through with him."
Sarah's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh," she said softly. "Is Max okay?"
Aiden felt a pang of guilt as he lied.
"Yeah, he's fine. Just a bit...under the weather. Not feeling up to class today."
Sarah nodded.
"Alright, well, if you see Mark, let him know I'm looking for him too. He owes me lunch."
Aiden smiled. "Sure, will do."
Suddenly, Aiden felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck, a primal instinct alerting him to unseen danger.
He turned, scanning the bustling hallway, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The feeling lingered, however, a gnawing unease settling in his stomach.
He continued his search, determined to find Mark
Meanwhile, a figure observed him from across the hallway.
It was Tony, one of Mark's friends. He stood casually, leaning against a wall
He pulled out his phone, Mark's face flashes in the screen as he dialed his number. His voice, although hushed, vibrated with urgency and a hint of malicious glee as he spoke.
Minutes ticked by as Aiden navigated the halls, his steps growing heavier with each passing moment. Just as he was about to give up and return to Max's dorm, a broad figure filled his vision.
Tony, Mark's intimidating friend, stood blocking his path, arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. Aiden's heart pounded against his ribs. This wasn't how he'd envisioned finding Mark.
"Hey" Tony greeted, his voice dripping with a feigned friendliness.
"Looking for someone?"
Aiden swallowed, trying to mask his apprehension.
"Actually, yes. I was hoping to talk to Mark."
"Mark wanted me to tell you he's sorry about what happened yesterday. He feels terrible about Max."
Aiden blinked, surprised by the apology. "He is?"
"Yeah man," Tony continued
"He wants to talk things out and make amends. But, you know, college campuses can be a bit... crowded for personal apologies."
Tony leaned in "He's waiting for you outside the campus, near the abandoned warehouse"
"Alright," he agreed. "When?"
Tony grinned "In ten minutes"
With a deep breath, he made his decision.
"Alright," he said, his voice betraying a hint of apprehension. "Tell Mark I'll be there in a few minutes."
As he watched Aiden disappear down the hallway, Tony pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"He's on his way," he spoke into the receiver, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Just like you planned."
Mark let out a low, menacing chuckle.
"Good." The sound of muffled struggling reached Tony's ears, a choked sob that made his blood run cold.
The call ended abruptly, leaving Mark alone with the echo of Max's stifled cries
Max, bruised and terrified, was tied to a chair, his eyes wide with despair. Tears streamed down his face, leaving streaks of dirt against his swollen cheek.
"This is your fault, you know," Mark spat, his voice laced with hatred.
"You guys really think you can just come here, mess with my life, and get away with it?" He stalked closer to Max, his fist clenching and unclenching.
"You both are going to learn a hard lesson today."