ARLIE'S POV
I walked out of professor Orion's class, exhausted. The evening sun penetrated the school Windows as I walked through the halls.
I needed a break from the never ending exhaustion the school gives.
As i was headed back to my dorm room, i turned a corner and nearly collided with Professor Thane.
Arlie, I was just headed to Orion's class now to catch up with you, it's a good thing I bumped into you, how are you faring?" he asked with a genuinely concerned voice.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions. "Umm...i'm good Professor, I actually wanted to talk to you too.
I'm so sorry, For everything.
Since I arrived, I've been a mess. My powers, Lyra...I feel like I've let you down, you had so much faith in me."
I said all these not meaning a single word, i just really needed him to get me off cleaning duties so I can have more time for classes and my powers, it seems I'm getting too comfortable in eleftheria, I must not forget my goals.
Thane's expression softened. "you carry an immense burden. No apologies necessary. Come, walk with me."
We walked through the quiet school corridors, the only sound that could be heard was the echoing of our footsteps as they collided with the well polished floors
"I've been absent, Arlie," Professor Thane said, his voice tinged with sadness. "Duty-bound to the Council, I've neglected my responsibilities as your mentor. Forgive me."
I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "No, Professor Thane, you've done so much for me already. You've helped me understand my powers, my heritage...I couldn't have asked for more."
"You're kind, Thane began
But I should have been more present. I know what happened with Lyra wasn't your fault, but in all of that I was trying to teach you a lesson, seeing that you've apologised I think the lesson has been learnt." He said with a big smile.
You're different Arlie, the weight on your shoulder is too great for someone your age but then again you've been chosen to carry the weight, you're not like every other person and that's why you cant go around fighting with everyone who comes looking for a fight, you don't always have to fight to prove yourself, sometimes Just be smart.
I was silent because everything he said made lots of sense.
We reached a secluded courtyard, the skies had now turned dark and the stars twinkled above us.
Suddenly Thane stopped, and locked his eyes into mine.
"Arlie, tell me truthfully, how are you coping? The weight of your Anima, the pressure from the world...it's crushing, I know."
"I feel lost, thane. like I don't know what I'm doing."
Thane's expression softened. "You're not alone, Arlie. I'm here for you. We'll navigate this together. Your powers are a gift.
Here, take this pen, he said and handed a blue pen to me,
",this pen is a gift from me to you, now you can either decide to stab my eyes out with it, or you can choose to draw a really beautiful picture with it, it can be a blessing to you and everyone around you and it could also be a curse to you and everyone around you, at the end of the day it all comes down to you, your decisions and what you decide to do differently.
Talking with Thane helped ease the pressure I'd been feeling for weeks now, and for the first time in a very long time I felt heard and understood.
I clutched tightly to the pen he gave me as we stood there for a moment, the stars shining above us.
"You've grown so much since your arrival, Thane said "I'm proud of you, Arlie,"
I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest, up until today I felt I was all alone fighting this battle against the venators, not anymore.
"Thank you, Professor Thane."
As we parted ways, I felt Happy, my fire had been restored.
I entered my room, and closed the door behind me. But as I turned, my heart skipped a beat.
There was a silhouette of a person just beside my cupboard, the room was dark so I couldn't tell if it was a male or female, the stature looked a bit familiar and my heart kept beating uncontrollably waiting for this person to reveal his/her identity.
I readid myself for defence incase of attacks.