The Hidden Three (Book 1 of the Hidden Trilogy)

Chapter Nine: Suspicion and Rescue

~Tsuki Hyashi~

(ATH)

The next day, I walked through the same halls, in the same school, but the atmosphere felt different. It must've been because I had found the Star Guardian. I kept glancing around myself, but I hadn't caught sight of her since yesterday. I didn't know what this feeling was. Perhaps it was nostalgia, or maybe excitement. With her help, I could go back to my home and find that boy.

At lunch, I sat in my normal spot, alone. There were other people at my table, but none interacted with me. Nibbling on my lunch prepared by Daisuke, a flash of red caught my eye. I turned slightly, my eyes narrowing. Two girls sat a table away, one with shimmering blonde hair, and the other with crimson red locks. I looked at them, scrutinizing the red head. She radiated something dark. Could she be a shadow minion? What were they called- Nartoches, right? I heard the more powerful ones could take on different forms, but if she were one, how could I have not noticed? Right under my nose too. I shook my head, reprimanding myself. My attention wandered to the girl beside her. She was looking dazed and frightened. Her hair shone so brightly, like the sun. What? I had not expected to find her this early. I wanted to stab myself. Right there. Right there! The Sun Guardian- or at least someone in her likeness- and I hadn't noticed. Maybe it was because if we'd all managed to find ourselves on earth, something was terribly wrong. Personally, I like fighting. Or training. I can't make myself stay inactive for long periods of time, yet I did not want a war. The red head got up and patted the Sun Guardian reassuringly. She left and came back in a short while with a drink. The inside of it fizzled. Pop, probably. But it turned red for a second then back to clear. No, wait. That wasn't normal. I got up and walked past her casually. I felt her stiffen and I smelled the drink. Nartoch blood. Total poison. Even for celestial beings.

Quickly, I walked over to the Sun Guardian. I shook her gently.

"Hey. You alright?"

"Huh?" she looked up, her eyes slightly foggy. Something must've happened. Then I recognized her. I had seen the Sun Guardian many times, every dawn, and every dusk. She was beautiful and radiated a gentle light. But only I could feel that.

"Are you ok?"

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine. Who are you?"

"My name's-"

"Hey, Eliana!" The red head came by, shooting me a warning look and pushing me aside. "I got your water."

"Oh, oh thanks." 'Eliana' reached for the glass.

"No!" I whispered, and lunged forwards, tripping and knocking the glass. It shattered and fell to the floor, the liquid spilling everywhere. The liquid turned red and seeped through the ground. Everyone around us who had heard the crash stared. I got up, the glass lodged in my fingers, making me bleed. I looked at my hand, which was bleeding a silver-ish blood, common of Moon beings. But, not among humans. I covered my hands before anyone noticed. But the red-head did. She scowled at me.

"Shannon?" Eliana whispered and slumped on the table.

"Look what you did!" Shannon yelled. "I was about to give her water, and now she's passed out."

"Sorry," I said, not at all sincere. In fact, I was a bit angry.

"You've made a huge mistake, messing with me. Moon guardian." Shannon whispered close to my ear. My fists clenched. Her hand flew up faster than I expected, half morphing claws. Huge gashed appeared along my cheeks. I covered it quickly, silver oozing out. Shoot, shoot, shoot! Growling, the Nartoch advanced. "I'll just finish you both here! Two birds with one stone." She jumped on me, her talons closing around my arm, digging into my skin. I winced and threw her off.

"You forgot me." A familiar voice said. It was Alena. She moved faster than a bullet and came down hard on top of the Nartoch, Alena was flung towards me by Shannon, but instead of striking back Shannon got up, backing into the cafeteria archway. Everyone in the cafeteria had silenced. Alena came up to me and helped me up, eying my wounds. Shannon glared at us all.

"If Erai Akuhei can't have you, then you will all burn!" She screamed and brought her hand down. Flames exploded, throwing the majority of the students, including me and Alena, back. We got up, and flames were everywhere. The fire alarm was going like crazy, and everyone scattered, screaming. Alena eyed the flames soberly frozen in place. She'd experienced this before. But as for me, it seared my eyes and didn't help with my wounds.

"Let's get out of here." I coughed. "Get Eliana." I pointed to the girl, who was thrown to the floor- still out. We slung her arms over our shoulders and made our way out of the building. Silver dripped down my arms. "We can't let anyone see me like this. Hurry." Alena and I, along with Eliana, sneaked out of the premises and to my house. It took us a good ten minutes to get there. No doubt, everyone was looking for us and Shannon, but it would be better to let them think we were dead. Now with the three of us, we could get back without so many people watching us.

Daisuke opened the door and glanced at us concerned.

"Who is this, Mistress?"

"The rest of us Guardians," I said. Alena and I set Eliana on the couch as Daisuke closed the door.

"Might I get you some drinks?"

"Tea, please," I said. "And prepare a warm bath for me." I glanced at Alena. "Is it okay if you stay the night?"

"Yes, I'll call my mom." She took out her phone and left the room. I turned back to Eliana and sighed.

"Guess you'll be staying anyway." I turned to Daisuke. "On second thought, prepare baths for three."

"Should I get you some bandages?" He offered. I glanced at my wounds and noticed the liquid dripping down my chin. I wiped it off self-consciously.

"Yes, yes, please," I replied. Daisuke bowed and left the room. I shook my head, focusing back on Eliana. "Hey, wake up." I shook her. Guess all I could do was settle her in. She didn't seem to be able to go anywhere soon.