• Basically translating to Aurelia being on her own for a week. Surrounded by silence and loneliness. She breathed in deeply and let out a shuddery little sigh, knowing she was alone didn’t seem to help a lot. For once, she wished she had been the slightest bit more eager in making friends, like Isola had been. But quick as it came, the thought was pushed away as the teen padded her way to her bedroom.
    She flicked on the light switch there and dropped her bag onto the study table before she plopped herself onto her bed. Staring at the cold, white ceiling, Aurelia felt the beginnings of tears moist up her eyes and she clenched her teeth, knowing what was coming next as her toes gained a tingly sensation. Her necklace started to shine.
    “Where’s Mama?”
    “She’s gone. She’ll never come back.”
    “Where did she go Papa? Why did she have to leave?”
    “She went to a place where everyone stays happy forever and she’s never coming back.”
    “I don’t believe you Papa! Why do you have to lie?”
    “Wait, Aurelia! No!”
    She fought against the rapidly rising panic and forced the memory down, just as she’d been doing for so long. Little by little, the feeling faded into nothingness and she let the tears flow. Her necklace dimmed.
    She woke up with the dawning sun as usual and with her head spinning, stumbled her way to the bathroom. She stared at herself in the mirror, noting the dried tear trails left on her cheeks, the dishevelled hair, the pale face. Studying the dull sapphire eyes and the marks she left on her hand when her nails dug into her palm in an attempt to keep the nightmare away. A quick twist of the tap and she scooped the water which flowed out and splashed her face, washing away the remains of the horrible nightmare and the memories. Every last bit.
    Stepping into a hot shower, she drenched away the rest of the feelings that usually accompanied the nightmares and stepped out of the shower feeling squeaky clean and smelling of spring.
    She was appropriately dressed for jogging in two minutes and stepped out into the dewy morning air of Herinodia. Doing a few stretches to loosen up, Aurelia set off at a leisurely pace, never noticing the hood wearing youth staring at her rapidly disappearing figure.
    “Hello Rea, you’re rather early today.” His manner was oddly nervous but she didn’t really seem to notice as she donned on her apron and picked up her pad. Plastering her usual smile onto her face, she turned to face Hec.
    “Yup! I’ll be working slightly earlier today because I need to be leaving earlier today.” A timid look suddenly passed her eyes. “Is that okay?”
    “Sure, sure.” Hec replied, refusing to meet her eyes. Wondering if she’d sense something was wrong. She didn't though and merely swept past him into the restaurant. Although she did practically the same thing as she did every other time, her heart didn’t seem to be in it this time and although the same smile was still on her face, there didn’t seem to be real light behind her eyes. All that and more, Hec noticed and he felt worry gnawing at him. Wondered what was wrong. The additional part of the note Aurelia had ferried to him had asked for him to take note of her development and report back to Professor Rowan. Strategically folded, it had been the only part he’d uncovered only later.
    The girl had left exactly on the dot and Hec was again, surprised. She’d usually linger behind, chatting with her friends a while more before heading off. Something was definitely wrong. He thought back to what she’d told him and concluded it being related to her other class. He hoped she would be okay. Meanwhile, he had a letter to write the Professor.
    “Grasshopper Aurelia, concentrate.” Her mentor disapproved as the girl got to her feet slowly.
    “Yes Master Fu.” The girl answered as she set herself in a fighting stance, concentrating, she cleared her mind and her opponent gulped as he watched the clearness drain away.
    It was time to fight. The exams were near and having rapidly ascended through the ranks, this would be Aurelia’s last belt. The ever sought after black belt. This would be her last lesson before the exam.