Now or Never...

From one class to the next, life went on. three month had passed since the incident. Reagan and her crew have grown closer and stronger. Today's fencing lesson was particularly intense.

Issey and Reagan went at it like never before. Reagan's anger seemed to have no end. She took out her opponents one by one. With Issey at her side, they seemed unstoppable. Their next opponents appeared. The room tensed as the majestic twins approached, bloodthirsty and ready for the slaughter. It was Torry and Tony. If alone they were strong, together they were invincible. Reagan gave Issey that "we're not going down without a fight" look. They both took a defensive stance, looking determined to fight to the death. Torry attacked first. Her golden flames were no joke. Tony followed immediately with his hellfire. Reagan and Issey could only dodge. Their mastery of the fires was almost as impressive as their fighting skills. Their attacks were precise and aimed at vital points. They landed a perfect combo that sent Reagan and Issey flying. Reagan got up almost immediately, holding her chest. Issey, who was a little further away, fainted. The sight of her friend on the ground, surrounded by the twins, who turned their attention to her with the most evil grins, as if to say on to the next, awakened a thirst that Reagan couldn't understand. She did not just want to win. She wanted to destroy. Reagan closed her eyes, took a deep breath and gave in to her most brutal instinct. She opened her eyes, they were red, and she summoned flame swords. Tony and Torry, realising what had just happened, immediately took up a defensive position. Reagan had just unleashed the Blood Fury. It was the most primitive and brutal assassin's technique. She attacked. Her body seemed to move on its own. She dodged and attacked at the same time. Her flame swords changed shape and length depending on her next attack. She was unstoppable. The twins could barely keep up. The Blood Fury limited her use of fire, but increased her speed, physical conditioning, and recovery capacity. She took a direct hit, but she would not stop fighting. Her skin and clothes burned... but there stood a monster with only one thing on its mind... murder.

Torry fell to the ground, her ribs broken after Reagan had struck her with all her might. In an attempt to stop Reagan from doing any more damage, Tony called out the blue flames which sent Reagan flying. She landed on her legs like a cat. Her face and arm were burned, but she slowly recovered, seemingly even more enraged.

Tony shouted, "Stop this ... now. You are pushing your body to the limit. Surrender! You cannot win."

Reagan got to her feet and summoned golden fireblades. She coughed blood as she did so and said:" Worry about yourself! If you do not give your best... I will KILL you".

 She then attacked Tony again, but before the fight could get any worse, the Magister knocked them both out and called for the medics. As she passed out, she had Issey by her side, looking worried and begging the doctors to act quickly. 

When she woke up, all her friends were sleeping by her side. They spent the night in the nursery waiting for her to wake up. 

Reagan sat up and said, "Why the hell am I covered in bandages? Have you decided to mummify me?"

They all got up and jumped on her, laughing and talking at the same time. Killian and Issey tried to stop them but ended up joining them. 

Killian then said, "Rea... that was wild! You went crazy and almost killed yourself! 

Reagan asked, stretching a little: "How long was I out?"

Raizel, who was sitting by the window, replied: "You were out for two days, boss".

Reagan turned to Raizel and asked, frowning in pain: "How are Torry and Tony?"

Kaizel replied hesitantly, "Tony is fine. He recovered from the fight as if nothing had happened. Torry woke up yesterday. She has spent most of her time in her room, receiving regular visits from... Lady Yennifer. She spent the night yesterday." 

Issey threw down the chair and said, her words heavy with guilt, "You found yourself in this situation because I am weak. I... If I had fought harder and better, we wouldn't have had to invoke the Blood Fury."

Killian put a hand on Issey's and said, "There's no point in beating yourself up like that."

Reagan said jokingly, "Besides, if you had fought like me, the team would have had to worry about two idiots instead of one."

They all laughed and helped Reagan to her room. On the way, they bumped into Annabella, who was chatting to her friends on her way to class. Annabella seemed relieved to see Reagan walking and laughing. Reagan didn't bother to look at her and walked past. 

Killian discreetly said to Reagan:" She visited you quite often, bringing you flowers and giving us food. She even spoke up for you when the disciplinary board was going to punish you for endangering your classmate and ignoring the fighting protocols."

Reagan replied sarcastically, "I'm sure Tony pleaded legitimate defence. He is the one who broke the rules first by knocking out Issey with a forbidden combo. No one will mention it". 

Killian said annoyed: "Did you hear what I just said? Annabella De La Croix compromised herself to help you. You were clearly in the wrong here."

Reagan replied wearily, "I did what I had to do. The Magister was not there and there was clear foul play. Annabella... this is none of your business. Now go... I will see you later". 

Reagan entered her room and jumped on her bed to prepare for a well-earned nap when a knock on her door woke her. She went to the door angrily and said, "Killian...go away. I need some rest. I feel like shit, I smell like shit and I look like shit".

She opened the door to a giggling Steven who said, "Glad to see you still have your wit". 

Reagan straightened up and said, "So...sorry sir... I thought it was Killian. 

Steven nodded and said, "That's all right. I wanted to check on your health and I am glad to see that you are healthy. 

Reagan raised an eyebrow and said, "What's the catch?"

Steven laughed and said, "Come to my office in 2 hours, that will give you time to clean up. 

Before he left he said, "You smell ripe.

Reagan made a face and went back to her room and went straight to the bathroom.

Back in the student hall

Yennifer, Torry and Tony were engaged in their usual conversation when a student said I just saw the Stone come out of the nursery. I am surprised she is still alive after facing you two, she needs to be taught a lesson once and for all".

Torry winced, remembering the pain of the blow that broke her ribs, and said whimsically, "She's got guts to use the Blood Fury. I respect that. I have never fought anyone with such resilience.

Tony replied indifferently, "She fought a lost battle like a raging animal. I would have taken no pleasure in her demise. But I have no respect for suicidal maniacs. I will not tolerate such an outburst from any of my subjects.

Yennifer stood up and said with great authority, loud enough for everyone around to hear:" What happened that day happened. There is no need to dwell on it. I expressly forbid any retaliation against them.

Torry said irritably, "You seem quite concerned about her.

Yennifer ignored the comment and said: "I do not blame her for doing what she had to do to protect her friend. Loyalty is such a rare currency these days. Tony... don't you agree? "

Tony bowed. As the students left the hall, Torry took her arm and pulled her into a corner away from the others. 

Torry then said, "That was quite a show you put on out there. Almost felt like you were defending your lover."

Yennifer tilted her head and said teasingly, "Does that thought excite you?"

Torry frowned and replied, leaning closer to Yennifer:" I don't particularly like it when my girl talks so passionately about her ex-crush."

Yennifer rolled her eyes and pushed her away as she said "Jealousy is such a turn-off". 

Torry sighed and said, "I have real feelings for you, Yen. Either you give me a real chance or you don't. Be honest with me. That is all i am asking"

Yennifer left without saying another word.