Chapter 13: Daybreak (at InfernoOaisis)

Lucy froze. She was 3 cm away from colliding into the authoritative teen who had introduced them to the school. Behind him she could just make out the silhouettes of two more figures, one who was leaning against the wall, and the other seemed to be looking for a way to slip off unnoticed. Lucy had far more pressing concerns to think of, and quickly reverted her thoughts back to the matter at hand - the guy towering over her, who looked just about ready to lash out at someone. She realised her hands were shaking, and clenched them into fists before raising her head and looking the boy directly in the eye. He frowned before lowering his gaze, taking in the stripes on her blazer pocket before his eyes reached the ground. “Lucy Vandenburg. I do not quite believe your guide gave you permission to wander the halls at night, much less the halls of an area where no students from your sector are supposed to enter. Perhaps you need someone to escort you back to your quarters?” Lucy glared, and clenched her jaw to prevent unleashing a retort which would undoubtedly land her more trouble than that which she already found herself in.

Seeing as the girl made no move to respond, Hudhayfah continued, “Or perhaps you’d prefer to have someone stand outside your door to help you feel safe throughout the night? I’m sure Hana here-” (he gestured over at Aisha, who by this time had managed to back away a full 5m and was almost to the door of a nearby classroom) “-would most definitely not mind keeping you company.” Something which sounded a little like a growl escaped her throat, before she sullenly crossed over to Lucy and wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulders. She gave a quick glance back at the boys, before gently tightening her grip and leading the child back towards her dormitory. What a turn of events the night had brought, and if she had thought her day was terrible earlier, by this point it was downright comical just how much trouble she had managed to get herself involved with, and it had hardly been 9 hours since Asma’s mashed potatoes had brought her that much needed comfort and rest.

~

Zaki was having similar thoughts as, after dealing with the venturesome girls, Hudhayfah turned his full attention onto him. 3 full seconds of silence stretched between them, filling his ears with the chattering of far off birds, and the faint ticking of a clock. Then Hudhayfah swung, and though his fist was aimed at the wall beside Zaki, the force of the impact had enough intensity to cause Zaki’s already exhausted limbs to bring him to his knees. He gritted his teeth, and lowered his head, avoiding Hudhayfah’s gaze. Sharp pain from his leg kept him distracted, and he zoned out as Hudhafah lectured him about recklessness and shirking responsibility. There was a pause, as the older boy realised there was a lack of attention from Zaki, and thus it would be pointless to continue. Zaki finally raised his head, and couldn’t help a slow smile spreading across his face. Hudhayfah raised his hand, as though about to strike again, and Zaki glared. “I’m already injured, there’s no reason for you to attempt injuring me further”.

Hudhayfah bit his tongue and attempted to quell his anger. It had been a long day, and though he was on the verge of being overwhelmed by the growing mountain of tasks to be done, he could tell that Aisha was to, so he could hardly fault the girl for her impulsive behaviour. Zaki on the other hand, had only himself to blame for the consequences he faced from the night’s occurrences. Hudhayfah’s eyes narrowed as an idea came to the forefront of his mind. He wouldn’t bother trying to come up with a creatively unique punishment for Zaki - that would be a waste of his own time - but rather he would simply give a portion of his duties to Zaki for the week, just until the younger boy’s injury healed, which would suffice as a reminder of why he should not be as reckless as he was this night, and why he should not attempt to shirk his duties, as that simply increases the load for others. As for Aisha, having her keep a vigilant eye over the new student (Miss Vandenburg), in addition to her regular duties, should aid her in understanding why such foolhardy activities as the one she dragged Zaki into last night are by no means condoned by the ruling body of InfernoOaisis, much less partaken in by them.