The Cursed: Legend of Neil

Episode One-Part VIII: Enough! (II)

Delia blinked once, then nodded quietly. She walked over, picked up her gloves, and slid them back onto her hands. Her expression didn’t change, but when her eyes flickered toward Jade, there was a soft understanding. Toward Neil, though, she allowed herself a small, almost playful smile.

"See you in class," she laughed lightly before turning away.

Neil stared after her, oddly unsettled. Watching her walk away without a glance back shouldn’t have mattered, but it did. Somewhere deep inside, it hurt. Why? he asked himself. There was a strange connection he couldn’t shake, as if her blank expression had been hiding real pain.

Sandy noticed Neil’s gaze, then glanced at Professor Hiro, who stood quietly with that gentle grin. Smirking, Sandy tiptoed toward Neil, about to scare him.

"Don’t even think about it, Sandy," Neil said suddenly, still staring.

Sandy froze mid-step, blinking. "His gift… it’s activated? But why, Professor?"

Professor Hiro chuckled. "Because I already deactivated mine, Sandy. Guess you didn’t notice."

"He’s not the sensitive type," Neil said with a smirk, closing his eyes.

"Hey, are you two trying to say I’m dumb?" Sandy barked, puffing up.

"No one said that," Hiro soothed. "Now both of you—head to the sick bay."

"Aren’t you angry we wrecked the place?" Neil asked, raising a brow.

"Yeah," Sandy added quickly.

Professor Hiro only smiled, turning his back as he walked away. "Mr. Natsu," he called, waving at a passing teacher with a bright grin, "can I ask a favor?"

Later, Neil sat on a bed while a healer finished patching him up. Sandy hovered nearby, arms crossed.

"How bad?" Neil asked.

"You’ll be fine," the healer assured, wiping her hands. "They didn’t penetrate too deep."

"Thank you," Neil said sincerely.

"You’re welcome," she replied with a smile before turning away.

"By the way, how did you get them?" she asked curiously.

"He was reckless," Sandy said instantly.

Smack! Neil slapped the back of his head, driving Sandy’s face into the table. The healer chuckled behind her file.

"Care to repeat that?" Neil asked flatly.

Sandy snarled, rubbing his head. "What the hell is your problem, eh? Uma kungenjalo ukuthi ulimele, bengizokubuyisela umusa."

"Zulu again? I swear, I’m never covering your ass again," Neil groaned, sinking back into the pillow.

The healer gathered her things. "I’ll be on my way now."

"Wait—we didn’t get your name," Sandy said, flashing a wink.

"It’s Ariel," she replied warmly. "Nice to meet you both."

As she left, Sandy’s face twisted into a grin. "Man, she’s hot."

Neil rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding me?"

"You saw her hips… that figure eight… pink jelly lips… or that breas—"

A cough cut Sandy short.

Both boys froze.

Professor Hiro stood there, a shadowy grin stretching across his face. His teeth gleamed, his eyes sharp like a wolf’s. Sandy’s body broke into a sweat instantly, trembling.

"Don’t," Hiro’s voice dropped low, "try anything silly with my healer. Or else."

He leaned close, his grin widening. "You wanna have a problem with me, eh?" he mimicked Sandy’s earlier bravado, his tone menacing.

Sandy gulped hard, nodding rapidly like his neck was about to break.

"Good," Hiro straightened, satisfied.

Neil sighed, asking without looking up, "Are we getting expelled?"

"Well…" Hiro started slowly.

"Well?" Neil pressed.

"I’m sorry to announce…" Hiro let the words hang, watching their anxious faces. "You are not getting expelled."

And just like that, he left.

Sandy flopped into a chair. "Man…"

Neil called out, "Did you notice something about the girl we fought with?"

"Which one?" Sandy asked.

"Delia."

"Oh, you mean the snow witch?"

"Yeah." Neil’s voice dropped. "She didn’t look like she was in a good mood. No emotions. Just… sad."

"I thought so too," Sandy admitted. "She looked like someone in pain."

Neil nodded slowly. "That’s what I felt."

"Who cares?" Sandy stretched, waving it off. "Not that I care anyway."

Neil studied him. "So what do we do?"

Sandy leaned back, making a walking gesture with his fingers. "Let go," he whispered. "We have other things to worry about."

Neil exhaled, nodding. "You’re right."

"It’s like you’re falling for her, eh?" Sandy teased with a grin.

"Nope," Neil shot back, rolling his eyes. "Just thought maybe we could become her friends. You know?"

"I’d rather be friends with an idiot than with her," Sandy smirked.

Neil chuckled. An idiot like you, he thought.

"Rest up, brother," Sandy said, heading to the door. "We got class tomorrow."

"Normal," Neil said with a tired smile. "And try not to get into trouble."

"Good plan."

"Don’t forget—you owe me." Neil laughed.

"Ugh… whatever," Sandy muttered, rolling his eyes as he walked out.