".... I see." The Headmaster stood up from his chair, and walked behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders. "Don't you worry, Caroline. The Superiors and I will do what is necessary to return Emmanuel and Charity to their rightful places at Wixsity." I stood up and faced the Headmaster. "May I come too, please?" He stared straight into my eyes. "Hmm... I will need to give it some thought. I shall summon you when the time is right. For now, Mr. Garich is waiting. You musn't be late."

I nodded, and was about to leave when I remembered something. "Oh, Headmaster?" "Yes?" He questioned; sitting down again. "What about Electra?" He smiled. "Charity's paladin will have free roam of the school until we can rescue her." I nodded, smiling.

I walked to Mr. Garich's class, but stopped short when I saw it was empty. Ms. Elega called me over. "Caroline! Superior Garich is in the arena today, with the students. Today, you are going to battle with your paladins again." I grinned, and turned on my heel. "Thank you, Superior Elega!"

I made it to the arena, just in time before class started. When I entered, everyone was sitting down with their paladins on exercise mats. Superior Garich was explaining how we must help our paladins... in order for them to help us in combat. My wolf stone flashed, and Annabelle laid her head in my lap, as I crouched down to sit on the mat. My pack mate let out a yawn, and I patted her head with a smile.

I looked around the room. The size of the class had certainly enlarged. Now instead of being thirty people like in the beginning of the school year, the number of students, excluding paladins, were sixty. Wixsity sure is a populated place. I wonder if we will ever get the chance to explore outside campus... I should ask Headmaster Raphael about that.

Superior Garich addressed the class. "Working together with your paladin is a must. They are bonded to you, and by working together, you will overcome any obstacle that Wixsity throws at you." I let out a sigh, looking at Anna. I sure could have used her help when I faced Katia. Annabelle listened to my thoughts and nosed my cheek, mentally answering my contemplate.

Caroline, please do not worry. The only thing we must do now is wait for the Headmaster to confirm if we will be joining him. We must be patient, and never give up hope. I smiled at her, scratching her behind the ears. You're right, Anna. We have to have faith.

Mr. Garich clapped his hands, and conjured a being of darkness, that resembled a dragon. However, this monster had two heads. The beast roared, almost blasting us out of our seats. We all got to our feet, ready for action. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dee and Luna, poised for attack, and Anna and I stood, ready for action. I closed my eyes and my fire roared within me like a lion, waiting to be set free from captivity. I glared up at the beast, ready to strike, even though it was just practice.

Mr. Garich walked along the line of students, looking each one of us in our eyes. "Are you prepared to take down this monster?" He yelled at us. "Yes, sir!" He teleported to a safe distance. "Ready..." The countdown began. "Aim..." We readied our hands. "Fire!" At once, magic enveloped me with warmth, and Anna howled, blasting her own magic into the dragon as well.

The howls, roars, and screeches of paladins that belonged to all the students in the classroom was heard, and I instantly winced, getting a bit of a headache. Dee looked like he was in pain too, but he pressed on, fueling as much magic out as he could.
The dragon counterattacked us with all his might, but our rainbow of magic held strong and he burst into flames. I winced, and fell to my knees, feeling weak. Anna whined beside me, trying to help me up.

I took shallow breaths. That was intense... so much energy... is this what it will take to defeat Katia and Zeserth and rescue my friends? Superior Garich came to check on me, as did Dee. "Are you alright, Caroline?" Dee knelt beside me, gingerly holding my hands in his. "You probably used too much magic." I nodded at them, standing up slowly. "I'm fine. Thank you." Anna looked into my eyes, and whined. I patted her head softly. "I'm fine, I promise, Annabelle."

I sat down for a little bit on the ground, breathing in and out, trying to regain my strength, and focus. Once I was sure I was ready to try again, I rose to my feet, standing in position. Mr. Garich looked towards me, as did the other students. I glared up at the two headed beast, and the image of Zeserth entered my mind. My fire roared to life, and I clenched my hand, trying to maintain control. I looked at Mr. Garich, who nodded, and I roared, blasting the fire into the beast.

I almost lost control.

Mr. Garich quickly stepped in, and held onto my wrists, helping to calm my fire and ground me back to reality. I gasped for breath, slamming my hands onto the ground, anchoring myself. Anna stepped in front of me, whining, and licked my chin. "I'm fine." I told her. I looked at my hands my, red from how much fire power I put into attacking the dragon.

I gritted my teeth, sitting up, and hugging my paladin for support. My hands were shaky. So was my breathing.

Mr. Garich kneeled down next to me. "Caroline..." he began. Tears welled in my eyes. "I'm sorry... I almost lost control again..." He put his hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm okay, I guess." He stood up and closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. "Class dismissed." He told everyone. "Caroline, Dee. Stay behind."

I lifted my head, confused. Why did Mr. Garich ask Dee to stay behind? I thought.

He walked to the front of the classroom. Dee seemed to understand what he was doing, and walked to a mat opposite of mine, getting into position. I raised an eyebrow. We're going to fight each other? Mr. Garich held his hand up. "Wait, Dee. Not yet."

I looked at the Superior. "Mr. Garich, what is going on?" He pursed his lips. "You need to work on controlling your magic, Caroline." I clenched my fist, then sighed. "Control and focus are two things I always trifle with." He crossed his arms. "You must keep your emotions in check. I understand you are upset about losing your friends, but if you continue to fight and beat yourself up over it, your magic will falter and you will continue to lose control. I suggest we do one on one training, every day after class, until you master control."

My eyes widened. "Won't that take me forever?!" I yelled at him. "I'm not good at this!" He smiled warmly at me. "But with good practice, you can be. You just need to keep yourself grounded, that's all."