After breakfast, Mai meandered to her room, nursing her sore ribs. Even though she said she didn’t, Em really held back. If she wished to, she could have destroyed Mai. Mai entertained the prospect of going to the infirmary but decided to just rest until lunch. A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts.

“Hey, Mai. Let me in.” 

“It’s unlocked,” Mai called from her bed. 

Em entered the room with a cold pack and muscle cream. 

“Thought you might want these. I can’t live without them to be honest.” 

“Thanks.” 

There was an awkward silence that fell between the two sisters. 

“I didn’t thank you for the lessons this morning. They were very helpful. I’d like to spar with you more often if you don’t mind,” Mai said. 

“Yes! That would be great. I kind of had fun teaching.” 

“You had fun teaching? Uh oh. Don’t get stuck here as an instructor.” 

Em laughed. “I wouldn’t mind being stuck here.”

Mai sat up straight in her bed with wide eyes.

“Excuse me, are you the same sister that scolded me about this same thing?”

“I got to thinking about that,” Em said. “Where else would I go?” 

“Aeris isn’t the only place on this earth. Wouldn’t you like to learn what the other nations are like?” 

Em shrugged. 

“Did you turn in your essay?” Mai asked, feeling that a change of subject was in order.

“Yeah. It got great marks. Thanks again for your help. Well, I guess I’ll see you at lunch.” 

“Yeah. See you there. Hey, Em. Wait. Can we train more after lunch? You’re right. I need more training.” 

“Are you serious?” Em’s face looked like she wanted to jump up for joy, but also tried not to be disappointed. 

“Yeah.” 

“Yes. Of course! That would be outstanding. And to think… all this time I just needed to kick your ass for you to realize.” 

Mai laughed.