On weekends, the Academy organized days outdoors, so that the Nerys could take a break from their training and from the white and anonymous walls in which they lived. It was also a way to make them interact in a different environment than usual and increase their spirit of cooperation.

Alyx and the others from the advanced classes were responsible for supervising the situation and keeping an eye on the Nerys, to make sure that episodes like the one in the cafeteria, with Alyah, did not happen again.

That day, they were taken to the hills, bordering a small forest of wonderful trees of the most disparate colors. The warm shades of the leaves varied from purple, to orange, to yellow and contrasted with the green grass of the hill.

Kihan was sitting on the lawn with Hyram when Lyth approached them. She was looking for her sister.

«We saw her go that way.» Hyram told her, pointing to some trees in the forest.

«There are probably too many people.», Lyth thought aloud. «If you see her, tell her I'm with Layton for a walk.», she didn't seem worried at all. She was certain her sister would soon show up again. Her sister didn't like crowds, she definitely just needed a break.

«Okay.» Kihan said.

Lyth said goodbye to both of them and then headed to Layton.

When she was gone, however, Kihan told Hyram that it would be better to go and look for Erleen. «It's been a while since we've seen her.»

«She doesn't even care about her sister, why should you?», Hyram lay down on the lawn with his hands behind his head.

«She might have gotten lost. Let me remind you that all this is new to her.» the Seiber insisted. As he got up to go look for her, Alyx called out to him. Kihan glanced at Hyram.

He sighed, lifting himself off the lawn, then nodded. «I got it, I'll take care of it. You go to Alyx.»

«The disadvantage of being in the advanced classes.» Kihan said.

«Of course, as if you mind being so good at controlling your abilities.», Hyram gave him a light pat on the shoulder and then set off in search of Erleen, while Kihan reached Alyx.

Hyram was venturing among the trees when he heard the sound of running water. There was a small stream nearby and it was along its banks that he found Erleen. She was sitting cross-legged on the edge of it fiddling with her fingers in the water. In front of her there was a sphere of water around which leaves were rotating, moved by the wind, which she was obviously in control of.

«Does your sister know?» Hyram asked instinctively and she, just as quickly, dropped the bubble of water into the stream.

«Hyram!» Erleen said surprised.

«You can already control sixty-five percent of your powers, can't you?» he asked, walking over to sit next to her.

The expression on Erleen's face became sad. «I don't want her to know, you can't tell her, please.», she turned to look into his eyes. «She's been here for months, I've only been here for a few weeks. If she knew the progress I've made in such a short time, she might be discouraged.»

«Okay, I got it.» Hyram said. «But can you do it one more time?»

Erleen stared at him perplexed by that request but then she finally agreed. She began to wave her hand and one drop after another rose from the stream until it formed a larger bubble. Then the wind began to blow and the leaves enveloped the water. It looked like a small planet. After a few minutes, however, Erleen broke the spell by letting the water evaporate and the leaves fall to the ground.

«I would gladly trade my skills for yours.» Hyram said still fascinated by what she had done.

«I take that as a compliment.», Erleen laughed. «Now it's your turn.»

Hyram looked at her in surprise. «Are you really willing to let me come in and control your mind? Everyone tends to stay away from me because they're afraid I might make them do things without their knowledge.»

«If you have scruples, it means you're a good person. So I guess I have nothing to fear.», Erleen turned to face him. She closed her eyes and then leaned her face towards Hyram. «Go ahead.»

Hyram hesitated for a moment, taken aback by her sudden closeness, but then reached out his hand towards her face. He didn't need physical contact for his powers to be effective, and yet, for some reason, his fingers had decided to touch Erleen's cheek. She didn't seem bothered by it, she didn't move, she just waited for him to show her something, anything. Hyram could only think of her on the riverbank, as she played happily with the water and the leaves. And that was exactly the scene he showed her.

«Why are you showing me… me?» Erleen asked and he quickly took his hand away.

«I still need to practice.» he lied to her. «That's the first thing that came to mind– » Hyram couldn't finish the sentence. «Who are you?» he jumped up suddenly.

Erleen noticed his worried look and turned to look behind her. There was a boy with long blond hair. They were so long that they even covered his eyes. Looking closely, however, they were not completely blond, there were many lighter, white locks. He looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old. He didn't wear the Academy uniform, he was dressed in a common way. «I didn't mean to interrupt you.» he said. «I saw what she did… can you do it again?»

Erleen stood up but Hyram forced her to step back and stand behind him. There was something disturbing in that little boy's voice.

«I would rather not.» Erleen said. «Outside the Academy, we shouldn't be using our abilities.»

«You are lucky. My powers haven't manifested yet.» the boy said taking a step forward, then Hyram took one back and Erleen with him.

«You'll see that sooner or later it will happen.» Hyram told him trying to stay calm.

«I got tired of waiting.» declared the stranger.

Hyram grabbed Erleen by her wrist. «It's better to go now, your sister was looking for you.», he dragged her away as quickly as possible. She didn't resist, she couldn't wait to run away but she didn't know how to do it without provoking that individual.

When they were far enough away, Hyram stopped.

«He was powerless, wasn't he?» Erleen asked.

Hyram nodded. He let go of her wrist. «I'm sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you. But I felt we absolutely had to move away.»

«I know.» Erleen said, looking behind her, to make sure he hadn't followed them. «I've met a lot of Hebs, my uncle is one of them too, and they're all nice, while he… his voice really gave me chills.»

«He seemed willing to devour you to gain your powers, that's why I dragged you away like that. Sorry again.»

Erleen shook her head. «To be honest, I couldn't wait to escape from there, but I couldn't find an excuse to do it. So, thank you.», her green eyes looked straight into Hyram's. She smiled at him and he looked away, embarrassed.

«We'd better go.» Hyram said. «Before they come looking for us.»

Erleen nodded and they continued walking towards the green expanse where they had left their companions. This time, however, they didn't run, they walked with small steps, exchanging, from time to time, a few glances followed by a smile.