The group of six therefore played board and card games for most of the day. Ak-tu was starting to get worn out from all the fun when pouring rain sounded. While the others glanced up at the ceiling holes to see if water was about to fall on their heads, Ak-tu pulled out his personal mirror and answered the air-call.

Fern appeared on the screen, noticeable by the green vine-like tattoos on her face and arms. Her dark green hair, which was usually styled as a large afro, was tied into several knotted buns instead. Her eyes—one red and one purple—gleamed in concern.

“Hello, Fern!” Ak-tu said as he stood and moved to the stone door. “Hold on a moment.”

He shoved the door open with a bit of difficulty, then stepped into the jungle. An elephog stood several meters away; the small animal squealed in fright and dashed off as he appeared, waving its long trunk madly. He waited for the sound of running hooves to fade away before he turned back to the mirror and nodded for Fern to speak.

“I haven’t found anything to do with Chaocat, or any of the spirits they worked with last year,” Fern reported briskly.

Ak-tu sighed. “I wasn’t really expecting you to, not in the spirit realm…. Chaocat was always more interested in the physical world.”

“Khurshid said they attacked him a few days ago,” Fern said.

Ak-tu nodded. “They did. He was lucky to get away.”

Fern frowned. “Did you ever find anything?”

“No,” Ak-tu commented. “My kids were in a hover boat accident though, with Zyn’s boat speeding up and crashing into Ren’s. They were both hurt, but they’re fine now. I thought it was Chaocat, yet that doesn’t seem to be the case, since Chaocat had gone after Khurshid during the eclipse…”

“It happened during the eclipse?” Fern asked sharply.

Ak-tu nodded.

“Hmm… Well, I’m assuming they’re planning something,” Fern said at last. “We’ll have to up the security this year.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “Are you at the school right now?”

She nodded.

“How’s it going with the government?”

“They haven’t found anything yet, but they are searching the place thoroughly,” Fern said. “I’m not sure when they’ll be gone.”

He sighed. “Well, hopefully by the time school is set to start in September….”

“That’s actually why I was calling,” Fern said, her face becoming uncertain. She took a deep breath and paused, as if she didn’t want to voice her next words. “Aster said he wasn’t coming back to teach this year.”

“What?” Ak-tu asked sharply. “Why not?”

Fern sighed. “He was ashamed of how poorly he handled the spirit attack last year, said he was incompetent as a teacher, and didn’t want to get involved in spiritual affairs—like being sent to the spirit realm to look for an evil spirit.”

“If Aster was uncomfortable with the task, he could have told me,” Ak-tu said, frowning. “I never would have asked him to search for Chaocat if he was… But why would he tell you this, and not me?”

“Well, the letter was in the Admin Office, on the floor. I just happened to walk in and see it. When I picked it up, I saw it was Aster’s handwriting, and I admit I was curious to read it,” Fern said with an apologetic shrug. 

Ak-tu sighed. “I’d hate to lose Aster…. I’ll call him up to see if I can change his mind. If not…well, at least I’ll have an extra month or so to find a new teacher and librarian….”

Fern nodded curtly. “Let me know when you hear back from him…. He hasn’t answered any of my calls, though.”

She hung up the air-call, Ak-tu’s mirror reflecting his face. He unlocked the mirror and went to his contact list, then selected Aster’s name. The blonde man appeared on the screen as the mirror attempted to connect. But it was unable to link to Aster’s mirror.

He therefore opened his air-mail app, typed up a quick message stating he’d like to talk to Aster, then sent it. Once done, Ak-tu turned on the balls of his feet and walked back to the house. He entered the kitchen, everyone glancing up from Zyn and Jabali’s mancala match.

“Everythin’ okay?” Jabali asked.

Ak-tu sighed. “Aster has apparently resigned. I sent him a message, but I’m not sure he’ll respond.”

“Why wouldn’t he reply?” Wave asked.

“And why would he leave?” Ren queried in dismay.

“I guess he wasn’t comfortable working at the school after what happened last year,” Ak-tu said cautiously. “And I’m doubtful of a response because…well, it’s Aster. He can be a bit dramatic sometimes…”

“But Aster has to respond!” Ren said. “He’s been at the school since it opened! He’ll come back, won’t he?”

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “Aster’s been close to leaving on numerous occasions. This isn’t the first time he’s tried resigning. It’d usually take both Fern and me to convince him to stay. I think…this time…he might be gone for good.”

“But who’s gonna teach Theatre? And be the librarian?” Zyn asked, tapping their foot from where they sat on the ground.

Ak-tu shrugged in response. “I’ll give it a few days, then post about it in Vinetown and on the air-n—”

“I can do it,” Wave said abruptly.

Ak-tu blinked in surprise.

“I’m an art teacher,” Wave pointed out. “And I’ve worked as a librarian in the past. I’d be happy to help!”

“You’re so sweet!” Jabali exclaimed, and he leaned in closer to kiss Wave on the cheek, Ak-tu doing his best not to cringe.

“Are you sure?” Ak-tu asked Wave. “What about your other job, in Vinetown?”

“I think this job sounds much more fascinating,” Wave said with a smile. “And you’re my Jabali’s best friend. How could I not help you?”

Ak-tu smiled lightly. “Well, if you are certain, then I’d be happy to have you—if Aster does not respond by the time school starts.”