Chapter 82 - Two - My ankle hurts (1/2)

”I leave you alone for one day and this is what I return to?” Jin Li chided Sun with a sneer, his arm still wrapped around Leon's waist as the failing bullies ran down the corridor in their vain attempt to escape the Teacher's notice.

”But Jin Li,” Sun whined, but was unable to finish what he was about to say.

Teacher Vane's eyes narrowed as he stopped before the remaining students, his eyes looking down his nose as he saw the large first year, Bullen spread eagled upon the floor and unconscious. ”I want an explanation,” he demanded.

Sun proceeded to give an honest, if not slightly embellished account of what had occurred, showing him proof in the form of the crack upon the stone wall.

”And how did he come to be like this?” Teacher Vane asked.

”T-t-t-tripped over m-m-my ankle,” Leon's stutter worsened in the face of the sullen and intimidating teacher. That and his ankle really hurt. ”W-when w-we were t-t-trying t-to g-g-get out of th-the way.”

Teacher Vane recalled this student as one from the alchemy school, also remembering that he had been in this pair's company then too. He, himself, did not like Jin Li and Sun. He felt that they were too arrogant and brash with the eyes of other Teachers and seniors upon them in interest. He knew that it was only a matter of time until at least Jin Li, was transferred to the inner school and he personally could not wait for that day. However, he also knew that no matter how he disliked this pair, they also did not go around seeking trouble. The berserker, on the other hand, foolishly lived up to his reputation as being hot headed. Teacher Vane did not forget about the students who had fled the scene however. All of them would be receiving penalty chores for this misbehaviour.

”I will deal with this matter,” Teacher Vane informed them. ”However, if I find that there was more to it, do not expect to be unpunished.” And with that, the man stepped over the prone form of Bullen and headed down the corridor.

”Let's go,” Jin Li said, wanting to leave as well.

”W-w-what about him?” Leon asked, pointing to the berserker.

”What about him?” Jin Li returned and began to usher him along. Leon yelped as he placed his foot down, his ankle was just too much! Jin Li's eyes narrowed. ”Show me.”

Leon lifted his leg in order to remove his boot, but it was too tender and his eyes began to water. Jin Li knelt and carefully removed the boot instead, causing Leon to hiss. The ankle was quite swollen, even Sun winced and felt pity as he saw it. ”I w-won't ever g-give them m-m-my p-pills,” Leon joked as if such could be a retaliation against the ill treatment.

Jin Li sneered as he kneeled in order to carry Leon, insisting the boy get upon his back. ”You should not be giving your pills personally out to anyone but me,” Jin Li told him, lifting him as he felt the warm weight settle. There was a strange sort of satisfaction from having the youth rely on him once more.