Blue Dragon

completely different.’
    I returned to the table and leaned on it. ‘Are you absolutely sure?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘The Dragon saw a heart of pure monstrous darkness in me,’ I said.
    ‘Then in that respect you are a perfectly normal human female,’ the Tiger said. He saluted John. ‘My Lord. By your leave.’ He disappeared.
    ‘Dude,’ Na Zha said, and disappeared.
    ‘What did he call me?’ John said, turning to Michael and me.
    ‘Equivalent to “most honoured old and dear friend”,’ Michael said.
    ‘I think you are stretching the truth slightly, Michael,’ John said. ‘But right now we don’t have time to worry about it. Let’s get Leo and Simone back, and show the demon to Simone. I would also like to ask you, Emma, to reconsider your position on leaving Simone in school. There is only one capable Celestial remaining to defend her if necessary.’
    ‘I’ll talk to Simone about it anyway,’ I said. ‘I’m beginning to wonder myself. This is getting very bad.’
    We made the announcement to the students first thing the next morning. They waited for me in the training room, sober and sad. First years, second years, third years—as many as I could fit in one room.
    ‘Are you okay, ma’am?’ Monique said.
    I waved her down. ‘I’m fine. You know what happened?’
    They all nodded, very serious.
    ‘Okay. Please take a seat on the mats, the Dark Lord has something to say to you about this.’
    I checked my watch; he would be starting. I fell to sit cross-legged as well.
    Just waiting for one more group to be ready. Okay.
    The students all stiffened as John spoke into their heads.
    You all know that we lost a great many of the Masters in the last attack. We also lost ten of the best seniors, eight of whom were ready to be promoted. Frankly, we have nobody left to teach you, save myself, Emma, Leo and the three remaining Celestials. Six of us can’t teach six hundred students.
    Sofie sobbed once quietly.
    We have to close the school, Disciples. This is as difficult for me as it is for you. The Arts are more than my life; they are my existence, my essence, my reason for being.
    Monique handed Sofie a tissue and the girls hugged each other.
    We will arrange for all of you to be sent home. I know that some of the seniors have nowhere else to go, so can stay if they wish—
    There was silence for a while.
    Okay, okay, calm down, not all at once. Those seniors who have nowhere else to go can definitely stay. We will provide for you; don’t be concerned about that. This isn’t about funds; this is about your safety. Without the Celestials we cannot guarantee it.
    There was complete silence.
    But rest assured that after the Celestials have returned, and this demon has been removed from the picture, the Academy will restart. Emma can handle it—I have complete faith in her. The Masters will return, and you will too.
    ‘How long?’ Joe whispered.
    Somebody here in my senior class just asked me how long. I am not supposed to tell you this, but I will anyway. It is August now. It will take three to four months for the Celestials to return; do not ask where they are or what they are doing. So by the end of thisyear, or early next year, we will be restarting. Take a break. Have a holiday with your families. Perhaps the more senior Disciples can return to your homes and teach. We will have you back when the situation has improved—
    Okay, okay, seniors can stay if they have to…Sakamoto, if you don’t shut up I will send you home…Good.
    There was complete silence.
    I was just asked how long I have.
    I dropped my head into my hands. Somebody came and put their arm around me. I looked up; it was Kathy, one of the American juniors. She smiled weakly at me. A few other students gathered around to comfort me.
    As soon as you are all safe at home I will see the Lady. After that I will probably have three or four months myself, no more.
    ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know that,’ I whispered. ‘He’s due already. No.’
    Kathy gave me a squeeze and one of the other students patted my shoulder.
    Sorry, Emma. I should have told you. But the needs of the students always come first, you know that, and they have the right to know.
    Monique and Sofie clutched each other and wept silently together.
    The seniors will arrange the transportation. It is best that you leave as soon as possible—it simply isn’t safe for you here. Go home. We will bring you back when it is safe for you to return.
    That is all.