Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi by Donsha Hatch Page B

return.
    After she put bandages over the treated wounds, she gave him a jar of the ointment. He thanked her for it and put his shirt back on. Eiris then said goodbye and went to his personal cube supposedly to study for the rest of the evening, but he found his attention drifting repeatedly to Dahlia and their practice session tomorrow.

“That was a good practice.” said Eiris as he continued to study his holobook.
    “Indeed it was. Although I think I need to work on my turns in the rider lanes.” replied Dex.
    “You turn pretty well; I didn’t see any flaws in your technique.” said Azonei.
    “That’s a kind sentiment. You have my gratitude my friend. But, I have much to live up to. My older sister Ulora once led the Arnor Guild to an Electroball championship some years ago. She still holds most of the academy’s scoring and assisting records as a rider. By the way, what name did you decide for your Cerebral Falcon?” asked Dex.
    “I named him Einstein because he’s so smart. Speaking of training, I’m headed to the VR simulator. Catch you guys later.” said Azonei as Einstein followed him out of the underwater library.
    “This is such an amazing school. I never imagined a school that was both above and below water.” Eiris said gazing through the windows into the sea.
    “Indeed it is.” replied Dex. “There’s something I’ve been wondering about. I can’t quite get a read on Kezzy.” he confided.
    “Then stop trying to. Just ask her out already.” said Eiris.
    “What………. I……. I’m not certain I understand what you’re referring to.” replied Dex nervously.
    “It’s pretty obvious that you guys have feelings for each other. The constant arguing and fighting. On earth, most people would say you two behave like a married couple.” laughed Eiris.
    “Ha, well I guess I have been trying very hard to keep my feelings concealed. It’s the strangest thing actually. I’m a Slyph, she’s a Turan. I’m far more calculated, whereas she’s well, quite unpredictable. It’s hard to decode the origins of this odd attraction we seem to have.” Dex said completely baffled.
    “Haha, yeah. I know the feeling. On earth, people often say that opposites attract. I guess it’s true.” laughed Eiris.
    “Despite their limitations, humans do seem to have an uncanny wisdom for things pertaining to love.” mused Dex.
    “You should send her a holomessage.”
    “As in right now?” asked Dex nervously. “I can’t think of the correct thing to send.” he said sounding defeated.
    “Stop being so robotic. Use your human side. Feel the right thing to say. Like they taught us in social skills class.” said Eiris.
    “Right.” He began to type out a message. “There. Bombs away.” Dex smiled as he pressed the send button.
    “What’d you send?”
    “You’ll see.” Dex grinned. “Anything new with your mystery girl?” he asked, changing the subject suddenly.
    “Actually yeah. She’s a doctor here at the academy. She treated my burns yesterday. I’ll be meeting her at the sanctuary later for some extra bonding training.” replied Eiris.
    “That’s interesting, I didn’t see that coming.”
    “Yeah. Guess we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
    “Certainly.” nodded Dex in agreement.
    As they continued to study, Kezzy and Awesome came storming in the library.
    “Really?! Do I like you? Yes, or no!? yelled Kezzy as Awesome walked over to be petted by Eiris.
    “Um………...I……. I thought….” stuttered Dex.
    “You…. you thought what Dex?” mocked Kezzy.
    “............Nothing. I thought nothing.” said Dex dejected and completely embarrassed.
    “You’re a dork.” Kezzy glared. “But,” her eyes softening into a smile, “yes, I like you.”
    “Is that true?” Dex asked as his face lit up with joy.
    “Yeah, it is.” Kezzy smiled. “But I’m warning you. You break my heart and I’ll delete your hard drive. Permanently.” she said with a terrifying