Page 72 of The Tribes of Magic
“Then it’s a good thing you’re working with us today and not with the Sorcerers.”
“Yeah…”
I was distracted by the sight of a fat, purple tentacle tip peeking out of the water. This swamp must be a lot deeper than I thought.
“Though I suppose what you really want is for Kato to hug you.”
My attention snapped back to Nevada. She was smirking at me.
“Very funny,” I told her.
“Is it really so bad training with him?”
“Only when he makes me embarrass myself.”
“By asking out random people? Who cares? I’m sure they all knew it was part of some training exercise.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” I said. “But, actually, that wasn’t the worst part. The worst part was when I asked Kato to go to the Masquerade Ball with me.”
Nevada’s eyes grew wide. “You asked him out?”
“He told me to.”
“Huh.” She paused. “Interesting.”
“It was just another training exercise.”
“Are you sure?”
“He’s my friend, Nevada.”
“But he’s more than a friend, isn’t he?”
“Kind of? Kato and Conner and I…well, the three of us have a special connection.”
“Conner?”
“Oh, did I forget to mention him? He’s also a Polymage and Kato’s best friend. Oh, and he’s the leader of the Rebels.”
“You have been busy, Savannah.”
“Yeah, I always am,” I sighed. “Kato and Conner and I saved the Spirit Trees together. We’re…well, like I said, the three of us have a special connection. I guess because we’re all Polymages. We’re like puzzle pieces that fit together and then everything makes sense.”
“What you’re describing, Savannah, it sounds like best friends.”
“Youare my best friend. You’re like a sister to me, Nevada.”
“And they’re like brothers to you?”
“Uh, no.” I laughed. “I already have a brother. I don’t need any more of those, thank you very much. But I do feel there’s something special with Kato and Conner. I guess ‘best friends’ is as good a description as any. But, wait, can someone have more than one best friend?”
Nevada shrugged. “Sure, why not? It’s a new world, Savannah. New world, new rules.”
“New world, new rules. I like it.” I dipped one of my test strips into the water, then waited for it to change color.
Nevada leaned in. “How’s the water looking?”
“Much better, thanks to you. At this rate, we’ll be finished cleaning the swamp by lunchtime. I’ll go get some more empty buckets.”
