I’m back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See my previous post in Open Chat to view my full breakdown of the hiatus In the meantime, a convo between me, Jenn, and Sirena regarding my hiatus (and some other stuff)!!: ME: So, um, this is awkward, but what do you guys think of me starting the RP again? JENN: Good for you!! I can’t wait to see your readers’ reactions! ME: I was hoping you’d say this. SIRENA: About time. You can’t really put it off any longer. ME: *sighs* I knew you would say this. JENN (hastily): So what happens next?? ME: To be honest, I really don’t know. I have the plot in my mind, but I’m not exactly sure how to execute it. SIRENA: Well, I would’ve planned all that beforehand. JENN (smacks Sirena on the arm): Miss Siren! Behave! SIRENA (through gritted teeth): Don’t. Call. Me. Miss. Siren. Or else. JENN: Or else what? SIRENA: Or else I will give Bandit chocolate. JENN: You wouldn’t dare! SIRENA (shrugs): Maybe I would. JENN: You wouldn’t. ME (desperately trying to save my characters from an argument but failing): I wouldn’t hold her to that, Jenn. Sirena is capable of a lot, as you will see in the climax… SIRENA: Stop dropping in clues as to what will happen next! ME: I already told you, I don’t know what will happen next!! Except for maybe a few vague details… SIRENA: You really are unprepared. How are you even keeping up at school? JENN: I think she’s doing great! ME (facepalm): Please don’t start arguing again. How are you guys friends? SIRENA AND JENN: We don’t fight! ME ( ): Well, there’ll be a couple more delicious arguments between– SIRENA: AHEM!! ME: sorry. They’re so nice, aren’t they? They *NEVER* argue. (lol) More soon (hopefully)! Emma
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Chapter One
TODAY WAS THE DAY. Emma shivered. It was the day she would receive her Flowerground Pass, her ticket to the School For Good and Evil. Her mother had been there. Emma wasn't sure of what to think of that. Queen Elisa did not like to speak of her days in the School for Good. And her fairytale itself had not exactly been a walk in the park either. Elisa could not talk, had to walk through graveyards every day, an had almost been burned at a stake for false claims when she could not defend herself. Had she done better at school, would Elisa's fairytale have been easier? Would it have been like Aurora's, where all she'd had to do was prick her finger, fall asleep, and wake to her charming prince by her side? Emma always pondered about her mother's days at school, but she had never dared ask. This meant she had no helpful tips for living at the School for Good. Her thoughts drifted to her best friend: Katalina Agnes Curry, who preferred to be called Kat for her seductive aura. With her dark beauty, intimidating height, and aloof personality, Kat would fit right in with the students at the School for Evil. But still, it was hard to imagine. Independent Kat, rooming with three others. Restless Kat, spending day after day cooped up in a classroom. But what would that mean for them? They'd been through so much together. Emma smiled, remembering how they had met. They had both been only seven. Emma was feeding a dove with bread crumbs, breaking piece after piece off of the bread in her hand and watching as the bird ate it out of her fingers. She was in the middle of feeding when the dove froze, mouth over bread, and cocked its head. Emma glanced behind her. She saw a tall girl her age with short, pixie-cut blond hair so pale it looked bleached, and cold, dark, and defiant blue eyes that seemed to pierce her. The girl was looking at her with an odd expression of calculation, daring, and awe. Emma realized the dove had resumed nibbling bread from her fingers. "You wanna try?" Emma asked, holding the bread out to her. The girl quickly shook her head no. "She doesn't bite," Emma reminded her. The girl hesitantly took the bread and, with shaking fingers, held it out to the dove. The dove opened its beak... Before suddenly veering upward and trying to fly away. Unfortunately, the girl snapped her head back too late. The dove squawked in terror as it entangled itself in the girl's hair more and more in its struggle to get out. "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?" The girl shrieked, clawing at her hair and succeeding only in enraging the dove even more. "GET IT OUUUUUT!!" Emma snapped back to attention. Racking her brain, she gently pried the bread from the girl's fingers. She fed it to the now wary dove, which ate cautiously. Emma quickly untangled a few locks. With lots more coaxing and cooing, she managed to pull the stressed dove out of the girl's hair. "About time," the girl sneered. When she caught Emma looking at her imploringly, the girl snapped; "What?" "Aren't you gonna say 'thank you'?" The girl sneered again. "Nope. Won't." There was an awkward silence. Then a loud rumble. A light switched on in Emma's head. "You must be hungry. Let's go to the bakery. My treat." Though she was only seven, Emma was allowed to walk to the nearby bakery by herself. The citizens all knew her well, and she knew all of them by name. The girl reluctantly agreed. On the walk there, Emma learned that her name was Katalina Agnes Curry, but she preferred Kat, her mother was the evil queen from Snow White (Emma shuddered. She then realize Snow's nemesis was one of the most clever villains in any fairytale, and glanced at Kat, not sure whether to cower in fear or gape in awe), and that she changed the color of her hair each day. "Sometimes I only color a stripe," her new friend bragged, "and sometimes I do the whole thing. Today I did both." "You mean both the blond and the red is dyed?" "Yup." Emma gawked. She had never even thought about dying her hair. She liked her hair the way it was: Smooth, long, and midnight-black. Later Kat had teased the baker so much he miscounted their change and gave them twenty more coins then he was supposed to. Emma had opened her mouth to tell him, but Kat put a finger to her lips and they both rocked with silent giggles. And so they had became friends. From a bird-feeding accident. Emma smiled now, remembering the good days, when all was frolic and fun. She and Kat had not seen each other for more then a week now, though it seemed like more. Would she even see her best friend before they both left for separate schools? She banished the thought. Of course she'd go see Kat. If Kat didn't go to her first, that was. But what if Kat had forgotten about her? What if that was why she hadn't come to visit? She lay on her bed, thoughts tumbling around in her head like acrobats. In the distance, she heard a scream. A scream of someone she knew. Then a haunting silence. *To be continued* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Two (RECAP: In the distance, she heard a scream. A scream of someone she knew. Then a haunting silence.) KAT WAS STROLLING IN the woods when she heard the scream. It was wild, almost feral, a sound of pure pain and remorse. She normally was the type of person who kept her cool under all circumstances. Of course, there rarely came a time where Kat would have any reason to lose her cool at all. With her tall and intimidating height, piercing blue-black eyes, punk-style dyed hair, and haughty facial features, everything about Kat radiated indifference. Not this time, though. She jerked involuntarily and stumbled to a stop on the path, the scream still ringing in her ears. It sounded oddly familiar... She ran through a mental list of the people she knew, which, to be honest, was not many. Mom? No. Baker? No. Policeman Joe? Nope. Little girl who visited the forest to collect flowers with her parents every Saturday? Not her either. Kat continued to run through her short list of names until she reached the last, a name her mouth had not spoken in a long time. She tasted it on her lips, bittersweet yet refreshing, bringing back memories of cool lemonade, warm hot chocolate, home-baked cookies, and cinnamon buns fresh from the bakery oven. "Emma." Kat whispered to the trees. "Oh God. Please not Emma. Anyone but her." She tore through the trees, not caring for the leaves pricking her skin and hacking a few more sturdy ones off with her sword. Because if it was the one person Kat cared deeply for, it was her friend. Her friend, who had always been there for her. Her friend, who would always stay positive in a time of darkness. Her friend, who she had avoided seeing for weeks now. Kat's face burned with shame. What could possibly have happened to the one person she trusted with her life? She quickened her gait to a sprinting leap, tearing across the forest with the ferocity of a tiger. Because Kat would never forgive herself. Not for what she had done. Or, more accurately, what she had not done. And she would do anything to see her best friend again. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMMA PULLED OUT HER bow and arrows. Yes, this princess has a weapon: Serenity, named after her mother's kingdom, had been with her for more than two years now. Serenity was a golden, elegantly arched bow. Twined in a spiral up the bow were emerald carved vines, small leaves sprouting from the sides. She was a bow of the highest and sturdiest quality, custom designed for Emma. Listening closely, she could still hear echoes of the scream, sounding so close yet so far away... The scream of a girl. A girl her age, whose voice always had a demanding tone to it. Emma's stomach churned. Kat. It was her. She was sure of it. She threw open the bedroom door, racing out if the castle as quickly as she could. She had to save Kat. And so both girls ran, each thinking they were running to the rescue of the other, neither of them seeing the figure, hidden in the shadows, smirking. Because everything was going exactly as planned. *To be continued* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Three (RECAP: And so both girls ran, each thinking they were running to the rescue of the other, neither of them seeing the figure, hidden in the shadows, smirking. Because everything was going exactly as planned.) KAT DIDN'T KNOW WHERE she was heading, but it felt like an unknown, invisible force was pulling her deeper, deeper into the forest, guiding her to Emma. What would she say once she rescued her friend; "I'm sorry I basically ignored you for weeks, please forgive me"? Kat froze in her tracks. Perhaps it was better she leave Emma for someone else to find and then say she was too far away to hear the scream... Immediately Kat hit herself hard in the gut. Gasping for breath, she silently cursed her Evil soul. What had led her to be selfish enough to put her best friend's life on the line? She vowed that from then on, she would never neglect and doubt her best friend. But even the deepest promises can be broken. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMMA WONDERED WHAT HAD happened to Kat. She sprinted through the castle, Serenity close at hand. Because if someone could scare or hurt Katalina of Serenity Woods like that, Emma would have to be careful. She was right, but not in the way she expected. "Princess, why are you in such a hurry?" One of the palace maids inquired. "No time," Emma shouted back at her. Then stopped. "Did you hear that scream? Who d'ya think it was?" "The scream, missus?" The maid asked, looking genuinely confused. "Forgive me, princess, but I heard no scream," she said tentatively. "Might you have imagined it?" Emma shook her head, frustrated. She continued her running, leaving the maid flustered. "What could be wrong?" She heard her mutter to herself. Emma tore through the castle and burst through the front gates, sides aching. Kat would be so glad to see her...if only she could make it in time. She decided to trust her heart and let it make the decisions that would lead her to her friend. Just a few minutes ago she had wondered if Kat had forgotten about her. Now she didn't care. All she knew was that she had to get to Kat--before it was too late. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHITE TEETH GLINTED A smile as the figure inspected a glowing orb in its hand. Projected in it were two girls, both running, frantic. The figure leaned on the wall, smirking at its unnoticed success. Oh, how it had missed the feeling of victory: sweet, refreshing, and filling him with such satisfaction. Of course, all was not done yet. The figure's smirk melted. There was still time for the girls to save themselves. And that was bad. The figure clenched slender hands into fists. It would have to rely on the girls' foolishness-- To stop them from ever entering the School For Good and Evil. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KAT STOPPED FIRST. Somehow she knew she was in the right spot. In front of her was a deep and seemingly endless cavern that reeked of dirt and water. Had Emma gotten lost in the slippery darkness inside? Kat bit her lip, shivering. Then she steeled herself. Her best friend was stranded and weak in a mysterious cave, and here she was worrying about Emma but at the same time making no effort to save her. What was wrong with her? Kat ran into the cave, expecting to feel her feet step onto dirt or stone. They did--for a second. Then the faux floor gave out to nothingness. Kat fell. Across the forest, the figure's smirk returned. One down, one more to go. *To be continued* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Four *NOTE: This is in a different character's world, not Emma's or Kat's. :) * (RECAP: Kat ran into the cave, expecting to feel her feet step onto dirt or stone. They did--for a second. Then the faux floor gave out to nothingness. Kat fell. Across the forest, the figure's smirk returned. One down, one more to go.) PAIN. Pain everywhere. In her ribs, in her eyes, in her legs, arms, chest, head. There was nothing but hurt left in this world. Why couldn't she die? She wanted to die. Death sounded better than this. This hollowed-out world filled with killers and liars. This hollowed-out world without Kylie. Her heart burst into flames, the heat licking her insides. Then it cooled. Sharpened. Hardened. She had a new purpose. She stood, and brushed herself off. Then set out for revenge. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEARS LATER Just three years ago, she would strut about, showing off a new pair of shoes, making other girls jealous, going shopping with Kylie, or bragging about her Father's paycheck. She would act like... A little girl. Now, Father was gone. Kylie was gone. And the little girl, her past self, had gone with them. She was replaced by a ruthless villain. She had stripped away her name. It did not matter to her. She forgot what it was over time, but she was sure it had been childish. Now she was known as Sirena, after the Sirens from Greek Mythology, whose beautiful voices lead unsuspecting sailors to their deaths. It suited her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIRENA WOKE UP WITH an intense headache. The usual; nagging pains and jabs to her head. She rolled over and peeked at the bed across from hers. Jenn, her roommate, was still asleep. Of course. The girl slept in every day unless Sirena woke her. Or unless Stealer, her dog, licked her awake. Which, now that Sirena thought about it, happened a lot. "Jenn. Wake up." Jenn was the closest thing Sirena had to a friend. Like an acquaintance, maybe. Sirena was in the mood for Jenn's bubbly, optimistic personality. Probably because of the headache. Sirena's headaches always acted as a sign of foreboding. "I'mtryingtosleeppleasethankyou," Jenn mumbled. "JENNIFER MCGEE!" Jenn jumped, rolling off the bed. Stealer barked, alarmed. "Geez, lady, let a girl get some sleep." Sirena rolled her eyes. "Right. Because you definitely wouldn't have been late for class had I not woken you." Jenn chose to ignore this. "So. What's up with you this fine morning, Ms. Siren?" Sirena rolled her eyes again at the nickname. "I told you not to call me that." Jenn grinned. "Whoopsie-daisy. Sorry, must've forgotten. Again." She winked. Sirena sighed, and rubbed her temples. Jenn got a knowing look in her eye. "Another headache?" Sirena nodded, with effort. "You should go to the infirmary and get some medicine for that type of thing." It was not the first time Jenn had suggested this. "I told you, it's a sign!" Sirena said, exasperated. "Whenever I get headaches like this, something bad happens later in the day!" "Maybe you just need more sleep," suggested Jenn. She yawned. "At least as much as me." "And be always late to everything, like you? I'll pass, thank you very much." Jenn pouted. "I'm not <em> that </em> bad. I've only been late, like, two times. "You know, sometimes I think we should request for two more roommates. They'd be a good influence on your sleeping habits." 'Sometimes' was an understatement. Jenn constantly whined about them being two girls short in Room 378. She had even tried to see the headmaster about the subject. Once Jennifer McGee put her mind to something, she would not stop until it went her way. An admirable trait. "How many times do I have to tell you this?" Sirena chucked a pillow at her friend--no, <em> acquaintance </em>. "They don't have enough students to give each dorm four!" "I know, I know!" Jenn said, holding her hands up in a sign of surrender. "I just feel a bit...lonely sometimes." Sirena felt a pang of guilt. She had never been a particularly good companion. Always talking and caring about only herself, ranting and plotting, and having sudden explosions of anger. Jenn put up with all of this, bless her soul. "Sorry." She said finally. Jenn laughed. "You don't have any reason to apologize! You're an awesome bestie, Ms. Siren." She skipped over and gave Sirena's shoulders a squeeze. Sirena let the nickname and the word 'bestie' drop. She was too busy turning away so that Jenn would not see her blink away tears. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE BELL RANG. Sirena and Jenn grabbed their books and hurried down to the Cafe for breakfast. They crossed the large Cafe, squeezed around the chattering student, and sapproached the lunch line. Jenn's friend Paige and Paige's friend Nikki were there, chatting. "Hey Jenn, Sirena!" Paige called, spotting the girls and waving them over. Nikki frowned, looking grumpy that they had taken Paige's attention off her. "Hey," Sirena said to Paige. "Howdy," she responded, and immediately got into a conversation with Jenn about Stealer. Sometimes Sirena wondered whether or not, had Jenn roomed with Paige, they would still be friends. Acquaintances. Probably not. Jenn and Paige had so much in common, things she lacked: a bubbly personality, a friendly and welcoming smile, an obsession with dogs. They moved up in the line until they got to the front. Sirena got the fresh salad, Jenn and Paige got the hot grilled cheese, and Nikki looked like she was about to get the fried chicken legs, but one look at Paige's plate and she changed her mind and got the grilled cheese as well. Sirena rolled her eyes. It bothered her that Nikki was willing to stamp down her own wants just to fit in. Maybe it was because Sirena was selfish. Maybe all girls were willing to do anything just to fit in. She wasn't sure. "C'mon, let's grab a seat," Paige said to them. Sirena awkwardly followed the other three, balancing her cold metal tray on her hands. She didn't fit in at all in this group. No, she belonged with--the other ruthless criminals. She didn't deserve Jenn as an acquaintance, much less as a friend. Jenn must've noticed the look on her face, for she linked her arm into Sirena's. “I call dibs on the seat next to Ms. Siren’s!" They found an empty table and sat. True to her word, Jenn plopped down next to Sirena and beamed at her. Sirena dug into her salad, savoring the textures and flavors. Nikki picked at her grilled cheese. Sirena could tell she was regretting her decision. All of a sudden, the loudspeakers sounded. <em> "The pupils currently residing in Room 378 of East Tower, please report to Headmaster V's office. Thank you, and have a great day." </em> Sirena and Jenn startled. Room 378 of East Tower... That was them! They quickly said goodbye to a confused looking Paige and a smug looking Nikki. Sirena noticed as soon as they left Nikki immediately engaged Paige in conversation. "What do you think Headmaster V wants?" Jenn asked anxiously. "We didn't do anything wrong... Did we?" Sirena had the same question. They headed to the Headmaster's tower. V never spoke face-to-face with anyone. At least, none of the students. Sirena wasn't sure whether or not the Headmaster talked to the professors, but she guessed he didn't. Or she; she wasn't sure what gender V was. Maybe they would be the first to see V's face, maybe not. They stopped at the Headmaster's door. "You knock," Jenn whispered to Sirena. Sirena hesitated. Headmaster V had personally brought Sirena to V's School for Talented Prodigies, or VSTP. This was, according to Jenn, very rare, for it was rumored V sent the professors to get the students. Most of the students were fending for themselves on the streets, and were captured by V and the professors to live a better life at VSTP. Sirena was not one of these children. Again, she was a special case. Sure, she had left her home at the age of thirteen. But it was to avenge Kylie. Just thinking about her little sister increased her pounding headache. She forced herself back to the present and knocked on the polished, wooden door of V's office. "Come in," said the headmaster's voice. Sirena and Jenn nervously opened the door and stepped inside. V's office was cold, and dimly lit. Their feet made echos on the wooden floor. The only light was coming from the partially shaded window. There were machines, machines everywhere. Clinking and whirring away, Sirena wasn't sure what their purpose was. There was a darkened glass panel at the end of the room, with a speaker protruding from the glass. The most eye-catching thing about the room was its large, beautiful domed ceiling, lined with gold and which depicted spidery letters: <em> United we can accomplish what others only dream of. </em> They jerked when they saw the outline of a figure behind the darkened glass. V. The headmaster was hidden from view as always, but by the vague outline Sirena guessed V was male. "Welcome, Sirena, Jennifer," said V. "It's a pleasure to see you two." Sirena found her voice. "T--Thank you, Headmaster." "Are we in trouble?" Jenn cut in, her voice a squeak. V laughed. There was no warmth in his laughter. "No, no, of course not, my darling children. No, rather, you are being <em> rewarded." </em> "Rewarded? Pardon me, sir, but I don't understand." Jenn said politely. "To be clear, I have some excellent news for you girls," V replied. "New roommates?!" Jenn interrupted in a squeal. Sirena elbowed her. "Pardon, sir,” Jenn amended. V laughed again. "Actually, you are spot on, Jennifer. Spot on." "What?!" Sirena and Jenn yelled in unison. "I am bringing you two roommates. They are strong, powerful girls your age." Sirena could hear the smile in the headmaster's voice. "I'm sure you both get along <em> quite </em> well with them. Jenn, you will like the princess." "PRINCESS?!" Jenn squawked, nearly falling out of her chair. "Yes, <em> princess </em>," said V. "And Sirena, you will enjoy the company of the villain." "Villain?" Sirena frowned. "Yes," V said simply. "Yes, the two are good friends. It would be a shame to, ah, <em> separate </em> them." The outline of his head turned to Sirena's direction. "Yes, sir," she said through gritted teeth. Another job from V. Just what she needed. "Any questions, girls?" V asked. Jenn raised her hand. "Yes, Jennifer?" "How will they fit in? Everyone here has... You know..." "Magic?" V supplied. "Oh, believe me, these girls harness magic, all right. They will fit right in." His voice, Sirena noticed, had taken on an almost greedy tone. "Sir?" She asked. "Yes?" She chose her words carefully. "Do you plan on telling them... Where they are going? When you… capture them? What if they object?" Silence. "Say, Sirena," V said, his tone icy. "Do you ever intend on avenging Kylie?" "Y-yes, sir," she said. She knew what was coming next. "Then surely you know the answer to that question." Sirena said yes. "Last question, sir," Jenn cut in, casting a worried look towards her companion. "How are you sure we will like them?" "Ah," V said. "I know all of my children well. "Trust me," he said, his smirk audible in his words. "You two will enjoy the company of Emma and Katalina." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 (RECAP: “"Ah," V said. "I know all of my children well. "Trust me," he said, his smirk audible in his words. "You two will enjoy the company of Emma and Katalina."”) EMMA WASN’T SURE HOW she had fallen for the trap. Maybe it was because she had not been thinking straight, or was rushed because of her desperation to find Kat. Whatever the case, she had walked straight into the clever ruse. She had been running, heading deep into the woods, when she saw a flash of dyed electric blue hair. She spun, and caught sight of a pair of combat boots. <em> Kat. </em> Emma sprinted in the direction she the combat boots had been dragged. Every once in awhile, she caught glimpses of Kat: The sleeve of a leather jacket, or a thin, pale hand. Her heart pounded. Her breath caught. Yet somehow, Kat always stayed in view: So close. She could not give up now. She tripped on what she thought was a tree root. Emma went sprawling, her face planted into the speckled forest floor. Unfortunately, contrary to what she thought, the dirt was not soft. “Umph--” Emma choked, spitting dirt and pine needles out of her mouth. She rubbed her eyes, which were watering, and glanced all around her. She saw the tripwire. Not a tree root after all. Emma realized the ruse a second too late. Just as she began to hurriedly stand up, blood pounding in her ears, the ground gave way to her feet. The fall was a long one. Emma could just barely see the clouds in the sky. She thumped to the hard floor with a thud. Her back burst into flames. She heard an audible CRACK!, and winced. Something dark and hot was trickling down her back, starting from her neck, which was stabbed with pain. She managed to sit up and saw--just her luck--her neck had landed on and therefore had been pierced by a shard of rock, which explained the blood… Emma’s world spun. Her head was jabbed with pain, a headache. The last thing she saw was a handsome figure, leaning over her, pressing something sharp, reflective, ice cold to her wrist… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHE WOKE UP FEELING no pain at all. Strange. Hadn’t there been blood just a while ago? Her mind was very fuzzy… She remembered where she was. And why she had come here. Kat. She had run through Serenity Woods to save her best friend. She had tripped on a wire and fallen into a cavern-like room. Which she was no longer in. Emma took in her surroundings. She was laying in a bed in a small, enclosed room with a low ceiling and no windows. There was a polished wooden door, which she knew had to be locked. The room had the air of a space that someone had attempted to make feel homey, but had failed miserably in doing so. There was a large television, a dark wooden nightstand with an antique-looking lamp on it, and a beanbag chair that looked as if it had never been used before. In the corner were tall, dusty display cases with old, worn books that the writing had faded off of. But what Emma was most interested in was the large poster, hanging on the wall to the right of her, which read: VSTP: “United we can accomplish what others only dream of.” Underneath the words, there was an image of a hand clutching a glowing scroll. The letters “VSTP” were imprinted on the scroll in long, fancy writing. There was a ribbon wrapped around the scroll, a bright red ribbon of Kat’s favorite color-- Emma sat up immediately, ignoring the pains in her neck and back. Where was Kat? She couldn’t have run all that way for nothing. Just as she was thinking about her best friend, the temperature noticeably dropped a few degrees. Goosebumps popped up on Emma’s arms. The hairs on her neck stood straight up. “I see you have awaken.” A cold voice spoke, echoing. There was no clue as to where the voice was coming from. Was it from the walls? Emma wasn’t sure. What she was sure about, however, was that she did not trust the owner of the voice. “Who are you?” she demanded, reaching for the sword charm on her bracelet. She know that if she said the magic words (literally) Serenity would change from a charm on the bracelet to the weapon itself. Only her bracelet was not there. “You!” she shouted, hand clasping her wrist. “Me,” agreed the voice. “Though I must add that you have no choice in this matter. That is, not if you want to see your friend Katalina again.” Emma froze. “Where is she.” It was not a question. It was a demand. She imagined that the figure smiled then. She imagined it was a cold leer, paired with an icy glint in the eyes that had no hint of a smile. “You are in no position to be making demands,” the figure said, the smile audible in his voice. Emma grit her teeth. “Tell me.” “Oh, you will see her soon,” said the voice. “Very soon, in fact. Just not in the, ah… conditions you expect.” Emma snorted. “Oh, so you mean she won’t be captured, chained, and starved. Yeah right.” Her hands clenched into fists. “She won’t.” The voice said simply. The temperature rose again. Her captor was gone. Her feeling of foreboding, however, was not. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KAT WAS FURIOUS. First she had run all across the forest, and now she had figured out she had been duped and tricked. Emma probably had been in her castle all along, writing or reading or whatever she did in her free time. But that didn’t matter now. What did matter was escaping from this place, wherever it was. She was no longer in the cave, or whatever was underneath it that she had fallen into, that was for sure. She was in a small, compressed room with a single window, a bed, and a mirror that reached to the ceiling. Kat ran over to the window and jiggled the latch. Locked. She turned to the door. This time, however, when she twisted the polished brass knob, the door slid right open. Kat’s heart pounded. What would she find outside? Vicious guards? An evil villain with a dagger? A ferocious monster? She opened the door to students instead. Hundreds of them, chattering away and balancing books in their open palms. They were all of different ages, all of them, yet Kat saw something in common with all of them: An intelligent glint in the eye, a slightly upturned chin of confidence, an unbroken stride. These students were different than the children at home. Kat could just sense it. She wasn’t sure of what to do. Before she could decide, someone caught her eye. A skinny girl with highlighted strawberry-blond hair, a glittery unicorn t-shirt and curious sky-blue eyes hurried over. “Hello!” She chirped. “Are you new? You seem very lost. Love the hair. When did you get here?” She paused to take a breath. “I’m Jennifer McGee. Jenn for short. Nice to meet you. What’s your name?” Kat stared. “What?” She found it hard to keep up with Jennifer’s endless chatter. “Oh, um, I’m Katalina. Kat. Where are we!” Jennifer bounced on the balls of her feet. “Hiya, Kat. And we’re at VSTP.” She jabbed a finger at a poster. VSTP: “United we can accomplish what others only dream of.” Underneath it was a logo of a hand clutching a scroll. “VSTP?” Kat stared. “What about SGE?” “SGE?” Jenn looked confused. “I don’t know what you’re tal--” She was cut off by the arrival of another girl, this one with white-blond hair in a fashionable braid, also with clear blue eyes. The girl had about a million gold bangle bracelets on her arms. She wore a short, sparkly purple dress. “There you are, Jenn. C’mon, let’s go get lunch. Who is this, anyways?” She stuck her petite nose up in Kat’s direction. “That’s Kat,” Jenn said. “She’s new here.” The girl’s lip curled. “Oh.” “This is Nikki,” Jenn informed Kat. “She’s usually not this hostile.” She giggled. Kat doubted it. “Come on, Jenn-zies.” Nikki shot Kat a nasty look. “Let’s go get lunch, ‘kay?” She dragged Jenn away. Kat didn’t really care. She was too busy trying to find an exit. She was so busy looking around she accidentally bumped into someone “Watch it,” the student snarled. Kat looked up to find a tall, intimidating girl with stormy hazel eyes. She had thick black hair that was up in a high ponytail. She wore black, cropped cami tank top and black tights. She had a black choker necklace and a many silver bracelets. Her chin was tilted up defiantly, her mouth open to scold whoever had bumped into her. The girls locked eyes. Kat felt something pass between them. She wasn’t sure what exactly it was. Understanding? Respect? But this girl had even more of a special aura than the rest. This one had a haughty air, an air of someone who had been and survived through many hardships--though not without scars. Kat was afraid of this one. Really and truly, even the presence of the student near her worried her. It made her palms sweat. Her heart pound. This girl was dangerous. But so was she. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIRENA’S DAY HAD BEEN going bad enough before being bumped into by an idiot. She had gotten news that she would be getting new roommates (secretly she liked having Jenn to herself), gotten a question wrong on a quiz, and her headache had gotten even worse--if that was even possible. She was walking, minding her own business, and trying to keep from screaming out because of the headache when someone crashed into her. Sirena hated when this happened. Students were so careless. They didn’t watch where they were going. “Watch it,” she snapped. When she looked up and stared down the idiot, however, she was surprised. The girl, unlike the many goody-twoshoes at VSTP, had ripped pants, a leather jacket, combat boots, and a bright red streak in her hair. And unlike everyone else, she held Sirena’s gaze and did not look away for a long time. Sirena was intrigued. V had never found a student quite like this one. This one radiated a sort of power--Sirena was trained to sense these types of things. “Sorry,” the girl said. She sounded annoyed, anxious, and a bit confused. A strange combination. “I’m Katalina, Katalina Curry. Where’s the exit?” Sirena stared. “Exit?” “Yes, exit.” Katalina said. “I need to go.” Ahh, this one’s a newbie, Sirena thought. That explained the confusion. “No one leaves exactly.” “WHAT?” Katalina squawked. Sirena smirked. Clearly the girl was not as cool or calm as she tried so hard to show. Seeing as Sirena was not planning to be of much help, Katalina stormed off. Probably to find the “exit” herself. Sirena sighed, and followed her. It was her job to find the rebellious spirits in the new students. And exterminate them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMMA LEPT UP AND felt her backbone crick. She winced. She approached the door and jiggled the knob. It was locked. She put her ear to the door, hoping to get some clue as to where she was. Nothing. She heard a distant hum. It seemed like someone had tried to make the door soundproof. She strained to listen in on whatever was going on outside. She caught a few words from the conversation. “...ugh, homework...class…dinner...can’t wait...” Homework? Dinner? Class? It sounded as if she was in a… “School.” She whispered it to the room. She was in a school. Her heart pounded. A school...could it possibly be that she was at-- <em> SGE? </em> But why would she get <em> captured? </em> And in such a way, too? She was supposed to have gotten her Flowerground Pass. It seemed so long ago that she had stood on the balcony, thinking about how she and Kat had met. And if she really were at SGE, why would she be locked in a room? What happened to the Welcoming? She stepped over to the window. Dusk was approaching. The sun was setting. And she still had not been let out of the room. As if on cue, the door swung open. Emma spun around and peeked outside. As far as she could tell, no one was there. She took a step outside-- A pale hand grabbed her arm. “Emma!” She yelped and turned to see who it was. Kat. “Kat? What are you doing here? This isn’t SGE I don’t think!” Emma blurted out at the sight of her friend. She had assumed that Kat had not been tricked, but here her friend was, looking as haughty as ever, though a little miffed. “No,” Kat agreed. “This is not SGE. It’s VSTP.” Emma thought about the poster in her room. “What happened to us? Why are we here?” Kat looked grim. “I don’t know, but this place gives me the chills. The students are all so...different here. I sort of bumped into one and it was not fun.” She winced. Emma was mystified. Kat, wincing at the very thought of a student? “Are they all like that?” “No. I also talked a little with another one, Jenny or something like that, and she seemed...um, friendly enough until another girl dragged her away. They don’t seem to know about SGE and apparently there is no such thing as an exit out of this place.” This got a sharp intake of breath from Emma. All of a sudden, someone skidded to a stop in front of them. “There you two are. Ugh, do you <em> know </em> what it took to find you guys?” Kat stiffened. It was The Girl. The frightening one. The one she was sure she didn’t trust. The Girl scowled. “Come with me. Or else.” They went. Chapter 6 (RECAP: Kat stiffened. It was The Girl. The frightening one. The one she was sure she didn’t trust. The Girl scowled. “Come with me. Or else.” They went.) THE TWO GIRLS FOLLOWED her as Sirena strode through the school. Every once in a while a student would catch sight of her and squeak in fear before scampering out of the way, like a mouse. Sirena sneered at them. Pesky students, with their fearful stares and twitchy bodies. The newbies acted most peculiarly for two friends. The one with black hair smiled cautiously at the students passing by. The one with the red, however, did not. Sirena climbed up the girls staircase, boots clacking. She reached the top and spun left, heading towards the very end of the hall. At last she turned right, and swung open the door. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OF ALL THE PLACES The Girl could’ve taken them, Emma did not expect <em> this. </em> The door opened to a room with two bunk beds (four beds in total), two dressers, a vanity, a walk-in closet, and tall, arching windows with stained glass images depicting mythical creatures. A unicorn raised its pearly head proudly, a griffin extended its wings in preparation for flight, other animals in similar poses. Emma’s breath caught. The room, unlike the one she had been in before, gave off an air of extreme hominess. Perhaps it was because of the occupied dog crate in the corner, or the candles on the windowsill. Whatever it was, Emma liked the room. A lot. There was a loud snuffling sound, then a loud bark, from the crate. The Girl looked annoyed. “That’s Bandit, Jenn’s dog. You’ll soon see why he is called that.” She turned to Emma and Kat. “From now on, you will be residing in this dorm,” she said grumpily. Something about the tone of her voice told Emma that she had not approved of the decision to make them roommates. “Our other roommate is Jennifer McGee.” The Girl hesitated. “I’m Sirena.” Somehow this made Emma feel as if The Girl--no, <em> Sirena </em> --was trying to be at least a <em> little </em> friendly. This calmed her down. “Emma.” “Kat,” her friend said. “Though you already know that.” The thought struck Emma and she was exasperated that she did not notice it before: <em> this </em> was the girl Kat had bumped into! Of course! “Alright, enough of that,” Sirena grumbled. “Off to lunch with you lot. Follow me.” She left, and they followed her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT the Cafe, Emma was surprised by the sheer number of VSTP students: every circular dining table was crowded with boys and girls, all chatting excitedly. Every once in awhile, she caught a snippet of their conversations. “Get some food,” ordered Sirena. (Emma wasn’t sure what to think of her as. A friend? Acquaintance? ...Tour guide?) “I’ll bring you your schedules in a little bit.” And with that, she left. Emma turned to Kat. “Let’s leave. Now.” Her friend shook her head, dyed hair swishing. “I’ve looked everywhere. There is no exit.” She winced. “Not an unlocked one, that is.” Emma gulped. “Lunch?” She joked. To her surprise, Kat nodded grimly. “Best we try to look like we’re normal students, take a look around without acting suspicious.” They headed into the lunch line, stopping at the end and grabbing their trays, soon to be loaded with food. Suddenly, Kat tapped the shoulder of the skinny girl in front of them. “Hey,” she said. Emma smiled inwardly. It was the second surprise from her best friend in less than two minutes! The girl turned. “Hi, Kat!” She beamed, sky blue eyes crinkling. Her freckles seemed to jump across her face with the movement. “Hi,” Kat said. “Um, you know we’re your roommates right?” She awkwardly motioned to Emma. “This is Emma.” The girl stared. “OH!!!!” She exclaimed so loudly both Emma and Kat jumped. “I should’ve known!! The names!!” She gasped. “That means…” She turned to Kat. “You’re a <em> PRINCESS?!?!” </em> Kat shuddered. “Elisa’s swans, no!” She laughed, and jokingly punched Emma’s arm. “This one here is, though, is that what you mean?” The girl’s eyes grew as wide as moons. “OH!” She yelled again, then clumsily curtsied. “My apologies!! I’m Jennifer McGee, Jenn for short, nice to meet you! I’m honored!” Emma laughed. “Let’s act like you don’t know I’m...you know…” she said awkwardly. “Nice to meet you too. Love the t-shirt.” They continued up the line until they could order. Emma chose mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and chicken alfredo, Kat chose the tomato soup and pita chips, and Jenn, giggling, chose--a sandwich and a bag of chips. “Stop being so <em> fancy, </em> you two!” She joked. Emma and Kat laughed along with her. They each grabbed a bottle of water. “Shall we find a seat?” Jenn said. “My friends Paige and Brooke and their friend Nikki should be here soon.” It seemed Jenn was pretty popular. “I would like to call Ms. Siren my friend too if I weren’t so afraid she’d hear and punch me,” she stage-whispered, much to Emma and Kat’s amusement. They found a not-so-full table and sat, digging simultaneously into their meals. “WAIT!” Kat hissed into Emma’s ear as her she raised her fork, stocked full of noodles, to her watering mouth. “What if it’s poisoned or something??” Emma laid her fork down. “But they’re all eating it,” she pointed out. Kat looked unconvinced, but said, “You’re right. We can’t starve ourselves.” And with that, they chowed down. Just then, three girls approached their table. One with wavy, dirty-blonde hair, one with silky white-blond hair in a braid, and the last with chestnut brown hair in a high ponytail. “Guys, this is Brooke, Nikki, and Paige,” Jenn introduced them, pointing at each girl in turn. “Brooke, Nikki, Paige, this is Emma and Kat. They’re gonna be me and Ms. Siren’s roommates.” “Hi!” Brooke smiled and waved. Nikki rolled her eyes. “Ugh, I’m still your bestie right Jenn-zies?” she asked. Jenn looked uncomfortable. “Whassup,” Paige said sassily, then grinned. “Nice to meet y’all.” She and Kat bumped fists. Nikki turned to Paige. “So, Paigey, how was Ms. Yates?” She laughed. “I <em> hate </em> her class. Like, she rats me out for <em> no reason.” </em> “Uh,” Paige said awkwardly, “that’s ‘cause you always talk and apply your makeup during her class.” “I think she’s awesome,” Jenn interjected, Brooke nodding in agreement. Nikki, seeing as all three of her friends were against her, quickly laughed. “Guys, I was <em> joking,” </em> she said. “You guys are right, she’s--um, awesome.” She squeezed Paige and Jenn’s shoulders. “Now, where do we sit, girls?” Nikki asked. She turned to Emma and Kat. “Sorry, but you guys’ll have to move. I call seat next to Jenn, and…” She scrutinized Paige and Brooke, both of whom shifted uncomfortably. “Paige, you can be to my left. Sorry Brookie, you’ll have to take a seat next to Paige okay dear? Maybe next time I’ll sit with you.” She turned to Emma, who was sitting next to Jenn (Kat was to Emma’s left). “Move please, darling.” She smiled. Emma rolled her eyes. “You can sit <em> across </em> from Jenn, you know. You don’t have to sit </em> next </em> to her,” Kat broke in. “It’s not a big deal,” Emma said quickly, sensing a fight. “Oh, but it is,” Kat said hotly. “I can’t have <em> her </em> bossing us around.” Nikki’s glossy pink lip curled. “I don’t ‘ <em> boss </em> people around’ as you so politely put it, thank you very much,” she snapped. Her crystal-blue eyes seemed to burn bright, the anger threatening to push through. Kat stood up. Nikki’s hands clenched into fists. Was it just Emma, or did her hands seem to...glow? A blue precisely the color of her eyes? Emma shook her head, and tugged on Kat’s arm. “Kat,” she hissed. “Let’s just leave. We’re not here to pick a fight--” Kat ignored her and flipped her hair. “Bring it on,” </em> she leered. “Ohh, and by the way… you have so much lip gloss on, you look like someone <em> squashed </em> a raspberry and <em> shoved </em> it onto that unworthy face.” Nikki flushed. “Oh really? Well the DYE in your hair LEECHED your head of the SMALL number of brains it contained before!” She shouted. This time, Emma was sure she saw Nikki’s hand glow a crystal, ultramarine blue. “Kat…” she warned. “Now is not the time to get into a fight--” Kat swung a punch. Emma flinched and braced herself for the blood she knew was soon to spout from Nikki’s petite nose, and subconsciously closed her eyes. She heard a SPLASH and a shout. Her eyelids flew open. Kat was standing, arm still outstretched, her face a mask of shock. Only now her knuckles were a blistering red, and she was dripping wet. Her hair hung limp, dripping in grouped strands. In between Nikki and Kat was a shiny, blue barrier of-- <em> Water. </em> The light from Nikki’s hands slowly died down. Emotions flitted across her face: smugness and superiority, until her eyes widened in a sudden shock and fear. “I--I didn’t--” she stuttered, then spun on her heel and stalked away, heels clacking. “Oh no--she’s gonna be in <em> so much trouble </em> if a teacher or the headmaster finds out!” Paige whisper-exclaimed, ponytail swinging as she shook her head vigorously. “We’d better go comfort her. Take care, Kat.” And with that, she and Brooke left hurriedly. Jenn, however, stood, and together with Emma she took Kat’s hand and they examined her knuckles. In that moment, Emma knew Jennifer McGee had a truly good heart. Here Jenn was, caring for someone she barely knew instead of her own long-time “friend”. “Thank you,” Kat whispered to them. “No problem!” Jenn replied. Emma smiled and reached across and squeezed Kat’s shoulders. Jenn grabbed her water bottle and poured some of the sparkling liquid onto a napkin Emma handed her, and together they gently massaged Kat’s knuckles with the napkin. “I feel better now, thank you both,” Kat breathed, shaking her wrists. Emma and Jenn smiled. Emma’s shock of Kat getting hurt wore away to surprise. She turned to Jenn. “How. Did. She. Do. That!!!” Jenn looked uncomfortable. “What do you mean, <em> ‘how’ </em> ? It’s... natural.” “NATURAL?” Kat squeaked. “Whaddaya mean, ‘natural’?” “It just...comes naturally,” Jenn said. “Oh, hey Ms. Siren!” She said quickly. Emma and Kat spun around to see an annoyed-looking Sirena striding towards them briskly, two pieces of parchment in hand. “I see you have made a friend,” she said dryly. “You guys could form the ‘Ultimate Dork’ club.” “Great!” Beamed Jenn jokingly. “I call president! Sirena, you can be vice president!” Sirena rolled her eyes, but Emma was almost sure she saw the corners of her usually pursed mouth twitch. “Your schedules,” she said, handing them to Emma and Kat. Emma unrolled the parchment. Hers read: <b> <u> <em> Emma of Serenity Empire Girls East Tower, Room 37 </em> </u> </b> SCHEDULE:
4. Magical Disputes and Teamwork vs. Assistance in Magic--Professor Kristin Donnelly 6. LUNCH--starts at 12:00 pm 7. The Importance of VSTP--Headmaster V and/or Teachers 8. Magical History and Development Through the Ages--Professor Leighton Yates 9. Free Time 10. Mess Hall--Supervised by Professors Leighton Yates and Kristin Donnelly 11. DINNER (optional)--starts at 6:00 pm 12. Mess Hall (cont.) LIGHTS OUT AT 10:30 PM--STUDENTS SHOULD BE IN THEIR DORMS BY 10 O’CLOCK Emma finished reading and turned to Kat, who seemed to be just as speechless as her. “So the way we work around here is we don’t have different classes year by year, harder and harder. If you do good in a class you’ll eventually raise to the Level 2, L2 for short, of that class. The L2 classes are at the same time as the L1’s and all the other levels, but they all have different teachers. “So you two will have all the same classes as each other and Jenn here, because y’all are all L1,” Sirena said bossily. “Wait--what is this?” Kat sputtered. “‘Magic control’? ‘Basic Spells’? ‘Magical DISPUTES’? And <em> ‘Magical History and Development’ </em> ?!” Jenn stared at them. “Uhm, yeahhhhh. But it’s time for the assembly. Er, ‘The Importance of VSTP’ or whatever the assemblies’ official title is. Follow me.” She skittered away. Emma and Kat met eyes. Emma shrugged helplessly. “Just follow.” So they did, Sirena striding next to them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THEY SAT DOWN ON the floor as four teachers stood next to a large speaker. The rest of the staff stood behind them in orderly lines. Emma examined each teacher in turn. Professor Frederick Oakwood was easy to spot, being the only male professor. He was very tall, with a curly mustache, and bushy eyebrows that gave off an air of surliness. His deep, dark eyes glinted. His mouth was curled up in a sinister smile. All three women were graceful and lean. The leftmost one had smooth, long, highlighted, golden blonde hair and curious amber eyes--or were they amber? The color seemed to change, a rainbow of beauty. Emma found herself entranced, before finally breaking her gaze. The middle one was more serious-looking, with dark copper hair in a bob and indifferent gray eyes. The corners of her mouth turned down as she gazed at the students. The last teacher could not have been more than five years older than them. She smiled at all of them. She had long, wavy brown hair and the corner of her chestnut brown eyes crinkled up. She stood in a relaxed stance, contrary to the straight, almost ridged backs of the others. Emma immediately liked her. “Hello, students,” said the first teacher, Ms. Pretty, sweetly. “I’m so glad to have you all back again for yet another assembly. I see we have some new faces here!” She smiled warmly down at them. Emma gazed into her glittering amber eyes and admired every inch of her. She was just so <em> beautiful. </em> The perfect teacher. She would gladly do anything to be like this amazing woman… She shook her head, clearing the fog from it. She looked around her and saw every other student, including Kat, looking adoring and mystified. All of the students except for Sirena, who rolled her eyes. Gazing at the pupils, Emma realized that it was a <em> trick </em> . Emma turned to tell Kat, but this time the second teacher spoke. “Yes, yes…we’d like to warmly welcome those students. Emma and Katalina, please stand.” She smiled eerily. <em> How does she know our names? </em> Emma thought immediately. But she and Kat slowly stood. All of the students’ eyes pinned them down...drowned her in stares...she usually didn’t have any type of stage fright at all, but for some reason, her head began to pulse…Her palms began sweating, her heart beating faster and faster... The third teacher--Ms. Nice--noticed. “Alright, that’s enough,” she said. “Why don’t you two girls take a seat?” Emma and Kat didn’t need to be told twice. “Did you feel that?” Emma whispered when they sat down and Ms. Pretty began talking about how “hard work” and “talent” were two different things, but both were important. “I did,” Kat responded, face paper-white. Emma turned questioningly to Jenn. “Did <em> you </em> feel that?” “No,” their friend said, looking confused. “You both are looking a bit pale, but at the same time you cheeks are tinted pink...?” “It was...excruciating,” Emma said lamely, but Jenn looked thoughtful. “Hmm…like your temples are being frozen, your blood is gushing a million times faster than usual, and your heart might beat out of your chest?” Emma was stunned. “Exactly.” Jenn winced. “Ahhh...First Day Jitters.” “What?” Kat said, annoyed. “No, it wasn’t <em> first day jitters. </em> This was real! Not some pesky nerves.” “I know,” Jenn said, “It’s just--everyone experiences it on the first day. I did too, back when I was little and arrived here. We call it First Day Jitters--FDJ. We don’t really talk about it much because--well…” Emma knew what she meant. Merely thinking about the FDJ made her head hurt. “I get why.” “Let’s watch the assembly. We don’t want to get in trouble,” Jenn said quickly. They turned back to the teachers. The second teacher, Ms. Serious, was going over the rules. “Rule number 45...no talking or any kind of physical activity outside dorms past lights-out. All students should be in bed.” Kat caught Emma’s eye and mimicked falling asleep. She barely concealed her giggles. All of a sudden Emma realized all of the students were standing up. The assembly was over. She gulped. She didn’t mean to have tuned out through the whole thing! How was she supposed to know what to do-- “Jenn.” They looked up, hastily scrambling to their feet. It was Ms. Nice. The look in her comforting brown eyes made it seem like she truly cared about Emma. She wasn’t about to fall for it though, after what happened with Ms. Pretty. “I would like for you and Sirena to take our class time to show our new students here around the school.” She smiled warmly. “So...we have to skip your class. To show <em> them </em> around?” Sirena said in disgust. She saw the severe look on Ms. Nice’s face. “Fine, fine…” she muttered. Emma realized that there was only one official “class” (besides Mess Hall, but that didn’t really count) after lunch, and that was “Magical History and Development Through the Ages”. That meant that Ms. Nice must be… “Ms--Professor Yates,” she blurted. Professor Yates smiled. “Just call me Leighton.” She sighed. “I’m not that much older than you anyways. “Here,” she said. “Take this.” She handed them a slip of paper. <em> Jennifer, Sirena are hereby excused from class from 1:00 to 4:00 pm to show our new students, Emma and Katalina, around the school. Signed, Prof. Leighton Yates. </em> Jenn gawked. “Three hours to tour the school? I mean, the castle’s pretty huge, but it’s not <em> that </em> big.” “Wait--guys…” Emma said, thinking about Ms. Pretty. “What do you guys think of Ms. Pret--Erm, the blond teacher?” “That’s Ms. Anastasia Clearwater,” Jenn said, smiling, “she gives us the option of calling her Ms. Clearwater or just Anastasia. Isn’t she awesome? She’s so pretty, and <em> such </em> a nice teacher.” Kat was nodding in agreement. “Did you see her <em> eyes? </em> They were such a glorious color...colors; there seemed to be millions of colors dancing across her eyes...I don’t normally get this excited about adults,” she admitted. “But I just can’t help it.” “Guys…” Emma said cautiously. “Don’t you think her beauty is a bit…unnatural?” Her two friends stared at her like she was crazy. “Okay, okay, just a thought…” “So--have y’all seen the dorm yet?” Jenn asked, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Yes--I showed them,” Sirena cut in. Emma jumped. She had forgotten Sirena was even there! She guiltily picked at the collar of her dress. “Oh, ‘kay,” Jenn said. “First stop; North Tower!” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIRENA WATCHED EMMA AND Katalina interestedly. They were <em> different. </em> Emma’s skepticism of Anastasia was obvious enough. Katalina had seemed slightly hesitant as well. Perhaps for once V had been right. The two girls together threatened VSTP and its main goal. She had to separate them before they realized this. She felt Emma’s eyes on her. “Aaaaand that’s it!” Jennifer was saying. “Since we still have some time before Mess we can go chill in our dorm.” While the other two girls plowed ahead, Emma fell into step beside Sirena. Everything she was doing radiated caution. “So…” “What.” Sirena had no intention of having a conversation with this girl. “During the assembly--” Emma quailed at Sirena’s look, heart thumping in time with their shoes against the polished floor. She swallowed and managed, “You didn’t look like you were...in love with Ms. Pret--er, Professor Clearwater, not like everyone else.” Sirena cocked her head. “For once V was right.” She said, a hungry glint in her eye. “You <em> are </em> different.” Emma gawked. “So Ms. Clearwater really was doing something to make everyone love her!” Sirena hesitated. “You’re right. She was. Anastasia enjoys magicking others to look up to her. It makes her feel important.” “That was magic?” Sirena snorted scornfully. “Of course it was magic, dummy, what else would it be?” Emma fell silent. All of a sudden, Sirena’s head felt like someone had cut it open. She tasted a metallic liquid--blood, from biting her lip too hard. A memory surfaced. <em> She was seven. She was sitting cross-legged in V’s room. On her cheek was a vicious red gash, the result of running into a low-hanging tree branch outside. V stood there, tending to it. He added ointment and began opening up a bandage. His face was blurry, the effect of a magically removed memory. “V,” Sirena said. “Yes?” He asked. “I want to tell someone. About what I’m doing for you. I want some <em> recognition </em> .” Seven-year-old Sirena was already highly intelligent, and extremely independent. But she just couldn’t take it anymore. V’s hands stilled. “V--” Sirena began. Quick as a blink, he slammed his palm into her cheek, right onto the fresh wound, leaving her bleeding freely and feeling as if her cheek were on fire. “You are not to tell ANYBODY!” He roared. “Your work is CLASSIFIED!” He flung her out the office door, bleeding, limp, weak. Never had she felt so useless before. Not since she lost Kylie. Her sobs pierced the night, shoulders quaking and her entire body shaking. </em> ‘ “Sirena! Sirena!” She looked up. She hadn’t realized she had fallen onto the wall and slumped against it for support. Three worried faces stared at her anxiously. She bit her lip. Tried to act cool. “What? No, I’m fine. Really. Let’s go inside.” She motioned at the door to Room 37. “Ooooookay,” Jenn said. “I know something happened there...if you want to talk about it, we’re here for you…” <em> We’re here for you. </em> Never had Sirena received such love before. She pushed the thought away. She was here and only here to get the job done. No time to become a softie. Together they stepped into Room 37. Jenn climbed onto her bed, the top one of the left bunk (Sirena took the bottom). Emma and Kat approached the right bunk. Sirena already wished they weren’t there. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “TOP OR BOTTOM?” Kat asked Emma. Her friend had been giving her strange looks lately. She hoped nothing was wrong. “I would take the top,” Jenn piped in. “Much more fun.” “Since when did we decide this to be the topic of our discussion, if we need to have one at all?” Sirena grumped. “We don’t need to have this discussion at all,” agreed Emma, “because <em> WE’RE LEAVING RIGHT NOW. </em> This is a nice school and all, but we need to get going now <em> right </em> Kat?” Kat gulped, feeling guilty. “Right.” She turned to the other two girls. “Um, you guys have fun, I guess...thanks for everything.” Sirena snorted. “As much as I want you to leave, you can’t. No one leaves after being enrolled.” She smirked, glorying in their despair. Jenn shot her a look that clearly said “Hello? You’re supposed to be <em> nice </em> to these new students!” “I’m sure that, er, if you ask one of the teachers they might--unenroll you or something…?” Her voice trailed off doubtfully. Emma sighed. “Surely there’s an <em> exit. </em> Do you guys <em> ever </em> go outdoors?” Kat realized that she was right. “Well?” Jenn giggled. “Of course we go outdoors, silly Kat!” “Then how?” Emma had bolted upright as if she had been electric-shocked. Really, Kat didn’t know why she was so eager to leave. Now that she had seen the amazing castle of a school and the amazing staff, why would anyone leave? “We have to ask a teacher and get their supervision and whatnot,” Sirena groaned. “Why are you so eager to leave, anyways?” she snarked. For once, Kat was in agreement with Sirena. Their parents wouldn’t mind once they saw what grand a school they were attending with such nice students (Sirena unincluded, or course). They all sat on the cushiony beds for a second, thinking their own thoughts. Kat felt her thoughts swirl in her head. Stay or leave? Home or school? Friend or foe? She glimpsed of Emma’s torn and worried expression and bit her lip. Maybe Emma is right after all, she thought. Maybe we really should leave. She thought about the kind smile on Professer Anastasia Clearwater’s face.Guilt flooded her stomach for no particular reason. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog that had started to build up inside. Jenn checked the clock. “After a little, let’s go down and join the others for Mess Hall, alright? I want you to meet them. Most of them are really nice.” Kat didn’t miss the word most. She wondered if there were more Sirenas in the school, and shuddered at the thought. “Okay,” she agreed reluctantly. Meeting new people had never been her “thing”. “In the meantime,” Jenn said, a mischievous glint in her eye, “Why don’t we take Bandit out for a walk?” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “ARE YOU SURE THIS isn’t prohibited?” Emma asked Jenn incredulously. “I thought you weren’t allowed to go outside.” “Technically, it is,” Jenn said, “But you gotta walk him somehow. I was pushing it by even keeping him. No way am I going to ask one of those ticked-off staff members.” She walked to her window and peered down. “What are you doing?” Emma asked her suspiciously. “Sirena,” Jenn said, ignoring her, “I need you to you-know-what.” “Again?” their roommate groaned. Seeing the look on Jenn’s face, Sirena sighed. She walked over and raised her hands at the locked latch on the window. Wisps of black surrounded the lock, capturing it, until it began to shudder, making loud clanging noises. Emma backed away. With a loud SNAP, the latch swung open. Emma and Kat gawked. Jenn grinned. “Down we go!” Without a second glance, she lowered herself, Bandit in her arms, out of the window. Emma and Kat exchanged skeptical glances. Emma gulped as she looked out the window. Jenn, clinging to the closest tree, grinned at them in a “come on!” sort of way. They followed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIRENA WATCHED KATALINA’S BOOT disappear over the ledge. Finally the others were gone. She felt the tiniest bit guilty, however, so she leaned over the window and called to the others, “One sec, I need to go do something! Don’t wait for me!” and left without waiting for a response. Her boots clicked down the halls as she climbed the now familiar steps to the headmaster’s tower. The stairs glared up at her, a reminder of her job to keep the other students in line. She was tired of having to climb these steps. Tired of all those years searching for Kylie without a trace. Tired of everything that made her her. But she couldn’t give up. Not now. Not when she was so close. V had told her that they were close to finding Kylie. She wasn’t sure how he knew, but she didn’t need a reason. She needed hope, something, anything, that showed it wasn’t too late. Not too late for Kylie. Not too late for Sirena. She felt her soul, her happiness, being ripped away every passing day. The pit of dread, that Kylie was never to be found, was beginning to swallow her whole. She had tried not to show Jenn and the others how much effort it took for her to cast the simple unlocking spell. One thing was for sure. She was never going back. There was no time for weakness now. She approached the daunting door of V’s office. Knocked three times. “Come in,” his cold voice said. She stepped inside. Sirena got straight to the point. Time was of the essence. “V,” She began. “Yes, my Siren?” She gritted her teeth. “What really is going on with the search.” It was a demand. A demand for the truth, no matter how hard it may be. She could almost hear him smile. “Actually, I was just going to tell you. “We have found evidence that maybe Kylie is alive.” “What?!” Her eyes widened in shock. She was seven again, teaching her little sister how to jump rope. They tumbled in the grass together, giggling and muddying up their clothes. Together. She hadn’t truly felt the word in a long, long time. The hole in her began to shrink, pushed back by rays of sweet, golden light. Her hands shook. She clenched the sides of her chair, steadying herself, as tears threatened to spill. She took a deep breath. He said maybe, she reminded herself. ‘Maybe Kylie is alive.’ Not ‘she is alive.’ But there’s a chance, a part of her argued. The part she had stomped down so many times over the years, scorning its hopefulness. “What is it?” she demanded. Something landed on the floor in front of her. It was a bright pink bow. Some strands of pitch-black hair were still caught in it. She lifted it to her face with trembling hands. She pressed it to her nose, breathing in the faded, yet apparent smell of her sister--it smelled like she always had, of sweet peaches and velvety roses. This time there was no stopping the tears. She had held it in for so long now. Held it in just like she had held in her hope. Now it would be released. For a few seconds, she let the light in her heart completely consume her. She wanted its warmth inside of her forever. Unfortunately, the best things never lasted. Not for her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 7 EMMA BIT HER LIP anxiously, glancing around her to see if any student had seen them leave without permission. “Are you sure no one will catch us?” she asked Jenn for the third time. “Relax,” her friend laughed. “I’ve done this a whole bunch, and I haven’t been caught once! I’m sure having an extra two people come along would not disturb my fabulous stealth,” she added jokingly. Bandit licked her chin, and she laughed. Jenn reached into her pocket and took out a dog treat, in the shape of a bone. “These are good for his teeth and he loves them,” she explained, “So I try to give him as many as possible without, you know, making him, um, treat-high.” After Bandit snatched the treat in his jaws and began munching, she set him down. Immediately, he skittered to a nearby tree and did his business. Jenn kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn’t run away. “So tell me about VSTP,” Kat prompted her. “What’s it like?” “It’s like...a bunch of sharks biting and tearing to get to the top, while trying to act nice..” Jenn explained bluntly. “Ouch,” Emma winced. “--In a good way…?” Jenn amended awkwardly. Both girls stared at her. “Never mind. But I’m kind of sick of the everyday, repetitive, boring procedures as a student. I want to go outside. I want to swim in the seas, I want to travel the world that we’ve only learnt about the dangers of.” She shrugged one shoulder awkwardly, as if she was not used to saying things like this. “I get what you mean,” Kat said immediately. “It’s kind of hard to live the same life over and over again every single day. Sometimes even I wanted to run from Serenity Woods, if only I didn’t have a friend to hold on to.” She turned her head to smile at Emma, but her friend shot her a guilty look. She was sure Emma was thinking about her exotic, ever-changing life as a princess and comparing it to Kat’s lonely life in the one-room cabin in the woods. Her mother had died, so Kat had lived alone. Every once in awhile a sympathetic villager would check in on her with a basket of cookies or a loaf of warm bread from the bakery, but other than that, it was just Katalina Curry, living alone, surrounded by trees, cut off from humanity. Emma had even told Kat she was welcome to move into the castle. A tempting offer, but Kat liked living outside in the wilderness, where no one would tell her what to do. They heard a scrabbling sound. Bandit was padding towards them. He was finished with his business. “C’mon, boy,” Jenn cooed, taking his leash. “Let’s go back.” They turned around to hurry back to the castle before someone caught them. Only to bump into someone as they turned. “Not so fast,” Nikki said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “WHAT ARE YOU DOING, spying on us?” Kat snarled immediately. Emma held her friend back, remembering with a jolt what had happened in the cafeteria. Nikki’s eyes were as blazing blue as ever, and Emma had to be cautious around her, whether Kat liked it or not. “What are you doing outside?” Nikki shot back. “You didn’t have permission from a teacher, that much I know,” she added snootily. “We--” Jenn began. Emma knew from the guilty look in her eyes that she was about to admit to sneaking out. “Actually,” Kat said before Emma could do anything, “We did have permission.” Emma and Jenn’s eyes widened, along with Nikki’s. “You have my word,” Kat assured Nikki. Shock flitted across Nikki’s face before her eyes narrowed again. “Nice try,” she simpered, “But your word isn’t going to be enough.” “Oh yeah?” Kat snapped. Sensing another fight, Emma quickly covered for her friend. “Nikki,” she said quietly, “Do you have permission from a teacher?” She prayed that, at hearing this, Nikki would drop the subject and leave them alone. No such luck. Nikki stuck her petite nose in the air. “In fact, I do,” she said triumphantly. “It’s Mess Hall time. I saw Professor Clearwater and she was the one who told me to come,” she added with a smug smile. Out of the corner of her eye Emma saw Jenn’s shoulders droop as if she wanted nothing more than to be liked by Anastasia. Even Kat’s fierce expression wavered a little. Emma, however, wanted none of it. “Let’s go back to the school,” she said fiercely, “We can sort this out with--with Headmaster V.” She silently cursed herself when she said the first teacher name that came to her mind. Nikki’s eyes widened unmistakably. She smirked. “Feisty, aren’t you? Fine. Let’s see whose word he believes in: the word of his staff member and trusted student, or the word of you, a pesky newcomer. “Follow me, dah-lings,” she said. When they looked fiercely reluctant, she preened, “I’m afraid you have no choice.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMMA FELT HER STOMACH twist as they approached V’s wooden door. Nikki simpered, “Oh, Jenn, honey, why don’t you knock? This may be the last time you do.” Jenn gritted her teeth, but raised a quivering hand and rapped on the door. All four girls tensed, waiting… The only response was a quiet noise, a cross between a gasp and a growl. It sounded vaguely familiar, yet Emma couldn’t place a finger on who made the sound… “Headmaster V?” Nikki called in a faux-sweet voice. “It’s Nikki,” she called, then looked at the other three and added as a sort of side note, “--and Jennifer and Emma and Katalina.” Silence. “I’m busy,” V’s voice cut through, as cold as usual. “Come back later, Nikki.” Nikki gasped dramatically. “But this is important, Headmaster!” When there was no response, she let out a frustrated sigh before smirking at Emma and adding, “These three students were caught outside of school without permission!” This got V’s attention. “List the names again, please.” Nikki simpered, “Emma, Katalina and”--she added yet another dramatic intake of breath-- “Jennifer, one of your very own pupils, Headmaster!” There was a stunned silence, in which Nikki smirked at the three other girls, all of whom were shocked by her pure...viciousness. “Leave them to me, Nikki,” V said coldly. Nikki beamed, triumphant, at the three slumped figures beside her, and said in a dripping, honey-sweet drawl; “Of couuuuuurse, Headmaster.” She spun on her stiletto heel and sashayed away. Emma was speechless with anger. Jenn spoke up in a meek voice. “Headmaster, I’m so so sorry…” She broke off, hiccuping. “P-Please don’t throw me out...I’ll try harder, I promise…” V said softly, “Come inside.” There was a shout of protest from inside the room, and Emma vaguely heard V saying something and someone shuffling. Kat pushed open the door and they stepped inside the office. V’s screen was there. They could see, as usual, the outline of his figure. Immediately Jenn began ranting. “Headmaster, forgive me, you know Bandit, he needs walks...where should I take him? Please don’t expel me, I promise I’ll do anything to make up for it, this school is all I have!” she sobbed. Emma wrapped an arm around her and whispered, “Hush, Jenn, it’s going to be alright...let him talk.” She looked expectantly in V’s direction. A soft laugh sounded from behind the screen. “Why would I even think of ever expelling you, Jenn?” he asked. “You are so valuable to VSTP.” Emma did not like the way he said “valuable.” Like Jenn and the other students were collectibles, worth only money. With a jolt, she realized she would be one of those collectibles too if she didn’t leave as soon as possible. “That means...we get to stay?” Jenn whispered hopefully. V chuckled again. “Of course you all get to stay. Whether or not you will be punished, however, will be decided upon by me and the staff.” Jenn tipped her head respectfully. “Thank you so much, sir. I owe you my life.” Emma could practically hear the gleam in V’s eyes. “Why, thank you, Jennifer. I suppose...I suppose you do.” Emma felt her blood freeze in her veins. “You are dismissed,” V told them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NIKKI SEEMED SURPRISED WHEN Jenn, Emma and Kat walked into the cafeteria for dinner, Jenn’s spirits high at being let off easy by V. Nikki stuck her nose in the air and pointedly ignored them, turning to an uncomfortable Brooke and Paige to squeal loudly: “Brookie, Paigey, I can’t believe what Jenn did, I thought she was a loyal VSTP student! Guess what she did, you’ll never guess!” By now, all the other students within earshot were listening in, enticed. Emma winced, feeling bad for Jenn who was pretty popular amongst the pupils, but her friend shrugged, no worry betrayed in her eyes. “Let them talk,” she told Emma and Kat. “I don’t care what they think. I’m a proud dog owner!” Emma smiled at her. At the table, Nikki continued in a stage whisper, so that people would have to lean in to hear her; “Jennifer snuck out when no one was looking and brought an unauthorized animal with her! She even somehow convinced our newcomers, Emma and Katalina, to join in on her rule-breaking!” Nikki fixed Emma and Kat with a dramatically sympathetic smile, “tears” welling in her eyes. Next to Emma, Kat snorted with disgust. Emma knew what she was feeling. Nikki went on. “Poor, poor newcomers! Is this what they think we act like here at VSTP?” she cried. “Jennifer has set a bad example for them, and somehow bribed them or something; look at them now, all fierce and protective of her! I say we expel that rule-breaker before she takes this even further!” A bunch of students cheered and yelled, stomping their feet and shouting at Jenn to leave. Emma wrapped an arm around her friend. But Nikki still wasn’t finished. “Why don’t we go to Headmaster V’s office right now and demand that Jennifer McGee get thrown out!” Some people shook their head and went back to their dinner, however, Emma was dismayed to find that most students were nodding their heads enthusiastically, eager for one less competitor at the top. “Let’s go!” Nikki cried. The crowd yelled out and trampled over each other to get out of the door-- “WHAT IS GOING ON IN HERE?” The students froze to see Professor Yates--Leighton, as she had told Emma to call her--standing at the back of the room, eyes wide in shock and cold fury. Her eyes surveyed the crowd before they landed on Jenn, Emma, and Kat and her face paled with understanding. “Sit,” she commanded. The students sat. Even though this teacher was at most three years older than them, she was still a teacher, selected by V to lead a class and educate the children. “I will not tolerate this,” she said quietly, eyes piercing Nikki furiously, and it was so quiet they heard an alarmed Paige drop her fork. “Nikki. Headmaster V’s office. Now.” She ordered fiercely. “I don’t want to see you again until lights-out.” Nikki rolled her eyes and stalked away to the door. “Wait,” Leighton said, stopping her. Her eyes scanned the crowd. “Emma, I want you to go with her to make sure she makes it to the office, please.” Emma stood and nodded respectfully at her teacher. She understood Leighton’s doubts about Nikki’s integrity. “Good” was all Leighton said, but Emma saw her flash a smile in her direction. She smiled back, and hurried to catch up with Nikki. If she had no family or relations outside of VSTP, Leighton could be the one thing that could convince her not to leave. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMMA ESCORTED A RELUCTANT Nikki up the stairs to V’s office. She was tired of having to climb these steps, tired of trying so hard to find an exit and failing. Besides, she realized, even if she did find an exit, would she be willing to leave? Leaving would mean leaving Jenn. It would mean leaving Leighton. She even did not want to leave poisonous Sirena. Unless they came with her. She tried to picture them, all together, making an escape, then living together in Serenity Empire. Perhaps Jenn and Leighton would even move into the castle. Sirena wouldn’t though, she was sure of that… But the more she thought about it, the more she was sure it was not to happen. She knew Leighton would not want to leave her students, and Jenn and Sirena had been living at VSTP their whole lives. She felt a pang of hurt. Leaving with her best friend would mean leaving her new friends with poisonous students like Nikki. Staying at VSTP would mean...nothing would ever be the same. They approached the intimidating door of V’s office once more. “Headmaster?” Emma said softly. “Professor Yates sent Nikki here. She was, erm...well, I’ll let her tell you.” Nikki shot her a furious look. “Very well,” V’s voice said. “Come inside, Nikki.” Emma opened the door for an ungrateful Nikki and hurried off, eager to be reunited with her friends. She climbed down the tower and began walking through the hallway to the cafeteria when she bumped into Leighton. “Hi, Profes--erm, Leighton,” she said. “Thanks for jumping in there.” Leighton smiled at her. “It was my pleasure.” Emma began to to continue to the cafeteria but Leighton grabbed her arm. “Emma, follow me. We must discuss something in my office.” Emma gulped and followed the young teacher the opposite direction from the cafeteria, keeping up with her hurried strides. They approached the wooden door and Leighton swung it open. Her office was small, but bright. A desk stretched to the side, neat, but piled with stacks of paper. Sunlight streamed from the window, filtered purple by the gauzy curtains. A bookshelf loomed in the corner, and there was a rocking chair parallel to it, facing the window. “Sit,” Leighton said, motioning to a chair across from her own. Emma sank into its plush cushions. “So as you may well know, I teach history here at VSTP,” Leighton began. “And very...interesting things happen in magical history.” She peered at Emma with her hazel eyes. “Some of those things...go against what we teach here, so I am told to neglect telling you students them. “But it is vital you know them if you are to go out into the real world.” She hesitated. “Yet I am prevented from sharing this knowledge with the students.” Pain pierced her hazel-brown eyes. “It hurts me that I know this information but cannot share it with those who need it most.” Emma fidgeted. “Um, why are you telling me this, Leighton?” Leighton paused, glancing out the window, face eerily lit by the dimming sunlight. “Because you’re different than the other students. You and Katalina. Don’t ask me how I know, but I’m sure of it. V...he has warned me about you two being dangerous...dangerous to me…” She turned to Emma, face still glowing, though this time not from the sunlight. “But I think the only person you are truly a threat to is V himself.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 8 Part 1 KAT STAYED GLUED IN her seat, even when the bell rang obnoxiously, announcing Mess Hall time. Her blue eyes stayed on the double doors, waiting for her best friend. “C’mon, we don’t want to be late,” Jenn said, tugging on her arm. But Kat could see worry in her eyes too. What if something had happened to Emma? After all, she had left with <em> Nikki. </em> Kat kept her gaze locked on the door. Jenn let out a sigh, blowing strawberry-blond hair our of her eyes. “I know what you’re feeling,” she said softly,”But Nikki wouldn’t dare touch Emma inside the school, with the staff and security cameras all around her.” Kat began to nod, but stopped. “Security cameras?” “Monitored by V himself,” Jenn agreed. “It’s no wonder he knows everything.” Kat felt her anxiety spread once more. Surely if V placed security cameras all around the castle, he would know she and Emma had been looking for exits, trying to escape? She felt her stomach fill with dread. She hauled herself to her feet and headed over to the trash cans to throw away her untouched salad. Jenn followed. “Believe me,” she said as she and Kat dumped their food and set their trays on the trash can, “You do <em> not </em> want to be late for anything--class, Mess Hall, lights out...the only thing you can miss is breakfast, lunch or dinner.” “Why not?” Kat questioned. “Three strikes, and you’re out,” Jenn whispered. “Three warnings, and V himself administers your punishment. Let me tell you, after the students walk out of his office, they are never the same.” Kat gulped. “Has it ever happened to you?” “No,” Jenn replied. “But I have one strike, back from when I was little, when I slept in. Sirena has none, and Nikki has two.” “I hope V gives her a third after what she did to us,” Kat blurted. Jenn didn’t say anything, but Kat could tell she agreed. “So,” Kat prompted after a while, “What do we do during Mess Hall?” “You can just call it the Mess,” Jenn replied. “We do--” she grimaced-- “Homework.” Kat blanched. She <em> hated </em> homework. “What if we don’t have any?” she asked hopefully. “We always have some,” Jenn assured her. She laughed at the disbelieving look on Kat’s face. “Oh, silly, it’s not like we have piles and piles,” she chortled. “Sometimes it’s just a worksheet with a few questions about what we’re learning.” Kat followed her as they, along with a ton of other students, filed into large double doors. The Mess Hall was huge, with a looming, domed ceiling and what seemed like millions of chairs and tables. The air was cool, and the chairs were plush, the tables pristine. Everyone took their seats, no one squabbling, as if they always sat in the same chairs. Jenn led her to a table in the corner of the room, with six chairs, four looking like no one had ever sat in them before. Jenn plopped down on one. “Ms. Siren sits there,” she said, pointing to the chair on her immediate right. “Not that we have assigned seats, really.” Kat took the seat across from her. Jenn swung her schoolbag off her shoulders and began rummaging through, pulling out stacks of binders, folders, and papers. She then pulled out a sharp pencil with unicorns printed on it, and took out a worksheet. Kat leaned over her shoulder. <em> 1) What are some signs of Magic? 2) Name one historical figure from before the Magical World War. 3) What caused Xionya Sterling to give up her magic? </em> And many more. Jenn pulled out a textbook and a binder filled with what looked like notes and began scribbling. Kat sat back, taking the time to survey the students. They were all working, some talking quietly to their friends, perhaps asking them about the homework. All wore the same uniform, with the girls in collared white button-downs, navy blue cross ties, and deep blue khaki skirts, and the boys in white suits, navy blue ties, and black pants. Kat suddenly felt out of place with her leather jacket, ripped jeans, and worn combat boots. She felt someone step up behind them. She and Jenn turned. It was a beautifully intimidating girl with deep auburn hair swept up in a tight bun, a few loose strands curling around her ears. Her eyes were a deep jade, peering right into Kat’s soul. Her uniform was crisp and pristine, without a single wrinkle, and when she stopped behind them Kat caught a whiff of sweet-smelling soap, a strange yet satisfying cross between peppermint and vanilla. “Christi,” Jenn smiled. The girl scowled. “Jennifer.” Her voice was smooth and melodious, but it was edged with disdain. “Stop with your childish nicknames.” She turned and smiled, business-like, at Kat, and stuck out a long-fingered hand, no doubt a pianist, but Kat couldn’t help but wonder how they would lug a piano all the way up the girls’ tower into a small dormitory. “Christina. A pleasure to meet you.” Kat shook her hand. “Katalina. Kat.” “Another nickname?” Christina tsked. “What has become of humanity?” “Ignore her,” Jenn told a baffled Kat. “She’s very...erm, proud of herself.” “I can tell,” Kat snorted back to Jenn, earning herself a disapproving look. “ <em> Anyways, </em> ” Christina sniffed, “How are you liking it a VSTP so far, Katalina?” “It’s, erm...nice,” Kat offered. “Do you like it here?” “Of course I do,” Christina said, giving her an incredulous look. “The competition here is so little, everybody’s too busy gossiping away like hens…” Kat glanced at Jenn. <em> Oh, she’s one of those ‘sharks’ biting and trying to get to the top, </em> she realized. Christina dropped her book bag next to Jenn and sat down, to Kat’s surprise (and discomfort). She pulled out a huge textbook and began to read. Its title read <em> <u> Honours Magicks </u> </em> by Alfred J. Wrojion. An old, senile wizard, no doubt. Just then, the mess hall, which used to be alight with the crinkling sound of paper, the <em> scritch-scratch </em> of pens, and the chatter of the student body, went silent, with the exception of the reverberating click of a stiletto heel. Nikki sashayed into sight and Katalina caught a whiff of her sickeningly sweet perfume. For a moment it overpowered her nose and she leaned over, stretching her mouth open in a dry-heave. When she looked up once more, she could tell something had gone wrong for Nikki in the time she had left. The blonde’s eyes were red and puffy, outlined in too much makeup. It was clear she had been bawling and had tried (but failed) to cover it up. She caught Kat’s eye and stuck her nose into the air, refusing to look at her. “Omg! Nikki! What happened?!” A girl with light brown hair squealed, no doubt one of Nikki’s lackeys, from the stereotypical look of her makeup and accessories. Everyone looked at Nikki for a response. Apparently Kat hadn’t been the only one to notice Nikki’s flushed face. "Nothing," Nikki said definitely, loudly enough for all to hear. "Nothing happened. I'm fine." She plopped down next to her friend noisily, bangle bracelets jangling. She set her designer purse down with a loud thump, shooting daggers with her eyes at anyone staring at her. She immediately then leaned over and whispered to her brunette friend, who gaped at her, awed or shocked by what she was saying. She opened her mouth and a shriek rippled out of it. Kat jerked, caught off guard, and bit her cheeks to keep from laughing as a shrill “WHAT?” escaped the girl’s glossed lips. “Oh my <em> god </em> ,” Christina groaned from next to Jenn, irritably pushing her deep blue glasses up her nose. “Can’t they just keep their mouths shut? I’m <em> trying </em> to study!” |
About the AuthorHi! I'm Emma Lee. I am an avid reader and booknerd and creator of the Emmagination Association (EA). I love reading, writing, drawing, singing, and playing the piano. I'm an enormous nerd and geek. Here I will post the chapters of my RP story. |