Angel Misery 2: Chapter Five

Never-ending Wonderland

Maria sits down at her Computer, drinking a cup of tea as she reads up on the latest news.

“Aiden, did you see this? Apparently there’s a planet in the Galaxy that rains Diamonds.” Maria said to Aiden.

“No, I have not seen that. That’s pretty interesting.” Aiden responds back to Maria as he was repairing the sink of their apartment with his shirt tied around his waist. And sweat on his chest.

Maria looked over to watch Aiden work. “Did I ever tell you how incredible you look, babe?” Maria says to Aiden.

Aiden gets up from underneath the sink and wipes his forehead with his shirt. He then smiles at Maria. “Not in the past half-hour you haven’t.” Aiden said with a smoldering smile as he walked up to Maria.

He then wraps his arm around her waist and brings her in close to him.

His face gets close to hers as they both breathe in each other’s air. “I guess you should deal with me accordingly, Corporal.” Maria says to Aiden.

“I intend to.” Aiden responds as he pushes Maria against the desk that had her computer.

In the Computer Development Club.

“So what are these lines supposed to indicate?” Silvia asked Priya, a member of the Institute for Medical Software Development.

Priya points at the screen. “Well when these lines pike that means greater activity within Maria’s mind. When it dips, or more accurately levels out, that means a transitional stage or a point of inactivity.” Priya explained to Silvia.

“So right now she must be running some sort of Olympic event, maybe she is having a nightmare.” Silvia said as she looked over at Maria.

Maria was laying down in a separate room behind glass. She was connected to a large computer in the room via wires. Priya, a Sophomore, was testing her new device that would be used to resolve sleeplessness in patients with insomnia.

“These readings are unusually high, but not anything to worry about.” Priya added as she continued to take notes with the data she was seeing.

Aiden entered the room after grabbing Maria a bag of Halloween candy the Institute of Culinary Experimentation was giving out.

“Oh! Angeal! You are back already! That was fast.” Silvia said to Aiden. He handed her a bag of candy, and offered one to Priya.

“Thank you, but no thanks.” Priya said to Aiden.

“So, how long is she going to be under for this experiment?” Aiden asked Priya.

“Not much longer. She has already entered and exited REM sleep within the first 10 minutes of closing her eyes. Now she should be entering Deep Sleep. Once these lines level out completely we can go in and wake her up.” Priya responded to Aiden.

“It would be quite interesting to see the readings you put out if you were in Maria’s place.” Silvia said to Aiden with a small smile on her face.

“I’m sure there would be absolutely no indication that I was even ever asleep.” Aiden said to Silvia with his typical straight face.

The lines on Priya’s Monitor then began to jump back up.

Priya immediately tried to diagnose the issue. Silvia took notice.

“Something’s wrong?” Silvia asked.

Priya was checking the lines leading up to her computer. “Not wrong per say, just extremely unusual now.” 

“How so?” Aiden asked.

“Well the indicators say that she entered another REM cycle, which she shouldn’t have for about another 90 minutes. So there must be an issue with the monitoring devices.” Priya said to Aiden.

“I can take a look.” Aiden suggested it to Priya.

“It’s fine, this is very delicate technology. Afterall you both are still freshmen, and not even a part of this Institute, so you’d likely have no idea where things are supposed to be.” Priya responded to Aiden.

Silvia and Aiden looked at the Monitor. Maria’s signals were increasing a bit more, and were lasting longer.

Priya got up from under the desk. “Okay, that might have been the issue.” Priya said before looking up at the monitors.

She looked visibly more confused.

“Was something supposed to change?” Silvia asked Priya.

“This is now becoming beyond unusual.” Priya said with a low voice. “You two don’t touch anything, I am going to ask for some help.” Priya said to Aiden and Silvia as she got up from her seat and left the room.

“What do you think that is about?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“If I can correctly surmise, the readings would indicate that Maria has now transitioned to a non-sleep state. Which shouldn’t be the case because she is obviously sleeping. So Priya felt the issue stemmed from her Computer, but she saw that was not the case.” Aiden explained to Silvia.

“So this is probably Maria’s fault, right?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“Probably. Or rather, the electric stimulus they gave Maria before putting her to sleep.” Aiden responded.

Back in Maria’s Dream.

Maria drove in her high speed racing car using her feet to steer. She had a bow and arrow in her hand and was shooting clay plates out of the sky.

“Maria ‘The Magnificent’ Li has taken the lead in this 100 Kilometer Derby! I have never in all my years of Announcing ‘Monster Madness Merciless Massacre Monday’ seen such an incredible performance. She is truly the Goddess of this Sport!” The Announcer of the Event called out.

The crowd cheered for Maria, and she continued to her next lap.

Aiden sat in the passenger seat of Maria’s vehicle.

“Looks like another 6 Clay Disks are about to shoot out from your right.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria aimed in that direction. “Already seen them incoming.” Maria responded.

She squinted one of her eyes and shot and loaded six arrows crushing the disks.

“Amazing! While the other racers have to stop or slow down their vehicles Maria continues to travel full speed!” The announcer yells out with all of his might.

“You see that Aiden!? Another flawless shot.” Maria said to Aiden as she continued to steer with her feet.

“I wouldn’t expect less from my Girlfriend!” Aiden said with a gleeful smile on his face.

“And don’t you forget it.” Maria pointed her arrow at Aiden and laughed. They were clearly having fun.

 Then the sky went red, and the cars behind Maria all crashed. Maria’s vehicle then vanished and she was caught by Aiden.

“Wait! What happened!?” Maria asked, feeling confused with how the world suddenly changed. She looked over at Aiden. “Is this a heavenly being’s action?” Maria asked Aiden. But he was no longer there.

“Aiden!?” Maria called out. The vehicles around her then caught on fire. “Aiden! Where are you!?” Maria called out.

Then a dark figure appeared behind Maria. Then formed into Silvia.

“What’s wrong Maria?” The imposter of Silvia asked Maria.

“Where’s Aiden? I mean, Angeal!? Have you seen him?” Maria asked Silvia.

“Angeal? Who is that?” Silvia responded.

“You know who Angeal is, the guy who was always around me.” Maria tried to explain to Silvia.

Silvia shook her head.

“You know who I am talking about! He is my best friend!” Maria loudly said to Silvia.

 “Oh you mean the imaginary one we created as an experiment?” Silvia said to Maria.

“Imaginary? No he wasn’t imaginary.” Maria angrily responded.

“Yeah he was, you kept saying that you flew to different restaurants with him during lunch, and stayed at his house, and everything, but really all you did was go to the park and pretend.” Silvia explained to Maria.

Maria backed up away from Silvia. “No…” Maria then stood to her feet. “You are lying! He is real! I am going to look for him.” Maria yelled out.

“It’s pointless Maria. There is nobody by that name!” Silvia called back.

Then the people in the stands started to chant. “Imaginary! Imaginary! Imaginary!” 

In the Lab Priya came back with a Junior by the name of Eva Dorey.

Eva immediately looked up at the monitors. “Hmm, that is odd. Let me take a look.” Eva rolled up her sleeves and went into the room that Maria was in.

Silvia and Aiden watched as the two tried to diagnose an issue.

“What do you think could be happening?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with their machine, I think it has something to do with the initial stimulus.” Aiden responded to Silvia.

“Oh, then they must have messed with her brain somehow. I wonder what she is going through.” Silvia said loudly.

“Knowing Maria, she probably has it under control.” Aiden said to Silvia.

Eva then stood over Maria. She checked to see if the suctions were secured to Maria’s head. She moved them slightly.

“Has there been any change on the monitors?” Eva asked Priya.

Priya looked over at them. “No, there has been no changes.” Priya responded.

“We should probably just wake her up, and diagnose what is happening without having someone hooked up to it.” Eva recommended Priya.

“Sure, that’s probably the best move.” Priya agreed.

Eva grabbed a bottle of gas and placed it over Maria’s mouth and nose.

Maria breathes in the gas.

The readings on the monitors then spiked.

“Whoa! This is not good!” Priya said, trying to keep the computer from overloading.

“What happened?” Eva asked Priya.

“Her state didn’t change, it was just amplified.” Priya responded to Eva.

Eva looked down at Maria.

“Why hasn’t she woken up?” Eva asked Priya.

“I don’t know, that gas should have pinched her receptors.” Priya said to Eva.

“So is she stuck asleep? Like in a Coma?” Silvia asked Priya.

“No, she is not in a Coma. Don’t worry.” Priya said to Silvia. “We may need to restart the device and just wait for it to reboot.” Priya said to Eva.

“I agree, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the actual devices. We will have to check with the medical institute to see what sleeping stimulus they used.” Eva said to Priya. Eva left out of the room that Maria was in.

Priya and Eva then began to clean up.

Silvia looked at them confused. “Ah… so what now?” Silvia asked.

“The experiment is done. We can’t do any more testing.” Priya responded to Silvia.

“So, are we just supposed to let Maria sleep there? Or what?” Silvia asked quickly.

“You can leave her there or take her back to her room, she should wake up when her body wants to. We just no longer need her service.” Eva said to Silvia.

“Wow, unbelievable.” Silvia responded.

“What? Are we supposed to rebuild the entire machine to wake her up, then give her a cup of coffee and a foot massage. There’s nothing else we can do. She is just sleeping.” Ava said to Silvia.

“Just because you turned off your monitors doesn’t mean that those readings disappeared. What did they mean?” Silvia asked.

“Who knows, we have never seen anything that high. This is the first time we ran this experiment.” Ava said to Silvia.

The two argued back and forth to one another as Aiden went to the back and picked up Maria. As Maria laid in his arms Aiden tried to wake her up.

Back in Maria’s dream.

Maria was hiding behind some buildings as the crowd were trying to hunt her down. They blamed her for setting fire to her opponents during the derby.

“Where is the Demon Woman!” The crowd yelled looking for Maria.

“Aiden, where are you?” Maria cried softly to herself. Too scared to make a noise, fearing to be caught.

“Wake up, Maria.” Maria heard the sky say to her.

Maria looked around for that voice that sounded like Aiden’s.

“Is that you Aiden?” Maria asked.

“Wake up…” The voice said again.

“Aiden, where are you?” Maria asked.

“You are sleeping. You need to wake up.” Aiden’s voice said to Maria.

“I’m sleeping?” Maria asked.

“Wake up” Aiden’s voice called out.

“Well if this is a dream, then.” Maria said as she stepped out into the crowd. “I’m here!” Maria yelled out.

The crowd immediately shot arrows at Maria.

She sat up quickly inhaling as much air as she could. She felt around her body for the places she was shot. 

After she checked, she felt immediate relief.

“Oh thank you! That was just a bad dream.” Maria thought to herself. She looked around, and saw that it was the middle of the day.

She was  a bit confused. She was back at home, laying in her own bed. “When did I get back home…” Maria thought to herself.

“Maria! Lunch is ready for you downstairs.” Maria’s mom called up to her.

“Coming!” Maria responded. Maria jumped out of her bed and ran down stairs.

“Oh sweet! Deli Sandwiches!” Maria said, grabbing her a plate. Alison sat at the table already grabbing a second handful of chips.

Maria then grabbed it from it. 

“Hey! What was that for!” Alison yelled out at Maria.

“Don’t eat all of them, you’ll get fat.” Maria said to Alison.

“Speak for yourself Fatty.” Alison responded by grabbing the bag too.

They both pulled for control of the snack.

Maria’s mom grabbed it. “Stop, you two behave. There’s plenty left for the both of you.” Maria’s mom said pouring Maria a serving and Alison a serving.

Maria jumped up and sat at the table.

“Do either of you have any Summer Homework left before school starts again?” Maria’s mom asked.

“Oh right, it is Summer Vacation. No wonder I am back home.” Maria thought to herself, as she took a bite out of her sandwich.

“I finished all of my Homework during the first week of Summer Vacation.” Alison responded to her mom.

“And what about you, Maria?”

“Remember, I’m in Highschool now, they didn’t assign us Summer Homework.” Maria responded with her mouth slightly full.

“That’s right, to Sequoia High School.” Maria’s mom said taking out some juice from the refrigerator.

Maria shook her head. “No, remember, I go to…” Maria began to say but she could not remember what it was she was trying to say. “… wait. I forgot my train of thought.” Maria responded.

“Probably all those video games you play, it’s rotting away in your brain.” Maria’s mom said pouring out the juice.

“No way, I placed in the top 5 of the school last year. If anything, I am becoming smarter.” Maria said to her mom.

“Ah, that reminds me. You can sleep over at your best friend, Leanne’s house tomorrow.” Maria’s mom told Maria.

“Awesome!” Maria cheered.

“Aww, so that means I can have the TV for myself?” Alison asked.

“Sure it does.” Maria’s mom responded.

“Nice.” Alision said.

Back in Reality.

Aiden and Silvia walked back to the dorms with Maria still in his arms.

“Is she really not waking up? She is not normally a heavy sleeper.” Silvia said to Aiden.

“This is definitely out of Character for Maria. She would not sleep through meal time.” Aiden responded to Silvia.

“They might have actually put her in a coma.” Silvia said to Aiden.

“That would be neglectful on their part.” Aiden responded to Silvia.

“I don’t care if they are upperclassmen, they should have had a back-up plan just in case something like this happened.” Silvia said feeling a bit upset with how the two spoke to her. Silvia then took in a few deep breaths. “But first, we just need to lay her down, and think of something. Since right now it looks like you are either carrying a dead girl around, or she is your girlfriend. Which neither are acceptable.” Silvia said to Aiden.

“I suppose so.” Aiden responded. As they both entered the Elevator.

Silvia and Aiden walked down the hall to Room 808. Ventus was waiting outside the door.

“Oh wow! What happened? Is everything okay?” Ventus asked.

“She is just sleeping, it’s nothing too serious.” Silvia said to Ventus.

“Sleeping? Why is she sleeping? Did someone drug her?!” Ventus said with some force in his voice, suspecting it were those upperclassmen boys again.

“No, it was for an experiment, nothing that malicious.” Silvia responded.

“Oh.” Ventus said softly. “So I guess I should be quieter.” 

“That’s the thing. I don’t think it matters. She seems to be stuck asleep.” Silvia said to Ventus.

Ventus looked at Aiden. “And you couldn’t wake her up?” Ventus asked Aiden.

Aiden gestured his eyes to Silvia. Trying to indicate that Silvia doesn’t know what Aiden can do, and that Ventus should try to keep silent about topics like that.

“Oh, right of course.” Ventus responded. “Mind if I try something?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“What do you have in mind?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Well what if Maria doesn’t know she is sleeping. If that’s the case then her brain will never try to wake itself up. Like if we were all in some sort of dream right now, we would have no way of knowing without someone from the outside entering in.” Ventus tried to explain.

“You have something like that?” Silvia asked.

“Well, I’ve been working on something for the past week. It was so that me and Angeal could share a dream, but he never wanted to try it out.” Ventus told Silvia.

“That’s oddly something we needed for an occasion like this.” Silvia responded to Ventus.

“What can we expect, I am always prepared.” Ventus joked as he went to Room 888 to pick up the device.

Back in Maria’s Dream.

Maria walks down the halls of Sequoia High School, she is carrying her books in front of her on her way to Literary Studies Class.

She then gets knocked over by a group of upperclassmen. 

“Watch where we’re going, loser.” They say to Maria and leave her laying on the floor.

Maria gets up quickly. “Knock them all out for me!” Maria says aloud pointing at the upperclassmen. But then she realized that she was talking to herself, and wondered why she said that.

“You’re a strange one aren’t you?” A tall guy came, and handed Maria a sheet of loose paper that she dropped when she fell.

Maria grabbed the paper from his hand. “You don’t have to comment on it.” Maria says to the guy.

“You’re right. I didn’t need to say anything, but I just wanted an excuse to speak to you.” The guy responded to Maria.

Maria looked up at his face. He had the appearance of Aiden, but more Human in appearance. Maria snickered.

“Were you trying to talk to me because you have some sort of crush on me?” Maria grinned.

“Well, ah…” The Aiden look-alike responded to Maria. He was too nervous to actually answer her.

Maria then handed him her books. “You can begin by carrying this for me to my next class. Sounds good?” Maria said to the guy.

“Sure. I don’t have any problem with this.” He responded. They both then started walking with Maria placing her hands in her pockets.

“Ah, by the way. My name is Angeal.” He said to Maria.

“Ange what?” Maria said half paying attention to him.

“Angeal. I’m a freshman this year. I actually sit behind you in Calculus.” Angeal told Maria.

“Really? Oh, I didn’t even notice you. But…” Maria then quickened her pace and stepped in front of him. She blocked him from moving forward. “But, you do seem oddly familiar. Do you live close to me?” Maria asked Angeal.

“I don’t think so. I have only ever seen you in class.” Angeal responded.

“Okay, he must have been a different person then.” Maria said, dropping the conversation.

“Probably. I think I would have noticed if I lived close to you.” Angeal said to Maria.

The bell then started to ring. “Dang! Hurry up! I’m going to be late!” Maria said, rushing down the hall to her class. The hallway seemed to stretch as Maria was running down it.

She felt like she was not running as fast as she usually ran. Angeal then picked her up and ran with her on his back.

“Now we are getting somewhere!” Maria called out.

When she got into her classroom it suddenly turned dark.

She walked around the empty class. “We must have taken longer than expected.” Maria said checking the empty desks.

“What do you mean? We are investigating a demon sighting in the school.” Angeal said to Maria. 

“Oh, you’re right. I must have been zoning out or something. So what did you find, my assistant?” Maria asked Angeal.

Angeal pulled out his notebook. “Well, we found black slime in the hallway leading up to the girl’s bathroom. Then we found a sigil that was written in blood in 1 of the trash bins. The sigil was partially burnt but we were able to track down the author of it to this classroom.” Angeal explained to Maria.

“Of course.” Maria responded. She then looked closely at the desks. “I feel like it is probably this one.” Maria said pointing to a random desk in the classroom.

Angeal walked over to it and checked the insides. He found a notebook with a list of magical spells. “Detective, I think you should see this.” Angeal said, flipping through the pages.

Maria grabbed the book. “How to summon the Demon King Baldor Alonuk. Write a pact with the Lord of Darkness in the signatory’s blood. Sacrifice…” Maria began to read. “This is damning evidence.” Maria told Angeal.

“What should we do with it now? It seems she already created the pact, should we look for the potential victim?” Angeal said.

“If I were to guess, they will likely either be in the lunchroom or the gym.” Maria responded.

“Why’d that detective?” Angeal asked.

“I just have a feeling.” Maria responded. They then began to run to the lunchroom.

“Come here! It will be over before you even know it. Don’t you want to be part of something greater?” The cursed girl said while holding a knife in her hand. She was looking for one of her classmates.

“Stop right there!” Maria yelled out.

The cursed girl looked at Maria and began running.

“Assistant!” Maria yelled out.

“Got it!” He said, jumping out at the girl. The girl stabbed Angeal and he fell to the ground.

Maria hurdled over him, giving chase. “Pitiful!” She said as she moved.

Maria followed the girl through the hall. “You can’t stop his emergence! He will cleanse the world of this evil!” The cursed girl said to Maria.

“I can stop it, as long as I stop you!” Maria yelled out and grabbed the cursed girl. “It’s over!” Maria said to her.

The cursed girl then began laughing. Maria looked confused. “It went exactly as planned!” The girl said to Maria.

Angeal then smacked Maria across the head with a cast iron pan and knocked her out.

Maria then woke up back in her bed suddenly. She was breathing heavily. She looked at her hands, and checked her body.

“Oh good. It was just a nightmare.” Maria thought to herself.

“Honey! Come down for Breakfast!” Maria’s mom called up to her.

“Coming!” Maria responded. Maria rushed down the stairs still wearing her Pajamas. She sat down at the table.

Maria’s mom pulled away her plate. “Brush your teeth first and change out of your PJs.” Maria’s mom said. Alison was already at the table eating her toast.

Back in Reality.

Ventus brought the device to connect to Maria’s head.

“So let me explain how this is going to work. We are going to translate your thoughts into the thoughts of Maria, so that you can control yourself within Maria’s mind. And we are going to transfer Maria’s thoughts to your head so you can see what is happening.” Ventus explained.

“What you mean is, that if we are connected to her, it’s only a copy of our thoughts going to her, and a copy of her thoughts going to us. So no direct contact?” Silvia asked.

“That’s basically it. I haven’t developed it enough for you to have direct access to her mind. So you likely won’t see any traumatic experiences or memories that she is not currently thinking of.” Ventus responded to Silvia.

“Interesting. And you wanted to use this so that I could see your dreams?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Pretty much.” Ventus said, turning on the device. “Now, of course I can’t go in myself because I have to monitor the device. I’ll have to calibrate it to the languages of whichever of you decide to volunteer.” Ventus said, looking back and forth between Aiden and Silvia.

“Angeal, I think you should go in, you are her best friend and all. So you’d probably be able to navigate her mind the best.” Silvia said to Aiden.

“I doubt that Ventus’ device will work on me. And in terms of similarity, physically and likely mentally, you are more similar to Maria. So the translation process would likely run more smoothly.” Aiden responded to Silvia.

“I also think you should be the one to go in, Silvia. Just in case we have to move both Maria and the person connected, it would be a lot easier to have Angeal help.” Ventus said to Silvia.

“But who knows what kinds of thoughts are in Maria’s head. That’s not something I want to see.” Silvia responded to Ventus.

“I completely trust that you will know how to handle any situation Maria thinks about. Afterall, you are one, if not the smartest and most adaptable person in our entire class.” Ventus said to Silvia.

Silvia picked up the helmet. “Well, you aren’t wrong. Okay, I’ll go in there, tell Maria that she is dreaming, and she is going to wake up.” Silvia said to both Ventus and Aiden.

“Sounds great. Now just lay in your bed, and I am going to tie you down.” Ventus told Silvia.

“Whoa, why are you doing that?” Silvia asked.

“It’s just to make sure your muscles don’t cause you to run out the room, if you see something scary.” Ventus explained.

“Okay, well I trust you. Don’t try to get any bright ideas.” Silvia told Ventus.

“Wouldn’t even think about it.” Ventus said.

Silvia then calmed her mind as Ventus turned on the device. Maria’s head was placed into the other end.

“Now say these items in this order. Yellow… Strawberries… Telephone… Monkey… Fire… Airplane… electricity… Happy.” Ventus said, and Silvia repeated. “Good, it is now calibrated. Now I am going to send your thoughts to Maria, and transmit her thoughts to you.” Ventus said to Silvia.

“Sure.” Silvia responded. Aiden watched as the two handled the situation.

“And, safe travels.” Ventus said to Silvia as she now had access to Maria’s thoughts.

“Where on Earth am I?” Silvia thought to herself. She was in the middle of a park. The edges of the world seem to fade in and out.

Silvia looked around to try and find Maria. In the distance she found someone running back and forth in the pond.

“Maria?” Silvia asked. 

“Oh no! They are hunting me!” Maria yelled out. She created a gun in her hand and shot at Silvia. Silvia ran and took cover.

“Don’t shoot me you idiot! It’s me, Silvia!” Silvia yelled out.

“Who?” Maria called back out.

“Silvia! You know, your classmates from Middle School and Highschool. We are friends with Angeal and Ventus.” Silvia tried to explain to Maria.

“Angeal? You mean the Demon Summoner from my dream?” Maria asked.

“The what?” Silvia was confused.

“Oh, you must have been his accomplice, and I was having a vision of the future. Well then I am going to stop you here and now!” Maria said, running out from her hiding spot to give chase to Silvia.

“Stop chasing after me! You are dreaming!” Silvia yelled out to Maria. 

“I was, but now I know it was a vision! You get back here you murderer!” Maria said, shooting another shot at Silvia.

The bullet ripped through Silvia’s Arm. 

Ventus and Aiden watched Silvia’s body to a noticeable jump.

“Shoot, I need a keyboard, or a laptop.” Ventus said, looking around.

Aiden handed Ventus Maria’s laptop.

“Thanks.” Ventus said, hooking it up to the device.

Silvia laid on the ground, now having been transported to their old Middle School. She walked down the halls, leaving a trail of blood behind her. She entered the bathroom.

Silvia washed her wound in the sink and tied it with paper towels.

“Dang, she is not listening.” Silvia thought to herself, trying to stay quiet.

“Come out, come out wherever you are!” Maria called out in the halls.

Silvia laid against the wall on the corner in the same direction of the bathroom door.

Maria walked down the hall and stopped in front of the bathroom. “Hmm, this is where we found the Sigil in my vision. I bet she is writing the Pact right now.” Maria thought to herself.

Maria opened the door slowly and looked in the bathroom. She couldn’t see anyone. Maria was suspicious and continued to keep looking for a few more seconds.

Silvia had her hands over her mouth.

“Guess it wasn’t this bathroom then.” Maria thought to herself. Silvia felt Maria around the corner. And her blood was beginning to soak through her bandages. A drop was beginning to form.

“Please don’t drip, hurry up and close the door.” Silvia thought to herself. 

Maria then began to walk away from the door.

Then Silvia’s blood hit the floor.

Maria paused. “Something just dripped.” Maria thought to herself. Maria then opened the door again, and entered the bathroom. “I see you.” Maria said as she got closer and closer to where Silvia was. “No use trying to hide, I am going to blow you away when I see you.” Maria said, trying to intimidate Silvia.

“You have full control over yourself in Maria’s thoughts. If you are in trouble, just think of it and it will happen, for yourself of course.” Silvia got a message from Ventus.

Maria then turned the corner and pointed the weapon directly at Silvia. But there was no one there.

“Hmm, I could have sworn.” Maria thought to herself. She then started to kick down the doors to the stalls.

Silvia had turned invisible. “Thankfully that worked.” Silvia was relieved.

Maria continued to kick down the doors. Silvia slowly walked behind her. Maria then kicked down the last door.

“Rats! No one is here!” Maria said, confused. The world then began to change.

“Oh no!” Silvia thought. She then grabbed Maria behind her back and tried to get her in a full nelson.

Maria then started to fight back against Silvia.

“Get off me you Demon Summoner!” Maria said to Silvia. Maria slammed Silvia against the walls of the bathroom, but Silvia was not letting go.

“You are dreaming! Wake up!” Silvia yelled out at Maria.

“Get off me!” Maria yelled. The World then changed and they were both in a Subway Station across the world. In the middle of the train tracks.

There was a light at the end of the tunnel.

“What are you doing!” Silvia said, still holding Maria, jumping up out of the way of the train.

The two then started to wrestle on the ground. Silvia was trying to pull the gun out of Maria’s hand.

“Let go!” Maria yelled out. She then started kicking Silvia. Maria busted Silvia’s lip. Silvia touched her lip and saw blood. 

“Okay! You asked for it!” Silvia said tackling Maria. She then started to punch Maria in the face. Maria grabbed Silvia’s hair and started returning punches.

“I am getting tired of you! Your dream is stupid!” Silvia said to Maria. As she continued to hit her.

“I don’t need to get lectured by some tool of a demon!” Maria responded. Maria then bit down on Silvia’s arm and Silvia pulled away.

“Whatever, I know this is a dream, so.” Silvia then started to create a fireball with her hand.

The people in the Subway then began to run.

“So that is the power the Demon gave you?” Maria asked. “I knew it.” Maria added.

“You know nothing!” Silvia responded. Silvia then shot the fireball at Maria. Burning her arm and tossing her to the other side of the subway.

Maria laid on the ground in pain.

Silvia then grabbed Maria’s shirt and charged up another fireball. “This is a dream after all, so it’s not like any of this matters.” Silvia said to Maria.

“If it’s a dream, then I should be able to do this!” Maria responded by sending out a shockwave knocking Silvia back.

Silvia now laid on the ground, she coughed up a bit of blood having impacted the concrete ceiling.

Maria then looked at her hands. “Oh, so this is a dream.” Maria said.

“Finally your thick skull understood.” Silvia responded. She collapsed on the ground.

Maria then came to her senses. “Wait!? Are you the real Silvia!? I am so sorry!” Maria said, rushing to Silvia and grabbing her.

“Just wake up. We can discuss this later.” Silvia said in pain.

Maria then blinked a few times and found that she was in Room 808. She had Ventus’ device over her head. She felt exhausted. Maria looked around.

“Am I awake?” Maria asked.

Aiden and Ventus looked over at Maria. “Welcome back to Reality.” Aiden said to Maria.

“How long was I out?” Maria asked.

“About 7 hours. You were just supposed to take a 30 minute nap.” Aiden said to Maria.

“7 Hours! Wow! No wonder it felt so long. I felt like I was in my dream world for years.” Maria responded to Aiden.

Ventus un-tied Silvia. She then got up immediately from her bed, and rushed over to Maria.

“I want to hit you so badly!” Silvia said to Maria.

“Hey, the dream you put up a good fight.” Maria laughed.

“It wasn’t the dream version of me, it was the actual me. I went inside your dream to wake you up!” Silvia said to Maria.

“Really! How?” Maria asked excitedly.

“Ventus created a device that translates your thoughts to someone one and translates their thoughts to you. So essentially, you were able to interact with one another in the dream.” Aiden explained to Maria.

“That’s awesome, Ventus! Now that you know it works. What are you going to do with it?” Maria asked Ventus.

“Not sure. It has a few issues, like how there can only be one driver. If I made it better, I could have given Silvia control of your dream. But I suppose I can add that in a future update.” Ventus responded.

Silvia then felt her lip again. “Good. The damages you did didn’t translate to the real world. Why on Earth did you shoot me!?” Silvia asked Maria.

“I thought you were the enemy to the planet. I had to do what needed to be done.” Maria tried to explain.

“You didn’t remember my face?” Silvia asked.

“Honestly, everything felt clear in the dream, but still had a bit of fuzz. I am barely remembering what I even was dreaming about.” Maria responded.

“Well, if we ever do this again, you are going to let me shoot you. Then I am going to say we are even. You were like some sort of serial killer in your dreams. How do you even get a good night’s rest.” Silvia asked.

Maria shrugged.

Ventus then started to pack up his device. “Looks like the future is now on the correct path, so I can put this away for now.” Ventus said to the group.

Aiden then stood up in front of Ventus.

“That was impressive. There wasn’t much I could do, but you found a solution for it. Maybe I will give your device a try.” Aiden said to Ventus.

Ventus looked down and saw Aiden’s hand. Ventus grabbed it.

“Then it’s a plan.” Ventus responded. Then he began to exit the room.

“Wait, I’ll come along with you.” Silvia said to Ventus. Then the two of them walked down the hall discussing the future plans with the device.

Maria and Aiden were in Room 808 alone.

“So, why didn’t you come in there and rescue me, or better yet, why did you allow me to sleep that long?” Maria asked Aiden.

“I attempted to wake you up, but your body just refused to even attempt to get up. It was no longer in a coma state, it just wasn’t registering that you could wake up. And I didn’t rescue you because I doubt that Ventus device would work on me. And with Silvia in the room, there would have just been unnecessary questions.” Aiden told Maria.

“These are fair points. But what I really think is your true reason, is that if you were in my dreams, I would have had more Abilities and Powers than you.” Maria said to Aiden with a devilish smile on her face.

“I don’t think that is true.” Aiden said to Maria.

“How can you have more power than me in my own dream? There’s no way. We are just going to have to use Ventus’ device to see if that’s true.” Maria joked with Aiden.

“I am not interested in testing that. I would rather be a passive observer. And there is nothing I can learn from your dreams. I already know everything there is to know about you as your best friend.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Maybe. But the you that was in my dream was pretty pathetic. Not saying that’s how I think of you… but I can imagine the situation playing out exactly the same.” Maria laughed.

“Certainly.” Aiden then stood up. “You must be hungry. Do you want to go out to eat?” Aiden asked Maria.

Maria felt her stomach. “Actually, I am pretty hungry. I am in the mood for something hefty.” Maria described to Aiden.

“Then I will take us to a late night steak house then.” Aiden said to Maria. He then began to wake out of room 808.

Maria was alone in the room. She looked around, still feeling suspicious. She pointed her hand out. “Fireball go!” Maria said to herself. But nothing came out.

She then grinned at her own hand. “I guess this is reality.” Maria thought. “Hey wait up!” She called out to Aiden as she gave chase.

Then the door to Room 808 began to shut. Then a small spark of fire appeared where Maria tried to summon it. Then the door closed completely.

Yaooan: Tale of Fate – Chapter One

Yaooan, a student of the Central Capital City School for Ren Shaole, wakes up in a terror. She had the same recurring dream of the Marian Civil War which happened a few years ago that resulted in the loss of her parents.

However, this was not unusual for Children who lived in the Community which Yaooan called Home. The Community was built recently to house the Ren Shaole population after the end of the War. Students living in the area all go to the same school which separates the Community from Ren Zuiperi Residences. The Community suffers from inadequate assistance from the Marian North Monarchy, therefore the area is nearly it’s own microcosm of Government Instability and infighting. 

Yaooan get’s up to prepare for her classes. She lives in one of the fancier apartments because she was the benefactor of a Cruel Test a couple of Years ago, the event still scars her mind, but the money was enough to keep those scars from coming back to the surface. She looked back at her home before stepping out the door to the noisy outdoors.

“Okay, time to drag myself through today.” Yaooan thought to herself, as she put on a smile and made her way down the road.

Along the way she saw a tiny trinket on the ground. It reminded Yaooan of the trinkets her mom wore so long ago. Yaooan picked it up and gave it a light dusting. It was a metallic item with 5 petals surrounding a circular bulb. After giving it a good look, Yaooan placed it in her tall green wild green hair.

“I love this!” Yaooan thought to herself. She continued down the street.

A group of girls, who took the same route as Yaooan were also making their way to classes. Their names were Paiyi, Leanna, Zouyi, and Yauyue. The tallest one, named Yauyue, looked over. “Hey Yaooan! You’re looking exceptionally cute today!” Yaooan stopped and looked over at the group of 4 girls. 

“Oh really… thanks… I actually -” Yaooan began saying before she was interrupted by Yauyue.

“Just kidding! I can’t believe you actually believed me!” Yauyue said jokingly, and the rest of her friends laughed along with her. The other’s added jokes poking fun at the smile Yaooan had when she thought she actually received a genuine compliment. They continued until they felt that Yaooan was adequately put down.

They walked away and continued to school.

Yaooan stayed where she was. She took the trinket out of her hair, and looked down at it. Her smile was no longer present. Yaooan loosened her grip of the trinket preparing to let it fall to the ground. However, as her grip was beginning to falter she grasped it once again, and placed it back into her hair.

“I don’t care what they think, I like it.” Yaooan thought to herself. Her smile returned to her face. Yaooan’s mother taught her that the way you feel about something is determined by you, and not by what others say about it. Thus Yaooan continued on, with the adorable smile that lights up even the darkest souls.

The Central Capital City School for Ren Shaole was surrounded by a large gate which was about 3 meters tall. The pillars were made of a light brown stone and between them were dark brown bars. At the Gate was a Ren Zuiperi Guard. He made sure that only Students and Authorized Workers got into the school premises.

He stopped Yaooan.

“Student 1076, what do you think you are doing?” The Gate Guard asked Yaooan.

“What do you mean Sir?” Yaooan responded, eagerly trying to get to class.

The Gate Guard forcibly grabbed the trinket and tore it out of Yaooan’s hair. He crumpled it into pieces. He kept it in his balled up fist.

“There, now hurry and get to class! Stop trying to bring crap into this school.” The Gate Guard said to Yaooan.

“Sorry Sir, I thought it was permissible.” Yaooan responded.

“Well you were wrong, now get going!” The Gate Guard yelled at Yaooan. She hopped up and moved quickly into the School Yard.

In the School Yard there were many different cliches of students all talking to one another before the first period began. Yaooan wanted so badly to interact with the other students, but never could get the confidence to do so. She feared that they would try to make her prove herself to them, and that pressure was something Yaooan did not want to get involved with.

“One day…” Yaooan thought to herself. She turned away from the groups and went towards the Zone 2 Doors. It was yet another morning of not having the confidence to speak to others, and another morning of others not wanting to speak to her. She remained alone.

Yaooan sat in her first bell class. She was half paying attention as her teacher gave a lesson. Yaooan stared out the window yearning for adventure. Then her teacher samed her teaching stick against the front podium.

“Student 1076!” The Home Room Teacher called out. Yaooan snapped out of daydreaming and stood up in attention, as the Ren Shaole students had to do when being spoken to by their Teachers.

“Yes Teare Ro!?” Yaooan responded, startled, and shaken up.

“If you long to be outside so much, pick up your materials and stand outside until the end of the period.” Teare Ro said to Yaooan. She pointed at the exit, and Yaooan picked up her stuff and left the classroom. She sat down in the hallway.

“Dang, not again. Now I have nothing to look at but this wall…” Yaooan thought to herself as she stared at the wall moving her fingers along the cracks.

“Psshh…” A voice down the hall called out.

Yaooan looked around for the sound.

“Psshh, over here. To your left.” The voice continued.

Yaooan looked over and saw a boy, who seemed to have also been kicked out of class. He waved his hands trying to get Yaooan’s attention.

Yaooan looked over at him in surprise. “Don’t you know you can get in more trouble if you talk while kicked out of class?” Yaooan educated him.

“Oh really… then I guess I should be quiet then.” The boy said as he closed his mouth with his hands.

Yaooan smiled. This kid obviously was new to the ‘being kicked out of class’ club. “Hey, so why’d you get kicked out of class? Seems like your first time, right?” Yaooan address him.

“Yea, it is my first time out here. Koloco Ro caught me playing Rutanu in class. He took my device and kicked me out of class.” He responded.

Yaooan was confused. “What’s Rutanu?” Yaooan asked as she got in a more comfortable position. She laid on her stomach in the direction of the boy.

“It’s this awesome game that was just released! You play in this virtual world created by some guy from Vlagora. In it you collect small items, travel to different biomes. You can even battle other players in PvP at the Stadium. I’ve been addicted to it since it came out like 10 days ago!” He said to Yaooan with clear excitement in his voice.

“A virtual world?” Yaooan said to herself as she looked up at the ceiling. “Sounds a whole lot better than this real one.” Yaooan said with a melancholic tone.

“It sure is! The real world sucks! You should play Rutanu later! And when you do you can add me, my name is Waymen Knight Rider and-” The boy was interrupted by the Walking Patrol.

“Talking outside of class? You must think being kicked outside is a reward. Collect your things and come with me.” The Patrol commanded the boy.

He grabbed the boy by his arm and dragged him up.

“I’m Student 1145, find me during the middle break period, okay?!” He said to Yaooan. The boy was then fully escorted out of the hall.

Yaooan looked up at the ceiling once more, getting off of her stomach. “Rutanu? A Virtual World, I wonder what that’s like…” Yaooan thought to herself.

The day’s classes went on as usual after that. Royal Etiquette was the first Period, Anthropology was the second period, followed by Natural Mathematics, and Historical Recreation. After Historical Recreation she was given a Middle Period Break. Which separated the day classes from the Night Classes.

Yaooan’s Night classes were Mythology and Legends, followed by Home Economics, Physical and Health Services, then Social Conditioning as her final class.

Immediately after Historical Recreation ended Yaooan eagerly left the Zone 2 Building. She brought out her Communication Device and placed it on her neck so that she could try out the game that Student 1145 told her about earlier.

“Allow access to Cerebral Process?” Her device asked her as she was downloading the game.

“Oh, I guess it is Virtual Reality… so sure why not.” Yaooan accepted. 

The opening of the game begins to play. 

“Yea, I’m going to skip that.” Yaooan skipped through. 

“Make sure the area around you is clear, and safe.” The game showed an unskippable scene.

Yaooan looked around and felt that standing in the middle of the court yard before night classes was probably not the best place to start playing a virtual game.

“Okay, I’m going to head into the cafeteria then.” Yaooan thought and picked up her stuff. She headed inside while configuring her information.

“What was the boy’s name again… waymen something…” Yaooan said, knocking on her head. “Ah Knight Rider. Waymen Knight Rider.”

Yaooan added his name and he immediately sent a message. “Where are you?” He messaged Yaooan.

“I’m in the cafeteria.” Yaooan wrote back.

“Come to The Music Rooms in Zone 12, there’s a group of us all playing here.” He replied back.

“Cool, I’ll be there.” Yaooan replied. She then got up from her seat and began heading to the Music Rooms.

Yahoo was stopped once again by a School Guard.

“Hey take that out of your head while walking, I’m tired of you kids walking into walls with those devices connected to your heads.” The Guard said to Yaooan as she was making her way to the Music rooms.

“I’m sorry, I’ll do that right away Sir.” Yaooan responded. She removed the device from the back of her neck and held it in her hand.

Yaooan stood in attention as the Guard began to walk. “Freaking kinds, they got it way too easy nowadays.” The Guard said to himself as he walked away from Yaooan.

Yaooan looked at him annoyed. He obviously viewed any progress forward as a negative contribution to Society. People like him are what caused the Civil War to occur. Yaooan continued to make her way to the Music Rooms.

When Yaooan got there she saw a bunch of Students sitting down, they were all plugged in, and knee deep into gaming.

“Hey Vani!” The Boy who was in the Hall with Yaooan earlier called out to her.

“Wow, already calling me by my Username?” Yaooan responded as she walked over to him.

“Yea, but that’s because I don’t know your real name, so that’s the next best thing.” He said as Yaooan took a seat next to him. “Come on quick. Yuski is about to compete in a 3 v 1!” The boy said to Yaooan.

Yaooan took her device out of her pocket and attached it to the back of her head. She set the game up. She stretched out her fingers, and the walking within the game felt as natural as if she was the Character itself.

The device connected to the motor functions of the brain which pulled the signals that would otherwise be sent into the muscles, to the device itself.

Knight Rider was eagerly trying to get Yaooan, who was Vani currently, to hurry up and follow him in the Virtual World.

“What’s a 3 v 1? How’s this game actually played?” Yaooan asked.

“Come on, just watch!” Knight Rider responded by rushing to the Stadium. Yaooan followed behind him. The Stadium NPC took one Beginners Stadium Entrance Token from Yaooan and allowed her to enter.

Knight Rider led Yaooan into a Giant Colosseum. The stands were filled with other players. They cheered loudly towards the center. The players in the stands all had unique gears and appearances. All seemed excited and happy to be there.

Yaooan felt this aura and began to get excited as well.

In the center of the Stadium were 4 players. 3 of them surrounded one lone competitor.

“The one in the middle, his name is Yuski.” Knight Rider said to Yaooan.

The 3 Competitors rushed in to attack Yuski.

Player 1 launched a Fire Blast at Yuski who then twisted around and sent it at Player 2. Player 3 rushed from behind and tried to attack Yuski with a sword as Yuski easily dodges. Player 1 continued to launch fire shots at Yuski. The double attack was easily handled as Player 2 came in with a spear and attacked Yuski. 

“Easiest thing I’ve ever done.” Yuski said as he toyed with the other players.

“So why are they fighting against him? What’s happening here?” Yaooan asked Knight Rider.

“Yuski is an extremely good player. Ever since the game came out he has been dominating.” Knight Rider began to say as he then brought up the stats on Yuski. “He has a 140.2.2 record. He allows anyone to challenge him, especially during these hours. Afterwards, he goes into the Raid Areas and Solos them, or trains players with high potential.

Yuski grabbed the spear of Player 2 and spits a Liquid on that Spear. He used it to then catch the flame from the attack of Player 1. He used the now flame engulfed Spear to set Player 3 on fire. In the chaos, Yuski kicks the sword that Player 3 wasa holding into the chest of Player 1, eliminating him. As Player 2 realized that Player 1 was slain, Yuski rushed him and shoved the Spear through both Player 2 and 3. Then he finished them up by igniting the weapon, eliminating the two, ending the match.

“Damn, he is good.” Yaooan was impressed with the performance.

“So what do you think? Feel like you have a chance against him?” Knight Rider asked Yaooan jokingly.

“Maybe after I learn how to actually play, maybe I will give it a try.” Yaooan responded.

“Oh yeah! I forgot, this is your first time. Then I guess I will show you around real quick.” Knight Rider said as he got up from his seat and went to exit the stadium.

Yaooan followed behind him.

As she walked through the halls she was able to feel the dust from the battles brush against her skin. She noticed the smell of smoke and the sensation of taste.

They both exited the Stadium and were now in the main hub.

“So first, you’ll have to go to that Hub Center over there. In the front there should be an NPC that’ll tell you how to gain access to your Weapons Bag and World Areas.” Knight Rider said to Yaooan. He pointed towards a tower that was surrounded by what looked like 2 dozen people.

“What are you going to be doing while I’m interacting with the NPC? Yaooan asked Knight Rider.

“It’s going to take you a bit of time, so I am going to grind up some extra materials. I don’t want to embarrass myself with my complete lack of items if we go exploring.” Knight Rider said to Yaooan.

“I would much prefer if you stayed here though. I don’t really mind if you don’t have items.” Yaooan said to Knight Rider.

“It’s no problem, it’ll be better this way anyways.” Knight Rider said to Yaooan before he summoned a vehicle and drove away on it.

Yaooan watched as Knight Rider left her alone there. But she was impressed by the Vehicle. “Well that’s cool.”

Yaooan walked towards the center of the mass of people. They were all speaking to one another as they were interacting with the NPC. Yaooan started to feel alone as this situation reminded her of being at school. She lowered her head, and made herself seem small.

As Yaooan was making her way towards the NPC she felt someone touch her shoulder.

“Hey!” A voice of the person whom the hand belonged to called out towards Yaooan.

Yaooan turned around to look at this person. She pointed at herself. “Did you mean to try and get my attention?” Yaooan asked the person. This person was shorter than Yaooan and had short dark hair.

“Obviously, that’s why I tapped your shoulder. Why are you looking so down huh? Not feeling well today?” The Short Girl asked Yaooan.

“No, it’s not that… it’s just how I get when I see a bunch of people.” Yaooan responded.

“Oh! So you are shy?!” The Short Girl quickly responded looking up at Yaooan with an interested smile.

“No, I wouldn’t say shy, it’s just…” Yaooan stopped herself. She thought for a little time and realized that she didn’t need to tell this person that she was from the Capital District. She didn’t have to say anything that was real. This was her chance to reinvent herself. So Yaooan dropped her nervous hands and relaxed her shoulders. She lifted her head up and stood tall.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t say I am shy at all.” Yaooan responded. Yaooan pointed her thumb at herself. “Hi, my name is Vani!” Yaooan said to the Short Girl with her charming smile.

“Wow, what a complete Rotation of Pi!” The Girl gestured as she then bowed to Yaooan. “And I’m Randiantsi.

Yaooan smiled. “So, Randiantsi, are you also new to this world?” Yaooan asked her.

“Well technically everyone is basically new, this world has only existed for like a week. So it’s prime time to start forming groups and setting claims to territory!” Randiantsi said to Yaooan with wide gestures.

“So you were trying to recruit me into your group?” Yaooan asked.

“Yeah, I’ve been going around but most people seem to only join groups that have their friends in them already. So when I saw you alone, I figured that I should recruit you. That way we both won’t be alone!” Randiantsi responded to Yaooan with an adorable smile.

Yaooan figured that no one would actually reach out to talk to a lonely person in a crowd of people. Randiantsi must just be a different breed of person.

“Okay, I’ll join your party, group thing.” Yaooan nodded her head to Randiantsi.

“Awesome! Well then I’ll help you speed through this tutorial stage and we can get some real work done!” Randiantsi grabbed Yaooan’s hand and they both pushed through to the NPC.

“Hey Big Guy! She is a member of my Party now, so allow me to share my equipment with her.” Randiantsi commanded the NPC.

“You got it Warrior!” The NPC said as Vani and Randiantsi now had an annotation next to their names, as well as a party inventory. The party inventory was filled with starting gadgets such as an axe, and bags.

“Whoa, that’s pretty cool too!” Yaooan said looking at all the stuff.

“Yeah it is! Now I’m going to sign you up for the Tutorial Stages. Don’t worry, it just involves a bunch of fetch quests and monster killings.” Randiantsi said to Yaoan before Yaooan received a quest note.

“Now we can leave this area as the rest of these peeps stumble their way into the first mission.” Randiantsi said before she grabbed Yaooan’s hand again and ran towards the Hordes Field.

Yaooan looked at the quest. “I need some Meat from a Sereph, found in Hordes Field. A Julo herb found in Hector’s Forest, and a Mortar and Pesto. Please, my child is sick and on his last leg.” Yaooan read aloud what was written in the quest.

“Well looks like three ingredients is all we need to find for this quest to be complete.” Yaooan said as she was still being guided by Randiantsi.

“Yeah, well actually it’s more like five items. Since we have to create our mortar and pesto from stones also found in the Hordes Field. And we use a stonecutter to form it into its shape.” Randiantsi said as they arrived in the field.

“Wow, you really do know what you are doing.” Yaooan responded to Randiantsi.

The field was circular, and was surrounded by a dense forest on its three sides. It was filled with flying creatures that were saucer shaped with a spherical center of light blue. There were players in the field chasing these creatures.

“Go on and destroy one of those creatures, they drop the meat that you need.” Randiantsi said to Yaooan pointing at the Saucer Creature.

“And how do I do that?” Yaooan asked, looking around for a weapon.

“Wait?! You’re telling me you don’t have a weapon?” Randiantis said with surprise at this revelation. “Wow, even I came with a Shield and these needles.” Randiantsi said, showing Yaooan the items. “Looks like we are a pretty pathetic party already…” Randiantsi said, looking at the other Player, running around shooting fireballs with magic staffs and slicing the Serephs with their weapons.

Yaooan sat down next to Randiantsi. “Maybe it’s some sort of glitch. I can restart and we can form a party again.” Yaooan said to Randiantsi.

“Nah, it’s all good. Guess you can punch them, and I can attach these needles into my shield like this.” Randiantsi said, trying to look on the bright side. She showed Yaooan her creation.

“Well this does suck, everyone else seems to be running around with weapons. “Yaooan said softly looking through her empty weapon’s inventory.

“Rutanu is connected to your Cerebral Cortex, so is there some sort of weapon you’d imagine you would be good at or something?” Randiantsi asked Yaooan as she stood back up.

“I always imagined that I would be like those gods I met when I was younger. They were able to manipulate the Earth with cool hand gestures.” Yaooan said as she demonstrated what they were doing and a huge clast shot out from her hand. The blast obliterated the ground about 40 meters away.

Randiantsi and Yaooan looked out at the damage and were stunned.

Randiantsi turned back towards Yaooan. “Have you actually seen people do that in reality? Like the Real World?! That is beyond amazing!” Randiantsi said, as she looked at Yaooan’s hands.

Vani’s stats took a sharp decrease. “I have no clue how I did that, but it took a crap ton of energy from me.” Yaooan said to Randiantsi.

“Yeah, guess you’re not used to it yet. Well, can you run around with me and we will get this quest done the hard way. Afterwards we both can go and learn to use our skills!” Randiantsi gave Yaooan a cheerful smile. “Though I am super jealous of yours already.” Randiantsi said to Yaooan, as she then went out and tried to hit the Serephs with her shield.

Yaooan ran out behind Randiantsi and tried to hold down the Sereph, while Randiantsi hit it repeatedly, causing blunt force with the shield.

The Sereph was resisting, as Randiantsi and Yaooan continued to wrestle it.

“This bad boy is tough!” Randiantsi said, trying to break through its shell.

“Hey, can I have a look at your needles again? Do you have anything else in your bag?” Yaooan asked Randiantsi as the creature was slowly breaking out of Yaooan’s hold.

“I have some items from the next 3 quests, and a string that I came with. Other than that, I don’t have anything. My previous… “ Randiantsi started saying before stopping.

Yaooan thought for a second. “You have strings? I think that’s supposed to go with your needles.” Yaooan said to Randiantsi.

“Well that makes sense, I am actually pretty good at puppetterring.” Randiantsi said, as she combined her needle and the string together. The combination formed a new default weapon called threaded threads. Randiantsi then took this new item and combined it with her shield. Her Weapon then became Protected Puppet Master.

Randiantsi then brought out this weapon set up and located a different Sereph. She threw 3 needles out and it penetrated through it’s skin. She then pulled her hands apart and it separated the Seraph into two pieces.

Yaooan clapped. “Talk about overpowered!” Yaooan congratulated Randiantsi.

“Seems that way huh.” Randiantsi smiled. “I feel like a whole new warrior! And to imagine that I was running around before, just smacking things with my shield.” Randiantsi then brought back her needles.

Yaooan ran to the body and picked up the scraps. She placed the meat in her inventory.

“Let’s hurry and get to the Forest! Your blast from earlier threw a bunch of stones into the air earlier, so we can quickly grab those too.” Randiantsi said as she ran to the stones.

Yaooan received a message from Knight Rider. “Hey, where are you Vani? Did you already get your quest from the NPC?” Knight Rider wrote.

“Yea! I’m almost done with it, where are you?” Yaooan responded.

“I’m not too far, I’m going to meet up with you soon. I found a bunch of guys who are willing to train with us later. What’s your weapon like?” Rider responded.

“Cool, I’m also with a person. And I didn’t get a weapon, so I’m not sure what my weapon is, I think it might be magic.” Yaooan responded picking up the stones with Randiantsi.

“Magic? Then you would have gotten a staff. Well I’ll be there soon. Later!” Knight Rider responded before closing the chat.

Randiantsi questioned Yaooan. “Oh, did you already have a party?” She asked with a saddened expression.

“No, I don’t have a party. He is a person from my school who introduced me to the game.” Yaooan responded to Randiantsi.

“Oh, you’re school aged in reality. That’s funny.” Randiantsi said laughing. “I figured that you were older than me, but now I know you are barely older, only by a tiny bit.” Randiantsi responded.

“Dang, I meant to keep all information about myself a secret… oh well. I guess that’s not super important, as long as she doesn’t know my breed or location, then it should be okay.” Yaooan thought to herself.

“Don’t worry, I can tell that you feel wronged by me knowing that information. So any information you share with me, I will share the same amount with you. It’ll be mutual destruction.” Randiantsi smiled towards Yaooan.

Yaooan smiled back and they both headed into the forest.

While Randiantsi and Yaooan walked deeper into the Forest the surroundings became darker and darker.

“Don’t worry about that, it’s just the canopy above. It’s not so ominous once you get used to it.” Randiantsi said to Yaooan, reassuring her that everything would be okay. Randiantsi handed Yaooan a drink. “Here, this is to replenish your energy. I was saving it since before when I was running around with my shield I was getting exhausted nearly immediately, but now that I don’t have to even move to use my skills, I think you should have it.” Randiantsi said to Yaooan.

Yaooan drank it, and her stats returned to their original positions. “Wow, thanks, that really got me back into shape.” Yaooan said as Randaintsi spotted the plant.

“There it goes, now we can just grab it and go back to the NPC in the Center Hub.” Randiantsi went to grab it. Someone then came and stepped down on her hand stopping her from grabbing it.

“Get off me! That hurts!” Randiantsi said, as she was trying to pull her hand out from underneath.

“Look what we have here, some new players walking around in our territory.” A tall well armoured player said with two others behind him.

Yaooan adn Randiantsi have now encountered their first griefers. They don’t seem to care about having an enjoyable gaming experience, what they were after was the satisfaction of dominance.

“Hey, if this is your territory, we will just leave. We don’t need this herb from here anyways.” Randiantsi said as she tried to get her hand from under the guy’s foot.

“Where do you expect to find one then? This entire forest is our territory.” He said, as he continued to crush Randiantsi’s hand under his foot.

“You can’t claim an area like that! This is where new players complete their first quest.” Yaooan yelled at the guys.

“I don’t think you are in any position to talk, you are at an even lower level than her. And it’s three versus two. You stand absolutely no chance.” The guy told Yaooan.

Yaooan’s hand then began to brighten with heat. Her anger began to grow. She knew that she probably wouldn’t win, but she needed to at least try.

As Yaooan prepared to attack the griefer was smacked across the face by a staff and flew into a tree. His party members were also taken out by these new arrivals.

Knight Rider had arrived with his other training mates.

“Looks like you guys encountered some griefers.” Knight Rider said as he helped Randiantsi to her feet.

“Seems like it’s seven versys three now! I think you guys should get going!” Yaooan yelled out at the main griefer.

“Don’t let us see you two alone, because when that happens, it’s over!” The griefer yelled as they ran off.

Randiantsi shook her arm from Knight Rider’s hand. “Thanks, but I’m pretty sure we had that handled.” Randiantsi said walking to Yaooan.

“Well, isn’t it a small world Randiantsi.” A member of the training team that Knight Rider brought said to Randiantsi. “Who would have thought that following this guy would lead us back to you…” The Team Member looked around. “Though since this is a level one area, I can’t say that I am surprised.” He laughed.

“You know these people?” Yaooan asked Randiantsi.

“Yeah! I was originally their party member, until the third quest, when they threw me away!” Randiantsi said, directed towards the group.

“We didn’t even think you would have returned to the game. Considering how weak your weapon is and all.” The training team member then addressed Knight Rider. “I wouldn’t recommend you teaming up with her, all she is going to do is slow you down.” The Team Member said to Knight Rider.

“Stop telling people that! I have a new weapon now, and I’m sure it’s way better than what you have now!” Randiantsi said to her former party members.

“I’ll believe it when I see it, and what about you newbie? You must have had pity on her to bring her along this far.” The Former member said to Yaooan.

“Why are you guys so mean!” Yaooan yelled out at the group.

“This is a game, you either try to  be the best or stop playing. If you are looking for pity or something casual, then play a farming simulator.” The former member said to Yaooan. “Now, what is your weapon?” He asked Yaooan.

“I don’t know…” Yaooan responded.

“So, Knight Rider, you brought us all the way back to the Level One area to train up a Casual and someone who doesn’t have a weapon? Man, we thought you were cool.” The former party member said

Knight Rider looked at Yaooan, and back at the former member. “Wait XVRaider! I really didn’t know! Honest! Besides, we don’t even know the other girl, I just know Vani. So it’s cool if we just train her up, right?” Knight Rider asked XVRaider.

“Yeah, sure, whatever. If she will become a valuable asset then we can train her up.” XVRaider responded.

“You hear that Vani? Let’s go and get those levels!” Knight Rider said to Yaooan with excitement.

Randiantsi then looked at Yaooan, then Yaooan looked at Knight Rider.

“Nah, I think I’ll stick with Randiantsi. I’ll grind my way up slowly.” Yaooan responded to Knight Rider.

“Damn, you guys are stupid. Come on, let’s go. I’m not trying to stay around this sappy area. If you want to come along Rider then you better start. Because we will get rid of you in a heartbeat.” XVRaider said as the rest of the group got on their vehicles and started driving away.

“Well, I’ll talk to you later Vani, I can’t waste this chance. I’ll catch you in the real world.” Knight Rider said as he jumped on his vehicle and followed the group.

Randiantsi walked up behind Yaooan and grabbed Vani’s hand. “Thank you for staying, I thought for sure you were just going to go with them, then I was going to be alone again.” Randiantsi said to Yaooan.

“No way, I know how it feels to be alone. I would not wish that on anyone.” Yaooan said as she went to pick up the herb. “I hope this is still okay enough to give to the NPC.” Yaooan smiled and jokingly said to Randiantsi.

“Don’t see why not.” Randiantsi responded. They both then got up and ran towards the hub area.

After crossing back across the field they arrived at the hub. It had significantly less people now.

“Here you are, my good sir.” Randiantsi said, handing in the items.

“Well the Mortar and Pesto are amazing quality, so I’m going to ignore the garbage you gave me as an herb. So here’s your reward.” The NPC gave Yaooan an Energy drink. “Stop by here if you are ready for your next quest.”

Yaooan looked around at the near empty area.

“Hey, where is everyone?” Yaooan asked the NPC.

“Current time is 1540.00, these are low hours.” The NPC responded.

“Oh crap! Really! I’m late for class!” Yaooan said to Randiantsi. “I’ll talk to you when I get back on. I need to go now!” Yaooan said in a rush.

“Okay, talk to you later Vani!” Randiantsi said as Yaooan logged off.

There was no one in this Music Room. The other rooms were already in full class session playing music. Yaooan proceeded to exit and tried to sneak across the cafeteria, trying to make her way through the Student Halls.

“What are you doing roaming around the halls? Show me your pass.” The Hall Guard said to Yaooan.

“Ah, well, you see… I don’t have one.” Yaooan admitted as she looked down at her feet.

“Then I’ll escort you to the office and you can get a pass from there, along with a detention.” The guard told Yaooan as she was then escorted to the administration building.

“So what were you doing Student 1076, doesn’t seem that you have any disciplinary marks on your record, guessing you may have slept and let time slip by.” The Vice Dean of the school said to Yaooan. 

“Oh, yea, it was something like that Sir…” Yaooan responded to him.

“Considering this is your first infringement on the rules of the school, I will be giving you detention for half the typical detention period, following which you are to promptly return to Class. Is that clear.” He addressed Yaooan.

“Yes Sir, you are very merciful Sir.” She responded.

“Now don’t let me see you in here again unless you are being rewarded, here’s your pass and get to class.” He said to Yaooan as he gave her a note.

She left quickly without looking back. And headed directly to her class. Part of the way to her class room a guard began approaching her. She then hid behind her pass that she held in front of her face.

“Dang, these guys are just eager to get Students in trouble.” Yaooan thought to herself entering her Mythology class. Yaooan sat down in the back and thought about the game she just got done playing. She looked at her real life hand and had a joyful thought of what she would do if she was actually able to shoot fire from her hands.

The Mythologies class were going over the tales of the Legendary Island of Qyran. A place that was said to exist in the Far East, on the other side of the World. It is said to be home to Giants who tried to venture into the mainland but were defeated by Turoklan the Ren Zuiperi Demigod who later destroyed the island and the giants.

Yaooan heard this story a billion times by now. She had her eyes on the board but in reality she was not in the room but in her own head daydreaming. Then classes continued on like that until alas the school day ended and she could head home.

Student 1145 was waiting at the gate hoping that he would see Yaooan walking out of the school towards the community. Yaooan saw him and quickened her pace so she could scold him.

“Why on Earth did you just leave me sitting in the Music Room!?” Yaooan said to him angrily.

“I didn’t know what to do, you seemed like such a pro at getting in trouble earlier, so I thought that you had a plan up your sleeve to avoid getting in trouble if you were late.” Student 1145 responded to Yaooan nervously.

“If I was a pro at getting in trouble, then I would not be getting caught.” Yaooan said to him as she then continued to walk home.

“Oh, that’s a good point. I should have thought about it a bit longer.” Student 1145 said as he followed behind Yaooan hesitantly. “So, what did you think of the game? Cool right?” He asked Yaooan.

“Yeah, it’s fun, but I did not appreciate you leaving me and Randiantsi behind earlier, that was very uncool of you.” Yaooan said stopping and pointing at Student 1145.

“I’ve been playing for like a week, and those guys were like bosses, when they offered to teach me the ropes I couldn’t say no, especially since I’ve just met you.” Student 1145 said before Yaooan lifted her finger with a bit more anger.

Well if you barely know me is a good enough reason to leave me whenever something seems advantageous, then I don’t really need people like you in game or in real life.” Yaooan said to Student 1145 turning back around away from him and quickening her pace.

“Wait, that’s not what I meant!” Student 1145 said, attempting to follow behind her.

“Don’t follow me!” Yaooan yelled back at him, she continued to walk home without looking back at him.

“Oh… okay…” Student 1145 said, as he turned around to see if Yaooan would ever look back.

Yaooan picked up a drink from her corner market, and a bag of finger snacks. She headed up into her room. Yaooan threw off her shoes and watched videos in her living room.

The videos were about another explosion in Marian South. It focused on how the citizens of Marian South were distrustful of their Democratic Government. The talking heads were speculating on a soon overthrow of the country, and their desire to return to being under the Leadership of the Royal Family and the Queen of Marian North.

Yaooan turned off the video. She never enjoyed news like that. It seems like the war never ends. That video brought back terrible memories, she then proceeded to throw her snacks into the fridge with her other half eaten bags, and got up to wash her body.

“I wish this world would stop being so selfish.” Yaooan thought to herself as she angrily looked in the mirror. “Damn, I hate reality so much. I feel so powerless!” Yaooan spit out her teeth cleaning liquid and continued into her shower where she then cried.

After her shower she felt a bit better and laid in her bed where she put on her device and began to play Rutanu. “I need to get away, just for a little bit, better than my dreams.” Yaooan thought to herself as she logged in.

Yaooan saw that Rider had filled her messages with apologies and gifts. “I only care about your actions, I don’t need gifts.” Yaooan said reading the messages and storing the gifts in a case.

“I’m back on Randiantsi if you are on.” Yaooan messahed. Randiantsi then immediately responded.

“Wow, were you not able to sleep? I’ll be on shortly, I just have to make sure my mom doesn’t hear me playing.” Randiantsi responded with excited annotations.

“Cool!” Yaooan replied. Though the word ‘Mom’ really made Yaooan feel a certain way. Yaooan went to the Fields and just wanted to release some steam on some Serephs. She knew that opening her hand would release a giant burst so how about if she just pointed with one finger. 

Doing this caused a laser like beam to shoot from her hand slicing where she aimed. “Well that’s cool. I think I can control that.” Yaooan thought to herself as she continued to try and make it more precise.

Randiantsi came up behind Yaooan to surprise her. Yaooan was startled and shot a laser beam at Randiantsi. But she had her Shield up, so her Shield took the damage.

“Cool looks like you got some control of your skill!” Randiantsi then gave Yaooan some items. “I cleared the Second and Third quest for you, let’s turn these in and get to the real battles.” Randiantsi said showing joy to Yaooan.

“Yea, sure, I’m dying to get into some real battles.” Yaooan said heading to the NPC. “Here you are, all the items you need for the second quest.” Yaooan handed over the items.

“You are indeed correct, you have gotten everything. So here is your third quest.” The NPC said to Yaooan. 

“Well looks like you are done with this one, now here is a map since I trust that you can take care of yourself. If you ever are lost, come back here and I’ll give you a hint. See you soon!” The NPC then went back into his hut.

“Nice, so I saw this cool cave just to the east, we really need to go in there. I think it might have some cool loot!” Randiantsi said to Yaooan.

“Oh that reminds me, her is some cool loot for you.” Yaooan handed the case of Items that Knight Rider gave her. 

“Oh wow, where did you get these from, some of these are epic rarity.” Randiantsi looked at the clothing.

“I got it from that guy from earlier today, you know Knight Rider, the one that left us to hang out with XRaider or whatever his name was.” Yaooan said looking at her map.

“Oh does he have a crush on you or something?” Randiantsi said as she was looking through the items.

“I don’t know and I don’t care. He can’t win me over with some gifts.” Yaooan said still looking at the map.

Randiantsi then drank some of the EXP boost drink in the case. “I wish I received gifts, that would be so cool.” Randiantsi said to Yaooan, joking with her.

“You did receive a gift, I gave these to you haha.” Yaooan responded no longer looking at the map.

“Psshh you know what I mean.” Randiantsi said closing the case. They both laughed as they prepared for their next journey into the caves.

Angel Misery 2: Chapter Four

Truth comes to Light:

The day after Maria, Silvia and Rebecca went to the Dean’s office to discuss the procedure they must handle as witnesses, the trial for Ventus’ Expulsion was underway.

“The Dean said that I should wait in this room until I am called to speak.” Maria said to Aiden as they both stood in the hallway of the administration room. Maria was rubbing her wrist, it seemed to have been bruised on that day. But she wasn’t sure what she hit.

“They are truly trying to expel him, what I could gather is that they have already come to a decision. They accepted your witness statements as a way to make it seem as though Ventus had a more fair trial.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Why do you say that? That Brent guy tried to make out with me, wouldn’t that be enough to make him the one that should be on trial right now?” Maria asked Aiden.

“It’s a matter of evidence. On the Dean’s desk is already the expulsion letter too, so that is why I said that they have already come to a decision.” Aiden informed Maria.

“That sucks! That’s not fair! Is there any way we can get him not expelled?!” Maria asked Aiden.

Donald, one of the guys from the homecoming party walked past Maria and Aiden.

“So you two are going to be witnesses for this trial? You might as well leave or else your highschool life is just going to be harder. What you have to say won’t make any difference especially for a Freshman against a Senior. Too much money has been invested on us to risk losing potential Alumni.” Donald said to Aiden and Maria.

“So that’s why he is going to get expelled? Because of investment?” Maria asked Donald.

“He broke my nose, and busted my jaw, if it were up to me he would be going to real prison for Assault. He’s lucky he’s just getting expelled.” Donald responded to Maria.

“Did you know what he was trying to do with me in that gaming room?” Maria asked Donald.

“It’s a party, guys do what guys do.” Donald laughed.

Maria looked up at Aiden. And Aiden knew what that meant. So he caused the next step for Donald to take to cause him to fall on his face.

Donald got back up trying to hold his pride in tact. “Ahem, well, ignore that. If you two still decide to go through with it, I’m not going to say you are going to regret it, but… well you know.” Donald said before entering the room.

Maria had an angry scowl on her face.

“Gross.” Maria said under her breath. “Okay Aiden, I am going to go in now. You do your invisible thing and follow behind me.” Maria said to Aiden.

“Will do.” Aiden responded as they both entered the room.

A School Advisor was in the room waiting for Maria. She informed Maria of the procedures that she would have to do once she entered the room. The trial is semi-formal and she was to only answer the questions asked to her, and not to veer off with any off handed statements or she would be dismissed.

Maria agreed. And sat waiting in the room, beginning to feel bored.

In the trial room.

Ventus sat on the left side of the Dean’s desk which was sitting at the head of the room. There was an empty seat next to the Dean’s desk.  In the back of the room sat faculty members and students of the Legal Institution. On the right side was another long table which sat the Seniors and Juniors involved in the incident.

They wore casts and neck braces.

Soon the Dean walked in. And those present stood up. “Welcome in, the Honorable Dr. Herbert Hammons.” Miss Franco, the Police Officer said.

“You all may take your seats.” The Dean said as he sat down.

The Dean looked over all the papers that were situated at his desk. He looked over them to see if any new information came about. He stacked them up on his desk, and coughed, clearing his throat.

“As it stands, Mr. Ventus Marcos is accused of 7 counts of Assault against Mr. Brent Rosinski, Mr. Ricky Rivers, Mr. William Davis, Mr. Donald Hughey, Mr. George Critchfield, Mr. Daniel Leyva, and Mr. Lenard Johnson on the Saturday of Homecoming Weekend. The result of which left all 7 of them hospitalized. The incident is said to be unprovoked. What has the accused said?” The Dean said to Ventus.

An Advisor for Ventus stood up. “He pleads not guilty, citing he exercised ‘defense of others’.” The Advisor said.

The upperclassmen grinned.

“Very well, then we may commence with the discussion.” The Dean said as if he was annoyed.

Maria continued to sit in the room playing with her thumbs, Aiden said with her being unseen. Maria looked over at the School Advisor in the room. “Is there something I can do in here? I am bored out of my mind.” Maria said to her.

“You should be focusing on getting as clear of a picture in your head as possible of the events of that day.” The School Advisor said to Maria.

Maria rolled her head back. 

The first of the plaintiffs was Ricky. “So, here’s how it went. I was talking to Lenard about a TV show we watched. We were standing in front of the door to the gaming room because that’s where the punch bowl was. Then out of nowhere, that guy comes in and heads directly for the door. I moved out of the way to let him through but he decided to punch me anyway. In which case I started fighting back. Then he broke down the door and just started beating the mess out of Brent, so of course we jumped in to stop it.” Ricky said pointing at Ventus.

“That’s not what happened.” Ventus responded.

“Oh yeah, then what happened.” Ricky responded quickly to Ventus in an aggressive manner.

“Settle down.” The Dean commanded them. “You will have a chance to speak after we finish hearing the statements of the others.”

Ventus then sat back in his seat.

The next of the upperclassmen began to speak.

“It’s just as Ricky said.” Donald began to tell his point of view. “We were all just chilling, having fun at homecoming. Then this freshman just came in, scaring everyone at the party. I needed to make sure everyone was safe, so I tried to tackle him. But before I could he had already grabbed a weapon or something and started beating me. Then after that, all I could do was watch him run into the room and do the same to Brent.” Donald said as his statement.

Ventus shook his head in disbelief. “I didn’t even have a weapon.” Ventus said under his breath.

The rest of the upperclassmen said their statements and added even harsher details, and supported one another on the description of events.

In the end the statement went as follows. Ventus entered the party with a metal bar and began swinging it at the first guy he saw at the party. They heard Ventus say that all the Freshmen Females belonged to him. He immediately yelled at the girls at the party and forced them into a corner. As he did that he beat each guy with different objects at the party, until he entered the room with Brent who was a hospitable host. Brent was showing one of the girls his gaming collection. Ventus proceeded to beat Brent yelling that Brent tried to hide one girl from him. He didn’t stop until the Police came.

It was now time for Ventus’ statement. Ventus stood up.

“Is there even a point to this?” Ventus thought. “Oh well, it’ll work out somehow.” Ventus stood up. “On that night, I ran to the off campus housing because I knew that one of the girls, more precisely my Witness, was being put in a dangerous situation that was sexual in nature. To prevent harm, I entered the home. Along the way to keep the others who were also in uncomfortable situations, I told them to return to the dorm. When I noticed that one of the girls was missing, I heard a muffled sound coming from one of the rooms. I rushed in that direction and was blocked from entering the room. Ricky Rivers, Lenard Johnson, and George Critchfield were those who were blocking me. Donald Hughey, who was standing next to the door, told me that, ‘I couldn’t interrupt, they needed their privacy’. I knew exactly what that meant and immediately started kicking the door. Those 4 then started grabbing my neck, to which I punched them and broke down the door finding Brent Rosinski laying on top of Maria Li. I tackled Brent and encapcitated him to prevent him from pursuing her. After that, the rest of the guys at the party then started trying to beat me.” Ventus said as his statement.

The upperclassmen then snickered at Ventus’ story. “This guy really tried to make himself out to be a hero.” They laughed.

“Now that we have heard the statements of those directly involved, let’s hear from our witnesses.” The Dean said.

Silvia walked in. She sat in the seat next to the Dean.

“What was the sequence of events that night?” The Dean asked Silvia.

Silvia looked around at those who were present. She took a deep breath in, and exhaled. Ventus looked at Silvia and gave her a friendly smile. Silvia then returned one and began to speak. “We were all at the homecoming party. I was standing at the punch bowl, of course I didn’t drink any of it because it smelled weird. As time went on, I started to notice that Maria, who would never spend that much time alone with someone without me being able to hear her, was not around. I started looking around for her. Then I saw a group of guys standing weirdly in front of a door, like they were guarding it. I had a sick feeling in my stomach that they were there to prevent one of us from getting out. But I couldn’t do anything about it. Then Ventus ran through the door and told me to gather the rest of the girls and to gather together outside. He went to the door and asked them to move. But they just pushed him away. At which point I knew it might get dangerous, so I just did like he asked and looked for the other girls. Shortly after we all got outside, Maria ran out in front of us, and we all started running behind her towards the dorm.” Silvia said as her statement.

Donald then raised his hand. “What is it?” The Dean asked.

“May I ask a question Dr. Hammons?” Donald asked.

“Make sure to keep it on topic.” The Dean responded.

“You said you saw a group of guys standing at the door, as if they were guarding it. Would you perhaps be able to point out those guys you saw?” Donald asked Silvia. He figured that if she pointed to different guys than Ventus named, then his story would be falsified.

Silvia looked at the group of upperclassmen sitting in front of her. To her they seemed to all look quite similar. She did not focus on their appearance during the party, because she didn’t want any of them to give her any attention.

She was unsure. She knew that she may not be able to perfectly identify them. And not being able to guarantee that level of certainty made Silvia all the more nervous.

Ventus started to notice Silvia was becoming anxious. 

He then pretended to sneeze. The entire room looked over at him.

“My apologies, it must be the lighting in this room.” Ventus said. Silvia was confused by Ventus’ excuse. But with her focus being put on Ventus’ statement it cleared her thoughts up to get a clearer picture of the events of that night.

“Oh, I remember now. It was you, those two guys over there. And him.” Silvia said pointing at Ricky, Lenard, and George.

Donald then sat down.

Brent then stood up. “Are you really trying to accuse me over some feeling in your stomach?” Brent asked Silvia.

“It’s not just a feeling, knowledge gained through experience. Your subconscious mind notices details that I consciously could have missed.” Silvia responded.

“As if, you are making up that part of the story Ad Hoc.” Brent responded back.

Back in the room with Maria.

Maria tried to whisper to Aiden. “Hey Aiden, check what’s happening in that room, and find out how long until I come out.” Maria said to Aiden.

Aiden then went through the walls and into the discussion room.

Silvia was being drilled with questions by the Upperclassmen. They were attempting to make her question her own thoughts.

Aiden looked around at the room. When he looked at Ventus, Ventus was staring directly at Aiden.

“He can’t see me. Probably just a coincidence.” Aiden thought to himself.

Ventus lifted up his fingers. He showed 7 on his hand. Then gave two thumbs up in that direction.

Aiden then returned to the room with Maria. Aiden got close to Maria’s ear. “Seems like they are still in an intense debate, but Ventus seems to think it’ll be 7 minutes until you go out there.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Ventus said 7 minutes? How’d he know you were there?” Maria asked.

“Who knows with him. He’s probably wrong though. My estimates would say you have about half an hour.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Half an hour!? That’s forever! I want to get back to the dorms!” Maria whined. The School Advisor looked over at Maria. It looked like Maria was talking to herself. Maria sat back up in her seat and chuckled. “Don’t mind me, I’m just bored.” Maria said nervously. “I’ll just assume 7 minutes is when I will go out there, so let me start preparing.” Maria thought to herself.

The Upperclassmen continued to question Silvia, and the Dean allowed them to continue with their barrage. Ventus then raised his hand.

Everyone stopped. “You have a question?” The Dean asked Ventus.

“Yes I do.” Ventus said, looking at Silvia. “How many hours of the day would you say you spend with Maria?” Ventus asked Silvia.

“Oh wow, that’s an interesting question. I would say maybe 19 hours, maybe even 20. That includes sleep.” Silvia responded.

“So we all can trust that when you say that Maria is noisy, that this is accurate, yes? Therefore, when you were at the party and did not hear her, that indicated to you that something was off.” Ventus said to Silvia.

“Exactly!” Silvia responded.

“He’s leading her.” Donald said to the Dean.

“Take your seats.” The Dean said to both Ventus and Donald.

“Well, that seems to be enough questions for you, Miss Reiners. You may return to the witness rooms.” The Dean said to Silvia.

Silvia was finally able to relax again. She stood up and left the discussion room.

“Well this went from a simple Assault case, to an attempted sexual assault case.” The Dean thought to himself trying to think of a way to end the trial quickly. “Everyone take a 5 minute break as we get the next witness to come out.” The Dean said allowing the students involved to stretch.

“Miss Li, it’s time.” The School Advisor said to Maria.

“Oh, already, that was fast.” Maria said, standing up from her seat. She was led into the discussion room where the upperclassmen were returning from getting a drink of water in the hallway.

Ventus stayed seated in his chair, he had a sad expression on his face.

Maria sat down in the witness seat, next to the Dean. Aiden was invisible behind Maria.

The 5 minute break ended and everyone returned to the discussion room. “Now Miss Maria Li, if you may, please go over the sequence of events of that Homecoming night.” The Dean said to Maria.

“Where to even start.” Maria said, trying to come up with a suitable point to begin telling her side of the story. “I guess I will start at the part where that guy threw me on the bed and got on top of me.” Maria said, pointing at Brent.

“That did not happen!” Brent responded quickly.

“That’s exactly what happened, after I wanted to leave the room, but it felt like it was locked from the outside. Then you called me a prude, and said that you wanted to give me a happy time. Luckily Ventus came in and started beating you up, because you weren’t listening to me at all.” Maria was addressing Brent.

“Calm down Miss Maria Li, just tell the events as they happened.” The Dean said to Maria.

“Sure.” Maria responded. “I went into the room because I wanted to see how he made one of my favourite games. Then while we were in there he was making me uncomfortable by getting really close to me. I told him that I was uncomfortable and told him to give me some space. But he kept on getting close. Then he suggested that we play one of his retro games, and I felt like that was a good time to have space for myself, and for him to have space for himself. But then he decided to grab my hand. At which point I didn’t want to be alone with him anymore. So I said that I wanted to leave. He responded by calling me a tease, and saying that he would be embarrassed if we didn’t do anything.” Maria was saying, then Brent interrupted.

“Didn’t happen.” Brent said aloud.

“Another outburst like that and you will have to wait in the hall.” The Dean said to Brent.

Maria then continued. “Well then after that he started trying to pull me to the bed. That’s when I punched him in his dumb face, and tried to leave the room. But it was blocked. Then he grabbed me again, and I tried to punch him again, but he caught it and pulled me down on the bed grabbing both my hands. I was angry at that point, but he was so heavy laying on top of me, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My kicks weren’t hitting him at all. Then that’s when Ventus came in and tackled him. The other guys ran into the room, and in that chaos I ran out of the room and went directly to the dorms. I was not comfortable there at all.” Maria finished.

The upperclassmen just sat silently.

“No questions?” The Dean asked.

“Of course not, it’s all a lie.” Brent responded.

“Yeah, everyone saw her enter the room of her own free will, then she only left because the room became dangerous. You can’t lock someone inside that room.” Donald added.

“Oh, so I’m lying about your friend being a weirdo.” Maria responded.

“Obviously, you see this as your opportunity to get the entire school to think that Seniors want your freshman self. But in reality, you are hardly worth a look.” Donald responded.

“I’ve known Brent long enough, and I can tell you. You are not his type of girl.” Lenard added.

“What’s that supposed to mean? He wasn’t thinking about any of that when he tried to force himself on me.” Maria responded.

The discussion room then started to get loud. The Dean then silenced everyone.

“We’ve seemed to have moved away from the focus of the trial. This is a discussion of Ventus’ assaults on these gentlemen. Not on the interaction between you and Mr. Brent Rosinski.” The Dean said.

Ventus’ advisor then stood up. “This is relevant to the case. Mr. Ventus Marcos pleaded Not Guilty on the basis of Protecting others from harm. If it is shown that Miss Maria Li was in the process of being harmed, then Ventus’ actions would be justified.” The Advisor said.

The Dean then looked at the Advisor. He looked over at Maria. He then noticed a bruise on Maria’s wrist. The Dean was able to tell that this bruise came from being pulled. That would be enough to get Brent in more trouble than Ventus would get if they continued the case. Ventus being only 12 would just be expelled and returned home. But Brent being 17 could be tried in actual court and be sent to Prison if found guilty, and that would stain the reputation of the school and Brent’s.

“This discussion is concluded.” The Dean said standing up from his seat.

Those in the discussion room looked at him confused. The discussion seemed far from over, yet he ended it.

“All Present Stand.” Miss Franco said aloud. Everyone stood up.

“Miss Maria Li, come with me to my office.” The Dean said.

Maria looked confused but agreed.

The Dean then left and Maria followed. Aiden followed behind them.

Once the door shut everyone present were left confused. They then started exiting the room.

The Dean then looked out the window of his office. “So what outcome did you want to see from this trial?” The Dean asked Maria.

“An outcome? What do you mean?” Maria asked.

“I’m offering you an outcome that you would like. If you do not take this case any further than it already is.” The Dean said to Maria.

“Not taking Ventus’ case any further? I didn’t have any reason to do that.” Maria responded.

“You know what I mean. You’ve gotten into this school, you are intelligent enough to understand what I am trying to get you to comprehend.” The Dean said to Maria.

Maria then thought to herself. “An outcome… hmm. Well I don’t want Ventus to be expelled.” Maria said to the Dean.

“Very well.” The Dean responded.

“I do want Brent to be expelled though.” Maria added.

“We can’t do that.” The Dean said to Maria.

“Then Community Service for all the Upperclassmen guys?” Maria suggested.

The Dean then looked at Maria. He thought to himself for a bit. “And would not have you not want to talk about this story from this point forward?” The Dean asked Maria.

“Sure. Especially if they have to clean toilets for like a few months.” Maria said.

The Dean then walked over to his desk, and brought out a form to write out a Non-disclosure agreement. 

Maria watched the Dean type up the form. She rubbed her bruise as she stood there.

The Dean looked up at Maria. “You should go to the Nurses office immediately after this to get that faded out.” The Dean said to Maria.

Maria looked at her wrist. “Oh this? It’s not so bad, it’ll fade on its own.” Maria responded.

“You are going to the nurse’s office after this, understood?” The Dean said to Maria.

“Okay.” Maria responded.

Aiden in the back felt a bit upset at the way he was talking to Maria.

The Dean finished typing and handed the form to Maria. “Read over this, and if you agree, just sign your name on the bottom. This is being recorded for verification purposes.” The Dean said to Maria.

Maria then looked over at the camera. She grabbed the paper and signed it.

“Okay, done.” Maria said, setting the pen down.

“Now head to the nurse’s office.” The Dean said to Maria.

Maria then turned and left the room. Aiden then reappeared.

“You should have asked for more.” Aiden said to Maria.

“I was put on the spot, I couldn’t think of anything.” Maria responded to Aiden.

Aiden then looked down at Maria. “Are you actually going to go to the nurse’s office?” Aiden asked Maria.

“As if, you can just heal this up right?” Maria asked Aiden.

Aiden pointed at Maria’s wrist and the bruise vanished.

“Usually Bruises don’t mean anything, but the Dean seemed hard focused on it.” Maria said to Aiden.

“It was likely evidence against an outcome he wanted.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Oh! So I probably got this from when that guy pulled me to the bed!” Maria realized where the bruise came from. “I just thought I hit something while running back to the dorms and didn’t feel it. Dang, I could have asked for a lot more.” Maria responded disappointed at her realization.

Aiden stood over Maria. “I can change the form to add what you actually want.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria then thought for a bit. “Since they put Ventus through so much, and I bet the Dean wouldn’t give Ventus something to make up for us, add that our Class secures like a million dollars in funding, and that he is the one that decides where it goes.” Maria said to Aiden.

“That’s quite a bit. Why Ventus and not under your control?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Because he was supposed to be Class President, but because of all of this he didn’t get to. So this is a way for me to get my actual vote recognized.” Maria responded to Aiden.

“Very well. Then I will handle that.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Awesome! Okay, then I am going to return to the dorm. I want to change out of these clothes!” Maria said, grabbing her shirt.

“I will meet you there after I change the information.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria walked to the dorms.

Aiden entered the room and found that the Dean was talking to Brent and the other upperclassmen. He was lecturing them on what they did at the party and how they put the reputation of the school at risk. He explained to them what their punishment was, and lectured them on being unable to use their training to control a single freshman.

Aiden found the document and added information to it. On the camera he altered the image of the document to reflect the change that was made.

“That should do it.” Aiden thought to himself.

Aiden then made his way back to the dorm. But before he left the room he found Silvia and Ventus talking to one another.

Silvia seemed to have been conversing with Ventus, as if she was trying to understand his feelings. However, Aiden could have cared less about that and continued onward.

Aiden knocked on the door of Room 808.

He saw that it was just Maria inside and decided to walk through the door to Maria. Maria had finished changing out of her school outfit and was in her more comfortable nightwear.

Maria looked at the time. “Dang it, it’s already a bit late to be going into the dinning hall, it’s going to be super quiet in there.” Maria complained to Aiden.

“Then I suppose that you want to go out for today’s dinner?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Yes I do! I am in the mood for a Giant Bucket of Fried Chicken, and a ton of Fries and Sauce!” Maria said to Aiden.

“Any particular restaurant or is any place okay with you?” Aiden asked Maria, trying to clarify a destination.

“Any place really, but the crispier the better.” Maria said to Aiden imitating what it would be like to crunch down on a giant Chicken Thigh.

“Very well, we can leave the room today, since Silvia isn’t here.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria jumped up on Aiden’s back and they both went out of the window to the room. In the air Aiden dropped Maria into her usual clear ball.

“We are experts at this now!” Maria laughed as she was being carried several hundred meters in the air.

“The fear of heights seems to be relatively common among Humans. However, you are not fazed in the slightest, that definitely makes my duties easier.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“I think I do fear heights a bit, but since I know that you got me, there is no danger at all. It’s just ultimate freedom!” Maria said, looking down at the town below.

The street lights were beginning to come on.

“Do you think anyone down there ever sees us flying this high?” Maria asked Aiden.

“That would be difficult for them, considering from this height we would be only a few millimeters long. But it is definitely a possibility. They would likely figure that we were a large bird.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Or a UFO.” Maria responded quickly.

“Yes, we would be classified as an Unidentified Flying Object.” Aiden responded.

“I mean like Aliens, not like a meteor or anything mundane.” Maria responded to Aiden.

“I would like to think that the typical human would assume the most likely possibility rather than assume it was an extraterrestrial. They would have to travel several hundred if not thousands of light-years, using technology beyond anything we have currently, and have culture which would be the most foreign possible, just to be seen by a random person on the ground. Then leave without doing anything.” Aiden explained to Maria.

“So you’re saying that there are no Aliens then?” Maria asked.

“If there were, they would have to be beyond my comprehension. In which case it is pointless for me to even think about it. I can’t comprehend it anyways.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“I think technically, you would be classified as an Alien.” Maria pointed out to Aiden.

“No, I am still from Earth, just in a different phase.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Well, culturally, physically, mentally and a whole bunch of other stuff makes you different from Humans, so I think you match what it would be to be considered an Alien.” Maria tried to use Aiden’s reasoning against him.

“I am closer to Humanity culturally than Humanity is to Fish and Alligators, yet all of those are Earth creatures. To be truly similar to Aliens you would not be able to guess my motivations.” Aiden said to Maria, he found a location to land at so that Maria could eat.

“Who’s that guy that you take orders from, the Almighty or something like that. What if he was an Alien?” Maria asked Aiden.

They both landed. And Aiden was surprised by Maria’s question. He thought about it for a little.

“Actually, that’s not something I’ve considered.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Yeah, and so, since you come from him, or her… or them? Whatever, since you are a part of them, then wouldn’t that make you an Alien?” Maria asked Aiden.

“The Almighty is indeed beyond my comprehension, and is so different from anything I can reference the Almighty against. I don’t know their origin, nor motivation. That is an interesting thought.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“See!? And I bet wherever they are from, there is an entire population of them. And they can probably do whatever they want. And… I actually don’t know where I was going with that.” Maria said, trying to recall why she brought up the idea of Aliens.

She then smelled the Chicken. And her mouth watered.

“Oh yeah! Now this is why they would come to Earth!” Maria said, rushing into the restaurant.

Aiden followed behind her as they both went in to eat.

After all of that was done, Silvia requested for Aiden to return to his room. Maria and Silvia talked about the trial that happened earlier that day. And Aiden sat in his room.

Later on that night. A bit after midnight Ventus returned to the room for the first time in a few days.

His cheerfulness had vanished, and he returned to the room bummed out. Aiden watched him go to his bed without saying a word.

Ventus turned away from Aiden. Aiden could hear Ventus having difficulty breathing as if he was fighting back against something. Eventually the sound stopped and Ventus was asleep.

The next day the freshmen returned to classes. Maria got up in a good mood and rushed out to meet up with Aiden. Along the way to school the Upperclassmen involved in the case were picking up trash around campus. They had to get up at 6am to begin their duties so they could finish before classes.

As the freshmen walked by, the upperclassmen glared at them, and to some of the Freshmen boys they threatened them.

Ventus was the last guy to get to class. His backpack seemed to have been hit with opened soda cans.

Miss Creed took attendance.

Maria looked over at Ventus. “Aww, he looks so sad.” Maria thought to herself.

Miss Creed handed Ventus some of the quizzes that he missed. They were marked with zeros. She handed it to him so that he could look over the answers to use to study.

“Thank you Miss Creed.” Ventus said looking at the scores.

When it came time for lunch, Ventus went to the tables of his classmates but they were silent and didn’t want to speak with him. Feeling that his presents were a bother Ventus decided to eat at a table alone.

Maria, Silvia and Aiden all sat at their usual table.

“Why are they all acting so mean!?” Maria said watching the other tables ignore Ventus.

“After the trial a bunch of the Upperclassmen waited outside of the dorms and said that if anyone continued to associate with Ventus that they would receive the same treatment he did.” Silvia said to Maria.

Maria scoffed. “What a bunch of cowards.” Maria responded to how easily it was to get her classmates to turn their back on their friends.

“If you think about it, they’ve only known Ventus for a little over a month. They are going to be in highschool for the next 4 years. So ditching such a short relationship to guarantee a better few years would be a logical choice.” Aiden said to Maria.

“It’s a heartless choice, that’s what it is.” Maria responded.

“Wow, look who’s talking. When we were in middle school you didn’t let a single person even try to make friends with Angeal. That was rather heartless in itself.” Silvia said to Maria.

“I’m not heartless! You all weren’t trying to be his friend. You wanted something more than that.” Maria pointed out to Silvia.

“Please, you have no idea what my motivations are.” Silvia responded.

They both heard Ventus finish. He then left the dining hall. They all watched him leave.

“Wow, after the heroism that he showed on that day, and this is how we treat him…” Silvia said to herself.

“Angeal, you are going to need to cheer him up when you sit in the room together.” Maria said to Aiden.

“Why would I want to do that?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Because I feel bad for him. He is in this situation because of me.” Maria responded to Aiden.

“It was ultimately his choice.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria pointed her spoon at Aiden. “You know what would have happened if he didn’t make that choice?” Maria responded with a louder tone.

Aiden was taken aback. Silvia was stunned that Maria raised her voice to Aiden. 

“Very well. I will try to cheer him up.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Good.” Maria responded as she continued to eat her pudding.

The school day continued as usual. However, when Ventus reached to carry the Freshmen Flag, Zofia grabbed it from him.

“This isn’t your job anymore Ventus, I am the Class President.” Zofia said to Ventus.

“You’re right.” Ventus said, handing it over to Zofia.

The class then went on their run. The motivation seemed rather sumber, but it was expected since when Ventus led it, the run was loud and more cheerful compared to the other classes.

After the run, all the students were permitted to return to their dorms.

When Ventus went to return Maria stopped him.

“I liked it better when you were holding the flag.” Maria said to Ventus.

Ventus smiled. “Thanks, I liked it better too. I hope my mood isn’t bringing yours down.” Ventus said to Maria.

“No, I get it. I know what it’s like to be purposefully ignored.” Maria said remembering what it was like before she met Aiden.

“Yeah, well it’ll get better for me. I knew this would happen, but I prefer this result over the other, even though this outcome is definitely much worse for me.” Ventus responded to Maria.

“Oh, you still need to tell me how you knew to come to that house.” Maria said to Ventus.

Ventus smirked. “Now would you believe me if I said I was an Alien.” Ventus said to Maria.

Maria snapped her fingers. “I knew it.” Maria responded.

Ventus then smiled. “Thanks, you cheered me up a bit. Eventually I will tell you all about what I could do. Especially since I know what you and Angeal can do.” Ventus said to Maria. He then started walking to the dorms.

She then grabbed his shirt again, and stopped him.

“We will be your friends if you need it.” Maria said to Ventus.

Ventus nodded his head.

Maria then let go of Ventus’ shirt and he walked off.

The noises of the Upperclassmen could be heard as they were preparing to throw stuff at Ventus.

“He must be on a probationary period, that would be my closest guess as to why he isn’t retaliating.” Aiden said to Maria.

“That isn’t fair. But it is like those Highschool movies. Maybe they were more real than I thought.” Maria said to Aiden. “Okay, well it’s food time! Let’s eat.” Maria said to Aiden as she went off to the dining hall.

When they got back from dinner, Maria and Aiden went to Room 808. Silvia was not there, which was unusual because she would typically be studying.

“She must have gone to the library or something.” Maria said as they entered the room. “Guess that means we can be as loud as we want finally.” Maria said to Aiden.

“You mean you could be as loud as you want.” Aiden corrected Maria.

“Tomatoes, Potatoes. It makes no difference.” Maria said to Aiden as she began to play the MP3 that Leanne gave her for her birthday.

Some time passed. Maria and Aiden brought out a board game she borrowed from the Recreation Room.

“Now don’t cheat again.” Maria said to Aiden.

“Well that’s ironic.” Aiden said to Maria.

The door to Room 808 opened.

Silvia walked in, she squinted because of how loud Maria’s music was. “Sheesh, turn it down a bit.” Silvia said to Maria.

“No way, we were here first, so this time it’s you who is interrupting.” Maria said to Silvia.

Silvia entered the room, and she brought Ventus with her.

They were surprised. “Hello guys.” Ventus said entering the room. Aiden seemed a bit annoyed.

“Can we join you guys in the game you’re playing?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“Oh no, I couldn’t interrupt you all like that.” Ventus said, trying to decline.

“Sure, I was about to win anyway.” Maria said to Ventus.

Silvia chuckled. “That would be a first.” Silvia responded.

Ventus, and Silvia sat down.

Maria reset the board and they all rolled for turns.

The result was Maria was going first, then Silvia, then Aiden, and last was Ventus. While they were playing Ventus looked at the board and Aiden watched him to see if he noticed anything unusual.

“Okay Angeal, it’s your turn to roll.” Silvia said to Aiden.

Aiden grabbed the dice, he then rolled. The dice landed on 12. Double Sixes.

Aiden moved his pieces around the board.

“This is fun.” Ventus said, breaking the silence. “It reminds me of when I used to play board games with my siblings.” Ventus continued.

“Oh, you have siblings, I didn’t know that.” Silvia said to Ventus.

Ventus grabbed the dice. He was rolling them in his hands. “Yeah, I have 7 siblings, 8 if you include me.” Ventus said letting go of the dice. It rolled a 4. He picked up a random card and lost some money.

“7 siblings! That must be really annoying! I just have one sister and  I can barely stand her.” Maria said to Ventus.

“Nah, it’s not annoying at all. I love spending time with them. We always used to play games around the house like hide and seek, tag, or just playing with toys. It was a great time, never a moment without friends.” Ventus said to them.

“Wow, then leaving all of them must suck.” Silvia said to Ventus.

“Yeah, but it had to be done. I have a mission I need to accomplish.” Ventus said to the group.

“What mission is that?” Aiden asked Ventus with a serious tone.

“Well if I tell you, you guys are probably going to think I’m weird. Maybe I will tell the entire story some other time.” Ventus said, looking back down at the board.

“No, please tell us! I won’t think you are weird. Like Angeal is a weird person too, so there’s no way you can surprise me.” Maria said to Ventus.

“I am not weird.” Aiden responded to Maria.

Ventus then laughed. “Okay, then I’ll give you a short run down.” Ventus then took a breath in. “When I was like 9 years old or something I was able to see an outcome for the Earth, and from that I knew that I had to become a suitable enough person to meet what was required to get to that outcome. So everything that I do is for the advancement of that goal.” Ventus said to them.

“So, like you had a dream, and you liked it so much that you want it to become a reality?” Silvia asked Ventus.

“Well, it’s not really a dream.” Ventus then thought a little more. “I can’t show you all, not yet.” Ventus responded.

“Oh! I get it, you were able to see the future!” Maria said to Ventus.

“Yeah, that’s closer to it.” Ventus responded to Maria.

“That’s not possible.” Aiden responded. “The future is an accumulation of present events, it’s not something that already exists, so there isn’t anything to see.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“You’re right, but you are also wrong.” Ventus responded to Aiden.

Silvia and Maria’s faces were surprised. This was the first time someone referred to one of Aiden’s statements as wrong.

“I’m not wrong. I have a pretty strong knowledge on everything that exists, and even things that you couldn’t imagine exist.” Aiden said to Ventus.

Ventus smirked at Aiden. “Interesting, maybe there’s something you’d like to say to back up your statement?” Ventus said to Aiden.

“You have to prove yours first, then I will give you my reasoning.” Aiden responded to Ventus.

“Very well. This is as good a moment as ever.” Ventus said to Aiden. “I know that you are from another realm.” Ventus said to Aiden.

Maria and Aiden were surprised by Ventus’ statement.

“Another realm? What does that mean?” Silvia asked.

“It’s nothing. Nothing at all.” Maria said to Silvia.

“You told me yourself, but in another sequence of events.” Ventus said to Aiden.

Silvia looked over at Aiden. Maria gestured for Aiden to put Silvia to sleep. Aiden then gestured and Silvia went to sleep.

Now it was just Maria, Aiden and Ventus speaking.

“Okay, now how do you know that?” Aiden asked Ventus. Ventus looked at Maria. 

“Is it okay to discuss this with her?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“She already knows.” Aiden responded.

“Well I’m not too sure myself, but I do know this. You referred to the place you were from as the Heavenly Realm. And that it exists in a realm that is right next to ours. You are also a segment of Omne, and… wait.” Ventus then paused. “You don’t know that information yet do you?” Ventus asked.

“Omne? You mean the Almighty?” Aiden corrected Ventus.

“Yeah, the Almighty. We can go with that.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“Wow, he sure knows a lot about you Angeal. He must be one of you guys.” Maria said to Aiden.

“He’s not an aspect.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“How about an Alien?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“You’re not that either. I don’t know how you got your information. But this does verify that you aren’t just making stuff up.” Aiden responded to Ventus.

“So, could I also call you Aiden? Since that’s the name you are called where you are from. Angeal is something you just made up for school.” Ventus asked Aiden.

“Sure, do whatever you please.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Oh, also, the reason you couldn’t erase that from my memory is because it comes from an event that hasn’t happened yet.” Ventus told Aiden.

“Wow, he does know everything about you Aiden. What about me?” Maria asked Ventus.

“I see so much for you, but it’s already getting really late. We could talk about this stuff for hours. But I do look forward to becoming closer friends with you all. Since you are really the only ones who can take care of themselves from the bullying.” Ventus said to Maria and Aiden as he stood up.

“Yeah, you are now a 10 on the interesting scale.” Maria said to Ventus.

“Thanks.” Ventus responded. “And make sure when you lay her down you place the cover only over one of her shoulders. That’ll keep her from feeling too hot.” Ventus said leaving Room 808.

Aiden laid Silvia on her bed. And the two just talked to one another about the knowledge that Ventus had.

Eventually it became too late in the night for Aiden to be allowed in Maria’s room. So he had to leave and return to room 888.

Aiden found Ventus staring at the wall again.

“So what do you see?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Just an interesting world I guess.” Ventus responded. Ventus then looked over at Aiden. “I feel like we are much more connected than we could imagine. However, we came at it from different angles.” Ventus said to Aiden.

Aiden then recalled what Vanoe said to him. “Maybe we turn out to be brothers.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Brothers? Now that would be interesting. Maybe that is what happens to me.” Ventus responded.

Ventus and Aiden sat in the room without saying much to one another. As the days passed Ventus slowly was incorporated into Maria’s and Aiden’s group. To the dismay of Aiden.

The bullying at the school grew a little bit each day. The school day was a chore for Ventus, but at least he got to look forward to returning to room 888. Though Aiden didn’t treat Ventus friendly, it was a lot better than the way everyone else did.

Angel Misery 2: Chapter Three

Homecoming

The first month of freshman year had passed and it was now the time for homecoming and class elections. The forerunners for class president were Zofia Johns, Tammy Crabtree, and Ventus Marcos. For treasurer were Gary Khan and Rebecca Burns. And for Public Relations were Maria Li, Johnnie O’Conner and Joyce Smith.

The overall physical performance in marksmanship and physical fitness had risen sharply due to the guidance that Ventus made sure each student had. He truly wanted to make sure that everyone was enjoying their time at the school.

Maria, Silvia and Aiden sat at their table during lunch.

“So how high do you think my chances of getting elected for Public Relations are?” Maria asked Aiden and Silvia.

“Well you are running against Joyce, and she has a better eye for spin and opportunities. So I would say that you probably have a 20% chance of getting elected.” Silvia said to Maria as she ate her Sushi.

“20%?! No way, so you are saying that Joyce has an 80% chance of getting it? But there’s only like 22 people in our class. So that means you think I’ll just receive only Angeal’s, Yours, someone else’s and my own votes?” Maria asked Silvia.

“Oh, on second thought, maybe you have a 12% chance of winning.” Silvia joked with Maria.

“That’s probably not entirely inaccurate, the other two you are running against have done much more in the way of trying to get elected. We hardly spend time with anyone outside of school.” Aiden said to Maria.

Rebecca then came to their table. “Hello guys! Some of the seniors in the World Economic Leaders club invited me to a homecoming party they are having in one of their off campus houses. They said that I could invite anyone I wanted. So I figured that us girls can all go together.” Rebecca said to Maria and Silvia.

“A party? Off campus? That sounds like fun!” Maria responded.

“Is it safe? How well do you know these guys?” Silvia asked.

“Well they are in the same club as me, and I talk to them a lot. They help me out with learning about the current state of International Business Relations. So they are super friendly.” Rebecca responded.

Maria then looked at Aiden. “I guess since she’s only inviting the girls, that means you have to hang out with Ventus alone during homecoming.” Maria laughed at Aiden.

“That’s unfortunate.” Aiden responded.

“That doesn’t sound bad to me. Ventus seems like a cool guy, definitely a motivated person. I’m sure you’d warm up to him if you gave him a chance.” Rebecca said to Aiden. It was no secret that out of all the students that Aiden is the least friendly person.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Aiden responded.

“But anyways, we can all meet up at the dorm entrance and walk there together! It’s going to be fun.” Rebecca said to Maria and Silvia.

Maria stuck out her thumb. “It sure will be.” Maria responded.

“I guess I can take a short reprieve from studying for one night.” Silvia agreed.

Rebecca then left to invite the other girls in the class.

“Looks like we have plans now for homecoming weekend, what are you going to do when we are both gone?” Maria looked at Aiden with a cocky smile.

“I suppose I can just stand outside of the house and wait for you all to get finished.” Aiden responded.

“You really don’t have anything to do when Maria isn’t there? She’s really messing up your life.” Silvia noted to Aiden.

Maria then pointed at Silvia. “First off, no I am not. And second off, you can’t just stand outside staring at someone’s house. That’s weird. Just sit in the dorms and play games with the boys. Maybe you all should get together and throw your own party.” Maria said.

“Who would organize that?” Aiden responded to Maria.

They all then saw Ventus walking around the dinning hall. He had a smile on his face and laughed at each table he went to. Nodding his head after each conversation.

He came to Aiden, Maria and Silvia’s table.

“How’s lunch treating you guys? Are your taste buds in the mood for something that isn’t here?” Ventus asked them.

“No, we are good.” Silvia responded to Ventus trying to get him to hurry on and move.

“That’s great to hear. Well anyways. I’m sure Rebecca had already come to your table and invited you to that Upperclassmen Party. But if you aren’t going, I am going to host a party in the dorms for whoever is left. Come by if you want.” Ventus said to them with a smile on his face.

Maria and Silvia looked at Aiden.

“Sure. I don’t have anything else to do.” Aiden responded.

“Awesome, well now it just got even better!” Ventus responded, nodding his head. “If you want me to get anything just let me know.” Ventus said to Aiden before leaving the table.

“Look at that Angeal, now you have plans for this weekend.” Maria teased Aiden.

“It seems that way.” Aiden responded.

In the second half of the school day the students of the school all met up at the Stadium. Cannons were shot off and the Military performed their Silent Drill. Then fighter jets flew overhead with the flags colours, and then with the school colours.

Each of the flag bearers of each class had to march on the field and present the pieces of the school’s motto.

Ventus spoke first with the Freshmen’s Flag. “We Carve the path towards the future with innovation and commitment.”

Jordan spoke next, holding the Sophomore’s Flag. “We provide an example for the Generation after us, and the realization of the dreams of those who came before.”

Kyle spoke next, holding the Junior’s Flag. “We train our minds, bodies and spirits to tackle any of our Global Issues, and conquer them without a second thought.”

Then finally George spoke, holding the Senior’s Flag. “In time ours will be etched into the annals of History. As were the names of our forebears, for we are the Students of The International Innovators and Developers High School for Global Leaders.”

Another round of cannons were shot off and the performances for each club were underway.

The AI and Robotics Development Institute presented their new project, an AI that was able to maneuver around an obstacle course without being given prior input. It was able to process the data from it’s input sensors in real time, and was able to make decisions based on it.

The Robot finished the course then waved up at the students in the stands.

Maria cheered because she helped build pieces of it. Though she didn’t help much when it came to writing it’s programs. Aiden helped a lot with that part.

“This is already way better than the performances from Middle School.” Maria said to Aiden.

“A lot can be done when everyone has a single goal and a lot of money.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Next year, I am going to be the one down there showing off our robot!” Maria said to Aiden pointing down at the Juniors and Seniors of the AI and Robotics Development Institute.

“That’s definitely an obtainable goal given the speed of your current progress.” Aiden said to Maria.

“I can probably do it without much help from you.” Maria laughed.

“That may be a stretch.” Aiden joked with Maria.

Eventually the Homecoming Celebration ended and the Students were allowed to return to their dorms. 

Maria excitedly jumped around having left over excitement from the Homecoming performances.

“You seem to be a much more hyper ball of energy tonight.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria swung around the light poles on campus.

“How can you not be excited about that. This school is so awesome!” Maria said to Aiden. She then stopped. “Though we do get a lot of homework and readings to do. And that’s not even thinking about all the running.” Maria said to herself.

“The homework is hardly an issue, you just copy off of mine.” Aiden said to Maria.

“That’s true, but it still takes time to copy all the answers.” Maria laughed as she then swung around the poles again.

Aiden and Maria entered Room 808. Silvia had already finished her homework and was practicing her violin. She watched as Maria came in with a ton of energy.

“Well I guess that’s the end of my practice.” Silvia said, putting down her violin.

“You should have stayed outside more, it feels so nice!” Maria said to Silvia.

“No thankyou. We are going to be outside all night tomorrow. So I’d rather be inside today.” Silvia responded to Maria.

Aiden then sat down on the floor on Maria’s side.

“So Angeal, how are you feeling about this school? We aren’t the top of the class anymore.” Silvia asked Aiden.

“The grading criteria of this school is strange. So even if I knew everything there was to know, I likely still would not be at the top of the class.” Aiden responded.

“You guys are too focused on grades. Remember what Miss Creed said. In the real world, there isn’t grades, only decisions.” Maria imitated Miss Creed.

“Wow, look at Maria being the ideal Student.” Silvia joked with Maria.

Maria grabbed her pillow and threw it at Silvia. Silvia blocked it with an overhead block, like the ones they learned in Martial Arts class.

“My reflexes are too fast for that to work now.” Silvia smirked at Maria.

“Well maybe I should use a bullet next time.” Maria returned a smirk.

“That’s crossing the line a bit.” Silvia said to Maria.

“I’m only joking ha.” Maria responded.

The group hung out in Room 808 before Silvia finally kicked Aiden out of the room. Aiden then returned to Room 888 where he found Ventus sitting. 

Ventus looked up and saw Aiden. “Welcome back Roomie. Done having fun with your old classmates?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“Yes, they are getting ready for bed.” Aiden said before he sat at his desk.

Ventus then looked at Aiden. “I know you are curious about what I look at when I stare at this wall.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“That may have crossed my mind a few times.” Aiden responded.

“Well, I’m not actually looking at the wall. It’s just a place that is void of information so it’s an ideal place for me to get a clear picture of what I actually see.” Ventus explained to Aiden.

“What do you see when you look there?” Aiden asked.

Ventus then thought a bit. “Ah, it’s like a transparent overlay of stuff. It changes a lot, so I really either have to focus on it, or be in the zone.” Ventus responded.

“Sounds like daydreaming.” Aiden said to Ventus with his typical serious tone.

“Well I know what daydreaming feels like, this is different. But I don’t need to explain it further. There’s nothing I can say that would clarify it.” Ventus laughed rubbing his neck as he spoke with Aiden.

“Then we can leave it at that. I already got a satisfying enough answer.” Aiden responded.

“I wish you could see what I could see. Then this would be a lot easier.” Ventus said to Aiden.

Aiden then thought to himself. “I can see what you see, it’s just that what your mind is doing is structured in a way that makes no sense.” Aiden thought when looking at Ventus.

“Well, I am going to go to sleep. Got a lot of planning to do tomorrow for the dorm party!” Ventus said laying down.

Aiden laid down but remained awake. 

The next morning Ventus woke up early and headed outside to get decorations. He seemed to be in high spirits.

Aiden got out of bed and waited outside of Room 808.

Maria came out and opened the door for Aiden. “How was your sleep! Are you excited for tonight’s party?” Maria asked Aiden.

“No, not in particular.” Aiden responded.

“I guess that’s because you will just be partying in the dorms.” Maria reminded Aiden.

The group wasted time just to get the day over with. Ventus, Keith, and Steve were helping Aiden put up the decorations for the dorm party.

“Yeah, make sure that the punch bowl is in the center of the table, we wouldn’t want it to tilt because of its unbalanced center of gravity from resonance.” Keith said to Steve.

“It’s a punch bowl, the resonance needed to cause it to spill would require everyone in the building to move at the same frequency. That’s just not likely.” Steve responded.

“Wow, even a simple thing like putting up drinks causes everyone here to think about science.” Maria said as she and Aiden returned to the elevator.

“Oh wait, I need to go upstairs too!” Ventus said, jumping on the elevator with them.

They all stood in it.

“Just about an hour left before everything gets started.” Ventus smiled at Aiden and Maria.

“Glad you are hosting something like this for the guys. Angeal doesn’t know what to do when I’m not around.” Maria joked with Ventus.

“I can tell.” Ventus grinned. “You guys are like the bestest of best friends.” Ventus said to Maria.

“Look! Someone finally notices. See, I knew that you had a keen eye.” Maria responded to Ventus.

“I’d have to be blind not to see it.” Ventus then laughed. The elevator reached the 8th Floor and the group left.

“See you guys later.” Ventus said going to Room 862.

Maria grabbed a bunch of her clothes and asked Aiden which one she would look the best in. Aiden had no strong opinion about any of it.

“I could just be invisible with you while you are out at the party. I can’t see myself enjoying being around humans.” Aiden said to Maria.

“That kinda breaks our agreement of independence. I have to get to know people. How am I ever going to develop any social skills if you are always around. I feel like I don’t notice social cues as well as everyone else.” Maria said to Aiden while holding up a black skirt.

“You might get cold wearing that.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Not if I wear leggings.” Maria responded.

“Sure, I suppose that would resolve it.” Aiden said to Maria.

Some time passed and Silvia returned from the Spa.

“Well time for me to get dressed. So that means you have to leave Angeal.” Silvia said to Aiden.

Aiden then got up and left room 808.

Aiden stood outside the door. He watched as the boys continued to use the elevators bringing items downstairs.

The freshmen girls then started to make their way downstairs.

Soon Maria and Silvia came out to join them. Aiden went on the elevator to go downstairs with them.

“I bet you would be more comfortable if you were a girl.” Tammy said to Aiden.

“That probably would have been a wise decision.” Aiden responded.

“Yeah, we should have gotten Angel to get accepted into this school.” Maria said to Aiden.

“Whose Angel?” Silvia asked.

“She’s… ah…” Maria tried to think. “She’s Angeal’s Sister that lives in Europe.” Maria said.

“Angeal has a sister? I did not know that.” Silvia responded.

The girls then left the elevator.

“That was a terrible lie.” Aiden said to Maria.

“I panicked.” Maria responded.

The girls then all grouped together and headed out to go to the off campus houses.

“Remember guys, if you need any of us to go there just call us, and we will show up immediately.” Ventus said to Rebecca.

“We are going to be there as a group, so there shouldn’t be any issues.” Rebecca responded as they left.

“Oh, what was that? Does someone have a crush on Rebecca?” Antonio joked with Ventus.

“Ha, no. I just want to make sure they are safe is all.” Ventus smiled, feeling embarrassed.

“I think Zofia or Joyce would be a better match for you, Ventus.” Richard joked as well.

The guys were starting to joke with one another as Aiden already felt bored.

Then they turned on some music.

“Okay guys! Let’s get rocking!” David yelled out, pouring a cup of punch into his mouth.

The girls made it into the large Mansion.

Johnnie, Zofia, Luetta, Tammy, Joyce, Rebecca, Joanne, Maria, and Silvia stayed together initially at the party.

They all went to the punch bowl and tried to get comfortable with being at the party.

A Junior by the name of Donald Hughey came up to Luetta.

“Hey, so where are you from?” Donald asked Luetta.

She was initially surprised by his showing up out of nowhere. “I’m from Indiana.” Luetta responded.

“Indiana, so you are from a midwest suburb huh, I heard you guys get crazy there. I myself am from Washington. So if you want to look at some tall trees, I got you.” Donald tried to joke with Luetta.

“Yeah, I guess that’s what people say about it…” Luetta responded feeling a bit nervous.

“Come on, enjoy yourselves girls. You guys are freshmen right? It’s time to meet some of the guys.” Donald said to the girls who were still hanging around the punch bowl.

“See if they’d be down for some truth or dare.” Another Junior named Lenard Johnson asked Donald.

“Yeah, are you guys into truth or dare?” Donald asked.

Silvia shook her head. She had no interest in participating in the game. 

“You aren’t going to have us do anything gross right?” Maria asked Donald.

“What’s the point of truth or dare if all we’re going to do is safe stuff.” Donald responded. The two Juniors went to one of the bedrooms to play.

“Is this really how a highschool party is?” Joyce asked.

“I’ll find the guys from my Institute. They are really nice.” Rebecca said, looking around for them.

Silvia looked at Maria. “Feeling bored without Angeal?” Silvia asked.

“No, I’m just not used to this yet.” Maria responded by unfolding her arms.

Several guys from the World Economic Leaders Institute came up to the girls.

“How are you girls liking the party?” Ricky asked the group.

“What are we supposed to do?” Zofia asked.

“Well it’s a party, you just talk to people and see if you have anything in common.” Ricky responded.

“I’ll start first, my name is William Davis, and I’m into Building Radio Transmitters during my down time.” William said.

“Oh, like for Planes?” Joyce asked.

“Yeah, exactly!” William responded with enthusiasm. 

The two then started speaking to one another more in depth on the topic.

“Is there anything to do other than just talk?” Maria asked.

“Like what? We have plenty of activities here.” Ricky responded.

“Like video games or something?” Maria asked.

“Oh, I actually develop games as my hobby.” Brent responded to Maria.

“You do!? That’s so cool!” Maria said with excitement.

“Yeah, I think they are pretty good, you’ve probably played a few of my games if you are into the gaming scene.” Brent said to Maria. “I made Western Warriors RPG, Soul Reapers, Radioactive Chicken…” Brent was saying before Maria interrupted.

“You made Soul Reapers!? That’s like one of my favourite games.” Maria responded.

“Yeah, I actually made the entire thing in that room.” Brent pointed to a room in the back. “Do you want to see?” Brent asked Maria.

“That would be so cool!” Maria responded. Brent then led Maria to his developers room.

The walls of the room had sound dampeners. He had several high performance computers, and it was filled with consoles and TVs.

Maria looked around the room in awe.

Back in the dorms.

The boys were playing DDR. They were taking turns competing to see who could get the high scores.

Ventus went to Aiden who looked like he was bored in the back.

“Why aren’t you joining the fun? Missing your best friend?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“No, I just don’t find enjoyment in any of this stuff.” Aiden responded.

“What do you enjoy doing?” Ventus asked.

“That’s an interesting question. I don’t actually know myself. I suppose making stuff for Maria.” Aiden responded as he thought about the question for a short while.

“You make stuff? That’s pretty neat. Have I seen anything you made?” Ventus asked Aiden, as he drank a bit more fruit punch.

The guys then cheered loudly as Gary just broke Jerry’s High Score.

“I bet you’d be amazing at that!” Ventus said to Aiden.

“I’d probably get a perfect score.” Aiden responded as if that was a matter of fact.

Ventus then laughed. Aiden looked over at Ventus then smirked. 

“How about we go one round against each other. I think I’m pretty good too.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“I suppose one round against you wouldn’t hurt.” Aiden said, starting to walk to the DDR Machine.

Ventus then paused suddenly. He started staring at the wall, and became furious. The entire atmosphere of the party changed as Ventus went from being a host to seeming like he wanted to kill someone.

Ventus then ran out of the dorms at a full sprint.

The guys at the party were confused about what just happened.

“Well that was scary.” Paul remarked. “Maybe he’s bipolar?” Paul attempted to try and guess why Ventus would suddenly act like that unprovoked.

The guys then brought out a few laser guns.

“Hey, how about we see how good our aim is after a month?” Keith said, holding a blue laser gun.

David handed the guys some vests, and they were separated out into teams. David went to Aiden and gestured, trying to give him a Blue vest.

Aiden took it to David’s surprise.

“Awesome, now let’s say that outside the dorms are off limits, other than that it’s where you want.” Keith said, turning down the lights.

On the Red Team were Richard, Abraham, David, Antonio, Paul and Gary. On the Blue Team were Jerry, John, Keith, Steve, Steven, and Aiden.

David looked around at his team. “How come all the short guys are on my team.” He asked.

“Shut up, you’re only 160 centimeters.” Paul responded.

“I’m 162 centimeters, thank you very much.” David responded to Paul.

“No, we are the same height, that makes you 160.” Paul reaffirmed.

“Okay, let’s start. The team with the most points in 15 minutes wins.” Keith said getting a quick shot on Gary.

Aiden then walked over to a pillar in the room and shot people from there.

Back at the Senior’s Homecoming Party.

Maria was looking at the consoles on the walls. “I’ve never seen this one before, where’s it from?” Maria asked, pointing at a power glove.

“Oh yeah, that’s from like the 80s, my dad got it when he went to Japan for work. It didn’t sell well. But he got one before it was discontinued. That’s the first edition, so it’s pretty rare.” Brent gloated about the item.

Maria then looked around. Brent stared at Maria as she was looking at the stuff. She started feeling weird having him stare at her.

“So, do you want to play one of these retro games?” He asked Maria.

Maria wanted to break the awkward feeling, so she accepted.

They both then sat on his bed and he handed her a controller. “This is Legend of Hector, you just have to rescue the Prison at Level 9.” Brent said to Maria.

Maria started moving the joystick and tried to get the character to attack.

“Oh, let me help you out.” Brent said, holding Maria’s hands on the controller.

Maria pulled away her hands. “No thank you. I can figure it out.” Maria responded.

They then sat in silence for a second.

“Has a guy never touched you before?” Brent asked Maria.

Maria was creeped out. “What kind of question is that?” Maria responded quickly.

“Well you pulled away when I was just trying to be nice. It seems like we had good chemistry.” Brent said to Maria.

“All I wanted to do was look at how you made games, there was no chemistry.” Maria responded.

“Come on, there had to be a little chemistry there. Why else would you come to a guy’s room alone? I can show you.” Brent said to Maria trying to hold her hand.

Maria put down the controller. “You know what, I’m uncomfortable. I’m going to leave.” Maria responded by standing up.

Brent grabbed Maria’s hand. “Why are you being such a tease, you obviously knew what you wanted when you came in here. If you leave now it’s going to be embarrassing for me.” Brent said to Maria.

“Let go of me right now.” Maria said, trying to stay calm.

“No, I just want to show you a good time. Why are you making me out to be the bad guy?” Brent responded.

“I said let go!” Maria yelled out. Brent then tried to pull Maria down.

She punched him in the face and tried to run out the room, but it seemed to have been blocked from the outside. She started kicking it.

“Get off the door!” Maria yelled out.

“You freaking prude, I wanted to make this a happy moment, but you’re making it difficult.” Brent said, grabbing Maria again.

She tried hitting him again, but Seniors are more trained in martial arts then freshmen, so he was able to catch it. He used his superior weight to throw Maria.

Because the room was designed to be soundproof for recording, no one was able to hear Maria yell out.

Brent laid on top of Maria and tried to kiss her.

“Just calm down.” Brent said.

“No! I don’t want my first time to be with you!” Maria yelled at him.

Then there was banging happening outside.

Ventus ran into the Off Campus House. He pointed at Silvia. “You find the rest of the girls and group up together at the front.” Ventus commanded Silvia with anger in his eyes.

Silvia was frightened by Ventus’ appearance and immediately went to get the other girls.

Ventus then punched the guys who were blocking the door to the room Maria and Brent were in. He dislocated one of the guy’s jaw and shoved the other to the ground. He then kicked in the door and immediately tackled Brent.

Ventus rolled on the ground with him as he continued to punch him in the face. The other guys then started to rush into the room. 

Maria quickly ran out and joined with the other girls at the party. She was distraught and ran out of the house. The other girls followed behind.

“What about Ventus?” Silvia asked.

But no one responded. They were focused on getting back to the dorms.

The guys in the dorms were busy playing laser tag when the girls returned in exhaustion.

“What happened?” Keith asked.

“I don’t know, Ventus just ran in there and just started fighting.” Zofia said, trying to catch her breath.

“Knew he was a little crazy, no one is happy all the time.” Paul responded.

Aiden then went to Maria. “Do you know what happened?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Let’s not talk about it right now.” Maria responded to Aiden.

Sirens from the campus police were heard from outside.

“Wow, looks like he really ruined it over there.” Paul added.

Maria then decided to go up the elevator without saying a word.

Aiden then quickly followed behind her.

“Well, if you guys still want to party we have a few more vests, and plenty of punch.” Keith said, trying to get the girls to join in.

“Sure.” Joyce said, grabbing a gun and vest. The other girls then also grabbed a few.

Maria laid in her bed. “Something wrong?” Aiden asked Maria.

“I’m tired. I just want to go to sleep.” Maria responded.

“Are you upset that Ventus ruined your Homecoming party?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Shut Up! Just leave!” Maria yelled out at Aiden.

Aiden was silent for a moment. “My apologies.” Aiden said to Maria.

“You don’t even know what you are supposed to be apologizing for. Just leave, I want to go to sleep.” Maria said to Aiden.

Aiden then left the room.

Aiden went into Room 888 and stood at his desk. He looked at the wall that Ventus usually stared at.

“There’s nothing there.” Aiden thought to himself.

A few hours passed and the freshman started making their way back to the rooms and to bed.

Silvia sat down waiting downstairs for Ventus to return but he never did.

Silvia woke up at 3am, she noticed that she fell asleep on one of the couches in the recreation area. All the other students had already gone to sleep. The only person awake was the Dorm’s Night Watch.

“Did Ventus return?” Silvia asked, feeling a bit groggy.

“No, no one entered the building after you all returned.” He said to Silvia.

“Okay.” Silvia responded as she then also went to bed. She entered the pitched black room where Maria was already asleep. Silvia then changed into her sleeping clothes and also passed out.

The weekend was uneventful after that. Silvia tried to figure out what happened. And Aiden walked silently because Maria did not want to talk to him.

Aiden was also curious as to what happened because Ventus never returned to the room.

There was gossip happening downstairs.

“Did you guys hear? Ventus beat like 7 guys half to death.” Richard said to the other freshmen sitting in the recreation room.

“Why’d he do that?” Steve asked.

Tammy had a feeling about what happened that night and started to feel upset with the thought that her club partners at the institute tried to assist in getting one of them taken advantage of.

“He probably had a good reason.” Tammy responded.

“There’s no good reason to beat people half to death.” Jerry responded.

“Just use your brains a little, sheesh.” Tammy responded with some anger.

After Maria heard the news she wanted to go to the Campus Police Station.

Aiden decided to go with Maria there. Once they arrived.

“Is Ventus Marcos here?” Maria asked.

“Are you filing a charge on him too?” The police officer asked.

“No, I just want to talk to him.” Maria responded.

“He’s being expelled. He can’t have any visitors.” The police officer responded.

“Expelled! But he didn’t do anything wrong!” Maria yelled out.

“Don’t you know that he was involved in several assault cases.” The Police Officer said to Maria. “Against Seniors nonetheless.” The Police Officer added.

“He had a good reason, I was there.” Maria responded.

“Then file a statement and we will look into it.” The Police Officer said to Maria, handing her the paper.

Maria angrily grabbed it.

“What reason did he have to beat those people?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Well since you can’t figure it out. That night one of those disgusting guys tried to have his way with me, and his friends locked the door from the outside. But Ventus broke in and started fighting, letting me out.” Maria said to Aiden with an attitude that she had to explain it to him.

“Oh, so that’s what happened.” Aiden responded.

“Is that all you can say about it?” Maria asked.

“Well you aren’t hurt, and with your statement the situation should be resolved.” Aiden said to Maria.

“After I turn this in, you get me in to talk to Ventus.” Maria commanded Aiden.

“Sure.” Aiden responded.

Maria handed in her statement and the Police Officer read it. “And all of this is factual and the truth?” The Police Officer asked.

“Yes, that’s exactly how it went down.” Maria responded.

“Then we will add this to the case.” The Police Officer said.

Maria and Aiden then walked outside.

They both walked to the back of the building into the otherside of the wall that Ventus was being held in.

Aiden carved a hole into the cell, so that Maria could talk with Ventus.

Ventus sat on the bench in the cell with his head in his hands.

“Hey.” Maria whispered trying to get Ventus’ attention.

He looked over to where the sound was. He noticed the hole and moved over to it.

“Is that you Maria?” Ventus asked.

“Yeah, it’s me!” Maria responded.

“That’s great, I’m happy you made it out safely. I’m also happy that I made it in time. I really had to sprint the fastest I could to make it there before something much worse happened.” Ventus said to Maria.

“How’d you know that I was in trouble?” Maria asked.

“I see things, and the events that I saw if I didn’t act were unspeakable. It made me furious. So I had to make sure it didn’t happen.” Ventus responded.

The Police Officer then started walking over to the holding cell that Ventus was in.

“We have to talk about that later. We are going to make sure you don’t get expelled.” Maria said to Ventus.

“I know you will.” Ventus responded. Aiden then sealed the wall.

“We need to figure out when the trial is supposed to happen.” Maria said to Aiden.

“That shouldn’t be too difficult. We can just ask the Officer.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Yeah, let’s see!” Maria then ran back to the entrance of the building. She placed both of her hands on the desk.

“So when is his trial supposed to be!?” Maria asked the Police Officer.

“A trial? I’m pretty sure the dean already decided on the situation. I already said that I would add your statement to the case. All you can do now is wait.” The Police Officer said to Maria.

“So that’s really it? I can’t help anymore?” Maria asks.

“No, once you submit your statement that is all that could be done. The case might reopen before his punishment is finalized, or it may not. That depends on the Dean.” The Police Officer responded to Maria.

With Maria’s hands tied she spent that day trying to think about how she could help Ventus out.

The next school day started. And as announced it was time for the class elections.

On the ballots Ventus’ name was removed from the Class President spot. Maria held up a pencil and looked for his name.

Maria went up to Miss Creed.

“Why isn’t Ventus’ name on the Ballots?” Maria asked.

“Students of Negative Behaviour are ineligible to run for Class Office.” Miss Creed said to Maria.

“But his case isn’t finished. It’s unfair to remove him before it’s resolved.” Maria said loudly to Miss Creed.

“At the incident several Seniors were nearly beaten to death, and all of their stories paint the same picture. It was resolved before it was even opened.” Miss Creed said to Maria.

“But-” Maria started saying before Miss Creed interrupted her.

“Nothing you could say will get his name back on the Ballots, just vote on those which are present.” Miss Creed said, pointing to Maria’s seat.

Maria reluctantly sat down and filled out the ballot.

She selected Gary Khan for Treasurer, and herself for Public Relations. Maria wrote Ventus’ name for President despite there being no place for it.

Aiden voted for Zofia Johns, Rebecca Burns and Maria Li. And Silvia left the spot for President Blank and voted for Gary Khan, and Joyce Smith.

When all ballots were in, the votes were tallied.

For the Freshmen Class President was Zofia Johns. For Vice President was the Runner Up, Tammy Crabtree. For Treasurer was Gary Khan, and for Public Relations Joyce Smith.

“That election was stupid.” Maria remarked. “Everyone knows who the real President was supposed to be. They all should be more upset.” Maria thought to herself.

But despite this the vote stood and the direction of the Freshmen year was decided.

Zofia Johns came up to the front of the class to make her acceptance speech.

“Good morning my fellow classmate, it is I, your new Class President, Zofia Johns. Thank you all for electing me to this executive office. I will meet all of your expectations of me, and will lead our class to a bright future. Of course I will need your continued support to ensure this is the best year possible. I look forward to working with our new Treasure, Gary Khan, our new Public Relations Chair, Joyce Smith and my Vice President Tammy Crabtree. I promise that I will behave in a manner befitting of this office.” Zofia said, finishing off her speech.

The class then clapped as Zofia took her seat.

“After class today all those who have been elected are to meet me at my office.” Miss Creed told the students.

Miss Creed then started the material for the day.

Silvia looked around and noticed that Ventus was still not in class.

“I guess he’s really gone.” Silvia thought to herself.

Maria sat in her chair upset at the results, and at the speech that Zofia gave. She felt like she would have given a much better one.

A few more days passed and still Ventus was not in class. However, there was a knock on the classroom door. Summoning Maria, Silvia and Rebecca to the dean’s office.

The girls looked at each other and received permission to leave class.

They were escorted to the Dean’s Office.

“Have a seat, you three.” The Dean said to the girls.

They all sat down.

He had papers on his desk. He then placed his hands on his chin, with his fingers interlaced.

“You three have submitted Police Reports which run counter to the current narrative dealing with your classmate Ventus Marcos. Are you willing to be a witness in his case if I reopened it?” The Dean asked.

The three looked at one another. They would have to be present in front of faculty members, and the Upperclassmen involved.  Their faces would be in the light for all to see. This freshman year really took a negative turn.

Angel Misery 2: Chapter Two

Introduction of Geniuses

Summer Vacation on Campus ended and every student prepared themselves for the first day of school. Maria packed up her backpack full of stationery items, Silvia followed behind Maria as they both went down the elevator to meet up with Aiden.

“The break flew by quickly!” Maria said feeling unsatisfied with having to already go to school.

“It was a lot more eventful than Summer of last year. I would have thought you got your fill.” Aiden responded.

“That’s the issue, because it was so fun, I didn’t want it to end already.” Maria responded.

“It was pretty fun, but I am also glad that it’s time to get back to work. I’ve been feeling a bit nervous about the workload we will be given at this school. The other students were indeed rather intelligent.” Silvia said to them.

During the break a few more students joined up, making the total number of Freshmen that year 22 Students. They all sat in a lab room at assigned desks.

Maria looked around, the other students all seemed to be taking the first day of school extremely seriously. All were facing forward. Then the Home Room teacher walked in.

“Everyone stand up.” The Teacher said walking in. All the students stood up. The Teacher looked at them, measuring the students’ focus with their eyes. “Morning to you all, and congratulations on making it this far. I am the first face you will see every morning at this school, your homeroom teacher, Miss Creed.” Miss Creed said, wearing a white lab coat and goggles. She wore black gloves which nearly went to her elbows.

“She’s intense.” Maria thought to herself.

“When I call your name, you are to tell me what your planned Concentration of Study is going to be. Then you are to sit down. Understood.” Miss Creed said, pulling up the list of names on her tablete.

“Rebecca Burns.” Miss Creed Started.

“Present, and I wanted to be a CEO of a fortune 500 company.” Rebecca responded then sat down.

“Joanne Coyce.”

“Present. I want to focus on Economics. Maybe one day become the Secretary of Commerce and clear out the National Debt.” Joanne said before sitting.

“Tammy Crabtree.”

“Here. I focus on Politics. More accurately interdisciplinary fields that are involved with Social, Economic, and Warfare.” Tammy said as she sat.

They each sat down feeling relieved that they made it past introductions.

“Richard Garrison.”

“Present. I want to concentrate on Architecture and Civil Engineering. So that I could innovate and modernize Infrastructure across the world.” Richard said, taking a seat.

“Aiden Heavens.”

Aiden looked over to Maria, then back at Miss Creed. “I’m present. And as for a Concentration, that’s left to be determined.” Aiden then sat down. Maria looked at Aiden as his answer was extremely boring.

“Zofia Johns.”

“That’s me, and I want to focus on Aerospace Engineering, so that I could build myself a plane fast enough to handle the speed I desire to travel.” Zofia said with gusto. She then sat down.

“Keith Johnson.”

“Present. I want to focus on Material Science. Lighter and stronger materials are what will shape the future.” Keith said, as he sat down.

“Gary Khan.”

“Present. I plan to continue dominating the Stock Market as I have already done. Besides that I suppose learning more ways to grow my money will be my target.” Gary said, as he took a seat.

“Maria Li.”

Maria cleared her throat. “I’m here! I want to Concentrate on Leadership and Strategies. Hard problems, things like that.” Maria said, sitting down feeling satisfied with her answer.

“John Lynn.”

“Present.” John then adjusted his glasses. “I want to Concentrate on Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.” John then quickly sat down covering his head.

“Ventus Marcos.”

“Good Morning, I’m here. As for my Concentration I want to focus on Temporal Space. And probably a little bit of World Leadership, whichever comes first.” Ventus said, before he took his seat.

“Steve Martinez.”

“Present. My concentration is on Architecture.” Steve then sat down. He kept his sentences short.

“Steven Milligan.”

“Here. I want to be a Material Engineer. We can have all the theories and functions, but until someone actually builds it, then we aren’t going to get anywhere.” Steven seemed to have targeted Keith with that comment. He then sat down.

“Antonio Moore.”

“Present. My concentration is on the Ocular Sciences. More specifically the Repair and Augmenting of it.” Antonio said before sitting.

“Paul Nettleton.”

Paul shook his head and gave himself a smile. “Here! My Concentration is Psychiatric Aid.” Paul then looked at the rest of his classmates with a smile then he sat down. His smile then disappeared.

“Johnnie O’Conner.”

“Here, and my Concentration is on Politics. I look forward to studying with everyone.” Johnnie then sat down.

“Silvia Reiners.”

Silvia adjusted herself. “Present. My focus is going to be on Genetic Science, also the augmenting of it.” Silvia said before sitting down. She tried to look serious but with all the eyes of other intelligent students looking at her made her get the feeling she didn’t belong.

“Abraham Schubert.”

“Here. And I also want to concentrate on Material Engineering.” Abraham said before he sat down.

“David Shannon.”

“Here, not sure how though. I just want to build stuff and work on cars.” David said lazily sitting down.

“Joyce Smith.”

“Present. My concentration is on Fluid Dynamics and Aviation.” Joyce said before she tilted her head, then sat down.

“Jerry Terrell.”

“Here. My concentration is on being a Bone Doctor.” Jerry said with a smile. But no one laughed. “Ouch, tough crowd. I want to be an Oestheo Physician.” Jerry said before he sat down.

“Luetta Todd.”

“Here. And I want to Concentrate on vehicle engineering. Probably in the range of Mechanical Engineering I suppose.” Luetta said being the last one to take her seat.

Miss Creed checked off everyone and looked rather disappointed in the line-up.

“Very well, it seems we are lacking in the Scientist department. But that doesn’t matter too much, since you all are freshmen your concentration won’t matter. Though it is nice to keep in the back of your mind.” Miss Creed put away her tablet. She then turned around to the board and started writing.

She was filling the board with numbers, and diagrams. “The components of our Universe can be explained through a few fundamental equations. These are the wave functions and assist with determining the potential locations of Elementary Particles according to the standard model.” Miss Creed started speaking.

The students in the class then quickly brought out their notes after being caught off guard with the sudden beginning of class.

Maria brought out her Graphing Calculator and different colour pens to take colourful notes. She received advice from Zofia about how to take good and memorable notes.

Aiden kept up with the work, not missing a single word that Miss Creed said.

This pace kept up for a few hours with only short 15 minute breaks in between each lesson.

Maria looked up at the clock waiting for lunch time to come. It was still 30 minutes away.

“My hands are on fire…” Maria thought to herself as Miss Creed continued to write more information on the board.

Miss Creed then turned around. “Now everyone, take out a blank piece of paper.” Miss Creed told the class. She then flipped the board revealing a problem.

“Write as many Fermi Diagrams that would describe this interaction.” The board said. It then had an image of an Electron then a box, then the release of a photon.

“When you are finished, hand in your paper and you can go to lunch.” Miss Creed said, sitting at her desk.

The class was stunned. They were already having a quiz on what they learned.

Maria looked at the blank paper, and her mind went just as blank as it. She pressed her pen against the sheet. “Okay, I got this…” Maria thought to herself as she started writing.

Silvia felt overwhelmed with not being given enough time to perfect her knowledge on the subject. As a perfectionist she was terrified of not getting a perfect grade, and thus was unable to write anything she wasn’t certain about.

Aiden got up from his seat and walked past Maria. He was trying to show Maria the answers.

Maria pushed Aiden forward, declining to cheat on this quiz. Aiden then turned in his paper and waited in the hall.

Not even a few minutes later several students also turned in their papers and headed to lunch.

“Seems that they are pretty smart.” Aiden thought to himself watching his classmates leave the classroom. Aiden continued to wait for Maria.

Ventus walked out of the classroom. “Wow Angeal, you were the first one to turn in your paper. I couldn’t do that ha, I would be afraid of making everyone else feel nervous.” Ventus continued down the hall.

Maria soon came out as well. She had a smile on her face. “I think I did pretty good on that!” Maria said to Aiden.

“You must have been confident, you didn’t even want to look at my answers.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Well, it wasn’t that hard, there wasn’t even really a certain amount of correct answers. I think she just wanted to see how creative we could get with the diagrams.” Maria responded to Aiden.

“What do you mean? There are only a few interactions that could result in an Electron releasing a Photon.” Aiden said to Maria.

“No, not really. Because within the box could be a positron, which most people would get. Or it could be a Positron, a virtual negative down quark and a virtual down quark. Or it could be several photons that get absorbed by the electron, then a Neutron could decay. There are just so many ways to draw it.” Maria said to Aiden.

“You may have deviated from the assignment.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Guess we have to see.” Maria laughed.

Silvia then came out. She was one of the last students to leave the classroom. “That was stressful.” Silvia said to the two.

“Why’s that? I didn’t think it was hard at all.” Maria said to Silvia.

“Because the question was so vague. I wasn’t sure what was supposed to be the correct answer, I didn’t have time to read over my notes before the quiz, everyone was leaving. It just wasn’t…” Silvia then exhaled. “I’m hungry.” She said bending down.

“I’m sure you did well, SIlvia.” Aiden said to her.

“I sure hope so.” Silvia responded.

The group then headed down to the Dining Hall. There were tables filled with Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores. The Freshmen ate furthest away from the food stands.

Aiden grabbed himself some water, and Maria got herself some Pizza.

They both sat down and Silvia tried to join them.

“No way, this is my only time away from you.” Maria said to Silvia trying to keep her from sitting.

“Really? You’re going to be like this? Just let me sit down, I’m friends with Angeal too.” Silvia said, trying to sit.

Ventus then came to the table. He then sat down next to Aiden.

“So how’d you think you did?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“I think I did pretty well.” Aiden responded then he proceeded to ignore Ventus.

Ventus then looked over at Silvia. “Say, you said you wanted to do something with Genetic Engineering right? That’s a pretty serious field, I would love to have someone like you part of my future inner circle.” Ventus said to Silvia.

“I decline.” Silvia said to Ventus.

“Wow, so quickly. Why’s that?” Ventus asked Silvia.

“Because I don’t have any interest in working with you. You don’t seem like you would be able to keep up with me intellectually. Afterall you are going into a fake field.” Silvia responded.

“Temporal Science isn’t fake, it’s going to be what is needed to learn in the year 2024.” Ventus said to SIlvia.

“Sure it will. Now can you go somewhere else?” Silvia asked Ventus.

“Okay. I just figured since we are all sort of like roommates that it would be cool to sit together during lunch.” Ventus added.

Silvia then pointed. And Ventus left.

“Wow, that was really mean, Silvia.” Maria said to her. “Is that what it looks like from the outside?” Maria asked.

“Well you are trying to get rid of me despite me already having an established friendship with Angeal. We don’t even really know Ventus.” Silvia responded to Maria.

“Still felt pretty mean.” Maria said, she then stopped trying to kick Silvia off of their table.

“I already get enough of him when I am in my room, so I think it’s okay that he doesn’t spend time with us here.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Okay, I’ll go along with you on this.” Maria responded to Aiden. They all then started eating their food.

The second half of classes began.

Miss Creed handed back the quizzes to the students.

Maria was hesitant to look at her quiz which was upside down on the desk. But she built up the courage to look.

“90%. Indication of High use of Lateral Thinking. Moderate use of Vertical Thinking.” The quiz said. Maria pumped her fist with excitement.

Aiden looked at his quiz. “55%. There are several diagrams that you could have employed. Your answers are correct, but the lack of exploration indicates Low Lateral Thinking ability.” Aiden’s quiz said.

“A 55? But all my answers were correct, how could I have a failing grade?” Aiden thought to himself.

Silvia checked hers and she also didn’t do well. She got a 60 on her quiz. “I guess it could have been much worse.” Silvia thought to herself.

“Now that everyone has a chance to look at your grade, you can toss them since they aren’t going to be a part of your record. However, those quizzes will be similar to how quizzes will be from now on. In terms of difficulty and what I am looking for. We are teaching you to memorize information, we are teaching you to develop knowledge.” Miss Creed said to the class.

A great relief was released by the class. It showed that a good majority of the class didn’t do as well as they thought they would.

The first day of classes came to a close and the students were permitted to return to their dorms.

“Looks like I am the smartest one now!” Maria said to the group.

“That’s just an indication that it was a flawed way of grading, since obviously you aren’t smarter than the two of us.” Silvia responded to Maria.

“Sounds like someone is just feeling salty.” Maria mocked Silvia.

The two then bickered to one another.

Joyce then came up to the group. “Hey Silvia and Maria, a bunch of us girls want to check out the spa at this school, do you want to join us!?” Joyce asked Maria.

“A spa? Why?” Maria asked.

“You know, to just relax, and get your skin looking nice. Don’t worry, it’s next to the dorms.” Joyce said to Maria.

“Can Angeal come too?” Maria asked.

Joyce then looked up at Aiden. “Ah… no? He’s a guy right?” Joyce asked Maria.

“That doesn’t mean anything.” Maria responded.

“Yes it does. But anyways, if you don’t want to come, that’s okay.” Joyce said to Maria.

“I’ll go, I need some relaxation after today.” Silvia said to Joyce.

Joyce then looked at Maria. “And what about you?” Joyce asked.

“Sure, I’ll go with the girls. This is highschool afterall.” Maria responded. “I’ll see you later!” Maria said to Aiden.

Aiden now walked alone to his room. He found Ventus in the room staring once again at the wall.

“What are you doing?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Nothing. Wow, looks like you are back early. Did everyone decide to do other stuff without you?” Ventus responded with the question.

“It was a girl’s only thing, so I couldn’t be a part of it.” Aiden then sat on his bed. “Why are you always here alone? Don’t you hang out with people?” Aiden asked.

“I do, but sometimes I just need to recharge a bit.” Ventus responded.

Aiden then looked over at Ventus. “Hey, I have a question for you.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“I might have an answer.” Ventus responded.

“Are you Vanoe?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Vanoe? Who’s that?” Ventus responded.

“Are you an aspect of the Winds?” Aiden asked another question.

“An aspect of the Winds? Oh, because my name is Ventus. That’s fun wordplay, but I don’t know what that means.” Ventus responded. “Who’s Vanoe?”

“He’s a person that I met back when I went to the Olympics last year. I just wasn’t sure if you were just pretending not to know me. But you sound genuine in not having any idea of what I am talking about.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“You went to the Olympics? That’s pretty awesome, I wish I could have gone. I loved watching it on TV.” Ventus told Aiden. “If you thought I was Vanoe, he must be a pretty cool dude.” Ventus laughed.

“Well, he was pretty impressive.” Aiden responded to Ventus. They both then sat in silence for a bit.

“Well if you are curious about my origin, would you believe me if I said I was an Alien?” Ventus looked over at Aiden.

Aiden then turned to look at Ventus. “No, I wouldn’t believe you. Your body is much too Human.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Ha, maybe. If only you could see what I see.” Ventus said with a lower voice.

“So, are you going to tell me what you know, that I don’t know you know?” Aiden asked Ventus.

Ventus then rubbed his chin. “Hmm, is it time for me to reveal it.” Ventus said to himself. Ventus then looked over at Aiden, and stared at him a bit. Then he looked back over at the wall. “Okay, I will give you a little hint.” Ventus said to Aiden.

Aiden looked unamused.

“It deals with where you are from.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“There’s no way he would know I’m from the heavenly realm. He’s obviously acting like he knows more than he actually does.” Aiden thought to himself. “Where do you think that is?” Aiden asked.

“I just gave you a hint, I can’t spill the beans on it.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“Everyone already knows I’m from Sequoia.” Aiden said to Ventus.

Ventus then laughed. “Not even close!” Ventus said to Aiden. He then continued to laugh amused that Aiden was trying to fool him.

“Then where does he think I’m from?” Aiden thought to himself. “Just say where you think, I don’t want to guess.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Aw, that’s no fun. But it isn’t time for me to say, the Universe is saying to wait a bit longer.” Ventus responded to Aiden as he laid on his bed.

“The Universe, well this guy doesn’t have any clue about any of that.” Aiden thought to himself.

Ventus started singing a song about Greek Gods.

Aiden became suspicious of Ventus.

The girls returned from their spa day, and Maria knocked on the door to Room 888.

“I’m back Angeal!” Maria said outside the door.

“I know.” Aiden said to Maria. Maria then looked inside the room and saw Ventus sitting on the bed. Ventus waved at Maria. 

“Hello Maria!” Ventus said to her.

“Hey hey!” Maria responded with a smile.

“Okay, let’s head over to your room.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Why the rush? I want to talk to Ventus a little.” Maria said.

“I think there is more to him than he is letting out. I don’t want us to give anymore information.” Aiden said to Maria in a low volume.

“Oh, he creeped you out?” Maria laughed quietly.

They both started walking away from the room.

“I think he knows that I am from the Heavenly Realm.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria was surprised. “How would he know that? Has he been there before?” Maria asked Aiden, shocked that Aiden would think someone actually would know that.

“He didn’t believe that I was from Sequoia, and he began to sing a song about Greek Gods. Putting those two together would get me to that conclusion.” Aiden explained to her.

“How would he know that though?” Maria asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe he is looking at something when he stares at that wall.” Aiden said to Maria.

“You should stare at that wall later, see what is hidden in there.” Maria joked with Aiden.

They both entered Room 808 and began playing cards as Silvia sat at her desk studying the material that they learned today.

“Are you really not going to study for tomorrow? What if we have another pop quiz?” SIlvia asked Maria.

Maria placed her cards on the floor, revealing that she had a full house. Aiden revealed that he had a 4 of a kind.

“I think I am in good shape, after all, I did get a 90 on the latest quiz.” Maria said, reminding Silvia of her score.

“You aren’t ever going to stop bringing that up, it’s as if you’ve never gotten a 90 before.” Silvia remarked.

“I have, but I am just savouring the delicious taste of beating you in academics.” Maria teased Silvia.

The next school day started.

The freshmen class woke up bright and early to get to their home room. Miss Creed walked into the classroom with a syllabus. She handed it to the students seated in front. They handed the pages to the students behind them.

“Yesterday we went over how STEM classes were going to be held. But as you can see you will also be tested on your Physical Achievements through Quarterly Physical Fitness tests, Biyearly Weapons’ Proficiency Tests, and Interpersonal Relations Exams.” Miss Creed explained to the class.

Maria looked at the syllabus. She saw that the weapons’ classes were going to teach them how to shoot various rifles and handguns. “So cool!” Maria thought to herself.

“After the first assessments a class President will be chosen to represent your class to the Dean of the school. Resources for independent research and club funding will be determined by how valuable the Dean deems your class’ products. Also on the syllabus is a list of extracurricular activities, or clubs, whichever you want to name them. Participating in these clubs will also help your class with acquiring funding.” Miss Creed continued to explain.

Miss Creed gave the students a few minutes to look over the papers that were handed to them.

“Now I want everyone to pay attention to today’s weapon’s safety class.” Miss Creed said, pulling up a diagram of a M16 service rifle.

The students then rushed again to pull out a blank sheet of paper to write notes. They weren’t given the opportunity to ask any questions.

“These are the 4 Weapons Safety Principles. 1: Treat every weapon as if it were loaded. 2: Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot. 3: Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire. 4: Keep your weapon on ‘safe’ until you intend to shoot.” Miss Creed said, reading off the list. “Now repeat those Principles back.” She ordered.

The students then repeated the rules back to Miss Creed. She then had them repeat it again and they did.

“And the fifth safety rule. ‘Know your target and what lies beyond.’ So don’t shoot at anything if what is behind them is something you do not want to hit.” Miss Creed added to them.

Miss Creed pulled up a diagram of a rifle. She showed them the bolt, driving handle, barrel, and so on. She wanted to drill into them how they would be taking care of their weapons once they are issued them.

After several hours of continuous drilling of information, the students were given a short reprieve to ask questions.

Tammy raised her hand and was called on. “Why are we learning how to use weapons? I thought we were supposed to focus on academics.” Tammy asked Miss Creed.

“This school is developing you to be the top people in your field, and some of you may even go on to be Presidents, Generals, and CEOs, all potential targets for aggressors. We are preparing you to be able to protect yourself if it comes to that. If you intend not to take that top position then maybe you should reconsider your enrollment Miss Johnson.” Miss Creed said to Tammy.

The class was silent for a moment.

Ventus raised his hand. “During these weapon classes would we be allowed to augment our personal weapons?” Ventus asked Miss Creed.

“After you’ve shown mastery of your weapon handling, then you would be permitted to augment your weapons. That would likely be when you are Juniors.” Miss Creed responded. Miss Creed looked around. “Any more questions?”

None of the students answered.

“Then head outside and you are going to be assigned rifles for your courses.” Miss Creed told the students.

After the students were assigned rifles by scanning their student card with the barcode of the weapon, they were allowed to hold the weapons.

“Whoa, Aiden! Can you believe it!? I have a real gun now!” Maria said with excitement.

“Hey! Don’t wave it around. Remember the first and second principle.” Silvia said to Maria, grabbing her arm.

“It’s not like there’s bullets in here.” Maria responded to Silvia.

“The first principle literally tells you to treat it like it’s always loaded.” Silvia reminded Maria.

Maria then lowered her weapon. “I just can’t wait to shoot these.” Maria said. Maria adjusted the buttstock of her M4.

The armour told the students to put their weapons away and to head to lunch.

The students did just that and left the Armoury.

Maria grabbed a plate of Lasagna with garlic bread and a salad. She sat down at the table with Aiden and handed him her salad.

“I’m getting excited now, can you believe they are actually going to teach us to shoot people. I am going to graduate as an elite sniper or something.” Maria told Aiden.

Silvia then sat at the table. She was eating a Chicken Wrap, with a side of celery. “You would enjoy that.” Silvia said, responding to Maria’s excitement about weapons.

“And you’re not? How could you find guns boring?” Maria asked Silvia.

“I don’t think weapons are boring, I just don’t want to have to shoot anyone. I’m sure I would have bodyguards to handle that for me.” Silvia responded. “What do you think about the weapon classes?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“They seem like a valuable knowledge point in those edge cases where you would find yourself in a situation that required the use of a weapon. Though in my case, it’s practically redundant.” Aiden responded.

“You probably wouldn’t ever find yourself in a situation like that, right?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“Of course he wouldn’t, even if he did he could probably just blow them up with his mind.” Maria touched her fingers on her temples.

Aiden just looked at Maria with his unchanging expression.

“What clubs are you thinking of joining? It seems that it’s going to impact our High School experience a lot.” Silvia asked the two. “I think I am interested in the Biochemical Research Institute.” Silvia added.

“I haven’t given it much thought yet, and whatever club I join, Angeal is going to join too.” Maria responded.

“Angeal, did you give it any thought?” Silvia asked Aiden.

“I have not. Though I would recommend that we join the Organizational Government Institute if you are planning to control a large number of people.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria brought out her paper.

“Wow, there are a lot of clubs here. The Robotics Lab seems pretty cool!” Maria said.

“You’re into Robots?” Silvia questioned Maria.

“Who isn’t. Didn’t you watch those Robot uprising Movies. I want to build one of those.” Maria responded.

“And you would probably be the reason the World ends because of it.” Silvia joked with Maria.

The group continued to talk throughout lunch.

The second half of the day, the students were to put on their workout uniform and prepare for a run around the school.

Maria and Silvia came out of their room.

Silvia then started to stretch as they waited for Aiden.

“How long is this run supposed to be?” Maria asked Silvia.

“It’s a 5 Kilometer run, so it shouldn’t be so bad.” Silvia responded.

“5 Kilometers, I don’t think I’ve ever ran that far.” Maria responded by lifting her knees. Silvia looked at Maria confused.

“Weren’t you the tomboy of the school? How have you not run a 5 Kilometer track?” Silvia asked Maria.

“Because I always want to go somewhere when I run, I don’t run just to do it. That’s stupid.” Maria responded.

“Well, you are going to have a rough time today then.” Silvia responded.

Aiden then met up with them. Ventus followed behind Aiden.

“Hello guys!” Ventus said, waving his hand with a smile.

Maria waved back with a smile. Silvia ignored him.

“Okay, I grouped up with them, you can leave now.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Oh, I was hoping that we all could go down together. Maybe run in a group?” Ventus responded.

“Sorry Ventus, I would have loved to, but it seems they don’t really like you.” Maria said to Ventus.

“Okay, then see you in class, during the run then.” Ventus left, still with a smile on his face. It seems his feelings were a bit hurt, but he didn’t show that.

The students lined up on the field.

“Today will be your initial physical screening. Try to keep up with the group. Finishing 5 minutes after the Leader will be an automatic failure.” The teacher, Mr Hawks, said to the Freshmen.

“5 Minutes, that shouldn’t be so hard.” Maria thought to herself.

“Today, I will be the Leader. And one of you students will hold your class colours.” Mr Hawks said to the students.

He held out the flag waiting for someone to step up. Ventus stepped up to carry the flag. “I don’t mind doing it.” Ventus said. Mr Hawks handed Ventus the flag.

Mr Hawks led the students in dynamic stretches. Maria was already becoming exhausted from it. “I should not have eaten so much.” Maria thought to herself.

The students then began to run.

Zofia, Antonio, Keith, and Joyce quickly got in the front and led the main pack of the class. Ventus and Mr Hawks were in the front setting the pace.

Silvia quickly passed Maria. “You are going to need to pick up the pace or else you are going to fail.” Silvia said to Maria.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll catch up.” Maria said already struggling. Aiden ran beside Maria.

John, Abraham, Joanne, and Johnnie were the only ones behind Maria.

After passing the 1 kilometer mark, Maria was already about 2 minutes behind the leader.

“Oh wow, I am getting tired.” Maria said to Aiden.

“Want me to assist you?” Aiden asked Maria.

“Sure, just have, like an invisible hand, help me move faster.” Maria commanded Aiden.

Aiden then constructed that. And Maria’s pace picked up a bit. 

The students in the front started singing as they ran to keep up their motivation. Ventus waved the flag high so that the students in the back could see how  far they were.

Even with Aiden’s assistance Maria was still about 3 minutes behind. They were now at the 3 Kilometer mark. Maria felt like she had been running forever.

“You’re more than halfway there, just keep your breathing up.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Are you even still helping me?” Maria asked Aiden.

“Yes I am.” Aiden responded. He then showed Maria by taking away the assistance. Maria then slowed way down.

“Okay, keep helping.” Maria said to Aiden.

The pair continued to run. About 30 minutes passed and the runners in the front finished the run. They rested drinking water that was at the finish line.

Maria was about 4 minutes behind. But she felt like her chest started cramping. 

“Oh wow, this is hard.” Maria said to Aiden.

“We can afford to slow down another minute.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria slowed down her pace.

Ventus ran past them the other way with the flag. He was heading to the back of the pack to cheer on the students who were far away in the back.

“Well, isn’t he just a ball of energy?” Maria said to herself.

“Come on guys, if you are behind me, then you are beyond the 5 minute cut off time. Just keep going, you’re almost there! Stay in front of me.” Ventus said as he went to the back.

Maria was only 100 meters away. She then used the rest of her energy to force herself to get a good time.

“Maria Li, 34 minutes and 12 seconds. Good job.” Mr Hawks said to Maria.

Maria fell on the ground trying to catch her breath. Silvia handed Maria some water.

“I’m surprised that you actually did it.” Silvia said, having looked as though she was fully rested.

“What time did you finish?” Maria asked Silvia.

“I finished in 31 minutes and 2 seconds. So not that bad.” Silvia responded to Maria.

Maria laid her head down.

“The air isn’t down there, you should sit up.” Zofia said to Maria.

Maria then sat up. “This doesn’t feel any better.” Maria responded.

The rest of the students crossed with barely any time remaining. Ventus crossed the line at 34 minutes and 55 seconds.

“Seems you all have passed. Go back to the field for our cool down stretches.” Mr Hawks told the students.

“I would have so failed if you didn’t help me.” Maria said to Aiden looking at the students who crossed after her.

“I think you are more fit than the students who came in last, so I don’t think you would have done that badly. I only slightly helped you.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Good work out there guys!” Ventus said, jogging past the other students.

He continued to hold the flag throughout the cooldown workouts.

Following the assessment the students were free to do whatever they wanted. They were supposed to use this time to figure out which clubs they wanted to join.

Silvia immediately went to the Biochemical Research Institute.

Aiden and Maria wandered around a bit.

When they were making their way around campus they saw some of the upperclassmen in the courtyard testing out some machines. Maria became interested in that.

“What club is this?!” Maria asked the guys who were testing.

“This isn’t a club, we are just having fun with some stuff we built. Are you a freshman?” They asked Maria.

“Yeah.” Maria responded. They then looked up at Aiden.

“Is he a freshman too?” They asked.

“Yes I am.” Aiden responded.

“So you guys must be looking for an institution. If you want to see what fits, just go to the school counselors and fill out a form of your interest. Then they should help you out on getting into the institution you want. It’s going to be hard for you if you are just walking around asking people if they are in a club.” They said to Maria.

“I guess that’s probably true.” Maria responded.

“Just go there, and fill out the form in the front.” The upperclassmen said, then they resumed playing with their equipment.

“Well I guess that’s where we are going.” Maria said to Aiden.

Maria and Aiden filled out the form and were given a list of institutions to join.

Maria was given a list consisting of: AI and Robotics Development Institute, the Institute for Military Leaders and Warfare, and the Human Augmentation Institute Focusing on Cybernetics.

Aiden was given a list consisting of: International Medicine Institute, Research of Medicine Institute, and Biochemical Research Institute.

“Hey, that;s the same one that Silvia was going to join!” Maria scolded Aiden.

“I didn’t do that on purpose, I just wrote that I wanted to assist you.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Sure you did.” Maria looked at Aiden suspiciously.

“I already said that I was going to join the one you joined, so whichever you choose.” Aiden told Maria.

Maria looked at her list.

The first month of school went very similar to this. The students were introduced to new concepts and given a crash course on various topics. Maria struggled a bit at first but eventually was able to catch up to speed with the other students. 

Maria finally decided that she was going to join the AI and Robotics Development Institute, in hopes that she could build an army of Robots to assist her in controlling the world.

“Looks like I’m going to become a Robotics Genius, Aiden!” Maria said to Aiden.

“We pretty much already have Golems for that, but nonetheless, I’m proud of you.” Aiden responded.

Angel Misery 2: Episode One

New Dorms and Roommates

Maria’s latest Birthday party was held at a skating rink. Her invited guests were Leanne, Angel, and of course her family which organized it. Now they were gathered around to see Maria unwrap her gifts.

“Oh wow, these are some big boxes this year!” Maria said, looking at the three large boxes in front of her. There was one wrapped with red wrapping paper and had golden Chinese characters on it.

“You should probably open grandma’s and grandpa’s presents first.” Allison said to Maria.

Maria looked back at her. “I was going to do that anyway.” Maria said to Allison, grabbing the gift.

Leanna got closer to see what was in the box.

Maria started pulling items out of it. She first pulled out an advanced graphing calculator, then she pulled out a backpack that was filled with rulers, erasers, calligraphy pens, fine paper and other stationary items. Then at the bottom of the box was a red bracelet with gold bells on it. There was a note attached to it.

“Congratulations Ma Rui, we heard the news about you getting into the Top School in the World. We are proud of you! Happy Birthday Sweetie!” The note read.

“Oh, so all of this is for school.” Maria looked at the items feeling a bit disappointed.

Maria’s dad took a picture of Maria as she was looking at the gifts. He looked at the picture he took and Maria looked annoyed.

“Come on Sport. This is going to your grandparents, give them a big smile!” Maria’s dad said as he went to take another picture.

Maria looked at the camera and gave a fake smile.

Maria’s dad looked at the image again. “I guess that’s good enough.” He said, as he then went to take more pictures.

Leanne then pushed her present closer to Maria. “Open mine next!” Leanne said to Maria.

Maria grabbed Leanne’s box and inside was an MP3 player. And it had a ton of songs programmed into it that Leanne liked to listen to.

“Oh wow! You took all that time to put music on this!?” Maria asked Leanne.

“Yep! Now when you go to your new school you will have a mixtape that can keep you company. Oh and a few of my personal songs are on there… you could delete those if you find them annoying.” Leanne said to Maria.

“Guess I will have to listen to it first.” Maria joked with Leanne. “I’m just kidding.” Maria laughed.

And now the final large gift on the table. It was the box that was marked from Angel.

Aiden stood close to the table as Maria’s dad wanted him to do as Maria opened his gift.

Inside was a personal drone with a camera attached to it and a miniature screen. Leanne got close to the box too, wondering what it was.

Maria lifted it up.

“Cool! It’s like a mini helicopter!” Maria said looking at the gift.

Leanne grabbed the controller from the box. “Look Maria, you can control it with this!” Leanne said to Maria showing off the remote.

Maria grabbed the remote and tried to get it to move. But nothing was happening.

“You need to turn on both the drone and the remote for it to start.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria flipped over the drone and found the on switch. She then powered up the drone. It made a loud buzzing sound as it was the propellers were getting up to speed.

The skating rink people looked over at the table to see what was happening.

The drone then went into the air. Maria’s dad took pictures of it since it was the first time anyone has seen a drone.

As the drone was moving around hectically the party members ducked for their safety.

Maria started laughing as she started targeting Allison with the drone.

Before it could hit Allison, Maria’s dad grabbed it.

“Okay Champ, that’s enough fun with that. You can play with it more later.” Maria’s dad smiled, feeling a bit exhausted.

Maria hugged both Leanne and Aiden, who was Angel at the time, for their gifts.

The family then sang Happy Birthday and Maria stood in front of her candles.

She closed her eyes. “I wish, that this year is even more eventful than last!” Maria thought to herself as she blew out her candles.

Everyone cheered and celebrated Maria’s Birthday.

A few weeks have passed since then. Maria, and Aiden received letters of confirmed pickup for their requested departure date and had prepared for their trip to Pasadena, California, for their new Dorms.

Maria waited in front of her home as her family stood in front of the house seeing Maria off. 

A bus came and it was a fancy, black coloured box with tinted windows. It had a place underneath for your luggage. Inside there was a bathroom, and TVs attached to the seats.

Maria started walking to the bus dragging her luggage behind her. The Bus driver assisted with putting the items underneath.

Maria then looked back at her family. They were waving to her. Maria started to feel emotional, but didn’t want to show them her tears, so she smiled and waved one more time before getting on the bus quickly.

“Bye Bye Sweetie! Hope you have a great time!” Maria’s mom said.

“Way to go Sport! You are going to do great, show them what the Li family can do!” Maria’s dad yelled out.

“Bye Maria! Bring back something cool!” Allison said as the bus started leaving.

Maria watched as she was getting further and further from her house. She sat back on her seat in the empty bus.

She exhaled, and turned on the TV in front of her.

The Bus then picked up Silvia next.

Silvia’s family waved Goodbye to her, and Charles helped put Silvia’s luggage under the bus with the driver. Silvia didn’t get as emotional as Maria did, but it was obvious that she was trying to remain composed.

Silvia got on the bus and said Maria. She looked around for Aiden.

“Is Aiden in the bathroom, or hasn’t been picked up yet?” Silvia asked Maria.

Maria was focused on the Movie. “He hasn’t been picked up yet. So you don’t have to keep looking.” Maria responded to Silvia.

Silvia sat in her seat and took out a book to read.

Maria looked over. “You know you can use these screens to watch a movie. You will get to read books when we get to the school.” Maria said to Silvia, showing her the screen.

“Obviously I know that, but unlike you, I actually find reading books entertaining.” Silvia responded.

“Okay.” Maria said, nearly mocking Silvia. Maria went back to watching her movie.

The bus then went to Aiden’s house. Aiden didn’t bring any luggage, and there was no one to say goodbye to him when he left.

Aiden simply got on the bus and sat next to Maria.

“Finally they picked you up!” Maria said to Aiden.

“Yes, I suppose because I live the furthest away from the metropolitan area.

“Hello Angeal!” Silvia said standing up to talk to Aiden.

“Hello Silvia.” Aiden responded.

Silvia sat down next in the seat across the aisle from Aiden. Maria looked over at Silvia with a grimace.

“Hey Angeal, we should switch seats. I have already got to look out the window enough.” Maria said to Aiden.

“Oh, sure.” Aiden responded.

“Wait, if you want to look out the windows you can just go to another seat. That way Maria doesn’t have to give up hers.” Silvia said to Aiden.

“That is indeed correct as well.” Aiden responded.

“But you are already here, so no reason to do all of that.” Maria said, hopping over Aiden’s legs and sitting on his lap to make him scoot over.

Aiden then went to the window seat. Maria then looked at Silvia and laughed.

Silvia brought her book back up to her face and continued to read. “So annoying.” Silvia thought to herself.

The bus ride took a few hours. The group approached a large greenery covered campus. It had a large white building in the center and several spots for airplanes and helicopters to land. The school was surrounded by a large gate and outside of the gates were several mansions.

Maria got on Aiden to look out the window at the sight.

“Wow! This is awesome!” Maria said, looking at all the gadgets that were being tested by the upperclassmen.

“This school must have quite the budget.” Aiden said, looking at all the state of the art equipment on campus. Several of the students around were as tall if not taller than Aiden. He no longer seemed out of place.

The bus then stopped in front of a modern dorm. 

Then a school administrator got on the bus.

“Welcome to The International Innovators and Developers High School for Global Leaders’ Campus, or as we say here, Indiglobe. I will be your guide Sherry Alimos.” Sherry said with excitement.

Maria got excited seeing Sherry introduce them to the area.

“Now we should have Maria Li, Silvia Reiners and Angeal Heavens, correct?” Sherry asked.

“That’s right!” Maria responded.

“That’s great to hear. Okay, let’s get you all off of this cramped bus and into the sunlight!” Sherry said getting off of the bus. Maria, Silvia and Aiden followed behind.

There were a few other students who were already waiting. Some turned to look at the group.

Some groups had already begun to form. A group was knee deep in a discussion about what could be the source of mass for elementary particles, while others talked about the use of Stem Cells for the growth of Human Organs.

Aiden, Maria and Silvia just stood watching.

“Hey hey! My name is Ventus! What are your names?” Ventus, a tall student with relatively wild hair, and dark eyes asked the group.

Maria turned around to look at him. She then looked up. “Wow, you are tall. Are you the same age as us?” Maria asked Ventus.

“I was born on June 10th. So I just turned 12.” Ventus said to the group.

“Wow, so you are almost 2 years younger than me!” Maria responded. “Well, my name is Maria. I am the General, and this is my Loyal Corporal Angeal.” Maria said, introducing herself and Aiden.

“Cool, so you’re already a General?! That’s impressive. It usually takes people several decades to get to that rank. Which branch of service are you in?” Ventus asked.

“She’s lying, she’s not a General. Even you could tell that, right?” Silvia said to Ventus.

“I usually give people the benefit of the doubt, after all, look at the school you are in.” Ventus said to Silvia. “So what’s your name?” Ventus asked Silvia.

“My name is Silvia Reiners.” Silvia responded.

“Silvia? Oh that’s cool. Your name is forest in Latin, mine is the wind. So maybe that means we are a good match friendship wise.” Ventus said to Silvia.

“Don’t get your hopes up.” Silvia responded.

“I am a General!” Maria said to Silvia.

“Are you really still on about that?” Silvia said to Maria.

Ventus then started talking to Aiden. “Seems like you got your hands full.” Ventus joked with Aiden.

“I hardly notice.” Aiden responded.

Ventus then looked in Aiden’s eyes. Ventus then gained a small smirk on his face. “I’m sure you don’t, everything probably comes easy to you eh?” Ventus said to Aiden, as he hit him on his shoulder as if they were friends.

Aiden looked at where Ventus touched and seemed to have gotten slightly annoyed.

“Okay everyone, follow me, as I give you a tour of campus!” Sherry said as the freshmen got up and followed her.

Maria, Aiden and Silvia all walked together as they looked around at the campus.

“Can you believe it Aiden, we are actually here!” Maria whispered to Aiden.

“Yes, who would have thought that you went from having nearly a failing GPA to this.” Aiden joked with Maria.

“Hey! I wasn’t that bad!” Maria said, punching Aiden’s arm.

“Are you usually left out of conversations?” Ventus asked Silvia.

Silvia looked up at Ventus then turned away. “I choose not to participate in most of their conversations.” Silvia responded.

“I understand that. But you know, it’s nice to have something familiar when you are exploring a new area.” Ventus said to Silvia.

“Then where are your friends? Do you not have any?” Silvia said to Ventus with a rather hostile tone. But Ventus ignored how it came off.

“I came here alone, I introduced myself to everyone here. They seem to take to me well. But I don’t want to disturb people already in conversations.” Ventus said to Silvia walking next to her.

“Then could you not disturb me either, thanks.” Silvia said to Ventus. Ventus then tilted his head as if he was wearing a hat. 

“Sure thing, I won’t bother you.” Ventus then moved away from Silvia with a disappointed look on his face.

Maria looked back and saw Ventus’ face. “Hey Aiden, what do you think of that Ventus guy?” Maria asked him.

“He’s young, and very excited. Could be at times annoying.” Aiden responded.

“You found him annoying? That’s like the first time I heard you describe someone like that!” Maria was surprised that Aiden actually had an opinion about someone.

“I’m not quite sure, I just know I’d rather not spend too much time with him.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Oh, okay. Then I guess I won’t offer him the rank of a Private then.” Maria said to Aiden.

They all continued to walk and be shown around.

Sherry brought everyone back to the dorms.”Okay, all of your items have been taken up to your new rooms! And you can find out where those are and your roommates on the panel over there!” Sherry pointed to a glass covered box by the elevators.

“I already had a place picked out, I don’t need a dorm room.” A student by the name of Richard said to Sherry.

“All Freshmen have to live in the dorms. Once you become upperclassmen then you can live off campus.” Sherry responded.

“I’ll just have to get my dad to say something about that then.” Richard said, taking out his cell phone.

Maria went over to the list of roommates.

“Maria Li and Silvia Reiners, Room 808.” The line said.

Maria then went to Sherry. “Can I change my roommate? I already decided that I wanted to stay with Angeal Heavens.” Maria asked Sherry.

“Girls and Boys cannot stay in the same dorm room. That’s not to say you can’t visit, you just can’t sleep in the same rooms.” Sherry responded. “And no, you can’t change your roommates. You will get to do that your sophomore year.” 

Maria rolled her eyes. “Out of everyone here, it had to be Silvia.” Maria complained.

“I’m not excited about that either.” Silvia said to Maria.

“Really Father! You can’t let them do that!” Richard said loudly on the phone. He then hung up.

“Well?” Sherry asked.

“I am protesting!” Richard said, crossing his arms. “Who is with me!?” Richard yelled out.

The other students just looked at him. Ventus then touched Richard on the shoulder. “It’s okay, it’s just for one year.” Ventus said. Richard then calmed down.

Richard exhaled. “I guess it is only a year. Let me check who I’m rooming with.” Richard said, going to the box.

The other students were impressed with Ventus. “Thanks, Ventus Marcos, wasn’t it?” Sherry asked.

“Yes it is!” Ventus smiled.

Aiden looked at the panel. “Angeal Heavens and Ventus Marcos, Room 888.” The panel said.

Aiden looked over at Ventus. Ventus noticed Aiden looking at him and waved. Then he gave Aiden a thumbs up. Aiden seemed annoyed.

“Seems like both of us got people we didn’t want.” Maria said to Aiden.

Ventus walked over to the two. “So what’s the name Aiden supposed to be, is that a nickname? Can I call you Aiden?” Ventus said to them.

“How’d you know I call him that?” Maria asked Ventus.

“I heard you saying it when we were taking the tour around campus. At first I was confused because I thought your name was Angeal, but then I assumed it was a nickname.” Ventus smiled at them.

“Well don’t call me that.” Aiden said to Ventus.

Maria was shocked once again. “Aiden, why are you acting like this?” Maria asked with confusion. “Do you really not want him to use that name?” Maria added.

“Of course not.” Aiden responded.

“Okay, then I’ll just call you Angeal. I’ll see you up in our room.” Ventus said walking away and to the elevators.

“Now that he is gone, you can make him forget your name.” Maria said to Aiden.

Aiden then looked over at Ventus and went to erase that memory. Aiden then looked down back at Maria.

“Okay, it’s done.” Aiden responded.

Ventus looked back and smirked at Aiden. Then he went into the elevator.

“Okay! Let’s go check out our rooms!” Maria said to Aiden as she rushed over.

Maria and Aiden entered room 808, where Silvia began to unpack her stuff.

“Hey! I wanted the left side!” Maria yelled out.

“Too bad, you came too slow. So it’s mine.” Silvia responded, continuing to take her stuff out.

Maria then threw her stuff out of her bag and onto the floor. It spread everywhere in the room. 

“What are you doing?” Silvia asked Maria. Some of Maria’s items landed on Silvia’s side of the room.

“What do you think I’m doing, I’m unpacking!” Maria responded, taking out more items. “Corporal, assist me with this.” Maria commanded Aiden.

Aiden walked over and began to fold Maria’s clothes.

“We aren’t in middle school anymore, you can’t just make him do everything for you. This is a fresh start.

“As you can see, Angeal has no problems with it. So you stay on your side with your books, and I’ll stay on my side with Angeal.” Maria said to Silvia.

Silvia, annoyed, took her favourite books out of her bag and placed them on the shelves. She then started playing classical music as she was unpacking.

“Nope! None of that.” Maria said to Silvia.

“I’m on my side of the room. So what’s your problem?” Silvia asked Maria.

“My problem is that your noise is leaking to my side of the room!” Maria responded.

“It’s not noise, it’s music. But I’m not surprised that you don’t recognize it.” Silvia said to Maria as she continued to put things away.

There was a knock on their door.

“Yeah?” Maria called out.

“A group of us are going to eat at the dining hall, I wanted to see if you guys wanted to come?” Ventus asked at the door.

“Nah, I’m good.” Maria responded.

“And what about you?” Ventus asked Silvia.

Silvia looked over at Maria and Aiden. “I’m okay, I have a lot to unpack.” Silvia responded to Ventus.

“Okay, well if you change your mind, that’s where we will be.” Ventus said, closing their door.

“”Are you staying here on purpose just so I can’t claim stuff?” Maria asked Silvia.

“Exactly, I knew that’s what you were thinking. I can skip a meal or two just to make sure you don’t get your way.” Silvia responded to Maria.

Aiden had finished putting away Maria’s clothes and started on making her bed.

Later on that night.

“It’s getting late, Angeal. You should probably return to your room.” Silvia said to Aiden. Silvia was on her bed reading a book. She wanted to take a shower but didn’t want Aiden there to see her change.

“It’s not that late. We just need one more round of cards.” Maria said playing mother may I with Aiden.

“I want to get changed. I can’t if he is in the room.” Silvia said to Maria.

“What? Is there something wrong with your body?” Maria asked.

“He is a guy, guys aren’t supposed to be with girls as they change!” Silvia said to Maria, scolding her.

Maria looked up at Aiden.

“Oh, it never bothered me.” Maria responded.

Aiden then got up. “I’ll just go. It’s obvious she would be uncomfortable.” Aiden said, going to the door.

Maria then pointed at Aiden. “Okay Corporal. Get up bright and Early. We have surveying to do!” Maria said to Aiden.

“Aye Aye.” Aiden responded by shutting the door. Aiden walked down the hall to the male side of the building.

He stood in front of room 888 and entered.

Ventus was sitting on his bed looking up at the ceiling. Aiden walked in and just went over to his side.

Their room was devoid of any decoration. Both Ventus and Aiden brought nothing with them to the school.

Aiden sat on his bed and looked up at the ceiling.

They both were silent for a long time just looking up.

“What are you looking at?” Aiden asked.

“It would seem weird if I told you.” Ventus responded, but in a more melancholic mood.

“I doubt it would be something I don’t know about.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Eh, it probably is. But I’m done.” Ventus said, turning his attention at Aiden. He then put on his smile.

Aiden then looked over at Ventus.

“Seems like we somehow became roommates, pretty lucky eh?” Ventus smiled talking to Aiden.

“If this is considered Lucky, then I’d rather rely on ability.” Aiden responded.

“You must be very confident in your abilities, yeah? Considering you did get into this school and all.” Ventus asked Aiden.

“It wasn’t difficult.” Aiden responded, turning away from Ventus.

“So what did you do to get noticed?” Ventus asked Aiden.

“I made a high capacity storage harddrive that can store more than a terabyte of data.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Wow, over a terabyte. That’s impressive. That type of thing doesn’t start getting mass produced until around 2015.” Ventus responded.

Aiden was confused. “Is that a guess?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Eh, who knows.” Ventus responded. Ventus then went to change the subject. “I think I know something that you don’t know I know.” Ventus said joking with Aiden.

“And what could that be?” Aiden asked Ventus.

“Well if I told you then you would know that I know.” Ventus joked again. “That’s a pretty fun friend group you have there. You seem to be the only one who actually has the capacity to survive here.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“What makes you say that?” Aiden asked.

“That’s a secret of mine.” Ventus smiled. “But I don’t want any of you guys leaving, so I am going to help out as much as I can.” Ventus said to Aiden. He sent out his hand for Aiden to agree.

“That’s not needed.” Aiden responded.

“Wow, you are really confident.” Ventus said, taking back his hand.

“Well, I can do anything.” Aiden said to Ventus in a serious manner.

Ventus then laid down on his bed. Then he turned around to go to sleep. “Well not anything.” Ventus placed the covers over his body. “Eh, Aiden.” Ventus said dozing off.

Aiden looked over at Ventus, wondering how he still knew his name.

Aiden stayed away as he usually did.

The next day came bright and early. Aiden left the room to meet up with Maria.

Some of the other students had gotten up for an early morning jog.

“Wow, these kids sure are motivated.” Maria said to Aiden.

“What would we expect, this is the top school in the world afterall.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“So, how did it feel sleeping away from me? Were you crying of loneliness?” Maria laughed joking with Aiden.

 “Not in the slightest.” Aiden responded.

“How was your roommate? Was he surprised that you never went to sleep?” Maria asked Aiden.

“It didn’t seem like he cared. He went to sleep rather quickly.” Aiden said to Maria. Maria nodded her head.

“Does he have anything weird in the room?” Maria asked Aiden, curious to see what other people’s rooms were like.

“Ventus didn’t bring anything with him here. So our room is empty.” Aiden explained to Maria.

“Empty? He did the same thing you did? How does he have fun? He seems like such an entertaining person, it’s hard to think that he doesn’t have anything.” Maria noticed that the campus had an artificial river running through it.

“When I entered he was just looking at the ceiling, there was nothing there.” Aiden told Maria.

“Maybe he was gazing into another world, ha!” Maria laughed, making fun of the fact that Aiden couldn’t see what he saw.

“I doubt that.”  Aiden responded.

“Are you curious to know what he is doing now? He could be on your side of the room just smelling it or something.” Maria tried to creep Aiden out.

“No, I’m not curious.” Aiden responded.

“Come on, it’s a new person. You aren’t even a little curious?” Maria tried to get Aiden to budge.

“It seems like you want to know, so I can check for you.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Yeah, do recon!” Maria excitedly said. Aiden then went invisible and flew to the room.

Ventus was sitting on his bed. He was looking at the wall. Ventus then turned towards the window quickly. He looked at where Aiden was and squinted his eyes.

Aiden was confident that Ventus couldn’t see him. Ventus continued to look at the window until Aiden left.

Aiden came back to Maria.

“Well?” Maria asked.

“He was just sitting, staring at the wall, then he started staring out the window.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Oh! So he saw you?” Maria asked.

“Of course not.” Aiden responded.

“I don’t know. It seems like he did.” Maria joked.

Aiden then thought to himself. Then he started talking to Maria. “Right before he went to sleep he mumbled my name.” Aiden said to Maria.

“That’s weird. Why would he do that?” Maria said feeling creeped out.

“I don’t mean that he mumbled ‘Angeal’, he mumbled ‘Aiden’.” Aiden said to Maria.

Maria’s face was surprised. “Oh! Wow! I thought you cleared his memory.” Maria asked.

“I did clear it, he should not have known my name.” Aiden said to Maria.

“Well, he probably overheard us talking again, like he did last time.” Maria said to Aiden.

The two walked some more around campus. When they were returning a batch of students were at the front. Silvia was off to the side.

“Hey roomie! Do you want to jump in a game of kickball for a little exercise before breakfast!” Ventus asked Aiden.

“Kickball!? I haven’t played that in years!” Maria excitedly responded.

“Then come on and join, so far it’s 8 vs 8.” Ventus said to Maria.

“Then yeah, let me get in.” Maria said to Ventus. “Corporal, you are joining too.” Maria said to Aiden.

“That makes 9 vs 9. I think we can start.” A student named Keith said as the group started walking. Silvia followed behind.

“You’re actually going to play?” Maria asked Silvia.

“Ventus caught me as I was looking for you guys. He said that you would join the game, so I decided to just wait.” Silvia responded.

“Ah, so you just wanted to hang out with us. Looks like you can’t get us out of your head!” Maria laughed at Silvia.

“You’re so annoying.” Silvia responded.

The group approached the field and it looked like it was being used by a group of sophomores.

“Darn it, it seems like we were a little too late.” Keith said kicking the dirt.

“So what now? Do we just want to search for another field?” Joyce asked the group.

Maria then looked up at Aiden. “Get them off of the field, Aiden.” Maria said.

“I suppose I can just cause some water to soak them then they would leave the field.” Aiden responded.

“Sure, do that.” Maria responded.

Ventus had already begun walking back. “It’s no problem. They agreed to go ahead and eat breakfast and then have the field after us for the rest of the day.” Ventus said to the group.

“Cool, looks like we are still good to go!” Keith said, running out to the field.

The sophomores left the field, and the freshmen went on.

“How’d he do that?” Maria asked.

“He might just be exceptionally good at Politics. I didn’t ask him yesterday.” Aiden responded to Maria.

“Okay, let’s pick the team leaders. How about the two tallest guys in class!?” Keith asked the group.

The freshmen looked around and agreed that would be the most fair method to select, since no one knows each other’s physical abilities yet.

So Aiden and Ventus stepped forward to the front.

Keith had a coin in his hand he was going to flip. “Okay, call it in the air Angeal.” Keith said as he flipped the coin.

The coin was in the air and Aiden calculated what it was going to land on.

“Heads.” Aiden said.

A subtle wind then came and blew the coin off its rotation. Now it was going to land on tails. The coin landed on the ground with tails.

“So that means Ventus can decide to pick first or second.” Keith gestured to Ventus.

“I’ll pick first.” Ventus grinned at Aiden.

“Sure.” Aiden responded.

Ventus looked at everyone in the freshmen class.

“Aiden is going to select Maria first, maybe I should select her just to take away that option.” Ventus thought to himself.

Ventus then clamped his hands together. “I pick Maria Li.” Ventus said, pointing at Maria.

Maria lifted up both of her hands to decline. “Oh, I wanted to be on Angeal’s team.” Maria responded to Ventus.

“Surely one game on different teams isn’t going to put too much of a strain on your rock solid relationship, don’t you think?” Ventus asked Maria.

“There’s nothing Ventus can say that would get Maria to go to his team.” Aiden thought to himself.

“That’s true, but…” Maria was responding before Ventus interjected.

“If you really don’t want to join my team then I can select anyone else, just wanted to give you this opportunity to see what you are all about, General.” Ventus said to Maria.

Maria then smirked. “You’re right. A General should demonstrate their capabilities even without their subordinates.” Maria said with a giant grin on her face looking at Aiden.

Aiden watched Maria go to Ventus’ side. “He’s good.” Aiden thought to himself. “However, he is still Human, so this game is already a win for my side.” Aiden thought as he looked at the others he could choose from.

Aiden calculated the strength of the remaining players and selected them accordingly. Ventus selected seemingly at random.

Aiden’s team consisted of: Jerry Terrell, John Lynn, Zofia Johns, David Shannon, Antonio Moore, Paul Nettleton, Joyce Smith, Gary Khan, and himself.

Ventus’ team consisted of: Luetta Todd, Tammy Crabtree, Keith Johnson, Steve Martinez, Steven Milligan, Joanne Coyce, Maria Li, Silvia Reiner, and himself.

“That looks good. Since I got to pick first, you guys get to kick first. Good luck.” Ventus said to Aiden.

Aiden then went to the in field.

Ventus’ Team huddled together to discuss a game plan.

“They have Angeal on their team, so he is going to be their best player. We just needs to make sure we focus on him.” Maria said to Ventus.

“I agree, we all went to the same middle school. Angeal is physically impressive.” Silvia added.

“That’s good to know. If that’s the case then when he’s up I will get closer to the plate.” Ventus said to the group.

“How’s that going to work?” Maria asked.

“Trust me, it will.” Ventus smiled.

“I think you might be underestimating Angeal.” Maria responded.

“I would never underestimate anyone.” Ventus said. “As for the line up. Luetta, as an aspiring Mechanic I would like you to be our first pitcher.” Luette nodded her head. Ventus looked over at Tammy. “Tammy the politician, you can be a shortstop. That’ll require quick and calculated decision making in uncertain situations. That’s perfect for you.” Ventus said to her.

Ventus placed his team out this way for the rest of them. Maria was placed in the outfield due to her fast acceleration and stamina. And Silvia was placed on second base, a location that usually would be run past quickly, but when the bases are loaded is a vital point to prevent scores.

Aiden allowed his team to step up to the plate whenever they were comfortable.

Luetta had the bright red ball in her hand. She set up to begin to roll it. Gary Khan was the first one to kick.

Luetta rolled the ball and Gary Khan missed the first kick. “That’s strike one.” Luetta said, taunting Gary.

“I’m just rusty.” Gary responded.

Luetta then rolled the ball again. And again Gary missed. “That’s strike two!” Luetta called out. Gary then started to get frustrated.

“Come on, just calculate where it’s going to be.” Gary thought to himself.

“Now he should be the most concentrated on trying to kick the ball. So if I make it bouncy then he won’t notice it and kick it at its earliest point, which would send the ball high into the air, allowing plenty of time for someone in the outfield to get under and grab it.” Luetta thought to herself holding the ball.

Luetta then rolled the ball with a lot of bounce.

Gary did not stop the ball and ask for a reroll, he instead kicked it as hard as he could as predicted. The ball went high into the air and Gary began to run to first.

Keith slowly went underneath the ball and caught it. “He’s out!” Keith called out.

Gary got off first and walked back to the infield.

Aiden’s team were able to kick two grounders, loading up first and second base. Now Aiden, who set himself as fourth, was up to kick.

“I’ll just send it near the foul line, nothing too impressive, but enough to get second base to score.” Aiden thought to himself.

Ventus got up close to Aiden, barely five meters from him.

“Well, now launching it high isn’t going to be an option. He will catch it before it even gets out of height range. So I better go for a grounder… though he is close enough to just pick it up and tag me out, then could throw the ball at second and get them out.” Aiden was thinking to himself.

Ventus stared down Aiden. “So roomie, what is going to be your next move?” Ventus asked.

“You do know if I kick it hard you could get hurt.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“You are confident in your abilities, aren’t you?” Ventus smirked at Aiden.

Luetta rolled the ball at Aiden. Aiden decided to kick it as hard as he could without bursting the ball. This way it may move past Ventus before he notices.

Aiden kicked the ball and it was a direct hit. The ball was sent forward at incredible speed. 

“Wow, that’s fast.” Ventus thought to himself seeing Aiden kick the ball. But he placed himself in the direct path and let the ball hit his chest. The ball popped into the air and Silvia ran forward to catch it.

Silvia caught the ball and Aiden was out.

She looked at Aiden confused. “I guess that’s three outs.” Silvia said to Aiden.

“Seems that it is.” Aiden smirked. This was an expression that Silvia did not recognize from Aiden.

Ventus got up with a big red mark on his chest. “Okay Team, now it’s our turn!” The teams switched sides.

“That was a good kick.” Ventus gave Aiden a thumbs up. 

“Wow Aiden! How did you get out!? It’s like he knew exactly what you were going to do.” Maria said to Aiden.

“You’re right. And that’s not the first time it seemed like that.” Aiden responded to Maria.

The Freshmen continued to play their games. Maria got to kick the ball a few times and run through the bases cheering when she crossed home.

Silvia despite her minimal physical skill was able to score, and get the feeling of a successful sporting event.

Each time Aiden or Ventus were up to kick the other would meet them head on to prevent any scoring or play making.

“Score’s 8 to 9 Angeal, if I can get this kick pass you seem like we will win.” Ventus said to Aiden.

“Well that’s unfortunate for you because I am going to catch the ball and that will be 3 outs and the end of the game.” Aiden responded to Ventus.

“That’s not what I see.” Ventus responded again with a smirk.

David Shannon rolled the ball. Aiden watched closely to analyze where Ventus’ foot made contact with the ball.

The ball rolled towards Ventus and Ventus stepped directly down on the ball stopping it completely at home. Then he started running.

This caught Aiden by surprise because the ball didn’t go anywhere. Aiden quickly grabbed the ball and threw it over to first, but by then Ventus had already made his way there. And because the ball was no longer at home, the person on third started running. The person with the ball on first threw the ball to David. David caught and ran to tag out third, but they already crossed.

“Go, go!” Ventus yelled out to Maria who was on second base. She ran to third. David threw the ball over to second base to tag Maria, but she kept on running. Gary threw the ball at Maria, but Maria tripped and the ball went over her head. She got up and continued to run.

Ventus continued to run past second as Aiden’s team were scrabbling to decide who to tag out.

“Throw me the ball.” Aiden said to Antonio. Antonio threw Aiden the ball and Aiden ran after Ventus. Aiden started catching up to Ventus.

Aiden threw the ball quickly at Ventus before he could reach third, knocking him out.

“Got you. That’s three.” Aiden said to Ventus.

“Yeah, seems like you did, but Maria already crossed home.” Ventus smirked. Aiden looked over at the infield. The team was cheering.

“So the score is 10 to 9, We win.” Ventus said getting up from the ground.

“Seems that you did.” Aiden responded.

Maria ran at Aiden. “You see that! I made the final score and won the game despite you being on the other team, Angeal!” Maria said to Aiden.

“You sure did, good job.” Aiden responded.

“That was a great game everyone, let’s go and get some breakfast!” Ventus said to the freshmen.

They all dusted themselves off to go to the meal hall.

Maria, Silvia and Aiden decided that they were going to participate with the group for breakfast.

Ventus walked past Aiden. “So Aiden, how’d you like that?” Ventus quietly said to Aiden.

Aiden watched as Ventus walked past him. He analyzed Ventus to see if he noticed anything. “How does he know?” Aiden thought to himself.

The Freshmen class enjoyed themselves before it was time for classes to begin. They introduced themselves to everyone around and were able to learn about each other’s hobbies.

Aiden for the first time ever was left confused on who the person was that continues to annoy Aiden at every opportunity. What does he know that Aiden doesn’t know he knows?