I am Melody, they call me the storm maiden, for my powers and mysterious ways,
Veritan and Valorian blood runs rampant, ever so strong through my veins!
Unable to find peace in the place of Verity, my powers too strong and so loud,
I'm moved to Valor, where power such as mine, is of ones, of many, to be proud!
Hannah gasped awake at surprise of her sudden dream. She has dreamed of songs before, but unlike any other she wasn't the one singing the words.
"Hannah, time for school!"
Hannah heard her adopted mother call to her. She quickly grabbed her white cape-like cloth she had since birth, and jogged into the next room from her circular plain room. She typically wore her cloth like a cloak completely around her.
"Hannah dear, what would you like for breakfast?" A Rhydon asked in a sweet voice.
"I'm not hungry this morning…." The Minccino replied usually.
"Still upset, are we?" Rhydon looked towards a small fireplace, the only ornament in the room.
"No, it's not that." She denied in a childlike way. "I just had a weird dream."
"All of your dreams are strange to me when you describe them. But still, you are fourteen nearing fifteen and growing. The school does have big portions so I'll let you slide for today, but do eat well today. Remember the way to the school?"
Hannah rolled her blue eyes with a smile.
"Just joking!" Rhydon laughed. "Off you go!"
Hannah nodded before leaving her house quickly, which was on the outskirts of the Valorian wall. Water separated a massive stone wall and her house, discretely revealing that the city of Valor sat on a massive lake, as did Verity. The wall separated Valor and Verity, which was her home. Although it had been what felt like a century after a great war between both kingdoms, they still lacked good relations. Hannah experienced them first hand when fellow students discovered she was half Valorian. Her mother forced her to move here knowing that Valorians in general care less on where one comes from. It was extremely rare for those like her to exist because the ones living in either kingdom were completely different.
As she was taught, Valor was crowded mostly at night and calm just like Verity through the day. The streets were well lit at night, and it was almost like a daily festival Valor held. While Verity was much calmer all of the time, Hannah was curious what it would look like. Her mother was going to take her out tonight so they could see.
Although Hannah was forgetful, the school she was attending at Valor was almost always in sight. It used to be a massive arena until it was changed into a school, which was seen as a better use for the space. It still retained the aspects of an arena, with battles held on the arena floor and circular hallways. Classrooms replaced the stands but had openings in the walls where the arena floor could always be seen if the students desired to watch battles. She was taken their yesterday to know what it would look like.
"Hey, pass it over here!"
Hannah turned hearing a light shout as she passed through a small plaza. From the sidelines, she saw a Squirtle catching a small pebble before throwing it back at the direction it came from. Hannah felt a tiny spark of jealousy at his smile, but quickly turned her head and moved on.
She reached the school early used to carrying a decent number of books. Valor only required a simple notebook while Verity had three books and a notebook. Hannah hoped this only meant the Valorian schools were more focused.
She entered the school quietly through a small entrance, and found her classroom quickly. She slowly peered in the room for it to seem empty.
"I can hear you out there. Are you the new student from yesterday?"
"Yes." Hannah recognized a male Flygon's voice and stepped into the doorway.
"Let's see, your name again…. It is Melody Hannah Grace, no? Welcome to our class, apologies if we're a bit rowdy though. I'm afraid the only open seats are one right up front and a few in the back." He broke as bad news.
"I was hoping for a backseat anyways." Hannah lightly smiled.
"Glad it works out. Class starts in ten minutes, though some think being late is fashionable. I always say when class begins, so you'll know."
The Flygon returned to reading books set on his table while Hannah sat in the back and waited. Although forewarned, she was surprised at how few came in on time. The only ones there when Flygon began were herself, a shiny Zorua, the Squirtle, and a Granbull. Hannah glanced at the Zorua for a moment, feeling as if he had been in one of her dreams. Others slowly came in after it began, with only a few looking like they were in a rush. Flygon had a small look of disapproval at the students who arrived nonchalantly.
A few minutes into a lesson Hannah had already learned in depth, he turned back to the talkative students.
"Class, why is it the majority of you are late to my classes?" He asked them with his arms folded and a bored look.
The class was silent, but some were giving the teacher slightly angry looks while others just shifted uncomfortably.
"Today we are going to be learning about spirit songs, as it will be important tomorrow." Flygon went back to teaching with a bored way of talking. "It is a Veritan tradition we are partaking in to improve relations."
"Is it safe?" A Datrix asked.
"Yes. Now let's begin."
Hannah tuned the teaching out, already knowing about the subject. The spirit song was music performed by the personal guard to the queen of Verity. They inherited a special power to read one's heart and sing its tune for all to hear, revealing potential problems or evils. It started with origin before reading the heart. She planned to ask her teacher why it was important they know, and also wondered if her dream was of her own spirit song.
"Teacher, what are some uses of this?" The shiny Zorua asked.
"The practical uses astound even myself. Many have been proven innocent and guilty using this method, as it does not rely on the singer's knowledge. Therapy, proof, and simple enjoyment are some major uses. If there are no other questions, we will backtrack to yesterday's battle lesson. Not many of you seem to enjoy learning evasion. Let's head out to the main ground."
The class slowly filed out of the room with Hannah at the back end. They continued to talk nonstop through the hallways, although it seemed to be allowed due to Flygon's lack of concern. Hannah found it noisy, and blocked out all the conversations.
Unsurprisingly, their destination was the main arena floor, which was where battles would take place if it was still an arena.
"I'm going to demonstrate evasion again, class. Watch carefully, and if…."
The Flygon's voice trailed in her mind. She absentmindedly watched as a few students took turns aiming attacks at them as he demonstrated simple footwork. She always hummed songs when she was bored, but with the crowd she simply tapped her foot to a beat.
"Hannah, the class has picked their partners, would you care for some general practice with me?" Flygon snapped Hannah from her daze.
"Oh, uh, yes!" She stammered.
"Just a light battle will do, this way." Flygon led her a ways away from the training taking place. "This will also help me place your prowess for future reference as well, although I was sent your grades from your previous school. You have quite an impressive record."
"Thank you, sir…." Hannah accepted nonchalantly. She never really cared about her school performance, but her dream was to be the best songstress in the world, and wanted to be the strongest one. She also looked up to rescue work and exploring, but mostly had singing on her mind.
"Well then, I'll up how much effort I put into this battle as if I feel you are handling it well. Are you prepared?"
"Yes sir." Hannah nodded.
Flygon took to the sky at a very low altitude, but still a decent way above Hannah's head. He used a quick dragonbreath, and Hannah side stepped avoiding it effortlessly.
"Impressive."
Hannah sweat dropped.
"I think you can handle an all-out assault of attacks." He declared.
"Umm…. What?"
Flygon attacked with constant dragonbreaths as Hannah was forced to dance on her feet. She avoided every attack masterfully until he stopped attacking. She still hadn't broken a sweat.
"I know you're wondering why I knew you would be able to handle such. It was the way you avoided my first attack. You didn't just glide on your feet, you did it naturally as a second nature. That peaceful flow is the level of great battlers in history, well done!" He smiled. "Now watch your new classmates to see what I mean."
Hannah saw most of them tripping or landing roughly from moving around dodging attacks. They were heavy on their feet and lacked strategy for dodging another attack following.
"You see, in battle there is a flow like dancing. It changes, becomes slow, fast, and is able to be bent as if to a song. Many don't achieve being able to feel this flow, although I see Blue is getting very close to doing such." Flygon pointed to the shiny Zorua, who was succeeding at dodging most of his partner's attacks.
"This was all I had planned for today, so you can merely sit back, relax, and get used to the atmosphere for today. Also, do get acquainted with some of our students. Tomorrow we're primarily working on power." The Flygon flew to the area for the evasion practice. "Blue, you can take a rest. I'll fill in!"
For the remainder of the day Hannah simply observed, but she never spoke to anyone besides the teacher. She wasn't disappointed, but was still anxious about how her classmates there would react if they discovered her origins. Just before she was going to leave the class for the day, she remembered to ask Flygon about why learning about the spirit songs was important.
"Well, the personal guard to the Veritan crown is visiting this very school to partake in spirit songs for some students. We hope seeing our compliance will help cool some Veritan tempers." Flygon leaned in over his desk to whisper, though they were left alone in the classroom. "The staff here are also hoping you would participate."
"Why?"
"Well, there is lack of belief that Veritans and Valorians can ever get along. You are a living statement against such, and both kingdoms would enjoy the boost in confidence. However it is ultimately your choice." Flygon leaned back and began to speak usually. "Now then, hurry alone and be prepared for tomorrow. I promise it will be fun."
"Yes sir…" Hannah drearily replied.
She kicked a lone pebble on the way back to her home. She fell asleep waiting for her mother to wake her so they could see Valor at night.
"You have to embrace yourself as well, or else you'll fall here, to me of all opponents!"
Hannah woke with a start from her very short-lived dream.
"Hannah, it is now sunset. Would you like to go out now or wait a little longer, dear?"
"Oh! Uh, yes, we can go now." She rubbed her eyes.
"Excellent! Once we get to the fountain I'll just let you mingle." The Rhydon took Hannah's hand helping her get up.
Hannah slowly woke up with the fresh and chilly night air along the way. Although seeing Valor at night wasn't particularly a dream for her, she felt a curious adrenaline.
"Oh my!" Hannah's mother exclaimed seeing the pillar of water of the huge fountain stretching higher than all of the surrounding buildings. Hannah easily recognized a decent portion of her classmates from a distance.
"Well, off you go from here. I think I'll keep my distance and take it all in, heh!" She chuckled.
Hannah gulped before slowly entering the outskirts of the crowd. Her only plan was to simply find a small group of her classmates to hide in.
"Hey, nice to meet you!" The shiny Zorua suddenly approached her. "I think I saw you in Flygon's class, right?"
"Uh, yes!" Hannah stuttered out of surprise.
"Well, my name's Blue. And you?"
"Me-…. Hannah." She was surprised at herself for nearly saying her real first name.
"Well, want to meet a few of my friends?" He offered slowly.
Hannah nodded.
"Hey guys!" Blue called behind him a small group. "This Buneary is Luisa, this Squirtle is Jake, and this Shieldon is Ray!"
"Ooh, how nice of you to introduce us, Blue!" The Buneary squeaked. Hannah instantly pinned down that she liked Blue.
"Nice to meet ya!" The Squirtle quickly chirped.
"So, what do you like to do?" Ray asked.
"Um, just singing and dancing really. Those are what I do in my free time…"
"Ooh, me too! We should put on a little show!" The Buneary suggested. Hannah, however, immediately felt the hidden competitive edge in her chirpy voice. She never really sang for anything other than enjoyment.
"Um, sure! Go for it." She stammered.
"Fine, I'll go first. And then you're going to sing too! That alright, Blue?" She asked sweetly.
"I'm never bothered by singing, Luisa!" He responded.
"Ok, time to shine! For your information, that's a catch phrase of mine!" She hymned skipping off to the fountain.
"I can tell you're from a quiet place. Be sure to be ready to cover your ears…" Ray warned.
"Especially with what she likes to sing." Blue remarked.
"TURN UP THE VOLUME!"
Hannah immediately covered her ears, unable to listen to her song overwhelmed by the instantaneous noise. Blue tapped her on the shoulder and gestured to a tiny alleyway in between two of the shops. She followed him with Ray and Jake in tow. Hannah noticed the sudden lack of the blasting music, and cautiously took her arms down from her head.
"This is where Blue camps out for one of her songs. You can still hear it, but it doesn't blast your ears out." Jake patted his head.
"Yeah, whenever singing is mentioned she just goes for it." Blue relented.
"And competitively too, if you couldn't feel it yourself. What do you plan to do, Hannah?" Ray asked.
"Yeah…. She's raising a bar for you to jump over as we speak. If you sing after this, they will be comparing, at least subconsciously." Jake noted.
"Well, I don't really like singing for competition, much less in front of others…." She admitted. "I would definitely prefer not to."
"Alright." Ray accepted.
"Sorry you're being pressured like this. I wish Luisa could cooldown sometimes." Blue complained.
I mean, it's not like you did anything to instigate competition, friendly or not."
"Let's head back and see what Luisa has to say." Ray decided.
"Don't worry, we'll sort this out." Blue attempted to calm Hannah's nerves before they made their way back. To her surprise, Luisa was already done singing.
"What'd you think Blue? I know it's your favorite song!" She quickly bounced to him.
"It was good as always. Hey Luisa, about-"
"C'mon Hannah, your turn!"
"Wait, stop. Luisa!" Blue called out as she dragged Hannah away. Hannah was too intimidated by the large crowd to focus and get away.
"EVERYONE LISTEN UP!" Luisa roared as soon as she stood up on the rim of the fountain. "This is Hannah! This is her first time here, and she likes to sing!"
Hannah's face paled at the cheers and looks she was getting.
"So, here at Valor it's our job to express who we are!" Luisa put an arm around her.
Hannah shivered more at the Buneary. She had already marked herself as someone Hannah would normally avoid in their meeting, but she could feel her envy and some form of anger from her even more. She quickly felt more and more toxic in a way.
"Well Hannah? Up to it?!" She finished a short speech.
"I'll pass for today, maybe another time!" Hannah quickly tried to hop down from the fountain rim but Luisa caught her in one arm and pulled her back up.
"Oh, c'mon guys! Give her a hand!" She shouted.
Amongst the loud cheers, Luisa leaned back and whispered into Hannah's ear.
"We don't take in newcomers with no guts. It's ok though, embarrassment is a downfall you can live here with….."
Hannah wasn't surprised at how sour she was feeling it beforehand.
"I will not be forced into doing anything…." She declared. "But, I do think I would enjoy singing here. The fountain is beautiful…."
"She says she'll do it! Stage is all yours!" Luisa bounced off the rim, turned, and waited.
"Luisa, settle down!" Blue bounded up next to Hannah. "I know she would rather do it later, there's no need for you to peer pressure her into doing it now!"
"Hey! We just want a show and she said she's willing to put one on! Just a party, Blue!" She waved it off.
Hannah closed her eyes, pretending she was back in Verity. She grew up in a small village that was hand in hand with nature, and she tried to remember the freedom that came with being alone.
"Hey, courage isn't forcing someone to do what you want!" Blue hopped down and scolded Luisa in her face.
"Courage is doing something you don't necessarily want to do! Everyone here is born with it, right? You probably don't know if she's Valorian!" She smiled cheekily.
"Heritage does not matter here. If it did, nothing would ever change!" Blue argued.
"Wait, you want me to do this t-to prove my heritage?" Hannah was snapped out of her daydream just before beginning.
"Blood matters, Hannah. Do you belong with us or not?" She straightforwardly asked.
"No it-"
"Stop stop stop! It's Hannah's turn to talk!" She singed while putting a paw over Blue's mouth.
"I belong here….." Hannah paused making a decision. She simply couldn't openly ignore or lie about her wonderful years in Verity, not even to Luisa. "And I belong in Verity as well."
Thankfully, most of the crowd didn't hear mindlessly chatting away or shopping late. They weren't paying attention unless Luisa was talking or someone was performing. Ray, Jake, and Blue heard however, and they reeled back in surprise.
"OR, it means you belong in neither."
Hannah covered her mouth feeling as if she'd been stabbed.
"Luisa!" Blue hissed.
Hannah quickly regained her demeanor for a short time to hop off of the fountain and flee the group.
"What is wrong with you?!" Jake bit at Luisa.
"I've never seen such a black heart…." Ray determined.
"Hmph. Sorry, I'm kind only to my kind, as you should be." She snorted leaving.
"I'm going after her." Blue dashed leaving his friends behind. If there was one thing he hated, it was having a different heritage meant.