So officially this story is still starting in February but today's my birthday so I felt like updating at least one , extra long chapter ahead. Aurora has to test into Red Fountain, meet the Specialists, and go on the mission where the first episode come in. Hope you like. I own only Aurora. Credits to tears-in-rain. I'm using her timeline of the Specialists events to centre my story of Aurora on.
Chapter 2: Red Fountain and My First Mission
The bus stopped and I walked out with my bags in hand, staring at Red Fountain. The cream colored walls gleamed in the early morning sunshine. Crimson colored tiles were at its top, where a banner fluttered in the wind. I marched right into the school. Ms. Faragonda had given me a map of the school and instructed me to go directly to Headmaster Saladin's office. I followed the map and made it to the office when I heard someone say "Well come on in dear child and take a seat."
I walked in and saw the man who I presumed to be the Headmaster, a small man with gray hair and a cane with a beautiful dragon on its end where he was holding it from.
"Well you certainly don't seem 14," was the first thing he said after I came in, "don't be scared why don't you tell me a little about yourself, like your combat skills which Faragonda told me you had."
He turned to look at me after saying that and took a seat at his desk.
"Um, well I learned to defend myself quite well from the local gang of boys that live in the streets. I also took some sword fighting classes from the planet's top swords master," I decided to stop there because anything else I said would involve the criminal activities I participated in and I knew I couldn't screw this.
"Really well, that's quite interesting not all swords masters give lessons and much less to a young girl like yourself, which means you really must be skilled, and don't worry about the criminal life you had Faragonda told me all about it so, you need not to worry. I have a student attending Red Fountain who I picked up that had that life beforehand." He explained which made me release, the breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"I actually learned a few strategies and many different combat styles," I informed him hoping I could raise the impressions he had of me.
"I truly believe in your word, but firstly, you will have to be evaluated and the sooner the better," he spoke. "Now you better hurry and prepare because this will be a long test."
I was starting to get the feeling that this truly was going to be the school for me. I liked nothing more than a good fight or any exercise for that matter.
"Ok, where should I meet you?" I asked just before I left through the door.
"At the gym," he responded softly.
I walked through the halls and couldn't help but admire the place. This was no Alfea, yet I really liked it. I found the bathroom and changed quickly into something I could move easily in, but also something that wouldn't get caught in anything, since most of my clothes were baggy. I hurried throught the halls towards the gym. I found it rather quickly, which was totally dark, and was surprised by a sudden attack to my chest. I responded quickly by blocking, I then took my guarding stance ready for the next hit. The lights then turned on, my eyes were momentarily blinded by the light, but I didn't let that get in my way, I stayed in my defensive stance.
By the door was a buff man leaning into the door frame.
"Well done girl you passed the first test," he congratulated. I of course came out of my stance but still weary of this man. I then saw the Headmaster enter and I relaxed.
"I saw the whole thing Aurora and so far things look good for you," praised Headmaster Saladin," This is Cordatorta the instructor of combat classes here. He will give you your tests today."
"I never agreed to this Headmaster Saladin, a girl in this school just doesn't fit but, hopefully she will prove me wrong," Cordatorta grumbled.
"I have a feeling she will Cordatorta and you know my predictions are never wrong," Saladin responded."Now I will leave you." He left, leaving me with the instructor.
"First you will be tested on endurance," he said then he walked out ordering me to follow him. We reached a swimming pool.
"Now 100 laps around the pool!" he commanded. I dove into the pool, thanking the guys for having almost drowned me that one time when I was ten. I had been forced to learn how to swim and during the summer I would escape and swim all day long in the pond. I finished the laps which seemed like nothing. I climbed out and was shouted by Cordatorta to go do running laps but I wasn't allowed to change clothes. These soaking wet clothes made running harder, but I managed. I wasn't gonna give into his desire for me to fail.
After finishing all what he said were endurance tests, he said we were moving on to hand-to-hand and weapon combat tests. I was slowly getting tired, but my stamina was high and I wasn't ready to give in just yet.
"Now good luck," he whispered as he walked out of the room he put me in. I had no idea what to expect so I stood ready. An opponent finally came in which I asumed to be magically created and slowly approached me.
Behind me I heard more footsteps and knew that my real opponent was the one behind me but I didn't want him to know I knew he was there. I blocked all my senses excepted my hearing, focusing on their movements. They simultaneously lunged for me. I arched back catching myself with my hands touching the floor, letting them crash, I pulled in my legs and kicked them out, using the momentum and the strength from my arms. I then leaped forward with a thrust of my arms, positioning myself in a fighting stance ready for their next attacks just to find that they disapeared into mid-air. I then heard a speaker break in which startled me.
"Now your objective is to get to the other side of the gym where the flag is," instructed Cordatorta over the speaker. I never thought he would give me such an easy task. I saw the flag appear and then walked towards it. Out of nowhere 2 guys appeared infront of it. So much for the easy approach. I retreated slowly, then 6 more guys popped out 2 in every direction. Damn, they were going to corner me and that was never a good thing. I looked all around me, still no solution. I wasn't about to be cornered in the middle of the gym. I ran for it somersaulting over the guys' arms linking that tried to stop me. I was so close to the flag now but as a was just a few feet away from it the ground suddenly shifted under me and the flag was now on the opposite side of the room.
I then knew the only was to get to the flag was going to be to destroy those guys. I was itching for a fight and I was finally going to get it. It seemed like the guys knew I figured out their secret and all 6 lunged at me. I easily dodged all 6 of them, jumping into mid-air, as they had bumped into each other I did a swing kick, kicking each of their face and making them fall back. As soon as the first one got up I ran to him and kicked him in the chest. One of the guys under me got a chance to grab my foot but I quickly swung my other leg around and kicked him in his face. I promptly jumped back. I was caught in the arms of the other man who had his grip on me. I jumped leaning my weight into him while my legs went back in a somersault getting him in the face as he let go of me. I landed on one knee ready to destroy the rest. The 3 guys I got a good swing at had vanished already.
Suddenly the lights went out. Great, I thought, just what I needed. I closed my eyes knowing that having them open would just use up one of my senses. I focused on all my other senses, hearing my opponents quickly approaching I got ready. This wasn't like before where I could see them, now I had to be careful more than ever. I knew they were gonna try the cornering thing again. So when I knew they just about cornered me I jumped as high as I could. They bumped into one another again and as I landed I decided to take a swing at them with my leg. I got all 3 of them but I knew the lights were still off so I would have to find the flag in the dark. I remembered I had been facing the flag when the lights went out. When I attacked I probably ended up facing the opposite direction. I went with my instinct and turned around walking right to where I felt the flag was.
I guess my instinct was right because when I thought I was close to the flag the lights turned on and I saw that the flag was 2 feet infront of me.
After all those combat tests, I was taken to a high tech room for strategy tests and preparations for a piloting test. It was so cool, I could actually fly that ship! I had to also take writen tests which suprisingly weren't hard, I was so glad at the moment that I had stayed at school to learn to write. Now they had ordered me to go take a shower and meet them in Saladin's office. Hopefully I had passed, all I wanted was to either get kicked out of this school to make it back to the gang or stay here, I just needed to know already.
I had just walked in, suddenly feeling I interupted them since they both turned to look at me, like I had caught them in the middle of a convesation.
"Glad you made it Aurora we were just finishing your evaluations," Saladin informed me looking at Cordatorta.
"But Saladin sir, this is a school for young men not girls," claimed Cordatorta who was starting to get on my nerves. Just because I was a girl didn't mean I couldn't fight.
"Enough Cordatorta, this young girl has proved that she has a very experienced level of fighting and will prove to be an excellent student at this school," Saladin retorted. I exhaled the breath I had retained thinking that I wasn't going to make it into this school.
"You are right sir, all I'm worried about are the young lads temperments and reactions towards the girl," defended Cordatorta.
"Do not worry Cordatorta, I'm sure the boys won't want to mess with the girl," responded Salasin."Now I am glad to inform you that since your skills are very advanced you will skip the freshman year course and will pass into the sophmore year."
"Now Aurora, Mary will be here in a few minutes to take your measurements for your uniform," said Cordatorta excusing himself from Saladin. "I'll see your tomorrow Aurora."
Once he left I turned to Headmaster Saladin.
"Headmaster Saladin, being the only girl in this school, I wish to blend in as much as possible, so I'd like to ask to make me a uniform that makes me look similar to any one of the guys attending this school," I stated wanting to be clear that I wanted to learn and not get distracted with other guys making a fuss over me being the only girl at this school.
"Absolutely I agree with you but you do realize they'll still notice, and let me tell you dear you are very beautiful, and attract a lot of attention," he confirmed. Damn! Cursed my looks. This is what I hated about myself, everyone said I had such a beautiful face and my aquamarine colored hair. That was one reason I got adopted so often when I was younger everyone thought I was a pretty porcelain doll girl with my pale yet stunning skin color. My gray-greenish eyes also attracted people which I cursed sometimes. I knew even with my hair shaved and guy clothes people would still recognize me as a girl.
"I know Headmaster Saladin but I still have a few adjustments to make before school starts," I responded. I'm pretty sure I had enough money saved to go buy myself a wig from a shop in Magix. My hair barely reached my shoulders since I always cut it and having it this short would better for the wig I was going to be wearing now.
"Here are the keys to your room," he said handing me some keys, "With a few rules though. Now you're the only girl here so if one of the boys comes to visit you the door stays open. Now your room has a shower so you don't head on to the shower room where the rest of the boys go. Normally all the boys have lunch in the lunchroom but you're allowed to go to your room and have lunch there if you prefer. Understood?"
"Yes sir, now if you'll excuse me I have a lot of things to get done before tomorrow," I answered walking out the door to find my room.
Once I made it to my room I couldn't believe the size of this room. I had already seen some of the rooms here that had to be shared by students and they weren't very big. This room on the other hand was the same size as the one from Alfea.
I quickly started to unpack and decided to head out to Magix to buy that wig.
I had successfully found a wig with my same hair color, well a close enough one and some clothes. I could always color it later, but for now this dull color would do. I tried on my wig and it had just the right cut. Short messy hair, just what I need. Indeed I still looked like a girl but with my fixed uniform I think I could pass as a boy. As I was getting ready to go to bed I heard someone knock on my door.
"Aurora, Headmaster Saladin would like to see you in his office," shouted Cordatorta from outside the room.
"Coming!" I shouted back at him. I still hadn't changed into my pajamas so I quickly walked to his office.
"Aurora first thing tomorrow morning I'd like to see you in my office to assign you your squad so you can meet them," ordered Saladin as I entered his office.
"Team? Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean by being in this already, I know they won't like me. Making me work with them in teams won't make the situation better," I responded not liking this idea.
"Unaccceptable you will have to work in a team for combat class while at this school," Saladin retorted.
"Ok sir, I'll see you first thing in the morning," I then left crawling into bed after such a long day, sleeping was like heaven to me since I was sure tomorrow was going to be ten times worse than today.
BUZZ!BUZZ!
"Urgg! Turn it off," I moaned pulling a pillow over my head.
BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!
Urgg! I gave up and woke up turning off the alarm next to my bed.
I went to my closet, surprised to see my uniform there already. I pulled it out and layed it on the bed. I jumped in the shower. After finishing I got dressed and put on my wig. In the mirror I quickly adjusted it making it look quite messy in what would be a normal boy's hair style. I took one last look in the mirror and I couldn't believe how much of a boy I looked like. If the guys back home saw me they wouldn't even recognize me.
I walked out the door to Headmaster Saladin's office. I still hadn't received my schedule and I had to meet my "classmates".
"Aurora finally you made it," the Headmaster greeted me. "Now it seems the boys in the squad you were assigned to are all here."
As soon as he said that Cordatorta came bursting through the door and I'm sure if he was a cartoon he would have steam coming out of his ears. He calmed down though before speaking.
"Sorry to interupt you Saladin with this young lad, but the boys won't be coming for a while Riven got in trouble already," informed Cordatorta. I couldn't help but be curious to who this Riven was if he probably didn't have an hour here yet and he was already in trouble.
"Well then Aurora it seems like the boys won't be here yet so why don't you take a seat?" offered Saladin. I turned to look at Cordatorta and realized that he didn't recognize me which made me want to burst into laughter. I really tried to contain it but what little control I had flew out the window when Cordatorta said "Wait Aurora that's you?
His dumbfounded look made made burst into a fit of giggles. Even Saladin found it hard not to laugh and let out a chuckle. Once I composed myself I answered him.
"Yes Cordatorta it's me, but if I hadn't told you, would you have seriously mistaken me as a boy?" I had to ask.
"Yes Aurora, you did a fantastic job blending in and the uniform which would give you away helps too. You do realize that they will still give you a hard time right," Cordatorta said saying the obvious. I already knew this, why couldn't they just let me handle it when the time came?
"Of course Cordatorta but wearing this will hopefully ease that up a bit," I answered.
"Alright then, I will meet up with you later Saladin, good luck Aurora," he responded leaving out the door.
"Aurora, here is your schedule I decided that I would make all your classes have at least one boy from your squad in them," he said handing me a paper. I decided that I would look at it later and stuffed it in my bag.
"Now I'm guessing the boys won't be here for a while so why don't you head onto your room for now. I'll call you when they're here," Saladin told me and just as I was leaving. "Before you leave don't forget classes start in 2 days and dinner will be later, but some Specialists head on to practice their combat skills."
I had a feeling I would go to practice some of my battle skills as well. I had to admit though that I should probably get something to eat, I was starving!
When I thought I couldn't take the wait any longer Saladin finally called, well more like sent someone to tell me.
I practically ran to his office but I didn't want to look like the freak running through the halls. Once I got to the door I thought they would already be there so it surprised me to only see Saladin in the room.
"Ah, Aurora," he greeted somewhat. I'm guessing he could see my worried face because he quickly said, "Don't worry Aurora they'll accept you into their group, some sooner than others."
I knew what he meant because I had already experienced that before with Steven and the gang, my family. I sighed, it hurt to think that right now I could be there living a life I felt I belonged in. Now I couldn't help but feel my life turned into a bunch of tests that I had to pass. I mean yeah, in life there are tons of tests you have to pass, but now it just seemed completely filled with them and nothing else. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I was startled when I heard someone behind me say, "Hello Headmaster Saladin."
I didn't think I could turn around and face them. Then I realized I didn't recognize myself anymore, when had I become this weak coward? The instant that I started to care about what people thought of me. I knew that before I never cared what people said of me but now, in this place it mattered. I would just have to watch myself with the superiors I thought. Na, who was I kidding I wanted everyone to accept me but I also knew that would never happen. Finally with my head together I turned a bit to get a glimpse of what would be my classmates. There were 4 boys standing there. A blonde haired guy, a brunette, an orange haired guy with glasses, and a magenta hair colored guy at the end with his arms crossed infront of his chest
"Glad your here boys I'd like to introduce you to your newest squad member," he said turning to look at me.
"What?" questioned what I thought to be the one with magenta hair. "A new squad member, why would we need one, last year if I recall, Cordatorta said we were one of the strongest squads?"
Humph! I thought to myself again with that attitude. This guy was unbelievable, I'm guessing he was the one who got punished today.
"Exactly why I want her to be in your squad, she would benefit greatly as will you," replied Saladin, and I couldn't bare to lift my eyes from the floor.
A chorus of "What?!" was heard throught the room.
That's when I felt bolder and lifted my head. Looking directly at all of them I couldn't help but stare though at the magenta hair one. His piercing cold violet eyes reminded me so much of Steven. At that moment I fully questioned my decision to stay here.
"No way am I gonna work with her," the magenta hair guy said whispering the last part. "And anyway this being her first year here, why would she be a sophmore?"
"Riven calm down, she most definitly was going to be a freshman but before even accepting her here we had to evalute her and she excelled all the tests, the freshman year course was way below her level," responded Saladin. "We thought that we might even put her in the junior year but we wanted to see how she adapted first."
I could see that all eyes were on me now.
"Not that I agree with all Riven's ideas, but Headmaster Saladin I really don't think this is a good idea," spoke up the brunette for the first time.
"Prince Sky, I wouldn't have put her here if I didn't think she was truly up for it, Cordatorta and I evaluated her first-hand," Saladin said trying to defend me from a battle I knew I was going to lose.
"So you expect us to just have her, be a part of our squad?" asked the blonde with a ring in his tone.
"Yes," replied Saladin very simply.
"What her parents couldn't pay for an inscription to Alfea or Cloudtower?" I immediatly flinched at the sarcasm in Riven's question. I was getting mad and really fast. I'm sure Saladin realized what was going to happen but before he could try to defend me again I spoke up.
"And what if I didn't want to go there?" I taunted Riven shooting daggers at him with my eyes.
"Finally you speak, think you're manly enough to go here?" he questioned again. "Why don't you just go back to your filthy rich parents that spoiled you and spare us all a headache."
"Riven stop it!" commanded the orange haired guy.
"No Timmy I won't, she deserves to see that the fact is that your parents won't buy you everything," responded Riven shaking off Timmy's hand which tried to hold him off as he walked towards me. I just couldn't believe how fast he assumed that firstly I had parents and that secondly they were filthy rich.
"Riven that's enough, trust me when I say that she's not here by choice," interrupted Saladin.
"How can she not have a choice, look at her, when we came in here we all thought she was a dude," he retorted.
"Riven's right Headmaster Saladin," the blonde said as he denfended Riven which I think was named Brandon, since I heard his name being passed around.
"Headmaster Saladin, I knew things were going to end up this way," I said directing myself toward him. "I've just decided it would be best if I just returned to my home planet."
"You can't, you were left in Faragonda's hands and she gave you to be in my charge," he responded. "Besides where will you go."
The guys suddenly faded into the background and I didn't realize they were there anymore.
"Headmaster Saladin, I told you that the only reason I didn't live on the streets was because I was tied down by the orphanage and now I'm free! I can finally live with the gang. I won't have to go back and forth. I'll continue my job at the bar and the sword master's lessons. If you let me go I can finally have the life I've wanted but has always been kept from me because they wanted me out of the streets."
"No, that would only mean you would be on the streets commiting crimes and wandering the streets alone," he said as if he could convince me shaking his head in disaproval.
"That's nothing I haven't done before, besides the gang is the only family I have and will ever have. I can't believe it took me this long to realize how much I miss them. They will protect me and I will never be alone, now if you'll excuse me," I said as I turned to leave.
I tried to make my way through the guys but was stopped by two strong hands pulling my arms back. I turned around to see the blonde holding one arm and the brunette holding the other.
"Let me go," I ordered but they didn't seem to listen. Guess I would have to make them listen.
"Wait," said Riven looking at me and then and there I saw the true Riven. His face said it all, which to everyone, I knew meant nothing, but I learned to read people so well by now that I knew Riven wasn't as bad as people thought of him. And I knew people thought badly of him since, who wouldn't with that temperment of his. His eyes showed feeling, so much emotion that I knew he always had hidden just like Steven. He probably felt that emotions tied him down and made him weak.
"What," I replied trying to sound annoyed and succeded. I guess they already knew each other so well they decided something without speaking to one another.
"Can we all just talk?" he pleaded, well asked but I could see the pleading through his eyes.
"Sure," I responded, glad that Sky and Brandon finally got their hands off me.
"Now explain to us exactly why you're here," asked the blondie, Brandon.
"Sure the orphanage where I grew up in thought I was unadoptable so they dropped me off at Alfea but Headmistress Faragonda said I couldn't stay there since I had no control over my magic, if I had any," I explained.
"So you're not just a subborn girl who wants to go to Red Fountain?" restated Sky.
"No even if I wanted to, I have no parents or money," I replied with a sad tone. But then I realized that even if they just changed their minds right now it was only out of pitty. I wasn't going to stay out of pitty. Hell no!
"But this doesn't mean anything, I'm not staying here out of your pitty," I snapped at them heading out the door.
But of all the people there Riven had to come follow me. I would have to give him more credit for trying to make me stay.
"You really gonna just leave after all you've been through?" he asked me making me turn around.
"What did you think, I've made it through a lot but never with one single ounce of pitty and I'm so not gonna start now," I retorted back to him giving him a glare.
"We didn't change our minds out of pitty."
"Then explain to me the sudden change of heart!"
"You probably won't believe me but I've been through the same you have. Living in the streets, robbing, fighting, you name it. This isn't new to me."
"So that's why I should stay?"
"I don't know you tell me, it cost me quite a lot to just chase a stubborn girl out of that room. I never am this kind to anybody so you better make it be worth something."
"I guess that's gonna be something I'm gonna have to work on while I'm here," I answered heading back to the room, but not before seeing the smirk on his face.
When I entered the room I tried extremely hard not to laugh at the dumbfounded looks on the guys' faces.
"Dude, how to you convince her to stay," asked Prince boy friendly slapping Riven shoulder.
"Nothing that wasn't obvious already Sky," Riven answered giving Sky a look as to the hand that was now on his shoulder. I'm guessing it worked because Sky quickly retreated from Riven. I just rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in front of my chest.
"Aurora so will you be staying then," asked Saladin.
"Yes," I replied, answering the obvious.
"Excellent, well then, now that everything has been resolved you all should be heading out," Saladin said urging us to get out.
"I would like to formally welcome you to our group Aurora," welcomed Brandon. I just smiled back at him since I was just uncomfortable with all this kindness. I wasn't use to it and when people were nice they would just want something in exchange. This was gonna take some serious, getting use to.
"Now let's head over to the training arena and get some sword practice in, besides I wanna see what this chic's made of," Riven suggested. "Unless you think it's too big of a challenge."
"Never, but I should warn you that there's still time for you to back down," I grimaced walking right through all off them.
"Damn! So Riven you gonna back down," Sky teased and I couldn't help but smile. Sky was a real goofball.
"Yeah right, she's the one that should back down," Riven reminded his friends.
"Enough talk guys, we're here so what are you guys waiting for," I asked grabbing myself a sword.
"Fine then, I gave you a warning," Riven insisted. I was starting to reconsider putting him to shame infront of all his friends.
I started to postion myself for the battle.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Now on the count of 3 you guys start," stated Timmy, "1...2...3!"
After I finished battling all the guys they decided that we should take a break and battle afterwards again. Guess they never got beaten by a girl. I felt bad about crushing Riven to a pulp so I went easy on him. I let it almost be a draw but then he made a stupid mistake that, would make me look stupid if I didn't take it. I then challenged Sky, Brandon, and Timmy. Again no real challenge there, and I easily defeated them.
"Man, girl your good," remarked Sky, it made me feel better that just, because I defeated them they held no hard feelings against me. Riven on the other hand just looked pissed, he reminded me so much of Steven. I couldn't help but wonder how he and the gang were doing.
"How about I propose a toast, seeing as we have a new member that kicks ass," suggested Sky.
"Oh come on, really," Riven protested.
"Really Sky, that's the only reason you find for a toast, knowing you there should be more," mocked Brandon.
"Obviously, I propose a toast for this awesome new year, hopefully bringing lots of adventures, and beautiful ladies like this one," Sky proposed leaning over to me while I just glared at him. We all brought our swords together and cheered, well more like Timmy,Brandon, and Sky cheered. I wasn't feeling it after what Sky said. I decided to answer back knowing I wouldn't feel better if I didn't, besides I wasn't use to not speaking my mind.
"Where I don't see one Sky, you've obviously become blind," I teased moving by head like I was searching for something.
"I was complimenting you," defended Sky.
"I appreciate it Sky, but all beauty has ever, brought into my life have been disasters," I snapped back a little harsher than it was meant to be.
"I didn't meant it like that, I-," Sky apologized and was interrupted by his ringing phone. "See more beautiful ladies thanks to the toast."
"Who is it?" Brandon asked.
"Princess Stella!" eagerly answered Sky. I was lost here. I motioned to Brandon a "who", signal.
"This fairy that goes to Alfea, who he's gushing over," responded Brandon whom I was grateful for making me lose the confusion I had. I was so lost in my thoughts about how even without thinking Princes always ended up going out with other Princesses. I only caught onto Sky's last words, "Yeah, sure. That's fine. We'll be there soon. Okay? See you then."
I looked over to Brandon and saw by his facial expression that whatever Sky had just said meant trouble.
"Pack up guys and lady! We're going to Earth," Sky cheered.
"Where?" I spoke enthusiasticlly. I had never traveled and going to this Earth place seemed like fun. I had already assumed though that everyone had agreed.
"Earth," Sky repeated. "It's a non magical planet-"
I interrupted him though, "That's so cool!"
"What have you gotten us into?" demanded Brandon.
Sky shrugged slightly. "It's really nothing. Stella was passing through Earth on her way to Alfea-"
"That's a pretty round about route," Timmy commented.
"-and she was attecked by this horrible ogre. What was an ogre was doing on a non magical planet? I have no idea. Probably stalking Stella since she said he was after her Scepter of Solaria-"
"Yeah, that might be a clue," Riven muttered.
"-and would you guys stop interrupting me?" Sky asked before continuing. "Anyway, she was like found by this Earth girl who mangaged to drive the ogre and his ghouls off with some serious magic, according to Stella."
"How can someone from a non magical planet have magic let alone serious magic?" Brandon questioned.
"Beats me. But Stella says this girl's got serious potential and totally sweet, so she wants us to go to Earth and use our manly charm to perusade her to come with Stella to Alfea this year."
"Well that leaves you out then," Riven noted seriously, which made me laugh earning both of us a death glare by Sky.
"So are we going?" Sky asked us.
"No," Riven instantly replied. "Why do we have to travel half way across the universe to chat up some backwater Earth girl Stella's taken a shine to?"
"Because I said you had to!"
"Sorry but you already made me follow an idea you had today with the stupid toast."
"But I haven't," Brandon pointed out making flash a smile at him. "And I say we go meet Stella's new friend."
"Yes!" Both Sky and I beamed at the same time, while Riven still looked like he wanted to murder Sky.
"Yeah, I'm in," Timmy agreed. "It'll be interesting to go to a non magical planet. I bet their technology is years behind ours. But how are we going to get there? I mean, we can't exactly land a ship outside her house. Something tells me space ships aren't that common on Earth."
"We'll take the transport pad," Brandon answered. "That should get us there and back before dinner even starts."
"I still don't see why we have to go," grumbled Riven. I actually understood Riven since it did seem kind of dumb just to go some place planets away for a girl. Still I was excited about our little trip.
"Oh lighten up Riven," Brandon said. "We're going to meet some girls and then come home. I mean, we're going to a non magical planet. What could possibly happen?"
I actually knew lots of things could happen but I decided I didn't want to spoil the mood, with more negative thoughts.
Once we got to the place with the transport thingy. I was shocked to see the irony of what Brandon had said. A girl which I assumed was Stella due to the fact that she was in fairy form was hovering over something I couldn't quite yet see. A big blue hideous troll was there too, and now that I got a better view it was probably the Earth girl that they talked about which was by Stella.
To my left I could see Riven concentrating on the situation before us. And of course he had to make a comment,"You were saying." Which I'm sure was directed towards Brandon.
He pulled out his morning star and with a flick of his wrist he aimed it towards the troll. I knew that it wouldn't hold the troll but he was stubborn. Once he wrapped the chain around the troll's neck he held the troll like a dog at the end of a leash. I moved myself and finally saw the Earth girl. She was quite pretty, soft red hair, with a beautiful colored pair of blue eyes. I'm guessing Brandon thought so too, since he was practically drooling over the girl. I rolled my eyes knowing that it would be only a matter of time before he asked her out.
"Hey, Princess Stella! I hope your friend is the pretty one in the blue pants!" Brandon called out most likely trying to make an impression.
"Yeah, and not the ugly guy at the end of the leash here," Riven continued off Brandon's comment.
"Ditto that!" Timmy added, and I could see Sky chuckle at the joke. He suddenly got lost though just like Brandon as soon as he got a good look at Stella. Sheesh! I could finally see what Riven was complaining about. Well I guess if there wasn't a troll and ogre attacking it wouldn't be so bad.
Finally Brandon used his head and suggested something ,"All right I suggest a three pharge resuce op."
"Forget that. I got this puppy wrapped up all by myself," Riven smirked. Again I rolled my eyes at the all powerful smart ass Riven.
"Dude, one summer at the swashbuckler camp doesn't mean you can go solo on a troll," Sky pointed out casually which I completely agreed on. I knew Riven would try to make a comeback but at that moment the troll yanked him off his feet by pulling on the chain. Riven instantly flew and came to a painful crash which I flinched at impact. That got to have hurt and badly. "I rest my case."
I would have laughed to at his comment if there wouldn't have been a troll advancing towards us.
"Stay behind me," Brandon ordered as he blocked the pounding troll's fists with his shield. But it was clear that he regretted that decision. "Hey guys! What did we learn about battling trolls?"
Sky finally decided to act. "Well, you smash them I think," he said, taking the hilt of his broadsword in both hands and slamming the blade to the ground. The stones splintered, and then a massive crevasse opened up.
"Really guys," I said irratated since we couldn't take down the troll. "Watch this." I quickly launched myself over the troll wrestling with it. I gained the upperhand being on top of it. He tried to knock me off by trying to stand straight by I pinned his arms down with all the strength I had.
"No Sky you take out their feet," Timmy corrected, taking aim and shooting at the troll with his gun. The troll toppled over into the crevasse when the three blasts made impact with the troll's ankles. I quickly did a backflip to get off the troll's back. Thank goodness for Timmy's help otherwise I have no idea how much I would have resisted. "All right!"
"Good one Timmy. Way da go!" Sky cheered.
"It's a good thing you aced how to battle forest creatures Timmy," Brandon grinned at Timmy. He flexed his arm which I knew had to be in pain after blocking the troll's fists.
"Ghoul alert!" Sky announced.
On the other side I could see Riven finally start to get up and say something to the girls. Knowing him he probably told them that he would handle the situation. But as soon as he got up not 1 minute later he connected with the ogre's huge fist and was sent brutally to the ground again.
"He always get hurt," Brandon sighed looking over to me which I had to shake my head at to. I lifted my head just in time to see Stella and the Earth girl shoot some magic at the ogre. I sighed wishing I would be able to do that one day. I mean come on an Earth girl can control her magic but I can't. Yet here I was acting like a specialist, life was so unfair.
We all slowly started to surround the ogre including Riven who got up once again.
"You're the one who's going to back off ogre or I'm going to put my sinkus removus spell on you and you're going to end up smelling like you just took a bath," Stella threatened, as she brought me back to situation with the ogre. It worked since the ogre looked terrified and he suddnely clapped his hands making a portal appear which let him escape. Dammit, my first mission and an ogre got away.
"I knew that would scare him," Stella laughed heading towards us. She then turned to the Earth girl. "Bloom, these are the Red Foutain guys I was telling you about."
"Hello," Timmy waved.
"How's it going?" Brandon asked, which I knew was sure to be followed by a thousand questions in his mind.
"Hey," Sky nodded. Riven and I said nothing. Riven probably being rude but I didn't even know Stella so I kept quiet.
"Meet Riven," Stella introduced and still nothing coming from Riven. Stella continued anyway, "Prince Sky."
"Hey," Sky greeted trying to be friendly.
"Timmy," Stella gestured, Timmy akwardly laughed, nervous I guess. "Brandon."
"How're you doing?" he flashed his smile at her."And you are?" Stella asked addressing me.
"Aurora, nice to meet you Bloom and Stella," I greeted trying not to freak them out with me being the only girl thing.
Stella looked at me though like if I was the strangest thing she had ever seen.
"You...go..to...Red F-Fountain...with-" Stella stuttered and I decided to finish for her.
"Yup I've just been added to their squad," I confirmed. I got closer to her and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry though Sky's so not my type and besides look at me I'm hideous who would want to go out with me."
I knew what I said helped since she instantly sighed, relieved I assumed.
"Not so fast tough guy," Brandon told the troll, putting an addle collar around it's neck. "You'd better come with us."
"Yeah, you've done enough damage for one day pal," Sky added. I saw two adults coming out of an apartment or what was left of it anyway. I felt sorry for them, for us to frighten them this badly, and most of all for them to feel helpless.
Good thing Timmy was already on the pad thing trying to get us back to Red Fountain. Finally he was able to get the thing to work.
"Where are you guys taking him?" Bloom asked which I had to admit was a good question. I didn't even know where this guy was going.
"We'll bring him back to Red Fountain. They'll probably send him to a creature preserve," Riven told Bloom.
"So long!" Sky called out to the girls as we headed back.
"See you soon hopefully," I called out towards them. I guess it couldn't hurt to make friends that were the same sex you were, having to go to an all boys school now.
"Bloom! I sure hope I see you at Alfea!" Brandon called out to her just as we passed through the thing the pad brought up.
I'm guessing I'm not the only one who saw the huge grin on Brandon's face because Riven's harsh words brought him back. "Why do you have that stupid grin on your face?"
"Er... No reason," Brandon side stepped bashfully. I obviously knew the answer to Riven's question...Bloom.
"Well I think that all went pretty smoothly," Sky said smugly. "Did you see the grateful look Stella gave me? Yup, I scored some major brownie points today."
"It really wasn't that smooth," Timmy corrected, glancing up at the troll they had imprisioned. "I mean, Brandon nearly got pummeled, you created a massive hole in Bloom's backyard, Aurora almost got squashed, and Riven got free flying lessons."
"I was fine," Riven instantly objected.
"Dude, I told you that you couldn't go solo on a troll," Sky reminded Riven.
"I said I was fine."
"Really? Then why do you keep twiddling you're fingers?"
"Oh shut up."
"I'm waiting for an answer," Sky grinned. Urgg! Why couldn't they shut up already? Sheesh couldn't they stop acting like guys for 1 second?
"I wouldn't mind getting a few answered myself," a voice told us from the shadows. I recognized that voice Saladin. All the boys jumped as Saladin came out of the shadows except me since I already knew it was him. "Well?"
"Well sir, see..." Brandon trailed off.
"We found him on Earth," Sky blurted out. I could see Riven rolling his eyes. I still didn't see the problem with just telling Saladin the truth, Sky had wanted to go to Earth so he should just man up and face the consequences.
"Earth?" Saladin repeated. "You found a troll on a non magical planet?"
"Um, yeah," Timmy stuttered. "You see...um..."
"An ogre followed Princess Stella there earlier today and attacked her on her way to Alfea. Stella managed to fend the ogre off but pretty much exhausted herself. An Earth girl found her and took her home, and when Stella woke up, she called us and asked if we could check the surrounding area until she felt that she revived her power. So we were there when the ogre returned with this hunter troll which we managed to contain. Unfortunately, the ogre got away." Riven answered firmly.
I could see Saladin eyeing Riven, smart guy.
"Earth's not exactly the most direct route from Solaria to Alfea," Saladin pointed out.
"Well we're not trying to suggest that Stella possesses a high level of intelligence, now are we sir?"
"Riven!" Sky gasped making me roll my eyes, not helping here Sky.
"Well we're not," Riven shot back.
"You still can't say it."
"Okay first of all; she's not here. I can say whatever I want even though I would still say it if she was here. Second; I'm not one of her subjects or crushing her like you are so again I don't give a damn what I say about her. And third; you've got to admit the girl isn't the sharpest tool in the shed."
"She's very smart."
"She blew up a lab," Riven pointed out calmly. "And she's also got a thing for you so that has to mean she's missing something upstairs."
"She's got a thing for me? How do you know?"
"Um guys?" Brandon tried to interrupt as we all turned to see a steaming Saladin.
"I dunno," Riven shrugged. "I just figured by the way she was staring at you back on Earth."
"She was staring at me?" Oh God I just slapped my hand to my forehead.
"Gentlemen, if you're done gossiping, I think I'd better take that troll off your hands and let you boys go to dinner. Oh and Aurora hopefully the boys here at least showed you something," Saladin suggested.
"Yes of course sir, I learned quite a lot," I exaggerated knowing it would help the guys' reputation.
"And may I say that I'm rather impressed that you five managed to take down a troll on your own. I'm looking forward to seeing your work throughout the year, and I think you've redemmed yourself Riven. I'll let you off detention this once. As for you Aurora I expect great things from you."
"Thank you sir," Riven and I said inclining our heads a bit.
He then let us go off to dinner. I could actually see myself fitting into this school for once. Magic was on my side for once in my life.
What did you think? My birthday gift for all of my lovely readers. Thank you, and hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to review!
Author's Note: btw I have posted info on my profile regarding the story official release day just letting ya'll know k :) luv u guys