I just want to quickly mention that Ryder in my story is not based on Rider from the manga. Ryder had been created long before I had even read the manga so please don't think I'm stealing ideas. The only influence this story had is from the Harry Potter series which I had mention in the last chapter.
Please review and thank you!
Chapter Two ~ Welcome to Voyage Academy!
The summer holidays this year was properly one of the best summer holidays Quartz had ever had. Her mother had organized a huge party at Interstar Studios where she worked to celebrate her adoptive daughter getting into one of the most celebrated and famous schools in Inkopolis.
Peebee and her family were invited too, much to the chubby girls delight. She and Quartz spent an amazing evening exploring the studio and it's behind the scenes inner working, and even got to meet Opal Cuttefish whose grandmother happened to be Callie from the old famous Squid Sisters!
Opal was not only a famous singer and performer like her grandmother, but also worked as a presenter for the daily Turf War battles alongside Martin, an Octoling male famous for his legendary skills in the celebrated game.
"You girls are like, totally sweet ya know?" grinned Opal as she brushed back her long pale green tentacles that faded to a pale pink at the tips, her eyes a deep shade of yellow. She turned towards her work partner who stood at one of the buffet tables, stuffing his mouth with anything that he could get his hands on.
"Martin! Don't you dare eat all that food! I want some too!"
Martin glanced at Opal before turning back to the table, the food disappearing at a faster rate. The Inkgirl gave a roar of anger and stomped towards the Octoling, her fists waving in the air as she shouted at him.
Quartz and Peebee looked at each other and laughed, before linking arms and walking off to continue enjoying the party.
The following days flew by as the pair spent time either hanging out or going shopping for all the items and equipment they would need when they started their new term at Voyage Academy.
Quartz had to admit that, despite looking forward to her new school, the prospect of living away from home for extended periods of time were quite daunting, Peebee helped to chase these fears away by reassuring her they'll be together at school.
"Just think…" giggled Peebee excitedly, a hand rustling in the large bag of chips she had on her lap.
"It'll be like a sleep-over every night!"
Quartz smirked and nudged her friend with her shoulder. "If we don't speak about icky inky boys then… yeah, that's sounds like fun."
Peebee choked on a chip as she tried not to laugh. "Those icky inky boys are nice to look at though when they gain control of their humanoid form. Ahhh…"
Quartz stared at her friend with wide eyes, surprised to see a blush forming on the chubby face she knows so well.
"Wait… are you blushing over stupid smelly boys? Yuck!" The pink Inkling stuck her tongue out.
"You won't be saying that when you turn 14!" sang Peebee and she began to make kissy sounds. Quartz threw her friend a disgusted look.
"Boys are gross, they do nothing but annoy you and act stupid, ESPECIALLY when they gain their humanoid forms."
Peebee didn't respond and simply continued to munch on her crisps.
Finally, the summer holidays came to an end, Quartz woke up on the day she would go to Voyage Academy feeling like her ink sack was about to explode with excitement. The Inkling was surprised she managed to sleep at all, she quickly leaped out of bed and began to dress in her uniform.
The uniform looked like the traditional school outfit but designed especially for Inklings that haven't gained their humanoid form yet, the Voyage uniform was a sleek black and the skirt a checked pattern of different shades of grey.
There was one strange thing about the school outfit that Quartz couldn't quite put her tentacle on, and that was the fact there was no Voyage Academy logo. When she had enquired with the shopkeeper thinking there had been a mistake, the elderly Urchin insisted it was the right uniform. Apparently, they get the logo stitched on at the school, the reason why he wouldn't say.
"Quartz darling, are you ready to go?" shouted Tiara from outside where she was busy shoving the girl's trunk into the backseat of her car.
Quartz raced down the stairs with her school bag and leaped into the passenger seat, a huge grin on her face as her mother peered from the back and laughed.
"Now then, are you sure you have your train ticket?" Tiara asked for the 20th time that day.
Quartz rolled her eyes and patted her new school bag. "It's in my bag mom, I checked before I left the house. Now can we please go? I want to meet Peebee at the station!"
"Don't lose your cool Tiara, you'll be brat free for the next several months…" muttered the Anemone as she finally shoved Quartz's trunk into the car and slammed the door shut. The pink Inkling had heard what her mother had said and frowned.
"I'm not a brat…" she muttered crossly as Tiara got into the driver's seat and turn the car keys in the ignition, the engine roared to life.
Quartz watched out the window as the car pulled out of their drive onto the road, tall buildings covered in neon signs and advertisements flew by as they travelled along.
To think she wouldn't see home or the city again till the Squidmas holidays… after all, Voyage Academy lay beyond the city in the country side by the coast to the north. According to Peebee who had asked her mother, the train ride to the school grounds took just over two hours.
Finally, they arrived at the station and parked up. Quartz quickly leaped from the passenger seat and ran to fetch a trolley for her trunk.
When they entered the bustling packed station, Quartz couldn't help but stared around in wonder at the sheer amount of people that seem to come from everywhere, then she noticed that a great deal of the crowd happens to be squidkids and Octokids wearing the same uniform as her.
The little Inkling gave a start as her mother took hold of her hand firmly and began to walk ahead, an Inkling assistant had come over and was pushing the trolley behind them after being summoned over by Tiara. Being famous apparently had its perks.
"Mom! Let go of my hand!" whined Quartz embarrassed and tried to tug her hand out her of mother's grip, the Anemone simply held on tighter.
"Don't be ridiculous darling, it's WAY too crowded in here. I might lose you."
Quartz casted an angry glare at the floor, she was ten years old! She didn't need her hand to be held anymore, it's embarrassing!
The pair finally arrived at the Voyage Academy ticket gate overpacked with people. Quartz watched as Inklings and Octolings of different ages hugged or waved their families goodbye before rushing off to join the queue where they used their ticket on the scanner to gain access to the platform ahead.
Their assistant who had been following them with her trunk walked over to a group of male Octoling workers who were busy placing the luggage on a conveyer belt.
"Quartz!"
The pink inkling twisted around to spot her light blue friend rushing over, her family following close behind.
"Peebee!" Quartz pulled her hand out of her mother's grips and embraced her friend tightly, their excitement overwhelming them as they began to jump around.
"Hello darlings!" smiled Tiara brightly at Peebee's parents who looked a little star struck.
"H-hello." They squeaked back.
Finally, it was time to part. Quartz embraced her mother tightly as Peebee waddled over to her mother and father who both hugged her at the same time, their tentacles wrapping around her with affection.
"Show them your sparkle darling! Shine brighter than everyone else! I'm… I'm going to miss you…" muttered Tiara as tears began to shine in her eyes. Quartz gave a sniff as she tightened the hug.
"I'm going to miss you too Mom… Love you."
Quartz and Peebee held hands, their tickets clasped in their other as they walked over to join the queue. When their turn came, they pressed the ticket against the scanner and walked forwards towards their new adventure.
"Bye Sweetie pie!" called Peebee's mother while waving.
Tiara burst into nosily tears. "My baby girl! Mommy loves you so much darling!"
Quartz and Peebee gave their families one last wave before turning to follow the crowd of students. The feeling of being lost and nervousness striking them as they poured onto the platform.
"There's so many…" murmured Peebee looking small despite her chubby size, she clutched Quartz's hand tighter as her frightened eyes darted around the platform.
Quartz didn't pay attention as she stood staring at the train ahead, it's sleek modern design looked amazing with its colour scheme of black, silver and grey. A large logo on the side showed that the train belonged to the Voyage Academy, four depiction of strange looking creatures all surround the bold black name of Voyage with the Cuttlefish family crest beneath.
Quartz snapped out of her daze when she felt a sharp tug on her hand and Peebee giving out a frightened squeak.
"Watch where you're going fatty!"
An angry looking green Inkling who looked to be a year older than them glared angrily at Peebee who had accidently bumped into him, his underdeveloped fangs bared in a hiss.
Anger course through Quartz as she pulled Peebee behind her and hissed at the boy, her own teeth showing. How dare he call her fatty!?
"Keep walking squidbag!" snarled Quartz as the boy took a step back in surprise. Then… he started to chuckle as a dark grin grew on his face.
"Looks like some newbie Squidlings need to learn their place, right guys?"
Two other Inklings and an Octoling appeared behind the boy, they were obviously his friends. They all started to advance on Quartz as she felt her anger and courage leave to be replaced with fear. Peebee started to cry as Quartz stayed in front of her, the fear showing on her face.
"Four of you against a couple of girls? So un-fresh." Said a new voice. Quartz looked up to see another Inkboy walking up to them, his skin a rich purple as he stared the others with a stern expression. Judging by the Voyage logo on his uniform and the fact he hardly looked older than them, Quartz deducted that he must be a 2nd year student.
The Inkboy who had started the whole thing instantly backed down, fear and respect on his face. "A-ah! Ryder! We weren't gonna start anything! Come on guys!"
The gang walked off quickly as Ryder stepped forwards and smirked. Quartz breath a sign of relief and held out her hand.
"Thanks for helping us out there. I thought we were in trouble when his friends turned up."
Ryder ignored the hand being held out. "Whatever… I just felt sorry for you. Little 'Weaklings' always look pathetic."
Quartz bristled with anger as she quickly withdrew her hand. The nerve of this stupid boy! She wasn't a weakling!
Peebee started to tug at Quartz arm. "Let's just go please? Come on!"
Quartz looked at her friend, then back at the smirking Ryder. The pink Inkling let out a low hiss and marched past the purple Inkboy, dragging a sniffling Peebee behind her.
They clamour onto the train and begin to look for an empty apartment to sit in. Peebee didn't say a word as Quartz did the searching, anger burned brightly inside at the words of the purple Inkling. Weakling… she'll show that stupid boy who's the weakling.
Quartz finally found an empty apartment and pulled Peebee inside.
"Come on P! Cheer up!" smiled Quartz as she rummaged in her bag and pulled out a pack of dried Inkberry treats. She threw the pack to Peebee who caught it and gave her friend a smile.
"Thanks…"
Quartz grinned and pulled out her Tentacle Switch, Peebee blinked before pulling out her own console.
"Gaming buddies!" both Inklings said at the same time and began to laugh. They watched as the train pulled out of the station and then spent the next two hours munching on snacks and playing against each other on their games.
"Woah…" said Peebee standing up, her console left on the seat forgotten as she pressed her hands against the window.
"Check it out Quartz! Voyage Academy looks so fresh!"
Quartz placed her own gaming console down and joined her friend at the window, her eyes grew nearly twice their size as her mouth hung open.
The school loomed in the distance, standing tall and large against the backdrop of the sea. It seemed to be made up of several buildings, the tallest being in the middle and almost looking like a skyscraper. In each corner of the school grounds stood tall looking buildings that seem to be eight stories-high, there were four of them in total and they were all identical apart from the large logo that decorate each front. Each building seems to show one of the four strange creatures Quartz had seen on the Voyage symbol on the train.
Sectioned off areas dotted the school grounds and Quartz realised they were Turf War arenas for the older students. The sight of the school's grounds was spectacular, Quartz couldn't help but feel like she was in a dream and had to pinch herself to ensure that she wasn't.
The train speed noticeably dropped and the chattering of the students up and down the train grew louder, laced with excitement. Quartz and Peebee hastily packed away their things back into their bags as the appearance of Cuttlefish Station loomed in the distance, growing closer and closer.
Finally, the train pulled into the station and grinded to a halt, the moment the locomotive stopped all students began to stampede out of their compartments, pushing and shoving to be the first ones out.
Quartz hissed in anger as Ryder purposely slammed into her shoulder as he pushed past her, a sly smirk on his face. Peebee had to cling onto the back of her friend's bag to stop Quartz launching herself at the purple Inkboy.
All the students poured out of the train and onto the platform, the older students began to march off at once towards the exit.
The new 1st year students all seem to gather around an elderly looking Octoling male with large rimmed glasses perched on his pointed nose, a megaphone clasped his hand which he bought to his mouth.
"New students to me please! All students in 1st year please come to me! Thank you!"
Quartz grabbed Peebee's hand and together they went with the other students in their year, the Octoling adult stopped speaking and lowered his megaphone once he had everyone with him.
"Listen up 1st years, my name is Mr River and I'm in charge of leading you to the Academy where you will be introduced to the rest of the students and your teachers. Any mis-behaviour and you'll be straight back on that train, got it?" Mr River said coolly as he glares at the young Inklings and Octolings as if daring them to cross him.
Some of the student turned towards each other with a smirk but most just stood there looking more nervous and scared then before. Peebee squeezed her friends hand, Quartz turned towards her and smiled kindly.
"Follow me." Sniffed Mr River as he began to walk off, the students followed behind him whispering and giggling in excitement.
"Isn't this exciting?" whispered a yellow Inkgirl to her purple Octogirl friend.
"Yes! I feel like I'm gonna pop my Inksack! I wonder what house we'll go in…" said the purple Octogirl as she looked upwards slightly in thought.
Quartz looked away from the chattering group and nudged Peebee slightly to catch her attention.
"Hey, those guys were talking about going into houses?"
Peebee blinked in confusion before realization filled her chubby round face.
"Oh! They must mean the four houses that students get assigned too! I don't know what they're called though…" Peebe shrugged before snapping her gaze towards her bag and pulling out some of her snacks.
"Want some?"
"No thanks." Said Quartz as she shook her head.
Mr River lead the group out of the station and up along a path, the group stared amazed when they reached the tall impressive gate decorated with the Voyage Academy logo and wall that section off the school grounds.
The school gates which were opened were a sleek metallic black, the Voyage Academy logo stamped across with the same metal.
"I recognise that one." Whispered Peebee, pointing to one of the four creatures on the gate as they passed through.
"That's a kraken. The others though… no idea."
Despite whispering, Mr River heard what Peebee had said and turned his head to stare at them with a frown.
"They are mythical creatures from lore and each represent one of the four houses in Voyage. The Kraken, the Capricorn, the Grindylow and the Hydra. During the assembly, each of you new students will be assigned to a house to earn points for."
The students grew excited as they drew closer to the largest central building in the grounds. Mr River stopped in front of the impressive large double glass doors and turned to the group of 1st years behind him with a stern look.
"I insisted on absolute silent please when we enter, no talking, no uncivilized behaviour! You will all follow me in a straight line as I lead you to the stage in the assembly hall. Come." Mr River said with a slight sniff and lead the now quiet group through the doors which had swung open by themselves like a beast waiting for prey to come swimming in.
Quartz and Peebee let go of each other's hand in order to form the requested line, Peebee stood behind Quartz and seemed to be shivering, whenever it was from fear or excitement was unknown.
The students gasped silently when they walked inside, their eyes wide as they took in the interior of the building. They had never seen anything so high-tech and modern in all their lives, even those like Quartz who lived in the most popular areas of the city.
The expressions on everyone's faces rapidly changed to that of nervous and discomfort as Mr River lead them into assembly, the other older students who were already sat down turned as one to stare at them.
Peebee gave a frighten squeak and quickly grabbed hold of Quartz's hand who flinched, some of the older students who saw this sniggered and pointed. The pink Inkling gave a sign and ignored them, knowing that Peebee's needs were more important and continued to hold her hand.
The 1st year students clambered onto the stage and formed a line behind a podium where a friendly looking elderly Inkling female stood, her pale green tentacles tied up in a neat bun.
Quartz couldn't help but notice the seating arrangements of the older students as they all stared down at her and the others. The assembly hall sloped down, kind of like a theatre room. The older students seemed to be section off in four separate areas, each area had one of the four creatures featured above it, it then struck Quartz that they were actually section off in their Houses.
The pink Inkling looked around the room and noticed the purple Inkboy from before, smirking at her from the area that held House Kraken students. His name was Ryder, right? So, he was a Kraken student, Quartz secretly hoped she didn't end up in his House.
"Welcome everyone to another year at Voyage Academy!" yelled the Headmistress in a surprisingly light voice, it was almost like she was singing.
"And to those who will be joining us this year…" The elderly Inkling turned to the side with a kind motherly smile and swept her arm along to indicate the new students behind her.
"Welcome! My name is Miss Seacress, the Headmistress of this fine establishment. Here at Voyage you will study for a period of over eight years, in which you will gain the knowledge and skills to become very successful adults."
Miss Seacress turned her gaze back towards the main body of students and smiled brightly. "New students are placed into one of four Houses, each with their own dormitory building. House Capricorn!"
The students on the far left began to cheer loudly, waving their arms in the air.
"House Grindylows!"
The students in the middle left began to cheer and whoop.
"House Hydra!"
The students in the middle right cheered.
"And finally, House Kraken!"
The students on the far right cheered, Ryder was one of few that stood up and roared with pride. Quartz turned her face away in disgust when the purple Squidling looked at her with a grin.
Miss Seacress seemed to swell with excitement, looking strangely young despite her old age. "And now for my favourite part, assigning the new students to their new Houses! I expect everyone at Voyage to welcome their new House mates with open tentacles!"
Quartz felt Peebee squeeze her hand in surprise as the whole assembly exploded with roars and cheers.
Miss Seacress picked up a piece of paper from the podium and gave a slight cough. "Ok… when I say your name and the House you have been assigned to, please go and sit with your fellow House-mates…"
Quartz grew tense as the Headmistress shouted out names and Houses, each new student running off stage to sit down on the seats in their sections.
Peebee started to shake and whimper as the line of 1st year students grew smaller and smaller. Until…
"Peebee Shiro! House Capricorn!"
Peebee shivered as she let go of Quartz's hand and waddled over to the Capricorn seating area where the students where clapping and cheering.
Quartz Sparkles! House Hydra!"
Some of the students in various houses burst out with laughter and Quartz knew exactly why, her surname has always caused such a reaction. I mean come on… Sparkles?
With her face slightly tinted red, Quartz held her head up high and walked over to House Hydra whose students where cheering loudly, at least they weren't laughing at her unusual surname.
She caught Peebee's face from the corner of her eye and felt immeasurably guilty… her best friend looked devasted that they weren't in the same house.
Miss Seacress waved her hands when the last student, male green Inkling had sat down in House Grindylows. Everyone grew silent as the Headmistress smiled broadly, her pale blue eyes glinting.
"Now for a few words and updates before I allow you all to wander off and enjoy the magnificent banquet waiting for you all in the Mess Room. As some of us are aware, 5th students are now allowed access to the school's Turf War building and its arenas. For those who are interested in the tournament which takes place in March, please check your House dormitory bulletin board for more details…"
Quartz started to look around the room as Miss Seacress continued to speak about upcoming events in the year, Peebee gave a weak little wave and a sad smile when the pink Inkling gaze turned towards her.
Quartz waved back with her own little sad smile, it really was a shame they weren't together, but at least they can spend time together every day after lessons and weekends. Thinking about it… it wasn't really that bad.
"Finally!" boomed Miss Seacress as she bounced a little on the balls of her feet. "Apart from 1st year students whom I wish to remain for further information, the rest of you may leave. Enjoy your day for tomorrow your education will begin!"
The hall broke into loud chatter as the older students stood up and began to stream out of the hall in groups. Five minutes later, only the new students and teachers were left.
Miss Seacress clapped her hands together. "Your Head of House teacher will pass you a welcoming pack containing everything you need to know about your new school and also give you your house symbol that attaches to the front of your uniform. Timetables will be given out tomorrow morning at breakfast and don't worry about your trunks, they have already been delivered to your dormitory. Enjoy your time at Voyage Academy!"
Quartz watched Miss Seacress leave the stage before her attention was gain by a rather plump looking Octoling male in his mid-thirties maybe? He seemed rather jolly as he stopped in front of the seats in a pale brown tweed suit, his arms laden with the information packs.
"Hello there my new Hydra students! My name is Professor Brineworth and I'm your head of house teacher. So happy to be meeting you all! Now why don't cha line up and grab a pack before heading off for the banquet? Your house symbols are inside the packs and can be easily attached, and please don't lose them as new ones will cost you money."
Quartz lined up behind some of the other students and soon received her pack with her name stamped across on top in gold letters.
"Miss Sparkles eh?" grinned Prof Brineworth, his eyes twinkling merrily.
"You have no idea how pleased I am to have you in my house, my wife and daughter are such huge fans of your mother."
"Really?" said Quartz with a smile, feeling happy at the attention she was gaining. "My mom is pretty amazing."
"Amazing indeed!" laughed the Octoling as he patted her on the head. "and I expect her daughter to be amazing too! I look forward to your development over the next eight years Miss Sparkles!"
Quartz beamed with delight and walked off towards Peebee who stood waiting for her on the side, her own pack clutched tightly in her arms.
"I can't believe it!" wailed Peebee as Quartz embraced her in a one-arm hug.
"Cheer up P! We have the whole day to hang out, and we get to hang out after school every day! It's not that bad." Laughed Quartz as she began to lead the way towards the exit. They followed some of the students, hoping they would lead the way toward the Mess Room for the banquet.
"I suppose so…"
They seem to be heading in the right direction as the noise of the other students grew louder and louder, Quartz and Peebee followed the rest of the 1st year students into the Mess Room and was amazed by what they saw.
The room was huge, the ceiling made of glass so that they could actually see the sky above them. Buffet style tables lay scattered all around the room containing every type of food and drink available.
Peebee literally drooled as her eyes fell on the tables laden with desserts of every description.
"Hey Sparkles!"
Quartz turned around to see Ryder walking towards her with some of his friends.
"Where's your sisters? Shimmer and gleam?"
Ryder and his friends burst into laughter and Quartz went red-faced, her hands clutched into fists as she glared angrily at the purple Inkling.
"Shut your mouth!" she hissed.
"Too bad your language doesn't sparkle, I was hoping you'll be in House Kraken." Ryder smirked as he stepped closer.
"And I'm glad I'm NOT in House Kraken!" replied Quartz hotly. "Since I won't be stuck with a stupid squidbag like YOU!"
Quartz grabbed Peebee's hand and storm pass Ryder towards the nearest food table.
The pink Inkling's anger however, quickly ended as she and Peebee piled their plates high with food.
Besides, Quartz was sure she could can handle one stupid boy.
