Author's Note: Zach here. I'd like to apologize for my… well, my ridiculously long hiatus. College life has been pretty stressful, and I simply haven't found much time or inspiration to write this semester. However, as Summer is within reach, I'd like to continue writing. This story is something I've been wanting to get out for a while now, and so I don't plan on giving up until I've finished it. My apologies for the wait, and my thanks for your patience.


Chapter 6 (Rose)

Several minutes after the bell rang, Rose stepped quietly into the hallway, making toward the lunchroom. A far cry from the earlier chaos, the halls were relatively quiet, and what talk she heard was focused solely on the novelty of the Alternians, and the supposed dangers they represented. In spite of herself, she couldn't help feeling a bit of relief as she passed, ghostlike, through the halls. For once, no eyes followed her, no conversations dropped to a whisper… She was, for the first time, completely unremarkable, and that suited her just fine.

In the cafeteria, she quietly made her way toward her usual table. As she had anticipated, John had yet to arrive, but she would not be dining alone. As she approached, the sole occupant of the table jumped up to greet her, throwing her arms around the Witch in a bone crushing embrace. "Rose! It's so good to see you!" she cried, giggling happily as Rose patted her demurely on the back. "My thanks, Jade. I don't think my ribs had quite set since I'd seen you last. You look well." she said, looking over the girl. She was tall, with a mane of long, black hair that was presently in wild disarray. A pencil was tucked haphazardly behind her ear, and her glasses were faintly askew. Doubtless, she had been sleeping in class again.

Jade giggled, her brilliant green eyes sparkling in the fluorescent light as she lead Rose back to the table and sat opposite her, practically shaking with excitement. Folding her hands in front of her, Rose nodded lightly, permitting Jade to begin.

"It's so exciting isn't it? The trolls are finally here! I mean, this is my first time meeting them and all!"

"Indeed. Now if only we could get John to share your sentiments."

Jade cocked her head in confusion, a habit doubtless gleaned from her devilbeast of a dog, Bec.

"I'm afraid John is suffering from Alterniaphobia, if you'll forgive the neologism."

The dark haired girl sighed, crossing her arms. "Really? I guess it's because of his dad? I mean, he seems kinda… overbearing, if you ask me." She said, closing her eyes in thought. "…Oh, well. Let's not worry about it too much. Like Grandpa always said, if there's a will, there's a way, right?"

Rose smiled, nodding faintly. Jade's grandfather had passed away earlier that year, and the loss had been felt heavily by the entire community. He had been a wealthy man, a philanthropist, and, following the death of her parents, he had raised Jade alone in his manor on the mountain overlooking the town. It was he that founded the school they attended, and named it Halley High after his young granddaughter's favorite pet. Rose had attended the funeral. It was a quiet affair, attended only by close friends of the family. In her heart, Rose felt a glow of admiration for the girl. She did not cry, not even once, even as she watched her last bond of blood descend into eternal Earth.

In the months that followed, she had, as per his will, distributed the greater portion of his wealth to the school. She was head of the debate team, and the founder of the Science club, and was planning to run for Class President in the coming weeks. All her life, her grandfather had pushed her to succeed, to be the best she could be… and she had carried on that stride, all while maintaining her smile. In Rose's eyes, she was one of the bravest people she'd ever met.

Now, with a silly, bucktoothed grin plastered across her face, Rose couldn't help but be infected by her enthusiasm. Jade was a natural leader, and she soon found herself recounting the events of the entire morning, and then the question of the Alternians in general. Rose had scarcely begun her psychoanalysis of the foul mouthed Karkat when John arrived, settling in apologetically beside Jade. "Sorry I'm late, guys… there was a fight in the hallway. Somebody pushed over this troll in a wheelchair, and then this other troll with weird makeup beat the crap out of him, and then all these officers were everywhere… it was crazy." the boy explained, shuddering. "It was really scary, actually."

Rose said nothing, extracting a small, plastic wrapped sandwich from her bag. She felt words, ten thousand cries of indignation building in the throat, but she fought them back, deciding to save them for a more appropriate time. Jade, after pulverizing her friend's ribs with affection, reached into her heavy canvas backpack, and took out a small, rolled up poster.

"So, guys… I don't know if you knew this, but grandpa put a lot of money into lobbying for pro-Troll legislation. So… I thought it'd go ahead and introduce this idea for a new club to student council." she said, unrolling the paper. On it was a crudely drawn picture, in crayon, of a Troll and a Human, smiling and holding hands below a rainbow backdrop. Above the pictogram, in Jade's trademark curled script, was written 'Join the Human/Alternian Coalition today! :)'

Smiling broadly, Jade slid the paper over to Rose. "So… what do you think? I know it'll be a tough sell, but I really think we can make a difference in making the trolls feel welcome here!" she exclaimed, looking at her companions expectantly. Rose nodded, deciding against pointing out the optimistic bias held by her friend. "I think it's a wonderful idea." she said, looking pointedly at John. The boy shifted uncomfortably in his seat, fidgeting nervously. "Uh… I mean, I think it's a good idea, but… um…" he trailed off, looking down. Jade frowned slightly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Just… give it a chance, okay? I really think it'd be good for you to hear another side." she said, gaining a slight nod of approval from Rose.

Sitting back, Rose felt a faint smirk pull at her lips. John was unsure, and to her, that was the best sign she could hope for. The seed of doubt she'd known he'd always borne within him was beginning to take root. With care, perhaps he could be persuaded to open his mind and heart to this new facet of their lives. Perhaps, out of the ugly mire of bigotry in their town, something beautiful and new could arise. While the rest of her day passed by quickly, a single note held sustained and heavy in Rose's heart. It was the prelude to a new beginning, and she would help to conduct it. The witch smiled to herself. It wasn't a bad way to start a year.