Melissa
Once again, the class divides into different groups for the trip. However, this time, it is not for a scavenger hunt as that was a failure last year, but just as a 'group' that would have to work together on the next project: a power point presentation at least 20 minutes long on what we learn during our trip to Pompeii. The bulk of the presentation will probably be about the destruction of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
"20 minutes? Oh come on! How many slides is that? 40?" Natalie groans. Instead of 8 like last time, the groups only consist of four people and Natalie, Zoe, and Giselle are once again my group partners. We've just gotten together and are starting to discuss the project.
"It's not that hard," I say
"Easy for you to say," she grumbles, "Oh wait. This is a group project! Oh yeah!" she punches the air with a fist.
"You just realized?" Giselle questions. Like everyone else, it seemed it was pretty obvious to her.
"Why do you think we formed this group?" Zoe adds. Point proven. It was obvious to everyone but Nat.
"I'm slow today, okay?"
Zoe laughs at this and we focus once again on Professor Russo and his instructions. However, he has just ended his exceptionally long monologue on what is expected of us for his project. There was no need to listen though; he handed out a paper with the rubric he had just explained. We all have to participate (duh!) and take turns speaking in front of the class. Gosh. This sounds more like a high-school project than a college one. They should give us more challenging projects! Even that scavenger hunt thing was better, except the project shouldn't be some sort of trick to reveal whose side we're on. We still haven't figured out who was behind that.
"And don't forget: the trip is in 5 days- make sure you pack up,"
Of course we'll pack up. And I think we all know it's in five days- the handout has the date. I roll my eyes then get up to leave as the bell rings. At the door, I see Dillon waiting. Oh yeah, it's free period. I smack my head in my mind then make my way towards him.
"Ethan's already getting started on the presentation- he knows all about it already,"
"Lucky him- he's been in the guard since he was 6 right?" I've heard A LOT about Ethan and his accomplishments in the Guard. Everyone likes comparing themselves and eachother to him. He's apparently the perfect Guard member or something. Not that I'm jealous. I mean, I lost my VERY high rank in the Order to apprentice in the Guard. I'm still considered somewhat special though, being an ally and all. However, not everyone seems to trust me, mainly Matt. I can tell he's hiding something. There's so much to that 'unwritten' part of the prophecy that I don't know.
"Actually since he was 4,"
"Cool," I say casually. We switch the conversation to what we expect of Italy then find ourselves at the front of the library where I'll be tutoring him. Suddenly, I feel uncomfortable at the prospect of sitting at a table. Alone with him. In a very quiet setting. I've been alone with him before- in my bedroom for chrissake (not doing anything wrong), but suddenly...it just...feels different.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you...Matt says to expect to find yourself in the Citadel sometime soon,"
"For a mission?"
"No. To meet some Guard members who are being elevated to a higher level of apprentice or trainer," Lucky them. I wish I could be elevated to trainer. I shouldn't be complaining though. I've got enough on my mind: my sister, my grades, and the little trust I've been recieving from the Guard. Seriously. What was up with them when they gave me all those gifts? Do they think I'll turn traitor to my own kind or something?
"Oh. Well, why do we have to be there?"
"I think we're gonna fight them or evaluate their skills and power,"
"A fight? That sounds more like what the Order, and not Guard, would do,"
Dillon shrugs, "I think it's the only way. Matt is like desperate to see how well, or bad, the Guard is doing," So the Guard isn't exactly doing to well? Atleast, that's what is sounds like.
"Oh. Is he already planning for the upcoming mission to the Underworld?" I ask hopefully. I don't want Lucy to be in that horrid place any longer; it's no place for her. What have I done? It's practically all my fault for her having been kidnapped! The Order is going too far with this, although, I'm, sure they wouldn't harm her.
"Maybe. You'd have to ask Matt,"
"Oh," I say disappointed. Why hasn't he planned anything yet?
"Look, I don't think they've done anything to her. They would..."
"Want to torcher her in front of me and use as a threat in order for me to surrender?"
"Yeah," he's hesitant with his reply. He must think it's true. That is exactly what, I'm sure, the Order would do.
Isabel
1108...1110...1112...here we are! I knock on the wooden door softly. I was told I didn't have to knock real hard or at all since Natalie could easily hear me and a loud knock would hurt her sensitive ears. The door opens almost immediately revealing Natalie and a very clean room.
"Hey, Isabel," she says as she troubles herself by putting on her earrings without a mirror. She opens it wider with her foot and says, "Come in,"
"Oh okay," I step in and take a look around. I didn't expect Natalie to have such a clean room, "Wow, this place is clean,"
"Ha!" she laughs, "That's only cause of Melissa and her OCDness. Otherwise, this place would be a dump,"
"Oh," I chuckle, "Wait. Melissa has OCD?"
"Yeah. She-"
"Oh wait! I'm so sorry...I'm being too nosy,"
"Oh that's okay. I'm being too open about Melissa. I have such a big mouth. So whatcha here for?"
"Oh. Matt wants me to tell you that you might find yourself in the Citadel one of these nights to meet some Guard members,"
"Cool," she says casually, "Why do we have to meet them?"
"To see how their powers are or how strong they are,"
"Why?"
"Matt wants to see how many Guard members are capable of going to the other worlds to fight Lathenia's soldiers,"
"Oh. Like for the Underworld?"
"Uh.Here's the thing: Matt wanted me to tell you why we were going to meet them but...you're not allowed to telll Melissa anything,"
"What?" Now she sounds worried
"Well, Matt isn't exactly...planning a mission for the Underworld,"
"What! Laura and Lucy are down there!"
"I know. He's not planning one just yet. He wants to help the other worlds first since they have hope of being saved while the Underworld is already...dead. And he thinks that they won't harm them unless Melissa or Ethan are there to see them. He doesn't think they're bait but a weapon that can be used against two of the most powerful Guard members," As this registers in her head, I look around again. I'm not being nosy. It's just I don't like looking at people while they try to think or when I tell them the bad news. I look at the picture frames on their vanity. Pictures of Melissa and Natalie...Natalie and Gavin...their parents...Lucy...Hm. She looks nothing like Melissa. After looking at the picture another time, I change my mind. Melissa looks nothing like Lucy. Or their parents. Lucy and her parents have hazel eyes and dark brown hair while Melissa's eyes are blue and her hair, not dark brown, but pure black. Was she an orphan? I'm not gonna ask though cause that's being REAL nosy.
"Oh. That does make sense but," Natalie begins, "when can we save them?"
"The best answer I can give you is: when he plans the mission then we'll save them,"
"But it's not really fair to Ethan or Mel,"
"I know...but I have no say in this and we can't tell Ethan or Melissa about the real reason. Everyone else knows though and technically, according to Matt, we're doing them a favor,"
"I don't see how,"
"Me neither, but I'm not the one making the decisions,"
"I guess..."
REVIEW! All you have to do is click that blue button down there. I'd draw an arrow but that's not possible in this situation. The best directions I can give you is move your mouse SouthWest! Or directly below this.
