CHAPTER TEN

Melinda

When we had to walk to the teacher's building, we had to completely cover ourselves with those oversized – just right for Vince – robes. Cross Lady that they were special robes that would keep us whole, even if we started to slip apart, but I figured it was so we wouldn't be freaks on display. Amethyst told me that she felt like she was falling apart when she left the dorm, and that the robes really did work. I only nodded, not wanting to voice my opinion. It would probably only upset her. I held Faith tightly in the folds of my robe as we were lead but the guiding hands of teachers. Cherry whined, pressing herself against my legs as we went along. As soon as we stepped inside, I didn't wait for permission, and just through off my hood.

"Finally, I can breathe," I exhaled loudly. No one responded, which surprised me. Faith only mewed and rubbed against my chest. The others followed Professor Volante, Rhinestone, and a couple other teacher I'd never seen before without saying a word. We were brought to what looked like the lounge, and in the middle was a table set up with easy to eat food. I wasn't surprised that I was the only one to pick up a plate. I filled with with tuna sandwiches, Faith mewing her approval. I sat down next to Amethyst, who seated herself on a couch away from the others. Tonya was still comforting Destiny, and Vince stood against the back wall, his eyes shut.

"Not hungry?" I asked, shoving a whole slice in my mouth. She shook her head slowly, staring down at her tattooed hands. I took another piece and split it in half, giving one each to my pets. Cherry gobbled it down greedily, while Faith swatted away the bread to help herself to the fish.

"How can you eat at a time like this?" Destiny asked, sniffing hard.

"She said to eat and rest," I shrugged. "I'm doing as I'm told."

"How can you be so calm?" she said, making a face. "A second ago you were...and now your..." That was a good question. I really didn't have an answer for it. I could've told her I was bipolar, which I probably was, but I did change moods a lot. And I found no other reason to be angry right now. There's nothing I could do at the moment, no high authority to argue with since Cross Lady wasn't here (it was useless to fight with the other teachers since they probably didn't know as much as she) and I was given food. I'm always happy when there's food. I only shrugged again, downing another piece. The door burst open at the instant, causing us all – except Vince – to jump. Gonzo stood in the door way, panic on his face. His eyes slid over everyone in the room, even Tonya, and landed on me. He had took only two hurried steps toward me before he was intercepted by the Queen Bee.

"Oh Greg!" she cried, throwing herself at him. A mixture of emotions crossed his face – surprise, confusion, but he just blinked them away and hugged her tightly.

"Y-you okay?" he asked.

"It was so horrible," she sobbed, tear magically appearing her eyes, as she buried her face into his chest. It was just so horrible. I didn't bother trying to make out the rest of her blubbering bullshit. She wasn't this upset a minute ago. Gonzo looked up at me, and gave me a worried look. In silent response, I flexed my free arm, and gave him a cocky grin, and a wink to boot. He smiled in return, looking relieved.

"Aren't you suppose to be at the assembly?" Volante asked, he was the only teacher who remained.

"Nah, I was more worried about...my friends," Gonzo hesitated. "I didn't see them after everything that happened, so I came to find them. And it looks like they're all here

"Destiny calmed down," Tonya gasped, her own sob story abandoned, and she was back at her friend's side. "It's okay."

"N-no it's not," she wheezed. "I killed him...I KILLED HIM!"

"If you don't calm down, you may kill someone else!" Tonya snapped, obviously reaching the edge of her patience. "So stop it!" Destiny jerked away from her, still sobbing hard.

"Don't shout at her," Volante ordered, trying to keep a levelled voice. "It won't help at all." he stumbled across the room to try and help calm her. I didn't really know what to do. I couldn't really counter her like I did Tonya, so I felt useless. She could bring down this whole building, and us in it. The panic, along with the shaking ground stopped suddenly, and instead it was filled a calming essence. Everyone seemed to feel it, feeling peace simultaneously, well, except for Vince. Hey, I'm sorry that I keep pointing out how he stands apart from what everyone else. It's just easy to notice, and this time anyone could've picked it out if they were paying attention – which I admit I was. His tattoos on his face were glowing, along with his eyes, and his hair seemed to float in a non-existing breeze. He must have been using Spirit to calm Destiny, but was effecting everyone else in the room as well. I was starting to feel kind of sleepy when he stopped, and he returned to normal, standing idly against the wall.

"You sure you're okay?" Gonzo asked, making me jump out of my Spirit-haze. He had sat down beside me, seriousness set on his face.

"Are you kidding me?" I asked, flipping my hair over my shoulder. "It'll take a lot more than that to take me down."

" Good thing you're bullet proof now," he laughed lightly. "What are you now?"

"Long story," I sighed, nibbling on another piece of sandwich. "You know your GF looks like she's about to blow a gasket. You should get back over there and be her shoulder to lean on."

"Oh, right," he said, quickly looking out the corner of his eye, not looking at all happy about leaving me.

"It's okay, just find me tomorrow and we'll talk," I grinned, punching his arm. "Now get back over there before she burns this place down." I made a whipped sound, earning a disproving/amused look as he got up and went over to the awaiting queen. I will admit, I was jealous. I hated having to share him. I know that was selfish, especially since he would've gotten a girlfriend eventually. If only it was someone I could actually tolerate. It would be a lot easier. I was so use to having all of his attention, and from the way he entered the room, I'd say I still came first. 'Bros before hoes' was the saying right? I wasn't really a 'bro' but I was still his closest homie. I had yet to find a reason he was even with her. My inner rambling ended when Rhinestone returned to the room.

"Bedrooms have been set up for you," she said. "You can go up anytime you like. They are on the second floor. Amethyst-Chan and Melinda are in the first on the left, Destiny and Tonya the second on the left, and Vince, first on the right." Vince was the first to move, gliding past us all and out the door. Eager beaver, I thought munching on another piece of sandwich.

"I wanna go to sleep," Amethyst said, rubbing her eyes. "Hopefully we won't have another nightmare." I nodded, and stood up as she did. I abandoned my plate lazily on the couch, and scooped Faith up again. Cherry followed me closely, rubbing herself against my legs again. I gave Gonzo a small wave before exiting.

To tell you the truth, I wasn't tired at all. I sat on my bed, still in my ginormous robes. Cherry had claimed the foot of my bed, and to my surprise, Faith curled up beside her. Guess tough times bring people together, I thought, pleased they weren't hissing at each other. Amethyst had zonked out the minute her head hit the pillow. Poor thing was exhausted. I wish I was. I paced around the room, careful not to trip over the robes. I kept looking at my hands, and stealing glances at myself as I passed the mirror. I was finally feeling something other than my earlier hunger. Scared.

Yup, I'll admit it, I was scared. I was thrusted into the middle of some ancient blood-sucker battle that required all this magic voodoo stuff to go down. I felt mostly afraid of myself. In that dream...I died. I died and became something else. Perhaps I didn't become something else, but let something inhabit my body. I really didn't know, and it didn't really matter. Or maybe by dieing I 'awakened' something, just like Cross Lady had mentioned earlier. Either way, I was effed up for life.

I heard movement outside, and with nothing else to do, I quietly opened my door, and peered out. I had to hold back a gag. Tonya and Gonzo were in a major lip-lock. GROSSSSS!, I screamed silently, looking away, not wanting to see anymore. I could barely see them dating, but doing that? I wonder what else they've done. Do you think they... Gross image! I hit my head with my palm. Don't think about that! But if they did, would he tell me? Probably not because I would react like this. But he tells me everything. He would tell me if they did. But seeing him playing tonsil hockey like that had me second guessing myself. I heard them whisper goodbyes, and heard Tonya's door close.

It was then I realized mine was still hanging open, and he was gonna have to pass it to leave. I tried to discretely close it without him noticing, but it was too late. He was looking through the crack and right at me. I put on a big goofy grin, and waved innocently. He looked amused, but shook his head. He motioned for me to follow and headed for the stairs. I looked back at my sleeping companions, and knew they would be fine. I closed the door carefully, and lightly stalked my way down the stairs. The light to the room we were in earlier was on, so I assumed that was where he went. I walked in, eyes wide, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, but there was nothing there but Gonzo.

"What's up?" I asked, being my usual perky self. In response, he hugged me tightly. Tighter than has ever before.

" Can't...breathe," I cried dramatically. He didn't seem to hear me. He just kept on squeezing me against his firm body. Did he work out? I don't remember his biceps being- I mentally slapped myself. What the fudge man? Focus.

"May I ask why I'm being suffocated after surviving fire and earthquakes?" I asked, keeping up my sarcastic attitude.

"I'm just so happy you're okay," he sighed, finally loosening his grip so he could look down at me. His eyes were glistening.

"Are you crying?" I asked, being serious myself. There was only a couple times when I saw him cry, and this would be number 6.

"I thought I lost you," Gonzo sniffed, trying to keep the tears from spilling over. "When I saw everyone else was accounted for except you and your roommate...and I couldn't find Cherry either...I just assumed the worst."

"Hey you know me," I shrugged, trying to get the light air back. "I'm too stubborn to die."

"That is true," he nodded. I felt triumphant getting a half smile out of him. "What happened?" He moved my hair out of my face, stroking my cheek as he did to reveal my tattoos. I have to say the motion felt nice.

" Long story short, got killed in a dream and became Water," I replied. "I don't control water, but I am Water. I mean that's what Cross Lady says."

"Did she say why this happened?" He asked, holding my hands gingerly, and admiring the tattoos there.

"That we need to battle some evil," I shrugged. "You know how those movies go. An unsuspecting 'normal' person gets thrown into something they don't want to, and then is given a special mission only they can do to save the world. Typical Blockbuster. Sucks that its me eh?"

"How ironic," he smirked. "You have to save a race you despise."

"Don't put it like that," I growled, taking my hands back, and moving to the table that still held food. I helped myself to a piece of fruit, and turned back to see him watching me.

"What?" I asked, my mouth half full.

"Do you hate me?" Gonzo asked. I stared at him in confusion.

"What kind of question is that?" I demanded.

"I want to know," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Of course not," I said, making a face at him. "Why would I? I have no reason to."

"I became a fledgling," he shrugged. "I didn't tell you about my girlfriend."

" I told you before, becoming a fledgling didn't make me hate you," I snapped, getting angry. Though it has made him change a lot. For the better, I'm ashamed to admit. "And it's okay you didn't tell me about Tonya. I'm not mad you didn't tell me you had a GF, just that she's the GF. I tell ya, you could do so much better." He seemed to relax, which was good, because I really didn't realize he was so tense.

"Speaking of your GF," I said, leaning against the table, curiosity getting the best of me. "How far have you guys gone?" The look on his face told me he wasn't expecting such a question, which amused me. I like seeing him fumble for an answer.

"Well, uh," he stammered, running a hand through his hair.

" Come, spit it out," I grinned. "Is she good?" Ew, bad imaging.

"NO!" he shouted, eyes wide in shock. "I mean, well...We haven't done it yet." Relief flooded through me. Why, I couldn't put it on one reason.

"Would you have told me if you did?" I asked, folding my arms, going into interrogation mode. "I mean without me asking?"

"Why are you asking me this?" Gonzo demanded, visibly uncomfortable.

"To see if you still consider me your closest friend," I shrugged. "You know, to see if you still tell me everything. I know it's hard to email everything that happens, but you tend to leave out a lot of things." He gave me this look, I couldn't quite define what it was, but I think I saw understanding mixed in it.

"Yes," he said. "I would've told you."

"The truth you speak my padawan," I said, giving him a small curtsey, fanning out my long robes. He did speak the truth. I could tell when he lied.

"That's new," he smirked. "It looks like a dress."

"And I hate it," I scoffed, tugging at the sleeves. "I'm drowning in it."

"You should go to sleep now," he said, checking his watch. "Classes start in a few hours."

"Are they still gonna have classes after all this?" I asked, looking exasperated.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "I didn't attend the meeting."

" Right," I nodded, thinking of what he said earlier. "I was more worried about...my friends. I didn't see them after everything that happened, so I came to find them." And he just said he got worried when I was accounted for. He didn't even think of Tonya...

"I'm too tired to sleep," I said, heading for the door. "I'm going outside."

"But you can't," Gonzo protested, but he wasn't quick enough. I was already out the door, and down the hall before he could catch up. I through the door open, and was greeted by intense light. It wasn't as bright as it was earlier, but then again I hadn't really noticed. The sun was far to the west, and would be setting soon. I felt awkward standing out in the light, but I embraced it. No torch could truly capture the true devastation of the scene before me. The beautiful fountain had been shattered, replaced by a large pillar of earth. Both dorms had been broken nearly torn up by a pillar each, but the girl's dorm had suffered fire damage as well. Clumps of earth, brick and wood were scattered everywhere, and stains of red were found here and there.

I couldn't find any cats, and didn't expect to as I walked amongst the chaos. The pathways had been overturned, and bench broken to pieces. The grass was all patchy, and you could still smell the faint scent of burning wood. Gonzo walked silently beside me, surveying the damage, and squinting against the sun.

"She sure did cause a lot of damage...," I whispered, standing outside of the temple.

"Destiny?" Gonzo asked. "She's Earth?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "Amethyst is Air, Queen Bee is Fire, and Vince is Spirit."

"Never expected Vince to be given an element," he said with amusement. "Especially that one."

"Yeah, he should be the element of surprise," I laughed lightly.

"Surprise?" he asked, looking confused.

"Because whenever he does something, like speak, it's such a surprise." I couldn't help but grin at the lame joke.

"Yeah he's quiet, but he's a good guy," he nodded, finding amusement in it.

"Why us?" I sighed. "Why did we have to be Marked?"

"Night was calling to us," he replied, quoting the Tracker. "It chose us."

" But why?" I asked, sighing in frustration.

"Well, you were Marked so you could take on this responsibility," he said. "Not sure why I was."

"I think they they just put the names of everyone in the world in a ginormous hat and pick their names at random," I said, pacing around the temple. "Because that seems to be the only logical way of picking people."

"Then what a coincidence they picked both of us," Gonzo smiled. "Must be fate."

" We're BFF's," I grinned. "Of course they'd have to change the both of us. I bet our names were on the same piece of paper. Where one goes, the other follows. That's always how its been. It's how it always will be." I wondered over to the giant pillar that stood beside the building. It was amazing how it just missed it. Must be sacred enough for a rogue pillar to miss, I thought. I looked closer at the pillar, and saw that there were designed into it that looked like waves.

This must be the water one, I thought, mentally checking that we were on the western side of the grounds. I ran my hands across the pillar, feel its cool surface, and then something jolted inside me. I heard Gonzo shout something, but my mind couldn't register it. My mind had a hard time registering anything as my body became nothing. Well, not exactly nothing, but not solid. I was in my water form again, and I felt all over the place, unable to focus on one thing. I felt myself being sucked into something. Something that allowed me to flow through multiple paths at once, heading toward a single destination. It felt like I was travelling through ground, and I realized I was. I was travelling through the pillar.

More like I was filling it up. I was being stretched, and from what I could feel, I was surrounded by dirt and stones, and grass. I hated not having any limbs. I could barely even focus on seeing. When I reached the top, I could see out onto the campus. The sun no longer bothered me, but I saw it in ripples, like water passing over it. I looked down at the pillar I had travelled up, and saw the designs on it were glowing the same sapphire as my my tattoos. God, this looks like my painting..., I thought. Okay, try thinking of going back down...Think of becoming whole again. Of course, it didn't go as smoothly as I wanted, but I slowly managed to get myself down through the pillar, and on the ground.

"Oh thank God," Gonzo sighed.

"Oh, I got digits," I smiled, wiggling my fingers. I was laying on my stomach, face practically in the dirt.

"Um, Lin?" he said hesitantly. I looked up from my spot, and saw he had his back to me. I didn't even have to look. I could feel the air on my butt.

"Where'd my robes go?" I asked, not moving. I'd rather my butt be exposed than anything else.

"They, uh, got buried," he replied, keeping his back to me.

"Under what?" I demanded, looking around. I was laying next to a giant pile of dirt. The pillar was now gone, and was replaced by this pile.

"Great...," I thought. "Okay, go get me a blanket."

"And leave you out in broad daylight?" he said.

"I'll jump in a bush," I shrugged, looking around. Thankfully, there was a bush nearby, growing closely to the wall surrounding the school. "You stay right there and keep guard while I go hide myself, then come back with a blanket."

"And where will I get a blanket?" he asked.

"I don't know," I growled, growing impatient. "Go to my room and get one. Just don't wake up Amethyst or the animals."

"Cherry's a very light sleeper," Gonzo pointed out with amusement.

"Yup, I know," I smiled. "Now stay, while I move."

"Yes ma'am." I felt kind of awkward standing up completely naked in broad daylight. Self consciously, I put a hand over my lower parts, and the other across my boobs, and quickly moved toward the bush. I kept glancing back at him to make sure he wasn't looking. He didn't thank goodness.

"Okay," I shouted. "Go boy go!"

"As you wish," he shouted back, heading toward the student building. I sat on my knees, and peered over the bush, making sure no one else would come along and find me the way I was.