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CHAPTER ELEVEN

Amethyst-Chan

I wasn't surprised to hear Melinda leave. She didn't seem like one to sleep at times like this. I couldn't sleep either. I just let her think I was. I wanted to sleep, really, but I just couldn't. I was having a tough time comprehending everything that had just happened. I resorted to gazing at the intricate designs on my hands. They were shiny and golden, and very swirly. They only reached my wrist on the outside, but decorated my palms. It was like someone decided to attack me with henna drawn in liquid gold.

I wasn't sure if Nyx had chosen right in picking me as one of these special people. I wasn't anything special. In fact, I was very normal. I wasn't someone of importance, like Tonya or Destiny. They were both in the Dark Daughters. Tonya was the leader. Or like Melinda. She's so out there, and voices her opinion on everything. She's strong and isn't afraid of anything. I didn't really know anything about Vince. Only that he was part of Tonya's group, so that gives him some importance points. And what was I?

I was a girl who liked horses. When I wasn't studying, I was spending time with them. I also wasn't a rule breaker, and didn't question authority. That's all I was. In most definitions I'd be a goodie two-shoes I guess, but I wasn't over the top, and didn't speak out a lot. Yeah, Nyx definitely made a mistake in choosing me. All of a sudden I heard something crash and crumble outside. Cherry woke up with a start, and looked around frantically, and whined when she noticed Melinda wasn't here.

"It's okay," I smiled sitting up. "She'll be back." I got up and sat on the bed next to her, petting her lightly. Her eagerness woke up Faith who began to mew in confusion. I scooped faith up, and sat her on my lap, and petted her and Cherry simultaneously. I wish I had been chosen by a cat, I thought, feeling envious. Even though she'd been here for little over a day, Melinda has had more things happen to her than I did this whole time. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of her. She was just one of those lucky ones I guess.

The turning of the doorknob startled me, and caused Cherry to bark and leap off of the bed.

"Hey girl," greeted Greg in a whisper. "Oh, I didn't wake you did I?" He asked when he noticed me.

"No, I was up," I replied. "Where's Melinda?"

"She's...in a predicament," he said, hoping it was the right word.

"When isn't she," I asked. "She's gotten into a lot of them already."

"Trust me, she's gotten into a ton of them throughout her entire life," Greg chuckled. "She's a trouble magnet. Um, could I borrow a blanket?"

"Sure," I shrugged, standing up with Faith in my arm, and lifting off the top layer of Melinda's bed. "What she do this time?"
"She's hidden in a bush naked," he shrugged as if it was nothing.

"What?" I gasped in credulously. "Why's she naked?"

"Long story," he replied, backing toward the door. "I'm sure she'll tell you about it when she gets back, but I gotta go give her this."

"Okay," I nodded. He gave Cherry a final pat, and I had to pull on her collar lightly so she couldn't run after him before he shut the door. Something told me that these "predicaments" she kept getting into were only going to get worse, and somehow involve me eventually.

Melinda

I swear there was someone watching me. There's always someone watching. I just couldn't find them. But I knelt there behind the bush, waiting, hoping no one would find me before Gonzo got back. I felt so expose, which I was obviously, and uncomfortable. I rarely felt uncomfortable. The last time I felt this bad was in 6th grade, when Janice Winkle puked on me when it was her turn to sing in the Christmas pageant. I swear they shouldn't have chosen her to play the lead angel. Not that I wanted it, but I just had to be the one who asked her what she was thinking about as her cue to start singing "White Christmas".

I could hear someone coming up the path, and I ducked as low as I could behind the bush, praying it was Gonzo. Turned out it wasn't, which was so typical for a situation like this. It turned out to be Vince in fact. Oh, Goddess, I groaned silently. Please, don't let him be the one to find me. I could tell it was him because he had his hood down, and it would be easy to point him out because of the 5 of us in those ugly robes, he was the tallest. My stomach flopped when he started walking in my direction. What do I do?, I panicked. He's gonna see me. Well maybe if I stay quiet, he'll go right on by without noticing me? But what if he does? I should shout at him not to come any closer. But then if he's a perv he'll come over regardless.

He was too close for comfort now, and I just had to pray he wasn't a perv.

"Stop where you are!" I shouted, ducking a little farther down in the bush. He stopped where he was, but didn't look all that surprised by my voice. "Don't come any closer!"

"Why not?" he asked, which was a surprise to me.

" Because...," I'm a la nude?, I thought, mentally smacking myself. "Just don't come any closer." Against my request, he actually took a couple more steps forward.

"I'm naked alright!" I scream,poking my head up and glaring at him. "You perv, go away already."

"And how did you end up that way?" he asked, no expression in his face.

"None of the ways you're thinking of," I spat, my arms covering my chest just in case he could see through the bush.

"I'm thinking you took off the cloak when they told you not to," he replied.

"This question is for $100,000, is that your final answer?" I asked, and immediately regretted it when he didn't so much as chuckle, snort or crack a bit of a smile. "I didn't take it off. I was sucked out of it."

"How?" he asked, taking another step forward.

"Stop moving forward you creep," I shouted. "I don't know. I touched that pillar and I was sucked up into it. Then it collapsed." He looked toward the pillar, and I used the opportunity to shuffle farther down the bush, increasing the distance between us a bit.

"The teachers will be coming to investigate," he said, not looking back at me, so I shuffled some more.

"Well, I have no shame in knocking down a pillar," I shrugged. "Plus Cross Lady's already seen me naked." Ewwww, I thought.

"If they see you out you'll be in trouble," he stated, slipping his arms out of robe.

"Whoa, and you think you being naked is any better?" I gasped, turning my head away. I heard the rustle of fabric, and then my world went dark. "Hey!" I yanked the robe off of my head to glare at him again, but they softened at his sight. He had pants on, thank goodness, but his back to me, and it was completely covered with intricate amethyst designs. They shined in the sunlight, and extended over his shoulders and down his arms.

"You have it on yet?" he asked. I blinked out of my trance, and fumbled with the garment. It took me longer than it should have to find the bottom, and longer than that to get my self situated inside.

"Okay," I announced, standing up in the oversized pillowcase. He didn't say anything, or even look back at me. He just started walking toward the teacher's building. Back to normal I see, I thought following. I couldn't help but find it weird how he came strutting along in my direction. He must have known something. Perhaps Gonzo met him along the way and he told him about me in the bush? Then why didn't he just come back with him and then I use his cloak? Creepy. I also thought back to the Circle and how he stared at me almost the entire time. Well, it may have been longer, but I didn't notice him staring until I was staring back. What was with this guy? Along the walk, I noticed a smell. It was an intoxicating kind of smell. When I brought my hand up to scratch my nose, I realized that the smell was coming from the robe. He smells good, I thought, sighing.

"Lin," Gonzo called, running toward us with a blanket at hand.

"My hero," I grinned, opening my arms for a hug.

"Oh, I see you've already been rescued," he said, looking surprised. Vince didn't stop to chat. He just kept on walking by Gonzo and to the teacher's building.

"Yeah, still don't know how he knew I was there," I shrugged. "But thanks, I really appreciate it." I gave him a big hug regardless. "Now let's get out of this sun before I melt."

"It didn't seem to be bothering you just a little while ago," he pointed out, walking beside her.

"Well, I've been out in it for hours now," I huffed. "I need some sleep."

"I thought you weren't tired either," he smirked, sounding amused.

"Well it's catching up on me okay?" I groaned, taking the blanket from me. "Thanks again."

"No problem," he smiled, patting my head. "Sweet dreams."

"What no goodnight kiss?" I teased, thinking of him kissing Tonya and nearly gagging again. Unexpectedly, he brushed my hair from my face and kiss me cheek lightly.

" Good night Lin," he smiled, walking away. I felt my face, and it was burning hot. So what? I thought, he's kissed me on the cheek before. But there was something about it this time that was different. Taking a deep breath, I walked into the building.

Melinda

I slept for a long time, I could feel it. It felt great actually to get a long awaited rest. To my dismay, I woke up with the sun setting behind the buildings.

"Did I sleep all day?" I groaned, rubbing my eyes.

"Yeah, you did," Amethyst replied, "but so did I."

"You just wake up?" I asked, rolling over.

"About an hour ago," she nodded, sitting up, and dressed. "I went downstairs and the High Priestess was up with professor Volante and Rhinestone. They said that when you woke up they wanted to talk to us about how we were going to proceed with our schooling."

"Did they even cancel classes?" I yawned, stretching. Faith mewed, and jumped up onto my lap, and Cherry nudged my legs, wagging her tail.

"Yeah, they cancelled them yesterday," Amethyst nodded, looking glum. "They are however continuing them today. They had a ceremony for those who died yesterday as well."

"Wow, they move fast don't they," I sighed, sitting up. My stomach growled in response. "Ugh, where's the food?"

"There's some downstairs," Amethyst answered, getting up. "The others are already down there."

"Why aren't you wearing your robe?" I asked, getting up as well.

"Because so long as we remain in this building we should be okay," she shrugged. "There's some clothes for you right there." She motioned to the pile of simple clothing on the table. "I'll step out so you can change."

"I don't mind you being in-"

"I know," she interrupted. Not rudely, but I didn't expect it from her. "But, I don't want to be in here when you change. I'll be downstairs."

"Okay," I replied, blinking in surprise as she left the room. The clothes were a black sweater with my year's symbol on it, and a pair of jeans. I assumed we were meeting in the room we had a couple nights ago, so I headed there first. Thankfully, that's where everyone was. The other Elements were dressed the same as me, and held empty plates. Cross Lady was talking with Rhinestone, Gaia, and two other ladies I remembered from the Circle.

"About time you woke up," Tonya snapped, giving me the evil eye. I gave her a glare of my own, and was going to top it off with the finger, but Cross Lady cleared her throat with authority.

"Now that you are all here, I can explain how your days here will proceed from now on," she began. As she spoke, I grabbed a plate, and literally grabbed handfulls of anything my hand touched and piled it on my plate. "Your schedules have not been altered at all, so there is no need to worry about that, but there will be an addition to your schedule. Before your daily classes, you will have a one-on-one lesson."

I didn't really listen to her. My eyes were wandering and looking at the others. Destiny still looked like an emotional wreck. Her hair was held up lazily by a big clamp, and looked like it need brushing. Her face was makeup free, and her eyes looked swollen and red. Tonya looked like she wasn't phased by what was happening. I could still see the fear in her eyes clear as day back in the dorm when she couldn't control herself. I wondered how fixing that was. We sure did cause a lot of damage to the school. My eyes some how moved to her shirt, and blinked at the symbol on her shirt. It was of three women and scissors. I wonder what year that is. Guitar Guy looked the same as always. Blank face, hair covering one eye, looking totally badass. Hey, I called it like I see it. Didn't notice before, but he did carry a kind of air along the lines of "Don't care how you see me, I'm awesome either way", but not in a cocky way. If it was possible to think you're awesome and not be cocky.

"Melinda Bree," Cross Lady's voice echoed, catching my full attention.

"Yes ma'am," I replied, adding a salute(an army one, not that ridiculous fist chest thing)

"Your lessons will be with Professor Onyx," she motioned to the very petite woman standing next to her. When I say she was petite, I mean extremely tiny. She looked very fragile, and dainty, as if she could be broken by a stone thrown by a kid. Not to mention she was a foot shorter than everyone in the room. She had very long red hair that rolled from her scalp. Her tiny eyes were framed by lightning band rock tattoos. A weird combination, but very dynamic.

"What lessons?" I asked, popping a mini strawberry in my mouth. I know it was a question I shouldn't have asked since even thought I wasn't paying attention, I still heard everything she said. Cross Lady gave me a look, but didn't answer my question. The lessons were to help us learn about our powers, and their origins, blah, blah, blah, and how to control them so that we could kick some arse.

"What about the dorms?" Destiny asked in a light, hesitant voice.

"They are practically rebuilt," Cross Lady replied with a small smile. "By tomorrow, they'll be back to normal, and you can move back in."

"But what about personal belongings that were...lost in the fire?" I asked, glancing out of the corner of my eye at Queen Bee, who mouthed something really mean.

"We unfortunately can't replace personal things that were lost," Rhinestone said, looking sullen. "But we can help with making your rooms more home-like again if they were damaged." Boy, they move fast, I thought.

"Also, I've been thinking of something as well," Cross Lady said, smiling pleasantly. "Since you are all students, and you each are an element, I can see you creating one powerful Circle." I choked on a grape the same time nearly spat out some water.

"What?" We both shouted once we could function properly.

"I was thinking of the Dark Daughters actually," Cross Lady continued, not minding our reactions. "I think it would be a great opportunity to see what you can accomplish together, and to train out new High Priest."

"But I'm the High Priestess in training!" Tonya shouted incredulously, jumping to her feet. "You can't just start training someone else!"

"Watch your tone," snapped the mini-redhead. I was surprised by the volume of her voice and how earth shaking it was.

"Nyx has chosen another to be trained," Cross Lady answered, keeping her calm expression. "I'm sorry Tonya, but your training ends here."

"But you said High Priest," Amethyst spoke up for the first time. "Not Priestess."

"Correct," she smirked. "Vince will be our first ever High Priest." The room was heavy with silence, and the four of us turned slowly to look back at him. His one eye was looking intently outside, and he said nothing.

"Why HIM?" Tonya demanded, looking completely outraged. I couldn't help but be amused by her distress and wished I had popcorn.

"Nyx has Chosen him," Gaia replied, looking amazed by the situation. "That's reason enough. There's no questioning our Goddess. She made him Spirit, and so he will lead the Circle, and be trained as a High Priest."

"Okay, my turn to freak," I spoke up, jumping up to my feet, and lightly placing my half empty plate on my chair. "Do we have to do this Circle thing. Like I mean, I'm not all that interested in evoking stuff. And join that cult? I don't think so."

"The Dark Daughters is not a cult." Not gonna lie, Cross Lady looked like she was losing her patience. Didn't know I could get her even close to her edge. "It'll do you some good to get involved in school."

"Sign me up for the chess club then," I mumbled, sitting back down and stuffing my face.

"I'm guessing that doesn't start today," Amethyst said, looking a bit anxious.

"Actually, it does," Cross Lady smiled brightly. "We have a couple hours until classes start, and so we have time for your first lessons with your new powers."

"Great," I groaned, about to shove something else in my mouth when Mini was suddenly in front of me, and plucking the food from me.

"Gluttony is a deadly sin Miss Bree," she said brightly. I swear it was the complete opposite of how she sounded when she last spoke. "I say you've had your fill. Now if you please, follow me." I blinked over at Amethyst, who only shrugged. "Come, come." Mini was tugging my like a little kid wanting their parent to let them ride the big scary coaster.

"Okay, okay," I replied, letting her pull me away from the others.

"We're going to have so much fun," she beamed, her face radiating.

"I'm sure we will," I mumbled, making a face.