Art of War

"Ponder and deliberate before you make a move."

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Chapter 10


Bubbles

I sat patiently in the chairman's office sipping tea. I wasn't really bothered that I was missing dinner because, to be honest, I really needed a break from everyone. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with Ella's stupid scheming, class, and now Boomer. I haven't told Serena, my best friend, anything about what I was doing either. Not that I feel guilty or anything!

My "father" sat at his desk quietly going over paperwork. For the last 200 years our relationship was– quiter than it had been in the past. After our last incident, I was doing my best to keep low. Blossom had never had any problems when we were younger, but Buttercup was another story. She was demon so she could never truly die, just get constantly reincarnated. Those screams we use to here from the basement were horrible. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. No one else was here so out of my bag I took out my book. It was proving to be useful in my quest. I was pretty deep into it too.

I heard the office doors open and close silently. Heels clicking– Blossom. Buttercup would never get rid of those horrendous sneakers. I shoved my book away.

"So what were you really doing in the library this morning, Bubbles?" She asked, sitting in the armchair across from me.

I glared harshly. I had the right to be in the library like anyone else. "Once again– none of your business. As much as you would like to think you are, you're not the queen of the library!"

"And you're not either!"

"Girls please. You sound ridiculous." The Professor chimed in. We both instantly shutup.

"You're sister's not here yet, but I don't have time to waste waiting for her. I have two things to discuss with you girls. First is the annual Winter Ball–"

I smiled a little. The Winter Ball was always a beautiful night. Students joined by alumni and other influential figures danced the night away in beautiful up, I was always fascinated by it. We weren't allowed to attend but I would sneak down to watch secretly. I imagined that one day I would find my prince there.

"I'm leaving for business soon so I won't be able to oversee it. I'm leaving you three in charge. You'll have a week to prepare. We have very important guests attending this year so don't disappoint me. Professor Keane will be assisting you."

"It just so happens the night of the Winter Ball is right before winter break this year."

Ugh. Every winter break there's this annual trip to this cute ski lodge somewhere in Canada. It's completely safe for our kind since it's in a magical community. Outside the school there's still hostility, but this is one of the few places in the world where there's a truce and it's illegal to fight. Those demons from Luna have no choice to follow the rules since it's that or death.

"The plane leaves at 10:00 the next morning. I need you girls to make sure your entire House is set to go. No tardies. Am I understood?"

"Yes Professor."

"Good. You may leave. Be sure to inform your sister."

Blossom got up and grabbed my arm, dragging me outside.

"Ow! Let go of me!"

"Don't complain, I barely touched you! Listen, I just wanna talk about the Winter Ball. We actually have to work together on this."

I rolled my eyes. Leave it to Blossom to be all Miss Teamwork then take all the credit. As much as I rather not be with her, my love for the Winter Ball is greater. This is going to be the best ball yet!


Blossom

I got up and grabbed Bubbles outside.

"Ow! Let go of me!"

"Don't complain, I barely touched you! Listen, I just wanna talk about the Winter Ball. We actually have to work together on this."

The Winter Ball is a big deal and unless she wants to get on The Professor's bad side, we need to work together for this to be a sucess.

She rolled her big blue eyes at me. "Fine. But don't think this changes anything! We're still at war until you return what belongs to Estrella."

She's bringing this up now?

"Okay I know that. But, you know we don't have it. It belongs to Sol anyway. Let's go get Buttercup."

Bubbles eyes widened then narrowed. She took a few steps back and crossed her arms. "Uh no. I'm not doing that. Plus, you're asking me to go into a room full of mutts, demons, and vampires. They'll attack me on sight."

"I thought you were oh-so powerful?" I smirked. Bubbles was clearly afraid of Luna. She'd never admit though. Bubbles was the type to have an excuse for everything.

"I am. I just rather not associate with those type of creatures. I'll wait in the library… Unlesss you still have a problem with me being there?"

"Even if I did, you'd still go against me anyway."

"True." She turned in the direction of the library. "And do try to be fast, I need my beauty sleep."

I went to the administration office to get a copy of Buttercup's schedule. It was kinda awkward considering they know our… history together. It took awhile since we don't have computers. The poor secretary had to secarch through hundreds of files to find Buttercup's then had to copy everything by hand.

Thanking the secretary before I left, I took a look at the slip of paper. History of Magic hmm?

I was thinking about how I would do this. Buttercup was much more daring than the rest of us and I knew she could care less about the Winter Ball. I would take alot of convincing to get her to do her part.

I guess classes were going on considering the halls were pretty much empty. Looking out a large window, I saw the sky was darkening quickly. I wonder if Brick was still around or if he had returned to his room yet. Not that it mattered or anything! I didn't even realize I had arrived outside the classroom.

Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob slowly. Through the door I could hear loud chatter and shuffling.

Looking around, I was grateful to see some in red and gray. That meant I wasn't facing a complete sea of monsters.

I smiled at Professor Twinkle. She was a quirky, little women but, made good cookies.

"I'm sorry to disturb, Professor, I just need to borrow Buttercup for awhile."

"Oh Blossom bless your heart, please take her!"

In the very corner of the room with her feet up on some poor kid's desk was my notorious sister. She was smoking lazily. It wasn't like she could get suspended anyway.

"Oi! What do you want from me Red?"

I blushed slightly thinking of Brick. Red seemed to be his permanent name for me apparently. Ugh! Why was thinking about stupid Brick right now?

"Err- The chairman wishes to see you."

"Eh? Whatever. Anything to get out of here."

Wow. Easier than I expected. We stepped out into the hall and started walking. Out of the corner of my eye I stole a quick look at Buttercup. She was taller now, probably a good four inches taller than me. Anyone could see she had legs for days. Despite her muscular frame, she still had this model-air about her. But still deadly. I guess she was feeling playful since she didn't try to slit my throat when she first saw me. Even now, she had this lazy smirk on her face. I should be scared…

"So where we going Witchy?"

"It's Blossom and the library."

"Woah." She froze. "Thought we were going to the old man's?"

"Well you did miss the meeting today so now we have to gather in the library.

"Oh yeah that thing. I was– busy. Well it was nice chatting but I got other things I rather be doing."

Just like that she turned in the opposite direction and started walking away from me.

"Where are you going?! You can't just leave!" I shuffled after her. Geez did I wish I changed into flats!

"You see Blossy, I actually can. Watch me."

Those leathery black wings of her unfolded and her infamous horns and spiked tail appeared. Her nails grew into claws along with her hands having a blackish tint.

She broke open a window and glass shattered all around me. As I attempted to shield myself, a shard of glass came down and struck my face.

"Ow!" There was a slight stinging sensation on my right cheek. Blood trickled down onto my hands.

"Ooo did I scratch you pretty little face? So sorry babe!"

People flooded into the halls to get a look at the commotion outside. Both professors and students formed a large circle around us, even the most powerful teachers knew not to intefer between us.

"How about we strike a deal? If you can catch me, then I'll actually listen to you. I you don't before midnight, ya gotta do whatever I say. How's that sound?"

I pondered for a second. She was faster than me, could I really expect to catch her? Plus it would take a pretty strong spell to catch a demon like her. If I didn't get her to help with the ball, we might be screwed and would suffer the wrath of the Professor.

"Fine. Deal."

She chuckled, flashing sharp, fang like teeth. "Catch me if you can Witch."


Really short chap but I wanted to update today! Updates will be more frequent since this is where the actual plot starts.

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