Chapter 2
Time has gone by and Serenity begins to open her eyes to find herself looking at the ceiling. She looks to find herself laying in a bed of some kind. Serenity quickly sits up to see that she's inside a room of some kind, and she doesn't see her little brother anywhere.
Serenity looks around, "Jonathan? Jonathan?"
She then grows worried, "John?! Jonathan?!"
Suddenly, the door opens to reveal a human woman. She can only assume she's human because of her appearance. Her skin is tan color and her long hair is blue with green and yellow on it. She has a blue dress with yellow trims, and low shoulder sleeves, she is also wearing yellow slip on shoes.
The woman says, "Hello hello dearie, how are you feeling?"
"A... a little better. I guess," Serenity says, feeling confused.
Then asks, "Who are you?"
"I'm Jackie, Drama instructor. You cause a bit of a scene in the principal's office," The woman, Jackie says, shaking Serenity's hand in excitement.
"Um, it's nice to meet you. And uh, sorry about that. I was just tired and very hungry for that matter. My brother must be too," Serenity says.
Then remembers and looks around, "Where's... where's Jonathan?"
"You mean the sweet baby boy?" Jackie asks.
Serenity nods her head, "Yes."
Then Jackie answers, "Don't worry dearie, Cameron is looking after him while you rest. I'll bet you're hungry so let's go get you something to eat."
"Um okay. Thank you," Serenity says.
"I'll be right back, sweetie. You just lay down and relax," Jackie says, and leaves the room in seconds.
Serenity says, confused, "That teacher seems rather energetic, but she seems very nice."
A little later, Jackie walks back into the room with a tray of food for Serenity to eat, "We're back. And I brought someone who likes to see you."
Jackie then walks inside, with another woman behind her. She has short orange hair and wears gray clothes. She is holding little Jonathan in her arms as he drinks milk from the bottle.
"Hello," Serenity says, shyly waves.
The woman nervously asks, "Um hello, your name is Serenity, right."
Serenity nods her head in reply, "Yes. And uh, who are you?"
"I'm Cameron Walden, i-it's nice to meet you," The woman says nervously.
"Um, it's nice to meet you. My name is Serenity Holmes," Serenity introduces herself.
Then Cameron asks, "So um, how are you feeling?"
"I'm a little better, just tired from what happened last night and this morning. It was really rough," Serenity says.
"Don't worry dearie, we'll take good care of you. Of course, finding a human teenager and a baby is quite rare, especially without their parents," Jackie says, and pats Serenity on the head.
Serenity sadly says "I... I don't know if we have parents anymore."
Then her eyes begin on the verge of tears, "I don't even know where they are or if they got out of the cruise in time. I don't even know where we are."
"What do you mean?" Cameron asks, showing concern.
Tears begin to fall from Serenity's face and she wipes the tears from it.
Then begins to explain her story, "My family was on vacation on a cruise for fun and to see the glaciers and the Northern lights in Alaska. But before the ship could return to it's port in California, we ran into a terrible storm and were forced to evacuate. The ship flipped over and my brother and I were thrown overboard. Luckily we were wearing life jackets and got on a lifeboat during the storm, but we were separated from our parents and have no clue where we are. The next thing I knew, my brother and I washed up on the beach in the lifeboat. I have no clue what happened to our parents. For all I know, they either got into a different life boat or they might have been lost at sea or trapped in the ship when it sank." Soon, more tears fell down her face.
"Oh, how terrible," Cameron says, worried.
"It was. I wasn't sure if the money I have works here, and I needed to figure out where we are so we can find help. So instead of taking the bus at the bus stop close by, I kind of walked all the way here," Serenity adds.
"You walked all the way here? Jackie asks, surprised.
Serenity nods her head, "Um yeah." wiping the tears from her face.
"Dearie, we're like miles away from the nearest beach," Jackie says.
"Um yeah. I know it sounds crazy, but I didn't really have much of a choice," Serenity replies, rubbing the back of her head.
"I suppose it's understandable. But still, I can't believe you walked all the way here from the beach," Jackie says.
She giggles and says, "Well Serenity, I think you definitely pulled off a rather amazing feat."
"Um yeah. Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are we? I've never been here before,"
"You're at Zoo Phoenix Academy," Jackie says.
"So this place is a school," Serenity says.
"Um yeah, it is," Cameron says.
But then asks, "Um, just to be sure, you said that you were in the lifeboat in the ocean before you got here right?"
"Um yes," Serenity answers.
"And you didn't meet with anyone about any transfer, or any procedure about coming here?" Jackie adds.
"Um, no. I wasn't informed about being transferred and my parents didn't say about them being transferred in their jobs. And like I said, my brother and I in a cruise that sank, barely able to reach the lifeboat, and ended up drifting to shore at the beach," Serenity answers.
Then asks, confused, "Why are you asking me these questions?"
"I believe I can explain it to you," The male voice says.
The females and little boy turn their heads to see the large cheetah from before.
"Oh, um, hello again," Serenity says.
"Hello Miss Serenity, correct?" The cheetah replies.
Serenity nods her head, "Um yes. It's um, nice to meet you. I don't think I actually got your name, and if you don't mind me asking, but, are you really a giant cheetah? I've never seen one this uh, large before."
"Yes, I am. My name is Zechariah," The cheetah, Zechariah says.
Then calmly continues, "Well Ms. Holmes, I have some well, difficult news for you."
"Difficult news?" Serenity asks.
"Well Ms. Holmes, I regret to inform you about the situation you and your younger brother are in," Zechariah says.
"What do you mean?" Serenity asks.
"Well all humans employed or chosen to be sent here through different means are given strict details about the world and it is their choice to be transferred," Zechariah says.
Then narrows his eyes, "I believe that you and your brother have been transported from your world by someone without your knowledge and purposely sent you to our world without your consent. For once here, you cannot return to the outside world you once knew."
"S-so, my brother and I are trapped in this world, forever?" Serenity asks, worried
"I'm afraid so, my dear. And I do apologize for what I heard, about what you and your brother have been through," Zechariah says.
Soon, Serenity covers her mouth and tears fall from her face once more as she sobs in deep sadness to hear the news. If what Zechariah says is true, then she and her brother can never return home, and whether her parents are dead or alive, she and Johnathan won't be able to see them again. The three can tell that the girl is deeply heartbroken to hear this.
"What am I going to do?" Serenity asks herself and continues sobbing.
Jackie hugs Serenity and says, "There there sweetie, it'll be okay. Everything will be okay."
Zechariah says, "Do not worry, the school staff will help discuss the matter. Judging by your appearance, I have to assume you are also a minor, just like your younger brother."
"Um yeah, I'm actually fifteen years old, and my little brother is only a year and half old," Serenity says, wiping the tears off her face.
Then asks, "Um, so, this place really is a school?"
"Yes. This is an interspecies society. There are many different creatures," Zechariah says.
"I kind of figured that out when I walked around the school. Are there other creatures like Nagas?" Serenity asks.
"Yes," Zechariah answers.
"Mermaids? Demons? Ghosts? Sorcerers? Witches?" Serenity asks.
"Yes," Zechariah answers.
Then Serenity asks, "Even aliens?"
"Aliens do not exist," Zechariah answers.
"Really?" Serenity asks, dumbfounded.
"Um yeah. It kind of surprised me too that aliens really don't exist," Cameron says.
Jackie then turns to Serenity and happily says, "You know. I think you should enroll here. There are great subjects for you to do and a lot of clubs that are fun. I'm sure you'll love it.
"But what about Jonathan? I can't leave him alone," Serenity says.
"Do not worry, I'm sure everything will work out, and be sure that both you and Johnathan get the care you need," Zechariah says.
"Okay. Thank you," Serenity says.
Just then, the bell rings.
"I must be going. We've arranged a meeting to discuss your circumstances. I'll be back when the meeting is finished," Zechariah says.
"Okay," Serenity says.
Zechariah turns to Cameron, "Cameron, will you watch over them."
"O-of course," Cameron says, trying to remain calm.
Then Zechariah turns to Jackie, "Jackie, will you come with me for the meeting."
"Sure," Jackie happily says.
She then gives Serenity a pat on her head, "I hope to see you around sweetie. And with this bundle of joy," and does the same with Johathan's.
"Okay," Serenity says.
Then Jackie happily says, "And don't worry, I'll have someone to bring you some new clothes. We can't have you and little Johnny walking around in those cripple pajamas."
"Thanks," Serenity replies.
With that, Zechariah and Jackie soon leave the room. Then the two begin to walk down the hall as Zechariah sighs and seems a bit frustrated.
"What's wrong Zech? You seem a bit on edge?" Jackie asks.
"I'm okay. Just a little frustrated. This is actually the second time the incident like this occurred. Only this time, someone has sent two human children to our world. And we had to follow our laws, which means, the children can never go home. And if even if we could, the two could be orphans," Zechariah says.
"I'm sure we'll figure something out. And I'm sure Cameron will do her best to calm the dear down," Jackie happily says.
"Yes. I'm sure. After all, in a way, Cameron ended up in the same situation as they did," Zechariah says.
Meanwhile, in the room, Cameron remains as the baby finishes the bottle. Then she gives him to Serenity. Then Serenity places the baby on the bed.
"So Serenity, how are you feeling about this?" Cameron asks.
"I don't know what to think to be honest," Serenity says, and lays down in bed.
"To be honest, I actually know how you feel," Cameron says.
"Really? How?" Serenity asks.
"You see. The same thing kind of happened to me. In fact, I arrived here a few days before you and Johnathan did. I was trying to get a job, and the one who I talked to said there was an opening for a counselor and I took it. I was not really informed about this place either. I think I might have been in a rush to get a job, but still. I was not told of this place either, and Zechariah also told me that once I come here, I can never leave," Cameron explains.
Confused, Serenity asks, "But… Do you know why?"
"I'm afraid I don't, it seems very confusing, and now I have to live here. It's been rather difficult, but I'm trying my best to handle it… really trying to," Cameron says, and lets out a sad sigh.
Serenity sadly sighs, "I can tell this wasn't easy for you. And… I know this is really not going to be easy for me."
"I-I-I know it's going to be well… hard. I'm still trying to learn about living here," Cameron says.
She then gives a sweet smile, "M-maybe you, me and, Jonathan, can learn how to live here together."
Serenity smiles and says, "Um yeah. I think I will like that."
Cameron and Serenity smile. It will become hard for Serenity and Johnathan at the beginning, but she has a feeling that she might be able to get through it with the help she'll be receiving.
In the conference room of the school, Zechariah and Principal Winston gather some of the staff of the school. Jackie is there along with a man that is Alanzo, her husband.
Alanzo has tan skin, red hair with blue and white highlights. His eyes are yellow, and he also has one golden tooth. He wears a blue-striped red shirt and red-striped blue pants. His bow tie is yellow with red and blue dots.
Along with a slim gray skinned woman with yellow eyes and yellow hair. She wears a brown shirt, brown pants, and black boots with black finger less gloves. She also wears a brown hat with a feather. Her name is Carrie, and she may look human, but she is a demon with a long tail
Fabian, a large red fox with yellow eyes and a long red tail.
Salvia, a woman with long and large red hair covering her eyes, and tied on the bottom with a black hair band. She wears a black and red dress with black slip on shoes.
A human woman named Joyce, who has light tank skin, and black wavy hair. She is wearing a black blouse, blue jeans, and black boots.
Latika, a lamia that has a rather dark tan skin with long black hair that can practically touch the floor, and she has a long red snake tail. She is wearing a red Indian style attire with gold bracelets, even on the end of her tail, and earrings.
A rather green shape shifting dragon Malcom who has green skin, black hair and wears green clothes.
The other Perci is a rather tall red creature and wears a black top hat.
Keiko, a tall slender woman with black and red hair, white skin with red blush, red eyes and red and black clothing, along with a white lab coat.
And lastly, Christopher, a tall male nurse with blonde hair and tan skin. He wears a light blue long sleeve shirt with a tie, and brown pants and shoes.
Zechariah and Principal Winston are there as well.
There, Zechariah has explained the situation involving Serenity and Johnathan.
"So you're telling us that a teenage girl and a baby somehow got to a beach of this world without knowing how or why?"" Carrie asks.
"It appears so," Zechariah says.
"It is rather surprising. It was difficult enough when Cameron ended up here because of a dishonest act, but to have two innocent children arrive alone and without their awareness is quite disturbing," Fabian says.
"The poor dears. They've been through so much from what they've been through," Salvia says.
"Indeed. Since Serenity is a teenage girl and the fact that she and her brother, Jonathan are unable to return to their home world. I think it will be best for Serenity to be enrolled in Zoo Phoenix Academy," Zechariah says.
"What about her brother, Johathan? I'm sure Serenity doesn't feel that it's good to leave him alone, and he's too little to be attending school," Joyce says.
"Well, she can always stay with me and Keiko," Christopher says.
"Forget it. I'm not lettin' a youngin' get near you, especially with that drill of yours," Carrie says.
"If you say so," Christopher says with a big smile.
"Still, a couple of kids shouldn't be able to enter Safe Haven's limit without gaining some kind of access," Carrie says.
"Let alone into the city," Fabian says.
Then Salvia says, "I quite agree. But still, I can't help but notice a rather strange magical essence coming from them both, especially the girl who is stronger. Even though I can tell that she's human."
"Are you sure?" Latika asks.
"I can't be certain that the magic is either from them or that was used to bring them here, but I feel that this will require watching them carefully if anything happens. As of now, it will be best to discuss another matter," Salvia says.
"I have to agree, the children are practically alone in this world without their parents," Fabian says.
Latika nods her head, "Yes. They need to have someone watch over them."
"Hmm, I might have an idea on who can watch over them," Jackie happily says.