Author's Notes: Heyo it's your boy, me, the writer. Before we start, I need to say that this chapter is originally just one 10.000 words chapter that I decided to cut into two. I like cutting long chapters into two so that while you wait for the second half to finish you have the first half ready to read and entertain y'all. But, sometimes I feel like it's a bit cheaty and scummy to make it so because when you cut one chapter into two, the first half often doesn't have much punch or purpose to compared to keeping it intact.
I just want to post this first half early so you guys have something to read until the second half comes up, which will come pretty soon mind you (I said something similar as this two chapters back, and I'm aware I did not deliver).
So forgive but don't forget if this one doesn't feel like it has any strong purpose or clear plot going on compared to if it's just one 10.000 words chapter, which I feel like some of you won't enjoy that since last chapter things seem to pick up and now we have this?
Mehhh, just read it first will ya? And reviews, follows, favourites will be greatly appreciated!
Part 1 - Drained, parched, exhausted, discombobulated, and bamboozled.
"You just can't let your guard down, Michelle".
The young teacher looks to her senior. This is the first time in the whole trip that the stern professor shared any words with her. Close to Michelle's expectation, it's one of warning and worry.
Michelle shrugs. "I always thought girls on a fieldtrip are less prone to bad things happening than boys".
Miss Finnelan sighs. "Believe me, there's one group in particular that'll make you think otherwise. And it'll be a domino effect, mind you".
Michelle raises a brow. "Are they really that bad?"
At this point, every teacher is already aware of the dreaded red team, it just took Michelle longer to believe the rumours.
"They are", the senior professor answers. "But they always find ways to somehow exceed my expectations- high expectations".
"That bad, huh?" Michelle muses. "Well, I was planning on watching over my little apprentice in case he messes up, but if you're asking nicely, I'll rethink my priorities".
Miss Finnelan lets out a short sigh, she doesn't try to hide her relief and gratitude. "Please do, I don't think I've the energy to keep up with those girls, at least not today".
She searches her surrounding once she's reminded of something. "Speaking of troublemakers, where's he?"
Michelle chooses to ignore the professor's choice of word. She puts a finger to her chin and says. "I'm not 100% sure but I'm willing to bet my sandwich that he's still in the bus catching sleep. I'll find someone to fetch him".
They both eye the crowd of students. Most of them are spread across the open green field, taking in the beauty of the forest and enjoying their time here while they can because they know that once the teachers come with the assignments, goodbye goes the fun time.
Michelle points to one particular group in the crowd. "What about that girl right there?"
Miss Finnelan follows Michelle's direction and quickly frowns at her choice. "If you plan on making a mess out of the simple act of fetching another student, then by all means choose Miss O'Neill".
Michelle's brows arch and she retracts her finger and muses. "Hoo? So that's Amanda".
Miss Finnelan raises a curious brow. "What's the matter, Michelle?"
Michelle waves the matter away. "Nothing, I'm just thinking that you'll send your right hand girl now, yes? If you don't mind me asking, I see the pattern that you send her all the time when its anything related about him, is there any reason?"
"I take it you already have your own guesses", Miss Finnelan answers as she crosses her arms. "I don't just choose her to deal with him just because she's reliable, I entrusted her with a duty ever since he stepped foot on the academy".
"You wanted her to spy on him?"
Miss Finnelan actually lets out an amused chuckle at Michelle's bluntness. "In a sense, yes. I just want someone trustworthy like her watch over someone so untrustworthy as him".
"Be careful", Michelle warns. "You might give him the wrong idea if you keep making it seem like she's always with him on her own accord".
"That would be terribly embarrassing on his part". Miss Finnelan nods with an amused smile.
"*"
I sit up and felt my body tense. My head is still spinning from the wild dream I just had that it takes a moment to finally get a grip on my surroundings.
The first thing I notice after my head has settled is the warmth the sunlight that gleams through the bus windows provides, and the distant lively chatter of students that are outside. They quickly remind me of the 'fun' activity the school had in store for us today: a field trip/study to a forest.
I must've fallen asleep on our way there, and it wasn't a pleasant sleep either, not to mention the abrupt awakening out of my slumber that doesn't help ease the spinning sensation in my head.
"You really shouldn't do that", I say without looking up to the girl. "I just had the most… bizarre dream, Diana".
Diana opens her mouth but whatever she wanted to say was cut short as I interrupt her and say what I dreamt without her asking. "I dreamt I was a witch, not a wizard", I begin with a slow, steady breath. "A-and I was studying in Luna Nova but I felt like it's in the past because the teachers are like the Nine Olde Witches. But along the way, things get all convoluted and I don't exactly know why but the school faced like a scandal so they had to do these weird things because some students went missing. But then things get super weird and the government demanded the school to do weird things like fully replacing their staffing rosters from fairies to clones of David Bowie and Mick Jaeger".
I turn and look up to the girl slowly. "They all dance so good".
There're no words that immediately came from Diana after that, she just stares at me and my explanation without any readable expression.
It was after a few seconds have passed and she's certain I have nothing more to add does she make her response. "I see…" the girl hums her answer. "Well, if you've… recovered from your nightmare, then I suggest following me to the others, the teachers and students are already waiting for you".
"I have, I have", I say as I slowly push myself up from the seat. "Just show me the way".
I notice Diana's trailing gaze as I use my hand for support, I follow it and quickly understood. "Yep, I bandaged it myself this morning. The first one I did was super messy and blood sort of spilt from it, so I had to replace it this morning".
Diana was about to say something but I don't give her the chance. "It wasn't your fault it was my lousy bandaging, don't worry about it. And even if it is your fault, trust me it didn't even hurt one bit so no hard feelings, both of us".
Yeah right, it actually hurt like hell and I have a little special hate for you now, Diana. Honestly the next time we spar I'll be sure to accidentally maim you. You think I'm going to go easy on you just because you're a girl? Hah! Too bad for you, perfect princess, you lost your privilege the moment you made me bleed.
"Still, I owe you an apology for injuring you during practice", Diana says as she rubs her hand. "I never expected my spell to inflict such damage with a practice wand".
"Faulty wand, I guess. Good thing you weren't aiming at my head then", I joke with a smile, it soon fades however and is replaced with a hesitant frown. "Did you?"
"*"
The fresh forest air quickly hits me once we stepped out the bus, I would slow down along the way to the others just to breathe in the clean air and enjoy the atmosphere.
I must seem I'm enjoying this, which only makes my next words come as conflicting, if Diana's raised brow is any indication. "Did I ever told you that I hate school fieldtrips?" I ask without facing her. "I never enjoyed any I went to when I was in elementary school".
"Elementary school?" Diana muses. "I'm curious, where did you go?"
"If you're wondering if I went to a normal or wizard school, you could just ask", I say. I'm surprised to find a puzzled look on Diana's face as her response. However, her confusion soon fades once Diana puts the pieces together herself.
When she does speak again, Diana lowers her voice, curiosity present yet guarded in her voice. "I might be mistaken here, but you're saying you're not a wizard by birth?
"You're not", I answer and shove my hands inside my pockets, gratefully noting that Diana gives me some time to pause and gather my answer. "Not gifted, or descended. My family does find work among witches and wizards, but my parents and theirs didn't practice any form of magic".
I'm left wondering why I'm saying all this to her. Yet, even after the words had left my mouth, I didn't feel like I usually do when I say these things to other people. Maybe its Diana's level headedness and her unusual wisdom that encourages me to trust her with what otherwise would be a secret I keep from most people.
"That's a surprise", Diana responds. I'm genuinely surprised to find no ill in her tone but friendly curiosity. "That means you're the same case as Akko, althought… you're far different from her altogether".
I hide my amusement well and guard the growing warmth in my chest very carefully. With guarded excitement, I ask. "How so?"
"Well you're most definitely more competent than she is in magic, if our practice session the other day revealed anything. And if I'm not mistaken, you're the one who came up with that clever tactic, didn't you?"
I rub the back of my head and my eyes trail away, truly at a loss of words. Out of all the reactions I'd expected, this kind is one of many I'm not prepared to deal with. "I've… had more training than her, that's all really. And I have the habit of not trying to be flashy and stay subtle instead, which means that when I fail at something no one would even notice, unlike her you know?"
I face away from the girl as I feel warmth beginning to build on my cheeks. The reason for that is simple really, I'm just not used to someone complementing me, from a capable and respected witch like Diana no less. Still turning away from the girl, I say again. "As for the training part, I did a lot, in books and in practice. Michelle and I spent gruelling years trying to push the magic out of me".
"I often forgot you two have a history together", Diana muses. She doesn't need to ask for me to be urged to answer.
"No one in my family, or any around them, could teach me anything. She offered a way out". I answer, keeping everything short and simple in what otherwise Diana expected to be a long story. That attempt seems obvious for Diana, as she seems to understand and doesn't dwell on that part of my story any longer.
A soft smile graces the girl's lips- it doesn't help with my confidence at all. "In any way, that sounds impressive. Akko could learn a thing or two from you".
"Seriously, stop". I turn to the girl and say, embarrassed desperation in my voice as I almost regret telling Diana all this.
"Well, I just understand the difficulties it must've caused you", Diana answers, her smile still present. "I can't say much but that I understand how difficult it is to start from square one".
Whatever Diana wanted to say next I never hear, as a pair of familiar voices reaches our ears, crashing to our conversation to a stop. They're, to my dismay, came from Diana's satellites that are Hannah England and Barbara Parker.
The feeling seemed mutual, if the two girls' soured expressions once they see me beside Diana are any indication.
Barbara was quick to slide between me and Diana, separating the two of us as she starts to cling to the blonde girl. "Diana, we've been looking all over for you!"
Hannah joins her friend. "Miss Finnelan's been looking all over for you, she has something urgent to talk about with you!"
"She does?", Diana asks. "I wasn't aware of this"
The two girls nod eagerly. "I'm afraid she needs you immediately", Hannah says.
"Like, really quickly", Barbara adds.
Diana briefly glances at me, as if she needs permission or excuse to leave. "Well don't look at me". I say.
Silver lining when there's one, with Diana gone, the flatteries stopped too. Hannah and Barbara however, stay here beside me, maintaining a warm smile and wave towards Diana as she shrinks in the distance. When she is out of eyesight and earshot, the girls simultaneously turn to me.
"Alright, drop the act", Barbara says as she crosses her arms.
I blink confusedly at her sudden commanding tone. "What do you mean?"
Hannah steps forward, forcing me to retreat a few paces. She's a sly smirk as she says, "You think we didn't hear anything you said?"
Oh god, these two heard all that. I didn't intend anyone other than Diana to know about that right now, even then I didn't entirely know why I told her all that.
I know it matters little to others, but for witches I heard some, if not most of them, takes matters like pureblood witch culture very seriously. Not to mention how much of a pureblood Hannah is, or so she kept reminding me since long ago and still do. she also shown her distaste for first-gen witches as she's clearly shown from the way she treats someone like Akko—someone like me.
I keep my mouth open yet no words come, still wondering what kind of words I'm supposed to say here. The silence is two sided until Barbara continues to speak again. "My, to think he's been hiding it all this whole time, a first generation wizard!"
"Must've been so desperate to blend in with the others that he kept it a secret", Hannah adds, speaking as if I'm not right in front of her.
"Luna Nova must be pretty desperate to have not one but two students like him, they've been letting too many commoners in".
"Oh, so that's why you couldn't ride your broom back then!" Hannah concludes, she doesn't need my response to know she's right. She already smiles smugly then.
The more I listen to them talk, the less I want to say anything back. Knowing them, it'll just be a conversation not worth my time and patience.
With a silent sigh, I pull my wizard hat down and leave them without another word or look, ignoring their behind my back ramblings as I leave them.
And here I thought it's finally time people start to know of my nature. For each one good person, apparently there're two terrible ones…
Hostility to non-purebloods, why dwell on it when it's nothing new? Though what puzzles me from the very beginning to this day is why witches, a weakened and declining group, despises people like Akko—someone so passionate to be a part of them, so much.
I kick a pebble along the dirt road, asking myself why I even bother with these thoughts again.
"*"
Lively chatter quickly settles to hushed whispers and the sound of hurried footsteps, the students are quick to gather in order once Michelle and Miss Finnelan arrives to bring them their assignments.
A bushy moustached goblin steps ahead of the two teachers and place a simple wooden crate in front of them, Michelle then stands atop of it and begins her announcement. "Right, listen well, ladies and gentleman. Today we're all gathered here in this blessed day of Wednesday to partake in an awe exciting field trip activity…"
After a good long paragraph, Michelle finally goes on to the part of the assignment that actually matters, unfortunately it's not something good.
With a radiant smile, too radiant when relaying such announcement, Michelle continues. "… and so, in an effort to break you all of your comfort zones, we'll assign each of you new random teammates for this one assignment. Having reliable teammates that you've known well is good, but sometimes, you'll find yourself teaming up with people you're not used to".
I do hear a few groans following that, they're eclipsed however by the hushed excited whispers among the majority of the students, I'm part of the former minority.
The same moustached goblin brings a large box forward for all to see, Michelle reaches inside it and procures a little pixie fairy. "This is how the teams will be decided, inside this box are pixies, students will be teamed up with others who received a pixie of the same colour".
Well, at least we don't get to pick our own teammates. No matter how fun that would be, we all know how horrible things will be when such power is granted to the wrong hands- the students.
Normally, I might be the anomaly by being the teamless runt of the litter, but I sort of enjoyed it. I never liked working in a team, in group projects especially. It's not necessarily because I'm not a team player, it's just that most of the teammates I've ever had in my live had been disappointing at most.
But... that's what a bad teammate would say~
I feel my eye suddenly twitch as I remembered exactly what made me hate group projects- that one chemistry project I had in elementary school.
That bastard Miko, cursed thrice his name, and his same scores as mine despite his… zero contribution to the team.
"Right, questions anyone?" Michelle asks once she finishes her explanations.
Nothing comes from the student, until Akko raises a hand eagerly.
Michelle clasps her hands together. "Right! Then let's get to it".
Under the watchful guidance of Miss Finnelan, the students waste no time dilly dallying and quickly form a line. One by one, they step forward to have their try on the pixies that will reveal their fated teammates.
When Diana's moment finally comes, all the other students, especially Akko, watches the girl intently. Having her on their team even for this one assignment would make it considerably easier, and a great honour I imagine!
Under the watchful gazes of the other students, Diana managed to pluck a beautiful golden pixie, much to everyone's amazement.
Weaponised luck. Is that girl good at everything?
"Amazing, Diana!" Hannah was quick to shower her with praise, followed by Barbara's that honestly I don't even need to note what hers was considering how redundant it is.
The two of them caught my gaze and quickly narrows their eyes at me while Diana wasn't looking- It's enough to compel me to look away in annoyance.
It's only safe for me to look back when it's Amanda's turn to step forward. Without a trace of hesitation, the red haired witch reaches inside the box and pulls out her pixie. It is one of a sickly yellow colour, nothing worthy of note other than that it sucks.
When it's finally my time to step forward, I notice faint whispers coming from the crowd of students and I note how a few students pause their activities to watch me, obviously because they're so eager for me to pull the same pixie as theirs and join their team.
I suppose when the demanded item is scarce, any quality will do for the demander.
I sure hope I won't be teamed up with Miss 'throwing a fit at Diana every 12 seconds', I know she has her merits (somewhere) but aside from the nightmarish strategic disadvantage in putting her and I in the same team, I'm also not in the mood for her and the constant ear wrecking ramblings that comes pre-packaged with her, not to mention her open hostility at me as of late.
I'm considering the prospects of being teamed up with Amanda, but I fear that despite the potential fun she'll bring to the table, I find it hard to believe she'll bring anything else.
I suppose what I want after all is to be teamed up with Diana. Aside from how pleasant she is compared to the others, she's a very capable and reliable girl which means I can slack off in this field trip while she singlehandedly solve every problems that come our way.
Yes, totally no other personal factors that made me feel like so, absolutely professional.
With this newfound goal, I reach for the box and with unprecedented confidence pull a pixie straight out of its roots. Dangling between my fingers now is a furtive brown pygmy pixie that lazily snoozes and disregards me.
I could hear muffled giggles and whispers from the students.
Before I get the chance to look for my new teammates, I was stopped by a passing Amanda. "Heeh, I was hoping I'd get teamed up with you", the girl says with a carefree smile. "I wanted to slack off while you do the whole work".
I shake my head disapprovingly. "That's a so terrible work ethic. I'd never, ever, thought of anything close to that".
Amanda shrugs. "At least I'm honest".
Though I don't let it show, I'm really glad Amanda came to talk to me. Not only because I need something to lift my spirits after that bitter encounter with Hannah and Barbara, but I also feel like it's been awhile since it's just the two of us sharing words.
I don't think I'll ever admit it but I'm glad that Amanda didn't change one bit after everything that happened between us.
This might sound unusual, bizarre almost, but I don't like how some people change and things get awkward after certain heartfelt… friendship thingies happened between us. Amanda is just… Amanda, she's just the usual idiot I've come to be accustomed with.
I let my eyes wander to the crowd of students, most still scrambling to find their new teammates. I note how the majority of them seem excited while one or two students seem nervous about the change of teammates, something I can empathize with. But Amanda is just here with me, loitering around with no sense of urgency. "Found your teammates yet?" I ask.
Amanda rests her hands behind her head, she answers nonchalantly. "They'll search for me, why bother?"
"What about Jasminka and Constanze?"
"I think Jas got teamed up with Blair and that girl from the journalism club or something, I forgot which one. Constanze got teamed up with Lotte and Barbara, imagine that!"
"That sounds like hell regardless", I remark. "Anyhow, I haven't found mine".
A mischievous smile made its way to Amanda's lips and immediately I know I won't like anything she says afterwards, that distaste is empowered when she goes on to wrap her arm around my shoulder. "See, this is why I'm here right now"
"Ho boy here we go", I mutter to myself. I'm surprised by her sudden… physical contact that I almost fail to make a response. "What are you talking about this time?"
"What am I? I'm just curious who will be teamed up with the alpha male here, the lion of the pack, the head honcho. I mean, I bet there're girls around here that'll kill to be your teammate!"
I feel my cheeks grow warm immediately. With wide eyes I try to argue. "Amanda, this isn't-"
I quickly slide her arm off my shoulder. "This is a group assignment, not a date. I mean yeah I wouldn't mind if I got teamed up with someone… worthwhile, but the fact is it's a terrible business idea to work with someone you're in relationship in or a part of your family, or anyone who emotionally affects your focus and objective judgement in any way. So no, I don't hope to be teamed up with anyone interesting no matter how exciting it would be", I state in a matter of fact way, hoping it'll be enough to hide the fact that she'd successfully gotten under my skin again.
Amanda scoffs. "Pssh, that's so lame, who told you that?"
"My dad".
"Your dad's a virgin". Amanda says nonchalantly, I couldn't form any response to that.
A new sly smirk made its way back to her, a smirk that I've come to hate with passion. She nears me again and whispers. "Come on, you can tell me".
I gulp, trying my best to convince myself she's didn't mean what I think she's meaning. "Tell you what?"
"Come on, is there really no one around here, around this whole school filled with pretty young witches that matches your taste?"
"Taste?!" I repeat, almost losing my voice after hearing her say that. My eyes quickly search around us fearing anyone else heard her. "Amanda, seriously?!"
Seeing my distress only makes Amanda's smirk grow wider and encourages her to prod even further. "Oh, so there is?"
I turn to the girl and look at her with wide eyes and a loss of words. "I… What gives- you don't- Why would I-?"
Amanda places a finger to her chin. "Okay hold on, hold on, you'll hurt yourself. Let me guess it for you instead".
Amanda's solemn silence greatly contrasts my disastrous ramblings in a comical manner. After this long silence, Amanda finally opens her eyes and stops me and my unintelligible ramblings with her question. "Is it someone both of us knows?"
"Why would I answer that?" I ask rhetorically.
Amanda ignores my question and says. "Is it… Mary?"
I look to her and felt myself pausing out of disbelieve, both because of her persistency and guess. Very briefly I try to weight in whether I should indulge her nosy inquiries or not. Or more precisely, whether I should trust her with honest answers or not.
There're plenty more reasons not to trust this girl than to trust her, knowing how loud mouthed and outspoken she is. But that doesn't necessarily mean there won't be any pieces of truth in some of my answers.
"Nay". I answer plainly.
Amanda might realize how farfetched her guess is, as she doesn't linger long on it and move on to her next guesses. "Elfriede?"
"I- I don't know who that is…"
"Avery?"
"N-no… I don't think so..."
"What about Gaëlle? She's pretty cute, especially around you".
"She's smart…" I say. I notice Amanda mischievously studying me when I said that, waiting for more. I don't aim to satisfy her. I frown and say, "…she barely talks to me, what gives you such idea?"
Amanda shrugs. "I don't know, hunch".
I'm given a momentary respite when, much to my delight, Amanda goes back to her thoughtful silence again. But it soon is broken with a snap of her fingers as she comes to a conclusion yet again. "Is it Sarah?"
From cheeks to ears, I'm now properly redder than Sarah's red hair. "What gives you that outlandish idea?! I've never even come close to talking to that girl!"
Amanda's grin grows wider and she tries to hold her amused laughter at bay. "Ohoh, did I hit the mark?"
"I did not answer you yet", I snap at her. "I asked you, what gave you that idea?"
"I mean, you do stare off a lot during classes, and sometimes at her".
"That's called daydreaming you monkey! I was just- I daydream a lot!"
Amanda victoriously crosses her arms and smiles with smug satisfaction. "Uhuh, about her right?"
Boiling, that's the only word I can describe my current self. Any words that came out my mouth are a mix of half screaming and half laughing.
While I'm busy being a mess, Amanda, to my surprise, doesn't linger on her spot on (according to her not me!) guess any longer and returns to her thoughtful silence yet again, though now accompanied with a confident smile.
"Nah, nah that's not enough, I don't think you'd stop at one". She says, earning a glare from me immediately.
"What's that supposed to mean?", I demand, fire starting to show in my voice. "What do you take me for? Seriously!"
Amanda doesn't need to say another word. She just keep looking at me with that amused smug smile still plastered on her face- it's somehow enough to compel me to spill it.
I let out a deep frustrated groan. "Look, if this will stop you from bugging me, then yes, Amanda, there more than 21 cute girls in this academy that naturally draws my eyes, but that doesn't mean I'm serious about them! And no, I won't say who they are or if you and I both know them"
Just saying those words is enough to make me fluster again. It doesn't help either that one of those said 21 girls is right in front of me.
Yes, I regretfully admit it and I'm confidently sure most boys would think the same that If you shed the thick layers that are Amanda's bugging personality and rough attitude, objectively, objectively, she's passable. Though she's doing a mighty fine job right now in making my subjectivity get in the way of that objectivity.
Amanda seems pleasantly surprised at my responds. "Ohoh, 21? That's a lot".
"Hyperbole!" I scream, loud enough that some heads turn towards me. "An exaggeration to make it seem like…like… God, never mind!"
With my words reduced to incoherent babbles and Amanda's victorious laughs blasting my ears, I can't clear my head to find any other way out of this mess. Instead I unbuckle my wand and hold it towards Amanda, school rules be dashed. "Muro…"
Amanda quickly raises her hands up and retreats, her unforgiving shit eating smile and laugh still present and nearly negating any apology she's trying to make. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry! I'm going, I'm going!"
Amanda is still giggling merrily to herself when she retreats and disappears between the crowds of students, no doubt having a blast after successfully getting under my skin again.
I feel drained, parched, exhausted, discombobulated, bamboozled. The day hasn't even started yet and I already feel like I've been tied on the front seat of a roller coaster of emotions headed to destination 'fucked'.
I retract any statement I made about being glad Amanda came to talk to me.
When I said I wanted to get rid of the bitter feeling I had, I didn't ask for something like this dammit!
With the redhead out of sight and out of mind, I try deep breaths to settle my heartbeat. Seriously, there're far more important things to think about than stupid… cute girls.
I turn on my heels and pull myself together and intend to finally get on with the assignment, yet I nearly lost my composure immediately and almost dropped my pixie when I find Sucy right in front of me, her unsettling inexpressive eyes fixed on mine.
In one short breath I cry. "My god don't you ever do that again I nearly dropkicked you in the ribs!"
Sucy just rolls her eyes. "Whatever, who's our third member?"
I pause and look to Sucy's hand and found, to my surprise, a similar looking fairy as mine.
I feel my malaise nearly broken at the sight of it and the realization that I'll be in the same team as her.
I can't believe I've forgotten about Sucy. Apparently the messy emotional hustle and bustle today was enough to make me forget about her and my secret agenda I've been setting up. This the perfect set up for me to finally strike meaningful conversation with this girl, something I've been meaning to do after the whole stone fiasco.
This new fortunate luck I have almost makes me forget all the unfortunate ones I had so far today, almost.
"You okay?" Sucy asks, surprising me. It's not often for her to actually say something related to misfortune in an uncondescending way, I must've still looked terrible.
"Y-yeah", I answer dismissively as I fix my hat down, hoping it's enough for her to dismiss the subject. "Just a little flustered- frustrated. I'm just a little frustrated, don't mind me.
Despite my half-baked answer, I'm grateful to find Sucy not staying on the subject any further. With her back turned towards me as she scans the crowd for our third member, I let a deep sigh out my system.
It's just a matter of our third member now, hopefully she won't be anyone… troublesome.
With the clock ticking, the crowd of students that had already found their new teammates move on to the next area to prepare for their departure into the forest. Among those students who haven't found their teammates and still stays, one girl in particular doesn't seem too concerned with looking for hers, only busying herself with gazing onto the forest and doing something close nothing.
With her back turned towards us, Hannah's yellow bow sways in the wind as she stares off into the forest, unmoving. Even after all the other students had now moved on and only the three of us remains here, she still stays there with no sign of moving anytime soon.
Both of us exchange glances but said nothing. Sucy was the one who finally speaks up and call to the girl…
"Hey, idiot, come here".
…with an interesting choice of word.
Sucy calls her again and again, but no matter how many times she calls her, Hannah won't budge a muscle, she keeps facing away from us and seems to not hear her name being yelled.
After the hundredth time being called and not showing any reactions, I was about to suggest Sucy to change her choice of word but stop when Hannah, to both our surprises, suddenly turns around. "Yes! I heard you now shut up!" Hannah barked, a brown furtive pygmy pixie rested on her hand.
Author's Notes: Jericho Franklin Jr. could never get a break.
Some of you might not notice, but now this fanfic is 1 year of age! Its birthyday was back at 15th of August, which I completely missed! But this fanfic isn't the only one's getting a birthday. For my Indonesian bretheren, take this update as your independence day gift. How's the flag ceremony huh? Did you guys won any games or stuff? Did you stab your enemies with sharpened bamboo that day? hmm?
Sorry that there's no monumental anniversary chapter like what Theodore experienced, Jerry must be super envious!
As always, follow and favourite if you enjoyed, hit that like and subscribe button while you're at it. And last but totally not least, review review review, it's the most potent source of magic in the world, surpassing even a believing heart.
This marks the end of part 1 of this two part chapter, I'll see you in the next one (hopefully) soon folks.
Also I'm trying to set up a 'dramatic irony' here in this chapter, it'll grow as the story goes :)
Also also, I'm guessing someone's having a blast reading this chapter. No I didn't make this chapter go like so just to please you, sir.