Secrets in the Dark

Chapter Eight

Warnings; Um, mention of guy/guy, guy/girl, or whatever… Nothing really, just talk.

Pairings; I may have it planned out, but that's still a dark shadow to me as well.

Disclaimer; Uh, no, not mine. I can wish as much as I want, but I wished for a car that I really want. Still not seeing that.

He-he, sorry for the delay?


Morning.

After getting ready in the silent early hours when everybody else was asleep, I spent a short while on work that I'd left until last minute then headed out for breakfast.

Again people stared at me, but now they didn't shove me away. Rather, they would clear paths for me. With my food I looked around, waiting to see a free seat.

Despite the seats that were cleared for me, and the eager looks of anticipation sent my way, I sat at the only abandoned table, wishing to be alone and hoping that they would get the message.

Of course, once I sat down, everybody else just had to sit near me.

It was sad really, how a few days ago they wouldn't have dreamt of leaving Vectrum like the loner he was, but now? They were happily shunting him aside, ignoring him.

I didn't speak to anybody, they seemed happy to talk about me, not to me, and I was quite happy to half listen to them.

After a few minutes, I could hear one argument rising in its tones, between a guy with a rough voice, and a girl with the highest, bitchiest, most annoying voice possible.

"No, I swear to you, he'd be into me!"

Damn, that girl needed to get a deeper voice, or something, it was way to shrill for the morning; even if I was a morning person.

"No, I assure you, he'd be for me."

That calm voice was the rough guys', so obviously they were fighting over whether someone was gay or straight.

Goodie for them, but I was interested so I had kept listening.

"Look, prove it! Has he done anything with you guys? No! Has he done stuff with us ladies? Yes!"

"Simple. He's shy!"

"Prove it!"

Holy shit girl, tone that voice down! My eardrums were so close to busting, it wasn't funny!

"Look, I will prove it, alright?"

There was a silence, and I was listening, tying to hear what this guy said. Hopefully he was gay, and then the girl would shut up.

But, unfortunately, I was drawn from my thoughts by the warmth of somebody's hand on my shoulder.

Turning around, I lifted my eyebrow.

"Yes?"

"Look mate, my friend and I were having an argument..."

Huh. It was that guy, which meant it was me they had been fighting over.

Of course, while the guy was still explaining it to me, the girl jumped in and blurted out,

"Are you into guys or girls?"

Hn. What should I say?

If I said guys, then the guys would all be into me, or shunting me, calling me a fag, and a pansy.

If I said girls, the fan clubs would increase, and I'd get even more unwanted attention.

So, I said the only thing I could think of.

"Not sure. Never really liked anyone. So I'd guess; both."

The two stared at me, and the entire room fell silent; apparently having listened, with only a few whispers rippling through the air.

"Never liked anyone? At all?"

I didn't really understand why the girl sounded so incredulous. So I'd never liked anyone in that way. Get over it.

"Yeah. Never."

"But… But… How? You're a teenager, surely you've at least had a crush or something?"

"Nope."

Why were they making such a big deal out of it? Was I supposed to be a sleazy arsehole?

"But… How is that possible? What do you think about when you're daydreaming? What do you dream about at night? You're a guy, you're supposed to be obsessed!"

I was?

"Huh. Well, guess I'm just not normal."

The girl just stared at me, her mouth hanging open.

"And as to my private thoughts and dreams, while nothing to do with romance, they're still none of your business."

Nodding, the guy grabbed her hand, and started pulling her back to their seats.

"Thanks for that mate. Sorry to bother you."

I watched as they left, then turned back to my food, ripples of talk starting to wash over my head again.

I really didn't like meals.


The rest of that day was good; after sitting tests to judge my year level, I was allowed to do whatever I wished, so I spent the time outside.

Debating what to do, I decided to think of a new spell.

Something… to do with gore.

Or maybe romance.

No! Now I was thinking romance.

Was it true that I'd never liked anyone before?

Yes.

What about Majic?

He'd never really liked anyone, but Orphen… There was something towards Orphen that couldn't be placed. More then respect, less then idolism. Maybe it was liking… Nah. Who could like someone that arrogant?

It was probably because Orphen had been the first person to teach Majic, and the first to help him out.

The first to find out about the cutting.

No! I was here to make a spell.

A constructive one.

Um… Damn it, I'd just practise what I'd already made.

Attack ones…

I needed an opponent.

This was where Orphen came in, where my challenge was.

There was nothing here for me so far, nothing challenging, apart from spells I'd never learn, as it wasn't meant to be.

Who could I get to spar with me? Vectrum had claimed to be the strongest student, so that left the teachers.

Most of them were old, wrinkly, and wouldn't be able to stand up long enough, Hartia was weak, and the others were probably weak as well.

Man, this was annoying.

"S… Silver?"

Wha…?

"Yeah?"

Turning around, I found a little kid, about thirteen, brown hair facing me while he stared at the ground, blushing.

"… I was sent to tell you… You're going to be attending Master Lai's classes, he asked to see you first thing tomorrow, after breakfast. Do you know where his class is?"

"Woah. What's your name?"

So, I was being nice. It was a kid, no point in being rude, and he seemed scared half to death. And anyway, I needed to understand this correctly. And, I kinda wanted him to stick around. There was something familiar about this kid.

"A… Andy, Sir."

I snorted in surprise. Sir? Where'd that come from?

"Andy, who told you to call me 'Sir'?"

"Vectrum… Vectrum would beat me up if I didn't call him that."

There was something about this kid… just what was it?

"Well, Andy, call me whatever you want, but I'd like it if you called me Silver. 'K?"

"Ye… Yes, Silver."

He whispered it so cutely… how adorable.

"So, Andy, who's this Lai?"

"Master Lai teaches seeing."

What was it about his hair, that familiar face…?

"What, do I need glasses?"

So, it couldn't hurt to act dumb about who Lai was.

Anyway, all I knew was that Lai had green hair, used to be one of Orphen's friends, and had the ability to either read thoughts, see the future, or something like that. Scribing, I think. All I'd seen of him was from that photo Orphen had.

"Master Lai's sees stuff, like the future, and the present. I'm not too sure, but he's mysteri… mystery…. Mysterious!"

Even I had to admit how cute it was that the kid stumbled over his pronunciation.

"So, why does he want me to meet him?"

"I think he wants to teach you… Or at least, I wasn't told, so,"

"Alright, kid, you don't know. When do I meet him?"

The photo… That was it!

"Tomorrow, first thing. After breakfast, I guess."

He looked almost exactly like Orphen had in the photo!

"Where?"

This was going to work much better, getting the kid to answer directly.

"Um, his class, I think."

"Where's that?"

"Uh… It has a name, but I don't know it… I can't read it too well. I memorise where they are, but I'm not good at directions."

He looked really upset, but I couldn't tell why. So he wasn't the best at it, who cares?

"I'm sorry. I really try-"

"Hey, Andy, calm down kid. It's not your fault. What do you have tomorrow at that time?"

"Um… Ruins translations?"

He didn't sound like Orphen, he wasn't as… arrogant.

"'K. Is that close?"

"Not really…"

"Great. Take me to wherever it is I'm going, and I'll get this Lai to write you a note. You can show up late, and in doing so, miss some of the class."

His face brightened up so much I had to blink numerous times.

"You would do that for me?"

I shrugged.

"Why not? Hey, if you suck that badly, I can teach you the basics. You've got that weird lady for it, don't you?"

"Um, yeah."

"Don't worry then, I'll help you out a little, 'k?"

What the hell was I doing? Inviting this kid into my life, being close to him? Was it because he looked like he did? What the hell was wrong with me!

"Sure! Thank you, Sir… Silver!

"Alright then kid, what are you doing now?"

"I'm out of class, I've got practical, with master Blackbird. I'm not his favourite student, so he tends to send me away, to help with messages."

"You'd better get back then."

"Alright. See you tomorrow!"

Nodding, I watched the kid leave, then turned around.

What the hell was that?!

Climbing a nearby tree, I got right to the top, and lay down.

The kid's face, it wouldn't leave my mind.

Brown hair… innocent face…

Why did it matter if he looked like someone from my past?

Sitting up forcefully, I managed to get my hair tangled in the above branches.

Damn.

As I untangled my hair, I thought about what I'd worked out, not that I hadn't already.

The kid looked nearly identical to Orphen, or Krylancelo, when Majic had seen the photo.

What did it mean, that I was being nice to a kid that looked like Orphen?


I got up and had breakfast earlier then before, about half an hour before the early eaters.

So I was avoiding crowds, could you blame me?

After breakfast I went back to my room, contemplating things.

Or, rather, this lesson with Lai.

Hartia was an airhead, I could commit suicide in front of him and he'd never know.

But this Lai, he was said to possibly read minds and see the future, past, and present.

This could be difficult.

So… I'd just have to forget everything.

The cutting, my past, my thoughts.

Of course, I wouldn't be able to just forget everything. I'd have no idea of who I was. Not that I do anyway…

So, all I'd think about would be how I'm Silver, how my lessens are, and maybe the other kids. Possibly let a little angst in. Couldn't have him thinking I'm normal, now could I?

Hearing the others students leave the cafeteria, I decided to go down and find the kid.


"So, it's this way."

It had been so funny. The kid had been sitting there, in the empty cafeteria, looking lost when I went to find him.

Nodding, I walked beside him, even though he was leading. Hey, it wasn't my fault he had short legs.

"Are… Are you still wanting to teach me the signs?"

I shrugged.

"Sure, lunch time?"

He frowned, in thought.

"Sorry, but I've got extra work then, 'cause I'm behind in practical healing. I'm required by my teacher to do that, and at afternoon break I've got extra… something… And then I'm free after dinner. Is that ok?"

Wow. That was pretty hectic for a thirteen-year-old.

"Why so many extras?"

"Cause I suck. Um, this is the room. Where should I meet you?"

"My room, you know where that is?"

"Yeah."

Nodding to him, I turned, knocked, and entered the room.

It was a normal room, only different in a few areas.

There was a scent in the air, something relaxing, and facing north were wall-sized doors, that led out onto a great big balcony, bean bags, chairs, couches, and mats scattered everywhere.

The man I realised to be Lai, a lot different from what Majic had known him to be occupied a single seat couch. He was tall, I could tell that even when he was sitting, his hair still hid one of his eyes, and he seemed to be completely relaxed.

Until he looked at me.

His green eyes, they seemed so deep, penetrating.

I felt like crumbling right there, just falling at his feat, begging him to finish me off.

But I didn't. I couldn't. I stared him straight in the eye, unblinking.

"You sent for me, I believe?"

He nodded, looking out the window/doors.

"Silver. I believe that your… unique powers will take you somewhere. If you want them to."

What was that supposed to mean?

"Please, take a seat. I believe you have no classes today, as of yet?"

I shook my head slightly, gazing out the window, admiring the view, splashed in morning sunlight.

"I'd like for you to join me in the mornings, when I do my scribing."

Why?

I went to ask, but he kept talking.

"Every morning I keep track of Krylancelo. The elders know nothing of it, they believe it is my meditation. With your powers, I'm under the impression that you could enjoy this. So as not to pressure you, you also shall be attending separate lessons, to learn meditation."

How did he know about Orphen? And why separate lessons, for meditation?

When I asked him, his small sad smile was nearly making me regret asking.

"The elders believe you to be a danger, if you forget your place. So they're putting you in compulsory subjects, this shall be one of them. The morning scribing shall merely be… Company for you."

Company?

Was I missing something?

"You must be missing a decent opponent. I cannot give you that. I admit most of the students here could defeat me. I shall, however, be able to help you relieve yourself of stress, and the likes of it."

Huh?

"I… I've gotta go."

Getting up, I nodded to him, and left the room.

What the hell had that been about?


In my room, I shut the door, and gazed at it. Anyone could enter, as there was no lock visible on the old wooden door. So, I could either lock a chair under it, or come up with a spell for it.

I opted for a spell, as a chair could easily be suspicious. A spell could be taken for anything, and not suspicious.

"Of binding vines and grip of burrs, lock this door for none to pass."

Not one of my favourite spells, as it sounded more like some rhyming crap.

Oh well, after testing it, I realised that only another spell could open it. And I was the only one who could create spells.

Meaning; I held the single key.

Crossing the room, I gazed out of my window. It seemed that I overlooked the East Side of the Tower, as my vision was filled with trees, all withering and dying.

One tree was close to my window, and I could see an escape route if I needed it.

But no, what I needed was to think.

What was I doing here? Was there a point to it?

I caught sight of my reflection in the window. Long blonde hair. Red eyes, crimson, blood eyes.

Maybe if I went back, I could be Majic again.

Maybe I could duel Orphen again. Maybe I could help my Dad out. Maybe I could talk to Cleo, and stop her from hurting Orphen, or the other way around. Maybe I'd keep cutting, until it was too late.

Maybe I could stay on as Silver. Maybe I'd stop cutting. Maybe I'd keep cutting. Maybe I'd get a love interest. Maybe I'd injure one of the idiots who insisted on following me.

But I had no answers to these questions, and answers were vital.

Maybe… Maybe Lai would know?


The delay? I wasn't pleased with this chapter. Still not. But I feel it my duty to provide something. That and my friend won't stop hassling me for this. Big break-through; I know what the ending is! I've got a rough plan of it, but this chapter kind of makes it hard to do.. Oh well. I'll work something out.

-Hangs head- Argh! I'm so lost! Ah well, if it deserves it, drop a review please.

Reviews.

g0dslayer

If you're still reading, don't. I'm still not happy that you got this. That's not fair. Thanks for the review, anyway. Modest? Me? Ha! Tell that to my family, they'd love to have a good laugh.

Angel K.D.

Noooooo… I'd never put Erris with Majic.. er… Silver in this fic! That'd be... not to plan. I think it will be an Orphen/Majic, if that's what I've said, I'm kinda stuck here, trying to remember. Anyway, definitely NOT a cutter meets cutter. And thank you, I hope my writing keeps steady as well. Sorry for the delay.

Danyella Skyler Silverfire

Heya! Thanks for the review, and thanks for beta'ing my fic from now on. Heh. Um, that's all I have to say, short, for once.

Anyway, I think I'm going to need to read through the old chapters… again… to see what facts I've put down. I think I may have contradicted myself a teeny bit in here… or maybe a lot..

Devil