If you do not like the story, please DO NOT READ or FLAME. ALL FLAMES WILL BE IGNORED LIKE HOW NO ONE ACTUALLY READS THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. ADMIT IT. (This is probably gonna be in every chapter so bear with me LOL. Unless I find it annoying and decide to omit it next time XD But… I don't mind helpful criticisms that will help to improve my writing~ :D)
A/N: Hello guyssss! I hope y'all enjoyed chapter 1~ So… welcome back to my world YAY! :D Well, here's a warning that there may be slight violence or action related scenes. (Alittle blood is included but it isn't in detailed explanation.) And again the credit for all the awesome characters goes to NTT Solmare Corporation and the 'Shall We Date' series. :
Words that are italicized like this are the thoughts of the person. If there is a flashback scene it would be labelled 'Flashback' on top of that paragraph. I hope you guys have gotten used to the characters' names, but if you haven't it's okay :D You'll probably understand and get the characters better in this story. Enjoy!
Short Summary of what happened in the previous chapter:
Anneliese Christine Emerson (MC) is the youngest among the Emerson family, and her magic is taught by her other siblings. One night after magic theory class with Zero and her other siblings, she received an invitation for a 13-day trial in Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy. To be continued…
Chapter Two: Magic Life
Anneliese's POV
"Hoot hoot! Hoot hoot!" Estelle had woken me up, as usual.
"Ugh… what time is it now?" I groaned sleepily.
"Hoot hoot! Whoo! (7.30, time to get ready for breakfast and to share the good news with the family!)" Estelle replied.
Oh right! I forgot about the acceptance letter incident yesterday! Alright then, time to prepare for our little trip to the academy and breakfast so that I can share the news with the others.
I got out of bed slightly more energetic than usual mornings and started to pack my necessities for the school life that I'm about to have. Even though I'm a provisional student, that won't affect my determination to become a good wizard in the future, and I'll get accepted by the academy to show everyone what I'm worth!
I opened my wardrobe and packed some clothes (and pajamas) into the luggage… Why do I only see dresses, where are my normal t-shirts and shorts? I opened more drawers and dug deep underneath, and managed to find 3 pieces each. Well, that should be enough with a few dresses, and they have a uniform anyways.
I quickly packed all my other necessities into the luggage and prepared to go downstairs for breakfast; I could borrow a few uniforms from Arianna first.
As I was descending the stairs to the dining hall for breakfast with Estelle on my shoulders, the acceptance letter came crashing into my face.
"Watch where you're going!" The acceptance letter shouted at me.
"Ah…! Sorry! Oh wait it's just you…" I nearly rolled my eyes at the snobby scroll.
"What do you mean 'it's just me'? And why do I have to see you the first thing in the morning… ugh just my luck." He sounded as if he just rolled his eyes at me.
Ugh…! He's pissing me off so badly! I wish I could just rip him into shreds so that he'll shut up and leave me alone! But… I need him to get into the academy… I'll guess I'll have no choice but to put up with him for a while.
"Hoot hoot! (Let's go Ann, don't bother about him!)" Estelle told me and looked away from him.
"*Sigh* Okay, let's not ruin each other's mood in the morning." I said and tried to smile happily.
"Well you've got a positive attitude, so now there's a chance of you getting accepted into the academy. I'll let this one go…" The acceptance letter said, and then transformed into a piece of paper with slight smoke surrounding it.
"Whoa! So cool!" I whispered under my breath. Sigh, but he's still really stuck up… I thought to myself as we continued our way down to the dining hall.
(During breakfast)
While everyone was munching on their breakfast, I cast a nervous glance to Arianna. I don't know what to say and how to start.
"I think Anneliese has something to share with us this morning." Arianna started, and smiled in my direction.
I didn't know how to respond, but just opened my mouth with no words coming out.
"Yes, Anneliese?" Mother asked.
"Erm… I-I have something to share with you all…" I stuttered. "Yesterday night I received an invitation for a 13-day trial at Gedonelune."
"Hmm… was it addressed to you?" Father asked, as if doubting my words.
"Charles, don't be so mean to our daughter, give her a chance to share this wonderful news." Mother lightly chastised Father, and turned back to me and smiled.
"That's wonderful! Congratulations!" Zero complimented, and gave me a little wink.
"Yea I agree, it's isn't easy to be invited to join that academy! Congrats!" Aiden added cheerfully.
"Err… thanks everyone… But I'll be leaving today. I have to get to the station by 4pm sharp." I said sadly. I wanted to spend more time with everyone before leaving.
"So fast? Aww… But it's okay sweetheart, we'll always be there to root for you! And we know you'll definitely pass the 13-day trial to become an official student! Right, Charles?" Mother said enthusiastically, you could see her radiant smile illuminating from her face.
"Oh… yea. You'll do fine. But, we have a problem…" Father added awkwardly, and looked at everyone else but me.
I looked around the table to see smiles fading away. They didn't really become frowns, but the atmosphere wasn't just as happy as it was a few seconds ago.
Could it be… The thought suddenly struck me, and I looked down sadly.
"The family name?" I asked softly, looking up. "Dad, I understand that I can't disgrace our family. But I really, really want to go to the academy to study! It was my dream ever since I was young. And everyone else here went! Please? I'll promise to study hard and not pull the name down! I'll even change my name is you want to!" I begged him. I really wanted to get into this academy for a really long time. I've dreamt about it when I was younger, but I thought it'd be hopeless due to my skills at being a novice magician.
"Hmm… now you've said it, we can change your name and you can continue to enroll in the academy. We'll just write a letter to Randolph requesting for your identity to be kept hidden, and he knows me anyways. What do you say?" Father asked me.
"Yes! Anything that will let me go and study there!" I hastily agreed, before he changed his mind.
"Alright then, I'll do just that after breakfast. But, you might also watch out to who you tell your name to, don't expose the secret, okay?" Father conditioned.
"Okay! My name will just be Christine. Not many people know my middle name right?" I asked.
"Okay, Christine it shall be." Father replied, and continued to finish his breakfast.
"I can lend you some of my uniforms, you'll probably fit in them." Arianna suggested.
"Oh yea! I wanted to do the same thing. But since you asked first, okay!" I said happily. Finally, I would be able to fulfill my dreams of entering Gedonelune…
(At 2pm during the day)
Even though today was my last day with my family before I depart for my school life, daily lessons still resumed. Zero had set out time today to give me a final training before I left, and Aiden and Arianna had also done the same thing.
I got my luggage and everything else that I needed, getting ready to leave for the station with Estelle. My whole family except my dad was sending me off at the castle gates, well, he's busy and we all know it.
"Thank you, everyone." I said, so happy and sad that I could tear up.
"Stay safe and abide the rules." Zero said, giving me a pat on the shoulder.
That phrase was so Zero… I wish he could return to the happy and carefree Zero that I knew when we were younger… It's probably due to the stress now that he's the next leader of our family.
Suddenly, Zero lifted me up like a little doll, like I weighed nothing. It took me by a complete surprise as it was so not him to do this anymore.
"Ahh!" I let out a small shout in surprise.
"We haven't done this is years, huh." He added and started swinging me around.
I miss this… It's so nostalgic. My shocked face slowly changed into a small smile as I was lifted like the baby of the family. It was embarrassing but at the same time, I wanted more of it, so I stayed silent and just smiled to myself. I think I blushed…
"Hoot! Hoot! (Hmph!)" Estelle hooted.
"Oh no, Estelle's getting jealous." He slowly put me down and we all laughed. "We'll all be waiting for your return, whether or not you get accepted into the academy." He added.
"I will get accepted! And I'll prove it to whoever who looked down on me!" I said with a determine smile on my face.
"Yea, we'll be rooting for you from here!" Aiden said as he pointed to our castle. "So close yet so far." He added jokingly, and hugged me goodbye.
"We'll miss you sweetheart." Mother said.
"Yea, we will. But I'll be sending letters to you, and I'm sure Estelle will take good care of you!" Arianna added.
The three of us hugged tightly, not until 2 more pairs of hands joined in and started squeezing us to death.
"Don't forget us!" Aiden said as they tried to shrink this massive hug group.
I have a feeling that Aiden dragged Zero into this group hug…
"Hoot hoot! (Excuse me, we're gonna be late.)" Estelle interrupted once more.
"Haha! She's really jealous!" Aiden laughed as we all loosened the hug.
"But you should get going if someone's fetching you." Arianna reminded.
"I've -ling – kla- " I heard didn't really catch what Aiden said, but I guess it shouldn't concern me too much.
"Yup, okay! I'm off then!" I said as I picked up my luggage and rolled it down the road.
We exchanged our final goodbyes, and I was really off now. Suddenly, the acceptance letter transformed into a floating scroll again, and popped out from the luggage's side pocket.
"Now, I'm gonna lead you to the station. Then, my job will be done and a student will come to fetch you." The acceptance letter said.
"Alright, thanks! It'd be really lonely without anyone else except Estelle." I said.
The acceptance letter didn't say anything, but continued to lead the way. I kinda get the feeling that he's embarrassed? Well it doesn't really matter.
After walking some distance away from the castle, we arrived at the train station and boarded the train, sitting opposite each other. Well, technically the letter can't sit, so he was just floating on the seat. Estelle was standing/sitting beside me. Since this is a special train service to Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy, pets known as 'familiars' are allowed to board it.
Seeing Estelle take a nap, I did the same too.
Black liquid suddenly started to pour into the train and destroy the surroundings. I was drowning… drowning in…? What's this? I was stuck in that thick, sticky black fluid. Estelle had flown up to a higher platform while I continued to sink into this black thing. I tried to call for help, but my voice wouldn't come out. Why? And there are students surrounding me. They aren't sinking… Why? Why is it only me? Why won't they help me?! Can't they tell that I need help? And… are they gossiping? About me? Why?
I continued to question myself, why aren't those students helping me. Until I heard a voice, one that I recognize… It's calling my name! Help! I wanted to shout, but still no voice was coming out. I could see a blurry black figure trying to squeeze through the crowd. It was calling my name. Who is that? I can't hold on any longer… I need to… get out…
"ANNELIESE CHRISTINE EMERSON!" A voice shouted.
"Nooooooo!" I screamed and woke up. I quickly took notice of my surroundings, and I was still in the train. Nothing happened, no students, no black liquid. Estelle stared at me with questioning look.
"Wait… did you just shout my full name?" I asked the letter infront of me in shock.
"Yes! After you had not responded to my calls. I called you Anneliese, Christine, Anneliese Christine, Emerson, Anneliese Emerson, whatever all did not work! So I called your full name and thankfully that worked." The letter huffed.
"Whaaaaaaatttt?!" I exclaimed and quickly looked around the train for onlookers.
"No one boards the train at this time, don't worry you can scream all you want." The letter replied my unspoken question.
"WHEW DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT DON'T CALL MY FULL NAME CHRISTINE IS FINE." I said to the letter and relaxed back in the seat.
"Hoot hoot… (Are you okay…)" Estelle asked.
"Nightmare… Or a daymare…" I replied, wiping off some excess sweat.
"Ahem… I woke you up because we are reaching. Please get ready to leave." The letter reminded me.
"Oh! So fast!" I said as I looked at the watch, it was 3.35pm. Well we'll have some time to wander around later while waiting for the student to come and fetch me.
Awhile later, we exited the train and stepped out of the station for some fresh air. At the distance, we could see Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy, and the nature surrounding it was really huge and fascinating.
"My job here is done, so good luck with the rest of your magic journey." The acceptance letter said and transformed back into a piece of paper.
"Oh, thank you!" I said to the paper, unsure whether or not he could hear me. I rolled the paper up, slotting it into the side pocket of the luggage. Suddenly, a white rabbit… mouse… what? Is that a carbuncle? Whatever… it appeared and snatched the letter out of my hands and fled.
"Ahh! I need that paper, hey!" I called out in surprise, and attempted to chase after that… carbuncle…? However, luck was not on my side and I tripped on my own legs and fell down on top of my luggage.
"E-Estelle! Help me get that paper back!" I called out to Estelle and tried to get up.
Estelle reacted fast as chased after the carbuncle, which was happily hopping away. I tried to stand up on my feet and picked my luggage up. I immediately followed Estelle once I had gotten my balance.
Ugh I should have made this luggage lighter! It's slowing me down so much!
As I tried to follow Estelle, I was too slow and in the end, lost sight of her. When I looked at my surroundings, it was a forest of tall trees and plants. It was not as bright as the thick foliage had covered the sunlight, thus it looked as if it was already falling nighttime.
"Oops… I lost track of Estelle and now I think I'm lost myself…" I sighed, wanting to take a look at the time on my watch when suddenly, I heard a rustle in a bush not to far away.
"Arrr…" I heard a faint growl from the distance. "Rarrrr…" I heard another one from behind.
Err… what's that noise…? I took a step back and broke a twig, which resonated in the forest as a crack.
"Arrrrrrr…" The sound came from my right now, even louder than those before, and at the same time, bushes started to rustle even more.
I frantically looked around, and slowly took out my wand from my pocket. Suddenly, at the corner of my eye, a white body flashed out of the bush and came straight at me. I couldn't react fast enough to dodge the whole tackle, so that body had knocked my wand out of my hand.
As soon as my wand was not in my hand anymore, more of those white bodies came out of the bush slowly. I quickly turned around to catch a glimpse of the thing that just tried to tackle me.
Wolves.
These wolves weren't just ordinary wolves… they were probably those that would be known as familiars when are captured and tamed by wizards. Although they look very similar to the actual animal, you would still be able to tell the difference as a novice wizard.
The wolf had a menacing death stare, displaying its sharp canine teeth and had erected ears. Panic immediately surged through my body, I am helpless without my wand, and Estelle isn't with me to protect me now.
The wolf that tackled me crouched into an attack stance, as if slowly creeping up on me on all fours. It bared its fangs and let out a low, menacing snarl. Acting according to my instincts, I took afew steps back, only to stop when more snarls appeared from behind.
I turned around to see that I was now surrounded by what seemed like a pack of wolves hunting together, and I had stepped into their territory.
I have to do something… anything that will either distract them or scare them… fire! Yes, animals and magical creatures are scared of fire!
I have to somehow manage a spell, the wolves are ready to prance on me and devour me like their meal for lunch. I-I have to cast a fire spell… B-But I don't have my wand! And my mind's in a mess since I'm panicking! Worst thing is, I can't think of any spell!
Suddenly, the wolf on my left leaped forward in attempt to prance on me, but I quickly dodged it. This was the cue for all the other wolves, as they all started to attack. From all directions, the wolves leaped and ran towards me.
I had no time to think of a spell, I had to flee! I ran as fast as I can away from the wolves after dodging the first attack, and I could hear the dead leaves on the floor cracking as our feet stamped on it, and I'm trying desperately to escape with the wolves hot on my tail.
Tree! Climb a tree!
My instincts told me. There's no way a human being can outrun a wolf. I quickly found the nearest tree, which was actually rather close as this was a forest, and jumped up to grab the nearest branch. Using my strength, I tried to pull my body up, and my legs tried to kick off the main trunk to push myself up. From the corner of my eye, the wolves had already caught up and are going to attack me if I am unable to climb up fast!
I somehow managed to climb onto the nearest branch, but it was low, low enough for the wolves to jump and attack me. I found another branch on top and grabbed hold of it, attempting to leap upwards when suddenly, my weight broke the branch below. This caused my right leg to slip downwards, and one of the wolves had leaped up at that time bit hard into my leg.
"Eeeeeeeeeiiiiiii!" I let out a loud, ear-piercing scream which echoed through the forest.
I'm bitten! Get away! My human instincts screamed.
I quickly tried to escape the sharp grasp that the wolf had on me, using my left leg to kick it's face, hard.
As if in reaction to the pain, the wolf released its grip, and I made full use of this opportunity to climb up to the higher branch before the other wolves get me.
Despite the shock, fatigue and acute pain that I was experiencing, I had no choice but to persevere upwards if not, I would be their meal. As I quickly got onto the top branch, I made sure I was a safe distance away from the wolves, and got into a more stable and somewhat comfortable position.
When I had calmed down a little, I then took notice of my bitten leg, which was bleeding profusely from the deep wound that was inflicted on me, and the downward pressure that was exerted on it just now when the wolf tried to pull me down.
IT HURTS! Slowly as I come to my senses, the pain came rushing mercilessly as I clutched my bleeding leg in pain. However, the wolves below had not seem to give up yet, and continued to prance and leap upwards, trying to grab the branch. Other wolves started to scratch the trunk of the tree, as if trying to climb up.
I have to chase these wolves away, then I can find my way back to the academy to get my leg properly treated.
Since my luggage and my wand are still lost somewhere in the woods when I started running away, I had no choice but to push my luck and try the spells without a wand. I was still afraid, in fact, extremely afraid.
What if the spells backfire? What if I drop down? The wolves outnumber me, that's for sure…
I wanted Zero, or Aiden, or even Arianna would be fine! I just want someone to comfort me, and help me get out of this situation! I'm really scared out of my wits! Please… someone…
I tried to calm myself down my taking deep breaths, but the sharp pain in my legs would knock the air out of my lungs before I can complete that breath.
"G-G-Globalss Flaawss…!" I tried to summon fireballs without my wand, but I didn't even get the spell name right!
Oh no… at this rate… I won't make it… I started to tear up, getting more and more scared by the second.
Estelle… where are you? Please Estelle, I need you! I silently prayed as my tears continued to fall, and the acute pain continued to pierce into my leg.
"Arrrrr… Arr!" One of the wolves growled particularly loud.
NOOOOOO! I screamed mentally.
"Globus Flaus!" I forced my eyes open at the sudden spell casting. Suddenly, fireballs appeared from the shadows of the forest, flew towards the wolves' direction. The wolves quickly ran back into the forest at full speed, howling occasionally but seemed not to come out again.
I squinted my teary eyes to try to see who it was who had chased the wolves away.
"Who…" I was interrupted.
"What are you doing on that tree?" A low voice asked, as if playfully, and slowly, a male figure appeared out of the shadows from where the fireballs came from.
"W-What do you mean I'm doing?! I'm avoiding the wolves isn't that obvious!" I nearly screamed, although I was truly thankful for his help. I remembered that I was still crying, and started to wipe the tears away. However, the terrible pain in my leg that I am experiencing won't stop the tears that are falling down.
Slowly, light shined through the foliage and shone unto his face. He had shiny green hair, sharp facial features and had a playful grin on his face.
H-HOW COULD HE STILL BE SMILING AFTER SEEING AN INJURED PERSON WHO NEARLY DIED?!
"Haha! Alright, alright, let's get you down from there." He offered as he walked towards me.
"O-okay… t-thanks…" I mumbled under my breath.
"You're bleeding a lot, you know." He commented, showing a slight concerned face.
"What do you mean 'you know' OF COURSE I KNOW! IT HURTS!" I said. "Umm… but now how do I get down?" I sniffed, worrying for my injured leg. It hurts like no other as it is now, stationary, but if I attempt to get down from a tree, it's going to hurt even more.
"Hmm, stay still, Turbo Ventos!" He chanted calmly.
A gentle tornado slowly started to form around me, lifting me up gently and bringing me down from the tree. The tornado disappeared and that was when I noticed that I was lying in his hands.
My tear stained face immediately turned red with embarrassment, and I was at a loss for words.
Even though now wasn't the time to be judging people's looks, adding the fact that I was in terrible pain, I couldn't help the fact that I WAS actually judging his looks. He had shiny green emerald eyes, which matched his hair colour, and an additional emerald earring on his right ear. The sharp features on his face fitted his looks and he was so charming and dazzling that I couldn't help but stare at him.
"We'll get you properly treated in the infirmary." He said as he started to walk briskly.
I wanted reply and ask for his name, but slowly, the world started to turn black…
Thank you for reading! I hope you liked this chapter! Please review! Any helpful criticisms would be welcomed! :D
