POV Narrator:
Daryl was finally defeated, not being able to survive in the middle of the fight against Diana and Hellene, preferring to accept the fate and then being murdered by the boss, what the things would be very calm, since finally ended a period of huge tension in Luna Nova's academy, the Cavendish and McLaren would finally be in peace, But there were still things to be solved and those were mainly about the girls that ran away from the classes to solve the Daryl's issue and also the presence of Brooke who had just come back, all this in a single morning, the director Holbrook, soon arrived from her meeting going to the board where there were also the teacher Finnelan and Nelson, they will discuss about what to do with Diana, Akko, Hellene, Marianne and Brooke, for having broken the rules of Luna Nova.
POV Akko:
I don't understand why all this, things were going so well, now that Daryl has finally been defeated, I can see that we won't escape from trouble, poor Diana, she still has a broken arm, it can't be that the teachers will punish her the way she is weakened.
Soon Principal Holbrook arrives in the classroom, she sits at the table and now we are going to be punished, especially because the teachers are already looking at us with a frown.
"All right, what brings all these students to my classroom at this moment? And even you here Laura McLaren, well it must be something important, I guess regarding Daryl" she said.
"Mrs Holbrook, these four girls have run away from class and gone to deal with something else, at the risk of their lives by going with the WCI agents, not only that but Laura McLaren has allowed them to go with her and has done nothing to get them back to class, besides we have a student here who has a lot to be dealt with" the teacher said to us.
"As one would imagine, well done to Miss Kagari for bringing and influencing her friends into trouble, well done to you Nelson, I did not expect something so well worked out from you, I can see what Miss Kagari's influence is still causing around here Holbrook, even at almost 17 this girl is not maturing, she is still pulling more girls into the abyss" As usual the teacher picking on me and then Miss McLaren who comes in interrupting.
"'Ave more respect with Akko, she makes mistakes, she does, but it's danks to aer mistakes dat I'm alive now, it's danks to 'er mistakes dat Daryl dedn't kill several agents in 'er trap, dis girl doesn't deserve de abuse dat she goes through 'ere" Laura said and I even feel weird, she defending me like that makes me feel so good.
"Silence you all, I'm going to sort this out, first I want to hear each one's version, one by one telling me in the room about what really happened and then I can decide what to really do about it" Said the headmistress and finally another sensible voice around here.
First who speaks is the teacher Nelson, we leave the room and I'm afraid, surely she will be the most favored because she is a teacher, I don't doubt it at all, it's just like the headmistress to give more privilege to the teachers over the students, I'm even a little frustrated, I know that this will result at least in a punishment on my back, I even reach Diana and caress her a little.
After they all told their versions...
I didn't lie about anything, that's really what happened, even in the part about breaking the rules I was sincere, the fear was the judgement from teacher Finnelan, she was also in the class, together with us, I was really tense, I hope that everything can be solved better, because I don't think it will stay like that.
"Very well I've heard everyone's version, but first I want to start with Brooke Hunter, she is the most important issue to solve, very well, as you may know Maril Cavendish has passed for you for at least two months and with that we annulled the score and attendance of all the days since she was kidnapped, not counting the extra days she spent in Daryl's hands, you have three months accumulated in absences and your score wouldn't be enough to pass the year, that's why I inform you that you're failing" said the headmaster to Brooke and this is a cruelty without size, I even get the face of strangeness, there's no reason to do all this with her, Brooke is not to blame, so much that I see her kind of crying.
"But... But... But... Am I going to be blamed and punished for something I didn't do? For something they did to me? That's not fair... I have nowhere to live! I can't go back to my father's custody, he beat me! I don't want to! But it's OK, I just failed, after the summer I can try..." she said crying and rightly so.
"No, rules are rules, Brooke, pack your bags and leave Luna Nova immediately, I'm sorry for that, but that's it, I'm not going to make an exception just because you were kidnapped, it starts like that, then things escalate even more" said the director and I was disgusted even by her speech, if with Brooke who deserved to stay she's being like that, I'm really afraid of what's going to happen with us.
"Besides, we don't accept students who fail, either you pass the year or you are out, that's how things work here, kidnapped or not, the rules are very clear and you are a clear example that the rules must be followed to the letter, I hope you understand that, now go to your room immediately and get your things" said teacher Finnelan and I can see her shedding tears, I was even crying for that.
"This is unfair! I'm the one who ends up getting fucked and you don't have the slightest empathy, not even to pass extra classes or some work to do, no! Instead you expel me, I've always been an exemplary student and behaved! I hate you Luna Nova, I can't believe my mother sacrificed everything for me to study here! I want my money back! I'm only leaving here with the money my mum paid to guarantee my studies until I graduate" Brooke said and we even went over her head.
"Didn't your mother read the contract? We don't get refunds, what was paid is paid, you being expelled doesn't give you the right to a refund, I hope that's clear" said the teacher and I don't believe it.
Brooke was devastated, we all start hugging, seeing that they are really confident in wanting her to leave Luna Nova, after consoling her, she even leaves the room showing her middle finger courage, I would do the same, so much that she arrives at the door with a great rage.
"Well, I don't care about this shitty place anymore! I hope you rot, it's just because you're like this that magic has been dying, I always knew there was something fishy about you older witches, anyway... Girls, I hope you can turn yourselves in too, don't trust this system you're in and don't let it step on you" Brooke spoke very beautifully on this one, leaving the boardroom in style.
And there she went leaving, I'm going to miss Brooke a lot, she was one of the nicest friends we made here in Luna Nova, she's funny, brave, kind, caring, really one of the best people you can meet, this is really sad, all because this school has such a backward mentality, soon it's our turn too, I don't know if I'll get out of this in one piece.
"Alright, now the second thing, Laura McLaren, you made a deal to stay here until Daryl was defeated, now she is no longer here, you can leave this place, your stay comes to an end, anyway I hope you understand" She said to Mrs McLaren who shrugged.
"For me I don't mind 'aving to leave, my work 'ere was done, I protected my children, now dey are safe, anyway, I just dedn't think your approach with poor Brooke was fair, she deserves a second chance or even more dan dat, she was fucking kidnapped! She was tortured! She lived in subhuman conditions and all she gets is an expulsion? Do you have any idea dat she might be in danger at the 'and of 'er father who is evidently prejudiced, she is a trans girl! I know what dis kind of ding is because April has been through de same dings, she won't be able to live in peace, she might even be killed!" Said Diana's mother and she always speaks beautifully.
"It's not our problem from here on out, if you're so into it, why don't you make a point of going after getting into this kid's life who is confused and dysphoric? He could just be normal and not go through any of this, but he wanted attention, just like 'April' or whatever his name is" Gee I already knew Professor Finnelan was homophobic, but transphobic is new to me, I even see the anger coming from Laura.
"It's not like that either Finnelan, Brooke deserves respect for her identity, but anyway, the teacher is right in the beginning, it's not our problem anymore and not our responsibility, you can solve it with her, I hope I'm very clear about how I'm going to position myself" said the director and I just hear a knock on the table.
"I'm out o'ere, but be clear, don't be disrespectful to my sister April, she doesn't deserve to 'ear rotten words from you, not even behind 'er back, or do you want to remember de day I punched you in de face for your homophobia and transphobia? I'm leaving anyway, you are a disrespect to de current history of witches, I don't know 'ow the nine witches were to allow you to be in charge today, goodbye! If I 'ear dat you did anything to my girls I will come back 'ere worse dan before - Mrs. McLaren said all serious and this way of hers is scary, it seems that she is even taller than usual.
Laura leaves the board, now we are the only ones left, we are going to be the worst snitches here, I am even getting ready for a possible expulsion and another session of begging for the kindness of the director Holbrooke, really, the way things are.
"Now only the four students are missing, I even have an idea that we can expel her for what they did," said teacher Finnelan.
"Less Finnelan, it was already decided by me what you did, well because you ran away from teacher Nelson's flying class which was mixed among all the years, a special class and you disappeared from it, from what the teacher told me, so it already makes a very serious infraction and that's why I say that you will have to pay with punishments, it will only be a detention like any other, one week only" said the director.
"Wait, what about Diana? She can't exert herself, she broke her arm!" I say it loud and clear.
"With the exception of Miss Cavendish you will all pay the penalty" Said the headmistress and at least that.
"If you are in such a mood why don't you stay for two weeks and pay for Miss Cavendish's punishment too?" Professor Nelson said.
"No Nelson, Miss Cavendish doesn't deserve to be punished anyway, she's being the victim here being dragged along by these troublemakers, anyway, it's settled," said Professor Finnelan and how absurd, even after everything they still favour Diana and I saw that her face was one of indignation, she was not relieved by this.
"Well then, that's it, you three head to detention, you will serve starting now after lunch, as for Diana, stay here so we can talk more" said the director.
"I'm not even going to complain because I'm used to it, I'm not surprised that you punish us anyway"
Wow after months of not paying a detention, they put me back into it, not even this school year did I end up serving one, now I'm going to make up for all this time I didn't get detention and still hungry, I can't believe things got this bad, I hope Diana will be ok at least.
POV Diana:
It's always this, they persecute Akko, day after day, I get really indignant, it seems the dog whistle has been clearer than ever, I get more amazed every day at how they've been this in-yer-face, I even forgot how Akko is persecuted by the whole system just fae being a mundane witch who likes Shiny Chariot.
"Very well Diana, now we are going to have an adult conversation here, real mature people, now that all the children have left I want to have a serious talk with you" said the headmistress tae me.
"What would it be? I am curious tae know" I tell her and it really must be something important.
"I have noticed that your behavior and influences lately have been very close, even too close to Miss Kagari, nothing to imply that you are homosexual, especially that embarrassment you did on Valentine's Day, you know that the rules regarding homosexual affection are, anyway, I want to be very clear about the influence of your mother in your head, you're no longer being the Diana of before, what happened to make you become like that? This behavior is too risky to go on, anyway, I have already said the same thing to Bernadette and I say the same to you, keep your eyes open, don't trust this kind of people, when you least expect it they will eat your face" this is absurd, you are implying something much worse.
"And why am I getting worse? Before I was blind tae the problems of other witches and even classes, I was nae aware of how I had a huge privilege fae all my life, I saw what it is in front of me someone who is considered a minority here being stepped on every day... Fae exactly ye, I know well that yer intention is tae expel Akko from here," I tell them very clearly.
"We don't want to expel Akko, we're just being realistic with her, we have concertns owards the purity of magic, that's how things work and always have worked, it's not our fault if she doesn't fit into how the system works, that's how a witch should be, anything else is an aberration" Professor Finnelan said and I can see how they don't want tae.
"Traditions are very important Diana, you as leader of the Cavendish have the job of sorting this out, now that you are the only one left that is still clean and pure still, even after the fire, we can all help each other and restore the glory of the Cavendish, think about how you might be in the future, that's why I am talking to you now, I don't want you to throw away the history of the Cavendish and betray your class" Fae I betray with pleasure, aristocratic is my arse.
"I recognise the importance of both, I can't say the same fae ye, my mother's story was erased just like many Cavendish throughout her who had homosexual pairs, I remember each one in my head as I went along, how ye exclude everything to fit a convenient narrative, I want a new and different thing fae the Cavendish, recognize the past and live a promising future tae magic, if ye continue with this mentality ye will be the witches responsible fae the death of magic"
"Never forget who you really are Lady Diana Cavendish" said the headmistress.
"Lady Diana Cavendish dinnae exist and never has existed, I am Diana Cavendish McLaren IV" I say this confidently and walk out of that door.
The director is really strange, she thinks I'm going back tae that life, I never want tae know that pomposity or even get close, just remembering gives me goose bumps and a strange feeling, I really want tae build something new, next tae Akko... We will be the new Cavendish, what will bring change and progress tae the family, now without Daryl who knows better times.
Now that everything is over I feel relieved, a bit bad that the girls are goin tae serve their punishment, I wish I could help... Nae I dinnae, I will! I will revolt tae that, even with the hurt arm I still have another one.
In the grey team room...
POV Brooke:
I was finishing packing, already crying a lot, I can't believe that I'm going to live this, after everything I've been through, I'll have to leave, but dream that I'll stay at my father's house... I think I'll have to live on the street, but I'll never touch my father's house, let him stay in Ireland with his wife while he's cheating and going out with some trans woman that he catches in secret.
I hear the door open, I look back and it was Mirage, she was crying, I open my arms, she gets her head on my chest, which I go giving her all the affection in the world, I can't believe I'm leaving her after everything we've hoped for.
"Brookie, I didn't want you to get kicked out of here, that's very unfair" She said and I nod and see Jeanne also appearing.
"You didn't do anything to deserve this expulsion, on the contrary, they should take care of you and treat you with love, you were kidnapped Brooke, these people from Luna Nova are monsters, the real problem with witches are just the older ones, themselves" Jeanne said and I nodded.
"When they touch or even should know about it, they are only comfortable in their own" I tell Jeanne.
"We will miss you Brooke, you were the best around here, I loved spending time with you, you are so smart and beautiful, you really made me fall in love with trans people and want to know more, your experience is unique and beautiful, I love it so much" Jeanne said.
"I could know what the love of one was, see that you are the most valid person in the world, you deserve all the respect, but what now Brookie? Where are you going? And your dad?" Mirage said worried.
"I'll go wherever I can go, the important thing is to manage to stay alive and be myself in this world, I'll never pull over at my father's house again" I tell them clearly.
"Even if it's on the street? Brooke, we're still in winter, what if it snows? If there is a blizzard? Here inside we even have heating, but on the street you won't have this heating, what are you going to do about it?" Mirage said worried and I was just caressing her little face.
"Well I don't know, it can be challenging, but I am strong, I know I can get through this" I tell them and they look really worried.
"You were kidnapped Brooke!" They both said.
"This is inhuman! We can't allow you to continue like this, please Brooke stay here and we won't let anyone take you away from Luna Nova" They are cute, but I still have little money from mum's inheritance.
"Don't worry, I have money to stay in a hotel for at least a week, anything else I can find a shelter, when life gives you these things you always have to find a way, unfortunately this is the reality girls, magic is not the most wonderful thing in the world" I tell them.
"When these days pass I will make sure that you spend more days in a comfortable and warm place, we will not give up giving you a dignified life, we will collect money so that you can live in dignity, Wangari from the LNN team can spread newspapers around Luna Nova, asking you to help in our campaign" said Mirage.
"That's genius Mirage, let's help Brooke, she can finally live in a house and not worry about living with her dad as well as being herself" Said the girls and I really appreciate it.
"I'll manage anyway... I hope I can get a job... I also don't want to end up like most of mine do..." I say that and Mirage puts her finger in my mouth on the spot.
"No! Don't even think about working on it! We'll help you any way we can, Brooke. I'm very clear on that now. Brooke would mind if we... Jeanne. You can leave us alone, I just want to be able to talk to her in private" Mirage said worriedly, then wrapped her arms around my neck.
"Enjoy, you have more than an hour between you, but I will not fail to call everyone to say goodbye to you afterwards" Jeanne said.
She then left the room, I looked right into Mirage's eyes, those cross-shaped pupils of hers shone like never before, I started hugging her and then we were sealing lips, I helped her until she and climbed up to my height, so we were much closer, feeling each other's love, it was really a very good feeling, an extra caress as delicious as that.
I didn't expect something like that, we got to the bed, she lays me down on it and I even blushed a little, I want to see what else she'll have to give me.
And after a whole show of love between the two, they both get dressed and head outside Luna Nova,where they come across even a farewell banner...
I really didn't expect this, I saw them all carrying a banner written "Goodbye Brooke" with letters representing the trans flag, they even made the symbol between my name and the double venus, what a cute thing, so I feel all unhappy, such a warm farewell, already with my bags, the girls are passing by me and shouting my name.
"Wow, I had no idea I was so loved by everyone" I say happily.
"Well then let's go, I'll take you to the square" she said.
"Brooke! Brooke! Brooke! Brooke!" They all spoke my name, I even cried a little emotional, I didn't expect that things would take this proportion, at least now everything is getting better, but from now on it is an uncertainty and I am afraid of that.
I go holding Mirage's hand, we get to the point to get Ley's line, I climb on my broom, wave to all the people behind me still shouting my name, I go flying slowly until the portal.
We go through them together, Mirage was really worried about me, she looks like a mother taking care of me, arriving by the square I could notice that it was snowing and being a little bit cold, when we arrived there we saw Miss McLaren leaning on the car while drinking some hot liquid, we went towards her.
"Finally you came Brooke, I was waiting for you" She said and I get all confused.
"Waiting for what?" I ask full of confusion.
"You come with me, I have a place for you to stay, I won't let you stay under de gaze of your transphobic and homophobic father, you deserve better dan dis and also don't even dink about living on the street, I will bring you with me to a house, dere you can stay and be well accepted, I dink that aunt Laura will love you" She said stroking me.
"That's wonderful! Brooke! Mrs. McLaren is going to let you have a roof over your head to live under," said Mirage happily.
"Not only dat, a roof that will be trans people friendly, after all your new mum is one, welcome to de Jordan family, we'll have a nice drive dere, April will love taking care of you, she's de expert when it comes to dat, not only a home, but you'll 'ave everything a mother could give to a daughter, you're not de first trans kid April 'as adopted and helped grow up and not de last, we'll even put you in a much better witchcraft school, I 'eard you're 'alf Irish, that'll make things a lot easier, I also know you love programming, you've even been speedrunning our games, you 'ave a future as our new gamedev at Saoirse games" I'm living in a dream, this went from rock bottom to paradise on the spot, I don't believe it.
"Brooke! This is incredible, you are a person of excellent heart, Mrs. McLaren" Mirage said and I was even crying.
"Ohhhh Brooke, you deserve all dis and more, let's kick de asses of these old women from Luna Nova for denying your potential and give you a life more worthy of de greatness dat only Brooke Hunter possesses" Said Mrs McLaren I even hugged her.
"Thank you so much Mrs McLaren, you are the best person in the whole world, I love you and April Jordan, you were my inspiration to be a gamedev and now I can fulfil a dream" I say all happy as she strokes me.
"You're welcome, dis is yours to keep, you've been through a lot because of dat woman, I feel bad dat because of me Daryl kidnapped you, she did all dis to provoke me and Diana, but now it's over, let's go home, and first we better eat something" she said and I went all excited.
"Hey! Before you go, don't forget to say goodbye to me" Mirage said.
I hug Mirage, we have another kiss between us with Mrs McLaren watching us as we were kissing, that was a wonderful feeling, especially after all this, all a weight that came in that kiss a liberating situation, Laura McLaren gave me a chance of a lifetime, I didn't expect something like this, she is the best person in the world.
"Hey... About that conversation we had there after making love... Do you really want to distance yourself from me?" She said and I stared at her deeply.
"No, now I am sure that I can stay by your side and not put you through the worst, I now have a future" I tell her who is soaking up my tears.
"You know that even so I wouldn't stop loving you, and that despite everything I don't care where you are and your financial condition, I will help you with whatever is necessary, I really don't want to see you suffer more and have the same fate that most of you have because of this transphobic society" Mirage said.
"You're too good for this world Mirage" I tell her who just keeps laughing.
"I say the opposite, you endured all this without going crazy and you were strong until the last minute, I am so proud of you Brooke, you are the best and bravest witch in the whole world"
"Now I'm leaving, bye my love, I promise I'll do my best to see you more often and I'll never stop texting you, you are the most special person in the world" I tell her and then I got in the car.
The car is quite comfortable even, I never thought an old Vauxhall Carlton would be this spacious, and it also looks quite angry, my mum used to have one, I even feel a bit of nostalgia inside this car, but it's quite different.
"Did you like de car?" Said Mrs McLaren and I am delighted indeed.
"My mum had a Vauxhall Carlton, it wasn't that sporty but I remember it was comfortable" I say looking at the dashboards of the car until she accelerated and I felt the sound of the turbo.
"Dis is not a simple Vauxhall Carlton, this is a Lotus Carlton, I got dis for my 18th birthday from my parents, my father had a notion dat I should have an awesome car and he found dis one to be "discreet", when I was younger, very young I ended up becoming a go-kart driver, I was de best in all of Ireland and also in de UK, 4 Irish Kart championships in the Junior class and 3 UK Junior championships and one last one at the age of 14 against adults, I simply dominated but when I was 15 I was going to get into a single seater and I had two choices... To be a witch or a racing driver, I chose de former, I wanted to change things for witches, from so much of de stories my great grandmother told me of how magic had been constantly being 'ammered down, I was a bit of a silly young girl, I could have been a Formula One driver even, talent I had to spare, men were all embarrassed when dey lost to a woman, but dat was de best choice I made, I met Bernadette Cavendish and changed 'er life and many other people's lives... Including even yours - said Mrs McLaren starting to drive and I am even impressed, she is also a talented driver.
POV Narrator:
And Brooke says goodbye to Luna Nova, by a rather unfair decision, but that can have a huge impact on everything, even more so because it was quite remarkable the positioning of older witches that have been showing up. Thanks to Laura, Hunter may have a new chance in life and be able to fulfill her dreams that she
always wanted, besides having a much more secure life than the one she usually has.
Diana in the middle of all this got her hand in the punishments and went to help, but she was kicked out of the punishments and taken to her room, where she stayed in rest, only being allowed to leave with
permission, at Holbrook's request, so that she won't try to rebel with things and neither will she struggle for having her arm hurt.
See you, expelled witches...