Mon, 09/09/1974, 6:00 am
Location: Droms, Floor 1, Room 6

Beedle-Deet

Beedle-Deet

The obnoxious tones of an alarm filled the room. Despite how tiny the sound actually was, it still managed to somehow become the most unwelcome of cacophonies.

Beedle-Deet

Beedle-Deet

It had always perplexed and eluded him. For all of Tobi's mechanical genius, he never could figure out how to make an alarm that was peaceful and welcoming to wake up to. Even the most pleasant of noises was treated with ire and disgust after no more than a few days.

Beedle-Deet

Beedle-Deet

Perhaps it was the neurological link between the noise and the act of waking from sleep. Coming to associate just about anything with the varied unpleasantness of leaving the world of dreamers and rising to make peace with the day, he reasoned, would certainly deprive whatever it was of any particular appeal it might otherwise have. The fact that he was still adjusting his sleep habits to account for the six hour time difference from England certainly didn't help.

Beedle-Deet

Beedle-Deet

By this point, the alarm's tones rang like thunder over his head. With the sharp glare of a man unduly disturbed, he remembered the one thing he COULD include on his alarm clock- an off switch that triggered with a little jolt of power. With a stretch he reached his arm out, extended his index and middle fingers, and willed a small jolt of electricity through his fingers and into the receiver. There was a tiny flash of blue and white... but still the alarm persisted. Tobias sighed exasperatedly as he tapped the receiver again with a more potent charge. After a brighter flash of similar color... the incessant beeping continued. Now snarling in a mixture of annoyance and frustration, the young mechanical wizard (in more than one sense of the word) tapped it thrice more, the charge supplied building each time, until finally the alarm quivered to a halt with a sputter of electrical sparks. Still incensed but relieved all the same, Tobi closed his eyes to catch an extra five minutes' worth of rest.



Now, most people at this point would get up, hit the top of the clock, and resolve to tinker with the electrical receiver later. Most people have more patience with their personal projects than Tobias Jonathan Rivenridge at 6:00 in the morning. With freshly renewed exasperation, Tobias grabbed the clock and whipped his arm about, sending it crashing against the wall of his dorm in a scattering of charred black debris with a crashing noise that sounded like broken pieces flying apart. The clock itself was probably ruined and in need of replacement, in fact. But at least the alarm had stopped.

Rising from his mattress and rubbing his head in dismay, Tobias quickly and firmly decided that matters of broken clocks could wait until the evening. Breakfast was being served in a half-hour, and if he knew boarding schools- and he most certainly did- being late for breakfast was a sentence to six hours of a growling stomach and a whole host of other problems that came when food was not consumed. The one good news of the morning thus far was that his frustration and energy expenditure had swept any lingering sleep from his eyes and mind, and in quick succession he had gotten dressed and was waltzing out the door toward the dining hall.

Mon, 09/09/1974, ~6:30 am
Location: Dining Hall

Upon reaching his destination, Tobias made for the line to get food almost immediately. With everybody else in his grade range having known one another for three years, and occasionally more, he figured he would be more than a bit ostracized, if for no other reason than lack of familiarity. That was perfectly fine by him; Tobias was used to flying solo. What he was not used to was how horribly Americans undercooked their bacon. A fact that he came to grips with as he sat down by himself with his plate of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns and realized the second of the list was as stretchy as taffy. He couldn't just ask for more well-done pieces- he'd seen the reactions of the cooks when someone had beseeched them for a syrup that wasn't maple already. There just had to be a better way...

Those always were the magic words for him. "A better way." No sooner had they popped into his head than he had whipped out his black notebook from his bag and flipped to a page with a few blank spaces. Unlike his green, red, and blue notebooks, the black one was not for class notations- it was reserved purely for his ideas and calculations. And so, in between bites of food, Tobias was scribbling away on a method to crispify his own bacon that was compact, easily used, and easy to carry. He didn't expect to be disturbed; in fact, he was willing to bet most people, even at the academy, would look at what he was writing and scratching out and confuse themselves too much to want to strike up a conversation with him...

@Saltwater Thief

So, once again Stella had bumped into an upper classman. Again. She had rotten luck sometimes. "Oh gosh! I am so sorry about that!" She said, a little bit flustered. She was embarrassed that she had just run into such a rather cute looking guy. However, she was a lowly freshman, so she expected a brush off or something.

"Hmm?" The upperclassman replied as he looked up from his scribblings and looked about to find the source of the impact. His eyes, resting over a foot above her own, swept right over her head at first. After a short time, however, he looked down and saw Stella, who had collided with him. "Here it comes," she thought, "he's about to brush me aside like nothing..."

"Ah, there you are," he said in a noticeably heavy English accent, "Everything alright? You didn't hurt yourself, did you?"

Stella blinked and was silent. He wasn't giving her the brush off. "Ah... uh..." She stammered for a moment, pulling her thoughts together. He was cute, and had a lovely accent. "I'm fine, thanks. I didn't hurt you did I?" She said, looking up at him. He was considerably taller than her, since she was only five feet even, but he had taken the time to notice her.

The older boy blinked a few times, like he was slightly perplexed by her response. "Not at all," he finally said, "you're the one that'd get any bumps or bruised from it. It's more my fault besides, should've watched where I was walking." He shook his head somewhat quickly, then folded his notebook closed and looked her in the eye. He smiled as he said "So, what's your name? Mine's Tobias."

"I'm Stella, Stella Herbalem. May I ask where you are from Tobias? I've never heard an accent quite like yours before. Also, I wasn't paying attention either. I was looking at my schedule," she said, holding up the piece of paper. It had some notes on it, but Tobias didn't get to see it much longer before she tucked it in her notebook. "Also, have you been here at this school long? I haven't really met many upper classmen yet," she said.

"Oh, I'm from just 'cross the Pond," he answered very matter of factly, "Oh, uh, that's what we Brits call the Atlantic. My family lives near Manchester." He scratched his head as she asked about his length of attendance. "And actually, I just transferred in as a Junior this year, so I've met about as many of them as yourself, Stella. In fact..." he stopped talking for a moment as he looked about, "I, uh... I seem to be a tiny bit turned around. I don't suppose you've got an idea where the football field is around here?"

"I just got here yesterday... and uh I don't know where it is, sorry. But I do have the school map they gave with the packet, if that will help you," she said, pulling an already well worn map out of her notebook. She traced over the map a bit, paused, and then pointed her finger to the soccer pitch. "Is this what you're looking for Tobias?" She asked. At that moment her stomach let out a small growl, reminding her she had not eaten yet. She blushed at that. "Excuse me for that."

"Sure is," he said as his eyes followed her finger across the surface of the map to the large green area off to one side of the campus. When the tiny rumbling sound came from her stomach, he rotated his head slightly to look at her again. He chuckled slightly at the noise, then gave her a light pat on the back. "Sounds like you need some breakfast. What do you say we go get you a plate, hmm? Some eggs and bacon maybe?"

"That sounds lovely," she said, still red as a tomato. She was sure at this point he was going to wander off when she went to get food, however was pleasantly surprised as he joined her in getting breakfast. She paused for a moment. "Uh... would you like to sit together? I mean, since neither of us really knows any of our classmates yet," she said, sort of fading away at then end. This wasn't like her. She was use to talking to all sorts of people but now she was stammering and whispering like a fool. Was it because he was older? Was it the accent? She didn't know.

"I think that'd be nice," he replied. In little time at all they were both walking toward a table and sitting down, with him sitting opposite her. "So, Stella," he began to ask after a short period of nothing but chewing and scrapping of utensils, "Where abouts are you from, then?"

"I'm from San Francisco, California. I'm just off the Pacific, way far from where you are," she said between bites. She may have been hungry, but she knew it was rude to talk with her mouth full. "Its pretty different here... I mean I'm not use to wearing uniforms and stuff, but my parents thought this school would be worth it," she said. "So what about you? England is a far away place to come for school. Something draw you here in particular?" She asked curiously. She sipped her juice, thinking to herself for a moment. Then she realized that her previous question could be a little rude. "Ah, sorry, I don't mean to pry. I'm just a curious kitty by nature. My parents keep saying I'll get into trouble because of it," she said with a laugh.

"Oh believe me, I know a thing or two about curiosity. In fact, that's basically why I'm here," he continued in between bites of eggs, "The school sent me a letter last spring inviting me here to 'expand upon my generous gifts from life' or something like that. I mean, yeah, I'm good at taking things apart and putting them back together, but I don't think that counts. But, I got curious as to what kind of a place this was. They were offering to pay the airfare and everything, so I figured; why not see what it's about? And, well, here I am." He shoveled another few bits of food into his mouth before he spoke again. "Anything like that for you, Stella? Things you're good at or just like to do, I mean?"

Stella paused eating for a moment. "Gifts?... Nah. He can't mean that." "I'm really into plants. I've been helping my parents with their business for a long time. They say I have a green thumb or something like it. I got a letter last spring as well, inviting me here, and telling me that they had a wonderful Horticulture club and greenhouses. I got pretty excited for a bit, but I almost didn't go. I didn't want to leave my parents. However, they convinced me otherwise. They were willing to put my happiness before everything." She went back to eating. "By taking things apart, you mean like machines?"

Tobias nodded as he finished swallowing a drink of milk. "Yep. I'm a mechanical kind of guy. I just... hmm. You know, it'll be better to show you." With that, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small pocket calculator and a tiny screwdriver. "Now, one of these guys, you normally can only track an equation of a certain size and only a small number of them. But, if I go into its backside like this," he said as he turned the calculator over and began pulling out the small screws that held it together. In no time at all the inner wiring was exposed and Tobias had begun fiddling with the bits and pieces inside. As he moved them around and connected some to others, he narrated himself much like a kid explaining the way to get to his house to a friend coming over. As he started winding down and putting it all back together, it looked as if the little device had never been touched. "But you see," He continued, "Now, you can have it do really big maths and it won't have a problem. Well... it might have some, they always seem to after I tinker with them. Ah, but listen to me, I've gone and talked your ear off, haven't I? Sorry, I wasn't trying to. I tend to get lost in me own head from time to time."

Stella had indeed gotten lost while Tobias was talking, but she blinked and then shook her head. "No not, its okay. I get the same way about plants. I could probably name all the plants in the greenhouse by their scientific name, but that would be a bit boring to you, I'm sure," she said with a blush. She was embarrassed he had caught her not really listening to him. She realized she had finished breakfast and was a little disappointed. "I do believe I'm done with breakfast, and should head to class. I don't want to be late first day," she said. "I do hope to see you later, maybe," she said, getting a bit quiet. He had been very nice to her, and was rather interesting, even if he did use terms that went over her head.

"I think I'd like that a lot. Maybe we'll see each other at lunch. Take care now!" he said as she walked away. A glance at his watch seemed to inform him that he had a similar concern for punctuality, and in short order he was also rising from his seat and speeding off toward the soccer field.

Stella smiled to herself at what he said and pulled out the map again. "Now, where is the Home EC room..." She muttered to herself and went off.

[Placeholder for Salty & Fei post/collab.]

Stella waved good-bye to Tobias and looked over the map. “Now, where is the home EC room,” she said to herself, getting a bit turned around. A new school was nothing to sneeze at, and Stella’s directional sense had not proved to be the best there was. She paused in her confusion and looked up from the map. “Okay, now I’m really lost.”

“Hey, uh, Freshie – what are you in?” The voice came from down the hall and was accompanied by a whistle trying to get her attention. It was an upperclassman, unkempt, shirt untucked and blazer unbuttoned.

Stella turned to look, and pointed at herself. “Are you talking to me?” She asked. She figured he was, but she had to make sure.

“Yup. You look – dazed and confused.”

“I guess I am rather lost… I was looking for the Home EC room. Do you know where it is?”Stella asked, moving closer to the upperclassman. He also had an accent, like Tobias, but it was different. She looked at him, still a bit curious. Her emotions were a mix of confusion, surprise, and delight. She need the help and if he was offering, she would happily take it.

He nodded. “‘Course I do. Home Ec classes are small, so we’ll be lumped in together I bet. It’s this way.” He pushed open one of the heavy oak doors that was only half-open to reveal another hallway, and waited patiently for Stella to follow.

“Thank you,” she said and followed him. She wasn’t quite sure what to say, beyond that. But she realized she didn’t know his name, and so, “Ah, may I ask for your name please? So I know who is helping me out?”

“Jamie Drummond, at your service.” At the last door on the right, Jamie stuck his head through the open doorway to note the half-empty classroom complete with all the miniature kitchen units that made up a typical cookery class. “Hey, Miss. Is it a mixed year group again this time around?”

Another voice that was probably the teacher’s replied, “Freshmen to Seniors, Jamie.” He turned back to Stella, head tilted to the side.

“Right. It’s in here… Uh. What’s-your-name.” Jamie rubbed the back of his neck in a seemingly nervous gesture.

“Stella, Stella Herbalem. Nice to meet you. I’m guessing you’re Miss Standiford?” Stella asked, looking at the teacher.

“That’s right. Miss… Herbalem, then – since I get to be your first subject, welcome to Northwood.” A bright smile from the teacher, even as she tossed two thin purple aprons towards the two. Her eyes quickly focused on Jamie, who shrugged wordlessly to some unasked question. “Senior-Freshman partners for cooking since we’re so short on numbers. Jamie, do you mind?”

Another shrug.

“We’re making scones,” Aveline continued.

The senior looked over at Stella, “Hell yeah.”

Stella gathered from this that she’d be working with Jamie for Home EC and simply nodded. “Sounds lovely.” She felt like she was missing half of a conversation here, but, she didn’t mind. She was use to not getting things at first, since her head was in the clouds. She put on the apron and waited for class to start.

At their workstation up the back, Jamie sat up on the corner of the countertop, in front of the microwave. “Hey, hey – Herbalem? I’m hoping you’re good at cooking ‘cos I’m sure as hell not.”

“It depends. Baking I’m alright at. I learned to make cookies and brownies from my mother. Beyond that, I’m not that great. That is why I signed up for Home EC, to get better,” she said, looking at the recipe and paused in thought. “This, however, should be simple enough. Hardest part will be kneading and shaping the scones,” she said.

“Yeah. Can’t too it too much since it makes it tough and ruins the lightness of it–” Jamie paused for a moment as other students filed in to grab the equipment out of the main cupboard. “Or at least that’s what Aveline says.”

Stella stared at him. “I do believe you’re lying to me Jamie… but no mind to that. I’m sure you have your reasons, but I would appreciate the help,” she said and looked at him. There were more secrets here… however she shrugged it off. Stella was starting to get the feeling there was more to Northwood than anyone let on. However the thought left her mind as she covered her front with flour. “Oh darn!”

Jamie didn’t do or say anything at first, smiling instead. “Yeah, that’s what the aprons are for.”

Stella went to get a wash cloth and nodded. “Yeah, that is what they are there for.”

Jamie seemed content to not even mention Stella’s earlier statement, still possessing that easy grin. “Believe me when I say that I have a tendency to burn myself and spend half the lesson with my hand under a tap.” He shrugged. It rang a little hollow. “But yeah…”

The lesson went by rather quickly after that, and at the end, both Jamie and Stella had a container of fresh scones. “Thank you again for showing me here. I hope I won’t get lost from now on,” she said, picking up her things.

“Just gimme a shout anytime, right?” Jamie seemed somewhat distracted, glancing over towards Miss Standiford every so often. “Well, not anytime – preferably not after 5 PM. I’m just gonna–” And he walked off to the teacher’s desk, brows furrowing.

Stella blinked and nodded. “Will do,” she said, and watched. She raised her eyebrow a bit and turned to leave. She guessed that Jamie and the teacher were close, but this seemed odd to her. However, those thoughts would have to wait for another time, since she had to leave for her second class. She gave a quick wave to Jamie and Miss Standiford and headed off.

"What has been bugging you lately?" Silence met the question, the clicking of flats on linoleum the only sound worth noting in the empty hallway. Aiden's eyes didn't quite relate to her noiseless surroundings, though, they instead focused on something that wasn't there, gleaming bright with quizzical light. They shifted as her unseen conversation partner probably did, and though her eyes gleamed with intense curiosity her face was simply a blank slate. Stoic and pale in the low-wat lighting.

"Why are you acting so strange, it's annoying." She swatted at something no one else could see, turned her head forward and quickened her stride down the hall, turning a corner until she was faced with another empty brick wall. Where the hell was the music room? Her hand traveled to her sling bag, clenching around the map of the school she had been given just the day before. Much to her annoyance, Aiden had wandered in the complete opposite direction of her first classroom, and with a huff she turned, traveling back down the hall with slightly quicker steps.

Around her, at least, through her eyes, a collection of discolored people followed. Some were simply floating in her wake, staring ahead with their usual big, glossy eyes, but others were attempting to poke her, hands reaching forward ad then backing away with sudden shyness. They were all so silent, not even attempting to whisper to her, and there was fear burning in their eyes. It was unusual behavior, but the most unusual part about all of it was the fact that the one ghost that always clung to her, a small girl she named Diana, was doing this as well.

"D, don't copy these new guys. They're weird." The child shook her head slowly, hands clasping at the hem of her nightgown, and then simply clung onto Aiden's right arm as she usually did. Diana was one of the few ghosts that would follow her everywhere; the only one from back home that clung to her all the way to America. She knew everything about the child, her habits, her way of pulling pranks, her immense psychic power, and seeing her act so frightened amidst all these new faces caused a bit of anxiety to dwell in Aiden's chest.

no no dont let this stress you out its a new school new life youll be fine perfectly fin-

Having your thoughts cut off was an odd feeling, but Aiden experienced it so suddenly as her eyes connected with a familiar face. A woman stood at the end of the hall, looking unnaturally familiar, almost like her mother, and she was staring forward with such terrified eyes. Distraught, Aiden took a step back, then tilted her head as she realized the ghost wasn't approaching. There was silence, save from the sudden harsh buzzing from the surrounding spirits, and then with a shake of her head she stepped towards the unusual ghost slowly, making sure to keep her eyes soft and kind.

As she got closer to the spirit, prepared to accept another soul into her dead posse, the shadows suddenly seemed to grow, and just as she was an arm length away from the spirit she vanished, swallowed by the sudden darkness behind her. Aiden let out a surprised yelp at the action, tumbling back into a crouch as her eyes stared wildly at the spot where the ghost had stood. Around her, the others were oddly still, staring at her and humming with excited, frightened energy, and Diana clung to her right arm with a cold grip.

"That... That was... That was new." She whispered, mostly to herself, straightening with no trouble. Her eyes glanced across the hall again, hoping no one caught sight of her embarrassing act, and then with another glance at the map still clenched in her fist she continued towards the music room, feet now gliding across the floor with a light jog.

Jamie Drummond & Ash Mareino
12:49 PM

Jamie was having a good day, for the most part. Plastic container of baked goods under his arm that was still vaguely warm from Home Ec, tray in his other hand filled with all the various ‘goodies’ that the school offered for lunch. It always went downhill after the first day back, but he could enjoy the quality while it lasted. The weather was warm, too. Sunny enough for him to wander outside to eat at the boulders by the lake as he often did, at least when Ash was there.

Warmth almost allowed him to forget what Aveline had told him this morning, silently of course: “Mrs. Wellington would like to speak to you after school today.” It made him want to sigh again, if only because the other option was to rage out against being forced into a meeting with the crazy Soviet girl to probably apologise.

He already had. Anything more was Unfair with a capital ‘u’.

Jamie had been late for lunch so was unsurprised to see the grounds of Northwood quite busy with students who’d scarfed down their lunch in order to head outside and explore. He’d been one of them once, a Freshman. Even as a Sophomore the school held beauty, poise… And now he was being arty again – he ought to stop that.

Halfway there he veered sharply right, heading around the gravel path to the Gym, or more precisely its roof. There was probably something wrong with him, being so attuned to Ash’s emotions to know that she was definitely not at the lake and that there was only one possible place for her to be: the roof. The stairs would be a trek.

The door at the top of the service stairwell was already wedged open with an old baseball bat. Nobody used the Gym’s roof (and why would they?) so it was therefore the perfect place for some peace and quiet.

With Ash.

Stop blushing – you’re a state, Jamie chastised himself, approaching Ash where she sat in the shade of one of the large air ducts. Wordlessly he took a seat, finally getting to eat… but not before saying (mid-chew), “This is our last year, y’know.”

Ash nodded. “Yeah. It’ll be weird not coming back here next year.” Ash bit into her apple, then paused, “I don’t even know what I’m going to do next year. Dad wants me to go to college. What about you? Any plans?” Fleeting hope, like the sun breaking through clouds over the sea.

“Might take a break for a year – travel while I work some stuff out.” Jamie looked up at the sky. Would he be coming on too strong if he asked her to tag along? It wasn’t like he couldn’t pay for it.

“I enjoyed the road trip with my brother on the way here. That’d be a lot of fun.”

Christ, just go for it. “You should tag along, yeah? We can hit South America. Peru, Machu Picchu?” A horrible mispronunciation but Jamie didn’t particularly care. Joy like the swell of a tide – a gnarly one that surfers anywhere would be envious of. It was so strong that Jamie could almost hear the churning currents in his left ear.

“Really? You’d have me along? I’d have to ask my folks, but after November they can’t really force me into anything I guess.”

“Of course I would,” Jamie said quickly as if he hadn’t even considered any other option. “Besides, my dad already considers you an honorary Drummond given how much I–.” Stop right there. “Mention you in letters, and it’s practically a rite of passage for us to go backpacking. Plus it gives you an extra year to work out what you’re gonna do.” Smooth.

“I’d love that, thank you. Getting away from it all.” Ash sighed and leaned back against the air duct.

“It’s no problem. Wouldn’t want to run away from Amazonian cannibals with anyone else.” Jamie let out a nervous laugh. “We’ll be backpacking, probably, so prepare yourself f-for–”

He coughed out of the blue, like he was choking on air. Thin air. There wasn’t enough of it for him to catch his breath after he’d finished coughing a few moments later. “Should probably quit smokin’ – must’ve caught something...”

And again, but slower. His breathing became shallower and no matter how much he tried to take in air, he couldn’t – he was suffocating and all the air in the world – couldn’t… Something was wrong, so very wrong, and Jamie knew it in his bones, in the wheeze of his chest as the world narrowed down to a very dull point. Uncertain waters – that’s what Ash’s look resonated with. Didn’t have enough damn focus to translate it.

While he still had sense, disjointed though it was, he reassured himself with the knowledge that it wasn’t a heart attack or anything like that. It was emotions, pure and simple, and he knew who they were from...

Arro Jenkins.

It was Natalie Coleman all over again.

“Ash… when I faint – r-right, when I faint? Don’t get – help. ‘N don’t worry...” Did he manage a grin? He certainly tried.

“Jamie? Jamie are you okay?” If he just closed his eyes, he could allow himself to be carried away by the riptide: fast, quick. He understood that one. It was panic. Ash’s panic.

There was an unbearable pressure in a part of his chest that most people didn’t even realise existed: the part where anxious butterflies were born; where deep, human passion came from; that Jamie could tap into to feel everything beautiful and horrid in the world. Just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, it doubled suddenly, then disappeared with a gust of wind that felt to him like one last scream.

And then he lost consciousness.

Sindri had found the first few classes of the day to be pretty good so far. He hadn’t needed to go out of his way to meet anyone, so he had a few more people that he could talk to when he felt like it. When lunch time came, though, Sindri got a sandwich, looking around and wondering if he could find anyone he recognized. One stood out, and he headed over towards Amy. “Got any free space?” He asked cheerfully.

“Sure thing Sindri, have a seat.” Amy gestured to the empty spot across from her. “How was your first day?”

Sindri shrugged. “Only halfway over so far, but so far it’s not bad at all. Got a nice run in during track.” He said simply, taking a seat across from Amy and going about giving the food a try. It wasn’t horrible, but it was at least edible. This food might make him go almost vegetarian if this kept up. “How about you? Have a good day so far?”

“Yep, we made scones in Home Ec, and they were delicious. I have half of one left over if you want to try?” Amy reached over and lifted from the seat a small package, and slid it over to Sindri.

Sindri looked at the package and nodded. “Huh, maybe I should have taken home ec. Always nice to be able to make a tasty treat. I’ll give it a try, sure.” He replied to her, opening up the package. He pulled out the scone and took a bit of it, not sure if she was offering the whole half or not, so he opted to play it safe and tear off a piece before eating it. He gave a nod. “Pretty good, I’d say.”

“Glad you like it.” Amy grinned brightly. “You can finish it off. I’m not going to, and Luca only wanted the other half.”

Sindri grinned a bit. “Oh, thanks then.” he said cheerfully, going ahead and taking a bite, enjoying it a little. Idly, he looked up at the clock, reminding himself of what time it was. 12:59. Okay, that was good. Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the food and company for the time. “I owe you something tasty.”

“Thanks. So did you get a chance to read the books at all last night?” Amy asked, after she finished chewing her bite of food.

“Yeah, got through about a third of Goldfinger, and I figure by the end of the week I’ll have either finished or gotten mostly through Stranger in a Strange Land” he replied with a nod.

Hold on, that’s odd. Everything had stopped. This was an awkward thing for Sindri. Usually, of course, time did not just up and stop for no discernable reason, especially in a way that he recognized as similar to his own. He hadn’t even seen when the time had actually paused, absorbed as he was in telling Amy about what he was reading. Idly, he looked at his watch. Not moving. Yep. Definitely stopped. “Hmph. Weird. Maybe I should tell the Headmistress.” He thought to himself before going to relax a bit, counting silently to himself. When time reasserted its usual progress, Amy might have seen that he had seemed to flicker, moving as if reality were a movie reel and he’d just skipped a few frames and ended up in a slightly different position than he’d started. And he looked a bit pale.

“You okay?” Amy asked, tilting her head slightly, and glancing up at the wall clock.

Sindri looked back at Amy and frowned a little. “Mmm, maybe not. Maybe I should go see the nurse or something.” He said.

“Do you know where Nurse Joy’s office is? Hope it wasn’t the scone.”

“Yeah, I managed to find all the important buildings and places I figured I’d need yesterday. Sorry to bolt like this, but I’m going to see if I can see her before lunch is over. And unless you poisoned it I doubt that it’s the scone. Heck, if it was I’d still eat it again.” Amy laughed. Sindri went to clean up and start towards the exit.

It was about the middle of the day. Music was over, some of the other classes were over. The first day was going alright so far. At least that's what Kiddo thought. The voices that usually whisper and linger in his mind haven't been active yet today. Surprisingly. Kiddo didn't have a breakfast. An empty stomach usually causes the voices to rise like a flood in the depths of his mind.
Kiddo smiled at the silence. He was glad that he could take the time to sit down and enjoy his lunch. While eating he began to listen to the many conversations the other kids were having. Making out, classes, school work, stress, parental problems, drugs. Everything was there. He couldn't pin point who was talking about what, but it was there. It was there for the whole world to hear, they just had to listen.
That's what Kiddo thought was wrong with a lot of people. They never took time to listen and pay attention to the details. They never stopped to smell the flowers. Every day they just go forward, focusing on what is in front of them and not around them. Kiddo sighed as finished his food. Cleaning his area he made his way back to his room for a quick draw session. He hadn't drawn anything sicne he arrived a day ago.

Ash cried. That wasn’t something she did very often. Jamie’s last conscious words had sent her into a full tilt panic. Something she had only experienced when her brother had almost drowned, and then she had been able to do something about it. This time she had been asked to not get help. Who would she have gone to anyway? Probably Mrs Joy, the school nurse. It didn’t matter though. She wasn’t leaving his side.

“Jamie.” She cried out again and again, feeling hot tears burning her face and throat, and he still wasn’t responding.

Ash had no idea how much time passed, she was certain she didn’t hear the school bell though, when finally Jamie’s eyes fluttered opened. His hand went to his nose, and pinched the bridge of it. Did he have a migraine?

“Jamie?” Her voice leveled out, still cracking a bit, as fear slid back and worry became her primary emotion. “What in the hell happened?” Ash was never one to shy away from cus words if the situation was appropriate.

It took him a second – more than a second – to answer, and even then it wasn’t much of one. “Can’t – g-give me a minute, alright?” Ash nodded, pulled from her bag a water bottle and held it out to Jamie.

“Drink something.” Jamie reached for the bottle, a tremor running through his arm as he took it. Just as shakily he drank from it. After a sip he coughed, fear blossoming in his eyes enough that Ash reached out to reassure him, and if necessary give him the Heimlich. She had some training with drowning just because of the nature of her favorite sport. Her own heart beat had started to slow down, as Jamie took another sip. “Better?”

“Not even close,” Jamie answered with grim honesty. Still ghostly pale. He was still shaking and tucked an arm close to his body as if to stop it. His eyes shot up to look Ash in the face, worry etched into his features. “Ash? You all right? Not hurt, are you?”

“I’m fine, why would I be hurt? You’re the one who just passed out. What was that about anyway?” Ash was freaked out, to say the least, and here Jamie had the gall to ask her if she was okay.

“Just a – just a ‘quirk of biology’, somethin’ like that.” It sounded rehearsed. He was avoiding Ash’s gaze, rubbing the back of his neck even as he rummaged around inside the inside pocket of his blazer for the silver foil packet of the little white pills he always took at breakfast.

“Jamie, I have known you for three years, you have never just passed out like that before.”

“I’ll have you know that I have.” He took the pills quickly and without any water before stuffing them back in his pocket. “Just never when you’re around.”

“I’m around you like ninety percent of the day. How in the world have you avoided passing out like that in front of me?” She was getting annoyed with him now, and crossed her arms. Why would he keep that from me?

Jamie cringed, but he was still looking anywhere but at Ash. “It was just an Episode. No need to worry ‘bout me. They usually pass quite quickly and they’re – they’re not a big deal.” He is lying. And she knows it. More than enough times the pair of them had had to lie their way out of getting into trouble, and Jamie was easy, at least for Ash, to read. His lip did that curl.

“You’re lying Jamie. I know you too well. There’s something more at play here, what aren’t you telling me?” Ash leaned forward invading his space a bit. There was a every so small part of her that wondered if the Viking, or whatever she was, girl hadn’t been totally off her rocker. That maybe just maybe her best friend was similar to her in more ways than they had realized.

Jamie laughed humorlessly and finally looked up at her. He didn’t make eye contact but was looking at her cheeks. They were probably wet even now from the tears. “Oh, there’s a whole lot I’m not telling you, Ash – you don’t want to know. I don’t want you to know. I don’t want to – bother you with it.”

At first Ash could feel anger building up inside of her. Anger at Jamie, she felt like he was throwing away their friendship, and then it all tumbled away from her, because he was her friend, her best friend, and she couldn’t be mad at him. “What are friends for then?” Her eyes started burning again, and she futilely tried to wipe it away without him seeing.

“Oh, shite,” Jamie said, obviously thrown for a loop with something wavering in his voice. He leaned ever-closer and softly pulled away Ash’s hand – surprising her. And then, without taking his eyes off of hers’, he wiped the tears away with his thumb. “I’m okay, you’re okay, we’re okay. Believe me, if it was important, I would have told you in a heartbeat, but it’s... something I can live with. It’s – it’s nothing, it’s insignificant… it’s inconsequential.”

Jamie always did use big, poetic words and sweeping statements whenever he was emotional. Ash could swear she could feel his own fear, the twisting feeling she had just felt, and something else, that heart swell she got whenever she saw him. Of course her own guilt for not telling him her big secret, the one no one but the school staff knew. The big secret that she had kept carefully guarded for years.

“I should’ve told you. God, I wish I could have.” He sighed, his exhalation mixing with her inhalation. He was close, very close. “Sorry. I must look like a right freak.” Ash shook her head.

“No, you don’t. I’m being unfair.” She took a deep breath of air. “I’ve not told you everything either.” She couldn’t bring herself to pull away from him, not even an inch.

“Ash… You don’t need to.” Ash started to respond, her mouth was open and the words had started to form, and the bell rang announcing the end of lunch and silencing her. Reminding her where she was and what the rules were.

Jamie scowled up at the sky but started to shuffle to his feet using the air vent as support. “That is the worst timing I’ve ever witnessed in my life – I hope you realise that.” He linked arms with Ash to help her up after him, no matter how unsteady it felt. “God forbid we keep Ash Mareino from Swimming, yes?” Ash’s heart flipped, swimming was next, how in the world could she have forgotten that?

“Right, we’ll talk later then?” Ash nearly demanded.

“Of course,” Jamie said easily – but then he tilted his head to the side and in a swift move planted a kiss on Ash’s cheek. “S-Something to talk about later, yeah?” Ash’s face got hot, very hot. She stared at Jamie, impressed, surprised and elated all at the same time.

“Definitely.” She agreed, and in a slight daze headed for the propped open door that led to the gym below. Hell she’d probably even smile at Katalina.

Zaylin left a few minutes early to her classes after breakfast, giving herself a margin of error in navigating the halls. Though she had a map tucked away in her bag, she wanted to test her memory. Besides, she had time.

Keeping a careful eye on her watch nonetheless, Zaylin found her assigned Home Economics room in good time. A couple students already lounged around in the cubicles set up like personal, miniature kitchens. Choosing one near the back corner, Zaylin dropped her bag in an out-of-the-way spot. As a few other students filtered in--boys and girls alike--she began to look through the cupboards.

The sensation of someone’s presence behind her crept down Zaylin’s spine. She quickly shut the cupboard and spun around. She shouted, raised an arm as in defense, and jumped back into the counter from surprise at the smiling face beaming at her from only a couple inches away. The girl’s unruly mop of curly red hair bounced around her face as she took a slight step away, amusement flashing in her hazel eyes.

“Hello!” the girl said over cheerfully, a slight Northern accent in her airy voice. “I’m Vic.” She offered a hand to Zaylin in an exaggerated gesture, her fingers partially covered by a neon green fishnet glove, a violet one on the other. “Haven’t seen your face around here! Well, other than yesterday. I think I saw you yesterday.”

“Yeah, I just transferred,” Zaylin answered slowly, reaching to shake the girl’s hand. “I’m Zaylin.”

Vic shook Zaylin’s hand with gusto.

“Wonderful!” Vic released Zaylin’s hand, though her smile refused to dampen. “If we have to partner, want to be mine?”

“Uh... Sure?”

“Great!” Vic squealed in delight, her smile growing impossibly wider as Zaylin silently questioned her own already uncertain agreement.

Vic looked up as the teacher walked in and called for order.

Unsure whether to Zaylin’s delight or dismay, they would, in fact, be paired up. With a couple exceptions of some well-known troublesome pairs, the teacher gave the students the freedom to choose with whom they would partner.

The lively girl proved to be an excellent cook as they worked together, the mouthwatering smell of baked goods soon saturating the room.

Despite Vic’s friendliness, Zaylin felt relief wash over her as they parted ways after class, if only for a short time, as she went to English. At the gym for PE, Vic joined a couple minutes late. Thankfully, a two of the girl’s other friends consumed her attention, the trio of sophomores laughing and talking excitedly. Zaylin excelled in the chosen sport of the day: volleyball. She utilized her enhanced strength and reflexes, the energy exertion welcomed and embraced amidst the awkwardness of the first day in a new school.

After a quick shower in one of the provided stalls, she headed to the dining hall for lunch.

Not wanting to entertain the scarily pleasant Vic, Zaylin kept an eye out for the girl as she got in line for lunch, for once glad that her clothes, at least, wouldn’t as easily set her apart from a majority of the other girls.

After eating her food fairly quickly, she disposed of her dishes as necessary and eagerly headed outside. The gentle warmth of the late summer carried on a gentle breeze that tickled across her face. Other students roamed around, some in couples, some in packs, and others alone. Zaylin looked up, admiring the building as she headed toward Rosaline Hall, where she went around the back.

She paused as the immaculately kept lawn and brick path rounded to the back. A few yards away, trees studded the landscape, thickening further out. She looked at her watch and sighed, before turning her longing gaze back to the forest and the couple trail heads visible from where she stood. The desire to explore settled in her chest, urging her to enter the maze of trees.

After classes, she promised herself, then continued her walk around the building, killing time until she had to attend her next class.

After classes had ended for the day, Stella decided she wanted to go back out to the greenhouse and see if Mr. Johnson was there. She wasn’t technically supposed to see him till the next day, but she had to talk to him. She couldn’t wait for either homeroom or Horticulture club. She started wandering around, and poked her head in greenhouse number two. “Mr. Johnson… are you here?” She asked, looking around.

“Just back here Miss Herbalem.” Mr. Johnson’s voice came from a small storage area in the back of the greenhouse. “Come on back.”

Stella walked in and then over to Mr. Johnson and smiled. “Hello again. Sorry to bother you, but… I just couldn’t wait till tomorrow to talk to you. When I get curious, it kinda sticks with me till it’s satisfied,” she said, and then walked over to Katie and gently touched her. “Hello again Katie.”

Mr. Johnson chuckled, “I know that feeling all too well. You’ve got questions and I’m here for you. The Headmistress told me about you, she’s got an ability too, but it isn’t like ours. She asked me to help you understand your ability since ours is so similar, and to warn you of a few things. Here at Northwood, you’re in a safe place, but not everyone will understand. High school kids are cruel, but so is the real world. So you have to promise me not to tell anyone about your ability. With me we can talk about it all you want, and of course if you have a problem and you can’t find me you can always go to the Headmistress. She has an open door policy. Now that we’ve got that all important rules out of the way, what do you want to know?”

Stella nodded. “I’m not crazy. I know better than to tell people the reason I love plants is because I can understand them, and manipulate them. I won’t tell anyone… but… I’ve been getting the feeling… I mean. I met this upperclassmen this morning, and he told me he was recruited because of gifts, and after what you showed me… I mean I may sound crazy, but… I can’t be the only one here with talents, right?” She said, looking at him. For someone who’s head was in the cloud a lot, she was pretty bright. Also, there had been enough clues sprinkled here and there.

“Most students here are special in one way or another. Just look at what most graduates have gone to do. They’re almost all experts in their field. Ms. Standiford is extremely selective in her process. I can’t say I know of anybody here like us, but every school has its secrets. If you go into the library you’ll meet a young lady by the name of Amy. I expect one day she’ll find answers no one knew to ask the questions for. She’s brilliant and I’ve never seen anyone with gifts like her’s, but that’s not to say that she can, oh I don’t, speak to the books she handles, but sometimes it certainly seems like it.” Mr. Johnson leaned against one of the tables. “Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, it does,” Stella said. She didn’t buy it entirely, but she doubted Mr. Johnson would outright lie to her. She leaned against one of the tables as well and looked around. “Is Miss Standiford the Headmistresses daughter? I met her this morning,” she said. The name had stuck out in her mind.

“Yes she is.” Mr. Johnson smiled, “You have Home Ec then?”

“Yup. I wanted to learn how to cook better, and also because I’m not so great at music,” Stella admitted with a small chuckle. She looked around, and was curious. Were the plants feeling any different than yesterday? She opened up her power and waited to see how they felt. Yesterday was like a deaf yell compared to today. They were screaming. The urge to leave was more overwhelming. Stella cut off her powers and looked at Mr. Johnson with wide eyes. “...Something’s wrong.” Mr. Johnson tilted his head, as if also listening.

“Yes, they’ve been like that since lunch time.” He frowned. “I am quite worried about them, I have been for a while.” He sighed. “The plants know something we don’t.”

Stella paused. “I think I heard something at lunch… but I’m not sure. I will admit I was a bit distracted,” she said with a small blush. “But that is a bit worrisome... “ She frowned after that, and stroked Katie again. “I do have to ask, can you hear them all the time?”

“I can quiet them, but when I’m back here I like to listen to them. Lately I’ve had to keep that tone down though. I recommend you do the same if you can.”

“I can focus it on and off… I had to learn to do it some number of years ago… it made it hard to eat veggies,” she said honestly. She wouldn’t mention the pot harvesting to her teacher.

“Yeah, when I was your age, before I learned how to control it I met a vegetarian. That conversation did not end well. I had a broken hand and they had a broken nose.”

“Ouch. I may live with and near hippies but they’ve never seemed bothered by my meat eating ways. My parents actually encouraged it… they even let me keep a window box and help at the local garden. Besides them, you and Ms. Standiford no one knows,” Stella said. She found herself missing home a little. Especially after the plants had been almost yelling at them to leave.

“Well we’re all here for you. You can talk to us.” Mr. Johnson gives her a reassuring nod. “Did you have any other questions?”

“Not at the moment… but I’m sure I’ll have more over the year. Thank you again Mr. Johnson. I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow yes, for Club?” She said, giving him a small smile.

“Yep, have a good day Miss Herbalam.”

“You too Mr. Johnson!” Stella said, and gave Katie one last stroke before running out, waving to Mr. Johnson. She headed back to her dorms, feeling a little bit better, but a lot more worried.

What an odd little school full of odd little folk, Tobias thought to himself as he walked from the first half of his school day toward the Dining Hall for his lunch break. So far, nearly everybody he'd seen was some sort of peculiar or strange. And he wasn't saying that simply because they were Americans. Still, there had been two run-ins he'd rather enjoyed. One was that Yorkshire lass Elizabeth from his English class, and the other...

"Tobias!" He turned about at the mention of his name to find Stella, the underclassman from that morning walking toward him, waving with a curious container cradled in her arm. He smiled at her and waved back as he stoppd to let her catch up. "Stella! How are you doing?" he asked as she got close enough to casually speak to, "Morning classes go alright?"

"That they did. I made some scones in Home EC. Would you like one with lunch?" She asked with a smile. She held out the container for him to take his pick. "How did your morning classes go, if I may ask?" Tobias noticed that there were some traces of flour on the younger girl's uniform.

"Morning classes were alright," he replied as he looked into the container at the pastries inside. "Ah, so these are why you've got some flour on yourself there. Let's see..." Taking one of the scones, blueberry from the looks of it, Tobias took a small bite. "Wow," he exclaimed, "These are really good!"

Stella's smile seemed to widen after that and blushed at the mention of the flour on herself. "Thanks! I've made somethings similar to that before, but I had a little accident, as you can see... anyways... is it alright if I join you for lunch? Or did you have plans with one of your own classmates?"

"Don't see why not," he said as he tossed back the last little bit of the scone, "Only classmate I've really gotten to know at all is off somewhere else for lunch." Truth be told, it was nice to have someone to eat with; most of Tobi's life he'd spent off by himself, with just his notebook to keep him company. Besides, Stella was quite pleasent to be with and talk to. "Any particular place you'd like to sit?"

Stella seemed to think for a moment, and then looked at Tobias. "How about outside? It does seem like a lovely day, and I noticed some tables outside that I'm sure are there for just this purpose," she said.

"Suppose I can't much argue with that logic," he responded with a flick of a grin. Looking around, he saw a handful of outdoor tables that were unoccupied. "How's about that one over there, under the tree?" he suggested as he indicated one that sat in the shade of a tree he didn't know the name of. Stella probably would, though.

Stella nodded, looking the tree over for a moment and then looked back at Tobias. "That would work for me," she said. "Shall I meet you there once we get our food?"

"Sounds good to me," he said as he nodded once toward her. They both parted for a short time to get their seperate lunches, and a small while later they returned to sit at the table and eat. "So, what classes have you got?" Tobias inquired, "Aside from the usual core stuff and Home Ec, I mean."

Stella pulled out her piece of paper and looked at it for a moment. "Besides the core stuff and Home EC, I'm signed up for Theater, Horticulture club and dance. What about you?" She asked, between bites of her food.

"Off the top of my head..." he replied as he thought about it, "I've got Soccer, Track, and Art and Design. With Chess and Science Club." He took another couple of bites out of the sandwich he had before continuing. "It's a bit funny, really. I've never had a school with as much focus on club activites as this one."

"Same here, but Northwood did advertise as making 'well rounded' individuals," Stella said between bites of sandwich. "Though I do find it nice that since the school is so small you can intermingle between the class years. I heard that its very rare in public schools here in America," she added. She turned her head for a moment towards the roof, and then back.

"Well, I am quite possibly the worst person on campus to answer that question," Tobias said with a chuckle at his own joke. "Clubs aren't this big over in Britain either. They're there, and some places encourage 'em, but a lot of people just don't care enough. Smaller school does have it's advantages though. There's still uniforms, but, well, that's Boarding Schools for you." As he spoke, he spared a quick glance of discontent toward his clothing, but it was gone soon enough. There was no reason to spoil the lunch with sour faces, he figured.

"I hear you. I'm use to being able to wear what I want, but I guess it is a small price to pay to be here," she said and smiled. "I never really did clubs in middle school, but it is nice they have one for plants here," she said, resuming in eating her sandwich. "However, it seems they don't really have one for, how did you put it earlier, tinkering?"

"Yeah, that's unfortunate. I'm hoping the Science club has something close, but I'd kill for a mechanical or a shop club of some kind. I suppose there's just not enough people with the interest." Most likely because they're all more into intellectual crud than practical things, he thought to himself, but that's none of my business. A few moments passed in silence as they both ate a little more. "So, Stella," Tobias said, "You said you like plants. What is it about them that you like?"

Stella paused, seeming in thought for a moment, before replying. "There is something just soothing about gardening. I honestly can't explain it very well. You could say I've just always had a connection to them, or that I have a really good green thumb. They seem to bloom like crazy around me," she said with a chuckle.

Tobias paused to think about the words Stella had chosen for a moment. They bloom like crazy around her... could that be similar to...? Nah, there's no way. Is there? Realizing he'd left the conversation hanging, he shook his head from side to side for a moment to clear his head. "Sorry, went and got lost in my own skull again. That's interesting though, wish someone in my family had had that. Could've used some green around the house, I think." A glance down at his watch caused Tobi's eyebrows to raise in surprise- it seemed the time had gotten away from him. "Well, it looks like I'd best be finishing up here, I'm told the French 3 room is notoriously difficult to find and the teacher does not take well to tardiness. I'll see you around, then?" he asked as he started together his things.

Stella nodded, gathering her own things. "I should get going as well. I'm sure I'll see you later then," she said and got up. She gave him one last smile before heading back inside.

Unlike the halls, which were open and often filled with swarms of people, the library was enclosed and quiet. Though there was an after-class buzz in the center of the complex room, Aiden found herself hiding among the tight shelves, following the few ghosts who wandered aimlessly with curiosity shining in her eyes. A new environment meant that she had to examine the new (dead) faces around, and though it may seem sad for her to be approaching invisible people rather than living ones it made complete sense in her head. The spirits around her were like the ones in the hall, silent and prodding. Some would walk away, turn to stare at her, then return to her side and repeat. Others would attempt to poke her or D, eyes glossy with fear and mouths moving yet wordless.

After sometime of endless wandering through the dusty aisles, Aiden found herself staring out a window, blankly examining the students that wandered the lawn below as she allowed her mind to wander, hoping to spur some language from the spirits surrounding her. The only word she managed to notice however was from Diana; 'danger'. That's ominous. Aiden tore her eyes away from the outside and turned to stare at the young girl clinging to her arm, eyebrow raising in confusion. The girl shook her head slowly, eyes slowly growing with terror, and Aiden simply turned away, pulling her arm loose,

"You have to stop, okay? I'm stress enough; I've talked to more ghosts than real people for God's sake! Please just calm do-" Aiden froze mid-rant, her already hushed voice seemingly drowned out by an unfamiliar buzz. The Northwood spirits were no longer simply silent, and their eyes were wide and frightened as the air hummed with an unnatural feeling. Aiden backed up slightly, ignoring the feeling of coldness at Diana hid behind her shoulder, and as the clock ticked over to one o'clock, they began to vanish. Fading into nothing, their mouths a gap as if they were screaming, and then only Diana as left clinging to her. Aiden was frozen with shock and confusion, hands furiously tightening and relaxing against the cross necklace on her chest. The library was practically silent now, the dark aisle now filled with mid-day light that hit the dusty air and sent shimmering specks across the still picture in front of Aiden's eyes. She was too far from any other students to hear their gossip, and the sound of her own beating heart filled her ears with thick pulses. It was so quiet, a deafening quiet that made her feel sick.

This wasn't natural.

Aiden took a deep breath, head slowly turning to check on the small shape of Diana, and seeing the small girl gave her a brief moment of relief. It wasn't anything to do with her 'gift', no, it was the ghosts themselves. These Northwood spirits were entirely too different from the ones back home, or from the airport, or anywhere that wasn't Northwood. Aiden let her knees give out as a sudden burst of stress made her chest feel heavy with panic. She slide to the cold floor, eyes focusing on the dust-filled air while her ears tried to seek out any kind of sound that could possibly comfort her own beating heart but nothing came to mind.

In another effort to calm her panic, she pulled a hefty tome from the shelf to her left, but instead of opening the ruined cover instantly her sights settled on the space left behind. There was a hazel eye watching with no discernible emotion in its depths, nestled in the gap between two other thick, tattered books. Someone watching from the other side, bent over backwards just to watch a nervous breakdown? “Psst… Are you okay?”

"O God!" Was her initial reaction, shoulders hitching up with surprise at the unexpected voice. Aiden sucked in a deep breath after a moment, rolling the shoulder Diana was still clutching to tightly, and then with a shaky voice she whispered,

"I’m fine, just, uh. There was a bug…? It scared me, that’s all." She cocked her head at the single eye, the faintest shadow of a bemused grin painting her lips, "besides that, what are you doing peeking one a stranger?" With a shuffle of movement behind the bookcase as the figure pulled the other text out to reveal a thin mouth without even a twitch of humour and brows drawn together in utmost seriousness.

“I’m an expert bug hunter, apparently. How can I help?” Aiden felt her head tilt slightly, her beating heart quickly being replaced with curiosity at the odd yet pretty girl before her. She took a moment to stand, once again rolling her shoulder before waving her hand towards the bookcase to her right,

"I should be fine now, though. Crawled under the, er, shelf." Aiden’s accent faltered slightly, her lie stand clear among the tall, quiet shelves, and then with a quick change of pace she shifted to her other hip, hands quickly tangling in her loose hair as she nodded towards the newcomer with unfamiliar eyes,

"I’m sorry, I’m a bit skittish. Name’s Aiden. Aiden Carren. And you?"

“Luca. Pleasure.” The girl smoothed out her skirt, fidgeting uncomfortably. “What are you doing here then?” Aiden tilted her head at the question, then slowly rose the large book that was still in her left hand, nodding towards the tome with general disinterest and slight annoyance at the girl’s nosey question,

"reading, what else would I be doing?" She rose her nose slightly, but her eyes twinkled with the satisfaction of having a conversation with someone living. Maybe this could be her first friend…? Aiden took a step forward, shoving the book back into the shelf at random, and with a small cough she held out her hand, forcing a small smile,

"Sorry, that was rude of me. Nice to meet you, Luca. This your first time at Northwood?"

Luca blinked owlishly but shook the offered hand. “This is my fourth year. I must be invisible.” Aiden tilted her head at the answer, shaking hands gently before letting her fist drop to her side. Then she shrugged, smiling ever so slightly,

"not invisible, only unnoticed. It’s actually my first and last year here after all. Can’t expect me to know anyone on day one."

“I think if you’re wanting to know people, the library isn’t the best place for it. As far as I know, nobody comes here. These books haven’t been touched. Ever.” Luca took a seat on the edge of one of the study tables, legs crossed and grass-stained ballet flats marking up the clean wood. “I could take you out to meet my friends. Friend. Singular.” Aiden shifted towards the smaller girl, opting to stand rather than sit down with her, and then tilted her head at the girl’s comment. She hadn’t exactly gone to the library to meet friends, she had come to… Right. Her eyes flashed across the area once more, hands fiddling with the cross around her neck, and still no spirits could be seen save for the small girl hiding behind her back. It was odd, unusual. Scary. But perhaps now she had some time to meet the living, no use worrying about people that were no longer around.

It was probably nothing to worry about, after all.

"Would you really be willing to do that?"

“Yeah, of course,” Luca said nonchalantly. “It’ll be like a girl’s club. Made up of three. Me and Amy aren’t super popular, y’know?” Aiden nodded quickly, smile widening slightly as she felt some of her new-school-teenage-anxiety-stress melt away. Friends would be nice, and social standing never mattered to her anyway. She was always known around her old school as a nerdy book worm anyway.

"That sounds like fun, actually. It’d be a pleasure to meet her and get to know you two..." Aiden blushed slightly at her polite response, hands now reaching up to toy with her hair.

The girl nodded. “Rad. Amy’s already seen all my card tricks, so it’ll be nice to have someone new as a test subject.” Complete, deadpan sincerity. “We’re in Floor 3, Room 1 so drop by, aight?”

"Y-Yes, of course. Sounds like a plan." Aiden was no visibly confused by this girl’s offbeat personality. It was almost like talking to an emotionless child, completely flat yet definitely sincere. What an odd girl.

"I’ll see you around, then?" She asked quietly, eyes upturning to meet Luca’s dead on.

“Probably.” A small smile, possibly the most human-like gesture yet. Aiden noticed it instantly, and let loose a beaming grin back. At least Luca wasn’t totally weird, that smile proved it. She let her grin drop to just a simple smile, and then with a shift of her shoulder and a wave of her hand she vanished back into the aisles, heading towards the exit with a small farewell and a slight skip in her step. Conversation seemed to have taken her mind off of the missing ghosts for the mean time, and perhaps that was for the better.

Kiddo was walking to his room when he felt something, odd, so to say. A dead body. He realized something, or someone, somewhere had died. As soon as he realized what it was the voices flooded his mind. Find it! This could be your chance to examine a human subject! Find it! Hurry! They hissed. That's when the migraine set in. Spikes of pain began to drive through his head like rail way spikes. Kiddo backed against the hallway's wall. Leave me alone for once! I can't risk it! Not now! Kiddo fought back.

Kiddo let his back slide down the wall, allowing him to sit on the rugged carpet of the hallway. He tried to force his own personal demons out of his head, but they just kept coming back. This was the worse they had even been. Of course Kiddo wanted to cut something open, he hadn't done so in so long. He wanted to put his hands into something lifeless then make it dance like a puppet. He couldn't though. He couldn't risk being caught. This would've caused him to be accused of the poor saps murder.

After sitting in the hall for a while he gave in, he wanted to find the body. Not to cut it open, but so he could report it. He had to control himself and get the voices under control. If he was sitting in class one day and they got this bad, what would he do? Kiddo knew that the only way to calm them was to either A. Kill something. B. To find something dead and play with it. He couldn't do either of those things though. Not in this environment. Not now.

Standing up he made his way down the hall, but with every step the headache got worse. Something was doing this. Something was causing him not to find the body. He couldn't figure out what it was. Kiddo knew though, he had to report it. Quickly he made his way to the head master's office and knocked on the door.

Jamie wiped his palms off on his trousers, waiting outside the door to Mrs. Wellington’s room for some sign that it was alright to come in. He did wonder if Aveline was inside already, given that he’d passed her room and hadn’t even caught a glimpse of her, but the world was turning funny colours now – it was becoming plain. There were no out-of-place scents, no otherworldly images that tickled the back of his neck, and it was all thanks to good old prescription medication.

It was almost bliss… Except for the fact he couldn’t quite tell where everyone was anymore based on their vibrancy, or the hollowness in his chest that wouldn’t quite fill up.

The door opened and all he felt as warning was a flicker of a paint-stained canvas. Av– Miss Standiford was inside, then, he supposed a few seconds after he was confronted with the teacher herself. Her head was tilted to the side curiously. (But was it curiosity? He couldn’t tell anymore!) “Jamie? You’re usually louder. Come in, come in.”

Jamie did as ordered, scanning the room to try and find Mrs. Wellington, then the Soviet girl. At the latter’s absence, he asked, “So where’s the – uh Natali?” No calm, pleasant greeting… just suspicion.

Mrs. Wellington looked up at Jamie, and sighed. “She’s missing. I am sorry we did not inform you earlier, but in light of this, I meant to cancel this meeting. However, I’ve been running around the school trying to locate Miss Valkyrie, but to no avail,” she said. Empathy or not, Jamie was still sensitive, observant (when it mattered). He didn’t know the Music Teacher well enough to be so absolutely attuned to her emotions even when dulled as he was his own mentor, but he figured from her expression that her worry was sincere.

Or, at least, he hoped so.

But that wasn’t enough. Though he’d tried to avoid even thinking about it during Football, he just had to bring it up. He switched his resolute stare between the two teachers. “What about the other one?”

“...How did you know about Arro missing as well?” Mrs. Wellington said, standing up. She pinched the bridge of her nose. “But yes, both of them are missing, sadly. No one has seen either since yesterday.”

“Two on the first day of school? And you don’t see anything strange about that? Nothing at all?” He could feel the back of his neck burning hot with a temper usually slow to build. “I mean, it’s one thing to sweep the whole Natalie Coleman thing under the rug, but shouldn’t parents be informed ‘bout this sorta thing?”

“I do see plenty strange here Mr. Drummond, but I have done what I can in this situation. I have informed the Headmistress who in turn will inform the parents. We can’t even call the police in until they have been missing for more than twenty-four hours, and that has not even come to pass yet. I understand your concern, but…”

“‘Cos it’s not at all suspicious for two girls to disappear from a closed campus after last year, right? Pretty sure the police – or my dad – would be interested in hearing about something like that.”

“Mr. Drummond, two of my students are missing and you’re accusing me of hiding something? Honestly, sometimes I think I’m one of the few teachers that DOES care around here!” Mrs. Wellington seemed to be seething at that point – low, rumbling notes strong enough to start wearing away the effects of his daze.

“Yeah? Well, true or not, Aveline–” He threw his hand in the direction of the Home Economics teacher who was clearly keeping herself well out of the argument. “Knows something, the Headmistress knows something, and the only people who don’t know this ‘something’ are us kids getting killed.”

Quietly, Aveline interjected, “I don’t know anything.” Jamie ignored her completely, staring down Mrs. Wellington.

“...What do you mean ‘us kids’? ...Jamie do you know something about either Arro or Natali? What is going on?” Mrs. Wellington seemed to switch gears at Jamie’s words.

Jamie stopped, exhaling sharply. He had to be calm, especially when his nerves were frayed. “I don’t want to be pessimistic or anything, Miss, but Jenkins is definitely–” He cut himself off, ending with a shrug.

“Both of you… out… now,” Mrs. Wellington said. “Aveline, you and I need to talk… but not now. Mr. Drummond, repeat nothing that has been said here to anyone else. I don’t even care if Miss Mareino begs you to, but nothing leaves this room. Do you understand?” She said, her eyes narrowing.

“Oh, so it can be hushed up like last time? Yeah, miss, I understand completely.”

“...Trust me, if Miss Jenkins is dead, I will be raising Cain about this… but until this is proven to be true, I don’t want rumors and panic spreading through the school,” Mrs. Wellington said, turning her head to Aveline and seeming to glare at her. The younger woman, to her credit, didn’t even blink, and Jamie (for all he distrusted Aveline in that moment) had some respect for that.

But he wasn’t taking this well. He wasn’t taking this at all.

“Jamie, don’t,” Aveline warned.

“Nah, I see absolutely nothing wrong with fear and panic. I did as I was told last year when Coleman died – kept it all top-secret, under wraps, lied to my roommate about practically screaming bloody murder when it happened and she was just snuffed out – all for this to happen again?” Jamie’s fist tightened almost painfully, pinned to his side. “Nah,” he repeated.

“I was not aware of this Mr. Drummond.” Mrs. Wellington turned back to the young student. “So, you are saying there is no chance for Miss Jenkins then?” Her voice lowered a bit, the full brunt of her emotions hitting Jamie like a harrowing funeral dirge.

“I… I don’t want to say no, but… well, no.”

“I see… Mr. Drummond, if you and Miss Standiford could please leave… I do need a moment now. I had to run to town tomorrow, and I will be adding informing the police about the situation to my to do list. All I ask is to keep it quiet between us until a full investigation is done,” Mrs. Wellington said, sitting back down and letting out one very long sigh.

Jamie felt his righteous indignation slipping from his grasp, no matter how much he tried to keep it pinned down. He stalked over to the door, hands in his pockets, but before leaving, he tried to get the last word in. “I can’t tell them she’s dead – ‘cos it’s impossible unless I’m telling everyone in the school I’m some sort of serial-killer freak. But I will tell them that’s something creepy, and weird, and wrong, and that there hasn’t been anything being done about it for two years.” He quickly left, standing in the hall outside for a brief moment.

Even as Miss Standiford’s heels clicked their way in the opposite direction, he was hit by two distinct waves. A lament, bitter and sorrowful poured from Mrs. Wellington’s room, as loud as if she were playing it herself – as if anyone else could hear it but Jamie. And from Aveline?

A splash of purple too ambiguous to unpick.

Ash
Setting - The Lake
Time - 5:15pm

The cool water embraced Ash. She raced herself, her own mind, across the lake to the small buoy platform. Without coming up for air, she flipped and swam back. It wasn’t far, not as far as she could actually swim without coming up for air, but adults tended to worry if she was under too long. Ash had long ago learned to come up for air when the others in the water did. At home though she swam long and deep when no one was there. So long that she had lost count.

At the shore she bobbed up for air and to slink around in the shallows a bit. Jamie was approaching the lake, his tie was loose, and his shirt half-buttoned and untucked. Not that it mattered after class hours, but Ms. Reese still gave him an exasperated look. He was grinning, but even still he seemed off on another planet.

“Jamie.” Ash yelled and got out of the water with a lot less grace than when she gets in.

“I am here on time, yeah?” Jamie looked at her confused. She hadn’t expected him for at least another 10 minutes at the earliest.

“Yeah, but didn’t you have a meeting right now, with the Valkyrie girl? I thought that was right after classes.”

Jamie looked around, beckoning her over. Ducking his head, he murmured, “She’s missing. Can’t really set-up some sort of stupid apology thing when nobody knows where she is. It’s all...” He paused. “Very hush-hush. Coleman-esque.” Ash’s eyes widened and she turned so her back was to Ms Reese.

“Are you going to swim or not?” Ms. Reese asked.

“I’m going to just a minute.” Ash called back at her. Ash looked at Jamie she stumbled over several words before finally saying. “What is the staff doing about it?”

“Probably pissing about,” Jamie said, crossing his arms, scowling furiously and looking like Drummond Sr. when he talked about injustice in the business world. Ash hid a smile at the image. “Aveline says she’s doing all she can but… I dunno. Is she being real, or are those just – platitudes.”

“Probably. They searched for Coleman for ages, and it was still a student who found her -”

“Miss. Mareino if you don’t get back into the water in the next minute I’m leaving.” Ms. Reese cut her off.

Without skipping a beat, Jamie replied for her. “But Miss, do you really want to interrupt blooming romance? That’s heartless!” Ash turned bright red, and looked back at Ms Reese, her face on fire. Ms. Reese blinked, and then walked away a few feet looking out to the lake as if someone else was swimming in it.

“Wow, she’s never nice to me, must be you.” Ash whispered.

“Everyone loves me,” Jamie replied. His lip curled ever so slightly, but he held his chin up. Ash snorted the image was too much after he had looked so much like his father. “But no, I know that your one true love is the water – who am I to get in between that? I can wait ‘til after to start all the conspiracy theory goodies.”

Ash smiled, her face burning hotter, “Well I wouldn’t say the water is my only love.” She glanced over her shoulder to check on Ms. Reese, who was whistling and pointedly looking the other way.

“O-oh.” Ash wasn’t the only one flushing scarlet. She stood up straight and leaned forward returning the cheek kiss from earlier. Jamie let out a nervous chuckle of laughter tugging on his shirt collar. “W-well, that’s a thing.”

Ash grinned, “I should get a couple more laps in before Ms. Reese actually leaves. We’ll talk more about... uh, this.” She gestured between them.

“The possible deaths of all our schoolmates including one or both of us and – this?” He was no better when it came to describing it but charged on smoothly. “Sounds like normal dinnertime conversation, doesn’t it?”

“Here at Northwood, it sure does.” Ash shook her head, and headed back towards the lake, with a small wave to Jamie.

“Later, doll.” He didn’t leave immediately, but when he did Ash was swimming the backstroke. She could just make out his face, it was a mix of emotion as if he blamed the lake itself for the missing and dead girls of Northwood.

As soon as her dance class ended, Zaylin hurried to her dorm. After quickly changing into a pair of black jeans and a matching shirt made up of a modest mix of cotton and fishnet, she slipped on her usual jacket and opened a suitcase in the back of the closet. A stiff bundle of fabric huddled in the back of it.
Carefully gripping it tightly under one arm, she hurried into the hall and exited the building through a back way. Outside, she crossed the lawn to the line of trees, the corners of her lips perking up in excitement at finally being capable of exploring the more rural grounds. Finding an out-of-the-way and slightly overgrown path, she entered the forest.
She drew in a deep breath, relishing the intense scents of pine and earth. The shadows intensified beneath the trees, their gentle existence feeling like comforting, living things as they brushed over Zaylin. They made the dragon in her stir, momentarily making it want to emerge before she stepped into a strand of light, making it shy slightly away at the reminder of the daylight.
Once hidden by the trees, she knelt down, placed the bundle on the ground, and unwrapped it. Three thick pieces of black metal wound by golden flames glittered in the evening sunlight. Translucent amethysts topped two of the poles, the deep purple gems trapped in a black cage with a circle of gold at their base. At the top, the cages formed into a dangerous-looking point.
Zaylin gripped one of the stone-topped portions. At her touch, a faint glow emanated in the gem, and a momentary sense of foreboding flooded from it, making her gasp. She glanced around, wondering what had upset the magic housed in it, but the feeling slowly dissipated, replaced instead with the welcoming, empowering tingle it usually greeted her with.
That was weird. She shook her head. With her silent desire for it to look normal, the glow faded and the points on the cages flattened.
“Sorry for neglecting you all week,” she muttered as she took the three pieces from the folds of the fabric. She screwed the two gem-topped portions into the third, the flames lining up seamlessly as the pieces fused themselves together to create a quarterstaff just over six feet tall.
She used it to help her to her feet, tied the fabric around her waist, and continued leisurely down the path, using the staff as a walking stick, its weight bringing a sense of rightness.
After a short while without encountering anyone, she began swinging the staff in a few expert thrusts. Soon, her simple thrusts turned into lightning-quick attacks and parries against an invisible foe, each movement growing more strong and sure than the last.
When her imaginary attacker ran out of her reach, sizing her up, she used the pole to vault herself forward a distance along the now wide path, the tails of her coat flaring dramatically around her. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she swiftly pulled the staff in front of her, swiped at her “opponent’s” knees, then placed a tip triumphantly to the throat of her fallen foe.
"Whoa... you're good," a voice suddenly said out of blue.
Zaylin jumped and spun around, her grip tight on the staff for the moment it took her to recognize the voice from the previous day. She sighed exasperatedly, inwardly scolding herself for not paying attention to her surroundings well enough to notice Stella's approach.
"Sorry I startled you, I was just taking a walk through the forest before dinner. I find old trees rather pleasant to be around, however, not this night," Stella said, with a small frown.
Zaylin cocked her head curiously. "What's up?" She leaned her weight against the staff. "Stella, right?"
"Yes, and you were Zaylin correct?" With a nod from Zaylin, Stella continued. "Not much is up, I was just taking a walk and heard something from this direction, and it turned out to be you," Stella said and smiled.
"Huh. Didn't realize I was making a lot of noise." She frowned slightly, wondering if a week without practicing had hindered her abilities that greatly, but banished the idea, blaming it on expelling first-day jitters. "Been to this part of the forest yet?"
"No, I haven't. Also, you weren’t making too much noise, I just have very good ears, and happened to also be heading this way," Stella said with a smile, her words bringing a bit of relief to Zaylin. "But, as I said, you are good. I didn't realize anyone fought with a staff anymore."
Zaylin smiled back. "Thanks. I picked it up a few years ago. Want to walk together?" She gestured to the path ahead of them with a nod.
"I do believe I would like that thanks," Stella said and went to walk with her. "I'm guessing you came out here to practice alone, so I do hope I'm not intruding too much."
"Nah." Zaylin turned and headed down the path, her pace matching Stella's as she used the staff as a walking stick once more. "Originally, I just wanted to check out the forest. Figured it would be as good time as any to double task." She paused, glancing out into the trees around them. "Know any martial arts?"
Stella shook her head. "Never really had the inclination to learn any. I was always more interested in plants. How are you finding the forest?"
"It's certainly the best place to find plants." She grinned at Stella. "Seriously, though. It's great. You can't beat the freedom of the forest." She stopped as the snap of a twig sounded in the forest. She placed a hand out for Stella to stop, then pointed into the trees where a white-tailed deer stared at them, wide-eyed and partially hidden by the shrubs around it. "And the wild life isn't too bad, either," she finished in a whisper.
Stella smiled, keeping silent as they looked at the deer. "It is quite lovely here," she also whispered.
The deer twitched its ears, its dark eyes locked with Zaylin's for a split second, then it bolted away from the two as fast as its legs could carry it.
"Yeah." Zaylin continued down the path, glancing to Stella to see if she still followed. "Thinking of, remind me: when's dinner? Wouldn't want to miss that." She looked to the watch at her wrist.
"It stars at about 6:30 if I remember correctly..." Stella pulled out a piece of paper, looked at it, and then nodded. "Yup, 6:30. What time do you have?" She asked curiously, tucking the paper away and turning back to Zaylin.
"'Bout 5:30. There's still time." Zaylin returned her hand to her side and glanced to Stella. "I don't suppose you know which path leads to the lake?"
Stella seemed to be thinking for a moment, and then frowned. "No, I have no idea which way the lake is, but I don't think we should head that way."
"Oh, yeah, of course. I didn't think we'd have time for that. I was just curious." Zaylin paused, taking a moment to enjoy the peace of the forest as birds sung their cheerful evening songs. "Earlier, you said the trees aren't pleasant to you tonight. Something on your mind?"
"Oh a few things. I heard there were a few girls missing earlier today, and its been bugging me a bit. I overheard one of the upper classmen say it was just like last year all over again," Stella said with a frown.
Zaylin's pace faltered and she blinked at Stella in surprise. "What? Really?" She cast a sideways glance at the staff. Could that have been what upset the magic? But that was impossible. It didn't pick up on things like that... did it? "That's..." She shook her head at a loss for words. "One heck of a way to start off a school year," she offered darkly, her voice slightly distant. The possibility of the staff sensing the girls' disappearance deepened her wonder of what, exactly, had happened.
Stella nodded. "Yes... I thought I could get my mind off it in the forest, but then you brought up the lake... I mean I wasn't here last year, but, yeah. I hope they find those girls before anything happens to them."
Zaylin rubbed the back of her neck and looked at Stella apologetically. "Oops. Sorry. Yeah, hopefully..." Not wanting to rain on Stella's walk, she tried to think of something to change the subject.
"You don't have to apologize for that, you were simply curious. However, to change the topic, are you looking forward to Horticulture Club tomorrow?" Stella asked.
"Yeah, it should be interesting." Zaylin gave a relieved smile when girl came up with another subject. "How about you?"
"I am super excited for club tomorrow. I've already met our supervisor, mostly by accident."
"Was he--or she--nice? There's a lady down the street back home who works with plants and teaches floral arrangement classes. No idea why. I swear she's allergic to every kind of pollen and always," Zaylin pinched the bridge of her nose, and continued in as adenoidal a voice as she could, "talks like this, and is grumpier than Oscar the Grouch." She dropped her hand, her lips quirking up in amusement. "Doubt anyone could be worse than her, but figured I'd check."
"Mr. Johnson is pretty nice. He is the grounds keeper for the school on top of being our club supervisor, so he knows his stuff pretty well." Stella said with a smile. She let out a giggle at Zaylin's impression. "Don't worry. He talks normally."
Zaylin gave a dramatic sigh of relief and made a show of wiping her brow. "Good to know. So how'd your classes go today?"
"My classes went well, thank you for asking. How about yourself? How did classes go for you?" Stella asked.
"They were as good as school can get." Zaylin shrugged nonchalantly. "Learning's always enjoyable." Her lips pursed slightly as she thought of the cheerful girl she had had half her classes with. "But I met this freakishly perky girl. Victoria Childs. To be honest, she kinda scares me. Good cook, though."
"I met a few people in class, and outside as well," Stella said, and at that point her cheeks turned red a little. "There were a few really nice upperclassmen, one of whom helped me find the Home EC room earlier today. I also met a junior named Tobias, and he's pretty nice. He sat with me at breakfast and lunch. He calls himself a tinkerer. Machines. Still very nice," she said, her cheeks a bit redder now.
Zaylin's grin widened as she noticed the gentle red on Stella's face. "Is that so?" she said, a sly tone in her voice. "Do I sense the beginning of a budding romance?" She glanced to her watch, gauging how long they had been walking for. "Might want to start heading back. I'll need to run this," she nodded to the staff, "back to the dorm before going to dinner."
Stella seemed to turn redder at that and shook her head. "I... I don't know! Too early to tell," she said. "We should head back as you said. It is getting late. However, it was lovely to walk with you for a bit and to also talk," she added with a smile.
"Dido." Zaylin smiled and offered Stella a friendly wave as they neared where their two chosen paths intersected.
Stella waved back and headed back towards the school, Zaylin doing likewise on her lesser-walked path.
With Stella well out of sight and the end of the path in Zaylin's view, she quickly unscrewed the large, metal staff. The seams between the three pieces glowed faintly as she twisted them, willing them to come apart. They turned and detached easily.
Quickly wrapping them back in the fabric, Zaylin tucked the bundle under her arm and left the woods. As she crossed the courtyard, she cast the forest a last, longing glance, then hurried to the dorms.

[♫ this is a place holder, it isn't very long... that's it. ♫]

Aiden walked carefully through the library, noticeably surprised by how crowded it was. Not just by the living, of course, but by the dead as well. Thank God all those pushy, weird spirits had returned, she was starting to feel some sort of withdrawal from not having anything to ignore, odd as it is. They were back now, and their numbers were growing with each step she took into the quiet library, most doing what they always seemed to do when she was around; try and get her attention. Already that lonely pit in her stomach was being filled with uncomfortable buzzing, and she could only thank those annoying ghosts who filled the void. Aiden felt a sigh escape her throat, and then she let her eyes raise to the ceiling, deep in thought. Why exactly did she return to this paranormal hot spot? Perhaps to check up on everything, to reassure her that everything was back to normal and everyone was fine, but she could have gone anywhere in this odd school to do that. Why here? Aiden mindlessly lowered her head, feet dragging her up the stairs to the second floor once more.

“Might as well look for something to read, since I’m here…” She muttered to herself, and maybe Diana, hands toying with the cross around her neck.

“Looking for something in particular?” A voice asked. Aiden jumped at the sudden question, head twisting around curiously before her eyes settled on a mousy-looking girl in between the shelves. “Sorry didn’t mean to startle you.” The girl said apologetically, and Aiden lowered her head in a quick greeting, waving her hands quickly as if to say ‘it’s fine, it’s fine’.

“No, no, it wasn’t you fault, really!” She exclaimed, blushing furiously, “I’m just a bit jumpy. Stressed, uh, fidgety. It’s my fault for not noticing you.” Aiden lowered her head again, as if to apologize for her daydreamy-ness. D stared at the stranger with wide eyes for a moment, head tilted in an almost unnatural way, and then she turned to hide behind Aiden, hands clenching the older girl’s arm with a cold, tight grip. Aiden made no show of the added weight to her left side, though, and instead she tilted her own head, eyebrows furrowed slightly, “but, uh, what did you say before?”

“Oh, I was asking if you were looking for something in particular to read. I can help you find it maybe. I am Amy Snow by the way.” She held out her hand for Aiden to shake, and the red-haired girl quickly obliged, giving the hand a light shake. A faint, shy smile met her lips, but then she let curiosity claim her eyes. Amy was her name? That sounded a bit… Familiar. Though Aiden was certain she hadn’t met anyone named Amy until this very moment, there was a slight tug at her memory, and after a second of silently trying to recollect herself Aiden shrugged off the feeling and continued on.

“Nice to meet you, Amy. I’m Aiden, er, Aiden Carren.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Amy gave her a genuine smile. She picked up a red book from the stack that was on the cart next to her. For a few seconds she looked at the book before replacing it to pick up another and shelve it. Aiden watched the action curiously, thumbs twiddling without her really realizing it, and then she took a step closer, hands lowering to rest on the book-covered cart.

“Uh, would you like some help? I’m sure four hands are better than two for this job.” She asked with an otherwise emotionless voice, the faint smile on her lips growing at the sight of Amy’s genuine grin.

“Sure, do you know any of the Dewey Decimal system? If not I can give you a few hints.”

“I like to think I’m well-versed in it, I do often find myself among shelves like these when I need some info for a research paper.” Her hands shifted across the worn spine of a green book, and after she scanned the name and number situated on the binding she carefully placed it into the shelf, nodding once at her decision before setting forward to the next book, repeating the task over again. She let a rather stiff silence set in as the two worked, well, probably silent for Amy, seeing as Aiden was almost never gifted anytime for quiet. As she worked, Aiden could see the gray-scale spirits behind her, watching with terrified eyes.

She only drew her attention away from the bookcase at the sight of a somewhat familiar shadow. Luca turned the corner, silent as usual, and stared at the working girls with a blank face.

“Oh, you’ve found each other already. Neato.” The bottom of her skirt and her knees are covered in mud. “Aiden, yeah? This is Amy – my Amy, the one I was talking about. There’s about five others in the school. Amy, this is a new transfer student I met.”

“There’s three others counting the freshman.” Amy pauses to look at Aiden “I help set up the library check out records”

“O-Oh?” Aiden blinked once as Luca appeared, obviously a bit confused, but she very quickly got the jist of things as the two started conversing in a friendly manner. This was the ‘girl club’ Luca had mentioned, it seemed. She quickly shoved another ragged book back into the shelf before turning to face the two fully, curling a strand of hair around her finger, “you seem to be very involved with this library, huh?” Aiden then glanced at Luca, green eyes darkening, “anyway, since we’re all here, did you have a plan set for us or something?”

“Nope! Amy leads, I follow. That’s how it usually works.” A shrug.

“I just had these books to shelve and then I’m done here. You’re new here right? We can show you around a bit.” Amy suggests. Aiden perks up at the idea, a wider smile forming on her lips,

“That actually sounds like a great idea, if you don’t mind.” She shrugged sheepishly, reaching down to examine and put away another book. Diana gave the two a very hard stare, but then turned away, obviously somewhat content with the strangers dragging her clinging-buddy around. Aiden smirked slightly at the empty air beside her, then returned her gaze to the shelf, finishing up another few books. Amy, meanwhile, seemed to be having trouble with the red book again. Her eyes stared holes into the thick cover, and then scanned the shelves once or twice before replacing it on the cart. Aiden tilted her head at the mousy girl, then reached down to pick up the book, “what’s with this book? Can’t figure out where it goes?” She asked Amy.

“Huh, oh no I keep going to put it away out of habit, but I wanted to read it. It’s from another section actually.” Amy held out her hand for the book. *she seems perturbed by the book* “I just don’t want to forget to check it out, that’s why I haven’t put it in my bag.” She put the book on top of her bag in the bottom section of the cart. Aiden nodded slowly at her response, eyes connected with the cover of the book, and then quickly got to work on finishing up the remaining books. Once everything she squared away, Aiden took a step back, shaking her left shoulder slightly before turning towards the other two girls, eyes filled with excitement.

“We should hurry along, before we end up completely alone in those creepy halls!” She sang, voice noticeably cheerier than before. Around her, spirits shook, eyes wide and hands still. They seemed to be focused on the two girls rather than Aiden, but eventually they returned to to their odd habits, moaning and reaching in complete silence. Aiden only let her eyes wander for a moment, lips quickly drawn into a blank line, and then she forced her smile to return, hoping the two girls would ignore her perturbed expression.