Thomas dragged me into the forest with the help of his friends. "Rhym, Taylor hold her so she can't move." Thomas demanded. I struggled to pull away from them. Rhym and Taylor were strong just like Thomas. They pulled my arms out and back to pin my back to the tree that Thomas had picked out. Thomas then took out a knife and cut my backpack off. I wont cry. I won't give him the satisfaction. He is trying to scare me, I won't let him know he is winning. Thomas threw my backpack away from me. It slid in the leaves and hit another pair of shoes.

"What do you think you're doing?" Hunter exclaimed outraged.

Thomas looked back at Hunter; shooing him away. "This is of no concern of yours, Hunter."

Turning his anger filled gaze back at me. Thomas started ripping my blazer off with his hands. "I'm going to carve a reminder into your skin so you will never speak like that to me ever again." Thomas hissed.

I looked at Hunter with pleading eyes. In one smooth sweep of his hand Hunter flung Thomas, Taylor and Rhym away from me and into a thistle bush. Hunter walked over to them yelling. "If you ever put your hands on her again I will make sure you live long enough to regret it!"

Rhym and Taylor both took off running for safety as soon as they could move. Thomas glared at Hunter "This is not over by a long shot" He declared. Thomas slowly got up slowly following after his friends.

As soon as they were out of sight I fell to my knees. Focusing on the ground trying not to cry. Hunter rushed over to my side. "Hey, are you ok?" He put his arms around me.

"I was so scared..." I stuttered "...I...I don't know what would've happened if you had not came a long Hunter." I began sobbing and shaking in his arms "I couldn't do anything."

Hunter held me tight rubbing my back. "Nothings going to happen to you. Now stop them tears." Hunter helped me up on my feet and then dusted me off "Come on, I wanna show you something." He grabbed my bag then my hand. He began to tow me through the woods. I finally stopped crying and calmed down when I heard him sigh. "Here it is." Hunter pointed to a large old Weeping Willow tree by the wall. "This is what you have been looking for, right?" He asked.

I had never seen such a beautiful old willow before. I danced under the willow, spinning in its weeping branches till I got too dizzy to stand. "Who knew someone could find such joy in a tree." Hunter said as he helped me up off the ground. "We should be heading back now, Zeon." Hunter insisted as he pointed to the setting sun.

Hunter had to help me walk till I gained back my balance. He laughed at me for being so silly. I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, for saving me and then showing me the tree, you have no idea what it means to me."

He looked at me. With a mischievous smile he pushed me up against a tree. "How about a proper thank you." He leaned in and kissed me as he had done before. His hot breath filling my mouth and lungs. Kissing me fiercely as he held my arms at my side as he leaned against me then he just walked away. I didn't miss a beat this time following him.

"You're not mad?" He teased as he lead us back into the clearing.

"Why? You felt that my thank you was not enough. Now you have been properly thanked. Right?" I answered as I caught up with him.

"You sure are hard to understand, Winters." Hunter said handing my bag back to me. "You just can't admit that you like kissing me" Hunter declared assured with his self.

I shoved him. "No, thats not true. I don't think there is anything I could do to thank you. If that kiss is what you want in return then it's whatever."

As we began to cross the tennis court Trever and Ean came running around the school. Angie and Carie were close behind. "Here comes the calvary." Hunter mumbled annoyed.

"Zeon! Are you ok?" Ean yelled. They stopped just short of running into us.

"Yes, I'm ok." I spoke trying to straighten what was left of my ripped up blazer.

"We heard Thomas attacked you for revenge. When we couldn't find you." Trever shuttered. They looked at my blazer in awe.

"I'm alright. Hunter was walking in the woods and heard me. Wasting no time, he sent them packing. As you can see just a cut strap and a torn blazer." I told them attempting to assure them I was just fine.

"Who are you trying to convince that you're ok, us or yourself?" Angie asked looking at me questionably.

"Just what were you doing in the woods Hunter?" Trever hissed.

Hunter smirked at him. "I needed to clear my head. It's not against the rules to go for a walk is it."

They were not kidding. The tension in the air could be cut with a spoon. Hunter looked at me sternly "Zeon, I think it's best you don't go for your walks in the woods alone anymore. Thomas is persistent. He doesn't like getting told no. He is Mr. Theyr's son after all." With that Hunter cautioned as he walked on.

From that day on I had three new shadows: Trever, Ean and Angie. If one was not around the other was. I reported the incident to Mr. Blane. Who said he would take care of it. I soon found out that his word was good for nothing when it came to Thomas Green and his buddies. Hunter had a more profound effect then Mr. Blane did. Thomas kept his distance but made no secret that he wanted to finish what he started. Hunter came around every now and then to remind Thomas that what he said he meant.

Trever acted like a jealous boyfriend anytime Hunter came near me much less I mentioned him. It really angered him that Hunter saved me and not him. When Trever acted like this, Angie acted like a jealous ex. Hanging all over Trever trying to get his attention by any means. I had a feeling that this was going to end badly for us all. Trever liked me, Angie liked Trever. The only people among our friends who had no intention of dating one another was Ean and I. Ean had his eye on Pepper Crane, a short blond from down the hall. All the fighting and jealousy was just getting to the point where it was going to come to a head, and soon.

It has been three months since Thomas attacked me in the woods. Three months of friend tension. Three months of jealousy running ramped in my friendships. Today it will come to an end during Private Practice. I will make sure of it.

"Mr. Lath said to just start without him today. He will be late. Pity, the first nice day all winter and he will be late." Ean said as he walked up.

I wanted to grab Ean and shake him like a rattle. He left me alone with the two love struck puppies for twenty minutes. "Ok, lets get this started" I said happy to be saved by school work.

"Why don't we trade partners for today." Angie suggested sweetly "It will be good to have a newchallenge."

Trever and Ean nodded. "Thats a good idea, changing things up to keep us on our toes" Trever agreed.

I quietly sighed. Ya, I seen this coming. I also know how it will end. This is it.

Angie and I squared off. She started off soft. Some wind with a twist of fire here and there. Honestly, I could have deflected that in my sleep. Then she suddenly started with the strong stuff. Using elements, a skill that we had barely started covering. "Air Tunnel" She yelled. Her face was serious and her motions betrayed her anger. She was out to show that she could hurt me. Trever and Ean stopped their sparing and watched. I deflected her air tunnel right back at her. Knocking her to the ground.

I marched over to her. Kneeling down and grabbing her by the collar of her shirt. "Enough Angie, I'm sick of this!" I yelled in her face as she laid on her back in shock. "I want you both to get this straight" I pointed to Trever. "I have no interest in dating anyone. If I did, you two ruined it! I don't like Trever like that!" I yelled at Angie then turning to look at Trever. "Angie is head over heals for you! If you plan on trying hard to get a girl, try Angie! Now that you both got it I want this jealousy crap to stop immediately. You're making me miserable! I'm smothered by my best friend and getting a hostile front form my other friend. The only two who don't wish to be in this damn love triangle is Ean and me! But you two don't seem to get it! I'm not playing this game anymore. I'm going back to my room. I'm finished." I let go, thrusting her back down onto the tennis court. Angie looked at me in horror. Trever stood frozen with a hurt look about him. "I have tried many times to set things right the nice way. After you trying to intentionally hurt me Angie, the blunt way was the only option left,you brought this up on yourself." I turned around to leave and froze. Mr. Lath stood smiling at me. Next to him stood someone I not only recognized but I knew.

"Ed?" I stood baffled.

Ed looked at me with a smirk. Mr. Lath put his hand on Ed's shoulder. "This is my younger brother Eddie Lath. He just came back from a long mission. He will be joining your private class." As I watched Mr. Lath ruffle Ed's hair I felt my stomach fill with butterflies and my heart ache. A mission, what mission I wondered. Ed pushed Mr. Lath away playfully. I had seen him do that many times. Reminiscing about the many times he playfully pushed the little kids away as well as the older ones. Even me when we would play around.

"Why did you come back now, Eddie?" Trever asked annoyed. His words breaking through my memories.

Mr. Lath rolled his eyes "Trever, why can't you be happy to see your twin brother" He complained.

His twin? Ed is Trever's twin? My head started to spin. Was everything He ever told me a lie? What was going on? Ed's an orphan like me, right? His parents died in a fire when he was eight years old. He changed orphanage's every few years due to his age. At least that's what he had told me. He always seemed happy at Glechka. Was all that all just a detailed lie and show? Did I even know Ed at all?

Ed walked over reaching out he grab my hand. I snatched it back. A lump in the throat was starting to grow. I looked at him horrified as I backed away.

"Zeon, come on." Ed said as he reached for me again.

"You know her?" Trever asked amazed.

I turned around and bolted for the forest. My chest started to get tighter as I struggled to keep the tears from falling. Mr. Lath had said that he just came back from a long mission. It was no mistake, that was Ed. The guy I lived with this last three years. They guy who I like, whom I have told my dreams and all my secrets to. The one person I could just be myself and play around with anything even magik. The one I shared my first kiss with. The person I went to when something was bothering me. My friendship with him was nothing but a lie. I was his mission. Nothing more. He must of done well, he had me completely fooled.

I ran till I could not run anymore. Tears flowing down my face, my heart ached so much I wanted to rip it out to stop the pain. I just wanted this to be a dream. I leaned up against a tree and slid down, setting there with my legs extended. This can't be real. How can this be my life? I don't want to be here anymore. I just want to go back to the way things were before that stupid letter. I liked my life as a lie, it's more preferable than this. As they say lies are easy, its the truth that's hard.

I got up and walked till I found my weeping willow. No one knew where or why I went walking in the woods. I never let anyone follow me. It was a good bet that the willow would be the one place no one would look for me. Even if they tried to follow me, I took the long way around to loose them just in-case.

Slowly I walked under the weeping limbs. Letting each one pass over me as I moved. Setting down at the trunk I curled up and put my head in my knees. I wanted to be mad at him. I wanted to hate him. I wanted him to feel what I was feeling, so he would know how much this was destroying me. Ed and whoever sent him to toy with my life, my feelings and my reality. How do I know that anything that he said to me was the truth? Was it just a game to him? Was that all I was? Just some mission to complete? Did anyone think about me? Does anyone ever think about me and how their actions will affect me?

Nightfall came fast, bringing with it the cold of a December night. My uniform was not much to stay-off the cold and I didn't care. I'd rather freeze then go back to that school with all it's lies and secrets. It was a set up from the very beginning. One elaborate trap. They have plans for me, I don't know what they are but I want no part of them. I refused to be someone's puppet or toy. They can find someone else to toy with because I quit. I laid there under the tree falling asleep.

The sound of twigs breaking nearby woke me. "Zeon. It's too cold to be out here in that uniform alone" Hunter warned. He came over with a blanket in hand "Here take this." I sat up and took the blanket from him. He sat down by me, leaning on the tree trunk. "So, I was minding my own business doing homework when I get a knock at my door. You will never guess what I saw when I opened it." Hunter said sarcastically. Shaking from the cold I looked at him trying to understand why he always comes to my rescue. What is it that he feels he has to be the one that has to save me?

"Trever and Eddie Lath-Dixon stood there looking quite irritated. They both start demanding that I look and see where you are. Threatening to harm me if I didn't. Now I have to admit that was a sight I never thought I would see in my life time: them both coming to me, and agreeing on the same thing." Hunter hummed as he pondered to himself. "So, I asked what it is that they did so wrong to piss you off. That's when I seen it. A sight that left me feeling betrayed at the same time it made me feel sad." He turned and looked at me with sorrow filled eyes "What I saw was you, setting here, crying, cold and shivering." Hunter tucked my hair back. Turning his head to the sky. "A damsel in distress. So I told them that whatever they did must have been quite bad. They deserved to suffer for it. Then I shut the door on their faces. I grabbed a blanket and walked right over."

I leaned over placing my head on his warm arm. I was too cold to talk. Hunter took a deep breath. "Ok, time to take you back to your room." Hunter got up, as he did I nearly fell over. Picking me up in his arms, Hunter held me close to his chest. Even with this blanket it was just too cold. "Close your eyes and think about your room. Your warm bed. Your room. Think about the heat in your bedroom and getting under your covers. Think hard now." Hunter insisted. It wasn't hard to do. I was ready to be back in bed. Under the fluffy purple and black comforter.

Suddenly the cold air became warm. I opened my eyes and we were in the middle of my room. Hunter laid me in bed then pulled the covers up and tucked me in. "That was easy." He said surprised. "Never did that without knowing where I was going before. Lay here. I'll go make you some soup." Hunter walked out of my room. I had no idea how he got us back so fast but I was just glad to be warm.

Hunter returned with hot chicken noodle soup in hand. "Here we go." He said as he helped me sit up to eat it. While I eat Hunter walked around my room. Looking at how it was set up. Paying close attention to the few trinkets that I had.

"Why do you always come to my rescue?" I asked numbly as I took a sip of the soup.

He looked at me with a blank face. "You don't want me to save you? Would you rather it be someone else?" He deflected my question pretending like I had insulted him, being over dramatic and placing a hand on his chest.

"I'm serious. From day one." I said defeated.

Hunter came over and checked my forehead for a fever. "You're interesting. Anyway, if they have to come ask me for help. There is a reason they don't know. Besides, someone has to look out for you. If not me then who?"

Hunter helped me warm up. He made me eat all my soup and drink some coco before he suggested I take a shower. "Ok, ok." I agreed after his pestering.

Hunter handed me a stack of pajamas. "Pick a set. And make sure it's a hot shower. You need to raise your body temperature." He ordered as I closed the door.

After my shower I opened the bathroom door and walked into my room. My bed was made, another cup of hot coco setting on the night stand. I didn't see Hunter anywhere. I went to the living room to see if he was there. Lying asleep on the couch I found him. Taking care of me must of tired him out. I took the throw blanket and placed it over him. It was the least I could do, he had took such good care for me.

When I woke up the next morning I felt like my head was going to explode, I had a fever and was sweaty. I looked at my night stand. A cup of water and ibuprofen sat waiting for me. I took the ibuprofen and got up. I checked to see if hunter was still laying on the couch. I found an empty couch and a folded throw. Then I spotted a note:

Zeon,

Mr. Theyr has requested you see him in his office a.s.a.p. Get dressed and go. I bet you're sick. However, Mr. Theyr is the only exception.

Hunter

2: 5

I began to walk away from the sunset, hoping I chose the right direction I should at least end up at a wall at some point. After a time I heard someone walking in the forest. I stopped and listened as the sound got closer. Remembering what Hunter had said about it being unsafe. I climbed the nearest tree to avoid detection. Someone came out of the darkness and stopped beneath the tree. "Zeon? Where did you go? I told you not to go searching for that Willow tree in the dark didn't I." Hunter said as he walked around the tree I was hiding in.

Relieved, I jumped down from the tree. "It was light when I started. Why are you here anyway?" I questioned.

Hunter looked at me surprised. "You climbed that tree in a skirt?" Then he smiled. I glared back at him, that pervert was surely thinking about me climbing the tree and looking up at me. "Trever came to me worried. I don't usually talk to underclassmen, but he mentioned you and I could not just ignore him. It was late and you had not came back yet..." I could not believe it. Trever went to Hunter because he was worried about me. Why? Dose Trever like me that much? "...He asked me to see if you had got lost or if you needed help. What I seen was you standing by this tree listening, and lost. So naturally I told him you was fine and would be back in time for dinner. I could not leave you out here all alone and lost. After the special kiss we shared the least I could do was bring you back." Hunter smiled as he pulled my backpack out of the tree.

"What special Kiss?" I hissed annoyed.

Hunter started off walking back to campus. "Don't tell me you don't remember the kiss we shared last night?" Hunter asked sarcastically.

"No, what I remember is you pushing me up against a tree and stealing a kiss from me." I corrected him.

"Tomato. Tamato. Depends on who you ask." This guy was getting under my skin. Thinking that we shared anything was just way too much.

The tree line was in sight after a long quiet walk. Hunter kept to himself most of the way. Occasionally trying to grab my hand. "I see you didn't inform Trever of our kiss. You worried it might make him jealous?" Hunter asked with a smile.

"First of all, it was not 'our kiss' that was you stealing a kiss. And second, why would I bother telling him. Not like were dating."

Hunter looked at me questionably. "So his affection means nothing to you?"

"What's it to you? My feelings are none of your concern." I warned him. Walking through the tennis court Hunter started laughing for no reason. I looked at him wondering if he is sick or maybe there is some joke that I didn't catch on to. "It's funny, I can see whatever I need or want. But with you it's harder to figure it out, probably because we are a bit alike. Very powerful and talented. I wish I could tell what your feeling. I can tell you that Trever wants you all to himself. And it must be something quite perplex for him to come to me for help. We hate each other. In case you didn't know." Hunter said quite proud of himself.

"You thinking we have anything in common is indeed laughable." I scoffed.

As we walked up to the dorms Hunter went his way and I went mine without a word. The elevator doors opened, I turned to walk to my room. There leaning against my door was Trever with Ean and Angie setting by him. Trever looked like he was stressing out. "Zeon." Angie said excited when she seen me walking down the hall. Trever turned and looked at me relieved to see me.

"There you are" Ean said picking up his bag off the floor.

"Trever was worried." Angie said as she walked up to me and took my bag.

I looked at them all skeptical. "What, were friends again?" I questioned them.

Angie looked at me with a sad face.

"You're right to be upset at us. We treated you badly. But, its like Trever said. We have no right. We were your friends before. Why act any different now." Ean said shrugging off their actions today.

"Zeon what happened your bleeding?" Trever asked concerned as he pointed out that my jeg had a cut on it.

I looked down at it. "Oh would you look at that." I said responded. Trever came over and examined it. "It must of happened when I climbed that tree earlier." I said as I touched it to see if the scab was set.

Trever looked at me funny. "Tree? What tree?"

"I was climbing a tree, its nothing. I had got lost in the woods, but I'm here now." I said confident.

Angie got a serious look on her face. "That lier. Come on Ean lets go pay him a visit." Angie grabbed Ean's arm and pulled him down the hall. I wondered if she was talking about Hunter. I opened the door to my apartment and set my bag on the first chair I came to. As I sat on the couch to take a breath. I seen Trever standing looking at me with his hand on my bag.

"Why did you have to climb a tree?" he asked confused as he pulled thorns out of my bag.

"It's nothing, I got lost. Heard a nose so I climbed the nearest tree. Turns out Hunter came to find me knowing I was lost."

Trever looked at me pained. "Hunter found you and brought you back, huh."

I remembered what Hunter had said about Trever and him hating each other. "It was nothing. He came because you asked him to, right?" I asked Trever.

He looked at me with sad eyes. "Zeon, I will find a way to make up everything that's happened up to you. Just give me a chance."

I got up walking to the kitchen I got out a bottle of cold water. "Why? What do you care so much for? You want me to forgive you fine, ok, it's done. I forgive you." I took a drink of my water wondering why he was so insistent on all this.

"I have never felt such a strong attraction to someone like this. Just give me a chance. See where it takes us." Trever pleaded. He really did like me. I guess there was something to what he is saying.

"Ok. I'm hungry. Wanna start by taking me to dinner?" I asked as I set my water bottle down on the island.

Trever smiled at me and nodded. "Of course, shall we go now?"

Dinner was just as hectic as last night. People from all grades were coming over to ask about the fight I apparently had with Roth. Everyone was amazed that I deflected her attack so easy. I was even quizzed about my sparing partner. Trever gladly admitted that he and I were sparring partners and worked well together. Ean and Angie argued as to who had got better over summer break. It made for quite the entertaining evening. "What? You can't tell me that you are good enough to beat me." Ean scoffed at Angie.

Pointing her fork full of salad at Ean "Oh, but I am. I just took it easy on you today." Angie hissed at Ean then bit the salad off her fork roughly.

"Well, I'm full. I should be heading out now." I said as I grabbed my tray and headed to dumb it.

"I'll walk you back." Trever said jumping up too.

The next few weeks went well and went by fast. I was learning quickly and advancing at a fast pace. One of the teachers threatened to bump me up a class grade because I was so far ahead of the rest of the class. Trever and Angie said that was a good thing. Ean however, warned me that it was something that rarely ever happened, so it might not be the best thing. Today we have a sub for Defense/PE, Mr. Theyr. He was lecturing us on the importance of pushing our limitations. Knowing just how far we can go before our bodies will no longer keep up. He suggested that in any fight you must assess your abilities and anticipate your opponent's abilities as well as his limitations.

"I'm not suggesting that you get into a fight you know you can't win and take yourself to the breaking point. I'm saying embracing what you can do to the fullest extent possible." Mr. Theyr encouraged. Many students smiled and clapped, cheering him on. It was like he was condoning war as long as you did your very best.

I raised my hand for the first time since I arrived here. Mr. Theyr looked around the gym. When his eyes fell upon me he smiled. "Miss Winters, is there something you would like to say?"

I put down my hand and spoke plainly. "Why encourage us to push ourselves so much? It has been 14 years since the last battle, 13 years since the war ended. Why tell us that preparing for a war that may never come is best? Moreover why tell your students that pushing ourselves further and further is in-fact necessary or useful?" I gazed at Mr. Theyr as he pondered my questions.

He looked at me with wonder in his eyes and a stunned look on his face.

A student from another grade stood up and yelled to me. "What, is there a problem with being ready? What do you suggest, we fear our powers?" The student laughed at me and sat back down. His friends joined in with him.

I took a deep breath, I knew this was not going to be an easy thing to do. It was not going to be easy for them to hear either "We should fear our power." I stood up and looked at the upperclassmen who was laughing at my expense.

He stopped laughing and stood as well getting angry. "Fear it, now that would be ridiculous and stupid. How would we ever get anything done?" His bold eyes peering into mine. His blinded faith in what he was told surprised me.

"To not fear what we can do will make us arrogant. Like you are being right now. Then what would stop us from killing innocent people? What is to stop us from going too far and compromising not only yourselves but our morals? Not fearing what you're capable of makes you arrogant and reckless, that is your weakness. Weakness makes you vulnerable. Vulnerability is easy to exploit and will be your downfall. There for you will lose. How many will you take with you when you fall? Having a healthy level of fear keeps you in check."

He took a moment. Mr. Theyr started to speak. "So, to fear what we can do is not weakness but strength, how? You will never be able to overcome your limits." he asked looking at me with an intrigued look.

"Limitations are there for a reason! To prevent us from getting out of control. If you go too far, make one mistake, underestimate or overestimate just once, it can cost you or worse, it will cost others their life" I warned.

Mr. Theyr thought for a time. The entire gym was quiet. Everyone waiting for his rebuttal. For some odd reason I knew he didn't have one. I knew I was right. Mr. Theyr started clapping. It was an awkward clapping till other students joined in. The clapping continued for a time. Then suddenly stopped. "That is how you think like an individual. That is how you think like a General. One day Miss Winters you will lead an army to glory. That will be all for today." Ring! The bell rang just as Mr. Theyr finished.

General? Army, glory what is he talking about?

Trever and Ean jumped up and chest bumped each other. "Did you see that, Mr. Theyr had no idea what to say." Ean said pleased as he hugged me.

"Uh, thank you, I think?" I was confused. Trever raced Ean out the door to our next class.

Angie and I walked slowly down the sidewalk. "That was great Zeon. You're right. We should to some degree fear what we are capable of." Angie said squeezing my arm.

The rest of the day everyone was all a buzz over my debate during defense class. Mrs. Clayton let class out early, because she was sick and wanted to go home. I walked back to the tree line alone. I gave Angie the slip while Trever and Ean were messing around in the courtyard. I wanted to get a few hours in today looking for that Willow tree Hunter had said was by the wall.

I planned to follow the wall this time. Less risk of getting lost his way. Just a quick stroll through the woods before dinner. "Winters!" A voice called from behind me. I turned around to see who was calling for me. I saw that upper class student that I was arguing with in the gym. His blond short combed hair tossing in the genteel wind. Not only him but a few other guys as well. "It's me, Thomas Green. Where do you think your going, Winters?" Thomas asked. As he looked at his buddies.

One of them smiled at me and turned to him "Thomas, I don't think she looks happy to see us."

Thomas shook his head disappointed "No, she don't does she. We'll fix that won't we boys." Thomas walked right up to me standing inches from my face. Taller than me by a few inches and completely buffed out. He must of hit the gym daily to get musses that big. "Not so brave now that you're all alone, huh." He said looking down at me. His other two friends stayed back a bit keeping look out.

I started to get scared at this point. Thomas is angry because I called him arrogant? He's also an upperclassmen after-all and more trained than I was. There's no telling what he had in-store for me. Thomas put his hands on my shoulders squeezing them tightly. "You're hurting me, stop it." I cried out in pain.

Thomas laughed like he had in the gym just hours before. Then squeezed tighter. "I'm going to make you pay for that incident. I'm going to make you pay so much that you will rethink ever speaking out again." Thomas looked at me with crazy eyes. I felt like there was no way out for me. He was going to make me pay, and there was nothing I could do about it.

3: 4

The first two classes were a easy. Everyone in uniform, we all looked alike. The guys wore white dress shirt with a black and red striped tie and black suit jacket with black slacks trimmed in red. The school crest on the left chest in white. Most of the girls were in a white dress button up shirt with a red with black stripes tie. A black blazer trimmed in red with the school crest on the right shoulder in white. A black and red plaid skirt and white thigh high socks. A few girls wore the school uniform dress which was red and black plaid and a white undershirt and the blazer with the socks. Everyone looked good in the school uniform.

I headed up to F15 for my Open Understanding Course. 'This should be interesting' I thought to myself. I sat at the back of the class. Being the new student the last two classes had me introduce myself. I have never been the new kid before so this whole introduce myself thing is nerve wracking. I watched as the students came in and sat down. Trever and Angie came in together and sat in front of me. Ean sat with Angie and started talking about the new teacher for this course. Until now I had only had classes with Ean. He helped me with getting from one class to the next. Good thing there was eight minutes to get from one class to the next.

A tall white haired young man walked into the room. He wore a cream button up with the black and red tie. Same blazer as the male students and slacks. He looked a bit out of place in the uniform with his white hair and young looks. In his right hand he held a briefcase. He sat the briefcase on the desk and opened it. The class was still buzzing with conversations from the students. The teacher took out some papers and shut his briefcase. Turning to the chalkboard he began writing. He turned around as he spoke loud "Alright, this class has begun. My name is Mr. Lath. I will be your teacher for the Understanding, Defense and Private courses." Mr. Lath pointed to the chalk board. On it spelled out in white chalk was just what he had said. "I will not accept failure or excuses. You will give me your all every day, no exceptions. I expect you to be on time and prepared for each class. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the day. Now for a bit about myself. I am twenty-four years old. I graduated from this school six years ago top of my class and was asked to return to help the next generation. My Uncle is Mr. Theyr. I am an elemental and a magik master. Any questions."

The class was silent. Everyone gawks at Mr. Lath. He looked around the room nodding. "Good, now I have met most of you already. Everyone knows everyone I take it." Mr. Lath looked at his papers on the desk. This man was interesting indeed, he acted more like a drill Sergeant then he did a teacher. "Miss Winters. Miss Winters where are you? Stand up please" he instructed. Now he has gone and done it. Another class I have to stand and be announced. With an exception of a few I have already met everyone here. I took a breath with the entire class looking at me and stood up per his request. Mr. Lath looked at me with a smile "Welcome Miss Winters. Please tell us about yourself."

My heart started to race. I didn't want to talk. I would much rather sit and remain invisible. "My name is Zeon Winters." I said trying to sit back down quickly.

"Wait, some more please" Mr. Lath requested.

"Like what do you want to know" I questioned. I had never been to a new school before so I was unable to find a place to start.

"How about where you're from, you're family and what you do for recreation."

That is a place to start I guess. "I. I'm from Glechka. I don't have anything I do for recreation" I struggled to think.

"You mean to say you don't do anything for fun" a girl up at the front scoffed.

"Quiet Miss Roth or you will be spending your spare time in detention. Winters, there has to be something you like to do in your spare time." Mr. Lath is not letting up.

"Hiking" I said setting in my chair.

Mr. Lath smiled "Good an outdoors student. Many students rather stay in and play video games all day. Good to see someone will be out and about. Now on to today's lesson. How many students have a good grasp on magik?"

I watched as many of the students raised their hands. Mr. Lath nodded his head as he looked around the room. "Winters. Roth. Come up here" he called. I could only imagine what he was up to. Roth made it to the front of the class before me. She stood there smug and cheerful. "You both know how to use basic magik I presume" Mr. Lath assumed. Roth nodded excitedly where as I looked at him. "Winters I want you to deflect Roth's attack. Now nothing too harsh now Roth. Give us a smooth and simple attack." I was never allowed to use magik back at Glechka. The times Ed and I did practice it was dark and both of us had to be careful not to alert anyone.

We both took are stances. Roth by the window and I by the door. The anticipation of her attack was getting to me. I took a breath and felt at ease. Roth raised her hand "Thunder" she called. It was like everything was instantly in slow motion. A shock wave came out of her hand and aimed right for me. I watched it as it got ever so closer. I reached out my hand to bat it away without even giving it much thought. With that small moment everything stopped moving in slow motion. When I batted my hand the shock wave backtracked straightaway. Hitting Roth sending her flying through the open window and down to the ground. I ran to the window to see her kneeling down on the ground. She looked up as Mr. Lath got to the window. With shock and confusion in her eyes at first then turning to frustration and anger. "What was that" she screamed at me. I'm just as amazed as her. I had no idea what that was. It didn't even feel real when I did it.

Mr. Lath called to her "Come back up Roth and take your seat."

"Go back to your seat now, Winters. Thank you for your precipitation. Now I want everyone to understand this, you will find that there are thing you can't avoid. You need to learn to take a hit with grace." Mr. Lath turned me around and guided me to my seat. I looked at the faces of the students. They all seemed just as shocked as I felt. Trever didn't look at me, he tried hard to avoid eye contact. Roth made it back to class in no time. She made a point to give me death stares at every chance she got. Mr. Lath went over the different classes and the sub classes. He seemed to have a hard time to keep his train of thought on subject. Occasionally going silent for a moment.

World Science and PE went by fast. Along with Algebra. I could not wait for this day to be over. After third period I felt alone. Neither Trever or Ean came near me. They kept their distance. I felt as if I had done something but I know I didn't do anything wrong. I did as Mr. Lath asked. Roth didn't get hurt in the process, so what did I do wrong? Private Practice was about to start out on the tennis court. There was four of us students. Trever, Ean, Angie and I. I sat in the corner closest to the trees. I hate it here, I want to go home. I watched the tree limbs dance with the wind. It's so beautiful. I could hear the others whispering among themselves. I couldn't tell what they were saying but I had a feeling it was bout me. The way they avoided looking at me and tried to make it seem that they were busy with something else any time I glanced in their direction lead me to believe that I was the main topic of conversation.

"Let's hop to it." Mr. Lath called. I stood up and met them in the middle of the tennis court. "Alright I want to see what you got. So Franklin, Millburg you two will be sparring partners. Dixon, Winters you two will be sparring partners. Girls will be on the defense guys will be on the offense. Get to it." Mr. Lath sat in the stands with a clipboard and pen. I looked at Trever. He nodded and walked to the opposite end of the court. Ean and Angie started no problem. Ean started off easy on her then gradually went harder on her. Angie held her own good.

Trever hesitated "Ready" he asked. I nodded. Playing with magik was fun. Ed and I would practice late at night in private. The sisters would get upset if they found out we were using it. "Wind" Trever called out. His call wrecking my thoughts. I saw this swirl of wind heading my direction. I waited till the last possible moment and took a step right of the attack. The swirl of wind passed by me.

Trever gazed at me shocked.

"Step it up Dixon. You are getting creamed by a girl" Mr. Lath called out.

"Shut up Leon. Lucky move on her part" Trever called back.

"Do you two..." before I could even finish asking my question Trever sent a fireball at me. Then a thunderbolt and lightning. One right after another. Instinctively my arm shot up in front of me. Making a circle and holding as each hit an invisible shield that I had created. Slightly pushing me back with each hit. Trever gawked at me in awe. Ean and Angie stopped their practice and gazed at us. Mr. Lath started clapping. He got off the stands and came over to me. Motioning for everyone else to come as well.

"She has to have prior training, that's an expert move." Trever complained.

Mr. Lath looked at me "Winters do you have prior training in Magik?"

I grew embarrassed and looked at the ground "We were not allowed to practice. Ed and I did play around with it some times." I answered.

Mr. Lath put his hands on my shoulders "I would like you all to meet the first natural magician in the last thirty years. The reason I paired you all together is you all are the most talented magicians in your class." I had read about the term natural magician in the text book. It said that a natural magician is someone who is born with the natural talent and knowledge of magik. Some of the best and most famous Heroes of all time were natural magicians.

"Wait, you mean to say that Zeon is a natural? Don't naturals keep their status a secret for obvious reasons. Further more; they are the most powerful of all Magik users." Trever remarked. Ean looked at me nodding.

"I read Zeon's file. She has been quite sheltered and probably is and has been unaware of her ability. So you three will have to keep this to yourself."

Angie started to speak up but then went quiet.

"Bro you have to be kidding. The last natural dyed like thirty years ago. There was no one to carry on the bloodline." Trever questioned Mr. Lath.

"Trever you are my half brother and you are very smart. But that don't mean you know everything. Now that will be all for today. Remember keep this to yourselves. Zeon' secret is now your secret too. You all are tied together now."

Trever rolled his eyes "You mean this secret if it gets out will put us all in danger. Might even get us killed. Nice move Leon. I think it might have been better for her to of kept this secret alone. Safer that way for all involved."

I felt a pain in my chest. I could not explain it, but the more Trever spoke that way the more it hurt. I walked over to my bag picking it up I decided to set off to find that tree. "Sorry that my existence is such an inconvenience to you all." said as I strolled across the court.

I reached the tree line and started searching for anything that resembled a Willow. I walked deep into the forest before I realized I was being fallowed. "Can you slow down!" he called after me. I stopped and turned around looking at him annoyed.

"What? Not five minutes ago you was complaining about my existence, not to mention how it's an inconvenience to you, now you're following me? I don't get you, Trever." I asked hut.

Trever looked at me. "I'm sorry if I came across like that..."

I cut him off. "Like what? A jerk? An ass?" I gripped my backpack's strap.

"Yes, I was being all those things. And I'm truly sorry. Its just, for the last three years I have been the strongest and fastest. In one swift move on your part, I was second best. I'm not used to losing like that. To make it worse, you beat me without even trying" Trever looked ashamed.

"I didn't ask for this. I'm sorry I caused you such problems. It wasn't your world that has been turned upside down. But I'll do my utmost best to take in account how my life is affecting you." I scoffed at his selfishness.

"Have you ever been out done by the one you want to be with? It's an odd feeling." Trever said sadly "I do like you Zeon, a lot. I thought you would think of me less because I am not as good as you." I gazed back at him. He looked at his feet and spoke to me like he was hurting too. "I'll protect your secret not because of what Leon said, but because I want to protect you." Trever spoke softly as he turned to leave.

"That's not how you woo a girl whom you claim to like so much." I warned as I continued my search for the Weeping Willow.

Trever didn't follow me like I thought he might. I walked around for another few hours then decided to head back when the sun started to set. I looked around, just what direction is back? Where am I? "Fantastic, I'm lost in a forest, behind the school I just started at. Not to add to the fact that I'm a closely wanted person in certain circles." I grumbled to myself. The sun was starting to set and I was no closer to getting back. I needed to hurry, I was losing daylight.

4: 3

I walked in further. There was a small living area to my left. A gray loveseat and purple chair with two glass in-tables and a glass coffee table. A bookshelf and TV was by the hall wall to another room. The bookshelf had some books already on it. Setting on the coffee table was a note. 'The books on the bookshelf will be this semester's books. In the folder you will find a map of the campus and information you will need as well as your schedule. Taped to this note is a key to your room. Take care of it.' Around the corner of the living area a kitchen. Small but useful kitchen. On the counter I found another note 'The kitchen should have anything you could need. Some food is in the fridge. There will be a $150 allowance for power food while you are in your apartment.' I looked around the kitchen for a moment. On the other side of the living area was a bedroom and at the end of the hall was a bathroom. The bedroom had a full bed. A purple and black comforter set was on the bed with a note. In the corner a desk and chair. The closet already had cloths in it. I picked up the note off the bed.

'There is another comforter set in the hall closet along with sheets and extra towels. We took the liberty of getting you a new wardrobe. You have six uniform's to chose from. Wear a uniform when you attend classes or any school function. The uniform consists of a top, skirt, long socks, tie or brooch, approved shoes and blazer or uniform dress. School colors are White, Black and Red. On the Desk you will find a New Laptop, Cell phone, music player and headphones. They are yours to keep.' I went to the bathroom. Nothing special a bathtub and shower head. Sink, toilet with a shelf behind it. Another note was setting in the sink. 'There is everything that you need in the bathroom. From Face wash and toothbrush to razors and cleaning supplies. If you run out of anything let Mr. Blane know'

I had my own apartment. I wondered if everyone had an apartment like this. I was overwhelmed with everything. I pulled my suitcase into the bedroom and opened it. On top sat the journal that Ed gave me. I looked at it. My world started to fall down on me. I was forced out of the only home I knew. Before I left I was alienated from the only family I ever had. Thrown into this strange place. Alone and scared I had no one. I fell to the floor crying. The pain in my chest hurt so much I cried louder as I felt my heart break apart. I never felt alone or like an orphan until now. I cried myself into a numbed sleep.

Knock! Knock! Knock! The sound of someone knocking at the door brought me back to consciousness. I opened my eyes. 'Nope I'm still here' I thought to myself. I heard my front door open and footsteps. I just closed my eyes. I wanted it to all be a bad dream. As the footsteps got closer I tried holding my breath. "Zeon" Trever yelled and rushed over. Kneeling down Trever gently shook my shoulders and tried pulling me up onto his lap. "Zeon, wake up ,are you ok?" I opened my tear filled eyes to look at him. No, not a dream at all. He looked worried "Oh, Zeon are you alright. I thought something happened. You scared the hell out of me." He wiped the tears away as I sat up. "It's dinner time. I called but you didn't answer. When you didn't come to the door I came in. You left it unlocked by the way." As Trever worriedly scolded me I got up and sat on the bed. Trever opened my closet door and began rummaging through the clothes.

He through two items at me. "Here put these on & let's go to dinner." A new top and pants. "I'll wait in the living area. Be quick or we will be late. I got your ID by the way." Trever said walking out and shutting the door.

I changed clothes. I was not sure but when I was getting dressed I thought that Trever had good taste in cloths, for a guy. I walked out in a blue wrapped band bottom T-shirt with a gray cardigan sweater and deep blue studded jeans and Lillian toggle boots. Trever looked at me stunned for a minute. "Wow, you look sexy if I may say so."

He walked over handing me a lanyard with my ID card attached. "Here use this lanyard to keep your keys and ID. The ID will let you into any building. You have to pay if you lose this one."

I pulled my key out of my pocket and put it on the lanyard. "Thank you, Trever."

"I can't wait to see you in uniform tomorrow" he joked.

Dinner was exhausting. I sat with Trever and his friends. If I wasn't dodging questions I was getting hit on or glared at by what I suspected was girlfriends. The food was wonderful and plenty. However, I didn't have much of an appetite. Not only was Trever's friends quizzing me and giving me advise other students were too. This one guy in-particular stood out. After I was informed that specific tables were set aside for specific grades I noticed this guy form an upper class staring at me. Not eating, every time I looked or glanced at him he was not eating but staring at me.

"Thats Hunter Dale, he is the only watcher here." Angie told me "Ya, he is rude and does not really have friends. He is loyal so I hear. But never talks to anyone who is below his own grade." Angie said giving a dreamy look at him.

"You talking about Hunter? Nothing but an arrogant ass that guy is. He needs to just graduate already." Trever grumbled.

"Uh, Trever looks like you might have competition. Hunter Dale is looking at Zeon pretty intently" Trever's friend Ean warned.

Trever ignored it "Dale has never made a move on anyone. I'm not sure he even knows how. That is if he lets himself fall for someone." Angie giggled at his distaste.

"Well I should be going. Thank you guys for the entertainment. Night." I grabbed my tray then left.

I left Trever and his gang at the table. I was not hungry but more than that. That Hunter Dale guy was making me feel uneasy. Staring at me like he was reading an interesting book. I dumped my tray feeling a bit guilty that I didn't eat much. I started walking down the hall out the side doors. I had remembered Trever said there was some woods to the back of the campus just waiting in case they decided to expand. What a place to start looking for my spot. My spot of solace and relaxation. I followed the path to the tennis court and kept going. The further I got from the buildings the more I could feel someone following me. The space between us was getting smaller. So I stopped and waited. I didn't turn around. I just stood there. Till the presence stopped to. "You following me for a reason?" I asked. The presence continued till I heard the footsteps get close. I turned around to see who was following me.

"Zeon Kate Winters right." he called out.

"Your Hunter Dale, what do you want?"

Hunter smiled at me. His red spiky hair flowing in the wind. "So you know my name, anything else" Hunter questioned.

"Besides the fact that you are stalking me?"

He chuckled at me "I like to call it intense investigation." Hunter came up next me. "This may be a campus of special people but it does not make it necessarily safe place to be out late at night alone. We are in the middle of a forest after all."

I could not tell what he meant exactly by that. Was he trying to threaten me or what? "Who should I be more worried about Hunter, the woods or the students themselves?"

Hunter chuckled again "Well you have nothing to fear from me. However, it is good to have a bit of fear of the unknown don't you think?"

I looked at the woods. I wanted to go and search for another willow. "I can handle myself in any situation. Now if you would excuse me." I continued my walk.

"Brave or Fearless I have yet to figure you out. What you're looking for is on the other side of the fence. I don't recommend looking for a Willow at night." Hunter called after me.

I turned to look at him astounded "How did you?"

"I'm a watcher or didn't you know." Hunter said with a sly smile. I thought about it. I would have better luck in the daylight. A walk is good enough for now. "I'll walk you back to your dorm," he offered. "I will be walking back that way anyhow."

We walked in silence for most of the way. "Hunter, why are you looking at me like I'm a something you desire" I questioned.

Hunter was taken back by my question. "Oh, uh." he looked at the stars in the night sky. "The crisp night sky must remind you of the orphanage huh."

I looked at him shocked. The only person I told where I was from was Trever. By the way Trever and Angie were talking no way Hunter and Trever had talked about me. "What is it that you see about me." I wanted to know what he knew. I wanted to know how he sees me.

Towering over me Hunter turned to me he put his hands on my shoulders. Then he pushed me back till I my back hit a tree just off the path. "Hunter?" I exclaimed looking into his hazy gray eyes confused. He leaned in and kissed me forcefully. His warm lips on mine. He pushed open my mouth and I felt like his tongue was all over the inside of my mouth, his hot breath filling my lungs. His hands quickly caught mine and prevented me from slapping him. When he pulled away he gazed at me with a pleased expression. "I know that was not your first kiss, but it will be one you won't forget." Then walked away.

I leaned against the tree for a moment. In shock. What just happened? He stole a kiss. My kiss. But he already knew it was not my first. Why did he do that? "Come on Zeon. You need to shower and you still have reading to do."

"Hey! Don't you be looking into the future at me taking a shower! You pervert!" I yelled at him. All Hunter did was laugh at me. The rest of the way back we walked in silence. While I stewed over his abrupt kiss. We arrived at my dorm hall fast. I didn't think to look back or say thank you to him. That pervert didn't earn any respect.

"Zeon, don't cry tonight. It's not going to be so bad here for you. Trust me." Hunter spoke softly as he turned and walked away. His words rang in my head as I rode the elevator up to my floor.

Getting off on my floor I looked up to my door. Trever, Ean and Angie were all three camped out in front of my door. Carie; a friend of Angie's that I met at dinner; was talking to them from her room door. Trever jumped up when he seen me. "Zeon where you been? I came back to check on you and you were gone." Trever scolded me.

"She was out walking with Hunter Dale." Carie cooed "I just watched him drop her off."

My face was already red enough from me being angry with Hunter now this Carie is chiming in. "Where the hell do you get off Carie. You're not my mother so why the hell are you watching me out your window. Moreover where the hell do you get off insinuating that there is or was anything going on? Huh?" I just snapped, she had pushed the final button for the night. Carie looked at me in shock. I looked over at Angie, Ean and Trever. "Mind your own damn business from now on, if there is anything to be going on I will tell don't be going and making things up."

Carie started to cry slamming the door as she went into her room. "Remind me not to get on your bad side hun" Angie said holding back a laugh.

"Carie had that coming" Ean said.

Trever looked at me in awe "What happened with him?"

I unlocked my door "Nothing, he just walked me back to my dorm. I got lost."

Angie nudged Ean "Lets go do some homework in the lobby"

"Ya, you two have fun" Ean called.

Tucker stood in the doorway while I walked in and took my boots off. "I know better than what your telling me. You was red-faced and pissed by the time you got up here. If you wanna talk I'm here."

I wanted to tell Trever but I could not bring myself to do it. I gazed at him for a time pondering. I could feel he was genuinely worried about me. Weather it was because he is my friend or he likes me more then that I could not tell. Either way I didn't want to hurt him. He's the only person here who I feel I can trust. Even if he is trying to hard to flirt with me. "I have to shower and do some reading."

Trever gave me a half hearted smile "Ya. Well you know where I am. If you wanna talk or anything."

I walked over and gave him a hug. I held him tight as he hugged me back. "Thank you Trever, for everything." He gave me a knowing look and left.

I took a shower and put on a new set of Cookie Monster pajamas. How they knew I loved the Cookie Monster so much I will probably never know. I sat on the love seat and opened the folder of information. I read the page about the rules. Then the packet on the school's history. The general information on the classes and finally I seen my schedule of my classes. Semester I Class Schedule: English, World History, Open Understanding Course (learn about and understand your gift), World Science, Defense Class/PE, Private Practice and Algebra. As I looked over my schedule I found myself thinking about the accident. Maybe I do have something special. But that don't mean that I should be here necessarily.

I put down the paperwork for a minute. Grabbing paper and a pen I started writing a letter to Ed. I told him about my day and the way the school was ran. I told him about Trever and Angie. I wrote about how I thought that these people take this whole thing to serious. I went on to reminisce about the days we would sneak out and play with magik under the grand old Weeping Willow. The hours we would spend up at night just hanging out. I was missing him. I wished he could of came with me. He would like it here. I closed for the night. I addressed an envelope and put a stamp on it.

Ring Ring The phone on the kitchen counter started ringing. I looked at the clock it was 11:45 at night. "Who could be calling this late?" I wondered. I picked up the phone placing it to my ear and keeping quiet.

"Hey, how is the reading going?" a voice on the other end of the line asked.

"Trever, why are you? How did you know I was still reading?" I questioned him.

He laughed. "Look out your window." I walked over to the living room window and pulled the curtain back a bit. Across the way I seen Trever peering back at me through his window. "See, I told you you can always see me if you need to" he joked.

I waved at him. "Ya I just got to my schedule. Seven classes and a ten hour school day. I can't wait." I watched Trever sit in his window.

"Yea but the extra two hours are for your private lessons. Forty-five minutes during the school day then two hours extra split up during the week for one on one. It's actually quite easy and fun. If you do good then you get to leave early. So you have that to look forward to."

I nodded understanding what he meant. "Ya I suppose you're right. Good night Trever. I'm going to bed now."

"Hey now that sounds fun. Should I help you with that?" He asked laughing.

I closed my curtains "No, I think I'm fine on my own."

5: 2

 “What physical?” I questioned. I was completely caught off guard by this.

“This way, Miss Winters,” Mr. Blane avoided my question and walked on. He opened a door with a red cross on it.

The door opened into a small waiting area. “Dr. Li, I have Miss Winters here for her entrance physical.” There happened to be no one in the room to receive Mr. Blane's announcement. Mr. Blane motioned for me to sit in a seat while he went to look for Dr. Li. A tall young man opened the door and stepped in.

“Mr. Blane, you're early.” he stated.

Mr. Blane was becoming impatient. “Mr. Dixon, I didn't realize you would be working for the doctor this year. Is he busy?”

The young man smiled at Mr. Blane. It was not a welcoming smile, it's clear these two don't get along.

“He is busy, it will be a bit. She is welcome to wait here. When her physical is over I can bring her down to your office, if you like.”

Mr. Blane looked at his watch. “Ok, but as soon as she is finished bring her straight to my office.” The young man nodded. Mr. Blane looked at me with a smile and left.

After Mr. Blane left, the young man walked behind the counter and sat down at the computer. The room was no bigger then your average hospital room. It was quite plain and boring. Beige painted walls, a small counter with a computer, four chairs and a small book shelf filled with herbs and a few books. It didn't feel like an infirmary; more like an office waiting area. I felt like I was waiting to hear some bad news about my home loan.

“So you're the new girl everyone is talking about,” his voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up at the young man. His green eyes were beaming back at me. He could barely see me through his long blond bangs covering his eyes. If this is the proper procedure for entrance to this school then it would go without saying that I was the one he referred to. I see no reason to dignify that question with an answer.

“Quiet one huh. I'm Trevor...Trevor Dixon. You can call me Trevor instead of Mr. Dixon, that's my dad, he's a teacher here. I'm the class clown of freshman year, or so I'm told. What year are you?” Trevor asked.

“Freshman,” I answered.

Trevor looked at me and nodded. “That's neat, we'll be In the same classes. All the classes here are small. You will get to know everyone with ease. What's your name?” Trevor asked walking around the counter with a clipboard. “Here, fill this out.”

I took the clipboard and looked at the paper. Normal medical information clipboard. I started filling it out. Name, birth date, blood type, so on. When I got to the back, I paused. 'When did you start using magik?' 'What kind of gift do you have?' Many weird questions. I had no idea how to answer.

“You just fill them out. They're easy,” Trevor said, sitting down beside me.

I thought back to the accident. How scared Sister Maybell and Ed looked at me after. I could see their fear. They weren't scared over the boulder that almost crushed them. They were scared of me, because I stopped it. The way they looked at me, with utter fear in their eyes.

“Hey, are you going to finish the paper or what?” Trevor asked nudging me with his shoulder.

I hesitantly put the pen to the line but I could not write anything. I didn't know what or how to explain it. Turning the paper back over and handing the clipboard back to Trevor I found myself more anxious and unsettled than before.

Trevor looked at me, “It's not finished.”

I stood up walking over to the herb plants looking at each plant. “I filled out what I could.”

With a baffled look on his face Trevor took the clipboard over by the door and hung it up. “Hey, I forgot your name, what was it again?”

Amused, I looked at him and said, “I never gave you my name.”

The doctor's door opened and a short man with brown hair in a white coat entered the room. “Miss Winters, this way.” He grabbed the clipboard and we headed back to start the physical.

It took two hours for the physical to be done. By the time I walked back to the waiting area, I had been poked, prodded, pulled, had blood drawn, pushed to my limits physically and psychologically probed. I walked through the door to the waiting area. Sitting in the chair by the door was Trevor, playing on his phone. He looked quite bored. He looked up at me and beamed, “You finished?”

“Mr. Dixon what are you doing here? Your shift was over an hour ago.” Dr. Li wondered.

“Easy up Doc, I'm just going to take Miss Winters here to Mr. Blane's office,” Trevor said with a smile.

Dr. Li looked at Trevor suspiciously. “Tell Mr. Blane that this girl needs to rest. Miss Winters is not to do anything strenuous for the rest of the day.” Dr. Li nodded to me and left.

“What, you can't handle a little physical?” Trevor joked as he lead me out into the hall. I followed Trevor back down the hall, down the marble stairs and to the left into the first door we came to.

He stopped and looked at me. “Hey, whats your name?”

Again he asked my name? I was a bit flattered. “What you don't already know?” I joked back softly.

Trevor smiled at me and opened the door. Mr. Blane was sitting at a desk. It was covered with papers and books. I could barely tell he was even there. “Thank you, Mr. Dixon. You can go.” Mr. Blane shooed at Trevor without looking up from his work.

“Dr. Li said that Miss Winters here is to rest. Nothing straining for the rest of the day.”

Mr. Blane stood up quickly. “What?” he looked at me. Groaning he slid back into his chair, “I forgot you are a special case.” Mr. Blane paused. Again sighing and scratching his forehead in frustration. “Fine, Mr. Dixon you will take Miss Winters here on a tour of campus, then show her to her quarters. Pillsbury Hall D24. Is that understood? Make the tour quick, nun of your funny business do I make my self clear.” Trevor rolled his eyes and nodded. Taking my arm and escorting me out of the Mr. Blane's office.

“That man can be an ass. Who does he think he is talking to? Like I would do anything stupid or indecent,” Trevor complained as we walked. “Are you hungry? It's too late for breakfast, but I can get us a snack; being as we will probably miss lunch with the tour and all.” Trevor did seem to be the rebel type. I'm sure the doctor and Mr. Blane have good cause to tell him to not mess around. He did after all admit to being the class clown.

“I am a bit hungry,” I said cautiously.

Trevor smiled and started walking faster. “Good, lets go get something to munch on. The caf is this way.”

The cafeteria was a large room with numerous round tables everywhere. I felt like we were going through a maze just to get to the food line. An old lady sat at the front of the line with a computer and a hand held scanner.

“Trevor what have we told you the lunch hours are...” She complained.

“Mrs. Baker...” Trevor interrupted her “...this is our new student Zeon Winters. She didn't get any breakfast due to her going through the entrance physical and all. Can we get a snack at the least?” Trevor pleaded.

So he did look at my chart to get my name. The white haired lady looked at me and then Trevor. Her frail fingers tapped the keyboard as she thought.

“Uh, I suppose I can give you two an apple each. Then come back at noon for lunch.” Mrs. Baker got up and went into the kitchen.

Trevor looked at me “Stick with me, I'll take you places.” He seemed so sure of himself. I've never met someone so full of themselves and happy.

“You figured out my name. No doubt by looking at my chart,” I said while we waited. Trevor grinned but said nothing. Miss Baker gave us both an apple and a protein bar.

We ate on the go. “Next: the gym,” Trevor said excited. I wondered what could be so exciting about a gym. Nothing too epic happens in a gym. As we walked through the campus Trevor pointed out the two dorms: Pillsbury Hall and Pluto Hall. He told me about the game fields and the track. We passed the indoor pool that is open to all students and staff from nine a.m. to nine p.m.

“Here we are. The Gosslyn Gym, named after the previous president of the school. Everyone just calls it the gym, don't let them fool you.” He seemed to be enjoying this tour more than I was. The grounds were beautiful and the history that Trevor was telling me was amazing. But I could not help myself, I didn't want to be here. Just walking around here felt so surreal.

“What's so special about this gym?” I scoffed.

Trevor looked at me. “Uh, it's an above and underground gym. There are two. Top gym is for general use like basketball, PE ya know, that kind of stuff. The underground gym is for magik practice and ability training,” Trevor spoke with a gleam in his eyes. We approached the door. In the window was a sign: 'Closed for Class'. “You have to be kidding me. This sucks we walked all the way out here for nothing.” Trevor grumbled.

“Well, what's next?” I asked.

Trevor looked at me. He pulled me close and looked into my eyes with his bright green eyes. “I have an idea of what to do next.”

I laughed and pushed him away. “I'm sure you had all this figured out, but sad to say you won't be getting any closer than you are at this moment. Nice try though.”

He glared at me for a moment, then smiled. “Well, you will learn Zeon, that I don't give up so easy. How about I show you to your room?” I can see where he is going with this. I may have grown up in a Catholic orphanage, but I'm not dumb or naive. Boys at the orphanage try the same thing, to no avail.

Walking back to the main building Trevor looped his arm through mine. “Uh, Trevor what are you doing?” I asked looking at our arms.

“I'm escorting a young lady friend to her room. What else?” Trevor gazed at me.

I looked away unlocking our arms. “It makes me uneasy. This is hard enough as it is. Please, don't make it any worse.”

We walked for a time in silence. I watched the ground looking at all the pebbles as I took each step.

“Zeon, what did Blane mean by, 'you are a special case?' I don't know of any family that has ever been here named Winters...is that your dad's name or your mother's maiden name?” Trevor asked confused.

We walked a bit further before I decided to speak. “I don't know why I'm here. I'm an orphan. Dropped off on the steps of Glechka Orphanage's door when I was one month old. I have lived there my entire life. Until yesterday, when I was told I had to come here.” I could feel the tears running down my face. The pain in my chest was getting greater and the lump in my throat was growing too. “I was not wanted there anymore. Now that someone else wanted me to be their problem, they could be free of me. I never caused any problems. I don't have any parents. I no longer have a family. So I honestly don't know why I'm here.”

Trevor opened the door to Pillsbury Hall for me. I wiped the tears away, blinking feverishly to make them stop. Trevor looked at me with sad eyes. But I didn't want his pity, nor his sympathy. We walked to the elevator across from the entrance. He kept quiet and to himself. I could tell he was thinking. We stopped on the fourth floor, got off and went left. Down the hall to room D24. The door was painted red to match all the other doors in the black hall. Trevor turned the handle and opened it. I waited for him to go in first but he just stood there looking at me with sorrow filled eyes. He motioned for me to enter first. My bags were sitting in the hall. A small hall table was by the door and on it was a envelope. Trevor handed me the envelope from the door way. It was unsealed, so I took out the letter inside of it and read it out loud.

 

Dear Zeon Winters,

We hope you find these accommodation acceptable. We have endowed you with everything you might need to live and attend school here at Plyvale. Everything that has been provided for you belongs to you and so has your name engraved on it. Enjoy and have fun here at Plyvale School District.

 

Sincerely,

Plyvale School District Board

 

Trevor looked at me in amazement. “Wow...”

“Trevor Dixon what are you doing on this floor.” a loud voice yelled from down the hall. Trevor looked down the hall and rolled his eyes as he looked back at me. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Angie,” he said annoyed .

A curly red haired girl appeared next to Trevor pointing her finger in his face “You womanizer, you have no reason to be on this floor. It's for upperclassmen, for one and two, its a girls' dorm floor” Angie was all worked up and letting him have it. For a short little thing in a Basketball uniform, she sure was an nuisance.

“Hey, just who have I womanized exactly?” Trevor fired back.

“Oh, don't play dumb with me, Trevor Dixon!” Angie yelled in his face.

“Excuse me,” I interrupted.

Angie looked in my direction in surprise, “Has he taken advantage of you. You should be careful of this one...Wait, do I know you?”

I looked at them in awe.

“Angie this is the new student. I was giving her the school tour. As you can see I have only gone in as far as the damn doorway. So you can stuff it!” Trevor got in Angie's face this time.

Angie blushed, “I'm sorry, I didn't realize. I'm Angie by the way. Angie Milburg.”

“Zeon Winters.”

Angie started looking me up and down. “Well, I have to go. I'll be late. We should hang out sometime, Winters.” Before I could respond she started sprinting down the all.

“She's gone,” Trevor sighed in relief.

“That girl has been trying to make my life hell since the day she arrived here,” Trevor shook his head.

“She likes you, ya know,” I informed him. To me it was obvious. The way she yelled at him and then blushed.

“What? Her? No, not gonna happen. She's not my type. Too bossy,” Trevor started to blush. “Hey Zeon, I should probably let you get settled. So I'll come get you for dinner OK” I smiled at his forwardness, taking charge and just assuming I would go to dinner with him. But, naturally who else would I go with? He is the only person here student wise that I know.

“Ok,” I agreed.

“Good. By the way if you need anything. My room is Pluto D24. Just call over. See ya.” Trevor nodded to me and shut the door. 

6: 1

The letter that changed my life arrived today. The Glechka Orphanage has been around for over one hundred years. Sister Gladis has been the matron of the orphanage for the last 25 years. “Zeon, in the entire time I have been here at Glechka. I have never received a letter like this,” she said as she looked at the letter.

The letter came from a private school district known as Plyvale Academy. It is said to be a renowned place of learning. However, it is a blood in and blood out school. The grades range from 6-12. They even have their own university. Many who attend never set foot there until their freshman year in high school. So I wondered why I was receiving an acceptance letter from Plyvale Academy. A school that I have never applied for, much less visited.

I'm an orphan, I have only lived here at Glechka; I was abandoned here as a baby. Sister Gladis found me on the front step one night. Nothing special, just a baby wrapped up in a flannel blanket inside a flower basket. Sister Maybell named me and took me under her wing. The sisters and I get along well. So we were all amazed that I, an orphan of Glechka would receive such an invitation. Plyvale is known for being a school with strong traditions, relying heavily on blood ties for admissions. Plyvale is also the one place to go for instruction in unique skills that few can master.

“Zeon, are you paying attention?” Sister Gladis asked. I looked at her sitting across the room in her reading chair.

“Yes, Sister Gladis, I heard you. I just fail to see how I could be accepted to a school I didn't apply for, nor do I have any relatives to attach myself to that kind of school.”

Sister Maybell sat next to me with a long face. I looked at her in awe. She was fighting tears back. But I didn't understand why. “Zeon,” Sister Maybell spoke, “Glechka Orphanage has many children. This is an unique opportunity for you. Take it.”

“Zeon, this orphanage is going to be forced to send many of the children to other orphanages. You will be no exception. We just don't have the funding anymore. A letter like this, coming at a time like this is a blessing. You will be taken care of and going to an prominent school. I have already sent a message to Mr. Blane at Plyvale. He will be your entrance counselor,” Sister Gladis said as she stood and walked to her desk. “This is not up for any discussion. The school has given you a full ride free. Even an small allowance depending on your grades. This is more than a generous offer.” I looked at her very confused. Her old oak desk full of paperwork with little organization.

“Why?” I asked. “I have done all you asked of me.” the small round room with three crucifixes and a large window suddenly seemed like a small closet. My heart began to race.

“Zeon, we know how naturally everything comes to you. When I say that, I am also talking about the talents you possess as well. We fought hard to keep you here. Now we have to do what is best not only for Glechka but you as well.” Sister Maybell implored.

That’s when I knew, I knew why this was happening. In that moment I hated them more than anything. “How could you? I saved your life and this is how you repay me. You told them didn't you? How I saved you!”

Sister Maybell looked at me with tears in her eyes “Zeon, you have to understand our position. To do the right thing for everyone...”

I stood and yelled “I hate you both! I have given my all and this is what you do! This is my prize for saving a life!” I turned and stomped toward the door.

“You are leaving first thing in the morning so pack your things, Zeon. No delay,” Sister Gladis called after me.

I ran to my bed. I shared a room with four other girls. The girls were sitting there, reading their summer books they had procrastinated all summer on. I dove into my bed crying, I had no choice but to go. This was so hard to accept. I have never had any control over my life. But for this one instance I wanted to at least have a say. Yet, that too, was taken from me. What more is an orphan to expect? Until I become an adult, I have no choice what-so-ever.

“Zeon? Are you OK?” Lilly asked.

“Shut up Lilly, didn't you hear? Zeon is going to that prep school. She's leaving,” Carrie whispered. I listened as they gathered their readings and left. I envied them. They were up for adoption. And were able to go about their schooling like everything was normal. They got to flirt and like who they pleased. Pass or fail with little interference from the sisters. They even got to go out on the town, while I was under a microscope and limited to the things I was allowed to do. It only got worse after the accident. Even though I saved Sister Gladis I felt what little freedom I had slipping away, till now.

I sat alone at dinner. After everyone heard what school I was going to they avoided me like the plague. Seeing my friends avoid me like that pained me so deep. I started to feel relieved that I was leaving in the morning. It was movie night too and instead of attending I sat on my bed slowly packing my things. I had very little things to begin with. Besides my clothes I had a suitcase full of things. I locked the suitcase and sat back on my bed. I looked out the window at the large weeping willow in the yard. Out of all the things here, I was going to miss that weeping willow the most. Any time I was upset or sad, just sitting under that willow would make me feel better. Even if I had to sneak out at night, I would go sit under it for hours just to be at peace and feel better. The weeping willow was my safe place.

“Zeon?” a voice called.

I turned to see Ed standing in the middle of the room. I had not heard him come in. Ed was my friend, and he also had a crush on me. Everyone thought I was oblivious to it, but I was quite aware. I too liked him, but never let my true feelings show. My heart started to beat harder when I saw him. I had to turn my gaze back to the willow to hold back the tears that were trying to burst out.

“Zeon, it's true, you're leaving?” He asked in a pained voice. He tucked his shoulder length, brown hair back as he walked closer. Ed came over and stood beside me. “I'm sorry I didn't sit with you at dinner. They said you're going to that Plyvale Academy...that's good,” Ed stumbled over his words like a flustered boy, when he was more like a man. He was the eldest boy here. All the children looked up to him and admired him. I was just a year younger than him and he just happened to pick me as his friend...and his crush. Thinking about all this, the tears started to run down my face. Ed sat down next to me.

“You. I'm going to miss you Zeon. I don't want you to go,” Ed said as he gazed at me.

I sniffled a bit. “I was not given a choice in the matter,” I spoke sadly. Ed put his hand on my cheek, wiping away a tear. Then he turned my head gently to be eye to eye with him. I gazed at his light blue eyes with tears running down my face. I attempted to smile for him. Ed leaned in slowly until our lips touched and we kissed. His soft lips on mine felt wonderful. The kiss was long and amazing. My first kiss was with Ed Schmitt. Ed pulled back. “Don't forget me Zeon, because I wont be able to forget you. Write me letters every day. I will come to see you. You won't be alone there, I wont allow it.” Ed's words were so strong. He looked deeply into my eyes.

“I'll write you.”

“Good,” he said. “They will be back soon. I'd better go. Good luck, Zeon.” Ed kissed my lips once more and walked out. As I watched him leave I looked down to where he was sitting by me. There was a black leather book with a key. And a note “May this help you in your adventure, Zeon. Love, Ed”

I stood out in front of the orphanage at seven A.M. I watched as a black car came up the drive. This shiny black car was going to take me to this new world that I was being tossed into. The driver got out in a suit. “Are you Miss Winters,” he asked as he walked up to me.

“Yes,” I replied.

He grabbed my suitcase and bag. As he put them in the trunk I looked back at orphanage, hoping someone would come out to say goodbye. To wish me off or good luck. Yet all that my eyes saw was an empty space. No one was coming out to say farewell to me. “Miss Winters?” The driver called. I turned around. He had the car door open and was waiting for me.

“Yes, thank you.” I got into the car and he shut the door. This will be the last time I will see this place. I know Ed came last night and said his good bye. No one else bothered. That is what hurt most.

The Plyvale Academy campus was large. It was surrounded by a huge brick wall. The buildings were also made of some type of stone. The entire place had an eerie feeling to it. We passed the gym, field house and pool. We stopped in front of the largest building marked Academy, where a man stood on the steps leading up to the entrance. His gray suit was snug and white shoes polished and shiny. Looking at him I thought of the clothes that I had on. An old powder blue dress and tights with soft blue dance shoes. My clothes were worn and dingy but this outfit was the best I had.

The man opened my door and gave me his hand to help me out. “Welcome, Miss Winters. I'm Mr. Blane,” he smiled and nodded to me. I looked around and faked a happy smile.

“Yes, hello, Mr. Blane.”

His green eyes peered into mine as we shook hands. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I have heard good things about you. Lets go in and get started.” Mr. Blane motioned to the door.

“Ok.” I turned to get my bags just to see the car leaving with them. Mr. Blane laughed “Oh, no need. He will take your bags to your room. Shall we get started?” This is quite unusual. And this Mr. Blane is a pushy one.

I followed Mr. Blane into the corridor and down a hall. “We're going to go meet the president of the school. A personal meeting is required for all incoming students. Nothing to be worried about.” Nothing to be worried about he says. That’s easy for him to say. Nothing about this is easy.

We stood in front of two big black doors. Before Mr. Blane had a chance to touch the doors they opened. The doors opened into a magnificent room full of books, display items, and a large desk. “Mr. Theyr this is Miss Zeon Winters. I told you about her.” Mr. Blane spoke as he motioned me to sit in a chair. After the long ride in the car I was not really in the mood to sit.

I was nervous and anxious to get things rolling. “Please sit.” Mr. Theyr asked. I went ahead and sat down. Mr. Theyr sat behind his desk looking at some folder. It didn't have a name or sticker of identification on it. Still, it had a few papers in it. The desk was large and thick. Peppered with piles of paperwork and a name plate. A computer on the left side with a picture frame encasing an award to Lucius Theyr. He sat there looking at the papers for a while before he put them down on the desk.

“Welcome to Plyvale, Miss Winters. I am the president of the school here and as such I meet with each and every student that comes to this school. As you are aware we are a unique district. Some people are born with a talent. Or as we call it, a gift. Anyone can learn magik, yet, some people can use it and other gifts. They are born with them. These gifts are not something you can learn. They are natural, and for that matter, must be kept secret. Many people who have them are shunned. That is why this school exists...” Mr. Theyr reclined in his chair getting more comfortable as he talked. “...to teach and protect these people. You, Miss Zeon Winters, we have had our eye on for a long time.”

Just what does he mean “had their eye on me”? What reason would they have to do such a thing? I'm not that special.

“You were abandoned at the Glechka Orphanage at one month old. You hit all your milestones early and do exceptionally well in school with little effort. You showed an interest in magik early in life and have quietly pursued it even though you were in a Catholic orphanage and were under a watchful eye because of this. Top of your class, curious, intuitive, quick learner, compassionate, dedicated, hard working, calculated, and last but not least: naturally gifted.” Mr. Theyr sat up and looked at me. Looking me over as he thought. “I don't know who your parents are. But you are an exceptional person and you belong here at this school. So relax, do your best. I'm sure that in no time you will understand just why you are here.” Mr. Theyr sat back in his chair and went back to reading the paperwork as before.

“Thank you, Mr. Theyr,” Mr. Blane said. We both got up and headed to the door.

“Thank you, Mr. Theyr. I have no idea why you want me here. But, I will try to do my best.” I assured him. Mr Blane rushed me out the door and down the hall.

“That went well. I will be your entrance counselor, I'm also Mr. Theyr's assistant, so if you need anything, just come to me. This main building will be...” Mr. Blane led us up a flight of stairs to the next level. “...where most of your classes will be. There are five stories above ground and two below. Each floor is a letter and then the room number will be where the class is. For example we're on floor D, so if you have history with Miss Carr, you will be in class D03. Floor D, room 03. The dorms are on the left or right of the main school building. The cafeteria is on the main level, C, along with the staff offices and the president's office. Are you getting all of this?” Mr. Blane talked fast but I was keeping up just fine. The staircase was made of marble and looked dazzling. Like walking on a clear night sky.

“Yes, where are we going?” I asked.

Mr. Blane stopped suddenly and sighed. Putting his hand on his forehead and looking quite tired. “To do your entrance physical in the Infirmary, of course. Dr. Li will do it.”