Monique
How many times has she heard those five words all throughout her life? The loud vicious whispers constantly leaked onto her ears. Memories spun all around her as if voices from a distant past pulled her away from the present. She quickly sat down after her brief introduction was made. Voices filled with disdain echoed throughout her mind. Her surroundings slowly faded to black.
What’s so special about her?
I…I don’t know
Why does she get special treatment?
I never asked for it.
What makes her better than us?
I’m not.
Why does dad always choose her over us?
Why does she get everything?
Why is she the special one?
I never wanted it.
I never wanted any of it.
I never wanted his gaze.
I never wanted his attention
She remembered the days where she sat in the back of windowless cars and sketchy vans where conversations allured to the idea that she wasn’t all what she was cracked up to be. Yet, time and time again their “father” had always pitted her against them. And time and time again she came out begrudgingly victorious. Never wanting the spotlight yet always forced to do more, be more. When she had begged for companionship, she was unabashedly shunned and bullied. And no matter how much she pleaded with “father” to help end it all, he pushed the other children to bully her further. To make her suffer for ever thinking she can ever ask for anything more. Constant reminders of how this was supposed to be normal, that she had nowhere to go to and this was the love she deserved. She wondered if she could ever begin to handle being in this school let alone this classroom. She knew she was just invited as a guest, that Lilith was well aware of her past and begged the academy to just let her in as a guest who would be delighted to partake in classes but with no obligations to much. Because being obligated to what felt like a repeat was something she’d rather opt out of.
As thoughts surrounded all around her, the professor’s voice pierced through all those unnecessary noise and brought her back to her environment.
Layla: What are your thoughts, Monique?
Monique stared blankly, trying to register what was going on. She curiously observed the picture on the board.
Monique: Uh… on the…on the text?
The class snickered as the professor nodded.
Layla: We’ve been trying to translate the ancient text left behind from our distant ancestors. As far as our most regarded theories go , it’s either a diary entry or a piece of research used to study the magic of their era. Since you yourself practice ancient magic, I was hoping you’d studied the ancient language as well.
Monique gave a slight nod and briefly read the symbols that appeared.
Monique: I...I think the text is a poem. Written from one of Faustus’ devote followers.
Some of the class busted out laughing.
Layla: Now, now, settle down. What makes you so sure of that?
For a brief moment, Monique had an inkling feeling it was something she had once written. But she had never learned how to write the ancient language, only how to read, as it was something someone once taught her how to do when she used to wander around with just a journal. But the more they thought about it, the more concerned she grew as it wasn’t just that her memories were not all there. Rather than try to appease to anyone, let alone give any person in the room any form of satisfaction, she continued on.
Monique: Because the top doesn’t indicate a date but rather a person. And if anything, it’s a note to this Faustus person.
Layla looked to the screen above and then proceeded to rummage through some notes. Within seconds, she found some articles that had the same letters that were written at the top in numerous pages where she had written ‘Faustus’ and circled it with question marks.
Layla: Can you try to translate it for me?
Monique: To Faustus,
Do you remember meeting near
The starry river?
Eyes interlocked
Lips quenching for touch.
I now know why
God punished m
For you were the
Sin I will never wash away
: How do we know you’re not just making it up?
: What a bunch of bullshit.
: When’s class going to be over?
As the class whispers continued to become background noise, the original translated page sitting on the table near the computer started shinning a brilliant white light. The class stared at astonishment as Professor Layla hurried to see what phenomena was going on. The words slowly started to disappear and reappear as an understood language: an event that only occurs when an ancient text is translated to its complete correction.
Layla: Oh, dear me! This rarely happens! You my dear may be onto something. The way this originally founded was like a poem. I had previously thought the empty spaces were notes, or even writing, that had been wiped out. She clicked to the previous image the original way it was written.
Layla: We had omitted all the white spaces in hopes we could fill it in. But if it is a poem like you’ve theorized them it makes sense that –
: But how can you accept this new interpretation she’s not studied here that long!
: But how can you deny that the text glowed?
: She could have faked and staged that entire scene!
Monique quivered in rage at her desk. Who the fucking hell has time to do that extra bullshit??? The people who sat at opposite sides of her felt heat radiating from her. Temperatures rose so fast, students sitting rows above her soon felt how hot the room was becoming.
Layla: Pardon yourselves! I do not tolerate that sort of behavior in this class Mister Conor Falloway!
Connor: My apologies Professor. But you must understand that we are frustrated. You so readily accept someone else’s’ interpretation? Based on what qualifications?
: Did you not see that accident that occurred in Barkamsted?
Connor: So, what? She moved a bunch of dirt, Terra. It’s not that big of a deal. You could pull off the same feat using illusion magic. She probably tricked the entire town!
Terra: She literally terraformed acres of land. Thousands of folk were present and confirmed what happened! She even caused the lake near the castle to drastically lower water levels. I’ve seen what she can do it’s not impossible dude. On top of that, you’re really going to deny what she just did? Accomplished what none of you nerds did?
Layla: Terra…
Connor: That proves nothing! I’m not entirely convinced! She could have faked it. Illusion magic isn’t that hard!
: Yeah
: Just kick her out.
Terra: Just look at the events! I’m telling you! She’s got some ancient magicka!
Connor: You don’t get it! It’s frustrating that we are even wasting our time and effort like this. That some kind of phenomena has not been seen in a millennia!! Do you honestly want to believe this newcomer has the ability to do that along with reading the ancient language??
Monique: So, would you like a demonstration? If that is alright with you, Professor Layla?
The class grew silent. Were they not prepared for this sort of comeback? Or were they hoping to intimidate her? Her, a person who’s suffered through enough intimidation, who’s grown so tired of it that she groans at the very thought of the word. She thinks to herself as she scoffs at their expression’s. Dear higher beings, hold me back from going too far.
Layla: If you would be so kind.
Monique nodded and rushed out of her seat. The temperature steadily declined. Students nearby were growing more interested as events were unfolding.
Connor: Tch! How are you going to prove it? Cause another earthquake?
Monique: Unfortunately for you, no. I’m no longer allowed to cause property damage.
She had her back to the class
Monique: Without having to actually look at the lot of you, I can sense that the whiny one is way in the back of the class in the middle row. There is exactly one hundred and twenty-seven of you in total. Based on breathing patterns, the frequencies at which air molecules are vibrating, heat sensory, and seismic sensing, forty-three of you are either sleeping or have checked out. Twenty-nine of you of you are gossiping while the remaining of you are trying their hardest to pay attention.
Connor: That’s –––
Layla: Spot on!
As the students astonishingly murmured, she stared at the white floor below, turned to face the class and proceeded to kneel down and punch the concrete. Her arm swiftly transformed itself to a metallic element that simultaneously shielded her from any damage as well as causing damage to the floor. A symphony of dumbfounded airwaves circulated. Why even the students who were checked out and fast asleep were now wide-eyed and awake. Professor Layla swiftly took out her notes, fascinated by it all.
Layla: No magic circles? No incantations?? Just as the old ones once did.
Connor: That literally proves nothing!
: Yeah!
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
: There have been several instances where specific elemental uses don’t utilize magic circles. So, what makes her so special? Why does she get special treatment?
Those words again once ripped a chord on her heartstrings. She sighed heavily as she heard sharp, hushed whispers encroaching in her ear canals. She felt as if she was reliving a never-ending nightmare. When will this end? Layla broke through her thoughts as a singular hand was raised. It came from Terra, who had features similar to Alexis. Her hair shined a purposefully wavy canary yellow with forest green eyes.
Layla: Yes, Ms. Terra Evergreen?
Terra: I never knew how many of you stuffed-up tight folks were upset over something like someone opposing your oh so fragile pride.
: Do you even have a point?
Terra: Yes, I do Rose. If any of you dimwits paid enough attention in your ancient magic classes, you would have realized she exhibits the ancient one’s magical traits. Yes, there have been people who exhibit producing what we know as magic without the usage of any circles or incantations, yet I have yet to see where magic behaves exactly like the one Monique is demonstrating. Where in the history of ever have you seen an element encase someone’s physical body? I’ll answer that for you, never.
Rose: That doesn’t –––
Layla clapped her hands, using an amplification spell in order to gather everyone’s attention.
Layla: While this has been a riveting discussion, class has ended. Do not forget to turn in your discussions by the end of next class meeting and please do try and thank Monique for taking her time out of her busy schedule to drop by our class.
Connor: What she’s so busy with?
As he uttered that under his breath, Monique teleported to him and whispered in a hushed tone.
Monique: Wouldn’t you like to know?
Connor jumped out of his seat, screaming at an ungodly frequency for a boy of his stature. Dumbfounded murmurs arose as Layla’s eyes twinkled in excitement. She bid herself adieu. As she trotted down the hall, defying students who were trying to shuffle along, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
: Hey wait up!
Monique: Hm? Oh, it’s…Terra, right?
Terra: Terra Evergreen. One of your many housemates.
Monique: Wait what? There’s actual people who live there?? I mean…I thought there were ghosts inhabiting the area only.
Terra: That makes sense, right?? We all thought it best since Karin thinks the same.
Monique: She’s seen them too??
Terra: Oh shit! Really!??! I was convinced that both her and Lee were just messing with us!!
Monique: Who…who else lives there?
Terra: Ben, Alexis, Danny, and –––
: Hey! Hey Ken~!
As they were walking towards the plaza, they saw a girl with short platinum blonde hair with a few strands of pink highlights zoom pass the two of them. Terra recognized her as Rose and looked at her with disgust. The cherry lass ran to Ken, a man who had an astonishing styled orange mohawk, emerald eyes and diamond studded earrings wandering about in his button up shirt.
Ken: Oh, hey Rose.
Rose: Why didn’t you tell me you guys have room at the castle?? I’ve asked multiple times and you’ve totally ignored me!!
Terra walked up to the two of them, inserting herself into the conversation.
Terra: Full offense, its because no one want you there.
Rose: Ugh! No one was asking you. Come on Ken, can’t you just put in a good word for me?
Ken: Honestly, Terra is right. She just told you in a harsher tone since no matter how many I’ve nicely put you down, you can’t put two and two together on why none of us want you there. You’re only talking to me because I’m the closest to Lee.
Terra: And Lee’s too nice to tell you he doesn’t actually like you.
Rose: Ugh! Whatever.
She stormed out as Ken snickered.
Terra: Wow, I’m surprised at you Ken. You normally flirt with her.
Ken: Normally she isn’t this straight forward so I can only assume she was upset about the rumors going around.
Monique: Rumors?
Ken: Rumor has it that some red head snuck her way into the castle ‘cause she’s too broke to pay for rent.
Terra: People just spread that noise around because no one likes the idea that Lee offered you the space.
Monique: Why?
Terra: Because where we live is a hot spot for supernatural events and idiots really believe in all of that.
Ken: Its just a whole bunch of idiots being upset that some rich kid who shows no interest in making fake friends is allowing them to inhabit a literal castle with fifty rooms and so on just so they can tickle their fancy on whether or not ghosts exist. I’m a thousand percent sure Lee just isn’t interested in the lot of the–
He stopped in his tracks and examined Monique from head to toe.
Ken: My bad. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kenneth Nakai. You can call me Ken.
Monique: Hi…my name's Monique.
Ken: Don’t worry too much. Most people are only interested in the folklore that goes on in that place. Nothing more, nothing less.
Monique: Folklore?
Terra: Come off it, Ken! That story is just ridiculous.
Monique: Wait! What’s the story?
Ken: Legend has it that the very same soul that haunts those walls is the Demon Lord of the castle who is doomed to haunt those halls till he can find his wife again.
Terra: Ha-ha. You’re so bad at telling stories. Look, Monique, this is how it reaaaally goes: A long time ago, when the world was basically brand new, a goddess fell from the heavens above and saved the wretched life of a dying demon. After ensuring his full recovery, the demon caused her to be banished from the heavens above and forced her to marry him. Years had passed and because she was reluctant in producing an heir, he went mad and killed her. And as punishment, he was forced to wander those castle halls.
Monique: Th-that sounds completely ridiculous.
Terra: Exactly! What woman would let a man do that to her!?
Ken: Come now. Don’t you know the theories that surrounded the story? Such as how they could have actually been in love? How there was probably a third party involved in the fallen Goddess’ death? Why had she fallen from grace? Or how Lee’s demonic spirit looks so much like the cursed spirit that that’s probably the reason why so many people want to confirm their conspiracies.
Monique: Oh, so that’s why so many people are interested in the place. They don’t care for lore; they just want to see what’s true or what isn’t. Especially since the demonic soul that’s attached to Lee is too similar to the Lord of the castle.
Terra: Highly doubt they’ll ever confirm that. Lee’s curse happened on a totally different world. No way that it would be the same demon.
Monique: But…you guys do see it…right?
Terra: You mean the ghosts in the house?
Ken: The only ghost I’ve ever seen was…Wait…I-I think it was you!! Last night!! Haunting the hallways!!!
Monique blushed and shook her head furiously.
Monique: I didn’t know anyone, but Lee, was home!
Ken: I think in total there’s just 8 of us.
Terra: Yep. Me, you two, Danny, Ben, Alexis, Karin, and Lee. And there’s room for more but 8 is the magic number and adding more would be a total drag.
Monique: But, there’s so many rooms in that place. Have any of you fully explored it yet?
Ken and Terra grinned from ear to ear at each other.
Ken and Terra: Would you be willing to do some exploration tonight!?
Monique blushed. She wasn’t prepared for this kind of response and nodded without any further hesitation. Terra quickly looked at her watch.
Terra: Oh shit! Gotta bounce to the next class. Wanna come with?
Monique: I’ll…I’ll pass. I wanted to see the practice room that the sword fighting class uses.
Ken’s ears perked up, his smile widening.
Ken: I happen to be heading over there as we speak. Care to join me?
Monique: Uh, sure? If Terra doesn’t mind?
Terra: No, no! Not at all! I’ll catch up with you guys later!
Lee
He was constantly plagued with erratic thoughts that would kept constantly harking at him for the events that happened earlier. They nit picked at every wrong thing he had ever committed. Ugh. Why did I do that? Why did I do that!!?! She doesn’t need things to be complicated. He’d been running errands all around for Sensei Guillermo yet he felt as if the events of that morning haunted him to his very core. He kept replaying the scene over and over again in his head, wondering if he had done anything else that would have caused her discomfort and agonized over it. God this I’m so stupid. He lightly baned his head on a nearby pillar.
But you like her, don’t you?
That’s not the point
But you spend so much time with her
You’re obsessed with her
I’m not. I don’t…I…I’m just trying to be a friend.
Do you even know how to be a friend?
You’re hardly friends with the current ones you have.
As his thoughts engulfed every fiber of his being, they soon dissipated. Her voice distracted him long enough to relinquish the absurdity that was surrounding him. Her awkward laughter and timid way of speaking caused him to give a lighthearted smile. Though this to would slowly come with an inkling of jealousness as he saw her conversing with Ken. Another person she’s familiarizing herself with. Another person she can rush to for help. He furiously shook his head hoping to shake off his negative feelings away. You’re her friend, dumbass. Not her therapist. The more friends she has the better it’ll be. He harshly reminded himself Don’t be like Alice. Don’t let this be another Alice. He had to remind himself of a vile woman who wanted nothing more to ensure she was the only thing that mattered. That she was the only one who could ever save him from himself. The only thing that he was allowed to care for and yet, it dawned on him that the fucktwad that compelled itself to take the little confidence Monique had left (claiming her as his property) may have exhibited similar traits. No…I cannot repeat that stupidity.
As these back-and-forth commentaries caused Lee to be beside himself, it was interrupted by the snickering of Ken.
Ken: And here we have a classic example of a traveling dolt.
Monique: Hey, don’t be mean. Only so many braincells are working at once .
Lee: Ha-Haaah. Very funny. I’ll have you know that the sufficient amount is working just fine.
Ken: So, just one?
He sneered at Ken then laughed sarcastically.
Lee: What are you guys doing here? I thought you had class, Monique?
Monique: One was enough. I’m more than over the classroom drama. I wanted to see if the fencing instructor will let me use the training hall.
Ken: For the last time, Moni. It’s the sword fighting instructor and I’m sure they would be delighted to have a fresh face.
Moni!? When did they get so close?
Lee: Haah haah, yeah…I’m sure Sensei would love to see someone as skilled as you, Moni. But are you sure about it?
Monique: As long as I don’t go overboard. Besides I need to place all of my rage somewhere.
Lee: A-anything you want to talk about?
She gave a long, heavy sigh. He wondered what went wrong. Did she have a terrible time. Was something lacking? Did someone hurt her? And if so, who?
Monique: You know when I was growing up on the streets, I always wondered what it would be like to go to a regular school. To have friends and learn about things that didn’t matter and have sleep overs and talk about a life all of us were chasing after and fall in love and get my heart broken and…I…I thought I could experience that here but I guess I was overreaching.
As they stepped into the training hall, her face was completely dejected.
Monique: And it’s seriously no different here.