I smile while humming a tune. My hand practically moves by itself as I scribble the answers onto the sheet. Making short work of my test, I put my hands behind my head and close my eyes. Going to school is the best. I get to take a break from all that studying I have to do at home and can do what I want.

The teachers didn’t like my attitude at first. I guess when a kid, younger than everyone else, shows up and hardly pays attention; I can understand their frustration. But I did all my work on time, got full marks for all the tests and never bothered anyone on purpose. Well, to me this is my little holiday, so I’m still going to make the most of it.

The bell signals the end of the test, and the teacher comes around to collect them. Everyone starts talking to each other, while I look out the window at the trees. Once the tests are collected, the teacher takes a while to get everyone’s attention and starts a practical lesson.

All he wants us to do is use the mana in the air to condense light particles into a sphere. I open my palm and a ball of light appears as I keep looking out the window and enjoy the view. The rest of the class seem to be struggling. I blame the teacher. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even understand the exact theory behind it himself. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you understand it.

There are a few competent once among my peers, but this will take a while. At least we have lunch next. Or at least that was the plan. I was looking forward to having food! I suppose it was bound to happen eventually. Maybe I had just hoped it would take a little longer.

One of the girls in my class finally got the courage to come over to my table during lunch and started talking to me. I couldn’t help myself and put on my most charming smile, answering all her questions. Maybe seeing that I wasn’t so scary, one became two, two became three and soon there were ten girls standing around my table.

It was like they had found a new toy. By the end of it I was exhausted. I’m all for being popular and all, but being constantly questioned about your favoured this and that is not my cup of tea. First chance I got; I ran out the classroom to enjoy my lunch somewhere more quiet.

No such luck. It would seem some of the girls that had come to talk to me had very possessive childhood friends. Early bloomers maybe? So I found myself surrounded by four boys.

“You should stop concerning youself with the girls in our class”

The guy in the front is pointing at me with a shaking finger. Did they not resolve themselves enough? I smile at them.

“Look guys. I’m sorry, but I’ll do whatever I want”

hahaha, that got them angry. They all run at me with clear intent. Now what to do? It would be bad if this happened often.

“I believe this would count as self defence”

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I hum wile looking at my handy work. I made sure not to hurt them too much, but it was still fascinating to see how they would react. They won’t be getting up for a while.

Now to make sure I wasn’t seen. Probably should have done that before. I sense the mana around me, and scan for any large life forces. Shit, there is someone standing behind a tree not too far from where me. The fact it is hiding means that it must have seen something.

I gather the mana inside my body and clad myself on the outside. The world slows down and I move. What must have been a blink of an eye to my observer was enough for me to get behind it and hold it down against the tree.

I turn it around to look it in the eyes. What is this? They are beautiful! Even with the glare surely meant for me. Bright purple eyes with light blue specks all the way through with at its centre large round black pupils. It was like seeing a purple night sky filled with blue stars surrounding a deep beckoning black hole.

“Let me go you Trygard!”

The loud but tranquil voice wakes me from my thoughts. So it is a girl. What did she mean with that?

“You know, since you live in this city, you could be considered a Trygard as well”

“Shut up and let me go you murderer”

I look at the boys that are still lying limply on the floor not too far away. Is this a misunderstanding? I let go of the girl and slightly put up my hands.

“They aren’t dead you know, they wanted to fight me”

Is it bad that I’m enjoying her glare? Looking her over, she sure is a pretty one. Her wings and hair are silvery feathered with purple strands. Her hands seem very soft though, pretty sure she doesn’t have k-9’s either, and I can see long pointed ears under her dishevelled hair. Never seen any of that before.

Possibly noticing my glances, she straightens out her hair to cover her ears. I swear she is trying to pull my leg! How can you go from a glare to such a cute troubled look!

“You saw!”

“Saw what?”

From what I know, it is best to act ignorant in these situations.

“So he really doesn’t know”

She whispered it really quietly, but I could still make out the words. Does she really think I didn’t see? Why does she sound so serious though?

“You keep my secret, I keep yours”

After saying that, she starts to walk away. That is not fair! I run after her.

“Hey! What is your name?”

She stops but doesn’t turn around.

“Eirene”

Eirene, doesn’t that mean peace? When I look up to ask another question, she is already gone. Mysterious one isn’t she. At least the first person my age I couldn’t figure out after the first 5 min of meeting them.

***

It had to come to this. I scratch my head while looking out the window of Apollo’s office. He is reading something and eyeing at me from time to time. I guess there must have been someone else that saw me. I don’t believe Eirene would have snitched. Finally, he folds his hands together and gives me his full attention.

“Icarus, do you know why you are here?”

“I’m not sure sir”

“We found a couple of your classmates out back”

“Ah, you mean the guys that didn’t show up for class? Everyone was talking about it”

“They were found unconscious and badly bruised. We were lucky they had no broken bones”

I have to stop myself from laughing. Luck had nothing to do with it big guy. He gives me a one over and looks at the paper again. Before giving me an inquisitive look.

“You appeared to be the only other student that didn’t stay inside the class at that time”

“Well the girls were all over me and I wanted to find a quiet place to eat, you must know how it is sir”

Wow, he didn’t even hide his brilliant smile. What a guy. I can’t even figure out if he is actually good with the ladies or just a simpleton who liked my compliment.

“Very well, you may go now”

“Then I will take my leave sir”

I turn around and leave the office. Once outside, I stretch my arms out and crack my back. Standing still for so long makes your body itch. Now, even if this has been allot of fun and all… I’M STILL HUNGRY!