The beep of her alarm clock made Emma Circe Schützen open her eyes to stare up at the ceiling of her bedroom. Her mind was coated in the fog of sleep as she forced herself up and ran a hand through her red hair.

Her gaze shifted around her modestly sized bedroom, seeing across from her bed, her bedside table cluttered with her alarm clock, some books and a photo of her and her brother Erik when he graduated from university. His cheek rested atop her head as he hugged a younger laughing Emma.

Across was a bookshelf packed to the brim with books, and manga, while the top shelf and some shelves built into the wall next to it held a myriad of trophies that she had taken part in the past. Mainly for fencing competitions but also for swimming, track and field and a few participation. Next to that bookshelf was her desk, cluttered with textbooks from school, her laptop for home, and some photos of her and her friends and family. Her brother’s wedding, and some old drawings she did as a child.

She paused to look at the drawing, a scribble of herself, and someone named The Pretty Lady. As she looked at the crewed drawing, she couldn’t help but recall the dream she had. The memory of a distant past of someone she vaguely knew but that was it, as Emma could recall nothing else. Though now she couldn’t even picture that woman from her childhood.

“That dream again,” she murmured to herself. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had it.”

Her sky-blue eyes went over to the bedside table where her ring rested near her alarm clock in the center of a little plate where she kept her house keys. Picking up the ring she stared at it. After all this time she wondered why she had a dream about the woman who would come to visit her at night. Before it was just strange dreams of a tower, but nothing came to mind.

She had the ring for as long as she could remember, but Emma wasn’t sure why those memories came back now. She ran her thumb over the ring, which held a detailed emblem of a rose, entirely of yellow gold. It was beautiful and something she always treasured as a valuable keepsake. Taking the ring she slid it on her right ring finger, fitting perfectly. Something that had once surprised her when Emma tried it on when she first entered high school. However, it became commonplace that it wasn’t even a passing thought, just an everyday thing.

Getting out of bed she went to change into her school uniform, leaving her room with her school bag and needed items for the day when she was halfway dressed, only to pause while doing up her uniform’s tie when reaching the kitchen to see food already set on the table covered in plastic wrap with a note resting on top which read:

Don’t forget to eat; you’ve been skipping breakfast again. I know you just had a competition recently but you need to eat when you wake up. When I get the chance you and I will talk about it. I don’t want you to collapse like last time.

She smiled slightly at the note.

“Always a worrier.” She said before looking at the food with a smile. Though I do understand where he’s coming from…

Quickly, Emma ate the food before heading to the bathroom to finish getting ready for school, brushing her bright crimson hair and tying it back in a half ponytail so it would get in her face, only to pause when looking at her bangs, tugging them slightly. I might need a trim. Her hair was getting rather long, growing to a stop at the middle of her back, only to make a face in the mirror at the thought of going and getting a haircut. The last thing she wanted was to hear more comments about how a kid her age shouldn’t be using such harsh dyes on her hair if she wanted to keep it. But no matter what Emma or her brother said, no one believed her when she’d tell them her hair was naturally this vibrant red.

She sighed recalling how her brother got into a verbal shouting match with another of the faculty at her high school for her hair, a school that her brother now worked at as a teacher. Emma was slightly worried that her brother would be in trouble, but nothing seemed to come of it. If anything, it was the other teacher who had to give an apology to both her and Erik for showing such blatant disrespect and making a poor assumption about a student without knowing all of the facts.

Shaking her head at the thought, she did a final check on her school uniform, her white blouse was done up, and the navy blue sweater vest was clean, as the pleated skirt, a plaid design of black, white and blue that stopped just an inch above her knee, also looked fine.

Her cell phone beeped drawing her attention. “Shoot…” she muttered. “I’m going to be late if I don’t leave.” Doing a final check for all of her things, she went and left the house, glancing back at the silent entrance before closing and locking the door.

* * *

“Emma!” Emma was about to turn when a young woman hugged her from behind, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. But this was something that Emma was used to by now. “You weren’t at our spot, I thought we were going to walk to school together!”

“Sorry, Natalie,” Emma said with an apologetic smile. “I woke up late today and completely forgot that you were waiting for me.”

Since childhood, Natalie Floris, Emma’s oldest friend, had been inseparable when they were young and still were to the day. Her brown hair waved out lightly at the nape of her neck as she peered at Emma with her deep lavender eyes. Dressed in their school uniform, just without the sweater vest, and pants rather than a skirt, as she’d always find it got in the way of moving around. The only exception was when it was really hot out. There was one additional item that wasn’t part of her uniform. A single black sweatband on her left wrist, in truth, Emma didn’t know why she wore that all the time, but she had her ring, so who was she to judge?

Natalie always had a thing for hugging Emma from behind, an odd quirk that never seemed to leave the girl as they grew. Being so used to it now, Emma would keep walking while piggybacking Natalie part of the way to school as if it were no big deal.

“Well, you do look kinda’ out of it. Are you not getting enough sleep?” Natalie asked.

“Something like that,” Emma admitted. “Though I’m fine. It won’t impair me for the day-to-day, we have track today, right?”

Natalie groaned. “Don’t remind me. I hate track and field.”

“Says the girl who holds the best sprint record in our school…” Emma responded flatly with a hinting smile.

Natalie tugged at Emma’s cheek playfully. “That’s different. With sprinting you have to get a certain time. The track run on the other hand; is running constant loop after constant loop on the field. What do those lousy teachers think we are? Sports cars?”

Emma laughed. “By the way, how long do you intend to stay on my back like this?”

“Until we get to the school gate. That’s what you get for ditching me!” Natalie said as she wrapped her arms around Emma’s neck.

“It’s not like I meant to you know,” she said but sighed when seeing the look on Natalie’s face. “All right fine, but only for today. I’m not doing this when we head home.”

“Yay!” was her response as she laughed. “As thanks for the ride, I’ll buy you lunch!”

Emma would have said something but another girl called out with a dainty voice. “Morning Emma, Natalie.”

Both Emma and Natalie looked to see a fellow student. “Morning Susan, did you sleep in? You’re usually at the school by now.”

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Susan Waller, an art student at Emma’s school, as they shared a few classes, and over the two years in high school, Susan was normally very quiet and shy when speaking with people. Her off-black hair which she kept in a braid that sometimes rested along her right shoulder with some strands falling along her forehead, her grey eyes were framed behind a pair of red under-rimmed glasses and a smattering of freckles that rested along the bridge of her nose. Her uniform skirt was a little longer than Emma’s as she also wore stockings instead of socks. She was a little thinner than the two girls and close in height to Natalie though Susan was far thinner than Natalie or Emma as she wasn’t big on athletics.

She smiled awkwardly with a tilt of her head. “My alarm didn’t go off this morning so that’s why…” she trailed off as if finally noticing how Natalie remained on Emma’s back. “You both seem to have a lot of energy this morning.”

“Yeah, you can thank Natalie for that…” Emma said in a deadpan tone.

“Hey! That’s mean!” her arms tightened around Emma’s throat. “Taste friend vengeance!”

Emma made a strangled expression as her friend thrashed on her back. “Natalie I can’t breathe, stop it already…”

Susan looked at the two girls worried that Natalie might be taking it too far. “Natalie, don’t you think you’re being a bit rough with Emma? You might hurt her.”

Natalie halted immediately. Not wanting to take it that far in hurting her friend. “Sorry.” Then got off Emma’s back as they walked the rest of the way to the school.

Emma then glanced at Susan noticing how she was admiring the trees along the path up to the school. “How’s your art going Susan? Made any progress on that piece for the upcoming competition?”

Solemnly she shook her head. “No, not really. A lot of people don’t pay attention to those who don’t have financial backing. So they won’t recognize a high school student.”

Emma frowned slightly. “What? They didn’t say that to you, did they? Your artwork is amazing!”

“Yeah!” Natalie quickly chimed in. “You’re, like, the best in the whole school!”

“It’s okay,” Susan said softly, her gray eyes were downcast to her feet as they walked. “I’m used to hearing this by now. Besides I still have a long way to go and we are still in school.”

“Well, if you wanted you could always do it in secret, couldn’t you?” Emma offered.

“In secret?” Susan repeated.

“Yeah, like that artist Melody Rivers!” Natalie added. “No one knows who she is, people pretty much assume that it’s an alias for someone that wants to keep their life hidden.”

Susan paused. “Is that so? Then… maybe. I’ll think about it.”

Natalie grinned. “That’s the spirit!”

The conversation was then shortly dropped; Emma knew that Susan wasn’t comfortable with talking about her art; even though her art was insanely good people could be unendingly harsh to others for the sake of it. Perhaps mentioning a famous artist like Melody Rivers wasn’t the best move on the two’s part. Still, if they could assist Susan, they’d be happy to do it, in whatever way possible.

The three of them walked on soon diverting topics to things with a much more pleasant atmosphere for all but as they walked the wind soon picked up causing the three girls to stop in their tracks from the strong gust of wind.

“Emma…”

Emma stilled, when the wind stopped, she looked around trying to see if there was anyone else around looking at them, but there wasn’t.

“Geeze, what was that about?” Natalie demanded as she ran her fingers through her hair. “That wind came right out of nowhere; the weatherman didn’t say a thing about it being windy today. Ugh, why can’t he ever get that right?”

“Don’t blame him for that,” Susan said. “It’s probably not the first time he was wrong.”

“Still... you’d think he’d do better given his job, right Emma?” Natalie turned when she didn’t answer Emma was still looking around. “Emma?”

Emma stood watching from where they had come from, was she hearing things?

“Hey, Emma!” Natalie wrapped her arms around Emma’s shoulders. “You in there?”

“Ah… yeah.” Emma glanced back in the direction where she heard the voice. What was that? I could have sworn I heard someone say my name just a moment ago. Her gaze narrowed faintly before joining her friends. I must be hearing things…

* * *

The three girls still had plenty of time once they reached the front entrance, and while they planned to go their separate ways that plan came to a halt when they saw a group of girls crowding around an upperclassman making it difficult to pass.

“Oh geez,” Natalie muttered. “Why can’t they do that somewhere else?”

“Can’t help it, people tend to crowd around those who are popular,” Emma said as she hoisted her school bag over her shoulder.

“You mean like how you’re so popular with some of the girls?” Natalie teased.

“That’s not true Nat,” Emma answered flatly.

“She has a point,” Susan added while readjusting her glasses. “Many of the girls and even boys have a liking towards you for how you act with many of the students. You’ve always been willing to help, regardless of what. Remember that time you helped the art club with that large-scale project last year? People still talk about it.”

“It’s not like I did much,” Emma admitted. “Plus I had some time, and they were short on people. What else was I supposed to do?”

“Emma please, you’re known as the “Prince” to a lot of girls in this school because how you’re so quick to defend them! like that time you helped a second year in our first week of school last year from some uppity bullies.” Natalie finished.

Prince my foot, I’m just me. Emma made an unamused face before shaking her head at them and changing the topic. “Come on, let’s find another way around to class.”

“Good morning, Miss. Schützen.” She stopped to look back to see Adam Macalister the student council president approach them.

Adam was a year older than her and had long black hair, that seemed like it should have been against regulation, as it grew past his shoulders. His dark brown eyes were framed by a thin pair of glasses eyed the three girls before landing back on Emma. Adam was a handsome young man, famed for his good looks, physique and being the student council president, and had many girls openly, and secretly, pining for his affection. Like a Prince on a white horse that was out of their reach. Which wouldn’t be all bad if not for his reputation.

She had heard that Adam was a notorious playboy who had fooled several girls’ hearts breaking many of them as if it were a game. It was something she never liked about him.

“You look lovely as always.” He said to her with a warm smile. “I haven’t seen you in the fencing club as of late, is something the matter?”

“No, I just hadn’t had the time to go. The captain of the fencing club should have informed you if you were looking for me.”

“Ah yes, apologies. I’ve been busy myself with student council duties. Though speaking of that, I’ve needed to speak to you about…”

“You already received my answer a week ago.” She said cutting him off rather bluntly. “I have no intention of joining the student council.”

His smile seemed to grow from her response. “Come now, you’d be a wonderful addition to the council, many people respect you, Miss. Schützen. Not to mention you have many loyal followers in the fencing club.”

“No, I don’t,” she said as Susan and Natalie silently watched this back and forth.

“That’s because you aren’t aware of it,” Adam countered. “I’m sure that even your friends know this, isn’t that right?” he indicated with a slight smile to Natalie who glared at him while Susan looked a little flustered.

“I think you should take a hint.” Natalie snarled. “She said no already; besides, why don’t you ask one of your groupies to join if you’re desperate for new members?”

“Natalie,” Susan said with a slightly worried expression. “Let’s not pick a fight before school, okay? He’s a year older and you might get in trouble.”

“He started it.” Natalie snapped at her in response.

“And I believe it should be finished here.” another man’s voice interjected as the three of them looked to the front of the school. The teacher Erik Hildebrand, said as he motioned the students to head inside. His tall height and dark sandy brown hair and deep blue eyes made him stand out for many of the female students. “Adam Macalister, I believe it’d be best for you to start going to class now. I know you don’t want to ruin your spotless record.”

Adam chuckled as he waved a dismissive hand. “As you wish, I’ll head to class with the others and set a good example.” He glanced at Emma and smiled. “We’ll talk about this later Miss. Schützen, have a good day.”

“Ugh…” Natalie muttered as she wrapped her arms around Emma’s left arm and glared at Adam’s back who was now walking with the group of girls who followed him like lambs to a shepherd. “I don’t like that guy. Ever since we came to this school, he just keeps bothering you. It’s like he has some kind of agenda.”

Emma glanced at her overprotective friend. “You make it sound like he’s a supervillain working for a shady organization.”

“He might as well be,” Natalie muttered as she pressed herself even closer to Emma.

But her gaze shifted when the teacher approached them. “Sorry, I need to speak with you for a moment Emma; you don’t mind do you, Natalie?”

She smiled. “It’s no problem at all.” She let go of Emma’s arm and headed off to class, only to stop and wave at her. “See you in class Emma!”

Susan followed Natalie as well before stopping, turning and calling out to Emma. “I see you later, Emma.”

Emma waved back. “Bye, see you later.”

When the two were gone Erik looked at her, his expression filled with worry. “Come on; let’s go somewhere to talk more privately.”

“Sure,” she said as she began to follow him.

“Emma…”

Emma stopped, frozen in place before she turned back. It was the same voice as before.

“Emma… please… hear my voice… beloved Rose Guard…”

Emma frowned and looked back to where she thought she heard the voice but all that she felt was the wind against her skin but saw no one there.

“Rose Guard?”