Once again Gideon, Hank, Riley, and Primrose found themselves seated in a booth with one another. This time around they were in one of the middle box cars. The box cars were much larger inside than the engine car they rode in before, the booths more spacious. The roof of the Box car was made out of glass and he could see into the sky. It was an amazing thing. “Wow look at that. I bet the view outside will be amazing.” There were many more students in this car than the previous one. Some were sitting in a booth like Primrose and her group, others milled about, talking to other students while they waited for departure.
Primrose huffed as she looked across the room. She saw a young woman walking about the car, a gaggle of boys followed her waiting on her every word. She had blond hair with two braids tightly pulled back and tied together. She was gorgeous and she knew it, but there was something else, some more than just her looks. I hate girls like her, they should know better. Primrose could see why the girl was the center of attention, but she didn’t have to like it. The boys had gathered around her on all sides. She let out a haughty laugh, feigning interests in what the boys were saying. One boy in particular was large in comparison to the others. He seemed to be desperately trying to impress her and was failing in a miserable fashion.
“That's Allary Cochran of the Cochran House,” Hank said, “They are nobles in Rime. I think they’re coin and family house’s power was earned from being deep sea trade merchants. They have ships docked here, they trade in items from the other continents. Their cargo is usually for the palace. Spices and the like. Big coin! Crap, she is coming this way.” Allary Cochran, I know that name, I’ve heard rumors. Maybe that is what I was sensing? Primrose adjusted her glasses and subconsciously smoothed her hair down as she watched Allary. Primrose saw Gideon out the corner of her eye looking at her, a curious look on his face.
Allary made her way to their booth. Do you mind if I sit here for the ride up to the Academy?” She asked. She didn’t wait for an answer before she sat down. The big guy sat on the opposite end across from her. Gideon saw her casually roll her eyes. “Well I guess only one of you isn’t so bad,” she said. The big guy shifted awkwardly across from her, his face flushed red. “Thanks for the invite, I’m Allary of house Cochran.” Everyone at the table said hi in some form or another. Primrose let out a huff instead, Allary pretended to not notice or she didn’t care.
“Maximus Killian,” the big guy said. He waved to everyone at the table.
“Your mama didn’t like you much did she? Or was it your daddy that thought you were going to be some great adventurer with a name like that.” Riley said, his sarcasm on full display. Primrose saw the new girl looked to Maximus when she heard his name. Was that interest? Then it was gone in an instant, now she eyed Riley. Primrose saw why she gathered crowds. She turned those eyes on someone and the charm became full force. She was interested, or so the look said. She wondered if it was a active ability or it was something she subconsciously did, unaware. Primrose adjust her glasses again.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Maximus looked at Riley quizzically. “My Grand Pappy named me. Why would you think that mother wouldn’t like me though?” He said. Riley burst into laughter. Gideon’s face turned red. Was Gideon embarrassed Riley was treating this new guy badly? Gideon really was a good guy wasn’t he? Primrose didn’t like how Riley bullied Maximus either, even if it wasn’t intended to be mean.
Gideon tapped is chest, “Gideon. That’s Riley there with the mouth. Hank, and Primrose,” he said and he gestured around the table to everyone. “Oh and our mascot Lucinda.” He said. The Ferret came out of Riley’s backpack and hopped on the table. She scrunched her body up, her front and back legs mere inches apart and she hopped around and barked.
Allary had mixed emotions on her face as the ferret hopped around. Fear? Excitement? Primrose couldn’t read her well. “My goodness, isn’t she…charming,” the girl said. Primrose didn’t think she found Lucinda charming at all. Riley scooped Lucy up, she squirmed and he struggled to get her back into the backpack.
“Sorry about that. She saw your jewelry and she got excited. She loves shiny things, but don’t all the girls.” Riley said with a smile. “So Maximus and Allary, you two traveling together then?”
“Us?” she laughed. “Of course not. The big oaf is just another one of the mindless boys that follow me around like puppies.” Allary said. “Why would I travel with him?”
Primrose huffed again angrily. “The better question is, why wouldn’t you? They are like that because you do it to them. Don’t you realize that? You can’t be that dense. I remember where I've heard your name. I’ve heard tales of you even from where I’m from, but now that I see what you in in person; it's just crazy.” Maximus began to stand, as if to leave. Primrose turned on him. “Maximus! Sit your butt back down.” Primrose scolded him as he tried to leave the table. Maximus listened and froze, apparently more afraid of Primrose than embarrassed by Allary. He slowly sat back down.
“Well I never,” Allary began.
Primrose cut her off with a look, her anger in full force now. She despised seeing what the girl was doing to these boys. “Of course you haven’t. Everyone is afraid to confront you because of who you are and what you can do. People don’t love you, they don’t flock to you because of who you are. It’s your power, your Alpha Ability that you apparently have no control over. You’re going to the Academy with an attitude like you’re someone special, but really, you are further behind than Gideon here. He only awakened a few months ago, but he has better control of his ability. You’ve had this ability your whole life, yet you are still little more than a babe!” Primrose lectured.
To everyone’s surprise at the table, Allary didn’t respond at first. A tear fell down her cheek. That short time was all it took to regain her composure. “Sorry to have bothered you. Maximus, if what she says is true, I’m truly sorry. I didn’t know.” She made to stand up, but just then the Headmaster’s voice came over the magitek device. Everyone, please take your seats, the train is about to depart. Allary sat back down, a morose look on her face, the embarrassment evident.
“Well isn’t this awkward?” Hank joked. “Anyone have snacks, this should be a fun ride?”