Equinox Academy: Dark Prophecy

Chapter 6

    Have you ever wondered what happens to the princess in fairytales when the book says's "they all lived happily ever after?" No book ever describes what the princess's life is like after those words are written. No one really knows if happily ever after truly exists. You may find a small amount of happiness but in real life, no one truly lives it ever after. Life is too unpredictable to be happy all the time. And if fate has anything to do with it, I'm sure many of those princesses are like me finally getting some semblance of true happiness just to have someone or something walk in and snatch it away with a few simple words. So it makes perfect sense that I'm standing here shell-shocked by a woman about half a foot shorter than me without the heels and I can't seem to form a coherent sentence or let go of her damn hand. 

    The pregnant silence stretches and I can tell she wants to continue but for the life of me, I'm having trouble hitting the play button on my clearly paused brain. Fernando clears his throat but I simply ignore him. I'm trying to wrap my head around why this woman- Lamia- is standing before me. I hear shuffling feet and feel my father's hand grip my shoulder. My eyes snap to him and his sadness is evident in his beautiful hazel depths but there's a pleading there that helps me pull my s**t together. 

    I return my gaze to Alyssa who is now clearly uncomfortable with the prolonged handshake and to my dismay I realize in my daze I forgot about my newfound strength. I am clearly pulverizing her hand.  I gently relaxed my grip and release her. She doesn't show any pain on her face but I can see her shake her hand out as she takes a step back. Needing to fill the air with anything but the awkward tension floating around, I suck in a calming breath, reestablish my cold indifferent mask, and prepare myself for the conversation as best as I can.

    "Hello Mrs. Dracul as you probably already heard from Elder Vela, I'm Kassandra Phoenix."

    "Alyssa," I smirk.

    "Alyssa if you don't mind my crudeness but can you please explain what the f**k is going on here?"

    "I will certainly do my best Ms. Phoenix."

    "It's Kassandra or Kass everyone calls me it." 

    "Certainly Kass." She says it with a smirk of her own. I'm already starting to like this chick but can't fully trust her because she's in charge of my formal sentencing. "As I said before I am an academic advisor for Equinox Academy and I was sent here by the headmaster upon request by the council board of directors that head our school. The academy is here to offer you a full-ride scholarship to our prestigious school specializing in working with Supernaturals with elemental abilities. Equinox Academy is one of the only schools in the North American area that not only offers college-level courses to help Supernaturals find jobs in their preferred career path but our school solely works with individuals who possess elemental gifts. We have teachers that have mastered their elements and have joined the school curriculum to help students ensure they do the same."

    Damn for something to be so rare they have a whole school dedicated to those who have strange abilities like mine. The idea of going to a school that could possibly help me understand what's going on with my powers adds a positive perk to this conversation but this all seems a bit suspect. As I'm pondering this Alyssa pulls some paperwork out and forges on with her pitch. "Based on your school records you have only been in the Supernatural school system for two years but were able to complete your high-school GED by working remotely. Although we prefer more extracurriculars on an application your GPA more than makes up for it. Our records show you had a 3.9 GPA and for your physical education qualification, you have trained with your local gym in combat studying the different fighting styles specializing in boxing, Krav Maga,  kickboxing, and weapons training specifically the use of the Katana. Your instructors have nothing but great things to say about your physical abilities and that you were an amazing student. Given your possible newfound powers, our school is prepared to offer you a chance to join our student body and learn to control, nurture, and explore your element."

    As she finishes her speech with a smile I can't help my pessimistic side rearing its ugly head. Seriously the eye roll that is happening in my head is hilarious. I hear the words chance and offer as if this isn't the alternative to having my power suppressed. I guess if I decline I'm choosing to have my powers taken away but where would that leave me. She's pitching this s**t like I have an option. I glance at Fernando and by the looks of him, he'd love for me to decline her offer so he can drag me in front of the council and strip me of my powers. So I figure I might as well get some information out of her because it looks like I'll be going to this elemental academy. 

    "Where is this school located?

    "Ashville, North Carolina."

Fuck...

That's almost 4 hours away if not more...

    "Where will I stay?"

    "When I said full ride I meant full-ride Kass. Everything is included in your entry to the school. Room and board are provided, three square meals a day, your books, and tuition are covered under the scholarship. The school also provides a monthly stipend to allow you to procure any necessary items outside of your basic needs. You will also be provided 5 uniforms for each season.

Uniforms...

I have to wear a f*****g uniform...

Perfect...

    This all sounds too good to be true. Free tuition to a really nice school, room and board provided, and a stipend. Don't get me wrong I wanted to go to college but a full ride as a form of punishment is nonsensical. So being true to myself I cross my arms over my chest, slap on my "really b***h" face and ask the only question that matters. "Okay Alyssa this sounds all fantastical but please spare me the bullshit and tell me what the catch is." 

    The surprise expression that crosses her face would have been comical if it wasn't followed by a grim expression. My body goes back on high alert. However, I don't back down. I need to know everything before I agree to this s**t show. I don't mind school at all. I've experienced every form of schooling from in-person, homeschool, and remote learning. Honestly learning new things is one of my favorite things to do. I have always enjoyed reading and discovering new things about the world we live in. The library has always been a sacred place to me and when I'm not nose deep in a book or research, I'm in the gym learning a new fighting style or practicing with my sword. What I don't care for is what happens in schools. Be that as it may, I can handle any school's social hierarchy but I need her to tell me the negatives because her whole speech has told me the awesomeness of Equinox Academy and if there is anything that I've learned in life there is always a catch. 

    "Well, you have to prove you do in fact have an elemental power."

    "And how on Gaia's plump ass am I suppose to do that?"

    I hear my father snicker in the background and hear Fernando grunt. I look over and he is scowling rather hard in my direction. Obviously, this man has the sense of humor of a brick wall. Not going to lie and say that it doesn't bring a little joy to my heart that I'm pissing him off. Alyssa, however, takes my crude words in stride but her grim expression gets tighter and I know she's about to drop the bomb that could spell out my doom. 

    "You must complete the revelation ceremony which will establish what element you possess. If it's found that you have no elemental powers you will be removed from the program and sent back here for the counsel to take care of." I hear Lee and Nick both gasp and I move my gaze towards Fernando who is smiling broadly at her words and I can't help but scowl in his direction. Of course the sick f**k would take pleasure in watching me have my powers taken from me. I've done nothing to earn his ire but I have a feeling he's one of those misogynistic men who hate women in general but more importantly women who could be potentially more powerful than him. 

    Switching my focus back to Alyssa I have to ask "Is there anything else I should know?" She nods and proceeds to hand over paperwork and pamphlets. "If you pass the revelation ceremony and are found to have elemental powers, there are some requirements that you will be held to as part of your sentence. You will be required to follow the rules dictated in the pamphlet I provided, you must attend all classes assigned to you unless deemed otherwise by a staff member or the headmaster, you must maintain a GPA of no less than 3.0 which is required by all students, and you will have monthly meetings with me to talk about your progress in the school. The last rule is extremely important Kass, if you fail to control your powers by graduation or try to harm anyone outside of your magical combat courses we will have no choice but to expel you from the program. If said action is taken you will be returned back to the Fayetteville Counsel and they will resume your sentence of suppression."  

Shit...

Talk about tying the noose around my neck...

    I gulp as I feel the weight of her words settle on my shoulders. Not only do I have to excel academically but I have to ensure I don't f**k around and lose control either. I have already seen how my magic reacts to my emotions so I'll have to keep them on a tight leash to make sure I don't accidentally blow up a classroom. 

    "Kass do you have any more questions?" Alyssa looks at me expectantly so I ask the burning question I've wanted to know since this whole conversation got underway. "Who is my anonymous benefactor?" She seems unfazed by my question but I can sense her hesitancy to answer. Obviously whoever vouched for me doesn't want me to know who they are. The question is why?

"I am not privy to that information and by the looks of it, they want to remain anonymous. However Kass, whomever they are you must understand that they really stuck their neck out for you. It's rare that we go against a communities council ruling and step in on a Supernaturals behalf. You will soon find out that this school has a bit of an elite mentality and for an opportunity such as this to be given to someone who isn't to our knowledge high born is a rare opportunity. Many Supernaturals try to get their children into Equinox Academy and even some of the wealthiest families in the country can't get their children in because they don't possess elemental powers. This school has a very strict policy and we even cater to royalty. So I mean this in the best way but the best way to show your gratitude to this individual is to come to the school with the mindset of trying to gain control of your powers and be a model student. Any trouble does not simply reflect negatively on you but the person that vouched for you." 

Jeez, no pressure...

And also elite mentality...

Just what I need is spoil rich kids...

This is gonna be f*****g awful...

    I stare down at my cuffs and realize that now that I know my sentence I should be able to finally get these cuffs off. Hope flares in my heart at the prospect of not having to walk around looking like a watered-down wonder woman. "Okay, last question when will I be able to take these cuffs off?" If my body lit up with any hope for a moment it was completely extinguished when Alyssa's sympathetic eyes met mine and I knew I wasn't going to like the answer she was getting ready to give. 

"Well that's the thing Kass we are going to take those cuffs off but just like all first-year students, you will be required to wear a muted-down version of them. They give you access to your powers but they block an overflow which happens quite often with new powers. They ensure the safety of our students and staff as well as help during training to facilitate gaining control over your element."

So less suffocating cuffs but I still have to wear them...

In other words, we want to trust you but not gonna risk property damage...

"Once you've progressed in your courses you will be allowed to remove the cuffs and practice at full strength." So there is hope that I won't have to wear these things all year as long as I prove I can handle my powers effectively. I'll be able to rid myself of these restraints and feel my powers at full strength. My dream from just before waking up flashes in my mind and I remember the words of the disembodied voice. 

Your powers have been released but not to their full potential. You must find those who belong to you and you to them...

 f**k if I know what that means...

    "Well, it seems that's all I'm needed for so I'll take my leave. If you have any more questions or concerns Kass here's my card. My cellphone and email are on the back. Oh and one last thing before I go. I know this isn't exactly how you want to spend the next four years of your life but I think you will do well at our Academy. I've always trusted my gut when it comes to my students and I think you are going to be something this school has never seen. I'll see you next week for the revelation ceremony. Take care."

    Not sure what she meant with those parting you words so I wave and then it hits me. "Wait what?" She stops in her track and looks at me perplexed then her words register and she actually facepalms. "I'm so sorry I didn't realize I failed to mention that school starts in two weeks. The Academy holds the revelation ceremony a week before so that after students find out their element they can be placed in the building with others that have the same ability. It also gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with the school and we hold a formal banquet to help facilitate the process of introducing everyone to their potential classmates. Think of it as a school sanction mixer."

   She smiles and I'm stunned that I have only a week left in my home before I'm forced to leave. I know this was going to be similar to my plan for college but I had no plans to move clear across the state. Taking my silence as her cue to leave she stands and shakes hands with my parents and Elder Vela. Elder Vela doesn't waste time with pleasantries but being the dickweed he clearly is he steps in my personal space and his expensive cologne assaults my nose as he speaks. "You may have dodged your punishment this time around Kassandra but make no mistake that we will be keeping a close eye on you." I can't help the sneer that adorns my face when I simply say "It's Ms. Phoenix." 

    His nostrils flare as anger flashes in his beady eyes. I feel his power flare and though I can see my parents flinch it feels more like a weak brush of wind to me. I smirk and watch his eyes shift between mine and confusion mars his features at my lack of response. Slowly he straightens and walks to the door leaving me to process my new fate and prepare for the rug to be pulled out from under my feet once again. 

        *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    The next week flies by in a blur of packing, sad tears, training, and shopping. Lee and Nick both sulk the first couple of days but after long conversations about how there really isn't any other choice they both perk up. I, however, take no such turn of emotion. The sadness of being stripped from the only people in this world that actually gave two shits about me eats away at any happiness I try to muster. I love my parents and want nothing more than the spend the rest of my days close to them. I don't really have friends aside from the regulars at Sphinx Alley and even those people I keep at a distance. Nick and Lee aren't just my parents they are the only friends I've ever been able to trust and let my guard down around. This is just another reason I believe fate and destiny can be cruel because no matter how happy someone is it's only a matter of time before the other shoe drops. However, despite my anger having my powers stripped away sounds way worse than dealing with spoiled rich kids in college. The only added bonus is that my parents don't have to fork over money to pay for my college education as long as I keep my s**t together. So instead of bitching and moaning like a toddler I count the small blessing and spend my last few days hanging out with the two people who mean the most to me.     

    I train each day with Lee even though she seems less enthusiastic about it than before. This says a lot because Lee is nothing short of a drill Sargent when it comes to training. I know she's distracted but something is definitely off. We go shopping to furnish my suite ( Yes according to the brochure I'll have my own suite.. f*****g rich kids...). Lee and Nick insist on buying me a new wardrobe so that I have everything I need during the season changes. Lee even picks out a couple of formal dresses because of course, they have formal events that are required for students to attend. On my last night, my parents make me my favorite meal homemade Christmas soup that Lee learn to make from her grandmother and croissant rolls. We watched movies until about midnight sipping my favorite whiskey.

The next morning I come down to find both my parents sitting in front of what is essentially a feast for about fifteen people and both are sporting huge smiles on their faces. I try my best to return their smiles but can't even muster even a half-smile. "Good Morning Kid!" My father greets me as I sit down and grab the kettle to pour hot water for my tea. When I look up at him I notice my father is full-blown smirking and Lee seems to be in an extremely happy mood. I'm honestly thrown off-kilter by their mood swing. Just as I'm about to ask them what's up Lee starts serving me heaping piles of scrambled eggs, her famous candied bacon, and homemade waffles. The smell hits my nose and my stomach gurgles its approval despite my perplexed mood.    

"Kass baby eat up we have a surprise to give you before we hit the road."

A surprise...

Not going to lie I'm nervous...

I look at both my parent and their eyes are shining with mischief. My curiosity is peaked so I tuck into my plate eager to see what they have in store. Once I'm finished I push my plate forward to ward off another plate full of food and lean back trying to make space for my full stomach. As I finish sipping my tea my parents both get up sporting huge smiles and move to me in tandem. They each grab my hand and pull me to my feet. My curiosity hit an all-time high as they lead me out the front door. Nick pulls his hand from mine and covers my eyes as Lee guides me down the steps and my heart starts to thrash in my chest. I feel my power prickle under my skin but the sensation dissipates letting me know there isn't a threat nearby. I hear murmured voices and abruptly Lee stops us and shoves something cold and sharp in my hand. Before I can really register what's happening Nick uncovers my eyes and the choked gasp that leaves me nearly threatens to collapse my lungs. 

    Sitting in my driveway is a stunning Ford Mustang Shelby GT 550 in Antimatter blue with white racing stripes glistening as I stand in complete shock. The crowd of regulars and my parents yell "SURPRISE HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!" I can't help the tears that fill my eyes as everyone rushes forward and surrounds me in a group hug. "What is this?" I can't believe my eyes. This has been the car I've been eyeing but knew I really couldn't afford. Lee steps toward me and I can't help but throw my whole weight into the embrace. "Kass baby we actually had this car picked out to give you the morning after your birthday but with everything that happened we never got to show it to you. So we decided what better way to cheer you up than to give you your birthday present." The car is beautiful and has all the bells and whistles any girl could ask for. "Thank you guy so much." I wipe tears from my face which I know today will be the first of many. They had already done so much for me and this was part of the reason I didn't want to go. These people were the closest thing I had to family and now I had to spend the next four years four hours away. 

    About an hour later after all the hugs and well wishes I jump in my new baby which I have formally named "Calypso or Caly for short." My parents finish loading up the truck and we make our way towards Ashville. The drive seems to fly by especially with my nerves and brain on overdrive trying to cope with what is about to be my new reality. By the time I reach the road that leads to the academy I'm not going to lie I am a mess of tension and anxiety. I pull up to the campus entry and am stopped by a beautiful gate and a small guard post. The gate is f*****g gold plated for f**k sake and it is beautifully embellished with black iron swirls that tangle in elegant vines around the golden poles. In the center of the gate sits a golden sun that shines brightly and blends into an iron crescent moon. Both the gold and the iron sparkle in the afternoon light and if I'm not mistaken there might be diamonds embedded in them.  

Great even the freaking gate is fancy...

    A guard steps from the station and taps on the window. I roll it down and plaster on the best smile I can muster. But before I can say anything the asshole grunts "name" causing my smile to plummet off my face and my hackles rise at his rudeness. I scowl at the asshole and curtly reply in a mimicking tone. "Kassandra Phoenix." He checks his list and again without even acknowledging my existence heads back to the guard station and presses a button. The gate opens and I proceed to flip him the bird and hit the gas. I cruise up the long driveway taking my time to inspect the campus as I drive. The grounds are enormous with sprawling manicured lawns with trees planted strategically so that students can sit outside and study in the sun if they choose to. I can see what looks like an outdoor arena in the distance but I can't see much more than stadium walls. I wonder if they play actual sports or is that a fighting arena. 

Now that sounds like my kind of fun...

    As we get closer to the buildings of the school I can't help but whistle at the sheer magnitude of them as they come into view. I can see four large towers each about 8 stories tall. However, nothing can detract from the main building that I pull up in front of as I come to a stop on the roundabout that leads to the entrance. A glorious French Renaissance-inspired chateaux-style building with beautifully painted limestone walls in the color of lily-white stands imposingly in front of me. The building has four stories with pitched roofs that are a dark teal color. Windows line each level and the entrance has an open corridor to the left while the right side is adorned with a windowed arcade. The surrounding buildings and towers mimic the color and architectural style. I can see carvings on the outer walls that depict the gods and goddesses in all their glory and surprisingly I can see some Titans although they are far less prominent. 

    Before I can get lost in the beauty of each depiction a tap sounds on my window and to my surprise I  see Alyssa standing with a clipboard in her hand. I wave and step out of Caly and hand my keys over to the valet attendant. I look back to find my parents but they aren't there. I snap my attention back to Alyssa wondering why my parents hadn't followed me to the entrance. She must see the slight panic at their disappearance. She smiles and says "They are fine Kass, they went with the other movers to place your things in the designated new arrivals area. Remember the test comes first. They will be waiting in the sitting area with the other parents while the ceremony takes place and if you pass the test we will then escort them to you so that they can say goodbye." 

Shit so much for moral support...

I guess that means I have to do this alone...

    I'm not entirely dependent on my parents for everything but I was hoping they could at least be there for the ceremony so I wouldn't be doing this by myself but it looks like all the students have to take this test by themselves. Alyssa makes a move toward the entrance to the building but hesitates when she doesn't hear me following. She turns back to me and asks "Kassandra are you ready?"

Fuck no...

"Yeah, let's get this s**t show on the road." I straighten my spine and square my shoulders to hide the anxiety starting to creep into my chest. I move toward Alyssa and match her steps as I make my entrance into Equinox Academy.