Blue River Academy

The Arrival

As we pulled up to the school just after midnight. I noticed that there were tall turrets and high walls it looked like a castle. The entrance way was one you would see in a movie about royals. The bus parked on the drive right outside the entrance. There were pillars surrounding the door making It look was a magnificent. We got off the bus taking in the view before us.The others gasped as they stepped down from the doorway of the bus. I thought it looked magical.

Once we were off the bus we were guided to the main hall by some students.

‘Please follow us. We will guide you to the main hall. This is where you will be welcomed by Professor Collins and given your dorm allocations and timetables.’ A young girl spoke in a calm and collected manor. Seemingly not phased by a large group of humans invading her school.

As our eyes adjusted to the lights as we followed the lounge girl to the main hall. I noticed that there were paintings on the walls. They looked really important. I walked past one painting that I recognised. I paused as I studied the person inside. It was my father but it couldn't be. I thought that he was dead. I stood there for a second and brushed it off my shoulder. I didn't have time to worry about a painting now. I would come back and ask someone later.

I followed the rest if the group through the corridors into the main hall. This is where we saw a group of teachers as well as some students were stood on a stage. I took my place at the front of the group directly in front of what looked like the head teacher. She was a young woman who looked in her late 20’s. With long chocolate coloured hair that stopped at her lower back. She was dressed in a black blazer and matching skirt with black platform heels. I wanted her clothes. I felt awkward stood in front of her with nothing but old gym clothes. I needed to get some new clothes and a shower. I wanted to feel clean. I wanted to be like her.

As I envied her she started speaking. Her voice was like music so calming and sweet. ‘Hello humans, Welcome to Blue River Academy. We hope you enjoy your stay here !’

‘Hello’ I replied instinctively the woman beamed at me seeming to like my courage.

‘Please call me Professor Collins. I am the head of the academy and a specialist in vampire history.’

‘Hello Professor Collins, I am Valentine Edwards, Please feel free to call me Val for short. Do you have schedules ready for us and dorm allocations? It is getting late and we have our first day tomorrow we should probably head to bed. Thank you for receiving us in such a manor!’

‘Of course, I have everything sorted for you guys. The schedules will be handed out momentarily along with you're sleeping arrangements. Every student in A dorm please stand by Vlad over there.’ Vlad was a short stocky werewolf with glasses. He looked like your typical nerd. He smiled at Professor Collins as she pointed in his direction. I guess it made him feel special that someone had noticed him. He was wearing the academy’s uniform. This was a white shirt under a blue blazer with the logo embroidered in gold thread. He had his blue and gold tie around his neck, perfectly in place. His trousers were blue also matching the blazer, however these had a gold stripe running the length of the leg. He had black converse peeping out from under his trousers.

‘B dorm, please stand with Bret over there.’ Again smiled as her finger came round to him. He was a tall muscular vampire that was clearly into fitness. I had no idea how old vampires really were. They stay the same age as they were turned. The young guy in front of me could be hundreds of years old, but he looked 17. He was also wearing his uniform. Bret was not wearing his tie, Had his shirt untucked and was wearing his trainers. It looked like he had just got out of bed or been for a 5 mile run.

‘C dorm, please stand with Carrie’ She was a vampire. She looked like a model, tall, long legs with long blonde hair. She was your typical sassy vampire, a whole lot of attitude. She was dressed in the schools uniform. She had a blue plaid shirt with a gold stripe a couple of inches from the hem. Her skirt was pulled up higher than it should be, showing off more of her legs. She wore this with matching blue knee high socks. She wore the some shiny black pair of t-strap heels, these has bright red soles. These were the latest in vampire fashion and I wanted them. I have never seen a pair of heels like them. I needed some new clothes, desperately, if I want to fit in. The red on the sole represented blood or so I have been told. She was wearing a white button up blouse under her blazer which had the academy logo on.

The logo was stitched in a gold thread. It was a image of a tree next to a river with the moon in the sky. I quickly understood what the moon meant, as well as the tree. What did the river mean? I made a mental note to find that out.

‘D dorm, please stand with Danni over there.’ Danni was a shifter. She was small and looked fearful of everything. She was clearly tense stood in front of people. Eyes on her, clearly made her nervous. She was also wearing the uniform, however she was wearing it correctly. Not her skirt pulled up so high that you can nearly see her ass underneath. Hers was thigh high she wore a button up white blouse, with a blue and gold tie fastened around her neck, underneath her blazer. She had black brogues which were polished within an inch of their life.

‘These are the prefects from each dorm. They will be your go to person if you have any problems. They will do all they can to help you settle in. ’

I noticed a young man stood behind Professor Collins he looked around 25. He was tall muscular with brown hair. Professor Collins hadn't pointed at him yet. I looked at him intrigued, his brown eyes flickered to me noticing me staring. His lips curved as if he knew what I was thinking. He smiled at me.

Professor Collins was a vampire. Vampires had many talents that we as humans didn't know. I was about to find one of these talents out. A sweet, calming voice appeared inside my head. Not sure who was in my head I looked around and noticed Professor Collins staring at me with a smile on her face. It was like she knew that I had never had a vampires voice appear inside my head.

‘Val,It is professor Collins. Please don't panic. I don't want to say this out loud. It could put you in danger. You have noticed that you have yet been given a dorm. This is because you aren't in a dorm. You will be living in the council chambers. This is Thomas he is on the council he will take you to your chambers. There will be a meeting tomorrow at 8am. He will collect you from your chambers before the meeting and show you the way to the meeting room. You will need to memorise this route for yourself. You will need it for attending meetings. Then Thomas will be giving you a tour around the academy’s campus. You will be missing your first class. However don’t worry it is combat strategies. I do not think that you need help in this department, However I will get the notes for you incase. The major has told us all about you and how incredibly skilled you are in hand to hand combat and strategies. I hope you live up to our expectations. ’

I thought to myself why put me on the council in the first place if it was dangerous? I didn't understand I mean the council is where I should be, But the danger? What could possibly be so dangerous about being on the council? Why did the major have to appreciate me so much for my skills? Why has he told them about it? However I nodded in agreement before she addressed the rest of the group.

‘You have a tour of the academy at 8am. Please do not be late you will be meeting your prefects in the entryway to your dorms. This will be at 7:45am. So please go and get some sleep. Don’t worry about unpacking I have allocated time for that tomorrow.’

Everyone started to yawn in agreement with what she was saying. It was now 00:35am. Needing to be up in under 7 hours we all were now feeling how tired we were. It is indeed time to head to the dorms. Each prefect started leading their group away.

‘Val, Do you have a second in command? If so who are they? Please could you call them over for an introduction and new dorm allocation and timetable! They will stay at the council house as well and attend all the meetings.’

‘Theo, Come here.’ I shouted over the grumbling of the other students as they were starting to be led away by the prefects.

Theo ran over with his bags over his broad shoulders. He was a handsome 24 your old who knew how to get what he wanted with the ladies. He was my second in command. He knew every type of hand to hand combat you can think of. Combat strategy’s? He was the best. Team fitness? He took charge, often putting me to shame. He was a fitness freak and a combat expert. There is no one I would rather have by my side.

‘Theo, this is Professor Collins. She has put you with me. You will be staying in the council house and get a new timetable that will match mine. You will not be joining the tour tomorrow you will be at the council meeting with me. Thomas over there.’

I waved at the smoking hot vampire who chuckled at me with a huge smile on his face. Theo smiled at the vampire stood across from him.

‘Will give us a tour after our meeting, which means you will be missing your first class. What is your first class?’

‘It was vampire history’ He spoke slightly disappointed.

‘Well, its not anymore. It is now combat strategies. Which you will now be missing?’ I said with a cheery voice. I have him an elbow in the ribs to wake him up a bit. He looked like he was going to fall asleep any second.

‘I can give you both some private lessons, don’t worry too much about it. Council members don’t usually attend classes with the other students. They are too busy doing other things. Which I'm sure you tow will be joining in with shortly. However I feel that this could benefit you both very much, being around the other students would help with the peace plan a great deal.

If feel that you are doing too many classes let me know, I have put you both in every subject we have here. It will be hard to adjust too but you both need to know everything, if we are going to make this work. Thomas please introduce them to Tristan and the other council members as soon as possible. You both are on the council as you are the leaders of the human faction within your group. You are the best of the best. You need to live up to the expectations that major has set you. I will be reporting to him weekly.’

We both were shocked at her response.

‘Im very grateful. Thank you. We had better be heading off now. It’s getting very late’

‘Thanks professor Collins’ Theo thanked her before we left.

‘Please call me Camilla.’ Beamed Professor Collins.

With that we said our goodbyes and headed to the council house. It was a 15 minute walk from the main hall. Thomas was chatting away to Theo about combat techniques. They had something in common. They agreed to practice tomorrow after classes.

We walked along the corridors and onto a small cobble path. We followed the path around past a couple of trees and bushes. Past A dorm, then B dorm.

‘We have just past dorms A and B. C dorm is on the other side of the school. I will give you a proper tour tomorrow. Since we are walking past I thought I may swell mention it to you.’ Thomas spoke in an exited tone. It seemed he liked giving tours.

We carried on walking down the path then cut across a giant lawn surrounded by trees. There was a sign that read ‘keep off the grass, private property.’

‘Shouldn’t we keep off the grass like the sign says?’ I questioned looking a Thomas. He smiled.

‘Well, why would you want to keep off your own lawn now valentine? Do you not like grass?’ He chanted in a mocking tone.

I couldn't help but laugh at his response. No one speaks to me like that. I like that there is banter already. It shows trust and friendship. I like that. It feels like we are fitting in already.

‘No one has ever spoken to Val like that except myself and her brother.’ Theo chuckled. He suddenly stopped laughing . ‘Im sorry Val. I didn't mean to bring him up.’

‘Its ok Theo, I have to get over it sooner or later.’

‘What happened to your brother Valentine?’ Thomas questioned.

‘He went missing a few weeks ago. When we were attacked by werewolves. I haven't seen for heard from him since.’ I explained.

‘Oh val. Im sorry to hear that, but you never know he might be alive.’ He comforted.

After this we walked the last little bit of the walk in silence. We rounded back onto the path and entered through a gate toward the front door of the council members house. The outside of the house was old. It looked like it was an Edwardian mansion. With huge windows and a large balcony on the second floor. There were stone archways that garden the door. When we got to the door Thomas swiped his card against the reader on the wall and we entered through, to be greeted by a large hallway with a wooden desk in the middle. On the desk was a pretty looking girl who smiled at us eying Theo as we walked in.

‘Hello, Angie this is Valentine and Theo. They are allowed on the premises and will be given priority 1. Do you understand?’ He spoke to the girl.

‘Yes, of course sir. I understand. I will set it up now for you. When would you like to pick up their key cards?’

‘We will pick them up in the morning, if that is ok Angie?’

‘Of course sir’s, madame.’ Nodding to us individually, and turned back towards her computer. Pulling up some documents.

We carried on, walking past Angie’s desk towards the stairs. I walked up the beautiful staircase with oak hand rails and a stunning red carpet running up the middle. It stood out from the wooden stairs. Theo was behind following and Thomas was infant leading the way. We stopped at Theo’s bedroom first. Thomas unlocked the door with his key card.

‘I will have my key card deactivated in the morning, so it cant open your bedroom doors. If you want to get out of your room tonight you will need to come and get me to let you back in. I don’t sleep so if you need me I will be awake. My room is on the ground floor, next to the study nearest to the kitchen. I will show you.’ Thomas explained. We both nodded at him.

As the door opened I could see a 4 post bed with lots of pillows on. A desk with a computer, a wardrobe and what looked like a ensuite. Theo hurried inside and placed his bags on the floor.

‘Don’t worry about unpacking tonight. You will get time tomorrow or the maid can do it for you. Just let me know. The maid is lovely. She wont take much convincing I will make her lunch.’

At this Theo perked up. ‘Did I hear lunch?’ He shouted from on top of his bed. His stomach growling. Thomas turned to me.

‘Are you hungry val?’ I nodded in agreement. I couldn't help thinking about food now that it was mentioned. My stomach rumbled. Thomas giggled.

‘Right we will go drop Val’s bags off in her room them I will show you where the kitchen is.’

We walked down the hall and round the corner and stopped at the end. In front was a wooden door. Thomas swiped his card and the door unlocked. I pulled the handle and opened the door. There was a 4 post bed with cream curtains pulled back and tied neatly. I walked into my room and placed my bags on the floor next to my desk. I walked around my room and looked out the window. Outside I could see a huge oak tree in the middle of the lawn out front. I had a nice view from my window I liked it. I I turned around to see a vanity mirror on a desk with a little stool underneath. I walked over to it. As I got there Thomas spoke.

‘I thought you would like that Val. Do you have any make up or perfume? If not don't worry we can get you some? That is if you want it of course.’

I smiled at him. ‘That would be great. Thank you Thomas. I have never had any make up before. I may need some practice.’

‘I can arrange some lessons for you? If you want to keep it secret. I can ask Angie to help. They are very good at keeping secrets.’

‘Oh by the way you are talking I bet she, is she keeping lots of secrets for you? Asking her would be great thank you!’ I quizzed him hoping to get some answers.

‘No comment. Now shall we go and get some food?’

My stomach growled in agreement. I closed my bedroom door and followed Thomas to the kitchen.

‘This room here is my bedroom. If you need anything please ask me. If you get stuck Angie is on the desk all night. If Angie isn't there it will be Becca. She is our other receptionist, She is very nice. Theo I think you will like her.’ He winked at Theo and grinned.

We walked towards the kitchen and dining room.

‘There is always a chef on site. If you are hungry you could come down and they would make you something. You can also ring up and they will have it ready for you.’ Thomas explained as we entered the dining room. The smile on his face clearly showed that he liked this.

There was a small window in which I could see through to the kitchen. The siding room its self had a huge oak table in the centre surrounded by 16 chairs, 8 on each side. The chairs were a grey collar to match the wall paper. There is a marble fire place and a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The kitchen was like one you would see in a 5 star restaurant. It had fridges, freezers, fryers, grills, Microwaves, merrychef's and a salad bar near the pass. This was so that we could choose our own salad to go with our meals.

‘Rick, Can you make us something to eat. These two missed dinner and I'm just hungry.’

‘Your always hungry Thomas. I have yours already. I had a feeling that you would be coming in here tonight.’

‘He is good. Rick is a vampire. He has the power to read minds. He probably knew we were coming down he before we even decided to.’ Thomas said picking up his bloodied scrambled egg on toast. ‘Rick makes the best scrambled eggs. I have a little extra added in to give me that extra boost. I don’t think you will like it.’

‘As for you two, I didn't know what you would like so i made you both grilled cheeses with added steak and onion.’ He passed both myself and Theo our meals. They looked and smelled amazing.

‘What is steak?’ Theo whispered to me. Forgetting that we were in a room full of vampires who could here what you were saying and one that can read your mind.

‘Steak is meat from a cow. That is rump steak. I have cooked it medium rare, it is yummy. I think you will like it.’ Rick said as we both took a bite.

I could feel the steak in my mouth it felt like it was melting and I chewed. The cheese was perfectly melted. I have never had a grilled cheese with steak and onion before but it was delicious. I think I have found my new favourite snack.

After we ate and passed the plates back through the pass we walked back up to our bedrooms. We paused at Theo’s room first to let him in. Then we headed to mind. Thomas swiped his card and my door unlocked and I went inside. I went to the bathroom and went to the toilet and then brushed my teeth. After this I pulled back the duvet of my new bed and went to sleep.