The Alliance - I Declare War

The Academy, Jigu Campus I can't believe I got in!  Thought Kayla as she stood outside two pillars that served as the entrance, they shined bright under the twin moons of Jigu. This Academy is the most respected institutions and only the children of the rich and powerful are accepted, thought Kayla mischievously.  That was until I got in. Kayla quickly pushed strands of the unruly, curly chestnut hair out of her face to continue reading "Home to the Galaxy's Most Skilled Where Minds and Powers are shaped for the Benefit of All!." Pfft skilled my ass!  The students are nothing but a bunch of spoiled rich kids. Most of them are here only because of who they are related to. Kayla released a sigh of annoyance before walking past the two pillars.  She was here on something worse than a scholarship; she was an armistice baby.  Her presence at the school was part of a treaty between her home world of Nah’Bye and Ah’Taria.   She is the first to be admitted from but knew she wouldn't be the last. Kayla stared around the well-lit courtyard under the blue/gray lights trying not to be annoyed.  “Where’s the person that’s supposed to be here to greet me?” she mumbled glancing left than right. Her annoyance wasn’t typical of a Nah'Byian female; Kayla was fully aware nothing about her was entirely Nah’Byian.  She spent her entire life being mindful of the fact that she was one of the rare children that were born of an off-worlder.  Kayla as a half Rayian; like them, she was quick to anger but like a Nah’Byian she was also quick to smile. While she was a half-breed to most, Kayla felt she was lucky to have been born with some of the traits of her deceased mother. Because of her mom’s abilities, the Nah'Byian people were finally capturing the attention of the galaxy and not she would show that power wasn't everything. After walking along a long white pebble path, Kayla came to a glass structure.  The door slid open on a soft swoosh; she followed the brass signs until she walked into the central office.  A glance around told her even at this hour the office was still open and staffed.  With a friendly smile in place, she turned the door knob and into the main office. With each step, she grew more and more nervous, for the first time and wondered how she appeared to off-worlders.  For the first time in her life, she felt the tingle of insecurity.  Oh, how she wished she stood taller than her 5 feet 5 inches, that her curves were less pronounced and her hair a little less unruly. Kayla was born and raised on a peaceful planet that prided itself on its lack of interactions with the rest of the Alliance. The Alliance held under the supreme control of the Ah'Tarians but to be more exact the high council. Kayla quickly scanned the room; there were a group of people sitting in front of a fireplace and a few more scattered around reading on their handhelds.  She ended her quick perusal on what could only be considered a medical wonder; the woman had one of the most beautiful faces that Kayla had ever seen big emerald green eyes, long straight vivid red hair with chunks of gold, a clear cream like complexion and perfectly round breast that sat a little too high. Not to be discouraged by the beauty Kayla tightened her smile and walked to the desk. ♦♦♦♦ Orchid Sinclair looked up when the chimes to the main office sounded.  Exasperation ate at her amplifying as those god awful bells that the president had installed continued to sound even after the door had closed. And why am I here, thought Orchid her face twisting in disgust as she stared at the girl that just entered.  Why? Because the transport from the Nah’Byian port was old and decrepit.  The damn thing was five hours and thirty-two minutes late. Orchid held in a snort as she watched with a mixture of disgust, curiosity and disdain as the girl at stared around, Orchid could barely believe what she was seeing. The Nah'Byian chit was a cow of a woman!  It was her first time seeing a Nah’Byina in the flesh, but according to the vids, she was forced to watch she knew they prided themselves on not interacting with off-worlders unless necessary. In the vids, she’d seen the females with their varying shades of skin tones from café au lait to dark chocolate, with varying shades of brown, black, red or chestnut colored hair.  Their eyes a dull brown and bodies that were on the ridiculously pudgy side; even though her male cousins assured her, the pudge was in the right spots. Clicking her tongue she looked the girl up and down and her lips twisted, she was wearing The Academy's one piece jumpsuit as if it were an extra skin. Orchid knew it was the biggest male size for a freshman they had and yet the girl was wearing it like a glove. The suit looked like it would come apart at the seams around her full breasts and hips. The only part that didn't look like it would burst open was around her flat stomach. “Ewe!” Orchid shot a glance toward one of the students lounging around the central office relieved she wasn’t the only person that thought the newcomer was horrid looking.  Alliance women prided themselves on their tall, willowy build.  Just the thought of having to wear one of the larger size jumpsuits was a humiliation that would send a woman running to a plastic surgeon from Rayia. Instant dislike bloomed inside Orchid as she stared at the new arrival. She took in the girl's long hair with light brown and golden red highlights as well as her apparent lack of make-up. She narrowed her eyes at the girl interrupting being she could speak. "You must be the new freshman that I've heard so much about. The prodigy from that planet full of unsociable, abilities lacking, backwater creature from the abyss;" she said sarcastically. Orchid sneered when the girl continued to walk toward her with a silly grin.  "Good evening, my name is Makayla Aubree Ward." She reached into her duffle bag and pulled out the letter of admission and a faded brown identification card. "I understand I am to present this so that I can be given my room assignment, class schedule and the list of potential activities." Orchid flinched when Makayla slammed the items on the desk. "And I believe I need my school ID." Orchid clicked her tongue looking the girl up and down.  Orchid sent a look of contempt as she reached into her desk drawer and pulled out the last sealed envelope.  “This,” mocked Orchid throwing the white envelope on the desk.  Orchid watched in amusement as the other girl's brown eyes flashed in anger, ignoring the twinge of fear that the brown orbs cause.  Orchid snatched the envelope off the desk and held it out toward the girl. "Here!" Orchid couldn't believe that she lost a stare down to a worthless fat half-breed that needed stones and mumblings to activate her powers. Never mind that she also needed those same amulets and spells, but she knew that her skills tested stronger than this b***h. She, Orchid Amari Sinclair, tested at 63% while the Nah'Byian tested at 58%. Under normal circumstances, neither would be in at the Jigu but both were expectations.  Orchid was a Sinclair and even though she lacked her only needed to arch an eyebrow and she was bumped up on the list in front of losers that qualified but lacked the necessary pedigree. The b***h in front of her, was there because the top three chairs of the council wanted to make moves to add a new planet to the list of planets they ruled. ♦♦♦♦ Kayla tried to hide her smirk as she took the papers from the skinny redhead but she failed. Sending once last mocking glance Kayla glanced down at the official seal that resembled a fire-breathing dragon with a phoenix flying out the flames while a griffon was watching as if amused. Her excitement was palpable as she turned on her tiptoe to walk away intent on reading the papers within.  Kayla's fingers tightened slightly the urge to send the b***h flying behind the desk was overwhelming, but she shook it off. Sighing, she opened the door and ran directly into a very hard, chiseled body.  Looking up at the owner she wondered if she would get the same treatment she received from the tongue clicking miracle of cosmetic surgery.  What she saw took her breath away. Standing in front of her had to be the finest specimen that the universe had ever created. She knew from reviewing the school's manual that he was a second year, he was wearing a dark green and silver uniform, and from the silver pins on his blazer, he was one of the top ten. He was staring back at her with the most beautiful blue eyes. It was like looking into a midnight sky on a starless night; the moon was somewhere shining making the blue breathtaking. His nose was straight and narrow with a slight turned up at the tip and it sat above lips that looked like they should be kissed all day, every day, nonstop. His lips were a pale pink that she wanted to make red with long hot kisses, a thought she'd never had before. His hair was dark brown near the roots but as it grew out it turned into a stunning gold; gold that reminded her of the wheat fields behind her home, the land she knew were coveted by the Alliance. I need to look away, thought Kayla It took everything to pull her eyes from his face and down to the chest she just crashed into.  Candice and Maria thought that non-Nah'Byian guys had bird chest, but there was nothing small or weak about the pecs she’d just crashed into. His build was smaller than a Nah'Byian male, but he was solid.  For a split-second she wanted to run her hands on the abs the jumpsuit was hiding to see if it was just as hard as his chest. Quickly common sense took effect, and she looked away towards where people were sitting and noticed they were all gaping at her.  Crap, thought Kayla. ♦♦♦♦ Lucas Jeremiah Sinclair decided to play nice and see if his cousin Orchid needed anything before he went back to his rooms. While he was waving goodbye to Jacob, he felt something crash into him. His mouth snapped open to give the clumsy person an earful, but when he looked down from his 6'3 height, he saw a girl with long curly chestnut hair and creamy skin the color of his favorite caramel treat.  She was staring at him out of big liquid brown eyes, and he took the opportunity to stare back.  She had a button nose and pouty dark pink lips with beautiful toffee colored eyes that tilted up exotically.  Her body was lush and tempting.  He wished the women of his of the alliance would find a clue; that willowy look made them as alluring as a prepubescent boy to most. With her staring directly at his chest took the opportunity to admire the struggle of the jumpsuit as it tried to contain her breast and hips.  It was at that moment Lucas Sinclair wished he was a piece of clothing. "You clumsy fat trollop!" Orchid's face was a blotchy red as she came from behind the desk to confront Kayla. "How dare you touch him!" she continued to scream once she stood less than a foot from Kayla. Because of her banshee-loud voice, anyone who hadn’t noticed his arrival now knew he was there. Lucas slowly turned from admiring the woman to stare at his screeching cousin with a slight frown. The young woman was mortified and seemed only capable of staring wide eyed in shock while he decided he’d go for aloof. After a few more insults Lucas watched as the girl rubbed the back of her neck and sighed in exhaustion before looking down at her packet.  Finally, it seemed as if she came to a decision and plastered a too big smile on her face; "I'm sorry that I bumped into you in my excitement! Please accept my apology as I'm gonna leave now."  With that, she walked purposefully through the doors. Lucas pivoted on his heel to watch as her hips swayed with every step happy she wasn't wearing the blue blazer that would have covered her ass.  Nodding he had to admit her back was just as lovely as her front. Quiet quickly descended on the room, and he ran his hand through his hair. "Orchid," he started exasperated by his long day and now he had to warn her again about her f****d up attitude.  He watched as Orchid scurried back behind the desk and slowly followed.  “I know you’re on edge with your final semester almost over and your pending nuptials but don’t take it out on anyone.” Orchid rose, her mouth open in disbelief.  "I don't believe what I hear from you, Lucas! That thing could barely be called a woman, and you want me to try to make nice with her." In a fit of rage, Orchid poked her plump lip out and started to take a defensive stance looking away from him. “I refuse to play nice to any of those sniveling, cowardly backwater people,” stated Orchid arrogantly while raising her chin.  Lucas asserted more firmly as he saw his cousin was not going to bend to his whims, "More Nah'Byians will leave their planet in the next few years Orchid and as a Sinclair, it is your responsibility to make sure they feel comfortable.  Your current actions are unbecoming and if we have to talk about this again...." Lucas' hand snatched out to grab Orchid’s chin.  “I will make you regret defying me,” he continued.  Orchid cried out softly in pain as the grip tightened. “Do I make myself clear,” asked Lucas watching as Orchid's eyes widened in fear.   Her soft whining did nothing to calm his ire, and he could slowly feel his calm slipping further.  Midnight blue eyes slowly faded until they were the color of an icy blue of a glacier. He bared in teeth in a smile when she tried to move away and break the grip he had on her.  From this distance, he knew those in the office were too far away to hear what he’d said or see his eyes  The last thing he needed was for the gossipmongers in the office to spread the word of his cruelty.  At this time his and his best friend, Jacob Kevin Lawson, cruelty was only a rumor, and they both wanted to stay that way. "Let me walk you to your room,” offered Lucas through gritted teeth. Orchid expression was one of horror as she shook her head.  "I have a lot of paperwork that needs to be completed and filed."  Orchid waved toward the empty desk, "I also need to finish typing up some papers for President Manning." Lucas stared patiently at his cousin knowing her every excuse was a lie, but he couldn’t help but want to see how many she would tell.  He watched without emotion as tears flooded her eyes and her excuses became more far-fetched with each word she uttered. Shrugging, he finally responded in a cold whisper for her ears only, "Seems like you have a lot to do. Let me not keep you any further." Lucas almost laughed at Orchid's apparent relief. In a clear voice meant for all to hear he added, "Sorry you have so much more stuff to do! Talk to you later, cuz! I've got to go find Jacob." With a two finger wave, he turned on his highly polished black boot heels and left. ♦♦♦♦ Kayla slowed down as she exited the building and pulled the papers out of the envelope; flicking through them quickly she pulled out a map.  In this day in age, Kayla wondered why the administration used such an antiquated method when everyone had handheld devices but quickly lost interest when she saw the complicated map with hundreds of small dots and wiggly lines.  “What in Jericho,” mumbled Kayla reaching into her little satchel and withdrawing her blue and green handheld.  “You may be ancient, but I know you can get me where I need to go,” joked Kayla using her device to scan the map.  Within minutes, the machine began navigating her through the maze of pebbled paths to her dorm. While following the device’s clipped instructions Kayla took the opportunity to read up on the six dorms.  She was staying in a dorm call Tianlong; a mixed-gender facility that housed over ninety students. The other five were named: Shishi, Adlet, Centaur, Hydra, and Sphinx. Kayla could only nod and chuckle a little at the names of the dorms; it was like someone went and randomly picked names from ancient mythology.  Kayla glanced down and frowned when she read that she was still at least 15 minutes from the dorm. Trying to increase her pace Kayla heaved a sigh.  It had been over 250 years since Nah'Bye left the Alliance. Nah'Byians were peace loving people that didn't agree with the Bloody Wars, and so they distanced themselves.  The Ah'Tarians, Rayians, and Ralox had taken over all the planets in the galaxy, but soon the Ah’Tarian turned on the Rayians and the Raloxans.  The elders of Nah’Bye had summoned those with high-level powers and used their abilities to create what they now call a living barrier. It was impenetrable to those with malicious intentions so they could not pass through.  The barrier kept them out of the wars.  Thirty-five years after the elders gave their lives the war ended and with every planet under the tyranny of the Alliance. “Am I there yet,” sang Kayla.  It was 22:19, she was ready to go to bed.  The device had led her to a whitewashed stone and glass structure, but her sleep deprived mind didn’t stop to admire the architecture.  Kayla glanced around the large entry before heading toward one of the two large double doors on the left. “Hello,” called Kayla trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice and off her face.  As her voice echoed through the empty room she had to keep saying to herself:  it wasn’t anyone’s fault her transport was late. After doing two full turns in the large room, Kayla decided to backtrack and try the other doors on the opposite side of the foyer.  Wearily she crossed the expanse before she heard a ding.  Out the corner of her eye, she saw two metallic gray doors slide open. "An elevator,” frowned Kayla heading toward it.  “And this is how the heroine dies in the horror cine, Kae and I watch,” giggled Kayla as she stepped on. The doors slid close, before the pressure from the rapid ascent made her a little dizzy.  It had taken several moments before she realized the elevator was talking to her. "Where to?" stated a disembodied male voice as it sped upward. "I’m the new student,” frowned Kayla confused.  “I need to get an ID and confirm my room assignment." The elevator adjusted direction making Kayla think she was going to heave up her dinner.  Finally, the elevator dinged open, she exited and looked around cautiously.  Another impressive room greeted her with its high ceilings and intricate wrought iron designs along with floor to ceiling windows  “It's like a grand ballroom,” whispered Kayla touching her queasy stomach. "Greetings and welcome to the Tianlong Dormitory!" Kayla turned to see an older man that stood about 5’9 walking towards her.  He had gorgeous mahogany skin with ghastly white hair; his purple eyes sparkled and shined as he greeted her enthusiastically.  Kayla couldn't help but smile at the man when he stopped in front of her.  The older man seemed like a father type with his large soft frame and doughy middle. "I am the Dorm Father," he said in a chipper voice.  When he spoke she felt comforted, happy, welcomed and loved all at the same time.  He was obviously Noxin; their powers consisted mostly of setting one at ease.  Noxins were peacekeepers and one of the four neutral planets.  "You must be MaKayla Aubree,” exclaimed the man enthusiastically.  “I have your ID here,” stated the Dorm Father reaching out to hand her a blue card that appeared to be on fire. “Oh,” frowned Kayla as she took the thin crystal that held her image. “As you know,” began the man waving a hand toward the windows.  “All things blue are for 1st years, green was for 2nd years; red was for 3rd years, and gold was for 4th years.”  At Kayla’s nod, he continued, “The top 10 students of each class have silver pins showing that they are elite in both the academics and in mystical arts.  Those students don’t need charms or amulets.” "Thank you." smiled Kayla staring down at the lawn as the man continued to talk. "I know it’s late, and you’re tired so no tour tonight but maybe tomorrow.” Kayla’s relief was apparent as she read her ID card. “Your room number has been confirmed and is placed on that card.  On the elevator, there’s a small sensor to access the student sleeping chambers of this building.” Kayla covered a yawn with the back of her hand allowing the Dorm Father to escort her back to the elevator.  Your room number has been changed to 6636 instead of 2316. Kayla frowned at the jump in floors but nodded.  “Goodnight Mister -?” The Dorm Monitor clicked his heels together as he replied, "The name is Tomas E. Nord.  You can call me Dorm Father or Father; whichever you prefer." Kayla gave a curt nod but kept mum.  Glancing down at the panel on the elevator she spotted the sensor and pressed her ID against it and before she could pocket the ID the elevator had jerked into action. Upon exiting the elevator, Kayla whistled softly under her breath.  The hallway was splendid, and she was sure it cost a pretty royal.  But sleep caused Kayla to be disinterested as she gave a shrug and looked for a plague that might tell her which way 6636.  Soon she realized there were only five rooms on the floor, and hers was at the end.  “So sleepy,” yawned Kayla pressing her ID against the scanner. There was a soft click and a swirling sound before the door slid open. The one day trip had turned into a two-day trek from Nah'Bye to Jigu and Kayla couldn't see straight.  Her plans were to use the washroom, change into her pajamas and go to sleep.  Upon entering the room, she noticed that she was assigned to a single.  "I need to confirm this in the morning," yawned Kayla.  The room was almost as big as her home on Nah’Bye and decorated in blues and white.  "There has to be some type of mistake," she continued sleepily. The double moons of Jigu shined into the room through a large picture window emphasizing the double bed that sat in front of it. The stars winked at her from dark assisting her in seeing the view of the sand and stone garden. “To bathe or not to bathe,” jested Kayla walking through one of the two doors hoping one of them would lead to a shower.  Raising her arm, she sniffed under her arm and winced, “Oh I need to shower.” Kayla stared confused into the dressing room where her clothes happened to be already hung.  “Full service,” she wondered opening the top drawer to see her underwear had been folded and neatly lined up.  The opposite wall had a large arch that Kayla continued toward.  The room brightened, and she gleefully stared at the full bathroom. Quickly, Kayla stripped off her clothes ignoring her reflection in the mirrors that lined the wall. She already knew what she’d see: a short woman with chestnut curls, and out of fashion curvy body with caramel skin that was thanks to father’s creamy dark chocolate skin tone and her deceased mother’s olive skin tone.  Kayla touched the dial turning on the hot water releasing an exhausted breath. “Jael Quin,” she mumbled thinking fondly of her stepmom, “I’m taking a shower so don’t worry about me sleeping in my own filth.” Kayla smiled as the water pelted her skin her thoughts going to her family and friends on Nah'Bye.  She quickly washed and dried; wanting to get to sleep as soon as possible since the new student orientation started at 12:00 tomorrow along with a tour of the academic and training buildings. ♦♦♦♦ Lucas walked away from the central office and headed to the Tianlong Dorms.  He was still fuming over his cousin’s behavior but knew he needed to calm down.  He usually relished in the part of him that made him lose his patience but not today.  Today he’d bumped into someone that took his breath away.  Lucas glanced around the empty courtyard before vanishing. Seconds later Lucas reappeared outside his dorm room, and he paused taking a moment to read the plate 6626 before placed his ID to the reader.  After a few swirling noises, a click and a sigh the door slid open, and he walked in.  Lucas removed his shoes in the large black tiled entryway out of habit.  Removing his green blazer he threw it on top of the pile that Jacob had started to create.  Rolling his shoulders, he walked up the two stairs that lead to the rest of the shared area of the suite and sighed. Flung on the crimson and onyx couch was Jacob.  He wanted to tell him to stop going to sleep out here but if he was on the couch that meant some nameless girl was in his room...again.  He walked over to the sofa and kicked the leg. "Get up and get her out of your room," Lucas said in a stage whisper.  He couldn't believe what Jacob could do in less than an hour. Jacob laid in nothing but his cream colored sleep bottoms.  His hairless golden chest rose and fell; a muscular arm flung over his fawn colored eyes while he pretended to be asleep. Removing his arm from over Jacob's eyes he stared at his best friend, "It’s only been about thirty minutes since I saw you. There's no girl in there; I was waiting up for you."  Jacob said with a lazy drawl.  “I’m a little insulted you think it would take me such a short time to please a woman!” Jacob smirked in amusement as he watched Lucas dark blue eyes start to spark, “Don’t be so spoiled. I still remember what you did to your cousin.  I had to pry your fingers from around the poor girl’s neck after she inquired about a test you didn't do well on.” Lucas' eyes narrowed on one of the only people that didn’t fear him, want something from him, avoid him like the plague or all of the above. Sighing in frustration at the hint of a smile on Jacob's lips, Lucas shoved Jacob’s well-toned legs off the couch and plopped down. "So," Lucas began in what he hoped sounded casual, "I saw the Nah'Byian that will be entering our wonderful little school." “Ah, I remember a girl running into you as I was leaving the main building.” Jacob turned to look at Lucas, "And, what did you think of our little fifty-eight percenter?" Lucas rose with a shadow of a smile.  “I can’t say,” he admitted nonchalantly as he headed to the door that led to his sleeping area.  “She was interesting,” he added at the door.  “Orchid was definitely making her upset, but she dismissed her like she would flick away an annoying gnat." Lucas chuckled, "When she looked at me I didn't feel the usual calculating vibe from her, though.  She was curious, but that was it.  If I didn't know better, I'd think she didn't know who I was."  With that, Lucas walked into his room and let the door slide closed behind him. Lucas shrugged out of his jumpsuit and threw it in the dirty clothes bin.  Time to take our uniforms to the campus cleaners soon thought Lucas. Slowly he walked past the alcove that housed his king size bed with its black and white satin sheets before moving through the white arch that led to his closet and bathroom.  Lucas sighed as he walked to through the cream and black tiled room toward his jet shower. Tomorrow he and Jacob needed to be up and ready because of the orientation for the first years.  He guessed it was better than spending the day in classes.  Tomorrow they would be escorting two Ah’Tarian males, a Rayian and two Noxins around campus. Walking into the shower, he placed his hands on the wall and took several deep breaths as the warm water began its journey down his broad muscular shoulders, down the plains of his washboard abs and his muscular back.  Lucas knew his body was considered a work of art and he made sure he worked on it every day before classes and training.  Placing his head in his hands, his eyes drifted shut, and he wondered what Kayla saw when she looked at him with those remarkable, soulful brown eyes.  He wanted to probe her mind as she looked at him for what felt like hours, but the innocent look in those eyes stopped him dead in his tracks.  To probe her mind would have been a quick way to see but those beautiful eyes didn't need to be polluted by his powers.  Plus he knew that Jacob would feel him using that gift they both loathed so much. Exiting the shower and grabbing a dry towel, Lucas looked forward to tomorrow and headed to his bed to call it a night. ♦♦♦♦ Back outside on the couch, Jacob ran his fingers through his jet black hair and smiled showing straight and even white teeth.  He was Ah'Tarian but of the Phoenix clan. They were considered the strongest after the Dragonist clan.  Amusement flashed in the depths of his fawn eyes as he remembered his and Lucas orientation day.  They both held back happy to test at 98% power levels; they were able to somehow pass the personality test without raising any red flags, and they scored perfects on their aptitude test.  Jacob stood; with every move, his muscles flexed under his golden skin.  He ran his finger absently over his six pack then headed towards his sleeping area and frowned. Jacob was sure something was off about Lucas from their brief conversation.  Lucas didn't normal show that type of interest in people, so Jacob was very interested to see what he had in mind.