Changeling Academy

Chapter Two

We woke up by the time the train pulled up next to another oak platform that had two thin trees on either side of it, making a canopy of leaves above. Since it is autumn in Britain, it's also autumn in Terratopia, meaning the leaves were shades of reds, oranges, yellows and browns. Bianca and I stepped onto the oak platform and saw the passengers from the other three cars doing the same. They all looked older so I guessed the train cars are in order of the different year students.

When I looked ahead, I saw huge silver gates with symbols of the four elements on them. Suddenly, the gates slowly swung open and a fair brunette lady wearing a forest green blazer and black track pants came out of them.

"First years follow me please.", she announced.

She started walking into the school and many first years, including Bianca and I, followed. To my left, I saw a giant circular four floor building completely made of white stone with a glass dome in the centre.

That must be the aviary where the bird changelings stay.

We carried on walking until we reached a giant clearing surrounded by trees.

"Everyone stand in a circle.", the brunette lady said. "Leave your luggage behind you."

Everyone did just that and Bianca and I made sure we were standing next to each other. The brunette lady stood in the centre.

"Welcome to Changeling Academy, first years. I am your headmistress, Principal Brooke. I have gathered you in a circle to give you the opportunity of knowing your classmates' changeling type before the semester starts. When I call out your name, you will stand in the centre in front of me and show all of us your changeling type."

The process started and I got to see many different changelings. Carnivores, herbivores, even an eel. Bianca was a blue jay and when she transformed, she came and landed on my shoulder.

"I'll be sitting here until it's your turn.", she chirped.

"Janelle.", Principal Brooke said after two others.

Okay... it's time.

Bianca flew off my shoulder and transformed back before I walked to the centre of the circle in front of Principal Brooke.

"Okay, now show us what you are."

I could feel many sets of eyes watching me closely. In one swift move, I transformed. I did two wing beats in the air before I transformed back. When I looked around, I could see everyone was gaping at me.

"What?", I asked.

"It is a pleasure to have a jacaranda bird at this school after so many years.", Principal Brooke said,"I will be keeping an eye on you."

I walked back to my place next to Bianca, only noticing then that my hair was open, but I didn't care about that.

And I thought I was going to keep a low profile here.