Saithilien

Chapter 7 - I Found Something In The Library

Anna, still dumbfounded from what she learned yesterday night, made her way to Mr. Marchion’s class, floating and not in her best self. As she entered the Literature class, Dara approached to greet her. “Good morning Anna.” She leaned forward with her hands at the back and smiled at her. Anna didn’t notice her and immediately proceeded to her seat. Dara was baffled and looked at Afina, as she pointed her fingers to Anna secretly. As Anna was settled in her seat, Afina turned to her from the front. 

“Hey, where have you been last night?” 

“Huh?” Anna was surprised by Afina. She looked at her, puzzled.

“What happened to you?” 

“Nothing. I just..--” As Anna was about to speak, Mr. Marchion entered the room. Everyone immediately behaved themselves, 

“I know, some of you are going to attend Cirque de Laviche’s performance over the weekend at Filerethea. The academy is not prohibiting you, but please be careful. As the rumors circulate Saithilien about the town’s dark image, you should be attentive. Always be aware of your surroundings and go in groups.” Mr. Marchion announced worriedly. He sighed and obviously concerned for the students.

“I was not interested in Cirque de Laviche at first, but when Mr. Marchion mentioned about the town’s chilling story. I really wanted to go. Who’s with me?” Paulo raised his right hand looking at his colleagues.

“I’ll go.” Anna raised her hand as well, followed by Afina and Dara.  

“Alright, I’ll go too,” Daniel said happily.  

“Let’s invite others, so we all can go together.”  Dara giggled.

“There’s no need for that. We already bought our tickets.” Vera approached their table and lifted her hand, showing the ticket. Some of the representatives also entered the students’ lounge and approached them.

“We just bought them at the front gate. There’s a group of young men sell tickets for the Cirque there.” Darren said.

“You better hurry before it’ll sell out. So many students are buying. “ Hermann sat on an empty seat beside Afina and winked at her.

The students’ lounge was quite busy. Students come and go quickly, as they’re excitedly buying tickets and spread the news about the Cirque. Meanwhile, in Ms. Alexia Blanc’s office, Monique, Katsuro, and Navya stood in front of her table to report what they’ve witnessed about Kasey’s case. 

“How’d you know that she’s in the storage room? Are you an accomplice?” Ms. Blanc looked at Monique with suspicion. Suddenly, Ms. Fouche entered the office. She approached Ms. Blanc and whispered. “The students, who locked Ms. Woods in the storage room, confessed to me. They’re here.” Ms. Blanc cleared her throat and let the three leave. As they walked out of the office, the bullies passed them to enter. Katsuro noticed that the bullies looked very much distressed, unlike the time he saw them while bullying Kasey. 

“Monique.” Katsuro poked her.

“Yes, I know.” Monique sighed and continued to walk.

Seeing the student’s lounge packed with students, they’ve decided to go to the library. Katsuro was hesitant at first but, he remembered that the storage room ghost isn’t real. So why would he feel scared about going to the library? On their way to exit the building, they bumped into Penelope Vadne.

“You three should hurry. It’ll sell out soon.” Penelope smirked at them, showing her ticket. 

“We already have. Thanks.” Monique smiled at her. 

Navya felt a bit uncomfortable that Penelope was talking to Monique happily. That silent b***h. Navya sighed. Katsuro walked beside Navya and said. “I know Penelope’s grudging on Monique or something.” He intended to lower his voice, not to be heard by Monique. Navya looked at him, surprised, and wanted to ask something. But Monique seemed to notice and turned to them. “What are you two doing?” She glared at them, weirded out. They kinda forcibly laughed and waved their hands telling her that it’s nothing. 

At the front door, they looked with awe at the library tower from bottom to top. The five-story library tower brightened up as the sunstroke directly at it, like gold. Inside. It was not that crowded.

“Back in our school library before, you should not make any sound or else detention. But why here, their library can be noisy?” Navya asked.

“If the internet existed here, the library won’t be this big,” Katsuro said.

“That’s a good one Kaya.” Monique folded her arms, walking towards a wide staircase in the middle.

“This staircase looked like the grand staircase in Titanic.” Navya gasped.

“Woah, yes it does.” Katsuro rested his hands on the railings, climbing up. 

On the second floor, the tables were all occupied. They turned right and climbed up the stairs, going to the next floor. Monique was climbing ahead of them. So Katsuro spoke to Navya.

“A lot of times, I saw Penelope glaring secretly at Monique, in the dining hall, or even in the lounge.”

“I also noticed that. Strange.” Navya gasped and bit her nail.

“That’s why I’m not really liking her talking or smiling to Monique.” 

“Kaya, I really have a bad feeling about her.”

“Me too.” Katsuro sighed.

The third floor seemed to have boring books that didn’t interest them. So they’ve decided to proceed to the top floor instead. The fifth floor was surprisingly empty and they immediately noticed the stained glass roof, that gave the sunlight a passage to enter the tower. Its colorful glass made the sun rays appeared the same as the color of the glass. It had huge glass windows almost occupied the entire wall. They were amazed and excited to explore. Going through the bookshelves, Monique saw a particular book that interests her. “Rebels Of The Rose.” She read the title. Monique found her friends sitting on the floor in a wide space near the window. 

“I know why this floor is empty,” Navya said.

“Why?” Katsuro asked.

“I know why because there’s no tables and chairs.” Monique giggled.

Katsuro looked around and was surprised. “Eh? I wonder why?” They started to laugh and eventually, Navya noticed the book Monique was holding. “What’s that?” She pointed at the book. Monique opened the book and to their surprise, as they flipped through the pages, it was purely handwritten. She immediately flipped back to the very first page and read the single sentence found there.

“I’m no ordinary, I offered souls to gain power.”

“That’s so creepy!” Navya exclaimed and covered her mouth with her two hands, as her voice echoed throughout the entire floor.

“I got chills,” Katsuro said seriously.

“By what? The passage or Navya’s scream?” Monique leaned forward to Katsuro and laughed, followed by Navya. Katsuro blushed in embarrassment and started to laugh as well.

As sunset approached, they’ve decided to head back to their rooms. Before heading back, Katsuro dropped by the school hospital to visit Kasey. Walking towards her, he noticed that Kasey was already out of her bed and was holding a Cirque de Laviche ticket. He was puzzled how’d Kasey got one. 

“Are you going too?” Katsuro asked.

“I want to. I mentioned to Ms. Court that I wanted to go. So she bought one for me. I was really thankful.” Kasey happily replied.

Katsuro glanced at Ms. Constance Court, the school nurse, as she fixed a hospital bed across them. “Can you go? Are you okay now?” He asked worriedly.

“I’ve never been better. And Ms. Court told me that I can go.” Kasey smiled.

“Then you should come with us. It’ll be fun.” 

“Mr. Kaya, you should accompany Ms. Woods to her room. She’s already discharged.”  Ms. Court approached them and patted Katsuro on the shoulder. He nodded and offered his left arm to Kasey, then smiled at her. Kasey blushed as she held his arm. They both leave the school hospital then suddenly they met Penelope. 

“Kasey, you’re out! I was about to visit you.” Penelope said sarcastically, as she glanced at Katsuro. Kasey was a bit scared seeing Penelope, so she held Katsuro’s arm tighter.

“As you can see she’s out now,” Katsuro said and slowly pulled Kasey’s hand and continued on their way. Penelope was distraught so she gazed at them, upset.

“You should trust no one, Kasey. It’s dangerous.” Katsuro said worriedly. Kasey was blushing to look at Katsuro’s hand holding hers. 

“Which way is your room?”

“Kasey?” Katsuro was baffled that Kasey’s not responding so he stopped. Kasey was surprised and asked.

“What’s wrong?” 

“I was asking you which way is your room.” Katsuro smiled.

“Oh. It’s that way.” Kasey pointed at the left hallway, still blushing.

I entered the rose and found a dying butterfly. It almost lost its glow but I gave it half of my soul. It stood up and flapped its wings. We both left the rose. As we left, it withered. I’ve never regretted what I did hence it made me happier. 

Monique read the first paragraph of the book, then she closed it. She turned off the lamp and opened the window. She stared at the bright moon and wondered.

Did the butterfly deserve half of his soul? Is the butterfly worthy of his soul?